Sunday, December 9, 2007
Stroud Santa - Ice Storm
My intent was to send updates every 2 weeks, but I have some cute pics I wanted to share before then. Besides, I will no doubt have more pics at Christmas. Aunt Ber (moi), Peyton, and Lainey went to Stroud this weekend, mainly to go see Santa at the Catholic church there. The kids had matching outfits, and both were very good in church. Lainey made not a peep the whole time - in church and the 2 hours following when we had a potluck dinner and visited with Santa. Such good kids. A lot of people at church let us know Jill has been in their prayers. They all gravitated toward Lainey... Everyone wanted to hold her, and she was fine with it all!
Couple of funnies this weekend... Peyton calls the Wizard of Oz Hallmark ornament (with Dorothy and friends) the "Lizard of Oz". Also, when we were packing up to leave Sunday during the ice storm, she said she needed some fruit rollups to take in case we got "scrambled"... That is, stranded!!
JILL UPDATE:
Jill has had 2 appointments with the plastic surgeon, and both times has had saline injected into the expanders. The new ones look great, in my opinion. It is, however, a good thing that she looked at the 'works in progress' site for reconstruction before she had surgery. We looked at hundreds of pics of women who've been through this during their reconstruction, and it has helped to know that they do not look fantastic during the expanding process. The chest area is not uniform, but is growing in size and improving in color. When the permanent implants are inserted, they'll look just fine... even better than before most likely. Her hair is growing so fast, and I think she's feeling much, much better now.
Merry Christmas!!
Amber
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PICS
Big Sis Peyton and Li'l Sis Lainey. Ain't they cute in the matching outfits?! Ms. Blue Eyes and Ms. Brown Eyes :o)
Peyton and Lainey on Santa's lap at the Catholic Church in Stroud.
Peyton wouldn't let go of Aunt Ber's hand... Santa's still a little scary to her!
Lainey's fine with strangers so far. Check out her Mary Jane socks...
Peyton on the phone with Mom Jill at Momo's and Poppy's house.
When Jill told her they had gotten a tree for her to decorate when she got back, she said, "YES!" and pumped her arm...
Father Jim on Santa's lap
Poppy (Ivan) and Lainey at the church. She was sacked out.
A view across the pond at the Quandel homestead. The ice storm arrived early Sunday morning. Pretty, but treacherous...
Couple of funnies this weekend... Peyton calls the Wizard of Oz Hallmark ornament (with Dorothy and friends) the "Lizard of Oz". Also, when we were packing up to leave Sunday during the ice storm, she said she needed some fruit rollups to take in case we got "scrambled"... That is, stranded!!
JILL UPDATE:
Jill has had 2 appointments with the plastic surgeon, and both times has had saline injected into the expanders. The new ones look great, in my opinion. It is, however, a good thing that she looked at the 'works in progress' site for reconstruction before she had surgery. We looked at hundreds of pics of women who've been through this during their reconstruction, and it has helped to know that they do not look fantastic during the expanding process. The chest area is not uniform, but is growing in size and improving in color. When the permanent implants are inserted, they'll look just fine... even better than before most likely. Her hair is growing so fast, and I think she's feeling much, much better now.
Merry Christmas!!
Amber
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PICS
Big Sis Peyton and Li'l Sis Lainey. Ain't they cute in the matching outfits?! Ms. Blue Eyes and Ms. Brown Eyes :o)
Peyton and Lainey on Santa's lap at the Catholic Church in Stroud.
Peyton wouldn't let go of Aunt Ber's hand... Santa's still a little scary to her!
Lainey's fine with strangers so far. Check out her Mary Jane socks...
Peyton on the phone with Mom Jill at Momo's and Poppy's house.
When Jill told her they had gotten a tree for her to decorate when she got back, she said, "YES!" and pumped her arm...
Father Jim on Santa's lap
Poppy (Ivan) and Lainey at the church. She was sacked out.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Jill Update 12/1/07
JILL UPDATE
It's been one month since surgery, and Jill is physically doing very well now. She's able to care for Lainey and Peyton at almost 100% capacity. She has to hold Lainey away from her body so that Little Miss Active doesn't kick her in the chest, but she's able to feed her and do the basics. Peyton can sit on her lap and love on her now which is a big asset, I must say. Unfortunately, Jill has been dealing with shingles for the past couple weeks. Very itchy and painful bumps appeared on her neck and face, but they seem to be on their way out now. There's not anything to do but apply Benadryl and wait it out. The dermatologist said it's not an unusual thing for people going through chemotherapy and other stressful events that cause the body's immune system to be compromised.
On the up side, Jill got 70 cc's injected into the expanders this week, and that seemed to help the chest pain she'd been having. Next week, she gets another 125 cc's injected, so there should be a noticeable difference then. Very encouraging to know that reconstruction is moving along toward normalcy. There have been some ups and downs, and we are so thankful for those prayers, calls, and cards. You never know when you send a card that it helps, but I'm telling you that it does.
Jill, Peyton, and I went to the mall today to do Build a Bear (my Christmas present to Peyton) while Daddy watched Lainey. Peyton had fun choosing her "bear" (Clarice, Rudolph's girlfriend), putting in her heart, stuffing her, and choosing her clothes and shoes. I highly recommend the experience if you have $50 to spend on a stuffed animal. Haha! The things we do... We also went shopping at WalMart today for groceries and toiletries. Who would think such a mundane and generally irritating outing would be such a pleasant chore. Jill bought hairspray today for the first time in over 6 months! Her hair is coming back and is now about a half inch long and very soft and dark.
