July 23, 2008

Well, this is the day after Mary's second chemo treatment and I must say, she has tolerated this one much better than she did her first. I continue to be amazed at her strength and am so very proud of her.

We go for the first of five consecutive "support drug" injections tomorrow (she does get the weekend off). These drugs usually cause a lot of bone pain and discomfort so, she will likely have a rough week ahead. As has been the case since the beginning, Mary is ready to get started tomorrow with the first injection.

She gets to see little Allie and Ava this evening for the first time in over a week and she is very excited about seeing them. I know that Ava is excited to see her "Grammy" too. It should be a nice evening for her. Allie is beginning to notice everyone and will soon know who her Grammy and Paw Paw are when she sees us

As a show of support, I had my hair cut very short this morning. It's the first "buzz" cut I've had since October, 1966, when I joined the Air Force. I kind of like it and may keep it this way. I didn't have that much hair anymore anyway and what I did have was silver and falling out.

Anyway, Mary is doing pretty well and looks rested and relaxed. She continues to get very nice cards from her co-workers and from many of our friends and family. You are all appreciated.

Best Wishes,

Ron

Susan G. Komen-"We Will"

Race For The Cure-Running For Grammy

THE RACE IS ON!!!! Please join us for Susan G. Komen's Dallas chapter's 25th anniversary of Race For The Cure October 18, 2008. It will be a quite a celebration as that will be the weekend after Mom is scheduled to complete chemo! We invite each of you to join us on race day as a team member. Our team name is "Running For Grammy". Go online to www.komen-dallas.org and sign up for the team or make a donation to our team.

If you want to be a part of our team but live out of town or if you will not be able to be present on race day register to Sleep In for The Cure. You will still receive a special gift and commemorative t-shirt.

Start raising money now. Collect at work, from friends, family, neighbors. We will be organizing a garage sale and other fundraisers to raise money for the team as well. The website has several ideas on how to raise money. There are postcards and other tools to download.

Your help is needed so we can raise funds for research, mammograms and to FIND A CURE!!!!

Thank you for your help!!!!

Tuesday, July 22nd

I always try to be an optimist and try to find the good in everything that happens. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and that God will never give you more than you can handle. I think I get that optimism from my Mom! Today for instance, she had her chemo session and there wasn't a more beautiful person in that room. I was really worried about how I would react when I saw her for the first time w/out her hair. I didn't want to get upset in front of her, but it actually didn't upset me. She looks so cute! :o) She has a very nice shaped head, she looks fabulous in hats, and looks younger. Mom, I just want you to know that I think you look absolutely beautiful!! I mean that. I've never been more proud of you and the amazing strength you show each day. Keep haning in there. I know this next week will be tough. Just know that I love you and think of you everyday!
Lots of Love,
Amy
xoxoxo

Tuesday-The day we dread

Today is Tuesday...a day that is dreaded by our family. Tuesdays are chemo days and "draw" days. Tuesday is the start of a week of feeling down and ill for Mom.

Once again, as I write this blog, Mom is having her second round of chemo. As most of you know she has already lost her hair. The doctors were right on target about that. They told her she would lose it by day 17 or 18. Sure enough, she started chemo July 1 and July 17 she started losing her hair. She bravely went Saturday morning and had the rest of it shaved. I never knew this before, but it is very painful to lose hair. She said her hair actually hurt. It is described as having an extremely tight ponytail.

I continue to be amazed at how brave and courageous Mom has been through all of this. I know that she has her days of being down that Amy and I don't actually see, but she keeps a positive attitude and just "goes with the flow".

She looks so cute with her little bald head though. I actually cried when I first saw the picture that Dad sent me after she had it shaved. I didn't expect it to hit me that hard, but when I saw it everything became so real. She didn't look sick or like she had cancer before. But now she does. I have hated everything that she has been going through, but I hate it even more now. No one, especially someone like Mom, should have to go through something as horrible as this. It changes everything about life. But on the other hand, it changes your perspective on life. It gives life a whole new meaning. It makes you appreciate things more. It makes you love your family more. But most importantly, it makes you love God more.

Our family will be forming a team honoring Mom for Susan G. Komen's Race for the Cure that will be held October 18 in Dallas. We want to encourage each and everyone of you to take part. I will let everyone know as soon as we register online and form the team. It doesn't matter where you live or what your age, you can be a member of our team. If you're not able to be there for the race you can register to Sleep In For The Cure. You'll still be a team member, receive a special gift and a T-shirt. Start taking donations at work, from friends and family. We will be organizing different fundraising events to raise money. The largest team and the team that raises the most money gets a trophy and recognition at the awards ceremony following the race. PLEASE,PLEASE, PLEASE be a part of this. You will be helping so many women by being a part of this event. One mammogram costs $150. Let's see how many mammograms we can help pay for!!!!!!

Thank you all for your continued support and prayers. You all mean so much to us and we are so blessed to know each and every one of you.

God Bless!

