Lots of Prayers Needed for my Brother - Updated January 29th

Colyak Crocheter

I haven't been around today. My brother was flown to a hospital in Spokane last night.

He has a dark mass in his brain that they can't tell if it's a tumor or if something burst in there. They do know that there is blood in there and they will have to wait until the mass disipates so they can do another MRI. They can't see through it. He was paralyzed on the left side for a while. Today, I personally saw him move his legs, toes and arms.
It appears that the location of the mass is at the base of his brain stem into the spinal column. It's unoperable at this time.

They are keeping him drugged up to keep him calm and not aggitated. He's doing better now than last night. He's stable for now. Last night, he wasn't expected to make it 12 hours and he's still with us.

We decided to drive up there this morning which is a 2 1/2 hour drive. We got there at 5:30am. My mom and sister went with me.

Since my dad is not able to fully take care of himself, our boys went down there to stay with him. One of them stayed with him all day. It's hard for my mom to be away from him for that long.

We will probably be doing some day trips up there for a while. It could be 6 weeks before they can do another MRI on him, due to the blood mass.

I may have repeated some things in this, but I'm on no sleep since about 1:00am this morning or earlier. I'll fix it tomorrow when I'm actually able to think.

This Egg has been found, and counted

mythunderbird

oh jody darling of course will pray for your brother. how much more can your family take. lord i ask in your holy name to be with jodys brother while the doctors figure out what they can do for him i lift him up to you in the name of the father son and holy spirit be with him in his hour of need anoinnte him with your lovin care and heal your child lord jesus christ. keep him with you now and always and i ask lord jesus christ holy saviour i ask for complete healing in jesus name, lord i also ask that you be with jody and the rest of the family give them comfort and let them know you are here for them i ask this in the name of the father son and holy spirit praise be to god glory to you lord amen.

jody honey if i can do anything for ya let me know alright. i love you honey your crochet sister vicki

Monique39

Oh my goodness.. I am so sorry !! Take care of yourself.. Keep us posted..

jchllm

Oh Jodi, I am so sorry sweetie. I can't imagine what you are going through. I will be praying for you and your dear family.

If you need anything............

JazzRizz

Jody,
I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. I'll be keeping both him & your dad in my prayers. Along with the rest of your family.

Colyak Crocheter

Thanks Ladies!

This Egg has been found, and counted

I'm trying to look on the postive side and it's been really difficult. We are all in shock still over this.

All of your warm thoughts and prayers are such a comfort to me.

Miss Kitty

So sorry Jodi. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers..

Give the boys an extra hug for helping out..

Mom w/a Motif

How scary. I hope they can figure out what it is/fix it!! My thoughts are with you and your family.

Tina

Shelle

Hang in there Jodi - you've got lots of prayers & good thoughts coming your way. Be strong and take care of yourself so you don't get sick! Lots of love and hugs!!

I'm praying for Barry and your whole family several times a day.

indigoskye

CC:

Cyber hugs going your way and your brother's way; while silent prayer to Jehovah God on you and your family's behalf.

Agape,

me

This Egg has been found, and counted

Colyak Crocheter · An Update on my Brother

THANK YOU, EVERYONE!

I have good news on Barry. They took the breathing tube out this morning and he's doing really well. They did put another tube in to keep his throat open though, so he still can't talk and we don't know if he can. He can not move his left leg at all, but he can wiggle his big toe on command. So the paralisis may not be permanent.

My niece walked into the room this evening and he pointed for her to come by him. He made a tickle gesture and she started laughing. It had something to do with a game they have had since she was a baby. Tickle the tummy or something. This is wonderful!

On the bad side, he has pneumonia, but they took him off the pain meds for now. He's pretty agitated and wants to get the tubes out and go. It seems like he doesn't understand why he can't do that yet. There's still something not right with the brain, but each day may show improvement.

jchllm

That's great news Jodi. Every step in the right direction is a blessing!!

JazzRizz

I'm so glad he's showing signs of improvement. I'll continue to keep him in my prayers.

Miss Kitty

That's good news.. Will keep your family in our thought and prayers..

losingmymind2

Jodi, that is good news that your brother is making progress. In any type of brain injury, traumatic or a bleed on the brain; it seems like the patients make one step forward, two back and then three forward. I've been there, so if you need to talk, please email me, dear.