THANKSGIVING
Thanksgiving was such a nice time with the family. There is really nothing better when you get down to it - food and family you've known for umpteen years. Cousin Erin (and I'm sure a lot of helpers) put together a nice environment for the turkey dinner complete with entertainment (kazoos) that we all enjoyed.
BRCA1 GENE - FAMILY
Now on another note, we found out that Aunt Barbara does have the BRCA1 gene for breast/ovarian cancer. So the conclusion is 2 siblings (my dad, Ivan, and aunt, Barbara) WITH the gene and 3 siblings (aunts Mary, Cindy, and Linda) without. We are very happy that 3 do not have the gene, and obviously very disappointed about the 2 that do. Since it's a 50/50 chance, I guess the odds were slightly in the family's favor that 2 of 5 have it. Aunt Barbara is ahead of the game in a way since she does not have ovaries now. That's literally half the battle. Without ovaries, people with the rogue gene are 40% less likely to get breast cancer and almost certain not to get ovarian cancer. Jill will have a hysterctomy some time in the future, and I'm still contemplating when I'll have mine. While it sucks (sorry, that's the best word), I still maintain it's better to know what the score is than not.
This was a long one, but the payoff is the pics, eh?!!
L,
Amber
P.S. Congratulations to cousin Ann and hubby Troy on their new baby girl, happy and healthy Teagan Nicole, born 11/29/07.
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Peyton filling up Clarice the reindeer at Build a Bear - See her foot pushing the peddle to stuff her...
Lainey was all agog at a recent outing in the chilly weather...
It's been one month since surgery, and Jill is physically doing very well now. She's able to care for Lainey and Peyton at almost 100% capacity. She has to hold Lainey away from her body so that Little Miss Active doesn't kick her in the chest, but she's able to feed her and do the basics. Peyton can sit on her lap and love on her now which is a big asset, I must say. Unfortunately, Jill has been dealing with shingles for the past couple weeks. Very itchy and painful bumps appeared on her neck and face, but they seem to be on their way out now. There's not anything to do but apply Benadryl and wait it out. The dermatologist said it's not an unusual thing for people going through chemotherapy and other stressful events that cause the body's immune system to be compromised.
On the up side, Jill got 70 cc's injected into the expanders this week, and that seemed to help the chest pain she'd been having. Next week, she gets another 125 cc's injected, so there should be a noticeable difference then. Very encouraging to know that reconstruction is moving along toward normalcy. There have been some ups and downs, and we are so thankful for those prayers, calls, and cards. You never know when you send a card that it helps, but I'm telling you that it does.
Jill, Peyton, and I went to the mall today to do Build a Bear (my Christmas present to Peyton) while Daddy watched Lainey. Peyton had fun choosing her "bear" (Clarice, Rudolph's girlfriend), putting in her heart, stuffing her, and choosing her clothes and shoes. I highly recommend the experience if you have $50 to spend on a stuffed animal. Haha! The things we do... We also went shopping at WalMart today for groceries and toiletries. Who would think such a mundane and generally irritating outing would be such a pleasant chore. Jill bought hairspray today for the first time in over 6 months! Her hair is coming back and is now about a half inch long and very soft and dark.
THANKSGIVING
Thanksgiving was such a nice time with the family. There is really nothing better when you get down to it - food and family you've known for umpteen years. Cousin Erin (and I'm sure a lot of helpers) put together a nice environment for the turkey dinner complete with entertainment (kazoos) that we all enjoyed.
BRCA1 GENE - FAMILY
Now on another note, we found out that Aunt Barbara does have the BRCA1 gene for breast/ovarian cancer. So the conclusion is 2 siblings (my dad, Ivan, and aunt, Barbara) WITH the gene and 3 siblings (aunts Mary, Cindy, and Linda) without. We are very happy that 3 do not have the gene, and obviously very disappointed about the 2 that do. Since it's a 50/50 chance, I guess the odds were slightly in the family's favor that 2 of 5 have it. Aunt Barbara is ahead of the game in a way since she does not have ovaries now. That's literally half the battle. Without ovaries, people with the rogue gene are 40% less likely to get breast cancer and almost certain not to get ovarian cancer. Jill will have a hysterctomy some time in the future, and I'm still contemplating when I'll have mine. While it sucks (sorry, that's the best word), I still maintain it's better to know what the score is than not.
This was a long one, but the payoff is the pics, eh?!!
L,
Amber
P.S. Congratulations to cousin Ann and hubby Troy on their new baby girl, happy and healthy Teagan Nicole, born 11/29/07.
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Peyton filling up Clarice the reindeer at Build a Bear - See her foot pushing the peddle to stuff her...
Lainey was all agog at a recent outing in the chilly weather...
Monday, November 26, 2007
A Stroud Thanksgiving - 2007
The Jones, Quandel, Stanfill, Gilbert, and Findley families enjoyed a turkey dinner and family time in Stroud this year, as we've done in the past. Catching up with everyone and stuffing our faces with homemade food always makes for a good day! Thanks to Erin (and helpers) for putting it together and setting up a homey environment. The kazoos were a hit. Peyton likes to sing words into it, and Lainey is still chewing on hers.
We all have a lot to be thankful for this year. In our family specifically, we are thankful that Jill's treatment and surgery are finished and the road to complete recovery has begun. Also, I myself am particularly thankful for God's presence in our lives and the guidance He has given us in '07. I can already see that my New Years' resolution will be to give more thanks and gratitude to Him by action - not just prayer.
