Week 1 down... two years to go...

Chelsea, I hope you don't mind me pirating your pictures from your blog.  I couldn't help myself.  Your Dad will love having your picture in his book someday.  We both love

you and are so proud of you!

The effects of Chemo...

Barry completed his first 5 day regime of the higher dose of Temodar that he will take each month.  The first night was extremely difficult, the next three, not so bad, then last night was another tough night.  He isn't feeling very well this morning and continues to have headaches from time to time.  At least he has another 21 days before repeating this process.  It is a shame that to make him feel better, he has to feel so bad in the interim. 

On a positive note, he continues to regain his mental strength.  He enjoys working on crossword puzzles to stimulate his brain.  He is also ready for football season to be back in full swing.  (Me, not so much.... thank goodness for NetFlix and headphones....ha ha ha).  I have figured out the secret to a perfect marriage!  We can still be together and enjoy watching two different things. 

Barry and I are so excited about seeing our family this weekend.  We love you all!

Finally received meds...

After many hassling phone calls from Dr. Maher's office and from me, we finally received Barry's medicine.  Now that we have them, I wish they had delayed the shipment further.  Barry had a very difficult evening last night on his first dose.  This time he is taking twice the strength that he was before and it made him VERY ill, even with the medicine that is supposed to counteract the effects.  I felt so terrible for him last night.  We were up all night.  When he was taking the Temodar before, he would just feel nauseated.  This time it is much worse.  I am so concerned, because that was just his first dose.  For the next five days, we are going to try eating a very light dinner, very early in the evening and see if that helps.  I don't ever want to see him go through that again.  It is such a helpless feeling.  Please pray that his body can tolerate this medication and that the final result will be full remission.  Love to you all that follow us daily on this journey to recovery.

Proud Dad...

Today would not be complete without including a picture of Chelsea in her new red scrubs.  Red is your color darling!!!  We love you and miss you so!

Barry has had a really good day today.  The storm made the dogs a little crazy last night, so sleep was disrupted; however, he was able to get some rest this afternoon. 

When it rain, it pours, literally.  Barry and I both feel that we are being "tested" to see how much we can possibly take before we CRACK.  Speaking of crack, our house is broken.  The back half of our house has decided to fall into the earth!  We have about a half inch crack on both sides of our home in the brick and we have noticed that several interior doors towards the back of the house no longer close all the way.  In addition to that, our garage bent in half this morning after returning from dropping Brant off at school.  It is now unoperable.  Hopefully, we can figure out something this weekend.... ugh!  Calgon take me away!!!

On a positive note, Barry's strength is getting better with each passing day and I am blessed with the opportunity to work from home and to be by his side.  Our time together has given us a renewed sense as to what attracted us to one another and how deep our love is for one another.  We consider our marriage a partnership blessed by GOD and there is nothing we can't handle.  (Although I would like a brief break from all the "test" of my strength).

Mom... thanks for the birthday money.  I really appreciate it and plan to use it for Barry and I to do something special for our upcoming anniversary.

Love to all... keep praying and Don't Stop Believing.

Chemotherapy begins again...

Tomorrow begins the first day of Barry's 5 day regimine out of each month of Temodar for the next 18 to 24 months.  He will continue on the Avastin infusions every other Tuesday for the next few months (at least through November). 

The past few days have been really good for Barry.  His energy level and his spirits are up.  He took some cognitive tests today at the hospital as part of the Avastin trial.  He did so well.  The doctor suggested different brain stimulation activities, so Barry will be working on crossword puzzles, sudoku and some of the different puzzle type apps available on the Ipad. 

Double date....

Barry and I finished up school shopping for Brant and decided to treat ourselves to a date night.  Lexi and Joey joined us at Studio Movie grill for the movie Inception.  The movie was ok, the company was fantastic. 

Barry is feeling a little more energetic each day.  He is so anxious to get back to work.  I think he is starting to get a little stir crazy just sitting around the house. 

MRI Text message and FaceBook replies...

Responses to message:

Rachel...So proud of you, Dad! You are doing such hard and important work right now and you're doing it fabulously!!!

Chelsea... Amazing!!!!!  I miss you guys.  Y'all rest up and call me whenever :-) Barry had a great phone conversation with Chelsea sharing the details of the great news.

