Sunday, December 03, 2006

Preparing for Houston

We are flying out tomorrow eve for Houston. Should return Thursday night. It all depends on how many doctors / specialists we are to see while at MD Anderson.

Our appointment with Dr. Yung is Tuesday morning around 10:30.

Continue to pray for . . . .
1. MRI & CT CD's to not be harmed / erased in any way
2. Safety on the homefront and in Texas
3. Wisdom & discernment for Dr. Alfred Yung and us
4. The "right" questions to ask Dr. Yung & other specialists
5. Sweet time for Dave & I while in Texas
6. Stamina for Dave specifically
7. Continued health (to stay well)

Thanks & Texas bound - kate & dave

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Kate and Dave....I wish you the best on your Houston trip!! If you are concerned about the questions to ask and processing the information you are presented with, remember that you can tape record the appointment. Then, in the quiet of your hotel room, you can replay the information and formulate any additional questions that may pop up. Have a safe trip and try to find some time to do something special, just for the two of you. I hope all goes well for both of you!! As always, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. jennifer

Anonymous said...

Dear Kate and Dave,
I'm praying for your listed requests in addition to other things, including Dave's job--that he won't feel stressed or distracted by what's not getting done while he's away.
Jennifer's idea to tape your appointments is great. You've likely done this already, but write down your questions, concerns, etc. so you won't forget when you're with Dr. Yung, and so you make full use of your time with him--it's easy to forget even the obvious questions when you feel overwhelmed, nervous, rushed, etc.
So glad your appt. is only 2 days away! I'm praying you'll return with more information and confidence re: the best treatment plan, and that you'll both have a deeper sense of peace in the midst of this trial.
(I'm also glad you got a fun surprise in your drawer today!)
Praying for you all,
Tiffani Gibbs

Anonymous said...

Dave and Kate and boys and caretakers.............
You are in our thoughts and prayers every day, but tonight we will be doing some extra praying for you. Not only the list of prayer requests but also so you both can feel somewhat at peace with this whole ordeal after meeting with the doctors, that everyone gets a good night sleep, and that the both of you have some real couple time in TX. You all have been through so much and are loved by so many and God is with you every step of the way. Thank you for sharing your heartache and emotions and allowing us on your journey with you. You have been an inspiration to us all and really taught us the meaning of life and love.
Cousin hugs and love,
Danielle,Rick, Arwen, Sebastian
IN

Anonymous said...

Dear Kate and Dave,
You are so heavy on my mind and in my prayers today....Just wanted to tell you again. Don't forget your blackberry (or whatever that thing's called) so you can update us and let us know you arrived safely, etc.
Many prayers are traveling with you tonight and will be with you in Texas.
Love, Tiffani Gibbs

Anonymous said...

Dear God,
We pray for Kate and Dave as they travel to Houston tomorrow. Thank you for the many resources and choices you provide for us. We pray that you guide Kate and Dave through the tough choices they must make. Trusting that you will make these tough choices for them and make it clear as to the perfect treatment for you precious child, Kate. Amen

Anonymous said...

The house is quiet and Aunt Dee Dee is curled up with a book on the sofa. We divided the bed time routine. Gram takes the baby and Dee Dee the older boys. Tonight Dee Dee brought home a magnetic contraption for Cole that has a light that glows in the dark. Hence the lights kept going out while Gram was cleaning up the kitchen.
Little Stu likes to keep up with the big boys. He has learned that if they don't share he can go to Dee Dee and she will make sure he gets his turn. It seems as though there is a certain time at night that the energy level must burst forth when three boys are under one roof. That generally happens around 7 p.m. I believe their bodies know that bedtime is near and they must get every ounce of energy used up for the day. I only wish that Gram could find the source of that energy at the end of the day and tap into it as well.
To Kate and Dave in Houston:
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. John 10:27-28
If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
Gram bidding good night to dear ones far away as their children slumber peacefully

Anonymous said...

Kate and Dave....so will you be in the hospital or just seeing the doctors there?
Either way, I know you will be very busy....but wondered if you would like a visit??
As I live just down the road.
Praying for you guys.

sTeve Fisk

Anonymous said...

