Calling all Volunteers!

OK, my food system fell apart a little towards the end of 2007. Between Steph and Scot's crazy schedule and everyone getting ready for the holidays, things got a little wild. But, I think I have perfected my system and we have figured out the days that would be best for food to be delivered. So now I need a new list of people who want to help again. I also realize that I may have overlooked a couple of people during the last "round" and I hope you don't feel neglected! Just send me another e-mail with "dinner for Steph" in the subject line (so I don't accidently delete you!) and I will get you on the new schedule. Tuesday and Fridays will be our new "drop off" nights. If you have a preference let me know. What I will do is just assign everyone a night. If that night doesn't work for you let me know and I will move you down to the next available night. We will keep doing that until we get a date that works! We are so thankful for everyone who is still expressing the desire to help. Steph has two more treatments and then will continue on with radiation and will keep doing the Avastin for another 6 months. She has been exhausted and having a meal on hand will mean one less decision for her and Scot to make! So just e-mail me cgeorge424@yahoo.com and let me know if you prefer a day and a phone number where you can be reached would be good also in case we do have to change the location of the drop off! I would like to thank you all in advance for the gift of your time. Hope everyone is warm and cozy on this CRAZY icy day!

Poor Little Chiefs!!!

I just spoke with my mom and Steph who are in Oklahoma with the Lady Chiefs this weekend. The girls beat Jenks last night which put them in the CHAMPIONSHIP game!! Way to go girls! However, apparently the first team they played were all coming down with the flu. So between last night's game and this morning we had a little brother, a grandpa and the majority of the team come down with this REALLY BAD bug. Lucky for them it seems to only be a 24 hour thing but needless to say....they had to forfeit. So they will be returning to town with a second place trophy and probably a few less pounds among them! Please pray today that Drew, Steph, Scot and my mom are all spared because we aren't quite sure how Steph's body would handle this awful bug. Everyone has been exposed but maybe...just maybe...they will manage to avoid it. Girls I hope you are all feeling better very soon and get plenty of rest this weekend. I'm thinking Steph needs one of those masks to wear all the time. I could "bedazzle" one of those things and she could set the next fashion trend. Just a thought.

Your Cross

Sometimes it is hard for us to accept God's plan for us. The cross we bear can sometimes seem like too much. What we have to learn (and PRACTICE) as Christians is that we must trust in God with all we have. We must trust that the cross we bear just may be preparing us for the "dip" in the path that we can't see. God sees all, knows all and IS ALL. Who am I to question him? So here I sit today.......trusting in God.

Here's to Scot!!!

I am sitting here in my living room and it is quiet. Brian took Claire to play basketball with the guys and Cohen is napping. (a little late, but I'll take what I can get today!) I just wanted to give props to someone who has been completely behind the scenes during this whole cancer ordeal....Steph's wonderful (not to mention adorable) husband Scot. He has just stepped up to the plate and really taken on so much. Steph has mentioned many times how amazing it is to watch him basically be the main caregiver to Levi while she is ill. I can't imagine how hard it must be as a mother to have to hand the reigns to someone else. BUT I do know that it has to be a great feeling knowing that your husband is right there to help and support you. Not only is he taking great care of Levi but he is working full time as well. Scot, you are awesome and I hope you know how much we all appreciate all you are doing. I feel like sometimes we are so focused on the patient, that the caregivers are sometimes forgotten. I know after watching my mom take care of my dad after his accident, that it is often just as hard to be the caregiver. Scot is doing a great job at balancing everything in a day!



Another very BRIGHT spot is the fact that Mr. Levi has been sleeping through the night! I don't know if it was the prayers from everyone who knew about Levi's recent bout with insomnia or if it has anything to do with his new wonderful babysitter. Whatever it is, Steph and Scot are thrilled! If you will notice I haven't mentioned Drew. That would be because he is just about the most easy going kid lately! He just goes with the flow and I think is starting to settle into a schedule now that Steph isn't teaching. So, praise praise praise God for placing his hand on the boys and helping them to get used to a good routine!