Jill... That is wonderful.  Always believing. Love U

Mom... I never will My precious boy will be fine.  Thank you for loving him. Mom  Barry and I both talked to mom over the phone telling her all of the details.  She shared tears of joy.

Dennis... I will never stop believing.  That is awesome news.  I hope that will make him feel better.  I love it.  I knew some good news would go a long way.

Jerry... Barry and Kari, I am overwhelmed and joyous at the great news.  I feel like God has shown all of us His power.  Barry, I believe in you and I believe you have been given the power to achieve whatever you desire.  I wish that I was with y'all right now to celebrate this great day!  I look so forward to going on a family trip together in the near future!!  I love y'all.  Jerry

Brea... Just got the great news about Barry's MRI.  We believe that he will be running circles around us come November.  Love to all...... Brea

Bryan..... Amazing!!!!!  Thanks for the update

Ron.... YES!!!!!!  Fight the good fight Bro!  Thank the Good Lord!  What wonderful news.  Much love.

Christy...Yeah GOD answers prayers.  I knew he would beat this.  Love yall so much.  Give Barry a big hug and kiss

Kellie... I love yall so much

Christopher..... That is AWESOME!!! PRAISE GOD!!!

Jennifer M....  Great news!!!  Fantastic!!! Does he have to have any more treatments?

Kelly C.... Wow that is awesome news!  You bet our believing still continues along with our prayers tell Barry whatever he's doing to keep doing it.  He is such a strong man with great attitude and strong faith

Angie....Yahoooooooo!!!!  I am so happy!!  This is outstanding news!  Tell him we are saying extra prayers.  Love you and I will call you tomorrow.  Just got back from Miami

Jacob....  That's the best news anybody could ask for

Keith...That's awesome we r still praying for u Barry!!

Melissa...Great news!  We'll continue to pray for u Barry!  We love u!

Deidre...FABULOUS!!!!!!!!  GOD is so good!

"The MRI looks fabulous"...

Dr. Maher, Neuro-oncologist, entered the room and gave Barry, Brant and I a big hug then enthusiastically stated... "The MRI looks absolutely fabulous!"  She also encouraged us by telling Barry that his recent headaches are definitely not related to any abnormal brain activity.  The MRI shows that Barry has had an amazing response to the treatments.  The fatigue that he is feeling is 100% normal and she said at this point post-treatment, he is on the upside.  Everything will start to get better from her on.  Thank you GOD!  Thank you to everyone who has said a prayer for Barry and has maintained the the belief in a cure.

Barry's vacation from chemo will be over as of Sunday this week.  He will begin a 5 day cycle of double the dose of oral chemotherapy that he had in the past once a month for the next 18 - 24 months.  He will also continue with the Avastin infusions every other week through the end of the year.  As Barry would say... Don't Stop Believing!

Totally awesome...

This morning, as I walked towards my desk to begin my days work, I found Brant and Barry working out together on the Total Gym.  Brant was acting as Barry's personal trainer.  Barry is gaining strength each day and is able to do more than he could a couple of days ago.  In fact, he only took a brief nap today.  I've said it many times, but it is so true, he is an inspiration. 

Tomorrow is Barry's first MRI since the completion of his radiation and initial chemo treatment.  We are both anxious to see the results. I will share the results on tomorrow's blog.  Please continue praying for full remission.

Look out Nursing School... here comes Chelsea

It was a sad morning as we said our goodbyes to Chelsea as she headed to Nursing School.  We are all so proud of her and can't wait for her to come back and visit.  She is going to make an amazing nurse.  Chelsea, you will be the cutest red ant there!

Family...

Today began with church service at HOCC, followed by breakfast at Chubby's.  After that, we did a bit of shopping.  We met Ron, Christy, Dennis, Jill and Alec at Salt Grass Steakhouse for a late lunch.  It was great to see everyone.  Thank you all so much for the birthday gifts.  Christy, you have the best taste in clothes and jewelry!  Jill, Kohl's is one of my favorite stores!  Thanks for treating us to lunch.  It is so great to be surrounded by family.  We love  you!

Williamson Gym, open for business...

