tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61656224527959151222024-03-20T09:29:57.689-06:00YatesSallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04426949009982711675noreply@blogger.comBlogger332125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165622452795915122.post-15869653106036383642013-09-11T21:35:00.003-06:002013-09-11T21:35:37.254-06:00One Year<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s been a long time since I’ve update this blog. Quite honestly, life has been busy. But I couldn’t let today go by without
posting a tribute to my dad. Today
marked one year since his passing.
September 11, a day I could never forget. Watching my dad take his last breath is a
sight that will linger in my mind forever.
As hard as the first year has been, and all the sorrow his passing
brought, I am extremely grateful that he hasn’t been suffering this whole
year. What a blessing it was that his
battle with leukemia was short. In only
10 weeks his body went through so much.
When Annabelle was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, I honestly prayed that if she wasn’t going
to make, that if cancer was going to kill her, that Heavenly Father would take
her soon and not make her have to suffer.
So I truly can appreciate that my dad didn’t have to suffer any longer
than he did.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I allowed myself to grieve today and have a cry day, and now
I want to focus on what a great life he lived.
So today I’d like to share something about him. While going through some of dad’s things, my
mom and I came across a letter. When I
was in Jr High my dad went back to school and attended the college of
technology in Missoula. Sometime during
that, he apparently helped a lady out and she sent a thank you letter to him,
addressed to the college of technology.
Coincidentally, the letter is postmarked September 11 of 1998. My mom knew nothing about this letter, so you
can imagine our feelings as we came across this and read the following:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhATKyyeEeVUmAUZFbZZFH-JZDVcAnDkbRK4lQw1zSOo-Zjw9KI23HXA_-1mWIjmujlPsqnRIzJYdSm6MykMD6jKvvQ4a02mqZcLvb_2k_Ro2DkR8mpomNrsmmXfeI28JSszFWpA8upM/s1600/IMG_0349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhATKyyeEeVUmAUZFbZZFH-JZDVcAnDkbRK4lQw1zSOo-Zjw9KI23HXA_-1mWIjmujlPsqnRIzJYdSm6MykMD6jKvvQ4a02mqZcLvb_2k_Ro2DkR8mpomNrsmmXfeI28JSszFWpA8upM/s320/IMG_0349.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Dear A.J.,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can’t
imagine how much your help meant to me last Friday evening. Your actions and attitude poured a stream of
warmth and light over my heart.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have
repeatedly been hurt by people who call themselves Christians, (Don’t they know
what that means?), until I was bitter, sarcastic and cynical of everyone who
claimed that name. Therefore your
kindness redeemed the name of Christ, rekindled hope in my life (and gladness),
and softened the scars on my heart.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope
you are blessed and rewarded in a great way and that God prospers you because you
brought credit and glory to His name.
Peace be to you and your family.
Should I move to Drummond I would be honored and glad to know you. Thank you again for your kindness.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
This letter sums up the way my dad lived his life and I am
eternally grateful for his example of love and service to all people, no matter
what walk of life they came from. Thank
you , dad. I love you…forever.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNfaevXwZG9nFA6oBbpkP9hUW2T1Ob4EVC1qRYYTa1tgvzT0nPLDovYDBsKTQtqOcbi1LRV9KGsUdaGnma5diHIutEqR7IEUnnmiNUN4QmQbkf7RvnQbDH8FFRg6wtsA7XoqrI3t1iRQ/s1600/IMG_0308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNfaevXwZG9nFA6oBbpkP9hUW2T1Ob4EVC1qRYYTa1tgvzT0nPLDovYDBsKTQtqOcbi1LRV9KGsUdaGnma5diHIutEqR7IEUnnmiNUN4QmQbkf7RvnQbDH8FFRg6wtsA7XoqrI3t1iRQ/s320/IMG_0308.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04426949009982711675noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165622452795915122.post-33557061119427710362013-04-23T09:12:00.003-06:002013-04-23T12:07:42.771-06:00April 23<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
April 23<sup>rd</sup>, the day that changed my life. Two years ago I sat in the recovery area of
Community Medical Center rocking my 4 year old daughter as she struggled with
the confusion of coming out of the sedation required for the MRI. I rocked back and forth to comfort her, but
also to comfort myself as I had just been told “there’s something in there”. It was a Saturday morning so all the other
beds were empty. Our only company was
the nurses and staff taking care of Annabelle and it seemed as though all of
their eyes were fixed on us. They were
probably just as shocked as I was to find out there was a tumor in that little
girls neck. I managed to not cry a
single tear the entire time we were in that recovery area. It wasn’t until I was home and my girls were
in bed for the night that I allowed myself to cry. Two years later I can still remember the
details as if it were yesterday. I know
the exact route we took as they wheeled Annabelle back up to the pediatric
unit. I remember the hospitalist, Dr
Lowder, looking up from the computer as we went past and saying “I’ll be in
to visit in just a minute”. I remember
him and our nurse standing across the room delivering the news, a diagnosis
that they were not confident in but the only thing they could tell us. That same nurse had went back up to our room
and brought me down my breakfast tray so I could eat while Annabelle was in the
MRI. It was so kind of him, but I almost
vomited the little bit I did eat.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sitting here typing this brings back all the emotions and
feelings of that day. I am so grateful
to be where we are only 2 years later, but the memories make me nervous as we
leave this weekend to head to SLC for scans.
I always think that I’m fine and not worried about the scans, but inside
my body is taking the brunt of the stress.
I can keep my mind busy, or asleep, but my body goes crazy. It just wants to sleep all day, well, even
more than usual! If I didn’t have
anything to do this week I wouldn’t get out of bed, but thankfully I have
things that force me to get up and going.
Hopefully this will be a quick trip and we’ll be back on Tuesday, but
you just never know. I know other moms
that have thought the same thing and then one single scan or one lab draw flips
their world upside down…again. All I can
do is pray that never happens to us, but ultimately I am not in charge. I just hope that what my dad said is
true. A dear friend of our family walked
into his hospital room soon after he was diagnosed and said “Let me guess, you
made a deal with the Lord? You said you’d
take it for Annabelle if she would never have to do it again.” Of course dad agreed that he had indeed pled
with the Lord that if there was a way that was possible that he would do
that. I’m not sure if I believe you can
bargain with the Lord like that or not, but I guess for my own comfort I’d like
to think that I lost my dad to cancer so now I’m safe from Annabelle having to
fight again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And now, since I realized I haven’t update the blog since
Annabelle’s biopsy, I better fill some of you in on that. Annabelle ended up having the lump removed
from her back and sent directly to PCMC for testing. They determined that the mysterious lump was
a tumor called a pilomatricoma. You can
Google it if you’d like more info, that’s what the Dr told me to do. Seriously, I’m not joking, she really did
tell me that! Anyway, it’s not related
to Ewing’s at all but it is a separate gene mutation that happens within the
tissue of the tumor. Our oncologists are
talking with their genetics colleagues to determine if we should have any
additional testing done when we are down next week. Most often people have a single pilomatricoma
and that’s it. Annabelle obviously has
multiple ones and that can be associated with a few different syndromes that
carry additional concerns so that’s what we’re looking into right now. The best outcome would be that Annabelle
tests negative for the other syndromes and happens to be the odd one of few
that gets multiple pilomatricomas for some unknown reason. So actually getting no explanation would be
the best answer. Weird.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We thank all of you for your continued support and prayers
on Annabelle’s behalf and hope you’ll remember her as she goes in for scans on
Monday.</div>
Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04426949009982711675noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165622452795915122.post-87407464070082947962013-03-24T16:54:00.000-06:002013-03-24T16:54:01.264-06:00Thoughts<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As Easter is drawing near, it brings with it a flood of
memories, thoughts and emotions of the past few Easters. 2 years ago Annabelle missed the Easter egg
hunt in Drummond because she was in the hospital having an MRI. The MRI that revealed the tumor in her
neck. The MRI that changed our lives
forever. She was so heartbroken that she
was missing the egg hunt festivities, but yet in too much pain to have enjoyed
them anyway. Last year we were in Utah
and I took my girls to the Elwood egg hunt alone. It was fine, but it just wasn’t home. Unless you’ve been part of a community like
Drummond, it’s hard to explain. Needless
to say, we’re excited about being home for Easter this year. I’m hoping and praying that nothing gets in
the way of Annabelle and that egg hunt!
She’s one excited girl! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And now to pick up where I left off last post…the bump we
found on Annabelle’s hip was NOT a bite, but another mysterious lump. Two different doctors saw it but yet we still
have no answers. They’ve been observing
and measuring, as best as possible, to track their growth, or lack of, but they’re
quite difficult to get an accurate reading of.
They’re just weird! There’s no other way to describe them than just
plain weird. Days after Annabelle’s last
appointment for measuring the lumps, we found another. This 4<sup>th</sup> one is on her back. So after lots of calls between nurses,
doctors, and the oncology clinic in SLC, Annabelle has an appointment this
coming Tuesday to see a dermatologist physician’s assistant in Missoula. I was under the impression that they will be
biopsying the lumps but now I’m not sure.
I spoke with the dermatologist’s nurse and she said it will depend on
what they suspect them to be and how comfortable the PA is. There is a chance that she will need to have
one of the actual dermatologists do it or even a plastic surgeon, but this is a
good start. The PA was the first person
that we could get into so we’ll start there.
Annabelle isn’t too worked up about the whole deal. She jokes around about maybe having to do surgery
like most kids joke about…well, I don’t know what most kids joke about, this is
all I know, but she’s pretty chill about it all.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My biggest fear about the appointment is the location. It is across town from where most of
Annabelle’s appointments are and it’s on the campus of the hospital my dad was
treated at. I haven’t been back to there
since my dad left. In fact I avoid that
exit off the interstate whenever possible.
I’ve only taken it once since my dad passed and that’s because I forced
myself to do it. It would often be
faster to go that way but I hate to drive past that hospital. It’s bad enough that I can see it from the
interstate and see the window of the room my dad was in last. It’s a great facility but I’m just not ready
to face it yet. However, I now have
to. If I can hold myself together I
might just stop in the little coffee/snack shop and get an Italian soda like I
did so often for dad. I miss my daddy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Besides everything going on with Annabelle’s lumps, she hasn’t
been herself and had several weeks of emotional struggles as well. I requested she have labs drawn and sure
enough her thyroid hormones were out of whack again. Stupid radiation treatment and its side
effects. Can you tell I’m mad!?! I can’t tell where I’m at in the process of
dealing with all this trauma, I think it depends on the day, but clearly I’m
not over it. I’m hoping that within the
next couple of weeks Annabelle will be feeling and acting like herself again
and that the thyroid issue was all it was.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And now for a little update on sweet miss Layla. Heavenly Father clearly knew that I was
struggling and had too much other stuff to deal with so he blessed me with
Layla being so sweet and so hilarious lately.
