What an emotional roller coaster the past few days have been.

Frank and I both avoided updating the website yesterday - neither one of us felt like doing it. I lost the coin toss! When we have a bad day, it seems like we don't want to share it, but that isn't honest. It's unrealistic to think that we'd be "up" all the time. And one thing we've learned over 6 years is that God is there in the good and bad days ~ and even more so when we're feeling down.
Sunday Frank's CRP went up again to 167, from 144. Normal values are between 1 and 10. He was running fever in the 100's. We were still doing IV antibiotics at the apt.
All his other counts are still going down, which is to be expected. But his platelets were 16, so he got a transfusion. All of this is pretty familiar to us. We know the drill very well. What's different this time is the soreness/pain that Frank has. It hurts me to know that I cannot fix it, or make it better. Even a quick stop or bump in the road makes him groan. I have found a new route to the hospital that has smooth roads so the ride is more comfortable for him. Doting over him doesn't change it ~ sometimes it makes it worse! I am learning to hold my tongue and not ask over and over, "What can I do? Are you alright?" He knows I just want to help, but its still irritating when you feel bad and really just want to be left alone.

Chandler met my mom in Forest City to get Chase and bring him back to Little Rock. I was so thankful she did that for us. She's been so helpful. Chase had a great time and it was good to have all 5 of us together again.

Yesterday afternoon, we learned that our patient friend, Dr. Francisco from Miami passed away Saturday. We've asked you to pray for him before in one of our blogs. He was 41, fighting Myeloma since age 38. He and Frank have had the same treatments, including the 6 transplants. Francisco had an intense treatment schedule, having done in 3 years what Frank has done in 6. His precious wife and I talked and cried together. We were able to see her today and say goodbye before she leaves for home in the morning. She is being strong and it is evident, in every way, that she is leaning on the Lord for her strength. Their kids are 5 and 7. Please pray for them tomorrow as she reunites with her children and tells them about their daddy. We found out soon after that another patient, and our apt neighbor during the last transplant, also passed away the Sat. He and Frank were both getting PAC MED at the same time. It's like a family here with other patients we make friends with. The common bonds we all share run deep, and our hearts are broken for them as we share their grief.

Cooking was the last thing on my mind Sunday afternoon. Liane, Chandler's piano teacher, has a friend here that used to live in Memphis. Marian has been so sweet to take us under her wing. She cooked a meal for us and brought it over... perfect timing! The kids were starved, and it was good for us to sit together and eat. Frank even ate and said it hit the spot. Satisfying his taste buds right now is a tall order. We saved him leftovers and he ate it again tonight. What a treat that was for us.

Today, Zach got up and drove Frank to the hospital for his shot and labs. It's a quick visit, knowing he goes back in the afternoon for any meds and fluids he may need. I stayed here with Chase for class. When we got back to the hospital this afternoon, we were happy to get some good news.

His Lambda light chain and IgA marker, his type of Myeloma, are within normal limits for the first time since July. That is great! Also, his CRP went all the way from 167 to 108. Wonderful! We were so excited about that!

Other labs: WBC 0.02, Hgb 9.6, Hct 28.4, Platelets 11. So, he got a transfusion for platelets, and came home with an infuser for Potassium and Magnesium. And of course, the antibiotics.

As we sat there waiting, Frank got a phone call. It was Sandra with insurance. Are you ready for this? Humana approved the stem cell collection so Frank can collect more stem cells! We are absolutely amazed! Sandra said they had a long talk with Humana about Frank's age, and quality of life, etc and they approved it. Tears of joy!

Romans 8:26-28
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:37-39
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Frank and I both send our love and gratitude for the time you give to reading the blog and praying for all the details of this journey. To God be the glory, and may He bless each one of you!

Happy Saturday,

It's about 9:00 and Frank, Chandler, Zach and I are watching a movie ~ Stranger than Fiction, with Will Farrell. It's been a beautiful day here, and cool. We're all comfy and settled in for the night. Chase is at Victory Ranch on a junior high youth trip.

Since we posted last, Frank has been running a fever. If it hits 101, we start fever protocol ~ IV antibiotics. His CRP (inflammation marker) level has been going up each day. Today, it took a jump from 35 to 144. So, he's on IV infusers of antibiotics that we do at the apt. They did a nasal wash at the hospital to check for anything viral, and ran blood cultures. They already tested him for the flu... which he doesn't have. They are covering all the bases. He is still achy and has some pain, but the pain meds give him relief. His spirits are good and he's been watching football most of the day. MSU isn't doing so good..... but... we don't let it get us down!

Zach stayed with Frank yesterday while Chandler and I drove Chase home to go on his trip. He loved driving him around! We had a whirlwind 7 hours at home, not even sitting down unless in the car. We went home, packed up Chase, dropped him off at church, went to get a new car battery for the Honda, came back home to get in her scheduled long run (8 miles, yea Chandler), showered, ran 2 errands and headed back to Little Rock! We got back at 2:00 am. Yikes! Just time to get a nap before being at the hospital at 8.

I felt so bad to learn Frank had run fever. APN. It started after I left and he didn't want to worry me, so he didn't call, knowing we were coming back in the same night. Zach took good care of him and they enjoyed their boy time. But I was really glad to be back.

Today's labs were what we expect to see right now.
WBC 0.01
Hgb 11.3
Hct 33.0
Platelets 25, no transfusion today, but maybe tomorrow. 20 or below gets a transfusion.

Please pray with us that his fever will go away, and he will stay free from infection, or any complication and that his pain would get better.

We miss home the most on Sunday's. But we'll look forward to seeing Chase tomorrow and hearing all about his trip.

We love keeping in touch with our other patients/friends. Susan, from Houston, and I emailed back and forth today, and she left me with a verse we needed today.

Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Oh my gosh, I think I might be pregnant!

No, no this is not a post by Peggy, this is Frank. Let me explain.

I have spent the past 8 days being subjected to "the science experiment" that is my life and all I can eat is crackers, oatmeal, bananas, and Boost! (thank you Kimberly & Jay)

Of course during the time I am awake, I usually wind up on the FoodTV channel, with dreams of fine dining. Or heck a big fat cheeseburger and greasy fries.

So, while I wait patently for my body to reacquaint itself, with itself...I will have to live vicariously through my memories of GUS's fried chicken, hot tamales, bacon wrapped asparagus, grilled salmon, shashmi & sushi, hot breads, and fine cheeses. I haven't had a craving for Spaghettio's and ice cream so maybe I'm not prego after all....

Today was day 4 after transplant, still not hitting the bottom on my counts yet but with a WBC .04, PLts 20, Hemo 13.1, and Hematocrit 37.8. It won't be long before I've bottomed out and I'll climb out of this "hole" again.

Peggy and the kids are holding down the fort here in Little Rock, but please keep praying for our speedy recovery. We miss being home!

May God Bless You in All that you do,

Frank

Hey guys...

Light day at the hospital today. Frank got a bag of fluid and labs.

WBC 0.12
Hgb 13.4
Hct 39.1
Platelets 34

Good morning,

We just got here and someone was looking for us..... the lab tech that delivers the cells came in to tell us we were right. I only have one bag left. She double checked. The 2 bags, 11+ million was probably the total before I used one yesterday.

Hearing that news was like being all excited you found sour cream for your baked potato (it was behind the pickles), but opening the lid only to find out it needs to be thrown out! "Oops. Never mind"

You can't always help thoughts that go through your head, esp my head. But we got a chuckle out of it anyway.

Just waiting on labs and getting fluids at the clinic...

We woke up to a rainy morning. Not every day can be sunny. And I suppose human emotions are similar. We all have days when we feel burdened and worried. Frank was having one of those days. Of course, everyone reading this knows Frank doesn't feel that way very often. He stopped taking his pain medicine a few days ago. He said he wanted a "true" reading of how his body was feeling without the help of medicine. Unfortunately he's had some pain, and had some discomfort getting through some simple tasks. He's also been so worried about the insurance approval.

Psalm 120:1 In my distress I cried to the Lord, and He heard me.

Deena, our APN, came in to talk to us. The morning couldn't have been any sweeter. We were in the last room at the end of the hall. We didn't share a room with anyone today, and it was quiet. Frank shared his thoughts with Deena, and she was the one sent to minister to Frank today. She reminded him all his thoughts were just part of being human. It's important to feel and think on many different levels from time to time. But we deal with our thoughts and keep our faith and the goal is not to stay down for long. She was so encouraging as she told him how special he was to her and the entire staff. He is a role model to so many because of his attitude and disposition. My synopsis doesn't do her sweet words justice. She spoke the perfect words for Frank to hear. Deena is from India and it's taken years to fully understand her accent at the rapid speed at which she talks sometimes. But she is a believer and we love sharing stories of faith and love for the Lord. She said the first candle she lit at church Sunday was for Frank, and she called to have her father light one in India for him. The staff says Frank is her baby, and she confessed. The affection is mutual!

