Kaden has always had an astounding attention span for a kid and has been putting that to good use over the past couple of weeks. He has used YouTube and books to give himself guitar lessons and learn how to write some sheet music. Click on the link to hear a demo clip and see if you can follow along with the songs.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Thank You ... Again!
Recently we have had many people inquire as to how they can financially give to help Briana and her medical needs. An account has been established if someone wishes to donate or contribute in this way. I was hesitant to place such a posting as this is not a solicitation for funds but rather a place to where we can refer people when information is requested.
Bank:: Wells Fargo
Acct #:: 6175041471
The support in so many ways continues to pour in. Between meals, cards, flowers, and so much more, we are continually uplifted. Contrary to what anyone might share, there is much good in the world today, and much has come to us through complete strangers. Many friends from my old company at Takeda recently rallied together to help our family and that was a special thing for us. Thank you so much!
Bank:: Wells Fargo
Acct #:: 6175041471
The support in so many ways continues to pour in. Between meals, cards, flowers, and so much more, we are continually uplifted. Contrary to what anyone might share, there is much good in the world today, and much has come to us through complete strangers. Many friends from my old company at Takeda recently rallied together to help our family and that was a special thing for us. Thank you so much!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Weekend Visitors :: Bateman's!!
This weekend the Bateman's took the six hour plunge to drive up to Roseville for a family visit. Leyna couldn't wait to have a make-up party with their two little girls, Crystal and Ashlyn. We had a wonderful time catching up with their family who has been very close with us in the cancer battle the past two years. We also appreciate all the families from Simi that sent items for Bri, including two loaves of Papa Lowe's fresh baked bread. Score!Thursday, March 31, 2011 – Visitors, Visitors - I am at the point of embarrassing myself because my speech is slower, I am dragging my words, constantly walking into walls, dragging my feet…it’s miserable. After the Stephen party left, it was nice for us to have the company of Bishop Bateman and his family. Then April and Heather came to visit. They are always funny! They left and the following day, Margaret and Marcella drove in from Simi Valley. Wouldn’t you know it, the very day Margaret left, Serena flew in from Oklahoma. Let the fun continue!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Walking In The Unknown
Hi Everyone! Bri and I are sitting on the bed together and wanted to update the blog with the recent events. I'm gun-shy to blog since I know how well my wife writes. I'm a B or B- English student so work with me! Nevertheless, she no longer has the ability to update the blog due to her condition but it remains the best communication tool to family and friends.
We've enjoyed the last month seeing a variety of family and friends who have visited. We have certainly been the recipients of delicious and beautiful gifts. The goodness of people continues to amaze our family.
The last two Fridays have been eventful for us. On March 4th, Teri had to rush Bri into Sutter Emergency Room after she started experiencing a loss of faculties such as speech, memory, and awareness. It looks like Bri experienced another T.I.A. (mini-stroke) but nothing was conlcusive. After some tests at the hospital, they decided nothing could be done and she was sent back home. We were greatful that Mark and Gary were traveling up to Roseville and were able to make it to the hospital to help Teri in the ER.
Then, this past Friday we had an appointment with Dr. Tanaka to review the lastest scans. We had a hunch about the results due to the increased pain over the past couple weeks. The doctor walked us through the scans and compared them side by side to scans from December which showed a "marked increase in tumor growth." Cancer continues to spread in the brain, lungs, liver, pelvic area, sternum, and intestines. Unfortunately, its becoming simpler to state where the cancer is not. Most of our time with the physician was spent on strategizing how to manage pain, nausea, and constipation. We have become mindful on how and when to use the proper pain medications to balance relief, yet preserve some alertness so Bri can still have interaction with the family.
With the heavy pain medications needed, Bri sleeps the majority of the day. She is able to awake for an hour here and there to eat, medicate, and be with the kids. Then she weakens and we force her back to bed. She tells me most of her thoughts are clear but she has difficulty in speaking them and her clarity is becoming more challenged. We are continued to be blessed with wonderful family and friends who help in a variety of ways and feel like we have the needed resources to properly care for her.
As we walk into the unknown in these coming weeks and months, we continue to have faith in our Lord and his plan for our family. One of the most humbling experiences for me this weekend was when I individually sat down and talked with Kaden and Kambria about Mom's condition and our latest scan results. Kaden was quick to tell me that he wants to be an example to the other kids in how he reacts to Mom's situation. Then I observe him scratching Mom's back, getting her small comforts, and being so gentle with her. The most common question I receive is "how are the kids doing." Well, as heaven would have it, the children are teaching Dad how to deal with things. Their little spirits are full of love, acceptance, and more understanding of faith and trust than we give them credit for. But what else would you expect from kids with such an amazing Mother. Their strength and understanding is amazing.
Thank you again to all those who have contributed to our family in any way. We love you all and will continue to keep you posted. -Eric
We've enjoyed the last month seeing a variety of family and friends who have visited. We have certainly been the recipients of delicious and beautiful gifts. The goodness of people continues to amaze our family.
