Weekly Baby update

Well I'm not sure if people are still tuning into this website or not - but just incase we said we'd keep it going. Craig and I had our appointment this morning and it looks like Baby B is still going strong. The doctor still thinks its bigger than the ultrasound calculated (yes - nothing is very accurate until the little one is physically put on a scale). Technically it would be about 6.5 pounds this week - he thinks its a lot bigger. The doctor hasn't said anything about inducing at this time - but Craig and I just don't think its good right now. Know a few people that induced only because they thought the baby was big - and it wasn't. We'd rather it have more developement time anad us more time to get ready! We stil have LOTS to get done at the house - good thing for the holiday weekend.

The heart beat was also very strong. And I'm still only dilated to 1 cm! So yes - anyone placing bets last week - we did not have the baby yet! I think the doctor was surprised as well today. He didn't say how far effaced yet - but he could feel the head. He told us the baby is in the right position and low - sitting on my bladder. In the last day or two its been difficult to walk - making me belive the baby did drop down - even though you can't tell by the belly! The doctor agreed.

His only concern today was me - my blood pressuer was up compared to where it has been for many weeks. Its not drastically high - just higher than normal. so he had me give them some blood to test for Toxemia - I should have some results back by the end of today. he said its nothing to worry about - because right now I've been good up to this point. My guess is I'd be put on some medicine and maybe rest for a few weeks. Which would be alright - boring and alone with my own thoughts - so that may not be too good. Lucky I'll just have to ask my friends to come keep me company if that is the case. But honestly - seeing how things have turned out so good with this pregnancy - I really think I'm fine.

so keep your fingers crossed we have a few more weeks - I did make it to my 1 year anniversary here at work - oficially its today! So now that means I am 100% available for the FMLA laws (pending work being shut down) and can get the full package when the doors do shut in the future here! Its not much - but its double what I would have gotten if they decided to lay me off yesterday!

Next appointment is thursday July 8th! Will keep you updated then - unless something else happens in the mean time.

Britt page

FYI Britt's -
The email to invite us all must not have gone out yet - Craig will be checking on it today. I have not received my invite either. We will keep you all posted - but again - send the emails so that we can verify that I had the correct ones in my files.

Oh - and a heads up for a post- always remember to go to the bottom of the post page and hit the button for "publish post" and then once that is done I always repost the entire blog and then view it all to verify its really there. Trust me - I've learned by mistake (smiley face)
Love,
GAil

A new week

Well its been a very long week as you can tell by all the posts. We made it through everything last week and without the baby coming early! Which was good. I have to say it had to be the most difficult week of my life - but I wanted to thank (and I know this comes from the all 4 of us) all the family and friends for EVERYTHING that you did! IT means so much to us all. Especially the family and even friends that drove from all over to be there with us in our time of grief. It is just amazing to know how great our everyone is. And I'm glad everyone is also making it home safely as well!

I know dad and I were talking today - and we felt bad we may not have talked to everyone that came to the visitations and funeral - please accept our apologizes. We were busy trying to talk to everyone and with me- I had everyone trying to keep me seated. Which it did help! Probably one reason the baby still isn't here yet (yes - that is good).

The funeral and everything were beautiful - Craig, Marcus and Kathy's speaches were so amazing they captured mom perfectly. I know we can all add stories and comments on the wonderful person she was - it reminds me I want to be more like her every day. And I am so thankful she was my mom and I have her as my example to raise my child in this world! She was amazing and always will be - we need to remember she's still with us and will be living through this baby in the near future again.

Thank you all for everything- the love and kindness were amazing by just everyone around. I know dad is still surprised by everything people have and are still doing. And if you want to help - just keep an eye on him for me! (yes dad - I know you will read this too - I'll have my spys out in Howell watching out for you - just because I love you so much! I'm not planning on doing this again for a minimum of 20 years).

For many people - Craig and I will keep this website updated for a while longer on baby updates. I know his earlier post noted the next appointment is this Wednesday morning - we'll go from there on the progress of baby B. I know I've been having more practice contractions over the last few days- but know its not the "real" thing just yet.
Thanks again for everyone - we'll never be able to put into words what it means to the family.

Then Came Sunday

We've gotten word that many people have made it home safe and sound after making the trip up to Michigan. I'm so glad that everyone was able to come and be with the family in this time. We've all lost someone near and dear to us, and it's going to take time to heal.

