Grammy's Journey

Jan's New Home

2011-04-25T11:35:00.002-05:00

Our dear sweet sister, Jan, made her home in Heaven at 12:35 a.m. Thursday, April 21, 2011. She doesn't have to fight this nasty cancer any longer. We rejoice and are thrilled for her, but yet our hearts are heavy and broken. We lean heavy on our God because we have the promise of seeing her and many others again one day. We would love you to contine praying for us as this has been extremely difficult.

We want to thank you for all the love, prayers and support in the last 3 years, 5 months and 8 days!!!

Much love!!

Cheryl

Update

2011-03-29T08:51:00.001-05:00

There has been a gradual decline in Jan's health in the last few weeks. She has had some problems in the last week with headaches. We ask that you pray for peace for Jan and our family as we travel this road. We pray that Jan will be comfortable, without pain or any other problems. Jan has courageously fought this aggressive brain cancer for 3 ½ years. Gerald has stood by her, as has our family. Thank you for all your prayers, love, support and kind words. Love from the family Cheryl Philippians 4:13 (NIV) 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Status

2011-02-23T11:06:00.002-06:00

Jan was released from the hospital this morning. At this time, we will move ahead with rehab, but she is not physically able to do treatment.

Please continue to pray for Jan and our family. Things don't look good at this time. There will be decisions that need to be made.

Please also pray for healing....peace and guidance.

Thanks and love from all of us!

Cheryl

Tuesday News

2011-02-22T09:05:00.002-06:00

Jan was admitted to Mercy Hospital Sunday evening. Her blood pressure was extremely high. She had a ton of swelling in her legs, especially the left leg, having problems walking and not as aware as she had been.

They've been running tests and have found no problems on CT or MRI of the brain or blood work.

They have doubled her BP medicine. Will monitor her today and probably go home tomorrow.

She is up walking the halls this morning.

Thanks for all your prayers.

Cheryl

Follow Up Visit

2011-02-16T12:24:00.002-06:00

Jan, Mom and Gerald met with Dr. Gilbert this morning. They recommend a 2 week course of radiation along with the Avastin. My understanding is that the Avastin and Radiation work well together.

They meet with the radiologist at 1:00 p.m. to get more details.

If Jan decides to do this treatment, it will begin the firt part of March.

Please pray for help in decision making, peace and comfort during this time.

Thanks and love you all.

Cheryl

Surgery Update

2011-02-02T12:38:00.003-06:00

The family got together last Friday night. Robyn wanted pics of Jan with her grandbabies. I'll share a couple here:

Surgery went well. The "spot" was a tumor. They've had Jan up today. She's also had physical therapy and occupational therapy. Her short term memory is not good and she is unsteady. Hopefully this will improve, like before.

She had a near fall this morning while in the bathroom. Gerald was able to catch her. She grazed her head on the wall.

Please continue to pray for Jan and our family. We are still hoping and praying for a miracle and many years with Jan.

Latest Test Results

2011-01-26T19:58:00.002-06:00

Jan's latest MRI results weren't what we had hoped/prayed for. There is a new area above the location where her prior tumor was. The oncologist is unsure is this is a tumor? Jan and Gerald met with the neurosurgeon today and she will undergo surgery next Tuesday to remove (whatever it is).

Jan and Gerald will be home shortly. They, along with Mom will return to Houston Sunday.

Please pray especially for Jan, but also our family.

Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version) - 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-06T16:34:00.005-06:00

I am not sure who is in the picture with Gerald except for Aubree & Kinlee. It looks to me like Brealee. Not sure it is to tiny for me to tell. I was just trying to get them all on this blog. Under Allie's name was a bunch of different photos.

I saw it had been November since I blogged last. Everything is good around here. I had a great Christmas with all the little ones.

I tell the parents not to buy us anything. Naturally none of them listen to us. I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year 2011.

All the babies

2010-11-10T11:34:00.002-06:00

Well we now have five grandchildren under the age of 4. We have Aubree - 3, Kinlee -2, Braelee -10 mths, Allie - 8 months & Cort - 2 months old.

It will be a while before Lindsay or Robyn have another one. So for a while we will just have the five.

Glad to be home from Houston. Not really a fan of Houston. I really love MD Anderson. They have been so good to me. But the true healer is my heavenly father. He is not just good He is GREAT.

Please continue praying that God would just take this all away. I love you all very much and want to thank you all.

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Additional Update

2010-11-03T23:15:00.002-05:00

Jan added to our update...Dr. Gilbert believes that the muscle achiness, weight gain, tiredness, etc. are a result of her still having problems with her thyroid. She will be scheduled with an endocrinologist here in the city to work on getting this under control.

November 3, 2010 - Results

2010-11-03T10:33:00.002-05:00

Jan and Gerald have been at MD Anderson the last couple of days for testing.

Results: The MRI looks the same as last time. She will continue with her same treatment.

Please continue to pray for Jan. This cancer is wearing on her in every way possible. Please also pray that God will give her the drive to do her exercises.

Thanks for all you support and prayers.

Love to all,

Cheryl

Halloween

2010-10-20T17:49:00.004-05:00

Here are my two youngest granddaughters. They now are about 9 months and 7 months old.

Braelee is the one on the left and Allie is on the right. They are such sweet little babies.

I wish I had a better one of Braelee on my computer.

I have been feeling pretty weak. Today was my last physical therapy that the insurance will allow. I can't afford to go on my own money. They did give me a sheet of exercises to do daily. Please pray that I will and that I will continue to get better with each time I exercise. I think since it is starting to get cool I will see if I can walk at our church.

God has been so good to me. I pray every night that I get to see all of these babies grow up. I want to see each of them graduate & get married. I know with this cancer it is all in God's hands. God has let me live three years now with this cancer. I know that is because of all the prayers from friends, family, just everyone.

Continue praying for me. I love you all so very much.

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

RESULTS

2010-09-08T13:28:00.003-05:00

The MRI showed to be much improved with the addition of the chemo drug back in Jan's regimen. Her oncologist was "tickled" as Gerald put it.

We are thrilled with this news! Jan will continue on this same treatment and return to MD Anderson in 2 months.

Thank you...Thank you...Thank you for praying for Jan! It means more than any words could ever describe!

Love to all

Cheryl

Houston Trip

2010-09-06T15:50:00.002-05:00

Gerald and I are fixing to head out to Ennis tonight and then start back tomorrow morning to Houston.

Please pray that the Temodar and Avastin is making my tumor stop growing. God has done so much for me already. He is great. It has almost been three years since this whole mess started.

I have learned a lot about faith in those three years. I have learned to put my faith in my father.

Mom is staying home this trip she has a cold and cough. She is afraid she will keep us up at night. Pray that she feel better. Gerald had it also about a week prior to her.

Mom or Cheryl will be posting on Wednesday when we are done at the doctors. My appointment is at 11:00 a.m.

Oh, Katie is having there baby boy "Cort" tomorrow. Pray for them. They are ready for this little boy. I am so excited. I just wish I could be here. This is the first one that I have missed.

I love you all very much and can't thank you all enough for everything.

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Thank You All Very Much

2010-08-25T16:09:00.006-05:00

I am not sure how you all found out that my medication was so much but somehow you all did. I can't thank you all enough. I have enough for six months worth of medication. I want you all to know that I thank you all for what you have done.

God provides. I love you all very much. These are the main reasons why I want to live longer. I want to watch all four of the babies grow up. I even want to see all the rest that are to come.

I love you all very much and there are not words to thank you enough.

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Started the chemo

2010-07-21T18:44:00.003-05:00

I started the Temodar last week. It is making me very tired already. I snooze through my alarm everday so far this week. I finally woke up today about noon, same yesterday.

I guess all in all there are no more side effects. I have to get up tomorrow for treatment at 10:00 a.m. so I have no choice.

Please continue praying for me so maybe this feeling will get better.

I love you all and want to thank you all for all your prayers.

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Temodar

2010-07-16T13:01:00.002-05:00

I just started my temodar on Wednesday. I am on it for 21 days and off for 7 every month. This is the first chemo they put me on now I am on it again with my Avastin. So the only change is the temodar. So far it is fine. I am more tired.

This prescription is $988 a month (my part). Please pray that I manage the money a bit better so that I can afford to take it.

Gerald is already looking into working more. I really hate that. I need to start putting some back.

