Over and Done With

The spectroscopy (MRS) is over and done with for today. My only complaints were that I couldn't listen to my music, it was an hour long and cold. My nose and body are just warming up from the test. I am although, thankful to have this test out of the way. Having the MRS performed at the hospital brought back memories of brain surgery and the multiple tests I have taken prior to and after. I think I counted that I have had 9 regular MRI's, 1 stealth MRI, 2 CT's and now 1 spectroscopy. I am wondering with the ongoing tests I have had and will continue to have if any research has been done concerning a patients hearing loss. That is one question I am going to ask Dr. Forget on Monday. I am sure someone has had this conern before. With all the jack hammer sounds, knocking and just loud sounds it makes me wonder. I am glad they take precautions with ear plugs especially today. It was a different type of test yet similar to a MRI. Some of the sounds I hadn't heard before. And boy did the table shake during some of the racketing sounds!

Thanks for praying. I need to go and warm my feet up with a foot soak. I'll keep you posted.

Looking forward to a relaxing long weekend with the Snodgrass men.

MRS scheduled part II

This weekend Dave and I discussed all that went on last week in regards to the MRI results. We decided that if I were to have this magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) for it to be scheduled prior to January 1 due to already capping our insurance. So with that said I phoned Dr. Needles nurse, Karen around 8:05 this morning asking her if the test is to performed could we have it sooner than later. Dr. Forget's office called around 8:15 after I had already left a message with Dr. Needles nurse. Dr. Forget's staff are so on the ball with things. They told me that Dr. Forget would like for me to have the spectroscopy. Sue, one of Dr. Forget's adminstrative assistants asked if I wanted Dr. Forget or Dr. Needles to order the spectroscopy. I said Dr. Forget for it is sometimes difficult to get through to Dr. Needles due to it being a busier office. She called the scheduling department for the MRS within the hospital. As stated in the previous post I will have it this Friday at 10 am. I could have had it done tomorrow at 10 am but since it is Stuart's official birthday I opted for Friday as Dave is off. They do not do the magnetic resonance spectroscopy's at the off site location where I currently do the MRI's.

Not too long after Dr. Needles himself called to state what I had already known about having the test performed. He metioned that he wants to see more than the T2 intensity that is shown on my normal MRI scans. It will give him a better look at what is going on to determine if "chemo" would be appropriate. I did ask him who should tell me the results since both doctors are involved. "I don't want to step on anyones toes". He said he wouldn't be offended just as long as I get my results. We left it that I would here it from Dr. Forget since I can get through to his office easier. He agreed.

I am not too anxious. I think when Dr. Forget said last Friday that he is 99% sure that there is no change that is good enough for me. Mind you I am pleased to take this test to confirm his professional opinion. I will know the results next Monday. Dr. Forget will discuss the final results with me via phone.

Many great things here!

1. Dr. Forget's staff phoning early & scheduling the spectroscopy.
2. Dr. Needles personally calling to let me know his plan of action.
3. Not having to go in to see a doctor with the results. Saves a $50 specialist copay. (for now!)
4. Stuart has a good yucky cold. I cancelled yesterday his three year pics that were to be scheduled at 10am this morning. It allowed me to be at home answering the multiple phone calls.
5. I have peace.

Pray for the test to show no signs of cancer re growth just good ole scar tissue. For each doctors wisdom as well.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,

since as members of one body

you were called to peace.

And be thankful.

Colossians 3:15

Peace I leave with you;

my peace I give you.

I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled

and do not be afraid.

John 14:27

Have a great Thanksgiving. There is so much to be thankful for.
kate

MRS Scheduled

I will have a spectroscopy (MRS) this Friday at 10 am. More details to follow as I am going to take my nap. In short lots of phone calls from each doctor this morning. I'll fill you in later.

kate

Dr. Forget's take

A message from Dr. Forget at 12:51 pm . . .

"Hey Kate, it's Dr. Forget returning your call. The film looks identical to me. I think there is a slightly different angle of the cuts in that way it was read a little differently. I looked at your pictures side to side there doesn't seem to be any change to my eye between September films and the film you had on Tuesday. If you need me talk to me give me a call back."

