Message from Heather

Momma saw Jesus on September 5th. We laid her to rest on September 15th. I’ve included links below if you wish to watch the service or donate in her honor to Faith Comes by Hearing.

Meme began this journey raring to go. Every doctor we met, she would tell them how many grands she had and that she needed to be healed because she expected to dance at each and every wedding. One was recently married, so she had thirteen more weddings to go. She counted down the treatments to ring that bell. As her bestie said, I knew God would heal her. I just wanted it to happen this side of glory. As did we. Well, she finally rang the bell. She touched Jesus’ robe and she is indeed healed. She is no longer in pain. She is no longer weary. She doesn’t have to fight any more. And I have no doubt she will dance with her grands again one day.

There are so many who feel her absence and our hearts just hurt. Her kids, grands, husband, “adopted” kids, brothers, and close friends and family all thought we had more time. I’ve wanted to call her or text her many times since September 5th, but I know the calls and messages will go unanswered. I know many of you feel the same. My momma was my best friend. She was my first call, my kid’s greatest cheerleader and my frequent travel companion. I know my siblings, kids, nieces and nephews feel the loss as deeply and devastatingly as me.

But God. God had a plan here. Not our plan, but His. As was said at her funeral, Bonnie knew God could choose to heal her at any moment, but He did not. Our days are numbered. Mom knew that. Her motto during this fight, from day one:

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” – Psalm 91:2

She drew closer to Jesus during this fight. As did her children. As did her grands – the older ones pouring themselves into the Bible and the some of the younger choosing to follow Jesus and get baptized. Meme was so proud of each and every one. As she was slipping away, I kept saying “I love you, Momma.” Just to hear her say it back. The last time, she said “I love ALL of you” and held up the finger count for her grands. She indeed loved us all. BIG.

What did she want YOU to see during this fight? A fighter. But more importantly, a daughter of Christ. She wanted to represent Jesus well through her fears, tears, joy and pain. Ultimately, she wanted each and every one of you to seek a relationship with Jesus. Her last moments on earth, she called on Him many times. She would redirect our tears, telling us to pray and reminding us Jesus was present and in control. Many of our prayers could not be understood through the tears, but Jesus heard us. He knew. Momma found great peace in us playing Carrie Underwood’s My Savior album. I will never forget that. She didn’t leave this earth in fear of the afterlife. She knew to whom she belonged and into whose arms she was headed. Jesus. Our Redeemer. Our Savior. Our Messiah. We rejoice knowing we will all dance with her again one day.

If you desire that kind of peace too, please reach out to one of Meme’s kids. We will pray with you and help you get connected. We will get you resources to start or continue your journey with Jesus. Please make plans to dance with us in glory.

Message from Holly

From the moment mom found out she had the “C” word she praised the Lord for her burden. She would cry out to Him often in the midst of her greatest physical and emotional pain. She rested in His power and knowing He knew every single hair she lost and grew back during her battle as well as every single tear shed. Yes she had many moments of questioning but so many more moments when she leaned into Jesus. I will always cherish the moments I had with her one on one just praising our Lord and Savior for the gift given her. Yes she called this a gift and cried out to Him that His will be done if it brought another to Jesus. I will dearly miss her but can hear her always proclaiming, “Run to Jesus!!!”

Nehemiah 8:10 “The Joy of the Lord is my strength.”

Message from Hope

Found in Meme’s Bible:

With her sword unsheathed and her armor still in place, she went directly to her King with the stain of battle still on her garments.

– Tribute to Rev. Gardner Taylor

Message from Ben

What a journey. What a fight. Moma was a warrior. Until one of her final breaths, she said she was still fighting. 

What a blessing to be with her to fight alongside her locked hand in hand. When she couldn’t raise her arms, we held them up for her. Many times, she called us her warriors, when she was the one taking all the arrows. We feel those arrows now. They hurt. And they pierce deeply. Again and again and again. Many times I can’t see them coming until they strike. 

While she took the arrows, she praised God. I’m trying really hard to do the same. I praise God that she no longer has to feel the pain, anguish, and uncertainty of her ability to win the battle. While I lament, selfishly, about why her, why now, I know that His ways are bigger than ours and she is finally at peace. While I held her up to continue the fight, she now holds me up to continue to grow in my faith and love for such a loving and amazing God. 

I, along with all of you, are so blessed to have had her in our lives. She loved sincerely and in such a unique way to all that came in contact with her. If her display of love is but a sliver of Gods love, then I truly can’t imagine how great that love is for us. 

She wanted all of you to know that love and rest in the same assurances that she had. I will forever remind my kiddos, and those that knew her, that her love was just a preview of what’s to come. 

So while the arrows fly – and many continue to land – I will praise God for giving me the gift of my moma. She praised through the fight, and I will do the same. 

Like she always said, “it’s never goodbye, it’s see you later”. Moma, I can’t wait until I see you again.

Funeral Service Link: https://youtu.be/a27uUyRuRzI

Memories Link: https://youtu.be/uiY117lxD_o

Memorial Link: In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to: https://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/get-involved/give

Obituary Link: https://killeen.harpertalasek.com/obituaries/bonnie-casmer?fbclid=IwY2xjawM_1RlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHmTRmGx8kou9m9R5FhPQMiIemynbPQ4PGW9jKUwE-YteHsL34JXrTctoU8fL_aem_nzqXkVMpaLKHN-oZg3wYgg

Final blog coming soon…

A lot has happened in the last month. We’re now on a new cancer regime with a new doc with Texas Oncology in Houston. She trained a decade as MD. She is hopeful and offering new treatment ideas. As I type this, I’m currently receiving a blood transfusion. I have unfortunately become a frequent flyer in the ER for blood issues 4-5 times this summer. I even celebrated my birthday there.

Sadly, I tearfully decided to resign my Temple ISD position so I could focus on the cancer fight and getting my blood issues under control.

Low hemoglobin causes extreme weakness and I now know the definition of weak when we are told when I am weak, He is strong.

Praises

I’m grateful for friends that pop up at the ER at midnight, or drive across the country to take care of you, family that sends gifts, love, texts and calls, and grandchildren making get well cards. I’m mostly thankful for my warrior children and spouses who fight when I can’t. 

Prayer Requests

Safety in travel, cancer regime success, grandchildren moving to new schools and starting new years at school, new jobs, new relationships.

Heather here. Meme and I spent the fourth watching fireworks from her hospital room. Oddly enough, we’ve actually received answers to prayers and huge praises the last few weeks. Will need some more prayers, please.  Details following.

Since radiation treatment at the beginning of June, mom’s blood count numbers have steadily declined resulting in lethargy, shortness of breath and loss of appetite. Mom received notice from a few docs on July 3rd that she needed to head to the ER for a transfusion – STAT. When we arrived, she was also running a low grade fever. So… more tests to figure out what was causing fever.

So far, she’s had treatment that improved her counts, appetite and energy. Still not consistently back to normal, but much improved. She even did a little tap dance number to try to convince the nurse this morning to turn the fall risk alarm off on her bed. Not joking. And the tap dance worked. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Basically, they narrowed down that the red blood cell production was inhibited during radiation due to the bones that took on radiation during treatment. They expect her blood reproduction to improve significantly over time. They have also ruled out cancer spread  in the bone. Praise.

Praises

Holly and Bailey made a trip to Texas to take care of Meme and Poopah. They helped with meme’s medical care, diet, organizing and housekeeping. Thankful for time together and safe travels for both of them.

Meme’s brother, Bill also stopped in with his daughter Renee, grandson Stu and his lovely wife Alexa. While we missed a few from his family who couldn’t make the trip, it brought great joy to reconnect with these folks. Way too much time since we last saw them.

