Round 21

Started another round of chemo today and a got CT result. My primary tumor is smaller but evidence of a blood clot led my doctor to give me a blood thinner shot today. I'll keep you posted. 

Latest CA19-9

Jay received another great report at this week's visit. His CA 19-9 is now 40. Looking forward to his continued progress and hopefully remission in the near future. 

December 2013 CA 19-9 = 202,000

January 2014 CA 19-9 =109,000

February 2014 CA 19-9 = 25,000

March 2014 CA 19-9 = 18,000

April 2014 CA 19-9 = 13,000

May 2014 CA 19-9= 5,500

June 2014 CA 19-9=1,964

August 2014 CA 19-9 = 481

September 2014 CA 19-9 = 211

October 2014 CA 19-9 = 111

November 2014 CA19-9 = 57

December 2014 CA 19-9 = 40

Special day today!!

Today is a special day in the Wester house! One year ago today Jay went to see his family practice doctor for what we thought was a gallbladder issue. The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer was beyond anything we could have prepared for. I'm so proud that Jay has endured this marathon year of treatment, doctors appointments and ups and downs. He has done so with a positive outlook, attitude and strength that will carry him through to a cure. We want to thank everyone for your continued prayers. Let's make 2015 the year of remission and cure for this sweet and wonderful man! And continue to pray for our sweet babies as they adjust to the changes we have in our lives. 

God Bless and Merry Christmas. 

Beth Wester

Round 20

I started Round 20 today. The plan is to continue with the chemo in order to get the CA 19-9 down more. When the CA19-9 drops below 35 I will be in remmision. At some point after that my chemo treatments will be less frequent (more weeks between treatments). Praise the Lord!

Latest CA 19-9

I got my latest CA19-9 yesterday. It was taken just prior to Round 19. I'm now at 57!  My doctor says I may achieve remission!  For now I will continue on with the current chemo. I may transition over to a target therapy pill at some point. Good news in time for Thanksgiving!!

December 2013 CA 19-9 = 202,000

January 2014 CA 19-9 =109,000

February 2014 CA 19-9 = 25,000

March 2014 CA 19-9 = 18,000

April 2014 CA 19-9 = 13,000

May 2014 CA 19-9= 5,500

June 2014 CA 19-9=1,964

August 2014 CA 19-9 = 481

September 2014 CA 19-9 = 211

October 2014 CA 19-9 = 111

November 2014 CA19-9 = 57

Round 19

Starting Round 19 today. No new CA19-9 readings or CT results. Spent last week in The Smokey Mountains. 

Round 18

Started Round 18 yesterday. No new medical news to report. We did have a great time at Disney last week!  

Round 17

WOW! What tremendous news we received this week. Jay's tumor markers are continuing to go down.  

 He also had an abdominal CT yesterday and there is a slight decrease in the size of the pancreatic tumor (primary) and his liver shows "no abnormalities".  

He began round 17 today!

December 2013 CA 19-9 = 202,000

January 2014 CA 19-9 =109,000

February 2014 CA 19-9 = 25,000

March 2014 CA 19-9 = 18,000

April 2014 CA 19-9 = 13,000

May 2014 CA 19-9= 5,500

June 2014 CA 19-9=1,964

August 2014 CA 19-9 = 481

September 2014 CA 19-9 = 211

2nd September 2014 CA 19-9 = 111

We are planning another trip to Disney in the next few weeks! Making sure to enjoy every day, appreciate all of our blessing and time together. 

Round 16

WOW! We feel so blessed to be able to report that Jay continues to receive great reports from his doctor! His tumor markers continue to go down. This is pretty uncharted territory and they have described his progress as unprecedented!

Please continue to pray for his progress!!!

December 2013 CA 19-9 = 202,000

January 2014 CA19-9 =109,000

February 2014 CA 19-9 = 25,000

March 2014 CA19-9 = 18,000

April 2014 CA19-9 = 13,000

May 2014 CA 19-9= 5,500

June 2014 CA 19-9=1,964

August 2014 CA 19-9 = 481

September 2014 CA 19-9 = 211

The babies were fixing daddy's hair...

Round 15

Jay starts round 15 today. He received GREAT news from the doctor.  His tumor markers are continuing to go down. The results were taken prior to round 14. The number may actually be lower now! But we only get the results once per month.

December 2013 CA 19-9 = 202,000

January 2014 CA19-9 =109,000

February 2014 CA 19-9 = 25,000

March 2014 CA19-9 = 18,000

April 2014 CA19-9 = 13,000

May 2014 CA 19-9= 5,500

June 2014 CA 19-9=1,964

August 2014 CA 19-9 = 481

He is feeling good. Has energy during his off weeks. Seems to rebound more quickly. He does have numbness in his finger tips and toes but thankfully not to the point that the doctor will reduce his chemo dose. Overall, he is doing an amazing job of tolerating the treatments, staying positive, and enjoying each day. 

