Fall Greetings

Hope this finds each of you ready for the fall season. As usual, I am behind in posting on the Blog. It is not deliberate, I really am resting often. I continue to do some of the cooking, though I have slowed down and resting more. Unfortunately I continue to have problems with my muscular-skeletal especially my back, both thoracic and lumbar vertebra have some problems. I really am getting old...well that is only part of the problem. I am trying to staying active, walking and doing exercises.

I have one more Chemo treatment (on Tuesday, Oct 23). Praying for a good report with minimal side effects. MRI scheduled for 4th and report on 11th.

Thanks to each of you for your support and your prayers.

Roger is doing well and we do have water on the mountain so we are thankful.

Rembember that God Is Good. Take care. Love. Roger and Marlene

Late again

I think I must accept that I am old and slow and consistantly late writing. Believe me it is not deliberate. Please forgive me again, and Thank You to those of you who have reminded me. Time truly does pass quickly for me.

I will get another treatment on Tuesday, Sept. 30. I have continued to have some side effects that haven't been able to just "shake" after this treatment. Have had problems with muscles and joints and had to go back to using the walker. Better safe than sorry.

I did get a prescription to ease the aching, muscular pains, feel like I am getting old more than anything else......ok, so I am getting old. I am still praising and smiling and believe things are going well. I am sure I will be able to rebuild my strength soon. Have begun to walk better, and been on the deck.

Life goes on, with every day challenges and praise. Praying for Rain,

Keeping the humor in life is important and we have had opportunit to do that.

Keep smiling, praying, keep the joy. Sing I have the Joy, or The Joy of the Lord is my Strengh....

God is Good All The Time........All the Time, God is Good.
Love to all. Marlene and Roger

Sept. 9

Hello to everyone.

We have much for which to be thankful. We saw the doctor for last week's MRI results. There is a very small spot but they could not determine exactly what it was. Decided to do 3 more treatments and re-evaluate. Treatments are still every 3 weeks and I had the first of this series today. Will be Nov. before re-evaluate. We all believe continuing treatments is the right thing to do and are very thankful for the progress seen.

Decreased steroids a little more. Hallelujah!
Prayers that there will be not complications with the decrease.

It would be wonderful if reports came back totally clear without questions and treatment medications did not have side effects! I am very fortunate that my side effects are minimal. Prayers for those who are in treatment with multiple side effects.

Roger and I celetrated our 39th anniversary this past weekend. Time passes so quickly. I am so thankful for him. He is THE BEST NURSE I have ever known, and you know I know a lot great nurses! :) (course I trained him). He is my hero.
God bless each of you richly this week.
Remembering: God is Good....... All the time and All the time......God is Good.

Marlene and Roger

August 28

Hope this finds everyone having a good week and preparing for the Labor Day weekend. Please be careful if you are traveling.

I will spend a quiet weekend at home. Roger is planning a trip to Pine Mt. to pick blueberries. Hope there are some there and he picks more than he eats!!

Had the 6th treatment last Tuesday. Have had problems with muscles in lower back, so have not been as active. Having the normal fatigue and tiredness this week also. Otherewise I am doing great. MRI scheduled for Sept 2. Prayers and Praise.

I will try to do a better message in the next couple of days. Love to all.

Remembering that God is Good......all the time and All the Time, God is Good.

In Christ Love, Roger and Marlene

Aug 14

Good morning friends and family

As usual, time has gotten away from me. We continue to work in garden vegetables, more beans and corn, tomatoes etc. Planing to make soup later in the week. We are definitely staying busy. I think I will be glad when there is a little less to do.
Well, I am not sure that will happen for I have a long list of things to do around and on the house.

The weather has been beautiful since the weekend. It has been cooler, in the 70's-80's and have been able to stay on the deck most of the time. I truly enjoy that. The birds and butterflies are so pretty and cheering.

Have not had changes this week medically. Still doing exercises, walking and resting....routine things now. Next treatment is next Tuesday, then an MRI Sept 3 Please continue to keep us in your prayers. Healing in progress.

Jack starts to kindergarten Friday, so there have been lots of excitement. Jack is doing fine. He has his bookbag and lunch box and he is ready. Guess I better make him his favorite MiMi cookies today, and see if I can find something to calm his mother, she is not happy. First time in 11ys she hasn't had a child at home with her. I am sure she will be fine, esp with the remodeling project, but it is hard to let the little man go.

Everyone have a good day, and week. Remember that God is Good....All the time.
We also remember: This is the Day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Love to all. Roger & Marlene

Tues Aug 5, 2008

Greetings Friends.