Please continue praying for me and this awful cancer. I love you all and want to thank you all.

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

TEST RESULTS

2010-06-30T11:17:00.003-05:00

Mom just called with the test results... There is a very "slight" change in the MRI from Jan's last MRI. The plan is to go back to treatment every 2 weeks and adding the Temodar back in.

They are heading home now. Please pray for safe travels AND that this change in the treatment is the key to getting rid of this nasty cancer for GOOD.

Please pray for Peace, Hope, Great Spirits, etc for Jan and our family. Please pray that she has the WILL to continue fighting.

Thanks and Love to All,

Cheryl

June 2010

2010-06-23T10:55:00.002-05:00

I am so bad about posting on this. All is still going well. I now go to physical therapy. I can feel the difference in my gait even with my heavy purse in hand. There are two different ladies that work on me up there. I love them both. They have done a marvelous job fixing my stiff neck and my lower back.

Trey & Katie are moving hopefully this week. I like the new house and the location. They aren't moving far away. It is a beautiful neighborhood. It is a newer addition and so far everyone is taking great care of their property.

We travel to San Antonio this Friday, my Aunt Alma is or has turned 80. They are having a birthday party for her on Saturday at her church. Then on probably Tuesday I have to go to Houston for a check up there. Please pray for the tumor to go completely away. If it does they will put me on a maintenance plan.

I love you all and can't thank you enough for all of your prayers,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Sunday

2010-05-23T14:30:00.006-05:00

We went to church this morning. Not many people were there. All our kids and grandbabies were not there. I think Dewayne & Robyn are at the lake. We ran into her grandmother and sister at Applebee's.

Feeling pretty good but I am very tired. Continue praying for me. I can't thank you enough for all of your prayers. I love you all very much.

Here are some of my pictures of all four of our granddaughters. God blessed us with four very healthy babies.

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Difficult Week

2010-05-16T13:34:00.004-05:00

Gerald was off last week so on Friday during the day we went to see Robin Hood. I guess my memory was really off. I don't remember much at all.

He said while we were standing in line to get drinks there was a man there and I started talking to him about grandkids. He said it really got him worried when I couldn't remember there ages. He called Mom and Cheryl. Cheryl called M.D. Anderson and they told me to go to the ER to see what was going on.

I ended up having a urinary tract infection. They gave me a prescription for an antibiotic & steroid. So hopefully this will take care of it. I have a little bit of memory loss still. I have to make an appointment to go and see my oncologist here this next week.

Please pray that this gets better and that I can go back to what is normal for me.

I love you all,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

RESULTS

2010-05-12T11:20:00.002-05:00

Mom just called and the MRI showed a spot at the front of the brain that was what they called "fuzzy." It is where there has been dead tissue previously. The oncologist and Radiology physician both think this is NOT tumor, but that it is caused from the Avastin which is the treatment Jan is on.

The plan is for Jan to remain on the current dose of Avastin and return to MD Anderson in 6 weeks for more testing. The thoughts are that this spot will be gone or smaller at that time.

Please continue to pray for Jan and our family; that she is able to beat this nasty cancer.

They are on their way home now. Please pray for safe travels as well.

Love to all!

HOUSTON TRIP

2010-05-10T14:52:00.002-05:00

I don't think Jan is going to have time today to do this so I am letting you know that we are going to Houston this evening. She has blood work and MRI tomorrow evening and a doctor's appointment on Wednesday morning at 9:30.

Please pray for a safe trip and especially for good results on the MRI.

Thank you for your prayers.

Mom

Airport

2010-04-13T15:57:00.002-05:00

I will be heading to the airport to pick up my Mom. She went to San Antonio to visit my cousin and her husband.

She just called and said that the plane in Dallas is going to be about 30 minutes late. We don't talk every day but I felt lonesome on Monday. I am sure she had fun down there.

I already picked up dinner for tonight. It is just KFC's grilled chicken so it should be fine when she gets here. Good thing I chose to pick up chicken instead of cook.

I have been feeling really good lately. I don't have treatment until April 22nd. I go to Houston next month. I am kind of ready to see if things are the same. God has been so so so good to me.

Gerald wants to take a vacation this year. I think we both need it and he really deserves one.

Continue to pray for me. Thank you all for all of your prayers.

I love you all,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Therapy

2010-03-22T17:57:00.002-05:00

I have been doing therapy now going on my third week. I went today and I am so sore. My left arm is horrible. I will get through this just like everything else. One day at a time and with God's help.

After such another snow Saturday night today the sun is shinning bright and beautiful. It is just a little chilly today. I didn't wear my coat but I did take it in case it was needed.

I am sorry I haven't been blogging. My arms are hurting now so this is all I have today. All is great.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and concerns.

I love you all,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Home

2010-03-01T13:46:00.003-06:00

Well Dewayne, Robyn & Allie made it home yesterday afternoon. I sure it feels good to be home. I think Robyn is taking off for four weeks. Dewayne is off this week only.

I am sure they need some rest. You never get good sleep at the hospital. They will be fine. I just called and all is fine. They are so cute together. Now they just added someone even cuter to their family.

Well now we have four granddaughters to love. They are all so special in their own way. We had Aubree yesterday after church. She is at that really fun age. She is funny. Her mouth never shuts. She is probably afraid she will fall asleep. She is so loveable. She hugs, kisses and tells you she loves you. She is just awesome.

Continue to pray for me so that I can keep doing great so I can enjoy all of my granddaughters.

I love you all very much,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Allie Ryann Bell

2010-02-27T19:41:00.004-06:00

Well Allie made her appearance this morning at 1:09 a.m. She, Robyn and Daddy are all doing great. I know I am her Grammy but she is beautiful. See the pictures of Allie Ryann, Mommy and Daddy.

She weighed 6 lbs 6 ozs. Darker hair but maybe not as dark as Dewayne's. She was 20 inches long. So far everything is just great. I know they have run the normal tests but I don't know how long before you know anything on these things. I am sure she is fine. I prayed for her the whole time Robyn was pregnant.

Times like these I think a lot about my Dad. Dad would have had so much fun with all of these little babies and loved every minute of it. Mom always tells stories of how much Dad wanted babies. Babies just took to him.

I am doing great. I am doing physical therapy. I just started last Thursday. A little bit felt like a lot so pray that I do better with this so I will gain some of my stability back. I also need to build muscles that are gone due to no activity for over two years.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. I love you all very much,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Home Sweet Home

2010-02-11T16:16:00.002-06:00

I am so glad to be back from the trip to M.D. Anderson. It really wore me out this time. I really don't know why. Actually got more sleep than usual.

I see Cheryl posted my great news on my blog for me. Thanks Cheryl.

I was in my dining room this morning and saw something under the highchair but couldn't make it out. Last week Katie brought over Aubree for me to watch. When she came she told me to get out the wooden spoon because she said Aubree had been in trouble all morning. Long story short I got it out (now you know I don't even have to use it at all she is scared of it) anyway I guess she had taken it from the kitchen counter where I leave it and hid it from me so I couldn't even threaten her if I even needed to. She is really smart to have done that. But little does she know I have plenty more.

I want to thank everyone for praying for my continued progress. God is GREAT! That is all I can say about what keeps happening everytime we go.

I love you all,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

RESULTS

2010-02-10T11:07:00.001-06:00

God Answers Prayers!!!!!

No signs of cancer!! All Clear!!!!

Oncologist said that being on this treatment now for 6 months indicates that it is going to control the cancer. They are now starting to reduce her treatment and will continue to gradually reduce treatment to where she is only on a maintenance dose!!!!!

She will be starting PT since the Avastin has a tendency to make your body ache. Plus with the reduction in treatment this will also help.

She doesn't have to go back to MD Anderson now until May!!!! PRAISE GOD!!!! HE HAS BEEN SO GOOD TO US!

Thank you! Thank you for joining us in praying for Jan!!!

Traveling to Houston

2010-02-06T13:38:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow we will be having a shower for Robyn & Dewayne. Robyn is so ready. God has really taken care of her.

We will be leaving for Houston on Monday when Gerald gets off work. I have my first appointment at 4:30 on Tuesday. This is the earliest appointment they have given me so far.
I am ready to see what God has done for me this time. If all still looks good I should get to do my treatments every three weeks instead of every week.

