Dear Ones:
It was at this exact time last year that I was (we were) trying to grasp the reality of having cancer.

To say that I was frightened is too simplistic. To say that I was confused doesn't cover the range of emotions either. I simply did not know how to feel. Numb, that would be closer than anything else.

This day, this week is truly one of Thanksgiving for us.
To all of you that prayed for us, cried with us, helped us, and supported us we are thankful.
Your prayers have been answered. God has granted our requests.

We're counting our blessings like never before.
Praise Him for this!
Frank

Well, Frank came home yesterday from Little Rock with his report from the doctor.Here's what we know.......

Frank's genetic profile - his DNA bone marrow samples - indicate that he should be able to maintain a lengthy remission. What wonderful news that was! We are so very thankful.

His white count was 1.9, but Frank didn't say that they seems concerned about it. It has dropped at little with each lab drawn. Everything else looked really good.

However, the fractured L2 vertebra that was responsible for his diagnosis has shown increased compression. We have read reports like this in the past, but Dr. Barlogie, at that time, had decided to watch it. Now, he wants to try and fix it, to prevent any further compression. This is done by injecting medicine into the vertebrae (guided by x-ray) that will harden the bone and fill in that space. He was also supposed to have a PET scan that got overlooked.

So, he left for Little Rock this morning to have those two things done, and will be home tonight. His spirits were great. He didn't appear to be nervous or upset about having this done.

His next chemo will be the second week of December. He had to argue with the doctor to let him have this treatment in Memphis, and he won! Frank also argued to wanted to wait until after the holidays to start this chemo, and he lost that one.

I don't think he goes back to Little Rock until March. Yeah!!

As thanksgiving rolls around, we are reminded of so much to be thankful for. We are in awe of our Lord, and how He works in and through each one of His children to be His hand and His feet...and so much more. The power of the Holy Spirit an awesome thing!!
Have a wonderful, blessed weekend.

Love, Peggy

It is a time of Thanksgiving indeed!

Hi everybody. I know it's been a while since we updated. We are sorry. I hope this finds each of you happy, and healthy and looking forward to Thanksgiving.

Frank is in Little Rock right now. He left yesterday morning, and should be back Thursday night. His MRI and bone marrow went well. The bone marrow biopsies are never fun, and I am still amazed after almost a year how well he handles them. He had the "new girl" today - that's always scary. But he had no complaints and said they were all laughing before it was over. He'll get the results and see Dr. Barlogie on Thursday.

We are thanking God for his progress and healing and praying for a continued remission. Frank was able to sneak off to Greenville for the night and visit with his parents. I know they enjoyed the surprise!

Jim, our brother-in-law, had another checkup the first week of November. He is also still in remission and got a good report from the doctor. We are so thankful for his health as well.

Tuesday the 18th was our 14th anniversary! We couldn't be together on Tuesday, but had a nice dinner over the weekend. We toasted to the last 14 and to the next 16!! We can attest to the fact that our "13th" year of marriage was not a superstitious "bad" year. In spite of the challenges that we faced as individuals and as a couple, it was one of the sweetest years of our marriage. We got refocused on what's really important and spent some very precious moments together.

Frank's attitude about his cancer and his never-ending, Christ-centered, positive outlook had taught me - and the kids- so much.

So, what else has kept us from making entries more often? Well, we sold our house - again! The first offer several months ago fell through, but it looks like this deal is going to stick. We are closing on Dec. 1st. In addition to that, for the last 4 weeks, I have been going to school to get my Real Estate license. With our house selling during my course, I felt like I was on a very long field trip! It's been a long time since I was in school and had to study! Let me rephrase that! It's been a long time since I was in school and chose to study!!

Anyway, I finished school today and passed all the necessary requirements.
We'll let you know how his check-up went after Thursday..........Thanksgiving's a week from tomorrow!

Psalm 100: Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness;Come before His presence with singing.Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise.Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting,And His truth endures to all generations.

I'm Home!

My Dr.'s looked me over one more time on Tuesday then told me to go home. I have a terrible rash and am still running a low grade fever, but since there are no other symptoms they said go.This marks an end to the most aggressive parts of my treatment. To tell you the truth, the hardest part of all this has been the separation from family and being connected to life. The time away will be minimal from now on.

Phase 2 of treatment will include chemo every 3 months for the next year.
Regardless, I plan on growing my hair back. I don't like having a cold melon in the winter.

Thank you to everyone that has been sending me notes, well wishes, and prayers. Your strength has kept me sane.

Praise to God for His mercy.
Frank

Well, here we sit (in Little Rock) waiting for some answers.

I was supposed to be "paroled" on Friday, however a persistent fever has kept us here. No one wanted to take a risk (including me) by letting me go home and possibly get sicker.

