Boringville

It was really nice to have a "normal" weekend. No trips to the hospital, no throwing up, and everyone spending the night in the same house. I say this because Jess thinks that the latest updates might be too boring-- not enough excitement. I am completely the opposite-- no exciting news means Jess is doing OK, so bring on the boring stuff I say!

Today was perhaps the smoothest first day ever. The copier wasn't fixed until this afternoon, but my classes went just fine anyway. Katelyn had a good first day back too.

Tomorrow Bryn gets her cast off although (I'm not making this up) she really likes it and has grown attached to it. That said I hope she has had her fill of casts this year.

Jess has her first tests this week on Wednesday. I'm asking our God of the Possibles for the impossible-- that the scans show that there are no tumors at all. God will choose to do what He wants to do (and we are OK with that), but there's nothing wrong with asking for the whole enchilada, right?

Katelyn's Home:)

Katelyn's home after two weeks with her grandparents in Portland, Oregon. For us it felt more like three weeks because she was gone for a week of church camp right before her trip. We all really missed her. Jess has her (Katelyn) in the morning going clothes shopping and a hair cut so she can be styling at school, and I have her for the night taking her and a friend to a profesional soccer game in FC Dallas's brand new stadium, so we are wasting no time in "catching up" with her.

I am almost ready for school on Monday. I would be even more ready, but our school's one copier broke down. I should have known better and got my copies done earlier because our copy usually dies right before exams have to be run off and right before school starts.

A Good Day for Jess

Today we signed Jadyn up for fall soccer. When we got back in the car to head home Jadyn became concerned and said, "Daddy, I haven't got to play my game yet." She is going to have to wait a while her first game is September 24th. We were debating whether even to let her play soccer in the fall (I'm sure some of her games will conflict with Katelyn's), but when we found out about Jadyn's upcoming surgery it was very clear to us to let her do all she can now.

Other than the lingering bad taste in her mouth, Jess had another great day. Jess did the Hip-Hop Class again at the Y today which is a pretty strenous workout. She felt a little more comfortable today among the dancing divas because there was one really bad dancer who had about as much style as a sumo wrestler doing a belly flop. However, as her husband I figure its one more thing I can do to support her.

I think it would be really cool if next week Jess's scans revealed that no surgery is needed. Keep on praying warriors.

Thoughts from Jadyn

Much earlier this year, Jadyn cut her hair. Jess was able to salvage it into a decent looking but very short cut. So that Jadyn wouldn't like her hair so short (and therefore prevent any further self-hair cuts), Jess kept telling her that she couldn't wear pigtails until it grew out. Well, today when we told Jadyn that mommy's hair would start growing out again, Jadyn turned to Jess and said, "Now you can wear pig-tails!"

We were also talking to Jadyn about getting her cast at the beginning of next year. Now when Jadyn was about eighteen months old we had to put her in a traction contraption the whole day except for meal times, baths, and diaper changes. If we wanted to take us with her, we could take her out to put her in her car seat (for short trips), but then we had to put her back into traction. The only way we could walk with her is to put the whole contraption into a wagon and pull her. We have since given the wagon to charity. To flash back to the present, when we were talking to Jadyn about her cast at first she was fine, but then she said "Oh no!" Jess and I both anxiously asked her what the matter was. She told us, "We don't have the wagon anymore."

Jess is feeling much better today. She has a constant bad taste in her mouth, but the queasiness is pretty much gone.

Playing Catch-up

My flight got delayed tonight, so I missed tucking my girls in tonight-- I didn't realize Jadyn appreciated my bear sounds so much. For me the blog, has served as a "catch-up" for me since Jess is fast asleep in bed. I didn't even know she was home-- and she didn't either-- she jumped put of bed about three feet in the air then went right back to sleep. I think this time has been particularly trying on her-- I have been calling her everyday for a few minutes (just long enough for her to know I have been thinking about her and short enough for her to get her rest) and her "I'm fines" have been sounding weaker and weaker. I know part of that has to do with not being able to keep down food this time around.

I had both an enjoyable and interesting trip. I got to see a ton of Heather and Terry (who I had never met before) which was fantastic. I also got to spend a lot of time with my dad. It just happened to be underneath his house in the dirt with water pouring down on me. You see my dad bought an old house from the 1920s and has been fixing it up. It just so happened that he chose to replace the old copper and iron pipes with PCVC ones the day I got there. We started in the morning and worked non-stop until the next morning. I took a shower about 3:30 AM utilizing the water pipes we put in and it felt wonderful. Actually I really enjoyed helping my dad put the pipes in and the rest of the time I got to spend with him and the rest of the family.

Heather's wedding was beautiful. She arrived in a horse draw carriage and got married in a garden park. She designed all of the boquets and table arrangements and I must say I was very impressed. I am very grateful for my Jessica approving of the trip.

Chemo day

Today I had my 6th round, accompanied by my sister Hope and friend, Jessica. We had a good time together. Actually, I should say they had a good time while I slept all through our movie, True Lies. I woke up for the climactic ending.

Dr. Haley had to write down her notes onto two pages this morning. We had a lot of appointments to make. The week of the 15^th (of course it's the week school starts!!), I will have appointments for a MRI of breast and underarm, CAT scans of various other parts, a bone scan, and an meeting with the surgeon, Dr. Euhus. Then on the 22nd my doctors will present my case to a board that makes decisions about further treatment. I've said before on the blog, but I love that they all work as a team. I will meet with Dr. Haley on the 25th to get her update and to get started.

Even though I know the next days are hard, I am comforted by the fact that this is the last round of this type of a heavy "3 week" dose of chemo! My sister is spending the night with me tonight because Jake is still out of town. My Aunt Sandy has coordinated the rest of the weekend to have us all covered.

Even though I am so happy that Jake is spending time with his family in Maryland, we miss him here too. Jake usually does the whole bedroom routine. It starts with pj's, teeth, and ends up in bed with a story, a few sips of water, and special daddy hugs and prayers. I am attempting my best to fill in, but it is challenging. During our story of the 3 little bears, Jadyn started crying...screaming crying. She said that daddy makes the bears go "Grrrr", not "Roaaar". She actually screamed this message to me and covered her face in the covers. After the story, I just lay down with her and rubbed her face as Jake often does, and she drifted off to sleep. Jake gets home Sunday night, and I hope it is in time to tell her a good night story!

Thanks for your prayers.

August Prayer Calendar

1st Pray for healing 1 John 5:14-15
2nd Pray for healing for surgery and treatment plan Proverbs 8:14
3rd Pray for God’s timing with the surgery date Ecc 3:1
4th Chemo today. Pray for rest. Deut 32:10
5th Pray for strengthening 1 Peter 5:10
6th Pray that the Lord would be their helper Hebrews 13:6
7th Pray for peace for the whole family 2 Thes 3:16
8th Pray unity Col 3:14
9th Pray for no fear 1 John 4:18
10th Pray they cast all anxieties 1 Peter 5:7
11th Pray for strengthening Col 1:11
12th Pray they would put their minds on godly things Phil 4:8
13th Pray they would stand in the Lord Eph 6:10
14th Pray that God would do more than we ask Eph 3:16-21
15th Pray for protection 2 Thes 3:3
16th Pray peace to rule in their hearts Col 3:15
17th Pray that we would bear this burden Gal 6:2
18th Pray they would find Christ sufficient 2 Cor 12:9
19th Pray they would find triumph in Christ 2 Cor 2:14
20th Pray they would rejoice in hope, perseverance, and pray Rom 12:12
21st Pray they would abide in Christ John 15:4
22nd Pray their faith would rest on the power of God 1 Cor 2:5
23rd Pray they would be directed into the love of God 2 Thes 3:5
24th Pray they would take all anxiety to the Lord Phil 4:6-7
25th Pray God’s hope would fill them joy and peace Rom 15:13
26th Pray they would take refuge in the Lord Nahum 1:7
27th Pray they would trust the Lord as their rock Isiah 26:4
28th Pray they would trust God and not be afraid Isaiah 12:2
29th Pray they would run to the Lord the strong tower Prov 18:10
30th Pray God give wisdom to the doctors Prov 8:14
31st Pray for rest and good sleep for all Prov 3:24

Jadyn's hips... and hip hop!

I took Jadyn to Scottish Rite today for her yearly check of her hips. The X-ray showed no signs of improvement, even though she had a great physical exam: her hip had great rotation, and she is walking and running normally. However, eventually she would have problems with her hips if left untreated (arthritis and early hip replacement...) because her socket is not deep enough. He gave me some leeway on the date, so I am going to figure out my surgery first and book hers a little later. In the Kaylor family, you have to wait your turn with major problems. Unfortunately, no one has been following that rule! I see many good things about this, even though it was not the news we wanted: 1st, it is a correctable problem. Dr. Johnston says he has great success getting a perfect hip with this method. 2nd, Scottish Rite is a free orthopedic hospital, so this hospital stay is completely covered. And, we have some time to deal with it (just needs to be done before she turns 5). When we decide to do it, she will surgically have pins put in her hip to pull the socket into place, she will have a body cast over 1 full leg and I think half of the other for 6 weeks. Then they'll take the pins out and the leg/hip should begin to grow correctly.

