NQR quick update on Elmer

[cblevins]

Hi everyone! Sorry it has been so long since I updated. Elmer has finished 6 rounds of chemo (42 treatments). They say most people can't tolerate more than 3 rounds of what they are giving him. He is frail and weak. He gets confused easily. All his dark hair fell out and came back in snow white. It is falling out again. (hoping for red next time!!!!)

His spirits are good and his faith is strong. We meet with the doctors tomorrow morning to find out if he can have the surgery to remove his kidney, part of his liver, his adrenal gland, the lymph nodes and the tumor that has invaded the vena cava. He had hundreds of tiny tumors in each lung but they are all gone!!

I believe this will be his only chance at surgery. Each 7 day round of chemo leaves him weaker. His heart has been affected. After the last round he passed a lot of blood in his urine so they suspect the chemo has caused absesses in his bladder. If the tumors are not small enough and they do more chemo I don't think he will be strong enough to survive surgery. It would be risky now but at least he would have a chance. If he has surgery and survives it could give us another couple of years.

I have been doing ok. My friend Barb (I met her on here!!!!) comes to visit us often. She even helped me trim all my roses this past Saturday.

I cracked a rib Saturday night and it is giving me fits. I take pain pills when I can but when I have to drive back and forth to Indianapolis I can't take them.

I miss everyone and the fun I used to have on here. I have a difficult time focusing on much these days but I think of all of you often. I will post an update after we find out what is next.

[Tracy G]

sending you love and hugs from across the pond xxxxxx

[Quilting Heidi]

I've been thinking of you and Elmer and keeping you both in my prayers! Praying for good news tomorrow. We miss you too but know that you have a bigger job right now. Hang in there and when you need extra comfort wrap yourself in that quilt and know we're all giving you an extra hug!

[Janice]

I have been wondering how Elmer is doing. Thank you for the update. You folks have certainly been through a lot. I will keep both of you in my prayers. Please keep us posted. Hugs to you both. Jan

[Beachside Quilter]

Keeping you both in my thoughts, Cherie! Hang in there and take each day at a time. Sending you both thoughts of strength and healing and ((((((hugs)))))

[LisaC]

Cheri; thank you for the update on Elmer; I too, have been wondering; we will continue praying for you all; hope your rib heals quickly. God Bless!

[whitepinesquilter]

Thoughts and prayer continue for you and Elmer, Cheri. (((hugs to you both)))

[Primitive1]

Thanks for the update Cheri, prayers continue to go up for both you and Elmer..

[RoseCity Quilter]

Thank you for the update, I was wondering how things were. Continued prayers for both of you....

[srichardson]

Hoping that you both receive the news you are hoping for tomorrow. You are in my thoughts. The two of you are so amazingly strong.

[lisae]

I'm praying for good news tomorrow, Cheri! I think of you and Elmer often and continue to keep you in my prayers. God bless you both!

[HeidiP]

Cheri,

Thanks for the updates! Please know you are both in my prayers daily. Your faith has been encouraging!

Love,

[Oma]

He is one really tough man. God has to be on his side just for him to get to where he is today. Take care of yourself. It's so tough on the caregivers. You're an angel. God will bless you both.

[Fastquilts]

I am so blessed to be able to visit with Cheri and Elmer. They are both awsome people and I enjoy their company. Had a good time helping her trim her rose bushes, we were talking and had them done before we knew it. Elmer's chili is so good, we had it for lunch. Cheri and I have to check out her workroom and discuss our quilting projects when I am there. I am keeping them both in my prayers and am hoping for good news tomorrow. I thank God for their friendship.

[gypsyquilter]

sending healing thoughts your way.

[aleksich]

Keeping both in my prayers, stay well

[Heritage Keepsakes]

Thank you for the update. Thoughts and (((hugs))) are sent to you both. We miss you here on the forum, but know there are more important things at hand that require your focus.

[WestieMom]

Cheri, I continue to pray for you and Elmer. Hope you get the news you're expecting. Hugs to you both!

[RitaR]

Cheri and Elmer.. I too, keep you both in prayer. Both of you are amazingly strong.. may it continue.

I'm waiting to hear further from the Dr. today too. Praying it is good.

Wrap your arms around yourself and give yourself a hug from me.

Keep posting on Caring Bridge.

Hugs, RitaR

[K. Szymaszek]

God bless and keep you both in the hollow of His hand. Heal, comfort and strengthen you and wrap His love around you.

[appr216]

Thanks for the update and sorry to hear about your ribs! Hugs and prayers for all.

[IBQLTN2]

We certainly will keep the prayers going up for you and Elmer daily, I pray for a good report from the doctor and that he will be able to have the surgery. Lots of love and prayers. We miss you and are all pulling for Elmer. Keep the Faith!!

[Dave-Jane]

Cheri & Elmer,

Thanks for taking the time to update us!! Many prayers are being sent your way. Just know we are all sending strength and healing thoughts your way.

[cblevins]

Well we still don't know much. The surgeon had not looked over everything yet but the oncologist was encouraging. We go back to Indianapolis on Monday afternoon to meet with the surgeon. It sounds as though they will do some extensive testing before making a decision. Since the artery to his heart has a tumor growing into it they want what they call a "road map" to see exactly where all the veins and arteries are. I didn't sleep much last night so I am heading for a nap. Thanks for the prayers.

[Bonnie H]

Cheri, I think of you and Elmer often. Many prayers coming from this direction.