Sunday, September 28, 2003

Congratulations to newlyweds Keith and Lori !
May God continue to richly bless you both.
Sincerely Frank & Peggy

Little Rock update...In reflection upon this past week all I can say is praise be to God!
Good health reports, lots of quality time with my family (mom, dad, Peggy, and the kids), the opportunities to help others in need (I actually stopped having tunnel vision and did something for others), and the time in prayer getting mentally ready for the challenge that begins today are all the reasons that I am thankful.

The treatment lasted for about 1.5 hours today. I still feel fine for now. Stem cells to be delivered at 9:00am in the morning.

Tuesday will be the beginning of all the fun.
Frank

Friday, September 26, 2003

Finally the Medical Establishment confirms what I've been telling them for a long time: I am officially the healthiest sick man in America.

The great staff of UAMS threw test after test at me this week and I passed them all with flying colors. I've been studying really hard these past few months. I was bound and determined to do well. The studying paid off. I am still in remission, my bones and organs are healthy, and the lesions that the cancer created are showing signs of repair.

Dr Barlogie gave me the green light to continue with the next step of treatment, which is high dose chemo, then stem cell replacement. This is my second transplant, and hopefully the last one for a long, long time.

The fun starts this weekend and by Tuesday I'll be catatonic. I have as my goal to set the new world record for immune system recovery. The current record is 12 days and was set by French immigrant farm worker back in 1982. I have to beat that Frenchman's record. It is a matter of national pride.

Since I've been here I have had the opportunity to meet two newly diagnosed patients. They had the same fear in their eyes and trembling of voice that I had when I first arrived. It was really neat to be able to comfort and encourage them.

If you have just a moment please lift Gary and Debra up in prayer. They need the comfort and peace that only God can bring.

That's all for now!

Frank

Tuesday, September 23, 2003


Here we go again!...we are back in Little Rock for the second transplant. Our spirits are high and we have our game face on. We are ready to get this done.


The biggest question for me (Frank) is always...how do you feel?. Well I'll tell you I feel great. I feel normal. I feel that I am blessed beyond belief.


There is a popular verse that people rely on for encouragement..."I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil 4:17. I'll claim that, but here is something else that's neat: If you keep reading the passage, the next verse says, "Nevertheless, you have done well that you have shared in my distress."


We are so thankful for all of you who have shared this experience with us. The calls, the notes, e-mails, gifts, the helping hands, and the prayers have all helped deliver the family and I to this point.


We thank you!
Frank

Tuesday, September 9, 2003

Hi! This is the day that the Lord has made, let's rejoice in it together!

We are rejoicing in the wonderful ways that God goes before us and behind us to take care of His children.

Frank and I were out with our agent STILL trying to find a house when he got a call. The man buying our house lost his job and the contract fell through. I feel really bad for him, but I know that God is in control. The pressure is off for us to find a house so quickly. And I won't have to close with power of attorney and move without Frank - which would've been hard for him.

What a reminder that God knows best for us! I only pray that poor man feels the same way.

Frank had his blood work drawn in Little Rock yesterday. We don't any results yet, but expect them to be wonderful. The 22nd will be here before we know it. The kids said we need to pack in a lot of fun before Daddy has to leave. I totally agree!

With love and thanksgiving for you all.........Peg

Thursday, September 4, 2003

Happy September everybody ~ hope you all had a good weekend.

Things are hopping at the Carlton house. We have a contract on our house. As some of you know, we've had the house on/off the market for about 2 years. Frank said when he was in remission, we'd try again.
However, finding a house has been a challenge. Our priorities have changed in what we are looking for, which has made the process more tedious than I'd imagined. And then of course I have the "garage sale theory". You know how it goes: stuff sits around your house and you think you don't want it. You put in the garage sale for a buck. Then someone picks it up and thinks they want it, and all of the sudden you change your mind. "I think I'll keep it - I know exactly what to do with it." I think I feel that way about my house. Now that I have to leave ~ it's never looked better!

Frank's birthday is coming up on September 11. And he'll be leaving for the transplant on Sept 22. His parents will be with them that week, while I stay here and close on the house and move. Could he have planned that any better, or what??

The kids are doing great. Chandler is adjusting to middle school, and the boys enjoy their classes too. Chase is trying gymnastics this year, Zach is playing soccer and the drums (not at the same time), and Chandler is in her 4th year of piano.

Frank is excited about work and a new product line they are trying to get going. I think leaving for a month will be harder this time for that reason. The doctors say that the second transplant is supposed to be easier than the first. That's encouraging. His body hasn't had chemo since May 29. When he got the 1st transplant, he'd been getting chemo every 5 weeks. Since the body has had a rest, it should be easier. Let's pray for that!

Thanks for keeping up with us, and for your continued support of our family. It means so very much to us. Email us and let us know how YOU are doing!!

A new picture on the way.................
So grateful for my forgiveness today, aren't you?
Love, Peggy