Checking on Meg: 2007

Going Home~

March 31, 2007

Meg, loved by many, loving and devoted, wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt & friend, went home to be with the Lord & reunite with her parents on March 30, 2007. While she fought a fierce battle, it's over, praise the Lord! She will be missed by many & never forgotten, but as I type she's smiling down on those of us mourning our loss.

Services will be Monday, April 2, 2007 @ 1:pm @ Kelview Heights Baptist Church in Midland under the direction of Nalley Pickle Funeral Home.

Donations can be sent to MD Anderson in Houston, or to The American Cancer Society.

Thanks to all of you for your many thoughts, prayers, cards, flowers, food, ect. We appreciate the love you've shown during this time.

With Love & Blessings~
The Atchison Family

March 14, 2007

Okay guys, I'm a "few" days late getting info to you all. I apologize! There isn't a lot new to report. Meg had her second round of chemo last week and that went well. So far she hasn't been sick from the treatment. Praise God! Ronnie was with her in the evenings & spent the night all last week. Julie Hull, Courtney & girls and Wayne, Gertie & Shannon spent time as well. It was a fun week for all. Deena was down doing some work in Midland and actually took Meg with she & Felix to the Monahans branch. They got to eat @ Vickie's, yum! I know Meg enjoyed seeing everyone in Monahans. She stayed the day in Stanton with Courtney yesterday, that's enough to wear anyone out...haha! Frank got home at 1:am this morning. They have had a great day and she's continuing to feel good. They had a date this afternoon, went to the movies and really enjoyed that. Her therapy sessions are going well. She's not "enjoying" some of the homework the therapist gives her, but she follows the rules. :-)

March 05, 2007

Greetings~
Meg is doing great. Feeling great & looking great! She went to the oncologist in Odessa today. She will have chemo treatment # 2 tomorrow @ 9:am. Frank is taking her and Julie Hull will relieve him as he is leaving to go back to the rig tomorrow. She will go back to Odessa on Wed for a shot to help boost her blood cell count. She will also have speech/cognitive therapy 3 x's this week. She is very excited and proud of herself, as we all are, that she gave herself her insulin shot today. Yea, Meg! Before too long she'll be back running the show. She did inform me today that I might not be the "E-Mail Queen" much longer.

Love to all~

March 02, 2007

Meg continues to make progress daily. We are so thankful for how far she's come. She's doing great. Her spirits are very positive and she is very happy.

She will begin speech therapy next week which should speed recovery up. The therapist was encouraged with the progress that she has made on her own and is optimistic about the progress they'll make together.

Hope you all have a terrific weekend. We'll let you know more when we have more to report.

Love~

February 28, 2007

Hello All,

Frank made it home late last night. I don't know who was happier, him or Meg. "Kizzy" Ronnie, was relieved of her duties for the rest of the week. She & Meg had a terrific, memory filled week together.

Meg went to Dr. Patel today, internal medicine, to discuss her blood sugar problems. He believes that it is caused by the Prednisone. Her neurologist is going to start weaning her off of that and hopefully that will help her blood sugar levels become more stable.

She starts OT & Speech therapy tomorrow which should speed her recovery up. Every day she is gaining strength and making progress.

Meg's hair has begun to fall out. As always, she has a great attitude about it and I think has a "hair cutting" party planned for this weekend with Deena.

Keep the prayers flowing, we are seeing answers daily.

February 26, 2007

One more fun-filled day. Ronnie has been spending the night & day since Wednesday. The boys & Sarah are in & out visiting between going to school & work. Courtney & the girls were over all afternoon today. Those of you that live in Stanton, and are on city water, know about brown water, Courtney did a million loads of laundry and Meg took care of playing with the girls. Hard job, but someone has to do it! She is continuing to do better each day and we are all loving her being home! Frank will be home tomorrow and she can't wait for him to get back home.

