Monday, November 8, 2010

Friday, October 29, 2010

Karly and I flew to Houston Tuesday evening.

Karly began testing Wednesday morning at 6:30. Even after all she has been through, she fainted when Ms. Toni missed her IV. It is very rare for Ms. Toni to miss, but she did and Karly was out. Karly had blood work, x-rays, a CT scan, a PET scan and an MRI all before 2:00 Wednesday afternoon. It was nice to get it all over with in one day, but it was a hard day for Karly.

Thursday morning we saw Dr. Nguyen & Dr. Herzog. The mass in Karly's pelvis had a SUV value lower than the last scans. Which is great news! That value basically tell how/if a mass is active. The spot is Karly's lungs is something they want to continue to watch closely. We will return to Houston the first of January for repeat scans.

Thank you for all your prayers and words of encouragement.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Get Involved | Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation

Get Involved | Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation

September 2010

It is already time for Karly's 3 month check up. Karly and I will return to Houston on Sunday, September 12. Karly will have scans Monday and Tuesday and she will see her doctors on Wednesday and Thursday. It looks like both little Sara and Victoria will also be in Houston at the same time. We are looking forward to seeing both of them. Please keep us all in your prayers as this is always a stressful time.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know?


•One in every 330 Americans develops cancer before the age of twenty.

•On the average, 36 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer everyday in the United States.

•On the average, one in every four elementary schools has a child with cancer. The average high school has two students who are current or former cancer patients.

•Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children under the age of 15 in the United States.

•Childhood cancers affect more potential patient-years of life than any other cancer except breast and lung cancer.

•The causes of most childhood cancers are unknown. At present, childhood cancer cannot be prevented.

•Childhood cancer occurs regularly, randomly and spares no ethnic group, socioeconomic class, or geographic region. In the United States, the incidence of cancer among adolescents and young adults is increasing at a greater rate than any other age group, except those over 65 years.

•Despite these facts, childhood cancer research is vastly and consistently underfunded.

source: www.alexslemonade.org

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Following a good report in Houston, we came home and had a great 16th birthday celebration for Karly. We had so much to celebrate t​his year!

Last night, Karly and I went to the midnight showing of the new Twilight movie, Eclipse. Yes, we are some of those crazy people! When the 2nd movie, New Moon, came out Karly was doing chemo and she had to carry her BIG backpack with her to the movie. We still didn't miss it. :)

This evening, Karly and 3 other kids had a photo shoot in Lubbock for the Make A Wish foundation. These pictures will be used in fundraising efforts for wishes!

www.texa​splains.wis​h.org

I would also like for all of you amazing Prayer Warriors to take the time to watch this video about 2 young Seminole siblings who have Juvenile Diabetes.


www.yo​utube.com/w​atch?v=wL2h​T3uxBMQ

Thursday, June 10, 2010

It's that nerve racking time again....time for scans.

We leave Monday, June 14 for Houston. Karly will have scans on Tuesday and we will see doctors on Thursday & Friday.

My social butterfly, Lexie, is going with us this time. She enjoys visiting with all the kids in the clinic and to be honest, she is a nice distraction for me and Karly.

Karly's 16th birthday is Saturday, June 19. She is SO happy that she will be home to celebrate her birthday this year.

Karly's hair is also coming in beautifully. Now, if I can get her to give up her security blanket (aka her cap).

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Relay for Life


Friday night was the Gaines county Relay for Life and it was wonderful.

Karly, Nanny, Pa, Lexie and I all attended the Survivor/Caregriver dinner. I was a great meal with wonderful prizes provided by local companies and businesses.

Team Karly had a booth where we sold caramel apples and played black jack. Bub was a great sport and entered the Mr. Relay contest. Not only did he do a great job, he won. woohoo The entire night was full of fun and entertainment! We raised over $4000 as a team and the entire Relay raised over $50,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

We are again struggling with the loss of one of our friends. Daniel Porras from Sudan, Tx lost his battle with a rare and highly aggressive cancer called desmoplastic small round cell tumor. Daniel was an amazing young man. He was always smiling and we always walked away from him feeling uplifted. Daniel will be laid to rest tomorrow in Pep, Tx. Please keep his parents, his 2 sisters, his family and his many friends in your prayers.

This story was published in one of MD Anderson's publication about Daniel last fall.
www.mdanderson.org/publications/conquest/issues/2009-fall/back-to-hamburgers-and-roping-steers-new-treatment-gives-teenager-hope.html

Karly got the stomach "bug" Friday and it really hit her hard. She was very weak and even asked if she could have her counts checked. It broke my heart that my 15 year old was worrying about blood counts and not things like what she is going to wear to school the next day. We did go see Dr. Parkey yesterday and Karly got a shot and the doc put her back on her antibiotics for a while.

