Friday, February 27, 2009

Surely you're as tired of me as I am

Once again, I find myself in the position of having to thank all of you for your kind words, thoughts, prayers, offers of help, encouragement, and overall matching sentiment regarding the latest crap sandwich entry of our life. Also once again, I freely acknowledge that another day or two of pouting, sulking, and licking my wounds in general should be enough .... then I'll make an earnest attempt to re-join civilization with a better attitude. Or in other words, answer my phone and respond to e-mails and basically behave like a human being without a ginormous chip on my shoulder.

Brayden came home from school today running a fever and with what is probably strep throat. Considering she is the one child of mine who would go to school carrying her severed head in a bag rather than foil her attempt at perfect attendance for the year, I knew when she voluntarily went to the nurse that she didn't feel well, for realsies. Having her home with me today wasn't any trouble at all, but it meant I was unable to visit much with Blaine after his consultation appointment, let alone attend it with him. Actually, I hadn't planned on attending the appointment regardless because we were under the impression it was a quickie appointment to simply schedule his next cat scan.

Naturally, we were wrong.

And because Blaine is a man, and therefore doesn't feel the need to ask a bazillion questions like I would and hash everything to death with the doctor, I am left with an overall feeling of "what the heck is happening here ....... " Of course, I've felt that way just a little bit ever since his first diagnosis -- SIX FREAKING YEARS AGO -- so really, what's new?

Here's what we know:

1. The last round of radiation did work. Or at least seems to have worked. The three tumors they hit this past fall all appear dormant on the pet scan. That's the good news --- We'll take blessings any place we can get it.

2. Two new spots lit up on the scan. (this is the bad news, in case you weren't sure ..... )

One showed up during the scan at the base of the tongue, but because he ain't got no spit, his throat reflexively moves a lot involuntarily. The doctors suspected the spot on the scan indicated movement instead of tumor. I guess during a scan you are instructed to lie perfectly still (I've never had one ... in fact, the closest I've come is probably lying in a tanning bed ....) and if you don't lie perfectly still, any movement will trigger a flare on the scan. While I was in the office, and doing my valiant best to portray myself as a loving, concerned wife whose primary goal in life is to support my husband, I watched as the doctor ran a camera up his nose and through his nasal cavity and then down his throat to look at the back of his tongue ... quite frankly, it was disgusting and I thought seriously about heaving. But the good news was the tongue looked all clear. (ugh ..... gagging a little just remembering ...)

The second spot, the cause for worry, is a new tumor located directly behind his right eye, in the brain cavity. I said to the doctor (because in times of crisis I have the diplomacy and tact of a bull in a china shop) "so basically he has brain cancer now, is what you're telling us?" and the doctor responded with, "No, he does not have a brain tumor. He has a tumor in his brain."

OK, glad we got that cleared up.

Several things were discussed on Tuesday when we got the news. Then, a brand-new doctor came in today, and several different things were discussed. The different doctors are suggesting alternate plans, and not only are we not sure which plan is best, we're not even sure which doctor is in charge, or makes the decision, or has the plan we think we want. (This is the part where it would have been helpful had Blaine actually developed e.s.p. and asked the questions I thought of hours later .... but you know, since he DIDN'T, we're left wondering .....)

One doctor says Blaine really needs an MRI but can't have one due to the metal posts in his head, so instead he'll have a cat scan. The other doctor says having the MRI would be fine.

One doctor says it's most likely a metastasis of the same cancer that afflicted his sinus cavity and since radiation worked before, we should do that again.

One doctor says it might *not* be the same cancer and because treatment options would drastically depend on the type of cancer, a biopsy is necessary to determine. That means basically drilling a hole in the back of his head and going around to the front of the brain to the location of the tumor to get a sample to test. Then, upon determining cancer type, additional radiation, a different kind of radiation, or even chemotherapy might be an option.

