A Tribute to Carol

September 21, 2009

Dear National Colleagues:

With deep regret, I write to inform you that today, September 21, our
friend and colleague Carol Marshall passed away and has gone home to the
Lord. Carol has suffered with a terminal illness for the better part of
this year, and passed away peacefully in hospice care with her family at
her side.

Many of you got to know Carol over the past twelve months as she guided
National Air Cargo through the rigors of initiating our Ethics and
Proper Business Conduct programs throughout the global offices. All of
us who knew her can see her bright smile and positive voice, encouraging
us and coaching us. She leaves a very strong legacy of proper business
behaviors and expectations to National Air Cargo. I now encourage all of
us to stand up and proudly live the "work ethics" Carol so positively
displayed. Her impact on National Air Cargo and National Airlines, at an
extremely critical crossroad in our company's history, will live on and
on. Let's make her proud by working as she would expect.

Carol was recognized as an expert in the area of Compliance, Business
Ethics, and Workplace Conduct. She had established internationally
recognized compliance and ethics programs at a number of corporations
and worked closely with government entities and non-government
organizations to promote the highest standards of ethical conduct in
multi-national corporations. She received her law degree, and was
formerly a senior vice president at MCI and at Lockheed Martin,
specializing in Ethics and Compliance.

Carol is survived by her husband Frank Marshall, and children Charles,
Christine, and Andrew. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Frank and
family at this difficult time. A memorial service will be held in
Northern Virginia on Thursday September 24th.

Preston G. Murray
CEO

Signing Off

Carol enriched my life in many, many ways. None the least of which . . . she turned me into a blogger! And I suppose many of you as well.

It is time for me to wrap up this blog. And since I have no words to describe what this amazing journey with this amazing woman has really been about, I thought it only fitting to close with the wonderful words spoken about Carol at her memorial service by Steve Chaudet, Phyllis Cooper and Christine Maginnis. They did have words . . . beautiful, eloquent words. And if, by chance, you haven't had a chance to hear them, I thought you might like to read them.

Sally


A Tribute to Carol - by Steve Chaudet
This wasn’t supposed to happen. It’s way too early. There were years to live, great meals to prepare, kids to pamper, grandchildren to spoil and trips to take with Frank and friends, and long days at the Shore watching the sun rise and set on that beautiful deck while the family grew around her. But life has a way of throwing speed bumps in our path when we least expect it. Turned out Carol’s wasn’t a bump, it was a mountain. A mountain that she scaled, but just couldn’t get to the other side. This is a life that was well lived and courageously ended. Carol taught us how to live and she taught us how to die. In living Carol defined passion, commitment, and love for all those she came in contact with. Her passions ranged from, her work where she was a recognized leader in the field of ethics and compliance, to her love of God, and commitment to teaching others about the glories of the bible. Where I noticed this passion was Carol’s love of cooking. Carol loved to cook and be the maestro behind the kitchen island, hands chopping, dicing and mixing, moving from one food item to another, all the time holding three separate conversations with her guests. She would typically fly in from some activity and within minutes pull together friends, some on short notice, and a delicious meal that always made for memorable evenings. A dinner with Frank and Carol whether at the Shore or Georgetown was always an event, as you never knew who the other guests would be and you would always be amazed at how good the meal was. Carol loved to share her friends and she wanted you to like and love them as much as she did. She was always mixing and matching different friends. It wasn’t a circle the wagons, these are my friends and you can’t have them, but rather, Steve you have something in common with this great friend and I want you to meet him. Oh, I will miss those evenings, seeing my friend in total joy behind that island, wooden spoon lifted as she began a symphonic concert of friends and food.
The other passion was family. We all love our families, Carol adored and worshipped hers. And she wanted you to feel the same. I loved her for that because she introduced me to three wonderful children who during this tough year have been by her side and provided comfort that reflects enormous love. Carol was always saying to me---- “Don’t you just love Chip, isn’t he the neatest Marine, or isn’t Andrew the cutest guy, and isn’t Christine beautiful and smart” Right on all counts. The other great passion was Frank. What a love story. Theirs was a growing love not a relationship in neutral. These past few months have demonstrated a commitment to love and caring that surpasses anything that I have known. God bless you Frank. Carol would often say to me “Isn’t Frank wonderful”, and Frank would say to me how lucky he was to have found Carol.If Carol had passion for living she had courage in dying and she provides each of us with an example of that dignity. From the day she found her prognosis it was upbeat in her blog and in her demonstrated desire to live. I watched Carol in the hospital and it was Carol who was cheering up the hospital staff, asking about themselves and their families. It was so Carol. Think about someone else, make someone else feel comfortable. A wonderful story I love to tell that sums up so many aspects of Carol’s personality was a time on the big island of Hawaii when Ruth, her mom, called me around midnight telling me that Carol was very sick and was with the paramedics who were taking her to the hospital. I hurried to the back of the hotel and found Carol on a gurney about to depart for the hospital that was it least 50 miles away. I told Carol I would go with her, where upon she says, “no you take me in your car”. Carol I replied I have no medical training and you are sick. “Well she replied it cost so much to take the ambulance. Carol, that’s why you have insurance. Well guess who drove her. She got into the back seat of the car with her pillow and off we went. About half way to the hospital she jumps up from the backseat and informs me that feels fine. Carol I said we are heading to the hospital to have you checked out. We arrive at this little hospital that had to have been built during WW-II. Carol is now totally recovered, it’s about 1:30 in the morning and the doctor says she doesn’t need to stay. Before we could leave the nurse who has instantly taken a liking to Carol asks me what “my wife does”. Well here was an interesting situation. Carol is dressed in a light cotton nightgown and how do I answer. So I say, “She’s a lawyer”. Good answer for the nurse, as she is going through a divorce and wants legal advice……of course Carol engages and what ensues is a lengthy discussion of the nurse’s divorce with free advice from Carol. We finally leave the hospital, Carol is feeling fine, the nurse is happy; I am beat as it’s now 3 or 4 in the morning and we have a 50-mile drive back to the hotel. This little story says so much about Carol. She takes charge, starts giving orders, keeps up a constant happy chat with me on the way to the hospital, makes friends with the nurse, provides advice and off we go. A great adventure for Carol. We celebrate a life that touched all of us, a life well lived and a memory that we must all nurture and keep alive. No one dies if we don’t let them die. If we cherish Carol and what her life meant to all of us she lives on; she lives on through her wonderful Frank, her great mom Ruth, her caring brother and sister-in-law, her three wonderful kids and a great a new son-in-law who will keep her alive for their children, and finally we keep her alive because she was a friend like no other, a friend that loved each of us and only wanted the best for us; and to sit at a table filled with good food and friends to celebrate life. God bless you my good friend, may you rest in peace.

Carol Marshall - A Beautiful Reflection of Christ,
Delivered by Phyllis Cooper
Everybody loved Carol. I feel privileged that Frank asked me to share concerning Carol’s spiritual side – her walk with Jesus and her service for Him. For a moment now, use your sanctified imagination: Carol is standing at the pearly gates. St. Peter won’t allow her to pass through until she looks into a mirror. So she does. With a big grin, he motions her in. Two angels are observing:
Q. What showed up in the mirror?
A. Exactly what pleases God the most! Not Carol’s pretty face, but a beautiful reflection of Christ!

Clearly, Carol chose early on to make Jesus Christ her role model for life. Here are three ways Carol’s life reflected her Savior.

I. Humble Service – Jesus healed unclean lepers and washed the disciples’ dirty feet. He said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve” Mk. 10:45. Carol, Frank and their family began attending Agoura Bible Fellowship, L.A. area, in the mid-80’s. It wasn’t too long before she began serving on the Deaconess Board and then as chairman.
Her friend Bernice wrote to me about Carol’s many years’ involvement with the church’s Christmas Dinners, which included a big show. “The first year we put on the dinners, when Carol was one of the helpers, we didn’t really know what we were doing…When planning for next year started, Carol sat me down and said, ‘I can’t sing…so I can’t be in the program but how about if you and Jim take care of the program, and I’ll coordinate everything else behind the scenes…’ And in typical Carol style, she jumped in and did just that…Only our Carol could actually make it fun for men to stand around wearing garbage bags as they scraped dinner plates.”

