Busy days

Well, time has been flying by quickly. There is never a dull moment around here. Helen is doing better every day. She has been awake and moving around more and more each day. The pain medications are keeping the pain under control. We go for our first post operation doctor visit tomorrow, so I will keep you updated.

Emily had an exciting day yesterday. She was running in athletics and felt something in her left knee pop, then lots of pain. She was not able to walk on it at all. I got a call from the school nurse that she was in the clinic with an ice pack. When I got her home, I called the doctor and they were able to see us that evening. Then we had to hunt all over town to find a store that had some crutches. She proceeded to decorate them with red and green ribbons. I joked with her that the crutches now looked like candy canes. I took her in for x-rays this morning before school. By the time I got home from taking her to school, the doctor's office had called. No serious damage that would require an orthopedic specialist. Thank God!

I again wanted to thank everyone for the generous donations. We have had so many people offering to help. Thank you all and God bless you!

~Daily Prayer~ (well this one was good timing!)

You saw how the Lord your God carried you, just as one carries a child, all the way that you traveled until you reached this place.

~Deuteronomy 1:31

Thank you, O Lord, for being my companion throughout the day. Though many things are pulling me in many directions, I know you will keep me on course to do what is truly important. Thank you as well for listening to me and counseling me when I need to verbally unwind or when I need advice. This I pray. Amen.

Spanning the often murky waters of daily life, faith forms a sturdy bridge so that we can cross holding tightly to the rope of courage in one hand and God in the other.

It's Finally Happened!

Today has probably been one of the greatest days of my life. We have been waiting for those test results anxiously almost all week. I had my phone on the whole day yesterday and today. I text my dad any chance I got. I'd been waiting for this text for what seemed like forever. It finally came today in choir. I was excited when I felt my phone vibrate. I opened my phone secretly and looked at the message from my dad. This is what it said: Just got results. Only residual traces of tumor-all removed! Praise God! I read this, I shut my phone, put it back in my pocket, and asked Mrs. Maitlen if I could call my dad to talk to him. I only talked to him for about five minuets. It was unbelievably true. As I hung up the phone all I could think to myself was, wow. After so long my prayers have been answered. MY MOM IS CANCER FREE!!!!!!!! HALLELUJAH!!!! As the realization finally sunk in, all I could do was cry. As I sat in my seat people were asking me what was wrong and why was I crying. My response to this was I was just so freaking happy!!!!! Of course I jumped up and told them! I was immedeatly swarmed by so many people trying to all hug me at once! It was so overwhelming! I told all my teachers and they were so happy for me! I have yet to spread the word to everyone, though they will soon find out. I'm sure rumors are spreading rapidly. It feels like a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. All of my prayers have been answered. I'm so grateful! I cannot even express it in enough words...

She's Home!

Helen was released from the hospital this morning. She really looked good this morning! She was so much more alert than yesterday. It is amazing what a good night's rest can do, and she was able to sleep most of the night (aside from the nurses coming in for their rounds every few hours).

When we walked in the door at home, we were greeted by our cat Melody. As soon as I got Helen situated in bed, Melody had to jump up and say "Hi". She was so happy to see Helen, she was purring very loudly and wanted to curl up right under her chin. Of course that was not possible, and Melody has been removed from the room so Helen can continue to rest and regain her strength.

Still no pathology reports, much to Emily's dismay. She says the waiting is driving her crazy (I texted her at lunch).

I wanted to send out very big Thank you's to everyone for helping us out in this difficult time. We have gotten so many offers to help! Thank you all for your kindness and generosity.

~Daily Prayer~ (Failures)

No one who conceals transgressions will prosper, but one who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

~Proverbs 28:13

O God, teach us to know that failure is as much a part of life as success-and whether is shall be evil or good depends upon the way we meet it-if we face it listlessly and faint-heartedly, angrily or vengefully, then indeed is it evil...but if we let our failures stand as guideposts and as warnings-as beacons and as guardians-then is honest failure far better than stolen success, and but a part of that great training which God gives us to make us men and women. The race is not to the swift-nor the battle to the strong, O God. Amen.

~W.E.B. Du Bois, Heal Your Soul, Heal the World

When failures come, learn from them, for if you do. you won't be a failure.

She's Doing Great!

