We had the sonogram done and it is going to be a boy!!!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
My sweet girls...
I witnessed the sweetest and most compassionate love last night. Lauren and Annalise had been laying in Lauren's bed watching their new movie "Barbie Fairytopia - Mermaidia" . Chris and I never heard one peep or saw a movement out of them - eyes were glued to the television. We just knew that it was one of those great movies. Well as the time began to pass I began to hear Lauren softly sob. As I walked into the room, Annalise was giving Lauren her bear and trying to comfort Lauren by patting her and telling her that "it is fake". Unsure of what was going on, I questioned Lauren about her tears. She began to explain that she knows it is make believe, but it was the saddest thing ever. One of the mermaids undoubtably had a spell of some sort on her where she would become trapped under water if something did not happen and she would never get to see Bibble (her sidekick/pet) again. It was just horrible according to Lauren!! Soon after all was calm and the mermaid made it out of the water okay. Annalise insisted on watching Clifford who makes everyone laugh.
As they laid back in bed, Annalise and Lauren comforted each other with kind words and hugs and fell asleep. AHHH, to sweet.
Lauren is so sensitive and Annalise can be so compassionate!!!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
From a dear friend...
"If you have ever had to deal with Cancer, you know that it is a word that just turns your world, your life and every emotion upside down.
Exactly 1 year ago today, 1/9/07, my dad was diagnosed with Cancer - Small Cell Carcinoma. It was in so many places that even though the doctor said they had an 80% success rate with curing this type of cancer, it just seemed impossible with how many tumors he had. He had a soup can sized tumor in the lung (the originator), several tumors in the liver, a large tumors by the pancreas, in the hip bone and just about his entire spine with tumors all over as well.
Dad of course heard nothing but the positives when he spoke to the doctors...my step mom was scared to death as well as the rest of us. He started radiation at the end of January and in mid February he began chemo. Dad said after the first chemo, he could take a deep breathe which is something he had not been able to do in over 8 months. He said that was also the night God came to him and told him he would be alright and everything would work out. It has been a long trying year and dad always stayed positive and knew in his heart the he would beat his cancer. He finished up with chemo in December and on January 4th, he went for his full body scan. After meeting with Dr. Billings today, his scan showed the he is CANCER FREE. Their is a dark spot on the spine, but there is no evidence of cancer (would have shown up pink on the body scan). Dr. Billings said it could be scar tissue from a tumor or it could be an underlying tumor that cancer has not yet developed. He told dad that he had two options - 1. do one more round (4 treatments) of chemo or 2. Wait 3 months and do another body scan to see if anything has developed. Of course like any other crossroad that dad has face, he always asks Billings what would he do if it were him. Billings said 1 more round...Dad didn't argue and said let start tomorrow. So even though his is going to continue with one more round of chemo - he's diagnosis is still CANCER FREE. After this last round of chemo which takes about 3 months, he will do another body scan and see if the tumor is completely gone (and know he made the right decision) and if it's still there but still shows no cancer, then he knows it is scar tissue and peace of mind that he has received two body scans that both came back CANCER FREE.
In other news, Kristin, my 8 month pregnant little sister, was taken to the hospital this morning. She passed a large clot which the doctor feels it's a small piece of the placenta that has separated. She was having some contractions, but seems to be doing much better. Her doctor said that she wanted to keeper for observations for the next 48-72 hours. Little Bodie man is doing great. He is under no stress, his vitals are all fine and he is doing his normal football exercises. They have finally admitted her into Labor and Delivery and that is where she will remain, just in case an OR is needed just for precautionary measures. Kristin is fine and is much more at ease and is just hungry - cause they won't let her eat.
Keep the prayers coming...they truly are answered."
Exactly 1 year ago today, 1/9/07, my dad was diagnosed with Cancer - Small Cell Carcinoma. It was in so many places that even though the doctor said they had an 80% success rate with curing this type of cancer, it just seemed impossible with how many tumors he had. He had a soup can sized tumor in the lung (the originator), several tumors in the liver, a large tumors by the pancreas, in the hip bone and just about his entire spine with tumors all over as well.
