Mom looked so pretty this morning. She and Ken got to the clinic early as scheduled. This was the 3 drug day so treatment typically lasts till 5 or 6pm. The bad winter weather started about 7. By 8 the West Clinic and most of town was realizing that this winter preciptation wasn't playing and wasn't moving out quickly. The West Clinic decided to close at noon which meant there wasn't enough time for mom's treatment today:(
It was not a total loss. She had her meeting with Angela, the research nurse, and Dr. B. Mom's tumors have shrunk in size 25%! We are praising God! She will have another week to continue to bring her white blood count up before her next treatment and she's actually feeling really good.
Because they didn't do her treatment today, she will have an opportunity for her bone marrow to recover the white count so she will be stronger and feel better. This will also help keep her healthy in that her immunity will be stronger to fight off any germs she may come in contact with. As much as it is killing her, church, small group, showers and even other public places where she could be exposed she is avoiding. Its just not worth the risk. We want to keep her healthy. I was suprised she wanted to go in Costco Tuesday night when she met but she didn't actually have contact with anyone other than me and Haidyn. She was bragging on herself today for that too.
So although she didn't get treatment she had the doctor appointment and got to show me around the clinic. She and Ken just floated around there like they owned the place, taking back halls and greeting everyone they came to. The treatment rooms were so nice. There were even survivors/volunteers there this morning with all the yucky weather. Mom had Ken to take a picture of her and the "team" (Dr. B and Angela). I was glad she was able to get that but then again what part of our lives isn't photo documented? Mom even had Ken take pictures of my braces being adjusted and my ortho "team"- haha. I hope to get a copy electronically of the C-team so I can post it for everyone.
Thank you so much for the prayers and countless acts of love and support. We feel so blessed and continue to receive far more than we deserve. God truly has blessed America like no place else to provide us the medical options we have, should we ever need them. Please keep mom in prayer this week as she continues to bring her counts up and praising God for all he has done. Like Ken put on his FB yesterday- faith isn't believing God can, its knowing He will and He is!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
January 28, 2010
Tomorrow is the big day. We are praying that mom's blood test indicate her white blood count will be high enough for her to receive the full dosage of all 3 drugs. Also, we are praying that the weather will hold out so her treatment is not delayed. We are all looking forward to going with mom in the morning to meet with Dr. B and hear the good news.
I can't say enough about how proud I am of my mom. She has not complained, stopped to feel sorry for herself or even considered anything other than healing. She is so optomistic and has faith in God's healing powers and the medical assistance she has received. If you didn't know mom, I don't think you would know she is undergoing chemo. She has learned her limits and gotten as comfortable as we can expect her to with her slower lifestyle. She takes her rest periods when she feels she is pushing it. Also, although she is going to work everyday but treatment days she knows when to take her time and not rush into the office first thing in the morning. Working! I can honestly say that 3.5 months ago I would not have thought she would be working everyday.
As we are all praying and looking forward to tomorrow to celebrate with mom, we are also excited about celebrating Haidyn's 5 month birthday. I don't think any of us can believe that she is already 5 months old. I don't think mom even remembers what life was like without her best friend:) Life is good and God is blessing us everyday with struggles and victories.
Thank you all so much for continuing to support our family as we fight mom's cancer. We are blessed in so many ways but knowing that there are so many praying with us is humbling and we know God hears and answers our prayers. I will keep you all updated once we learn more tomorrow.
I can't say enough about how proud I am of my mom. She has not complained, stopped to feel sorry for herself or even considered anything other than healing. She is so optomistic and has faith in God's healing powers and the medical assistance she has received. If you didn't know mom, I don't think you would know she is undergoing chemo. She has learned her limits and gotten as comfortable as we can expect her to with her slower lifestyle. She takes her rest periods when she feels she is pushing it. Also, although she is going to work everyday but treatment days she knows when to take her time and not rush into the office first thing in the morning. Working! I can honestly say that 3.5 months ago I would not have thought she would be working everyday.
As we are all praying and looking forward to tomorrow to celebrate with mom, we are also excited about celebrating Haidyn's 5 month birthday. I don't think any of us can believe that she is already 5 months old. I don't think mom even remembers what life was like without her best friend:) Life is good and God is blessing us everyday with struggles and victories.
