Let's Order some T-Shirts.......

Team Ivee Shirts
I know this is a lot of info, but I want to make this easy on everyone, including us. Thanks for your patience in reading how to order. 

Here are sizes available and prices

Child Sizing: $11.00 Each

2-4 small

6-8 medium

10-12 large

14-16 extra large

Adult Sizing: $12.00 each

Generic sizing t-Shirts: small, medium, large, extra large

Adult Plus sizes: $13.00 each 
2X, 3X, 4X

How to receive your shirt: 
There are a few ways to get your shirt. Choose the best way, and then follow how to inform us in the "How to pay for your shirt".

1. If you live in the Mobile/Baldwin County area, You can pick your shirt up from me in Bay Minette, or I can mail it to you. (see below) 
2. If you live in the Pensacola area, my sister, Sonia, would gladly let you pick your shirts up from her. Just make sure to follow information instructions in ordering. 
3. If you live in the Memphis area, I'm sure you can catch up with me at St. Jude or i can mail it. Just email me or follow the instructions in ordering. 
4. If you live anywhere else, we will mail it to you for the price of a flat rate box. I have listed the prices below (in the "How to pay for your shirt" section). It is based on how many shirts you need mailed to you. Read carefully to choose. . 

How to pay for your shirt

We have found the easiest way to receive payment for the t-shirts is through paypal, an online financial payment/buying site. (Instructions are below) It is also the fastest way to place your order. I know some are not very technologically savvy, but the site is pretty easy. (If some still have problems using it, contact me via email and you can mail your order and a check or money order to my home)

When paying, don't forget to total you shirt quantity and prices. If we are mailing your shirt, you will need to include the price for shipping to you total. (example below in blue) The flat rate prices are listed below.

Flat Rate Box quantity and price: 

1. 1 t-shirt: Small flat rate box - Price $6.00
2. 2 to 6 T-Shirts: Medium flat rate box - Price $11.00
3. 7 to 12 T-shirts: Large flat rate box - Price $15.00

If you need an example on how to order: 

So, for example if you order were:

2 Children's Shirts:  2 x $11 = $22.00

2 Adult Shirts:        2 x $12 = $24.00

1 Adult plus size:    1 x $13 = $13.00

Shipping:               5 shirts = $11.00

The Total would be             = $70.00

So your total would be $70.00. This is the amount you would send via paypal. 

(Then you would leave the details in the message box)

Instructions for Payment with Pay Pal

To Purchase your t-shirt through PayPal in 4 steps:

1.  Click the link (Pay Now) below (or go to www.paypal.com) 

2.  Go to Send Money

3.  Choose Buying Something and then follow the instructions, entering the email address

hopealations@hotmail.com as the recepient address.
4. Paypal will have you create an account, if you don't have one. Don't worry, this is a very secure site. I have used it a long time. 

5.  VERY IMPORTANT........Once you get to the check out screen, there will be a place for you to leave a message. You must give the following information: 

1. Name
2. Your shirt size(s) and quantity
3. Email address
4. Phone number
5. List how you will receive your shirt: Mail or pick up
6. If mailing your shirts, you must include your mailing address.

After making your payment, please print out your receipt for safe keeping. If you are picking up your shirt, we will email you once your shirt has arrived. If it is being mailed, we will send an email to let you know it has been mailed.   

T Shirt Cost

Okay...so T Shirts are going to be the following. Sizes: children's and Adult's----Sizes: S, M, L, & XL = $12.00 -------Adult Plus sizes 2x, 3x, 4x = $13.00. I'm going to set up for the pay pal account for people to use some day soon. Checking shipping options.

