Well since my last post mom has steadily been improving. We had an amazing visit with Erica, Michael and Max over the Halloween weekend. On Sunday afternoon we shared our Thanksgiving dinner at our house. Mom was able to rest when the babies took naps to maintain her stamina. Needless to say trick or treating with grandbabies had to be more fun that when she did it with just us :)
Mom and I talk every day on the phone atleast once. I can tell day by day if things are going better for her and I believe, most days anyway, that they are. She has still had some issues with her stomach but again that is to be expected with as much radiation as they have undergone. We try to get together a day or two out of the week if she is feeling up to it. Haidyn called her today. She is getting over a cold. Haidyn asked, "GiGi, do you have a frog in your throat?" GiGi and Grandy of course both laughed. Grandy said he had just gotten up and Haidyn wanted to know if he felt better. haha. Whenever she wakes up she tells us she feels so so better. Gotta love the things a 2 year old comes up with.
I don't know that any of us have big plans for Thanksgiving this year. One thing I do know though is how thankful we all are for God's grace in leading us through the last two years. He has been so good by continuing to hear and answer all the prayers, show love and support to us through you and to provide the most amazing medical team we ever could have hoped for. We hope everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving. You will never know how much we appreciate you and your prayers.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
October 7, 2011
I met Ken about 4 on Tuesday because that is when they were suppose to be done. Ashtyn and I took then dinner thinking that would help ease the rest of the evening. Things didn't quiet go as planned from there though.
Treatment did go well although it went about twice as long projected - something to do with the last "two cones" - the robot was having trouble seeing them (hmmmm, that sets one up who is witty to have a good come back). Mom was the 6th patient in Memphis to experience this fab new equipment. They came in 3 times to check on her (and the equipment) w/assurance she would get the complete treatment. However, the last hour they were assisting with the positioning on their console instead of it doing its thing. Mom reported all of the team so supportive and kind, they even told her they didn't know how she stayed so still SO LONG. Mom assured them Valium works miracles on her b/c she's such a cheap drunk!
Mom made it to Stage Road (from Baptist) before she realized she was in trouble. After getting sick on the way home she thought she could lie down and shortly improve however that did NOT happen. Ken took her to Baptist ER (whole another story!), got IV anti-nauseant med, steroids, and her fav: DILAUDID! Dr. said she was extremely dehydrated. After being released at 3:30 am, they slept 'til 9, and mom realized she hadn't quite made the turn. They went to West Clinic so she could get juiced up w/same meds, was able to drink a little there, stopped at Panera Bread and got her favorite take home wheat Bagel and spread - so she's eating again, yay!
Wednesday she called the tech assisting with the procedure and gave her the full run-down, asking her to please not put a "black mark" on her file because of my nausea event on the Cyber Knife. She has experienced a little of Tarceva's bowel side effect (not on a reg basis, but with anxiety, it hits!!) That problem last weekend, along with a bad decision to cut back on fluids on the day of my procedure to prevent a "bladder call" during my treatment perfectly setting her up for the dehydration. She claims it was her own fault - and we are thrilled with the procedure being scheduled so soon. We are anxiously looking forward to great results.
TRIVIA you might find interesting: Last week the Physicist gave mom the tour of treatment room and equipment. He told her they like to name things. Since mom's was one of the 1st appointments she might want to help with that. At her appointment Tuesday she asked if "it" had a name. He said the only one suggested was "Betty" and they weren't much into that. She suggested "Orion" (mythology for The Hunter). At the end of my appointment the Dr reported to her they had discussed it while working at the console and loved the name. They have a whole team meeting later this week, and he will let us know if a decision is made, LOL!
Last night I think mom was supercharged with energy somehow. The girls and I met she and Ken at CBHS for the tailgate and "show and tell" of the granddaughters. Everyone had a great time. Haidyn even ate GiGi's jambalaya which shocked me and thrilled GiGi.
Thank you all for the prayers. God answers and the availability and execution of the procedure was a success. We will keep you updated when we get results.
