A Brand New Woman

That is what mom said today after she got tapped. Yesterday she weighed 160 and today after the tap she weighed in at 153. They drained 4 liters from her belly. Her platelet are finally at 50 and potassium is up also. We didn't expect her to be in the hospital this long but we are confident that she will be home in the afternoon tomorrow. This next week will be really important to see how well she eats and takes her medicine on her own.

I am going to go down to Memphis tomorrow and help Gavin out with house hunting. Mom is so excited that I am going -- mom loves looking at houses and get so excited everytime we move. She wants me to take Sarah down with me as well to get her mind off everything. We were hesistant but she was insistant. she is sad that she can't go. It is only for 2 days and there are so many people that are here to help. We go back on Monday for her regular bloodwork. Thanks for all the prayers. Mom is doing great and she is feeling better each day.

love to all--
Shannon

Yellow Team (Jenn, Mom, Shannon, Sarah)

So for the past few days my sister, Jenn has been talking about these shirts. They are these cute Lance Armstrong shirts that say Livestrong on them. They are bright yellow with black lettering on them and all the proceeds go to cancer research. Jenn thought it would be a great idea to all wear them yesterday for mom's first doctor appointment after treatment. She wanted us to be united and stay strong and positive for mom and also for mom to know we are behind her 100%. Jenn got mom one also, she looked adorable. So if you can imagine for a minute me, Sarah, Boog and Jenn and mom all walk into Brown Cancer Center with our bright yellow shirts. Sarah said we looked cheesy, Boog said we nicknamed us the "yellow team," since he is obsessed with The Biggest Loser show, and mom thought is was great so that is all that matters right? Boog kept saying he thought we would pull a "big number" today. mom had to have some blood work done again because the day before her platelet number was really low (10 and it should be between 100-500). Dr. Miller came in and was great. He is so concerning and warm with mom. He wanted to know everything about what happened during treatment. Then we received the bloodwork results and her platelets went down to 7, white blood cells were 1.14 (should be between 4-10) hemoglobin 9.7(should be between 12-15) her potassium was low again and she was dehydrated. In a matter of minutes about 5 nurses came in and started mom on an IV. So you can probably guess what happened -- she had to be admitted back into the hospital. I was not expecting that at all. Dr. Miller is saying for just 24 hours she needs a tune up to get her back to normal. I was not expecting this at all. Sarah, Boog, Steph and I stayed at the hospital last night until 11 having a great time talking -- mom was up the whole time smiling and laughing with us. And of course we watched Biggest Loser. I think our "yellow team" pulled some big numbers. Even though we didn't expect mom to go back into the hospital we stayed strong. Our spirits are strong and our minds are strong. Jenn had a great idea, we really do have to "livestrong" for mom. That is what it is all about. We have a great picture of all of us with our shirts but it is on Jenns camera. Boog said he will put it on the blog later today. Keep praying.

Shannon

My Old Kentucky Home

"The sun shines bright on my Old Kentucky Home....." That is the beginning of our state song. I think everyone should know it, it is a great song but ya know I a little partial. Kentucky is great, it is the best place in the country but I guess I am a little partial about that too. I feel home now. So since mom has been home she has been miserable. She has been very nauseated and throwing up. Just so incredibly sick. She hasn't been smiling and her spirit had been at an all time low. I felt like I couldn't get here fast enough. I literally thought I was going to get sick on Saturday because each time I called home everyone was really down. Sarah, too, I think had finally felt all of this too. She is the only one that has really been able to be with mom around the clock. I am so grateful for her and everything she has done. I still look at her as my baby sister but she has really amazed me these past few weeks. I know she is exhausted and she has had to deal with all the phone calls including me calling 5 times a day. I love her, she is wonderful. So yesterday we all finally arrived from CA. I left Gavin Sat. and drove to LA with all the kids and stayed in a hotel and then at 9am caught a flight out here. I had so many people look at me like I was crazy flying with 4 kids across country. Anything for family right??? The kids were great....Gabby and Caroline were superstars helping me carry everything. Oh and if anyone is wondering where Gavin is in all of this, he is in Memphis, TN and that is our official next duty station. Yahoo!!!! only 5 1/2 hours away from mom. God is GOOD. We will be moving sometime in May. Pray that we rent the house ASAP.

