This is my favorite time of the year!!!! All the beautiful Fall colors, the crispness in the air, sweaters, Razorback Football and our yearly Hayride & Weenie Roasts. Shelby had her "friend" hayride Saturday night and our family hayride was last night. It was a huge success! Everyone had a great time.... Melanie and Carson even drove up from Belton, Texas just to be here for it. Of course, anytime all of us "crazies" get together we have a blast and the more people that come the more fun we have. Between the family stories, the snake stories and the ghost stories, I think everyone had a few good screams.
We have SO MUCH to be thankful for and to PRAISE GOD for!!!!!!!
Savannah's new medicine is most likely working on her tumors!!! She traveled back to NIH a few weeks ago for tests even though she is not officially under their care as of now. They said that most of the tumors looked smaller. Some were a bit larger but they think that might be the difference in the time of the tests and the delay in getting the meds. She feels great, looks great and seems to have quite a bit of energy. I can't stop praising GOD for all He has blessed us with! :)
I guess Shelby and her friends will be here tonight passing out candy to the trick or treaters so if you're looking for candy.......drop by.........OOoooooooOOooooOO!!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
PRAISE GOD!!! PRAISE GOD!!! Savannah's B-RAF Mutation Test came back positive!!! Even though any kind of mutation sounds scary to me, the doctors say it's a good thing. Apparently, if her cells are mutated, there is a drug (that has just been FDA approved last week) they can prescribe that can go into the mutant cells and attack them to eat up the cancer.....or.......something like that. You know me and scientific talk... :) Anyway, they say it has a high success rate so--that is our specific prayer now...that the drug works on her. She has other tumors in different areas besides her adrenal gland and liver but the doctors don't seem to be that concerned. I guess if the medicine works - it will work on all the tumors wherever they are. They finally put her on a steroid- type drug to calm her nausea and give her an appetite. It seems to be working. She is starting to eat a little bit and doesn't seem nearly as weak. She's not 100% yet but she's working on it.
There were a few dark days while we were there. Savannah was SO sick... then, we learned that the IL 15 Treatment was not working. At that point they pretty much told me there was nothing else NIH could do for her because there were no other clinical trials that she qualified for. Our Doctor said he wouldn't just leave us hanging though, and was researching other options at different hospitals etc....It was like a bad roller coaster ride....up, down and all around.
That night, I went to my room, exhausted, and fell asleep crying and praying. Everything looked so dim. Through the night God sent His spirit to comfort and console me. When I woke up It was almost like an audible voice that said "Get UP!!! It's a beautiful day!!! Why are you down? I told you from the very beginning I would take care of this and nothing has changed. I've got it under control!....TRUST ME!!!" SO...what else could I do?....I got up with a renewed spirit and had a great day with Savannah. She had a good day too! :)
Now, we are just waiting for all the paper work to be done and they will be sending us her drug. I haven't even read the info on it yet. I'm hoping side effects are mild and that she will tolerate it well.
We are asking for your continued prayers for total healing. Thanks SO much!!!!
There were a few dark days while we were there. Savannah was SO sick... then, we learned that the IL 15 Treatment was not working. At that point they pretty much told me there was nothing else NIH could do for her because there were no other clinical trials that she qualified for. Our Doctor said he wouldn't just leave us hanging though, and was researching other options at different hospitals etc....It was like a bad roller coaster ride....up, down and all around.
That night, I went to my room, exhausted, and fell asleep crying and praying. Everything looked so dim. Through the night God sent His spirit to comfort and console me. When I woke up It was almost like an audible voice that said "Get UP!!! It's a beautiful day!!! Why are you down? I told you from the very beginning I would take care of this and nothing has changed. I've got it under control!....TRUST ME!!!" SO...what else could I do?....I got up with a renewed spirit and had a great day with Savannah. She had a good day too! :)
Now, we are just waiting for all the paper work to be done and they will be sending us her drug. I haven't even read the info on it yet. I'm hoping side effects are mild and that she will tolerate it well.
We are asking for your continued prayers for total healing. Thanks SO much!!!!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
The unexpected!
Never would I have dreamed that when I woke up Tuesday morning and started getting ready for an eye exam that- at the end of the day, I would be standing on the Metro deck at Reagan National airport in DC.!!!
After Savannah and I got home last Monday night, she continued to get worse. She had not really eaten much of anything for 6 weeks and she was nauseous to boot. It got to where she couldn't even keep water down. Fortunately, she had to be back at NIH this Monday for tests. When they heard of her condition they decided to admit her the minute she got here. I was SO thankful for that because she was so weak she could barely walk.
Getting her out hear was a nightmare though. She left XNA at 3:30 pm on Sunday and was supposed to arrive here at 10 pm. But - of course.....that would have been too easy and drama free! When she got to Dallas, they had cancelled her flight to DC. Nobody knew why....it was just cancelled. She was stuck in Dallas, too weak to even sit up, wanting to come home and go to bed....She was miserable and so were we, trying to do something to help her. Finally, the airlines arranged for a hotel room that SHE had to pay $75 of her own money for.... (that's an unresolved issue...!) But at least she was able to go to bed. The next morning she missed her next 2 flights because she was too sick to leave the room. She eventually made it to NIH.
I was sitting at my eye appointment with dilated eyes when her Doctor called. He said she was in bad shape. Her body had basically started shutting down because it was in "starvation mode'.
SO.....thanks to Darrin & Carla I was on a plane headed for my baby within a few hours.
They started feeding her by IV and by the next morning, she was already feeling much better. THANK YOU GOD!!!!
She just ate some mashed potatoes and gravy ...her first solid food in weeks!!! YAY!!!!!!!! I guess we'll be here til Monday because that's her next scheduled appointment and they want to monitor her till then. Hopefully we'll be flying home Monday evening.
Seeing as how we can't do anything without some sort of drama. I just have to share.....The medical team was just getting ready to put Savannah's picc line in when the earthquake happened. They had to evacuate the building. Everything was crazy for a while. Even the next day, that's all anyone was talking about. When I arrived later that night, it took forever to get from the airport to NIH because the Metro was running at only 15 mph due to crews checking out the lines and structure for quake damage. They did find some but not on any of the lines I had been on! wheeeewww!
Now, we just have to deal with the hurricane they say is coming through!
We need prayers that her tumors are dissolving!!! Thanks SO much! Love to All!
After Savannah and I got home last Monday night, she continued to get worse. She had not really eaten much of anything for 6 weeks and she was nauseous to boot. It got to where she couldn't even keep water down. Fortunately, she had to be back at NIH this Monday for tests. When they heard of her condition they decided to admit her the minute she got here. I was SO thankful for that because she was so weak she could barely walk.
Getting her out hear was a nightmare though. She left XNA at 3:30 pm on Sunday and was supposed to arrive here at 10 pm. But - of course.....that would have been too easy and drama free! When she got to Dallas, they had cancelled her flight to DC. Nobody knew why....it was just cancelled. She was stuck in Dallas, too weak to even sit up, wanting to come home and go to bed....She was miserable and so were we, trying to do something to help her. Finally, the airlines arranged for a hotel room that SHE had to pay $75 of her own money for.... (that's an unresolved issue...!) But at least she was able to go to bed. The next morning she missed her next 2 flights because she was too sick to leave the room. She eventually made it to NIH.
I was sitting at my eye appointment with dilated eyes when her Doctor called. He said she was in bad shape. Her body had basically started shutting down because it was in "starvation mode'.
SO.....thanks to Darrin & Carla I was on a plane headed for my baby within a few hours.
They started feeding her by IV and by the next morning, she was already feeling much better. THANK YOU GOD!!!!
She just ate some mashed potatoes and gravy ...her first solid food in weeks!!! YAY!!!!!!!! I guess we'll be here til Monday because that's her next scheduled appointment and they want to monitor her till then. Hopefully we'll be flying home Monday evening.
Seeing as how we can't do anything without some sort of drama. I just have to share.....The medical team was just getting ready to put Savannah's picc line in when the earthquake happened. They had to evacuate the building. Everything was crazy for a while. Even the next day, that's all anyone was talking about. When I arrived later that night, it took forever to get from the airport to NIH because the Metro was running at only 15 mph due to crews checking out the lines and structure for quake damage. They did find some but not on any of the lines I had been on! wheeeewww!
Now, we just have to deal with the hurricane they say is coming through!
We need prayers that her tumors are dissolving!!! Thanks SO much! Love to All!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Saturday, August 6th
Well, Savannah is doing pretty good. She gets her treatment around 11am every morning and about 2 hours after that she starts chilling and gets sleepy. I wrap her from head to toe with the heated blankets they have here and she sleeps for about an hour or so. In the evening, after she is unhooked from everything she comes over to the Lodge with me and we have a little dinner and watch some TV. She is eating a bit better so hopefully her energy level will start to rise.
She was in good spirits when I got here today. I thought maybe she was feeling a little better, and she might be... but.... after a brief investigation I found out it was due to a new - "HOT DOCTOR"
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Day 3 of Treatment
August 3rd.....Savannah's 3rd treatment, Bo's Birthday and the day Carla leaves to go home.
Oh such an eventful day! lol
Savannah's treatments are going well. She isn't having extreme side effects like they thought might happen, but at the same time, the longer she has them the tougher they get on her system. They said the 2nd week might be more harsh. Her spirits are good but she has NO appetite at all and hasn't for about 3 weeks now. Because of that she is running low on energy. They said that's fairly normal when you have liver problems - in this case she has tumors on her liver. Both the spots on her adrenal gland and liver have increased in size a little bit BUT - that's what prayer and this treatment is for. :)
As I said - Carla left to fly home this morning. As she was leaving, she made the comment that "it's too bad you have to fly out of town just to get to spend time together." She'll probably never know how much I enjoyed and appreciated her coming out. We got to do a few fun things but I really didn't get to show her all of the sites in DC and the surrounding area that I wanted to. We did go to Union Station and see all the great architecture, some monuments, and the restaurants and shops that are there. That pretty much took a whole day by the time we took the metro etc...... We also went to Middleburg, Virginia (where Jeff, Donna, Lilly & Rose live). We attended church with them and got to see Rose light the candles, we shopped along the quaint little street and had lunch before we were off to Upperville where Lilly and Rose were in a Musical called HONK! It was a variation of The Ugly Duckling. It was Fantastic! Lilly and Rose did a wonderful job. Lilly stole the stage in the 2nd act with her dramatics and solo & duets. Very proud of them both!!! Afterwards, everyone else was busy with cast parties etc... so Jeff took Carla and me to an old historical Inn for dinner. We had such a good time just sitting, talking and reminiscing. Wish I got to see him more often! :(
Other days we hit a few neat shops around the Bethesda area and of course, Home Goods and Barnes & Noble for some new reading material for Savannah while she's in bed. Carla rented a car for a few days so it would be easier to get around. I can't tell you how thankful I am for that! Just ask her ----It's not like home where you decide you want to go somewhere and you hop in your car and get there within a few minutes. It takes planning and time and shuttles and metros and fighting crowds!!!!! :0 ...it's CRAZY! We also spent some time MOVING!!!, We started out in a Hotel then moved to Children's Inn, From there, we moved to Safra Lodge. We were there one night when they moved us to a 2nd floor room. I thought that was enough but turns out - if my prayer is not answered, I will have to move from Safra back to Children's Inn and then back to Safra to finish up our stay. It's all due to availability and the large numbers they're trying to accommodate . Hopefully, I will just be able to stay in Safra til we leave.
So, now I'm here all alone and plan to get caught up on a lot of paper work, reading, Bible study and quiet time. I'm actually looking forward to it....I already have a little "office" set up in Savannah's hospital room so I can be productive while I sit with her.
We are still asking for those prayers of TOTAL HEALING. Thanks everyone!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Delay in Bethesda
Savannah made it to Bethesda with no problems on Sunday. After many delays, Carla and I miraculously arrived in DC within minutes of each other on Monday.
