Welcome to the Carlton Gang's Homepage

FEBRUARY 25, 2004

Hello! Well, Frank got back home tonight from being in Little Rock for a bone marrow biopsy. This is the first time he's ever gone alone for an invasive procedure. It wasn't easy knowing he was going alone, but it just sort of turned out that way. He was brave. That procedure is painful. I will join him next Monday and Tuesday when we return for his CAT scan, PET scan and visit with Dr. Barlogie. Then he'll return home for his next chemo round. (After fighting with Dr. B about doing it in Little Rock). We just read an article about Dr. B. His Myeloma clinic brings $166 million into the Little Rock area. Amazing. We used to think Dr. Barlogie wanted us in Little Rock because he thought we didn't have IV's in Memphis! Now we know better! JUST JOKING. We are very blessed to have such a gifted and brilliant doctor in charge of his protocol. But we love our Memphis guy, Dr. Weir just as much.

Chandler was home from school all last week sick, and Chase was home sick this week. And not to leave anyone out, Zach doesn't feel good! We've all been there...it's the winter blues! Frank actually caught the infection this time. It's been over a year and this is the first time he's caught anything from them. Dr. Weir treated him pretty aggressively here and he was back to work in 48 hours.

As always, being at the hospital is an adventure. Frank came home with stories of new people he'd met. Some not responding to treatment. Other new patients with that all too familiar "look" in their eye. It's all just another reminder of how thankful we are that God has allowed Frank's treatments to be so successful. His mission field.

A mom from the kids school is beginning chemo treatments for a new cancer diagnosis. It is amazing how God can bring us through something only to turn around and only hope to be an encouragement to another. I've been reminded of how important it is to give back what God has blessed us with. Zach got a card and wrote a letter to his class mate - the woman's daughter. I was proud of him. It wasn't that long ago that he was hurting so much himself. He wrote the note in private and slipped it in her back pack without ever telling anyone. I know his heart - and I can only imagine what he shared with her.

We still get phone calls and emails asking about Frank. It means so much to us that we aren't walking this journey alone. Your prayers keep us strong. I pray they are keeping you strong too! Forever grateful, Peggy.

JANUARY 28, 2004

Hello!!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! (And in case we miss it...Happy Valentines Day)

To all those who are upset at us for not updating sooner, we sincerely apologize. We did actually attempt to post an update around Christmas, but it got lost in cyberspace and never made it to John. Again, thank you John for helping us to keep this website going.
After Frank got back from his second transplant, things really got busy for us. He recovered quickly for which we are so thankful for God's healing touch on Frank's body.

Our house sold. We began moving things in after Thanksgiving. We made 3 to 4 trips daily, moving things in until closing. Dec. 4 it was official - we slept in the new house for the first time. Just like you guys, the holidays were wonderful and we enjoyed being with family.

Frank had a chemo treatment the second week of December. He had to fight hard with Dr. B in Little Rock, but he won and got to stay in Memphis for that treatment. It was good that he was feeling almost normal by Christmas. I was so glad he was able to feel good enough to enjoy the kids.

Frank goes every Monday to West Clinic for his blood work. He comes home from work with his "report card" (that's what he likes to call it). His white count hovers around 3. We wish it were a little higher, but aren't complaining. He feels good most days and his spirits are incredible. We were able to hear Dr. Weir speak at a church here in town. He has such a sweet and gentle nature about him. We feel blessed to have him watching over Frank.

I started working with Crye-Leike here in Memphis selling Real Estate. I am learning things every day and have some vary gracious people that have come along beside me and helped me get started. I am excited and challenged to be doing something different. The timing has been good, Frank has been very supportive as well as the kids.

We feel so honored that you (that would be YOU if you happen to be reading this!) still pray for us and keep up with Frank's progress. We are so thankful for how far he's come in the treatment plan. And it feels so good to feel a sense of normalcy at home. But, Frank does still have a year of treatment to go. Please continue to praise the Lord with us for his continued remission. Also for our brother-in-law Jim. Please pray with us for successful treatments this next year. We want the Lord to be glorified through all of this. We continue to thank God for each one of you! Peg

NOVEMBER 26, 2003

Dear Ones:

It was at this exact time last year that I was (we were) trying to grasp the reality of having cancer.

To say that I was frightened is too simplistic. To say that I was confused doesn't cover the range of emotions either. I simply did not know how to feel. Numb, that would be closer than anything else.

This day, this week is truly one of Thanksgiving for us. To all of you that prayed for us, cried with us, helped us, and supported us we are thankful.

Your prayers have been answered. God has granted our requests.

We're counting our blessings like never before.

Praise Him for this!

Frank

NOVEMBER 21, 2003

Well, Frank came home yesterday from Little Rock with his report from the doctor.Here's what we know.......