In 2002, Carol and Frank moved to the Washington DC area and began attending McLean Bible Church. Here the Lord used her up-front gift of speaking to impact women at conferences and special events, but the humble servant heart still shined through. Sue Moye, Director of Women’s Ministries, shared the time when Carol was just walking down the hotel hall at a church women’s conference where she was one of the break-out speakers. Sue was desperately looking for some help. Boxes and boxes of books authored by the conference speaker had just been delivered – a big surprise to Sue. Carol saw Sue’s desperation and asked if she could help. You guessed it. Carol – on the spot – took on organizing, finding sales recruits, unpacking and selling those books – books that contained the Good News of the Gospel. See the servant’s heart. See the reflection of Jesus. Beautiful.

II. Heart of love for unbelievers. Like her Savior, Carol had a deep passion and concern for telling the world that Christ had come “to give His life as a ransom for many” Mk. 10:45. As a discussion leader for CBS each year until her illness overtook her, she faithfully shared her personal testimony of how Jesus Christ transformed her life. Then she loved those 15 or so women in her group, including the challenging, “hard to love” ones. Even on a business trip to the other side of the world, she would use her blackberry to keep in touch with her “gals.” Once again, a beautiful reflection of Christ.

God gave Carol the unique opportunity of serving on the Board of Community Bible Study, a group that has a world-wide ministry. The Board members wrote to say, “Carol came on the Board as CBS International was being assimilated into CBS. She was so insightful in helping each ministry appreciate the differences, sensibilities and ways of doing things in other cultures. Her wisdom contributed to the joining together in a God-honoring way…She was dedicated to honoring the authority of God’s Word…”

Even though Carol was virtually overwhelmed with drugs because of her pain in the last weeks of her life, Sally told me how concerned she was that the man who emptied the wastebaskets in her hospital room hear the Gospel.

And the Blog was Carol’s way to articulate to everyone who would read it, her walk of faith in a dark place. Above all, she wanted God to have the glory! All of us who sent her verses and tried to be supportive, found ourselves strengthened by her authenticity and simple trust.

III. Joyful encouragement –Like her Savior, Carol was an encourager – always with a smile, always with a positive outlook. Always cheerfully generous. The Holy Spirit enabled her to see people’s gifts and encourage them in those gifts. How do I know this? Carol encouraged me – and her carefully chosen words made all the difference for me in a difficult situation. She was the reflection of Christ to me!

Could it be at this very moment Carol is standing before the Lord and hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant – your life has reflected your Savior beautifully! Come, enjoy your heavenly reward.

A Tribute to My Mother - Christine Maginnis
Thank you all for coming here to celebrate my mom’s life with us. The outpouring of love and support from all of you, whether it was by email, the blog, phone calls, or even facebook has meant so much to my family and has served as a reminder of how amazing my mom was and how many lives she touched. She was truly a remarkable woman. It is safe to say my mother touched and taught each one of us something special – for some she taught us about the love and amazing grace of the Lord, for others she might have counseled you on government compliance, and to all of us she showed us what a friendship is.

My mom taught me a multitude of things - all that have shaped me and molded me into the person I am today. My mom taught me of the importance of family. As you just heard from Steve and Phyllis my mom was involved in everything – we used to joke that it wasn’t that she “couldn’t say no” to opportunities to help and get involved – it’s that she didn’t WANT to. Growing up my mom was involved in our church, school activities, as well as working full time, and I can honestly say that I never felt like I had to compete with anything for her love, affection, and support. Speaking on behalf of my brothers, my mom never made us feel like we were pulling her away from something more important or that there was anything else she’d rather be doing than spending time with us. I think my brothers will agree with my, that my mom was our biggest fan in everything we did – big or small.

My mom also taught me how to me an amazing wife – the love my mom and dad had for each other is something that I was constantly in awe of…when Erik and I were preparing for our wedding, the pastor we met with us asked us what we expected in our marriage…I said, without hesitation, that I want the kind of marriage that my parents have – I want Erik and I to look at each other and care for each other the way my parents looked at each other and cared for each other after 20+ years of marriage. It is impossible to ignore that what made their marriage and love for each other so incredible was their love for the Lord. My mom taught me something that was taught to her before she and my dad got married. She said that their marriage is really a picture of a triangle. With my parents at each of the bottom corners, and God at the top point….as each of them drew closer to God, knowing Him, -- they grew closer to each other. She went on to say “We can tell you…that’s true. And we believe it is the secret to a strong, wonderful marriage. ---and I can tell you it’s great”

Finally, my mom showed me what it was like to be unconditionally loved - I was given an incredible gift to have Carol Marshall as my best friend and mom for 26 years and I thank God everyday for that gift. I miss my mom so much – but I look forward to the day when I can see her again and we can celebrate together.

When I sat down to write this – I was using my mom’s computer and got sidetracked and started browsing her documents…I came across a file called “No matter what…remember this”. I don’t know if this is something my mom wrote or just found encouragement in, but either way I want to share it with you:

These are good to remember:

Absolutely God is in control, no matter what.

Absolutely God is good, no matter what.

Absolutely nothing is impossible for God, no matter what.

Absolutely God works all things for good, no matter what.

Absolutely I am thanking and praising God, no matter what.

Before we read the 23^rd Psalm together, I would like to read an excerpt from my mom’s blog that she wrote on Sunday, May 10^th after a particularly rough week:

… at one point during the night I found myself thinking of a verse that I hadn’t thought of in a long time…The 23rd Psalm. You know how it says “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. HE makes me lie down in green pastures, HE leads me beside quiet waters, HE restores my soul. HE guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.” It was particularly meaningful when, as I was thinking of the verse, the way it says: Even though I walk through the valley of the SHADOW of death, I WILL NOT FEAR, because YOU are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me….” Well that was amazing as that verse came to me b/c I thought, that’s how this feels – this feels like a SHADOW. And I am not alone. I felt as though I was covered. Does that make any sense? I can’t explain it, but it was just so amazing that that was the verse that came to me. I was feeling like I needed a Rod and Staff to get through the scary parts…

Please join me as we read the 23^rd Psalm together and remember that this verse is a verse of much encouragement as we all encounter our own “Shadows”:

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

If you were unable to attend Carol's service...

The video archive for Carol Marshall's memorial service is now available at http://www.mcleanbible.org/carolmarshall. From that page you can also access a PDF version of the program as well as the online guest book.

Details of Internet Service

For friends of Carol who are far away, or unable attend, we invite you to join the memorial service for Carol Marshall live on the Internet

at 2 PM ET on Thursday, September 24, 2009

To access the service, you will go to mcleanbible.org/carolmarshall. The live stream will begin 15 minutes prior to the service.

To download a copy of the program for the service, please click here.

To sign Carol's guest book, please click here.

Gone To The Lord

Carol R. Marshall
May 4, 1953 - September 21, 2009

Far too soon for all of us who loved her so much, Carol is safely at home in the arms of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
It is no surprise to the readers of this blog that Carol loved people. Her heart for others was only surpassed by her tremendous faith and a desire that all would come into a saving relationship with Christ and thereby know, as she has known, His peace, grace, mercy, and love. As a testament to this, even in her last days, Carol expressed a passionate concern for all those who may not know Christ, especially those who have shared this journey with her. In the depths of her heart, she wanted all of you to know that the purpose of this blog was about honoring Him. Carol was nothing if not a faithful servant of God.

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he
has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to
those who love him."
 James 1:12

A memorial service for Carol will be held at McLean Bible Church
2:00pm Thursday, September 24
8925 Leesburg Pike
Vienna, VA 22182

Reception following the service
Congressional Country Club
8500 River Road
Bethesda, MD 20817

For those friends of Carol's who are far away or can't attend, we are
planning to put the service on the internet, live at 2pm EST.
Please check back for details.


In lieu of flowers, Carol's family asks that donations be directed to:

The Carol Marshall Memorial Fund
c/o Dr. Dan Laheru
Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital
1650 Orleans St. Room 4M09
Baltimore, MD 21231-1000


Community Bible Study
790 Stout Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80921


The House DC
P.O. Box 30958
Washington, DC 20030

A Note from Carol's Mom

Carol's mom, Ruth, asked me to let everyone know how much she appreciates the many, many notes, prayers and scripture readings so many of you have left on this blog. She wants you all to know that your words bring her great comfort in this painful time. And she glows with warmth and pride when she reads how much Carol meant to each of you. Please continue to hold Ruth in your hearts and prayers as she accompanies Carol in her journey.

Carol continues to rest peacefully and comfortably. My husband (who is a surgeon) said she defies medical science. Amazing woman!

With love,
Sally

September 18 Note

Dear Friends,
Carol spent another peaceful night with the angel-nurses in hospice care. We continue to be grateful she feels no pain.