Kathy

This Egg has been found, and counted

Colyak Crocheter

Good News!
They removed the other breathing tube from my brother and he can talk! He can really speak to us now. It's wonderful! He knows who he is and where he is. They were going to see how his swallowing was today. So far, I've not heard if that has happened yet.

I was so happy when I read that on the website from my niece that I started crying at work. I'm just on cloud 9! I can't wait to see him on Sunday.

Things are definitely looking much better for him.

Kahud48

Hey Jodi, that sounds so good!

Still keeping him in my prayers youngin

Told you everything will be OK

Huggssss My Friend

Colyak Crocheter

We're heading to Spokane for the day to see my brother. We were hoping that he'd be out of ICU, but he'll be there for a few more days. They are worried about his blood pressure going up and causing another bleed in his brain.

He's very frustrated right now. He wants to get out of bed and walk and they also won't allow him to have water yet. His 'flapper' in his throat may not close and he would choke and the blood pressure would spike up.

He is talking and remembering lots of things. I'm crocheting all the way up and back, so I should get my orders almost done. That's 5 hours. We may even get to a yarn store to see what they have up there.

Later All!

Kahud48

That sounds good that he is alert and wanting to get out of bed,
that's always a good sign.

You all be careful on your trip there and I will continue to keep
all in my prayers

jchllm

That's great Jodi...keep us updated.

JazzRizz

That is so great to hear. I'll continue to keep him in my prayers.

Miss Kitty

Jodi I'm so glad he is doing better.
We will keep your familia in our thought and prayers..
Hugs ,>^..^<

mythunderbird

jodi that is wonderful news. i am so happy for you and your brother. continung to keep him and your family in my prayers god bless sweetheart

Colyak Crocheter

We went to Spokane to see Barry on Sunday. He's making great improvement since I saw him last Tuesday. It's amazing!
His day today was filled with miracles. He is able to eat REAL food! His first order was a turkey sandwich and lots other good stuff. This is will test his insides to make sure all is working properly now.

They moved him from the ICU this afternoon and into a regular room. This is a good and bad thing. He still wants to get out of bed, so he needs someone with him while he's awake.

He has a long road ahead, but it's looking much more positive than it did last week.

If any of you would like to read about him in more detail, you can go to:
www.caringbridge.org/visit/barry This is where the updates are being put. Of course, our Mom is on the 1st phone call list when anything happens, so she calls us and it goes on from there.

PhoenixTears62

Hi sweetie I am sorry to hear about things with your brother but am so relieved that he seems to be making great progress! He and your family are in my prayers.

Colyak Crocheter

Thanks so much to everyone for your warm thoughts and prayers!

If you have been reading his journal, he's making baby steps every day. He even called Mom on Wed. evening! He just asked for a phone and said he had to call his mom. She called me afterwards in tears, she was so happy to hear from him! How wonderful is that!

We're planning to go back up there on Sunday to see him. My nephew came over from the Seattle area for a couple of days this week to help out and give them some breaks so they could start getting back to work and sleep.

It's going to be a busy weekend for me too. One of my closest GF's is coming to town. Her daughter's family is moving back here this weekend. They've been living in Portland, OR for many years. Hopefully, she'll be moving back this year too. I can't wait to see them all on Saturday!

Kahud48

This is some great news Jodi, I am glad to see that your brother is continuing to improve and that he is doing it so much faster than was expected. Before you know it, he will be his oldself again

An old friend coming back, I know you are looking forward to that.
You will have fun getting all caught up with them, you must be excited to see her.

You so desreve to have some good days filled with joy

TX CrochetLover

Jodi, this is the first time I have been on since this happened, but I have been praying for your brother and all your family. Kathy told me about and I am so glad he is making improvements. The waiting is a hard thing, not knowing is also gutwrenching. Take care, keep us updated and know you are in our hearts.

Colyak Crocheter

We just got home from Spokane. It's becoming a Sunday drive to go see my brother. I feel a whole lot better about his ordeal than I did last week.

He's moving his left side leg, toes and fingers. The arm is still a little tough for him. On Wed. night, he was left alone for a few minutes. He had been sleeping and decided he was going to get up and to to the bathroom! He fell out of bed and yelled a big "OW" and everyone came running. His feeding tube got pulled out and my SIL thinks that he tweaked his back. He learned a huge lesson.

