My New Favorite Christmas Song

This is the song that was playing in my mind while I was having my MRI at the first of the month.  Love, love, love it.  Hope you enjoy it, too.

Backtracking

Here are some photos of what we've been up to these past two months:

In November, my sweet baboo, Levi, turned 8.  He is so much fun, and so inquisitive.  He is very cautious about believing anything, and isn't easily led astray.  He always wants to know the "why" to every answer, and although that's so bothersome and often untimely, I remember a little girl who was a lot like that.  She turned out pretty good, so I think he's going to be alright!  Sometimes he wears me out with all the questions, but he is a sweet boy.  He loves to play with his brothers, and his best friend, Scott.  For his birthday, he had Scott sleep over.  They "camped" in the living room, and then we went out for doughnuts the next morning.  Afterwards, we went to Firehouse Pottery and painted puppy dogs.  What fun! 

Then, later on in November, Owen killed his 2nd deer, this one bigger than last years.  It is a beautiful 8 point, and we are so proud of him.  I am enjoying this 11th year with him.  He's still a little boy, but he's got all the makings of a fine young man.  He's an impressive kid!  Both he and Levi are getting ready to start rec league basketball.  They love playing, and I'm glad since that is my most favorite sport! 

Isaac is busy enjoying all the holiday preparations.  His big interest is cutting out paper snowflakes.  He's a whiz at it, and I hope my house will be covered with his creations soon.  He is quite the creative engineer, as well.  Check out his newest train track he constructed.  He makes these all the time all by himself.  What a sharp little mind.  He is a huge problem solver, and is quite encouraging to anyone trying to figure something out for themselves.  His newest love is the game "Traffic Jam" where you have to rearrange a parking lot to get one car out.  Very challenging, and he loves it (so do his brothers).

Hope you are enjoying your holiday festivities, as well as the preparations.  I am loving it!

Blessings to you and yours!

Leslie



Good Tidings of Great Joy

Great report today. The spot of something new that showed up last month remains unchanged. This is a good sign and most likely means that it is scar tissue and not new cancer growth. Yeah! No gamma knife surgery for now. My doctor said he'll see me next month for another rescan. Yeah! And, weight gain is going well. I've put on 6 pounds in a month. 19 to go to get back to my fighting weight.

Thanks so much for all your prayers. God heard and answered. God is good. And so is life!

Blessings and Merry Christmas!

Leslie

Keeping you Current

On our way to MDAnderson. Follow-up MRI Monday at 1:30. See the doctor at 4:30. Results will determine if I need gamma knife surgery. Traveling with Jeff, and that is always fun. Seriously! He's my favorite...no offense to my other traveling companions! Hoping for great results and a quick return trip home. I'd much rather be "Christmas-ing" it up at home. So ready for baking, wrapping, and reading Christmas stories to the kids.

Our current favorite..."the Yuletide Ice Cube Fair", a Veggie Tales story of the real meaning of Christmas. Perfect for preschoolers and elementary age. My boys love the rhyming.


Thank you all for your continued prayers. I will try to keep you updated as soon as I know more.

Love and Blessings,

Leslie

The Decision

Well, the verdict of my oncologist, as of 11:00 last night, is that we will wait a month, and rescan to see if this is growing or if it is scar tissue.  Don't know yet if I'll have the lumbar thing-a-ma-jig (rather not say that other painful word!) this month or when I go back for the rescan.  Let's just not think about that today.  How's that sound? Sounds good to me!

Jeff and Owen are out in the woods trying to bring down the big buck.  I don't think you could pay me enough to go sit in the shady woods in these temps.  Not now anyway.  I don't have any insulation, and I'd freeze to death! Going to make a run to town in a bit.  Thank heavens for my seat warmers in my van.  1st time I've ever had those.  What a GREAT invention! 

Have a wonderful weekend!  Enjoy life!  Every day is a blessing.

Love,
Leslie

Still Waiting

The Doctors agreed that it seems reasonable to wait a month and see if what was spotted on the MRI stays the same size or grows.  I'm a bit concerned with that tactic.  What if it mushrooms?!  They still haven't decided completely.  A large group of them agreed that I should have the gamma knife surgery and a lovely little procedure called a "lumbar puncture" to check for cancer cells in my spinal fluid.  Lord have mercy!  All I want to be thinking about is pumpkin pies, and turkey and dressing.  Must I really have to hear the words "lumbar puncture"?  Great day in the mornin'! 

I'm all for a "lumbar puncture" (when it means an epidural) when I'm delivering a baby, but this sounds painful.  *Deep Breath* I'll try not to worry about it until the time is here.  Then I'm going to try to convince Ted Lennard to go down there and do the procedure.  Hahahaha!  Just kidding...but he is the doctor to have if a needle is to be stuck into your spine!  Speaking from experience! (Ted is our good friend of many years, and an elder in our church, as well as an excellent physician.)

So, to set my mind on other things, I have posted one of my all time favorite songs and my all time favorite comedian.  Hope you enjoy!

Thanks for the continued prayers. They are felt.


Blessings,

Leslie

Need to be Reassured?

Need a Good Laugh?

What's One More Day?

My Dr. emailed me this evening to say he was mistaken, and that the neurosurgeons convene tomorrow to review my scans.  He will email me when he hears their decision on where to go from here.

