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!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Sunday, 7th
Today was Decoration Day at Baptist Ford. We went down and visited with some of the family and friends. We got to show off Lilly and Rose (my nieces) that are visiting from Virginia. There wasn't as many people there as usual...not sure why!
After that we sat lazily around on the front porch , drinking ice tea and watching the girls play. It was a nice afternoon.
After church tonight, we had a little wienie roast and s'mores party. Lilly and Rose love them and Corinna has never been to one so we thought we should give her that experience before she returns to Germany. Did you know that in Germany they don't have graham crackers or marshmallows or HERSHEY'S CHOCOLATE!!!!??? Can you believe it...a country without s'mores??? They also don't have peanut butter! :0 How do they survive???
Savannah ate a little tonight. That made us all very happy! :)
I am so proud of her and the way she is handling all of this. She has stayed positive and kept her sense of humor throughout this whole ordeal. She knows God is taking care of her and if she has any fear, she never shows it.
We leave Tuesday. Wednesday, she has an apheresis (sp?) and Thursday they will be doing all the tests and scans so PLEASE pray for shrinking tumors and healing.
Also.....a safe flight out there and back. Thanks MUCH love!
After that we sat lazily around on the front porch , drinking ice tea and watching the girls play. It was a nice afternoon.
After church tonight, we had a little wienie roast and s'mores party. Lilly and Rose love them and Corinna has never been to one so we thought we should give her that experience before she returns to Germany. Did you know that in Germany they don't have graham crackers or marshmallows or HERSHEY'S CHOCOLATE!!!!??? Can you believe it...a country without s'mores??? They also don't have peanut butter! :0 How do they survive???
Savannah ate a little tonight. That made us all very happy! :)
I am so proud of her and the way she is handling all of this. She has stayed positive and kept her sense of humor throughout this whole ordeal. She knows God is taking care of her and if she has any fear, she never shows it.
We leave Tuesday. Wednesday, she has an apheresis (sp?) and Thursday they will be doing all the tests and scans so PLEASE pray for shrinking tumors and healing.
Also.....a safe flight out there and back. Thanks MUCH love!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Hey!
Everyone tells me to post daily but I'm afraid our lives are not that eventful! :)
Right now, We are waiting to go back to NIH on the 9th for Savannah's tests. We should be home on the 12th. She is doing very well. She has not been nauseous for almost 5 days but is still having trouble finding her appetite although she takes a few extra bites each day. She looks great and feels good enough to have a bit of a social life.
I'm still trying to catch my breath before we have to go back to Bethesda. Danny will stay here to work and I will go with Savannah to NIH. We will be there from the 9th thru the 12th.
I can't believe we are already in to June. Being gone for 3 1/2 weeks makes it seem like we've totally lost a month. It's a little scary!
When we get back we will just have a few days left with my nieces, Lilly & Rose.
After that we have to make sure Corinna is ready to take her driving test before she heads back to Germany. Then, we have Vacation Bible School at our church starting on the 22nd thru the 26th.
That reminds me....Summer VBS at Sang Ave. Baptist Church, June 22nd thru 26th from 6pm -9pm. Open to kids ages 3yrs old and up. We always have a very good Bible School so PLEASE pass along the info to anyone that might be interested. There will be teaching time, missions, songs, snacks, CRAFTS (that's me) and many more activities the kids will enjoy. Saturday the 20th, there will be a Kids Fun Day. You can bring the kids by....pre-register them, have snacks and play games. This will help the registration process be much shorter on the 22nd.
Hope to see all the kids there.
Right now, We are waiting to go back to NIH on the 9th for Savannah's tests. We should be home on the 12th. She is doing very well. She has not been nauseous for almost 5 days but is still having trouble finding her appetite although she takes a few extra bites each day. She looks great and feels good enough to have a bit of a social life.
I'm still trying to catch my breath before we have to go back to Bethesda. Danny will stay here to work and I will go with Savannah to NIH. We will be there from the 9th thru the 12th.
I can't believe we are already in to June. Being gone for 3 1/2 weeks makes it seem like we've totally lost a month. It's a little scary!
When we get back we will just have a few days left with my nieces, Lilly & Rose.
After that we have to make sure Corinna is ready to take her driving test before she heads back to Germany. Then, we have Vacation Bible School at our church starting on the 22nd thru the 26th.
That reminds me....Summer VBS at Sang Ave. Baptist Church, June 22nd thru 26th from 6pm -9pm. Open to kids ages 3yrs old and up. We always have a very good Bible School so PLEASE pass along the info to anyone that might be interested. There will be teaching time, missions, songs, snacks, CRAFTS (that's me) and many more activities the kids will enjoy. Saturday the 20th, there will be a Kids Fun Day. You can bring the kids by....pre-register them, have snacks and play games. This will help the registration process be much shorter on the 22nd.
Hope to see all the kids there.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Back online
The other day I had a very long, lovely post written and ready to send. Just before I hit the publish post button our Internet went haywire and deleted the whole thing. Considering how long it takes me to remember what has happened and type it all in....I was a little frustrated. Danny worked on it a while and seemed to fix it until....I typed another lovely post and it crashed in the middle of it also. I gave up. So, no more lovely post...I'll just state the facts.
Savannah got home Wednesday night and Susie and I got home Thursday night. I'm still trying to recover from being away from home for 3 1/2 weeks. The pile of paper work and mail alone could keep me busy for days.
Savannah is doing good. At first, we were very concerned because of her lack of appetite. She was nauseous and couldn't keep anything down. She is taking nausea medicine around the clock now so that has helped but she still has not put more than a couple of bites of food in her mouth for several weeks now. It is getting a little better day by day.
We go back on the 10th of this month for tests to see if the til cells are working. Of course, we believe they are! We know that God has had His hand in this from the beginning and He has a perfect plan for Savannah and the rest of us.
My nieces...Lilly (12) and Rose (6) are coming at the end of the week for their summer visit.
We are looking forward to spending time with them. We always have so much fun. Savannah and I will miss out on a few days with them due to our trip back to NIH so we'll have to make every minute count. I know there are a few things on their To Do list we'll be taking part in like....Gator Golf, the Drive-in movie, shopping etc....
So...for now...we're just trying to catch up and hang loose. :) Love to ALL!
Savannah got home Wednesday night and Susie and I got home Thursday night. I'm still trying to recover from being away from home for 3 1/2 weeks. The pile of paper work and mail alone could keep me busy for days.
