Thursday, October 29, 2009
Finally....a new post
Savannah and her friend Nicole left Tuesday for her monthly appointment at NIH.
She had her tests on Wednesday, her breathing treatment this morning and at 1pm the CLINIC appointment. This is her favorite part...they tell her the results of the tests AND she gets to see her "hot doctor"! Today, "hot doctor" had the news we've been waiting for....with the exception of 2 very tiny tumors (one on her spleen, the other in her tummy)... all the other tumors are
GONE!!!!!!!!!!! She is doing so well that she doesn't even have to go back til January. Of course she's happy with the diagnosis but no "hot doctor" for over 2 months....whatever will she do?
Even though we've had faith all along and have experienced the miracles that God has performed in our family, it still amazes me that He would bestow such blessings on such unworthy recipients. We don't deserve any of it but He takes care of us anyway!
I know I've mentioned this before but I'm SO proud of Savannah and the way she has handled this whole experience. Her attitude has been incredible. Even when she was lying in bed, soooo sick, she kept her sense of humor and her sweetness to the staff etc. She handled everything with such grace and dignity.
So, 7 1/2 months after she was diagnosed with potentially fatal cancer, she is almost cured, attending college and working as a newborn baby photographer
at Willow Creek Hospital. She is loving every minute of her life. She realizes God has a purpose for her. We can't wait to see what's in her future!!! THANK YOU GOD!
NOW...all about me... :)
My friend and business partner, Linda Parrish and I started a Home Staging business last year that we enjoy very much but because of the Real Estate market being so slow we found we had extra time and creativity on our hands. SO...we recently opened Sassy Salvage Flea Market booth at Fayetteville Trading Post.
It's new, located at 2600 North College Ave. ( in the old Arkansas pools & spas building ) a couple of doors north of Schlotsky's Deli. We have a large shop and sell recycled home decor and furniture. We find old, sometimes ugly pieces and paint and/or embellish them with bright colored paint and patterns. You know,
make it Fun and FUNKY! Danny has even gotten in on the action and is building things for us and helping repair things etc.... He is a very good carpenter.
We were voted "Best Booth" for the month of October.
Hours are M-F, 11am to 6pm Sat, 10 to 6 Sun, 12 to 5
If you get a chance stop by and check it out.....it's fun to see all the boothes.
O.K.....Considering I'm falling asleep as I proof read this blog, I think it's bed time!
We would still appreciate your prayers for those 2 little tumors to vanish. We believe that will be the January report! :) Thanks and love to all!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Doin' the Happy Dance!
God has blessed us (yet again) with AWESOME news from NIH.
Savannah had all her tests on Wednesday afternoon. Thursday morning she had her breathing treatment and then at 1pm she had Clinic. That's where they tell the results of the tests. The Results - A few of the tumors have DISAPPEARED and the other tumors have shrunk considerably. The TIL cells are live cells that continue to live in her body forever so no further treatment is needed....hopefully EVER. She still has to return every 4 weeks for their research and our peace of mind. God is SO good, He answers prayer. It's not just a comforting thought or phrase....He really does answer prayer. He has blessed us more this year than we can even comprehend. We are so Thankful!
When Savannah called to tell me the good news of her tests.....I'm not sure if she was happier about the results or the fact that she has a "HOT" new doctor.
