Delta Dad and the Wild Winter

Since my last post, TheWoodruff4 have been very busy.  February 21 - 22 was Parent's Weekend for the Delta Gamma Sorority at the University of Alabama.  Denny went down to be with Dana.  They went to a nice dinner function on Friday evening at a facility right on the banks of the Black Warrior river. Saturday morning was the Father-Daughter Brunch.  I was with Dan at Auburn for a prospective student function called "Inside Ag Hill".  We met with Professors, the Dean, and the Ag Recruiter.  This was on the same day as Dana's function.

Looking at that picture, it is hard to believe Denny has cancer.  You can tell that Superman is putting up a tremendous fight. Two days after this picture was taken, Denny had an MRI.  On Monday, Feb. 24th, we got the results.  Once again, sitting side by side and gripping each other's hands, we got the news.  The film showed some shrinkage.  That means the chemo is working.  Dr. Murphy said since the tumor is still responding, Denny will continue the course of chemo through 3 more treatments.  That takes him out another 9 weeks and days closer to his goal of making it to Dan's graduation.

He resumed the chemo regimen on February 24th.  As of this post, he is in the "low" period.  His energy level is not as high and he feels very tired.  His immune system is holding strong.  This wild winter weather in Tennessee sure makes it interesting.  This is compounded by the fact that our furnace didn't work for about 2 weeks due to a wiring issue.  New and heavier wire had to be added because the old wire was starting to melt the insulation and was close to catching on fire.   What a mess!  All of this is fixed now.

The next chemo treatment is March 17th.  We asked Dr. Murphy what the next step is after he finishes all the chemo.  She said there is another drug that has been successful for other patients on this chemo regimen.  She is hoping it will work for Denny.  We feel good because at least he has options. 

TheWoodruff4 are going to take a little break and head to Gulf Shores for a few days of sun and fun.  We all need a break; just a minute to step out of stressful routines for a little relaxation.  We will celebrate a birthday and watch the waves and the water. 

Thanks for checking in.  I will keep posting as news develops.  In the meantime, everyone stay safe and warm! Roll Tide! War Eagle?

Racing Against Time

 

 

Time.  It is something we all take for granted. Time, we have found, is very precious.  Each day needs to be savored and enjoyed.  For us, every day is like Christmas Day; with joy and excitement for the gift of it.

Denny is now racing against time.  Dr. Murphy, as I mentioned in the last post, put him back on the chemo she initially had success with.  She told us, "The cancer will eventually become resistant and this chemo will no longer be effective."  The clinical trial she was trying to get him into would not accept him.  He did not meet their criteria or their open window so, therefore, that drug is not available to him.  Dr. Murphy said she will continue to search for a trial that addresses the Pik3 gene discovered in the tumor through the genetic mapping done in Boston.

As of today, Denny does not look sick.  That is what is so difficult to comprehend.  He doesn't look or act like someone in this situation.  He bought a 1991 jeep as a project to work on so he can stay busy. 

On Monday, Feb.3rd, he started the 2nd round of treatment of chemo.  As of today, he still feels like it is working.  The symptoms of the cancer have receded.  He isn't taking any pain medication but feels tired from the chemo. The plan, at this point, is to have another MRI on Feb. 25th.  There is no known treatment plan after that.  The MRI will determine if the chemo continues or if the cancer has become resistant.

We are trying not to look too far ahead as it is like staring into an abyss.  It is overwhelming. We try to keep our focus on each day; just that segment of time.  We continue to pray for Denny to be given some weapon to fight this terrible disease.  Dr. Murphy is an awesome doctor and she is determined to find something to fight with. 

Denny knows you are cheering him on.  He sees your comments on my facebook and reads comments left on the blog.  The cards and emails help encourage him to keep fighting.  Each day is a victory.  Superman is still fighting for time.  Please keep him in your prayers.  Thank you.

Silent Strength

On January 5th, a huge ice storm was making its way through Nashville.  Denny told me that he was not feeling well.  His left ear was leaking clear fluid at an alarming rate.  He had tubes put in his ears in December because the ENT saw fluid near his ear drum that was affecting his hearing.  He was also complaining that his teeth were hurting and he had a terrible headache.  He was in a lot of pain and taking painkillers (he will only use painkillers as a last resort so you know it had to be bad). You might say, "Oh, he has a sinus infection."  However to us, these symptoms strike chords of fear into our hearts.

Because of the weather situation, Denny wasn't able to get to the ENT until Wednesday.  The doc determined that he had an ear infection and prescribed antibiotics.  Thursday, Denny saw the oncologist.  He told her the cancer was back.  She had her doubts but got him in for an MRI on Sunday, January 12th.

Neither of us could sleep very well Sunday night.  At 4 a.m., I realized he was awake.  I could tell by his breathing that he was not sleeping.  I reached out and grasped his hand.  Both of his hands folded around mine.  We never spoke but simply gave each other silent strength; trying to ready ourselves for the news we hoped we wouldn't hear.

Today, we found out the results of the MRI.  Denny was correct.  The cancer has aggressively returned.  Where the MRI showed little signs of the cancer on November 25th, he now has a 4 cm. tumor behind his left eye; close to where the other was and almost as big.  This was devastating news.

Dr. Murphy is going to give Denny 2 more treatments of the same chemo that the tumor responded to last time.  That will take him out to 6 weeks and then another MRI will be done to see if it is still effective.  In the meantime, she will be trying to get him into a clinical trial for a drug identified through the Foundation One genetic mapping.

As we left her office, we both had watering eyes and determined spirits.  I said, "This is one more battle in the War."  Denny said, "Yep.  I'm still fighting."  I called the kids to tell them what was going on.  TheWoodruff4 are still holding strong and ask that you keep Denny in your prayers. 