I opened my daily reading for yesterday from Max Lucado and read:

Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains a single grain of wheat; but if it dies, it brings a good harvest. John 12:24

We do all we can to live and not die. God, however, says we must die in order to live. When you sow a seed, it must die in the ground before it can grow. What we see as the ultimate tragedy, he sees as the ultimate triumph.

And when a Christian dies, it's not a time to despair, but a time to trust. Just as the seed is buried and the material wrapping decomposes, so our body will be buried and will decompose. But just as the buried seed sprouts new life, so our body will blossom into a new body . . .

The seed buried in the earth will blossom in heaven. Your soul and body will reunite, and you will be like Jesus.

So . . . we must trust. While we wait.
Love,
Sally

The Slow Journey Home

Carol continues to rest peacefully . . . and more deeply each day . . . as she makes her journey home. The family keeps vigil and waits.

We do read your blog messages to Carol. The hospice nurses tell us she can hear them. So thank you for all the wonderful notes you post and the love and prayers you send!

Love,
Sally

September 12 Update

Dear All,

I am writing to tell you that there is really nothing to tell you. Carol continues to rest comfortably, highly medicated for pain . . . so uncommunicative. We wait and we pray. Her brother Wayne and his wife Barbara returned from Connecticut yesterday and continue to keep vigil with Ruth, Frank and the rest of the family. Please continue to hold them all in your prayers.

I will be sure to let you know if there is a change.

Love,
Sally

God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile. -Max Lucado (In the Eye of the Storm)

A Short Update

I thought you would want to know that I saw Carol today and she continues to rest comfortably in hospice care. Her pain seems to be under control.


Thank you so much for all the wonderful messages you have posted during the last few weeks. I can't imagine not being with Carol on this journey. It has been my privilege!

Love,
Sally

"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him."
Psalm 37:7

An Update

Thank you, everyone, for the outpouring of love, support and prayer for Carol and her family during this difficult time. It is overwhelming and so appreciated.

Carol moved yesterday afternoon from Georgetown Hospital to a lovely, in-patient hospice facility with relative ease. She is resting comfortably, surrounded by her family.

The rest, as we know, is in God's loving hands.

Love,
Sally

Message from Sally

I know how often this blog is checked. And how disappointing it must be to find no entry. I'm sorry.
The truth is, not much has changed. Carol remains in Georgetown Hospital in critical condition. And we are keeping vigil. Frank, Chip, Christine & Erik, Andrew, Ruth, Wayne and Barbara take turns being with Carol around the clock.
Please know that I will update the blog with any change. And that all your thoughts, wishes and prayers are so very, very appreciated.
Sally

A Message from Frank

Frank asked me to tell you all that Carol's pain escalated to such a high level Monday night she was transported by ambulance to Georgetown Hospital and admitted to the ICU. Her condition is listed as critical.
I ask your prayers for Frank and Carol's whole family at this difficult time. We will keep you updated about Carol's condition.
Sally

Today's Procedure

A note from Sally . . .
Frank called to say that Carol is back home in Georgetown and resting following the endoscopic procedure today at Johns Hopkins. It was decided that the stent was not doing any harm where it was resting and didn't have to be moved. The doctors will re-check in two weeks.
So . . . clearance was given for a soft diet! Sounds good when you've been on clear liquid for weeks! And the team will convene on Wednesday
at Hopkins for CT scans, blood work and a pow-wow to determine the next course of treatment.
Then on to the shore for some R&R, sunshine and good nutrition!

Home!

Does God smile and chuckle at us? If so...He is having a merry time with all my 
worry and concern, saying "ah ha!! And you NEVER anticipated such an uneventful, 
COMFORTABLE flight, my girl". We have landed. The flight was great..in fact the 
seat reclined so I had great back support and legs elevated the whole way. 

We are in the car with Andrew now on the way home. Erik and Christine are behind 
us with Chip. So we are headed on to Georgetown. 

Thanks for praying us home. And Thanks Lord for scoffing as my silly worries! 

Love,

Carol 
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Travel Update from Carol!

So far so good! Made it to the airport in Paul's car surrounded by pillows in 
such comfort! Just about ready to board the plane and guess what??our friends 
Steve and June on our same flight, also upgraded to first class!  God planned a 
party! So---just wanted to send an enroute All Is Good!  Prayers answered moment 
by moment!!
Love
Carol
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Carol's Prayer for Today

Lord, I know that you have a plan for my life and as I am on this journey, don't
see those plans or see how I fit in. But Lord I thank you today so much for our
family and friends who have prayed me back to health these last few weeks in
California. It is bittersweet to leave, and I don't know why you kept me here in
California, but please make it someday clear the blessing that you had planned.

For today I  ask for your protection and just to "be in the details" as we
travel back to DC. You know that I am worried about the logistics of this trip
and the crazy things like swelling in my body and getting me into tip-top shape
for the important medical stuff I have coming up at Johns Hopkins next week
with Dr Giday on Monday and Dr Laheru on Wednesday and their teams. But I also
KNOW from Your Word that I don't HAVE to worry about next week or even tomorrow.
..that you will give me just the strength I need.
You tell me so clearly that You will be there for all the tomorrows, and next
weeks, just as You have been.

I thank You that You worked out the travel details that both Chip and Andrew
will be at the airport in cars when we arrive on the East Coast. I don't know
why You have our whole family brought together over 3000 miles -Chip from San
Diego, Andrew from Maine- for this Saturday night pick up/Sunday in DC, but I
thank You for that.

Lord, there's what is on my heart tonight. I'm going back to sleep now. Thanks
for this time with You.

Holding on to these veses of Yours: --

Deuteronomy 33:12 "Let the beloved of the Lord rest 
secure in Him, for He shields "her" all day long, and the one the Lord 
loves rests between His shoulders."

"What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his
word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto
me." - Psalms 56:3-4

Your daughter,
Carol
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Today's News Straight from Carol!

Hello all!
I have my Blackberry back under my thumbs again, so I  thought I'd send
an update. Although I know that Christine and Frank have been giving real-time
updates.  I am happy to say that, although I am still in Hoag Hospital in
Newport Beach (there goes the vacation!) I have been transferred out of ICU to a
regular unit on clear liquid diet. (Mm-mmm Ensure is my new best friend!!) Just
need to get to the place where I can get my muscles back, get out of the bed,
get the infection cleared up and then we can get back to DC and Johns Hopkins to
get the stents fixed up. (Did I tell you they think the internal bleeding was
caused by the stent/s moving?) Glad they got that patched up!

It is nice to be feeling back into the swing of things. I can't thank you enough
for your prayers during this specific time when you were getting blog updates
though Sally, Christine and Frank.  Whew it has been quite an 11 days. A bit of
a blur there for a while I was fully relying on God guiding the decisions of
every doctor, nurse, assistant, family and friend!  As always, He Was Faithful.
The result at this point is no more ICU, no internal bleeding, infection
clearing up, tests, tests, tests, but hopefully I will be out of the hospital in
a few days and then scheduled back to Johns Hopkins for "clean up" surgery on
the stent/s. I have to say though, if we had to extend our "vacation" with
Frank's family, Hoag Hospital has been wonderful. I feel as though I have had
great medical care here and while I have been hospitalized (no surprise) our
family has been so, so, so amazing. Chip has been able to drive up here to
Newport Beach from his base in Miramar (San Diego--about an hour or so). He
spent "night watch" in my room early during the ICU phase when I was pretty much
out of it. Christine took a night on the lovely vinyl cot also!  Christine and
Erik also extended their stay out here and she has set up a little office right
here in the corner of my hospital room with her laptop, mouse, etc etc and she
hasn't missed a beat! Gotta love this new technology and understanding
colleagues who are also out there in cyber space!! Andrew calls almost each day,
feeling frustrated that he can't be out here, but there doesn't seem to be any
reason to make the trip here from DC.  Family and 2 girl friends from Oak Park
have spent many daytime here just helping me get back, encouraging, keeping
notes, and being eyes/ears to all the docs and medical-types who come by with
messages and updates that all, candidly, become a blur. Our biggest challenge is
to get Frank to take SOME time away from this hospital and get some rest!

Oh, speaking of Frank though and time at hoag Hospital--- I have to tell you the
funniest story. The other night Johnny and Michele (Frank's middle brother) had
made some of their signature enchilda sauce (!) And invited everybody over for
enchilada dinner. Well somehow, when they arrived at John and Michele's house,
Chris tripped, fell down and hit her head on the payment and a little bump
raised on the back of her head. So in an abundance of caution, Paul (youngest
brother) brought her in to Hoag Emergency Room! They checked her out, gave her a
bandage and sent her home and said to wake up in the night just to be checked.
So Frank says "Mom, I get up a couple times during the night anyway, I'll come
check on you. Besides, been through this with Carol, I know all the questions
they want asked." So at midnight he wakes up, pads downstairs and whispers "Mom,
how are you doing?" And she sits up in a loud voice and hollers:"CHRIS MARSHALL;
BALBOA CALIFORNIA; AUGUST 2009."  Ha ha. It sounds so funny. Frank thinks she
was laying in bed since 10pm just waiting for him to come downstairs!!  Good
news is that she is just fine, although we are considering requesting a Marshall
Discount at Hoag!

