From Travis

When your little girl brings you a baby doll and says:
"She needs surgery. She has cancer."
You do the surgery, and you make that baby happy!

Mini-Stroke...rough week

I've sat here quite a few times in the last week trying to answer facebook's question of what's on my mind! We've had a rough week. Travis had what they believe to be a mini-stroke this last week (droopy/swollen side of face, tingling, inability to talk without slurring words). He has an MRI scheduled this coming Tuesday. Chemo has been really hard this time as well. It makes sense since he has 2 different chemo's, instead of just the one he had last time...but they didn't build it up to be much worse at all. He's been really nauseated, has cold sensitivity, tired, weak, feels like he's floating, looses his voice, neuroapathy, no appetite, and bowel issues. I'm grateful to all the help we have received this last week (freezer meals, taking the kids to the treehouse, babysitting, taking Trav to appts, emotional support, etc)! We couldn't do this alone and are so grateful for the support. I am also grateful to two beautiful YW's testimony today, which strengthened me! Grateful for the emotional boost that Sunday brings, can't wait for Conference next week!

Update

Since it's been so long since I've updated it's hard to know where to start! Travis is walking and driving now, it's been such a blessing! He has an ileostomy and we are just praying for his fistula, abscess and ulcer to heal. He still goes every other week to chemo! There is a procedure that we might be able to try to fill his fistula. If the fistula is healed we should be able to reverse his illi, otherwise he will have a permanent colostomy, which is another surgery either way. We moved, it's been good, but we miss the daily interactions with my parents cause they are the best! Overall we are doing well, still fighting but making progress!

From Travis

Ewwwww. Well, looks like the first day symptoms weren't a fluke last time. I am extremely grateful for the treatments I have. But literally scheduling times to have bio-hazardous materials pumped into my body is one of my least favorite activities.

We'll all work together

What a week. I'm so happy to have had the support of my family this week! They are superstars! They took care of the kids all week, fed us, and entertained us! Seriously feeling so blessed. Also grateful to have had my cousins, neighbors, and others help out over the past month. Was overcome today as we sang "As sisters in Zion we'll all work together" in relief society! I thought about those who have sacrificed and worked together to "comfort the weary" I know that our Heavenly Father is so pleased with the sincere service we have been blessed with! I am also grateful for the power of the priesthood and the comfort and healing it brings!

From Travis

Could seriously use some good prayers/vibes heading my way. I know I only ask without giving a lot, but I'm needy! Just about gave up doing chemo altogether last night...I need to finish this business!

Chemo, Part 2, Week 1 done

We are moved! Chemo part 2, week 1 was awful! Travis is nauseated, has numbness, cold sensitivity, pain, and on all over awfulness feeling, and we just began. Bummer. Had a blast at This Is The Place, Dino park, and then the Zoo! Days off are exhausting but oh so fun!!

From Travis

Not overall loving my day so far. But like my awesome wife reminded me, it's awesome these treatments are available to me. Years ago I would have been out of luck. Still sucks though, not gonna lie. Would have helped if I was feeling well to begin with!

Port Placed

He's out! Was a quick procedure, 3 hours of waiting to go back, but only 30 minutes to get the port placed! Dr. Foley said it went great! Waiting to see him now and take him home! It's been a long time since we've had an outpatient surgery!

Here we go!

Travis gets his port placed Tuesday and his ct scan Friday. Then he will be ready to start Chemo again on the 27th. He'll do 1 day 4hrs, then connect to a bag, then 1 day 2 hrs, then disconnect day 3. We are also moving on the 24th, craziness! Here we go!