A long needed update...

Dear Friends and Family,

My apologies for not updating the blog sooner. Life has been very busy around here, and there are lots of updates. I will try to start from the beginning. 

As you know, Courtney had a pump placed in his abdomen in January. It was an overall successful surgery, although they were unable to remove the tumors they encountered during insertion of the pump. The idea of the pump was to deliver direct chemo to his liver, without him having to deal with the side effects of systemic chemo. The port was filled with chemo through a needle inserted into his abdomen to reach the device every 2 weeks. He was doing well and having minimal side effects. 

In the meantime, renovations on the cabin at Johnson Lake were completed, and I must say it was stunning! Chris and Karen, the contractors worked long and hard in the cabin during the winter season to finish. The renovation enlarged the kitchen, added a dishwasher, washer/dryer, and made the bathroom more functional. Walls were taken down, and the cabin is so beautiful! As soon as the snow melted, Courtney and Sue said "goodbye" to the increasing Texas temperatures for the cool summers at Johnson Lake, Nebraska. Tyler and I have missed them very much, and have traveled three times to see them this summer. Days at the lake are amazing, filled with family and friendship, things seems to move at a slower pace. 

Courtney had been seeing an oncologist in Nebraska with consultation from his physicians in Texas. During one of the routine "fills" of his pump, it was noted that none of his chemo had delivered. They attempted to flush with a heparin solution without success, the pump was clogged. We knew that clogging of the line was a possible complication, but it was still a disappointment. After the pump clogged, this left him on no chemo. Since the pump is in his abdomen there was no way to "unclog" it without additional surgical intervention, which was not an option. His latest scan revealed that his tumors had metastasized to his pancreas and also there was overall tumor growth. 

Thus, with much thought, reflection, and consultation with the doctors, the decision has been made... no more chemo and no more scans for now. Courtney is feeling good, and enjoying his time at Johnson Lake. His medi-port (the implanted port that they use for blood draws and medication) is being flushed every 6 weeks in case he were to ever need it again. 

This past weekend we traveled to spend Fourth of July with the family at Johnson Lake. There was a huge party for Diana and Bob's Birthday. Thought I would share some photos from the weekend. 

More updates to come...

Love,

Ashley