Updates (1 thru 30) on Ernie Gregory

1386, 03 Aug 2015

(Ed. This bulletin contains the first 30 notes on Ernig Gregory's condition. See this page for update 31 and following))

I spoke with both Mr. & Mrs. Gregory today. They had a doctor’s appointment this morning. They were told the tumor is aggressive, and the doctors are wasting no time to see what’s going on. Mr. Gregory is scheduled for surgery this Wednesday morning, June 17. They intend to do a biopsy first to determine what they are dealing with, and then remove the tumor based on what they find out. Please share this info with your network of Finance and FM folks. All prayers are desired for Mr. Gregory, for Mrs. Gregory and the family, and for all the medical staff that will be tending to this issue. Kevin

Further update:

I spoke with Ernie, and due to medical mumbo-jumbo, his surgery has been moved tothis Friday. They will be doing more testing before then. Kevin

Further update, 17 June 2015:

I spoke to Ernie this morning. The doctors did some pre-op testing yesterday; no results or anything to report from that. Nothing else to report until the surgery – still scheduled for this Friday around Noon. Surgery expected to be about 6 hours. All prayers are appreciated. Kevin

Subject: Mr. Gregory: Update 5

I talked to Mrs. Gregory today. On Tuesday they did pre-op chest X-ray, EKG, and prep work. Nothing more until the surgery tomorrow (Friday). No set time for the surgery. Tomorrow they will do another MRI, then biopsy, and then surgery. They will probably be at the hospital at 5am, and maybe after the other procedures, starting the surgery aroundNoon. Projected to be a 6 hour surgery, but that depends on the biopsy. He will be in the Fairfax Enova Hospital off of Gallows Road, for those of you in that area. I don’t expect to hear until late Friday night. Will keep you all posted as I can. Kevin

Subject: Mr. Gregory: Update 6

Today has progressed so far as I outlined in Update 5. Ernie was in the hospital at 5:45am, they did the MRI and the biopsy, and surgery had a loose start time between Noon and 1pm, local time in Fairfax. I spoke to Ernie’s son-in-law, Brian, and he had no info to send to you. I expect to talk with Mrs. Gregory tonightwhen she gets home from the hospital. I do not have Mrs. Gregory’s cell phone number at the hospital. More to followtonight. All prayers welcome and needed. Kevin

Update 7:

I just spoke with Maura, Ernie's daughter. Surgery ended early as the tumor was closely attached to major arteries. They didn't want to risk a stroke or something worse. Where they wanted to remove maybe 80% of the tumor, they only removed about 10%. Surgery is not the answer. They will keep Ernie in ICUtonight, and start talking to him tomorrow about radiation, chemo, other options. No idea at this point what path they will take. No talk of timelines for him. The tumor is very very aggressive. They said he probably hasn't had it that long. Ernie will be in the hospital at least through the weekend. The family has asked for no visitors for a while as he recovers from surgery. I'll keep you posted as i keep getting info. While not the best diagnosis for today, prayers are needed now more than ever. Kevin

Mr. Gregory: Update 8

Mr. Gregory’s brain tumor is cancerous – Glioblastoma. As it is attached to major arteries, more surgery probably unlikely. Ernie is awake, responding, alert, and talking to his family today. Doctor wants the family to decide next treatment steps soon as he doubts Ernie can make that decision on his own. They want to start treating the cancer as quickly as possible. Family is meeting tomorrow night to discuss. They expect to move Ernie out of ICU to regular room later today or tomorrow. That’s all for today. All prayers are appreciated, desired, and welcomed. Kevin

Reminder of hospital where Ernie is, and his home address:
Address: <removed>
Inova Fairfax Hospital

http://www.inova.org/patient-and-visitor-information/facilities/inova-fairfax-hospital/index.jsp

Mr. Gregory Update 9:

Doctors want Ernie to do 3 hours of rehab three times a day, for his motor skills, so he is good and steady on his feet. He’ll be doing that for 7 – 10 days; so the family expects to move him out of Inova to a rehab center for that duration. Family is talking to Ernie, but his memory is off/on, the hardest time he has is with names. He seems to know what he wants to say, but it doesn’t always come out. Sometimes he’s clearer than others, he sleeps a lot, but he’s progressing. He doesn’t feel like chatting much. They didn’t have to cut much of his hair – which he thinks is a good thing JJJ He has been moved out of ICU and into another room. Family still prefers no visitors outside of immediate family. They are thinking visitors once he returns home.

Reminder of Ernie’s home address, and the hospital where he is currently:
Home Address: <address removed> Dumfries, VA 22025-1872
Inova Fairfax Hospital
http://www.inova.org/patient-and-visitor-information/facilities/inova-fairfax-hospital/index.jsp

Mr. Gregory Update 10:

Ernie had a good day. More alert and communicative with his family. He is still at Inova but they are looking at rehab hospitals at Mt. Vernon. Exact location not decided yet. Seemed to have more of his humor back today.

