I am so Out of Date

Sorry for the incredible delay in updating on life. I had all intentions of posting pictures since me and Tyler went to Pennsylvania for Memorial Day weekend. We had a great time and Aunt Nancy had a big party. I think there were over 25 people who showed up. We had a blast. Todd stayed home because he was leaving the next day for Orlando to attend a business meeting. Fast Foward.....

The switched has finally clicked and Todd is feeling just about back to normal. I think for the past 2 weeks he has actually felt GOOD. He seems so much happier and has much more energy. Todd has been golfing as much as he can and you know he must be feeling better if he got up at 5 AM to GOLF! Last week we went to Dollywood and he did not need a motorized scooter. He walked the entire park 2-3 times. At the very end, he sat down and waited for Tyler and I but we had been walking for 4 hours and it was hot. I was so proud of him and he mentioned to me that his leg was "walking" better, not much of a drag. I pray every night that he will continue to improve. He goes on Friday to see Dr. Malyapa for his 2 month check up but since we know the results from Dr. Wiseman, I will be staying here. I will go for the final read in August. Keep up with your prayers!

The Cupcakery is FINALLY open and I am officially in my new location. I am having a great time figuring out the cupcake world. There definitely are some challenges but all new stores have "quirks" that have to be worked out. I am along for the ride and I will take one day at a time.

Thanks for everyone's support. Todd's mom started Chemo today in PA for the liver and lung cancer. We can't catch a break!!! When I know some news on her, I will update.

I have lots of pics to upload so when I get a few minutes, I will load them. If I haven't said it once, I will say it again. Keep praying for Todd. Prayers are definitely helping.

Way Behind

Ok, So I am way behind on updating the blog. I will work on that this evening so CHECK BACK!!!! Thanks

Update after Dr's Appointment

Todd and I met with this Knoxville DR the Neurologist on Friday. (The Florida DR-Dr. Malaypa told us that we would more than like not see any change until the 4 Month visit) Dr. Wiseman told us that the scan was STABLE and showed no change. We knew that it was supposed to look like that but deep down, I was hoping for something. Dr. Wiseman who has NEVER had a case like Todd's cautioned us not to get our hopes too high about the Proton Therapy eliminating the tumor. On the other hand, Dr. Malaypa told us that eliminating the tumor was our ultimate goal. HUMMMM, you just hope and pray. It is out of our hands so maybe God will give us good results by the next visit. Dr. Wiseman gave Todd a medicine for nausea as Todd has had an upset stomach for 3 weeks. I am very thankful that he did not put him back on steroids-he said he could not see much swelling. Keep praying! I appreciate everyone who is!!!

The Cold bug

So when your immune system is down, it does not respond to a cold very well. That's the new ailment!!! Todd caught a cold that I had last week and it has just kicked him in the butt. He goes to work and then comes home and goes straight to bed. He also said his stomach is upset. When will that guy get a break? He had 2-3 days last week where he felt good and thats it!!!

I started my new job on Monday and really like it! Of course, my store does not open till the first week of June so this month is all about marketing. I know that once my location opens, I will be busy busy busy. Juggling everything is difficult because I have had little help from Todd. I have even been *trying* to mow the yard-it's not pretty!!! Once he gets back to his good old self, I will have him helping out!

We have a busy rest of the week planned. Tyler is in a baseball tournament starting Friday. We are doing the Juvenile Diabetes walk-walking with baseball team bc one of the boys has Diabetes- on Saturday morning, baseball Sat afternoon and then Mother's Day and baseball on Sunday. We are going to try and eat lunch with my mom on Sunday and then swing by and see the Bloomfield's. I guess Mothers Day for me is being with my family because there is not going to be much "ME" time. Wouldn't want it any other way!!! Happy early Mothers Day to everyone. Keep praying for Todd, he had a scan done yesterday and we go to Knox Dr on Friday. Will update after that.

Family Update

Todd is FINALLY feeling a little bit better. I think it was Thursday where I could see the change in personality and attitude. I am so thankful that maybe we are heading down the right track!!!

Last night was my last day at the GAP! I had mixed emotions as I walked out the door. I know this new challenge of cupcakes will be a good one. I am off today but start with The Cupcakery on Monday morning.