Apparently, he's beautiful and they will probably get married. :)
My new catch phrase lately is "Dutton Drama" which simply means - when things seem too simple or are running too smoothly...we just throw some problems and challenges into the mix. Our latest "Dutton Drama" started Tuesday night before Savannah and Haley left EARLY on Wednesday morning. Danny noticed that the hotel where the girls were staying requires guests to be at least 21 years old to check in. I really didn't think this would be a big deal...we've stayed there before, I had made reservations weeks ahead of time, they knew she was an NIH patient....she's very mature for her age...etc....SO...I called the hotel to discuss this little matter with them. First of all, I find it amusing that a place called The AMERICAN Inn has no Americans working there. The nice man I was speaking with listened to my dilemma and assured me (in his thick Jamaican accent) that it would be "no problem maaaaaan" as long as someone 21 yrs old or older was there to check them in. I tried to explain (again) that Savannah was an NIH patient flying from Arkansas and would literally be out on the street with no place to stay. I assured him that I was the parent and would take responsibility for any mishaps or expenses that might occur should she be "irresponsible". After repeating several times that it would be "no problem maaaan" as long as someone 21 would check them in, I asked to please speak with a manager to which he replied...." Yes maaan, I be de manager". ???? Sensing defeat, I just said Thank you and hung up. I said a little (or big) prayer and tried to start coming up with a solution. My brother (Jeff) and his family live about 2 hrs away so I couldn't ask them to drive all the way there just to check them in. Oh wait, yes I could...I was desperate......no wait....I couldn't either....Jeff was in Maine and Donna was in India. I was getting a little stressed. Savannah suggested David and Aparna who are the ONLY two other people out there we know. I had not even thought of them! I really didn't want to ask them to help out though. Aparna is a doctor, David works and they have very busy lives....BUT.....what choice did I have? I emailed David early Wednesday morning then headed to the clinic for my treatment. Within 2 hours, David had it all worked out for us. He wasn't able to get into Bethesda but he has a very good friend that goes through there daily. He asked his friend (also Dave) if he could meet the girls and check them in. Dave agreed and around 8:30pm they got checked in to their room and hit the bed. They were exhausted after being up most of the night before. I don't even want to know what went through the mind of the person that checked them in. An older "uncle" checking 2 young "cuties" into a hotel room where there was only 1 queen bed???????????????
Like I said...."Dutton Drama"
More to follow in the coming months (i'm sure!)
They are flying back today at 5:30pm Eastern time so please keep them in your prayers. Thanks and love to All
Savannah had all her tests on Wednesday afternoon. Thursday morning she had her breathing treatment and then at 1pm she had Clinic. That's where they tell the results of the tests. The Results - A few of the tumors have DISAPPEARED and the other tumors have shrunk considerably. The TIL cells are live cells that continue to live in her body forever so no further treatment is needed....hopefully EVER. She still has to return every 4 weeks for their research and our peace of mind. God is SO good, He answers prayer. It's not just a comforting thought or phrase....He really does answer prayer. He has blessed us more this year than we can even comprehend. We are so Thankful!
When Savannah called to tell me the good news of her tests.....I'm not sure if she was happier about the results or the fact that she has a "HOT" new doctor.
Apparently, he's beautiful and they will probably get married. :)
My new catch phrase lately is "Dutton Drama" which simply means - when things seem too simple or are running too smoothly...we just throw some problems and challenges into the mix. Our latest "Dutton Drama" started Tuesday night before Savannah and Haley left EARLY on Wednesday morning. Danny noticed that the hotel where the girls were staying requires guests to be at least 21 years old to check in. I really didn't think this would be a big deal...we've stayed there before, I had made reservations weeks ahead of time, they knew she was an NIH patient....she's very mature for her age...etc....SO...I called the hotel to discuss this little matter with them. First of all, I find it amusing that a place called The AMERICAN Inn has no Americans working there. The nice man I was speaking with listened to my dilemma and assured me (in his thick Jamaican accent) that it would be "no problem maaaaaan" as long as someone 21 yrs old or older was there to check them in. I tried to explain (again) that Savannah was an NIH patient flying from Arkansas and would literally be out on the street with no place to stay. I assured him that I was the parent and would take responsibility for any mishaps or expenses that might occur should she be "irresponsible". After repeating several times that it would be "no problem maaaan" as long as someone 21 would check them in, I asked to please speak with a manager to which he replied...." Yes maaan, I be de manager". ???? Sensing defeat, I just said Thank you and hung up. I said a little (or big) prayer and tried to start coming up with a solution. My brother (Jeff) and his family live about 2 hrs away so I couldn't ask them to drive all the way there just to check them in. Oh wait, yes I could...I was desperate......no wait....I couldn't either....Jeff was in Maine and Donna was in India. I was getting a little stressed. Savannah suggested David and Aparna who are the ONLY two other people out there we know. I had not even thought of them! I really didn't want to ask them to help out though. Aparna is a doctor, David works and they have very busy lives....BUT.....what choice did I have? I emailed David early Wednesday morning then headed to the clinic for my treatment. Within 2 hours, David had it all worked out for us. He wasn't able to get into Bethesda but he has a very good friend that goes through there daily. He asked his friend (also Dave) if he could meet the girls and check them in. Dave agreed and around 8:30pm they got checked in to their room and hit the bed. They were exhausted after being up most of the night before. I don't even want to know what went through the mind of the person that checked them in. An older "uncle" checking 2 young "cuties" into a hotel room where there was only 1 queen bed???????????????