She has seriously been saying the funniest, cutest, most off the wall
things. Here’s a few examples:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Mom, these stairs are dirty! Grandma and Grandpa at my crib house (that’s
what she calls the Yates grandparents house in Utah) have clean stairs…and they’re
fluffy! You can slide OR walk down them.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While saying the blessing at lunch one day, “Please bless
mom not to scream…”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And for my favorite…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Layla -“I love you mommy.
I love you more than Annabelle.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Annabelle – “No, I love you more mom”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Me – “I bet you girls both love me the same, but not as much
as I love you!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Layla – “No, I love you more more more!”</div>
Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04426949009982711675noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165622452795915122.post-30252721114381175542013-02-19T16:51:00.001-07:002013-02-19T16:51:37.092-07:00Relief?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not sure where the hangup was, but it took me A LONG
time to hear back from the docs in SLC about what to do. It took several calls from me and the
pediatrician’s office but I finally did get through to Dr Bruggers to get an
answer. She was able to confirm that
there were no stones, cysts or tumors visible on the ultrasound and with
Annabelle’s labs dropping back near normal levels the plan at this point is to
just wait. If she starts having symptoms
we will obviously reevaluate but for now we’re planning to repeat the
ultrasound in a couple of months to check for any changes. I’m relieved that they don’t think there is
any reason for much concern at this point but it sure caused me a lot of stress
last week! I really didn't think it
would bother me that much but I spent the week attached to my phone in fear of
missing a return call. We don’t get very
good reception in our basement so I hated to go down there and miss a
call. Ridiculous, I know, but my fear
got the best of me and the longer I had to wait the worse it got. Being a cancer mom can sometimes turn you
into a bit of a freak. Sad, but true.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In other news with Annabelle, she’s had the cough that’s
been going around and seems to linger forever.
She’s constantly trying to clear her throat and it’s driving Josh
nuts. She lays in bed at night
repeatedly making “the noise” until she falls asleep and then resumes as soon
as she awakes. Bless her wonderful
teacher who has to listen to it all day at school! This cold came after 2 back to back
infections and now it appears she has another which she will be seeing the Dr for
tomorrow. Also, I hate to believe it,
but her lumps are getting bigger and the one above her eyebrow is now tender to
the touch. I’m hoping they will remove
them soon and we won’t have to worry about them anymore. Last night when Annabelle was bending over
backwards I saw something on her hip. When
I got closer it appeared to be another “lump”.
It was somewhat red and looked more like a bug bite but feels more like
her other lumps. I put some cortisone cream
on it before bed and this morning it was still there. So I guess it’s either a bite of some sort
and will soon go away, or it’s another lump and because of its location is
being irritated by her clothing and turning red.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know it sounds so extreme but we have to check everything
with Annabelle just to be safe. I am so
tired of feeling like everything is so dramatic. I just want to be done with all the
drama. It’s exhausting and
frustrating. I was talking with a friend
today and saying how I just want that peace and ease of mind I had when
Annabelle was in treatment. It actually
was easier then because I was being carried and comforted by so many people and
prayers and now I have to be a big girl and do it on my own. I know I’m not really alone and my Father in
Heaven will not leave me that way but it’s just a different feeling for me than
it was during the actual treatment process.
I look forward to the day when my mother heart can relax and not stress
so much, but does that day ever really come for a mom??</div>
Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04426949009982711675noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165622452795915122.post-39915939210362495482013-02-10T11:32:00.002-07:002013-02-10T11:38:37.211-07:00My Life, A Roller CoasterYou'd think I would have learned my lesson by now and post the good results of one thing before new issues come up, but apparently I haven't. So, I guess I'll start where I last left off and go from there...<br />
<br />
On Sunday, January 27th we drove to Utah. We experienced all variations of winter driving conditions on the way down. I was glad to have Josh driving and especially grateful for all wheel drive! When we arrived in Tremonton there was tons of snow and it was drifting over the roads and sidewalks. Josh spent most of the week plowing and shoveling snow as his parents were gone on a cruise to the Bahamas.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAYMoQPQPdpCtJg56IkpFNmmr8Ko1dKZY-uEjRUHgpeATyxa_XbSwXkC02C0xCrRKICKqbDwajsz8TkEfVNfrFaZ2jq6ShU1hp7FV7XNXvWp2K6VRP0gumOjIHAfA1I-qocxC0flD0fY/s1600/IMG486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAYMoQPQPdpCtJg56IkpFNmmr8Ko1dKZY-uEjRUHgpeATyxa_XbSwXkC02C0xCrRKICKqbDwajsz8TkEfVNfrFaZ2jq6ShU1hp7FV7XNXvWp2K6VRP0gumOjIHAfA1I-qocxC0flD0fY/s320/IMG486.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle and I left on Monday and drove down to Riverton where Annabelle would be having her scans. PCMC was booked full and couldn't get a sedated MRI scan scheduled for several more weeks so we went to Primary's outpatient satellite clinic in Riverton. We stayed the night in a motel and enjoyed swimming in the pool and snuggling while watching TV in bed. Tuesday morning we headed in for scans. Annabelle did great, except she really did not want to wake up after the MRI. We weren't in any hurry so I let her sleep for quite a while, but after being there for over 4 hours, I was ready to get going! She was so peaceful I hated to pester her but they made me wake her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTUxjieGYST9af_ni_IH1jwEgLaAMw_EgtmTSeqB2IqNE84fIcwMpD8R8nxUUQvtgBFQiSEUdaG9u3eFEbl8HmO2_JA1fRbCZgP3INgvDU9gK56FH8g0W4-N895LdiqEahHRbqNoMhVs/s1600/IMG489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTUxjieGYST9af_ni_IH1jwEgLaAMw_EgtmTSeqB2IqNE84fIcwMpD8R8nxUUQvtgBFQiSEUdaG9u3eFEbl8HmO2_JA1fRbCZgP3INgvDU9gK56FH8g0W4-N895LdiqEahHRbqNoMhVs/s320/IMG489.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
After having labs drawn and the MRI done, we headed for x-rays. I always look at the x-rays when they are taking them to see if anything jumps out at me. I was relieved that when they did the ones of her skull, it looked normal and didn't appear disfigured where the lumps are. When we finally left the clinic we grabbed some (very late) lunch and stopped at our friends, the Pender's, house. We love the Pender family and it was just what we needed. Annabelle perked up and played with Jackson and Hailey and then didn't want to leave. Then we headed to a different motel up by PCMC. The weather was bad and our appointment times were at the worst times for traffic so it was much easier and less stressful for us to just stay down in the SLC area instead of driving back and forth to Tremonton. Of course we missed Josh and Layla, but they were having their own fun time back at the in-laws. It was just like the good old days for Layla playing with all the toys at her "crib house". That's what she calls grandma and grandpa's in Utah. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wl_9vvLV6UQeNOEO4siIcl59p9dlnMqvBy2ZZL7t23-7sSaVVh0CCseONIXb6m-QMskC7Pe7iWqFLqsArtm0a3zRR2unKxS9ryCyQqI4X6IsDVIDgO7oPfvAn_7YHVlYnL76x2w-etU/s1600/IMG488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wl_9vvLV6UQeNOEO4siIcl59p9dlnMqvBy2ZZL7t23-7sSaVVh0CCseONIXb6m-QMskC7Pe7iWqFLqsArtm0a3zRR2unKxS9ryCyQqI4X6IsDVIDgO7oPfvAn_7YHVlYnL76x2w-etU/s320/IMG488.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Wednesday morning finally came and Annabelle and I headed to PCMC. Clinic wasn't very busy at all and it was nice to not have to wait forever and prolong the anxiety and worry! Dr Bruggers had good news for us. All of Annabelle's scans looked good and she was declared to still be in complete remission. The lumps on Annabelle's head are not connected to the bone, and although Dr Bruggers did not know what they are, she felt confident that they weren't cancerous. If they do get any bigger though, she will need to have them surgically removed and tested. It would be a relief to have them gone and not wonder anymore, but not having to stay in Utah for the procedure was nice. Annabelle hates to miss school and was anxious to get back! Her white blood count was closer to normal for her and her other labs looked good, with the exception of her liver enzymes. Dr Bruggers brought it to my attention but said that she sees it often enough, she didn't feel there was any need for concern.<br />
<br />
We drove home on Friday the 1st of February and I have never been so relieved to be home. Everything was supposed to be good and I thought we'd have a break from scans for the next 3 months. Silly me. I should know better than that. Annabelle had a routine endocrinology check-up scheduled for Wednesday the 6th. When we were getting ready to leave that morning, Layla was really whiny and said she didn't feel well so Josh offered to keep her home with him. That turned about to be a very good thing!<br />
<br />
Dr Bailey is the pediatric endocrinologist that comes to Missoula every other month. She is managing Annabelle's thyroid care and tracking her growth, or lack of. She was going over Annabelle labs from early January and mentioned that her liver enzymes were high and that concerned her. I told her they were much higher last week in SLC but that Dr Bruggers wasn't worried. Dr Bailey felt around on Annabelle's belly and thought her liver could be enlarged so she sent us for more lab work and an ultrasound that afternoon. Annabelle was not impressed that she couldn't eat anything until after the ultrasound, but she's such a trooper! Dr Bailey called me later that afternoon with the results. Her labs actually looked better, which was good. The ultrasound didn't show any issue with the liver but that her bile duct was enlarged. What??? How strange is that! Dr Bailey was very concerned with this and spoke with Dr Hall, our pediatrician, and was turning us over to her since Dr Bailey is only here for a week at a time. Dr Hall called me Thursday morning and said she wasn't too worried but that she would call me later in the day after she got the official radiology report. When she called she told me she had been researching and reading literature about this and finally called a gastrointestinal doc at PCMC in SLC. Of course she couldn't get a response from anyone that day and Dr Hall was leaving for vacation for a week. Just my luck! She then called Dr Bruggers and now she is supposed to be tracking down a GI doc at PCMC to see what we do next. They told me that I probably wouldn't hear from SLC until this next week, so the waiting game continues.<br />