Update 11:

So let’s call tonight a much needed update of levity, and it begins with that famous Italian gesture known as the Chin Flick. For those that don’t believe this is an official title, google it, and you will see the following (continue the update after the picture below):

The Chin Flick (Belgium, France, Northern Italy, Tunisia): This means “get lost” (in more aggressive language). To perform this, you brush the hand under the chin in a forward flicking motion. It’s an insulting brush off people typically use in arguments.

Description: 1.) The Chin Flick (Belgium, France, Northern Italy, Tunisia): This means “get lost” (in more aggressive language). To perform this, you brush the hand under the chin in a forward flicking motion. It’s an insulting brush off people typically use in arguments.

Now instead of this picture, think of Ernie doing this. Everyone that knows Ernie has seen him do this often. Now that you have this picture of Ernie, I continue with the update, and I’ll type it exactly from the text I got from his daughter, Maura. Here you go -- Ernie was discharged from Inova Fairfax Hospital, and taken to Mt. Vernon Hospital, and their Rehab Center. He’s been communicating well, and in fact, he’s in full force. He doesn’t want to be at rehab long and conveyed that to the nurse. She asked Ernie if he had pain, to which he replied, YES … in the ass !!! I replied to Maura that I hope he also gave the nurse the described above Chin Flick. She responded – “HE DID, I am serious !!! “ She continued, you should have seen him greeting everyone when he got to the Rehab Center from the ambulance. He was high up on the gurney, and he looked like a king being carried down the street on a parapet. It was hysterical … Mom and I laughed. With that picture and comment in mind, I end the update. After days and weeks of worry, prayer, and concern … today was a day to laugh.

Kevin

Update 12: Early update only to let you know about treatment moving forward -- radiation and oral chemo will begin next week. More later as I hear how rehab went today.

Update 13: Another day of rehab for Ernie. His schedule is 3 sessions of 1 hour each; not 3 hours each as I had in a previous note. Mostly walking, climbing, getting in and out of cars, use of a walker, etc. All things to build up his strength. Family asked not to spend too much time working on speech and communication skills. He’s scheduled to be released from rehab for home on Tuesday; so the family wants to focus on strength and occupational therapy. The speech and comprehension won’t change much until the radiation and oral chemo; which is after he checks out of rehab. Tuesday is a lot better than previous timelines. He’ll appreciate being home and in comfortable and familiar surroundings. The food at the hospital is good; and he’s eating – so that part is good. Another good day !!!! Maura said they’ve received a lot of notes and cards for Ernie – and they are very thankful to everyone !!! Thanks for all the prayers – please keep them coming.

Update 14 (6/28):

Yesterday (Saturday) was 3 good hours of rehab, with all going as they expected. Ernie is doing well in the rehab. No change as of today to him being discharged on Tuesday for home. Today (Sunday) there is no rehab scheduled, just time for the family to enjoy together. I close today with a biblical thought, Matthew 18:20, “For where two or more come together in My name, I am there with them.” Comforting to me is knowing how many prayers are coming collectively from our Finance/FM community … prayers for Ernie, his family, and for all the doctors, nurses, and staff working with Ernie. In our prayer, God is with us. Ernie is in the BEST hands possible !!!!

Update 15:

Today is going home day. I just spoke with Ernie. He’s feeling good, and ready to be on his way. Those who have been in a hospital know all about when doctors make their rounds, and all that goes with the discharge process. So, hopefully by Noon, Ernie will be on his way. I’ll send another note later today to announce – The Eagle has landed – At Home !!! Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers !!!!

Update 15(2d): Yes the eagle has landed – Ernie arrived home around Noontoday as expected. No issues with his discharge. He and the family are happy to have him back in comfortable and familiar surroundings. Tomorrow or Thursday the doctors will move forward on treating the cancer with radiation and oral chemo. Nothing to report on that yet. Today we rejoice with them that he is back home !!!

Kevin

Update 16:

I spoke to Mrs. Gregory today, and today was a good day with everyone home, nobody going to doctors, hospitals, or rehab. A day to relax, unwind, and refresh. The relief is short lived as they have an appointmenttomorrow (Thursday) for the radiation; and Monday for the oral chemo. They said they wanted him out of rehab to start treatments as quickly as possible, and so they are. That’s good news. Mrs. Gregory mentioned their overwhelming gratitude for all the cards, notes, and letters they’ve received. Personally, I don’t know anything more heartwarming than knowing the people you’ve shared your life with, laughed, cried, and faced life’s ups and downs with are thinking of you and praying for you in time of need. I thank you as well, and I encourage you and others in your network to keep the cards and letters coming. I’ll close today by providing Ernie’s address again: <address removed> Dumfries, VA 22025-1872. May God bless you all abundantly.

