Hooray! It's Friday!

I know what you are thinking....since I am not working, isn't everyday like Friday? I have to say, no, it isn't. I still look forward to the weekend since everyone has it off and comes to hang out. Its a nice time!

My mom is cooking us dinner tonight. Her yummy beef stroganof and fresh baked hinolava (I don't know how to spell it but, it is a fabulous Finnish flat bread!) It is so wonderful of her to take the time to do this for us.

I realized yesterday that we had posted pictures of all my caregivers with the exception of Tim. He comes every week to draw my blood and check my vitalsigns for Dr. Schree. Below is the long awaited photo.

Tim checking my blood pressure

He comes in the AM so I think that's why we neglected to get a picture. Photography is not on my mind at 9 in the morning!

I wish you all an excellent weekend and send you lots love and prayers for God's special blessings in your life.

Love,

Susan

double shot chemo

Today was a good day at the Doctor's office. We were on our way back home in only 2 1/2 hours with no new appointments needed this week. It felt awesome!
My blood levels were all GOOD! My red cells went from 7.7 last week to 9.2!!!! No transfusion needed this week. What a relief! Thank you so much for your prayers and positive thoughts. They do work!
We found out there was cancer cells in the fluid they removed last week from my chest. Dr. Nguyen let us know this is normal and isn't new cancer. We are praying that the chemo will take care of it and the fluid will not return! For right now I am still breathing easier and able to get around a lot easier.
Overall it was a very good visit and I am feeing good.

Sending love, prayers and lots of positive thoughts to you all!

Susan

Sue is Looking G R E A T ! !

Dad with his Memorial Day BBQ going!! It was delicious! He set up the grill and table in the parking lot behind Sue & Ray's!!

Here is his set-up!!

Susie looking so great and Ash at Pappadeaux's, one of our favorite restaurants! It was so great to have "no family left behind!!"

Sue & Ray at their table eating Shipley's donuts and kolaches...note Ray's smile and remember what it takes to make Ray smile....a Shipley's donut??? Come on Ray, we need to find some other things that make you smile..perhaps Sue will post a pic later on of Ray's "Christmas smile"??

Poor Miko...he is the kitty with the se-through bonnet on!! He has the collar to protect his ears which he scratches til they a re totally swollen, not because of anything, he has bee to the vet plenty..he just does it..

More eating pics...yes, I did gain weight. Here is my dad at Escalantes with the most delish rib dinner!!

My mom, Ashlee & Sue with Ashlee wearing their birthday gift to her, a very cool pair of Nike dunks tennis shoes, we HAD to find in Houston!! Thanks Sue, Ray and mom!!

Ray, Ashlee & Sue at the bday celebration my family put on for Ashlee's 16th bday when we arrived! We had a sushi dinner, cards, Kari's cheesecake and gifts!! Ashlee loved it and felt so special..

Here is Kari and Ashlee with the cool pair of Juicy Couture flipflips Kari found for her!!

Ash and Kari with the famous chocolate cheesecake!!

Sue & Dad, sushi happy!!

Mom and ASh!!

A fun time was had by all in Houston, TX over Memorial Day weekend! Ashlee & I couldn't believe how significantly much better Sue is doing and looking!! (You can tell by the pix)! We had alot of fun just catching up and spending time with family. Monday, my dad came and got Ash, Kari & I and we went to check out this "Greek food superstore" called Phoenicia! We found some delicious feta cheese and olives and Greek honey for Sue and some misc items and headed back to Sue's. We dropped off our first round of groceries and brought Kari home and Ash and my dad and I went to my dad's fave grocery store "Central Market", and it is huge and awesome!! We got some great food for grilling as we planned a little Memorial day BBQ with my dad at the helm! Ray went out to check on BIG SCREEN TV prices and sales, as he has been researching a new TV purchase for he and Sue! He found some great TV's so we'll see what he will do! :) Ash and I are sad this am, we will really miss everyone. Take care Sue and everyone. Good Luck this week and me and my whole family will be praying!!