As to me, we are still looking Up. Not sure when we head back to East Coast for
the "Clean Up surgery" depends when I am released from Hoag and declared "ready
to fly". We will keep you posted on THAT prayer request for me+Frank+American
Airlines!!
Love,
Carol
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Answered Prayer . . . In a Different Way

Just got this email from Christine. Carol's procedure has been postponed until it can be done back home at Hopkins. Apparently the doctors at Hoag and Hopkins conferred last night and made the decision. Thanks for all the prayer!
Sally

From Christine . . . . .

Just talked to Dr. Lee – the gastroenterologist – who had a long conversation with Dr. Giday (the gastroenterologist at Hopkins) and they have decided not to do the procedure today because of complications that can arise from trying to manipulate the stent. CT scan showed no evidence of perforation and the contrast flowed freely to the intestine so there is no obstruction there. They plan to put her on a full liquid diet for nutrition, let her recover from the trauma of the bleeding, and readdress the stent in a few weeks time (at Hopkins).

Both doctors agreed that at this point it’s better for her to completely recover from her initial bleeding episode and then do the procedure later when she’s stronger. There is no emergency threat right now. If she looks as good as yesterday they plan to transfer her out of ICU. The goals before releasing her from the hospital are to manage pain and get her strong. The moved stent is not what is causing her pain, it is most likely aggravating what pain already existed. Dr. Lee is not worried about internal bleeding again - he irrigated the area a lot when he was in there yesterday and often times that can cause a bleed, which it didn’t.

If there is continual pressure pushing the stent out there is a risk of perforation with time, however the risk of perforating her while performing the procedure is higher. Dr. Giday was surprised it had moved – both doctors agree the tumor in-growth within the bile duct had pushed it out. Fixing this issue will be a challenge wherever she goes to get it addressed. Right now she needs to progress well with a diet and get pain under control. Fixing the issue is really a timing issue – they need to find a window of opportunity to do this when she’s at her most optimal health – right now her platelets are low and she’s weak from the internal bleeding.

Still in California

Hello . . . from Sally. Just wanted to let you know that Carol isn't home yet. It's been a week of ups and downs . . . but here's the bottomline. The internal bleeding, which took Carol to the hospital in the first place, has been stopped. Seems Carol's stents were the culprit. Once the bleeding was stopped, she remained in ICU where they gave her blood and monitored some suspicious liver functions. Today, her vitals are strong and the liver tests are looking more normal. But pain persists. An endoscopy revealed that the stent which was inserted in July - inside the original stent - has slipped and is somewhat precariously resting in the duodenum now. Something that must be corrected.
So . . . ramp up the prayers, warriors. Carol will undergo a procedure tomorrow to move or remove part of the trouble-causing stent. Not just a routine procedure . . . so I ask your prayers that all goes well. A CT scan this evening will provide more information to guide the physicians at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, California.
Frank, Christine and Erik remain in California with Carol. Please keep them in your prayers as well.
I will report back tomorrow as soon as I know something.
Sally

From Frank in California

Well, as usual with my lovely spouse, California has been an adventure! We have
had a great time with my family in non-humid Newport Beach. My Dad's 89th
birthday was a blast!  Christine and Erik came out and Chip was up from San
Diego for the weekend. Carol was in her element. Unfortunately she continued to
have lower back pain throughout the 10 days, but with medication and sleep she
was able to control it.  This last Wednesday we saw some wonderful friends from the
CBS board for lunch and then went out to dinner with my family where Carol
looked as our British friends would say "smashing". We were looking forward to
seeing all our dear friends in Oak Park and strategizing how best to
insure Carol would be in top shape to see everyone.   (By the way we delayed the
trip by a day so that I could go with my brother Bob to a men's prayer breakfast
at Saddleback Church yesterday morning. It started at 6:30 so we left at 6:00am - hey,
I'm retired and not used to early hours but it was worth it! That church is
really on fire.  As you will see following it was most definitely a "God thing")

When I returned just before 9, Carol complained of being nauseous and then in a
span of five minutes twice vomited only blood and couldn't get up. One of my
wonderful sisters-in-law (Michele) came running from her home, took one look and
called an ambulance. At the same time the fiancees of my two nephews showed up to  stay
with my folks. Long story short, the ER folks at Hoag Hospital, a great regional hospital,
stabilized her and gave her blood. She was "scoped" early in the afternoon to stop the
bleeding  but had bled so much that they could not see the source. She was then taken to
Interventional Radiology where they were able to stop the bleeds thru a catheterization
process.  Praise the Lord!  Carol spent the night in the ICU where they will monitor her
to make sure they stopped all the bleeding and then at least another two days
for healing and observation.

Needless to say we did not make Oak Park and will be in California a bit longer.
This all has been very scary but the Lord is watching over us and as always
blessing us here with family and a great nearby hospital. Though we wish we were
at Johns Hopkins! We will keep you posted on this at times bumpy journey. I
cannot begin to tell you how much your continued prayers mean to us-please pray
for a speedy recovery and ultimately a complete healing. We are  in good hands . . .
our Lord's.

Carol asked to add this verse:  "Great is Thy faithfulness. Morning by 
morning new mercies we see."

Frank

California Here I am!

Trip was great! Any pain twinges were sporadic with no biggies. Hey I was so 
excited to be taking this trip even the airplane food tasted good! (Maybe THAT 
was the miracle of the day!)

I was all prepped to show off my "Certificate Of Implant" to someone at TSA, but 
when they took me aside for the hand-screening they said "oh yes, we have people 
come through all the time with stents!" So much for any drama! Ha ha. And such 
service when we got here, Frank's youngest brother Paul picked us up at LAX and 
brought us right to the parents! 75 degrees, no humidity, just relaxing, reading 
and hanging out enjoying Southern California. 

Thanks so much for covering that plane trip in your prayers--again, again, 
again! 

Love,
Carol

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Back in the Fight & Steppin’ Out!

Let’s see…update first. It doesn’t seem that the block was a “slam dunk” no pain whatsoever, but it certainly is much, much better than before I went in. I still am having the weird break through pain now and then that I just can’t figure out the cause or the explanation. I had lots of tests and the very best news is that the CT scan they did while I was at Johns Hopkins and during my time off chemo showed No Growth or Spreading of the tumor. I can only give God all the credit for that. He DID take care of me during that time just as we prayed.

So, I was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday, then immediately went downstairs to outpatient and started up on Chemo again. It is the same combination of Oxyplatin/Xeloda that was working. –AND the good news continues that I have no nausea after the first few days. That is the best! In fact, I am feeling so spunky that we decided to FLY to CALIFORNIA, leaving tomorrow! for 10 days to see friends and family before we have to be back here again for the next chemo infusion. (I get the chemo- the Oxyplatin- by IV every 21 days and then take it (the Xeloda) orally every morning and every evening in a pill for 14 of the 21 days).

Friday (the party is on Saturday), Frank’s dad has his 89th birthday! That’s a family party we don’t want to miss! And of course…we get to see Chip, who is driving up from San Diego for the weekend in Orange County!

At some point during the following week Frank and I are going to drive up to Thousand Oaks to visit all of our friends there. In fact, Paul and Mary Anne Alexander have offered to have everyone close by to the old neighborhood come by for dessert one evening that week. (I know I am being so selfish asking you to come to me…but it would be so great to see friends! I think it might be on Wednesday evening but I guess I should check it out with Mary Anne and Paul! Hee hee. -- SOoooooo, watch this space and I’ll just put it on the blog and spread the word so we can see you!) Friday morning we are back to DC in time for chemo IV the following Tuesday.

So, either this is going to be so freeing, or I am an idiot for taking on a big trip 3,000 miles from Dr. Dan and the team! I admit feeling a little nervous. I was looking at some wedding snapshots the other day and thought, WOW what an answer to so so so many prayers that God gave me such energy on that day. Now I am asking for TEN days! Hey…your prayers were so effective for the wedding..can I ask for your prayers again as we step out on this adventure? I am praying that I will listen to my body and rest when I need rest, and don’t overdo it so that I hit the wall and later chastise myself saying “well, you did that to yourself Carol!” Although I think I am most nervous about the long flight itself.