February 26, 2007

Greetings to all~

Meg has had a good weekend. Saturday, obviously, she & Ronnie stayed in. Yesterday, Meg, Ronnie, Courtney & Sarah went shopping for a few hours. The girls had tons of fun, looked at a lot of things, but didn't buy much. Meg's favorite pastime is shopping, so she was in her element. We didn't make it to Kohl's, though, maybe today...Meg had to help everyone else find the car, because the others weren't capable of keeping up with it. I do believe she's getting better! Meg is really enjoying visiting with all of you that have called. Feel free to call and chat or stop by. She is enjoying the company, cards & flowers. Thanks to everyone~

On a medical note, her blood sugar level continues to be erratic. She has an appt. with Dr. Patel on Wed, hopefully he will have an answer.

As in the past, please continue to pray specifically for her strength & courage as she is facing what the future holds.

February 23, 2007

Meg has had a good day. She and Ronnie have done girl things & rested all day. She has relaxed and just enjoyed life today. She hasn't been shopping since Wed, and she is getting ready to hit the stores, so I'm sure tomorrow Ronnie better plan to shop till they drop and I know Ronnie will be dropping first...

No new news to report, all is well.

Love to all~

February 22, 2007

Meg is doing well today. Ronnie spent the night last pm, along with the boys & Sarah, and Ronnie took her to the oncologist in Odessa today. There really isn't any news to report from that visit. He is still waiting on the chemo orders from M.D. Anderson. Her blood sugar level has been erratic, so they modified her medicine schedule in hopes that things will line out.

Courtney & the girls went over in the afternoon and Harrison & Ben got there at supper time. Dixie stopped by after work. Meg has enjoyed being surrounded by family & friends. The phone calls and flowers have been uplifting. Thanks to all of you!

Please specifically pray for Meg's strength & courage. Reality is starting to set in, and the last thing that we need is for her to get down emotionally. Please pray that she will remain her same strong, positive self.

Thanks for the thoughts & prayers & please keep sending them up~

February 21, 2007

Meg has had a good day. Courtney, Gertie, Neeley & Claire stayed the day with Meg. They had a big day...a girls day, if you will~Meg decided she wanted to go to Kohl's to shop, her home away from home, so that's what Courtney, Neeley & her did. Gertie held the fort down with Claire and Claire almost wore her out. All was fine until she realized that the girls had gone shopping without her...it went South quickly after that. Meg enjoyed visiting with her girls.

Ronnie is spending the night & taking her to the doctor tomorrow. The girls will be back some tomorrow, too.

That's all the news for tonight.

February 21, 2007

Good Morning to All~

Meg & Frank arrived in Midland on Monday. She is doing great & enjoying being back home and close to the boys & Sarah & family & friends.

Frank went back to work on Tuesday. Ronnie & Gertie stayed with Meg on Tuesday. Courtney & girls & Gertie will be staying on Wednesday, she'll be worn out after that! :-) The boys & Sarah are staying in the evenings and at night. Frank will be home next Tuesday.

She meets with her oncologist in Odessa tomorrow. There may be more to report after that appointment.

Please continue to pray, there's still a long road ahead of us.

Blessings~

February 18, 2007

Praise God!! Meg & Frank are almost to Pat & Julie's. Yes, she was discharged from M.D. Anderson this afternoon. She seems to be doing great. I know getting out of the hospital will help both of them! She & Frank will be going to Midland tomorrow. Frank will be going back to work on Tuesday.

There's still a long road ahead of us, so don't quit praying now. God continues to answer our prayers daily. With faith, anything is possible!

More info to come soon.

Love to you all~

February 17, 2007

We have good news~Meg is continuing to improve. She will have her last plasmapheresis treatment today. If she continues doing as well as she is now, she will be discharged tomorrow, SUNDAY...Yea! We are very excited about this news. As always though, it could change, but for now this is the latest news~

Continue praying & praying, the battle isn't over yet.

February 14, 2007

Happy Valentine's Day~

Meg has had another good day. She slept really good last pm. She has rested a lot of the day today. The doctors are giving her ativan for her twitching leg. That has kept her pretty sleepy.

