She's Home!!!

The past couple of days have been very tough in that Lorrie although feeling better from the small bowel blockage that had disappeared, to now have been experiencing major pain in her abdomen again. Confused why, we discussed the new biliary stent that was placed over a month ago and agreed we needed to send her back down to radiology and see if that was the reason that she was in such bad pain again. Come to find out that was what was going on. It was blocked too.The doctors replaced the new line and the pain slowly subsided. Lorrie wanted so bad to come home two days ago but the doctors wanted to make sure that everything they could do for her was done. Today we got the word from our doctor that she could go home with us and celebrate the new year together. We want to thank the medical staff at Scottsdale Health Care again for their amazing care that they showed to us over the past two weeks. There are so many wonderful people in this organization that know that being a care giver is much more than being labeled a nurse or physician's assistant and even a doctor. These people also provide hope, patience, compassion and love to those of us that are in their hands. Each one of them are very special to us and we will forever continue to tell everyone we know just how incredible you have been to us.
To our friends and family that have continued to support us at this time of year that they should all be celebrating with their family's, thank you so much. This visit to the hospital continues to show us the people that really care and support Lorrie and her fight to continue to beat the dragon that wants to rob her of her life but unable to touch her soul. God bless you our friends and family....

Master Surgeon said "It is Gone"

For the past three days we have been waiting for the surgeons to be able to perform a process that would take away the pain in her abdomen from the obstruction that has landed her in the hospital. Because her levels of potassium have been dangerously low, we had to wait until they were safe to proceed. We got the word this morning that it was a go. The waiting has been hard because we knew that once they would drain the fluid she would be without all the pain from the obstruction that has her unable to eat or drink. With all of us at her side since early morning and patiently waiting for them to call her to surgery we finally got the word at 2:30 to bring her down to the CT department. We all walked down to surgery waiting and kissed her and told her that the pain was going to be gone soon. The doctors said that it would take about an hour to perform the paracentesis and insert the j-tube. About thirty minutes into the process the Doctor came into the room with this big smile on his face and asked if we wanted some good news on Christmas eve? I looked into this mans eyes as he said the words that we all wanted to hear about this cancerous tumor or leison, "IT'S GONE". The obstruction that the doctors indicated that would not be treatable and only surgery to remove it that would most likely take her life, had disappeared from the CT scan and her intestines after being three times the size as normal because of the obstruction, are of normal size again. We all came around her bed the other day in prayer and asked God to bring us a miracle. Looks like the master surgeon has done it again..... Thank you to everyone who has stayed the course with us from the beginning. This miracles for you too....

Miracle's do happen....

Monday evening and Lorrie is medicated to the max to mask the pain. Although one would like to think that being that medicated you would be not able to communicate, but she will raise her eyelids and jump right in there to join our conversations. She always wants to be in the middle of any topic and if your caught whispering she going to let you know she wont put up with it. She is always talking with the nurses and continues to get involved in their lives. All of them know her because she gets personally involved with them each time she gets admitted here. One might be trying to get pregnant while another will be balancing work with a new boyfriend yet another will be discussing their bad day. As long as I have known her she has had this sense about her that people would just open up to her and tell her anything. And once you would open up and trust her you knew you always had someone that truly cared about you. That is why so many people that know her always ask, how could something like this happen to such a wonderful, caring person like her. I myself married for almost thirty years cant think of a single time she has ever had to say to me "I'm sorry for saying that" or a single time she has even raised her voice at me. Oh and believe you me, i have deserved it on more than one occasion. And if I have ever hadn't realized just how special she really is, I do more than ever now. My daughter glued to her side and Colby and I at the end of the bed are cherishing every minute we have with her. This woman who has touched so many lives over the years has left a lasting impression on so many she met. The video at the end of this page is of a man facing adversity in his life that anyone would agree would be more than even they could bare, is something that inspired Lorrie and she made me aware of it and insisted that my son Colby and I watch it. Nick says if God doesn't give you a miracle you are a miracle of God to another's salvation. I know that this little miracle who's battered body cancer tries to defeat has left us with many amazing things to remember about a woman who was always trying to make life a little better for someone else even if it was just to sit down with them and listen. Sorry if this seems to be some kind of eulogy because IT'S NOT!! it's me and all who know her who are simply celebrating her life and the beauty that she continues to leave us with. At her side every step of the journey we continue to pray that God will bring us a miracle at this very difficult time and raise her up and heal her, but we all know no matter what tomorrow brings everyone who knows her can say they have seen a miracle. This cancer may take her body but it will never touch her soul.

