May. 30, 2008 - CONNIE'S OVARIAN CANCER UPDATE #5

May. 24, 2008 - CONNIE'S OVARIAN CANCER UPDATE

I had another CA125 tumor count done about 3 days ago and called for the results yesterday It unfortunately has climbed and is up to 157 now (normal range is 0-40). I do have another fairly fast growing tumor forming in my pelvic area near the last one that was removed. My doctor is anxious to get me started on chemo again before it progress’ much further causing me to possibly have bowel obstruction. My stomach muscles are still very sore from the last surgery, but improving daily. So, I think another surgery so close to the last one is out of the question unless it becomes an emergency.

Listen to this… timing is everything…

There just happens to be a research study program, in a limited number of locations affiliated with US Oncology Research, that has been opened and offered to onc/gyn physicians along with a small chosen group of their patients (200 total) with certain cancers to participate in . that happens to be me, my doctor and in my area.  AND…I am one of those that have been given the opportunity to participate.  I have signed up, but as of today I have not been accepted to participate. They are waiting for blood labs and urine reports first and will also be going over my records to see if I qualify.  I’m very hopeful though… Is God’s timing great or what???!!

It will be a blind study using the product called Bevacizumab (which inhibits tumor growth by blocking the formation of new blood vessels) produced by Genentech, Inc. No one will know who is getting what until the study is completed, not even the doctors. It has been FDA approved for colon and lung cancers… but not for ovarian, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube carcinomas. Being a blind study means only half of those participating will actually receive the product and the other half will get a placebo. We would all be monitored very closely and have special tests performed through the process (CT’s and MRI’s, blood and urine tests, etc) all paid for by the research company. I will also be receiving my regular chemo treatments (not paid for by research) along with this and my doctor will be involved all the way in everything. I’m excited about it but I am leaving this decision in God’s hands as to whether I am accepted or if I receive the product or not.

I am scheduled for my first chemo treatment this coming Tuesday or Wednesday (conflict of which day is with the research group because of the Memorial Day holiday weekend). I’ll know for sure today or Monday.  I am confident this reoccurrence of cancer is only a minor set back and things will be okay. I will be given two different chemo’s but upon my research of them, they are not as harsh as the last ones. They are: Gemcitabine and Carboplatin.

I hate to keep asking for your prayers, but they worked so well last time for all of us that it’s just a must.

I love you all and will let you know as things move forward.

Connie Deal

May. 11, 2008 - WASHINGTON HOME PRICES CONTINUE TO INCREASE, BUCKING NATIONAL TRENDS

OLYMPIA – Washington State continues to defy national trends in home prices, lending, and sales. Nationally home prices are down; sub-prime mortgages and foreclosures are up. But in Washington State, foreclosures and sub-prime lending occurred at lower rates than just about anywhere in the nation. Home appreciation in Washington also continues to out-perform the rest of the nation with year-to-year price increases every quarter since the spring of 1995.

“The housing market in Washington State is strong. Demand for median-priced homes, in particular, continues to outstrip supply – and that’s pushing home prices up,” said Steve Francks, Washington Realtors Chief Executive Officer.

According to the Center for Real Estate Research (CRER) at Washington State University, home prices in Washington have increased an average of 8.1 percent since the same time last year. Many counties, however, have experienced price hikes much higher: Chelan 29.8 percent, Okanogan 24.5 percent; Douglas, 22.2 percent; and Lewis 19.3.

As of mid-June, sub-prime, adjustable-rate loans represented 20 percent of loans nationally, but just 6 percent of home loans in Washington. Of those mortgages, 5 percent in Washington were delinquent, compared with 8.9 percent nationwide. The largest increase in foreclosure activity was in Nevada (166 percent); while the smallest increase was in Washington State (18 percent).

“In other words,” said Francks, “ours is a stable and responsible market place. “What we really should be asking is what can we do to provide more home choices so that people don’t have to consider risky loans in the first place?”

According to the WSU CRER, a “housing squeeze” continues to define the Central Puget Sound market, where primary concerns are “lack of space to meet demands and inability to deliver affordable housing.” The CRER’s “Central Puget Sound Real Estate Research Report” notes that the housing market isn’t keeping pace with the growth of population, which is continuing to increase at 1.8 percent per year. In spring 2007, the median price for homes in King County rose to $470,000 and to $376,000 in Snohomish County.

