Scott's Update

Hi all! Just thought I would give a quick Tuesday update:

Right now my Dad is at Burger King enjoying a milkshake! He told me he feels much better today, so he decided to run a few errands in town.

I am sure he or my mom will post later with more news!

:)

Hi Everybody,

Thanks Claire for warming up the crowd for me, while I lollie gagged around at BK.

January is all but a dream know, I remember when some Januarys and Youth Basketball were the agony and the ecstacy, all rolled up into one huge ball of nerves, thank for the memories lets keep them that way.

I'm still working on the right combinatiion of pills to let me sleep through the night, not quite there yet, I still can't focus on one task at hand.

So as far as seeing people, I will have to let you know, I want to you get the full effect of a visit so I better let you know when I'm up to it.

Movie Time Revue!

The Terminal - Tom Hanks - Is there any show that his man can't make a hit? - YES
Collateral - Ton Cruise - I don't remember him playing a part like this before, I'm all for it, could have went on longer! - YES

Reading you all loud and clear.

Love,
Scott

Hi everyone: Busy day today...I was at work and Scott called at 9:20 and said that Dr. Lee's office had called and wanted us up at Radiology for an 11a.m. appt. if we could make it (yes...we will be there) - they wanted to set-up the "map" again, they needed to make some changes to the "target" areas. Scott quickly got ready, and I picked him up and off we went, it was a beautiful Spring day here in RF, sunny and warm, a nice day for a drive actually. We got there by about 10:50, but waited until 11:30 - the Doctors were still trying to figure a few things out I guess, but by 12:30 or so we were ready to head back for home.

Kelsey thanks for lunch!!! We used your gift certificates today at Arby's :-) Back in RF about 2 p.m. Scott said it made the day pass quickly, the waiting for treatment is wearing on us all, Scott's ready to roll!!!

Thanks again for all the cards, and good wishes we are receiving daily, by mail, e-mail, blog, @ work, by phone - Scott, Claire, Ben, Jen and myself appreciate it soooooooooo much!!!

Roxie

Hi Everyone,

I fixed my hot water faucet today in the downstairs bathroom, so far no flood but I'm watching it, my railroad degree didn't quite cover this area. Roxie is taking tomorrow off for our dry run at the U @2:00 pm and another blood test.

If we don't see you physically, I feel you all spiritually. We will get together later when I'm done with this cancer.

Write when you can and thank you for the cards and gifts along the way, they are all special to us.

Love you all,
Scott

Hi out there :-)

Today we have the final set-up appt. for radiation treatment. This will be a actual run though of the treatment, just without the actual radiation this time. I believe the time spent receiving the radiation is a minute or so, the set-up takes more time.

We may stop at the RR today, Scott has some papers to deliver to Bob. Scott is looking forward to the day he is back, he misses all you railroaders and the B.S.

Claire is coming along with us today, after the appointment at the U, we are heading to Jordan to have dinner and a visit with Ben & Jen (and Toby) too.

Not much planned for the weekend, I just am planning to keep Scott busy, too much time to think sometimes is a bad thing. He has cleaned or reorganized most closets and drawers in the house, but I can come up with another job or two!

Everyone have a great weekend!!

Love - Roxane

At our appointment today the radiologist (Brent) told us he wants to change our appointment times, so at this point we are not to sure what our schedule will be after Monday, he wants to see us @ 1p.m. everyday.

The good news is that they feel they have the radiation "map" set-up correctly, though they check it weekly to make sure they don't need to make changes. We have a great guy working with Scott, a BIG kind of burley looking teddy bear type, his name is Tony and we especially like him, and go figure, he's a Vikings fan!!? Guess we should not have told him we liked the Pack ;-)

I'll let you know the changes as we do.

Roxane

Hi Everybody,
Roxie and Claire took me on a little shopping trip, just a little "get me out of the house" trip. As for going to see everyone, we decided to put it off until we see how the first week or so goes. The more information we have the better it will be related to you all, so if you would all just hold off on any visists, we will use this site as our sounding board.

Personally, I'm afraid of the unknown, but I'm ready to face it with my troops right behind me, and I expect everyday to be a little more positive than the last.