Thank you all so much for continuing to support our family as we fight mom's cancer. We are blessed in so many ways but knowing that there are so many praying with us is humbling and we know God hears and answers our prayers. I will keep you all updated once we learn more tomorrow.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
January 26, 2010
Today was a great day. Mom texted me a little before two today and told me to call her for the news. Her research nurse had emailed her some preliminary information about the CT scan that she had Monday morning. She said that from what they could tell at this preliminary stage that her tumors have shrunk 25%. That is awesome news. The drugs are working and mom is feeling great. We are going to go with mom and Ken Friday morning to hear the full work up, again weather permitting!
We are having the craziest weather like the rest of the world. One day it is 60 then within 72 hours our high is in the 20's. They are calling for freezing rain overnight Thursday/Friday morning. Please pray that the worst of the weather will hit above us and not hender mom's appt and chemo treatment.
We had plans to meet tonight and get my tires rotated. She was there with bells on, breaking her neck to see Haidyn's little brown eyes and big smile. She told me she has felt so good the last two days. She thought she overdid it a little yesterday but after a good long rest period she was ready to go. Then after a good night's sleep she felt even better today. The more she is able to move around, the more encouraged her white blood count is encouraged to increase. I don't want her to ever overdo it but if there were a week I would want her to be most active its this week. Thank you for remembering to pray that her white blood count continue to come up as we approach Friday, treatment day. We want her to be able to receive the full dose of all 3 drugs. Her research nurse seem to have confidence that mom could do it. I can't say enough about the encouragement and supportive optimism all the staff and volunteers at the West Clinic have been not only to our family but also hundreds and thousands of families in our local area and beyond. They are saving lives with big hearts and even bigger smiles. We love that place!
So we've dealt with the big C for over 90 days now. Wow, how God has worked overtime in our lives the last 3 months is amazing. We have experienced about every extreme emotion and continued to be blessed with each step of the way. Cancer is scary. Cancer will effect most of us either by attacking our own body or someone we know. I am so thankful to live in a country where research is supported, drugs are being discover, we have the freedom of religion to pray to our healing Lord and lives are being saved both physically and spiritually every day. I want Christianity to make a come back in 2010 and save as many lives as modern medicine, research drugs and surgery. I want Christianity to take a chapter from Cancer's book and attack the souls of most, if not all (is that possible?), and touch the lives of those who haven't yet learned. Then more of the world would experience times as this family has in the last 3 months- peace that passes all understanding. God is in control. We are following his almight lead and he is blessing us because of your prayers. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
We are having the craziest weather like the rest of the world. One day it is 60 then within 72 hours our high is in the 20's. They are calling for freezing rain overnight Thursday/Friday morning. Please pray that the worst of the weather will hit above us and not hender mom's appt and chemo treatment.
We had plans to meet tonight and get my tires rotated. She was there with bells on, breaking her neck to see Haidyn's little brown eyes and big smile. She told me she has felt so good the last two days. She thought she overdid it a little yesterday but after a good long rest period she was ready to go. Then after a good night's sleep she felt even better today. The more she is able to move around, the more encouraged her white blood count is encouraged to increase. I don't want her to ever overdo it but if there were a week I would want her to be most active its this week. Thank you for remembering to pray that her white blood count continue to come up as we approach Friday, treatment day. We want her to be able to receive the full dose of all 3 drugs. Her research nurse seem to have confidence that mom could do it. I can't say enough about the encouragement and supportive optimism all the staff and volunteers at the West Clinic have been not only to our family but also hundreds and thousands of families in our local area and beyond. They are saving lives with big hearts and even bigger smiles. We love that place!
