And we’re back. . .

I knew it had been awhile since I last posted, but whoa. . . time flies. Sorry about keeping everyone out of the loop the past couple of months. I’ll try my best to keep it short: maybe just a chapter in a book instead of a whole book. As I try to think back over the months, a few things may have happened in July and I wrote them in June. . . forgive me if I get the events in the wrong months.

The month of April as I mentioned before is a crazy month. Mom and Dad both celebrated their 61st birthdays. (Since I’m writing this, I can say how old they are. . .) For the open house birthday celebration, I gathered old photos that people may not be familiar with. It created quite the conversation piece. And my favorite “back in the day” photo of my dad I found is right here. Well, maybe there’s more than one. . .

Did you guess right? (He's in green.)

I have no words to explain- you should ask him . . .

and two kids later, he's carving pumpkins

Back to the month’s occurrences. . .  April showers are supposed to bring May flowers. But. . . if I remember right, May brought more and more showers. Somehow with all the rain, Dad planted about 16 hostas and 8 spireas in their yard. Some of the hostas even got planted twice- he had to move several of them because they were getting too much sun. During this time, he kept up with this every other week treatment. The doctors decided to give Dad a break for a little bit and decreased his treatment. (He went from getting two chemo drugs to one.) His fanny pack treatment, that the nurses affectionately call FU, was his only treatment. They would go to the hospital, Dad got rehydrated with saline solution and extra goodies, then hooked up to his fanny pack that would drip this treatment for 48 hours. Luckily, they got to go home with this treatment. And then Mom would take care of the rest at home when his treatment had finished. Supposedly this was supposed to be easier on Dad as there wasn’t as much medication pumping into him. In theory this makes sense, but from the outside, I’m not sure it was easier. It was just different. The side effects still existed. . . just different side effects.

Mom and Dad continued their yearly habit of buying season tickets to the Muny. The Muny shows start in June and go until August- a new musical every week. So far, Legally Blonde seems to be the favorite at the moment. Somewhat surprises me that Dad was most impressed by that one, but hey, why not? I think they only missed one because of all the heat advisories. I remember calling and saying, “Um, you aren’t planning on going tonight, are you?” My mom would pause and I just knew that the response was going to be a good one. “Well, your dad is getting ready to go now.” The heat just didn’t bother him. . . the heat and mom was another story though. His drug regime changed a little- the doctors added a small dose opium. I don’t pretend to remember what drugs he’s on and what does what. With that said, I believe the opium helps with him gaining weight- which he gained 10 pounds in a month! We try not to dwell on numbers, but that was a serious accomplishment. Finally, he is eating more than I am again!

The hot weather in July didn’t stop Dad one bit. In fact, I know he was comfortable mowing grass in long sleeves and jeans. I went over to their house one day after work to find Mom and Denny blowing bubbles, completely sweaty with red faces, and Dad sitting in a lawn chair in jeans, a long sleeved shirt, and a hat, not at all bothered by the heat. Denny and Mom were getting ready to go inside while Dad was just taking a break from the lawn work. I think it’s crazy that the intense heat never bothered him! In the beginning of July, Denny turned four! My little nephew is growing into a little boy- well maybe just a boy. But don’t worry, he hasn’t outgrown his blond curly hair! Another event in July: Kevin and I celebrated our fifth anniversary. I thought I’d share a few of my favorite photos of my dad (that remind me of the day) from our wedding. Hope you enjoy!

The record breaking heat made dad's flowers droop. . . had to fix them!

Photo shoot over, walking through the KU campus- back to the air conditioned car!

And to catch up with August, his treatment changed back to the previous medication at the hospital and the fanny pack at home. He just can’t get rid of the FU treatment. (It’s just funny to hear my mom say ‘your dad’s getting the FU today.’) They added the additional treatment back because slight changes from the scan, however, I was told it’s nothing significant. And the last update: my parents found out that another grandson is in order. (Kevin and I are expecting a little guy in December.) Well, they just found out our baby was a boy a couple weeks ago- they knew months ago that another grandbaby was in store. I just made you read to the bottom to find out. Sneaky, huh?

