Merry Christmas 2011

We all hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas. We have had a good day and Marilee has been up for most of the afternoon enjoying Christmas dinner, opening of presents, and watching some NBA on the tube with the family. It was a blast watching Max and Beans opening presents and enjoying playing with the gifts. Jenna also had a good day getting a doll that has red glasses just like hers. They look a lot alike. We are grateful for all of the words of encouragement and for your prayers and thought in behalf of Marilee and all of us. Being at the hospital last night seemed like it has been years since we were there but at the same time like it was yesterday as the ambulance made its way up the hill to the Huntsman Cancer Center. Our lives have been changed a lot in a short period of time and we are grateful for the blessings from all those around us from our families, friends, medical staff and those that we don't know. Yesterday families came through the hospital singing songs and bringing the Spirit of Christmas.

"Twas the Day before the Night before Christmas......"

It was the day before the Night before Christmas and Marilee and her nausea nemesis friend found themselves together.  An in-home IV treatment for nausea and a bag of IV fluid fluids for hydration didn't seem to make a difference so Kelli made a call to the Huntsman Clinic which resulted in a visit to the Acute Care Outpatient for some more IV treatments.  The good news is that her platelet count was up above normal but her potassium and magnesium levels were down.  After some consultation, Marilee was moved up to the four floor hospital and got to spend the night before the night before Christmas.  More consultation this morning and she will be released this afternoon to go back to Kelli's house.  They are going to make some changes in her medication to see if they can help with the nausea but it does appear that she may have to deal with this during her Chemo treatments.   One of the nurses commented last night about the number of calories it takes for the body to fight cancer and that is one of the reasons that patients are usually tired and the importance of eating and drinking enough to assist the body in its fight.  It was good to see a few open beds in the 4th floor hospital.  The last time we were here most of all of the beds were full.  There were several families here today bringing  homemade blankets and other such items for the patients.  A wonderful Christmas tradition.  We are all hopeful that Marilee will enjoy the night before Christmas with her family!

Latest Visit to Huntsman 12-20-2011

Stop, Wait, Good, and Better

Marilee made her scheduled visit to Huntsman Cancer Institute today to see Dr. Ward and staff.  As we thought, her platelets were too low for a chemo treatment.  That has been rescheduled for January 4, 2012.  So she will have a couple of weeks to enjoy the holidays without the after effects of the chemo.  She did get another unit of blood today and will be getting a pill form for potassium.  As I understand, they will have home health take blood tests twice a week from now on so they can get her ready for the next treatment.

Good news is that also on the 4th of January, they will do a scan to see how the chemo has been working and the better or best of the day was the report that her liver enzyme tests were normal which from a non-medical person sounds like very good news and that progress is occurring.

Heidi took Marilee into the clinic today before heading back to St. George this evening.  Kelli had a t-shirt made for Dr. Ward that says "I am always "cautiously optimistic'.  He apparently really liked it. 

I guess Marilee made a post while I have written this so this may be somewhat duplicating the info.

Merry Christmas to All

Rick, Marilee, Kelli, Pete, Max, Jillian, Heidi, Josh, Alisa, Ryan, Jenna and Skipbo (the dog)

Tusday

Good news and bad news today. Icannothave a treatment. Platelets are still low and so are my (HH). I an going to get unit of blood,but that means I should feel good for Christmas. No more action un til Jan. They want my body to rest a bit. Funny, I thought that's what I'e been doing the last 2-3 months. Oh, well. It will be nice not to be for the holidays
Love you all. I still am receiving cards and emails lov it and Love you.
Marilee

Monday, Monday

Just a quick note for tonight - my dad and I have re-dedicated ourself to updating more often.

Katie (our home-health nurse) came this morning to get her lab-work to check to see if she is okay for chemo tomorrow. Her labs appear, on first glance, to be okay, a little low on potassium, but we didn't get a call from Dr Wards office to cancel, so we're assuming we are on!

Mom felt pretty good today. Katie hooked her up to anti-nausea meds and a then she had a bag of fluid to get her nice and hydrated for her adventure tomorrow.

Heidi will take her in the morning. We'd appreciate all you good thoughts and prayer that all goes well tomorrow.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

You will notice that Marilee posted to the blog last night.  It shows that she is doing better but her labs and tests are puzzling as she is low on her platelets, her blood is up and down as is her magnessium and potasium.  We are at the Hunstman Cancer Center for platelets this morning hoping that everything will go well for her scheduled treatment on Tuesday which would be the fourth of six scheduled.  A quick review of the last week or so for her.  She got blood a week ago Wednesday and she had a good day of Thursday, then some deydration on Friday past and then nausa on Saturday with some in house IV treatment.  She had a good Sunday and a pretty good Monday but then she needed IV treatments and platelets on Tuesday and had some in house IV treatments during the week.  We had a small Christmas get together on Thursday night as Josh and Heidi were up from St. George.  They both have to work the Christmas weekend so they are doing Christmas at both of their families this weekend. 

Huntsman is running a small crew for the weekend.  We are in the bone marrow unit today and they rare running a mixed crew from all of clinics so we see some familar faces and some new ones.

Ryan was offered an additional job at Fanzz this week but turned it down so he could be around to help out Kelli with her kids and Marilee.  Kelli's husband is going to be gone on business the entire month of January.  Alisa is moving from her apartmment into a house with Lillian Lopez after the first of the year. 

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!! Thank you for all of your thoughts, prayers, good wishes, etc.  You all are the best and it is very much appreciated

It's really me.

Yes it's me. We havent'tposted for a while. Between my huntsman visits and Rick's travel no one has stopped long enough to report. I'm going to try, but let me warn you cancer brain can be quite annoying. I'ma having a good day home health came and gave me IVmeds. It was nice not to make the 1hour trip to huntsman. They are so great there. They really treat every aspect of the disease including attention to the family. I've been getting blood and platelets and potassium magnesium. All to make sure I'm ready for the next treatment. It is scheduled for Tues the 20. It's like getting all gussied up for a wedding or something.
Thank you so much to all for the cards letters an emails. I can't find words to really thank everyone. Hopefully I'll get to come home soon and do it myself. Ithank every at this point for toughts and prayers. I just got an update: I'm probably headed to the Huntsman for a blood transfusion. A surprise around every corner.
Love to all
Marilee

Monday, December 5, 2011

A quick note to the blog. We find ourselves back at Huntsman today. Marilee is dehydrated again and her blood pressure was a little low so Katie, the home health nurse came over and did some vitals and some other "stuff" and called the clinic and they wanted her to come in and get some fluids and be watched for a portion of the afternoon. I think she is on her third bag of fluids and they added some potassium and she has been sleeping away. She was able to handle a few bites of a grilled cheese sandwich and some soup for lunch. They had some Christmas choirs singing through out the clinic and hospital today. Is there nothing they don't think of for the patients. The new wing is wonderful and offers such great services to the patients and their families. They were giving out new purses to the patients today, some name brand name ones. No good gifts for the guys today. Something wrong about this picture! Craftsman tools or whatever would be equal treatment. We were so sad to hear about the passing of such good people in the county over the weekend. Tom Black, Karl Barton and Mrs. Jones from Blanding. Our condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with each family especially at this time of the season.