Savannah is doing good. At first, we were very concerned because of her lack of appetite. She was nauseous and couldn't keep anything down. She is taking nausea medicine around the clock now so that has helped but she still has not put more than a couple of bites of food in her mouth for several weeks now. It is getting a little better day by day.
We go back on the 10th of this month for tests to see if the til cells are working. Of course, we believe they are! We know that God has had His hand in this from the beginning and He has a perfect plan for Savannah and the rest of us.
My nieces...Lilly (12) and Rose (6) are coming at the end of the week for their summer visit.
We are looking forward to spending time with them. We always have so much fun. Savannah and I will miss out on a few days with them due to our trip back to NIH so we'll have to make every minute count. I know there are a few things on their To Do list we'll be taking part in like....Gator Golf, the Drive-in movie, shopping etc....
So...for now...we're just trying to catch up and hang loose. :) Love to ALL!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
A Restful Day
God knows when we just need a "time out". It was cold, windy and rainy today so Savannah and I went to the hospital to tie up some loose ends while Susie did some of our laundry. After that we came back to the Lodge to relax. We all decided it was a perfect day to just keep the pjs on, close the curtains, get in bed and watch movies all day. Later we ordered in Chinese food for dinner and then went back upstairs for more movies. They are waiting on me right now to start yet...another movie.
Savannah will be flying out tomorrow (Wednesday) at around 1pm. Susie and I will start home as soon as we get her taken care of. We are all anxious to get home again.
Savannah looks good and feels pretty good...she just gets tired very quickly.
Can't wait to see everyone again. It seems like forever.
Savannah will be flying out tomorrow (Wednesday) at around 1pm. Susie and I will start home as soon as we get her taken care of. We are all anxious to get home again.
Savannah looks good and feels pretty good...she just gets tired very quickly.
Can't wait to see everyone again. It seems like forever.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Memorial Day
Savannah had to go back over to the hospital this morning and check in with her nurses and doctors. They did a blood test etc. and said that she is free to stay at the Lodge until she leaves NIH. We also heard that NIH was having several new patients come in the next day or two and they needed her room. It didn't take long for us to load a big cart down with her stuff and get out of Dodge! She has to get all her drugs and supplies tomorrow, talk to the doctors one last time and then we're outta here! Although it's possible that they won't schedule her flight til Wednesday morning so we might have one more night at the mansion :)
Today, after the big move, Savannah, Susie and I went to downtown Bethesda again to a shop Savannah had seen the day before. Considering that there wasn't an article of clothing in the shop under $150.....we left and went in search of other places to shop. We found several and had lots of fun!
We are getting ready to get in our pjs, put a movie in and have a girls night in. We are all exhausted!
They're waiting on me so gotta go! Love
Today, after the big move, Savannah, Susie and I went to downtown Bethesda again to a shop Savannah had seen the day before. Considering that there wasn't an article of clothing in the shop under $150.....we left and went in search of other places to shop. We found several and had lots of fun!
We are getting ready to get in our pjs, put a movie in and have a girls night in. We are all exhausted!
They're waiting on me so gotta go! Love
Sunday, May 24, 2009
A SUPER Sunday!
This morning Savannah called early to tell me that one of her doctors said she needed to get out and do something. We started making plans but before we really decided on anything, Donna called and said she and the girls wanted to come for a little visit. As it turned out, we had a great visit at the Lodge with Donna, Lilly, Rose, David, Aparna and Aparna's parents; Lalitha and Prasad (sp?). They are originally from India but moved here years ago and now live in Virginia Beach. They are some of the sweetest people ever! We really had a nice visit.
After that, Susie, Savannah and I went downtown to see a movie and eat dinner.
We saw Night at the Museum which was not our first choice but we got the theaters mixed up....anyway...it was cute. We ate at the Austin Grill. It was very good.
Savannah is going to stay the night with us at the Lodge. I think it will do her good to be out of her room for a while.
We Thank God for all the wonderful things He is doing for us and many other people here at NIH! Love to ALL!
After that, Susie, Savannah and I went downtown to see a movie and eat dinner.
We saw Night at the Museum which was not our first choice but we got the theaters mixed up....anyway...it was cute. We ate at the Austin Grill. It was very good.
Savannah is going to stay the night with us at the Lodge. I think it will do her good to be out of her room for a while.
We Thank God for all the wonderful things He is doing for us and many other people here at NIH! Love to ALL!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Saturday, 23rd
Sorry....I forgot to post last night!
Today is a good day for Savannah. She feels better...no nausea or dizziness but still a small fever.
We might get to come home Tuesday or Wednesday.
Earlier we enjoyed a nice visit from Jeffrey, Donna, Lilly & Rose. Toward the end, Rose caught her second wind and did some Irish step dancing for us. Savannah and I were both wishing we had that much energy!
Kristi Parrish just called a few minutes ago and said the Benefit Rummage Sale was a HUGE success. We can't express how Thankful we are to Kristi for getting all of this started and to all of you who helped with it. I know everyone is EXHAUSTED!
Thanks also to all of you who shopped! We appreciate everyone SO much!
Please pray that Savannah's fever will go down and stay down! Thanks!
Today is a good day for Savannah. She feels better...no nausea or dizziness but still a small fever.
We might get to come home Tuesday or Wednesday.
Earlier we enjoyed a nice visit from Jeffrey, Donna, Lilly & Rose. Toward the end, Rose caught her second wind and did some Irish step dancing for us. Savannah and I were both wishing we had that much energy!
Kristi Parrish just called a few minutes ago and said the Benefit Rummage Sale was a HUGE success. We can't express how Thankful we are to Kristi for getting all of this started and to all of you who helped with it. I know everyone is EXHAUSTED!
Thanks also to all of you who shopped! We appreciate everyone SO much!
Please pray that Savannah's fever will go down and stay down! Thanks!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Thursday, 21st
Danny made it home yesterday afternoon and Susie got here safely.
Today the doctors said that Savannah's white count and platelets are still doing really good. She's on track. Today they gave her more blood and antibiotics and about 20 other drugs for various things....I've lost count of it all. They said after tomorrow she might not be neutropenic! Woohooooo! She's still having issues with nausea and dizziness so please pray that will all go away. She is also starting to take a bite or (maybe) 2 of some foods. Everything tastes different to her and she's just not hungry....she has to force herself to eat.