We took the kiddos to Joe Wheeler for a few days, by boat...very adventurous! We continue to look forward to more family time and travel in the near future.

Round 14

I'm going through round 14 of chemo this week. Looking forward to pump disconnect tommorow. 

Update

Good news today. According to Mondays CT scan, the pancreas tumor is shrinking!  Round 14 of chemo begins next week.   

Update Tuesday

Jays platelets counts are high enough for chemo this week. He is doing great. The doctor said Jays has had more exposure to oxaliplatin chemotherapy than any of his other patients. And he is doing so well that he is comfortable continuing the treatment. 

Jay does have a little neuropathy in his toes and finger tips. Hopefully the meds they have given him will combat that side effect. 

Update June 25

Jay had his weekly blood work this morning. As expected his platelet counts are low. But the extra week between treatments seems to be helping the counts stay level.

They also ordered a CA 19-9. Praise the Lord, the numbers keep going down! I was concerned that the two week break between treatments would mean that the treatments would not be as effective. But it looks like he is still making huge strides.

December 2013 CA19-9 = 202,000

January 2014 CA19-9 =109,000

February 2014 CA19-9 = 25,000

March 2014 CA19-9 = 18,000

April 2014 CA19-9 = 13,000

May 2014 CA 19-9= 5,500

June 2014 CA19-9=1,964

At this point his mental strength is as much in play as his physical strength. He has completed 12 rounds of chemo in the last 6 months. That is a daunting task and I'm so proud of him for being able to take it on with such a positive attitude. Planning for family vacations helps give him something to look forward to, something to distract from the "now". We don't know where the next vacation will be but I'm sure it will be great!

Thank you all for the continues prayers.

Cuddling with the babies before bed last night.

Update June 17

Jays platelet counts were 74. Still low but he was able to move forward with treatment this week. He has a great spirit and attitude. And is already looking forward to next week and his two weeks off.

He has nausea and vomiting this time. Maybe because of the two week break  it is more of a shock to the system. He only requested 1/2 dose of the Ativan shot during treatment which means the nausea is worse but he is able to function a lot better. 

We pray daily for his strength and endurance during this marathon and ask that you do the same. 

On a good note, had a great family vacation at the beach last week. He also decided to surf at the lake on Father's Day. Photos below.

Kiddos watching daddy!

 

Daddy's little girl 

Feeling great

Jay had a great two week break. Today's blood work shows that his platelet counts went up during the break. He starts this weeks chemo today. He also had an abdominal ct last week, the finding indicate that the tumors are smaller.

His CA 19-9 tumor markers are still going down! 

December 2013 CA19-9 = 202,000

January 2014 CA19-9 =109,000

February 2014 CA19-9 = 25,000

March 2014 CA19-9 = 18,000

April 2014 CA19-9 = 13,000

May 2014 CA 19-9= 5,500

He is according to Audrey "the big strong daddy" and he proves that daily with his drive, determination and shear strength of will. We are thankful for his progress and feel blessed that he is able to continue to tolerate the treatments. 

May 20

Jays platelets are low. He will now go to two week break between treatments. No chemo this week. 

We are concerned that additional time between treatment will slow progress. Jay likes to push hard and get results. We have to trust that extra rest will be better overall. 

He is doing very well otherwise and in a good mood. He said he felt completely normal last week. 

We have beach trip this weekend and are looking forward to fun, sun and kiddo time. 

Update

In my 2nd day of chemo this week. I'll be done tommorow afternoon. Lolling forward to the weekend!

Tuesday April 29

Jays white counts are low and since he is having such a positive response to treatment the doctor said there is no need to push him too hard. He is getting another week off and we are looking forward to him being able to rest. 

Treatments to resume next week. 

Tuesday April 22

Another good weekend and great news at today's appointment. His tumor markers are continuing to go down.

December 2013 CA19-9 = 202,000

January 2014 CA19-9 =109,000

February 2014 CA19-9 = 25,000

March 2014 CA19-9 = 18,000

April 2014 CA19-9 = 13,000

His platelets counts are still low. So the doctor is giving him the platelet booster shot for three days, it's causes fatigue and nausea. All manageable. Counting our Blessing every day! Looking forward to another good weekend! 

Tuesday April 15

His platelet counts are still low but he was able to start treatment today. Praying for a nausea free treatment week. 

Monday April 14

Jay is doing great. Feeling really good and able to travel. We took the babies to Atlanta to the zoo and aquarium. It was a fun family trip! Looking forward to more weekend trips this spring... If the weather will cooperate! 

Monday April 14

Jay is doing great. Feeling really good and able to travel. We took the babies to Atlanta to the zoo and aquarium. It was a fun family trip! Looking forward to more weekend trips this spring... If the weather will cooperate! 

