Kevin's Watch

Fire Daughter wrote:I don't know why I'm saying all that.

That's ok. Just say what you need to, even if you don't know why. We love you. Hugglessssssssss

I sure hope Houston can do this!!!! Never heard of the place. Sloan-Kettering is fairly close to me, so that's the name I recognize.

Brooke just pointed out to me that we just missed this thread's anniversary. Oct 16th. Six years, and almost 100 pages!

Mom would say... "My cup runneth over".

Heh. Yeah, she would say that.

Hang in there, everybody... Houston, wow.

Hope everything works out in Huston once Furls gets there.

Yes, Houston. Specifically, the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas.

Since Brooke mentioned that I recommended this to both Russ and her, and since I know how deeply all of us reading this thread care about Tracie, I feel the need to say a little more.

First, this is not just my idea. Russ mentioned to me that M.D. Anderson was also suggested by Tracie's oncologist. I didn't learn what Dr. Liz may have had to say, but I am sure she also concurred.

Second, my own association with Anderson is that they were instrumental in my wife's beating cancer back in the early 1980s, and we are consequently long-term donors to them and follow their work closely.

Earlier this year, U.S. News and World Report published their annual "Best Hospitals" survey and named M.D. Anderson the leading hospital in the nation for cancer care. This is the sixth time in the last eight years that they have received this ranking. Since U.S. News and World Report started this survey in 1990, Anderson has always ranked as one of the top two cancer hospitals.

These rankings are based on:

• a reputation survey of board-certified oncologists and other physician specialists
  Nurse-to-patient ratios
  Availability of technologies and services to patients

My wife and I met with a representative of Anderson two weeks ago, without mentioning why we were interested, and got an update on the their research and patient care plans for the coming year, just to be sure that this would continue to be the best place to recommend. We are convinced that M.D. Anderson is the best available and that they (with Tracie's strength and God's will) can beat this thing and save the friend about whom we are all so concerned.

If at any point, anyone would like to donate to this institution, please see M.D. Anderson - Giving

Thanks for the information, SD! Great to learn that your wife overcame cancer herself, and at that facility. Very glad to know Furls will be getting the most expert care possible.

Fist and Faith wrote:Brooke just pointed out to me that we just missed this thread's anniversary. Oct 16th. Six years, and almost 100 pages!

Yes, this thread has done good. It led Isaiah and then Alex to Furls. I mean, isn't that just incredible? For me, and likely for all who've come here, Stephen's eloquent writing has been a source of inspiration.

Yes, thank you SD. I apologize for not being more clear on here about what is actually happening with Trace right now. We are set to go to Houston as soon as she is deemed strong enough, hopefully by next weekend. Like Brooke said, she is now in stage 4, the tumor in her kidney made it official. I was very impressed with the people I have spoken with at MD Anderson, they are kind, extremely knowlegdable about this agressive Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma, and very patient with this devastated husband, who was, on more than occasion, rather demanding and not very nice.

Trace is hanging on. She's starting to understand more about what has been happening to her the last few weeks. When I mentioned Houston to her, tho her first reaction was "no, it's too far away." But, last night I talked with her more about it and she agrees that we need to get her the best treatment possible. On a more encouraging note, we may be able to get her off of dialysis today, her lone kidney's function has been improving steadily since the surgery. Labs are still coming back negative for sepsis as well, so keep the prayers coming...we may get our miracle after all. My baby isn't going to go down that easily.

Thank you all again. Your prayers and well wishes are greatly appreciated.

Russ

Hang in there guys.

--A

My cup runneth over indeed. Hi everyone

Wow, where to begin. I'm out of CCU, my kidney function is good so I'm off of the dialysis, I hope I don't have to have it anymore. No more sepsis, no more H1N1. I'm just recovering from the surgery now, and trying to get my strength back. Then it is off to Houston. My tired husband brought my laptop down to me, so I could come on and say "hi" to everyone.

I spent a good deal of time reading the thread since my last post. I honestly don't remember being in Portland at all, I just remember being on the plane coming back.

Bare with me, please. There are many things I want to say, but my mind is swirling.

Earthy...gosh it's good to see you back in the thread. I have missed you! Huggles to you

Danlo...Duchy, I love you both so much, you guys and Fisty were my first friends here, along with a few others...Sky, VS, Earthy...etc. Huggles!

Pam, Brian, Soulbiter, Savor Dam, Sea, Owlie, Luke, Dromond, Neo, Av, Ali, StevieG, Rob, Orlion, Godschild...all of you who have prayed for me, have offered up positive forces, thank you so much. Huggles...I love you all!!

Eric...No words. I love you too.

My heart is so full, and yet, I can't make the words come. I guess it's because there aren't any that, for lack of a better word, suffice. I have such amazing friends here. The love and compassion you have all shown me and my family during this storm is overwhelming. I can't thank you all enough.

God bless all of you.

Tracie

Welcome "HOME!!!"

let's just keep things going well

Glad you feel well enough to post, Furls!
I will be praying for your continued recovery.

Wecome back, Furls!

Hi Tracie


Yes, I know, that's a silly little greeting for someone who just returned to us after having gone through so much. There's probably a term of some sort. Dramatic understatement?

Surreal, most of it i don't remember. And coming here, and reading all of the messages of hope, and the ones of fear, and the ones of love. I find myself at such a loss for words.

All I can think of doing is this...



but that seems so inadaquete.

I'm so blessed...

Welcome back, Furlsie!

We will continue to pray for you until you have beaten this into the ground!!!! Take care of yourself and let those around you help you whenever possible.

Welcome back!

*So* good to see you, Furls!