Here are a few pics of Thanksgiving in Stroud. Was great to see everyone! If anyone else has pics, we'd love to see 'em.
Love,
Amber
P.S. We sure did miss Kris. Da** deer hunting... }:o(
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The whole gang having turkey and all the trimmings. I didn't have one thing that wasn't delicious...
Mark and Jr.
Mema and Lainey Paige (5 1/2 mos. old)
Erin, Lainey, and Kim (Before Lainey spit up on Kim. She does that a lot!)
Big girls Mary and Peyton played follow-the-leader with little London. (Check out the spread of food!)
Lainey, Poppy (Ivan), and Momo (Barbara)
We all have a lot to be thankful for this year. In our family specifically, we are thankful that Jill's treatment and surgery are finished and the road to complete recovery has begun. Also, I myself am particularly thankful for God's presence in our lives and the guidance He has given us in '07. I can already see that my New Years' resolution will be to give more thanks and gratitude to Him by action - not just prayer.
Here are a few pics of Thanksgiving in Stroud. Was great to see everyone! If anyone else has pics, we'd love to see 'em.
Love,
Amber
P.S. We sure did miss Kris. Da** deer hunting... }:o(
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The whole gang having turkey and all the trimmings. I didn't have one thing that wasn't delicious...
Mark and Jr.
Mema and Lainey Paige (5 1/2 mos. old)
Erin, Lainey, and Kim (Before Lainey spit up on Kim. She does that a lot!)
Big girls Mary and Peyton played follow-the-leader with little London. (Check out the spread of food!)
Lainey, Poppy (Ivan), and Momo (Barbara)
Jill Update 11/19/07
It has been 16 days since Jill's surgery. She's still very sore but is improving everyday. Her bed has been the comfy red recliner upstairs at their house for the past couple weeks. It's easier to get in and out of as opposed to raising up out of a regular bed. We tease that the recliner has her permanent imprint now. The first 10 days or so were painful for her and restless. With medications (a complicated schedule, mind you), emptying bags of stuff drained from surgery areas, and tending to the girls, it was pretty busy. I know she was itching to help when Lainey cried and Peyton needed attention, so that was one of the tough parts (and still is). The mom instinct doesn't cease just because she can't hold them.
Peyton's lovin' alone with her hugs and snuggles works wonders for the spirit, and Jill hasn't been able (till recently) to take full advantage of those moments. Even a pat on the back still makes her wince. BUT, each day brings her closer to normalcy. She'll be able to drive soon, and in 2 or 3 weeks will be able to hold Lainey and Peyton properly. So begins the road back to normal life...
The emails, visits, calls, cards, etc., have been so appreciated. Thanks so much to those who showed up - either at the hospital or at her home or via phone call. You have no idea how blessed we all feel to receive those messages. I would have to say we've learned a lot about ourselves and how much people really do care. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Love,
Amber
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PICS
Jill and Peyton at the Christmas dance recital at Riverwalk Crossing. Both sets of Peyton's grandparents and Aunt Cindy were on hand to witness her big night!
The emails, visits, calls, cards, etc., have been so appreciated. Thanks so much to those who showed up - either at the hospital or at her home or via phone call. You have no idea how blessed we all feel to receive those messages. I would have to say we've learned a lot about ourselves and how much people really do care. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Love,
Amber
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PICS
Jill and Peyton at the Christmas dance recital at Riverwalk Crossing. Both sets of Peyton's grandparents and Aunt Cindy were on hand to witness her big night!
Peyton is near the middle with a white brimmed Santa hat. See her kicking?
Lainey and Aunt Ber. Cute hat, eh?
Mom and Lainey, snuggle buddies in the chilly night. Look at the cute little red baby nose...
Jill Update 11/6/07
Hello everyone (all 50 of you :o),
Trying not to inundate everyone with TMI (too much information) but wanted to give an update since Jill got home. Will probably send another update in 2 weeks as usual, but if you want info before then, don't hesitate to call me @810-7214.
Jill is home now (since Saturday!) and is feeling better and better each day. The ride home was pretty painful considering the bumps and jostles on Tulsa's highways. Her spirits are pretty good considering... When she laughs, it hurts, so we're trying not to be too funny. :o) She has drain tubes stitched into her sides (on the outside - wow!) that empty the blood and gunk coming out of the surgery areas into two bags. She carries the those bags of "stuff" around, and they have to be drained and the amount and color recorded every few hours or so. Also, she carries a black bag with a pain pump (which I believe has run out now) that pushed a topical type of pain med to her chest area. A pewter cross that reads "God loves you" is in that bag every step of the way. (Love you too, sis.)
She took the initiative to put all her meds and the times they need to be administered on a spreadsheet so that caretakers can keep up. She's still sleeping and spending most of the time in the recliner for practical reasons (can't use her arms or chest muscles to get out of a real bed). Mom and Dad have been there 24/7 since Friday to help - love personified. Peyton is being pretty respectful of Jill's soreness, and Lainey is being her usual cute self, grinning at everyone in sight and sleeping through the night which means from about 9:30 pm to 5:30 am. The food from her school family has been a tremendous help since there's so much to be taken care of already.
She may be ready to have visitors next week sometime. Right now, she's sleeping intermittently and trying to get rest as much as possible. The next doctor appointment is thisThursday with the plastic surgeon to check on the surgery areas.