I needed him so I called around 1:15 this afternoon. He was in the OR and returned my call within 10 minutes. He restated what his message said and also said that he is 99% positive there is no change in the scans. There is some white haze but nothing to be concerned about. He made sure I understood that MRI pictures are taken in slices. To which I knew. I told him that Dr. Needles mentioned a possiblity of a MRS (definition stated below). He said he didn't think it would be a bad idea to put all minds at ease. Dr. Needles is not in today as Dr. Forget left a message with his nurse. We will wait and see what is in store in the next few days.

A variant called magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is capable of providing information on the activity of the brain using magnetic resonance imaging. MRS is proving to be accurate for distinguishing dead (necrotic) tissue caused by previous radiation treatments from recurring tumor cells in the brain, a difficult diagnostic issue. (Thank you Nancy for this defintion by email.)

So thankful for this news! It is a glimmer of hope yet still need to wait for a final conclusion as Dr. Forget only compared it to the September scan.

On a side note I did tell Dr. Forget that "You are a breath of fresh air today". I am sure he was reminded of how quacky his patient was a year ago. I am more and more thankful for how God placed the right doctors in my path in the past year.

kate

Bad? Good? Just Indifferent

Update on Carter's eye. He is healing fine. The patch came off yesterday. There should be no further complications. I am thankful!

As I sit to write this post I was reminded while driving home from Dr. Needles that ". . . those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31 My appointment was at 9:30, yet we didn't get to see him till 10:30. I didn't mind for it was great conversation time with Dave. We hardly have time at home to connect. He shared with me work related stuff. It was good to chat and converse.

Now to the results of the Tuesday MRI. As you know Dr. Needles had this scan compared to April, June and September scans.

"Brain sequences again demonstrate postoperative changes of the superior anterior right frontal lobe, with surrounding T2 hyperintense signal around the cavity margin. This appears minimally increased at the posterior superior cavity margin, measuring 12mm (compared with 11mm 9/11/2007 and 7.6 mm 4/11/2007). There are no areas of abnormal enhancement. No other interval change is seen. The brain parenchyma, ventricles, cisterns, major arterial flow-voids, mastoid air cells, and paranasal sinuses are otherwise normal" - Whatever those are but thankful they are normal!

So in short, there has been a 4.4 mm increased change since April. Dr. Needles is wanting Dr. Forget, my neurosurgeon, to look into this for further consultation. The options are that it is just surgery / radiation scar tissue or the dreaded cancer regrowth appearing. Dr. Needles wants to be sure and find out quickly. When asked how he was certain in September that the "minimally increased white matter" was scar tissue he responded that we were only able to compare to June not the April scan. I am thankful that the April scan was available for comparison this time.

What to do from here? Wait! I walked over to Dr. Forget's office to hand a copy of my final MRI report from Tuesday highlighting the millimeter change to get the ball rollin' on this. Also putting a note about wanting further information from him as to what he thinks. Dr. Forget will be in contact with Dr. Needles and then myself. Dr. Needles will be looking to see if another test besides an MRI could be performed to narrow down the possibilities. He is going to contact a radiation oncologist (the one that reads the reports - I think that is their title). I asked about a PET scan. He said unfortunately they have not proven to be a good deciding factor with the brain. Dr. Needles also mentioned that Dr. Forget might consider doing a biopsy. I said "You mean opening me up again? I hope not." He said he hopes not as well as it wouldn't be his first choice. Dr. Needles did want me to have a MRI in January. I will schedule it some time on the 15th.

Pray fervently that is resolved sooner than later, wisdom for the doctors and the right action to be taken. Also for this change to indeed be only scar tissue from surgery and radiation as it "could be" per Dr. Needles. Pray that I continue to walk like I have walked before - in God's hands alone. Pray that fear will not creep in.

Thankful for many things today. No edema (swelling) in the brain per Dr. Needles. I have had a great year.

He's been faithful . . . He will be faithful now!

We will not be telling the boys of this change as no real conclusions can be made from today. I will let you know when we do. I am not sad, just indifferent.

