This blog site dedicated to providing a source of encouragement for Joey Pigg, who was diagnosed with lymphoma on 15-OCT-2008, from his friends and family.
A little background regarding Joey will be included here. Joey was born 24-AUG-1988 to Dan and Tammy Pigg of southern Vigo County in Indiana. Joey has always been a special person, enthusiastic, engergetic, interested in outdoors, sports, gifted in many ways, but perhaps the best word to describe Joey is "motivated". He became interested in sports at the age of 5, participated in youth baseball and football starting out with Honey Creek and Dixie Bee and ending at Franklin College. He was all-state honorable mention, defensive MVP for North Central High School in Sullivan County in 2005 when the Thunderbirds were Southwest Seven co-conference champions and was selected to play in the Wabash Valley All-Star game in June, 2006. He was second team all-conference in baseball his junior and senior year in high school. Joey is an avid fisherman, with several "tours of duty" in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area of Minnesota, Sullivan Lake, the Wabash River and the Ohio River. Joey's outdoor activities also include hunting and archery.
Also included in Joey's background are special people whom Joey looks up to and whom Joey will need hope and inspiration from during his present juncture in life. Included in this group are coaches Brian Crabtree, Jim Davis, and Trent Olson, his parents, grandparents, special friends Paul and Kathy Stone, Bob and Sally Pullen, Ronnie and Shelly Enstrom, Elaine Abel, cousin Charley, uncle Dave and aunt Carolyn, aunt Diane and uncle Dennis, pastor John and his brother Andy. The list does not stop there, however. Joey is going to need his friends, prayer, hope, nourishment, and most of all healing so that he can accomplish the many, many things God has in mind for him.
Please take time to say a prayer for Joey. If God so moves you, drop him a line or two here in this blog. Joey will need all the encouragement he can get. And Thanks.
Remember the words of Paul in Romans, "for I am convinced that nothing,,, can separate us from the love of God".
A little background regarding Joey will be included here. Joey was born 24-AUG-1988 to Dan and Tammy Pigg of southern Vigo County in Indiana. Joey has always been a special person, enthusiastic, engergetic, interested in outdoors, sports, gifted in many ways, but perhaps the best word to describe Joey is "motivated". He became interested in sports at the age of 5, participated in youth baseball and football starting out with Honey Creek and Dixie Bee and ending at Franklin College. He was all-state honorable mention, defensive MVP for North Central High School in Sullivan County in 2005 when the Thunderbirds were Southwest Seven co-conference champions and was selected to play in the Wabash Valley All-Star game in June, 2006. He was second team all-conference in baseball his junior and senior year in high school. Joey is an avid fisherman, with several "tours of duty" in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area of Minnesota, Sullivan Lake, the Wabash River and the Ohio River. Joey's outdoor activities also include hunting and archery.
Also included in Joey's background are special people whom Joey looks up to and whom Joey will need hope and inspiration from during his present juncture in life. Included in this group are coaches Brian Crabtree, Jim Davis, and Trent Olson, his parents, grandparents, special friends Paul and Kathy Stone, Bob and Sally Pullen, Ronnie and Shelly Enstrom, Elaine Abel, cousin Charley, uncle Dave and aunt Carolyn, aunt Diane and uncle Dennis, pastor John and his brother Andy. The list does not stop there, however. Joey is going to need his friends, prayer, hope, nourishment, and most of all healing so that he can accomplish the many, many things God has in mind for him.
Please take time to say a prayer for Joey. If God so moves you, drop him a line or two here in this blog. Joey will need all the encouragement he can get. And Thanks.
Remember the words of Paul in Romans, "for I am convinced that nothing,,, can separate us from the love of God".
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120 comments:
Hi Joey,
Raymond, Hannah and I are praying for you. There is a verse Raymond was given during his hip surgery.
"For he will command his angels concerning you. To guard you in all your ways." Psalm 91:11
It brought comfort to us and it is sitting on our computer desk to remind us daily. Seek the scripture. It is our instruction manual.
Love in Christ,
Dawn
We're in for everything and anything we can do!
We know you're tough enough to beat this!
love, Diane & Dennis
Prayers & best wishes from all of us down here in Kentucky. Hope to see you again soon.
Joey,
You have faced adversity before and battled thru it. You will do so again. The entire Olson clan is praying for you and your family.
Coach Olson
This is Joey's mom. Joey had a CT of abd. and pelvis and a brain MRI last nite. We thought it would be boring. Instead I was afraid we would get kicked out. Paul and Kathy and Dawn and Ray came and sat with us and we had fun. It was great to keep our minds off what we were there for.The support is awesome. We couldn't get thru this without you guys. will keep you up on next week. Mon. is the bonescan and Tues the biopsy and talking to Dr.Huh. All is going to fine.
Our prayers are with you Joey. Alway remain positive and know that the Lord is with you!
Hugs, The Fuller Family (Buddy, Wendy, Daniel(Woelfel), and Desirae)
Joe,
You and your family are in my prayers. Your way to tough for this! You know im behind you all the way! Remember you have over thirty brothers here for you whenever you need something! Stay positive kid.
YITB love always,
Zane Willis
Hi Joey,
I just heard the news this afternoon and have been praying non-stop! I'm positive that you'll beat this!
Love, Gayle Arnold
piggy,
Hey man I know you are one of the strongest kids there is, I know you can handle this and beat this junk. You always know there is campus full of people that back you for anything you need. I want to you to stay in touch man, and give us updates. I know all of the guys of TKE are here for you myself including anything you need. Keep that head up, and keep having that joe pigg grin on your face!
Love you man,
Jacob Crow
You got this man. Ain't no thang but a chicken wing on a string. You gotta give me some of the information so i can come and visit you soon. Love ya man.
YITB
Keeton
Pigg
All of us here at TKE have you in our thoughts and prayers. You can make it through this. You are a strong person. If you or your family needs anything at all just let one of us know. Every single one of your brothers are behind you as is God. "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
Love ya bro.
YITB
Kenny
PY333
Today, Joey goes in at 8:00 AM for a bone scan. He's had 1 MRI and 2 CTS scans so far covering the head and GI tract. Tomorrow will be the "biggie" - his biopsy - which will be done by Dr. Lynch.
You guys are all tops in my book. The support we have received from friends and family is overwhelming. We definitely feel like we are not going through all this alone. Thank you SO MUCH for the calls, emails, and prayers.
22"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. 23"I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
Believe GOD is the ultimate physician. He can do anything if we have faith. My family went through this 2 1/2 years go. My brother-in-law's doctor was Dr. Huh, as well. Please let us know if you need anything.
Paula Clingerman
RHIT
20-OCT-2008 GOOD NEWS!!!!! Tammy has received the results of the 2 CTS scans and MRI from Janet (Dr. Kellar's nurse) and so far all of those tests came back clear. Joey is having a bonescan this AM and we are hoping and praying that it will come back clear too. Your prayers are all making a difference,
Praise God.
Joey and Family,
I know right now you are going through a rough time and trying to put your mind around it is hard, but all will be fine. I just went through the same thing with me husband. He had fought this for 2 1/2 years and in August I lost him to some complications with a bone marrow transplant. So I know first hand what you are facing right now. Always know that there are so many people holding you up in front of the lord and you keep him close to you and he'll keep his arms around you. You have the best team helping you through this with Dr. Huh and his staff. They are amazing on how they care for you and they are there to help you with anything you need. Please don't hesitate to contact me for anything I'm eager to help you through this. One thing I always keep close to me is knowing there is a reason for everything and the Lord knows the reason why Joey has to go through this and you will receive that message when its time.
God Bless
Dawn Wahl
RHIT
Hey Joe, since i've heard about this I've made a prayer for you and your family everynight. You are in all of our thoughts and prayers man. Love yah man. Get well soon.
21-OCT-2008
Joey's biopsy (the "biggie") went VERY smooth and we (Tammy, "aunt" Dawn, and I) had the initial doctor's appointment with Dr. Huh at 12:30 today. Dr. Huh informed us that Joey's bone scan came back clean, and although he does not have the "official" lab results back yet, he did talk to the pathologists who told him the initial tissue sample indicates NO WORSE than a level 2 "lymphoma" or "Hodgkins". That is all the information he has as of now.
