The Wait Is Over...

We're having a ....... BOY!!!!! Yep, another boy! Here is a little picture of him during the ultra sound - he looks like he is waving "hi". Pretty cute!

Latest Update on David's Dad...

David's Mom and Dad checked in at the Huntsman Cancer Institute this morning. They basically told them that they want to wait and watch the tumor to see if it grows. They have to go back to SLC on the 22nd of December for another MRI. They will do a very detailed MRI at that time and then will use it as a baseline for a series of MRI's to follow about every 2 months. Dr. Cach, here in Idaho Falls, did the most serious part of David's Dad's treatment by putting in the shunt. Now the immediate danger has passed and they will just need to keep an eye on the tumor. The series of MRI's will be done in Idaho Falls so they won't need to travel to SLC except for the first one.

It's sort a relief to at least know this information and we feel very blessed that the type of tumor he has is very slow growing.

Update on David's Dad...

November 5, 2008

David's Dad had a Dr.'s appt. today and this is the latest update.

"Everything is “going” well. My Doctor says that I can go back to work on Monday. I’ll be the guy sporting a new “HEAD” style… scars, bumps, and all. At least in my case, the lack of hair is of no significance. It will be good to get back with the kids. It’s a relief to know that I can now blame three of my problems on a tumor: bad memory… I can’t remember what the other two are. Anyway, I have been blessed and as far as we know now, things are looking bright for a good future yet. Thanks for your support." Mike

His attitude is great and that really helps right now! He did find out the name of the tumor, it is called a “Tectal Plate Glioma”. It’s a slow growing tumor and very rare where his is located. The tumor blocked off the drain system for the brain ventricles and caused the spinal fluid buildup. It looks like the shunt is doing its job and the numbness has gone away. He has an appointment on the 18th at the Huntsman`s Center where he will receive further treatment.

Bryson's Baptism...

Wow - I can't believe that I have a child that is old enough to get baptized. Bryson got baptized on Saturday, Nov. 1st. It was such a special day and Bryson was just beaming. Now don't get me wrong, he was really nervous but after it was done he said that he just felt so good inside and he couldn't stop smiling. Ever since he has gotten his scriptures he has tried to read them every night. I am really proud of him. Alot of family came and we really appreciate it. Thanks to all who brought food to the luncheon.

HALLOWEEN...

October 31, 2008...

ARRRR... MATEYS!! My 3 cute little pirates! We had a very busy Halloween but it was alot of fun! The weather was great! We went to Trick or Treat Street in Idaho Falls then we traditionally have sloppy joes for our Halloween dinner but we were very short on time so we stopped and got a pumpkin pizza at Papa Murphys - the boys loved it. We then went trick or treating around here and to a few houses where David grew up. He was taking a walk down memory lane - literally! It was pretty cute to hear him tell the boys stories of when he was little and went trick or treating down "this very street we are walking on" and how it brought back so many memories for him. We then went trick or treating to Grandma Gardner's and Shell, Graig & the kids were there. We were headed to the Pumpkin Walk and they decided to come too. We had cider, hot chocolate and cookies and saw a lot of really neat talented displays. It was alot of fun! Then it began to rain and we were ready to call it a night. What a day... the boys were a little wired from all the sugar (emphasis on "a little") but they finally fell asleep. Whew! :) I love Halloween!

Carving Pumpkins...

October 30, 2008...

Thursday night the boys and I carved pumpkins. They had alot of fun and each were so proud of their pumpkin. Logan even had to try some of the seeds. Pretty tasty? He only did it twice and didn't like it too much - I had to tell him that he would like them a whole lot better when they were cooked.

David's Dad...

October 28, 2008...

So, today we received some not so good news. Tuesday this week David's dad woke up with some numbness in his right foot. By the end of the day his whole right side was going numb. But no signs of a stroke. He went to the Dr. and they scheduled him for an MRI. He has since had a more detailed MRI with dye. The results were not what we were expecting to hear. The first MRI was read and they thought he just had a Hydrocephalic condition in his brain. They had it read again and found a tumor. All other tests done on his heart, blood work etc. came back normal. He went to a neurosurgeon on Thursday, the 30th, and was told he has a brain tumor in the base of his brain. It is deep near the thalamus area. The Dr. said that it cannot be operated on. It is a slow growing tumor but one that is quite rare. They cannot do a biopsy on it because of where it is located. They also cannot do radiation or chemo because of its slow growing nature. David's dad went to EIRMC Friday (31st) morning to have a shunt put in his head to drain off the fluid that has been building up, that is what the hydrocelephic part of his condition was and it will relieve the pressure and fluid on his brain. Then within the next two weeks he will be sent to the Huntsman Cancer Center in Salt Lake City for treatments. They won’t touch this type of tumor up here and want him to get the most up to date treatment. We do not at this point know if it is cancerous or benign but I will try to keep everyone updated. His surgery went very well and he is feeling pretty good. We are hopeful they will have better news for us when he goes to the Huntsman Center. So David and his sisters and brother went to his parent’s house Thursday night to have a head shaving party (which wasn’t too hard since he was almost completely bald anyway) :). I will try to keep you posted because I know that some of you had him as a teacher. Thank you for all of the prayers, it is really appreciated.