Speaking of hips...
Tonight I took a hip hop dance class at the Y. If any of you are feeling down and want some good entertainment, you can come to my next class to watch me make a complete fool of myself with dancers that are about 17 and many others with just a ton of rythm. I do it because it's the best workout I get all week, and the time flies by. And, I fit right in with my do rag-bandana. It really is a good mind break. It's my goal this round to make it to this class on Saturday.

Tomorrow I am off to my 6 of 6...my 6th round of my 6th treatment. I am not necessarily looking forward to it, but I am excited that it is the last of this type! God has assuredly gotten me this far, I know I can do one more with His help. I am not expecting Dr. Haley to tell me much of anything new tomorrow. I think she will set up my appointment with the surgeon, Dr. Euhus. It is after that surgery consultation appt. that Drs. Euhus and Haley will meet to discuss the next phase of my treatment. I love that at Southwestern, the doctors are all part of a team. It really helps to have that unified plan of attack.

Thanks for thinking and praying for our family this week! We feel lifted up all the time.

Back to Work

I wanted to write tonight because I may not get a chance these next couple of days while I am in Virginia, but I am going to make it quick because Jess has already started heading for bed. Today I did my first of two days of teacher in-service. It was a lot nicer than I imagined it would be mostly because seeing teachers from Young (my school) and two of the elementary schools: Corey and Wood is a lot like visiting family. I leave tomorrow night for Virginia and Katelyn has already left to spend two weeks in Portland with her grandparents. I am still a little worried about Jess, Bryn, and Jadyn since I will be gone-- but I feel much better today: thank you for your prayers.

Plenty of Prayer (needed)

You need to read the comment on the post just before this one. By the way Jess and I always read the comments on the current posts (unless you tell us about it as one friend did, we don't go back to check the comments on old posts) and we both find them encouraging.

Jess and I had a wonderful retreat this weekend. Jess told me something really sweet on the way home. She said that she liked spending time with the kids, but that she really loved spending time with me.

Just a few days ago I talked about we handled Bryn's broken arm with practically no worry. Well I must confess that I am having difficulty leaving next week in God's hands (please pray for me). First of all I am starting work again on Monday for some staff training. It's not the training that has me stressed out; it is the idea of starting another season not at home during work hours and added stress as I again begin to teach junior high.

Then, after my second day of training I fly out for my sister Heather's wedding. I'm pretty excited about going, especially because she is picking me up from the airport and I haven't been able to see much of her as she has been finishing college and doing crazy things like doing scientific work on islands. The flip side is that we have been waiting on a date from the hospital for a check-up for Jadyn's hip, and we just recently got it... the morning after I leave. Please pray that her hip has fully formed and does not require surgery, pins, or any further treatment.

Then, Jess has chemo on Thursday. Please pray that I am able to turn the care of Jess and our kids over to our Sunday school class and Jess's family. Also please pray (are you getting tired of those two words in this blog?) that our kids will adjust well to whoever is watching them and also to temporarily not having both of their parents, that Jess will be able to relax (in fact if you just want to spend all of your time praying for that one that would be fine), and that the chemo/prayer would kick the cancer's butt.

Retreat and Shopping

Along with several women from our Sunday school class, Jess has been planning a marriage retreat for months now. I knew it was coming at the end of summer, so I while I am excited about coming I am a little distressed that summer is almost over. The retreat starts tonight and we come home tomorrow night. The theme is "Survivor." I know that they are basing it off the reality tv show, but I can't think of a more appropriate theme for Jessica.

We took Bryn for a checkup on her arm this morning. Jess asked the doctor if Bryn was predisposed to breaking bones since this is the second Brynny has broken an arm, but the doc said her bones look great. Apparently, Bryn has already gotten the two most common broken bones in a child of her age-- I don't know what the third is but I am hoping we don't find out.

Katelyn came home from camp today. She didn't waste any time in playing with her sisters. It was very sweet because Katelyn used to play store all the time with Jess when she was about four (notice I said Jess-- I play a lot of things with the girls but store is not going to be one of them). Jess would be the shopkeeper (complete with foreign accent and dressed up too) and Katelyn would be the shopper. Well today, Katelyn was the shopkeeper and Bryn and Jadyn were the shoppers. It was neat seeing the Yikes as delighted with their purchases as Katelyn was six years ago, but it was even neater seeing Katelyn pass "store" on to her sisters.

Kaylor Kids

Sunday, Jadyn and Katelyn showed off their soccer skills. Conservatively I think that Jadyn scored about twelve goals which has just as much to do with being able to control the ball as it does with the members of the other team leaving the field to tell their parents they are hungry or have to go to the bathroom, or they don't want to play anymore. Sometimes the players do stay on the field, but chase after each other instead of the ball. Katelyn had to fight a lot harder for her four goals. When she scored her first of two shots left-footed-- she faced the stands and told me she had kicked it in with her left foot. Of course since it's indoor-- I had no idea what she was saying because of the thick plexiglass seperating us. I finally got the idea when she started wildly gesturing to her left foot.

Yesterday, Katelyn left for camp. The difference between this year and last year (when she left for the first time) is that she was very excited instead of nervous. Before she had even left she already planned sleeping arrangements with her friends. Also yesterday, Bryn said something very sad. She has been calling her favorite movie Barbie and the CrackCracker, but yesterday she called it Barbie and the Nutcracker. Before long she will not call flipflops, "flop-flops." Jess and I are a little sad because it means our littlest one is growing up.

I told you she was beautiful-- Jake 

Bryn's Second Cast

I had a really nice birthday yesterday, and I'm really glad my mom was here for it. There is only two months of the year that I get to be the same age as my wife, so I'm looking forward to being twenty-nine with her until her birthday on September 18th.

Bryn had two things wrong with her arm: nursemaid's elbow and a fracture just above the elbow. Yesterday, the doctor put her elbow back in place (ouch) and this morning (after we got the results from the x-ray back) I took her to get the fiberglass cast. Bryn has done really well through this and I'm really glad she didn't change her mind about the cast color after she got it on (it's purple). She did just tell me though that she is ready to take it off.

Jess and my mom at our at the salon getting pampered. They both got facials and haircuts too. I haven't seen my mom yet but Jess said it's a really cute bob. Jess's hair was similair to a new born baby's very short, soft, and thin: she got it buzzed. Even without seeing her, she is undoubtedly as beautiful as ever.

I'm looking forward to tonight. Originally my good friend Kelly Walker and his son-in-law Justin were going to come over and put in a ceiling fan for us. That has blossomed into a big get-together. Before we found out that Jess had cancer, she watched Justin's little girl Rylie. The Yikes grew really close to her, and they are really excited that she is coming over tonight along with her sister, her mom, and Kelly's wife and son. It is going to be a full house tonight, and I love having people over at our house.

An Exciting Birthday

Today has brought a different kind of excitement than I thought. We have always believed in giving our kids a little extra push whenever we thought they needed, and this morning Jadyn decided to follow our example. The only problem is Jadyn's pushing was literal as she pushed Bryn off the couch. Bryn who has already broken that wrist once before has almost asuredly broken her wrist again (I'll know pretty soon after she sees the doctor and gets x-rays this afternoon). I think God has already worked a change in me because I'm not worried about her (or the fact that we have already used our one covered x-ray under our insurance already this year), but I'm just really sad for her. I held our little two year-old daughter for two hours until she fell asleep. Normally nothing fazes our youngest one, but this time it was obvious that she was in a lot of pain. Various members of our family brought her her pacy (normally reserved for naps and sleeping at night), her blanky, pillow bear, and her favorite movie Barbie and the Nutcracker which she calls Barbie and the CrackCracker. It is the first time I have seen the movie all the way through and I was watching it I got to thinking why my girls like the movie so much. I think even at a young age it is evident that God has put in them a desire to be swept off their feet in adventure and to be truly beautiful. I think that is the cry of every female and I think it mirrors what Jesus did for the church (by that I mean people not church the building). Didn't he sweep us up in the greatest romantic adventure for our time? Isn't evident in his love for us he has made beauty from ugliness? When I mentioned that to Jess she said that a book she is reading with a young woman she is discipling talks about that very thing (the book is Captivating by John and Stasi Eldridge).

Despite all the excitement this morning it really has been a nice birthday so far. My mom made homemade cinnamon rolls (I love baked sweets) and I opened a present from Jess this morning that was a really sharp shirt. Tonight we are going to Cheddar's where I plan on having a big steak and a chocolate milkshake.

By the way Kathryn (notice the correct spelling) I appreciate the nice comment you left yesterday. I also thought it was hilarious that you mentioned that although I misspelled your name, you know how to spell "Jake." By the way you spell our oldest daughter"K-a-t-e-l-y-n" and Kathryn (notice again the correct spelling) there is really no need to comment this time.

Jessica is Home!

When Jess told me she was coming home soon yesterday in a-I'm-still-feeling-sick-as-a-dog voice I didn't believe her. What a surprise then when our family was outside and my mother-in-love pulled up with Aunt Sandy and out from the back seat pops Jess. Jadyn of course ran right to Jess and gave her a big hug. Bryn (who is constantly cracking me up) runs right past Jess, and instead screams "Grandma" and gives Jess's mom a hug. Then of course she turned right around screamed "Mommy" and gave Jess a big hug.