Huge praise that God allowed the right people, places and timing to catch Meme’s low blood numbers before emergent care was required. We continue to seek His wisdom and discernment in her treatment to get her what she needs, when she needs it. All the glory is His.

That said, after much prayer and consideration, Meme has decided to seek a second opinion on her cancer fight. She met with a doc this past week who offered new ideas with positive possibilities. We don’t want to say too much until Meme meets with the doc again and decisions are made, so more to come!

July 6th – Meme’s numbers stabilized, so she was released from the hospital and is home with her pups (and Grompaw)!

She told the hospital transport guy to pick up the pace in getting her to the car. I gave up running behind them. 🙄

Prayer Requests

– Wisdom and discernment for Meme, her care options, docs and family that she chooses the care most advantageous to her health.

– Safe travels for upcoming meetings, scans, travel, etc. for her health plan.

– Wisdom and discernment that the docs at Scott & White can figure out the fever-causing culprit. Quickly. They won’t release meme unless she’s fever free for 24 hours. We keep trying to figure out how to sneak her poodle in to the hospital, but don’t see how that will end well.

PS from Meme: 

So when I arrived in the hospital room, pigeons were lined on the window ledge. I also found (no experienced!) that my bed had a loud screaming alarm if I moved from it. 

So those of you who love old movie references: I became “The Bird Woman from Baylor Scott and White.” Sitting on my prison bed… hand feeding my bird from my cell.

Catch up on the last few weeks. This may be one of the hardest journal entries … and I have been dreading it.

I passed a blood clot four weeks ago that started a “series of unfortunate events.” ER at MD Anderson, admitted to the hospital for further consults. I went through 3 different teams…all oncology with emphasis on GYN, GI, and Radiology. The “Onc Rads” won the coin toss and I was scheduled for 1 full week of radiation. They said it would have few side efforts… well I proved that theory wrong. It was a week of pain and fatigue. I might have turned into a permanent lump on Ben and Jamie’s couch. But radiology just might have shrunk the lump causing problems near the rectum (why there???)

Bad news: Again we have growth of cancer. So a new regime will start “weekly”.  The battle continues. 

Good news: we caught the growth 3 weeks before a scan to start another regime. That was a tough regime! 

I got to spend a week at Casa Casmer… including drive by hugs, laughter, and the wonderful sound of kids!

After I went home… radiation aftershocks literally took me to my knees. I turned into a fatigue filled, pain filled zombie. (I could have been an extra on the set if it didn’t require walking or moving.) 

Slowly… day by day… I am losing pain and gaining strength. My heart goes out to my radiation sisters… I used to envy you over chemo. 

Another development: I have signed up for a specific trial that targets the exact molecule causing my tumors. It sounds doable… but… it has not opened yet, I don’t have a slot, I have not fully qualified. I needed to be off all conventional therapies first. Check. 

Dilemma: how long to wait on trial before returning to next chemo regime? Waiting, praying, trusting.

Things to be grateful for: As usual, my entire family dropped everything to serve and care for me. Heather slept on a recliner in the hospital… Ben and Jamie ran the radiology gauntlet. Hope did pick ups and drop offs and Holly stayed close on the phone. She arrived June 18 to join the fun. Followed closely by Dr. Bailey Wood our new PT in the family. Double teaming the best care… no appetite?… we got this! 

My brother Bill and his daughter Renee are coming for a visit on June 28. Delivered by my great nephew and his wife. (They don’t call them “great” for nothing!) I’m planning on a lot of laughs… and tears. Overwhelmed with joy to hug my Bubba’s neck. 

I’ll try to keep news flowing more often… but zombies struggle with forming sentences. 😵‍💫

Prayer requests: 

◦    Safety in travels… for all comings and goings

◦    Direction on next steps 

◦    Pain and fatigue relief

The day started out at 3:30 this morning because 1st appt was at 7:00. My morning was rough. Tough stomach pain that said, ”I’m sticking with you ol gal!” I even cried at Buc-ee’s…. NOBODY cries at Buc-ees!

Things eased up a bit as we headed into chemo. A potty break helped (sorry if this is too much info!) 

Remember my favorite nurse, New York? She had me today! Seriously… God is in the details! We started with the kick dance to the song New York and I got my giggle back! She lectured about hydration… so working hard on that! We also had a day of sharing family stories… I just love that gal and I needed her joy today to revive mine. 

After chemo, I spoke to a palliative doc who is referring me on to a GI doc to fix some side effects. MD Anderson takes side effects seriously… they can halt chemo… or make patients want to halt it! The care team is loving, supportive, and determined to fix stuff.

One of the questions from the palliative team: Do you want to harm yourself? It kind of hit hard but this is how I answered: 

Absolutely not. I have a sweet supportive hubby who has been my best friend for 52 years. I have 4 fabulous kids who are married to 4 fabulous spouses and have provided 15 amazing grands. I have supportive friends and family who have sent food, grabbed me for lunches, text, call,  and stand ready to help. I also have a great job, people I love working with, beautiful land and 3 darling dogs to play with. 

The things I love to do… Bible studies, crafts, and of course… thrifting! (Notice how cooking didn’t make the list? I do love sitting and chatting with the great cooks in my life. That might have started with Lucille.)  I love my life… and all of you in it…I love that I had a weekend with family and got to see my Bailey graduate with her doctorate in Physical Therapy… I will continue to fight hard… and pray harder! 

I’m including a few pics from last weekend. Oh my… the joy that this crazy family brings! I am one blessed gal!

Prayer requests: 

◦    Safe travel (no deer or hail this trip!!!) Praise! 

◦    Tummy issues resolved 

◦    Continued strength… 

◦    Heather and her family… she leaves them every other week to care for her mama. I am so blessed and deeply grateful.

Soooo… yesterday we made the move to be in safe sound vehicles and bought a 2025 Equinox.

The white (deer) car is now Ron’s new ride. He gave up his 2004 Hyundai with 180,000 miles. (Therapy, tears, swooning…. Occurred… but it has been donated to our great veterans.) 

Today… we drove to Houston for chemo. Left at 5:30…. Chemo ended around 3:00pm. Headed home and hit a huge hail storm outside of College Station. I am typing from there now. 

I read Ecclesiastes last night… 

Soo…. We are safe (the gas station even has a Starbucks)! Good days are a gift and the ups and downs are normal. 

I plan to ask my insurance guy to read Ecclesiastes when I put in the 2nd claim in 2 weeks. 

Prayer requests: 

◦    Patient insurance guy

◦    Safe travels

◦    Chemo 3,4,5 days after were stinkers. Please pray for ease of symptoms. 

I love you all so much. Read Ecclesiastes … and try not to get the song stuck in your head, fellow Boomers. 

Envision with tiny dents. 😬

A day to remember … for sure.

In all transparency, I have been struggling with discouragement. Dreading starting a new chemo regime…longer treatment time (4 hours!)…questioning “Will this one work?” … more frequent infusions which means more time on highways and more disruption to kid’s lives as they cart “chemo bags” around. (We do have irreverent humor, at times.) 

So rising at 4:30…on the road at 5:30… stuck in traffic in Houston downtown and then lost in MD Anderson multi buildings … just added to the frustration. (New location today to attend a lab for consideration for a trial. Part of the pre-qualification to the trial might be “can you find the right building in a maze?”)

Then slowly but surely… God met me where I was and soothed my soul. Lab nurses who gently loved on me, fun lunch with kids, nurses who assured me that this chemo combo is a force to be reckoned with. And then… bunny ears, baskets of Easter candy, and a dancing New York nurse brought giggles and joy.

She came from New York, I call her New York, and today…. She danced to New York!

IMG_9766 

This journey is not all fun and games… but we add them when we can.