So we've dealt with the big C for over 90 days now. Wow, how God has worked overtime in our lives the last 3 months is amazing. We have experienced about every extreme emotion and continued to be blessed with each step of the way. Cancer is scary. Cancer will effect most of us either by attacking our own body or someone we know. I am so thankful to live in a country where research is supported, drugs are being discover, we have the freedom of religion to pray to our healing Lord and lives are being saved both physically and spiritually every day. I want Christianity to make a come back in 2010 and save as many lives as modern medicine, research drugs and surgery. I want Christianity to take a chapter from Cancer's book and attack the souls of most, if not all (is that possible?), and touch the lives of those who haven't yet learned. Then more of the world would experience times as this family has in the last 3 months- peace that passes all understanding. God is in control. We are following his almight lead and he is blessing us because of your prayers. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
January 21, 2010
What a busy week! Mom has been pretty fatigued this week. I have called her about every other afternoon to check in on her and unfortunately I have woken her from her rest period. The good thing is, I'm not so sure she even remembered it once we got off the phone.
Monday Haidyn made mom's day by smiling super big at her when she recognized her GiGi. Tuesday night we went and had dinner with her at her house. Last night we all met out for dinner to celebrate my birthday. And tonight we didn't see her because she needs to rest up for her treatment tomorrow. Her white count is low- she can tell by her tired she has been but this is to be expected. Its that time again to start really praying for her white count to start coming back up so that next week she can receive the full dose of the chemo drugs. God has been so good to answer this prayer and without fail mom's white count is always where it should be on the 3 drug chemo days for her to receive her full dose. Praise God!
Next week is her CTscan and consult with Dr B. Next week will be extremely busy at work for me but you can bet I will be with her Wednesday morning waiting to hear the good news. Its such a good feeling to anxiously anticipate an oncology consult because you know the information will be positive. I can't imagine if our reality were not as optomistic. Thankfully we have put our trust in the Lord since before day one of our cancer journey and he has continued to give us all peace and mom's body healing. What an awesome God we serve.
Again, thank you, thank you, thank you for your continued acts of love, cards, emails, comments, text messages, meals, phone calls and PRAYERS. It would be hard to face this journey without all those who are with us. Without your love, encouragement and support this road truly could have seemed hopeless but it has been as overwhelming to see the endless support as it has been to face the fears of cancer. God tells us not to be scared and that he protects us. Everyday, without fail, He has presented constant reminders of his love and protection through your actions and lives. Thank you for trusting in God's healing powers, love for His children and protection for those who dare to give him their worries. He is always good!
Monday Haidyn made mom's day by smiling super big at her when she recognized her GiGi. Tuesday night we went and had dinner with her at her house. Last night we all met out for dinner to celebrate my birthday. And tonight we didn't see her because she needs to rest up for her treatment tomorrow. Her white count is low- she can tell by her tired she has been but this is to be expected. Its that time again to start really praying for her white count to start coming back up so that next week she can receive the full dose of the chemo drugs. God has been so good to answer this prayer and without fail mom's white count is always where it should be on the 3 drug chemo days for her to receive her full dose. Praise God!
Next week is her CTscan and consult with Dr B. Next week will be extremely busy at work for me but you can bet I will be with her Wednesday morning waiting to hear the good news. Its such a good feeling to anxiously anticipate an oncology consult because you know the information will be positive. I can't imagine if our reality were not as optomistic. Thankfully we have put our trust in the Lord since before day one of our cancer journey and he has continued to give us all peace and mom's body healing. What an awesome God we serve.
Again, thank you, thank you, thank you for your continued acts of love, cards, emails, comments, text messages, meals, phone calls and PRAYERS. It would be hard to face this journey without all those who are with us. Without your love, encouragement and support this road truly could have seemed hopeless but it has been as overwhelming to see the endless support as it has been to face the fears of cancer. God tells us not to be scared and that he protects us. Everyday, without fail, He has presented constant reminders of his love and protection through your actions and lives. Thank you for trusting in God's healing powers, love for His children and protection for those who dare to give him their worries. He is always good!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
January 19, 2010
Yesterday mom was very tired but still made through her day at work. I'm certainly glad the chemo is doing what it is suppose to do but its tough seeing your energetic mama so run down. But like I have said before- we can handle fatigue much better than pain and illness. I'm glad Haidyn isn't any more active than she is at this point or it would be hard for mom to enjoy her as much.
