Enduring to the end.......

Dear Family and Friends,
It seems impossible that the year is coming to it's close. Marty is doing better. We can all see that he is getting stronger. He has a really good day and then perhaps an awful one, but things are better. He is NOT tolerating the cold at all!!!
And, we have plenty of that here this week. It has been bitter, yet we've had new snow. Whatever happened to "it's too cold to snow" ?? Life's Rules that I've spent 55 years learning are just being broken right and left!!!
Thank you for keeping us in your prayers and thoughts. We also pray for so many of you who are also facing challenges each hour of the day.
We are NOT making New Year's Resolutions this year. Last years look pretty hilarious (and sad) as we look back on them. We will just make Daily Resolutions and hope we are able to keep those. I sent out so few Christmas cards this year, but somethings just had to go undone. We hope your holidays have been filled with lots of love, laughter and warm fires and love. Belated Merry Christmas and a Very Happy NEW YEAR !! Love, LaRee and ,of course, Marty.

December 14, 2007

Dear Family and Friends,
Our days have been like a rollercoaster ride the last 10 days. I apologize for the big gap since my last post. Part of it was time, but some of it was that we always seemed to be waiting for the results of something before reporting the news.
There actually was a great reason I did not write, I think. For, if I had written even 5 days ago, it would have been a very gloomy and pesimistic report.
However, today I can just RAVE about how great Marty is doing. We went to his two Salt Lake doctors , Dr. Ying Hitchcock and Dr. Promod Sharma, for followup visits. (We will be seeing a lot of them this next year, I see.) Both did thorough exams and both told him he is doing great. They are thrilled with his progress. Neither was impressed by his week long inpatient hospitization with a wicked Strep infection and fevers up to 104 degrees, the open draining site on his neck, his violent shakes or his low energy and stamina to walk or stand for any length of time. Their standard reply to all was that these are very typical with the extent of his cancer, surgery and radiation. WOW.
They approved going ahead with getting some evaluations and starting on the denture problem. We were in Dr. Timothy's office the next day @ 8:30 am. I could not beleive how quickly the preliminary adjusting of the existing dentures were made and he walked out of the office with his teeth in. No, I'm not kidding. WOW. As you can imagine, with both doctors applauding his progress and getting the go ahead on teeth, his spirits are lifted immensley. We were both just so releived at how things went and he has just had two great, but tiring days. He was just exhausted by 9pm. But, he had done so much that it was a good tired.
We have so much to be grateful for this year. I feel just having him alive and healing is my best Christmas present ever. I hope neither of us take anything for granted ever again. We never go to sleep without saying "I Love You" and I never leave for work without telling him---even if I am waking him up to tell him. We have always been pretty good to do that, but now it is 100%. I recommend it to all.
Now, I have got the tree up and a few other decorations around the house. Marty has made sugar cookies once (with the promise of more) and one batch of Christmas cake. I still may consider the blog my Christmas card this year, but don't be surprized if you get an actual card from me, too. I do love getting cards and sending them and have already received so many nice ones.
Please know that we appreciate each and every kindness that has come our way. The list of people who have called, sent cards, rendered acts of kindness, sent gifts or money, put Marty's name in the temples around us, prayed for Marty and our whole family, made visits to our home or the hospital............is a long, loving list.
You know who you are and what you have done and it is all appreciated.
After serving as Relief Society President for 5 years, I thought I had heard of every kind & thoughtful way people show their love and willingness to help others. However, we have seen so many new and wonderful ways people show their love and concern through Marty's illness. I could write a book.
Happy Holidays to all, Love, LaRee, and of couse, Marty

Yes, Interesting !

Dear Family and Friends,
The test that I said was interesting became even more interesting after I added a note to the blog yesterday. Marty caught me on the cell phone and said "Get home now. They are taking me to Pocatello in 15 minutes!" I headed home as visions of complications and an ambulance run danced in my head. What actually had happened was that after Marty's WBC tagged blood was injected back into him and it was time to do the scan, the machine malfunctioned and the scan could not be done. The Nuclear Medicine tech came up with an idea to salvage the test and TOOK Marty (and I) to the Portnuef Digital Imagining clinic, where the scan did get done before it was too late. The test is very time sensitive and the scans have to be done in a certain window of time. He explained to us that there may need to be a scan as soon as we arrived & again at 8pm & maybe later. The receptionist who greeted us was surprised we had already arrived. (It was quicker than any ambulance run I have been on from BLMH to Poky). Of course the insurance cards and all Marty's information had to be obtained and off he went into the scan. The very first scan gave the answers they needed and so further scanning was not done. Unofficially, there is a "hot spot" at the cervical spine level. Officially, we know nothing until the radiologist reads it and the doctors see it. The drive home seemed much longer. It was dark and Marty was very quiet. I did what I could to encourage him to make up for the intake and meals he had missed and get him caught up on meds, but it was late, he was past tired and we are both discouraged. Just the thought of another surgery or procedure in store for him has knocked us down a peg or two.
I suggested that we should "SKIP" Christmas this year----taking the idea from the funny movie---Christmas with the Kranks--Skipping Christmas. The effort of the tree, decorating, cards, shopping and wrapping, baking and taking--------all just seems overwhelming. And....there is the fact that we do NOT know from day to day what will really happen, where we will be, what shape Marty will be in.....just so many unknowns. All our traditions of past years just don't seem so important or fitting this year. And yet,in reality, they are even MORE important now. Our hearts are filled with the spirit of Christmas and appreciation for all we have been blessed with in our lives. Christmas and family & friends just go hand in hand.
I may hatch a plan any minute, but I make no promises. My main objective for right now is getting him better, keeping him better and not adding stress to his already stressed body and mind. Putting up the tree and making Christmas Cake are just two of the things he has always been in charge of and would now be anxious to get done. I don't think that will be happening. He has now lost over 70 pounds and swallowing liquids and especially medicines is torture. Sad, because he has a TON of medicines to deal with. With each new challenge, his courage and determination is amazing.
I have often said through the years that Marty could do anything. The list of his skills and abilities is long and keeps growing. Just a few that come to mind are driving those big 18 wheelers for years, building our home, getting his pilot's licence, being able to fix most things----from the huge machines out at work to the smallest clasp on a necklace. The list is endless. Now, we can add cancer fighter to the list. He gets an A+ from this nurse on that one.
Please keep him in your prayers. You may have to consider our blog notes as your Christmas card from us this year.....I'm not sure yet. We appreciate each and every one of you and feel the love and support that has been extended to us. That has been one of the many blessings that have come with this illness.
Happy Holidays to you all. Love,
LaRee, and of course, Marty

December Is Here

Dear Friends and Family,
It seems unbeleivable that it is already December!! The year has flown by so fast and so much has happened. Marty came home from BLM Hospital on Nov 29th and has had his work cut out for him just taking all the medicine and drinking his nutrition and recuperating from the week's stay in the hospital. It took us a couple of days to get everything gathered up and organized to keep things as near as we could to his schedule in the hospital. His appetite and intake improved so much while he was there. We have had very few visitors as the Strep infection is so contagious and he just did not feel up to much. We feel that now antibiotics have been enforced for 10days, that he is not a risk to anyone. But, he is still fragile and does not want to get anything. This morning, he had a very unusual test-- hopefully to rule out osteomylitis. It is a nuclear medicine White Blood Cell scan. He had to be here at 7am to have blood drawn. Then, that blood was taken to Pocatello where the WBC's in the sample were radiolabeled. The blood was brought back to inject in Marty and then throughout the day, he will have radioimaging of his body to see where the WBC's go. I had never heard of this test and I think it is quite unusual. The technician told us he could be having scans as late as 10pm. Interesting.
Curtis helped get the Christmas "stuff" down from the rafters and we will now see who, if anyone, feels up to decorating. We have a beautiful tree up here in Dialysis. The season is upon us. I started to get in the Christmas spirit on Sunday. I sat by Steve in Sacrament Meeting. I bore my testimony, which I have not done for quite a few months. I have missed so many Sunday meetings. I DO HAVE A TESTIMONY AND KNOW we have alot to be grateful for. Love, LaRee and of course, Marty.