Love,
Amber
P.S. Thanks to everyone who sent cards and showed up at the hospital and to those who were praying for her Friday to get through the anesthesia and surgery well. I know there were a lot of silent supporters whose prayers were heard.
"There are no unbearable responsibilities in this world but those of our own seeking. Once life is realized as a succession of acts of loving service, undertaken in a spirit of joy, all such foolishness vanishes." -Evelyn Underhill, Letters
Trying not to inundate everyone with TMI (too much information) but wanted to give an update since Jill got home. Will probably send another update in 2 weeks as usual, but if you want info before then, don't hesitate to call me @810-7214.
Jill is home now (since Saturday!) and is feeling better and better each day. The ride home was pretty painful considering the bumps and jostles on Tulsa's highways. Her spirits are pretty good considering... When she laughs, it hurts, so we're trying not to be too funny. :o) She has drain tubes stitched into her sides (on the outside - wow!) that empty the blood and gunk coming out of the surgery areas into two bags. She carries the those bags of "stuff" around, and they have to be drained and the amount and color recorded every few hours or so. Also, she carries a black bag with a pain pump (which I believe has run out now) that pushed a topical type of pain med to her chest area. A pewter cross that reads "God loves you" is in that bag every step of the way. (Love you too, sis.)
She took the initiative to put all her meds and the times they need to be administered on a spreadsheet so that caretakers can keep up. She's still sleeping and spending most of the time in the recliner for practical reasons (can't use her arms or chest muscles to get out of a real bed). Mom and Dad have been there 24/7 since Friday to help - love personified. Peyton is being pretty respectful of Jill's soreness, and Lainey is being her usual cute self, grinning at everyone in sight and sleeping through the night which means from about 9:30 pm to 5:30 am. The food from her school family has been a tremendous help since there's so much to be taken care of already.
She may be ready to have visitors next week sometime. Right now, she's sleeping intermittently and trying to get rest as much as possible. The next doctor appointment is thisThursday with the plastic surgeon to check on the surgery areas.
Love,
Amber
P.S. Thanks to everyone who sent cards and showed up at the hospital and to those who were praying for her Friday to get through the anesthesia and surgery well. I know there were a lot of silent supporters whose prayers were heard.
"There are no unbearable responsibilities in this world but those of our own seeking. Once life is realized as a succession of acts of loving service, undertaken in a spirit of joy, all such foolishness vanishes." -Evelyn Underhill, Letters
Jill Update 11/2/07 - Surgery
Jill is doing "well" after surgery today. She's resting in a private room right now, and everything went well with no unexpected twists or turns. Fantastic news, huh?! She's very tired and groggy, no doubt from the pain med IV drip, but in good spirits - even had a bit of real food to eat.
She opted to have 6 moles on her face removed by the plastic surgeon during surgery, so she looks like a soldier in from the field right now with the bandages and tubes everywhere. We were at the hospital at 6 a.m.; Surgery began at 8 a.m. and was finished at 12:30 p.m. Finally got into a patient room at 3:30 p.m., and we were sooo glad to see her and know she was okay. Her breast surgeon, Laurie Flynn, did her job in about 1.5 hrs., and the plastic surgeon, Arch Miller, was finished inserting the temporary expanders, removing moles, and closing at 12:30. Dr. Flynn was also on Channel 6 today at noon doing a doctor on call segment, so it was interesting to watch the doctor who just operated on her doing a TV spot just hours after surgery. She did come back this afternoon to check on her. We all really, really like her. This is her first year as a full-fledged surgeon, so since she is fresh from Johns Hopkins (Baltimore), she knows the latest procedures and studies on cancer. That, coupled with the fact that she has taken a real interest in Jill's situation and our family history gave Jill (and everyone) the confidence to trust her judgement and act in Jill's best interest.
Jerry and Mom are staying with Jill tonight (all night), and Dad and (cousin) Hayley are tending to the kiddos at Jill's and Jerry's house till morning. Friend Tammy will be watching the girls a while tomorrow while we all get some rest. Then, I (and possibly Jerry) are staying the night with her tomorrow, and she'll probably get to come home Sunday. Peyton and Lainey may go visit tomorrow; I'm sure she'd love to see them. There are 3 big bags of snacks for the caretakers... Even Boy Scouts would marvel at the preparedness on this front (thanks to Donna and Cindy)... gotta have that junk food to sustain ya!!!
Thanks to all those who came to sit and wait and eventually visit with Jill. It was a long day but definitely made easier by the shared company. We commandeered more than one waiting room today. ;o) Her comrade-in-arms, Becky, and twin 22 mo. old twin boys visited us and delivered a basket of muffins that have almost been devoured. Becky (age ~28) had her double mastectomy just a few weeks ago and is doing great as well.
Until this morning, I had been dreading this amputation of sorts, but while sitting, I realized this is the biggest (and most dangerous) step to move forward toward final recovery. The closer she gets to getting that blasted cancer out of her, the better off she is. See you later disease! You're, ahem, "tail" is getting kicked!
Love,
Amber
"There are no unbearable responsibilities in this world but those of our own seeking. Once life is realized as a succession of acts of loving service, undertaken in a spirit of joy, all such foolishness as that vanishes." -Evelyn Underhill, Letters
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Not many interesting pics can be taken in a hospital... Here's the waiting room at one point.