Mom has spent so much time restoring mine and Erica's clothes from when we were a baby for HR. Sunday she wore one of my dresses and today she wore one of our sweater suits with a bonnet. I can't wait to see mom tonight and for her to see Haidyn in my outfit.
Thank you all for your continued prayers, delivered meals, cards, emails and other acts of love. I had several at church Sunday request new pics since its been so long since they've seen mom. I want to do that. Mom is still amazed at the cards she is receiving and the repeat cards from so many. They mean so much to her. She has really enjoyed reconnecting with so many from the past that she loves and has missed over the years. God is so good! We are continuing to count our blessings and naming you all at the top of the list!
Mom has spent so much time restoring mine and Erica's clothes from when we were a baby for HR. Sunday she wore one of my dresses and today she wore one of our sweater suits with a bonnet. I can't wait to see mom tonight and for her to see Haidyn in my outfit.
Thank you all for your continued prayers, delivered meals, cards, emails and other acts of love. I had several at church Sunday request new pics since its been so long since they've seen mom. I want to do that. Mom is still amazed at the cards she is receiving and the repeat cards from so many. They mean so much to her. She has really enjoyed reconnecting with so many from the past that she loves and has missed over the years. God is so good! We are continuing to count our blessings and naming you all at the top of the list!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
January 16, 2010
Mom had her erbitux treatment Friday. Her white count was down but they full expected that to happen. She was however able to make it through the treatment just fine. She is extremely tired. I think we can attribute this to her white count being so low and to the fact that she is working 5-6 hrs a day. I am so proud of my mom but she is really leading the way in team spirit. We talked Wednesday about her work and she knows how much her office depends on her for success and that leads her into the office at times she might rather be home.
Thank you for all your prayers. We are so blessed!
Thank you for all your prayers. We are so blessed!
Monday, January 11, 2010
January 11, 2010
Today mom was able to go to work! I can't believe it. I called her a little before 2 to check on her. She hadn't been home long and said she was really tired. She admitted she may have overdone it today but she got a lot done. I am so impressed with her strength and determination to carry on with life. She got a good long nap and I called her when I got home to check on her again. I told her Haidyn was enjoying driving around in her car we borrowed from GiGi and her johnny jump up. Mom wants her to jump so bad but she is just too little.
Thank you so much for your prayers. Her white count was high enough for the full dose of chemo, she has only been tired with this treatment and she was strong enough to go to work today. God is strengthening us and we are getting anxious for the week of the 25th when we have more news to celebrate.
Thank you so much for your prayers. Her white count was high enough for the full dose of chemo, she has only been tired with this treatment and she was strong enough to go to work today. God is strengthening us and we are getting anxious for the week of the 25th when we have more news to celebrate.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
January 9, 2010
Well we're counting our blessings and loosing count again! The weather held out and did not interupt treatment yesterday. When they tested the white blood count it had come up enough from the previous Wednesday treatment for mom to receive the full dose of the 2 chemo drugs and the Erbitux.
Part of the clinical trial, which we were unaware of, is that at the half way mark she had an appt with her doctor to evaluate her again. She said that when Dr.B listened to her breathing, again with a big grin on her face she patted mom on the back and said, "show off!" I absolutely love it! With waiting to see the doctor, the evaluation and administration of all 3 drugs it made for an incredibly long day for mom. She was at West for 9 hours I think she said. She really wanted Haidyn to come spend the night last night with her and I hated to disappoint her but I felt like GiGi needed her rest and it was too stinkin' cold for us to have enjoyed being anywhere other than at home by the fireplace.
For the next few days, as to be expected, mom will feel more fatigued and have more frequent rest periods. I am so proud that it seems she has made peace and has settled into her slower pace and enjoying the quiet time with Ken, reading and taking cat naps when she isn't at work or up and about the house showing off:) Haidyn and I plan to go by and see her today so she can get her HR dose and I can get my own hugs and kisses if mom has any left after she has shower Haidyn with sugar.
