Old Friends

Three of Craig's buddies from his growing up days on Dearborn St. came into town last weekend (May 22-23). Ryan Conlon, Glen Williams and Kelly Murdock plus Craig's brother Dave and his wife Marie all stopped by for burgers and some chatting about old times. It was fun for the boys to remember the good old days of homemade bombs, wild girls and secret clubs. Here's a picture of the group before we sent them home after midnight. Thanks to the boys for getting together to reminisce...it meant a lot to Craig.

Dr. Visits

On Tuesday, May 26, we had 2 doctor appointments. One with the intervention radiologist (IR), Dr. Burdett and one with the GI oncologist, Dr. Jones. Dr. Burdett will be the doctor overseeing the chemoembolization which is the chemotherapy directed at the liver through the hepatic artery. She explained that a small portion of the liver would be "embolized" which would target the tumors in the liver in that area through their blood vessels and hopefully preserve the other portion of the liver to maintain liver function. Then after Craig recovers from that session, about 4 weeks later they would go in and do it to another portion of the liver. This is really the only treatment available for his type of cancer. We hope to have this scheduled next week so he'll have about two weeks to recover before we go to California for a much-awaited beach vacation.

We then met with Dr. Jones who assessed Craig's current health and how the octreotide is working. Craig relayed his current symptoms which include flushing of the face and neck and hypoglycemia (low sugar 2-3 times/day) and slightly less diarrhea. Dr. Jones decided that the drug is not doing what it should and told him to stop the injections. Craig will see how he feels without the drug as the research is not conclusive as to whether this drug will help with his extensive tumor load in the liver. So now he's back to where he began and not feeling great with a recent cold. We'll see how his body reacts now that he's not taking the shots.

After the appointment Dr. Jones wanted more blood drawn so we stopped by the lab. They drew blood and he felt pretty low suger at the time. When we got home Dr. Jones called to say his blood sugar level was 34! Normal is 100. Very low...he needs to eat and drink every 2-3 hours to keep it up. The tumor must be producing insulin they think...but no one really knows exactly what is going on. Dr. Jones said the cancer is a low grade, neuroendocrine tumor but not the islet cell, more like a carcinoid. It is all becoming very obvious that they are making the best "educated" guess but no one is positive exactly what type of cancer has invaded Craig's body.

26 years

On May 21 we celebrated our 26th anniversary by staying at The Inn at Snowbird. It was a very romantic night...fireplace, cinnamon bears and a hot tub. What more could you want?

Family Photo

Thanks to our photographer, Heather George, we have a new photo heading for our blog. Cute Heather sent this to me today with our names all on it to add to the top of the blog. This is one of our favorite photos from the photo shoot two weeks ago. She captured some great images of our family which we are so thankful for. Thanks Heather!

Friends

It's amazing how nice being with friends...whether talking in person, talking on the phone, texting, emailing, blog comments, snail mail, whatever...totally makes your day! We can be feeling pretty down and out but just having someone stop by to say "hi", makes our day. One little action can turn it around to be a lot better day than we were previously thinking. We just want everyone out there to know how you all help us get through each day. It would be a sad and lonely day without friends. We are "so seriously blessed". (Check out the blog by that name for some laughs!)

Craig has had calls from friends from the past and present, cousins, aunts and uncles and everyone in-between that he loves hearing from and gets a boost from each one. It means a lot to both of us and to our kids. Even Scout is appreciating the extra walks with his dog friends (pictured here smiling with Homie). You all have truly lifted our spirits. Thanks. I hope we can return the favor to everyone whether you're in need or not. Craig says how important a smile is and how it can really make someone's day. I totally believe in that. Keep smiling!

Black cloud

Craig and I went to a wedding reception tonight of the daughter of a cute girl that lived in the basement apartment of our house in Sugarhouse many years ago. We haven't seen them in years and have only kept in touch mainly by Christmas cards. They were excited to see us and us them. When she asked what was going on with us, the first thing I thought of is of course the cancer. But Craig and I had decided before we went to the reception that we wouldn't talk about it at this happy event. It's hard to not talk about it when it's the first thing always on our minds. As we walked out Craig said, "it's like a black cloud that follows us around". So true, I can't imagine that when we're at Home Depot picking out plants or at Zupas eating soup tonight, that everyone else isn't thinking about cancer too.

I've been giving the octreotide shots to Craig again since Tues. night. On Wed. I left for a lunch downtown before Craig got his shot so he had to administer it himself for the first time. He hates shots...but who doesn't? He's trying just 2 shots a day for the first 4-5 days to help his body get used to them again. He really feels the affects of the shots some days and other days he seems to tolerate it better. Today hasn't been the best of days, his stomach hasn't felt great, he's bloated and he is tired. I'm not much better with a bad cold myself. He can't get my cold...he does not need that!

Craig has an appointment with Dr. Burdett, an intervention radiologist, on May 27th. This is the doctor that will administer the chemo through the liver-directed therapy or chemoembolization. It's still frustrating that treatment isn't moving along at a very fast pace. Dr. Jones says that this is a slow growing cancer and it isn't necessary to rush into treatment. Maybe not for her...