Frank's genetic profile - his DNA bone marrow samples - indicate that he should be able to maintain a lengthy remission. What wonderful news that was! We are so very thankful.

His white count was 1.9, but Frank didn't say that they seems concerned about it. It has dropped at little with each lab drawn. Everything else looked really good.

However, the fractured L2 vertebra that was responsible for his diagnosis has shown increased compression. We have read reports like this in the past, but Dr. Barlogie, at that time, had decided to watch it. Now, he wants to try and fix it, to prevent any further compression. This is done by injecting medicine into the vertebrae (guided by x-ray) that will harden the bone and fill in that space. He was also supposed to have a PET scan that got overlooked.

So, he left for Little Rock this morning to have those two things done, and will be home tonight. His spirits were great. He didn't appear to be nervous or upset about having this done.

His next chemo will be the second week of December. He had to argue with the doctor to let him have this treatment in Memphis, and he won! Frank also argued to wanted to wait until after the holidays to start this chemo, and he lost that one.

I don't think he goes back to Little Rock until March. Yeah!!

As thanksgiving rolls around, we are reminded of so much to be thankful for. We are in awe of our Lord, and how He works in and through each one of His children to be His hand and His feet...and so much more. The power of the Holy Spirit an awesome thing!!

Have a wonderful, blessed weekend. Love, Peggy

NOVEMBER 19, 2003

It is a time of Thanksgiving indeed!

Hi everybody. I know it's been a while since we updated. We are sorry. I hope this finds each of you happy, and healthy and looking forward to Thanksgiving.

Frank is in Little Rock right now. He left yesterday morning, and should be back Thursday night. His MRI and bone marrow went well. The bone marrow biopsies are never fun, and I am still amazed after almost a year how well he handles them. He had the "new girl" today - that's always scary. But he had no complaints and said they were all laughing before it was over. He'll get the results and see Dr. Barlogie on Thursday. We are thanking God for his progress and healing and praying for a continued remission. Frank was able to sneak off to Greenville for the night and visit with his parents. I know they enjoyed the surprise!

Jim, our brother-in-law, had another checkup the first week of November. He is also still in remission and got a good report from the doctor. We are so thankful for his health as well.

Tuesday the 18th was our 14th anniversary! We couldn't be together on Tuesday, but had a nice dinner over the weekend. We toasted to the last 14 and to the next 16!! We can attest to the fact that our "13th" year of marriage was not a superstitious "bad" year. In spite of the challenges that we faced as individuals and as a couple, it was one of the sweetest years of our marriage. We got refocused on what's really important and spent some very precious moments together. Frank's attitude about his cancer and his never-ending, Christ-centered, positive outlook had taught me - and the kids- so much.

So, what else has kept us from making entries more often? Well, we sold our house - again! The first offer several months ago fell through, but it looks like this deal is going to stick. We are closing on Dec. 1st. In addition to that, for the last 4 weeks, I have been going to school to get my Real Estate license. With our house selling during my course, I felt like I was on a very long field trip! It's been a long time since I was in school and had to study! Let me rephrase that! It's been a long time since I was in school and chose to study!! Anyway, I finished school today and passed all the necessary requirements.

We'll let you know how his check-up went after Thursday..........Thanksgiving's a week from tomorrow!

Psalm 100: Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.

OCTOBER 22, 2003

I'm Home!

My Dr.'s looked me over one more time on Tuesday then told me to go home. I have a terrible rash and am still running a low grade fever, but since there are no other symptoms they said go.

This marks an end to the most aggressive parts of my treatment. To tell you the truth, the hardest part of all this has been the separation from family and being connected to life. The time away will be minimal from now on.

Phase 2 of treatment will include chemo every 3 months for the next year. Regardless, I plan on growing my hair back. I don't like having a cold melon in the winter.

Thank you to everyone that has been sending me notes, well wishes, and prayers. Your strength has kept me sane.

Praise to God for His mercy.

Frank

OCTOBER 19, 2003

Well, here we sit (in Little Rock) waiting for some answers.

I was supposed to be "paroled" on Friday, however a persistent fever has kept us here. No one wanted to take a risk (including me) by letting me go home and possibly get sicker.

I have an appointment first thing Monday. All my vitals will be evaluated and a course of action will be decided on.

The good news is I haven't broken 101 today. If I can maintain the low grade maybe, just maybe, I can come home.

Personally, I think I received the curse of the Frenchman when I tried to challenge his recovery record weeks ago. Jacque whereever you are...I apologize.

My smiling face will be back soon, just not soon enough.

Frank

OCTOBER 14, 2003

Dear Father in Heaven:

I have cried out and thrown myself down for your mercy...You gave it without measure.

In my sin I doubted that miracles still happen...You delivered me despite my smallness.

There have been times that I have chosen the path of isolation, which leads to the pit...You sent Your Saints to my rescue.

I have endlessly worried about my wife and my children...You told me to trust in You.