<br />
The fun just never ends around here! I hate that it seems like so much drama all of the time, but with Annabelle's history, we have to be extra careful and look into anything that is abnormal. The biggest fear is that her bile duct is enlarged because of something (possibly a tumor) pushing on it and backing up the flow of bile. It could also be from some kind of obstruction, such as a gall stone that passed into the bile duct, but there wasn't anything noted from the ultrasound except that they couldn't actually see the end of the bile duct on the images. A normal bile duct measures 2 mm in width and Annabelle's measured 6 mm. It seems like such a small issue but obviously it could actually be a BIG issue. Annabelle feels fine other than being extra tired lately and having had several infections in the past couple of months. I'm anxiously awaiting the call from SLC and hoping they'll at least order some more imaging so we can know for sure if there is something we need to address or if just waiting is okay. The not knowing is the hard part.<br />
<br />
I promise I'll update when I know more, but until then, please continue to pray that we can get the answers that we need so that our minds can be at ease. Thank you!<br />
<br />
Oh, and I forgot to mention...Layla has croup again. The poor girl just can't grow out of it! This is the 4th time this fall/winter season and I'm so done with sleepless nights. Ugh.Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04426949009982711675noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165622452795915122.post-20242244395903513642013-01-26T21:40:00.000-07:002013-01-26T21:40:56.393-07:00Ignorance is BlissIgnorance truly is bliss. Some days I'd give just about anything to be able to go back to the days of my ignorance. The days when I knew very little about childhood cancer. Back when it didn't affect every single day of my life. I know that ignorance has never changed anything, never made the world a better place, but oh how I long for those more carefree days again. Life was a lot less complicated. A lot less painful.<br />
<br />
I should be packing for Utah right now, but I'm avoiding it. I don't want to. I don't want to go. I really don't. Although I'm expecting us to be back home in a week, there's no guarantee. I feel like I did in April of 2011 as I packed up to go to Utah, not knowing how long we'd be gone. Just the possibility of the same outcome again is scaring me. It's usually fun to go back to Utah now. We get to visit family and see all our friends at the hospital again. But with reason to be concerned this time, it doesn't feel the same. Plus our little life is so good right now, I don't want to leave it. I don't want to leave our home. I have projects I'm working on. The bountiful basket that came today had lots of great produce I want to cook with. Annabelle is loving school so much. I'm afraid to leave my comfort zone. I fear that we won't be back in a week to continue where we're leaving off. I just want to curl up in the fetal position and hide in a corner and pretend this isn't happening. I've had dreams the last few nights that I'm praying don't come to pass. So I guess you could say they've been more like nightmares. I wish I could ignore it all and just not go, but I can't. I have to be the mom. I have to be the mature one. The strong, supportive, optimistic comforter. Instead, Annabelle is being the strong one right now. She can't wait to go to Utah and play with legos at the grandparents' house! I'm so lucky to have her. Her positive attitude is such a blessing in my life. So I'll go put on my big girl pants and try to be the mother she deserves.Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04426949009982711675noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165622452795915122.post-76666051378500604712013-01-23T10:43:00.001-07:002013-01-23T10:43:10.018-07:00UpdateI have been wanting to update the blog for a while now, but I just haven't wanted to take the time to do it. We've had a lot of sick days around here, a lot of soul searching, thinking days for me, and I wasn't exactly sure how to express my feelings without people feeling sorry for me, or rolling their eyes, or thinking I'm a crazy depressed nut. It seems that the last couple of months have been filled with cancer friends relapsing and several passing away. It's just a reality of the cancer mom world I live in. A world I'd sometimes like to forget exists.<br />
<br />
Today my post is not what I was hoping to share, but I figured I'd better post here to get the facts out. I'm afraid word would start to spread and rumors would fly and things might get confused or blown out of proportion. So here it is.<br />
<br />
A few weeks ago I noticed a "bump" on Annabelle's forehead. It felt like a bb underneath the skin, and about that size. I was checking on it everyday to see if it was getting smaller or bigger or changing at all and one day Annabelle said to me "Oh, so it's kind of like this one up here?" as she pointed to a different spot on her head. I was surprised, but sure enough, just beyond her hairline there was a much larger "bump"! You don't see it unless you part her hair and you're looking for it, but it is definitely there! I thought maybe she bumped her head or got bitten by something and figured it would go away. When it was still there a couple weeks later, my mom found out and begged me to call her Dr. She saw her pediatrician on Monday, and Dr. Hall said she didn't know what it was. She thought we should have it biopsied but wanted to call Annabelle's oncologist and see what they recommended. Of course, Monday was a holiday, so the clinic in SLC was closed but Dr Hall told us she'd talk with Dr Bruggers on Tuesday and let us know what the plan was. In the meantime, they drew some labs and we headed home. On the drive home Dr Hall called with the lab results. Annabelle's white blood count and ANC are low. Not extremely low, but still low and lower than she normally runs. Of course this was of concern to her. After talking with Dr Bruggers she called me yesterday (Tuesday) and said they wanted to see her in SLC and do all of her scans while we're there. So, we're off to Utah next week and hoping this is nothing serious. Annabelle will have scans on Tuesday the 29th and then see Dr Bruggers on Wednesday. The best case scenario is that the mysterious bump is identified as something benign and it either goes away on its own or is easily removed and that her blood counts return to normal on their own. Worst case scenario is that this is a relapse or secondary cancer and we're back in fighting mode. It's hard for me to fathom that this could be cancer again, but that's the problem, you never know how it is going to start again. If she had a tumor bulging from her neck with extreme pain like she had before, that would be more understandable. But cancer doesn't follow any rules and is so unpredictable. It's just awful. I hate cancer so much!<br />
<br />
With all the sadness and worry, there is so much good going on in our lives right now. We moved into a different house in November after fixing it up and we absolutely love it. Lots of space with a basement still waiting to be finished. I'm loving all the projects and room to decorate. Layla is my little helper and she still melts my heart each and every day. She's always up for a good snuggle and never runs out of kisses for me! Annabelle is absolutely loving school. She wishes she could sleep at the school and never come home! I'm amazed at how much she is learning and how grown up she's getting. Josh has been busy with work, which is always good, and enjoying hunting. He shot a deer in rifle season and then a late season cow elk this past weekend. He's also been out duck hunting and enjoying the great outdoors.<br />
<br />
Please join us in praying that this turns out to be a minor scare and that Annabelle remains cancer free and can return to her happy little life as normal. I don't think my heart could take another break. It would just be too much.Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04426949009982711675noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165622452795915122.post-90443349222794931512012-09-13T08:01:00.002-06:002012-09-13T08:02:26.686-06:00My Wonderful Dad<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLniUpn4Z_clS-nd8XIJplqLRhsR767gXjU9Kxuqp6i_VDNlRunmswbs7UU2CsAIkv2eZ9Djaw1GPFd245gQ2NDV3p5WOw8P_nLltL-Zsb15p4Uc0QDgXXYsgcXAOnfTxPM6R9cwWKzU/s1600/MemorialPhoto.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 287px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLniUpn4Z_clS-nd8XIJplqLRhsR767gXjU9Kxuqp6i_VDNlRunmswbs7UU2CsAIkv2eZ9Djaw1GPFd245gQ2NDV3p5WOw8P_nLltL-Zsb15p4Uc0QDgXXYsgcXAOnfTxPM6R9cwWKzU/s320/MemorialPhoto.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787661277568838802" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">DRUMMOND – On Sept. 11, 2012, Albert Jay “AJ” Kroll left this earth to join his Father in Heaven.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">AJ was born in Helena on Feb. 28, 1957, and spent his youth playing with his siblings and fishing. During high school he moved to Drummond, where he continued to fish and played basketball (until he refused to cut his hair).</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">AJ met his sweetheart Sandra Ostlerin at school and they were married in 1978. After traveling around the U.S. working on oil rigs, they settled back in Drummond to raise their family.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">AJ was an avid fisherman and enjoyed being outdoors when we wasn’t volunteering for the local fire department, serving on the city council or numerous other community boards. His charity for others knew no bounds. He wouldn’t hesitate to get up in the middle of night to work on a furnace for a neighbor without heat. Eventually, he turned his love into a business providing construction and handyman services from Butte to Missoula.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">AJ blessed many with his voice and guitar playing. He loved to sing in the church choir. He passed his love of music and talents on to all of his children.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">AJ is survived by his wife Sandra; their children, Catherine Moria (Charlie Blalock) Kroll, Sally (Josh) Yates, Jay Kroll and Aaron (Jazsmin Urness) Kroll; granddaughters Annabelle and Layla Yates; parents June and Art Bowls; brother Darryl (Jonni); sisters Kathy (Jerry) Lamping, Jackie ( Bill) Sievers, Lari (Fran) Walter and Gail (Mike) Leeper; parents-in-law Harold and Doris Ostler; and numerous beloved sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">He was preceded in death by his father Albert Kroll, and nephews Jason Kroll and Toby Lamping.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Please join us in celebrating his life at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Drummond Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A luncheon will follow the services.