Patience.  I need an infusion!

Thanks for praying!

Leslie

The Results are in...

...and they are inconclusive.  My MRI yesterday came back showing a new lesion on my brain.  HOWEVER, the original lesions continue to decrease in size, and my blood work shows the cancer antigens continue to decline. They are still way in the normal range. 

Dr. Booser said he finds it hard to believe that a new lesion would grow if the others were shrinking, and he is wondering if it is simply an MRI glitch.  SO...tomorrow a panel of neurosurgeons will review my scan, and give their opinions as to whether or not it's new cancer.  If so, we'll be back discussing the stereo tactic (gamma knife) surgery.

Suddenly, I feel very weary!  We are on our way home, and will have to email the good Doctor tomorrow en route to find out the decision of the neurosurgeons. 

I would appreciate your prayers for myself, Drs. Rhines, Chang, and Booser as well as the rest of the panel for wisdom to make the right decision. 

Pray, also, that I gain some weight back.  One of the many side effects of the medication I'm taking is that is causes a "loss of appetite". Translation...I have lost a bunch of weight, and need to pack it on before I freeze!

I love you all.  Thanks for the kind comments...even if they are backhanded like my brother Jim's!  Love you Jim!

Rest well,

Leslie

I Trust

Just getting ready to call it a night. I have just returned to the hotel room after my MRI today. I am reflecting on words I have recently read in Beth Moore's book So Long Insecurity. She challenged readers to trust God. Not the "I trust you God to heal me", or "I trust you God to do what I think is best in this situation.", but simply "I trust YOU, God. Period. I trust you."

And so, tonight, as I rest my tired head on my hotel pillow, I will say those words. "I trust you, God. Regardless of the results, regardless of the way I feel, I will trust you." It's a bit harder than it seems. Saying it and meaning it versus feeling it are two very different things. See, I'd rather pray, "God, I trust you for the complete and total healing that You are already performing in my body," and I do. But do I trust Him whatever may come?

I'd like to say yes. That is the work He is perfecting in me through this round of cancer. An unwavering trust that He is taking the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly, the trash, and the treasure that comes my way and He is weaving it all together for my good to complete the purpose he has for my life.

David Jeremiah explained in one of his teachings that we aren't meant to understand everything that comes our way in life. We are not guaranteed a clear view of the "whole picture" while we linger here on earth. Sometimes we don't FEEL like God has our best interest at heart, and that He has somehow caused or allowed hard times to come our way. Dr. Jeremiah reminded us, though, that "we KNOW God works ALL things together for our good to those who are called according to His purpose." That is a solid promise. He then encouraged us to quit relying on our feelings. His statement, which I've quoted on Facebook already is this: "Until you feel what you should feel, know what you know."

And what do I know? That God is working, right now, everything together for my good. So whether I feel like He has my health under control is irrelevant. I can sleep-peacefully-because I know he is weaving all of this "stuff" in my life together into something beautiful that will bring glory to Him.  I can face tomorrow, and all the days after that, saying "God, I trust you. Period."

One of my favorite songs right now is  "Let the Waters Rise" by a group called "Mikeschair". I have no idea why they chose such a name, but that is neither here nor there. As with many issues I encounter, no one asked my opinion! Here are the words, as best as I can remember them:

Don't know where to begin

'feel like my world's caving in

And I try but I can't control my fears.

Lord, where do I go from here?

Sometimes it's so hard to pray

When You feel so far away

But I am willing to go where You want me to.
God I trust you.

There's a raging sea right in front of me

Wants to pull me in,

Drag me to my knees,

So let the waters rise, if You want them to,

I will follow you.

Lord, I'll swim in the deep

'cause You'll be next to me.

You're in the eye of the storm and the calm of the sea.

You're never out of reach.

God, You know where I've been

You were there with me then

You were faithful before,

You'll be faithful again,

I'm holding Your hand.

There's a raging sea right in front of me

Wants to pull me in,

Drag me to my knees,

So let the waters rise, if You want them to,

I will follow you.

I hope you have a wonderful week.  Thank you for your continued prayers.  They are heard.

Blessings to you and yours,

Leslie

Plan B

My MRI and Dr. appointment have been rescheduled for the 9th and 10th in Houston.  So...after a weekend of burning up I-44, I'll head south and burn up I-45!  Good thing I like to travel!

Thank you for your continued prayers.  Really hoping for some good scans.

Enjoy your weekend!

Blessings,
Leslie

Change of Plans

Jeff's granny passed away yesterday in the early evening.  I have postponed my trip to TX until later.  Waiting to hear from the Dr. as to when he's got an opening.  I'll write when I know more.

Funeral arrangements:

Visitation 6-8 Thursday, Nov.4.
Funeral 2pm Friday, Nov. 5
Null and Sons Funeral Home
Rolla

Well, it's about time that I brought you up to speed with our family and my medical progress.  This summer simply flew by, and the boys are enjoying the 2nd quarter of the school year.  So far, everyone is healthy and happy, and enjoying a beautiful autumn.

On the medical front, I return to MDACC next week (11/2-11/4) for lab work and another MRI.  Still checking me regularly to make sure the cancer continues to shrink.  Jeff will be staying home with the boys.  They are so excited to have their daddy all to themselves. 