We walked to the edge of what is called this life, and You said it is not time to go.

Thank you Lord Jesus for all of these blessings! Frank

OCTOBER 10, 2003

Hi, everyone. Well, the boys and I arrived in Little Rock late last night. Zach's soccer game was rained out, so we decided to go ahead and get on the road, pulling in around midnight. They are on fall break, and we'll be spending the long weekend with Daddy. Chandler left on Wednesday to visit her friend in Kansas City. She is having a blast, but it's very different without her here. Please pray she has a safe trip and good flight Sunday.

Frank is beginning to run fever. He's run low grade all week, but only at night. We have IV antibiotics he is supposed to hook up if it goes over 101. It's mid-day here and his last temp was 100.7. We are watching him closely. His blood levels dropped again yesterday, so we haven't gotten word that he's "on the way up" yet. We are hoping it's soon. Frank did mention today that his chances of beating the Frenchman are fading, but he's handling it well. Being a Mississippi State fan has gotten him used to this sort of disappointment. He's also developed the mouth sores that the chemo is famous for leaving behind. Although he doesn't feel as good as he did a few days ago, he is still doing very well overall. These side effects are yucky indeed, but are not unexpected. Frank is more than halfway done, and he's hanging in there beautifully.

Chase is also doing well. He had some tests run Thursday on his kidneys. They found out he has low grade reflux. The pediatrician hasn't gotten back with us about what we should do about these results. But we are very thankful it's nothing serious. He was a brave little boy during his tests, and I was grateful that I was there to comfort and love on him.

As I'm typing this Frank just got word about his lab values. It looks like he's coming up!! Yeah! His white count went from 0.3 to 0.5. Maybe he's made the turn. His platelets are 20. Please pray that won't get any lower. Last time he had to have a transfusion of platelets when the level went to 14. We don't want him to have blood products if he can help it. His CRP level is an indicator of infection. It was high. So also please pray that God would heal any infection brewing and the fever would go away!

Thank you for keeping up with our family and Frank's progress. We are so thankful for your prayers. We would love to know who "you" is though. Sign the guestbook and tell Frank hi! There's not much to do here, he'll enjoy reading it.

Isaiah 12:2 Behold, "God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid."

OCTOBER 8, 2003

Life in Little Rock has been slow and uneventful. Praise God for that.

I have had very few problems physically, except the constant fatigue. I had to take a 2 hour nap after making the trek to the hospital today. It amazes me how a few ounces of chemicals can make such and impact on ones body. I ran a 5K race on Saturday the 27th. Now I can't walk to the car without feeling it!

For any of you that might possibly be interested, here are the numbers: White Count .02; Red Count 3.60; Hematocrit 32.8; Platelets 20. I hope that's the bottom, I'm getting tired just looking at them.

I am so proud to announce that my daughter tried out for and was selected for the 6th grade ECS cheer squad. She put a lot of work into this endeavor and Peggy and I couldn't be more proud. Great Job Chandler!

Well that&Mac226;s all for now. I&Mac226;ll have to think and type more later.

Frank

SEPTEMBER 28, 2003

Congratulations to newlyweds Keith and Lori ! May God continue to richly bless you both.

Sincerely Frank & Peggy

Little Rock update...In reflection upon this past week all I can say is praise be to God!

Good health reports, lots of quality time with my family (mom, dad, Peggy, and the kids), the opportunities to help others in need (I actually stopped having tunnel vision and did something for others), and the time in prayer getting mentally ready for the challenge that begins today are all the reasons that I am thankful.

The treatment lasted for about 1.5 hours today. I still feel fine for now. Stem cells to be delivered at 9:00am in the morning.

Tuesday will be the beginning of all the fun.

Frank

SEPTEMBER 26, 2003

Finally the Medical Establishment confirms what I've been telling them for a long time: I am officially the healthiest sick man in America.

The great staff of UAMS threw test after test at me this week and I passed them all with flying colors. I've been studying really hard these past few months. I was bound and determined to do well. The studying paid off. I am still in remission, my bones and organs are healthy, and the lesions that the cancer created are showing signs of repair.

Dr Barlogie gave me the green light to continue with the next step of treatment, which is high dose chemo, then stem cell replacement. This is my second transplant, and hopefully the last one for a long, long time.

The fun starts this weekend and by Tuesday I'll be catatonic. I have as my goal to set the new world record for immune system recovery. The current record is 12 days and was set by French immigrant farm worker back in 1982. I have to beat that Frenchman's record. It is a matter of national pride.

Since I've been here I have had the opportunity to meet two newly diagnosed patients. They had the same fear in their eyes and trembling of voice that I had when I first arrived. It was really neat to be able to comfort and encourage them.

If you have just a moment please lift Gary and Debra up in prayer. They need the comfort and peace that only God can bring.

That's all for now!