Other than this dizziness I have been feeling really good. I am ready for warm weather. This has been the coldest winter that I can remember in a long time. We are almost to spring though.

I want to thank you all for all of your prayers and comments. I really like to hear from you. I would love to hear from Ryann more often. I don't get to see her as much as the rest of you. I sure do miss you.

I love you all very much,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Braelee Rashel Smith

2010-01-10T17:10:00.002-06:00

We have another new addition to our family. She was born on January 5, 2010. She is so cute. Parents are both doing just fine. She weighed 7lbs. 15 oz., 18 1/2 inches long. Looks like she has dark hair.

I am doing just great. I get treatment on this Thursday. Please pray that this medicine that they give me will continue working but that it would stop making my muscles and joints in my arms to quit hurting.

I am not complaining at all because I am still alive and have three beautiful granddaughters with another on the way.

The next ones name is Allie Ryann Bell. Can't wait to see her and hold her. Her ultrasound looks pretty cute. I just want them to be healthy.

I think all of the boys are going to see just how hard girls are to raise. They can be so emotional at times. The pitch of their cries and screams can burst eardrums at time. I wouldn't trade the world for my boys or my granddaughters. I can't thank God enough for the three being healthy. I have prayed for them all before they were born.

Continue praying for me. Life has given me so many blessings I can't even count. I love you all very much,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

January 2010

2010-01-03T09:37:00.002-06:00

This is the new year already. Already starting out so so cold. I like the heat so I am not much on winter. I like the holiday's so we can all get together and see family and friends. We had our Christmas a week early so the weather did not effect ours.

All has been going really good. Lindsay will be having Braelee on Tuesday if she doesn't go into labor before then. Robyn still has till March 21st. I can't hardly wait to see two more litte ones. Before long we will have a house full with all of them having babies. It is so exciting. I am ready for a little boy.

At my treatment center there have been two deaths a week a part from the other. One had a stroke the other an blood clot. It is sometimes very fun there and then on weeks like those it is very quiet and sad. I keep praying for healing for cancer and other diseases.

We had a gentlemen that used to go to church with us pass away this past week from brain cancer. I hate cancer. I now pray for his family. I can't even imagine it.

I love you all very much,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Christmas Shopping

2009-12-04T15:24:00.002-06:00

I have been trying to get all of my Christmas shopping done. I really don't have much more to do.

Well I guess everyone read how awesome my trip to Houston was. The view of my MRI looked totally clear. I couldn't see anything but where the tumor had been. Gerald said it looked like that last time but I really thought I saw something in the middle last time. It was inactive but I think there was something there.

Cancer is very tricky it can just start growing up there at anytime. This is exactly what I have been praying for. God took care of it all.

Today is Kinlee's first birthday. It seems like it just flew by. She has been walking for I think a couple of months. I would have to clear that up with her Mom & Dad.

I want to thank you all again for all of your prayers for me. I have been blessed beyond measure. I love you all. God has been so awesome throughout this whole trial.

Love you,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Test Results

2009-12-02T12:54:00.004-06:00

Mom just called and Jan did her testing last night and saw her oncologist this morning. EVERYTHING IS STILL CLEAR!

The plan is in February when they return to MD Anderson, which will be 6 months on this treatment, if all is still clear, they will reduce the treatment to every 3 weeks instead of every 2 weeks.

Please continue to pray that this is the treatment that not only takes care of her cancer, but so many others.

She has been such a trooper and has handled all this with such grace.

Thanksgiving Day

2009-11-27T13:13:00.002-06:00

We had a great Thanksgiving. Everyone was there exept Micah and Toni his girlfriend & Katie. I don't remember the last time we had so many there at one time. It was great. I do remember how hard it was to go everywhere when I was young.

Today is the BIG shopping day which I do not do anymore. I can't handle all the people. I know there are great bargains but I have no desire to fight with shoppers.

I have bought a lot throughout the year. I do have to get Kinlee her birthday present before Sunday. She will be one. She has been walking for about a month or so. I would have to ask Katie when she took off on her own for the first time.

Then in early January David & Lindsay's baby will arrive. Dewayne & Robyn's is March 21st. I am so excited and I am sure they are also. The girls are probably ready to get back to normal. They both look so cute. I loved being pregnant. It is such a miracle to me. God is in full control.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. I hope if you are shopping today you get what you are looking for.

We go to Houston this week. Please pray that all will still be clean so maybe I can get off of Avastin.

I love you all very much,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

2 Years Today

2009-11-13T15:53:00.002-06:00

Today marks my 2 years being alive with this brain cancer. God has been so good to me. He has taken care of me all my life why would he have stopped two years ago.

I went to lunch with my Mom, Donna, Cheryl & Jennifer. Dewayne had to work and Robyn had a doctor's appointment right before lunch up at Mercy so she couldn't make it and Trey said they were busy.

Terry called me this afternoon. We have been friends since we were about 4 or 5. I always like to hear from her. I guess that is why she is my best friend.

I also spoke with Aubree that I used to work with at MBCI. She moved to Kansas so I don't get to see her much anymore but we still stay in touch. She is such a sweetheart.

Continue to pray for me. Cheryl knows of this guy who has been about six months ahead of me all the way and he has done the Avastin and she said that he has been off all medications for 9 months to a year.

I love you all very much,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Mom

2009-11-06T22:03:00.002-06:00

First I want to apologize that I have not blogged in over a month. I would like to say I was busy but I wasn't. I just haven't thought about it.

Today my Mom had surgery on her ear to maybe help her hearing out. She got very sick to her stomach afterwards which is nothing new for her.

When Gerald and my brother-in-law Dennis came this evening we went in to see her and she told me she could hear us with ear packed from her bed. She wasn't supposed to notice a difference for weeks. God has been so good to her. He is just awesome. Keep praying that it get even better. She only had one done today because there was a chance she could lose all her hearing with this procedure.

If all keeps getting better she may have the other one done in time. I can't imagine not being able to hear.

Thank you all for your continued prayers,

I love you all very much,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Upcoming Treatment

2009-10-05T12:39:00.004-05:00

I get to get my treatment on Thursday if all goes well with the port. I have to take the tape off tomorrow.

Tomorrow is Gerald's & My anniversary. We will be married 9 years tomorrow.

I am feeling really good without the treatment but I know I have to keep taking stuff that makes me feel bad to live.

Just keep praying for complete healing. God can do anything. I love you all and want to thank you all for your continued prayers and support.

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Last Day of September

2009-09-30T14:21:00.004-05:00

I am having trouble with getting my pictures on my blog. I know it is the operator.

Tomorrow I have to be at Mercy Hospital at 7:00 a.m. which will be very tough for me. Not used to getting up early anymore. I am getting the port put in tomorrow. I have no idea how long it takes. They can't give me my Avastin if I don't get the port. My veins are shrinking and they can't get them anymore.

It is such a beautiful day. It is the last day of the month. I thought it would be chilly by now but it is absolutely beautiful.

Thank you all for all of your prayers. I love you all very much.

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Treatment

2009-09-29T18:42:00.001-05:00

M.D. Anderson

2009-09-24T15:57:00.002-05:00

I am having trouble with loading my pictures on. I am sure it is all me.

Well we made it back last night from Houston. Everything went very well. The MRI looks very good still. I think the tumor on the top of my head is better.

I had a treatment set for today but they couldn't get the IV started. I am getting a port next Thursday and will start back with the Avastin on the 8th of October.

God has been so good to me. I just want to spend more time with my family and all of these precious grandbabies I am getting. They have been the biggest joy of my life. They are so much fun. I couldn't imagine anything better than being a Mom but this is a lot of fun. You don't have to do as much work you can just sit back and enjoy.

Thanks again for all of your prayers. I love you all very much.

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

M.D. Anderson

2009-09-24T15:51:00.001-05:00

M

2009-09-24T15:51:00.000-05:00

M.D. Anderson

2009-09-21T12:30:00.002-05:00

We are heading to M.D. Anderson today when Gerald gets off work. We are leaving today because I am scheduled early for some appointments on Tuesday.

Please pray that this Avastin is working. I would like to see the MRI clear again where he did the surgery. This Avastin has made my muscles in my arms hurt.

Our little trip to Branson was so refreshing and fun. We all three enjoyed Noah's Ark. I was worried before we got there that I would have to climb stairs but it had ramps instead. God took care of that also.

Please pray for us a safe trip to Houston and home. I love you all very much.