The treatment plan

Now for what we've all been waiting for...the treatment plan! Craig and I showed up to Dr. Jones' office today and she quickly revealed the plan for treatment. Craig has pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and it is most likely islet cell tumors which is rather rare. Dr. Jones has seen about 10 cases of this type of cancer. Most pancreatic cancers are adenopancreatic.

The liver is extensively involved or a "significant tumor burden". For now, he will go back on the octreotide injections 3X day to hopefully slow the growth of the tumors in the liver. If he tolerates that ok, then he'll receive monthly injections. The tumor on the pancreas is where the cancer originated but the concern now is more with the liver and the need for the liver to function properly. Amazingly his liver is working fine right now so we're thankful for that. The doctor also plans to have Craig see an interventional radiologist, Dr. Carlisle, who will perform liver-directed therapy or chemoembolization to hit the liver with chemo directly through the hepatic artery. This is a procedure that will occur about once a month with an overnight stay in the hospital. They will infuse the liver with chemo to hopefully stunt the growth of the cancer in the liver. Dr. Jones says this is a slow growing cancer and we will do whatever we can do to slow it down even more. We are finding that dealing with this cancer is an ever changing thing and not for the impatient (that would be me!). We think we have a solid idea of what cancer Craig has but the treatment is far from an exact science. It may change in a week or a month. The treatment all depends on how Craig tolerates it and how the cancer reacts to it.

We are thankful for all the amazing medical inventions that exist to aid us with his treatment. Thanks to my dear brother, Craig Harmon, for his love and concern throughout this process. His knowledge and willingness to consult with Dr. Jones on Craig's treatment is calming and helpful to us to know we are receiving the best care available. Thanks to everyone else for prayers, thoughts and positive energy you are sending our way.

The "Good" Cancer

Today, yes a day earlier than expected, we heard from Dr. Jones about the liver biopsy. She said they have confirmed that this is low grade neuroendocrine tumor which is the "good" pancreatic cancer! It did begin in the pancreas and metastasized to the liver. It's amazing that we'd be happy about this but this is the rarer form of pancreatic cancer that has proven to be more treatable (not curable). There is a lot of research being done in this area and they will try some new treatments that are just in the trial phase right now. She was very positive and said we would meet tomorrow to discuss the treatment plan. She said she will take Craig's case to the "liver board" tomorrow morning and receive input from other doctors regarding his treatment. Thanks for everyone's prayers and positive thoughts. I think they're working!!

Mr. Red Face

Craig's face went red yesterday, not from embarassment (Craig get embarassed, come on!) but from possibly penetrating the liver during the biopsy. It's still red today as you can see in the picture. He looks sunburned. The doctor didn't seem concerned so we're going with the new look (it does look better than last Sunday's picture, don't you think?). He's feeling ok today...he hasn't taken any drugs hoping to get his system to settle down. Last night was brutal for him. Every new drug he takes seems to cause a new problem and most likely it's more diarrhea (I know you wanted to read that but it's the truth!) Thanks to everyone who calls, replies to the blog, sends emails, stops by, leaves large sums of cash in unmarked envelopes. We really appreciate the love and concern.

The liver biopsy

The liver biopsy is done. They told us to go to the U Hospital at 8:45 am. We parked, made our way through the construction and down the dreary halls of the hospital and were sitting in radiology for 1/2 hour waiting...then they said we should be at Huntsman. We were happy to leave the U and head up to Huntsman. The difference is amazing and it does so much to lift your spirits being in a beautiful place that's not under construction and doesn't really look like a hospital at all. So "thank you Jon Huntsman"! At Huntsman they got us right in and did an ultrasound to look at Craig's liver to see if they could see the tumors, if they couldn't, then we wouldn't be able to have the biopsy. But the tumors were visible and they proceeded with the biopsy. Craig was slightly sedated and the skin and area of his liver was sedated also. The ultrasound wand was placed on his right side until they found the exact spot where they wanted to biopsy. A little "needle holder" was attached to the wand and the doctor slid the very long needle through that and into Craig's liver. Craig had to hold his breath so his liver wouldn't move. I could see the needle appear on the screen as they entered the liver. Then the needle has a little grabber hook that comes out and snags a snippet of his liver and withdraws it back into the needle and they pull out the needle and deposit the sample in a little cup. They did that five times and took different samples from two of the tumors they could see on the right side. Craig didn't feel much and what he did feel was just a little pressure luckily. He conversed and said a few funny things while they were doing the procedure. He was taken into recovery where he slept for 1.5 hours and I played games on my iTouch! I had great intentions of catching up my journal but my brain just wanted to zone out for awhile. We went to lunch at The Point after he woke up and he did pretty well. He felt ok and was able to walk and talk just fine. We met with Dr. Jones after and she made a change on the drug he was taking since it's not giving the result they want. Now he'll be taking a pancreas enzyme to replace what the pancreas isn't producing. We'll see if that helps him get his system slowed down. The results from the biopsy won't be ready until next Tuesday. That's the day we'll find out the course of treatment. Craig is a trooper and still smiles and is already being referred to as the "nice guy" by the staff at Huntsman who have just met him. That's my Craiger!