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">In lieu of flowers, donations can be offered in AJ’s name to the Montana Cancer Center or the St. Patrick Hospital Foundation in memory of the amazing care he received while there.</p>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04426949009982711675noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165622452795915122.post-5229230378092243792012-08-28T14:06:00.002-06:002012-08-28T14:33:00.999-06:00Health UpdatesI apologize it has taken me so long to get you an update, but life has been just too busy. So much going on in so many different directions but, alas, here it is. A brief update on Annabelle and my dad: my two cancer fighters.<div><br /></div><div>On August 20th, Annabelle had her first set of follow-up scans since she finished treatment. After a long day in SLC, we were ecstatic to hear that she is still in complete remission. Way to fight, Annabelle! Everything is stable and unchanged at this point so we'll continue to enjoy all that we can until her next set of scans in November.</div><div><br /></div><div>For those of you who have not yet heard through the grapevine (or have heard otherwise through the incredibly active and fully functioning Drummond grapevine!) my dad is home from the hospital. The results from his bone marrow biopsy on the 20th (Yes, the same day as Annabelle's scans. Talk about a roller coaster of emotions!) indicated that the leukemia had grown out of control and taken over his blood. He chose to go home on hospice on August 21st. We expected to come home and gather family around for his last few days, as that is what the doctors indicated we would have left with him, but it has been an interesting past week. There were a few days where he slept a lot and we thought he might go any time. However, the last several days have been nothing like that. He has been awake and busy. He has been working on his truck (with supervision, much to his dismay), working on projects in his shop, hauling things to the dump (he directs and we obey and, no, thankfully he isn't driving himself), and making sure we keep the lawn and gardens watered! We honestly don't know what to expect each morning when we wake up. He might be peacefully sleeping, or he may be looking for his shoes so he can get going with his day. One funny story to share...Dad and Aaron were off for a drive one morning and we knew the hospice nurse was supposed to be coming by soon. We jokingly wondered how we would explain to her that the hospice patient wasn't at home and that we really didn't know exactly where he was! Thank goodness dad arrived home before she got there. And luckily we have the sweetest, funniest hospice nurse.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dad still continues to amaze me with his selfless service to others. I'm sure he couldn't think of lying down to die without making sure everyone else was taken care of first. What a wonderful legacy to leave to his family and all those who know him. Love you, dad.</div>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04426949009982711675noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165622452795915122.post-32611860045312437792012-08-10T11:27:00.002-06:002012-08-10T12:06:56.653-06:00Beyond Crazy<div>There is no way to adequately describe what the last 5 weeks of my life have been like. It has been constant go, go, go and all I want to do is<i> not go. </i>We really haven't accomplished a whole lot, but just getting up every morning is an accomplishment in itself right now. On top of all the post-cancer stress with Annabelle and the new diagnosis craziness with my dad, we decided to finish up a remodeling job at my parent's. What were we thinking!?! Josh was working insanely long hours and then would come home and help out on the remodel until he went to scout camp for a week. Once he was gone, Jay and I took over and then Josh finished things up when he got back. No rest for the weary around here! But it is done (mostly) and it turned out great.</div><div style="font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; ">We've had lots of family visiting to see my dad and give support. It has been so wonderful to have time with them, but I sure wish it was under different circumstances. My dad finished his first induction round of chemo and the following bone marrow biopsy did not show the results we were hoping for. It did stop the progression of the disease, however, it didn't kill the leukemia by any measurable amount. "Induction" chemo is meant to induce a remission of the disease. That doesn't mean you are finished with the treatment protocol, but the purpose is to wipe out the cancer. Annabelle's "induction" consisted of 6 rounds of chemo. AML treatment is ideally 1 round of chemo. Since the first time didn't do it, he underwent another round of induction chemo, which finished 1 week ago. He will have his next bone marrow biopsy on the 13th and the hope is that he will be in remission at that time. There are lots of possibilities for the future but we won't know the options or plan until we get the results of the biopsy. Please continue to pray for him and for our family during this difficult time. It seems so unreal, and sometimes unbearable, that this is the sequence of events in my life right now.</div><div style="font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; ">In the midst of all the chaos, we did force ourselves to do something fun with the girls for Layla's birthday. I can't believe my baby is 3 years old already. The girls had a blast at Splash Montana. Now that we've had a chance to spend time in the water, they are both little fish. They never want to get out!</div><div style="font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; ">I love my baby doll so much!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNahQqqFA8QR24TlTH78PVHziLnhTgspdqgkq9vysZhNdYncO5ad7b-PSvszb3QFSfdilX-f1XL1AnOtn3luLvIMXcKF-BggmgHccPjMsG4Ax0akIHtkOoYH2img8Z7446R1TNv-KwHc8/s1600/IMG_0328.JPG" style="font-style: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNahQqqFA8QR24TlTH78PVHziLnhTgspdqgkq9vysZhNdYncO5ad7b-PSvszb3QFSfdilX-f1XL1AnOtn3luLvIMXcKF-BggmgHccPjMsG4Ax0akIHtkOoYH2img8Z7446R1TNv-KwHc8/s320/IMG_0328.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5775098033411892274" /></a>My big sister fish!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6BKUHUCtoFCu7D5_FX65nBFCjz-bz6-WP49klgiD7wIu-06GieEirwczgCagsJeSQb1YQGGP8Tmjx_s2SRsUv3maFXr98jbONyl-raCsEvqcL0jfwhA-fhLB7uCGy20Svq-AW93KVjc/s1600/IMG_0326.JPG" style="font-style: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6BKUHUCtoFCu7D5_FX65nBFCjz-bz6-WP49klgiD7wIu-06GieEirwczgCagsJeSQb1YQGGP8Tmjx_s2SRsUv3maFXr98jbONyl-raCsEvqcL0jfwhA-fhLB7uCGy20Svq-AW93KVjc/s320/IMG_0326.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5775098030215779890" /></a>My two cancer fighters with matching hair. Dad's is almost gone now and Annabelle's is getting longer.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RoyQpeR2kvSGFqND7uF-q2d5l00WVWTAY6Ex-S17u8aoIJdDu8tbayPKqpAtijluuqrppdcb8USxDdjM9aabVwDl8T5XIm9_zZ-2uU9igUPYpndFTzSlaFXHf8aiWzR79DPxGJfLoU8/s1600/IMG_0340.JPG" style="font-style: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RoyQpeR2kvSGFqND7uF-q2d5l00WVWTAY6Ex-S17u8aoIJdDu8tbayPKqpAtijluuqrppdcb8USxDdjM9aabVwDl8T5XIm9_zZ-2uU9igUPYpndFTzSlaFXHf8aiWzR79DPxGJfLoU8/s320/IMG_0340.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5775098016351246194" /></a><br /><div>Josh and the girls are already in Utah spending time with the Yates family. I stayed to be with my dad for a few days and then I will head south tomorrow. Annabelle has her first set of 3-month followup scans on Monday, the 20th. This will be our first time back to PCMC since she had her line removed in May. We are both excited to see some friendly faces there, but it will be so different to be there just for outpatient visits. I feel confident that Annabelle's scans will be clear because I can't imagine Heavenly Father giving us that to deal with as well. I truly believe that!</div>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04426949009982711675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165622452795915122.post-89436815878693376712012-07-14T09:11:00.003-06:002012-07-14T10:02:58.343-06:00AgainWe are in cancer fighting mode...again. No, Annabelle has not relapsed, but my dad was recently diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). It is literally unbelievable to me that it could hit my family again so soon, but I'm grateful that I'm back home in MT to help.<div><br /></div><div>I'm holding together quite fine. I feel like this is my zone, my normal. I'm worried about the rest of my family that didn't see Annabelle every day and see how great the good days can be. I worry about them imagining the worst and now fearing that for my dad. Unfortunately, only time will get them used to the crazy world of cancer fighting.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wish I c<span style="font-size: 100%; ">ould do or say something to make them feel at ease with it like I am. I had cancer right in my face the last year and it provided me the opportunity to evaluate my life and get my priorities straight and come to a point of accepting whatever plan Heavenly Father had for Annabelle. I'm so grateful that His plan was to spare Annabelle for now, but I was also okay with the alternative. I now plead with my Heavenly Father to give that same comfort to my mom, and other family members, as we move forward together on this journey, because I know only He can give that comfort and true peace. I could never relay or give that to them, so I spend my time praying for that for them.</span></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Fight, Dad, FIGHT!</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JBMaOm1fwMyU5jimKKwBDSXrmTAfrPG6BucjUW5iiNrNVYLwWxYdg4wf3EU1fZ-TlhyrzXzmuqALrkcoJ_SnUmVq8eupk65SvT48vfLGt7X-gQ02i8cLv_vbthPaN4RgY8iLADCK9oI/s320/IMG_0308.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5765052801909568354" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></div><div><br /></div>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04426949009982711675noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165622452795915122.post-5218162419580296942012-07-03T09:26:00.003-06:002012-07-03T10:17:22.705-06:00Childhood Cancer Research<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; ">It's that time of year when many people are helping to raise awareness and money for cancer research, support and prevention. I know these organizations do a LOT of good and have certainly helped to save many lives. I have several family members and dear friends who have fought this awful disease. I also worked at Montana Cancer Center (before Annabelle was born) and saw exactly how cancer tears lives apart. However, as you can imagine, my heart lies in <i>Childhood Cancer </i>research.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; ">Here are a few graphics to show just how much money some of these large organizations put toward childhood cancer.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; ">American Cancer Society 1%</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaVuirNEz6HTTKlxLwJcVZqj_ERszkh3aMzu10J6sWackGBeK0l6KLvcLgYwlf64jVPytuCdbqRa0hQ63pbQOQkO_k3e006WZlDcKkue1CgG6iUltiQzeUZsV5zdA51pavFLe_j_1dGE/s1600/ACS.