We were going to have to wait an hour and a half for the shuttle so I thought it was a great idea to just hop on the Metro and get there sooner. Yea, right! A couple hours later we still had not reached our destination, we were exhausted from hauling big suitcases (that would not roll correctly) on and off the train, up and down escalators and elevators. Anyone watching us would have likened it to an episode of I LOVE LUCY where Lucy and Ethel had gotten into some comical mess. I've decided people out here just don't see the humor in things like we do! :)
They did Savannah's tests on Monday and Tuesday and were going to start treatment on Wednesday. There's one test they didn't get the results for and they can't start the treatment without it....so.....she has to go in for a little while tomorrow and get her pick-line put in. After that she'll be free again til Sunday night when she has to check back in to the hospital for treatment on Monday.
She's a little bummed that this glitch has added another 5 or 6 days to her stay. She was really wanting to get in - get it done - and get OUT! In the grand scheme of things 5 or 6 more days will not matter that much, even though I understand how she feels.
Carla and I visited Union Station today. I think she was impressed! It's an awesome place to see, eat, shop and just people watch! After riding the Metro back we're just chillin' with Savannah in the Children's Inn until Tuesday when I move to the Safra Lodge...(my favorite place).
Savannah isn't feeling her best so please pray for minor ailments as well as total healing for her.
Thanks for those concerns and prayers! Love to All!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Ready, Set....Goinggggg!
Wow! It seems like it has become a habit with me but I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. There's just always so much to do before you leave town for weeks on end. I guess I won't worry about the house, the laundry, the grocery shopping etc...Danny and Shelby will just have to live with it or do it themselves. :) Hopefully, I'll get some projects painted, upholstered, tagged and to the flea market before I leave. Business has picked up and our booth is looking a little empty but.....that's a good thing!!!
Anyway.....
Savannah's flight will leave Sunday morning at 10:30am for Bethesda. To save more than a couple hundred dollars, I will fly out the next morning at 8am...ughhhhh!!!....that means I'll have to be at the airport by 6:30am... :(
My cousin, Carla, is taking a week or more out of her busy life to come with me. She is flying a different airline and will meet me at the airport. If all goes as planned, we will arrive within about 30 minutes of each other. She will return home on the 3rd and I will stay the rest of the time by myself. I feel bad for Danny, I know he would like to be there for Savannah.
It looks like we will be in a hotel for a few days until a room at the Safra house opens up. It will be a bit inconvenient since the closest hotel is several blocks away, not to mention $200 or more a night!....it's ridiculous! On the other hand, the Safra house is right across the street from the hospital and we can get there within 5 minutes on foot if needed. But....whatever!...I guess it'll all work out like it's suppose to....it'll only be a few days!
Savannah's IL15 treatment will hopefully start on the 27th. That is, if she gets all her tests and scans done on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. We're really praying that this treatment is not so hard on her as the last two were...AND....that it works!
So, quick story for those of you not on FB. Saturday morning, I was sitting here just trying to catch up on some computer stuff when my phone rings. It's my cousin, Sheri. She wants to know WHAT'S GOING ON? I told her what I was doing and she said her family was freaking out because they had heard that I'd had a stoke and they were taking me to Little Rock. It was such a strange feeling knowing a rumor like that was flying around about me with no thread of truth to it. We were cracking up how fast word of mouth gets around....even without emailing, fb or texting. Apparently, someone had heard it at church. They called my cousins, Heath & Vicki in West Fork who they were friends with. They called their sister (Sheri) who called me and didn't get an answer so she called my other cousin (Carla) in Fayetteville who called Danny in Lowell. In the meantime Sheri called me again and I answered...thus....finding out - I was fine. It was very amusing.....for a while!
Once we back tracked and got to the bottom of things.....we discovered that it had all been true....they had just gotten the wrong Patti. It was Patty Underhill that had a stroke and was on her way to Little Rock.
That took the humor out of it. So, I haven't heard any updates but hopefully y'all will join us in lifting her up in prayer.
Exciting times in Greenland and West Fork!
Thanks for the prayers and support!
Anyway.....
Savannah's flight will leave Sunday morning at 10:30am for Bethesda. To save more than a couple hundred dollars, I will fly out the next morning at 8am...ughhhhh!!!....that means I'll have to be at the airport by 6:30am... :(
My cousin, Carla, is taking a week or more out of her busy life to come with me. She is flying a different airline and will meet me at the airport. If all goes as planned, we will arrive within about 30 minutes of each other. She will return home on the 3rd and I will stay the rest of the time by myself. I feel bad for Danny, I know he would like to be there for Savannah.
It looks like we will be in a hotel for a few days until a room at the Safra house opens up. It will be a bit inconvenient since the closest hotel is several blocks away, not to mention $200 or more a night!....it's ridiculous! On the other hand, the Safra house is right across the street from the hospital and we can get there within 5 minutes on foot if needed. But....whatever!...I guess it'll all work out like it's suppose to....it'll only be a few days!
Savannah's IL15 treatment will hopefully start on the 27th. That is, if she gets all her tests and scans done on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. We're really praying that this treatment is not so hard on her as the last two were...AND....that it works!
So, quick story for those of you not on FB. Saturday morning, I was sitting here just trying to catch up on some computer stuff when my phone rings. It's my cousin, Sheri. She wants to know WHAT'S GOING ON? I told her what I was doing and she said her family was freaking out because they had heard that I'd had a stoke and they were taking me to Little Rock. It was such a strange feeling knowing a rumor like that was flying around about me with no thread of truth to it. We were cracking up how fast word of mouth gets around....even without emailing, fb or texting. Apparently, someone had heard it at church. They called my cousins, Heath & Vicki in West Fork who they were friends with. They called their sister (Sheri) who called me and didn't get an answer so she called my other cousin (Carla) in Fayetteville who called Danny in Lowell. In the meantime Sheri called me again and I answered...thus....finding out - I was fine. It was very amusing.....for a while!
Once we back tracked and got to the bottom of things.....we discovered that it had all been true....they had just gotten the wrong Patti. It was Patty Underhill that had a stroke and was on her way to Little Rock.
That took the humor out of it. So, I haven't heard any updates but hopefully y'all will join us in lifting her up in prayer.
Exciting times in Greenland and West Fork!
Thanks for the prayers and support!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
A Definite Plan
NIH contacted Savannah and told her that we need to be in Bethesda on Sunday, July 24th. On Monday they will start running the scans etc... and hopefully start the treatment on the 26th or 27th. We don't really know what to expect but it shouldn't be as bad as the last 2 treatments....(we hope), and 2 to 3 weeks instead of 3 to 4 weeks.
This week has been a crazy one.......
At the end of last week, Savannah's right arm started swelling and got some red spots on it. Some swelling is normal since they took out her lymph nodes when they removed the tumor under her arm but this was excessive swelling. It moved into her hand and fingers. Then, she started having bad pain in her middle finger and down her wrist and up her arm. By Saturday she was having to use only her left hand for everything and was in a lot of pain. Then the red spots started puffing up.
Between calls to NIH and everywhere else, we debated whether to go to the ER and wait 6 or 7 hours or just wait til Monday morning and see our PCP. We decided to wait. SO......Monday morning I called and got her an appointment. I also got Shelby and appointment because she has had some kind of coughing, stuffy head, thing going on for a couple of weeks. Turns out their appointments were pretty much back to back. Then, this morning, Bo called and said he needed to be taken to the doctor because his eyes were swollen shut and oozing gross stuff! So after a bunch of calls, a bunch of money, and a bunch of trips to the drug store.....all three kids are on the road to recovery and I'm pretty sure the doctors office has told their receptionist to screen all calls from "that psyco Dutton lady" that keeps calling!!!! The diagnosis?......Savannah - they don't know for sure (they're treating her for an infection of some kind)
Shelby - upper respiratory infection
Bo - eye infection
Well, enough about our boring ailments.
We need you prayer warriors out there to start or continue to pray for us.
Specifically for Savannah's healing, our health and strength, finances, safe travel and I could go on and on....... :)
It's so comforting to know that there are so many good people out there sending prayers up for us. We love you! Thanks!
This week has been a crazy one.......
At the end of last week, Savannah's right arm started swelling and got some red spots on it. Some swelling is normal since they took out her lymph nodes when they removed the tumor under her arm but this was excessive swelling. It moved into her hand and fingers. Then, she started having bad pain in her middle finger and down her wrist and up her arm. By Saturday she was having to use only her left hand for everything and was in a lot of pain. Then the red spots started puffing up.
Between calls to NIH and everywhere else, we debated whether to go to the ER and wait 6 or 7 hours or just wait til Monday morning and see our PCP. We decided to wait. SO......Monday morning I called and got her an appointment. I also got Shelby and appointment because she has had some kind of coughing, stuffy head, thing going on for a couple of weeks. Turns out their appointments were pretty much back to back. Then, this morning, Bo called and said he needed to be taken to the doctor because his eyes were swollen shut and oozing gross stuff! So after a bunch of calls, a bunch of money, and a bunch of trips to the drug store.....all three kids are on the road to recovery and I'm pretty sure the doctors office has told their receptionist to screen all calls from "that psyco Dutton lady" that keeps calling!!!! The diagnosis?......Savannah - they don't know for sure (they're treating her for an infection of some kind)
Shelby - upper respiratory infection
Bo - eye infection
Well, enough about our boring ailments.
We need you prayer warriors out there to start or continue to pray for us.
Specifically for Savannah's healing, our health and strength, finances, safe travel and I could go on and on....... :)
It's so comforting to know that there are so many good people out there sending prayers up for us. We love you! Thanks!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
IL15 in the near future
After a few weeks of intense waiting, NIH called and said that Savannah has qualified for a new protocol. The first time, she had the Il2, then the IL12 in February of this year and now it will be the IL15 treatment. They have only used this on 6 other people, so really, they're still researching the benefits of the treatment. We don't have a start date yet but it will be as soon as they can get her scheduled.
One good thing about this treatment is that it doesn't require chemo. It won't make her so sick and therefore, shorten her hospital stay to 12 - 15 days. That's still longer than she'd like to be there. :( WE always try to look on the bright side though - If she has to go back to Bethesda for treatment, that must be a sign from God that she needs to revisit HOME GOODS and purchase a few more home decor items......right? :)
I will be going with her while Danny stays here to work.
Please be in prayer that this treatment will dissolve the tumors!
Thanks! LOVE to ALL!
One good thing about this treatment is that it doesn't require chemo. It won't make her so sick and therefore, shorten her hospital stay to 12 - 15 days. That's still longer than she'd like to be there. :( WE always try to look on the bright side though - If she has to go back to Bethesda for treatment, that must be a sign from God that she needs to revisit HOME GOODS and purchase a few more home decor items......right? :)
I will be going with her while Danny stays here to work.
Please be in prayer that this treatment will dissolve the tumors!
Thanks! LOVE to ALL!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Exciting times in Nashville!
We have heard from Savannah's doctors and the little spots on her liver are tumors. They were supposed to let us know yesterday (friday) what protocol she will be eligible for but we still haven't heard from them. My guess is that they are still researching options. Please continue with the prayers!!!!
Well, as most of y'all know, we can't do anything without a little drama.....
It all started a few years ago when Shelby started guitar lessons with Francis Harderson. She learned quickly and became quite a good little picker. That grew into her pursuit of the mandolin, then, the auto harp, the piano, the fiddle, the harmonica and she is now asking for a stand up bass, a banjo, a Dobro, a steel guitar etc.......(sigh!)......Anyway, I digress. Since she started lessons her favorite music to play has been bluegrass. Of course she LOVES country music too and has a dream to play the Grand Ole Opry some day. We had been promising her a trip to Nashville for a long time but money and life got in the way of our plans. Finally, I just ordered the tickets. I knew if we had them we would have to go. So...Monday morning, after MUCH anticipation, Susie (my friend), Savannah, Shelby, Bo and myself were headed for the country music capitol of the world!!!! Bo slept the whole way since he had worked into the night the day before and swears that he could still see the last restroom stop out the back window as we were pulling in for another stop.........I don't think so but.......whatever! He's a guy AND his bladder is much younger than Susie's and mine. :(
We arrived in Nashville and dropped Bo at his friends house. We didn't see him the rest of the trip!
