Extra Prayers Needed

When I returned to work on Wednesday after the holidays, I was saddened to learn that a girl that I worked with here at E&E had a horrible accident on Christmas Day. Her 16 month old son had slipped off after eating and managed to somehow fall into the fish pond. His father found him and began CPR. Please pray for Amanda and David, their son Jake and also their daughters as they go thru this trying time.

You can follow Jake's progress by signing into the below website:

www.caringbridge.org/visit/jacobbordelon

Mom's update

Mom and I went to her Care Plan appointment end of last week. On Monday, she began physical therapy. She was able to stand for two minutes. Today, she was set up on an exercise bike like machine in which they aided her in pedalling with her arms and legs. Keep up the great work Mom.

Everyone is doing well, we are all just busy with the holidays.

Take care all.

Pictures

Thanksgiving Pictures from Christi's house

2007 Christmas Pictures

This weeks update

Aunt Linda and I brought Mom to the oncologist on Wednesday. She will go back on next week for them to read her blood work and prepare for her next infusion if the results are good. He is checking her protein levels to determine if that is the cause of the swelling in her feet. He continues to take things one month at a time. He did mention that she will be re-doing all of the scans again soon to check the spread of the cancer

I received a call from Mom yesterday. She stated that Todd and Aunt Pat had come to visit; as well as Aunt Linda. (Special thanks to A.Linda for doing Mom's laundry.) What a perfect day for a visit... Mom found out that the couple who reside in the next room - the wife passed away. The husband (Mr. John) did not make it to the hospital before she passed away. Please keep him and his family in your prayers. Everyone is saying that they do not expect him to live a long time without his wife. She has been in the hospital for several weeks and he has declined without seeing her.

Today is a remarkable day. Thanks to all for the birthday wishes. My co-workers helped me celebrate yesterday with a lunch from Mike Anderson's and a delicious chocolate on chocolate cake. YUM!! This morning, Chris took Lauren and her friend Destiny to school; so that I could have time to eat breakfast with Mom. Thanks Chris!

Shopping Adventure

Mrs. Delores thanks for a fun-filled night and morning of shopping. Mom and I usually do the traditional after-Thanksgiving shopping, but due to Mom being down - Mrs. D decided to fill in. Well, we began at 11:30 pm Thanksgiving night with shopping at Tanger Outlet in Gonzales. Whereas, the stores were really just opened and not really any sales to speak of... we were able to find some great gifts at great prices. Due to the lack of sleep, we were as giddy as the 14 year olds standing behind us at one store. Just not quite so annoying and loud about it. We were able to hit Walmart, Academy, Walgreens, Target, and both malls by 1pm on Friday. All in all, the day was a success. Only down side was the wait and rudeness at IHOP; but the food was still delicious or else we were starving and deprived of sleep.

Marty and Liz - maybe next year you want think we are so crazy?

Thanks Pammie - for the heads up on the stores opening at midnight!!!! It saved me!!!!!!!!!!

Thanksgiving Update

Thanksgiving was great. We were all at Christi's house for the holidays. Maw-maw came in with Nancy, Darrell, Christina and Patrick. Her back is still hurting her. Results should come back this week. Karen and her bunch came into town; as well as, Angela and Heath with Baby Eli. The kids were all great and loved playing with all their cousins. The adults enjoyed cooking, eating, and visiting with all. The only ones missing were Ashley, Hanna and Austin - hopefully for Christmas. Mom did great and was not too exhausted for another adventure out of the rehab on Friday; but due to my shopping mayhem she waited until Saturday. Friday, Aunt Linda and Maw-maw went and watched the LSU game with Mom. Saturday, Mom spent the afternoon with us cleaning house and resting up from all of the shopping. Sunday, well - I don't know of anyone who opted to really get out of bed due to the cold and wet weather.

I hope to post some pictures from the holidays soon.

What's been going on?

Well, work has officially blocked me from using blogspot at work now. Therefore, I am getting a little behind on posting.

For the last two weekends, Mom has come to spend the day with us. She seems to be getting stronger and was able to actually walk a couple of times to stretch out her legs. She said that it is such an amazing feeling; even though it is so painful. She feels so free being out of the wheelchair. Some of you may be wondering if she is able to walk again. No, but at my house the wheelchair cannot fit into the bathroom; therefore, she must walk or be carried to the throne. She does not seem to mind this at all.