As you read these posts of the lives we have lost to cancer, I HOPE it reminds you how important finding a cure is! We owe it to those who have lost their lives to continue fighting for a cure. As Keaton said, "Don't Quit." I promise you Keaton we won't quit!

Friday, April 9, 2010

So much has happened in the past couple days. I wish this was a happy update, but it is not. The evil monster, aka cancer, has taken another precious child from us. Little Maria passed away in Ecuador on Tuesday. Karly and I have not even been able to grasp that Keaton is really gone and now we have learned of Maria's death.

Karly and I spent some time tonight talking about our friends that have passed, Zoe, Keaton and Maria. As difficult as their passing is we both agreed that we are thankful for the great memories we have of them. Every time Lexie has a rice crispy treat all 3 of us remember Zoe. She would always give Lexie one while we all sat in the waiting room doing our favorite thing, waiting. Our memories of Keaton and Karen could fill many pages. Keaton always gave the same answer when we would ask him "how are you feeling?" With a smile Keaton would say, "good, I'm feeling good." After a few rounds of chemotherapy we realized that little Maria was on the same schedule as Karly was. We would love to see what "little miss fashion" had on everyday. If her twin, Martina, was with her we got twice the fashion show. When we think of Maria, we see the beautiful smile on her face when she would see Karly walking in her hospital room.

I received a message tonight from Laura, Daniel Porras' mom. She said Daniel is not doing well and she is not sure how much longer he will be with us. I have posted about Daniel before, he is from Sundan, Tx. Karly and I have always said that, "Daniel is good for the soul."

We thank God for Karly's recovery, ask Him to comfort those grieving and ask Him to be with those still fighting.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Our Hero

One year ago today, Karly had an MRI performed and our lives changed forever.

Today, our lives have been changed again. Our mentor, our friend, our hero, Keaton Lee lost his battle with Osteosarcoma. There are no words to express the mixture of emotions I am feeling this morning.

I will share the news with Karly when she is out of school for the day. Keaton was such a blessing to us through Karly's battle with cancer.

I ask for prayers for Keaton's family and friends. Keaton's mom, Karen, has devoted every second of her life for the past 2+ years to fighting for her son; please remember her in your prayers.



Safely Home

I am home in Heaven, dear ones;
Oh, so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty
In this everlasting light.

All the pain and suffering is over
Every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever,
Safely home in Heaven at last.

Did you wonder I so calmly
Trod the valley of the shade?
Oh! but Jesus' love illumined
Every dark and fearful glade.

And he came Himself to meet me
In that way so hard to tread
And with Jesus' arm to lean on
Could I have one doubt or dread?

Then you must not grieve so sorely,
For I love you dearly still:
Try to look beyond earth's shadows,
Pray to trust our Father's will.

There is still work waiting for you,
So you must not idly stand;
Do it now, while life remaineth-
You shall rest in Jesus' land.

When that work is completed,
He will gently call you home;
Oh, the rapture of that meeting,
Oh, the joy to see you come!

- Unknown author

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Friday morning we met with Dr. Mahajan, the radiation doctor. She asked Karly multiple questions and looked at her skin where she received the radiation. Dr. Mahajan asked Karly, "did I even do anything to you?" :) She was very pleased with how Karly was feeling and how well her skin had healed following radiation. We did discuss with her the nausea Karly was still experiencing and we all believe it was the LARGE doses of antibiotics she was taking. Thankfully, Karly's blood work was great and she no longer has to take the Bactrim.
We arrived back home about 7pm Friday evening and we were greeted by a wonderful West Texas sandstorm! We also found a new washing machine that the washer fairies brought! My mom had her cleaning lady come clean while we were gone and the motor went out on my washer and flooded my kitchen. Thank God for the wonderful family and friends we have that took care of the mess for us!
Karly returned to school yesterday for the first time in almost a year. She had a great day and really enjoyed getting to see all of her friends. Her home bound teacher, Mrs. Lavender, and Karly had worked so hard that Karly was either ahead or caught up in ALL her classes. A BIG “thank you” to Mrs. Lavender.
Karly will return to Houston in June for scans and doctors visits.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

check up March 2010

Karly had a PET scan and blood work early Wednesday morning. This morning we saw Dr. Herzog and Dr. Nguyen and they gave us WONDERFUL news. Karly's mass has shrunk and shows no signs of activity. Her blood work was good which means she can stop taking the Bactrim, or as she calls it "the horse pills". The doctors and nurses presented Karly with an Achievement Award for completing all her treatments.

