Tami's Journey Through NH Lymphoma

"God is Good, All the Time"

2006-12-18T17:10:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I know I haven't blogged in a long time, but life is busy. I am in Texas right now for my nine month checkup. I flew in on Thursday and will leave this evening. I received all my results today at MDAnderson. All tests were negative and I am still dancing with NED! I will have been healed one year this February. Wow, it just doesn't seem like a year has went by. I guess I have been so busy with church, kids, and work that I didn't even notice. I owe my life to God and I am going to live it for him everyday. I have made that promise and I will keep it. My radiation oncologist said when I make it to two years we will celebrate. The five year mark means I will be homefree! I know God has healed me and I need to keep that faith.

I met a little boy named Thomas at MDAnderson. Thomas is four years old and has cancer in his right testical which they removed. Thomas and I smiled and played together for a long time. His mommy just had a baby and is going through alot. Thomas' mom had to go home and he was staying over night at the hospital for chemo. His grandma was staying with him, but it just wasn't the same. Thomas screamed and cried when his mommy left the room. My heart just aches for this little boy. He just don't understand the word Cancer which most of us don't. He tells his little friends that he is bald because of his surgery. His mother tries not to mention cancer. Thomas has the biggest smile and I will never forget him. Please keep this little boy in your prayers. He may never have children and the doctors don't really know what is to come. Only God knows and he has a plan for little Thomas!

Please remember the reason for the season and count your blessings. Thank God each and every day for your health. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

God Bless and Stay Godstrong!

Monthly Post

2006-09-02T09:58:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to post a few things to keep everyone up to date. Today I am feeling a little rough because of a head cold. It isn't too bad but hoping it goes away soon since we are off for the holiday weekend. My life has been busy but I love it. I have been very involved with my church which we just finished Bible School. Our church is finally starting to grow and the people are getting involved. I am always anxious on Wednesday and Sunday comes around. I really like to hang out with my church family and learn more about our Lord.

Hailey has started soccer again. She is playing for Great Teays Soccer Club and they have had one practice so far. We were rained out yesterday which will make two practices next week. Hailey would practice everyday if they would let her. The team's name is Hot Shots! Her first game is September 9th, so come see her if you can.

Update on me: I have been feeling really good as far as phsically. Every once in awhile I think I feel a lump or feel like I can't breathe right. It is all a mental thing. Mentally I am struggling with the overwhelming fear. Please pray for stronger faith for me that I can have total faith in God. Sometimes I just want to lay down and cry all day. I start thiking of my kids being left without a mother and can't stand that thought. I feel guilty sometimes because of my disease. I know I am totally healed so I just have to talk to the Lord and hear it again. It is really hard sometimes so I still need alot of prayer. I will go for my six month checkup in Houston, Texas September 15th. I will return on September 18th with good results. I am staying with my cousin April and have to fly in by myself. I don't like to go to the doctor by myself and hear the results but just pray for good news. I know I feel good and God is watching over me. He has healed my body and I need to have faith. Thank you Jesus!

I miss and love you all. You are still amazing friends and family. Thank you for all your support! God Bless!!!

Stay Godstrong!

I'm Back!!!

2006-07-22T20:21:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone,

I am sorry that I haven't posted in such a long time. Life just seems to be flying by and getting much busier. I am feeling great and finally feel like things are getting back to normal. My tests results in June were good. All my blood tests turned out great and No Cancer! I flew to Texas by myself and my cousin, April picked me up. I had such a good time with her and her family. She took me took a jewelry party and I met alot of nice people. I actually helped her make the appetizers for the party. Scary, huh!!! I was in Texas for four days. I missed my family so much. I asked the doctor if I could come on the weekend next time. My next appointment is September 15th.

I have been really involved with my church since I came home. I am trying to spend as much time as I can with my church family. They make me feel stronger and I guess more safe. I know they understand my fear and pray for me daily. I appreciate all of you that are still checking my blog. I will try to do better in the future.

My friend Tara is babysitting my kids. Morgan loves going to Tara's moms. They have horses and Morgan wants to ride everyday. We have been buying horse movies monthly. I have seen every horse movie that has been published. I think Morgan loves horses more than dolls. She even sleeps and takes baths with her horses. My Aunt Marilyn loves it because Morgan is going to be a horse person. Hailey has been running around all summer. She is always staying with someone or their at our house. She just got back from church camp. She had a great time with all her friends. The camp was four days long and I really missed her. She couldn't call me because she was so far out. The camp is in Rippling Waters. What a beautiful place! It is a camp for all Church of God's. I was the camp counselor the first night. Of course, with five nine year olds, not much sleep. We had so much fun though! The music minister was wonderful. He could sing and play the organ. I really would love to take vacation next year and stay all week.

I am going to my first Staff Meeting next week with Avon. I am excited to be able to see all my fellow managers. It has been almost a year since I have been to a meeting. We found out last Wednesday that we have a new boss. I guess I will meet her next week! I am going to miss Terri Reece(my former boss). She is the one who hired me and she has done such much for me and my family. Terri is dear to my heart. I will still keep in touch with her and keep her updated. Our convention this year is in Dallas, Texas. Can you believe that? I was hoping to go somewhere I have never been. Oh well, I have been to Texas but not Dallas.

I have a new great nephew. His name is Tyler Scott. He weighed 7 lbs 11oz and was 20 inches long. He looks just like his daddy, Scott. I am in love with him. He is so cute! He is the boy I always wanted. He was born July 11th! My niece, Lindsay is a great mommy. Her and Scott are so proud. The make great parents. I can't wait until he is big enough to play with my kids and spend the night. I won't know what to do with a boy. LOL I am sure I can figure it out.

I just want to say to everyone. You all are the best!! Thank you for sticking by me through the good and bad. Your prayers are appreciated and please keep them coming.

God Bless and Stay Godstrong!!

PLEASE PRAY FOR ME!!!

2006-06-06T22:29:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone,

I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off! LOL I have been keeping myself really busy. I will be going to Texas June 13 - 16. My tests will be on the 13th and I should get the results on the 16th when I see my doctor. I will also see the radiation oncologist the same day. I am a little nervous about the results, but I have faith that God will take care of me just like he has the whole time. Please pray for my results. I am excited to see my cousin, April and her family. I wonder how hot it is right now in Texas. It is probably getting close to 100. Whew, that's hot! I will definitely have to wear sunblock or I will burn to a crisp.

Hailey started soccer camp today at the Hurricane Wave Pool. Marshall University Soccer team is teaching the camp. It is all week long from 9am to 11:30am. She says she is having a good time. There is about 50 kids of all ages.

Morgan rode a horse for the very first time the other day. His name is Kia. She says his name over and over. She had to call everyone and tell them about her horse. Morgan talks about horses all day long and watches horse movies constantly. My Aunt Marilyn will be so proud. She loves it when the family is interested in horses.

I am feeling really good lately. My cough has gone away and I have alot of energy. I am tired in the evening, but that is to be expected. Every ache or pain worries me. I really need to find a support group to discuss my feelings. I think it will help me tremendously.

Keep me in your prayers June 13th through the 16th.

Stay Godstrong!!!

Busy Life

2006-05-23T22:07:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone,

Wow! I have been so busy lately that I haven't been faithful to my website. Life is so busy that the time just flies by. I have been trying to prepare a Care Ministry at church. What a job this is going to be. It is all worth it for the Lord. I know when I pray and ask for specific things, God says, "what a job this is going to be." LOL I have finally realized that my real job is working for God. I just need to figure out how to get organized.

Hailey is doing really good in school and counting down the days. She will go to church camp and horse camp this summer. We are hope to find her some kind of sport for the summer. She wants to go to the YMCA and check out the new pool.

I went to the doctor today because of a cough. They did xrays to make sure nothing was growing. The doctor seems to think it is just a cold and not pneamonia. He told me to slow down and take better care of myself. He also gave me a number to a support group. I told him I still think about my disease and dying everyday, but I am fighting it. I just pray to the good Lord above that he takes all this fear and anxiety away. I have faith that I will live a good healthy long life with my children.

Thank you for your prayers!!

Stay Godstrong!!!

WELCOME HOME PARTY

2006-05-13T21:25:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to say, "Thank You" to everyone who attended my party. I have to say a special thank you to Denise Burdette for organizing everything. You did a fabulous job!!! We had such a great time eating and dancing. Oh my gosh, I am so tired. My legs are going to fall off. LOL The elecric and cha cha slide use to be so easy to do. I just couldn't jump or slide one more time. I haven't breathed so hard in a long time. I was so happy that the weather turned out to be beautiful. The shelter was in a perfect place so the kids could play. It was good to see all my high school friends. Lots of memories!

We had a large variety of food and desserts. I think the plates were too small. I couldn't fit everything on there. LOL Whoever made the veggie pizza did a great job. It was a hit! I told my mother in law that I am ready to eat something besides hamburgers and hotdogs. I have had that meal for two days now. We are going to have to eat steak and chicken for Mother's Day. I hope I can walk tomorrow so I can go to church. I am aching all over.

I hope I said something in my testimony today to wake someone up. I mentioned that no one ever thinks they will get a disease like cancer. But if something like this happens, then they rely on God. You just never know when it is going to be your last day. So why not live the good life and let God in your life. He will give you blessing after blessing. Just ask and you will receive. God loves you and your families! Just give him a chance.

Please keep praying for me. I am trying to get over the fear. Pray for my trip back to Texas in June for my checkup. Everything is going to be good. I am healed and Cancer Free!!!

Stay Godstrong!!!

RAIN OR SHINE

2006-05-13T09:51:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone,

Today is the day! We are going to have such a great time socializing, eating, and of course, dancing. I hope everyone attends and brings their children to have fun. We will have this Welcome Home Party even if it rains. We will be meeting at Teays Valley Church of God ONLY IF IT RAINS!

The party is at Hurricane City park at 1:00pm. The DJ will be there to start the music at 2:00pm. Please come even if it's late. We will be there until everyone is gone.

Don't forget your covered dish!

See ya there!

Stay Godstrong!

FINALLY IN GOOD OLE WEST VIRGINIA

2006-05-05T07:43:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone,

We are finally home! I have been crazy busy since we have arrived. Unpacking boxes, cleaning house, cooking dinner, running the kids around, church activities, visiting, and Avon. Wow, I guess I didn't realize how busy my life was. I am loving it, but getting a little run down. I have been overwhelmed and stressed out. I need to slow down. I am just not sure how to or where to begin one step at a time.

I still have the fear of my disease so I am trying to stay busy. It helps to talk about it so I am going to try to find a good support group. I am going to try to keep up this website as long as I can because people have been asking me too.

I started work on May 1st and love it! My assistant had to go to Pennsylvania because of an illness in the family. Please pray for Juanita and her family through this difficult time. I am just trying to dig through the Avon boxes and see where to start. I am scheduling appointments and getting out there to see everyone.

I have talked to different people at my church about starting a Care Ministry. This is something that I think God wants me to do. The Care Ministry at Grace Fellowship helped me through the tough times and this is what I want to do for others. I know this is my calling and I will work hard to get this ministry started. I am excited to have such a great opportunity to start this ministry is Teays Valley.

I hope to see everyone at my Welcome Home Party on May 13th! I can't wait to give my testimony and have a great time. We will eat, dance, share stories, and eat some more. We already have about 60 people in attendance. The more the merrier if you ask me. I want to share my miracle with all my family and friends.

Keep praying for my total healing. God Bless!!!

Stay Godstrong!!!

Tami's Welcome Home Party

2006-05-04T14:42:00.000-04:00

Welcome Home Party!!

Where: Hurricane City Park-Shelter#8 by children's playground
When: Saturday, May 13th @ 1:00 p.m.

There will be a DJ playing 80's music and plenty of food..
Come join the fun!!

Would like to get an idea of how many people will be attending..
Please RSVP Denise mykidsazd@yahoo.com

"TAKE ME HOME, COUNTRY ROADS"

2006-04-22T16:41:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone,

I am singing "TAKE ME HOME, COUNTRY ROADS"! lol.... Home Sweet Home, here we come!!! The days are just dragging by. We are so anxious to get home. Only two more days and we will be in our house and visiting our friends. It has been a long seven months away from our home. We are so very happy that we made the decision to come to Texas. I feel that I had the best treatment at the #1 Cancer Hospital in the U.S. God led me here for a reason and I hope I fulfilled my duty for him.

We are doing the final packing and cleaning today and tomorrow. Larry delivered April's furniture and kitchen accessories to her today. The apartment complex gave us a cleaning list that they require to be done before you receive your deposit. I hope we are able to clean and satisfy them. It would be nice to get our deposit back and use it for the next trip to Texas in June for checkups.

Hailey had her last soccer game today. She played like a pro! I was so proud of her and I think I lost my voice from screaming. Go Mexico! That is her team name. They won 1-0! One of the moms from the other team asked, who is that red head? My mom over heard her asking one of our team moms. When they told her Hailey, she said, "she is kicking butt! I think she played really hard because it was her last game. I hope to be able to put her on a soccer team at home. It was really sad when all the girls hugged Hailey and was telling her how much they would miss her. Each one of them made her a card and the coach gave her a gift. She will definitely miss them.

As the days are winding down, we are talking about all the good times we have had in Texas. It isn't home, but it has been nice under the circumstances. We will miss the great weather in the winter. There is a few people that I will miss. My neighbors have become such good friends of ours. I have invited them to come and stay with us when they take their vacation. I hope that I have said or did something to help them follow Jesus. I have tried to be a good Christian example to them.

Please keep praying that I will always have the total healing. Also pray for our safe return.

Thank you all for your prayers and support! God Bless!

Stay Godstrong!!!

PRAISE THE LORD!!!

2006-04-19T23:20:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone,

Praise the Lord!!! I am finished with radiation and rang the bell yesterday. Everyone in the office lined up and watched me ring the bell. Mom took pictures and I said my goodbye's.

My skin in the radiated areas is sensitive and dry. The doctor gave me a cream to put on to stop the itching. My esophagus hurts a little when I eat, but nothing I can't handle. The doctor told me to always wear a SPF 45 when in the sun. I can go swimming now, but I can't get a sunburn on treated areas.

Today I had an appointment at 6:45 for bloodwork and a chest xray. This evening I had a CT scan of the chest. I will see the lung specialist tomorrow to hear the results. They are checking the spot on my lung that should be scar tissue. Please pray that is all it is! After that, no more Doctor appointments in Texas until June. Yeah!!!

Just a few more days and we will be flying home. We are all so excited and so ready. The time is dragging by. I guess I am going to have to scrapbook again.

My homecoming party is coming together. We have the place, time, and the DJ! I am so ready to party! Is anyone ready to do the electric slide with me. May 13th is the big day of the party. I will be dancing and celebrating my total healing!

Thank you for your prayers! God Bless!!!

Stay Godstrong!!!

ONE MORE TO GO!!!

2006-04-17T23:41:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone,

Only one more radiation session to go. I am almost home and healed! I get to ring a bell tomorrow after my very last session. Mom is going to take pictures and I am going to sing "Ring me b.e.e.e.ll, ring my bell". LOL Does anyone remember that song? I think it is from the 70's or 80's. Anyway, I will be singing it tomorrow with a smile on my face. This has been a long, hard, scary journey. But I have made it with God's strength and family and friends.

I want to say a "BIG Thank You" to everyone who has supported me and especially on this blog. You all have made my life fuller and I will never forget the wonderful people who has helped me and my family through this journey. May God Bless you and your families with happiness and good health. I must say that this has been an experience of a lifetime and something I will never forget. Always remember, nothing is impossible no matter what you are going through as long as you have faith in God.

Why GOD Gave Us Friends

GOD knew that everyone needs Companionship and cheer,
He knew that people need someone Whose thoughts are always near.
He knew they need someone kind To lend a helping hand.
Someone to gladly take the time To care and understand.
GOD knew that we all need someone To share each happy day,
To be a source of courage When troubles come our way.
Someone to be true to us, Whether near or far apart.
Someone whose love we'll always Hold and treasure in our hearts.
That's Why GOD Gave Us Friends!

Stay Godstrong!!!

Tami's Homecoming Party

2006-04-17T13:38:00.000-04:00

Tami's Party

Where: Shelter @ Hurricane City Park

When: May 13th @1:00

Please bring your favorite covered dish

HAPPY EASTER!!!

2006-04-16T23:29:00.000-04:00

HOPE EVERYONE HAD A GREAT EASTER!

GOD BLESS!!!

Friday - 20 Down & 2 to Go

2006-04-14T23:12:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone,

Can you believe it? I only have two more radiation sessions to go. I will be on a plane coming home in ten days. I am on a countdown marking the days on a calendar. I feel really good and I owe it all to God. I am in no pain and just a little tired.

We took the kids swimming today. It was so hot! The pool was packed with kids. Hailey had to wear ear plugs because she had swimmer's ear last week. Poor kid, she always has something going on. I can't wait for my cousin's pool to be finished this weekend. We will be able to swim in it next week.

Thank you Sara and Kim for your support. I will need you all probably more when I get home. I will need some emotional support. I am the type of the person that likes to have people around me at all times. I am definitely not a loner. I think I will be so busy with church, kids, and work that I won't have time to be scared. I hope to find a cancer support group to attend. I don't know if it would help to talk about the fear with other cancer patients, but I will try anything.

I hope everyone has a great Easter. I know we will since we are going to Easter service and then to Aprils for dinner. Don't forget the meaning of Easter and teach your kids what it means.

The Easter Story: The Resurrection

Written by Holman Christian Standard Bible
This is part four of a four-part series focusing on the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ.Matthew 28:1-20Resurrection Morning1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached [the tomb]. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow. 4 The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men. 5
But the angel told the women, "Don't be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples, 'He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.' Listen, I have told you."
8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. 9 Just then Jesus met them and said, "Good morning!" They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus told them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there."The Soldiers Are Bribed to Lie11 As they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After the priests had assembled with the elders and agreed on a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money 13 and told them, "Say this, 'His disciples came during the night and stole Him while we were sleeping.' 14 If this reaches the governor's ears, we will deal with him and keep you out of trouble." 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been spread among Jewish people to this day.The Great Commission16 The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

HAPPY EASTER! GOD BLESS!!

STAY GODSTRONG!!!

FOUR MORE TO GO!!!!!

2006-04-12T15:33:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone,

Only four more radiation treatments to go. I am still feeling good and anxious to get finished. I am a little scared to come home though. I told my doctor that the fear is there because I have been watched under a microscope here. She said that it was natural to have that fear and she was only a phone call a way. I just need to give it to God and keep the faith. I will definitely keep myself busy and try not to worry. I will need my friends and families support when I get home also. I hope that isn't asking a lot, but I still will need you.

I wanted to post something from Denise about my homecoming party. Here it is so please respond:

I guess I am trying to figure out what to do and what weekend..I talked to Tami and I think the best thing would be for a cookout at one of the shelters at Hurricane Park..Iam coming to WV this weekend and check availability..I need to get a head count ofpeople and what weekend would be best..May 13th, May 20th , or June3rd..I would like for everyone to bring a dish to share..Please RSVP-ASAP with your preferred date and what you could bring...Thanks,Denise
5:20 PM
Denise said...
I forgot to put my contact information for the cookout..Denise

Mykidsazd@yahoo.com

We are going to my cousin April's house this evening to cook out. Her pool is almost complete so the kids are getting excited to swim. It is beautiful with water flowing over rocks and an outdoor kitchen. You would have to have a pool in Texas. It is 100 degrees or more from July to September. April has also invited us to Easter Dinner. We asked her if she wanted us to bring anything. She said you can bring something easy like rolls. LOL April knows that we are not cooks. How funny that she has already figured that out.

Hailey is out of school for four days this weekend. We haven't figured out what to do yet. I would like to take the girls swimming and to a waterpark. I can't swim because of the radiation, but I can wade in the pool. I am not ready to put on a bathing suit anyway. That would be scary! A bald headed fat woman. Oh my!!! LOL

Keep praying for my total healing and NO FEAR!!! God Bless you and your families!

Stay Godstrong!!!

Texas - The Blue Bonnet State

2006-04-10T00:56:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone,

Texas has the prettiest bluebonnet flowers. Their state flower is everywhere and really looks beautiful through the fields of flat land. We took the kids to the Bluebonnet Festival today with the neighbors. Robert and Melissa know how to have fun with the kids. Their children are Hannah(6) and Gracie(4). Hailey and Morgan just love hanging out with them. We had a great time at the festival today looking at all the arts and crafts. It was about 85 degrees though and no wind. Boy was it hot!!! Robert and Melissa took us to this field of bluebonnets to take pictures of the kids. You had to watch out for the ant piles. I stepped in one and was hopping around and screaming. They bite and it hurts! LOL The pictures turned out really good. I will attach a few to the website so everyone can see.

Tomorrow is my radiation treatment and then only six more to go. We have packed everything possible except the things we need for now. You won't believe that mom and I are a little sad about leaving. Oh, I can't wait to get home, but there are a lot of good things about Texas. The weather in the winter, the hospital, some of the people I have met , my cousin April and her family, palm trees, and the bluebonnets. I don't want to forget the church I have been attending (Grace Fellowship). It's just not home and I am ready to come home!