Anyhow, from the airport Jenn took us to mom's house. I dont' think we could get there soon enough. I was preparing my heart for the worst. I was thinking she was going to be swollen and looking horrible and sad. I walked in and just hugged her for about 5 minutes. I missed mom so much. She was so happy to see me. I just sat at her feet and she told me how hard it has been and she just didn't think it was going to be this difficult. I told her that it was OK. We would get through all of this but this was just going to be the hardest part. I let the kids come in one at a time to see her. She smiled. Jenn and Christy (my best friend from home) said it was the first time in a while since they saw her smile. Sam came in last and he made her laugh. Sam can always do that. We all (me, Sarah, Jenn, Steph and Julie (my cousins) and Christy) just sat and talked and laughed. It was precious and beautiful. Sarah and I gave her a long needed bath and washed her hair. She felt so much better. We got her into bed and prayed over her. It was a great night. This morning she has to go get some bloodwork done. I think it will be great to get her out of the house and get some fresh air. Don't worry we wont' over do it. Keep up the prayers.

Love to all-- Shannon

Coming Home Today!

Mom is coming home later this afternoon. What a relief. She is still weak, but feels better already - imagine that! Thanks to everyone who sent cards, came to see her in the hospital, and said prayers on her behalf during this tough time. We know there will be more tough times to come...but thanks to God, and the love of family and friends, we have gotten through this first cycle and hospital stay.
Love, Boog

Tough times

Mom is feeling the full effects of the chemo. The past two days have been really rough for her. I had read on several different blogs, that the week after the chemo was the worst...and they were right. She is miserable. The "severe flu" has sucked every ounce of energy from her. Her bright, optimistic smile has dimmed, as she tries to get well enough to go home. She was suppose to go home Tuesday. She finished the chemo on Monday night. I think that is what has hurt her once high spirits the most. She just wants out of that hospital. But her kidneys have taken such a beating with the treatment, that they wont let her go until they recover. I hope the cancer cells are taking a similar beating. We are all trying to encourage her, but I'm sure our words sound rather hollow when the reality is she feels like she's been run over by a Mac truck, the thought of food is repulsive, and she's stuck laying in a foreign bed in a nasty hospital. It's hard to "spin" those facts. But there are things to look forward to, and that's what we are trying to help Mom focus on. She is gonna get to go home sometime. Her body will recover from the chemo more and more each day, and Shan and the kiddos are coming in Sunday. Shan will make a big difference. And having all seven of her grandkids around will help. Not to mention we are all going to Cancun April 8. Yesterday she said,"I dont know about Cancun". She was feeling so bad, she couldnt even imagine feeling well enough to go. I reassured her she would feel better and that I would piggy back her all the way there if necessary. If we can just get her well enough to come home.

God Bless,
Boogie

Almost Done??????

All the info I have is from either my sister or my brother, I am just the messenger. I feel as if I am going crazy here in CA because I am not by mom's side. Things seem to have slowed down. Mom is not out of the hospital and they will not let her leave because her kidneys are not working properly. Her kidneys are not producing the proteins that they should and the doctors have been giving her protein shots. I really do not understand alot of this. Also, if you can only imagine this but she has gain 20 pounds in 1 week. The doctors did say that she would gain up to 10 pounds during her rounds of chemo but she has gained even more with all the excess fluid from her abdomin that she had usually had been. They tried to tap her yesterday but since her blood pressure was so low they didn't and Sarah said she came back up to the room in tears. It breaks my heart. Last night Boog and Sarah waited up at the hospital for the doctor to come in and talk to them, but then evidently left without stopping by the room. He also put in an order to give another protein shot but forgot to write the amount for the nurse so mom ended up not getting the shot, so we are wondering if that will slow the process in getting her home as well. We are so frustrated. Please pray that mom's kidney will start functioning properly. also, she needs to get tapped from all her fluid. Every time she has been tapped that is when she starts urinating alot better. Her poor body has been through so much this past week. I leave for KY on Sunday for 2 weeks and this time I am taking the kiddos. Pray for our flights and safety. You might as well pray for the people around us on the plane too-- it is just me with all the kids....I wouldn't want to be sitting around us.



