We are as ready as we can be for tomorrow morning. I think at this point we just want it to be done so the recovery can begin. Needless to say, we are both anxious, but we realize that this must be done in order to get rid of the cancer.
The surgery should begin at around 7:30 am and will probably take about 6 hours. I will do my best to post again tomorrow night so everyone can know that he is safely through the surgery and has begun the slow process of healing.
We are leaving everything in God's hands now. I am so thankful that we have so many friends praying for us. It's also amazing that we are hearing about so many people who don't know us praying too. It's been such a comfort.
And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. James 5:15 NIV
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Luke 12:25 NIV
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Sailing at Last!
Troy felt so much better on Monday that we started thinking about sailing over to Double Bayou since I don’t have to be back at work until Thursday. We decided that he would take his shot and we would shower and do a few things around the boat and just see how he felt in an hour or so.
At about noon we headed out for Double Bayou. The bay was pretty rough and wavy with troughs that were several feet high. It was a rough ride at first, but we were determined and I figured that if this wasn’t making Troy sick then we would be fine. We made it out to the North Boater Cut (to cross the Houston Ship Channel) and we could see that they were dredging or had some other major operation going on there. We thought it would be a good idea to avoid that area and cruise over to the South Boater Cut.
Once we crossed the ship channel we suddenly remembered why we love sailing so much. I have never really attempted to use the written word to describe that feeling, but this was so awesome, that I will try. OK, close your eyes (well maybe you should read this first with your eyes open, then close them to get the full effect), feel the wind on your face, hear the sound of the sea against the boat. The seas calmed, the winds were about 10 mph out of the east, we were close hauled on a starboard tack with the auto pilot on and headed right for our destination. 
The boat was heeled over at 10-15 degrees, the sun was shining, the sound of the water against the boat was soothing and everything in life was perfect at that moment in time. Life is good! We sat up on deck enjoying everything and trying to soak it all in. We sailed along just like that for about 2 ½ hours. Finally… that perfect sail that we have been craving for months.
We arrived at Double Bayou with no problems. After we got settled in we had a great visit with our friends at Channel Marker and enjoyed a great cheeseburger. Today… life is good.
At about noon we headed out for Double Bayou. The bay was pretty rough and wavy with troughs that were several feet high. It was a rough ride at first, but we were determined and I figured that if this wasn’t making Troy sick then we would be fine. We made it out to the North Boater Cut (to cross the Houston Ship Channel) and we could see that they were dredging or had some other major operation going on there. We thought it would be a good idea to avoid that area and cruise over to the South Boater Cut.
Once we crossed the ship channel we suddenly remembered why we love sailing so much. I have never really attempted to use the written word to describe that feeling, but this was so awesome, that I will try. OK, close your eyes (well maybe you should read this first with your eyes open, then close them to get the full effect), feel the wind on your face, hear the sound of the sea against the boat. The seas calmed, the winds were about 10 mph out of the east, we were close hauled on a starboard tack with the auto pilot on and headed right for our destination. 
The boat was heeled over at 10-15 degrees, the sun was shining, the sound of the water against the boat was soothing and everything in life was perfect at that moment in time. Life is good! We sat up on deck enjoying everything and trying to soak it all in. We sailed along just like that for about 2 ½ hours. Finally… that perfect sail that we have been craving for months.We arrived at Double Bayou with no problems. After we got settled in we had a great visit with our friends at Channel Marker and enjoyed a great cheeseburger. Today… life is good.
Troy has agreed blog a little (I know, it's shocking to see him actually post on his blog!):
Troy here... we did have quite the weekend, I hate being sick and missing what’s going on around me, but I guess that’s part of the gig, anyway, we did have a perfect sail over to Double Bayou on Monday, the wind was just right and the bay went from choppy to pretty smooth on the Trinity Bay side. It just reminded me of why I love the boat and sailing, It’s just so great to be on the water with my best friend and partner (Deana) We got to Double Bayou and had some good food, I’m eating well right now, so I’m trying to eat while I can, I think it’s going to be some time before I have a steak sandwich after the surgery next week! After dinner, we put the motor on the dinghy and took a ride up the east fork of Double Bayou, it’s just beautiful out there, then we rode out to the entrance of the Bayou and watched the sunset over the bay... We spent some more time with our friends then watched a movie on the boat.. then good night!
Sunday
We spent most of Sunday just taking it easy. Troy was feeling a little better, but not 100%. Troy, Joe, Bill and I got some complimentary tickets for the Wheels and Keels boat and car show that was taking place at Lakewood Yacht Club (the marina right next door to us). It’s a pretty big event and they had lots of awesome show cars, but my favorites were the beautiful antique wooden boats.
