Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Nov. 25th
The boys are excited to fly and we had fun packing their backpacks for the plane. They are our motivation to live well. They keep us moving in a positive direction. They help us to see the excitement in life. They give us a perspective that is uncluttered, solid, and focused on the moment - something that is difficult for the adults. As we often become overwhelmed with the responsibilities and emotions of our lives.
We are learning and trying to take time to reflect and focus on the moment. Robert and I will remind each other with a look or words to slow down, stop, and take a minute to relax. Time together is good. We want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and may you find a moment of true happiness.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Nov. 17th
Some stories are good in there content and full of hope. They are uplifting and inspirational. Stories that give me power to believe that good things can and will happen. There are people we know who do so much good, who care so deeply, and who are truly caring of others. They are selfless in their acts of kindness and expect nothing in return. These are the people who are the role models for all of us. I think often about how to give back and how to help others - it is something that we all need to find within ourselves. For now we are still trying to thank everyone for the ways that they have supported us. Please know that we are thankful.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Nov. 11th
We will take one report at a time and hold on to the relief that we feel in the moment. We will focus on the current news and be thankful for it. We will continue holding on to the belief that life is full of 'good', 'bad', 'happiness', 'sorrow', 'expected' and 'unexpected' events and that all hold meaning. We thank you for your support and good wishes that keep us feeling strong physically and emotionally. Love is all around us.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Nov. 7th
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Oct. 29th
The month may have passed quickly and yet there have been many positive moments The painting is complete and the changes in the appearance of the rooms in dramatic - and we all love it. Painting took place over four days and the work accomplished was remarkable. I am grateful for the support that was provided and know that I would never have been able to do that much work on my own. I was inspired and motivated to do more then I thought was possible. Thanks Dad and the Nancarrow-Timms family. Your dedication and hard work have made a difference in our home and in our hearts.
We have many goals to fulfill. There are the goals that fall under the logistical responsibilities and those that are the personal desires. We are working toward many goals and look forward to having fun along the way. I often try and remember the goals that have already been reached when overwhelmed by the goals still ahead of us. Thanks to everyone around us who reminds us to have fun.
Cute moment of the month: Bryce and Trey running in the rain - just to run. Running and screaming around the yard - literally soaking in the water. And- all of this just after having ice cream in the middle of the day. Why not?
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Oct.19th
Friday, October 10, 2008
Oct. 10
We hope that you have a great weekend and spend it with the people who care for you.
Thanks for caring for us and we are caring for you.
My Condition - Glioblastoma Multiforme (or GBM)
I was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). This condition has four different grades (I - IV). My tumor is a grade IV GBM. This is the most aggressive GBM tumor. I have included a little section of The Essential Guide to BRAIN TUMORS below to describe the condition more completely.
Astrocytoma
An astrocytoma develops from star-shaped glial cells (astrocytes) that support nerve cells. These tumors can be located anywhere in the brain, but the most common location is in the frontal lobe. Astrocytomas are the most common primary CNS tumor.
The physician, usually the neurosurgeon or neurooncologist, will discuss the type and location of an astrocytoma. The pathologist will assign it a grade. Astrocytomas are generally classified as low or high grade. Low-grade astrocytomas (grades I and II) are slow growing. High-grade astrocytomas (grades III and IV) grow more quickly. The main tumor type is listed for each grade. There are additional tumor types in each of these grades.
The WHO classification divides astrocytomas into four grades:
- Grade I Pilocytic Astrocytoma
- Grade II Low-Grade Astrocytoma
- Grade III Anaplastic Astrocytoma
- Grade IV Glioblastoma Multiforme (or GBM)
Characteristics
The characteristics of an astrocytoma vary depending on the tumor’s grade and location. Most people are functioning normally when diagnosed with a low-grade astrocytoma. Symptoms tend to be subtle and may take one to two years to diagnose. This is because the brain can often adapt to a slow-growing tumor for a period of time. Highgrade tumors may present with changes that are sudden and dramatic.
Symptoms
- Headaches
- Seizures or convulsions
- Difficulty thinking or speaking
- Behavioral or cognitive changes (related to thinking, reasoning, and memory)
- Weakness or paralysis in one part or one side of the body
- Loss of balance
- Vision changes
- Nausea or vomiting