I told Pastor Jim Leggett goodbye today. I told him how much I appreciated him and his church. I have learned a lot of scripture and how giving people can be. This church is all about prayer and loving God. They have a great thing going and I believe that are really focused on God and his children. We will get to go to one more service which is Easter Sunday. They are have the service at this place called the Merrel Center. It is as big as the Charleston Civic Center. That is why I told everyone goodbye today because I won't be able to talk to anyone Easter Sunday.

Please keep praying for my total healing. God Bless!!

Stay Godstrong!!!

NINE MORE TO GO!!!

2006-04-05T23:34:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone,

Can you believe it? Only NINE more radiation sessions to go! I am smiling while saying that. I can smell the West Virginia air. Oh, I forgot, it doesn't smell so good. LOL I don't care, I am ready, oh so ready, to come HOME! I am feeling really good today and no pain. Thank you again Jesus! I am eating like I always do except no peanuts or crackers. Food like that is too rough going down. I haven't had to take any pain medicine so far. God is so good! All the time!

We started taking pictures off the walls and packing boxes today. I am getting really excited about coming home. We will be packed and ready to go. Larry is driving home by himself so please say a prayer for him. That is a long 20 hour drive by yourself. He is a good driver but I will still worry about him. Diesel, my dog, is riding with him. I don't think the dog will help keep him awake though. Diesel can't drive yet he is only three. LOL

I am going to take the kids this weekend to get their Easter pictures taken. Their dresses aren't the same but they match. Hailey has a cute hair bow and a bracelet. Morgan has a purse and a hat. I want their pictures to be back before we come home.

I can't believe that Mandisa was voted off American Idol tonight. I thought Bucky or Ace would go first. My favorite is still Chris and Larry says Taylor will win. What do you all think? Who is your favorite American Idol?

Please pray for a guy named Blake. He is currently taking radiation along with me at the same place. He is only 23 years old and has lymphoma in his neck. He told me yesterday that he is in a lot of pain because of the radiation. He can't swallow and the pain medicine isn't helping.

Keep praying for my total healing! God Bless!!

Stay Godstrong!!!

Weekend of Adventure

2006-04-02T22:42:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone,

This weekend was full of adventure. On Saturday, we went to Hailey's soccer game and the weather was hot. Hailey played three quarters and did a great job. She played goalee again and right wing. She needs a little practice kicking the ball when it is coming at her fast. She does that kick thing and misses the ball sometimes. LOL The score was 0 to 0. So the Mexico team is undefeated!

Saturday evening we sat outside until 10:30pm talking to the neighbors. The weather couldn't have been any better. I can't wait to get home and be able to sit out on my back deck with my friends at night. We had pizza for dinner because we were all to tired to fix anything. Our neighbors are so nice and their little boy is really cute. His name is Cohen and he is five months old. I love to hold him and watch him smile. It doesn't make me want another child but I can't wait until my niece's baby is due. He will be so spoiled and I definitely will help do that.

Today, we went to Moody Gardens. It took us about 1 1/2 hrs to get there but it was worth the drive. The bay was pretty and the waves were peaceful. I don't know what it is about water and sand, but it is so relaxing to me. Moody Gardens was really interesting and the kids had a great time. They had a RainForest, 3D ride theatre, 4D Spongebob movie, Boat tour, Discovery museum, and more. The tour of Moody Gardens took all day. We took some pictures that I will post later. If you are interested in looking at the park, you can go to www.MoodyGardens.com.

Please pray for my 11th radiation session tomorrow. My esophagus is starting to get sore. I just started having problems swallowing food this weekend. The doctor will give me medicine tomorrow to help the pain.

God Bless!!

Stay Godstrong!!!

Thursday - 80 degrees in Texas

2006-03-30T22:26:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I went to my 9th radiation session this morning. I am still feeling good and no side effects. Thank you Jesus!!! My Aunt Marilyn called and said she has the flu. She won't be coming to see us because she doesn't want to spread the germs. I was kind of bummed because we were excited to see her. We hope she can come in a couple of weeks to see us. We would like to go to Moody Gardens or Sea World before we come home.

Mom, Morgan, and I went to Katy Mills Mall and finished up our Easter shopping. I am going to take the kids to get their Easter pictures this weekend. Morgan won't have anything to do with the Easter bunny. She flipped out today when she seen him. She was screaming and crying so we had to get her away from the Easter bunny. I guess we will just get their picture taken with a fake background with the Easter bunny in it.

Hailey had soccer practice this evening and the bugs swarming. I will definitely take the Avon Bug Guard next time. That's one bad thing about Texas, the bugs are also BIG! lol

I am going to purchase our airline tickets tomorrow to finally come home. We are aiming for April 22nd. I have been released from the main Doctor but still have to be released from the Radiation Oncologist. Three more weeks and here we come....HOME SWEET HOME!!!

Please pray for my total healing and our homecoming!

Stay Godstrong!!!

7 DOWN & 15 TO GO

2006-03-28T22:25:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Today was my seventh radiation and only have fifteen to go. I am feeling good today and not as tired. I talked to the doctor and she told me if I am not burning yet when I swallow that I will. I am praying that the pain will be minor and once again they will say, "I'm amazed!" All things are possible with God. I asked the doctor why they are radiating both over top and underneath me. She said it would be too much radiation just from the top so they give both sides. I also asked if the radiation would effect my spinal cord and she said no I don't get enough radiation to worry about it.

The doctor told me that the radiation was just to mop up the rest of the cells that chemo might have missed. It won't shrink the tumor much more. The tumor will just be left there as scar tissue. They will check me every three months to make sure the scar tissue is the same size. My chest xray's and scans will always be abnormal.

To answer Tonya's questions, I hope to be home by April 30th. Schools in Texas get out May 20th, but she will finish out at Scott Teays Elementary. She wants to go back to school in WV with her friends. I have already talked to the principal and her teacher. They will just average her grades from both schools. We all are so ready to come home.

Please keep praying for my total healing. God Bless you and your families!

Stay Godstrong!!!

5 DOWN & 17 TO GO

2006-03-26T23:33:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I have completed 5 radiation sessions so far and feeling good. I am a little tired, but still going strong. I am on a count down of how many session I have left. It is easier to count the radiation sessions than counting the weeks to come home. I am trying not to look for side effects of the radiation but it is hard. My mind always wants to play tricks on me. I try to stay busy all the time so I won't think about what my body is going through. I am trying not to worry about my heart and lungs being affected. Just keep praying because I am trying to be strong.

On a good note, we had a great time this weekend. I am exhausted from all the running. On Saturday, we went to Hailey's first soccer game and they won. Yeah, team Mexico!! Hailey likes outdoor soccer better than indoor. She is going to be my little sportswoman. She had so much fun out there on the field. She played right wing and goalee. Morgan was screaming, "go Hailey, go Hailey." How cute is that. She is already cheering for her sister. Morgan will be the prissy little cheerleader type and Hailey is the tomboy sports person.

After the soccer game, Hailey had pictures taken with her team. Then we rushed to her school carnival. The carnival was really organized and alot of fun for all of us. They had a silent and live auction, raffled baskets of gifts, carnival rides, games, food, and even music. This was a huge carnival to be for a elementary school. Scott Teays is going to have to get with it. We need an auction and music. Hailey and I were doing the chacha slide and dancing. I also rode one of the carnival rides that went round and round. Oh my, I was dizzy when I got off that ride.

Hailey won a raffle basket full of camping supplies including fishing gear. So today we took the kids fishing with the neighbors. We packed some snacks and headed for the park. This park reminded us of Barboursville's new park. It had basketball courts, tennis courts, shelters, lake, and even an indoor pool. The weather couldn't of been any better. It was about 75 degrees and a little windy. The wind hurt the fishing a little but we still had a great time. Morgan was yelling for the fish like she was calling a dog. Hailey was a little impatient. She wanted to catch a fish immediately. Larry taught her how to bait a hook with a worm and helped her cast her line. She thought she was big because she was touching the worms and mommy wouldn't.

Well, tomorrow starts my 6th session of radiation so pray that I will have another great week. Thank you all for your prayers and support.

Stay Godstrong!!

Tuesday - Second session of Radiation

2006-03-21T20:05:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I went to my second session of radiation today. They took xrays which will be done every two or three days. The doctor said the xrays are to keep the radiation in line. I had them to cut out the nose on the mask because it is now tighter. The mask shrinks as it dries. Wow, is it tight. I couldn't breathe with my nose smashed and my mouth closed. It is much better now and I don't feel so closed in. The right side of my heart will be radiated for a total of two 1/2 weeks. The doctor says the left side is the workhorse. I am being radiated from the back and front. The two radiation technicians, Lisa and Tonya, are so helpful and nice. They try to make me as comfortable as possible.

Every Tuesday, I will talk to the nutritionist and the radiation oncologist. The nutritionist told me that I couldn't lose any weight during radiation. Losing weight will increase the side effects and cause more fatigue. I really need to go on a crash diet but I will wait until I get home. I was told to eat between 2200 to 2600 calories a day and 90 grams of protein. Yee haw! I have never been told to eat ice cream as much as I can in the third week. I was also told to eat butter and sour cream. I will really be packing the weight on. The doctor told me I won't be able to eat much after the third week.

I asked the doctor today what my prognosis would be. She told me a 50/50 chance of the lymphoma not coming back. She said, "you can wipe one brow if it doesn't come back in two years and you can wipe both brows if it doesn't come back in five years." After five years, statistics say it won't come back. I will be 41 years old in five years. That will be a very happy moment when I pass that mark because I will beat this with the Lord's help. I am going to keep praying everyday for total healing.

So how about American Idol? I am voting for Chris Daughtry. He has a great voice and is cute. Larry likes Kathryn McVey not only because she's cute, he says she has the best voice. I think I am addicted to this show. I wouldn't even go for a walk with Larry tonight because I didn't want to miss it. We are trying to walk every day to keep up my strength.

Keep up the prayers because I still need it. God Bless!

Stay Godstrong!!

SO MANY BLESSINGS

2006-03-19T23:11:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to say "Thank You God" for all the blessings I have received. I am always in AWE at God's miracles. Just have faith and live your life for him!! That is what I have been trying my best to do. He has given me blessing after blessing. Every day I start to worry and wonder how will I make it and here comes another blessing.

Please pray for my first radiation which is tomorrow. I am a little nervous but I know it will be a piece of cake compared to chemo. I think the mask has me more nervous than the actual radiation. Larry is going with me tomorrow for support. The radiation should only take about 15 minutes.

My hair is starting to grow back and my eyelashes are also coming in. I am so excited that my hair is coming in blonde. I thought it would be dark brown. I might not have to get it colored if it stays blonde. You never know, I might get a wild hair and color it red. LOL

My Aunt Marilyn is coming back to visit us next week. We will probably go on some adventures. We would like to go to SeaWorld and Moody Gardens. I think they just opened. Can you believe the pools in Texas open April 1st? The kids are excited to go swimming soon.

Please keep up the prayers. I still need them to stay strong and positive. God Bless each and everyone of you!!

Stay Godstrong!!!

Monday - Lung Specialist Visit

2006-03-13T17:56:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Today I went to see the Lung Specialist. I had a chest xray first and then bloodwork. I am so excited to say that the Lung Specialist doesn't think it is lymphoma in my lung. She doesn't even think it is an infection or fungus. She seems to think it is scar tissue that was taken by the CT scan in a different angle. I will be on antibiotics for 14 days(for precaution) and both of my doctors have released me to start radiation. My first radiation treatment is Monday, March 20th. I will go through 22 treatments which should end April 20th. The Lung Specialist wants to see me again in six weeks to check on the scar tissue. I will also have to go through all my tests again before I come home.

I am feeling really good today. There has been a weight lifted off of my shoulders. I don't have to worry about what is in my lung. I told the doctor if she isn't worried about it then I won't either. I am still trusting in God and keeping the faith. We have been studying about faith in church. I think the pastor is talking straight at me. We are studying Hebrews! What a great book!

Your prayers are being answered so please keep it up. Thank you for your support and caring hearts. May God Bless you and your families.

Stay Godstrong!!!

Friday - A Relaxing Day

2006-03-10T23:35:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Today was just a very relaxing day. The weather is great and we enjoyed it by taking a walk. We went to a place called Palais Royal which is a clothing store. They had great sales, but we didn't find anything. Morgan had a great time at Burger King afterwards. She played on the slides climbing in and out of the tubes that reached to the ceiling. It took her a long time to climb through it all but she made it. Morgan is like me, she never meets a stranger. She played with a little boy named Tyler. Tyler is four years old and just loved Morgan. They played for about an hour.

Yesterday was my simulation at the radiation oncologist. First, Larry and I sat and talked to the doctor. I signed papers and discussed the side effects of the radiation once again. The doctor showed us slides of my tumor from the beginning to now. I could not believe how big it was. Stretching from my heart and pushing my right lung against my rib cage. And NOW, it is only 3.6cm of dead tissue. No Cancer! This could only have been God's Miracle! Thank you Jesus!

We watched a movie on radiation and then I went in to do a CAT scan. No barium or IVs. Yeah!! I layed down on a cold, hard, flat table. The radiologist explained to me that I have to be fitted for a mask. I thought, ok it can't be so bad. They brought out a square piece of plastic with snaps around the edges. The radiologist dipped it in hot water and placed it over my face. It wasn't hot but wet. They formed it around my face and snapped it down to the bed. I really felt like I wanted to jump off that table and run. They kept saying your doing good Mrs. Evans. I guess it was about 20 minutes but felt like hours. I couldn't move my head, open my eyes, or mouth. I knew I had to get my mind off of this mask so I said Bible scriptures over and over. The radiologist were putting tattoos on me as I just prayed. They put a needle in the center of my chest with permanent ink on it. Then on each side of my chest. It was very uncomfortable strapped down and not knowing what was going to happen next. So here I am now with black and red permanent marks all over me with tape on it. It is very hard to take a shower and try not to wash off the marks. I just want this radiation to get started. I don't know how I will feel with that mask on every session. I definitely will have to learn more Bible scriptures. LOL

Keep praying because I need it. The fear is there but I am fighting every minute of it.

Stay Godstrong!!

TEST RESULTS

2006-03-07T11:24:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I went to see the radiation oncologist yesterday. She is a very intelligent person and knows a lot about my disease. She explained to me the steps we will take before the radiation and the side effects of the radiation. It was pretty scary for me to set there and hear what could happen during the radiation. I have to have faith that God will protect me through this procedure. Some of the side effects are: loss of some lung capacity, burning of the skin radiated, esophagus burning, loss of appetite, nauseated, and fatigue. Radiation can also cause breast cancer so I have been recommended to have yearly mammograms. I have another appointment on Thursday to get a CAT scan done so they can mark the spot that will be radiated.

I also went to the hospital to get my blood work and see my doctor. My blood work was good once again! Dr. Fanale gave me the results of my tests that I had on Thursday. I am still in remission and no signs of cancer. Thank you Jesus! There was something that is startling on the tests. The lesions that were in my right lung have grown in size. The lesion is 2.2 cm and looks fluffy on the test. Dr. Fanale said she wasn't really worried about it being lymphoma because the PET scan showed no cancer activity. She said if it were cancer at 2.2cm it would have lit up on the scan. She seems to think it is some kind of infection or fungus. It could be a touch of pneumonia or who knows? They put me on a very strong antibiotic for ten days and then will do a chest xray to see that it is gone. I guess that is the scary part of it all. They really don't know what it is. I will see a lung specialist this week and he may do a biopsy. There is two ways to do a biopsy of the lung. A needle biopsy or a light down the throat. This has all set back my radiation because the radiation will make the infection worse.

I was really upset yesterday because of all this and just wanted to lock myself in a room and cry. I am ok now because I just prayed to God to take away all the stress, worry, and anger. I have to have faith that God will take care of me and that this little infection will be gone soon. Faith has taken me this far through this journey and it will bring me home Cancer Free and healthy. I don't want to take any steps backward so I will fight to move forward. This is just a little bump in the road! With God, all things are possible and truly believe that. I need your prayers right now. Please pray for the infection or whatever it is to go away so I can start my radiation and come home.

God Bless!!

Stay Godstrong!!

Sunday - THE LORD'S DAY!!

2006-03-05T23:11:00.000-05:00

WORDS FROM LIFEWAY.COM

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel's voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 — Holman CSB ®

Let The Words You Speak Be Fitly Chosen

Written by JB & Shugie Collingsworth
"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Proverbs 25:11 (NKJV)
LifeWay Recommends

See Description
Bill, a 41-year-old husband and dad with two kids, died recently. Like many of us, he didn’t always stop to tell his wife he loved her before turning in for the night. But those were the last words she heard from his lips, “Honey, I love you.” She will treasure those words the rest of her life. There is great peace that comes in knowing that the last words they spoke to each other were positive, caring words.

When is the last time you went to bed angry at your spouse, or one of your children, or even a friend?
Be Careful What You SayLet the words that come from your mouth be words of encouragement and sincere love for your spouse. Let him or her know every day that you really love and appreciate them. Many times a word fitly spoken can be just what your spouse needs.

Be Careful How You Say ItIt is proven that 95 % of all friction in life is caused by tone of voice. You mean it is not what I say, but "how" I say it? Exactly. If we would heed the words of Proverbs 25:11 and find a “word fitly spoken” we would see less conflict in all arenas of our lives.
If I have to stop and think of what I want to say, and have to plan how to say it, I can avoid arguments. As a couple, we have learned the hard way! Seriously, it is so important that we think how what we say will be received by our spouse.

Don't Retaliate Many times a person says something unkind because they have been wounded or are dealing with some kind of personal struggle. Listen “between the lines" for what he or she might really be saying. Ask, “Can I help you, or is there something you want to talk to me about?”

What if when something is wrong in our relationship with our mate we simply looked at them and said, “Honey, something is wrong. If I have offended you, first, please forgive me, and second, please tell me what it is so that I can correct whatever it is.” Wow! The problem is that many times we open our mouths, instead of examining our hearts for wrong motives, impurities, or selfishness.

Keep the Slate Clean Have you heard the joke about the couple who said they had never gone to bed mad at one another? The truth is that they had never gone to bed upset with each other, but they had stayed up several nights in a row! It is so hard to feel that you are always “right” with your partner. We must always be willing to ask forgiveness.
You can be the strong one who is able to tell your mate that you care enough to risk what it takes to make things right. Ask yourself, “What can I do or say today that will allow me to live with no regrets”? I want to give good things to those I care about — how about you?

When You Mess Up, Admit It Be the first person to say, “Will you please forgive me? I was so wrong.” Go on to say, “What can I do to help resolve this?”
Think about what you want in your relationship. Most of us respond to kindness. We respond to someone who cares about us and how we feel. Before you get into a “discussion” as some of our friends call it, simply say, “Lord, help me to be kind in what I say and how I say it.” He will help you!

"Lord, set up a guard for my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips." Psalm 141:3 (HCSB)

Please pray for my test results tomorrow! Oh Heavenly Father, let my test results be good! I pray in agreeance with others for no Cancer! In Jesus' Name, Amen!!

Stay Godstrong!!!

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Friday - Another Beautiful Day

2006-03-03T23:35:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Yesterday was not a good day at the hospital. When I was going through my PET CT scan, I was feeling really sick. I had to drink two glasses of barium which is nasty. I started feeling really nauseated after the second glass. Needless to say, it didn't stay down. This was the first time I had to do all this testing by myself. Larry had to stay home with the kids. This was also the first time I was sick from the tests. I was at the hospital from 5:30pm to 10:30pm. I was sitting in a chair waiting to be called back for the test and I started talking to several people that were waiting for the same test. We all had different kinds of cancer and talked about our symptoms before we found out about the disease. It was very interesting hearing everyone's story and how we were all scared. It was calming to know that most of the people believed in Jesus Christ. We talked about giving our fears to God and having faith he would take care of us. There was one lady that had NH Lymphoma but a little different than my situation. The doctors didn't catch her lymphoma until it had already spread. She has several tumors and has had for 2 years. The lady said, she isn't as religious as we were and she was scared of dying. Someone spoke up and said, it isn't about being religious, it is about having faith. Staying Positive and living each day to the fullest. I felt really sorry for this lady with lymphoma. She said the doctors only gave her five years to live. She also said she cries every night. I told her when she can't sleep to pray and give her fear to God. I talked to her until she left to have her tests done. I hope I said something to help her have peace with her disease.

I finally made it through my test and then got sick once again. I prayed that I would make it home which is a 45 minute drive. I tried to stop at McDonalds and Wendys because I was feeling so sick. They were closed except the drive thru. I made it home and was sick once again. I went to bed and was feeling so much better this morning.

Today, Morgan and I watched the movie "Spirit". Morgan was so cute! She would say, "No man, don't get the horsey. Run Horsey Run!" She loved that movie and sat through the whole thing. We played outside most of the day and took a short walk. I love spending so much time with my kids. Morgan is starting to get an imagination of her own. She is so fun to sit and listen to. Hailey is turning into her own little person. She is growing up so fast. My children mean everything to me. They are truly a gift from God!

Please pray that my test results turn out good. God Bless!!

Stay Godstrong!!

Wednesday - 80 Degrees Again

2006-03-01T23:21:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

It was 80 degrees here in Texas again today. I was up early this morning cleaning house and paying bills. Morgan and I played outside all day. There has been a lot of people moving out of our apartments lately. I think the New Orleans evacuee's are moving home. The apartment complex also raised the rent. Yuck!! I can't wait to go home and just have to pay one payment. It is getting expensive living here, but I know it is worth it. Not much longer and I will be on my way home.