Happy 59th Birthday

Dear Family and Friends,
Well, not only did Marty get to spend Thanksgiving Day in the hospital, he is still here for his 59th Birthday. He has probably never had so much attention and people waiting on him for his birthday. I think he has had several calls and a few brave visitors. His cultures have come back and it is a STREP infection that has made him so sick. He is on all kinds of new medicines--pills, liquids and IV. With all the intensive IV antibiotics, the fungal infection has returned. So, 2 new meds for that. He had a very scary "spell" last night in which his blood pressure dropped very low--even for him---and his oxygen saturation was low. He felt very ill and dizzy and called for help. He chilled and was just miserable for quite awhile. I expected him to spike another fever because that is what he always did at home after he had the chills. But, he never did. The night nurses warned me that he did NOT have a very good night and got very little sleep. I went upstairs with Dr. Thakur when he was ready to make rounds. Marty looks so much better than he did on admission, but something is just not right. His color is gray and he is quite lethargic. He is not complaining of anything specific. Dr. Thakur has ordered some more studies to be done Tues and Wed---so I think he will be here a while longer. If the tests show an abcess or problems with his bones, he will be sent back to Salt Lake to Dr. Sharma, his surgeon. We are hoping for the best. Thanks to all who continue to include him in your prayers. Love,
LaRee, and of course, Marty

Sunday Night

Dear Friends and Family,
I spent the entire day in room 11 with Marty and he has had quite the day. His intake is still quite good, but he is getting very restless and agitated the longer he is captive in the hospital. We finally got the name to put on his infection---STREP.......so, yes it is also called a flesh eating bacteria and can do rotten stuff to the body if left untreated, but Yeah, he has been on a double dose of the "right" antibiotic since admission and so Dr. Thakur feels he will do well. Since we already see so much improvement, I have a good feeling about things. He has been miserable most of the day, but did take a walk with me, endured a session of Deidra and I writing thank you letters in his room so that he was in on it and continued to work on getting a great amount of nutrition in thru the day. About 6pm he had a very weird spell. He got dizzy, nauseated, and felt like he could not breathe. June came right away and his 0xygen sat was only 87-88 and it took quite the hefty dose of oxygen to get him up into the 90's. His blood pressure dropped extremely low and he started the shivers and was freezing and shaking. Warm blankets really did not really help all that much--as they usually do. I expected his fever to spike again after all the chilling, but it did not. Another Demeral/Phenergan IV was started, which did help him calm down. His veins (that have aways been fine specimans to behold) have been poked and prodded and the IV he has at this time hurts--probably because the Vanco is such a irritating antibiotic to the veins. The powerful antibiotics have also restarted the fungal infection in his mouth and he is miserable , as is the medicine he has to take for it. I am so tired, and felt bad leaving, but we both know my day starts very early tomorrow and it is his 59th Birthday--so we both need some rest. So, I have to get to bed and dream up some fun things to do that will not embarrass him or make him mad. My brain is not really up to being too creative tonight, but I know I can think of a thing or two. If Cristy Transtrum comes to work for even a few hours tomorrow, I can count on her to sing happy birthday to him---even over the overhead speakers of the hospital. So, I kissed my 58 year old sweetheart and reminded him that he will be 59before I see him again.
We had 2 special Elders from the Bear Lake Ward come to visit--Brother Brower and Brother Spencer. They not only gave Marty a beautiful blessing, but then turned and offered one to me, too. I heard many reassuring things in both our blessings and was touched that Brother Spencer offered and gave one to me. Deidra had made me promise last night that I would ask for one if Dad had another blessing today. I was sitting there wondering how to phrase my request, when he offered. I just feel it was meant to be and many things said are a comfort to me tonight.
I have left Marty in good hands and pray for a good nights rest for both of us.
I am saddened by the news of Slim Reddington's death. Beth and Slim have just been such a special couple throughout my life. I am sorry for the struggles he has had with his health. I will try to update how THE BIRTHDAY goes. If you try to call him and have trouble, just call the nurse's station and they can help him get the phone to his ear. The nurses station is 208 847 1630. He may not be too communicative, but I'm sure it will help pass the time to hear some familiar voices.
Love to all, LaRee, Mom, Grandma Ree

HOME ALONE

Dear Family and Friends,
Marty looks and sounds so much better tonight. I did go to the Craft fair in Paris where Deidra had a huge table display of scarfs, rice bags and Mary Kay items. She is one ambitious girl. Angie had beautiful handmade magnets for sale at the table, too. I just sort of hung out, but it was fun and I knew Marty was in good hands at Bear Lake Memorial. Things ended at 300 and I got to his room about 3:30. When I finally saw him, I was thrilled to see how good he looks and that he had some company while I was gone. He is on heavy antibiotics, IV or by mouth pain meds and able to keep down each meal they send. It has just been wonderful to see him eating and keeping things down him. He is really a trooper and I am very proud of how strong and brave he is being. Lots of tests are in store for him tomorrow and we are not sure what will be the next course of action. He is much stronger today and Dr. Thakur told him to take a walk which he did. He loves this little walker and gets around in it well. I am just thrilled that he is on the uphill swing now. I really do not know how he could have finished up the 30 radiation treatments without his strong personality. We are grateful it is over and that these 2 weeks after (which he was warned that the radiation would still be killing tissues)is over, too. It was so fun to see him eat and keep it down. He still has a devil of a time with his pills and liquid meds, but he is figuring it out. I do NOT know how and what to plan for his upcoming bithday, Monday. At this point, we are not even sure which hospital he will be in, but hope it will still be BLMH and we can all get in to see him. I will be working, but will try to keep checking on him thru the day and then sit with him after work until bedtime. He was calmer today, took a great walk with me and just looks so much better. This is very encouraging.
Sending his love and mine to all of you in blogland who are reading our blog to keep up. Love to all, LaRee

Saturday Morining

Good Morning,
Marty had a very good night and kept down 40% of his breakfast tray. I am so very grateful for the turn around. I am not sure how much is help with the infection and how much is because of the 2 new antinausea meds, but for whatever reason, he is oh, so much better. We are not sure what lies ahead today------we know what a roller coaster it can be hour to hour when you are a patient, but are hoping for an uneventful day with rest and nutrition and increased strenth for him. "BETTER LIVING THRU CHEMISTRY" as Gary often says!
We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving wherever and whoever you got to share it with. All the Santa coming to town, after Thanksgiving sales hubbub had no appeal to me. I heard on the news that this busiest shopping day of the year is referred to as "Black Friday" and I had a black enough Friday without stepping into any store.
We are constantly seeing that we do not have to look far to see people having struggles and illnesses and grief with their own hard problems. It makes us appreciate even more how many continue to check the blog for updates and continue to remember that Marty still has a fight to win and are keeping him in your prayers. Love, LaRee (Mom) (Grandma Ree)

Thanksgiving News

Dear Friends and Family,
Well, Marty & I knew this was going to be a "different" Thanksgiving Day, but we did not know HOW different. He was definite that he did not want us to host a dinner or even have a Turkey cooking in the house. So.....the kids all made their own plans. I was to go to Brandons with him and Curtis's families, Deidra had a dinner with Josh's family and Angie was with Elaine in Paris.
Oh, how grateful I am that I was not cooking and setting up for a crowd because by 10:30 a.m. Marty said uncle to keeping up the fight for nutrition and we headed to the ER. We are grateful that Dr. Vashu Thakur took his case and after speaking with the doctors from the Huntsman, admitted him to the hospital. Lots of tests were done and an attempt at an nasal feeding tube was made. However, the most dramatic thing that happened was after the decision to admit was made, Marty rubbed a crusty patch on his neck and a volcano of unmentionable substance erupted. It was a shock to both of us. Last night , when I rubbed the cream on his scars and radiation burns, the incisions were clean and closed. This was cultured, blood cultures were drawn and a chest X-ray and CT scan were done. So, this explains the 104 fevers and the severe chills for the past 2 weeks ! I stayed with him and about 7 or so, he told me to go home and get some rest. I hated to leave, but knew he was right. All the kids came to see us briefly (no grandkids). I would have loved to get right to bed, but felt I had several things to do----laundry seemed pretty important since we are not sure what germs will grow from the cultures. I want a clean start on things when he comes home. He was started on some pretty hefty antibiotics until the cultures come back.
Because of not wanting to spread anything to my dialysis patients, I checked in on him by talking with his nurse, June, thru the shift and it was 3pm before I actually saw him and went to his room. Angie and Aly came just as I was heading up to see him. He looks much better today. His potassium is up to 3.2 (still low) he has not run fevers today and just after I arrived, he rubbed his chin and out came an eruption of infection from a small hole in his chin. He was horrified and I was glad. (Oh, lets just get it all out and get him better !!!!) He now has two new meds for nausea which seem to be really helping as he has kept 2 cans of nutrition down and some tastes of some other food items. THIS IS PROGRESS.
I am going home to get some personal items for him and then will come back and stay as long as he lets me.
This was not a fun Thanksgiving day, but we have much to be grateful for. I am thankful to Marty for being such a fighter and that I still have him to worry about and love. I am grateful for all our children and the things they do and have done to help us at this time. We are grateful to all our families, friends, community members who have shown their love, support and care for him. Remember him in your prayers. Love, LaRee

From Marty.......