Like I said...."Dutton Drama"
More to follow in the coming months (i'm sure!)
They are flying back today at 5:30pm Eastern time so please keep them in your prayers. Thanks and love to All
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
On the last post I was talking about Savannah and Bo at Camp War Eagle. Well.....they ended camp a week and a day early this year due to the outbreak of FLU. I think the counselors were more upset about it than the kids. Of course the kids were very upset too since it was just the first week of their two week camp.
I'm amazed at the quality of the camp and the dedication of the staff. Many of the kids come from very troubled homes or have had horrendous things happen to them. The counselors are so focused on the kids and their need to just be kids and to have fun in a safe and secure environment. They try to help them focus on God and his all encompassing love. It is really a GREAT thing.
Anyway.....Savannah came home from camp with the flu. We got her to the doctor where she got a prescription of Tamiflu (sp?). The doctor said the whole family needed to be treated so we were all on meds. I guess it's a good thing because she shared her germs with me and I got it too! :( I THINK we are all OK now...?
NIH called and rescheduled Savannah's appointments from the 12th and 13th to the 19th and 20th, so...she and her friend Haley will be flying out in the morning (Wed) at 6:15am to Bethesda. They will return on the 21st.
PLEASE pray for their safety and for a great report from the doctors. We don't expect anything but good news but prayer is very reassuring :)
I will keep posting as I know more. Thanks for the prayers. Love to ALL
I'm amazed at the quality of the camp and the dedication of the staff. Many of the kids come from very troubled homes or have had horrendous things happen to them. The counselors are so focused on the kids and their need to just be kids and to have fun in a safe and secure environment. They try to help them focus on God and his all encompassing love. It is really a GREAT thing.
Anyway.....Savannah came home from camp with the flu. We got her to the doctor where she got a prescription of Tamiflu (sp?). The doctor said the whole family needed to be treated so we were all on meds. I guess it's a good thing because she shared her germs with me and I got it too! :( I THINK we are all OK now...?
NIH called and rescheduled Savannah's appointments from the 12th and 13th to the 19th and 20th, so...she and her friend Haley will be flying out in the morning (Wed) at 6:15am to Bethesda. They will return on the 21st.
PLEASE pray for their safety and for a great report from the doctors. We don't expect anything but good news but prayer is very reassuring :)
I will keep posting as I know more. Thanks for the prayers. Love to ALL
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Time
WoW! I can't believe it's been nearly a month since I posted a blog. I didn't realize it til several of you started emailing me about it. Time has become very blurred. I still don't feel like I have caught my breath from being gone from home so much.
I'm feeling overwhelmed with all there is to do and to catch up on. Thank You Notes for example. Oh my goodness! I don't know how I'm ever going to get all those out to everyone that has helped with prayers, food, the benefits....everything! If you're reading this...your Thank you card will come - eventually!