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaVuirNEz6HTTKlxLwJcVZqj_ERszkh3aMzu10J6sWackGBeK0l6KLvcLgYwlf64jVPytuCdbqRa0hQ63pbQOQkO_k3e006WZlDcKkue1CgG6iUltiQzeUZsV5zdA51pavFLe_j_1dGE/s320/ACS.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5760965190034001650" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; ">Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 2%</span><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; ">Did you know that the #1 diagnosed childhood cancer is LEUKEMIA!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8IM5Q0WEfFZaSBgqOftpCpreK6OEtavtwLuu3K-8iVvW88uhiMwwluDckGuo6KEj3K5Kqa4K9sWlqz8vWtwf4ampIrATjdGEZtHPeSyKnTKA1IUKo1AgIZwMkGygFB2XnS10ZwRulvw/s1600/LLS.jpg" style="font-style: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8IM5Q0WEfFZaSBgqOftpCpreK6OEtavtwLuu3K-8iVvW88uhiMwwluDckGuo6KEj3K5Kqa4K9sWlqz8vWtwf4ampIrATjdGEZtHPeSyKnTKA1IUKo1AgIZwMkGygFB2XnS10ZwRulvw/s320/LLS.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5760965188526347186" /></a><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><span style="font-size: 100%;">Now, please don't take this the wrong way. I think that</span><i style="font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; "> anything</i><span style="font-size: 100%;"> that </span><i style="font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; ">anybody</i><span style="font-size: 100%;"> is doing to help fight this awful disease is well worthwhile. But for me personally, my efforts will go to Childhood Cancer, and specifically to</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-size:180%;"> CureSearch. </span><span>Never heard of CureSearch? That's because they don't waste money on advertisements and publicity. CureSearch is the foundation part of the Children's Oncology Group (COG) which is the organization that conducts National Cancer Institute sponsored clinical trials. Something I didn't know until Annabelle was diagnosed is that MOST childhood cancer patients are on a study. Not necessarily an experimental type study, but a COG study which tracks their treatment and results and issues standard treatment protocols. Annabelle was on a "study" which is evaluating the addition of a chemo drug, Topotecan, to see if it increases 5-year survival and overall cure rates for patients with Ewing's Sarcoma.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><span>So, why do I love CureSearch?? <span style="font-size:180%;"> Over 94% </span>of funds raised goes directly to childhood cancer research. 2012 will be the second year that Salt Lake City has hosted a CureSearch walk and I wish I could attend and be a part of that and have a team in honor of Annabelle, but it can't happen this year. However, my fellow cancer moms from Utah are in full force and they won't stop until they have done everything they can to beat the awful monster that is childhood cancer! I love you moms!</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><span>So, the point I'm trying to make is, I won't be using Annabelle's story or sweet face to raise money for some of the more recognized cancer organizations. I will be supporting CureSearch. Check them out at</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;"><b><a href="http://www.curesearch.org">www.curesearch.org</a></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Like I said, I don't aim to discredit any of these other organizations, just to explain where I stand. If you want to get me riled up, just ask me how I feel about Susan G Komen for the Cure. I'm sure Suzy would be rolling over in her grave if she knew what they were doing! You can read about that here:</span></div><div><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/07/komen-foundation-charities-cure_n_793176.html">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/07/komen-foundation-charities-cure_n_793176.html</a> </div>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04426949009982711675noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165622452795915122.post-84936700590082126222012-06-18T14:56:00.003-06:002012-06-18T15:25:26.949-06:00Dentist<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 100%; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: left; ">Last week the girls had dentist appointments. This was Layla's first time at the dentist, so I wasn't sure how she'd handle it, but she did great! The last year she has felt left out as Annabelle had so many different medical appointments, so she loves when it is her turn to go to the Dr. The dentist turned out to be no different! I was still checking in at the front desk when the dental assistant called their names. They were so excited to see which room they would get so they went on back without me! When I got there, this is what I found: Two cute girls laying in the chair together watching Shrek on the ceiling.</span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUQiylFbtiAQWe6H0c1XozD6CRAWSytBFujtB5ARwqIqKlSa2PTHAbq3BCT0Ej63yZ7pacKYFChaCqwpIGiJitYMlVokz9zJTLQNx7Uw7twFqXXT-ZT0hRsGlt0-NPdXcrPJUGw8KS1U/s320/IMG259.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5755484513729434066" /><div style="text-align: center;">Annabelle sat super still while they cleaned and polished her teeth. Layla started down the same path, but she didn't care for the tool and suction in her mouth, so she ended up just having hers done with a normal toothbrush by the assistant. Both of the girls made the "No Cavity Club" and they were super excited. Annabelle was happy to show off her certificate. Layla, on the other hand, was too excited to run off and put her tokens in the toy machine.</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqymK_pmXEBp-3VXe_aDi9NOg1fpXm4jUNi9eXb_dJb0qSxRKpN9WIRA6eMMAVeYpQ6U9NUEz-Y9HNpdrQN62tVkBd28_VJEter-ZmNdB3bE2XyuszkgBZScXWZmgnWXhKqu4j6nKVSs/s320/IMG260.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5755484504258832738" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I think I've mentioned before that Annabelle will need to have special dental care because of the radiation to her neck. Even though they used blocks to try and keep the beams from hitting her jaw and teeth, they can't be certain that none of it was radiated. The dentist said she expected to see white marks and lines on Annabelle's teeth because of the treatment she has been through, but she was amazed (and kept repeating it over and over!) that Annabelle had none. Her teeth are really clean and looked great on the x-rays and upon exam. I was SO glad to hear that! We stepped up our oral hygiene when the speech therapist told us of all the complications that radiation can cause, and it seems to have paid off. All of the time spent brushing, flossing, swishing, more flossing and more swishing was worth it! Now we are praying that her permanent teeth continue to develop properly and come in without any problems. If she does ever have to have a tooth pulled, they will be very concerned about healing in that area and will likely need to do it in a hyperbaric chamber. We will deal with that, if the need arises, but for now I am just very happy that both of the girls' teeth and healthy! I hope to hear more good news when they go back in 6 months.</div>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04426949009982711675noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165622452795915122.post-88750812372924720282012-06-09T11:02:00.005-06:002012-06-09T12:26:19.052-06:00Home<div style="text-align: left;">I am happy to say that we are home in Montana! All of the boxes are unpacked. Layla is slowly understanding that this is "home", and that we aren't "going home to grandma's in Utah". Annabelle has some adorable soft fuzz growing on her head. Josh is busy with work, so he's actually only been home a few days since we got here. And I'm trying to figure out what a normal day is like now. It's wonderful, awkward and crazy all at the same time! Here are some pictures from the last few weeks...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Right after we heard that Annabelle is in remission.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1uvVH7Obb23cg_cocRPHvmbFtE5yZBwsE25NSt-yYTjh4oBiiBUsgMd-aEeuue-t1jaYBvL117i1pkX_ahQpVDU9heZ9tmfk_EZ89L3ciZT6Y6X9vnX-5shsehdmCQepI3ANx_fo9ac/s320/IMG_0113.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5752086035802428306" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /><div style="text-align: left;">One relieved, happy and PROUD mama!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjXAsOrYa5aFBtMLMxKD9hWiImWS4KHZZGxAX55dBi65RFG7y-gkBvQLIyyy5zrUAuxO9OWRGRErGRfKaZ453Jvexj0yadJD_QDCdF_4Ev4v496OfYOX_nm_BMiDKfMrNWStpFxnXwww/s1600/IMG_0127.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrF43J62eQ3Hq-EaPtCyUCf6AUpJd8zQ5eu9ScQD2O8EUw600r7t-9SqE99FaWj27TxOhE-d25rCHB5kGN0QC3JzYhsS-Zhj0iCSXBFy45tDypIKEUeTqFnjUrk5xhxHye6fbnUujeXN0/s320/IMG_0115.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5752086048056753234" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div><div style="text-align: left;"><u>Ready to get her central line taken out. Good bye dressing changes. Hello normal baths and swimming!</u></div><div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjXAsOrYa5aFBtMLMxKD9hWiImWS4KHZZGxAX55dBi65RFG7y-gkBvQLIyyy5zrUAuxO9OWRGRErGRfKaZ453Jvexj0yadJD_QDCdF_4Ev4v496OfYOX_nm_BMiDKfMrNWStpFxnXwww/s320/IMG_0127.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5752086053875170034" /></div><div>Next up, a visit to Dr Poppe's office. We absolutely adore everyone there, but it's frustrating because there seems to always be a little bad news from him. The good news is: Annabelle is in remission and radiation therapy played a part in making that happen. The bad news is: the icky long term side effects of radiation are starting to set in. Because of the location of Annabelle's tumor, there was no way to avoid radiating the thyroid. Over the next few years, Annabelle's thyroid function will completely diminish and it will require medication for the rest of her life. Somewhat unexpectedly, it is already slowing down, so she has to start medication for that. Not a big deal, but just one other thing to deal with. Also, the radiation beams hit 5 vertebrae, instead of the 3 I was hoping for. It was best to treat a larger area for potential cancer cells floating around in there, but that means there are 5 vertebrae that will no longer grow. This is going to lead to a shortened neck as the rest of Annabelle grows, and may at some point require spinal surgery to stabilize her neck. On her final MRI, her bones were already showing damage from the radiation, so combining that with the condensed C6 vertebra, I'm afraid it's a bad combination, but only time will tell.</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9qQP3N4oBDSppGl8XpEU5egXSy4XjCNOxPK_jxztruiVn8izYGnO9tPINzed0fHIDu4DVwI7wLLM1EkBOHdMa8ce-skdmi1lF4RkHtUW5llqjDaw4bOOFkNbMZx_b9xRheVSz0QIUPo/s320/IMG_0132.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5752086066827560402" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /><div>We were happy to say goodbye to the giant sharps container. After giving 100+ Neupogen shots to Annabelle, I hope I never have to see a sharps container in my house again!