While we were waiting on the cells to arrive, we got a call from the insurance lady with UAMS. I could tell from the large sigh released by Frank that it was good news. Humana has approved the transplant! Frank and I just prayed right then to thank God for his continued goodness.
Well, they did arrive, and here is Frank about to get his 6th bag of stem cells. Amazing isn't it? I remember when he collected all those cells ~ on April 10th, 2003. Chandler's 11th birthday. We prayed God would be merciful and allow him get all the cells he would need. And He did! We found out today he has 2 bags left instead of one. (11+ million) We were told at the last transplant that he only had one bag left. I don't know how you miscount something like that. I imagined myself searching through my refrigerator and finding the pickles I wasn't sure we had! "Oh, here there are! Yeah" ~ "Oh look... another bag for Mr. Carlton. Cool!" I don't know who is right... but let's go with 2 bags left! If they counted them, they must be there.

As we got up to leave the hospital today, Frank said the link between mind and body is indeed a mystery. He said with the good - no, great - news today, he was feeling better! I am so so glad for my sweetie. I am proud to be his wife.

Thank you for praying for Frank and for all the details that surround his care. May you be blessed!

Ephesians 3: 14-21
For this reason, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;
that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height - to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us. Psalm 67:1

Happy Sunday. We got done early today at the clinic. We were home by 10:45! Our wires got crossed about the chemo schedule. Frank actually got the Melphalan yesterday. It only takes about 20 minutes to infuse the chemo. Most of yesterday's time was spent chewing ice. "huh" you might be thinking.....I'll explain. The theory, although not scientific, seems to work. The Melphalan is strong and effects the mucous membranes in the GI tract from start to finish - or attic to basement - :) To help prevent mucositis, patients chew ice before, during and after Melphalan is administered to help constrict the vessels of the GI tract so the Melphalan avoids contact with the membranes. The drug is metabolized quickly and out of the system within hours.

Today he got discontinued from the back pack of pumps and fluids. He's free!! He's so happy he doesn't have to carry that around anymore.

His counts are starting to drop today. He's neutrapenic already. (That means his white count is below 2.00) So he has his mask now and will have to be careful about germs, etc.

WBC 1.61, RBC 3.71, Hbg 11.1, Hct 34.6 Platelets 71.

Frank gets stem cells on Monday. His 6th of 7 bags! Then ~ we all know what happens next! We wait on levels to come back up! There is such comfort in knowing what to expect each day. It seems routine at times, but we never take for granted the seriousness of it - nor the miracle of it! Keeping free from infections and knowing the cells are grafting in the marrow is so important. Thank you for your faithful prayers for those specific things.


It's quiet here without the kids but the time alone has been nice too. It always gives us the opportunity to talk and pray together. Being away from our home isn't easy, but there are nuggets of gold tucked all around. That is one of them.


I miss our furry friends. Moses, our cat is very fond of my mother, but Casey,the golden retriever, follows my dad everywhere. I think he hides bacon in his pocket!


Until later....

I just thought Thursday was a long day. Friday took the cake!

I arrived at UAMS today at 5:15am as requested and got down to business right away. I loaded up first thing with my radioactive isotope injection and got inside the PET scan machine an hour later. Once done with that, I marched upstairs for some more chemo drips and more fluids. They like to keep you hydrated that's for sure.

Side bar: with all the steroids and hydration that I'm on I now weigh in at 167. I'm usually 155 or so. If you've ever seen one of those ugly goldfish with the big buggie eyes that's what I feel like. I just hope when the steroids are stopped, I'll drop some of this water weight.

Once I got finished with chemo, we then went over to WAIT on Dr Barlogie. Our appointment was at noon today. Promptly at 3:00pm, we saw Dr B and got the semi-good news. Of the 34 lesions that I arrived with, I now have 19. That is good news, however our desire was of course to have zero lesions show up on the scan. Well, maybe less than ten lesions would of been nice. There was also mention of 2 lesions in my humerus bones - one in each. But, in the end - it IS working and we do have one more day of regular treatments and then a big whopper dose on Sunday. Pray for the Whopper to put this stuff down.....

The kids are home enjoying fall break with their friends. Please keep Jimmy in your prayers. He's very uncomfortable and has a long recovery ahead.

"My soul, waits silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my Salvation. He is my defense. I shall not be moved. In God is my Salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge is in God." Psalm 62: 5-7

Going to eat Chinese food....

Hello All......

Today (Thursday) was a long day. I arrived at UAMS at 5:45am in order to get started with a PET Scan that was to be used to determine the progress that I've made so far.

Well, this plan was quickly dropped when it was discovered that the chemo bag I was wearing was full of D5W (sugar water). So much for not eating to prepare for the scan.

So, on Friday I will arrive at UAMS at 5:15am to try again.

Friday will be an all day affair. PET scan, chemo drip switch out, and then a visit with Dr Barlogie in the afternoon. This will be the meeting where we get "the news" as to the progress we've made since we got started this past Tuesday.

Here's a little hint on the progress, the egg sized knot on the back of my head is gone! That is progress my friends. Thank you for your prayers and for keeping tabs on us.

More as soon as we know....

Good evening... it's almost midnight now. Just wanted to update before we get started tomorrow so you will know how to pray.

For day one, it was tougher than we expected. Usually we see the accumulative effect over the week ~ getting more and more tired as the days go on. But today, it was almost immediate. Frank felt it right out of the gate. He's never had this BCNU drug. He got flushed and his blood pressure dropped, headache and tingling in his face. They slowed down the rate and that helped, but after that he slept the whole day.

Getting up to go home was interesting. He could hardly walk! So much for the stairs this time. I called for help and the cute little golf cart took us through the hospital. He was more tired than I expected . But I am so thankful for the out patient system they have set up here. Getting up and walking around is so much better. He came home and slept till 7.

He's been so much better tonight. He watched some of the debate, and checked his email. I fixed him some dinner and he ate well. He's asleep again. :)

His fanny pack of chemo is so heavy this time. We put it in Zach's back pack with the padded shoulder straps. That's more convenient for him.

Having the kids here is so sweet. They each have their time snuggling with him, and me. For all the down sides of having them out of school, (they miss it terribly) none of us would trade this time together for anything. It is so special. Chandler leaves every night and drives to a restaurant nearby to sit in the parking lot and enjoy cell coverage! Crazy!

Frank is strong and he's a fighter. We feel good about this and we're glad things are rolling ~ finally. We are praying for great results! They will do a PET scan Thursday morning at 6am to find out.

Good night......and now good morning....

it is interesting to me how one's perspective can influence the way the story is written. After waking up this morning and reading Peggy's account of how yesterday played out, I thought I would add a couple comments too.

First, she was correct with how quickly the chemo "got a hold" of me, but the bonus for me has been that I am in much less pain now. For the past 3-4 weeks I have been hobbling around like I have arthitis in my hips and back . Now that I am loaded up on steroids and chemo I just about can't feel anything. I like that part.

And while I am experiancing max. fatigue, I have not yet felt the "fuzzy headed" fog that envelopes my mental processes once I take all this hard stuff. I figure it will be in the Sat-Sun time frame before I go fully under the spell of the chemo drugs.

And guess what, the goose egg lesion that is on my head is almost flat now.....

WAITER - "How do you like your goose egg cooked Mr Carlton?"; MR CARLTON, "I like them heavily fried in a mixture of chemo-coctails, on both sides of course, and then thrown away thank you very much....then I'll have some orange juice."

We are enjoying being together as a family, I am so thankful for the sacrifices that the kids have made, and Peggy too, in order for us to be together at this time.

We are going to get through this, and return with more vigor than we had before we left!

Frank

Chemo, day 1

Happy Tuesday!


On Friday we had not heard from insurance. Come to find out the entire transplant office was out for seminars. Glad no one needed anything important..... please excuse the sarcasm. It's been frustrating, but we are trying to stay positive.

We decided to go home for the weekend. It was so so good to be home. We visited with family and friends and saw my nephew Jimmy all laid up in his cast. He's having surgery today at 2, so please pray for him! But the highlight of the weekend was going to church on Sunday. Just being there, singing and having communion was just the medicine we both needed.

