Here we go again....

No words can express the feelings of comfort and strength I received from your prayers and faith last go-round, which is why I want you all to know what we're facing now -- so we can get your continued support and pleading prayers.

After constant vertigo, headaches and vision problems the last month or so, and various other tests (retinal scans, hormone checks, blood work) to determine the cause, my oncologist sent me in for a MRI on Thursday. Friday afternoon we found out that I have 5 large tumors and several other smaller tumors on my brain, accompanied with fluid and swelling (hence the pressure, headaches, and vision problems). Apprently in only 20% of patients where cancer is in body does the cancer spread to the brain. I've been in the small percentile for everything else, why not this I guess?

Radiation is the only route for treating my brain tumors, because there’s just too much for surgery to be a viable option. (doesn’t bother me any – I don’t want anyone cutting into my brain—yikes!) After some deliberation, we decided to do pin-pointed radiation where I’ll be sedated and treated for approx 5 hours for three different sessions, each a week or so apart. If we radiate any other way, I’ll experience hair loss and possible cognitive impairment. It all sounds scary, but I know it’ll be okay. The brain specialist was very encouraging. Though the likelihood of tumors coming back after radiation may be high, he made it sound like he believes they can treat and kill them all as they arise.

I really tried not to let myself get emotional over all this. I've learned that tears accompanied with fear don't do any good, but the few hours between the diagnosis and meeting with the brain specialist I was a bit shaken up and frustrated that my family has to ride this roller coaster again (the one ride that's not so fun and certainly makes one sick to the stomach!). Now that we have a plan of attack, though, I feel greatly relieved and am in fight mode again. Now my tears come from the outpour of love I feel from each of you again.

Also, I had a beautiful priesthood blessing by Richard and Gary Raymond, wherein I received tremendous comfort and a promise that miracles will be repeated. I know that if I receive a fraction of the faith and prayers that you all offered me last go-round, there’s no doubt that everything will turn out okay. So here we go again…..Thanks for supporting our family through what seems like endless trials lately.

Please know that the love we have for you is indescribable! You are our sustenance!

Jalama Beach

The Fortuna family spent two weeks at Jalama Beach for Christmas and New Year's. It was fun to go up and visit them. That beach has the most amazing tide pools ever! We saw all kinds of crab, starfish, urchins, sea anemones, including things we'd never seen before.

Christmas Party

Crystal, Leyna & Ashlyn ~ our angels?



Leyna said, "That is not the real Santa. He's fake. I smelled him, and he does not smell like Santa. He's fake, but I'm not afraid of the fake Santa." I love 3 year olds!

35!

Happy birthday to my best friend, supportive & helpful husband, playful father, adoring son, hardworking businessman, and faithful follower of Christ. I love you for all that you are!

Something's Amiss

Notice anything different about Kami? She lost her front tooth and is about to lose the other -- just in time to be able to sing "All I Want for Christmas are My Two Front Teeth." She rolls her eyes at me every time I start to sing the song.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

No laughing at my skinny tree. One of these years I'll get the full tree of my dreams. So I thought it'd be fun to have the kids wish you all a merry Christmas. I quit trying after three attempts. But from our home to yours, we really do wish you all a very merry Christmas season!
TAKE1

TAKE2

TAKE3

Thanksgiving

We made the drive to AZ where we had a great two days with Eric's family in Prescott and another two game-filled days with my family in Gilbert, but only a few pictures to show for it. Thanks, Tiff, for contributing to my picture collection. Christmas will be better (maybe).
Joan slaved away to make us a delicioius meal, as did my parents just two days later. Yum yum yum. I love my yam yam yams.

Blood Tests

I forgot to post that I had a blood test on Monday, November 23rd. If you remember, my last test reflected a CEA count of 0.7. It is now down to 0.4! Isn't that fabulous? This is significant because it’s the first blood test done without having had chemo for 3 months. I knew in my heart that all was going to be well, but am super ecstatic with the results. I'm awaiting similar news when I have my next scan on December 22nd. I'll keep you 'posted.' (ha ha ha...pun obviously intended)

Beauty Is Only Skin Deep

Bedrooms

We're not finished yet, but here are some shots of the kids' rooms so far for Grandma & Grandpa to see.

Crazy Hair Day

I don't know who loves Crazy Hair Day more -- the kids or me!

Ice Cream Sundae

This is a cute video that Eric captured of Leyna on his cell phone the other day.

Trunk or Treat

School Photos

No Nap Day

This is what happens when Leyna doesn't get her nap. About 5 or 6:00, she'll just pass out--obviously in any position. Love the drool on my couch. ;)