I found the picture...

Here is the picture from Donnie & Sheri Lehman's wedding in February of 1996 (Happy Anniversary!!!) Bobby and I had our last child in November of 1995--poor Bobby looks so thin...amazing what childbirth will do.

These are the last times Bobby and I had pictures taken together.

Dinner/Game night w/Friends Clay & Teresa

Our wonderful friends Clay and Teresa come over for dinner tonight. It was our "Christmas Dinner". We are thankful that they were willing to wait until now, considering the circumstances. After dinner we played a game called Sequence. That was fun. Of course, the "ladies' team" won the game. Well, we won the second game. The men won the first one.

Miranda plays with her new toys. She had played Sequence with us and was GREAT at it. Miranda likes to draw and got a lap tray that she can take in the car to draw on. We hope you like it Miranda!

More Pictures (from Christmas) of Friends & Family

Just before Bobby's surgery, we had a great evening with our friends Joe & Cindy and Clay & Teresa. Clay took these wonderful pictures and for the most part--everyone is smiling. I won't mention anything about everyone looking at the camera--or not! I must say, the kids did a great job of both tasks. Poor Dan is stuck in the pic with 6 girls! Yes, he is smiling!

In the back we have: Alexis, Julie, Lindsey and in the front: Dan, Miranda, Morgan, Taylor.

In the Adult Picture: Teresa & Clay, Joe & Cindy, Bobby & Donna

Thanks for the pictures Clay!

A Day With the Doctors

10:00 Dr. Albertoli (Plastic Surgeon): Nothing new. He didn't feel that he needs to see Bobby for 3 months. He said that his face is healing nicely and that by summer, the scars will be very much improved. They look better every day---and summer isn't too far away either! Katie got to take out Bobby's stitches (see pic) and he is once again "stitch free."

Bobby will miss Katie for the next 3 months!

1:00PM Dr. McCormack (Oncologist): This was Bobby's first visit with an oncologist. Dr. McCormack was wonderful. He spent a very long time with us and took extra care to answer any questions we had. He was honest and took his time and was very understanding. We aren't the first young (wink) couple to sit in front of his desk fearing for our future.

He presented the facts:
1. He wants Bobby to be seen by an oncologist in Baltimore at John's Hopkins. This oncologist specializes in melanoma. Dr. M felt that Bobby would benefit by seeing him since the melanoma was on his face. The surgeon took the recommended 2cm margins for the excision but for the thickness of Bobby's melanoma, that may have been a little conservative. He just wants to be sure. He wants to make sure that the doctor at JHU doesn't want to do chemo or radiation. We will have the biopsy slides sent to JHU and read there--for another 2nd opinion. This appointment may take a few weeks to obtain.

2. With Bobby's depth of melanoma, being a male, age 40, and without spread to the lymph nodes, the stats say he has a 50/50 chance that the melanoma will recur. 50/50
Should it come back, melanoma can show up on the liver, in the lungs, pancreas, skin, brain, or anywhere it desires.

3. He wants to see Bobby every 3 months to check his lymph nodes (for lumps). He wants a yearly PET Scan for the next 3-5 years. And, to follow the recommendation of the doctor in Baltimore. Perhaps Interferon for a year-which is no fun. Bobby may not be a candidate for it though...his melanoma may not have been bad enough to need the chemo. We'll be praying.

That's about it--UNTIL WEDNESDAY. We go back to Frederick to see the ENT doctor. He has a fistula that is still draining "spit" continuously. We'll see if the doctor has any wisdom about that because it is a pain for Bobby.

Bobby is feeling pretty down in the dumps this week. Any support would be appreciated--I'm trying to keep his thoughts positive and looking up. I'm not hesitating to ask for help at this point. I'm using all of my tricks--although I can't reveal them here! It was great that he got to see Lee yesterday--that helped! Thanks Lee!

We finally got the pictures

The day before Bobby's surgery, we wanted to have family pictures taken. It was New Years Day. Julie had to be at the barn at 11 a.m. We weren't able to get all of us in to get the pictures taken so we had some taken of all 5 of us at the barn. Then, Bobby and I had pictures taken of just the two of us. It has been 3 1/2 weeks. We just picked them up last night.