Love to all -- shannon

Cycle 1 - Almost Done

This is Mom's last day of treatment of cycle one. She will finish up the IL-2 around 11:00 tonight and be able to come home sometime tomorrow. She has been so strong throughout these four straight days of chemo. I couldn't be more pleased about how things have gone. Her nurses were raving yesterday about how great she has responded to the treatment, and how positive she always remains. Mom has definitely won them over and made good friends with the nurses. They all love her. Mom has only gotten sick a handful of times the entire week. She has had two slight cases of the chills and a low grade fever, all of which were expected. She has also developed a little rash on several parts of her body. Interestingly, they tell us this is a very good sign, because it is one indication that the cancer does not like the treatment and is acting out against it, producing the rash. We all told Mom we hope her whole entire body turns into one huge rash. Her biggest problem during the week was battling consistent low blood pressure. I would guess her average blood pressure these four days was about 85/45, with several readings around 75/40. Of course they pumped her full of more medication to try to control this, but it has been a constant problem. They seem confident it will go up to manageable levels once she is off the chemo.

Mom's energy level is understandably extremely low. She drifts in and out of sleep a lot, but when awake, her mind seems clear (OK, well, as clear as Mom's mind gets --haha--just kidding--if you know Mom well, I know you are laughing!). I watched the Louisville-Providence game with her on Saturday and she'd close her eyes for a couple of minutes, then pop up to cheer at the right time. We'd high five and then she would dose off again for a sec. The game was close until the end. While her eyes were closed she kept asking, "How we doing?". She told me her eyelids felt like weights were attached. Thanks to us, Louisville closed out the game strong and won again.

After this first cycle, Mom has three weeks off at home. Then cycle two starts -another 4-5 days at University Hospital. The same regimen of chemo will be used . We are anticipating this next week at home will be tough. Mom's energy level will remain very low, as her body is processing all the chemo. The doctors/nurses tell us by the end of this second week, the chemo and its effects should be gone for the most part, and Mom should start to regain a lot of her strength. By the forth week, Mom should be back to 100%, ready to look cycle two in the face. The great news is that Shan and the kids are flying in Feb 24. I know that will pump Mom up tremendously and put her in high spirits to face cycle two like she did this first.

Thanks for all the prayers. Love, Boogie

The Blessings of Cancer

Sound ridiculous? On the surface it really does. But the Bible promises me "that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God" (Rom 8:28). And in 1 Thess 5:16-18, we are instructed to "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Can God possibly be causing things to work together for good while Mom is suffering in the hospital with stage IV cancer? I'm suppose to give thanks for that?

I pray this cancer remits with all my heart. I pray it goes away and never shows up in any of my family, friends, or neighbors ever again. But here are several personal things that I thank and praise God for that have resulted from Mom's cancer:

-I grasp more profoundly how fragile health and life are
-I pray more daily
-I pray deeper, more thoughtful prayers
-I lean more on God for strength than before
-I've read the Bible more, learning and understanding more about Him
-I've realized the depth of love I have for my family
-I hold and hug Jenn and the kids tighter
-I appreciate my friends more
-I've been more spiritually minded
-I've grown closer to Shan and Sarah
-I've grown closer to Mom
-I cherish, appreciate, and savor my time with Mom more
-I've loved Mom better

Thank you Lord,
Boogie

Quick Update

Sarah tells me Mom had a relatively good night. She got sick twice, and had a mild case of the chills, which is normal. Sarah said Mom was not constantly nauseous, but the "episodes" came and went quickly, which I guess is better than the alternative. All in all, I think Mom is hanging in there great. Looks like she is tolerating the treatment as well as can be expected.

