Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Progress Note for Lowry

We just finished watching Monster-in-Law (it was tolerable - where's Rambo or Maximus Orellius when you need him) while Angela received her chemo. She is napping right now waiting for the bag to finish dripping. I thought I would take a moment and give Lowry (Angela's college roommate) the progress update she requested. Her blood work came back great today. She has already tapered off one seizure med and is tapering off of her steroid this week. Initially she was taking enough pills to make a movie star blush. No more headaches and increased mobility. This typically indicates the tumor is stable or shrinking. We'll know in a few weeks when Dr. Stagg orders her next MRI. She is tolerating the chemo exceptionally well. We are scheduled to go back to Duke March 31st. Until then she will continue to receive chemo intravenously every other week.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

With all the prayers, there is only one outcome! Besides, we need you back at Frenchquartermarket.com. We are having lots of people calling, wanting to wholesale all your great items. With the new warehouse now set up, we need to build that nice office for you.Then I will have 2 Fluker's to answer to. (That might not be so good!)
I'm glad you are feeling better, and everyone here is still praying for you. I even had a customer of yours send an email, she wanted me to let you know that you were added to her prayer list.
God's Blessing,
Jackie

Anonymous said...

Angela,
I am so thrilled to read about your great progress and can do nothing but thank God for this blessing. Terry and I continue to pray for more displays of God's power.
Love,
Jennifer and Terry

Anonymous said...

David,

Thank you for the update, helps us all know how to pray! Again, we are so thankful for your progress!

Debi

Anonymous said...

Hey Angela,

Wow, two progress notes!!! And what wonderful news. I am so thankful that you are receiving not just one Christmas miracle but so, so many!!!

I know it is beyond any words that you can take care of your own family again....as a Mom, I know that is the best medicine anyone can give. I just know that your family is so happy.

With these two wonderful progress reports, you are heading in the direction that you need to be going. Keep going, the finish line awaits!!! The marathon is not over but you are heading that way.

Thanks David for the note. You have enough to take care of so taking the time to write is truly appreciated!!!

I have written this verse before that it just fits perfect with the wonderful reports:

"But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak." Isaiah 40:31

I pray that you continue to fly high with progress Angela and that the side effects to this chemo remain minimal!! YOU GO GIRL..

Love, peace and HOPE and so very thankful,
Lowry

P.S.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A firefighter is working outside the station when he notices a little girl in a little red wagon with small ladders on the sides, a garden hose coiled in the middle, and wearing a firefighter's helmet. The wagon is being pulled by her dog and her cat.

The firefighter takes a closer look. "That sure is a nice fire-truck," the fire fighter says with high regard.

Thanks," says girl says!

The firefighter notices the girl has tied the wagon to her dog's collar and to the cat's tail.

"Little lady," the firefighter says, "I don't want to tell you how to run your rig, but if you were to tie that rope around the cat's collar, I think you could go faster."

The little girl replies thoughtfully, "You're probably right, but...then I wouldn't have a siren!

Anonymous said...

Hey Angela,

Just wanted to let you know that every time I thought of you today, I smiled and was sooooo happy. I am so happy to hear your progress is going in the right direction and that you can be independent of others!! I am so grateful and thankful for all of these improvements. Just thinking back to just weeks ago and the phone call I received from John Michael. We were all devastated by the trip to Duke...and look at the miracles that have occurred in just a few short weeks.

The marathon is not over but the finish line is getting closer...thanks be to GOD!!!

Alleluia!!!

Love, peace and filled with HOPE for you,
Lowry

P.S.
Walking up to a department store's fabric counter, the pretty girl said, "I would like to buy this material for a new dress. How much does it cost?" "Only one kiss per yard," replied the male clerk with a smirk. "That's fine," said the girl. "I'll take ten yards." With expectation and anticipation written all over his face, the clerk quickly measured out the cloth, wrapped it up, then teasingly held it out.

