Have Fun At the Insight Bowl!!!!

Hey Kim, I just wanted to tell you to have fun at the Insight Bowl on Wednesday and cheer on the Jayhawks to a victory! Unfortunately, work is crazy right now and preventing me from making the trip down there to visit everyone and attend the game, but Katie and I will be there in spirit. However, my father will be there for 4 nights, so make sure you guys show him a good time! Just make sure he behaves himself at the Bowl game and on Mill Street on New Year's Eve - He gets pretty animated when it comes to cheering on his Hawks!

Have a great time and I'm sure we'll talk to you a few times over the next week. Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

Love,
Garrett & Katie

Tonight's dinner 12-23-08

Deron and I were in the east valley this afternoon and decided to stop at Olive Garden on Elliot Rd. in Tempe for an early dinner before heading into rush hour traffic. We had the neatest waiter! He could tell that I was having issues with my hands but didn't say anything about it but was very attentive to us and did such an amazing job. Towards the end of dinner we talked about coffee. I asked about their different drinks and he mentioned one that had Tequila in it. I told him that I have cancer in my liver and I'm afraid to put anything in my body that will harm my liver. He looked in my eyes and said "I have no doubt in my mind you will be healed and will be just fine." His sister has ovarian cancer right now and is the first in their family to be faced with cancer. She is a single mother of three children. He told me to keep my faith in God and all will be okay. He wrote down my name and told me he would start praying for me tonight and I will be added to his churches prayer chain. I know God put us in that restaurant with him as our waiter for a reason. His name is JC. He and his wife also clean homes in the mornings before he goes to work at Olive Garden and he gave us his card and told us to call him when I was ready and he and his wife would be coming over to clean my home for free. He said the Lord would repay him. He also brought me vegetable soup for tomorrow's lunch because I need my veggies. I just can't say enough about this guy. We all hugged before we left and we made sure to take care of him. If anyone is in the area and eats at Olive Garden on Elliot, you have to ask for JC and make sure to take good care of him. He works Wednesday-Saturday.
God works in amazing ways! He shows himself in so many different ways and at so many different times. God is good!!
Kim

December 23rd ALREADY...

Sunday was another wonderful day at church. I've really found so much peace going to the Light House Church. Sunday evening, after my nurse came and unhooked my chemo, we even went to The Church of the Nations and I was honored to have their head pastor and other pastor's pray over me. It was such an amazing feeling.
Monday started with the Neuropathy again. This time it was my hands that swelled up really bad and got very sore, not my feet. It's amazing how much we rely on our hands. It sucked for me...but the kids liked it. They had to feed me, help me dress, put my shoes on and tie them for me, etc. I was feeling good except for my hands. We definitely got laughs out of it. Kiki was feeding me my eggs and biscuits and gravy. I told her I didn't want another bite of eggs and she told me "Yes, Mom, one more bite!" My five year old put me in my place and made me eat one more bite of eggs. lol My doctor wanted me to come in and see someone if this happened this time a round. Therefore, my mom and I got to drive all the way to Scottsdale Monday afternoon and Deron got to take the kids to their doctor. Kiki had been running a fever and was complaining about her throat hurting and Dylan started with a hacky cough. Kiki has Strep and Dylan is starting with a little cold or something so all three (Deron, Dylan and Kiki) are on meds before my counts drop by this weekend. My appointment went well. There is really nothing they can do for this reaction. They need to document every reaction I get so we can make a decision if it gets too bad, whether or not to stop that certain drug which causes this Neuropathy, which happens to be the 46 hr. pump. We continue to massage my arms and legs each day to make sure there is enough blood flow getting to my feet and hands, cold compresses, etc. Today, Tuesday, I'm doing much better...obviously, I'm typing. I'm still just a bit sore and swollen but nothing like yesterday. With only having one day of swollen painful feet or hands...I think I can keep on my same regimen. Things are obviously working and I'm having such little side effects. I'm very blessed! I feel as if I'm getting stronger each round I do.
Christmas day we will be heading to my mom's in the morning for breakfast and open gifts with them and my brother and family. Then off to Aunt Kathy's for the afternoon. Friday we are heading back to the cabin with just Deron the kids and I. We are so excited. There is so much snow...we can't wait! We'll be back on Monday...if we don't get snowed in.

