Christmas Eve Day

Its the day before Christmas and my microwave is in (thanks to hubby elf) and the presents are waiting under the tree for the family of ours to see. Jessamyn and Jay are to arrive later today and the boys will be following on Christmas day. Marc, Paqui, and Zeyda will find their way here on Christmas evening. The family is a congregating and fun will be had. Oyster stew tonight and prime rib tomorrow, its the Lafler tradition. So to all have a very Merry Christmas!

Eight More Shopping Days!

Greetings,

Eight more days to fill the void, to get the last minute bubbles that you think will please the eyes of the beholder. It is the season to give, but isn't it also fun to receive!

Brian is coming out of the chemo fog and starting to putter around the house again. We have been at Jessamyn's home were we spent a couple of days attending Taylen's Christmas program and enjoying the Pieper family hospitality. Taylen sang and played drums in the 6th grade band, his musical talent is beginning flourish (hopefully he will follow in grandpa's footsteps).

Our microwave of years past gave up the ghost and was sent packing. I have always wanted a microwave that resided above the stove instead of taking space upon my counter and we picked one up at Sears in Chadron. Unfortunately, it has turned out to be quite a project to install. Maybe my zealous need for space has caused us some undo stress prior to Christmas dinner?

Christmas card writing continues and I going grocery shopping to stock the pantry. Our traditional oyster stew is on the menu for Christmas Eve and prime rib for Christmas. Yum! Received new photos of Zeyda that are quite darling, critiqued by grandma. Will try and post a few for all to see.

Merry Christmas to all!

Maiden Voyage

I took Brian to the airport in Scottsbluff early Wednesday morning (we arose at 3:00 am) so he could make his maiden voyage to CTCA. Yesterday I picked him back up, red faced and ready to get home. The side effects of his therapy were starting to take hold. Paqui met him at the gate and greeted him with open arms, then sent us both on our way. Our dog Rico, who was waiting in the truck licked his face repeatedly in ecstasy. Quickly, Brian received concerned calls from our other daughter Jessamyn, brother James, and sister Melanie. What great family and friends we have. We made it home safely even with the wind gusting a brisk 25-40 miles per hour. I had to drive with both hands on the wheel, imagine!

It looks like Christmas has come to my house. Last year I didn't get all the decorations out. But this year, I have made up for it and like some Christmas crazed elf I have decorated every nook and cranny. It took me several days to get the scheme right, but it is a done deal now. We have a beautiful Frasier fur tree and many nick knacks that fill our vision. I also feel proud that I got my Christmas shopping done ahead of time and packages sent on their way. Retirement has its benefits!

Next week we are going to grandson Taylen's Christmas program and will stay the night with him. Brian will still be in his recovery mode, so I hope he enjoys it. I will be having Christmas evening dinner at my house. The girls and their respective family's are coming and staying the night. This week's projects will be baking some goodies for the occasion and writing Christmas cards. I am not much on baking, but once a year I try and fake my way through Christmas. That's all for now and have a great week!

Week After Thanksgiving

Brian and I had a wonderful Thanksgiving, spending it with Jessamyn and Jay's family in Gordon.  Our grandson Taylen had shot a wild turkey and we ate it along with a domestic one for our special Thanksgiving meal. There was so much food and lots of Texas Hold"em laughs. I TRULY LOVE THANKSGIVING! We have so much to be thankful for!

Paqui, Marc, Brian and I went to Fort Collins, CO to meet up with Brian's brother and his girlfriend Laurie to go see Michael Franti and Spearhead in concert. We all got in the old Suburban and went to the 1st National Bank Center in Broomfield, CO to see their show. It was fabulous!!! I shook my bootee all night long. Laurie graciously let us all camp out after the show at her house. Jessamyn and the boys watched Zeyda while we all took off to the concert. Then we met at our house in Alliance on Sunday evening so Paqui could pick up Zeyda and not have to travel so far to Gordon.

It is now time to pull out the Christmas decorations and put away all my fall ones. It takes me a couple of days to get the house decorated. For some reason, I always forget where I put my decorations from year to year. Brian and I are thinking about going to the Pine Ridge near Chadron to cut a live tree. How romantic, just the two of us. Get the mulled cider ready! We are fortunate to have just our immediate family come celebrate Christmas day with us this year.

