30 Nov 2008, 3:54pm EST
I thought I would let you all know that a little bit ago, Kara said she was freezing again. Tony checked her temp, and it was right above the marker to call again. I talked to her Dr. at Children's again, too. We are still at home for now. The cultures so far aren't showing anything is growing. They were drawn in the very early morning hours this a.m., so it hasn't even been 24 hours yet. Her medicine is still effective until about 2 a.m., too. So, we don't need to go back to the Hospital right now. If her fever gets higher, or she just starts acting like she isn't feeling well, or gets lethargic, then I need to call him back. So far, we are still waiting and watching. She is still playing and eating. I just felt of her forehead and arm, and she feels fine now. Keep praying!

I won't update again today unless things really change!

30 Nov 2008, 12:35pm EST
Hello! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We have had a nice week. On Thanksgiving Day, we had dinner at Tony's parents' house with his older brother & family. We played a game together, and probably ate too much! We stopped in a store later that evening, too. Friday a.m., I was needing to get some food started to take to my parents' house for our dinner later in the day, so Tony and his Dad headed to the mall to meet the crowds. Their was 1 thing I had spotted that I wanted to pick up. He said there were some good buys, but it was SO crowded! My family on my Mom's side were in for a few days, and we had a lot of laughs and a lot of food again. Every year, the guys bring their guns with them, and they make it an annual thing to go take their guns to target practice. They enjoyed that ~ even Brent went with them, and I know he had fun!
Mom's family came over for a little bit last night to visit before they headed out this a.m., and it wasn't long after they left, I was calling Mom to watch Erica, Brent, & Lauren. Kara started "chilling/freezing" and sure enough I took her temp, and it was a little above the cut-off mark for calling the Dr. I called Dr. Malik at Children's , and he called me back, and said that I needed to get her into the E.R. fairly quick, and he would call them and let them know we were coming. So, the usual routine was done. Her blood counts were checked, and her immune system is in NORMAL range. SO, there was no need to admit her. They also drew blood cultures. They gave her some tylenol, and ran a 24-hour i.v. antibiotic through both of her lines. Tony called the Dr. back this a.m., and the plan is to keep a watch on her cultures, and if something shows up, they will call. She doesn't need to go in for more medicine now. They don't want to give her any more antibiotics than she needs. SO, if anything changes (temp, symptoms) then we will call him back. So, please pray that it's not another line/blood infection. Going by the last 2 she's had, Tony & I figured because of her symptoms we were dealing with another one. She always says, "I'm freezing." You see the prickly chill bumps, and when you check her, she'll show a low-grade fever. But, who knows ~ we're just waiting right now. She acts like she's feeling fine now. No fever since 2 a.m., she's still eating, playing, etc. We have been talking about switching over to a port, which is under the skin, and has to be acsessed with a needle. That is the big hang-up, though. The needle. That is Kara's biggest fear - pokes. She doesn't want a port, I can tell. This is one thing we are going to talk about when we go back to St. Jude in January. If she had a port, she would be able to take a bath, and play in water in the Summertime without the worry of a bacteria growing in her lines. She was just telling me last night, that she wished she could take deep bath and then she could splash in the bath water. We'll see. This seems to be a year of decisions coming up. It's not just one thing. It's one of those things, when one decision is made, could affect the other decisions we need to make. So, if you could, I'd appreciate if you'd pray that we'd do what is God's will ~ that we'd follow what He'd want us to do. Well, I guess I'm making up for lost time on this update! Please keep praying for Brooklyn, and her family, and also I'd like you to remember my Sister-in-law, who's had some tests done. Pray that the Lord would move for her, and everything will be just fine!