Mom is doing really well. She could have come home tonight if she had wanted to. Well, she wanted to, but she didn't feel well enough. She keeps getting dizzy when she tries to walk. The swelling in her lip is gone! Yeah! We are still waiting on some test results, and she will get to come home tomorrow! 

~Daily Prayer~

For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.

~ 1 Corinthians 13:12

Help us live with mystery, O God, for within each question is the possibility of growth, wisdom, and a deeper faith. For with you, we find courage to ask the questions, trusting that sometime, maybe without even noticing it, we will discover the answers.

A Long Day

Mom is doing great. I fell asleep next to her on the chair in her room. My dad took a picture of us. I'll try to put that up sometime. I'm going to go see her after school.

M&M is sleeping with dad tonight. She kept rolling over and hitting me in the face! It's funny now, but it wasn't last night! Haha. Well I'm going to bed. It's been a long day.

Recovery

When I first got to see Helen, she told me it had only been 5 minutes since she had last seen me. That's the longest 5 minutes I've ever had! I did not get to meet with Dr. Heistein, so I did not get an update directly from him. We had stepped out momentarily and missed him coming out. The operating room nurse had called me and told me that Helen would be out in about an hour, so I thought I had time to spare. Dr. Heistein must have finished early - a good sign if you ask me (no complications).

We are in her room now resting and recovering.  Her spirits are good, she is just tired. I am now praying for a speedy recovery. 

The Worst Has Yet To Come

Well my mom got out of surgery around one. She's doing great! She went to the recovery room, and my dad got to go see her first. Then I switched with him. She wasn't quite fully awake yet, but she was awake and talking to me. I had to repeat a few things though. She wasn't in any pain, yet. As they were about to move her they had to disconnect all of her drainage tubes. They pulled them off and she didn't even feel it. Her lip is swollen where her breathing tube was, but she was still talking. Right now we are waiting for her to be moved out of the recovery room so all of us can see her and not just me and my dad. My grandma and aunt went to pick up M&M before she got home. They will bring her up here so she can see her. Even though she is out of surgery, the worst has yet to come. I know she will be in a lot of pain these next few days. I can't wait until she comes home. Hopefully there will be no complications and she will be able to come home on time. I will keep you guys updated.

Updates

The surgeon just came out. Mom is doing great! No problems at all. We will get more updates once they are done with the reconstructive surgery. Keep praying! I'll keep you updated.

Half Done

Dr. Brian just came out with an update. She said Helen is doing fine, and everything went smoothly. Dr. Heistein is now getting to work on his portion of the procedure. We'll provide updates as they are available (gotta love the wi-fi). The lab results from the removed tissues will not be ready until Friday (approximately). Dr. Brian said she could not feel or see anything suspicious (doctor speak for cancer), so we will have to wait for the pathology report before we can give the "all clear".

Finally Arrived

Well I just arrived at the hospital, and we still have not gotten any updates. I thought that I would calm down a bit when she finally got into the surgery, but I'm just even more anxious. I keep thinking about all the things that could go wrong, but I know I'm just freaking out. I hope we get some updates soon, and I'll post again when we do. 

My wife, Sally, gave me a verse once that has helped me several times along my journey that I'd like to share with you: 2 Thessalonians 2:16.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by
his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope

Remember that when the weeds of life try to choke us out that we have The Good Gardener to clear them away for us. (My wife adds "GET OUT THE SPIRITUAL ROUND-UP")

Love
Joel & Sally

Surgery Day

Well, the much anticipated, and yet dreaded, day has arrived. After a little sleep, we left the house about 5:15 to arrive at the hospital by 6:00. We are at the Harris Methodist Southlake Center, which specializes in surgery. We met with all the doctors involved, filled out the remaining paperwork, and put on the stylish hospital gown, which meant the pink Helen was wearing had to be removed :(

My brother Joel and his wife Sally showed up at the hospital much earlier than I had anticipated. They were able to see Helen and join in a prayer to guide the surgeons hands. It was very nice to see them!

Right on time, Helen was given the preliminary anesthetic and wheeled back to the operating room. I am waiting in the family waiting area for Dr. Brian (the breast surgeon) to come out with an update. It should take a couple of hours before I hear from her. Then the plastic surgeon, Dr. Heistein, will get started. His part should take about 3 to 4 hours.