Boog

Treatment starts back up

I just got back from the hospital. They restarted Mom's treatment around 6:00 pm or so. By the time I left she had gotten all of the chemo for the day and was getting ready to get started on the bios. She was once again in great spirits, like always. When I left around 10:30 she wasnt feeling any side effects whatsoever. I pray this will continue throughout the night. She also got a new, private room (839). Not sure if it was just our turn, or they realized we were a rowdy bunch that needed our space. Im guessing the latter. Either way, the room is great. Jennifer decorated it with several pictures of Gig having fun with her family and grandchildren. It really brightened the place up and I could tell Mom really liked them. Jenn also brought tons of different candies, as well as a pecan and apple pie from the Pie Kitchen. It was killing me because I love apple pie and couldnt dig in. (remember -Im in a weight loss competition-Im down 10lbs in one week fyi). A little later, Mom, Sarah, and I had a great talk about spiritual things. It feels so refreshing to be able to talk about those types of things without reservation. I think we all benefited. I know I did.

Sarah is spending the night with Mom again tonight. Sarah sleeps in a reclining chair that is as hard as granite. I dont know how she gets any sleep at all, or how she is able to walk upright in the morning. Im so glad she is with Mom throughout the night though. Hopefully Mom will zoom right through the IL-2 (bio) without a problem, but if not, Sarah will be right there. That is so comforting to me. Imagine how much more so for Mom.

God bless,
Boog

Walk By Faith

So Gavin and I went to a Christian concert on Tuesday night.....yes, I know what some of you are thinking....what in the world do you do at a Christian concert. Well, to be honest you rock out to Jesus. It is one of my passions now and I know for some of my brothers and sisters out there you know exactly how I feel. And by the way it was the Jeremy Camp/ Toby Mac concert -- need I say more? There is nothing more amazing than to see all of God's people coming together singing and praising Him. No denominational barrier, just Jesus....it is truly beautiful and I sometimes think that this is just a glimpse of to what heaven will be like. Anyhow, one song in particular has been lingering on my heart for days. It is one of my all time favorite Jeremy Camp songs and I wanted to share the lyrics with you..... love to all -- shannon

Walk By Faith by Jeremy Camp

Would I believe you when you say, Your hand will guide my every way.

Will I receive the words You say. Every moment of every day.

Well I will walk by faith. Even when I cannot see.

Well because this broken road prepares Your will for me

Help me to win my endless fears. You've been so faithful for all my years.

With the one breath You make me new. Your grace covers all I do.

Well I'm broken- but I still see Your face. Well You've spoken- pouring Your words of grace

Well hallelujah, hallelu (I will walk by faith) Well hallelujah, hallelu (I will walk by faith)
I will walk, I will walk, I will walk by faith I will, I will, I will walk by faith.

Still waiting

2/13/08-Wed

They still havent restarted Mom's treatment, but have kept her in the hospital (she is in room 827 at University Hospital), so we think they will start back up anytime. Her temperature was been normal for well over a day. They want to make positively sure she is not battling any kind of infection or cold before they proceed. She will need all of her strength to tolerate the chemo. I think they are waiting on her blood work, which was suppose to come back today. I dont know why it takes so long. It is frustrating. Especially for Mom. She has been bored out of her mind, sitting in that hospital for two days doing nothing. She did have her abdomen tapped again this morning. 2.5 Liters this time. I have been under the weather for a couple of days now, and havent even been able to see her since Monday night. The last thing she needed was my germy, sick body around to add to everything else she is battling. I slept the entire day today, and feel a lot better now. Sleep is the cure all for me. I'll be there for her when they restart the chemo. Keep up the prayers.

Boog

What Giggy Means to me by Gabby Duff

When my mom told my sister and my brother that Gig had cancer we all cried. Our mom also told us that she had to go to KY we cried at that to. My mom had a friend named Heidi Zeigler she took care ofus for a week. My sister andI still went to school. Gig means so much to me. the last time I saw her sence she has cancer was in January. My family loves Gig so much but my family knows that GOD is in control of our lives. If GOD just went puff know one would ever pray to him it would always be the easy way. My teacher Mrs. Verhoeven had a cousin, her name was Mary, she had cancer too, she was suppost to die 2006 December, but she lived for another year, she died last year in December she praised GOD while she was living in that year. All I know is that GOD will take care of people that means you to. I love Gig and I hope she reads this one day.

