Going the Distance...

My Bride and I were talking about things we have read over the past several weeks, and she related the following from the book “Journey - by David Jeremiah”:

The 1976 Oscar-winning movie Rocky is the story of a small-time boxer “a ham and egger” who trained long and hard for the opportunity to fight the Champ - Apollo Creed. When he lost the fight against Creed, he resolved to train harder and fight him again. He said that he wanted to “go the distance” with the Champ. When he finally did go the distance, he was bloody, swollen, broken, and completely exhausted. But he had finished the fight!

The original Rocky Balboa was Paul in the New Testament. He was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, in perils of waters, robbers, his own countrymen, in the city, in the wilderness, and at sea. Yet his one desire was to go the distance for Christ, and he did. Paul was able to remain committed to Christ because he trusted him with his future and his life.

GG has continued to strive for her complete committment to walk with Christ (with the help of our mother Mary and all our Saints), and when the going gets rough, she keeps resolve to go the distance for the greater glory of God!

Because of this and our outstanding support and care from the professional nursing staff, CNA’s, and Doc’s, we recieved news this morning - My Bride is getting to go home! Her counts are responding positively, and she can begin the status as an outpatient with her treatment until the bone marrow transplant. Oh Happy Day!

AD MAIOREM DEI GLORIAM

Share Life! Donate Blood!

Nobody can do everything, but everybody can do something.
Gloria is so grateful for those angels that have chosen to do something. They’ve donated blood. Blood transfusions have played a large part in helping her with her fight to good health over the past month.

The blood transfusions Gloria has been receiving are from Bonfils Blood Center. They have a great website where you can find donation centers and even schedule an appointment to donate (you could even do it on your lunch hour!). If you have the gift of good health, please consider donating to help others like Gloria in their fight for life! You can help somebody’s loved one, just as someone is helping ours! Just one pint can save three lives.
Visit their website at www.bonfils.org

:)

We continue to be thankful for everyone’s generosity, caring and love –words cannot express enough our gratitude. As most of you know, GG is a teacher, and if I may – a wonderful, extremely dedicated one. This hasn’t been more evident than the past three weeks as she has received many touching, heartfelt letters from her students. She has truly touched all of them in such a positive way, and they in turn continue to touch her heart and bring smiles to her days. I can’t help but be reminded of a great poem by G. Harmon:

They ask me why I teach
and I reply, “Where could I find more splendid company?”

There sits a statesman,
strong, unbiased, wise,
another later Webster
Silver-tongued.
And over there a doctor
whose quick, steady hand
can mend a bone, or stem the lifeblood’s flow.

A builder sits beside him -
Upward rise the arches of that place of worship he builds, wherein
that minister will speak the word of God,
and lead a stumbling soul to find his place.

And all about
a lesser gathering
of farmers, merchants, teachers,
Laborers, men and women
who work and vote and build
and plan and pray into a great tomorrow.

And, I say,
“I may not see the building,
or hear the word,
or eat the food their hands will grow.”
And yet — I may.
And later I may say,
“I knew the student, and he was strong,
or weak, or kind, or proud
I knew him once,
but then he was a child.”
They ask me why I teach and I reply,
“Where could I find more splendid company?”

My Bride, the mother of my son and daughters, continues to remain strong and stoic. Trying to keep an assemblance of normalcy in the simple everyday things most of us take for granted; things like walking to the shower, sitting in a chair to read for a while or make her journal entries, or walk a short route through the hospital. Since the diagnosis of this multi-lineage cancer, she is resigned and prepared for the task at hand - knowing that there are no easy battles in her war with leukemia –but knowing that each battle can be winnable. She will begin round three of Chemo on Friday, and all of us surrounding her with love recognize that the most beautiful moments in life are often found shrouded in packages of hard challenges; and we will continue to find the patience of mind and clarity of heart to look past the hard cover and see them!

