First, I wanted to say "Thank you" for your prayers for travel mercies for Peggy and Judy. They had a great time in Jackson being part of Grandparents Day and listening to Kelsey sing on Sunday. They made it back safely and are both doing well. Peggy is getting around much better, but still needs your prayer support.
Glen's heart test and blood count results show that everything is looking good and the doctor is VERY pleased with his progress. He started his 5th round of chemo on Tuesday, October 16th. The current plan still calls for him to do a 6th and final round of chemo 3 weeks from now and then treat with maintenance doses every 6 months from that point. He still has to go to the esophagus doctor to confirm what the spot was in the PET scan, but the lymphoma doctor doesn't think that is a problem.
Thank you for your continued prayer support for Glen and Peggy and we ask that you add us back in your prayers as well. Next Wednesday, October 24th, Courtney will have the pulmonary valve in her heart replaced.
It has been 4 1/2 years since her last surgery and the valve is needing replacement again. In each of the previous valve replacement surgeries, they have had to open her chest and the recovery time has been several weeks. With the advancements due to research and technology, they hope to do this replacement without opening her chest. Dr. Doyle, who has done all of Courtney's catheterization procedures at Vandy, will be implanting a Melody transcatheter pulmonary valve. This procedure has been done many times at Vandy, but normally going through the IVC arteries in the legs. Due to Courtney's myriad of medical procedures over the years, her IVC arteries became sclerosed and may not be an option. The human body will adjust and create new "highways", but they are not sure she will have the access they need from them. The next option will be to perform the procedure going through the jugular in the neck. This is a viable option, but has not been done in any of the previous procedures at Vandy. If either of these options is viable and they are able to complete the procedure this way, Courtney should be able to go home the next day and only miss 3 days of school. However, if these options are not viable, they will either perform open heart surgery at that point if necessary or schedule a time to do it in the near future.
I will use this site to update her progress next week prior to, during, and after the procedure.
Thank you again for your continued prayer support.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Queen Family Fall Break Update - October 17th
Courtney's Fall break at McGavock and Kelsey's Fall break from Union overlapped some last week and we were able to take advantage of that and do some camping. We all went to Cedars of Lebanon State Park on Wednesday, October 10th and got our tent setup and took a majority of our supplies, but Jenn and Courtney went home since the low for the night was supposed to be 33. Kelsey and I picked up supper in Lebanon, started a fire, then ate, setup our beds, and watched a movie on her laptop around the campfire. It got pretty cold once we let the fire burn out, but we had a small heater in the tent and stayed warm through the night.
On Thursday, Kelsey and I went for a run, ate breakfast, setup our screen house over our picnic table, hung a hammock, threw softball, ate lunch, and Kelsey even studied and did some homework while waiting on Jenn and Courtney to get there. They brought the remainder of the supplies and the food for the week. Kelsey and Courtney rode bikes to the playground and took lots of pictures there, while Jenn and I unpacked and finished setting up our campsite. We ate supper and then watched a movie around the campfire and roasted marshmallows. I had sold 3 of my 4 tickets to the Titans game against the Steelers, but had not decided on whether or not to go to the game. I decided to NOT go to the game, but I did sneak some updates on my radio while watching the movie. Jennifer said that the Titans won because I chose family over the game. :-) We were expecting rain, so I had put some tarps over our firewood and cart we used for our stove. It came a downpour early Friday morning and there was a lot of thunder and lightning. We awoke to some leaks in the tent, but it was only around the edges and we were dry.
Since it was wet Friday morning, the playground was not a great option, so after breakfast, we went to the riding stables at the park and went on a guided walking trail horseback ride. We got to look at the horses in the stable and the girls loved that. After lunch, we played card games and then had an early supper with some special guests. Peggy and Glen came up to eat with us and spend a little time with the girls. We roasted hot dogs over the fire, had homemade chili, and then roasted marshmallows and made smores.
Saturday morning, Kelsey had to head back to Jackson to spend some time with friends before babysitting that night. After breakfast, Courtney went for a bike ride, we played more card games and a version of cornhole. Robin came by to visit for awhile, and after she left, we had hot dogs and chili again for supper, and then made smores. Courtney was tired, so she laid down early and watched a movie in the tent. Jennifer and I played cards, while I listened to the end of the Vandy game and then the UT game. Needless to say, I was not as happy about the outcome of that game as I was the Titans game.