XOXOXO Kaylee

My dad grilled up the food and we all sat and visited some more, knowing Ash and I would be leaving later in the evening....the food was fab and the company even better! The trip went by like a whirlwind, but Sue has just reclaimed so much more of her health and ability to do things, things we just take for granted. She is just really sick of all the side issues, so will you please pray this week that her blood levels, sodium and potassium are normal? SO she won't need a blood transfusion? Also that her chest cavity does not refill back up with fluid? It took her a few days to recover from that very painful procedure, but she is breathing normally and has her energy to get out and about back!! SO it was worth it! Can you also please pray for her chemo on Wed, as she will be having both kinds, that it will work it's healing and take away her cancer and that she will have minimal to NO side effects? She will also be going ot the lymphedema clinic this week to wrap her arm from finger tips to shoulder, so can you also pray that she will be able to easily tolerate that and be able to take a shower? Thanks again, following are some more pics from our trip!!

Family Fun in TX

Tonight Susie and I are writing this blog together! SHe has done a TON of stuff and is doing SO MUCH BETTER after having her chest cavity drained!! Today we started the day off with an extremely unhealthy but oh so yummy breakfast of Shipley donuts and kolaches!! We all were tired from our fun late Sat nite playing are you smarter than 5th a grader (and we were 50% of the time!!) and a chat game!!! Lots of laughs were had by all! Kaylee & Ash got a little shopping done while Koo_koo took a little break and Ray went to research big screen TV's, we all convened and decided Pappadeaux's was the ticket for our dinner venue, and SUe got herself psyched up to go!! Kaylee could hardly wait as she has wanted so badly to go to dinner with her sister like always! We had an awesome night and an awesome dinner and all went AMAZINGLY well! Following are the pics...and we are all trying hard not to think about the fact that Ashlee & I are leaving tomorrow night..



Makeup by Kaylee, fab look by Sue!!

Ray driving Sue in her greenie car-for the first time..

DaD & Mom at Pappadeaux's eagerly awaiting their food!

The chica's also eagerly awaiting our glorious food!!

Everyone at Papppadeaux's-Ashlee took the pic!!



Keep praying and we are thankful for you!! XOXO Kaylee & Sue

We're here!!

We are here in warm warm warm Houston!! It is so great to see everyone!! We arrived this am to find my dad outside with his car, hood up and it had stopped working! So we got it into the shop and now it is all better! His car needed a new battery and alternator!

Sue's procedure was more painful than she anticipated but they took 2 liters of fluid out of her chest cavity. It will be sent in for testing but they think it is lymph fluid. I can see how they would think that as her tick arm and shoulder are much much better than the last time we were here. Her shoulder and arm look almost normal. Quite a difference! Sue has improved alot in terms of her abilities to take care of herself. She gets around great and now after this fluid was removed her breathing has improved dramatically. They went in through her back and through the rib cage so she hurts where it went in. We are all praying for Sue to have normal breathing and this fluid does not return!

My dad also received some bad news about his sister, Barbara. She was just diagnosed with lung and liver cancer. We were very sorry to hear that and our prayers are with her.

Ash and I had a great flight here and we had alot of fun today visiting! My family put on a little bday celebration for Ashlee's 16th birthday with great sushi and Kari made her famous chocolate cheesecake which we all love! I will keep you all updated while I am here!! Keep on praying for Sue for normal levels, blood, potasium and sodium and for the fluid to be lymph fluid and to never come back!! Thank you so much!!



Ray, Ashlee & Sue- with Ray's funny card!!
Kari & Ashlee- Kari gave Ash a cool pair of Juicy Couture flip flops!

Ashlee & Kari with Kari's awesome chocolate cheesecake!!

Dad, Ray & Sue dishing up a delicious sushi dinner!!

Ashlee & Sue with the huge tray of awesome sushi!!

Sue & I just a "swingin" on her swing!!

Dad's utopia garden he has planted for Sue!!

Dad and Sue on the swing!!

Grandma Kay and Ash on the coma couch!!



Have a great weekend!! Thanks for caring and for your prayers!!

XOXO Kaylee

Vampire

The transfusion went very today. Its just long procedure. It takes about two hours per unit and I received 2 units. Thankfully Dad was there to keep me entertained and during his brief outings around the hospital we had good ole Marty there to fill in. She really is a great person and wonderful at her job.
After that we picked up mom and brought her to work. Then Dad ran to buy a few more plants for the garden. It was a beautiful evening out tonight and I spent a couple of hours relaxing with the cats and surveying the garden. Dad has done a beautiful job out there. Very peaceful.
Tomorrow I go get the fluid drained from right side. I am praying that it will help my breathing a lot and never return! I'll blog tomorrow and let know how it goes. Also, the best part of the week.... Kaylee and Ashlee arrive in Houston tomorrow AM!!!! Yippee!!! Its been too long and I've missed them! A good time should be had by all!