The girl snapped up the package, pointed to the old geezer standing beside her, and smiled, "Grandpa will pay the bill."

Anonymous said...

WAY TO GO ANGELA!

Thanks for the wonderful news. To God be ALL the glory! We have been feeling this in our hearts and we were right. WhooHoo!

Keep up the good work!
Jayne, Kevin and Jacques

Anonymous said...

TGIF Angela!!!

Hope you are feeling great this evening and feeling a little bit of normalcy in your life...would'nt that be a miracle!!!

You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

I am so thankful HE is raising you up at this time!!! Alleluia!!!

Love, peace and full of HOPE,
Lowry

P.S.
A new pastor was visiting the homes of his parishioners.

At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door. Therefore, he took out a card and wrote "Revelation 3:20" on the back of it and stuck it in the door.

When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, Genesis 3:10."

Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter.

Revelation 3:20 begins "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." Genesis 3:10 reads, "I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid, for I was naked."

Anonymous said...

Angela and David, Wow, such good news. God is so good! Our prayers continue and those of so many others- people you don't know, many of them, are praying for you. You are on our prayer list at church and during Mass, those on our sick list are prayed for. I love going to your web site to get the good news! Makes my day! May God shower you and your family abundantly with His mercy and grace and healing. Love you, Maureen

Anonymous said...

Happy Sunday Angela,

Well, my note to you got abruptly interrupted yesterday evening. A teenager was driving entirely too fast, lost control, hit the power pole and boom....we lost electricity till 3:30 this morning. The good news is that he, the driver, walked away from the accident!! Thanks be to God..

Anyway, hope your Saturday was full of fun and excitement enjoying your family and being able to take care of their needs....the best medicine in the whole wide world. I pray that the chemo continues to get rid of every bit of that monster and the Divine Physician is overseeing every need that you have!!!

Sunday, a day of rest...I hope you do just that...not sure how with three babies!!!!

"Love and follow Jesus. If the path becomes difficult at times and you are overcome by fatigue, rest in the shade of prayer. You will find peace and refreshment in dialogue with God."

Love, peace and HOPE,
Lowry

P.S. Not sure this is so funny but...
Why did God create man before woman?

He didn't want any advice!

Anonymous said...

Good Monday Evening Miss Angela!!!

Hope this day brings a renew strength and endurance as your body rids this nasty monster!!! I am sure it feels like a marathon that will never end but the way you are going, the finish line is fast approaching.
KEEP THE FAITH...

Love, peace and HOPE,
Lowry

Here is part of my all time favorite verse...I have to remember this myself when there are "rough" roads...
"Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything; tell God your needs and don't forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus." Phillippians 4: 4-7

P.S.S.
How are men like mascara?

Any sign of emotion and they're running!

Anonymous said...

Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. Psalm 4:1

From reading this verse, I think he is listening to you!!!

Hope your Tuesday was terrific Angela!!!

These days are just rolling on by....I hope you are so much stronger than just a week ago.

I hope you are enjoying your "off" week and that the side effects are still "in check". I am also hoping you are feeling better being off the seizure drugs. I know they are pretty rough on your system.

You are headed in the right direction....YOU GO GIRL!!!

Love, peace and HOPE,
Lowry

P.S.
It was this little girl's first day of school and the teacher asked her what her name was and she replied, "Happy Butt." The teacher said, "Honey I don't think that's your name you need to go to the principal's office and get this straightened out." So she went to the principal's office and he asked, "What's your name?" And the little girl said, "Happy Butt."
The principal called the girl's mother to get this straightened out once and for all. After getting off the phone he looked at the little girl and said, "Honey, your name's is Gladys, not Happy Butt."

The girl then exclaimed, "Glad Ass, Happy Butt" what's the difference?

Anonymous said...

Good Morning,

Hope you are having a great week still and that the improvements are continuing. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you daily.

Let us know if we can help. We'll be gone for a couple of weeks starting Monday, but after that maybe we can schedule a time for you guys to come out here to JBRC again and have an outing when the weather is nice.

