Tuesday 11am

No updates yet. He was at the scan for quite awhile. I got a nice nap in :)

Monday Night

Jon was up and down to radiology today. It took most of the day to watch the contrast go thru his system. Every hour or so he would have a x-ray. His GI system is moving quite slow, which was expected. The decision was made to have the scan of his liver in the am. He is having the scan at 8am. Then we will have a better picture of what is going on. Right now there is an Internist, Oncologist, Gastrointestinal, Pain and Liver doctor following him. We have had great care at Abbott Northwestern. Will update when we get a plan. I will also post when it will be OK for visitors. You can always text me too. Goodnight :)

Monday AM

Good morning. Jon says he feels delirious still. He needs rest! We ask that you hold off on visiting today. I spoke with the GI MD last night. The biliary ducts of his liver are not flowing like they should be. We need to do some imaging of his liver today. Right now he is having a test to check out his stomach and small bowel. The radiologist will be putting contrast thru his NG, then they will be taking x-rays as it flows thru the stomach and complete small bowel. The entire family and especially I are grateful for all the continual love and support during this difficult time.

Sunday 5pm

Jon is finally resting. I got here about 4:30 and he was in a deep, deep sleep. I really hope he will get some good rest tonight.

Sunday morning

Jon is confused this am. He actually called me and said he was delirious. He can not carry on a conversation, and we all know that IS NOT Jon. I spoke to the nurse and he just needs to rest and sleep. No visitors today. Please watch the BLOG to see when visitors would be appropriate. Enjoy the weather!

Visiting Jon

Jon is extremely fatigued and has a long way to go to build up his strength again. If you are planning to visit, please try to come between 10am and 2pm. That way he gets longer periods of rest.

Saturday 5pm

Not much of a game plan change today. The bowel obstruction needs to be resolved, so the NG will be in place for awhile to continue to decompress his stomach. Jon continues to have problems sleeping. He says that he hasn't slept more than 2hrs the last week. He is exhausted. Hoping to get some rest now.

February 11, 2011

Finally, the oncologist came in. The news is not nearly as grave as we thought. There is no evidence of a tumor obstructing his bowel. The bowel is twisted. There are 4 new tumors on his liver, but his hepatic pump therapy has been on hold since October, which was keeping away new growth. There could potentially be quite extensive cancerous growth in his periportal lymph nodes (between his liver and pancreas). Now we know what is wrong and need to put together a plan. He will need to have the NG in until the bowel resolves itself. Then we are planning on having a feeding tube inserted into his stomach. This would not be permanent, but in just until he gains some weight back. Thanks for the continual support.

February 11, 2011

Thought this would be best for you all to keep updated. Jon got very sick, very quickly. Last week we thought he had a GI bug, he had fluids and then his labs were ok so they went ahead with his chemotherapy treatment. This made everything worse. He couldn't keep anything down. He went in Friday for more IV fluids, which helped a little. Saturday was Campbell's 2nd birthday and he for no reason wanted to cancel any plans of celebrating it. We had a couple people over, and he came down and sat in the chair and watched the action for a bit and then had to lay down. I convinced him to go in for IV fluids again Sunday morning. He got on the scale and was 136lbs. We left the ER and he felt a little better. All during this he was having increased pain. He went home and laid right down. Monday he was suppose to have a CT scan and it was postponed until Wednesday, since he wasn't at a point of drinking contrast. At this point it was 10 days since he had any solids to eat. He laid on the couch and only got up to the bathroom, didn't go downstairs, and I would help him get comfortable, and get his meds. He was drinking, but it didn't stay down for long. He had a plan and was refusing to go to the doctor, even though everyone wa trying to convince him. He was fading fast and didn't realize it. Wednesday morning the priest came to the house and annointed him. He opened his eyes and spoke just briefly. He looked the worst I had ever seen him, grey and pale, just a skeleton. I finally lost it. Our families were here and I had everyone come with me and I told him the facts and that he had no choice to go. After some screaming, and more telling rather than asking he agreed to go to the hospital. I felt we barely made it. He was carried down the steps and put in the car. He complained he couldn't breathe, and we talked him through it to hold on. In the ER everything went really fast. His pulse was 149 and was just laying there. His pain was out of control and no pain meds helped. They started dumping IV fluids in him, giving him something for nausea, and attempting to control the pain. He was stabilized and admitted to the hospital. Thursday morning the pain was better controlled, but still there. He was started to throw up again, and about lunch time he was in uncontrollable pain. I convinced him to have an NG (a tube inserted into his nose that went to his stomach to suction whatever was in there), so then he would be able to drink and not worry about it coming right up. The RN inserted the tube and within 5 min 2,300 mls of bile then liquid stool came out. Jon has an obstruction of some sort and that is why he couldn't keep anything down. Boy, he felt better after this. He has been happy to drink whatever he wants since. Today is the big day we find out what is obstructing him. He has a CT scan around 1pm and we hope to get results sooner than later. We are praying hard and hoping for the best. More than ever I am grateful that he is here with us today.