Brian has been feeling pretty good this last week. It takes him about seven days to get over his chemo therapy. He is traveling back to CTCA on the December 8th for another treatment. Brian thinks he will be able to handle the trip alone since he is only getting his blood drawn and receiving chemo. He will also be seeing the physician's assistant again. I am planning on going next time in January when he is suppose to have another CAT scan and see his doctor.

Brian and I are still planning our big trip to Hawaii and New Zealand in February and March. It has been in the works for over six months and Brian says he isn't going to miss it!

Everyone have fun  preparing for Christmas. It has been a cold and blustery few days here with not much snow to get me in the mood.

Home Again

Brian, Paqui, Jessamyn and I made it home safely Wednesday night after a few slight delays at the airport. We were all tired; flying is stressful and lay overs are tedious. It was nice to have the girls along to liven things up a bit, though!

Brian saw his doctor's physician assistant and then got his chemo therapy. We all saw the mind and body counselor separately and together as a family. It helped me and I hope it was beneficial for Brian and the girls too. It is a race to get Brian home before the steroids wear off and chemo side effects begin. It takes Brian a week to start to feel human again.

We are going to Jessamyn's home in Gordon for Thanksgiving. Gee, I won't be cooking the turkey this year. Do you think I might be getting put out to pasture; its doubtful. Jay's folks are to be there too and it should be a great party! Of course the Friday after we will watch Nebraska football against Colorado. Saturday we are going to Denver to see Michael Franti (Burning Spear). We are going with Paqui and Marc and we are to meet Brian's brother and sister. Jessamyn is graciously watching Zeyda.

The next trip to CTCA will be December 8th. Brian and I have decided since he is getting chemo therapy only and having no scans or tests that I will stay home and he will go it alone. I will take him to airport in Scottsbluff and pick him up, though. I hope the weather will cooperate.

That's all the news for now. Everyone have a great Thanksgiving!

First Snow Week

Just think it is the middle of November and we finally got our first snow. We sure have had a prolonged fall. Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed the fairer climate due to my aging bones and joints. They tell the weather better than the meteorologist. Brian is making, or should I say getting hay while the sun shines. He has gotten a variety of hays over the last couple of days to keep the steeds a frolicking.

Brian had to succumb to getting his winter buzz cut due to clumps of hair falling out. We said a prayer for its early return. He complains more about the cold now, so we are looking for the perfect stocking cap. We are also preparing for out next trek to CTCA with Paqui and Jessamyn. It will be fun for Brian and I to have the girls with us and show them around the hospital. Unfortunately, Brian will have to receive more chemo in the process.

Today Nebraska plays the University of Kansas. Go big Red! We barely got by Iowa State last week, so hope we do better. I will let you all know how our trip goes.

Happy Trails!

Better Week

Brian has been feeling much better and more productive this week. I have been catching up with friends doing the lunch thing. We both got to attended the Lions Club meeting on Wednesday. Isn't retirement fun!

We had a great Halloween visiting grandsons in Gordon. We carved pumpkins and the boys and grandpa bobbed for apples. Then we all topped the night off by trick and treating. Jessamyn's cattle sale went well and I enjoyed hanging out with Zeyda, Marc, and Paqui on Saturday. Plus, how great it was to see the Huskers beat Missouri! Hopefully they do as well and beat Iowa State this Saturday. What has happened to the Broncos???

We are heading to Scottsbluff today to work on Brian's mom's estate business. I have posted some new pictures finally so enjoy!

Rough Week

It has been a rough week for Brian. The chemo side effects have included increased heartbeat irregularities and palpitations. Not to mention the old stand by: nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue and dizziness. Brian of course doesn't want to take drugs, but I finally got him to take some pain medication he had previously for treatment. He has had some heart arrhythmia's previous to chemo and we had talk with a cardiologist at CTCA when we were back last. Brian had an EKG and echocardiogram done and results were normal. The doctor prescribed a medication if he continued having problems with irregularities. Brian immediately started to have problems once the steroids wore off after his chemo and so has started taking the medication everyday. Hope his side effects will level off soon!

