'We're at MDA

We're in Houston at MDA, and Jr is having tests, scans, etc. The doctor in charge of him said they will have an answer Friday and end the confusion of one doctor saying one thing and another saying something else. We are hoping so.
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Aug. 31 doctor appt / scope

The doctor said he enjoys scoping Jr because it is so easy - ? - big nostrils? He stayed inside his throat a long time - two times. Short version is that he sees spots on his throat that weren't there last month. They may be bad or they may not be. In four wks at the next scope, if the spots are gone, that's great. But because of the fast-growing and agressive cancer Jr has, if the spots are still the same, Jr will go to OR for biopsy. If spots have changed or grown, then Jr will go directly to MD Anderson in Houston.

scan results

The doctor we saw today brought in 2 new scan readers who said that they would not rush out and have surgery based on the scans, but retake them in 6 wks plus another scope w/ biopsy in 2 wks since what he has is a fast growing cancer, well, I guess to see if it has grown. He said on a scale of 1-12, Jr's cancer was a 12 and now based on glow in scans he figures it is a 4 which is a lot better. But since cancer is what it is, it will have to be dealt with if it turns out to be what it looks like -- but that is later down the line. TODAY IS A GOOD DAY AND BASICALLY WE ARE GOING TO GO INTO WAITING MODE AGAIN.

Thanks for your continued prayers!

It has been a while

We have returned from our visit to LA and had a wonderful time visiting with everybody. Of course all our friends and relatives were happy to see how good JR looks (maybe I'm prejudiced), and except for the fact that he can't talk and makes strange noises when he tries to eat, etc. he feels good. AND believe me his momma cooked A LOT for him! We surprised her. I'm just glad she didn't have a stroke when she opened the door and saw him standing there. We wanted to go to church w/ her to thank her members for their prayers, but Gov. Jindal was going to be there so didn't want to take the attention from him. (That's a joke.)

Since JR can't talk people sometimes act like he's deaf too. Ex: While we were at his mother's, he was sitting there w/ us, but she asked me, "Does Bub want any coffee?" I said, "Well, ask him because he'll nod or shake his head or give a thumb's up or down," while JR was pointing to himself, letting her know he could answer for himself.ha ... It was so good to see people who haven't been able to come up too. We got to spend a little time w/ Daniel, Hagen & Stephenie. Sweet Hagen is as active as ever and kept telling his Papa if he would eat a cookie it would make him talk better!

Friends in S'port had a "gathering" for us which was great. Our friend, Buddy, who also has throat (and brain) cancer, can't talk either so he and JR got a kick out of being around somebody else who "talks" the same way. Both had extra-sore throats the next day from laughing so hard, but what a wonderful reason to hurt! The food and fellowship were wonderful, and we attended PBC Sunday morning (Jim's SS class) so was able to thank more people for their prayers. They were having business meeting and supper that night so we went and visited for a while.

I had a number of emails complaining "about no updates on the blog", but there isn't really much to report except that our visit down was wonderful and the BIG scans are set for Aug. 12! Next week JR has 3 doctor appts, including another scope. He is mowing today. His energy level is improving, but his throat is still extremely sore - part of the recovery.

Other good news: Out of 80 contestants, Phaedra is one of 8 finalists in Branson contest set for Aug. 15 at Hughes Bros. (I think) Theater in Branson so that will be fun. (Open to the public too.) Garden is putting out good -- enough to share. Tomatoes are huge. Lost two cats while we were gone; kids found bodies. Ugh! They (cats) went into the yard w/ the dogs -- and people say cats are smart! Two left. Phaedra and kids came out and fed all the critters & picked garden while we were gone. Makenna takes horse-back riding lessons so it was extra great that last night at the rodeo, she won a brand new leather saddle w/ an engraved cross on it. I'd put out the word before we left for LA that I was looking for a good child's horse so maybe soon we'll find one to put the saddle on. We continue to covet your prayers for JR ... and Buddy ... and Beverly ... etc.
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TEA Parties

We are going to be at a TEA Party tomorrow, and where ever you live, you can find one nearest you by going to www.teapartyday.com.

I know that Bossier City is having one at the convention center so our LA family & friends will be indoors -- that's great w/ the hot weather. Ours here is outdoors, but at least it begans at 10am so we can attend until the heat gets too much. Tom Zigler of Zig Zigler Corp. is the featured speaker here! Just maybe we can get these liberals to listen to some common sense and slow down screwing up America -- if enough people shows up. Don't forget to make a sign if you can. It is great to see all the creative ways people make their point -- wearing tea bags on their ears, hats, etc.

Cancer scans cancelled!

The short version is: We cancelled the scans for tomorrow. We will reschedule so that they are done 3 mos. AFTER the end of treatments instead of 6 wks. This is because two of the five cancer doctors said that the radiation will be in his body for three months following the end of treatment, and this radiation can and does show up on the scans as CANCER. So when two of the doctors wanted the scans done by 6 wks Jr and I weren't happy about it because we didn't see the need for false readings, but we got talked into it anyway. BUT last week the ENT surgeon agreed w/ another doctor about waiting 3 mos to get a true reading sooooooo it has taken a few days and lots of calls back and forth between offices -- but the scans tomorrow are cancelled. We will be posting the new date when we get it so those who pray, can pray specifically.
Thanks again for your support!

a funny

People keep asking if Jr is still clapping when he wants me. Yes! And he has large, loud and hard-clapping hands. I have suggested that when we are in a public place that he may want to walk over to me and poke me w/ a finger or motion to me what he wants, but so far he doesn't seem to like that idea.

When we went for the scope, he was called to the front desk before we went back to see the doctor. I was visiting w/ the kids untill I heard a loud "clap-clap" so I jumped up and hurried over to him. The waiting room was plenty full and people were laughing, including the two women who worked at the desk. One of them asked, "Are you his wife?"

I said, "Think about that. Do you really believe any other woman would run over here when he claps?" She really thought that was funny. Guess you had to be there, but when he gets his voice back, it will be a whole new world for Mr. Marze.