Scott

Hi everyone! As you all know, my Dad is starting his treatment today. For the next six weeks they will be traveling from River Falls to U of M Fairview Hospital, daily. Wish him luck, patience, and keep all of the good thoughts and prayers coming his way. Also, wish my mom patience too, as she will be the driver (nobody likes driving into Minneapolis on a weekday morning...right commuters?), and my dad's wonderful nurse!

Everyone have a wonderful day. Today is a good day, and with everyday following we will get one step closer to cancer-free.

Love to you all!

Claire

Hi all -

We got home about 4:15 today, that included a stop @ Culver's for lunch/dinner. He ate it all up-plus a chocolate malt, we have to keep the calories up, I hope I'm not the only one gaining weight though!!

The treatment went well, we got a couple new meds for the expected nausea that could follow for 2-3 days. We also got our schedule set up, now we have mostly a.m. appointments, I should be @ the office by noon Tuesday-Friday, provided Scott is not too ill from the chemo on Mondays.

He had his "port" put to good use, he gets a chemo medication 24/7 through that, he just carrys around the rubber ball like object (they call it a grenade) with the medication in it, that drug is refilled each Monday after the other meds/liquids are run in him through the same "port" in his chest.

We were done with the chemo about 12:15, (go figure we got there 50 minutes early this a.m. also). Roads were dry and clear, and traffic was good and steady. We then went to radiation had a short wait and appointment, then back to the clinic around 1:15, re-set the schedule and waited to see the Nurse regarding some trouble Scott was having with his ears, turns out they are good though.

So.........day one in, hope they all go this well for Scott.

Early to bed tonight I am sure.

Roxie

Scott put in a rough night last night, the pain was very overwhelming for him, he just couldn't get ahead of it, and so sleep was short.

We had an appointment for radiation @ 9:45 this a.m and got to talk with our RN, Judy, she recommended an increase of pain meds for Scott, and we will begin that this afternoon.

The radiation went well, we will check with radiation tomorrow to see if this increased pain is perhaps related to the treatments of the tumor.

Scott is hanging in there though, so don' worry, he's sleeping in this recliner right now.

Appointments tomorrow @ 8 and 9:45.

Thanks for all your thoughts and well wishes.

Roxane

Hello - Scott had a good night last night - slept all night no problems. Off to the hospital this a.m., a lot more traffic at 7:30, but not too bad, easy drive back to RF.

He just got a shot today for chemo, and a short appt. w/ Dr. Lee regarding radiation treatment side effects, she has us more than a little leary, but she assured us that they would keep a good eye on Scott for anything they can detect early before he has a problem. Scott also asked his radiologist (Brent) if they check from time to time the tumor size or status of things, he said basically we do the 6 weeks of treatment and evaluation is done after, he also said, how Scott feels tells them a lot regarding treatment effectiveness.

Scott is now doing his household chores, and I'm getting ready to head to work for the afternoon. I will try to get Scott to "blog" his movie reviews later this afternoon.

Back to the U @ 9:45 tomorrow, radiation only.

Roxane

Hi Everyone,

When I touch these keys I fall asleep, Here's the short but sweet reviews,

October Sky, Good story line, fun to watch, over before you want it to be. YES

Shrek II, You should always feel that the Ogre should win. YES

When Harry Met Sally, The girls said it was "Great", I kinda nodded off and on. YES

There are people who get paid for this. I'll stick to railroading,

See Ya!
Scott

Hi Everybody,
Not much going on today, radiation at 9:45 am, home by 11:00 am. Rox went in to work for the day, I'm starting the railroad puzzle, wish me luck, I'll need it.
Love you all,
Scott

Hello everyone - Scott has completed week one without many problems. He is feeling a little nausea now, but the car ride home does that a little bit, no...not because of my driving :-)

A beautiful sunny day here in RF, expected highs in the 40's.

We don't have much planned this weekend, laying low I think.

Have a good weekend everyone, thanks for all your thoughts and prayers, & cards.

Scott & Roxie

Good Morning everyone -

Saturday was a quite day for us, we went out for a short walk and went downtown for lunch @the South Fork, they have a hot roast beef and mashed potatoes sandwich on the menu everyday...Scott loves that. Then we did a little shopping in Hudson. It got up to 53 degrees here yesterday!! But that is going to change Florida people, so bring your warm duds when you make the trip next weekend.