A few questions Blaine and I have:

1. If you're going all the way in there to biopsy the tumor, why don't you just cut the damn thing out? I mean, it makes sense to me, but then again, I wasn't paying attention that day in neurosurgery school, so what the heck do I know?

2. We've heard previous mention of lifetime radiation maximum dosages ... is he getting close? Does it matter? Who would decide? Why is the sky blue?

3. We get it, we really, really do, that the nature of the beast is such that by the time a tumor is big enough to show up on a scan, so we can target it and kill it off with therapy, that often, enough time has elapsed that cancer cells have already potentially moved on and starting making progress elsewhere. The doctor said (and I quote) "it's like shooting rats in the galley .... you just keep shooting and hope eventually you kill the last rat before they leave babies behind to cause trouble." Perhaps not the most graceful analogy in the world, but it makes sense. But is there anything we can do, anything at all, to ensure THIS TIME is the final time and we get the last fucking rat?

4. How come one doctor says an MRI is ok and one doctor says it is not? As I understand it, an MRI is basically a huge magnet .... are the metal things in his head going to shoot out through his nose if he has one done? Or will his whole head shoot up and stick to the magnet?

5. What in the sam-holy-hell is the difference between a brain tumor and a tumor in the brain?

6. Did I really think that eating an entire box of Samoas girl scout cookies, and a sleeve of Thin Mints --- IN ONE SETTING --- (oh, yes, I did) was going to help last night? All it did was give me a terrible stomach-ache and cause me to wake up in a cold sweat and near-diabetic coma during the night. Truly, not one of my more brilliant moves.

Now, before any of you post in the comment section about what is wrong with these doctors and why are we getting conflicting advice and how are we supposed to make decisions ............... please understand that we have complete confidence in the medical team here. It's still a little unsettling to be treated in a 'new' place after being treated for five years with the same people in Georgia, but we like them. Their office and nurses and administrative staff have been nothing but kind and competent. Most importantly, the first round of treatment they suggested and administered --- worked. (see: currently dormant tumors in his cheeks and nasal cavity.) So we trust that the right decisions will be made this time as well, and that we'll be a part of that decision making process, also. It's simply that there is a medical TEAM taking care of Blaine ... so far, he's got one Head and Neck Oncology Surgeon on board, two Radiation Oncologists (and their two residents) considering the best plan, and as of this week, the "Brain Lab" people are coming on board. ("Brain Lab" ... makes me think of some mad scientist with crazy hair, rubbing his hands together gleefully and muttering wildly under their breath, doesn't it?) .... and that's just at this one facility.

The way they have treated Blaine, both as a patient, and as a human being, to date, has done nothing but earn our trust and respect. So please understand I'm not here complaining about the varying degrees of information we are receiving. It's simply that the TEAM hasn't come together yet and decided on the best possible plan. The waiting, for me, is the hard part. I want to know what are we going to do and when are we going to do it and how are we going to do it and what will happen when its done and then what we will do next and I want to know it YESTERDAY.

Several people asked in the comments for more specific information so they can pray more specific prayers. I'm all about that. It's just that for now, ideas are being bounced around and things are being considered and nothing has been totally positively determined and to be fair, I thought I'd take everything we know, and everything we don't know, and throw it out there in a big, giant, heaving, conflicting, confusing, vomitous mass of information.

Lucky you.

57 comments:

Stephanie D. said...

No advice as I have no idea what I would advise about. :) All you are getting from me is prayers and LOTS of them.... well, that a few tears shed for all of you guys too.

Hey, I'm a weepy kind of girl... what can I say.

Hugs,
Stephanie

Beverly said...

Wow!

Lots of prayers...and more prayers.

My son has metal (titanium, I believe)in his head...and he does get regular MRIs.

And please go with Blaine to the neurosurgeon. You're very right that men don't ask questions. I don't even know if they "think" questions! Go and ask, you'll feel much better!

Again...lots of prayers headed your way.

Libby said...

Kristie --

The media in Atlanta keeps telling us how the cookie sale is facing a significant threat of disaster due to down economy. So thank you for your support!

