Our journey toward a cancer free Family!

The last few weeks have included some big changes for our family. Mom had surgery two weeks ago and is doing very well. The surgeon was able to remove the diseased tissue laproscopically and the pathology reports came back good. They said hers was ealy stage 2 colon cancer, with NO lymph node involvement. The team of doctors are not recommending chemo or radiation at this time. We are so thankful for her wonderful doctors and for all of your prayers. ( I have a few pictures of Nai Nai that I will post soon, however they were not on this camera).

Dad is continuing his treatment. He is on his last week of radiation and is also doing chemo this week. Last week, his hair began falling out, so he went to the barber to get it shaved, and Lillie has been very interested in his head. Her first comment was " I see your head, Babop!" She likes to rub his head...as you can see from the pictures. Though he does not feel well, he remains positive and has done very well with his treatments. His doctor told him he was in the 90th percentile with regard to tollerating his treatment. We are so thankful for this also.

As you can imagine, Lillie often asks about how Nai Nai and Babop are feeling and wants to check on them often. And every night during prayers she says " Thank you, Nai Nai all better. Help Babop all better." We pray it every night and thank each of you for the prayers as well.

Playing in the Sand

Faith, Fear and Friends

For those of you who don't know, the past month or so has been very difficult for my family. As I mentioned earlier, my father was diagnosed with cancer of the esophogus and is in the midst of treatment. My mom was diagnosed a little over a week ago with colon cancer. She will have surgery on Thursday and we are praying that she will not need chemo or radiation afterward since it was found early. Both of them are in good spirits and we are very hopeful that by October, both of them will have had their surgeries and will be on the mend.

Along with the fears that these diagnosis bring, I have tried to find the blessings that have also been present this past month...

*Lillie seeing the beauty of God's creation... she loved the beach and ocean!
*prayers from friends around the world...Swaziland to Canada to Sweden...
*A wonderful friend who is now watching Lillie until we get through these first difficult months. ( Janet will never know what a true gift from God she has been)
*A beautiful day and a drive... and a billboard I have passed before but never noticed until recently that celebrates the work of Central Baptist's Cancer Center
*Doctors who are working as a team to make sure both of my parents are receiving the best care possible
*A group of Co-workers who are quick to comfort, encourage, pray... and give a hug when needed
*Lillie's wonderful SLP and my friend, Ms. Emmi, who received Jessamine County's Elementary Excellence in Education Award! (Yeah)
*Encouraging notes from families whom I have never met, but who share a son or daughter from the same first home as my daughter
*A devotional sent from a dear friend that was just what I needed... a reminder to lean on my faith...
Psalm 73:23, “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.” (NIV)

There are so many...

And of course, I thank God every day for the blessings that are my Mom and Dad!

Dear God,
I know that you are with us throughout the ups and downs of our lives. Help our family to feel your presence during this time. May we expereince the peace that knowing you are with all of us brings. I ask you to be a constant source of strength for mom and dad- hold them close, dear Lord. Forgive me for those times when I drift so far...sometimes there are so many questions... only you hold the answers.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Introducing Buchoo!

While we were at the beach, we gained a new pet. Her name is Buchoo (like bus without the s and the word chew) and she is an invisible dog. She is small, fluffy and wears a purple bathing suit. (according to Lillie) One morning, while we were sitting in the beach house, Lillie reached down on the floor and started making a sound like she was calling a dog... the rest is history!

introducing Buchoo

Giving Buchoo a kiss

Putting Buchoo back down to play on the floor.

Buchoo came home with us and still will show up on occasion. She has been quite a source of conversation! Hope you all will get to meet her too!

Lillie Love Seafood!

Lillie loved all of the seafood that was available while we were at the beach. Between fish (she would eat hers and mine!) shrimp and clam chowder... my girl is a great eater!

Lillie's first time at the Beach!

Last week, Lillie and I went with our friends Cissie and Ali to Edisto Island. We had planned the trip earlier in the summer and the family was clear that they thought Lillie and I should go ahead and go. Lillie absolutely loved every moment we were there... the sun, the pool, the ocean... she loved it all! We arrived late afternoon on Sunday, but still went to the beach(actually the bay) beside our house. It was nice because Lillie's first exposure was with fairly small waves. Big or small, she loved it!

Family and Best Freinds

A week ago, my best friend ( and cousin) came to visit with her mom and little girl. She moved to Virginia a few years ago... and now she and her husband and beautiful daughter Ava call Chester home. ( well, not really, but that is another story). Amy, her mom Neva and Ava came for a quick visit while Amy and Ava were in KY. It was wonderful to be together.