Doug Emry peacefully left this earthly home to be in the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, March 20, 2011 after a brave fought 7 year battle with cancer.
Doug was born in Nampa, Idaho on September 6, 1956 the middle of three sons to Don and Louise Mayfield Emry. Doug was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He loved and cherished his family and friends. Doug was passionate about his relationship with the Lord and studied the Bible daily. He was very interested in end time's prophecy and sent out a prophecy watch email daily to many family and friends keeping them aware of current events and how they related to Bible prophecy. Doug just recently memorized 200 Bible verses. he would recite these daily and at night listen to them as he want to sleep. The Word of God was precious to him and his greatest desire was for his family and friends to come to have a personal relationship with the Lord. Doug was just recently ordained as a Lay Pastor for the Evangelical Methodist Church.
Doug graduated from Capital High School in 1974 and married his high school sweetheart and best friend Lind Odiaga Emry on May 31, 1974. To their marriage of 36 years three sons were born, Christian, Matthew, and Adam.
Doug worked at Albertson's Sundries Center for 26 years and then at Hewlett-Packard for 7 years. Doug was very involved in his sons' lives coaching them in football and baseball through their growing up years. Doug coached Meridian Little League and Prep baseball, American Legion Baseball for the Meridian Rangers and Nampa Braves; he also coached Optimist Football. Doug was also a walk-on coach at Kuna High School for many years coaching both football and baseball. He loved coaching the teaching the game to the young boys and men who came into his life.
Doug love the Idaho outdoors and all it offered. He was an avid runner, backpacker, hiker, camper and cross-country skier. He always looked forward going to Cascade to the cabin and spending time with his family. Doug also had a passion for Christian and Blue music.
Doug is survived by his wife Linda Odiaga Emry, sons Christian Douglas, Matthew James (Courtney Tuttle), and Adam Ross (Kari Anne Folwell Emry), and granddaughter Lacey Naomi Emry. His parents Doug and Louise Emry, brothers Ron Emry (Debbie), Kelly Emry (Susie), brother-in-laws John (Norma) Odiaga, Tom Odiaga, and sister-in-law Janice Bicandi (Gary), nephews Jim (Nicole) Bicandi, Ryan Emry (Emily Blackhurst), Rylee Emry, nieces Rochelle Bicandi-Morse (Greg), Kacey McDonnell (Jeff), Maite Bicandi-Kouns (Jay), Jana Varchaver (Peter), Amaya Odiaga, TomiJo Russell (Ryan), Abby and Autumn Ellis, adopted family members Toni Robinson, Debbie and Alyssa Carlson. He also leave behind many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends who have meant so much to him throughout his life.
Doug was preceded in death by his granddaughter Isabel Anne Emry, in-laws John and Isabel Odiaga, grandparents Luther and Iva Emry, and Ray and Nellie Mayfield.
The family would like to thank the staff of St. Luke's MSTI Nampa, Optimal Health, and St. Luke's Hospice for the their loving care and concern for Doug over the years.
In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made in Doug's name to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Treasure Valley c/o Ken Lewis, P.O. Box 1435 Meridian, Idaho 83680.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Today at 2:10 p.m. our gracious Lord took Doug home to be with Him. As a family it is bittersweet as we miss him dearly, but rejoicing he is no longer suffering.
Please pray for our family as we walk through this time that we may each draw even closer to the Lord and find His peace and comfort.
Blessings to each of you,
Linda
Please pray for our family as we walk through this time that we may each draw even closer to the Lord and find His peace and comfort.
Blessings to each of you,
Linda
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Wednesday, March 16th Update
Hi Everyone:
This is Linda. I wanted to let you know Doug is still with us and the Lord has not taken him home yet. We continue to keep him comfortable and resting. The Hospice nurse told me yesterday he may linger longer as he has a very strong heart from all the years of running.
I can't describe to you the wonderful times we have had as a family surrounding Doug, reading scripture as he directed us, singing and sharing memories with him. The presence of the Lord during these times has been most amazing.
We continue to watch and minister to him at his bedside. Each of us has been working through our sadness and grief. God has been so gracious to us over the last 7 years we have so much to be thankful for.
My love to each of you! Continue to serve the Lord and watch for His return as it is very close.
Blessings to you,
Linda
This is Linda. I wanted to let you know Doug is still with us and the Lord has not taken him home yet. We continue to keep him comfortable and resting. The Hospice nurse told me yesterday he may linger longer as he has a very strong heart from all the years of running.
I can't describe to you the wonderful times we have had as a family surrounding Doug, reading scripture as he directed us, singing and sharing memories with him. The presence of the Lord during these times has been most amazing.
We continue to watch and minister to him at his bedside. Each of us has been working through our sadness and grief. God has been so gracious to us over the last 7 years we have so much to be thankful for.