Frank

SEPTEMBER 23, 2003

Here we go again!...we are back in Little Rock for the second transplant. Our spirits are high and we have our game face on. We are ready to get this done.

The biggest question for me (Frank) is always...how do you feel?. Well I'll tell you I feel great. I feel normal. I feel that I am blessed beyond belief.

There is a popular verse that people rely on for encouragement..."I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil 4:17. I'll claim that, but here is something else that's neat: If you keep reading the passage, the next verse says, "Nevertheless, you have done well that you have shared in my distress." We are so thankful for all of you who have shared this experience with us. The calls, the notes, e-mails, gifts, the helping hands, and the prayers have all helped deliver the family and I to this point.

We thank you!

Frank

SEPTEMBER 9, 2003

Hi! This is the day that the Lord has made, let's rejoice in it together! We are rejoicing in the wonderful ways that God goes before us and behind us to take care of His children.

Frank and I were out with our agent STILL trying to find a house when he got a call. The man buying our house lost his job and the contract fell through. I feel really bad for him, but I know that God is in control. The pressure is off for us to find a house so quickly. And I won't have to close with power of attorney and move without Frank - which would've been hard for him. What a reminder that God knows best for us! I only pray that poor man feels the same way.

Frank had his blood work drawn in Little Rock yesterday. We don't any results yet, but expect them to be wonderful. The 22nd will be here before we know it. The kids said we need to pack in a lot of fun before Daddy has to leave. I totally agree!

With love and thanksgiving for you all.........Peg

SEPTEMBER 4, 2003

Happy September everybody ~ hope you all had a good weekend.

Things are hopping at the Carlton house. We have a contract on our house. As some of you know, we've had the house on/off the market for about 2 years. Frank said when he was in remission, we'd try again. However, finding a house has been a challenge. Our priorities have changed in what we are looking for, which has made the process more tedious than I'd imagined. And then of course I have the "garage sale theory". You know how it goes: stuff sits around your house and you think you don't want it. You put in the garage sale for a buck. Then someone picks it up and thinks they want it, and all of the sudden you change your mind. "I think I'll keep it - I know exactly what to do with it." I think I feel that way about my house. Now that I have to leave ~ it's never looked better!

Frank's birthday is coming up on September 11. And he'll be leaving for the transplant on Sept 22. His parents will be with them that week, while I stay here and close on the house and move. Could he have planned that any better, or what??

The kids are doing great. Chandler is adjusting to middle school, and the boys enjoy their classes too. Chase is trying gymnastics this year, Zach is playing soccer and the drums (not at the same time), and Chandler is in her 4th year of piano.

Frank is excited about work and a new product line they are trying to get going. I think leaving for a month will be harder this time for that reason. The doctors say that the second transplant is supposed to be easier than the first. That's encouraging. His body hasn't had chemo since May 29. When he got the 1st transplant, he'd been getting chemo every 5 weeks. Since the body has had a rest, it should be easier. Let's pray for that!

Thanks for keeping up with us, and for your continued support of our family. It means so very much to us. Email us and let us know how YOU are doing!!

A new picture on the way.................

So grateful for my forgiveness today, aren't you? Love, Peggy

AUGUST 5, 2003

Well God did it again!

God literally reminded me how much He loves me again on Monday !

Let me explain......Yesterday was the eve of a new round of tests to determine if I'm still in "remission".

To the casual observer, I was acting pretty normal.

However on the inside, I have to tell you I was struggling. It all hit me after lunch. A wave of emotions about my future, about what will happen to the kids and Peggy if I don't make it much longer, all kinds of crazy thoughts just pounding away at me. By the time I drove home I was in somewhat of a panic.

Just after I arrived home Peggy told me that I needed to return a phone call. MS Odie had called me.

Most of you don't know Ms Odie, but you should. She is a friend of our family, older (probably 70'ish), who has been through more adversity than anyone I know, and an extremely confident woman of faith.

I didn't act on the phone call, instead I just did my usual after work routine,...put on shorts & tee shirt, cut the grass, helped with dinner, etc...and in a way ignored Ms Odie's call. I had buried my concerns in my "busy work". This lasted for a while, but around 8:00pm, Ms Odie called back.

After the standard how do-you-do's, Ms Odie got down to business. She started telling me that God had woken her up early Monday morning (3am) and put me on her heart. She said that she had zeroed in on me and had been praying for my health.

She told me not to worry about anything, because God had put it on her heart that I was going to be fine. Ms Odie said that whatever concerns that I had needed to be given up to God in prayer and that I needed to hang up the phone and go get on my knees.

So I did !

I needed to share this story with everyone because it blesses my heart, and I hope yours, to know that God is watching out for us.

No person had told Ms Odie that I was about to go for tests; nor did she know that I was hurting.

God knew, and He laid it on her heart to tell me that He cares for me, that He cares for all of us. And I had forgotten who my Father is.

