CANCER UPDATE

As you might remember from one month ago, Dr. Homsi discontinued my chemotherapy treatments, since they were not controlling the cancer.  We met with Dr. Callister, a radiation oncologist at MD Anderson, and after reviewing my records from Mayo Clinic, he did not feel that more radiation would be wise, since I have had quite a bit.  He said that whenever they have gone that route, they have usually been disappointed with the results. 

 

That left the oral medication called Votrient as the option that Dr. Homsi felt was the best, and which we agreed to.  It is called a targeted medicine which attacks the blood vessels that are necessary for cancer tumors to survive.  I take four pills a day all at the same time and have taken them for one month.  I feel blessed that I haven’t had any side effects from this drug.

 

As to how it is working, we do not know.  I had an appointment with Dr. Homsi on Wednesday, of this week, March 27, and he wants me to continue for another month then have an MRI and CT scan.  To be truthful, I have been discouraged, because I feel the tumors are increasing in size and I have had more pain.  However, Dr. Homsi was very positive and encouraging, so I feel much better.  He said that additional chemotherapy with different drugs could be an option and that new treatments are continually being discovered.  He also tweaked my pain medication a little. 

In addition to that, I have been reading Elder Holland’s new book “For Times of Trouble” which has been a great help.  I just need to trust in the Lord and be grateful for the things that I can do and for all the love and support that blesses our lives.   As always, Daryl is here to do anything and everything that I need with a total positive and willing attitude.  What more could I ask for?

 

 

BYRON HALL'S BURIAL AT ARLINGTON

After I learned that I would not be having a chemotherapy treatment in February, I immediately said to Daryl, "Let's go to Washington, D.C. for my brother's burial.  It was scheduled for February 21, just one week from the time I would have had chemo.  Daryl is an excellent travel agent and had it figured out by the next day.  We flew to DC on Tuesday, February 19th and came home on Saturday the 23rd.  My sister, Norma, from Tremonton, Utah, also went.  We were so happy to be there for this wonderful ceremony and to be with my sister-in-law, Hazel, and her family once again. 

 

The ceremony went as follows:  We gathered at the administration building in Arlington Cemetery where we waited in a very nice room with lovely furniture until our time which was  1:00 p.m.  There are several burials in different parts of the cemetery every day.  Seven were scheduled for that afternoon.  It was cold but the only clear day with blue skies that week, so we felt very blessed.  At the designated time, the hearse brought Byron's body from the mortuary, and our group followed behind in cars to a designated spot where the casket was transferred from the hearse to the caisson which was pulled by six horses -- three with riders and three without.  There was also another rider on a horse which led the way.  Also at that point were the color guard, the band and the pallbearers.  Those who wanted to, walked about 1/4 mile from there to the grave site.  Everything was done in perfect precision.  I wondered if I would be able to walk, but I did and was so grateful I could, as it was a once in a lifetime experience.  Hopefully, the pictures below will give a little feel for the events of the day.

 

 

Taken from the room where we waited for the
burial ceremony

Waiting room in the administration building





Hazel and her daughter Lynne

 

Hazel with daughter Pam

Transferring the casket from the hearse to the caisson

 



There are three horses with riders and three without
pulling the caisson.



The color guard and the band



The beginning of the processional towards the grave site





Processional to the grave site, about 1/4 mile







Those following behind the caisson



Almost to the grave site





Pallbearers ready to transfer the casket

The grave site with the band and color guard on the left

 

The chaplain waiting to receive the flag

 

The chaplain presenting the flag to Hazel

 

 

 

Byron and Hazel's daughters, Pam, Lynne and Sharon

Sharon with her children, Julie, Daniel and Thomas
I cannot tell the twins apart.  Jerry was in Oregon
for his father's funeral. 



 

 Arlington National Cemetery

 

Following are the words which the chaplain said to Hazel as he presented her with the flag. 

 

"On behalf of the President of the United States, the Department of the Air Force, and a

grateful nation, we offer this flag for the faithful and dedicated service of

Harold Byron Hall, Lt. Colonel in the United States Air Force.

 

 

There was also a bugler who played taps and a firing squad of seven who executed the 21 gun salute, all of which were very poignant. They were too far away to take pictures of. We are very grateful for our brother and for his service to our country. Each person buried at Arlington is certainly deserving of our upmost gratitude.

(Sometimes this blog is not very responsive to getting rid of extra spaces and lines, or maybe I just do not know how, but it frustrates me. Obviously, the content is most important.)