Have a great day!
Megan

21 Nov 2008, 1:45pm EST
The girls got to see snow today!!! We had some really big snowflakes flying around, too! It is really cold !! I finished up my grocery shopping this a.m., right after Erica & Brent went to school, and Mom stayed with the twins. My Dad came by later on, and delivered a package wrapped in Christmas paper for the girls. It was from one of his customers. Thank you, Carol! The girls each got a stuffed animal and a book. Kara was quick to grab her favorite. They are busy playing right now in the living room floor. Last night, I had picked up some Scooby graham cracker snacks from the grocery. If you haven't seen them, they look like Dog bone snacks. Well, Kara was acting like a puppy dog and I'd throw her a scooby snack. Then I'd ask her to do some tricks. Well, today, Lauren wanted me to throw some snacks for her, and she said she'd jump up real high to catch them. I guess it broke up the same old routine of eating in the kitchen & dining room. They were having fun, anyway!

Tomorrow, we are having our Thanksgiving Dinner at Church. Tony won't be able to go because he's scheduled to work, but the kids and I are planning on going. Then, Sunday the kids will have practice again. I think they're supposed to be drawing names over the weekend for a small gift exchange at church. So, that's what's up for this weekend, and Monday will start round #6 of Accutane. Usually by now her skin is pretty much healed up, but with the dry, cold weather, and having to turn our heat up, her skin is drier than last month at this time. Her lips are pretty dry. Well, I will run for now. There's a lot I need to hurry up and do before the kids get home from school!

Have a great weekend! KEEP PRAYING FOR BROOKLYN AND HER FAMILY!
Megan

20 Nov 2008, 9:43am EST
Hello! We have had a full week, this week. Today will make appt. #3 at the Dentist. This should finish the kids up until at least until Feb., when Lauren's due for her 6 mo. cleaning.
Last night, the kids were going over their parts in the car for the Christmas play. I am thankful that they want to learn their parts, and seem to be glad that they are in it. This is good especially to see out of Brent. Here lately, I've noticed in a couple things that's gone on here at home, he just seemed disinterested. We said Lauren & Kara's line, too, and I found out after Church, that Kara told Sis. Heather that she "didn't need any help - she knew hers" . I guess she remembered most of it! I am glad the girls have had a change of heart since last Sunday, and have decided they want to be in the play. We all seem to be excited about the holidays that are coming up. We have really got a lot to be thankful for. God has blessed and helped us so much. I hope for as long as I live, I don't forget what all the Lord has done for Kara and our family. He has shown His love to us so much through this. He has never left us alone - never failed us - even when things looked low, and we didn't understand everthing - He understood us, and had everything under control. I love Him so much. He knows before I even say a word, what I am feeling, but yet He loves me so much, He wants to hear from me -wants me to communicate and draw closer to Him. There's a song our choir sings at Church,

'Lord You've Been Bless'in Me'

When I woke up early this morn'in
I was clothed in my right mind
And when I looked all around me
I seen my family was do'in fine

And I thank Him that He's kept me,
and I thank Him, that He's never left me
I can tell the world, tell the world, that I am blessed

Yes, Lord, Oh Lord, You've been bless'in me
When I look where You have brought me,
You've sure been bless'in me
Yes, Lord, Oh Lord, You've been bless'in me,
I can tell the world. Tell the world, that I am blessed, I am blessed.

I may not have a mansion
But I do have a place to sleep
And I may not have any money
But I thank God I have food to eat

And I thank Him that He's kept me,
and I thank Him, that He's never left me
I can tell the world, tell the world, that I am blessed, I am blessed.

I want to draw closer to Him. I want to do better. I thought of why I love Him. We love Him because He first loved us, the Bible says. But, I have to agree! When I think that the God of Glory loves and cares for me, who has faults and failures, it's humbling. He sent His Son, Jesus, who was without sin, to take my place on the cross, to suffer for my sins. He laid His life down for me. If I had been the only one, He would have still done it for me. He left the fold, and went out to find that 1 lost sheep. When we fall, when we stumble, He's there to pick us back up. He's there to wrap His arms around us, and encourage us to go on - to try again. His love is unconditional. He loves me so much, He wants me to talk and walk with Him, every minute of everyday. I want to do better...Oh, how I am grateful today for His love. I love Him for who He is, for what He's done, for knowing He's always there with me, every step of the way, and knowing He won't leave me. No, He will never leave me alone. Whatever I have to face in this life, He won't leave me to fight it alone. I am so thankful for Him.