In His Grip...........Frank

1 Peter 5:6,7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, so that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your fears on Him because He cares for you.

Ephesians 6:10-12 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God s that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil.

AUGUST 4, 2003

WOW...how time flys when you're in remission and having fun!

I can't believe that it has been almost a month since our last posting. It has been nice not having to constantly think about "the journey" for a while.

Well, if you are checking in, please remember to lift me up in prayer today and tomorrow (Tuesday).

Tuesday I travel to Little Rock for another round of tests. This one is to determine if I have maintained the "status quo" or if the cancer is active again.

If I pass the tests, I get to wait for the next transplant until September. If I fail, well it's back into the treatment room for another round of cancer warfare.

Anyway, please take a minute and pray for my remission.

Thanks!

Frank

Psalms 145: 17 - 21 The Lord is righteous in all His ways, Gracious in all His works. The Lord is near to all that call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear HIM; He will also hear their cry and save them. The Lord preserves all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy. My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord, and all flesh shall bless His holy name. Forever and ever.

JULY 11, 2003

After testing for a few days in Little Rock, we saw the doctor yesterday. He told us Frank was still in remission! Praise God!! Chase tells his friends that "his dad got intermission", and so we thank God for dad's intermission, too. Frank got a treatment today at West Clinic. But other than blood work, he's free until the first week of August. Dr. B said he wanted to do the next transplant in the second week of August. After the look on both our faces, he asked what was wrong with the second week of August. "It's only the first day of school", we reply, "no biggie". So he made a deal with Frank. He comes back/goes back ( we don't whether we're coming or going anymore ) for a PET scan Aug. 5. If it's clean, he can wait till September for transplant - Frank's preferred time. But if anything comes up on the scan, he'll proceed with transplant then.

Knowing how many people are praying for us continues to be a huge source of encouragment for us. We have been so blessed by the children that pray for Mr. Frank lately. Several times this past week, we've run into children that come up and ask me how Mr. Frank is doing. When I tell them he's doing great and in remission, it's such a joy to watch their reaction. Some jump up and down clapping, others hug us and some give a "cool" gesture. I've played out these encounters over and over again, and I just can't help but smile. What a neat example they are for me, and what a tribute to their parents.

Enjoy the summer! Frank and I are just going to hang out with the kids and celebrate "Intermission".

We'll be in touch......and we thank God for you all. Peg

JULY 8, 2003

Frank and I are in Little Rock. He finished his testing around lunch today, and now he's resting. The bone marrow testing was today - that's the hardest. He does them without sedation now, and does great. Only an MRI tomorrow. Our friends from Kansas are also here. We just love blessing like this one! We're going to eat out with them tonight.

Jim's report came back great. He is still cancer free!! We are so very happy for he and Lisa and the kids!

Thank you for your continued prayers! Frank and I thank God for the wonderful support He's provided through each one of you.

Stay cool, and have a wonderful blessed day. Peg

Isaiah 40:28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unreachable.

JULY 7, 2003

Hi everybody!

Well, Frank and I leave for Little Rock tonight for his post-transplant check up. We'll be gone until the 10th.

Frank's recovering well. He gets stronger everyday although his counts are still very low. We are looking forward to great news from the doctor......and we'll keep you posted!

Jim, our brother-in-law, is having another 3 month check-up for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma tomorrow. Please join with us in praying for another good report. Lisa and Jim will be seeing the doctor tomorrow after the tests.

xxooxxoo......

JUNE 22, 2003

Things I've learned from fighting cancer:

Our bodies really don't belong to us, they're God's and we have them on loan.

God does answer YES to our prayers, not always, but I thank Him for this YES.

I have more friends than I ever knew.

Challenges can bring a refinement in our faith.

Refined faith brings God glory, and that's why He put us here.

God always keeps His promises.

Being surrounded by men and women of faith is the most uplifting experience of my life.

The fight's not over...I hope to learn a lot more.

Frank

JUNE 18, 2003

A time of reflection........(bear with me). 7 months ago, when Frank's journey began, there were 3 verses that I kept going back to for some reason......

Phil 1:12-14 Now I want to know brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.

From our side of the computer, each one of you will never know how much your words of encouragement for us kept us strong in the Lord. So many times, we've met or heard of people that read these entries that we don't even know. E-mails have come to us with amazing testimonies of a growing faith.

Frank said from the beginning that he wanted God to be glorified through this cancer journey (his "imprisonment" - if you'll allow me the analogy).

As we've seen the mercy of God working in our own lives, we have also been witness to God working in yours. We have seen your "courage to speak the word of God without fear". We have hoped that your answered prayers on our behalf have only strengthened each one of you as these last 7 months have strengthened us. The body of Christ is an awesome mystery. I can't wait to see what God will do next, can you?

