Thursday December 31

Dave had a good day today..he went with Kip and played "Golden Tee". Although his back hurt when he got home he thought it was worth it! He seems to be better since his meds were changed a bit. I always hesitate to say that because the bottom always falls out soon there after....It is so good to see him have a good day and do some of the things that he once enjoyed. He has eaten well today and has started the protein drink in addition to food.
We wish all of you a happy and healthy 2010...once again I have to say how grateful we are to have such wonderful and supportive friends and family! Dave and I are fortunate to have the kids that we have also....We are proud of them and glad that they have found happiness in their lives.....blessings to all......

Tuesday December 29th

Today was a very normal and uneventful day....YEA!!! We got up and went to the store, Dave was hungry for "Tater Tot Casserole"...he fixed one himself......Actually that is the norm here in the Pettay house.....Dave is going to check into the protein drinks at GNC tomorrow, he is determined to gain some of his weight back...he CAN HAVE some of mine!!!! All in all it was a good day.....and for that we give thinks...blessings to all.....

Monday December 28th

We are home and both really tired. Thanks again to Kip and Leeann for taking us and to her parents Gary and Jan for letting us use their van. It made the trip up there much more comfortable and easier for us all.
Dave is no better BUT the cancer has gotten no worse....so I guess that is good news.There are some nodules on Dave's liver but as of now they are nothing definitive. Dr. Doolittle wants him to undergo more treatments. He feels that since the cancer came on so quickly and severely that the Interleukin is keeping it from progressing at the same rapid pace. A close friend of ours has been trying to coordinate his work schedules to come see us..... Dr. Doolittle has scheduled the treatments around our friend 's trip to Kansas....Dr. D. is definitely one of the really good guys!!! We are set to begin treatments on January 11th. Dave is really focused on gaining weight and doing what he can to be physically and emotionally ready for this next round.
Thanks to all for your support....I read the blog comments and they inspire me to stay strong...love and blessings to all......

Suanday December 27th

We are safely in KC sitting in our warm and cozy room. Kip and Leeann went for some munchies and then I think we are all going to chill in our room and watch some tv before turning in for the night. The roads were perfect coming up today but you could certainly tell that this part of the state got alot more snow than we did in Wichita. Dave's appt is at 10:30 in the morning. They will do a blood draw and then his appt. with Dr. is at 11:20. We will know alot of details after that consultation (I HOPE)....please do not call me....I will get word out via this blog and also thru Facebook. We are not always in a place that I can take phone calls and our appointments are not always on schedule. I am unbelievably tired and just about all tapped out....so I will let you know as soon as I can...thanks so much for your understanding in this......blessings to all ...I do continue to read your comments on the blog...they keep me going.....

Saturday December 26th

We leave for Kansas City tomorrow. Kip and LeeAnn Schultz borrowed her parents van so that we can all ride comfortably together. We have reservations at the Drury right off I35 and not too far from the drs. office. My mom has been here since last Tuesday and has had trouble with her balance, at times she has been confused not being in her own home and environment. She fell twice while she was here, the last time she got a pretty good black eye. Some friends have offered to let her stay there until they can her drive home on Monday. Dave and I were just not at all comfortable with leaving her at home by herself (not to mention that she put cigarettes in the trash can twice that were still smoking) UGH...I love my house.....Thanks again to all of our friends...with you all things are possible....we send our love and our blessings!!

Christmas Day

Dave felt better today than yesterday. I took it upon myself to change his meds a bit and he was able to eat (small portions)...but he ate and said that it was good to be able to sample some of the goodies that we have laying around the house. His pain was more under control also....we will address that on Monday. It is just something that needs to be reviewed and monitored frequently. We are about 99% sure that we are off to KC on Sunday for the Monday appointment. Of course the weather is at the basis of our final decision.
I want to thank everyone for the "blog comments" I do read them, but do not have them posted for everyone to see. I prefer the blog to be a journal...that way it is not confusing.....and the comments are private....
Hope everyone had a great Christmas Day...blessings to all!!!

