An answer to prayers!

Just 4 days ago, Jason and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary while we were in Rochester. That was also the day that we were to meet with the doctor to find out the test results from the biopsies that were taken from Jason's intestines and stomach. We were also supposed to find out where the tumors were, how many there were, and if they were cancerous. Because the scan showed tumors in his small intestines, we were expecting to hear that the carcinoid tumors were found. Instead, we received the news from the doctor that all tests came back normal. Even the tests that were showing positive for cancer before, were all now normal. They found no tumors and the doctor told us that he didn't have any explanation as to why these tests were positive before but now were normal. Even his symptoms have lessened, but most are completely gone. The only thing that remains now is his arm pain (brachial plexopathy), but improvements have occured with that as well. That was the best anniversary that we have ever had. I received the greatest gift....my husband back. We went from having funeral plans ready....just in case the worst was to happen, to having hearts full of gratitude. Gratitude for all of the many people who have fasted and prayed on our behalf. Gratitude for our Heavenly Father for prayers that were heard and answered. Gratitude for our Savior who is the One that understands the pain of going through trials, who suffered for those pains, and who lifted us up when we trusted in Him. It has been a very long few months, but going through these trials have strengthened our family. How blessed we feel....how loved we feel....how soft and teachable our hearts are. "For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith" 2 Nephi 27:23

One answer

Because Jason has had several things going on with his health, he has been working with several doctors here at the Mayo Clinic. They are still trying to figure out what's going on with his overall health and they are continuing to administer tests in hopes of gaining answers. But, today we did get some answers concerning Jason's severe arm/shoulder pain. We found out that it is completely unrelated to Jason's other health issues. After meeting with the Neurologist today, it was determined that Jason has Brachial Plexopathy. The weakness can last between 6-18 months, but it usually can heel completely. He prescribed two medications to help him with the nerve pain, but neither are actual pain pills. They use other medications to help with nerve pain.

We are so grateful to get some answers and we know that the many prayers said on Jason's behalf have been heard and answered. Thank you!

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Brief Update

We are in the middle of appointments, so I thought I would write a quick update. Yesterday after meeting with the GI doc, we discovered that there are still more questions than answers. From the PETscan they performed, they found something in his small intestines, but further investigation is needed to determine what it is. There have been a few more tests ordered over the next few days. We completed one this morning. They did a special catscan where they made him drink 3 containers of a very nasty tasting beverage, and then took the images. It made the poor guy ill and I don't blame him....it smelled really bad. He is doing OK now and we are now hoping to get in to see the Neurologist. There is quite a wait so we may or may not be seen today.

Even though we are getting closer to answers, we still don't have any concrete answers to give. They are testing for several different things at once and we should know more soon hopefully.

 

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What a blessing!

We just went to the desk of the GI doctor to see if Jason could get in to see the doctor earlier since his original appointment isn't scheduled until September 28th. The lady was so kind and found us an appointment today at 12:55 (of course we put our sad faces on and told her we were from Alaska and that we have 4 children waiting for us to come home....:>). I'm so grateful that this appointment has been moved up....it really is a blessing. I will post info later today about how that appointment goes. In the meantime, please pray that he will be able to get in to see the Neurologist sooner. We will try to get in to see him either this afternoon or tomorrow, but it could be a wait.

We miss our children, but they are in good hands with my Mom. Thank you Mom!

A picture of our boys while they were facetiming with us

Jacey getting ready to go to her 1st church dance (it was a 50's dance). Deanne got this cute outfit for her.

Thank you Steve and Deanne for making Jacey's 14th birthday so much fun!

