Robynn's questions everyday to Brady and Hailey

I challenge us all to follow in Robynn's footsteps.
Ask your own children the following and make sure you take action yourself!

1. What was the best part of your day today?
2. What did you do to make someones day better?

Those are your orders....

Pray On!
S

Thoughts on yesterday will come later;)
Have a safe and wonderful New Years Eve!

Memorial Service

OLG Church-911 Park- West Sacramento
Tuesday, December 30th 11am

Our Special Mass with Father Craig

Knowing how hard Christmas would be for our family and Kelly's, Father Craig made us an offer we could not refuse. A private mass at the Brown's home. We were so grateful that he would honor our families with such a spectacular gift. It was as perfect as it could be. Father Craig was all set up with Robynn's picture on one side of the altar and Kelly's on the other. the Brown's had cleared all the furniture out of their living room and replaced it with folding chairs from the church. Kelly's boys, Spencer and Mason gathered in another room with their cousins, practicing each of their very special parts and Brady and Hailey got ready to lead everyone in the 3 Christmas songs we'd sing with them. It was an indescribable experience to see these beautiful women's children touch our hearts so profoundly. Full of emotion and tears streaming down my face, I felt the pride that Heaven was filled with. I missed them beyond any expression, yet I felt them so near.
In Robynn and Kelly's honor and in honor of Our Saviors birth, we gathered in faith,prayer, song, sorrow and hope. A moment in my life that will impact me always.
Before I left, Kelly's parents and sister Brandy gave me"Pandora's box" charm bracelet with a single "K" charm. I had Father Craig bless it and yesterday I went and added 2 charms. One was a four leaf clover that represented Robynn(my Christmas ornament this year from her was a Christmas tree made out of four leaf clovers) and the second was a bible with a cross that dangled from it. Two women I love so deeply. I often wonder how I will survive without them. The bible sits between them as a reminder of how I must trust in the Lord and obey "His Will". Pray that we all may find a way to be comforted by His great love and promise of His kingdom where Robynn and Kelly await our arrival!

Pray On!
S

We Made it Through Our 1st Christmas Without Our Beloved Robynn...

Brian, Brady and Hailey made it safely back to West Sac. The kids and I will head there Monday morning for Tuesday's service. If you missed the Bakersfield obituary, it is in the Saramento Bee today and tomorrow.
The busyness of Christmas; preparing to feed 40 people and then clean up, helped take the edge off our tremendous sadness. Thank you so much for your continued prayers.

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain. -von Schegel

Love and God bless
Pray On!
S

Celebrate Christmas!!!

Your orders still "Stand"!

Sending our very best "Robynn hugs" on this special day when Christ Our Savior was Born!

Merry Christmas "Army Goodell"!

Pray On!
S

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Robynn's Service

I feel the need to bow to each and every one of you who came to honor "Our Girl" yesterday.
I am on my knees in unending gratitude. What a perfect representation of our most magnificent soldier, Robynn. Thank you for sharing in our sorrow, grief, joy and faith. We hope you will join us in following Father Craig's command..."Celebrate Christmas" and celebrate Robynn.
Those are your orders...CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS Army Goodell!

West Sac services will be at 11am Tuesday the 30th at Our Lady of Grace.

Pray ON!
S

Thank you to whomever left me the darling santa pants that held the most beautiful angel, dressed in black boots, a green and black taffeta dress and "bling" around her neck. She is precious and I will treasure her always!

Prayer Request for Sean Malone

Kerrie Malone's husband is in the hospital suffering head trauma and remains unconscious due to a car accident. He is in ICU and they had to drill into his skull to help relieve the pressure.
Kerrie is pregnant with their 3rd child and has been one of Robynn's best friends for years.
On our knees Army Goodell...on our knees!

Pray On!
S

Memorial up North

Tuesday December 30th at OLG is when Robynn's memorial will be. We will also be running her obit in the Sacramento Bee next weekend.

Psalm 29:11
The Lord gives his people strength.
The Lord blesses them with peace.