Tuesday April 8

Jay is having a great week. Energy levels are up, feeling good! His blood work looked good this morning, except his platelets counts were low after last week's treatment. As of right now he goes back Tuesday for another round of chemo. We will see how his platelets look and then the doc will determine if he can begin. 

April 1 Tuesday

Platelets counts are still a little low but sufficient for moving forward with treatment this week. Praying for a nausea free week! 

Monday March 31

Jays platelets counts weren't high enough for him to have chemo last week.

We took advantage of the extra week and spent a couple of days in New Orleans, without the kiddos! Very relaxing and a great chance to rest and recover. 

Jay goes tomorrow to see if he can move forward with chemo this week. Fingers crossed the blood work looks good. And praying for a good week during chemo. 

Wednesday March 19

Today's appointment went well. Jays platelet counts are still low and his magnesium is a little low. After next weeks treatment the doctor may start giving him two week breaks between treatments. We will see how it goes. For now he is just adding magnesium pills to his daily pill intake. 

Overall he is feeling good this week. Going to work every day and looking forward to more travel. 

Tuesday March 18

Jay has had a really great week and treatment cycle. The extra week of rest made a world of different, not to mention we did spend that week in Disney, the most magical place on earth! We had a wonderful trip!

His energy levels are good, a little winded from time to time, but a big improvement over the previous cycles. The doctor reduced one of the chemo drugs by 10% to help his platelet counts from continuing to drop. He goes back for more blood work tomorrow.

Disney World Update

We just got back from Disney World!  Had a great time with friends and family. The twins had a blast!  We hope to go back sometime this year. I started round six of chemo today. The fight continues!

Thursday February 27

I'm sorry we have not updated the blog... We've been way too busy planning our Disney trip! 

Yay! 

 We have not told the kiddos yet. It's been so hard to keep it a secret. Jay and I are so excited about going we can barely keep the grins off our faces! 

Jay has been have a really good week. Nausea as expected but manageable. His platelets are still low so he received another booster shot yesterday. The shot makes him really tired. But he is seeing improvement in his energy as the day goes on. 

I think the excitement of the trip is really going a long way in lifting his spirits! The extra week between treatments is a blessing and we hope it will help him to continue to gain strength. 

Tuesday February 18

Tumors are shrinking!! He stays on the current drugs and routine. AND he can travel to Disney. After this weeks treatment Jay gets a two week break. We will get to go to Disney in March! 

We are beyond excited with the positive news and good results. 

Jay is still having nausea and got sick when he walked from the waiting room to the treatment area. They quickly got meds and he is feeling better. He did gain weight this week even with the nausea. 

Treatment five begins today. 

February 18

Even more good news. Jays CA19-9 tumor marker blood work just came back.

December 2013 CA19-9 = 202,000

January 2014 CA19-9 =109,000

February 2014 CA19-9 = 25,000

Praise the Lord! We are seeing great result and a positive response for the chemo!

February 14

Jay is still battling nausea and fatigue. He lost some weight this week. But is doing okay maintaining weight overall, down about 15 lbs total. His platelets are still a little low so he had a booster shot today and will get another one Monday. 

He also had his first abdominal ct since starting treatment. No results yet. He sees the doctor again on Tuesday.

This has been a very hard treatment round. Nothing like the others as far as recovery of energy, appetite, etc. He is hanging in there, staying strong, positive and fighting the fight! 

We appreciate the continued prayers! And happy valentines day! 

 Twins learning that "what slides down the hill must then walk up the hill".

February 8

This has not been a good treatment week. Jay has had a lot of nausea and can't seem to get it under control. He threw up a couple of time yesterday. He has not been able to eat much. We thought he would be better today but he is still struggling to keep the nausea at bay, even with the 2 new meds and the patch!

He has had a cough since he got out of the hospital. Probably from the beta blockers. But each day it's seemed to get a little worse and is just bothersome. The doctor did a chest X-ray on Thursday and said he saw a little something, maybe the start on an infection or maybe Jay need to focus on taking deep breaths. He gave antibiotics as a precaution. 

We pray that tomorrow is a lot better. 

February 5

Last night was not great. Jay had a lot of nausea and was not able to get it under control. The meds helped him sleep, but he didn't feel much better his morning. He has improved throughout the day. 

He has been able to eat, but it caused a lot of nausea. Thankfully the meds are doing their job and keeping it under control. 

We are at the treatment center for his fluids and pump change out. Tonight should be better. And this time tomorrow he will be free of the pump for another week! 

February 4

Jay's blood work looks great, platelets a little low so they are giving meds to increase production. Beginning his fourth treatment and feeling pretty good. 

Monday feb 3rd

I've been having a great week. Round 4 of chemo starts tommorow.  Uneventful is good!