As always I am so grateful for each one of you and for all your love and prayers!

Happy Friday!
Susan

Chemo Day!

Greetings Everyone!

I have attached my dad's update and just wanted to thank him for his faithfulness in giving me (and consequently everyone here) a daily update of Sue's day and how she is doing!! It has meant the world to me and then we can all specifically pray for the things and situations she needs God's helping hand with!! You are awesome dad!! Thanks for all you do! Ashlee & I will tomorrow morning on a 7am flight to Houston, we arrive at 9:30 am and my dad is picking us up and I can hardly wait to see everyone and to see how much Sue has improved since we were last there in the beginning of April!! My family has planned a 16th birthday celebration for Ashlee so she is excited about being able to celebrate her birthday with my whole family!! Should be LOTS of fun! We stay until Monday and we leave on a 9pm flight, so we will have lots of visiting time! We love going to Houston, and we will finally have HOT weather, as spring/summer has been slow in coming here! Thanks so much for your prayers and concern, we all appreciate every reader/prayer warrior here!! I will update you with pictures, stories and Sue's condition from Houston!! Yahoo!


Well this was another barn burner day for Sue, it seems she goes in for one thing and ends up having several things go on. Today was chemo day, Sue and I talked of how she would have her chemo, talk to Dr. Nguyen and we would go home, but no such luck. We got to Dr. Nguyen's office at 9 a.m. and got checked in, there was Sue, Ray, Mom and I and we all went in a room to await Dr. Nguyen. The Dr. came in and briefly examined Sue, and told her she has quite a bit of fluid in between the rib cage and her right lung. The fluid is taking up the area that the lung needs when she inhales and the lung cannot expand because of the fluid. He thinks the fluid is caused by the lymphedema, anyway he said the fluid should be removed, which will help Sue breath normally again and they will test the fluid to see if it is lymphedema or cancer cells creating the fluid. They will do this procedure Friday at 6:30 a.m. at the hospital. They use an ultrasound to see the needle goes in the right area to drain the fluid. So after that bit of news, we also found out Sue's blood levels are down a bit and she will need a transfusion tomorrow (Thursday) morning, this kind of bummed Sue out as she thought she was all done with that. She told the nurses that she thought her road was going to be straight ahead, they all laughed and told Sue the road in treating cancer is never straight and has several bumps along the way.

So Sue had her chemo that went pretty fast and smooth, then we had to go down and register for her blood transfusion and get checked in at the station were she was before. One of our favorite nures Marty greeted Sue with "oh my gosh you look fabulous", and said to be sure and say hi to you, Kaylee. So that brightened Sue up considerably. Then we had to go check in for her Friday fluid removal procedure also, so another long time at the medical places.

I am continuely amazed how Sue handles all this stuff that is coming at her all the time, most of us would have cracked long ago, but not her! She just jumps right back up and says I'm ready for round 2 bring it on. I am sorry Kaylee for going on and on but this is just part of the stuff that she goes through. I am throughly exhausted this evening, so I am about to hit the sack, so far she is just tired after her chemo as she was last time she had it. Her tummy is a bit queasy also, but she had a light dinner consisting of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich ala Dad and a Ginger ale. I send my love to you all and God bless you all. Doug

Prayer Requests:

Please pray that Sue's blood levels will go back to normal, it is her hemoglobin (red blood cells) that are down, that she will have minimal side effects with the chemo, that her fluid removal procedure goes great and they easily remove the fluid and that they fluid is indeed lymph fluid and it does not return! Pray Sue's energy level will return and she can do all the things plus more that she was doing before the fluid filled her chest cavity! We so appreciate and need your prayers for Sue! We are so thankful for all of you!

The Lymphedema Clinic Visit...

Hello Everyone:

Boy what a day for Sue and I, up very early and off to the Memorial Hermann Medical complex in downtown Houston. We got checked in pretty promptly to the Lymphedema clinic, then they send a person who takes you to the area you are going as no one could possibly find it in the maze of hallways elevators skyways left turns right turns ramps that go up ramps that go down, it is amazing.Thank goodness we got a wheel chair for Sue right off the front door, anyway we got to the Lymphedema area and waited just a few minutes and were ushered in a Dr.examining room. A male nurse Terry came in and got on the computer and asked Sue a lot of questions about her health, he took her temp and blood pressure also and a picture of Sue which is attached to her file so there can be no mistake on who they are treating. Terry left the room and said Dr. Maus (mouse) will be in shortly, and sure enough The Dr. came in, a very nice and qualified Dr. who examined Sue and explained all about lymphedema to us and how it is treated. He then asked Sue if she had any questions and Sue told him about the shortness of breath situation. Dr. Maus examined Sue and took quite some time listening to her breathing, he said he would be surprised if the fluid was from the lymphedema on her lungs as that does not occur from lymphedema. He thought it could be a tumor, or fluid created from cancer cells, he recomended that she have xrays of her lungs.