At Helen's request, I've set up a blogsite for the Britt family at:

http://britt_family.blogspot.com/

I sent out invitations to a number of people to participate, so if you didn't get one, it just means that I didn't have an e-mail address handy, so let me know and I can send you an invite as well. If you set up a basic profile in blogger then you can publish a post just as Gail and I have rather than just adding comments to other posts.

There's no additional news on the baby today. The baby is moving, and our next appointment is early Wednesday morning.

Press & Argus Obituary ~ June 23, 2004

Loretta Jane Wilcox

Loretta Jane Wilcox
Age 58, of Howell, died Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor. She was born May 11, 1946 in Powe, Missouri, the daughter of Clarence and Mary (Grindstaff) Britt. She was employed as a cashier for Sefa's Market for 10 years then became a customer service representative for Citizen's Insurance for 12 years. She is survived by husband, Douglas L. Wilcox, whom she married August 19, 1967 in Pontiac; children, Gail (Craig) Backus of Redford & Marcus Wilcox of Howell; dear sister to Helen Wright; Mary Adams both of Missouri; Norman Britt of OK; Laura Franklin; Shirley McCabe both of TX and Johnie Britt of MI and mother-in-law, Gurneith Wilcox of Howell. She was preceded in death by her brother, Leonard Britt and sister, Alma Walles. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 25, 2:00 P.M. at the First Baptist Church, 210 Church Street, Howell with Dr. Gary Bruland officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 1-4 & 6-8 P.M. at MacDonald's Funeral Home, Howell (517-546-2800). Memorial Contributions suggested to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or First Baptist Church.

Baby Update

Well we have some good news this week- baby news. The baby is definatley on its way - it could be here anytime basically - and the doctor did say it is possible to go full term (another 4 weeks). So that is good - but a big possibilty the baby still can come early.

I have started to dilate already - 1 cm - 10 cm is needed. So cRaig and I have the lecture on what to look for and not to stray too far from home basically - just stay in the metro area.

We also had an ultrasound which dad was able to be at with us - due to everything this week, they could squeeze us in this afternoon. So that was so nice for me to have dad there with me! I am still hoping he'll be with Craig and I when the baby is born- still need my "birth partners"! I think we can con him into that as well.

Baby looks healthy - big - about 6 pounds so far (just a guess). But I'm sure its a good guess.

Craig and I will probably keep this website going to now share the happy news for the next month or so. Please feel free to check in - mom was so excited for this baby and we KNOW that the baby and her family were always topic #1 over the last few weeks. She'd want everyone to be happy for this occasion and remember all the good times- her family and friends were the most important thing in her life - everyone came first in her book.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

I did some research about the Leukemia Society. Please consider making a donation to them in lieu of flowers. The mailing address is:

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Office of Donor Services
1311 Mamaroneck Ave.
White Plains, NY 10605

Their website is:

www.leukemia.org


On-line donations can be made at:

Donate Online Now

Funeral Arrangements

Loretta lost her battle today. On Sunday, we just thought it was a bad day, but that it would pass. I thought all along that she would get better, but everything just went wrong, and she passed away this morning at 9:00 AM.

Visitation will be at MacDonald Funeral Home on Thursday. Visiting hours will begin on Thursday at Noon for family and then opens up to everyone at 1 PM until 4 PM. We'll continue in the evening from 6 PM until 8 PM.

The funeral itself will be held on Friday. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Howell and the funeral will be held at 2:00 PM. The service will last approximately 45 minutes, and then will be followed by the internment at Lakeview Cemetery in Howell. We'll return to the church for an early supper at 3:30.

We really do appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers, and just continue to think of Loretta and the family.

First Baptist Church
210 Church St
Howell, MI
517.546.2830

North of the Court House in Howell


MacDonald Funeral Home
215 N Michigan Ave
Howell, MI 48843
517.546.2800


Florist

Country Lane Flower
729 S Michigan Ave
Howell, MI

517.546.1111


Donations can be made to the Leukemia Society of America or to the First Baptist Church in Howell.


Doug's Address is:

Doug Wilcox
1274 S Alstott Dr
Howell, MI 48843

Miracle Needed

Ok - mom's doing pretty darn bad - I probably won't post much this week.