I will be traveling to Houston with my parents.  We are hoping for pleasant weather and lite traffic!

Prayer Requests:

*)  Safe travels to and from Houston, and no bed bugs in any hotels we stay at.  That just grosses me out!

*)  Peace and harmony at home while I'm away.  Certain little people are getting very brave at "pushing the buttons" of other family members.  You get the picture.

*) Great results on the MRI.  Would love to hear, "What were we looking for?  There's nothing there but healthy tissue."  That would make me smile!

*)  Jeff's Granny.  She turned 90 this week, and is spending some time in the hospital.  Mostly just to give her caregivers a much needed rest. Her health has been failing for months, and we have been told that the end is near.  Pray for her comfort.  Pray for Jeff.  I am hoping she stays with us awhile longer.  At least until I return. I don't want Jeff to have to handle kids, emotions, and all the goings on that come with a funeral without me around.  I think that'd be quite stressful.  Not to flatter myself as to my own importance, but I'd like to be around.

Thank you for your continued support.  We so appreciate all your prayers and letters of encouragement.

Blessings,

Leslie

Silo Hill Corn Maze

Enjoyed our Sunday afternoon at the corn maze.  I just love this picture that our friend, Sam, took. We are really enjoying this cooler weather.  I'll find time to write something of substance soon...surely!

Blessings to you and yours, and thanks for your continued prayers.

Leslie and the boys

Summary of Summer

We have really enjoyed ourselves this summer...so much so that I have neglected this blog!  Not that I mind...I've just had a lot of folks wondering what's up with me.  So, here is a short and sweet update to bring you up to speed.

At the end of August I saw my many, many doctors at MD Anderson.  Long story short, my tumors continue to shrink, my tumor markers/cancer antigens in my blood are back in the normal range, and my echocardiogram showed that my heart hasn't been damaged by continuous chemotherapy.  I am to return in November for another MRI to continue monitoring the tumors, but everything looks good and we came home smiling.

We are finally getting back into the school routine.  I am loving having all the boys in one building for at least one year.  They are doing very well, and have adjusted well to riding the school bus this year.  I've always taken them before, just because I could, but this year "pick you up at the curb" was very appealing.  It may come to an end, though, as it seems like every day some youngster is puking on the ride home, and that just grosses me out!

We have enjoyed going out to Grandpa Coach and Grandma Bootsie's for a few weekends to paint fence and repair the barn.  Jeff, Grandpa, and my brother Kevin even did some concrete repair work to the foundation to keep the skunks out from under the house this winter.  They're sneaky little varmints! (The skunks, not the men!)

We also enjoyed a trip or two to Rolla to see Jeff's Granny and all the relatives.  We even got to visit with the folks from Indiana, and that's always a treat.  Carrie and Marcus have two little boys that our boys love to play with. And Jeff's cousin, Dawn, has 3 children that our boys love to play with too.  Always lots of fun at Aunt Faye's house!

In closing, for an end of the summer treat, we took the boys to the Dixie Stampede.  They loved it!

That about sums up what we've been doing.  Throw in some allergies, a few rounds of antibiotics, and the neverending campaign the boys have launched to get a dog, and you've got yourself one busy summer break.

Hope you are all doing well.  I'll try to update more frequently!

Blessings!

Leslie

My Favorite Song This Week

Back to School

Today marked the end of summer vacation and the beginning of another school year.  The boys are really looking forward to getting back to school and their friends.  I hope that enthusiasm holds out.  We discussed this morning over breakfast how it's really not the end of summer. That comes in September ("21st!" Levi blurted out.  Smarty pants!)  Somehow that makes it okay. We can still do "summer stuff" after school and on the weekends.  YEAH! 

Here is a picture from this morning.  They look torn up, don't they?

Have a fantastic week!

Leslie

Summertime

Anybody Out There?

It's been so long since I've written anything, I don't know if I'll remember how!  Thank you for all the cards, emails, and facebook notes.  I've gotten every one.  They really make my day!

We are having such a busy summer, that I just haven't felt like sitting down to write anything of substance.  You can rest assured I am doing well.  My mom is here daily, and makes sure I don't go hungry!  It's really tough eating her good cooking day and night!  (Haha!)  She does laundry, too!  You'd enjoy having her at your house, but you can't!  She's mine!

Instead of writing a lot trying to catch you up on our summer, I'm working on another slide show.  Going for the whole "...picture's worth a thousand words" concept!

Hope you are enjoying your summer!  Life is good!

Blessings,

Leslie

Today's Appointments

Here's the latest:

MRI results show that all lesions are "significantly smaller". The neurosurgeon said the largest lesion is only 25% the size it was last month. That's great news! Most of the swelling is gone, and the doctor's don't see any reason for surgery at this point. Scheduled another MRI in 3 months. If anything is growing, or causing any problems, they will consider surgery then. As for now, headed home to continue oral chemotherapy. Thank you all for your continued prayers. If you need specifics, you can pray that my nausea subsides.  It's not severe, just a nuisance.  They gave me some new nausea meds today, so I'm hoping they help. It's crummy to feel queasy!

Thank you for everything!  Blessings to you all!

Jeff and Leslie

Saturday

Enjoying a non-eventful Saturday!  Ahhhh...