I have an appointment first thing Monday. All my vitals will be evaluated and a course of action will be decided on.

The good news is I haven't broken 101 today. If I can maintain the low grade maybe, just maybe, I can come home.

Personally, I think I received the curse of the Frenchman when I tried to challenge his recovery record weeks ago. Jacque whereever you are...I apologize.

My smiling face will be back soon, just not soon enough.
Frank

Dear Father in Heaven:

I have cried out and thrown myself down for your mercy...You gave it without measure.
In my sin I doubted that miracles still happen...You delivered me despite my smallness.

There have been times that I have chosen the path of isolation, which leads to the pit...You sent Your Saints to my rescue.

I have endlessly worried about my wife and my children...You told me to trust in You.
We walked to the edge of what is called this life, and You said it is not time to go.

Thank you Lord Jesus for all of these blessings! Frank

Hi, everyone.

Well, the boys and I arrived in Little Rock late last night. Zach's soccer game was rained out, so we decided to go ahead and get on the road, pulling in around midnight. They are on fall break, and we'll be spending the long weekend with Daddy. Chandler left on Wednesday to visit her friend in Kansas City. She is having a blast, but it's very different without her here. Please pray she has a safe trip and good flight Sunday.

Frank is beginning to run fever. He's run low grade all week, but only at night. We have IV antibiotics he is supposed to hook up if it goes over 101. It's mid-day here and his last temp was 100.7. We are watching him closely.

His blood levels dropped again yesterday, so we haven't gotten word that he's "on the way up" yet. We are hoping it's soon. Frank did mention today that his chances of beating the Frenchman are fading, but he's handling it well. Being a Mississippi State fan has gotten him used to this sort of disappointment.

He's also developed the mouth sores that the chemo is famous for leaving behind. Although he doesn't feel as good as he did a few days ago, he is still doing very well overall. These side effects are yucky indeed, but are not unexpected. Frank is more than halfway done, and he's hanging in there beautifully.

Chase is also doing well. He had some tests run Thursday on his kidneys. They found out he has low grade reflux. The pediatrician hasn't gotten back with us about what we should do about these results. But we are very thankful it's nothing serious. He was a brave little boy during his tests, and I was grateful that I was there to comfort and love on him.

As I'm typing this Frank just got word about his lab values. It looks like he's coming up!! Yeah! His white count went from 0.3 to 0.5. Maybe he's made the turn. His platelets are 20. Please pray that won't get any lower. Last time he had to have a transfusion of platelets when the level went to 14. We don't want him to have blood products if he can help it.
His CRP level is an indicator of infection. It was high. So also please pray that God would heal any infection brewing and the fever would go away!

Thank you for keeping up with our family and Frank's progress. We are so thankful for your prayers.

We would love to know who "you" is though. Sign the guestbook and tell Frank hi! There's not much to do here, he'll enjoy reading it.

Isaiah 12:2 Behold, "God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid."

Life in Little Rock has been slow and uneventful. Praise God for that.

I have had very few problems physically, except the constant fatigue. I had to take a 2 hour nap after making the trek to the hospital today. It amazes me how a few ounces of chemicals can make such and impact on ones body. I ran a 5K race on Saturday the 27th. Now I can't walk to the car without feeling it!

For any of you that might possibly be interested, here are the numbers:
White Count .02;
Red Count 3.60;
Hematocrit 32.8;
Platelets 20.
I hope that's the bottom, I'm getting tired just looking at them.

I am so proud to announce that my daughter tried out for and was selected for the 6th grade ECS cheer squad. She put a lot of work into this endeavor and Peggy and I couldn't be more proud.
Great Job Chandler!

Frank

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

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

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

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

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

Well, just like the Lord laid on Ms Odie's heart, my Health Report came back clear of all cancer !

My next hardcore treatment (transplant) will begin on Sept 23rd.
Once again I am so thankful and so amazed ! Of course first for God's mercy for allowing my body to heal and secondly for Him so vividly reminding me that He cares.

Don't forget to thank Him for the blessings that come your way too !

1 Thessalonians 5:16 - 18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Well God did it again!
God literally reminded me how much He loves me again on Monday ! Let me explain......

Yesterday was the eve of a new round of tests to determine if I'm still in "remission".To the casual observer, I was acting pretty normal.However on the inside, I have to tell you I was struggling. It all hit me after lunch. A wave of emotions about my future, about what will happen to the kids and Peggy if I don't make it much longer, all kinds of crazy thoughts just pounding away at me.

By the time I drove home I was in somewhat of a panic.Just after I arrived home Peggy told me that I needed to return a phone call. Ms Odie had called me.Most of you don't know Ms Odie, but you should. She is a friend of our family, older (probably 70'ish), who has been through more adversity than anyone I know, and an extremely confident woman of faith.I didn't act on the phone call, instead I just did my usual after work routine,...put on shorts & tee shirt, cut the grass, helped with dinner, etc...and in a way ignored Ms Odie's call. I had buried my concerns in my "busy work".