She opted to have 6 moles on her face removed by the plastic surgeon during surgery, so she looks like a soldier in from the field right now with the bandages and tubes everywhere. We were at the hospital at 6 a.m.; Surgery began at 8 a.m. and was finished at 12:30 p.m. Finally got into a patient room at 3:30 p.m., and we were sooo glad to see her and know she was okay. Her breast surgeon, Laurie Flynn, did her job in about 1.5 hrs., and the plastic surgeon, Arch Miller, was finished inserting the temporary expanders, removing moles, and closing at 12:30. Dr. Flynn was also on Channel 6 today at noon doing a doctor on call segment, so it was interesting to watch the doctor who just operated on her doing a TV spot just hours after surgery. She did come back this afternoon to check on her. We all really, really like her. This is her first year as a full-fledged surgeon, so since she is fresh from Johns Hopkins (Baltimore), she knows the latest procedures and studies on cancer. That, coupled with the fact that she has taken a real interest in Jill's situation and our family history gave Jill (and everyone) the confidence to trust her judgement and act in Jill's best interest.
Jerry and Mom are staying with Jill tonight (all night), and Dad and (cousin) Hayley are tending to the kiddos at Jill's and Jerry's house till morning. Friend Tammy will be watching the girls a while tomorrow while we all get some rest. Then, I (and possibly Jerry) are staying the night with her tomorrow, and she'll probably get to come home Sunday. Peyton and Lainey may go visit tomorrow; I'm sure she'd love to see them. There are 3 big bags of snacks for the caretakers... Even Boy Scouts would marvel at the preparedness on this front (thanks to Donna and Cindy)... gotta have that junk food to sustain ya!!!
Thanks to all those who came to sit and wait and eventually visit with Jill. It was a long day but definitely made easier by the shared company. We commandeered more than one waiting room today. ;o) Her comrade-in-arms, Becky, and twin 22 mo. old twin boys visited us and delivered a basket of muffins that have almost been devoured. Becky (age ~28) had her double mastectomy just a few weeks ago and is doing great as well.
Until this morning, I had been dreading this amputation of sorts, but while sitting, I realized this is the biggest (and most dangerous) step to move forward toward final recovery. The closer she gets to getting that blasted cancer out of her, the better off she is. See you later disease! You're, ahem, "tail" is getting kicked!
Love,
Amber
"There are no unbearable responsibilities in this world but those of our own seeking. Once life is realized as a succession of acts of loving service, undertaken in a spirit of joy, all such foolishness as that vanishes." -Evelyn Underhill, Letters
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Not many interesting pics can be taken in a hospital... Here's the waiting room at one point.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Jill Update 10/25/07
Well, chemo is OVAH!!! Yahoo! Jill is feeling more herself again. She is anxiously waiting for the surgery (next Friday, Nov. 2nd) and wishes it could've been done and over with by now. Surprising to me in a way, since I figured she'd be dreading it, but she's ready to get it done and MOVE ON.
She's made friends recently with a young woman, Becky, in her same predicament (only with twin 1 yr. old boys) and has received encouraging news that Becky's recovery has not been too difficult after her double mastectomy. Not too difficult meaning not unbearable pain or complications. The practical part of not being able to lift anything over 5 lbs. is the tough part. How in the world do you take care of your kids and recover from major surgery? Family and friends will play a big part. We're ready!!
She's made friends recently with a young woman, Becky, in her same predicament (only with twin 1 yr. old boys) and has received encouraging news that Becky's recovery has not been too difficult after her double mastectomy. Not too difficult meaning not unbearable pain or complications. The practical part of not being able to lift anything over 5 lbs. is the tough part. How in the world do you take care of your kids and recover from major surgery? Family and friends will play a big part. We're ready!!
Thank you everyone for sending cards and other types of support. To Jill, the surgery is the hardest part of this whole ordeal, so keep the well wishes coming. We had an impromptu night for the girls at Keystone Lake last weekend to boost morale - kind of a Bye Bye Boobies party. Thanks to Mandi R. for the great idea. We're looking forward to the "Hello Hooters" party to which everyone will be invited.
Love,
Amber
"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." - Is. 40:29
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PICS
Aunt Ber took Peyton for ice cream at Marble Slab (notice the booboo on her eye - a playground injury)
Peyton at the Riverwalk Crossing in Tulsa
Lainey looking a little concerned - No wonder, this is the Mike-Tyson-ear-biter pose from Jill ;o)
The view we girls had from the deck at Jill's friend Jennifer's lake house. We soooo enjoyed girl time! If you only knew...
A little Peach Schnapps is good for the body, say Tammy and Jill. (I tended to disagree the next morning ;)
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Jill Update 10/6/07
Hi everyone,
JILL UPDATE
Jill is doing very well after her last chemo treatment on 9/21. She's feeling better and better each day. Last night we (Jill, Jerry, and I) went to see movie and had dinner afterwards while Mom and Dad kept the kids. She said she almost feels normal again. You know... What a whirlwind she (we) has had in the last 4 months.
