The Garner Family Blog

John started a new trial drug!

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 13:20:58 -0700

John met with Dr. Jones again on August 27th. His creatinine level was still not correct for one trial chemo they had been thinking of using, however Dr. Jones and his associates highly recommended another trial drug called ASA404, which he started this past week. As you all know, John and Peggy are always thrilled at the hope of finding something that will contain this cancer! John was pretty tired this week after the treatment, and it does involve quite a few appointments. But he will have much of the weekend to rest up at home without so many medical appointments.

I also wanted to bring you up-to-date on a few changes with the family. Peggy has had some repeated medical tests, and her team of doctors has advised her NOT to DRIVE any vehicle---until her restorative sleep has been achieved!! As Peggy said herself, “What next”!?!?

It is important to know that Peggy is NOT driving, because now Whitney is the 24/7 family driver for her dad’s appointments, her mom’s appointments, picking up medical supplies and prescriptions, groceries and other shopping---oh, and did I mention that Whitney also still has appointments for PT for her knee, etc!!

Another Visit with Dr. Jones

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:31:32 -0700

John and Peggy and Barb met with Dr. Jones on Tuesday, August 10th, at the SCCA (Seattle Cancer Care Alliance). John and Peggy were absolutely correct in saying that Dr. Jones is terrific---he is quite “touchy-feely” even holding Peggy’s hand, or rubbing John’s shoulders. He is also quite upbeat and determined, and has suggested a very new trial chemotherapy drug for John to try (more details on that below).

John had a new scan with contrast last Friday, August 6th. Dr. Jones told us that indeed there were increased spots of cancer on the lungs and liver since the previous scan in July. He did not show us the scans this time. This was not of course the news we wanted to hear. But then Dr. Jones said that he feels quite certain that John should give the new trial drug a try, and of course, John agrees as long as the side effects are not intolerable. They mentioned rash as a side effect, and of course nausea. As many of you know, John has been blessed with never really having problems with nausea---so we are assuming the same will be true for this new drug.

John’s Latest Doctor Appointment

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 19:44:52 -0700

Hi everyone,

John and Peggy wanted me to update the blog for all of you. On Friday, July 9th, John met with Dr. Robin Jones, at the SCCA (Seattle Cancer Care Alliance). Dr. Jones is a cancer specialist who has been studying in England, and has just recently come to the SCCA in Seattle. John and Peggy both loved him!

Before meeting with Dr. Jones, John had a CT scan and chest xray, as he has had regularly over the past three years while battling this cancer. This time however, John was told that his cancer has now shown up in his liver and his lungs.

Dr. Jones, as well as his team at SCCA, have promised to look around the country for any other trials drugs, etc.

John and Peggy and Whitney are comfortably moved into their house in Bellevue. Oh, they still have some boxes to sort, and a few tasks---but for sure John is looking forward to having friends over. You know he will want to kick your “you know what” at Quiddler, Rummikub, or whatever game you choose!

As always, John and Peggy thank all of you for your love, and prayers, and endless support in this battle!

John, Peggy and Whitney’s address:
The Garners
3997 170th Place NE
Bellevue, WA 98008

John and Peg will stay with their regular cell phone numbers for now:
John cell: 541-610-7747
Peggy cell: 541-610-6777
NEW Home phone: 425-298-4657

Final Moving Date to Bellevue, WA on June 21st

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 08:46:50 -0700

Hi everyone,

First of all, many huge hugs and thank you's for all of your hard work last Saturday unloading the first truck in Bellevue! When Bob returned to Bend in the truck about 10 PM, he said he could not believe the amazing crew of friends and family helping at the Garner's new home!! He was stunned to see all of the help. I know that all of you know how much John and Peggy appreciate and love you all.

We are still working our butts off down here in Bend. We quickly got an ad in Craigslist for a "Huge Moving Sale-Technology Items Garage Sale" on Sunday afternoon. I know some of you remember that John is quite the tech nut, and over the years has collected a lot of various items!?!?! They have already had 3 garage sales, but this one was totally devoted to technology/computer items, and a few other items.