This lasted for a while, but around 8:00pm, Ms Odie called back.After the standard how do-you-do's, Ms Odie got down to business. She started telling me that God had woken her up early Monday morning (3am) and put me on her heart. She said that she had zeroed in on me and had been praying for my health.She told me not to worry about anything, because God had put it on her heart that I was going to be fine. Ms Odie said that whatever concerns that I had needed to be given up to God in prayer and that I needed to hang up the phone and go get on my knees.

So I did !I needed to share this story with everyone because it blesses my heart, and I hope yours, to know that God is watching out for us.No person had told Ms Odie that I was about to go for tests; nor did she know that I was hurting.God knew, and He laid it on her heart to tell me that He cares for me, that He cares for all of us.

And I had forgotten who my Father is.
In His Grip...........Frank

1 Peter 5:6,7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, so that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your fears on Him because He cares for you.Ephesians 6:10-12 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God s that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil.

WOW...how time flys when you're in remission and having fun!

I can't believe that it has been almost a month since our last posting. It has been nice not having to constantly think about "the journey" for a while.

Well, if you are checking in, please remember to lift me up in prayer today and tomorrow (Tuesday).
Tuesday I travel to Little Rock for another round of tests. This one is to determine if I have maintained the "status quo" or if the cancer is active again.

If I pass the tests, I get to wait for the next transplant until September. If I fail, well it's back into the treatment room for another round of cancer warfare.

Anyway, please take a minute and pray for my remission.
Thanks!
Frank

Psalms 145: 17 - 21 The Lord is righteous in all His ways, Gracious in all His works. The Lord is near to all that call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear HIM; He will also hear their cry and save them. The Lord preserves all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy. My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord, and all flesh shall bless His holy name. Forever and ever.

After testing for a few days in Little Rock, we saw the doctor yesterday. He told us Frank was still in remission! Praise God!!

Chase tells his friends that "his dad got intermission", and so we thank God for dad's intermission, too. Frank got a treatment today at West Clinic. But other than blood work, he's free until the first week of August.

Dr. B said he wanted to do the next transplant in the second week of August. After the look on both our faces, he asked what was wrong with the second week of August. "It's only the first day of school", we reply, "no biggie". So he made a deal with Frank. He comes back/goes back ( we don't whether we're coming or going anymore ) for a PET scan Aug. 5. If it's clean, he can wait till September for transplant - Frank's preferred time. But if anything comes up on the scan, he'll proceed with transplant then.

Knowing how many people are praying for us continues to be a huge source of encouragment for us. We have been so blessed by the children that pray for Mr. Frank lately. Several times this past week, we've run into children that come up and ask me how Mr. Frank is doing. When I tell them he's doing great and in remission, it's such a joy to watch their reaction. Some jump up and down clapping, others hug us and some give a "cool" gesture. I've played out these encounters over and over again, and I just can't help but smile. What a neat example they are for me, and what a tribute to their parents.

Enjoy the summer! Frank and I are just going to hang out with the kids and celebrate "Intermission".

We'll be in touch......and we thank God for you all. Peg

Frank and I are in Little Rock. He finished his testing around lunch today, and now he's resting.

The bone marrow testing was today - that's the hardest. He does them without sedation now, and does great. Only an MRI tomorrow. Our friends from Kansas are also here. We just love blessing like this one! We're going to eat out with them tonight.

Jim's report came back great. He is still cancer free!! We are so very happy for he and Lisa and the kids!

Thank you for your continued prayers! Frank and I thank God for the wonderful support He's provided through each one of you.

Stay cool, and have a wonderful blessed day. Peg

Isaiah 40:28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unreachable.

Hi everybody!

Well, Frank and I leave for Little Rock tonight for his post-transplant check up. We'll be gone until the 10th.
Frank's recovering well. He gets stronger everyday although his counts are still very low. We are looking forward to great news from the doctor......and we'll keep you posted!

Jim, our brother-in-law, is having another 3 month check-up for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma tomorrow. Please join with us in praying for another good report. Lisa and Jim will be seeing the doctor tomorrow after the tests.
xxooxxoo......

Things I've learned from fighting cancer:

Our bodies really don't belong to us, they're God's and we have them on loan.
God does answer YES to our prayers, not always, but I thank Him for this YES.
I have more friends than I ever knew.
Challenges can bring a refinement in our faith.
Refined faith brings God glory, and that's why He put us here.
God always keeps His promises.
Being surrounded by men and women of faith is the most uplifting experience of my life.

The fight's not over...I hope to learn a lot more.
Frank