17 Nov 2008, 10:18pm EST
We had to wait a little while in clinic today. Dr. Malik apologized, and said we may think about switching our clinic days to Wednesdays, but he couldn't predict for sure that it would be any faster...We'll decide more about that later on. I like the fact of getting her bloodwork done and overwith with enough lead-time that it still allows time for St. Jude to receive and review her results, then get the med's ordered through their pharmacy and shipped in enough time so that they are not pushed to get the med to us so we can start her chemo on schedule. With all the in-between and follow-up stuff that's involved, there's room for delays, even though the last couple of months have went smooth. We'll see next month. We did get good news about her bloodwork. Her hemoglobin was normal and up higher than last month, & her platelets were normal. Her white blood cells were decent. Hers WBC's are still within acceptable range. Her triglycerides were elevated, but not too much, it was expected from the chemo, and Dr. Malik expects they will fall by the time she is scheduled to start her next round (#6). Her sugar was a on the low side, only because she didn't eat much of anything before we went. Her weight you could say was stable. It was a tiring day, with the shuffling around, sitting, waiting, etc. Lauren & Kara both took a nap on the way home this evening. Brent had make-up work to do from school. Thankfully, it's caught up. Tomorrow, Erica will have her turn to do make-up work. Between Erica & Brent they had their fair share of cavities. They will go back Wednesday a.m. to get these taken care of. You would think they don't brush their teeth by the way their visit went. Brent flossed 3 times just this evening since we've been home from the Dentist. Well, I will make this update shorter tonight. Please keep praying for Brooklyn and her family!

Good night & God bless,
Megan

16 Nov 2008, 10:59pm EST
PLEASE KEEP PRAYING FOR BROOKLYN AND HER FAMILY. It would mean a lot to me if you felt like giving them an encouraging note on Brooklyn's site. I know some of you have let me know that you still pray for her. I really appreciate that. PLEASE keep lifting the whole family up in prayer.

Saturday we enjoyed each other's company, had a lot of laughs, and even played 2 rounds of 'Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader' . We still need to play 1 more round - we played as teams 3 guys vs. 3 girls - as of right now, we are tied. We did get pizza, and I remember asking my friend how many people we had so I could figure out how many cups we needed - I counted 18- and 12 were kids - but I have to say - they were all good! The kids had been looking forward to Saturday so much.

Today, we decided to put our tree up and get out the Christmas decorations. I was kind of surprised when Lauren & Kara acted like they remembered some things. Unfortunately, Brent never got interested in this today. He was too interested in playing video games. Erica got excited, saying, "Remember this?" when she was looking through things. Kara was cute. She found a couple extra stockings, put them on her feet, then stuck another one on her head. Right now, the twins don't want to leave the ornaments alone, though! I guess it's kind of like getting a new toy right now. It's new to them again, and everyting's fun to play with.

The kids had play practice tonight before church started. Every child (and we have a lot of little kids at our church) have a part in it. They even had to add some lines to the play for everyone to get to participate. They have about a month to practice for it. Erica & Brent have parts in a song, and Lauren & Kara have to say a line or two in the play. Before we left for practice, Lauren & Kara let us know they didn't want to say anything in it. So, we'll see how this goes!

Tonight in church, Kara was sitting on Tony's lap, and she asked him why people have to get married....Tony told her that she didn't have to if she didn't want to. He told her she could just stay living at home with Mommy & Daddy. She said that's what she wanted to do.....I know when she gets older she'll change her mind. When you're with your kids day in and day out, you notice changes in them, but they might not be as obvious to you as someone else who sees them, say once a year. But, kids do grow fast. We were talking today about someone we know who is probably is a sophomore in H.S. now. Tony said it just didn't seem right. So, we figured up how old they were when we first met them, counted the number of years we've known each other, and compared that amount of time to Erica & Brent - and what age they will be in that same number of years. When you do that, it doesn't sound too good. Let's not take for granted the time we're given to love our kids. Time doesn't stand still, it won't be long and they won't be 'under our feet' anymore. They'll be grown, and on their own. The preacher said tonight in his sermon, 'An opportunity lasts for a moment.' Let's slow down, and enjoy each other, take time for the little simple things that count.