Treatment did go well although it went about twice as long projected - something to do with the last "two cones" - the robot was having trouble seeing them (hmmmm, that sets one up who is witty to have a good come back). Mom was the 6th patient in Memphis to experience this fab new equipment. They came in 3 times to check on her (and the equipment) w/assurance she would get the complete treatment. However, the last hour they were assisting with the positioning on their console instead of it doing its thing. Mom reported all of the team so supportive and kind, they even told her they didn't know how she stayed so still SO LONG. Mom assured them Valium works miracles on her b/c she's such a cheap drunk!
Mom made it to Stage Road (from Baptist) before she realized she was in trouble. After getting sick on the way home she thought she could lie down and shortly improve however that did NOT happen. Ken took her to Baptist ER (whole another story!), got IV anti-nauseant med, steroids, and her fav: DILAUDID! Dr. said she was extremely dehydrated. After being released at 3:30 am, they slept 'til 9, and mom realized she hadn't quite made the turn. They went to West Clinic so she could get juiced up w/same meds, was able to drink a little there, stopped at Panera Bread and got her favorite take home wheat Bagel and spread - so she's eating again, yay!
Wednesday she called the tech assisting with the procedure and gave her the full run-down, asking her to please not put a "black mark" on her file because of my nausea event on the Cyber Knife. She has experienced a little of Tarceva's bowel side effect (not on a reg basis, but with anxiety, it hits!!) That problem last weekend, along with a bad decision to cut back on fluids on the day of my procedure to prevent a "bladder call" during my treatment perfectly setting her up for the dehydration. She claims it was her own fault - and we are thrilled with the procedure being scheduled so soon. We are anxiously looking forward to great results.
TRIVIA you might find interesting: Last week the Physicist gave mom the tour of treatment room and equipment. He told her they like to name things. Since mom's was one of the 1st appointments she might want to help with that. At her appointment Tuesday she asked if "it" had a name. He said the only one suggested was "Betty" and they weren't much into that. She suggested "Orion" (mythology for The Hunter). At the end of my appointment the Dr reported to her they had discussed it while working at the console and loved the name. They have a whole team meeting later this week, and he will let us know if a decision is made, LOL!
Last night I think mom was supercharged with energy somehow. The girls and I met she and Ken at CBHS for the tailgate and "show and tell" of the granddaughters. Everyone had a great time. Haidyn even ate GiGi's jambalaya which shocked me and thrilled GiGi.
Thank you all for the prayers. God answers and the availability and execution of the procedure was a success. We will keep you updated when we get results.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
October 4, 2011
What at crazy year this has been. Please accept my apology for not being able to keep up with this as I should have. Our family grew May 10th when Ashtyn Ryan made her appearance. Ten days later Todd and I bought our new home. Ken over did it helping Todd move in. For those of you who don't know, he had a heart attack helping us move out of our old home and into the apartment in January. Erica and Max visited us all in July, along with most of Ken's family. Grandmommie, mom's mom, was here in August just before I went back to work. I was back at work for about 8 weeks and just got laid off last week. I truly believe this is God's plan.
Now on to mom...
Mom’s last chemo infusion was in January. The scan in April showed “stable”. We hoped the maintenance drug she was on would continue to prevent growth. The scan in June showed growth in the tumor in her right lung. She was referred to Dr. Michael Farmer at Methodist for radiation on the lung, and lymph nodes between the two lungs. This required 30 visits downtown for treatment (15 min. treatment/5 days a week). Mom tolerated this exceptionally well. We’re on a watch and wait for the success of that – the radiation will continue to kill cells up to 3 to 4 mo. after the last dose. Good to know since her PET scan did show some areas to light up but that is to be completely expected; she just finished the radiation.
We all praise God for the amazing blessings we’ve experienced in this battle. Mom’s last appt. with Dr. Johnetta Blakely as our medical oncologist in June was emotional. While we wish the best for her and family in the Nashville area, we are sad to lose her and begin a new relationship after being in her care for twenty months. Dr. B told her she spent a long time making recommendations to her patients, and Mom’s was really tough. She wanted to feel sure that the “Captain of our ship” would “think out of the box”, and everything that could be done to fight cancer would be offered to us. Dr. Lee Schwartzberg was Dr. Blakely’s mentor (and, as she said “one of the biggest reasons she decided to become a Medical Oncologist”. Because Mom was just beginning the radiation part she has not had a lot of time to bond with him, but we highly respect him and his reputation. It certainly doesn't hurt our confidence when others ask who her doctor is and they light up saying "He's the best" or "He's so bright" either. God has really seen to every detail of our journey.