By Gabby Duff

Treatment postponed

2/11/08- Monday night
I just got back from the hospital. We are getting a little snow storm and it took 2 hrs to drive 18 miles. I thought I left that kind of traffic in Houston a few years ago. Anyway, Sarah got Mom to the hospital around 9:00 AM this morning. They took her down for surgery and installed the quad-port that gives four separate lines access to her jugular vein, where the chemo enters her body. That went fine, and Mom was in great spirits as always. I arrived soon afterwards, having gone to work for a few hours because I knew it would take a while for her to get settled in before they got started with the treatment. Boy, was I right. I've figured out hospitals are like the Navy. They want you to hurry up, and wait! Mom didnt start the chemo until after 4:00pm. Earlier, she was feeling a little feverish and had a few sniffles, like she was coming down with a slight cold. Soon after the treatment started her temperature jumped to 101.3. One side effect of the chemo is an elevated temperature, but they thought her temp went up way too fast, probably even before the chemo had a chance to make an impact. Cautiously, they stopped the treatment. She only completed one bag of chemo. They feared if she continued on with an already high temp, once the chemo started to kick in more, her temp could hit a dangerously high level. They drew blood to check for infection and put her on an antibiotic. Mom was sort of down because we had been waiting anxiously all day long to get things going, the whole while getting mentally and emotionally ready, and now it all abruptly stopped as soon as it got started. She joked,"Darn, I was so looking forward to getting that extremely severe flu (that's the way the nurses kept describing the affects of chemo). One other funny thing Mom said while waiting around all day; As something or someone was being loudly wheeled down the hallway outside her room she said,"Ah Oh, sounds like here comes the pack(as in herd) of chemo." She hasnt lost her sense of humor, that's for sure. But now it looks like we are again in a waiting pattern. At least until her temperature goes down. If it is normal by the morning, they will proceed. If not, Im afraid they might cancel everything until next Monday. I pray that does not happen. I dont want to give that cancer another second to breathe. "Hit Hard, Hit Fast, Hit Often!" Some Naval hero said that and I like it (ashamed I cant remember who right this sec-the Naval Academy might call and ask for my diploma back). (2/12--It was Fleet Admiral "Bull" Halsey in WWII on his tactics against the Japanese Navy.) Pray it is a go for tomorrow. Sarah spent the night with her. I know she is a tremendous comfort to Mom. Im so glad so is home.

God bless,
Boog

Treatment starts today

2/11/08--Monday
Mom starts her treatment in just a few hours. Here is a link that details exactly what the clinical trial entails.

http://meeting.ascopubs.org/cgi/content/abstract/25/18_suppl/8573

CR stands for Complete Response
PR stands for Partial Response
SD stands for Stable Disease

Boog

A Glimpse From CALIFORNIA

So I am sitting here a gazillion miles from my mom....I just got off the phone with her and was praying with her. Praying that she will have a peace and for God's hand of mercy upon her. She gets admitted to Brown Cancer Clinic tomorrow (monday) morning at about 9am to start the first round of biochemical chemo with digoxin. The doctors say she will be in the hospital for 5-7 days. She tells me she is ready to get things started and she feels like she is just going on a little vacation tomorrow or something.....mom always has a way to make fun of things like that. She is the most positive person I have ever met. I have always said she is my biggest cheerleader. I must say I feel absolutely helpless here in CA when my siblings are all back in KY doing what I feel I need to be doing as well.....taking care of mom. I am just so thankful that Sarah, my baby sis, has come home from her mission trip and will be such a vital help in all of this. I must say, that we have really come together in all of this. I wouldn't expect it any other way but I just dont' know what I would do without Boog and Sarah.
So I was reading last night in my bible, Mark 11: 22-24 "Then Jesus said to the disciples, "Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea, and it will happen. But you MUST REALLY BELIEVE IT WILL HAPPEN and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours. " bold text added. Jesus is saying that we must have ultimate faith in God. And that is what I am calling everyone who reads this blog about our mom to have. I will not deny that my mother has been diagnosed with stage IV melanoma, but I am going to deny that it will reign over her body and this family. This is what Jesus is about. Having a hope and a faith that HE can heal even to this day. HE is the same as yesterday, today, and tomorrow. And He calls us to have a faith of a mustard seed. I want all of this to further His kingdom according to His will. I lay all my fears and doubts on his feet. That is the only thing left I have to do. So I am calling everyone to truly believe in his miracles. Take away all the what ifs, statistics, percentages and numbers and just have FAITH. Please pray for complete healing in my mother. Thanks for praying -- Shannon