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Treatment

2009-09-09T18:27:00.002-05:00

Kinlee is having a little fun in the sun. She loved playing in the water. We couldn't get Aubree to even sit down. She has a pool at home and gets it. It is larger and Trey can get in with her so maybe that is the difference. She will stand in it but she will not sit in it.

I did treatment again today. All went well. I was feeling just a little nausiated when I got finished. Who knows.

Tomorrow we will be leaving for Branson. We are going to see Noah's Ark. Everyone that has seen it says it is great. Can't wait for that. We are going to go shopping also. I can't wait to go somewhere other than Texas.

Thank you all for you continued prayers and support. I go back to M.D. Anderson on September 22nd for an MRI. We will know how the test turns out on the 23rd. Please pray that this Avastin is working so I don't have to change again.

I love you all very much,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Vacation

2009-08-27T18:04:00.003-05:00

Mom, I and Gerald are going to actually take a little vacation to Branson Missouri in September. I can't wait to go somewhere other than Houston, TX. We are all ready to go somewhere. I can't even remember the last trip I took.

I am doing just fine on this new treatment so far. I have had three treatments so far. All have went just fine. With God by my side I really have nothing to worry about.

I am sorry it has been so long since I blogged. My neck has really been bothering me and when I get on the computer it hurts to sit here and look at the computer so I don't. I have always had trouble with my neck.

Please pray that this treatment is working so they won't have to change me again. We will know on September 23rd. I go back to Houston and they will run an MRI when I go back and that is when we will know how it is doing.

I love you all very much,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Dewayne & Robyn

2009-08-07T15:45:00.002-05:00

I met Dewayne & Robyn at the doctor today at 11:00. He said she is 7 week and I can't remember how many days. She is due March 21st.

He did an ultrasound on her and I got to hear the baby and see the baby. I am so excited. I can't hardly wait. I keep saying I want a boy but I really don't care as long as it is healthy.

I can't remember how many cm he said the baby was but it is not even and inch long. So tiny to see so early. The screne makes it look about 2 inches. Just guessing I didn't measure.

Finally I am feeling tired from the Avastin I got last Thursday. It is very hard for me to get up and out of bed. Once I woke up today it wasn't hard at all because of where I was going.

Pray that God take care of Robyn and the baby. Thank you for always praying for my needs.

I love you all very much,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Happy Belated Birthday Aubree

2009-08-01T12:27:00.003-05:00

This was her first birthday party which I missed due to the cancer. Look how much she has changed.

I called her yesterday morning and wished her a happy birthday. Katie was in the back ground telling her to say its my birthday. She did it and it was so cute.

Sunday afternoon is her big party and I get to go this year. I can't wait. I think she will have a blast. I am sure she will get plenty of presents.

I love you Aubree Elisabeth Bell,

Grammy

Treatment

2009-08-01T12:12:00.003-05:00

My first treatment went okay on Thursday. They were very slow. It was supposed to last 90 minutes but we got there at 12:30 and left about 4:00. I think there were just too many people there at that time. I made my next appointment at 2:15 so maybe it will have lightened up by that time.

The only thing that went wrong was Mom and I had just planned on eating afterwards well it was too late. We thought we would just stop on the way home and get dinner for the three of us. I made it to Mustang and then I had to pull over into this addition where they were building new houses and throw up. All I had in me then was the tea I had been drinking. Next time I will eat.

There are always side effects with all these drugs I use so please pray that all will be fine. This one can cause heart falure, high blood pressure which I already have from the last medication I was on. I will be fine God has been with me through out this whole thing. Why would he leave me now?

I love you all very much and want to thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Chemo

2009-07-29T15:29:00.002-05:00

I start my new chemo tomorrow. This is my first time to do it through IV. They say I will not get sick from it and so far they have been correct. I go at 12:30 tomorrow. I am ready to get started. I now only have to go to MD Anderson every other month instead of every month.

Friday is Aubree's second birthday. They are having her party on Sunday afternoon. I can't wait I missed her first birthday party due to being in Houston. They are growing up so fast.

Please pray that this first round will go just fine. I am ready to get back on chemo. I get nervous when I am off because they said this kind of cancer is fast growing.

I want to thank you all for checking on me and for all your prayers.

I love you all very much,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Bible School

2009-07-21T15:25:00.002-05:00

Aubree is going to be 2 the last day of this month so they let her go to Bible School since she is almost 2. I think she is having a lot of fun. It is very hard to be there because when she sees us she wants us. We have to be careful to hide when we know she is around.

I love to see her interacting with other children. I think it is good for her not to mention all she will learn at Bible School. She is a little more shy than I thought she would be. It is kind of suprising. When she was a little younger she never met a stranger. Not such a good thing. It is kind of scary.

They grow up so fast. Kinlee is a little over 7 months old. Boy they are a lot of fun to watch and love on. I know I have always heard how much fun they are but I didn't get it until I had my own. Now we have two more on the way. I can't hardly wait. Can you imagine Christmas in about two or three years. It will be a blast.

I am still feeling really good. Saturday and Sunday I had headaches that I couldn't get rid of. The PA at MD Anderson thinks it might be just coming off the steroids. I didn't have one at all yesterday. I had a small one today that Tylenol did take care of. It could be my glasses. I have to wait about a month or so to have my eyes checked due to the steroids.

Keep praying that this area where they took out the tumor will not grow back and that the other area will stay cold.

I love you all very much,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

HOME

2009-07-16T10:09:00.002-05:00

I am so excited about what we didn't see on the MRI. There was just a dark area where the tumor had been. It is totally gone. Words can not tell how pumped I am. God is just awesome.

If you don't believe in God you should have seen my MRI before surgery and after surgery. It was just amazing. They brought it up on the screne and Gerald and I both went oh my, Mom just sat there, I don't think she knew what we were in awe about. It was gone.

I need prayer that it will not regrow again. I asked if it could and naturally Dr. Gilbert said yes. He said the cells are still there. I also need prayers that the one inside my head stay cold.

Please continue to pray, pray, pray. It will never be over with this kind of cancer. God can do anything and I think he has worked a very great miracle in me. I am not finished here.

I love you all very, very much.

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

GOD IS GREAT

2009-07-15T15:15:00.003-05:00

I've talked to Jan and Mom a few times today. Jan had the staples taken out and was able to see the MRI which was done after surgery a couple of weeks ago. Clear. The tumors are gone. Jan said, "God is Great!"

They were also able to see her oncologist and get the newest treatment plan in the works. She will be on a "drip" chemo (Avastin) this time, but she will be able to do her treatment here in Oklahoma. She also gets somewhat of a break and only goes to MD Anderson every 2 months for testing. She will not start the new treatment for 2 more weeks so as to allow complete healing. She is feeling great.

Avastin has just recently been FDA approved in the treatment of GBM and is showing great results. Dr. Gilbert informed them of the side effects, which are around 5%.

Jan wanted me to relay that as far back as she can remember she has been praying for God to take the tumors away. She just never thought it would be through surgery.

Please join us in praising God for these great results.

Houston

2009-07-15T09:20:00.002-05:00

We are here in Houston. I think as of last night I still only have the two doctor appointments. I see the surgeon to get the sutures out and the oncologist. I am so ready to get my sutures out.

I feel really good. The trip down here was tiring and I think I watched three movies. We ate entirely too much. Mom and I said we are not going to do that today. I could barely get my shorts on this morning.

I will try to get back on after my appointments. If the pathology results are not back I think they will just send me home. Not really sure.

Pray that they get the results soon so maybe we won't have to come back next week.

Love you all,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Another Grandbaby

2009-07-13T22:27:00.004-05:00

Well we are now going to have another grandbaby. Dewayne and Robyn came by tonight to let us know that Robyn is pregnant.

I am so excited. I can't believe all of these babies so fast. I knew once they started it wouldn't stop.

We have the two and they are just great. Now we will be having two more. I think this is just awesome.

I didn't have a clue what this would feel like and it is absolutely the best feeling in the world.

Please pray that I beat this cancer. I pray all the time that I get to enjoy all of my grandbabies. I want to see them grow up. I hope that isn't being selfish but I want to be able to enjoy them all.

I love you all,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Getting Out

2009-07-09T10:11:00.002-05:00

I can't drive until next week and it is about to drive me crazy. I can't just sit here and do nothing. I guess I need to find a hobby.