Day Two

Lorrie had a pretty good day today in that her pain was controlled very well by the staff. It's 8:00 and she has just got back into the room from having her biliary line replaced. Doctor indicated the line was kinked and would'nt allow the bile to flow which had her liver backed up. Flowing well now and she is resting comfortably.
My brother Jeff who lives in Denver pulled some strings with Priceline today and was able to get my sons ticket modified and brought home early to be with his mom. The family has pulled the wagons together and circled Lorrie and we all await that miracle we all have been praying for. We continue to look for signs that her small intestines have healed themselves from the obstruction that she has. Lorrie and i wish to thank everyone who has been praying for her over the past two years. Your support has been amazing..... Scott

On Bended Knee We Pray

Today we are back in the hospital with a new set of problems. Lorrie has had a terrible time with pain in her abdomen and she is very swollen. The doctors performed a CT scan this morning and were confident that they could remove alot of the fluid that is causing her so much discomfort. They have found also a blockage in her small intestine that is not allowing her to eat or drink. The surgeon met with us around 2:00 today and told us the bad news in that short of doing a surgery to repair her intestine that would most likely take her life, there isnt anything they can do except to medicate her pain and hope that her intestine will heal on it's own. They believe that the cancer has invaded her abdomen area and the CT scan shows some kind of blockage. So many times before we have called upon the Lord for help and each time he has been there for us. So many friends and family and work assocoiates have provided so much light and positive energy when it seemed hope was gone and without all of you we couldnt have made it this far. We have seen God work amazing miracles and answer prayers like never before. Now we are at the crossroad again, and we are asking and praying for God to show mercy on Lorrie.

Still looking for answers

It's November and Lorries has begun another round of chemo to ward off what the Oncologist believe might be cancer cells in her abdomen. It's day five of the treatment and she is feeling a little bit better. Our concern now is that her inability to eat or drink is making her weak. Although she is on intravenous nutrition daily, we have to find a way for her to get liquids and solids orally. Our Gastrologist hasnt got an idea why she is having problems which has us all looking in all directions for advice from other physicians.....

Six Months Later...

My mom and sister dropped off this plaque the other day that were the words on the Oncologist wall. Definitely words to live by.

I'm sorry everyone for not posting more frequently about lorries condition. Seems my change in occupation has completely preoccupied all my time but that is no excuse. I'll make sure to keep everyone up on here current condition. Well it's been almost six months since the last post where I commented on her father and his personal fight with the dragon. We have been in and out of the hospital almost every month since then. Having reoccurring infections due to the foreign objects that have been inserted in her biliary and ureter has been another battle in itself. Because of the stents probability for infection, we have to change them even more frequently than were told. She has managed to get to about 106 pounds and that is a milestone for her after being close to 90 pounds just a few months ago. She is now having another problem with eating and we are actively looking at it now with our doctors at Scottsdale Health Care. We have found a few months ago that by adding supplements to her drinks that she can sustain better nutrition than trying to eat solid foods. We have been trying a new product that gives her five servings of 60 fruits and vegetables as well as 22 probiotics in a 6oz drink. It has been easy for her to ingest and is making her feel better nutritionally. Tomorrow we are off to the hospital for a upper GI that her Gastrologist has ordered for her swallowing issue. I'll be back as soon as the results are in. Thanks to everyone for your continued support and prayers...... Scott

"Slay The Dragon"

A few post ago I shared with everyone the battle with cancer that Lorries dad had to endure. Franks battle with Leukemia was diagnosed and the doctors said he might survive another two years if he was lucky. With his faith, his family and his positive attitude, he survived almost twenty years longer than the doctors had given him. His constant trips to The City of Hope in California and watching the suffering that children and adults underwent fighting cancer inspired him to write this song. An accomplished writer and singer in Hollywood, he wrote “Slay The Dragon” . Unfortunately he passed before he could publish it. It depicts Cancer and all forms of it to the Dragon and the mighty sword is symbolic to the word of God. His always positive attitude and love of life was an inspiration to all…. We hope you like it as much as we do….