We found a hotel downtown and checked in. Savannah and Shelby decided to do a little late night sight seeing. Next thing we knew Savannah was on the phone telling us they'd stumbled on a filming of a Rascal Flats video. Shelby had gotten out of the car and ran up as close as she could to see. She got pretty close and got some good pics on her phone. EXCITING STUFF!!!!(for her anyway :) A while later we received another phone call. Shelby was very calmly telling me they had a (little) wreck in Susie's car!!! Savannah was driving and they had hit a police car! No, not a "regular" car but a POLICE CAR!!!!! Good news is that it didn't do extreme damage to Susie's car. It scratched up the fender & grill but was still drivable. The police car however, was NOT! It was Savannah's fault but she shed enough crocodile tears and I guess the cop felt sorry for her so she ended up not even getting a ticket! Oh to be young and able to cry or flirt your way out of trouble again!.....
I think that put a bit of a damper on Savannah's week :( Susie was very gracious and just thankful the car was still drivable.
That night, Bo text'd us to say they were giving out armbands to fill seats at the CMT awards at a local cafe downtown. All we had to do was go to the cafe, go to the back and ask for the armband.......yah right! An hour or so later after standing in line with hundreds of other people we got 'em!
Next, we hit the Country Music Hall of Fame. It was really interesting. We all enjoyed it. Our favorite part was seeing Jared Neiman (sp?) in the gift shop. He was there promoting his cd and signing them. Very talented and VERY cute!!!!
We left there to check in at the Grand Ole Opry Hotel. (If you have never visited this place....it's a must see!) I've been there a few times but Susie and Shelby had never seen it. I think I can say....they were impressed! Our Opry tickets were for the 9:30 pm show so we hung out outside the Opry at a little festival they were having until our show started. We got to hear Patrick Davis play while waiting and we liked him a lot. (You should look him up....very talented song writer and singer.)
The Opry was packed with stars due to the CMT awards and the CMA festival beginning on Thursday. (I didn't know that when I booked the tickets but it worked in our favor). The line up included Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Oak Ridge Boys, Darius Rucker, Jared Neiman, Bill Anderson and maybe some I forgot! ? It was awesome....very good show!
The next day we took advantage of the hotel and all the beautiful scenery, shops etc...and just had a lazy day.....preparing for the CMT awards.
We ended up having to stand in line for an hour and a half or so in the hot Nashville sun just to get inside to be a seat filler but as Shelby says...."It was TOTALLY WORTH IT! We were to the side and back of where the stars were sitting so we got our eyes full of the celebs as they walked back and forth, getting photo shots when they won etc... I think Shelby's favorite was when Rascal Flats and Justin Bieber stood down - right in front of us for a photo after winning their award.
All in all it was a great time considering I've never been in to country music that much until the last few years.....I guess Shelby's love for it kind of changed my mind. ? And now, she wants to attend school in Nashville even more than she ever did........sigh!.......it's SO far away.......I don't want to be a dream crusher but maybe she'll have a change of heart during her senior year. :) OH......and did I mention Bo is wanting to move back there also? If I have 2 babies in Nashville, I might have to become rich, buy a condo there and live there part of the time! I know they would enjoy that! :]
Made it home by the grace of God. I'm very thankful for that among many other things!
Mom and Daddy are starting home from Virginia today. They are bringing Rose and Lilly with them. We can't wait to spend some time with them. We just don't get to see them often enough. They will only be here this week. They'll be returning next Saturday. VBS starts the next Monday and goes through Friday...(20th - 24th). After that maybe I can "get myself together" and start my Spring cleaning.! Just a few months late! :[ another big sigh!!!!!!!
Love to ALL! Thank you for the prayers!
Well, as most of y'all know, we can't do anything without a little drama.....
It all started a few years ago when Shelby started guitar lessons with Francis Harderson. She learned quickly and became quite a good little picker. That grew into her pursuit of the mandolin, then, the auto harp, the piano, the fiddle, the harmonica and she is now asking for a stand up bass, a banjo, a Dobro, a steel guitar etc.......(sigh!)......Anyway, I digress. Since she started lessons her favorite music to play has been bluegrass. Of course she LOVES country music too and has a dream to play the Grand Ole Opry some day. We had been promising her a trip to Nashville for a long time but money and life got in the way of our plans. Finally, I just ordered the tickets. I knew if we had them we would have to go. So...Monday morning, after MUCH anticipation, Susie (my friend), Savannah, Shelby, Bo and myself were headed for the country music capitol of the world!!!! Bo slept the whole way since he had worked into the night the day before and swears that he could still see the last restroom stop out the back window as we were pulling in for another stop.........I don't think so but.......whatever! He's a guy AND his bladder is much younger than Susie's and mine. :(
We arrived in Nashville and dropped Bo at his friends house. We didn't see him the rest of the trip!
We found a hotel downtown and checked in. Savannah and Shelby decided to do a little late night sight seeing. Next thing we knew Savannah was on the phone telling us they'd stumbled on a filming of a Rascal Flats video. Shelby had gotten out of the car and ran up as close as she could to see. She got pretty close and got some good pics on her phone. EXCITING STUFF!!!!(for her anyway :) A while later we received another phone call. Shelby was very calmly telling me they had a (little) wreck in Susie's car!!! Savannah was driving and they had hit a police car! No, not a "regular" car but a POLICE CAR!!!!! Good news is that it didn't do extreme damage to Susie's car. It scratched up the fender & grill but was still drivable. The police car however, was NOT! It was Savannah's fault but she shed enough crocodile tears and I guess the cop felt sorry for her so she ended up not even getting a ticket! Oh to be young and able to cry or flirt your way out of trouble again!.....
I think that put a bit of a damper on Savannah's week :( Susie was very gracious and just thankful the car was still drivable.
That night, Bo text'd us to say they were giving out armbands to fill seats at the CMT awards at a local cafe downtown. All we had to do was go to the cafe, go to the back and ask for the armband.......yah right! An hour or so later after standing in line with hundreds of other people we got 'em!
Next, we hit the Country Music Hall of Fame. It was really interesting. We all enjoyed it. Our favorite part was seeing Jared Neiman (sp?) in the gift shop. He was there promoting his cd and signing them. Very talented and VERY cute!!!!
We left there to check in at the Grand Ole Opry Hotel. (If you have never visited this place....it's a must see!) I've been there a few times but Susie and Shelby had never seen it. I think I can say....they were impressed! Our Opry tickets were for the 9:30 pm show so we hung out outside the Opry at a little festival they were having until our show started. We got to hear Patrick Davis play while waiting and we liked him a lot. (You should look him up....very talented song writer and singer.)
The Opry was packed with stars due to the CMT awards and the CMA festival beginning on Thursday. (I didn't know that when I booked the tickets but it worked in our favor). The line up included Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Oak Ridge Boys, Darius Rucker, Jared Neiman, Bill Anderson and maybe some I forgot! ? It was awesome....very good show!
The next day we took advantage of the hotel and all the beautiful scenery, shops etc...and just had a lazy day.....preparing for the CMT awards.
We ended up having to stand in line for an hour and a half or so in the hot Nashville sun just to get inside to be a seat filler but as Shelby says...."It was TOTALLY WORTH IT! We were to the side and back of where the stars were sitting so we got our eyes full of the celebs as they walked back and forth, getting photo shots when they won etc... I think Shelby's favorite was when Rascal Flats and Justin Bieber stood down - right in front of us for a photo after winning their award.
All in all it was a great time considering I've never been in to country music that much until the last few years.....I guess Shelby's love for it kind of changed my mind. ? And now, she wants to attend school in Nashville even more than she ever did........sigh!.......it's SO far away.......I don't want to be a dream crusher but maybe she'll have a change of heart during her senior year. :) OH......and did I mention Bo is wanting to move back there also? If I have 2 babies in Nashville, I might have to become rich, buy a condo there and live there part of the time! I know they would enjoy that! :]
Made it home by the grace of God. I'm very thankful for that among many other things!
Mom and Daddy are starting home from Virginia today. They are bringing Rose and Lilly with them. We can't wait to spend some time with them. We just don't get to see them often enough. They will only be here this week. They'll be returning next Saturday. VBS starts the next Monday and goes through Friday...(20th - 24th). After that maybe I can "get myself together" and start my Spring cleaning.! Just a few months late! :[ another big sigh!!!!!!!
Love to ALL! Thank you for the prayers!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
June 1st NIH visit
Savannah flew out to Bethesda yesterday morning for her monthly checkup at NIH.
Since Mom and Daddy are out there, visiting Jeff and Donna, they decided to drive over and stay with her during her visit. I'm glad they were there for her because the news was a little less than satisfactory.
The tumor on her adrenal gland has NOT continued to shrink. It hasn't grown either....it's pretty much stayed the same which makes us happy but the doctors were not as impressed. The scans revealed some tiny spots on her liver. They are so tiny, in fact, that they're not even sure what they are.
They scheduled an MRI for this afternoon so they could get a better look. Her team of doctors will evaluate everything at their Monday Meeting and then let us know how they are going to proceed.
There are a few options but right now we don't really know what they are. They did mention starting back at square one. We don't know what that means either but I don't particularly like the sound of it. :(
We know God has a plan for us so we're just riding it out knowing that everything that happens is for our good and will ultimately be His will. I keep saying to myself...."This is a test.....this is only a test!'
In the meantime, we'll still cherish any prayers you will offer up for us!
LOVE to ALL! Thanks!
Since Mom and Daddy are out there, visiting Jeff and Donna, they decided to drive over and stay with her during her visit. I'm glad they were there for her because the news was a little less than satisfactory.
The tumor on her adrenal gland has NOT continued to shrink. It hasn't grown either....it's pretty much stayed the same which makes us happy but the doctors were not as impressed. The scans revealed some tiny spots on her liver. They are so tiny, in fact, that they're not even sure what they are.
They scheduled an MRI for this afternoon so they could get a better look. Her team of doctors will evaluate everything at their Monday Meeting and then let us know how they are going to proceed.
There are a few options but right now we don't really know what they are. They did mention starting back at square one. We don't know what that means either but I don't particularly like the sound of it. :(
We know God has a plan for us so we're just riding it out knowing that everything that happens is for our good and will ultimately be His will. I keep saying to myself...."This is a test.....this is only a test!'
In the meantime, we'll still cherish any prayers you will offer up for us!
LOVE to ALL! Thanks!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Home from Nashville
This morning finds us back at home after a great 5 days in Nashville. I didn't think I was too tired until I started my bible reading and woke up with my face in John chapter 4.....and that was after 2 cups of coffee! It was a very fun trip. My new found friend, Maria, was a wonderful hostess and tour guide. We got to see rural parts of Thompson's Station, Franklin, Nashville (of course) and my personal favorite....Leiper's Fork. It was just a tiny little town but had very quaint old houses and shops, good food and my favorite..... charming, historic homes. Tennessee is really beautiful. I love it! No matter where you go you can always find (my) big Southern, Antebellum Plantation Homes.
The CM Marathon brought more than 30,000 runners and spectators to the Nashville area so you can just imagine all the attractions going on. We hit Broadway, Music Row,.....all the hot spots. Then we hit the Franklin Festival in the evenings. It's a really cool downtown area on a much smaller scale. Of course, anywhere and everywhere you go there is amazing musicians, bands and performers. Soooooo FUN!