Brian is to help Jessamyn this Saturday by keeping track of Jessamyn's sales at the Pieper Red Angus fall production sale. I am going to Scottsbluff to do the spooktacular at the zoo with Zeyda. I am also going to a big red game on Saturday with Paqui and Marc. Hope next week will be more productive and less stressful. I have a hard time focusing when I am worried about my man!
Mary

Lots of news

I must apologize for the lengthy absence! Brian and I went to visit Julie and Jim in Maine. We stayed at their "camp" which is more like a beautiful lake house on the Little Sebago Lake. Both are pilots and took us up in their sea plane over the trees, mountains and coastline to get a birds eye view, very breath taking. The second week we rented a car and drove up the northeastern coastline and eventually into New Brunswick Canada. Took car, train, ferry, and bus rides throughout the seventeen day stay. I ate all the lobster I could poke down and had seafood everyday but one. They have the best seafood ever! Brian and I also saw whales and had a moose cross the road in front of us. The best though, was seeing the beautiful fall colors of the trees. All there is are trees and water and the coastline of granite. It is amazing to see the tides go in and out and exploring towns settled in the 1700's.

Now for the more serious topic. Before we left for Maine, Brian got a call from his internal medicine doctor stating he found some cancer cells in his last biopsy. His oncologist wanted Brian to come back and get a PET scan after our trip. We flew to CTCA Wed. and he had his scan Tuesday. Today we were told he has 2 active cancer nodes in his right lower neck between his mid sternum and jaw. He also has one inactive node back in his lower right lung. Brian started chemotherapy treatment today and he will probably have three to six more sessions every three weeks. There have been some suspicions due to Brian being more fatigued, having headaches and increased neck pain the past couple of months.

We were blessed with an active, wonderful summer with Brian in remission. His official retirement was celebrated in grand style at the Alliance Country Club with the Postmasters organization and Alliance employees last Saturday night. He was grateful for the silver engraved belt buckle with a pony express rider and years of  USPS service (2010) on it.

It is however; now time to start another round in the fight for his good health. We would appreciate your continuing love and prayers as we enter into another fragile time.

We fly home tomorrow and I will try and get some new pictures of our trip on the blog.  Love you all.

Traveling Gypsies

Have returned from the land of many people, cars, and white knuckle driving.

Brian has received his three month check up at CTCA and continues to show no return of the Big C. He had another EGD scope with noticeable healing of previous radiation ulcer and does not need scoped for six months. The CAT scan showed no activity. The doctors ordered a nuclear bone scan that did show abnormal uptake of tracer. His left side, sternum, shoulder, ribs all had abnormalities that have been explained away by arthritis and fractures (motorcycle and horse wrecks). However, his right arm indicated a abnormality that was not explained, so they did another X ray and determined it was a abnormal blood flow problem and not cancer. His oncologist want him to have an orthopedic doctor look at the bone scan results.

While we were out to CTCA we rented a car and drove to Grand Rapids MI to attend the NAPUS (Postmaster) national convention (needless to say, white knuckle driving around Chicago). We were rewarded with a wonderful suite at the Amway Grand Hotel overlooking the Grand River. Brian played guitar, harmonica, and sang with a band that was comprised of postmasters from across the nation. It was great fun to see them dress up as Beatles and shake their bootee!

Brian and I are having our thirty eighth wedding anniversary soon and we are planning a fall extravaganza to Maine and Canada to see the fall foliage. We are visiting friends who have graciously opened their home up to us and will pick us up at the airport in Boston. All sorts of excursions are planned.  So bye until we return!

On The Road Again

Hi everyone!

Brian and I have been on the road again and again. Traveling to Brian's Uncle Paul's wake in Greeley, CO to Jessamyn's in Gordon, NE to celebrate grandson Jarret's 10th birthday. During which time we helped work cattle for family friends , the Voss's. We have also went to Brian's 40th class reunion and played a musical rodeo gig with the Haywaddies in Kimball, NE. Not to mention, going to Scottsbluff and Sidney, NE for Brian's mom's estate business. It's been quite the busy two weeks.