Stand Strong!
Pray On!
S

Robynn's Obituary

It can be found in Saturday & Sunday's paper at;
http://www.bakersfield.com/

I have had many requests via email and I think most of them can be accommodated when this is available to you tomorrow. If not...you know where to find me;)

Brain, Hailey, "Calkan" and I have made it back to Bakersfield safely and are waiting for
Mum-Mum, Papa, Brady and Tanner to get here.
Thank you for praying for safe travels!

XOXO!
Pray On!
S

Hold Tight West Sac!

We are working on a memorial service for Robynn in your town;)
Please be patient with us, as we have so much to do.

I thought you would take comfort in knowing Father Jos came by last night and anointed her and we gathered around her holding hands and prayed together. When Father finished, Robynn immediately spoke in her sweet but quiet voice making sure we all knew how much she loved us and how she was so grateful for taking such wonderful care of her and her family. It is mostly a blur, but her absolute grace and presence of spirit resonated as we knelt before her, totally "in Awe"once again. It takes my breath away as I type...

God Bless you ALL!
Pray On!

Standing Strong with Jesus

Army Goodell,

Our gracious Lord has commanded that Robynn come to Him.
Being the ever faithful servant...she obeyed.

That is all I have for now, I'm sorry.
Pray On!
S

Services will be 11am Tuesday December 23rd at St. Francis Church in Bakersfield.
Thank you Father Craig for accommodating us so quickly.

My Email

bdairygirl@gmail.com (kind of important, i guess;)
There are many of you that have asked "don't post this" and asked for a phone call.
Here is my email so that you can send your thoughts/request to me personally.
Please understand my priority is helping care for Robynn and I will get to you when I can.

Army Goodell ROCKS!!!!!!
Thank you dear soldiers...
Pray On!
S

A Little Wobbly...

...but we are still Standing Strong!

Thank you for holding us up!

All my love!
Pray On!


2 Corinthians 1:3
Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort.

Another Rough Night

Restlessness has become our forefront enemy. She still battles nausea and vomiting, but not being able to find a way to get settled seems the most bothersome right now. She craves food and liquids even though she knows she can't keep them down. They increased her meds in hopes of getting her some mush needed rest. She did get a shower this morning and sat in her favorite chair while I did her make-up. Jamba juice was here when we finished and she was so excited. Didn't sit well, but we knew it wouldn't:(


Deuteronomy 7:9
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.

Pray on!
S

She Did It!

As hard as it was, she made it out to the front room to view Brady and Haileys masterpiece tree. She had a couple sips of egg nog, apple juice slushie and hot tea while listening to Christmas carols. She is nodding off, but is not willing to go back to bed. A true soldier, that you want on your side for sure!

Sweet dreams faithful army!
Pray On!
S

Settling In

She made it home without incident. We were totally prepared for any and all hurdles we might have to hop over, but with God as our pilot,there were none.
Brian, the kids, Matt, Erin, my mom and dad went and picked out a Christmas tree. They strapped it to my parents car and brought it home. The house smells sooooooo yummy. It definitely brought some much needed Christmas spirit. We hope to get her out to her favorite chair, get the holiday tunes pumpin and decorate a way with her observing the chaos;)
She is still battling the "yuckies" on and off, but at this moment is a 2 thumbs up.

Stand Strong Army Goodell!
Pray On!
S

Breakin Free!

It's about that time! She is happy to be leaving soon even though she knows the outcome. She just said in a low voice, "so hospice is official...that's exciting", I replied with "yep, gettin my pom poms out" and she chuckled. Before that, Papa went to Sonic to get 4 slushies...strawberry, watermelon, lemon-lime and diet vanilla coke Hip Hip Hooray! They did not sit well in her tummy but she was determined to have some of each regardless. Just enjoying that simple pleasure was worth getting sick in between.
I had been telling Robynn about the mini Sound Of Music concert Hailey and I gave Brady last night and on her way to the potty she started singing Doe a deer, a female deer, ray a drop of golden sun........and Brian, myself and her mom all joined in.
She is ready to roll, more later!