Ben and Jen are heading this way today for a visit, we will see Claire later also, she is in Eau Claire this weekend visiting her favorite policeman ;-)

I sure hope all you out there have done your Valentines shopping, back at the U on Monday for a long day, it was nice to take the break for the weekend though.

All our love

Roxane & Scott

SNOWY!

Whoa...we woke up to about 3-4 inches of snow here in RF. I guess Winter is still around!

Mom and Dad are on their way to Fairview, and will be there most of the day as Monday is the LONG day.

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Hopefully you will hear from Mom or Dad by the end of the day!


Love to all, and a Happy Valentine's Day!

Claire

Well after a looooooooong drive to the U this a.m. - we left RF late (7am) due to snow in the driveway, and then hit a BIG back-up of traffic...we knew we were in trouble when we were already at a crawl near the Woodbury exit, but finally we made it to the clinic, I dropped Scott at the front door of the Masonic Clinic at 8:50 a.m. - only 50 minutes late.

His blood counts were good (down from last week though) for treatment , the drugs will lower all his counts, they expect this. His weight is also down though...that is not so good, his radiation Dr. gave him a talking to though, she said now that food IS medicine, and sometimes medicine does not taste good, so he better eat, even if it tastes like cardboard, so again.....he has to eat, eat, eat, high calories...anything goes...so we stopped at Culver's cheeseburger and malt, he even liked it :-)

Tomorrow our radiation appt. is at 10:30...let's hope for a good restful night tonight, good roads tomorrow, and we'll do it all again!!

Happy Valentine's Day.

All our love... Roxane & Scott

Hi all!

Dad's appointments start at 10:30 today giving them a little morning break, and a much easier drive.

The comments are great! Keep him laughing, it helps more than you all know.

Bye for now...

Claire ;)

Hi Everyone,
Just got back from radiation, quick trip, no thrills. My back kept me up last night and is still working me over pretty good. Hope you are all well, thanks again for all your good thoughts. Talk to you later.
Love Scott

Hi all - We made the visit again today, chemo first...just the shot, radiation treatment and a short nurse's visit. We did get to meet with our favorite RN Judy, we had several questions, and she had all the answers for us again. We got a couple new prescriptions and off we head back to RF.

Scott had a better night last night, but still needs more rest to catch up from the Monday treatment, Judy told us most Monday nights & Tuesdays will be rough spots, doesn't seem that Wednesday will be too great either ;-) The nausea has set in a bit, but we got new meds to treat that, we just need to figure out our timing of "break through" doses.

I left him @ home to take a nap, and off to work for me for a few hours, work is going fine for me, the bank has been VERY understanding of our schedule and needs at this time.

Half way through week two....

Roxane

Hi everyone - late posting today, sorry.

Scott is getting along ok, one more visit tomorrow and week two will be history.

He is really trying to get more food down, it is hard for me to understand that he just does not want to eat, he never had a problem with it before for sure, but he also knows that food is his medicine right now and he usually follows his nurses orders ;-)

My brother(Rod) and his girls (Tanya & Krista) arrrived from Tampa today to spend the weekend in RF, they did not bring the warm weather with them though. They are staying with my sister Linda, we got to visit with them tonight for a while. Scott is really not a social guy right now, too many worries, and not feeling up to par, but he knows that everyone is in his corner and he appreciates that so much.

Thanks for all the emails & cards, they really brighten his day.

Roxane

Looks like Dad is staying for a bit longer at his radiation appt. today. He is getting an extra dose of fluids since his levels were a little low. This isn't bad news, in fact, it will probably make him feel better. ;)

I know you all know this, but my Dad appreciates everything he sees, and hears, from every single one of you. Thanks!

Hi all - we got home today about 2, Scott had a rough day. I was hoping the additional fluids would perk him up, but he has been sleeping off and on since he settled in the recliner after lunch. He needs the sleep though, the drug he got today from chemo is one that can make you sleepy, and a little "sicky".