Mom said near the end of the radiation treatment period (about the first of August), she felt pain in her back. Dr. Schwartzberg ordered a PET scan to determine exactly what was lighting up before recommending any further treatment. The GOOD news was: no new sites! However, the lesion on the spine (at T10), and a lesion on the right hip area showed cancer growing. Four appointments (4 different doctors!) this past week - we have a new plan to fight, and we are all SO EXCITED about it. If anyone is interested in some amazing technology Google “Cyber Knife”. This particular equipment for stereotactic radiation has just been received at Baptist Hospital (first live patient was treated this week!). Mom has had the simulation appointment and her body is marked up ready to go when she gets the call one day next week to get the treatment on her spine. Depending on the treatment plan, the procedure will be done in 1 to 5 visits. The planning is done with a team of five specialists: including physician, medical radiation physicist, neurosurgeon, radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, and dosimetrist. Looking at blessings: wow, the equipment just arrived in Memphis and it’s the very best for Mom’s needs – THANK YOU, GOD!
As I am posting this now she is preparing for the "cyber knife" treatment. They were going to tell her when she gets there how many treatments there will be. Erica and family (hooray!) are planning on being here at the end of the month to trick-or-treat with us. The only drawback to this treatment is they want mom to be very light in her lifting so Mr. Max will have to be set in GiGi's lap but that shouldn't be a problem. Ms. Haidyn is too fast to sit down long and Ashtyn, she just gets passed around like a sack of potatoes anyway:).
When I tell you God has been good- I mean better than every expectation. He has provided us a peace and understanding better through the team of doctors, nurses, surviors and friends we could ever deserve. I pray that our family can and will impact lives the way that you all have impacted ours with your compassion, prayers and faithfulness. He is good and we are all very excited to see what this new radiation treatment will do in terms of fighting cancer.
Thank you will never be enough for all the prayers.
Now on to mom...
Mom’s last chemo infusion was in January. The scan in April showed “stable”. We hoped the maintenance drug she was on would continue to prevent growth. The scan in June showed growth in the tumor in her right lung. She was referred to Dr. Michael Farmer at Methodist for radiation on the lung, and lymph nodes between the two lungs. This required 30 visits downtown for treatment (15 min. treatment/5 days a week). Mom tolerated this exceptionally well. We’re on a watch and wait for the success of that – the radiation will continue to kill cells up to 3 to 4 mo. after the last dose. Good to know since her PET scan did show some areas to light up but that is to be completely expected; she just finished the radiation.
We all praise God for the amazing blessings we’ve experienced in this battle. Mom’s last appt. with Dr. Johnetta Blakely as our medical oncologist in June was emotional. While we wish the best for her and family in the Nashville area, we are sad to lose her and begin a new relationship after being in her care for twenty months. Dr. B told her she spent a long time making recommendations to her patients, and Mom’s was really tough. She wanted to feel sure that the “Captain of our ship” would “think out of the box”, and everything that could be done to fight cancer would be offered to us. Dr. Lee Schwartzberg was Dr. Blakely’s mentor (and, as she said “one of the biggest reasons she decided to become a Medical Oncologist”. Because Mom was just beginning the radiation part she has not had a lot of time to bond with him, but we highly respect him and his reputation. It certainly doesn't hurt our confidence when others ask who her doctor is and they light up saying "He's the best" or "He's so bright" either. God has really seen to every detail of our journey.
