first, the 'medical stuff'.
ellen had another appointment with dr. gollob today to determine whether she would start treatment on monday. she had blood work done as well as a chest x-ray. the x-ray showed that there has been no new spread of the disease which seems to indicate that the treatment is working. her red blood cell count is slightly down, and may require a transfusion, but is nothing to be alarmed about. she didn't have to have the fluid removed from her stomach because it had dissipated over that last few days (which she was very happy about). all of her other levels were normal - oxygen, white blood cell, liver function.
dr. gollob told us that her creatnine count (that is the kidney number) is now down to 2. while this is certainly an improvement, it is still abnormal and needs to come down to 1.4. he explained that if she started a treatment before her kidneys were fully recovered, they might have to abort the treatment before another round was completed. that would defeat the purpose of having time in between rounds to recover. so, right now she is scheduled to start treatment on monday, august 27th.
i have been relegated to explanation duty so i will leave the personal correspondence to ellen. i hope all is well with everyone. thank you for the continued support and good thoughts.
-ryan
i had to let ryan explain all the medical stuff. i think i know what i am talking about but then come to find maybe not so much:) my dad, ryan and i went this morning and let me tell you...ryan and i haven't seen the light of day before 10am lately so 7am came early this morning. i was very anxious sitting and waiting. finally we got called back, everything was going well until ryan had to tell dr. gollob of the few stitches i had still in my back from my chest tube. he did not get a very good "look" earlier this morning from me. up on the table i went to have the stitches removed. i was not a happy camper. now i know i would have had to have them removed...but if you know me...i MUST prepare for these sorts of appointments and i had no time to prepare.
as soon as we got home i slept the entire day away and i'm sure tired now so i'm sure bedtime is soon around the corner. i try to fight it some at night though.
so, as of now, i start treatment on monday, august 27 then the following week to 2 weeks later i will have my tests run, such as the pet scan, mri, ct, to see how the cancer is reacting to treatment. if it is working then i will go back on treatment in the middle of september and then off again for a week or so and then back on. right now i am hopeful to be home in the middle-towards end of october. but of course it can be sooner. we talked today about trying to get me home for a week or so in between treatments but i don't really think i could make the trip. i am pretty exhausted all the time and just don't feel. for as much as i want to come home i don't know my body can do it. flying is out of the question due to germs. we will just have to wait to see. i am starting to learn i need to adjust to life in durham for another couple of months.
but overall, today was such a good day with the doctor. he seemed confident with waiting until august 27 for treatment. my dad mentioned i was going to be his miracle patient and dr. gollob said i already formed that description with him from that horrible night when they didn't think treatment was going to work on me. i have come a long way since that. i KNOW it is all the prayers, thoughts and positive energy being sent my way.
i appreciate everything from everyone. i must say one thing though...i sincerely apologize to you that have not received a thank you card in the mail yet...they are coming! i have been really slow because i have had trouble writing and typing after my treatment. i am trying to get the grasp of everything now but i am still pretty slow and it's frustrating!
i just want everyone to know how much i appreciate everything you have done for me. i have so many people out there thinking of me and it just helps me get through each day knowing all the support i have. i know if i didn't have the outreach of support i would not be where i am right now. i know this. i couldn't have made it. i will forever be in debt to you all for all you have done. i can not wait for this to be over even though the road ahead is still long! the day i return home will be the best day.
thank you all for everything. i truly don't think you will ever understand how much it means to me and my entire family! you get me through and you probably don't even know it!
with love,
ellen
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48 comments:
Great News Ellen & Ryan, just what every one wanted and needed to hear. Ellen you need to sleep as muchas you want, it helps to restore you body and your mind. Ryan, as always you do a great job explaing the medical "stuff". I know all these prayers are truly working Ellen and I will say an extra prayer for you tonite.
Love ya both,
Jo Ann
That is awesome news Ellen!! God is listening to all of our prayers and you will be the miracle patient. Hopefully with the news you received today you will be able to rest a little easier tonight and the days ahead.
Love, Krickett & Dave
Hi Ellen!!
So wonderful to hear about the good news! Im sure that it took a whole lot of weight off of your shoulders! Keep on sleeping as much as possible- and reading all of your posts, cards, and emails!!! Thank you Ryan for your updates. We are all thinking and praying for you Ellen! I miss seeing you at the office and chatting whenever I pop in!!!!
Love,
Kelly Kase
Hi Ellen! Your message just warmed my heart through and through. So happy for you!!