Thanks for all the continued support, prayers, phone calls, and cards.  As always, they are much appreciated.

jbg.

Celebrations. . .

Growing up, the month of April was kind of like Christmas. My entire family’s (and grandma’s) birthdays are in April. And part of our celebrations was that the birthday girl (or Dad) got to choose where we went out to eat. By the time we got to mom’s birthday, she was tired of eating out. . .on the 7th, 10th, 19th, and finally the 27th.

Dad’s birthday is coming upon us soon- April 7th to be exact. Last year, we failed to throw big parties for his (and mom’s) big milestone- turning sixty. We did, however, have large celebrations for Jamee turning thirty and grandma turning ninety. So this is mom and dad’s
year, turning the big six-one. (Don’t tell them I told you how old they are- supposedly that’s a no no, revealing someone’s age. . .)

I didn’t get the ‘go ahead’ to throw a big bash . . . but we did come to an agreement of a birthday open house. I believe the word “low key” was adamantly used to explain such an event. . . So, please join us for a celebration of dad’s birthday. Surprise him with your visit at the open
house. He knows about the open house gathering, has an idea of who was invited, but has no idea who will RSVP.

Details for the Birthday Bash . . .
Saturday April 2nd, 1-4pm
8201 Jefferson Rd
Freeburg, IL 62243

Hope to see you there!

jen.

Say what?

I forgot to post about Wednesday’s non-treatment day. . . but then my mom called me and told me something that was very blog worthy. You’ll have to read a little more before I get to that.

So, Wednesday dad was supposed to get his bi-weekly treatment. And the routine before he gets his magic juice is bloodwork, a visit with the doctor, and then typically the green light for more chemo. This time they received the red light. His bloodwork came back with low levels of platelets. . . no chemo. But he did get all the other goodies (that might not be the correct word) to hydrate him, give him more potassium, and who knows what else. So the plan is that they will return on Wednesday for more bloodwork, hoping for the platelet level to rise back to a normal level. If his bloodwork checks out as “good” then he’ll receive his treatment.

Onto the good stuff, mom calls me at work today- “Jen, the doctor just called. It’s not as good of news as Kevin’s but it’s good.” (About a week ago, I had told Kevin that the doctor had look at the ultrasound and said that it was gone. Kevin thought “it” was the cancer; unfortunately, “it” was just the kidney stone. So that’s “Kevin’s news”- that the cancer’s gone.) The doctor has been tracking bloodwork from the very beginning. Don’t ask how this works but somehow there are levels they can count that relate to the size of the mass/lesions. Well, since the last scan (Dec 28th) the counts are indicating that the mass and lesions have shrunk even more! That’s with just one treatment on the 12th of January! I’ll take it, and I’ll take even more please. These are the doctor’s phone calls that are nice to hear!

And in the same conversation, my mom says, “I don’t think I told you, but your dad is on Ritalin.”
“What? Say that again.”
“The doctors put your dad on Ritalin.”
“I’m sorry, but why?”
“Evidently Ritalin can have the opposite effect on some people. That’s what they are using it for- to give him more energy.”
“Okay, but this is too funny. My dad is on Ritalin.”
“Yeah, and I think it’s working too. He hasn’t had a nap for the past 2 days. And right now, he’s cleaning the house. Well, actually, he’s organizing the closet.” (They had just gotten back from the ever so famous Lowe’s run and had gone out to eat too. This usually means nap time.)
“Well, good. I’m glad the Ritalin’s working.”

I am chuckling over this as a type. Thinking about my even-tempered, always listening only talking when appropriate dad is on Ritalin. I’ll let you know if I see if the medication is “working.” Well, it’s just supposed to give him more energy- in essence, make him hyper. I really don’t see hyper happening. But I’ll report back. . .

