Doctor visit tomorrow

Hi there! I have been having pretty typical days...busy, busy, busy! The end of the year is quite an eventful time. Almost every night is another obligation--almost all fun, however!

I am making it around okay; I am just pretty slow. For those of you who know me well, you would be shocked to hear that I am almost considering using a cane until this blasted chemo starts working! My right hip (which is cancer free) has started to ache because I am overcompensating and overusing that leg. My grandma is bringing a cane she no longer uses tomorrow and I will give it a try. It might help me speed up a little. We'll see. The fact that I have not completely shut the idea down should mean to you that my new nickname could be hop-a-long! I hope my grandma won't mind if I paint it hot pink!

I mentioned earlier that I have a doctor’s appointment and an infusion tomorrow. Jake will come too. I plan to ask for more options, and will hopefully let you know tomorrow of the many new ideas Dr. Hayley has in store for me!

My cousin Mandy has come over the past two weeks to visit. This week, my sister Hope came by too. Hope's baby is due any day now!! I love our time together, and I love holding and acting like a silly "Aunt Jess" with Jace. Here is a photo of Jace after we went nuts trying to make him smile. I think he is adorable!

What's been going on... A LOT!

Hi there!

Pictures explain my busy days...Katelyn had her field day and cluster track within the last week. Field day is with just her 6th grade class, competing against the other four home room classes. Cluster is her whole 6th grade competing against two other elementary schools that will feed into Bloes Junior High next year. Both were fun events. Katelyn did very well...she must get her athletic gene from someone else! She and her relay team won first place in the 800 relay and Katelyn earned ribbons in almost every other event she participated in. Most of all, she had a great time. Jadyn will have a Pre-K field day a week from tomorrow. I will be sure to post that fun event too! The pictures below are of Katelyn and her Aunt (Principal!) Sandy, Katelyn doing her field day events, with her friends, and lastly, with her cousin Corbin.







This weekend, Katelyn's volleyball team, the Blackouts, participated in an end of the season tournament. They won one game and lost another, so they will play again this coming weekend. We did not know if Saturday would be the end of the season for the kids or not, and so we went ahead and planned a little end of season party/lunch with all the girls. They were undefeated in the regular season and have improved greatly individually and as a team over the last few months. They will all probably be trying out for their junior high team on the very first day of school in August!



My Dad was in from Portland, OR this weekend. It was very fun having him in town. He got to help out with all the different events and even got to be here for Bryn's birthday party. I told Katelyn that I did not have any pictures of her with Grandpa Bob, but she was too tired to get up when she was saying goodbye to Grandpa at 6:30 in the Monday morning. I was not too tired to get a great picture of Grandpa holding hands with Jadyn and Bryn. When Jadyn saw this picture, she said, "Hey! I did not know you were taking a picture that day!" I told her that those kinds of pictures are the best kind!





Bryn had a great time at her 4th birthday party. We invited her Froggy Pre-K class at Fielder Road as well as family and a few close friends from church with children Bryn's age. We went to the carousel at the local mall. The kid total reached 42!! Amazingly, it went quite smoothly. Bryn lasted the entire party without any tears. In fact, she was all smiles! The following pictures were taken at the party. Sandy is holding our newest family member, Jace Michael Kirwan. Parents Mandy and Jeremy are so proud of him. We are too...he is SO cute!!








I have been feeling better as far as nausea and side effects from chemo. This weekend is usually my hardest time, and yet, it was not that bad! That is a big praise! I have stayed on top of all my symptoms and taken medicine quickly. This seems to have helped. The biggest issue is I am tired. Some from chemo, some from the medicine's side effects. However, as you can see from the long post and pictures, anyone might be tired after a week like this!

My biggest complaint, if I am going to admit to one, is my hip. I am now walking with a definite limp, and I walk fairly slowly at that! I want the chemo to kick in faster and start attacking those tumor spots with greater vengeance. My oncologist calls it systemic therapy, and she thinks this is the greatest method of attack for me. I see Dr. Hayley on the 11th. Jake is going to get to come with me to that appointment as well. I am going to ask her about more pain management ideas, as well as radiation and any other alternative therapies she knows of to help both fight the cancer and help me day to day.

When my Dad was here, he slept on a new air mattress in the living room. He kept most of his things in the girl's room where he has slept in the past. On the last day dad was here, he walked into Bryn and Jadyn's room to both say goodnight and gather some things. Dad said to the girls he would get his stuff now so that he would not have to bother them at night. Jadyn said, "That's okay Grandpa. You can come bother us anytime!" We all thought that was so sweet! We love everyone's visits...anytime!