Before she came home, Jess kept saying over and over again that she doesn't know why we are making such a big deal this time about her being sick this time. To hear her tell it; she was barely sick. (Jess if you are reading this do not read the next line, but skip to the next paragraph) As for the rest of us, we think she got sicker faster and more intensely.

However, she is doing so much better for her first day home than she has ever done before. In fact she went and played volleyball tonight. And as I am typing this after midnight, she is still chatting away with my mom and our lovable (albeit a bit hyperactive) friend Katherine (OK Katherine now you can stop bugging me to write about you in the blog, and there is no need to respond to the hyperactive part in the comment section). Seeing as I am outnumbered gender-wise once again and strangely I seem more tired than Jessica I am going to bed while Jess continues to be the Engergized Bunny. Good night.

The Good, The Bad, and The Beautiful (that would be Jessica)

I think a good summary of our life these last months has been enjoy the good times and be content when they are bad. This week has been a little bit of both. I think this round of chemo has been hard on Jess-- I think mentally she is ready for it to be over. She is spending the week with her Aunt Sandy. She has said that she would like to be home because my mom is here, but I hope she will stay as long as she needs the rest. Besides the reason my mom is here when she is not here is to help out. I am excited though that she only has one more round (one last tripple dose) on August 4th. After the way Jess has endured chemo I think that the following surgery and radiation are going to be a breeze in comparison. I met a cancer survivor the other day that was just starting to have her hair grow back. As I was looking at her thick, curly hair I couldn't help but think how wonderful it will be for Jess to have her hair back.

It has also been a tremendous help to have my mom in town. She has fixed pretty much everything that was broken in the house and helped Frank Blaha (who I love dearly) and I replace the leaky porch roof. We got to test out the reliability of it right away as it started downpouring as we scrambled to finish the job. My mom has also formed a tight bond with our kids (especially with the Yikes) and it has been really nice having a live-in grandma to help take care of them. Right now while I am home with a napping Bryn, Grandma is off teaching Jadyn to swim and Katelyn some strokes.

Good news for the doctor!

Hi all, sorry for the delay in getting this great news out; yesterday was pretty busy. My meeting with Dr. Haley went very well! We laid out a plan for the next months…a plan! I have never received such a long plan! Up to this point, it has been: we’ll attack this cancer as hard and as long as we have to. When I would ask in the past how many more treatments, or what is next, I would get: we’ll see how the scans look, or you have a special case with a lot of spreading, we don’t know the number you’ll need.

Well, no more wondering. At least not yet, anyway! I had a full round of my three week dose of chemo yesterday. In three weeks, August 4^th, I will go in for my FINAL round of a 3 week dose! At that appointment, I will also be scheduled for an appointment with my surgeon, Dr. Euhus, and get an MR of my breast and underarm where the tumors still are.

I remember Dr. Euhus saying in an initial consultation that we might never be at the point where we will be doing surgery, and here we are!

My genetics results came in and I am negative for the mutative gene that predisposes you to breast cancer! I did not know quite what this meant for me. I knew it meant a lot for my daughters, sisters, and cousins, but I found out yesterday that not having this mutation helps me in terms of lessening my chance of a primary occurrence and ovarian cancer.

I was hoping to be put on weekly chemo yesterday, so that was my only mental setback. I was ready for fewer side effects, and I thought that was the path I wanted. Dr. Haley said she will probably send me for radiation after surgery and then some sort of weekly chemo for a short time after taking scans to see how we’re doing.

It is all very good news indeed! Please pray for this round of chemo, because I am already a little sick to my stomach, which is a little early for that yet. My stomach was a little irritated even before chemo, so maybe that contributes to that. Jake’s mom came into town yesterday, and will be staying for a week. It was great to see her, and the kids have already bonded with her...playing games, reading books, dressing up, they have done it all! She will be a big help to us this week while I recoup and she and Jake have some great fix-it projects around the house already planned.

Sorry for the long blog this time…lots of good news to report.

Cancer...FLEE!

I am writing you today because I am very mad at this thing called cancer. In just the last week (actually 4 days) I have learned of three dear people just diagnosed with cancer. The father in law of my friend Lisa was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. My friend Sheri was told she has thyroid cancer, and most recently, my friend and counselor at Katelyn’s school, Sharon Whitt, is having surgery tomorrow for cancer that has shown up in her abdomen lining and ovaries. Please pray hard for these people. I have felt great victory in my treatment so far. I know that these three friends will find victory as well. I will keep you updated.

Tomorrow is my appointment with Dr. Haley. I have many questions to ask concerning my future treatment. But I am sure I will forget some, so if you want to respond with a question I should ask, feel free! I also received a call that my results of the genetic test are in, so I will find out that info Thursday as well.

Thank for you praying for me, and thank you for praying for my friends. We can tackle this horrid cancer by banding together, helping to meet each other’s needs, and joining in prayer, prayer, prayer. You are all awesome and a big blessing to us.

I just got back from my having a Gully Washer 7.11 oz Slurpee. I have no idea why they called it Gully Washer, but it was good and now I feel even better knowing that 7-11 is again doing their free aniversary Slurpees today. Jess and I are excited about this Thursday because Dr. Haley is going to talk about treatment options now that we are down to two tumors. Jess is also going to get her 5th round of chemo on the 14th. Personally, I think we should give the tumors names. Not nice ones, but mean ones like Damien or Cruella-- however Jess is opposed to the idea so they will be forever namelss the rest of their (hopefully short) lives. Before this idea when they were lots of tumors, I had the idea (and this one I am completely joking about this obne) that each person praying for us could pick a different tumor. Then when the tumor went away we would put a tatoo (or possibly with a permanent marker) the name of the person that prayed for the tumor. Although we didn't do this (of course) both of us really do appreciate you praying for us-- it makes all the difference.

Judy's Birthday

Jessica her grandmother and aunt all conspired against my mother-in-love (Judy Burcie) yesterday. They told her they were going shopping in Hillsborough, but kept on driving in their kidnapping scheme all the way to San Antonio. Their plans included facials, sampling of Judy's favorite chocolates, and they had room service bring her cheese and crackers (which she really likes) upon her arrival to the hotel (this is something Jess picked up from her other set of parents when they spoiled us with chocolate stawberries and sparkling cider when we checked in our hotel earlier this year). Their celebrating mom's birthday there today and coming back tomorrow.

On the home front Jadyn scored a hat trick in soccer yesterday. Well, almost. She scored a goal, had another one batted away by an overzealous parent (they let parents on the field to help-- but his isn't what they had in mind), and finally Jadyn kicked one into her own goal. I am very proud of her, and Katelyn too who stole the ball last night at her basketball game and then made a basket.

I didn't mention this yesterday, but I really appreciate all of you who like Jay Graham have taken upon yourself to pray for us. Thank you. To me, the most important part of this web site is letting you know what to pray for be that by the prayer calendar or from our updates. If you think about it today you can also pray for Jeremy Butler (one of the college students we taught in our Sunday night bible study this Spring) who had a cornia transplant today.

Also, on something completely random, for those of you who really like Slurpees (like I do) July 11th (7-11-05) is coming up next week and 7-11 has been giving away free slurpees on 7-11 the last few years.

July Prayer Calendar

Monday we went to a small, family-friendly festival and fireworks showin Azle. The drive was about an hour but it was very much worth it. It was fun for me to see how much Jadyn and Bryn took delight in everything we did (bounce houses, puppet shows, etc.). Yesterday Jess was able to show off her much improved volleyball serve. It won't be long before she gets some aces. Jadyn has her second soccer game tonight and she is very excited (so am I).

Here is the prayer calendar for this month:

1^st Pray for blood count to increase Luke 17:19

2^nd Pray that there will be anxiousness Psalm 94:19

3^rd Pray for peace within in their household Psalm 119:165

4^th Pray that they seek the Lord to sustain them Isaiah 46:4

5^th Pray for continued miraculous effective chemo treatments John 2:23

6^th Pray for strength Isaiah 40:29-31

7^th Pray for Jake and Jess’s relationship to strengthen Philippians 1:27

8^th Pray that doubts and fears will be dispelled Isaiah 41:3

9^th Pray that they will continue to fix their eyes on Jesus Hebrews 12:2

10^th Pray for healing Malachi 4:2

11^th Pray for wisdom of the doctors and any treatment plans Proverbs 2:10-11

12^th Pray for rest Psalm 91:1

13^th Pray that their rough places will be made smooth Isaiah 42:16

14^th Pray that the Kaylor’s faith will continue to grow Acts 3:16

15^th Pray that the girls will live together in unity Psalm 133:1

16^th Pray that Jake, Jess and the girls will receive hope in each day through God’s word Romans 15:4

17^th Pray that they will feel God’s love Romans 2:5

18^th Pray that their stress will quickly be removed and replaced with joy Psalm 30:11

19^th Pray for healing Isaiah 57:18b-19

20^th Pray that the days after chemo will be better and Jess will be strengthened Psalm 22:19

21^st Pray that Jake will be able to cast all of his cares on the Lord Psalm 55:22

22^nd Pray for perseverance James 1:2-3

23^rd Pray for rest for the entire family Matthew 11:28

24^th Pray the Kaylors will rely on God Psalm 71:6

25^th Pray that they will receive all the help they need Isaiah 58:11

26^th Pray that they will have a renewed spirit each day 2 Cor 4:16

27^th Pray that the armor of God will be placed on them daily Ephesians 6:10-18

28^th Pray that the girls will obey Jake and Jess Ephesians 6:1-3

29^th Pray for healing Matthew 11:5

30^th Pray that their faith will be strengthened Romans 4:20-21

31^st Pray for rest Psalm 62:5

Shut Eye

The prayer calendar for July is coming-- it should be posted by Monday afternoon. After the awesome news earlier this week Jess has had a pretty uneventful week (and for those of you who are new to our story-- that is a very good thing). Jessa's dad from Portland this week and that has been an awesome thing for a number of reasons. Jadyn and Bryn have grown increasingly attached to them (I think he may have read to Bryn for about thirty minutes in one sitting). Katelyn loves doing fun stuff with him. He has helped me on a number of house projects. And he spoils Jess like crazy.