All in all… I am one grateful blessed gal. I have a loving Heavenly Father who has given me a wonderful life filled with an amazing family, fabulous friends, and a part time job that I adore. 

As I look back over the last year: 

I am surrounded by family and friends who check on me, gift me with time and attention. You have taken me to lunch, driven across the country from Baton Rouge, sent cards or paper floral arrangements, sent flowers, bought me a Viking fighting costume, brought meals, made gallons of soup, sent gallons of soup in beautiful boxes with a silver soup label and included handbells to annoy Ron, (socks that say “in this family you never fight alone” and a jewel crown for my head!), delivered books and gift cards, bought groceries delivered to my porch, wrapped me in soft hug blankets (some homemade!), made fighting bracelets and a few irreverent ones, called, texted, and gifted a beautiful cross before you moved across the country. I even got a dart board since we thought maybe we were throwing darts at the problem! 😂 Pajama sets and cool crocs with glitter for my feet, journals to write in, and great daily devotionals. A few ornaments for my tree and bells to ring because everyday is a bell ringer. Handmade treasures like beautiful soup cozies and baskets filled with lavender oils, a blanket with the just right fabric and one embroidered with my favorite verse, Psalm 91:2. Prayers and a scripture sent on the “perfect day” when I needed it, some included feathers! You have driven thousand of miles, talked me off the ledge, endured my tears, sung silly songs, vaca in OK, gave medical advice, cleaned my house, spoke words of truth to get affairs in order, and helped me to “keep the boxing gloves on.” Chemo bags, port covers for car safety belt, a special made necklace with symbolic charms chosen by sweet little grands, and a rolling chemo bag. And hugs… the good ones that restore my soul! You all know who you are… and I love you dearly. (I’m sure chemo brain forgot to add something, but please know that I cherish all thoughts, prayers, and encouraging words.) I adore you. I am one spoiled girl. I fight hard and pray harder… because of you. 

Back to this day: 

We headed for home at 5:30… made it home by 9:00 and had one tiny incident on our journey. A deer thought it needed to help Heather drive, so he ran full force into the side of our car while we were going 50 mph. We didn’t see him coming! However, traffic slowed as we think others did. I wanted to check on him, put him in the backseat, take him home, and add him to our herd. Heather said no. He ran off. 

Since it was dark and no other cars were involved, we drove on. When we got home, the car door wouldn’t open, Heather had to exit through the passenger seat, and I am now in need of a front fender, front door, and back door. The deer might be in need of some Tylenol this morning. 

It is just a car… my girl is fine… but we both might have gained a couple of white hairs. I will never forget that sound! God is good! 

Scientific facts for the day:

◦    Trial that we are considering targets the molecules of my exact tumors on my peritoneal. If I qualify and elect to enter, I would be 1 of 5 from MD Anderson. Both researcher doc and my oncology doc like the “well worn path” of chemo combo that I am currently on… but door may open for next steps. 

◦    Current chemo combo: Cisplatin and Gemcitabine. Interestingly: this combo is also being used for pancreatic cancer (my mom’s cancer). I do not have that cancer. I wish that she could have had this tool to fight with, too. I “get to” have chemo. A privilege to be thankful for and not afforded to all. I try to keep that in mind. 

◦    CA125 cancer-o-meter actually went down a tad bit… which is a wonderment since I have not had treatment for a few weeks. 

Prayer requests: 

◦    Travel safety… for all of my family (and stray deer everywhere)

◦    Wisdom in selecting treatment options

◦    No nausea… minimal side effects  and bounce back days soon 

◦    My sweet Ron… as he cares for me, prays for me, and continually tells me to rest while I continually bug him with the many tasks of a wife with “big ideas.” He makes ice to fill water bottles, and pesters me to drink, drink, drink! He is my Water Boy! 

Have a blessed Easter!

John 20:1-10: My favorite painting…my favorite Bible story. (I love the way John talks about “the other disciple outrunning Peter.”) It was John!

Rejoice: He is Risen! 

Heather with her “tag along” bunny. Some bunny loves you, Heather!

April 1st was scan info day. New scan was the previous day.

It was the good, the bad, and the ugly: 

The bad: cancer resists treatment and stubbornly continues to grow, in number and size. This was stomach pain over the last 10 days. (See good!) 

The good: still have lots of options. And we are on to the next chemo. It is a cousin to the chemo that worked on my cancer earlier, so cautiously hopeful! 

Another good good good thing: pain always directs me to change. So grateful for that! 

And…. Cancer has not invaded an organ. 

Many questions answered and we feel like we are on a good path. 

The ugly: 

This cancer is a stubborn stinker! 

The verses that saw me through this week: 

Psalm 112: 7, 8

He will not fear evil tidings (bad news), his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. 

V. 8: His heart is upheld, he will not fear.

Prayer Requests: 

◦    Wisdom and discernment for care team.

◦    Safe travels

◦    Limited side effects from next treatment

◦    And I am praying prayers of gratitude for sweet friends and family who love, pray, and care for me. I love you. 

My thoughts after this week… and it is only Monday! 

Got to see this little toot play ball!

The peanut gallery… luckily we had a bag of snacks!

Chemo day… which means “chicken salad lunch” with the kids day!

Also: Today is officially the first day of spring! So we got to enjoy bluebonnets along beautiful Texas  highways. (Thank you, Lady Bird!)

You know that you are known when a nurse asks, “What costume does she have on today?”

No costume but a little bird and a few chocolates. They are so sweet to me… what a joy to deliver a few sweets to them.

Numbers looked good (even the CA125 or cancer-o-meter.) Spring brings new life, new hope, and joy. Choosing that attitude as I fight on. Sometimes discouragement sits on my shoulder… whispering in my ear. But I know that my hope is in my Lord, the Master of all the details of my life… the good and not so good. 

Daily chemo pill delivered a couple of tough weeks… but I seem to be adjusting. Working on pain management. 

Thank you for thoughts, texts, prayers… especially prayers. Happy Spring! I love you all. 

Prayer requests: 

Travel mercies. 

Clear scan for next scan.

Heather and I headed to Houston for 2 days of running the gauntlet of appointments with MD Anderson starting with a scan.

Scan results came back today and they were not what we wished for. More growth… and a little bit bigger in size. So…. New plan…. New fight… but thankfully the same God on the throne who loves me. 

Fun part of the day: made a bell for Dr. Soliman since I told her “every day is a bell ringer.” (I also suggested that she might like ringing it every time I left her office as a celebration.” ) she is a gem… the best of the best.

Also brought snacks for the care team with smarties… since I am surrounded by smarties. I adore these people. So blessed and grateful to have them on my side.

So things to concentrate and be thankful for:

◦    Still relatively light cancer load

◦    Many options

◦    New plan might be even easier… IV every 3 weeks and daily cancer pill

◦    Many options (did I mention that?)

◦    And… the moment that I was at my lowest today… a beautiful Jamaican grabbed my hand and prayed with me. God is ALWAYS in the details. 

◦    And Heather did not cry off her lashes. 

I love you, family and friends. Please keep our family in your prayers. They are amazing warriors that stand by to meet my every need. I adore them. 

It was the day before Valentine’s Day… and all through the clinic… folks were wearing red, fighting cancer, and loving one another.

Nope. It does not rhyme but it was a good day at MD Anderson. Passing out treat bags and heart shaped bowls of goodies, one hour infusion, and back out the door for lunch with the kids.

Left home at 6:15…. Home again at 4:15. A good day.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you. Your love holds me up and pushes me forward. Love never fails. 

I love you.

As the sun sets on this day, on our land.. I reflect on the many blessings in my life. Ups and downs are blessings. They are the bitter and the sweet. How would we recognize the sweet… without the bitter?

