Mom's Birthday Surprise!!!

Mom's 80th birthday is coming up on April 14th. We would like to surprise her with a scrapbook filled with birthday wishes. If you would like to send a card, note of hope and encouragement, or share a special memory, please send it to Marsha. You can email it to mdadams72@comcast.net, or you can mail something to Marsha Adams, 9 Saddle Ridge Dr., West Simsburty, CT 06092. We would like to have cards and notes by April 9th so we can get them "scrapbooked" before her birthday. Pictures are welcome, too. It's a surprise so.....sssshhhhhhhh!!!!!!!

Surprise! We're Home Again!!!

Our precious Susan was in Sugar Land visiting this past week, and offered her grandparents a ride home early this morning. She was headed back to Celina and was happy to have them along for the ride. They jumped at the chance, and were delivered home safely after a fun ride with Susan and her little 2 year old, Aiden. Mom and Dad will be home for about a week.

Mom had chemo round 7 on Thursday, and is feeling pretty good. God continues to bless them both with improved health and energy. You will probably see Mom and Dad zipping around town in the red truck....so keep your eyes open!

More Encouraging News...

Late today we received the results of yesterday's blood work. Mom's tumor marker has dropped to 339! That's down from 586 a month ago, and 1208 almost three months ago. We are thrilled and encouraged. To God be the glory, great things He has done!!!!

Back in Sugar Land

Dana drove Mom and Dad safely back to Sugar Land on Saturday night. They were lucky to miss all the unexpected snow and sleet that hit the Dallas area Saturday night and Sunday. Crazy Texas weather....snow and sleet in March!!!

Dad is feeling better, and is recovering from his pneumonia. Mom went to the doctor on Tuesday for blood work. Her red cell count and hemoglobin count are both low, so they plan on giving her a shot before chemo tomorrow to boost those counts. Tomorrow is chemo round 7. While Mom is running a little low on energy, she still possesses a fighting spirit and she's ready to go for round 7 and deliver another one-two punch to cancer.

While Mom and Dad didn't get to do everything they planned, nor see everyone they had hoped to see...they still had a nice time being home in Waxahachie. One person they did get to see was their little friend, Lawson, who lives next door. Lawson is 5 years old, and Trudie's biggest fan. When he found out Trudie was home, he ran down the sidewalk, up Trudie's porch and almost knocked her over with hugs. He then asked if they could have ice cream together. When Mom was dishing up the ice cream, Lawson said, "Trudie, you know we have the same ice cream at our house, but it tastes better here. Do you know why?" When Trudie asked him why, Lawson replied, "Because you're here, Trudie!" Even a precious 5 year old knows how blessed and wonderful this world is because Trudie is in it. Please continue to pray for Mom that chemo destroys this cancer, and she will continue to respond positively to treatment.

A Quiet Week

Mom and Dad have had a nice, quiet week at home. We so appreciate everyone postponing plans to "ring their doorbell" this week. Mom has had a low energy level and has spent a great deal of time resting. Dad found out Tuesday that he has pneumonia in his left lung and was ordered to stay indoors and not be around people. So, the two of them have been keeping each other company, and have spent quality time at home recuperating.

Thank you to everyone who brought in meals and goodies this week. Every night mom would let us know what they had to eat that day, and it all sounded sooo good. Prayers nurture the soul, but good Texas gourmet nurtures the body. Thank you to everyone!!!

Dana will be driving Mom and Dad back to Sugar Land on Sunday. Mom has some blood work and a doctor's visit scheduled for Tuesday. We boldly pray that Mom's cancer marker continues to decrease and that she continues to show positive results from the chemo. Thursday she will go for round 7!!!!

It is a special time of year....while nature is blessing us with beautiful colors and smells, we know that Christ bestows the greatest blessings. We also know that Christ did not come to remove suffering, but to fill it with His presence. Happy Spring to everyone!!!!

There's No Place Like Home....

Mom and Dad got back to Waxahachie on Friday afternoon. Sheila drove them and made sure they got home safe and sound. While it's great to have them home, mom is running a little low on energy right now, so we are asking that folks not ring their doorbell quite yet. After her 6th round of chemo, mom's immune system is compromised and her resistance to viruses is low. So, even though the love of her friends is her greatest gift......hugs and handshakes may not be the best medicine until she is feeling a little stronger. Mom is in great spirits, and still loves any opportunity to visit and laugh with her friends. Phone calls are always great. If she doesn't answer the phone it means she is probably resting, so please just leave her a message.

We continue to be amazed at how much mom is loved and cared for, and the number of prayers that are being said on her behalf. Please continue to pray for mom, and everyone who is fighting cancer. God is stronger than anything!!!!

With 6 You DON'T Get Eggrolls....

Does anyone else know that movie besides me and Mom? Oh well...Mom had her 6th chemo treatment today....and, as always, she jumped out of bed afterwards and speed-walked out the door. God is just so incredibly good!!!! He continues to bless her and keep her strong. It was tag-team day at chemo today. Her favorite (and only) son-in-law, Kevin, was in Houston for a few days on business, and spent the morning with Mom. When he had to leave for the airport, Dad came in and took over chemo duty. Mom continues to not suffer any awful side-effects from the chemo...just a little tired, and rosy red cheeks (Mom says it's her "glow"). Another example of God's blessings.

Mom and Dad are planning on leaving tomorrow morning for Waxahachie!!! They are so excited to be going home for a little while and look forward to seeing everyone. Hey Lawson, Trudie still has ice cream in her freezer and can't wait to share a bowl with you!!!

We want to thank everyone for the continued outpouring of love, support and prayers. Mom has been overwhelmed with cards, letters, phone calls, and dinners.....all these things are what keeps her strong. Please continue to keep her in prayer, that God will continue blessing her with good health and positive test results. Thank you everyone, and our love to all of you!!!

Did they use "duct" tape on that bile "duct"???

Noooo...they didn't use "duct" tape on that bile "duct", but Mom did have to have the bile duct stint replaced yesterday. Before Christmas, a blockage in the bile duct was the thing that alerted mom and the doctors that something wasn't quite right with Trudie. A temporary plastic stint was inserted and was doing its job, but needed to be replaced with a permanent metal one. That's what the doctor did yesterday. It was all routine....nothing amiss or concerning. Everything went fine, but mom's not feeling too well today. The procedure is done with a small scope that they run down her throat....but mom says it feels like they used a vacuum cleaner hose attached to a pair of salad tongs. She hurts and is sore and generally feels lousy....but hopefully, with rest and tender-loving-care, tomorrow will be a better day. Wait! I just heard from her....she already is feeling much better tonight. Dana and Sheila took her and dad to a catfish fry tonight and she said the food was delicious!!! See...all better! Trudie is amazing!!!

Dad also went back to the skin cancer doctor at M.D. Anderson last week for follow-up and everything looks great. He does have a little stitch that hasn't dissolved and is sticking out of the skin right next to his nose. If you pull it, his eyes cross!!! Just kidding....you can't even see it. He spends his time trying to convince Sheila to take him to "Five Guys Burgers & Fries"....but she's not budging.....she just smiles, and fixes him a nice, beautiful salad. I think he's actually met his match!!!!