Keaton had surgery today and did well. I talked to Karen around 9 tonight and Keaton is already feeling some relief from the procedure. Please continue to pray for Keaton.

Today we attended a birthday party for Maria & Martina, twin girls from Ecuador. Today was their 8th birthday. Maria was diagnosed last year within a week or two of Karly's diagnosis. Karly and Maria were on the same treatment schedule. They would be admitted at the same time, whether it was inpatient or outpatient. Unfortunately, Maria did not respond to treatment as Karly did. Maria and her family will return to Ecuador on Sunday, where they will be surrounded by their family and friends.

Today was an emotional roller coaster for me & Karly. We were overjoyed and thankful for the good news we received from Karly's scans, however our hearts ache for our friends who continue to fight the evil cancer monster.

Karly has an appointment to see Dr. Mahajan, her radiation doctor, at 9 in the morning. Karly still has occasional bouts of nausea and we hope Dr. Mahajan can give us some answers as to why. We will check in on Keaton before we leave MD Anderson.

Thank you for your love and prayers.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Time for Scans

Karly and I are getting ready to head to Houston on Tuesday. Karly with have a PET Scan and blood work Wednesday morning. Thursday and Friday she has follow up appointments with Dr. Herzog and Dr. Mahajan.

Two of our friends, Victoria and "Little" Sara were in Houston last week for scans/test and they both received good news. Donny & Shaunie Selman will also be in Houston this week for Donny's check up, please keep them in your prayers.

Our dear friend Keaton is in the hospital and needs the prayers of you awesome Prayer Warriors. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/keatonlee

I will update once we get to Houston.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Welcome to March :)

We are all doing well. Mom went back to Houston On February 20 and got a GREAT report. She is still cancer free and doing well. Karly is working hard on her school work and has a great home bound teacher. She took her TAKS test this morning, so let's hope she did well. Karly will return to school after her check up at the end of March. Miss Lexie is ruling the house as normal! She is not going to be happy about not being able to go to Houston with us at the end of the month because she misses her "friends" at the hospital.

Karly and I are collecting cards for Cards 4 Cancer and we will deliver them to MD Anderson when we go for her check up. If you would like to send some cards, colored pictures or artwork by your kids please contact us.

Also, we are working hard to raise money for Karly's Relay for Life team, Team Karly. If you would like to donate to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life let us know.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

I thought I would update everyone on how Karly is doing.

She started school through the home bound program last week and has been busy with homework. Seminole ISD could give Houston ISD a few lessons on the home bound program! She is also about to start Driver's Ed. Lord help me!

Karly is getting stronger every day. It has been difficult for me not knowing several times a week what her blood counts are, but she is doing great. She is most excited about her hair which is coming back in.

We are both very excited about this year's Relay for Life event here in Seminole. Team Karly is a LARGE team and has already started raising money.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Monday, January 25, 2010

We have been home now for a little over a week. Karly is doing good and slowly getting stronger. She is going to do school through home bound for a few weeks until she is strong enough to make it through a full day of school. Her hair is coming back and she is super excited about it. :)

Karly and I will return to Houston at the end of March for a PET scan and doctors visits.

Thank you for all the support!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

We arrived at the hospital at 7:30am for Karly's surgery. She was called back to the prep room around 8:15. We had GREAT nurses and doctors today! woohoo Two of the Child Life people came and visited with Karly and one of them stayed with her until surgery time. Karly did FANTASTIC! When I went back to recovery to see her she was awake and said, "I feel great!" We were back at the hotel by noon. Karly is sore, but has been resting well. We plan to head back home on Thursday.

Monday, January 11, 2010

We made it back to Houston last night around 9:30pm. Karly had lab work done this morning and we met with anesthesia to prepare for her surgery in the morning. We have to be at the hospital at 7:30am for Karly's surgery. The procedure should be fairly quick and easy.

We got to see Keaton & Karen today. It was great to spend time with them and do some catching up. Please continue to pray for Keaton.

I also received word today that Daniel Porras from Sudan is not doing well at all. He has been receiving Hospice care for several weeks and his pain is getting really bad. Please pray for him and his family.

Friday, January 1, 2010

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to everyone!

I apologize for not updating in so long. We have been enjoying our time at home. Karly has been doing great! She has spent some time with some of her friends, which always makes her feel better.

Karly & I will head back to Houston next weekend, January 9 or 10. She has a couple appointments scheduled for Monday, Jan. 11 and on Tuesday she will have her port removed.

We can never say "Thank you" enough for all that has been done for us.