Saturday July 31st

Hey Everyone. All is well at the Holmes house. Campbell is nearly 1 1/2 now, running around and entertaining everyone she meets. Blake is perfecting his golf game, and preparing for his college applications. Jon had his 80th chemptherapy run on Monday. He still goes every other week for systemic chemo at Abbott. In June he had surgery in NY, an ablation on a spot on his lung. He went back in July and had radiation on some enlarged lymph nodes outside his liver. He is due to have another PET scan in a couple weeks. We are praying everything has worked. Thanks for all your continual love and support.

January 30th

Jon has been trying to bounce back from systemic chemo this week. He was really tired after this last treatment. It actually was his 60th chemotherpy run. He is spending the weekend in the drivers seat with Campbell, while I work. Jon, Campbell and I are going to New York this Tuesday for 2 days. Hopefully the weather will cooperate for our us.

Monday 12/21

Jon is finally in the air on his way home. We recieved good news today. His tumors are shrinking!! He is responding to the treatment, which is great. His liver function blood test came back high, so he did not get the hepatic pump therapy. The oncology team said this is commom with chemo going directly into the liver, and to not worry. We are glad that he is monitored so closely. He is to plan on going back in a month, when his liver function improves.

Sunday December 20th

We are hoping that Jon can get his flight out to New York today. New York has been getting tons of snow. He is due to have a PET scan and hepatic pump chemotherapy tommorrow. This is going to be a VERY SPECIAL christmas this year and we hope he can get in and out of NY in time. We believe this chemotherapy treatment is working and crossing our fingers the PET scan results come back with great news. Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season!

Campbell's 9 month photos

We received Campbell's photo slideshow today. The photographer did a fantastic job. To view slideshow go to www.sewellphotography.com/holmes. Enjoy!!

Saturday November 21st

Jon heads out to the "Big Apple" this week. He has had 2 rounds of systemic chemo in MPLS and is going to NY for his 2nd hepatic pump therapy. His tumor marker (CEA) has gone down to 1.1, which is great news! He is struggling with weight loss though, losing 5 lbs over the last 2 weeks. Jon has lost 20+ lbs since surgery. He has his horrible rash back from the chemotherapy, and hasn't been sleeping well at all. We continue to have fun through all of this and pray all will be OK. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

November 4th

Jon had systemic chemo for most of the day on monday. He hasn't slept well since then, but continues to keep up with family life and work. Campbell has now started clapping, giving "high fives" and doing "soooo big" with her arms. She will be 9 months tommorrow. Thank you for your love and support.

Tuesday October 27th

Jon is off to New York again today, traveling solo. He will be having a baseline PET scan, and meeting with his surgeon and oncologist. They are going to be starting the chemotherapy through his hepatic pump and putting a plan together for his systemic chemotherapy he will get in Minnesota. Most importantly, he needs to speak with the surgeon regarding when he can pick up and carry Campbell.

Home at Last!!!

We finally arrived home around 6pm tonight. It feels wonderful to be at home. After a long day, Jon is resting on the couch trying to control his pain. Jon has to go back to New York next thursday for scans and hepatic pump treatment. His systemic chemo will be done in Minnesota with the oncology teams in New York and Minnesota working together.

Monday

I am at the hotel and just called Jon's nurse. He went down around 12:00 for the hepatic pump study and isn't back yet. Last night was rough. He said that he was quite nausiated. He continues to have his pain managed with fentynl patches and pain pills. Will update you all when I get word.

Saturday - Pain Control

Just left the hospital. Today Jon is transitioning off IV narcotics to a fentynl patch and pills as needed. It has been a tough day for him. Jon is so strong, even though he is in a tremendous amount of pain healing from this surgery. He counted 40+ staples in his incisions. He has an L shaped incision where he has been cut open before, and then a new incision on his left lower quadrant, where the hepatic pump is placed. The hardest part of this whole situation is that he can't hold Campbell. She sat on the bed with him for awhile and did her alphabet cards, which he just LOVES to do with her. I am amazed at how many people know her name. I walk the halls with her and everyone says, "There's Campbell...Hi Campbell...Is this the baby everyone is talking about?...She is the most beautiful baby." She continues to bring smiles to everyone she sees. We will see how Jon does tonight with the new pain regimen. I will make sure we have a handle on the pain before he is discharged. They will do a check of his pump and evaluate the pain tommorrow, and if all is OK he can go. We have flight back on wednesday morning. We are going to need some help with Campbell when we get back, since Jon will not be able to hold or lift her for 4-6 wks. She is crawling all over and would love to play if you have the time and energy to spare.