We are hanging around the tepee this week trying to play catch up with projects on the home front. The grasshoppers have pretty much destroyed my garden. All we are getting are some cucumbers and summer squash. The varmints ate all my onions, carrots, and bean tops off. We have nice pepper plants with no buds, so no peppers. Will probably get some tomatoes down the road.

Our stressors have really changed since we've retired. Now our stress is comprised of where are we going, what are we taking, and how long are we going to be gone. I LOVE the freedom to go, do, and be where I want, anytime I want!

Bye for now!

Fun Summer Doings!

Brian spent the last week and a half at the Flying D Ranch helping the DeNaeyer's put up hay and moving cattle. He  enjoyed getting out of the house and increasing his physical stamina. He also played with the Haywaddies (band) after the rough stock rodeo in Mullen, NE. I shuttled the fiddle player to the rodeo dance and stayed out at the ranch one night then returned home the next day. Brian stayed on at the ranch to help.

I just got back from a trip to Denver. Went with my girl friend Linda to see the Rockies whip the Cubs (17-2) at Coors Field Friday night. It was my first time to see the Rockies and we had club seats right above third base. We also stayed over night and then saw the play South Pacific on Saturday afternoon. The musical was amazing!!! It was a great girls weekend out. Of course we shopped too!

Brian has his 40th class reunion in Sidney, NE this weekend. He is only able to attend the Friday night festivities because he is playing with the Haywaddies in Kimball, NE for their rodeo dance on Saturday night. He is currently in Ft. Collins, CO with his brother James. They are going to the Lost Lonely Boys concert in Denver this evening. He is having his boys night out too.

Had a great garden and the grasshoppers thought so too. The garden is getting terrorized and devoured by the second. Have been getting zucchini and cucumbers, but carrots tops are gone and some of my beans have fallen. Mowing the lawn is like herding the grasshoppers from place to place. There has been quite the infestation this year!

That is all the newsy news for now.

New Pictures finally!

Hi everyone!

We just returned from the Groeger family reunion at Evergreen CO. Enjoyed seeing everyone and thank goodness we were wearing name tags! Mark and Joyce Stadig (cousins) did a fine job of hosting. We stayed with Brian's sister and brother-in-law, Melanie and Richard the Sunday after at Perry Park. It is so beautiful up in the mountains! Paqui and Zeyda rode with us. We tried to hike a little but Zeyda Lee is still too unsteady to climb far. She is 22 months and talking so much." Excuse me grandma", or "what are you doing grandma?" They grow up so fast.

Next we are settling in around the home place to tend to the lawn and garden. Brian and I have some honey do projects and want to do some fishing. Brian has a couple of gigs too. Ah, the retired life is grand. Do what you want when you want.

New Name for Blog

Since Brian is doing so well and his health has stabilized, we have decided to rename the blog Lafler Doings.

We survived!  Paqui and Marc are now officially man and wife and they had a beautiful wedding. It was a BIG PARTY with many friends and family. Brian and I have been very blessed! Thanks to all who attended to share the special moment.

The big news is that Brian has decided to retire effective Sept. 30th. He was fortunate to accrue leave time while on sick leave, so has 3 months of vacation time to use up. He also has been asked to play at the National Postmaster convention in Grand Rapids MI in Sept. He is going to try and correlate trip with follow up at CTCA for 3 month check up.

Next trip is to Brian's family reunion in Evergreen, CO over July 10th, his birthday. We do have a big trip planned to visit our friends Julie and James in Maine, then fly to Europe this fall. Haven't all the destinations secured yet, only tickets to Boston and back. It is wonderful to have such freedom to wander a little.

I certainly enjoy retirement, but I have been very busy and haven't had time to settle in yet. Will continue to update you all on what is happening!

Wonderful News!

Sorry that it has taken me so long to post test results from Brian's last trip to CTCA. I was waiting to hear results from biopsies taken during his EGD scope. His PET scan was negative for metastatic cancer and scope biopsies also showed no cancer, Hallelujah! He still has ulcerations at the Barret's disease site, though.