He is not obsessing as much as he was. They have been told that this is caused by the part of the brain that is affected. It has his thinking kind of messed up right now.

He's talking a lot and making jokes and eating very well! What a difference in a week. They can't move him to the rehab facility until he can sit on the edge of the bed and they get his water intake right. He's over watering himself and they have him on limited liquids for now.

We're so happy about his progress! Monday will be 2 weeks since this all happened. Once they take the other MRI in a couple of weeks, then we'll have a better idea of what can be done to fix or prevent it from happening again. They are thinking he may have a tumor in there. If he does, it may be in a place that is inoperable, but we're hoping for better news. For now, we just have to help him keep his spirits up and work on the rehab.

Thanks so much for all your thoughts and prayers! He's so grateful for everything that everyone is doing for him.

JazzRizz

I'm so glad to hear all this positive improvement he's making.

I'll continue to keep him in my thoughts and prayers.

Miss Kitty

Hopefully he'll be able to go to rehab soon..
We will keep you all in our thought and prayers.

Colyak Crocheter

It looks like he will have to go to an assisted living facility until he's strong enough for the rehab center. He has to be able to sit on the edge of the bed without help. He's just not there yet.

He did get to get up out of bed and sit in a chair on Monday! That's a big milestone for him. He also got to use the bathroom, which was his biggest highlight of the day.

This Egg has been found, and counted

He is making progress every day and we're thankful for that. He is able to carry on conversations and is remembering the chronological order of what has happened.

I think we'll be going up there on Saturday this week. Spokane is having their Bloomsday Run on Sunday. It's like the 3rd largest marathon in the country! It will be hard to get to the hospital on Sunday. Although, we expect him to be out of the hospital by the weekend unless he has a set back of some kind.

Thanks again to everyone for your thoughts and prayers! The pages of his guestbook just keep growing and the kids are reading them to him. My brother is not in favor of having his personal name and business on the internet, but he's just thrilled with the response of it. (We're kind of wondering if he'll 'wake up' and all of a sudden go back to his old way of thinking?)

Kahud48

What was it that caused it Jodi, have they said?
Was it a vascular stroke?

Colyak Crocheter

We don't have a cause yet. They won't know if it's a tumor or a vein burst until they can see in there with the MRI. There's still too much blood for the MRI to read it. It looks to be 2-6 more weeks before they can do that.

It's a waiting game right now. At least he can work on the therapy and have something to occupy his days.

Kahud48

Oh Lord, the waiting game, that is the hardest time I know.
It is still good to hear that he has improved because that is always a very good sign that his body has done it's own recovery like it should. He must be a very healthy and young man.

This Egg has been found, and counted

I will keep him and you and the family in my prayers while he rehabilitates and while you are having to wait now.
Sending prayers and good thoughts to everyone.

Colyak Crocheter

HE'S BEING MOVED OUT OF THE HOSPITAL ON THURSDAY!
Yes, I'm a little excited about this. He will be going directly to the rehab center, not a nursing home.

He has been getting wheelchair rides around the hospital the past 2 days and even got to sit in a courtyard today outside. He loves fresh air.

Things are moving quicker than we'd planned on, which is a great thing.

Miss Kitty

That's good news..

Kahud48

JazzRizz

I'm so glad to hear he's doing so well.

Colyak Crocheter

The boys and I are headed up to Spokane again today to see Barry and the family. My 'Substitute Sister' came to town and brought a bunch of King Crab that we are taking to him. It's his favorite food!

We had some last night and it is so good.

He is in the rehab center now and fell out of bed his 1st night there. He has no patience for waiting until someone can help him up. Some things just never change, no matter how hurt they are!

At least with the rehab he should be able to sleep more now. He'll be so tired for a while.

I'll be back some time this evening.

TX CrochetLover

Glad to hear he is making improvements. Just like a man, too impatient to do what he's told! LOL! Seriously, the rehab place will be a lot better than the noisy hospital.

Colyak Crocheter

Well, Barry's MRI is scheduled for May 23rd. We probably won't hear anything about it until the following week though, since it's Memorial Day.