Saturday Night Post

Marilee had a good Wednesday and Thursday, but the darn old nausea start back up yesterday.  We thought a little ride might due her good yesterday afternoon but it didn't last long and she had been able to keep anything down Friday or Saturday until about 11:00 when she decided to call our good home health nurse, Katie to explain where she was.  Even on her day off and with her kids in her car; she came running to give Marilee an IV for nausea.  She had to make a couple of trips to her car to make sure all was well with her kids but was able to get the IV started through the port and in an hour or so Marilee and I were able to get it taken back out and she hit the sack for a long afternoon nap.   Thanks Katie for being so caring. Wow!
She wanted a call back to see how she was doing and when I called her about 4 PM, she said she had been worrying and was about to call to see what more she could do.  Marilee looked a lot better tonight and was able to get a pop sickle down, some water and a few bites of some other things; took her night dose of pill and we changed her nausea patch and she was down by nine. 

Kelli and Pete made a quick trip to Moab last night, ran in the 10K and did pretty well and will be back tomorrow. iIt wasn't as quick as a trip as they would have liked.  They thought they had a flat tire before getting into Spanish Fork Canyon, stopped to check it and they had lost some of their lug nuts off of one of their axles.  They were able to get back into Spanish Fork and spent most of all of the afteroon and early evening getting the car fixed and back together.   It is a good thing that Kelli writes all my instructions down because I would forget in a hurry.  Heidi went back to St. George on Wednesday and Marilee's mom left yesterday so it is Bean's, Max, Ryan Jenna and I to hold the fort down.  Ryan went to work early today for the Saturday busy day at the mall.  Little snow and much cold as it was clear and cloudy. 

Another blessing was that Kelli's house was in a four block area that did not have their electricity go out during the wind storm.  They lost a few shingles but they were left undamaged for the most part.  Neighbors were cutting up trees and cleaning up yesterday and today.  I talked to a gentleman that I know from Centerville who said the damage was unreal and looking at UDOT's signs on the freeway, the wind must have really been blowing at it twisted the big old signs like pretzels.  

December 1, 2011

Marilee made it through her chemo in great style. The port that has been permanently placed into her chest certainly allowed for the administration of the chemo in a faster and easier way. Thanks to all those at the infusion center for making it a comfortable setting and treatment. Her medical team in Dr. Ward's office are the best making sure that everything is taken place and in order. They had her get a shot yesterday that will assist with her white count and they had it so that we could run down to Centerville to get the shot. Later in the day, a social worker from the home health agency came and made a visit. Her nurse from home health is also the greatest and was in to visit today. They have made it so if she needs to have IV treatments that they can be done through home health in the house and she will draw the blood for tests and other services. We hope that the next week or so go greater better than after the other treatments. She is schedule for treatment number four on December 20 if everything stays on schedule. We will know next week if she will need some blood to help her keep on the improvement road. Dr. Ward is always saying that he is cautiously optimistic about her progress. I think I am going to get him a shirt that says "I am always cautiously optimistic". Ryan has got a job over the mall working at Aeroplaste or something like that. He seems to be having a good time.

Good News from the Wasatch Front

I believe that there is some good news from the Huntsman Cancer Hospital and Clinic. Let me name them in no particular order because these are all good. One - The brain MRI is clear, clean and good! Two - While her white count is not where they wanted it to be the did go ahead with the chemo treatment today and is currently going on with no problems so far! Three - no nausea today!! Four - Her liver enzyme count is good Five - Her markers are going down (I think that is what they said) which for me means that the chemo is working!!! Five - no pain today!! Six - She look beautiful!! Seven - she has an appetite, kinda !!! Eight - A very short clinic visit with Dr. Ward because things are looking cautiously optimistic - Nine - Dr. Ward approved of Marilee and Jenna's nails and Ten - They found six more of the nausea patches last night. Heidi's husband Josh - his parents know a fellow in their ward that has some pharmacies and they were able to locate the six patches that will last for another eighteen days. Marilee's brother McKay who lives in Arkansas, is also looking for patches and the local search continues.





Marilee is a bit anemic, not surprising considering the amount of drugs and nausea and everything else that is going on and may need some blood next week. This should help her not get down so far between treatments. The port was accessed today for the first time, and it worked great. They were able to draw blood from the port as well as administering the chemo. The drain time is much faster than through an IV.





Jenna was glad to see her mom after a weekend visit to Monticello. Her dog was glad to see her and was very sad to see her leave.





Thanks to everyone for your prayers, thoughts, emails, etc. We think we have great news today and we want each of you to know that it is through your efforts in Marilee's Fight!!!!!

Good News from the Wasatch Front

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

First, a very good day without any nausea. Second, the MRI on her brain is clear and good. Third, even though her white count was a little lower that they wanted, Marilee is able to get her chemo treatment which is happening right now, which is her third treatment.. Fourth, liver enzyme levels are good. Fifth, cancer markers are down which means that the chemo is working. Siill decixth, she doesn't have any pain. They were able to use her port to draw blood and administer her chemo, really slick. She has an appetite. So all in all she is having a good day.

With her white count down and with the new chemo Marilee will mostly likely need a blood transfusion next week so home health will draw blood next week and they will decide then

Wednesday November 23, 2011

It is not my day for posting on the blog. I have started three times and it just deleted itself so I will give it another try. I know that it has been awhile since anything was posted on the blog and I have heard from some many that read it, I will try to be a little more diligent in posting some information. Thanks for the friendly reminder from Liesel Johnson at the Pharmacy on Monday. It helps me know that people are so interested and concerned in Marilee and her family. Special thanks to Tim Young and the staff at the Pharmacy for helping in sending up prescriptions and everything else. We have also been very blessed by Kelli's great friend, Maren who is a pharmacist and has been helping out in every way from A to Z. Marilee has been given a prescription for a patch for nausea and they are on a national shortage. Kelli called the world last week and found three and is currently on the phone calling all of pharmacies in Utah. I am put my odds on her that she will find some. The nausea has continued to be a problem for Marilee. They have tried a number of pills and other treatments but nothing is working very well. Marilee had a port put in last week in an outpatient surgery to assist in the chemo treatments and she was throwing up so often and hard last week that blood came up through the port. She has quite the bruises from all of it. She has been getting some regular IV treatments to assist her with nutrition and the nausea. Oh, since I have been tryping Kelli has found one patch in North Ogden so we will be going to get it. Huntsman's pharmacy is working to trying to get some too.

