Update on Dawson

We went to the specialist today about Dawson's bump. I looked at the CT scan with the doctor who pointed out to me the area of the bump. It appears that there are a few separate masses located in the parotid gland (largest of the salivary glands). The doctor will do a biopsy on Tuesday. This means more sedation and more waiting, which you know I love!

Please keep us in your prayers. We are so overwhelmed by all that is happening. After the appointment today, my WONDERFUL in-laws took Dawson home for a nap, while I raced to radiation. During my treatment, I just lied there and cried. The good news is the radiation went by fast today because of so much on my mind.

Mystery gift giver

Twice now we have received Boston Market gift cards and goodies for the boys with no indication of who sent them. Thank you to the person sending these gifts. They have been so helpful.

So much for a quiet weekend

David came down with a stomach virus on Sunday and it was not pretty. We are disinfecting the house to avoid it spreading. I started radiation today. Only 24 treatments more! I have to lie in the same position for about 35-40 minutes and that position is not comfortable. By the end of the treatment, I was really ready for it to be over.

We were sitting at dinner tonight and I told Dave what was happening tomorrow. Dawson will be at the babysitters and David will go to school. David said to me, "What will you do all day tomorrow?" What do I want to do or What will I do?

Snow Day

Well, I have to say the last few days have been pretty quiet and uneventful - finally! I am by no means complaining. I like uneventful. I am really starting to feel the physical challenges from chemo subside. I seemed to have turned a corner. It is so wonderful to feel good again and not so on edge and not so hot! It looks like radiation will begin on Monday afternoon, most likely. I will be seen Monday morning to check out the infection and make sure it is okay to proceed with radiation.

I had all of my boys home today. Dave worked from home while the boys and I enjoyed a snow day. Dave is out with them now (for the second time today). We have a quiet weekend planned with some family fun and some projects around the house. Isn't that how most people spend their weekends? I think I have forgotten.

Another update

Okay, here is what happened today. Barbara has a skin infection that was first noticeable today. That would explain the high fever. Other tests were run to rule out other possible infections. I finally received a call from my radiation oncologist today to start radiation on Wednesday. Well, after speaking with my oncologist, radiation will have to wait until this infection starts clearing up. So, now it looks like that will start next week.

Dawson had his CT scan today and was sedated for that. I arrived at AI Dupont just as he was being wheeled into recovery. I walk into the room to see my baby looking lifeless. Ugh, it was horrible. I started stroking his hair and I saw his face move. Let me tell you - the tears were flowing. He came to okay and his now home resting on the couch. He saw David playing with the neighbor outside and kept saying, "David, please." He can't even walk, let alone keep up with the boys right now!

Whew, what a day. I think we will all sleep well tonight.

Health update

Barbara came down with a high fever on Friday. She still had it today, although it is down from last night's high of 102.7. We called the oncologist office, and they said to call the office tomorrow at 9 am to find out what time we can come in. She may have an infection in her port, a viral infection, or something else we don't know about. Dawson also has his testing tomorrow so they can figure out what is causing his lump.
Please include us in your prayers for the following:
1) That we will be able to see a doctor for Barbara tomorrw.
2) That God will give the doctors wisdom to figure out what is causing Barb's fever and for healing.
3) That the doctors will figure out what is causing Dawson's lump and for his healing.
4) That Daddy Dave will stay sane through all this.

Thanks so much.
In Christ,
Dave

Happy Valentine's Day!

Here are my heartbreakers.
















David and a Valentine?

I think I spoke with every doctor's office today but my radiation oncologist! Still waiting for the call. If I don't hear anything by the end of this week, I will be checking in with them again.

The delay in beginning radiation has helped me be able to focus more on Dawson, though. We went to a specialist today and now have a CT scan scheduled for next week. I will keep you posted as to what the results are.

Dawson's lymphnode saga continues

I took him back to the doctor today because the "bump" is swollen and large again. Dawson started with a cold over the weekend and is now quite miserable. The doctor ran another test today and we are seeing a specialist tomorrow. I know kids get sick and this stuff happens, but I think the snowball effect of everything that is happening is starting to catch up with me. I am also still waiting for the radiation oncologist to call and say, "We're ready!"

Photos

Here are some photos from the Wolf Lodge and Williamsburg. Unfortunately, we don't have any on the digital camera of the boys at the water park. It is hard to chase 2 boys and also make sure my camera doesn't get wet.

It was a beautiful day in Williamsburg, about 75 degrees, so we took advantage of the wide, open spaces before I strapped them into their carseats for 4 hours.

This was how the boys spent about 1 1/2 hours of the ride home.

Waiting . .. again

The boys and I returned from Williamsburg Wednesday evening. I think I was in bed by 8:30, even before they were! We had a great time and I will add some photos later.

It doesn't appear that I will begin radiation on Monday. They are drawing up a "plan" and I checked with the doctor's office today. It isn't finished yet, but they will call me to set up a start date as soon as it is done. I wouldn't say I WANT to begin radation, but the sooner it gets started, the sooner I can be done.

This is been an interesting couple of days. I received good news on one friend's battle with cancer and bad on another friend's. These relationships that I have formed because of a common struggle have been a rich blessing to me. They keep thanking me for helping them, but they have been such an encouragement to me. I hear their positive outlook and it reminds me of how I once felt also.