Bedtime Conversation

We'd been talking about our dog, Max.

D: I'm not really a DOG person.

G: I am.

Mom: Yeah, for D's birthday, he just needs a turtle and a fish.

D: Yes! I want a fish!!!

G: I want a duck!

The Latest on Payton

Here is the update from the Chumbleys blog.

I just talked to Robin and found out they will be repeating all the tests Payton had to endure in Prague. I understand it, but so wish he didn't have to have another round of tests. He is having a CT scan right now and will have MRI and bone marrow next week. Chemo treatments might begin late next week.

Please continue to pray for Payton.

It's Been a While

The boys and I just returned from a weekend in my hometown. It was my sister's baby shower and we had a great time catching up with everyone. Little Caden is growing and growing and it really won't be long now. Well, not to us. To K, it seems like an eternity! I remember being 7 months pregnant and convinced that I couldn't get any bigger and 9 months was entirely too long to be pregnant! She got lots of the bedding for the nursery, so I imagine she will be having a good time this week getting the nursery ready!

We spent some time with the brother and family, too! My very health-concious SIL served chili-cheese dogs and ice cream! No salad - nothing green! The tea had artificial sweetener! The dogs were all beef - not soy or tofu! We gave her a very hard time and had a blast eating it!

Our friends, the Chumbleys, have traveled home from Prague to begin Payton's cancer treatments. His first appointment is this Thursday in Fort Worth. After flying all day Friday, they arrived safely in TX around 7:30 PM. They were tired and overwhelmed, but in good spirits. I spent some time with them Saturday while they relaxed and waited for the rest of their luggage to arrive. Everyone looked great - but tired. Payton was full of energy - you'd never know he has an aggressive bone cancer! Robin and her mom came to the baby shower Sunday. Most everyone there knows them and were anxious to hug them and remind them they are praying for Payton. My aunt took a great picture of me and Robin and I'll post it later.

Life is busy around here. We will be leaving on vacation next Monday! We are heading to the big vacation destination of Des Moines, Iowa! We lived there - our first child was born there - and we haven't been back as a family! Most of our friends haven't seen D since he was 2 and they've never seen G. Contrary to what most might think, there is a lot to do in DM and it will be a great trip!

Payton's Test Results

From Terry's email this morning:

We just returned from our meeting with the oncologists at Motol. Here is a brief update of where we are:

Payton has Ewing's Sarcoma (PNET), which is a very aggressive form of bone cancer. The doctors are recommending chemotherapy every 3 weeks (3-4 days at a time) for around 18 weeks.

They will then redo the CT scan/xrays/MRI/etc. to determine if the tumor has shrunk enough to remove it by surgery. Due to the location of the tumor (1st rib near major arteries), they are doubtful that surgery will work at that time. They feel that he will require radiation treatment to try and further shrink the tumor and then attempt surgery.

They also feel that Payton has a 65-75% of completely being healed. (Luckily none of that is up to them) We will send all results back to the states for a second opinion and further consultations.

Our advantages:
1. Payton is young and can bounce back from treatments.

2. The tumor is small and if we start treatment soon we have the advantage.

3. Payton inherited his stubbornness from his mother and her side of the family.

4. Payton has a prayer army like none other.

We love you all and have felt your prayers stir the comforting of the holy spirit in our lives.

Thanks..........

For the Kingdom,

The Chumbleys

Heres a link for more info:

http://www.curesearch.org/for_parents_and_families/newlydiagnosed/