Chandler and Zach had a wonderful time on their Victory Ranch trip. It is so wonderful out there and the weather was great. But as Sunday came to a close, we all headed back to Little Rock.

Monday morning, as the kids and I had school, Frank headed to the hospital to see what he could get done. The transplant team of Humana is out of the office until Wednesday, so Frank signed papers to go ahead and get started. The fighting gloves are on the the bell has rung!

So, here we are! He is already asleep. The "B" of the BEAM + blah + blah blah.... is infusing over 2 hours, then the "A" and "E" after that. Another handful of pills by mouth and Day One will be over. He is very happy that a central line didn't need to be put in this time. They are using his port-a-cath. That makes things more comfortable for him.

Our favorite and wonderful APN Deena has charge over us and we are so blessed. She said this treatment will be tough. Frank said "Bring it on!" She called it the kitchen sink of chemo. Well, Frank and I like to cook.... maybe the kitchen sink is just what we need to do the trick!

We'll be updating daily, or close to it. Thank you for signing in and saying hi. It means so much!

Craig used this verse Sunday, and I've decided to memorize it: Romans 12:12 Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times. (TEV)

We love you all ~ thanks for caring so much for us! peg

Hi guys. Just wanted to check in.

We didn't hear anything from the insurance company yet. But today was interesting. I would much rather Frank be telling this story, but he's sound asleep!

Frank was in a meeting at the Myeloma clinic with some of his guys from work. He was glad to be able to work a little since he didn't get started on chemo today. When he got home, we asked him how things went. Guess who was in the meeting? The insurance manager we had the meeting with yesterday. Frank said the look on her face was pretty funny. He said you could see the confusion trying to place it all together.

She was pretty straight with Frank as they talked after the meeting. She said that she has never seen an insurance company pay for 5 stem cell transplants. She's never seen them pay for more than 3. So, she was not very encouraging about the approval.

All that did was make us so thankful to see how God has provided for us over these past 5+ years. (It will be 6 in Nov) We will continue to trust in that provision for us no matter what we hear from our insurance company. We have seen God work in mysterious and marvelous ways. His thought are higher than ours, that is for sure! We are humbled amazed all the time!!

Frank is doing well in the waiting. He is uncomfortable a lot of the time. He's takes pain medicine now to help him through the day. He doesn't complain though. You just know by watching how carefully he moves around, etc. Once we attack those lesions, we are hoping the pain will subside.

The kids are doing okay. Biggest issue is that they miss their phones. We don't have any cell coverage at the apt. NO TEXTING?? Are you kidding me!?!? Actually, I am bummed, too. I do my share of text messaging. We wish we could be staying in better touch with everyone. We all have our computers, so email email email! Thank you for those who are sending sweet words of encouragement. We appreciate it so much!

During the debate tonight, (kids are watching for a grade!) we got a phone call that Jimmy was on his way to hospital with a soccer injury. We don't know what's going on yet, but I think it's his knee. He's downtown on some Morphine at the moment. Please pray it's nothing serious. We're anxious to hear something..... from the land line! Which is 501-225-6971. Call if you can!

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil 4: 4-7

This is Dr. Barlogie and Frank on Wednesday. Not the white coat most people expect. Leather pants is his usual fall/winter attire. And just in case you're wondering..... his idea for Frank to sit on his lap! And I'm not jealous..... :) Gotta love it!

love to you all..... we're hanging in there.... In His grace, Peg

I don't know where you are while reading this... but our weather is FABULOUS! It's one of those perfect days that you just want to spend every minute outside. I love it!

We saw Dr. Barlogie today. We want to share all we know with you, but just a warning ~ this will be a long entry.

When we were here last, the disease had shown up in 35 new lesions. One of our prayers is that things wouldn't progress in the 2 weeks we were gone. We were happy to fnd out that the PET showed only 34 lesions. I guess he left one in Europe! However, the ones in the spine and pelvis did grow in size. Some of the other markers have increased, but nothing alarming, and not unexpected.

Dr. Barlogie wants to give Frank a 9 drug regimine. For the ones that love detail....
The treatment is BEAM + VTD + Rapamycin + Cisplatin. What is all that, you ask?
It's BCNU, Etopiside, Ara-C, Melphalan, Velcade, Thalidimide, Decadron, Rapamycin, and Cisplatin. All these drugs work a little differently to act on a different stage of cell reproduction. Giving all these will enable the cancer cells to die at each stage of their growth. Sounds good to us!

His heart functions came back with no change from 2006. That was good news. That means his heart has handled all these treatments really well. Of course, we can all look at him and know that! We don't need fancy tests to tell us Frank is strong.

Our hope was that he get started today. But of course, we have to wait on insurance approval. The manager over insurance came to talk to us. I guess you say she was good at her job because she talked to us for a while and she was very kind and friendly. But after she left the room, we realized she wasn't giving us great news, but we didn't realize it until after she left.

She said we were really lucky to have gotten the coverage we've had so far. Many other companies don't cover 5 stem cell transplants. This will be his 6th. She said it would have to be called a transplant (even though sometimes calling it a boost is a more favorable way of getting approval) and we just have to wait and see what they said. It could take 3 days or so. If we didn't want to wait, we could sign this little piece of paper that says we will pay for all of this if without insurance approval. She was so nice and friendly.......

So.... we are waiting. And are resting in the knowledge that we are where we need to be. And God will take care of us. Just as He always has, and we trust Him to always do. Please join us in this prayer.

The kids are with us. That has given me a great deal of peace in the decision we made about school. I was having my doubts a few weeks ago. The change isn't easy, but that doesn't mean it wasn't best. But now that we are all here together, all the planning has come together. We are glad that part has worked out like it has. Chandler is training for a half marathon. Zach has been enjoying the free time, although he misses his soccer team. Chase is going with the flow. We told him he's really in night school, because I work with him after I get back from the hospital with Frank. He's got the mornings off.

Psalm 33: 20-22 Our soul waits for the Lord, He is our help and our shield.
For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name.
Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, just a we hope in You.

Frank has the only cell phone with coverage. Me and the kids have no bars at all in the apt. The local number is 501-225-6971.

We'll let you know something as soon as we do...... here's Frank......

My Little Rock days have been a whorl-wind experiance for sure. I arrived in Little Rock Monday around 1:30 and walked right in to the test lab. Blood work, EKG, PET scan, ECHO, MRI, Bone Marrow biopsy, and to wrap it all up I entered an apple bobbing contest. I would of won to but Zach pushed me in the tub.

Day one and two were just stacked with appointments but all very well managed. Hats off to the staff of UAMS, a tightly run ship for sure.

There was one incident of sorts. On Tuesday, I engaged the driving services of Zach Carlton to deliver me to the bone marrow biopsy room. He was happy to drive and eager to watch the proceedure, being that he aspires to be a surgeon one day.

Well all went pretty much as planned. Dad arrived on time, got assigned a room, went in and dropped his pants, got draped and then hopped up on the table. Ryan, the tech, inserted the needles and started screwing the corkscrew device into my hips. Like I said everything was going along pretty well....they started chipping away some bone fragments, and then it was bone marrow pull time. Once they started puling the marrow, ol Frank tensed up for the pain and Ryan the tech started drawnig it out. No sooner than the first RED tube was pulled Ryan's assistant yelled out, "hey we have a problem".

Yep, Dr Zach had started sweating, turned a cold shade of gray, and was sliding right out of his chair onto the floor!

They had to stop messing with me to get some assistants in the room and put Zach on a bed in the next room. Ryan and I were laughing so hard that we had trouble finishing our pulls.

Zach came out of it after some crackers and juice, but we were worried about him for awhile.
He came away from the experiance with a new appreciation of "procedures" from a patient perspective. Seeing his dad in pain didn't sit well with him.

I love you too, son!

Switching gears....

We're home! Amazing.... exciting....fabulous.... we could go on and on about the trip.

Frank will post his favorite pictures and we will share more later, but for now, we are trying to shift gears quickly and ignore the jet lag. We were welcomed at the airport around 10:30 with mom and all 6 kids. It was wonderful to just hear their voices and be able to hug everyone. We got to bed around 1am after trying to stay awake all night on the plane. (some of us did better than others).

Frank has to be in Little Rock by noon today. We already have a new apt waiting on us. MRI, PET, MUGA, ECHO, Pulmonary function, labs.... we will hit the ground running.

We are ready to fight hard and kill some Myeloma this month! Love to all... peg

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZACH!! WE LOVE YOU!!

Bon voyage!