T Shirt Orders in the near future

We are almost ready to begin ordering T Shirts and I am so excited. They are finishing up the artwork to make the silk screens. The verdict is still out on the shirt color I am picking until I see the samples next weekend when Emmett comes up. I believe we have the prices, but they are not final. Em and I have talked about the cost, and we will be rounding the cost up a little, but I don't want to break anyone's wallet!!! The little extra made will go to help with the traveling expense for Em and the kids to come up to see us, and for the lack of having a kitchen here to cook in and having to eat out. (:
I can tell you that we will have children's size down to 2 T and Plus sizes up to 4x. I believe that I will be taking payments through PayPal, as this is the easiest way to do it, especially for those who live out of our area of the Eastern Shore. I also will be able to mail the t shirts to you by flat rate service from the USPS for just the cost of the flat box rate for those who can't pick them up from us. (So those needing it mailed will need to also include the shipping cost. I will let you know what the cost is based on how many you purchase and the box it will have to be mailed it.) I am not living at home right now though, so mailing will have to happen when Emmett or another volunteer can get to it.
So, stayed tuned. Ordering might begin this week....

After another crummy night in Memphis....

She had another horrible night of sleep. She would wake up often screaming and talking jiberish, kicking and pulling the covers on and off. I've never seen her act like this in her sleep, outside the hospital the time she had the reaction to the vancomycin. The only thing that was different about what I've been doing for her is a cough syrup they perscribed. SO, she will not be getting that before bed tonight!!! And hopefully that will solve that issue, I pray. 


Ivee's chest xray was compared to the last one they took (in 2008 mind you). She's always had some thickening of the lungs, but there is still a little room for concern, so we are starting her on an antibiotic today as well as some allergy medicine. With all the "new blooms" here and back home, even a typical healthy person could be dealing with all the allergy/pollen JUNK in the air. She has been sounding so awful. I've never heard her with a cough like this. Her lungs are crackly and she has a bit of a weez with the coughing. 

Tomorrow they will do Ivee's film. It is like a dry run for radiation treatments, doing all that they would do for it, but without the radiation beam. It will make things more comfortable and ready to begin radiation on Monday. 

We are trying to get her better quickly so that she will be ready to start the treatments and we won't have to be concerned about her lungs/breathing during sedation.  

I had a pleasant surprise visit with a former student and son of some old friends. My former Pastor and co-worker, Phil Wilson's oldest son, Isaac, dropped in on us yesterday. It was great to visit with him and see what he is doing and pursuing here in Memphis while he is in college. He has an exciting future ahead, and I am looking forward to seeing what it holds for him. He also caught me up on what the rest of the family was up too. Looking forward to a visit from Phil when he comes to Memphis sometime. And even though I had seen Isaac since he was 13/14, it was nice to talk to someone that I had known and had some things in common with. We shared many a dinner theatre experience those many years in Spanish Fort. 


On another note, it is kinda lonely here in Memphis right now. I haven't really had anytime to meet the families here, doesn't help that Ivee isn't feeling well. The last thing the chemo kids here need around them is a sick person. It is difficult to get around with Ivee, especially in the cafeteria, since she can't walk. She isn't back up to speed with using her walker and she doesn't feel well anyway. I have only been out of the room for hospital visits and for dinner at night. Plus, I find it difficult to strike up conversations with people, especially when you don't know where they are in their fight. Some families here want to be left alone, and some are struggling just to keep it together. So, I find that I don't want to "intrude" on others. I, as usual, will just wait until the time feels right or God prompts me to speak to someone. Plus, I don't have it in me to just strike up a conversation with anyone, I'm not good with small talk unless it's with a small person...kids that is. They will talk to you about anything if you are willing to listen to them. 


Okay, so that's enough whining from me. I'm going to go attend the 4 year old. 

Not all is well from the Land of the glass pyramid....

Ivee has been struggling with some congestion last week. Yesterday, she had some moments when waking up, but last night before bed, she just had a huge coughing fit. Then at 3 a.m. this morning, she just couldn't get any relief and she had a fever. I have salined, neubulizered, and cough syruped her. Today, we will get a chest xray, and continue to try to help her. She just sounds awful. She has never had trouble like this before. She wants to actually leave the room today, and this is the day she needs to stay in.
Praying we can get her relief before Friday when she needs to be sedated for a scan.

