Tired

Sure could use a fast forward button!

From Travis

So my last (hopefully) surgery will be on June 4th. Hopefully after that my body can start to get back to normal. We have chemo planned too, but that seems so easy now compared to the last couple months. After the chemo I could very well be done for good!!!

Sidewalk Chalk - Blue for Daddy!

April 2nd Travis will be having surgery to remove the cancer, as well as get an Ileostomy. The ileostomy is recommended because radiation makes it harder to heal, and by re-routing his bowels for six weeks it will give his colon enough time to heal properly! Then he will have another surgery to remove the ileostomy. After surgeries are all done he still has another round of Chemo, so we still have a ways to go, but Trav's still fighting!! (The picture is what the kids colored on the sidewalk a couple days ago, it says Blue for Daddy and has ribbons!)

Dress in Blue day!!

 From Travis:

Lots of blue in the house today!
Colon cancer is one of the most preventable of the cancers. I recommend anyone worried that they may have it, whether a close relative has it or you are having symptoms, to GET SCREENED!
Take my advice, the screening is CAKE compared to fighting off this stuff. Don't wait please. While it's easy to prevent it's also vicious once it gets going.

They say start at 50, but you'd be shocked to know how many doctors I've heard say people really should start thinking about screening it at 40. Just something to keep in mind.
Cancer sucks! Lets kick it's face!

Parking

A billion thumbs up to the "Cancer Patient" parking outside the Huntsman Center at McKay Dee. Skadoosh!

From Travis

To echo my beautiful wife, I wanted to say thank you to everyone who's helped, offered prayers, support, good vibes, etc. You've made this all that much better to go through. It's not easy facing this kind of thing, and all the support from our family has been excellent. As well as all the friends that have reached out to us. It's been so awesome. There are too many people to name, I don't want to leave anyone out. Thank you all so so so so so much.

Round 1 is complete

Chemo round 1 is done and only 2 more days of radiation left! Travis will meet with his surgeon in a few weeks; surgery will be in 5 weeks, and chemo round 2 a few weeks after that. We are excited to have a little break and be done with the first step of the process. So grateful for my family that worked tirelessly to keep my family going! There were so many sacrifices that were made to keep my family fed, house clean, kids happy, and to get Trav to his appointments! The best thing that has come out of the last 5 weeks is an even greater appreciation for God’s plan and for families! Through our trials in life my family has always been there, even Amy's family all the way in Washington found ways to support us! Families are awesome!!

Week 3 of Chemo and Radiation

Quick update on Travis: We just started week 3 of chemo and radiation. We have had some fantastic help getting Trav to his appointments, helping out with the kids and making us meals! Trav’s tolerating things as well as I think can be expected. His PICC line has been giving him some troubles, it bleeds if he moves! He is nauseated and experiencing some pain, due to the radiation. But, he’s still pushing himself along and we are still praying! Earlier today we enjoyed some time together, as a family, outside of the house, not at a doctors, without his Chemo bag! It was wonderful! It’s silly how excited I get at moments of “normal,” but I sure enjoyed sitting with my family and laughing like there wasn’t a care in the world! Thanks for all the support! It truly is touching to receive so much support. Love y’all!

Chemo Drives

Ugh, what an awful drive, I'm already dreading my morning commute tomorrow. Feel bad Suzie and Michelle had to spend 2 1/2 hrs going home from my place and Suzie had to spend an additional 45 minutes getting Trav home from his appointment...up the street. Grateful I have such a wonderful family to help us out though!

Firsts

Hunter's first day of Sunbeams was yesterday, Aiden lost his first tooth, and Travis started his first day of Chemo and Radiation today. A lot of firsts!