O.K. (good Lord willin' and the creek don't rise) we will be having the yard sale this Friday, May 6th !!!!!!!!
Oh, almost forgot to mention...... If any of you have old, junk jewelry or broken jewelry that you want to get rid of, let me know. I need it for some art projects.
Of course I'll take donations :) but if you bag it and give me a price, I will see if my budget allows me to make a deal! :) Thanks!
The CM Marathon brought more than 30,000 runners and spectators to the Nashville area so you can just imagine all the attractions going on. We hit Broadway, Music Row,.....all the hot spots. Then we hit the Franklin Festival in the evenings. It's a really cool downtown area on a much smaller scale. Of course, anywhere and everywhere you go there is amazing musicians, bands and performers. Soooooo FUN!
O.K. (good Lord willin' and the creek don't rise) we will be having the yard sale this Friday, May 6th !!!!!!!!
Oh, almost forgot to mention...... If any of you have old, junk jewelry or broken jewelry that you want to get rid of, let me know. I need it for some art projects.
Of course I'll take donations :) but if you bag it and give me a price, I will see if my budget allows me to make a deal! :) Thanks!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Savannah's Results
Tonight we are THANKING & PRAISING God for his blessings. Savannah called earlier to let us know that her scans all came out clear and the existing tumor on her adrenal gland is a little smaller!!!!! Very good news!
She thought she would be getting home tonight but the bad weather in DC kept her plane on the tarmac for over an hour so she missed her connecting flight in Dallas.
Good thing her friend Nicole is living there now. She's going to pick her up and get her back to the airport tomorrow morning for her flight home. Oh, the drama!
Danny, Shelby and I are leaving in the morning for Nashville. We are visiting a couple of colleges that Shelby is interested in. No....she's not a senior....just a junior but being the over-achiever that she is, wants to get a head start on everything. It doesn't hurt that the big Country Music marathon & festival is going on this weekend either. Her friends are running the 1/2 marathon. She was training to run it too until she sprained her ankle. The doctor advised her NOT to run or even walk that far . He said it was a pretty serious sprain. Guess she'll just have to walk around the festival, listening to live concerts from up and coming artist, eat the great food, shop the booths, and watch for the celebs walking around. Hmmmmm,....tough job! :)
We will be staying with a new friend that we met at NIH while we were there in February. She was there with her dying friend, Teri. The minute we heard each others accent, we knew we had that "southern thing" in common so by the time we left, we had become good friends. She might even be a long lost relative.....she acts an awful lot like our family... :0 ....Oh my!
I probably should quit rambling on and get packed. What does one wear to a big - Who's Who in Nashville event? lol
Thanks for the prayers!
She thought she would be getting home tonight but the bad weather in DC kept her plane on the tarmac for over an hour so she missed her connecting flight in Dallas.
Good thing her friend Nicole is living there now. She's going to pick her up and get her back to the airport tomorrow morning for her flight home. Oh, the drama!
Danny, Shelby and I are leaving in the morning for Nashville. We are visiting a couple of colleges that Shelby is interested in. No....she's not a senior....just a junior but being the over-achiever that she is, wants to get a head start on everything. It doesn't hurt that the big Country Music marathon & festival is going on this weekend either. Her friends are running the 1/2 marathon. She was training to run it too until she sprained her ankle. The doctor advised her NOT to run or even walk that far . He said it was a pretty serious sprain. Guess she'll just have to walk around the festival, listening to live concerts from up and coming artist, eat the great food, shop the booths, and watch for the celebs walking around. Hmmmmm,....tough job! :)
We will be staying with a new friend that we met at NIH while we were there in February. She was there with her dying friend, Teri. The minute we heard each others accent, we knew we had that "southern thing" in common so by the time we left, we had become good friends. She might even be a long lost relative.....she acts an awful lot like our family... :0 ....Oh my!
I probably should quit rambling on and get packed. What does one wear to a big - Who's Who in Nashville event? lol
Thanks for the prayers!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Early this morning.......
Bless Danny's heart! He got up at 4-something this morning to get Savannah to XNA for her 7am flight to NIH. He let me stay in bed and listen to the rain and thunder.....total heaven...til I had to get Shelby up for school at 6am :(
As I was praying for her safety, I was thinking how an Ark might be a safer means of travel than flying through so much rain, lightning, winds etc......but God controls all that stuff anyway so....
Her scans and tests are this afternoon then she has her breathing treatment and clinic tomorrow. She will fly back tomorrow evening. Clinic is when they will tell her if the last treatment is working or how well it is working. We believe it will be great news but extra prayers never hurt anything. So, once again, we are asking for prayer that she will have NO tumors anywhere in her body. She could also use prayers to get rid of a pesky sinus infection that she's been fighting for a couple weeks.
We had a wonderful Easter Sunday. Wes & Melody (Couch) and their 4 little girls hosted our family Easter dinner after church. It was great celebrating the Resurrection with such precious family members!
Speaking of Savannah, she just called and has made it into Chicago. From there she will fly straight into DC and take the Metro to NIH.
PLEASE keep up those prayers! Love to ALL!
As I was praying for her safety, I was thinking how an Ark might be a safer means of travel than flying through so much rain, lightning, winds etc......but God controls all that stuff anyway so....
Her scans and tests are this afternoon then she has her breathing treatment and clinic tomorrow. She will fly back tomorrow evening. Clinic is when they will tell her if the last treatment is working or how well it is working. We believe it will be great news but extra prayers never hurt anything. So, once again, we are asking for prayer that she will have NO tumors anywhere in her body. She could also use prayers to get rid of a pesky sinus infection that she's been fighting for a couple weeks.
We had a wonderful Easter Sunday. Wes & Melody (Couch) and their 4 little girls hosted our family Easter dinner after church. It was great celebrating the Resurrection with such precious family members!
Speaking of Savannah, she just called and has made it into Chicago. From there she will fly straight into DC and take the Metro to NIH.
PLEASE keep up those prayers! Love to ALL!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Day after-April Fools Day!
Oooops! Didn't mean to hit enter on that last title....sorry!
Savannah has signed a lease on a tri-plex she found this week. She's very excited about it. I think it will be really cute when she gets her stuff in and decorates. It's in the area behind Fiesta Square so it's a good location..easy to get to any part of town.
Shelby is looking forward to having the whole upstairs to herself but I think she will miss Savannah more than she realizes....although....Savannah's new place is within 2 minutes of Shelby's school so Savannah might have a little more company than what she's bargained for!!! :)
I have been very amused lately!.....April Fools Day has never really held any significance for me so I was surprised at how excited Shelby, Laura, Megan and Kim got about all the pranks they were going to play on their friends. I even overheard Laura and Megan saying this was one of the best days of their lives. Yes, they were being overly dramatic but they were VERY excited!!! They started planning the night before with all kinds of ideas....some good, some bad and some...just....well....stupid. :) Anyway, I'm not sure what they did to their poor friends at school but when they left here yesterday morning, they had a huge coffee mug velcro'd to the top of Shelby's car. It looked like she just sat it up on top to get into the car and then forgot it. BTW - I've done this with everything from a drink to a Bible....if it's not velcro'd on...it's not a good outcome! :(
I really didn't think many people would see it or pay attention but as they were trying to get out of our driveway, Greenland actually experienced their first ever
"traffic jam". It was great! Shelby was waiting her turn to pull out and cars were stopping, honking, rolling their windows down and yelling to warn them that there was a drink on top of the car. When I heard the commotion I looked out the front door and cars were lined up from our second driveway to the stoplight. It was mostly men and/or young guys waving them down. The girls just played dumb and gestured like - "what???....we don't understand you"!!!!!! Apparently, this went on all through town. All the way to school and all the way home! At some point, they got tired of playing dumb and wrote on a piece of paper with mascara (didn't have a pen - even though they were on their way to school....hmmm...?) a sign that said GOTCHA! Everyone seemed to have a good sense of humor about it, I guess.....I didn't get any phone calls from the police.
So after such an exciting day we're back to normal....whatever that is! Oh, except for Bo. He is in Dallas at the PASSION CONFERENCE. It's supposed to be one of the biggest and best Christian conferences ever! He and about 40 other people from his group left yesterday. He has a few pics of it on his FB page already and said that so far -it's "wicked sweet" I think that means really great! :)
BTW - He is looking for a much needed job. If any of you hear about ANYTHING please let us know! Prayers would help too!
Savannah will be returning to NIH in about 3 weeks. We would appreciate continued prayers that the one tumor she has will be gone.
Thanks and LOVE to ALL
Savannah has signed a lease on a tri-plex she found this week. She's very excited about it. I think it will be really cute when she gets her stuff in and decorates. It's in the area behind Fiesta Square so it's a good location..easy to get to any part of town.
Shelby is looking forward to having the whole upstairs to herself but I think she will miss Savannah more than she realizes....although....Savannah's new place is within 2 minutes of Shelby's school so Savannah might have a little more company than what she's bargained for!!! :)
I have been very amused lately!.....April Fools Day has never really held any significance for me so I was surprised at how excited Shelby, Laura, Megan and Kim got about all the pranks they were going to play on their friends. I even overheard Laura and Megan saying this was one of the best days of their lives. Yes, they were being overly dramatic but they were VERY excited!!! They started planning the night before with all kinds of ideas....some good, some bad and some...just....well....stupid. :) Anyway, I'm not sure what they did to their poor friends at school but when they left here yesterday morning, they had a huge coffee mug velcro'd to the top of Shelby's car. It looked like she just sat it up on top to get into the car and then forgot it. BTW - I've done this with everything from a drink to a Bible....if it's not velcro'd on...it's not a good outcome! :(
I really didn't think many people would see it or pay attention but as they were trying to get out of our driveway, Greenland actually experienced their first ever
"traffic jam". It was great! Shelby was waiting her turn to pull out and cars were stopping, honking, rolling their windows down and yelling to warn them that there was a drink on top of the car. When I heard the commotion I looked out the front door and cars were lined up from our second driveway to the stoplight. It was mostly men and/or young guys waving them down. The girls just played dumb and gestured like - "what???....we don't understand you"!!!!!! Apparently, this went on all through town. All the way to school and all the way home! At some point, they got tired of playing dumb and wrote on a piece of paper with mascara (didn't have a pen - even though they were on their way to school....hmmm...?) a sign that said GOTCHA! Everyone seemed to have a good sense of humor about it, I guess.....I didn't get any phone calls from the police.
So after such an exciting day we're back to normal....whatever that is! Oh, except for Bo. He is in Dallas at the PASSION CONFERENCE. It's supposed to be one of the biggest and best Christian conferences ever! He and about 40 other people from his group left yesterday. He has a few pics of it on his FB page already and said that so far -it's "wicked sweet" I think that means really great! :)
BTW - He is looking for a much needed job. If any of you hear about ANYTHING please let us know! Prayers would help too!
Savannah will be returning to NIH in about 3 weeks. We would appreciate continued prayers that the one tumor she has will be gone.
Thanks and LOVE to ALL
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Clinic day
I wish the doctors would have told us NOT to expect anything on Savannah's first visit back! They told her in clinic today that the reason they brought her back out this soon after treatment was to make sure there were no complications going on. They don't expect to see any results til her next visit which is 4 weeks away.
I said in the last post that we are excited to see what God has in store for us next. I think it might be teaching us patience and faith...?maybe?....only time will tell....
Anyway, her news is good because there was no new growth and they said the existing tumor might be a teenie-weenie bit smaller.....maybe.....we'll have to wait til her next visit to know for sure.
The girls had a change of plans last night. They did go to DC but they didn't get to see Donna, Lilly and Rose after all. Their plan is to get with them on the way out of town today so it won't be such a long trip for Donna and the girls. I tried to talk them in to staying another night but Savannah's good friend Julie is in for Spring Break and she wants to spend some time with her. So she is itching to get home!