This crazy summer of '07 is outlined here:
1) There was the diagnosis on June 5th
2) The aftermath (dealing with the scary thoughts about the upcoming events and her future)
3) Lainey's birth on June 11th
4) Chemo all day every 2 weeks - beginning June 15th
5) Head shaving on July 1st
6) Feeling bad physically and emotionally
7) Hat buying
8) Pharmaceuticals
9) Taking care of Lainey and Peyton
10) Oncologist appointments
11) Breast surgeon appointments
12) Periodic MRIs and PET Scans
13) July 4th celebration
14) Peyton's first day of Pre-K - Aug. 23rd
15) Jill's school starting
16) Race for the Cure - Sep. 19th
I would say that it has been the busiest summer I can remember for any of us. Jill sure has been brave. She figures if someone else has gone through it, then she can too. I'm still certain that I would've been much more of a mess than she has been. Such a commentary on humanity that she has received so much support throughout this ordeal... Might seem a little dramatic, but sometimes you do wonder. People she has had little contact with have come out of the woodwork to offer support and care. If I ever doubted that people are inherently good instead of bad, I do not now. I knew she had friends, but I didn't know how good of friends they were. Also, we've received great news that 2 of her 4 aunts do NOT have the BRCA1 gene. Yay!!! Her other 2 aunts have yet to receive results. Hoping and praying for good news from them.
SURGERY UPDATE
The mastectomy/expander surgery is scheduled for Nov. 2 at St. John Hospital. Surgery time is expected to be 4-6 hours. She'll be in the hospital for 3-4 days. Recovery time is 4-6 weeks - no lifting of anything > 5 lbs. She may go back to work after about 2 weeks. The doc won't begin expanding the expanders until about 4 wks. after surgery. You can send well wishes to her in the hospital at St. John, or you can send them to me, and I'll make sure she gets them. I'll be up there every day. Plz refer to your emails for my and Jill's addresses and phone numbers.
Love,
Amber
P.S. The kids are doing well. Lainey is sleeping up to 7 hrs. a night (on a good night - ha!) and grinning like the dickens, and Peyton is loving bus rides and school, smart little thing that she is!
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PICS
Awards Ceremony for the Tulsa Race for the Cure - Mandi Rivers (Team Captain) and Jill
Race for the Cure Award - Largest New Team with the Highest Average Donations - $46.97 per member
Peyton and Li'l sis Lainey
Jill's School Kids Supporting Her\
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Ford Tri-Motor Ride
My dad and I (with friend Mark and daughter Rachel) recently took a ride on a Ford Tri-Motor vintage airplane (produced in 1925). We flew from R. L. Jones Riverside Airport around Tulsa and enjoyed every minute of it!
Here's a photo montage of the event:
Here's a photo montage of the event:
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Jill Update 9/22/07
LINKS
Slideshow of the Race for the Cure weekend: http://ambersfamily.blogspot.com/mbersfamily.blogspot.com/
Race for the Cure website: http://rfctu.convio.net/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=1040
JILL UPDATE
Jill received her last chemo treatment this past Friday, 9/21/07. The oncologist could barely find the lump during this latest visit. Is that good news or what?! Also, she found a plastic surgeon she likes, and if all goes well, she will have the mastectomy in the middle of October. At that time, she'll have expanders inserted, and about 4 months later, those will be removed and implants inserted (fake boobs, a.k.a., foobs, as they are called by those in the know). She won't be able to lift anything >5 lbs. for 4 - 6 weeks after the first surgery, so she won't be able to handle Lainey during that time. Should be an interesting challenge to coordinate that!!
AMBER UPDATE
My ovarian ultrasound came back good. Next step is to get a CA-125 test that measures certain markers for ovarian cancer. I'll have a breast MRI next to create a baseline for future tests. I still don't know what I'm going to do but am getting these prelimiary tests to help make the decision. Hoping and praying that my aunts and cousins come up negative for the BRCA1 gene!
RACE FOR THE CURE
Right off the bat, we want to thank everyone sooooo much for participating and/or donating to the Race for the Cure held last weekend. In the beginning, we didn't expect much... maybe Jill's and Jerry's co-workers walking and a few donations from friends, but the end result was much more than expected! The Jogging for Jill team had >66 team members with a whopping $3375 in donations. The team finished 8th in overall team donations in all of Tulsa. There were over 9000 people who participated in Tulsa's event, so that's quite a testament to Jill's base of supporters. You feelin' the love, Jill? ;o) She and her team captain (Mandi Rivers) and spouses recently attended an award ceremony where the team was awarded a nice trophy for 'Largest New Team with the Highest Average Donation'.
We've known all along that family and friends were behind Jill and the fight against breast cancer but had no idea just how much. For a lot of us, I know crossing the finish line with 'her people' made us well up with emotion with the realization that so many people care about her and our entire family. Just emphasizes that we are all part of the same team... The team of people who hope and pray for Jill to whip cancer and who want to contribute to the research that will whip it for everyone else who gets it.
SPECIAL THANKS
** A very special thanks to Mandi Rivers who coordinated Jill's Race team. You and the Angus Valley staff really came through for her. Thank you.
** Top three fund raisers for the team are 1) Donna Dundee, $690, 2) Jill Stanfill, $530, and 3) Karen Cunningham, $260 (thanks for your efforts with the ice cream social). You guys are great!
** Also, a special thanks goes out to our Arizona family, including Aunt Mary, Cousin Jennifer and sons Conor and Finbar, who flew in for the Race and came bearing very thoughtful gifts that I know Jill has already used!
** Mom and Dad: You are the greatest as always, but thanks for getting the Jogging for Jill t-shirts for the team at such a low cost. We love you!
Love to all,
Amber
==================================
PICS (There are so many good ones. Here are just a few. Please see the slideshow in the link above for more.)
