Just Waiting

Last Tuesday was an emotional day for us. It had been two weeks since chemo, but Gus did not feel well the entire day. In fact, it was one of the worst days he has experienced.

The oncologist had not submitted the necessary paperwork for the insurance’s approval so we only visited with the doctor. Gus did not start any new treatment regiment. He did appreciate not having an infusion which would have just made him even sicker.

The doctor wants to start Gus on FOLFOXIRI. It is a chemo regiment for colon cancer. Gus would wear a chemo pump for 48 hours every two weeks. We’re hoping that they will allow me to disconnect the chemo after the 48 hours.

Right now we are just waiting to hear from Bozeman for the next step. Gus has even stopped taking the daily targeted therapy pill.

Gus has spent these nice fall days getting projects done outside. Our place has never looked better.

Last Saturday, Gus and I attempted to get a load of firewood for Scott and April. I emphasize the word attempt. Gus said he has never worked harder for a little bit of firewood. There is a song about “if it weren’t for bad luck; we’d have no luck at all”. That was our theme song for the day.

More Wedding Pictures

Wedding pictures are pouring in from Washington, Colorado and Nebraska. Our day was certainly well recorded and we so appreciate it. We just had to share more of them on this blog.

Gus’ CA 19-9 counts continue to rise. His pain is worse. He has lost almost 70 pounds total. They did a CT scan last Monday and it still is showing nothing suspicious in surrounding organs. Because of the other symptoms, though, the oncologist is not comfortable with staying on this course of treatment. Dr. Hensold does not feel it is effective anymore.

Right now, the cancer center is checking with the insurance to see if they will accept different treatment plans . . . ones that Gus has not tried before. November 2 should be the start of a new chemo regiment.

Because Gus’ pain is increasing and he is chilled all the time, he made the decision to not go to hunting camp. Gus weighs 35 pounds less this year than he did last year, so that was a large part of his decision.

Today is the first time in 26 years that opening day of hunting season has not found Gus standing on his Montana mountaintop waiting for daylight.

The minister of the local Methodist Church asked Gus to share his story. So last Sunday, Gus gave his testimony. He had no notes, just a heart full of love as he stood in that pulpit. This is at least the third church this last year that has asked him to share with them. Each time he speaks, it gets better.

The weaker Gus physically becomes, the stronger his faith is. He has touched more lives in his sickness than he ever did in good health. He is amazing.

Left to right: Billie Jo, Lindsey, Kathleen, Scott, Gus, TJ and Cammie

Front Row: Lane and Grayson

This was two of Gus' grandchildren, two of his sons, and both of his daughters. He has one of his daughter-in-laws in the picture, but we neglected to get a picture of the bride with her new family.

The Wedding

I apologize for being delinquent with the blog. September was the month for serious wedding planning and clean-up at the old homestead where the wedding ceremony took place.

Gus and I were so honored that April and Scott chose to exchange their vows at The Fenton House. A place so special to us. We were blessed with so many friends and family joining us for this milestone in our lives.

Gus continues to struggle with his weight, his lack of appetite, his low energy level and being so cold all the time. His CA 19-9 continues to rise.

He cancelled his chemo the Tuesday before the wedding to give himself more recovery time. That decision really paid off. He was able to enjoy every minute of the wedding with only one time out for resting between the wedding and reception.

We drove to Bozeman yesterday for chemo. Gus had his wedding pictures to show the doctors and nurses at the cancer center. Last night and today he has not moved from his recliner. When I came home from work, he had only eaten two slices of toast all day. By tomorrow he will probably have lost a couple of pounds again.

This picture has a story behind it.

Gus was explaining to me how he has trouble now getting out of his own shadow. As as example, Gus used the walk the three of us did down the center aisle at the beginning of the wedding.

Scott had a mission and was hustling his dad and I along at a fast clip. I saw no problem with the pace of the walk, but Gus is about to collapse at this speed. I thought he was emotional by the look on his face. In reality, he was being dragged along by the anxious bridegroom and was about to beg for mercy.

Gus asked April and Scott several months ago if he could do a Father's Blessing at their wedding. This was a beautiful moment.

Pastor Rob asked Gus if he would like to be the one that introduced Mr. and Mrs. Scott Wuelfing for the first time. This picture is the emotion after that announcement!



Later in the evening, Scott was relaxing with some of his friends. Gus saw the moment and couldn't resist the tempation! Imagine that.

A Transfusion of Blood

Gus continues to get things accomplished even though it is a struggle. He was given two units of blood August 24th in hopes it would help his energy level. His hemoglobin was getting too low. Gus was in the infusion room 7 ½ hours on that day. The transfusion really helped the hemoglobin levels, but it took a couple of weeks to improve his energy.

Gus continues to lose weight. He has lost over 60 pounds now. We appreciate the doctors’ attitudes so much. They know how hard he tries so they don’t harass him about the weight loss. Gus will have to shop in the children’s clothing section for what he will wear to the wedding.

The CA 19-9 that was taken August 17th increased slightly since the previous one. In July, it was 67 and this last time the reading was 76.

The upcoming wedding is our focus right now. You want Gus to get emotional, just ask him about Scott’s fiancé and the joy of knowing April will soon be family.

The four of us, Scott, April, Gus and I, are planning on spending tomorrow working on the site for the wedding ceremony. It looked like a hayfield until Gus brush hogged it yesterday. Now the rakes, lawnmowers, and weed eaters can start the fine tuning. God watered it during the night and I think He plans on watering it again tonight if the weatherman is accurate.

Gus loves a day getting firewood. Kathleen loves a day working at the old homestead.

Getting Firewood 8-27-2010

Back row l to r: Gus, Scott and my father, Jack
Front row l to r: L.T. and Phoenix

One of Gus' favorite things still is getting firewood. He now has about 4 cord stacked with the help of others. Scott and April are planning a final trip with Gus to finish the last 2 cords.

Gus gets so cold and the woodstove is one of the few things that make a difference. His electric blanket is also a mainstay in his life. Gus might have taken off his thermals for a few days this summer but only for a few days.

A Scary Train Ride

The Four of Us after our Prime Rib Dinner

The Gunman Trying to Convince April He Had a Better Offer Than Scott


Gus Doesn't Look Like This Was Fun, but He Did Enjoy His Moment in the Spotlight

Last Saturday, Scott, April, Gus and I drove to Lewistown, MT., so Gus and Scott could take their first train ride. We boarded the Charlie Russell Chew Choo at 5:00 in the afternoon. We were so excited! Everything was going great until we spotted several gunmen on horseback chasing us. They stopped the train and proceeded to rob the passengers.

One of the gunmen went through all the train cars until he found April. He even knew her by name! He originally was planning on abducting her until he met Scott. This gunman was later killed in the shoot out, so we were thankful that April was not caught in the crossfire. Gus and I are not sure how we feel about our son marrying a woman who personally knows train robbers.

One of the ladies of the night spotted Gus and instantly fell in love. You can tell by the picture I was doing my best to beat her off.

We spent the night at The Calvert Hotel there in Lewistown. It is a restored old 1917 high school dormitory for girls that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel is a beautiful facility that took over a year and a half to complete. Gus and I loved looking at the scrapbook on the project.

Our week-end was definitely one of those memory we will cherish in the years to come.

Gus & Salty at the Clinic

Gus and Salty

Gus was only able to participate in the horse clinic for the first couple of hours. He started out on Friday morning and that was the last time he stepped into the arena. Gus just never felt well enough again.

Gus did sit in the shade and listen to the instructions for part of the time, so it wasn't a complete loss. It was a huge disappointment to both of us, though, that he wasn't able to take a more active role.