July 23, 2004

WOW! What a day we have had. This morning we got up to take Michael to his 15th radiation appointment. This means we are starting down the other side of this mountain and it sure feels great. Michael is doing terrific thru his radiation and chemo treatments. Tammy and Justin went next door, to Cook Children's Hospital, to visit a friend whose daughter is in the hospital and was to have surgery, while Mickey and Michael went to Harris for the radiation appointment. After that we stopped at Cracker Barrel for breakfast. Michael decided he wanted shrimp instead of breakfast food, but after he got it he discovered he had a sore on the side of his tongue. He ended up eating 2 eggs instead which was terrific since his appetite is virtually nothing. We stopped by the Keller Feed store on the way home to visit our friend, David. He was sure glad to see Michael and they enjoyed visiting with each other for awhile. When we finally got home their was a package on the front porch. It was a present for Tammy. The neighbors had gotten Tammy a dress for her birthday, but it was too big so her and Jere went shopping later that afternoon. The boys were suppose to lay down and take a nap, but they ended played with their model trains that they have sent up in the dining room. The Dr. had called in an order for a special mouth wash for Michael's sore so Tammy picked this up while she was out. I would like to pause right here and talk about this sore. When we first started radiation we were told how bad the sores in his mouth would get and it was anticipated that these sores would have appeared much earlier on in radiation. Your prayers are what has gotten us thru this portion of his treatment without any side effects. We are over half way thru his treatments at this point and God has spared him thru the first half. We only have 13 more treatments to go so even if he does get some sores, we are over half way done! This is something to praise the Lord for! Okay, back to our day. This evening the Brown family met us at Catfish O'Harlies for dinner. Michael ended up eating a half a bowl of salad. Justin had a big portion of baked salmon. I just don't know where he puts all of that food. We were really proud of Michael for trying to eat. Tammy had told Michael that she would give him her birthday, so we celebrated "Michael's birthday". We had the waitresses sing happy birthday to him, and Ramona had a #88 UPS NASCAR cake made for him. Michael also got a remote control UPS car and a #90 car. He absolutely loved all of it! Tammy got some bath and body lotions - this will be great to take back and forth to the hospital when we have to go have chemo done - and they smell so pretty! We all had a wonderful evening, but are glad to be back home. I think we will sleep in the morning.I would also like to mention that we have received a couple of monetary blessings in the mail. They have been sent anonymous and we would just like to say "thank you" to whoever you are. God knows, and he will return the blessing. Also, the chicken casserole that Venita made and sent to us yesterday, was wonderful! Thank you to everyone who is praying for us. We definitely know and feel each prayer.

Our birthday cake

Me and Michael at Catfish O'harley's