He started have some severe headaches on Monday this week. We just found out on Thursday that the doctors feel that it is from muscles and some vascular pain he's having. The vascular pain is being caused from the blood moving around and trying to dissipate in the head. It happens every day when he is having some therapy.

He has learned how to get in and out of a car now and yesterday he even got to walk about 30 steps without his walker! Two weeks ago, he hadn't even been out of bed for 2 weeks. What a guy! He's progressing very well with the physically, however, he is fighting the speech/brain therapy a lot. He does not like having to do things their way at all. They are going to concentrate on his reasoning so that he won't hurt himself by doing something stupid. Although, this is not going as well as he'd like it too, it's very important and his brain just doesn't understand that yet.

We are thankful for the progress he has made so far. They have him scheduled to come home on the 27th, but that may be moved back. Last week he had the flu (it was going through their wing) and he couldn't do therapy for 3-4 days.

We're driving up Saturday to see him again. I haven't been there for 2 weeks, so I'm anxious to see his progress.

Thanks so much for keeping him in your thoughts and prayers! It means a lot to me and will to him when I can tell him about you wonderful folks!
I actually did tell him about you all a couple of weeks ago, but I'm not sure it really stuck in his brain at the time.

Well, it's 91 degrees here at 4:00pm! We're having a heatwave and one of our local rivers is due to flood this weekend. We're not in trouble of it, but we have friends that should be worried. I'll keep you posted on that though.

TX CrochetLover

Some of the news is very encouraging. I am glad he is doing some walking on his own. Let us know how he is faring after this trip. Take care of the weather too!

Kahud48

That sounds like some good news. The headaches would have been a worry to me too, but the doctors saying that it is the norm would give me lots of comfort. It doesn't take the body a long time to absorb such and it shouldn't be to long now before those will pass.

Take care on you trip and stay safe. Enjoy your time with your brother.

Sending my love and my prayers

Colyak Crocheter

He WALKED for us!

His PT person was with him, just in case. But, he walked!

When we first arrived he was in a therapy session. When he got ready for lunch, he had another headache. He was grumpy and not feeling good at all. We were all worried about him.

He had another therapy session and some rest, then he came down and walked outside to see us. I had to take pictures of it. It's so wonderful! About 2 weeks ago he hadn't even gotten out of bed yet! I'm so happy. Now, if the MRI comes out clean, he's on his way.

terithread

Jodi - Sorry I haven't been to this board for awhile but am glad to hear your brother is doing better; thanks for the updates! Hugs, T

TX CrochetLover

Oh Jodi, that is great news! We'll keep on praying and sending positive thoughts your way.

Colyak Crocheter

Thanks, Ladies!

More news....... He is scheduled to be released from the rehab center on TUESDAY!

They will be staying there in town for a little while, before he comes back home. He has several doctor's appointments and they still have to hear how the MRI is. We're hoping for a clean MRI.

We're going up on Saturday, I think, to see him. He has been given the classification of 'independent' in his room. He can move around and use the bathroom, etc. without assistance. We all know that he's independent, it just took this long for them to figure that out.

They are really working his brain activity and getting him ready for household things. It'll be wonderful to have him back here soon.

It's only been 5 1/2 weeks since the onset of his trouble and it seems like months since it happened. He's made great progress!

There are some great pictures on the website of him, his wife and the kids at the park last Sunday. They got him a day pass and he went to church, lunch and to the park. He was feeling tired but great afterwards. He got out of his so-called prison for a day. It had to help his attitude a lot.

Miss Kitty

That's great news!!! Bet he is anxious to go home.
It's good that he got a day away..

Colyak Crocheter

My brother was released from the rehab center on Wednesday. Yah, he's free! They are going to stay in Spokane for a while longer and they have moved into my niece's place. She has a ground level apartment and the other apartment where my SIL has been is upstairs. My brother can walk the stairs as long as he has assistance. Although, his brain is not telling him that he needs help yet. She'd have to watch him every minute in that place.

The info. we've gotten about his MRI reading is that the dark mass has shrunken from 5cm to 1cm, which is great news. However, they still do not know what the mass is. We have to wait until the surgeon gets back in town in a few days to tell them if a biopsy is an option or not.

For now, he's much better than he was even a week ago and the headaches have pretty much stopped.