Pray On!
S

A Regretful Post

My Dearest Faithful Army Goodell,

We have been unsuccessful at getting Robynn's body to respond. It is obvious the cancer is overtaking her at a rapid rate. They will be getting her ready to come back home. Hospice will be at the house tomorrow to give instruction on the best ways to keep her comfortable.
Please know we did everything in our power to provide comfort and to accomplish her ultimate goal of getting back home.
What I type will never convey our gratitude for the constant vigil you have kept with prayer and action in Robynn's name. She was "in Awe' of your response and knows her journey would have ended long ago if not for all of you. I am still praying for a miracle as I know that is her only hope. No Dr or medication is a match for what Our Father has planned.
I want you to take comfort in our Lords plan, but understand if you can't at this moment. I would be dishonest if I told you I felt comforted.

Please understand our immense need for privacy. I will keep you updated, but we ask for no visits or phone calls. Brady and Hailey have not been made aware of this development so we ask that it not be addressed with your children if they attend OLG. We want Brian to be able to sit down with them in person.

I can't say anymore right now, I'm sorry.

Pray On!
S

PS Callahan finished reading Twilight to her yesterday

Psalm 91:11 For he will command his angels concerning you

The above verse is on an angel ornament that my friend Raji sent to Robynn. It hangs on her IV pole keeping constant watch. The words are not written on the angel, just the verse. I am not the bible scholar you might think and I had been meaning to look it up for a couple days and never found the time. As I sat hear watching her sleep, I took it down and decided to "google" the specific verse. As I read the words on BibleGateway.com, I was overwhelmed with emotion. This was the very verse I had chosen to put in Kelly's program's (after I received it from Robynn's Aunt Augie) in an attempt to comfort all who miss her so desperately. What perfect words to keep vigil for Our sweet girl. Sorry, I just had to share, because this is so NOT an accident.
Right now we are waiting on 2 more units of blood. She had an extremely miserable night filled with the nastiest of "yuckies". She seems to have overcome that bout and is finally resting. She is not allowed to eat or drink anything and she is protesting this when she is awake. As soon as she saw me she asked if I would get her a diet vanilla coke and I was thrilled to have her ask for something. I was ready to run as fast as I could to find one(keep in mind, I don't run;) and Brian says she knows she can't have one, but is still trying to pull a fast one...can't blame a girl for tryin!!! It is still unclear what needs to happen before she can go home. Some moments, I'd like to unhook her from everything, throw her over my shoulder and bolt down the hall and drive away with her. Not rational, I know, I'm over it...for now.
Back to some fonder memories. Yesterday Aunt Robynn got a solo performance from Tanner. He has chorus for an elective and they had their fundraiser Saturday night. So, as soon as she was able to see him, he sang the songs from his program to her. No one was allowed in the room, it was a private performance for his Aunt Robynn. What an amazing gift to her and a wonderful memory for Tanner...his Aunt Robynn bursting with joy and pride.
A Life experience, truly at its best!!!

I have more stories but want to get this posted, as I know you are all anxious. Things are very difficult, but I will keep you updated best I can.

Love you all!
Stand Strong!
Pray On!
S

Until Tomorrow...

She was a little more lucid this evening. We even took a lap around her floor in hopes of "gettin this party started" with her bowels;) I am in West Sac taking care of the kids and will return to the hospital after I get them off to school. I don't have any more reports about her health tonight, but have more stories about her day for you tomorrow....

Good Night Dear Warriors!
Pray On!
s

Keep Inspiring Her!

She had an MRI of the brain this morning and is getting her port cleaned out so she can get hooked back up. She kind of drifts back & forth between sleep and interacting with those in the room. Her blood levels dropped again(8.7) and will probably require another transfusion. She is really pushing to get out of here and get back home. If she does go home, we will need Home Health care to come in and train Brian on aspects of her care that he can tend to.
"Calkan " has just been summoned to read "Twilight" and she is "On It"!!!
Your "commments" are almost more than we can get posted. She smiled so sweetly when we told her about her army taking charge...thank you.

XOXO
Pray On!

Results are in

The CT scan did not show a blockage in her intestines. Instead they believe her bowels had shut down because she has not been eating or drinking. To get them moving again they will start feeding her through her port with predigested nutrition. Her liver function is deteriorating and she does have fluid in her tummy and around her lungs. They are not going to drain anything until they know it is absolutely necessary. Keeping her comfortable and "poke free" is our goal. They will do blood draws every 8 hours instead of once a day. Our hope is that the nutrition and blood transfusion will give her a little pep;) 'Calkan's' goal is to see that Aunt Robynn finishes reading Twilight and if that means reading it to her, then so be it!