He also is sending us to a clinic closer to where we live to treat her arm, shoulder and hand. She will have her arm wrapped 24-7 for up to three weeks plus massage therapy three times a week.. The trip to the xray clinic was quite a long journey, as we had to go through another huge building and then across the street and up to the 16th floor. If this tiring you out reading this, imagine how Sue felt, what a trooper this gal is! She has more courage and I love her so and am so humbled by it. Anyway we had the xrays and Dr.Maus had called Sue shortly after to check up that all went well and he would call us as soon as he had any info. We got home and Dr. Maus called and spoke to Sue, he had looked at the xrays himself and wanted Sue to know that he believed that it was fluid from the cancer, but he was waiting for the radiologist to see them. He also had called Dr Nguyen and discussed this issue with him and Dr. Nguyen was to call Sue as soon as he got the info from the radiologist. So far no word.

I may have left some things out, but that is the best info I can give you off the top my head, which is exteremly tired. Tomorrow God willing we will start a new and wonderful day, a day that my couragous daughter Sue will be stronger and breath better even a little better is God's blessing. Doug

Ray taught me to blog

Hello to you all!
I am writing this blog on my own tonight. Ray let me in on the secret and mysterious world that is blogging...actually its wicked easy and I should have taken over sooner! I hope he will still post an occassion blog on his own as I know we all love his witty writings!
I am doing better everyday...my breathing is still not normal but, it feels like it is steadily moving in right direction. I, unfortunately, want everything to happen in my time (NOW!) and God has been patiently teaching me over and over that it is His Time!
This week I am going to the lymphedema clinic to have them look at the old tick arm and see what they reccommend. Its come along way!!!! My P/T, Velma, who massages the tick and makes me exercise it thinks its about a third of the size it was.
I also have Chemo on Wednesday. This time its just the one dose of the new stuff that directly attacks the cancer cells. I am curious to see which of last weeks minor side effects were from this and which are from the other.
Please continue to pray for my family and I as we continue on this journey. They really do work!

Praying for God's special blessings for you all! Have a happy week!

Susan

Thursday News from TX

It was another quiet day here in Houston, Sue is still tired out and is still having a hard time walking any distance at all. I was hoping she would go for a road trip today, but she was too tired to tackle it. Mom is coming over tomorrow to spend the day with Sue, which will be a nice change of pace for her. I am praying that she starts to get more energy to do more walking as sitting on the coma couch for so many hours certainly is not healthy for her. We think it is the after affect of the new chemo that has her so tired.

Ray has been very busy at work so we all miss his blogs, Thanks to everyone for your prayers and kind words of encouragement, there are no words to descibe the power of healing we have seen from them. I beg you to please pray as often and as hard as you can for Sue, she really needs your prayers. God bless you all, you all will be in my heart and prayers forever.

Dad/Doug

A Lazy Texas Wednesday...

Good evening EVERYONE!

It was kind of a rainy, humid day here in Houston, perfect for doing nothing. Sue and I did very little today other than rest and relax! Sue is a little frustrated as she wants to get better as fast as possible and unfortunately cancer doesn't work that way and she realizes that.

Still the only side affect of the chemo is she is tired, her shortness of breath is still a problem when she walks but it is a tad better. She has a real positive attitude which will continue to help her overcome this disease.

We really need some super strong prayers for her breathing to improve and the heavyness on her right lung to go away!Please keep all the wonderful prayers going strong!

God love you all and bless you for your commitment to Sue.

God blessings to you all. Doug

Sue is doing good after chemo!

Good Wednesday Morning to Everyone!