Mom and I cheer Louisville to victory

2/10/08 Sun--Last night I took Mom to the Louisville vs Georgetown basketball game at Freedom Hall. We had great seats in the 4th row. The atmosphere was electric. It was a special "white out" game where everyone wore white clothing. It was so neat. No one loves college basketball and the Louisville Cardinals more than Mom and I. And I cant remember having more fun at a sporting event. We were high fiving, hugging, and screaming our heads off with every play. We were both wrapped up in the excitement and enjoying it together so much. Louisville got down by 10 early in the 2nd half and I thought how disappointing it would be to leave with a loss. But the Cards rallied, thanks to us, no doubt, and came storming back on a 21-4 run. Mom and I were going nuts like a couple of pre-teen girls at a Hannah Montana concert. They ended up winning 59-51 in a low scoring, but super thrilling, defensive battle. We both think this team can make a great run in the NCAA tournament. I look forward to watching the games with Mom. She puts the Madness in March Madness. I will cherish the time we had together last night for the rest of my life. What a fantastic memory to have with Mom.

Boog

First post

2/07/08 Friday

After reading several blogs online over the last week or so, Ive felt compelled to start one myself. The main purpose of this blog is to circulate information pertaining to my Mom's fight with melanoma. How she is feeling, what the doctors are saying, and details about her treatment will be the news that I will try to relate so to keep family and friends up to date on everything that is happening. As I try to document the things going on with Mom, I know my thoughts, feelings, and emotions will be going crazy. It has already started to happen. And while my aim is to make this blog more historical in nature, it will inevitably become very personal to me. I dont know how this blog will really go. I've never written a blog before ....and I've never had to deal with watching a super close loved one, the one who gave birth to me, face a brutal, deadly disease.



To the facts. How we got here. A quick run down.

Soon after Christmas, Mom started to have discomfort in her stomach. From New Years on, her abdomen started to fill with fluid. Her stomach started getting bigger. The pain increased. She was having trouble sleeping. She said, "I look and feel like Im pregnant. It feels like Im having contractions.

1/26/08, Sat—Cat Scan indicates metastasis (spread of disease). This is the first time I really even considered the possibility she had cancer.

1/27/08, Sun—Shan, my sister, along with my seven month old nephew, Nate, arrive from California.

1/28/08, Mon --Mom's primary physician is shuffling her feet. It seems like she really doesnt know what to do or where to go. We dont either. We are all in shock and scared. While at work, I ask a couple of people, "If you thought your mom had cancer, what would you do?" Tim, a friend and collegue of mine, reminded me of how a good, mutual friend, Scott, expedited the process of getting an appointment for his wife to see the doctor a few months prior. Scott is the Vice President of Operations for Norton's Healthcare. How stupid I was not to immediately think of Scott. My brain either operates two days slower than the norm, or it is still in complete shock, and not functioning properly yet. I called Scott, and within a few hours we had an appointment for tomorrow to see Dr. Stevens, head of oncology at Norton's.

1/29/08, Tues—Mom has her stomach tapped at Baptist East. Three Liters of fluid is extracted. Mom feels 100% better. She looks so good and feels so good, it is truly hard to believe something wrong is going on in her body. We go meet Dr. Stevens at Suburban. Things are serious. Terms like nodules and spots are used, instead of tumors and cancer, but we all understand what He is saying. Mom is in trouble. He admits her into the hospital to facilitate tests getting done, so we can really find out what is going on, and what kind of cancer we are dealing with.

Mom is in tremendous spirits. I cant tell if she grasps exactly how bad the news is or if she is in complete shock. Mom always looks at the glass half full. She is the eternal optimist. I love that about her. It is one of her strongest qualities. I remember reflecting on how important that is going to be over the next few months --staying positive. I could already tell, staying positive, would be harder for me than it would be for her. We go to WW Cousins for lunch before Mom is admitted. She was craving french fries. I was so nervously hungry, i ate two huge burgers-probably a 3000 calorie lunch.