Love, Margie
That's great news girl.
I hope you guys know you have an open invitation to visit/stay with us if you need to get away from the loft. --When you are feeling better and can tolerate it of course--
It might be good therapy to watch a 2 year old run around a bit. I keep hoping his energy will rub off on me!
I'll be up to see you soon! LOVE YOU!
Angie
I have been thinking bout you both ALL day, SO glad to hear the good news! MSF 2 days! Weather looking favorable! Gonna miss you!
Barry & I will be working close w/ Jo ann. We will all be anxious to tell you all about it! The whole K family has been praying for you!
Laurie K
Have been checking the blog all evening. So glad the news was so good. I know you will be our miracle. Thank you Ellen for your constant determination. I don't think you ever complain. You are so strong and that spirit will make all the difference. Sending much love to you, Anna Hillhouse
Ellen! what good news! Keep doing what you're doing - sleep, rest and conserve your energy for the upcoming treatments! Bless your little heart - I am delighted to hear this report!
Jan K.
Ellen and Ryan..I'm so happy for your good news. You do have so many people praying for you, and it also does our hearts good too to see positive results coming. You really don't need to thank us, you just need to get better. The power of faithful prayer is awesome.
Received the "Ellen" bracelet from Christy, and I tell everyone that asks about it to pray for you too.
Love to you both,
Aunt Susan
Keep that spirit Ellen and know many are supporting you every step of the way. Although a small town, NC is a caring town with people who feel connected. Believe in the docs, believe in yourself and the rest of us will keep the positive vibes flying south. Your progress is steady ... slow and steady wins the race. :)
D Mishler
Ellen,
God answers prayers...and you have a ton of people praying for you! You are a very stron woman, and that shows through with your positive attitude! Keep your faith strong, and the awesome news you got today will just keep coming! I just wanted to let you know, I am one more person who believes in you, is praying for you, and believing positive things are in your future!!! Keep getting plenty of rest, keep your chin up, and your faith strong!
~Becky De Santis
Ellen,
I am so glad that you didn't have to get your stomach drained today! Also, all the good news is so nice to hear. If the worst part about today was getting those stitches out (and waking up at 7am) it sounds to me like it was a pretty good day! I love hearing positive changes that are going on with you. Keep it up!
I am still thinking about you always. Take care and sleep as much as your little heart desires.
Love you!
Laura French
I don't think anyone is exspecting a thank you. In fact the best thank you would be getting beter. That's what you need to facus on. They'll be plently of time for that. Keep gearing up for that treatment! Keep shareing the good news! It's wonderful!
We love you
Darby
Ell and Ryan,
Thanks for the update. I was waiting all night for the news and it is great news! I know you are anxious to get the next round of treatment started but like Ryan said you need to be strong enough to get through it without any hurdles.
It really is a testament to you both how many people are supporting you and praying for you. you are a fighter and I know you are excited to get home but hang in there for the next treatments.
Hope you both get a good night's sleep and know we are bringing cheer from florida.
not sure if you have seen the weather or not but there are a few tropical storms out there. we may be bracing for a hurricane, one of the downfalls of living in florida! miss you and love you,
Kelly Dragoiu
Hey Lady,
You will NEVER be idebted or owe any of us a Thank you because this is what anyone of us including you would do for people in need! Your job is to take this positive energy & prayers to be your momentum forward. Your job is to kick this illness away! The reports sound good - let your body mend, get that sleep & have that piece of mind that of all of us that are continually thinking of you.
There are signs of MSF work starting to take place out & around with Electrical work being done as usual.
Have a good night's rest -
lol,
Barry K.
Ellen & Ryan,
We love you and think you are both so amazing. It is so great to hear that you are going to start treatment soon. You are a miracle patient already!!
Love,
Gina, Jared and Vincenzo
Hi Ellen and Ryan,
It is so great to hear good news! You are both so strong and courageous. Keep fighting..and sleeping, it is working!
Love,
Amy
Ellen, You will never know how great it is to hear your voice on the blog. We are all grateful for Ryan's expert reporting each time he posts. But, hearing your words is incredible!! Our prayers are surely being heard and answered! I am so thankful for the good news today. Continue to do what you know that you must in order to fight and win this battle. We will continue to pray. Love, Bernie and family
Ellen & Ryan,
The good new is flowing...we're
all so happy! Ryan gives such
good medical reports, it's like
having a doctor in the house.
Good job, Ryan.........