From Uneventful to Eventful

The MRI today went well. I think I actually fell asleep. We will see later tonight if that was the case. If I have more energy than normal at 10pm then it is true. I have always told people that there is no way a person could fall asleep with all the noise, clacks, loud bangs, etc. I was wrong. I must of been so relaxed enjoying my new CD mix of praise songs (thank you Big G). When Brenda the technician rolled me into the tube it seemed like only 8 minutes max that I was rolled back out to do my bloodwork and give the contrast for three more tests (10 more minutes). Many thanks to all who prayed for peace in the scan. That definitely was the case. I also had an opportunity to chat with a gal in the waiting area prior to my scan. Her husband was having a CAT scan to his throat for a questionable infection that was lingering. The test was ordered ASAP by his doctor.

The day concluded with an unplanned visit to our pediatrician, Dr. McKinney. Carter was having a great time playing tennis with Mr. Grant in their driveway after school. As Carter was returning a serve to Mr. Grant his racket unfortunately was turned a little and the tennis ball hit him directly in the eye without a chance to blink. He hit the pavement screaming. The pain did not let up after 10 minutes. I called Dr. McKinney's office at 4:15 and spoke with Camille his nurse. I was concerned about a corneal abrasion. He has had one before with a sharp stick in the eye. (A unique camping story.) After a few questions she said the only way to find out if it is scratched is to have the black light test. Dr. McKinney was willing to wait for us to arrive before going home. The office closes at 4:30 if not sooner. Carter did indeed have an abrasion on his left eye. It is on both sides of his pupil in the white area. He was given an antibiotic ointment on the eye with a patch. We are to see Dr. McKinney tomorrow in the afternoon for a follow up. Pray as Carter is to not open his injured eye till he sees the doctor. That is difficult. There are many praises though.

1. Dr. McKinney willing to wait for us instead of going to the ER. $30 copay vs. $150
2. The injury was prior to 4:30.
3. A sweet gal from Bible study was already preparing dinner for us. She left a delightful pasta dish on our front porch. I will need to get that recipe! God knew what kind of evening our family was going to have. So glad she mentioned that she wanted to bring us a meal.
4. Carter had a praise that his math homework tonight was not timed.
5. Bedtime is soon. All eyes to get some rest.
6. Tomorrow is only half day at school which will give more rest to his hard working right eye.

Please also pray for Carter as he was apologizing for injuring his eye due to the fact that we have many medical bills. He asked if the doctors visit was worth $30. We affirmed him that he is worth every penny and that God has been faithful to meet our every need. Goodness I didn't even know he had been concerned about the family finances. We don't talk about it around the boys.

From uneventful to eventful day. Thankful that this day was ordained by God.

Super Stuart Party

This morning Stuart had a Lightning McQueen playdate birthday party with a few friends. He was excited to have them over. Being the third child he never goes to a playdate (not an exaggeration). Carter and Cole did playdates quite often. Good ole Stuart gets to run errands, go to the multiple ball games and school functions. He doesn't know any different. He loves to go grocery shopping. Really he does. He often asks me if we are going to go "gosherry" shopping. Dierbergs has a cool kid cart that is a rocket ship. We hunt for it in the parking lot so he can sit in it. Trader Joe's has a kid cart that they use to shop with. That is an adventure in and of itself. We look for the monkey so we can go to the treasure chest for a peanut butter filled pretzel or another good surprise.

Stuart's official birthday is next Tuesday the 20th. Did you enjoy the Super Stuart picture? Many thanks to Caleb's mom for making the cape. Stuart will be having many "super"moments in it. He is known to climb on top of the toy chest and jump off to make it look like he is flying. The cape is reversible to make him to be batman as well. So cute! I along with the other moms told Kristie that she could easily make the capes for people. They would sell like hotcakes. With a personalization of the first initial of the boys name. Dynamo!

Psalm 40: 1- 3

As I go through my multitude of cards that I have received in the past year these verses struck me and I wanted to share it with you. Oh so powerful!

I waited patiently for the LORD;

he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

out of the mud and mire;

he set my feet on a rock

and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth,

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear

and put their trust in the LORD.

Psalm 40: 1-3

Thank you to all who have sent cards. I am glad to have them to ponder over the past few days. I have a new song.