Well I think its about time for me to thank all of you that have particapated in the blog. I also want to thank all that came and had fun at the bowling alley the other saturday,or that helped in their great way. I enjoyed seeing everyone and getting to talk with you all. The last week has been a real killer, I've been sick just about everyday with different symptoms everyday, I have been to the Emergency Room this week trying to find ou what's with, but oh well another day another dollar in the hole. Well, that all from me for now. Keep in touch.
Marty

November Gratitude

Dear Family and Friends,
Sorry that I have not updated the blog in over a week! OH, how the time flies. Marty got his pciture taken with his certicate of completion of his 30th treatment and we beelined home. We were overwhelmed with the success of the Benefit on Saturday, November 10th at the Bowling Alley. The place was packed alot of the day and Marty was able to stay longer than I would have dared to guess he could stay. So many of you were there or contributed in some way to the success of the day. We are putting in an official thank you in the News Examiner, but THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for all who came, bought raffle tickets, donated auction items-or just wished you could have been there. It was wonderful for Marty's moral to see so many do so much in his behalf--and to see so many friends.
Starting Sunday, he had no voice and was so exhausted that I feel guilty that I "allowed him" to stay so long. But the truth is, he enjoyed every minute of it and did not ask to go home until he just could not sit any longer.
He was not able to have much intake of nutrition and has run a fever several days this week. We have visited the ER and he has been having IV therapy because he was so dehydrated. I felt torn about leaving him for the several hours each day that I went into work, but really needed to get some hours in. I am so grateful for the "intermittent family leave" that has allowed me to be with him so much.
He probably NEEDS a break from me now ------ and will especially when he starts feeling better each day. (Not happening yet).
We both feel we have lost a part of the year and are stuck back in July, while the rest of the world is ready for the holidays. It is a very strange feeling.
Dr. Hitchcock was not kidding when she said the effects of the radiation would continure for 1-2 weeks after that 30th and last treatment. He has had new and interesting symtoms as the days have come along and we are not sure what to expect next. All I know is that he IS a fighter and he is determined.
Thank you again for keeping Marty in your thoughts and prayers and for anything large or small you have done to help at this time. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.
Love, LaRee (Mom) (Grandma Ree)
and, of course, Marty (Dad) (Granpa Marty)

Last Day !!!

Dear Family & Friends,
Well, here we are at treatment day 30 and we are very grateful. The plan is to hit the road as soon as treatment is finished. We already know it will be a hard day, but Marty is so ready to have this part behind him and get HOME. Sadly, he learned yesterday that the effects of the radiation will continue for 1 to 2 weeks after this last day AND that the next phase of getting his dental work done needs to wait SIX MONTHS because of the potential changes that can occur while everything is healing and settling. We were both surprised by this. I am so proud of him for how brave and determined he has been through these past months----knowing something was wrong and not feeling good, 2 surgeries, multiple tests and now this radiation regime. He is truely one of a kind and I love him with all my heart. Thanks to all of you who have helped in any way. We will see many of you tomorrow at the benefit. We hope Marty can be there for a good share of it, but know staying there the whole day will not be possible. We apologize, in advance, if he is not there when you come hoping to see him. If he didn't already know how many people care and love him, he knows now.
Love,
LaRee

The Benefit For Dad

I just wanted to re-cap on what mom just posted today and give more details. Okay, Simplot is putting on a benefit for dad at Jolara Lanes Bowling Alley on November 10th in Montpelier. The hours are from 10am-5pm. Bowling will be $25.00 a lane per hour with a 5 person max for each lane. Tickets will be on sale for $1.00 for the raffle of prizes that businesses, family and friends have donated. Tickets for a 300 winchester short mag riffle will be on sale for $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00. We currently have a gun board going around. If there are still squares available by benefit time they are $20.00 each. The gun board is for a Colt 45 pistol. We will be holding a silent auction for various items which will open at 11 am and close at 4pm. The Montpelier Trap Club has invited those who are attending the benefit to come to the trap club from 11am-1pm and from 2pm-4pm and enjoy some skeet shooting. Each shoot is $2.50 and proceeds will go to dad. There will be a lunch at the Bowling Alley at 1pm and Adult Plates are $7.00 and a child plate is $4.00. The lunch is roasted pig, dutch oven potatos, salad, rolls and a drink. We will also have home made treats for sale. If there is anything that anyone wants to bring for the raffle or silent auction please feel free to, just contact me, Deidra, so I can let you know what I need you to do. My email is deidrajo@dcdi.net. We hope to see you there, and once again thank you so much to all of you who have touched our lives with your kindness, thank you for your prayers and thank you for your friendship. You will never know how much everything that everyone has said and done has touched my dad's heart.
Love, Deidra

WOW

Dear Family and Friends,
I know it appears that I have forgotten the blog. I have not, but things have been so hectic and MANY things that should have been done went undone. Marty is so miserable. It is hard to describe what he goes through each day. He has a few hours of feeling decent each day, but for the most part, he is hurting and feels as weak as a kitten. It doesn't take much for him to be freezing or roasting. I think his body's thermastat has been radiated !!! I am very grateful for the sleeping med which now gets him at least 4 to 5 hours of sleep each night.
The most exciting news.........this is week #6. Only 5 more treatments and he is finished with radiation. At first when Dr. Hitchcock told him he would have 6 instead of 7, we were happy. But, on this end of it, we are elated !!! He cannot even fathom going 2 more weeks. Last Wednesday, he tried to bargain down for friday of the 5th week to be his last. The Dr. let him know what a BAD idea that would be. His dose and duration have been carefully calculated and he needs each one prescribed for the best outcome. But each day he feels he is being killed a little more (and he is) and he told the Dr., "I don't know how there could be anything left to kill---they've killed me enough." I thought it was a pretty accurate despcription of how he is feeling.
I know that whenever anything bad happens, I say it's the hardest thing I have ever done, and I'm going to say it again. I hate seeing him so sick and getting worse and weaker as each week of radiation takes it's toll. I wish I could take some of it from him. Many have said that very thing to him, and I know they mean it, but he has to do this himself. I am so glad that by Friday, the treatments will be done and after the effects of that have stopped, he can start to get better each week as he did after the surgery. He still has alot ahead of him.....just thnking of the dental work ahead of him and getting used to eating with his new teeth and new titanium jaw worries me. He doesn't know when the doctors will release him to go back to work, but knows he's got alot of work ahead of him to gain the strength he will need to pull off one of those 15 hour days!
We are so grateful to his work for putting on the benifit on his behalf that will be this Saturday, November 10th at the bowling alley in Montpelier from 10am - 5pm. He is hoping to pace himself and be there as much as he can.......it is a high priority for him. But, he knows he will just have to play it by ear.......depending on how much energy he can muster up.
Thank you to all who have remembered him in your prayers. We continue to be overwhelmed by the acts of kindness and generousity people have shown since this all began.
Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts, Love,
LaRee, and of course, Marty