She was able last Monday to finally get her infusion (anti-cancer drip). Her calcium level was still low but improved and she needed to get it as it has almost been 6 weeks since the last infusion. She returns to the oncologist on Wednesday of this week. Not expecting any life-changing news - just a routine follow up. But I will keep you posted.

She is beginning to plan the holidays and who will be where and what we will be eating. This is something good that is keeping her occupied as she gets bored being so idle at times.

Please keep in your prayers...
Ben (my friend Pam's son) who is a quadriplegic from an automobile accident and is now suffering from severe headache and they are unable to determine the cause.
Mr. Doug (Pam's stepfather and friend) who has been recently been diagnosed with cancer and now fighting a battle of his own.
My friend Shannon's father who has been battling cancer and recently determined he is 95% better; just a few more rounds and hopefully he will be all clear.
Uncle Sam (my grandmother's brother) who is either in the hospital or just released.
His daughter (Sara-Louise) who needs guidance to get her life straight.

Maw-maw who is suffering with a ailing back from either arthritis or a pulled muscle.
And my family that we continue to find the strength to continue moving forward especially into the holiday season.

Sorry if I forgot anyone on the list. Just please comment and add.

Pictures of Eli

Here are the pictures of Angela and Heath's baby - ELI!!!!

Thanks to Aunt Melissa for the pictures!!!

I just wanted to let everyone know that Mom has had a great last couple of days.

Here is a picture of Mom from Tuesday.

Mom came home from the hospital on Friday night (10/12). On Tuesday, she went to her radiologist appointment and all went well. We will go back in 3 months to see Dr. Wood. He ran his finger down her back and she had no pain. He will not do additional radiation at this time. Yesterday, Christi and Aunt Nancy took Mom to meet with the oncologist. He did not tell us anything new from our visit last week with him. The medicine will take a couple of months before he can tell if it is helping. We will go back in a month to see him again. Mom will go to get her infusion this morning.

She seems to be doing okay - the riding is difficult and bumpy; but I think she is happy to get out of the rehab for a brief period of time.

Special thanks to Christi and Karen for taking turns spending the night at the hospital. Also to Aunt Linda, Uncle Paul, Aunt Pat, and Mrs. Linda for sitting with Mom during the days.

It's A Boy!!

Angela and Health had a healthy baby boy. All are doing well.

Eli Tate Williams
Born: October 10, 2007
Time: 2:07 pm
Weight: 7 pounds 4 ounces
Length: 18.5 inches

Mom had an amazing great day yesterday. She had lots of visitors and great phone conversations. She was happy and laughing. She only took a couple of naps. The brain doctor came in the evening and said that she did have two strokes that is effecting mainly the left side of her body, but with a little PT she will regain some of the lost strength. He did not see any tumor in her brain, but there was in her skull. We already knew this. Thank you God for answering my prayers. She will remain in the hospital for a couple more days until the oncologist comes to visit her.

Hospital Stay

Hi All. Mom is currently back in the hospital. Backing up a little... on Tuesday of last week, we found out that Mom would not walk again. On Wednesday afternoon, Christi and my aunt noticed that Mom was being very abrupt and slurring. Thursday and Friday, I received more calls from concerned individuals. Saturday, she had plenty of visitors and a trip to my house for the afternoon and first half of the LSU football game. Chris, Mrs. Delores (Pete's mom) and I all noticed a definite decline in Mom's control. After returning to the rehab center, I put a call into the doctor. Sunday and Monday morning, we were talking back and forth; finally she was taken by ambulance to the hospital. The doctors believe that she had several mild strokes. We are still waiting for all of the test results to determine what the cause is... (1) natural causes (2) blood clot in the cardiac arteris or (3) mets (cancer spreading).


Please do not get offend if we have not called to let you know. At this time, we do now know what to tell people until the doctors come in and speak to us. We are doing the best we can given the situation that we are in. We ask that everyone pray for my Mom, my family and the medical staff.

Pictures

Mom

Go Lauren! Go Rebels!

Ortho appointment results :(

I have typed, erased, and re-typed now six times. I seem to be having trouble finding the right words today so I am going to just type what I think.