I agree wholeheartedly that the waiting is the hardest part - I'm a lady that likes having a plan too! Being comfortable with your medical team means a lot, though. Here's hoping you get that plan soon!

Unknown said...

If there is one thing I know how to do, it's pray. So I will continue to pray for all of you. I know how you feel about the DH not asking questions...Brie's arm is in a cast right now and do you think Mark even considered asking a single question about it when the orthopedic surgeon said she needed a cast? Nada. Gotta love men.

Anonymous said...

You are the most amazing person. I can't beleive after the news you have been given that you have retained your incredible sense of humor. Really, I don't know how you get out of bed in the morning.
You must wake up with a pit in your stomache every morning...I hate the feeling when you remember what you are worried about.
Wish I could help you...bring you dinner or chauffer your children to their various activities while you tend to Blaine's needs. What I I can offer are my prayers for all of you.
You are obviously strong and smart and with the doctors' guidance, I know you will make the decisions necessary to finally make Blaine healthy.
Good luck.
Meg
Milford

Brenda said...

Kristie and family,

Prayers, lots of prayers and thoughts being sent your way. I don't have any words of wisdom, or advice, so I'm sending lots of positive energy thoughts and prayers.

Lisa said...

We all have to join this fight:

My father has been fighting non-smokers lung cancer for 4 years. We (the doctors) found it when he was going to surgery for something else. One of the drs. asked him how long he has smoked.......my father answered.....'Oh! I have never smoked"....at the time of his diagnose he was given less then 3 months to live! On my birthday! WHAT A SHOCK! WE were all stunned and could not stop crying for weeks, years even! His wife, our mother, of 56 years still cries daily. Losing him will be like taking away her breath......She breaths in, He breaths out....It has always been like that.

I tell you all this only but because I want you to know you are not alone......I know you already know that. When you go to the "center" as my dad calls it you see all the people....and their wonderful doctors. They are all wonderful....THANK GOD! I tell you only because I think...sometimes people just need that extra support.

There are a couple sites when you feel like it....maybe you could check out. Mine is one of them...I have a post about Cancer Research and asking for donations for LLS....My cousin, on the other hand at http://amazingtrips.blogspot.com/ is the place to really go.....her blog is amazing. She is running in the 'Rock n Roll marathon along with her husband and my sister.....from SC. She is pleading for money for cancer research and getting it!

For cancer knows no discrimination........

.........as my mother says " Read the list of Cancer victims and pray Catholic, Muslim , Jewish or Buddhist........that it doesn't happen to you or a loved one. Run, Run, Run for life."

God bless the cancer patients and their loved ones.

Lisa

Anonymous said...

I will keep all of you (especially Blaine!) in my prayers. Special prayers for the "TEAM" to make the right plan and do it "yesterday" for your sake. I'm grateful that you feel confident in the Dr.'s that are treating him. (((HUGS)))

Kris Herbst
Bettendorf, IA

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you & Blaine, thank you for the update. I am praying for all of you.

Hugs,
Susan
PTC, Georgia

Anonymous said...

Gosh Kristie...I'm so sorry!
You will certainly have prayers coming from South Ga

Meg from Ga

Anonymous said...

This blows!

Kristie, I am an oncology nurse...here's what the doctor means when he said he has a tumor in his brain...

A "brain tumor" is a tumor that arises from the brain, starts in the brain and typically stays in the brain.

When the doctor said he has a "tumor in his brain" he meant a tumor that spread to his brain, but started somewhere else.

For example, suppose a woman has breast cancer and it spreads to her brain. She doesn't have a brain tumor. She has breast cancer that metastasized(spread) to the brain. It's still called breast cancer, because the cells that caused are the same. And the treatment needs to be one that is effective for breast cancer, because the cells making up the tumor in the brain came from the breast.

It has to do with the cells involved...and the treatment is entirely different for a tumor that came from the brain and stays in the brain.

Doctors can be dumbasses...