She's in ICU, in a coma, the THINK she has perminant brain damage from a possible blood clot OR that the leukemai has spread to her brain and spinal fluid. She's too week and her blood counts are too low to do the tests. Oh - but ironically- her white blood cells are way up and over the level to come home - nice huh?

Anyhow - the siblings are all on their way up and some will be in tonight and staying at the hospital with dad and Marcus. I needed to rest - I'm exhausted - tried to sleep at the hotel at the hospital this afternoon - and just couldn't. Not like I"ll get much sleep tonight - but in my own bed.

Please pray for some miracle that we will all get through - it does not look good at all. Please know we will inform people of everything later this week. Right now - pray for Dad, Marcus, Craig, Baby B and I. We need the strength to get through all of this - especially dad.
Love,
Gail and family

Emergency Prayers needed

Ok - mom had a horrible day yesterday - long story - must tell later.

Anyhow - she fell alseep yesterday afternoon and the doctors can not get her to wake up at this point. Please pray for her to wake up and feel better. Pray for my father, Marcus, Craig and I and all the relatives that we can make it through another day too.

She has been moved from her room and is now in the ICU - we can not accept phone calls today - please understand - mom takes number one priority at this moment!

Mom's Surprise

Marcus, dad, Craig and I all met for lunch today to celebrate Marcus' birthday and father's day. Then we all headed over to visit with mom. She was pretty tired, they were giving her more platelets and blood - so they had her doped up on Tylenol and Benedryl. But she was coming around when we were there. She even was all dressed up and got out of the room. She had told the nurses her family was all coming and they made her get all done up. I guess they decided that her chemo is over and its time to dress in something other than hospital gowns! So that was really nice of them.

It was a nice visit - but mom is still very weak and tired. Her counts did all go up today! Her white counts went up 400 points! So that was good news too. We are just trying to build up the strength and get her butt home.

The nurses there are just great and all know we are expecting a baby/grandbaby soon- plus its a little hard to hide my belly or waddle anymore. I'm ALL out front. So I asked if mom could hear the heart beat with a stethescope. So the nurse went to get it - and instead ran up to the maternity ward and took a some doppler equipment that allows you to hear the heart beat so much easier! After a while we finally found it! It took 3 nurses - and we figured out the baby is facing downward and is sideways today. Hopefully it will turn or else that is grounds for a c-section. Anyhow - we heard the heart beat! It was so exciting to share that with the family. A little embarassing, because some other people walked in and got a nice belly shot with all these nurses around me with some monitor - I was pretty well blocked - but a little odd to see I'm sure. I think some people were also sitting in the room could hear it as well - they all just smiled! It was nice to see a big smile on mom and dad's faces. We aer going to the ultrasound on Wednesday - mostly to see how big this little one is - we are hoping they will not recommend inducing labor early - Craig and I are just not ready! And we feel that if baby and I are fine - we'd rather wait a few more weeks to let the baby develope as much as possible. I'm planning on asking for a good picture just for mom to have! The nurses say that is one of the things keeping her going - the baby and her family!

WE finaly were able to give her all the posts today - you can't imagine how much those mean to her. Also all the gifts people are sending, dropping off and even making! To the Bunko Group - that quilt was beautiful and you had us all in tears with that poem. And Sal and Katie - not sure if Marcus ever shared this website - but she loved the frog too! I know many others have sent gifts, cards, anything - trust me she loves it all and I can't remember them all off the top of my head.

I'm hoping to spend more time with mom tomorrow - I think I was in withdraws not seeing her all week - but my sore throat is totally gone.

Friday afternoon update

HI all - spoke to mom only for a brief time today - she's very tired and needs her rest - doctors orders for the day. rest today and build strength back up tomorrow. She's taking it to the letter!

the blood counts really are not moving much - white cells did go down yesterday (dad told me that last night). Its very frustrating - but we just hope it means the chemo is working and doing its thing.