Looking forward to a relaxing weekend, Ben & Jen are heading this way tomorrow, and we will celebrate Claire's 24th birthday this weekend. My sister Linda is having us all over for dinner tomorrow night since we have the Florida Krause's in town, I am hoping Scott is up to visit with everyone there, but his rest, comfort and eating are the highest priority for us right now.

So....bring it on week 3, so far we are going along according to "plan" per Scott's RN Judy. We are seeing such professional and caring people, they are all working so hard to make this all as comfortable as possible for him.. it makes me tear up.

Roxane

Hi Everyone,
Feeling good today, I found a new drink Gatorade, orange, seems to keep me liquid.

Dirt I will tell Harley you miss him.
Good to hear from Mike, Sue, John,
and Jon, Shannon, The Mighty Quinn,
and Gene and Jackie,
and Jerry and Bonnie.
Sue thanks for your note, and the one from Mom, your great for doing that.
Happy birthday Juanita and many more, and a special Happy Birthday tomorrow to my "little girl" Claire.

Movie Revue - Bourne Supremecy - They just won't leave him alone - good action - YES
Harry Potter - The Prisoner of Azkaban - fell asleep - try again later.

Sully thanks for taking on the GEL Claims, good luck. Bob thanks for changing around my vacation

All cards, E-mails, Blogs, are welcomed, thanks for your support.

Love, Scott

Hi all - We are having a great day today. Scott is doing well, helping out around the house with daily chores.

We had Claire's Birthday Breakfast this a.m., Ben and Jen stayed here last night so we could all be together to celebrate her 24th!! After the Krause bowlarama - Claire had Rod and Linda, her brother and Jen and cousin's out on the town last night, showing them the sights and good cheer that RF has to offer.

We had a nice visit with the Floridian's, they got some cold weather, and snow this a.m. plus a messy slippery drive in to the airport around noon today, Rod got to revisit his WI winter driving skills. They should be on their way via NWA back to sunny Tampa as I type this.

We are going to watch Harry Potter now, Scott will try to stay awake so he can give a review later. He did not watch "The Notebook" with me Friday night...so my review is good, a few tears, if you want to cry...rent this.

Take care...all ready for Monday.

Roxane & Scott

Hi all!

My Mom asked me to blog this morning since they are going to be busy all day!

Everything seems to be going just fine over at Fairview today.

Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers, I believe they are working!

Love to all...

Claire

p.s. I made some cheesy potatoes this weekend, and my Dad ate a lot of them! Maybe it was the bag and a half of cheese, or the almost 2 lbs. of sour cream...either way...he was happy!

Hi all - home already!!! No snow today to slow us down, so we were early and got started right away!!

Radiation was ready for us too. Dr. Lee was happy with Scott's weight gain of 4 lbs.??? We think all the fluids they had just given him at chemo helped that number along, she wanted to check his pockets for lead weights, it sure made her smile.

Everything else was good also, blood counts etc., Scott even said when we got home...knock on wood, I feel good :-)

So he is having a snack right now and will probably both take a little nap.

Scott will start having extra fluids each day now, and our appointments will all start @ 8:30. The extra fluids helps relieve the nausea side effect from both the chemo and radiation treatments.

A Ok Monday...three more to go!!

Roxane

Hi all - I found a computer I can use while we are at the clinic!!

Scott had a pretty good night last night. If you compare it to the other Monday's it was almost great...just a lot of waking up he said.

He is not doing so well today though, he has a lot of nausea, and is also very tired. I'm sure it is due to the treatment yesterday. They are giving him fluids and meds as I type; I am thinking we will be here another 3/4 hour or so. Radiation is already done for the day. We have been expecting these kind of days, and according to the nurse's, this is very typical.

When I take him home and settle him down, perhaps I will go to work for the afternoon, but I will see how the ride home goes.

Thanks for all your thoughts and comments.

Roxane

Hi all - just got home from the U. Scott had a pretty good night last night...in fact a landmark event happened...he slept flat on the bed in a normal sleeping position comfortably for about 4 hours, it has been about two months since he could lay flat for even 5 minutes.

He is still having trouble with nausea and tired feelings, but is doing "great" according to Lynn, RN for radiology, she said they are causing him his problems. His weight did drop back down but he has held on to at least one pound of the gain.

