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