Francks said the key to stability in the residential real estate market is balance, where balance is about a six month supply (or inventory) of homes available on the market at any given time. In Washington there is currently about a four- month supply. In many states where prices are slumping, the inventory is about 11 months. Francks explained that home prices are not likely to fall in Washington until an over-supply of homes exists — a situation unlikely to occur as long as the state’s population is growing at such a robust rate.

State demographers expect Washington’s population to increase by nearly one million over the present decade and to reach 6.8 million by 2010. About two thirds of the growth is due to in-migration; the rest is a result of the growth of families now living in Washington.

“The housing squeeze is forcing some families to take on more debt than they should. Others compensate by accepting longer commutes than they want. Neither is a good solution,” said Francks. “We need to provide a variety of home choices to meet changing market demands.”

Francks said communities should use realistic population-increase estimates to plan for the number of homes that will actually be needed. Other solutions include making better use of the land that is available for homes with cottage housing and accessory dwelling units, and using innovative design to enable each acre of land to comfortably accommodate more homes.

Washington Realtors represent approximately 170,000 homebuyers and the interests of more than 2 million homeowners throughout the state. Realtors’ top public policy priority is building communities that have a strong economy, attractive home choices, great schools and parks, safe neighborhoods, and good transportation choices.

For more information, please contact Barb Lally, 943-3100, ext. 122.

Apr. 29, 2008 - CONNIE DEAL's OVARIAN CANCER FIGHT STATUS

THIS MAY BE OUT OF THE ORDINARY but early in 2007 my wife Connie was diagnosed with ovarian cancer stage C-III. Since then many relatives, friends and even light acquaintences around the country are continually asking for updates on her status, she is respected and loved by so many. She personally tries to keep everyone undated (as no one knows what she is going through better than she does) by sending out group emailings. Still she misses many and therefore I thought I would include her reports in my blog as a future reference for those who may be interested. Connie tries to share enough detail in hopes that it will help others as it already has with our daughter who went to see her own doctor and was diagnosed in the early stage of ovarian cancer C-1, THANK GOD! The following are her last email reports as I still have them:

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April 25, 2008, Connie Deal's ovarian cancer update: 

I want to say a heartfelt thanks to all of you who have already gotten the word on the return of my cancer for your prayers and encouragement. I love you all.

To bring you up to date from my last email…

When I had discovered a lump in my lower pelvic area and insisted on having it checked as I felt it growing in size… though nothing had been showing up on the previous CT scans… My Dr's PA nurse examined me, (he was out of town) and she agreed with me that something was not right and contacted my Dr. who had her order an MRI done and I was now just waiting for my Dr. to return from his trip to go over the results…

I met with my doctor on Monday the 14^th of April to go over the MRI and my concerns. He said the MRI had been compared to the previous CT scans and only a stable mass had shown up on all of them—no changes. Again I insisted that I felt something and knew it was growing. So he did a pelvic and rectal exam and confirmed my findings. There definitely was a mass in there.  He left the room to look over the scans again and when he came back in he told me I was smarter than the Scans. The stable mass that had been showing up all this time was my cervix, which none of the radiologists knew I still had left over from my previous surgery. I thought that was a hoot!!! Rushing said the cervix must have shadowed the tumor so it could not be seen. We discussed the alternatives and came to the conclusion to remove it.  He wanted to use the new “ROBOT” tech machine to do the surgery if possible. (only 8 doctors are qualified to perform this procedure in our areas of Portland and WA. and our SW WA. Hospital had just purchased one here) I must say another GOD thing don’t you think???. If he was unable to reach the tumor this way then it would be a more invasive surgery through the wall lining of the cervix and a longer recovery time. Prayers poured in J J J.  I am so blessed!!!  

The planned surgery was moved up to Monday the 21^st instead of the 24^th,because of my fears of bowel blockage from the lump. On Thursday the week end before surgery I became more alarmed and asked the doctor to check it again. Bless his heart, he had 3 surgeries to do on Friday but managed to work me in for another exam. He said the excess size that I was feeling was due to constipation which as you might have guessed a big relief. Saturday and Sunday would be my clean out days followed by a clear liquid diet. After taking the laxatives on Saturday I felt less pressure and anxiety. Monday I went in to the hospital at 5:00 AM for prep and labs and had surgery at 7:30 AM. All went well. He was able to use the ROBOT so I only have 5 - 1” incisions across my belly. He did mention that the tumor had grown even since his last exam. Diligence pays off… so if you guys have concerns about your body or health—be persistent.

