Thursday, January 12, 2012

SAD NEWS

I have been absent from this blog again - and actually it's been longer than you think. My December blogs were pre-written, and it turned out that was a good thing, as I would not have felt like writing Christmas posts.

Dan, my husband, was diagnosed with inoperable Stage IV esophageal cancer on December 7. Unbelievable as it may seem, there are relatively "good" cancers to have, but this is not one of them. It is in a bad place, and it has spread. Radiation is also not an option.

So it's been a rough few weeks, and I know this is only the beginning. We made the best of the Christmas season, especially after Kristen came home on December 25. I did all the usual shopping, wrapping, decorating and cleaning, even though it was sometimes difficult to proceed.

Kristen was able to stay until New Year's Eve day. On January 5, my husband began his first round of chemotherapy. What makes it so difficult is that he has to travel to the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Fargo for treatments, as the VA only has a clinic in Bismarck.

Fortunately, Dan felt well on the drive home, and over the weekend. But the nausea and flu-like symptoms have plagued him since. Hopefully he will feel better soon.

He will go back to Fargo for his second round of treatment on January 26. We are praying these sessions will put him into remission. I'm asking for your prayers and healing thoughts, and for the strength to help him deal with health, emotional and eating issues.

This is usually a pretty little blog, but now I am dealing with a big, nasty ugly thing that I may not want to write about, so I may not be blogging much in the next few months.

31 comments:

mxtodis123 said...

I am so sorry to hear this. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary

Rose H (UK) said...

Oh my goodness Julie, I'm so sorry to read about your devastating news. I sincerely hope that treatment will be successful and Dan will soon be having some better news.
Don't worry about your blog - we'll still be here waiting and supporting you and your family throughout this difficult time.
Sending {{hugs}}
Rose H
xx

morikomidori said...

sending warm healing thoughts, energies and prayers for Dan, yourself and your family

hugs xxx

sumea

ArtSings1946 said...

I am so sorry that you and your beloved are going through this. I know what you are going through all too well. I pray that the Holy Mother Goddess will be with you now and always with her Love and Compassion.

Love and Happiness and Peace Always,

Robin Larkspur said...

So very very sorry to hear this news, and I do send you and Dan as much support and healing energy, positive thoughts as is possible. Strength can be hard to come by in your situation, but somehow you will find the way to be strong for both yourself and Dan, and Kristen. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Robin.

SparkleFarkel said...

I am so sorry to hear that your sweet cookie Dan is so very, very ill. Please know that I will keep him, Kristen, and you tucked into my prayers. May Guardian Angels' wings wrap 'round each and everyone of you during this most difficult time. It's going to be alright.

Love, SparkleFarkle

WOL said...

This is terrible news, Julie. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your husband. May you have the strength you need to get you, and him, through this trying time. If you need to turn your blog into a journal to help you deal with this, we'll be there for you.

Wicked Faerie Queen said...

Julie my positive thoughts are with you. I hope you have a good support system because that is so important for both of you.

Blessings & Bliss
Sue

DREAMTIMEMAKES said...

I am sorry. Thinking of you.

Rowan said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Dan, cancer is a dreadful thing. I do so hope that the chemotherapy is successful and you will both be in my thoughts as you go through this. I shall ask the Great Mother for her healing energies.

Kath said...

Oh Julie I'm so sad that you have this going on in your life, in your family. I am going to the Chalice well later where I will light a candle in the little angel for your dear Husband.

Healing Woman said...

When my daughter was diagnosed with cancer, I could not stand up to leave the doctors office. My legs were so weak. Since that time, both my daughter and I have become different people. We have used every resource we could find. Kelli has multiple myeloma, another bad cancer that is hard to treat. She went for a stem cell transplant and now, after 7 years, she is not just living with cancer, but thriving. Trying to have a positive attitude is key. Finding a good doctor and in our case a good vitamin counselor as well was also key. (curcumin has a good track record)
Good luck on your journey-I hope your husband soon is back to good health.

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

You've been on my mind so much lately - and now I see why. I'm continually sending good thoughts and energy - for this trying time. It is hard to deal with and everyone will say "take care of yourself" - and from experience I know that is almost impossible to do - but do try. Give yourself a tiny break now and then - a little time to renew and gain strength for what you and Dan are facing.

My word verification is joyous - now that is a good sign - joyous for the recovery and the strength you will gather from your friends far and wide.

Do take care - keep us updated when you can, but be assured,even if we don't hear from you, we are holding you up!! Love you!!!

Leanne said...

Oh Julie,dear sweet Julie, I am so so so sorry to read this. I feel absolutely stricken on your behalf, and I am sending such prayers across the seas for Dan, and also for you and Kristen. I too will light a candle tonight, in love and support of you all.

much love, Leanne xx

pumpkins mum said...

I am so very sorry for the news that your Dan is so very poorly , Julie i want you to know that you and Dan and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, I feel for you and your family and i am am so very very sorry, Julie i am truly blessed by your blog, it is a joy to read and i have learned so much and have been intruduced to other blogs and i check yours out each day and i am constantly blown away that this can bring like minded fold together across the world together , i feel like a friend even though we have never met, sorry for waffling Julie love to you and yours xxxxxx will keep in touch

Kim Campbell said...

I am so sorry Julie. I will keep you and yours in my heart. Sending healing thoughts your way.
((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))
Kim

GardenOfDaisies said...

I am new to your blog and very sorry to hear this news. Saying a prayer for Dan, and you too.

Kate Robertson said...

Julie,

I am sorry to hear about this. You and Dan will be in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to you.

Shopgirl said...

Stay strong Dear Julie. I will pray for you both because Cancer becomes part of all that love him. Your blog friends will be here no matter what...Love, Mary

Samanta Vega Díaz said...

Oh, I am so sorry to hear this news. I don't know what to say. Wish you and your girl can find the strength and wisdom to go through this hand in hand with your beloved hubby and daddy Dan.
Best best wishes. Hope you write with better news in a few months.
xx

WOL said...

Julie, just a quick word to let you know I'm thinking of you and your DB, and that my prayers for you for strength, wisdom and grace continue. Hang in there, Lady! (8>)

Anonymous said...

I can't say how sorry I am to read your latest news. Your blog has been such an inspiration to me. Sending prayers and healing light to you and yours with all best wishes for a positive outcome.

Morgaine

Ruthie Redden said...

Dear Julie, so sorry to hear your news. Thinking of you and sending much love x x x

the wild magnolia said...

I am so very sorry for this news. I know this cancer well. You are in my prayers from this moment on. I light a candle now.

Bless your dear hearts.

Allie said...

I came across your blog and even though I don't know you, I am praying for you and your husband and daughter. I cannot imagine how you are feeling and the emotional roller coaster you are on right now.

Lila Rostenberg said...

I am praying for you and Dan!
Sending hugs!

cyclopseven said...

My prayers will accompany you and your loved ones. God bless.

Shopgirl said...

Thinking of you and praying....

WOL said...

Thinking of you and your DB, praying for you both, wondering how you are doing. Could you manage a short post to let us know how things are? Draw on our strength. Let us share our resources. We're there for you.

Annie Jeffries said...

I'm so sorry to read this, Julie, and at such a late date. My prayers are with you and Dan and I have him now on my prayer list sidebar.

Love
Annie

Andrea said...

Best wishes for your family and your husband specially!