Mom said near the end of the radiation treatment period (about the first of August), she felt pain in her back. Dr. Schwartzberg ordered a PET scan to determine exactly what was lighting up before recommending any further treatment. The GOOD news was: no new sites! However, the lesion on the spine (at T10), and a lesion on the right hip area showed cancer growing. Four appointments (4 different doctors!) this past week - we have a new plan to fight, and we are all SO EXCITED about it. If anyone is interested in some amazing technology Google “Cyber Knife”. This particular equipment for stereotactic radiation has just been received at Baptist Hospital (first live patient was treated this week!). Mom has had the simulation appointment and her body is marked up ready to go when she gets the call one day next week to get the treatment on her spine. Depending on the treatment plan, the procedure will be done in 1 to 5 visits. The planning is done with a team of five specialists: including physician, medical radiation physicist, neurosurgeon, radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, and dosimetrist. Looking at blessings: wow, the equipment just arrived in Memphis and it’s the very best for Mom’s needs – THANK YOU, GOD!
As I am posting this now she is preparing for the "cyber knife" treatment. They were going to tell her when she gets there how many treatments there will be. Erica and family (hooray!) are planning on being here at the end of the month to trick-or-treat with us. The only drawback to this treatment is they want mom to be very light in her lifting so Mr. Max will have to be set in GiGi's lap but that shouldn't be a problem. Ms. Haidyn is too fast to sit down long and Ashtyn, she just gets passed around like a sack of potatoes anyway:).
When I tell you God has been good- I mean better than every expectation. He has provided us a peace and understanding better through the team of doctors, nurses, surviors and friends we could ever deserve. I pray that our family can and will impact lives the way that you all have impacted ours with your compassion, prayers and faithfulness. He is good and we are all very excited to see what this new radiation treatment will do in terms of fighting cancer.
Thank you will never be enough for all the prayers.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
January 2nd, 2011
Well the new year is here and we are all ready with anticipation to find out what mom's new treatment regimen will be. Erica gave birth to Max on Dec 6th. Mom and Ken flew out to Phoenix on Dec 18th. Needless to say, Max has been one spoiled little boy since GiGi and Grandaddy showed up in Arizona. I don't know who enjoyed loving on that little guy more. It was an awesome family Christmas!
Todd, Haidyn and I flew out on the 23rd and had the best family vacation and holiday. We all went to Sedona for the day, even Max, and shared our first family memories in a vacation spot with Max along. Mom and Ken left from there and went to the Hoover Dam, Vegas and even California. They had such a good time traveling and spending family time with all of us. It was certainly a unique blessing that no money could have bought for us. There are hundreds of pictures and even videos but I will spare you from all of them and post just some highlights :)
Some of you may know that since mom's treatments this time around we have had some unexpected challenges. Dr. B assured mom that things will be better in 2011. She will go this Friday and find out what the new treatment plan will be. Dr. B would not even give her a hint before the vacation as to what she has planned for this week to spare mom, and the entire family, from Googling her methods and/or worrying about the future. She's pretty smart.
We have prayed continuously for the new treatment to enable mom a more comfortable normal. Because of the challenges she hasn't been able to make it to work as much as she would have liked in the past two months which has terribly stressed her. For all of you who know mom well, you know what a hard worker she is. Not only does she need the work to feel "normal" she aches that she isn't able to be as productive as she wants to be. I have a prayer request not only that God will cure her body of this cancer but also that mom will experience a peace about her life, limitations and those around her to be supportive and encouraging in a way that only christians know how to be. I pray that the evil one will stay away from those with the ability to discourage and she will be on the path to optimal sucess with this new treatment plan in 2011.
As I look back at 2010 I loose count of all our blessings. 2010 didn't come without struggles, disappointments and even heart ache but its so hard for our family to think on those things when we know how truly blessed we are to have all our prayer warriors behind us in the fight, amazing doctors and nurses tending to mom and friends that love and encourage us daily. Our family has grown again in 2010 and will be growing some more in 2011! God is good.
Thank you all so much for remembering us in prayer. We know without each of you and your specific prayers our lives would be so different. I hope you all had as wonderful of a holiday season as our family was blessed to enjoy. Happy New Year to all!!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
November 14, 2010
I apologize, I should have posted this a week ago but this has been a crazy week.
