Whoa, Chemo #1 Done!

I did a huge post on our vacation and it is still publishing a week later:(  Probably because I tried posting 50 pictures from our trip.  I will do another Vacay post next but wanted to get this one out of the way first.
  Sunday, I received the sweetest surprise from my friends.  Tina and I teach Sunday school and Kev normally brings us breakfast towards the end.  He brought our whole class with him to give me a "chemo bag" to start treatment.  Overwhelmed to say the least.  My sweet friends gave me a blanket, book, gift cards galore, candy, gum ,thank you cards, pens, water bottle, and lots more.  I am so thankful for them and they really helped gear up for Monday.  I also found another sweet gift basket on our porch that afternoon.  One thing about cancer.....as terrible as it is, people really do go out of their way to show their love and support.  Another friend started a meal site for us, and I can't explain how much that is going to help and means to us.  I am not one to ask for help, but am quickly realizing how difficult/impossible this would be to do on my own.
  So then comes Monday and I went in for my first treatment.  I wasn't really nervous and was ready to go.  It was an all day event.  They check your blood, you meet with the doctor, and then there was lots of prepping since it was my first time.  We have been praying for 2 years for a friend that I grew up with that has cancer.  I haven't seen her since my wedding.  Can you believe I sat right next to her while I received chemo?  She normally has chemo on the 2nd floor, but there just happened to be a fire in the elevator that morning and she was moved downstairs....I am sure God had nothing to do with orchestrating that, right?  She gave us so much helpful information and even has let me borrow her real hair wig for when my hair comes out.  I hate the circumstances we met up, but am so thankful we did.  So, while you are praying for me, you can lift up Lori as well!  She has a sweet husband and twin boys and has been on quite a journey.
  The actual chemo only lasted about 45 minutes, but they gave me a bag of nausea meds first and maybe something else, I don't remember.  Chick Fil A was there so Kev got us some lunch while we were hanging out.  We left with two nausea meds and I had to go back the next day for a shot to boost my blood counts. 
  So.....about an hour after we got home I felt horrible.  No energy, horrible headache, and some serious nausea.  I was in bed by 4 and stayed there till the next morning.  It was pretty rough till Wednesday.  My parents took me Tuesday to get the shot and I was scared to death.  I had heard from several that you would feel achy and that it was worse than the chemo.  I wasn't sure I could take much more.  The shot did NOT affect me at all!!!  Praise the Lord!  So, Thursday I went to work like normal and we headed to Savannah, which is where we are now.
  I stay pretty tired, but haven't felt any nausea in a few days.  Chemo is definitely nothing I could prepare for or wish on my worst enemy....but we are making it through one day at a time.  Kev is being a rock star dad, my parents are willing to do anything and have been a huge help, our whole family and friends are just a great support system, and the Lord is meeting our every need.  The kids are doing well and I just know we are going to be just fine!

Camp, Cat Scan, Ports, and Wow, God is Good!

This week has been a full one!!  The kids were able to attend sports camps through the high school.  Maddie went to basketball and Turner did soccer camp.  They were from 9-12 and the kids enjoyed them.  They came home tired!  It was a hot week and Turner doesn't always love that - but he sure did love his ice cream sandwich yesterday;)
  I met the Oncologist on Wednesday and it was a long afternoon.  We learned a lot of info about my cancer and treatment plan.  Looks like I will do one kind for 2 months first.  I will go once every two weeks for 2 months.  The following day I will go in to get a shot that will help my blood counts recover quicker.  He said this one might cause me to feel bad for 2-5 days afterwards.
  After that I will do another one every week for 12 weeks and the side effects of that one aren't as bad.  He said your hair normally falls out before you start the 2nd treatment.  I am hoping to start a week from Monday.  So the countdown is on...
  Dr. Tauer wanted to do a cat scan just to see if cancer showed up anywhere else.  I am glad we did, but was so anxious.  He came back in and told me there were some spots on my liver.  Say what????  He did NOT think they were cancer, but the radiologist couldn't confirm it.  It was kind of late, so he told me they would do an ultrasound the next day before I got my port.
  At this point, I am asking if anyone ever takes anxiety medicine while going through this.  I was easily given a prescription for Adivan.  Wednesday night was a long one.  The thought of cancer being somewhere else as well was almost more than I could handle.  But with lots of prayer and a little Adivan, I slept.
  Yesterday Nonna came to hang out with the kids and my parents joined Kev and I at the doctor.  They kept some seats in the waiting room warm for a few hours;)  The ultrasound was first and after what seemed like forever....I was told the spots were benign!!!  Talk about crying tears of joy... I walked out to tell my parents and scared them to death.  I have never felt such relief.  It was great news.  The man that did the ultrasound goes to Bartlett Baptist and was so kind.  Nice to have fellow Jesus lovers working on you!
  After that, the port was put in.  Not a huge deal, but I am so sore.  I won't be able to swim on vacation and will have to be really careful about sand not getting anywhere near it, but we are ready to go.  The doctor told us over and over that waiting 1 week to start treatment wasn't going to make a difference.  I want my kids to have/enjoy this vacation before I might not feel well all the time.
  A funny off topic Harper story- she and I were in Old Navy while the kids were at camp.  I turned around and couldn't find her.  I felt complete panic and was running everywhere screaming her name.  I had half the store looking for her.  After the longest 5 minutes of my life, a manager saw her feet sticking out of a display!!  She was playing Hide and Seek with me and came out with the hugest grin on her face!  She loves that game and will not give herself away!!  Next time she is going in a cart, even if she screams the whole time;)
  A few verses that have been helping me through these days:
"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones" Proverbs 17:22