Mom will NOT be getting the rods put into her femurs. The risks are too many compared to the positive. Because the bones are so brittle... she is prone to fractures. Because the bones are so brittle... she has a 50-60% chance that the screws at the head of the femur that hold the rod will probably come out. Because of the lesion (under her breast)... this increases the chance of infections if they were to place the rod(s) in the femur(s). If they were to place the rods and the screws would come out, then she would have to go into another major surgery and have the whole area (pelvis/hip/leg) rebuilt. All of these surgeries would not guarantee that she could or would be able to walk. With each surgery the pain could increase; which these are not the root of any pain she is currently having.

The good news is that at this time, she is in good spirits, has no pain other than the initial complaint (L2 area shooting down her buttock/side to her knee), her appetite seems to be coming back, the tumors treated with radiation seem to be shrinking, and she has everyone supporting and praying for her.

Update on scans

On Friday, Mom and I went and had the CT scan done of her chest and abs. They were testing to see if the cancer had spread to her lungs and liver. These test came back good. There were no signs of cancer in her lung or liver, but we did get a scare. They saw a defect on the top of her lung. We had to go back to the ER for more testing Friday afternoon to see if it was a bloodclot. All was okay.

More good news from the scans, the soft tissue mass that was located in her pelvic region did not show up on the scan. After hearing this news, Mom was reminded that the pain in her back is not as bad. Thank God the radiation did its job.

Although, Friday was rough... her weekend seemed to be good. Lots of visitors and rest. Her appetite seems to be getting better.

Thanks again for all of the continuing prayers and kindness. We need them tomorrow is the othopedic appointment. We should find out if Mom is strong enough to get the rods in her femur.

With Love,
Kim and family

Oncologist Appointment

Mom and I went yesterday morning for her full body bone density scan and CT scan of her pelvis. On the scans, we did not learn anything new. Her bones are filled with cancer from her head to her toes. This makes the bones extremely brittle.

She is scheduled for a CT scan of her chest and abs next Friday to determine if she has cancer in her lungs and liver. Preliminary test show that they do not suspect that there is cancer in these areas.

The oncologist appointment with Dr. Hanson also went okay; nothing new. Mom will not be doing chemo at this time. Her cancer is a hormone receptor-positive type breast cancer with mets. They started her on a pill to block female hormones (Arimidex). Side effect is that this pill will speed up the aging process; stiffness, mood swings, hot flashes, etc... After the appointment she when to "Infusion" to get a anti-cancer bone drip (Zometa). She will continue to get this infusion once a month. The cancer feeds off of the hormone "estrogen"; therefore, reducing them from her body should eliminate the spread of the cancer. She will continue on the pill and drip for 6 months or unless something changes.

Links to the medication she will be taking:

Infusion: http://www.us.zometa.com/info/cancer_bones/breast_cancer.jsp

Daily Pill: http://www.arimidex.com/

Thanks for all of the continued support and prayers!

Updates on all

Just to catch everyone up to speed…………………

I have been busy out of town working on a project that will continue to consume most of my life until the end of September. Trying to get well (from a cold) and balance family life. Lauren and Annalise are beginning to adjust to being in their own rooms again.

Todd is working in Lake Charles during the work week and helping us on the weekends; as well as taking care of his business. Sanielle and TK are doing well. Sanielle took full advantage of spending time with most of her cousins this weekend. TK is Todd made over.

Christi is busy juggling work, Mom, and her family. We are desperately trying to keep the girls life as normal as possible while maintaining the proper care and assistance to Mom. Caitlyn and McKenzie are busy with gymnastics and soccer, respectively. School is going well for them. Cameron and Annalise had a great weekend playing together. They are just getting to the age of real involvement with one anther (3 months apart). Kennedy is an angel – full of smiles for all.

Karen is also a great asset to us. She is coming into town for all of Mom’s major appointments and to help clean out Mom’s house. She is also busy running her business and chasing after the kids. Jake is on the school soccer team, Maddie is in dance and Sydni is the next gymnastic champion.

Carl has undertaken the tax business. He is busy getting the files and information transferred into his system. Ashley came to visit from Florida with his grand-daughter Hanna. She is absolutely beautiful and when I held her so happy.