We were expecting rain and possible storms sometime on Sunday, so after breakfast, we began taking down the tents and packing the vehicles to head home. The wind got a little rough for awhile, but we didn't get any rain while packing. We picked up lunch on the way home and then started the worst part of camping trips (unpacking the cars and washing all of the smoky clothes). I think all of the clothes have been washed and we are working on the sleeping bags and spraying Febreeze on all the bags still.
It was a great trip and I loved spending that time with my girls. I am so lucky to have 3 girls that love camping as much as I do.
On Thursday, Kelsey and I went for a run, ate breakfast, setup our screen house over our picnic table, hung a hammock, threw softball, ate lunch, and Kelsey even studied and did some homework while waiting on Jenn and Courtney to get there. They brought the remainder of the supplies and the food for the week. Kelsey and Courtney rode bikes to the playground and took lots of pictures there, while Jenn and I unpacked and finished setting up our campsite. We ate supper and then watched a movie around the campfire and roasted marshmallows. I had sold 3 of my 4 tickets to the Titans game against the Steelers, but had not decided on whether or not to go to the game. I decided to NOT go to the game, but I did sneak some updates on my radio while watching the movie. Jennifer said that the Titans won because I chose family over the game. :-) We were expecting rain, so I had put some tarps over our firewood and cart we used for our stove. It came a downpour early Friday morning and there was a lot of thunder and lightning. We awoke to some leaks in the tent, but it was only around the edges and we were dry.
Since it was wet Friday morning, the playground was not a great option, so after breakfast, we went to the riding stables at the park and went on a guided walking trail horseback ride. We got to look at the horses in the stable and the girls loved that. After lunch, we played card games and then had an early supper with some special guests. Peggy and Glen came up to eat with us and spend a little time with the girls. We roasted hot dogs over the fire, had homemade chili, and then roasted marshmallows and made smores.
Saturday morning, Kelsey had to head back to Jackson to spend some time with friends before babysitting that night. After breakfast, Courtney went for a bike ride, we played more card games and a version of cornhole. Robin came by to visit for awhile, and after she left, we had hot dogs and chili again for supper, and then made smores. Courtney was tired, so she laid down early and watched a movie in the tent. Jennifer and I played cards, while I listened to the end of the Vandy game and then the UT game. Needless to say, I was not as happy about the outcome of that game as I was the Titans game.
We were expecting rain and possible storms sometime on Sunday, so after breakfast, we began taking down the tents and packing the vehicles to head home. The wind got a little rough for awhile, but we didn't get any rain while packing. We picked up lunch on the way home and then started the worst part of camping trips (unpacking the cars and washing all of the smoky clothes). I think all of the clothes have been washed and we are working on the sleeping bags and spraying Febreeze on all the bags still.
It was a great trip and I loved spending that time with my girls. I am so lucky to have 3 girls that love camping as much as I do.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Glen Update - September 25th
I haven't posted an update on Glen and Peggy in about 3 weeks, so I thought I would let you know how things are going now.
Glen had become concerned that his bladder cancer might be coming back, so he setup an appointment with his doctor to check things out. They found no cancer, but did discover a very bad bladder infection and told him that he should be in a lot of pain. He assured them that he knew that and indeed had been in a lot of pain. It was a relief though to know it wasn't cancerous and that antibiotics would take care of the infection.
Outside of having some pain and some sick periods, Glen's biggest struggle is really being very tired. He has also lost another 10 pounds for a total loss of 50 pounds since this process started in May.
He started his 4th round of chemo today. He had a PET scan last week and the results showed that the lymphoma is not visible now [YEAH], but they need to continue with the chemo to keep it from coming back or growing. Unfortunately, the scan did show a spot in the area where the esophagus and stomach were stitched together, but this could simply be scar tissue from the surgery. Although the lymphoma doctor was not overly concerned, Glen does need to go back to the esophagus doctor and have it checked out.
The doctor also told Glen that they would reduce the total number of initial chemo treatments from 8 down to 6 [another YEAH]. Due to the strength and amount of chemo he has taken, the doctor wants to check out his heart function to make sure it is not being adversely affected. Therefore, Glen will go in on this Friday the 28th for the heart tests.
Peggy's back to slowly but surely getting better. She is now able to sit and stand and perform routine tasks for longer periods of time. She is even going to go to Jackson later this week to attend Grandparents Day at TCA. Judy, her sister, is going with her as the substitute 'Grandpapa' since Glen will not be able to go. They will be spoiling the grandkids on Friday at TCA and a fun outing following the school activities; watching the kids participate in sports on Thurs evening and Saturday, and even going to church on Sunday to hear Kelsey sing while they are there [busy weekend for Peggy]. Jennifer is going down to McMinnville on Friday to accompany Glen to the heart tests and spend the weekend with him. Courtney and I will have a weekend together here in Hermitage.