Brian wanted to make sure that I share something with all of you. Last night when they were on their way to the ER, Robynn was quite upset. She just wants to be home and was not taking another hospital visit very well. She even refused to hold Brian's hand because she partially blamed him for being the transporter (that just makes me giggle with delight that she still has that spark:) When they arrived her ONLY comfort came from You! Brian began to read your "comments" to her. She closed her eyes and became so comforted with every word. She smiled...nodded and when Brian stopped to take care of something she quipped, "don't stop" with her eyes fixed on him. Once again he started and she nestled in, eyes closed and smiling, completely content. What a glorious escape you all provided her...our warmest thank you.
Please keep your "comments" coming, as their benefits are limitless. You all have said she inspires you and in return you have returned the favor by inspiring her!

Pray on faithful soldiers!
S

North Bound

"Calkan" and I are heading up North. I apologize for the agony of not getting any info for a few hours. I will drive as fast as I can;))))

Love to all!
Pray on!
S

At Roseville Sutter

Her blood levels were low, so they gave her 2 units of blood. Waiting for results of CT scan and to talk with the Dr this am. Brian said she mostly just sleeps and is pretty out of it. Once the CT scan results are in we will know if other tests need to be done.
More information when I get it.

Pray On!
S

Headed Back to the ER

"Our Girl" is very sick. She cannot keep anything down and even the simple pleasure of trying to speak causes her to vomit. Having nothing in her tummy, makes it all the more painful and intolerable. This leads the Dr's to believe she has a blockage in her intestine or the cancer has spread to the brain. She is not in liver failure but her liver shows significant damage. Brian called the Dr's in charge of her clinical trial in Santa Monica and they said she must go to the ER and if certain tests were positive she would no longer qualify as a trial recipient.
I wish I could type something else, I begged the Lord to give me something else to type. For now, this what He is giving us. Stand Strong for Robynn and for our Savior who will not fail us.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. (Psalm 27: 1, 3)

Pray On!
S

Psalm 27:14

"Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD"

Things are not going well for our sweet girl. She cannot keep anything down, including liquids. Brian has moved her downstairs and packs pillows around her to help keep her more comfortable. Her tummy continues to grow causing her skin to stretch rapidly, both causing pain. Heavy doses of multiple meds knock her out for small periods. When I talked to him last, she was out of it and he was outside hanging Christmas lights.

Before I forget, I wanted to thank Robynn's Bunco group for making sure they came home to a super clean home and Myron for personally cleaning their carpets. Five minutes after arriving home, their next door neighbors showed up with enough food for an army, for days!
A big Yummy thank you;)

A SUPER DUPER thank you to Robynn's sister"Enni" for taking wonderful care of Robynn and Brian's most prized possessions...Brady and Hailey. This is no small task and is the most special of gifts.

There are many others who deserve personal thank you's... please forgive me for not mentioning each and every one of you.

Pray on!
S

Constant Prayer

"But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you."
Psalm 39:7

Dear Lord, please have mercy on Robynn and keep her surrounded in your care. Please replace her pain and suffering with comfort and peace.

Her tummy continues to increase in size and cause great discomfort. Her blood levels don't indicate that blood is draining into her tummy like before. Instead, it seems likely that the tumors are growing at a rapid rate.

Back down soldiers...
Pray On!
S

Home Sweet Home

Sorry for the delay, but I had no access to a computer til now.
After she got "unhooked" they administered a steroid called dexamethasone and then we jumped into separate cars to head home. Robynn and Brian were missing Brady and Hailey something fierce and getting back to them was #1 priority.
I will check in with them later, but for now I want them to enjoy just being home.