Aunt Linda and Uncle Paul has been remarkable in helping with Mom. They have taken over visit times while we are at work, washed her clothes, and taken her things as she requested. Aunt Linda has also been sick, but Uncle Paul was able to keep up the visit and help by going to a doctor’s appointment with Mom when we could not go for various reasons. Thank you Aunt Linda and Uncle Paul – you have a lot on your plate and still find time for us. By the way: For those of you who don’t know they will be first time grandparents very soon (Angela is due on October 10).

Mom finished radiation yesterday and was really nauseated when she made it back to the rehab center. She is off today from all doctors appointments, but return to a busy day tomorrow. She will start with a full body bone scan and then we will meet with the oncologist. Hopefully between the two, we can go to my house for some R&R.

Special thanks to all the spouses Chris, Delilah, David, AJ, and Cheryl and the in-laws for the help with the insanity; oh, and the kids.

Prayers, generosity, kindness, etc… I would like to thank everyone for keeping my mom, Carolyn, in your thoughts and prayers; we could not have the strength to battle onwards with you. The thoughtfulness of everyone reminds me daily at what a great Mom that I have been blessed with; as well as amazing people she has touched. Thank You!

Last day of radiation

Today is the Last Day of Radiation!!!!! Go Mom!

Mom's Surprise Bed Mate

On Tuesday (9/11/07), after such a great day. Mom was exhausted from radiation and her daily activities that she partook in. It was getting late (8:45ish) and Mom was in bed for the night; when a lady comes and is fussing at her to get out of her bed and get out of her room. Mom said that she did not know whether to laugh or scream, but out of fear of being hurt; she began calling for the nurse. The nurses were there immediately to get the lady and put her back into her bed. Alzheimer's is a horrible illness. Mom called me laughing at her encounter and made the comment... "Kim, it could be worse; I could have Alzheimer, at least with cancer I know." Struck me hard; but yes, she is right... there is always someone who is in need of more prayers than us.

Latest on Mom

Sorry for not posting lately, but I have been busy working and out of town.

Mom's spirits are still high and that is carrying her far. Last Wednesday (9/5/07), she went to the ortho doctor and they did a bunch of x-rays and talked about doing surgery to put a rod in her right femur. This would give her the chance to walk again. Without the surgery, walking is not an option. She has been doing radiation daily and seems to be getting into the routine. Occasionally, the appointments last longer than anticipated and this cause great discomfort from sitting so long.

On Tuesday (9/11/07), Mom called me at 7:15 am to ask me to bring her some money to get her hair cut and styled. I was so ecstatic. (Picture of her duo, will be coming soon...) With her extra money, she decided to stop by the ice cream shop on the way to radiation. I was so excited for the joy that came to her over such simple things. It really makes me realize the little things that I take for granted each day. I was so excited I was calling everybody. Mom was feeling good; at least until radiation.

Some days, radiation is fine; other days are a little tougher. She is a trooper and remains in great spirits.

Oncologist Appointment Cancelled

Due to Mom taking radiation until Sept 18. Her oncologist appointment to discuss chemo has been postponed from today to Sept 19.

Mom is doing okay, she has a little upset stomach last night, but doing okay.

Mom's 1st weekend

Mom is doing okay on her first weekend at the rehab center. It has been an extremely busy week, but she is adjusting well. Thanks to everyone for the generous gifts and visits. It means so much to Mom and the rest of the family.

I am working on a big work project for the state of Louisiana; therefore will probably not have much time to update you until Saturday.

Keep those prayers going!!!

Radiation Cancelled for today

Radiation was cancelled for today due to a problem with the machine. We will resume with tomorrow's treatment and tack on an additional day to make up for the missing of today.

Cards, etc...

If any of you would like to send something to Mom. You can send it to either Christi or myself. She is not setup to receive mail at the rehab center. To visit her, you will need to call to check her schedule and get directions. Your time to visit her is greatly appreciated, but please don't get offended if she drifts off to sleep or in too much pain for company. She is in great pain at this time, but her spirits are great and we want to keep it going.

Mom had a great weekend. She was ready for a break after the long week she had. Saturday, she joined me at a baby shower at Christi's house. It was great for her to spend time with all of the girls. She really enjoyed watching everyone and visiting with the grown ups.

Sunday, we got to see for the first time my great-niece Hanna Grace. She is absolutely beautiful. Ashley came in from Florida and will be visiting for a short while. Mom was so thrilled to see them and watch her great grandchild. She is still talking about Hanna.