Although I did get Jess a box fan to help keep her cool and therefore sleep better and burned another sleep CD with just the good tracts on it, the credit goes to medicine she is now taking to help her go to sleep. I for one am sleeping great! I think our bed feels very comfortable now, and I am now using the pillow Jess didn't like complete with allergen barrier. I have also been getting some "shut-eye" in a negative way: I got a tear duct infection in my eye on Wednesday and the swelling is just now going down. For a little while I could have passed Jess off as the next great woman boxer, but my eye is almost looking normal now.

Jessa's fifth round of chemo is on the fourteenth.

Happy on the beach inSanta Barbara! 

PET scan results

Greetings all! I am coming out of my best round yet (#4). It was not as easy as my “plan”, but it was definitely better than normal. And, as an added bonus, I did not end up in the hospital as I have on my last two rounds. Right now, I am feeling pretty good. Jake has mentioned this before, but the middle ground is hard. I feel good enough to come home, but have to deal with a nagging, upset stomach that is more irritating than painful for several more days.

But, my point of this entry is not to tell you about my symptoms in the game of chemo. I got a call from my oncologist’s nurse, Terre, yesterday with my PET/CT scan results. Our conversation started like this; Terre: “Hi Jessica, are you at a point where I can read you results and you can write them down?” Me: (happy for the call, but worrying about all the stuff I was about to have to write down!) “Sure”, I say. Terre: “It’s all good news.”

And it was. It was the kind of news that just creates more questions, but it was great news. The scan showed no new growth! But better news was the many “spots” that showed up last time, were now showing up as “treated disease”. Terre explained to me that it would be like seeing scar tissue on a scan. It is not scar tissue, but it is evidence that I once had tumor spots and they have been treated , and are essentially not there any more.

In case you are new to my story, I had “spots” showing up on my last PET scan on my breast, auxiliary, nodes in my lungs, kidney, liver, abdomen, spine, and clavicle.

The scan still shows spots on my right breast and auxiliary area (… that’s my arm pit!).

I started asking Terre all these questions that I really just needed to wait until my appointment with Dr. Haley and ask her (on July 14^th). Like, what does this mean for my treatment; can I just have surgery now; how many more rounds; will I always see evidence of treated disease or will that go away too…….

Terre kindly directed me to Dr. Haley, and then said that they like to take a scan like this after several rounds to see if they are on the right path with my treatment and on the right cancer drug mix. I think, quite loudly, that answer was yes.

Thank you for praying with me. We can celebrate together this one victory. I am excited about what is to come.

Feeling Better

Jess is feeling much better, and in fact I am too. I think how worn out I have been this last week must have been evident in my recent postings because my mom (my actual mom, not my mother-in-love who is just as much my mom) called me up and asked how I was doing. Then she asked when she could fly down. It doesn't matter that I am turning 29 next month, my mom is still just as much my mom as when I was nine.

Last night Jadyn had her first ever soccer game and she played great (being three years old we weren't sure what to expect). She ran after every ball and scored her first goal. Her big sister Katelyn has been an inspiration to her and she was very excited that she was actually getting to play.

Jessica is Home Early

Jess came home earlier than I thought she would (last night). The new matress pad and pillow didn't go over as well as I thought. At MeeMaws house the beds are extremely soft. In fact her husband, Popo, knows someone who makes mattresses and so their beds feel really, really good. I should have waited until the next night to put the pad on. Then the conversation could have gone like this: First night, "This bed feels terrible; like a board" Second night, "This bed feels like a board with a mattress pad on it. It's not so terrible." The pillow went worse. In addition to getting a temperpedic pillow, I had gotten an allergy-barrier pillowcase to help with Jessa's year round allergies. I didn't take into account Jessa's hypersensitive nose. "It smelled" she announced (it's now in the garage airing out. As for the pillowcase, it crinkled too much. Needless to say, she did not sleep very well (did I mention the CD I got to help her sleep has a scratch on it). However, I am OK with failing. Through this whole process, there will be even more failures because I am not going to stop trying to make Jessa's life more comfortable. Do you think she would like a water bed?

Rest for the Weary

Yesterday marked the end of Jess going out and doing stuff. She was trying to will her mind over her body, but it ended up being the other way around. If she stays a little longer at MeeMaw's this time as I suspect she might, I may need to take her place over there when she comes back. Yesterday I spend most of the night cleaning up a diaper that had disintegrated in the wash. Do you think that would work? "Hi, honey I'm so glad you're back; I'll be gone for a couple of days recooperating..." Seriously, Jess needs just as much rest when she comes home (it's pretty much culture shock). I'm hoping this time Jess will sleep better-- I bought a thick pad that goes on top of our mattress and one of those pillows that conform to your head.

Jessica is Digging It

Normally, the day after chemo Jess could be mistaken for a lumberjack for all of the logs she saws. Instead of snoring the day away today however she was digging balls on the volleyball court tonight. As for me my reaction is half, “What are you thinking—get some rest!” and half “Wow, I so admire my wife.” Not only was it the day after chemo, but she got two shots today one to up her white blood count and one to up her red and she had a combined PET and CT scan. She spent the night here last night, but the next few nights will be spent at the MeMaw Spa and Pampering in Mansfield.

4 cycles down... and a new plan coming

I had a fun time at chemo today with my Aunt Sandy, although I think I slept through half of it! They give me benadryl drip to help me sleep and steriods in each drug that make me relax. It is supposed to make the chemo drugs work better. But, it doesn't make me such great company.

Okay, a lot of family is thinking I'm wierd, but I am going to try a new think with this chemo round and I need your prayers. It usually goes like this: Day 1 (fine) Day 2 (fine during the day; get real tired after 5:00) Day 3 (I am tired and sleep all day and pretty sick to my stomach much of the day, too) Day 4 (little things exhaust me; feeling a little less sick to my stomach) Day 5 (feeling better...on the upswing) Okay, I do not want to do this every three weeks. When I did not have cancer and I felt a little tired, and my stomach hurt, I did not lay down all day. I did what I was planning to do. So sniffles, shmiffles... forge on, I'm a mother! Cancer, shmancer, let's get going!

Even as I write this, I can hear my Aunt Diane, mother, grandmother, husband...cringe. But it is just an experiment. If it does not work, I will go back to my rough 5 days.

So, that is my plan. I am going to rest for a normal amount of time and then I am going to get up, read, go work out, walk, eat small meals, or write thank you notes to all the precious people who help us! It's just an experiment. It's really for day 4 and 5: this time it means Wednesday and Thursday. Please be praying for me these days. I am still doing to take my medicines, just not the ones that knock me out. (Mom, I will still take naps :) I promise)

Thanks guys!

Keeping up with Chemo

Jess went in for her 4th round of chemo today. The chemo is taking its toll on her (although she looks great) because her blood counts were down. Dr. Haley is considering giving her smaller doses every week instead of every three. If she decides to do that, it would mean three weeks of chemo and then a week off. Jess seemed to like that because smaller doses probably mean she won't get as sick. I'm pretty excited about tomorrow because Jess is going to get her second PET scan. If you want you can pick a part of Jess to pray over that it would be cancer-free! Both Jess and I are very optimistic that the scan will be show good results, but you will have to wait along with us for at least a week to get the results back.

As Jess mentioned earlier, we found out she is Her2 negative. After meeting with Dr. Haley, we found out she is going to stay with Herceptin because it is helping as the tumors are shrinking, and she does have a little elevated protien on her cells (something that determines Her2 + or-). Also, Herceptin has very little side effects, and there is no harm in keeping her on it.

The new port is in

Well, after so much up and down about my port, I finally have a new one in! Dr. Euhus sucessfully put in the new port this afternoon. It is in the same place, just running up a different path (into the jugular vien). I feel sore, but I am feeling even better than I did the first go-round.

When I got my first port in, I did not remember a thing. So, I thought it would be the same for this time. I should have known a little differently when the nurse anesthetist and several doctors came in and said I would feel drowsy and very comfortable, but would probably be awake. I told at least 4 different people that they could just knock me out--no problem--I did not want to feel a thing! However, I was awake for most of it. It was not too bad. I did feel a little pain and after telling them nicely (not really) that it hurt, they gave me more drugs. It was actually pretty interesting to hear the operating room banter. I am also amazed at the number of people in the operating room. No wonder it costs so much; I'm paying for a dozen people's hourly wages!

Well, that's the update! Have a great weekend :)

Good news...and we really needed some good news!