The preliminary report will be available either tomorrow or Thursday in which case they will call us to tell us the results. His "official" lab report will not be available till early next week.
In the meantime, Joey will be given cortisone and/or steriods to maintain good strength and breathing. His weight was 191 which is VERY good considering.
All this was better than we'd hoped for, really, and we again feel overwhelmed with the prayer support we feel from our friends. Please don't stop.
Hey Joey,
Thanks to your family for keeping us updated through this blog.....great idea! I'm still praying, along with my prayer group that meets Wednesday morning.
Joey,
Just wanted you to know that we are all praying for you and that we love you.
Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Dave, John,Anna, Zach, Josh, Abby and Ruby
Hi Joey,
I keep you close in my heart everyday, because I know first hand what you are facing.
Stay strong and listen to the doctors. If you need to talk about anything please don't hesitate to contact me at Rose.
God Bless
Dawwn Wahl
RHIT
Joey, you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers. As a fellow cancer survivor I will tell you the worst for me was the uncertainty and waiting. Once I knew all my tests results and was ready to get started with my treatments I felt better emotionally and physically. You are a strong person, and I know you will come through this just fine. If there is ever anything I can do, please let me know. The entire Woodsmall family is praying for you.
Joey,
We always enjoyed watching you play sports at North Central when our son, Trent, coached there. Our daughter, Lisa, works at Rose with your dad. Your grandpa was my jr. high science teacher, too. We just wanted you to know that we are praying daily for you and your family. We are confident that you'll defeat this foe. May God bless you! Mike and Debbie Olson
27-Oct-2008
We got away for a weekend retreat with some friends to kind of step back, take a deep breath, and prepare ourselves for what is ahead. It was great to get away for a couple of days, but we're back in the saddle again.
Still waiting to hear from Dr. Huh's office in regards to Joey's preliminary pathology report which was supposed to have been available Th. or Fr. last week. So, we're still in anticipation mode - which can be tough. But we're still expecting pretty much more of what we already know - a stage 2 Hodgkins or non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
Once again, thanx to all for your overwhelming support, prayers, kind words, and encouragement. As more information becomes available, you can be sure it will be posted!
Tammy got off the phone with Dr. Huh who said that the biopsy will have to be redone. The pathologists botched the first one. Dr. Huh wants to schedule Joey immediately for another one tomorrow with Dr. Lynch. The first biopsy came back as all scar tissue. Needless to say Tammy and dad are not very happy. So Tammy has a call in to Dr. Kellar's nurse (Janet) to talk to her about what our options are. Joey now has an oppointment with Dr. Pusha (Dr. Lynch's associate) at 3:00 PM this afternoon to talk about when the second biopsy can happen.
So,,, in the interest of expediancy, we are pushing forward with all this not really knowing any more than we did last Wednesday. However, what if... what if all that is in the chest tumor is just scar tissue? What if Dr. Pathic didn't botch it after all? Plenty of opportunities for prayer here.
Again, thank you all beforehand for your prayers, thoughts, and consideration in this matter. This does not necessarily indicate a setback, and may turn out to be something positive. Thank you VERY much JoAnn,Gayle, aunt Carolyn, Mike and Debbie Olson's, and Dawn Wahl for your
kind words and prayers. "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all". (Psalm 34:19)
Joey is scheduled to undergo another biopsy Wednesday Oct. 29th at 4:00 PM with Dr. Pucchia. This time, Dr. Pucchia will biopsy the lymph node which is no big deal for him - this time they will administer a general anasthetic. We (mom and dad) requested Dr. West or Dr. Crane. Dr. Pucchia will take out the lymph node entirely. This should give him enough of an indication as to what it is we are dealing with. In the event it does NOT, he will biopsy the chest tumor too, which is a little more extensive - this is what was attempted the last time but botched.
Thank you all and God Bless.
Joey and Family,
Keep your head and heart filled with the love of the lord and he'll be there to help. My husband Eric really liked Dr. Puccia. He'll take real good care of you. On Wednesday keep close to your our Lord and you and your family will get through the with his hands and love reaching outr to you to help.
God Bless you
Dawn Wahl
Hi Joey,
We wanted you to know that RJ, Rich, Craig and myself are praying for you! You're a fighter and I have all the faith that you will beat whatever this is! Stay strong and keep a positive attitude. Try to find humor in something everyday...with the friends you have that shouldn't be a problem!
I told your dad that should your treatment bring you to Oklahoma City, that it just out our backdoor. We've got extra room should you all decide to come west! Remember the door is aways opened at the Cress house!
Love you guys!!
Karrie, Craig, Rich and RJ
Joey went to college for the day today. I think he enjoyed having a normal type of day since all this started. He is doing great even in this long wait for a diagnosis. Tulsa is looking really good.After tomorrows surgery we still have to wait a week to know anything. That has been the hardest. But God is good and all our friends are the best. We love you all.
Hey Joey,
Here's praying that the tests went well today and the results will come back quickly.
Gayle
Hi Joey,
Just to let you know that we are praying for you and your family. I know God will see you thru this. If you or your family should need anything please let us know.
Piggs from another litter,
Denny and Kathy
Joey got thru surgery fine. He is sleeping now.Hope he sleeps all nite.We will not find out the results for another week. Waiting again. Dan will write more tomorrow. Love you guys.
30-Oct-2008
Joey had surgery to remove the lymph node on the left side of his neck yesterday. Dr. West was the anasthesiologist and Dr. Pucchia did the surgery and he said that it went well - the lymph node was enlarged, so there should be plenty of tissue to diagnose what kind it is. Furthermore, they did not freeze any of it but took it all to pathology as an extra precautionary measure against not having enough. Joey is a little sore today but feels better than he did last nite.
Once again your prayers, thoughts and well-wishes are ALL appreciated and will be even more so as things start to unfold. We are fairly certain what we are up against and believe that the long term prognosis is VERY good. God is good.
We have an appointment next week with Dr. Puccbia to discuss the results as soon as the report becomes available - hopefully the sooner the better.
Hi Joey,
You probably do not know me but I am friends with your dad from work. At least I think I am :-) Your dad is always running us in the ground on the luch hour workouts.
Hang in there kinda of tough time but it will be done soon enough then you will be out there having fun. I hope your able to listen or watch the Rose-Hulman - Franklin football game. Both are undefeated should be a great game.
Thank goodness you get your looks from your mom and your toughness from your dad.
Your in good hands as they say when times get tough the tough get going.
Take care get well soon .
John
We are praying for you and hope the time flies till you hear something next week.
Happy Halloween!
Lisa Norton
03-Nov-2008 Dan Pigg
Dad and Joey went to the Franklin -Rose-Hulman football game and had fun. Joey got to see the boys win again, and who knows what next year will bring.
Joey has officially withdrawn from school - taking a medical leave of absence. This is good because it takes a lot of pressure off Joey to try and catch up for all of his missed classes. Now Joey can concentrate on getting better and not worrying about his grades. He has a good academic standing. We will probably go back over to Franklin sometime in the near future and get his stuff, but there's no hurry on that.
Again, thanks to all for prayers, kind words and thoughts. We are all holding up well and focused on one day at a time. A real key in this situation is "patience" and God is helping us to know that one day at a time is all we need to be concerned about right now. We have a Dr. appointment at 2:30 with Dr. Huh this Wednesday and his nurse told us that the report should be available at that juncture in time. Janet, Dr. Kellar's nurse, has talked to Tammy and told her she would call Tammy as soon as she knew something.
Once again we are SO thankful for your prayers, thoughts, and kind words - we savour all we get. Thank you SO much.