My doctor said the tumor was more like a glue substance and not easily removed, so he cleaned out as much as he could and sent a piece of it to a special lab which will help to determine my next course of action on chemo.   YES the cancer has returned. It is also in the lining of my abdomen. Good thing is we caught in at an early reoccurrence and should be able to get it under control again with treatment. I am scheduled to have some kind of a Spiral CT scan on May 20 which can detect the minute cancers better. One step at a time.

I had been feeling pretty weak and tired the past few days along with battling a sinus infection/cold. I am on anti-biotics right now for that. I went to the cancer clinic yesterday because I was feeling so run down and they took more blood test, hydrated me and found again I was low on Potassium. I was given some IV potassium at the clinic and am taking powder form for 5 days at home. I must say I am feeling so much better today. Live is good again. Still a little tired and sore but that is to be expected. I’m improving each day.

Well there’s another chapter to my phantom book. I hope everyone else is also on mend and know that my prayers are continually with you.

Love and hugs to all,

Connie Deal

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April 8, 2008, Connie Deal's ovarian cancer update:

Dec 17, 2007, Connie Deal's ovarian cancer update to those interested:

Some of you have asked how I have been doing lately so I thought I had better catch you up with my progress.

I saw my Neurologists for some in-depth studies on my neuropathy about 2 weeks ago. He did some electrical shock treatments on me to determine the sensitivity and movement of my limbs. When he hit the electricity shock to my arms I bout jumped out of my skin, but when he tested my legs there was hardly any movement. He determined that I do have sensory nerve damage in both arms and legs which run down to the hands, fingers, feet and toes, but there is no motor nerve damage. I am on some meds that are suppose to help trick my brain into not receiving pain signals. Can’t say its working to well yet. In fact I feel like it is getting worse. A couple of months ago I was able to walk any where from 1.5 to 3 miles a day with out any problem. Now I can hardly walk 3 blocks. He wasn’t able to tell me if it is permanent… just a waiting game. May not know for a couple of years. He says nerves take a long time to heal. In spite of all this I still feel very blessed. I am feeling good everyday, putting on some weight (around 10 pounds) and growing some cute, short curly hair. Everyone likes rubbing it cause it is so soft and say it is really stylish.

I see my cancer doctor in Feb. for follow up labs and another CT scan. I’m not feeling apprehensive or worried at all because I have been feeling so good. I saw my primary care doctor today for high cholesterol follow up. My bad is high and my good cholesterol is at a good level. We tried some natural supplements first to try and lower it, but with no good results. So he is putting me on a low dose prescription medicine to see if that will bring the high counts in line… with another follow up of labs in 3 weeks.  

So, as you can see I’m nearly fit as a fiddle and improving every day. God is very good to me.

I know I have said it before but it is important for me to say it again,… with all my heart, I want to say a big THANK YOU for all your encouragement and prayers. You have all stuck with me through this whole process and you will never know what it has meant to me. I feel very loved and am humbled by your thoughtfulness and caring.  You are all loved by and so very special to me. God has surely been listening.  

Warmest wishes for the holidays… with love,

Connie Deal

Apr. 6, 2008 - WASHINGTON STATE TYPICAL HOME BUYERS AND SELLERS

Jan. 24, 2008 - FEDERAL RESERVE RATES AND MORTGAGE RATES

In a surprise move the Federal Reserve just lowered the Fed Funds Rate by .75% to 3.50%. This move was prompted by an emergency meeting as global equity markets sold off significantly due to foreign investors' fears of a recession." US

While many believe that a cut to the Fed Funds Rate results in an immediate decrease to mortgage rates, this is not true. In fact, on several occasions in the past, a cut to the Fed Funds Rate resulted in mortgage rates going higher in following weeks.

Currently we are enjoying mortgage rates at three-year lows, which are very near all time lows. However, in almost every case when we have reached these levels in the past, rates have reversed and started moving higher, sometimes a lot higher. If you're in the home buying mode I would advise doing so now, make your offer and a loan application today and capture a phenomenal interest rate.