We are SO thrilled to announce that Savannah felt good enough to go work at Camp War Eagle as the camp photographer. She will be there for a total of 5 weeks. Before she left she took her breathing treatment here in town as well as an ultrasound on her leg (due to some swelling). It turned out to be fine.
She will be going back to NIH on August 12th & 13th for her monthly check-up.
I can't wait to hear what the doctors have to say about how much the tumors have shrunk. The really large one on her neck is barely visible. God is SO good!
After she returns from Bethesda she will only have a short time til school begins.
She will be attending NWACC for a few semesters till she decides what she wants to major in at U of A or who knows where.
Bo is still at Camp War Eagle working and will still be at the UofA this Fall.
Shelby has been playing Music shows like crazy this summer, solo and with her band "Out of the Sticks" VERY entertaining!
I was reading in the June 17th blog that Corinna had not left the country yet.
She ended up passing her driving test with flying colors......LOOK OUT GERMANY! Attended her first Vacation Bible School ever. Went Fishing for the first time....and last, I'm pretty sure. :) And finally, on June 29th, after much ado, we got her to XNA to begin her long journey home. We arrived early and it's a good thing because she had too many bags so they charged her extra and then the bags that could be checked were too heavy so we spent some anxious minutes transferring stuff from her bag to a plastic airline bag. Not to mention the big, poofy, Prom dress that we had suctioned into one of those flat storage bags. The only problem with that was the unseen whole somewhere in the bag that let all the suctioned air back in. It kept wanting to inflate. This is where my handy taping skills came in...by the time I was done, her big, beautiful, dress looked like a squashed up bag of potatoes. I hope it's wearable again.
By the time we got through our tearful goodbyes and she got thru security they were doing the last boarding call. She later told us that when she got to the last security guard she was crying so hard that he even gave her a hug.
I think she loves America. We certainly love her and will miss her like crazy.
One of these days when I have time, I'm going to post an overview of her "experience " in America. She has several interesting stories she shared with us about life before she came to live with us and then there are our stories...yikes!
Hope everything is well with all of you. Please keep Savannah in your prayers for continued healing and strength while at camp. Thanks Love to all
I'm feeling overwhelmed with all there is to do and to catch up on. Thank You Notes for example. Oh my goodness! I don't know how I'm ever going to get all those out to everyone that has helped with prayers, food, the benefits....everything! If you're reading this...your Thank you card will come - eventually!
We are SO thrilled to announce that Savannah felt good enough to go work at Camp War Eagle as the camp photographer. She will be there for a total of 5 weeks. Before she left she took her breathing treatment here in town as well as an ultrasound on her leg (due to some swelling). It turned out to be fine.
She will be going back to NIH on August 12th & 13th for her monthly check-up.
I can't wait to hear what the doctors have to say about how much the tumors have shrunk. The really large one on her neck is barely visible. God is SO good!
After she returns from Bethesda she will only have a short time til school begins.
She will be attending NWACC for a few semesters till she decides what she wants to major in at U of A or who knows where.
Bo is still at Camp War Eagle working and will still be at the UofA this Fall.
Shelby has been playing Music shows like crazy this summer, solo and with her band "Out of the Sticks" VERY entertaining!
I was reading in the June 17th blog that Corinna had not left the country yet.
She ended up passing her driving test with flying colors......LOOK OUT GERMANY! Attended her first Vacation Bible School ever. Went Fishing for the first time....and last, I'm pretty sure. :) And finally, on June 29th, after much ado, we got her to XNA to begin her long journey home. We arrived early and it's a good thing because she had too many bags so they charged her extra and then the bags that could be checked were too heavy so we spent some anxious minutes transferring stuff from her bag to a plastic airline bag. Not to mention the big, poofy, Prom dress that we had suctioned into one of those flat storage bags. The only problem with that was the unseen whole somewhere in the bag that let all the suctioned air back in. It kept wanting to inflate. This is where my handy taping skills came in...by the time I was done, her big, beautiful, dress looked like a squashed up bag of potatoes. I hope it's wearable again.
