Nov. 11th

Good news from the oncologist. The latest MRI demonstrated stability and some improvement. The doctor called Robert a 'super star' patient. We like to refer to him as the 'over-achieving' patient or our 'Super-hero." She expressed that past progress does not technically predict future progress - but it does in some respect - because: Many patients who struggle from the beginning - always struggle. For those that have responded well to treatment - there is no reason to believe that they will not continue to do well. Obviously- the doctor can not predict the future and that is why Robert will have MRI's every two months.
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.

Nov. 7th

It has almost been two months since Robert's last MRI and he will be going in for another MRI on Monday. We will get the results when we meet with the oncologist on Wed. Robert has been feeling well and working hard. We hope for more good news as we try to stay focused on all of the eventful/memorable incidences that fill our daily lives.

Oct. 29th

It is the end of Oct. and I 'm trying to remember where the month has gone. The days have passed quickly and I often struggle to remember what day it is. Fall seemed to last a few days and now if feels like winter.
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?

Oct.19th

We are enjoying another great weekend and the changes that seem to surround us. The weather is changing- fall seems to have arrived, the leaves are tuning the vibrant and beautiful colors of fall, Robert has left for Florida and that is always a change in our routine, the walls in our home are about to change as I begin the painting process this week, change in hair color and styles, and the boys seem to change each and every day as they grow. This is why I decided to change the background colors on the blog. A new look - a new feeling. Changing cosmetic appearances will not really change the deeper emotions and the true feelings about life - but it does give us a renewed feeling of satisfaction, a new appreciation of the little changes that can bring us joy in the fact that things can change for the better. A realization that change does not always have a negative connotation. Change can inspire us to to do more and search for the learning that can come from finding the positive aspects of the change. Change can inspire us to feel better about ourselves and appreciate the people who surround us. The generosity of others who help us to create positive change is powerful and remarkable. Change can inspire us to appreciate the material things that we already have and recognize that we are not a product of the amount of things that we own. I guess my point is - I think that changes - whether - positive or negative - can teach us. Circumstances and people in our lives have changed us forever and we are grateful for the messages that we have received.

Oct. 10

Today has been a good day and we are looking ahead to a fun weekend. I was thinking how nice it is when we can take time out of our daily routines and spend time with a special person. How nice it is when we can plan to spend personal time with others and how nice it is that we have others around us to support us in our efforts to connect with each other. We appreciate the time to bond and spend time with the people we care about.
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.

Oct. 2nd

It is Oct. and it is hard to imagine that almost one year has passed since Robert was diagnosed. In some respects it seems like just yesterday and yet it seems like we have traveled through a journey filled with a vast amount of emotions that have forced us to grow and change over time. So much has happened and so much has changed forever.
We have been busy and active and thankful for the ability to spend time having fun. We are thankful for the time with family, and the chance to enjoy the boys. We have spent time with friends, and just been ecstatic to be surrounded by them. We are thankful for the continued support and caring attitudes of others. Your contributions to our well-being are working and we are thriving on the understanding that others care and wish us the best. It is possible to 'feel' the love.
Here is a thought that I have been contemplating today- When times are difficult, we are often given the advice to - 'live day by day' or 'take one day at a time'.
Here is a thought - some days just stink - and we have to think that the next day will be better
and - making future plans and having something to look forward to helps us to realize that situations can improve over time and that we will have fun again.
The emotional comfort & stability that allows us to look forward and plan for the future demonstrates the hope that we have in our hearts.

Sept. 24th

We met with our oncologist a week ago today and we were ecstatic with the report. We knew going in that we were walking into a good report, but it is not until you talk with the doctor and see the MRI scans that you can believe the phenomenal results. The scans indicated a decrease in all spots/white matter seen on the brain. Obviously, I am not presenting the information in proper medical terms. The point is - stable is what is hoped for and any decrease is considered exceptional. Robert is the overachieving patient and is living his life as he has always done - with honesty, integrity, and a dedication & loyalty to the important people in his life. He has the ability to rationalize the lack of control that we ultimately have over many factors in our lives. He has the resolve to face each day with an attitude that 'what will be' - 'will be' and there is no point in worrying about it. We are so happy with the last results and try to hold on to the feeling of relief that has come with the pictures demonstrated on the last set of scans. Wishing everyone well...