I hope you all have a great Monday. I will update tomorrow sometime after we get back from clinic.

Happy (29th) Birthday, Mom - WE LOVE YOU!

God bless,
Megan

14 Nov 2008, 10:36pm EST
Hello - I know it's been a few days since I've posted, but I hope everyone's doing good. We are fine -

Tony's been busy working, sleeping, & trying to get some extra stuff done when he's not working or sleeping.

I've been busy trying to finish up thank you cards and wind up my Christmas cards. I know I am late getting my thank you cards out, so if you get a card I apologize ahead of time for it being so late ~ (you may even wonder why you're getting one, since I'm behind !)....but I want everyone to know we appreciate EVERYTHING everyone has done to show how much they care!

I did finish up my grocery shopping today. Mom needed to go too, so we went to Wal-Mart together, and took the twins. They haven't been there much since we returned home this Summer - not like they used to, anyways! Before, I would take them once a week, every week. Not now, though. So, they enjoyed looking at the Christmas stuff that was out, and seeing the Christmas trees, and walking all around the store. They usually get popcorn chicken from the deli when we go, so, of course, they didn't forget about it! Afterwards, we ate lunch at Sonic, and came back home.

Kara still has a runny nose - this week I've noticed she is still scratching her skin, still recovering from the Accutane. Her cold seems better. She still has the runny nose, though. One night this week, I was changing Kara's central line (buddy) dressing, and flushing her lines so she won't get a blood clot in her lines, and she & Lauren were laying in my bed while I was doing this. Well, Kara's benedryl took effect, and she fell asleep. Well, Lauren just was laying there with such a sweet look on her face, looking at Kara falling asleep. She smiled, and I asked her if she was her best friend, she nodded yes. She was being really sweet with her. You could really tell she cares and loves Kara (at that moment) :). (They have their moments when you can tell they're sisters, too!) But, earlier Lauren was talking, and you could tell she thought when Kara gets rid of her line, she was thinking she would automatically get a 'pokie' - she was relating this even to if Kara switches to a 'port'. She said she didn't want to be around to hear the kids cry, she was going to go to the play room. Then another time this week, Lauren was telling Kara that in Heaven she won't have to have a 'buddy'. Kids can be sweet.

Tomorrow, we are having some friends over for pizza. I heard - it's been rumored - there's a chance of snow flurries! We'll see if we get any!

Hope you all have a great weekend ~ stay warm!

God Bless,
Megan

Oh, by the way - Kara's monthly blood work has been scheduled for Monday a.m. I'll let you know how that goes, and that's the same day Erica & Brent have dental cleanings. So, we are making it a day of it, and since Tony's off, we're all going, and just making a one-day trip to Knoxville. I'd rather get it taken care of this way, anyway! I tried calling St. Jude scheduling and they didn't have the order from clinic yet for Kara's scans. We just know they will be AFTER Christmas. THey didn't want to interrupt our Christmas holiday together here at home. I really appreciated that! Good night!