This isn't exactly the news we wanted to share but it isn't all bad news either. Mom has started chemo again last Friday. The last CT scan showed that one of the tumors in the right lung has grown just a little, basically enough to register and get some attention. Everything else looks good. So as Dr. B said, "since this one has decided to wake up and grow, its time for us to start fighting again." Last Friday they gave mom a B-12 shot and some meds to prep her for the chemo that started Friday. Alimita, Paraplatin (Carbonplatin), and Avastin are the drugs that she will be taking every 3 weeks. This regimen should not have the side effects that the first round had so we expect that mom will do as well if not better this time around. Since there was growth she is officially off the clinical trial drug of Erbitux. She will miss her group of nurses "upstairs" at the clinic but they have told her they would love to see her anytime she is in the clinic. We are excited about the potential to be aggressive and have the opportunity to shrink ALL the tumors once more. Thankfully the scan showed that they caught things very early and there are no other areas of concern at this time. Dr. B has assured mom this should not interfere with any holiday plans so they can continue with treatments and travel to meet Mr. Max (Erica's son). Mom is dealing with the seasonal "junk" which will make anyone feel yucky but hopefully she will get plenty of rest and get beyond this. We are very optimistic and are trusting firmly in the hand that is leading the doctor's decisions and nurse's treatments on the new path of our journey.
Mom has felt a little weak yesterday and today. She has only enjoyed baked potatoes since her treatment but I can certainly empathize. Being in my 3rd month of pregnancy again she knew she could call me for suggestions of bland food that is easy to keep down when nothing seems to taste good and there isn't much confidence it will stay down. In case you missed that discreet announcement, Haidyn will be a big sister in May 2011. We were a bit surprised once again but the shock has worn off and the excitement has sank in. God continues to bless Mom with 2 fresh doses of love only grandchildren can supply.
As always, thank you again for all the cards, prayers, encouragement and love. We serve an awesome God.
This isn't exactly the news we wanted to share but it isn't all bad news either. Mom has started chemo again last Friday. The last CT scan showed that one of the tumors in the right lung has grown just a little, basically enough to register and get some attention. Everything else looks good. So as Dr. B said, "since this one has decided to wake up and grow, its time for us to start fighting again." Last Friday they gave mom a B-12 shot and some meds to prep her for the chemo that started Friday. Alimita, Paraplatin (Carbonplatin), and Avastin are the drugs that she will be taking every 3 weeks. This regimen should not have the side effects that the first round had so we expect that mom will do as well if not better this time around. Since there was growth she is officially off the clinical trial drug of Erbitux. She will miss her group of nurses "upstairs" at the clinic but they have told her they would love to see her anytime she is in the clinic. We are excited about the potential to be aggressive and have the opportunity to shrink ALL the tumors once more. Thankfully the scan showed that they caught things very early and there are no other areas of concern at this time. Dr. B has assured mom this should not interfere with any holiday plans so they can continue with treatments and travel to meet Mr. Max (Erica's son). Mom is dealing with the seasonal "junk" which will make anyone feel yucky but hopefully she will get plenty of rest and get beyond this. We are very optimistic and are trusting firmly in the hand that is leading the doctor's decisions and nurse's treatments on the new path of our journey.
Mom has felt a little weak yesterday and today. She has only enjoyed baked potatoes since her treatment but I can certainly empathize. Being in my 3rd month of pregnancy again she knew she could call me for suggestions of bland food that is easy to keep down when nothing seems to taste good and there isn't much confidence it will stay down. In case you missed that discreet announcement, Haidyn will be a big sister in May 2011. We were a bit surprised once again but the shock has worn off and the excitement has sank in. God continues to bless Mom with 2 fresh doses of love only grandchildren can supply.
As always, thank you again for all the cards, prayers, encouragement and love. We serve an awesome God.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
October 17, 2010
Well, a year ago mom was in the hospital and we didn't know why. What a blessed year we have had. Still in treatment and accepting every day as a blessing Mom continues to smile through every day. She is working every day and feeling stronger and more comfortable with the new normal life for now. Every other Friday she is at treatment for about 3 hours to continue the maintenance.