But when we told Dr. Dan that we were thinking of doing this, he was so supportive. And I get it…at some point, I need to Live Life during the 21 days between Hopkins appointments. So here we go.

That’s the news! I will keep you posted from my blackberry!

Love,

Carol

Update on Today's Procedure

Well, just got back from the pain block procedure, so far so good. They said you
will feel as though you were kicked in the back by a mule. I do!! (But hungry!
As they were wheeling me back to my room on the gurney, Frank peeled off at the
food court and got me a nice veggie bagel which I just devoured! Yummy)

We are in a wait-and-see mode to see if the block was successful. If it worked-
no pain!!

Don't know if I am discharged today or tomorrow. Don't know when chemo
re-starts. So, moment by moment at this point.

Oh boy oh boy and thank you so much for your prayers!!! And do you know right
there on the "table", I smiled b/c the "guess" was right--they prepped me and
started up RIGHT at 11:00 am! Prayer time! I could feel it. Just surrounded by
love and a peacefulness as they were sticking those needles and fluids in me.

Wow, it is so great to be so loved. The more I think about it, isn't prayer the
most loving thing we can do for someone -- just lifting them up to the presence
of God and putting Him in control. Hmmm lots to think about.

Carol
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

BIG PRAYERS NEEDED!!!!!

Big day pray-for-nerve-block- procedure-day today, thanks for watching this space.

Here’s the scoop. As you saw from Sally’s update (thanks Sally!) I have been here at Johns Hopkins since Thursday night trying to figure out what was bringing on the excruciating, acute in-the-back pain. It wasn’t constant, but when it came – wow-eee! Bottom line is that we really don’t know what is causing it, but they given me pain meds to control it any time it comes AND (today) they are going to go back in an do another nerve block in the back. (so I think I was repeating what you know from Sallly)

Prayer Today: As soon as I find out the time the procedure is scheduled, Sally will pop it on the blog, as so if you could please pray for the doctors (the same team that was so successful the last time!!) to be guided to the Precise Spot of the nerves to deaden them. THANK YOU.

In Carol’s head: I have thought a lot about it and concluded that this is so important to me, because it means that (recognizing that pain is just part of the deal here…) my pain can be controlled by deadening the nerves and NOT by just taking a pain pill. It’s me, I know. And I understand that these pain drugs are very effective, they are not addicting b/c they are truly hitting the pain and not just “feel good” feelings – but still, it’s my silly head and I just don’t want to have to live on pain pills. SO am I being selfish, yep. But will you still pray with me that the nerve block will work 100% as it did the last time so pain pills are not necessary?

Last night update: I had one pain episode at about 4 am…they gave me pain meds, but assured me that would not “deaden” all the pain at the time of the procedure today. (Interesting the Pain Mgmt team said that actually during the procedure a little pain is “good” for them b/c they can say to me, in real time, Do you feel that? Do you feel that? As they poke around and confirm they got to the nerves. So here’s a funny prayer request: Pray for Pain during the procedure!) btw, they were very quick to say…but Carol, we don’t want you in pain at all, it’s just that it would be a little “helpful!” ha, ha. I totally get it b/c that’s what they did the last time when it worked so well.

Cool thing today: Talk about God affirming that He is here today too!....at 7:40 am my phone rang and it was ANDREW! I didn’t recognize the number and thought it might be the doctors. He was calling from the wilds of camp up in Jackman, Maine. He is busy being a counselor, no cell or internet service up there so can’t read the blog or get emails and he just said, “Mom, I was just praying for you..and God just wanted me to call you and tell you that, so I came to the Camp Office and they let me use the phone. Just wanted to let you know I was praying.” WOW. Is that cool or what? I was crying. He was crying. We decided our God does give us JUST what we need just when we need it. God is good.

Watch this space; I’ll let you know when the procedure gets scheduled…and then will blog at the end of the day with an update on Answer to Prayer! Again. Thanks for walking with me.



Love you all,

Carol

OKAY…THEY JUST CAME IN AND TOLD ME…PAIN MANAGEMENT TEAM CALLED. THEY ARE READY FOR ME. BY THE TIME THEY GET ME OVER THERE AND ALL PREPPED LOOKS AS THOUGH THE PROCEDURE WILL BE IN ABOUT THE 11 – 1 TIME FRAME WOULD BE MY GUESS.

Good morning Carol fans! Knew you’d be interested in “Carol’s capers” these last few days! She is resting comfortably at Hopkins, awaiting a re-do of the nerve block she had May 1st. That will happen tomorrow. I have cut and pasted her emails together to recap how she got there. So what you read below is from Carol’s Blackberry to my computer! Keep the blog notes coming. Carol loves to hear from all of you!!
Sally


From Carol:

Long story, but big unexplained lower back pain caused me to call in
to the Stent Doctor Thursday (b/c it was the last procedure I had had so asked them about
the pain). They said, most probably not the stent insertion--it had been 6 days.
On-call doc suggested -"go to ER, get a blood panel so they can get a good look.
So, upon good advice, we didn't go to the local ER (where they don't know my
history) Frank brought me back to JH Emergency Room on Thursday evening.
It was VERY good b/c they are cross-referencing records, etc.

So trip here was not an emergency, that was good -- just a "let's get to the
why this acute pain" is coming more and more frequently – mid-day and middle of
the night. And the "walk it off, it is just gas" theory didn't seem to be
working.

All tests so far showing all labs are very good:
Tests so far:
Blood panels (all good, liver, billirubin in normal range, etc)
Flat panel X ray
Sonogram of kidney (just showed lots of Gas)
Dry CT Scan of liver
Regular CT (which is great resource for Dr Laheru, oncologist b/c he can compare
cell growth with history CT results.)
Dr Sam Giday (GI) said last night he wants to watch colon for any swelling. But
doesn't see any signs of concern.

Lots of theories at this point:
Kidney stones (probably not)
Pancreatitus (I am on IV liquid only, resting pancreas. May go back on fluids
today)
Nerve block has worn off (I go in Monday for a re-do on that. That's good!) I
would say they are zeroing on this one.


Okay, so here’s another amazing God Is In the Details moment:

This is a great story: (skip to ending: Nerve Block will be done on Monday) The
Pain Management Post-Doc Resident just came by. (He looks JUST like Chip! 30 yrs
old. Blonde, blue eyes, same build. Is an Army Doctor working at JH in a Pain
Mgmnt residency-just graduated last week and is re-locating to San Antonio next
Tuesday - the day after my procedure. His name is Brandon.

He was all excited b/c he was telling me that JH just set up a new system and
MONDAY is the very first day! :). Apparently in the past the Pain Mgmt unit
would schedule procedures all on Outpatient (yes, like my last one) but if a JH
In-patient needed a procedure they would try to squeeze them in to an already over
full schedule and it caused stress, frustration and irked Med Staff who had to
be reacting with no advanced planning.

Starting Monday (coincidence?) They have their first "okay, we have a scheduled
opening, Go out and find us an In-Patient to take this Spot!!) ME! --- I can't
tell you how excited he was to have affirmation for the "new system"!

ALSO: I mentioned to him that Dr Ehrdik was the attending the last time and Dr
Harrison did the block and it was a PERFECT 100% home run. And Brandon said-- "oh!
Dr Ehrik is the doctor scheduled for Monday! (Coincidence?) And since we had our
Post Doc graduation last week ALL of the other Residents have left-- ONLY Dr
Harrison and I are still here." (Coincidence?)

Then we chatted about how he had just moved his wife and 2 little 4 year old
girls to San Antonio. And he looked at my table and said, "oh, I see what you
are reading here. Are you a Christian?". He too is a believer!!!! Oh our God is
just so amazing - affirming, showing His presence, and hugs to me again and
again.

Well, there is my God Story

So, here is my status: all tests, vitals, etc are stable. They all seem to think
the pain I was experiencing was break through pain from the old Nerve Block
(done on May 1st) and apparently this is typical to need a tune up of the block
after this duration. (About 3 months) I am staying here just for pain management
through the pain episodes/flare ups, waiting for the Monday Procedure. Then
Monday I go home or spend the night. They will decide. (I may just come back to
this room to spend the night for Tuesday chemo - IF Dr Dan still wants to go
ahead with that schedule. We'll just make a game time decision on that I guess)

.

In the meantime, I'm resting and hanging out. Had to take a pain hit a couple
hours ago. It doesn't work completely, but just taking it to a dull ache helps
b/c I at least know what it is.

