Schools Out!

Today is the last day of school. Summer here we come. Stuart's last day was yesterday. He was trying to understand why he won't be returning next week. At dinner he was given a lengthy "four year terminology" explanation for him to hopefully understand. Carter and Cole are so ready for summer. Mom... I am not so sure. It will be a summer of pool, library, pool, library, family trip to Indiana for Dave's high school reunion, outside fun, pool, library (you get the picture). Gotta keep them engaged. Carter is attending a summer camp in Illinois for approximately 5 days in late July. Cole is not interested in any way possible leaving home. He is my home body which is just fine with me.

Need to make breakfast, I'm taking the boys to school. Busy morning!

Quiet Day

Just wanting to check in to say hello to you and hope your day was one of quietness.

Today has been one of rest for me. The heavy rains last night gave way to canceled ball games for today. Although, Cole had team pics early this morning. Thankfully, I was able to plant my flowers this afternoon. More to go for my back patio containers. Are you not amazed to see the beautiful colors God allows us to enjoy in creation?

Carter & I took the time this afternoon to plan his 11th birthday. Whoa. Eleven years in early June. I am happy to be here to enjoy his upcoming day.

Thank you for praying continually for my evening energy and the upcoming June cancer stuff. On the MRI - Need a "no change" report. I really desire to know how the doctor will proceed from here since I haven't been on chemo since March. Scans / blood work every X months? What is to come... ???

kate

Evening Umph

We recently returned from our vacation. It was great being able to spend good family time together without any schedule to adhere to. The boys love our tradition of going to a local ice cream hot spot, Royal Scoop. We went four times during the week. Yes, even before our meals. Vacation is great! Dave and I also celebrated our 13 years of marriage on May 4 while in Florida. Looking forward to year 14 with him. I am blessed.
Lately I have needed some extra energy during the evening hours. Umph is desired. I really tucker out by 7:30. If it is a good day 8:02 pm. I thought :02 sounded good. ;) ; ) :)

June is fast approaching so here are some prayerful dates for you.

Saturday, June 6 is my MRI & bloodwork
Tuesday, June 9 see oncologist with results

kate

The Lords love

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22 - 23

Easter & Stu zoo date

Easter 2009

Stu at the zoo with mom

Time does fly!

Easter visitors.... baseball...Zoo days (when the weather is NOT raining)

Last Friday, Stuart & I ventured to the zoo. He was elated once there. Stu has been neglected in the excursions (like I did with the older ones). I often went on "field trips" with Carter & Cole to expand their horizons. My computer is not allowing me to crop pictures so you got the real deal above.

Cancer update: Saturday, June 6 - MRI & blood work taken
Tuesday, June 9 - oncology appointment - results given

A great quote...

No place the will of God can take you that the grace of God cannot sustain you.
Corrie ten Boom

Hope your spring is going well,
k-

Life

I have been thinking about if & how I will continue with the blog.

I want it to be intentional so all know that there is life with brain cancer. A new life. Since having the cancer diagnosis our family has gone through continual adjustments.

I will do my best as family time allows to blog post. Thank you for your patience.

A friend recently asked how she could continue to pray...
1. Energy for me - I am attempting to not nap as much. Also I am walking 3x during the week. Dave thinks it is two miles. We will see. All I know it has been a long winter. Need good weather.
2. Time Management in the house
3. Great family togetherness

CANCER INFORMATION: June will be my next MRI & bloodwork before the June 9 oncology appointment.

k-

Ciao, Adios, etc...

Today was a rough one. I had wanted to give you a meaningful update but could not due to extreme fatigue. I over did it yesterDAY. After helping at school in the afternoon I was wiped out. Today was the absolute worst day after being on chemo. Oh well... on to the post. It is a little choppy. Bear with my thoughts... chemo brain.

Saying goodbye to chemo doesn't mean goodbye to the cancer fight. I mentioned not long ago that I was somewhat of mixed emotions ending the chemo. Yes, excited but also weary of what is to come. I was totally reminded (I am a slow learner) of God never leaving my side no matter what is to come in the months ahead. Fear did grip me last week.
'Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'
Isaiah 41:10

It is a reminder that being off chemo, Temodar is one step closer to being known as "in remission". This is another branch in my journey of brain cancer. I am confident He will carry me through. A little fearful but glad, so so glad He is with me.

"I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Thank you for all YOU did in the past years. I am humbled by the hands of Jesus through you. Prayer, meals, notes/emails of encouragement, watching children, carpool, prayer, friendship, a listening ear and prayer, are a portion of your love to me and my family. I am loved. You are loved.

kate

The VERY LAST DAY!

TONIGHT
IS
MY
LAST
NIGHT
OF
CHEMO!!!!

DID YOU HEAR?
LAST NIGHT!

This month it has been tolerable.
Chat later.
k-

More News

The March 2009 MRI compared to March 2008 showed no change!

Last chemo cycle starts tonight & runs through Tuesday.
Cole's birthday sleepover is tonight as well.

k-

Cautiously Elated

Todays oncology visit proved to be one of mixed emotions. Many changes are occuring in the next few months. I am cautiously elated. Cannot explain any further than the following.

The March MRI scan was "Couldn't ask for a better report." After questioning the doctor about the comparison date (not to rain on my parade) of December 08. He agreed it needed to be compared to a later date like March 08 (1 year). He doesn't have any concerns. Ishould hear from him sometime about the new comparison. So in turn that leads me to the chemo update. SHOCKER!

My eyes probably popped out of my head when Dr. Needles questioned the duration of my chemo. One year in January. He said he would like for me to discontinue the chemo after March due to studies that show it is not more beneficial to stay on it longer. Dave asked if Temodar is a option if there was a possible cancer reoccurrence. The doctor said oh yes, but first a biopsy would need to be performed. (Okay boys - lets not talk about cancer returning here!)