Thank you Teresa for your amazing role in Frank’s life and music. And for your support you have shown us as well.... We love you

He said "It is gone"

As most of you know, Lorrie has been receiving Chemotherapy for a little over a month now and because the first dosage she received was so potent the Oncologist had decided to reduce her therapy treatment by 20% to keep her out of the hospital. So far it is working fine and she is coping with the treatment without any severe side effects.

I did want everyone to know that about two weeks ago our Oncologist ordered a CT scan of her tumor she has on her colon so to better see the progression of it. Honestly feeling that we were just in for more bad news about the tumor because the doctor said he couldn't cure her, we just headed to the hospital for the test. I grabbed Lorrie's hand on the way to the hospital and said lets pray Lorrie. As I held her hand I said to God, you know God, there are a lot of people as you know that are praying for a miraculous recovery for Lorrie and they are all watching and waiting for you to show mercy on her. You said ask and you will receive. So it is all up to you... I 'm asking for the results of this test to show that the tumor is gone and that you'll restore Lorries health back to her. Didn't seem like a huge request to me. I just asked my father to take control of his daughter and heal her. I looked over at Lorrie and with that big smile that’s always looking back at me, proceeded to the Lab for the CT scan.

Would you believe the Oncologist called back three days later and told Lorrie that the results of the CT scan were in and they showed NO MASS or TUMOR visible. The tumor that was too large to remove during surgery and that our surgeon said was the size of a computer mouse....was gone. To make sure that we all are on the same page i.e. Oncologist, surgeon and radiologist, I contacted them and asked to compare all her imagery from the minute we found the tumor till now to make sure we were not possibly overlooking something. Again they called back and agreed that the mass was absent from where it was originally located on her colon. They ordered a PET scan last week to look at her again with the best technology they have. Although the results are not in yet, I believe I already know the answer. I asked God as I had so many times before to help us through this terrible time in our lives and although I seemed to continually get the same bad results and even doubted him even listening to me, I know we didn't walk alone and we know he was there all the time. It is one thing to have faith in God, to know that God exists, and that He is all-powerful and that there is nothing that He cannot do or accomplish – but it is quite another thing to be able to completely trust God with your life and to completely trust Him to properly handle it for you. For over two years since we first found her to have cancer, I have been looking for a miracle and mercy from God for Lorrie. I believe he has answered with an astounding reply…. It is gone…..

And We Danced in the Rain

Sitting in the Oncologist office last week I noticed above Lorries head a plaque that read "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to DANCE IN THE RAIN". I motioned to her to look over at it and with a big grin she smiled at me. It was at that point I realized that life is full of many storms that darken our days but if we realize that it isn't about the situation we are in but how we adapt to it to make the best from it. I will continue to live those words I read in that office and make each minute I have left here the best I can make it.
What a day it was. The world’s largest horse drawn parade the Parada Del Sol was this morning and the turnout was amazing even though the forecast was that rain was on the way you wouldn't have known it by the excitement in the air. With thousands of people lining the street and horse drawn carriages everywhere and local school bands lining up to the beat of their drums, you could tell it didn't matter to anyone that what the weather man had said was coming.
With the parade starting right on time, the first carriage started it's procession. Kids screaming and bands playing and that so familiar rat-atat-tat off the rims of their drums began to play. As the clouds began to thicken in the northern sky, I began to feel terrible for all the people that have worked so hard to march in this event to have to possibly walk through what I had never seen as long as i have lived in Arizona. Rain on the day of the Parada Del Sol. The wind was kicking up and the temperature was dropping like a rock.