Thursday December 24th

Our day was filled with ones that we love...Matt and Cayte, Chris and Bailey, my mom, and the Schultz family was here. We had plenty to eat and exchanged our gifts. I wish that Dave had felt better. He has been in bed most of the day and has only managed to keep a couple of bites of food down. He came in the front room to be with us as we opened gifts, but then went back to bed. We all kept our spirits as high as we could..Santa came by to visit us tonight.....and that brought not only a smile to our lips but tears to our eyes as well. What a wonderful support system we have!......Dave's back is painful and his appetite is at zero. I am going to ask the Dr. on Monday for stronger pain meds and something to stimulate appetite. He simply cannot continue in this way. Thank you again for the prayers.....we send all of you our love and best wishes for a wonderful Christmas day!

Wednesday December 23rd

The past 2 days have been really busy. Monte Schreiner organized a get together here at the house for Tuesday night. What fun we had...just like old times with friends that are priceless in our lives!! All I did was open the door...everyone brought the fixings for a great party. Thanks to everyone it was a really fun night....Dave and Monte went to see Avatar today...it was good for Dave to get out without me....I am sure that he is tired of all of the togetherness that we have shared for the last 4 months......Tomorrow we are having Christmas at our house. I have turkey and ham...Cayte is not working and Chris is has the day off so we are doing our big day early. It will be fun to have everyone here. Schultz's are coming over too with their boys, my mom is here...I love the house being full of life and energy....Dave and I want to thank you again for the blessings that you have brought into our life....hug one another and believe the best in those around you.......

Monday December 21st

Our internet has been dowm..you have to love that Cox "High Speed" internet service!! Yesterday was another good day. We went to the show and saw "The Blind Side" it was a good movie....some of our neighbors came by Fred, Jane, Melissa, Tim, Christine....brought us a card with a gift inside to boost our spirits....thanks so much... Today Dave had his PET Scan, we will not know anything until next week. Tomorrow he is scheduled for a CT Scan but again we will NOT know anything until our appointment on the 28th. Monte Schreiner has organized a get together at our house tomorrow night....I am looking forward to it.....hummmm.....not sure what we are in for...but I know that it will be fun!!! Hope everyone is enjoying the break....blessings to all..

Saturday December 19th

Today was a good day for Dave. We had lots of company and that always seems to cheer him up....Sidney, Lauren, Dylan, and Brennan came over with a tin of almonds, cashews, and peanuts...it was good to see his students and former TA....thanks guys.....Dave's sister and her husband came over from Hutch. Diane brought Dave a big pot of potato soup and he ate 3 bowls full...it was the first he had eaten in 2 days....thanks Diane you worked some magic...Monte Schreiner came and we had a great visit.....Blessings to all .....we have so much support..and to the friend who told me to keep a light burning brightly at night...you do the same... we are thinking of you, and wish you the best.......

Friday December 18th

Today started out on a high note. Dave wanted to go to the DAV, his driver's licence is due in January and he was in the mood to get it taken care of early. The process took about 30 minutes and it really seemed to wear him out. He slept most of the rest of the day. His appetite is gone again and he says that he just doesn't feel well. Other than an 8oz "Boost" I haven't gotten him to eat anything today. He knows that he should eat, but he just doesn't have a desire for anything....I feel very sad......

Thursday December 17th

Yesterday (Wednesday) was one of those days that we just stayed inside and watched old movies on Turner Classic Network. Holmes Andrus came by with some of his students from church and they sang to us. It was so appreciated and very cold...thanks to those kids for their efforts!!! Today was a good day. Dave seemed to have some energy so we went to his school to check in with his bosses. Jim and Jess have been so great to both of us...very supportive....Dave went shopping with me, I had a few last minute things to get for the kids, he even felt like going to Randy Mark's basketball game for awhile this evening. One of his friends (Keith) had offered to come by to get him, but Dave's mom and aunt were here so the timing wasn't right for that......I am so grateful for a day like today....hope there are a few more in his future......