In short:
No more monthly bloodwork, chemo stops after March.
Next MRI & bloodwork is in June along with a doctors appointment.

Earlier this morning I was reminded of the following Bible verse prior to my appointment. God ordains my days. All news is up to Him and Him alone.

This is the day which the LORD has made;

Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

Another good verse

I will rejoice and be glad in Your loving kindness, Because You have seen my affliction; You have known the troubles of my soul,

Psalm 31:7

Carter's turn... & Tuesday

Carter has had a fever and other symptoms for most of the weekend and did not go to school today. At least Carter is the last child to get the flu like virus in our family. Stuart is better.

Tomorrow is my oncologist appointment in the morning. I will know my MRI results from last Thursday.

k-

Tis the season

It is flu season at our home. After a visit to the pediatrician today, Stuart was confirmed having the official flu. No strep thankfully. Fever is being controlled by tylenol & advil. He was up every four hours last night with his fever. We both need a nap.

I also went to a Walgreeens take care clinic this morning after my MRI to get tested for strep. Negative! I am so thankful.

A week and a half later...

It took a good 9 days for Stuart to get the bug that has been visiting our home. He came down with a fever this morning at home. He is miserable.

My mom will be watching him tomorrow during my MRI. He normally attends school on Thursdays. I am considering rescheduling my scan to the weekend while Dave is home. I will see how Stuart fairs tonight. He may need to see the pediatrician tomorrow to get tested for strep if the pain / fever meds don't help.

I'll keep you posted,
k-

March MRI, etc.

An update on the next few weeks:

Tomorrow, Thursday is my MRI along with bloodwork. - Want a clear scan!
Results will be given next Tuesday, March 10 during my oncologist appointment.
March chemo will be Friday, March 13 - 17 pending my bloodwork results.

Cole's 9th birthday is Wednesday, March 11. The school is off half day! I am so looking forward to his special day. He has requested burgers & hot dogs on the grill. Hmm a cold March grilling?
He plans on having a sleepover that Friday. Carter will be at a retreat with his Sunday school class. Little Stu will enjoy the third grade boy sleepover party. Sleeping bags, cake, boys, games, What fun! Dave will stay up late with them as I need my sleep due to chemo.

Chat later-
k-

Cole update

Yesterday, Cole was taken to the pediatricians office. Tested for strep & influenza. Positive for both. An antibiotic was given and he is better today. Thankfully. We are going to have him miss school again tomorrow since his immune system is so compromised. A whole week of school is what he has missed. I don't mind him missing school but he does. He is so ready to return.
** side note: 7 kids in his class have missed this week. It brings some comfort to him to know others are going through this.

hope all is well with you,
k-

Kinda well

Yesterday within hours everyone but Stu were sick in our home. Dave along with Carter came home after baseball practice and mentioned their ills. Dave was doing a grocery run for me as Carter vomited in the cracker isle. Lovely! Everyone went to bed early ish. I couldn't sleep till 4 am. I had difficulty sleeping as I went to bed at 9:30. Today I was able to rest since Dave stayed home from work. Poor Cole is taking this bug the hardest. It came in different forms in all of us. One diarrhea, the other fever, another diarrhea & vomit, a just yucky feeling one.

Everyone but Cole is better.

Oops forgot to mention...Cancer wise info.
1. next MRI & monthly bloodwork - Thursday, March 5
2. oncology follow up - Tuesday, March 10

Chat later,
k-

This n that

I am feeling woozy today for some reason. After church I had to have my window down for the fresh air. I also attempted a nap after we ate Bread Co.. To no avail I couldn't fall asleep. I ALWAYS fall asleep. It is never a problem. At least I rested. Cole as well does not feel good he will most likely stay home from school tomorrow.

The stitches are out! I pulled one that was undone yesterday and the other as well.

I have some wonderful notes from church that I really wanted to share. Maybe in a few hours. Hopefully it doesn't turn into days.

much love,
k-

February Chemo complete!

I am going to bed soon due to fatigue.
Well, it seems that the February chemo cycle...

...was better than all the rest
...best one yet
...bowels a workin'
...minimal headaches
...fatigue? YES that's a given
...a tongue sore - uncomfortable but tolerable


Thank you for praying over this month it is a delight to share the blessings. Yes, I said blessing in regards to chemo. I had a great last few weeks spending some time in contemplation. I am considering a blog on "Can a person get used to having cancer?"

Update on the stitched finger: It is sore but improving. A band aid is covering it most of the time due to the stitching catching on clothing, towels, etc. It pulls which makes it uncomfortable. I am a little freakish on cutting things since the accident. A friend brought over a bread loaf. I was relieved to see it was already sliced. Whew!

A little tired, time for bed.
k-

Stitches

Yes, this is my left hand as of noon today. While making sandwiches I sliced a tiny portion of my middle finger which required two stitches. Ouch! The two needle pricks to numb it were painful along with the stitching. The lidocaine obviously didn't work. I really do not know WHY they put such a HUGE bandage on my finger (a band aid is covering the stitches). I felt it was picture worthy - All but my non manicured hands. Oh well. Not much typing in the near future. 24 hours of keeping it dry with original band aid. In 7 days the stitches can be removed.

Tonight is my 3 of 5 chemo pills. I am so thankful that it will be halfway over. No headaches thus far. Pray it continues. The constipation & fatigue are another issue.

Oh, I also received a tetanus shot as I wasn't sure of my last one. My arm is sore as well. Oh well.
k-

Starting February chemo

Chemo starts tomorrow (Friday) evening till Tuesday.

k-