Mom forwarded me an email that she sent to some close friends from out of town last night updating them. She attached beautiful pictures of herself in her newest wig. I LOVE this do. I will try and post some of them on the blog for ev everyone. I'm going to have to talk to James, her hair dresser, when she returns because he has to help mom achieve this young spunky do with her own hair when it grows back in. Maybe we can even talk her into the highlights (mom, you didn't see that last part-hehe). She was so possitive in the email and I know that helps all of us remain positive as her supporters as well. Other than my good friend Anna who survived breast cancer a few years back at 27, I can't think of another person who comes close enough to shake a stick at mom's optimism and cheer in the face of such a fearful time. I am truly blessed to have her as my mom, best friend, example and grandmother to my own baby.
Her next CT scan to check markers and evaluate progress with a doctors visit will be around January 25th she said. I can think of no better be-lated birthday gift than to receive more good news about my best friend and mother. With your prayers, love, encouragement and unending support we are walking joyfully through this journey with mom holding close and trusting always in the hand of God. He has been SO good! I don't know if mom will work everyday this week or not since she has the 3 drugs yesterday but being able to get out of the house, be in the company of those she truly enjoys and who uplift her at her office, being productive with a since of purpose and acomplishment as well as just feeling "normal", as she puts it, have been some of the best medicine and therapy possible. They just can't prescribe confidence and joy and that is what she is getting daily.
I can't wait to see her today, give her hugs and tell her how proud I am of her once again and give her some old pics I found when going through some stuff last night. One I know she and Ken both will get a kick out is of Ken sitting on the couch in our first home in Memphis with his first laptop. He had some games on it, for those of you who don't know Ken is a secret gamer, and he played with that laptop non-stop. Mom and I were forever interrupting him and complaining about his gaming time because we couldn't get any attention. One night he closed that laptop and said to us, "I've never seen two women so jealous of a laptop!" Oh, the memories. I'm so proud and glad that I lived at home, and they gladly allowed me to (most days:), till I graduated from college. The memories of our home have made who I am and are priceless to all 3 of us. Even the not-so-pleasant memories-haha. God has blessed me with the foundation of that home to guide me and Todd as we establish our family values in our home on our new journey of parenthood.
I can't tell you all thank you enough!!! Without a doubt we would not be where we are today without the network literally across the nation of our friends, family and prayer warriors who are lifting us up countless times a day to the "great physician". He is healing, blessing and strengthening not just mom but all of us. I get teary when I think about the fact my sister isn't closer to us geographically, especially now, but she is with us more everyday than ever before. Miles do not seperate the closeness we are experiencing as we all are looking to the Lord and trusting in His plan. He is so good. I can't wait for Erica and Michael to be with us again and see how strong mom is from when they saw her at Thanksgiving. It will be some months yet, I'm sure, so I can't imagine how much better mom will be by then, oh and mom's best friend Haidyn Rae will be stronger and more lively too. I wish everyone could see mom with "her baby", as she refers to Haidyn. You would never recognize a thing wrong with her when that smile comes over her face at the sight of our little angel.
God is good friends! He is protecting us and strengthening us. He truly know just what we need to make it here on earth till we can all be together in heaven. What a day of rejoicing that will be when we get there but I am thanking him for the days here on earth and can't help but rejoice for the blessings he provides daily.
Part of the clinical trial, which we were unaware of, is that at the half way mark she had an appt with her doctor to evaluate her again. She said that when Dr.B listened to her breathing, again with a big grin on her face she patted mom on the back and said, "show off!" I absolutely love it! With waiting to see the doctor, the evaluation and administration of all 3 drugs it made for an incredibly long day for mom. She was at West for 9 hours I think she said. She really wanted Haidyn to come spend the night last night with her and I hated to disappoint her but I felt like GiGi needed her rest and it was too stinkin' cold for us to have enjoyed being anywhere other than at home by the fireplace.
For the next few days, as to be expected, mom will feel more fatigued and have more frequent rest periods. I am so proud that it seems she has made peace and has settled into her slower pace and enjoying the quiet time with Ken, reading and taking cat naps when she isn't at work or up and about the house showing off:) Haidyn and I plan to go by and see her today so she can get her HR dose and I can get my own hugs and kisses if mom has any left after she has shower Haidyn with sugar.