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjXAsOrYa5aFBtMLMxKD9hWiImWS4KHZZGxAX55dBi65RFG7y-gkBvQLIyyy5zrUAuxO9OWRGRErGRfKaZ453Jvexj0yadJD_QDCdF_4Ev4v496OfYOX_nm_BMiDKfMrNWStpFxnXwww/s1600/IMG_0127.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZjwynt5iMQFgXETWKzrmcf49wkZFk2GZjoiES1hhSIWW25oLVX49A5j6-PyDvna0pqbHiKf6ijezETgt6NFO4k8KeKV6-rFh3oQQEaeeax9h2L3nj8zIFOfglHoFAH_trpIwKnvA1TU/s320/IMG_0233.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5752089839056483202" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><div></div><div></div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjXAsOrYa5aFBtMLMxKD9hWiImWS4KHZZGxAX55dBi65RFG7y-gkBvQLIyyy5zrUAuxO9OWRGRErGRfKaZ453Jvexj0yadJD_QDCdF_4Ev4v496OfYOX_nm_BMiDKfMrNWStpFxnXwww/s1600/IMG_0127.JPG"></a></div><div>Josh and I were lucky enough to get a much needed vacation before we came home to MT. I miss you warm Bahamian sun!</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOPiOhMDcUsUKoFbtowAbccsynYP5gX5xGdCYP6MKxhYq6b4dkCNZjkKLY5iYoLv9TAgg3ckjPfrQ6i5jRxJrp9dxSn5GuD5NUsy9RTLRavMFnCmC-NxPzvNQwfnSjslB32t2lhKf674/s320/IMG_0144.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5752089823820295682" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjXAsOrYa5aFBtMLMxKD9hWiImWS4KHZZGxAX55dBi65RFG7y-gkBvQLIyyy5zrUAuxO9OWRGRErGRfKaZ453Jvexj0yadJD_QDCdF_4Ev4v496OfYOX_nm_BMiDKfMrNWStpFxnXwww/s1600/IMG_0127.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7b1S3TMgiW-rzIYUtZJwPrcm4IuTAUpJ0uDVKOd2shSKpynb3jBe6DixRPVBWEG-KzyXXPJ5j2Y9RhFtZtSLA-4W7Fr0sYaeiMUnenJFV_tkMcuouoXHQ3wE1R1vszbvJtDxKO9KuL4U/s320/IMG_0136.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5752089811554469026" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjXAsOrYa5aFBtMLMxKD9hWiImWS4KHZZGxAX55dBi65RFG7y-gkBvQLIyyy5zrUAuxO9OWRGRErGRfKaZ453Jvexj0yadJD_QDCdF_4Ev4v496OfYOX_nm_BMiDKfMrNWStpFxnXwww/s1600/IMG_0127.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURPBjl7ndyCXpGiUz7K3wiHoRgKgh5b_T1bF_zPqG1QFQ6U0TH66UoGekk1IrBDapSso9TZ91TJGaeaU3r_vLJIjn-IYe22Ny2k7mRq89pFDCcs_ca3v803q0cbiBHQxKpc0ppD5o388/s320/IMG_0163.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5752089807883253618" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjXAsOrYa5aFBtMLMxKD9hWiImWS4KHZZGxAX55dBi65RFG7y-gkBvQLIyyy5zrUAuxO9OWRGRErGRfKaZ453Jvexj0yadJD_QDCdF_4Ev4v496OfYOX_nm_BMiDKfMrNWStpFxnXwww/s1600/IMG_0127.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjXAsOrYa5aFBtMLMxKD9hWiImWS4KHZZGxAX55dBi65RFG7y-gkBvQLIyyy5zrUAuxO9OWRGRErGRfKaZ453Jvexj0yadJD_QDCdF_4Ev4v496OfYOX_nm_BMiDKfMrNWStpFxnXwww/s1600/IMG_0127.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2d7rbQqr3XOmFjgediqshgFO_kEkUjam50vlHMpr5A80h0niH1q1xosGDfNT2SyZQnGApCNGoIte11Wg0um0VJTJssNTGYtUlunZvzufLdPnwnBwM5qZvA281ofJTkVbPqVE7XKIOxc/s320/IMG_0228.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5752089801510275010" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">It is wonderful to be home, but sad at the same time. In a way I feel like I am betraying my cancer friends by moving home and going on with life. I feel a bit of guilt that I am able to do that, while others are still battling. Another sweet boy we know was relieved of his pain last night and went home to his Heavenly Father. While we are grateful that Annabelle is in remission, I ask that you remember that so many others are still fighting, and 1/4 of them will ultimately be called home at an early age. I urge you to be supportive of pediatric cancer research and those seeking to find less toxic treatments, and ultimately a cure.</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigsQaTjgASGB-GAzDbF9klpE-7-fb1m2byHflFMG6nXWGjWbYRYveUAO07cDceRSQZ_-qwylK7YncDeU0Eig64R9vpbUwQBql2ZyypBkO5Bn3E2zBTEQTWUr_1T0XoCb3O2DBseqriWU/s320/PCMCKSLphoto.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5752086029032388130" /></div></div></div>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04426949009982711675noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165622452795915122.post-61596137481439541612012-06-02T08:55:00.003-06:002012-06-02T08:59:59.229-06:00Annabelle on KSLAnnabelle's segment aired on KSL news at 10 last night. I hope that in some small way, her story (and sweet face!) will help to raise money for the place we love so much. Thank you Primary Children's for saving my daughter's life, and providing a place of healing and HOPE for us all.<div><br /></div><div>If you'd like to watch it, just click on the link below and then select Annabelle's video.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=20647204&title=family-turns-to-primary-childrens-to-save-ailing-son&s_cid=queue-2">http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=20647204&title=family-turns-to-primary-childrens-to-save-ailing-son&s_cid=queue-2</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>I promise that an update is coming soon. Thanks for being so patient!</div>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04426949009982711675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165622452795915122.post-48260044443942528572012-05-31T13:17:00.001-06:002012-05-31T13:17:22.359-06:00HopeWords cannot express how grateful I am for every single person at PCMC who worked together to save Annabelle's life. I will forever feel indebted to them. It's the annual fundraising week for Primary's and this video was made for it. I can't help but cry as I watch this video and see some of our fellow cancer friends, the rooms, the hallways, the hospital entry, and all those familiar scenes we left just days ago. Annabelle is in remission, but there are still many, too many, kids being treated at PCMC. Please remember them.<br />
<br />
<script src="http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?height=374&video_pcode=M5bG86xIJoe7mmPP96qCRP6tTOrn&embedCode=s2czR1NDqesxqD7sflfLU73nQL39G5Ys&deepLinkEmbedCode=s2czR1NDqesxqD7sflfLU73nQL39G5Ys&width=664&hide=info">
</script>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04426949009982711675noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165622452795915122.post-9914872396983377082012-05-16T17:00:00.002-06:002012-05-16T17:00:13.418-06:00Cancer Free!!!I'll post details later, but for now I just wanted to share the good news that ANNABELLE IS IN COMPLETE REMISSION! She is CANCER FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04426949009982711675noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165622452795915122.post-43003672288120020652012-05-15T21:21:00.003-06:002012-05-15T21:21:43.730-06:00ScansThe time has come for Annabelle's end of treatment imaging. A time we've been anxiously waiting for and also anxiously fearing. She had her MRI today and will head back in tomorrow for x-rays, a CT scan, echocardiogram, and a bone scan. We will see the Dr tomorrow afternoon to get all of the results. She did great with the sedation for her MRI today and is feeling fine. I, however, am concerned with the preliminary results the radiologist gave me. I am grateful that he came out to talk to me, though, because it turned out that her last MRI (Augsust 2011) was mislabeled and therefore wasn't showing up for him. He was comparing today's results with her MRI from diagnosis, so he was saying she has had a remarkable response as her tumor was quite large at diagnosis and today he only saw a 6mm area that he wasn't sure whether it was residual tumor or scar tissue. I immediately picked up on the 6mm figure because in August they had reported a similar finding that was 3mm in size. After speaking with me, the radiologist did some searching in her file and that's how he found her August MRI had been mislabeled. He came back out and said he had found it and would use it for comparison, and that's all he had to say. It left me a little uneasy, as you can imagine, so I'm praying for peace and comfort as we get the results tomorrow!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I will do my best to post as soon as I can tomorrow to share the news. I am so grateful that Annabelle is such a brave, sweet girl and my rock when I am weak. I'm a lucky mom.</div>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04426949009982711675noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165622452795915122.post-56746386790694341202012-05-07T16:24:00.000-06:002012-05-07T16:24:04.893-06:00D.O.N.E.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
It has been big excitement for us lately. Serious big excitement. Annabelle rang the bell last week as she finished her last inpatient round of chemo. KSL was there to film it and then interview us for PCMC's telethon coming up on June 2nd. Annabelle was super excited about "being on TV", as she called it. She also gets to go to the KSL studio later this week and learn about doing the weather. She has this obsession with the weather and likes to do her own forecasts so this is a dream come true for her! <br />
<br />
Josh arrived on Saturday and the girls couldn't be happier! Next time he leaves we will be going with him. Such a good feeling! Today was Annabelle's last outpatient chemo treatment. I really thought I would cry or feel more emotional but instead I am too exhausted and have a horrible headache. She also needed blood so we are sitting in clinic right now waiting for that to happen. Things always take 3 times as long as they should in clinic so it's 4pm and they are just starting Annabelle's blood. That means we will not be leaving here until at least 6:30 and getting back to Tremonton around 8pm. I'm so glad it's our last time here. Clinic is exhausting.<br />
<br />
And now for your viewing pleasure...pictures!<br />
<br />
Annabelle had colored a special picture to give to Layla before she rang the bell because she was worried Layla might feel left out. She always thinks of Layla and wants to have things for her too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPWahAPHJvcjmgA1X4azW1B9MnsGTplT5CrIxJSrQCudsovc5AQJyGu6K6wMo8gmWfj9Y1ieSuu_9GcJnzC9rcteZwdWKvmVNPystbrg8OIy4bdDInP7Jmn-hujN_IE1IifYW9FnQl54/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPWahAPHJvcjmgA1X4azW1B9MnsGTplT5CrIxJSrQCudsovc5AQJyGu6K6wMo8gmWfj9Y1ieSuu_9GcJnzC9rcteZwdWKvmVNPystbrg8OIy4bdDInP7Jmn-hujN_IE1IifYW9FnQl54/s320/IMG_0013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The infamous bell. After a year of walking past it, our turn finally came to ring it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfQuuiGrKLwVgp-br7j5Pm9sS78rKcfPMP5E20mXF74oEquIXtMOaIHHNLBHc-uiit8FF4dSiXD862fIVv6srMyGMf_4ouSg8wudrExQC2vN4SOL3-4UMrdNSsMMWxLZW0X-T0_v_zrM/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfQuuiGrKLwVgp-br7j5Pm9sS78rKcfPMP5E20mXF74oEquIXtMOaIHHNLBHc-uiit8FF4dSiXD862fIVv6srMyGMf_4ouSg8wudrExQC2vN4SOL3-4UMrdNSsMMWxLZW0X-T0_v_zrM/s320/IMG_0015.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Cupcakes and cake to celebrate. Poor Layla was still recovering from having croup, a sinus infection, and a reaction to an antibiotic!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3RjiS2wXUhvQam2r5rLG0tUR0OyHtx5pEcZyBVniedtQEaScBSd1arp9RkyIp268It3WZyxR5toDGUY9ZenuKVIvO6GvuzeG9Nedy-5bo4BourkTFni25Gp6JSRTMtH8A2VEv7SidZ4/s1600/IMG_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3RjiS2wXUhvQam2r5rLG0tUR0OyHtx5pEcZyBVniedtQEaScBSd1arp9RkyIp268It3WZyxR5toDGUY9ZenuKVIvO6GvuzeG9Nedy-5bo4BourkTFni25Gp6JSRTMtH8A2VEv7SidZ4/s320/IMG_0030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Happy last chemo banner.