11 Nov 2008, 8:55pm EST
Hello - Nothing major to report to everyone. Today after school, Erica looked in her room, and was thrilled - she was hollaring, "I have a new room! I have a new room!" .... funny how sometimes the little things make them happy - all I did was rearranged the girls room to make room for a chest of drawers, and change thier bedspreads back to their quilts that I had bagged away in the top of their closet. I'm glad their happy about it, but that left Brent wanting to change his room around. I told him I had thought about it, but he has bunk beds, and if I moved his around, the bed would be covering up at least one of his windows. I told him I may get some things put up on his walls in his room. He doesn't act too worried! I just tried to fix some things around the house that needed repaired, and touched-up today. The twins have played good together. Kara is still doing good. She is doing better with her cold, & she's still eating good, too. Tonight, Erica was able to put 2 tiny pony tails in the very back of Kara's hair - right above her hairline on her neck. They're probably about an inch and a half long. She is tickled with them ~ Erica used the mirror so she could get a peek at them. She could only see one of them she said. All 3 girls had pigtails and had to come in my room to show me. I think Kara said they were the pigtail girls, and they curtsied. She was so happy about her hair. Well, I better go for now. The twins still need their baths. Well, I hope you all have had a great Veterans Day ~ THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR VETERANS ~ WE APPRECIATE YOU !

Have a great night & God bless,
Megan

10 Nov 2008, 8:40pm EST
Okay, I could've waited until tomorrow to post this, but I really am happy about what Kara's Nurse Practitioner told me tonight...well, actually I missed her call, she left me a message on my cell phone, which I was glad for, so I didn't have to wonder and wonder and wait and wait on an answer. I guess you'd like to know what I'm talking about! I called St. Jude today and asked about Kara's scans.....

Dr. Furman and Sandy (her N.P.) talked about it, and it's decided they are adding round #7 of Accutane to her treatment schedule. This means we will be home for Christmas, without Kara having a lapse in her oral chemo - then Kara will have scans. That's such good news! I was afraid we would have to go back to Memphis right in the middle of December at such a busy and hectic time. Dr. Furman is so laid-back. I can remember asking him about our kids coming down for a weekend when Kara's bloodcounts were very low, and he acted like it was no big deal. He just reminded us to take FEVER-PRECAUTIONS...Then I can think back during our stay at St. Jude, when it worked out where we could come home for a week's break, he knew how much good it did for us all. Kara would gain weight, and we'd be together at HOME which was so healthy. He understood the importance of that. SO, needless to say, I am thankful this decision was made. I don't have the exact dates yet. I just wanted to pass on what I knew! So, Monday, Nov. 24th starts Round #6 with 2 weeks on the Accutane, then a 2 week break off from it. Then, it will be time for Round #7 to start....it will be here before long!

Good night & God bless!
Megan

10 Nov 2008, 10:16am EST
Overall, we had a nice, quiet weekend....Friday night, we enjoyed having our company over to visit....We had a few laughs while Kelli & Karen played games with the kids - Kara was funny - they played Candyland, and Kara picked up a card that she didn't like, realized what she picked up, and said she "accidently" picked it up. Hmmm....learning how to cheat already? Then my competitive friend, Karen, didn't help any as an example... since when do you have a dealer who hands out the cards in candyland? She really liked picking on Erica .... Needless to say, I don't think Erica won! Anyway, we just had a good visit.

Saturday, the kids wanted to see their baby boxes. I had been putting this off for a while now, and finally gave in. They were excited....Brent just kept talking, and talking, and talking about stuff he'd find. I think that was good for them. They all worked on getting a Christmas list together. I told Brent to add some small things to his list, so what does he do, instead of adding more gifts, he justs marks off 2 from his list! (He only had 3 listed) :) I get the point, Brent! Kids are funny.
Yesterday, after church we ate lunch at Wendy's with Tony's parents, and our niece & nephew, and then came home. Erica took a nap, and Brent, Lauren & Kara went to my parents' house for a little while. We went on to church again last night, and I don't know where my mind was...I know what time church starts, but I had it mixed up with Wednesday's service & we ended up being about 25 minutes late. I was thinking we had to leave at the time it starts !!! Ugh! Don't you just hate it when stuff like that happens ?! I even thought about not going since we were so late, but I was glad we went ahead and went. It was worth it! Kara was so tired, she ended up falling asleep on the way home.