Take care,
Jess

Having Fun

Katelyn decided to help Jadyn learn to skate this weekend. Jadyn was a little nervous, so Katelyn took away most of the risk with head to toe padding! Jadyn crept along at a snails pace, but none of that mattered when you see her beaming smile--so proud of her accomplishment.




Bryn played her first soccer game Saturday! She has watched her sister Katelyn play for four years, and she has even practiced with Jadyn's team this past season. So, she was elated to begin her soccer career with the low-key 4 game season at our church's Rec league.






A little update on me: I saw Dr. Euhus yesterday. He was very pleased how my post-surgery has gone. I told him I was still experiencing some pain and he increased my pain patch; he actually doubled it. So far, I have not noticed much difference. Hopefully, I will soon. I asked his advise on my lymphodema and he convinced me that I did not need any treatment at this time. He took his own measurements and found no swelling at all. He attributed the tightening of my arm to a common post surgery symptom that will fade soon. I am willing to cut any appointments that are unnecessary! I completely trust Dr. Euhus, so I am very comfortable with this decision.

I have one more chemo Friday, followed by one week off! My Dad is coming into town from Oregon Friday as well. We have a busy weekend of soccer (for all three) volleyball (Katelyn) and a 4th birthday party (Bryn!).

This weekend, Jadyn and Bryn were playing on the couch--jumping rather. I wanted them to stop, so I had them get down and come over to me. I explained that there were so many other fun things to play with and offered some suggestions. I went out of the room and returned a few minutes later. They were both walking very slowly ON the couch. I told them again I did not want them playing on the couch! Jadyn said to me so calmly, "Mom, it's okay. We are not having ANY fun at all!" I wish I could have said--as long as you're not having any fun, jump away! If only we could use that excuse in real life!

Take care,
Jess

Chemo part 2

I had a round of chemo today. I know I have said this, but I have three treatments on and one off. This was part two.

My grandmother came with me today! It was a fairly typical day of treatment. Before chemo, I always have a blood test and today my white blood count was a little low. It did not mean much for my scheduled chemo; I just have to go back to Dallas tomorrow for a blood cell boosting shot.

I then had an appointment with a lymphoedema physical therapist. It was more of a consultation. She measured my arm for swelling, and she actually found none. The only lymphoedema symptom is that I have tightening in my arm when I extend it in certain positions. The therapist staged me at the very beginning of stage I. This means for me that I will have four massage treatments with her, and then get fitted for a compression garment. I am supposed to wear it during the day. Realistically, I will probably wear it when I am home. I am having conflicting thoughts: I do not want lymphoedema to grow, and yet I also want to lead a normal, comfortable life. We'll see. I meet with my surgeon (Dr. Euhus) Monday morning for a four week follow-up to surgery and I will ask him his opinion. Regardless, next week, I will go forward with the treatments--who wouldn't pass up an insurance improved massage? The compression garment will be valuable for now, and when I need it periodically.

The rest of my day concluded with getting a speeding ticket on the way home on my very own street (37 in a 30) and I could see my house as he was issuing the ticket!! When I made the rest of the way home, I was greeted by a wonderful meal brought to us. It was so amazingly abundant and thoughtful that I was brought to tears. Of course, I had just received a ticket...

I am thankful that, right now, I am smiling. Here's to praying for more of those smiles tomorrow!
Jess

Programs and awards...

Jadyn was selected to her Elementary’s "Hall of Fame". I don't know too much about it as we are new to Corey, but the teacher selects a student to be featured in the front hall of the school. Her picture is up, along with some nice words about Jadyn. She was all smiles when I took her picture today in front of her honor. We are proud her!







Last week, Bryn had a program at her school that was called "Get Moving!" Her P.E. teacher coordinated the event and each class had a song. Bryn's class danced with stuffed animals and had a great time. It was very fun to watch. Jadyn got to come too as the program was in the morning. Bryn loves seeing Jadyn come to her school. They will really love when they are in the same school--one more year!

No fun!

Just a quick update...

This week has been okay. It seems like one day I will be nauseous and the next day I am not, but my back will hurt. At least I have just had one problem to deal with at a time. God's provision shines through.