I haven't been able to confirm all this with dad yet - realized I have made too many calls on my cell phone - so trying to behave till next month and extra minutes kick in. Anyhow - mom said the doctor plans on taking a bone marrow sample next week - even though she's got a lot of sores right now. He said it doesn't matter. We really won't know what's going on and how things have worked until he gets those results back. Not sure how long that will take - I know from before it took about 48 hours to evaluate the bone marrow to finally determine ALL. But it took about a week to get the final results - but they thought it was something else first. So we'll see. Please keep us all in your prayers - especially mom for strength and patiences to get through this trial in her life. We are all staying very positive and need all the positive re-enforcemtns we can get right now. I know I've never been good with surprises and the "not knowing" so this is very hard on me. I know its hard on all of us - we are not ready to give up this fight yet - and gosh darn it - we will do what ever it takes to do this.

If mom needs a bone marrow or stem cell transplant - please think very hard if you would ever consider being a donor. We know there is a good chance that a relative will be a match - but just incase - think about it first. If needed, we'll go out and ask people to get tested - even if you can't help mom - just think you can help someone else. I've been on the databank for a few years now and have never been contacted.

Baby Update

Good news - baby is still BIG! I guess my belly measures pretty big right now - but that is ok. The heart rate and my blood pressure is still good. They now want me to come in once a week for a check up - probably going to see how things are progressing more closely. The good/bad news - the ultrasound is scheduled for next week - June 23rd! That is good news - bad (well not really bad) - not sure if mom will be out to come see the ultrasound. If not - we hope dad can come as well- he needs a little happy boost as well. He just doesnt' want to know the sex - we'll see. Its up to the baby if its ready to let me know.

Getting excited! Time is getting close - only a few more weeks! 5 weeks and counting!

Do we have to bring our own?

MId week!

Well I just got off the phone with mom - she sounds pretty darn good! The bag-o-food seems to be doing the trick to get her some strength back. Her counts have been going up all week as well - not sky rocketing up - but continuing the climb in the right directions! So that is good. she should finish the 12 day chemo this Friday and then I think we wait till her counts go up and she can come home! The plan is (as of early this week) that she'll have a few weeks off to rest and build strength back up before the 5 day treatment - so that will be nice. If we can get her home for a few weeks - she should be able to go see the ultrasound at the end of June! So I'm excited. I still have to get permission from the doctor tomorrow - but I don't see why her and dad can't come in for a little glance at mom's little peanut.

She's loving everyone's phone calls, cards, etc. It means so much to her - she just is so amazed people care so much is all she says. We keep telling her its because of her - she's too loveable and loves everyone else. Some day it may sink in.

Other than that - life is good - baby update will come tomorrow! I can't see mom right now due to a sore throat - but will get it checked out by the doctor tomorrow. HOpefully its just allergies and not a virus I heard was going around.

We also ordered mom's wig this week! will be interested to see how it looks on her - we decided she'll be blonde! She's very positive about the hair - and so glad my aunt Chris was able to give her some hats/turbins. She's been using them a lot.

Will update with baby news tomorrow and any new info on mom. So far this week - its all been pretty normal.

Mom and Nursery update

Ok - mom's doing a lot better - her counts went up a little more today and her strenght is getting better. We know it takes time - but any progress to be seen is good. Her doctors are still happy with her progress.

Marcus went today to start the process to see if he will be a match to donate platelets to mom. If necessary, we may ask the family in MIchigan to do so as well if they are willing. We first will see how Marcus matches and go from there. To do anything - you would need a note or request from mom's doctors - so don't worry about it yet. He's just being very proactive and wanting to know who is a good match for anything needed now rather than wait till its needed in an emergency situation. So that is good. Not sure if he's received or reviewed all the siblings bone marrow results yet - I'll keep on mom and dad to remember to ask. I know I have been tested already too and in the databank - so maybe I'm a match and we can figure it out when needed. I unfortunately can't do anything with blood until after the baby is here (and not sure how long I have to wait). And the baby may be a stem cell donor too! Wouldn't that be cool.

Mom's tired now - but feeling a lot better - knows a lot of the family are coming up this summer and looking forward to visits and picnics with everyone.