Saturday 1pm

All continues to go well here out east. Jon now has a private room, which makes him much more at ease. He looks better, and is up walking around the halls...slowly but surely. The only new issue is heartburn, which they are giving him protonix for. The kids and I are getting used to public transportation. It is cool again today, but not raining. Thank you for all your love, support, and prayers! Love to you all!

Friday

Jon has had a good day. He got up walking last night and today. He even went down to the cafeteria with Blake, Campbell and I. He is still on a fentynl PCA, a continuos pain drip. Jon has been up in the chair today most of the time, because it is more comfortable than the bed. His "grumpy" roommate just left, but they are actually planning on moving Jon to a private room. The weather is in the 30's, so I have been inside all day. Campbell has done great the last couple days with all the waiting and has brought a smile to many faces we've seen.

4:15 update

Jon is finally being moved up to his room. His pain is better controlled, after resting awhile in recovery. Hopefully he can rest tonight. This will be the first time he is in a double room.

Post-op

Jon having some pain issues post-op. He is still in recovery getting pain controlled. When he is more comfortable he will go up to the floor.

DONE

Just spoke to surgeon. Pump is placed!!!! Jon is doing well in recovery. The doctor was most concerned about spots in abdomen. He looked all over and didn't see any evidence of disease, which was the biggest win for the day. He removed some lymph nodes, but didn't touch the spots in the liver. Dr. D'Angelica said that Jon's liver is encased in scar tissue, trying to get the spots now would be too risky. He can have the spots removed percutaneously later. I am sooooo greatly that all has worked out. The Holmes family is due for some good news :)

10am update

So far so good. The spots in his omentum are NOT cancerous!!!! The surgeon is now making his way up towards the lymph nodes by his liver, and hopefully remove them before putting in the pump.

Jon in OR

I just said good-bye to Jon at 7:45. They are going to take a laproscopic look around inside his abdomen before making a cut for the pump. He has some questionable spots in his omentum (abdominal wall area). We are very nervous, hoping everything looks OK and they can place the pump as planned. Keep the prayers coming!!

Campbell 2 months old

 

Baby Campbell

We are happy to anounce the arrival of Campbell Evelyn Holmes. She was born on February 5th, 7lbs 12 oz, 20.5 inches at 11:36am. She is an exciting addition to our family.

January 4, 2009

Happy New Year! The Holmes family is looking forward to great things happening in 2009. Jon has one more treatment on January 12th, Blake continues to do well in school, and Laura is doing well with just over 1 month to go before the baby is due. Hope everyone had a great holiday break.

November 25th

The year is passing quickly. We have only good news to share. Jon's treatments are going well & his tumor marker and liver function tests have come back the lowest yet. He will continue with every two week treatments until the beginning of January. Blake is doing exceptionally well in school and has made the "A" honor roll. We are very proud of him. Laura is now 30 weeks into her pregnancy. All has been well with her and the baby. Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!!

September 26,2008

I have decided to update the blog finally. We had a very busy summer. Jon had 2 spots removed from his liver and a total abdominal hernia repair in June. Everything went well and the liver surgeon got clean margins on the tumor sites. Jon is now going through "clean-up" chemo for six months, and will be done in January. God has blessed us with another pregnancy. Our little miracle (we aren't finding out the gender)is due to arrive February 4th. All has gone well with me, and I am now in my 21st week. We are also happy to announce that Blake is living full-time with us. Blake is a sophomore at Hastings High School, and now has a drivers permit. We hope all of you are well and thank you for your continual support :)

Treatment Update

Jon had his 5th round of chemo today. Yesterday he had a follow-up PET scan. Today we recieved wonderful news that the spot on his liver is gone, and there isn't any evidence of disease:) Monday we will meet with the liver surgeon and get a plan in place. Overall, the Holmes family is doing well. We just got back from Maui on Monday, where we had a spectacular time.

Back To Chemo

Sorry we haven't updated in awhile. Jon had a scan about 3 weeks ago that showed another spot on his liver. The spot is on the right lobe of his liver and is quite small. We decided to get another opinion at MD Anderson in Houstan. After consulting with Dr. Wolf there, Dr. Flynn and Dr. Sielaff we came up with a plan. Jon has started on chemo again and will have another scan after 4 treatments. We are optimistic that he will respond well. He had his 1st treatment on Wednesday.

We have moved

Yes...Jon and I have moved again! Not far this time. We have moved about three blocks from our bungalow. We have had our eye on this home for quite awhile, and now it is ours. We moved on January 10th and are settled in. Our new address: 15737 Duck Pond Way, Apple Valley MN, 55124

December 27th

We hope you all have had a Merry Christmas! Jon and I had more appointments this week. It looks like Jon will have another surgery in late January. He has 2...probably more incisional hernias, which were expected from the complexity of the previous surgeries. He will probably just have to stay overnight. I went to the OB/GYN this week and will be returning to work on January 2nd. We are very excited for the new year and are excited to see what great things 2008 will bring. Happy New Year to all!!