Here are some pics of Isaac's kindergarten musical...The Three Piggy Opera.  It was outstanding! In addition to my good lookin' little boy being in the choir, I also loved the set, the Big Bad Wolf carrying a knife and fork, and the songs!  It was just too cute.  (BTW...Isaac's class was in the 3rd program of the night.  In addition to his 8 pm show, there were 2 other identical programs, one at 6, one at 7 with just as many kiddos!  What I didn't show was the 2nd set of risers on the other side of the gym.  Six classes for Isaac's program I believe!  There are 17 or 18 kindergarten classes in our district.  Ummhmmm....it's a biggun!)

Hope you all have a great weekend.  Thanks for checking in!

Blessings,

Leslie

Wednesday's Words of Insight

I have so many people wanting to know how I'm doing, and I'm a little weary of saying I'm doing fine, but that's the truth.  I'm doing well.  I feel good.  My mouth is feeling way better.  My appetite is still good.  I'm still nearly bald as an onion.  Everything is basically the same as last week.

I'm just waiting and resting until I go back to Houston on the 27th for a rescan. Then we will know if further action is needed.

Our family thoroughly enjoyed our camping trip.  Levi was beyond annoyed that I wouldn't reveal our destination.  Actually cried!  Give me a break!  And that pretty much set his mood for the trip.  We paused for several attitude adjustments, after which we had a much more enjoyable time.

Jeff's parent's have been so generous as to give us SDC passes again this year!  We put them to good use this weekend, and met our friends Kevin and Renee there on Saturday.  Perhaps a monumentally poor choice of days, as there were more school buses than you could count. 


The man that scanned our card at the gate was the neat kid we saw on Undercover Boss!  He was so nice!  Told us they were expecting at least 15,000 that day!  Yah!  We can pick 'em!

Driving by on Sunday, none of the lower lots had cars in them.  Perhaps we should've chosen that day!  The boys had a blast riding roller coasters with Jeff and Kevin, and Renee, Calvin and Cassie and Isaac and I enjoyed riding and watching the butterflies and the teacups (with Daddy, not me!).  I enjoyed some banana split Dippin Dots!  That's about as adventurous as I got!

Anyway, good food, good friends, good time had by all!  And now...we are all TIRED!!!

Thank you so much for your continued prayers for our family and for me.  We appreciate them  more than you know!


Blessings,

Leslie, Jeff, and the boys

Thank You So Much

"Playin' in the Rain" June 2007

Just wanted to say thank you to all of you that planned and participated in the benefit that was held for our family.  I cannot believe the generosity you showed to us.  Well, knowing all of you like we do, actually we can!  I just feel so overwhelmed I don't even know how to begin thanking everyone.  I am working on putting together a slide show of the benefit.  May have to snag Debbie Ray's memory card to do justice to the photos, as the ones I tried to copy from her website only copied as tiny pictures, and won't work just yet. 

Hoping to get it fixed by next week so you can all see what a fantastic job Erica and Krisi did.  I'm tellin' you what!  You show up to eat food at the Christian Church of Republic, and those people just take you in! Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!

If you haven't heard, the benefit raised over $4000 to help with our medical expenses!  What a huge blessing! Thank you to everyone.  From Kristen and her bracelets, to the large donations from businesses, and everything in between! 

And thanks to Amanda for the wooden cowboy hat!  Just brings tears to my eyes!  I put it right where I can see it every morning when I wake up!  Makes me smile.  :o)

Have a wonderful weekend, and may God bless you all above and beyond your wildest imagination!

Love,

Jeff, Leslie, Owen, Levi, and Isaac

Friday, FRIDAY, FRIDAY!!!

I am so glad it's the weekend, aren't you?  This week I have gone from feeling crummy to feeling very good.  My doctor in Houston had me stop taking one of my medications because it made my tongue raw.  Now I am feeling much better!  I'm sure they'll have me start up again as soon as everything heals, but for now it is so nice to feel good again!

I went to Hulston today to have them look at my mouth...per Dr. Booser's recommendation (Houston).  They confirmed my opinion (nice of them, eh?) that there was no infection, just a raw mouth.  Prescribed some mouth rinse for me.  I'm sure it'll be yummy!  However, it will probably help. 

Then I met my brother, Jim, who is loaning us his camper for the weekend (it's a nice one...much to my liking for roughing it!).  We went to the campground and he set everything up, then showed me how everything works.  We are surprising the boys.  I have everything packed, and as soon as Jeff and the boys get home, we are heading out for the weekend.  They are going to love it!  It's our first camping trip as a family, and promises to be WAY better than the surprise 3rd anniversary camping trip I planned for Jeff and I!  Landed us right in the middle of a May thunderstorm...in a tent, no less!  Yah---that's the last time this lady graced a campsite with her presence!  Not a fan of thunderstorms at HOME!  Little sheet of fabric over my head ain't gonna cut it, my friend!

Just wanted you to know how we are doing.  Feeling fine.  Nearly bald as an onion, but feeling fine.  Glad I've got a good lookin' head!  FYI-Levi and Isaac prefer my bandana look.  Owen thinks my wig looks better on me.  So I'm alternating.  Nice to have fashion consultants when you need them.  Oh...and it's definitely bandanas this weekend.  Maybe a UT ballcap!

Thank you all for your continued prayers.  We appreciate them so much!