Food: they are switching me from IV fliuds to oral liquids now that confirmed
pancreas is quiet. Maybe then solid food tonight. Basically I am just me,
waiting around 'til Monday's block.

Love,
Carol

Update from Frank

Carol is home resting. All the prayers for the procedure were answered, thank you so much. Her blood pressure was great, vitals perfect and she quickly recovered after the procedure. The plastic stent is out and they again "roter

rooted" out the tumor in the duct and installed a new metal stent.  We hope she will be able to restart chemo when she gets her strength back. The nurses had estimated that it would take about a week from her hospital release last

Saturday evening to regain her strength. Please keep praying for a total healing.

News Flash!!!

Breaking news: Just got a call from Johns Hopkins. They are doing the ERCP, replacement of the plastic stent, TOMORROW, July 8^th at 10:30 am. So please pray for successful insertion of the stent and the general anesthetic. We’ll keep you posted.

Love,

Carol

Lots of News!

I’m home! Ahhh, resting lots at the shore, on the screened porch with wonderful fresh air –so thankful to the docs at JH that got me back from that infection. I am still on some big antibiotics (Cipro and something else) so I’m sleeping lots. Also, they infused LOTS of fluid in me to get blood pressure up and fever down, so I came home from the hospital 27 pounds heavier! I told my doctor I look like the Michelin Tire Man with sausage toes! But I have been “draining”, constantly, it seems and soon I will be back to normal. Over the weekend, I was such a baby at the hospital. I was actually afraid to come home, that we would “miss” something (like a fever!) and get me back into the same mess again. There was a certain comfort about having my “vitals” checked every couple hours. But other than the bloating I was okay to come home, but I didn’t want to! They were great, and said, “sure, stay.” But after a day of lying around there, I had a real contentment that it would be just fine to go home and take my own temperature, antibiotics, etc! We are now in charge of me and doing our best to get me well again to get back into the fight!

 

Now we wait to hear from JH about a couple things: 1.when I go back in to resume chemo. 2. when they do the endoscope to replace the temporary plastic stent in the bile duct that goes from the liver, through the pancreas, to the duodenum with a fatter permanent metal one. (Apparently the infection was caused by “tissue blockage” of the stent they put in the bile duct a few months ago. That backed up and caused the infection.) The emergency plastic stent they put in to relieve to blockage is good for at least 6 weeks and my GI doctor (who is in China at meetings right now and emailed me from there!! Impressive!) is going to schedule me for a permanent replacement (he did the original stent and is fabulous-like the rest of my care team at JH).

 

Thanks so much for your prayers for me…and thanks for your comments on the blog! I can’t tell you how each one encourages me! I realize that I have friends who are funny, encouraging, uplifting, silly, LOVING, and most of all…thinking and praying for me. I am sorry that I don’t have the energy to answer emails and phone calls, but those comments really are just hugs, hugs, hugs.  I know I just have to keep up my part of “us” and not let too many days go by without a blog entry.

 

SO, other family news! Frank retired after 37 years of the practice of law! (Army JAG; Lockheed; Litton; Northrop Grumman) Yep! He had originally intended to retire on his birthday next March, but moved the date up to July 1^st! He is now officially full time Nurse Ratchett and doing a great job at that! Last week his office had a wonderful, very meaningful, going away get-together for him. He came back to the hospital full of stories and comments and things folks had said to him. He was very, very touched. AND he is now the owner of Ping Golf Clubs! Frank has always said he wanted to learn to golf…now he has beautiful clubs and no excuse! Oh….and now he is after me to join him in his golfing adventures. I told him “first things first….I need to get the right outfits if I am going to look cute driving him around in a golf cart!”

 

Many of you have asked about Chip. Well, we just got an update from our favorite Marine Aviator yesterday. He will NOT be deployed to the Middle East in the next few weeks after all (THAT is a gift to mom! Praise God for that!) but instead he will stay stateside and has been selected as the pilot in his squadron to attend an elite school. (mmmm, proud mom moment!) called WTI. It means he will leave San Diego and will be at school in Arizona for six weeks this Fall (3 weeks academic, 3 weeks flying).  He also found out that he was selected for a MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit – combines troop units and elements from all the different Marine aircraft on one ship.  They pick the ‘best of the best’ pilots to go on a ‘float’ and are expedited to hot spots around the globe as needed. Needless to say only a few helicopter pilots are selected, so that’s very cool.) The timing is perfect b/c they don’t ship out until next Spring.  It will also enable him to finish all his “Qualifications” as well as his WTI which then makes him one of the senior instructor pilots (I think I have this all right, but then I’m a Mom).

 

Newlyweds are doing great. Christine back at work, Erik is in for Summer School, teaching Latin to those lucky boys! No word yet on the “on line” photos from the wedding photographer, but I will let you know as soon as her website is up. I bet she got some great photos of the special day! We can’t wait to see them.  

 

Specifics:

Please pray boldly with me that:

• God will heal this cancer while I am off chemo…and for peace of mind for me during this time.
• all the infection will clear out of my system asap
• when I get back on chemo, I selfishly hope it will be the same “no symptoms”/ no growth. (That was wonderful b/c I truly felt as though I was in the maintenance mode)
• God will bless my wonderful husband who is AMAZING in caring for me and just “being there” through the ugly stuff with such grace and love
• Keep the kids safe

 

Thanks!

 

Much love to you all,

 

Carol

 

Today's Update

Just got word from Frank that Carol's vital signs are stable. They are encouraging her to get up and walk around. And keeping her on broad spectrum antibiotics to fight this infection. No word on when she will be released. But things are lookin' up!!
Sally

Roto-Rooter to the Rescue

Seems that the high fever of Wednesday was a symptom of a "massive infection" around the area of Carol's stent. Most likely due to a blockage in the stent itself. Last night, in an endoscopic procedure, the blockage was "roto-rootered" out and a small plastic stent was put inside the original stent to allow for drainage. Once the infection is knocked down . . . with heavy doses of IV antibiotics . . . the plastic stent will be removed. That will probably happen next week. In the meantime, Carol will be in the hospital a little while longer til they get the fever down and the infection under control.

So . . . a bump in the road for our girl. But for Carol . . . not a problem! She's eager to get past this one, get back on the chemo schedule and back in the fight!!

Sally

A Bump in the Road

Had some bummer news at Johns Hopkins today. When I arrived for my chemo it appeared that I had a fever of 104 and jaundice and liver pressure. So, they admitted me and I am in overnight until they they get the fever down and blood pressure up. Also have to keep jaundice clear. Seems that it’s all being caused by a blockage or obstruction in my biliary stent. Basically only thing to do is a “rotorooter” of the stent which will be done when symptoms are gone.

So now I'm waiting/sleeping here in a very private, modern, large, room. Just
had a xray and EKG in my room! What service :). Now for a stroll with Frank
(the male nurse offered to escort me but you know Frank) through the halls-helps lower the risk of bloodclots and stroke. When we get back they put special compression bands on my legs.

Oh, and my blood pressure was very low when I got in here today - they finally got it up to 83/58 throughout the day and they want to get it up to at least 90. Before they can do anything else. But the good news is that my weight (which started at 153, dropped to 127, is now a whopping 143--WITH no sugar, red meat, hormonal chicken. Yay!!!

Not sure how long I will be in here. But they need to get the temp down,
infection cleared, stent cleared out, and chemo started up again so we can keep
in the fight. I want to keep these down times (no chemo) to a minimum!!!!

I realize, my prayer warriors, that I have given you quite a list to pray for!

Love,
Carol

Wonderful News and Answer to Prayer!

"Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know, says the Lord."

Well He did!!!!

Today was the Johns Hopkins day for blood draw, CT Scan and appointment with Dr. Laheru - my wonderful, dedicated oncologist.

CT Scan showed NO NEW TUMORS and NO GROWTH OF EXISTING TUMORS. Blood markers are down!! So this is it!!! The new chemo regimen is the Right One!!

As Dr Laheru told us in the beginning, if we can just "stop cells from growing"
that is success--as we continue working on a cure for pancreatic cancer!

So I now have a "chronic condition" that we treat with daily chemo!

Next thing: back to Johns Hopkins next Tuesday for the IV infusion of chemo and I continue to take chemo pills each morning/evening. The first few days there is nausea. Hey! I'm not complaining!! I will go every 21 days for chemo IV
infusion at Johns Hopkins..

CT Scan every 2 months to see that this chemo recipe is still working and has
not been out-smarted by the cancer cells. I will keep you posted.

Please join with us as we Thank God for HIS hand in this wonderful result. --
and please continue to pray for complete healing! -- "Stopping growth" is a
success to the JH team, but hey, I'm selfish!!