Hailey started her math tutoring today. She stays at school on Monday and Wednesday until 4:45pm. A bus brings her home at 5:00pm. She loves the math tutor and said she really helped her. I am glad the school offers the extra help so Hailey can keep her grades up. Hailey will start practicing with a soccer team next week. We didn't sign her up for the team because the first game isn't until the end of March. The coach asked Hailey to practice with them. She excited to get started with the team.

My tests are tomorrow which are CT scan, PET scan, and chest xray. Please pray for good results. I should receive all my results on Monday when I go to the hospital for bloodwork. Larry will stay home tomorrow and get Hailey off to school.

Update on my hair.... I have peach fuzz on my head, eyelashes are starting to grow, eyebrows are thin. The chemo has caused tingling in my fingertips and my circulation isn't the best. This will go away with time. I have been getting cramps in my feet and toes. These are a few side effects, but I can handle it. It is just minor and I am Cancer Free.

Please keep praying! God Bless!!

Stay Godstrong!!!

Monday - Good results

2006-02-27T22:34:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Woke up this morning at 4:30am and took mom to the airport. She is on her way to Florida to be with my Aunt Marilyn. I went to the hospital from there and made it without getting lost. Yeah!! I had my bloodwork done and everything was good! Thank you Jesus....one more time! I talked to the appointment clerk and she moved all my tests up to this week. On Thursday, I have my PET scan, CT scan, and chest xray. I will get my results from those tests on Monday. I also see my radiation onocologist on Monday for my consult. I should start my radiation on the 13th.

Larry took us to the movies today because Hailey was out of school for student holiday. We went to see "Eight Below" and it was a cute movie about sled dogs. Morgan cried because she thought the dogs were hurt. She sat through the whole movie and watched it. She ate a whole bag of popcorn and looked so grown up. Hailey enjoyed the movie too!

We sat outside today after Morgan's nap and enjoyed the 70 degree weather. A lot of the kids have moved out this month so Hailey don't have as many people to play with. I am hoping we will get some new neighbors with kids her age.

Wednesday is my cousin Zack's birthday. We took him his presents and April had some seven layer cookies waiting for us. She really knows how to bake and we love it when she does. April has a dog named Cooper that my kids like to play with. We enjoy going over to her house and spending time with her family.

Keep up the prayers! God Bless!

Stay Godstrong!!!

Saturday - Shop til Ya Drop

2006-02-25T23:21:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Today we went to the Katy Mills Mall and ran around. It rained all day so we had to do something inside. We shopped for about six hours. The best shop was Burlington Coat factory. They had the best deals and lots to pick from. I bought both girls their Easter dresses. They are absolutely beautiful and fit really well. I was shocked at the deals they had. We also went to the Marble Creamery and bought some icecream. They have the best icecream and waffle cones. You can pick from different candy bar waffle cones. The kids thought this was a real treat!

We came home and just hung out around the apartment. We were too tired to do anything else. We all feel so much better today. Everyone lost weight while we were sick, but are working on gaining it back. LOL

Mom is flying out on Monday to go to Florida with my Aunt Marilyn. She will be gone for about a week. They are going to spread my Uncle Steve's ashes over the lake near their house. It is going to be really sad. Steve's son and Aunt will be their also. My mom will help my Aunt Marilyn clean out the house and get things organized. That's what she is good at.......organizing!

I talked to my doctor yesterday and they are trying to get my radiation moved up to the first of March. I will know more on Monday when I go to the hospital for bloodwork. Keep praying for my total healing. It won't be much longer now!

God Bless each and everyone of you!

Stay Godstrong!!!

Nice in Texas

2006-02-23T16:28:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

It has been so nice here in Texas the past couple of days. Yesterday it was 80 degrees and today it is 70. I am feeling much better today and thank God so is the rest of the family. I hope we don't have to go through any of that nasty virus stuff again.

Mom, Morgan, and I walked to Kroger today. It felt so good to get out of the house and breathe some fresh air. We went to Subway and had lunch. Morgan thinks everytime we walk she has to eat lunch. She says, "Eat mommy, eat!" The little thing only weighs 25 pounds so we eat. You know I am always willing to eat. I think it is my favorite thing to do anymore. I am going to have to join Weight Watchers when I get home. I am putting on the pounds with the steroids and not working. I am not one to work out a lot but I love to take long walks. Maybe I could walk in my subdivision when I get home. I have friends that would join me I know.

I talked to the radiation onocologist's secretary yesterday and they have me scheduled for late March for radiation. I called my doctor today to tried to get it moved up sooner. I don't want to be here any longer than I have to. The doctor has not returned my call yet. Please pray for my patience and for my radiation to start in early March. The doctors want to wait until after my tests on March 14th. Well, I say move the tests sooner. I am just sitting here waiting anyway. Ok, can you hear it in my voice. I am very frustrated!! I just want to come home see my friends and family and get back to work. I have been a Texan long enough. I am trying to be good, but it's hard.

Thank you all for responding to my Welcome Home Party posting. We are not sure when it will be, but will keep you informed. Please be thinking of ideas because I need some fun! I think a cook out and music would be fun at someone's house. Who knows? Maybe even in my own back yard.

Please keep praying for my total healing! God Bless you and your families!

Stay Godstrong!!!

Not Feeling Well

2006-02-21T23:25:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Just a short note to tell you I am still here but not feeling well. My whole family has had a stomach virus since Saturday. Great Birthday present right? I am feeling a little better today. I am going to call the doctor tomorrow in order to reschedule my bloodwork. I missed going to the doctor on Monday because I was just too sick. I think this is the worst I have felt since I have been here in Texas. Mom called the hospital on Monday and they said to bring me to the emergency room if I couldn't hold anything down. I made sure I ate a lot of ice and sipped on sprite. I didn't eat anything until today and it has been just touch and go. The kids feel much better, but the adults are having a hard time getting over this one.

I wanted to thank everyone for the birthday cards and flowers that were sent. I have a lot of good friends and these things always make me smile. I love to get mail because it keeps me feeling a connection to home. If you can believe it this is going to be a short posting. I will write again when feeling better.

God Bless!!!

Stay Godstrong!!!

"THE BIG HOMECOMING"

2006-02-18T22:27:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Just want to put out a suggestion. MAY 6th is my big homecoming party!!! Yee haw!!! We are going to have an 80's theme party with karoke and dancing. We would even like for people to come dressed 80's if you like. It is going to be couples and singles of course. Anyone is welcome. The party will be at the Hurricane Community Center by the Wave Pool. We haven't figured out all the details yet, but we know it's going to be fun!!! Everyone knows I love lots of people and want to be right in the center. I want to celebrate what God has done for me with all my friends and family. Please everyone respond if you would come or not. We need to know approximately how many would attend and would like to know who would like to help plan this fantastic event. Please, please respond quickly. We want to get this party started!!!

Stay Godstrong!!!

36 YEARS YOUNG TODAY!!!

2006-02-18T12:20:00.000-05:00

JUST WANTED TO SAY, "THANK YOU LORD FOR LETTING ME LIVE ANOTHER YEAR!" WE WILL PROBABLY GO OUT TO EAT FOR MY BIRTHDAY.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME" HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO TAMI, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!"

It wouldn't matter if I did nothing but spend time home with my family today. I am just glad I can celebrate this day. Thank you all for prayers and support!

Stay Godstrong!!!

"My Dream"

2006-02-16T23:58:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I have to tell you about my dream last night. I dreamed that we were back in WV. Mom and I were driving somewhere and she was saying, "Tami, did you pay your electric bill, have you made your bed, did you finish your scrapbook, did you pay your medical bills, did you clean the house?" I screamed , "Mom please, I have a headache." She just kept saying those things over and over. She also said, "Are you staying organized?" Oh my, I can even hear her in my dreams. LOL What am I going to do. Like I said before, just call me Martha Stewart. I think the dream scared me because I was up and in the shower by 7:30am.

Mom, Morgan, and I walked to Big Lots today and I picked up some scrapbooking stuff. We walked home and put Morgan down for a nap. I walked to the scrapbooking store and stayed for about four hours. I could really do this everyday. I just love it! I met some ladies and got some really good ideas from them. I met one lady that has her own scrapbooking website. Cool huh! I told them my testimony of course and I think I talked more than I scrapbooked. I know you all just can't imagine that. LOL

We cooked out on the grill this evening. It was 80 degrees today. It was such a great day to get out and enjoy the weather. I love to tell everyone that I am cancer free. I am in remission. I just can't quit smiling! Dancing with NED!! Yee haw! By the way Aunt Teresa, NED means no evidence of disease. I have to tell you my new saying is, "I have Chemo brain, what's your excuse?" I am going to make a shirt that says that. I am in such a good mood today. God is so Good!!

I am going to an Avon Staff Meeting in Houston tomorrow all day. I am so excited to get back into Avon. I will be with about 15 managers with lots of great ideas to take home. Texas Avon Division always is on top in sales. I want to know there secret and I plan to find out. I will talk to all the managers before I leave and pick their brains. I hope they can hang with this WV Avon manager. LOL

Please keep praying for my radiation and complete healing! God Bless!!!

Stay Godstrong!!!

Feeling Better Today

2006-02-15T22:59:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I feel so much better today. Mom, Morgan, and I walked to Kroger and Big Lots. We were all tired by the time we got back home. Mom and Morgan took a nap and I worked on my scrapbook. I am getting way too organized. I bought a picture box and now have half of my pictures in the box in order. Scary, huh!

We sat around the apartment today and watched T.V. I watched Morgan play outside for awhile. It was almost 80 degrees. It is supposed to be nice tomorrow and then rain on the weekend. Our neighbors invited us to have dinner with them on Saturday. My birthday is the same day as Roberts, the neighbor. We are going to cook out and maybe play some board games. We may go play putt putt during the day Saturday.

I helped Hailey with her math and spelling homework. She has a math test tomorrow and we studied for it. Math is much harder here in Texas than in WV. It seems that everything I try to teach her isn't the way they do it here in Texas.
She is doing well, but we study almost every night. I am so glad Hailey has adjusted as well as she has. She makes good grades, but with alot of effort.

Thank you again for your support and kindness! God Bless!!

Stay Godstrong!!!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

2006-02-14T22:10:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to say Happy Valentine's Day!!! Larry shaved my head for my Valentine's Day present. I finally did it! Now I am hoping for fast hair growth. Larry says it looks like it will grow in dark. He is so sweet. He said you are still beautiful even if you are bald. That's my Valentine!!! Our love only gets stronger after 20 years.

God Bless and Stay Godstrong!!!

I am Dancing with NED!!!!!!!!

2006-02-14T15:49:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! He is sooooo Good! I am in Remission. NO MORE CANCER!!! Do you know how long I have wanted to say that. Thank you Jesus! The doctor said I still have dead tissue that will have to dissolve. I will start my radiation in about 3 weeks or so. The radiation shouldn't make me sick, just tired. I can handle that. My journey should show anyone that God can make miracles happen. It is the power of prayer! So don't quit praying. Like I said before, pray me all the way home.

We went to church yesterday and my neighbor, Robert, and his kids went with us. As we were leaving church, my neighbors, Dylan and Cat, were leaving the church. I was so happy to see them. This proves it just takes asking someone to go to church or as I would say, planting the seed.

I am not feeling so well today, but I know the nausea feeling will go away soon. I had to post to tell everyone that God and I have kicked cancer's butt. I pray that this terrible disease never returns in Jesus' name.

I want to thank everyone for their love and support. You all have been awesome!

Stay Godstrong!!!

Rain in Texas

2006-02-10T23:58:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I woke up to rain this morning. It rained hard all day and we stayed in the house. Mom had us cleaning everything including the walls. She worked my fingers to the bone. LOL Mom was even cleaning the ceiling fans. I think we have the cleanest apartment around.

We are supposed to have a cold front coming through this weekend. The weather guy said get out the firewood. It is only going to be the high of 48 tomorrow and very windy. Texans just don't know what cold is. If they had a winter with snow it would be a mess.

Hailey's last game is tomorrow. It is kind of sad because she really enjoys basketball. The coach is having a party after the game at Fuddruckers. Hailey is very excited about getting a trophy. I will take lots of pictures so I can post them. If Hailey's team wins they will be 4 and 3. I am not sure what we will put Hailey into next. Soccer starts next month, but it doesn't end until May and we will be gone in April. We are just going to have to find her something to do at the YMCA.

I am going to shave my head tomorrow. This is a huge step for me. I only have a few hairs hanging. I never dreamed that I would be totally bald in my lifetime. I know it will grow back and I just don't know if I will ever get used to no hair. My eyelashes have fallen out and my eyebrows are going. I know it is just hair, but it is hard. Hailey wants to paint a face on the back of my head. She is taking me being bald really well. This makes it much easier. My family loves me no matter what and that helps. I have a great support system here in Texas and at home. I am so fortunate to have family and friends like you all.

Valentine's Day is around the corner. So what are you going to buy your sweetie? We usually buy each other a card and go out to eat. This Valentine's Day I will be out of commission. My chemo is the day before so I won't be feeling well. I think I will have Larry to take me out to eat this weekend. We can celebrate Valentine's Day on Sunday.

Please keep praying for my total healing. God Bless you and your families!

Stay Godstrong!!!

Beautiful Day in Texas

2006-02-09T23:33:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

It was a beautiful day in Texas. The temperature was around 72 degrees. Mom, Morgan, and I walked to a new resale shop. I found the prettiest evening gown there today. It was gold and lacey. I need to buy an outfit for our Avon convention and this gown would have been perfect. It is $110.00 and that is too much for my taste. Our convention is in Texas. Can you believe that? I will be back in Texas in July for my checkup and then again in August for the convention. I guess I will be visiting Texas every three months for at least a year for checkups.

Yesterday Larry and I went to the hospital for my PET CT scan. It was very early in the morning and I had a hard time staying awake. There was only one other patient there, so I was taken back quickly. The test took about an hour and a half. I was so tired that I fell asleep during the test. I was put in a long machine that looked like a rocket. I woke myself up by humming. Larry always laughs at me because instead of snoring, I hum......! I looked around and just smiled.....wondering if the radiologist heard me through the microphone. No one looked at me funny, so I hope not. I hum as bad as I sing. I am as bad as some of those people on American Idol.

I should get my tests results on Monday when I see my doctor. Monday is also my last chemo. Yeah!!! I am ready to start radiation and get this over with. My body has been through it all. I think it is in shock.

Thank you for your prayers and concern! Keep praying me all the way home!

Stay Godstrong!!!

Tuesday - Day of Scrapbooking

2006-02-07T22:49:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Monday I went to the hospital and had bloodwork done. Once again, everything was good! Thank you Jesus!!! He is really taking care of me. I couldn't ask for any better care.

Mom and I went to some shops in Houston called Rice Village. A little expensive for my taste, but I really got some great ideas. We went into this store called Bombay kids. Wow, they had some neat stuff! It was mostly kids bedroom suites. If you are interested, you can visit this store at Bombaykids.com. I love the Paris bedroom suite. I am going to change Morgan's room when I get home. Hailey's room is in the process of being changed while I'm here in Texas. I went to Michael's and they had those wood block letters really cheap. I want to hang them in the kids room on ribbon. They will spell out their names. This is just one idea I took from that store.

Larry bought my birthday present yesterday at Michaels. He bought me a scrapbooking tote to keep all my stuff in. It is so cool! I stayed up until midnight filling it up with stickers, pictures, card stock, scissors, pens, and much more. I went to my first scrapbooking class today. It was from 10:30am to 12:30am and I didn't get home until 2:00pm. That should tell you that I had a blast. The teacher loved my pictures and helped my with some layouts. She made copies of different ones and gave them to me. I can't wait to attend another class. They have cropping on Friday nights for $5.00. I think I will start going a couple times a week to complete my books of the kids. I have been collecting scrapbooking stuff for about seven years. You can imaging how much I have and need to use. It feels good to finally be getting something accomplished. I will have to show off my books when I get home. I would love to open my own scrapbooking store. You never know. I couldn't leave Avon though, I would have to do both.

I was reading the bible this evening and came across a great scripture. Luke 6:27-36 says............But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes you cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners' do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners' lend to sinners', expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Also read Luke 6:37-42. I think this is really good scripture. It really makes me think and change some of my ways.

My PET scan is tomorrow at 6:30am. This test will tell me if the cancer is GONE!!! I will be dancing with NED!! Or I'll be in REMISSION!!!

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for total healing. I pray that I will be dancing with NED and in remission. Please touch the doctors and machines tomorrow and let this miracle happen. PRAISE YOUR NAME FATHER!!! In Jesus' Name I Pray, AMEN!!!

STAY GODSTRONG!!!

Saturday - Game Day

2006-02-04T23:30:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Saturday mornings I wake up to my kids jumping in my bed. It's so cute, Morgan says, "Up here, mommy....Up here"! She needs a little help getting in the bed. We all four just lay there and cuddle. It's a very special family time. Larry tickles us all and we wrestle.

I fixed everyone breakfast this morning. Scary, huh! LOL After breakfast, all the girls headed for HEB which is a huge grocery store. I wish we had one in WV. Hailey and Morgan love HEB on Saturdays because it is sample day. They give out samples in just about every aisle. Just the produce alone has four aisles of its own. There is a professional cook there on weekends that uses a microphone to explain everything he is cooking. Pretty cool..... he always has the best samples.

Today was Hailey's basketball game. Hailey didn't score but her team won! Go Suns!!! Her team played a really good game. Hailey didn't want the game to end. She had a lot of rebounds and took the ball all the way down the court several times. I asked her today if basketball was her favorite sport and she said yes. I am so glad she has found something she really enjoys.

I wanted to update you on a couple of kids that I talk about. Kayte(the little girl I wanted to buy a bike) received a bigwheel. She love it! She can now ride around with all the other kids. Little Kayte is so sweet. She always comes over and plays with Morgan. We never see her mother, but I always keep an eye out for her.
Someone also asked me about the little boy that I have asked to go to church with us. Well his name is Jordan. He always plays with Hailey and is very well mannered. He moved out of the apartment complex a couple weeks ago. I won't give up on these kids around here. I will try everything to get them to go to church with me.

Please pray for the families in my apartment complex. I have seen and heard things lately that I've never seen before. I feel for these kids, they live a hard life. I pray God will put a protection shield around them and let something I say to them sink in. My heart breaks to see how they are raised. I think Hailey is seeing things she can't believe. I had to sit down today and explain to her what HIV is. One of the little girls that goes to school with Hailey and lives in our apartment complex tells us her mom has AIDS. Oh my gosh, how awful. I told Hailey we need to pray for them. Her mommy is only 24 and just got out of jail. We just don't realize how good we have it until we hear these stories. Thank God everyday for what you do have.

Keep praying for my quick healing. Thank you for your support and love!

Stay Godstrong!!!

Thursday - Family Adventure

2006-02-02T23:40:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I went to the doctor on Monday for bloodwork. Everything was good except my fluid intake. The doctor said I need to drink a lot more fluids. Mom is always telling me to drink more water. So I guess I better do what she asks! Only one more chemo to go. Thank you God! My next PET scan is February the 8th. This will tell if the cancer activity is gone. The last chemo is February the 13th. I can't even say chemo without feeling sick. I am so glad it is almost over. My radiation will last for 4 1/2 weeks and then I will be on my way home.

I have been getting ready for Avon. I can't wait to go back to work! Juanita has been sending me reports and keeping me up to date. I am going to attend Avon meetings here in Houston the month of February. I want to take some great ideas back to my district.

My Aunt Marilyn came in to visit us on Tuesday. She went to a horse show called the Cavalia. This is a show that is like a circus with all horses and acrobats. There was around 119 Stallions in the show. The horses obeyed by voice commands. It is hard to have 2 Stallions together much less 119. Marilyn is going to try to get Hailey and I tickets.
On Wednesday we all went to the Alamo in San Antonio, TX. This is the war between the Texans and the Mexicans in 1836. Davey Crockett died in this war. We saw a lot of neat historical buildings and films on the war. I am not a history buff but it was so interesting. Hailey learned about the Alamo and really enjoyed herself.
We also to went to the River Walk which in Spanish is called Paseo Del Rio. The River Walk itself has a history that dates back to 1921. There was a tremendous destruction of property and tragic loss of life during this time because of a flood. There was serious talk of paving over the river and turning it into an underground storm drain. Luckily, some citizens waged a spirited and creative campaign to influence public opinion, and the river was saved. We took a 30 minute boat tour around the River Walk. We saw the hospital Carol Burnette was born in. There was trees growing out of the walls of the old buildings. It was just a learning experience. Hailey liked the history and Morgan liked the ducks.

Today, Hailey had to go to school. We went to a few shops in Houston and then to lunch. Mom, Morgan, Marilyn, and I went to a Chinese restaurant called Tan Tan. The food was excellent. Marilyn and I ate with the chop stix. Now that's is hard to do. I have a new respect for the Chinese. All the signs in China town were written in English and Chinese. Pretty cool!!!

We stopped by a scrapbooking store near my apartment. This store has everything you can think of when it comes to scrapbooking. It can get expensive if you stay in that store too long. I have so many pictures that I need to get into a scrapbook. I picked up a calendar at the store so I can attend classes they have during the week. On Fridays, I will be able to join groups of people for cropping. This will give me something to do and I might actually get my pictures organized.

Keep up the prayers! God Bless!!!