I've just tucked her in for the night so I'm headed for bed too! Love you all!
Oh!....almost forgot.....Thank you to all of you who have been helping get the Rummage Sale ready for Friday and Saturday. As you all know, I've had my fair share of yard sales and I KNOW how much work they are. It is SO kind of y'all to work so hard for us. Thank you.....Thank you.......Thank you ALL!
Today the doctors said that Savannah's white count and platelets are still doing really good. She's on track. Today they gave her more blood and antibiotics and about 20 other drugs for various things....I've lost count of it all. They said after tomorrow she might not be neutropenic! Woohooooo! She's still having issues with nausea and dizziness so please pray that will all go away. She is also starting to take a bite or (maybe) 2 of some foods. Everything tastes different to her and she's just not hungry....she has to force herself to eat.
I've just tucked her in for the night so I'm headed for bed too! Love you all!
Oh!....almost forgot.....Thank you to all of you who have been helping get the Rummage Sale ready for Friday and Saturday. As you all know, I've had my fair share of yard sales and I KNOW how much work they are. It is SO kind of y'all to work so hard for us. Thank you.....Thank you.......Thank you ALL!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Wednesday, 20th
Danny left this morning to go back home and back to work. My good friend Susie is coming to stay the remainder of the time with me. She should be getting here some time this evening.
I thank God every day for all the good friends and family He has given us.
Savannah is on the mend. We are still waiting for her platelets to multiply and for everything to fall into place. The doctors are saying she might be ready to come home early next week instead of late next week like we first thought. I'm in no hurry...I would rather her stay a day or two extra and be stronger than to push it.....we'll see!
They have already scheduled her return appointment for June 10th. Things move fast around here.
I thank God every day for all the good friends and family He has given us.
Savannah is on the mend. We are still waiting for her platelets to multiply and for everything to fall into place. The doctors are saying she might be ready to come home early next week instead of late next week like we first thought. I'm in no hurry...I would rather her stay a day or two extra and be stronger than to push it.....we'll see!
They have already scheduled her return appointment for June 10th. Things move fast around here.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
May 19th
Today was another lovely day in Bethesda. Savannah is feeling a little better and her sense of humor is coming back . Earlier we watched American Idol together and BTW....GO CHRIS ALLEN from Conway, ARKANSAS!!!!!....anyway, I took her on a walk around the hall to get some exercise before putting her to bed and we got the giggles. She was acting really goofy. Maybe it was the medication...(not!) Whatever it was, it was good to laugh with her again.
For our Anniversary Danny and I went to downtown Bethesda and ate lunch at a quaint, trendy little place called the BlackFinn Grill. It was very good. We went in a couple of shops and then headed back to check on our BABY! It was a beautiful day to be out and I think it did me good to get away from the hospital even for a couple of hours. Keep up those prayers please! love to all!
For our Anniversary Danny and I went to downtown Bethesda and ate lunch at a quaint, trendy little place called the BlackFinn Grill. It was very good. We went in a couple of shops and then headed back to check on our BABY! It was a beautiful day to be out and I think it did me good to get away from the hospital even for a couple of hours. Keep up those prayers please! love to all!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Monday, Monday
Today we entered Savannah's room to find her receiving 2 more units of blood. Her hemoglobin was down to 7. That could be another reason she is so weak. She's still neutropenic so they've still got her on all kinds of antibiotics. Her right arm where she had the tumor removed is swelling more than usual but I don't know what they can do about that. I sound like doom and gloom but actually she feels and looks a lot better...she's just really tired.
She received some mail today so that pleased her.
On a much lighter note...Danny went shopping by himself today! Tomorrow is our 25th Anniversary so he decided he would take off on the metro to Pentagon City Mall to find me a gift. It has 4 stories with some really nice shops. I've been there before so I knew what he was getting into...and I told him...but... he was determined to go! SEVERAL hours later, he returned with a beautiful silver and crystal snow globe with a picture frame in the top and on the bottom he had our names and "25 years of Loving" engraved on it. He did a good job. He must REALLY love me because He really HATES Malls! :)
Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 19th is also my Dad's Birthday!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She received some mail today so that pleased her.
On a much lighter note...Danny went shopping by himself today! Tomorrow is our 25th Anniversary so he decided he would take off on the metro to Pentagon City Mall to find me a gift. It has 4 stories with some really nice shops. I've been there before so I knew what he was getting into...and I told him...but... he was determined to go! SEVERAL hours later, he returned with a beautiful silver and crystal snow globe with a picture frame in the top and on the bottom he had our names and "25 years of Loving" engraved on it. He did a good job. He must REALLY love me because He really HATES Malls! :)
Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 19th is also my Dad's Birthday!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Things change fast!
Wow! yesterday we thought the bad was over and then it all changed. Savannah gave us a good scare last night. Her fever spiked, she was chilling, her heart rate was speeding, it seemed everything that could go wrong did....for a little while anyway. Danny and I both decided to stay the night.
Aunt Lou got the prayer chain going at home and by this morning they said she had turned the corner. She is exhausted, fatigued and extremely weak from the treatment but now that it's over, her body just needs time to build itself back up. They are giving her drugs to help with that too.
Thank You God
Today, we had a wonderful visit with Jeff, Donna, Lilly, Rose, David and Aparna.
They came over to the Lodge before going to see Savannah. We sat around in the kitchen area and had coffee and a little later...lunch. We took a walk thru the garden and then headed to the hospital so they could say "hi" to Savannah before they had to leave.
All in all, it was a very good day. :)
Aunt Lou got the prayer chain going at home and by this morning they said she had turned the corner. She is exhausted, fatigued and extremely weak from the treatment but now that it's over, her body just needs time to build itself back up. They are giving her drugs to help with that too.
Thank You God
Today, we had a wonderful visit with Jeff, Donna, Lilly, Rose, David and Aparna.
They came over to the Lodge before going to see Savannah. We sat around in the kitchen area and had coffee and a little later...lunch. We took a walk thru the garden and then headed to the hospital so they could say "hi" to Savannah before they had to leave.
All in all, it was a very good day. :)
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Yeah She's thru w/ IL2 !!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday afternoon until this morning (Sat) has been a little rough on us all. Mostly Savannah! The IL2 has so many side effects. The nausea and shakes were probably the worst ones. They had to put her on oxygen because she was having a hard time breathing due to the fluid on her lungs and she was having some very real, vivid dreams. They said that's when it's time to stop!