I really feel good. I didn't think I was feeling bad before the surgery. Oh, they shaved my head again. It is healing so it itches like crazy. I am ready to get the sutures out.

Mom is taking me today to get my nails done. I go all the time and she is happy just reading or doing her gardening.

Pray for the pathology results to get in before or while we are there next week so we don't have to go back. We had three trips in June this year. I would like it to be just one in July. It is getting rather pricy.

I love you all very much and want to thank you for your continued prayers,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Happy Birthday Gerald

2009-07-07T11:19:00.003-05:00

Today is Gerald's 44th birthday. Mom and I are going to take him out to Cheddar's if he will go. He doesn't really care if we take him or not. I think he would really like to go riding bikes instead. I told him to do what he wants but that we are going to Cheddar's anyway.

We found this restaurant in Houston and we both just loved it. Then one year all the family went to the lake and we went shopping and they had one at Sherman Texas so we stopped there to eat.

Now finally they have one here in Norman OK. We love it. If you haven't tried it you need to go.

I am feeling really good again today. I am tapering off the steroids so maybe I can sleep better after about a week. It really feels good being off chemo. I am sure they will start a new treatment when we go back next week to get my sutures out.

Continue praying for my healing and our traveling. I love you all very much.

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

4th of July

2009-07-04T10:07:00.004-05:00

Here is one picture from last years 4th of July at Jeff & Tammy's house. Tammy plans all kinds of games that people play. Everyone really seems to have a great time. They have a lot of family and friends come down. We really enjoyed going.

We might even enjoy some fire works in our town of Tuttle. If not there are plenty to watch here from our house.

I want everyone to please be safe this year. Be careful of the heat. Last night on the weather they said it would only get to 99 degrees. Drink plenty of water. Be very safe with the fire works.

I am feeling really good. Gerald went riding bikes this morning. He just got home and he has scratches on both his legs. He said he fell.

Thank you all for your continued prayers.

I love you all,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

HOME

2009-07-03T13:15:00.002-05:00

We made it home yesterday about 9:30ish. It wasn't totally dark but it was almost. The trip went really good. I slept or at least rested for about two hours.

We stopped to eat I think just once. We left about noon. It wasn't a bad trip home at all. I watched two movies yesterday that I can remember.

I don't feel too bad at all. It just is amazing. I am a little tired today. I think I am fixing to go and rest.

Gerald has been cleaning the house. The only thing he has asked of me is to clean off the desk and the kitchen counter.

Thank you all for all your prayers. I love you all very much.

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

~News~

2009-07-02T10:15:00.002-05:00

It looks like Jan will be released from the hospital today. They will then have to travel from Houston to Oklahoma. Mom said she has done very well. I talked to her a couple of times yesterday and she sounded great. She was up several times, had a shower. Occupational therapy came and worked with her and she said it wore her out. Occupational therapy will come again today. They also told her she could go to the beauty shop that is run by volunteers to get her hair washed. Mom said it was badly needed.

Please pray for safe travels and continue to pray for the next step and that she can beat this nasty disease.

Thanks again for all the prayers, comments, love, and friendship.

Have a safe and blessed weekend. Look for Jan to update soon!!

Cheryl

~Great News~

2009-07-01T09:00:00.002-05:00

Gerald just called and Jan had a very restful night. She had morphine for a headache about 7:00 last night, but since then she has only had Tylenol. She had a couple of episodes of getting sick from the anesthesia, but has had breakfast this morning.

The surgeon has just been in and said he got all of the tumor. He has looked at the MRI she had last night and it looks great. It is looking like she will come home Friday. She has called her boys this morning and talked to them.

The nursing staff is in with her now and they are going to take her catheter out, which will thrill her as she wanted it out yesterday.

Gerald is on his way to pick Mom up and take her back to stay with Jan and then he will clean up and go back to the hospital.

Thank you all for all your prayers, comments, love and support.

Update

2009-06-30T14:21:00.002-05:00

Jan has made it out of recovery. She is still a bit sleepy, but otherwise is doing great. She remembers everything and is able to retain the information she is given. Mom and Gerald have been able to visit with her and as Mom put it, "she is full of it."

Thank you for all your prayers, comments and love!

Cheryl

~Recovery Time~

2009-06-30T11:48:00.000-05:00

The surgeon just finished talking to Gerald and Mom. Jan is in recovery now. She is awake, but sleepy. She did really well during surgery and he removed all of the tumor. The tumor showed dead tissue, but also some activity, which is what the PET scan showed. It will be a few hours before she gets out of recovery. She will not be in ICU, but in a room and will have a nurse who is only caring for her. She should move to a regular room tomorrow and get to come home Friday or Saturday.

It is our understanding that there has always been some activity at this site. The surgeon said since there is activity, they will be changing her treatment. We will know more about what comes next either the end of this week or the first of next week.

Please continue to pray that she recovers well and no problems arise from this surgery. Pray also that the next treatment is one that is well tolerated.

Mom will update me again when she has news or when they get to see Jan.

Thanks for all your prayers and support.

~First Surgery Update~

2009-06-30T11:02:00.002-05:00

Received the first update about 10:45 from Mom.

Report is that surgery started at 8:47 this morning. The nurse reporting had gone by at 10:00. They had removed the main tumor and were getting ready to clean up the area and close. Apparently closing takes as long as opening.

Jan has done great. Quiet surgery and all has gone well.

They are sending the tumor off to pathology, but the surgeon believed that he would have a good idea if it was dead tissue or active.

Next update from nurse is at Noon, but she said doctor would be by before then.

Thank you all for joining us in prayer. I will post more as I am updated.

Cheryl

Surgery Time

2009-06-29T15:45:00.002-05:00

I have to check into the hospital at 5:15 a.m. and the surgery should be at 8:00 a.m.
I am going to a regular room unless something goes wrong. So that is better I can see Gerald & Mom as soon as I come out of recovery. They can also stay the night if they want to. The surgery should be over around 1:00 p.m. Gerald will have my phone and his phone if anyone needs to call him.

They will be waking me up as soon as surgery is over. They will be getting me up as soon as possible.

Please pray for me during surgery and in recovery. Please pray for the surgeon, Gerald, Mom and my family.

I love you all very much,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Surgery

2009-06-28T09:34:00.002-05:00

We are heading back down to M.D. Anderson. I am having the surgery on Tuesday morning. It will take four to six hours. Please pray for the surgeon. I am the first surgery which I am very glad for that. I am still scared but being home has calmed me somewhat.

It is just Mom, Gerald and I going down. They are very strict at M.D. Anderson. You can only have four visitors per patient. I wouldn't know who was there anyway. I am supposed to be in for three days. The surgeon said that this should be easier on me than the first time since I will know where I am this time and I won't be in a comma.

Please continue praying for me and a quick recovery so I can go on with my life.

I love you all and want to thank everyone for your prayers.

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

News

2009-06-24T21:32:00.002-05:00

I have put a call into Terri with Dr. Gilbert for them to call me tomorrow. I have changed my mind about the surgery. I did not feel at peace with having this surgery at all. I have been feeling to good for this to be tumor growth. I am just going to have to trust that God will continue to take care of me.

I feel very good about this decision. I don't want to have a surgery just to find out if it is growth or dead tissue and I feel that is what I would have been doing. I only want surgery if that would have been my only option.

I will now have to change protocols now. They have to treat this like growth so I will have to change protocol. Please pray that the new protocol is the one that will take care of this. I have peace now that I have decided not to have the surgery.

I love you all very much,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Another night in Houston

2009-06-24T16:56:00.003-05:00

Story of our lives these past two trips. We thought they were going to schedule an ultrasound of my legs do to swelling today but the schedule shows that they it is for tomorrow.

Not really feeling up at the moment. I really am very scared to do this surgery. I don't want to have any surgery that can mess me up physically and emotionally. I only want quality life not quantity.

I want to ask that everyone pray for me to get through this with everything to come out the way it is. I want to enjoy being with my grandbabies. I want to be able to play with them. I want to be able to do everything I can do now.

Thank you all for all of your continued support during this horrible time in my life.

I love you all,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

TEST RESULTS

2009-06-24T14:38:00.002-05:00

The results of the Pet Scan are not conclusive. The tumor on the top is cold which they think is dead tissue. The front tumor shows some activity but Dr. Gilbert said it is unusual for the two to be different.