My love to each of you! Continue to serve the Lord and watch for His return as it is very close.
Blessings to you,
Linda
Monday, March 14, 2011
Update on Doug - Monday, March 14th
Hello family and friends:
We the family wanted to give you an update on Doug. His body is beginning to shut down after a long courageous 7 year battle with cancer. As you know from previous posts we brought St. Luke's Hospice in to help us in January and they have been a huge blessing!
We are keeping Doug comfortable, he is in no pain and resting and will soon be going home to be with our Lord and Savior!
Thank you to all of you who have been there through the years lifting us up before the Lord in prayer.
I know Doug would challenge each of you to make sure you will see him in heaven.
Jesus tells us in John 11:25-26 "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?"
Blessings to all,
Linda
We the family wanted to give you an update on Doug. His body is beginning to shut down after a long courageous 7 year battle with cancer. As you know from previous posts we brought St. Luke's Hospice in to help us in January and they have been a huge blessing!
We are keeping Doug comfortable, he is in no pain and resting and will soon be going home to be with our Lord and Savior!
Thank you to all of you who have been there through the years lifting us up before the Lord in prayer.
I know Doug would challenge each of you to make sure you will see him in heaven.
Jesus tells us in John 11:25-26 "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?"
Blessings to all,
Linda
Thursday, March 10, 2011
March 10th Update
Hi all. I bet you have been wondering what is going on with me. A lot of time has passed since Linda updated the blog.
As she had stated we met with St. Luke's Hospice and signed up with them at the recommendation of my oncologist to do so now while I am still able to get around and express my wishes. We meet 2x per week with the Hospice nurse Chris on Tuesdays and Fridays. It has been very helpful to have her come to the home. She has also set me up to get all of my prescriptions delivered. This has been a huge help to Linda not having to go out and get them.
This week on Tuesday, March 8th I had outpatient surgery at St. Luke's Meridian to have a Suprapubic Catheter put in. This bypasses the urinary tract and goes directly into the bladder. This is a more permanent solution to a long and painful last 5 months. I will no longer have to catheterized himself. Dr. Spencer stated it was the right decision as the stricture was getting worse. If you want to find out more about it, you can google it. I go back to Dr. Spencer in two weeks for a follow-up appointment.
Thank you so much for all of your support and prayers. We are blessed to have so many people lifting us up before the Lord in prayer. We serve a great God and have so much to be thankful for.
Blessings to you,
Doug
As she had stated we met with St. Luke's Hospice and signed up with them at the recommendation of my oncologist to do so now while I am still able to get around and express my wishes. We meet 2x per week with the Hospice nurse Chris on Tuesdays and Fridays. It has been very helpful to have her come to the home. She has also set me up to get all of my prescriptions delivered. This has been a huge help to Linda not having to go out and get them.
This week on Tuesday, March 8th I had outpatient surgery at St. Luke's Meridian to have a Suprapubic Catheter put in. This bypasses the urinary tract and goes directly into the bladder. This is a more permanent solution to a long and painful last 5 months. I will no longer have to catheterized himself. Dr. Spencer stated it was the right decision as the stricture was getting worse. If you want to find out more about it, you can google it. I go back to Dr. Spencer in two weeks for a follow-up appointment.
Thank you so much for all of your support and prayers. We are blessed to have so many people lifting us up before the Lord in prayer. We serve a great God and have so much to be thankful for.
Blessings to you,
Doug
Thursday, January 27, 2011
January 26, 2011 Update
Hi Everyone!
This is Linda again and wanted to give you an update on where things are at with Doug.
Over the last week Doug had really been coughing a lot and having a hard time with any type of activity. It was exhausting for him to do little things like even shower or get dressed. He was struggling with breathing too and when he would try to breath deeply coughing would start. Many times the coughing was so severe it would cause him to vomit.
On Tuesday night we decided to take Doug to the Nampa Quick Care Clinic for them to check him out. His oxygen level was only at 88% and they were not able to do the tests needed so they sent us to St. Alphonsus Nampa ER. Doug was given breathing tests, inhalation therapy, blood test, and chest x-rays of his lungs. Dr. Thomas told us his lungs were full of cancer nodules too numerous to count. On Wednesday we followed up with the PA at MSTI who also confirmed the findings. From the last PET/CT scan in October to now things have progressed and they are still amazed Doug has lasted this long. He is at the end-stage where there are no treatments left for him.
Last evening St. Luke’s Hospice came out to meet with us and we were able to discuss Doug’s wishes, his expectations, needs, and what we can expect. We wanted to do this now while Doug is still getting around on his own, coherent, and can state his desires in regards to end-of-life care, health care directive, funeral etc.
