November Thankfulness...

Wednesday, November 09, 2011

November Thankfulness...

I have been writing what I am thankful for on FB for the month of November. I wanted to share my "thanks" on here with those who aren't on Facebook.
November 3

Today, I am thankful for a Savior who not only saves a soul, but often delivers us physically!

November 4
Today I am thankful for an incredible partner and best friend of 17+ years. Each year he has grown to be a more loving and thoughtful husband and father. He works very hard, long hours every week, and misses out on so much because of his commitments to his family, but tries to find a way to make the kids know that he is there for them, and that he wants them to live Godly, moral and thought-filled lives. Emmett, you are my Lobster!! Forever!

Monday, November 7
Today I am thankful for my kids. Beginning with child #1. Brittney is our ray of hyperactive sunshine! Fifteen years she has brought us joy and made us laugh. She is very responsible with most things we give her and had to grow up too quickly to help us with Ivee's battle with Cancer. She is a talented artist and singer, and in so many ways reminds me of myself. She has a heart for Jesus and a love of family! Brittney, you are growing into a beautiful lady and mom and dad are so very proud of you!!!!

Tuesday, November 8th
Today I am thankful for My Ethan...oh, Ethan..what to say. Even though he is at "that age" he is still thoughtful of others in need around him. He is artiatic and talented. He cares for his baby sister. And one day, when his hormones are in check and stabilized, I pray he be a strong man of Godly character!

And Today's PostToday I am very thankful for my baby, Ivee. I could write an entire book of what she has taught me and shown me in just her short 5 years, and maybe one day I will. She is so smart, funny, sweet, precious, adorable, stubborn and my biggest HERO! She is the strongest person I know. She is a survivor, overcomer, and fighter. She never fails to tell me everyday that she loves me! I love when she wants to "hold momma" (which is momma holding her). I have imagined life without her too many times, for she has captured a part of me that will always be hers. Thank you God for allowing me to keep and love her here on this earth, forever how long!!!

My GIVE THANKS. WALK for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is just 10 days away. If you are looking for something to give too here at the end of 2011, I will gladly help you with your tax deduction. :) Here is the link to my Pledge Page.

We go back to St. Jude in January for Ivee's next MRI. We, as always, covet your prayers. As you pray for Ivee, please remember to pray for our other friends. Lucy's counts are recovering as she is returning home. Hopefully they will pull her central line very soon. Justin is home for good until check ups. Levi, Chasity, and many others have had great reports. Brandon is still fighting his monster of DIPG. We love our extended cancer families.

No comments:

Ivee's story in SHORT...As if....

Ivee is a tough little girl. And with our help and by the grace of God, all will go well. We pray for a complete healing, and we know that our God is big enough...He is the Great Physician.

Story: On a routine Monday, December 18, 2006. I was missing work and taking my oldest daughter to the doctor cause of a stomach virus. Stopping at a grocery store on the way, I left the oldest in the car for a moment and ran inside with Ivee. I put her car seat on top of the grocery cart as so many of us mom's do. Leaving the store, I turned for a brief moment to throw something away. I turned around just in time to see the entire car seat fall face down on the concrete. I flipped, as any mom with a 7 month old falling face first would do. I arrived at the ER in record time. She already had a huge knot rising on her forehead. As they (eventually) started a CT scan, I felt God speaking to my heart. In all but audible words he told me she would be fine, but that we would find something else, that this was why she had fallen, so He could reveal it to us. So, as I watched from the tech room, I saw something that even to me, a non-trained observer, knew was not suppose to be there. A friend of mine was the radiologist there, and he confirmed, also by doing an MRI, what I suspected. I was at peace in spirit cause my heart had been prepared...but not okay. My husband was working out in Texas and would have to drive more than 7 hours to come home, not knowing what was happening, but just that she fell. Ivee was transferred to a local children's hospital in Mobile. That night, Dr. Martino consulted, and would run an MRI the next day of his own, and perform surgery on that Wednesday. On December 20, after 5 hours of surgery, all was successful, and Dr. Martino removed 98% of what he knew was an egg sized malignant tumor, later diagnosed as Stage 3 Anaplastic Ependymoma. The remaining 2 cm was on her artery next to the spinal chord.

Deficits from initial resection/treatment: Ivee had many deficits due to the tumors removal, even though he was able to leave her nerves in tack. Her right eye was severely crossed. Her vocal chords were paralyzed (left has regained use). Her hearing was affected (loss at 2000 hz and high frequency sounds). Hearing aids received June 6, 2012 at age 6. Have already hear improvement in F, S and ending sounds in 2 days time! Her balance was never truly restored, and she has left side body weakness. After 30 days (including Christmas) we were allowed to take Ivee home. She had 6 months of chemo and then 33 treatments of radiation at St. Jude.

Procedures/surgeries:

1.) Tumor Resection (12/06) – Anaplastic Ependymoma

2.) Gbutton placed for eating. (01/07)

3.) Nissen fundiplication pyloroplasty done (wrapping of throat & stomach) (01/07)

4.) Chemotherapy Begins (01/07)

5.) 5 central lines placed (many fell out on their own) (01/07 – 05/07)

6.) Port placed at St. Jude (06/07)

7.) Chemotherapy ends (06/07)

8.) Radiation (06/07-08/07)

9.) Rare scar tissue formation in the brain removed (09/08)

10.) Shunt Placement (10/08)

11.) Shunt revision/replacement (02/10)

12.) Hip Displaysia surgery – Dega Osteotomy {Not tumor related} (10/10)

13.) Reoccurance - GTR {Gross Total Resection} (02/11)

We were shocked (as was the doctor) when her Jan. 2011 scan showed a reoccurance. It was on the same artery where the orginal tumor was left behind. GTR was done on February 18^th with much success. 2^nd dosing of radiation began March 28 and ended May 6, 30 doses.

14. Begin 2nd dose radiation on March 28 (30 doses) Ended on May 6, 2011.

Improvements:

1.) Right eye is still weak, doesn't require glasses yet. Patching the good eye to strengthen the right one.

2.) Right vocal chord is still partial paralyzed. In Fall of 2008 , to the doctor's dismay, discovered she has received movement again in right chord (update: Since resection in 2/11, Right vocal chord is completely paralyzed, no movement now)

3.) Still G Button feed. Cannot eat much by mouth. She doesn’t have the drive to try to eat, but we are treating her with an appetite enhancer. She has been approved through Modified Barium Swallow Test.

4.) Balance is still and issue. Has improved over the years. Uses a walker and wheelchair.

5.) Has learned to stand (assisted) for a few moments by herself and take some steps/usually across a room (May 2012). Uses a walker VERY WELL!!

6.) Currently watching a paraesophageal hernia of the fundoplication. No surgery required at this time.

7.) Non-cancer related surgery due to hip dysplasia in Fall of 2010. Has improved her balance and slipping out of socket.

Currently:

She is doing very well! She attended K5 full-time with a personal aid (might repeat K5). She is very smart and attentative. She used her walker often throughout the day and is learning to take independent steps. She takes a little bit of something to eat everyday now instead of once a week! She has learned to drink larger portions at a time. Enjoys Hippotherapy (horse therapy). Is extremely observant, caring and just down right funny!

The Foley Family - Trusting in God at ALL Times!!!

About Me

Wednesday, November 09, 2011