A funny thing that happened yesterday:
Jadyn and Bryn were playing and I was getting after them to stop jumping on the couch. I sat them down and told them there were many other fun things to play with, and to stop playing on the couch. I left the room and when I came back, both of them were walking very slowly on the cushions of the couch. I looked at them sternly, and Jadyn said, "It's okay Mommy, we're not having any fun at all!"

It is awfully hard to get mad at a cute comment like that!

Take care,
Jess

Chemo started

I saw Dr. Hayley Friday and I started back on my same treatment: Abraxane (a chemo drug) and Avastin (an intravenous drug that attacks the blood stream, cutting off the blood supply of the tumors). I will have Abraxane for three weeks, and be off one week. This constitutes one "round". I will have Avastin every other week.

I was very clear with Dr. Hayley about all my aches and pains. She told me it was time to get a pain patch. It goes right on my skin and into my bloodstream. I keep it on for three days, and replace it. I put it on Friday afternoon and did not think about pain too much all that night and the rest of Saturday! Then, on Saturday night, I felt a sharp pain in my back that is still there now. It could be flair from treatment and the chemo attacking those tumors. I hope this is so! In the mean time, I am able to both have the patch and use pain meds. However the pain patch is working in every other spot--just not this pesky spot on my back.

I also mentioned to Dr. Hayley that my arm I had surgery on felt a little tight-- on my lower arm. She said that was a very common place for lymphoedema to start, but that physical therapy was effective in treating it at this point. I hope to hear from the physical therapist Monday as to a time to begin treatment.

My Aunt Diane, my cousin Mandy and her new precious baby boy, Jace all came with me to chemo Friday! I was feeling good, and it was great to have them along for the company and conversation. Neither of them had been to the doctor with me yet, so they got to soak in the whole experience.

I am so thankful that most of my pains are gone, please pray for this last back pain to diminish. There is also a woman from our church that began her first chemo Friday, our precious school counselor that had chemo last week, and another administrator in our district that is beginning treatment as well. Additionally, a friend is recovering from breast surgery and will start treatment very soon. I can't tell if I am just more aware of cancer now, or if it is that more people are diagnosed with it. Probably both, but we will all beat it--the sooner the better!

Kindergarten coming soon

Yesterday I took Jadyn to Kindergarten Round-Up at Wood, where she will be going next year. It will be a seamless transition to Wood, as Katelyn will be leaving next year for Boles Jr. High. I will not have any missing years at Wood. It is bitter sweet though because I love having Katelyn at Wood, and Boles seems much further away (1 mile :). Katelyn will be so much more independent at Boles. For one thing, I am sure she will not be able to call me at the drop of a hat to come bring her shorts or her folder...or go into Aunt Sandy's office because she forgot to get something signed or she wants book fair money! The list could go on and on. Therefore, it is nice that we have Jadyn to follow right behind, with Bryn just the very next year.

Jadyn and I had a lovely time at dinner with some fellow moms and kiddos entering Wood. Then we went to the Round-up, which offered Jadyn a tour of the school and a chance to meet all the teachers. Then the teachers took the children into the classrooms while the amazing principal Aunt Sandy gave all the parents an introduction to kindergarten and Wood. Jadyn already thinks she knows most of the inner workings at Wood, and has the office staff wrapped around her finger. She would rather go visit Mrs. Donna in her office than hang around with me. I just hope she make it to class on time next year. Actually, Jadyn is very shy in new situations and told me many times how nervous she was. She did just fine with a little prodding. She makes friends easily and is nice to everyone, so I know she will do fine. She just stood (clung!) by me for a little while at first. When Aunt Sandy asked all the kindergarten girls to come stand by her, she went straight away. I don't know if that was because she was ready...or if that was because she knew she was heading straight for her aunt!

I am still on my countdown to Friday and chemo, however, I had a good night's sleep last night and feel okay this morning. I have changed nothing, so I only attribute it to more fervent prayer by others and myself.

Jadyn saw ducks outside our house yesterday and thought we should take a picture. There is a large man made pond a few blocks from our house, so I'm sure they were trying to make it there.



Here are two pictures from Wood last night. They are of Jadyn and Sandy and Jadyn and myself. We could be anywhere, but just know we were at the Round Up! I guess I should have taken pictures of Jadyn with her friends, or her teachers, or of the classroom. I'll remember that for the first day of school.

Happy Easter

I hope you are having a fabulous Easter. Our family just got back from church and had a wonderful time of worship. We are now headed over to my grandmother's house where many of my family will gather for a late Easter lunch. I do love spending time with my family.