AD MAIOREM DEI GLORIAM

Love to Dance

Over the past several days, “GG”, (one of the many names I love to call my Bride), and I have talked about the many great times we have had and will have after this challenge. One of her most favorite things to do is to dance, one of her ways she celebrate’s life! GG is one heck of a dancer, and despite my lack of dance talent, she still enjoys dancing with me! Recently, while sitting on the sofa together, I played some sweet tunes from our playlist - and GG was moving like on the dance floor!! She is so vibrant, so strong and in charge of her positive spirit - truly the Holy Spirit is working within her. The picture you see with this post, reflects her love for life, as many of you well know.

The past few days have been akin to running a gauntlet - GG is still battling fevers, fatigue later in the day, and other effects from the past Chemo. We met with our Oncologist today; he related the early results of the 2nd bone marrow biopsy - a huge eradication of the cancer cells! However, there are still remaining cancer cells. So, my Bride will have to undergo a second round of another form of Chemo begining tomorrow - another bump on this road to recovery.

So, we prayed, continue to pray, celebrate life in everyway possible (eating dinner together with our wonderful daughters, working on projects, and even went out to the Healing Garden this afternoon), and thank God for what he has given us - especially all our dear friends and family!!

Please keep the thoughts and prayers coming - you lift her up, you lift all of us up!

AD MAIOREM DEI GLORIAM

Visitors Please Read!

The effects of the chemo are starting to take a toll on Gloria, as she is feeling much more tired the past few days. This coming week will be a recovery week for her. We want her to be stress free and completely focused on her recovery so we want to limit her visitors to just family members for the upcoming week. We are so grateful for all of the visits from family and friends lately, but we don’t want to overwhelm her during this time. Please continue to send your love through texts or posts- they brighten her day and lift her spirit immensely!!

It Ain't the 6 Minutes...

The past few days have been stressful for us, as our Oncologist said, “Its the dog days of Chemo.” Glo has been wrestling with fevers and general uncomfortableness. Through it all - family, friends, prayer and food have continued to sustain us. We are so greatful for you and how the good Lord has bestowed upon us our special ring of blessings!

My Bride continues to be my strength and inspiration! As I reflect on this week, after visits with our special friends, recent and of years past, family from Denver, southern Colorado and New Mexico, I am reminded of a poignant scene from an old movie- Vision Quest. Simply, because throughout each day, Glo’s actions are filled with the most special moments that are indelible in our minds - truly lasting.

In the scene, the athlete (Louden), a high school wrestler - asks his co-worker (Elmo), why he was taking a night off work to see him wrestle a big match; that they’ll dock his pay for that…

Elmo: Hey, kid - money ain’t everything.
Louden: It’s not that big a deal, Elmo. I mean, it’s six lousy minutes on the mat, if that.
Elmo: You ever hear of Pele?
Louden: Yeah, he’s a, a soccer player.
Elmo: A very famous soccer player.
[pause]
Elmo: I was in the room here one day… watchin’ the Mexican channel on TV. I don’t know nothin’ about Pele. I’m watchin’ what this guy can do with a ball and his feet. Next thing I know, he jumps in the air and flips into a somersault and kicks the ball in - upside down and backwards… the …damn goalie never knew what the heck hit him. Pele gets excited and he rips off his jersey and starts running around the stadium waving it around his head. Everybody’s screaming in Spanish. I’m here, sitting alone in my room, and I start crying.
[pause]
Elmo: That’s right, I start crying. Because another human being, a species that I happen to belong to, could kick a ball, and lift himself, and the rest of us sad-assed human beings, up to a better place to be, if only for a minute… let me tell ya, kid - it was pretty darn glorious. It ain’t the six minutes… it’s what happens in that six minutes!

Go Broncos!!!!

AD MAIOREM DEI GLORIAM

Standing Tall...

      
Written Jan 11, 2012 9:23pm
It’s been a few days since our last entry, and all we wanted to say tonight is that things are progressing as expected with the Chemo. When we meet again with our team of Doctors, hopefully with the full test results, we will share. In the mean time, the most important thing is that all the Guestbook entries continue to keep our spirits up. We truly appreciate your kind words, concerns, friendship, but most of all - PRAYERS!

We have recieved numerous emails and text from dear friends and family, which were sent directly to us. We found that they were so touching, that we wanted to share one from time to time.