Regardless...the standard treatment of choice for any tumor in the brain is radiation. Lifetime max for radiation refers to "where" the radiation was directed. If this tumor is in a place that hasn't received any radiation yet, then it shouldn't be a problem...you just can't radiate the same area over and over.

I hope that makes sense and I didn't confuse you any more...my intentions are good.

Gina

Anonymous said...

I know very little still but I will do my best to tell you what my read is. I think that the reason why it takes so long for the doctors in these situations to create a plan is because they want to make sure they are attacking the tumor in the right way. Some types of tumors dont respond to certain chemos or surgery, and some, based on location, cant be resected fully because of the danger of the location one is operating in.
I think if the metal is titanium it should be okay, but don't know about anything else in that dept.
Probably what they meant was that the spot on the brain is likely a met from somewhere else and not a primary tumor.
I too like to grill the docs...I will pray for you

Chris and Erin said...

Kristie- I am so sorry your family got another crap sandwich. I will be thinking and praying for your family.

Anonymous said...

sorry forgot to sign my comment above
meg

Amber said...

I'm with you on the Samoas, I ate nearly a whole box yesterday.

Still sending prayers your way.

I hope things come together with the doctor team soon. Have faith that whatever they decide is the best course of action.

Cindi said...

Kristie, if nothing else you and Blaine have perseverence and strength. You've used it in the past, and will continue to use it as you face this obstacle in the road we call life.

Of course many prayers are being offered for all of you, including Blaine's medical team. I am so thankful that they are treating him as a patient, and not just "the next one on their list."

It's not fair that you've had to carry so many rough things throughout your life so far, and that others have only had to deal with a few hangnails. Unfortunately life, in general, isn't fair. HOWEVER, all of this is contributing to the people that you and your family are. Those hangnail people don't have a clue about how to deal with life, and you've got more experience than most of us.

Hang in there Escoe Family...we're all praying for you.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the update. I have no advice because I have no knowledge of any of this. Faith in your 'team' will get you a long way, and when they decide what is next, you will start the fight. We will all be here behind you, trying to hold you up from afar. You are in my prayers, and I pray that this beast gets beaten back quickly.. (loved the rats analogy, it formed a great picture in my mind!)

We're here.. and not sick of you at all. Blaine, Kristie, kids.. God bless... You're in our thoughts and prayers.

On another note, hope Brayden feels better!

Anonymous said...

Because you have a little time to gather thoughts etc. keep the list of questions going and ask the Dr. I am sure you'll be doing that anyway. Its overwhelming for anyone to recieve a diagnosis such as Blaine's over and over and I'm sure he is getting tired of all this and is probably just waiting for someone (Dr.'s) to tell him what he needs to do now. My husband has heart problems and NEVER asks the damn Dr.s anything. I end up asking all the questions and really get no real answers that I understand. By the way, we have gone through about 4 boxes of friggin girl scout cookies in my house. No wonder we have heart problems here. I'll be praying for you and Blaine.
Lori

Anonymous said...

Kristie, I cannot believe that your family has to go through this again. I'm so sorry that life keeps throwing those crap sandwiches at you.

We will never tire of you. Keep writing away. And I hope Gina keeps reading and responding. She gave some excellent information.

We will be praying for your family.

fj

karen said...

Kristie, just know that we are thinking and praying for all of you.

Anonymous said...

It's the Do-Si-Do's for me. It's like are girls are selling little boxes of delicious crack. I just can't stop once I start. The peanut-buttery goodness is just so heavenly...

I will pray for Blaine. And Brayden. Strep throat sucks. And what a bummer to lose your perfect attendance to a sore throat. But mostly, I will pray for all of you. And for Blaine's doctors that they can come up with a treatment plan that they all have confidence in as a team. I'm sure they will. That's about the only shining light I can see in this continuous mess - you seem to have been able to find excellent medical teams.

Chris M~ Rosemount, MN

M said...