We had a good turnout from 12 to 4:30, and did get rid of lots of items! I am still trying to pry loose John's hold on some more of his "favorites" to send off to Goodwill, and Whit and John’s neighbor Bob are adding items to Craigslist to try and get a quick sale. Wish us luck to whittle the items down even further.

John still has his bandages covering his entire head with only his little round face sticking out---and they need to be changed every single day. The good news is we no longer have to try and "rub off" the icky stuff that causes SO MUCH PAIN. Instead, however-----------the doctor is having John check into the hospital on Thursday, June 17, put him under, and then try and remove as much of the "icky" stuff on his head as he can. So that takes him out of the picture on Thursday. Then Friday he has chemo....so you can see why I so trying to keep him making decisions these next two days before I leave for Seattle. I am feeling just a tad bit stressed---actually a LOT stressed. I have given myself the nickname, Bitchy Barb, and apologized to the entire family in advance for my insistence on getting as much done as possible.

So here is the GARNER'S schedule:

Sunday, June 20th: Happy Father's Day to all. Moving truck come to J&P's house in Bend at 12:30 with two mover guys! Pack up entire house. J & P will stay in a hotel here in Bend Sunday evening.

Monday, June 21st: One of the moving company guys will be driving the truck up leaving Bend at 5 AM---same time as Bob last weekend. So arrival time should be noon or so---but on MONDAY this time.
-We have hiring 3 moving guys in Seattle which will mean with the moving guy driving the truck, we will have FOUR professional and STRONG movers so as to save all of your precious bodies!!!!!
-Judi Mutal will meet the truck, and has a key?

ALSO ON MONDAY, JUNE 21ST:
-Gary Carlson will be driving John and Peggy up to Seattle--arriving late afternoon/early evening would be my guess?

John, Peggy and Whitney’s new address coming up soon will be:
The Garners
3997 170th Place NE
Bellevue, WA 98008

John and Peg will stay with their regular cell phone numbers for now:
John: 541-610-7747
Peggy: 541-610-6777

John and Peggy moving date coming up...

Sun, 23 May 2010 22:37:27 -0700

Peggy and John wanted you all to know that they are still on target to move up to Bellevue sometime soon! Recently, Whitney had the ACL in her knee repaired, and is due to check in with her doctor on June 15th. So they will make more definite plans after this doctor visit.

That is OK because John is still recuperating from his surgery to remove some of the scabby areas on his head and face---EVERY single day he has to take the bandages off of his entire head in order to clean the wound areas in the shower, then painstakingly get all the layers of bandages back on!?!??? He has a visiting nurse several days a week, but we also must give a big HUGE thanks to Barb Beall who has spent many, many hours helping John and Peggy!! Thank you so very much Barb!

With the help of Barb, and neighbors and other friends---they are planning a 3rd estate/moving/garage sale on June 5th in Bend!

John, Peggy and Whitney’s new address coming up soon will be:
The Garners
3997 170th Place NE
Bellevue, WA 98008

John will stay with his regular cell phone for now:
541-610-7747

John AND Whitney both in for day-surgery this week!

Mon, 3 May 2010 18:50:22 -0700

John and Peggy are still in Bend, and they have lots going on in their lives. Whitney is having surgery on her knee this week on Wednesday to repair her ACL and a tear in her meniscus. She injured it at college a couple of weeks ago, spent some time at home recuperating, then headed back to school in Eugene with a brace until her surgery this week.

John has been having his chemo in Bend, and it seemed to take a greater toll on him this past month---so he has been resting quite a bit, as well as having another blood transfusion of a couple of units. This makes thinking about packing for Seattle a bit tedious(even though he would never admit to that fact!).

John will also check into the hospital for day surgery this week on Thursday! His plastic surgeon wants to admit him for day surgery to anesthetize him and scrape "scabs" off his head. John is thrilled to have some of the scabs gone---but the trade-off is more “oozing” for a while?!?

So…nurse Peggy will have two patients this week! Let’s all be sending messages of energy to the patients AND the nurse!! Leave your words of encouragement by clicking on the “Add a Comment” box below!!