I recieved a call from my genetic counselor today concerning my BRACA 1 and 2 test. This is the genetic test that will see if I have a genetic mutation that pre-disposes me to breast cancer. This is also the test that my insurance carrier told me is billed as an "out of network" lab and would require my out of network deductible to be met before they would pay anything. And even after my deductible was met, they said they would pay 50%. Basically this meant I would have to pay for the $3,000 test on my own. The genetic counselor filed an appeal with my insurance explaining to them that this lab in Salt Lake City owned the patent on the gene mapping for the BRACA 1 and 2 genes and are the only lab in the country that can do this test.

So, my insurance changed the lab from out of network to IN!! And, since I have met my deductible, they will pay 100% of the testing!! This is wonderful and a huge answer to prayer because after looking at my policy, I did not see an easy way for them to approve this test. In fact, I read an easy way for them to deny coverage.

This test will help my doctors down the road with my treatment; give me knowledge and forsight to help my sisters and daughers; and it helps to either cancel out the idea or discover why I have breast cancer. It is just an extra piece of good information to have, and I am so excited to not have to make the decision about whether or not to pay the $3000 out of pocket!

The test takes three weeks as the lab will spend a lot of time counting tiny bits of DNA three times over. I amazed at scientific breakthroughs!

Speaking of breakthroughs, I was talking to my surgeon in preparation for this port procedure tomorrow and he mentioned I was Her2 negative. This means I might not keep taking Herceptin like I have been. I was a little sad because this drug Herceptin has been in the news so often in the last few months as being a "wonder drug" for Her2 positive cancer patients. I asked Dr. Euhus if there was as good of drug for people that are Her2 negative. He said there was not one as good as Herceptin yet, but within 2 years, they will have 10 drugs available that will help people as precicely and with few side effects (like Herceptin) that will target every breast cancer cell. This is huge, and 2 years is so short a time to wait. More good news! I could hear this stuff all day!

I will let you know how the port exchange goes late tomorrow evening...

Report on the Port

Hi there!

Well for the second time, I went into to Dr. Euhus' office for him to remove my port and it was feeling fine (of course!) So, he decided not to remove it today. He felt it and now feels with certainty that it is not infected. Therefore, he is going to remove it Thursday afternoon in surgery and put a new one in right away.

Before, he wanted to remove the port and let the "infection" heal, then put a new one in. Now that there is no infection, he can remove and replace at one time.

I was kind of wondering why it has to be removed at all without an infection, but Dr. Euhus said there is something wrong, maybe a small hole that makes the drugs leak a little, a block in the line, etc... because it swells up, hurts, then feels fine, swells up, hurts...

So, in the long run this is a good thing. I was a little nervous getting my port out just in the doctor's office with a just a local anesthetic. Now, he'll put me under and do it all at the same time. Also, I will not have to have my chemo round 4 in my arm, they will be able to use my new port Monday.

The port procedure will be this Thursday at 3:30. Thanks for your prayers.

Fun in the Sun

Jessa and I left Thursday to go her brother Alex's graduation in Santa Barbara, California. Her dad Mike here in Arlington gave us some Southwest passes and her dad Bob in Portland paid for us to upgrade to a Mustang Convertible. Consequently, the two hour drive from LAX to Santa Barbara was made a pleasant one with the top down with temperatures in the 70s. When we left Arlington it was a typical Texas summer in the 90s. Jess and I went to the beach, moped riding (Jessica like it so much she now wants a motorcycle), and to a fabulous dinner after Alex's outdoor graduation. It was great because Jess got to see her brother graduate and we got some much needed time together. I really appreciate Jessa's mom Judy for loving on our kids all weekend while we were gone.

On another note, Jessa's port is infected again. Surgery is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday. I'm having to give Jess shots again, but just once a day. It's just a day surgery so Jess should still be able to do arts and crafts all week at Vacation Bible School.

I got a letter from a pastor and his wife pointing out something I didn't realize in the Meshack story (they even spelled the names correctly). It seems that they were sure that God would save them. What they were unsure about was if the king would change his mind about throwing them in the furnace. Their faith amazes me because in the moment they stepped into the furnace they were able to trust God whole-heartedly.

Wonderful friends from our church, Lake Arlington Baptist Church, reminded be that shaving your head is cool by presenting me with this picture and a card reading "We shave for You!" Thank you for your awesome support for a girl who is losing it all (hair that is!) You are all great!! 

Busy as a Bee

It has already been a busy week for us. Jadyn started "Nature School" at River Legacy Park. This weeks theme is winged bugs (which makes me glad that Katelyn is not enrolled in it). Although she loves going the mini-camp itself I think the neatest thing for her is that she is the only one doing it. Since the Yikes (Jadyn and Bryn) are so close in age (2 and 3), they do almost everything together. I'm glad Bryn is so easy going because Jadyn frequently says something to Bryn like " I get to go to nature school, and you don't. You have to stay home with mommy and daddy." Bryn doesn't even seem to hear her and keeps right on playing. Katelyn is playing summer basketball, so we signed her up for basketball camp this week because she has never played organized basketball before. She is also playing indoor soccer and Jadyn is playing t-ball for the first half of summer and soccer for the second. I don't think that Bryn will be as easy going when Jadyn starts playing soccer because she loves kick and dribble the ball. In fact, she sometimes wants to go on the field when Katelyn is playing. I like staying busy because it keeps my mind off Jessa's cancer, but for Jess time is going to quickly-- she feels like the next round of chemo is going to be here before she knows it.

About a month before Jessa was diagnosed with cancer, I remember telling a good friend of mine that for me God doesn't speak through other people-- if He wants to tell me something He'll just tell it to me. Well not only does God have a sense of humor, but he also knows I am a lot happier when I am humble (for that matter those around me are a lot happier when I am humble too). For this reason I think He has remained silent in our private conversations with regard to Jessa's future. However, He has told a few other people what her future holds. I remember specifically telling my friend, "No way is God going to tell someone else when he can just tell me." Well, within a few weeks of Jessa's diagnosis, God told a teacher at my school, our pastor's daughter, and a woman in my mother-in-love's and Aunt Sandy's BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) group that it would be hard, but Jess would be OK in a year. For that reason, we have been praying ever since that Jess would be OK in a year. It has already been a hard year, but Jess and I both have hope. There is a story in the Bible where three men are asked by their king to reject their god and worship himself instead. When the three men, Shadrack, Meshack, and Abendego (spelling?) refuse to do that they are thrown into the fiery furnace. Right before they go, they are given one more chance. Their unanimous reply is that God will save them. I believe that God is choosing in this instance to heal Jessica completely.

Getting From Point A to Point C

I think Jess and I are both struggling with being at point "B." Point "A" are the first few days after chemo when we know she is going to be sick; point "C" is when she is feeling better. The problem is there is over a week in between. We prepare for point "A" and we look forward to point "C" but point "B" just might be the hardest because all we can do is wait it out. For Jess it is hard being able to go out but then having to take time out to rest (or sleep). For me it is hard giving up control and letting her decide when it would be a good time to do that (rest). We definitely made progress toward point "C" today. We went and worked out at the YMCA today and went to a carnival at Katelyn's school put on by the church that meets there on Sunday. One of the neatest things about the carnival was that we had several people we had never met before come up and ask if my wife was "Jessica Kaylor." This church has a heart for asking God to heal Jess and they "knew" her because they had been praying for her. Actually Jess meets people all the time that have already been praying for her which is pretty cool becayse praying for Jess's healing and us coping with her treatments is the most important thing people can do for us.

New Prayer Calendar

Here's the prayer calendar for June:

1^st Pray for God to heal completely 2^nd Pray God’s word will comfort and revive them Psalm 119:50 3^rd Pray God’s Word will light their paths Psalm 119:105 4^th Pray they will draw near to God 5^th Pray they will find God’s grace sufficient II Cor 12:9 6^th Pray for rest Is 40:28-31 7^th Pray they will trust God’s hand Is 49:16 8^th Pray they will know the Lord is near Psalm 34:18 9^th Pray they will thirst for God and be satisfied Psalm 42:1 10^th Pray they will seek the Lord and call on Him Is 55:16 11^th Pray they will believe God John 14:1 12^th Pray they will abide in Him and bear fruit John 15:7-9 13^th Pray for contentment Phil 4:11 14^th Pray they will trust God to carry them Is 46:4 15^th Pray they will cast all their worries on God II Peter 5:7 16^th Pray for healing Jer 32:27 17^th Pray they will stand in his His strength with joy Jude 24 18^th Pray for rest Mat 11:28 19^th Pray they will wait for the Lord Prov 20:22b 20^th Pray they will be filled with praise (Jess has chemo today) 40:3 Pray for healing Jer 17:14 22^nd Pray for God to go before them Deut 31:8 Pray for family harmony Col 3:13 24^th Pray for God’s care Ezek 34:11-12a 25^th Pray they will trust the Lord Jer 17:7-8 26^th Pray God will work all things for their good Rom 8:28 27^th Pray God will remove all fear Is 41:13 Pray they will know God’s care Job 10:12 29^th Pray they will fix their eyes on Jesus Heb 12:2 30^th Pray for joy and peace Is 55:13

Great joy!