Monday, WOW! What a day. It is hard to believe that it was only two weeks ago when our lives took a drastic change with a simple 2 minute phone call. We began with our normal morning ritual from their we were off to the rehab center. This was my dreading point. Well guys, I made it through it. At the rehab center, the admission process was long and tiresome for us all. Mom and I began with the paperwork; as Christi and Karen finished the final touches on the room (LSU, of course). We were able to rest between meetings with the admissions nurses, wound care nurses, PT nurses, etc... I was able to ride with her to radiation for her first time. It was very comforting for the both of us. We ran into a couple of snags but was able to work through them. Christi summed it up perfectly; it is like the first day of school, esp K, you know, that first time. Heart wrenching, does not begin to explain it.

Radiation went well, they took more x-rays and we got the opportunity to speak with the doctor. Mom was referred to a bone specialist in New Orleans. The cancer seems to be eating away at some important support bones. With cancer in her bones, it is extremely important that she does not fracture any bones; hence again, 24 hour medical attention is needed.

I spoke with Mom this morning and she had an okay night, but her nurse and aid were fantastic.

I ask each of you to continue to pray for my Mom and my family. There are so many people that I would like to thank, but words cannot begin to express the gratitude that I have for so many of you. Life is definitely a circle; so give to others what you would like to have given to you. I always knew how remarkable a woman my Mom is; but your generosity, kindness, concern, and prayers proves that I am not the only one who knows this.

Thanks.
Kim

Radiation Trial Run

I just got off of the phone with Mom. She sounds incredible. She just left MBPCC and the trial run went well. Uncle Paul, Aunt Linda and Mom met two of the four who will be working with her. She seemed very please with the process and also with the fact that she was in and out of there with little wait time. You know there is very few doctors that don't make you wait. With the pain that Mom has been having, sitting is very difficult and gives her excruciating pain.

Thanks for all of your support!

Wound Care appointment and Radiation Therapy

Ms. Linda took Mom to her wound care appointment and everything went great. She was sent home with a care package of goodies to clean and sanitize the lesion under her breast each day. Yeah! The lesion is looking much better and in my opinion has significantly visually improved in a week and a half.

Mom will go tomorrow for a dry run on her radiation and will begin her first round of radiation to her lumbar area on Monday. She will continue this for 3 weeks.

For those who called, yesterday was a rough day; but today is a new day and things are going a little better today. Mom is not in as much pain as yesterday. She was able to get a good night sleep (thanks to ambiem) that she so needed.

Mom will be at my house again this weekend and we will try to finish all the paperwork and get her settled into the rehab center on Monday. As I have shed many tears in us making this decision, I know that it is the best solution for her getting well. She will have 24 hour medical care, wound care for her lesion will be on site, assistance whenever needed, and transportation to and from all appointments. The transportation will be great in the fact that she is a mile from Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center (MBPCC). (I live 30 minutes away.)

We are looking forward to the process of healing so that we can have our mom back at home as her self and the pain reduced to a comfortable level.

Radiologist

Today was another hard day, we went to meet with the radiology oncologist (Dr. Wood). He did his exam and decided that the best course of action at this time will be to do radiation to help relieve her back pain. The main focus will be on the L2 area which seems to be where most of the pain is coming from. The tumor is actually growing inside out and with this it is causing pressure on those nerves; hence the pains in her lower back and leg. They also did a CT scan of her lumbar area to pinpoint exactly where they will be doing the radiation.

The mediport surgery went great yesterday and she did not have any problems with it over night, but that area is still tender from the surgery. She is in quite a bit of pain this afternoon from all of the moving and transporting.

They will call me with the radiation schedule; but we are looking at 3 weeks of radiation treatment focusing on the L2 area. He will also be meeting with the oncologist (Dr. Hanson) about Mom to determine the best overall treatment. After radiation will come the chemo. The chemo treatment has not yet determined.

We also went to the rehab center. It looks as if she will be going in on Monday.

My family and I need all the prayers we can get right now. Please pray and continue to send those words of encouragement that we make the right choices for Mom and ourselves.

Mediport Surgery went well

Mom just got out of surgery and all went well. They put in the mediport and did x-rays of her lungs and they were fine. Wound care also came in and cleaned her lesion on the underside of her breast. Thanks to Mrs. Linda, Aunt Linda and Uncle Paul for spending the day with Mom at the hospital. I know that it has been a long time for them also.