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds" James 1:2

A new friend, that is a cancer survivor herself, sent me Mark 10:27 along with "Praying Through Cancer", which is a 90 day deviotional.  So thankful for the people God is putting in my path and using to minister to me.  I pray that I can do the same while going through this and once I get to the other side.

Jesus said, "with men it is impossible, but not with God, because all things are possible with God."

Turner Lost a Tooth!!

Turner lost his first tooth!!  He looks so cute and his permanent tooth was already coming in behind it.  It has been wiggly for a while and he let Kevin pull it after lunch.  Everyone was excited for him.  He has put it in his tooth pillow and anxiously awaiting the tooth fairy.
  After that we met Tina and the girls at the BPAC to watch Rapunzel.  Several kids from church were in it and it was a great show. We really enjoy watching the plays put on by kids there.  We found out there would be several more throughout the summer and we are hoping to make some.  Kev had to work this afternoon and my parents watched Harper so that we could go.
  Let me give a shout out to Mimi and Boo Boo.  They had all 3 of our kids spend the night last night plus Aubry!  Then they allowed Harper to come back over so we could watch the play.  Then when we picked Harper up....we were invited to stay for dinner!!  I know they are tired, but they are trying to make things easier on me.  They are having to keep them quite a bit while I go to a bunch of different doctors.  My 3 aren't always an easy bunch to keep, but they are so loved!  Thankful for the parents I was given and all they do for our family.  I love y'all more than the sky!

Moving Right Along!

We have had a full week of VBS and are wrapping it up tomorrow.  The kids have had a blast learning about Jesus and my mom and I have enjoyed doing snacks with the littles.  Tomorrow is our last day and I am praying that some seeds have been planted in these kids little hearts.
  Monday afternoon the kids and I headed to Jennifer's to bake and let the kids play.  The only rule was no talk of the "C" word.  Done!!  We came home with yummy bread and lots of cinnamon rolls.  I am so thankful for her and her friendship.
  Wednesday we stopped at sonic after vbs and headed to Tina's to swim.  Harper was jumping off the diving board and was all over that pool.  This girl has no fear of the water!  Maddie and Turner love swimming with friends and I love hanging with my friends.  It was a win win.  We went to Church that night and everyone slept great!!
  Back up to Tuesday.  We met with the surgeon and she was iffy between me being stage 1 or 2.  I think she was leaning more towards 2 by the end of our meeting.  Chemo is going to come first and then depending on results of genetic test, some type of surgery.  I have been waiting for 2 days to hear when my appointment would be with the oncologist.  I think it is next Wednesday but I am going to call again tomorrow.  The absolute worst part of all this....Waiting.  I am ready to be well (even though I don't feel sick) and get started on whatever that might be.  We let the kids in on what was going to happening.  Their response-"No mom, that is so embarrassing!  You can't lose your hair!"  Ok...we can deal with that.  I am so relieved they don't appear worried.  God really is protecting them.
  So today is Thursday.  One of our favorite gym families is moving...very far away.  This was her last night and I was so emotional.  This sweet mom brought me a blanket, a devotional, and gift cards galore to restaurants.  Overwhelmed!!!  I have received so many cards in the mail and goodies in the past few weeks...I can not tell you how loved I feel.  This is one part of the past month I hope to never forget.  I pray that I return the love and make an extra effort to show people that I care.  I need to let people know that I am praying for them.  It means more than I can ever express.
  We are going to be ok.  We are going to be better.  We have already learned so much.
 

Lots of Activity!