-Emily

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Hi Everyone,

This has been a pretty good weekend for Mary. Once the "support drugs" wore off, Mary began to ragain some strength and felt better. Her hair began coming out in clumps on Friday, so at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, she went to her hair dresser and had her head shaved. Still, she continues to display a tremendous amount of courage.

I took her on a picnic today and a nice drive north of Denton. We had a great day together and she was able to focus on some things other than her disease.

Mary misses our granddaughters, Ava and Allie. Little Allie had her vacinations on Wednesday and Mary's Oncologist suggested she not be around her for ten to fourteen days afteward. It's hard for her and for Emily but, I am going to see that her Oncologists suggestions are met. The way time fly's, it won't be long until she can hold little Ava and Allie again. It's hard now, because they certainly cannot know or understand what their Grammie is going through but, this battle will be over before we know it and their Grammie will be well and right back to spoiling them as she did before this terrible disease came along.

Thank you all for your continued support and prayers. Please keep sending the prayers up, I can assure you that God is listening and is right here with us on this journey and He will see us through.

Thanks,

Ron

Friday, July 18, 2008

Hi All,

This has been a rough week for Mary, the injections she received on Tuesday and Wednesday to raise her white and red blood counts have caused her a lot of pain and discomfort.

Yestarday was rough for several reasons, she began losing large amounts of her hair and a friend of ours, Jim Otwell, was buried. Jim was responsible for all the remodeling we've done to our home over the past year. Jim battled lung cancer for some time and had received a good health report last November but, his cancer came back after the first of the year and he passed away last Saturday. I attended Jim's funeral yesterday.Jim was very concerned about Mary's breast cancer and called to check on her often....he was a good friend and will certainly be missed. Mary was also in a lot of pain yesterday and basically just had the blues all day.

Mary slept pretty well last night and just woke up a few minutes ago. She looks rested for the first time this week. I need to run now so I can fix her breakfast and visit with her.

July 15, 2008

I just have to let everyone know how amazing my Mom is! Dad, Emily, and I went to the Cancer Center w/ Mom this morning. I have to admit, my stomach was in knots all morning not knowing what to expect. This whole ordeal has stirred a ton of emotions - sadness, fear, anxiety, relief, worry, the list goes on...... Anyway, Mom has to go in every week to have a "draw" (they take her blood), and then her count determines whether or not she needs an injection. Today she needed two injections and will have to have another tomorrow. What agony! Anyone who knows me knows that I am terrified of needles - Emily calls me a wimp. It's totally a psychological thing, but I cannot handle it! So, that alone would be it for me! But not Mom. She is so brave! I don't know how she is handling all of this as well as she is. She is truly amazing. I am so proud of her.
Today really magnified the reality of cancer and the effect it has on the patient and their loved ones. I saw so many cancer patients this morning - mothers & daughter, mothers & sons, husband and wives, etc..... I felt sad, but hopeful that these cancer patients are getting the medicine they need to heal their illnesses.
My Mom has always been the "glue" that has held this family together and even now she continues to do so. My Mom is my best friend - the first friend I ever had - and words cannot express how much I love her and admire her. Mom, you are my hero!
Dad, you are doing such an amazing job taking care of "your patient". I am so proud of you because I know that it is not easy. It is very hard to watch Mom go through this. I know it's tiring and emotional, but just know that you are doing an excellent job and that I cannot thank you enough for taking such great care of my Mom. I love you! God has truly blessed me with the best parents anyone could ever hope for! Thank you!
I love you both and pray for God's healing & strength everyday.
Amy

Blog from myspace posted yesteray (July 1)-Day 1 of chemo

Well, the past couple of days have been a bit emotionally overwhelming. As I write this blog my Mom is downtown receiving her first chemo treatment. Yesterday the family had to attend a chemo training session and a tour of the area where Mom will get her chemo. When you walk into the office where she will have her chemo you are right there with everyone receiving treatment. It's a big room with four sections. Each section has about 8 big reclining chairs in them. Each patient gets a chair and they can read, watch TV, listen to music or simply take a nap. They can get up and walk around if they would like. Unfortunately family cannot stay with their loved one receiving chemo . They are there with other cancer patients receiving chemo. As I looked around I had to fight back my tears because all I could think is...my sweet , precious Mom will be here tomorrow sitting in one of these chairs without my Dad, my sister or myself by her side like we have been all along.

After we first arrived we had to watch a video that explained the side effects, how to cope with them, how to maintin nutrition and how to handle emotions. After that a nurse practitioner came in and went over all the drugs that Mom would be given and their side effects. It took her an entire hour just to go over all the drugs that Mom would receive and all of their side effects. It was absolutely mind boggling. I have no idea how my Mom is able to keep track of everything. Any appoinment we go to it's always so much information to absorb. All the side effects were different. Most of them would give her nausea but fortunately they are able to control that with new meds. Some are constipating, some give you diarrhea. Some make your blood pressure rise, some lower it. She told her that without a doubt she would lose her hair by day 17 or 18. Which by the way, my Dad and my husband are going to shave their heads when she starts losing hers. The saddest part was when my Mom asked her about being around Ava and Allie. Unfortunately, when Allie receives her next round of shots in a couple of weeks Mom will not be able to be around her for at least three weeks. Now this is a woman who loves her grandbabies so much that she has before cut her vacations a few days short to come home because she missed them so much. She can't go a whole week without seeing them. And having to hear that myself absolutely crushed me. I had to keep myself from crying. I know how much my Mom loves my girls and three weeks of a babies life is a big deal. They grow and change by the day so I can't imagine how hard that will be for my Mom.