Yesterday I had a pretty busy day. Not out of the ordinary, just busy. When I am recuperating at my grandmother's house after chemo its all about relaxing and resting...basically all about me. I have to make myself leave when I am feeling better because I could plant my permanent residence there! When I get home, there is no slow fazing-in of mommy; I am home, and things are steamrolling along like normal. My saving grace is that it is summer and Jake has decided to stay home this summer to help me instead of teaching summer school. He has been true to his word, helping in every way.

Last night, I had gotten home pretty late and Jake told me he was going to take a shower. That alone was pretty unusual for him, but I said okay and went to tuck in Katelyn. I heard the water running and running...and running. When I walked in the living room and Jake was reading the paper, I asked him if I could turn off the water until he was ready! Jake probably would not admit this, but he is pretty notorious for starting his shower in the morning and then remembering he has to do several things before getting in, all the while water is a running! So, this was not quite an unusual question for us. He said no, but led me into the bathroom where he had drawn a bubble bath for not himself, but me. It was so relaxing at the end of a long day, and just a reminder of the many blessings I have pouring out all around me!

I was reading my friend Amy’s blog about her cancer journey, amysayegh.blogspot.com, and I realized she was running around doing tons of stuff in between chemo rounds too. I think it makes me feel better to do normal mom things too. Yes, I get tired after accomplishing simple tasks I probably used to be able to do with one hand (while doing something else with the other hand!) But it still feels good to do them. Now, I am slower, but I was probably doing them too fast before anyway. Sometimes slowing down was like the long bath I had last night; it lets you remember the joy in what you do. And trust me, the normal mom things like brushing hair, reading books, coloring, listening to "ideas" and stories, all bring me great joy! (In case your kids don't do this, "ideas" are when you suggest something to do with your child, and she says with gleaming eyes "I have an even better idea!”)

Take care!

Jess

There were a number of serious medical problems that Jess could have been experiencing yesterday. Among them fluid on the lungs, a heart attack, and internal bleeding. After these were ruled out, the wonderful E.R. doctor (Dr. Nelson) diagnosed her with severe acid reflux. Since acid reflux has the same symptoms as more serious problems, a number of people who think they are suffering from acid reflux are really having a heart attack and consequently do not recieve treatment in time. I am so glad that it was reversed in Jessica's case. During the CT scan yesterday some of the tracer leaked into her arm causing her arm to swell up. Her arm is still swollen today but getting better. She has been keeping ice on her arm and taking Protonix for her reflux. She has also been getting the rest she needs, hibernating bears would be jealous. She has, however, somehow been able to keep tabs on what is going on. For example at one point while she was sleeping two family members were talking about what they wanted Jess to do at which point Jessa's eye lids fluttered open and she said I am NOT going to do that. I am amazed at how strong my wife is when she is weak.

One last thing. Yesterday I felt like God was forwarding my prayers to people. The best example of this is when I really just wanted to complain but without hurting anybody's feelings. Too often yesterday I was frustrated at someone but it had more to do with me than them. Right then the phone rang and I was able to let all my frustrations on someone who didn't mind.

She's coming home!

I just heard from the group and they are on their way home with Jessa! The CT scan and the x-ray of the lungs came back clear.......just what we were praying for! God is good!

She definitely does not feel like running a marathon, she is groggy from the pain medicine, she still feels out of sorts BUT the doctor said that when he compares today's CT scan with Jessa's previous one, there is great room for hope. Her doctor today was an awesome Christian man, he definitely knows all about hope and he has now added Jessa to his prayer list!

Thank you, Overman's for getting up at the crack of dawn and asking your family in Europe to start praying. They were answered!

Happy, happy Sunday,
Aunt Sandy

Poopy-Diaper

This actual post is coming from "Aunt Sandy". The first thing out of Bryn's mouth this morning as I lifted her out of bed was, "Poopy Diaper". I thought immediately that if changing a poopy diaper is the biggest stink in my life today, I will enjoy every sniff!

Jake called from the hospital and asked me to update the BLOG as he was in a bit of a state this morning when he blogged-on after receiving news about Jessica. Jessa has been staying with her grandparents for a few days after chemo so that she would have a little time to recuperate. She woke up early this morning feeling pretty yucky everywhere as well as had shortness of breath. After a few phone calls to her doctor, the decision was made to take Jessa to St. Paul's to be assessed. As of this posting there is great news and news that we haven't received yet! The lung e-xray was clear, she is breathing much easier with the help of a little oxygen and they are going to do a CT scan to rule out any blood clots around her lungs before admitting her to Zale Lipshy. We will keep you thoroughly updated as I believe a dozen of our family members have decended on St. Pauls. (Betty, Judy, Mike, Bob, Jake........and I'm sure more to come!)

We are so thankful that all who see this posting immediately go to Jesus in prayer for Jess. We have all awakened Heaven this morning!! The Kaylor's continue to stand on Jesus' promises-everyone of them!
Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with faith and confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in all times!
Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from ourselves, it is the gift of God!

We are now on poopy diaper #2, Katelyn is going to the show with one of her best friends, and Jadyn can't understand why Aunt Sandy won't add sugar to the already sweetened applesauce. Life is fine at the Kaylor home-----send your prayers of complete healing for our precious Jess.

Love,
Aunt Sandy

Urgent News

Jessica is being taken to St. Paul in Dallas because of shortness of breath. We don't know what's going on yet, but I'll let you know more when we find out.

Glad to be back on chemo (really)

At the benefit dinner Wednesday night over and over again people told us how much they loved us and one person in particular really stands out. Her name is Barbara Stidman. She has been a big comfort to us ever since Jadyn Rose went through the worst of her treatments for her developmental hip dysplasia (i.e. traction 22 hours a day). She understands first hand how it is to allow your child to suffer so she can be whole. It is for this reason I think that she loves Jadyn so much, and Jadyn loves her (and her husband Roscoe) back with her whole heart. When Jessica was diagnosed with breast cancer, she began taking every opportunity she saw us to love on us. As for me, when the news was still fresh and I wanted to be left completely alone and be completely surrounded by loving people at the same time she knew completely how to respond to me. With understanding in her eyes, she told me that I didn’t have to say anything and gave me a big hug. It is Barbara that put “wheels” to our beloved pastor’s suggestion to have another dinner for us. For me the highlight of the night was meeting the husband and wife team from Colter’s that donated the food for the event (and I might add that he served meat and she served cobbler). We couldn’t visit long (there were hungry people wanting desert), but I was very impressed by these two high quality individuals.

Thursday was the last day of school for me (yep Texas schools end in May not June and start back in August not September if you’re reading this and you live in another state). I love my kids this year immensely, but it has been a stressful year for me and I was very relieved to be finished. I’m going to miss teachers like Karen Lawson who had her students sign a card for me every week. People say that the benefit dinner at Martin really brought the community together; I know it sure has brought our school together. There is something amazing in forgetting about your own problems and turning to help someone else. At one point during the dinner I saw one of the biggest advocates for the dinner, my principal, walk by carrying a mop. I have always been impressed by servant leadership. For me mopping up a mess is a bigger accomplishment than winning a prestigious award.

One thing our family has learned is how much people need when they are going through something like this. What I mean is we have prayed for people that our going through problems, visited them, brought meals to them but that’s it. People have shown us how to minister to others. We are prayed for every minute of the day. Our grass is cut. Our kids are fed, cared for, loved on. When I am ready to give up, someone is there for me. When Jessa’s world is falling apart there are people holding it together. It is a lot easier to do a little something for someone, but a lot harder to really love them. My wife and I share the same opinion that we are not as special as the way people have been treating us. If we are extraordinary, it is because of how we have been loved beyond what we deserve. It is other people that have shown us how to have joy even when you’re crying, how to have peace when your soul is in turmoil, and how to love when you are in need yourself.

Last night as I was looking at my wife without her make-up and thinned out hair I thought about how beautiful she looked.

Today Jess went to chemo for the third time. We were both eager to start back after Jess not being able to have it last week. There was good news. For starters the infection around her port is gone! (which is amazing because it was starting to come back this week) The tumor underneath her arm is gone. The one in her breast has shrunk another cubic centimeter. We will know about the status of the other ones that cannot be felt in about 2 and half weeks when Jess has her 2^nd PET scan combined with her 2^nd CAT scan. Perhaps the best bit of good news is that I no longer have to give my wife shots. She was starting to get little "bruise constellations" on her stomach including one rather large "sun" and we both were hating it. Today, we were at UT-Southwestern (specifically the Seay building) a full day, but the chemo drip took only four hours and Jess was able to sleep for at least two of those. We are trying yet another nausea drug this time—we want to find the perfect one for Jess. I think this one is called something like “Zophran.” If you are praying for us, pray that Jess is able to get the rest she needs these next few days. Please pray (and I am not making this up) that I am not a jerk. I am really stressed out right now, I can’t sleep, and even though those are things I can’t control, I need to be the man God has called me to be.

Katelyn showing us a new way to play t-ball 

Jessa and Jadyn 

Jessica and Bryn, our youngest 

A Hug in the Mail

Yesterday we got a package in the mail from my Aunt Suzanne, but didn't get a chance to open it until today. My Great Grandma B. used to send us crazy stuff in the mail. Ads from newspapers, cracker jack prizes, towels from hotels, you name it. My aunt used to get these packages too from Grandma Buchanon, and she felt like it was getting a big hug in the mail. In the spirit of our relative that has since passed away, my aunt mailed us a package with all sorts of stuff in it. She's not as crazy, but we enjoyed her package just as much.