One year from surgery

It has been one year to date when brain surgery was performed. Thoughts have flooded my mind in the past few days of all that has gone on in the past year. From memories prior to surgery, surgery and ICU and beyond. Many people showed what it meant to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We had meals prepared for us every other day for at least five months, some housecleaning, financial along with moral support was of great help not to mention prayer. Most every card that was sent to our home I have kept. It was sweet to go through some of the cards this past week. Many dear stories and encouragement were given along with scripture. I kept most every card and so glad I did. I cherish the ones that kids made. I was and continue to be amazed at how many people rallied around our family - from friends old and new to family, fellow believers, neighbors and even strangers! God has so richly blessed us.

As for my testimony with both studies it went well. Yesterday I cried more than I had anticipated but it went somewhat smoothly. Today it was significantly better. I guess a bigger audience might of made the difference. While driving home yesterday I was in deep contemplation on how it went. It was the strangest thought process. I knew that the testimony had nothing to do with me but it really hit me on the way home that it was all about God working in me. Thank you for praying. I was obedient and I guess that is all that matters. He has been so merciful to stretch out his hand towards me prior to and during brain cancer.

I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness;

I will take hold of your hand . . .

Isaiah 42:6a

Please continue to pray for no change in regards to my upcoming MRI on Tuesday. I will know the results on Thursday the 15th.

Thank you again and again for being the hands and feet of Jesus. It does not go unnoticed (even by God).

Off to making chicken cacciatore for the men in my life.

Comforts of Home

As I have successfully made pumpkin bread along with colonial pumpkin pie this evening it brought great joy. Carter and Cole separately asked me early last week when I was going to make the above items. It was a neat reminder to me that they each know what baking I do in the fall. Oh the comforts of home. Each boy helped in adding the ingredients of the pie. Carter helped make the whipping cream. He knew that we add real vanilla and some sugar. No fake stuff at our home. They will some day make great husbands who actually know their way around the kitchen.

It has taken some time to get the older boys on a good Saturday morning chore routine. They now take some initiative to have their chores completed. This week we decided to reward them with some allowance. After going to a local store they each know what items cost and are working toward saving for what they want. Carter was thrilled! He asked "What other chores can I do to earn more?" I told him to check the column that said "Marble earnings". He did and earned some more money instead of marbles. If you remember the "Caught ya being kind or Gotcha jar" is when we catch the boys doing a kind gesture toward others in and out of the home. After the jar is filled with marbles they decide what fun thing for us to do as a family. As for Cole owed us a little money and did an extra chore to wipe his slate clean. He then was rewarded with his full allowance. Dave and I will be working to instill in their hearts a desire to set aside a portion for saving, giving to God and fun money. Larry Burkett has written something on this subject.

On a side note: Stuart pretends to vacuum with his play vacuum with his motor mouth sounds while they vacuum on their assigned week. He makes sure he has my attention and says "Look Mommy I am vacuuming". It is so cute!

I did get my haircut this past Thursday. I was feeling ugly. Literally I felt as if the "ug" in ugly pertained to me alone. I knew it was time to do something with my hair and it had to be that day - Thursday! I called two hair dressers that had cut my hair in the past nine months whom I thought did a good job and took the one who could do it. I have to say it looks much better than the mullet I thought I had. Yes, laugh all you want I thought I looked as though I had a mullet with the radiated hair regrowth. Not the kind of look I have been going for. Dave was very affirming in his words when I returned home. He and I both love longer hair but he said that this is just temporary and it looked great - more proportional. (ie: no mullet even though he didn't say it). Dave even complimented me later in the evening as I was giving Stuart his bath by popping his head in the door to say it looks good. So thankful for his affirmations. I have found in doing my Bible studies that I need to find contentment in my circumstances. Especially in my hair I am needing to find contentment. I continually remind myself that I have hair. That is great in and of itself. No denying it.

This Tuesday and Wednesday is when I will share my testimony in each Bible study. Thank you for praying. As I look back at the year I am amazed at how far God has taken me and my family. Not just my health but every aspect of our lives. I hope others see this much needed change as well. It is hard to imagine that this Wednesday the 7th will be one year to date from brain surgery.

Next Tuesday the 13th at 1 pm is my MRI. Please pray for a clear scan and that all scans from April through September are compared with this scan. Pray for the "questionably minimally increased white matter" (scar tissue) to have no change. Dave and I will have our consult with Dr. Needles on Thursday the 15th in the morning.

Walking with God every step of the way. . . kate

What a Treat!