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEVuyw8TYe0XWIeZ6AL8_vimvr4L8qTxKxLr89cu_ubn3SkPVo7vQtDqWZHvxj7jGuEKQY9POBzD0BiAr5MM8Cy2ymaPfu7skm5XEPuENrmJ4IiOGoUG-rtnypX21mzyPu_f68cpGWCo/s1600/IMG_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEVuyw8TYe0XWIeZ6AL8_vimvr4L8qTxKxLr89cu_ubn3SkPVo7vQtDqWZHvxj7jGuEKQY9POBzD0BiAr5MM8Cy2ymaPfu7skm5XEPuENrmJ4IiOGoUG-rtnypX21mzyPu_f68cpGWCo/s320/IMG_0033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIqEeMZV7Rn6ovFd0lVydHDUUbCcQ3tu0_cBtyepDdZhQfb7qWutdG3078dcYOdrc_QjLrtGGYCc4zJkKK1xWVZ7kL7l8fpUeOhGK9rSB72b55JUtQEw_MV1S_SRNqUUm_pcNG4GQsjM/s1600/IMG_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIqEeMZV7Rn6ovFd0lVydHDUUbCcQ3tu0_cBtyepDdZhQfb7qWutdG3078dcYOdrc_QjLrtGGYCc4zJkKK1xWVZ7kL7l8fpUeOhGK9rSB72b55JUtQEw_MV1S_SRNqUUm_pcNG4GQsjM/s320/IMG_0035.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Yummy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVawVfA28OCd4hlQIwepmuJ7ESf0CGsOJEWM8nUMjMmEZnQRcG5KlGCiqECdcqQMB2WAeAsl0y1Blwrg_Fi9VXfuYy9MmqhpDVcU5XwIc27ieNnyJ6wmQWfDloYHrxSNnxQS7C1MrdMtc/s1600/IMG_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVawVfA28OCd4hlQIwepmuJ7ESf0CGsOJEWM8nUMjMmEZnQRcG5KlGCiqECdcqQMB2WAeAsl0y1Blwrg_Fi9VXfuYy9MmqhpDVcU5XwIc27ieNnyJ6wmQWfDloYHrxSNnxQS7C1MrdMtc/s320/IMG_0037.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yahoo!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYbe7Bcjna9LPiZwa8hHWiT9VKvjX9cp25p6f2b8y1morjVCCw9WClCOfYQXfwMRxzHKbRQYqxBFyUboyj4giSTAkJ0UAgm0WzGwydgKtkdc0UNkTPCY-iMU9Q7HAU0AjZBqWmXfWiIQ/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYbe7Bcjna9LPiZwa8hHWiT9VKvjX9cp25p6f2b8y1morjVCCw9WClCOfYQXfwMRxzHKbRQYqxBFyUboyj4giSTAkJ0UAgm0WzGwydgKtkdc0UNkTPCY-iMU9Q7HAU0AjZBqWmXfWiIQ/s320/IMG_0012.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Time for a dressing change...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswPIKsfCRPKwuEhyphenhyphenVh7uu8X4wF3PrG4eIY9dc3ZajaGY6_S45PC-uOvnmlMs0iazDh7af6uvgP-LZKxB13p7jT-SAL5ZNdabn48_bNqioDEifhw8g5jkjQV2Cwx_kku9e1yHmd7ZET2o/s1600/IMG_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswPIKsfCRPKwuEhyphenhyphenVh7uu8X4wF3PrG4eIY9dc3ZajaGY6_S45PC-uOvnmlMs0iazDh7af6uvgP-LZKxB13p7jT-SAL5ZNdabn48_bNqioDEifhw8g5jkjQV2Cwx_kku9e1yHmd7ZET2o/s320/IMG_0044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSeejNEjwTsHr1E36m08ut1f8G1U_x0Ig5WVkiM9SA42exbfWUOH2iMabeWUEQQWm-sx0QAU9afrq1lP71z9qGV4I8r8j7DieXX5K8POXA5voA03o4cmYmOlnS9azFnopLjQokND-IdU/s1600/IMG_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSeejNEjwTsHr1E36m08ut1f8G1U_x0Ig5WVkiM9SA42exbfWUOH2iMabeWUEQQWm-sx0QAU9afrq1lP71z9qGV4I8r8j7DieXX5K8POXA5voA03o4cmYmOlnS9azFnopLjQokND-IdU/s320/IMG_0041.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The last bag of Cytoxan! Goodbye icky poison.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2bBrK4n_WDRxY3eJ6DH08wjZHMOpTXxkWRSFDDIqZIKAqBxnkDiKIIt-r2e8-ze2l0s59bFHeF9RLcN4bDM33CzVjct5Gqxgl81LyZ5tzZ2D_8r_R15ZQauy5L8rb2SQZIpzPlEjXOs/s1600/IMG_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2bBrK4n_WDRxY3eJ6DH08wjZHMOpTXxkWRSFDDIqZIKAqBxnkDiKIIt-r2e8-ze2l0s59bFHeF9RLcN4bDM33CzVjct5Gqxgl81LyZ5tzZ2D_8r_R15ZQauy5L8rb2SQZIpzPlEjXOs/s320/IMG_0045.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Infusion complete...yes!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hytlpjXCzrOie2pRwEcKmsJv1_Hu9mi2opcsqDKyyUdVNq_9gce_yZ1RvshnV0JjrhAPqjN8mkPpgwfAhrrntOi7oIqwFzl-wYB6EU8Wd7s1p3CsbAHMCp6Z2yPGPz0jQfkUSKEDnzo/s1600/IMG_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hytlpjXCzrOie2pRwEcKmsJv1_Hu9mi2opcsqDKyyUdVNq_9gce_yZ1RvshnV0JjrhAPqjN8mkPpgwfAhrrntOi7oIqwFzl-wYB6EU8Wd7s1p3CsbAHMCp6Z2yPGPz0jQfkUSKEDnzo/s320/IMG_0046.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
That's my girl! A fighter, a champion, my hero.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2WZ2Z8pFn3k8Sj1RMWRLxA_jDmz6kdR9ji7t6a8_Y60pfxDGvQBF6WVEMCY5zRR-wfhIsMMHptu8M2Xm5vFsnby_jQyeLSAck-USzfI7mLC4UNj3o9tgv76OQU8E2vjbwnE9EkL6re18/s1600/IMG_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2WZ2Z8pFn3k8Sj1RMWRLxA_jDmz6kdR9ji7t6a8_Y60pfxDGvQBF6WVEMCY5zRR-wfhIsMMHptu8M2Xm5vFsnby_jQyeLSAck-USzfI7mLC4UNj3o9tgv76OQU8E2vjbwnE9EkL6re18/s320/IMG_0052.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
One last wish in the wishing pond.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIGT0HM0gmliWuT6_jLe4XMBXJxTeYEoXwScl0UT1DWvHX1oVXfNA9fG1yF1E2g1VntjSmDB0VmpvDdgr7IV1NnPkijZtMITb4nAvvco-9RIyU04NRNi3kp6S163j0LFwHAnS_BfCIF0/s1600/IMG_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIGT0HM0gmliWuT6_jLe4XMBXJxTeYEoXwScl0UT1DWvHX1oVXfNA9fG1yF1E2g1VntjSmDB0VmpvDdgr7IV1NnPkijZtMITb4nAvvco-9RIyU04NRNi3kp6S163j0LFwHAnS_BfCIF0/s320/IMG_0054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm sure you know what we both wished for!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0uWDqYo6YU4BE2-1F-DpamR8Gjruf2fa6NGiOmhJnjbzyBJ6lMjy_JqF0XYh42CEd3zCo_mBYDqvnmTz7js3wvx_7vdX1iVyk_TR9zUy01OB7-9GUH00FyIwmR8EnpNqd-5kaDrVgqA/s1600/IMG_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0uWDqYo6YU4BE2-1F-DpamR8Gjruf2fa6NGiOmhJnjbzyBJ6lMjy_JqF0XYh42CEd3zCo_mBYDqvnmTz7js3wvx_7vdX1iVyk_TR9zUy01OB7-9GUH00FyIwmR8EnpNqd-5kaDrVgqA/s320/IMG_0056.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Please keep Annabelle in your prayers as she will have scans next week to see if the cancer is gone. We are fully expecting it to be, and would be devastated if it is not, so please join us in praying for no evidence of disease. Thank you!Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04426949009982711675noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165622452795915122.post-11731141329573775202012-04-30T15:50:00.002-06:002012-04-30T15:52:34.448-06:00Ringing the bell!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx1uHENMvbTpsxZFTyR9j-p3QEog4dnxMQ_KiQEZzbV_7G3okoRWfW_PlGa1MGpRRr2VMScK7Uv8hj9uh_a' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04426949009982711675noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165622452795915122.post-60035589915136212862012-04-23T21:53:00.000-06:002015-09-02T14:22:25.249-06:00One Year LaterToday is exactly one year since the day my worst fear was confirmed. Annabelle DID have something very serious happening in her little body. April 23, 2011, the day before Easter, is the day we found out Annabelle had a tumor in her neck. A day that changed our lives, forever.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdqZa4qlxdr4ce4jcJY5sZqlDFndCGaye4Eb6Tboi_EM39qE6Wv6JBfGIm9VQkjVLHtfCMg4pvTg-k-fqZThqAooMmHJ2xAvGBhuT99yw71gGqLyatE43fq84sbuQyawmEiF32d4KWUM/s1600/DSCF3071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdqZa4qlxdr4ce4jcJY5sZqlDFndCGaye4Eb6Tboi_EM39qE6Wv6JBfGIm9VQkjVLHtfCMg4pvTg-k-fqZThqAooMmHJ2xAvGBhuT99yw71gGqLyatE43fq84sbuQyawmEiF32d4KWUM/s320/DSCF3071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She has come a long way, though, and I couldn't be more proud of how she has handled it all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgswcG35R_3Y5loz63H9eBY0Sm9izMxdyp3y8NiAWPwmG0CBgxhfInE8yF5QfQ0eKNJDaixGcumYJ83I4tMvinysdZuePhBflzroM31qwWy_RKybNxTuHxTvkL7-SQ98G8Ay3_KdcprnE/s1600/399056_10150705717532770_68463252769_9144936_1283575309_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgswcG35R_3Y5loz63H9eBY0Sm9izMxdyp3y8NiAWPwmG0CBgxhfInE8yF5QfQ0eKNJDaixGcumYJ83I4tMvinysdZuePhBflzroM31qwWy_RKybNxTuHxTvkL7-SQ98G8Ay3_KdcprnE/s1600/399056_10150705717532770_68463252769_9144936_1283575309_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's to many cancer free April 23s to come!!!</div>
Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04426949009982711675noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165622452795915122.post-43770952681165660562012-04-22T17:54:00.000-06:002012-04-22T17:54:43.361-06:00Fever, really!?!I really thought Annabelle was going to finish out her treatments with no issues, and to be honest I was getting a little bored/anxious. I kept looking forward to each of her lab draws to see when she would be able to start the next round of chemo. Things were pretty low key for quite a while. I should have enjoyed that instead of dreading it.<br />
<br />
Last weekend as Annabelle was being discharged from the hospital after her last 5 day chemo, Bev called and told me that Layla woke up in the night with a horrible barking cough that left her gagging and gasping. I guess it was pretty bad and gave them a good scare. I got her an appointment later that morning and Bev took her in to the Dr and he confirmed that she had croup. She was put on a steroid to keep her airway open and then sent home. Of course with Annabelle's fragile immune system, she could not get near Layla! They were both heartbroken and I was torn between my two girls! I was the only one that hadn't been exposed to Layla and whatever she had so I was the one to stay with Annabelle, but at the same time Layla was sick and just wanted and needed her mommy. I hated it! That about did me in emotionally. What an exhausting week.<br />
<br />
Then, the past few days Annabelle just hasn't been feeling that well. She would say "I just don't feel good" all the time. I knew her counts were low so I attributed it to that. However, last night just before bed she spiked a fever. You'd think I would be used to the whole fever and neutropenia thing since we have been through that a dozen times before, but it was so frustrating to me. She hasn't gotten a fever the past few rounds so I guess you could say I was a little disappointed when the thermometer read 101.8! I immediately packed our bags and we were off to PCMC.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvGLFnRH2ls1Ms8DUlUmiv1DrNL0bFxjGJmTX8j-ouwphxU66WwtKUv3lD3X5qFtie1gyQXsCnJXHQXUxqbuehnATcuGvF9W0HV5zGWdT79sS_a7gQDH27_U0ktI8gIKBltWhzdxgjhY/s1600/IMG164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvGLFnRH2ls1Ms8DUlUmiv1DrNL0bFxjGJmTX8j-ouwphxU66WwtKUv3lD3X5qFtie1gyQXsCnJXHQXUxqbuehnATcuGvF9W0HV5zGWdT79sS_a7gQDH27_U0ktI8gIKBltWhzdxgjhY/s320/IMG164.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It takes several hours spent in the ER before we actually get admitted to ICS so I didn't even get in bed until 3:30 this morning. I just can't believe we used to do this every round. How did I manage to survive that!?! I guess I'm just on major burnout now as we are so close to the end. Annabelle's ANC and platelets are still too low so she won't be starting her last round of chemo tomorrow as originally scheduled. :( We'll see what her counts look like tomorrow and once she is fever free for 24 hours she will be discharged and set up with a new admit date for her final round. We will get to that finish line. It WILL happen.Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04426949009982711675noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165622452795915122.post-57160584605590488872012-04-13T21:10:00.003-06:002012-04-13T22:21:38.813-06:00BittersweetI don't know what to think or how to explain the mix of emotions I am feeling. First, let me give a little update. Annabelle and I have been at the hospital since Monday completing her next to last round of chemo! She just finished getting her last dose of VP16 and Ifofsamide. THE last of those two meds on her treatment protocol. I should never have to see those 2 poisons pumped into my daughter again....EVER! This is our last 5 day round of chemo. The last time I will be forced to get up every 2 hours to take Annabelle to the bathroom for 5 days straight. For that, I am beyond excited! I am looking forward to my sweet little girl being cancer free. I can't wait to get to snuggle Layla every day and not have to leave her all the time. We will get to all live in the same house again, Josh included. I will get to see my husband more than once a month. There are so many good things to look forward to, but there are a lot of things I am going to miss too.