He must return to CTCA in three months for another follow up with scope and scans. We haven't rescheduled yet but will try to work around the national postmaster's convention in Grand Rapids, MI. Will probably fly to Chicago/Zion and then rent a car to go to convention while out there for tests. He has been invited to play in the talent show and be in the back up band.

Brian has some neuropathy in his feet from the chemo but it is slowly getting better. He is to have a bone density test done here in Alliance to make sure his bones are getting stronger after so much chemo too. Brian went to see his family doctor to get help with getting off the Fentanyl patch. He is currently on the lowest dose, but has had trouble with withdrawal tremors and jerking of limbs when he tried to stop the medication. The doctor has given him oral opiates to start taking every six hours for a week, then tapering to every twelve hours until he can stop completely. This will be Brian's next challenge.

We are so thankful that the tests are good; life is amazing for us!

New Plans

Brian 's follow up appointments have been changed at CTCA because his gastroenterologist thought he might need a vacation, go figure? We are flying to Milwaukee on June 1st and flying back on June 5Th. He will be having a PET scan and EGD scope, not to mention appointments with all his caregivers: nutritionist, oncologist, nautropath, and massage therapist. I have faith that Brian is still clear of cancer. He needs to enjoy this summer and not have to spend it doing treatments again.

We will return to the Scottsbluff airport just an hour before I am to attend Paqui's wedding shower on that Saturday, nothing like pressure. A week from today I am retiring from my job (May 21st) at Good Samaritan in Alliance as their MDS Coordinator. I will be very busy with last minute details for Paqui's wedding on June 26Th. Then it will be my time to enjoy grand kids, gardening, fishing, and travel.

I will keep you all posted on results of tests and future plans.

Guarded Success!

Hooray!

Brian got good news, his CT scan was clear and he didn't have to have chemo therapy today. As he stated, he can start to live again. The oncologist wants to see him in 2 months. He will have a P.E.T. scan and see his gastroenterologist for a follow up EGD scope to see how his esophagus is healing. If no returning evidence of cancer he will need to come back every three months for tests and check ups. The next 2 months will be a time for Brian to get his strength and endurance back. We will fly back to the CTCA on May 24Th and return home on the 27Th.

We are in the wedding mode and getting ready for Paqui and Marc's big bash on June 26Th. Paqui's wedding plans gives us a wonderful distraction from the everyday worry associated with cancer treatment.

Thank you all again for your prayers and support! You have given us hope during dark times. You have helped heal Brian's spirit and body. We love you all!

Mary

Hope, Faith, and Endurance

Hi to all!

We made our journey to CTCA and back without any major travel inconveniences, other than we had to get up at 3:00 am to make it to the airport to check in by 5:00 in Scottsbluff . We left Alliance with a foot of virgin snow on the ground that we had received the day before.

Brian saw his oncologist's PA for the first time and she was a little more blunt, telling Brian and I that he will always have to be treated and monitored for cancer. We knew that, but hopefully he will have a break from the chemotherapy!

Brian is currently suffering from the after effects from the sixth chemo round. It is always hard for me to see him feel so bad and not be able to help alleviate some of his discomfort. It is the nurse in me, I suppose.

The next visit to CTCA will start on 3-20-10. We will fly out of Scottbluff again on that Saturday to O'Hare. Our friends Bruce and Mary will pick us up and we will spend the weekend visiting. They will transport us to Zion for our appointments starting on Monday. Brian is to have a CT scan prior to seeing his oncologist on Tuesday. If no signs of cancer are evident we are fairly sure he will not need any chemo, even though they scheduled a session in case.

I have been helping Paqui plan her wedding. It has helped lighten my mental load and pocket book, ha! The wedding will be a great party to look forward too, something positive for the future.

Planes cancelled Planes scheduled

12/19/2010 BLL

Last Monday 2/15, we showed up timely to fly to O'Hare for our 2:30 PM flight on Great Lakes airline. However, they cancelled the flight at about 1:30 PM. We could not get on any other United flights out of Denver that day. So, we returned home and skipped the appointment for chemotherapy and rescheduled it for next week.