She is still neutropenic which means she has no immune system at all, so the next 7 - 10 days they will be trying to get her immune system back up and running.
Since Thursday Danny and I have been taking shifts staying with her. Danny was gracious and let me have the day shift and he took the night. He's used to the night thing with his new job so that helps but we're both pretty tired. Not physically just emotionally.
Today I'm just sitting here watching her sleep. The doctors are calling it "chill" day. She gets no treatments just some good old fashioned rest. It's a nice day to chill because the hospital is always dead on the weekends so there is not a lot going on like during the week. It also is a little overcast here and looks like it might rain......always a good time to kick back!
If anyone would like to pray specifically, Please pray that she loses the fluid off her lungs and that she doesn't have any long term side effects from the chemo
AND of course for complete healing!
God is Good! He has blessed us beyond compare. love y'all
She is still neutropenic which means she has no immune system at all, so the next 7 - 10 days they will be trying to get her immune system back up and running.
Since Thursday Danny and I have been taking shifts staying with her. Danny was gracious and let me have the day shift and he took the night. He's used to the night thing with his new job so that helps but we're both pretty tired. Not physically just emotionally.
Today I'm just sitting here watching her sleep. The doctors are calling it "chill" day. She gets no treatments just some good old fashioned rest. It's a nice day to chill because the hospital is always dead on the weekends so there is not a lot going on like during the week. It also is a little overcast here and looks like it might rain......always a good time to kick back!
If anyone would like to pray specifically, Please pray that she loses the fluid off her lungs and that she doesn't have any long term side effects from the chemo
AND of course for complete healing!
God is Good! He has blessed us beyond compare. love y'all
Thursday, May 14, 2009
An INCREIBLE God!
It was so SWEET! Earlier one of the TIL LAB Techs came in to meet Savannah. She brought her a hand made card from all the people in the lab. She said that they had been working with her cells for weeks and wanted to put a face to the cells. She said Savannah had AMAZING cells. Til cells that other peoples Til Cells could only aspire to be like! Of course she was being silly but she said that every day they would come in and count them and it would blow them away how fast and strong they were.
The card said "The entire Til Lab staff would like to congratulate you on receiving all 47.6 billion of you cells. They were such a pleasure to take care of......"
She said they are studying why her cells grew so good and fast and some peoples don't.
I should have told her it was all the prayers.....that's something they won't find out in the lab. :)
They gave her 47.6 billion cells and by the time she comes back for her check up in 4 weeks they said she will have over 89 billion cells fighting the cancer. Isn't that AWESOME?
The card said "The entire Til Lab staff would like to congratulate you on receiving all 47.6 billion of you cells. They were such a pleasure to take care of......"
She said they are studying why her cells grew so good and fast and some peoples don't.
I should have told her it was all the prayers.....that's something they won't find out in the lab. :)
They gave her 47.6 billion cells and by the time she comes back for her check up in 4 weeks they said she will have over 89 billion cells fighting the cancer. Isn't that AWESOME?
TIL CELL DAY!!!!!!
Today is til cell day...the day we've been waiting for....the reason we're here!!!!
It only took about 30 minutes or so to get them and now they are just monitoring her to make sure she stays stable. Right now, she feels pretty good but around 3:00pm they will bring the dreaded IL2 in and get that started.
When I came in the room today, Savannah had a "thing" on the computer for me to watch. She, Bo & Shelby had written love letters to me and then Savannah had put a variety of pictures of our family (with music) on a DVD for my Mother's Day gift. It was the best gift anyone could have given me. Of course I started crying and then Savannah did and Danny just laughed at both of us. It was the sweetest thing EVER!
While I've been trying to write this post Savannah has had all her vitals taken, done her physical therapy, seen her Infectious Disease doctors and the Chaplain. Man, am I slow or what?
I am SO slow (as a matter of fact) that they just came in to start the IL2...so...probably should go talk to them.
It only took about 30 minutes or so to get them and now they are just monitoring her to make sure she stays stable. Right now, she feels pretty good but around 3:00pm they will bring the dreaded IL2 in and get that started.
When I came in the room today, Savannah had a "thing" on the computer for me to watch. She, Bo & Shelby had written love letters to me and then Savannah had put a variety of pictures of our family (with music) on a DVD for my Mother's Day gift. It was the best gift anyone could have given me. Of course I started crying and then Savannah did and Danny just laughed at both of us. It was the sweetest thing EVER!
While I've been trying to write this post Savannah has had all her vitals taken, done her physical therapy, seen her Infectious Disease doctors and the Chaplain. Man, am I slow or what?
I am SO slow (as a matter of fact) that they just came in to start the IL2...so...probably should go talk to them.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Tuesday, 12th
Today was another beautiful, sunshiny day in Bethesda. After Savannah's treatment we checked out her dream store...ANTHROPOLOGY. She found a couple of cute things she just had to have!!! After that we visited White Flint Mall, did a tiny bit of shopping and had dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. She was so tired afterward that we came straight back and put her to bed. I don't think we will be trying any more outings that big for a while. She's just too weak right now.
We were supposed to go to Baltimore tomorrow to meet Jeff, Donna & the girls, David & Aparna (Donna's brother and his wife) and Aparna's brother and his wife and new baby. We were going to meet at the Inner Harbor and go to the Aquarium and see the sights there. Well....Jeff & Donna both came down with a terrible bug and Savannah is just not up to a trip that long so we are going to have to save that for another time.
Her last chemo treatment will be in the morning at 5am. Thursday is till cell day.
They will give her the till cells around noon and then later in the afternoon she will start the Interleukin 2. That's the part I'm dreading most. They say she will get very sick. They will continue the IL2 until her body can't handle it anymore then they will stop it. After that she will be very weak for a few days. From then on we will just be waiting for her immune system to get back up to full strength.
Thanks for the prayers...please keep them coming!
We were supposed to go to Baltimore tomorrow to meet Jeff, Donna & the girls, David & Aparna (Donna's brother and his wife) and Aparna's brother and his wife and new baby. We were going to meet at the Inner Harbor and go to the Aquarium and see the sights there. Well....Jeff & Donna both came down with a terrible bug and Savannah is just not up to a trip that long so we are going to have to save that for another time.
Her last chemo treatment will be in the morning at 5am. Thursday is till cell day.