Baby news - Craig finisehd all the furniture for the nursery! We now have it all in its spot and the bedding is on the bed. Fudd even tested out the crib and seemed to enjoy it. His new place is the rocking chair and ottoman in the nursery. Just happy he's adjusting to the change and getting used to the room now before the baby arrives. Next, my cousin Kyle is coming to see what she can do to paint a mural on the wall(s) for us later this week. We are very excited - she's very talented too- so it will be very special. We still need to put things away, but waiting to move things for painting &/or border first. So getting excited. Next appointment is Thursday morning - Marcus' birthday!!! He's hitting the big 30! See I can say this because I know he doesn't even know what this website is - he can get mad later :-) (not sure if that smily face will come out)

Weekend UPdate

Ok - I sound like the SNL skit. Anyhow - was able to visit with mom for a little bit today. She's still just exhausted from the treatments on Friday. They did her new daily chemo in the morning and didn't do the big "Friday" treatment till after 5 pm. So the double dose and continued daily treatments have just worn her out! So please know if the phone is busy she probably has it off the hook. IF its busy for more then 30-60 minutes just make that assumption. She needs her sleep right now. And today - they are giving her platelets and all the antibiotics - so she's just going to be resting a lot this afternoon and evening.

Over all - she's doing pretty darn good, the counts did go down a little as expected after Friday's treatment - but not as low as they have in the past. So that is really good. WE know they go down on the weekends and usually rebound by MOnday - so she'll feel better tomorrow.

The doctors finally started her on food through the IV - she just isn't able to eat that much. It sounds silly - but I don't think we can understand until we are in her shoes. Some of the biggest side effects of chemo is sores in the mouth, lack of appetite and nothing tasting good. She's got them all right now. And the medicine for her mouth makes it worse. She is trying very hard to eat as much as she can. And that will help - they think the medicine for her mouth has coated her stomach and real food will be able to help wash that out of there and help her feel better. Even if she can't -the nutrition in the IV will just give her some of her strenght back. WE are all hopeful that once the 12 day treatments are done (should be this next weekend) her counts will have built up high enough to come home. Its a little scarey -but we know that the doctors won't let her come home until she's able. And like I've said before- we will continue with family only visits for a while until mom is ready. Getting an infection now will just push the last 5-6 weeks of treatments down the tube! I know no one wants to see that happen. And I need her healthy to see the baby's ultrasound in a few weeks and to be there at the hospital when the baby is born (my doctors are fine with it - but she will need her doctors permission - she won't hurt the baby or I - but we need clearance that her counts are ok to be at my hospital).

So over all - good weekend lots of positive news! Very thankful - just seeing her weak is very difficult - mom's never really been too sick. So for all of us - its hard to watch and see her like this. FAith in God will get us through and it seems to be working.

Continue with the phone calls - it does mean a lot to her talking to family especially! She loves you all so much and she loves the posts that Craig prints off of this website for her too!
Love Gail and gang

FYI - Posts

Just to let someone know - I deleted the one post from yesterday ONLY because it was accidentally a duplicate and I figured out how to do it. I unfortunately did not realize it left a note that I deleted it. Sorry -

Also - I've had a few people email me asking who's been posting the nice poems and writings the last few days. People seem to really find inspiration in them and would were wondering if you could include your name (that is of course up to you). People say thank you!

Have a good day.
GAil

A new Start?

Well its Saturday morning - won't be talking to mom till later this afternoon in hopes she is getting the needed rest she needs this morning. Yesterday was a little different than the last few Fridays. DAd was able to get to the hospital in time to see the doctor again (Yeah!) - but man its very early before 7 am. The doctor said he didn't think they would do the 12 day chemo yesterday but do the normal Friday chemo. Anyhow - that changed - they ended up deciding to do both. Which is fine -it just postponed the big Chemo treatment back to late afternoon/early evening. At 3:30 yesterday, mom still hadn't had the "Friday chemo". But maybe being so late - she would be tired and sleep some last night.

The doctor was very pleased by mom's progress this past week all her blood counts kept rising! It sounds like yesterday may be the last Friday treatment for this "round"! She'll continue the 12 day treatment for the remainder of time (so that should end next weekend). The one down side is mom isn't eating much. Mostly because of the stomach virus she had over the last few days - so they said they may give her some food/nutrients in the IV. Not sure how she feels about it - but dad and I were talking yesterday and thought it may be a good idea. This way she won't feel bad if she can't eat anything, but can still try. And she'll automatically be getting some nutrition to help build up her strength. She already has the IV ports - may as well just hang another bag up there. Getting her strength back now is very important.

The doctor also told dad as of yesterday (things may change - but that is ok) that he felt she needed some time off before the 5 day intensive treatment. So maybe 2-3 weeks (not sure when he starts counting those weeks - but that is ok). And he may do a bone marrow test before the 5 day treatment to see how well it has been working. They all feel that from mom's evaluations to date that it appears to be working and they probably want to know how well.