Good morning, Dave and Kate,
My thoughts are with you today and I'll pray for a good "connection" with Dr. Yung.
Also hugs to Soccer Gram and Aunt Dee Dee for taking care of those precious boys with such love.
Love to you,
Grammy

Anonymous said...

i realize now that when you buy toys as gifts you're not just thinking about that particular kid's interest, but also the parents' sanity. there are certain toy choices that are big mistakes. these gifts will eventually--usually within the first five minutes--annoy the parents and somehow the toy may disappear, depending on the child's attachment to this toy, and also if the parent can provide some kind of diversion, such as another toy that provides equal fascination for that child. but for those of you, like myself, who don't have kids, and for those of you who spend only limited amounts of time with kids, unlike myself, here is some hard-earned advice that will not only make the parents happy this holiday season, but also certain aunts and grandmas who now sleep on the couch or on a very small kid's bed while the parents are away.

true, kids like to make noise and it's fun to get them noisy toys. but, as parents know, kids make enough of noise on their own without the need of some noise-making contraption. so consider a toy that makes limited amount of noise at a small level. anything above the noise of a car horn is strictly prohibited and will not last more than 2 minutes in any household. if the child is musically inclined and you want to encourage his or her natural ability, consider a toy that is more specialized in that area, such as a real guiter that is not viewed as a toy but as a bona-fide instrument, an instrument that adults have. in this way the child will learn to be responsible for this special gift and take care of it as such. any toy guitar that encourages "rocking out big style" and sounds like a perpetual Rolling Stones concert gone bad is highly discouraged. instead buy the child their first Beatles cd, which can be turned off by the parent at any time.

i was going to write more... but the kids are up and we gotta get ready for school, and work (for me). i hope to get back to this subject later.

Anonymous said...

Dear Aunt DeeDee,
Your insights are accurate---we, in fact, have one of those GREAT 'rocking' guitars, and there have been times when I have contemplated making it, umm, "disappear" (though admittedly, I'm the one who bought it for Cooper!).
What you don't yet realize, however, is that apparently when you become a parent God installs an internal mute button that works with increasing effectiveness as the years pass. Being a rather impatient, intolerant person, I have been amazed at my ability to block out most irritating noises--particularly when they are bringing my children happiness and fun. This mute button is defective, in my case, because it does not always work. There are definitely times when the noise gets on my last nerve, and I find myself again considering whether my kids would notice if the offending toy were to disappear in the night.
Inevitably, my heart kicks in and tells me that "it's not about me" (a huge lesson I'm learning that applies to parenting as well as life), and I take a breath, say a prayer, and try to focus on something else.
Nevertheless, dear DeeDee, you have my sympathy. I remember very well those pre-parent days. Hang in there! I know you are doing a fabulous job, and I'm sure your nephews LOVE having you there with them, making them feel secure & safe while mom and dad are away.
Have a great day!
Tiffani Gibbs

Anonymous said...

Good morning, Kate and Dave...
You all continue to be on our hearts and in our prayers. As I took a minute to read some of the posts I can't help but well up with emotion, reading from your sister and mom...what blessings they are! Truly. You two could right a book! I've been blessed "hearing" your thoughts and prayers. What an encouragement they are and I can only imagine how much you mean to Kate and Dave, especially at this time. Aunt Dee Dee and Gram...You continue to be in our prayers also, as you love on the boys and take such good care of them.

Thanks for taking the time to keep your friends and family updated, Kate and Dave...We care so much for you. Love, Julie

Anonymous said...

Dave and Kate-
I am Ann Titone- Dr. Lam's office manager- I want you to know- that I will pray for you and your family throught his difficult time.

I have read your blogs- and you have touched my heart! Your words are so true in regards to the truths of our loving God! All things are possible through God... may he continue to bless your family and give you all the strength that is needed to endure these trying days ahead.
Know that God has your story already written and will never give you more than you can handle. Lean on him in your time of need for what will be is his plan- and he loves you because you are Children of the Almighty Lord! God Bless you all!!

Anonymous said...

Hey, you guys! Praying for you today, specifically during the hours before, during, and after your appointment at MD Anderson. What a blessing to have been seen at such a mecca of a hospital! Still on the mend myself after Friday, Kate,...all went OK, but I'm bruised to beat the band! I was getting dressed after my shower and, of course, (sigh) the little 'uns were RIGHT there, TOTALLY underfoot. Isaac was HORRIFIED at the size of my bandage and really wigged out! He put his hands up to each cheek, and said, "Mommy, is that a band-aid on your leg?" (Yes, honey) "Mommy, do you have a BIG owie?" (Yes, honey) Quavering voice and tears brimming, "Mommy, put your pants on! Mommy, put your pants on!" (e.g.: so he couldn't see my bandage)... Hel-LO! The nerve! Kate, did YOUR boys tell you to wind your turban back in place, or, in effect, put a BUCKET on your head after YOUR surgery? Mercy, me...can't wait till MY child is old enough to have a little sympathy for the ailing parent! He told me that he "didn't want my big band-aid to be afraid of him,"...translation: he's afraid of my big band-aid. Ah, well...what-EVER! Hope his antics made you smile a bit. I'm really praying that you & Dave have some good "you" time alone there in Houston. I know it's not a pleasure trip or a mid-week get-away by any means, but I pray that you two will draw even closer during this quest for, yet, another opinion.