Blogging Oct. 29th

I'm on the computer again! The recovery hasn't gone as quickly as I would like. I would like to be back to my old self again. I'm just whining! It has been really good that my mom was here to take care of us. She has been such a wonderful help. I didn't have to think about anything. Laundry, cleaning the house, food, dishes, kids and etc... She also was very attentive to all my needs. I don't know how I'm going to handle the house without her. But it will also help get me into the groove. I appreciate every one's encouragement (cards, emails, phone calls, food, flowers and even a banner) I'm am so spoiled.

I have been off the Vicadin for about 2 days now. The drains are not ready to come out but are showing signs of slowing. The pain is better, it is more of a tightness (mostly). There are definite movements I can not do. I am doing exercises to improve my mobility. I can raise my right arm to the top of my head (carefully) WOOHOO! the left arm is doing slightly better. Moving the arms across my body is more difficult. When I laughed for the first time, that was a bit surprising amount of pain. It isn't painful any more.

The kids are handling me with great care. They are getting school work done, their chores and tolerating each other with good spirits. I am very proud of them. Neal is holding together pretty well as long as he gets a good night sleep.

I am supposed to go to the Doctors' on Thursday. I'm going to email her and ask if it is possible to postpone the appointment till the drains are ready to come out. They may have some pathology results by then though so we shall see.

Neal's Oct. 24 comments

I'm just sitting here enjoying some "quiet" time with Yvette. There are tubes and dials everywhere. The nurses are all very nice. There is one male nurse that we had last night. His name is Miguel. Being the only male in the womens cancer area, I was wondering how he would do. He was very sensitive and attentive. We really liked him. All of the doctors and most of the nurses have been very attentive and answered questions without treating us as know-nothings.

Yvette's surgeon says she thinks Yvette can go home in the morning 10-25. She is still catheterized so that has to go. Also, she has to walk further than she has up until now.

Many of you have asked how am I doing. Honestly it various from encouraged to fearful depending on the news they give us. Discouraged that there was cancer in the lymphs but encouraged at the fast recovery Yvette is having. We hope for a more restful night than last night. I had to push to have her room changed. The original one was very noisy.

She can't wait to get home to her family and friends. Thanks to all of you who care so much and are making sacrifices in your own way. Your rewards are in heaven. Some are here on earth too.

Day of Surgery

Today was Surgery Day.....

(Note: Yvette's friends are posting updates until Yvette/Neal are home and able to have the strength to comment themselves. Thank you for your continued support of our dear friend!!)

Yvette went in around 10:30 a.m. followed with surgery at 1:00 p.m. While in surgery the doctor found more cancer than expected and that is what is taking longer.

Yvette's mom, Yvonne, did say that so far things have gone well (Praise God).

They expect Yvette to stay in the hospital in San Francisco another day (probably till Thursday), and they will be able to know more tomorrow.

Because of the extensive surgery done today, this will make her recovery a little longer and harder so please pray for her in that way.

Please leave comments, prayers & scriptures on this site as they are all very encouraging to Yvette and Family.

7th Birthday party

Cameron's 7th Birthday. Dinosaur was the theme. I made the cake. It was chocolate cake with Berry Rainbow Sherbet on top, all covered with frosting. It's supposed to look like a volcano with a river, land and dinosaurs. The picture isn't as clear as I had hoped.


Really it all started the night before at our co-op Lego Extravaganza. Cameron ended up winning 1st in his age group and also The Peoples Choice award. His entry was a mining theme with cotton as water or dust effects. We are very proud of his work.

He had a great party full of fun; Pinata, games, cake and presents. I can't believe my little boy is 7 now. He has grown so much this past year not just physically but mostly in his character.

UCSF Pre-op

Friday the 19th I needed to go to UCSF to meet with the pre-op nurse, the Anesthesiologist, and do some lab work. Neal was not able to go with me on such short notice. I was blessed by friends, one to go with me and one to watch my children and clean my house. These blessings knocked my socks off. They can never know how much this relieved the anxiety within me. Thank You.

At UCSF I was able to touch an expander as an example of one that would be inside of me and an example of an implant. This would help alleviate wondering what certain sensations might be. I was shown the drain that would be attached to me for about 2 wks. I will have 2, one on each side. You have to pin them to your clothing or use a kind of lanyard to hold them when bathing. You have to measure out the amount of secretion 2x a day. ...Sorry!...as my daughter would say "T.M.I." (too much information)

Then I went to the hospital side and had about 4-5 viles of blood taken, an EKG, and chest ex ray's. After that I meet with the Anesthesiologist. He explained what would take place and talked about my medical history. He also answered any questions I had.

I'm scheduled to go in on Tuesday at 10:30am to have the radioactive die injected into the tumor so that during surgery they can follow the die to the node that the tumor feeds into. Then the surgery is at 1pm. It is about 5-6 hr long surgery. Then a couple hours to come out of the anesthesia. I get to stay overnight. So I will be heading home on Wednesday.


Specific prayers are:
That the cancer has not spread.
Clarity for the doctors
No allergic reactions to any of the medicines and/or foreign objects in my body
protection on my family
And of course mostly how the Lord lead you.

'Praise You in this Storm'

This is a song by Casting Crowns

Praise You in this Storm:
I was sure by now / That You would have reached down / And wiped our tears away / Stepped in and saved the day / But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls / I barely hear You whisper through the rain / "I'm with you" / And as Your mercy fall / I raise my hands and praise the God who gives / And takes away

I'll praise You in this storm / And I will lift my hands / For You are who You are / No matter where I am / Every tear I've cried / You hold in Your hand / You never left my side / And though my heart is torn / I will praise You in this storm

I remember when / I stumbled in the wind / You heard my cry / You raised me up again / My strength is almost gone / How can I carry on / If I can't find You

I lift my eyes unto the hills / Where does my help come from? / My help comes from the Lord / The Maker of Heaven and Earth.

That is taken from these scriptures; Rom. 8:28, 2 Cor. 4:16-18, Ps. 42:5, Ps. 121:1-2, Job 1:20-21, Daniel 3:16-18

Here is the YouTube site to listen: www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHdcyue0bSw

While you are on that site watch the 'Who AM I' video by Casting Crowns too. It's awesome!!
(they're white gloves)

Sugery is a Go

These are the Wednesdays we all look forward to. It is co-op day. I really felt the concern and subsequent prayers of so many. It was a wonderful presence to be in.

When we arrived home there was a message from the Dr's staff to confirm the 23rd at 2pm. I called her back schedule the rest of the process. So now I have to be in San Francisco on Fri. at 12:30 - 3:30 to do pre-op with the nurse and then do pre-registration at the hospital.

Thank you Lord!!!

I must admit...the surgery is real, now.

I'm also saddened that I won't have Friday with my son to prepare for his birthday and to do the Lego Extravaganza with him. I don't want to take away from his day or time in any way if possible. I am thankful for the confirmation and progress of surgery. I'm just coming face to face with my own limitations and it is hard to let go of some of my own expectations (of me). or maybe, I just don't want to let go of the picture in my head that I want for him.

Thank you for you prayers and please continue.