Dad of course heard nothing but the positives when he spoke to the doctors...my step mom was scared to death as well as the rest of us. He started radiation at the end of January and in mid February he began chemo. Dad said after the first chemo, he could take a deep breathe which is something he had not been able to do in over 8 months. He said that was also the night God came to him and told him he would be alright and everything would work out. It has been a long trying year and dad always stayed positive and knew in his heart the he would beat his cancer. He finished up with chemo in December and on January 4th, he went for his full body scan. After meeting with Dr. Billings today, his scan showed the he is CANCER FREE. Their is a dark spot on the spine, but there is no evidence of cancer (would have shown up pink on the body scan). Dr. Billings said it could be scar tissue from a tumor or it could be an underlying tumor that cancer has not yet developed. He told dad that he had two options - 1. do one more round (4 treatments) of chemo or 2. Wait 3 months and do another body scan to see if anything has developed. Of course like any other crossroad that dad has face, he always asks Billings what would he do if it were him. Billings said 1 more round...Dad didn't argue and said let start tomorrow. So even though his is going to continue with one more round of chemo - he's diagnosis is still CANCER FREE. After this last round of chemo which takes about 3 months, he will do another body scan and see if the tumor is completely gone (and know he made the right decision) and if it's still there but still shows no cancer, then he knows it is scar tissue and peace of mind that he has received two body scans that both came back CANCER FREE.
In other news, Kristin, my 8 month pregnant little sister, was taken to the hospital this morning. She passed a large clot which the doctor feels it's a small piece of the placenta that has separated. She was having some contractions, but seems to be doing much better. Her doctor said that she wanted to keeper for observations for the next 48-72 hours. Little Bodie man is doing great. He is under no stress, his vitals are all fine and he is doing his normal football exercises. They have finally admitted her into Labor and Delivery and that is where she will remain, just in case an OR is needed just for precautionary measures. Kristin is fine and is much more at ease and is just hungry - cause they won't let her eat.
Keep the prayers coming...they truly are answered."
Shannon
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Orthopedic Doctor Visit Update
Aunt Pat and I took Mom to the Ortho Clinic and to get her infusion. Amazing enough, we were out of there in 2 1/2 hours. The ortho doctor did not tell us anything new, but did give Mom the clearance to continue her physical therapy. She is still not allow to walk or put any weight on her lower extremities, but this was to no surprise. We will not go back to see the ortho doctor again unless her conditions changes and she wants to proceed with the surgery (putting the rods in); which they have said would not work and would lead to more surgeries. So there really is not an option of surgery. Mom does not want surgery anyway so all is good.
Infusion went well as usual.
Next week, Mom will get the re-scans done and a follow-up visit with the radiology oncologist. I will try to update as soon as we get the results.
Take care and thanks to all for the continued prayers and emails of support.
Infusion went well as usual.
Next week, Mom will get the re-scans done and a follow-up visit with the radiology oncologist. I will try to update as soon as we get the results.
Take care and thanks to all for the continued prayers and emails of support.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Geaux Tigers!!!
Tonight is the big night - where LSU proves that they are #1.
Done Deal!!!! LSU TIGERS ARE #1!
Friday, January 4, 2008
Bloodwork Results
The bloodwork came back late yesterday. The swelling is NOT caused from kidney failure; which is what we feared. The upcoming scans will help determine if the swelling is caused from the cancer spreading. The doctor did say that she needed to sit more in a recliner and thanks to Vic, Jr. who once again pulled through and delivered one to Mom yesterday at lunchtime. She said this morning that the chair has already started to reduce the pain in her back and the swelling is starting to go down around her knees. The pain in her areas that are swollen are no longer sensitive to the touch. These are all huge steps in making her comfortable again.
The bloodwork did show that her calcium and protein levels were low, but she is taking meds for her calcium. Protein levels were slightly low, but could be a cause for swelling of the legs along with not using them. Nothing she can really do about these - diet and physical therapy should help keep it consistently low. Mom's tumor marker count has decreased from 450 in November to less than 250. The Tumor Marker is a count performed during each blood test. "The tumor markers are substances, usually proteins, that are produced by the body in response to cancer growth or by the cancer tissue itself. Some tumor markers are specific, while others are seen in several cancer types. Many of the well-known markers are also seen in non-cancerous conditions. Consequently, these tumor markers are not diagnostic for cancer."