I had chemo today (Thursday) and it was a bit bumpy. The port (where chemo goes in) gave us some trouble and my anxiety got the better of me. (Heather gave me permission to cry because our motto on most days is: There is no crying in cancer. 😂) Ca 125 went up one point to 23… which wrecks havoc with my competitive self to always have a lower number each time. And I had some nausea during treatment. (Remember… I do not throw up… under any circumstances. A little rule I made for myself.)

So… a bunch of bitters!

The amazing MD Anderson team worked through all the bumps…ice on hands and feet was tolerable… mints for tummy…and I came out happy and ready for lunch with my kids at Chicken Salad Chicks! I came home safely to my hubby, pups, and amazing sunset. Loads of sweets there! (Almost forgot  hot fudge sundae at DQ!) Our every 2 week indulgence!

Lessons learned: drink more water because ports work better with liquid! Accept the bitter and the sweet. Grab onto the Lord’s robe, travel on, and trust. (One of my favorite Bible stories…the woman who grabbed His robe and was healed. Found in Mark 5:21-34 also in Matthew and Luke.)

Prayer requests:

◦    Travel safety for my kids

◦    Good health and flu avoidance for my family… and me. (It is shutting down schools around these here parts in Texas!)

◦    Clear scan… end of February. 

◦    Move to maintenance 🙏🙏

4:30 am: standing in the shower, I had a little pity party. How many more chemos? No end date. No bell. Just ,”its’s a fine day to get a needle to the chest and get some more poison” … a small bag bills out for $27,000. (Thankfully not my bill!)

Dress, grab the chemo bag, head to Heather.

The mind shift starts: 

◦    Grateful for this sweet girl that gets up at 4:30 to drive her mom to chemo. 

◦    Grateful for the expensive chemo that is slowly but surely working. 

◦    Grateful for the convenience of a port that really is not “that bad.” 

◦    Truly grateful for each new sun rise and sunset.

The day was uneventful… got to have lunch with Heather and Ben… drove home. Uneventful… a great goal for a cancer fight. No matter how long it takes. Pity party over. 

Prayer requests: 

◦    Always… road safety. We travel lots of miles. 

◦    Fatigue/ side effects. 

◦    Clean scan… probably toward end of February.

Today we bid farewell to 2024 and move into 2025. This year was a tough one but I am grateful for the many lessons that I learned (or some I already knew but now really, really  KNOW!):
◦    God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
◦    I am blessed with an amazing family and friends who love and support me while walking through the valley. They continually remind me of the “why” I fight!
◦    I can do hard things. (But definitely not alone.)
◦    Have hope, work hard, pray harder. This battle isn’t over… and sometimes “the cure” is tougher than “the cancer”… but “bounce back” days are lovely! They are days of energy…dancing with grands, decorating trees, eating lunch with friends, going to work, watching graduations… all the things that remind me of the good old days. The pre-cancer ones.

I have been asked a number of questions lately and I thought that maybe I can answer a few:
◦    How many more chemos? None of us really know until we get a scan that is clear. I have one more chemo round and then the next scan… sometime in February. (I will be carrying bells… just in case I get to ring one! ) The good news is, if this chemo stops working like the last, we have more options.
◦    What are the names of the chemo? C5D1 Liposomal Doxorubicin/ Bevacizumab … the first is red devil encased in a fat molecule or the “big fat cousin of the red devil” the other is a targeted therapy. My oncologist thinks that my nicknames should be assigned to a Sushi dish. 😂 The first one goes after the cancer… the second cuts off blood vessels to stunt growth of tumors. Today!!!! Ca 125 (cancer-o-meter) dropped a few more points so dancing the happy dance! It is slowly working.

◦    Why ice on hands and feet? On the first regime it was to keep chemo from going into my hands and feet to prevent nerve neuropathy. The new chemo, remember big fat cousin?, causes hands and feet to dry up, peel, and crack. Painful and NOT pretty. I put the ice on for the 1 hour bag and whine and complain for the entire one hour…. Poor Heather. 😂
◦    Where do you go for chemo? Always MD Anderson… all have been at west campus in Cypress, Texas, near Ben and Jamie’s home.
◦    Do I take herb supplements? Nope! Supplements encourage cell growth in healthy folks. We don’t want to encourage cell growth with cancer cells. I check out any over the counter meds with my care team first. I do take B6 prescribed by my oncologist to help with neuropathy in toes.

I found an anonymous quote the other day that rang true:

“The BEST thing I learned this year was to still enjoy my life during the storms. As long as we have life, we will have problems. My entire world can be in chaos and I will TRY to find a reason to laugh or at least smile.”

I wore a 2025 crown, necklace, and passed out party favors to greeters and nurses.
They are great sports and ready to jump into the fun. I have found that finding ways to laugh with the amazing MD Anderson staff replaces my angst of needles, the ice, the beeping machines.  I selfishly do it for me. Somehow, it also works for them.

My chemo nurse said, “Aren’t you festive!” And when I handed her the party paraphilnaila, she put it on immediately with “Wow…I needed this  today!”  Her husband had just called to inform her that he  had car problems and needed to Uber back home with their 1 and 3 year old boys. They have recently  moved from New York City to Houston, to enable her to work at MD Anderson. So new problems,like car troubles, are met in a new city, or unknown territory. 😵‍💫

She put on the crown and necklace and blew the horn… more than once.
She said, “I needed YOU today.”
Nope. “I need HER today.” ❤️

I like to think of these timely little moments as “a kiss on the forehead from my Heavenly Father.” And the silly fun part is a tribute to my earthly father, Floyd … who always lite up a room.

I look back over 2024 and think again of all of your: notes, texts, gifts, hugs, food, and continual love and prayers. I couldn’t do this alone. All of you are the wind beneath my wings and I adore you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are a kiss on my forehead from my Heavenly Father.

Have a wonderful 2025!

Prayer requests:

◦    Endurance and patience for me. I am struggling with sleep, so zzzz prayers are appreciated.
◦    Safe travels for my precious family as they continually put their lives to the side to support me.
◦    My hubby, Ron. I think my illness affects him in hard ways. He is a trooper, an encourager… a prayer warrior. But deep down, he just wishes he could fix this. He has fixed stuff for the last 53 years.

My tooth played the grinch this week and kept me from chemo. Do you call it a root canal when they remove 4 roots…. Or roots canals?

Feeling so much better now! Dear chemo… I’ll see you on Dec.31.

Thank you, sweet friends and family, for texts, emails, gifts, hugs, and mostly prayers. I could not have made it through this year without your sweet support and love. I love you. 

My hubby and kids (4 plus 4): There are not enough words to express my love and gratitude for them. They literally set their lives to the side… many times… to take care of me. I am overwhelmed with love and gratitude for those 9! 

Have a very Merry Christmas. Hug your loved ones… often. Life is short. 

Scan Results Day! Chemo Day!

Scan shows decrease or stable in cancer areas. All good news. Will still be doing chemo for a bit… but we are going in the right direction.

Ca125… or cancer o meter is 26! Normal is 36 and under. (I’m normal.. even if Heather disagrees.) 😂Lots of Thanksgiving for this post Thanksgiving week! God is good.

Thank you for your prayers! I love all of you!

No chemo tomorrow … just got the message. We are waiting for rash to calm down. If you hear cheering at your house…. It’s me…. It’s me.

Well…. If it ain’t one dern thing…it is another!

Last Saturday morning headed to Houston with Heather to see Dylan play volleyball. She was fabulous and this ol’Meme’s heart sang to see her fly high! She was one of the four top scorers! (Leader board! She did it again this weekend!!! 