Since Troy started feeling a little better I don’t know if it really was the Lovenox making him sick, or more likely just all the torture that he had been through in the last week (including being injected with dyes and contrasts for several days in a row) and maybe even some left over chemo side effects. The good news is that he is feeling better today.
Since Troy started feeling a little better I don’t know if it really was the Lovenox making him sick, or more likely just all the torture that he had been through in the last week (including being injected with dyes and contrasts for several days in a row) and maybe even some left over chemo side effects. The good news is that he is feeling better today.
Blessed in '07 / Boat Re-Naming
The next morning Troy wasn’t feeling any better at all. We decided that we wouldn’t attempt to sail to Smith Point. I think the winds were about 15-20 mph out of the southeast (the direction that we were hoping to sail). Between the winds and Troy’s nausea we decided it would be best to stay at the dock. We were both disappointed, but Troy was feeling so bad that I couldn’t even image being out on the bay battling the wind and waves. We figured we would sail over to Double Bayou on Sunday if he felt better.
Bill was very understanding of the situation. I felt kinda bad because he took Monday off work to go sailing with us, but we all understood that it couldn’t be helped. Bill decided that it would be a good day for a boat re-naming ceremony. He had been planning a ceremony to re-name his sail boat and this semed like a perfect opportunity. Her old name was Shiaway Wind and she was to be re-named Miss Inclined. Bill and our friend Ida and myself discussed a party for that evening. We decided to boil shrimp and rename his boat.
Troy slept most of the day and still didn’t feel any better. We did manage to take a dinghy ride and get out on the water for a few minutes, but I could tell that he just felt lousy. We had just taken a nap when his phone rang. I was our friend Dave. He owns a boat that is the same model as ours and is also on Pier 4 with us. He also ride bikes and is involved with a group called Christian Motorcycle Association. (I sure hope I got that right, I will check with Dave to make sure and correct if needed). They were across the street at Hooters with a booth set up since they were having their annual fundraiser. Dave wanted to know if they could come over and pray with us.
Dave and his wife Judy and about 13 bikers showed up at our boat within minutes. I think that breaks the record for how many people we have had on the boat at one time! They all came below, gathered around us, put their hands on us and took turns praying over us. We felt so blessed that these people who didn’t even know us took the time out of their life to pray for us during these difficult times. How awesome is it that 13 bikers were on our boat praying! They gave us a small sticker that says “I was blessed in 07”. That is so true, they truly blessed us that day. Even though we don’t know each other, we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. What a wonderful experience.
And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. James 5:20 NIV
Now it was time for the boat re-naming. Everyone from the dock plus Bill’s sister and brother-in-law (Lynette and Dave) were there. We gathered for the shrimp boil and in true Pier 4 fashion we had plenty of great food and good company. Unfortunately Troy still was f
eeling pretty lousy, so he spent most of the party sleeping. He did wake up for the actual naming ceremony. Bill, dressed in his nautical finery, and his boat was dressed as well. She was flying all her flags and burgees. Bill paddled his dinghy around and back up to the boat. He stood on the dock box over his boat and said what he had to say, basically something about how a sailboat should never shy away from the wind (Shiaway Wind)! He added some nautical, boat naming stuff then declared her to be Miss Inclined. We all cheered and Bill poured Bud Light over her bow to christen her. She was officially re-named.
Bill was very understanding of the situation. I felt kinda bad because he took Monday off work to go sailing with us, but we all understood that it couldn’t be helped. Bill decided that it would be a good day for a boat re-naming ceremony. He had been planning a ceremony to re-name his sail boat and this semed like a perfect opportunity. Her old name was Shiaway Wind and she was to be re-named Miss Inclined. Bill and our friend Ida and myself discussed a party for that evening. We decided to boil shrimp and rename his boat.
Troy slept most of the day and still didn’t feel any better. We did manage to take a dinghy ride and get out on the water for a few minutes, but I could tell that he just felt lousy. We had just taken a nap when his phone rang. I was our friend Dave. He owns a boat that is the same model as ours and is also on Pier 4 with us. He also ride bikes and is involved with a group called Christian Motorcycle Association. (I sure hope I got that right, I will check with Dave to make sure and correct if needed). They were across the street at Hooters with a booth set up since they were having their annual fundraiser. Dave wanted to know if they could come over and pray with us.