Wednesday NOON

Dear Ones,
Things went well at the radiation treatment and x-ray appointment today. Dr. Hitchcock told Marty he is doing great. She noted outloud that he has ONLY lost 1/2 pound this week. Marty pointed out to her it was actually 4 1/2 since last Wednesday. There was no threat of a feeding tube. Her comment is that weight loss during radiation is very normal. He told her his throat is bleeding and he removed a clot from his tongue the size of the tip of his thumb this morning. Her comment after her painful exam of his mouth was that she sees no bleeding and the fungal infection is still there. Our trip to the pharmacy was a little more spendy today-----two new meds. I am hopeful that the Fentanyl transdermal patch will work some magic on him ....and he is to still take the pain meds 2 every four hours, if needed. So, at best, he will have no complaints and will get better rest OR ..........(oh, let's don't go there!----the possibilities are endless.)
He really tried both Monday and Tuesday to increase his intake and the total both days would just make you cry. He is so far off the mark on just the fluids he needs. I can only encourage and make it available , but I cannot MAKE him drink it or keep it down.
Well, on the bright side: only 12 treatments to go!!!!!!!! That is fun to think about.
Well, again, our email addresses are: glcb@dcdi.net and martybaker@dcdi.net and if you want to write directly to us instead of make a public comment, feel free to. Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.
Love, Mom, Grandma Ree, Aunt LaRee, LaRee and of course, Marty

October 23, 2007 Tuesday morning
Dear Family & Friends,
Without going into GREAT detail of how frustrating Monday, yesterday was, I will just say that even though Marty said he needed the feeding tube, the only option they had for him was to have the nasal/throat type of feeding tube until the surgery could be scheduled for the stomach tube on Thursday! NO to that idea. His throat is so 10 PLUS PLUS on the 1.10 scale of pain that he did NOT see that as possibility and I fought FOR him on that decision. Then, the only option was to admit him as an inpatient and the surgery would possibly be done sooner with IVs on board until it was done. Jane, his nurse & Dr Hitchcock and her visiting colleage were called in to talk with him. I was so relieved he was going to get some much needed help. However, as Marty now puts it, he had a "panic attack" and refused that option.
So, we returned to the room and he tried to do the best he could---actually getting 3 cans of STUFF and one glass of water in ---for the whole day, but NOT having to be and inpatient patient. He only had one nurse and that was me and I was mad. Poor Marty!!
I was speechless (that is the only kind word I can say online, because there are many other adjectives that go in there). He has lost another 4 pounds so I do not even know what to guess will happen tomorrow----the day Dr. Hitchcock officially makes rounds on him. We know he needs more pain meds and numbing gargle, as he is being more generous with himself as suggested by Jane and Dr. Hitchcock.
Treatment went ok today and we will work on topping yesterday's intake and being grateful that we have each other and the nice accommadations and lots of family and friends rooting for him.
Love to all, LaRee, and of course, Marty

Dad is getting worse

I probably should not post this until I get word from mom on what the radiologist oncologist wants to do but as some of you already know each week dad has been getting worse as far as dry throat, mouth, bleeding in his throat and the fungal infection but this weekend when he came home he lost his voice. That is how dry his throat has gotten and he could not eat or drink. I think that he maybe drank 3 carnation instant breakfast which he threw some of that up. His appointment was supposed to be today at 4 and mom was going to work until noon and then they would head down but last night she thought that they ought to get him down to SLC so that this morning they could go ahead with putting a feeding tube in his stomach. I haven't heard from mom yet today and so I don't know what the plan is. I hope that if he does get the tube in that it will ease his hunger pains and I hope that he won't be throwing up. He is just so miserable and things are just going to continue to get worse until the treatments are done. Keep him in your prayers. He has 3 more weeks until the healing process can begin.
Thank you for all of your love and support.
Deidra

Tincture of Torture and Time

Dear Family and Friends,
Getting back to Salt Lake to be with Marty yesterday felt good. After attending the Sun Valley Convention and working just one day at Dialysis, I headed back. Though very glad to see him, I am so saddened to see how much more miserable he is. The bleeding after Tuesday's treatment was alarming to him and on Wednesday, he was informed that he is now dealing with a fungal infection throughout his mouth. It has bumped his mouth and throat pain and irritation up a notch and he is just in so much misery. He dumped another 6 pounds on the official weigh in for the week, so now the feeding tube issue is back on the table. ATTENSION: It is not up for discussion as far as our "strong" patient is concerned---not going to happen! I was prepared to find it would already have been placed by the time I got here, but it has not. He worked most of the night on getting fluids down and getting all his "new" meds for the infection and his other meds down. I wish I could take away some of this for him.
I want to go on record as saying that I WILL be on the doctor's side to get the tube back in, but IN THE STOMACH------not his nose. His throat cannot take anything else right now. And, by being on the doctor's side, I am being on Marty's side because I know that will be best FOR him. He could just drink to keep things most and not worry about the nutrition aspect at all. It will be interesting.
On a more positive note, I am thrilled with how the new sleeping med is working for him. With his long standing sleep difficulty and his extreme exhaustion and pain, he was still not getting any real rest. Last night was the best I have seen him sleep in ages. The only thing that woke him (several times) was the pain in his throat which got him right to the sink to use the special mouth preparation that has been ordered.
He was still sleeping and our appointment is not until 10:00, so I came to the lobby to eat and get on the blog. Love to all. Remember him in your prayers,
Love LaRee, and of course, Marty

Benefit For Dad

First of all let me say that dad is hanging in there. He came home this weekend and we all went to visit him. He was pretty tired and really sore. With the radiation going he is having trouble swallowing and is a great deal of pain again. His throat is swollen and it is hard to swallow and eat. Hang in there dad.......like you said 1 week down 5 to go. I know this is feeling like an eternity, our hearts ache for the pain that you are feeling...........but we are so glad that you are still with us. Love you!

On Saturday November 10th from 10am-5pm at Jolara Lanes Bowling Alley in Montpelier, Smokey Canyon Simplot Mine is hosting a benefit for dad to help raise money for medical expenses. There will be bowling through out the day, and a lunch at 1pm. I am not sure what the charge is going to be for bowling but I know that they are going to charge per plate for lunch. In addition I have asked the local businesses to participate in donating things to raffle off. Tickets will be $1.00 each and you will not have to be present at the benefit to win. I haven't got the tickets yet but as soon as I do they will be sold by me and at a few businesses in town, like the Hospital, Ireland Bank, and Thimble Wood so far. I will post another blog and let everyone know if there is anywhere else, and when the tickets are ready to sell. Our family thanks you for all of your love and support. If anyone has any questions on the benefit please don't hesitate to call me or send me an e-mail deidrajo@dcdi.net
With Love, Deidra

Saturday October 6th Update

Dear Family and Friends,

I wish you could have read the great blog I posted last night. I really did spend 45 minutes writing a fabulous, entertaining and informative note and then--- poof-----it disappeared and I did NOT know how to retrieve it. So, you just get this short, awful one. The meetings and accommadations here at the Sun Valley Inn are wonderful. No news from home bad or good. I hope all who can will call or visit Marty today or tomorrow before he heads back the SLC. I love you all, LaRee

The Trailing of the SHEEP

Dear Family and Friends,

Yes, it's true! I have arrived in SunValley, which , at this time of year, always involves passing under the big banner announcing that it is the annual Trailing of the Sheep. It is a very interesting story---someone else can tell you. ( You all know how I hate) to tell stories. No matter how many times I have the privilege of coming to SV, I never ceased to be amazed at the beauty, peacefulness and elegance of the Sun Valley Inn and Lodge. I did make a stop at the Flying J just off the freeway to walk and stretch a bit and get some fresh air. It was fresh, cold and snowy air. I also stopped at Kings in Hailey----I knew the few basics I was needing would be much more reasonable there and I was right. I love that the staff here are mostly young folks from foriegn countries. They all have darling accents and bend over backwards to be of service. I didn't really mean to, but ended up getting Valet parking as I checked in. I joked with my helper that he could tell I was planning to stay the remainder of the year at SV and he nodded in acknowledgement. He did NOT know I was joking. I know, I have GOT to get packing lessons from SunDee and Terri SOON. IN THIS LIFETIME, AS IT WILL BE UNNECCESARY IN THE NEXT !!! I am staying in Room 32 of the INN and I as very lucky as I am just doors from the heated pool. So.....of course that was the first event of the day. I have drank a quart of herbal tea (the calming, camomile type) that I love and I thought that was a great supper of me. I have unpacked and just had a nice relaxing night. I am so sorry to be missing some very important visitors in Bennington this weekend, but I cannot be everywhere. Marty made it home safely, as I knew he would, but he sounded very miserable when we talked tonight. He is tired and I pray he gets the night's sleep that he so needs. We are so grateful for the kind and thoughtful things people keep doing for us. I am making a list and it is getting longer and longer all the time. Keep Marty in your prayers and know we love you,

LaRee, and of course, Marty

The end of a very INTERESTING week!