Mom forwarded me an email that she sent to some close friends from out of town last night updating them. She attached beautiful pictures of herself in her newest wig. I LOVE this do. I will try and post some of them on the blog for ev everyone. I'm going to have to talk to James, her hair dresser, when she returns because he has to help mom achieve this young spunky do with her own hair when it grows back in. Maybe we can even talk her into the highlights (mom, you didn't see that last part-hehe). She was so possitive in the email and I know that helps all of us remain positive as her supporters as well. Other than my good friend Anna who survived breast cancer a few years back at 27, I can't think of another person who comes close enough to shake a stick at mom's optimism and cheer in the face of such a fearful time. I am truly blessed to have her as my mom, best friend, example and grandmother to my own baby.
Her next CT scan to check markers and evaluate progress with a doctors visit will be around January 25th she said. I can think of no better be-lated birthday gift than to receive more good news about my best friend and mother. With your prayers, love, encouragement and unending support we are walking joyfully through this journey with mom holding close and trusting always in the hand of God. He has been SO good! I don't know if mom will work everyday this week or not since she has the 3 drugs yesterday but being able to get out of the house, be in the company of those she truly enjoys and who uplift her at her office, being productive with a since of purpose and acomplishment as well as just feeling "normal", as she puts it, have been some of the best medicine and therapy possible. They just can't prescribe confidence and joy and that is what she is getting daily.
I can't wait to see her today, give her hugs and tell her how proud I am of her once again and give her some old pics I found when going through some stuff last night. One I know she and Ken both will get a kick out is of Ken sitting on the couch in our first home in Memphis with his first laptop. He had some games on it, for those of you who don't know Ken is a secret gamer, and he played with that laptop non-stop. Mom and I were forever interrupting him and complaining about his gaming time because we couldn't get any attention. One night he closed that laptop and said to us, "I've never seen two women so jealous of a laptop!" Oh, the memories. I'm so proud and glad that I lived at home, and they gladly allowed me to (most days:), till I graduated from college. The memories of our home have made who I am and are priceless to all 3 of us. Even the not-so-pleasant memories-haha. God has blessed me with the foundation of that home to guide me and Todd as we establish our family values in our home on our new journey of parenthood.
I can't tell you all thank you enough!!! Without a doubt we would not be where we are today without the network literally across the nation of our friends, family and prayer warriors who are lifting us up countless times a day to the "great physician". He is healing, blessing and strengthening not just mom but all of us. I get teary when I think about the fact my sister isn't closer to us geographically, especially now, but she is with us more everyday than ever before. Miles do not seperate the closeness we are experiencing as we all are looking to the Lord and trusting in His plan. He is so good. I can't wait for Erica and Michael to be with us again and see how strong mom is from when they saw her at Thanksgiving. It will be some months yet, I'm sure, so I can't imagine how much better mom will be by then, oh and mom's best friend Haidyn Rae will be stronger and more lively too. I wish everyone could see mom with "her baby", as she refers to Haidyn. You would never recognize a thing wrong with her when that smile comes over her face at the sight of our little angel.
God is good friends! He is protecting us and strengthening us. He truly know just what we need to make it here on earth till we can all be together in heaven. What a day of rejoicing that will be when we get there but I am thanking him for the days here on earth and can't help but rejoice for the blessings he provides daily.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
January 6, 2010
The last two days have been so exciting and fun. Yesterday mom went to work then home for her nap. She met our babysitter at 2:30 to pick up Haidyn. She warmed her carseat for Haidyn to the point that she said it was steaming; and she thinks Haidyn isn't spoiled rotten! We met at Haidyn's doctor's office for her 4 month checkup and shots. I thought I would appreciate having mom there to support me when they administered the shots but mom needed more support from me-haha.
Haidyn is 24" long and 10lbs 11ozs. Yay, we're finally in double digits! She is healthy and happy and we are all so proud. We feel very blessed to have a good family friend and Christian doctor for Haidyn. Dr Bubba is the best. He asked mom how she was doing specifically and praised how well she looks. He also shared he has been praying for all of us. Praise God! I can't imagine where we would be without the countless prayers. Mom was so excited to get to be a part of the doctor visit. It was just like the day back in the summer when she got to view the ultrasound with us.