Planning for the travel trip this year to Phoenix it was fun for so many reasons. For those of you who know mom and Ken, one thing they love to do is travel. The excitement of Erica having the first grandSon is amazing. Erica and baby are doing very well. Thank you so much for all your shared joy and prayers. Needless to say grandchildren have completed my mom's life. Seeing "GiGi" with Haidyn for more than 1/2 a second you know exactly what I am saying. Now that Haidyn shows abundance of personality she is the most fun to interact together with her.
This year has had highs and lows for all of us. Last week we went to University Church of Christ and their preacher spoke about "Surviving the Storm". Prayer has become a staple of our lives in ways I personally never imagined. God has taught us patience, trust and gratitude for all our blessings- good and bad. Getting through the storm of a year , almost to the date, can be attributed to prayer. So many people have come up to Mom and hugged her and continued to remind her of their daily prayer for her- that is powerful! Thank you!!
I can't thank you all enough for your prayers, encouragement, gifts, cards and love. As we face the anniversary of mom's diagnosis I never would have imagined the blessings the last year have brought our family and Ken and mom. We are all looking forward to a another year of blessed memories. I will keep you all updated as mom continues to enjoy being a "GiGi".
Planning for the travel trip this year to Phoenix it was fun for so many reasons. For those of you who know mom and Ken, one thing they love to do is travel. The excitement of Erica having the first grandSon is amazing. Erica and baby are doing very well. Thank you so much for all your shared joy and prayers. Needless to say grandchildren have completed my mom's life. Seeing "GiGi" with Haidyn for more than 1/2 a second you know exactly what I am saying. Now that Haidyn shows abundance of personality she is the most fun to interact together with her.
This year has had highs and lows for all of us. Last week we went to University Church of Christ and their preacher spoke about "Surviving the Storm". Prayer has become a staple of our lives in ways I personally never imagined. God has taught us patience, trust and gratitude for all our blessings- good and bad. Getting through the storm of a year , almost to the date, can be attributed to prayer. So many people have come up to Mom and hugged her and continued to remind her of their daily prayer for her- that is powerful! Thank you!!
I can't thank you all enough for your prayers, encouragement, gifts, cards and love. As we face the anniversary of mom's diagnosis I never would have imagined the blessings the last year have brought our family and Ken and mom. We are all looking forward to a another year of blessed memories. I will keep you all updated as mom continues to enjoy being a "GiGi".
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
September 15, 2010
It's been a busy time for all of us and Mom's doing great. She and Ken enjoyed a very relaxing "mini vacation" with our friends Phil and Sherry Hart at their lake house at Heber Springs for the Labor Day week-end. It was very well timed since Mom said she was feeling last week was a little overwhelming with doctor appts everyday and a treatment Friday. Since her ER visit on 7-25, things have been a little crazy - but we're getting our heads around it now and feeling more comfortable with having another doctor on our team. It started with the pain in Mom's back (lower left side) that wouldn't subside until after the wonderful Dilaudid injection. We still don't know what caused her pain, because the problems we know about affect the right side of Mom's back. However, the follow-up got Dr. Jason Weaver at Semmes Murphey Clinic (Orthopedic and Neuorology Clinic) involved in reviewing all the CT scans and MRIs. He was most concerned with an area on the spine that we hadn't known about. After reviewing everything Dr. Blakely, Mom's Oncologist (quarterback), said this is nothing new - it was in the first scans, and like everything else it responded extremely well to the chemo treatments. Our concern was (and always is) that we want nothing new - nothing growing. Dr. Weaver is looking at everything with eyes focusing on the bone disease. That's the "tricky" part, because it's difficult to measure. The radiologist's report shows specific measurements of size of the lung tumors -- we like "measurable results" -- bone disease shows "irregularity". The most recent report from Dr. Weaver says he concurs the bony areas that showed lesions (cancer) now show new bone growing - (THANK YOU, GOD!). In fact, he says it's pretty amazing the dramatic difference in the first images and the current ones. We will keep Dr. Weaver in the loop to review images as they are ordered in the Clinical Trial Mom is participating in. We try to stay focused on all the positives on this journey: 1) We know we have a Great Physician and our family has been lifted up daily since Day 1 to Him for healing and peace, 2) We have a phenomenal team of doctors and staff keeping a close watch on all areas of concern in mom's condition, 3) We are very happy to see Mom regaining strength and continuing to fight, 4) All reports are showing "stable", no growth.