As I looked through my cameras view finder I could see the gang from Scottsdale Health Care and my family and friends coming closer with some very familiar shirts on. The closer they got to us I began to hear the words being repeated "we love Lorrie clap, clap, clapclapclap. The closer they got to us the louder they said it. While I was trying to photograph all of them coming down the road, I had all I could do to control the emotion I felt watching these wonderful people making Lorrie feel so special. Then what I couldn't believe would happen, actually did. As I had raised my camera back to my eye to continue photographing all of them, they all just began to break up in the middle of the Scottsdale Road and run towards her at the edge of the street where she stood with my mom and dad. I looked to my left and two police cars which were apparently trying to move down the road were blocked and prevented from moving because everyone had scattered to her. With smiles on their faces I knew that they understood. There were so many people around her and I was doing the best I could to photograph everyone around her so that if anyone wanted to see proof of an amazing gift of support God has put before us. As the rain began to fall and as they all broke towards Lorrie from the street, I had looked back to that moment when I read on a wall that even though the dark clouds will come in and the rain will fall, all you have to do is dance in the rain. You may never know the impact that each and every one of you have made in our lives to this day, but I can promise you that we will never forget what you all have done as long as we live

She's Home

We got her home today late afternoon and she is happy to be here. It's 8:00 pm and Home Health Care has arrived to show us how to administer this powerful intravenous antibiotic to Lorrie over the next five days. What a great group they are too. Very accommodating and compassionate people. Well tomorrow it's back to juicing and building her immunity up. Although her hair is beginning to come out because of the first round of chemo she still looks beautiful. Going to be concentrating on getting her strength back for now. Lorrie wanted me to say hello and thank you for all your prayers....Scott

She's coming home.....

Lorries condition has improved due to her blood count being restored to normal. Unfortunately due to the low blood count, she contracted what doctors call "A Super Bug" which under normal circumstances her immune system would have been able to ward off but because her count went so low she couldn't fight it. They indicate she might be able to come home today if the she doesn't have a adverse reaction to this new medication for the virus. She is really ready to come after five days in the hospital. All chemo therapy treatment has been halted for now so that she can build her immune system back up. I'll let you all know if our stay at club med will be over just as soon as I get her home. Thank you for all the support.... Scott

Hope For Tomorrow

Lorrie's blood count is getting better. On a scale of 1 to 8 she has moved up to 2. It appears the Neupogen injections are taking effect but the down side is that it makes her skeletal bones hurt. A common side effect of the drug when larger doses are administered. Chemo therapy treatment has been halted for the time being and I am going to call her Oncologist first thing Monday to ask him what his plan is at this point and see again what are options may be if any. Doctors have said that possibly she might be able to come home tomorrow but I'm not holding my breath because I know just how sick she was. This is the battle that all her friends told her she would have to endure to beat this thing. Our sleeves are rolled up.....Scott

Back at Club Med

Lorrie's condition has taken a turn again and landed her back into the hospital. Seems her Biliary line has a blockage and it is causing her an infection and fever possibly because of the chemotherapy she is going through. Last night they were successful in replacing it and she was resting somewhat comfortably when I left. Finding out her white blood count was on a scale of 1 to 8 a score of 1, I spoke with Lorries primary Oncologist regarding her condition and he had told me that he generally administers a dosage of medicine daily to prevent the white blood count from dropping like a rock. His explanation to why he hadn't ordered it was because of Lorrie's decision to receive her treatment at the hospital rather than in his office prevented him from staying in closer contact with her. Not sure why he hadn't foreseen the possibility of it occurring and ordered it from the hospital again makes me reiterate to everyone going through any medical condition, Take Charge of your Health and continue to ask questions about the care your Physician has in play. Subsequently he has ordered the medicine and we hope her levels will increase soon. Now because her count is so dangerously low, the staff has ask everyone that is considering seeing her, not to visit her at this time. The staff and doctors at Scottsdale Health Care are taking great care of her as they always have. If they are able to get her stabilized they said I might be able to get her home Sunday. We appreciate everyones support and prayers so very much.

Day Three Chasing the Dragon...