They will give her the till cells around noon and then later in the afternoon she will start the Interleukin 2. That's the part I'm dreading most. They say she will get very sick. They will continue the IL2 until her body can't handle it anymore then they will stop it. After that she will be very weak for a few days. From then on we will just be waiting for her immune system to get back up to full strength.
Thanks for the prayers...please keep them coming!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Monday, 11th
This afternoon Savannah felt like going shopping . We went to the Wig Shop where we had plenty of laughs. I think the little Asian man who owned the shop was wondering about us till we told him we were from Arkansas. He seemed to take us in stride after that. Some people ...(danny & savannah)... just give Arkansas a bad name! :] We found The Container Store and ULTA (similar to Sophora) and had dinner. By that time Savannah was getting very tired and another storm was brewing so we called a taxi and headed for NIH. Savannah is once again, all tucked in for the night and by now probably sleeping tight! Our LOVE to ALL!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mother's Day
Today was a lovely day! The sun was shining, there was a nice warm breeze and as I sipped my coffee on the patio this morning, little birds were flittering all over the place in the garden.
Donna (my sister-in-law), Dottie (her mom) and my nieces, Lilly & Rose all came to visit Savannah this afternoon. It was really pleasant. We talked, lounged around, played games and then came over to our humble little mansion to walk through the gardens and have some coffee. Later after they left, we had a late lunch/early dinner, fought over the massage chair (again) and took a little nap. Savannah is back over at the hospital now all tucked in for the night. I think we wore her out!
Tomorrow looks like wig shopping day and possibly other shopping too!!!
We feel all the prayers being prayed and we appreciate it SO much.
God reminds me daily - HE is in control...not the cancer!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Last night was a little uncomfortable for Savannah. The chemo made her skin turn really red and her face & lips start burning. She was running a fever too which is normal but it was a little higher than they wanted it to be so they ran more tests to make sure there was no reason for infection. Today, she is feeling much better. They just started her on the 2nd chemo that is much easier to tolerate. She will receive that daily for the next 5 days. During that time, if she feels like it they will let her go out on pass to shop, eat or see the sights. SO......all is good for now. :)
Friday, May 8, 2009
Friday 8th
Today we woke up to the beautiful sunshine and warm breeze which is in sharp contrast to the gray, stormy weather we've been having. I think the sun has helped our attitudes as well as the nurses, doctors and everyone else.
Savannah is very sleepy today so we're just leaving her alone unless she wakes up needing something. The nurse just started her 2nd dose of chemo a few minutes ago. All is going well and the doctors say we're on track. :)
Savannah is very sleepy today so we're just leaving her alone unless she wakes up needing something. The nurse just started her 2nd dose of chemo a few minutes ago. All is going well and the doctors say we're on track. :)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Thursday 7th
Today was fairly uneventful til around 4pm when Savannah's research nurse stuck her head in the door and told us they did the last check on the till cells and everything was a GO! They started her chemo around 5pm and aside from one little bit of nausea (which they medicated her for) she is very tired but doing good.
Danny and I are tired...even though we haven't done anything but walk back and forth from the lodge to the hospital. I think ours is mostly mental exhaustion.
We feel your prayers and we're so thankful for them.
Danny and I are tired...even though we haven't done anything but walk back and forth from the lodge to the hospital. I think ours is mostly mental exhaustion.
We feel your prayers and we're so thankful for them.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Savannah's address
Some have asked for Savannah's address here at NIH so here it is -
National Institutes of Health
Building 10/CRC, Unit 3NW
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20892
Patient - Savannah Dutton, Room 3-1640
National Institutes of Health
Building 10/CRC, Unit 3NW
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20892
Patient - Savannah Dutton, Room 3-1640
Wednesday 6th
Savannah spent last night in her hospital room so she could have a procedure done this morning to put a pick-line in her neck. That is where they will administer all the fluids, drugs and till cells.
We're happy about that considering she has tiny veins and doesn't like being stuck repeatedly with needles. She is having some discomfort but the pain meds they gave her are starting to kick in.
They told us this morning that the new scans they took showed some growth in the existing tumors. There are some new spots also on her liver and lungs. They said it is not surprising considering she hasn't had treatment yet. When they start the treatment, it will effect ALL the tumors in her system so that's a positive!
PLEASE pray that the treatment works, the side effects are minimal and that she gets no infections while her immune system is down.
Danny caught the Metro earlier to go to the grocery store but he's been gone quite a while. I hope he's not lost......or.....maybe he's just searching from store to store looking for Savannah's pomegranate body wash she ordered! :) She's definitely got him wrapped around her finger.
We Love Y'all
We're happy about that considering she has tiny veins and doesn't like being stuck repeatedly with needles. She is having some discomfort but the pain meds they gave her are starting to kick in.
They told us this morning that the new scans they took showed some growth in the existing tumors. There are some new spots also on her liver and lungs. They said it is not surprising considering she hasn't had treatment yet. When they start the treatment, it will effect ALL the tumors in her system so that's a positive!
PLEASE pray that the treatment works, the side effects are minimal and that she gets no infections while her immune system is down.
Danny caught the Metro earlier to go to the grocery store but he's been gone quite a while. I hope he's not lost......or.....maybe he's just searching from store to store looking for Savannah's pomegranate body wash she ordered! :) She's definitely got him wrapped around her finger.
We Love Y'all
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Overwhelmed!
As I sit here trying to write this.....I am at a loss for words.
The Benefit for Savannah was beyond successful. We are SO thankful and humbled by the outpouring of love and generosity that our friends, family and community have shown us. We will never be able to thank all of you that were involved! Hopefully we will have the opportunity to pay it forward one of these days.
They are saying at least 400 were served food... (I'm thinking maybe more) and it was estimated that there were between 600-800 people that got through the door to listen to music, visit and bid on the items auctioned off. Some came, saw the masses, left a donation and didn't stay....so there is no telling how many were really involved. :)
Diane Cramer and her whole family along with many others too numerous to mention, did a FANTASTIC job cooking, organizing, serving, etc. It was a HUGE undertaking and they pulled it off without a hitch.
We are also thankful to the musicians who performed (they were wonderful)
We appreciate the Auctioneer and all those who donated those yummy looking pies, cakes, cookies and other desserts as well as household items to be auctioned.
We are so blessed!
It might be a while before I can get Thank You cards out but all of you involved......you know who you are........please know that we Thank You and we thank God for you!
NOW ABOUT SAVANNAH.....