By the time we got through our tearful goodbyes and she got thru security they were doing the last boarding call. She later told us that when she got to the last security guard she was crying so hard that he even gave her a hug.
I think she loves America. We certainly love her and will miss her like crazy.
One of these days when I have time, I'm going to post an overview of her "experience " in America. She has several interesting stories she shared with us about life before she came to live with us and then there are our stories...yikes!
Hope everything is well with all of you. Please keep Savannah in your prayers for continued healing and strength while at camp. Thanks Love to all
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Savannah is doing very well...especially her spirit. We are all praising God on a continual basis. Every time a problem or situation comes up and I start to get stressed about it...all I have to do is think about all the blessings we've received lately (and always) and...it just doesn't matter anymore. She looks so good and healthy it's hard to believe that she has gone thru so much. Even though we know the treatment is working, she will still have to return to NIH every 4 weeks for tests. She also has to take a breathing treatment to prevent a specific type of pneumonia that chemo can cause. We would still appreciate your prayers that the Til Cells will continue to work like crazy and also for safety traveling back and forth.
Yesterday I had a lovely day with my girls. It was my birthday so they took me to lunch and a movie and shopping. What more could a girl ask for? I enjoyed them both so much and of course I had already received the best gift of all....Savannah's good news!
Corinna is off with one of her friends at her lake house for a couple of days. When she returns she will not have much longer here in the states. She will be taking her driving test on the 26th of this month. Getting her license here will save her 2 to 3 thousand dollars in Germany. Can you imagine?
Shelby passed her driving test and now has her permanent license. Of course she still has to wait until she turns 16 to drive by herself and that won't be until March 15th of next year... (thank you Lord!) :) I have been trying to teach Shelby and Corinna to drive at the same time...that's a whole other blog story..... :-O
Shelby will be playing at the West Fork River Show Saturday night. It starts around 6:30pm. If you have not attended a River Show before there are several young talents that perform there. They play mostly country and bluegrass. So...if you want a really casual evening of good music and fun....you're invited. :) Remember your lawn chairs and bug spray.
While I'm inviting...might as well mention VBS again!
Any of you that have kids or grandkids....This Saturday, (20th) from 10am to 2pm Sang Avenue Baptist Church will be having a Kids Fun Day. Games, free food, a bouncy house, sports, face painting and lots more will be available for anyone who wishes to come. We will be pre-registering the kids for our VBS that starts on Monday the 22nd from 6pm to 9pm and runs thru Friday night the 27th.
We always have so much fun with the kids at VBS and it is amazing how much they learn and retain.
Please continue those prayers. We Love You ALL! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yesterday I had a lovely day with my girls. It was my birthday so they took me to lunch and a movie and shopping. What more could a girl ask for? I enjoyed them both so much and of course I had already received the best gift of all....Savannah's good news!
Corinna is off with one of her friends at her lake house for a couple of days. When she returns she will not have much longer here in the states. She will be taking her driving test on the 26th of this month. Getting her license here will save her 2 to 3 thousand dollars in Germany. Can you imagine?
Shelby passed her driving test and now has her permanent license. Of course she still has to wait until she turns 16 to drive by herself and that won't be until March 15th of next year... (thank you Lord!) :) I have been trying to teach Shelby and Corinna to drive at the same time...that's a whole other blog story..... :-O
Shelby will be playing at the West Fork River Show Saturday night. It starts around 6:30pm. If you have not attended a River Show before there are several young talents that perform there. They play mostly country and bluegrass. So...if you want a really casual evening of good music and fun....you're invited. :) Remember your lawn chairs and bug spray.
While I'm inviting...might as well mention VBS again!