Tomorrow we will go meet with Mary Bird Perkins Cancer for radiation of the tumor on her lumbar spine. And on Thursday, we will go back to wound care for the lesion.

Placement of Mediport

Mom is at the hospital getting her mediport this morning. I will update you as soon as I hear something. Uncle Paul, Aunt Linda, and Ms. Linda are with her this morning.

Oncology Appointment

The appointment was a positive one. We learned that Stage 4 breast cancer w/mets and bone cancer is controllable; not curable and not necessarily immediately terminal; as some had suggested. It will all depend on the patient and how they accept/adapt to the treatment plan.

Mom will be starting radiation this week. She will have 7-10 days of treatment and will under several CT, PET, and bone scans; as well as more bloodwork. She will begin chemotherapy after the radiation is complete. They say that once the radiation starts she should be able to start feeling some relief in her back, hip, and leg areas. This is great since Mom has always been so active and ready to go. Once it gets under control (no longer spreading), she will still have to be cautious not to break any bones or twist anything out of socket. After the cancer is under control, she will remain on chemo as well as additional meds to make her bones strong again.

Also, we received word that the rehab facility will take her with a mediport. They will provide the 24 hour around the clock medical care that the doctors have recommended due to her current condition. This is a temporary situation until she gets back on her feet and completes the beginning stages of the treatment plan.

Please continue to pray that the additional scans due not find that the cancer has spread to other organs such as the lymph nodes.

Thanks

Yesterday was a wonderful day for Mom she was surrounded by most of her kids, grandkids, sisters, brother-in-law, son-in-laws, and most importantly her mother. She was up most of the day. As I finished doing my nightly ritual, I peeked my head in her room to wish her sweet dreams; at that time, she began for a long period of time talking about how amazing a day she had. Thank you lord for my great family!

Today is the day for the oncology appointment. Please keep us in your prayers.

Thanks to you all

I would like to take a moment to say thanks to all who have sent messages of encouragement, prayers, and offerings. I know that I have not responded to your messages but please rest assure that I have read and passed the messages on to mom and the remainder of my family. It means so much to us and her.

We will be bringing Mom tomorrow to visit with the oncologist. I will post a new message tomorrow after the appointment (12:45).

Special thanks from me to my aunts, Uncle Paul, Christina and grandmother for watching Mom and the girls for giving Chris and I a chance to deal with our own emotions and what we are going through. It was a much needed break to help me deal with reality.

We are home

Mom was finally released yesterday after a few final test (i.e. EKG) and directions (appt, meds, etc...). Mom and I made it home about dark. It was intially tough getting her in the house, but my neighbors came to my rescue. They gave her medicine to help her sleep about a half and hour to an hour before we left, then had to make sure it was working. Crazy, but we are home. Yeah! It was a long night for me, but Mom got lots of needed sleep and was uninterrupted except for me roaming the house.

Mom is so proud of our little "beast": Aunt Linda and Uncle Paul had left out house not too long before and Mom started to call needing to go to the restroom. I assisted as Annalise watched intently on what I was doing to help Mom. After Mom was finished and I started to help her up, Annalise reached her tiny hand and said "Maw-maw give me your hand, I will help you". Mom was so proud and at the moment stopped walking with my help and stood up straight as possible and let Annalise help her to the bed. I decided to repeat this story as I sit and type because I have heard her say the same story twice this morning; ending with the story she is in everyone's prays and surrounded by angels.

Thanks for all of your prayers and words of encouragement.

For those of you asking about visiting, please call first.

Day 4 - Mom's Update

Today was the day we got some answers... Mom has breast cancer that has metastasized and bone cancer (Stage 4) ... a tumor and a lesion on one of her breast and a large tumor on her lumbar spine (L2-L5 including S1) and pin-size holes from the bone cancer (not multiple myeloma - like doctors originally suspected) covering her skull. It is treatable, but not curable. She is scheduled to be released tomorrow. She will be spending some more time at our house; while we secure a rehab facility for her. They are telling us she needs 24 hour medical care. It is imperative that she is cautious with her bones being so fragile. We have our first meeting with Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center on Monday and treatment (radiation and chemo) to begin soon after. They will be trying to reduce with radiation the size of the back tumor in order to reduce the amount of pain she is in. Numerous doctors, nurses, and individuals who have experienced bone cancer say it is the most painful.