Monday was a blurrrr! We didn't get much sleep Sunday night. Danny and I flew out of Tulsa at 7:45am and Savannah flew out of XNA around 10:30am. We caught shuttles to the lodge at NIH. We all took naps. :) Savannah had to check in the hospital and have some tests run but then they let her stay in the lodge with us. We found an awesome Italian place that delivers to NIH so we took advantage of that for dinner. After that we found a massage chair in the 3rd floor sitting room. We fought over that for a while and after we were all de-stressed.....we went to bed.
Savannah had to be back over at the hospital at 7am for more tests. Since then we have been hanging out doing....pretty much ...nothing. She has to go back over in a little while for an MRI then come back to the lodge for the night.
This is such a beautiful place and they have thought of everything. It is comfortable and useful and a haven from everything else going on around us.
We are so Thankful and so Blessed.
Again THANK YOU.....WE Love you ALL!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
I wish
As much as I dread Savannah's treatment, I wish we could go and get her started today! The tumor on her neck is growing rapidly and is making her whole chest hurt. It even hurts her to move. She tries to be brave but I can tell she 's not feeling good. Please continue those prayers. Thanks!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
NIH called
We heard from NIH today. They have scheduled us to come out on May 4th. Savannah will start chemo on the 7th. They want her there a few days early to do some blood work. She will be on chemo for 7 days. It will totally wipe out her immune system. After that they will infuse the till cells into her system and then start the Interleukin 2. Since she will have no immune system the threat of infection is a very real one. I'm getting a head start and asking for prayer that God will just keep her cradled in His hands and keep her free of anything that could cause infections. I also ask for prayer with all the side effects of the chemo and IL2
Danny and I would also appreciate prayers for us to have the emotional and physical strength to handle all that lies ahead as we take care of her.
I feel a little strange promoting the benefit that some WONDERFUL FRIENDS are having for Savannah... but.... so many are asking for specifics that I thought I would address some of the questions.....
What - Dinner (mexican/fajitas), music show & auction
When - Saturday, May 2nd @ 6pm
Where - Greenland Community Center
From what I've heard, they could still use some volunteers to help serve, take $ for the auction and clean-up afterward.
Anyone interested can contact Diane Cramer @
Danny and I would also appreciate prayers for us to have the emotional and physical strength to handle all that lies ahead as we take care of her.
I feel a little strange promoting the benefit that some WONDERFUL FRIENDS are having for Savannah... but.... so many are asking for specifics that I thought I would address some of the questions.....
What - Dinner (mexican/fajitas), music show & auction
When - Saturday, May 2nd @ 6pm
Where - Greenland Community Center
From what I've heard, they could still use some volunteers to help serve, take $ for the auction and clean-up afterward.
Anyone interested can contact Diane Cramer @
Friday, April 17, 2009
Friday
We just got back from Savannah's appointment today. The scan showed that the bump on her neck....above her collar bone is a new tumor. It grew rapidly but some of the other spots did not SO... there is always something to be thankful for! Now, we will just wait for NIH to contact us with our schedule.
Thank you for keeping up the prayers. Also, Thank you to all of you who are volunteering all of your time, energy and resources to benefit our family. We don't deserve it but we definitely appreciate it. We are so blessed. :)
Thank you for keeping up the prayers. Also, Thank you to all of you who are volunteering all of your time, energy and resources to benefit our family. We don't deserve it but we definitely appreciate it. We are so blessed. :)
Well, I've decided that I had better watch what I ask you guys to pray for because the minute I put a prayer request on this blog......it gets answered before I get off the computer. I was re-reading the last 2 posts and I realized I left a part out. I said that God had just worked the IL2/ insurance thing out but I didn't tell how.
They were not going to give her the treatment because it is so expensive and some insurances won't pay. As soon as I logged off the computer, our connections at NIH had emailed and said If we decided to go that route, they would see to it that she got the drug. Then, that afternoon we had an appointment with our doctor here and He said that he had talked to WRMC and if she wanted the IL2 treatment...SHE WOULD HAVE IT...PERIOD! As I said before, now she doesn't need it because the till cells are growing so fast! :)
Savannah had another scan Wednesday and we go today to see what they say about whether it's fast or slow growing.
I have a sad heart this morning. Danny had a young friend and co-worker die in a car wreck. His name was Paul Lindey and he was 23 yrs. old. Danny said he was a really great guy. I feel for his family who lives in Mena where they are still recovering from the tornado that hit there the other day.
Coach Calhoun, one of Shelby's former teachers died of a heart attack. He was the sweetest man ever. The kids loved him so much....we will miss him dearly.
And.....though not last on my list by any means......Aaron Tomlinson, the son of some good friends of ours, has left this morning to serve our country in Iraq.
My prayer request today is that God will just comfort these families in their loss. I also pray that He will go with Aaron, keep him safe and return him to his family soon AND give his mama & daddy PEACE about it!
They were not going to give her the treatment because it is so expensive and some insurances won't pay. As soon as I logged off the computer, our connections at NIH had emailed and said If we decided to go that route, they would see to it that she got the drug. Then, that afternoon we had an appointment with our doctor here and He said that he had talked to WRMC and if she wanted the IL2 treatment...SHE WOULD HAVE IT...PERIOD! As I said before, now she doesn't need it because the till cells are growing so fast! :)
Savannah had another scan Wednesday and we go today to see what they say about whether it's fast or slow growing.
I have a sad heart this morning. Danny had a young friend and co-worker die in a car wreck. His name was Paul Lindey and he was 23 yrs. old. Danny said he was a really great guy. I feel for his family who lives in Mena where they are still recovering from the tornado that hit there the other day.
Coach Calhoun, one of Shelby's former teachers died of a heart attack. He was the sweetest man ever. The kids loved him so much....we will miss him dearly.
And.....though not last on my list by any means......Aaron Tomlinson, the son of some good friends of ours, has left this morning to serve our country in Iraq.
My prayer request today is that God will just comfort these families in their loss. I also pray that He will go with Aaron, keep him safe and return him to his family soon AND give his mama & daddy PEACE about it!
Monday, April 13, 2009
WOW!
In the last blog I posted earlier today, I asked you guys to pray that Savannah's till cells would grow. They told us last Friday that it would be at least 2 more weeks before they would know. About 2pm today NIH called and said the till cells were growing like crazy!!!!!!! Next week they will have our schedule ready and be able to start treatment earlier...in May instead of June.
