Christmas & Chemo

Travis completed his third chemotherapy treatment last week. The side effects have been getting easier to deal with, with every treatment. We are scheduled for another treatment the day after Christmas. After that treatment, we will go in for a scope to see how much his tumor has shrunk. Please pray that there is shrinkage, so we can move onto the next step. Big thanks go out to everyone who has prayed for us, donated their leave, expressed concern, and provided meals . . . . I could go on and on. Everyone has been over the top for us and we truly appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts. Our family would like to wish your family a very Merry Christmas and a healthy New Year.

Round One

We have gone through one round of intense chemotherapy, and man, was it tough. Not knowing what to expect we were both a little afraid, but we made it. With this type of chemo Travis experienced more than fatigue, he was extremely nauseated as well. Let's just say that the days he received the chemo he was either asleep or sick to his stomach. We have tried a few anti-nausea medications and think we have found the right mix. Travis didn't make it to work Wednesday though Monday, but he was back to work yesterday and today. He is determined to make it to work if he can. His supervisor is a great guy and very understanding of our situation. For those of you who work on base you should be receiving the attached note for donated leave. I did send a separate email with a different form to those who work at IRS. If you have some hours that you need to find a place for, we would appreciate it. If you know Travis personally you know that the leave you donate will not be wasted.Travis has only worked on base two years, but his leave balance is outstanding. However, we don't know how long it will last. After the chemo, he will have to do radiation and then surgery to remove what is left of the tumor on the esophagus and stomach and retract his stomach up. A long recovery time is expected. For those who have called and left messages please know that I tell him that you have called. Right now he is very apprehensive in talking to people. Travis is very uncomfortable with this whole situation - he hates being the center of attention. But he so much appreciates your cards and that you are thinking of him. Even though we are going through some difficult times, we are so thankful for all of you. My family has been TERRIFIC, they bring us food, gift cards, etc., Travis' parents, Keith and Linda, are they are helping us with the kids and stuff around the house, they are also my sounding board because they know how Travis is. My friends are great, they let me talk about Travis all day long and then we talk about other subjects so I can get a break as well. And I can't forget about our kids, DJ has really stepped up and become a great help around the house and the girls are always asking if I need help. They are really great kids. All of you are helping us get through this - we can feel your prayers and positive thoughts. With that - we wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

The Beginning

He had his portacath inserted yesterday. In case you are not familiar with it, it is a device that is positioned completely under the skin on his upper chest and inserted in the subclavian vein (his neck). This way they can administer the chemotherapy through the device and will not have to get an IV every time. A lot better since Travis hates needles. He is sore at the incision area and his neck, but he should feel better in a few days. Trav has already received two chemo treatments. He is doing OK. The main side effect he has encountered is fatigue. He has been in bed by 7p.m. every night. His oncologist was encouraged by the way Travis' body reacted to his first treatment. His chemo regimen, which starts Wednesday, will involve the same type of chemo but more intense. His cancer regimen is called FOLFOX, it will go like this:

Day 1


Folinic acid (vitamin) and oxaliplatin (type of chemo) through a drip over two hours


Injection of 5FU (type of chemo)5FU though a pump, over 22 hours (he will come home with a fanny pack)


Day 2


Folinic acid (vitamin) and oxaliplatin (type of chemo) through a drip over two hours


Injection of 5FU (type of chemo)5FU though a pump, over 22 hours (he will come home with a fanny pack)

Day 3 - 14 No treatment on these days. The cycle then starts again.


How many cycles? We just don't know yet. It all depends on how his body reacts to the chemo.


Pray, or if you don't pray, send all your positive thoughts that his body will respond and start shrinking his tumor.


How are we doing? Well, this is brand new to us. Less than a month ago, we were living a pretty ordinary life. Nagging the kids to pick up their rooms and asking them to get their homework done. We continue to try to keep things the same as before, but it's not that easy. I think we all are dealing with this in our own way. I think both Trav and I are on the same page right now, as far as asking, "Why us?" I can see that Trav is already mentally preparing for the road ahead. You know, he's a planner, he's got his schedule all printed out and ready to go. We both know it's going to be tough, but he can do it. If you work on-base or at IRS, you will be able to donate leave to Travis. He is so uncomfortable with this. He has worked on-base for close to 2 years and has a healthy leave balance. However, we just don't know if he will be able to go to work during his treatments. Travis is extremely dedicated to his work, if he can work, he will. But if that is not possible, I do not want him to be stressed about whether he will have enough leave and/or a full paycheck coming in. Travis will be required to use his leave first. If Travis does not use the leave donated, it will be returned back to you. Thanks to those who have called, sent plants, etc., We really appreciate it. I never would have thought this could happen to us, not now. But like I have said before there is a lesson in this; we have learned so many already, the importance of our family, the kindness of others and how sickness can humble you like no other. I love Travis with all my heart and soul. He is more than my husband; he is my very best friend. And I know that he is going to send this into remission.

Why us?

We received the results from the PET scan and the results were not good. The tumor has spread to his stomach and lymph nodes. I believe it is safe to say that Travis is in for the fight of his life. We started chemo yesterday to shrink the tumor so he can eat better. Next week he will have a portacath surgically inserted so he can receive chemo easier. The idea now is to do intense chemotherapy to knock his very aggressive cancer into remission. The doctor has another patient just like Travis and he has been in remission for three years. I don't know why this is happening to us, but we can't change it, we can only hope that everything is going to be OK. Thanks to everyone, you have all been so nice. We would be rich if we had a dime for every time a person asked "Is there anything I can do?"