The last time we had pictures taken was at Donnie's wedding in 1996, shortly after our son Daniel was born. Of course Bobby looked stunning and I looked like a mother cow. (Because I was). These new pictures brought mixed emotion for Bobby as the new scars are something that is difficult to accept. We talk about how even though we know the scars will fade, and they are amazing proof of saving his life, we understand it is hard to accept that they will be there forever. It is amazing how well the scars are healing. We rub scar stuff into it a few times/day. I reassure him often that in a few months...he will be surprised at the progress he has made. And, of course, I will make sure to capture it all digitally! Lucky him! I'll add pics in a bit...we have some stitches to tend to.....

Thursday

Well, not much to say today. Bobby survived his continuing education day yesterday and now has a few more days off until he is officially back to work. He is napping (currently) so it must have been a hard day in the classroom. He deserves a long nap, he got up with the kids this morning and let me sleep. I had gone to bed with a miserable headache and appreciated the extra time in bed this morning.

Anyone an expert on OLD stitches? I was rubbing some scar oil into his scars this morning and we pulled out the tail of an old internal stitch that had been lingering at the skin. There is another area where it seems as if there could be another one. This happened a few times a while back, but now it has been a while since we've seen any. I'll add a pic when he gets up. (OK, well he has been up but we've been busy) -pic tomorrow!

P.S. In case you missed the post from Wednesday 1-23: THE LATEST BIOPSY RESULTS ARE IN AND WERE BOTH BENIGN. NO ATYPICAL CELLS!

Let's Eat Cake!!! More Good News!

Dr. Albertoli called at 5PM tonight. The two biopsy sights came back BENIGN! No atypical cells! Needless to say, we are very thankful. This is great news and we are very happy!

Again, we say THANK YOU for you prayers, concern, food, cards, visits, calls, and everything else.

Wednesday

It is going to be a short week. The kids were off of school on Monday and Tuesday. BUT, today is Wednesday and for the first time since January 2, Donna has the house to herself to try to get some REGULAR housework completed. No appointments, no kids, no commitments--Life is getting back to normal (if only for one day). Bobby went to a class in Frederick. Although not working on the helicopter, he is working. He'll be tired at the end of the day.

The kids are in school...at least until 2:30. Enough time for a few loads of laundry. And, I do have to work tonight. I'll sleep later. For now, I'm enjoying the quiet and my cats.

We all enjoyed huge amounts of eclairs from Aunt Erma last night. We have more for tonight!

Thank you for the ECLAIRS Aunt Erma!!

The drive home-Tuesday

We are driving home....slowly ' carefully.. We can't wait to get home-the girls said Aunt Erma came by this morning and brought ECLAIRS!! The girls worked very hard and cleaned and picked up while we were gone. The house looks great! Thanks Lindsey & Julie.

An attempt at "Moblie Blogging"

We traveled to Fairmont, WV for a viewing Monday night. Although it was under unfortunate circumstances, we were happy to see our good friends Joe & Cindy.

Rose's Broccoli Casserole

Cook and drain:
2 pkgs. (10oz.) frozen chopped broccoli
3/4 c. chopped onion

Combine:
2 eggs beaten
3/4 c. mayonnaise
1 can cream of mushroom or celery soup

Blend with above 3 ingredients: 1 c. shredded sharp cheese

Mix:
All of the above items and put into a buttered casserole dish. Salt/pepper to taste.
Top with:Herb bread crumbs/cubes mixed with 1 stick melted butter or oleo

Bake:
375 degrees for 45 minutes

Note:
For a one-dish meal, add cubed chicken breast cooked off the day before!

Submitted with love---Rose Brais

To answer a few questions...YOU asked...

On Friday, Bobby had two more sites biopsied. One on his right upper back/shoulder (Dr. A took a sample from the middle of an old birthmark), and the other biopsy was from his right shoulder.

Bobby says they are sore. He's not complaining after the toll the last biopsy is STILL taking. Now, that one, he is STILL whining about. That's OK...he's allowed to whine if it is over 3 or 5 stitches OR 56 stitches! We're used to whining around here.