HI JOEY,
ITS GOOD TO HEAR YOU'RE DOING GOOD. IT WAS A SMART IDEA TO TAKE THAT TIME OFF FROM SCHOOL. BECAUSE NOW YOU CAN PUT ALL THAT EFFORT INTO YOUR TREATMENTS AND RECOVERY. YOU ARE ALWAYS ON MY MIND AND I WONDER HOW YOU'RE DOING. I KNOW FIRST HAND WHAT EVERYDAY WILL BRING YOU. I KNOW EACH SEEMS TOUGH BUT EACH WILL ALSO BRING YOU RELIEF TO. ERIC ALWAYS SAID THATS ONE LESS HE WILL HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT. DR. HUH'S OFFICE HAS MY PHONE NUMBER IF YOU EVERY NEED TO TALK OR JUST WANT TO GET AWAY FOR A BIT. STAY TOUGH AND LOOK TO THE LORD FOR EVERYTHING. ERIC DID.
DAWN WAHL
Hi Joey,
Good luck on the test results tomorrow. I think that you're smart taking the time away from school, so you can concentrate on getting better!
Gayle
Watching for an update, and praying for the best!
Love, D&D
Hi Joey,
You probably don't know me, but I've talked to you a couple of times. I am so sad to hear about your illness. I just want you to know that I'll be praying for you and your family. I know you can make it through. Never give up. With Christ anything is possible. Believe that always and enjoy all life has to offer. I hope I can see you again soon.
Love Aways,
Your forever friend
We got good news today as far as cancer is concerned. Joey has Hodgkins lymphoma stage 2 which is ver treatable and curable. He had a bone marrow biopsy that was not fun and will be getting a portacath maybe as soon as Friday. Then on Monday we are off to Tulsa for a 2nd opinion. All is falling into place. God is good. More from Dan tomorrow.
Hey Joey,
Good to hear that you are only stage 2. Hodgkins is one of the most curable diseases. They really don't call it a cancer. I hope you aren't to sore after the bone marrow biopsy. I know it can be very painful. The good thing it doen't last long and I'm sure you've figured that out by now. I assume that the port-a-cath you will be getting will probably be in your chest and of course you will be sore for a few days and it will be uncomfortable for awhile but you will get used to it. I glad to hear that you and your family decided to get a second opinion. I hope all goes well. Good luck and GOD BLESS YOU.
Dawn W.
Well, we got the best news we could have gotten as far as a diagnosis is concerned. God is good. Momma is happy. That doesn't mean that there won't be a battle or two ahead of us, but they are all "winnable" battles. Joey weighed in at 196 (thankfully) an increase of 5 pounds thanks to Tammy's cooking. And he bent the drill Dr. Huh used on him for the bone marrow biopsy. So whether or not Pigg's are hard-headed is debatable - but they sure are hard boned. Special thanks to "aunt" Dawn for taking time off her busy schedule to be with us and lend another pair of (objective) eyes and ears towards understanding all that technical jargon.
Joey's diagnosis is a level (stage) 2 Hodgkins. Dr. Huh implied it is not a big deal. He left us some room for a second opinion but wants to get started with treatment as soon as we get that. Right now our second opinion option is travelling to Tulsa (Ok.) and visiting the Cancer Treatment Center of America there. The main reason why we would even consider doing that is because they guarantee that patients will not get sick and will not lose weight. They also deal with diet and exercise - something to think about when you are dealing with all that treatment. They consolodate treatments too, and work with the families regarding travel, etc.
Joey is scheduled to have a stint put in today, talk to Dr. Pucchia, take a heart-cardio test, and talk to Dr. Schmitz - so the ball is definitely rolling. Special thanks to Drew Brand who highly recommended that we try and see Dr. Schmitz - who treated him when he had Hodgkins about 16 years ago.
Again, your prayers, thoughts, and kind words are what is holding us up. Joey is not going through this alone. True, we may not be able to take his treatments or go thru his exams for him, but it almost seems like we are all going through this WITH him together. Which makes a huge difference.
Once again thanx and love to all.
Thanks for keeping everyone updated. This does seem like good news!! My prayer group is praying for you, too, so let me know if there is anything specific you wants in our prayers.
Gayle
Joey's port surgery, which was scheduled to have happened yesterday, actually happened this AM with Dr. Pucchia. It isn't a real extensive surgery comparitively speaking but allows for easier treatments. No more poking!!! West Central hospital is a very nice facility, small, convenient, and accomodating. Nurses and staff very friendly (Joey's OR nurse was Connie - Randy Evans' sister - whom we knew from way back when).
Joey is now ready for treatments - however the process won't start till a week from next Wednesday due to his appointment(s) in Tulsa with the American Cancer Treatment Center. We are still "leaning" towards treatment here, but the ultimate decision is Joey's. Joey is now heading home and will rest today.
The game plan (which is subject to change a little) is for Tammy and Joey to fly out to Tulsa on Monday afternoon and for dad to drive a rental out there Monday morning (EARLY!!!) so he can be there in plenty of time. The appointment schedule and analysis starts Tuesday morning early.
We are all holding up well, and definitely feel a sense of relief - including Joey. Thank you ALL for your prayers and kind words.
Hi Joey,
Sounds like things are moving along and the plan is starting to take shape. I hope your doing well and hanging in there. No matter where you have care I am sure you will get the best treatment. You know you may miss the Linton@Rockville game. Should be a doozie who knows maybe you will be back in time to watch it. If your going to be in Oklahoma maybe we can somehow keep you all updated on things. Great on the poster from Jim Tressel. I am a Purdue fan but that was really nice of him. Obviously lots of people are thinking and praying for you to get back into the swing of things, which you will do soon enough.
Well thinking of you and wish you the best. Have a safe trip to OK.
CU soon John@Work
Joey and Family,
Have a safe trip to Tulsa. Sounds like you have good plan started. Yes the decision is yours on where you want to take your treatments, but having a facility here with Dr. Huh is great. The staff are so helpful. God Bless.
Dawn W.
Joe,
Just wanted to send a short note of encouragement. My friends Connie & Doris send their best wishes as well. Hope you can meet them next time you are in the Dirty South.
Well all three of us have arrived safely here in Tulsa although by altogether different modes of transportation.
Joey met with the CTCA staff who were very hospitable and cordial. The hospital is a very modern, accomodating and attractive facility. The people of Oklahoma seem very "down home" and friendly. Joey received a notebook filled with information regarding his itinerary here and will be kept informed regarding every step of the way. God has granted us all travelling mercies and the Radisson has a shuttle service to the hospital, which is great. We are currently in room 237. Joey brought his laptop.
Glad you made it safe & sound! Best of luck with the tests and consultation.
love, D&D
Joey,
My name is Neil Black (the son of your optometrist). I was diagnosed and treated for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (non-Hodgkin's) last summer (I was 21 at the time, now I'm 22). I have received aggressive chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy, and would love to talk with you if you want to hear from someone who's been through cancer treatment.
Feel free to drop me an e-mail. My address is nablack@indiana.edu I hope you're doing well.
-Neil
We are being treated like VIP's down here, it is amazing how the CTCA can be so caring for all of their patients.
Right now Joey is VERY STRONGLY opting to get his chemotherapy treatments down here, and his radiation treatment in Terre Haute. We very strongly want him to get started asap, but the holdup is the fact that his doctor (Dr. Shrista) wants him to get a Pet scan but our insurance has to authorize it. They have authorized just about everything else BUT a Pet scan. The bottom line is that Joey will need to fly out here once every two weeks, with at least one person - a doable thing.
We have met with joey's nutritionist, joey's oncologist, and had a PFT performed. Never had to wait on any of them. In some cases more than one doctor was in the room and entered the discussion regarding his treatment. Very professional and friendly in all aspects. Joey has yet to meet with his radiologist, which will take place tomorrow, We are attempting very badly to get Joey's pet scan scheduled for Th. so he can receive his first treatment before we leave. This all depends on whether or not the insurance will authorize it.
Dr. Shrista was VERY positive about joey's long term prognosis. She said she can never predict the outcome for treating patients with lung cancer. She says that with Hodgkins lymphoma, performed in conjunction with the rest of the regimented program, his treatments have a beginning and an ending. And then he is done. Whoa!!! Right now Joey is holding up superbly. He is so upbeat about this place, though ultimately the final decision is his. As parents we would like to provide him with the best opportunities possible for getting better,and this is certainly worth considering.
We are VERY, very thankful for the provisions of God whom we depend on working through human beings - so much that it is too easy to take that for granted. My thoughts are winding down. Will leave you all with an Oklahoma joke....