Friday, we decorated Easter eggs with some friends and family. They come up with "new" decorating kits each year using almost exactly the same supplies, generating almost identical eggs as the old kits. If you decorate eggs each year, you know what I am talking about! We all had a lot of fun!




My hip and back pain has been pretty constant lately. I had a hard night and morning. Jake mentioned trying to see a pain management doctor and I think that is a good idea. Especially if it takes some time for the chemo to get working!

I did, however, have a precious morning with the girls, waking up Easter morning to a living room filled with eggs and Easter baskets filled to the brim with toys, candy and trinkets (as well as the traditional new tooth brush). They all had fun looking for eggs. Their favorite each year is when they find an egg on the living room fan and have to turn on the fan to get the egg to fly off. Bryn said that the Easter bunny must jump high.





We also each Easter try to coordinate outfits as a family. This year we were navy and white. We hope you have a blessed Easter.

Update

I am going to update my pictures with you all first. Other details to come later.

Jake took all three girls to Six Flags over Spring Break. They went first thing in the morning and came home just before it down poured and a huge storm swept through the city. They had a lot of fun. I let Katelyn take my camera and she had fun being the group photographer.







Right before spring break, we had open house at Wood and Corey Elementary for Katelyn and Jadyn respectively. We enjoyed seeing all they had been working on lately. We got to meet Jadyn's best friend Tamon.




Katelyn has had two cotillion dances in the last two weeks. This marks the last of the dances for this year. She has had a great time. She loves to dress up and go out afterwards, I don't know about the actual lessons!







My arm is feeling so much better. I have pretty good mobility and the tingling sensation is almost gone. However, I have significant bone pain in my hip. It makes it very hard to walk. Medicine helps, but I have never been more eager to begin chemo! I have my first treatment on Friday the 13th. This will not be a scary day for me, but I will be greatly anticipating the chemo drugs attacking this bone cancer, wiping it out for good!

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Pictures and X-rays

First, we had the opportunity to have the girls’ pictures taken Saturday morning. I rushed out Friday to find them something to wear, and we pulled it together. I think they look great. We just bought pictures over Christmas, so we won't be buying up a lot. But, I do get a free 8x10 to pick from. It will be hard to choose!








Jadyn had her yearly appointment at Scottish Rite today. Jake and I both went to hear about her progress. For those new to our family saga, Jadyn has hip dysplasia and has been treated at Scottish Rite Children's Hospital since she was 1. She has been through traction and three different casts, but has been free from all treatment for a year. So, we were anxious to hear the news! She had an X-ray that showed improvement and healing. She does not have to come back for another 2 years! This orthopedic hospital will treat Jadyn until she is 18, and we are so grateful for the awesome care she receives there. We have several traditions at Scottish Rite: popcorn upon entering and soft serve ice cream at the end. Jadyn, Bryn and Jake also went up to the Child Life center to play for a while: Jadyn beat her Dad twice in air hockey! Bryn loved the kitchen center and all the new toys. It was a good day.

I found out that I might have to wait a few weeks for chemo, which I thought would restart this week. The jury is still out as Dr. Euhus said two weeks after surgery and Dr. Haley said 1 month. I am anxious to start as my hip is acting up and I know that the chemo was helping those tumors diminish. For now, I take my pain meds regularly and have started exercises for my arm. I am getting better each day.

Jess

My tube and You tube

I got my drain out today!! I had a drain in my arm to clear fluid from my lymph node removal surgery. It was beginning to become irritated at the site of the tube entering my arm. It was so bad, I did not like to even touch the tube. Well, today at my doctor's appointment, Dr. Euhus said it was looking great, drainage was low, and it could be removed. I was a little bit of a baby when I got it out. I have birthed three babies without any pain meds or an epidural, but try to take out a stitch, and I am in tears. Fortunately, it felt like a quick pinch, and a little pressure and it was over. My Aunt Sandy, who came with me, said my face was white as a ghost and the tube (which was about a foot long) was another 6-8 inches inside my arm.

I felt immediate relief when it came out. I have better movement in my arm and no more stinging! I now have to do exercises to get back full mobility. The big news is I can now drive. My life can get, somewhat, back to normal. I still have to take it easy, limit the use of the arm for a while, and watch out for potential side effects (lymphodema). Not having lymph nodes in my arm will be a problem I will always deal with. However, having them in would be a problem that would be too much to deal with had they grown. They removed a total of 18 lymph nodes, 10 of them cancerous.

