Monday, February 2, 2009

Here we go again


Bree had her 5th round of chemotherapy this past weekend. We went in on Friday afternoon (after waiting all day to be called in again...argh!) and her chemo didn't start until 10:30pm (double argh!). It dripped over 3 hours so she finished at 1:30am. She gets her blood pressure taken every 15 minutes (during chemo only) so she was pretty agitated and I tried to hold her the whole time. The first night was pretty hard on her and me as neither of us got much sleep. But fortunately, the next two nights went much smoother. Thanks to a grandma that has a magic touch putting Bree to sleep (thanks mom!), she slept all night on Saturday and slept through her chemo! Yea! Then last night she went right to sleep after the knowledge that her Cardinals lost the Superbowl. Bummer.

We are home now and so happy to be here! So here are a few pictures of our weekend:

One of our nurses, Robyn, did face (and head) painting and she painted this on Breezy's head...unfortunately it didnt do the trick to bring home a Superbowl championship but at least it was a fun memory! That's the beauty of a bald head, you can paint big red birds on them!

Cute pic with Daddy!
Gunner playing on the ceramic cows outside the hospital. Ride 'em cowboy!
These are some of our nurses at the hospital. I thought they looked so cute all decked out in their Cardinals gear.
This last picture of Breezy is one of my favorites. I love her cute little teeth showing through her huge smile. And even though her head and eyebrows are going bald, she's still my baby supermodel. :)



31 comments:

2Again Now said...

1 treatment down....3 to go!!! There is a light at the end of the tunnel!! Kari...you and Justin are incredible parents!! It's no wonder your little ones chose you two!!

Anonymous said...

She is such a beautiful little sweetheart. I am glad the last 2 nights of Chemo were much better than the first. Enjoy being home.

We are Still Praying for Bree!

Kelly said...

Bree is so CUTE! And her nurses look so sweet! I hope you are feeling better, and having better days! I have wanted to visit with you, but I am sick along with harley!! SO when I get better I want to come and visit you! We love you guys so much, and thanks for being you! You really do help me be a better mom! Love you girly

Angie said...

Keep up the good spirits, you are amazing! Bree's smiles are so heart-warming!

The Johnson Family said...

One more down...yippee! I just can't get over how happy Bree looks in all the pictures..she is just so sweet. You looked so tired when I saw you Sat, I am so glad the next couple of nights went better for her and you. Seriously call me if you need anything while you are home...and enjoy!

Steph said...

She IS so cute. Brielle just barely has her first tooth poking out--my kids are so slow with the teeth! Glad you have one more round done--you're more than halfway there. She is such a tough girl. Still thinking of you and praying and fasting for you. Love you guys!

Brooke said...

We were rooting for the Cardinals too! So close!

I think her bald head is just adorable and of course, so is the smile!

Jamie said...

i know i have left you a comment before, but i wanted you to know that a day doesn't go by that i don't think about your sweet family. just know that there is a family in texas praying really hard for your little bree and your whole family. you have touched my life kari.

-jamie

brownymama said...

She is a baby supermodel! I love her painted Cardinals head. And the nurses do look so cute. Hang in there Kares! You're on the downhill now. I love you!

Lana said...

Sucks that they leave the little baby to have chemo through the night. Lame-o. I'm sure they're all busy and backed up, but that really sucks for you as a mom. I hope that she stays healthy this week and you don't have any hospital trips....:)

Grandma and Grandpa cook said...

Hurray for the Cancer Free Countdown! What a trooper Bree is even through Chemo, she hangs in there just like her mom and dad. What a precious bald head. Wouldn't we all want to look so cute with no hair. She's a beauty inside and out.

Alisa Larson said...

She's a supermodel baby because she has a SUPERMODEL MAMA!! Yeah, that's right you heard me - you're one hot mama!!

Wendi and Eric said...

You amaze me. You and Bree are my sunshine for the day. Thank you. And I love her painted cardinals head!

Summertime Designs said...

Oh that last picture is so precious. She looks so happy and excited! I am sorry about that first sleepless night. I am glad you were able to get a little rest the days after and that you are now home. Love the Cardinal painted on Bree's sweet head. Just think, when she's done with this all, her hair will grow in even more thick then it would have. A lady in my ward as well as a young man who's about to serve his mission both have amazingly beautiful hair, and they said that it wasn't like that before their chemotherapy! You are almost done! I can't wait for the big celebration...I call first dibs on making her invitations!