Jill's Angus Family
Daughter Supporting Mom (Peyton and Jill)
Jill, Peyton, and Jerry
Lainey Supporting Mom with her Pink Ribbon Bow
Jill and Sis Amber "Ber"
Slideshow of the Race for the Cure weekend: http://ambersfamily.blogspot.com/mbersfamily.blogspot.com/
Race for the Cure website: http://rfctu.convio.net/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=1040
JILL UPDATE
Jill received her last chemo treatment this past Friday, 9/21/07. The oncologist could barely find the lump during this latest visit. Is that good news or what?! Also, she found a plastic surgeon she likes, and if all goes well, she will have the mastectomy in the middle of October. At that time, she'll have expanders inserted, and about 4 months later, those will be removed and implants inserted (fake boobs, a.k.a., foobs, as they are called by those in the know). She won't be able to lift anything >5 lbs. for 4 - 6 weeks after the first surgery, so she won't be able to handle Lainey during that time. Should be an interesting challenge to coordinate that!!
AMBER UPDATE
My ovarian ultrasound came back good. Next step is to get a CA-125 test that measures certain markers for ovarian cancer. I'll have a breast MRI next to create a baseline for future tests. I still don't know what I'm going to do but am getting these prelimiary tests to help make the decision. Hoping and praying that my aunts and cousins come up negative for the BRCA1 gene!
RACE FOR THE CURE
Right off the bat, we want to thank everyone sooooo much for participating and/or donating to the Race for the Cure held last weekend. In the beginning, we didn't expect much... maybe Jill's and Jerry's co-workers walking and a few donations from friends, but the end result was much more than expected! The Jogging for Jill team had >66 team members with a whopping $3375 in donations. The team finished 8th in overall team donations in all of Tulsa. There were over 9000 people who participated in Tulsa's event, so that's quite a testament to Jill's base of supporters. You feelin' the love, Jill? ;o) She and her team captain (Mandi Rivers) and spouses recently attended an award ceremony where the team was awarded a nice trophy for 'Largest New Team with the Highest Average Donation'.
We've known all along that family and friends were behind Jill and the fight against breast cancer but had no idea just how much. For a lot of us, I know crossing the finish line with 'her people' made us well up with emotion with the realization that so many people care about her and our entire family. Just emphasizes that we are all part of the same team... The team of people who hope and pray for Jill to whip cancer and who want to contribute to the research that will whip it for everyone else who gets it.
SPECIAL THANKS
** A very special thanks to Mandi Rivers who coordinated Jill's Race team. You and the Angus Valley staff really came through for her. Thank you.
** Top three fund raisers for the team are 1) Donna Dundee, $690, 2) Jill Stanfill, $530, and 3) Karen Cunningham, $260 (thanks for your efforts with the ice cream social). You guys are great!
** Also, a special thanks goes out to our Arizona family, including Aunt Mary, Cousin Jennifer and sons Conor and Finbar, who flew in for the Race and came bearing very thoughtful gifts that I know Jill has already used!
** Mom and Dad: You are the greatest as always, but thanks for getting the Jogging for Jill t-shirts for the team at such a low cost. We love you!
Love to all,
Amber
==================================
PICS (There are so many good ones. Here are just a few. Please see the slideshow in the link above for more.)
Jill's Angus Family
Daughter Supporting Mom (Peyton and Jill)
Jill, Peyton, and Jerry
Lainey Supporting Mom with her Pink Ribbon Bow
Jill and Sis Amber "Ber"
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Jill Update 9/6/07
LINKS:
* Link to Summer '07 family pics on video (7 minutes, 39 seconds) AND Jill's Channel 6 interview (3 minutes, 37 seconds): http://ambersfamily.blogspot.com/
* Link to Race for the Cure: http://rfctu.convio.net/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=1040
NOTE: (Jill's team is currently 7th in the standings of all of Tulsa. Thank you all so much for participating and donating. Jill (and all our family) appreciates it more than you know. You can still walk with us or donate online if you like.)
JILL UPDATE:
All is going pretty well in Tulsa these days. Jill is going in for her 2nd to the last chemotherapy treatment tomorrow. Hoorah! Just when the "fun" is over, thoughts turn to surgery. Jill is going to have a double mastectomy and some time later undergo reconstruction. The dates of the surgeries are still up in the air, but the first (mastectomy) will likely happen before the year is out. Also not sure when the hysterectomy will happen, but maybe this year. Again, the reason she is having a double mastectomy and a hysterectomy is because the cancer is genetic. People with the mutated gene have a 70% chance of getting cancer in the other breast (IF they've got it in one breast) and a 40-60% chance of getting ovarian cancer, so it only makes sense to get it all taken care of.
Options for reconstruction include using your own fat from your abdomen to make new breasts or inserting implants. Since Jill does not have excess abdominal fat, she will have implants. (The one time being skinny is a disadvantage!) Although the details are not all worked out, likely she will have expanders inserted when she has the mastectomy. These are devices that are slowly pumped up to expand the existing skin to accommodate future implants. Let's pray for a good outcome and a quick recovery.
AMBER UPDATE:
Since I have the mutated gene as well, I am having some tests done. For women who have the gene, the course of action if they do not choose ovary or breast removal is described in this example: ovary ultrasound on January 1st and breast MRI (different than a regular MRI) on July 1st each year, with a mammogram in there somewhere. Of course, if the person chooses to have ovaries and/or breasts removed, they wouldn't have those corresponding tests. Jill's breast surgeon told me she wouldn't recommend a woman my age have a prophylactic (preventive) mastectomy but would recommend ovary removal by age 40. So what does that mean for me? I don't know yet. Big decisions - especially since I do not have kids yet.Ultimately, you have to do what is best for your own health. I've always thought I wanted kids, but I realize you are never out of options... From freezing eggs all the way up to adoption. I am just thankful that I now have information about myself that could prolong my life. That's the way you have to look at it.