Marilee went to Huntsman today and had a MRI. We are always nervous about these tests but Dr. Ward personally called a few minutes ago and said that his prelimary view of the results was OK and that if there was any change he would personally call. He is such a great Doctor and person and his staff is unbelievable. Kelli and the staff have all become very good friends.
Marilee has come home today from her visit and hit the sack. She is very deserving of a nap after a full day at the clinic. Kelli needs more than a nap but was able to rest for a bit. Marilee's white count level is too low for a chemo treatment on Friday and so we are hoping for a treatment on next Tuesday. They have also set up home health services to come into the house to take blood test, give IV treatments and other services. This will save her from having to travel to Huntman and the wear and tear of the trips. They have made one visit and the nurse was a hit with everyone.

Jenna went to see her Doctor today and he said her ear that he had operated on looked very good but her hearing tests weren't very good. She is scheduled for the other ear surgery on January 19, 2012. She made still need hearing aids after everything is done but she is such a brave young lady through all of this and we hope that we can get her so she can hear better. She also has a great doctor who is very concerned for her.

We should have everyone around for Thanksgiving tomorrow. Ryan got a job here in the Layton Mall and is working tonight.. Heid minus Josh will be here tomorrow with Alisa. Marilee's brothers are also going to be in the area and so she will be able to see them.

We are again so thankful to each of you for everything thar you do, say, pray for and think of us. It is overwhemling and I know that we cannot thank everyone. There have been some very special conversations and emails that will remain with us forever. Words are very comforting especially at the times that we need them and are an answer to our prayers for strength and help. The Lord has blessed us all more than we deserve. Thank you!

Results from Clinic Visit

Marilee had a great Monday. Believable it or (those that have been around her for the last month know this to occur on a regular daily basis) did not throw up for the whole day even though it was close a couple of times. This is proabley the first time in weeks and then she was hungery and had a couple of good meals. Good job honey, maybe you just needed me to leave the house. It was nice to come home for a few days and see some people, catch up on the mail and hte insurance claims and get back into a routine. Marilee went into the Huntsman Clinic today for her normal visit and our concern was for her being able to keep going with the mausea problem. The staff was more than equally concerned and placed in her in an out patient location which they then gave her an IV treatment for several hours for rehydrate her. She said that she felt pretty good after the IV treatment but was tired and wanted to head home to take some sleep time to recoperate. She has also started to lose her voice. That started Saturday and was almost gone today. It was hard to understand a lot of what she wanted to say but she was also having a banana flavored slurpee to see it would help her voice out. It didn't work but was good to see the improvements. The clinic asked that we notify them if the nausea continues and they will have her come back into the clinic for additional IV treatments between the chemo infusions. The pharmacy people were trying to come up with a new nausea medication. They have tried three or four but we are willing to try anything by living better through chemistry.





Marilee ran into Jody Shumway in the elevator at the Hunstmans Hospital today. We do live in a small world. Thanks to Ryan and Kelli for the escort services today. I beleive that Thursday is the day for her port to be put in prior to the next Chemo treatment which will be number three of what we think will be six treatments. The next will be the day after Thanksgiving. If my math works out her sixth treatment should be around the last week of January. I think that Marilee has decided to stay at Kelli's house until all of the treatments are done as it works out so well if she needs to go in to the clinic. Those of you that may have sent cards to Marilee at the Monticello address, I have sent those onto her today in a box. Doug Hall was good enough to take the box up.





We want to thank all those county employees and health department people that went out of their way to send the care packages a couple of weeks ago. It was totally overwhelming and very much appreciated. Thanks to each of you that participated in this effort and wrote a note on the box, etc. We are truly blessed to be around such good people and really don't deserve all that is happening to and for us.





We beleive that we have Jenna back to normal with her health conditions. She had a good birthday and is a great help. I miss her hugs and those from the grandkids.



Ryan picked up a job at the Layton Mall and will be starting soon. It is a clothing store but one of those that I can't spell or say.


Once again, thank you for all that you do. Marilee has been able to start answering some emails and making a few calls, but that was when she had a voice, so she is on the side line for the calls for a while. She has a long list so please be patient and she will get to you. She really misses her friends and not being home but time will pass rapidly and we hope to have her back in Monticello
as soon as all works out for her.

I am sorry as my spell checker does not seem to want to work today so there are most likely a few typos.

Happy Birthday Jennalee

Today is Jenna's birthday, can you believe it; 21st year old. Times does fly. Those of you that know Jenna understand that the 13th of November is more important that the 25th of December for the most part. She, Max and Jillian along with her dad, Kelli and Alisa attended the Disney of Ice show yesterday afternoon in Salt Lake. Except for intermission, I don't believe that Max or Jillian either one blinked their eyes. It was a fun program and it was enjoyed by all.

One's identify is somewhat difficult to find. Kelli and I were talking about that this week and and we have determined that as much as we might like to be known for something else, we are Jenna's parents, Jenna's brother, Jenna's sister and so on. And that it great! We have know this for sometime as people will ask us who we are and after trying to explain it, we finally just say, Do you know Jenna? and they always do and then we can go on. This is interesting even in Layton as she is known up there. Ryan and Jenna brought some things down to Kelli's church a week or so ago and Kelli introduced Ryan as her brother but before she could finish the introduction, everyone was saying, Hi Jenna! and etc. Ryan thought that he had found a place were he might be known for himself, but no. Jenna went to Max's preschool a few weeks or so ago and she has been invited to attend this week to read to to the class. Kelli has said that the instructor always asks about her and when she can come over. And finally, a friend of Kelli's brought over some food last week and Kelli and Pete were gone. After proper introductions, she asked if Jenna was there because she needed a hug. And really was is the best medicine; of course it is a hug from Jenna.

Marilee has had a couple of good days for the most part. We hope that it will get better as she gets farther away from the last chemo treatment. She is still struggling to keep any food down but she did admit that she was in the kitchen Thursday morning about 4 AM browsing in the fridge. She has a big week ahead of her with a doctor's visit on Tuesday where I am sure they will discuss the nausea issue and then I think on Thursday she gets a port installed to receive her chemo treatments in the future. It is an out patient surgery but should help with the treatments rather that through an IV. She got her nails done with leafs on each of the nails. When she was in visiting Dr. Ward the last time, we has holding her hand. She thought he was looking at the bruises from the IV and she asked him about them. He admitted that he was only admiring her nails as he had never seen leafs before. A claim to fame! She is a little bruised from the previous attempts to get an IV started. Her next treatment is the day after Thanksgiving which will be number three of the anticipated six treatments. Hopefully she will have a great week prior to the next treatment.

Marilee has surprised us on Friday and Saturday as she was able to come upstairs and spent some good quality time with everyone and she got to watch it snow some yesterday.