He is not on his death bed and still able to get around and function. He is on oxygen 24x7, administering breathing treatments 3x per day, and continuing on his pain meds, which have been increase to make him comfortable.
God in His mercy and grace has given us 6 years and 10 months and we are so very thankful. This is much longer than a Stage IV metastases cancer patient usually lasts. Doug’s quality of life over the last few months has been good too with the help of the Biomat to limit the pain and increase his energy.
We are so thankful for each of you as you have continued to lift us up in prayer before the Father. We can't describe in words our feelings of appreciation and gratitude for each of you.
Remember the verse God gave Doug as he began this journey and stand on it as it is truth and life. 2Cor.4:16-18 " Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,
while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal".
Blessings to each of you!
Linda
This is Linda again and wanted to give you an update on where things are at with Doug.
Over the last week Doug had really been coughing a lot and having a hard time with any type of activity. It was exhausting for him to do little things like even shower or get dressed. He was struggling with breathing too and when he would try to breath deeply coughing would start. Many times the coughing was so severe it would cause him to vomit.
On Tuesday night we decided to take Doug to the Nampa Quick Care Clinic for them to check him out. His oxygen level was only at 88% and they were not able to do the tests needed so they sent us to St. Alphonsus Nampa ER. Doug was given breathing tests, inhalation therapy, blood test, and chest x-rays of his lungs. Dr. Thomas told us his lungs were full of cancer nodules too numerous to count. On Wednesday we followed up with the PA at MSTI who also confirmed the findings. From the last PET/CT scan in October to now things have progressed and they are still amazed Doug has lasted this long. He is at the end-stage where there are no treatments left for him.
Last evening St. Luke’s Hospice came out to meet with us and we were able to discuss Doug’s wishes, his expectations, needs, and what we can expect. We wanted to do this now while Doug is still getting around on his own, coherent, and can state his desires in regards to end-of-life care, health care directive, funeral etc.
He is not on his death bed and still able to get around and function. He is on oxygen 24x7, administering breathing treatments 3x per day, and continuing on his pain meds, which have been increase to make him comfortable.
God in His mercy and grace has given us 6 years and 10 months and we are so very thankful. This is much longer than a Stage IV metastases cancer patient usually lasts. Doug’s quality of life over the last few months has been good too with the help of the Biomat to limit the pain and increase his energy.
We are so thankful for each of you as you have continued to lift us up in prayer before the Father. We can't describe in words our feelings of appreciation and gratitude for each of you.
Remember the verse God gave Doug as he began this journey and stand on it as it is truth and life. 2Cor.4:16-18 " Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,
while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal".
Blessings to each of you!
Linda
Saturday, December 18, 2010
December 20th Update
Hello Everyone!
This is Linda. Doug had asked me to do an update on the blog to give another perspective.
The last couple of months have been a challenge for both us and especially for Doug. I am continually amazed at his strength and reliance on the Lord. I know there are many days he wants to give up, but he continues on knowing His plan is the perfect one and submitting.
From previous posts Doug has let you know he continues to have problems with a urinary stricture. This has really confined him to the house and is discouraging for him. He had a biopsy done on November 23rd during the Cystoscopy procedure. We waited for quite awhile to get the results and then on Friday, December 10th Doug got a call from Dr. Tansey's nurse Myrna stating they had the results and the doctor couldn't wait until December 30th to see Doug. We had to come in ASAP and we scheduled for Monday, December 13th. Well to say the weekend was tense is an understatement. We discussed about the stricture being malignant, the colon/rectal cancer having spread to this region and what would be the next steps. Of course we focused on the negative, thinking the worst possible scenarios. I can't speak for Doug, but for myself I turned over the WHOLE situation to the Lord, took it back, turned it over, took it back, turned it over all evening Friday and most of Saturday. Finally surrendering on Sunday the 12th of December! Well at our appointment on Monday with Dr. Tansey he told us they don't know what the stricture is for sure, they the pathologists are very puzzled. They do know it is not metastases colon/rectal cancer. Praise the Lord! As they tested for this the very first thing...but they need more tissue to keep testing as they don't know what it is. Doug is not going to have another biopsy for now; he is scheduled for an MRI on Monday morning, December 20th of the pelvic region to identify what the stricture is. From these tests we will do a biopsy if needed. Doug is continuing to lay on the Bio-Mat daily and we continue to see small improvements!
I would ask you to boldly go before the Lord on Doug's behalf asking Him to give Doug and Me His perfect peace, knowing He is in control and His will is perfect. Our desire is for the stricture to be gone completely and for Doug to be able to freely pee and empty his bladder. We so take for granted our health and when it is declining we realize how important and precious it is. Thank you so much for your prayers and concern.