Debi

Anonymous said...

Angela,

I'm very happy to hear you are doing better! It was great seeing you, David and the kids that day I came over. Hope to make another visit when I can get to Baton Rouge. Check your mail, I have a very special gift coming your way! Everyone at Home Health says hello also!
With Love and Best Wishes!
Tammy and the gang at
Home Health

Anonymous said...

It's so great to read the good news. I pray often for your healing.

Mental Exercise below:
Think about them one at a time before going on to the next one, hope it makes you feel good.

1. Falling in love.
2. Laughing so hard your face hurts.
3. A hot shower.
4. No lines at the supermarket.
5. A special glance.
6. Getting mail.
7. Taking a drive on a pretty road.
8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio.
9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.
10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.
11. Chocolate milkshake (vanilla or strawberry).
12. A bubble bath.
13. Giggling.
15. The beach.
16. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter..
17. Laughing at yourself.
18. Looking into their eyes and knowing they Love you
19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours.
20. Running through sprinklers.
21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.
22. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.
23. Laughing at an inside joke with FRIENDS
24. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.
25. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.
26. Your first kiss (either the very first or with a new partner).
27. Making new friends or spending time with old ones.
28. Playing with a new puppy.
29. Having someone play with your hair.
30. Sweet dreams.
31. Hot chocolate.
32. Road trips with friends.
33. Swinging on swings.
34. Making eye contact with a cute stranger.
35. Making chocolate chip cookies.
36. Having your friends send you homemade cookies.
37. Holding hands with someone you care about.
38. Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change.
39. Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a much desired present from you.
40. Watching the sunrise.
41. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day.
42. Knowing that somebody misses you.
43. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply..
44. Knowing you've done the right thing, no matter what other people think.

Have a great Valentine's Day,
Love,
Melissa Clouatre

Anonymous said...

Happy Hump Day Angela,

What is home? A rood to keep out the reain. Foru wall s to keep outh the wind. Floors to kkep out the cold. Yes, but home is more than that.
It is the laugh of a baby, the song of a mother, the strenght of a father. Warmth of living hearts, light from hppy eyes, kindness, loyalty, comradeship. Home is first school and first church for young ones, where they learn what is right, what is good, and what is kind. Where they go for comfort when they are hurt or sick. Where joy is shared and sorrow eased. where fathers and mothers are respected and loved. Where children are wanted. where the simplest food is good enough for kings because it is earned. Where money is not as important as lovingkindness. Where even the tea kettle sings from happiness. That is home. God bless it.
(Madame Ernestine Schumann-Heink)

Angela, I am so thankful that you are at home, able to enjoy your family and getting stronger each day.

Love, peace and HOPE,
Lowry

P.S.
At Sunday school they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings. Little Johnny seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam's ribs.

Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and said, Johnny what is the matter? Little Johnny responded, "I have a pain in my side. I think I'm going to have a wife."

Anonymous said...

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

So, I could not type correctly on the last post...I will try to do better!!!

I am hoping you are feeling well enough to celebrate this day with your Valentine!!! Wouldn't that be a miracle????

"Love doesn't make the world go 'round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile."

Love, peace and HOPE,
Lowry

P.S.
Q: What do farmers give their wives on Valentine’s Day?
A: Hogs and Kisses!

Anonymous said...

Angela...something just for you on this Valentine's Day...

Before I was a Mom, I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom -
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put him down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom -
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.
Before I was a Mom -
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,
the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

I am so thankful you are a Mommy!!!

Love,peace and HOPE,
Lowry

Anonymous said...

David and Angela-

My prayers are with you- I have a pretty good idea of what you are going through and think of you often...Hang in there and keep doing whatever Dr. Stagg tells you to do..I have a recheck with him on Monday, 2/18 myself....He is awesome and will do everything within his power for you...but you know that already...Keep the faith..prayer works.

Myra LeBlanc