We again appreciate all that everyone is doing, has done, will do and for the many prayers and blessings that are being offered for Marilee and Jenna. Jenna has done very well since the tooth came out and her ear was cleaned out. However, she did get me again as she got the ear drops hid away one more time but after some tough talk (you all believe that) she brought them back and has been really good about taking them.

I really appreciate my family for all that they do. The kids are so good about making sure that Marilee is well taken care of and keeping track of everything.

Looking forward to a great week and moving forward on winning the battle and the war of the cancer.

Tooth Out, See the Specialist, Next Appointment, Next Surgery, Mow the Lawn

Jenna had an abscessed tooth and due to the quick and expert work of her sister Kelli who is a dental hygienist, it was determined it needed to come out. This is a baby tooth that had lasted almost 21 years, unbelievable! It is really too much to asked her big sister to give her the shots though and Kelli said that they were the hardest shots that she had ever given. Jenna was such a brave gal as she hates SHOTS and to think that she had to get three at one time, well it was almost too much. Kelli works for Dr. John Lee Roring, son of John Roring who is the son of Corrine Roring who then did a 90 second extraction. We very much appreciate him taking such good care of Jenna.

Today Jenna when to see the ear specialist and as we assumed the right ear (not the ear that got operated on) was infected and draining. He did a great job cleaning it out and ordered Jenna to have two ear drops per ear twice per day. If you know anything about Jenna and her ear drops she doesn't really care for them to the extent that she either hides the bottle or her preference of just throwing it away. Tough times are ahead but she will be brave and it should only take two or three of us to hold her down. The bottle will have to go under lock and key so we can find it.

Her doctor did indicate that it was time to start making plans to operate on the other ear. He suggested December sometime. I suggested some other time. So it looks like January for the other ear. It just makes me hurt for her to have to go through this again. This doctor is one of the doctors that Marilee works with when they do Children's Clinic in the County. He has been so good to Jenna and he always get a hug from Jenna at the end of the surgery or the appointment. A hug is a sign that they are still friends.

When we got home to tell Marilee about the news, well Marilee said that she was going to have a nap and then get up and mow the lawn. She had a very good nice sleep which has not occurred for several long nights in a row and with her nausea it has been a rough go of it lately.

She got an IPad for her birthday and will start trying the answer the hundreds of emails that have come in. Thank you so much for doing this and you kind consideration of love of my wife and my kid's mother. The kind words mean so much to all of us and especially Marilee.

Please cross your fingers as Ryan is at a job interview at this time at the the Fanzz store or the Big Five Sporting Good Store. He is a little board up here and is looking for some additional income. Those of you that know Ryan he would be a natural at selling sporting goods. I am afraid he will buy everything that he makes but that would be alright.

Thanks again to all of those that their thoughts, prayers, kind words, and other incredible things that have been going on. God Bless You All.

Happy Birthday and etc.

Marilee celebrated her birthday on Saturday. We aren't telling her her age but she did get to celebrate a little bit. She had some nice gifts and there were party hats and bread pudding and ice cream for treats. I am sure she would have enjoyed her birthday better under different circumstances but she remains a fighter and trying to weather the affect effects of the chemo. She appreciated all of gifts, cards, and emails wishing her well. She gets the best gift everyday as Beans and Max visit her each day. They the best grand kids ever.

Jenna has been under the weather and we made a quick visit to the Instracare clinic on Saturday. She is back on the antibiotic and is scheduled to see her doctor on Thursday. Kelli took her into the dentist office this afternoon and it looks like she may have an abscessed tooth which they will treat tomorrow. Poor gal but she is very strong and brave.

Thanks to everyone for everything. We love you all.

Take that Cancer!

Yesterday was my mom's retake on her second round of chemo. She met with Dr. Ward who explained the change in medication. Apparently the chemo she had a reaction to was made from the bark of a tree that grows in the pacific somewhere and the new medicine is from the bark of tree that is grown in europe. He thought that the reaction could also be from the suspension that the chemo is in so that was different this time to. He said the chance of reaction was about 10 percent.

So we went to the infusion center and got her all hooked up with an IV. They were having a hard time finding a vein so both nurses requested she have a port put in, so we got that set up for next time. It will be nice for her to not have to be poked everytime.

We got all settled in our cubical and a few nurses from the last visit came to make sure she was okay. She had become quite famous apparently. As she was getting her blood drawn my mom told the nurse that she had a reaction last week and the nurse asked what day and my mom answered "friday" and the nurse said, "oh, then I know all about it. That was quite the reaction."

They started the chemo at a slower rate to try and prevent a reaction and after about 15 minutes the nurse said we were in the clear.

The infusion room is really nice it overlooks the valley so we sat there and crocheted watched HGTV. She will follow up with Dr. Ward on the 15th and her next infusion is probably going to be the friday after thanksgiving.

Follow-up of Friday Reaction

Marilee has gotten a call today from the doctor and he has set her up with an appointment for Thursday and a scheduled chemo treatment after the appointment but on the same day and with a new "cocktail" of chemo. We are praying for a much better outcome of this treatment. Not only was is a scary situation, it was disappointing to get of the schedule and not continuing the treatment process.

We hope that you enjoyed our pictures. A you can tell Mad Max appeared to be a little "mad" about having to wear his grandmother's wig.

Thanks for your continued prayers and thoughts.

happy halloween

Thanks Natalie

Heidi's friend Natalie met us at temple square so we could get some family picts. Thanks so much!

mom's new digs

Saturday night review

Good evening from Layton. We are watching the Monticello Girls State Volleyball Championship game on the Internet. Go Lady Bucks and congratulations to the boy Football team for their win today. Marilee, while being really tired and worn out from yesterday is once again with us in the same galaxy and language compared to what she experienced yesterday. The reaction made her very silly and for the most part nothing that she said made any sense at all. It has been a pretty day today and has been really quite as Max and Jillian are visiting their other grandparents, Ryan was helping on an Eagle Scout Project in Ogden, Kelli and Pete took a couple of days off; and so it has been mostly Jenna, Marilee and I. We haven't heard anything from Huntsman today and most likely won't until Monday but are hoping to get her into another treatment this coming week. No time to waste but we are hoping for a much better outcome that yesterday. They had the ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday for the new wing at the Huntsman Cancer Center with a ton of people, big wig people there. It was nice to see and we will get to see the new digs immediately. The Chemo Pharmacy was being moved to the new part as were in the infusion center. It will also move to the third floor of the new wing, Dr. Ward's Clinic A is going to move to the third floor of the new wing. All of the staff are very excited for the changes. How blessed we are to have someone like the Huntsmans to donate such large amounts of funding for such an healing place right here in our State. Cheers to Monticello Girls for taking the second set. I have some good friends from Rich County, the salt of the earth, but it is their turn to lose.