Barry just completed a 5K run on our elliptical in 22.3 minutes!  I don't know where that energy came from, but I am SO proud of him.  He is an amazing man with determination unlike anything I have ever seen. 

Dinner for Schmucks...

Barry had a a really good day today.  He had a renewed energy that he hasn't felt for a while now.  It was great!  We decided to have an early date night.  We made the 4:30pm showing of Dinner for Schmucks at Studio Movie Grill.  The movie was ok, but the fact that we were out together enjoying the evening was awesome.  After the movie, we went back home and watched some tv and shared a few laughs.  It was a quiet evening.  Brant is in the wilderness with his best bud, Clayton.  Lexi was with Joey.  Chelsea and Russell had a date night of their own planned and Rachel was working.   Duchess, Trixie and Leila were here to keep us company.  The three are beginning to get used to one another. 

Leila is fitting right in...

Barry was very tired today.  He spent majority of the day resting.  I talked to his doctor earlier today to let her know that he had been experiencing headaches and was exhausted.  She assured me that what he is experiencing is completely normal.   Barry's first MRI will be next Thursday.  This will give the doctors a baseline as to his progress now that radiation is complete.  Please continue to pray for Barry's progress and full remission.

The newest Williamson, Leila, is fitting right in.  She is a sweet pup that thinks she belongs in Barry's lap most of the time. 

Happy Birthday Kari...

As author of this post, it seems a bit selfish to wish myself a Happy Birthday.  I am sharing this because my birthday wish came true.  Barry, Rachel, Chelsea, Lexi, Brant, Joey and Russell all joined me for a wonderful birthday dinner at Aparicio's.  After dinner, they surprised me with flowers and birthday cake.  I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family!

Thank you to all for the cards, calls and messages on FaceBook.

Barry, I love you and today was the best birthday ever!

Everything you got...

Barry has had a tough weekend.  In addition to being exhausted, Barry has battled with a headache over the last two days.  He has been resting most of the time.  He was able to complete a circuit of strength training on the Total Gym that we found on CraigsList (thanks Mom).  He also lasted a mile on the elliptical.  During his workout on the Total Gym, he needed a little extra encouragement to complete that last set... Trixie was there for him, pushing him all the way! 

Don't stop believing!

You are always on my mind...

Don't stop BELIEVING! 

A day at a time...

First, I want to thank all of you for your continued prayers, calls, and cards.  Barry, the children and I all appreciate the continuous spiritual support that each of you has given us.

It is a very difficult time right now for Barry because he so desperately wants life to be "back to normal" but he is so incredibly exhausted from his treatments that he only has short bursts of energy.  His love of physical fitness is only causing him distress right now because in his heart, he wants to be in the gym, but his body wont allow that type of exertion.  The good news is that he continues to progress.  The time when he is up is a little longer each day and his head is clearer and his mind is sharper.

Brant and his friends have found a dirt trail that feeds off the creek-lined paved trail that runs near our home.  He and his friends love going to this area and jumping the hills and simply hanging out doing what boys do.  The "jumps" as they call this area is rather harsh on bicycle tires.  Barry and Brant worked together yesterday afternoon to change his back tire.  It really brightened Barry's day to be able to work with his son.  He always tells me that he sees so much of himself in Brant, especially his curiosity for how things work.

Please continue to pray for Barry's strength to return, his vision to improve and most importantly for full remission.  We love you all!

Happy 21st Birthday Chelsea...

Today was our first trip back to UTSW for Barry's Avastin infusion.  Barry felt very good this morning.  Still tired, but much clearer.  Our visit to the hospital only took about two and a half hours.  Barry rested for most of the afternoon. 

Barry, Rachel, Lexi, Brant, Russell and I took Chelsea to Tia Juanita's for her birthday dinner.  We had so much fun laughing and talking.










 

HAPPY 21ST   BIRTHDAY  CHELSEA!!!

Sunday...

Barry slept in this morning.  We enjoyed a late lunch with Dennis, Jill, Alec, Lexi, Rachel and Brant.  All of the activity yesterday has left Barry very tired.  Leila was right there beside Barry to make sure he was ok.  What a sweet dog.  She fits right in to our family.