In the next couple of weeks, we will be going back and forth to the doctor for rescans and follow-ups with the oncologist and radiologist oncologist.
The bloodwork did show that her calcium and protein levels were low, but she is taking meds for her calcium. Protein levels were slightly low, but could be a cause for swelling of the legs along with not using them. Nothing she can really do about these - diet and physical therapy should help keep it consistently low. Mom's tumor marker count has decreased from 450 in November to less than 250. The Tumor Marker is a count performed during each blood test. "The tumor markers are substances, usually proteins, that are produced by the body in response to cancer growth or by the cancer tissue itself. Some tumor markers are specific, while others are seen in several cancer types. Many of the well-known markers are also seen in non-cancerous conditions. Consequently, these tumor markers are not diagnostic for cancer."
In the next couple of weeks, we will be going back and forth to the doctor for rescans and follow-ups with the oncologist and radiologist oncologist.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Appointment Updates
Maw-maw got an all clear from her doctor. The surgery seems to be a success. She is having some pain from artritis in her back. Otherwise, she is in excellent health.
Mom will have some bloodwork done in the morning and the results sent to the doctor. We will call for the results later tomorrow or Friday. She also is scheduled for all her re-scans/x-rays in the next two weeks. There is still no news until after the bloodwork and scans are complete to know what the swelling is caused from.
Mom will have some bloodwork done in the morning and the results sent to the doctor. We will call for the results later tomorrow or Friday. She also is scheduled for all her re-scans/x-rays in the next two weeks. There is still no news until after the bloodwork and scans are complete to know what the swelling is caused from.
Happy New Year to all!!!!!!!!!!!
We have no complaints about our holidays. Holidays were great - filled with children laughing and lots of family time. Mom spent Christmas Eve at our house and the most amazing thing... Santa dropped off all of her goodies at our house including her old stocking. Amazing, Lauren was sure worried about Santa pulling that one off, but he managed to pull through. Go santa!!
Saturday prior to Christmas, we got together with Karen, Carl, Christi, Todd and their families (along with Mom and us). We had a wonderful time. Christmas Day was spent with visitors coming and going throughout the day. Special thanks to Aunt Linda and Uncle Paul for taking Mom home that night. The food and company were all great. The children played well together as always and all seemed to be happy with their gifts.
For New Years, everyone was on their own. Mom was having issues with her feet and lower legs swelling; therefore, she opted to stay at the rehab center. But she did attend the festives on new year's eve at the center. New Year's Day, she had lots of visitors from Mrs. Roma and Mr. Neil to Carl and Cheryl and Aunt Linda. Aunt Linda kept her busy cleaning her room and picking up all of the holiday goods.
As I am writing this both Maw-maw and Mom are at doctor appointments. Maw-maw for her follow-up from her ack surgery and Mom for her follow-up oncology appointment. Christi also has numerous questions that we had to get answers for. I will try to update you as soon as I can.
Hope everyone had a great holiday!
Saturday prior to Christmas, we got together with Karen, Carl, Christi, Todd and their families (along with Mom and us). We had a wonderful time. Christmas Day was spent with visitors coming and going throughout the day. Special thanks to Aunt Linda and Uncle Paul for taking Mom home that night. The food and company were all great. The children played well together as always and all seemed to be happy with their gifts.
For New Years, everyone was on their own. Mom was having issues with her feet and lower legs swelling; therefore, she opted to stay at the rehab center. But she did attend the festives on new year's eve at the center. New Year's Day, she had lots of visitors from Mrs. Roma and Mr. Neil to Carl and Cheryl and Aunt Linda. Aunt Linda kept her busy cleaning her room and picking up all of the holiday goods.
As I am writing this both Maw-maw and Mom are at doctor appointments. Maw-maw for her follow-up from her ack surgery and Mom for her follow-up oncology appointment. Christi also has numerous questions that we had to get answers for. I will try to update you as soon as I can.
Hope everyone had a great holiday!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
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
You can follow Jake's progress by signing into the below website:
www.caringbridge.org/visit/jacobbordelon
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
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.
Everyone is doing well, we are all just busy with the holidays.
Take care all.
Friday, November 30, 2007
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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!
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!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
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!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, November 26, 2007
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.
Monday, November 12, 2007
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.
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.
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.
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