I am sending you my dad's update and also a few prayer requests! Thanks so much for caring and praying for my sister Sue! She still needs your prayers as much as always! Mike has purchased tickets for Ashlee and I to go to Houston Friday, May 23- Mon, May 26 so we are so excited to be able to get down there and see everyone and how much better Sue is than when we last saw her in April! Lots of pictures and stories to follow when I'm there! Please pray that with this new chemo SUe's body will be able to handle it NO PROBLEM! Minimal to no side effects and that her heart will have no damage when the test results are in, and that her levels remain normal!! We are so thankful that they returned to normal and have stayed there, all of our prayers for that have been heard and answered! Also, please pray for Sue's lymphedema, she is going to the Lymphedema Clinic on May 19th and we are praying the Lord just takes it away! Thanks so much and have a great Wednesday! XOXO Kaylee




I am sorry I got this up date going this late, Sue and I have been watching one of Sue's favorite shows, DEAL OR NO DEAL which just ended and I am pooped out.

Sue had a very busy morning today, she went to have her heart test done over by the Memorial Hermann hospital. They put dye in her arm and then xrayed her heart, Sue had to lay flat on her back for over 20 minutes which is so hard for her to do but the brave little gal did it without a complaint. Then she had to go to Dr Nyguyen's office for her red and white blood cell booster shots.

The only side affect of the chemo so far is it has made her vey tired, but her breathing is much better today. She also had a visit from Velma, the physical therapist at 4pm so Susie has had a full day. We do not have a single thing going on tomorrow so I hope we can sleep in and then do a fun thing or two.

Take care and Gods blessings to all. Dad

Chemo Day!

My dad sent me an update and called me with the results from Dr visit today. Sue has been having a nagging cough that attributed to allergies for a little while, but she has had a "tight" right lung, so before her chemo today she met with her Dr to examine her and discern is all was a green light for chemo, which it is. Dr Nyguyen feels it is lymohedema (lymph fluid) pushing on the top of her lung and will clear up with this chemo by shrinking what is blocking the drainage and allowing the fluid to drain. SO here is my dad's report! Please keep praying for Sue and that her levels will stay normal-blood, potassium and sodium and that htere is no damage to her heart. She will have her heart test tomorrow. Thanks for your love, care, prayers and support.

Kaylee


Everything went well at the Dr.'s office, Sue got her new chemo and it was amazing how relieved she was to finally get it. All her blood work was right on target normal, so we are back on the positive track, so look out cancer here we come rolling right atcha. Sue is very tired as it was a long day, we finally got out of there at 6:00 p.m. I had taken mom to work around 4:30 and then went back with Sue. I drove Sue to Sonics as she wanted her favorite cherry lime slush so she was happy with that. Sue is sleeping right now, all tired from being at the Dr from 1:30-6pm and getting two new chemo meds! We'll keep you informed on the heart test tomorrow!

Doug

Happy Mother's Day, Y'all!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there:

I went to church with my mom today. It was a beautiful service, and it was nice to sit in a church again. I told my mom that she couldn’t cry as that would make me cry and set me off in a coughing fit. Fortunately she complied, even though they kicked off the service with “How Great Though Art”. After church we returned home to enjoy a fabulous Shirley’s Brunch that Koo-Koo made us along with crispy hash browns ala Doug. After we finished eating, my mom opened all her gifts, and said she had a lovely mother’s day, and her kids spent way too much money on her – and I hope it meant that she felt spoiled as she so deserves. I hope all of you moms have had a special Mother’s Day as well.

Mom, Kari, and I pose outside next to one of Mom's gifts - a blooming hibiscus plant.




Tomorrow we’ll be calling the doctor’s office for the insurance clearance for the chemo. We are hopeful that it will be Monday or Tuesday. Also, I have my heart test on Tuesday morning, and a follow up appointment with Dr. Nguyen on Friday. So it will be a busy appointment week at our house.

Please keep your prayers and good thoughts coming as they are very much appreciated, and very much needed.

Praying for God’s special blessing for all of you, and wishing you all a wonderful week.

Susan

Doug weighs in on Friday!!

I hope you had a nice day, and will have a great evening. Sue had a visit from Velma today( the physical therapist) andVelma was not aware of a lymphedema clinic available in Houston. Sue is doing great, we did not take any road trips today so she just kind of relaxed today. Kari brought us Burgers from Southwell so that was delicious and very thoughtfull of her, then Sue treated us to ice cream from the Marble Slab. I worked on the patio planting flowers today, it was in the 90's so it was hot and I wa drenched, but it is looking nice. Take care and bless you all.

Another Update from Dad (Doug)

Sue and I had a very nice day, we went to lunch at La Madelaine's and had such a nice lunch.

