On Our Way

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." ~ Author Unknown

What a wonderful weekend I had! I was able spend time in Branson with my mom and sis on Wed. and Thurs. (yes, my weekend began on Wed. this week!) We had so much fun! Not typical Branson trip, but really enjoyed showing them the Branson Landing, the Gift Shop, etc. We even shopped on the way down...did the girly thing at the beauty salon and everything!

On friday I was able to spend the night in a hotel with Amy and Kelley. We enjoyed dinner out and then shared a special time, just the three of us.

Saturday was unbelievable! There were 14 of us who were able to go ziplining. It was so much fun! It was so awesome zipping through the woods. (Talk about moments that take our breath away!!) We could NOT have asked for better weather, either. I appreciate every one who went (along with our couple of 'dinner only' fam!) We ate at The Rivers Edge which could be considered the edge of the world. It took us forever to get there! Perfect ending to a perfect day. I'm only sorry that the others who wanted to go couldn't. There were only 14 allowed in a group! Not only did I learn HOW to zipline...I was able to judge that I was able to do the first four lines....but, definitely NOT the next six!!! Well, I can mark that off my bucket list!

Sunday was pass out day!!! I didn't even wake up till 11:00 then struggled along thru the day. I can go for awhile and then it just all catches up with me. I get so worn out.

Had my blood work done again today and am relieved to say that my white counts have stayed up and I'm definitely able to go to Nashville. I also found out that my platelets, potassium, red blood cells, Hemoglobin and Hemocratic counts are really low...we'll keep working on that.

New Tactics Succeed!

"No one knows the story of tomorrow's dawn." ~ Ashanti Proverb

I was so upset about my counts going even lower. I have been on the phone with Vanderbilt regularly and through many different channels they have traveled, it was finally determined that I could use Neupogen. This is a shot of 'fake' white counts that are intended to boost the counts of people who need improvement in that area. The shots worked beyond my wildest dreams. I now have to get my blood work taken again on Monday and hopefully my body will be able to sustain the better counts.If it does, I will keep my appointment on the 21st and begin all of the screening tests and they will determine if I am a good candidate for the clinical trial....the ones I already thought I was in if my counts went up. This journey is a constant roller coaster.

Ellis Fischell!! & Blood Counts

"Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith". ~ Henry Ward Beecher (Thanks, Karen, for giving me this quote!)

Went to Ellis Fischell yesterday. It was so good to be back there and I actually liked the new doctor. No one will ever take Dr. Anderson's place as far as I'm concerned...but, this doctor is wonderful in his way! What a relief it was to me...I've had 3 months of Siteman and Dr. Linette....it was like going home!!!

I did get some bad news, though. My counts have actually dropped a little more since a week ago Monday. I've got to get these up....I'm going to start eating a high protein diet and trying to rest a little more. I'll get another set of labs done next Monday to see if we're making progress. Please keep praying for this!!

Nashville Here We Come

When a door gets closed, God opens a window

I've always heard this saying (or whatever the actual quote is) and I really understand it now. I can relate to it in my situation. I know I've been asking for prayers for many different things over the last few months...but my situation changes so quickly it's hard for me to keep up!

Today Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville called me and set up an appointment for me for Oct. 21st. They want to do testing and see if I can fit into 1 of 2 clinical trials that they have determined I may fit into by preliminary criteria.

Thanks for your prayers.....continue to pray that my counts come up....I won't get into any trial w/out them climbing. We are total believers in the power of prayer!

New Request

"Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That's why it's a comfort to go hand in hand" ~ Emily Kimbrough

I'm beginning to get some good responses from Vanderbilt in Tennessee. They are really trying to 'fit' me into a good clinical trial. There is a major stumbling block, though. Because of the ipi treatments my blood counts have pretty much bottomed out. I won't get in any trial - anywhere until they go up. They should do this natually as the ipi gets out of my system or there are drugs available that can help. I am going back to Columbia to Ellis Fischell Cancer Center on Monday...maybe they can help me with this.

I want to ask all of my family and friends to please pray for my blood counts to go up so I can be considered for one of these trials I'm hoping for! Thank You!

Bump in the Road

God's will. Nothing more, nothing less, nothing else. --- Jean Finley

It is so frustrating to be in limbo....please pray with us that God will open a door and Eddie & I will be smart enough to go through it.

Down But Not Out

In all things give thanks

Today did not go as we had hoped. The Ipilumumab has not worked for me. It's difficult and disheartning to get that news and see scans showing progression of the cancer, but it was only a moment until we were asking..."what next"??

It seems that I DO have the BRAF cell mutation that will allow me to get into the clinical trial with the special med designed to halt the cells ability to divide so rapidly. (More of this as I learn more!!)

Suffice it to say.....We are down but we are NOT out!! Hanging in there mentally as best as we can.