An interesting visit from some old friends that worked in Dr. Porter's clinic. Judy Berry, Amber Young and Laurie Valerio all came by for a few minutes the other day. I got a chance to spend a few minutes with Dr. Porter the other day. He sends his love to all.

We hope for the best for everyone that has been praying, thinking, communicating and doing all the things for us that we hear about. We really appreciate everyone and everything. You are such good people.

We will continue to post information and Marilee would like to be able to start posting but is struggling with Jenna's IPad so we will have to get her access to a normal or regular computer.

Once again, thanks for everything that is being done for us.

Friday 10/28/2011

Marilee had a setback today as she had a pretty severe reaction to the chemo treatment. She had been receiving the chemo for about 8-10 minutes when she had the reaction. We continue to be blessed with great medical staff and I think we had the best nurse on the floor. They immediately stopped the chemo and got her feeling better and then watched her for a couple of hours of monitoring. A doctor working the emergency department at Huntsman came in for two visits and it was decided to discontinue any treatment for this day. She was disappointed that she could get the treatment but Dr. Ward and his staff will review the process and come up with a different plan and a different "cocktail" mix. The experience drained her of her strength today and so she went down for a nap as soon as we got back to Kelli's house. I imagine it will be Monday before we hear back from Dr. Ward for the new plan of action. We will regroup as a family to give her the needed support to get her going again.

Tuesday Evening Update

Jenna had her follow-up visit with her doctor yesterday. It appears that the surgery went well and the ear is healing well. It still causes some pain and irritation but she is a trooper and is handling it well and is a brave soul. She has another follow up in four weeks and if all is going well they will look at some surgery for her other ear. She will also have to have her surgery for her ear that was done last week some time in the next six to twelve months. Hopefully we will be able to get most of her ear and hearing problems taken care of.

Marilee had her followup visit with Dr. Ward this afternoon and her lab test were looking pretty good and well enough that they have scheduled her next chemo treatment for this Friday. She continues to feel good but has limited strength but has good spirits and hope in her treatments. We found out that we were just lucky enough to be in the rotation of the doctors at Huntsman to have Dr. Ward in his rotation. Apparently the doctors rotated for three weeks. He has been a good, patience, and loving bedside manner.

Josh and Heidi head back to St. George tonight. They have been good to have around and we will miss them but they will be in communication on a regular basis. Marilee will plan on staying her at Kelli's for a while longer after her treatment.

The new bedroom and bathroom are very cool. They have done a great job in putting it all together and it is very comfortable for Marilee to rest and recuperate.

It is a small world. I parked the car after letting Marilee and Heidi out at the curb at Huntsman and got into the elevator and we stopped at the first floor to let people in the elevator and Chris Maughan got on.

Sunday Update October 23, 2011

Time for an update - we lose time of the day and which day it is but I believe it is Sunday and after 6PM. Marilee has had couple of real good days and is feeling pretty good. With all of the family together we went to Temple Square yesterday and one of Heidi's co-workers took some family pictures for us. We appreciate her willingness to do this for us and we hope that we got some good ones to share and keep.

I was thinking today of all of the changes that have come so rapidly upon our family. We weren't planning on any of this a month ago and were planning our lives to be something and somewhere different that we are today. The "cancer" word that you hope that you will never be affected by radically changes things so quickly. We appreciate so much the prayers and thought and actions and everything. Marilee had a visitor today that made us so aware of the goodness of our friends, neighbors, ward members, co-workers, and everyone. We are certainly blessed more so that we deserve and which words will not fully let us express our love and appreciation to so, so many of you.

Some special things are occurring at home and here in Layton and everywhere. Sometime tomorrow, Marilee's suite will be done in the basement of Kelli's house. Pete made Marilee promise him that she would not peek until it completely done so she has been very good about not peeking. They have done a wonderful job and one that has completely turned their home and lives upside down. Our children have all literally had their lives uprooted and they have responded so well to meet all of the needs and concerns. It is truly amazing. We especially appreciate the efforts of Dave, Josh and his father, Pete's dad and others who have made the remodeling project work. There are many, many, many, others that have helped and assisted in one way or the other.

Jenna is doing good from her surgery. She was able to take off her ear cone yesterday and got to wear her glasses again. She has been diligent to do her homework with or without the glasses but she looks like Jenna with those bright red glasses. She has her followup visit with her Doctor tomorrow and we hope that it will be all good news. She asked me today to make me promise to her that the Doctor will not be doing anything other than doing more than look at her ear and nothing else.

Marilee is scheduled for her follow-up on Tuesday and we hope then to be able to make so future plans and get everyone back on a routine of some kind. They will be doing additional tests and make plans for her next Chemo treatment.

Once again, I want to thank everyone for all that they are doing for everything. I am at a loss for words and my heart is so full all that has been done. All of you are the greatest and are an important part of our lives.

Marilee has changed her email address even though either will work. Her new address is marileehbailey@gmail.com

The Hair is Gone

Marilee has started losing her hair so she had it buzzed today. We will have to see if we can get a picture on the blog. She looks pretty good considering. She did get a wig and it is cute and makes her look 10 years younger. It is the exact color of her hair that she did have. She had a good day. Modessa sent her some honey candy and is not willing to share much of it so she is about normal, she never did share honey candy much so we might need Modessa to give us a written note that she has to share. She is enjoying the good weather, the letters and cards.

The remodeling crew is working very hard. The bedroom and bathroom are all painted. Yellow in the bedroom and a light blue in the bathroom. The floor tile was grouted today and Pete and Josh were finishing up the tile on the walls. Tomorrow the doors and trim go up and Kelli gets her washer and dry back in operation after a week or so without them.

Ryan came back up tonight. Alisa has been sick so she has been staying away but felt better and came up tonight. Jenna is healing up pretty good. She has raccoon eyes from the surgery and everything. She has a cone type of covering over her ear that prevents her from wearing her glasses which puts her without much vision. I think that we can take it off tomorrow or Saturday. Followup visit with her doctor is Monday and Marilee's is Tuesday.

The Hair is Gone

Jenna Is OUT

Jenna is going to be out by about 10:00-10:30 AM. She loves everyone know that they have given her release

Wednesday Morning

Marilee had a good night and feels pretty good considering the longer day that she had yesterday but said that she is feeling good. Jenna had a rough nights rest at the hospital - up three times and at 5 in the morning determined that the bed was no longer for her and move into the rocking chair. She has asked to get dressed already this morning but we need to wait for the doctor. She has order pizza for lunch. She was hungry again about nine last night and her Aunt Linda brought her over a Frosty from Wendys. She made sure there was not one drop left in the cup. She did wear her bi-pap machine from about 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM so that was really great. Don't let anyone ever tell you that the "parent's bed" provide in the room is something that even remotely looks, feels or acts like a bed. We hope to get Jenna out of Primary's by 11:00 AM today, take her to Litzas for breakfast and then onto Kelli's for a reunion with Kelli, Pete, Max, Jillian, and of course her mother.