He suggested to see a surgeon about removing the front one. They saw surgeon there at MD and he said he would not do the surgery if it wasn't necessary. As things stand now, she is scheduled to be back there on Monday for pre-op stuff and they would do the surgery on Tuesday. She should be able to come home on Friday if there are no complications.

Jan really does not want to do surgery so we need your prayers to help work through this and make the correct decision. They were going to have lunch and then they were going to do an ultra sound on her legs because her feet are swollen. They will head back home after they get this done.

Pray for a safe journey and for God to direct Jan the correct thing to do.

Mom

Houston

2009-06-22T14:51:00.003-05:00

We received confirmation that they scheduled the PET scan for tomorrow so we will be leaving when Gerald gets home from work today.

Sorry so short but I need to finish packing.

Love you all,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

M.D. Anderson bound again

2009-06-22T12:10:00.003-05:00

The insurance finally approved the PET scan and they are scheduling the scan and doctor appointments now. They have the scan scheduled for Wednesday. So it looks like we will have to leave tomorrow.

Pray for our travels and also pray that this is dead tissue. I need to get back on medication. This is fast growing so I really do not like being off the chemo.

Thank you all for you continued prayers and concerns.

I love you all,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Anniversary

2009-06-20T09:09:00.003-05:00

Today is Dewayne and Robyn's first anniversary. I think he said they were going up to Grand Lake for the weekend. I think they make a very cute couple. But then again I am prejudice.

Happy Anniversary to the both of you and I hope you two are having a whole bunch of fun at Grand Lake. I sure do love you both very much. Please be careful traveling.

I still have not heard anything from M.D. Anderson. I am going to call on Monday and make sure it is not my insurance dragging their feet on this. I will call them also. I need to get back on medication. It feels really weird not taking chemo medication.

Please pray that this gets approved and we can get back down there and get on our way again killing off these tumors.

I love you all very much and want to thank you for all your prayers.

Love,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Trip

2009-06-18T20:25:00.002-05:00

Well me made it home somewhere between 6:30 and 7:00 pm. The trip home was fine. The vehicle was very comfortable for Gerald. He is very satisfied now.

As you know we didn't get results about the MRI yet. We are still waiting on the insurance company to approve the Pet scan so we just came back home. I have been doing a lot of thinking since yesterday morning when they showed us the MRI and talked with us.

I really feel like my faith is being tested and I got so upset yesterday I feel I failed the test of faith. I pray all the time for God to just take the tumors out or that they would shrink. I feel like that is what has happened. I need prayer for my continued faith that this will happen.

I am not afraid of death or where I am going after this life but I have so many things I still have to do and want to do. I want more than anything to watch my grandchildren grow up. I want more than anything to see all of my grandchildren that I will have. I want to play with them all and be able to spoil all of them. I want to spend time with my son's and my daughters. I want to spend more time with my sisters, brother, mother, cousins & friends. I want to have more time with my husband.

I would like to see my children and their children in church every week and want to be there. I want to see my grandchildren in church, sunday school, bible school, camps & even school. I had this plan that in my life I would do all of these things with all of these people. I believe God has a plan for me and I do not think it is time for me to go. I feel too good for these tumors to be growing.

Please continue to pray, pray & pray. I love you all very much.

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

UPDATE

2009-06-18T11:56:00.003-05:00

I talked to Jan this morning. They were going to leave Houston as soon as they packed up and then ate. They would not have been able to see the doctor this week because he is going out of town.

It looks like they will be going back down next week for the Pet Scan and to see Dr. Gilbert.

Pray for a safe trip home and pray for God to uplift Jan & Gerald for this journey they are having to travel.

Mom

TEST RESULTS

2009-06-17T10:51:00.002-05:00

I just talked to Gerald. The MRI came back different and Dr. Gilbert thinks it might be dead tissue but is not positive about this. He has ordered a Pet Scan but it has to be approved by the insurance company and they are not sure when they will do this. It could be a couple of days before they run the scan so they are planning to stay.

Gerald said he would call as soon as they know when they will do it. Please pray that they will get this approved quickly and that the results are dead tissue and not growth.

Thank you for you prayers for Jan, Gerald and my family.

Mom

MD Anderson bound

2009-06-15T16:05:00.004-05:00

This picture is from last year when my cousin Sheila came up to visit Mom. She is coming again tomorrow. She will be staying a week.

Gerald and I are leaving out tonight and will be back on Wednesday if all goes well. I still have not been approved for phase II of the protocol I am on. Pray for that. I really do not want to change the course unless God has a better plan than.

Mom's birthday is tomorrow so she will actually be 70 tomorrow. Happy Birthday Mom. I love you very much. I wish I didn't have to go to Houston this week.

Please pray for Gerald & I on our trip. Also pray for Sheila to have a safe flight here and back to San Antonio.

We are thinking about taking a little trip to Branson this year. Wow that would be nice not to have to go to Texas for a vacation. We can't do much all funds go straight to medical. But that is okay. God has provided us with enough to get through this medical mess I am in.

I love you all very much and want to thank everyone for everything that you have done. May God bless you all.

Love ya,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Protocol

2009-06-06T06:26:00.002-05:00

I have been checking my schedule for M.D. Anderson because my protocol ended and they are trying to get it approved to keep me on this study. The approval hasn't come yet. They are supposed to set me up with all my testing just like the first time but I haven't been approved yet.

Please pray that they approve me or I will probably be switching medicines again and I really do not want to because this one is working so well and I have adjusted to it. This protocol has been much easier on me physically than the first one.

I am scheduled to go June 16th & 17th for my MRI, blood work & doctor visit but that is all.

Gerald has now started riding a mountain bike with the neighbors. It just kills me I can barely walk straight and I would have loved to have riden a bike and now I can't. Oh, well I guess I should have riden the one I have more.

I love you all very much and want to thank each and everyone of you for your continued prayers and support.

Love you,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

50th Birthday

2009-06-01T10:20:00.003-05:00

My sister Donna turned 50 today. I don't know what they are going to do but hopefully they will take her out or something. They are really a neat family. She has been married to my awesome brother-in-law Dennis for 30 years this past March.

I have been feeling really good lately. Just lazy. I need to start walking and doing my Wii. I think that lasted a month only. I need to get back into it.

I get to keep my grandbabies tomorrow. I really enjoy them. Mom comes over and helps me out. They are a handful. With the weather turning so pretty we will probably be outside. Aubree just loves to be outside. I will just take the stroller for Kinlee. The last time I did that she just fell asleep.

I am going to get busy here. I have a few things that need to be done. This house really needs cleaning.

I love you all and want to thank you all for all your continued prayers for my health and all of our travels.

Love,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Our Trip

2009-05-22T12:33:00.003-05:00

Mom and I made it just fine. We flew straight into Houston Hobby Airport with no hitches. I called the taxi number that I had and the man I spoke with told me he was too far away. He told me to take a taxi there. We went outside and we got in a Yellow Cab mini van with a lady taxi driver. Her name is Miss Pat. She was absolutely sent from God. She asked me to put down my name and why I was going to M.D. Anderson because she has a Thursday prayer group and she prays for all kinds of people that she picks up that go there. She was so funny. Mom and I both just loved her.

On the way back she told us that her Grandpappy was a preacher and that when her and her siblings would come home from church they would play church. She said that they would get in trouble for this. She said her brother would be the preacher. I asked her how many siblings there were and I can't remember if there were 8 or 9. Mom and I just started laughing because there were so many. I told her they had there own little church. When she would tell us stories she would just laugh.

I guess you can tell our trip went very well. This was the well baby trip so there were only EKG Resting, Echocardiogram, bloodwork and the doctor visit. All is fine.

Mom hasn't been in quite a few months and she said something about how close all of us are. That part is very good. It is not like going to the doctor here you actually build a relationship with these people, even Gerald does. The doctor even told me to tell Gerald hello.

I have been so blessed with my M.D. Anderson team. I love them so much. We joke around while I am there. Even Dr. Gilbert.

I love you all very much,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Another Grandbaby

2009-05-14T17:01:00.003-05:00

Well we are going to be grandparents again. David & Lindsay are expecting. I have no idea when it is due. I just found out this morning. Gerald and I are so excited. I am ready for a boy and Lindsay said that is what she wants.

