More Details....

Just wanted to add the details from the visits of last week.  I have been out of town and couldn't get on to put the information as I left right after the visits last Friday.    Last Friday was a reason to celebrate!   The radiologist visit on Wednesday showed that the tumor and cancer on her liver is gone!  GONE!  The other tumors have shrunk and are manageable!   The doctor was very pleased with the results of the treatments.   On Friday we met with the main cancer doctor to review the PET scan and hear what he saw.   He pulled up Mom's original PET scan on one side and had the new one on the other side.  These were his words,  "It is remarkable" how good it looks and that "whatever you are doing, keep doing, because it's working!"  Dad got a big smile on his face and I said, "Way to go DAD!" and the doctor chimed in, "Yes, you are doing a great job at taking care of her".  Dad makes mom drink a "shake" every morning with his concoction in it.  It is helping strengthen her bones and her immune system.   The new PET scan was so much different from the first one.  The first one was all lit up in red (which shows the cancer all through her bones and body).  This new one showed faint red through her bones and some still very red up around the top of her spine but was incredibly different and so much better!! There are no tumors on her neck, she has cancer in the bones there.  Mom asked if that was why she has been leaning over so much and the doctor said no, it's just muscle memory.  So we are working on standing tall (remember Mom teaching us that!  Get out your books and place them on your head!! ha)  Mom was practicing all the way out of his office and out to the car!!! What a hard worker and dedicated lady!!!

 Mom has gained 10 pounds and is looking much better.  Her color is back in her skin and face and she has more energy.   The doctor said that he would continue the shots each month for her bones and the oral pill but that she could cut back on the pain meds and patch as she saw fit.  She had already been doing that so things are going very well.    She has another PET scan in 3 months to stay on top of it and make sure things are staying controlled.   The doctor said that he has never seen where it completely goes away once it's in the bones, but I told him Mom could always be the first, right!!!!  Thanks for the prayers, positive thoughts, fasts, and all that you have done to support Mom and Dad!!

A Reason to Celebrate

Mom had her second PET scan on April 6th. She and Dad met with the radiologist and oncologist the 11th and 13th. Joyce will write the details when she has a chance (and correct any errors in this post!), but there is too much gladness to be contained right now, so I wanted to make a quick post for everyone. The tumors that were treated with radiation are gone, even the spot on Mom's liver! The cancer in her bones does not appear as "bright" as before and in the doctor's words, "it is amazing!". While there is still a tumor at the top of her spine near her neck, Mom's pain has abated greatly and she has been able to reduce her pain medication. She has gained back some weight and her energy level has increased. In the words of Elder Russell M. Nelson this month during General Conference, "Thanks Be To God." Elder Nelson went on in his talk to say, "How much better it would be if all could be more aware of God’s providence and love and express that gratitude to Him." Our hearts are full and we are so grateful to God for His gift of healing for Paula, His love for each of us, and the knowledge we have that He is ever watching over us. Thanks to each of you, too, for your prayers and continued remembrance of Paula and Don.

Bonnets for the Huber Reunion

The Huber Reunion is fast approaching and Mom has been busy making pioneer bonnets for her granddaughters. She is finishing up her 15th bonnet and they are SO cute! All the girls riding on the Melba City float for the 4th of July parade will get to wear one of Grandma's special bonnets. Of course, Grandma has something special for the boys to wear, too (fun hats she found that fit the bill perfectly!). We're so looking forward to gathering together as a family! We are very grateful that this past month has been good for Mom--she's had more energy, been able to get her appetite back and is even swallowing Dad's special health concoctions more easily now!

UPDATE: 15 bonnets wasn't enough -- Mom went on to make 3 baby girl bonnets for her 2 newest granddaughters and great-granddaughter--bringing the total to 18!

Mom's Bunny Cake Tradition

I had to share Mom's Easter bunny cake tradition. We kids all grew up with Mom's bunny cakes every Easter and remember her making extras and sharing them with friends and neighbors. That tradition has been carried over into our own families and Easter is just not Easter without a bunny cake! I was talking to Mom a few days before Easter and she mentioned needing to get her bunny cake made. I thought it would be fun to get pictures from her children who were making bunny cakes this year and post them to share. While there were some who didn't respond to my request for pictures and may have made the cakes, Mom, Elese, Derek and I wanted to share our cakes. Sharon, Brooke F.and Louise's family also made bunny cakes, but didn't have pictures to share as they were delivered or enjoyed before they got my request for a picture! It is always a fun treat to share these cakes at Easter time; I know my friends loved receiving them! Thanks, Mom, for giving us these family traditions that bring meaning to our holidays and great memories!

Mom with her bunny cake

Derek and Brooke's children with their bunny cake

  Elese and Dan's bunny cake

 

Some of Elese's 34 cakes she handed out

 Brenda's bunny cakes

  Brenda and Greg's family with their bunny cake


Natalie's bunny cakes she gave to clients