Then sue needed some items from her old favorite drug store Walgreens, when she was working she would stop there almost every evening for something. So she was so happy to be able to walk into the drug store again, by then she was tiring a bit so I brought her home to take a nap.

We have not heard anything on the chemo, we are hoping that Friday is the day, I will keep you all posted. Take care best wishes to all, bless you.

No Chemo Today...

Just a quick update for those of you checking to see how Sue did with her chemo today, my mom and dad got Sue to chemo this am only to be told that Sue was unable to receive her chemo, due to a glitch with her insurance. Not a big deal as we found out, it takes a little while to approve one of Sue's new chemo meds, so they will be letting her know and they think it will be Fri or Mon when she will receive it, so please, please please keep on praying that her insurance is approved quickly and her levels are all good and the new chemo has indeed, minimal to no side effects for Sue!! Thanks so much and God Bless you and thank you for caring enough about Sue to check this blog and pray for her!! We appreciate each and every one of you! Don't forget to leave Sue comments, she LOVES receiving them (and so do I!!!)

XOXO Kaylee

From Mike's ND cousin!!

This lovely email came from one of Mike's cousins in North Dakota-I thought it was so thoughtful and sweet, and a day brightener, that I would share it with all of you blog readers! Thank you so much Danny for your kindness and thoughtfulness! I know your show on Mother's day will be fantastic!


Dear Kaylee,

My Mom and Dad have informed me that your sister has been diagnosed with breast cancer. I am so sorry to hear it.

I have been given a wonderful opportunity that I would like you to know about. I wrote a musical called "Beneath Our Apple Tree." The first production of it was in February of this year, but I have been asked to have an encore performance on mother's day, may 11th. the Jamestown ND chapter of "Relay for Life" is sponsoring the production and ALL proceeds will go to cancer research.
It is a story about a life long friendship between two women as they face life's struggles including cancer.
Although I certainly don't expect you and your family to come see the show on such short notice, it is important for me that you know that I am doing my best to help fight this horrible disease. Although I don't know your sister personally... I would like you to know that I am presenting this showing of Beneath Our Apple Tree with your family in my heart.

All my love,
Danny Walstad

Better Late Than Never

Sorry it’s been a while since I blogged. We had a busy weekend and issues with the internet. But we’re back and ready to go.


This weekend, we had Kari and my mom, Carol and Jared over for a delicious BBQ courteousy of my dad and Ray. Before that, Kari went to the race track and placed bets on the Kentucky Derby for us. And we watched the race and rooted for our horses. Unfortunately, none of us won.
Ray's note: Here the three ladies imagining what they'll do with their winnings before the race. Too bad the result was much less than what was expected. My couch could have used a partner...one that I can actually sit in.



Carol and Jared stayed after the BBQ. While we were talking and laughing, there was an unexpected knock at the door at 10:30 that night. Our crazy neighbor had decided she had to use our phone to dial 911. She was saying that her sister was being disruptive, and she needed to have the police remove her. Let me just mention this is the same lady who dials 911 for herself on a weekly basis, and has had a mental health warrant out for her. So we had our doubts about her sister. As she was pretty much prepared to settle in and wait for the police at our place, Carol jumped in and smoothly got her of the house – and kept her out. If you ever need somebody to handle crazy, Carol is the one – in fact, I think she should start a side business to boot out those of warped minds.


Sunday we all relaxed and enjoyed a fairly mellow day around the home. Mom and Kari came over for another BBQ courtesy of my dad. And we called it the night fairly early. This week there’s not much new to report so far. Please pray for my new chemo to work exceptionally well with minimal side effects, and to continue clearing the cancer from my body.


We will post a blog soon to let you know how it goes.


God’s blessings to you all and lots of love and gratitude.


Susan

Dad's Update!

Sue is doing really well today (Monday), her friend Carol came over and watched TV with Sue at 2:00 for 4 hours, they had a ball! Carol brought sue a Tuna sandwich.

We called Dr. Nguyen's office and Sue has a heart test for next week, evidently the heart place forgot to call Sue to tell her when to come in. It really goes to show that you have to be real active in the care of someone, as this kind of thing happens a lot I am sure.

Mom and Kari were sick today, so they stayed home and did not come over here. I send my best to you all, and wish you all God's blessings.

Love Dad (Doug)

Please keep praying all will go well on Wed with the new chemo and Sue's levels are great!! Also that she will have no damage to her heart from the prior chemo treatments!! Have a great Tuesday!