Our good friends in Oregon wrote - “…I will never understand the reasons why things like this happen, but it must be for a reason for us to become stronger and to realize what is really important….stay strong and positive, Gloria will draw strength through our thoughts and prayers. a Japenese saying “Gambatte, kudasai” (gum-bot-tay coo-dah-sigh) - meaning - Please keep your chin up, head held high, and perservere …I pass on to you, be strong my friend.”

AD MAIOREM DEI GLORIAM

"TEBOWing While CHEMOing"

Hello All-
After a very good Saturday spending time with family, friends, and having great food (thanks Connie and Rub!), we had a great night talking about life, love and happiness. We said a temporary goodbye to our son Josh (back to flying jets), and thanked him for his strength and for marrying Brittany.

Glo and I entered today (her last day of Chemo in this round) with a smile, our morning prayers for her recovery, our family and our dear friends and colleagues. We went for a walk throughout the hospital - Glo is so determined to stay strong, she continues to inspire me! In fact, she even felt the need to do some “Tebowing while Chemoing!” I’m a lucky guy.

We will spend today with our lovely daughters Ash and Lo, family, friends and our friend Father Bart, who will pray with us! We will also watch the Broncos play that team from Pennsylvania!!

Glo says to thank God for today and all his glory, and continued thanks for the love and support!

AD MAIOREM DEI GLORIAM

Mama's got a brand new haircut!

The past week has been quite the roller coaster ride for us all. What has remained constant throughout is the outpouring of love and support that our family has felt every day from you all, and for that, we are eternally grateful.

The only news we received in the past two days was that the analysis of Gloria’s spinal fluid was clean of cancer cells! This is awesome because that means the cancer has stayed clear of her nervous system. Her spirits are high, and determination fierce. She knows her mission, and is hellbent on winning, regardless of adversities along the way.

She got to enjoy the gorgeous warm weather on Thursday in the beautiful healing garden the hospital has. While enjoying the sun, Ernie found Gloria a cute little lady bug who really took a liking to her. Being outside was so peaceful and really brightened up her day.

After our family dinner tonight (which so many of you have so graciously signed up to provide for us!), Gloria decided she was ready for a hair cut. One of the side effects she will experience from the chemotherapy is hair loss, and rather than wait for it to fall out, she decided she wanted a brave soul to chop it off for her! Her son Josh was the lone volunteer, and to be honest, he did a great job. If flying jets ever falls through for him, he may actually have a good backup plan.

All in all the past couple of days have been filled with happiness, love, and laughter… And a few cat naps here and there. Fighting this stupid cancer thing is exhausting for us all! Keep those prayers coming her way. She feels each one of them lifting her up and her heart is swelling from all the love she feels.

A Little Higher Hill to Climb

First of all, Gloria, my family and I are awestruck at the outpouring of love, concern, support and prayers coming from all of our family, friends and collegues! We are so humbled and want to say THANK YOU and God Bless you forever - it means more than you know.

Wow - talk about a curveball! We met with our Hemotologist today and it was a tough one. Although the full bone marrow testing hasn’t been completed, the Pathologists testing the samples have determined that we are now facing a rare subset of Leukemia - Biphenotypic Leukemia. It is also referred to as Multilineage Leukemia, which is a mutated type containing elements of AML and ALL Leukemia.

Glo’s initial treatment doesn’t change, however additional testing began this afternoon. She will definately need more Chemo and a bone marrow transplant in the near future. As our son said, its toughter than a curve ball, it’s like a forkball - something that rarely exists in anyones repetoire.

So, we keep swinging, it may take more than one at-bat, but we know we will hit it out of the yard - how can we not? With faith in our Lord, and the love and support of all of you!! Gloria and all of us will remain resolute to come out on top!!

Update from the doctor

This morning we were able to meet with Gloria’s doctor and talk with him about what to expect in the coming weeks. We were able to get a lot of questions answered and left our meeting feeling confident with what’s ahead.