Pray On!
S

End Yondelis Round 1

Ok, here's what happened yesterday. It was Brain's goal from the beginning to get her to Rodeo drive and see all the gorgeous shop windows decorated for Christmas. When we realized how bad her health was, it just didn't seem obtainable and it kind of became a standard joke this trip. There she was laying in bed and she blurts out "let's go to Rodeo Dr.". Brian and I brush her off and joke back but have no intentions to take her anywhere at this point. She says it again while Brian is taking off to the drugstore and once again we joke back and he leaves. Upon his return she says, "lets go to Rodeo Drive"(mind you, it's now after 9pm) "you're serious"?I am, "yep, I've got cain fever and I know he(Brian) wants to go" I respond with "Brian can go;)" she starts sitting up and asking for her uggs and we were off, like a heard or turtles;)
We made it around Rodeo Dr and then decided we should visit Uncle Sonny at Cedars Sinai because he didn't sound good when Brian spoke to him over the phone. We arrived at the hospital about 10pm and gave our Uncle the most wonderful surprise...Robynn! He was ecstatic! He could not stop talking about what a wonderful gift this was and how she inspires him to beat his own cancer diagnosis. It was quite touching.
On the way home we had a little detour to South Central and got down with the Homies G'S. After "breakin it down" with them, we ended up stuck on the freeway in gridlock traffic.
Thank the Lord for small miracles...she was ok during it all. A little wobbly and sluggish, but the total warrior that we have witnessed many times.
This morning she is not faring as well, but we are gearing up for her 10 am appt. Sorry to cut this short, but I must get ready for today......

Pray On!
S

Rest Received!

What an AMAZING God we have! We asked and boy did he deliver! She slept from the time of my last post til about 6:30(5 hrs) Yippee! She is kind of groggy but doing ok. I snuck off to Whole Foods and got her some fresh strawberries,kiwi and raspberries to add to the mango, grapes and melon Brian had picked up last night. For some reason fresh fruit is the only thing that sounds good and sits well in her tummy.
The details of what happened next, will have to wait til tomorrow as it almost midnight and way past "lights out". Don't fret...it was all good!;)

Pray On!
S

Psalm 28:2

'Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place'

We are back at the hotel after a frightful morning.
Let me start with saying the "comfy bed" did not do much for her. Her pain and comfort level could not be kept under control. When she arrived for her appt they did a blood draw and results showed her platelets were too low to start trial. They retested 3 times and then got a "read" that qualified(1st bullet dodged). Next up was her liver function level. She was a 2.3 and needed to be under 1.5. Once again, Brian hears that she does not qualify. With his heart in his throat, a nurse rechecks the prospectus for the trial and realizes that patients with liver cancer can have higher levels(up to 2.5). With the 2nd bullet dodged, they hook her all up and monitor her bodies reaction. After about 3 hours they give her the ok to leave.
She is now back in bed and on 2 different medications to help her rest and reach a decent comfort level. We will return tomorrow at 10am to discontinue the Yondelis.

The most difficult part is watching her suffer. No one should endure this...back on our knees soldiers...

Pray On!
S

I Leave You with This.....

Philippians 4:5-7

Let YOUR reasonableness become known to all men. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let YOUR petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard YOUR hearts and YOUR mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.

Pray On!
S

Gone Baby Gone!

We made our great escape to the hotel! It wasn't a perfect getaway, but she is officially in a "comfy bed". She is still fighting off the yuckies and hopes for a fabulous night sleep.
Brian is getting some prescriptions filled and when he returns, it's "lights out"!

Please continue with constant prayer as she still has a long haul.

Thank you again...
Pray On!
S

Waiting to Break Free....

She has had a few visitors today, but wasn't feeling very perky. She has gone from nauseated to loopy with the help of a drug called Ativan. My parents and the kids just left and now she is taking a little snooze.
We are now waiting for the Dr. to let her leave so she can rest in a much more comfy bed.
She is still on schedule for 9am tomorrow to start the Yondelis trial and that's our most important goal right now.

Pray on!
S

Yuckies are Back

She was so excited to keep down a bowl of cereal and then her pain meds got the best of her and made her nauseous. We really want to get her out of here, but are unsure what will happen.

Luke 1:28
The angel went to [Mary] and said,
"Greetings, you who are highly favored!
The Lord is with you."

Pray On!
S

Until tomorrow...