Tuesday December 15th

Dave didn't have much energy today, but hopefully with the weather getting warmer the next few days he will feel like getting outside and going for some short walks. We heard from family in Nashville KS today. Earl, Iona and Robert Westerman sent us a card with a note that they had been following the blog updates....we also heard from Steve, Lynette, Anniston, Phil and Gloria...also Nashville family. They sent a note of well wishes and prayers and an unexpected but appreciated gift card...it is unbelievable the numbers of people that this blog and Facebook reach. We have PET scan and MRI scheduled for Monday and Tuesday of next week, but won't know anything until probably the 28th when we head back to KC. I ordered the turkey and ham for Christmas Eve dinner....the kids, my mom and I are so looking forward to some well deserved family time together. I hope that Dave feels good that day...it would be the perfect Christmas gift for all of us!! Blessings and thanks from us to all of you.....

Monday December 14th

Every day is a gift and today was one of those gifts.....Dave slept through the night and was up for the rest of the day. I had errands to run and he rode with me....it was nice to have his company. We had some finance paperwork to do today and he spent the day getting that organized. Collin Adams and his mother came by today ( he is the one that began the Facebook for Dave)...they brought us some enchiladas that were YUMMY......It was great to meet Collin, he is very caring and has made a huge impact on our lives. Hopefully Dave can have more good days.....Keep the prayers and positive thoughts coming his way.....

Sunday December 13th

We slept late today, until 9:30.....Had laundry to do and groceries to shop for, but I am not complaining, it is good to get back to normal. Dave ate some today, and though not alot is was a good start. Kim and Mark Pennington came by with some members from their church this evening and they sang Christmas carols in our front yard. What a wonderful surprise.....Dave was feeling overwhelmed and sad today; his back still causes him pain, their act of kindness came at just the right time. I know that they lifted his spirits. Thank you Penningtons!!! Kip and LeeAnn came by as well...they have been right there with us every step of the way........Cayte and Matt came by to get some of their Christmas decorations...YEA.....my storage rooms and closets are finally thinning out!!!! My prayer this year for Christmas is that Dave can feel well enough to enjoy the day.....Blessings to all.....

Saturday December 12th

As I wrote this date I just realized that it is my little sister's birthday today...If you read this Robin...HAPPY BIRTHDAY.....We are home!! Ku Med took great care of us, but we were glad to leave today. Dave is not sure that he feels any better, but we did not get alot of rest so maybe in a couple of days he will have more energy. I hope things look up for him so that he can have a good Christmas. I am cooking and having the kids over so maybe I can put a couple of pounds on him as well. His drastic weight loss is a great concern to me, but I am trying to pick my "battles", I am certain that he is tired of me nagging him about it....Dr. Doolittle is scheduling scans for next week sometime and I would suspect that he will go in for blood draw as well. Our appointment is the 28th (in KC) so we will hopefully know if the Interleukin did as it should. At the moment the only certainty in our lives is that we are home together and that is a good thing....

Friday Decenber 11th

Hope everyone had a great week....we are hopefully coming home tomorrow. We are both really tired. Dave had a rough night last night neither one of us slept at all. He has decided to call it quits for this time around. He took 11 treatments which is still really impressive....we have a drs. appt here on the 28th....between that time he will have bone scans to see if the Interleukin is doing what it should. He will be sent home with an appetite stimulant so that hopefully he will begin eating again. He has lost about 35 lbs and still has no appetite (although he would love to have the desire to sit down to a big meal) It is caused by the cancer and the meds.....I am so looking forward to some quiet time with my family...we are going to squeeze our Christmas in sometime between Chris and Cayte's work schedule.....Keep praying......we love you all and are so strengthened by your faith and your friendship.

December 10th Thursday

Dave received treatment #9 at noon and #10 is scheduled for 8:30 tonight. The drs. still say that all of his labs look good. They are going to consider an appetite stimulant so that he can get his weight up....he was 150 .....I know that the loss of appetite is part of it, but he needs weight and calories.....Dave really wants to go back to work if only on a part time basis. I really do think that if he could eat he would feel stronger....Cayte went back to Wichita this afternoon, she works this weekend and needed to be home in her own bed. Chris will leave sometime tomorrow. Hopefully we will be heading back sometime this weekend too...it will be good to be home!!