Let's apply that brain tumor analogy elsewhere: The consumer of the cookie is not have fat- the Girl Scout Cookie has fat....well it makes about as much sense.

Prayers from CA!
XXOO, M

Marie said...

Just wanted to share the little that I know about metal and MRI's. I have metal plates in one knee and joked about not being able to have an MRI in that knee and the doctor said that I absolutely could have an MRI in that knee, it would just be a bit blurry. But, that it had to do with the length of time from when the metal had been inserted in the body as to whether or not you can have an MRI. I don't know the magic length of time, though.

Keeping you all in my thoughts,

Marie

Pam D said...

I ordered several boxes of G.S. cookies and they have come in. The mom will have them at church for me tomorrow. After reading your post, I'm going to go through with something I've been toying with. I'm going to email her and ask her to donate them to the nearest fire/police station. Because you made me remember that yucky feeling I get when I can't stop eating the darn things, so I just won't even bring them home to begin with. Thank you!
And I'm praying.. for clarity and discernment for both the doctors and you, so that you can choose the most effective path to total rat extermination. And bell ringing. And moving on to a different diner.. once and for all.

Unknown said...

Thinking of you. (((HUGS)))

Mamasita said...

Thank you so much for the update with more info. It does help to know what to pray for.

Oh, and in times of crisis, I don't think calories count, do they???

Love you all so so much and are praying so so hard.

Catherine said...

Having had to ride the cancer train a number of times, including with my middle child, the advice I give anyone who has been diagnosed with a life threatening disease like cancer, is to research who the gurus in the field are and get a consult with them. You don't have to go to them for the full treatment, but you can pick their brains and take what they have to say into account along with what you are getting with the hometown gang. Sometimes when the situation is vague which seems to occur a lot with cancer, you may have to see several gurus, all of whom disagree on the best treatment. In such cases, you write out all of the opinions and options and pick what appears to be the best scenario in your case.

Our family seems to specialize in getting these conditions where no clear course of action is apparent so I've had to go down this path many times. Sometimes we did make the wrong decision, but no one really knew at the time what the right decision was. At least this way, you know the options and can custom pick the your directions in accordance to what your personal feelings and situation are.

Prayers for Blaine and your family. I know this is a tough call to make. Let me know if you want to talk. I am in NY if Memorial Sloan Kettering comes on your list, and will be happy to pick you up at the airport and host you if you decide to come this way.

A mom from the ACOR pediatric ALL listserv.

Cath Young

Unknown said...

First, I am definitely praying for you and your family.
Second, I totally empathize with the girl scout cookies. Samosas, when administered in the proper dosage, can be a wonderful medicine. And frozen thin mints too.
Third, Have you and Blaine ever thought about making a road trip to MD Anderson in Houston? He seems like a unique case that they would have interest in, and they are the BEST in the world. My husband did his surgical fellowship there, and it's quite a place. Please email me if I can help in any way.
lollyblogger@gmail.com

Kathleen said...

Kristi,
When I read the part about the tongue I remembered that several weeks ago we had a patient in our cancer clinic that "lit up" at the base of her tongue and they determined that it was movement and the energy around then rather than recurrence.

I will pray for your doctors and for you and Blaine as you make decisions. Every week I sit in a lung cancer tumor board as my physicians discuss and debate the treatment options for our patients. And sometimes the plan seems to be one thing until a physician brings in an additional piece of information or a different research study and the then plan changes. Not to mention that Blaine doesn't seem to do things the easy way and I am sure that he confounds his doctors frequently.

Hang in there and Hugs to you.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for coughing up that hairball of information.

I agree-cut the damn thing out already! Of course, what do I know.

Hope you get answers soon.

Anonymous said...

Since I have no expertise in cancer treatments, I'll just comment on the wonderfulness of Thin Mints. And, I'll keep sending wishes and prayers for the happy ending that you all deserve so much!

Dixie

Anonymous said...

At some point the road has to rise to you meet you. Blaine is in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Last night my husband and I couldn't agree on whether the fish tasted good or the beer was cold enough. So... two highly educated, type-a folks not agreeing 100% doesn't surprise me.