 

 

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Thank You

Thank you for your love and support while we are here in Rochester, MN

 

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Then and Now

Then and Now....this is for you Jacey girl! Your Dad loves you and will be OK

Then

Now

 

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Staying Strong

"...for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day" Alma 36:3 How grateful I am for the promises that we are given if we trust in God. We are still so thankful to be here at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Things are moving along very quickly. Yesterday morning at 11:30, they injected Jason with a radioactive material (also know as a tracer). Then four hours later we went back for them to see if it was working. They had to strap him down to a board and place him into a very tight fitting machine for a 30 minute scan. He is a stronger person than I....I would have been freaking out and claustrophobic...LOL! He then had to drink a medicine last night that made him sick. We went back this morning for them to then do 2 hour's worth of various scans, all while being strapped to the board and in tight closed quarters. He did very well. I think the stress of the scan, along with already not feeling well, made him have a flushing episode (one of the side effects of Carcinoid Syndrome). He went through it pretty quickly, although feeling very sick, and was able to get past it quickly. He is now sleeping soundly, which is a blessing. Now that all of our scheduled tests have been completed that the Internal Doctor ordered, we have to now meet with two other doctors. The beautiful thing about the Mayo Clinic is that even if your appointment is scheduled out a bit, you can still go in and check in at the desk in hopes that they can squeeze you in. His official appointment with the GI specialist isn't scheduled until September 28th, but we will go in everyday and sit and wait until they can get us in sooner. The GI doctor will then describe which tests he would like us to complete. We then will meet with a Neurologist, and do any tests that he wants us to do. After meeting with all of the doctors, we will then follow up with the internal doctor that we met with at the beginning. I'm sure that is when they will tell us about the findings and describe a treatment plan. I truly believe that all things happen for a reason and that we gain courage and strength through trials and tribulations. Thank you for those of you who are saying prayers on our behalf, who have brought in meals, who have been so kind to our children, and who have asked about us. The Lord has blessed our family through so many people. Thank you!

Pins and Needles! Ouch!!!

We were able to get many tests done today. They took 6 tubes of blood, did chest x-rays, and an EMG. The EMG took 3 and 1/2 hours and was extremely painful. They had to poke very long electricity endured needles into his muscles from his hand all the way to his shoulder, neck, and spine. Although it was painful, Jason is a trooper and is doing well. We miss our kids so much,but we are so glad to be here to get help. Tomorrow at 11:30, they will inject radioactive material (also called tracers) into Jason. Four hours later they will do an octreotide scan. Then he has to go back the next day for another scan. After that we have an apt. with a GI specialist, a neurologist, and then the internal doc that we saw first. Once we know what is wrong with him, they will come up with a treatment plan. Things are moving very fast which is a blessing!

Updates and News from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN

After going through several rough weeks....we are finally at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Jason's oncologist and pain management doctor referred us here due to Jason's symptoms. In July after Jason had his gallbladder out, he started having strange symptoms. After many visits to the ER and a week long hosptial stay, it was determined that Jason has many symptoms of Carcinoid Syndrome. Many of the test results also showed signs of this illness...however, the carcinoid tumors can be hard to find and can be missed on X-rays and catscans. It is a blessing that we are here and many angels have stepped in to help us get here and help with the children while we are gone. We are so blessed. Here are the things that happened today and Jason's test schedule for the following week: Today: We met with an internal specialist. He went through all paperwork and medical records, went over all of the symptoms, and did a physical examination. After a few hours, the doctor was able to determine which tests need to be performed in order to get a clearer picture of what is going on with Jason. A few tests were performed today, one being an EKG Monday, September 17: 8:30 AM Go back to internal medicine office for more information 10:10 AM Venipuncture Specimen Collection and Blood Tests 12:45 PM Chest X-Ray Tuesday, September 18: 8:15 AM Clinical Neurophysiology...EMG (poke needles up and down his arm to see where nerve pain is coming from 11:30 AM Octreoscan Injection (will inject nuclear medicine for scan) 3:30 PM Nuclear Medicine Scan Wednesday, September 19: 9:30 AM Octreoscan-SPECT Will have another appointment with a GI doctor as soon as they can fit him in. This is what we have so far...I know that there are a lot of questions, but I'm hoping this helps. I will give daily updates as I receive them. Thank you to all of the many people who have said prayers on our behalf.