Thank you, friends and family, for hanging in here with us.  We appreciate all the encouragement and support.  I will continue to update the blog as the situation develops.  Thanks for checking in.

In the Beginning...

Here we are on our wedding day in June of 1991.  Excitement and joy filled the day and the future was a promise of wonderful things yet to come.  Little did we know then, these two happy people, what else the future had in store.

We moved into new homes, had a beautiful daughter and a handsome son.  We went on vacations, fishing, and camping.  We had the "Woodfest" at our farm.  There were birthdays, Christmas' and New Years to be celebrated.  We were normal; like any other family. Then, in the blink of an eye in 2004, we found that our little world would never be the same.

Sometimes I wonder what our lives would have been like without the specter of cancer hanging over us.  Then again, I would never know that I married Superman and watch his incredible strength rise to meet each battle.  He would never know the warrior he married inside the woman he loves.  Dana and Dan would have never known the strength they have shown to succeed in the face of adversity.

They say things happen for a reason and that God has a plan.  I'm just grateful that plan included more time for Denny.  As a family, we embrace 2014 and are happy to enter this new year together.  Thank you for being with us every step of the way.  We wish you joy, health and happiness always.

TheWoodruff4

Miracles...They Are All Around Us

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from TheWoodruff4.  I have just a moment to spend writing before I begin baking and wrapping.  As I was getting the butter out of the refrigerator, I saw this little drawing that I put up last year.  Dana drew it last Christmas Eve in Church on her bulletin.  I remember seeing it on the kitchen table later that night and cut it out.  Dana was thinking of a holiday tradition we started when the kids were born. 

Each Christmas Eve, TheWoodruff4 sit together side-by-side on our couch to hear Denny read "The Night Before Christmas".  Seeing this little picture brought tears to my eyes.  How grateful I am that the four of us will, once again, be able to sit side-by-side on our couch to hear him read.  We have been given the greatest gift of all...time to celebrate as a family. 

Both of the kids are here.  TheWoodruff4 are together under one roof.  We will have our traditional turkey dinner, open gifts on Christmas morning, and just bask ourselves in yuletide happiness.

Yes, miracles are happening all around us.  We appreciate all of our readers who have been following this journey.  There have been almost 18,000 hits on this blog to date.  We continue to be inspired and are in awe of the wonders we have experienced.  Thank you for being with us every step of the way.  Denny wouldn't be here without the grace of God, your prayers and support.  We wish for you a safe and healthy Holiday.  Enjoy your families and friends.  We are sure if you look hard enough, you will see the miracles in your lives too!

Thanksgiving Blessings

I only have a few minutes but I wanted to share more pages to our story.  Denny finished his last round of chemo 2 weeks ago.  He retired from a distinguished career with the Corps of Engineers and spent the next few weeks at the farm.  He and Dan went back for the annual deer hunt.  No deer but lots of fun.

He had an MRI done on November 21st.  On Monday, we got the results.  He and I were both holding our breaths; trying not to let the anxiety get to us.  I have bitten my nails to the quick over the past week in anticipation of that day.  I am ecstatic to announce that TheWoodruff4 has received Thanksgiving Blessings.  Denny's scans showed that the chemo is still holding the tumor down.  No change from his last scan. 

To celebrate, he and I went to the Flying Saucer; a restaurant/pub in downtown Nashville close to Vanderbilt.  It is a place with good food and a lot of atmosphere!   We enjoyed a good meal and talked about how good it was to be going back to spend the holidays with our families.

Life is good.  We are blessed.  We hope all of you enjoy the holidays as much as we will!

Free Bird

Big news for the Woodruffs!  Denny retired on Friday, November 1st, 2013.  It was quite a big deal.  Dana came home from college and Dan left school early.  We were shown into a conference room crowded with many of Denny's work friends. 

He was given numerous awards, certificates, and a special coin for 36 years of meritorious service.  Congresswoman Diane Black sent him a flag that had been flown over the capital.  His boss gave him a pewter, commemorative antique plate that celebrated 200 years of the Corps of Engineers. 

Denny was given time to give a goodbye speech.  He talked about the many opportunities that he has had and the people he has met along the way.  It was very well done.  Then, without his knowledge, we had arranged for the rest of the Woodruff 4 to speak. 

Dana is terrified of public speaking but she was the first to stand before the crowd.  She gave a poignant and sweet little speech to her Dad telling him how proud of him she was.  Then thanked him for all that he has given her.  I watched his eyes water as she smiled at him. 

Then, Dan took the floor.  He spoke about the move to Nashville and how it not only gave his Dad a better opportunity but him as well.  He talked about the places he remembered visiting because his Dad worked out of town.  He was only four when Denny worked in Mississippi but Dan clearly remembered getting bit by fire ants.  When the laughter subsided, Dan said, "I'm proud of you, Dad." Denny's eyes watered some more.

I went last.  So many memories were flashing through my mind.  I spoke of the trips we made for his job interviews; role playing scenarios to help him get to the next level.  I spoke about driving to Mississippi in 103 degree heat with a 4 year old, a 6 year old, 2 yorkies and a rabbit; unable to turn the car off at restroom stops because the animals would overheat.  In closing, I said, "We are the Woodruff 4 and we stick together."  I looked at Denny and said, "Whatever challenges you face ahead, we are with you."  His eyes watered some more.

In closing, his boss said a prayer for his health and wished him happiness.  A receiving line formed and all of his friends went through wishing him the best.  Everyone had cake and punch.  It was a fine ending for a wonderful career.  Well done, Denny, well done!

On Monday, Denny started his 6th and last round of chemo.  Dr. Murphy told him he looked terrific.  He feels good and has lots of plans for the coming month.  Time for him to fly.  He's a free bird!