Why did the chicken cross the street?
To prove to the armadillo that it can be done.
:-)
Love and thanx to ALL!!!! We can't being to tell you how much we cherish your kind words, thoughts, and prayers.
It "appears" that there is another person from Terre Haute being treated at the CTCA center here in Tulsa and a Rose-Hulman affiliated person at that. When I was seated in the waiting room an elderly gentleman with what appeared to be a Rose-Hulman baseball cap walked by (it was the 10 years of being ranked #1 commemoration cap I think) so I ran after the gentleman, but stopped short of getting close enough to inquire anything of him because I did not want to miss anything regarding Joey's appointment. At that juncture in time I simply believed I had mistaken the cap for something else. Later on that same day as we travelled back to the motel, all three of us saw a car with distinctive RHIT license plates FROM INDIANA with an elderly gentleman driving very close to the CTCA hospital. It would be intersting to be able to talk to that gentleman and find out who he is.
Well a tramatic day for all of us. Joey no longer has his long hair but he is still as handsome as ever.It is the first step towards recovery. He decided to shave it off beause chemo is coming and this way it will be alittle easier with the hair loss. Joey bought a new Mn.Twins cap to warm his head alittle. I am glad today is over. Joe has had the long hair for along time but it WILL grow back before we know it. This place is unbelievable.We couldn't be treated better. Bkut we are sure missing everyone. This will be the longest stint here. If Joe does decide to do chemo here it will just be for acouple days at a time. I wonder what tomorrow holds. Love you all. Tammy
Today we play the waiting game. Joey still has some appointments left that will carry over till Friday. However, what he really wants to do is get started with treatments, and Dr. Shreesta (sp?) really wants to have Joey get a Pet scan, but the insurance is the holdup. We talked to the oncology education director yesterday who filled s all in with each and every drug involved in the process and how it would affect Joey. Even though we all experienced reality shock, the long term prognosis is still excellent.
We are still overwhelmed with how well the hospital here treats us. We are beginning to miss home though. God is good, there is a beginning and an end to this.
Love to all, Old Fat Danny.
I'm knitting a wool hat in Franklin colors :-). Am open to special requests!
love, D&D
Thanks for the update. My prayers today will include that the PET scan gets approved. (Insurance stuff is always so frustrating!!) And Joey, I'm sure that you're as handsome without hair as you were with!
Joey,
Here are a few sayings I would like you to remember.
EVERY PROBLEM IS A CHARACTER BUILDING OPPORTUNITY, AND THE MORE DIFFICULT IT IS, THE GREATER THE POTENTIAL FOR BUILDING SPIRITUAL MUSCLE AND MORAL FIBER.
We know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character. ROMANS 5:3-4
Troubles come to prove that your faith is pure. This purity of faith is worth more than gold.
1 PETER 1:7
Under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. JAMES1:3
I hope these passages help in some way. Stay strong and postive.
God Bless
Dawn W
Joey,
Sounds like things are picking up and the treatment is getting started. Your in great hands no matter what. Just wanted to give you all the link to the Linton - Rockville game if you all want to get updates or listen to it online.
It starts at 6:30 OK Time.
http://www.waxifm.com/
Click on the listen live button. I know you have more important things to attend Take Care Thinking about you CU Soon. John@Work
Objective accomplished. Joey begins treatment at CTCA hospital tomorrow at 11:00. He has to cram in a couple of appointments regarding nutrition/diet and mind/physical exercise too, but the deal regarding the Pet scan fell through. The return value it would provide wouldn't be worth the expense of losing more time, and Joey's radiologist stated that doing without it wouldn't be essential in the healing process. This is a MAJOR relief for both mom and dad and joey, especially in light of the downer "reality check" experienced yesterday. So at this juncture in time joey is going to have his chemotherapy here with a session every two weeks and follow up the next day (just to make sure he is ok). Mom and dad do not have to be with him in order for this to happen, as long as he has a care giver who is above the age of 18. Meanwhile he can have all of his labs and radiation done back in Terre Haute. His radiation too, and CTCA hospital is OK with that. Coaches Crabtree and Davis can provide the necessary "foot in the posteriour" for motivating him to get the necessary exercise regiment/diet he needs to get well. This place is a tremendous example of emphasizing the fact that "a good deal" of the battle against cancer is "mental" and maybe even spirutual "for we wrestle not against flesh and blood". THe treatment that patients receive here is above and beyond what we could ever have imagined. In order to provide the care this facility provides, the staff must have, to a person, a love for humankind that far surpasses the normal to the point of being supernatural. In short they exhibit an extraordinary compassion for the sick not seen in most traditional institutions. At each juncture we are constantly reminded that God is the motive behind this compassion. At every level. Even the travel coordinator informed us that "we are constantly standing on the word of God". Literally. As the concrete was poured, it was covered with scripture and prayed over before covered by the floor(?). Special thanx to Drew Brand for his role in lining up Dr. Schmitz whom we were thoroughly impressed with back in Terre Haute.
So, we are arranging for travel back home on Sunday - joey and mom will fly back and I will drive and mom and dad should be back to work on Monday. Joey will be monitored Saturday up to 24 hours after the chemo session to make sure he is doing OK and then he will be good to go. Thanx to all for prayers, thoughts, and encouraging words that have definitely contributed to the success of this goal. You do not know how much you are all appreciated.
Ditto to what Dan said. We are so happy to be starting down this road to health and our Joey cured. God has been so good to us. We can't say enough good about it and the people who have helped us here.It has made me a better nurse and hopefully more compassionate to those I care for. Even to the fresh flowers everyday on the diningroom tables.Everyone is there to help you and with a smile. No one makes you feel like you are a bother to them in fact they tell us if we don't tell them our need they will be upset with us. Such a different attitude than most places.Joey will be responsible for his traveling and who will be going with him on his 2 day trips to Tulsa. I am sure he will have some takers.I bet Skipper would go with him. Sophie too. Better try and settle down before bed. We got a big day ahead of us.I may not be getting the chemo in my veins but I think I can feel it with Joey. My stomach has been in knots for weeks now. I think once this starts tomorrow I will relax alot. I am ready to go back to work ASAP. Dan has been a great dad and hubby for us. WHat a great guy.He's a keeper.Wish us well for chemo day. We got the anti throw up meds ready to go. Love yo9u guys.
Extra prayers today for all of you. Miss you Tammy. Love, Kris
Although I don't fly, I am available ANY TIME to drive down to Tulsa & back with Joey, just give me a couple days heads up. I have like a ton of sick days & vacation days that I can use. So hit me up for real 502-548-2384.
Well it has started. Joey is getting chemo at this moment. He is doing great so far. He got lots of good drugs to keep the nausea bug away. It's all falling into place. We are happy.
Joey sailed through his first treatment very well. No nausea or diarhea. We are to call if any problems, but none seen so far and none anticipated.
Tomorrow we ALL go home - dad first, driving, and t& j flying. We are VERY thankful for the treatment we have ALL received through the CTCA hospital - and the prayers, support we have received from friends/family back home. Once again, thanx.
Everybody is home safe and sound. What a blessed place to go to for cancer treatment. Very "patient" oriented from the floor sweepers to the doctors and med-techs to the schedulers and travel coordinators. Special thanks to Karrie (sp?) Cress, sons Richie and R.J. who made Oklahoma hospitality second to NONE - thank you SO much Karrie for putting up with the Pigg's for an afternoon and evening. We have definitely felt the love of Jesus "through people" during our stay here. We also want to thank our support group back home, who are very much needed and appreciated.