December 13th, 2007

Thank you everyone for your continual support since the loss of our precious little angels. Jon and I are getting stronger everyday. Jon continues to heal. His CEA(tumor marker) came back <0.5, the lowest result yet. Jon has a follow-up appt. with his oncologist this week and his surgeon later this month.

2 little angels

On Saturday the 24th of November Jon and I lost our precious little babies. I was 17 1/2 weeks along in the pregnancy. We had a boy and a girl. Jude was born at 3:35pm and Eva at 4:15 pm. They were beautiful... Now we have 2 little angels in heaven. Jon and I have been blessed with all the love and support from our families and friends at this time. It will take time to heal, but with our strong faith and support system we will get through this.

November 14th

JON WAS DECLARED IN REMISSION. On 11/14 Dr. flynn told us this wonderful news. Jon continues to heal and looks great.

2 Reasons to Celebrate

We are extremely pleased to announce that we will be expecting twins this Spring. They are due to arrive on April 30th. We are blessed and grateful for these miracles. Jon has his last chemo treatment next Wednesday. After that he will have another PET scan. We are going to meet with the oncologist on Friday to discuss his follow-up appointments.

Saturday September 29th

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. "No news is good news", as I see it. Jon has had 3 more treatments this 2nd round. He has 3 more treatments to go....the last one scheduled on Halloween. All is well at the Holmes house.

Sunday August 26th

Jon had a good week. THE DRAIN IS OUT!!!! After 5 1/2 weeks the drain going into his liver to drain his abcess was taken out on Friday. He did start chemotherapy on Wednesday and has been feeling fine. He will have 5 more treatments, one every other week like before.

Monday August 13th

Jon continues to have a problem with an abcess. He has had a drain in for 4 weeks, which is still draining some nasty stuff. The abcess is in the right lobe of his liver. The abcess is shrinking, but very slowly. Tuesday he is going to Abbott to have this abcess "washed" out and a new drain placed. We hope to have this cleared up sooner than later, so we can get on with his chemotherapy.

Sunday July 29th

Jon continues to have a problem with his abcess. The CT showed that the abcess is smaller, but still there. The drain continues to have some "nasty" output. We met with an infectioous disease doctor on Friday. He had some cultures drawn and prescribed some new antibiotics. We have to hold off on chemotherapy until the abcess is cleared up.

Monday July 23rd

Well great news last week. Jon's CEA (cancer tumor marker) is 0.8!!!! Today he did have a CT, which shows the abcess is getting smaller, but is still there. He will need to keep the JP drain in still and have another CT on Thursday. He has little pain, and no temp's...so that is good.

Thursday July 19th

Jon left the hospital last Saturday. His pain is a lot better and he can breathe a lot better also. He still has a drain, which we flush with water 3 times a day. Jon will hopefully get it out on Monday after a CT and visit with Dr. Sielaff. We met with Dr. Flynn yesterday, and found out that he will start up on chemo again Monday the 30th. Our hope and goal is to put this into remission after another 6 treatments. Hope all is well with everyone.

Thursday Evening

Jon's CT results came back this morning showing that he had an abcess. He was then transferred to Abbott Northwestern,where his liver surgeon is. At Abbott he had a 2 1/2 hour procedure where they found out that he had a large hematoma (blod clot) by his liver. 100cc of blood was drained from it with an "elephant needle", and a drain was placed. They also discoverd that part of his right lung has collapsed. We are now residing at Abbott, until the cultures come back on the fluid that was collected.

Thursday July 12th

Jon is back in the hospital. We were admitted to Fairview Ridges Hospital last night. Jon had been experiencing some high temps. He went to his primary clinic and with an x-ray it was discovered that he had a pleural effusion (fluid on the base of his right lung). 1am last night he had a CT of his abdomen and chest x-ray. There is a pulmonary specialist that is going to stop by this am. This pleural effusion is a common post-op complication. We need to find out if this is just fluid collecting, or if he has an infection. He has been started on IV antibiotics and may have to have some of the fluid in his lung drained today. I will keep everyone updated.

Monday July 9th

We hope that everyone had a great 4th of July! Jon continues to do well. He gets his staples out today or tommorrow, and then has a follow-up appointment with Dr. Sielaff next week.

Sunday Evening Update

We are very happy to have Jon home with us. As each day passes, we hope to gain more and more control over Jon's pain. In addition to controlling the pain, we will continue to watch his incision of 32 staples very closely. Thanks for checking in and have a great evening.