Hope each of you are enjoying the summer. Seems it is passing very quickly. School will be starting in a couple of weeks. Hope the weather cools before then. Was suppose to get to the high 90's today, but I am not sure it was that hot on the mountatin.

If you haven't been out enjoying at least one of the numerous festivals in the area, I recommend that you do so. Lots of local crafts, food, music, antiques, various culture activities and good times close at home. (assuming you live near the State line in VA/TN) We enjoyed a brief visit to our friend Lori's funnal cake establishement in Kingsport last week and saw a little of the Cultural Festival.

Unfortunately my energy level dosen't allow long periods of activity. But a short time out is better than no time out. The "old Power Naps" still kick in and if I can rest for 15-30 minutes, I am refreshed.

I am trying to walk more, increase the energy level, endurance and balance. Praying to do a few more activities. Have list of goals to accomplish this week. Pruning the roses (at least the ones in the side yard) is on it. Roger will not be happy, but between you and me, the roses need help, at least I think they do!

Other than low energy levels. I have been feeling good this week. Still sound like a frog (talking and singing I am a gravely-bass). It is the steroids, I am not complaining but I am still singing. I promise NoT to sing where you can hear me. The birds and the animals on the mountain let me blend in with them. I am grateful for the blessings that we are given. Like making a joyful noise.

All of you have a great week. Send me a message if you have a chance. Roger has retired for the night so I will close down also. Praise and Thanksgiving for each of you.

Remember: God is Good All the Time!!!

Love, Marlene & Roger

Please forgive my errors tonight, I did not re-check spelling and punctuation.

Catching Up

As usual I am a little behind.

Wanted to touch base with everyone to let you know things are still going pretty well on the Mountain. Everyone is still busy working on Patti's house and Gary and Roger are staying busy in the landscape business, working around the weather. We have had rain, though probably not as much as we need. We give thanks for all that we get. Have also had a couple of storms with electricity outage, which is pretty unusual for us.

Luke is the invalid this week. He was visiting friends after church on Sunday and decided to a motorcycle for the first time. The motorcyle went right and he went left, hitting a concrete embankment and breaking both wrists. We are giving thanks that he was wearing a helmet (he did hit his head) and his neck and head were not injured. He says no more motorcycle for him!! Mimi agrees.

I am going for Avastin treatment this morning. Have done pretty well with the last one, same side effects, primarily tiredness.

Please continue to pray that the tumor will continue to shrink and the symptoms will all disappear.

Everyone have a great day and week. I will try to get back on the blog in a couple of days and update the treatment.

Remember that God is Good........all the time and All the time........God is God.

July 15

Greetins to everyone this week. We have had a good week. Have decreased the steroids by 4 mg a day and tolerating it well! I have had minimal side effects after the treatment last week. Continue to have some fatigue. Still taking "power naps" 2-3 x a day.

I have increased my walking to 1/4 mile a day. Hoping to increase to a mile soon, but they say I have to take it slow. Hard, but true. One does not realize how weak we can become so quickly. I am glad to be counting in miles, even a few, rather than laps on the deck. I still do those also. I just enjoy being outside and do some of the exercises weather permitting. Struggle with the weights and therabands, sorry Leslie, I really am working on them. Hoping to increase flexability and ability to climb stairs. Still difficulty but seeing improvement. I think I may just be a little lazy doing the things that are hard.

I am still preparing the evening meal most of the time. This week we have had a Zucchini-a-roma. Anyone wanting zucchini, come on up on the mountain, be glad to share with you!! Will also give you recipes for: Our favorie casseroles, at least 3(have more but these are the one's we like). Zucchini pie (tastes like apple) Z. mock crab cakes, cole slaw, double choclate zuccini cake, cornbread, 3-4 breads, etc., etc.

As you can tell, we are staying very busy. Patti and Otis working on the house, paint, paint, paint, the children are enjoying the pool.
Roger has NOT been succssful at keeping the deer out of my roses or the flowers they love the dahlias. Anybody think I could shoot them? There are some "babies" so probably not.

Everyony have a wonderful week.
Lift up Praises and Thanksgiving every day for all that the Lord has done and is doing in our lives. Sing every day!

We love each of you.

Remember: God is Good all the time... and All the time.....God is Good

Singing His Praises

Good Evening Friends.

I trully am singing His Praises tonight(with Dino as my accompanyment,it sounds very good)
My doctor's visit today for MRI results and plan to continue Avastin was very good!

