Family Tragedy

As some of you are aware, on Wednesday, October 1, my precious five-year old niece, Kyra Elizabeth, was diagnosed with an inoperable malignant brain tumor. The position of the tumor, which surrounds the optic nerve, makes it too dangerous to attempt removal. Even if removal of the tumor was possible the only guarantee is that she would become blind, along with a strong probability that very little of the cancer that surrounds the tumor could be removed. Since Kyra was born deaf, sign language is her primary method of communication. She has a cochlear implant in her right ear to aid in her ability to hear, but that would most likely have to be permanently removed if surgery was performed. That option would take away much of Kyra's quality of life as she knows it today. A very tough situation indeed!!

The question now is can the cancerous tumor be treated with radiation or chemo-therapy? We won't know the answer to that question for another 2-3 days, maybe more, when the biopsy results are returned from the lab. If the cancer is low grade (soft tissue in and around the tumor), then yes the tumor can most likely be treated. However, if the cancer is high grade (hard tissue embedded in and around the tumor), then treatment is probably not an option. It's now wait and pray.

Needless to say, our family is all emptionally drained, especially my brother Eric and my sister-in-law, Candi. All of us are struggling with this, but Eric and Candi are taking the brunt of the news. Nearby family and friends are helping in whatever way possible.

My family believes in the power of prayer. If you do, the next time you pray, please say one for our precious little angel.

Gosh - I'm getting Old!

I turned 36 yesterday and boy do I feel old. At least older than I did when I was 26 ;-) !

I very rarely do something for me so I took Friday off work and I went shopping. I bought 3 pairs of shoes ~ and not from payless. I had to shred the receipt and throw the boxes away before I felt guilty and returned them. I also got my hair cut. I will have to find someone to take a picture, but I had 6 inches cut off. It's now up above my shoulders. I swore I'd never cut my hair short again, but it's just hair, it will grow back if I don't like it.

Makenna was so cute ~ She bought me a book (with my mom's help of course) and she wrote in it. When I asked her what she got me, she told me EXACTLY what it was before I had a chance to open it. Too funny!

We didn't do much. Makenna and I went to breakfast in the morning, then ran some errands. Our friends, Holly & Jim, stopped by and then we did laundry. Sounds fun, eh?

Until next year!

Makenna's 3rd Birthday

Finally!... I think my computer is up and working.

For Makenna's birthday this year, I kept it really simple. We had just family and a few really good friends over for BBQ and cake. It was a beautiful day so the kids played outside in the pool and enjoyed the sand and water table.

The Birthday Girl the morning of her Big Day!

Makenna riding her new Princess bike from her
Great-Mimi & Great-Pop

Makenna's Arial Birthday Cake

Enjoying the pool with best Friend Anna

Candi, Kyra and Matthew

Blowing out the candles

Makenna showing off her loot

Matthew -- Isn't he the cutest?

Makenna in her new PJs and talking on her new phone

New Updates Coming Soon

Just wanted to let everyone know that I HAVEN'T stopped posting. My laptop is infected with a virus and killed all my files and folders. I'm working to get it fixed and right now, I'm hoping it will be another week or so. Stay tuned.....

K

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Makenna is turning 3 in a just a few short days. It's so hard to believe. I was looking back through pictures taken since the day I brought her home. What an amazing journey the past 3 years have been. There have been so many trials and tribulations but there have been many more great times and experiences that I wouldn't trade for anything. Enjoy the slide show.

Latest News!

Ok, so here is the latest. My dad and I went to the doctors this morning to meet with the Electrophysiologist. He said there is nothing electrical wrong with my heart. So, this doctor really said was I am dehydrated ~ probably because I'm taking 2 diaretics. He told me to stop them and folow up in 2 weeks. I'm so frustured. This has been going on since Janaury and I still really don't have a solution. I feel like I'm getting the run around. The only thing the doctors can agree on is that I need to keep loosing weight. I'm down approx 40 pounds since January 4th but apparently, it's not enough to help with the problems I'm having. So, I'll keep plugging away and try to ingnore the symptoms. It seems the only other thing is that there is not sign of heart disease or other functional problems.

Thank you all for your prayers and continued support.

White Fance Farm

Mom and dad treated the Parker and Castle Rock Dinkins' to lunch at the White Fence Farm today. We had Fried Chicken and boy was it yummy. I don't think any of are going to eat for a few days -- Especially Matthew. For such a little tyke, he sure can pack it away. ;-)

Here are a few pictures of the event.

The girls enjoying a ride on the old
John Deere Tractor

Makenna feeding the goats &
Candi being a good sport about holding
the dirty goat food in her hand.

The Castle Rock Dinkins'
petting the big red cow


Kyra coming out of the 2 story slide.
Makenna was too short and they wouldn't
let her gown down. She cried of course.