The complete results of the bone marrow biopsy (stem cell biopsy) are still not back, we should hear the full results some time by the end of the week. The Doctor explained to us that there have been many developments in the field of AML (Acute Myleoid Luekemia) as they now examine her blood on not just a cellular level, but a molecular level as well. Once they complete their analysis and her body has had a few weeks to recover in the hospital from this initial aggressive round of chemo, they will test her again and we can go either of three ways:

1) if the results come back as positive, meaning this first round of chemo knocked out all the bad cells, she will be able to transition to outpatient chemo therapy three days a week.

2) if her body is still showing signs that the cancer cells are not completely wiped out, we will have to begin the journey of getting her a bone marrow transplant along with her continuing the outpatient chemo three days a week.

3) in a rare case that the chemo proves relatively ineffective after the first cycle, they will transition to another intense 7 day dosage of chemotherapy in an effort to wipe her body of the bad cells.

She has yet to experience nausea or sickness from the chemo. She’s spending her days staying active by taking lots of walks and spending time with her family.
All together, we are in good spirits, and are optimistic about her future. Youth and a positive mental outlook as well as spiritual strength are on her side.

Oh yea, and Ernie is a pit bull in making sure Glo gets the best care/facilities and general aid.

Keep those prayers coming! She feels them all lifting her up.

PS We have learned that the mornings are a busy time for everyone around here, so if you would like to visit (which we encourage!), please try to wait until after noon on Mon-Fri. Saturdays and Sundays any time.

A Letter to an Angel According to Lori Lou

As I lay here in a hospital chair next to an angel, my mama, I can’t help but feel restless. Although these past few nights haven’t provided much sleep, tonight remains simultaneously the most peaceful and sleepless of them all. It pains me to see my beautiful mother sick and I would not hesitate for one second to switch places with her during this battle. These past few days have taught me a lot, but the most transcending of them all is that we are all joined in solidarity together embarking on this strenuous and transformative expedition. A journey similar to Christ’s days of suffering. It gives me reassurance and strength to know that God’s divine Son is with her in battling this frightful disease. She is the graceful victim of a sickness who could care less about her beauty in and out, age, life experiences, family, height, weight, or even her impassioned ambience. But little did Leukemia know, she’s a fighter, she is a woman of God. A few days ago she said to me, “I am going to put my boxing gloves on Lori Lou and this Leukemia is going to get knocked out!” I am confident that this fight will read Mama 1 Leukemia 0. So KO here we come. I have my gloves on and my spirit has never been stronger. My faith is prevailing and my prayers intercede with the Lord. Sure Moses was a great leader, liberating the Israelites out of their suffering in Egypt, but he has nothing on my mama. She our rock, she lays down the rules around here. There is no doubt that she is leading us and herself out of the suffering land of Leukemia into the land of freedom, grace, new life…a new covenant. The story of Exodus in the Old Testament is a perfect example of God’s ferocious love for His people, and God’s promise to emancipate them into a new covenant which promised life. God was ferocious in His defense of the Jewish people and He is ferocious in his defense of our mama! As a soldier of Christ my mama is walking in full surrender with God the Father, walking in all His ways so that she might be anointed with His divine power in preparation to go into battle with her enemy. “I have pursued my enemies and overtaken them; neither did I turn back again till they were destroyed. I have wounded them, so that they were not able to rise; they have fallen under my feet. For You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under me those who rose up against me.” - Ps. 18: 37. Just as Christ sent His 12 apostles out to cast demons, disease, and sickness from His sacred temples that walk this earth, He is present here sending all of us out to do the same. So, mama I’ve got my battle gear on, fully equipped with a rosary, holy water, the Scriptures, a cross, my spirit, and a mean right hook. So be like Moses mama, be the liberator of your own suffering, moving into the land of prosperity and always walk forward knowing that “The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” - Exodus 14:14

-Lori Lou

Want to help?