Update 17:

Ernie and the family met with the radiation doctor yesterday (Thursday). Radiation can’t begin until the staples from the surgery are removed, which is on Monday. So the plan is to relax and enjoy the 4^th of July holiday weekend. On Monday, see the chemo doctor, then get the staples removed, and then head to radiation. A busy Monday. The plan is for radiation to occur Monday – Friday for 6 weeks, along with the chemo pill. Keep those prayers coming, and please continue to share the updates with those in your network. My list grows, and I’m glad to add anyone else. This is a weekend to celebrate America’s independence, and the sacrifices made for our freedoms. To everyone on this email – thank you for your selfless service, for the sacrifices you and your families made, and for the investments you made in the countless Soldiers, Civilians, Local Nationals, and Contractors you impacted throughout your career. Happy 4^th of July !!!

Update 18:

Today was indeed a busy day. It was just as they anticipated with numerous appointments. The doctors are trying to make sure they are completely in sync on how to perform the multiple treatments simultaneously. The oral chemo is being sent to the house for him to take – it hasn’t arrived yet. The doctors discussing the radiation are talking about being very aggressive. They didn’t actually do it today, they wanted to have another meeting tomorrow to discuss everything. They did take the staples out from surgery – no problems there. His blood pressure seems low, so they’re looking into that as well. Lastly, they will probably do an MRI every 3 – 4 weeks to keep an eye on the growth of the tumor, and how well the treatments are working.

Update 19:

I talked with Mr. Gregory today – he sounded great. Very upbeat and positive. His first radiation treatment is tomorrow at 4:30pm, and sounds like it’s close to his house. I asked him what he thought about it, and he said you just go with the flow, or you get rolled over. I told him he sounded more like a tanker than the Air Force officer he was before his career with the Army started. He laughed. I could hear the sounds of laughter and family in the background, as well as barking dogs. He’s in the best place possible as the treatments begin – home with family, surrounded by those that love him. He again asked me to pass along his thanks for all the cards and notes that have been sent. He knows how much our community love, respects, and is praying for him.

Update 20:

Treatment took longer than expected today, about 45 minutes. Doctors decided to use a more aggressive treatment to reduce or control the tumor. Planning a 3-week treatment cycle instead of 6 weeks as originally planned, but will receive more radiation in the 3 weeks. Ernie was tired from today’s treatment, but that’s all that was noticed. Please keep Ernie and the family in your prayers. As Maura said, the prayers are helping them all through their new normal.

Update 21:

I was in church this morning lifting prayers for Ernie, his family, and medical staff – and the sermon series we started was perfect, so I thought I’d take today to share with you. A series on prayer, using the familiar and popular Our Father, as written in the book by Max Lucado, titled Before Amen. If you’ve never read Max Lucado, I can’t recommend him strong enough. He takes biblical principles and truths, and relates them in very simple ways with lots of stories we can all relate to. So, the “pocket prayer” of the Our Father becomes – Father, You Are Good, I need help (please heal me and forgive me), They Need Help, Thank You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. In this book Max talks about establishing a heart connection with God, instead of settling for a prayer wish list for God. Prayer in this context allows us to overcome disappointment from unanswered prayer and trust that God hears us. Isn’t that what we hope for in our prayer life, and as we pray for Ernie – that God hears us? Trust !!! Happy Sunday. I’ll keep you posted on the week ahead.

Update 22:

I’ve gotten some notes asking for another update. This will be short as we’re in a routine, sort of like Groundhog Day. Ernie is doing his 5x week radiation, and seems to have no other complications than being tired some days. Yesterday was one of those days. His appetite seems good, mood seems good, and not all days is he tired. He’s got his oral chemo going as well. The strong radiation is a 3 week regiment; and then the doctors will probably do an MRI to see what affect the treatment has had on the tumor. We’ll have to see what they decide to do after this 3 weeks. So, we’re in that pattern for now. I’ll pass along any changes or updates along the way. Please continue prayers for Ernie, his family, and for all the medical team assisting him

Update 23:

All is well as Ernie and family continue their Groundhog Day schedule. Oral chemo and radiation continue with few noticeable symptoms other than Ernie being more tired on some days. His taste buds might also be affected as he doesn’t think his food tastes the same, so he’s eating less. I know some of you are close to Ernie in the DC/Virginia area, so I asked about whether it would be good to stop by for a visit now. Mrs. Gregory, Johanna, said the best thing is to call (703-491-1910). Some days he’s feeling better than other days, and his treatments happen at various times. She’d be happy to speak with you, and if he’s having a good day, I’m sure he’d like to see friendly faces that care about him. We all know how social Ernie is – I have to think visits from you would be a big lift for his spirits.