Stay Godstrong!!!

Salvation Through Christ: A Matter of Faith

2006-01-29T20:34:00.000-05:00

Salvation Through Christ: A Matter of FAITH

God's Plan
What do you think it takes for someone to get to heaven? Is it luck? Good deeds? Nothing at all? Or is there something more? The Bible has the real answer to this question. It's a matter of FAITH.
F stands for FORGIVENESS. We cannot have eternal life without God's forgiveness. Ephesians 1:7a says, "In Him (Jesus Christ) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins."
A is for AVAILABLE. Forgiveness is available for all. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." But forgiveness is not automatic. "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven," says Matthew 7:21a.
I is for IMPOSSIBLE. It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven because of who He is and because of who we are. God is loving and just, but His judgment is against sin. James 2:13a says, "Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful." We are sinful people. Romans 3:23 tells us, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
T is for TURN. To turn means to repent. We can repent -- or turn -- from our sin and from ourselves. "But unless you repent, you too will all perish," Luke 13:3b says. We can also turn to Someone. Trust Christ alone. Romans 10:9 tells us how: "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
H is for HEAVEN. Heaven is eternal life. Here, that means life "to the full:" "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10b)." In the hereafter, it means the promise of heaven: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am (John 14:3)."

So how can a person have God's forgiveness, heaven and eternal life, and Jesus as personal Savior and Lord? By trusting in Christ and asking Him for forgiveness. Take the step of faith described by another meaning of FAITH: Forsaking All I Trust Him.
You do this through a simple prayer reflecting your desire for Christ to change your life. You don't need fancy words--only an honest heart. You can pray something like this:

Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and have displeased You in many ways. I believe You died for my sin, and only through faith in Your death and resurrection can I be forgiven. I want to turn from my sin and ask You to come into my life as my Savior and Lord. From this day on, I will follow You by living a life that pleases You. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for saving me. Amen.

Accepting Christ is just the beginning of a wonderful adventure with God! Get to know Him better in a number of ways:
Follow Christ's example in baptism.
Join a church where you can worship God and grow in your faith.
In your church, get involved in Sunday School and Bible study.
Begin a daily personal worship experience with God where you study the Bible and pray.

We’d love to hear from you -- Please feel free to ask us any questions you have about becoming a Christian, or tell us about your decision to follow Jesus Christ. Please let us know how we can serve you. Send us your comments.
If you are not ready to contact us now, you may enjoy viewing this presentation of Jesus Christ's influence.
Pastors and church leaders, visit FAITH on LifeWay.com for more information about the FAITH Sunday School Evangelism Strategy®.

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY WES!

2006-01-29T20:21:00.000-05:00

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27TH WAS MY BROTHER'S BIRTHDAY! SORRY FOR BEING LATE. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU" HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU" HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR WES.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!

LOVE,
YOUR FAVORITE SIS
TAMI

Sunday - Worship Our Lord

2006-01-29T18:38:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Wanted to update a little on the blog. I hope everyone that is reading this blog at least says hi. The bloggers are getting slim! I miss seeing everyone's name on here. I know we are all busy, but try to say hi when you can. If you can believe it, Larry and I check the blog at least twice a day. We love to hear everyone's comments. If you haven't been able to check out the Evan's family album, you should do that. There are several pictures of the kids on there. Password is tamisjourney!

On Friday, we took Hailey bowling with the neighbors. Dylan, Cat, and Cohen are the neighbors we have asked to go to church with us. Bowling was a great way to really get to know them and we had a great time. Cohen is about three months old and I was just fascinated with him. He is absolutely gorgeous and a really good baby. Makes me want a little boy! But that feeling is gone now. LOL

It rained all day Saturday, but it was a great day to relax. We went to Hailey's basketball game at 2:00pm. Wow, what a great game. Hailey's team played the best game yet. They played an undefeated team which beat them last time 30 to 4. This time the score was 10 to 8 in which Hailey made the first basket. They lost, but Hailey did a great job. She has definitely found her sport. When Hailey was guarding someone they didn't make a basket. It was too funny, Hailey would steal the ball and run down the court as fast as she could go. One of the mom's gave out hershey kisses for every rebound. Hailey made eight! So Hailey made out!

Today we went to Grace Fellowship. The worship team was the senior youth group called "RPM"! They were awesome! I wish they would have played last week when Lisa and Larry were here. The sermon was good too! The sermon was on Hebrews 11:8-16. "How Can I Have Faith So Late in the Game?" The simple message of Abraham and Sarah's lives. It's never too late to start doing What's Right! You should
(1)Obey God even when you don't know where it's taking you. (read Genesis 12:1-5)
(2)Live as though earth isn't your real home. (read IPeter 2:11) which says, "Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul."
Rick Warren said: "In order to keep us from becoming too attached to earth, God allows us to feel a significant amount of discontent and dissatisfaction in life-longings that will never be fulfilled on this side of eternity. We're not completely happy here because we're not supposed to be! Earth is not our final home; we were created for something much better. A fish would never be happy living on land, because it was made for water. You will never feel completely satisfied on earth, because you were made for more. You will have happy moments here, but nothing compared with what God has planned for you. Realizing that life on earth is just temporary assignment should radically alter your values. Eternal values, not temporal ones, should become the deciding factors for you decisions."
(3)Trust God with your impossible situation. If you are in an impossible situation read(Jeremiah 32:17 & Luke 18:27).
(4)Renew the romance fires in your marriage.
(5)Be content with the Holy Spirit as a foretaste of glory divine.
(6)Set your heart and mind on things above.(read Colossians 3:1-3)

This is what I learned today. Please comment on the scriptures! Take time for God. He is supposed to be #1 in your life. Put God first and read his word. At least one of the scriptures. Comment on it and let's learn together.

God Bless You and Your Families!

Stay Godstrong!!

Marshall University On Their Way to Texas

2006-01-26T22:29:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Can you believe that Marshall University is coming to Texas? I am so excited!! Saturday night Marshall will play in Houston. Larry asked me to go to the game and of course, I said yes. Hailey wants to go also and I think this would be a great opportunity to see her first basketball game. Woohoo!! Let's Go......Marshall!! I may be a temporary Texan, but I am a true Thundering Herd fan! Sorry Houston, it's time to see the Herd kick some butt. LOL

Today Mom, Morgan, and I walked about two miles. We went to the bank, then to HEB(grocery store), Big Lots, and then to the christian teacher store. We were gone for about two hours. By the time we got home, I was really tired. Seemed like I had too much to do to take a nap. I feel really good today and glad I finally got some exercise.

Went to Hailey's basketball practice this evening. Hailey did really well. Her coach always makes the practice fun for them. He teaches them different games to play with the basketball. This teaches them different skills. Hailey's next game is Saturday. They are playing a team that is undefeated. Hailey has learned to have fun, it's not about winning. But winning is fun!!!

Update on Lisa's mom, Pat. Her biopsy came back negative. Yeah!!!! She still needs your prayers for Tuesday. She will have a PET scan. Prayers do work! God is so good!!!

Stay Godstrong!!!

MY ALUMNI HAS MADE ME PROUD!!!

2006-01-26T09:08:00.000-05:00

MARSHALL UNIVERSITY BEAT WVU 59-55. GO MARSHALL!!

They will play again tonight. Watch out WVU, the Thundering Herd is going to stomp you once again!

Wednesday - Day of Rest

2006-01-25T21:16:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Monday was my 7th Chemo. Thank God I only have one more to go. I was so sick on Monday. I couldn't eat or drink all day. I just went home and went to bed. On Tuesday, I was still pretty sick. I was vomiting and not able to keep anything down. Finally, that evening I could drink chicken broth. I think every chemo gets worse. I know it is healing me, but it is so hard to go through.

Today has just been a day of rest. I woke up this morning and had breakfast. It was good to be able to eat without being sick. Mom and I cleaned house and then walked to Krogers. We were so tired when we got home so we just layed around the house. We had to go outside or Morgan would drive us crazy. We sat outside in the nice weather while Morgan played on her swing. I guess it was about 70 today. I had to put on shorts I was so hot. I am taking predisone, which is a steroid, and it makes my face so red. I only have to take the steroid five days after each chemo.

I watched my favorite show this evening. American Idol!!!! I love that show. Simon is so rude that he makes the show funny. Does anyone else watch it? I think I am getting addicted to T.V. which isn't good. I am going to have to find something else to do.

Please keep praying for Lisa's mom. She is still in the hospital going through tests. I also have an unspoken request. Please pray for this unspoken request. Thank you for your prayers. God Bless!

Stay Godstrong!!!

Lisa & Larry's Visit

2006-01-22T23:15:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone!

Sorry I haven't posted for a while. I've been really busy entertaining my friends Lisa, and Larry!

On Thursday, we picked them up from the airport at 2:00 and you would never believe what happened. Lisa arrived, but her luggage never showed up! We went back to the apartment, and then Lisa went with me to the hospital for my CT scan and chest x-ray. She watched me drink 3 glasses of barium! Yum! She was so proud of me! I drank it like a pro! LOL

We stopped by the pharmacy to get my medicine filled, and left my jacket behind on a chair in the waiting area. When I finished my tests I realized I left my jacket, and we went back to get it. By this time it was late, and the pharmacy was closed and locked up! I thought I left my keys in my jacket! I had everyone including the security supervisor looking for a key to the pharmacy to let me in. No one could get into the pharmacy. So..........we called Larry to come and pick us up. Just after I called, Lisa remembered that we had valet parked the car....I think I'm losing my mind. I have my reasons, but I don't know what Lisa's is.

On Friday we took a tour of Lakewood Church (Joel Osteen) and Larry Westfall had to take pictures of every room! Last time I visited the church it took about an hour, and this time we didn't get out of there for 3 hours! LOL We didn't even get to see all the floors! We were starved, and had to go get something to eat. We couldn't get Larry out of the classrooms, and we couldn't get Lisa out of the bookstore!

Don't tell mom, but we stopped at Wings & More and ate really bad stuff! You have to splurge and eat those things that aren't so good for you sometimes..........Now Teresa you can't go blabbing to mom OK?

The weather was perfect, and we sat outside and watched all the neighborhood kids. They all love to gather around me everytime I'm outside. They showed off by doing gymnastics, backhandsprings, and cartwheels. Even Morgan got into the act! The children here seem starved for affection, and I am praying God will use me to minister to them every opportunity I get. I bought a book to read bible stories to them. I can't wait to share the story of Jesus with them. Some of them may never have heard those stories before.

The neighbors invited us over for dinner that evening. They fixed a Cajun dish called "shrimp etouffe'" We were so miserable from the wings that we couldn't enjoy it! It was very nice of them to invite us. She had the apartment fixed so nice, candles lit, snacks on the table, and a place for the kids to eat outside. The food was really good. Before Lisa and Larry came to Texas they couldn't even pronounce the word etouffe' and now they can say they ate it!

On Saturday when we woke up Larry and Larry went and bought kolaches and we ate breakfast. Everyone loved them! You have to eat a kolache if you come to Texas! We then got dressed, and drove to Galveston Island. You can see the pictures titled "Lisa and Larry's Visit" on my new shutterfly site. Use the link to the right, and use the password tamisjourney. It was cold and windy, but we had a great time. Lisa of course had to shop! They had some very unique shops that we all enjoyed. Lisa and Larry bought several gifts for their family.

We then had dinner beside the bay at Willie's G's Steak and Seafood. It was delicious, but very expensive. The drinks tasted like dirt! Actually it tasted like they got the water out of the dirty bay and froze it into icecubes. Yuck!

That evening Lisa made WV chili, and we ate WV dogs! It was so good. Lisa makes the best chili! They need to learn how to make chili for hot dogs here in Texas. The only thing you can get around here has beans in it. Yuck!

Last but not least, we got up this morning and went to church. I was so excited to show Larry the "garage" which is the youth room at Grace Fellowship. He was taking it all in, and gathering ideas to take home with him. Lisa was so impressed with the way the church was so organized. This just makes us all want to go home to our church and share these ideas. The worship was even better today because I got to share it with my friends! Lisa and I are praying about a ministry that we can do together when I get home. Please pray for us as we seek God's direction.

I have a special request. Please pray for Lisa's mom, Pat Parsons. She will be receiving results from a CT scan tomorrow on her lung. The doctors have found a nodule and we are praying that God removes all evidence of it on this test. I know you are a bunch of people who believe in prayer because you have been so good to lift me up everyday to the Lord!

Tomorrow Lisa will be going to the hospital with me while I get my chemo. Please pray for me, because I dread this every time. Lisa and Larry will leave tomorrow, so pray for traveling mercies for their trip. Also pray that Lisa and I get through the parting without breaking down on each other. We have enjoyed our time together, and we can't wait till I get home so we can pick up where we left off!

Stay Godstrong!

Wednesday - Radiation Consultation

2006-01-18T22:48:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Woke up early this morning and took Hailey to the bus stop. The weather man said we were having a cold front. It was about 40 degrees when we woke up. I had to put on my winter coat for the first time. People around here acted like it was below zero.

I went to the hospital for blood work around 11:30am. Larry had to stay home from work to watch Morgan and be home for Hailey after school. I had on my Tshirt that April gave me for Christmas. It says, "I am too Sexy for my Hair"! People were asking me where did I get my shirt. April purchased this shirt and another that says, "I am having a NO Hair Day" at chemochicks.com. This is a cool website for cancer patients. They really need to put these shirts in the gift shop at MDAnderson. I could have sold at least ten today at the hospital.
All my bloodwork was good today. Lungs sound clear and heart is good. God is so awesome once again!

My second appointment today was with the radiation onocologist. I had to wait for hours for this appointment. If you can believe it, I read a whole book today. I am so proud of myself. Denise sent me a book on girlfriends need hugs. This book gives you scripture and talks about good friends. Talks about the trust, courage, hope, and courage you give to friends. I could say this book talks alot about mine and Denise's friendship. It was a very interesting book.
The radiation onocologist talked to me about when, where, and how long my radiation would be. The radiation will be approximately 4 1/2 weeks in Richmond, TX. This is about 15 to 20 minutes from my apartment. I won't have to pay for parking or tolls. We will also save on gas because it is such a shorter distance. The radiation will be targeted from the base of my neck all the way down to the bottom of my ribs. All the lymph nodes will be targeted in that area. The reason the area is so large is because they target the size of the tumor when it all started. The doctor also told me the side effects. The weakening of the heart and lungs which should be minimal or not at all. Also, chemo and radiation can cause cancer. Radiation has a risk of causing breast cancer. All these things scared me as he was talking. When I left his office I prayed all the way to my car. I have already given my fear to God and he will take care of me. I know I have to go through all of this so I am just building my faith in God. What else can you do except believe and have faith? God says, "Fear not, I am with thee"! I am only human and it is ok to be scared. My God can do anything! All things are possible with God!

Larry and I are trying to clean up the apartment for our visitors. Morgan messes up anything we are trying to clean. Lisa and Larry will be here tomorrow and I am excited. Lisa is going to sit through tests with me all evening tomorrow. I have my CT scan and chest xray. We won't get home until around 10:00pm. We plan on touring Houston on Friday.

Update on Amanda: I had lunch with her today at MDAnderson. She has just finished a three week stay in the hospital. Chemo lasted a week then stem cell transplant was another week. She was just observed the third week. She is so glad to be out of the hospital. No More Cancer! She is dancing with NED! This is what cancer patients say when they are in remission. NED means no evidence of disease. Oh the day until I can say, "Tami is dancing with NED"! Amanda is completely bald and proud of it. I am almost to that point. Not really proud of it, but almost bald. I have now lost all my eyelashes. Oh well, it's only hair. It will grow back.

Thank you for all your prayers! God Bless you and your families!

Stay Godstrong!!!

Monday - Rain, Rain Go Away

2006-01-16T22:36:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I am so touched that you all would want to help buy Kayte a bike. This is something that I want to do because she has brought alot of happiness in Morgan's life. Morgan wakes up and goes to bed talking about Kayte. I am going to look for her a bike this weekend.

I wanted to say a Big Thank You to my cousin, April. She has been so good to me and my family since we have been in Texas. Anytime we need anything, April is there for us. Sometimes I feel like I am taking advantage of her. She always says, "that's what family is for". I just love her and I am so glad that I have had the opportunity to really get to know her. She has taken me by the hand and showed me around. It is great to get to know your family later in life. We have really become close and I hope to stay in contact when I get back to WV.

Today I talked to another neighbor about church. Robert and his wife Melissa are newly married. They are looking for a church to attend and of course I suggested Grace Fellowship. They want to start a ministry for children. Grace Fellowship is looking for help in the children's department. How great is that? They have five children between them and they are good parents. Robert dresses the girls and fixes their hair daily. Robert was telling me about this huge church in Houston called Lakewood church. This is the church that Joel Olsteen pastors. He has attended this church on and off for seven years. He wants to join a smaller church close to Katy, TX. So I have the church for him !

I am going to the hospital tomorrow for my blood work. I have to take Morgan with me because mom is in KY and Larry has to work. I am hoping they will let me take her up on the floor with me. I haven't seen kids in the waiting room where I have to wait, but I have seen them in the hallways. I have to answer some questions pertaining to her health in the last month. They will give her a clean bill of health sticker and it should be ok. I am hoping she will be good for the long wait. I am going to take stuff for her to do and some snacks. On Wednesday, I will visit the radiologist. He should tell me when, where, and how long my radiation will be. This will give me a better idea of my homecoming. I know the radiation is 3 1/2 to 5 weeks. It is everyday except the weekends so I am hoping it is here in Katy.

Please keep praying for my healing. Your prayers are working and I would like you all to pray me all the way home and after. God Bless You!

Stay Godstrong!!!

Sunday - Day of Worship

2006-01-15T23:08:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Today was definitely a day of worship. We went to church this morning and learned about faith. I have always had faith in God, but my faith is so much stronger since I have been sick. I can honestly say, my faith in God has helped me through this journey. I went to the alter this morning and had a lady to pray with me. We prayed about my healing and my faith. I felt like it was time to talk to God about where am I now in this journey. What is it he wants me to do or who is it I am supposed to be talking to? Is it a specific person? Well, there is a young married couple that lives over us. They are new parents and so proud! I have asked them a couple of times to join us at church. When we came home from church today, Darrin asked us about our church. It is so cool how God works. He puts people in our path that he wants us to witness to. I hope Darrin and his wife go to church with us next Sunday.

Our pastor talked about, "our we on the same path at the same pace" God wants us to be. I know that I am on the right path, but not really at the pace I should be. This is something that I will pray about and work on. I want the Lord to say, "Way to go Tami". I want him to smile when he says my name.

I have been searching for a bike for this little girl in my apartment complex. Her name is Kayte and her family doesn't have much. Kayte is four years old and Morgan absolutely loves her. She doesn't have a bike and all the other kids ride their bikes and Kayte just watches them. Kayte came up to me and said I wish I had a bike. She said she asked Santa for one and he didn't bring it. It just broke my heart that she looked so sad when she told me that. I will keep looking until I find her one. I want to put it on her porch with a bow and not tell her who it's from. A little girl like Kayte really opens your eyes. We are so fortunate to be able to buy all the things we do for Christmas. Someone like Kayte appreciates things more that a child that has everything. We need to realize that giving is so much better than receiving. The smile on Kayte's face when she finds her bike will make my day. This is what life is about!

My next blood work is Tuesday. I will have a CT scan and chest xray on Thursday. This will tell us about the size of the tumor. Please keep praying that it is gone. NO MORE TUMOR! I have FAITH that the tumor will be gone in God'
s time. I feel really good today. I have been rejuvinated and could run a marathon. LOL Well, maybe not a marathon, more like run around the block.

God Bless and Stay Godstrong!!!

Wednesday - Sad Day in Texas

2006-01-11T22:48:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Today is a very sad day in Texas. My uncle, Steve MacFarlane passed away early this morning. I know he is better off because he is no longer in pain, but it is very hard because my Aunt Marilyn has lost her love. I took my mom to the airport this morning to fly out to Kentucky. She will be gone for about ten days and I don't know what I will do without her. Cooking, cleaning, taking care of the kids, grocery shopping, oh my, I guess I'll have to save up alot of energy. Today was kind of lonely for me because mom was gone. I didn't realize how much we have been together. I know we probably both need a break from each other, but I already miss her. Mom is always helping someone and giving it her all. She is such a great person. I pray that God will give her that extra strength that she will need to be strong for my aunt.

Morgan and I walked around today kinda in a daze. I was so tired from getting up early and not really sleeping much last night. I took a two hour nap today with Morgan and that is very unusual for me. I feel better now that I am all rested up. Larry came home from work today and cleaned all evening. I asked him what was up with that. Hailey and Larry are really trying to help me and it is so sweet. Everyone is pitching in and getting the job done.

You know, people just don't realize how precious life is until they almost lose it. Hailey asked me today, why is everyone dying mommy? I tried to explain to her that people need to live life to the fullest. How do you answer this question? I guess I kind of changed the subject. You should give and do for others. Listen to the bible and if you don't know what is says then read it. I wish people would wake up before it's too late. I just know that I am going to do what the Lord asks of me. I will witness to whomever will listen and maybe who won't. I pray that I have the courage and words to spread my testimony all over. I would love to go from church to church and maybe even school to school. I have big plans, but we will see what God has in store for me.

Thank each of you for praying for me and my family. God Bless you!!

Stay Godstrong!!