Also as we approach Christmas and the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, let us not take for granted this precious gift given to us by God our Father. In His perfect love He gave His Son so we may have eternal life. My 3 year old Sunday school class has been memorizing 1 John 4:10 "God loved us and sent His Son" and singing it to the tune of Old McDonald had a Farm with hand motions. I asked you to do the same as we have so much to be thankful for each and every day.
May you each experience His peace and love this Christmas season as you reflect on the most perfect gift given to each who will accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord.
Blessings,
Linda
This is Linda. Doug had asked me to do an update on the blog to give another perspective.
The last couple of months have been a challenge for both us and especially for Doug. I am continually amazed at his strength and reliance on the Lord. I know there are many days he wants to give up, but he continues on knowing His plan is the perfect one and submitting.
From previous posts Doug has let you know he continues to have problems with a urinary stricture. This has really confined him to the house and is discouraging for him. He had a biopsy done on November 23rd during the Cystoscopy procedure. We waited for quite awhile to get the results and then on Friday, December 10th Doug got a call from Dr. Tansey's nurse Myrna stating they had the results and the doctor couldn't wait until December 30th to see Doug. We had to come in ASAP and we scheduled for Monday, December 13th. Well to say the weekend was tense is an understatement. We discussed about the stricture being malignant, the colon/rectal cancer having spread to this region and what would be the next steps. Of course we focused on the negative, thinking the worst possible scenarios. I can't speak for Doug, but for myself I turned over the WHOLE situation to the Lord, took it back, turned it over, took it back, turned it over all evening Friday and most of Saturday. Finally surrendering on Sunday the 12th of December! Well at our appointment on Monday with Dr. Tansey he told us they don't know what the stricture is for sure, they the pathologists are very puzzled. They do know it is not metastases colon/rectal cancer. Praise the Lord! As they tested for this the very first thing...but they need more tissue to keep testing as they don't know what it is. Doug is not going to have another biopsy for now; he is scheduled for an MRI on Monday morning, December 20th of the pelvic region to identify what the stricture is. From these tests we will do a biopsy if needed. Doug is continuing to lay on the Bio-Mat daily and we continue to see small improvements!
I would ask you to boldly go before the Lord on Doug's behalf asking Him to give Doug and Me His perfect peace, knowing He is in control and His will is perfect. Our desire is for the stricture to be gone completely and for Doug to be able to freely pee and empty his bladder. We so take for granted our health and when it is declining we realize how important and precious it is. Thank you so much for your prayers and concern.
Also as we approach Christmas and the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, let us not take for granted this precious gift given to us by God our Father. In His perfect love He gave His Son so we may have eternal life. My 3 year old Sunday school class has been memorizing 1 John 4:10 "God loved us and sent His Son" and singing it to the tune of Old McDonald had a Farm with hand motions. I asked you to do the same as we have so much to be thankful for each and every day.
May you each experience His peace and love this Christmas season as you reflect on the most perfect gift given to each who will accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord.
Blessings,
Linda
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Updating for Nov 30th
I need to bring everyone up to speed on what has been happening lately. I had a scope done of my urinary tract last Tuesday afternoon. The doctor said that there is a stricture in my urinary tract that is to close to the muscle to be removed, so he dilated it to try and get it to open up more. He also took a biopsy but we haven't heard back of that yet. I came home from the hospital with a catheter in for a week. I went to see him yesterday (Monday)after taking out the catheter myself in the morning I saw him in the afternoon. I still could not pee. So it was decided I would start to catheterize myself at home 4 times a day in hopes that it would open up and start to flow again. As you can imagine this is not very comfortable to do.
Please pray that things will work themselves out and begin to work more normal.
I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving day last Thursday.
God bless you all as we begin to look forward to the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Remember the reason for the season we are going into.
Please pray that things will work themselves out and begin to work more normal.
I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving day last Thursday.
God bless you all as we begin to look forward to the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Remember the reason for the season we are going into.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Update for Nov 17th
I continue to lay on the Bio-mat for an hour a day and we continue to see small changes in the tumor behind my left ear. Also my energy level and appetite have come back up some. I think things seem to be moving in the right direction. As of the end of Sept. I was going down hill pretty fast and didn't think I would make it to the end of the year, but since laying on the Bio-mat things have really changed for the better.
Our trip to Haggerman last week was a interesting one. I saw a Reflexologist. Through the bottom of my feet he was able to open and close my lympnode system to help move the toxins from my body. It was pretty amazing.
I am also drinking a coffee drink that has Ganoderma Lucidum (the Red Mushroom) in it. It is suppose to help with the immune system and fighting cancer. Getting and keeping the immune system at it's peek is a big part of fighting and eliminating the cancer cells.
I am still wearing a catheter. I go in next Tuesday to get scoped. I will be doing this scope on Tuesday afternoon. Please pray that we can resolve this urinary issue and that I can get back to normal.