Ellen, just keep those positive
thoughts too...........With all of
our positive energy & prayers,
October will be here sooner than you think and you'll be back home!
Love,
Patty
Ellen! YES!!! I was hoping for good news, but you seemed to bring GREAT news home! This is all so wonderful to hear. Ryan does a great job of getting that medical stuff out so that everyone can understand it--Thank you! Any time I try to get Joe to explain anything medical, I cannot understand a word.
Ellen, I can almost see you glaring him down about mentioning the stitches.
Hang in there girl! We are all here for you. More prayers coming from NC!
Jen
Hi Elleln,
The news is wonderful and I''m sure that all of our prayers are not only being heard but are being answered as well.
Your positive spirit is really opening up the positve energy that will help restore your health. Believe in the power of healing and never doubt all of our love for you and Ryan. Prayers can work miracles!!!
Remember to eat and rest!!!!
Love always, Marcia
Ellen and Ryan,
Just you getting well is all the thanks we need - don't worry about writing a note! We look forward to reading your blog every night. In our family news, Brad's parents just had to put their dog, Shawnee, down after 11 years of being a part of that family. I don't know if Ryan knew Shawnee very well, but she was a really good dog and not just a family pet...she was a member of the family. We've all been kinda sad around here, so hearing that you're doing well lifts our spirits! Stay strong :)
~Christine and Brad
It is so great to hear all the good news. I am praying for you everyday. I wanted to tell you that Meg is leaving us at the end of August. She got another job:( I don't know what I will do without her here. Miss you and keep positive.
Jennifer
Sooooooo glad to hear the good news !!Keep resting!!!Love you!
Ellen,
Ok - I wrote this once, then I pushed a button to read and lost the whole thing somewhere in Blog
land. Sooo- if you see this or
something like this twice that is
why. Anyway, I was thrilled to hear
that your doctor visit was so
positive. The prayers are working
and so is your amazing attitude.
You know I love those positive
attitudes!!!! The prayers are
truly working and you have such
an army behind you. As usual - love the way Ryan explains things.
Love your comments too, Ellen. You
have that great of sense of humor
even in the midst of all this.
The love and dedication you and
Ryan have for each other is so
heartwarming. Your future together
because of this great bond will
be great. You guys can do anything!
Keep eating (when you want) and
sleep and rest as much as you want.
Sleep is great healing for the
body.
Miss you guys and love you.
With lots of prayers & positive
thoughts,
JoAnn Grisak
Ellen,
Keep up the good work, this is all wonderful news I have some NC girls in columbus praying and sending positive thoughts your way!! Get better soon, God bless
Erika Young-Lacure
Wonderful news Ellen. Didn't work with you long but even I know that removing those stitches was a bit tramatic for you. Hopefully you will sleep a bit better and gain a little more strength before the 27th. You and Ryan will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless
Georganne
So glad for the great news at your appointment! Hope getting the stitches out wasn't too bad for you :( You are never far from our thoughts, and we are both continuing to pray for more and more good news. Love,
Kris and Dave W.
Hi "E",
Great news! I just spoke with your dad and he told me all the positive news. I hope he wasn't there when you got your stitches removed because I know what a sissy he is when it comes to that stuff and I know he would have fainted right there! Keep up the fight! GDK misses you! Rich
Hi Ellen and Ryan, Well I guess I will take the tent by the mailbox down and quit sitting out there waiting for your thank you note. I have to go back to school next week anyway. Just kidding, Ellen, I give you credit of even thinking of thank you notes considering all you have had to contend with. So many blessings lately from Durham, and we are thankful for each of them. My former pastor's wife from Church of the Savior called yesterday just as I was thinking of you. She has been praying for you and called for an update at just the time I needed her support as you three were at your appointment. Hopefully with a lifted spirit and improving strength you can enjoy the change of scenery from Ohio for a while. Have never been to the NCF before, but may have to make the trip and see other members of Ellen's Army. Keep the faith and take care. Love, Aunt Connie
GREAT news. SO glad to hear it. You are right, with the many, many people that are constantly thinking and praying for you, you are bound to have things go right.
I know how anxious you are to come home for a little bit, but you really are better there! Just get well!! Then you wont have to go back and forth, you can come home for good! :)
Hope to see you soon! Any idea of a long weekend that would be good? We could celebrate our birthdays together!! One in Aug, Sept, Oct...works for me!!