Yesterday night, Jess and I got to go out on a date. It is awesome being able to spend time with her when she is feeling good and we don't have to worry about anything for a little bit.

Today was a little crazy at school-- they are restless as a husband staying awake worrying about his wife. It was a little crazy at home too-- Jessa was definitely stressed. Katelyn wasn't feeling so good, and the Yikes were taking out lots of stuff but nor putting it away. As I was putting down our girls to sleep after a long day; Bryn kept saying the same thing except I couldn't hear her because she had her pacifier in her mouth. I lean over, exasperated, and tell her to take her pacy out. The only thing she wanted to say was " I wuv you" (she can't say her "L's" yet). I think it is moments like those when God gives me the rest he promises.

The last thing I would like to say is if there are any Wood teachers reading this who helped out at the benefit dinner thank you so much for volunteering your time last Thursday night. I find it simply amazing that you found time to help out during possibly the most busy and stressful time of the school year.

Two days left

It is a huge relief to have only two days left of school. Normally at this point in the year I already have everything finished as far as it goes for exams, grades, and getting my room set for summer, but it has not been a good couple of weeks for getting stuff done at school. I am so glad (once I get done the zillion things I neef to get done) that this is going to be relatively calm week at home and that Jess's chemo is not until the day after my last day of school.

Last Friday was incredible because Jess was lying on the operating table all prepped for surgery to take the port out (a bad thing) when he felt around the port and coudn't feel an infection. She got to keep her port in. Keep praying for the infection to dissipate though because it seemed to be flaring up again this morning. This Wednesday we are having the final benefit dinner at Lake Arlington Baptist Church at 5:30. I have been very proud of Jessica because although she is extremely shy and doesn't like being the center of attention, she has been both cheerful and brave at the last two. The most amazing thing for me has been that we have not asked anyone for help; everyone has asked us if it would be alright if they helped us.

One last thing, Jess went to the store yesterday and came back with Breast Cancer Toulet Paper. My guess is the reason they partnered with the Susan Koman Foundation is that they want to wipe out breast cancer (you can go ahead and groan now).

Unexpected good news

Well, I went into Dallas this morning fully expecting to have an infected port removed. However, as usually happens just when you see the doctor, my symptoms were markedly less.

I am sure you many of you mothers have shared this similar experience with me: my child seems to be tugging at her ear while screaming; I call the doctor and insist to the nurse that my child be squeezed in at her earliest convience; I then make it to the doctor only to have my child sit beautifully in the office while the doctor can't find a thing wrong with her ears...

Well the surgeon couldn't find a thing wrong with my port! He said we can talk later if it swells up again, but we were going to leave well enough alone. Huge praise! It was going to be quite a hastle to have it out/put back in, etc... so I am very grateful for this unexpeced blessing.

Another good thing was that they scheduled my next chemo round for Friday the 27th. A whole week away! I am looking forward to a good, calm week before treatment!

While I was in the office, and my doctors conferred, they decided I needed another core biospy to clear up an decsrepancy with the earlier biopsy. It will affect my treatment options in the future, so please be in prayer that they would get a consistent and clear result with this test.

Thank you all!

Smile muscles under attack

We had such a beautiful evening last night that even this morning, my smile muscles still hurt from smiling and laughing! Our family attended a benefit last night in our honor at Katelyn’s school, Wood Elementary. I know I am biased because we go to Wood, and my wonderful Aunt Sandy is the principal, but there is something so different and special about Wood. It is the people. The people who surround me with care and love and support, and who would do just about anything for me. You all inspire me to be the type of person I want to become.

The event was so beautiful and personal, fun and uplifting, with good food and great people, a super band, and an awesome raffle.

I was so very touched to see so many of you there. I am continually amazed at God’s provision. I stand in awe at how so many of you come up to me and offer help. I know the girls would all have a place to go and play each day of the summer if I took each of you up on your offers! The amazing thing is, I know that I could call and, you would help. You are not just trying to be nice and helpful. You are nice and helpful.

Lately, I’ve tried to take in moments that become like snapshots in my head; I have new ones from last night:

• My aunt Sandy sharing our story up on the Wood stage
  
• Watching Jadyn and her cousin Kaylee holding hands and swinging there arms all around the cafeteria.
  
• Seeing Jadyn and Bryn dancing with the music
  
• Looking out and seeing so many of Katelyn’s past (and future) teachers lovingly working for this event.
  
• And so many more… it was a wonderful evening.

Thank you Donna for organizing it all…

Bad News and More Bad News

Jess went for a check-up to see how she was doing, and it was not good. First of all the Lovenox and cuematin are working, but Jess still needs the Lovenox shot. We're down to one, and we're having difficulty getting the next round of them. The worst news is that Jessa's infection has flared up around the port and they will consequently have to take it out on Friday. She'll have to get another port put in a different place but we don't know the details yet. Jess won't be able to lift the girls again for a few weeks because of those two surgeries. Because of the infection, she will not be able to take chemo this week (she'll do instead next week). The bright side of this is that next week is my last week of school.

Here is the rest of the prayer calendar as promised:
5/17 Pray for Jessica to be saved by the Lord's hand Is 59:1 5/18 for anti-nausea drugs to be effective Matt 9:35 5/20 Pray they would rest in the Lord Ps 37:3-7a 5/21 Pray the Lord would ggive Jessica strength 5/22 Pray for Joy Is 55:12 5/23 Pray that God would be their rear guard ans satisfy Is 58:8-11 5/24 Pray they would know the Lord is near 5/25 Pray they would be anxious for nothing Phil 4:6-8 5/26 Pray they would cry out to the Lord and be healed Ps 107:19-20 5/27 Pray they would trust God's plans Jer 29:11-14a 5/28 Pray they would know Jesus better 5/29 Pray for protection from the evil one II Thes 3:3 5/30 Pray for good sleep and rest Prov 3:24 5/31 Pray their faith would be enlarged II Thes 1:3

Praises

As I looked in the shot box and saw four more left; I am extemely thankful that I got Jess back early-- I could have been getting her back tomorrow. I am also very thankful that Jess was able to go to Jadyn's first t-ball game ever and she will be able to go her cousin's graduation tonight. Jadyn did so well yesterday (she was able to hit the ball despite having on a helmet that was too big and chased after every ball if it was anywhere near her). Even though Mandy is Jessa's cousin she feels very much like mine too. I am very excited that she just got a job at an elementary school in my cluster (Little Elementary). And yes, all of our family are teachers.

Two other items of note: I am sorry that I have not put the prayer calendar on here for May (I'll put it on tomorrow as soon as I can put into the right formatting) and Jess pointed out that in addition to those things I mentioned yesterday, she also has breast cancer soap and breast cancer Kleenex.

It's the new orange

Jessa goes through phases where all she'll wear is green or black or blue... Previously, the hot color was orange, but now it's pink. It started with a pink purse and has since spread to shoes, shirts, pants... You probably know that pink is the color of the ribbons for breast cancer, but have you noticed the number of things you can now buy with a breast cancer theme? Jess has breast cancer hats, socks, shoes, necklaces and (I am not making this up) a breast cancer plant. Lots of our family and friends wear breast cancer bracelets now ( I do too). One of the coolest things is all the girls in Jessica's family (and she has a BIG family) wear a necklace with a silver breast cancer ribbon on it (they are going to make a charm bracelet from them when Jess is cured). Breast cancer permeates our lives.

This morning when Jess was trying on a wig, Bryn (our youngest daughter) spoke up and said that she wanted to take off her hair too. Even though she is only two, she is the funniest person I know. She loves to imitate people. One time I yelled at the Yikes to "Stop it right now." Jadyn looked scared that she was in trouble, but Bryn turned right around, imitated my posture exactly and said in her best daddy voice "Stop it right now!"

There is a benefit dinner coming up for us at Wood Elementary (where Katelyn is a student and Aunt Sandy is the principal) this Thursday. They have gone all out in preparing for it. For Jess, God has been impressing on her heart that it's not about the cancer it's about the journey. They are calling the dinner "A Journey with Jessica" and will be giving everyone a bracelet with that same slogan. To top it all off Macaroni Grill is donating the food.

Her next chemo treatment is on Thursday. I have been telling people that it is round 3, but really since she gets a triple dose it's like getting round seven, eight, and nine. She really is very brave and that includes the first day I gave her her shot (I was just kidding about what I said earlier; she barely cried and the fingernail marks on my arm are starting to fade). Did I mention that it's a big needle and it's most effective when given in the stomach? I now tell Jess to wiggle her toes so she doesn't have to think about it and she hasn't gotten another bruise, to match the ones she got in the hospital, the last two times.

I shot my wife

Last night I had a lot of trouble sleeping. I think it was a combination of being excited about Jess being home, being used to sleeping an empty bed, and not thinking about the cancer more whereas before I am thinking a lot about Jessa being stuck in the hospital. I went to bed about 10 PM but fell asleep a little before 3 AM. On a positive note the girls were exstatic to see Jessica. All three of them started right away on filling up on the "mommy time" they have been missing.

