My mom had her scan last night and then we headed into see Dr. ward this am. They still didn't have the scan results in which was frustrating to us and the Dr. But he made a quick call and five minutes later he had them in hand. The scan on the lungs looked great. The report kept saying much improved in size of lesion, improvement in fluid on the lungs. All her cancer markers continue to improve and her liver funtion is wnl. All indications are that things are going great. The doctor was happy, so we are happy. We are currently getting the 4th chemo treatment and are very grateful for this good news. Thanks for all the support.

Big day

We are headed up to huntsman this afternoon for my moms scan. We are all understandably nervous, but hoping for good news. I assume since we meet with dr ward on thursday am that they will just hold the result until then and assuming there is no change to the game plan she will have her 4th treatment on Thursday. We appreciate all the prayers and well-wishes and ask for and any extra you could send our way today. My mom has had a couple of really good week and we have all enjoyed Christmas and New Years. Thanks again.

Happy New Year

It's been a while since any posts. I guess that means we've been in status quo. We celebrated Max's 5th birthday on Sat at Boondocks. It is an arcade that serves food and has birthday deals. Max wanted it there because it "has the best pizza and it comes with games". A good time was had by all. I even went for an hour and enjoyed the festivities.

We haven't had a crisis at the Huntsman for over a week. I guess resting for 2 weeks before the chemo really did halp me get stronger. I've been feeling so good that I almost hate to inflict myself. But I must and I will. I have a scan on Wed. I already have the yummy cocktail to go with it. I got berry flavored this time. I'll let you know how it compares with the banana flavored that I had in Monticello.

The chemo is scheduled for Thurs. I've had all my fluids topped off and so we should be a go. If it follows the course of the last one then I should feel pretty good on Fri and start downhill on Sat. It's very possible however that we have the anti nausea medicine tweaked enough that I won't get as sick.

I appreciate so much all of the prayers and good thoughts coming our way. It seems when I am a little down something comes in the mail or I get a call. I cannot thank all you good friends and neighbors that care about our family. We comment almost daily how blessed we are. I love you all and pray for blessings to pour down upon you has they have for us.

So long for now and expect more info after all the activities of this week.

Love Marilee

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)