As for treatment.......we are 75% finished with this round of chemo!! She will meet with Dr. Hoos next week to discuss other treatments. She will have to do radiation and will most likely continue the Avastin for another 6 months. Avastin is one of the drugs she is given now during chemo and it causes "erosion" in her nose which causes terrible sores and that leads to nosebleeds. We are thinking he will be doing another scan as well to get more info. Let's pray for good results and you know I will keep you posted!!!! God Bless!

BBBBBRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!

Say an extra prayer today! Steph is having chemo today instead of tomorrow because she needs to be unhooked before they leave for Jenks. I just heard that the high today in 30 something but with windchill it will feel like about 15 or 16. This means that to Steph, it will feel like -30 something! So join me in sending warm cozy thoughts and prayers her way! And while I'm posting, GOOD LUCK THIS WEEKEND TO THE LADY CHIEFS!!!

Check check check. Check check check. Check your Booty!

I came across this site www.butt-check.com the other night. There were stories on there from survivors of colon cancer. This story sounded pretty familiar and I thought I would post it. I feel like right now it is VERY important for everyone to stay positive. Steph has had, and will continue to have some pretty rotten days. Days when she can't help but be a little down. But as her friends and family, we have to make sure to keep our attitudes as positive as they can be. So when I read this story I knew it had to be posted! May this post also serve as a reminder that a colonoscopy could save your life. You don't have to wait until you are a certian age. If you have colon cancer in your family, if you have had problems with your digestion and/or bowels OR if you just have a feeling.....DEMAND a colonoscopy. Just the procedure can prevent colon cancer. Come on, all the cool kids are doing it.

Survivor: Colleen Jorgensen

It was labor day 2005 and my 29th wedding anniversary. Little did I suspect that I would eat something that caused a previously symptom-less tumor in my colon to bleed profusely.

The week that followed was like falling off a cliff into a raging river. My doctor saw me within hours of my phone call. During my visit he said it was probably nothing serious but scheduled a colonoscopy for the next day. As I was coming out from under the anesthetic, the gastroenterologist told my husband and I that he had found a tumor, had taken a biopsy, and that I most likely had colon cancer. We knew for sure when the biopsy came back positive.

We were in shock. I was in perfect health. I had never had digestive problems; in fact I can’t remember when I last even had a cold. My diet had been mostly vegetarian for the past 15 years. This could not possibly be true. But inside I knew it was true. During my colonoscopy I was semi awake and I could see what was happening on a TV monitor. I saw my tumor and will never forget what it looked like.

My husband became my advocate and my subject matter expert. Within days he knew what treatment options were available and what were considered best practices. This proved invaluable as I approached surgery for the first tine in my life. The right half of my colon would be removed along with all connecting lymph nodes. While we awaited the after surgery pathology report, my husband researched the staging of colon cancer and follow-up treatment options.

The second shock hit. The cancer was completely though the intestinal wall and had spread to 3 lymph nodes. Chemotherapy was strongly recommended. I decided to enroll in a clinical trial which added the experimental drug Avastin to the traditional treatment regime. For 6 months I had chemotherapy every two weeks with 4 drugs followed by an additional 6 months of Avastin only.

Today, I am reclaiming my life and my health as I recover from the cancer and its treatment. I am wonderfully blessed to have had so much support during this ordeal from my workplace, friends, family and most of all, my husband.
____________________________________________________________________

So there you have it. This is pretty much Steph's story except the vegetarian thing! It can and WILL be beat! Steph is feeling better today. She was able to get some rest since her Mom kept Levi last night and Drew stayed with my parents. She slept in and I hope is feeling refreshed today. Keep the prayers coming for Steph and everyone who is battling cancer right now. God Bless!