Again, please give me, Jill, Mom, or Dad a call or email if you have questions about the genetic part of this (or anything else). Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Race!!!
Amber 918-810-7214
Jill 918-299-7768
Dad & Mom 918-968-3072
Love,
Amber
* Link to Summer '07 family pics on video (7 minutes, 39 seconds) AND Jill's Channel 6 interview (3 minutes, 37 seconds): http://ambersfamily.blogspot.com/
* Link to Race for the Cure: http://rfctu.convio.net/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=1040
NOTE: (Jill's team is currently 7th in the standings of all of Tulsa. Thank you all so much for participating and donating. Jill (and all our family) appreciates it more than you know. You can still walk with us or donate online if you like.)
JILL UPDATE:
All is going pretty well in Tulsa these days. Jill is going in for her 2nd to the last chemotherapy treatment tomorrow. Hoorah! Just when the "fun" is over, thoughts turn to surgery. Jill is going to have a double mastectomy and some time later undergo reconstruction. The dates of the surgeries are still up in the air, but the first (mastectomy) will likely happen before the year is out. Also not sure when the hysterectomy will happen, but maybe this year. Again, the reason she is having a double mastectomy and a hysterectomy is because the cancer is genetic. People with the mutated gene have a 70% chance of getting cancer in the other breast (IF they've got it in one breast) and a 40-60% chance of getting ovarian cancer, so it only makes sense to get it all taken care of.
Options for reconstruction include using your own fat from your abdomen to make new breasts or inserting implants. Since Jill does not have excess abdominal fat, she will have implants. (The one time being skinny is a disadvantage!) Although the details are not all worked out, likely she will have expanders inserted when she has the mastectomy. These are devices that are slowly pumped up to expand the existing skin to accommodate future implants. Let's pray for a good outcome and a quick recovery.
AMBER UPDATE:
Since I have the mutated gene as well, I am having some tests done. For women who have the gene, the course of action if they do not choose ovary or breast removal is described in this example: ovary ultrasound on January 1st and breast MRI (different than a regular MRI) on July 1st each year, with a mammogram in there somewhere. Of course, if the person chooses to have ovaries and/or breasts removed, they wouldn't have those corresponding tests. Jill's breast surgeon told me she wouldn't recommend a woman my age have a prophylactic (preventive) mastectomy but would recommend ovary removal by age 40. So what does that mean for me? I don't know yet. Big decisions - especially since I do not have kids yet.
Again, please give me, Jill, Mom, or Dad a call or email if you have questions about the genetic part of this (or anything else). Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Race!!!
Amber 918-810-7214
Jill 918-299-7768
Dad & Mom 918-968-3072
Love,
Amber
==============
PICS
Lainey Paige grinning (at Aunt Ber's morning hair?). She is much happier and sleeping better these days. Whew...
PICS
Lainey Paige grinning (at Aunt Ber's morning hair?). She is much happier and sleeping better these days. Whew...
Peyton will kill me for this later, but aren't the tiny toilets cute?
Jill and Lainey
Summer 2007 - Family Pics
Here's a video of the Summer of '07 for the Quandel/Stanfill family. Watch Lainey's "birth" day, Peyton's first day of school, July 4th celebrations, the Lake Keystone vacation, and the Channel 6 interview pics (watch the actual video in the post below).
A few key moments to watch for... "My dreams came true, because of you", "Oh Daddy Dear you know you're still number one", and "Do the walk of life". Turn up the volume!
Songs:
"From This Moment", Shania Twain
"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", Cyndi Lauper
"Walk of Life", Dire Straits
Enjoy...
A few key moments to watch for... "My dreams came true, because of you", "Oh Daddy Dear you know you're still number one", and "Do the walk of life". Turn up the volume!
Songs:
"From This Moment", Shania Twain
"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", Cyndi Lauper
"Walk of Life", Dire Straits
Enjoy...
Jill's Channel 6 Interview
The video is VERY large so I'm posting the link to YouTube. Jill did a great job, and Peyton is SOOOO cute, if I do say so myself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lz7oauO__3Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lz7oauO__3Q
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Lainey Paige's Birthday
The Facts:
Lainey Paige Stanfill
6/11/07 11:59 a.m.
6 lb. 5 oz.
19 inches
Happy, healthy, and beautiful (That's a fact.)
The Story:
Sister Jill and brother-in-law Jerry left early this morning, June 11, 2007, for St. Francis during a nasty downpour and thunderstorm. She was induced at around 5 a.m., and after about 15 minutes of actual pushing several hours later, Lainey Paige was born into this world. With Dad Jerry encouraging Mom-to-be at the head of the bed, my mom and I holding a leg apiece, my dad videoing (at the head of the bed), and Jill's mother-in-law Shirley offering encouragement as well, the baby was delivered 'relatively' easily with 3 bouts of pushing. The delivery nurse (a mature Heather Locklear look-alike) was actually responsible for getting the baby crowned (head showing), and then we had to wait nervously for the OB to hurry up and get there. We had reports of him being at 71st and Yale in his car, and a few minutes later, he showed up to 'catch the baby'. Whew.
Never ceases to amaze the method God provided for us to physically create life. It's just incredible.
The Pics:
Before... This is during a Braxton Hicks contraction a couple days before. The belly gets a weird shape to it during these "false" contractions. Like with Peyton, Jill carried Lainey straight out front.
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