Normally I wouldn't just post our address for mailing, but I know many of you would like to send cards, letters, or stickers to Ivee while we are in Memphis. So, here is our snail-mail address....

Ronald McDonald House
Hope or Ivee Foley
Room #33
535 Alabama avenue
Memphis, TN 38105

Home Sweet Home in Memphis

Made it to the RMH in Memphis about 5:45 p.m. Ivee is fast asleep in her big girl full size bed. She wanted the "other" bed, but mommy put her in the bed I want her in after she feel asleep. (It can be pushed against the wall!) I have unpacked and put everything away. Now, to just begin our normalcy here. Oh, and the RMH has repainted since I was here 4 years ago. My room is Bright Lime Green (if anyone saw Britt's orig. room, you know what I mean) Boy, I'm going to be nauseated every morning :) For my friends and family, I have a phone number and snail-mail address. Message me if you want them. Also, I have video call on Skype, so if you want a video call sometime, friend me.

T Shirt designs...

Well, we are working on the design still, cause Em and I can't agree on the front. We have the back done...we think. What are your thoughts on it?

 As for the Front, we are at odds. Soooo for those interested in purchasing one, let me know your thoughts on which of the following you would like for the front. Take a vote and let me know. Whatever is chosen will go on the left side pocket area.

Concept A: Above picture

Concept B: Picture to the left

Concept C: Picture to the right

Radiation Postponed

I recieved an email from our RO nurse yesterday. She informed me that Ivee's radiation plan will need some more work, so she will not begin radiation on Monday. I have decided, however, to go ahead and move up on Sunday anyhow. Hopefully, once her plan is in place, we will be able to begin asap if we are already there. 
I am in the process of trying to get life here at home taken care of. There is still so much to do on my "to do" list, and I don't even have packing for being gone almost 2 months on there. 
I hope to complete the shirt design for our "Team Ivee" shirts sometime this week before I leave so that I can get together with the silk screen/t shirt company. I hope everyone likes what we come up with. For me, I like to be creative, and I want the shirt to have some Ivee flare, but I am trying to make it gender friendly. (This does make me kinda sad, cause my baby is so girly. She would love a "pretty" shirt!!!) 
Continue to lift us and others up in prayer. Sooooo many kids out there still fighting the fight. And many don't ask for it, but continue to pray for the neurosurgeons, hemo oncologist, and radiation oncologist that treat these babies. They are the ones whom God uses to continue the fight and give hope to many. These people chose to go to school, to use their skills to help others fight for their lives! They are still trying to make improvements, not only in defeating cancer, but in tying to help these deveolping children sustain a better quality of life! 
God bless!
Love Hope
Mother of Ivee the Blessed
Jeremish 17:14
"Heal me, O Lord, and I will be Healed
Save me and I will be saved
For you are the one I praise"  