Tragic

Last night Scot's step-mom told me that the Girls Varsity coach from Bradleyville was killed in a car accident. Troy Hays died yesterday when the car he was traveling in hit a trash truck that was parked on the side of the road. He has a little boy who is 1 year old. It always makes me sick to my stomach when I hear something like this. Being a mother changes your perspective so much. It wasn't until this morning that I learned he was riding with the boys Varsity coach Brad Briscoe. I met Brad our Freshman year at SMSU. We lived in the same dorm and became friends. I haven't seen him since he lived down the street from me on Meadowmere so I was VERY shocked to hear his name this morning. It is just so tragic for everyone involved. I have experienced how close the coaching community is during Steph's battle so I felt it very necessary to mention this coach and his family. To Ashley & T.J. in Bradleyville, may God be with you during this time and may you find comfort in his presence. To the basketball girls, you are in our prayers as well. We know there is a special bond between player and coach. Honor him and do what you can to help his family. Brad, you are also in my thoughts and prayers.

Happy Birthday Levi!!!

Today Levi turns ONE!!! Feel free to post birthday wishes for him! Happy Birthday buddy! We love you!

One more down!

The only good news about treatment days is that we are one treatment closer to the end. I will tell you one thing, they don't get any easier. My mom told me a story and it has just really been on my mind. She told me because her heart broke for the other lady, but I wanted to share it because I think my mom is pretty amazing. My mom goes every week with Steph for her treatments. She sits with her, gets her warm water to drink, gets her lunch and basically anything she needs. She doesn't do this for recognition and expects absolutely nothing in return. She does it because she loves Steph and wants to do anything possible to make this easier for her. So yesterday she was straightening up and getting everything ready and moved out of the way so they could unhook her. There was one lady left in the room (because they are almost always the last to leave) and she was just watching. When Steph was done, the lady looked at her and said, "You have no idea how lucky you are to have such a wonderful friend. I watch her every single week and it must be so nice to have someone like her." Steph of course replied with, "I KNOW how lucky I am and you don't even know the half of the things she does." The lady then said, "all I have is a 20 year old daughter who has her own life." I don't know this woman and I pray that she finds the support that she needs. (Of course my first reaction was to try to think of a way I could help!) But it just makes you realize how important relationships are. Steph has been a "true blue" friend to my mom. She has been there when my mom needed her. She is a loyal, caring and loving friend. It is a wonderful example of what true friendship is. I think it can serve as a great reminder of how important it is to invest in people. It's just like so many things in life, you get out what you put in. If you give nothing of yourself, be ready to get the same thing back. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that this lady hasn't given of herself. I'm just saying that Steph has, and now she is reaping the benefits of being a wonderful friend. Take a minute today and REALLY look around. Is there someone around you that is in need? Maybe it's as simple as a hug or a compliment. Is there someone that you need to call and reconnect with? Just take a minute and call. Invest today, you never know what tomorrow holds.

Drew

Here's a picture I got of Drew in his Christmas jammies!

I hope everyone is enjoying this amazing warm weather! I'm sure no one is as excited as Steph. Besides being EXTREMELY tired, the sensitivity to cold is the worst side effect right now. The cold is at times almost too much to take so even a little break from the frigid temps is very welcome! Both the sensitivity to cold and the constant fatigue have played a huge part in Steph's decision to take a leave of absence from teaching. She was just stretching herself too thin. She was working 12-14 hours a day between coaching and teaching. Then she and Scot are up often every night with one or both of the boys. Last week was a crazy one. As she was preparing for the KTXR tournament Steph got news that her Grandfather had passed away. The funeral was in Branson and she had to rush back so that home health care could unhook her IV. She went back to church for a lunch with her family. She then found the time to lead her Lady Chiefs to a championship in the KTXR Classic! (CONGRATS LADY CHIEFS!) This would wear a person out on a good weekend! She is truly the toughest girl I know so imagine my disbelief when I asked what she wanted to be put in the blog and she replied, "Just that....this is SOOOOOOO hard for me." My heart is breaking for her right now. I am hoping that this leave of absence will be good for her mentally and physically. So we press on into 2008. I will remain hopeful and faithful, as that is the only thing to do. I have a good feeling about this new year. 2007 was the year that Steph was diagnosed...2008 WILL be the year that she BEATS this. So keep praying for Steph. Pray that the Good Lord will give her the strength that she needs to get through each day. Again, we can't thank you all enough for your support. It is because of the Stephanie Phillips Foundation that she is able to take this leave of absence and really focus on taking better care of herself. It also will take care of the deductibles that she must meet all over again this year. Last but definitely not least, we are able to help numerous families who are battling cancer as well. I know I have mentioned this before but it is really important to Steph that we help others as much as we can. We can't thank you all enough for the generosity that has been shown by so many people. It means the world to all of us. I wish I could thank each person individually, but it's just not possible!