Monday January 27

Jay had a good weekend. The nausea patch made a big difference. Instead of nausea, he said his stomach "didn't feel right". Much better than before. 

His energy level was up and down all weekend. Seems to be improving today. 

He went to work, had a good lunch, good dinner, and is now pretending to be Dirty Dan. Luke is his brother Dusty and Audrey is Sheriff Cali... The round up gang...catching train robbers and saving princesses! 

Stayed tuned cow-folk! 

;-)

Thursday January 23

The relief from nausea was short lived. Jay woke up this morning feeling "Blah". He is still not feeling well. They have disconnected the chemo pump and he is receiving fluids. So hopefully he will start feeling better soon. 

Wednesday January 22nd

Had a good day today. The new patches for nausea are working geat. Uneventful day. 

Tuesday January 21

Started third treatment today. He did much better with the nausea during the treatment. Slept for several hours once we got home, was able to eat and is now resting. Hopefully tonight will go smoothly.

 The real nausea didn't set in until midnight the last two treatments. I pray that's not the case for this go around. He has a new anti nausea patch that will hopefully help.

Sunday January 19th

Had a good weekend with the family. Watched the movie Frozen. Went to church. Took the kids to see their Grams. Chemo round 3 starts Tuesday. 

Thursday jan 16th

Had a great night with Beth. PF changs followed by the movie Lone Survivor. Great night. 

Wednesday January 15th

Feeling better every day. Spent another day at the office. Hanging with the family tonight. Great Day!

Tuesday January 14th

Went to the doctor today. Blood counts looked good. Looks like chemo round 3 starts next Tuesday. 

Monday January 13th

I had a good day today. Made it into the office. It was great to see the Javin team! Tommorow I have a morning doctor appt for some blood work then it's back to the office. 

Sunday January 12th

Feeling ok today. Energy level is down. Might make it to work tommorow. We shall see. 

Friday January 10

I'm feeling a little better today. Still battling a little post chemo nausea. We plan on going to the hockey game tonight with friends. Should be fun. 

At the hockey game!

Thursday January 9th

I had a good day overall. The take home chemo pump was disconnected at 140 today. Still a little nausea but I should feel better soon.  Looking forward to Friday. 

Wednesday January 8

After yesterday's treatment he had a little nausea. Then at midnight the nausea was full force. He was able to control it with meds. 

He is doing pretty well today. Receiving fluids at the cancer center and will go home with another 24 hour chemo pump.

He is doing so much better this time. Hopefully no underlying complications. It will be nice to get into a routine and be able to manage expectations during treatment. 

Tuesday January 7

Jay has had several really good days. More energy each day, no nausea, blood pressure is good, able to eat and has gained 2 of the 13 pounds he lost. 

Blood work this morning looked great. He is all set to resume treatment today. He's excited to start chemo, ready to move forward and have some good weeks!  

And War Eagle!! 

Sunday January 5

Each day Jay is getting stronger. He still has a cough probably from the medications. He is have a hard time regulating his body temperature. One minute he is freezing the next he is dripping in sweat. We hope that gets better with time. 

We took the babies with us to get "daddy a big hair cut". They said "daddy you don't have crazy hair anymore". I think it looks good, very Walter White from Breaking Bad! 

Friday January 3

Another good day today. Energy level is going back up, even ventured out to lunch then Costco! 

The joint pain seems to be getting worse. It is from a shot they gave him to put the bone marrow into hyper drive to produce white blood cells. A good result but a painful way to get there. Jay says he feels like a 90 year old. But in time we hope this too will improve. 

He is not taking any pain meds because of the hot and cold episodes and also so he can drive and function more easily. He is one tough guy!

Jay's hair has decided to let loose, a buzz cut is in the near future. But we will wait until after tomorrow's long awaited Christmas with the Wester family. Don't want to scare any of the kiddos with the new do and it's always a good idea not change your hair style right before photo ops! :-)

Thursday January 2

Jays been doing pretty well the last two days. His energy level is low because of the new meds. But that should improve. He has had some pretty bad joint pain which is part of the chemo treatment. His left ankle and then his right knee, tough to walk when he first gets up. He didn't expect it to be this delayed. But it's manageable.

He went to his office today, drove himself, progressing forward! His mood is good, his appetite is improving, he's watching football... All good signs of a good week to come! 

He had blood work today, all of the numbers looked great, which means no internal bleeding. Chemo resumes Tuesday! 

Wednesday January 1

Jay was glad to get to come home yesterday. He is still having some spleen pain. Trying to not take any pains meds, they make him have cold sweats then he gets really hot. 

He slept pretty well last night. His plan for the day is to watch football! 

He has a follow up appointment at the cancer center tomorrow afternoon for bloodwork, making sure the bleed doesn't start back. 

Daddy's "get well" necklace!