We want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. Remember the true meaning of Christmas...the birth of Jesus! We love you all!

Round 5 is under way!

Sorry for not updating last night but my first night of chemo is normally my worst night. Again, I lost my dinner last night, but felt better afterwards. My cousin Kristen stayed with me again as she always does on Chemo Friday's. I can't thank you enough Kristen for always being there for me, wiping my face off after getting sick, playing with the kids, fixing whatever needs to be fixed. I love you so much.
As for yesterday, most of you know I received my MRI results....I bet you want to know what they said. I'm happy to announce that our Lord is amazing! My liver tumors are shrinking!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My lungs had no change at all so they are still puzzled on whether or not I have cancer in my lungs. They tested me for Coxi (Valley Fever) when I got to Mayo and that came back negative. So we are all a bit puzzled on what my lungs really consist. They will continue to watch it. My primary tumor is a bit hard to measure considering it is in a hollow area of the body. It showed that it was still there but it is still not causing any issues. The only concern for that tumor is if it started causing obstruction or bleeding...but we all know the Lord is healing my body. I was pleasantly surprised with my Oncologist yesterday. He doesn't really have the best bed side manners but he tried really hard yesterday. I actually saw hope and excitement from him. If he only knew how much that means to a patient, he might be like that a bit more. He is extremely knowledgeable and I feel blessed to have him and the entire team looking after me. His words of encouragement was " Having no change is good at this point...we are better than good." He actually had a smile. My CEA (cancer marker with blood work) also dropped again from 8.5 to 5.3. All positive signs that the good Lord is healing me! I truly believe our Lord has already healed me...it's just taking my body a bit to catch up with what I already know. Today is starting off good. I didn't get out of bed until 2pm because there was no one here to tell me I had to get up. And all who know me, know how much I love my sleep. Tonight I will attempt to eat at a Mexican Food place with my family. Mexican food has always been my favorite but I haven't been able to eat anything spicy for some time now. I'll try a chicken quesedilla or something. Then we are all headed to Glendale Glitters to watch my nieces perform in the annual Christmas dancing. It will be cold but I will be dressed like an Eskimo. Them tomorrow we go to Church and a healing mass in the evening. Thank you to all who continue to support my family whether it is prayers, food, letters of encouragement, etc...it means so much to us.

Love you all,

Kim

Kim You Are a Supah Star!

Luv You so Much! Your strength and determination is so awesome!

Hey all Cousin's dont forget the cousins Christmas Party @ 6 tomorrow night @ Eli & Kristin's casa!

Luv yah so much!

Surprise at my door...

This morning someone came to our door and left a note and twelve presents. The note said "The Twelve Days of Christmas. It's a family tradition we do each year in hopes that this will send you Christmas cheer! Each year we pick someone to surprise, without a doubt, it's your family we realized!! Our family thinks that your family is so kind, that it didn't take us long to make up our minds! The next eleven days to come, I hope will be pleasing for everyone! We hope your holidays are the best! It's so wonderful to know that the Savior is your favorite Christmas guest!! Open one gift per day for the next 12 days. Merry Christmas!! We love you!!
There was no name on the note or the gifts. When Deron brought me the note I cried as I read it. People are so amazing! I would like to thank who ever brought the twelve days of Christmas to my home. That gave us all the biggest smiles on our faces. Thank you so much!!!! Though this journey has brought some of the most challenging times of my life...it has also brought some of the most amazing times as well with all the out reach, love and support from so many. Thank you all so much!!!

God is good!!

This past week Dec. 7th-14th...