Frank is still recovering. He saw Dr. Weir today. We were shocked that is white count was the same as Monday - 1.11, but the other counts had gone up. The doctor said everything was fine and that he looked great! (I could've told them that. :)

He is still fighting a queasy tummy, but the doctor said that was normal too.

We are humbled and grateful that God answered our prayer specifically. He made it through transplant with no infection, minimal side effects and perfect timing - (kids are at camp while he recovers).

The main question people are asking is "what now"? Frank still has to complete the protocol for his treatment. There is another transplant in the fall. Then, another year of chemotherapy. After that, there is a maintenance regimen of shots. He'll be followed closely with blood work monthly. The key with Myeloma is keeping it beat down. The treatment isn't over, but as Dr. Weir said today, he's been through the toughest part now. And with God's help, he's done it beautifully.

We are looking forward to picking up the kids on Saturday. They haven't heard the news and Frank can't wait to look them each one in the eye and tell them! What a day that will be!

We love you all......

Still overwhelmed with joy, Peggy

JUNE 16, 2003

Today I was officially declared "in remission" from cancer.

Thank you to everyone who has been faithful to pray for me during the past 7 months.

Praise God for answering prayers! Give Him thanks! Sing Him a song! Dance a jig! However you feel led, please don't forget to give Him the glory.

Peggy and I drove home from Little Rock today. I must say it was one of the best trips I've had in a long while. I'll be recuperating this week, since my white blood cell count is still very low, but man-o-man it is good to be home.

More later, but we wanted everyone to know.

Frank & Peggy

JUNE 11, 2003

Good morning! We've had a full 3 days. It's hard to believe we've been here as long as we have. We miss our house, dog and cat. (I miss the dog more, but don't tell anyone...especially Chandler).

Sunday, Frank's levels had dropped to a new low. His white count was 0.01 and his platelets got done to14. He got a bag of platelets and some IV fluid at the hospital. He ran fever the night before, so we started IV antibiotics right away. He also had pain in his chest. They did 2 x-rays and the doctor came to see him but they couldn't find any reason for his pain. We were very thankful it wasn't fluid on his lungs or anything else.

When we went to the doctor Monday, they told him his counts had doubled! We were so thrilled! And then they told us his levels went from 0.01 to 0.02. This is how mentally challenged we are here. They were teasing us all along and we're packing our bags ready to come home. Yesterday his count was 0.03. Frank and I have made a game out of trying to guess what the next lab value will show. So far, we are both losing. His other counts are still dropping, so it's just a waiting game. Frank's challenge was to beat the record and get out of here by 11 days. He's missed it, but I think God is totally in control.

We have met so many people here this time. We have 2 apartments this time - the kids have been in one with g-parents, but the apartments are not next to each other. One is the front while the other's in the back. We have all walked a path going back and forth so many times. Late last night, I was headed over to see the kids and ran into our neighbor - new patient, recent widow. He was feeling really down and hopeless. Mom and I were able to talk to him and encourage him in the Lord and pray for him. Walking away from moments like that strengthen me so much. The night before we heard music from the building next door and thought it was the radio. Turns out it was 3 teenage girls playing the guitar and singing praise music outside the apt. They had just met that day, and both had mothers with Myeloma.

Frank is still on the antibiotics and all we have to do now is wait until the white counts get to 2.0. We are getting there - one day at a time. His pain is better but he's still running a fever. His spirits are good. He got up this morning and made himself eggs and biscuits with apple jelly! That's pretty good!!

The kids have been here since Sunday and Mom is here this week with us. We've enjoyed swimming and playing with them. I feel so very blessed that I have been able to be with kids both last week and this week. It's a gift we've been given by both our parents and we are so thankful.

We continue to thank God for the prayers that are being lifted up for Frank and our family. We feel His presence and see evidence of His grace daily. Our God is an awesome God!

Peggy

JUNE 8, 2003

Good morning to everyone! I pray that this day has brought a special blessing from the Lord to each of you.

Peggy and I have been hanging tough over here. There haven't been a lot of things to post, so we haven't. Each day is filled with waiting on my blood counts to rise or fall, depending on the date after transplant. Yesterday my white blood count was 0.03, which is not good if you're healthy, but desirable for now in the process.

When you are cooped up as much a we are there isn't a lot to do. My platelet count is 28, so Peggy won't let me run with scissors. That leaves watching TV, which I had done much of. The highlight for TV this week was the Dateline special about the Tampa, Florida news reporter that has Leukemia. He has 2 small children. It was a faith story of how his faith, and the miracle of a bone marrow donor put him remission. Peggy and I kept exchanging looks as we found so many similar aspects of our story. So many people were praying for them. Like you are doing for us. We thank the Lord for each of you.