A Weekend Update!

Good Monday Morning!

I am filling in as I think this is the longest we've gone without a blog....thanks again to all of who have checked in to make sure all is well! Sue, Ray my dad, mom and Kari were busy this weekend BBQ'ing, watching the Kentucky Derby (tragic ending for the poor 2nd place horse-that's why I personally don't like racing!) and in general haing a nice realxing weekend! Nothing besides the fact that Sue's tick hand has continued to get smaller!! YAHOO!

This week is a big week for Sue however, she starts her new chemo treatments, she will be receiving two new chemo meds, and it will be once a week instead of every two weeks with these new meds. They are supposed to be more cancer specific and less harsh on her body!~! She was not able to start with these as she needs to have her blood levels at/near normal.

Could you please pray for Sue this week for all her levels to be normal? Blood, potassium and sodium? And also that this new treatment would go great and for Sue to feel God's healing hand upon her and for this chemo to work it's miracle (along with God?) Thank you so very very much for visiting the blog and for caring and for all your prayers!! So far Sue is getting better and stronger each day and we are so thankful and grateful!!

Have a terrific Monday!!

XOXO Kaylee

An Update From Doug!

Ray emailed me to let me know he is super crazy at work for the next several weeks and will not be able to blog as much as usual, so my dad always sends me end of the day updates on email, so I thought I would put that on just to keep you daily readers (like me!!) updated with the latest at the Martinez home! Hope your day was great Ray!

From Doug:

I have a nice evening up date for you, after quite a few activities yesterday that kept Sue out and about for at least 3 hours, plus Velma's visit(physical therapy for her "tick arm/hand"), it kind of pooped Sue out. So we had a pretty nice, easy day today, a long visit from Deb( the kingpin in planning the three day walk-Sue's great friend) was just the ticket for Sue! They were laughing and watching a movie all afternoon. I left shortly after Deb arrived so the girls could have some gal time without the old man around.

Sue took care of her shower and grooming all by herself(!!), so Mom got a little break today. All in all it was a pleasant, positive day, thank you Lord for that. I wish you all a good evening and a wonerful day tomorrow, bless you all.

Two Days Before the Weekend

Yesterday was a Wednesday chock full of do’s and more do’s for Susan. She treated her parents to lunch at the PK Blue Water Grill which is a Cajun-like restaurant right across the street from where we live. It was her first sit down restaurant with a menu and waiter to boot in over a two months; and I didn’t realize that until I asked her when was the last time she was in a restaurant setting. Her answer was February 22nd, the evening after she received her diagnosis. Sure she was at Le Madelaine the other day; but that’s more of a cafeteria than a sit down “what would the lovely lady like to drink” service.


Afterwards she and her dad dropped off Kay at home and stopped at HEB, our local grocery store to gather the ingredients, among other needed things, for the evening’s dinner. After that, they waited for the therapist.


Velma was amazed with the progress of the Tick Arm since her last visit this past Tuesday. Even today her hand looks almost normal.


Right after the therapy session, Susan did what she’s been aching to do for some time. She went back to the kitchen and cooked a meal for Doug, Kari, and me. She cooked pork chops with a delicious blue cheese sauce. The sides included mashed potatoes and baked asparagus seasoned just right. I’m so proud of her and her accomplishments.

Here we are about to feast on Susan's handiwork. Guess who's working the camera? And what the heck is that on my shoulder?





Susan may have overdone it, though. Her back and tick arm were sore from holding it up as long as she did. So she did what any one of us would have done. She rested the following day.


Dr. Shree called today and told her that her levels were excellent. In spite of drinking fluids normally for almost a week, her sodium was good and her potassium rose a little (just the way he liked it). So, with the tick arm shrinking, add that to her progress report as evidence that Susan’s recovery is coming along nicely.


Deborah came today with the usual hilarity that she brings and spent the day together with Susan. The two of them sat on my – I mean our coma couch – and ate M&M cookies and watched Juno. Deborah was leaving just as I arrived home from work with a bundle of Mexican food from Cha Chos in my arms.

While I sweat profusely from a hard day's work three miles away, these two made a day of my - I mean, our - couch.

There will be more to report tomorrow. I’m certain Susan will continue to amaze me again with further signs of being her usual awesome self, like opening up me a bottle of Guinness as I return from another grueling day at work (big wink and grin). You never know. It could happen.

Ray