Update on....Life

Sorry I haven't posted, but it's for different reasons. 1. My phone is not the easiest thing to update on. 2. Didn't have my PC with me. 3. I haven't felt like it and unfortunately, I don't feel like it right now. I'm already pretty tired and we still have to set the clocks forward tonight...grrrhhh!!
We made it home Friday after being back in Memphis since Tuesday. Thanks to Ninfa Moore for going with me and to Tony Moore for letting her go! Ivee was not happy about being back on the road again. We had to stop often on our trip up. She finally gave it up for a nap about an hour away from St. Jude.
Her first appointment on Wednesday was labs, and we couldn't get her port to work. So, we had to fill it with TPA to break up the clot in it, you have to wait an hour for it to work. We were finally able to get it to flush and pull her lab work out. We meet with Dr. Merchant. He once again went over the short term and long term side effects of radiation. Then the dangers of radiation, especially the complete dangers of 2nd time radiation. He stated that so far they have been "lucky" in this, as they have never really seen the severe side effects of 2nd time radiation, but it will one day be inevitable. (I personally don't believe in Luck. I believe in the protective power of my Creator, Healer and Provider. And don't think for one minute that I don't think God uses that man or his abilities and the abilities of others to help our children). I remember Ivee's side effects from the 1st time radiation. She was so tired, her poops were awful and smelt sooo bad. She has scarring from it, and it will probably scar again. There can be effects on growth (which Ivee has to see an endocrinologist when this is done) and there can be balance and developmental delays...among other things.
When it came time for her CT Radiation Simulation, they were 2 hours behind. Luckily, once we got back there they knocked her out quickly. That is great because she was highly upset to go back under. I promised her she wouldn't wake up with another cut or tube down her throat. I can honestly say....I NEVER lie to her. I always tell her what is going to happen. I will never let her say you lied to me or I don't trust you. I started that when Brittney was little and had to go to the dentist. They, the dentist, didn't like the fact that I told "MY" child she would have to have a few little shots in her mouth. We'll...too bad for them...they are my kids and I will tell them what I want, when I want, and I don't sugar coat stuff. NOW, I also don't make it all drama either. (Okay, I'll back off the subject....sorry for the rant)
Thursday was MRI day. She was better for this, but that is because Dr. B (anesthesiologist) is so awesome with those kids!!!
That after noon, Dr. Boop (n-surgeon) told us the MRI looked good. Looks like there is no damage or injury from the surgery. Just some pooling of brain fluid on the top part of the brain. No concern, though, should be absorbed. The infection on her neck is superficial and hopefully should be good to go within a week. Can't really radiate that area if it's still, well, puss filled. Sorry for those with weak constitutions!
Did see Dr. Merchant before we left the hospital that night. (He was working late, and actually had his phone out dialing my number as I walked around the corner of the cafeteria.) He confirmed the MRI results and said that they would call me this week. He just had to finish his part that night for her to start radiation on the 21st.
Sooooo......Em, Ivee and I will drive up on the 20th and get settled in for the 6 week stretch. Em will drive home the next day (renting a car).
Continue to pray for us. Just so much going on in my mind right now. Trying to focus. Alot to get prepped this week for my term of leave from home and family.  Take care and thanks for being such a great support group for us!!!!

T Shirts

I need to know who might be interested in purchasing a Team Ivee: Fighting Cancer shirt? I wouldn't be selling for profit. It there were any proceeds they would go to Children's Cancer research. Let me know on here or FB. I need to get an idea before I talk to the company that would make them.

Really....Do I need to drive again...

Yeah...so as you can see from my "heading" I'm not too thrilled to be taking another long drive up to Memphis this soon, but so is the life of a St. Jude Cancer patient's mom. You know, I was so excited when last year we hit the only going every 6 months marker for check ups. It doesn't feel like you just got home to have to turn around and drive right back up. But driving up 4 times in less than two months...now that is al ot of driving. Makes those every 12 weeks visits not so bad. They will fly you up there, which is faster, but with all of Ivee's medical equipment and her constant head congestion, we just aren't ready to try flying yet. I wouldn't fly right now anyhow, not so soon after resection and the infection on the lower half of her suture. Which, by the way, it is looking better...finally.
I believe we are all coming to grips with mom and Ivee leaving soon. I keep running through my head what all I need to show and tell Emmett. He doesn't know much of our daily routine, so it will be interesting and probably a little trying for him and the kids to adapt to one another. They will be fine, though. Things just won't be where I normally put them, and I will be searching for stuff when I move back home.
Ivee will miss them all. She already ask everyday weekday where they all are. She knows they are at work and school, but she enjoys when they come home. She is missing going to school as well. Hopefully we can make some of the last weeks of school in May.
I've been trying to decide what all I need to take with me when we move up this time. From previous experience, I recall coming home with a lot more than we took with us. We were lucky that all of our stuff fit in the van that time. I packed it just so that I could get the 3 kids in the car. It was interesting. The weather in Memphis should be much more pleasant to live in than last time. We are looking at Spring weather instead of July/August weather, which was in a word...miserably-hot!!! I thought LA was hot, but at least we have a breeze here. It was a beat-down-on-you-no-relief-in-the-shade heat that summer of '07.
We do leave this Tuesday for Radiation Mapping and MRI scans. Hopefully will be home Thursday. We'll then have another week home before going up for the radiation dosing. Ivee should be well enough to go to church and other places by this next weekend. We are going to have to find some time to make it to the movies before I go. So many films were released since our hospital stay, and we wanted to see too many of them. It never seems to fail. You don't see anything good at the movies for months, then all of a sudden everything that comes out looks so good!!! We did get to see one movie yesterday. Ivee was feeling great, and our oldest, Brittney who is the best big sister and babysitter in the world, said she was comfortable watching her for a few hours. She is wonderful with Ivee, Ivee adores her, and the medical stuff doesn't scare her in the least. I showed her how to use the feeding pump one time and she has it down! The kids are wanting to see a new movie that came out as well, but Ivee won't be up for watching it. Guess we'll have to find another babysitter for a night so we can take the oldest two out.
Well, I suppose that is all the news for now. Pray for safe travels, and easy procedures this week. God bless!!!!