The mood here is still "roller-coaster". I (Donna) have a cold and am feeling kind of run down. I worked last night which went well and so far, I'm home "on call" tonight. That will help. Perhaps being extra tired, being sick, and working would make you feel crappy? That would have been until I got Aunt Rosie's card today...and then, I felt more like smiling. Thank you Aunt Rosie. She also sent me her recipe for the casserole. I'll post it on a sidebar! Enjoy!

If I had thought about it BEFORE they were gone...I'd have taken pictures of the mole that the doctor removed. I would have shown you the two that were side by side and looked "similar" but one was suspicious and the other was "normal". The one on the right (below) is just a piece out of the existing birthmark. He didn't take the entire birthmark......yet.












**Right Shoulder Biopsy Site **(left pic) **Right Upper Back/Shoulder Site**(right pic)

Hi

Friday...

We went to Dr. Albertoli's office today. Bobby had 2 spots biopsied-on his right shoulder/arm. Bobby doesn't like it...but these are the things that will save his life. Catching anything that crops up before it gets as bad as this last one (now that we know what it is) is the key.

After the appointment, we did some shopping and picked up prescriptions, then we headed home to be with the kids--they had a 1/2 day of school.

It is 6PM, Julie is fixing dinner. Donna has to work tonight, so I'm getting ready to take a little nap. I'll get my blog posted early tonight. I work all weekend--if there isn't much blogging going on, you'll know there have been lots of babies being born and I'm home sleeping. (No promises but maybe I can talk my husband into becoming Bloggin' Bobby over the weekend).

Oh...I have a funny story to close my blog for the night...

On the way back from Frederick, we kept seeing all of this toilet paper floating through the air. There was a big camper beside us, I joked that maybe the vent was open on the top of the camper...but NO, that wasn't it...then, we got a little closer and could tell what was happening.

It was an AC&T truck carrying 2 Port-A-Potties. From the bottom side (pardon the pun) on the one on the left trailed a ribbon of white unrolled paper! When he was on the interstate, it would tear off and float around, but on the slower road, it got longer and longer! A once in a lifetime sight!

We got some snow today-and a visitor

Bobby's good friend Harold came to visit him today. Lee was supposed to come but the weather was not cooperating. Bobby was thankful that Harold made it up here. Donna is trying to figure out why she didn't think to grab a picture--I'll have to figure out something tomorrow.

Thanks for coming to visit Harold!!!

About 3" total by tonight.

And this is Maybelline. She was being cute in the fruit basket (good thing all of the fruit was taken care of...see anyone hiding in the background?

Pictures...

NO MORE STITCHES!!! EVERYTHING IS LOOKING GREAT! GOOFING off with the new popcorn popper...

Attempting to lead a more healthy lifestyle....
Mom insisted on an air-pop popper instead of the microwave popcorn

Lindsey bought herself a new outfit...and she loves her boots!

And the Final is in....

We went to see Dr. Yoon this morning at 9. Best things first-The final pathology report was unchanged and still said that they DID get all of the cancer AND--there were NO CANCER CELLS in the lymph nodes! This is icing on the cake! Dr. Yoon was very happy with the healing progress that Bobby is making. He said that the swelling will slowly improve but that it is something that has to be lived with for now. We mentioned that we've had to "help" it drain a little when it becomes intolerable. He reminded us (duhhhh) that there is a huge "vein" under there. Yes, we've avoided poking at veins & arteries. So, I'll help Bobby deal with it. He never thought he'd be missing Darla. We don't have to go back for 2 weeks. Thank you Dr. Yoon!

Then, the best part of our day was meeting our good friends Paul & Glenna for brunch. Thank you for the meal and for a great time this morning! Bobby & I had a wonderful time (and I can speak for Paul & Glenna that they did too).

More of Wednesday...

On the way to Frederick for Bobby's 2 doctor's appointments, the plastic surgeon's office called and cancelled his appointment for today. That visit was for 2 more biopsies and to have his stitches out. No biggie on the biopsy cancellation--that is getting old for Bobby anyway...it will come around again. BUT, the stitches were really bugging him. Fortunately, Dr. Yoon felt that the stitches NEEDED to come out and had the potential to do more harm than good (2 weeks post-op). So, NO MORE STITCHES! So, he has a few more skin cells than he planned on, and about 15 LESS stitches than he needed! A piece of cake (see icing comment from above post).