Other updates:
My mom drove safely 6 hours back to Cleveland yesterday with a promise to be
back soon.

Christine is back to work at the new rotation assignment at the Pentagon and
really, really likes it - and her new co-workers. Erik is off to Ivanhoe for 10
days with the boys. We saw the little wife yesterday for dinner and she misses
her husband!

Andrew heads out today for the 16 hour drive to Maine to his camp job for the
summer.

Chip is the big news! He just heard yesterday that he will NOT be deployed to
Afghanistan with the rest of his unit in a few weeks-- instead he will stay in
San Diego because he was selected for a Marine Expeditionary Unit that deploys
next Spring. (They send the unit out on a ship to be "expedited" to hot spots
around the globe as needed.). Of course I am thrilled b/c it means Chip is on
our same continent and just an easy flight away for visits!!

Oh, and about eating: I am taking all your advice on healthy eating. Whole
Foods is our new market! Mega fruits and vegetables, all organic, no
preservatives, and cottage cheese/flaxseed oil every day. And no sugar. I keep
reading that Cancer Loves Sugar, so that's no fun b/c so does Carol!

We are still on Cloud Nine with this wonderful news!!! Wahoo! Thank you God!

"In my distress I called to the Lord and He answered me. From the depths I called for help. And you listened to my cry." Jonah 2:2

Love to you ALL! Thanks for standing by me in friendship and in prayer. I am
humbled.


Carol

Better and Better

What’s that Beatles song?? ….
It's getting better all the time, Better, better, better
It's getting better all the time, Better, better, better
Getting so much better all the tiiii iiiime!

This week as been amazing on the new chemo! NO Symptoms. No nausea, vomiting. No weird combo of constipation and diarrhea (tmi, I know!), even the fatigue has disappeared! I have gained 10 pounds! I am feeling so strong and full of energy!

This week was the annual Defense Industry Ethics meeting and so we went back into DC and I went to the meetings every day! In fact, listen to this, yesterday I went to the meeting in the morning, Frank and I had lunch with a friend at Old Ebbit’s Grill, went home to have a visit with Phyllis and Peg (girlfriend time!), immediately went off to a dinner with my best DII pals, home by 9 pm and still ready for action. (Frank was like “okay, energizer bunny, Get To Bed!) ha ha. Anyway, I just couldn’t resist giving you a snapshot of that amazing day!

Honeymooner update: Mr. & Mrs. Maginnis returned last night from their honeymoon in Barbados. I went to the DII meeting this morning then we had lunch, and photo viewing, with the newlyweds before coming out to the shore. They had a wonderful time and are all relaxed and in looooove. Erik leaves Monday to take the boys on the service trip to Ivanhoe for a week.

Tomorrow I am going to a bridal shower for the soon to be daughter-in-law of our sweet neighbors here on the shore. Then on Sunday we are heading back into DC, and I am going with my mom, Christine and Peggy Anne to meeting with Dr. Brenda Hunter a cancer survivor “nutrition guru”. I am really interested to hear what she has to say. I keep hearing more and more and more about helping your body/immune system join in the fight by eating the right things. So I expect to hear lots about raw veggies and fruits, maybe green tea?..who knows. But I am looking forward to it. (Send any advice my way.) When I was in the clinical trial at Johns Hopkins (and I assume now) they were very clear on “No Supplements” since they can actually interfere with the chemo… but they did encourage us to learn more about healthy eating. So I’ve been reading.

Tuesday mom heads back to Ohio, having declared me “Eating just fine!” with a promise to be back the moment we call, or she gets in the mood for a visit.

Wednesday will be a big day. CT Scan to see if this chemo is stalling or even killing the cells (they will measure the tumors on the liver and other organs) and then an appointment with Dr. Laheru. If, if, if it is possible that I can take THIS chemo, in THIS dose and feel like THIS… we are talking huge success and you ALL need to come to the Eastern Shore for a visit b/c I’ll have energy for LOTS of fun times if I can stay on this chemo regime…for years! ☺

So, there’s my latest! Unbelievable that this is the same me of just weeks ago…unbelievable, really. (and so WHY do I say unbelievable?!)….hmmm, guess I’ll just continue to say “Thank You.”

Post-wedding-back-in-the-fight-Chemo Update

I am looking through the Psalms, there has got to be just the right HALLELUJAH verse in there where David just says Thank You, Thank You, Thank You for the blessing. But none seems to be enough!

As you know, we went back up to Johns Hopkins to get going again on the new chemo. You won’t believe this…the anticipated side effects of nausea (NOPE!); fatigue (SOME, but what’s a nice nap now and then); tingling fingers/toes (nope!) are so minimal.

But it’s that nausea! Not A BIT so far. I know they told us that the symptoms can be cumulative and maybe I’ll ramp up a bit as the days go by…but so far, I am tummy happy! (and eating, eating, eating just to prove it!)

They have me on the same dosage level that they say 90% of the folks who are on this combo take. So it is a bit of a down-dosage from last month…so of course you know me…I’m thinking ~ is this working? I am not sufffffffering? (A sign of a sick mind, I know.) But that’s where the patience comes in again. We won’t know until the next round of tests to “look back” and see if this poison is the right poison for my cells. Please keep praying that it is…but I do know that if it is not, then there’s just another plan.

When we were at JH, Sally & Frank & I met the neatest couple. Bill Forbes was told several years ago that he had 6 weeks to live with pancreatic cancer. And there he was! Full of stories. When he and his wife asked which chemo treatment I was on, and we told them, they said, “Oh, Bill had a great year and half on that!” That was so encouraging…. (He also told me that he had had the Whipple surgery that works for some pancreatic patients, but his cancer came back…he also cited that 90% of folks who have the Whipple have returning cancer. So that was interesting. Anyway, in my case, (some of you have asked) I’m not a candidate for the Whipple…too many cancer cells spread around to too many places. That’s okay. God has a different plan for me.

I don’t want to ramble on and on, just wanted to give the good news and ask you to Thank God along with me, Praising Him for continued blessings…who would have thought after the great day of the wedding. Ah, me of little faith…I thought that was a “one day” blessing….but nope! God intended blessing upon blessing and I’m loving it! We are still out at the Eastern Shore hanging out.

Thanks for being there for me. Thanks for your unceasing prayers.

Love,

Carol

A Few More Wedding Pictures

Sally,Carol & Peggy Anne
The wedding site!
Mr. & Mrs. Erik Maginnis

The Wedding Report!

Sally!! I just looked at the blog! You good girl! Thanks for getting some wedding news up for our friends…and where did you get those cute pix? I love them Sally! (and we have MORE!)…

Okay, gang, Bear With Me…it’s Mom time! I want to tell you all about the wedding. It was a perfect day! Yesterday I received a lovely card from Dixcy, our sweet neighbor next door, and let me share with you a couple things she said that were a perfect description of the day: “…On this eve of your daughter’s wedding, I am praying for complete sunshine and joy in your hearts and hoping that for this weekend – time will stand still. That sorrows of the past or worries of the future will not enter your thoughts. That you will be completely enveloped in the presence of God’s Love….” THAT is a perfect description of the day.

First…all about me! ☺ It was as though God ensured that there was not one OUNCE of chemo in my body or one misguided CELL anywhere. I was me! Not once during the whole day was I tired or weary, worried or distracted…and I’m telling you...I was not faking it! It was a total gift from God..an answer to your many prayers everywhere. It was a gift to me, to Christine, (who is my lil worrier) to Frank, and all our family, my boys…everybody could see…this was MOM! And I was THERE! Totally there….in the dress that Christine picked out for me (on sale, yay!) and had hanging in the closet in sizes 12, 10, 8! okay, nuf about me. BUT, I was fabuloso as my sister in law Michele would say! Praise God b/c it was indeed blessings upon blessings all day!

Wedding was on Saturday of course, but Friday, as you saw from the email that I sent to Sally that she cut and pasted for all of you,..it rained (um poured!) all day Friday. I mean it poured. Buckets! We had a bit of a reprieve for the rehearsal as the kids squished thru the grass practicing walking to the beautiful little archway that Amy created by the water. Oy vey! But they were wonderful sports, hiking up their skirts and kicking off their shoes. Then the rain came again as we dashed to the happy, love-filled Rehearsal Dinner that Erik’s mom and dad (Chuck and Ruth Anne Maginnis! WE LOVE THEM) hosted for 100 people! It was an Eastern Shore buffet with oysters, crab cakes, cream of crab soup and lots of yummy food…which I “ate like a trucker”…as my dear husband describes. It was wonderful. (The only intimidation was the wonderful, heartfelt, articulate, lovely toast Chuck Maginnis made to welcome the about-to-be-joined families…Frank was feeling the pressure for Saturday night!)

