Tutu's Turn

Katherine asked me a day or so ago if I would want to contribute to the blog since I spent most of Wednesday with Chris.  My first reaction was not concern over the days events but hesitation mainly centered on the fact that Kath is really a great writer!  She's able to convey their prayer concerns, events of their daily lives and the genuine love for all of you who are faithful to hold them up. The support and love and kindnesses are amazing.  I am sure that I speak for all the Harrisons when I say, "Muchas gracias."  See Katherine, I am fluent also!  Hope I don't lose any followers--she will return for the next post.

Wednesday Chris and I (both rule keepers) followed instructions to see a video for all patients at the center.  We searched for the fast forward button, but to no avail.  Thankfully, the nurse came in and rescued us not long afterwards. Lots of details about Chris's specific case were reviewed and we were given a tour of the treatment center.  The most important aspect of the visit was the bone marrow biopsy, the details of which only Chris can reveal.  It's not that I don't want to . . . it's just that I wasn't in there.  They escorted me to the "media" room and kept me occupied with Girl Scout cookies.  We were out of there by 12:30 and, of course, Chris went back to work. Our other companions, Katherine and Chief, had to work all day, so we filled them in at dinner.  Tate was especially impressed with his Dad's tales of the lab. More tests today, and then it's back to see Dr. McCoy on Monday.

To borrow Chris's words, we all sense the presence of prayer warriors and the soldiers who are walking along side and joining him in this battle.  I agree with Katherine; there is no greater gift than your prayers.  Thank you for the earthly signs you have become of our heavenly Father's love and faithfulness.  

"What a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms..."

Love, 

Tutu (aka Sue) Harrison

sorry!

I did something (accidentally) to change the settings and some of y'all have been unable to post.  I think that I have now changed it so that anyone can post (blogger member or not/no password needed).  If it still does not work, I will get Bart (techie bro-in-law) to correct the problem over the weekend.  Sorry to Miss Pam, Wendella, Leigh Anne and anyone else affected by the cyber roadblock.  

K

the real McCoy

We had our first visit with the oncologist yesterday.  Chris, Chief, Tutu and I headed over there armed with his bright orange "playbook" and all of our questions.  We met with his PA, Jan, first. A few folks had warned us that the dietary changes we have been making wouldn't necessarily be met with some sort of marching band.  Not true with Jan!  She was ready to break out her trombone (and her wheat grinder) and had lots of good, practical suggestions to add as well.  Dr. McCoy then spent a great deal of time answering all of our questions and asking lots, too.  He ordered a PET scan, a bone marrow biopsy, heart test, and lung test--all of which is to say that Chris's dance card is full for the next couple of days.  Dr. McCoy will meet with us again Monday pm to discuss all results and officially "stage" this thing, but given what he saw on the CAT scan--he was encouraged and encouraging. So, not too much more to report. Chris should start chemo in about 2 weeks.  

(I almost wrote-"we" should start...even more annoying than when a well-meaning husband says "we're pregnant."  Really?  Are you the one turning green over there? Are you the one who has to get this thing out of your body, too?  No.  YOU are the one who caused all the trouble in the first place!)

I am painfully aware that the physical burden is on him.  

A good friend called the other day--insistent that she do something other than "just" pray.  I assured her that we were fine for now and that she should take away the word "just".  (Like it is some sort of consolation prize in place of a casserole).  I cannot think of anything more meaningful, powerful, useful or personal for someone to do than pray.  It means that you have stepped out of your busy life, away from all of the things/people pulling on you, and held that person up to God.  However you do it, wherever you do it and whatever you say--we thank you for lifting Chris up.  We feel covered in prayer.  

Love, 

Katherine and Chris (who has now taken an interest in the blog and likes to dictate to me...you can imagine how well that is going)

*The kids were more than distracted yesterday while we were at the doctor's office.  They drove (almost) to Alabama to pick up 13 new Leghorn chicks for the farm.  They got to see goats, rabbits, turkeys, pigs and a mule.  They told us that they can't wait to go back with T and Veronica to pick out more animals next month??!!??

Tate and Janie

Happy Friday...been a long week.  We did want to let y'all know that Chris had an encouraging conversation yesterday with the surgeon who removed the lymph node.  He also had a good talk last night with Josh Poag (a great guy who was smart enough to marry Amy Rolfes).  Josh knows a lot (unfortunately from first-hand experience) and was very helpful to Chris.  He came away from both conversations optimistic, realistic and resolute. 

Several folks have asked about the kids.  They are doing great.  They know about the "marble" in Chris's neck since he has a really cool battle scar where it was removed.  We told them that the doctors didn't like what they saw.  Next, that they were going to take a picture of Dad's body to see if there were any more "rotten spots"-Janie or "enemy invaders"-Tate.  Gotta know your audience.  Told them about the spots/storm troopers that they found and that the doctor would come up with a battle plan for getting rid of them. Janie went back to coloring and Tate wanted to know more.  So, we talked briefly about the zapper/radiation ("Like in Captain Underpants?  Yes, a lot like Captain Underpants") and cancer bullets in the form of chemo. They were both curious as to how they could be soldiers in Dad's army.  We said that the most important way was to be "prayer warriors".  They also enjoy helping fix Dad's fighting food--they are really into making him smoothies in the blender.  I was tempted to add that they could also pick up legos, feed the dog, grade papers, etc.  

So, our kids have a fruit salad/Star Wars/C. Underpants version of what is going on.  Not sure that my understanding is that much better. We are trying to take their lead--talk about it when they want to and make things as "normal" as possible the rest of the time.  Much more interesting topics include Janie's Fancy Nancy b'day party on Sunday and the advent of real chickens at the farm on Monday (thanks to crazy cousins T and Harmonica).  We'll attempt to post photos documenting both.  (Bart???)

Have a good weekend--Love, Katherine

*Chris will say too much info, but for those of you (and there are a lot) who act as spare parents/other mothers--I thought it was important for you to know what was said.  Plus, he doesn't know how to log in to edit the blog.  

Also, wanted to clear up a couple of things:

1.  Please don't think that we set up the blog to keep y'all from calling, e-mailing, texting, sending smoke signals, etc.  We both love hearing your messages and reading your notes...it just relieves the pressure of having to respond in a timely fashion.

2.  Y'ALL can swear all you want.  Quite frankly, I feel that it is appropriate.  Chris is just trying to rein me in since his grandparents will be reading this.

Speaking of swearing, MLaura's mother (a lovely, steel magnolia from Augusta, GA) had the quote of the week:

"If you have to have one of those bastards, that's the one to get."  

here goes

We're going to give this a try.  It is supposed to be easy (I'm sure we'll need computer help) and it will be a quick way to get info to those who care about Chris (and it's free, Chris). He has given me certain parameters (which I may or may not stick to) but we'll see how it goes.  He did say not to be too serious--thus the title. 

 

Chris had a lymph node removed 2 weeks ago.  They did a biopsy and it turns out that he has Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  He had his CAT scan Tuesday.  It looks like there are 3 other smallish tumors in his upper chest, but we will have to wait for official results early next week.  We are encouraged by all that we read and hear about Hodgkin's and especially uplifted by stories of folks who have been through it and moved on to being worn out by normal things like kids and work.  

We are grateful for all of the prayers, thoughts, war-cries and "cancer coaching" that we have received already.  You have filled needs before we have even asked, made us laugh and made us feel loved.  

We are gearing up to kick this thing in the @#$ (I am also not supposed to swear).  

Much love, 

Katherine and Chris (who is rolling his eyes and reading over my shoulder)