Good to be back home.But we loved Tulsa.Joey goes back over Thanksgiving for a treatment and then plans to spend Thanksgiving with the Cress'. He and RJ have been buddies a long time. Guess they are going to do some tailgating that Sat. for OU or OSU. I get them confused. It really made our visit feel like home with Carrie and the boys over to visit on Sat. It was so nice. I talked with Joey's case manager today. She called to see how Joey was doing. As it looks right now Joe will get 4 treatments 2 weeks apart. One down. Some where along the line he will have a CT scan to see how the chemo is shrinking the tumor in his chest. He has done great. Alittle tired but no sickness. He is eating well. I am trying to buy the healthy stuff so we all eat better. He has lots of info on not to get sick and keep his energy level up. I am sure he would of done well here too but I can not explain the treatment we got at the CTCA.We felt like the most important pt. there and all they wanted to do was the very best care for Joey. IT is about the same treatment he would get here but I think shorter. Thye really watch his counts and his tumor. No more chemo than it takes to kill the cancer.He will do radiation here with Dr.Smitz at THRH.That will be after chemo.We thank you for all your prayers cards and concerns. It has been so wonderful. We are doing great. I know we are learning something out of all this just not sure exactly what yet. Love you all.
Glad to know that you're all home and that Joey is doing well. Here's praying that the rest of the chemo treatments go as smoothly as the first.
Gayle
Glad you have one treatment done and all went well. prayers with you all.
Joey had some bloodwork done today to check his hemoglobin, rbc, wbc counts, etc. Don’t know what the results of all those tests are as of yet. These will be used in cooperation with his treatment in Tulsa.
He is then scheduled to fly out to Tulsa on Wednesday for a couple of doctor appointments, including Dr. Shrestha – his medical oncologist.
He will then receive a chemotherapy treatment on Thursday (Thanksgiving) and be with the Cresses for Thanksgiving dinner in Oklahoma City.
He will attend the Oklahoma State – Oklahoma football game Saturday (a HUGE impact game with HUGE BCS implications).
And fly home on Sunday.
Joey is going to go to the IHSAA semi-state football game tonite between Linton and Cardinal Ritter high school.
The game will be played at Linton.
Joey is going to the game with Head Coach Brian Crabtree of North Central h.s. in Farmersburg.
Joey recommended a Mexican restaurant in Linton they could get something to eat at when the game is over.
Coach Crabtree’s response: “I don’t want to spend any more money in Linton than what I absolutely have to”.
:-)
All of this is good for Joey. Whatever activities, scheduled or not, that can help him focus on “normal” life is excellent therapy and good for his overall mental health. One of the ways that CTCA hospital in Tulsa helps their patients to get better is to “focus” on things you can do instead of “focus” on cancer. Which is the difference between the patient having “cancer” and “cancer” having the patient.
How great for Joey that he can combine a trip for treatment with an exciting football game! I'll pray for safe travel and an easy dr. appointment!
Gayle
Glad to hear Joey will be going to a game. I have Coach Crabtree for a history techer and he was talking about the game.Hope Joey has a lot of fun and enjoys himself. Sorry I don't comment very often, my computer's been messed up with a virus and it's hard to even get onto the Internet using it, but I hope Joey's doing well. Glad to hear the chemo is going good. I'll remember him in my prayers. Tell him I said hi, even though he probably don't know me---Just tell him that the short, blonde haired girl that told him "Congradulations, Joey" at his graduation said hi. I know he won't remember me but still tell him just so he'll know that I'm thinking of him.
Love Always,
Dreamin' 1, his forever friend
Just a really quick note, but one that is worthy of interest.
Tammy called and Joey's labwork came back fine. The RBC and WBC counts were all fine. A little low on the Hemoglobin (12 point something), but that's understandable considering the chemo treatment. Still, no nausea, vomiting, diarhea, etc. all an answer to prayer. He leaves in two days for Tulsa for another chemo Wednesday AM early. Special thanks to Pastor John who mentioned him during the pastoral prayer in the service on Sunday. Also, special thanks to Kim and Roaann (Singhurse) who took the time to invite ALL of us over on Saturday for a surprise birthday party for Beth Lewis and Darren Lindsay. Many there at the party made a special effort to let us know how much they were concerned for Joey and were thinking and praying for him. Special thanks to any and all who have taken the time to write an encouraging note here in the last couple of days or so. You are ALL very deeply appreciated.
Another quick note: Joey got away this AM from Indy to Tulsa with a stopover at St. Louis. He should be in Tulsa in time for his afternoon appointments at the CTCA hospital. He then has his chemotherapy session tomorrow at 6:00 AM (hope he gets up in time for this one). After his chemotherapy session, he may or may not have 1 more Dr. appointment, and then he travels to OK city to spend Thanksgiving with the Cresses. As any information regarding Joey's doctors appointments becomes available, it will be communicated to everyone as sson as possible. Just kind of an "FYI", Joey got a nice, personally autographed picture from Dallas Clark as a "get well soon" gesture. What A Nice Guy Dallas is. Probably came as a result of communication(s) between Dr. Brucken's wife (who is a Colts Cheerleader) and the Colts Public Affairs office. Just speculation on my part, but special thanks to any/all who were involved in this process and to all who have been praying for Joey's recovery. May God bless you all.
Joey's doctor's appointment with Dr. Shrestha went well. She is pleased with his progress thus far. His WBC count was a little low, so they gave him a shot that should give it a boost. They did not X-ray his chest, however, to check up on the size of his tumor. He also had an appointment with Dr. Landers who gave Joey some new options regarding naturalized nutrition(s) and supplements. He goes in for chemotherapy tomorrow at 6:00 AM. Thanks once again to any/all who said a prayer for him. Joey, mom and dad are upbeat.
For this Thanksgiving I am so thankful to all of you who keepJoey in your prayer,cards,calls and visits with him and us.We could not be handling all this so well without you. Joe made it by himself to Tulsa and has really taken charge of his health care. I just hope he gets up for 6AM chemo tomorrow. RJ will get hom up,right?!! I am going thru the mom thing where I wish he were home with me especially this year but I also want him to be as normal as possible with all this and after an invitation with the Cress's I couldn't be happier for him. His next chemo is Dec.10th. We are the way to recovery. Have a great Thanksgiving and be thankful for all we have.We are very blessed.
Joey got in late last nite from Chicago because of all the weather related delays. He ended up staying in the airport there for an extra 3 hours having missed his connection to Indy because it had taken off before Joey landed from Oklahoma City (such is life).
Anyways, Joey had a GREAT time in Oklahoma, enjoyed the tremendous hospitality of the Cresses, saw some football, ate plenty of food and got plenty of rest. His doctor appointments all went well, no side or after affects from the chemo (as of yet), and his weight and appetite are still good. Needless to say we are all very thankful to those whose prayers have made all this possible. This Thanksgiving we have a lot to be thankful to God for.
Special thanks be to Craig and Karrie Cress, Southside Church of Christ and Sherman and Carolyn Wilkins whose expressed generosity are sorely appreciated.
Hi Joey,
I'm glad to hear that you haven't had any side of effects of you treatments. I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving. If you need any help with anything please don't hesitate to contact me.
God Bless
Dawn W.
Hey Pigg "Sunshine"
I just heard from the guys in the house about what has happened. I am very sorry that you have to go through such an experience. It sounds like you are receiving fantastic treatment and that you have a lot of support. my email is jeremypasel@gmail.com I hope that everything continues to go well. You will be back in school before you know it. Stay strong and everything will work out.
YITB
Jeremy Pasel PY 326
Hey 44! I don't know you personally, but I have called your name in many Linton-North Central radio broadcasts, and kept a website of all the SW7 teams that included yours...so I feel like I do know you!! I know you were a solid player with a lot of heart, and that you left nothing behind on the field. That same mentality will help you in this fight as well. I know many of my Linton brethren are sending their best thoughts and prayers your way in this battle we know you will win!!
We are all with you in spirit.
DAn (Miner PRide)
Joey's labwork came back yesterday AM and the results were good to VERY good. Both his WBC and hemoglobin counts were excellent. He should not even have to hava a shot after his next chemotherapy session. His hemoglobin was over 16 and his WBC count was 12 "something". Thank God!!!
Special thanks to the sorority girls from Franklin college who baked Joey cookies and made him a nice blanket to keep him warm during his chemotherapy sessions/travelling.
I don't understand all of the numbers, but I'm glad to know that they are good! My Wednesday morning prayer group keeps you in our prayers every week.