Plasmapheresis began this evening @ 9:00. Not sure how long the process will last or how many rounds she'll have. Here's an explanation of the procedure:

Plasmapheresis — also known as plasma exchange — removes the fluid part of the blood, called plasma, from your blood cells with a device known as a cell separator. The red and white blood cells, along with your platelets, are returned to your body, while the plasma, which contains unwanted paraneoplastic antibodies, is discarded and replaced with other fluids.

Clear as mud? We'll keep you updated as we have more information.

February 13, 2007

Okay, things have changed a little. Meg had another good day & still is not sick from the chemo. Praise God! We thought that she would get to come home this week and it's looking like it will be next week, instead. Doctors had talked about doing plasma exchange before chemo, but they wanted to see how she would respond to the chemo. Since she has responded so well, they want to do the plasma exchange before sending her home in hopes that it will help improve her neurological issues even more. Every day she seems to be a little clearer.

Prayers are being answered daily and we are grateful for all of you out there praying for her & for the family.

Thank you~

February 12, 2007

Meg has had another good day. She is still not nauseated from the chemo, Praise God! Her mental status still seems to be getting better everyday, another Praise! If everything stays the same, it looks like she'll be coming home one day this week. We are all VERY excited to see her back home and I know she's ready to get back home.

Please continue to pray, God is listening and answering our prayers. Thank you all for your love, support, positive thoughts & prayers.

Blessings to each of you~

February 11, 2007

Meg had a great today. She doesn't seem to be suffering any effects of the chemo yet, which is a true blessing from God! She & Julie went exploring all over the hospital. She seems to be trying to remember things from the past. Every day she seems to make progress toward getting a little clearer. Once Julie got turned around in the hospital and Meg got them headed in the right direction. These baby steps make all of us so happy!

Riley & Sarah are still visiting and will be heading home tomorrow.

Frank is still going into the office occasionally and getting some work done.

Doctors should be in tomorrow to discuss discharge options.

As always, thanks for your prayers! As you can tell from above, we are seeing them answered!

February 10, 2007

Meg has had a pretty good day all in all. Julie & Pat and Riley & Sarah are still in Houston visiting. She has enjoyed the company. Frank was able to go to work a little today while they were there to help out.

Chemo was started around 4:pm today and should finish around 10:pm. She shouldn't have another round for 3 weeks. Hopefully she'll tolerate this round okay.

February 09, 2007

Meg had a good day today & has communicated quite a bit. As always in the medical field, things have changed AGAIN, here's the new news...Chemo should be starting soon and the type has changed. It will be through a regular IV which they will remove after treatment. The treatment will be 3 to 4 hours for 1 day. Then there will be three weeks between treatments. So, one more time; hopefully, sometime early to middle of next week Meg & Frank may be back in Midland.

Pat & Julie and Riley & Sarah arrived today and she was thrilled to see them. Julie & Meg have been walking the halls.

Frank got to go to his company's main office today and do some paperwork, which they will credit him for time worked, even though he isn't off shore. His company has been so good to work with him through all of this. Their willingness to accommodate his needs has been a true blessing.

As always, keep the prayers flowing! You all are doing a great job and God has already answered many of them.

February 08, 2007

Meg has had a really good day. Doctors have decided to do more testing, and so they have put chemo on hold until next week. This seems like a huge set back, but hopefully good will come of it. The medical field doesn't seem to be operate at the pace we would like to see! Patience, patience...

Please continue to be prayerful, that seems to be the only hope there is right now.

February 07, 2007

Meg has had a good day. She should start chemo soon, maybe as early as tomorrow. The treatment will last 3 days and then wait a period of 2 1/2 wks between treatments. She could have between 3 and 6 treatments depending on how she responds. They are also talking about sending her back to Midland/Odessa between the treatments. They also said she could possibly do some of the treatments in Odessa.

As always, prayers are asked for Meg's health & for the doctor's wisdom and for Frank & family. We have seen prayers answered and thank each of you for that, and ask that you continue doing what you're doing!