However, they were going to make time to stop by the Home Goods store. Not that I blame them...:) Savannah is preparing to get her first apartment so I really hope she shows some restraint in shopping. It will be tough for her. Bless her little heart!!!! I haven't exactly set a good example there. :)
Please keep up those prayers for healing! We appreciate them SO much!!!!
Love to ALL!
I said in the last post that we are excited to see what God has in store for us next. I think it might be teaching us patience and faith...?maybe?....only time will tell....
Anyway, her news is good because there was no new growth and they said the existing tumor might be a teenie-weenie bit smaller.....maybe.....we'll have to wait til her next visit to know for sure.
The girls had a change of plans last night. They did go to DC but they didn't get to see Donna, Lilly and Rose after all. Their plan is to get with them on the way out of town today so it won't be such a long trip for Donna and the girls. I tried to talk them in to staying another night but Savannah's good friend Julie is in for Spring Break and she wants to spend some time with her. So she is itching to get home!
However, they were going to make time to stop by the Home Goods store. Not that I blame them...:) Savannah is preparing to get her first apartment so I really hope she shows some restraint in shopping. It will be tough for her. Bless her little heart!!!! I haven't exactly set a good example there. :)
Please keep up those prayers for healing! We appreciate them SO much!!!!
Love to ALL!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Road Warriors...?
OK, so....how does an 8 to 9 hour trip to Nashville turn into a 12 hour trip??? Well, let me see if I can count the ways....#1 - leaving from home then stopping at TOBO's for 20 minutes or so...before you even get out of Greenland. #2 - taking a "short cut" from Conway around Little Rock..(a crooked little 2 lane highway). #3 - getting pulled over for doing 40 in a 60 on that crooked little road. And of course it takes a little time to flirt your way out of a ticket with just a warning! #4 - trying to find your way back to the Interstate after two or three wrong exits. I'm sure there's a number 5 but I don't think I really want to know!!!
Savannah, Shelby and Kim spent Saturday night in Nashville with a girl (friend) of Bo's. I thought that was really sweet of her to let them take over her house for a good nights sleep. They were up and on the road again fairly early Sunday morning.
They finally arrived in Bethesda last night at their hotel....(Thank you LORD!)
Savannah's first appointment was at 6:30 so she left Kim and Shelby in bed to get caught up on some much needed sleep. When they woke up they caught the shuttle to the Metro and went to downtown Bethesda. As soon as Savannah's tests were over she met them and they all headed to DC on the Metro. I think Donna, Lilly and Rose are meeting them in DC for dinner later tonight. I'm sure they will have a blast!
Tomorrow is the big day!!! Savannah will have her clinic appointment and we will find out how well the treatment is working. We're anxious and excited to see what God is going to do with us next! :)
Thanks!
Savannah, Shelby and Kim spent Saturday night in Nashville with a girl (friend) of Bo's. I thought that was really sweet of her to let them take over her house for a good nights sleep. They were up and on the road again fairly early Sunday morning.
They finally arrived in Bethesda last night at their hotel....(Thank you LORD!)
Savannah's first appointment was at 6:30 so she left Kim and Shelby in bed to get caught up on some much needed sleep. When they woke up they caught the shuttle to the Metro and went to downtown Bethesda. As soon as Savannah's tests were over she met them and they all headed to DC on the Metro. I think Donna, Lilly and Rose are meeting them in DC for dinner later tonight. I'm sure they will have a blast!
Tomorrow is the big day!!! Savannah will have her clinic appointment and we will find out how well the treatment is working. We're anxious and excited to see what God is going to do with us next! :)
Thanks!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Spring Break and NIH
NIH for Spring Break....just where everyone wants to go...ha! Well Shelby and her friend Kim want to...only because it beats staying home the whole week!!! Savannah's appointment for tests and scans is scheduled for 6:30 am Monday morning. (whoever scheduled that didn't know who they were dealing with!!!) Anyway, Savannah had a mid-term in Bentonville this morning but after she finishes they will be heading for Maryland. They will probably drive to Nashville or Knoxville tonight, get a room, then drive the rest of the way Sunday.
Kim has never been to DC before so they are planning a little jaunt there to see the sights. Shelby and Kim are both dead set on getting a cupcake from the DC CUPCAKES shop. It's actually in Georgetown but it's very popular - especially since they have a TV show on the TLC network. Shelby never misses an episode. The only problem is the long line down the street just to get in. Because of limited time, they might have to choose between a cupcake and sightseeing. I'm sure the cupcakes are wonderful but I think I would choose seeing all the great sights.
Bo is on some river, somewhere, with some friends, camping, canoeing, fishing etc....for his Spring Break so......except for Danny.... I'm childless for part of the week!!!!!!! :) Hopefully, I can get myself together and start spring cleaning and gathering for a yard sale.
Please pray for good results for Savannah and a safe road trip there and back for the girls!.....and Bo too! Thanks SO much! Love to ALL!
Kim has never been to DC before so they are planning a little jaunt there to see the sights. Shelby and Kim are both dead set on getting a cupcake from the DC CUPCAKES shop. It's actually in Georgetown but it's very popular - especially since they have a TV show on the TLC network. Shelby never misses an episode. The only problem is the long line down the street just to get in. Because of limited time, they might have to choose between a cupcake and sightseeing. I'm sure the cupcakes are wonderful but I think I would choose seeing all the great sights.
Bo is on some river, somewhere, with some friends, camping, canoeing, fishing etc....for his Spring Break so......except for Danny.... I'm childless for part of the week!!!!!!! :) Hopefully, I can get myself together and start spring cleaning and gathering for a yard sale.
Please pray for good results for Savannah and a safe road trip there and back for the girls!.....and Bo too! Thanks SO much! Love to ALL!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Valentines Day????/
Don't let the porch decorations fool you! It is not February or Valentines Day. After being gone for only a month - it seems to take me 3 months to get caught up!!!! But my Spring and Easter decorations are calling my name so....hopefully, I'll get myself together soon!
Savannah is doing great! She goes back for scans next week (the 21st &22nd). They will be the first ones since the TIL treatment so we are anxious to know how well it's working. Please pray that the tumor has shrunk or even better..... vanished! :)
Shelby turned 17 yesterday. I can NOT believe that she is that old. We bought our house the month she was born so we have been here that long too. It just doesn't seem possible that time can move so quickly. Realizing that makes me really, really want to make every day count. Anyway, we went to HUHOT Grill last night to celebrate and it was awesome! We had a guest at dinner named Maggie. She is 3 years old going on 16. Savannah is her (part-time) nanny. We all enjoyed having a little one around again. Bo had to leave a little early to go help feed the homeless that he is working with but later we met at home for cake, ice cream and gifts. Grandma made Shelby her favorite Chocolate Bundt Cake... which.... I think I enjoyed a bit too much. All in all it was a very nice time for the whole family.
We are so sad today. A very sweet lady - Sharon Harderson lost her battle with cancer. She is the wife of Francis Harderson who is Shelby's beloved guitar teacher. They are a precious family and our prayers go out to them during this very difficult time. Her funeral will be tomorrow (Thursday) at 10am at West Fork Baptist Church.
Thank you God for all your blessings as well as your comfort and peace.
Savannah is doing great! She goes back for scans next week (the 21st &22nd). They will be the first ones since the TIL treatment so we are anxious to know how well it's working. Please pray that the tumor has shrunk or even better..... vanished! :)
Shelby turned 17 yesterday. I can NOT believe that she is that old. We bought our house the month she was born so we have been here that long too. It just doesn't seem possible that time can move so quickly. Realizing that makes me really, really want to make every day count. Anyway, we went to HUHOT Grill last night to celebrate and it was awesome! We had a guest at dinner named Maggie. She is 3 years old going on 16. Savannah is her (part-time) nanny. We all enjoyed having a little one around again. Bo had to leave a little early to go help feed the homeless that he is working with but later we met at home for cake, ice cream and gifts. Grandma made Shelby her favorite Chocolate Bundt Cake... which.... I think I enjoyed a bit too much. All in all it was a very nice time for the whole family.
We are so sad today. A very sweet lady - Sharon Harderson lost her battle with cancer. She is the wife of Francis Harderson who is Shelby's beloved guitar teacher. They are a precious family and our prayers go out to them during this very difficult time. Her funeral will be tomorrow (Thursday) at 10am at West Fork Baptist Church.
Thank you God for all your blessings as well as your comfort and peace.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Home...
Savannah arrived home safely Friday night. Since then she has felt pretty good. A little week, not much of an appetite but otherwise good. She finished her antibiotic Tuesday so she doesn't have to deal with anymore infusions. She's pretty much a happy camper! She goes back in a couple of weeks for scans, tests and the pentamidine breathing treatment. She'll have to be on that for at least 6 months and possibly longer depending on her lung scans. Every chemo patient has to have meds to help the lungs recover but Savannah is allergic to sulfa drugs so she has to have the treatment instead of pills.
Susie and I arrived home Monday evening. We had a great time on our way home. We only stopped at two flea markets!!! I thought we showed great restraint considering......Tennessee has several along the route home. We even bypassed the one that said "The South's Largest Flea Market".........I know!........can you believe our willpower?
After being gone a whole month, I was a little afraid of what I was going to come home to. When I walked into the house, Danny and Shelby (and maybe Mom) had cleaned up, vacuumed and had it generally looking very nice.....until.......I brought a months worth of stuff and dumped it in the living room. :( Later, when I got a little deeper into putting things away etc....I heard myself asking everybody -- "why is there red glitter in my kitchen utensil drawer"? and "Is that a piece of chocolate stuck to the wallpaper"??? When I saw what looked to be a piece of Shelby's car fender on the porch, I just decided to quit asking questions. Plain and simple - What I don't know can't possibly stress me out.......right?
You know, we all like to brag on our kids from time to time- so- let me take a moment to say that I am SO proud of Bo and his friends. They have been cooking and feeding some of the homeless people in Fayetteville. They were trying to find sleeping bags and tents for them. I think they reached their goal and found enough to get them set up. They tried to make them as
comfortable as possible. I admire what they're doing....I don't think I had anything on my mind at their age other than boys, clothes, shopping, boys, jewelry, shoes, boys and having fun!
So........ GOOD JOB GUYS!
Susie and I arrived home Monday evening. We had a great time on our way home. We only stopped at two flea markets!!! I thought we showed great restraint considering......Tennessee has several along the route home. We even bypassed the one that said "The South's Largest Flea Market".........I know!........can you believe our willpower?
After being gone a whole month, I was a little afraid of what I was going to come home to. When I walked into the house, Danny and Shelby (and maybe Mom) had cleaned up, vacuumed and had it generally looking very nice.....until.......I brought a months worth of stuff and dumped it in the living room. :( Later, when I got a little deeper into putting things away etc....I heard myself asking everybody -- "why is there red glitter in my kitchen utensil drawer"? and "Is that a piece of chocolate stuck to the wallpaper"??? When I saw what looked to be a piece of Shelby's car fender on the porch, I just decided to quit asking questions. Plain and simple - What I don't know can't possibly stress me out.......right?
You know, we all like to brag on our kids from time to time- so- let me take a moment to say that I am SO proud of Bo and his friends. They have been cooking and feeding some of the homeless people in Fayetteville. They were trying to find sleeping bags and tents for them. I think they reached their goal and found enough to get them set up. They tried to make them as
comfortable as possible. I admire what they're doing....I don't think I had anything on my mind at their age other than boys, clothes, shopping, boys, jewelry, shoes, boys and having fun!
So........ GOOD JOB GUYS!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Oh the DRAMA!
In the last post, I said Savannah was coming home. Shortly after that, Danny and I decided she should fly home a different route since flying through Chicago was risky with it snowing there. I stayed on the phone forever with NIH travel trying to find her another flight through anywhere. We tried every airport here into every airport within 2 hours of XNA but there was not a flight to be had. We ended up just keeping her on the original flight hoping she wouldn't get stranded.