We made it to Diddy Riese ( ice cream sandwich capital;) Brian is on his 2nd sandwich(cinnamon sugar cookie with vanilla bean ice cream & choc chip cookie with espresso chip ice cream) and he will probably have Robynn's(double choc chip cookie w/ mint chip ice cream) leftovers.
Pray the "yuckies" stay far far far far away!!!!!!!!!!!

Good night soldiers!
Pray On!
S

Lazy Day

We have just been layin low, enjoying USC STOMPING UCLA! Fight On!
The kids and Mum-Mum are playing Farkle(dice game) Papa is dozing while watching the Oklahoma game and Brian has Robynn snuggled between his legs while she reads Twilight. She has been diligent in asking for her pain meds, but vitals and blood work look good.

XOXO
Pray On!
S

Psyche!!!

Sorry for the false alarm! They did another blood draw out of her vein(not her port) which is more accurate and her level had risen since yesterday, not dropped.
We are overjoyed!

Thank you for your constant prayers!
Pray On!
S

Thumbs Down on Blood Work:(

Her hemoglobin dropped 2 points and we are very disapponted. Waiting to talk to Dr about latest results...

Pray On!
S

Hello there!

Miss Robynn had a rough night, but you'd never know by looking at her this morning. Nausea and vomiting was back in full force, but is now under control. She has been experiencing a lot of pain in her liver and it shoots up across to her right shoulder. They did a blood draw this morning we and are waiting for results.
Robynn is enjoying being pampered by Cal who is sprucing up her finger and toe nails....I 'm hopin I'm next;)

Pray On!
S

Staying Put

They want to keep a very close eye on Robynn so there is no way she won't be ready for Monday. We aren't thrilled, but it is probably better to be safe than sorry.
My mom and dad just arrived and brought Cal and Tanner. Aunt Robynn was happy to see them and enjoyed a great visit with her cousin Korey and her Uncle Kenny is her newest visitor.

Pray On!
S

Uncle Sonny

I almost forgot to tell you that he is down the road at Cedars Sinai hospital finishing his stem cell transplant. We will go visit when Robynn is able.
Please send prayers his way.

Pray On!
S

Blood Work is Back

Her levels are all good...Hip Hp Hooray! Doc says he will release her to a regular room, but Robynn and Brian are determined to get out of the hospital all together. They are hoping that staying in the hotel across the street will convince them to give her the boot! She so wants to sleep in a real bed, sight see and enjoy the gorgeous weather.
She is on track to start the Yondelis trial Monday and in a perfect world go home Tuesday.

Psalm 103:2
Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

Pray On!
S

A Little Break

Robynn is reading Twilight, a book Callahan got her hooked on and Brian is laying in bed with her taking a little snooze. We are hoping to get an "early check in" at the Best Western across the street so Brian can shower away his stinkiness;) PEEEEEE EEEEEWWWWW!!!
It would be a great relief to get to sleep in a real bed tonight as well. Before I got here, he slept on the window seat. Last night, I got the window seat and he got a chair...what a gentleman.
Once again, it's the waiting game....

Pray On!
S

Good Morning Soldiers

Robynn is up and getting beautified(takes little to NO effort;) She got a chest x-ray at about 6am. When she finishes up her plasma they will do a blood draw and see how she's progressing.
She did require pain meds when she woke up and is going to try and stay on top of that with regular doses.
Brian is off to get breakfast and caffeine.
We are hopeful that her tests will come back at levels that will allow her to leave today.

Keep the prayers flowing!

Love you all!
Pray On!
S

Back from CAT Scan

Good evening "Army Goodell"!
It's 7:30 and she just got back to her room. While we were waiting, Brian and I ran to a local Thai restaurant to get her some Pad Thai, fried tofu and won-ton soup(because my treats were not quite enough;) Boy does this family love to eat!!! For those of you worried about Brian...I arrived w/ a pastrami & cornbeef sandwhich for him and turkey for myself. We waited for over 3 hours and couldn't shove them in fast enough after Robynn was wheeled off to her scan, as eating in front of her is not an option when she can't partake.
She had her own little smorgasborg and Brian and I were sure to join in;) We are now getting ready to snuggle up for NBC Thursday night TV.
Her Dr just came in and said her scan was better than expected. The fluid in her belly was nothing compared to "Norm" (6 litres). There was probably only 1/2 a litre and in no way was that worth the pain of that big needle being stuck in her. Her lungs contain effusions in the lower lobes (pockets of fluid). Big deep breaths and coughing can usually pop these open and send them packin!!! Go Robynn Go! She will get 2 more units of blood tonight as well as some plasma.