We know its the weekend, so her counts will go down - but since they were so high they may not get as low as they have been. And they will again rebound more quickly with all the new treatments continuing. So its exciting. Still can't give a day when she'll be home - but soon is expected. At best guess before the end of the month! So my hope - she's feeling well to come to the ultrasound (to be scheduled) at the end of the month. Get her first glimpse of her little Peanut as she had been calling the baby.

Baby side note - actually SAW it move last night! That was pretty darn cool! Its very faint - but saw it with my own eyes - rolling around on my belly.

Chemo DAy - hopefully last Friday

Good morning - well today "should" be mom's last Friday chemo treatment - lets hope! But things are starting to turn around for the good! We were very excited yesterday. Dad and I stopped by for a visit yesterday - mom was quite tired - she hadn't had much sleep over the previous few nights. One night she felt sick, the other was a problem with the lady across the hall - she did not want to be there.

Anyhow - as of yesterday her blood counts are really coming up! We are so happy! She didn't feel well because she has a stomach virus and they have her on medicine to get rid of that. But the blood counts coming up is great! WE know that they will go down after today - but hoping that maybe if they are up - they won't go down as far or that its a good sign that they will just continue to rebound next week. It appears this new daily chemo is working and they also gave her a shot to bring up the white cells on WEdnesday. They may give that again tomorrow.

She's a little scared to go home when they say she can. AFter going home after the gall bladder surgery - they totally missed the cancer at that time - I can't blame her. But we know the doctor will not release her until she is stong enough and we vow as a family to protect her and take care of her. So please - when she does come home - just know you need to call first. If we do not answer the phone know that is not a good day or time. Also - we will still have the family only rule for a while until mom is really back on her feet - this has nothing against all their great friends. This is only to protect mom and ensure she feels comfortable and gets her rest. WE will want her to build up her strength to continue this fight. Our family just asks that everyone respects these wishes.

Will update again this weekend - know mom will be tired after chemo today!

Latest update

Well heres another update on mom - she seems to be doing ok - noted this morning that she has a little stomach virus. So the doctors are giving her all sorts of fun medicine to "flush" it out. Sounds like fun huh? So she wasn't feeling so hot when we talked this morning.

Other than that - think Marcus and I (and dad of course) made her Tuesday when we were all there for a visit. Unfortunately, we missed dad - but Marcus and I were there together. We had a nice visit and even had mom laughing and embarassed (leave it to marcus). Ended up in the chapel probably on topics meant for any other room in the hospital. But it was fun.

It looks like mom's blood counts are slowly going up are at least the same - so that is good. They are having difficult time getting platelets to match and hte doctor is looking at some alternatives (even family members - unfortunately, I can not be considered because the baby needs any extra blood I have right now). So we are looking at those alternatives. Right now, it sounds like she's fine and gets her platelets from the biker dudes out in California. But the doctor would like to have a Plan B as Craig would say.

We are hoping to get her measurements and order her wig this weekend. She'll be happy to have that for a while. may even have it when she's in the hospital to feel a little better on the low days. Her 12 day treatments are going good so far - and just glad I can be there on those days still.

Dad and I are heading up to see her today - hopefully we'll get to pass each other for a few minutes this afternoon. Because of my office moving they are turning all computers & the network off at 3 pm today - so hopefully I can miss some of the traffic. AND I get tomorrow to work at home. So that will be a change of pace too - my feet and ankles are so swollen today - I really need to just relax.

Will keep everyone posted after the chemo tomorrow - hope to update this weekend. And thanks again to all those that are calling, sending cards, posting notes - mom loves them! She gets all excited about talkin to people. Please just understand that she may not remember things so well if she is on her medicine or exhausted.

happy news

Mom's doctor told her this morning that I will be able to visit her during the 12 day treatment because its not as strong of a chemo. However, the same rules for the Friday treatments is still in place. We will be carefuly still. Her doctor is actually more conservative than the OB - I figured we would go by the most conservative answers. So she's happy we can still see each other for the next few weeks.