Please continue with all the prayers for my dad. Everything done to support our family during this endeavor is greatly appreciated.

jen.

Another Treatment, Another Smile

So, the most fabulous Christmas present ever came a few days late.  Yesterday we got the great news about Dad’s scan. . . that he had earlier that day.  The nurse was so pleased with the results she couldn’t wait until today (at his appointment) for my parents to hear the results.  (All other times, they had to wait for the appointment to hear the results with the doctor.)  Onto the good part, the two lesions they have been tracking since the beginning showed shrinkage.  And when I mean shrink, I’m serious.  One lesion that was 3.9 measured at 2.8 and the other one at 3.0 is now 1.7!  This was his first scan (after 4 treatments) with the new medicine . .  dad’s new lunchbox seems to be working!  Obviously, everyone was in great spirits yesterday.  It just so happens on Tuesdays we all go over to Mom and Dad’s for dinner.  But the good news couldn’t wait to be told until all had arrived; the story was told 3 times.

The less exciting but just as important news is that he got another treatment today. Round 5 of this drug cocktail. . .

They have added additional medicine to Dad regimen hoping to combat the nausea and lack of appetite.  The list of drugs dad is taking is never ending, but I’m waiting to be able to say that my dad’s on pot.  That just makes me laugh thinking about it.  (It’s supposedly the next step in combatting the nausea.)  Anyway, until last week, food was eaten only because he knew he needed to.  When you asked if he wanted anything in particular, you got a funny face- like why are you asking me that?  And then on Saturday while shopping at Crate and Barrel, he said he was getting hungry.  I haven’t heard that word out of his mouth for a very long time.  Drop everything- get dad some food!  Then last night: “Jen, is the pizza almost done?”  “Yes, why?”  “Cause I’m getting hungry.”  Granted, he still had weight loss from his last visit, but hopefully we’ll start seeing the pounds go up.

Christmas ended up being a white Christmas (for those not living in the area). The last white Christmas I remember included driving to Grandma’s on a curvy/hilly 2 lane highway and watching the car in front of us slide back down the hill. Luckily, dad was waiting for it to happen and kept everyone safe. This year, we spent Christmas Eve at my parents house- normally it’s spent at Grandma’s with the extended family.  We opted to hang out at home trying to avoid all the unnecessary germs- sorry guys!  We enjoyed a more or less quiet night (in comparison to the excitement/noise at Grandma’s).  For the past 3 years, Denny entertains us with his enthusiasm for Christmas presents. His first Christmas he required help opening his gifts and last Christmas he was more excited about the wrapping and boxes. But this year he started helping pass out presents by ‘reading’ the tags.  “K is for Kevin, this is Kevin’s.”  It got confusing with presents labelled Mom.  They weren’t for his mom. . . After unwrapping most of his presents and spending time gazing at his goods, it was followed by cutest ever unprompted thank you.

I hope you enjoyed celebrating Christmas with your family and friends.  And I wish you and yours a fabulous New Year.

Thanks for all the prayers and cards! As always, keep them coming!

jen.

Round 4. . . coming up- tomorrow!

It’s been quite a while since the last update and for that I apologize. On to the update:

Dad has been quite the trooper in this round of treatments. He fondly refers to his at-home pump and treatment as his lunchbox. It’s really a fanny pack slung across his shoulder . . . but if he wants to call it his lunchbox, by all means, it’s his lunchbox. In all seriousness, this treatment still knocks him down, but he gets right back up and is my dad for a several days. He’s still receiving this treatment at Barnes every 2 weeks on Wednesdays and brings home another treatment pumped into his system for 48 hours. The home treatment gets unhooked on Friday. And like clockwork, on Saturday, he is incredibly nauseous which leaves him completely without energy on Sunday. But slowing but surely, he returns to himself (wanting to work on something around the house) before the cycle begins again. And this time he agrees that while there’s a couple of really uncomfortable days, he does feel better with this treatment than the previous one. And he can actually acknowledge when he’s not acting like himself- which I assume is a very strange feeling/realization.