Dear Family and Friends,

Marty and I part company this morning after treatment. He is coming home for the weekend and I am going to SunValley for IHC meetings. It was an honor to be asked to go, though I know I am only going by default-----my heart aches about the "why" I was asked to go. But, it may be a very big blessing for me to have a break from things and the kids and other family can be Marty's helpers for a few days. It may seem selfish of me to go, but I am really looking forward to it and the meetings and atmosphere are always wonderful there. It is one way I can help and I have not been very much help for work lately.

I hope the Baker clan down this way will touch bases with him at the first of next week when he will be on his own.

We both slept well, for us.....and woke up excited to get a break for RADIATION for the weekend. Marty is feeling pretty strong this morning.

Pray for Marty's safe arrival home and mine at Sun Valley. I am so sad to miss a visit with Aunt Nilace, Colleen, Nancy and Amy Kay, but hopefully they will be welcomed and have a wonderful time with the family there. I would very much love to see them all.

We have really love the University Guest house. I would highly recommend it to others who need treatment down here.

Love to all, LaRee, and of course, Marty

October 4th, Thursday

Dear Family and Friends,
Hello to all. Well, the pain meds have helped, but now I"M for sure the driver---which always seems strange for me. Sick or not, I am used to Marty wanting to drive. But since Wednesday morning, he has relinquished that to me.
Wednesday treatment and weekly visit with Dr. Hitchcock went well and then we went directly out to see Mom before Marty got too tired. I think we may have stayed too long because he was really miserable by the time we got back to our room. It was a nice visit and she was awfully glad to lay eyes on him. We learned a bit about the cruise and saw her pictures and heard how things went. Her apartment is very nice and in a very nice part of town.
Marty got about 5 hours of sleep last night which felt like heaven and we both slept until 8 am. We tried the shuttle today instead of driving, You know me, I like to know of and try out all the options! The trip up was a piece of cake and we were dropped off just feet from where he checks in. The trip back involved a bit of a wait which was aggitating to him, but I thought it was nice to just be passengers with no decisions to make. He has now had his applesauce and instant breakfast and is now napping. I'm really glad we came right back to the room today and did not go on any adventure. I came down to the lobby so I won't be noisy and can make some calls and mail some insurance forms out and perhaps get a little sun on the deck. It is a beautiful Indian Summer day here. Hope it is for all of you wherever you may be.
I see so many physical changes happening to Marty in just these 4 days. He has gone backwards in the healing process and it has become harder and harder for him to get the nutrition he needs and I am being a major nag because he does not even think about food. We brought a huge stash of foods that were working for him with us, so its just a matter of reminding him to eat and opening something up for him. I keep thinking of new things to try and it just makes him mad, so I will stop doing that. His mouth is so sore inside and his face and jaw hurt constantly. Dr. Hitchcock was pleased with everything at yesterday's weekly visit, but does want him to shave before treatments!!! Easier said than done! That was really bad news for him. He has only shaved once since the 2nd surgery and it was torture and pain. But, he minded her and though he did need a bit of help from me, mostly did it on his own. He kept taking breaks from it so the whole thing took about an hour. Who knew just a simple thing such as shaving could be such a PAIN. ???? I really hope the whole nerve thing that is going on there will be temporary and that this is not how his face is going to feel for the rest of his life. All I can say , for now is "Kiss him gently and be really careful where you touch him" -----the slightest tap on the shoulder or back even hurts. For someone who has always been so tough, it is hard for me to see. Pray for his comfort and his ability to sleep.
I am grateful for his strong nature and his need for independence. I feel most days I am here mostly for moral support and not so much to be his nurse, but I do know that he appreciates that I CAN be his nurse if he needs me to be and can just be his wife if he needs me to be. My biggest challenge right now is to BE QUIET. It hurts for him to talk and he has become so deaf that it's am effort just to listen. I know this will come as a HUGE shock to those who know him best. The TV stays off a lot of the day !!! No, I am not lying.
As always, I have my cell on me and will try to communicate as much as I can with email and with this BLOG. For those of you who do not know, my email is glcb@dcdi.net ---short and sweet and easy to remember.
Thanks to all who still have Marty in your thoughts and prayers. Thanks to all who are covering our "real life" at both our work and home. Love,
LaRee and , of course, Marty

Wednesday News from Salt Lake City

Dear Family & Friends,
Tuesday's treatment was difficult. There had been so much swelling in Marty's jaw and face from Monday to Tuesday that the mask did not fit right and a few minutes into the treatment, he could not breath. The treatment had to be stopped and they acutally cut off the lower part of the mask that had so carefully made to fit his face!!! It was quite traumatic for Marty and he looked a bit shaken when he came out into the waiting area to me. Who knew this could even happen. It was nothing he had been warned about or is common. Well, the good news is that fianlly, Marty got some much needed sleep last night so today is bound to go better. Jane, Dr. Hitchcock's nurse made sure that we left yesterday with prescriptions for pain & sleep meds, Marty mostly rested and worked on eating and drinking and I worked on medical bills and insurance issues and calls. The day flew by for me and seemed LONG for him. In the evening, Michelle and Gordon came for a visit which was nice. We are grateful to be this far down the road to recovery with much of the hard stuff behind him. We know there is still plenty ahead for him. We are hoping for treatment to go smoothly today and for our weekly visit with Dr. Ying Hitchcock to happen today. She told us that the technicians will be delivering the treatments each day and she will see and evaluate him only once per week and that will be on Wednesdays. Love to all, LaRee, and of course, Marty

Monday News from Salt Lake City

Dear Family and Friends,

Well, Marty was a trooper through his first radiation treatment. It took a long time (and we were planning on a short time) because they had to take a series of X-rays prior to starting -----just to make sure the mask and everything was lined up properly. We did a few errands and grabbed a few more items while we were out and about and had very little rest time for him before the appointment with Dr. Sharma in a different part of town. That appointment required quite a wait for a restless and hurting patient, but it was well worth it because when we finally got in, six of the sutures under this tongue, that were bugging him big time were removed. Dr. Sharma thinks the arm donor site looks good and cauterized it a bit with silver nitrate to dry things up a bit. Though Marty let the doctor know he is getting precious little sleep and is still hurting very much (6 to 8 on a 1-10 scale) most of the time, I guess he did not whine enough---- still no further pain or sleeping meds ordered. I'm sure he will bring it up tomorrow with Dr. Hitchcock or her nurse, Jane, to get some help. It may be another l o n g night. Yesterday, his main problem was a headache, but today it is just head pain. He said laying on the table with the mask on exaggerated the pain and it has been a problem most of the day. His hearing is very crazy because he is SO deaf in the left ear and yet is hypersensitive to some sounds. Weird. Well, happy FHE night to all of you and thank you for checking in on us. Love and goodnight, LaRee, and of course, Marty

PS Hope you enjoy the beautiful picture of home. It has been sort of windy and cloudy today. We have seen LIFE FLIGHT come in twice today.

Approaching The Radiation Adventure

Dear Family and Friends alike,
Well, MUCH later than we had anticipated, we are finally settled in for the night at the University of Utah Guest House in Salt Lake City. It is about 10:30 pm and we are both exhausted and hoping to get a good night's rest. Everyone here is so helpful and kind. Anyone who has traveled with me knows how "light of a packer" I tend to be and for this trip.......even Marty packed up a wolloping bunch of stuff! He knows the foods that are working and what comfort items and clothing is working best and so.....we looked like a family of 10 moving in. I'm sure his story will be that it was all my stuff, but NO.
Thank you to all who are still keeping Marty's illness and his fragile state in your hearts with prayers and all who have and are helping us in any way. We feel very blessed to have so many who care and we know that. As he faces another new process tomorrow, my prayer is that he will be able to get some rest tonight. His normal difficulty in getting a good night's rest has worsened dramatically and he is running on very little sleep. Pray for him to have the blessing of sleep ! (me, too!).
September has just raced by so fast, it hardly seems believable that today is it's end. I am hoping to adopt a more positive attitude for October and focus on our blessings and all the things that have gone right in the course of the past months. Marty really needs a strong, brave, cheerful companion NOW more than he ever has in our 35 years of marriage........and he deserves that. So, just expect a new me after midnight tonight.
We are grateful that Simplot "Smoky Canyon" folks are planning a future fund raising event in Marty's behalf. It is overwhelming to think of the work they will be going to....to do this for him. We will say more about that when we know the details.
Goodnight and love, LaRee .....and of course, Marty

The Saga Continues!