Tuesday Evening Update

Marilee made her trek to the Huntsman Clinic this afternoon - visited with the nursing staff and Dr. Ward and had blood tests done. The end result of the visit was that Dr. Ward indicated that he was"cautiously optimistic" with her status and recovery. Her pain level is down considerably to what it has been and she actually looked "very pretty" with some color in her face and some strength to make the trip down to the clinic and Kelli got hear back to her house and then it was time for a nap. She reports back to the clinic next Tuesday for a checkup and to schedule her next chemo treatment. Dr, Ward still didn't have a primary sources for the cancer and so I guess we will not know and continue to work on the treatments. Dr. Ward had a cancer doctor from main land China following him around. He said that he was bringing doctors in from all over the world to give Marilee the best of care.

But before the nap, Jenna was done about 4:oo P.M. after about three hours of surgery. The Doctor felt good about the ear surgery and that it was done before any more damage could occur. She is in the hospital tonight and she had some sprite to drink and then she had some spaghetti and a chocolate shake and now she wants some mash potatoes with gravy and bread sticks with sauce and a Dr. Pepper. I am not sure that she has forgiven Heidi or me for letting them to this to her. The hardest part of this whole thing is to see her leave into the surgery room with tears rolling down both cheeks and then seeing that face when she wakes up and that look!!! As many of you know she won't take pills of any kind and when she doesn't want to take the liquid medicine, well, WWF wrestling takes place and she usually wins. I am trying to squirt Loritab via syringe between her breaths with it going all over her and the bed. If she does good tonight, they will remove her drain from her ear tomorrow and she can go to Kelli's She has a follow-up visit on Monday and then wait six months to twelve months to have them go back into the ear to see that everything is good so we will get to do this one more time.

Kelli and Pete's electric service on the one side of the their house went out last night and Marilee's oxygen concentrator when buzzing loudly. They couldn't find a problem with any of the breakers and this morning they found an outlet that had burned out. It would appear with the concentrator and the space heater in the basement as well as a large light panel to heat up the mud in the basement, it over heated.

Thanks to all for all of your thoughts, emails, calls, etc. We hope that tomorrow we will have Jenna up running around.

Jenna's Update II

Jenna went back to surgery at 12:20 and with tear running down her face. I hate this part of the surgery but they came back within minutes and said that she went to sleep almost immediately. We are now in the wait and see game for a couple of hours.

Update of Jenna

It is 11:45 am and we are in the pre-op room at Primary Children's hospital waiting for the anthesiaolgist and doctor to come in and talk to us about the surgery. We were suppose to be into the surgery at 11:45 so they must be running a little bit behind. Jenna is doing pretty well, you can tell she is nervous and somewhat scared. The surgery will last about three hours Heidi is with me. Kelli is with Marilee at the Huntsman Center for hto run over for her appointment two appointments. I hope to run over there for her appointment with Dr. Ward. The place herePrimary's is really busy they are people running all over the place.

A big Tuesday

Tuesday morning is here and we have a big day ahead of us. Marilee had a good day yesterday and progress is continuing on her room in Pete and Kelli's house. Marilee has a followup appointment with Dr. Ward at 1:00 and a visit with a nutritionist at 11:00 AM. Jennalee heads up to Primary Children's Hospital at 9:30 for her surgery and stay today. Merilyn headed into LDS Hospital at 8:45. We are going to need every one's prayers and thoughts today for Jenna and hopefully a good report from the Doctor on Marilee's progress. We again want to thank every for everything that they are doing for us and our family. Words are tough to share. We love you all.

Our Sincere Appreciation to Everyone

As we enter the new week, Marilee and I would like to thank each and everyone of you for your prayers, cards, flowers, emails, thoughts, calls, and most especially the love that we have felt from everyone. We love our community of Monticello and the friends and family that we have and we have also felt concerns and thoughts from many, many people in as many communities. Your out pouring of love to each of us and the willingness of everyone to do anythings has been overwhelming. I have to say that I do not have words to express that adequately say what we feel and have received. The Lord's quote of "do unto others as you would have done unto you" happens every single minute to us. Thank you very much.

This week also starts a big week for us. Marilee has her first flow up visit with Dr. Ward at the Huntsman Center. Jenna has her surgery on Tuesday and Marilee's mother is scheduled to have her knee replaced on Tuesday. Heidi will be back in Layton this afternoon. Ryan is home working in Monticello this week until Thursday afternoon and will travel up. Kelli and Pete have been doing an outstanding job getting the basement remodeled. It was a good day as BYU won, Utah won so that is OK, Utah State didn't but Weber State, Marilee's university all so won. It has been a couple of beautiful days weather wise and we hope to get Marilee out in some of the soon for a little while this afternoon.

May we ask the Lord greatest blessings on each of you. You all deserve it!!!!!!

Mom had a slower day today. She was really tired and got nauseous again tonight but is feeling better now and is ready for bed. We were told that alot of times the 7-10th days after chemo are the worst, so this may be the situation for her. She is still happy and smiling though. she's fighting a serious fight and I am so proud of her.

On a side note we finished sheet rocking her room tonight. Rick took Max to his soccer game and he scored two goals although he claims it was four.

Heidi will be here tomorrow so it will be nice to have an extra set of hand especially since they are skilled nursing hands.

Thanks for all the love you are sending our way. It is astounding and comforting. Thank You!

Friday Report

Jenna and I made it back up tonight and Marilee look good but tired. She has had a good day. If you would like to send her an email her address is marileeb@frontiernet.net.

yesterday

Mom had a really good day yesterday. She looked really good and got herself up a few times. She made two field trips downstairs. She ate really well. Peaches, scrambled egg, acorn squash, applesauce and a grilled cheese sandwich. She did have a hard time falling asleep, but we are hoping adjusting the timing of her medication tonight will take care of that. She is loving the cards and looks forward to the mail coming. Thanks for all the support - here's to another great day!

This is Marilee

I can't express enough the love and gratitude I have for my husband and our children. This has been like a dream mostly bad unless I see their faces. Thanks to my Mom also who has a big surgery ahead of her but still tends me. To you the rest of my family, meaning all the friends too I love you and feel your prayers and love. I don't have a lot of strength, but will fight with all I have.

