February 24, 2010

Barre with mommy's aviators on! (9 months old)

Barrett enjoying some bananas on his tray; one of his favs!


Barrett can pull up on everything now, and he walks all along the side of his crib! ( 10 months old )

Houston trip to MD Anderson was pretty successful. I got to Houston around late Sunday afternoon. Me and my daddy stayed with his cousin, Sherry and her family. They were so inviting and opened up their doors to us! What a wonderful, loving, sweet bunch!! We (me, my dad, and his cousin Sherry) got up around 4am (wasn't too bad but definately could have slept til noon easily!) Monday morning, got ready, and headed to the Med Center. We found where we needed to be easily, thanks to Sherry :), and I got registered and then shortly after I got called back. They began with vitals and several questions. Then the doctor examined me and asked questions and I asked questions. He told me he felt no vaginal tumors (which I was told were there by a different medical professional about 4 weeks previously). Praise the Lord!! Afterwards they called my dad in to discuss what's next. Dr. Coleman, such a neat guy, preceeded to tell us that the pathology lab at MD Anderson believes my cancer is indeed small cell and rare and neuroectocrine. Whereas the orinal pathology labs who reviewed and diagnosed after the very first biopsy believes it is neuroendocrine. MD Anderson is going to continually review and study the slides of my original biopsy to determine which kind it actually is. I've been told there's a very fine line of difference between the two; very difficult to distinguish the difference. Either way there's a treatment plan for either! I have to go back next week for a PET scan. Thank you my Lord, my Savior, my Healer! Both of them involve chemotherapy and will have to be done at MD Anderson. But Praise God, there is hope! FAITH!

It was a great visit but I definately missed my Barrett boy! So good to be back home with B! I was so glad my daddy came with me to Houston!! I'm going to get my aunt Aprile to post some pics of Barrett. My computer won't let me for some reason.. Well God Bless you all! Love you!

February 20, 2010

Barre's first thooth around 3 months ago, he's showing it off!

Cowboy Barrett (8 months old)

Precious!

B looking handsome in his Polo outfit

2 days til we go to MD Anderson. I am looking forward to it, but nervous all at the same time. We have hotel reservations, ready to leave town mentally, but still have all the packing and laundry to do, fun fun! LOL.. Me, my mom, and Barrett are leaving to go to Houston on Sunday that way we can get settled in and know exactly where we are going before 7am on Monday. My daddy is going too; he's going to meet up with us in Houston..I'm so excited he is coming! Something about my dad gives me comfort :) He is amazing and I love how close we've gotten!! People may be wondering how I am doing. Well, I have my moments where I do feel scared, nervous, or even worried. It's okay to have those feelings as long as I get in check with them and give them to the Lord. He will take care of us. This brings me to something I want to share with everyone. About a month ago I had a few friends come by the house and we had a GREAT visit. We talked about family, friends, babies, work, you name it, and the all-loving God. It was such a life-changing visit. I decided that night that I want my heart to be filled with the Lord, live for Him the best I can, and learn all I can about the Bible and scriptures and His love and His works, so much more! I am not saying this to boast or to say anyone else needs to do the same. I am just proud to be getting to know Him and feel His love and want to share this with others. He blesses all of us everyday. Blessed be the Lord!
A few weeks ago we had my first benefit. It was a dance with my friend Jarrett Shaub and the Vagabonds playing music and let me tell you it was AWESOME! So many people came and I was humbled by how many people do care and the love they all have. It was a neat experience that I will never forget! I want to thank everyone who was able to go; it means so very much to me! I also want to thank one of my best friends Breane who has been helping out alot with raising money to help cover travel expenses, medical costs, and all that comes with that. She has been a tremendous help and I love her so much! Thank you to one of my moms best friends, Diane, for putting the benefit together! You, at Badger Tracks (a place I had make me, my mom, my dad, and Barrett cancer support t-shirts) thank you so very much! You made my day and I had to tell several people what a kind, supporting thing you did for us! It has truly opened my eyes seeing how many of you are coming forth and showing me and my family how much you all care for us. It touches my heart in a way I can not explain.
On a different note, Barrett is a few days shy from 10 months old!! Time has flown!! I remember when I could easily hold him with one HAND! For those of you who dont know he was 3lbs. 11 oz. when he was born! He is getting so big and cuter everyday! I seriously feel he is the cutest lil boy ever LOL..He has 5 teeth and the 6th one is about to pop through. He's already had his first dentist appointment and did wonderful for them! He manuevers around so good, but not by crawling exactly. Hahaha..he scoots, slides, turns, rolls, however he can to get where he wants. Within the last few days he's started pulling up on things but he thinks he can let go and nothing will happen. Wrong! He falls and then of course cries! One of his favorite things to do is stroll around in his walker eating cheerios! He's started opening up cabinets and drawers..ut oh! So when we tell him no and move his hand, oh man this does not make him a happy camper! He fusses and screams and cries! Bed time or nap time is somewhat of a chore now days..he fights it with all his might, afraid he'll miss something. His new thing he does is shakes his head no! He does that several times a day..It's hilarious! He's started saying a few words.. He's said Mama, Dada, baw-baw (bottle), bye-bye, hi, and bite. His little smiles now with all those teeth melts my heart! He is so precious! A blessing for sure!
Well that's it for tonight I need to get to bed. Barrett should be getting up soon for a bottle. I love you all so much! God Bless you!

Scott & White has done all they can, so Kim has a consultation with MD Anderson in Houston February 22nd. She is one of the bravest people I know and is fighting like a true Shaw woman! You are my hero Kim!!!

The most important part of Kim's fight is how she never has given up! She took the news from her DR. at Scott and White with grace and decided to keep fighting and now we are all headed to Houston as many times as we need too!

Continue the prayers and love, we feel them and we believe in the power of prayer and faith!
Please check out the GiveForward.com -- look for Fight For Barre fundraiser. All donations are going towards her travel expenses to MD Anderson and medical cost, it is really needed at this time.

We LOVE you all!