I just continue to be amazed at how well my Mom is handling everything else though. She sees the good side to everything. It really doesn't even bother her to lose her hair. My Dad asked her if she wanted to go ahead and look for a wig and she told him she didn't care, she's always had short hair and likes wearing hats anyway. As of last night she was in good spirits. She was ready to start her treatments rather than have to wait. We all went to Chuck E Cheese's last night for Ava's birthday so she got to enjoy being around the kids and our family.

Today was a bit different. She didn't sleep much last night and she had to take an anxiety pill. I called her this morning to tell her that I loved her and would be praying for her and she was a bit nervous. Dad called after he took her in and he said that he got to stay until they got her all set up and the first part going. He said that when they started putting the meds into her port her eyes were a bit wattery. He wanted so badly to stay and just hold her hand through this but he had to leave. And I'm sure she wanted him to stay as well. I know the three hours she'll be there will be the longest for both of them. Dad was just going to stick around the building until she was done. He absolutely hates leaving her. Hopefully she will rest while she's there. They were going to give her Benadryl to keep her from having an allergic reaction so she'll probably nap. I gave her my ipod to listen to and she was going to take some books and of course...pictures of the girls.

Thank you for reading and please continue to keep her in your prayers. The outpouring of support and prayer has helped her through this so much. It is greatly appreciated.

-Emily

On May 13, 2008, our entire life changed due to Mary's diagnosis of Breast Cancer. Since May 13, Mary has experienced many tough and trying days but, as she has always done, she has held her head high and displayed more courage than anyone I have ever known. She is determined to fight and is willing to do whatever she has to do to beat this awful disease.

On July 1, 2008, Mary had her very first Chemo treatment and, for the first time, I saw fear in her eyes but, as always, she faced it head on and fought back tears and fear as she did. For me, July 1 was the hardest day yet because on that date, the Chemo drugs were administered and this whole ugly, scary, disease became a reality. May 13, 2008 was devestating; May 22, 2008 was devestating and heartbreaking......July 1, 2008 was totally overwhelming.

In 40 years of marriage to this beautiful, strong, couareous and loving woman, she has been there for me through more than twenty-five operations, she has given me two beautiful, loving and caring duaghters and is now a very loving "Gammie" to our two beautiful granddaughters, Ava and Allie. Those two little ones are giving Mary the "extra" courage she needs during this difficult time, she constantly has their pictures close by and has not gone to the hospital without clutching their pictures, they are the light of her life, as are Amy and Emily. It is now my time to be there for her and, as she has always done for me, I will be right by her side until we defeat this terrible disease.

I want to say THANK YOU to our beautiful daughters Amy and Emily for all the love, support and help they have given us. Amy and Emily are on this journey with us and have been a true inspiration to me and to their Mother. We are so proud of you both. I know that Amy, Emily and their husbands (our two sons) Scott and Mike will continue to be there for Mary and for me and I want them to know how much they are all loved and appreciated; you are all the very best and we appreciate so much all that the four of you have done and continue to do.

I want to say THANK YOU to my wonderful and loving sisters Linda and Pam and to my fantastic and loving brother-in-law (my best friend) Jimmy. Your prayers, concern and phone calls have meant the world to Mary and to me. We love you all tremendously.

I want to say THANK YOU to Tom and Barbara Zachary; their daughter's Amye and Angie; their son Mark and his wife Julie; their lovely daughters and to all the wonderful and caring people at the Zachary's Church who have prayed for Mary. You are all loved and appreciated

To all of Amy and Emily's friends who have been so supportive and who have sent cards, notes and have sent up many prayers, I also say THANK YOU.

To all the Wilson family who have been supportive and caring I also say THANK YOU. Mary and I appreciate the prayers and concern.

I want everyone to know that through our faith in the Lord, we WILL get through this terrible time. I'll do my best to keep everyone posted on Mary's journey. Most of all, I want all to know what a fantastic woman I am married to. I am so proud of her and am amazed every day at the courage she has shown. I thought I loved her more than I could ever love anyone....I was wrong....I love her more now than at anytime during the past forty-one years. I am so blessed to have her and I want everyone to know that I will see that she has everything she needs in order to beat this awful disease.

To update all, she had a rough night last night after her first treatment and did not feel very well this morning. She was able to sleep some earlier today and is now resting and feeling somewhat better.

Again, thank you all!

Ron