Hello to family and friends who are still checking in on us:
We had a very eventful day at the Huntman Center on Monday. It is an amazing place and there is no end to the surprises and fun the medical team keeps thinking up for Marty to do. We met his new Chinese doctor, Dr. Ying Hitchcock. Much was accomplished, including his tatoos, mask made special for him, a baseline hearing test and the Patient treatment Conference. He will officially start next Monday and we have made a tentative plan to stay at the University Guest house----which has many advantages.
His job for this week is to concentrate on healing and eating and NOT losing any more weight before the onslot of radiation hits him. He has now lost 54 pounds and since they predict he will lose 10% of his body weight having the radiation, he is to GAIN this week. (I can probably give him lessons on that one !!!!) Dr Hitchcock feels he has an 80% survival rate which we like MUCH better than the 40% we were first given !!! We love you all and appreciate your love and support.
Love, LaRee and Marty

News Update From Bennington

Hello from Marty and LaRee,
LaRee is trying to get some work days in and Marty is busy being a patient and trying to recuperate from everything he has been through. We thought getting the feeding tube out and all the staples and stitches out one week ago today was a major step up, but neither of us anticipated what a CHORE getting fluids and soft food down would be for him. He is really trying to be a good patient and mind all the rules, but he is really still very miserable. Dr. Sharma wanted him to be off all pain meds by this week and he really still hurts. It is hard seeing him suffer like this. I am so grateful for his strong, determined personality. It is serving him well in this situation . He has an appointment with the Radiation Oncologist at the Huntsman Center on Monday, the 24th.
Thank you for all your prayers, acts of kindness and concern for him at this time. He does still needs your prayers. Love, LaRee and Marty

Friday

Hello there, I spoke to my Dad earlier and he is gearing up for a visit from Christopher and family this weekend. He is still trying to get back his energy, and for anyone who has had any kind of surgery, you know it is frustrating because it takes a while. They have decided to have the radiation at the Huntsman Center in Salt Lake and he starts on Sept. 24th. We will probably do a little less blogging as there is not as much up to the minute news that needs to be reported. However, we will update it every few days or as needed. Thanks again for all of your love and support. Ang

Woops!

I forgot to say that my dad did get the feeding tube out, his stitches in his arm and chin, and the staples out of his neck. He is doing so well, we are so proud of him. Deidra

Wednesday September 12

Today we went to see the throat therapist and things went very well. Dad can now eat soft and puried foods. He can also drink liquids through a straw. Then we went to Dr. Sharma and were told that the path report came back from the liphnodes that were taken and there were ne signs of the cancer. So this is great news and means that he will only have to have radiation and not chemo. We are sad that he does have to have the radiation but we know that it is a safety precaution so the cancer will have a lesser chance of comming back. He is doing good. It was a looooonnnngggg ride home but we made it. Thank you for all of your love and support. Love Deidra

Monday Night News From LaRee

Dear Friends and Family,
First of all, I will mention our blessings, which are many. Marty has had quite a good day. He took a bath and even shaved (just a little) so that we could retape his feeding tube. He's looking better all the time. Angela, the home health RN, made a visit today and was impressed. He is being a very patient patient and has been very grateful for the kind acts and cards and calls on his behalf throughout his illness. He is still in a lot of pain, but has 2 different meds to take for pain. His tube feedings have gone well and he is soon to go for a checkup on Wedesday with Dr. Sharma , the speech and swallowing therapists ... and we will have more answers and a plan for what is next.
So, you see, we have many blessings.
However, I have been in a dark cloud of gloom since last night after learnign that my friend and fellow nurse, Janet Keetch Skinner, was killed in a tragic horse related accident. It is still just unbeleivable. It is not an exaggeration that everyone who knew her, loved her. She will be so missed on this earth by so many. She leaves 6 children and 3 grandchildren and a widowed mom and many brothers and sisters-in laws.
I left my patient for a while today to go see some of her family and special people. I just had such a hard time beleiving it was true. She lost her husband years ago when he was killed by a bolt of lightning and has been such an example of just bravely and quietly going on each day and working and raising her family. She had a knack of making everyone feel important to her and that they were her friend. I told Rod today that the hospital will just have to close for her funeral, because EVERYONE will feel the need to be there. I was told tonight by Jessica that the funeral is Thursday, at 1pm at the Montpeleir Tabernacle.
Life is precious. We never know when our time will come . I am so grateful for our good family and friends. Please continue to have Marty in your prayers. He has a long road ahead of him ......and he is growing weary of being a patient already. I will report after all our appointments Wednesday.
Love to all, LaRee

Monday Night News

Saturday....what a day!

Dad, Mom and I headed over to the marina this morning because there were two couples interested in seeing the boat. So we wanted to give it a little shine before they got there. I know you won't even believe it but Dad actually pulled the boat out and drove it out of the marina and then let the guy interested in buying the boat drive it and then dad pulled it back into the slot. I am sure that he is just exhausted. It was hard on him, but we think that he enjoyed being at the lake where he loves it so much. He also got to visit with some friends there who also have boats in the marina and on the same dock as them. Every one is being so good to our family right now. Thank you all so much. Curtis asked today if they think dad will be okay after radiation and possible Chemo and I said I personally think that he is going to be fine. Obviously his body heals itself fast and he was still supposed to be in the hospital today and yet he was out on the lake driving his boat! That ought to tell you something. Curt and Esther were amazed at how well he looks. Dad says that he looks like %@*$ which makes me so sad to hear. So Dad HEAR THIS we want you to know that we would rather look at scars then not have you with us. You are looking great! Hang in there and get some rest! Love ya, Deidra

Dad is doing good!

I just wanted you all to know that dad is getting better with each day. He didn't sleep very well last night and had a tough morning, but this afternoon he is watching a movie that he has been wanting to see. Keep writing comments to him. He is reading them daily. He loves you and and can't even express his thanks for all everyone is doing. Especially MOM~I have to say that I have seen unconditional love these past few weeks. They are sticking together, and they are doing great and handling everything as best they can. Keep them in your prayers. Deidra

Grandpa Marty Look!!!!

I just wanted to show you my first fish that I ever caught........isn't it awsome.....and oh yeah, tell grandma she owes me a dollar! I wuv you-Drew

Home at last!

Well guys we finally made it home. Dad is in his bed with his remote and letting his meds kick in. The trip home was really hard, but it had to be done. He is such a trooper. He didn't complain once. He has an appointment with Dr. Sharma on next Wednesday. We will still keep you posted. A special thanks to all of you for yur thoughts, prayers, and fasting on my dad's behalf. We (all of us) are what is keeping him going. We love you all...Deidra & LaRee & of course....Marty.

Waiting on the Doc!

This morning mom and I arrived early hoping that Dr. Sharma will be here anytime to take things out, off, and change dressings so that we can be on our way. He said yestersday that he "anticipated" that dad could go home today. So, hope for the best because I know dad just has his heart set on going home. We will update as soon as we can. Deidra

Homeward Bound !!

We are hopeful that everything will go according to plan and that Marty, LaRee and Deidra will be headed home Thursday Morning. Yeah!!!! We just wanted to tell everyone thank you for all your encouragement this past week. We also know that, being the wonderful friends, neighbors and family members that you are, you will continue showing your love and thoughtfulness in the coming weeks as my Dad recovers from this part of his journey to health. We would however like to make one small request: please don't love us with food, Mom is requesting that we not bring food to the house as it will be a torture to my dad who cannot eat or drink anything for the next couple of weeks.

Trach

Someone asked if dad has gotten a smaller trach. Yes, they did take the large trach and replace it with a smaller one, on Monday. Yesterday he actually got the whole thing taken out and is breathing out of his mouth and nose now.