<div><br /></div><div>I was walking on the 3rd floor today and there was a volunteer playing a beautiful song on the piano. Right at that moment I realized how much our life is going to change...again. We literally moved to a different state, met all new friends and dedicated the last year of our life to keeping Annabelle alive. I have spent countless hours in this hospital experiencing the worst days of my life and also some of my greatest joys. Most of my memories from the past year took place right here at PCMC. Most of Annabelle's friends have cancer and they live in Utah. My fellow cancer moms are my friends. The nurses, techs and doctors are my friends. In many ways I don't want to leave all that behind. As much as you can't plan anything in the cancer world, the one thing I have known the past year is that as soon as Annabelle's counts recovered, we would be coming in for the next round. Then it would repeat every few weeks. I always knew what was next in line. Now I have no idea what will be coming up next. It will be a different sort of unknown. We will be establishing our new normal. We will have regular visits back to PCMC for scans and follow-up appointments, so it's not like we'll never see these people or this place again. It will just be different. Different in good and sad ways.</div><div><br /></div><div>My life has been forever changed because of this journey, and I am a better person because of it. I am eternally grateful for that. I know as time goes on we will settle into new relationship dynamics with those back home and those here in Utah, but for now it leaves me emotional and unsure. Bittersweet.</div>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04426949009982711675noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165622452795915122.post-2728818588992382652012-04-06T13:25:00.000-06:002012-04-06T13:27:06.830-06:00Forever Changed<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 100%; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: left; ">The last month has been filled with all the extreme emotions that the cancer world can bring. I have had very high highs and very low lows. Annabelle is nearing the end of her treatment and that brings much excitement! Josh was able to come visit for a few days and my sister, Moria, was here at the same time. The weather was super nice that weekend and we got to enjoy a day at the zoo too. Another wonderful day was when our cancer friend, Jackson, had his wish granted. He wished for a go-kart and let me just say that it is super cool. I want one now. Not for the girls, but for ME! The weather was perfect and we had a great time at Miller Motorsports Park watching him drive it for the first time. I truly felt such joy seeing him so happy and spending the day with his family. We love you Pender family!</span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6leinzJxWEbB3nEQL5fbSnKHt1RU5b2HR34eEv4xoS1rg_AXewsb4wua8A6HuI8bvm2LVckD18MKEQXaqyVkO6vYgBI4r7Hzi9DpRgGezB1sXQMTM4R3W9TOonu4MVuwAwS35fAnuik/s320/DSCF3680.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728349941653108306" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVZNv36By8gZQ3hnuiFAMd43l5xaSrqvRP1-zAtB2kocrV-q7z456Xp_MDCteLrL2sJpK6VuDiCxm42p876ZSWtdvQ6JMO-oeEly84sZb65sy4q0qr9CsaS9j1XfquMv-bjIsFRbQD9c/s320/DSCF3690.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728349948308899426" /><div style="text-align: center;">The hardest part about the last month has been the losses and grief in our little cancer world. A sweet boy here in Utah passed away at the hospital very quickly and unexpected. It all started with blood pressure dropping and within hours he was gone. Annabelle has had trouble with her blood pressure a few different times, the scariest being Thanksgiving day when they called a rapid response code and her room flooded with doctors and nurse specialists. It is scary to think how close we could have been to losing her. I just never realized how quickly things could change with these cancer fighting cuties.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another girl who's story I have been following just passed away as well. One day she was getting chemo, the next day she had complications that put her in the PICU and she was soon sedated and put on a ventilator and the next week she was gone.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A tough little boy just finished his last round of chemo only to find out that 50% of his cells were still Leukemia. He is out of options for treatment so his family is enjoying the time they have with him because they don't know how much longer he will be here.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And the most recent shock came yesterday when I found out that our fellow Ewing's fighter in MT has relapsed only 6 months after finishing treatment. My heart was absolutely crushed to hear about this. M's family has been SO supportive of us in our cancer journey and I only pray that I can do the same for them now. We love you sweet, beautiful McLain!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As startled as I was to hear about McLain's relapse, it really made me realize how precious each day is that I have with my girls. There is no way to know now if or when Annabelle could relapse. To think that we could be battling this again only months after finishing reminds me that each day is a gift and that I don't want to waste it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">No regrets.</div>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04426949009982711675noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165622452795915122.post-69535807594681451272012-03-26T21:03:00.004-06:002012-03-26T21:34:47.887-06:00Progress<div>Annabelle is getting so close to being done with treatment! She has been feeling great the last few weeks and we're praying she will finish things out strong.</div><div><br /></div><div>Four treatments left.</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWm8RpxgXOUF3xB2cIzZem8b0lcGkiY59zgApXqbaX5Bi195m7NQRC9Of-b3wAe1Lcw2ES9p7k0m-vPv_FVyW5kqaNB017snmEKHlTbgUNPjIwAlafuSrUbEP_XoZ6Thdwh4imFDutX6E/s320/DSCF3646.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724410171447292530" />Three left!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Zmm9JK94gl0F0_UX7VxzrQ97VeX_BO8rtZSefDoUf6KxpT9haZ_rbaboWDNjD1GP561lim62uenLl3kpj8xDLteZiYFJjixhwBT4v_kCnQ7ZsZVzoE3g8vlA1PFbThg1m5sD9U5zrC4/s1600/photo.JPG" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Zmm9JK94gl0F0_UX7VxzrQ97VeX_BO8rtZSefDoUf6KxpT9haZ_rbaboWDNjD1GP561lim62uenLl3kpj8xDLteZiYFJjixhwBT4v_kCnQ7ZsZVzoE3g8vlA1PFbThg1m5sD9U5zrC4/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724411393197099394" /></a>That's where we are at right now. She had 1 night inpatient last week and will have an outpatient treatment later this week and that will wrap up cycle 15! She is scheduled to start the next cycle after Easter and that will be her last 5 day treatment of VP16 and Ifofsamide.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span ><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>This is what we <i>really</i> do in the hospital. Annabelle spends lots of time riding the bike up and down the hallways while I chase behind with the IV pole. I've been told it's really quite entertaining!</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8HBsdmt7FZOuZo-Jy_syt7VFYwK5X4N5V5K25g2QWH57HyUDNei9nPmTv3ylmPGannKMnciQwPgKbAlB-hpJyk7jugZpo6j3bU4JSTNSTe5oPk4AhumJjQ0wXvPzYFFW1ZseGA3trwk/s320/DSCF3651.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724409363060045554" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><div style="text-align: left;">Lately when she is all worn out from riding the bike, she likes me to push her (and the IV pole) while we go "exploring" around the hospital.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDL_4TL4QDl28vJPLfQ2qFmhbiTIN7eHrdwtTtcsTySG_8UTyhyphenhyphenG8-lU8LE3mwBA37Q3fuz-0PC3wBtiO6cdLQyuP33_Jq2NxhznO3OLQlZM1tsp-n2LbpXT1ZnhnTRxbqwrGYkWEOx0/s320/DSCF3653.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724409348617760306" style="font-size: 16px; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-family: Georgia, serif; text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGgPwp7RSQlYlk42y-6hBxsCEJlHSsNF1Wp5-371-5vt4oAtwhJv3v1Q0lKKEAAFu6nwTqbMoC71afp35tEM71VvPzZRnxc7VTrbTqFZAN29vRpyinalndVywZnBfUpmDyjopGh8NJUI/s1600/DSCF3648.JPG" style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "></a><span ><span style="font-size: 100%; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;">Hospital beds double as slides on days when she is feeling good.</span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGgPwp7RSQlYlk42y-6hBxsCEJlHSsNF1Wp5-371-5vt4oAtwhJv3v1Q0lKKEAAFu6nwTqbMoC71afp35tEM71VvPzZRnxc7VTrbTqFZAN29vRpyinalndVywZnBfUpmDyjopGh8NJUI/s1600/DSCF3648.JPG"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGgPwp7RSQlYlk42y-6hBxsCEJlHSsNF1Wp5-371-5vt4oAtwhJv3v1Q0lKKEAAFu6nwTqbMoC71afp35tEM71VvPzZRnxc7VTrbTqFZAN29vRpyinalndVywZnBfUpmDyjopGh8NJUI/s320/DSCF3648.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724409404512574530" /></a></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span ><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GudmxDAZiEusCf_o0uGMzgmGze54EH5K7Vo4X4Xkh8PiRS8EBSAfbMnF6NKBtN-k2KWb28pJHfUkNRwp_oPnO7RcMNRauyTJ6onT7heyLIRcr6ZYwPBe5WdiGEQSqizIvRyApdbXAG0/s320/DSCF3647.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724409369605067490" />Annabelle always enjoys entertaining the nurses with dance moves.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGgPwp7RSQlYlk42y-6hBxsCEJlHSsNF1Wp5-371-5vt4oAtwhJv3v1Q0lKKEAAFu6nwTqbMoC71afp35tEM71VvPzZRnxc7VTrbTqFZAN29vRpyinalndVywZnBfUpmDyjopGh8NJUI/s1600/DSCF3648.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4z_uLNkjKMHsWCoMTV35IhjzHe9hWQ1m3thvLVSLKyXGNyCGARM94WsbP1KE8lxjz6zgr9KnvJjlMwF0fNxEBwm6syFnGVlVXL3bzGpsOKe6Wer1SgyD4hZQTFSh7pYDKavF7poA8g3I/s320/DSCF3650.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724410162104943618" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span ><u>And just in case you're wondering, Layla is still getting cuter every day!</u></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGmodaB4LDO3c0Lagx8QHkaJJrOA8ssnJzFJEU8K10EQmtoHA3kbQQMOgTAjEXGut91rCGH3OUwU5-MNVDjCJwj6zhB0FMuQwCq1-ymBpsoOHlga0zRAcy4_tgjF3JzJtPzyX0JIB6Nk/s1600/DSCF3632.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGmodaB4LDO3c0Lagx8QHkaJJrOA8ssnJzFJEU8K10EQmtoHA3kbQQMOgTAjEXGut91rCGH3OUwU5-MNVDjCJwj6zhB0FMuQwCq1-ymBpsoOHlga0zRAcy4_tgjF3JzJtPzyX0JIB6Nk/s320/DSCF3632.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724409346349765842" /></a></div></div><div>Oh how I love my girls!!!</div>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04426949009982711675noreply@blogger.com3