We ALL rejoiced with the Doctor. The tumor and edema is shrinking!!!!
I have been so excited this afternoon that I can hardly think.

It is truly wonderful to see and feel answered prayer.

Plan for 3 more Avastin treatments,over the next 9 weeks, first today. Then another MRI. He also decreased my decadron. Praying that the side effects will also decrease and edema will not recur. (I am confident that it will not)

Even the IV pre-chemo meds which usually puts me to sleep for the afternoon, were not successful today. I made a pot of stew for my family and Roger's sister's family. She had cataracts removed this morning.

Thanks to all for the continued Prayers and Praises and the support and encouragement. I will keep you updated as we go.

Love to all. Remember: God is Good.......all the time and All the time..... God is Good.

Roger and Marlene

July 1, 2008

Good Afternoon Everyone.

I planned to post each Wednesday, but jumped the gun a little bit. :)

Everything is going well here on the mountain. Patti brought Mother for a visit yesterday and she is doing well. She is making me a new dress and I am so excited. Has been a while since she has sewn. Both of us thought about her sewing about the same time. Nothing is a coinsidence you know. I am so thankful that she is able to do it again. She has also been helping me cook when she is here. (another answered prayer)

My MRI is scheduled for July 3.
Please keep me in Prayer
Praise for the ability to do MRI's and the tech's who do them
Praise for God's Blessins which are renewed daily.

Rememger: God is good......All the time, and All the time, God is Good,

Love to All,
Marlene & Roger
(PS:Roger is working hard everyday, beautiful lawns are the result!)

Update June

I am trully going to try to update the blog at least once per week. Will try for Wed. nights. Some how, time gets away from me, as I am sure it does for many of you.

In a word: Praises!! That is indeed the word for the month.
Have received 3 threatments and I continue to have few side effects and am seeing improvements in abilities. Still have fatigue, but not as "droopy" feeling as previously. Taking "power naps" every 2-3hrs.

Am able to see better,with contacts, clearer focus. Still have blind field of vision on lower right,all the time and blurred vision upper right sometime. Which means if you walk or stand on my right, I cannot see you, may not know you are there.

Can read large print and with magnifing glasses, small.

Increasing skill on the computer has been a challenge but hopefully I am improving. I do not always know if the last letter of the word is there, my vision problem.
The VISTA WORD program is a booger and a bear to tackle. Many othe reports of problems! I was glad to know it was not the brain tumor.I think I may have mentioned this problem in the last blog.

Working on memory skills (may be old age rather then "neuro")

Thanksgiving, Praise and Prayers each of you. Remember God is good.......and all the time..........In His love, Marlene & Roger

June 12 2008

Hope this finds everyone doing well this week. It is a busy time of year and we are all staying busy. I continue to see improvement in the areas of mobility, working on small tasks, and reading. I am very glad that I can read large print again! It is a Praise moment. I am practicing computer skills and they have improved. Still having trouble with the Word Doc program. Challenging. I had intended to write the blog early in the day and had my thoughts outlined, but have forgotten them this evening.

I am going to wait and hopefully be able to update again tomorrow. Everyone have a good evening. Remember that God Is Good All the Time and All the Time God Is Good. Love to all. Marlene and Roger

OOPS

Contine: Rest & work:

Better not brag too much about my improving computer skills. Just sent the post be soon, again. Wanted to tell you all to have a great week, I will be back on the blog soon. Relax and enjoy the flowers. Remember that God is Good.....all the time, and all the time, God is Good. We both love you much.

Marlene & Roger

Rest vs work

Hi folks,

I continue to battle with planing my work time and my rest time. Both are important but finding a good balance is hard. That is the way with many things in life that we struggle with, isn't it. Finding a good balance between work and family, recreation and relaxation etc etc. God's Word helps me to set priorties and plan for the day. I wish for each of you the peace and satisfaction that comes with a good balance.

I continue to have fatigue, I think I am doing pretty well.

My challenge this week has been to work on the 2007 Word program (I think it is VISTA?, definitly NOT God' WORD :) I have been frustrated by it for a year. Thought it was my illnness that kept causing me problems. I was fussing about it a couple of weeks ago and Otis told me everyone he knew who had the program had the same problems and hated the program. Halleluha it's not ole Fredricko! Just realizing that, and giving Chris a call for a little direction for the most frustrating problem of the disappearin cursor, (he confirmed that the program is not popular) M aI have improved greatly. That is my triumph for this week.

June, 2008

Hello everyone,

Hope you are all enjoying the beautiful weather.. I am really enjoying sitting on the deck with the birds, flowers and butterflies. How peaceful it is. I am so blessed.