LOVE you both!! Jaime
Mr. and Mrs. Gray;)
Ya'll should have seen me yesterday at work. I was like a crazy person, logging onto the internet every 10 minutes to see if their had been a post about the results! I was SOOOO happy when I read the good news. My head went down on the desk. I prayed and thanked God, for he is SO GOOD!!! The miracle is happening! I cannot stop smiling and I will continue to check every 10 minutes. I am so glad you made this page, Ryan. Love you both! Keep up the rest, El! I cannot tell you enough how amazing you both are.
So much love from San Diego.
Thinking about you...well every 10 minutes apparently!! ha:)
K. Lanza xoxoxox
My highschool English teacher, your mom, Ellen and my mommy would be upset over my use of 'their' in the comment above! I meant, 'there'! ha ha ha.
Noted and corrected. Holla, Love you.
-Lanza
Hi Ellen and Ryan,
my name is Jana and I am Amina's sister-in-law to be. I visit this blog every day to get an update on how are you doing. Before the blog, I got the info from Amina.
I usually just come and read but never respond. Until today that is. I read the great news with a big smile. Someone on your blog said to keep on figting and sleeping because it is working. I could not say it better.
Both you and Ryan have my full admiration. The army of people behind you shows so much love for you two, and love is the best medicine.
Keep making progress, Ellen, you know you can do it!!
Jana
Hi Ellen,
Sorry I didn't post last night but I did hear the news yesterday. By yesterday afternoon I couldn't wait anymore so I called Annie and then I also talked to your mom. (You know I have no patience!)I AM SO HAPPY!!! I had a good feeling because you have been doing so well and improved SO MUCH since you finished the first round of chemo. Way to be a fighter Ellen! We will keep the prayers coming for your continued recovery.
Love,
Hilary
Hi Ellen! I like to hear the "progressing" part. That is awesome. Is there anything you need/want at all? If I can send you anything special, let me know. I don't know if you remember, but I worked at Camp Cheerio in Roaring Gap, NC for two summers. One year I went back to a fall reunion in October - the Blue Ridge Mountains took my breath away. Maybe that is something you can look forward to... NC is amazing in the fall. YOU CAN DO THIS!!! xox Sommer (Nate & Bella, too)
Ellen & Ryan-
YES!!!!! What wonderful news. You two just keep on fighting and moving forward. Way to go! You two are such troupers. Your strength inspires everyone. One question: where does one get an Ellen bracelet? Sounds like just the accessory I need.
Best wishes,
Linda Neff
El and Ryan,
I am so happy to hear that the appointment went good. Hang on to all of the positive news you have gotten and try and carry it with you until the 27th when treatment starts. El I have no doubt in my mind that you are going to be a Miracle Patient. You are the strongest person I know. Remember that you have always been able to achieve anything you put your mind too. Concentrate on getting stronger and preparing for treatment. Know that I am sending lots of hugs and prayers your way. Oh I was thinking about you my whole way driving to visit Adam. I admire you for driving the whole way on all of our road trips. I drove 5 hours straight you would have been so proud of me. I didn't sleep once and we got in at 3:30am. :) Miss you!
Love,
Amber
So thankful that your counts are going down. You truly are a miracle. We will be attending the North Canton Street Festival on Saturday and will think of you. So sorry you are not home orchestrating the whole event.
Take Care and God Bless!
Joe and Carole Eaton
Dear Ellen,
I MISS YOU!! Thinking positive works, not to mention all the love and prayers surrounding you. I am so thankful. YOU WILL GET WELL !!!!
love,
mom
Hey Ellen & Ryan..
I was so glad to hear the good medical stuff. You are making great progress, and by next week you will be even stronger. So until then I have googled a few "things to do" for you and your dad in Durham.
Here is just a short list for Friday:(so rest up tonight and tomorrow morning)
1. WORLD WIDE DANCE PARTY appropriate for all ages, so Don put on your dancing shoes!!
1. CAROLINA THEATRE GRAND RE-OPENING...complete with ribbon-cutting ceremony. There is free popcorn and soda, also the first 500 patrons get complimentary cinema passes. So Don put on your running shoes and be one of the first 500, so you can all go again for free next time.
3. There is something called COFFEE CUPPING...everyone gets a chance to taste interesting varieties of coffee. Ryan this one is for you.
4. Also for Ryan, SKETCH AND SHOOT FRIDAY'S with live models and you must be 21+. Ellen you may want to stay home for that one and just send Ryan and your dad.