Gayle
Well Joey has had both of his flights delayed today, so at this juncture, he has not had either his doctor's appointment with Dr. Shrestha or his chemotherapy session. The good news is that the CTCA people take care of everything at their end once they know about flight delays, etc. Which is a God send. It may be tomorrow before Joey can get any of his appointments in, along with his chemo. This comment was posted at approx. the time his (late) plane took off from Memphis. There is still a chance he could get his chemo in if Dr. Shrestha doesn't need to see him first. That part is just speculation. Thanks to Gayle, Dawn et al for your blogs, may God bless you for your kind words and prayers. As more new info comes in we will let you all know.
Joey this is your uncle: from time to time i think of the gap faith has to fill and I think of the nature of God to show places in scripture where the seeming dominating sickness, event or just the plain old odds mean absolutely nothing to Him except an oppertunity to defy the powers of darkness.After all this is over, go out and play football like you always did,even on your bad days, the battle is by the Spirit!
Joey has returned from Oklahoma and has completed three chemotherapy sessions with one more to go. With the encouraging help of friends and answered prayer he is doing wonderful. He has picked up a couple of pounds, thanks in part to Kerri Cress' home cooking along with Sally Pullen and Nick feeding him too. And his blood counts are very good. Time and space prevent me from thanking everyone who has had a role in Joey's successful treatment, but the CTCA sure has been an instrument in God's hands that has provided inspiration to all of us. Thank you all again for your thoughts, prayers, and kind words.
As I reported Joey's good blood counts to my Wednesday morning prayer group as a "prayer request", another member of the group said "That sounds more like a praise to me that he's doing so well". It was a good reminder to me to always keep those praises going, too. Glad he's back from Oklahoma.
Gayle
Just popping in to tell you that many of us are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers...
Hi Joey,
I'm glad to hear you are doing so well with everything. Prayer is your ulimate healer if you keep believing. I wish you and your family the Merriest of Christmas'
God Bless
Dawn W
Just a short note: Joey's lab work from last week came back just fine. All of his counts were good to very good, his weight had increased a couple of pounds. and he has not indicated any prolonged signs of sickness, nausea and/or diarhea. All this has truly been an answer to prayer. with special thanx to grandma and grandpa who had us all over for Christmas dinner yesterday (with lasagne, one of Joey's favorites) and to all who have again said one or wrote a note or dropped a letter in the mail. Joey's last chemotherapy session is Monday December 29 at the CTCA hospital in Tulsa.
Lord Our God
With the birth of Your Son,
your glory breaks on the world.
Through the night hours of the darkened earth
we your people watch for the coming of Your promised Son.
As we wait, give us a foretaste of the joy that
You will grant us
when the fullness of His glory has filled the earth,
who lives and reigns with you for ever and ever.
29-Dec-2008
We are all in Tulsa today to celebrate Joey's last "scheduled" chemotherapy session. This is the last "for sure" chemotherapy treatment that Joey will have to undergo and it is monumental that we, as a family, be able to do so with Joey who has undergone the whole process with God's grace. At Charley's Christmas and New Year's eve party, an Anglican priest prayed over Joey and somehow, it is appropriate that he had Norwegian ancestry in his background. Joey's lab work came out good, he is set for his final treatment at 8:00 PM this evening. So we are "maybe" at the beginning of the end now, what lies ahead depends on how well the chemo has influenced the affected areas. Joey has said that the pressure he felt against his diaphram is gone and had, in fact noticed a big difference at the beginning of the second week after his first chemotherapy session. For sure he has yet to undergo his radiation treatments which will take place asap - perhaps even later on this week with Dr. Schmidtz back in Terre Haute. But compared to the chemo, the radiation is a breeze. After that, then what? He does come back to Oklahoma to see Dr. Shrestha January 12th and will undergo an evaluation at that time to determine how much, if any, more chemotherapy is still necessary. Obviously it would be fantastic if none were necessary, so we will pray God's will in that direction. Also, the chemotherapy has had an effect on Joey's cardiovascular system. But only minimal and Joey still has his hair. Overall the doctors are pleased with his progress and it is so encouraging to see all the support we have received from friends and family while going through this. Obviously God has a purpose in all of this and His purpose for each person may only be accomplished by "going through" the journey instead of avoiding it, but even so, we have experienced God's grace every step of the way. We just hope the journey is near its end. Thanx and love to all who have expressed support in the form of prayers, thoughts, and well wishes to our family during this time. Will continue to post blogs as more information becomes available.
Here's a prayer that this is your last "chemo" trip to Oklahoma. There are a lot of things in your last blog entry that sounds like praises to me, especially that Joey continues to feel pretty good.
Gayle
Just a note to let everyone know that we have all returned safely from Tulsa. Joey said that he did have kind of a rough day after his last chemotherapy, but was hoping that it would be the last one. He does have to go back on the 12th to see Dr. Shrestha down in Tulsa, but does NOT have a scheduled chemotherapy session - just evaluation. At that juncture, Dr. Shrestha may do an MRI or PET scan to see how effective the chemo has been up till now. In the meantime, Joey starts radiation treatment here in Terre Haute as soon as possible with Dr. Schmitz. We are exceedingly grateful to all who have prayed and especially to CTCA hospital for their overwhelming kindness in treating both Joey and us during our stay there. Thanks, Gayle for your special prayer(s) regarding Joeys chemo. God has answered our prayers in every which way imagineable up till now.
Other than that, there is no more new information to speak of that is relevant. Will try nnd keep everyone informed regarding Joey's radiation and the results of his ongoing treatment(s) as it becomes available.
Joey left this AM very early to go to his Dr. appointment with Dr. Shrestha. He left Indy at 8:00 to connect to Memphis and left Memphis at 8:00 to fly directly to Tulsa. Both planes left on time and Joey was on the airplanes when they left. Now there's a miracle for you right there! Joey has his Dr. Appointment with Dr. Shrestha today and flies home tomorrow. He has another Dr. appointment with Dr. Schmitz (his radiologist) on Thursday. He should begin radiation treatment very soon after that. In the meantime, he has started working very slowly on his cardiovascular - doing some jogging around the house, attempting to work his way up. His appetite overall is good to very good and he still has most of his hair left. Once he hs through with his chemotherapy, he should really begin to feel a difference. Thanks to the prayers and support of everybody involved here, he is right where he needs to be at this juncture in time.
Well, somehow ALL of us, Joey included, were mistaken in our communications with CTCA about Joey's chemotherapy (infusion) "sessions", specifically when it comes to the difference between a "session" and a "cycle". We mistakenly thought that after 4 "sessions", Joey would be done, but the "key word" we missed was "cycle", which is a mistake on our part, but nevertheles it has resulted in a let-down on the part of everybody and we need to get beyond that. Joey has now had 5 "sessions". A "cycle" is 2 "sessions", so Joey needs 3 more infusion(chemotherapy) sessions. Which isn't that many, but because we wee all ready to get started on the radiation treatments, it has been kind of hard to handle, BUT, overall Joey is stil doing great. No vomiting, diarhea, weight loss, etc. And he has even gained a little weight! And we are all thankful. Joey's buddy Troy here at work wants to give Joey some hints about how to gain weight as he has done a GREAT job of gaining weight over the last few months without really having to try very hard at doing so!?!? "It's easy", Troy says, "You just keep eating a lot and don't work out". How profound!
Anyways, we are still all OK and still all need your prayers, so know that your prayers, kind words, and thoughts are still needed as much now as they were when this all began. Thank you, once again for praying for us and please don't stop.