Any of you that have kids or grandkids....This Saturday, (20th) from 10am to 2pm Sang Avenue Baptist Church will be having a Kids Fun Day. Games, free food, a bouncy house, sports, face painting and lots more will be available for anyone who wishes to come. We will be pre-registering the kids for our VBS that starts on Monday the 22nd from 6pm to 9pm and runs thru Friday night the 27th.
We always have so much fun with the kids at VBS and it is amazing how much they learn and retain.
Please continue those prayers. We Love You ALL! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Our many prayers have been ANSWERED!!! God has heard them and the treatment has worked.
The DR. read the scan and found no new Tumors and the Tumors that are there have shrank significantly. WOOHOOOO!!!!
Glory be to GOD!!!!
The DR. read the scan and found no new Tumors and the Tumors that are there have shrank significantly. WOOHOOOO!!!!
Glory be to GOD!!!!
Oh my word! It's been a crazy couple of days! Savannah and I both flew out of XNA on Tuesday evening. She flew United because that's what NIH booked for her. I flew Delta because it was the cheapest. Her plane switched in Chicago and mine in Atlanta. In the end I was going to end up waiting on her at Reagan National for an hour and a half so we could take the shuttle together to our hotel. Well, when we got on our planes in Atlanta and Chicago, we had delays because of the storms in the DC area. Savannah said her wait wasn't too exciting. I, however, have a different story. I was on my plane, along with 200 other people stranded on the runway, waiting for clearance for 1 hr and 45 minutes. I was o.k....I had stuff to read and I watched a movie but some people got really cranky! There were 4 southern ladies from Alabama sitting next to me and they entertained me with stories of their traveling escapades and crazy friends and family.....(reminded me of my friends and myself). Anyway, one of them was a diabetic and she started feeling shaky so she pulled out a bag of peanuts to eat. When she did, the lady in front of her that was traveling with her disabled husband and son came unglued and jumped all over this lady for having peanuts out. It seems her son is deathly allergic to them. If he even smells them he starts swelling up all over and can't breath or swallow etc.........he's almost died 4 other times.. The only thing is...no one but the mom and dad new this. They hadn't told the airlines, the flight attendants or anyone sitting around them. It was a huge ordeal, the boy started crying because his mom and dad were so upset and he thought he was going to stop breathing, the flight attendants were trying to keep peace and attempting to keep the southern lady (Joy) happy by moving her and giving her free drinks...but I can tell you right now...free drinks were not the answer for Joy considering she had a very vivacious personality and wasn't afraid to speak her mind! The flight attendants were flittering all over the place trying to settle the mom and dad down, making sure the boy was still breathing, trying to keep Joy off the ceiling and all those other cranky people happy. It was a very eventful hour and 45 minutes on the ground! :)
Savannah and I finally met up at baggage claim at 2:30 am. By this time, I had become "phone friends" with our little shuttle driver, Boris who is from Russia. He had been waiting on us for about 3 hrs or so. He picked us up and $60 later we were at our hotel.
It was 4am before we were in bed. Needless to say, yesterday was a blurrrrr! We were both zombies. We went to bed at 8:last night but....we had to be here at 7am this morning for Savannah's blood work. To be here at 7, we needed to leave the hotel at 6am because we had to take a taxi to the metro, then from the metro take a shuttle to the hospital. I don't know how these people do it. Besides being SO expensive, it is such a hassle. I guess it explains why there are a lot of rude, impatient people here. I might be too if I had to deal with transportation issues all the time. :) It really makes me SO thankful for home and our calmer lifestyle.
Savannah is getting a blood transfusion right now. Her numbers were low. They say that happens to about half of the patients. Later today she has clinic with her doctors. That's when they will tell us the test results. I'm excited! I know they are going to be good!
She is starting to eat a few more things so hopefully she will be gaining strength.
David and Aparna (and maybe Donna) are meeting us this evening for dinner. We're not sure where we are going but we trust them to make a good choice since they live fairly close by.
Love to ALL!
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