Dec. 16, 2007 - SW WASHINGTON (Clark County Washington) RESIDENTIAL REVIEW:

Nov. 4, 2007 - WASHINGTON STATE FORECLOSURE FACTS

"Mortgage Meltdown..." "Foreclosures Rates Skyrocketing..." "Subprime Nightmare!"

Like Chicken Little running around screaming "The sky is falling!" the current media attention on foreclosures is overwhelmingly pessimistic. The media suggests that foreclosures everywhere are hitting record highs. Realtors and consumers alike are getting anxious with these doom and gloom headlines screaming at them each week. So how bad is it really? What is the state of foreclosures today in Washington and how does that compare to national statistics? Is it better or worse than it was five or even ten years ago.

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) which tracks data on 85 percent of all mortgages in the US (approximately 44 million) the current foreclosure rate for Washington Stat as of June 2007 is .49 percent, whereas nationally it is 1.40 percent. This means that Washington is currently doing 65 percent better better than the national rate.

The national average has increased in recent years but those numbers are being driven by only a handful of states according to Doug Duncan, MBA's Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research and Business Development.

"What continues to drive the national numbers, however, is what is happening in the states of California, Florida, Nevada and Arizona. Were it not for the increases in foreclosure starts in those four states, we would have seen a nationwide drop in the rate of foreclosure filings. Thirty four states had decreases in their rates of new foreclosures and the increases were very modest in the states with increases, other than those four," Duncan said.

Washington State is currently in slightly better shape foreclosure-wise than it was ten years ago, while nationally the foreclosure rates are worse. Looking at the second quarter in 1997 Washington foreclosures were at .50 percent which was 54 percent better than the national rate of 1.08 percent in 1997.

For the past 10 years Washington has remained well under national average and in recent years the gap between national foreclosure rates and Washington's foreclosure rates has increased. Washington foreclosure rates are in fact trending down over the past 10 years while, even with all its ups and downs, the national foreclosure trend has remained fairly constant.

Oct. 21, 2007 - The Market is Adjusting - Don’t Panic

Oct. 2, 2007 - Top 10 Stable Real Estate Markets in United States For 2007 - 2008

A few years ago growth was all people were talking about. Now the buzz word in real estate is stability. Having property values increase slightly and hopefully beat inflation is making the consumer very happy since many markets are expecting double digit declines in value.

So what are the most stable markets in the country? Forbes ran the numbers and here are cities they have come up with.

The Top 10 Most Stable Housing Markets in America:

1. Seattle, WA - 3.09% est. price increase from 2007-2008
2. Pittsburgh, PA - 3.37%
3. Columbus, OH - 3.49%
4. Dallas, TX - 5.45%
5. St. Louis, MO - 3.01%
6. Cincinnati, OH - 2.65%
7. Atlanta, Ga - 4.4%
8. San Antonio, TX - 5.35%
9. San Francisco, CA - 2.5%
10. Fort Worth, TX - 3.09%

via Forbes

Sep. 30, 2007 - CLARK COUNTY WASHINGTON MARKET ACTION

CLARK COUNTY WASHINGTON AUGUST 2007 RESIDENTIAL HIGHLIGHTS:

A decrease in new listings helped counterbanace a decrease in closed sales, keeping inventory at 7.7 months supply. New listings fell 8.9% when comparing August 2007 to the same time in 2006. Closed sales saw a 7.8% decrease. Pending sales also decreased 28.1%.

YEAR-TO-DATE TRENDS:

Year-to-date trends show just a slight decrease in transactions when comparing the period of January-August 2007 to the same period in 2006, closed sales were down just 1.3% and pending transactions dropped only 2.2%. However new listings did grow 16.4%.

APPRECIATION:

Comparing the 12 months ending with August 2007 to the 12 immediately prior, the average sale price rose 3.8% ($307,000 v. $295,700). Using the same formula, the median sale price increased 2.7% ($264,000 v. $257,100).

SELLING TIP:

Has your home been on the market awhile and you want to get it SOLD? To check for yourself if your home is competitive with others in the market try this tip. Make an appointment with your listing agent to show you other comparable homes for sale in your neighborhood to do some comparing. As you preview these homes if you want yours to be the next one to sell, price it below the others and make sure it has "eye appeal".