Blue Skies & Rainbows

Well, we have been waiting since last Thursday morning to find out the results of the Bone Marrow Test done that morning. Even though I have a strong faith in prayer, you know how the devil will try to plant that little bitty seed of doubt in your mind? I was wondering why we had not been able to get any results 4 days later!! Even if the doctor was out of town, why couldn't they still give us the test results. The first 2 times we knew the results in less than 24 hours. ...... I'm going to have to get one of those "No Fear" T-shirts. The doctor's office just called Alyce and gave her the great news----"still NO Cancer cells in the bone marrow." This means that Terry is officially in remission. You know now why I titled this one "Blue Skies & Rainbows" and I'm singing it to myself right now!! God has blessed us more than we could possibly hope. Oh yeah, and I forgot to tell you that Terry caught 2 FIVE pound fish on his little excursion last Friday. He runs out of energy pretty fast but is feeling better every day. We still have 1 more chemo round to go in a few weeks but according to the doctor, that is what has proven to be the best route for keeping the leukemia in remission for the longest length of time. He goes back to the doctor on Thursday so I will post a new blog after that appointment. May God bless you all with Blue Skies & Rainbows!!!!! Love, Karen

LETTER FROM TERRY

THIS IS A LETTER FROM TERRY: I want to let everyone know who has been following my progress and who has been so concerned for me how much it means to me to have so many friends. I am truly blessed to have had so many prayers go up in my behalf and God is answering everyone. Being at home the last three days has felt like heaven after spending 32 days in the hospital. I do not think I would have made it without the support from so many people. My wife, Alyce, has never left my side except when I made her go home to sleep. I love her so much! My kids, Kristina and John, were the same way and I am lucky to have such great kids! My family is the most loving family in the world! I want to thank my brother and sister for being so willing to donate their bone marrow, they are the GREATEST! Karen has been great letting everyone know my progress by creating the blog and writing everyone each day. I love you Sis!!! I had never heard of a blog until this but it was great to have. I want to thank my partners, Gil, Davis and Rick, at work for being there for me and all my friends and fellow employees for giving blood in my behalf. Thank you so much! I know I'm not out of the woods yet, but I feel better than I have in years it seems. God, Dr. Yeilding and his whole staff have made it easy for me. Their positive attitudes made it easy for me. That and strong faith in God has made it easy not to worry and I have not for a single day. God has alot for me to do and I plan on giving him the glory for every good thing he allows me to do in the future. I am happy to say He's allowing me to go fishing tomorrow so I'd better go get ready. I love all of you and can't wait to see everyone soon! Love, Terry ///////// Well, this made me cry. Terry wrote this letter yesterday afternoon (Thursday) for me to put in the Blog, but it got caught in my spam folder and I just realized it today. His bone marrow test went OK yesterday but we will probably not hear the results until Monday. I just talked with Alyce and he is gone fishing with his great friend, Mike, who promised Alyce to not keep him out long and to take really good care of him. I'll let you know if he gets any nibbles. I hope he catches a really big one!! ----Karen

Best Night's Sleep in a LONG Time

Have you ever been on a long vacation and when you got home you just could not wait to get into your own bed? We forget about the many comforts of home but I can tell you that Terry was sooooo glad to get home to his own bed. Alyce said they slept better than either of them have in 4 1/2 weeks. He had to go to the doctor's office today to get an immunity boost shot and will have to go back Wednesday and Thursday for the same. Also on Thursday they will do another bone marrow test and other tests just to see where they are in the process of recovery. When I talked with Alyce they were in the car and about to drive through Wendy's for a Bacon Swiss Mushroom Burger. YUMMY! I think it is lunch time!! I'll put another post up after he goes for the tests on Thursday. Love to all.--------Karen

SHOCKING NEWS!!!!