Monday - Another day of blood work

2006-01-09T23:25:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Woke up this morning and went to the hospital early. My blood was taken today by a very interesting lady. I have talked to her many times before, but always about me. She told me today that she was from Africa. Her story was very interesting and she still has family out of the country. She has been in the United States for 17 years and has worked for MDAnderson for the last seven years. This lady always has a smile on her face and says, have a good day Mrs. Evans. One thing I won't complain about is the people at MDAnderson. They are all so kind and really care about the patients. Once again, God is awesome! I can't and won't ever be able to say that enough. All my blood work is good and white blood cells are up. My LDH number was 1400 back in September and now it's only 431. The lower the better because this is the activity of the cancer. Say goodbye cancer because Tami and God are kicking your butt! LOL

I want to tell you all a little bit about church Sunday. This church that I am attending has a great pastor that is really educational. The sermon was on "How can I believe in Creation and Science?" I don't ever remember learning about this in my younger days. Or maybe I didn't pay attention. This sermon was very interesting and kept my attention. We learned about the three major viewpoints about how things came into being. They are theism, pantheism, and materialism. The major religions of each of the three are ....theism = Christianity, Judaism, and Islam....... pantheism = is Hinduism........ materialism = Atheism
Question for Christians? Am I living like a materialist while professing to be a theist?

This question is something for all of us to think about. Do you love your car, house, clothes, jewelry, and etc. more than God? This is something to pray about. We should all ask ourselves where we stand. Life is too short not to know where you stand.
Please read Hebrews 11:1-3 on Creation
Also a recommended resource is Lee Strobel's "The Case for a Creator"

Well, I just wanted to let you know what I was studying in church. God is the biggest part of my life and I should be able to share with you.

Please pray for my Uncle Steve MacFarlane. This is my Aunt Marilyn's(mom's sister) husband and he is in very serious condition. He has had heart problems since November with his heart beating out of rythym. The doctors have tried to do everything to avoid heart surgery. Steve drove home today from Florida to Kentucky by himself with nothing to eat. He was so tired when he got home that he was going to bed. My aunt found him in the floor at home and he had a massive stroke. He is now in a small hospital in Shelbyville, Ky and is getting ready to be transported to a bigger hospital in Ky. The doctors can't stop the bleeding in his brain so it is very critical. Please pray for Steve and Marilyn. My mom can't be there with them right now and she is very upset. Pray that God will do a miracle in Steve's life right now. With God, all things are possible.

Thank you all so much for listening. I guess I needed to just talk and that's what is so good about this blog. I know I have friends so far away, but are listening.

God Bless and Stay Godstrong!

Saturday - Basketball game

2006-01-07T22:23:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Woke up this morning and fixed breakfast. Everyone had oatmeal and toast! LOL I worked so hard for that gourmet meal. I offered to fix eggs and bacon because that is my Bob Evans specialty. I couldn't believe they refused it. I have always liked to cook breakfast on Saturday's because I don't feel as rushed.

We went to the grocery store at HEB which is like Kroger, but cheaper. Saturday is a good day at HEB because there is always a lot of samples. Oh my, it is getting bad when you look forward to samples at a grocery store. LOL I am just full of it this evening. I am excited to go to church in the morning since I haven't been for a couple of weeks. It is so refreshing to be able to go to church and worship our wonderful Lord Jesus. When I don't get to go the week is not as good. I am excited to be able to take Lisa and Larry to my church so they can hear the wonderful music and worship. Grace Fellowship has a great youth group Pastor Larry will enjoy. The youth group has their own band and room they practice in called the garage. In this garage, which is the youth room, there are video games, refreshments, pool tables, and more. The kids have so much fun in this room together.

We went to Hailey's basketball game today. They didn't win, but the score was very close 14 to 9. Hailey gets better everytime she plays. She is very aggressive with the ball. She is a great defense player, but needs to work on the offense a little. Morgan was such a handful at the game without a nap. What a mess! I know I won't let that happen again. From now on we will stick to the naps.

I am feeling really good today. The weather is great at about 80 degrees. The kids and I played outside most of the day. We needed to clean out the refrigerator in order to put more in so we fed all the neighborhood kids popsicles today. We are getting popular around here with all the kids. I always give them drinks and things to eat, especially candy. I love to see the kids having fun and playing together.

I talked to Amanda the other day. She was in the hospital getting her stem cell transplant. She should be out in a couple of days and she is totally finished. She is so excited to completely be done with chemo. She will only have to go to checkups probably every three months. Amanda will live in Texas until April with her friend because of signing a lease. We hope to be able to get our kids together in the next few weeks. Keep praying for Amanda that she continues to be healthy.

God Bless you and your families.

Stay Godstrong!

Thursday - Day of Rest

2006-01-05T22:26:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Woke up early this morning at around 7:00am. Hailey had to go back to school after a long break. It was hard for her to get out of bed, but she was excited to wear her new school clothes. Mom and I cleaned house and sent some packages out to my Aunt Marilyn. She couldn't get her Christmas packages in her suitcase so we mailed them to her. We stopped by Krogers and picked up some fruit for Hailey's lunch tomorrow. She has lost four more pounds and is so proud of it.

Larry and I went to Hailey's basketball practice this evening. I met two very nice ladies that were the mother's of girls on Hailey's team. We talked the whole practice about where we are from and about church. One of the ladies works at Hailey's school and is interested in attending the church I go to. It is so cool how God brings people together. They both took my phone number and I took theirs. They offered to help me and ask me to call if I needed anything. People have been so generous or is it that I am just now noticing it. I told them my testimony and how much God has done for me. I don't ever say bad things about my disease, I always try to be positive and tell people God has a plan for me! I truly believe that too!

Mom and Morgan went to the YMCA. Mom walked four miles on the treadmill and now can't walk to the bed. She is so sore and it will be worse tomorrow. I told her she did too much in one day. She was trying to make up for a weeks worth of working out. She has way more will power than me. I just can't get back into the whole exercise thing. It's ok once I get there, but I would rather play basketball or watch Hailey play. LOL

I am so excited about the visitors that have been coming to see us and more to come. Two people that are good friends of ours from church are coming in a couple of weeks. Lisa and Larry are my prayer warriors! I have a lot more of course, but I am glad they are coming to spend time with us. I will have to find some different things to do, so we can tour Texas.

Thank each of you for posting and especially praying! God Bless you and your families.

Stay Godstrong!!!

Wednesday - Lost at the Galleria

2006-01-05T08:53:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

On Wednesday, we took my Aunt Marilyn to the airport around 10:30am. Her flight left at noon, but you have to be early at Bush Airport. When she left, Hailey cried all the way to the Galleria Mall. It was so sad because the we all had such a good time with her that we didn't want to see her go. Well, we were lost once again on the way to the Galleria. LOL We just laughed now because Mom and I are so use to getting lost. Larry knows when we call that we are lost. After we finally found the mall, we had to find a place to park. The place was totally packed. This mall is the fourth largest in the U.S. It has an ice arena in the center of the mall. We walked around for about an hour looking for a stroller for Morgan. I could tell you the prices of clothing in Saks fifth Ave. store. We walked through that store at least 20 times. Mom wanted to buy my nephew a Texas shirt so we looked for a store that sold them. We finally found a western store and bought him one. All that trouble for a little Texas shirt. Wow, what a day! As we were leaving, I stopped at this machine that you pay for parking before you leave. Well of course it was broken and we had to wait for the maintenance man. He didn't take long, thank God. Everyone that was standing in line, received their parking free.

I was so exhausted from all the walking, that I had to let mom do the driving. We went to pick up Larry from work and then went home. I laid around most of the day trying to recuperate from the weekend and of course the chemo. I am feeling so much better this morning. I am ready to go for a walk and clean up the apartment. I think I will call Amanda and see if she would like to have lunch. I haven't talked to her since before Christmas.

I want to thank everyone for you calls and prayers since I have been discouraged. Always know that I will come out of it. I try to make the best out of every situation. God is by my side and I will make it through this journey. Just a little longer, but I see it as more places to go and make memories.

Stay Godstrong!

Weekend of Fun

2006-01-03T17:16:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Sorry that I haven't posted lately. I have busy with my Aunt Marilyn here with us. Saturday we went horseback riding all day at a farm in Bellville, TX. Marilyn knows the owners of the farm and the trainer. We took my cousin April's two kids also. We all rode and had such a good time. The owners of the farm took us out to eat at a chinese restaurant. I usually don't eat chinese, but it was really good.

On Sunday, we went to the Houston Zoo once again. The last time we went we didn't get to see all the animals. We spent most of the day at the zoo and had a good time. Hailey and Morgan loved the animals and all the educational things they learned.

Monday was my chemo and the rest of my family went to the butterfly museum. They all went to the museum where Princess Diana's things were. I had some news from the doctor that wasn't very good. I have to go through two more chemos because there is still some active cancer. The good news is that all the tumor is not active it is just dead tissue. I am really discouraged about having to stay longer, but I know I will be healed in God's time. Please pray for me to stay positive and to be healed soon.

God Bless and Stay Godstrong!

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM"

2005-12-29T23:45:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Just want to say a big "Happy Birthday to You, Mom"!!!! We had a good day with my mom today. Hailey, Morgan, Mom, and I had lunch at Subway. We took a long walk because the weather was so nice. When we got home, mom opened her gift which was an All in One printer, scanner, and copier. Larry hooked it up for her and she loves it. It is always hard to buy Mom something for her birthday because it is so close to Christmas. She didn't want a cake so we bought her some icecream and a starbuck's coffee. Starbuck's is Moms favorite place to get coffee. I think there is one on every corner in Texas. Mom is in coffee heaven.

We all went to the YMCA tonight and played basketball with Hailey. She is getting better at shooting the ball. Larry is teaching her to shoot with one hand. She gets a little frustrated at times, but she is improving. We hope she has practice with the team while she is on break from school. Santa Claus brought her a new basketball so now she thinks she is a pro. LOL

My Aunt Marilyn is coming in Friday night and staying for about five days. I am excited to see her and take the kids horseback riding. She has a friend that has a ranch in Houston. Hailey is a little nervous to go riding, but excited at the same time. I will take pictures so I can post them. We may also go to the Galleria Mall which is one of the largest in the U.S. The last time we went to that mall, I was in a wheelchair and not feeling well at all. That was around the first week we were in Texas.

Well, I am really tired tonight. I have been staying up late and have been chatting in a cancer support group room. These people have helped me talk about chemo and radiation and the effects of it. I have talked to alot of caregivers that made me realize how much stress they go through. The caregivers have to sit back and watch their loved ones suffer. They feel like they have no control over anything. I hope I helped someone in that chat room to stay positive and rely on God.

Please keep praying! Say a special prayer for my nephew Rocky Sullivan. He is in St. Mary's Hospital and having heart problems. He has an infection in his body and it is effecting his heart. Thank you in advance for your prayers. Prayers are very powerful!

Stay Godstrong!!!

Tuesday - Test Results

2005-12-27T22:57:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I went to the hospital today to have my usual blood work done. The place was absolutely packed with cancer patients. I had to sit for an hour before they even took my blood. You hear all kinds of different cancer stories and people talking about where they are from. People come from all over the United States to MDAnderson. It is so neat to hear all the different stories about how people found out about their cancer. There are a lot more positive people than negative, thank God. My blood work was all good. I did get some results today about my tests. The doctor that I see for my blood work is not my lymphoma doctor. She printed out my reports and handed them to me, but would not explain or read them. I will find out a lot more about the tests on Monday. I was disappointed in the amount the tumor had shrunk. It has shrunk from 5.5 to 4.5cm. I have to be thankful that it is still shrinking, but I was praying it was gone. These results are before my fifth chemo, so I am praying the fifth and sixth chemo does the job. Please God take away my cancer. Cure me of this horrible disease in Jesus' name. This is my prayer everyday.

The weather was wonderful today at about 80 degrees. We played with Hailey's remote control car and also played with bubbles. All the kids gathered around and we had a good time. I just want to take all these kids home with me and teach them about Jesus. I have been trying to get this little boy, Jordon, to go to church with us. He flat out says no and walks away when I talk about church. It is so sad to see a young boy reject the chance to learn about our Lord. I will not give up and will always offer him the chance to go with us.

I am hoping to see Amanda soon and meet her children. I know she went home for the holidays so I will call her tomorrow. The last time I talked to her she was doing really well. She doesn't have to go through anymore chemos and the doctor is just keeping a close look at her. We want to get our kids together to play at the park before school starts back. The kids go back to school her on January 5th.

I need to go shopping tomorrow for my mom. Her birthday is December 29th and I want her to have a good one. We will probably take her out to eat and maybe to a movie. I am going to buy her an icecream cake from baskin robbins. Her favorite is praelins and cream. We will have to work out after eating all these cakes. Too many birthdays in December.

Well I will go for now. I hope everyone has rested up after Christmas. It usually takes a week or two to get back to a regular routine. Keep praying for NO MORE TUMOR!

Stay Godstrong!!!

Day After Christmas

2005-12-26T23:18:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Whew! What a Christmas! I must say that this was a Christmas to remember. Hailey and Morgan had so many gifts to open. People were very generous this Christmas and sent lots of gifts. I think they received too much really. I made sure they both knew the reason for the season. Jesus' Birthday! I want to say a big "Thank You" to H.H.S Teen Club for sending gifts to us. We received a box of about 20 gifts that weighed about 50 pounds. I think it is great that a group of kids would do something so nice. We do have some kids moving toward the right direction and thinks of others. May God Bless these kids and their families!

Hailey received lots of clothes which she needed. She also got a pair of roller skates, remote control car, a basketball, and a playstation 2. Santa was good to Morgan also and brought her a power wheels jeep, basketball hoop, stuffed horses, my little pony, and clothes.

It was 70 degrees on Christmas day and 80 degrees today. The weather is supposed to be in the 80's the rest of the week. We are wearing shorts again and putting away the winter coats. We all just got our winter coats and the kids have new ones from Christmas. The weather is so weird here. You never know if it is going to be 50 or 80 degrees. I won't complain about the nice weather, but it just didn't seem like Christmas. Santa had to wear his shorts and a goatee. LOL We went to the mall and took a few things back and the lines were surprisingly short. It didn't take us long so we came home and played outside with the kids.

We went passed a few parks on the way home from the mall. One of the parks is called George Bush Bark Park. You would not believe how packed this park was. I bet there was 50 cars their and 100 dogs. They have two sides to the park where you can walk your dog. One side is for small dogs and the other is for larger dogs. Both sides have lakes and acres of land to play. It is so cool and very clean. The other parks were shooting ranges, soccer fields, and picnic areas. It is just amazing to see how much their is to do here in Texas. Even the parks are big in Texas!

Tomorrow is my next blood work and I should get some feedback on my PET scan. My next chemo is January 2nd. I am feeling great and am praying for NO MORE TUMOR! I hope everyone had a great Christmas and spent a lot of time with your families. Thank you to everyone who sent cards, gifts, and prayers our way. You all never fail to amaze me. Keep posting on the blog. I love to hear from my family and friends and even the new people who come across the blog!

I love and miss everyone. Counting the days to come home!

Stay Godstrong!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

2005-12-25T01:21:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!!

HE IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES THIS SEASON. PLEASE DRIVE SAFE AND SPEND LOTS OF TIME WITH YOUR FAMILIES.

STAY GODSTRONG!

Three More Days Left!!

2005-12-22T23:23:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

HO, HO, HO! I am ready for Christmas. It is so hard to believe it is almost Christmas. The weather was beautiful today at about 65 degrees. Christmas eve it is going to be 71 degrees here in Texas. With the Christmas music playing and all the decorations hanging, it just doesn't seem right. I miss the snow and sleigh riding with the kids. I guess WV hasn't done much of that yet though. I will enjoy wearing short sleeves and capris on Christmas, but it just won't be like home.

I am feeling better as the days go by and I am ready to get out of the house. I am starting to get that anxious feeling and need to tour another part of Texas. I am searching for something to do with the family the week after Christmas. I would like to take Hailey somewhere while she is out of school. I know there are lots of museums in Houston so we may check them out.

Hailey went to the doctor last week and her blood pressure has been good. We still need prayers for her chloestrol. She goes to the endocronologist on January 3rd to check her thyroid. Her chloestrol has come down 17 points but is still too high. We just need to keep her in the same good habits. She is trying so hard and has lost weight in her face especially.

My next and last chemo is January 2nd! Yeah!! I am waiting for a report to be mailed to me at this time that will tell me NO More Tumor!!! I will start my radiation at the end of January hopefully here in Katy, TX.

Merry Christmas!

Stay Godstrong!!

Four More Days Left!!

2005-12-21T23:18:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to give everyone an update. I have been really exhausted lately and trying to get rested up for Christmas. Monday, I had my blood work done and numbers are good. God is so awesome! Tuesday was my PET scan and it went well. I will know more about the results on December 27th when I go back to the doctor.

I am feeling so much better today. I walked to the dentist today with Hailey. She was really nervous, but everything was good. No Cavities! Yeah! She has a tooth that hasn't came in all the way and the dentist said give it time. He says it may be what's called a peg tooth. This means the tooth may not come all the way in and we might have to get it filled in later. I will take her back to the dentist when we get home.

I hope everyone has their Christmas shopping finished and wrapped. Please don't forget the reason for the season. Try to go see a play with your family that explains the reason. It is Jesus' Birthday and we need to celebrate! God Bess you and your family. I hope everyone has a very safe holiday.

Stay Godstrong!

Hey Guys! It's Lisa blogging for Tami

2005-12-20T20:54:00.000-05:00

Well I thought I would sign on tonight and blog for Tami. Rest easy...... she is doing fine. She is just very tired, and has had some computer problems. She had her PET scan today, and everything went well. Her white blood cell count is good, and her tumor markers are continuing to go down. If you know Tami, then you know she doesn't sit still very well. She likes to stay on the move, and she has just wore herself out!

Larry was in WV this week for a couple days. His best friend's mom, Carol, passed away and he came in to go to the funeral. He wishes he would have had more time (actually he would have loved to have stayed for a week!) but it is Christmas, and he needed to be home with his family. He should arrive back in Texas tonight around 11:00 Texas time.

One more chemo left! I told Larry this weekend that Tami is the most amazing woman I've met. She is so strong, and she has willed herself with God's help to beat this cancer, and that is exactly what she is doing.

We all miss her and are counting the days till she gets back home!

From Tami's house and mine, we want to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas. Remember always that His destiny was the cross; His purpose was love; and His reason was YOU! Celebrate the Savior this Christmas! Ho Ho Ho!

Thursday - Sun is back in Texas

2005-12-15T22:13:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I woke up this morning around 7:15am. Cleaned up a little around the house and then we were on our way. It was about 65 degrees today and just needed a jacket because it was windy. We walked to Big Lots, Plato's closet, and Petco and looked around. We picked up stocking stuffers for a few puppies. We walked about a mile or two and I was feeling pretty good. I had to tell my mom to slow down though she walks too fast. Pretty bad huh, she is double my age and can out walk me. Even before I was sick, my mom could exercise five days a week. I hope one day I will have as much energy as she does. The woman makes me tired just to watch her. I love to see her with that much energy.

It was so nice out today that Morgan and I played outside. She loves the swing our next door neighbors have on their porch. It is like a two seated swing and it is for kids. I have tried to find it on the internet, but I haven't been successful yet. If anyone knows where to get one let me know. I would love to get her one for Christmas.

Hailey went to basketball practice tonight. I had to call my cousin, April, to take us because Larry worked late. She practiced dribbling and keeping the ball away from the other player. She did really well and the coach was telling her she was doing good. Her knees hurt as soon as we get home from practice every time. She is going through growing pains alot lately. I guess it is the age. She absolutely loves the basketball game. I think she has found her sport.

We came home and ate dinner and then had to study for Hailey's 100 word spelling test. That took a couple of hours. She knows them all though and some are hard for me to spell. School is getting so hard and I am going to have to get Tonya, Melissa, or Danielle to tutor her. I feel stupid sometimes with her third grade work. I can't imagine how hard it is going to be when Morgan gets into school.

Oh Tonya, Denise is coming in on Friday evening and leaving Monday evening. We will be going through memory lane, but we will be nice to you since you aren't here. We will call you sometime this weekend. We are going to Joel Olesteens Church and to a huge mall called the Galleria. I think that's the way you spell it. We will have a good time no matter where we go. I am so excited to see her and be able to catch up on old times.

I am feeling good today except my face is so flushed. I feel like I am burning up, but this always happens when I have to take Predisone, which is a steroid. I have to take them for five days after my chemo. Well, enough for now. I love and miss everyone. God Bless you and your families!

Stay Godstrong!

Wednesday - Rain, Rain Go Away

2005-12-14T23:01:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Rain, Rain Go Away! It poured down the rain all day long today. As I always say, Everythings Bigger in Texas. Loud thunder, bright lightning, and pouring rain. Houston was flooded in no time. We sit in all day today because we didn't want to melt. LOL
I wrapped a few more gifts and played on the computer. Read the bible and paid a few bills.
We got a call today from Bob and Doris Cottrill. They are friends from Teays Valley Church of God. We all went out to eat this evening at the Cattleguard Restaurant. Great food and great company! We had a great time and of course had to leave when the little one, Morgan, started acting up.