Well, as I type, we are sitting the lounge of the Delta Crown room with Lisa and Jim. We have a layover in Atlanta before we board for Barcelona. Even if the trip were over now, we've had a good time! I am easy to please, huh?

We are very excited about the next 10 days. It'll be an experience of a lifetime. Frank is feeling pretty good. Everyone reading this knows Frank won't complain. I see him wince from time to time and I know he's a little uncomfortable. Please pray for relief from his pain and that the meds he is on will work to be killing the myeloma every minute of the day! He's on some high dose Thalidomide and Dex while we are gone. I am praying for minimal side effects from these as well.

We get home Sept 28th, and have to be in Little Rock by 1 pm on Monday the 29th. He has tests already lined up: PET, MRI, EKG, Echo, labs, etc. After all the preliminary testing, we'll see Dr. Barlogie on Tuesday and hopefully start chemo that afternoon or Wed morning.

We've got the apt booked and the kids are looking forward to having one extra room this time. Nobody on the floor! It will be good to be together for this next round of treatment. This is the reason we chose to home school this year, and now that "the time has come", I am more peaceful about the decision than ever before. It's has it's drawbacks, and we'd rather them be in school under any other circumstance, but this is best for now. ECS has homecoming tomorrow, and they are looking forward to the game.

Jer 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a hope and a future.

We covet your prayers as the Lord leads you for the trip, the treatment and the trust!!

We love you.... peg and family

Hello Family.......I guess I'll just get straight to the point; today's update is a confirmation of the fact that my cancer has returned.

This development is something that we (the Memphis Crew) really kinda knew was coming. We had been hopeful, and praying, that there could be some other reason for all the discomfort and downright pain that I have been experiencing, but it has now been confirmed.

When I left Little Rock 5 weeks ago, I had gone from 10 lesions down to 4, and those 4 had all reduced in size. Everything was looking good. Since then I have been taking some "light" chemo in Memphis and doing all the regular stuff; work, family, church, and some occasional skydiving. (Well, OK I've just been dreaming about the skydiving)

About two weeks ago I started having occasional pains in my ribs. These occasional pains slowly migrated to other areas of my body, mainly in my chest and along my spine. They also became sharp stabbing pains and at times I have had to leave work and take medication to cope. As I said, I knew something wasn't right.

After returning to UAMS for MRI's, PET scan, and other tests on Wednesday, Peggy and I returned to see Dr Barlogie today for the results. I now have 35 active lesions.

We have a game plan and will be returning to UAMS to start treatment on Sept 29th. Lisa and Jim had been planning on taking us with them on a cruise to Europe, and have been worried we wouldn't be able to go. One of the bright spots in the day was that Dr. B encouraged us to go. He wanted to be in Little Rock to oversee my next treatment and he was going to be in Russia next week. So, he was happy for us both to enjoy our trips and get busy fighting at the end of Sept. He is putting me on oral Thalidimide ~ 400mg ~ and Dex during the trip to begin the fight and try to help me with pain.

While this is certainly disappointing news, we have learned that everything can be turned into a blessing. So, that's part of the new plan, to start looking for ways to be a blessing even in the midst of tough times.

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1: 2-4

We will start posting more often, especially in a couple weeks when treatments begin. Until then know that we appreciate all the prayers and hugs that have come our way.

May God continue to bless,

Frank

'Having cancer is a lot like a plane flying through a storm.
Once you're aboard, tightening the seat belt and praying is all you can do!'

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRANK!!

Today is special day indeed! Frank is 44 today!! We ate out for dinner and had a nice time and surprised Frank with some new kitchen gadgets.

Yesterday, Chandler, Frank and I went to Little Rock for a full day. We left Memphis around 7 and got there in time for Frank to have a business meeting. Chandler did her school work while we waited. I got my hair done while Frank and Chandler ran some errands. Then Frank had his PET scan, and then his MRI before we got on the road. We made it back home around 11. Having Chandler with us was a nice treat and we had fun together. We laughed about the news all day and talked politics. You know..... lipstick on a pig.... Biden's asking a wheelchair bound man to stand up..... oh... good day for talk radio.... we had a ball!!

But underneath it all we are anxiously waiting the news tomorrow from Dr. Barlogie. Are we scared? With the pain he's been having, the only truthful answer is that we're very nervous about his results. The nurse called today and said his CRP is up and he needs to start his antibiotic. (The CRP measures inflammation and usually accompanies infection. It's an indicator they watch closely. )

Our hearts are burdened tonight for our other patient friends. He's been on the same round of PAC MED as Frank. We talked to his wife today and he's been admitted into the hospital with some serious complications. He is a year or 2 younger than Frank and his kids are only 4 and 6 years old. Our hearts are heavy for the burden they are carrying. As hard as we try to be upbeat and positive, Frank and I both admitted to each other that it was hard not to compare our situations. But we are doing our best to stay positive and trust God with each day He has blessed us with. We are going to visit with them tomorrow. Please pray for them and for us: that God would enable us to minister to them in some way tomorrow.

"Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10


Oh my goodness... we are counting on that promise and asking our precious Lord to increase our faith!


We are a month into home schooling. It is going great in most areas, challenging in others. But overall we are adjusting pretty good. Each of us are different, so what we gain, what we like and dislike are all different. Nothing replaces the wonderful school where they were, and all of us are looking forward to being back next year. Chandler and Zach try to have lunch there every few weeks. We've also enjoyed all the home games and visiting with friends.


The perks of not being in school are also being enjoyed. They don't have to be up at 6 anymore!! Chandler's best friend is also home schooled and she comes over to work with us once a week. We love her and the addition is fun. My niece tutors and grades their spanish. It's so much fun to listen to them talk in spanish for a few hours. I would miss all that if they if were away at school. They are custom fitting their work to their own schedules, but I must say... I'm pretty strict. I knew I would be, so I have to really myself relax. I am mainly referring to when they do certain lessons: Getting everything done in one day vs saving something for evening, rolling over a lesson into the next day, etc. But overall they are proving themselves very responsible and eager to learn. I still see them trying hard to do a good job and that makes me so happy.


We will update tomorrow when we get home. Much love, peg

Well it has been a few weeks since we dropped everyone a line so here's a Sunday afternoon update.

The past 4 weeks have been, different, that's a good word to use. Nothing earthshattering to report, it's just that our lives just seem to be "bouncing" around down life's highway.

Kind of like being on a trampoline. At times, bouncing can be a lot of fun. But sometimes, when you get to close to the edge, it gets unnerving.

I am happy to report that so far none of us have fallen off !

This week Peggy and I return to Little Rock to go through a new round of testing. As always I appreciate your prayers and we will let everyone know how it goes as soon as we know too.

I do have a specific prayer request. I have been having some pain in my chest for the past week or so. I pray that this is a "healing" pain and not a new something that has to be dealt with.

May God bless you this day!

Frank

“Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.”

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/w/awakemys.htm


I guess the words (and the musical score) to this most renown Christian
doxology were imbedded in my subconsiousness many many years ago
when I was a child sitting in the pews of the First Baptist Church - Greenville.

Whenever I hear really good news, this is usually the first thing that starts
running through my mind.

On Friday afternoon the choir struck up the tune; we had gotten a really good report.

I will be coming back to Memphis for follow up chemo treatments and we are
in awe of how God works in our lives.

Just over a month ago I thought I was walking my last steps.

Now I can see that there are a few more steps to take than I thought,
‘Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!’

Frank

Hello everyone,

The Carlton's are patiently waiting to meet with Dr Barlogie on Friday to see what is in store
for us next.

While in Little Rock I bumped into some dear friends and fellow patient (Margaret) & Sam Martin.

After we had spent some time catching up on things she reminded me of something I had said to her a long time ago. It had really resonated with her, and in a strange way, it once again resonated with me too.

Since we were both waiting to speak with the Dr. to find out if we were 'alright!', Margaret recalled a conversation that we had. At some point in this walk I told her that often we ask God to give us clear answers or clear understanding about what we can expect next. Sometimes we are left wanting because we don't get those answers. It occurred to me that the reason we might not get those assurances is because God wants us to rely on Him daily.

I know in my own walk I am guilty of thinking that since all the BIG STUFF is taken care of I can revert back to auto pilot where I am in control. I'll call on God when I get back in a jam. It's not a conscious process, it just happens. I have to confess that I wind up in this mind set way to often and I have to ask for forgiveness for wanting those reigns.

Thank you Margaret for reminding me that each day, I need to reach upand grab hold of my heavenly Father's mighty hand.