Continue to keep all of us in your prayers. We ask for travel mercies for Peggy, Judy, and Jennifer as they make their trips this week. We ask for God's healing hand on Peggy's back and to continue removing the cancer out of Glen's body and give him physical and mental strength.
Thank you again for your continued prayer support, your well wishes and kind words, your acts of kindness, and for the trememdous love you have always shown our entire family.
Glen had become concerned that his bladder cancer might be coming back, so he setup an appointment with his doctor to check things out. They found no cancer, but did discover a very bad bladder infection and told him that he should be in a lot of pain. He assured them that he knew that and indeed had been in a lot of pain. It was a relief though to know it wasn't cancerous and that antibiotics would take care of the infection.
Outside of having some pain and some sick periods, Glen's biggest struggle is really being very tired. He has also lost another 10 pounds for a total loss of 50 pounds since this process started in May.
He started his 4th round of chemo today. He had a PET scan last week and the results showed that the lymphoma is not visible now [YEAH], but they need to continue with the chemo to keep it from coming back or growing. Unfortunately, the scan did show a spot in the area where the esophagus and stomach were stitched together, but this could simply be scar tissue from the surgery. Although the lymphoma doctor was not overly concerned, Glen does need to go back to the esophagus doctor and have it checked out.
The doctor also told Glen that they would reduce the total number of initial chemo treatments from 8 down to 6 [another YEAH]. Due to the strength and amount of chemo he has taken, the doctor wants to check out his heart function to make sure it is not being adversely affected. Therefore, Glen will go in on this Friday the 28th for the heart tests.
Peggy's back to slowly but surely getting better. She is now able to sit and stand and perform routine tasks for longer periods of time. She is even going to go to Jackson later this week to attend Grandparents Day at TCA. Judy, her sister, is going with her as the substitute 'Grandpapa' since Glen will not be able to go. They will be spoiling the grandkids on Friday at TCA and a fun outing following the school activities; watching the kids participate in sports on Thurs evening and Saturday, and even going to church on Sunday to hear Kelsey sing while they are there [busy weekend for Peggy]. Jennifer is going down to McMinnville on Friday to accompany Glen to the heart tests and spend the weekend with him. Courtney and I will have a weekend together here in Hermitage.
Continue to keep all of us in your prayers. We ask for travel mercies for Peggy, Judy, and Jennifer as they make their trips this week. We ask for God's healing hand on Peggy's back and to continue removing the cancer out of Glen's body and give him physical and mental strength.
Thank you again for your continued prayer support, your well wishes and kind words, your acts of kindness, and for the trememdous love you have always shown our entire family.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
How is the Queen Family Doing?
I have not posted an update on the Queen family in quite some time, so I thought I would catch everyone up on what is going on with us.
Yesterday, September 11th, was our 24th wedding anniversary. I am so glad that God brought us together 28 years ago at TTU and I have NO doubt that He did. I do not know how I could have made it through all the difficult times without Jennifer. She is my Rock, my best friend, my loving wife, a wonderful mother, and the glue that holds this family together during hard times. We were able to go to the Titans game on Sunday, then ate dinner together afterward. Courtney spent the afternoon with our friend Robin. We also were able to eat lunch together yesterday before picking Courtney up from school.
I am still looking for a job, since my position was eliminated back in May. I took advantage of the time off for the first couple of months and spent time with family. Now I am trying to find the "right job" and it has been harder than I anticipated finding it. I know God has a plan for me and I just have to be patient and continue to seek His guidance to find where He wants me to be.
Jennifer is working a little more than she has in the past, but still getting to play some tennis. She also spent a lot of time over the last few weeks cleaning out closets and finding things for a Yard Sale in Jackson at Christy's house.