After I left you all last Sunday, I was having a pretty emotional day with the 3 loses I experienced in one week. I don't really remember what happened Monday or Tuesday. If I remember I'll tell you about them later. lol My memory has not been the best. I'm forgetting things instantly...I'm told that is called Chemo brain...I know I'm too young for Alzheimer's...but they also told me I was too young for Colon Cancer. Ohhh...I remember Monday and Tuesday...not much happened because I was experiencing Neuropathy in my feet. That is a side effect of one of my chemo drugs. What happens is, my feet and hands swell ...only the pads of my fingers and toes. It's really weird. My toes and the balls of my feet swelled up but nothing else. They were very red and were very hot to the touch. You could touch my arches and they were fine, you touch the pads of the balls of my feet and it was very hot and sore. When this happens it is very hard to walk. It's very uncomfortable. My way of feeling better was my mom or Deron massaging my legs downward to make sure the blood is flowing really good in my legs and feet...and of course PRAYING!! Tuesday was better but still a little tender..but no nausea...the anti nausea pills and I have become very good friends. By Wednesday...it was pretty much gone...Praise our Lord!!
Wednesday was Susan's services...I did not go. I really wanted to be there for Susan's family but I still couldn't even read her blog since I was told she was going home on Hospice. I prayed so hard and so many times that the Lord would lead me in the right direction on whether or not to attend her funeral. I asked the Lord to have the next person I talked with tell me what I should do for me...my mother in law (drove from California) happened to show up at my mom's house which was a total surprise to me and the first thing I spoke to her about was Susan and whether or not I should attend her services and she said with her very calm voice "Honey, I don't think that would be in your best interest right now." I knew that was my answer. I felt like I was putting myself before her family which was very hard for me to do but I knew I needed to listen. Natty informed me that her services were very emotional but also was great to hear all the funny and inspiring stories about Susan. I hope to keep in touch with her family as I continue to fight my fight.
Thursday was a normal day to begin with...then my friend Vinny came over with his friend to do my very own personal bible study. They showed up around 7:45pm and we just started talking when someone knocked at our door. As we opened the door the song started...it was Christmas Carolers!!! It was so amazing...I've only seen this on TV. The kids came running when they heard the singing. It was my neighbor Shannon and her Church group. I had the pleasure of meeting another one of God's miracles that night. I was told there was another miracle singing in the crowd as well. They then talked about bringing my family dinners and they wanted to help in any way they could... so what did I start doing??? That's right...I was crying! That was such an incredible experience for my whole family as well as Vinny and his friend. Thank you Shannon for setting that up!
Friday I had my MRI's and blood work done. I get my scan results on Friday before chemo. Later that night was the my cousins state championship game at the Cardinal's stadium. Deron had to drop me off at the front and what a hike it was to finally get to my family. It was great exercise...up and down and all around that stadium. Of course, Justin and Jake rocked the house for Centennial and they won the State Championship for the third year in a row. Congrats guys! During the game I got a call from my nurse who informed me that my counts were dangerously low, which means my body is unable to fight off any infections which can lead to sever fevers and hospitalization. She laughed when I told her I was at the Cardinal stadium with hundreds of people. She told me to steer clear of anyone who was sick...no hugging...take my temperature every few hours to make sure I didn't start a fever. The amazing thing was I felt great...just a bit tired of all the up and down of the stairs. After the game some of my family went to the Yard House at West Gate. While we waited for a table for our group, my mom, Audrea and I took our kids on the horse and carriage ride. That was neat. The kids loved it!
Saturday my dear friend Laura came over and helped me with some chores and visited with us. Vicki also came over to drop off her yoga mat and DVD so I can start getting in shape again. Thanks Vicki and Lola.
Sunday is church day. Again we went back to the Light House in Peoria...this time my Aunt Kathy and my cousin, Kandus joined us. It was awesome to have them come with us. The music is awesome and the messages are so real and personal...I love it! This afternoon was the first time I've been able to read Susan's blog in over a week. Her wedding photos are so beautiful. I'm so happy that she is now with our Lord and no longer in pain. Her family's strength and faith is incredible. Tonight my mom and I went back to church for the Christmas program that the kids ministry was putting on. The different age groups got up and sang and did their productions...it was really cool. Maybe next year my kids will be in that group.
Over all I've been feeling awesome. No fevers...only sick on Friday's chemo day...swollen feet for only two days...not really any nausea (that I can remember). So I have to praise the Lord for his continued healing on my body and for giving me the continued strength every day. I will make sure to update on the scan results, hopefully Friday evening the 19th or the next day in case I'm not feeling well from day 1 of chemo. Thank you to all of you who continue to pray for my healing and my family.