DO NOT GO TO THE HOSPITAL TO SEE TERRY. ----He won't be there!!!! Alyce was getting ready to go to the hospital this morning when she got a call from Terry saying "Come and get me." We are all so EXCITED!!! He had a pretty good day Sunday but his fever went back up last night. Apparently I was not the only one praying last night because God answered our prayers even better than I expected. Terry's white cell count is up to 5,000 this morning. We don't know if he will be sent home with an IV or any details right now. We just give God all the praise and glory for 1 victory at a time. This is wonderful news but it will still be a slow recovery so we ask that you not ALL bombard him this week. Please call Alyce before "showing up" at the house. I will continue to do the blog every couple of days to keep you up to date, so please keep tuning in for more and more GOOD news. Thank you all for your love and support. HOME SWEET HOME!!!!!-----Karen

Terry Makes The News

Listed below is the site where the Fox News story covering the blood drive in Terry's honor can be viewed. You will probably have to highlight, copy, then paste the site to your internet server's window, then click "Go." An advertisement will come up first, but be patient and the news story will then play. http://www.myfoxal.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=2408685&version=3&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=3.1.1 The reporter erronously referred to the company as CSC rather than SCS. When that happened, we thought Terry was going to come up out of his chair (ha)!

BLOOD DRIVE BIG SUCCESS

WOW!!!!

There are no words to describe today. 143 people signed up to give blood. Only a few of that number were not able to actually donate their blood and we appreciate you at least trying. There is no way we can properly thank you. I know the people with the American Red Cross were impressed with the large turnout and they also thank you for the many people who will benefit from your blood. Here is a picture of me and Alyce giving blood. Below is a picture of some of the SCS office workers that helped to organize this blood drive in Terry's honor. It was my first time to meet most of them but I felt like we were old friends when I left. I heard that Gil cooked up some great BBQ for lunch. Sorry I missed it!! I hope you all got to see the news clip tonight on the 6PM News. I got to see it with Terry from his hospital room. He was just speechless and overwhelmed that this was done because of him. It is not his nature to want to be the center of attention and he was humbled by your generosity. He was sitting in a chair but was still not feeling well. He is still running a fever and not eating much. I took him 2 boxes of his favorite Girl Scout cookies, Samoas, and he said he hoped to eat some later. His physical condition is very weak but his spirit is still strong. You are all so wonderful to continue to do whatever you can to help and today I thank you for "Giving the Gift of Life." ----Karen

FOUR WEEKS TODAY

Well, this all began 4 weeks ago today. I'm sure it seems much longer for Terry than for any of us. Alyce wanted me to thank everyone that came out to the Jam Fest at the VFW last Saturday night in Terry's honor. John's band played and I hear they are playing this weekend on Southside. Marc Barnett performed the song he wrote for Terry twice and they raised $300+ for the sale of the song on a CD. Money is to be donated to the American Red Cross in Terry's honor. Don't forget the Big BLOOD Drive tomorrow 2/16/07 at SCS, 2516 6th Ave So, Bham 35233. You should pre-register at www.givelife.org and put terrydavidson as Sponsor code. I think there will be 2 Red Cross buses. I hear that Gil is grilling hot dogs, so you don't want to miss it. I have an appointment to give at 3:45pm. Terry was feeling a little better but still not good. His White cell count was 33, Red Blood cell was 28 and Platelets 90,000. He was still running a fever 99 to 100 and is getting 2 antibiotics. Thanks for all your encouragement and prayers. ---Karen

Not A Good Day

Terry has had a pretty bad day today. He did not get out of bed. Some naseau this morning and drugs made him sleepy. His red blood cell count went down to 19 and the doctor has to order more blood when it hits below 20. He was just getting his 2nd pint of blood this afternoon about 4pm when I talked with Alyce. He was also running a fever of about 100 and his blood pressure was low. I know Terry (and all of us) are a little discouraged with this setback. I think it is only temporary and we must think positive thoughts and continue to pray for a full recovery. No visitors please for a little longer. Thank you for your concern.------Karen

OK DAY

Terry's white cell count was down a little to 500 yesterday, but the doctor said that was normal and not to worry. It should be going back up this week. He felt pretty good most of the day. They gave him another bag of platelets. He is still getting antibiotics too. His back was hurting pretty bad last night and they had to give him something for pain so he was pretty sleepy. They are only testing his blood every other day. I'll let you know when I have more to report. Please continue to pray for his recovery.