Tonight after I picked up Haidyn I took some turkey meat over to mom's for dinner and she had veggies. We ate dinner and intended on going to bible class but Haidyn got fussy and needed to eat about 6:45 so we didn't make it. Grandaddy fed her a bottle while mom and I ate dinner ourselves. Mom has a little walker for Haidyn and we all got excited to see her scoot her way over to the TV so she could watch too. I hate to say it but my baby loves TV. After she played a while mom took her in her room and they took a brief rest period together while I uploaded Christmas pics on their MAC. They really are faster than PC's, by the way;)
Mom has one more day of work tmrw, snow or shine, then the 3 drug treatment on Friday. I always dread that for her because she has to get there so early and it takes all day but she is very positive about it. We know now how effective these drugs are being on the tumors and how blessed we are that mom's side effects are minimal so that makes it better. I still wish I could take the discomfort away but that's part of the process. This will be the 4th 3 drug treatment so we will be getting another CTscan in a couple of weeks to check her markers again. Her white count is still down so please pray that she will have high enough readings for them to continue to administer the full amount of Friday. We have all managed to stay healthy so spending time with her has not been restricted. I had her sit in the car with Haidyn at the doctor's office instead of the waiting room so neither one of them would be exposed to sick children until we were called back to our own room yesterday.
They are calling for snow here tmrw. We haven't been above freezing much in the last week so its very possible. I don't mind the snow so much for tmrw however I don't want it to interfer with her treatment schedule on Friday.
Mom and Ken had food delivered last night by another couple at church. I can't tell you how helpful that is for them both physically and emotionally. To see the unending acts of love and support over the past few months has humbled us all. I wish everyone only knew how appreciative we truly are for everything. Thank you for your prayers; specifically for your prayers as we near Friday's treatment. God is always good and he is blessing us in ways we never dreamed of thanks to all your prayers and mom's faith in the Lord's healing powers. I will keep you all posted:)
Haidyn is 24" long and 10lbs 11ozs. Yay, we're finally in double digits! She is healthy and happy and we are all so proud. We feel very blessed to have a good family friend and Christian doctor for Haidyn. Dr Bubba is the best. He asked mom how she was doing specifically and praised how well she looks. He also shared he has been praying for all of us. Praise God! I can't imagine where we would be without the countless prayers. Mom was so excited to get to be a part of the doctor visit. It was just like the day back in the summer when she got to view the ultrasound with us.
Tonight after I picked up Haidyn I took some turkey meat over to mom's for dinner and she had veggies. We ate dinner and intended on going to bible class but Haidyn got fussy and needed to eat about 6:45 so we didn't make it. Grandaddy fed her a bottle while mom and I ate dinner ourselves. Mom has a little walker for Haidyn and we all got excited to see her scoot her way over to the TV so she could watch too. I hate to say it but my baby loves TV. After she played a while mom took her in her room and they took a brief rest period together while I uploaded Christmas pics on their MAC. They really are faster than PC's, by the way;)
Mom has one more day of work tmrw, snow or shine, then the 3 drug treatment on Friday. I always dread that for her because she has to get there so early and it takes all day but she is very positive about it. We know now how effective these drugs are being on the tumors and how blessed we are that mom's side effects are minimal so that makes it better. I still wish I could take the discomfort away but that's part of the process. This will be the 4th 3 drug treatment so we will be getting another CTscan in a couple of weeks to check her markers again. Her white count is still down so please pray that she will have high enough readings for them to continue to administer the full amount of Friday. We have all managed to stay healthy so spending time with her has not been restricted. I had her sit in the car with Haidyn at the doctor's office instead of the waiting room so neither one of them would be exposed to sick children until we were called back to our own room yesterday.
They are calling for snow here tmrw. We haven't been above freezing much in the last week so its very possible. I don't mind the snow so much for tmrw however I don't want it to interfer with her treatment schedule on Friday.