And we're BAAAACK!

It has been a while since I have posted! I will post more later tonight because there is a lot to say but I want to talk with Steph before I do. I tend to be a "too much information" kind of person and she is not! So for now I thought I would put up a link to an article in the News-Leader today. http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071228/SPORTS0102/712280421/-1/BLOGS04 I was looking for a picture online because apparently my husband made the paper today as well and I came across this article about Columbia Hickman. Read it and weep. Literally, it brings tears to my eyes when I think of the generosity that so many people are showing. It is also important to remember that the Stephanie Phillips Foundation is not just for Stephanie Phillips! Other people in our community are and will benefit from the kindness of people like you all! So enjoy the article and I hope that it touches your heart the way it did mine. More later!

Our Christmas Story

This year it is very important to us that we teach Drew and Claire the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. We want them to understand why we celebrate Christmas. I thought I would share a few of the "Claire & Drew" translations of the story.
Drew: "Mary and Josie went to a hotel and the guy said there was no more rooms, so they went to the barn with the animals and put baby Jesus in the hay."
Claire: "Mary and Jophes (pronounced Jo-fis) went to the inn and the guy said THERE'S NO ROOM and then they went to the neighbor's with all the animals and put baby Jesus in a cradle. Then the wise men came and brought presents" I ask her what they brought. She says, "Gold, silver and frankenstein."
Enjoy these next few weeks and don't forget what they are REALLY about! (You know....hotels, hay & frankenstein!)

Great news!

I can't believe it has taken me so long to post this! Steph met with the genetic counselor and they said that there was NO GENETIC MUTATION detected! This was great news for Steph and her family. Now the boys are not at a higher risk AND that she is not a greater risk of developing other cancers. She still has a high risk that the cancer will return after treatment but it was such a relief that we don't have to worry about other types of cancer. We are thanking God for this blessing! My Mom and I got to have lunch the day after Thanksgiving with Drew and Steph. Drew was told that while they were at the mall he could pick out a surprise. Most kids would pick a toy or something along those lines.....but not our Drew! He wanted Power Ranger pajamas and some new boxer briefs! Just another reason that I love that kid! We made it through JC Penney and Steph decided that she wasn't up for the black Friday mall crowd for a few reasons. So they headed home and left Mom and I to fend for ourselves! Hope everyone had a great holiday and took the time to thank the Good Lord for all of the blessings he has bestowed upon you and yours!

Success!

As I pulled into the parking lot of my Alma mater this evening I was still a little frazzled from wrestling my "little" ones into their clothes, out of the toilet (just Cohen, new fixation) and into the car. When I finally put the truck into park and took a second to look around, I realized I had severely underestimated the magnitude of this fundraiser. I couldn't help but wonder if there was something else going on at the same time. However, as I opened the door and was greeted by the sounds of the KHS drumline, I knew this was going to be great! I don't even know where to start. Thank you so much to each and every person who made tonight possible. I know that the Kickapoo students already had a vested interest and know Coach Phillips personally. We are so thankful that you were all there in full force tonight! To the Glendale clan, we also know that you worked so hard to get the interest going for our cause. Thank you to everyone who helped with the video and all of the PR for this event. (Leslie Helfrect & Gary Prouty are just 2 that I know personally!!) Thanks to each student who made the trip tonight. You should all (GHS & KHS) be so proud of the way that you conducted yourselves tonight! A true class act! Thanks to all of the teachers who sacrificed their bodies tonight for a great cause. Might I suggest some pain relievers tonight before hitting the hay?! You all did a great job! The best part of the night was after the 3rd quarter. Mr. Loudis presented the Phillips family with a box containing the proceeds from the festivities. Drew got to open it up to reveal.......$4000.00! AMAZING! We are so thankful and want everyone to know that we are already helping other families that are dealing with cancer right now. On behalf of the Phillips family and the Stephanie Phillips Foundation THANK YOU to every single person who made tonight such a success. God Bless and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