Kelli said...

You are all so amazing! Your strength and LOVE is beautiful! Keep it up and enjoy those "pictured" moments! I can't wait to hear of her progress! You are all in my prayers and my daughter's prayers too! Much love, Kelli

Chelsey said...

What troopers you all are. She looks so cute and strong. Now that you're home can we hang out?

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad y'all are home now. Continuing to pray for Bree and your family!

Kasey said...

She is so cute! Still thinking and praying for you guys!

Kathleen said...

Bree is the cutest Cardinals' fan EVER!! So glad you and Bree got some much needed rest as the weekend progressed (I didn't mean to rhyme...oh well)

Amy said...

I'm glad to see that she is BEATING the cancer. Your family is truly a blessing! Breezy is SO LUCKY to have a family like you and you are SO LUCKY to have a daughter like her!! I didn't read too far back in your blog, but I was wondering if you guys have looked into doing a stem cell harvest along with the chemo. My cousin was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma in Feb. 2007 and is now cancer free. I've heard that people from all over the states come to the U of MN hospital to do this treatment. If you would like to go and check his site out...it's www.caringbridge.org/visit/daltonserich
Here is another family from our small town, who's baby boy also had a Stem cell transplant and is 100%(donor)cured.
www.caringbridge.org/visit/levistephans

I hope I'm not offending you by saying anything of this. I know you have a lot on your mind. I'm sorry if I'm throwing more stuff at you at this time, but just thought maybe you'd like to look into it.

You're in our prayers through this time of your journey!!!

PHILLIPIANS 4:13 I can do ALL things through HIM, who strengthens me.

Blessings, Amy (student nurse in MN)

Annie and Clayton Evans said...

for sure a supermodel....she looks great in every shot!!

Aimee's Family Journal said...

I think that googly eye they stuck on her is the funniest part about her head painting. You are right... what a memory! 3 more left baby! You will be a pro in the end, and Bree won't remember a bit of it. What a blessing. Congrats on surviving another round while sane.

Nuestra Familia said...

Love Breezy, she is so beautiful. She is a true fan for having her little head painted, that's pretty awesome. You guys are amazing, keep staying strong. Lots of love from all of us!

The Reed Family said...

Hey sis! Just wanted you to know how much I love you! I'm so bummed I didn't get to see you, Breezy and the rest of your fam yesterday. I've been thinking about you so much. Keep hangin' in there... I know it doesn't seem like it now, but this will all be over soon. I hate that she has to endure more chemo, but at least it will send that cancer packing for good! We continue to pray and fast for your sweet Breezy. Love you all!

Anonymous said...

I love that the first thing we see is the big grin and sparkly eyes..

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous baby and smiling through all of her trials!! I added Bree's name to the prayer roll at the temple yesterday. Praying for all of you...

Dizzy Kate said...

We have been praying for cute Bree and your family. You are an amazing, strong person. We have been following what has been going on and we have shared it with many of our friends that are also praying for Bree. Thank you for your example to us.

top knot extensions said...

You guys amaze me!

Melody B. said...

Cutest pic of Justin and Bree! Bald is BEAUTIFUL, especially on her!:) Love you!

KristinaKendal said...

I know you don't know me. I accidentally clicked on your name thinking you were someone else. I was reading about your little girl and how she is going through chemotherapy. I know how you feel. I am a survivor from Leukemia i have gone through all the things your daughter is going through. I want to tell you she will be in my prayers and i hope that she can fight it and get through this struggle. I hope the best for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Heard about Breezy and your beautiful family through my daughter, a member of your ward. Just wanted you to know that although we are strangers, the Lord made us sisters and family in his eyes. Bree is adorable and we will pray for her recovery by your side and in our hearts. May your strength and courage be held high in the light, and Breezy's spirit continue to give us all hope for the future. You will dance at her wedding and she and her amazing brothers will celebrate the beautiful woman who they call MOM!
Together, may you find moments of peace in this most difficult time!
In my thoughts; Sandra