About 10 minutes later she called and was very bummed out. They canceled her flight because of trouble in Chicago. I rescheduled her flight out for tomorrow and told her she could just check out of the hospital and stay here with us at the lodge. That just didn't excite her at all --so-- she started doing searches on her computer and found a possible flight through Atlanta. Her persistence paid off this time. Finally, she left on the shuttle at 2:30 to get to her flight at 5:00. She text'd me from the airport here and said her flight had been delayed an hour or so due to extremely high winds. Shortly after that she sent a message saying the delay had been canceled and would be arriving home around 9 pm.
So.....she is now back home and very, very happy!
She feels pretty good, she's just very week. She will have to go get a daily infusion of antibiotic until next week but other than that, she's AWESOME. God has blessed us - yet-again!
Susie and I will be leaving early in the morning. See y'all soon!!!
About 10 minutes later she called and was very bummed out. They canceled her flight because of trouble in Chicago. I rescheduled her flight out for tomorrow and told her she could just check out of the hospital and stay here with us at the lodge. That just didn't excite her at all --so-- she started doing searches on her computer and found a possible flight through Atlanta. Her persistence paid off this time. Finally, she left on the shuttle at 2:30 to get to her flight at 5:00. She text'd me from the airport here and said her flight had been delayed an hour or so due to extremely high winds. Shortly after that she sent a message saying the delay had been canceled and would be arriving home around 9 pm.
So.....she is now back home and very, very happy!
She feels pretty good, she's just very week. She will have to go get a daily infusion of antibiotic until next week but other than that, she's AWESOME. God has blessed us - yet-again!
Susie and I will be leaving early in the morning. See y'all soon!!!
Checkin' Out!
She's going home!!!!!!!!! Savannah called me at 7-ish this morning and said that she could leave. She is ecstatic! So now we have to get her all packed and on the shuttle to the airport. We're a little worried about her flight through Chicago since it is already snowing there! PLEASE pray that she gets through with no problems.
With her immune system being so low, we definitely don't want her to be stranded in a huge, crowded airport like Chicago.
Since she is leaving a little later in the day, Susie and I are going to wait and get a fresh start early in the morning. We should be home by Sunday, Monday....or.....Tuesday.....depending on how many Flea Markets we spy on the way! :) Thanks for those prayers!!!! LOVE!!!!!!
With her immune system being so low, we definitely don't want her to be stranded in a huge, crowded airport like Chicago.
Since she is leaving a little later in the day, Susie and I are going to wait and get a fresh start early in the morning. We should be home by Sunday, Monday....or.....Tuesday.....depending on how many Flea Markets we spy on the way! :) Thanks for those prayers!!!! LOVE!!!!!!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Thursday
Today Savannah got more platelets and they will check her count in the morning to see if she can go home. We rescheduled her flight today to fly out tomorrow at the same time but the doctors have the final say so......we'll just have to wait til morning to find out.
She came over to the lodge again to have dinner and watch the rest of American Idol. Susie treated us to Chinese food tonight. Lots of places around here deliver to NIH so we were able to stay in. We all REALLY enjoyed it and Savannah ate more than she has eaten in weeks. (Thank you Susie........Bless your little heart!)
So- that's all I know for now! Good night!
She came over to the lodge again to have dinner and watch the rest of American Idol. Susie treated us to Chinese food tonight. Lots of places around here deliver to NIH so we were able to stay in. We all REALLY enjoyed it and Savannah ate more than she has eaten in weeks. (Thank you Susie........Bless your little heart!)
So- that's all I know for now! Good night!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Wednesday
Well, like I said, everyday there is something new. This morning they were going to put Savannah's pick-line in and probably let her go home tomorrow but when they put the line in her arm she started bleeding. Her blood wasn't clotting due to her being low on platelets. This afternoon the Dr. said NOT to plan on going home because they are going to have to give her a platelet infusion. She says she can get the platelets and still catch her flight out. I don't think so. I think she'll be going home on Friday.........hopefully!
She came over to the Lodge tonight and actually ate a little dinner and watched American idol with Susie and me.
We'll see what tomorrow brings..........??????????
Take care!
She came over to the Lodge tonight and actually ate a little dinner and watched American idol with Susie and me.
We'll see what tomorrow brings..........??????????
Take care!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Tuesday
When I went to bed last night the ice and snow had covered everything. Apparently at the end of the snow it turned to rain so it ended up much better than we expected. Still, we just stayed on campus all day.
Every morning is a new day as far as Savannah is concerned. After she returned to the hospital last night she got sick. Through the night she started running a fever again and her platelet count dropped. By the time I got to the hospital this morning I thought we were going to be here for another week or two. A little later in the day the doctors came in and said she would probably be going home on Thursday.
She immediately started feeling better!!!
Because her fever keeps popping up, they wanted her to have a chest x-ray. She declined their offer to take her to radiology. She said I would take her. So, after I found a wheelchair we were off. On the way there, I didn't run her into any walls or corners like I did a few days before. No getting caught between the automatic emergency doors or sandwiched between the elevator doors. UNTIL....we reached the radiology waiting room. Have you ever tried to push a big wheel chair through a crowded room with lots of chairs and people and trash cans? I had an elderly lady chasing a trash can that I ran Savannah into. You know, the big plastic ones that sound like a bass drum if you hit them just right. I noticed Savannah laughing and gasping hysterically as we spun out of control doing donuts through the innocent, unbelieving audience. People were offering me their seats just so I would quit moving. Finally, I got her parked and they immediately called her name. The nurse took it from there.......enough said. It was, however, nice to see Savannah laughing so hard....even if it was at my expense!
She doesn't feel all that great but she has such a good attitude and outlook on things. Before I left her room tonight, she ate a little bit. That's quite an accomplishment. Pray she gets her appetite back so she can regain her strength.
Thanks! LOVE Y'all!!!!!
Every morning is a new day as far as Savannah is concerned. After she returned to the hospital last night she got sick. Through the night she started running a fever again and her platelet count dropped. By the time I got to the hospital this morning I thought we were going to be here for another week or two. A little later in the day the doctors came in and said she would probably be going home on Thursday.
She immediately started feeling better!!!
Because her fever keeps popping up, they wanted her to have a chest x-ray. She declined their offer to take her to radiology. She said I would take her. So, after I found a wheelchair we were off. On the way there, I didn't run her into any walls or corners like I did a few days before. No getting caught between the automatic emergency doors or sandwiched between the elevator doors. UNTIL....we reached the radiology waiting room. Have you ever tried to push a big wheel chair through a crowded room with lots of chairs and people and trash cans? I had an elderly lady chasing a trash can that I ran Savannah into. You know, the big plastic ones that sound like a bass drum if you hit them just right. I noticed Savannah laughing and gasping hysterically as we spun out of control doing donuts through the innocent, unbelieving audience. People were offering me their seats just so I would quit moving. Finally, I got her parked and they immediately called her name. The nurse took it from there.......enough said. It was, however, nice to see Savannah laughing so hard....even if it was at my expense!
She doesn't feel all that great but she has such a good attitude and outlook on things. Before I left her room tonight, she ate a little bit. That's quite an accomplishment. Pray she gets her appetite back so she can regain her strength.
Thanks! LOVE Y'all!!!!!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Monday
There is a 100% chance of ice and snow in the Bethesda area tonight. Day before yesterday it was 70 degrees. Just like Arkansas....we feel right at home!!!!
Savannah is no longer neutropenic so she can get out of the hospital a little bit. Tonight she came to the lodge and watched a movie with Susie and me.
She is still on antibiotics so she has to spend the night at the hospital. I think she was wanting to go somewhere tomorrow but I have a feeling it's going to be too slick to get out. We might just end up having a chick-flick marathon in the room. :)
Susie and I went to Home Goods today. It makes us so happy! I would LOVE to open one in Fayetteville and Susie wants to open a Cheesecake Factory......maybe when we win the lottery. LOL!
Hope to see y'all soon!
Savannah is no longer neutropenic so she can get out of the hospital a little bit. Tonight she came to the lodge and watched a movie with Susie and me.
She is still on antibiotics so she has to spend the night at the hospital. I think she was wanting to go somewhere tomorrow but I have a feeling it's going to be too slick to get out. We might just end up having a chick-flick marathon in the room. :)
Susie and I went to Home Goods today. It makes us so happy! I would LOVE to open one in Fayetteville and Susie wants to open a Cheesecake Factory......maybe when we win the lottery. LOL!
Hope to see y'all soon!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Sunday
Savannah called me this morning and said the doctors had been in and said she was low on blood and platelets. They didn't really say why but apparently it's not unusual with this treatment. Once they got her hooked up, it took all day for her to get it. When I left the hospital about 7:20 pm they were just starting her antibiotics.
She is getting really bored and wants to come home but her counts have to be over 1,000 for 3 days in a row. Today was the first day they hit 1,000 so only 2 more days!!!!....barring any other problems. :)I think Susie and I are going to watch a movie so.....better get the pjs on and get comfy!
BTW Carla, thanks for mentioning that twirling "thing" on facebook!!! :)
LOVE to ALL!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Saturday
I didn't realize how long it's been since I last posted a blog. Time is so strange out here....I'm usually not even aware of what day it is. Time flies but yet it seems like I've been gone forever....? Susie made it out without any problems. It's nice having her here to keep me on track. ;)
Savannah is doing good. It was a little scary there for a couple of days. She started running a low grade fever and her blood tests indicated she had some kind of infection. The tests showed a Staff infection but they didn't know if it was in her system or if it was a contamination from the pick-line they had installed. They ended up removing the line and putting her on some strong antibiotics. It looks like the threat of infection is gone. So for now we're still just waiting til her immune system is back up where it should be. She has NO appetite at all so we're all trying to push food on her but...stubborn is her middle name!!! I guess she'll eat when she really needs it.
We had some disturbing news today. Joe Salsbury, Danny's brother-in-law (married to his sister Shirley), found out that he has cancer. He is such a precious christian man. I would like to ask y'all to please pray for him for healing. We are all well aware that God can do anything! He performs miracles daily and I believe that will be the case for Joe.
Hope to be home soon. Thanks for the prayers!!!! love you ALL!
Savannah is doing good. It was a little scary there for a couple of days. She started running a low grade fever and her blood tests indicated she had some kind of infection. The tests showed a Staff infection but they didn't know if it was in her system or if it was a contamination from the pick-line they had installed. They ended up removing the line and putting her on some strong antibiotics. It looks like the threat of infection is gone. So for now we're still just waiting til her immune system is back up where it should be. She has NO appetite at all so we're all trying to push food on her but...stubborn is her middle name!!! I guess she'll eat when she really needs it.
We had some disturbing news today. Joe Salsbury, Danny's brother-in-law (married to his sister Shirley), found out that he has cancer. He is such a precious christian man. I would like to ask y'all to please pray for him for healing. We are all well aware that God can do anything! He performs miracles daily and I believe that will be the case for Joe.
Hope to be home soon. Thanks for the prayers!!!! love you ALL!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
It's late...
I just got back in the room from the hospital. Savannah had kind of an "off" day. One blood culture they took grew something indicating there might be a possible infection or contamination so they started her on an antibiotic. She had some kind of reaction to it....nothing major, just an itchy rash that broke out on her head and started down her face and neck. Fortunately, it only lasted a half hour or so but even after that, she just wasn't her bright, cheerful self. They said she might be very tired because of all the hard work her body is doing inside to heal itself. I stayed through more than half of the antibiotic tonight to make sure she wasn't going to have the same reaction. When I left she was good and ready to sleep! I'm sure she'll have a better day tomorrow. :)
Danny is now at home dealing with busted pipes, work, Shelby and her friends etc....so I've been by myself for a few days. I've made a lot of new friends.
Susie left this morning so she should be arriving tomorrow afternoon or evening.