Sometimes, its the "little things" in life that we appreciate the most. Dr. appointments that go well with "no surprises" don't usually hit the top of the list unless you are dealing with a prolonged serious illness. Last week's doctor's appointment with Dr. Schmitz (sp?) really gave us cause to celebrate, even though we'd just found out that Joey had more chemotherapy sessions left than what we'd originally thought. He is so encouraging, compassionate, empathizing, professional, cordial, considerate, the list goes on and on. One of the most encouraging aspects of the treatment so far was his response to my question regarding "How much has the tumor shrank?" in light of the fact that Joey has had 5 chemotberapy treatments. Because he is scheduled for 8 treatments, one would assume when using the principles of mathematics, that the tumor is 5/8 gone, or just over half. "Oh no", Dr. Schmitz said. "In nearly every case, after 5 treatments, there is very little, if any, of the original tumor left". We all perked up. WHOA!!! You mean it is gone? "Yes", practially speaking it is". Although it can sometimes vary from case to case, and Joey verified some of that himself when he said that after 2 chemotherapy sessions a lot of the "tightness" in his chest went away and he could bend over and pick something up off the floow without feeling the restriction due to the tumor. That made our day, and probably our whole week right there! The chemotherapy does exact a toll on your system, zapping both your strength and your energy, but the fact that the tumor should be about gone is also a big boost both mentally and otherwise, too. Joey is slowly getting back into a regimented routine, able to do more physically, like help dad cut firewood and helping out coach Crabtree implement his off-season football weightlifting program. Drew Brand, a Hodgkins survivor and patient of Dr. Schmitz, who highly recommended him says that one of the most important aspects of dealing with cancer is to develop a daily routine where "getting back to normal" is a priority. Which is definitely happening in our case. So the answer to all or our prayers in respect to the last week or so is "getting life back to normal". We have been VERY encouraged with this and the support of our friends and family.
That is good news! Glad to hear that Joey is able to keep busy (like chopping wood!). Thanks for keeping this blog updated so everyone can check on his progress.
Gayle
Just a note: Joey arrived safely in Tulsa last nite and has already had some lab work done. His chemotherapy is scheduled for 7:00 PM tonite. His lab work came back fine, except for a minor drop in his WBC, but nothing a "neusta" (sp?) shot couldn't fix before the chemo.
Joey somehow made it back from Tulsa enduring flight delays, ice storms, blizzard like conditions, and cancellations. This was a very VERY bad storm.
Special thanks be to Pat Trifone(sp?) who arranged to pick Joey up from the airport and drive him home helping dad to get some sleep and take mom to her c-scope VERY early this am. And special thanks to God for a safe trip amongst many potential safety hazards on the way.
Just a blurb about the annual CAC game(s) tomorrow nite. This may or may not be a statewide or even a nationally promoted event, but probably just regional and on a school by school basis. Anyways, there will be a ribeye sandwhich dinner at North Central h.s. from 6:00 to ???? this Friday before the Union Dugger game sponsored by Coaches Against Cancer with the proceeds going towards the American Cancer Society. There will be some kind of ceremony in recognition of all local cancer survivors during the course of the festivities, but not sure how or what that will be as of now. We just want to thank North Central High School and specifically Coaches Against Cancer for their role in raising the money to help cancer victims and their families. We feel almost humbled by the support system we have that includes North Central high school's athletics. We feel God has used people in a mighty way in accordance with accomplishing His purposes in our lives and that includes healing.
The annual Coaches Against Cancer basketball game was encouraging, inspirational, and downright fun. It was definitely a sight to behold to see a "Sea of Orange" both in the stands and on the playing court as fans, coaches, and players all wore their orange CAC tee-shirts (at 10 bucks a pop) during warm-ups in order to demonstrate the community support for the fight against cancer. What a game too as Dugger stayed even with the T-birds down to the wire. The game was massively supported by both coummunities and the intense rivalry was definitely played out on the court independent of either team's won-loss record. The event raised a lot of money for the American Cancer Society from the sandwhich supper, tee shirt sales, and raffle ticket sales. The festivities included the dedication of a wall sticker to a cancer survivor by the general public that included the names of several local area people battling cancer, including Reverend John Thrasher, JoAnne Woodsmall, and Joey. Joey had at least 4 wall stickers dedicated with his name on it, all demonstrating an overwhelming support for Joey by the community. And Joey got to be with some of his "old" buddies that nite, including the WHOLE Enstrom family, Bo Kanavy, Cody Nickless and Michael Woodsmall. A VERY memorable evening. It continues to amaze us how God uses people.
Joey flew down to Tulsa yesterday for his "NEXT TO THE LAST" (!!!!) chemotherapy treatment. He has appointments all day today and flies home tomorrow. His labs were good to go before he left and ALL of his connect flights were ON TIME this time. Susan Brown, his patient services coordinator down at CTCA calls Joey their current "Poster Child" and they all look forward to seeing Joey every time he visits the CTCA hospital. We always sleep a little easier once we found out he "made it" and God is so good to have given us all travelling mercies in time of bad weather. Joey has a JOB!!! He is bussing tables at an Italian Restaurant in the south end of town and begins Wednesday. Now there's a thought - a Norwegian boy working at an Italian restaurant. Hmmmmm.... :-)
Quick note: Joey made it back safe and sound from Tulsa last nite. Just one more chemotherapy treatment session left.
Joey left for his last chemotherapy session yesterday at 6:00 AM - Tammy and I drove him to Indy for the grande finale. He had a lay over in Memphis and left there about 11:00 and got into Tulsa at around noon on Sunday. He can just use the afternoon to get caught up on some rest - he sees Dr. Wakefield, his psychologist in the morning on Monday and his chemotherapy session is somewhat early. He gets to sleep in on Tuesday and has, I think, one appointment before flying out around 5:00 and then arriving in Inday at 9:30 or so.
Everything up to now has been so smooth as far as Joey's treatment and his response to it goes. But it is at precisely these moments when it becomes easy to stop trusting in God and start trusting in science, medicine, and technology. As parents, we have not viewed it that way, and feel that every step of the way we've really REALLY needed God, and God has been there for us. Months from now, when Joey is, by faith, all healed up, we will still need God as we do not take health, and especially cancer for granted. So please know that during all of Joey's struggles since the beginning, we do not take lightly God's grace, the prayers of our friends and family, and the excellent results we have obtained so far. We love and appreciate you all in all of this.
Joey, you are like a son to me. Stay positive and hard-charging on your road back. I know what you are made of. Nothing can change that.
God Bless
Thank you coach Davis. You are an extremely positive influence in Joey's life, we all are heavily indebted to you for what you have meant to Joey. We are so very thankful, appreciative and owe so much to men like you and Coach Crabtree who have helped make Joey what he is today. You have been a "second dad" to Joey had have had influence in areas that "primary dads" can't get at. If you think of it, please put Joey's name on your church's prayer chain.
Just FYI: you mentioned over the phone about an email you sent me. As of yet, that has not been received, so please be aware. It could be an old email address or an invalid one. My curent email is dan.pigg@rose-hulman.edu.
The girls in Infusion at CTCA hospital in Tulsa gave Joey a farewell party. They all put together a cupcake with 1 candle and sang to him while he was getting his LAST(!!!!) chemotherapy session.
He also received a special phone call from coach Jim Davis at some juncture during yesterdays “festivities”.
Joey just has one or two appointments today and then he flies home.
No matter how many years go by between now and “whenever” we will always remember CTCA hospital and the treatment Joey received there.
Joey may never play football again and he may never lift weights to the point where he reached the apex of his career, but he will leave this all behind him as a better human being than he was before it all started.
….American King James Version
And I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.(Joel 2:25)
Joey arrived at the airport from Memphis about 9:05 PM last nite. He had a huge BBQ sandwhich while waiting for his connect flight. He said he felt fine, no nausea, headaches, or diarhea. Very glad to be through and done with all the chemo - flight arrangements, flight delays, flight cancellations, etc. - End of Part 1. Radiationi starts in about 2 weeks. We are planning to keep the blogsite up until Joey gets his checkup appointment in Tulsa sometime in April. Please feel completely free to say a prayer, write an encouraging word or two, and keep posting. God is not finished with the big picture yet, and there is plenty more to come.
Great news in lots of ways...from the celebration of the last treatment in Tulsa to the bbq sandwich in Memphis. I have Joey in my prayers daily and will comtinue to do so. Keep this blog updated...I am thankful that you have kept everyone informed.
Starting Phase 2....
Joey has now reached the most critical stage of the healing process as far as the chemotherapy treatment goes. Typically blood counts are at their lowest after the final chemo is over and it can take weeks, even months for patients to get their hemoglobin HIGH enough for the radiation. However, Joey has really done well and all of his blood counts are high, in some cases almost normal. So Dr. Shcmitz is extremely pleased with his progress. Joey weighs in at 206 pounds now and is almost to the point where he was before he had cancer.
