April 21st

We are happy to report that everyone is feeling well and that baseball & softball games are in full swing. Robert is now the assistant t-ball coach and Bryce was very excited about Robert's new position. Trey and I sit and observe the action from the sidelines. Trey enjoys watching and eating the entire time we are there.
Tonight - Robert and I went to the kindergarten orientation at Bryce's elem. school. We couldn't have been happier and more amused to be there. It wasn't just the tour of the school or the presentations, but more the act of looking ahead at where he will be going everyday and thinking about how much he will learn, grow, and develop. Going together was important and special in ways that we might not have focused on before. The point- I guess- we are not rushing time along but we are enjoying being together and looking ahead to the future.

April 14th

Medically speaking we have no new information to report. Robert has been feeling well and we have been busy with everyday chores and activities. Robert's next MRI is scheduled for April 23rd and we pray that the spot being monitored is healing. We will not be meeting with the doctors on this day and will wait to receive a report by phone or e-mail. We will post as soon as we have any information.

As I talk with others I am constantly being reminded that there are so many strong and inspirational people surrounding us. If we were not going through the journey that we are traveling, we would not necessarily hear or have heard the journeys that others have taken. So many people have suffered or are suffering, and are not only functioning- but living well. They are reaching out and supporting others. We are so thankful to those who reach out, share, and ultimately encourage us to keep fighting. I encourage others to reach out to someone in need. I encourage others to reach out and get to know someone that you may not be familiar with. Listen to others- they probably have a story to inspire you. So many people, so many stories, so much to learn.

April 9th

Robert completed another round of chemo last week and is feeling well. With the doctors permission, he had his first softball practice last week. They play once a week and they will play double headers. He was sore from practice and knows that it will take some time before he is back to his old strength and speed. If I recall correctly- he was always sore after every practice.

The days are filled with the daily activities that everyone is familiar with and the evenings seem to pass so quickly. We are thankful for the moments that capture our attention and allow us to drift into them without remembering the stress and burden of the medical situation that we find ourselves in. The moments that are so precious, funny, and captivating that it is as if we are actually living for that moment. The funny things that the boys do and say, the way that they love each other, and the the way that they teach each other. These are the moments that propel us to keep moving. The thought that so many people are thinking of us, praying for us, and reaching out to us keeps our spirits high and allows us to continue to stay connected to others with whom we may not have even talked with in a long time. The people who we have never even met, who have reached out, remind us that all people are connected and special. Robert continues to inspire people and demonstrate his strength in so many ways. We are thankful for the ways in which so many people have inspired us. We thank you for your generosity and we appreciate the continued support.

March 29th

Our week has gone well. Robert worked each day since his appointment on the 24th and even had some energy to spare. I honestly don't know how he does it- going to work each day and working longer days to make up for the time missed on Monday. He has some inner strength that keeps him energized throughout the week. Robert begins his third round of chemo this Sunday and we know that this means he will most certainly be more fatigued. We look forward to resting this weekend in preparation of the week ahead.

Now that the weather is getting warmer we will have to start walking to build up the strength to walk the 5k Race for Hope in D.C. on May 4th. We have been so grateful for the money raised by all of the teams that are planning to attend. We have never been involved in anything like this and are excited about the opportunity to participate with so many families that are experiencing the same things that we are AND to be doing it while surrounded by our friends. I expect that it will be an inspirational and emotional day. Thanks to everyone for supporting our efforts to raise money for treatments and the search for a cure.
www.braintumorsociety.org

March 24th

In general, today's meeting with the oncologist resulted in a positive report [This is a Tammy K. dictation!]. The MRI showed no change from the last one done on Feb. 28th. This is a good indicator that the spot being monitored is not a tumor, but rather irritation from radiation. The doctor would liked to have seen more improvement in this MRI, but is still satisfied with the results so far. She will continue to monitor the situation over the next three months to make sure that the spot is not growing and begins to heal.

Thanks for checking in on our progress.

March 22nd

We are excited that sping is offically here and looking forward to the warmer weather coming soon. I said the other day that is felt better, just to say that it was sping, even if the weather was still cold. As we sat and ate breakfast this morning I noticed that the sky was a beautiful shade of blue and the grass looked greener. When we went outside after breakfast, there were snowflakes falling. No- I'm not crazy, we all saw them. Either the grass is greener or just knowing that it is spring gives us the sense that everything will be in bloom soon. Regardless- I am not wishing time move faster, but trying to take in the beauty of the day.

We are excited that the Easter Bunny will be coming tonight and ready to have him hide the baskets in the house. Last year the boys were concerned that the Eater Bunny was entering the house and Robert wrote the Bunny a note- asking him to leave the baskets on the front porch. The Easter Bunny complied and I guess that they now trust him enough to come into the house. We will of course leave out our Easter Bunny Bait and keep our fingers crossed that he leaves us baskets of treats.

Robert got a haircut today. I know! His hair had grown and needed to be trimmed. He went to the Barber Shop. He looks great and is feeling well. We return to Hopkins on Mon. for another MRI and appointment with the oncologist. We hope for a positive report and will post the results to you as well.

Happy Easter to everyone and as always thanks for your support over the changing seasons.

March 19th

We apologize that we have not posted anything in weeks. The last several weeks have been chaotic and we have all been doing our best to get through each day with some energy left in the evening. We have some positive news to report. Robert completed his second round of chemo and felt well during the week of treatment and the week after. He was tired, but did not feel sick. This was a great relief as they had increased the dose for the second round and for the months ahead. He worked and did not even feel as fatigued as he had last month. He is working longer days this week to make up for the long appointment day that we will have on Mon 3/24. Robert will have another MRI and we will meet with our oncologist to review the results on the same day.

As always we are so thankful for the love and support that we receive from the people closest to us, the people that surround us, and from people that we have never even met. Your prayers and support help us to find peace.