Hailey only has two more days of school and she is out for two weeks. We are going to have to find something to do to entertain her. She has basketball practice tomorrow and her second game is Saturday. She has been practicing and is excited to play another game. I am hoping to take Denise somewhere fun on Saturday. We may go to a place called Moody Gardens or the Zoo again.

Only ten more days until Christmas, are you ready? Wow, it sure has come upon us quickly. I am as ready as I am going to be. Still have to get a few stocking stuffers. Besides that we are ready for Santa. Larry wrapped a gift he bought me and I can't stand it. I want to know what it is. I can't even guess because of the size of the box. I am excited to know what it is. I guess I am still a kid at heart.

I am feeling much better today, still not eating much but didn't lay in bed all day. I am ready to get that last chemo over. I think it gets worse with each one. I am almost across the finish line. Just need a little encouragement to get there. Keep up the prayers! I need them about now. Love and miss everyone.

Stay Godstrong!!!

Monday - Fifth Round of Chemo

2005-12-13T02:42:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I am sorry that I didn't post for the past couple of days. My computer was down and Larry was able to fix it this morning. I want to thank God for what he is doing in my life. I got the some of the reports back today and "THE TUMOR HAS SHRUNK AGAIN"!!!! What can I say except, Thank you Jesus! God is so good, all of the time! I am so happy, I just can't explain it. The doctor said that the cancer is reacting to the chemo and I am doing fabulous. I will know in a few days how much the tumor has shrunk. No signs of cancer anywhere else in my body. All tests were clear and white blood cells still normal. I will have my sixth chemo on January 2nd and radiation will probably start end of January or first of February. Radiation will be 3 1/2 to 5 weeks long. It will be five days a week and weekends off. It usually just takes 10 to 15 minutes once you get called back to a room. This will bring me home in March. Big party planned for then!

Ok Sara, I have to whine a little now. I am feeling a little nauseated right now. I was sick through my chemo today. Can't eat and feel like I am full of chemicals. Yuck!! NOT a good feeling at all. I just take it one day at a time and pray I Won't be sick for long. The male nurse that I had today, put an IV in to start my chemo and didn't get a blood return. They gave me the part of my chemo, called retuxin, that didn't need the blood return first. Then I had to move to another floor because it was so late. As I was walking down the hall, Larry said there's Amanda. You know my friend that I met the first time I had chemo. She was on the same floor getting blood. Her white blood cell count and hemoglobin was down. We talked for awhile and she told us exactly how to get to her apartment. I hope to take Denise there when she comes to visit. Around 11:00pm I went to another room and the nurse had to call the IV Team. That's kind of scary when they say IV team. The inserted another IV in my other arm which hurt once again. The lady said my vein was so little that she hoped they wouldn't have to try again. I was starting to feel like a pin cushion at this point. The IV was ok and they had to stay and watch the rest of the chemo go in to make sure the blood return was ok. The medicine that was being administered burns up your veins if they aren't careful. The nurse is telling me this and I am pretty nervous anyway. When the chemo was finally over, Larry and I walked with Amanda to the parking lot. It was around 1:00am when we got home and Larry has to go to work at 6:00am.

We went to the Houston Zoo on Sunday evening to see the 5000 light display. It was from 5 to 8pm. We arrived around 4:30pm, so we were able to see a few of the animals. They shut down the Zoo around 5:00pm for the Christmas lights. We saw the koala bears, giraffes, reptiles, sea lions, and a few other animals. Morgan was amazed by the giraffes. She kept saying Mommy, Mommy and pointing to them. The lights were really pretty and especially on the lake. There was a park beside the zoo with a lake and the paddle boats were also lit up. The zoo had crafts, cookies and of course Santa. We want to go back when the zoo is actually open so we can see all the animals.

Well, it is 2:00am and I am tired. I wanted to post to tell everyone the good news. Please keep up the prayers because they are working. God is healing me on his time. I am still learning patience. I am so thankful that I have a God that can do anything. Nothing is too big for him. Keep the faith and God Bless everyone.

Stay Godstrong!!!!

Friday - Day of Rest

2005-12-09T23:39:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I want to comment on yesterday. It was a long day, but with Larry by my side, the day was good. I had a mammogram at 9:00am and then blood work. The doctor cancelled my PET scan because it had not been 51 days. The PET scan is rescheduled for December 20th. Wow, what a great Christmas present it will be. When they say, NO MORE CANCER! I had a chest xray and a CT Scan. The worst part of the CT scan is the barium that you have to drink. They offer apple, banana, berry, or plain barium. I guess they think the flavor is going to help the chalk taste. Oh my gosh, that stuff is so nasty. Larry always coaches me to down it and that's what I do. After three glasses of berry barium, I was feeling sick. They also put contrast in my system through an IV. This stuff gives you a hot feeling all over. I had to do that twice in order to take pictures of my bladder and neck areas. I always pray all the way through my tests. It helps me keep my mind on Jesus and not the scary tests.

Today Mom and I just sit around the house and paid bills. Morgan played with her toys and watched cartoons. She loves the cartoon Dora the Explorer. It was too cold outside to walk anywhere today. When Larry got home we went to Sports Authority and bought Hailey a pair of roller skates from her Mama and Papa Evans. I am going to wrap them soon because Hailey is anxious to get into my closet and look around.

I want to ask special prayer for Carol Crawford. Broderick, Carol's son, called yesterday and said she is now bedfast. Carol is in a lot of pain and isn't doing well at all. Larry is having a real hard time dealing with this situation, so please pray for him too. Pray that God will take away Carol's pain and she would be at peace. Pray that God would comfort Broderick and his family. That they would feel the presence and the love of Jesus.

My fifth round of chemo is Monday. Please pray that I won't be sick and that the chemo kills the tumor. Thank you all for your prayers and concern.

Stay Godstrong!!

Wednesday - Day before Tests

2005-12-07T23:41:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Not much going on today. I have been reading up on lymphoma. I went to the website that someone left on my blog. It is www.lymphomainfo.net. I learned that aggressive lymphoma(which is the type I have) is curable. My doctor has already told me this, but to see it in writing makes me feel even better. I try to read everything I can about my disease. If I hear anyone talking about lymphoma, I am listening and questioning. I think I learn something new everyday. I know that I can be eating better and that's what I need to work on.

I have been studying with Hailey all evening because she has a test tomorrow and three on Friday. It takes a little more effort to study here in Texas because it is different than what Hailey is used to. She is doing really well and enjoys school. Hailey always wants to do her homework as soon as she gets home from school.

Hailey has basketball practice tomorrow and her first game is Saturday. We are very excited to see her play in a game. Her coach is all about teamwork. His name is Rod and he is really good with the girls. He plays different games with them to teach them the basics. My cousin, April, is taking Hailey, Morgan, and Mom to practice tomorrow. Larry and I will be at the hospital from 9:00am to 9:00pm.

Please say extra prayers for me tomorrow. This is the big day that they will be testing me for everything. I pray that God will heal me completely and that the cancer is GONE!!!! By his stripes, I am healed. I pray for total healing, in the name of Jesus! I have faith that God will answer my prayers.

Stay Godstrong!

Tuesday - A little Chilly in Texas

2005-12-06T23:30:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Woke up this morning and it was cold. I believe it was around 40 degrees. I won't complain though because I know it is a lot colder in WV. I think the temperature started getting warmer in the evening. We are wearing jackets and long pants now. Morgan loves to wear her hat outside. She puts it on as soon as we walk outside. They say you never need a heavy coat in
Texas and I am glad. Mom and I didn't bring winter coats, we have a couple of sweatshirts though.

We walked to Krogers today just to get some exercise. On the way back Morgan said, "eat, eat"! She knows our routine daily. We walk somewhere and on the way back we stop and eat lunch at Subway. She is so cute, Morgan knows when we are getting close to Subway. I guess kids love routine and she remembers everything. I am now trying to teach her colors and the alphabet. Morgan repeats everything and catches on quickly. I am so glad I have this time to be able to teach her new things everyday. Thank you Jesus!

Mom and I finished up wrapping gifts today. I am finished shopping, unless I find a good deal. Larry says he is proud of me for being done early, but I keep finding more things for the girls. I guess I am going to have to stay out of the malls. If Hailey has more than Morgan then I buy Morgan something else. LOL It is kind of crazy and I am so glad I only had two children. This is the time of year that it is so easy to go broke. I don't charge anything anymore, I always try to use cash. I don't like to pay for Christmas six months down the road. I will miss being with my family this year, but the best present for us all is the great news that I am going to be healed. We will know more about my progress on Monday, December 12th.

I wanted everyone to know that I am feeling great. No pain and I am usually not really tired. I get a little worn down in the evenings, but it is just because I run around all day. I want to make sure everyone knows that I appreciate your prayers and I love to see you post on my blog. This gives me something to look forward to and gives me strength to know you are praying for me. I am starting to lose my hair slowly but surely. I figure the next two weeks will be it for the hair. I am also losing my eye lashes and that is weird. When I put on mascara, it goes all over my eyelids because no eye lashes. I am dealing with it ok and know the hair will grow back. This is all part of my healing and I am ok with it. God is teaching me patience and beauty is within. I have always been noticed because of my natural curly hair and now I am being noticed for my witnessing. This is what it is all about. Don't judge people for their outside, look at what's inside. I get alot of people staring at me now because of the hats I wear and no hair. I just smile at them and wonder what they could be thinking.

I miss everyone! Please blog if you have time because I love to read from each and everyone of you. Stay Godstrong!!!

Monday - Good Results Once Again!

2005-12-05T23:42:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I went to the doctor this morning and once again good results! Thank you Jesus for mending my body. I am definitely heading toward the finish line. God has big plans for me! I have met so many nice people at MDAnderson. I met a lady last week and we sat and talked about me and her husband who has cancer. I saw her today and she asked me to bring my family to her house and have Christmas. I told her we wanted to have Christmas in our apartment, but thank you. Another lady named Marilyn that we met about a month ago, asked us to come to her church. Marilyn is always concerned about us and wants to help. There are so many good people trying to help each other at this hospital.

Mom, Hailey,Morgan, and I went to April's house last night and helped her decorate her Christmas tree. She has her house decorated so pretty. We played Christmas music and decorated her 12 ft. tree. I love to spend time with her and her family. They make us feel like we are at home. April made Larry a german chocolate cake and it was too pretty to eat. Well, we ate it anyway. LOL It was three layers tall and chocolate drizzled down the sides. We have had three cakes in three days. I am gaining too much weight. I am really going to have to walk on the treadmill.

We all went to the YMCA this evening and played basketball with Hailey. We played the game horse and I lost. Boohoo! I am not the basketball player. I was on a basketball team in 7th grade and I was just as bad then. I don't think we won any of our games. This is why I went to cheerleading and band. I was much better at these things then basketball. Hailey gets her talent in sports from Larry. He has always been good at playing basketball.

I have all my tests on Thursday. Please pray that the cancer is gone! I have faith that it is and I will get the results on Monday. The tests are all day long and very tiring. Also pray for my patience. I love and miss everyone!

Stay Godstrong!!

Saturday - Happy Birthday Larry!!!!

2005-12-03T23:41:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone,

Today is my hubby's birthday. He is the big 37! I hope he don't care if I told his age. Oh well, I think it is just women that don't like to tell their age. I think you are as old as you feel or act! We went to eat breakfast with Santa today at Hailey's school. Morgan wouldn't have anything to do with Santa. She screamed and cried when I tried to put her on his lap. I had to bend down beside Santa and hold Morgan. She was willing to take candy from him though. LOL
We ate breakfast and made crafts. The girls had a really good time. We dropped Larry off at home and took the girls shopping. We went to eat at McDonalds with the gift certificates that were sent to Morgan for her birthday. I have to say that McDonalds needs to catch up with the times. You can't substitute anything for a combo. Had to buy Hailey a grilled chicken sandwich and a fruit salad separate. Oh well, at least she ate healthy. They had a great play place for the kids too.

Larry and I went out to eat for his birthday. He wanted to go to Outback Steakhouse. This is one of our favorite restaurants for steak. We had a good waiter and great food. The movie we went to see didn't start until 7:40pm so we went to the Christian Book Store and shopped around. We bought Hailey her first bible and bible holder for Christmas. I am excited to give it to her because it is made for kids her age. She has been asking for a bible since we have been going to this church in Texas. They do bible study every week and look up scripture. I am proud of Hailey for being interested in reading the bible. This makes me feel like I am leading her in the right direction. We went to see the movie, "Walk the Line". This movie is the story about Johnny Cash. I had no idea he had such a hard life. At least he ended up singing gospel music and straightened out his life. It was a really good movie. I would give it five stars.

Mom and I made Larry's pineapple upside down cake. It turned out really pretty. You all can be proud of us. Violet, don't worry about your baby, we are taking care of him. Larry had a really good birthday. He says it is just another day. We made sure he was taken care of. He deserves it living with four women. We will be tired of cake after this weekend. I think
April is bringing Larry another cake tomorrow. Now she is a cook! Her cake will be made from scratch.

An update on Amanda Reynolds: She called me yesterday and said her cancer is not active. There are no active cancer cells in her body. Praise God!!!!! She is going through her last session of chemo this weekend and should be in remission and done in January. She has to have stem cell transplant and that's it! Yeah Amanda! God is soooooo good! Thank you all for your prayers. Amanda is on her way to full recovery. Haha cancer, Amanda kicked your butt! I love ya girl! Now it is time to tell everyone your testimony Amanda. Spread the word about our awesome God! He will always be there to take care of you. Keep the faith and stay faithful!

Amanda is a true inspiration to me! She gives me hope and makes my faith even stronger. With God, all things are possible. There is no impossible. By his stripes, we are healed. I am claiming the healing over my body in Jesus' name!!! Thank you Jesus! I love you with everything I am and everything I have!

Keep praying and keep the faith. The time for me to be healed is soon! I love everyone and thank you for your prayers. Stay Godstrong!!!

Friday - HAPPY BIRTHDAY MORGAN!!!!!!

2005-12-02T09:21:00.000-05:00

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY MORGAN!!!!!!!

WE LOVE YOU BABY!!

Thursday - Let's Go Suns

2005-12-02T08:38:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I am sorry that I didn't post last night. I kept falling asleep on the couch watching TV. I just went on to bed and decided to post this morning. Yesterday, Mom, Morgan, and I took a walk to Big Lots of course. We bought a few more things for the party and a little light up church to go decorate the house for Christmas. We hung lighted garland and put up red bows. Our little apartment looks really cute and ready for Santa. I sent Hailey and Morgan a letter yesterday from the North Pole. I sent Hailey a letter from Santa when she was four and she was so excited. We will see what she says this time at the age eight. I packed up all the little gift bags for the kids at the party and hung some of the birthday signs in the house. Morgan is so funny, we ask her how old she is going to be and she says two with one finger sticking up. She knows her birthday is today and sings Happy Birthday to me. I just can't believe my baby is two today. I am the type of person that thinks, this is the last day she is going to be one. I know, I am weird.

I feel good today, but last night I had the worst leg cramp. It brought tears to my eyes and I was up walking around the room. I guess I am going to have to take those horse pills again. (potassium) I am not sure what else will help, but I know the leg cramps have to go.

We took Hailey to her first basketball practice last night. Her team name is "The Suns"! When I was little, I cheered for a basketball team named the Suns. Hailey was really trying hard at practice. I was proud of her for being aggressive with the ball. There are ten players on the team and they are all girls. Her practices are at different Elementary Schools around Katy. I hope I can find them all. By the time practice was over, Hailey was sweating. Her first game is December 10th. Let's Go Suns!!!

I want to say Happy Birthday to Jennifer Coleman. We will miss her today. Jennifer likes to spend her Birthday with Morgan. You are in our thoughts Jennifer. I hope you have a Happy Birthday today. I would also like to say Happy Birthday to Carol Crawford. This is the lady we have been praying for and continue to pray for. Her birthday was December 1st. Happy Birthday Carol. I am going to try to bake a pineapple upside down cake tomorrow for Larry's Birthday. Violet(Larry's mom) always bakes him a cake. I am going to do it this time. It should be an adventure. I looked the recipe up online. You can go to www.allrecipes.com. This is a really good website and you can find any recipe here. I got this website from April. Please keep April in your prayers because she hasn't been feeling well lately.

I will post again later. Morgan just woke up and I have to be the first to sing "Happy Birthday" to her. I miss everyone!

Stay Godstrong!!!

Wednesday - Weather is nice in Texas

2005-11-30T23:23:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

The weather is nice in Texas today. It was around 75 degrees today and could go out without a jacket. Morgan and I played outside for a couple of hours today. I would have never let Hailey get dirty like I have Morgan in the past few months. If you know me at all, you know my kids have to always be clean. I can't stand a dirty face, runny nose, or a spot on a shirt. This drives me crazy and should say is my pet peeve. I am the type of mom that changes her kids clothes two and three times a day if they are dirty. I would wipe Hailey's mouth every time she took a bite of food when she was a baby. Since we have been in Texas, Mom has let Morgan play outside in the dirt. I would have to close my eyes at first because I wanted to scream. Morgan would come in with dirt under her fingernails and all over her face. She pours water in the dirt and gets muddy. Oh my gosh, this gets under my skin. I am getting use to it now because Morgan just loves it. She thinks everytime she plays it has to be in the dirt. I know when I was little, some of my favorite memories was with my brother Wes. We would play armymen in the dirt under our pine tree. We would dig with mom's good spoons and play all day. I think he only played with me when his friends weren't around. I remember following him everywhere. Those were the days! I miss that, I don't see my brother 's much anymore. We have some great memories.

Yesterday, we went to Big Lots and bought party supplies for Morgan's birthday party on Friday. I am excited for her 2nd Birthday. I have her presents wrapped and ready to go. We have invited the kids around the apartment complex and they all want to come. I figure we will have about 14 kids. We will be squished in this apartment like sardines. Morgan will have so much fun. She is like her mommy, we love crowds. The more the merrier, I would say. I bought her a Dora the Explorer Talking Kitchen. She always plays in the kitchen at church and the YMCA. Maybe she will be the cook of the family. LOL

I feel so much better today. I have a lot more energy and in a good mood. Today was a beautiful day just to hang out. I love to go in the evenings and look at Christmas lights. We have been driving past Cinco Ranch Subdivision and their lights are gorgeous. We always go see the Christmas Lights in St. Albans every year. I hope they have a place like that here. I bet that Texas has great lights, I just have to find it. You know what they say, "Everything is Bigger in Texas."

An update on me: December 8th..... Tests will be ran all day(CT scan, PET scan, Chest xray, Mammogram, and etc.)
December 12th..... fifth chemo and talk to doctor about results from tests
I should know on December 12th about my sixth and final chemo in January and Radiation in February. I am shooting for late Feb. or early March for "Home Sweet Home".

Oh it is so good to think about being healed and coming home. I have never missed home so bad. To see the mountains and the snow. Of course, to see my family and friends. I can't wait to walk into my church, "Teays Valley Church of God," and give my testimony. I will encourage people with cancer to go to Texas and get treated at MDAnderson, but before they go, they have to have faith in God. Without faith, I would never make it through this journey. God is Awesome, All of the Time! Can you tell that I am missing home today? I love everyone!

Stay Godstrong!!!!!

Monday - Dr. Visits

2005-11-29T00:01:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Went to the doctor this morning for blood work. Mom, Hailey, and Morgan went with me so we could also take Hailey to the doctor. All my numbers are GOOD, once again, God is awesome! The doctor said my lungs are clear and not to worry about the cough. The cough is better now and I am just taking medicine at night.

While I was sitting and waiting to see the doctor for my results, I overheard a man telling people that he wasn't scared to die. He also said this was the worst news he ever got and he was a farmer. His wife looked really scared and another man was telling his story. They have mantel cell lymphoma. I am not too sure about this type of cancer but I do know that God can cure any cancer. I had to speak up and say, you just need to have faith in God. It is scary, but just give it to God and he will start healing you. The man just shook his head and the wife said, yes you need to have faith. The man preceded to say, I live for my family and I am not scared to die. I really think he was scared to die and he didn't have faith. Sometimes I think I will stand up on a chair and say please listen to me. You need God in your life and he won't forsake you. Jesus Loves You! You never know, I will probably end up doing that and get kicked out. That's ok because I will stand up for my God anytime.

We took Hailey to a new doctor in the Texas Children's Hospital. The doctor said Hailey has lost weight and her blood pressure is a lot better. We are on the right track and they do not want to put her on medicine. Hailey will be checked again for her cholestrol and blood pressure during her Christmas break. If the cholestrol has not come down, they will send her to a endocronologist. If her blood pressure is still elevated, they will send her to a world renown doctor right there in the Texas Children's hospital. He puts a blood pressure cuff under her clothes for twenty-four hours to monitor her. Then he will go from there on what to do. Most kids have an elevated blood pressure when they visit the doctor because they are scared. Please pray for my Hailey, she is trying so hard to stay on a diet. She reads all labels and tells me how much fat and cholestrol it has in it.

I wasn't feeling so well today because I ran out of a medicine called protonix. I couldn't get it filled over the weekend so I had it filled today. This medicine protects the lining of the stomach. Mom got onto me for letting it run out because it is important that I take the medicine everyday. I feel alot better now since I have taken the medicine. I can now eat and that probably isn't good. I have the munchies and have munched all evening.

I miss and love everyone. Keep Carol Crawford in your prayers. Stay Godstrong!

