Sunday

We had all planned on a nice day with Mom. They had told us they were going to attempt to insert the needle in the port on Monday. (as the first one failed right after the insertion. We are being told it was not secured so it slipped.) It has been so frustrating. But, like I was saying they were going to reinsert on Monday and we were coming up about noon to celebrate a birthday and have some down time with Mom. No tests, no iv's, no procedures etc. Dad called me about 11:15 and said they had decided to go ahead and "try" to get it in today. One of the nurses had already told her it would be uncomfortable so she was dreading it.

Poor Daddy was so sick with worry and Mom was really anxious. She was assertive and asked the nurse if she had done many. She said she had done some, but it had been a while. Mom asked her if she would please get her someone with a lot of experience as she was so sore and couldn't even raise her arm above her head. She told Mom she thought that was a wise decision and went and got two charge nurses with more experience. They put on a topical anesthetic and came back and worked for a half hour trying to get it in. No luck. She was so sore and we were all beyond frustrated.

It is so maddening that she has not had one thing be straight forward for her. Everything has had a complication, or a problem that has caused more pain or additional issues or delays as far as procedures go.

Daddy was emotionally spent and Mom was really struggling by the time we had arrived. Carmen had come up first and was here to help Mom get ready. It was hard to see them both so sad when we got here. They put ice on it to help the swelling go down before tomorrow. We all got situated in a waiting room and settled in for a family get together at the Ophthalmology clinic. :) We had a nice lunch and watched Paris open presents, and watched Sadie and Nate play with Brittain and Paris. Their giggles lightened a stressed mood and we were able to escape this place for a while. (except for the constant beeping iv, and Sadie saying "I don't like that sound!" Nate would respond with "I LIKE that sound!" :)

We don't know what will happen tomorrow if they don't get the needle inserted into the port. We are praying that it would slip in with no problem or pain this time. If it doesn't get placed we are also concerned that it sets her back again with starting chemo and going home. Please join us in praying for this to get in right away and for no more delays.

We got her in bed tonight, Dad took a shower, and Mom opened cards and packages from so many of you. All of her cards are taped up around her room for her to see throughout the day. Stark white walls are being transformed with each card you send, so we thank you.

Kirk and Deb Parnham sent a card with some of God's promises listed. They were a comfort after such and emotionally draining day. They are excerpts, and referenced with the verse.

I want to share them with you as they brought us comfort tonight when we read them.

"I will protect you...." Acts 26:17

"I will comfort you..." Isaiah 66:13

"I will give you peace..." Leviticus 26:6

"...I will listen to you" Jeremiah 29:12

"...I will carry you". Isaiah 46:4

"... I will strengthen you..." Isaiah 41:10

"... I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

"... I will be with you." Genesis 31:3

And finally, "...I have loved you with an everlasting love..." Jeremiah 31:3

So in Him we find protection, comfort, peace, a friend to listen and carry us, strength, rest, His presence and His everlasting love.

Love,

Kimberly, Carmen and family