Family update: Laura and Eric moved into their new home in Vinton. I pray that I can take a road trip to see it soon. They also have an additon to their family, Jonah, their new Chesapeak Retrever.

Patti and Otis bought an older home in Gate City. (any one looking for a house in Church Hill TN?)
They have stripped, primed, painted all month, still much much to do, Everyone is very tired, but happy. Since I am limited in what I can do to help, I am doing some meal preparations, which is rewarding for me and keeps them from eating sandwiches all the time. I am glad to be able to participate some way.

Mother and Roger have got the garden up and going. I would like to do that also, bet they will let me break beans :)

I am sure all of you have your summer activities up and running also. I hope you have plenty of relaxation time and a little travel, though it may be closer home this year. If you get near Gate City, come up on the mountain for a visit.

I had my second Avastin Tx with relatively few SE. FATIGUE is the biggest. I just doen't go away, but if I rest appropriately I can plan and do a few things that I like to do. I think it also affects my "nerves" for a day or two after I get it. Since I don't have many problems in that area, it takes me about a day to figure it out, but have had a few problems both times. Fortunately it doesn t last long unlike the fatigue which returns frequently. My instructions are to rest, rest, rest, which is hard, hard, hard, for me. Overall I think I am doing well and healing underway. As you know I have learned to take one day at a time. Live each day to the fullest and know that I am in the Hands of God. I have learned that I am NOT in control, a valuable and rewarding lesson.

Everyone have a great week. Thanks for your continued prayers, encouragement and support. I miss all of you very much,

Strawberries and Ice Cream

Greetings to all. Hope each of you have had some stawberries and ice cream lately. That is my most favorite dessert in the world, and I eat a lot this time of year.

Up date on chemo-- I got my second dose today. Everything has gone well so we will continue. The healng continues and victory is in sight! Met some very interesting people at the chemo center. I continue to be amazed and uplifted at how the Lord works. I don't even find it mysterious any more.

Not only did I get the second dose of Avastine, but they took me off of the medicine that I believe is causing my drowsiness problem (Being the wonderful nurse that I am, I had requested to be put on it, fortunately when I requested to come off of it, Dr. agreed. He is a smart man, I am not so smart.) He also reduced the steriods a small amount....Praise the Lord, My prayer focus for the next 3 weeks will be that I will have NO swelling. With the healing process I believe I will be fine. Hope everyone has a great week. Love to all. Remembering that God is Good.....All the time.....and All the time, God is good.. In Christ Love, Marlene & Roger. (

Returning myself

Good morning everyone. Sorry for the delay in blog response from me and thanks to Roger for helping me. I still have some challenges, but each morning brings victory. I am feeling the Healing Hands of God. What a wonderful warm feeling. The sun on the deck is great. And yes, I still am ready to write a book......as I am directed. I am encouraged today.. For the first time in many many weeks I was able to read the devotions out loud, did not have to have help from Roger and was able to see and understand....that doestn't sound like much my friencds, but believe me it has been a red letter morning..... Strong confirmation, if any of you have any doubts, to keep your eyes open, God is STILL Working On Me. I love you all. Thanks for the many, many, many cards, contacts etc., You uphold me and continue to support me and I thank you and love you. Feel free to call me if you so desire, continue to keep me in your prayers. Love Marlene

Sunday Evening

Marlene has had another good day today. So far the side effects from the Avastin have been minimal. PTL! She did some cooking today for the first time in a while. She received an ipod for mother's day and the house is full of singing again. It is great to hear her voice singing gospel songs again. God is so good and we praise him for his blessings everyday. May all of you be richly blessed and remember God is good......and all the time..........Living by God's grace, Marlene & Roger

Good Day

Marlene has had a good day today. Several friends have called or dropped byand although she is tired she says she feels better than yesterday. PTL! Isn't God good? So far she has had no side effects from the Avastin. Please help us continue to pray for that effect. God is answering our prayers and we are so thankful. Bless his holly name. May God bless and remember Susie even in yankee land God is good........ and all the time...........In his love Marlene & Roger

Treatment Started

Marlene started her first treatment of Avastin yesterday. Her platelet count had risen over 60,000 more than the previous week. PTL! So far she has not had any side effects and is feeling good. She is up early this morning wanting to know why breakfast isn't ready. She will receive another treatment in three weeks. Please continue to pray for us as we continue on this journey. God has opened so many doors for us during this past year and we have met so many wonderful people. May God bless you all. Remember God is good..........and all the time........Marlene & Roger