We have so many friends going through some rough times. We are praying for YOU, but today I have a real burden for a family that is in the midst of "the battle". John & Candy are fighting hard today. Instead of praying for me, please, lift them up in the following ways:

John has asked for some very specific things, so please pray that God will show His mighty power leaving no doubt in the minds of those in attendance that they have witnessed a miracle.
Pray that it won't be necessary to remove as much of the bone as they have predicted.
Pray that John will make a miraculous recovery not suffering as they have told him he will.
Pray for strength and encouragement for Candy as she waits alone during the lengthy surgery.
Pray for their children as they wait for news.
Pray for wisdom and skill of the surgeons.
Pray they get every bit of the cancer so that John won't have to go through this again.
Pray that God calm their fears tonight.

More from the Carlton Gang later.........................Frank

Florida update!

Oh..... we did not mean to be bad bunnies....

(we hope you remember Dr. Seuss's book.... "PJ Funnybunny did not mean to bad... but sometimes he could not help it.... ")

We have gotten several emails wondering why we haven't posted in a while. We feel so bad. We are pleased to tell you that no news is good news.

Frank and I enjoyed Christmas in July a few weeks ago and then he had labs the following Monday. Things were steady... everything creeped up a little bit and he enjoyed a good week at work and resumed most of his normal activities. Actually, we all did. Once things get back to normal with our schedules, things aren't so "in your face" concerning his treatments and such. We read this blog and wonder whose family that is on the screen... it not ours!!

Some dear friends of ours have been gracious enough to open up their home and we are now updating the site from Panama City Beach, FL. It's been a long time since just the 5 of us have been away and we are having so much fun. The beach is wonderful. (Esp when you loose your head!!)

I took my i-pod and walked the shoreline and had such a peaceful morning. I walked past condo after condo, family after family. It's amazing how we flock to the majesty of God's creation, just to be near it! And then I felt a pain.... I have that same majesty at home right outside my kitchen window. How often do I take for granted my own sunsets?

Since we've been here Frank has been totally into cooking, which he enjoys so much. I feel guilty, but since I have clean up duty, it all evens out, right? The kids and I are all into the Twilight series of books. There are 4 of them and and we are each working on one, reading all the time. Zach reads so fast that he started them in the car, finished the 2nd and is now passing me up on the 3rd book. Every time I turn around he's stealing my book and then we play tug of war with it! Being here is very relaxing and we are grateful. Chase has beaten Frank at gin 6 times in a row, and is enjoying his bragging rights! Chandler is on the 4th Twighlight book that was released at Midnight Friday. Since we were on the road, we stopprd at Barnes and Noble in Birmingham and joined about 100 others that had waited in line all day for the release. We took pictures as we left there at 1:30 am, and then go back on the road!

We will leave here and drive to Huntsville, AL for Zach's soccer tournament and be home Sunday.

I know we have asked for prayer concerning the kids school for next year. After much prayer, we have decided to home school this next term. Our plan is for them to return to school the following year. This will allow them to come with us to Little Rock from now on and not leave them anymore. Frank always says that he can handle the treatments, but having our family split apart makes things harder. We both felt strongly about the time we spend together and felt like this was the best decision. God has confirmed this decision for us over and over. Although it's going to be very different and we are nervous, sad and excited all at the same time... we know we are where we are suppose to be in this regard. Thank you for your prayers about it.

Frank will go to Little Rock on Wed, Aug 13th for his testing. Radiology and labs only... no bone marrow biopsy this time! Then, on Friday, Aug. 15th, we'll both go and meet with Dr. Barlogie about what to do next. After keeping up with our other patient friends that are on this same MED PAC regimen, we are expecting another 2-3 week stay in Little Rock very soon, but that may not be the case at all. We'll have to wait and see what test results show.

Oh... we love you guys so much for being to faithful to come to this site to check on us and pray for us. We are praising God for each of you today!

Christmas was a blast.... :) Doesn't that mean New Year is around the corner?

Regardless of how messed up our holidays are, we are celebrating. Frank's labs remained very stable over the weekend. Everything is about the same, and his platelets are still increasing. He also said his pain is getting a little better each day.

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Psalm 90:14

Frank is working everyday, which is so good for him. Chase is at Urban Plunge this week. The youth are running VBS for the inner city kids. They sleep downtown all week and minister to the kids, play with them and get to know them. We are taking dinner to them tonight, so I'll get to hug his neck. Zach and Chandler are catching up with friends ~ and boyfriend ~ before going back down to Greenville for some one on one grandparent time.

Our thoughts are heavy for our friends going through similar journeys: Nanneys, Thorns, Bartons, Carmons, Wherry's and our other patient friends in Little Rock. We pray for you guys, and hope you are feeling the loving arms of our Saviour today.

Hey guys,

Frank's labs yesterday were a down just a bit. All except for his platelets, which is good news. He usually struggles with making platelets after a treatment. They were 60, up from 37.

WBC 1.7
Hct 26
Hgb 9.1

We are leaving for Greenville in the morning for the annual Christmas in July party. We're looking forward to seeing family! We're also excited to be getting Zach back from his church trip tonight. We already know he had a good time, because even with a cell phone, we only got one text message all week.

Chandler started running fever last night. She hasn't felt good for a few days but no other complaint except for fatigue.

Prayer request:
* protection for Frank's body while being around people this weekend. that he would stay free from infection. that his counts would continue to rise.
* for chandler to have healing. and for her fever to go away

We've been home a week now. We are so amazed at God's goodness. He has brought us so far and we have blessing to be thankful for every step of the way. We have been ministered to and Frank and I are both thankful for the peace we've begun to feel in certain areas.

My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips. Psalm 63:5

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

You didn't click on anything different... I'm just playing around with the templates. I was going to say I'm bored, but I have so much I should be doing... it's really more like procrastination from my "to do" list.

Frank rested most of the weekend. He still very tired and uncomfortable in his ribs and back, but so glad to be sleeping in his own bed!

He had labs today at West Clinic. There were some changes in his numbers, but the good news is he didn't need any transfusions. Yeah! His white count dropped to 2.2, which is slightly above being neutrapenic. His platelets held their own at 37. We were excited about that! His Hct and Hgb both fell to 27 and 9, which explains his being winded easily. His body is strong and he'll continue to recover over these next few weeks. He won't get labs drawn again until Thursday.

He is going to Elliott for a few hours. Even if he had strict orders to stay home, he would go in. So I just encouraged him to wear a mask anyway and be really careful. He's blessed to have a job he loves and I know he has missed everyone in the office.

Please for:
protection over him these next 4 weeks,
for him to move forward in recovery with no setbacks,
wisdom with decision making,
and for sweet family time together.

Love to you....

Now that's what we're talking about....

Hi everyone....

As you read this, Frank is downstairs watching TV from home in Germantown. WE ARE HOME!

We saw Dr. Barlogie this morning. He was talkative about everything except Frank's treatment. He was pleased with how well he tolerated everything.... which he did!! Answered prayer!! "Come back in 4 weeks. Labs bi-weekly at home" was all we got out of him.

Frank's platelets were 21 today. They have to be 50 to pull the central line, so they transfused him, only to have them increase to 33. So they gave him another bag, which got them up to 44. They bent the rules a bit and pulled the line anyway. He was so so glad to have that out of his chest. But he's under some pretty strict orders to not lift anything, or use his right arm or move it around a lot.

I was never so glad to have the kids around! They pitched in and help us pack up the apt. Chandler and I's cars were so loaded down! We worried it wouldn't all fit, but it did. We got a celebration milk shake and hit the road in 5 o'clock traffic. All we could see was the Memphis-Ark bridge at that point!

The nurse said Frank would probably be neutrapenic again by Monday. He stopped getting the growth factor shots, so we should expect to see a drop. He will still be recovering even though we are home. He's suppose to lay low and stay away from crowded places.

It was so good to be home. My mom and dad met us here with our cat and dog ~ who, by the way, don't love us anymore. Casey followed my dad out the door as if to say "wait for me". They helped me unload the car knowing Frank couldn't and we had a quick dinner together. We hadn't seen them since we left, so that was a sweet treat.

Even though we are glad to be home, we made friends with new patients this time. Precious couples from Houston, Miami, Kentucky, Detroit and Nashville. One lady is 36 yrs old and has an 18 month old baby. I am finding that my thoughts are still in Little Rock this evening as we've left our friends there. I pray for God's healing mercy on each one of them.

Thank you for your prayers, your emails, and messages, texts and treats that encouraged us each day!! We love you so much!!