Mom and Ken had food delivered last night by another couple at church. I can't tell you how helpful that is for them both physically and emotionally. To see the unending acts of love and support over the past few months has humbled us all. I wish everyone only knew how appreciative we truly are for everything. Thank you for your prayers; specifically for your prayers as we near Friday's treatment. God is always good and he is blessing us in ways we never dreamed of thanks to all your prayers and mom's faith in the Lord's healing powers. I will keep you all posted:)
Monday, January 4, 2010
January 4, 2010
Well it has been a very busy week. Happy New Year to everyone. Todd, Haidyn, the dogs and I all went to Knoxville for the New Year. Thankfully we all made it back safely after a good trip. We went to mom's yesterday afternoon for a little while to visit and take them some stuff. Ken has just about packed up all of Christmas and is beginning to get out all the snowmen; and just in time since I think we may get snow this week!
Haidyn missed the Christmas lights but was so happy to see her GiGi and Grandaddy. Now reality will begin to set in for us all as we find our routine for 2010. Mom will move back to her Friday treatments. She saw her friend again from Huntington last Wednesday during her treatment. She gets treatments on Wednesdays so she and mom exchanged phone numbers so they can stay in touch. I hope they will be able to see each other more often but not necisarily while they have treatments.
Mom continues to have the best attitude. At times the reality hits her all over again that she has cancer- its still a shock no matter how many times you say it or think about it. She is adjusting to the new normal but we are looking forward to the days when it is more normal than even this. She is working just about everyday still. She was even in there on New Years Eve getting her stuff done to help close the books for 2009. I am amazed daily and her grace and beauty. She never complains but does get teary from time to time. I think the tears are as much from lingering fears as they are thanksgiving for all our blessings.
Being with our family has been good for us all. I thank God daily I was born into a strong believing Christian family who love, support, encourage and pray for us all to make it to heaven to be together eternally. I feel even more blessed that my family took in the man I loved more than anything else and was the example of Christ to him and by their example he too gave his life to Christ and lives everyday with the goal of heaven for his family. He is quick to remind me when I step out of line of what my mom would do. Although it stings to be reminded I haven't said or done the right thing its so rewarding to burst with pride when I realize my mom's example not just to me and Todd but to everyone. I don't think she will ever inderstand the influence she and Ken alone had on Todd becoming a Christian.
2010 will be the best year yet. We are growing spiritually as a family closer to God daily. We pray together more, love a little deeper, hug a little longer and smile bigger than ever as we know how blessed our lives have been in 2009. Thank you so much for continuing to love, support and encourage us through prayers. To God be the glory!
Haidyn missed the Christmas lights but was so happy to see her GiGi and Grandaddy. Now reality will begin to set in for us all as we find our routine for 2010. Mom will move back to her Friday treatments. She saw her friend again from Huntington last Wednesday during her treatment. She gets treatments on Wednesdays so she and mom exchanged phone numbers so they can stay in touch. I hope they will be able to see each other more often but not necisarily while they have treatments.
Mom continues to have the best attitude. At times the reality hits her all over again that she has cancer- its still a shock no matter how many times you say it or think about it. She is adjusting to the new normal but we are looking forward to the days when it is more normal than even this. She is working just about everyday still. She was even in there on New Years Eve getting her stuff done to help close the books for 2009. I am amazed daily and her grace and beauty. She never complains but does get teary from time to time. I think the tears are as much from lingering fears as they are thanksgiving for all our blessings.
Being with our family has been good for us all. I thank God daily I was born into a strong believing Christian family who love, support, encourage and pray for us all to make it to heaven to be together eternally. I feel even more blessed that my family took in the man I loved more than anything else and was the example of Christ to him and by their example he too gave his life to Christ and lives everyday with the goal of heaven for his family. He is quick to remind me when I step out of line of what my mom would do. Although it stings to be reminded I haven't said or done the right thing its so rewarding to burst with pride when I realize my mom's example not just to me and Todd but to everyone. I don't think she will ever inderstand the influence she and Ken alone had on Todd becoming a Christian.
2010 will be the best year yet. We are growing spiritually as a family closer to God daily. We pray together more, love a little deeper, hug a little longer and smile bigger than ever as we know how blessed our lives have been in 2009. Thank you so much for continuing to love, support and encourage us through prayers. To God be the glory!
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