I'll be glad when she gets here safely.
I'm exhausted.....going to bed........goodnight!
Danny is now at home dealing with busted pipes, work, Shelby and her friends etc....so I've been by myself for a few days. I've made a lot of new friends.
Susie left this morning so she should be arriving tomorrow afternoon or evening.
I'll be glad when she gets here safely.
I'm exhausted.....going to bed........goodnight!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Saturday
Savannah got the TIL cells Thursday. It was exciting but didn't even take 30 minutes all together. She's neutrapenic so that means no immune system at all. We are having to take precautions going in and out. Otherwise, she feels very good. The treatment is over. Now it's just a matter of her counts getting back up to normal which could take anywhere from one to two weeks. The doctors are impressed that she is doing her school assignments. I guess most patients on this protocol don't feel like doing much of anything.
Jeff and Rose left here Friday to fly home for a visit with Mom and Daddy. I hate it that we're missing time with them but maybe we'll make up for it later. We got to spend a little time with Donna and Lilly today. We had a nice visit then Donna, Lilly and I came back to the Safra house to get Lilly ready for her Valentines Day Dance at school. You would have thought she was getting married or something. I was doing her nails while Donna was curling hair. We both worked on her up-do for a bit then I started on the makeup and Donna the wardrobe. She looked beautiful.....not so much because of us but just because she is a natural......and such a lady. Sniff, sniff, (they grow up so fast!!!!)
Danny is leaving early in the morning (Sunday) to come home. He should arrive home Monday night and he'll be back at work on Wednesday. I think he's coming home to some busted pipes due to the freezing temps this past week. Joy, Joy :(
Since he is leaving before Valentines Day, he took me out for dinner tonight at The Silver Diner. It's very cute and fun. Juke boxes at each table, 50's & 60's music and 50's decor! Good food too. We had a great time.
Please pray that Danny will have a safe, uneventful trip home!!!
Thanks for ALL the prayers!!! love
Jeff and Rose left here Friday to fly home for a visit with Mom and Daddy. I hate it that we're missing time with them but maybe we'll make up for it later. We got to spend a little time with Donna and Lilly today. We had a nice visit then Donna, Lilly and I came back to the Safra house to get Lilly ready for her Valentines Day Dance at school. You would have thought she was getting married or something. I was doing her nails while Donna was curling hair. We both worked on her up-do for a bit then I started on the makeup and Donna the wardrobe. She looked beautiful.....not so much because of us but just because she is a natural......and such a lady. Sniff, sniff, (they grow up so fast!!!!)
Danny is leaving early in the morning (Sunday) to come home. He should arrive home Monday night and he'll be back at work on Wednesday. I think he's coming home to some busted pipes due to the freezing temps this past week. Joy, Joy :(
Since he is leaving before Valentines Day, he took me out for dinner tonight at The Silver Diner. It's very cute and fun. Juke boxes at each table, 50's & 60's music and 50's decor! Good food too. We had a great time.
Please pray that Danny will have a safe, uneventful trip home!!!
Thanks for ALL the prayers!!! love
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Free day
Today was a free day for Savannah. No chemo or IVs or anything.....until tonight at 10 pm when they start her IV fluids for hydration. In the morning they will replace the fluids with her TIL cells. It will probably take a few hours to receive the cells.
Since she wasn't hooked up to anything, we decided to go out and about. We had planned to go walk around White Flint Mall and maybe catch a matinee but when they released her for the day they said she could do whatever she wanted as long as she stayed away from the malls and movie theaters. So.....there went our plans.
We did make it to Homegoods and OH MY WORD! It's a decorators paradise. It just made me happy to wander the isles and imagine all the possibilities. Savannah was in bliss too. Danny........not so much.
When you are saying your prayers please remember all those people here in the hospital. Their families are staying here at the lodge and we've met many of them. Hearing their stories just makes us so thankful for our situation.
So far, we've met people from all over the states, England, Jamaica, France, Russia, China and some others we haven't figured out yet! :) ???
Y'all stay in and warm. I'm a little bit bummed that I'm missing the biggest snowfall in years but judging by the temps - I might get back before it thaws!
LOVE!!!
Since she wasn't hooked up to anything, we decided to go out and about. We had planned to go walk around White Flint Mall and maybe catch a matinee but when they released her for the day they said she could do whatever she wanted as long as she stayed away from the malls and movie theaters. So.....there went our plans.
We did make it to Homegoods and OH MY WORD! It's a decorators paradise. It just made me happy to wander the isles and imagine all the possibilities. Savannah was in bliss too. Danny........not so much.
When you are saying your prayers please remember all those people here in the hospital. Their families are staying here at the lodge and we've met many of them. Hearing their stories just makes us so thankful for our situation.
So far, we've met people from all over the states, England, Jamaica, France, Russia, China and some others we haven't figured out yet! :) ???
Y'all stay in and warm. I'm a little bit bummed that I'm missing the biggest snowfall in years but judging by the temps - I might get back before it thaws!
LOVE!!!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Lab Day
Today we got a tour of the LAB where all the magic happens! Mark was our guide. He explained everything very well and as simply as he could given the complex nature of his work. I'm sure he dumbed it-WAY- down as soon he saw the "deer in the headlights"look from the three of us!
I never thought I could get excited about science but the work they're doing here is truly AMAZING!!! We saw where the tumors are analyzed and tested and where the TIL cells are grown and stored. With a telescope, we looked at Savannah's cells that they have harvested. They keep them at several different stages. Looking at them under the microscope you could see how many cells were in the smallest drop... and they just keep multiplying!! They have her cells there ready to go on Thursday when it's TIL Time. They are going to put 10 million cells in and within a few hours those cells will double to 20 million!
Last time, they grew the TIL cells from parts of the tumor they removed from under her arm. They were then put in IL2 to grow and multiply. This time, they are using cells from the tumor on her spleen and growing it in IL12. Mark referred to these cells as the "Arnold Schwarzenegger" of cells. They will be bigger, better, stronger and tougher than any so far AND they will continue to stay in her body and fight against cancer. Sounds cool.... huh?
I'm so thankful to God for these people He's using to discover cures and treatments. I hope they know they're being used by Him!
If Savannah feels like it, she wants her Daddy to take us to Home Goods tomorrow so she can shop around. After that, maybe a matinee?????
Thanks for those prayers! love!!!!
I never thought I could get excited about science but the work they're doing here is truly AMAZING!!! We saw where the tumors are analyzed and tested and where the TIL cells are grown and stored. With a telescope, we looked at Savannah's cells that they have harvested. They keep them at several different stages. Looking at them under the microscope you could see how many cells were in the smallest drop... and they just keep multiplying!! They have her cells there ready to go on Thursday when it's TIL Time. They are going to put 10 million cells in and within a few hours those cells will double to 20 million!
Last time, they grew the TIL cells from parts of the tumor they removed from under her arm. They were then put in IL2 to grow and multiply. This time, they are using cells from the tumor on her spleen and growing it in IL12. Mark referred to these cells as the "Arnold Schwarzenegger" of cells. They will be bigger, better, stronger and tougher than any so far AND they will continue to stay in her body and fight against cancer. Sounds cool.... huh?
I'm so thankful to God for these people He's using to discover cures and treatments. I hope they know they're being used by Him!
If Savannah feels like it, she wants her Daddy to take us to Home Goods tomorrow so she can shop around. After that, maybe a matinee?????
Thanks for those prayers! love!!!!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Savannah's address
Some of you have been asking for Savannah's address here at NIH so here it is......
Savannah Dutton
c/o NIH
10 Center Dr. Bldg.10
3NW, Room 2624
Bethesda, MD
20892
Today was a good day although Savannah still feels "yucky"
After her chemo treatment this morning they said she could have some time out of the hospital so we took a little drive around the city and stopped a couple of places. She can't stand to eat anything and even slight smells from food and other things makes her nauseous so we had to be careful where we went. Other than that it's been an uneventful day....which is FINE with me.....uneventful is good around here.!!!
I'm still feeling under the weather but better than the last 2 days. I feel those prayers working! Thank you!!!!!!!!!
Savannah Dutton
c/o NIH
10 Center Dr. Bldg.10
3NW, Room 2624
Bethesda, MD
20892
Today was a good day although Savannah still feels "yucky"
After her chemo treatment this morning they said she could have some time out of the hospital so we took a little drive around the city and stopped a couple of places. She can't stand to eat anything and even slight smells from food and other things makes her nauseous so we had to be careful where we went. Other than that it's been an uneventful day....which is FINE with me.....uneventful is good around here.!!!
I'm still feeling under the weather but better than the last 2 days. I feel those prayers working! Thank you!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Family Day
Savannah is feeling kind of yucky today due to the chemo but as usual, she's a real trooper!
Jeff, Donna, Lilly, Rose, David and Aparna all came for a visit today. They arrived with armloads of food perfect for lunch on a cold winters day. We had a wonderful time talking and catching up with each other. I wish they lived in Arkansas so we could spend more time together!!!! hint, hint....Anyway, Rose has been sick for a few days and I am getting something so while the rest of the group went to visit Savannah, Rose and I went up to our room and did nails, make-up and hair......what else? It was a nice day.....except.........I am sick! I'm not sure what it is....bad cold, sinus infection...who knows...but I need some major prayer because not only can I give Savannah something but all the people here have family or friends that are in the hospital and everybody has a compromised immune system. Please pray it will just go away!
Right now, Danny is in Savannah's room kicked back in the lounge chair watching the Razorback Basketball game with her......IF she can stay awake.
If she feels like it, we plan on having a Super Bowl party in the family activity room tomorrow evening. GO GREEN BAY!!!!! (that's what Danny says anyway.....I have no clue)
Hope everyone stays in where it's warm and safe. Cuddle with your kids!!!!
Love to ALL
Jeff, Donna, Lilly, Rose, David and Aparna all came for a visit today. They arrived with armloads of food perfect for lunch on a cold winters day. We had a wonderful time talking and catching up with each other. I wish they lived in Arkansas so we could spend more time together!!!! hint, hint....Anyway, Rose has been sick for a few days and I am getting something so while the rest of the group went to visit Savannah, Rose and I went up to our room and did nails, make-up and hair......what else? It was a nice day.....except.........I am sick! I'm not sure what it is....bad cold, sinus infection...who knows...but I need some major prayer because not only can I give Savannah something but all the people here have family or friends that are in the hospital and everybody has a compromised immune system. Please pray it will just go away!
Right now, Danny is in Savannah's room kicked back in the lounge chair watching the Razorback Basketball game with her......IF she can stay awake.
If she feels like it, we plan on having a Super Bowl party in the family activity room tomorrow evening. GO GREEN BAY!!!!! (that's what Danny says anyway.....I have no clue)
Hope everyone stays in where it's warm and safe. Cuddle with your kids!!!!
Love to ALL
Friday, February 4, 2011
Chemo day
Yesterday, we walked into Savannah's room and found her looking somewhat like a smurf. They had put her line in and used blue antiseptic...I guess....anyway, she makes a cute smurfette! She was in a little discomfort due to the incision on her neck but otherwise good and happy. The doc said she shows traces of some kind of infection, UTI or maybe sinus etc....I don't think it's enough to stop them from starting the chemo this afternoon like they plan. When we left her last night she was frantically trying to get her homework done that she has gotten behind on.
No real excitement till chemo this afternoon or early evening.
I'm feeling like I could be coming down with something........sore throat, coughing, runny nose.......please pray for me that I can stay well enough to function for Savannah's and Danny's sake. Also, when she gets nutrapenic (no immune system) I won't be able to be around her at all if I'm sick. We can't have that!!!!
More later! love!!!!!!!!!
No real excitement till chemo this afternoon or early evening.