Thursday December 10th

I did not get around to blogging yesterday. It was a fairly good day for Dave....they are warding off the side effects, but at times his body throws all of us a curve and doesn't react with the predictability that we have come to expect! Fever got to about 105 last night, but our nurse Marlon (he is THE BEST!!! we love him)....put Dave on a cooling blanket and that seemed to bring the fever down more quickly. I stayed the night with Melanie and Larry (and Murphy my therapy dog)....they had really yummy pizza, Caesar salad, lite beer and birthday cake for me, it just doesn't get any better than that!! Cayte had gotten me a really soft warm blanket from Bath and Body works and Mel got me the bath robe to go with it. As we were eating pizza the UPS guy came and brought a gift from Kip and LeeAnn (probably mostly LeeAnn ....HAHA) and it was a fun plaque and my favorite candy bar...Almond Joy and a card...she sent Dave a Golf magazine, probably the ONLY one without articles about dear Tiger.....it was really a special birthday because of the effort that these friends put into making it normal....So as of today I am proudly 58....I can say that I have two great kids, a wonderful husband that after 25 years I would marry again in a heartbeat, and the most fantastic friends that a person could ever want....

Tuesday December 8th

This has been a long 24 hours for Dave, Cayte and for me. Dave received a treatment at midnight and then had really high fevers (107) so we were all up for the rest of the night. They iced him and turned down thermostat as well as watching him on a fairly constant basis. There was a period of time that he was not responsive to any of us...it was really scary...but as the temp declined he became more aware of his surroundings. His side effects have not followed the timeline that we had become used to but we still know how to ward off the worst of it with meds. His bloodwork continues to be good, his heart rate is a bit tacky at times, but he is hooked up to so many wires....everything is being watched.It is really nasty here...it has rained and misted all day. Chris came to the hospital today but I made him leave at around 5:30...he is staying with Tony Baldassarre. It is going to be a slick messy time to drive once the night temperatures set in here. Cayte and I went to Melanie and Larry Bowman's at around noon today to shower and change clothes....of course their dog Murphy was a perfect hostess....she was what we needed...a little doggie love is just the thing to chase away the blues!! Needless to say, Cayte and I are staying put here at the hospital tonight. We will just see what tomorrow brings.

Monday December 7th

We had our consult with Dr. Doolittle this morning and were admitted to KU Med by noon. Dave received his first Interleukin at 4:00, and is scheduled for another 13....hummmm... well see.........They were "loaded and ready" with the meds for the after effects. We were informed this morning that they are looking at #3 and #4 treatments....we come back on the 28th for an office visit, but between that time we will do scans in Wichita to see how well the meds have worked. Nikki Hoffman is an ICU nurse on Dave's floor, but she is not his nurse, can't attend to friends, but she has been in and we had a great visit. The Drury Inn was a perfect location to stay...that is a definate go next time around....Thier king size beds with lots of pillows definately top the chair that I will sleep in tonight. The weather is really COLD here.....glad to be inside.....

It is 4:oo on Sunday and we are in KC at the Drury Hotel. My sister-in law and her husband made us reservations here...thank you so much Tim and Janice!! Monte Schreiner just left...he drove us here. His Brother-in law went to the Chiefs game this afternoon and just picked him up here on his way back to Wichita. The weather held out....now lets hope the rest of the week is good for travel. Our appointment is at 8:45 in the morning, as soon as we are finished there I am sure they will send Dave on to KU Med where they will begin treatments. He was better after the last round....hopefully this is going to enable him to get back to some of the things that he has been missing.....He has been nauseous and lacking an appitite for the past couple of days.....I will be anxious to visit with Dr. Doolittle tomorrow to get his perspective on all of this. They have been doing bloodwork this entire time and he will have the results of those tests. Thanks for your support!! I will keep you posted......

Yesterday was a tough one for Dave, he did not feel very well. Lots of abdomital pain. I did what I could here at home, but did not like his coloring and increased pain so called our family Dr. He had us bring him directly in the office. After scans he felt it was a combination of pain meds, not much food and limited activity. He is resting today.....I was sad because Dave had looked so forward to going to the MSMS Spirit Assembly. I just wish that he could have a fun day and not have to worry about health issues.
We head to KC on Sunday. Monte Schreiner is going to drive us up there......Monte's brother-in-law is going to a Chiefs game and will bring Monte back after the game. Again, how do I ever thank everyone for the kindness and friendship that we have received during all of this.....We have heard from every school in the district....the money, gift cards, love and support make me cry....I have tried to keep up on thank you notes, but I am afraid that I haven't gotten to everyone. We are so greatful and so overwhelmed. Drew Bonner and Kristian Jacobson came over yesterday with a check from the high school "Charity Hat Day". Drew told me that the only thanks he wanted was for Dave to "just get better".....it is that spirit of kindness that has gotten us through every day.....
I will continue to keep you posted as things progress......my love...thanks...and best wishes go out to each and every one of you........