Much Love,
Kim

Jewelry Party for Saturday Cancelled

We have decided to cancel the Jewelry Party on Saturday due to not many people being able to attend.

Regards,
Aunt Kathy

Susan's Blog

Losing Tracy's Dad, Smitty, & Susan has made it difficult the last few days. As Kim also wrote, I am trying to keep my head high and accept those things which are not in our control.

I have added Susan's blog to the blog list for those that would like to check out her blog. Also note that the 2 comments on Kim's last posting are from Susan's brother and father.

Round 4 completed...

I write tonight with so many mixed emotions. This past week has been a very difficult week for my family and friends. As many of you know, Susan Turley, 25, Natty's friend that I had the great pleasure of meeting at Mayo hospital passed away Friday evening from her battle with Colon Cancer. Friday, Susan was so heavy on my heart...I cried while I prayed that the Lord would take away all her pain..as I knew he was calling her home. I was not very shocked to hear the news that next morning....yet very sad. Saturday morning was yet another hard day. Not only was it the day my cousins laid their grandpa to rest who past earlier in the week but also...if there could be an also...Smitty, Grandma Virginia's long time companion in life also passed away from complications with his cancer. I'm trying to keep my head held high and just thank God everyday, many times a day, for his continued blessings on my life.
Back to Friday at our doctors appt. before Chemo started, we did get some good news. With my liver being affected from this cancer, it has been showing high levels which is not so good. As of my blood work Thursday, my liver functions are back to normal. We will be completing new scans on the 15th to receive my results at the end of that week. We will definitely keep you posted.
When Deron and I left Mayo Friday evening, I was not feeling too hot. Sure enough after my mom and Kristen and I said prayers, I grabbed my blanket and lost my dinner. I felt better after though...I just hate getting sick. Saturday was pretty low key at home and I felt pretty good all day. The kids and I spent the night with my parents Saturday night as well as tonight. While Deron is working nights, I'm really not wanting to be alone.
Today, Sunday, we got up and got to church back at the Light House Church. Dylan had no problem going into the children's ministry but Kiki would not leave my side...so she went with Nana and I. Dylan had a blast and can't wait to go back next week. Kiki said next week she will go with Dylan and the other kids. After church we went to Johnny Rockets for the benefit day for my family. It was nice to see my family and friends drive all the way up to Happy Valley Rd. just to have lunch for our cause. Thank you to all who made it up there...I know it was far for most of us. Then back to the house to meet my home care nurse to get unhooked. Round 4 is officially over. After my nap this afternoon, I've been feeling a bit nauseous but hopefully I can get through the night without loosing my dinner. Oh and I still have some hair. It's been doing pretty good lately. We shall see if I loose it or not. They expected it to all go between days 8-14 after my first round. That was a month and a half ago...it has definitely thinned quite a bit but not enough to shave it yet. Thank you all for your continued prayers. With all the good marks with my blood work...the Lord hears us! Please pray for Susan, her husband and entire family as they go through this hard time as well as my family with the two deaths we have experience this past week.
Much love and thanks to everyone who continues to bring us dinners...you have no idea how much that helps us out. That is just one less worry for us. Thank you !!!
Love you all,
Kim

Silpada Jewelry Fundraier

Hall-ah! from Sunny California!

Daniel and I extended our vay-kay and ended up in Cali, visiting cousin Kandus! Her place is 5 min walk from the beach! Daniel & I walked past the condo's that we all stay in & thought of all the good memories that our fantastic fam has shared here! The cabin trip was spectacular and as Kim mentioned the highlight was when we were playing right,left, center (with $) and Dylan announced that his mom has colon cancer and & could any1 give her $ :)
Kandus, Daniel and I are thinking of ya! and sending you positive energy from Cali, sealed with the ocean breeze and good memories!
Luv ya lots!
-Ur 3 crazy cousins! (or mayb just 2) Kandus is a norm-ee who puts up with Daniel and I by default of being related:)