Dave and his wife Judy and about 13 bikers showed up at our boat within minutes. I think that breaks the record for how many people we have had on the boat at one time! They all came below, gathered around us, put their hands on us and took turns praying over us. We felt so blessed that these people who didn’t even know us took the time out of their life to pray for us during these difficult times. How awesome is it that 13 bikers were on our boat praying! They gave us a small sticker that says “I was blessed in 07”. That is so true, they truly blessed us that day. Even though we don’t know each other, we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. What a wonderful experience.
And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. James 5:20 NIV
Now it was time for the boat re-naming. Everyone from the dock plus Bill’s sister and brother-in-law (Lynette and Dave) were there. We gathered for the shrimp boil and in true Pier 4 fashion we had plenty of great food and good company. Unfortunately Troy still was f
eeling pretty lousy, so he spent most of the party sleeping. He did wake up for the actual naming ceremony. Bill, dressed in his nautical finery, and his boat was dressed as well. She was flying all her flags and burgees. Bill paddled his dinghy around and back up to the boat. He stood on the dock box over his boat and said what he had to say, basically something about how a sailboat should never shy away from the wind (Shiaway Wind)! He added some nautical, boat naming stuff then declared her to be Miss Inclined. We all cheered and Bill poured Bud Light over her bow to christen her. She was officially re-named. Friday
We finally arrived at the marina Friday afternoon. Most of our friends were already there. We were planning to leave the dock first thing Saturday morning and head for Smith Point with the Texas Mariners Cruisers Association or TMCA (check them out at www.tmca.nu). We were really looking forward to getting out on the water and visiting with our TMCA friends.
Different Drummer resides on Pier 4 at Blue Dolphin Marina. Our friend from Pier 4, Bill Nowlin was planning to go with us to Smith Point and then hopefully to sail with us over to Double Bayou on Sunday. We got settled in on the boat and headed out to the TMCA dock party for a few minutes then to the grocery store to provision for being out on the boat for at least four days. We wanted to get out there and enjoy some time sailing and just being together before the big surgery.
Unfortunately Troy started feeling really nauseous. He was feeling worse by the minute. We finally decided that we needed to re-think leaving the dock the next morning. We were concerned that the Lovenox (blood thinner) shots were making him sick, but we knew that he needed to continue the shots. He was taking both of his anti-nauseous medications and they just weren’t working. We decided to wait and see what the morning would bring.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
What a Day!
Yesterday was quite a day. Troy had an MRI done on his liver, a Doppler Ultrasound done on his right arm and on his right leg. Another endless day of medical tests. They can't use the veins in his right arm so his left arm is starting to look like a pincushion!
He called me at about 2:00 to tell me that they found a blood clot behind his right knee and that he may need to be admitted to the hospital. That was scary! I had been more worried about the MRI on his liver up to that point. I was about to leave work to meet him for his appointment with Dr. Ramchandani (the surgeon) so I headed out to meet him at Dr. Jac's office instead. Dr. Jac decided that he would not admit him, apparently this is a common side effect of the cancer treatment. He put him on a blood thinner and now Troy has to give himself a shot in the stomach twice a day. By the way, the liver turned out to be OK!
We feel like we are really blessed to have been referred to Dr. Ramchandani. He is a thoracic and cardiac surgeon which is important to have for this kind of procedure. The procedure itself called Transhiatal Esophagectomy or Transthoracic Esophagectomy (depending on which one the surgeon decides) is a technically demanding procedure and will involve removing part or all of the esophagus, possibly part of the stomach and the lymph nodes in the surrounding area. The stomach is used to reconstruct the esophagus. We both feel very confident in Dr. Ramchandani's skills.
We spent a long time visiting with Dr. Ramchandani about the surgery and recovery. He told Troy that he wants to make sure we realize that this is a major surgery, the procedure will take about 6 hours. We expect a hospital stay of about 10 days and the recovery to take about 2 months. The surgery is scheduled for May 14th! We are both a little shaken by the fact that surgery is only a little over a week away. Dr. R told us (this is a direct quote): "I will get you well so you can take me sailing". I knew we took up sailing for a reason!
Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-11
He called me at about 2:00 to tell me that they found a blood clot behind his right knee and that he may need to be admitted to the hospital. That was scary! I had been more worried about the MRI on his liver up to that point. I was about to leave work to meet him for his appointment with Dr. Ramchandani (the surgeon) so I headed out to meet him at Dr. Jac's office instead. Dr. Jac decided that he would not admit him, apparently this is a common side effect of the cancer treatment. He put him on a blood thinner and now Troy has to give himself a shot in the stomach twice a day. By the way, the liver turned out to be OK!