Thank you for your prayers, calls, visits, and help with the kids and meals. You are all a blessing to our family.

We had a home study of our family tonight. I can’t remember if I have mentioned that we are going through the process of Jake adopting Katelyn. The home study is a formality, but we were still a little nervous about it. It went great by the way, but I wanted to tell you one funny thing that was said. Diane, the women conducting the interview, asked Katelyn what she liked to do for fun at home. Katelyn said she liked to play on the computer. Diane asked what she did on the computer. Katelyn said that she likes to watch You Tube. After Diane asked what You Tube was, Katelyn explained it was funny videos people submit on the internet. Diane asked if we monitor the computer use. Katelyn said, "Oh yeah, my Dad watches it with me!" After laughing, we corrected her that her dad checks it out before she sees it! I am sure Diane got an image of the family gathered around the computer watching all that bad stuff...but together!

My grandpa has a stint put in yesterday for his aneurism. The surgeon said it was a success, and he went home today. My aunt Janette in New York had outpatient surgery on her ankle today. I will let you know an update...or she can comment herself!

We pray for all our family to be covered with a hedge of protection.

Tickle Bugs

Well, I have a pretty sweet husband. He spent 30 minutes this morning unclogging my drain from my arm. Today was his early day as he sponsors a great club at his school, Eagles for Christ, that meet on Thursday mornings.

When I called my nurse at Dr. Euhus' office yesterday, one of the things she told me was the drain needed to be cleared twice a day from the top to the bottom. I was just pulling it clear about half way (as they were doing in the hospital!). Because of that, some fluid at the top was thicker and had to be pushed down with painstaking ease. I was flinching every few minutes, scared the whole tube would fall out, and feeling sharp pain at the site.

Jake was so patient. Even though he was almost late, he would stop until I felt comfortable enough to continue...We finally got the entire drain clear. I'm sure it will be easier tonight.

I am now tired from holding my arm up even half way. It is amazing how quickly you lose strength. I feel like I have done 30 pull-ups. I just wish I had the toned reward that comes after 30 pull-ups!

Jadyn and Bryn have inherited my fear of bugs. When I see one, I yell to Jake to get it. I don't necessarily want it dead, just out of the house. If this is on a shoe or in a cup, I don't care; I just want it out of sight! Well, the yikes are the same way. Until, Jake got a hold of them for a few days by himself. There have been an inordinate number of these little thin, moth like hoppers that are all over the place lately. Just walking through the grass will bring up dozens. The girls have been running from these bugs like they were a hornet, and I guess Jake was growing weary of the drama (remember, the bugs are everywhere!). He told the girls they were tickle bugs and if they catch them in their hands, they would tickle them a little. I guess that is all they needed, because now, the girls can't wait to get outside to catch tickle bugs, laughing all over the yard. They now want to bring them IN THE HOUSE! And, IN THE CAR! Enough of the tickle bugs!! I am trying not to overreact, but it is getting hard. Now, they think it is funny that I run into the house and they gallivant outside, laughing as they catch the tickle bugs right in their hands.

I have an early doctor's appointment tomorrow, a post-op with Dr. Euhus. I am hoping he will release me to drive and remove my drain. If I get my wish, I will even hold a tickle bug!

Greetings...

Hi there!

I am feeling better each day, gaining more control of my arm's mobility. As you might be able to tell from a) my even posting and b) my using capital and lowercase letters thus needing both hands!

I have been staying the days with my grandmother and the nights at home. It has been a good situation all around. I can't drive yet, and grandma helps with shuttling the kids around. She is also able to help me rest better than if I would be at home (probably trying to do more than I should). Plus--I love spending time over at her house. It's also good to be home in the morning for the kids and Jake. It is then that they feel life is somewhat normal! We'll keep this up for a few more days. Then, my grandpa is having surgery himself. My grandma is a regular home nurse!

My grandpa goes to Costco every few days and always picks up a little something extra. I can't say anything as when I shop at Target (weekly) I usually pick up something extra (Jake--It is always something we need!!). Anyway, yesterday, grandpa picked up a kite for Bryn. It was really for Bryn and Jadyn. However, Jadyn was off at school, and Bryn latched onto the kite like it was a baby doll, dragging it all over the house all day long. Did I mention the kite was so big that the tube shaped box was bigger than Bryn!? She asked incessantly when Jake was going to be home to show it to him and ask when we could fly it. She and Jake worked out a tentative date to fly the kite, however our weather forecast shows day after day of rain. I will try to post a picture when it gets off the ground. Bryn will certainly be on our case until it does!