Leave me a comment when you can! I love to hear from you!

Blessings,

Leslie

Just checking in

I arrived home Wednesday night.  What a long trip.  I told mom I thought the longest part was from Joplin to here!  We are slowly but surely settling into our new routine.  I'm supposed to limit my driving, so Jeff is still taking the boys to and from school.  They love their daddy and the extra time they are getting to spend with him.

My new chemotherapy arrived via UPS on Friday.  To say that I am less that excited about taking it may be the understatement of the year.  My routine prior to this required me to receive one IV infusion of Herceptin, which had absolutely no side effects.  Could've been water, for all I noticed.

These new prescriptions require me to take 11 pills a day...11!  That's about 11 more than I've ever taken in my life!  I couldn't even remember to take prenatal vitamins, so now I have a little old lady pill organizer!  Yah!  It's lovely!  Yesterday they made me pretty nauseaus.  Hoping that a phone call to TX tomorrow lands me some nausea meds that won't zonk me out!

Today I feel pretty good, and I'm glad for that.  We went to church, then came home for some much needed R and R.  The boys are busy trying to put together an aquarium we purchased for some tiny turtles that made their way home from Pearland to Missouri.  Speedy and Flash!  They're awful cute!

Hope you are having a good weekend.  Enjoy your family! Thank you for your continued prayers. They are much appreciated.

Blessings,

Leslie, Jeff, and the boys

My trip to Central Market...for Krisi Parker

Just a little more information:

Clarification: When I arrived here at MDACC, they ran some scans to make sure there were no new cancer lesions elsewhere throughout my body. We all agreed brain lesions alone would be enough! The bone scan showed nothing new, and the CT scan of my abdomen/chest also shows nothing new. The scan did not say my brain is clear...that we know its present. After these radiation treatments, they will wait 4 weeks or so, then do another MRI to see how the lesions responded to the treatment, and then do follow up treatment if needed. I am starting on new oral chemotherapy next week...I'll know more when I see my oncologist Tuesday. But...it's still all good news as far as I'm concerned. We just have such a peace going through this, and I don't know what the plans are, but I am confident that God does! Love you all! Leslie

Sunday Night

Just a quick update.  The boys made it down yesterday afternoon, after a two-day trip with Grandma and Grandpa Keltner.  Two days instead of one, because Isaac became very sick en route.  Arrived with a high fever, sick stomach, runny nose...the works.  I hope for Mrs. M that this is one bug not going around her kindergarten classroom!

I didn't take any pictures yet...been too busy hugging boys and rocking a little one.  It's nice to be together, regardless of the circumstances.  We were blessed today to have Dr. Keir-Garza call in some much needed meds for our little patient, and he has already had one dose of antibiotics, so hopefully tomorrow will be markedly better.

For the week ahead...Mom and Dad are staying at Kirk and Nanette's...I sure hope they don't starve!  (HA!)  The boys are here, and we will venture out there during the days.  Hoping to visit some museums, maybe the zoo, maybe the aquarium, and maybe the gulf, although Isaac is very sure that he doesn't like the beach...so he and I may just sit in the shade of an umbrella if we go!  He said, "The water is disgusting, Mom!"  Well...hard to argue with that.

Thank you for your continued prayers.  Would you please remember Isaac when you pray? I just hate for anyone to feel bad, especially when they are away from home.

Have a great week! Blessings to you all!

The Davis Family--together again

A little more news

Found out today that my bone scan shows nothing new!  Well, that's good news.  Had a CT scan today...find out later about the rest of me.  :o)

We are doing fine, and looking forward to my boys getting here this weekend.  They LOVE Texas, and we have family nearby (Aunt Teresa, Uncle Howard, Nanette, Kirk, Brenda and Jim...and their kids, too!) promising to do some serious spoiling!  Don't you know they're just going to be rotten by the time we're all through with them?  I'm kidding...they'll be fine!  Looking forward to letting them climb some huge live oak trees!  They're perfect for boys!  Wish we had one in our front yard. 

Hope you all have a great weekend.  Thank you so much for your prayers.

Blessings,

Jeff and Leslie

Just so You Know

If you are just checking my blog for the first time, and you are in the mood for browsing, go to the bottom of the page and click on older posts, OR just go to the side and pick a month and year from the past.  I'm telling you, I've got some good looking pictures of some good looking little boys on here!  There aren't a whole lot of pictures of ME, but you can see what I like seeing!  Thanks for checking in.  I am enjoying all the comments.

My schedule for today consists of more scans.  Nothing painful, just time consuming.

Jeff is asleep in a chair beside me.  Red shirt, Wranglers, boots! Love it!  He just makes me happy to look at him!

Thank you for your continued prayers!  Hope you have a great day.

Blessings!

All the News that is the News

Just wanted to let you know what's going on here in sunny Houston, TX.  They have begun "whole brain radiation" on me to treat several lesions recently found on my glorius brain!  Lovely!  So far, the only side effects are that every thing tastes sweet (yuck!  even water ).  I've been tired, but I think the events of the past few days would account for that, don't you?

Anyway, thanks to my good friend Sherry Marshall and her connections, we now have a rented an apartment here in the Medical Center through South Main Baptist Church of Houston .  It is really nice, and it's relaxing to have a place to come "home" to. It was necessary because they want me close to the MDACC Emergency Room.  That'll make you feel good!  Brother!