Treatment Delayed Again

Marlene's treatment has been delayed again because of low blood platelets. The count has risen several thousand during this past week and the doctor says we will get the medicine on May 6th if the platelet count continues to rise. She is taking therapy five days a week and is doing well. We have our armor on and are ready to do battle. Please pray with us and for us as we prepare to travel around this bend in the road. With the Lord walking beside us, how can we fail. Thank all of you for all of your love and concern(cards, letters, email, food, constant prayer). We pray for each of you every day. Rem God is good.......and all the time........ In His love, Marlene and Roger

Treatment Delayed

Due to having a low blood platelet count, Marlene's treatment has been reschduled for next Tuesday morning. The doctor decided it would be better to wait a week and let the effects of her Apr 1st chemo wear off. All of her other tests were fine and we are ready to start the Avastin. The doctor also reduced her steroid medicine which is good news. We thank you for your prayers and we ask that you continue to pray for us as we await this treatment. May God bless. Marlene & Roger

Home Again

Marlene checked out of the hospital at 12 o'clock today(Fri). At the present time she is sacked out in the bed taking a short rest. Between all the temperature takings and the blood pressure checks, the sugar checks and the med givings there was not much time to sleep. She is taking a high dosage of steroids right now to keep the swelling down. For those of you who do not know, our prayers were answered yesterday when the drug company GAVE us the Avastin for nothing. Isn't God wonderful? Just when it seemed the door was closed,He opened another one. Bless his Holy name. Marlene asked me to thank each of you for your vigilant prayers. We are so blessed to have so many prayer warriors. We ask that you continue to pray for us as we start the new treatment this coming Tuesday. With God leading the way, how can we fail? May all of you be richly blessed and remember God is good........And all the time...........In His love, Marlene & Roger

New Adventure

Marlene decided she liked hospital food and has checked into Holston Valley Medical Center for a few days. Due to swelling around the tumor we had to go to the hospital early Sun. morning. After spending 18 hrs. in the ER she was admitted to intensive care. Her steroid dosage was increased and the swelling has greatly decreased. This evening(Tues) she is being transfered to a hospital room. She feels better and is like herself again. We are meeting with the doctors to set a new plan of action. We ask all of our prayer warriors to pray for our family as we do this. We serve an awesome God and we know thru him ALL things are possible. We love you all. May God richly bless. M & R

Thursday Evening

Marlene completed her 1st treatment Tuesday afternoon. So far she has has had minimal side effects. The doctor said her blood counts would go down in five to seven days so we are getting ready for this. She will have another treatment on April 22nd. Please continue to pray for us as we fight this battle one day at a time. Miss Pineknot(Marlene) has asked me to thank everyone for the personal concern(cards,calls, and visits) that she has received. They mean so very much. May God richly bless all of you. Rem. God is good......and all the time.......In his Hands, Marlene & Roger

New Treatment

We are going to begin another leg of our journey Tuesday morning. Marlene will have a chemo treatment tomorrow. These treatments will be given once every four weeks. As we put our armor on and begin to get ready to battle, we ask our prayer warriors to pray for us. We serve an awesome God and we know his powers are limitless. We know that he will be standing beside us tomorrow with his hand on our shoulders as we begin this treatment. May God Bless and remember: GOD is good..........and all the time........... In His Love, Marlene & Roger

March 24

Wanted to reach out this week. I tend to loose track of what is going on, so hope I have kept up with this week. Perhaps I told you that I had a problem with my teeth and had to have a root canel on Thursday. Those of you who know me well will remember that about 5 years I had 8 broken teeth and have thus had to have crowns more than one time. I continue to have some problems and you may remember hearing me talk about the problems since Dec. I am taking one (tooth day) at a time and trusting that God is providing for the problems that I have had. I am greatful that He's keeping me safe, and that when I thought there was a problem, it didn't show up until this week, just between my going off coumadan and getting ready for the port and the filter. God is Good....all the time.

Today, I had the port and the filter inserted. I have to confess that I was very worried about having to have both of them done. I know others who have had problems (not recently) and I was a little worried. I was very surprised that the filter was inserted first through the same vein that the port was inserted. I am an OLD Nurse......but finally it made sense and I was very glad that both procedures were done very quickly together.. EVerything went well and I was very please to be back in Gate City. I will start the chemo next week. I am about to be tired, so I will talk to you guys soon. Remember God Loves you and is good all the time. Love Marlene

Catching ups

Hope everyone is doing well. I am trying to catch up, but as usual am behind. We were in Bethesda on Thursday and Friday and returned to GC late Friday, having forgotten that the Race was in town. We did not have any trouble and were very glad. Of course, I stop every hour, so it was not too hard of a trip.