Good Weekend

I want to thank Rick for posting the last Blog for me. I went on a Ladies Retreat with a group from our church. I just talked with Alyce this evening and Terry is doing well. He got a good Sunday afternoon nap. I think he ate a whole caramel pie from O'Charley's this weekend. His white cell count was up to 780 today, which is a great improvement. God's power is at work and I am sure he will be up to the 2,000 mark soon so that he can go home. Home Sweet Home!!

New "DO"--Who Knew?

Word is out that Terry has a new "DO." He's sporting a fresh, new, short hair style. (There is absolutely no truth to the rumor that he is trying to look more like Rick) He received more platelets today and experienced some itching which was somewhat relieved by Benadryl. This, however, adds to his sleepiness, but that is just a common side effect of antihistamines. His white cell count is still extremely low, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. We'd rather not see this count shooting up too quickly (remember, the rapidly multiplying cells are the "bad boys"). We'd rather see a slower, steadier regrowth of the WBCs. His appetite is not yet back to where Alyce wants it to be. Being the loving, encouraging caregiver she is, she has even resorted to making him peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in the hospital room since he felt he could eat those without a problem. It has also been reported that he has been enjoying some homemade peanut brittle. The peanut farmers are chanting "Go, TW, Go!" They and the bass are really the only ones who are not continuing to pray for him to return to his normal diet and activities as quickly as possible! Seriously, the physician has commented that another power is at work since Terry has responded to the chemotherapy more quickly and more completely than anyone he's ever seen. We all know "from whence" that power has come! Don't slack up on the prayers, however, because we're not yet where we want and need to be! Terry and the entire family, both immediate and extended, want to continue to thank you all for everything you have done and are doing to make this temporary problem more manageable. May God Bless you all!

Three Weeks Down----??? To Go

I LOVE this picture. I think John was about 2 and Kristina 4. Aren't they adorable? and they still are. I think this was made about 16 years ago. They have been so supportive of their Dad through the entire past 3 weeks. I am sure like all of us they have been scared of the unknown and just the dirty word,"cancer." I am so proud of them and I know Terry and Alyce certainly are too. Well, Terry had a pretty good day. They gave him 2 more pints of blood. It takes about 3 1/2 hours for 1 pint to finish, so this was pretty much an all day thing. Terry is still feeling kind of weak but is eating better and should start regaining his strength in the next few days. I'll let you know as soon as he can have visitors. Or just call Alyce and she will let you know if she thinks he is up to a few limited visits. Don't ask Terry because he can't say NO and he's really not up to entertaining yet. Thank you for your continued concern and prayers.

More News

I know you are ALL just waiting to hear more so I decided to tell you what we just found out. Terry's white blood cell count is 360, red blood cell count 20, and platelets are 16,000. All of this is significantly on the rise. When his white cell count gets up to 2000 he can go home to continue his recovery. He will have to return to the hospital after he is released in 4 to 6 weeks for another round of Chemo to be sure the cancer cells are all ZAPPED!! I have to tell you that I don't consider myself to be a "religious nut," I'm a sinner just like all of you. But I also want to tell you that I do not know how people go through things like this without a strong faith and belief in God and his power. This event has made me realize that life is short and relationships are precious and I cannot be apologetic for my belief in Jesus Christ. It is also so important to have a church family to lift you up and continuously pray with and for you. If you don't have a church and you live in Birmingham, come go with me. You will feel welcome.

YAHOO!!!!!!!

I just had a call 7:45am from Alyce and she had just gotten the results of the Bone Marrow test and they told her "it was empty." In other words, the cancer cells were GONE!! Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord! He has heard our prayers and given us His answer. He has lots of plans still for Terry's life. I don't know anything else right now as far as what continuing treatment he will have to do but will report that tonight. I just could not wait to share this wonderful news. Got to get to work. Thank you all for your prayers, it made a difference. Love to all, Karen

NO NEWS----GOOD NEWS???