Breaking NEWS FROM SALT LAKE CITY

Dear Everyone,
This is now much more than a rumor. We REALLY, really think the discharge REALLY, really is going to happen tomorrow!!! The discharge planner, dietician, therapist , Dr. Sharma and especially MARTY are all saying if after tubes, IV and dressing changes all go well, then he will be discharged.
His pain is now at a 6 on a 1-10 scale----he has been a busy patient today. We hope after pain meds, he will have a good night. We (Deidra and LaRee) are going to go get some sleep and gear up for the big day. Goodnight

A room with a view!!

Yes, dad has been moved to the floor and is enjoying a beautiful view of the Salt Lake Valley. We had fun last night watching the storm move in. It got really exciting when the power went out in the hospital, thank goodness for the back-up generators. Dad is doing phenomenal and was in a great mood. Deidra, Josh, Andrew, Mom, Angie(me), Ilene and Darren (Dad's sister and her husband) were all there visiting. He did get a lot of tubes out and is enjoying the freedom to move as he wants. All he has left is the IV, doppler and the feeding tube and all can be quickly unhooked and he is off like a dirty shirt as Grandpa Jack would say. They are still hoping for check out tomorrow and the way things are looking I would bet he will be able to. I haven't talked to my mom to find out how everything is today but I will update later. :) Ang

Early AM in the ICU Tuesday September 4th

Good Morning,
I could not sleep and finally decided to just get ready for the day and get packed up to check out of the motel.
I have tried each day to get more days there, but they have been booked up because of a convention in town . I packed up, stopped at the lobby to check out and the night manager was surprised. He said I had one more night there(checking out on Wednesday am)....duh! I said that I knew that, but had somehow lost track and thought it WAS Wednesday. I told him I would just go ahead and check out because I needed to find an opening somewhere else anyway for Wednesday night and I had checked everyday and there were no openings here. He typed a few things into his computer and extended my stay thru Thurs. WOW, I could hardly beleive it. So, what seemed like an embarrassing mistake, has turned into another blessing.
We have no promise, but a hope that he may be released as early as Thursday.
When I arrived at the ICU, I found an awake and miserable Marty. He needed suctioning, needed pain meds and needed SLEEP. I reminded him that today is going to be a really big day as Dr. Sharma is coming to see him very early before he starts his surgery cases. 3 drains/tubes will hopefully be removed and the move to a regular room is planned.
I hope NO ONE is really awake to read this early post. But, it will be here when you check in later in the morning. I'm afraid I will not be able to post again for a while ....once things start happening today. Thank you for your interest and concern in following the bakerblog. It has been heartwarming to read the comments and see how many have him in their thoughts.
Love,
LaRee, (MOM, Grandma Ree)

Hello again,
This day is just flying by. It is already 5:30 pm. Dr. Sharma came and changed Marty's trach to a smaller lumen trach. It was not without pain, but will be a good change. It is now plugged and Marty is breathing ok without taking the cap off. (Good news).
The plan is still to continue with ICU cares today and then will be moved to a regular room on Tuesday. As we anticipated, the doctor acknowledged that Marty is ahead of schedule and he is himself very impressed with Marty's condition today. He may lose the chest and (donating) arm drain tomorrow and start on "Bolus tube feedings" rather than the continuous drip. That will be one less tube tying him down. He is now watching TV with Angie. So far today, his visitors have been me, Mom, Polly June, Terri and Steve, Angie, Larry and Jeanette. .........maybe more to come.
This has been a very unique Labor Day for us; one we will never forget.
Again, thanks to all for your comments and prayers and concern. We feel very blessed to have so many family members and friends at this time. Love, LaRee

Blessed Sleep

Monday Morning, Labor Day
For once, Marty has Labor Day off this year!! WOW. I am so thrilled to report this Monday morning that Marty slept well last night. All his physical activity yesterday lent to resting well in the night. Of course he was awake for necessary treatment, but his overall night was great. I have not yet even spoke to him to hear his side of the story, but after setting with him for quite awhile (not making a peep), I see he is still in a deep much needed sleep . I decided NOW is the time to look at the blog and make a new comment. Thank you all who have sent your love and best wishes for him and all of us. I hope I'm not being delusional, but I really think he is ahead of the game. Dr. Sharma told us that about Wed , he would turn the corner and we would see a definite improvement. I think that already happened yesterday. Please.
I am so proud of his strengh and courage in facing all he has already faced and all that lies ahead. His strong, feisty, independant, determined (stubborn) personality is serving him well at this time.
I took the motel shuttle today to try that out. (You know me, always wanting to take advantage of all the amenities! ) No, I have not hot tubbed. I've left too early and got home too late......and it just seems so unimportant right now.
I best get back to my job as patient advocate. Love to all, LaRee (MOM) (Grandma Ree)

Sunday Night / 7:00 p.m.

Dear Family and Friends,
I am so sorry that we have not been updating throughout the day. We have not had access to the computer today, so we thought. We finally figured out, after mom asked, that the nurses at the nurses station will let us use one of the computers here. Today has seemed like a miracle to us. My dad is doing so good. To those who have not seen him until today, it has been upsetting. But those who have been here from the surgery on are amazed at how good he is doing. Mom was upset this morning to find that he had had a very restless night and had again ripped out more lines: IV, chest drain tube, doppler sensor and feeding tube. All of those things had to be attended to and now his feeding tube is SERIOUSLY ANCHORED(like duct taped to his forhead),IV restarted, dopler up and running........all is well. But, she also found a much improved patient in many other ways. He IS more himself and has so much strength to move about and get in and out of bed.
He IMPRESSED Dr. Sharma MEETING him out in the nurse's station. (Perhaps he wanted to make sure the Dr. knew how good he was doing and not rely on the nurse's to tell him.) A surprized Dr. Sharma said, "Good Morning , Marty." Marty just said "WOW" One new thing is he was taught how to occlude the trach for speaking purposes, but actually he was doing pretty good without that trick.
He has amazed us by (power) walking around the ICU unit and waiting room and has been up and out of his bed at least 10 times. He has seemed more like himself and has let us tease him a bit and teased back. He has seemed very happy to have several visitors today.....LaRee, Angie, Deidra, Janet, Mom Baker, Brandon, Sabrina & Shailey, Gordon & Michelle, SunDee and Randy.
OK, just to prove how good he really is tonight, he has the remote control in his hand and is trying to watch TV. (FIRST).
We are trying to be positive, and for an ICU patient, he really is doing well, but we also do not want to minimize the serious nature of this surgery and the amount of misery he is enduring. He is being extremely brave and strong. Goodnight and Happy Labor Day...................Angie and LaRee

ZZZZZZZZ............

Dad is finally resting, huge collective sigh of relief!!! FYI Dad does not do well with Morphine. We found that with Lortab and Motrin he seems to feel better and more with it. Morphine makes him halucinate, and be agitated and confused! It has been pretty hard to see him in that state. He was grateful(annoyed as &%$@) to have his 3 favorite women there.......he has smiled, sworn (yes I know it is hard to believe),and held our hands acknowledging that we and other family members were there. We love you all, thank you for your love and support. Love LaRee, Angie and Deidra

Dad Is Doing Better

Everyone thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. Dad has been up twice and is starting to come around. He is calm, still in pain, but I think that he is getting more used to the trech! Keep him in your thoughts and prayers. He just smiled at me, which made me feel like he is starting to feel more alert and more like himself. Love to all, Deidra

Saturday 12:52

True to the feisty man that my dad is he is still fighting the tracheotomy, 02stat monitor and the pressure cuffs on his calfs that are to keep him from getting blood clots. My Uncle Doug (my dads brother) and Kent (Angie's husband) just gave a beautiful blessing of comfort. In it they blessed him that he would be able to relax and tolerate all of the tubes and other medical equipment that he has attached to him. When they left the room he seemed more peaceful and calm. He is definitely more conscious of his surroundings today and physically looks better. They did get him out of bed and he took 20 steps forward and then backward and then had him sit in a chair for a few minutes. We have been blessed to have people visit us: Michelle and Gordon Baker (dad's brother & sister-in-law), Grandma Baker (dad's mom), Steve and Terri (dad's brother & sister-in-law), Doug and Caroline (dad's brother & sister-in-law). We feel all of your prayers and keep sending them our way!!! Love, US