He still has a long road ahead and it all depends on what the surgeon has to say. I can't thank you all enough for the prayers and thoughts for him and for my family to get through this! It's so wonderful to have such caring friends!

Miss Kitty

Glad to hear that he is free.
Hope everything goes well and he is home soon..

TX CrochetLover

Oh Jodi, I am so glad he is out of the rehab. The mass is a concern, they really cant tell I guess unless they do the biopsy. Hopefully it will be able to be dissolved in some way. They use those gamma knives with great precision these days. That is one option for the mass on DH's ventricle.

We all care about you and I love hearing of the power of prayer and support from all around on the blog. It is really uplifting to read what everyone has written.

mythunderbird

jody this is wonderful news that he gets to leave rehab, wow what a determined man he is. i can tell you are proud of him and with great reason. he has been on my prayer list since i read this , i havn't been on to much cause of things going on here but i am thrilled to read how much he has progressed. i am praying the mass is benign and that he will soon be his same old self. hugs honey take care, hey how bout sending me some of your sunshine over there is cold and raining here

hugs sweetie

Colyak Crocheter

Thanks, Vicki!

I would love to share our sunshine, but this week is not the week for it.
Yesterday the wind blew and blew and today we are expecting some rain too!

Thank you for all the prayers and thoughts for my brother. He's doing better and keeping us entertained without even knowing it. Since the Thalamus is where this mass is, he's named it 'Thelma'. So now whenever he says or does something weird (which happens quite often), it's Thelma talking. Thelma is quite annoying at times for him. He usually doesn't even realize why he's doing or saying what he did and he's quite serious. Later, everyone explains it to him and we all laugh.

They might be coming home for a visit this weekend. He hasn't been home for 7 weeks and is really wanting to see his camp trailer and do something to pass the time better. We're a little worried that he'll do too much though. But, this might be just what he needs to help keep his spirits up. Also, some folks that have not been able to visit will be able to see them.

Colyak Crocheter

My brother has an appointment with the neurosurgeon today. It got moved up from Monday. We are hoping for some good news on his prognosis.

They are planning on being here for a visit, tomorrow.

Please keep a good thought! We're all very nervous about it today.

JazzRizz

Sending good thoughts your way!

Colyak Crocheter

Barry's biopsy is scheduled for sometime Thursday. It really is the next step to figuring this out. There are 2 spots. They will only be able to test one. Surgery is not an option, but maybe some other way to getting rid of them will work.

They made it to town Saturday and we all got together today after they went to church. He has been swamped with visitors and they have really missed them at church too. He was pretty tired by the time we left Mom and Dad's house. He's walking sometimes without the cane. In fact, he sets it down and walks away. That may be on purpose, but I think he just forgets it's there. That would be 'Thelma' talking to him, I assume.

I think the plan is for some of us to go up there on Thursday for the biopsy. They will not have any results for 2 days or so. He's hoping that the spots are just blood, but according to my SIL, the doctor does not feel that way. The spots are white rather than black like the blood is that has been going away. As of today, he is having the biopsy. Tomorrow, he could change his mind. We all think that he needs to have it done. My mom is already worried that he's going to back out of it. Mom tends to worry a lot about big things and small things. If he doesn't have it, it will probably put her over the edge next week. Then we'll have more problems to deal with. My sister and I are trying to keep her calm and help to think of the positive things. But, that's just not Mom's way.

That's all there is for now. We'll know more in a week or so. We're hanging in there and I'm sitting here looking at my wonderful blankey, thinking how lucky I really am!

TX CrochetLover

Jodi, this is a scary thing. However, his attitude is a fighting one and that is something to consider. I am praying for him and you and all your family.

mythunderbird

jody you all are in my prayers. asking thr lord for complete healing for your brother. i hope that he doesn;t back out because it will be way to hard for your mom to deal with it and then again if someting could have been done then he would feel bad if he didn't try kepping you all in my prayers, ps did you send this rain and wind and gasp snow up in the mountains? love yahoney take care and know your in our thoughts

Colyak Crocheter

Another update:

He had the biopsy and it wasn't what we wanted to hear. It's an ugly cancer tumor, a bad one. He sees an oncologist this coming week to see if radiation or chemo will help at all. Surgery is not an option.

He is doing better with the news than we are. They are hoping that if treatment is possible, that it can be done at our cancer center here and they will be home. They were home for this past weekend again. He loves his family, but wants to stay at home in his own bed and house.