We feel like we are really blessed to have been referred to Dr. Ramchandani. He is a thoracic and cardiac surgeon which is important to have for this kind of procedure. The procedure itself called Transhiatal Esophagectomy or Transthoracic Esophagectomy (depending on which one the surgeon decides) is a technically demanding procedure and will involve removing part or all of the esophagus, possibly part of the stomach and the lymph nodes in the surrounding area. The stomach is used to reconstruct the esophagus. We both feel very confident in Dr. Ramchandani's skills.
We spent a long time visiting with Dr. Ramchandani about the surgery and recovery. He told Troy that he wants to make sure we realize that this is a major surgery, the procedure will take about 6 hours. We expect a hospital stay of about 10 days and the recovery to take about 2 months. The surgery is scheduled for May 14th! We are both a little shaken by the fact that surgery is only a little over a week away. Dr. R told us (this is a direct quote): "I will get you well so you can take me sailing". I knew we took up sailing for a reason!
Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-11
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
He Passed The Tests!
Today was yet another grueling day of tests for Troy. He had lab work, PET/CT Scan, regular CT Scan then an appointment with Dr. Jac (the oncologist). He had to fast until after 3:00 for the second day in a row. He was really put through the wringer and he's not feeling so great this evening.
The tests results were all good news, further confirmation that the tumor has shrunk. In PET Scan speak: "Abnormal uptake by the lower esophagus, noted on the previous study, is markedly improved on today's study, etc, etc". Dr. Jac was very pleased with the results of the treatment.
Just two minor set backs - the doctor wants Troy to have an MRI to take a look at his liver. There is a spot on it that he wants to take a closer look at. He did say that he did not expect it to be cancer because it didn't show up on the PET Scan (only on the CT Scan), where apparently it would have shown up if cancer cells were involved - see previous paragraph regarding "abnormal uptake". Anyway, Dr. Jack was very confident that it would not be anything to worry about, just him being thorough and cautious.
The other set back - Troy's right arm and right leg are still very swollen and the arm is so tender to the touch that he is in quite a bit of pain (even though he's trying to be tough about it all). We figured it was just a side effect of the chemo, but Dr. Jac wants ultrasounds of both his arm and his leg to rule out blood clots.
I tell you, those doctors order tests like we order lunch off the menu! Troy has been poked and prodded enough in the last two days (not to mention the last few months) to last a lifetime. Unfortunately, we realize that there's plenty more on the doctor's lunch menu - if you catch my drift.
The next round of tests haven't been scheduled yet, but they will probably be done this week, if not tomorrow. We have an appointment with Dr. Ramchandani (the surgeon) tomorrow, so we are trying to brace ourselves for receiving more information regarding the surgery and possibly even when it will happen. We're both anxious about that. We are hoping to take a few days off next week and spend them on the boat. Our plan is to have a little bit of fun and relaxation before the surgery.
More tomorrow . . . Tonight I am remembering Jesus' promise:
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 NIV
The tests results were all good news, further confirmation that the tumor has shrunk. In PET Scan speak: "Abnormal uptake by the lower esophagus, noted on the previous study, is markedly improved on today's study, etc, etc". Dr. Jac was very pleased with the results of the treatment.
Just two minor set backs - the doctor wants Troy to have an MRI to take a look at his liver. There is a spot on it that he wants to take a closer look at. He did say that he did not expect it to be cancer because it didn't show up on the PET Scan (only on the CT Scan), where apparently it would have shown up if cancer cells were involved - see previous paragraph regarding "abnormal uptake". Anyway, Dr. Jack was very confident that it would not be anything to worry about, just him being thorough and cautious.
The other set back - Troy's right arm and right leg are still very swollen and the arm is so tender to the touch that he is in quite a bit of pain (even though he's trying to be tough about it all). We figured it was just a side effect of the chemo, but Dr. Jac wants ultrasounds of both his arm and his leg to rule out blood clots.
I tell you, those doctors order tests like we order lunch off the menu! Troy has been poked and prodded enough in the last two days (not to mention the last few months) to last a lifetime. Unfortunately, we realize that there's plenty more on the doctor's lunch menu - if you catch my drift.
The next round of tests haven't been scheduled yet, but they will probably be done this week, if not tomorrow. We have an appointment with Dr. Ramchandani (the surgeon) tomorrow, so we are trying to brace ourselves for receiving more information regarding the surgery and possibly even when it will happen. We're both anxious about that. We are hoping to take a few days off next week and spend them on the boat. Our plan is to have a little bit of fun and relaxation before the surgery.
More tomorrow . . . Tonight I am remembering Jesus' promise:
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 NIV
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