The recommmendation is that I will go on another chemo starting within the next 2 weeks. I will have to come of off the coumadon, in fact, was taken off of it today, getting ready to put in a filter and a port. Please keep us in your prayers (I know that you do and I do appreciate it. I must trust ultimately, every day.)

I am not doing so well this evening . I have lost the blog a couple of times already, so I will stop now. Will try to keep up with you all, and would welcome hearing from anyone who is still around out there.

Remember that God is Good, All the Time and that He loves you all.

Marlene and Roger.

Update

Hello everyone
Hope you have had a good week inspite of the weather. It has been weird with rain, snow and 68 degrees and I understand it is not over yet (snow) tomorrow. The tornado in Big Stone was also terrible.

Wanted to give you a quik update. We will be returning to NIH on the 13th for lab work, MRI and clinical evaluation on the 14th. Probably will return on the 15th.

Please keep us in your prayers. I am a little apprehensive about the travel in light of the end result of the trip on the 21, even though there is noting to indicate that travel had anything to do with the multiple problems that I had begining that day until the present.

I continue to improve daily, and I am very thankful. I will update you again before we leave next week. Take care of yoursleves, stay dry and well....avoid the flu and strep. Remember that God is Good.....All the Time and all the time.......God is good. Love you. Roger and Marlene

Weeks end

Rainy Day

Hi everyone,
Hope you have had a good rainy day. Since we did without rain for so long, I am not complaining about the rain we have had recently. Today has been a good day to stay home and work on my outline although I am not making much progress. For those of you at work, I am comparing it with writing a grant. Not necessarily a great literary acchievement, and it takes me a while to get going, so I am a little doubtful that the outcome of this project will be positive. I will plod along for a while. It is good mental exercise and I definitely need that. I am able to work sudoko again, and have been cooking and following receipes on my own....again progress.

I am also going to loose my two therapst after this week. They are both wonderful and I shall miss them. They are leaving me with challenges for every muscle in my body. That is good, but very hard.

I sill haven't heard from Bethesda. Hopefully tomorrow. Remembering us in Prayer for the appropriate action at this time.

I will let you know when I hear more. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and support. Oh, I almost forgot to say a great big thank you to Susan who made me a beaitiful quilt. It has been signed by friend from the church, has the church picture, hymns, scripture and a beautiful design. I really love it and will enjoy using it, thinking of you all when I do.

Talk to you later. Remember, God is Good all the thime and All the time, God is Good.

Rainy Day

Still moving forward

Hi folks,
Just a short note tonight to let you know we are still progressing. Have spoken with Dr.C today and expect to have an appointment in Bethesda, MD very soon, we are thinking this.

It is amazing to me that in many ways am improved and am better than I was in mid Dec. From the lady who was pretty sure she would never be able to travel anywhere again....I am truly shouting and giving praise to God.

For those who wonder, am I really going to write a book? I am not sure it will be a "real book", but if any of you remember my "detailed outlines"..... there is definitely an outline lurking in this computer. Other wise, no one will belive this story.

Will let you know when I confirm travel plans. (Laura will let you know first)

REmember God is God all the time and all the time time.......God is good.

We love you all.....have a good week. Marlene & Roger

Updating

Hello to everyone. Hope this finds you well and rested after Presents Day.....except for Luke and Linely who had to go to school!!

I continue to improve each day. I can now get up and down PRN from any of the chairs in the house. I have also been given permission to "park" my walker. And yesterday when I went to the Dr I walked the Garage & den up the stairs to the kitchen, alone. For those of you who are unaware, I haven't been able to do that for 8 weeks. Michelle helped me repeat the stair climb this morning, and I believe I am in better shape today than I was in Mid Dec when I went to Bethesda. I have relized that I had been having trouple with my muscles for a couple of weeks. I am trully working hard and very pleased with my progress. I hope to be able to return to Bethesda for reevaluation next week. We will coordinating the doctors at NIH, my doctor in Gate City and the new doctor in Kingsport. Hopefully everything will fall together quickly. I certainly am pleased with all of the doctor's now.....as you may be aware that is very importand to all of us. In addition to the excercise program, I have gone back to a very strict diet rigimene. Low/no carbs and low no fat. They have told me it may not help, because the problem may be the Decadron (I don't have a history of elevation) The elevation could be related to the Pancreatitis. Even if the change in diet doesnt reduce my numbers, I feel I still need to try so root and pray for me!!