Feeling really good still. Mom and I will be traveling to MD Anderson next Tuesday and we will come home on Wednesday. We will be flying. Pray that all goes smoothly for us.

Family is growing so fast. I knew with the four that once it started we would have a houseful. Now if Robyn could talk Dewayne into it we would have two on the way.

Keep on praying. I love you all very much and want to thank each and everyone for your continued prayers.

Love,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

May 19 - 20th

2009-05-03T18:06:00.003-05:00

Wow, sorry I am really slacking off. I have been feeling really great lately. This month when we go to MD Anderson Mom and I are going. We will not leave until May 19th. Gerald has work to do in Woodward and this is just my well baby trip so I thought this would be a good time for Mom and I to try it alone.

Please pray that we do okay. We are flying down. We are going to get a taxi to take us to the motel and all of my appointments are on the 20th so we should do okay. The Hotel has a shuttle so they will be taking us to MD Anderson.

We would like to try doing the well baby trips if this goes okay we may even try to drive sometime. That would be a major trip for us.

I love you all very much,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

2009-04-22T13:34:00.002-05:00

I just talked to Jan and she said the MRI showed the tumor to be lighter and said the doctor was very pleased about this. The office was real busy today and she didn't see the doctor until 12:30 instead of 1:00. They are waiting on the meds now and eating lunch while they wait. It will probably be another hour before they leave.

Thank you for your prayers for Jan and our family. Pray for a safe journey home.

Mom

I call on you, O God, for you will answer me, give ear to me and hear my prayers. Psalms 17:6

2009-04-06T13:43:00.002-05:00

I am getting really bad at updating my blog. I have updated since the last post but I lost it when I was supposed to publish it. I just didn't feel like doing it again.

I have really been feeling good lately. We had an easter egg hunt this past Sunday afternoon at the church. It had to be inside because the weather was just horrible. Oh well, it is expected her in Oklahoma. I don't remember getting to have very many egg hunts with the boys outside.

We go back to M.D. Anderson on the 21st. of this month for an MRI this time. Pray for change and I do mean shrinkage.

Mom and I had the grandbabies this past Friday while they worked. They were really good again. Maybe they are just getting used to how we are. I can't wait for warmer weather, Aubree loves to go out and I am sure Kinlee will to. I bought Aubree a bright green swimsuitwith polka dots for a little pool I bought her last year. I need to find Kinlee a suit now that she is getting bigger they maybe will have some her size.

I will try and get new pictures of the girls after Sunday in their new dresses they have for Easter. Can't wait to see them.

Thank you for all your prayers. Keep praying for a cure. I really do not want to take these drugs the rest of my life.

I love you all very much,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

THANK YOU GOD

2009-03-25T15:04:00.002-05:00

I talked to Gerald around 11:00 this morning and Jan's platelets were showing to be low. They had trouble getting her blood drawn this morning. They did the blood work again and when she called me around 1:30, she said everything was fine. If it had not been, they would have taken her off the chemo for a while. They would have had to go back to get her medicine if they had to do that.

Gerald was getting the meds filled and they were going to leave Houston when that was done.

Praise God for a good report and that they won't have to return sooner than usual. Pray for a safe journey home for Jan and Gerald and we thank all of you for your continued prayers for Jan and our family.

We love you, Mom

M D Anderson

2009-03-22T13:38:00.002-05:00

Gerald and I will be traveling to Houston this week for my well baby trip. We will leave out on Tuesday morning. I have some test and two doctor appointments on Wednesday. My last appointment will be at 12:30. So I guess that is pretty decent.

I really have been feeling pretty good lately. Nothing at the moment to complain about.

Both of my boys and their wives and my grandbabies came to church this morning and then we all went to eat mexican food. I am so stuffed. If I wouldn't eat so many chips and cheese sauce it would be okay.

We have a wedding shower to go to today for Tommie Littleton. I can't believe she is old enough to be getting married. I remember when we first came out here she would have probably been about 7 years old. She and a few of the other little girls would get up in front of the church and sing together. Wow how time flies by.

I would like prayer for safe travel to Houston and back. I would like to thank everyone again for you continued prayer and support. It means so much to Gerald & I. We don't know how people go through anything without friends and family like all of you.

I love you all very much,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Sunny Sunny Day

2009-03-16T17:49:00.002-05:00

This has been a gorgeous day. I am sure it will get chilly again but I love days like today. I have not been blogging today because my internet has been down for almost a week. I am shopping for a better internet that I can hook up to soon.

I have been feeling really good lately. I still need prayer for a cure. So please continue praying for a cure for all of us who have brain cancer.

I talked to Trey yesterday and Aubree burnt her little hand on the grill. He said he had never heard a scream like that before. So lets pray that this heals fast.

I am using Mom's computer now and Gerald is wanting to hang a fan now in this room so I guess I am going to have to cut this short because he wants to cut the electricity off in this room.

I love you all and want to thank you all for all of your prayers.

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Sunny Sunday

2009-03-08T14:56:00.003-05:00

Mom, I and Cheryl are going to head to the lake today after one of her meetings at church to start packing up stuff she is going to keep. Mom sold her property at the lake and if all goes as planned it will probably be Jeff & Tammy's in less than a month.

We only used it last year on Memorial Day. Gerald and I were the main two who used it. Not even the boys go anymore or at least with us. We are just packing up things that are in the closets and cabinets. Then when everything is final or close we will rent a big truck and let the guys load up some of the furniture and bring it back.

It is just sad to see it go. My Dad only got to enjoy it for 5 years. He really loved to fish. He would have moved down there if he could have talked Mom into it. She used to love fishing with Dad. She still likes fishing but it isn't the same without Dad. It still looks brand new. They took really good care of it. But my neighbor's Jeff & Tammy are buying it so we know it will be taken care of.

I have been feeling really good lately. I really don't have any complaints. Katie, Robyn & Aubree were sick this week. Please pray that they get over all of this mess and that Trey, Kinlee & Dewayne stay well also.

I want to thank all of you for your continued prayers. Continue praying for a cure for this cancer. They are having a Relay for Life in June that I would love to attend if at all possible this year. Last year we did not make it. This is the 25th year that they have been doing it. Hopefully it will not be during one of my trips. I go every 28 days and I go March 25th and it is scheduled for June 12th. Please pray that I get to attend. I think it is from like 7 p.m. till 7 a.m.

I love you all very much,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Okay Day

2009-02-25T19:25:00.002-06:00

I had lunch today with Dewayne & Robyn. I really enjoyed my visit with the two of them. Dewayne is fixing to go to Ardmore because the manager retired. He said he goes this week and then again in two weeks. Robyn says he is never home. He has had to travel a lot since he took this job but it will only last for a year and he has been there six months. He is learning all of the positions.

I might have the babies tomorrow. I was supposed to call her back and I just remembered now. I will call when I am done here.

I went out just to do a little shopping but mainly to have lunch with the kids. I am going to try and get all the kids over this Saturday because we haven't seen them all together since Christmas. I know everyone is just so busy.

I have been feeling pretty good lately. I don't have to go back to Houston until March 24th.

Thank you all for checking in on me. I love you all very much.

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Blessed * Blessed *

2009-02-20T15:34:00.005-06:00

I feel so blessed by all the prayers and by all that God has done for me. I am not talking only about this past year and three months. I am talking about from my birth until now. He has always been there for me and taken care of me.

I feel very blessed to have Gerald to take care of me. He never ever complains. I feel so proud to be his wife. My Dad would have thought so much of him for everything he has done for all of us. Gerald reminds me so much of my Dad it is scarry.

I have so many others that have blessed me so much. My Mom, Boys, Sisters, Daughter-in-laws, Granddaughters, in-laws. I have a host of people that take care of me in one way or another and I love them for it. I have my very best friend Terry who calls and I know she prays for me. I have been friends with her since I was about 5 and now I am 47. Who can say that they have had a friend for 42 years? These are just absolutely wonderful people in my life. I have a church family that there are not words to even describe how they have made me feel.

I am really feeling pretty good. I did stop exercising when we went to Houston in January. Please pray that I get the motivation back to start up again. I really felt better physically when I did the Wii Fit for about three or four weeks.

I love you all very much and want to thank you again for all of your prayers and comments.