We have not been able to speak with our boys about the new medical diagnosis.  Jeff and I both think that would be best handled in person...so we are working on the details of getting them here, or him there.  That being said, they know I came down here for my headaches, and that I have doctors appointments daily, and they want to know when we'll be back. We're hoping to fill in the blanks by the end of the week.

Thank you all for your prayers.  Right now, our main prayers  include:

*) For the radiation to be effective.  I'd really like to WOW the doctors with the response of the lesions to the radiation.  Some people respond favorably...some don't.  I've never taken kindly to performing poorly on a test of any kind, and this is no exception!

*) For smoothness of schedule with the new routine at home for the boys.  Grandma Bootsie and Grandpa Coach have got them handled, but I sure don't want anyone tuckering out or losing patience. I think its safe to say that request is for all parties involved!

*) For Jeff...I get a little "opinionated" when I don't feel well.  Nuff said!

*)Pray that we continue to allow God to guard our hearts and minds.  It'd be easy to get overwhelmed with all of this, but we are focusing on focusing on Him, and not the problem.  Today.  We'll work on tomorrow then.

Blessings to you all! 

Love,
Leslie and Jeff

The Next Paragraph

Who knew when I typed my last post how fitting that excerpt from "So Long Insecurity", by Beth Moore would be.  I thought I'd share a bit of the next paragraph in the book with you.  It's almost as if it was written with my situation in mind.  I've always said I liked that lady!  It's because we think alike!

"...You knew what You were doing when You formed me in my mother's womb. Nothng is without purpose. Nothing has thrown off the plan.  Every gift, challenge, and obstacle is meant to shape the specific destiny You ordained for me before time began.  Your intent is to make a wonder out of me and show what You can do through me.  You mean to increase the praise that comes to You because of my life.  You want to defy the odds in order to make Yourself conspicuous in me. Please deliver me from self-pity and a life of excuses and rationalizations...Of all things, please don't let it be said that I loved myself too much to fully love anybody else.  Please don't let me gain the world but lose my soul."

How's that?  Completely fits my situation, don't you think?
In closing, please pray for our appointments tomorrow.  For clarity, direction, and peace.  And pray that I don't throw up!  It's my go-to "fight or flight" response, and I just hate it!

Also, pray for Jeff.  He is just such a rock!  He is serious but always able to make me laugh.  He is confident and compassionate.  He's handling all the correspondence, since I've lost my voice.  He never makes me feel like the patient...but always takes such care of me.  As always, he is the perfect gentleman.  I have yet to open a car door for myself in nearly 18 years of marriage, and even before that when we were dating.  It's the first thing I loved about him.  Well, that and his Wrangler's and boots!  Pray that he is able to rest. He slept a lot last night, and he was nearly too rested to tolerate today.  He calls it comedic genius, but I could think of a few other terms for it!  And me without a voice to redirect!  He loved every minute of our 7 hour "comedic genius" trip today! 

And, please keep our family in your prayers.  The boys know that I've come down to see what my doctor's here want me to do for my headaches.  I told them my scan of Friday showed something was putting pressure on my head/neck, and we needed to do something about it.  They were fine with that definition of our current situation. 

Then I apologized for telling them they were making my head hurt last week in the car.  They were fussing and whining, and it was tiresome.  (At one point, I told the two oldest if they didn't apologize in the car, I would make them hug and kiss in the crosswalk in front of the school.  I meant it, too!) I told them I was so sorry for blaming them, because it turns out it wasn't their fault all.  Wouldn't it be awful if they thought they had caused any of this?! 

Anyway, they were very forgiving, "Okay, Mom.  It's alright." "Yah.  It's alright." Then 3 big smiles.  It was a very low key discussion held on the steps of the backyard playset.  Then, I told them because of my headaches, I couldn't do the garden this year, and I was giving both garden spots to them.  Seemed fair, since they cleaned them off.  They were so pumped!  One sunflower fort in the planning stages, and one vegetable/flower garden.  Should provide hours of activity, and lots of fun for their summer.

Pray for my parents, and my siblings who have all helped out, and are still helping with the boys. 

This is a draining experience, even though it's not our first rodeo.  I am both dreading and looking forward to tomorrow.  It is so nice to be with the doctor's who know me best. There is comfort in familiarity.  There is comfort in trust. 

Blessings to you and yours. 


Jeff and Leslie

"Bluebonnets in Corsicana" by Leslie Davis 4/11/10

Good Read...

I am currently reading Beth Moore's new book, So Long Insecurity.  This is a passage of what I read last night, and I just loved it.  If you get a chance, check out this book.  She writes what I would write if I could write like she writes!

...Lord, help me to learn how to hang on tight to You when my life is rocked by dramatic change. Empower me to trust You and not to panic or fight for control. Help me to stop confusing a change in my circumstances with a change in my security status. You are my security, O God. You are the one sure thing. When everything around me shakes, You are unshakable. Nothing has the propensity to reveal false gods to me like a sudden change in my circumstances. Help me to see them and surrender them instantaneously. Use change to provoke what needs changing in me, Lord, and to increase my appreciation of the only One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever...