Mom mentally is doing great considering. We are all overwhelmed and shocked by what we have learned this week. One phone call changed our lives. For months, we fought a battle with a dislocated pelvis and a possible disc problem - never dreamed cancer would be the cause of the pain. Carl, Karen, Christi, Todd, and I have all pulled together to support Mom with our battle; please join us and pray.

There are so many special people to thank for the work and efforts they have done for us this week. Our employers for their understanding, Mrs. Linda (Mom's best friend) for sitting at the hospital with us, Aunt Linda and Uncle Paul for the shoulders and breaks that you have given us, Mrs. Barbara (my neighbor) for calling the priest Fr. Joe, and other ministries for prayer; as well as the people who have added us to pray list, prayed, called, emailed, visited, and sent gifts and well wishes. My mom is truly an amazing person. She is the most giving and kind person I know (I am partial, but anyone who has ever encountered her, I am sure would agree). The good way she has led her life is showing with all of the support we are receiving and yes, we need it all.

I do not plan on sending out anymore email updates. I have temporarily opened up my blog site and will post the information there. Please feel free to comment or send me an email.

Another tough day

Karen stayed the night with Mom last night at the hospital. This morning the head doctor (Dr. Vias) came in and gave us the CAT scan results from Monday night's test. Good news is that they did not see any signs of brain cancer. Not so good news is that they found pin-size holes in her skull. They are running more extensive test to see what the cause of this is. It will take several days before the biopsy comes in as well as the test run today. They have assured us that we will remain in the hospital until all the test are complete, the reports are in, and a plan is decided upon.

Special thanks to Mrs. Barbara (my neighbor) for the prayer book (we are getting much use out of it) and special prayer offerings.

Please keep the prayers coming.

Update on Mom

Yesterday afternoon, she had the biopsy done on her breast. We are waiting for the results - preliminary results should be in this morning/early afternoon. Mom is doing okay. They are controlling the pain with mild pain killers. They cleaned out the open lesion under her breast while doing the biopsy.

Carl, Karen, Christi, Todd and I are all coping with the news in each of our own ways. It never ceases to amazing me that six different individuals can pull together as one and be so strong in all circumstances. Through the tears shed and the laughter shared - my family is truly amazing and something to be treasured and envied!

We would like to thank everyone for their concerns, suggests, emails, calls, and especially prayers. Mom is a fighter and she is preparing for this battle with our helps and prayers she can do this.

I will at the hospital for the remainder of the day and will try to update tonight (if possible).

Mom & CANCER

We were given the news that Mom has nodulars on her breast and lumbar spine. All indications show that both spots are CANCER. Cancer, yes, that is it; we are all shocked about the news. We were getting treated for a dislocated pelvis and nerve trouble, not cancer. We are all handling the news in our own way and are pulling even closer together. I pray that Mom can find the strength and determination to battle this and we to support her. I am getting ready to head back to the hospital and will try to keep everyone posted here.

PRAY!!!

Balloon Fest

Saturday, we fought the 104 degree heat to go experience another wonderful time at the annual Balloon Fest. It was amazing, the girls were in awe. Annalise's favorite was riding the pony and Lauren's was the beautiful fireworks.

Pictures coming soon!

Lauren's 1st Day of Kindergarten

Lauren and Andrew C.

In Kindergarten and she thinks she is all grown up... this morning while getting ready she straightened her hair, put on lipstick, fixed her own breakfast (pancakes)... at school, she caught up with some friends, introduced herself to Mrs. Magee, emptied her backpack, found her desk and started on her first assignment. My little potato is getting so big! I am so proud!!

Mom has MRI

Thanks to Aunt Linda and Uncle Paul who took Mom to get her MRI done yesterday. I also spoke with the doctor; he will call as soon as they get the results in - usually takes 24-48 hours. We should know something late today, tomorrow, or on Monday. Mom also enjoyed her outtings. She was a trooper, even though she was sore and tired. Please keep praying for Mom and the doctors.

Last night, we went to my in-laws for an end of the summer supper and swim with the cousins as well as haircuts for the girls and Mom. The kids enjoyed their time swimming with the dads (Tiny, Chris and Uncle Bill). While the ladies enjoyed catching up on "what's been going on". All in all, I would rate last night pretty high on the fun list.