Maid Clean

As expected Jess came home early yesterday morning. She was able to use her arm for the first time yesterday which was a big confidence booster-- I think she was beginning to think it was going to be a long time before she could use it again. She still can't drive yet and won't be able to for awhile. Right now she has no need to go anywhere though as she is resting in comfort (i.e. being royally spoiled) at her grandmother's house. This morning Jessa's mother is going to take the kids in the morning for some spoiling of their own. They have been doing really well this week with one exception. Jessa's grandmother paid for our house to be clean on Wednesday so that Jess would come home to a clean house. Well there are two types of clean "picked up clean" and "maid clean." You can imagine as we are on our fourth day now with Jess not actually coming home to a clean house yet that it has been a bit of a struggle to keep the house "maid clean." You might say that once the house was made clean it has been hard to keep it "maid clean" (groan, groan). I don't have a funny story this morning just a sweet one. Bryn slept in my bed last night since Jess wasn't here. When she woke up this morning she very sleepily said, "Daddy..." "Yes, honey" I asked her. "I love you," she said. Now, that's starting the morning off right.

Jess to stay another night

Jess is staying another night at the lovely Hilton de Zale Lipshy. There she will be able to take in a scenic view of downtown Dallas and be waited on hand and foot. She'll enjoy room service for every meal and be waited on by a staff whose only concern is her well being. Her arm is still painful enough for her not to be ready to deal with three kids just yet. Instead she will be coming home tomorrow morning from the hospital.

All three of our kids react to bugs as if they were deadly axe murders. You have may have heard their screams the last couple of nights as bugs have started coming out with the warm weather. Well Jadyn and Bryn were playing outside when they came across a gecko. Geckos are small lizards that are very plentiful where we live. Most of them are only an inch or two, but they found one that was about three inches. Well much to my surprise Jadyn got a net and caught it. Even more surprising is what Bryn called it. She called it an "Icko." For those of you who don't like creepy crawly things that name should sound just perfect.

Surgery Succesful

Jessa's surgery went very well and was done in about an hour today. I finally got to meet her surgeon, the flamboyant Dr. Euhus (Oy-hues). It might be good to have a surgeon who wasn't a people person because that means they are more likely to spend Friday night at home studying a medical book, but I like it the way Jess has it a guy that is has fabulous surgeon hands plus a personable personality. He took out the lymph nodes under her arm which he said looked "suspicious" (doctor speak for looks like they're malignant/cancerous). No surprise there. That's what the PET scan showed and that's what they were expecting. He stictched her back up and put a little baglike container under her armpit to catch the drainage. It looks like a clear grenade. If I had something under my armpit that looks suspicioulsy like a grenade it would make me nervous, but not Jess. I guess "plastic explosives" don't bother her.

We had two visits from pastors at our church today. Both of them made me realize how much our pastors are less like church staff and more like family. You can't pay someone to love your family like they love ours. Thank you Don Beach and David George from LABC. Mom (Judy) would when The Thoughtful Person of the Day award if they had it. Jess saw some really nice flowers in the gift shop that she would have liked to give Mandy (who is the brand new mother of Jace). Well guess what flowers mom bought for Jess?

When I left for the night, Jess was pretty peaceful. She was sleepily watching American Idol. Her arm was very sore and painful, but with the pain meds she will probably sleep through the night just fine.

Let me leave you with a non-surgery story. While Jess was enjoying the cold weather in NY (which they call practically summer), we were experiencing truly warm weather in Texas . Because of that I shaved off more of my beard. When I asked the Yikes (Jadyn and Bryn) if they liked it they chorused "Who are you?"

Surgery Day

I am off today for surgery. I am loving the fact that I do not have the earliest surgery time. I have to be there at 11:00 for a 1:00 surgery. I think that Dr. Euhus will have the bugs worked out by the time he gets to me! Actually, he is a wonderful doctor and I have such complete confidence in him. I am so thankful for the manner in which I found his practice and the university hospital. I am just glad that I did not have to get up at 4 in the morning to make it into Dallas on time!

I am expected to come home tomorrow, praying all goes exactly as planned. I am praying for great wisdom for the doctors. My great friend Julie told me the difference between knowledge and wisdom from a BSF (Bible study) lesson I missed recently. Knowledge is gained from training and education, life experience... and wisdom comes from God. That is the kind I am praying specifically for today.

Love to you all!
Jess