Blessings,

Leslie

Making up for Lost Time

So we set our clocks ahead one hour, went to the late worship service, and all took naps this afternoon.  Now it's 9:30 pm, and no one is tired.  Monday is going to be a doosey!

Many a Truth is said in Jest...

A Visit with Phyllis

Yesterday, I had the sweet opportunity to spend a day with my friend, Sherry, and her mother, Phyllis.  Although I've known Sherry for a long while, I only met Phyllis as I was battling breast cancer.  She is a precious, precious soul who, along with her circle of friends, prayed diligently for me as I was going through my cancer treatments and surgeries. 

A year to the day after my diagnosis, Phyllis was diagnosed with a very similar type of breast cancer.  I was able to refer her to my physician in Houston who took excellent care of her, and within a year, she was cancer free as well.

Elation turned to disappointment within a few months, though, as we learned that she was now being held hostage by a totally different cancer...this time, pancreatic.  Phyllis fought that battle as courageously as she could, but last month, MD Anderson explained that they had done all they could do, and they dismissed her to return home, enjoying her days with friends and relatives close at hand.

Our visit yesterday was so, so sweet.  As daughter turned into caregiver, I watched Sherry adjust pillows, tenderly hold a cup and straw for her mother, and relax on the bed next to her, gently rubbing her arm and hand.  Phyllis wanted us near, and she wanted to hear us laugh and talk.  So we spent the afternoon telling stories, and laughing and crying, sitting on or around Phyllis' bed. 

When it was time for lunch, she asked us to eat in her room, so we could keep visiting.  She dozed in and out, and that was fine with us.  We've never been known to shy away from conversation!  So when Phyllis nodded off, Sherry, her sister Kathy, and I would continue visiting, and laughing, and gasping in amazement at each others stories.  Phyllis would awaken, and smile, and contribute her two cents, and then doze off again.  If we talked too softly, she would demand, "Talk!", and we knew that we should raise our voices.

She shared poetry that she had written, and sweet words about her son, who had just left to return to Kansas City for a bit.  It was just really, really a precious time.

Outside Phyllis' house, signs of Spring were everywhere. I had to be careful of where I stepped, as bulbs were bursting through the ground on every side of the house. I thought there was surely a sermon in this photo. The promise of life continuing was evident all around.

When we were leaving, we hugged, and I told her how much I loved her, and how good it was to see her.  When she kissed Sherry goodbye, Sherry said, "Mom-I'm staying." This had been the plan all along, but between cat naps, Phyllis had missed that little tidbit. The relief that was on her face was priceless, so she hugged Sherry anyway!  I think mostly because she was so pleased with the arrangement.

Kathy brought me back to my car in Missouri, and I enjoyed a breezy, quiet ride home, thanking God for His provision, for His tender love, and for families...what a wonderful idea.

My own momma was waiting at my house, where she had snuggled my littlest, and put him to bed long before his brothers returned from their ball game with their daddy and Grandpa.  Like I said, familes are a wonderful idea!

Enjoy your weekend.  Enjoy the sunshine.  Be thankful.  We are together here for just a short while.  Hug a neck.  Kiss a cheek.  Laugh.  Life is good.

Blessings to you and yours,

Leslie

Long Time A Comin'

I never thought I'd see the day when they actually got along...voluntarily!  These two are very competitive.  Frankly, Levi has been a little leary of Isaac ever since he was born.  He just didn't ever have much to do with him.  Just look at the difference a few years makes!  All you mommas out there wondering if it will EVER get better, evidently the answer is "Yes!".

Hope you have a peaceful, brotherly-love kind of week!

Leslie

p.s.  That's chocolate pudding on Isaac's chin. Imagine that! A love for chocolate-yet another way he is just like me-according to Jeff!

Heading to Kansas

Tomorrow morning I leave for Kansas to visit with my sweet friend, Phyllis.  Please remember Sherry and me as we travel.  I'll post more when I get home.

Blessings,

Leslie

No School!

Monday was a day off of school for my boys, and it didn't take long for the lack of schedule to lead to rough-housing and fighting.  To combat it, I set up a science lab for them in the kitchen.  They requested food coloring, water, baking soda, and vinegar.  The experiments that followed allowed for 30 minutes of peace in the house. 

Secondly, I gave them a geography assignment.  They were to pick a state off of the map and research it on the computer!  Woohoo!  They had to report on the state capitol, a famous invention/person/or event from that state, and then share "If we could go on vacation in this state, here is where I'd like to go..."  This intrigued them for the rest of the day, and they couldn't wait to show their daddy when he got home.  Well, some were a little less enthused than others, but all in all it was a good use of time.

Our funny for the day was when Isaac was giving his presentation on Kansas. "Oh, Isaac.  You forgot to tell what is the capitol of Kansas," to which he quickly replied, "It's K".  Hahahahaha!  We got a kick out of kindergarten geography!

Hope you have a great week!

Blessings,

Leslie

Valentine's Day

I am trying to figure out how to make Sunday Valentine-y when I have two suffering from the stomach flu.  Nothin' says "I love you" like a cup of Gatorade and a handful of Saltine crackers.  I am really hoping that Jeff and Isaac manage to get over this quickly, and that no one else catches it. 