Jessica's sister, Hope, is a nursing student who gave Jessica's lovenox shot this morning. However, Hope is leaving for the weekend and so guess who got to give her shot tonight. Now, in Jessica's defense she has been extremely brave through all of the previous trials and tribulations she has faced. However tonight she had more drama than a daytime soap opera. You would have thought I was about to do brain surgery. And yes she did survive.

I'm home!

Well, thanks to a prayerful group and a wonderful nurse/case manager at the hospital, I was able to go home this evening! It is great to be home. I have received dozens of hugs and kisses from the girls and I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed, eating real food, and getting some uninterrupted sleep, to say the least.

Amy, my case manager, tried one more time to convince a reasonable insurance claims manager at my insurance company to pay for the shots outside the hospital, and it worked! This is great news, especaily since I am still at a 1 blood level and it could have taken many more days to properly regulate it. Please continue to pray for this clot that it would dissenegrate while the Coumidin does its job of thinning my blood, and that the port infection would continue to go away with oral antibiotics.

There is no interruption in my scheduled chemo, round 3, next Thursday.

God is good all the time.
...all the time God is good!

Live, breaking news

I feel like I am reporting live from the scene of the hospital nurses station...

I have found one benefit to staying at the hospital for so long, I am learning this hospital inside and out! For example, when I came into the hospital, I was stuck in my room, watching CNN, attached to an IV and eating just what they gave me.

Now, I can discovered I can "order" practically whatever food I want, I have a VCR I can watch movies from, I can wander the halls to see beautiful downtown views, I can go down to the 4th floor outdoor atrium, I can ask for a diet coke with good (Sonic-esque)ice anytime I want, I can get my IV taken out by asking nicely since I am off my IV meds, and now I can use the nurses computer to check my email and write to you!!

Now if I could just get a suite for my husband and girls, I just might enjoy my stay a little longer! That and getting a "Do not distrub" sign for the door and I would be set!

But really, I am feeling good, resting up, but ready to get going. Pray now for my body to quickly react to the Cumoden (sp?) pill. My blood needs to be between a level 2-3 for the doctors to feel comfortable discontinuing the Lovinex shot which works to thin my blood to prevent futher clotting. Normal blood is a 1, and it takes 5+ days for the Cumoden to work. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers, phone calls, and also, thanks to all of you who are for taking care of my husband and children in my (long) absence! You are all much appreciated!

Well Rested

After I got the kids situated last night(thank you my mother-in-love and also Shelly and Lisa), I went to see Jessa. I had taped Katelyn's choir concert on Monday night that Jess missed, and so we were able to watch that together. Katelyn kept making faces at people she wasn't singing and I got close-ups on most of those. It was great to hear Jessa rolling with laughter. Katelyn sang great. It's the closest thing we'll get to a movie date for awhile. We went on a walk together to the visitors lounge and got a spectacular view of downtown Dallas. It was really nice to forget about our troubles for a little while. Today, at lunch I talked to Jess again and it seems that the insurance company is adamant about not covering the shots. If you'd like to cheer her up with a visit(she might stay throught the weekend), go East on I-20, N on 67 (which turns into I-35) exit Market Center and turn right, stay in the left lane so you'll be going in the right direction when it merges with Harry Hines. When you see Parkland hospital, park because Zale Lipshy is right next to it and Parkland is much more noticeable. Jessica's infection around the port is getting better although there is still a possibility it might be taken out. It could be months before the blood clot goes away, but the medicines are neutralizing any threat of harm. Jess is definitely feeling well-rested and is back to a normal energy level, and the doctors told her that she can do any lifting or physical activity now (I told her she should watch one of those exercise shows, but the idea of doing aerobics in a hospital gown doesn't appeal to her).

Argh!!!!!

Jess got the OK from the doctors to come home, but it doesn't look like that is going to happen. It seems that insurance covers the blood thinner shot in the hospital because its covered under the hospital benefit, but the shot is one of the medicines not covered under the pharmacy plan. This means she has to stay in the hospital so that she can get the shot she needs-- at the earliest that would be Thursday. We are trying to get a waiver from the insurance since they are actually costing themselves more money than if they simply decided to cover the shot. Although Jess and I are going to get through this together, I feel like screaming and crying at the same time.

Hopeful About Tomorrow

When I talked to Jess at lunch today she said that there is a very good chance of her coming home tomorrow. Her temperature has been normal all day today, and if it is normal tomorow she will get to come home! She will still have the blood clot in her arm when she gets back, but the doctors say that her body will naturally take care of it aided by the blood thiners she will be taking. On a completely different note I added a counter to the web site last night and was amazed to see that almost 200 people have seen it since then. Thank you for caring about my wife.

Mother's Day

When I told Jadyn that we were going to see mommy she said, "I'm going to give her a big hug" and that is exactly what she and her sisters did. They have really missed her as this is the first time they have seen her since she went into the hospital. I meant to stay just an hour as Jess really needs her rest, but we ended staying thirty minutes longer. It was really hard leaving, knowing it was the right thing to do, but also knowing it's not just the kids who miss her. Jess is spending tomorrow at Zale too. A big praise is that her fever is down. Keep praying that she is able to keep the port in. Katelyn is spending the night at her grandparents which I am hoping will take her mind off Jess. I kept her here yesterday and she was a big help with Jadyn and Bryn, but then she turned into a toot, mostly because she misses her momma so much. Jadyn and Bryn are here tonight (in fact they are both already asleep), but they will spend tomorrow with Janet (thank you if you are reading this Janet-- the girls and I love you) while I am at work. Jess throughout this whole thing has been very positive and kept up her spirits (I know how hard today must have been for her)-- she is an amazing woman who is not a quitter.

Weekend Adventure

It looks like Jess is going to spend the weekend at Zale, including Mother's Day:( Jess is running a slight fever from the infection, and they will not let her leave until her temperature is back to normal. Please pray that the infection is not in her port. If it's around the port, that's fine, but if it's in the port they will have to take the port out. Jess was really looking forward to a Mother's Day brunch at church this morning, so her mom, aunts, etc. are surprising her by bringing brunch to her.

Jess at Zale (updated)

When Jess woke up this morning she felt some tenderness around the place where they put her port in (this is where they inject the chemo). When she went to get it checked out, they found a small blood clot. It is not serious , but they are keeping her overnight at Zale in Dallas. I will update this post if we find out anything else.

On a completely different note, several people have told me that they wish they could post comments on this site. Well you can. Just click on the lower right of the post where it lists the number of comments already posted. Jess and I regularly read them and you can too.

10:05 PM I just got back from seeing Jess at Zale Lipshy. I know a little bit more but not a lot. There are really two problems. The first is that she almost certainly has an infection around the site of the port. They are already treating it with antibiotics. It really is a good thing she has an infection because otherwise they would not have found the second, unrelated problem: a blood clot in her arm. They are already treating the clot as well, with a blood thinner. The cause of the clot is thought to either be a side effect of one of the chemo drugs or a result of the surgery when the port was put in. I am worried about her just because I am her husband, but also I feel a great deal of relief that they caught the clot early. She has been still tired over a week after her chemo, and now we have a better understanding of why. When I left, she was in good spirits but tired.

On second thought...

After Jess's last round of chemo, I was very excited when she didn't throw up (something she did the first round). However, I think I may have given the impression that she had a great weekend complete with a light jog up Mount Everest and a sprint down the other side. The truth is when I said she was feeling tired, I meant Firestone tired. When I said she was able to rest, I meant she slept like a cat or a hibernating bear. I was also excited about how well the anti-nausea medicine worked, but it was a little like taking an advil when you get a headache. Before you take the advil, your head hurts and then it might not make it go completely away. So it has been with nausea. Jess really has been doing much better this time, although the symptoms are lasting longer. However, if you happen to say to Jess "I'm so glad you're doing great" please be aware that a certain husband will have an imaginary friend named Snoopy the next few days because he will be in the doghouse. When you see her say, "I'm so glad you're doing OK." Do not vary from the script. For example do not say "I'm so sorry that you are overcome with fatigue and near death" or "I'm sorry you had a bad weekend but I'm glad you're still with us" because she is neither of these things. She is an incredible woman who somehow managed to go to Katelyn's choir recital on Friday when she felt terrible and who has discovered a new joy even when she feels like crying.

Yes, As a Matter of Fact their Daddy did Dress Them

Jess and I are moving in opposite directions. She is feeling like she can go out and do stuff today, but I am feeling like I need a really, really long nap. Having said that, this time around it has been much easier. For one thing Jess did not get as sick this time (not as nauseas, no throwing up). I think she was a little more tired this time, but there is a simple cure for that: rest. On my end I had more people helping out this time with more stuff (like getting the kids dressed in the morning-- did I mention I have three girls? Boys I hear do not care if there shirt and shorts match let alone whether or not there shoes and hair scrunchies are color coordinated). Jess spent the first two nights at her grandmother's (better known by my kids as MeeMaw) and then her dad from Portland came in for the weekend to help take care of her. Jess's hair was supposed to fall out two weeks after her first treatment but it is just now starting to fall out. Fortunately she looks really cute in hats. Herceptin has been on the news lately as the latest, greatest drug to help with chemo: I think it's pretty cool that Jess is already on it. The two chemo drugs she is on (if you are interested in that sort of thing) is Carboplatan and Taxoteer (both of which I am sure are horribly misspelled). Jess' s next treatment is May 19th.