I'm feeling like I could be coming down with something........sore throat, coughing, runny nose.......please pray for me that I can stay well enough to function for Savannah's and Danny's sake. Also, when she gets nutrapenic (no immune system) I won't be able to be around her at all if I'm sick. We can't have that!!!!
More later! love!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
"Houston, We have a Patient"
Savannah has arrived!!!!! We should have organized a parade!
She was scheduled to fly out at 3:30 pm yesterday but after a few delays etc....she finally landed last night around 11pm. She rode the Metro over to NIH and Danny picked her up at the shuttle station. She went straight to the hospital and checked in. They started her tests, scans, etc. at 7 this morning. Can't wait to get over there and see her beautiful smiling face!
While waiting on Savannah to arrive yesterday, Danny and I went "junkin'". They don't have the same idea of flea markets and antique shops as we do but it was a nice way to spend the day til Princess arrived. We learned that Danny and I - together can totally confuse a piece of high-tech equipment like our friend- Tom Tom He had us turning in places that didn't even exist. Bet y'all can't do that!!! We did get to see some new neighborhoods and scenery!
Many of you tell me that you appreciate the email reminders about updates to the blog but because they have changed the format of yahoo I can only send out 20 emails at a time. Since my address book has grown far beyond that, it has become too time consuming to send emails out every time I update the blog so....I will post on face book when I update. While we're here I will probably be updating every day so if you choose, you can put it in you favorites or....something like that! Remember.....I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to "computer stuff"
We love you! Thanks for the prayers and EVERYTHING else!
She was scheduled to fly out at 3:30 pm yesterday but after a few delays etc....she finally landed last night around 11pm. She rode the Metro over to NIH and Danny picked her up at the shuttle station. She went straight to the hospital and checked in. They started her tests, scans, etc. at 7 this morning. Can't wait to get over there and see her beautiful smiling face!
While waiting on Savannah to arrive yesterday, Danny and I went "junkin'". They don't have the same idea of flea markets and antique shops as we do but it was a nice way to spend the day til Princess arrived. We learned that Danny and I - together can totally confuse a piece of high-tech equipment like our friend- Tom Tom He had us turning in places that didn't even exist. Bet y'all can't do that!!! We did get to see some new neighborhoods and scenery!
Many of you tell me that you appreciate the email reminders about updates to the blog but because they have changed the format of yahoo I can only send out 20 emails at a time. Since my address book has grown far beyond that, it has become too time consuming to send emails out every time I update the blog so....I will post on face book when I update. While we're here I will probably be updating every day so if you choose, you can put it in you favorites or....something like that! Remember.....I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to "computer stuff"
We love you! Thanks for the prayers and EVERYTHING else!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
No Patient!
Seeing as how we Dutton's love drama so much.....Danny and I are here in Bethesda at NIH. We are all warm and tucked in our nice lodge. So.....let's see.........we have the parents, the doctor's, the nurses, the medications, the hospital room waiting for the patient but.....NO PATIENT!!!
We drove out of Greenland early Monday morning and arrived this afternoon (Tuesday). We were on the phone much of yesterday with the NIH travel team trying to change Savannah's flight from going through Chicago to Dallas since Chicago was almost at a stand-still due to blizzards etc....! Who knew that at 6:40 this morning when she was supposed to be flying out of XNA that all flights in and out of Dallas would be cancelled......not to mention the XNA airport closing. There was also another winter weather advisory out for this area but fortunately it didn't do anything. Savannah was on the phone all day today trying to get a flight out. As of this moment, she is scheduled to fly out tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 through Dallas. We are really praying they can get the airports in working order so she can get here. They have her on a very tight schedule and the difference in a day or two can throw a kink into the whole plan.
Oh my my..........never a dull moment.
Oh....did I mention we have all of Savannah's luggage with us? We thought it would be best if she didn't have a bunch of heavy bags to check and tote around, so we brought them with us...which.....if everything had gone according to plan, would've been a good idea BUT....all of her books, pc and school stuff is packed in our car and she is stressing a little about getting her assignments done on time especially since she will get behind during her treatment.
Never a lack of things to pray for.....????!!!!!!!! Love to ALL
We drove out of Greenland early Monday morning and arrived this afternoon (Tuesday). We were on the phone much of yesterday with the NIH travel team trying to change Savannah's flight from going through Chicago to Dallas since Chicago was almost at a stand-still due to blizzards etc....! Who knew that at 6:40 this morning when she was supposed to be flying out of XNA that all flights in and out of Dallas would be cancelled......not to mention the XNA airport closing. There was also another winter weather advisory out for this area but fortunately it didn't do anything. Savannah was on the phone all day today trying to get a flight out. As of this moment, she is scheduled to fly out tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 through Dallas. We are really praying they can get the airports in working order so she can get here. They have her on a very tight schedule and the difference in a day or two can throw a kink into the whole plan.
Oh my my..........never a dull moment.
Oh....did I mention we have all of Savannah's luggage with us? We thought it would be best if she didn't have a bunch of heavy bags to check and tote around, so we brought them with us...which.....if everything had gone according to plan, would've been a good idea BUT....all of her books, pc and school stuff is packed in our car and she is stressing a little about getting her assignments done on time especially since she will get behind during her treatment.
Never a lack of things to pray for.....????!!!!!!!! Love to ALL
Thursday, January 20, 2011
It's ON!
NIH contacted us and said they want Savannah there on Feb 1st. She will fly out the morning of the 1st and check in as soon as she arrives. They want her there to run all kinds of scans, tests and to put in a port/line. Her chemo will start on the 4th and she will receive the TIL cells on the 10th and the Interluken a few hours later. They have her scheduled to return home on the 24th....IF....the counts on her immune system are high enough. If not, she will need to stay a few extra days. Danny and I will be driving. We will leave a day or so before Savannah to give us time to get there before she arrives. Danny can't miss a whole month of work so he will come back after she is through the worst part. I will stay the whole time and ride back with my very dear friend, Susie, who is coming out to "take care of me" after Danny leaves.
Thankfully, we will be staying in the Safra House which is such a blessing. It's right across the street from the hospital. It's like a little mansion but yet it's warm and cozy and has an awesome eat-in kitchen where you can cook or order in or whatever. Best of all they have a cappuccino machine that's on 24/7! The kitchen is also the "meeting place". Everyone there has someone in the hospital and you kind of get to know some of them and hear their stories. Some of the stories are so awful that it makes you realize your problems aren't so bad.
I know all I do is ask for prayer but......it's the only thing that works so.....
Please pray for Savannah - that the treatment will work, for traveling, etc....
Danny and I - that we'll have safe travel (as well as Susie), we'll all stay healthy (physically & emotionally) and for our finances through all this.
Thanks again for all the support. We would be NUTS without it.!
love you ALL !
Thankfully, we will be staying in the Safra House which is such a blessing. It's right across the street from the hospital. It's like a little mansion but yet it's warm and cozy and has an awesome eat-in kitchen where you can cook or order in or whatever. Best of all they have a cappuccino machine that's on 24/7! The kitchen is also the "meeting place". Everyone there has someone in the hospital and you kind of get to know some of them and hear their stories. Some of the stories are so awful that it makes you realize your problems aren't so bad.
I know all I do is ask for prayer but......it's the only thing that works so.....
Please pray for Savannah - that the treatment will work, for traveling, etc....
Danny and I - that we'll have safe travel (as well as Susie), we'll all stay healthy (physically & emotionally) and for our finances through all this.
Thanks again for all the support. We would be NUTS without it.!
love you ALL !
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Latest News on Savannah
Well, of course Savannah didn't put me on speaker phone....."the appointment happened too fast and she didn't have time".....right!......
The news could be better but it could also be much worse. The tumor on her adrenal gland is still there and has grown a little bit but the good news is that it hasn't spread, and all other areas are still cancer free. It looks like we will be returning to NIH for another TIL Cell therapy and Interluken 12 treatment.
We don't know how this differs from the Interluken 2 that she had the first time. Apparently it has different qualities to help with the kind of tumor she has now.
If everything they said holds, she will probably be scheduled in the next 2 or 3 weeks and we will be gone 3 to 4 weeks....( I think )!
Thank you for the prayers and sweet comments!
The news could be better but it could also be much worse. The tumor on her adrenal gland is still there and has grown a little bit but the good news is that it hasn't spread, and all other areas are still cancer free. It looks like we will be returning to NIH for another TIL Cell therapy and Interluken 12 treatment.
We don't know how this differs from the Interluken 2 that she had the first time. Apparently it has different qualities to help with the kind of tumor she has now.
If everything they said holds, she will probably be scheduled in the next 2 or 3 weeks and we will be gone 3 to 4 weeks....( I think )!
Thank you for the prayers and sweet comments!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Prayer Request
First of all, ....Sorry for the -empty- email a couple weeks ago. If I ever send you an email that doesn't have a message attached or is messed up in any way......It probably just means there is a new post on the blog! Have y'all forgotten how technologically challenged I am?
I'm asking for prayer for Savannah today. She is on her way to Maryland for her appointment at NIH. She is driving (w/friends). I wanted to go with her to be there for the scans and results but she said she could just put me on speaker phone during the clinic appointment and I could hear everything the Doc said. ---NOT the same as being there! :( Anyway, they left yesterday, her scans are on Wednesday and Clinic is on Thursday. That sounds like plenty of time but they're having to take it slowly due to the bad weather throughout the South and East. From what the weather station says they are headed straight into the worst of it. Please pray for their safety and that nothing will keep her from getting to her appointment.
Also that when they receive the results of the scans - there will be no tumors ANYWHERE!!!!!!
Meanwhile the rest of us are just trying to stay warm cuddled up with our fleece blankets in front of our new IMAX theater. Well....it's not REALLY an IMAX theater.....it just looks and feels like one! Danny has a very generous friend that gave him a BIG - HONKIN' TV !!!!! This would not really be a problem if we had a Big Honkin' room to put it in. Instead, it is in our little sun room--- which --- gives you that IMAX experience since loud noises make the room vibrate like surround sound and the screen is so large that it envelopes you. I (lovingly) used the term "ghetto" to describe it to someone and totally offended Danny but "ghetto" or not, it has made my little 27/29 ? inch TV in the living room seem very insignificant and hard to see. It goes against every decorating instinct in my body but Danny says it kind of makes up for all the floral walls and pink stuff he's lived with for years....the jury's still out! ???
Thank you ALL for your prayers! Stay safe and WARM! Love Y'all
I'm asking for prayer for Savannah today. She is on her way to Maryland for her appointment at NIH. She is driving (w/friends). I wanted to go with her to be there for the scans and results but she said she could just put me on speaker phone during the clinic appointment and I could hear everything the Doc said. ---NOT the same as being there! :( Anyway, they left yesterday, her scans are on Wednesday and Clinic is on Thursday. That sounds like plenty of time but they're having to take it slowly due to the bad weather throughout the South and East. From what the weather station says they are headed straight into the worst of it. Please pray for their safety and that nothing will keep her from getting to her appointment.
Also that when they receive the results of the scans - there will be no tumors ANYWHERE!!!!!!
Meanwhile the rest of us are just trying to stay warm cuddled up with our fleece blankets in front of our new IMAX theater. Well....it's not REALLY an IMAX theater.....it just looks and feels like one! Danny has a very generous friend that gave him a BIG - HONKIN' TV !!!!! This would not really be a problem if we had a Big Honkin' room to put it in. Instead, it is in our little sun room--- which --- gives you that IMAX experience since loud noises make the room vibrate like surround sound and the screen is so large that it envelopes you. I (lovingly) used the term "ghetto" to describe it to someone and totally offended Danny but "ghetto" or not, it has made my little 27/29 ? inch TV in the living room seem very insignificant and hard to see. It goes against every decorating instinct in my body but Danny says it kind of makes up for all the floral walls and pink stuff he's lived with for years....the jury's still out! ???
Thank you ALL for your prayers! Stay safe and WARM! Love Y'all
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