Please keep us lifted up. I have started running a fever and having abdominal cramps. We hooked up the IV antibiotic at midnight and called in this morning. These things need to be dealt with, so I am headed back the hospital on what was once my "day off". Also, travel mercies for both our family as the changing of the guard occurs. The kids are coming back to Little Rock today.

We'll keep you posted! Have a Blessed Day!

JUNE 4, 2003

JOY. It is amazing to me that in the midst of the hardest thing we've ever had to face, we can still have such joy. I know with all my heart that joy is from the Holy Spirit. It's nothing we've done. It's a gift. A wonderful, precious, underserved gift. And I am so thankful.

Frank and I have been going to the hospital daily for lab work. Car rides are no fun for Frank. (I'll just leave it at that.) His levels are dropping a little bit, but they're only beginning to fall. His side effects from the chemo are increasing with each day, but he is taking it in stride. Time just won't go fast enough for him. He's "resting" so much and says he's bored. I know that must make the days go by slowly. But his spirits seem good.

Frank's parents and the kids are still here. They all leave tomorrow for Greenville. Even though Frank is sleeping and resting a lot, he says it's a comfort to hear us all in the other room. That's a great feeling. It has been wonderful to have the kids here. We've had fun swimming and riding around the complex with their skateboards. They even play backgammon with daddy when he's awake. Having us together as much as possible has been very important to me and I feel grateful that that has happened. Frank and I will be here together for the weekend, and then the kids come back for another week here with Nana. We are praying we'll be able to go home next week where he can finish recovering in his own bed.

We are praying specifically that the side effects will remain minimal...or just go away all together! That he'll remain free from infection. That this transplant will put him in remission! Safety for the kids and travel mercies on them. And that God would continue to be glorified in all we say and do. We talk to many patients every day and pray that we would be sensitive to any opportunity the Lord may put before us.

May your day be filled with joy......................with love, Peggy

JUNE 1, 2003

Happy Sunday to everyone.

Friday's transplant went very well. The nurse walked in with the - might I say - very little bag of stem cells. 5.5 million cells in that tiny little bag Frank is holding in the picture above. The infusion was over in 4 minutes! The nurse said that all he's been through got us up to this point, and it would be over in 5 minutes. She was right.

Frank has been sleeping more and more. The change has been gradual, but you can see the chemicals slowly doing their thing. He did some walking Friday and Saturday, but not today. His tummy is upset and he's fighting off the nausea as best he can.

The kids are here in Little Rock now. We met mom in Forrest City for the switch. It was great to hug and kiss on them! Frank's parents are coming tomorrow to help me with them and visit with us. I'm looking forward to a great week.

Thanks for all for your continued prayer and encouragement of us. Frank and I pray that each one of you are just as encouraged and growing in faith as you've seen YOUR prayers answered. We are in awe of the mystery of the body of Christ, and power of prayer. Our God is an awesome God.

We are praying that God would protect Frank from infection, have minimal side effects and no complications that would slow down this process.

Because of His great love for us, Peggy

MAY 29, 2003

We have had such a great day! We've been walking around in a cloud of thankfulness since Tuesday.

Frank had to be at the hospital early this morning to receive a medicine via an IV. Afterward, he had a meeting with a hospital administrator. He's working - even during treatment. I am so proud of him and his wonderful attitude. I stayed at the apt. while he took care of business and was able to get out and walk. It felt great to get out, although I did miss my dad's company. We walked together every day over the weekend.

Frank and I went back to the hospital this afternoon for the chemo. Unlike the past chemo treatments, this one only lasted 20 minutes. That is quite a switch from the fanny pack he used to wear over 5 days. It's amazing how much stronger this is, yet how little he actually gets of it. We were in and out of there quick and came back to the apartment for dinner.

There have been so many blessings all along this journey ~ we love to talk about them. One of them is the time we've had together. Not many couples at this stage in life have this amount of alone time. I can remember when getting 10 minutes after work was an accomplishment! I know you guys can relate. Although we miss the kids and are ready to see them next week, we cherish the time we've had together, too. Like I told him before we were married, "he's a keeper".

He is feeling really good. The annoying side effect he's got right now are the hiccups. The decadron gives him the hiccups. Not just every now in then, but for hours. He's sitting behind me now, hiccupping away!...for over an hour now. Scaring him didn't help - I tried!

Tomorrow is the transplant. We go in the afternoon and they'll give him some of those wonderful stem cells he so willing gave in April. We praise the Lord daily for His goodness to us. We talk to many patients that don't have such wonderful news. We are humbled and overwhelmed at the mercy and grace that has been given to Frank. We give God all the glory for the healing process that has taken place in his body. Prayer is a powerful!

1 Peter 5:6,7 Therefore humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.

I'm so glad He cares for us! May each of you experience the joy of the Lord today!

Peg

MAY 28, 2003

Psalms 66:19,20: "Certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my (our) prayer. Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer, nor His mercy from me."

Good Morning!

Well, things are going very well for me so far.