5. THIRD FRIDAY GALLERY CRAWL with live music and other performances. I know Megan and Annie have enjoyed PUB CRAWLS. Do you think a gallery crawl would include beer?
6. This is the last one for Friday night and I think it is in your neck of the woods...WAREHOUSE BLUES CONCERT with live music...located in West Village Courtyard. Is that close?
The remainder of events are on Saturday. So Daryl will be forgetting the yard competition, I am sure, and throwing me in the car and racing to Durham for this one:
1. DURHAM CIVIL RIGHTS LEGACY WALKING TOUR...where the historic preservation society of Durham docents will lead a 1 1/2 mile tour focusing on important events of the 1950's and 60's. It takes 2 hours. I say Ryan and Ellen you may want to pass, but Don being an ex-history buff may want to join the tour, especially since you will probably remember most of those important events since you were a teenager then. Whoops...I am giving your age away!!
2. CHARITY POKER NIGHT...there is limited seating for this, so call fast!!
3. Last one especially for Don since you will miss your usual Saturday jog. There is on Saturday morning... FREE YOGA IN THE PARK...you only need to bring a towel or blanket!!
Go to: http://www.durham-nc.com/visitors/results_events.php?start=08/17/2007&end=08/19/2007
You can get more details with maps and directions.
So guys, choose one for Friday or one for Saturday and let me know. Take care, thinking about you all the time. xoxo christy
Another day out of the way with pretty positive news. I know how much you want to go back and get started but the more rest you can get the stronger you will be. Sleep tight!!!!!!!!!!! Miss ya. Ryan, thanks again for all the updates. Cathy
Hi Ellen! Great news and we can finally say "YEA" to something. Ryan should work for a hospital to explain to families what the doctor's are saying and doing. We can't thank him enough for all his info! Keep the positive thoughts Ellen! Hang in there - get lots of sleep - and follow doctor's orders! Thinking of you always! Love, Elly
Hi Ellen and Ryan! I finally got a new computer today; mine broke last week! I am so glad to hear that things are going better! I have been praying for you, as are my parents, and they have you on 3 different prayer chains. How is the art work going? I cant wait to see it!! As I said, I would really like to come visit you; I just fractured my back (obviously nothing compared to what you have been through, just makes it hard to travel), so it may be a little bit until I can travel to get there, but I am excited to come! Sept looks like the time that I will be able to travel. We were supposed to go to London to visit my brother, but I dont think we are doing that now due to this injury. I think my brother may stay in London/Europe for another year, so I am really excited for him! He really likes it. Well, I will depart for now, but just wanted to catch up and say hi! Take Care! Love, Morgen
Ellen, So good to hear you are doing better. Ryan, what a fabulous way to keep everyone informed of what is going on. You both are, and have been, in our thoughts and prayers.
Hello Ellen,
I have been checking in on your progress...I am glad to hear that you have been resting...you need all the rest that you can get. Keep up the good news!! I pray everyday for you and your family. Remain strong and keep fighting...I know that you will. I picked up my bracelet the other day before we left for Hilton Head. Everytime that I adjust the bracelet I say a little prayer. My prayers and thoughts are with you...with all my love!
Nicole Edie
Hey Ellen & Ryan,
I stopped at your house for a bit
tonight to see Suzie and I must
tell you first of all that your
house looks so fabulous & cool. I
think I saw the colors before and
decor but can't remember. Anyway,
Wow! Love it. Second of all, I
witnessed first hand the mowing
maniac accross the street. DR was
right. He was right at it for
a while. I must say that Christy's
flowers kick butt and I think edge
him out of 1st place. Hope you
guys are doing well today. We are
all with you guys constantly. Hope
you can feel all the love & prayers. JoAnn
ps - I must be cautious with the
next buttons I push before I publish or I will need to start
over again like this A.M.
Ellen, I am not sure if you remember me, but I met you about a year ago at the "Y" with my husband, Scott Giammarco. I just wanted to let you know that we have been praying for you and Ryan- that God gives you all his strength to fight this! I have seen you in a few work outings with AultCare (I work at Leonard Insurance right down the road). One thing I know is that you are a fighter!! I knew this from the moment I met you. Never give up on yourself and always, always stay positive.
Here at Leonard Insurance we have our own miracle....and I know you'll be another!
I just wanted to tell you what an impact you made on me then...and to this day, still do!
Fight Fight Fight!! I am so glad that you've gotten good news recently and I hope and pray you continue to get it.
Scott and I will be checking in!
All our prayers,
Stacey and Scott Giammarco
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