I almost forgot, Annalise went down the slide several times. Go Anna!!

CPS Parent Orientation

Lauren is officially now in kindergarten and in Mrs. Magee's class. Yeah! I requested at the end of school last year for this teacher. She has been teaching at CPS for many decades and is an excellent teacher. She has won numerous awards for her teaching and has a very aggressive style that children seem to excel in. Double Yeah! Lauren's friends in her class are Destiny, Logan, Alex, Trace and her best friend Kylie. Lauren and Kylie have been in daycare together since they were 7-9 months old. Lauren was excited to here which of her classmates would be in her class this year and that she would be sitting next to Trace. On the other hand, she was a little upset that Andrew Cangelosi would not be in her class or sitting next to her; as Andrew was. His mom said that all summer he has asked about Lauren and him being in the same class and sitting next to her. When she told him that they were not in the same class, he decided that we (the moms) needed to fix it.

School starts on Friday!

Preparing for School

This weekend was quite busy. Saturday, we began at 7:30 in search of all the school supplies for both Lauren (Kindergarten) and Annalise (3 year old class). After 3 different Walmarts and 2 malls, we were finally finished. Whoever thought that finding 8 ct. Crayola crayons could be so hard?

From our shopping experience, we went to Carrabarra's for Granny's 84th birthday. Pam, Keith, Granny, Chris, Annalise and I had a great time. Lauren decided she would stay home with Maw-maw and play dress-up with Sanielle (her cousin). They were tired of dressing up as princesses and ballerinas; so resorted to being "funny girls".

Annalise meets Ms. Sara

Last night, the girls had gymnastics. Ms. Sara, Annalise's teacher, was excited to have Lauren's little sister in her class. She had lots of patience with Annalise while also tending to the other girls. She realized quickly that while Annalise has the flexibility that Lauren has, she does not have the control and attention span of Lauren or the rest of Anna's class. Most of the other girls are turning 5 in the next couple of months and will be moving up to Lauren's class (Preschool Development - Pre-Comp Class). She is by far the youngest child in the class and most active.

Lauren did great last night. Her class focused on the floor and beam. Lauren did a correct handstand and backwards roll. Their new task was jumping on the beam. Lauren was a little hesitant at first, but soon caught on with small jumps.

Mom feeling better

Saturday was an excellent day. Mom got dressed and came with Chris, the girls, and I to Matt and Elaine's to cut down two trees. She was a trooper. She sat out in the heat from 10 to about 2; then went back later that afternoon for supper. While at Matt and Elaine's, she was able to walk up the stairs to enjoy the A/C, no bugs, and a nice chat with Mrs. Connie. All in all, a great day; althought she is paying for it today.

Annalise falling asleep

Annalise was a little exhausted tonight while eating dinner and could hardly keep her eyes open.

Gymnastics - Annalise's First Time

Lauren had her third development gymnastics lesson last night. Last Thursday night while at gymnastics, we decided that we would sign Annalise up for class also during the same timeframe. This would give Annalise something creative to do for an hour and an hour to play with me.

Well last night was her first class. She was completely adorable in her blue leotard. Due to her teacher being on vacation, she joined Lauren's advanced class for the first 30 minutes. This allowed her the chance to show off her balance beam skills. She walked back and forth on the big beam and the little beam; as well as swinging from the big bars. And I do mean swinging and hanging from the bars. Her second teacher tried to convince her to flip over and she was having no part of that. After all of her hardwork, she was able to play in the "cheese" (aka - the pit). This was the ultimate goal she was hoping for. She is now counting down the days until the next class.

Lauren is doing excellent and rapidly advancing. She is doing her forward and backward rolls, bridges, splits, and balance beam kicks. She had two new lessons last night; they were a forward roll on the big balance beam and a hand stand. She was so excited that she was able to accomplish them both with a little assistance.

Chaos gets married

On Saturday night, our friend Chris Smith (aka Chaos) finally got married. He married a girl from the Lafayette area Candy Vidrine. They had a beautiful reception at VermilionVille in Lafayette. It was a museum. The girls enjoyed looking in the windows of the various shops (restaurant, cooking school, museum, etc...); also sitting on a pier under a pavilion looking at the water flowing underneath us.

Attached are a couple of photos of the girls.