We have been busy the past few days having some summer fun.  While I worked Thursday Kev took the kids to the splash park in Collierville.  Bartlett is getting it's own soon and we are ready.  They all had fun.
  Friday we went to the new Bass Pro at the old Pyramid.  It was a neat, expensive experience.  The kids bowled, we all ate alligator, and rode the elevator to the top.  Heights really isn't my thing.  You can stand at the top on a glass floor and see all of Memphis.  My whole body was shaking and I didn't stand there long.  Everyone else enjoyed it.  We stayed for a few hours and I am glad we went.
  That night we headed to Freeman Park to watch Finding Nemo.  Turner's best friend from school was there and it was fun watching the kids run around.  About 15 minutes into the movie it started lightening.  Maddie was scared and we didn't want to get caught in the rain.  We headed home but will try to catch another one.
  Saturday I took the kids to the Shelby Farms park and we met Vicky and her kids there.  The kids all had a friend to play with and Vicky and I were able to chat.  Harper loved the sand and water part.  Turner was leading a group of kids at the water station.  He really is a little leader.  Maddie was just all over the place.  It was nice.  We all enjoyed an Italian Ice at the end. 
  Sunday after Church Kelly picked us up and we all went swimming at her aunts house.  Harper was all over the water and I don't think is afraid anymore.  Maddie and Turner had a blast with London and Cade.  We swam for almost 3 hours.  The kids are sound asleep as I type.  We have a big week ahead with VBS.
  My friends and family have been so loving to me and helped me pass the week.  I go to the doctor on Tuesday and am ready to get the show on the road.  The waiting has been the hardest part.  A few ways God has shown his love this week-
  I have been loading up on fruits and veggies this past week.  I usually drink 2 cups of coffee a day and almost a 2 liter of cup.  Horrible I know, but I have been doing it for years.  This past week I have cut out coffee and probably have less than a glass of coke a day.  Every time in the past that I have tried to cut out caffeine I have had horrible headaches.  I haven't had a SINGLE ONE!  I know I couldn't do this on my own.
  Another example - Joshua 1:9.  A verse my sister, aunt, and a few friends shared with me last week.  It is the wallpaper on my phone and I say it over and over throughout the day.  Yesterday I finally got it together to study my Sunday school lesson.  Guess what verse it was centered around?  Joshua 1:9!  I shared it on Facebook and a friend messaged me today - her pastor preached on the same verse.  She said she had been praying for me all day.
  I go to the doctor Tuesday afternoon.  I am sure I will post afterwards.  But between now and then we have 2 days of VBS to get through...and my kids sure are excited!

H's First Dentist Visit!

Wednesday the whole family headed to the dentist.  Poor Maddie had to get a filling and Harper had her first cleaning.  Harper had 2 babies with her and Turner held her hand.  She did great!  She sat on the table like a big girl and smiled through most of it.  The only thing that was different about her....she didn't say one word the entire time!  But she was smiling, so we are good.  She picked out a necklace from the treasure box and got a Minnie Mouse toothbrush.  I would say her first visit was a success!
  Maddie on the other hand has had an infection that won't go away.  Her lower gums keep swelling up by one of her caps.  They had to take it off, disinfect the tooth, and put a new cap on.  She is on another round of antibiotics and praying that will be the end of the that!  So she wasn't quite as smiley as sister but she was a trooper.
  Afterwards we grabbed Maddie some ice cream and grabbed some pizza for the rest of us.  Nothing like a family outing to the dentist;)

Aubry is Turning 3!

Hard to believe A will be 3 next week!!  She loves Frozen so Megs gave her a Frozen party at the church gym.  They rented a bouncer and the kids had a great time.
  Turner loves to help decorate, get things ready, and just be a helper.  He spent most of the party behind the food table trying to serve everyone.  I learned later he also was able to eat a lot of candy that way;)  The girls just stayed in the bouncer and played some basketball as well.
  Aubry seemed to have a good time and we enjoyed celebrating her!!  We love you big A!

A Few Firsts and Fun!

Last week we did several things for the first time.  We (along with Mimi and Boo Boo) took the kids to Pyro's Pizza for lunch and then went to Trampoline World.  They loved it!  There is an area for kids of every age, it wasn't crowded, and they were tired once their hour was up.  I imagine we will be back soon! 
  We also went to Barnes and Noble for storytime.  M and T have done storytime in the past, but it was Harper's first time.  Goodness, that girl is wild.  Toward the end she was standing by a wall counting to 10.  She wanted to play hide and seek instead!  She also stood on the middle of the stage and started pooping.  There was no question as to what she was doing.  I grabbed her hand and said let's go to the bathroom.  Loudly she replied "I still pooping".  So we surrounded her and let her poop in private;)  We went to Plumpy's after that.  We might need to start eating at home more!
  We have lots of things on our to do list, so we are going to have to get moving.  Hoping to go to the doctor in the next day or so and come up with a game plan.  I think I will be able to function better...
We celebrated Aubry on Saturday and that post will be next!
  Scrolling through pics reminded me of two things.  1st-we took the cover off our pool Tuesday and the liner was ripped on most of the back side.   So, the pool is no more and the kids are really going to miss it.  2nd- there are several boys  (no girls I have found) that live in the neighborhood the kids know from school.  Wednesday night after church several played basketball at our neighbors house.  Maddie and Turner loved it!