Monday night clarification

ok - spoke to mom and dad tonight. The new medicine they started today is a 12 day treatment that they will put in her port (IV hook up). It is a chemo treatment - more mild than what she has been getting on MOndays. They say itshould help withher blood counts - so that is good. Unfortuantely - not sure if I can go see her for 12-13 days now. Which will SUCK. MOm and dad are going to check with the doctors - good thing for phones. Craig said he'd go and visit mom for me- what a sweet heart.

FAmily - please call mom first before you go and visit - so far she's doing very well. But with daily chemo - we are not sure how her counts will react - so we don't want any infections.

Friends and family - mom said to tell people to call her - she has had a lot of calls the last few days and enjoyed them tons. She's like people to continue to call if you can - it really perks her spirits. Just know if her throat or mouth are too sore - she may ask you to call back.

Keep the prayers going.

Monday Morning Update

Talked to mom briefly on the phone today - she sounds horrible, all the sores in her mouth and throat really are painful. so please be aware of this if you try and call her. She can talk - but its tough.

She is feeling good today - overall. Tired because the medicines from yesteday kept her up last night. Hopefully they can give her something to help sleep today.

Anyhow - her counts were up again today! Yeah! They are now changing some of her medicines and trying something new. From what someone mentioned earlier (a nurse I belive) what they want to try will help get her counts up and stay up. so they are testing it today to ensure no allergic reactions. Lets hope it works. If she can get through this Friday's chemo - then hopefully her counts will begin to rebound and stay up and she can come home! Keep fingers crossed - that will be great.

Weekend Update (mom and baby - probably a long post)

Hi all - just got home from my Sunday visit with mom. Was actually able to see Marcus, Dad and grandma all for a few minutes too. MOm was doing fairly well today -still has a hard time eating - but that's a normal side effect. I guess late last week they realized she had some sores in her mouth and throat - so that doesn't help matters either. Today the doctor mentioned some low grade fevers to keep an eye on - but they were not too worried. They are monitoring her all the time to ensuer she doesn't catch any infections - with her counts so low - it is very easy for her to get anything right now. So please - we still ask only family come to visit mom for now - call or post notes here or even send her cards - that will work well. And even when she comes home - we are still going to ask for family only until her counts are strong enough to have visitors - please understand its only because we love mom so much we want to keep her healthy that this has to be done. I know everyone loves her a lot too - and will want the same thing. Other than all that - mom is up and walking on her own now - so over all she's doing pretty darn good. They are going to be switching some of her medications this week to try and get her counts rebounding faster. WE hope in a few weeks she'll be home - and then she can see the next ultrasound of hte baby too!

Baby update - Craig can officially be a dad now (his words) - we passed our baby classes yesterday - so its official - we can be parents :-) Getting excited. I was able to return duplicate baby gifts yesterday and use the gift cards and money people gave us to get the things we really needed. WE now have a mattress and all the bedding for hte crib. Also the sheets for the bassinet (in the pack & Play) and covers for the changing table. NOw - the baby can do its normal new born things - poop and sleep - we have all the items it will need to start off with (I'm sure we'll be back and forth to the store every day when baby comes home - missing something).

Craig and his dad Ron are putting more of the furniture together right now - keeping my fingers crossed all the colors match. I'm off to finally get the overdue thank you cards done for my family baby shower and do much needed laundry.

Marcus was also able to visit mom today too - he's off playing golf this afternoon - wish him luck that he wins some cash to spend on his niece/nephew to be!

Comments to mom

Please remember that you can publish a comment to mom by clicking on "comment" at the end of any post! Then just do it anonymous - that works easiest from what we can tell. Just include your name in the message. But mom really enjoys knowing people can send her messages out there from all over. Craig prints them off and we bring them during our visits.

Keep the comments coming. We've had a few from some people - you can also click on "comment" at the end of the posts to see the comments other people have left for mom too.

Chemo Friday #3

Mom is having chemo today - its the 3rd Friday treatment. It looks like she will have 1 more Friday - next Friday. We anticipate she will be in the hospital until after that next treatment and her counts come up. Not exactly sure when the 5 day intensive treatment will begin - she may be in until after that as well. Its all dependant on her counts at this time.