Psalm 33:20-22 We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord even as we put our hope in You.

Hello everybody.

Today's been good. Frank's white count is coming up. It's 0.57 today. His platelets were 10, so he got an infusion today. The CRP came down too. His recovery is going well and talk of going home is at least being discussed. Yippee!

We see Dr. Barlogie Friday. We're hoping to be home by early next week if not before. Let's pray for that!

Our better news came from the MRI report. Frank has been hurting in his back and ribs. He was so worried that these treatments weren't working. But we got good news today that that is NOT case. Praise the Lord! The MRI showed no new lesions.

We are so relieved, of course, but I am careful never to forget that even though we are "all in this together", it is Frank that carries this disease in his body. The burden of uncertainty and fear that he's had these past few days has been so heavy. I truly believe some of the sweetest moments spouses can share are together in prayer. We've cried out to God that these treatments are working, and we praised Him together for His mercy on Frank. His mood and disposition has already changed this afternoon.

My sister Lisa came to see us with her kids. Julie and Frank read books together while our kids and Jimmy and Alexis swam most of the day. They had a good time hanging out, even finding time to excercise, and paint pottery! The change of pace was nice and we loved their visit.

Psalm 116:1-5 I love the Lord, because He has heard My voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live. The pains of death surround me, and the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me; I found trouble and sorrow. Then I called upon the name of the Lord; "O Lord, I implore You, deliver my soul!" Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; Yes, our God is merciful.

LATE NIGHT UPDATE FROM FRANK- As I lay in the bed tonight (1:15am), punching the remote, I came across a really neat TV channel ( The Worship Network ) and heard "It is well with my soul". Not only did the hymn comfort me, but much to my surprize many of the musicians were from my home church. The program was a recording of many great hymns of the faith and filmed at Hope Presbyterian Church. It makes me so proud to be a part of Hope. That was sooooooo cool!

Sorry we're so late posting. (earlier in the evening)

Frank and I got to the hospital for labs and then darted over to Dr. Barlogie's office to see him at 11. We got to talk to the sweetest family here from West Palm Beach. We both love moments like that.

Dr. Barlogie wanted to do another MRI. He said since Frank's counts are low right now, there is less hyperactivity going on in the marrow, and that would be a good time to get a look at the lesions and what they are doing now. Frank shared with him that he's still experiencing pain his back and rib area. We also asked about what his plans are for future treatment plans, etc. He said he didn't know yet. Frank went for an MRI tonight at 8:45 pm.

After seeing Dr. B. we went back over to 7c to see his labs and finish up there. We were so pleased that he didn't need platelets for the 2nd day in a row! They were 28 yesterday, 22 today. His white count also moved up today!! It's 0.04. That is all great news.

He was still running a little low grade fever today, and his CRP level jumped from 1.7 to 7, so they ran blood cultures on all his ports. He also got another bag of IV antibiotics. But he's not running fever tonight, so that's great too!

The highlight of our day was stopping by to see Deena, our sweet APN that usually follows us. She's been out of town, and is assigned to the bottom floor chemo room, so we don't have her this time. But she talked to us and was really encouraging. We both felt uplifted after being with her.

Thank you so much for your prayers for Frank and our family.

We are so very blessed. Peg

Happy Sunday to everyone!

I hope each and everyone woke up with a sense of enthusiasm this day. I sure did.

For me I woke up thinking that I might have a shot at getting out of receiving more platelets today. God blessed me with that little treat.

While my counts are all still pretty crummy, Plts 28; WBC .01; Hct 30.3… I won’t have to get platelets this time. That puts a smile on my face.

My APN (Cindy) did ask me a bunch of questions about a low grade fever that came up last night. 99.5 is not a lot, but for safety sake, she decided to infuse me with some heavier antibiotics. I’ll take the infusers anytime over an infection.

They also ran an EKG on me because my sitting heart rate was about 140. Once Peggy left the room my heart rate went back down so I think everything is working like it is supposed to on that regard.

We are excited to have the kids coming back to Little Rock today. They have been “vacationing” at home in Memphis since Thursday. Peace and quite are nice but we miss them and are ready for them to be back here with us.

If I haven’t said it lately, I must say it again thank you, thank you, thank you for all your prayers and may God richly bless you this day.

Frank

I love the sound of the rain ~ when I am inside. It is raining here really hard and the thunder is so loud. We beat it by 10 minutes or so making it back to the apt before the downfall.

Frank got another bag of platelets today, and an IV infuser of Magnesium and Potassium to come home with him. The CRP (which we affectionately call 'the crap' ~ hope that doesn't offend) came down a little. That's good, since it's a good indicator of infection. Hence it's nick name.

WBC 0.02
RBC 3.24
Hgb 10.5
Hct 30.8
Platelets 12

We shared a room with another PAC MED patient ~ a sweet couple from Nashville. Yet another testimony of this place. They live 4 miles from Vanderbilt and their doctor told them to come here.

That makes the 5th patient getting the same combo as Frank. The dark humor in me sees everyone pulling a number to wait your turn like Baskin Robbins. "Whose next for PAC MED? NEXT!!" Seriously, it's good to meet others walking the same road as you are. There is a strong sense of family among patients. But if 5 (that we know of) of the dozen or so all got the chemo about the same time, then only a handful have gone before us. That can make your mind wander in the quiet moments of the day. But it does settle its thoughts on HOPE! Hope that this is helping patients respond, and that even with some tweaking along the way, that this is the combo that will kill those ugly cancer cells.

It's been quiet with the kids in Memphis. We've enjoyed reading the blog comments, and emails that you send. It may be just the 2 of us here, but we know we aren't alone.

Psalm 63:2-5

"I have seen You in the sanctuary

and beheld Your power and Your glory.

Because Your love is better than life,

my lips will glorify You.

I will praise You as long as I live,

And in Your name I will lift up my hands.

My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;

With singing lips my mouth will praise You."

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

We hope everyone is having a wonderful day. A day of fun. A day off work!! Frank and I had a quick stay at the hospital this morning.

His platelets were 10 today, so he got a bag. White count 0.02. His CRP marker which measures inflammation was up a tad, so they did blood cultures to be safe. Just pray Frank stays free from infection. Several people are getting admitted into the hospital from our unit. Our nurse said, "it's those PAC MED patients". Oops.... She probably didn't mean to say that. We're one of those 4 patients that got those drugs. We are praying that Frank stays healthy through this recovery.

He feels good today with energy enough to cook our "beenie weenies" and pork chops. I love seeing him do what he enjoys. We have a small watermelon too, but with his platelets so low, I won't let him cut it up. No knives. :)

It's raining here. That makes me sad for people watching fireworks. The kids are glad to be home for the weekend, hanging out with friends and family.

Love to all.... peg and frank

In Honor of this 4th of July Holiday - Galations 5:1 "It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery."



Hello everyone, sorry we did not post on Tuesday. Several people have already chided me
about the slip up so stay calm. Since we we are living in the battle-zone I think its easy to
forget that everyone wants a field report, no matter how routine I think it might be.

For the record today I registered a WBC of 0.08 and my Platlets were 16, down from 31 on Tuesday. Today was the first day for me to receive platlets.

Funny thing about platlets, I have been taking so many blood products over the years that I have to get loaded up on Benadryl and Hydrocortzone before I get them. That combination of pre-meds just wipes me out. I've been groggy since about noon.

Peggy said now that I'm awake I can type so get busy......the kids packed up and took off back
to Memphis around noon today. They are enjoying hanging out in LR with us, but they do want to be with thier friends. So off they went. The evidence of how bad they wanted to go home is that the boys left thier Wii and Playstation hardware here. They'll start missing it Saturday if it rains like its supposed to.

We are also bumping into more patents that have been given the PACMED chemo regimne. Today I spoke to my friend Francisco from Miami, who makes the 3rd person we've met doing what I'm doing. From his comments to me he is not progressing like everyone would like, but he is definately a fighter. Lift ol Franciso up in prayer if you don't mind, he needs good news.

Being here on a holiday, just me and Peggy, kinda makes us feel like empty-nesters. We plan on going all out by eating home made beenie-weenies, eating watermelon, and driving somewhere to watch fire works from the car.

We hope everyone has a fun holiday !

With love, Frank

5th bag of Stem Cells

We are so happy it's Tuesday. Yesterday was a yuk day for us... just one of those days you're glad is over.

I debated with myself on whether or not I should write that. But from the beginning, we've taken the position that we would be open about what we're going through. And how honest would we be if we ignored the hard days??