It's day three of chemo treatment and Lorrie is really feeling sick. We clearly remember the first time we went through this and the same feelings of nausea and vomiting were the worst about day three. Taking medication for the nausea should take effect soon I hope. Fortunately my suggestion to the doctors to order her fluids to be given three times a week because of her inability to drink enough, should help her alot.
Lorrie met with her Oncologist Dr.Issaccs yesterday to check up on her condition. They have said they are going to follow her condition carefully and after six weeks their plan is to use a P.E.T scan to determine if the tumor is shrinking.
After seeing the doctor she went to her NaturalPath Dr. Rubin who would like to administer the vitamin C therapy treatment to ease the feelings of sickness during the chemo therapy treatment but the Oncologist wont allow it. That is what I have found most disheartening is the fact that one can sit in a room with five doctors from different backgrounds and teachings and get just as many different opinions on how to attack this disease. Your simply left with the opinions of all of them and it is ultimately up to you to determine what course your going to take. Whether looking for an answer in divine intervention or a recommendation from a friend or Physician maybe even a flip of a coin, you will have to make the decision yourself. You want 16,200,000 ways to cure cancer? Go ahead and Google it for yourself. It is Lorries decision to follow the Oncologist decision of therapy and I will support her completely what ever path she decides to take. So, we move forward on day three looking for a glimmer of hope and a miracle for a brighter tomorrow.....

DAY ONE OF CHEMO WAS SPECIAL

Five special ladies surprised Lorrie today at the Out Patient Infusion Center where she received her first round of Chemo therapy. Roxanne, Michelle, Gwen, Lynn and Sandra dropped by to give Lorrie a cashiers check from the T-shirt and bake sale and hope ribbons you have supported. On behalf of the hard work that went into the T-shirts made by Jessica and her husband Billy and the ribbons made by her friends Michelle, Gwen and Lynn over the past few weeks and the support of the Scottsdale Health Care ER department for their help selling the ribbons and t-shirts and bake sale, I celebrate how wonderful you all are. You have all made her feel so special. I again want to thank all of you for the time and efforts that so many of you have shown Lorrie and me during this fight we are up against. It was truly amazing how much money you all have raised over the past few weeks to help her with the extra care she is receiving through her naturopathic physician. It looks like you have collected more than $2700.00
I also would like to thank the support of our family and friends that have supported her each time this evil disease has come back. Again I dont know what I can do or say that would express sincerely how amazing each and every one of you are, but I will say that because of what you did, you all have a special place in our hearts forever.

Her Friends are Circleing the Wagons

I have just been told that Lorries co-workers have organized in support of her illness a tee shirt fund raiser that says Love Lorrie on the back which will help us out with some of the extra expenses for treatment we are after. They are also holding a bake sale on January 22nd at her office. I was told that there are almost a hundred people already that have purchased the ten dollar shirts and the people are going to wear them at Scottsdale's Parada Del Sol in February along side the Virginia G. Piper participants in the parade. From the outpouring of support from everyone at our church to everyone that has been so gracious and giving at Scottsdale Health Care Financial department where Lorrie works, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all you have done. I am completely speechless and in awe of everyone that has come together and given so much support to her. I hope to personally get a chance to thank each and everyone of you at her office over the next few weeks.....You all are so amazing and a real blessing in our lives...

A MUST SEE VIDEO

The reason to create this blog for Lorrie was to be able to inform all our friends and family about her journey to beat the dragon as we call it. Lorries father Frank Laughrun a musician in Hollywood wrote a song about cancer in the eighties named "Slay the Dragon". Ironically it would also take his life. It's incredible to see how many people are being attacked by this disease each and every day.Approximately 1500 people die each day in the United States due to cancer. About 3,400 people are diagnosed with cancer each day in the U.S. I happened upon this site http://sprword.com/videos/foodmatters/ today and i have to say I was amazed by what I saw. This video might fuel your own personal agenda on taking control of your health and not putting all your trust in what main stream medical science seems to believe is fact.

I would like to thank the many people that have been forwarding both personal and researchable information on Lorries condition. We are assimilating all of it and trying to make a decision based on all we have either been told or have researched ourselves. We are meeting with Dr. Ramanathan at the TGEN clinic at Piper Institute on Monday 1.11.10. He has come highly recommended by three highly respected doctors in the field of clinical research. Not to say that we will go that route but we feel we should at least look at all alternative measures available.