During that time, my arm grew red and HOT. Fearing it was cellulitis… and being 5 blocks from MD Anderson, we made the visit, after the game, to check it out. 4 hours later…. They did all the tests and started me on antibiotics…. And sent us home. Treating it as cellulitis. I have now seen the MD Anderson emergency room. Bucket list  ✅

Since it was late (1:30) … we stopped at Buc-ees, bought pajamas, and stayed in a motel in College Station. We now are proud owners of lingerie by Buc-ees! 🙄

This week…. Battling with painful…”feels like poison ivy” rash… on elbows, knees, thighs. Dancing with the red devil has consequences …. Praying that it is working on the cancer. 

To take my mind off of it…. My first tree is up: the garland is all the wrist bands I wore at MD Anderson (about 10 feet). It even has the “fall risk” ones from procedures. (I tripped once going into surgery… and asked if that is why I had the band.😂) 

This tree is covered in angels and bells! Hoping to ring one this next year. It is also my gratitude tree. It stands for all of you… praying, texting, and loving me throughout this journey.

I love you, dearly. 

Please pray for next scan: 

◦    Nov. 25…. Then meet with Doc on Dec. 3.

◦    My precious family. Safety in travels…

Onward.. upward.

Today.. I dressed like a pirate and gave candy to the fabulous MD Anderson staff. I thanked them for their help in “keeping me off the gang plank.”

Had loads of fun with the staff… even met Elvis. (He was 81!) Justin said,”I knew he is still alive!”

Good news!!!! Blood work looks good and cancer-o-meter went DOWN!!!! Thankful, grateful, blessed!

More chemo to come in November… then another scan. 

Things I have learned/still learning from cancer: 

◦    Keep the faith. Mine is in my Lord Jesus and I am trusting (trying to stay faithful) to His plan for my life. I gave  Him my life years ago… it is still His!)

◦    Find your prayer partners! I am so grateful for friends and family who pray for me and check on me. You absolutely have my heart. 

◦    Find joy. (This chemo went easier because of the candy and pirate costume… one guy made the hook sign and yelled “Arghhh” across a patient filled lobby! )😂 Cancer is not fun… but there are moments of joy… when I look for them.

◦    Get as healthy as you can NOW! Get your numbers as close to standard as possible. My Doc said that coming into cancer healthy is helping my fight! 

◦    Report side effects quickly! Docs have great fixes! My body loves to try out new ones… no side effects left behind. 😵‍💫

◦    Get second opinions… so thankful to be at MD Anderson. Find the Doc that you trust and love. 

◦    Ask questions! It saves in the worry department! 

Prayer Requests:

◦    I am praying for all of you! I love you and am so thankful for you. 

◦    My precious family! Safety and protection. 

◦    The SCAN! I promise to keep learning … Cancer you can go now! 🙏

Oct. 17
Immunotherapy Day! It went fast. Battling chemo rash on elbows (of all places), legs, back, and one crazy wild one on my finger. More proof that no side effect left behind.

The day ended at Chicken Salad Chick with my sweet kiddos! My kids!!! So proud of them! Thank you Heather for always being willing to drop your life to drive me to treatment, Ben for adjusting your schedule for a quick lunch and hug, Jamie for keeping your patients asleep for surgery everyday!  And being my “dial a CRNA” 24 hour phone line (Iced cookies on their way!), and Hope and Holly for teaching through a full moon! Not to forget the fabulous dad’s at home who “keep on keeping on.” Justin, Steven, Heath. Words can’t express how much I love you all!

Btw… Heather wants me to say more about her! 😂

I don’t mention him enough.. but my Ron is my rock! He is where I fight to get home to… every day. He is my home.

Prayer requests:

◦    Safe travels for my kids on the journey… physically, mentally, emotionally
◦    Chemo working with clear scans ahead
◦    Strength for side effects and a grateful heart that I am avoiding many!

Chicken Salad Chicks! Try it if it close to you!

Bailey’s expression at my elbow. 😂

My “red devil” elbow. We have solutions for next time!

My Ron! And he is the class clown!

Sinus infection this week! Oh my! From now on, I will show grace and mercy to anyone who has one! I ended up in Urgent care last Sunday night… but thankfully the antibiotics worked and am able to get chemo today.

Red Devil on ice is working hard! (Hands and feet in ice stops neuropathy…. And other bad stuff.)  Cancer number decreased.

So thankful for all of your prayers… and my fantastic team at MD Anderson!

I don’t fight alone. Grateful every day for my Meme’s army… and my Redeemer. (To redeem is to give back. Which is why Job prayed to his Redeemer.) Thank you, Carol Pinkston, for sweet reminders!

Prayer Requests:

*Go chemo go! 2 more sessions then we scan.
*Clear scan!!
*Blessings, protection,  and good health for all of Meme’s Army. I love you.

Today was immunotherapy day and it only lasted 30 minutes. I barely had time to gulp down a pumpkin latte!

Predicting few side effects… so I am blessed and grateful. Tougher stuff happens in two weeks.

Although immunotherapy works by starving out cancer cells… our trip to La Madeline’s did not starve me out! Aren’t we supposed to find the little rewards for good behavior?

Prayer requests:

• Travel mercies… our road travel has greatly increased with new chemo regime
• Go, chemo, go! Success with killing cancer.
• Thank you again… for love and support. You are all so dear to me. You have my heart.

By Meme

or do over day… or let’s try something different day

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
Psalm 20:7

Today was chemo. And while my entire trust is in the Lord concerning this health matter… I deeply appreciate and love my horse and chariot… or MD Anderson in Houston.

Every nurse, doctor, technician, secretary, receptionist, and door greeter are absolutely outstanding! Their jobs became their missions when they chose to work with cancer patients. After every nurse who attended my six chemo treatments, I said… “I think this one is my favorite!”
I have said it six times!

So today was the new regime to battle the stubborn cells. It went quickly. I think I only dozed off once… and only cried once! It was for joy for the bell ringing of a fellow warrior!

New regime: 5 more chemos (shorter than last set) then on to the scan.

My family repeats this advice often:
◦    One day at a time… one battle at a time
◦    Control what you can control… leave the rest to God
◦    And…. Meme… you got this. (Also… no crying in cancer. 🙄)

I am one grateful, blessed gal to have family and friends to pray for me, text, call, send notes, and surround me with love and care. A girl couldn’t ask for better horsesand chariots to be on this journey with me. I love you.

Prayer request:

Safe travels.
Peace and faith (it was a hard week for all)
Cancer gone!

Special Request

Please allow Meme a day or two to process this new information before reaching out. Thank you for loving on her and praying for her!

—-

Scan Results

It wasn’t exactly the news that we wanted, but we still have hope. And we still have options.

Scan results revealed two new or growing lesions on Meme’s lungs that appear to resist chemo. On Thursday, we begin a new plan. A different chemo regime that will last for the next few months.

Every two weeks… for now. Ice on hands and feet during treatment… but hair can start to grow back.

Thankful that the stomach pain helped encourage the doc to order the scan. Thankful that the treatments moving forward will be shorter with faster/easier recovery. Thankful that doc said it’s a small amount, we have lots of options, and prognosis is encouraging.

Prayer Requests

That we quickly find the healing plan/chemo cocktail. Prayers for peace. Prayers for safe travels to and from Houston, as we continue the battle.

Psalm 130:5-6

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.” (ESV)

Please pray:
*for clear scan and getting back on track to finish out treatment plan
*pain relief
* travel mercies and strength for my precious family… I am so blessed and grateful.

No chemo again this week. Platelets are great… but white blood cells and pain are up. So… heading back to Houston tomorrow for a PET Scan on Thursday.

Maybe chemo next week… we wait for answers. And those of you who know me well… know that waiting is hard.

On a happy note: I was asked to join a two year MD Anderson study today on quality of life after cancer/chemo. I said “Yes!”

I’ll get a new Fitbit… and I have very strong feelings about working toward getting back to normal.