I got all my test results back on Tuesday and everything was very promising. They can only find trace amounts of the "M" protein in me at this time. My bone marrow biopsies were clean. The good part is the Dr. made the comment that I really haven't gone through the most aggressive part of my therapy yet. The stem cell transplant (which I now get on Friday) is the heavy hitter.

The tumor lesions in my bones are either holding steady or reducing in size. Again, good news.

By this coming Monday, the chemo will be working me over pretty well. The nurse said the fastest anyone has recovered from Stem Cell Transplants was 12 days - the longest was 48 days.

Please pray for a speedy recovery with no complications. In fact, pray that I set a new world record of 11 days.

As you can imagine, we are very happy to be in this place and that the Lord has brought us so far.

Frank & Peggy

MAY 27, 2003

Well, today is the big meeting with the Dr.'s to see where I stand, if I'm healthy enough to take the next round of chemo, and to start the weeks of waiting on the results of the transplant.

Peggy and I see the Dr. this morning at 9:00am, then I have a few more tests.

I feel really good about this phase (transplant) of my treatments. I know it will not be fun, but somehow I think the most difficult part of treatment is past.

Pray that we will all stay infection free.

Frank

Hi everybody, Peg here. Sorry we've been so lax on an entry. The last few days of school were so hectic, and we left for Little Rock last Wednesday. We enjoyed getting to come home for the weekend and enjoying the extra day to rest. We didn't leave Memphis until 11 o'clock last night...so little time!

This is the trip we've all been waiting for. The trip you've been praying for. We both have a lot of anxiousness about it. Our "medicine," besides a lot of prayer, has been to live as normal as possible take one day at a time.

Sunday in church, these verses spoke to me: Psalm 33:20-22 "Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield, for our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, just as we have hoped in you."

Thank you for your prayers, your support, your encouragement and your love. Each one of you have been a blessing to us. Have a wonderful, wonderful day!

MAY 14, 2003

Hello!! We're singing praises today for more answered prayer!

Frank's blood work for his myeloma markers came back with a new low ~ 0.3. Not only was this a new low for him, his levels stayed at 0.4 for 4 weeks before the drop. This was also a first Praise the Lord!! The goal is for that level to be zero, but if the numbers stay low, and consistantly stay down, the doctors will say Frank is in remission. We are so very thankful that this is on the horizon.

Our break from Little Rock has been great. We've been so busy with the children The end of the school year makes May so busy ~ and fun. Frank went with Zach to dissect a fetal pig while I went out of town with Chandler. The boys shared all their details with us at the dinner table.....over spaghetti.......how much fun!!

Frank's appointments for Little Rock begin next week. Please keep praying for this next phase of treatment. God has been so faithful to us. He is there and meets every need. To Him be the glory!

The new picture was taken during the stem cell collection April 10. Ain't he a cutie??

Love, Peggy

Hello all, yes these past two weeks have been wonderful. I've been Mr. Normal doing all the things that we all do everyday. From picking up car pool to spreading fertilizer on the lawn, man it feels good to do that stuff.

One caveat, I still have not cleaned out the attic. That would be abnormal activity, of which I am still not ready to tackle.

God Bless You All!

Frank

MAY 3, 2003

Hi everybody, it's Peggy. Frank and I have had an incredible few days. I have so much I want to share, but sometimes it's hard for me to get it out in words...

Frank's sister, Neely was here with her husband Dave and their baby girl, Marissa. Newborn babies are just such miracles to behold! Seeing her brought a flood of feelings for me. Joy for their family and all they have to experience with her, and memories of our own family: places we've already been and how precious that time is and, of course, how fast the time passes.

But looking at her precious face was very calming. It reminded me of how much God loves us, and keeps us, and provides for us. Not just as a baby, but every day. We have felt that fatherly provision fromGod so strong through this. It is so amazing and humbling and awesome to see God work in such a real and tangible way. It blows us away........It gives me the strength and faith to continue to trust Him for every detail of our life. What I've been trying to do lately is thank Him more for where we are, and trust that the final outcome of any hard time is that we are being perfected and molded to be more like Him.

Frank is doing great. His blood levels are coming back up from the chemo. And we are enjoying being home. We return the last part of May for the transplant, and have some specific things we are praying for. Frank continues to have some GI systems. Nothing serious, but annoying for him. Please pray that God would prepare His body to handle this next phase and heal anything going on that would cause complications. Please pray as the Lord leads you for all the different aspects of being away from home. The safety and emotions of the children as they are with us and away for some of the time. The protection of Frank emotionally and physically.

Chandler and I are leaving for St. Louis on a school trip tomorrow. Please pray for a sweet time of fellowship with "just the girls", and for safety. Frank and I thank God all the time for each one of you, and for the way He has used His people to be His hands and feet and angels over us. May God bless each one of you! Until next time...