Thanks and love to all

Marilee

Grandkids and Marilee

It was great to get Marilee to Kelli's house last night. Max and Jillian (aka Beans and Goose) were so happy to see her. Beans was on her bed asking her to go jump on the trampoline with her. Marilee said that she would have to watch from the side lines for now. We very much appreciate the extra ordinary efforts of Pete and Kelli, allowing us to interrupt their lives. It is a great sacrifice for them and we will be ever so grateful. We have a great nurse in Heidi and a good listener in Josh. Alisa is so tender hearted and we love her for her willingness to assist and Ryan and his gentle heart giant style of caring. And Jenna well, we know all that her love and concern for her mother is overwhelming.

Home Sweet Home

Just a quick update -

We are so glad to have my mom home with us. She is wearing her Oxygen and seems to be comfortable pain wise. She slept really well and had some peaches last night. We are making a list of foods that sound good and I will run and get that done today at some point.

A special thanks to my ward. Maryann brought over a list (as well as dinner) of sisters willing to watch my kids. The list was so long it made me cry. Thanks so much

Also a special thanks to Mike Williams for helping pete with the basement the other night and his sweet wife for the cornbread that went great with the chili that Julie brought over. So awesome. And as always thanks to my Maren who is always my lifesaver.

And a huge thanks to Josh's dad, Dennis, who was here yesterday for the plumbing in the basements. Just a huge thanks.

We are going to have a great day today. We will tell you about it later.

Help us Help

I know that there are many that want to visit and talk to Marilee, actually there are lots of people who want to but we would ask you to help us help her by allowing her to rest as much as possible. We are hoping that Jenna will let her Mom borrow her I-Pad (which is asking a lot because she loves to use it) so that she read emails and the blogs. She needs to have to most clean and sterile environment that she can during her treatments as her immune system will be put to the strongest of tests. Leave her a note or email and she will get back to you as she can and feels that she can. We all love her and want the best for her. Thanks for helping us help her.

Newest News 10-11-2011

Marilee has had a good morning and has accomplished what she needed to have done today. The obstructed bowel issue has been corrected so she will be released from the hospital this afternoon and will be moving to Kelli's house in Layton until her next treatment. We are waiting for all the paperwork, medications, everything else to be delivered for her to leave. We are somewhat surprised at how quick this has occurred and feel like we are leaving some great friends with the staff here but it will be good for Marilee to get out in the air and moving better. She has a follow-up with Dr. Ward scheduled for Tuesday and they have a 24 hour nursing hot line that she can call anytime if anything is not right. They will have home health coming to Kelli's house and are arranging for her oxygen to be taken care of.

For anyone that has visited Marilee, we found a set of Jeep car keys in the sofa and do not know who they belong to so we are going to turn them into the hospital's lost and found department.

Thank you for your prayers and thoughts. They have been very helpful. We are aware that this is a large and small step in her overall recovery but it is positive and good.

Tuesday Morning October 11, 2011

Good morning to all. Marilee had a a much better night and looks better today. Dr. Ward came in this morning as he worked in Wyoming yesterday and reported that they are still needing to work on the her partially blocked bowel. With a good day today and some progress, she will most likely go to Kelli's house tomorrow. There are such good people up here and you can tell it from kindness and treatment skills. Marilee was able to walk to the elevators and back today and did pretty well. Jenna and Dr. Ward have become best buddies and she has made friends with a lot of the people up here. No surprise there.

Kelli and Pete's anniversary today. Nothing but hard work for them.

I am going to run down to St. George tonight for a meeting tomorrow, taking Ryan and Jenna. We will run to Monticello on Thursday and Friday and come back up on Saturday. Ryan needs to check in his fire gear and stuff with the Forest Service and then he will come up on Monday or so. Heidi needs to go back to St.George for a few days of work and will be backup next week to help out with Marilee and Jenna's surgery.

Hope all is going well for everyone and we feel and appreciate your thought, prayers and concerns.

Monday 10/10/2011 PM POST

We have been watching the cool woman sleep in her bed for most of the day which is really good. Marilee didn't take a liking to her new pain medicine and so they have gone back to the older stuff that was working. Her newest obstacle is a partially blocked bowel and has been the attention getter of the nurses and doctors today. Always something going on to mess the plans up but that is part of the process.

Kelli, Pete, Ryan, Josh, and others are working on the new bedroom and bathroom in their basement. Electric and plumbing to happen tonight and then dry wall, paint and carpet.

We have made some good friendships with a family that has their 30 year old daughter in for treatment. They are from St. George and we do a good job talking each other up. They are fine people that are going to become friends for a long time. I don't even know their names for sure but we certainly know each other's faces and family members.

The kids (Kelli, Heidi, Alisa, Ryan and Jenna) are all doing everything that they can do to make Marilee comfortable and treated with care and love. I don't know what we would do without them. Jenna is so in tune with everything and has handled having her mom in the hospital bed.

We appreciate having people contact Marilee through us or via email or the blog. Marilee reads all of them when she is able to. It is important that she gets her rest.

Many, many have offered to do everything and anything. At this point there isn't much that we require or need other than your prayers and thoughts. We hope for a great night of rest and comfortable for Marilee. Thanks for everything.

Monday's AM Report

Marilee had a great day yesterday until early evening when her nausea came back and her headaches. They have been trying to give her other other type of meds that she hasn't agreed with her much, The team is back in and have agreed to find some other alternatives that they will try today so she will be here for at least the next 24 hours. Ryan has the hiccups and can't get rid of them so we are going to try to choke him or something else like that. The Washburns and the Mosses are working hard to get the room in Kelli's basement done this week. Kelli's ward members are certainly reaching out to help. We want all to know of the prayers and blessings that we are feeling from each of you. Thanks to all that offered so much. Very pretty fall day her in the valley and she has a room with a nice view of the mountains.

Sunday, October 9, 2011 Morning Report

I am sorry that we didn't get anything posts yesterday afternoon or evening. Marilee received her first treatment of chemo yesterday afternoon. It took about five hours and they had her pretty well drugged out through the treatment which was good, She finally came out of her state of confusion about six or seven in the evening and we had all of the family there and we had a great time telling stories and going over memories. It was a great time that we will remember for sometime and forever.

She still is struggling with her ability to eat and keep anything down but is working hard. Per the families recommendation, we got her a CodeRed drink last night and I don't know how much she drank but I am sure it will cure her in a short period of time.

If she can get the food issue down, she could be released from the hospital tomorrow or Tuesday. She would need to stay in the Salt Lake area for the week as she will have follow appointments and etc.

Some have asked especially about Jennalee and how she is doing. As it always is with Jenna, she carries the family along through good and bad. She has had her moments but makes her Mom promise to get better and to come home so she can take care of her. My children and their in-law families are awesome and we appreciate them and their willingness to help. Marilee and my family equally are doing great things and providing a lot of support. Jenna will got ahead with her scheduled surgery on the 18th of October at Primary's.