Mom sent a text message last week saying she really feels badly for Haidyn having an on-going problem with ear infections because she's been having problems. Dr. Blakely referred her to an ENT about 6 wks ago. He is consulting with Dr. Blakely about a possibility of a connection between the cancer treatment drugs and problems last this week was to have her check up for her eyes, for fear her vision may have been affected by the disease and drugs she's been on. The last prescription glasses were 2005. She had a check up in August 2008, and was told her close-up vision could be improved with a little stronger prescription but she decided to wait a little on upgrading her glasses. We're happy to learn that there has been no change in her vision in the past two years!
We appreciate everyone that is following us on this journey. We want you to know that no report most likely means that we are doing well and getting on with our lives, staying busy, and making plans for the future with Mom. We all have our tickets to go visit Erica and Micheal in Phoenix and meet their new son in late December. We're hoping he will cooperate and arrive by his expected birth date of December 14. After bringing home our own a little more than a year ago (tear), we know the special bond that develops in the first few days home as mom and dad, family. Then we will all be able to celebrate baby's first Christmas together soon there after. As you are praying for our family, please remember Erica and baby that her pregnancy will be uneventful, and that he will be full-term and healthy. So far everything has gone extremely well for both of them. She has posted some beautiful pictures of her with a mom's glow. I will see if she will grant me a family picture of them to post.
We celebrated Haidyn's first birthday on the 29th. She has an unbelievable happy birthday. I will post some pictures that Ken took from the party. It was wonderful to have friends and close families with their children who have filled our world in the past 12 months with prayer and support. Words can never express the gift Ken gave of such an entertaining portfolio of precious moments of Haidyn's first birthday.
I came across a scripture tonight that I felt spoke to me. "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" Romans 12:12. The past 11 months bring new meaning to that scripture like never before. Thank you for all your encouragement, participation, tears and prayers as we have fought and will continue for mom's health and support of her wonderful God-led hands.
Mom sent a text message last week saying she really feels badly for Haidyn having an on-going problem with ear infections because she's been having problems. Dr. Blakely referred her to an ENT about 6 wks ago. He is consulting with Dr. Blakely about a possibility of a connection between the cancer treatment drugs and problems last this week was to have her check up for her eyes, for fear her vision may have been affected by the disease and drugs she's been on. The last prescription glasses were 2005. She had a check up in August 2008, and was told her close-up vision could be improved with a little stronger prescription but she decided to wait a little on upgrading her glasses. We're happy to learn that there has been no change in her vision in the past two years!
We appreciate everyone that is following us on this journey. We want you to know that no report most likely means that we are doing well and getting on with our lives, staying busy, and making plans for the future with Mom. We all have our tickets to go visit Erica and Micheal in Phoenix and meet their new son in late December. We're hoping he will cooperate and arrive by his expected birth date of December 14. After bringing home our own a little more than a year ago (tear), we know the special bond that develops in the first few days home as mom and dad, family. Then we will all be able to celebrate baby's first Christmas together soon there after. As you are praying for our family, please remember Erica and baby that her pregnancy will be uneventful, and that he will be full-term and healthy. So far everything has gone extremely well for both of them. She has posted some beautiful pictures of her with a mom's glow. I will see if she will grant me a family picture of them to post.
We celebrated Haidyn's first birthday on the 29th. She has an unbelievable happy birthday. I will post some pictures that Ken took from the party. It was wonderful to have friends and close families with their children who have filled our world in the past 12 months with prayer and support. Words can never express the gift Ken gave of such an entertaining portfolio of precious moments of Haidyn's first birthday.
I came across a scripture tonight that I felt spoke to me. "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" Romans 12:12. The past 11 months bring new meaning to that scripture like never before. Thank you for all your encouragement, participation, tears and prayers as we have fought and will continue for mom's health and support of her wonderful God-led hands.
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