I think I covered it all. Gotta watch the rest of Earl....

Pray On!
S

I Made It!

I arrived safely to find "Our girl" in good spirits and waiting to be picked up for a CAT scan. I immediately whipped out my stash of Smith's cookies, See's candie, fresh bagels and pretzels only to be told she couldn't eat anything...total buzz kill;( I have stowed them away so she may feast upon her return!
We did find out that her hemoglobin is 9.3 and needs to be higher. She will more than likely get another unit of blood tonight and possibly some platelets. We had a bout with the "yuckies" when she had to drink the contrast for the scan, but as usual she prevailed with flying colors.
She also received a vitamin K shot to help slow down the bleeding and is now getting some pain meds.
My arrival enabled Brian to get out of the room for a break and Roynn and I are enjoying watching Ellen.

More later!

Pray on!
S

Headed to Santa Monica

I am on my way to give my brother some much needed relief and hopefully able to get a couple chuckles out of Robynn with my fabulous sense of humor;) Come on "humor me".

Will get you updated when I get there!

PRAY ON!
S

ICU

She was moved to ICU last night and they will be keeping her there until they can figure out the cause of her fevers, why the blood loss and where the blood going.
She has one bag to go on her transfusion.
Brian said they are "just chillin in their luxury ICU suite"
Glad to hear they still have a sense of humor;)

Love to all!
Stand Strong in Prayer!
Pray On!
S

ER Bound

Robynn and Brian had gone back to their hotel to rest until it was time for her transfusion and ran across their next hurdle....a 103.4 fever.
Our guess is that she will get IV antibiotics and hopefully her 4 units of blood. All these elements must stabilize before she is eligible for treatment.
We have been on this roller coaster ride many times...buckle up...white knuckle up and hold!!!

Pray On!
S

Yondelis It is!

There was a piece of the puzzle that the Dr. didn't have that prevents her from qualifying for the trial we were most excited about:(
She will get 4 units of blood and wait to see what her results are on her liver enzymes, as they must be at a reasonable level to be eligible for the Yondelis trial.
Her belly is distended and reminiscent of "Norm and his evil twin Ned". Boy, how I'm reminded of how much upheaval they caused and how I dislike them!
Basically, we PRAY and we wait.............

Isaiah 33:2O
LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you.
Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.

Love you all!
Pray On!
S

Bad Blood Count

Her hemoglobin is a 6.6, so she requires a blood transfusion. She does not qualify for either trial until her count is elevated. She will get a transfusion today and hopefully start chemo tomorrow.
Please lift her in prayer as she needs immideate treatment.
This news is discouraging, but not hopeless...chin up!

2 Corinthians 12:9
But (God) said to me "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

Pray On!
S

Change of Plans

Robynn's sister Jenni will look after the kids in West Sac and I will be on "stand-by" to head to Santa Monica.
She was scheduled for her initial appt at 8:30 this morning, but is still waiting. We are really hopeful that the Dr. she will meet today will allow her into a different clinical trial that has no openings. This trial, from the information we have read seems better suited for Robynn. Both trials are not FDA approved, but have decent results in Europe, but the "closed" trial seems significantly more successful. I am hoping her cheery voice, beaming smile and contagious spirit will overtake this Dr. and compel him to let her join the currently "closed" trial.
When I get an update, I will pass it on faithful soldiers!

Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation -- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life -- of whom shall I be afraid?

Pray On!
S

Yondelis Trial Starts Wednesday

Brian and Robynn will be headed to Santa Monica tomorrow, and I will be headed to West Sac to take care of Brady and Hailey. She will hopefully be done on Friday if all goes well.
Please continue to be vigilant in your prayers.

Psalm 16:1-2
Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I said to the LORD,
"You are my Lord. Apart from you I have no good thing."

Pray On!
S