Monday, February 9, 2009

Monday Mornings

They always seem to want us early and all day. I guess 8am is not too early but Devree doesn't feel the greatest in the mornings. She had a rough weekend. She wasn't able to go to church and only had a little bit to eat. So many people have already asked me "Why is Devree so sick already?" Most people don't get sick during radiation. They usually get sick during Chemo. I will tell you why, . . I think. She is having the highest radiation possible. Dr. One More Thing even wanted to up that! Then she is having it on 2/3 of her body. Three places on her skull and 3 places down her spine. See Todd's blog to see what Devree thinks. The medication she is taking for the nausea still makes her not feel totally well and really really tired. She fell last night and gave me a really good scare. She sort of falls in slow motion. But I never can get to her fast enough. I asked "Devree did you black out? Did you have a seizure?" She said "I 'Whited out'!" She scared me so badly that I hugged her and cried a bit. She asks "Now can I have a wheelchair?" I have been wanting her to walk because walking helps with the circulation and it helps her practice her balance and focus etc. But maybe today she can have a wheelchair when we get there. I told Todd about the fall and he said maybe she can have one of those sitdown walkers like Grandpa Rice. I told him they don't have those kind of walkers but maybe I'll sit in the wheelchair and she can push ME!

Devree wasn't able to get any of her school work done. It is one of those days where I can call the teacher and tell her we need more time.We need to get home by 2 pm because she has signed up for this "Look Good, Feel Great" class for teenagers. They give a whole bunch of skin care products and tips here at the Target House. While she does that, I have signed up for a free facial that they do here at the house on Mondays. I am excited! It is my very first facial. So Tammie I now can tell you that I have had a facial!

As Devree says in her countdown for the end of radiation "Just 31 more business days!" She says this because she gets radiation only on Monday-Friday's except holidays like President's Day. Aunt Kalene asks "Are counting down the hours and minutes yet, Devree? She said "Not Yet!"

6 comments:

7HAMS said...

You all are so amazing to me! I am so sorry that you have to endure all of these trials and hardships. As I was reading the blog this morning I couldn't get a scripture out of my mind. It is D&C 121:8-"And then, if thou endure well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes." You are such great examples of this to all of us, especially you Devree! You have taken this tremendous trial and you are 'enduring it well.'(I mean in spirit! This doesn't count the vomiting and passing out!! Those are physical responses to your treatment.) As I read the scripture it gives me more faith that you will get better. It says you will triumph over all of your foes and right now I would say that this cancer is your greatest foe! So even as I am saddened by your increasing weakness and sickness, I am so encouraged by your attitude and your wonderful faith! You are truly an inspiration to me!

We are so excited to come and see you in just 2 1/2 weeks. Liz and Jessica are coming too. I am not bringing all of the kids because I think that would be too much on you but these two think that they will die if I don't bring them along. Liz would be there right now if she could. She misses you and worries about you constantly. Well, just remember that you are all loved very much and we are praying for you all the time. Even my family in Pennsylvania is keeping you in their prayers! My aunt and my cousin texted me the other night to see how you were doing. It is amazing how you have touched so many lives, even the lives of those who don't know you! As Uncle Jeff would say, "Just keep on, keeping on!"

Love,
Aunt Becky

Anonymous said...

Hi Devree! We missed you at church yesterday. I check the blog every day so I can know exactly what is going on. I am so sorry things are tuff. We talked in class yesterday about the fact that we have all inherited divine qualities from our Father in Heaven, such as faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity, but we have to strive to develop them. The crux of the lesson was finding joy in that process, which sometimes can be really hard. I think that might be one of those times for you. But you seem to have the temperance and patience thing down so well. What an awesome daughter of God you are. There is no doubt in my mind you are truly one of the valiant ones here today, way more valiant than I ever was. My prayers are ALWAYS with you, and my love. Sister Wilcox

Darcy said...

I have a theory as to Devrees vomiting... the nerve that "controls" the stomache is located in the neck close to where all the radiation is taking place. Do you have a chiropractor you can visit? So sorry she's feeling terrible.

PaulaShawn said...

If Devree doesn't cry because she can only get half out of it, that shows me she's not interested in going half-fast. This battle she's fighting with cancer is the same way. There's no half-fast in this fight. She's going the whole way with it and fighting it with more than everything she has. That's why it's putting up such a stink for her. Well, it's messing with the wrong person, that's for sure! When she's done with it it will be running scared from her for good. It's just too bad it's trying to take such a toll on such an awesome girl. I feel for you, Devree. You can do hard things!!!

Shana Hamblin said...

Devree,

I put together your package with your piano music. That should be something fun to look forward too.

Don't forget how focusing on things makes it happen. Being nauseated all of the time is "stupid", and they can make it better. We just need to find the right combination of medicine.

We will all pray for you. Your part is to nicely let your doctors know that being nauseated is no fun. I couldn't believe how well that worked with all your tubes at Stanford.

I love you Devree!!! You are awesome!!!

Love,
Dad

Ky and Tammie plus 7 said...

Well, It's about time Shana had a facial! You need a full body massage too! I can't imagine being the mom in this. You are one strong and amazing woman Shana, Hang in there!

We love you,
Ky and Tammie