Since I told you about my impovement, let me give you a little fun news from the Petters Houshold. Laura came home for her BD this weekend and Roger and I decided to cook for her. We made Home Made cinnaman rolls which were delicious.....(I have been watching too many cooking shows) and I PROMISE NOT to eat anything else now that I am on this diet. HOWEVER Patti, Laura, Roger and I enjoy being at home (the inlaws, including the children had other things to do) and we had a great time cooking Idiot yeast rolls, Red Velvet Cake (Patti's is the best) Dry rubbed spar ribs and Orange Calflower/broccol......We had a great time and I was excited because I was able to stay up all day and enjoy helping....... what a blessing. Please remember that God is Good....All the Time.....and He is still holding my hand. Love to all. Marlenen (and Roger who is makig me another rail for the stairs today

Valentines Day

Hope eveyone has had a good Valentines day with at least a little Chocolate. Roger and I shared a little candy today but I have been told that I must stop with the fat's and sweets (I didn't stay on the diet for very long, but am committed to sticking to it this time. I don't want to have to go on medication for the triglycerides, and that was the treat. I can do it. Threapy is going well and today I actually walked around the house after I got home from the Dr. Hoping to be using the stairs soon.

We are looking forward to Laura coming home tomorrow and celebrating her birthday..... won't tell you which one, but I feel old. Hope everyone had a great week end. Talk to you again in a few days. Rem. that God is Good....All the Time. Love to all. Marlene and Roger

Happy Valentine Day

Keeping the faith

Wishing everyone a good weekend. I continue to show improvement and prayer that I will be able to navigate the stairs by next weekend. We went on the deck and down 3 steps today, so I do have high hope. Even if I am not total able to be "walker free" if I can get out with it, I will be very happy. Never thought I would feel that way. As I said before, I have lost all my pride. I guess I have learned not to be prideful, just thankful.

Just wanted to wish everyone a good weekend, and for your continued prayers.. Hope to see you all soon. (

I am working on my typing, sentice structure etc Please done't grade me I know I have missed some spelling)
God Bless each if you......God is God. All the Time. Love Marlene.

Therapy

Continuing with therapy has been very incouragen. Yesterday the OT helped me with a plan to improve my writing abilit. I know many of you are laughing because you know that it has alway been bad, but you know I live in hope. If you get a card from me this week, you will see that she is making me write on lined paper. It is much easier and I have shown improvement, so bear with me. She also has be wearing a patch on my left eye (that is my good eye) Suprise, I can see with the right one also, and finaly with her suggestion I am able to read better, esp my Bible. I feel like I am back in school again and I love it. Hope all of you are doing well. Keep us in your prayers and remember that God is Good......all the time. Love,
Marlene and Roger

Feb 4

Hi everyone!
Wanted to touch base and let you know how things are going. As I mentioned before, I started therapy last week. I'm happy to report that I can see improvement every day. I can now walk through the house,and get in and out of the tall chairs alone still using the walkes. In other words, I am truly improving. Hope to return to MD in a couple of weeks.

Talked to NIH today and last weeks MRI showed some differences/impovement. some of you will not be surprised. Please continue to pray for the blood flow to be stopped and the vision to continue to be improved. Remember that God is Good all the time, and he walks with us every day!!!! I will try to keep in touch every day or two...it is very encouraging to see improvement each day. I thank your your prayers and encouragement....you are wonderful friends and family......God is Good....All the time. Love Marlene--- Roger!!!

PS....did you all know there is NOTHING to watch on TV excpt the food channel. I can now make frie macarroni, and fried cheese cake and fried lasagna? That's with Paula Dean....queene of fried foods.......les some of you get worried, I am also watching the healthy cooks, may be a gourmet cook when I recover!! Love to all.......

I ' m Back

Greetings to everyone. I am very happy to be back on the blog myself. It has been a long time. Thanks to my family who have tried to keep everyone up to date with what has happen to us. There has been talk of writing a book, I am not sure, but I will say that the time from Dec 22-Jan have been extremly interesting and definitely different than anythin we anticipated. The story is different and I hope to be able to share it all some day. I will tell you that the problems I have had have not been the tumor, which seems to surpriae most people. I guess that is good, though we are still not sure what the problems were. I suspect a combination of things and I very glad that evereything is improving a little every day. And I hope to be back at Bethesda soon. I am able to walk, once I get on my feet, so I am hopeful it will not be much longer. Most days I can feel the progress I am making and know that I continue to get stronger. I am getting PT 3x w and OT 2X w........I am tired this afternoo.......these girls mean buisness!!