Speaking of Jackson, Kelsey has transferred from Western Kentucky University (WKU), where she was majoring in Musical Theatre, to Union University and changed her major to Nursing. She was able to get some scholarships and financial aid, but to save more money she is living with Christy and Phillip for now. They only live a few miles from the campus, so she is still able to be involved with intramurals, Life groups, and making new friends. She is also active in their church working with the Youth group and singing with a couple of their praise bands. She would like to do some kind of music ministry and still wants to do some musical theatre productions. We miss getting to see her as often since Jackson is further away than WKU. Courtney especially misses her and tries to text, talk on the phone, and Skype with her as often as she can. :-)
Courtney started her freshman year at McGavock High School this year. It is hard for me to believe she is that old, but she seems to really be loving it. The school is huge and easy to get lost in. Fortunately, Courtney has an educational aid that goes with her to the non Life Skill classes. However, she was showing us around pretty easily the other night at the Open House. LOL She is looking forward to choosing an academy next year and wants to be in the CMT Academy of Digital Design & Communication & Center for Fine Arts. She really loves the idea that she can work with cameras for school credit. :-) She will also be on the girl's bowling team. She bowled with me about 5 times a week during the summer and is pretty good. In fact, she legitimately beat me a couple of times this summer. :-)
Courtney does have another heart procedure coming up on October 24th. They need to replace her heart valve again - it has been about 4 and a half years since they last did this. The difference is that this time they are going to try replacing it using a catheterization procedure from the jugular in her neck instead of invasive open heart surgery. If it works the way they plan, she will be in the hospital overnight and only miss 3 days of school. Anyone who knows Courtney knows that we don't normally do things according to plan, so we are praying that everything goes well and her downtime is minimal.
Well, that gets you caught up on the Queen family for now. I will post more in the future to keep you updated on us and on Glen and Peggy and their treatments and recovery.
Thank you for your continued prayer support. We really appreciate it.
Yesterday, September 11th, was our 24th wedding anniversary. I am so glad that God brought us together 28 years ago at TTU and I have NO doubt that He did. I do not know how I could have made it through all the difficult times without Jennifer. She is my Rock, my best friend, my loving wife, a wonderful mother, and the glue that holds this family together during hard times. We were able to go to the Titans game on Sunday, then ate dinner together afterward. Courtney spent the afternoon with our friend Robin. We also were able to eat lunch together yesterday before picking Courtney up from school.
I am still looking for a job, since my position was eliminated back in May. I took advantage of the time off for the first couple of months and spent time with family. Now I am trying to find the "right job" and it has been harder than I anticipated finding it. I know God has a plan for me and I just have to be patient and continue to seek His guidance to find where He wants me to be.
Jennifer is working a little more than she has in the past, but still getting to play some tennis. She also spent a lot of time over the last few weeks cleaning out closets and finding things for a Yard Sale in Jackson at Christy's house.
Speaking of Jackson, Kelsey has transferred from Western Kentucky University (WKU), where she was majoring in Musical Theatre, to Union University and changed her major to Nursing. She was able to get some scholarships and financial aid, but to save more money she is living with Christy and Phillip for now. They only live a few miles from the campus, so she is still able to be involved with intramurals, Life groups, and making new friends. She is also active in their church working with the Youth group and singing with a couple of their praise bands. She would like to do some kind of music ministry and still wants to do some musical theatre productions. We miss getting to see her as often since Jackson is further away than WKU. Courtney especially misses her and tries to text, talk on the phone, and Skype with her as often as she can. :-)
Courtney started her freshman year at McGavock High School this year. It is hard for me to believe she is that old, but she seems to really be loving it. The school is huge and easy to get lost in. Fortunately, Courtney has an educational aid that goes with her to the non Life Skill classes. However, she was showing us around pretty easily the other night at the Open House. LOL She is looking forward to choosing an academy next year and wants to be in the CMT Academy of Digital Design & Communication & Center for Fine Arts. She really loves the idea that she can work with cameras for school credit. :-) She will also be on the girl's bowling team. She bowled with me about 5 times a week during the summer and is pretty good. In fact, she legitimately beat me a couple of times this summer. :-)
Courtney does have another heart procedure coming up on October 24th. They need to replace her heart valve again - it has been about 4 and a half years since they last did this. The difference is that this time they are going to try replacing it using a catheterization procedure from the jugular in her neck instead of invasive open heart surgery. If it works the way they plan, she will be in the hospital overnight and only miss 3 days of school. Anyone who knows Courtney knows that we don't normally do things according to plan, so we are praying that everything goes well and her downtime is minimal.
Well, that gets you caught up on the Queen family for now. I will post more in the future to keep you updated on us and on Glen and Peggy and their treatments and recovery.
Thank you for your continued prayer support. We really appreciate it.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Glen update - Sept 4th
Once again it's been awhile...busy, busy times.
With the exception of a sore throat, abdominal aches, 24 hr period of nausea, and general tiredness, Glen has done a lot better with round #2 of chemo. He is now 40 pounds lighter [and still bald] and looking good while sporting his suspenders.