I've turned off the heat Saturday, and thoroughly aired out the house until I was certain I would freeze.  I have done mountains of laundry, although you can't tell it by my hampers.  I have become a short order cook, and a pharmacist, and a consumer of anything chocolate that is laying around.  This cannot be good for a person. 

Through it all, though, I am still thinking, "Thank God I am here to be involved in this at all!"  I wonder if that thought will ever leave my mind.  I'm glad I'm here to rock my baby boy, glad I'm here do go on a Gatorade run, glad I'm here to exclaim, "This house is a WRECK!!!".  (Not so sure anyone else is glad of that hollerin' part right now, but I'm tryin' my best to be organized!)

Hoping to get a full night's sleep, and start with a fresh attitude tomorrow.  Ahhhhhh....that'd be nice!

Blessings to you all,

Leslie

Update on Prayer Request

Phyllis is home in Kansas finally.  They have arranged for Hospice to come in.  Please remember Sherry and her whole family during this time. 

Prayer Request

When you think of it, please pray for my friend Sherry and her mother Phyllis.  Phyllis is an amazing, strong, and beautiful lady who is a breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed one year to the day after I was with breast cancer.  My doctor in Houston saw her right away, and his treatment was very successful.  We celebrated her diagnosis of being cancer free this past fall. 

Now, though, she is struggling with pancreatic cancer, and it is not a pleasant thing for anyone involved. Her treatments for this new tumor have not been as successful as they had hoped.  Please pray for comfort for Phyllis and for clarity of thought for the family as take care of her. They are just such a sweet family, and I hate to see anyone hurting!

This picture is of Phyllis and Sherry, taken during Christmas break. Sherry and her siblings got a beach house in Galveston, and joined Phyllis and Bill (Sherry's dad) who were already in Houston . They look like they enjoyed themselves, don't they!?


Thank you for your prayers.  I know they will appreciate it.

Blessings,

Leslie

Sometimes He calms the storm

With a whisper, "Peace, be still!"

He can settle any sea,

But it doesn't mean He will.

Sometimes He holds us close,

And lets the wind and waves go wild.

Sometimes He calms the storm,

And other times He calms His child.

Busy Weekend

I took absolutely no pictures this weekend!  We were busy for sure, but I have no documentation of that. 

Levi had a basketball game at 8:00am Saturday morning.  Then we ran errands and visited some shops on Main Street.  Next we loaded up and headed out to Cal and Cassie's 2nd birthday party at the OC.  Everyone had a great time, and were very disappointed to leave.  When we got home, the boys got in their jammies and snuggled down for an evening of popcorn and Santa Buddies.  Just as Jeff and I were about to join them, our friends called and said they were on their way over for a visit. 

They showed up with TV in the back of their truck...just an extra for them, but a blessing for us!  (Ours hasn't worked since before Christmas.)   The tv they brought us is enormous, though, and we'll have to find a stout piece of furniture on which to perch it!  Two pans of brownie bites and a pot of coffee later, we said good bye to Anthony and Stephanie, and carried our already asleep kiddos back to their rooms.  12:07---off to rest up for Sunday! 

We made it to church EARLY (enjoy reading that...it may never happen again!). We enjoyed seeing my sister Anita and her little people as well as our friend Melissa and her  "little" boy Dalton...now nearly 16!  Haven't seen him forever.  After some quick visiting, it was back home to take Levi in for practice, while Isaac and I stayed home and made Superbowl snacks. 

When Jeff, Owen, and Levi came home, we all loaded up again and headed in to our good friends Johnny and Krisi's house for an evening of fun, food, and watching the Superbowl.  We are paying for our weekend this morning, though!  The boys were very, very sluggish getting ready for school   They were so hoping for a snow day, but it was not to be.

Anyway...there you go!  Are you as tired as I am?

Hope you enjoy a wonderful week. 


Blessings,

Leslie

Frozen Fog

Visibility was less than 1/4 mile this morning.  This is what remained of the fog!  How beautiful!

Bedtime Storytime

A Sleddin' we will Go!

Jeff and I took the boys to a nearby school to sled yesterday after church.  One should note, it is not nearly as fun to watch the sledding from a mother's vantage point as it was to be the kid sledding.  More than once I found myself uttering under my breath or even aloud to my husband, "Bail!  Bail!  He should bail NOW!" 

Now, granted, this is one of the best hills around.  However, at the bottom of the hill is a stand of trees.  The solid type!  Not my idea of the perfect, child-friendly sledding hill.  "They'll figure it out," assured my husband.  See...if not for my husband, my little ones would probably not be allowed out of the backyard.  I'm joking...sort of.

Every van that I don't recoginze in the neighborhood is most certainly being driven by the pedophile they highlighted in last night's newscast.  Every stray dog is certainly rabid and viscious.  Every stray baseball is sure to hit someone's eye socket!  It's enough to wear a person out!  That's why God gave us husbands, ladies.  The perfect balance to our God-given gut feelings that somehow run wild at times!  But...I digress...

Sledding....back to sledding.  They did figure it out...some after a stern warning from their Dad, some without.  They had a blast, and we did too.  And although I really do know a child who suffered a head injury from sledding, I guess it's alright if mine sled without their bicycle helmets.  For now...

Hope you were able to enjoy the snow with your kiddos, or with your friends...you crazy grown ups!

Have a wonderful week!

Blessings,


Leslie