This has been a great week. I have encouraged Dave to walk each day and sit on the deck for fresh air. He has gained 5 lbs. which is good .....sure wish I could get more on him before the next round of treatments. He has not felt very well today...hopefully tomorrow will be a good day. His sister Diane is coming over Wednesday to spend some time with him. It will give me a chance to do some things outside the house.....Monte Schreiner is going to drive us to KC on Sunday....We begin treatments again on Monday. I will keep you posted.

I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend. My mom and I went to Cayte and Matt's house on Wednesday night. It was their first Thanksgiving together in their home. Everything was wonderful!!
Dave continues to show improvement. He walks every day and sits on our on the deck in the fresh air....I just need to fatten him up a bit. Ed Frey made some ribs for us and BJ made cheesy potatoes.....they worked magic....they are the first foods that Dave has really eaten alot of....His back does not seem to hurt as bad as before. I am optimistic that the treatments are working .....We go back to KU Med on December 7th for more......it will be easier to return if he feels that they are helping. Keep him in your prayers...
I can't write tonight without thanking everyone again for the kindness that you have shown. We have heard from every school in the district....the cards, gifts, well wishes .....so overwhelming. What a blessing all of you are to us......THANK YOU.........

It is so good to be home. Dave rested well today and ate a little bit. Not as much as I would like but it is a step in the right direction. Cayte is cooking Thanksgiving tomorrow and my mom is coming from Pittsburg (KS) for a few days. Patty Ruzich brought the quilt that Rosie Wendell's mom made for Dave...what a complete act of love!! Schultz's came over tonight and we had a good time!! Thanks to all of you who have send the e-mails, blogs, it has really given us the boost that we need .....We send our thanks and wish all of you a great Thanksgiving ......Blessings from both of us.....

We got home at 5:30 this evening. It is so good to be here...showers and our bed...it is heaven. Dave is weak, the treatments really did take alot out of him. My goal is to fatten him up....hopefully with all of the good food during Thanksgiving it will get him started in the right direction. As always thanks so much for your support. Have a great Thanksgiving.......

It is 11:00 and we are in the WAITING mode.....getting a little tired of WAITING...we are to go home today. Just hope they get around to us so that I can drive while I am still rested rather than waiting till 4 or 5 this afternoon. It will be good to be home. I will continue to blog. We appreciate all of the support here and on Facebook......Dave looks good, they are pulling all but his port...it is good to be unwired....he looks forward to a hot shower and being home. I don't know if he will have restrictions as far as visitors....I will let you know......love to all...thanks for the support!!

It is Sunday at about 5:00....just got the red light...we won't go home today. Dave has had some irregular heart rythems and although they think it is a direct result of the IL2 treatments they just want to be sure. There were other counts that were off, but have now returned to normal on their own...ie..blood suger, liver and kidney counts. I had some real reservations about taking him home today....I really want to be able to take him home and stay home for awhile...no doctor...no emergency room....NO DRAMA........Guess we will see what tomorrow brings....Love to all......Fred...GO CHIEFS....wish I was home to see your flag........SOON.......

We were looking forward to going home today, but he had chest pain and swelling in his legs. I want him to be really stable before bringing him home......we will see what today brings.

After careful consideration the Dr. has decided that 13 is enough for Dave. His blood pressure and his heart rate were being really taxed and it was not worth further risk. They will do blood draws tomorrow AM and then hopefully we can go home between 9:30 and 12:00. At least that is the last word that we heard......we are both anxious to get home and get some sleep. I can't tell you how much courage it took for Dave to face the treatments each day knowing full well the after effects that he would have to go through. He is such an incredible person, I know that if anyone deserves to see positive results from this it is him. Thanks so much for your continued support!