Psalm 5: 1-3 Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditaion. Give heed to the voice of my cry, my King and my God. For to You I will pray. My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord. In the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up.

Frank got his stem cells. Yeah. The kids came to share the 5 minute infusion with us, and then headed out for some fun. They went to the water park here in Little Rock with one of Zach's friends and his mom. They had a great day and were completely wiped out when they got home.

Frank had more energy last night. He slept less and ate more. Or was that me? He got a good laugh at me because I told him to fix his own dinner! He looked at me with his sad eyes but I told him it was because I wanted to take good care of him. He has barely gotten out of the chair for the last few days so while he was up and walking around, I wanted to take advantage of it and get him to do something. It's good for him to be active and makes him feel better in the end. He watched a movie and snuggled with the kids a little before going to bed.

We're at the hospital now. His labs are starting to drop, but not too much.

WBC 1.07 (neutrapenic)

Platelets 39

We're ready to leave for the day! Wow, we got in and out of here fast today...... love to all... Peg

Happy Sunday!

Frank is doing great. He's definitely feeling the effects of the chemo now. He's sleeping most of the day and doesn't really want to eat anything. I'm talking him into eggs and pasta. Ramen noodles are his favorite.

Frank's family left this morning. We had a sweet visit with them. Chandler and Zach got back yesterday afternoon from Memphis. They left a little later waiting on the rain to clear up, but then they got stuck in a bad interstate wreck that delayed them an hour of so. We were happy to see Chase Friday night. The bus was passing through Little Rock and stopped here for dinner, so we just met them at the McDonalds and snatched him!! He had a great time in Colorado.

Frank's blood work is starting its usual, and expected decline. His platelets were 52 today, and he's going home with a potassium infuser again today. Everything else is stable.
Tomorrow's the big day. He'll receive his 5th bag of stem cells in the morning. He had 2 in 2003, 1 in 2006, and 2 for 2008.

We knew we were blessed and grateful for him to have had a good collection 5 years ago. But the big picture really comes into focus now that we're several years out. He'll have 2 bags left after this, and we are so thankful to still have those precious cells.

Have a wonderful Sunday. We'll see you again tomorrow!

Psalm 146: 1,2 "PRAISE THE LORD! Praise the Lord, O my soul! While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being."

Frank, his brother Scott, and I got here at 6am for his PET scan. Then we rushed over to the chemo room for his bags to be changed, and then over to Dr. Barlogie to await the news. It didn't take long..... He didn't even take a seat.... He just smiled and said:

"We went from 7 to 4 and the lights are out!"

Yeah! Praise the Lord!! Now.... slow down and say that again.

"7 of the lesions have been reduced to 4. The other places that previously 'lit' up, are now very dim."

Praises! So, now we're back over in the chemo room and getting the rest of the treatments. We are overjoyed... and hungry! Frank and Frances are coming up with lunch soon and Neely should be here soon.

The rest of the news is standard. His magnesium and potassium are low, platelets 79, but he'll take that orally. Everything is else is good!

Chandler and Zach are already in Memphis. Driving home alone was a big deal ~ for Frank and I ~ and I think for them too. But she did great driving and Zach did great keeping me updated every 30 minutes or so. I am proud of them. I also can't believe we are at this stage in parenting!!

Thank you for you FAITHFUL prayers for Frank and our family! I know you will be rejoicing with us today! Have a wonderful Friday!

Under His magnificent grace, Peggy and Frank

Today is the start of a long, long day, the first of two days of concentrated chemotherapy that will hopefully put the myeloma on the run.

I am now hooked up to infusers that will pump 8 hours of continuous drugs into me and I will leave here with a “tote” bag that pumps in more drugs during the night.

We will be returning to UAMS at 6:00am tomorrow to have a PET scan, then I will get back on the infusers. There may be some tweaking of the medicines based on the PET test results, but otherwise we will be here for another full day on Friday.

I am just happy to be on “offense” for a change. Once we knew that the disease had returned, it felt like I was just sitting around letting the disease tear me up inside. Now we are fighting back. Being here makes me feel better already.

Speaking of making me feel better, all the thoughtful notes and e-mails are so, so special. All of you have made such an impact on me and my entire family. We love you too !

Frank

Good morning,

Frank and I were both updating the website at the same time!

We finally able to get into the apt yesterday afternoon. We anxiously drove over and got the key out of the box.... only to find out we were given a handicap unit. No counters or drawers in either bathroom. Altered tubs. No under cabinets in the kitchen. Only the exposed pipes and garbage disposal! No storage! I needed pills ~ or something~ at that point. We've had a lot of problems with the apt rental this time and it's been frustrating. But God was good. We called and they were able to switch us to another unit in the same complex within the hour. Oh... finally!!!

Several of you have asked for the address.
Carlton
1526 Parham Point Drive
Apt 12M
Little Rock, AR 72204

More importantly, the local phone number is

501-614-3854

Frank is the only one that doesn't use roaming minutes, so we are very conservative with talking on the phone. But we can talk all we want from the apt.... so feel free to call there anytime day or night! If we're in the bed, apparently Zach can answer. Frank noticed he was still up at 3am!! :)

Please pray today that
1. this chemo will be effective and that it will be evident on tomorrow's PET scan.
2. for frank to be comfortable. he's sore from the central line placement.
3. protection over him in every way... physically, and emotionally.

Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace, him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.

Well, it was an early start to the day. Frank and I arrived at 8 to meet with the nurse and the insurance lady about how the events of the next few days will unfold.

We are sitting the waiting room waiting (a room by any other name....) for Frank to be worked in for his central line placement. Getting worked is another word for "plan to sit here all day long". But we're not complaining. They said they didn't have an appointment for this until Friday. We were even going to try and get this done in Memphis. But they said they could work him in today. So, we're happy to... sit here all day long. :)

We have the list of meds now, for our medical friends and patients, or just for those of who like detail. MED PAC: M: mesna. This isn't chemo. It's given to prevent bleeding from the bladder when the cytoxan. E: etoposide. D: dexamethasone P: platinum (cisplatinum) A: ara-c This is the new one. This is a leukemia drug. C: cytoxan.

The nurse we met with today said basically the same thing we learned yesterday. She said they have been using this for about 2 months on less than a dozen people. No written data yet, but it's well tolerated. Frank will do great!

He'll get chemo Thursday morning. Then Friday at 6am, he'll have a PET scan. Dr. B will read it stat, and then he'll adjust chemo if needed and he'll get chemo right after that. He'll get disconnected Sat with labs over the weekend and stem cells on Monday.

You know everything we know!!

Frank's family is coming in for the weekend. We're looking forward to spending time with them. And I can't wait to see Chase and hear all about his trip. He's been in Colorado since last Sat. He has waited ~ not so patiently~ to finally be old enough for the church trips. We talked to him once and he was having a blast.

First thing we did this morning was read your encouraging comments. They mean so much to us! Thanks.

Love, Peggy

Psalm 118:14 "The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation."

Hello! You guys are so sweet! Frank and I have loved reading the comments you leave. It makes him feel so loved and cared for. It also puts you on our minds too and we have your face in our mind when thanking the Lord for you ~ the faithful ones praying for us. We are so very blessed with such sweet friends and family. We love you so much.

Frank got up early and went to his MRI of the his head. (We don't have results back yet) He thought it would be a fast scan. They can do his hips in less than 5 minutes! 2 and 1/2 hours later, I'm getting worried. He said it was a bigger deal than he expected. They took lots of pictures and then added contrast dye. Not to worry, they said that was normal procedure because the head has so many little bones.

We saw Dr. Barlogie this afternoon. Chandler and Zach went with us. Everyone loved seeing them and made over them. I'm sure being 16 and 14 years old, they just loved that!

Dr. Barlogie came in the room deep in thought and concentration. There were long periods of silence while we just watched him sit there and think and write. He obviously has a plan.

It's another transplant but not with Melphalan, the traditional drug used to treat Myeloma for transplant. It's 6 different drugs. Some of which he's had. 2 are new. This is a new cocktail they've made up for patients that aren't responding to other treatments. Frank will be about the 16th person to receive this combination. The data isn't in yet about how well it's working. It hasn't been enough time, but the initial respones have been positive!! Yeah!! Our nurse said that it's tolerated well. Meaning... it shouldn't cause a lot uncomfortable side effects, which is good. And Frank has veins of steel anyway.... he has always taken his chemo well. He makes other patients jealous when he skips into the clinic while they shuffle in from weakness. God has been good and we feel blessed that Frank is very strong in that regard.