Well that's about it for now. Linda and I both thank you for all your prayers. We hope that everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving Day next week. We have much to be thankful for. God has really blessed Linda and I with wonderful family and friends. We really love you all.
God Bless You
Our trip to Haggerman last week was a interesting one. I saw a Reflexologist. Through the bottom of my feet he was able to open and close my lympnode system to help move the toxins from my body. It was pretty amazing.
I am also drinking a coffee drink that has Ganoderma Lucidum (the Red Mushroom) in it. It is suppose to help with the immune system and fighting cancer. Getting and keeping the immune system at it's peek is a big part of fighting and eliminating the cancer cells.
I am still wearing a catheter. I go in next Tuesday to get scoped. I will be doing this scope on Tuesday afternoon. Please pray that we can resolve this urinary issue and that I can get back to normal.
Well that's about it for now. Linda and I both thank you for all your prayers. We hope that everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving Day next week. We have much to be thankful for. God has really blessed Linda and I with wonderful family and friends. We really love you all.
God Bless You
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
New Update 11-9
Hello Everyone,
I have been laying on the bio-mat for about three weeks now(1 hour per day)and have seen some small changes in the tumor behind my ear. It does appear to be getting smaller in size and shape. Also the left side of my face seems to be getting better as far as the drooping eye and mouth. I trust that the other tumors we can't see are also changing in size.
As I stated in the last update I have for the last 2 weeks been battling my other issue. The stricture in my urinary tract closed off so I had to make an emergency trip the the doctor. Since that first trip to the doctor I have been to the hospital, once to ER and another 2 times back to the doctor. I still am unable to go so as we speak. I am wearing a catheter for the next several weeks until I can get in for surgery. The doctor is out of town all this week and the next opportunity to get a scope done is Nov. 23rd. As many of you know this is very uncomfortable and kind of limits what I can do.
Linda and I are headed to Haggerman, Id this Thursday to see a Alternative doctor down there. He treats patients from all over the US and it is hard to get in to see him. We hope to get some more advice or help with my fight against cancer.
Once again thank you all for praying for Linda and I. Our trust in the Lord and the prayers of our faithful friends are what gets us through each and every day.
God Bless you all,
"Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16
I have been laying on the bio-mat for about three weeks now(1 hour per day)and have seen some small changes in the tumor behind my ear. It does appear to be getting smaller in size and shape. Also the left side of my face seems to be getting better as far as the drooping eye and mouth. I trust that the other tumors we can't see are also changing in size.
As I stated in the last update I have for the last 2 weeks been battling my other issue. The stricture in my urinary tract closed off so I had to make an emergency trip the the doctor. Since that first trip to the doctor I have been to the hospital, once to ER and another 2 times back to the doctor. I still am unable to go so as we speak. I am wearing a catheter for the next several weeks until I can get in for surgery. The doctor is out of town all this week and the next opportunity to get a scope done is Nov. 23rd. As many of you know this is very uncomfortable and kind of limits what I can do.
Linda and I are headed to Haggerman, Id this Thursday to see a Alternative doctor down there. He treats patients from all over the US and it is hard to get in to see him. We hope to get some more advice or help with my fight against cancer.
Once again thank you all for praying for Linda and I. Our trust in the Lord and the prayers of our faithful friends are what gets us through each and every day.
God Bless you all,
"Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
New Update 10/27
Hi Friends,
I was able to meet with both doctors last week to talk about further treatments. First I met with Dr. Smith the radiologist to see about radiating the area behind my ear again. We went over the risks involved and they seem pretty high. Then I saw Dr Fiorentino the Oncologist to see about more Chemo treatments. I asked him if it would really do that much good and he thought that there was a less then 5% Chance that the chemo will help anymore. I don't feel like 5% success rate is worth all the sickness that I go though on chemo. So I have decided that I am done with these two types of treatments and will look for alternative things. I have already ran across two alternative treatments that sound very promising.
For the last week I have been going to a man's house in Boise everyday to lay on what's called a Bio-mat(biomat.com). They have been having great success with shrinking tumors using this mat. The very first day that I layed on the mat we noticed some changes, not big changes but some never the less. Linda and I have ordered the Mat and it should be here next week.
Something else that has happened this week is an emergency run into the hospital on Monday. For the last couple of years I have been having issues with a stricture in my urinary tract so I haven't been able to eliminate completely. This last weekend the structure closed off and I was unable to go to the bathroom. I went to the hospital and had to go through a very painful procedure to open it back up. I ended up coming home with a catheter for several days. I will be pulling the catheter out tomorrow morning and then seeing the doctor tomorrow afternoon. Please pray that things will stay open.
Thank you all for continuing to pray for Linda and I. I now it how important pray is and how we are told to pray for one another.