February 06, 2007

Meg seems to be adjusting well to her new "home". There's not really been a significant change in mental status. The doctors have been running a battery of tests and we are still awaiting the results. Hopefully soon, maybe tomorrow, we will receive a treatment plan/diagnosis, ect.

I know that you all are anxiously waiting for updates, and I wish there was more to say. Please continue to pray specifically for Meg's health, the doctor's wisdom and for Frank's strength.

February 05, 2007

Meg & Frank arrived at MD Anderson yesterday about 1:pm. Meg did well during the "move" and seems to be adjusting okay. Hopefully after today we will have some answers. I know everyone is anxiously awaiting news, and as soon as we have something to report, we will.

February 03, 2007

Frank wrote: The time is 9:55 PM and the nurse just came in and said M.D. Anderson had called and said we would be moving first thing in the morning. She said she would be back a little later with more information. Thanks for the prayers, they work when my pushing and griping don't.

Once again, thanks to all of you prayer warriors and don't stop now!!

February 02, 2007

Nothing new to report. Frank has been trying all day to get Meg admitted/transferred to MD Anderson, thus far, no transfer and we still don't know when that will take place. Once she gets to MD Anderson, we will let you know.

Thanks for your thoughts & prayers.

The comments are great, keep 'em coming!

February 01, 2007

We got the biopsy results today...her thymoma has recurred. They are working on the transfer to MD Anderson & that should happen soon, hopefully tomorrow.

Nothing else to report at this time, will keep you posted as things develop.

January 31, 2007

Meg had a better today as far as nausea. The doctors still expect to receive the results from the biopsy tomorrow. There still isn't a transfer date to MD Anderson. There hasn't been much change in mental status. Garry is still visiting with Meg & Frank.

January 30, 2007

Garry Hull arrived today to visit with Meg & Frank. Meg has had a semi-good day. They did a lung biopsy early this afternoon and the results should be back in a couple of days. The doctors from MD Anderson have been in contact with Dallas and she will be getting transferred to MD Anderson in the near future.

January 29, 2007

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Psalm 95:1

About 7:45pm tonight, Meg spoke a few words to Frank and then told him she wanted to take a shower, and she didn't want him to help her. This has absolutely made our night and is no doubt a testament to the power of prayer...

Thanks be to God and thanks be to all of you prayer warriors, keep up the good work!

January 29, 2007

Meg has been nauseated today. They did another short EEG today. The films from the CT scan performed in Odessa in Oct. 2006 were viewed by the lung specialist today. He wants the radiologist to view them; however, the Dr. thinks there have been changes. They are in contact with MD Anderson to discuss this. The 5th IVIG completed today. Please continue to pray for Meg's complete recovery and specifically for her to remain positive while facing this ordeal.

Please feel free to post comments on this blog. We will make sure that Meg hears/reads your words & we know she will find comfort & encouragement from hearing from you.

January 28, 2007

Meg has slept most of the day today due to medication for seizures. The boys & Sarah were there, and that was good. She received #4 of the IVIG. The dr's continue to think they are on the right track. She is scheduled for another EEG tomorrow.

January 27, 2007

Nancy & Mike left today. Riley & Sarah & Jared came in to visit. Meg has been nauseated, but they are treating that with medication. The doctors have started the IVIG treatment again. Hopefully we will see results from that. She will have a total of 5 treatments. She is supposed to have another EEG tomorrow or Monday.

January 24, 2007

IVIG medicine was started.

January 26, 2007

Meg had nausea & vomiting today. They contributed it to the IVIG and have put that on hold until she feels better. They attempted to drain fluid off of her lung, but were unable to do so because of the location of the fluid and there wasn't as much fluid as they had thought. Doctors are continuing to think that she has paraneoplastic syndrome. Go to mayoclinic.com and type in paraneoplastic syndrome. This will give you a good understanding of what this is. Nancy & Mike got there early afternoon today and will stay until Saturday. Riley & Sarah are supposed to arrive on Saturday.