The boys so enjoyed their evening of trick or treating. It was Stuart's first time. He was so amazed that you can just go up to a neighbors home and say "trit or treat" for candy. Dave and I decided he only needed to do about 5 houses in our cul de sac while the older ones raided many more. It is always a delight to see the kids after they have come home with their loot. They each dump out their candy and salivate over the sugar wide eyed in amazement. No training was needed even for Stuart. He would go upstairs to his room then locate to Carter's room and back downstairs dumping and filling his pumpkin container for the twentieth time or so. It was comical. Every year Carter and Cole divide their candy then trade. The hottest item this year was the gummy worm that looked real. Cole traded but decided he wanted to relinquish finding out that Carter was going to take it to school to gross out the girls acting like it was a real worm that he was going to digest. Cole wants to gross out the girls as well. It was decided that the worm will be cut in half. School is half day tomorrow so it will have to wait till next week. Oh the life of boys.

Did I ever tell you about the fake snake we had? It would appear in the most lovely places (panty and pajama drawers, pillowcases, in a jacket, etc). Hmmmmm it would always be in my stuff not Dave's. I hid the snake for good reason. I am not sure where it went. Great grandma Johnson had given the snake to Carter prior to her death. She had found it. I tell you it was very real looking. Kinda creepy. I might surprise one of the boys sometime soon with a new snake. Most likely with Carter as he is the jokester of the home. Gotta search for it at a store.

Here's to good memories.

No more confusion

Karen, nurse of Dr. Needles called at 8:40 to inform me that the doctor has it covered in regards to having the November 13 scan compared with all previous scans up to April. Whew!

Disc is in with confusion

A call from the nurse yesterday reported that Dr. Needles has my April scan. I am thankful for that information yet the nurse did not answer the other question I had. How can we be sure that the November scan will be compared with the April scan? I missed her call yesterday at 1:50 pm due to me taking a 40 minute rest. She just mentioned on my answering machine that Dr. Needles looked over the scan and will discuss it with me at my appointment. OK, whatever that means. That scan is over and done with. I don't need an explanation of that scan. I left another message yesterday at 2:20pm. Please pray that everything gets smoothed out soon. I am tired of playing phone tag. I have enough "to do's" on my list.

Cousin Weekend Fun!

Front porch smiles

(Uncle Matt was doing funny things behind the photographer)

Silly faces with cousins

This weekend we had plenty of cousin fun! Saturday was filled with soccer and baseball. Cole's team tied 1 -1 for the very first time during this soccer season. Oh what excitement! They have lost every game thus far till this past Saturday. The opposing team scored their point in the last 2 minutes of the game. We were very pleased with how Cole played. He never gives up. Gotta love his attitude.

Carter had his soccer game in the afternoon. They played their best but unfortunately lost. We are hopeful for a win next week. They have yet to win a game. Carter is very competitive so it is difficult to lose. He also had a fall ball game in the evening. He pitched the first two innings and did well. The baseball team lost as well. It is good practice for Carter to pitch as he will be doing starting this coming season.

After Carter's fall ball game everyone went out to Culvers for some great eats. Our boys devoured the butter burgers and cheese fries. Then they delighted in the frozen custard. Stuart enjoyed Aunt Pattie's leftover pumpkin spice shake. As most of you know I do not do much sugar so I did not have custard. I am looking forward to having sweet potato or pumpkin pie this Thanksgiving. Yummy! Gotta make choices on what sugar I will be having in the next month and plan accordingly.

As for my MRI update - there is none but to say I will call tomorrow to let Dr. Needles know I haven't had the mysterious left sided ache since last Sunday morning. We will see what will be decided. I do want to know if my April scan from Siteman is back at St. Johns. Please pray accordingly.

Stuart has been testing Dave & I lately. He is going through the lovely terrible two's closer to three. I remember somewhat the older boys doing this as well but not to the degree that Stuart is doing. Please pray that this is short lived, for my patience and to be consistent in the training. Thankfully Stuart has his great moments as well. Tonight while watching the first part of the World Series game he came up to Dave saying "I play ball". He loves baseball. He is a joy to behold when he doesn't test to the extreme. At bedtime he just wanted to thank God for the zoo with Liliana (mind you that was about a month ago), Lexi & Jaelyn his cousins, baseball and puppy. He has his priorities in line. I love to hear him pray.