The day just kept getting better...

Shortly after Bobby and I got home, Bobby's father came by with a hard earned treat. Bobby can not begin to express his gratitude to his dad for the load of wood that he brought. The dump truck was piled full--and our stove was dead empty and very cold. Thank you Pap Pap from all of us. There is nothing warmer than having that stove cranking on a blustery day. It wasn't long until smoke started billowing from the chimney.

It wasn't TOO bad (from Donna)

Well, once I got out of the driveway and headed to work, things began to improve. Bobby was in good hands so I knew I had nothing to worry about. I slept for a few hours before I had to get up to get ready for work. The last few minutes of "in bed" time I had was spent with Dan standing at my head waiting for me to relinquish "my spot" and pass on the charge role for the night. Daddy was in good hands. I finished getting ready and headed out for the first time in over 2 weeks. Because I had been allowed the time to grieve, recover, and heal with my family and husband, I felt ready to go back without hesitation. It was time-a good time. I feel thankful to have the support at work because it has made a huge difference. It was nice to get back to work too. Only a few tears shed, but that was OK too.

Bobby said he didn't sleep much here. He was up a few times. His drain hole has sealed over and isn't allowing Darla's spit to drain. That is painful. The fluid builds up under the tissue and makes it way from under his ear up and around in front of his ear and up to the top where Darla used to be. I used to be able to get it draining but the last 2 days it has healed more and won't drain. Bobby thinks Dr. Yoon will fix this issue tomorrow morning. Don't worry: I'll be sure to capture all the details and post it ASAP "How the Doctor got Bobby's Spit to Drain" to be released Wed. afternoon! Something to look forward to tomorrow!

Good Day to everyone for now. Perhaps we will say goodnight later and have some pictures to post before bedtime. Keep him in your prayers tonight as we should get the FINAL pathology reports tomorrow. Also, he will get two more biopsies done--which stinks. He gets pretty bummed out about that. It is like starting the process all over again. Each biopsy has the potential to come back as Melanoma. That pretty much sucks to put it nicely.

Worried...

Donna is working tonight...leaving her dear husband home alone (with the kids) for the first time in a few weeks. I think it will be hardest on Donna. But, even if difficult, we must return to a normal state of chaos. And, he promised me that after a day of doctor's appointments, we could crawl back in bed and sleep for a few hours! That will be worth it!

Sleep tight, I love you!

Melanoma

Bobby wants to share his story from the beginning. He hopes that if just ONE person learns from what he has been through and does thing differently, it may make a difference in saving a life. Awareness, prevention, and knowing what to look for are keys that can save your life.

This picture was taken in October on Bobby's 40th Birthday. The spot on his cheek had been there since the beginning of summer. It wouldn't heal, it slowly got larger and because it didn't look nice, we finally made an appointment to see his doctor. We never once considered that it was skin cancer. We didn't have the knowledge we do now, it was a hard lesson learned.








This is the spot on his cheek




Melanoma doesn't always look like this, it can have many appearances.

What Is Melanoma?

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It begins in skin cells called melanocytes.
Melanocytes are the cells that make melanin, which gives skin its color. Melanin also protects the deeper layers of the skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
When people spend time in the sunlight, the melanocytes make more melanin and cause the skin to tan. This also happens when skin is exposed to other forms of ultraviolet light (such as in a tanning booth). If the skin receives too much ultraviolet light, the melanocytes may begin to grow abnormally and become cancerous. This condition is called melanoma.

In men, melanoma most often shows up:
on the upper body, between the shoulders and hips
on the head and neck
In women, melanoma often develops on the lower legs.
In dark-skinned people, melanoma often appears:
under the fingernails or toenails
on the palms of the hands
on the soles of the feet

The chance of getting melanoma increases as you get older, but people of any age can get melanoma. In fact, melanoma is one of the most common cancers in young adults. Each year, more than 50,000 people in the U.S. learn that they have melanoma. There is no safe tan. Any color change from the sun is damage to your skin states The Johns Hopkins Guide to Melanoma: I Have Melanoma: Now What?