Todd's mom has been diagnosed with liver cancer now, in addition to lung and bone so PLEASE add a prayer for her. She is going to visit 2 other centers for second opinions. I talked to her this week and she was really positive so....Can this family take any more grief? As soon as I know more, I will update everyone. Thanks and keep praying.

Follow-up to Blood work visit

Todd called Dr. Malyapa to ask about his cold chills. He told Todd that it sounded like a urinary tract infection so off to the after hours clinic Todd went. While at the after hours clinic, the Dr told Todd that all his blood work came back normal. He did a few more tests and did a complete check up and said that he could not find anything wrong. So now we go almost day 10 of Todd not feeling well. I tell him everyday that I hopes he feels better and hopefully things will turn around. It is hard to stay positive for all of us when nothing is changing!!! I will keep my chin up, Todd has a scan on Tuesday and Dr. Wiseman, here in Knoxville will read it and share results with us on June 9th. Keep your fingers crossed.

Brain Tumor/Cancer Resource Links

So, I had to do a lot of my own research when it came to finding any assistance or help. I thought I would compile it and post it in one location. Hopefully someone will find it and it will be useful to them without going thru all the rig-a-ma-roo I went thru.

For Brain Tumor Support Check out BTS Cares-will help with financial support

American Cancer SocietyMake sure to call your local branch and the 800#. I was able to get support from both the Tennessee chapter and the Florida chapter.

Cancer CareWill provide support for patients diagnosed with any type of cancer. They also have grants to apply for.

Kelly Heinz-Grundner FoundationThis non profit help with brain tumor patients but is limited to helping patients living in Michigan, Western New York and Delaware

This next one is for help with Air fare-none of this worked for us but.....you never know. There are 4 organizations that I called. The first 2 will direct you to your area and the last one is Southwest Air.

Air Care

National Patient Travel Center

Corporate TravelI thought this one was neat! You would fill empty seats on corporate jets. I believe you have to put your name on the list and wait for them to call you.

Southwest AirlinesI can't find the actual link to their charity site. You have to fill out a form and then they call you and discuss travel plans. They will do one roundtrip ticket per calendar year. I did find this number for charity, 214-792-1300. I also believe that Delta will do a roundtrip ticket as well, you just have to make a few phone calls.

I sure hope this helps someone out there. We received assistance from ACS, Cancer Care and Brain Tumor Society. You just have to stay persistent!!! Send me a comment if you have any questions.

Easter Sunday-March 2008

Since I am updating the blog with pictures, I might as well add Easter Sunday. Our tradition for the past 3 years is to go to my friend Amy's house. We do an easter egg hunt, open baskets and enjoy a big lunch. Tyler looks forward to this day as he gets lots of candy and money. :)

This last picture is a pic of Amy's 2 girls, Gracey on the left and Abby on the right. Of course, Tyler is in the center. These kids clean up pretty nice!!!

Tyler and Spring Baseball 08

Just a couple of pictures to Tyler and his team. He is playing for the Fountain City Rockies. He played T-ball with this team, left for a full season and then returned to play coach pitch. We love his coach, Jeff. Actually, all the coaches and helpers are so great! Everyone's motto is that the boys have fun (learn a little too)!!!

Tyler is the far one on the left. Tyler, Daniel, Austin and Tucker.

What teamwork!! Jeff gives a great rally at the end of each game-win or lose. I think this is a great picture of the team-not sure where Tyler is but....

Back to the HOHUMS around here :(

Just when Todd gets feeling better he gets the "bug." Not sure what is wrong with him but he just is not feeling well again. Now, he did start back to work this week so maybe it is just his body telling him he is doing too much. The new ailment is that he is cold in the evenings. I shut the air off in the house earlier in the week and at one point the house reached 78* and he had a blanket wrapped around him!!! What is worse is that he has our heavy winter blanket on in bed at night. Oh my gosh, it's killing me! Todd visited his general physician on Friday where they drew blood. Hopefully the results will be back on Monday.

Just when I think things are back on track we take 3 steps backwards. Tyler had baseball 3x this week and Todd had to sit out on helping because he "just doesn't feel well." I feel sorry and sad for him. We were hoping that treatment would help things and so far conditions have not changed. Only time will tell! Keep praying for him.