Friday and Saturday - Shop Til Ya Drop

2005-11-26T22:44:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Mom and I got up yesterday at 6:00am and was out shopping by 6:45am. We went to Lowe's first and found a great deal on a Christmas tree. It was only $25.00 for a prelit tree. I was so excited to get to bring home our Christmas tree. We shopped at a bunch of different stores until about 1:00pm. I bought Larry's Birthday presents and Christmas. This is the first year I have finished shopping for him and already wrapped his presents this soon. Morgan's 2nd Birthday is December 2nd and Larry's Birthday is December 3rd.

Larry put up Christmas lights and the rest of us decorated the Christmas tree. We had a really good time wrapping presents and putting up stockings over the fire place. I am almost done shopping and we still have a month before Christmas. I think this is the first time ever that I have been done this soon. I still have a few things to pick up for the kids, but everyone else is finished. It is hard to get into the Christmas spirit when it is 80 degrees, but seeing the kids get excited makes me happy.

Mom and I went back to JCPenney today to exchange a few things and pick up boxes. I am already tired of shopping. The saying "Everything is Bigger in Texas" is true. The lines, crowds, and traffic was much bigger. I know God is teaching me patience because you have to be able to wait where ever you go.

Please pray for me because I am starting to cough again. Everyone here has been sick with colds so I think that it what it is. I go back to the doctor on Monday to do my blood work. I have been feeling pretty good besides the cold.

An update on Carol Crawford. She is home now in Huntington. I talked to Larry's mom and she said Carol is not doing good. She can't get out of bed and the cancer has spread. Please say a special prayer for this special lady. Carol was baptized in her home last Sunday. Please pray that Carol will not be in any pain. Also pray for her son Broderick. He is having a very hard time.

Stay Godstrong!!

Thursday - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

2005-11-24T22:53:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

We woke up really early this morning. I got up at 6:00am to leave at 7:00am for the Thanksgiving parade in Houston. We found a parking spot right away and followed a guy that knew where he was going. I asked him about paying the meters for parking and he said he was a retired policeman and its free today. I told him we were new to the parade and he directed us where to sit. We got there at about 8:00am and the parade started at 9:00am. You can't even imagine the crowd that was already there at 8:00. We had to set our chairs in a second row on the sidewalks. There was police and fireman everywhere. I held onto my kids and didn't let them out of my sight. Nana would have been so proud of me! The parade wasn't as big as we thought it was going to be, but there was about five different floats. The kids loved the horses, bands, cheerleaders, clowns, and of course, Santa Claus. I met a really nice lady sitting behind me on the third row. She introduced herself and gave us some history on the parade. She asked me where we were from which went into the story of why we were in Texas. Her sister was really nice too, she offered me some wigs. I told her I have plenty of wigs, scarves, and hats now. They talked to us during the whole parade and told us about other places to visit.

When we got home, Mom and I put on the turkey and the fixins. We really had a nice dinner and the food was good. The best part of it all was after I said grace. Hailey asked everyone to go around the table and tell what they are thankful for. She said, I am thankful for my family and God. I could have just cried, my baby actually understands what Thanksgiving is all about. I think at her age, I just cared about how much turkey I could eat. It really hits home when your kids demonstrate something you have taught them. She really made me proud!

Mom and I have looked at the newspaper all day long. We are going Christmas shopping at 7:00am tomorrow. I hope the kids sleep in for Larry. I know we will be getting a call from him asking when will we be home. LOL He does a great job with the kids. They love being with their daddy. I am going to try to get a Christmas tree tomorrow and a few more gifts for them. I would love to decorate tomorrow evening if we aren't too tired. Hailey and I decorated stockings today and put our names on them in glitter. We had a good time and they really look good. We have a fire place in our apartment and can't wait to decorate it with stockings and our pine cones we are going to paint. I am already getting excited about Christmas. I am sad I won't be home, but it is kind of neat being in Texas.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and had a lot of time with your families. Please keep praying for total healing. Thank you all for your blogs! I check it two or three times a day. I love to hear from all of you. You all keep me going and give me my strength. Love and miss everyone.

Stay Godstrong!!!!!

Wednesday - Thanksgiving Eve

2005-11-23T23:11:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Yesterday was a bad day. I guess one a month is ok. I was pretty sick yesterday with being nauseated and tired at the same time. I was in bed most of the day and couldn't eat. Today was a much better day. I felt so much better this morning and could eat a little. We walked to Krogers to get a few things for our big Thanksgiving Dinner. Mom fixed a cranberry salad that Sara put on the blog. I have to tell you it was so funny. Mom asked me to taste the salad because it was way to lemony tasting. I tried it and said oh it's ok because I didn't want to hurt her feelings. Well she went on about how terrible it was. I said, "did you follow the recipe?" She said I used cranberry sauce instead of whole cranberries. Then she pulled a bottle of lemon out of the trash. She laughed and said well this could be the problem. I used lemon extract instead of lemon juice. LOL Mom blamed it on her glasses. Just face it, we can't cook. Tomorrow should be interesting.

We took Hailey and one of her friends roller skating. She is doing alot better than last week. She can actually skate without holding onto the wall. Hailey wants a pair of skates for Christmas now. I went out on the floor with her in my tennis shoes to help her play red light green light game. By the time the game was over I was sweating. Everytime she fell I had to pick her up. Hailey won the game though, so I guess it was worth it.

Larry and I dropped Mom, Hailey, and Morgan off at the YMCA and then headed to Target. We shopped for a Christmas tree,but just didn't find one we liked. We did a little Christmas shopping for the kids. We bought a chair for tomorrow to watch the Thanksgiving Parade in Houston. The parade is supposed to be 2 to 3 hours long. I think my mom is more excited than the kids. We have to get up at 6:00am in order to get there by 8:00am. The parade starts at 9:00am but parking is crazy. We will start our Thanksgiving Dinner when we get home. We have already remade the cranberry salad with the right ingredients and also made deviled eggs. I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving. Please remember to give thanks for everything you have. Thank God for your health, children, shelter, food, and for everything else he does for you daily.

Happy Thanksgiving! I miss and love everyone. Stay Godstrong! Enjoy your family time tomorrow!

Monday - Fourth Round of Chemo

2005-11-22T11:39:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Sorry I didn't post yesterday. I went to the hospital at 7:00am. First, they did my blood work and I had some great laughs with the nurses. I took them some Avon goodies and they were thrilled. Next, I had a chest xray done to see why my right side is still hurting. Then I went to see my doctor to hear all the updates. Good news is that all my blood work was good. Bad news is I have to take two more chemos even if the tumor is gone. The doctor said that studies show that it takes at least six chemos to completely shrink the tumor and then followup with the radiation. The kind of cancer that I have tends to come back. So the doctor is doing everything she can so that won't happen. Yes, I am kind of upset that I have to go through two more chemos, but I know I am doing what's needed to get me completely healed. I went to take my chemo around 11:30am. They put us in a room with no TV and a hard chair for Larry. I slept most of the time and Larry walked the halls. We played a couple of games of cards to pass the time. I started feeling really nauseated at the end of the chemo. I took medicine but it didn't seem to help. We got home at 8:00pm. I had to lay in bed and not move. I felt like the room was spinning and my stomach was so upset. I have also came down with a cold, so that doesn't help. I tossed and turned all night probably keeping Larry awake. I woke up this morning feeling a little better. I think I will stay in the house and take it easy.

Hailey woke up yesterday with the croup, so I called my pediatrician back home. We gave Hailey some medicine, which is a steroid, and she is feeling better. Mom and Morgan also have a cold. It hit us all at once except Larry, poor guy. Germs are flying everywhere and I don't know how he is going to stay well. Hailey is out of school all week so we hope to take the kids somewhere fun. We might go to the Houston Zoo if I feel up to it.

Thank you all for you prayers all day yesterday. I know God heard your requests and was working on me. I will know more about the tumor the first or second week of December. That is when they will do all the CAT scans, PET scans, and chest xrays again. I can hear it now, What Tumor? God is awesome! Oh by the way, nothing was found on my chest xray. Yeah!

I am so excited that little Jacob is home now. He has been through it all. He has inspired me and has made me want to fight harder. God Bless you Jacob!

Stay Godstrong!!!!!!

Sunday - Fall in Texas

2005-11-20T23:28:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Went to church this morning and dropped off our Operation Christmas Child boxes. They were stacked everywhere. Grace Fellowship sponsors a church in Indonesia. I didn't know much about this country. The pastor said that there are only 30 Christians in that country. Grace Fellowship have 15 people over there trying to bring their people to the Lord. Wow, what a job that would be. We just don't realize how fortunate we are to live in the U.S. People in Indonesia are killed if they become Christians. We need to say an extra prayer for those people and the little children.

Larry fixed a great dinner this evening. He fixed his famous vegetable soup. It is so good and he has his own special ingredients that he puts in it. I made cornbread, if you can believe that. I am not much on eating left overs, but I could eat this soup for days. At least someone in the house can cook. LOL

Hailey and I made cards for her friends for Thanksgiving. We drew our hands and made them turkeys. Do you remember doing this in school? We had a good time drawing and coloring these pictures together. I think we sent out about 10 letters. She was so happy that she could send her friends letters and of course she will expect a response. I am trying to teach Hailey the meaning of Thanksgiving. In church today, they made a list of what they are thankful for. I think that is a good thing for a child to do. It is a great thing for an adult to do also. We all have so much to be thankful for. Yes, we all have our ups and downs, but I know we all could make lists of what God has done for us. My list would go on and on.

Please keep me in your prayers tomorrow. I go to the doctor at 7:00am. I will have my blood tests, a chest xray, then see the doctor. My fourth chemo starts at 11:00am and usually lasts about seven hours. It will be a long day, but another step closer to my healing. Remember, this is it!!!! No more tumor! Watch out tumor, here comes the chemo. With God, all things are possible. I am asking for everyone to pray for total healing tomorrow. Please God take this tumor away. I am asking this in Jesus' Name!!!! God says, Fear Not for I Am With Thee! It also says in the bible(not exact quote) By his stripes, I am healed! I am not good at memorizing scripture, but I know what the bible says. I have total faith that God is healing me on his terms. I can always ask for a time frame and pray for it to happen.

I miss and love everyone! Stay Godstrong!!

Saturday - Christmas for the Children

2005-11-19T23:40:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Today it was around 60 degrees here in Texas. We went to a place called the Academy. This is a sports place that you could buy just about anything that has to do with indoor/outdoor sports. They were roasting chicken outside and you could try about four different kinds of seasonings on it. By the time we tested it all, we had lunch. LOL Larry was looking at a go cart for two. It look like something you could have a lot of fun on at the beach. Well, he was dreaming! I think it was about 1000.00 dollars. We found Hailey a real nice pair of basketball shoes. She thinks she is a pro now. She can't wait for this basketball to start.

Christmas for the Children is about giving to the less fortunate. Grace Fellowship is collecting shoe boxes filled with toys for girls and boys in other countries. I think it is like Samaritans Purse. April, Zach, Mom, Hailey and I went to Target to get the gifts for these kids. We had so much fun shopping for these kids! Mom and I bought for a girl and a boy. It was so hard shopping for a little boy because I have two girls. I could go on forever with the girls stuff. We let Hailey wrap the presents and explained to her about the meaning of the gifts. I think everyone that can should try to buy for the less fortunate. I can't imagine a kid at Christmas without a toy or gift. Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love seeing my family open presents and spend time together. Hmm, Christmas in Texas! This could actually be fun. I will miss the snow, but I will make the best of the 70 degree weather. I will definitely miss my friends and family. It looks like we will be in Texas for Christmas because it is expensive for five of us to fly.

Please pray for an unspoken request for a family member. Also pray for my chemo on Monday. For some reason, I am dreading going. I know this tumor is going to be gone! I guess I am kind of scared. I am giving it to God and just keeping the faith. I really need your prayers. I will deal with my fear by reading the bible and just praying.

I love and miss everyone. Stay Godstrong because I am!!!!!

Thursday - All about the Children

2005-11-17T23:26:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Today I started putting up sleeveless clothes and taking out the long sleeve things. It is getting a little chilly here in Texas. We have had a couple days in the 60's. It is supposed to be 70's this weekend so the weather is on and off this week. I pulled out Morgan's clothes and she could fill up a walk in closet from all the clothes given to me for her. On the other hand, Hailey is needing winter clothes. We are planning to buy her winter clothes for Christmas.

We took Hailey skating this evening. Her school PTA sponsored it and they raised $163.00 tonight. They gave 1.00 for everyone who was skating. So that means there was 163 people skating and most of them were children of course. There was only about ten adults on skates and guess what, I was one of them. It has been a very long time since I have been skating. I put my skates on and stood up thinking I was just going to take off. Well, to my surprise, I took the first step and almost went down for the count. I all of the sudden felt old and not so cool. Hailey was trying to hold onto to me and I said we are both going to fall. After awhile I got a little better at it and was able to help Hailey. I think she has been roller skating once before. She had so much fun even if she held onto the wall the whole time. Morgan would clap her hands and say, Yeah Hailey, every time we went around. They had an adult race on skates and I was going to be in it. Hailey said please no mom. I don't know if she was afraid I would get hurt or was afraid I would lose. Everyone should take an extra hour everyday and spend more time with our children. You just don't realize how fast they are growing up and how much they love attention from their parents. I am glad I get to spend this extra time with my children making memories. Thank you God for this gift! I always went skating on Friday and Saturday nights when I was very young. My brother Wes would go with me and we would have a blast. I can remember dancing to YMCA and shooting the duck. Does anyone remember what shooting the duck means in skating? I also remember the song "Monster Mash". Oh my gosh, I was a skate geek. Larry and I had one of our first dates at the skating rink. I remember I would show off skating backwards and he wouldn't even put skates on. He would just sit with his friends and watch. LOL

Larry has worked about twelve hours for the past few days. He has been really tired but doing a great job training people. He has been with Cintas for ten years and if you can believe it, WV Cintas is ahead of Texas in computers. So Larry is teaching them how to use the computers. He came home and went straight to Hailey's Basketball meeting. We found out her team name, The Suns. He also found out the schedule and when she will be practicing. She is so excited to get started. I think Larry is going to be excited once the practices get started. He loves basketball and is competitive when it comes to sports. This is something that daddy and daughter can do together.

We are planning to go to Houston's Big Parade on Thanksgiving Day. This parade is supposed to be as large as the one in New York. It is seventeen dollars to sit in the bleachers. I think we will go early and stand by the bleachers. I think the kids will enjoy it and will give us something to do on Thanksgiving. We were going to order our Thanksgiving Dinner from Krogers. Mom has decided to cook and get some recipes from April. We called Larry's Mom, Violet and asked her to come and cook for us. I guess that's out, I know we won't be eating rice that day. LOL Larry loves pecan pie so I think we will buy one for him. None of us our to fond of pumpkin. Does anyone have any good recipes for Thanksgiving?

Please keep praying for healing. Thank you for all your prayers! Love and miss everyone.
Stay Godstrong!!!

Wednesday- Cold Day

2005-11-16T23:07:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Woke up this morning and it was about 40 degrees. This is the first day we have had to wear long pants and jackets. It got up to about 65 today and that was cold for Texas. I didn't even bring a winter coat because I never thought I would be here this long. I will have to layer my clothing. I was told by my doctor in WV that I would go for a second opinion at MD Anderson. I would come home in a week and start my chemo at CAMC. I thought the doctors from Charleston and MD Anderson would talk over the phone and they would decide my treatment. Once I arrived here in Texas, the doctors at MD Anderson said, I would rather you stay here and receive your treatment. The type of cancer that I have they only treat once a year in WV. MD Anderson is a research hospital and they study me and my cancer everyday. Their moto is "Making Cancer History". I am in a case study of 60 people and that's why I am monitored closely. I am also on what's called protocol. MD Anderson will help pay my medical bills which is a blessing. God never quits working in my life. Just think, one surgery that I had for one day in Charleston, WV was 11, 000 dollars. Imagine what my bills could have been here if the hospital wasn't helping me. God is watching over me every little and big step of the way. I wish all cancer patients could experience the great work of the people of MD Anderson. This hospital is definitely the best cancer hospital in the U.S. I am very fortunate to be able to get my treatment here in Texas. I hope I am doing the job God wants me to while I am here.

Speaking of job, I have to tell you that Avon is in my blood. I talked to a lady today that I met in my apartment complex about Avon. I gave her a brochure and talked to her about skincare. Avon is the top skincare company in the world. I will probably recruit her tomorrow when she asks me questions about the brochure. I have already recruited one lady and didn't even try. We start talking about where we work and then I go from there. I am so ready to go back to work. I am going to gain 100 pounds if I don't go to work soon. I have started working out but it hasn't helped yet. Of course, I have only been twice on the treadmill. I gained four pounds in one week. It must be all the good cooking around here. LOL

Hailey has been dressing for fun week at school. Tomorrow she has to wear her pajamas to school. We went to platos closet and bought her cow slippers. When you push the ears it moos. Her pajama pants are black and white and look like a cow. She thinks it is so funny to wear slippers and pajamas to school. Today was western day and she wore one of my cowgirl hats and a Texas T-shirt. She is having alot of fun this week. Her class is going on a field trip to a science museum on Friday. I am glad she gets to go on field trips in Texas because it will be a great experience for her. We may never be back to Texas so we are trying to see everything we can before we come home.

Don't forget to pray about my chemo on Monday. This will hopefully be my last chemo because the tumor will be gone. Watch out tumor, here comes the chemo. God and I will defeat this disease. Yes it will be on God's terms, but I pray the tumor is gone November 21st! Have you read the scripture I gave you? Matthew 18:19,20

Stay Godstrong!

Wednesday - Christmas is around the Corner

2005-11-16T09:41:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Sorry that I didn't post last night. I watched one of my favorite shows on TV, called house, and went to bed. Yesterday, I talked to Lisa and she gave me some ideas to look up prices on the computer. A good website is bizrate.com, this website will tell you what the best price is on an item and where to get it. Most of the toys that I looked up was at Toys R US, Walmart, or Target. Larry, Mom, Morgan, and I went to Walmart and Toys R Us yesterday while Hailey was at school. We didn't buy what we went after but we did get a few Christmas presents. I can't believe how fast Christmas is creeping up on us. Stores are already decorating for Christmas and yesterday there was commercials on for Christmas. It's not even Thanksgiving yet. Let us get through this holiday before we start on the next.

I want to request special prayer for a lady named Carol Crawford. She is Larry's Best Friend's mother. Carol is also like Larry second mother. Larry grew up with his best friend Broderick Crawford and has kept in contact with him all these years. Carol lives beside Larry's mom and dad in Huntington. Her husband passed away years ago and she also lost her mother not long ago. Carol found out she had cancer about the same time I did. She went to Baltimore to have surgery and when they opened her up they found out it was too dangerous. They sent her home and couldn't do anything for her. Her tumor is hooked to her liver and it is very serious. She is in the hospital right now and is very sick. She also broke her ankle after her first chemo so she can't walk very well. Carol needs intensive prayer right now. Broderick is her only child and he has taken off work to be with her. Carol is such a sweet lady and would give you the shirt off her back. She is a new christian and needs guidance also. She weighs heavy on my heart everyday. Larry is very upset and has a hard time talking about her and his friend. He is having a hard time because he can't visit her. So please pray for Carol and Broderick. Also pray for Larry to help him deal with this situation.

Not much else going on today so I will write again tonight. Thank you for always being there for me and my family. Love and miss everyone.

Stay Godstrong!!!!

Monday - Good News

2005-11-14T23:16:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I went to the hospital today for my blood tests. Talked to the doctor and she said all tests are good. White blood cells are up, liver and kidney's good, hemoglobin up, potassium good, and uric acid normal. The doctor took me off of two medications, yeah! I told her my ribs are still hurting when I yawn or take a deep breath. She ordered a chest xray for Monday just to be safe. While I was waiting for the test results, Amanda walked in. Her four day chemo treatment went well. She said she was nauseated, but that's it. Her next chemo is November 28th. She will move into her apartment after Thanksgiving. She promised to call more often to check in.

I want to tell you about a restaurant we went to yesterday. My cousin, April, took us to The Taste of Texas. It is a fabulous steak house. You can not buy a steak under 10 oz. The men ate 16 oz. steaks and got to pick out the steak themselves. The salad bar had everything you could think of including fruit. Beside the salad bar was shaved assorted cheese and all the bread you wanted. They had jalepeno cornbread, cheese bread, rolls, and more. You could also pick the type of butter you like, such as, apple butter, cinnamon butter, light butter, and etc. You could order one side dish with your meal. I ordered a baked potato which was almost as big as my steak. Oh, the DESSERTS, were awesome. My cousin, Zach, ordered a slice of heaven which was vanilla and chocolate mousse. Larry and I split a snicker's cheesecake with chocolate on top. My cousin, April, ordered a pecan pie with cinnamon icecream. We all tried the variety of desserts. By the time we were ready to leave, I needed a tow truck. You could have rolled me out of there. It was the best meal I've had in a long time.

My next chemo is November 21st and the next set of tests to check the tumor is December 20th. That's the day they will say WHAT TUMOR? I pray for total healing in my body by November 21st in Jesus' Name!!! Don't forget to read the scripture I gave you which was Matthew 18:19,20.

I miss and love you all. Stay GODSTRONG!!!!