Saturday Morning Update

Hi to everyone,
I am here at the ICU and praying Dr. Sharma will arrive any minute. Marty has had a horrible night----------never really settling down. They are undersedating him because they need his pressures on the high side to keep the blood flowing really good thru the new vessels to the graft in his neck. An annoying dopler is audible to let the nurses know the blood is still pumping well. It's absence will be an emergency and trip back to surgery.....so......it has to be there. The nurses are trying a few new things to settle him down, but hopefully Dr. Sharma's visit will add some more changes when he actually sees how out of control he is. I'm sure every muscle in his body is going to hurt from the long hours on the table and then the hours of constant fighting all the tubes and lines. He fights everything and anyone and has already pulled out the very important Art line and now MUST be restrained because of his strength. Either arm could do serious damage if they let him free. I tried to undo one and hold his hand but, he fought that, too. He keeps calling for me and so they keep letting me in, but I feel so helpless to help him. Pray for his ability to calm down and rest. He NEEDS it so badly. They are now questioning if he is a heavy drinker or has taken alot of drugs;;;;;;;;;;;;so I know they are suspecting he is going thru withdrawals or DT's. I assured them that is NOT the case. But, he has been addicted to oxygen,fluids, food and NOT being tied down and having excrutiating pain. This is hard, very hard. I feel the prayers on his behalf and appreciate you all. Thanks again, girls, for your efforts to create and update the blog. Love,
Mom,
LaRee,
Grandma Ree

The Roller Coaster Ride!!

It is now 9:34 and the mood is more subdued here at the hospital. None of us was prepared for what we saw when we went to visit my dad after recovery. I sit here trying to describe it and I am struggling to find the words. He is fighting the trachiotomy tube and is in so much pain. We had thought that they would have him heavily sedated but the Dr. does not want him to be. Seeing my dad in so much discomfort and so distressed has been traumatizing to all of us, especially my mom. It is bound to be a long night. Please remember him in your prayers tonight. Pray for him to be be able to relax and calm down so that he can begin to heal. We appreciate you all and thank you for your messages of encouragement.

Surprise

Dad is out of Surgery!! We were starting to get concerned because we hadn't received our update call when my mom saw my dad's hospital bed fly by the waiting room. Dr. Sharma came to give us the details on how the overall surgery had gone. Here is what we know: the tumor was at the junction of the tongue and the throat, the voice box and the rest of his throat look fine. The lymph nodes that were removed have been sent to pathology for testing to see how many were involved. This is important to determine the course of follow up treatment: definitely radiation and possibly chemo. He had a 5x5 cm portion of his tongue removed. Dr. Sharma is convinced that all cancerous material was removed and all margins are clear. Tentatively, dad will be in the ICU through Monday then transfered to a regular room on Tuesday. While in ICU he will only be able to have 2 visitors for 5 minutes every hour. They will have him up and walking tomorrow(can ya believe that!). The doctor is hopeful that he will be able to be discharged a week from today. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!!!!! For all of your love and support and comments throughout this difficult and long day.

4th Update / 3:19 p.m.

Jen just called and the surgical team is now working on attaching the "free flap" from his arm to his neck. All is going well. Talk (type) to you in a couple of hours.

3rd Update/1:20 p.m.

Nurse Jen is being very faithful in her calls to us and has been calling every two hours. She reported that they are done with the neck dissection and mandibulotomy. They are now working on the arm to get the free flap, which is the muscle that they are going to plug into the hole that has been left in his neck from the removal of all the cancer affected tissues. They said Dad is doing well!!

2nd Update/11:16 am

At 11:16 nurse Jennifer called to give us an update. Everything is going good and the doctor is working on the neck and jawbone. One of the things my dad was worried about was that part of the jawbone(mandible)would have to be removed, but the nurse said that at this time they don't believe that is necessary.However, the nurse explained that they are cutting the jawbone(mandible) to gain access to underlying tissues and then they will let the bone heal back together.

1st Update/ 9:13 a.m.

We just received our first call from Jennifer, the surgery nurse. She informed us that the surgery started at 7:46 am and that all is going well. Mom was also relieved to know that they will let us see Dad when he comes out of surgery even if it is into the no visiting hours that are posted. We are trying to stay distracted by visiting up a storm.

Good Morning from SL Regional Medical Center

The wee early hours here at Salt Lake Regional Medical Center were full of paperwork, consent forms, IV's, worried hearts and yes, an occasional joke. Dad was in good spirits (assisted by good drugs) as they whisked him away to the operating room. We have been put up in deluxe accommodations (the ICU waiting room)and are preparing ourselves for a very long day. They will be calling occasionally from the operating room to tell us how things are going and we will update everyone as we can. Even though there is no internet hookup available to the public the chaplain has let us use her office computer and internet hookup to keep you updated (SUPER NICE). Know we feel of your love and support. Love Angie

Surgery Location Change

The surgery will now be at Salt Lake Regional Medical Center. Same date, same time.

Family Home for the Weekend

All of Marty and LaRee's Kids and Grandkids (except for Chris and Family) were home for the weekend. We had a fun barbecue on Saturday night that included Ilene, Darren, Scott and Stephanie. All of us went to Sacrament Meeting and then had a lunch at Mom and Dad's house. We were grateful for the chance to be together.

Grandpa Marty & Me

Grandpa Marty get feeling better soon. Love, Handy Andy

Good Luck Friday Dad!

Dad, I love you and know that all will go well with your surgery on Friday. Love, Deid

Surgery Date

The sugery date is set for Friday August 31,2007.
Please send your words of encouragement to this blog site. I think all of us are getting great comfort from just knowing your thinking of us. Ang

The Boat!

If any of you out there know of anyone who is looking to buy a boat please contact our family. Dad loves this boat, but with his health chalenges at this time he really needs to get it sold. Please help our family get the word out.

Great News!!!!!!

Wonderful News! The cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. The P.E.T. C.T. scan showed that the cancer involves the side of his throat,three lymph nodes,a little of his tongue and down to his voice box but not his vocal chords.
The kind of Cancer that Dad has is Squamous Cell Carcinoma. The tenative plan as of right now is to have a surgery that will remove the cancer-affected areas and then fill in his neck with a flap of muscle taken from his forearm. After a recovery time of approx. 4 weeks he will then undergo radiation and chemotherapy. However, Dad's Dr. is taking his case to what they call a "Tumor Board", a group of doctors from the area that all weigh in on serious or rare cancers. (Unfortunately, I know this as I was one of the cases presented to them last year UGGG!)If the cancer board agrees with the plan we go ahead from there. They are saying that this whole process will involve 3 months treatment and 3 months recovery time. We have celebrated this huge news but at the same time there is a huge weight of the daunting task ahead. We will update you as we can and let you know when the surgery date is scheduled. As of right now we have no idea whether it will be a week or a month away. Once again we appreciate your support. Remember Dad in your prayers. Love, Us

Dear Grandkids (and anyone else who plans to give hugs and kisses),
Just know that Grandpa is trying really hard to be a good patient. He loves hugs and kisses and all, BUT be very careful with his neck. It is VERY tender. I keep accidentally hurting him. Ouch! Love, Grandma Ree

Ward Fast- The Power of Numbers

Brother Robert Timothy of the Bennington Ward announced a Ward Fast in Church today. He encouraged members to Fast this week, according to their own schedules. LaRee and Marty recieved so many words of encouragement at Church and drew strength from family and friends. They already have a strong testimony of the power of Fasting in numbers. Thank you to everyone who joins in!!!!

Dad's Slice of Heaven!

Monday

Dad is meeting with Dr. Sharma on Monday the 20th at 2:30 p.m. to find out the results of the P.E.T. Scan ,which will determine if the cancer has spread through out his body. If it hasn't then surgery will be scheduled and we will let you all know the date. The surgery will be 12 hrs long and dad will have to stay in the hospital for a week. If the cancer has spread a new plan will be made at that time. Deidra

The Diagnosis

Obviously, if you are reading this you already know that Marty has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Throat Cancer. We would like to use this blog as a way for his family and friends to stay informed and to take the pressure off of the "phone brigade". Please feel free to ask any questions or pass on your encouraging comments to Marty and LaRee. They will get back to everyone as they can. We will update this blog as we get more information or if there are any changes. Thank you for your love and support. Love Angie and Deidra