I got a call a few minutes after Helen was taken into the operating room. It was Emily's bus driver calling to say she had found Emily's phone. What a relief! Small things that just seem to go your way when all around you is chaos - coincidence? I prefer to believe that God was working for us and allowing the small worries to be taken care of so we can focus on taking care of Helen. Trust in the Lord! I will post again when I hear from the surgeons. Thank you for your prayers - they are working!

Maddie did go to school today! She's at volleyball practice right now. I just got back from band practice (church band-I sing!). I know some of you were going to text me tomorrow, but I lost my phone! I deactivated it, so even if you text or call it won't go through. I'll probably  be using my mom or dad's phone, so e-mail me for the numbers.

Wear PINK tomorrow!!!

~Daily Prayer~ (God Doesn't Put Us Through Things We Can't Handle

No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond you strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.

~1 Corinthians 10:13

Lord, when the good that you desire for us isn't possible because we are beset with staggering problems, it is enough to know that you are still there for us with comfort, support, and inspiration. We also know that you want us to conquer those problems and that you will provide the strength we need to ultimately be victorious.

Blue M&M

Well M&M was a little under the weather today. She didn't feel good, so she stayed home from school. I don't think I gave anything to her, just that she  has a cold. However, she if singing in the shower, creaming me at wii bowling, and bouncing off the walls is any indication I would say she's feeling much better.

So many of you have told me you're definitely wearing pink on Wednesday! Thank you guys we really appreciate it!

Please keep my mom in your prayers! 

~Daily Prayer~

Do not rejoice when your enemies fall, and do not let your heart be glad when they stumble.

~Proverbs 24:17

God, please give us wisdom, and yes, courage to feel sympathy, not glee, when someone we dislike encounters trouble. Help us refrain from celebrating the misfortune of others, even when we feel that it is deserved. Instead, give us compassionate hearts so that we might faithfully follow the footsteps of your Son.

Small deeds of goodness in the aftermath of trouble. like fireflies flickering against a dark sky, can blanket the world with sparkling lights.

~Anonymous

A Family Day

Today was really awesome. We just took today to spend some family time with each other. Mom still had to count money at the church, so I came home from "work" (I volunteer at the coffee shop at our church) and played tennis on the wii with M&M. It was fun. We would watch the slow-mo replay and laugh how ridiculous it looked.

Then I made hamburgers with my dad. I actually did most of the work. I picked out all the seasonings, with some advice from Dad. After I seasoned the hamburgers I put them on the grill. Dad would tell me when they were ready to flip, and I'd take care of it. While I tended to the burgers, Dad made some mash potatoes and Spaghetti O's for Maddie. The burgers were delicious!!! I ought to make them more often.

After lunch, I sat down and did my homework. BORING!!! Anyway, I finished my homework right as Mom walked in the door. All four of us played some tennis. It was Mom and Dad, against Maddie and I. Me and Maddie got creamed! No way am I ever playing against them on the same team again!

We went to see Madagascar. It was hilarious! Now we're just kinda hanging out, doing our own things. I'm just trying to spend as much time with my mom before she can't do that stuff anymore. Wednesday is growing closer, and I don't want it too. I really am glad that I don't have to go to school, I just wouldn't be able to focus on anything. The only hard thing is not being able to talk to anybody. Yeah, my dad and grandma are going to be there, but I wish I had one of my girlfriends to talk to. It might make sitting in that waiting room a little easier.

I'm praying that the surgery will go well, Mom will not have to be in pain for long, but most of all, that the beast won't come back. 

Psalm 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; My heart leaps for joy, and I will praise Him in song.

Don't forget to wear PINK on Wednesday!!

Nearsighted

Today has been an interesting day. M&M had two volleyball games and one soccer game. On her first game, she played three sets. She won that one! Her second game she got to play her friend from school, Jeagan (I'm not sure how you spell that!). She only played two sets and won them all!! I'm not sure if she won her soccer game, though. We had to leave at half time to get to her volleyball games. 

An interesting discovery has been made today. Maddie is nearsighted! She is at the mall, I think, getting some glasses. They will take some time to get used to, but she says she picked out some cute ones! 

I just got over strep throat!!! Yeah! Not. I felt fine this morning, but now I have an earache. I think it is just due to sinuses though. I will get over it.