Here is an illustration of me using the Fitbit after 10 minutes.

by Meme

Today was supposed to be the 2nd to last chemo… traveled down to Houston, did the bloodwork… and Doctor said, “Nope.” Platelets dangerously low.

So disappointing… the nurses even gave me a whole box of tissues to sop up tears. That will be $350.00! (Remember… thereis crying in cancer.)

Hope was with me this time… and provided Hope inspired humor… which helped.

Then… as I was walking out… I followed a young girl, on a walker, with no hair .. leaving the cancer center. I didn’t need to look far to find gratitude. This is a week delay… that is all.

Truly grateful for all the prayers, texts, calls, sweet wishes from my friends and family. I promise to look harder for things to cry about.
I love you.

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Psalm 27:14

From Meme

Yes… today there was. (And btw.. many other days but not all the time!)

At 7:00 am yesterday, we did blood work and then Heather and I scooted off to Corner Bakery for breakfast (I love that place!). When results came in… I was excited to look at the CA 125, fondly referred to as the cancer-o-meter. It had been at 10… so was hoping it even dropped more after surgery. Today’s number was 53!!!

Needless to say, tears came! Heather, my rock, kept saying “wait til we talk to the doctor.”
I was envisioning new cancer, longer battle, etc. Back to the start or worse.

The zoom with the MD Anderson team started about 5-7 minutes later (or an eternity) and when I blubbered out “not doing well after seeing CA 125”, they assured me that it always spikes high after surgery and to pay no attention to it. Most surgical patients start chemo 4-6 weeks later when that number normalizes on its own. I was having chemo 13 days after surgery when the number is high. (Jamie predicted that in the midst of my waiting!)

So: lesson to learn: do not make assumptions until you have all the facts! I had facts… but not ALL the facts.

Heather, Jamie, Ben …all jumped in quickly to assure, soothe, pray, send verses. You are the wind beneath my wings.

All of my kids and grands stand ready. I am so incredibly blessed. Their love holds me together.

I love you all so much. Meme’s Army of prayer warriors. Bailey… thank you for the verses… much needed!

From Jamie:
Phil 4:6-7

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

We’re giving it to God, don’t panic till we know anything.

So after call… gave thanks to God and headed to chemo. I get to do chemo is my new mantra…my mama and others didn’t get to do that.  Chemo: the most horrible, wonderful thing.

And again… found a new MD Anderson gift shop and bought a hat! Susan: it was a Viking raid!

Thank you again friends and family. Your prayers, cards, and love wrap me in God’s love. (Thank you, Jill, for the sweet blanket reminder.)

Prayer requests:

Our family.. as we work through all the ins and outs of cancer. (Whenever we faced a problem in the past, I would say, ”well at least isn’t cancer!”)

My precious family continually demonstrate that …even if it is… they are there to fix it through love, prayers, and acts of kindness. I adore them, am so proud of all of them and ask for prayers over them.

*Holly as she starts a new school year with a group of very blessed 5th graders. My shop til you drop girl and loves thrifting, crafting, and caring for others…. Especially her blessed (own 2 and others) kiddos! I cherish my time with her…why does Georgia have to be so far away! Heath’s golf game. 😂 still #1.

*Heather works,  runs after kids, and cares for her Mom. (She is literally my ride or die.) Heather is my problem solver with a heart the size of Texas. She keeps me in line and loves big. Her friends become family… she knows no bounds in loving and providing for others. Justin, another rock who holds down the fort and always jumps in to help.

*Hope as she starts school soon as Art coordinator for her school district. (Her humor is never good after stomach surgery… but she makes me laugh til I cry.)  Steven as he works at a new home care job… and both as they love and care for 5 kids!!!

*Ben and Jamie. They work hard at their jobs… while caring for 4 darling.. very active kids! They always pick up the phone and show up whenever I need them. Plus provide 5 🌠 hotel with mints on the pillows… (sometimes). Jamie… my medical encyclopedia! She reads and interprets back into elementary school language (sometimes uses illustrations), seeks out answers, and always points me in the right direction …unless we are lost in Europe. 😂 Ben… sings silly songs, hugs big, loves hard, cheers me on… won’t take no for an answer. 🥰

*my fab 15 grands: safety, protection, direction… and that “they direct their hearts to Thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:18

*Bonnie to stay steady and finish the race (or no more freak outs!) and to not be grouchy during chemo… even though people kept slamming doors and waking me up. 🙄I also start school next week and work with 13 librarians and the elementary gifted program in 8 schools (part time…as I am retired). Ron, my rock, who prays for our family and holds down the fort, and waits on me… mostly when I ring my bed bell multiple times incessantly. 😊

It is the hotel connected to the MDAnderson medical complex. Only a sky bridge away.

It is a lovely hotel, filled with a caring, dedicated staff serving cancer patients and their families. The foyer has a grand piano (with an accomplished player!), gift shops, restaurant, and valet service. It is a beautiful hotel… a small oasis away from reality! Where all of those staying… have something in common. Cancer. So conversations start up quickly, “Love your hat”,  “Did you travel far?”, “Can I hold the door for you?” And sometimes, “Where is your cancer?”

An army of warriors… in this fight together. But in a place to enjoy good food, sweet music, and clean rooms. Thank you, Rotary House. Life is good.

Blog password has been removed! It seems to be causing a problem for folks to stay updated, so trying to make it easier on Meme’s followers. 💙 Thank you for loving on and praying for her!

Excellent news!

Meme is out of surgery and in recovery. Just met with doc. They were able to handle the entire procedure laparoscopically. She still has some tumor left but it’s all – 2-3MM nodules scattered and they think chemo should take care of the rest. She had a large tumor in the pelvis/colon area that is gone from chemo. The omentum was thick previously and it was back to normal size but had several small nodules they saw when removed.

Future Treatments

She’ll have chemo week after next. Her surgeon said she still wants to do a total of 3 more Chemos post surgery and then scan.

They will do more genetic testing on the cells they removed and if it is HRP positive they’ll do a maintenance inhibitor (a pill she can take) to attempt to keep it from reoccurring.

We wear camo to fight!

Prayer Requests

Quick healing from surgery.  Chemo kills the remaining cancer. The doc has a successful plan for permanent cancer avoidance. Entire healing. Thank you for your love and support! Please keep the prayers coming!

Checked in. They have a case about to start in mom’s OR. It’s a different doc. Expected to be a short case. Mom’s doc is in a different OR but started early so praying all goes smooth and quick. Expecting the procedure to start around 11.

Platelets up!!! Surgery on! Check in at 9:00. Surgery 11.

Thank you for prayers, sweet messages, favorite verses, and feathers. I love you all so much!

We knew we forgot something… Meme’s platelets were too low to perform surgery tomorrow so the procedure has been rescheduled. If it all works out, and blood count recovers, she will have surgery July 12th. More to come…

This Friday, I go to surgery. I am so overwhelmed with the love and prayers of all of you. But I do have one favor to ask.

One of my favorite Bible verses is:

Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

So… I am asking you, my dearest family and friends… to send me a feather. If you have a favorite Bible verse, please text it to me at 254-217-7123. I will write it in my journal, with your name next to it.

That way… I will take you to surgery with me… my prayer warriors… my army.

I love you dearly,
Bonnie

Prayer Requests:

All cancer is removed during surgery, quick recovery, travel mercies for kids on the road.

From Bonnie

Met with Dr. Soliman and she confirmed that all is going well. Cancer is responding to chemo…. So next chemo is tomorrow. Dr. Soliman was very encouraged by this response!

Surgery is June 28 to find and remove any remaining cancer. Then individual tumors will be analyzed for next steps on keeping that stuff away.

Had a fun day with Ben and Heather: visited IKEA… ate at Flower Child (farm to market yumminess!) I may have converted Ben to the IKEA way!