The treatment is called MED PAC. You know how it works by now... each letter is a drug. The M and the A are the new ones. I think it's called Mesna and the other one is a leukemia drug. Frank's single port line won't work this time because the drugs aren't compatible with each other, so he'll have to have a central line put in tomorrow. The last time he needed one of those was April 2003 for his collection.

He'll get stem cell support on Monday. That will leave him 2 bags left. Dr. B is talking about trying to collect again after this treatment. The central line will already be in and it'll be a good time to try. That makes us feel really good.

God timing is always so good. Chase is on a church trip, and Chandler and Zach are here with us. The time here with them had been good. We've laughed so hard our sides hurt, but 10 minutes later one of us is teary eyed. We've had some really honest conversations too. They don't last too long. It's been emotionally hard, but it's been good for us. We've had conversations I don't think the kids would have had in front of their little brother. I miss him, but I can tell that they are glad to be here with some more "grown up" time with us.

Chandler is enjoying having some freedom ~ and her car. She is reading in Barnes and Noble by herself tonight. In the car earlier she said, "i know what I'll do... I'll just go up there and read so I don't have to buy the book"... She was proud of herself for thinking of a new concept! Don't tell her...... but didn't someone already invent the library??

We'll update often so you know how to be praying. Right now, our prayer request are:

1. no insurance issues

2. central line placement tomorrow (they are working him in a full schedule)

3. tolerance with the chemo

4. Healing!!! For the meds to kill each and every ugly cell now and forever

5. save travel for Chase as he comes home Friday, and for Chandler and Zach as they go home.

Psalm 36:5 Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

Joshua 1:9 “I have commanded you, be strong and of good courage for the Lord God is with you wherever you go, right there with you; watch and listen for Him!”


Being diagnosed with a terminal illness is a very difficult situation, perhaps one of the most difficult that anyone ever faces.

As I sit in this chair, typing these words I am very cognizant of the disease that is eating away at me from the inside. My hips are sore, I have pains in my back, and my jaw is numb for some reason.

Over these past days I have had occasions where tears well up in the corners of my eyes as I watch my wife and my children interact. Thoughts of not being with them to laugh or play or to just simply sit and watch them weighs heavily on me.

Yet, in the midst of this kind of turmoil my God has commanded me to be strong and of good courage!

Well, to everyone that reads this page I want to reiterate that I intend to do exactly as I have been instructed……I lay claim to His provision, with His help I will be as strong and as courageous as I possibly can, and most importantly, I will watch and listen for Him.

We will visit with Dr. Barlogie on Tuesday afternoon to find out what the treatment plan will be. Once we start down that road, it will be several weeks before we know if “it’s working”.

I think we (people in general) tend to not think about how God works in our lives and it takes difficulties to make us refocus and declare, at least to ourselves, how we will respond.

I truly believe that God is totally in charge and I am so grateful that He is on my side.

As always all of your prayers, comments, and offers of help are greatly appreciated.

Frank

Good morning,

Frank and I are both ready to see Dr. Barlogie today and "get the news over with" one way or the other. Waiting isn't a stress release. Frank is not as anxious today as he says he was yesterday. In his words over breakfast he says he's expecting the worst, so anything else will be good news to him. I don't feel the same way. I am not convinced. I'm holding out that things haven't progressed and he'll move forward with the next Mel-VTD-PACE chemo he was originally scheduled for. I like it when we're NOT on the same wave link. It allows one to be strong for the other ~ whoever needs it at the time. And with Frank's competitive nature, it's something for us to bet on. Whose right, and what is the prize? :)

I do feel better after having breakfast. It was a "living devotion" for me. As we walk into the lobby to eat, the first thing I noticed is how crowded it was, unlike yesterday. Crowded with families and small children. Then, I started noticing that several had special needs children. One in a wheelchair, one with Downs. Then I saw a Granddaddy with a Special Olympics t-shirt on. Common sense has kicked in at this point, only because I had already had coffee in the room.

As we sat at our table discussing our own trials, all I could think of was how awesome our heavenly Father is. We are so frail in our humanity. So needy. So broken. How can any of us make it through without His grace and strength?? Each table represented to me how each of us have our own trials and burdens we carry. I saw the family with the Downs toddler fold their hands as the little boy said the prayer. You couldn't understand him... but God could. Are we not the same way? Sometimes I just mumble my scared and anxious heart to the Lord. I can't always make sense of it all..... but God can.

I realize as we wait to see the doctor, that we have close friends also battling cancer. Their child is fighting cancer, or Lyme disease. But even if we don't have a disease we can name, we have insecurities, broken relationships.. all sorts of things that bring us to our knees with our Savior, our Healer... our Comforter. And His grace is sufficient for ALL our needs. That's what we're holding onto as we wait to see Dr Barlogie................

Heb. 4: 14-16 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

4:15 pm

We just saw Dr. Barlogie. Frank was right. Numb is the only word that comes to mind right now. Frank is quiet. He said he's played this moment over many times in the past week. Dr. Barlogie wants to run more tests on Monday morning. Frank will have another scan of the head to find out more to explain the numbness in the face. There are many new lesions in the hip, spine and ribs. He wants a bone marrow too. He doesn't know what to do yet, but said to come back prepared for 3 weeks at least.

So, we are on our way to Memphis.

Much love for each one of you. peg

The Journey Begins Again.....................

Hello from Peggy, Frank, Chandler, Zach, & Chase....it' been a whole month since we posted so we thought would get back in the habit of updating the site.

The Carlton's have been on a vacation of sorts these past weeks. When we left Little Rock in May, we were told to go home and recouperate then come back in a month. Since then we have gone to a fish fry, painted Chandler's room, spent time doodleing in the yard, gone and seen old friends, and in general just done normal summer time stuff.

I will be returning to Little Rock on Wednesday to begin the next round of tests and then treatments. We haven't decided if everyone is leaving on Wednesday or not, but one way or another we will all be in LR by weeks end to see if we can make this Myeloma stay away.

We certainly hope this trip will be uneventful...........so stay tuned we'll let you know as the journey progresses..............

Frank


“In the world you will have trouble but take courage for I have conquered the world.” - Jesus

Little Rock's visit was pretty uneventful. We left here around 11, saw the doctor, left there at 5 and made it back to see American Idol in our jammies. Not too bad!

We didn't feel rushed with Dr. Barlogie and got our questions answered. At least the ones that he could answer. Our unanswered questions are reserved for the Lord. I know His ways are best. If we could see the future and get all our "what ifs" out of the way we wouldn't trust Him, we would run ahead in pride, or we wouldn't get out of the bed! So... we trust Him for each step of the way.
Phil 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Frank's PET scan, bone marrow and blood work and kidneys showed no signs of active myeloma. The MRI of the spine showed lesions that appeared new to the doctor reading it, but he was comparing it to an October 2007 MRI. We read the chart before the doctor comes in, so this had us very scared.

But Dr. Barlogie read it over carefully, called the MRI doctor reading the scan, and called in another doctor to our room and we talked it over with all of them. Dr. B is dismissing the thought that these lesions are new as of May.

Frank's spine hadn't been scanned since Oct. During the relapse after the first of the year, only his shoulders and hips had an MRI. Those lesions could have been there since the relapse and just not seen until now. He says there is not way to measure it with nothing more current. So, in light of the other tests, he's saying things are fine.

Frank's blood work was still on the sluggish side. He was officially neutrapenic with his white count 1.5. Hematocrit was 25 and platelets 49. So, instead of starting the second "heavy" treatment, he wants Frank to take "light" chemo here for a month. The Velcade, Thalidomide, Dex combo. Then return on June 23rd for testing and plans to start the Mel, VTD-PACE treatment.

Sorry for all the details if they overwhelm you. I include them for many reasons. We have fellow Myeloma patients that read this. Sharing the specifics of treatment plans are important in the myeloma family. I also want those that like the detail, my nurse friends and esp our out of town family to be able to have the specifics. It also serves as a journal for us. We've gone back and read archives and remembered parts of his treatments we'd forgotten about. It's amazing that his 5 1/2 year journey is all right here. Anyway...

We have a plan. His big picture is still the same. He wants to do another transplant after the next round of chemo. He said he could try and collect stem cells after the next transplant.

I know this is a universal feeling but.... we are SO ready for school to be out!!! We need some down time! The kids have been more stressed than I've ever seen them this semester. It breaks my heart to see them so bogged down. Please pray for them. Pray this summer will be a time of renewal in their sweet spirits and they'll truly find rest in the Lord.

Love to each of you. We are so grateful.

Peggy