From http://www.melanoma.com/whatis.html

Special Thanks

*We (all 5 of us) would like to say, "THANK YOU" for the absolutely wonderful food that was brought to us. This morning, Roy & Chrystal came by with a huge pot of potato soup. Chrystal made chicken salad also. They brought it by for us this morning with crackers & rolls. Chrystal took special care to make sure it was just right for Bobby to be able to munch on. It was perfect! (I'll get pics on soon) Thank you Chrystal & Roy

*For dinner, Catherine Ann (and Joe) brought by lasagna, a salad, bread, and an apple pie for dessert. The lasagna was amazing! Bobby said he didn't care if it ended up hurting...he ate a huge portion because it was so good. He is hurting--but it was worth it. The bread and salad went along with the lasagna for a great dinner. The apple pie is awaiting its demise. Thank you Catherine Ann & Joe!

*We definitely don't need to eat out for a while--they both brought us a huge amount of food. We will be eating well all weekend and into next week! Donna hasn't been cooking much, and hasn't felt much like cooking. I've said before that the kids are benefiting most from the meals. It is comforting to know that the children will get fed. They are getting fed very well. Thank you so very much, Bobby & Donna, Lindsey, Julie, Dan

Daily Progress

Every day is an improvement. Bobby has been able to get out of the house more. Today, he went to Julie's Geography Bee. She made it to Round 3. He enjoyed getting to go and see her. We did some work around the house and then had to take Julie to apply for her passport. She is going to Canada with her French class. We picked her up from school and after the passport, we went to Red Lobster for lunch. Bobby's cousin Debbie works there so we always ask for her when we go. She was surprised to see Bobby--having only heard about his surgery a few days ago. Lunch was good--but Bobby had some trouble eating it. He ate more than I did so it must have tasted REALLY GOOD! He is eating more and more, and it still hurts...but not as much. His talking is normal--except when he has just eaten.

The scars are getting much better. The one by his ear is barely visible. If you didn't know it was there, it wouldn't catch your attention. The one on his cheek looks much better now that 1/2 of the stitches are out. When the rest of the stitches come out, it will continue to look better! He has feeling over most of it, just not around his earlobe. That may or may not come back.

We made the appointment with the oncologist in about 2 weeks. We will be able to get alot of our questions answered and be able to find out what else might be beneficial to help prevent recurrence of the Melanoma. Unfortunately, this type can return. (More on this later)

I'll find some pictures to post...and call it a night. Thanks for signing the guestbook...it is fun to see who has been here! We hope all is well with each of you...

Doesn't he look great?

Up close...a perfect stitch!

We trimmed a few of the tails...he could see them out of his eyes.

Thursday...

Things are getting back to normal around here. The kids have activities daily. Julie has a Geography Bee at 0800 tomorrow. Bobby plans to go...but hasn't been out of bed before 10:30 or 11 in over a week! That isn't really like him but he is trying. Bobby helped out around the house today. He felt like doing more today than he has in the past. Of course, he did get his nap from 2-3 which helps. He's not really feeling "sick" anymore, just tired and slow to get back into our fast-paced routine. Eating is still an issue.

We all ate dinner together tonight. Donna made stuffed manicotti and we had some of Aunt Rosie's fruit salad. It was nice to sit together as a family and enjoy our meal. Some Cold Stone ice cream would have been nice for dessert--but, gee, we don't get any of that.

I called to make an appointment with the oncologist and we're still waiting for a call back. We are both anxious for that appointment as it will fill in many of the questions we have and give us a glimpse into the future. We still should be praying that things will continue down the current path!

Bobby wanted to add a GUESTBOOK to the Blog...he hopes everyone will sign it and we will know who has visited. The map helps but he'd love to know who's been here! Thank you for all of the great emails and cards--and calls. He is getting to hear from many friends (and family).

Wishing you all the best...for now-Bobby & Donna

Finally...some quiet time!

Julie captures some pictures of Mom & Dad having a quiet conversation.

In the last 2 weeks, we've been able to spend time talking about the things that matter most.