I will be heading to the office this p.m. - I'm thinking Scott will nap.

Take Care

Roxane

Hi all - we had a longer day today @ the clinic, Scott is having trouble keeping things down, so they gave him another "bag" of fluids and meds to help with the nausea, we have to "get ahead" of it. So far a little snack and pills are "holding"

He is resting a lot also, he needs it right now. We did see Dr. Greeno today...first time in about 3 weeks...he said we are doing fine, just work on the nausea control. Scott told Dr. Greeno he was worried about his weight going down because of his not being able to keep things down, and he sees Dr. Lee tomorrow. I told Dr. Greeno, that Scott was afraid of her...he laughed and said most people are :-)

Ben tells me that we have over 5000 "hits" to this web blog...and you can "goggle" Scott's name and his page will be listed under the first web site offered.

Keep on bloggin'

Rox

Hi everyone -

Week three.........DONE. As this is titled Week 3 was all of the above and more.

Scott slept well last night, even though we was still quite queasy when he went to bed. The a.m. started out slow, but after we arrived at the clinic and they got more fluids going into Scott - (a 2 bag day) "tank him up" for the weekend according to Judy, RN. He was feeling better as we left, and eating snacks and drinking his meal replacements well, 3 bottles by noon today.

Scott's weight was down 5.4 lbs. from Wednesday, that sure got everyone's attention...but we told them we were sure that once Scott gets ahead of the nausea, his eating will pick back up, he really trys to eat. So....since he was feeling better when we left the clinic @ 1:30 we stopped at Culver's on the way home to celebrate getting thorough the week. Scott was unsure, but tried the chicken strips and a few fries, went down good he said, of coarse a chocolate shake on the side. All is "holding" well I am happy to report.

Planning on a quite weekend. We will celebrate another birthday though...

Happy 26th Birthday Ben on the 26th!!! Your golden year!!

Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers you are sending our way, we appreciate it all so much.

Roxane & Scott

Hi Everybody,

We'll have a weekend off, and the start on Week # 4 Monday.

I'm on the downhill side of the mountain, stolling down day for day.

My weight and stomach are the issues for now, Roxie and I are working on them daily.

Movie Revue - Friday Night Lights, excellent sports show.

Billy Bob is really an actor, to go from bad Santa to a high school football coach.

See it for sure, rent it , buy it, you won't regret it - YES.

Happy Birthday Ben, we love you.

Have a great week end everyone.

Love to you all,

Scott

Good Morning Everyone -

A snowy morning in RF, I would guess we got a couple more inches of the white stuff, 34 degrees out. The driveway is already cleaned off...Thanks Mark!! What great neighbors we have!!

Scott had a good day yesterday, a couple visitors,a few phone calls, and he was outside for a little while to push a little snow around and chop some ice off the driveway, while I ran to the grocery store. I had him eating frequently and everything stayed in place ;-)

He also had a good night, and is still sleeping as I type, so I am expecting a well rested guy when he awakes, we can't help but think about Monday again, but hoping for a good week, and staying ahead of the treatment effects.

Roxane

Hi all - home again, another Monday done.

It was a pretty good day, Scott was feeling ok this a.m. and ready to go. Visited with Dr Greeno's NP Tanya, she said things were going really well and to keep up the good work that we are doing, we seen Judy our Clinical Study RN, and Laura , our infusion RN, they are all such great people, I hope no one reading this ever gets to meet them...at the clinic anyway. Dr. Lee gave us the A OK, Scott's weight was back up to only a pound less then last Monday, but she said we were not fooling her with just getting all the fluids upstairs, but she was happy with his progress so far.

Let's hope for a good Monday evening/Tuesday, back for radiation and fluids tomorrow, we will get started around 9 tomorrow, we asked to get pushed back a bit due to traffic, and maybe getting a little more sleep in the a.m. Scott is tired right now, but the chemo and radiation does that when he gets them both in the same day.

So we are off to a good start this week, only two more Mondays to go, last treatment day is scheduled for March 16th so if Scott stays healthy, physically able, and all the test numbers stay "good" we will continue straight through, without a rest week, (which I guess is not uncommon) here's hoping!!

Roxane