It is so rewarding to know that you all are still keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. I will not ever be able to express my gradidude for your prayers and concern.

I have an appt. tomorrow and pray that I will be able to reduce some of the medicine. I hope to be able to go back to MD in a couple of weeks and be reevaluated for for treatment options.

Hoping all of you are doing well. Keeping you in my prayers also.
Rem: God is Good all the time....I have learned much about his goodness and His Blessings every day.

gotta go check on Roger, he has a "herd of deer" in the back yard. Love to all.......Marlene
PS......FOR ALL OF YOU WHO KEPT ASKING, YES, I DID GET MY FLU SHOT!!

Getting Stronger

Marlene continues to improve and grow stronger each day. Her stomach problems are greatly improved and she is walking better each day. PTL! She is taking physical therapy each day and doing well. She is scheduled for an MRI on Tues. afternoon at the local hospital. This info will be sent to NIH for evaluation. Please keep us in your prayers as we pray for God's Will in our lives. We know that He is with us on the mountain and in the valley as we travel on this journey because we know God is good..........and all the time............ May God Bless, M & R

Getting Ready!

After a week in the hospital, it sure feels good to be at home sleeping in our own bed. After having to eat hospital food for the past few days, Marlene has decided my cooking isn't so bad after all. The physical therapists came today to evaluate her and to start the exercises she will need to do to regain her strenght. She is already showing signs of improvement. God has been so good to us this past week by puting wonderful caring people in our path. We could not have been more blessed. Praise His holy name! We ask you to continue to pray that His will be done in our lives and that we will be an influence on others who need to know about Him. Thank you again for your prayers and supportand rem. God is good...........and all the time........... In His love, M & R

Home again!

Well, I didn't want to be outdone by Patti, so tonight your update will come from #2 (as Dad so proudly refers to me)! For those of you who do not know the story of the past week I will give a brief run down. Last Monday, January 14, our mother had an appointment with our local physician. When he saw her leg and learned that it had been swollen for a few days, he immediately sent mom to Holston Valley Hospital for an ultrasound. His fear of a blood clot was confirmed and mom was immediately admitted. I guess when we hear the word 'hospital' there is a sense of dread because we know it must be REALLY serious for them to admit her in such a rush (at least that is how I felt when Patti called me!) But once again, the Lord proved to us that he is the commander and chief on this journey. Every nurse and care attendant that worked with mom was wonderful. For the past week she has been in good hands and gradually felt better each day. As Patti mentioned in the last post, Mom has been going through some challenges since December 21, specifically with GI and digestion. Her stay in the hospital allowed her the time to work through this while giving Dad a little break. While he was by her side the whole week, the nurses and aides were just wonderful. Why do we continue to be surprised by the people that God puts in our path?

Today we received the green light to come home. It has been nice to be home with her and we are looking forward to some Physical Therapy in home tomorrow. We are hoping to overcome some physical challenges. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers while we work to get back up to Bethesda!

Lots of people went to the hospital today in search of our mother - and we thank you all for your thoughfulness and concern. It is wonderful to know that we have so much love and support. Our family also knows that many of our family and friends are facing their own sets of struggles. We love you all and keep you in our prayers. Remember, even when you are in the valley, God is good....all the time.

Love,
Laura (#2!)

Down, but not out!

Greetings to all! We hope you had a wonderful holiday season and great time with family and friends. Our hiatus from the blog sight was not on purpose; Mom has been very ill since December 21, after she returned from her last trip to Maryland. At first, we thought she was simply tired (8 hours one way is long for anyone!); but we soon realized there was more to the problem. She has suffered what I will call a combination of GI issues, compounded by the timing of their onset--Christmas is no time to fall ill! Because of the quick onset of the symptoms and their severity, Mom was temporarily taken off her cancer medication. However, God is in control and has remained with us in every detail! She has changed doctors here locally, and he is in contact with her physicians at NIH. Improvement is a slow process, but she is improving every day. We are very hopeful that she will regain her stregnth and be able to travel within the next couple of weeks. We know that God has a plan and a purpose for all that has happened, and we are faithful to follow his lead in this journey. Thanks to all of you for your prayers, cards, kind thoughts, and your love. We are sustained by them. Thanks, too, for allowing me to be Mom's voice for this message--but not to worry! She is right here beside me, proofreading and editing! Love to you all, and remember--God is good... and all the time... Patti