January 31st

After countless numbers of phone calls- Robert has received all of his medications and will in fact begin his second round of chemo on Sunday evening. Even with the increased dosage the doctors anticipate that he will tolerate it well since he did not have any problems during the first round. He will take anti-nausea medication each night prior to the chemo pill. The hope is that the anti-nausea pill will cause fatigue and he will be able to sleep through the night without suffering from any side-effects of the chemo. Robert plans to maintain his work schedule. Those of you who know Robert well- understand that this is not a surprise. As usual- I continue to remind him to listen to his body and do what he can do.
Robert said it well on Tuesday evening (the day after our MRI) "Yesterday was a good day, and today was a good day." We hold wonderful memories of the past and we move forward with hope, but we live in the day. We take each and every day and find gratitude for many things.
I heard this statement on a television show and it jumped at me and I have been thinking of it often, "Life is not when or then, it's now." We can and have spent time thinking that 'when' we get something or 'when' something happens, 'then' we will be happy or We are wishing and waiting for something to happen at a certain point in time. Experience has taught us that it is important and more powerful to live in the moment. Do what you always wanted to do. Recognize and value the power in today. and --- love and appreciate the people in our lives.
Love to all.

January 28th

We have done the 1st MRI since the first round of treatment and we are happy to report good news. The doctor compared today's MRI with one that was completed in Nov. and it appears to show that surgery and treatments have/are working. There are still some 'white' shadows around the area where the tumor had been and they tell us that this is either residual tumor or irritation from the radiation treatments. The hole where the tumor was, has filled in with spinal fluid and this is apparently what they want to see. There was a new white spot that was showing, but the doctor was not concerned. She believes that this is irritation and not a tumor based on other medical factors. She was very pleased with the scans and felt that this was a good report. Robert will continue to have scans every two months forever.
Robert continues to amaze the doctors with his speedy and otherwise uneventful recovery. He has not suffered from many side-effects often associated with brain tumors/surgery and the medications. His physical exams demonstrate that his strength has returned to acceptable levels, his neurological functions are good, and he looks and feels good. I think that the medical staff is beginning to realize what we already knew- Robert really is a super hero!
Ok- enough medical talk. We want to thank everyone for your continued support and good wishes. We find strength in the actions, words, and prayers of our supporters. We are grateful for the daily moments of joy and happiness. We are trying to stay focused on the things that are within our control and recognize that the rest is in the hands of a power higher and stronger then us. We believe in the power of positive thinking and maintaining hope. Being surrounded by such a huge support network helps us to maintain strength even when it feels like we are struggling to complete the simplest daily task. Robert and I are celebrating todays report and continue to pray for continued for success. Thanks.

January 26th

So my four week hiatus from radiation and chemotherapy is over. It is now time to start things up again. We are going to the hospital on Monday to meet with the doctor. She will go over my MRI & blood work that will be completed earlier that morning. I then will begin the six month chemo process of five days on and twenty-three days off.

I returned to work two weeks ago. I am working eight hour days. I feel pretty good during the day and get tired when it is time to go home. I am going to bed around 8:30 - 10:00. I feel like I have more energy each day.

Tammy & the kids are doing really well. They are extremely supportive of me. I know that I can be challenging at times, but they just roll with the punches. Who could ask for anything more!

Thanks for all your support and we will give an update early next week to let you know how things are going.

January 16th

Robert is working and the boys and I are busy with our routine of school, running errands, and playing. Robert enjoyed his first day back on the job and the boys and I were happy to hear it. We celebrated Robert's return to work on Monday with a decorated table setting, cookies, art work and and card games in the evening. The boys are right back into their old habit of asking where Daddy is each morning and I remind them that he is at work. We feel so blessed for the fact that Robert is able to return to work and continue to pray for continued successes.

January 13th

Robert has continued to get stronger and feel better every day. Tomorrow is a big day as he will return to work. The thought of returning to work is both exciting and daunting. The possibility of returning to works demonstrates the positive results of surgery, treatments, and Robert's strength. Robert has tolerated treatment well and we continue to have hope that he will continue to feel well during the next round of chemo.
The boys were not happy to hear the news of Robert returning to work as they like to have their daddy close. On the other hand- I think that they may have been nervous when Robert first began staying home-
Each morning as I would greet them, one if not both boys would ask- "Where's Daddy?"
Just prior to Robert's surgery, Bryce had a serious conversation with Trey as he was questioning us about Robert - asking "Trey- Do you want toys?" (Trey said, "yes") and then Bryce stated, "Then daddy has to go to work."
We are grateful for the blessings that we have and will continue to receive. Bryce and Trey keep us grounded and bring us joy each and every day. We are grateful for moments of laughter, time with family, fun with friends, the physical and emotional nourishment that our community has provided.

January 3rd

Radiation is over (actually it was over December 28th)! Chemotherapy is on hold, as planned, until the end of this month.

I will have an MRI, blood work and a meeting with my oncologist on January 28th. At this point, we will begin the monthly chemotherapy schedule - on for five days, off for twenty-three days (a twenty-eight day cycle for six months). The dosage of the chemotherapy drug will be doubled during this period over the radiation period.

I am scheduled to return to work on January 14th. I will see how it goes. I will hopefully have enough energy to stay for an entire day (each day).

I have felt good, with a little fatigue. Tammy insists that I am very stubborn, even more than usual - maybe a good thing ;).

We wish all of you a healthy and happy New Year.