Anonymous said...

ok, when I posted that I was referring to the doctors as two highly..... not really us.

Anonymous said...

Hi Kristy,
I am more of a lurker than a poster, but I have left comments here and there over the years.(have followed you guys for around 5 years or so) My brother is a 5 year brain cancer (grade 4) survivor. I am the primary "researcher" for him. Him and his immediate family "live " with the tumor. (The damn thing sits at the dinner table, watches tv ,goes on car trips with them. Some nerve huh! You get my point) So I do all the fact finding. If you have any questions about ANYTHING relating to Brain "stuff" please feel free to email me privately. If I could help in anyway I am only an email away.
Regards and prayers,
Jo Anne......Pete's sis.
Petesis@j4media.com

Anonymous said...

Hi,
The only thing I can think of is "when is the crapper full?" I am sure that little nugget is just inspirational for you(not). Anyway, no words only thoughts and lots of prayers for Blaine's full recovery and strength for you all.

Anonymous said...

Much, much love and peace to you and your family. I have been a long-time reader of your site and have enjoyed keeping up with your family. Give yourself time to grieve and be pissed off at this downturn, and then pick yourself up and continue fighting, like you always have. You are a wonderful family - you will find the answers and continue on. I am sending you big hugs and warm thoughts from Georgia. You are definitely not alone in this fight.

Sue G said...

I have a loooooong history with the cancer cha cha. Let's just say I boarded the merry-go-round over five years ago, and even though I have changed horses a few times, I never left the actual ride.

Here is what I know for sure: The facts about cancer are scary, but the Truth about God and faith and hope are not. While it is evident you are just a tad tired of this dance (yes, understatement, which I like to call loperbole), it is also quite obvious that your faith, your heart, and your humor are wonderfully intact. Praise God for the human spirit and for the spirited human!

You write brilliantly. You love completely. And you believe in a healing God. So, just keep looking UP.

You have a brigade of prayer warriors who are praying for you, for Blaine and for your family. Now you have me, who will be praying for the doctors that they will allow God to work through them as facilitators for Blaine's healing.

Blessings,
Sue G
www.caringbridge.org/visit/sueguenther

Anonymous said...

I don't need specifics and I don't need more information - I'm just praying for complete healing. Simple. Nothing less. And for peace - and no nagging fear. Have I left anything out? Because that is what I would want; so that is what I ask for......

Anonymous said...

Prayers for you, Blaine and family.

Some info that might be helful:

Because the MRI is based on a magnet, depending on what type of metal Blaine has, it will cause what they call "artifact" on the MRI, the metal should not dislodge at all, but would leave the scan with large streaks on it andvirtually useless for the physician to see if there is anything in that area that is worrisome.

Ct scan is a different type of test, so the metal wouldn't cause as much artifact on that scan and they would be able to get a better picture of the problem.


Hope this helps!

Jen

Anonymous said...

Hi Kristie

I used to follow Kendrie's website and still keep up with your new 'stuff', though I rarely ever post. I'm so sorry about all this new sh1t that you are going throuhg. Seems to me that you have truly had your share slready. I have everything crossed for you and hope to hear some good news soone. Thinking of you.. xxx

Anonymous said...

Hey Kristie....I love reading your blog, but I hated to read what you wrote in this blog! UGH!!! I know you have more choice words that you could say and frankly so could I, but I'll keep it clean! You know we will keep you guys in our thoughts and prayers. You are never far from our thoughts. If there is anything at all we can do...just let us know. We love you guys.... :)

Unknown said...

CRAP SANDWICH AGAIN!! I am so sorry that you are having to do this freaking show all over again. Doesn't it ever end? I will keep praying and praying and hoping God's blessings will reign down on you.

Care said...

Blaine, and your whole family, are in my thoughts and prayers.

Libby said...

