The Today Show

www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp=31532986&#31166521

Saw this on-line today and thought it was really good. So many of you have already followed the great advice given. Thank you so much.

Mom got cheesecake today!

Mom finished her last brain radiation this morning and was treated to a piece of cheesecake and a certificate signed by all those amazing employees she's been going to visit for the last month or so. She thanked them with a fruit bowl.

I must admit that I wasn't able to write this last weekend because there wasn't good news to share. Mom had a horrible night Friday night and did not sleep a wink. I showed up at the house on Saturday afternoon and, for the first time, I saw a cancer patient. I peeked into her bedroom while she was taking a nap and she did not look good. She was wearing a bandana to catch all of the hair that's falling out and her face was pale and tired looking. Sorry mom, but it's the truth! I just sat with her for a couple hours and it was a very quiet time.

Sunday she had perked up a bit and we had a nice Father's Day dinner for Brian and John. Mom visited with Adrienne and Cherrie from Danville. They kept her busy yesterday too. This morning I thought mom looked well again. She is looking forward to a visit from Marybeth and Robyn from San Leandro tonight.

Thank you again for all of your love and prayers at this time. Mom is an amazing fighter, but knows she cannot do this alone. We appreciate all of you.
Val

2nd Round of Chemo

Yesterday was the second round of chemo. Mom felt pretty well today. She took some tums tonight to help with that "indigestion" feeling. She had her 11th brain radiation today and still has all of her hair.

She had a really wonderful time in Park City for Nikki's wedding. Flying there and back really helped her energy levels stay up. She returned to spend some time with Chris and Gail. It was great to visit with both of them.

We are now looking forward to a few more visits from friends, another wedding and Porter Family Reunion... which if you are a member of that family you should visit the blog to find out the details... porterreunion2009.blogspot.com
Love to all.
Val

Just another day.

It's been awhile since the last post. Not a lot of new information. Mom had her 7th of 15 brain radiations today. Yesterday she had a really horrible headache. Today she looks like herself again. Her hair is still in...they say it will go fast when it does go.

She will fly up north tomorrow to make it to Park City for Brian's daughter's wedding. We are also looking forward to a visit from Chris and Gail (dad's brother and sister) this weekend.

I saw a stack of cards and letters that mom has received over the past weeks. I am humbled and appreciative of the love she has gathered around her. Near and far your support is felt and we are so grateful for it.

Our visiting-teaching message this month at church is about prayer. I am comforted knowing that we do have a merciful Father in Heaven that is aware of us and who continually sends blessings to us. It is through you that prayers are answered. Please continue to listen to the promptings and may you be blessed for your actions.
Val

It's party time.

Today was the last day of back radiation. Yipee. Dr. Richards said that the treatment has been successful and that the cancer is dead in those areas that were treated. Now let's keep it that way and hope that the chemo and brain radiation is getting all the other areas.

We picked out a few wigs, bandanas, and scarves yesterday. It was an emotional thing for mom. I was amazed at how the different styles changed the way she looked. Thanks Deb, our cancer care specialist! We aren't sure exactly when she will lose her hair, but it could be soon. Her second of 15 brain treatments was today.

Mom is being a good patient and is resting up and trying to eat well. The fridge is just packed! She has joined netflix so if you have any good movie recommendations send them her way.

Mom mentioned that she got a wonderful email from an old friend in Piedmont that has been through some of what she is going through. She was so appreciative of this woman's story and advice. We don't all walk in the same shoes, but it is very helpful not to feel so alone.

Becky, Jenn, Joel and I are so grateful for all of you and your support and prayers. Don't stop!
Val

Mom's comment.

Mom (Jill) here...I have cried a little, maybe a lot...and can only tell you my tears are those of gratitude for all of you and your encouragement and love. It REALLY does help me emotionally and spiritually which can only help me physically too! So thank you so very much and please continue to pray for me.

Change of plans.

Today mom had an appointment with Dr.  Hazard.  She explained the procedure that was going to take place tomorrow to kill off the three tumors in mom's brain.  Unfortunately the MRI mom had this afternoon showed 8 tumors.  They are very small and so it was decided that she will return to St. George and do a low dose of radiation over her whole brain through the course of 15 treatments.  

Initially mom was mad.  When are we going to hear some good news?  But we have come to the conclusion that this is the best course of action at this time.  She has her preliminary appointment tomorrow afternoon.  She will finish out the week getting the last of her back and hips radiated and the beginning of her brain radiation.  Side effects include hair loss, short term memory loss, and tiredness.  

We continue to be so grateful for the love and support of so many people.  Please know how much this means to mom and our entire family.  We love you.