All of Gloria’s family and friends have been asking and wondering what they can do to help… Gloria has quickly come to realize that hospital food is not quite what you’d call gourmet! Her husband and children want to stay by her side as much as possible, especially as school and work begin for them in the coming weeks. It would be a huge help for the family if they didn’t need the worry of wondering what to do for dinner most nights. We have set up a website where anyone can go and sign up to bring dinner on an available date. We will provide you with the link below. They are so grateful for each one of you and your willingness to help and support them in any way you can. To schedule your meal, please click the following link: http://foodtidings.com/SignUp.aspx?ScheduleGuid=7ce5cfbf-2bc6-4292-a39e-0d29cf97d042

A Message from Ernie

Acute Myeloid Leukemia or “AML” - words of fear, words of uncertainty. The dreaded word “cancer” is not believed, but accepted for what it is. The doctors say that its an 80% chance to beat this - they say that “Induction of Remission” needs to start ASAP to have the chance to be cancer-free. The challenge is accepted, the race has begun - not a sprint, a marathon.

My Bride sleeps tonight after a fast-paced, crazy 72 hours. Hours filled with poking, proding, needles, medications, transfusions and restlessless. Hours of anxiety, love, hope, family, friends, healthy goals and above all FAITH. As my wife slumbers towards a happy place in her dreams, I pray that she finds solice in the hands of our Lord, reassurance in the understanding that she is protected by our mother Mary and comforted by the love of our special family and wonderful friends.

As I sit next to her bed for a third night, I gaze at her pretty face and see the girl I fell in love with 30 years ago. Years ago in a college math class where our eyes met and a little seed planted which blossomed into a strong union of our lives together - one life together that has strengthened each day, each month, each year. Through great times, through tough times, she has been there for me and our wonderful children - a rock, a constant foundation of love. I sit next to her tonight as her guardian, a guardian from now until my last breath. I only hope that I could take on her disease for her, take on the pain, take on the suffering, take on all things for her so that she can be free from this bondage!

I accept what God has placed before us, I accept that my wife will FIGHT TO WIN! I remember as a boy, my mother telling me the story of Job. A story passed along to her by her father; a story in the Bible of courage, perserverance, and faith. Faith that was so strong in the face of adversity that if we only had a fraction of, we can overcome all that comes our way. I have relied on the Book of Job alot this week, and I pray that I can bolster my faith to augment hers.

Today we prayed together with friends and family. Tonight before her first Chemo treatment we prayed together - my Bride, my son Josh, his lovely wife Brittany, my beautiful daughters Ashley and Lauren. We prayed from the Bible, we prayed from the Book of Psalms, we prayed for a New Day:

“God has given me this day to do as I will; I can waste it or use it for good. What I do today is very important, Because I am trading a day in my life for it. When tomorrow comes this day will be gone forever; Leaving behind something I’ve traded for it. I want it to be gain, not loss …Good, not evil …Success, not failure …In order that I should never forget the price I paid for it.”

A message from Gloria

Dear Loved Ones,
As you all know Our Precious Lord has chosen a challenging journey for me. I am so thankful for every gift GOD has blessed me with and I know that HE will not give me anything I can’t handle. My strength is growing from all of your love and prayers! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I am so deeply thankful God blessed me with such a faithful loving husband! Ernie I draw so much strength and hope from you. You know how much I love you! To my precious amazing kids, Tito and Britt, Ash, Lo: Your love, devotion, and caring for me has touched me so deeply. I could not be more blessed, thank you my Glorious Lord and Savior! I have received blessings from Lo’s awesome Jesuit friends, Father Steve and Father Bob. The Holy Spirit has truly moved through me and my family these past few days. The journey will continue…
- gloria

Happy New Year!

Although yesterday was a tough day for everyone, Gloria made sure we all knew she wanted to ring in the new year in style. Lo and Ashley went out and bought some decorations and some delicious sparkling pear and apple juice. We were all decked out in party hats and watched as New York City rang in the new year. We toasted and kissed and shook our noise makers! And not a minute later Gloria said, “That was fun!! Let’s do it again at midnight!” So we relaxed a little, turned the lights down and gathered around her bed to watch the movie Dolphin Tale which she’s been dying to see. Come 12 midnight, we did it all again!
Soon after the parties ended she received her first blood transfusion. We tried making up a story about who the blood came from and wondered if she’d start speaking another language or something. Either way, we were grateful for the wonderful donor and will continue to be thankful for all the blood donors as blood transfusions will be a normal procedure for her throughout this process. Happy New Year from our family to yours!