I expect she'll be sleepin a lot this afternoon and just resting. Usually the treatments just wear her out and rest is what she needs most. So if you call - please don't be surprised at all. The answering machine is back up and running - so leave a message (she is not able to call out yet). She does like her calls and told me to remind people of that - her number is 734-712-1132. Just understand she may not be able to talk too long or may not be availalbe to talk right then. Just know even a message will brighten her day. She's been getting calls from my cousins and other relatives this week and its really brought her spirits up - you know who you are - THANKS!!! she was also happy to spend some time with Marcus last night too. He tried to get her some dinner but I guess they both had bad luck. She realized what she had was just too greasy and his I think just tasted horrible. the important thing was she was able to spend some alone time with her son.

Dad is with her today - he was able to be there before 7 am to see the doctor. The doctor is still very happy with mom's progress. He wishes her blood counts would rebound faster, but knows this happens with some patients - its still nothing to fret about right now. He has some other options he will be trying next week to help get them stable and in some balance (mostly the platelettes and the white cells). they mentioned something would probably be a medicine or drip for 12 days! Not exactly sure if I have the correct - will try and verify with the nurses this weekend.

Doctor is very happy to report that mom's liver looks like its getting better! And she hasn't had any fever or temperature yet. So that is very good news. He also belives the treatments are working - we just have to be patient with everything. I think we have been learing that everyday of this process - its a day by day thing to get through together.

I'm still being hopeful that if mom can't make it to the ultrasound at the end of June, she will be at the hospital for the baby's birth. My doctors say its not a problem for them - they just recommend mom's doctors approval. Mostly its important her white cells are high enough - we won't expose her to any virus or infection.

I'm not able to see mom until sunday - but will give another update later this weekend (maybe after my Sunday visit). But right now - know she's doing pretty darn good considering everything she's going through.

Mid-week update

Craig and I brought some dinner up to eat with mom today. Guess the few bites of soup she had were teh most she'd eaten all day. DAd was there all afternon and said she was feel sick most of the day. She seemed good when we were there.

Trying to boost her spirits - told her if she can get out by the end of the month she may be able to see the next ultrasound. So hopefully we can get to that point. I'd let both mom and dad come in. Dad's been hot on when we'll get pictures from another ultrasound since March. Also told them they will be Craig's assistants when the baby is born. We are only allowed 3 people - so they are the chosen ones.

Its getting late - I probably won't be back till Sunday - but I talked to her at least 2 times a day - Chemo is on Friday - I'll probably update then.

Baby Update

Good afternoon all - here is the latest Baby Update (I start visiting the doctore every 2 weeks for a month and then every week in July).

baby is doing good - with a very strong heart beat still. I'm doing good - only gained a total of 10 pounds so far during the entire pregnancy - so that is good too. Right now - it appears I'm carrying very high and getting very big. The doctor today (I finally met the last of the 4 doctors) said that he feels a very big baby and guesses it could be about 8 pounds when born. After all my crazy pregnancy thoughts - i was very pleased to hear its growing even if it is "big". its Still not a 10 pound baby! We'll be getting another ultrasound at the end of June to check the baby's size and hopefully it will be nice and let us see what the sex is.

The doctor was also able to answer a lot of questions and recommneded a company that we can use to collect the baby's cord blood. If needed, we will check to see if the baby's stem cells that are saved are a match to mom - so they can be used if the siblings are not a match. Or - we'll just save them for the baby's future. Learned in the last month you just never know when you will need something like this. But it sure would be cool if the baby's blood could save mom! What a connection the two would have!

Going to visit mom tonight and bring her dinner. She was all excited she saw Marcus last night and my cousin Freddy called to talk to her to. Between the two - they made her entire evening and today (and probably more)! She sure does love all of her family - she's the next "Aunt Stella"!

Another day

MOm sounded good today - and in good spirits. Craig and I will be bringing her up some dinner tomorrow - trying to get her to eat something right now. So if anyone has any recommendations on how to increase her appetite - let us know. Luckily - she hasn't been too sick - so that is good.

Mom was hoping Marcus could get up there today too - she looks forward to seeing her kids. She had fun talking baby stuff on the phone today - we decided to keep all baby duplicates and stuff out at her house so she'll have things there. So that works out perfect!

Things are crazy with life around here - so if you don't get daily updates - please understand. Plus - things just don't change that much.

Me - 3 more people put in resignations at work today. So if you know anyone in the Detroit area that is a head hunter, a consulting firm or even industry that may need an environmental person in Sept/Oct - please let me know. I'll be looking around that time.

Enjoy the shortened week.