THANK YOU GOD!!!!!!!!!!!
He just keeps on blessing!
THANK YOU GOD!!!!!!!!!!!
He just keeps on blessing!
Oh "Me" of little Faith!
In the last blog on Friday I said we needed a MIRACLE........ by the time we got to our doctor appointment God had just taken care of it! I know He is an awesome God so why does it surprise me every time He answers a prayer?
Savannah's doctor talked to NIH while we were in the office and they expressed to him that they really thought it would be best if we waited for the till cell therapy. It has the possible highest rate of success. I guess the IL2 will be the treatment IF the till cells don't grow. It will still be about 2 more weeks till we hear about that.
PLEASE PRAY THE TILL CELLS GROW! She has had another small lump come up in a lymph gland on her collar bone...on the same side. The doctor said it is not unusual but of course, it bothers me. We go Wednesday for another scan so they can try to see how fast or slow things are growing. We will hear those results Friday at our appointment.
Easter was a nasty but glorious day. As I sat at the piano in church, I looked down and there was my whole precious family....Danny, Bo, Savannah, Shelby & Corinna (our exchange student). I looked the other way and saw Mom & Daddy, Aunts, Cousins and so many friends......SO MUCH to be thankful for. After church, we used our church's family center to have an Easter get-together. A bunch more showed up and the kids had a blast playing and hunting eggs.
All of that plus the obvious reason for Easter - The day our Saviour arose from the grave and LIVES !!!! Like I said....It was a glorious day!
Thank you all for your continued prayers!
Savannah's doctor talked to NIH while we were in the office and they expressed to him that they really thought it would be best if we waited for the till cell therapy. It has the possible highest rate of success. I guess the IL2 will be the treatment IF the till cells don't grow. It will still be about 2 more weeks till we hear about that.
PLEASE PRAY THE TILL CELLS GROW! She has had another small lump come up in a lymph gland on her collar bone...on the same side. The doctor said it is not unusual but of course, it bothers me. We go Wednesday for another scan so they can try to see how fast or slow things are growing. We will hear those results Friday at our appointment.
Easter was a nasty but glorious day. As I sat at the piano in church, I looked down and there was my whole precious family....Danny, Bo, Savannah, Shelby & Corinna (our exchange student). I looked the other way and saw Mom & Daddy, Aunts, Cousins and so many friends......SO MUCH to be thankful for. After church, we used our church's family center to have an Easter get-together. A bunch more showed up and the kids had a blast playing and hunting eggs.
All of that plus the obvious reason for Easter - The day our Saviour arose from the grave and LIVES !!!! Like I said....It was a glorious day!
Thank you all for your continued prayers!
Friday, April 10, 2009
I'm not doing a very good job keeping the blog updated. :(
We got home late Monday night.....we were exhausted so it took a couple of days to get back in the groove!
Savannah is feeling pretty good except the surgery site....it's still pretty tender.
We have an appointment today with the oncologist so he can keep up with her case and offer services if needed. While we are waiting for the till cells to grow, we are trying to get her on a treatment that she could take here at home. It's called Interleukin 2. It is the strongest treatment available right now with the least major side effects. She would have to be hospitalized for about a week while getting the treatment then released for a few weeks til the next round. This drug has the potential to shrink the tumors and possibly wipe out the cancer.
If the Interleukin 2 works there would be no need for the till therapy. They would then freeze the till cells to keep in case she ever needed them again. They can keep them for years.
This is where my prayer request comes in..... hospitals won't give the drug because so few insurance companies will pay for it. It's extremely expensive and they don't even offer it as a possible free drug from the drug company.
We need another miracle. I say - miracle - because dealing with insurance companies that don't care about human life......only money, are almost impossible to work with. Actually, I'm just praying for total healing so we don't even have to deal with insurance companies!!!!! :)
We would still appreciate your continued prayers. God has blessed us so much and we know He will continue.
We have been so touched and thrilled with all the phone calls, messages, emails, gifts, food and prayers from all of you wonderful family and friends and friends of friends...............it's truly amazing! We're SO thankful for ALL of you. I'm just sorry I can't get back with everyone of you and tell you personally what you mean to our whole family. We love you!
We got home late Monday night.....we were exhausted so it took a couple of days to get back in the groove!
Savannah is feeling pretty good except the surgery site....it's still pretty tender.
We have an appointment today with the oncologist so he can keep up with her case and offer services if needed. While we are waiting for the till cells to grow, we are trying to get her on a treatment that she could take here at home. It's called Interleukin 2. It is the strongest treatment available right now with the least major side effects. She would have to be hospitalized for about a week while getting the treatment then released for a few weeks til the next round. This drug has the potential to shrink the tumors and possibly wipe out the cancer.
If the Interleukin 2 works there would be no need for the till therapy. They would then freeze the till cells to keep in case she ever needed them again. They can keep them for years.
This is where my prayer request comes in..... hospitals won't give the drug because so few insurance companies will pay for it. It's extremely expensive and they don't even offer it as a possible free drug from the drug company.
We need another miracle. I say - miracle - because dealing with insurance companies that don't care about human life......only money, are almost impossible to work with. Actually, I'm just praying for total healing so we don't even have to deal with insurance companies!!!!! :)
We would still appreciate your continued prayers. God has blessed us so much and we know He will continue.
We have been so touched and thrilled with all the phone calls, messages, emails, gifts, food and prayers from all of you wonderful family and friends and friends of friends...............it's truly amazing! We're SO thankful for ALL of you. I'm just sorry I can't get back with everyone of you and tell you personally what you mean to our whole family. We love you!
Friday, April 3, 2009
New Challenges
Everyday brings new challenges to think and pray about.
We've learned that Savannah's tissue type does not match the qualifications it needs to use " genetically engineered" immune cells. So, we need to pray that in the next few weeks the lab will be able to grow the till cells needed to fight the melanoma . They will know if the cells will grow in about 3 weeks but it will still take 6 -8 weeks for them to grow enough to give her. There is about a 70% chance they will grow. Since she is young and otherwise healthy.....they are optimistic! :)
On a lighter note... The Family Lodge we're staying in is WONDERFUL.
It's like having our own little suite within a Mansion. Super Nice, very comfortable......AND.........MAID SERVICE.....wahoooooooooo!
We are not sure when we are coming home.....possibly Monday....who knows
We really miss everybody! Thanks All!