We go back to Suburban and Mom gets admitted. We have a nice private room. We needed it because a lot of people care about Mom. It was full to capacity the whole time she was there. Mom gets tests done over the next 3 days. Every blood test and scan known to man.

1/30/08, Wed---We go to Rafferty’s for lunch. Myself, Jenn (my wife), Shan, Nate, Julie (Mom's niece), Steph(Mom's niece), Berry (my dad, Mom's ex) are all there. We are all waiting anxiously for my sister, Sarah, to arrive later on that night. She has been overseas on a mission trip since September and is flying in from Africa. Sarah finally arrives around 10pm. We all have good prayers and conversation with Mom before we leave the hospital for the night.

1/31/08, Thurs---We get some tests back. I cant remember exactly which ones. Maybe the Pet Scan. Tests seem to indicate Peritoneal Carcinoma. That would be consistent with her largest tumor in her abdomen, and all the fluid that is building up in that area. Myself, Sarah, Shan, Steph, Christy (friend), all go to lunch at Café Lou Lou’s. I've been calling Teddy (friend) to research Peritoneal Carcinoma for me via the internet. He reads me some horrible sounding articles. I use Sarah's labtop to read more when we get back to the hospital. Nothing sounds good about the disease. There doesnt seem like there are any good treatments out there and survival past 12-16 months is rare. I am devastated and break down in front of Mom, Shan, Steph, and Sarah. So far we know Mom has tumors in her abdomen (peritoneal), on her kidney, bladder, lungs, behind her sternum, and her spine, and on her liver. As well as several bumps on her side and back that you can feel. The spots on her liver and spine are the most troubling to me.

2/01/08, Friday ----Biopsy results. Dr. Stevens informs us Mom has stage IV melanoma. Melanoma sounded better than Peritoneal Carcinoma, maybe because we had all heard of melanoma. But being a stage IV case, it really isnt. We were all in shock for a second time. We prayed and cried together. Mom remains as strong as ever. Dr Stevens has scheduled an appointment for her at the Brown Cancer Center with Dr. Don Miller for Tuesday. Mom is released and we go to lunch at Cheddar's (Mom's Aunt, Ann Pittenger, whom I call Sissy, eats lunch with us too). Later on, Mom, Sarah, Shan, Nate, and Steph came over to our house and we played Wii and Guitar Hero. My kids, Luke(12), Jake(9), and Jaclyn(6) love playing games with their Gig (Mom's nickname).

2/02/08, Saturday –Went to Mom’s and had Impellizerri’s pizza and looked at old photos. The photos are randomly scattered around in a plastic bin. Her organizational genetics run true in my case. We all have fun making fun of each other in the pictures. A very good time.

2/03/08, Sunday –Shan flew home early in the morning.

2/05/08, Tuesday---Took Mom, Sarah, and Steph to Waffle House before the appt. Went to appointment at the Brown Center. Met Dr. Miller and Dr. Chesney. Decided on Biochemotherapy treatment with Digoxin. She is planned to be admitted on Monday for her first cycle of treatment. Five straight days. Took everyone to Ditto’s for lunch. Jan met us there. Went to Del Frisco’s for dinner. I ate as much as possible because the next day was the start, and initial weigh in for the "biggest loser" competition at work. The person who loses the greatest percentage of body weight wins $2000. The next day I weighed in at 216, after drinking a gallon of water right beforehand.

2/07/08, Thurs—Mom has her stomach tapped a second time at Baptist East. 3 more liters of fluid extracted. Mom feels a lot better again. Only a week and half from her first tapping. Her stomach filling up so fast is worrying me. I also can't get her "spot" on her liver out of my mind. From everything I've read, metastasis to the liver and brain are the most serious. I cant pray enough.

2/08/08, Fri--I went over to Mom's house after work. We had a serious, but good talk. I opened up to her about how I was feeling. More to say about this later.


Hopefully Shan, Jenn, Sarah, Steph, and Julie will help me fill in and edit this first post with more information that I forgot.