Thank you for all of your amazing prayers, texts, cards, emails, calls, hugs. You are an amazing army.

Prayer requests:

Weather in Texas to calm down and behave, safe travels to all on the roads of this journey, continued progress to “cancer free” declaration.

May 16: from Meme

Headed to Houston at 7:00 yesterday morning. First Blood draw and next stop CT Scan. I had been prescribed a steroid because I had a slight rash from last contrast. Unfortunately, I reacted badly to the steroid so the radiologist canceled the scan.

Good news: chemo is working! The cancer-o-meter keeps going down. So very thankful, grateful, blessed.

Why Did the Alligator Cross the Road?

We were too afraid to ask him, but we did see him crossing right outside the Katy MD Anderson location!

Prayer Requests

next steps… Safety on the roads… as we drive back and forth to Houston. Wisdom for my medical team on moving forward to eliminate the cancer while keeping me safe.

Side Note from Heather 

As I add Meme’s post above, we are getting scheduling appointments from the team on new scans and follow up with doc next Monday and Tuesday (20th and 21st). More to come! 

Many of you think that I have a positive outlook 100% of the time. I just need to dispel that thought. I am praying hard… fighting hard… and leaning on my Lord! Tears happen.

I am strongest when I feel strong… weakest when I feel weak. I am so incredibly grateful for your prayers… the Meme Army!

One of my dearest friends, Jan Vinci, is teaching a Bible Study to women in Baton Rouge Women’s Prison. They are a mighty force of prayer warriors! One even sings songs over me. I do not have words to express that gratitude and the joy it brings me.

So thank you. I cherish every text, email, phone call… but especially every prayer. Chemo is getting more manageable… all the ups and downs of it. Looking forward to ringing the bell!

On the hair dilemma:

Still have about 50%! Thin on top. Having fun with hats and scarves. Wore a wig for one day but it fell off in the car. And was pretty uncomfortable. (It reminded me of the time when I was a teenager, wearing a wig, in a fender bender, and my wig fell off. Witnesses thought I lost my head.😂) Anyway… hats and retail therapy might be my new thing… staying away from wigs.

I love you all so much!

Prayer requests:

Muscle leg pain and fatigue be gone! Safe travels and protection for family members as we traverse this journey.

Sitting in MD Anderson, finishing up chemo 3 of 6. Meme slept most of the time. Benadryl is her best friend during these treatments. She did wake a few times and snack on trail mix and pretzels. As I type this, we have about an hour or so left before we can head home. We started the morning getting blood drawn to make sure she was healthy enough for chemo. We enjoyed breakfast at Corner Bakery, awaiting an all clear call from her doc as the blood results came in. Here she is on her Zoom.

It’s All in the Numbers

Meme’s pre-chemo bloodwork was great! Doc was pleased with all the numbers. We are all especially pleased with her cancer blood marker. We started at 58. Lowered to 28 after first chemo. Sitting now at 13.5 after second chemo. Huge prayers answered that the chemo appears to be working.

Next Steps

If you recall, the plan was three chemo treatments, surgery, then three more chemo treatments. Meme may have adjustments to this plan as more test results come out on her cancer, but this is the current plan.

On May 15, Meme will have CT scans to see visually how the chemo is impacting areas of concern.  Since chemo started, we’ve only received blood marker results. On the 16th, she will meet with her doc to discuss the scans and solidify the plan forward. If, for any reason, doc feels it’s needed prior to surgery, Meme may receive a fourth chemo on the 16th as well. They told her 99% of time this “possible” treatment is cancelled, but it has to be on the books just in case. Also, if chemo is doing it’s job with the cancer, Meme may have a far less invasive surgical procedure than we initially anticipated. So, more to come on scans and plan forward.

Prayer Requests

Safe travels to and from MDA. That chemo recovery continues with minimal side effects. That Meme’s cancer remediation plan stays on course and is shorter and less invasive than we anticipate. That the plan works and the cancer is eliminated for many years to come!

Meme’s Army

Thank you for supporting and praying for Meme! Here’s a few more prayer warriors!

Meme’s second round of chemo recovery went really well! She was a bit lethargic, but overall, was much better than the first round.

Huge thank you to Meme’s friend, Bonnie, for cooking for the Easter travelers. Such a blessing and excellent timing.

Eclipse

One highlight of the past few days, she was able to enjoy the full eclipse. The Casmer grands came in and we all stared at the sky in awe. Four minutes of total coverage compared to the four HOURS when Jesus died on the cross. We reflected on what must have gone through the minds of His persecutors. How very frightening!

Meme’s Army

Holly was able to come in for a brief visit before Meme went in for treatment. She ordered Meme’s Army bracelets for others to show support and as a reminder to pray for Meme. Many of Holly’s students in Alabama wear the bracelets! If you’d like one, message Holly at hwagz1422@gmail.com.

Over the past week, Meme saw most of her grands over Easter, took bluebonnet pics, and protected Dylan from water gun assassins. Oh the games high school seniors play…

Praises & Prayers

Praise that recovery was much easier on Meme. Praise that we have the best team on Meme’s case. Praise that insurance is covering much of the cost. Praise that meme hasn’t been nauseous. Praise that we have had safe travels to and from Houston. Praise that Meme has so many gift-givers, meal providers, and prayer warriors. Prayers that chemo is working. Prayers that the plan in place works, that numbers continue to decrease, and that God grants Meme quick and full healing.

By Meme

We headed back to MD Anderson on Tuesday evening. The next morning we checked into the clinic for blood draw and then port placement. 4 hours later… I went back. Waiting is my new hobby! I’m getting really good at it! 🙄

My doc was a gem. He has placed over 16,000 ports in his career… so think he might have it down. At the end he sings. Since I was awake… I sang with him! Why not? “It’s a wonderful world”, “Blue Moon”, “That’s Amore”, to name a few. I started “The Sun will come out tomorrow”… he joined in. Earlier I told him… no funeral dirges… he said he didn’t know that one. 😂😂😂

Port was sore for rest of day… next morning… Chemo. 2nd time around was smoother. I even ate snacks this time. I may be a chemo pro soon! I know the success is due to all of you prayer warriors. My kiddos wear camo with me on chemo days. They pray for their Meme. I adore my camo warriors. So many reasons to fight hard!

Special shout outs to: Holly for flying in, cleaning my fridge, shopping, and combing out the quickly thinning hair.

Ben and Jamie for watching over, providing beds, meals, love, and encouragement.

Hope: for calls and crazy memes!

Heather: for giving up your life to accompany me in this journey.

I adore my children. Labor pains were definitely worth it!

And Ron… my hero, my rock… who keeps me steady as I wobble through this. I love him!

Many thanks for friends: gifts, texts, calls, prayers. You have my heart.

Sweet thanks to Carol and Pat Pinkston! My new socks that say: “in this family … you never fight alone.”

Meme’s Army – Kids & Grands

Chemo Results So Far

Great news! This is a cancer-meter… the chemo is working. Numbers fluctuate…. So we are cautiously optimistic.

Prayer Requests

Post chemo goes smoother with less pain, less fatigue, more sleep, quicker to “bounce back days.”

Blessings and peace for my sweet family… safe travels, eyes on Jesus.

Blessings and love to all of you! You are a mighty force in my life!

Post Chemo Treatment 1/6

Chemo recovery had its textbook highs and lows. The Good: nausea was largely under control. Hair stayed in place (so far – ice cap seems to be working!). Friends who delivered the most amazing soups and uplifting gifts. Bluebonnets bloomed on the land! Praises! The Struggles: lethargy, bone pain, hand and foot pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, etc.