Kara is doing good ~ still fighting off this cold. I'm just thankful she hasn't ran a fever with it! I know the extra sleep yesterday helped. I'm glad to report that Kara has completed round #5's chemo! It messed with her moods, and I'm glad she's getting her break now! I was counting down the days! One more round to go, and then we'll head back to St. Jude for very thorough testing. I'm so thankful for these days we've been able to have here at home, and how well Kara is doing. We've had a few issues being in the e.r. and a short hospital stay, but things always worked out. To see her, and how good she looks, and how she's acting is such a blessing.

Well, Tony is off of work today, but he has stuff he needs to get done here at home, and Lauren and Kara are busy playing, so I guess I should get busy, too! Well, I hope you are having a great day!

God bless,
Meg

07 Nov 2008, 2:21pm EST
Kara's been doing pretty good. Yesterday, Tony had the day off, and we headed over to Sevierville to try to get a little Christmas shopping done. After our first store, Kara was a little agitated and hungry, so we headed on over for lunch, and after a few more stops we headed home. Later on in the day, Erica & Brent got their flu shot taken care of. (Erica was asking to go first, even mentioning that Brent went first last year - I don't even remember! - So, she did go first, and they're glad it's over with now, and out of the way for another year.

Kara still has a runny & stuffy nose, but she is eating, and playing. We are hoping to escape a fever and hospital/e.r. visit with this round!

I spoke with our neighbor yesterday, Hazel, who I had asked prayer for recently. She found out that her red & white blood cells have "kicked-in", and are producing now. Her color looked better, and she wasn't wearing her mask. She was laughing, and we just had a good talk. She gives God the credit, and has a wonderful attitude. Her last treatment is the beginning of December. Please keep remembering her! We are glad to say that my Great Aunt Mary is doing somewhat better, too. She is tired, but they are getting her up and having her move around now. Brooklyn is home now from the Hospital, and it sounds like she is feeling better. Please keep praying for her, too. She will need another transfusion tomorrow.

Tonight, a couple of my friend's that I went to school with are coming over, to visit for a while. So, I better get things taken care of around here! Thanks for checking in...

Have a great weekend....
God bless,
Megan

05 Nov 2008, 1:20pm EST
Hello all!
We are doing good. Yesterday, we ended up staying here at home. The weather was nice, so Tony and the kids rode on the 4-wheeler. They just enjoyed being home, and having the day off. We did have company yesterday, too, and had a nice visit. (Thanks Jana!) She shared some pics with us from her trip out West. While she was out there, she noticed a man on the sidewalk walking a dog, and the dog was carrying a cat on it's back. She stopped the man to ask for a picture of the strange site. Well, he told her to wait, that wasn't all, and he took a rat out of his suitcase, and placed it on the cat's back. The kids enjoyed the picture, as it was neat to see, and makes you wonder how he got that feat accomplished....Speaking of rodents....I noticed a couple of days ago that a mouse was leaving it's evidence in our house....Ugh! Well, we were talking about the mouse yesterday and Erica went into her closet and put on a pair of her high healed shoes and wore them for a while. She was afraid of stepping on it, or it running over her toes, I guess! Tony set 3 traps, and while I was on the computer last night I saw a shadow flash by out of the corner of my eye. I started hollaring, "The mouse!" "The mouse!" Tony and the kids came in the room to see. Tony said, "That's not how you catch a mouse." (by yelling) Well, the kids were even checking under our recliner for it because Brent thought he saw it in the living room. I am glad to report that as of this a.m., Tony got his prized catch & it is no longer living in our house. I HATE MICE!

Kara seems to have caught a cold..Yesterday she mentioned that her throat her when she woke up. She drank some hot chocolate and ate some ramen noodles, and didn't complain anymore about it hurting. She's had a runny nose, and this morning, she woke up and said that she has a cold. She is playing. In fact, she and Lauren just came in from playing outside again. They are enjoying these days we've been having....

Well, I better go...Just thought I'd let you know how it's been going around here. (Only 4 1/2 more days of chemo left for this round!)

Take care & God bless,
Megan

03 Nov 2008, 8:21pm EST
HEllo! Things are going good around here.

Yesterday a.m., we had a Pastor appreciation service, and ate together in the fellowship hall afterwards. The kids played around outside for a little bit afterwards, and then we headed over to Mamaw & Papaw Lee's house.