Mom is doing great! She got to go to all of M&M's games, and she is helping her pick out glasses right now. I dread Wednesday. I know that she won't be able to come home until Friday. Even when she does return, I realize that I will have more responsibilities including the ones I have now. I have to help take care of M&M even more. Mom is going to be really sore, and she'll probably be in bed all day. I'm not sure how long Dad is going to stay home to help out, or how long my grandma will be here to help out. There is this sense of anxiety hanging above all our heads. 

Thank you guys for supporting us! Don't forget to wear PINK on Wednesday!!!

~Daily Prayer~ (An Act of Love)

Pray without ceasing. 

-1 Thessalonians 5:17

A sturdy bridge, prayer connects us to you, God, who is always first to celebrate our joys and first to weep at our troubles. It is in this sharing that love brings about its most miraculous ways and we are lifted about the trials and tribulations of life. Thank you, Lord.

"Prayer was never meant to be magic," Mother said. "Then why bother with it?" Suzy scowled. "Because it's an act of love," Mother said.

-Madeleine L'Engle, Glimpses of Grace

I have been praying to God every single day to give me strength to last through the day, patience to take time, and to just give me support to carry me through this difficult moment in my life. I was getting frustrated because I'm not any stronger, nor more patient, than I had been.  I took some time to think about all of this. I realized that God doesn't just hand out strength and patience to anyone who asks him. God gives you the opportunity to be strong and be patient. He does this because, God helps those who help themselves.

A little background - No Joke!

Our lives were turned upside down on April 1 this year, and it was not an April fool’s joke. Prior to that, we were in full swing with school for Emily and Madison (both straight A students!), Emily’s volleyball schedule, Madison’s soccer schedule, and a myriad of other things that popped up from time to time. Helen went in for her yearly mammogram in March. The results were suspicious, so they scheduled her for another one a week later. That scan was also suspicious, so we were referred to a surgeon. Helen went to see the surgeon towards the end of March, and a needle biopsy was performed right there in the office. The results were expected on April 1st. That day, we went to Madison’s school for a music performance. She was very cute with all the other kids performing what they had learned in music class. During the performance, the doctor called – what timing! We did not talk to her then, but called her after the performance. She stated that Helen had breast cancer. From that moment, our lives changed drastically.

We scheduled an appointment with the surgeon to discuss the results and determine the course of treatment. During this appointment, we also learned what stage the cancer was – “locally advanced, invasive stage III in the right breast”. The doctor said that for this particular type of cancer, she has had good results with giving chemotherapy first, followed by radiation, and then surgery. Most breast cancer treatments begin with surgery, followed by chemo and radiation.

From that point forward, things seemed to move too slowly for Helen. She wanted to “kill the beast” as quickly as possible, but it was a month before her chemo treatments started. During this time, she was getting increasingly anxious because the tumors were getting larger very quickly. Once the treatments started, she began to calm down. She was set up on a cocktail known as TCH – taxotere, carboplatin and herceptin. She got the full cocktail every 3 weeks, and herceptin weekly. The full cocktail chemo treatments really took a toll on her. Day 3 through 5 following a treatment were the worst – she could barely get out of bed and generally felt lousy. After those days, she was not quite herself, but she was better. After the second treatment, the tumors were noticeably smaller. By the end of the chemo cycle, we could not feel the tumors. The doctors were very pleased with the results.

We went through 6 rounds of the full cocktail, and then went to herceptin only every 3 weeks (to be continued for a year). Following chemo, she started radiation – 34 doses. She went in M-F until they were finished. We spent our 20th wedding anniversary undergoing a radiation treatment (what fun). The side effects were much easier to tolerate than the chemo - mainly red irritated skin at the treatment site. She is now done (well done) with the radiation. Surgery is scheduled for November 19. She will have a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. Needless to say, she is beginning to get anxious again.

Emily and Madison have been great throughout this journey. It has hit Emily a little more noticeably than it has Madison. I believe this is because she has been out on the internet researching so much. Last school year, she wrote an article for her school newspaper about breast cancer which was very informative. The effects of this disease are even more pronounced for a classmate of Emily’s. Her mom (Jessica Kaylor) was diagnosed in 2005 with stage IV breast cancer – it had spread into her bones. She recently lost the battle and passed away on October 29. Emily was pretty hard hit by this occurrence. She missed some of her classes and spoke at length with the school counselor and the vice principal. They gave her the support she needed and encouraged her to stay strong. Madison knows what is happening, but she handles it much differently than Emily. One day in church, her group leader asked for prayer requests. Most of the kids in Madison’s group asked for prayers for their friends not to hit them or not to be mean. Madison asked for prayers for Helen’s breast cancer. I am so proud of these girls!

