The News You've All Been Waiting For....

Dave and I met with Dr. Blum this morning and based on his CT scans, he is in a FULL REMISSION. I know, say it three time....Full Remission, Full Remission, Full Remission. He will have to have a bone marrow biopsy at the end of May to determine if there is any marrow involvement, but Dr. Blum suspects there isnt' any at this time.

It's very hard to look back at the year and wrap my mind around what we have endured together. The saying, what doesn't kill us makes us stronger, is so true. Dave and I know that the chances of his cancer coming back are close to 100%, but we will continue to hope for new medicines and pray for the fantastic doctors who have treated him.

As for today, I know my husband can no longer use the excuse, "I can't unload the dishwasher...I have cancer." (ha ha) Yes, he really does this! Or I should say, Yes, he really did this!

We will let you know how the bone marrow biopsy goes...but today...we are celebrating life with each other and a beautiful baby!

St. Patty's Day Celebration

Happy St. Patty's Day from our little Leprechaun!!!!

Tomorrow's A New Day!

Dave and I woke up this morning expecting yet another day of treatment at the James. I sipped my coffee on the couch with Marshall and Dave ate his bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios just like we do every day. Around 8:30 we headed to the hospital both in good spirits and thankful for the day together even if needles and medicine were going to be involved.

After Dave's vitals were taken, IV inserted, and blood drawn, we waited to see his oncologist, Dr. Blum. We brought Marshall with us today so we were excited to show him off. As soon as she came in the room, she scooped Marshall up and began to go through the typical baby routine, "Oh he's so cute, so big, look at those cheeks!" You know the drill. I must say, even though, I, of course, know how beautiful Marshall is...I never get tired of hearing other people say it. ha ha

Eventually Dr. Blum hands me my baby back and looks at Dave. I always have a knot in my stomach at this point. After sitting in the same room 6 months ago and hearing Dave's diagnosis...I know I'll never be able to sit patiently to wait what a doctor has to say. I know now what it feels like when the news isn't good.

I always tell the kids I work with at school that tomorrow is another day. That even though today was awful...tomorrow you get a fresh start. Well...today I felt like my words rang true. Dr. Blum told Dave that his CT results were not just good, they were AMAZING! As soon as she said it, I felt my breath catch..."Did she really use the word amazing?" She went on to tell us that Dave was in around an 80% remission and that she hopes he will be close to a full remission by the end of the treatment in April.

At that point, I looked up at my husband, who like me, is rather teary-eyed. What an amazing gift she just handed us!

I hope this reaches each of you happy, healthy and knowing that no matter how bad the economy gets, how many jobs are lost...it doesn't matter if you don't have your health and a life filled with the love of friends and family.

Smart babies, wall paper, and Chemo

I hope this finds each of you staying warm and enjoying what I hope are the end of winter days here in Ohio. Dave, Marshall and I are doing really well. We have been spending pretty much all of our free time working on the new house and, of course, spoiling Marshall. :) We even wallpapered a bit in the living room. It only took me approximately seven days to convince Dave that wallpaper was making a come back. And let me be honest...if you need a challenge for your marriage...pick a wall, any wall, and wallpaper away! May the best man (or woman) win! :)

Marshall had his four month check-up last week and not only did he almost roll off the table while the doctor was trying to examine him...he yanked her glasses right off her face. I think she was a little shocked by how much he's squirming around b/c she commented that his motor skills were "advanced". Now, working in the education field, parents are consistently trying to convince me that their child is "gifted" although they are typically just "average". But let's just be clear on this...Marshall is definitely the exception and we have already notified the counselor (a.k.a...his mom) of his need for grade acceleration. Ha Ha!

Dave has another round of treatment coming up on Friday, February 6th. As always, we appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Your kind words and warm wishes give us strength and courage to push forward!

I uploaded a few pics. Marshall in his first pair of shoes. Marshall and I sleeping in on my first real snow day off school. And Marshall watching football with Daddy.

Have a great week!

News from the Battle front

After getting to enjoy the sunshine of Phoenix for four days, and returning home once again from the Buckeyes bowl appearance... Wednesday didn't promise to be any better. As part of the clinical trial I am currently undergoing I have scheduled CT scans and Dr. Appts. I had to see Dr. Blum, then off to the CT scan. These were pretty routine. On to the good news... I received a call from Dr. Blum's office that the tumors have actually shrunk further from the previous exam. While I don't have a percentage of reduction, this is great news nontheless! I should have the report this coming week and I will update everyone with the numbers. keep me in your thoughts and prayers. And thank you for the continued support that you show by praying for me and strength for my family.

Marshall and Dave Cha Cha

Odds and Ends

I, of course, am behind in updating our blog. It's amazing how much time you don't have after having a baby! As a result, this post will probably seem unorganized and filled with many unrelated things, but nonetheless, we wanted to share them so here it goes.

Dave underwent another round of chemo before Christmas. It was the first treatment I wasn't able to go with him, but somebody needed to stay home with Marshall. I think he secretly enjoyed not having me there to fire away six million questions at the doctors. You know I always go with a list. ha ha! Dave did great...he always does. He is such a trooper when it comes to these long days. He strength and courage continue to amaze me every day. He will have a new full body CT scan on January 7th to see if his lymph nodes have made any progress. I will let you all know the results as soon as we hear.

As you know, this was our first Christmas with Marshall and it's true...everything is more fun with a baby! We laugh that we aren't sure how we spent our time prior to his arrival because all we do now is watch him. Dave and I have been blessed with so many things, but Marshall is definitely at the top of the list!

Marshall and I are getting ready to spend 5 days on our own as Dave and my dad are going out to the Fiesta Bowl!!! Keep your fingers crossed that we both survive!!!

I have attached a variety of pictures and one video. None of which are related. The one of Marshall and I is my first day back to work...before the tears came :( The other is of me and all my boys. Dave, Tug, Dusty, Guy (my brothers) and Marshall. And finally, I attached a video of Dave and Marshall doing the cha-cha slide. And Dave said he couldn't dance!

Hope you each have a Happy New Year's Eve and that you kick off yet another year full of celebrations!