The last two Fridays have been eventful for us. On March 4th, Teri had to rush Bri into Sutter Emergency Room after she started experiencing a loss of faculties such as speech, memory, and awareness. It looks like Bri experienced another T.I.A. (mini-stroke) but nothing was conlcusive. After some tests at the hospital, they decided nothing could be done and she was sent back home. We were greatful that Mark and Gary were traveling up to Roseville and were able to make it to the hospital to help Teri in the ER.
Then, this past Friday we had an appointment with Dr. Tanaka to review the lastest scans. We had a hunch about the results due to the increased pain over the past couple weeks. The doctor walked us through the scans and compared them side by side to scans from December which showed a "marked increase in tumor growth." Cancer continues to spread in the brain, lungs, liver, pelvic area, sternum, and intestines. Unfortunately, its becoming simpler to state where the cancer is not. Most of our time with the physician was spent on strategizing how to manage pain, nausea, and constipation. We have become mindful on how and when to use the proper pain medications to balance relief, yet preserve some alertness so Bri can still have interaction with the family.
With the heavy pain medications needed, Bri sleeps the majority of the day. She is able to awake for an hour here and there to eat, medicate, and be with the kids. Then she weakens and we force her back to bed. She tells me most of her thoughts are clear but she has difficulty in speaking them and her clarity is becoming more challenged. We are continued to be blessed with wonderful family and friends who help in a variety of ways and feel like we have the needed resources to properly care for her.
As we walk into the unknown in these coming weeks and months, we continue to have faith in our Lord and his plan for our family. One of the most humbling experiences for me this weekend was when I individually sat down and talked with Kaden and Kambria about Mom's condition and our latest scan results. Kaden was quick to tell me that he wants to be an example to the other kids in how he reacts to Mom's situation. Then I observe him scratching Mom's back, getting her small comforts, and being so gentle with her. The most common question I receive is "how are the kids doing." Well, as heaven would have it, the children are teaching Dad how to deal with things. Their little spirits are full of love, acceptance, and more understanding of faith and trust than we give them credit for. But what else would you expect from kids with such an amazing Mother. Their strength and understanding is amazing.
Thank you again to all those who have contributed to our family in any way. We love you all and will continue to keep you posted. -Eric
Monday, February 21, 2011
Ouch
I think the worst thing about cancer is the pain, which has a snowball effect: discomfort, pain pills, drowsiness, side effects. The long term effect is my change of personality and not being able to convey the person inside. I don't have capabilities to serve the way I want to, I can't talk or laugh like I used to, I don't even have energy to sit here and talk. Most of all, I feel most upset about not being able to mother and teach the way I want to. I need a change to happen swiftly, in one direction or another. I know that an extension of life or a passing that will reunite me with God and loved ones are both blessings. I just need a change soon.
Many people fight such battles much longer than me, but 2 1/2 years feels endless to me. My heart reaches out to all those who join us in praying for a swift change. Also, to the Activity Day girls who heart attacked our front door and left bouquets of love notes, I thank you. My gratitude goes out to the large number of meals brought in to our home; I can't tell you what a physical and financial blessing that is! Also included in my ever-growing list of angels are those individuals who make my vitamin c infusions happen: Nurse Beth, Dr. Hassid, and several drivers who rearrange their schedules to fit me in. I love you all!
Many people fight such battles much longer than me, but 2 1/2 years feels endless to me. My heart reaches out to all those who join us in praying for a swift change. Also, to the Activity Day girls who heart attacked our front door and left bouquets of love notes, I thank you. My gratitude goes out to the large number of meals brought in to our home; I can't tell you what a physical and financial blessing that is! Also included in my ever-growing list of angels are those individuals who make my vitamin c infusions happen: Nurse Beth, Dr. Hassid, and several drivers who rearrange their schedules to fit me in. I love you all!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Junior High Reunion
To all you ladies who made the flight/drive out for a girls' weekend, THANK YOU! It was just like old times...with the exclusion of myself, everyone is as beautiful and charismatic as ever! We spent several hours catching up at my place, then visited Chakra's Spa for massages, facials, and pedicures. The night completed with long-awaited for dinner at BJ's. I felt so loved. Just wish I wasn't fighting fatigue and pain the whole time. If I seemed to be more of a bystander than participant, I hope you understand the reasoning. Love you girls!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Tess Loses Her Wisdom (Teeth)
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Wednesday, January 19, 2011
The New Do
Before jumping in the shower tonight, Eric teased me, "You have the worst hair." Boy, was he wrong. Check out what I looked like a half hour later. Today was my tenth and final day of radiation. I kept thinking (hoping) the doctors would be wrong and I wouldn't lose my hair again, but guess I'm not so lucky. Here we go again. What's hilarious is the mullet in back that, at least so far, hasn't fallen out. Maybe by summer I'll have beach babe hair? Alright, just hair would be fine with me.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
more weekend pics
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| Hedbanz game |
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| Dad, Mom |
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| Tiff |
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| Thanks for the lift |
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| Heather, Serena |
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| Mom always smiling |
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| Heather |
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| nice profile, Nate...haha |
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| Serena,April |
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| wake up, Serena |
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| Serena, Kambria |
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| Leyna Lou-Who |
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| Bri, Kami, Tiffany |
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| Nate, Leyna, April |
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| Beauty Queen |
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| Tiff, Heather |
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| Serena, Bri, Tiff |
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
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