We are trying to keep life as normal as possible for the girls. Emily made the school volleyball team, which went on to be undefeated for the 2nd year in a row. She also recently made the All-District and All-Region choir. On the same day as All-Region choir tryouts, she had volleyball tryouts for the upcoming Club season. She made a team which will start practicing on Dec. 1. Madison is playing soccer and volleyball with the YMCA. The busy schedule helps keep them occupied and not dwell on the breast cancer issues. This schedule will get tricky on Nov. 22 – Helen will be recovering from surgery and I will be juggling the busy schedule and caring for Helen. (I wouldn’t have it any other way.) Helen’s mom is coming in to help out with the girls during the school week, and perhaps the weekend as well.

Through all of this, we are praying and trusting that God has provided us with very competent doctors. So far, Helen’s treatment and response to the treatment have been excellent. The road ahead will not be easy, but we will do our best and trust that our future is in God’s hands. Through Him, all things are possible.

Surgery Updates

So as most of you know my mom has a double mastectomy Wednesday!! 5 more days! That's really scary. It's a 5-6 hour surgery and they will be removing both of her breasts. After is reconstructive surgery. My parents have to be at the hospital at 6am. My grandma will be in town helping out with M&M (That's my nickname for Madison :D ). I will get up early to help get M&M off to school, and then my grandma will take me up to the hospital. I will leave my phone on so if you want to risk texting me during lunch I'll text back. I don't really want you to, because most likely nothing will be going on. I'm going to be in a hospital doing nothing!!! So you should probably text me after school.

I'm not sure when Mom will wake up. I will keep you guys posted throughout the day. Some of you have got the memo that we are all wearing PINK next Wednesday! I won't be there, but I know Boles will be filled with pink! (It better be! lol)

Sadly, my mom will not be able to come home until Friday at the least. Hopefully we won't have any complications. I will be coming back to school on Thursday and Friday!

I don't know if you guys are reading this, but I want to give a huge thank you to the Stewart family!!!! Thank you guys so much for everything!

Thank you to all of you who have called, e-mailed, sent cards, giftcards, for everything!

If you have any questions e-mail me @ emmy13@sbcglobal.net

~Daily Prayer~

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.

~Romans 15:4

Heavenly Father, help us heed your call to knock, seek, and ask. For there is no discovery if there is no journey. And thank you for guiding us with your precious Word, which lights our way through this dark world. Please bless our quest and keep us hopeful and steadfast. Amen.

You were like me, Jesus...It comforts me knowing that I am not alone in this human valley, for I saw your footprints in it.

-James L. Christensen, Creative Ways to Worship

An Inspiring Verse

My dad showed me this verse today. It just helped me to understand how to deal with my emotions about the surgery, which is now coming up in only 6 days! I just wanted to share it with you guys.

Philippeans 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)"

I love this verse! If you want to share some feel free to leave a comment.

I have made up my mind. I will not be going to school the day of the surgery. I just feel that it would be too difficult for me to be able to concentrate. Keep praying!

Hey everyone! Well, this is my first blog entry. We decided that it would be a good idea to get a blog like the Kaylor family. It makes it a lot easier for us to update you and just let you know how things are going. If you do have questions you can e-mail me at emmy13@sbcglobal.net. You can also e-mail my dad at mwilbanks@yahoo.com. My sister does have an e-mail, so you can ask for that if you wish. I doubt she would respond, though. If I was 8 I know I'd get freaked out if all these random people started e-mailing me. If you don't have my home number, email me and I will send it to you. I've already gotten some calls from you guys and I wanted to thank you...so...THANK YOU!!! Some of you have sent gift cards in the mail. We are so grateful!! Huge thanks to all of you. If you want to talk to me on my cell but don't have the number, email me and I will give you the number. I have unlimited texting so feel free to text me!

Well my mom has the mastectomy on November 19...only a week away! I'm a little nervous, and I still haven't decided whether or not I'm going to school that day. During the surgery, they will be removing my mom's breast and then comes reconstructive surgery. It should be around three or four hours long. I know that you guys want to help, but my grandma is coming to town that day, so thank you for the thought but I think we have it all covered! I'll let you know. Please keep us in your prayers! Thanks for all your support.

~Emily