Heading Home Tomorrow With Our Heads Held Low :(

Well what can I say, but that we are heading home to rethink the possibilities. Brian's scans revealed that the areas that were radiated in his neck, the tumors on his lymph nodes surrounding the internal jugular and carotid areas grew bigger instead of shrinking like the doctors hoped. Plus a new lymph node increased in size near by. The chest and pelvic scan indicated the tumor above his primary one has enlarged too. Not the news we wanted to hear. More radiation is out of the question, along with no surgery. The only option is trying another chemotherapy that might or might not work with lots of side effects.Brian isn't up to more chemo at this time, or maybe ever. Currently his plan is to check out some alternative treatments such as orthromolecular therapy. It is a treatment with mega doses of Vitamin C given through an IV. The doctor says he has a very aggressive strain of cancer that isn't responding to normal treatments. The only good news is that the cancer hasn't invaded the liver, lungs or other organs. The bad part he is having trouble eating orally and takes all of his nourishment through his gastric tube. Esophageal cancer is a horrible disease!
I will keep you posted on what is next. We do have Jessamyn's wedding on the horizon which is a joyous occasion. There is lot to be thankful for! We are thankful for everbody's prayers and the the time God has given us.

Last Football Game of The Season

Taylen

Saturday Paqui, Marc and Zeyda picked us up on their way to Chadron to attend Taylen's last seventh grade football game. You would think these young players would not have the ability to sustain a whole game of tackle football. However, the game I witnessed Saturday was one of the most exciting games I've seen! They played a hard four quarters with both sides battling for dominance. In the end Gordon - Rushville lost by only 2 points. Chadron being a larger school, had bigger and more players for substitutions. But the Gordon Mustangs fought hard and should be proud of their performance. Taylen plays both on offense and defense on the team as a middle linebacker.

  Zeyda watching

After the game we went over to visit Andrea and Gaylen Voss. They have a beautiful older home with many interesting rooms with lots of  historical antiques. Andrea also gave us a ride in her restored Studebaker. When we got home Brian's brother James was there waiting for us. What a pleasant surprise! He stayed over night visiting and helping Brian with a few chores the next day.

We are all gearing up for the destination wedding in December. Invitations have been sent, tickets have been confirmed and hotel arrangements are being arranged. How do we travel with wedding dresses, tuxes and all? I am sure we will figure out something. Zeyda will be a flower girl, Paqui is maid of honor and Jay's sister Joy will also stand up. Plans, plans and more plans. Thank goodness, Jessamyn will have a wedding planner at the resort that will help with the details. Jay and Jessamyn's colors are turquoise and corral.

Finally, Its Official!

Wedding Bells Are Ringing

It is official and I can finally announce the good news to all! Jay has asked for Jessamyn's hand in marriage. Jay proposed yesterday and has given Jessamyn this gorgeous ring to seal the deal. Jay will be a wonderful son and we are excited to have him to join our family.

I know Jessamyn and the boys have been accepted as part of the Voss family for along time now.

Brian and I can not be happier for Jessamyn, Taylen and Jarret. They deserve to have a happy ending and Jay loves the boys like his own. Congratulations to all!

The wedding will take place on Marco Island off the west coast of Florida on Sunday December 11, 2011. Our families and a few very close friends will be flying to paradise to witness this joyous event at sunset on the beach.

Hallelujah!



Stop, Off With Her Head

What was I thinking? Maybe it was the heat of the day or the heat of the moment. Maybe my mind was far away in the celestial heavens. I know, I was thinking of Julie on her way to New Delhi and towards her quest of enlightenment. What ever the cause, yesterday's slip was made unintentionally in my joy of being a mother.

Fall continues to march on here in western Nebraska with days that reach 86 degrees and nights that dip only in the 40 or 50's. What's going on? Don't get me wrong, I love the warm weather but hopefully we will get some moisture soon. Even the beat harvest has been but on hold due to the unseasonable warm weather and fear of spoiled sugar beats.

I saw my orthopedic doc the other day and he had x rays taken of my sore right knee. As I figured, there is moderate arthritic damage but bone isn't on bone as of yet. So he injected my knee with steroids and it has helped some but there is still that darn nagging spot.

Brian had a little set back in his recovery over the weekend but was feeling better yesterday. I pray every day that he will get stronger and even put on some weight, or at least maintain it. He plays an essential part in this family and each day is another gift. Get well wishes also go out to Andrea who needs our prayers for a speedy recovery!