Dave has gotten his 12th treatment and as of earlier today the drs think 14 is goal. We will both be glad to be home for awhile. I am up tonight...... our nurse is the typical do as little as possible night nurse ....I have to say he is the exception to the rule, but I am not in the mood....Chris and Janice (Dave's sister) stayed this afternoon so I got away for awhile. It has been beautiful here so I have been going to Melanie and Larry Bowman's in the afternoon for awhile to shower and just relax......their Lab is my "therapy dog"...she is so glad to see me...today we went for a walk...not sure how well she protects their house, but she is great at entertaining!!! Thanks for all of your thoughts...we are hopefully headed for Wichita soon.....

Dave received his 9th treatment this evening. The drs. are hoping that he can tolerate 10 to 14. It just depends on how much his body can take without being compromised. We have had an absolutely wonderful nurse the last 2 nights....he is very proactive with the meds...making Dave as comfortableas possible (and sometimes sedated) thru the worst of the side effects. He is also good about explaining everything to me. Dave and I will go thru all of the blog and facebook posts from today later tonight...everyone here at the hospital on our floor inquires as to the ## of facebook and bloggers....they are so impressed with the support.........I ran into Chelsea Pleming in the elevator yesterday. She is in her last year of residency......Alex Westerman is a nurse here in ICU....it is a small world.....blessings to all......couldn't do it without you!!!!

Dave continues to take treatments every 8 hours. He now is in a predictible cycle when it comes to side effects. It is so hard to watch him, but he does not complain. He has had 8 treatments and they are waiting for bloodwork to determine how many more he can take. He has an awesome night nurse that is really proactive with the nasty shakes and chills that go along with the Interleukin.....he has him sedated ....much better to sleep thru it all. LeeAnn (Schultz) as well as Chris stayed with him last night. A friend of mine lives not 3 miles from here so I spent the night with her. I feel so much more rested today.....It is great to here from all of you. The Facebook is great too....we sit at night( 1 or 2 in the morning usually,) with the computer on the bed and look at all of the names and the well wishes. I just have to say this again....YOU ARE how we stay strong!! Blessings...

This morning started out on a positive note. He felt fairly good and we walked around in the hall. He did eat a little food....as the day has progressed things have gotten more difficult. He is running a fever and is chilling. I know that he has to go thru this, but it is hard to watch. He does seem to have a little relief from his back pain so maybe the meds are starting work. I hope so....

It is late and we are here in ICU, Dave is resting comfortably. He received his first treatment at 6:00 and will receive treatments every 8 hours for 6 days. The staff here is very helpful and friendly. They are letting me stay and I am so glad of that. I know that Dave has to be a bit scared and so was I...I can't imagine him being here by himself the first night. He scrolled thru the Facebook list tonight and was really blown away at the names as well as the number of people on the list. Keep those good thoughts coming....we are so greatful to each and every one of you.....Hopefully tomorrow will be a god day as well.

We are in KC, and Dave is resting well. The room is beautiful (thank you Lee).....the lights from the city really look beautiful. Dolores and Kent led us all the way and helped us unpack and get settled in....how can we say thanks enough times?? I am seriously sleep deprived so it was great to follow Kent and not have to be stressed out.....Our appt is at 10:45 in the morning. They will do blood draws and then I hope he is admitted and treatments begin....so tired of the waiting.......

We are off today. Kent and Dolores Brown are going to lead us to KC....We are fortunate to have friends and family there that will make our stay comfortable and give us the support that we are in need of. Thanks to my "worker bees" yesterday!! You were so great to complete my "to do list" and it was so good to have the noise and activity going on both inside and outside of the house. We miss not being able to do those fun and silly kinds of things, but that is ONLY TEMPORARY.......Love to all........keep those good thoughts coming......

Friday 11/13

This is my first blog post.....Dave is at home resting. His "port" is in and we are anxious to take it to the next step. We are a go for KU Med Center on Monday. They will do bloodwork and then hopefully ............the sooner the better.

Welcome

Hi everyone! I will be using this to keep you all posted on our progress! Thank you for being here and encouraging us always! The Pettay's