Waiting and waiting

I'm feeling frustrated...waiting for the biopsy tomorrow has been too many days. Then I know that we won't know anything yet so we'll wait more days for the results. I'm frustrated because Craig still has cancer and nothing is being done yet to stop it. OK, I know he's getting the octreotide shots 3X a day, but they've only made his symptoms worse. He's just not feeling that great. I need to be more patient but I'm not good at that. I want help for him now and I want someone to make the cancer go away!

On the good news of the day...we had family pictures taken this afternoon at Wheeler Farm by Heather George, expert photographer. She took about 500 pictures...so something should turn out ok. She took Chase's senior pictures and then the family, the kids and Craig, me and Craig. It was bittersweet. When she told Craig and I to look at each other, I started crying. The reality of the situation and why we were taking the pictures became very real.

Pray for us tomorrow!! Thanks for everyone's love and concern. Craig says to keep smiling...that's what we did for 2 hours today at Wheeler Farm!

The love fest

What amazing people we are surrounded by in our ward, our neighborhood and our families. We had an incredible day on Sunday. The Holladay 25th Ward (best ward by far in the church) held a fast for Craig and a special prayer at the conclusion of fast meeting. Bishop Scott Wilmarth, just one week on the job, conducted the meeting and created a very special spirit for all of us. We so appreciate the friends and family who came to the meeting and who participated in the service by bearing their testimonies. How we could ever be worthy to be thought about like this is hard to imagine. All we can say is that it was a major love fest all day which fed us spiritually, mentally and physically. It has taken us through the night and into today with the positive energy flowing around our house. Thanks to Craig's brother Scott for organizing the food for all the families. We love you Scott! Thanks to everyone for taking the time to be with us and for bringing tasty food. We really can't think of any people we'd rather be with. We love you all so very much!
Craig has had a fairly good day on Monday. The shots are still making him a little nauseous for about an hour but he toughs his way through it. He's more tired now and we're not sure if that is because of the drugs or that he's listening more to his body and knows it needs more rest. I know I'm experiencing the "tireds" each afternoon, thank heaven for The Store, crunchy ice and diet Coke with a fresh lemon or lime!

Craig's sister Lisa is a diabetic and gave us "shot" lessons yesterday. I learned to stab him more like throwing a dart than sliding it in like sewing. Craig seems to appreciate the lesson and has been complimenting my shot giving all day! Thanks Lisa, we love you!

Chase had his final AP Government test today and will have his AP Calculus and AP English tests on Wed. and Thurs. He is great at staying focused on what needs to be done. He has a positive attitude and keeps the tears hidden (unlike his mother) in order to maintain his "Senior Dude" persona.

Maddie is also alive and finds this blogging thing ridiculous. Our lives are not that exciting. (Written by Maddie...I told her it's my blog and I can say what I want.) This is a picture of her with her cute cousins Lexi and Ellie.

Craig says keep smiling!! He really does have a great attitude and stays positive through it all. We are trying to wait patiently for the liver biopsy on Thursday and getting the results from that.

First Drugs

Friday was Craig's first day to receive a drug by injection to start helping the diarrhea and cancer. So far it has worked well...the diarrhea has increased! Ha Ha. He is supposed to have shots 3 times a day of octreotide for the next week to see how he tolerates it. Then it will be a monthly shot. I get to administer the shot in his love handles (they have come in handy!) The nurse yesterday commented that he didn't have much fat to shoot into. That made him happy. It is the first of many drugs he will receive.

We did get a chance earlier on Friday to go to Skyline's "SOW" (Skyline Officer Winners) assembly which Chase and a lot of neighborhood kids have been involved with. We've always appreciated the great friends our children have and it was good for Craig to see them. You could tell that they were concerned and showed their kindness and love for our children and us. Craig has really enjoyed being involved in their lives over the years.

This has been tough on Chase and Madison. They have been great given the difficulty of dealing with this. In the last couple of days we have seen some hope that their life will get back to some degree of normalcy.

Thanks for all your love and concern. Think happy thoughts and smile - it goes a long way!

Suzy and Craig

The lesser of two evils

We did get some good news from Huntsman Cancer doctor Kimberly Jones on Thursday. The type of pancreatic cancer Craig most likely has is neuroendocrine tumors which is better than adenopancreatic cancer which is what Randy Pausch "The Last Lecture" guy had. This is a newer type of pancreatic cancer and the research on it is progressing which might give Craig a little more time than first thought and that makes us very happy. Craig is feeling well with just a little discomfort in the abdomen and frequent bathroom breaks. Friday he will receive instructions on a diuretic shot we will administer 3 times a day to help with the diarrhea. Next week a biopsy of the liver, then chemo.

We feel so blessed to have so many people remembering us. Thank you to everyone for being there for us. Craig is such a sweet, humble guy and is really reticent to receive the attention. Please keep him in your prayers.