News

Steph had her scan yesterday. She does not meet with her oncologist until August 7th. (which I believe in some countries is considered cruel and unusual punishment, but that's neither here nor there.) However, she did call Dr. Helen yesterday and ask her if she could call her with the results when they were available. Dr. Helen said it would probably be too late to call her that day but she would call her in the morning. WELL, she called last night and was pretty excited. Here is what we have gathered so far..keep in mind, this is a preliminary report and they have not had time to compare the CT scan with the PET scan. Based on the PET scan there has been...and I quote "ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT reduction in cancer activity!" We will know more after the appointment with Dr. Hoos. But for now we are very hopeful. Keep praying and I will post more later!! Have a blessed day!

Smile Box Slideshow

Here is a slideshow of all of the pictures from the balloon ride! Please keep Steph in your prayers over the next few days as she prepares for her scan tomorrow. BIG day. Have a blessed day and enjoy!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Up Up and Away!

Last night Steph got a special treat! This year for my Mom's birthday my Dad got her a hot air balloon ride. They called yesterday and said the weather was just right and that they would be going up that night. My mom called Steph and told her the plan and insisted that she come with Scot and the boys to watch them take off. Just as they were about to hop on board, my dad said, "Well Steph, better get ready because you are going up!" She was completely surprised! So Steph and my mom took off in Springfield and landed at Nixa Jr. High. They said it was an amazing experience. I will post pics when I get them from my mom but I just wanted to share with everyone! I also wanted to thank Rick and Karen Hewlett from Rick's Automotive and our DEAR friends Pam and Steve White who made last night possible. You have no idea how special it was for my Mom and Steph to finally share an experience that didn't involve cancer, chemo or radiation. Thank you! And of course, thank you Lord for the beautiful evening and a safe landing!

A Call to Prayer

Steph had an appointment with Dr. Hoos. She will be scanned again and on August 7th we will get the results. It is on that day that we will know if she is in remission or if we need to pursue other treatment options. PLEASE pray that the cancer will be in remission. Everyday pray that the radiation and chemo worked. I will post as soon as I can and let everyone know what the outcome is. If it takes a while, don't panic and assume the worst! I am a bridesmaid in my brother's wedding the next day so it will be a very busy weekend but I promise to try my best!!! Please just pray until then for good results as well as strength and peace for all of us.

PS

I put a few new websites on the "links list" if you are looking for something to do. Just thought I would raise some awareness about some different issues that have affected my family and friends. Take a look!

Day of celebration!

Yesterday we celebrated Steph's last radiation treatment. We really thought we would be jumping for joy and partying it up, but not really. I hate to be a downer but as I have said before, this is real. We were told on Monday that the tumor cannot be removed at this point because it is still too big. Bummer. We haven't really understood why we are waiting 8 more weeks for the next scan. This tumor (which was NOT there when she had surgery) only took 6 weeks to grow about 4 inches. The last thing we want is for it to get bigger again. Dr. Helen said that the radiation and chemo will continue to work between now and the time she is scanned again. She said that it is a possibility that is could be completely gone in 8 weeks. She also talked about how one of our biggest concerns is that colon cancer is NOTORIOUS for spreading to the liver. She said right now we need to do our best to focus on the miracles that we have already been blessed with. We need to keep a positive attitude because Steph has already beaten a lot of odds. I stand firm in my belief that she will continue to do so. I can't let myself believe anything else at this point. I know that if I allow myself to think about the worst, this will be Satan's chance to take control of my heart. I WILL REMAIN FAITHFUL. WE WILL WIN THIS BATTLE. Right now, we need some very specific prayers. Please pray:

1. That the radiation will continue to work and get rid of the tumor completely.
2. That the cancer will not spread to her liver.
3. For Steph and Scot's emotional health.

Just keep praying and I will update when I know more. Thank you all!!!