The game plan is this - Dr. Schmitz wants Joey to undergo a CAT scan on Tuesday, March 10 and get retrofitted for his radiation treatment(s) at this time. This will tell us EVERYTHING we want to know about the cancer, specifically the facts concerning its status. This is critical, but necessary in regards to the radiation. Dr. Schmitz is anticipating a very smooth, non-eventful radiation treatment based on Joey's prognosis so far. Doing a quick non-evasive examination of his lymph nodes, digestive tract, and groin area revealed no swelling or enlarged nodes. So,,, all that means is that Joey goes in for pre-radiation preparation and CT scan March 10. He will begin radiation treatments on Match 16. And end radiation treatments April 10. So let phase 2 begin. For sure, now is a very VERY good time for thanking God for answered prayer, taking a deep breath, and attempting to obtain some mental, emotional and physical rest and relaxation. The Pigg family would like to take this opportunity to thank our friends, prayer warriors, family, extrended family and even people who do not know us that have said a prayer or two in faith based on prayer chains, prayer requests, and word of mouth. We will continue to keep you posted as quickly as information becomes available.
Joey went in today for an X-ray and CT scan of his upper chest and Dr. Schmitz was able to obtain and explain the results fairly quickly after the CT scan was over. Obviously from a mom and dad perspective, we wanted there to be no trace, sign, evidence, or residue of any tumor, or even any sign that there was ever one there. Still, the news was good as Dr. Schmitz explained how much the tumor has shrank and will continue to shrink due to Joey's chemotherapy. It is only a fraction of its original size and doubts that any live cells exist in the part remaining - it is, he believes, mostly scar tissue. Dr. Schmitz says the radiation treatment should take care of the rest. NO MORE chemotherapy is the bottom line and Joey was very VERY happy. So is mom and dad. Obviously the part that is left is a concern to us, but Dr. Schmitz says that residue amounts left after having had chemotherapy is normal and that Joey still has enough chemo left in his system to keep it shrinking. That, along with the radiation should offer enough one-two punch to do the job. So please don't stop praying as Joey and family covet your prayers, encouraging words, and kind thoughts as we are almost there as the end is in sight now. The game plan is for Joey to "get fitted" for his radiation on Friday and begin treatments Monday. He has some legwork to do and PLENTY of material to read which will help minimize any side-effects of the radiation. Compared to the chemo, this should be a walk in the park.
Joey has now had 3 radiation treatments at Regional with Dr. Schmitz. He seems to be doing great and has had no negative side effects. Joey is still on-target to finish up the week before Easter. Special thanks to each and all for prayers, thoughts, kind words and well-wishes.
Joey will today have completed 15 out of 20 radiation treatments with Dr. Schmitz and Regional Hospital. He feels a bit tired and a little "scratchy" throat, but generally speaking is holding up very well, his weight and color look good, and he still has his hair. Anyways, he will leave after today's radiation treatment and go visit coach Jim Davis in Keokuk Iowa for the weekend. Jim is a GREAT motivational impact person, a pastor, and a physical fitness expert who knows a lot about mental and physical training and fitness. He and coach Crabtree have been very good influences on Joey and nothing but good happens when Jim is around. Just more proof how God uses people to do His work in subtle but tangible ways.
A "news update" has been requested (actually from more than one source), AND it has been awahile, so although late in coming, better late then never. Here goes.
Dr. Schmitz recommended 4 more radiation treatments to be tacked on to the end of Joey's 20 which have already transpired. Joey is doing great, little fatigue, tiredness and "scratchy throat" but there are now only two left - one for today and one for tomorrw.
It was good seeing Gail Arnold and her two sons who has been such an encouragment to the Pigg family, especially in light of the fact that they have gone through some things over the years and know what adversity is like. Coach Crabtree has also spoken some words of encouragment in the last few days having contributed some "words of his own" down at the NC baseball game last week. Probably the "thing to do" now is to switch gears and begin thinking about "life after cancer", although it may be a tad early to even consider that. We have been under "cancer mode" for so long that to think outside of that box seems hard to do. But two weeks, two months, or two years in the course of a lifetime is a drop in the bucket from God's perspective and once we are "there" can look back and say, "Look, God was with us every step of the way", and hopefully develop a new understanding of Him and the age old question of "why?", or even "why not?". We have certainly developed an appreciation of friends and family who have supported us and somehow we will figure out a way to show all of you our appreciation and all of this.
Whoops, Tammy and I got it screwed up, TODAY was Joey's last radiation treatment and he is one HAPPY boy. He and mom just had breakfast together to celebrate and celebrate they did. He also has a dinner date Sunday with coach Crabtree to celebrate as well. Words can't describe how we feel right now, but exuberrant, thankful, and relieved are some that come to mind.
Its up to you, our friends and family whether or not we keep this blogsite going for awhile. A gut feeling is "yes", if only for a couple of months just for the sake of letting folk know we appreciated their prayers and support during this whole ordeal. Joey does have some follow up appointments but basically the chemo and radiation will continue to work long after Joey's last session. So once again, we give God and our friends and family thanks for getting us through this whole process. At no time ever was anyone's remark such as, "I will say a prayer for Joey", or "I will put Joey on our chruch's prayer list", or "please know that we are thinking about you" taken for granted. If the truth be known there were times when it was harder for us to pray than just resting in the prayers of others.
... AND now begins the "post cancer" era, who knows what God has ahead in store for Joey. "For I am convinced ... that nothing can separate us from the love of God". (Romans 8:38)
After nearly two months of inactivity.....
Joey flies to Tulsa tomorrow for a routine checkup - no chemo, no radiation, just some tests. He will likely not know anything for a day or two afterwards.
In the meantime - a progress report is probably long overdue. He has now been lifting weights and doing some cardio for quite a while and has recovered A LOT of what he's lost. He took a week off from vacation and relaxed, caught lots of fish, and feels great. God is good, life is good, we are very VERY happy. As a family, we have made great progress as far as getting back to normal goes.
Joey's appointment today with Dr. Shrestha took place as scheduled. His tumor has shrunk now to 3cm or less. She thinks it is basically just scar tissue left over. And she also believes it will continue shrinking. She said his progress was awesome and the next time he comes to Tulsa they will probably take out his port. God is good, life is good, many MANY reasons to be thankful.
This will probably be the last update to Joey's blogsite and then the site will be deactivated in about a week. Joey's last Dr. Appointment with Dr. Shrestha took place last Fr. and Dr. Shrestha said the key words "inactive" and "scar tissue" when describing Joey's MRI results. He has been cleared to go back to school and have his port removed. Once that happens he can return back to football - which he wants to attempt to do next year. He is enrolled at Franklin College and taking classes as of Monday this week.
A last thank you to any/all who said a prayer, said a kind word, or even thought a kind thought on Joey's behalf. The return back to normalcy (whatever that is) hasn't quite sunk in yet, but it will in time. So how do we go about thanking you and GOD? Our list of folk to thank for providing inspiration and courage in the face of difficult circumstances especially during critical times when our faith was weak would be a mile long. No religous cliche's or homilies here, we are at the end of a chapter in our lives. God says "move on", so we will. :-)
oey and dad are heading out to the CTCA hospital in Tulsa on Sunday to make an appointment Joey has on Monday. This does not involve anything other than some bloodwork and/or CT scans. It is not anticipated that anything negative will be found. Your thoughts and prayers for travelling appreciated. Weather for the trip looks good!!! It will be good to see "everybody" at the CTCA hospital.
Joey and dad had a great trip, got back Tuesday afternoon. While down in Tulsa, Dr. Shrestha decided to add a CT scan to Joey's itinerary which was not originally on the schedule. That pushed everything back and caused us to stay an extra day. We left EARLY (4:30 AM) Tulsa time and got back Tuesday afternoon so Joey could get back to Franklin college asap. While in transit, we got the message that Joey's CT scan was GOOD, his tumor, which was already in remission, had actually shrank some since the last time it was checked. Fantastic!!! Thanks to all who said a prayer, kind word or thought a kind thought on our behalf. Joey does not have to go back now till September.
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