Not many updates during this time on the blog, because honestly every day was a battle. We will try to do a better job of communicating prayer requests next round. She was able to go in to work a bit and got to feel normal during the up times. As Meme says, it was the monster we didn’t know and now it’s just an event. We know more and are more prepared for next round next week.

Port Assessment Today

Today was a good day! We travelled safely to and from Houston. Here’s the garden on the top floor… They truly think of every detail at MD Anderson.

Started off our visit with Meme going to the boob job counter instead of the port assessment counter… can’t blame a girl for trying…

Meme then went to school and we learned what to expect next week during and after her port procedure… We learned this past week that Meme has the “dream team” of MD Anderson on her case. Praise!

Here’s Meme’s back to work pic…

You might be asking why her file says James Taylor… Well, Dr. Brown, her port surgeon, has implanted over 16,000 ports. (Sure hope he has enough experience in this space… 🤣) He also likes to sing and encourages patients to offer up song requests. Meme said, “well, I don’t want to be awake to hear him sing!” The nurse reassured her, “It’s only when he wakes you up and you’re coming out of your anesthesia!” So, Sweet Baby James, it is!

Next stop, EKG before her procedure next week. Came back normal. ❤️

Heading home, we met up with Ben (my bro, not son) at The Rustic for a late lunch before we hit the road. Photo op:

Plans Next Week

Port implant on Wednesday and chemo 2/6 on Thursday.

Meme’s Army Prayer Warriors

If you ordered a Meme’s Army shirt, please text me (Heather 254-493-0529) a pic of you wearing it.

Prayer Requests

Safe travels for kids and grandkids coming to visit this weekend. Safe travels for Meme and Heather next week for port implant and second chemo treatment. Minimal side effects,  strength, courage, and quick healing after the next treatment. That the chemo is working beyond expectations. That the cold cap continues to work. Wisdom for the team.

Here we go! Day one is behind us. We started the day up at 6:15am and didn’t get home until 8pm. As mom said, it was the monster before us until it was over. Now it’s just an event. We snuck Jamie in for the first few minutes and she requested a med adjustment that helped Meme sleep most of the time. We are praying they keep allowing her peaceful slumber through the remaining treatments.

Since she slept most of the day, she was groggy all night. She saw many messages come through her phone but kept falling asleep trying to respond. I told her to put her phone away. She’s much more herself this morning. She’s already blaming things on chemo brain. Those who know this family, know most of us suffer from chemo brain without the actual chemo, so…. 🤷🏼‍♀️

She felt all the prayers yesterday. She still has a monster week ahead. We are ready to just call it an event. The nausea and fatigue is expected in the next several days. Here’s her Facebook post today.

Prayer Requests

The after-effects of the chemo are non-existent. Prayers that fever and negative reactions to chemo stay away. The chemo did and continues to do it’s job. Continued peace through this process. Wisdom / discernment for the medical staff. Meme woke up pain free this morning! Prayers that lasts!

Praises

MD Anderson is a special place. Huge praise we were able to get her in, get results and start treatment so fast with the best in the nation! Praise for safe travels.

This week, we don our camo as the fight begins.

Thanks for all the feedback and packing list suggestions! Such welcome information. Our lists are made and shopping orders in.

We decided to try the cold cap to see if we can slow the loss of hair through the chemo process. We have an appointment for a fitting on Wednesday and start chemo Thursday THIS WEEK. Meme got her silver locks cut in preparation.

Meme’s grandkid, Ben, has been growing his hair for the last four years to donate to cancer-fighters. As soon as we got word of her diagnosis, he asked to donate direct to Meme. All the cute Casmer girls are following suit, so Meme will be well wigged out in no time, should hair loss occur!! More before and after pics to come!

We are researching reputable wig-makers. If you know any, please send their info to me! (Heather 254-493-0529)

Support Shirts

My team at Presley Design Studio put together a store with a few Meme’s Army camo designs. If you would like to purchase, I am donating proceeds back to Momma to help with her expenses. Here’s the link if you’re interested.

https://presleythreads.com/memesarmy

If you can’t do that right now, prayers are more welcome than anything else! More to come after the chemo treatment.

Prayer Requests

Confidence, endurance and peace during chemo. That the chemo works and kills ALL the cancer cells possible. And last, but definitely not least, Meme does not want to THROW UP! or lose her hair. Prayers for safe travels to and from Houston. Thankful prayers for additional insurance coverage discovered this week.  Thankful prayers for the Casmer Hotel in Houston, cutting down on the expense of treatment at MD Anderson.

After a LONG day that started at 6:30 with the pitter patter of cute little Casmer kid feet, included several hours of waiting and more waiting and ended at 8:00pm as we rolled into the drive, we can safely say we are home and we have a plan.

The good news: It’s beatable and we have the best of the best on Meme’s case (the doc is the published-by-her-peers-chair of the department).

What we know: still don’t have a definitive source, but the CT scan yesterday was more thorough than previous scans and revealed more cancer than we thought. We started this journey with some abdominal pain and we believe some of the additional spots detected are the cause of pain. Meme has several small tumors in the lining of her abdomen. Here’s the 32oz she had to chug yesterday, prior to the scan. She wasn’t a fan.

She is considered at stage 3c. She has over 70-80% chance to become cancer free, but also 70-80% chance it will return. Doc would like to do more genetic testing on the tumors to see if she can get more information to help potentially block recurrence. We will know more on this later down the road.

Since they found more than they originally thought, we are starting with chemo to see if we can minimize or completely eliminate some of the tumors. First dose next week. A second dose three weeks later and another three weeks after that.

This first round of chemo will be followed by another CT scan to see if/how well the chemo did it’s job. Surgery will then be scheduled to remove what’s left and accessible. After surgery, she will have one more round of chemo. The final scan after that round will prayerfully reveal a cancer free patient!

We have an intro to chemo online session tomorrow and chemo starting next week – not yet scheduled. We are researching ice caps that are supposed to help preserve hair follicles during chemo. No guarantees and can come with migraines, additional nausea, and other issues. Please reach out to Heather (254-493-0529) if you have recent experience with these!

Please know Meme loves each of you. She is so honored that you are praying for her and love her like you do.  I’ve read her your notes. If you message her direct and she doesn’t respond, please know she is processing a lot and is weary. ❤️

Prayer Requests

Strength and courage for Meme. Continued wisdom and discernment for our medical team. That Meme is well prepared physically and mentally for the chemo and that it works beyond expectations. That the side effects are minimal, preferably non existent. That we make the right decision on the ice cap. That we make the right decision on insurance.

not an easy journey… but my kiddos have more than lifted the burden. Calling, crying with me, sending gifts, bringing food, driving me all over creation (even in Houston traffic), laughing til we cried, researching, calling medical friends, dropping their lives to take over mine, on FaceTime calls with doctors, ready to buy a plane ticket at the drop of a hat, singing silly songs to distract, always ready to be there for me. And their amazing spouses: covering childcare and the double work while my kids are with me! I adore them all! Thank you… Heath, Holly… Heather, Justin… Hope, Steven… Ben, Jamie.
so grateful… so blessed. I love you.

prayer requests:

My children… my grands… protection, direction, peace…as they accompany me on this path.

March 4th, we got the call. Are you available tomorrow for your intake paperwork and an initial exam by Dr. Solimon? Yes.

March 5th, after a three hour wait, Meme had her initial exam, some blood work and initial consult with the doc. We all love her.

March 6th, is today. She has a CT And she’s currently chugging an infused Sprite for prep.

Tomorrow, after doc has time to review the bloodwork findings and CT scan results, we will meet with her to finalize the plan moving forward.

Prayer Requests

Please pray for peace, confidence and strength for Meme. Pray for wisdom for the doctors to diagnose and give her the best path forward. Thank Jesus for those who have crossed our paths so far at MD Anderson. There are some special people here.