St. Jude

Here is a link to my new favorite commercial. This is Megan White. I went to school with her Daddy and she just finished chemo on Halloween. You can read more about her and her battle with cancer at http://www.helpmeganwhite.com/ She is an amazing little girl and is an inspiration to so many. So here's the link to her new commercial with Reggie Bush! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyMSLPMpn_kWatch this and then take the time to hug your babies and thank God for each second you have with them!!!! OH BY THE WAY!!! She will be on the Today Show on Monday and Friday this week of Thanksgiving! She is doing a tour of St. Judes with Meredith!! They will be spending the week in NYC for the holiday! What a little superstar!!!!!

Vote for Levi!

Grandma Edna entered Levi's chef picture in the OH Baby! contest. So go VOTE LIKE CRAZY!!
www.ozarksmoms.com Levi is #1010

A good day!

Steph had treatment Wednesday after receiving a series of shots to get her counts back up. For some reason, it was faster than usual so she was done in time for practice! Then, she woke up Thursday morning at 6:30 and realized that not only had she slept all night (something that hasn't happened since Levi was born) but she actually FELT like getting up! We think that the shots have helped immensely and she will continue to take them before treatment to give her an extra boost. Other than wearing gloves in the frozen foods section at the grocery store, it was a normal symptom free morning. I saw a glow about Steph today that I have missed. She's been so strong, but I have missed that glow! We are really looking forward to her first game Monday. Claire and Drew are supposed to have a Thanksgiving program that night but we all decided that since A. They would never participate with NANNY in the crowd, and B. Steph and Brian wouldn't be able to come anyway, we are opting for dinner together and then we are headed to the game. If you are there be sure to look for us, Claire and Drew are normally very entertaining. If ever two kids could bust a move (if you will) it's these two! They look forward to halftime and timeouts so they can show off their best dance moves. I can't wait to see what they have learned since last season! So, let the dance party begin!!! GO LADY CHIEFS! (Sorry, being a former Lady Chief myself, that's where my loyalties lie!)

Benefit at KHS

I got this e-mail shortly after posting my blog.
"The game will be held at Kickapoo on the 20th. Tickets are 3$.. and we were told to arrive extra early because tickets should go really quick. KHS will also be donating all of the proceeds to the Stephanie Phillips Foundation. I believe the game starts at 7pm.. but I am not positive." Thanks Caitlin! This should be fun and I am hoping to see at least one of my old teachers out on the floor. I am just so excited to see these south side rivals pull together for such a great cause. It does my heart good!

New stuff

Well, it's been a while. Since I blogged last I have been to the east coast and back, to the doctor's office twice and slept VERY little in the meantime. Steph went on Friday for chemo but her levels were low possibly caused by a recent cold and she wasn't allowed to have treatment. So they gave her a series of shots and she goes in tomorrow for treatment. I have info about a few fundraisers that will be taking place in the next week.
Friday November 16th the Kickapoo VolleyChiefs are hosting a trivia night to benefit the VolleyChiefs Scholarship Fund and the Stephanie Phillips Foundation. It will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church on West Republic Road. Doors open at 6:30pm and trivia starts at 7:00. The cost is $10 per person and there will be prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. You can contact Karen Moran to reserve your table 877-8560. Bring your own snacks and drinks. (No alcoholic beverages please!) I REALLY wish I could be there but I have to pick up someone special at the airport! I have also received word of a benefit basketball game on Tuesday night. It will be the staff and faculty from Kickapoo vs. Glendale. I hear that the Glendale staff has picked the Stephanie Phillips Foundation as the charity they will be donating to! I haven't heard anything from the Kickapoo side yet and I don't know any details as far as time and location. I will do some research and post more info later. Just mark your calendars and lets pack the place!!! And if anyone wants to volunteer any of this info either leave a comment on the page or e-mail me directly at cgeorge424@yahoo.com Looking forward to seeing you all there!