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Blessings from God

2009-02-18T12:11:00.002-06:00

I just talked to Gerald and everything is the same. The doctor was real busy today since he will be gone next week so they were late getting to see him. Gerald had taken the prescriptions to be filled. It will probably be 45 minutes to an hour before they leave so they were going to have lunch.

Pray for a safe journey home for Jan and Gerald. Pray also that Jan will not be as tired this time and will not be sick when she gets home.

Thank you for walking this journey with us and for your continued prayers for Jan.

Mom

MD Anderson

2009-02-16T11:13:00.003-06:00

After Gerald gets off of work today we will be heading to Ennis Texas for the night. We will get up and go on to Houston on Tuesday morning. I have an appointment at 5:45 in the evening so we have to split it up again.

Gerald got hit on the highway about three weeks ago and I am taking the truck in to get fixed today. Hopefully they won't give us a puddle jumper to go to Houston in.

I really hate going again. I am getting so tired of this same travel. But I know this is where I am supposed to be going. I feel very confident in these doctors & nurses. We are now going on 15 months with this cancer. God has a purpose for me here now or I would be gone.

I used to think that you had to really hurt when you have cancer and maybe some cancer's do hurt. I don't hurt due to cancer, if I have any discomforts at all it is due to the medications.

Pray that Gerald and I have a safe trip down and back home. Pray for Mom she will be puppy sitting. We leave her in until it warms up and then she has to go out to those wonderful dog houses Gerald buried in the little hill at the back of the property. Probably sometime in April or May she will be with Bosley.

I love you all very much and would like to thank you again for all of your prayers.

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Valentines Day

2009-02-14T11:03:00.002-06:00

I hope you all have a very Happy Valentines Day! This is Kinlee, hasn't she grown?

I want to thank whoever sent me a card with a hundred dollar bill in it. There are not words to decribe how that feels to be thought of like this. We will use this money for our trip this week.

I am overwhelmed by all the people who have sent cards, money, plane fares and prays. You can't imagine how this feels. I just feel so loved by each and everyone of you. Thanks to all for everything.

Pray for Gerald and I as we travel to Houston for another visit. I want this trip not to wear me out like the last one did. The last two trips when I came home I was sick to my stomach. Please pray that I won't feel that way this time.

I love you all very much,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

M D Anderson

2009-02-10T12:08:00.002-06:00

We have to go back to M D Anderson a week early because the doctor is out the next week. Please pray for me some strength. It takes me a month to catch up from these trips. This last one wore me out. We will be leaving on Monday the 16th after Gerald gets off work. Then I have to do blood work at 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday. This is part of my journey I guess. Just keep on plugging.

Pray for my Mom she will be puppy sitting. Trust me it is like having a newborn with no diapers or bottles. But you have to watch them all the time. She so far has been very good. You just have to stay a step or three ahead at all times to keep her from making a mess.

We are attending a Valentine Banquet at our church Thursday night. It really sounds like fun. I missed last years.

I have been feeling pretty good lately. I get down occassionally but I guess that is to be expected.

I love you all very much,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

Kinlee

2009-02-05T10:29:00.002-06:00

I have been feeling a little different these last couple of days. I am making sure I take my nausea medicine more often because I just keep getting nausiated. I have had a loss of appetite. I am not complaining about that at all.

My sister is learning how to make jewelry and I have been wanting to also. She goes somewhere on Monday's in Moore. I think I am going to start going. Sounds like fun and I have been looking at the store at the books but it was to confusing. I would have to go to a class of some sort.

I have been sooooo blessed by God. Just look at the picture above. If everyone would sit back and really think about how many blessings God has given them we probably would miss half or more of them. Please take the time to thank him for all he has done for you daily. He is an awesome God.

As you can tell there is not much going on here. I have my hands full with a new puppy. Robyn came by last night and she had ate at Trey & Katie's. She was coming by anyway. She brought Aubree over with her and then took her home afterwards. Kinlee is running fever so Trey, Katie & Kinlee stayed home. I can't remember the last time I had seen the babies. It was good to see at least one of them. Dewayne is in California doing some training. He won't be home until Saturday.

I want to thank you all again for you continued prayers and support. It has meant the world to me. I never knew I had this many friends.

I love you all very much,

Mom, Grammy, Sis, Friend & Jan

Puppy

2009-02-04T12:33:00.004-06:00

Here is our new member to our Boston family. Her name is Molly. She is very active when she isn't sleeping. Gerald picked her up on Saturday when I was sick. She is staying in just until it gets warm enough outside but if she has many more mishaps she will have to go out early. She doesn't even like to go out to go to the bathroom it is so cold. But Gerald has those underground houses with a light hooked up so they can stay warm. He says it gets around 75 degrees in the one.

Bosley doesn't know what to think of her. We got her so he would have someone to play with. I think she is driving him crazy. He is so good with puppies. I think he realizes how much bigger he is than they are and he acts like he is going to hurt her.

Well I guess I am feeling a little better than yesterday so far. Just keep praying that this too shall pass. My hair lady Serina just called to confirm my appointment for next week and asked me how I was doing so I told her, she stopped right then and prayed with me. I love that about people. I wish I could do that.

I just bought a couple of file cabinets from a church and I am fixing to go pick them up. I really only need one but for $25 I thought I would get two someone else might need one. We just have so much paperwork in so many places it is hard to keep up with it all. I need a couple of drawers just for medical. We have a two drawer but I need more space.

Thanks for all of your prayers. It really means a lot to me.

I love you all very much,

Mom, Grammy, Sis, Friend & Jan

2009-02-03T13:23:00.002-06:00

I am so sorry that I have not been able to post since before we went to Houston. When we came back I was sick to my stomach until sometime Sunday afternoon. I felt great yesterday and then I woke up today and have been a little nauseated.

Trey called me Saturday and he needed a babysitter, and I for the first time could not do it. I just cried. It is very hard when you can't do the things that you enjoy the most like keeping one of my granddaughters.

Please pray that all of this will settle down and I can get back to feeling at least the way I had been.

I want to thank you all for your continued prayers. It means a lot to me.

I love you all very much,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

GOOD NEWS

2009-01-28T12:38:00.002-06:00

Jan just called me and said everything on the MRI was the same. She has been having trouble with her neck and the doctor said that could cause her to have headaches.

She said it would be about another 40 minutes before they leave since they are waiting on the medicine.

Pray that they have a safe journey home considering all the road problems they might encounter with the weather. She said they were both really tired.

Thank you for your prayers for Jan, Gerald and our family. God is so good to us.

Mom

2009-01-26T21:06:00.002-06:00

We got here to Ennis Texas about 4:30. Our trip this far has been wet all the way from Tuttle. Tomorrow they are expecting rain/freezing rain at 6:00 pm to 6:00 am Wednesday. Keep praying that we have a safe trip. We saw so many wrecks from our house to somewhere around Purcell. We thought about calling MD Anderson but decided not to. God obviously was with us.

Please remember Gerald as he is the having to drive in this mess. I would be a nervous wreck if I had to drive that far in icy roads. This rain here is no where near as bad as the first few hours. I think he was even tense for a while. You really couldn't tell it was icy because you can't see it at all.

We will be fine the rest of the way. I don't believe from what I have seen on line or TV that the sun will be out here or at home until Thursday.

Thank you all so much for your prayers for us.

We love you all very much,

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan

TRAVELING

2009-01-26T11:16:00.002-06:00

Jan and Gerald left this morning about 9:30 since the weather here is terrible. He went to work but it was already freezing rain so he came home so they could leave. It is 11:15 and Jan just called to let me know they were in Purcell and it was raining but it wasn't freezing.

Pray for a safe journey and especially pray for good results on the MRI.

Mom

2009-01-22T14:13:00.002-06:00

Well I called Sang at M D Anderson and they want to do an MRI when I come down next week due to the headaches. I am okay with that but I do not want to have anymore surgeries. If there were guarantees I would but we all know that they can't guarantee me anything.

We have to be there by 5:45 so Gerald and I may have to leave on Monday evening again and go half way. Please pray for us to have a safe trip and that there will be no growth. I am so tired of this mess. It has been getting very old. I am tired of taking pills all of the time.

Enough about that. I hope all of you are doing fine this week. It is actually 71 degrees outside and it is January 22nd. What is up with that? I love warmer weather but it is like a tease because it turns colder tomorrow.

I want to thank everyone for your continued prayers. I love you all.

Mom, Grammy, Sis & Jan