Today, we've just hung out around here at home. This a.m., I had Kara step on the scales and she's gained some weight from the last weigh-in. She's up to 38.8 lbs. now. She played around with the scales a bit. She had the RC Cola and Big Red 2 liters out this a.m. The RC was the Mommy, and the Big Red was the Sister, and she was weighing them....who says you need baby dolls when you have soda bottles ?! Whatever works, I guess! The girls played with Brent's cars, and their barbies today, too. After supper, all of the kids played outside for a little while... Here lately the twins haven't played outside much. I know it was good for them to be out and enjoy the sunshine for 2 days in a row - even if for just a little bit!

Tomorrow, Tony's off from work, and Erica & Brent don't have to be at school either. So, we're planning on doing something fun as a family together...For Tony that doesn't include anything that has to do with SHOPPING, but you know the guys are outnumbered in our house! Who knows what it'll be, but as long as we're together and happy that's what matters!

Please be in prayer for tomorrow's election......
Our country needs prayer....This is a whole other subject, I know....some of you probably would rather for me not to go into this on here, but I think this election is important, and deserves prayer! I'm sure everyone won't agree with me on the way I vote. My theory for voting is based on morality, and how the candidates stand on these issues. I want God to continue to bless America, and if we go against His commandments, and turn against His statutes and ways, and live in rebellion to what He requires, how can we expect Him to continue to bless us as a nation ?

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Psalms 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.....

Hope you all have a blessed night!
Megan

01 Nov 2008, 9:25pm EST
I wanted to thank you for remembering my great Aunt Mary in your prayers. As of Thursday, her nurse was hoping to get the breathing tube out, and also hoping that on Friday they could remove her drain tubes. She remembered that one of my other Aunt's visited her the day before. She is communicating by writing on her sheets. She is using her index finger to write words. I haven't heard anymore, but assuming that things are going fairly well.

Things have been staying steady around here. Kara has had 5 days of chemo so far - 9 more to go! It really does mess with her moods / emotions. I usually will give her an oatmeal bath (which she likes) and put Vit. E lotion on her after her bath (which she really doesn't like). Well, tonight as she was getting out of the tub, she asked me why everybody else doesn't have to use lotion. I explained that the chemo she takes makes her skin itch. She answered me by saying she doesn't want to be a patient anymore. She said, "K- A- R- A spells 'Katie', not Kara". I'm thinking that maybe she's thinking if she changes her name it will change the fact of her taking chemo and having to use the lotion. Or, maybe she thinks she's going to try and trick me into thinking she's someone else.....you never know for sure what is running through their little minds.....

Thursday afternoon, Tony, the twins & I were able to go to Brent's classroom at school for a party. I think the girls were backward going in at first, but they got to sit by Brent and eat snacks, and later on they went outside and jumped with him inside one of those air-filled electric bouncing trampoline-type things. Then, on Friday, Tony went on a field trip with Brent's class to Forbidden Caverns, and overall they enjoyed themselves - football was involved after their picnic lunch, so I know they enjoyed that! Friday night, we took the kids downtown, and also to a couple local subdivisions to collect candy. Kara was trying to stay up with the bigger kids. I could tell her legs were getting tired on her. At times, we'd carry Lauren & Kara, but I think they enjoyed themselves - I know they really enjoyed having a big stash of candy to call their own - that's for sure! Now, if I could just get them to hide it out of my site and out of reach! :)

Saturday we had a good day. The kids and I spent early afternoon at my parents' house. I worked on addressing some Christmas cards. Erica & Brent went with me to the grocery, and I've cooked some food for lunch on Sunday. We're having a get-together with friends and family after church.

Well, I hope I haven't bored you too much, I'm tired tonight. Hope you all enjoy the extra hour of sleep! Please keep praying for Brooklyn Durham. We still desire your prayers for her & her family.

We love you all,
Megan