Today I am feeling the weight of what is to come. Ivee is a fighter, but putting her body through another round of radiation seems just so unfair. She did amazingly well during the treatments (especially in comparison to chemotherapy), but radiation is just like poisoning the body as well. You just don't poison the entire body. Her little head is already so full of scar tissue thanks to multiple surgeries and 1st time radiation. Here we are, once again, having to damage her brain, tissue, veins, brain stem, all because of this disease of cancer. She already has so much she has overcome, but still has so much to still overcome. God I am asking that your protect my babies head, brain, veins, tissue and brain stem from the devastating effects of this treatment. That you restore her body to health, and that you rid her once and for all of this disease! I Jesus Name!! 
....Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." (Matthew 17:20

News about the News in 5

1. Ivee is doing well. She has crawled today, played with my friend Cathy while I went to the grocery store, has begun to talk a little louder and a whole lot more, and she used her walker tonight. She just came walking down the hallway to the kitchen, surprising and scaring her mother all at the same time. 

2. Her neck "wound" (which I will not share the gross details of) is beginning to look better. Still redish in the skin around the suture and "other stuff" but it is not getting worse. We will continue to clean it as we have been and let it air dry. 

3. I heard from Make-A-Wish today. We have only been trying to get together on this interview since the end of December, and YES it is March. We were all finally able to meet next Thursday, March 10th...UNTIL....

4. Christy, Dr. Merchant's nurse from St. Jude called. Dr. M wants us back up there next week. Sooo....once again, I can't meet with Make-a-wish which means I can never make this kids wish happen!!!! (Done Venting)

5. This means that next Tuesday I will once again leave for Memphis. We will do her radiation mapping/planing scan on Wednesday and her MRI on Thursday, then come home. He will give us a week at home, and then Ivee and I will be moving up the weekend of the 20th, I assume (date wise). This means that she and I will be in Memphis during the kids Spring Break and Easter. Guess their coming to see momma and Ivee for that week. This would have Ivee and I moving home the first part of May. 

WHERE HAVE THE FIRST 2 MONTHS OF 2011 GONE??!!?!?!?! Seriously, It's March? I guess time flies when your world goes into a "loopty-loo" again! Now, if only the time in Memphis will go that fast. At least I know what to expect this time, and I am looking forward to being able to minister to families who may be going through this for the first time. I'm actually a PRO at this now....how sad : (  

So, as you continue to pray, and thank you for your continued prayers and just your thoughts of us throughout the day....Pray that we can finally meet with Make-a-wish and get that rolling for Ivee. Pray for our trips to Memphis and our time apart from family. Pray for us financially. BUT our BIGGEST prayer....PRAY FOR NO SIDE EFFECTS FROM A SECOND DOSE OF RADIATION!!!! This is a huge consequence of 2nd time dosing. 

God bless you all and thanks for putting up with me.