Enjoy what the Lord has given us with the fall colors this week. It is true Midwest beauty.

God's glorious fall creation!

Haven't Heard

I haven't heard from the nurse as to if my April scan from Wash U / Siteman has been archived at St. John's. Still waiting.

Good news. I haven't had the left side pain since Sunday morning. I called Dr. Needles office on Monday morning thinking I would be having more "aches". They have yet to surface again. I am leaning that there is some sort of healing going on on that side as well. It is strange when I press on a certain location on the right side of my forehead I can feel it as well on the top of my head a little further back. I am just amazed how God intricately makes our bodies. The brain expecially is intriguing. I will wait to see what Dr. Needles says about no aches since Sunday morning. Keep you posted.

Tomorrow we are having our family picture taken for the holidays. I can't wait as the Snodgrass men are all wearing red fairisle sweaters with vanilla turtlenecks. They will look as if they came off the ski slopes. I am just going to wear a vanilla sweater that I have had for some time. All will be wearing jeans.

We are looking forward to Dave's sister, Pattie and her family coming down for the weekend from Indiana. They arrive late on Friday. Can't wait to spend time with my two neices. I love them so. Carter, Cole and Stuart are gearing up for the weekend visitors as well.

Scan to be Sooner?

I am most likely going to have an MRI sooner than Tuesday, November 13. I have had some intermittent aches on the LEFT side (totally not the side of the tumor and not in the line of the RT last winter). They have been here for a few days. The aches are not like the ones I had last year prior to the brain cancer diagnosis. That was intense pain! I told the nurse that I didn't think these aches would merit a scan sooner than the November one. She said Dr. Needles cannot explain a pain without some sort of picture. That's a fair response. I just wanted to know if nerves could be affected in this area as well? Better be safe than sorry as I am not the doctor. For the record I haven't noticed one today. Maybe it is sleep related?

I am waiting to hear from the nurse as to if St. John's was able to retrieve the April MRI from Siteman / Wash U. Dr. Needles wanted some more scans to be able to compare the "questionably minimally increased white matter" from the September scan. After hearing from her I will make my appointment. My next MRI will most likely be on a Thursday.

Sharing God's Story

It has been my desire for some time to share what God has been doing in my life since cancer came to reside in my body. Yesterday by phone both Bible studies informed me that they would like for me to share on November 6th and 7th. I truly am wanting not to cry and be able to share humbly from my heart. Crying is not a bad thing mind you. It is just something I desire not to do for I want my words to be clear and concise. Please pray over the hearts of every lady that will hear. Wednesday the 7th will be a large group. It is so God that it will be exactly one year to date from brain surgery when I am to give my life story. I feel privileged and honored.


Love to you all - kate

Heaven for Kids

Carter and I had the privilege of visiting eight year old Aven last night at his home in Franklin County (about 45 minutes from our home). I felt convicted to give him the book by Randy Alcorn Heaven for Kids. I am doing the adult study and it is great to see all that is in store for people who have a personal relationship with the living God. Amazing! I am so encouraged by all the scripture that backs up each chapter.

Carter and I discussed on the way out there that we were nervous. After praying we felt at ease. Cole unfortunately could not attend due to having allergy induced pneumonia. My heart aches when his breathing is labored. Thankfully he is slowly feeling better.

Please pray that the book will be a blessing and encouragement to the Everett family. My desire is for anyone visiting their home will be challenged to think about their eternal destination. Will you pray the same?

Carter talked all the way home, at bedtime and even throughout the day today about how he feels bad for Aven as cancer therapies have caused him to not walk, hardly hear nor speak well. His cognitive thinking skills have been affected along with his liver. I am glad Carter chose to go to his home over watching the Purdue vs. Ohio State football game. He didn't miss much anyway. Purdue was trounced upon. Oh well it is only football. Well OK football does have it's place. Especially in a home filled with testosterone like mine.