We fly out of Scottsbluff at 06:00 AM, Arrive at O'Hare at 12:03 PM on Monday 2/22/2010. The doctor appointments, including chemo will be on Tuesday, 2/23/10; and fly back home on Wednesday 2/24/10 to Scottsbluff.

It is worth saying that I felt outstanding this week. I was able to get my legs moving again, walking and hiking some. We have 6" of snow on the ground, so are back to winter. The hot tub was broke down, but got it fixed today.

Read a couple of books this week: "Seeds of Man" by Woody Guthrie and "Pinnacle Jake" by A.B. Snyder. Also read "Over-the-Counter NATURAL CURES" by the people's chemist, Shane Ellison. Written in 2009, Ellison disputes the value of big pharmacy's ad campaigns. He tested many natural supplements and post results at www.overthecounternatualcures.com. Check it out!

Many thanks for the continued thoughts & prayers! Hope to be basking in the sun in the clearing at the edge of the dark woods soon. Love, Brian & Mary

Finished Fifth Round of Chemo

Its been a long time since posting, sorry! We returned from the CTCA Wednesday night late. No travel mishaps. We flew to Denver with a 45-50 mile tail wind and some bumps, but we survived!

Brian had his usual assessments prior to his fifth round of chemo. His oncologist said he will have one more chemo session three weeks from now, then the next time we go back (3 weeks or so) he will have his scans and another EGD scope. If those remain clear he will NOT need any more chemo. She told Brian he will have to continue to have follow ups with scans and scopes every few months after to make sure cancer does not return. We continue to pray and are very optimistic that this cancer is completely GONE!

Our next scheduled trip will be February 15Th through the 17TH. This time we will fly to Midway at Chicago and back. I guess it is the cheapest rate. We have never been at that airport, so we will have a new adventure. I will miss the great Italian restaurant at Milwaukee.

Brian is recovering from chemo and I will be traveling after work to celebrate Paqui's 35Th birthday. It is hard to believe she is that old, since that makes me that much older!!!

Bye for now!

Biopsy Report

Yesterday, Brian heard that the biopsies that where done with the scopes came back negative. Again we are very thankful that he continues to be cancer free at this time and all the nasty chemo is worth while! The next chemo trip will occur on Jan. 25Th through the 27Th. We will fly in to CTCA on Monday. He will have blood work, see oncologist and have chemo on Tuesday; then we fly back home Wednesday. It will be a whirlwind trip. This time if I have a sinus infection I am NOT going! I had a real BAD sinus infection when I returned home last time, but on the mend now. At least I went back to work yesterday.

Brian is at Jessamyn's house watching our grandsons while Jessamyn and Jay are vacationing in Costa Rica for six days. They gave each other the trip for Christmas (nice) and since Brian is recouping from chemo anyway, he can sleep there as well as at home while the boys are in school. Rico our dog went with Brian too, so only have the cats to keep me company.

Take care all and thanks again for all your support!

Mary

Good and Bad News

Brian is currently receiving chemo while I update you all on the blog. We arrived here at Zion Sunday with no mishaps. Brian had a CT scan, blood work and pre-appointment for scopes today. Today he had both a EGD and colonoscopy. The doc found 1 small polyp in rectum along with a hemorrhoid. They of course took biopsy of polyp. He also found a small ulcer near stomach/esophageal junction. He took more biopsies of last know cancer areas.

The CT scan showed some inflammation at lower lobes of both lungs and slight amount of fluid around his heart, but right lung nodule was gone. The oncologist believes it is residue from radiation treatment that can show up 6 months later since he is not having any respiratory distress. The good news is that he has no recurrence so far of cancer, pending biopsy reports. The bad news is the oncologist wants to do 3 more cycles of same chemo three weeks apart and then retest with scans and another scope of esophagus just to make sure everything is healed and no signs and symptoms of cancer. Boy, was Brian's mood deflated. He thought he was done with treatment. I told him they just want to make sure it is good and gone! The doc states it is better to be more aggressive than not in this situation.

We fly back to Scottsbluff tomorrow, so hope the weather holds. I am battling another respiratory infection, the third one since October. It must be too much stress, will have to go to doctor myself when I get home. I will keep you posted on biopsy reports.

Mary