-We've had many heart to heart conversations and have enjoyed many of the events we remember over the last 20+ years. And, then, it is 2:30 and the kids are home from school, and the fantasy ends. The gripes start, the whining and the complaints flow. There is homework to be done, after school events...and then we realize...things are getting back to normal! See you at 0630 in the morning...like it or not :(

Pictures...

Here are some pictures I've wanted to get posted. I either run out of time or I fall asleep.

Lindsey holding Maybelline and Lexi

Julie's new color STIX

Dan & Julie share pictures

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

I will have to post the recipe when I get a chance to ask Aunt Rosie for it. She made us dinner tonight and it was excellent. Thank you for the wonderful meal Aunt Rosie. We had the casserole, biscuits, fresh fruit salad, and yummy cookies for dessert. Some of the cookies never made it to dinner...but, there were plenty for a snack and for dessert!

I caught him with a bite in his mouth!

REJOYCE! and BELIEVE IN MIRACLES

Until yesterday, I don't think I fully understood. I don't think WE understood the power of positive thinking, the belief that MIRACLES DO HAPPEN. It is not by chance, but by a higher power.

Bobby's last words last night (before I fell asleep on the keyboard) were, "Cautiously optimistic." Yes he was. Understandably so - without a doubt.

Today, we had to see the ENT doctor a day early because of the increased swelling and pain Bobby had been having. The visit had been scheduled for Wednesday but we had to move it up. I think it was a good thing because as Wednesday drew closer, so did the knowledge of the pathology reports we expected to receive. Today was the day.

Although preliminary, the biopsy results came back. Dr. Yoon read us the report (in words that we could understand):

• NO CANCER CELLS IN THE LYMPH NODES
• NO REMAINING CANCER IN THE CHEEK

The biopsy results are negative on the preliminary report. I can not say anymore than what Aunt Rosie said but, "Praise the Lord!"

With this, and a day of unbelievable emotions, we BELIEVE IN MIRACLES.

...to be continued as not to interfere with the impact of the above information.

Emotions...and more of the story

OK, so the news is sooooo good, why don't I feel so great?


I told Bobby tonight that what he's gone through isn't just STRESS. Stress can be good, stress can be bad. Receiving a diagnosis, cancer of all things, with the implications of Melanoma and the severity of his situation doesn't just cause stress. It causes one's body to react with a response of survival and desperation. Even with the report being nothing short of a miracle, even the good news is hard to digest. For Bobby, it is slowly sinking in. For Donna, I'm trying to convince him that every day will be better, the news will slowly sink in, and when he is ready--I'll be holding the champagne, balloons, and ready to celebrate any way he feels up to. Until then, I think I'm plenty happy for both of us.


Let's see, other news. Bobby got out 1/2 of his stitches on his cheek (thank you Katie). The stitches around his ear were removed by Bobby's private duty nurse in the comfort of his home. Not that Katie doesn't remove stitches well...but, let's just say that there are fringe benefits to having your own nurse at home, alone.


The scars are improving daily. I'll post some pictures...(sorry, none of the stitch removal). The doctor said the swelling below his ear is scar tissue and "spit." (Doctor's words, not ours) Bobby is still having trouble eating. The taking is very much improved. It sounds like it will take a while for the swelling to go down. He was doing well tonight until he ate a piece of peanut butter pie. Now, with ice on his jaw, he is grumpy. I'll take grumpy anytime...no matter what. We'll celebrate our 20th anniversary this year...when we look back at what we've been through in the last 20 years, the next 20 will be a PIECE OF CAKE!!!



Until we can write back to everyone who has sent emails, called, and chipped in-- please allow us to say THANK YOU here-for now. I have a feeling, we'll be spreading thanks for quite a long time.

Before the stitches came out...

After the stitches are out...and 1/2 of the ones on his cheek

and NO CANCER

Comfort, Healing, Miracles

Our Prayer

Believe in miracles,
if you believe in God.
Follow the Lord and
the Lord will touch your life.
Oh Lord, let there be a miracle.
Bless us with Thy mercy.
We thank Thee,
oh merciful lord,
for all the many graces,
blessings and gifts
you have given us.
Guide us in all we say and do
and strengthen us to accept
our pain and suffering
as Jesus did for us.
*Amen*

FJM ~FJM
©2007 F.J. Mahoney

*

*

*

--Jessica, we thank you. Your advice, guidance, strength, and compassion have become my belief in MIRACLES. I do believe in miracles...and you taught me how. Donna

THANK YOU!