We'll get to see them sometime this weekend, I hope. We're camping about 10 miles from Spokane, so it should work out okay.

He was very comical after the biopsy though. He was singing to us and mr. chatty man, to say the least. He was also starving to eat something. Of course, he had to wait several hours to get food after the procedure. He even sang to the doctor. It was funny! Whatever they gave him, we all wanted some so we could feel that happy too!

I'll let you all know what happens over the weekend.

Love to you all!

Shelle

Thanks for the update. You're in our thoughts and prayers. Here's a big hug all the way from Indiana!

Colyak Crocheter

Thanks, Shelle!

I Caught It!

It's been hard to wrap our heads around this thing. I just hope that my folks hold it together during all this. It's been really rough on Mom.

Shelle

yes, I can imagine. it's very upsetting and you just don't know what's going to happen. but you have to keep your faith strong - God can work miracles... I pray the doctors can help him. hang in there, and take care of yourself.

DogwoodKari

Keeping you all in my prayers.

Miss Kitty

We wiil keep your familia in our prayers..

Kahud48

Hey Jodi, I just read your updates.
It is a lot to get through I know, I don't know what to say.

It is the hardest part of life that seems to slam us all at one time or another.
It is good that he is doing so well with keeping his spirits high. My Mom
was the same way. She gave us strength.

I pray for you and your family...I do worry about your parents, I know
this has to be rough on them.

I know that they have so many advances today in this field, and I will
be praying for the doctors hands and hearts to be led and guided by God.

Miracles do happen

And I will be praying for your brother, that God will bless him with his

TX CrochetLover

Oh Jodi,
I am sorry to hear of this latest news. I will pray for him and all your family.

Colyak Crocheter

Here's a big update and finally better news. At least we're trying to look at it that way.

Barry and his wife have moved back home as of today. He will be able to do radiation and chemo treatments here in town. The last I heard about the treatment is that the chemo will be in a pill form, but there will still be side effects from it. We are hoping that it won't hurt his Thalamus.

They have appointments next week with the cancer center doctor and radiologist to see when he can begin. Hopefully, very soon. He says he's ready to get Thelma out of there! Trust me when I say that a woman in a man's brain is really not a good thing! My SIL says that she can't win an argument because it's always 2 against 1.

They do have their sense of humor still.

My nephew had his gall bladder out this morning and is resting in his home in Spokane. He and his wife were ready to move back here last weekend, but he got too sick. He had a job lined up as a handyman at the apartment complex they were moving into, but now that won't happen. His wife got her job back on a part time basis which allows them to have medical insurance for this.

DogwoodKari

*hugs* Always including you and your family in my prayers.
I know from experience the pill form is much better than the other way.

TX CrochetLover

It is good they are keeping their sense of humor! I heard the same thing about the pills that Kari said. Ya'll take care and let us know what the docs say next week.

Colyak Crocheter

It's some good news and some not so good news....

Ok, Barry and Trina moved back home last Thursday. On Monday night, he had a seizure and has been in the local hospital since then. He fell on his right side and hit his face on something. We're thinking the corner of the wall, maybe. He has some swelling on the right cheek bone and eye. The CT scan shows no more changes since the last one. They ran an EEG on him Tuesday, but we're waiting on the results. They put him on a seizure medicine that is making him sleep most of the time. We are hoping he can go home today, but not sure yet.

On the brighter side, his daughter was offered a teaching job here in town! It's even at her the high school she attended and where Trina works too. Isn't that a funny coincidence? It's only for 1 year right now, but at least it's her field of teaching. She will have her Master's Degree next month.

My nephew is healing ok from his surgery last week. His wife has an interview today here. If she gets it, they'll all be moving back home this month. We are hoping that we can get them all moved at the same time so that they can use the same trucks and trailers and maybe save some time and money for gas.

TX CrochetLover

Oh bless his heart. I am hoping they can get his treatment started soon.
It is great news about the teaching job. Funny how some things work out like that!
Give our regards to the whole family.

Colyak Crocheter

Barry had his first radiation treatment yesterday. They hope to have the chemo prescription today for him to take with the radiation treatment. They said he won't have any real side effects for up to 3 weeks.