Update 24: Ahhh, the end of another work week, and I hope it was a great week for all of you. I have nothing new to report for Ernie, except for the fact that Mary and I are flying to Virginia this weekend to visit him. We’ll be there from tomorrow, Saturday, through Tuesday, July 28. I’ll give you an update after that. While there isn’t much “new” news to report; please continue to keep Ernie, his family, and all the medical staff attending to Ernie in your prayers.

Update 25 - Mary and I have enjoyed a great weekend with the Gregory family. Ernie is in good spirits, talkative, and not too sleepy from last week's radiation treatments. Today through Wednesday are the end of the 3 weeks of treatment, then they'll wait a while for the full affect of all radiation to be absorbed before doing the MRI. Family has been over this weekend and you can see the joy they all bring him. We've told a lot of Army stories, and his memory is pretty good. He has trouble remembering some names, and at times you can see he knows what he's trying to say, but it's hard for him to articulate it. He's lost some hair from the radiation, but not a lot, at least not yet. It's been a fabulous trip and great to see him. Mrs. Gregory is fine with people calling to see how he's doing and feeling, especially if you want to stop by for a visit. Phone: 703-491-1910.

Update 26

The visit is over and I'm on the metro heading for Reagan National. Lots of memories riding the metro here, and I'll just say it, i don't miss this daily ride from Springfield to the Pentagon. We enjoyed a great visit with the Gregory's. Ernie still loves to socialize and tell stories. The radiation has taken some of his memory and ability to say what he wants to. Also, a challenge in standing up. He can do it, but the part of the brain that actually allows him to move has been slowed, and he knows it. He wants to stand, but it takes a while to actually do it. He eats very little. Mostly he doesn't want to, as well as he has little taste. Tomorrow is his last radiation treatment, then we wait to hear if it did anything positive to control or shrink the tumor. If you are in the area, they are happy if you call to visit. So many of your names came up in the countless Pentagon and Army stories. He has not forgotten much of that. He is so appreciative of all the cards and calls of support.

Update 27: Today is the last day of Ernie’s 3 week radiation treatments; and for that he and all of us are thankful. After today, it will take some time for the swelling to subside from the area being treated, so the MRI will show accurately what positive effects the radiation had on shrinking and controlling the tumor. On my visit, I saw Mr. Gregory display the “chin-flick” many times … and it’s only appropriate to display the chin flick as I know Ernie is glad to be done with this series of radiation treatments and all of its side effects. And nobody does the chin flick like Ernie does, as you can see in the attachment.

Update 28: A second update for today as I just spoke to both Hannah and Ernie. Today was indeed the last radiation treatment, no issues, and Ernie’s thankful to get a break. Today also ended the oral chemo treatment regimen. He’ll be off the chemo for 3 weeks, then they’ll put him on for 5 days and off for 2 or 3 weeks. He was also taking a steroid in addition to the radiation and oral chemo. They are going to wean him off the steroid as well, and see how he reacts. So today was a big day as he stopped a lot of meds and treatment for a while. Last big news – with his loss of hair, the doctor told Ernie to get a haircut. So tomorrow Ernie is getting a buzz cut like he had in high school. I’ve never seen Ernie with short hair – but he told me he always had short hair until after he got out of the Air Force. Then he let that thick black hair grow !!!

Update 29: No new news to share as we’re in the waiting game post radiation and chemo. It will be 2 weeks or more until they do the MRI to see how the tumor might have been controlled. So all I have today is to share the attached photo, with permission. Ernie needed to get his hair cut as he’s losing it from the radiation and chemo. I think he looks wonderful; and frankly still has more on top than many of us … OK, Me JJJ I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Please keep the prayers coming for Ernie; and for strength, patience, and understanding for those caring for him. I hear several of you have plans to visit Ernie – Michelle, Judy, Bob, Louie, and probably others I don’t know about. That’s wonderful !!! You’ll see he’s not lost his desire to share stories with you.

Update 30:

Yesterday and today have been tougher days for Ernie. A lot of visitors lately including Mrs. Gregory’s brother, and Ernie’s sister and niece. He’s been very tired and not much appetite. Mrs. Gregory checked with the doctors, and they said while the radiation and chemo have stopped, they are still working on his body in a residual fashion, so it’s very common he’s tired. She was told not to worry – just let him sleep. So anyone wishing to visit Ernie, please call first and check to see how he’s doing and whether he’s up to having visitors. He expressed to me the desire to visit with folks; but that very much depends on how he’s feeling any given day. If one day turns out to be bad; don’t hesitate to call another day. The best medicine is the joy and laughter with others. Please keep the prayers coming for Ernie; and for Johanna who takes care of him daily and lives through the ups and downs. Very hard for the caregiver as many of you know having helped spouses or elderly parents.

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