Saturday morning was overcast…sun was teasing around…but there was a wonderful BREEZE…and.. fast forward, by the time of the ceremony at 5 pm the grass was totally dry (yep!) and the sun was shining. The only funny thing was that for our guests, instead of walking around the side of the house to the back yard for the ceremony everyone had to come UP the front steps, ACROSS the porch, THRU the front door, and OUT the back door, DOWN the steps to the yard! Ha ha. That was a little funny….but as Frank said, it made us feel like, “Hi friends..come on over to our house and into the back yard to share in Erik and Christine’s WEDDING!”

The ceremony was unbelievable! So many people commented on how thoughtful and meaningful Pastor Mike’s words to the couple were. He had a wonderful way of weaving scripture and Biblical truths and conventional wisdom and humor. We loved that, as he was speaking, Erik and Christine were so intent…nodding their heads at him, looking at one another at this point or that…it was as though the 3 of there were up there having a conversation and the rest of us were listening in on the wise words that Pastor Mike was sharing with these two wonderful people. But on the other hand, we all felt blessed by what Pastor Mike was saying, because it was wisdom for new and seasoned marriages. It was beautiful. Oh! And it was cool….after The Kiss and Pastor Mike pronounced them man & wife, they strolled out (see photo!) ...went back into the house for some alone time….and Pastor Mike kept the rest of us there! And he had a special “Charge to the Family and Friends” where he took some time and basically said….”okay you saw an extraordinary exchange of promises here between two every special adults…but now YOU have a job…” and he talked to us, every one of us, about our role in supporting their MARRIAGE, and their promises, and their commitments that they made. It gave me goose bumps. I was not just an observer…every one of us was In a Support Role of this marriage for a lifetime. Anyway, I’m not doing it justice, but let me say, it was very cool. We all felt it!

After the ceremony, we had a wonderful reception, sun is still shining, nary a cloud in sight from then on! Our friends and neighbors here on Goose Neck Road made Christine and Erik a “wedding burgee” that was flying from our flag pole, ruffling in the warm breeze thru the wedding..I’ll have to post a picture of it for you. It was neat!

There was that weird time when they take the wedding party off for pictures, we noshed on yummy hors d’houvres but soon the kids were back! Then the party began. Wow-eee! So much fun. Erik and Christine started off with a Dance! They had so much fun going to dancing lessons for 4 weeks and learned a dance to one of their favorite songs: “More” – started out with a slow fox trot then broke into swing..and a DIP! It was so fun..everyone was clapping and cheering them on! Our Erik has quite the moves on the dance floor. He was charming!! No wonder Christine is smitten!

From then on the dance floor was never empty! Erik picked every single song that was played and insisted on “crooner music” during dinner. It was so wonderful…we actually all couldn’t stop our dancing-feet and were dancing before and during dinner! So what! It was fun to dance to the Old Stuff….and we have some friends who can really cut up the rug, so it was fun to watch AND join in! (Made me wish my dad was there..my mom & dad were QUITE the dancers…but my mom had lots of dances during the night. She didn’t turn down one fella, and at one point I noticed two young guys asking Grandma Ruth to dance!)

Frank and Christine had a beautiful dance to James Taylor’s song, “You’ve Got a Friend”…you know (sing along here)..”when you call out my name…you know wherever I am, I’ll come running, cuz you’ve got a friend…..” It was very sweet. By the end the Maginnis family and we were all on the dance floor.

After dinner with the “real dancing”--- it was a blast! EVERYONE was up and dancing! To all sorts of wonderful music ... you just couldn’t stay in your seat! Even Frank and me! And Andrew and me, and Chip and me, and Mike, and Howie, …I danced and danced! Oh…this is funny….you know how the kids do that thing where they get in a big circle and they are all dancing up and down but someone is in the circle…well Andrew comes over and grabs me and WE danced in the middle of the circle!! Now THAT was a God thing…I wouldn’t have done THAT in the “old me!” hee hee.

OH!! And then the surprise! At some point in the reception, the DJ said, “please come to the dock, the neighbors of Goose Neck Road have a surprise for the family”….and there were FIREWORKS! No kidding! Phil was over setting off REAL fireworks. It was like a fairy tale! I couldn’t believe it! Not a cloud in the sky and there were Erik and Christine looking up at beautiful, firey, bouquets in the sky! Our good friends George & Nanci, Susie & Steve and the GNR gang had us all speechless!

Well, at 11:45 I looked around and thought – ooops, I was supposed to be limping out of here at 9:00 feeling sorry for myself at missing the party and here I am! God, YOU are amazing! So many folks stayed right to the end, not just the youngsters! It was unbelievable! At midnight, the last dance came, we were soon tucked in bed, couldn’t believe the day that God had given us.

Sunday morning was another beautiful day….the gardens were again lovely ... perfect. About 150 people came back over for brunch by the water. It was relaxed and fun. Many of our Goose Neck Road neighbors came so that made it so special too. They have been so amazing this whole wedding week…AND they allowed us the special treat to have all of Frank’s brothers invited to stay on the road and so all week we had Marshall brothers and cousins walking and bike riding up the lane to stop and out. It was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.

Whew! So what more can I tell you??…Frank, mom, the boys, c&e, and I are still amazed at ME! I am still feeling great. I would say that it wasn’t until 5 pm Sunday evening when Peggy Anne and Scott left that I finally felt like….hmmm, think I need a nap. I wouldn’t even say I crashed…just slumped! The kids left Sunday night, off to Barbados for their honeymooning. When they get back, Erik goes off with “his boys” – students from the high school where he is a Latin teacher - for a mission trip to West Virginia (I think) for a week. So they will have their honeymoon to rest and will be back at it when they return. Christine will start a new rotation in the Lockheed Martin Finance Leadership Development Program…for this one she will be based at the Pentagon..so she is very excited about that for the year ahead.

Chip left today, along with the Marshall brothers, to return to Southern California. He has a busy few days ahead with some flights scheduled…he is waiting to hear if he goes to back to the Middle East soon (like within a month or so) or later…(like next year)! So that will be our next news. Please pray that God will orchestrate that just right for Chip. As always, we had wonderful conversations with our USMC aviator Captain Chip,…but this time it was clear that the timing of “going to Iraq”/ “going on other assignment” will have long term ramifications b/c of other assignments that flow from this timing…like 8 years out! You military guys out there “get it” on this, but it was all very fascinating to me how one timing decision can have such an impact.

Andrew is still home to hover over mother, but we gotta get him out of here b/c he worries about me too much. (although I have to say, he has the quickest draw on the little buckets with the nausea strikes!.. and produces a nice damp cloth for my neck that I never realized felt so good! ha ha) Andrew will soon be off to be a counselor at a wonderful Christian camp up in Maine – google “Moose River Outpost” You’ll want to go too! It’s a high adventure camp for teens. Andrew will specialize in Wake Boarding and Paint Balling….oooo, it will be a tough summer of ministry! Hee hee.

As you saw from Sally, we are back to Johns Hopkins tomorrow for a nice blood draw then back to chemo. I’m ready. Yep. I AM READY! I think I will go back on the same cocktail they were trying last month…so please pray that the Oxyplatin/Xeloda combination is the right one for these pesky cancer cells AND that they won’t be so smart this time to out maneuver the chemo-poison so quickly. The side effects are nausea and fatigue….but I have been eating like a horse (um, thanks to the ½ steroid Ella Mae has me taking each day..rats..there goes my aspirations to be a professional athelete!) and have gained back a 4 pounds over the past week. Yay! Ali gave me some advice from her dad to try “sugared ginger” for nausea…so I’ve got my stash that Pam provided and I’ll try that for the nausea.

Okay. So BIG BIG BIG thank you to you all, and to God, for the evidence of His Love and your prayer faithfulness in this past weekend. Not just a beautiful joining of two very pure hearts…but the many, many, many tiny miracles during the week and days leading up to the day.

Pictures: !....We have 1277 pix that friends have already given to Peggy Anne on their “cards” on Sunday morning and the photographer (Laura Thorpe – In His Grace Photography) is going to put pix on her website..I’ll let you know the link (ABF Girfriends!!) and if you want, you can see the whole blessed day! – but now I feel as though I am being pushy. But I must say..it WAS a beautiful day. God was there. You’ll see.

All filled up and spilling over with Love for you all,

Carol

PS. Look for more pics later!!