They are adding a bathroom in their basement for my niece to move in.

Hopefully, all the kids will be back here by the end of the month.

Miss Kitty

Hope everybody gets moved safely and in one trip!
Will keep you all in our prayers..

TX CrochetLover

Here's hoping the treatments will do the job.

Colyak Crocheter

It's been 2 1/2 weeks since Barry started the radiation and chemo treatments. He's losing hair all over and sleeping quite a bit. He and my SIL both had a flu bug last week and made it through that.

Their kids are all moved back to town. Their DD is living downstairs so she can help out with him. Their DS and DIL are house sitting this month until an apartment is open in September.

My sister also have the flu Sunday/Monday. I took her to the emergency room because she was afraid it was her appendix or gall bladder, which is wasn't, thank goodness.

Not much other news right now. I just wanted to update you on Barry's progress with the treatments.

Miss Kitty

A couple days after chemo I would sleep alot.

Having the flu on top of it----
Poor guy..
We will keep him and family our prayers..

Colyak Crocheter

It appears that my brother is starting to get back to his old self, lately.
His thinking is getting much clearer. Things that frustrated him 4 weeks ago are better now. He hasn't been sick from the treatments and is eating pretty well. He has another week or so on this round of treatments and then we wait 4 weeks for another MRI to see if it's working.

to Everyone for your support and prayers in this awful journey that my family is taking. You all mean so much to me!

JazzRizz

I'm so glad to hear he's starting to feel more like himself.

I'll keep all of you in my thoughts & prayers.

Miss Kitty

That is really good news..
We will keep your family in our prayers.

TX CrochetLover

Great news Jodi! Hang in there, you know we are all supporting you with positive thoughts and prayers.

jchllm

That's so great Jodi! Here's to his continuing to get better and better!!

Colyak Crocheter

((((((DRUMROLL, PLEASE))))))

Barry has had his 1st round of 6 weeks radiation and chemo together. He's still doing chemo now.

The MRI on Wed. showed that 'Thelma' has reduced by 1 cm!!

How cool is that! So far, it's working on him.

I had to tell you all the wonderful news.

Kahud48

That's Fantastic News Jodi

We will keep sending up the prayers for him here in KY

Miss Kitty

That's great news!!!

Will keep you all in our prayers....

jchllm

That is just fantastic news!!!

TX CrochetLover

YEA!!!!!!!!!!! Sending prayers and positive vibes out for ya'll. That is great news!

Colyak Crocheter

Thanks Everyone!

I have picnic pictures posted on my blog so go on over there and check them out.

Scroll on down while you're there and see my son and his GF in their formal dance attire.

TX CrochetLover

Your brother is looking good! Your son and GF DO look good together!

Colyak Crocheter

Barry had another MRI this week. The news is good. Thelma has shrunken almost another cm, down to 3cm now!

The chemo is hard on him, but it seems to be working. Mom is worried about some other changes that she's noticed in him though.

The last MRI in November showed no change.

Miss Kitty

That's good news..
Give Thelma her walking papers.. Your out of here!!!
Chemo treatment are not easy to go though..
The changes your mom see are they bad?? Just different??

TX CrochetLover

I am glad things have improved on the tumor size. What kind of changes is your mom seeing? Behavior or physical differences?

Kahud48

Hey Jodi, that is some great news. I am like Miss Kitty and Selena,
what are the changes that she has noticed?

mythunderbird

i can not imagine how hard that has been for barry, dad is going to have to have chemo we found out tonight is his only hope, but not sure what he is going to say about it please pray he accepts it thank you all ofyou for your love and caring i love you guys

Kahud48

We will say a special prayer for him tonight Vicki,
and I am so sorry, I know all will be OK though

PhoenixTears62

Colyak Crocheter

Hey Vicki, you know we're all here for support. It's not an easy thing to deal with and I of all people never thought my brother would have to go through it.

Will your dad be able to take the oral chemo or the intraveneous kind?

PhoenixTears62

****YAY, I found the (7) hidden Easter Egg/Eggs in this thread!
Now I am off to deposit the Easter Egg/Eggs in my "The Easter Basket"! ****

Kahud48

7 Eggs found in this thread, 1 Egg left to find

Lots of Prayers Needed for my Brother - Updated January 29th

An Update on my Brother