At least the "no news is good news" is what we are hoping for. Terry had his 2nd Bone Marrow Test this morning. The Doctor did not come back around tonight, so we will just have to wait until tomorrow to hear the results. I will post the news as soon as I hear. We are very hopeful with all the prayers still being lifted up. -----Karen

Monday Mixup

Well, Terry and Alyce waited until lunchtime for someone to show up to do the Bone Marrow Test and when the nurses finally checked on when someone would be up to do it, they found out that there was miscommunication and the test had not been ordered. Frustration!! Or maybe we just needed to say a few more prayers that the results will be good. It is now scheduled for Tuesday morning. He was feeling pretty good and was eating a Whopper tonight when I called. Alyce said he started losing some of his hair today. We knew to expect it at about 3 weeks but I am sure it is a real BUMMER when it is actually happening to you. Please continue to pray.

SuperBowl Sunday

I wanted to give you a quick update. I took Mom to see Terry today after church and 1st Sunday lunch at church today. He was eating Krystal cheeseburgers because that sounded good to him. They had given him something to help give him a "boost" since finishing the chemo again and he seemed to be feeling pretty good. He will have a Bone Marrow Test tomorrow so please pray that it will not be painful for him and that the 2% will be gone. Your emails, cards, calls and prayers are really appreciated.-----Karen

On The Mend

I went to the hospital today to take some roast, gravy and creamed potatoes for Alyce to heat up tonight for Terry. He has not had an appetite for a couple of days so I hope this will taste good to him. If you have ever been in the hospital, you know that the food is pretty yucky. They want him to get 2000 calories per day and even with the boost shakes it is hard for him to get this many calories when nothing really tastes good. I am sure that his appetite will return in a couple of days. The chemo finished last night and also the platelets. He walked down the hallway and back a couple of times pushing his IV pole before the nurse lassoed him back to the room to put on another bag of antibiotic. His temperature was normal and he looks good and is in good spirits. I hear there is a big Jam session going down this next weekend, Feb. 10th at 8pm at the East Lake VFW. Proceeds of the song Marc Barnett wrote for Terry will go to the Red Cross in honor of Terry. (sorry Marc, I think I called you Mike before.) I am not sure who all will be performing but I'm sure you can get more info from the borderline website. They will do another Bone Marrow Test on Monday to see if they have killed the other 2% of cancer cells. Please keep praying.

TWO WEEKS DOWN & FOUR TO GO

They changed up some of Terry's medicine and instead of sleeping last night he was just wired awake and miserable. They gave him "Big Red" again yesterday and the chemo drip continues today. It will probably be done tonight or in the morning. He was feeling pretty badly today. His white blood cell count had fallen to .2 and his red blood cell count was18 and his platelets were 4,000. They had to give him 2 pints of blood and 2 bags of platelets today. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day. Butch and I met at Dr. Yeilding's office to let them draw the vials of blood to test if we would be a match for Terry if he has to have a bone marrow transplant. We won't hear the results for about a week. Please continue to pray and keep him on your church prayer list too. We know that God hears every prayer. We want to thank you all for every act of kindness you have shown the family. We never realized just how many friends we have and especially how many friends Terry has. You are a blessing to us.------Karen

Something To Smile About

Well, I found this old picture of me and guess who; yes, that little kid with the cowlick hair, big ears and bowtie is none other than--- Terry. It was made in April 1964. I was 16 but looked more like 45 and Terry was 5 1/2. I thought you could all use a big laugh!! Terry had a good day, still taking chemo 24/7. He is tired and his back is still hurting but he is in good spirits. Please keep up all the emails to heytwd@yahoo.com Alyce said Kristina printed them off and it took over 45 minutes to read them all to Terry tonight. Butch and I are going to Dr. Yeilding's office in the morning to have a preliminary blood test to see if either of us would be a compatible bone marrow donor just in case we are needed at a later date. Right now things are going better than expected but PLEASE don't quit praying.