Unfortunately, Peggy has not fared as well. Two days after Glen had chemo round#2, Peggy hurt her back. Literally, for the first two weeks Peggy remained in a flat position on the bed with the exception of a few very painful minutes upright each day. A recent MRI showed no damage that will require special treatment but doc says it will take about 6 weeks for Peggy to recover. She can now lay in a bed or stand/walk with minimal discomfort but sitting is a whole different story. She is feeling a little guilty for reversing the caregiver roles with Glen. Fortunately, Jennifer, Christy, and Judy [Peggy's sister] have been able to coordinate days with each other that one of them could stay in McMinnville during the majority of the first 2 1/2 weeks of Peggy's back issues [and Chico and Lynne have been great about feeding Peggy and Glen when the girls can't be there]. Jennifer came home this last Friday [the 31st] because Peggy and Glen insist they can handle it on their own. So far so good....
Today, Sept 4th, Glen has round #3 of chemo. We pray Glen handles the chemo well as it battles the nasty lymphoma and we pray Peggy continues to recover.
Thanks as always for the prayers and help. We all appreciate it. God bless you all!
With the exception of a sore throat, abdominal aches, 24 hr period of nausea, and general tiredness, Glen has done a lot better with round #2 of chemo. He is now 40 pounds lighter [and still bald] and looking good while sporting his suspenders.
Unfortunately, Peggy has not fared as well. Two days after Glen had chemo round#2, Peggy hurt her back. Literally, for the first two weeks Peggy remained in a flat position on the bed with the exception of a few very painful minutes upright each day. A recent MRI showed no damage that will require special treatment but doc says it will take about 6 weeks for Peggy to recover. She can now lay in a bed or stand/walk with minimal discomfort but sitting is a whole different story. She is feeling a little guilty for reversing the caregiver roles with Glen. Fortunately, Jennifer, Christy, and Judy [Peggy's sister] have been able to coordinate days with each other that one of them could stay in McMinnville during the majority of the first 2 1/2 weeks of Peggy's back issues [and Chico and Lynne have been great about feeding Peggy and Glen when the girls can't be there]. Jennifer came home this last Friday [the 31st] because Peggy and Glen insist they can handle it on their own. So far so good....
Today, Sept 4th, Glen has round #3 of chemo. We pray Glen handles the chemo well as it battles the nasty lymphoma and we pray Peggy continues to recover.
Thanks as always for the prayers and help. We all appreciate it. God bless you all!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Glen update - Aug 9
Yesterday Glen had his surgery. The doc successfully removed the stent from his esophagus and the feeding tube. YEAH! Then he was evaluated by his bladder cancer doctor who thought all was currently well with the bladder. YEAH again!
He is scheduled for chemo #2 treatment this coming Monday the 13th.
As always, thanks for the prayers and the support!
He is scheduled for chemo #2 treatment this coming Monday the 13th.
As always, thanks for the prayers and the support!
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Glen update - Aug 4
We just saw Glen a couple of days ago. After Courtney's first half day of high school, we picked her up and headed to McMinnville. We stopped in Liberty on our way and picked up 300 ears of fresh corn and continued to Peggy's house to deliver the corn and help shuck it. It takes quite a while to process that much corn...WHEW! After attending to some other necessary business the first few hours, Glen even helped us shuck the last box of corn.
He has no hair on his head [usuallly wears a cap now]; he is much weaker; and he has lost over 30 pounds so far. BUT considering the beating his body has taken, he looked pretty good. He was suppose to have his second round of chemo this last Tuesday, but it has been postponed until Mon the 13th. Because of how his body reacted the second week after chemo last time, the docs didn't feel his body could handle next week's surgery if he had the next round of chemo. So, they will have the surgery next Wed the 8th at Sarrah Cannon to remove the temporary stent [it cannot stay in his body longer than 6 weeks] and also remove his feeding tube and then administer the second round of chemo the following week.
Thanks as always for all the prayers and support!!!!!!
He has no hair on his head [usuallly wears a cap now]; he is much weaker; and he has lost over 30 pounds so far. BUT considering the beating his body has taken, he looked pretty good. He was suppose to have his second round of chemo this last Tuesday, but it has been postponed until Mon the 13th. Because of how his body reacted the second week after chemo last time, the docs didn't feel his body could handle next week's surgery if he had the next round of chemo. So, they will have the surgery next Wed the 8th at Sarrah Cannon to remove the temporary stent [it cannot stay in his body longer than 6 weeks] and also remove his feeding tube and then administer the second round of chemo the following week.
Thanks as always for all the prayers and support!!!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)