Bobby asked me to say thank you to everyone for their prayers and support. He doesn't feel that he is a good writer so he asked me to write this tonight for him. He describes his attitude as cautiously optimistic.

Goodnight...whew! Exhaustion has set in...more in the morning.

Monday - Post Op Day 5

We are settling in, trying to bring things back to normal. The kids went back to school today, Bobby and I caught up on a little bit of much needed sleep. Last night was rough, we were up most of the night. I think he is getting his days and nights mixed up! Unfortunately, the kids still get up at 6:30. I forgot Dan's lunch (usually once a week) and since I had to take it out to him, we went to Target to pick up prescriptions. That went well but by the time we got back home, he was miserable. What seems to bother him most is eating. When he chews, the side of his jaw really hurts. There is alot of swelling under the skin below his left ear. The doctor said he wanted to see him in the morning--instead of waiting until Wednesday. Bobby is nervous as to what the doctor might do. We hope Darla isn't an option!

YIKES, he just caught me sleeping while typing this on the laptop...which is becoming easy to do. It is bedtime, but I'd love to sit up and type.

Tonight, although it is something we try to do routinely, we all sat and ate dinner together as a family for the first time in a while. Unfortunately, Bobby was pretty miserable throughout the meal. Thanks for hanging in there!

Bedtime...Sunday

Bobby is quieting down. Even a day without much activity can be exhausting. Today, he was able to read the newspaper, carry some dishes to the kitchen, spend quality time with his family, and share some of his deepest thoughts with me. I am honored, yet scared. What lies ahead is in God's hands. We can share the most beautiful moments in what seems the darkest times. We talk about the future, what we have planned, what he most wants in life, and about what really matters. But, most of all, we look back on our past. We are so blessed to have the lives that we have. I've told him, he is the one that made all of my dreams come true. I always dreamed of the "perfect family"...a wonderful husband, three children, a house, the perfect job, and to be the proud wife & mother of all of them. What I have come to realize is that his dreams are also my dreams, funny how that works. He talks of things he would still like to see, places he would like to go. We've started a list ... and we're going to start working on those things. He can keep adding more, and that will give us more to have to get done--together, as a family.


This week, we will know the results of the pathology reports. He should also probably get his stitches out. We will be able to start looking at the near future and what it holds to combat the Melanoma. I will have to go back to work some time this week, something I can not even imagine. It will be one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Even when I returned back to work from having our children, it wasn't as hard as this will be. He was there, with each of the kids, taking care of them until I got back. He told me he'd come to work with me. Hummm, I'll have to figure out how to pull that one off.


Goodnight to all, sleep tight! I've got my angels tucked in for the night.

Bobby reading his Harbor Freight magazine (his favorite subscription)I can't say who.... (no makeup)! (13)Ahhh, peace and quiet....And a 17 y/o with a cell phone...did I say quiet? Time for bed!

This is The Ditto

Sunday Night...almost bedtime.

The weekend is over. It is time to start another week, another chapter. We are healing and moving on. Bobby is still having pain from the surgery (jeesh it has only been 4 days). His jaw really hurts after he eats or does much talking. He has a choice...eat or talk. I have an idea...watch for NEW AND EXCITING features to the blog. Starting tonight! I'm excited...I'll finish the blog early...



OK, tonight Aunt Rosie and Uncle Ron stopped by to check and see if there was anything we needed and to offer support. It was good to see them. Bobby had a rough evening but came down to visit with the family despite his discomfort. Thanks for stopping in Aunt Rosie & Uncle Ron--we love you!

Bobby doesn't know it yet, but Aunt Rosie is bringing dinner over on Wednesday!! Thank you! It will be a perfect day to have a meal because we have several doctor's appointments that day. Three Cheers for Aunt Rosie and Uncle Ron!