We appreciate every one's faith, prayers and concerns. Our hearts have been touched by the words of comfort from everyone, regardless of faith and beliefs; all pulling together for Marilee's well being. We know that many are fasting for her recovery today. Words can not express our love for everyone Many thanks from those that have addresses their concern for me and making sure that I am doing well. We feel the tender mercies each day and hour that are being done by someone and though we will not know who and in many cases, they are felt and received. It is impossible to name everyone that has done things for all of us; we love each of you.

We are running a little late this morning and are on the way to the hospital. I talked to my sweetheart this morning on the phone and she has been up and had a shower, had some bites of breakfast, slept very well and has been able to read some this morning.

I hope to do a post this afternoon and evening.

Treatment Plan Full Scale Ahead

Dr. Ward came in last night with the diagnosis of the biopsy. They are not able to find the source without further sources, tests, etc. but feel that this is not the most important issue or task at hand. He wanted to start chemo treatments this morning but at the same time felt that he would take the time to sleep on it to make sure of his operations and tactical plans. He did indicate that the cancer has been in Marilee's body of a short period of time maybe two weeks to not more than 6-8 weeks. This does offer some insight to what she has been going through and the reasons that the markers may not have been there to indicate the cancer was there. She had a very restful evening and is still struggling with food intake and her stomach. We anticipate that the two first chemo treatments will start within the hour so by noon and will take about four hours to complete. We know that this is only the start of a long battle but are very optimistic about how quickly they are reacting to this treatment and to get going to see what they can do. We again express our love and appreciation. Notes and comments to her facebook account or this blog are wonderful as she can read them as she is able to.

T

Update for the night. Had a good night together the whole family. Now we are headed home. The Doctor will be in the morning to update us on the treatment plan.

We are so grateful for all of the love and support. We truly feel so loved. Marilee is gearing up for a big day tomorrow, and she really needs to rest. We ask that communication with her, for the time being, be through email or the blog so she can get some zzzzzzzzzz's. Give Rick or one of the kids a ring if you need to.

We've had a few people ask what the sequence of events that led us to this point.

She hadn't felt really great for the past few weeks. She thought it might be related to her back, and she had an MRI but nothing was discovered, that was about four weeks ago.

On last wed., she hadn't been able to keep anything down so she went into the clinic. She was given IV fluids to try and get her hydrated and feeling better. As the time approached to go home she got a really bad headache, so they kept her to try and get control of the pain. For the next few days, she would get a headache and then feel start to feel better and then as she was going to get released then as she get that headache back. This was a miracle as it kept them looking for a cause for the headaches. Chest x-rays, ultra sounds, MRI, tests, cat-scans, everything until Monday afternoon when they did a cat-scan with a a color dye and they found the tumors in her lungs, on the liver, ribs and scapula . A stomach scan and a colonoscopy were done on Wednesday in Monticello and they were clean and then we have made the trip to Huntsman. The night that the diagnosis the headaches ended so we know they were there to have them keep looking for the deeper cause.

Friday Morning Report

Good Morning everyone It is about 11:30 this morning and we have everyone here at the hospital. The support team came in about 10:00 with eight or nine. The MRI looked good and we are still waiting for the pathology report. They indicated that it would be Monday and the Doctor was not satisfied with that time frame - last night and was on his way to see if he could break it loose. Dr. Ward said this morning that the he had also made a call this morning so some time this afternoon we hope to be able to get some news back so they can set up a treatment plan and will know what they can do and cannot do. Kelli and Heidi and Alisa have brought pictures, some decorations, and have done some treatment on her hair. The hair does need to look good. Jillian is sitting in bed with her grandma watching a movie. We are so impressed with the staff here at the center. There are so many good people all over that are wanting to do things and bless your hearts we will give you all a chance when there is something needed. God bless each of you for your thoughts and prayers. We know that we have a long way to with all of this. Some and really many have asked about Jenna. She is our soul saver and keeps us going and is with us. She has her surgery scheduled for October 18th at Primarys. As much as we would like to postpone it we can't as it is very important for her overall long term health and we will get through this. Ryan is here and available to help in anything as are all of the girls. Lloyd Larsen called this morning and talked to each of us so we know that the word is passing through through the world. He left us with some very valuable and sage advise and we love him for his time and love.

We have many offers for food, lodging, help all of which has not gone unnoticed. Once we get a prognosis and plan of action, we will be able to consider what we need and can do.

Once again, we love you all.

Last for tonight

Marilee has returned from her MRI and did very well. She has been able to eat some tonight which is a great accomplishment. She has a great network of professionals at this medical center and they are working hard for her. She has had a busy day of test but all her kids where here for a while and especially her two special grandchildren that are the best grandkids that anyone could have. There are no treatment plans or schedules developed yet. Kelli, Pete, and Pete's dad are working to get a bedroom in their basement finished so she will have somewhere to stay during and between treatments. Her number one doctor had worked with Dr. James Redd for many years and we had some good visits about him. Dr. Redd had sent a lot of his cancer patients to him over the years. We have received an email from Dr. Goon through a good friend. He is 90 years young and living in Boston. We very much appreciate all of your supports, prayers, concerns and desires to help. We are hopeful for some test results tomorrow.

The biopsy has been taken and now she is off for an MRI of the brain which is part of their protocol to make sure they've found everything they should. She is super tired but had some banana bread which is more than she's had to eat in days and days.

Trip to the U of U

They have made the trip over to the U for an ultrasound and hopefully the bioposies. All of the kids and grand kids are waiting for her return with lots of hugs, kisses and tears.

We made it!

Marilee made it to the Hunstman Cancer Institute last night about 11:30pm. Heidi rode with her in the ambulance and Rick followed behind. They kept her really comfortable. Kelli and Ryan met them at the hospital and we waited for the doctor to come it.

In the meantime, Marilee was in good spirits - she was in some pain and nauseated, but was able to keep down medication which was a blessing.

The Doctor came in about 2 o'clock. She was awesome. We left with a lot of hope.

Still no prognosis, today she will be meeting with the Lead Oncologist and the day will be filled with a biopsy, lab work, and more tests. We feel so blessed to have her there and are gearing up to fight this fight.

We are also again reminded how blessed we are to be from such a wonderful community. Thanks can never be enough to say how we feel towards all the loving, wonderful people that have been supporting my mom and dad. The love that she feels gives her the strength she needs. Also a shout out to Cindy Christensen who came up to do an emergency hair-cut. It looks great.

Thanks so much to Dr. Fisher, Laurie Schafer, Kamry Arthur, and all the nurses at San Juan Hospital. Thanks to Willie and Scott that transfered her up here safe and sound despite the late night and the crummy weather. And all the other wonderful people that had my mom's back and got her up here. Our hearts are full of gratitude for the love they showed to her.

We are going to fast together as a family this Sunday. We ask you include her in your fast that Sunday as well.

We will keep this update as much as possible and will pass well-wishes left here to Marilee.

Thanks again