We love you all
Doug
I was able to meet with both doctors last week to talk about further treatments. First I met with Dr. Smith the radiologist to see about radiating the area behind my ear again. We went over the risks involved and they seem pretty high. Then I saw Dr Fiorentino the Oncologist to see about more Chemo treatments. I asked him if it would really do that much good and he thought that there was a less then 5% Chance that the chemo will help anymore. I don't feel like 5% success rate is worth all the sickness that I go though on chemo. So I have decided that I am done with these two types of treatments and will look for alternative things. I have already ran across two alternative treatments that sound very promising.
For the last week I have been going to a man's house in Boise everyday to lay on what's called a Bio-mat(biomat.com). They have been having great success with shrinking tumors using this mat. The very first day that I layed on the mat we noticed some changes, not big changes but some never the less. Linda and I have ordered the Mat and it should be here next week.
Something else that has happened this week is an emergency run into the hospital on Monday. For the last couple of years I have been having issues with a stricture in my urinary tract so I haven't been able to eliminate completely. This last weekend the structure closed off and I was unable to go to the bathroom. I went to the hospital and had to go through a very painful procedure to open it back up. I ended up coming home with a catheter for several days. I will be pulling the catheter out tomorrow morning and then seeing the doctor tomorrow afternoon. Please pray that things will stay open.
Thank you all for continuing to pray for Linda and I. I now it how important pray is and how we are told to pray for one another.
We love you all
Doug
Friday, October 15, 2010
New Update as of Oct 15th
I went to the doctor today to get the results of the MRI I did last Friday. It was great news in that there are no tumors on or near the Brain area. That means that the issues I am having with the left side of my face are being caused by the tumor behind my left ear. We are going to check with the radiation doctor to see if there is any chance of doing radiation to this area again.
Now here comes the bad news. When we discussed doing more Chemo treatments the doctor said there is less than a 5% chance of the chemo doing any good, so that doesn't leave me with much hope of fighting the 4 tumors that grew the last 2 months. With only a 5% or less chance it seems senseless to go on with any more chemo treatments. We will be looking at different options in the next week or so, but things don't look too good at this point.
I will try and keep the blog updated as we go forward with new ideas and treatments.
Keep on praying for Linda and I, we love you guys and your constant prayers are a source of strength and hope for us.
God Bless,
Doug
Now here comes the bad news. When we discussed doing more Chemo treatments the doctor said there is less than a 5% chance of the chemo doing any good, so that doesn't leave me with much hope of fighting the 4 tumors that grew the last 2 months. With only a 5% or less chance it seems senseless to go on with any more chemo treatments. We will be looking at different options in the next week or so, but things don't look too good at this point.
I will try and keep the blog updated as we go forward with new ideas and treatments.
Keep on praying for Linda and I, we love you guys and your constant prayers are a source of strength and hope for us.
God Bless,
Doug
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
New Update
I was to see the doctor on Tuesday to go over the MRI that I had done last Friday, but I was sick all day Monday and half the day on Tuesday. So I never made it into the doctor on Tuesday. I am rescheduled for this Friday at 10:30 I am also scheduled to restart chemo treatments next Monday.
Please continue to pray for Linda and I for the next few days. I am still not feeling all that well and things seem to be getting a little worse. I will update more this Friday after my appointment.
God Bless you all
Please continue to pray for Linda and I for the next few days. I am still not feeling all that well and things seem to be getting a little worse. I will update more this Friday after my appointment.
God Bless you all
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Here is the scope
I had a PET/CT scan done last Friday (Oct 1st) and got the results today from the doctor. It looks like out of the 5 tumors that I have 4 of them have grown some. Most of them right at 1 cm of new growth. I also told him about some of the other things that had been going on. The left side of my face is acting weird when I try to suck on a straw or spit after rinsing my mouth out. Also I have been having some issues with my left eye. Things have gotten blurry and I can't seem to wink out of that eye. So the doctor wants me to get an MRI on my Brain. That is now scheduled for Friday late afternoon (5:45pm). All of these symptoms have to do with the brain however we are not ruling out the tumor behind my left ear lobe as causing these issues. We won't know if there are any new tumors on the brain until I see the doctor next week with the results of the MRI. The doctor talked about going back to the chemo treatments after the MRI is found to be clear.
All of your prayers mean so much to us. We know just how important it is to lift each other up in prayer. Please kept praying for Linda and I and for the results of the MRI to be clear of anything except a perfectly good brain.
"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." Philippians 3:20-21
All of your prayers mean so much to us. We know just how important it is to lift each other up in prayer. Please kept praying for Linda and I and for the results of the MRI to be clear of anything except a perfectly good brain.