Saturday- POW WOW in Traders Village

2005-11-13T00:26:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Today was another good day for me. No pain or leg cramps. We went to a place called Traders Village. This is a 45 acre flea market with over 1000 vendors. I was in flea market heaven. The weather was warm and the wind blowing today. We walked for hours and hours through booth after booth. We were passing the food booths and I had to have a roasted corn. Wow, it was so good and full of calories. Of course I loaded the melted butter and salt. Morgan finished it off for me, she loved it! The POW WOW was indians singing, dancing, and playing instruments for competition. There was tee-pee's everywhere with the indian headgear and masks laying around. It was so neat to see and a learning experience for Hailey. She was amazed with the dances and the outfits they were wearing. We also took pictures of the kids with the indians and in the tee-pees. We didn't buy much, but it was another new experience for us.

We came home and had turkey burgers and turkey hotdogs on the grill. Everyone liked it and the food was healthy. I was going to invite the neighbors down to eat because they just had a new baby. Larry said it wasn't a good idea to invite someone over for turkey burgers. Oh well, I guess we'll wait until we eat the nice and unhealthy foods to invite someone over. LOL I know what everyone is thinking, just don't invite them when I am cooking. Haha
If we can get Larry to cook on the grill, we usually have good meals. No more rice for me, I am done with that.

I talked to Lisa and Tonya today, they said it took seven people to clean my house. That's alot of work. I wanted to thank Lisa, John, Larry, Tonya, Aunt Teresa, Mom and Dad Evans for pitching in and taking the time to clean our house. We told my Aunt Teresa to lock it up so we can see it for ourselves. I know they did a great job and we appreciate all the help. We have such great friends and family. I am ready for one of the house makeovers. I probably just had one because some of those people that were there like to throw things out. Tonya told me she threw out a couple of bags and I am having withdrawals because I am a pack rat. I'll be thinking about what she could of threw out for weeks. I was telling Lisa, I still have high school papers and books. I still have all the papers Hailey colored and made in preschool. I know you will love this, I have Larry's rat tail from 1986 in a photo album and the gum wrapper he gave me 20 years ago with his phone number on it. I know I am sentimental. I guess that's what you would call it.

Well, that's my life today. Not much more to tell you about. Please keep praying for my sister in law, Kelly. Also pray for Amanda. I have called her two or three times and left messages and no return calls. She is supposed to moving into an apartment this weekend about 10 minutes away from me. I will call her again tomorrow and call the hospital if she doesn't return my call.

I miss and love you all. Still Praying for total healing by Nov. 21st. I ask this in Jesus' Name! Please read Matthew 18:19. Tell me what you think about this scripture. I have total faith in this scripture. Read it tonight and thought I would share good scripture.

Stay Godstrong!!!!!

Thursday - Day on the Hunt

2005-11-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Today we woke up around 7:00am and got Hailey off to school. I have had a cramp in my right leg for days now. My potassium is really low and the doctor gave me a horse pill to take. I have to admit, I have skipped it a couple of times because I have a hard time swallowing it even when breaking it in half. I have ate bananas and taken the medicine periodically. Does anyone know anything else that would stop leg cramps or bring up my potassium?

Mom, Morgan and I went to the bank today which is about a 45 minute walk. We also stopped by Vision Source to pick up my new glasses. This is another story in its self, but I haven't had glasses since my purse was stolen two years ago. So, another words, I haven't been able to see to drive since then. Hmmm........ Maybe that's why my nickname is Crash!!!LOL

On the way back home, Mom noticed her cell phone was gone. This is the cell phone, Moto Razr V3, that we got off Ebay two weeks ago. We had to retrace our steps all the way back to the bank. Now, just imagine, we have already been walking over an hour. It is 80 degrees outside and we are sweating and panting. There are no sidewalks in Texas all the main road. We are trying to push a stroller through all this grass and not doing so very fast. We were on the hunt. Mom was so upset with herself that she had lost this cell phone and hadn't realized it. We left our phone number and name with the places we had stopped. The cell phone was no where to be found. We also called it several times and someone had already found it and turned it off. It took four hours to go on our adventure today. Why do people have to be so dishonest? I just don't understand. We called the phone again when we got home and it was on but no one answered. Mom called Cingular and had it suspended. That person could have called the number back that was calling. But no, they wanted to be dishonest.

I have to tell you about my Martha Stewart dinner. Mom, Hailey, and Larry went to the YMCA to play basketball. I told them I would have a gourmet meal when they got home. Well, I pulled the chicken stir fry out of the freezer and read directions. I never claimed to be a cook, but it isn't hard to read directions. I was so proud of myself because I used the recipe that added fresh cut up veggies and instant rice. I cut up cantaloupe for appetizer, you know trying to be healthy, and placed it on table first. I cut up veggies and added the chicken. The rice recipe said, 2 cups of water and 2 cups of rice and cook five minutes. Well, that is what I did. When the family arrived, I was so proud of myself. The gourmet dinner was ready. I loaded a plate of white rice with stir fry on top and gave it to mom. She took a big ole bite and made this face. I said, what is it not good? I tried the rice and had to spit it in the trash. Oh my gosh, it was terrible. It could have broken teeth. I had already made Hailey and Morgan's plate. Well, they would eat after that happened. The problem was I used Uncle Ben's white rice and it was not instant. I didn't know! They didn't teach this at Hurricane High cooking class. I must have slept through that class. LoL We had to put the rice back on the oven for about 20 minutes and add more water. When it was finally done, Larry added salsa, pepper, and tabasco sauce. He said, now it's good. They all laughed and guess what, I don't have to cook anymore. Got out of that one huh! We had to fix the kids another meal. Mom says she misses Teays Valley Church of God bringing us dinner. I wonder if they could mail it? Haha I think we are going to have to get Larry's mom or my Aunt Teresa to come and cook for us. That's bad huh! Too funny.

Don't forget, November 21st, the tumor is gone!!!!!! I pray for total healing and God's Will to be done! Miss you all and love ya too!!! Stay Godstrong!!!!

Wednesday - It is HOT in TEXAS

2005-11-09T23:51:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Sorry I didn't post yesterday, but by the time I got onto the computer I was too tired. Yesterday, I went to the hospital in the evening for my seventh and last neupogen injection. The nurse said, although my white blood cells are normal I still need the last injection. On days seven through ten after the chemo is when the white blood cells start dropping and that's is what causes infections. I really didn't want to drive 45 minutes to get the injection, but I will always do what they tell me to in order to get better.

We took Hailey back to the doctor yesterday and had her blood work and blood pressure repeated. Her blood pressure was normal after they took it twice, but the cholestrol is still elevated. The doctor wants to send her to a GI doctor to check her thyroid. I am going to discuss this with my pediatrician at home first. Please keep Hailey in your prayers. She is trying so hard to exercise and stick with her new eating habits. We signed her up for a basketball team that starts the middle of this month. She is so excited to get started and is already practicing.

Today Mom, Morgan, and I walked to the post office in 88 degree weather. I was so hot by the time we got there that I was begging the owner to turn on some air. We mailed out Birthday presents to my niece. When we got home we all took a nap. I think the heat really got to me today. I just feel drained. I am not sick, just tired.

I would like for you all to pray for my sister in law, Kelly. She had gull bladder surgery today at Saint Francis in Charleston. She is in alot of pain and needs our prayers. She also had a biopsy done of her liver. Also pray for my brother, Wes. He is missing work and going to have to help take care of the kids.

I don't have to have any more tests until Monday which will be the blood work again. My fourth chemo is scheduled for November 21st. That is the day Hailey starts her Thanksgiving break. I am praying for complete healing by this date. I know it is alot to ask for, but the tumor shrunk 50% in two chemos, so it is going to be gone in four. I am asking God to work on my final healing with my fourth chemo. I need your prayers and we can all be in agreement about this. If we really believe in my healing and ask for a certain time, I believe God will answer our prayers.

Stay Godstrong!!!!!!

Monday- Day of Testing

2005-11-07T23:21:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I went to the hospital this morning at 8:30am. First I had my blood drawn from the funny nurses that I just love. I am telling you, these nurses should have their own show. I just love listening to them. On Monday mornings, there are people everywhere. We are packed in like sardines. People in wheelchairs, bald people, people with masks, and even more. It is a long wait, but the entertainment in the back from the nurses keep your mind occupied. We then went downstairs to get my sixth injection for the white blood cells. Every waiting room has couches, tables with puzzles, and magazines. Well, I try to work the 1000 piece puzzles and usually only get two or three pieces. I am not good at the puzzle thing,but I think I contribute a little. After the injection, we went to the lymphoma floor. On Mondays, it usually takes 2 hours to see the doctor to get the blood work results. While sitting there waiting, we watch the news on all the scary stuff going on in the big city of Houston. This guy escaped from jail in plain street clothes and was on the loose for days. He was a murderer and they found him in Louisiana in front of a liquor store drunk. You just never know about people, but you see it all here in Texas.

My test results were great today. Liver and kidney function all good, white blood cells up, LDH # down, protein normal, and just watching hemoglobin # a little low. Thank you God for once again GREAT #'s!!!!!!! I came home today and took a nap. I don't do that very often! One of mom's friends is a doctor and she said it is because my hemoglobin is low. I just need to eat a lot of green veggies and meat. No problem there! I love green veggies, in fact, that's what I craved when pregnant with Hailey.

We are taking Hailey back to the Doctor tomorrow to check her blood pressure and cholestrol again. She doesn't know about the repeat blood work and she keeps asking about shots. I talked to her doctor, Debbie Parsons, today and she says Hailey needs exercise and diet. We need to eat a lot of Turkey burgers, hot dogs, and baked foods. We are all going on this type of diet with Hailey. The key is for all of us to be healthier. I am going to take Hailey to the YMCA tomorrow to check on basketball. I am definitely going to get her into some kind of sport. Dr. Debbie says they won't put Hailey on medicine, but really need to keep her checked and keep her active.

I want to say Thank You once again for all the people that worked the spaghetti dinner and especially to the HHS class of 88 for organizing it. Great job Tonya on becoming the Sargent! I taught you well! LOL Shelli was already a sargent and even knows how to climb guard rails. You all are great! The total of the fundraiser was amazing. Thank you! I tell everyone how great my friends and family are and all the fundraisers you all have worked so hard on. I also want to say a big thank you to Teays Valley Church of God. Your support, friendship, and prayers keep me going. I love you all and miss you too!

Stay Godstrong!

Saturday- THE SPAGHETTI DINNER

2005-11-05T23:45:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I am not sure if I should talk about my day first or all the spaghetti dinner. I want to say, "I am so PROUD of all the hard work you all put into this fundraiser". I have had so many people call and say how great the food and music was. Everyone had a good time and I appreciate that. God was working with you all today at that dinner. Everyone was eating, smiling, and having a great time. My brother told me about all the deliveries that were done and all the people coming in and out. Larry's parents called and said how much they loved the gospel music and seeing all my friends and family. Tara called and let me listen to the music and was telling me about all the people working so hard. Denise called and was telling me about all our high school friends and the way people were enjoying each other. Tonya called and was telling me about the hard workers and all the people asking about me and how everyone just come together as a team. ALL'S I CAN SAY IS WOW!!!! GOD IS AWESOME!

I listened in the background to all the music and people having a great time. I really wish I could have been there. I can't wait to receive the pictures and videos. I miss everyone so much! I told Denise, "This spaghetti dinner was as good as a high school reunion." I hope that there was many lives touched today and that someone really woke up and said this is it. I am changing my life. I know with all the fellowship and music, someone was touched. I will never accept all the credit for this journey. I owe all of my strength, faith, and love to the Lord! He has made me realize how precious life is and I am living it to the fullest. I am so proud to have family and friends so precious as you all. I will never forget what you all have done for me and my family. Everyone that has prayed, sent cards, flowers, gifts, money, done fundraisers, called on the phone, cleaned my house, taken care of my children, and wow I could go on forever.

Well, I will tell you a little about my day. Seems almost boring after all the excitement at Hurricane High School today. I went to the hospital this morning to get my daily neupogen injection. On the way home, stopped by a place called Whataburger! The name fits the burger that's for sure. I really am not crazy about eating hamburgers, but this place is good. The burgers are huge and they taste great. When we got home we decided to take the kids to a farm called Dewberry Farm. We had so much fun with the kids. Morgan didn't want to stop. She was running from one thing to the other. They had a corn maze, pumkin patch, flower patch, hay rides, corn train, singing chickens, rat racers, corn cannon, petting zoo, rubber duck races, and best of all roasted corn on the cob. If you would like to visit our little adventure today, go to www.dewberryfarm.com. It was about 85 degrees, too hot. We were so tired and thirsty when we left, everyone was ready for a nap. We went home and just relaxed for a few hours.

I just want everyone to know that I am still feeling great. I was telling Denise that I need to get my head back into the bible though. Don't ever forget who makes all my days good and why I am healing. You should always praise him and thank God for each and every great day you have. There is always someone out there in worse shape than we are. Don't ever forget that. Please count your blessings everyday. God Bless and Stay Godstrong!!!!

Friday- HAPPY BIRTHDAY TARA

2005-11-04T09:06:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I wanted to write a short note to make sure everyone knows that today is TARA WHITTINGTON'S 30TH BIRTHDAY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TARA!!! I wish I could be there to celebrate with you. I owe you dinner at Rio Grande. Love and miss ya!

On another note, my sister in law, Kelly Curry, is in a lot of pain. She has to have her gull bladder taken out and a biopsy of her liver. Please pray for her she takes care of her kids plus her two grandkids. She is fighting so hard to feel better. Thanks in advance for your prayers.

God Bless and Stay Godstrong!!

Thursday - Day of Exercise

2005-11-03T22:44:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I went to bed early last night. I guess it was around 9:30pm. At home, I was just getting started at 9:30pm. I usually stayed up until midnight or later. I had a lot of energy this morning so after breakfast we went for a walk. Mom, Morgan, and I walked to the bank, post office, and stopped in a few shops. I guess we were gone about 2 1/2 hours and walked about 2 miles. I feel really good today and don't even feel like I have had chemo this week. I started taking my nausea pills early this time and I think it helped me a lot.

I have heard so much about the Friday night pajama party and Spaghetti dinner. I would love to be there at both of the events. By the way, how many tickets have been sold? Don't forget about me while you all are having fun. When I get home, I want a pajama party, 80's party, and spaghetti party all in one. LOL I don't know if you all will have the energy to do it all again. Thank you so much for all the effort and time put into this fundraiser. I have to say again, I have the most amazing friends and family. I can't wait to see the video of all the people working so hard together. I also want to hear the singers, and esp. Jimmy W. It is going to be a great event!

I went to the hospital this evening for my second injection. It only takes about five minutes after waiting for my name to be called. The nurses are always so nice to me. They want to know how I feel and my situation. I am always reassured that I am at the best hospital.

We took some pictures in front of our apartment complex today of Hailey and Morgan. It was about 85 here today. The flowers and trees are beautiful and the wind was blowing so it wasn't hot. I hope to get the pictures developed soon so I can post them. We are starting to look at small Christmas trees and decorations for the apartment. It is hard to think about Christmas when it is 85 degrees outside, but we have to start now for the kids. I know we still have Thanksgiving, but you know my mom she is always ahead of the game.

I miss you all and love ya too! God Bless and Stay GodStrong!!

Wednesday - Day of DR Visits

2005-11-03T08:35:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Today was definitely the day for Doctor visits. I went to the hospital at 9:00am to take my first of seven injections. The injection is called neupegen and it is to increase the white blood cells. They don't know if mine are down but they are doing this to take precaution. When we left MD Anderson, we took Mom to her MRI appointment. Morgan was so good to sit still through all these appointments. She talked to everyone in the office. She would tell everyone Hi and Bye. There was an old couple there and they played with her the longest time. They said they don't have grandchildren.

I met this man and his wife today at MD Anderson. His wife was trying to talk him into eating and he just was refusing. I started talking to her and she said he has Lymphoma also. I told her that for weeks I just didn't feel like eating and I was drinking Boost to make up for it. The man was very grumpy and never smiled. I asked his name and he wouldn't answer. The wife told me Carl Parsons. I tried to shake his hand and told him I would be praying for him. He looked up at me and said don't pray for me, I'm ready to go. He wouldn't even shake my hand. They got on the elevator and the wife said thank you. I told them my name and that was it. I have thought about this man all day. He went through his sixth chemo and is ready to give up. He looked so weak and tired. I would say he was in his 80's. Please pray for Carl. His wife looked so hurt and wanted someone to help. I hope they are Christians and it's never too late to ask Jesus into your heart. I just wish I had more time to talk to them.

We also went to see a new pediatrician today. Took both girls to get their wellness visit and flu shots. Of course, no one compares to my Pediatrician at home. Dr. Parsons is the best at Kidcare. Morgan's visit went really good. Hailey's blood pressure was elevated and has to be seen again next week to check it. We have to get her into a sport around here so she can get some exercise. She does ride her bike every day, but that isn't enough. The doctor is checking her for sugar diabetes. Please pray that the test come out negative and she is healthy.

Well, that's all for now. God Bless and Stay Godstrong!

Tuesday - 3rd Round of Chemo

2005-11-01T22:25:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I went to the hospital at 8:00am this morning. My chemo was scheduled for 9:30am and I was called back to the room around 10:30am. I was in a better room this time around. The bed was comfy and the room had a large TV with a DVD player. Two nurses walked in and said, you are spoiled today because there is two of us. The nurse that was new had worked at another hospital for 16 years. She was very nervous and only had been at MD Anderson for a couple of days. She inserted a big needle in my left arm and it hurt. The nurse was very nice, she asked me all the time, are you ok. The new nurse then inserted another needle in my right arm. Well, it wouldn't go in so she had to take it out and put another needle in the left arm. I felt like a pin cushion and the nurse was very apologetic. My chemo started around 11:00am and ended at 6:15pm. Whew, what a long day. They fed me a sandwich for lunch and also a hard peanut butter and jelly sandwich for dinner. YumYum. Oh well, I won't complain. At least I got something to eat, right? I don't feel too bad, just a little nausiated. I hope my stomach feels better in the morning. I have to go to the hospital everyday this week for the neupagen shot. This shot is to keep my white blood cells up. I have had this shot before and this isn't the one I am allergic too. I should be ok taking it.

I scheduled Hailey and Morgan a wellness visit tomorrow at 1:30pm. Hailey will have to leave school early, but that was the only appointment they had open. I am hoping they will give them a flu shot. I may have to reschedule for that. Mom has already had her flu shot. Larry and I still have to find somewhere to go to get one. I think MD Anderson will give me one but not Larry. It is scary to hear President Bush talk about the flu outbreak. I can't take any medicine for the flu so we need to be careful.

Amanda moved in her apartment today. She didn't get to take her chemo because she didn't get here in time. She has to reschedule for sometime this week. She will go back home this weekend to get her furniture to move in. Larry is going to help them carry stuff and even offered his truck to help. Amanda's mom is with her today and they went out to eat then to the grocery store. I will go over tomorrow and make sure she is ok and try to help her settle in. I will tell her you all are praying for her.

God Bless and Stay Godstrong!!!!

Trick or Treat

2005-10-31T23:40:00.000-05:00

Hello again,

Just wanted to tell you about our evening. I took Hailey and one of her friends over to the apartment Halloween party around 4:00pm. They had juice, cookies, and candy. It started raining so hard as soon as we walked into the office of the apartments. We were the only people at the party so I called Larry and he came and got us. We usually walk, but it was raining, lightning, and thundering. Morgan woke up for her nap so we got the kids dressed in their costumes. We were going over to Aprils, but didn't want to walk around in the rain. Katy Mills Mall had trick or treat for the kids. I think everyone else had the same idea because it was packed. Little kids running around everywhere. We saw some great costumes that were really unique. One little girl was dressed as a box of popcorn. Her mother had put real popcorn all over the top and sides of a red and white striped box. She also had a headband with popcorn glued to it. Another cool costume was two little girls dressed as peacocks. They were handmade and very colorful. Hailey didn't get much candy but she still had a great time. We took them to dinner in a restaurant in the mall called Rain Forest Restaurant. There were animated animals everywhere including hanging from the ceiling. The hostess set us right beside a huge elephant that every 15 minutes made a loud noise. Morgan just screamed and cried. She wouldn't eat a thing and she just held onto Hailey's neck as tight as she could. The dinner was ok, but the best part was the kids eat free if they are in costume.

I am still on high from the great news I received today. It is even better when my family and friends call and say they are singing and dancing too. I will be talking to cancer patients tomorrow and tell them my story to give them hope. I will of course tell them about how awesome our God is. Thank you all again for all your prayers. Please keep them coming. You all have helped me get halfway through this journey and I hope you will come with me until I am healed. I need all the prayers you can give. Please pray for Amanda tomorrow also. Her second chemo is tomorrow and she had such bad reaction after her first. She will be admitted in the hospital for a few days and then should move into my apartment complex by the weekend. I am hoping to get in touch with her tomorrow to find out more details.

My third chemo is tomorrow at 9:30am on an outpatient basis. It usually takes between five to seven hours. I lay in a hospital bed with a small TV on the wall. Larry always sits right beside me and toughs out the uncomfortable chairs. He is always right beside me helping me with whatever I need. He is a pretty good nurse if should say so myself. Pray for more shrinkage in the tumor tomorrow. Watch out tumor here comes the chemo. I am excited to be able to complete another chemo because it is another step toward me coming home.

I miss everyone and love ya too! Stay Godstrong because I am!