As for me I am gladly meeting my goal of completing each weekly Bible study. Dinner on the table still is a struggle from time to time. That is normal for any mom with young kids I am sure. I have found it to be helpful to sit down and plan out my meals for the week on Sunday. Not rocket science but sometimes hard to sit down with household activities abounding. I do continue to take a nap every other day during the week which helps alot. Dave has been so gracious (to no surprise) to allow me to take my naps during the weekend then study. He has been overseeing the care of Stuart if he wakes up earlier than expected. I am grateful to have such a great helpmate. Oh - hair is still coming out in the shower but I HAVE hair. Short and curly but thankful for it! I think I have decided to just let it all grow longer. Like it used to be.

Tuesday, November 13 @ 1:15 pm - MRI
Thursday, November 15 @ 9:30 am - Dr. Needles with results

I almost totally forgot . . . I have been convicted for some time wanting to give God's story on how He continue to work in my life. So with obedience in my heart I gave my written testimony to both Bible studies last week . Please pray that I will have courage when the time comes to relay the message to all ladies that attend. Pray that they see Jesus and not a gal with brain cancer.

I will try to update you on Stuart soon. He is growing so quickly with some fun quotes to boot. He turns the big 3 on November 20 and won't let anyone forget. For example tonight while watching the Green Bay Packer game Stuart comes up to Dave and gives him a great big neck hug and states very quickly "My burth day party is coming up!". Sounds like his mother only except she doesn't tell the age as quickly as he has been only the fun day. Gotta love a party with friends and family! I guess I will have to have a playdate birthday party for him. I normally at this age didn't do kid parties only family parties. I guess being the third kid he knows what parties are all about.

Thanks for checking in. We continue to appreciate your prayers for us and others who are going through a trial.

O LORD, you are my God;

I will exalt you and praise your name,

for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things,

things planned long ago.

Isaiah 25:1

God is good - kate

Prayer for Aven

I mentioned a young boy named Aven Everett in two posts previously. This is an update on him. They have most likely found a reoccurence of cancer in his spine. Please pray that his parents Chris and Heather have wisdom regarding his care. Endurance I am sure is needed as well.

This is the post his mother just posted today at his website http://www.caringbridge.org/. To visit his specific page just type his name "aven" in all lowercase letters.:


SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2007 03:51 PM, CDT
"My heart is breaking today as we have finally recieved word from our oncologist. We have been told that they are 99% sure that it is in fact a tumor reccurence. We will no longer be putting Aven through the surgery on Wednesday. The surgery should only be done if we plan to give him a stem cell transplant due to the risks. We have decided not to put him through the transplant as the risks far out weigh the benefits. He only has a 25% chance of cure with the transplant and the chemo itself could take this life sooner than cancer. We are looking into Gamma Knife which is a radiation type surgery. It would be on an outpatient basis and Aven would have no suffering. After this we will look into some oral chemo drugs in which could reduce or maintain growth of tumors. We will pray for a miracle. Aven is truely a special child and I know God has a plan for him. I want to ask everyone who knows Aven to please post your favorite memories of him on the guestbook. Aven loves to hear these types of stories and he needs to be lifted up right now. I want to tell all of you about my proudest moment. I was at Karate with Aven when he was about 4 years old when a women approached me. She asked me if I was Aven's mother and I told her that I was indeed. She proceeded to tell me that our boys were in preschool together. She then told me that Aven was such a good boy. I thanked her and she insisted again how Aven was such a good boy. She then told me this story that I had not heard. She told me her son came home in tears one day because he learned how Jesus died on the cross. He was very upset that nails were put in his hands and feet. The mother then went to the school to find out what her son had learned that day. The teacher politely told the woman that she had not taught her son that but she would show her who did. At that moment she turned and pointed to Aven. This story truely inspired me. Love to all."
Heather

Pardon the pause . . .

Lately I have been pondering whether or not I need to focus less of my time on the computer and more of my time on family and bible study. It wasn't rocket science for me to figure out that I need to do just that. Taking naps every other day is difficult enough to accomplish things. I am going to take a blog pause to spend more time on my family. I have been lacking in the cooking and cleaning arena. I am also going to spend more of my "free time" with Jesus.

I will intermittently give reports on my cancer, what God has been showing me and our family fun memories. Let me tell you that I am just devouring the Heaven book along with 1 Kings. OOOOhhhh, are they good or what?

If I say that God and family are a priority I need to live accordingly.
Hoping you'll understand. . . kate

Notes:
Next MRI - Tuesday, November 13
Doctor Report - Thursday, November 15