"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." Philippians 3:20-21
Monday, September 13, 2010
Monday September 13th
Good Morning Everyone,
I hope that the fall is starting out great for you. Linda and I spent last week up at our cabin in Cascade. It was so nice being up in the mountains. It's really hard to come home, but there are things that have to be done here in the valley, so home we came.
As I stated in my last update we have been working on reducing the pain levels brought on by the tumors behind my ear and on my 6th rib on my back. Well just when I think we are doing pretty good, back comes the pain. I have been given a pain patch to wear on my arm for 72 hours. I called the doctor last Friday and asked if we could up the dose of the patches. I am going in today to pick up a prescription for a much stronger patch. My pain was very high on Saturday and Saturday night. It almost impossible to get any sleep or rest with so much pain. Please pray that we can get this pain under control.
Please continue to lift Linda and I up in prayer. I know that prayer is keeping me going and I really appreciate all of you praying for us.
God bless you and keep on looking up.
"Since you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on the things above where Christ sets at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you have died, and your life is hidden in Christ with God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you will also appear with him in glory." Colossians 3:1-4
I hope that the fall is starting out great for you. Linda and I spent last week up at our cabin in Cascade. It was so nice being up in the mountains. It's really hard to come home, but there are things that have to be done here in the valley, so home we came.
As I stated in my last update we have been working on reducing the pain levels brought on by the tumors behind my ear and on my 6th rib on my back. Well just when I think we are doing pretty good, back comes the pain. I have been given a pain patch to wear on my arm for 72 hours. I called the doctor last Friday and asked if we could up the dose of the patches. I am going in today to pick up a prescription for a much stronger patch. My pain was very high on Saturday and Saturday night. It almost impossible to get any sleep or rest with so much pain. Please pray that we can get this pain under control.
Please continue to lift Linda and I up in prayer. I know that prayer is keeping me going and I really appreciate all of you praying for us.
God bless you and keep on looking up.
"Since you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on the things above where Christ sets at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you have died, and your life is hidden in Christ with God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you will also appear with him in glory." Colossians 3:1-4
Thursday, August 26, 2010
For the last several weeks I have been working on my pain levels, trying to get the pain under control. I went to the doctor this week and we discussed my pain and if we needed to try something else besides the Tylenol 3 W/Codeine. The doctor added a pain patch (Fentanyl ) that I put on my arm and wear for 72 hours. This should help level out the pain from having spikes of pain through out the day.
Right now I am not going to do any more chemo until after my next PET scan, which I have scheduled for Oct. 1st. After this next scan we will decide how to proceed with treatment. It is really nice to not have to do chemo for now. I am already feeling better and am even getting some hair back on my Bald head.
Please keep praying for us as God leads us through this journey. I thank Him for each day that I am here and look forward to when He calls me home to be with Him.
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9
God bless you for your constant prayers for Linda and I we really appreciate it.
Right now I am not going to do any more chemo until after my next PET scan, which I have scheduled for Oct. 1st. After this next scan we will decide how to proceed with treatment. It is really nice to not have to do chemo for now. I am already feeling better and am even getting some hair back on my Bald head.
Please keep praying for us as God leads us through this journey. I thank Him for each day that I am here and look forward to when He calls me home to be with Him.
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9
God bless you for your constant prayers for Linda and I we really appreciate it.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
New update 8-4-2010
I went to get my test results from last Friday's PET/CT scan yesterday and to see both doctors (Oncologist and Radiologist). My test results were pretty good over all. There has been very little growth in any of the tumors, although one had increased by 2cm. Here is what the report says under the heading of Conclusion:
1. "There continues to be abnormal uptake within the left parotid (behind the left ear lobe) the gland the mass. Multiple bilateral lung masses, and lateral segment hepatic (the liver) lobe lesions consistent with the metastatic disease. The size of the lesions has slightly increased in size or are stable. (In other words there is not enough growth to measure exactly)
2. No new areas of abnormal uptake are identified.
3. There are multiple diffuse metastatic lung lesions which have slightly increased in size when compared to the previous study. (April 2ND was the last study). The lesions do not today show significant PET uptake which is likely due to the size of the lesions being less than 1 cm.
Over all we were pretty pleased that things seem to be stable for now.
After talking to Dr. Fiorentino about all the pain that I have been having he thought that instead of doing chemo treatments we should work on getting the pain under control. So he wrote me a prescription for some pain meds. He wanted to see me back in three weeks to see how things are going. So far the pain meds haven't done much good so we may have to try something else until we find the right one to use. So that's it for now. No chemo and back to see him in three weeks.
Thank you for praying for Linda and I. It was nerve racking yesterday while waiting to see the doctors, but I know that the Lord is in control and He knows best. I want to follow Him above all else in my life. I love Him and He is my Lord and Savior.
God Bless you all and please continue to pray for us.