Okay, so it's my second post for today but I could not resist - I had totally forgotten about frozen Thin Mints!!! OMG -- I just may have to go find a Girl Scout tomorrow!

Anonymous said...

what i notice about these comments are just how many are of the anonymous nature which means that you have many many people from all over the world praying and thinking of you and your family, THAT YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW. how lucky! my thoughts are prayers are also with you as you go through these very very challenging times ahead.

Anonymous said...

Wishing we lived close by still..... the guys need a fishing trip. Love Erin

simplykristi said...

Hi Kristie,
Cancer truly sucks! I hate that Blaine's cancer has reared its ugly head possibly in his brain. Hopefully, Blaine's team of doctors will come up with a plan soon. I know that the waiting has to be sooooo hard.

I am one of the the people who sent you the email last year when you were looking for responses to send to a doctor-in-training.

After that, my world got turned upside down. Both of my parents were diagnosed with lung cancer in May 2008. Because of my own experiences, I have been able to help my parents. I have been their advocate. I have been the researcher. I have gone to all the appts. I know what to ask the oncologist and other medical professionals. Let's just say I am not afraid to open my big mouth. :)

Thinking of you and Blaine and the kids,
Kristi

Anonymous said...

I do not even know what to say. I hate that you all have to go through this again. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

cakeburnette said...

Oh God Kristie...I'm so sorry. I know you are surrounded by family and friends, but I sure wish I could run by Sonic, get you a DDP and come to your house and give you a big hug. Take care of yourself and give our love to Blaine & the kids. You KNOW we will be praying like crazy for you all...

Anonymous said...

I hate, hate, hate, hate, hate, hate, HATE, HATE HATE cancer. REALLY hate it. REALLY, REALLY hate it. I'm so sorry that you all are going through this yet again...ICK. But I am thankful that the past treatments have worked and that Blaine is still around to go through these treatments again and see THEM work and I am trusting and praying that THIS will do it...he will be cancer free forever this time! I HATE cancer.
Patricia, Garden City, GA

Anonymous said...

Kristie, your words have this amazing ability to make me cry and chuckle at the same time. I am sitting here with tears streaming down my face imagining how scary the unknown must be for you guys and then you go and make me lol at the cookie story (BTDT too many times!)What a beautiful spirit you have, such a beautiful, beautiful spirit.

Thank God you have doctors you trust. Thank God the radiation worked last time. Thank God that there are a team of doctors who will work together to get rid of those blasted "rats" once and for all. Thank God for the precious love that you and Blaine share which will help you overcome this battle.

We will be praying for Blaine's complete healing and for grace and peace for you all.

Robin said...

Sorry to hear the latest news for Blaine. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Again, I am sorry Kristie. Blaine & your entire family will definitely be in my prayers. This is the furthest thing from a funny situation, but I couldn't help but laugh at #4. Even though it would be incredibly disturbing and awful if it were to happen, just the visual was, um...yeah. And, don't you worry about #6 - I have sooo been there, done that! I heard the Girl Scouts have some new cookies out?!

URBAN BLONDE said...

Actually I think you're amazing. And you have a wonderful family. After having read your blog in one form or another for over 5 years, I am always impressed by what an incredible wife and mother you are.

Our crap sandwich "ended" about 4 years ago, however I'm always aware that another one could be waiting in a lunch bag just around the corner.

Anyway I just want you to know that your family remains in my daily thoughts and prayers as always.

Anonymous said...

So first I am continuously praying for full recovery (shooting that last rat!). I would not trust an MRI given the metal in Blaine's body. Those magnets are strong and always on and can cause serious harm if metal is involved. Other than that, it is good that there is a team on his care. I am sure they will come up with the plan that is right for Blaine's specific case. Keep us posted and we'll keep the prayers flowing!

Anonymous said...

Wow. I have been away from my computer for a week or so and am only just now catching up. I'm just de-lurking to say you and your family and the medical team are all in my prayers. I wish you the best, and it might sound nuts but I thank you for sharing your story and letting us be part of the journey with you.