We've learned that Savannah's tissue type does not match the qualifications it needs to use " genetically engineered" immune cells. So, we need to pray that in the next few weeks the lab will be able to grow the till cells needed to fight the melanoma . They will know if the cells will grow in about 3 weeks but it will still take 6 -8 weeks for them to grow enough to give her. There is about a 70% chance they will grow. Since she is young and otherwise healthy.....they are optimistic! :)
On a lighter note... The Family Lodge we're staying in is WONDERFUL.
It's like having our own little suite within a Mansion. Super Nice, very comfortable......AND.........MAID SERVICE.....wahoooooooooo!
We are not sure when we are coming home.....possibly Monday....who knows
We really miss everybody! Thanks All!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
A long day
It has been a long, trying day. Sitting around waiting is hard work!
Savannah went in to surgery around 9am to 9:30. She didn't come out till around 3pm. It ran longer than they had anticipated. The mass under her arm was much larger than they had first thought so that took extra time. They also removed the spot on her back shoulder which added time to the procedure.
Her team of doctors say they removed as much of the tumor as possible without getting into the nerves, muscle and other important parts. They have plenty of cells to work with now to grow the till cells.
They will be doing another procedure early in the morning to extract about 15% of her white blood cells to "feed" the immune cells to insure they grow well and multiply.
Savannah is doing well. She is in good but "mellow" spirits......I'm pretty sure that is due to the wonderful pain medicine they have her on.
Today Danny moved us in to the Family Lodge where we will be until we leave here. It is only about a 3 or 4 minute walk from the hospital.
Earlier this evening we had a room full of visitors......it was great! The nurse didn't know what to do........we told him it was a good thing we weren't at home where we knew everybody!!! ;)
God has answered many prayers today and we trust He will continue. Thanks for all the prayers!!!!
Savannah went in to surgery around 9am to 9:30. She didn't come out till around 3pm. It ran longer than they had anticipated. The mass under her arm was much larger than they had first thought so that took extra time. They also removed the spot on her back shoulder which added time to the procedure.
Her team of doctors say they removed as much of the tumor as possible without getting into the nerves, muscle and other important parts. They have plenty of cells to work with now to grow the till cells.
They will be doing another procedure early in the morning to extract about 15% of her white blood cells to "feed" the immune cells to insure they grow well and multiply.
Savannah is doing well. She is in good but "mellow" spirits......I'm pretty sure that is due to the wonderful pain medicine they have her on.
Today Danny moved us in to the Family Lodge where we will be until we leave here. It is only about a 3 or 4 minute walk from the hospital.
Earlier this evening we had a room full of visitors......it was great! The nurse didn't know what to do........we told him it was a good thing we weren't at home where we knew everybody!!! ;)
God has answered many prayers today and we trust He will continue. Thanks for all the prayers!!!!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Learnin' to blog
For anyone who hasn't heard yet, Savannah has been diagnosed with stage 4 Melanoma. She has a large tumor under her arm and has 3 small spots in other areas. We are blessed to have been accepted at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. We are in Middleburg, VA right now staying with my brother and his family untill we can check in at NIH. We had an appointment with her doctors on Thursday and they explained several treatment options. The one they decided to use is where they remove the tumor and somehow extract the good immune cells and treat them to fight the melanoma. They will put the good cells back into her through an IV infusion. To grow the immune cells it takes 4 to 8 weeks. When they are ready she will come back to the hospital for 3 weeks while they give her the treatment. This will hopefully shrink or terminate the other spots.
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We heard from NIH today and found out that Savannah's surgery has been moved from Wednesday to Thursday due to scheduling problems. :( We were hoping to get it over with and get back home sooner but apparently she is not the only one needing medical care. Savannah is doing well but she is having pain in her underarm area where the tumor is. She has pain medicine that is helping but the real help will be when they remove it.
We have been having fun, killing time till check-in; shopping, seeing a movie taking in the scenery. Danny & Donna (my sister-in-law) got to go to an NRA Banquet and today Danny, Savannah and I went to Front Royal to the ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm) Canine Explosive Training Facility. Donna's best friend, Diana, works there and she made that all possible......it was awesome! We also took a drive up Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah Mtns .....it was gorgeous. Savannah took tons of pictures. Maybe we'll get those online soon....?
Tomorrow we will go to Bethesda and stay in a hotel for one night. They want Savannah to go ahead and check into the hospital on Wed so they can have her all ready to go on Thursday.
Hopefully, from Wed. on we will be staying on NIH campus at the Family Lodge.
Please continue all those prayers! Much Love the Dutton's
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We heard from NIH today and found out that Savannah's surgery has been moved from Wednesday to Thursday due to scheduling problems. :( We were hoping to get it over with and get back home sooner but apparently she is not the only one needing medical care. Savannah is doing well but she is having pain in her underarm area where the tumor is. She has pain medicine that is helping but the real help will be when they remove it.
We have been having fun, killing time till check-in; shopping, seeing a movie taking in the scenery. Danny & Donna (my sister-in-law) got to go to an NRA Banquet and today Danny, Savannah and I went to Front Royal to the ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm) Canine Explosive Training Facility. Donna's best friend, Diana, works there and she made that all possible......it was awesome! We also took a drive up Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah Mtns .....it was gorgeous. Savannah took tons of pictures. Maybe we'll get those online soon....?
Tomorrow we will go to Bethesda and stay in a hotel for one night. They want Savannah to go ahead and check into the hospital on Wed so they can have her all ready to go on Thursday.
Hopefully, from Wed. on we will be staying on NIH campus at the Family Lodge.
Please continue all those prayers! Much Love the Dutton's
Friday, March 27, 2009
The "first blog"
Savannah makes fun of me because I use quotation marks a lot. I just type like I talk......scary, I know but.....oh well.......
I've never posted on a blog before so I have no idea what I'm supposed to say...but....I want to tell everyone how proud I am of our sweet Savannah. She is so brave and courageous and has so much faith in God. She knows He will heal her and of course, we do too. We have already seen some amazing things come out of all this mess. I will "post" again later when I have something to say. ;)
I've never posted on a blog before so I have no idea what I'm supposed to say...but....I want to tell everyone how proud I am of our sweet Savannah. She is so brave and courageous and has so much faith in God. She knows He will heal her and of course, we do too. We have already seen some amazing things come out of all this mess. I will "post" again later when I have something to say. ;)
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