Doug
1. "There continues to be abnormal uptake within the left parotid (behind the left ear lobe) the gland the mass. Multiple bilateral lung masses, and lateral segment hepatic (the liver) lobe lesions consistent with the metastatic disease. The size of the lesions has slightly increased in size or are stable. (In other words there is not enough growth to measure exactly)
2. No new areas of abnormal uptake are identified.
3. There are multiple diffuse metastatic lung lesions which have slightly increased in size when compared to the previous study. (April 2ND was the last study). The lesions do not today show significant PET uptake which is likely due to the size of the lesions being less than 1 cm.
Over all we were pretty pleased that things seem to be stable for now.
After talking to Dr. Fiorentino about all the pain that I have been having he thought that instead of doing chemo treatments we should work on getting the pain under control. So he wrote me a prescription for some pain meds. He wanted to see me back in three weeks to see how things are going. So far the pain meds haven't done much good so we may have to try something else until we find the right one to use. So that's it for now. No chemo and back to see him in three weeks.
Thank you for praying for Linda and I. It was nerve racking yesterday while waiting to see the doctors, but I know that the Lord is in control and He knows best. I want to follow Him above all else in my life. I love Him and He is my Lord and Savior.
God Bless you all and please continue to pray for us.
Doug
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Update for July 31th 2010
New update: Yesterday morning I went into the hospital for a PET Scan. I have done so many of these scans over the last 6 years that the technician and I are on a first name basis. The scan was a rough one because of the pain I have been having in my back where we had radiated a tumor. You have to lay on the table (on your back) perfectly still. It was extremely hard to lay still because of the pain but, I made it through the test. After the test the technician (Joe) said that he usually doesn't show the patient the scan pictures but, because I have been a regular patient he let me look at them. The spot behind my left ear which we radiated back in February has some activity again. How much I do not know yet. I had thought that we had killed this tumor with radiation. I will find out more on Tuesday morning when I see both of my doctors. I will try and give an update on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.
Please continue to pray for Linda and I as we get the test results on Tuesday.
Enjoy the rest of your summer.
God Bless you all,
Doug
Please continue to pray for Linda and I as we get the test results on Tuesday.
Enjoy the rest of your summer.
God Bless you all,
Doug
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
New Update for July 13th
Last week my blood counts were to low to receive chemo treatment so we postponed treatment until today (Tuesday). I went in this morning to get my treatment and found that my blood counts were even worst then last week. The main blood count that they look at needs to be at 1500 to receive treatment. Last week it was at 1000 and this week it is at 500. This is kind of a normal cycle of ups and downs when doing chemotherapy. Your body can get depleted to a point when you just have to give yourself time to recover. That's where I am today. We talked about pushing out until next Tuesday but since I already have an appointment for August 3rd and have a PET Scan scheduled for July 30th I suggested we just wait until then for the next treatment. This will give me a 3 week break form chemo and a chance to recover. Everything else is going fine and I feel pretty good. The nurse warned me about colds, flu, and anything that I might be able to catch because my blood counts are so low.
Please continue to pray for Linda and I. I know that your prayers are what keeps us going.
We love you all
God Bless
Please continue to pray for Linda and I. I know that your prayers are what keeps us going.
We love you all
God Bless
Saturday, July 10, 2010
New Update for July 10th
I'm sorry that I haven't updated the blog for a while.
I went in for treatment on Tuesday morning and found out that my blood counts were to low to receive treatment. So we have pushed the treatment out for another week. This gave me a chance to take Linda out for breakfast so that was nice. I have also been scheduled for a PET Scan on July 30th at St Lukes Meridian. These scans are important because they show us just what is happening with the tumors, if they are growing or staying the same. Other than that things seem to be going pretty well. I haven't been sick at all since my last treatment. There are a few other side effects that I deal with but the main one is nausea.
Well we are almost halfway through the summer already. I hope that everyone is having a great summer. Before long we will be talking about back to school.
Thank you again for all your prayers, it means a lot to Linda and I to know how many people are praying for us.
God Bless you all
Until next time stay cool from the summer heat.
I went in for treatment on Tuesday morning and found out that my blood counts were to low to receive treatment. So we have pushed the treatment out for another week. This gave me a chance to take Linda out for breakfast so that was nice. I have also been scheduled for a PET Scan on July 30th at St Lukes Meridian. These scans are important because they show us just what is happening with the tumors, if they are growing or staying the same. Other than that things seem to be going pretty well. I haven't been sick at all since my last treatment. There are a few other side effects that I deal with but the main one is nausea.
Well we are almost halfway through the summer already. I hope that everyone is having a great summer. Before long we will be talking about back to school.
Thank you again for all your prayers, it means a lot to Linda and I to know how many people are praying for us.
God Bless you all
Until next time stay cool from the summer heat.
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