Lately, I have been asked if he’s still going through his treatment and when it’s projected to end. And my answer to that is yes, still getting treated and that there’s no projected end date. These treatments are hopefully shrinking what shouldn’t be there (will find out when the next scan scheduled) or at least maintaining the growth of the cells. Because we are treading on uncharted waters, there is no set plan or “schedule” for attacking his cancer. I was once told that it’s the study of medicine, there’s no set answers, that’s why it’s called the study. Granted, I don’t like that saying, especially when it comes to my dad, but that’s what it is.

For those of you who are following along in my parents’ house projects, two more big ticket projects have been crossed off the list. My mom finally got those exterior steps replaced that she’s been wanting for over 2 years. . . Being that dad does things “big” as mom would say or “right” as dad calls it, not only did the steps get replaced, 2 new retaining walls were added to the backyard. One that “always needed to be done” by the basement walkout doors and one new idea to create another landscaping bed (i.e not mowing that area). The other big project that gets marked off the list is a new fireplace. Previously, they had a free-standing wood burning stove in the living room. They hadn’t used the wood burning stove in years as it triggered allergy/sinus problems. So after years of contemplating over the best option, dad chose to replace the beloved Buck Stove with a gas burning fireplace. Not only does the new fireplace look very classy, it heats the house quite nicely. (To the extent that the upstairs AC will turn on. . .) Dad is in love with this new heat source while my mom hasn’t started wearing her winter clothes yet. We called in the professionals for both these jobs. And after seeing the extent of dirt moving for the retaining walls, I was quite happy Kevin and I didn’t try to tackle that one.

Last weekend was quite the transition for our family.  One could say that mom and dad are empty nesters again. Kevin and I have bought a house in St. Louis – closed the 1st of November and have been in the construction mode for over a month. Instead of carpet and wallpaper, our house has refinished hardwood floors and fresh paint on the walls. As always, there’s still a list of projects to be completed. This last month has completely exhausted Kevin and I – working full time, work on the house, drive back around midnight, sleep quickly to start the process over again in the morning. Seeing that a home is a never ending work in progress, we weren’t going to wait until we got it “just perfect.” Last Saturday was definitely a bittersweet day- full of excitement of our first house but sad to be leaving mom and dad. Even though we have our own house now, we’ve been over 3 times this past week and they’ve been over once. (If it wasn’t for this cold weather and snow, they’d have been over more.) Hopefully they won’t miss us too much. . .

As the weather gets colder, it makes my parents think twice about venturing out in the bitter cold. (Breathing in the cold air actually makes my dad’s lungs hurt.) Mom was thinking about having a holiday open house to visit with everyone but never made final decisions about it. The house is decorated for Christmas and desserts are always on hand. So, I am informally inviting everyone to visit my parents over this holiday season. The only thing I ask is that you let them know you are heading over there, otherwise you will get “greeted” by our watchdog, Max.

Thanks for all the love and support. Keep the prayers coming!

jen.

A New Approach

The doctor never called, so my dad called to see what the results were. . .  and so yesterday was another doctor’s appointment for dad.  They found out that the original biopsy that was sent out for testing was too small to test if he would fall into the trial study.  Appointments were not available yesterday for another biopsy to resend for testing.  It would take another 2+ weeks before they might get results back, equaling over 6 weeks of dad not recieving any treatments.  So the doctor suggested to proceed with the different type of chemo and put the trial on hold.  (They can return to that option at a later date.)  And they did just that.  Dad recieved his treatment yesterday before returning home.  He also is currently receiving his second dose administered at home.  They sent him home hooked up with another medication that will pump through in 48 hours.  Interestingly enough, it’s the same amount of medication he receives in less tehn 2 hours at the hospital.  This extended dose of medication and pump are contained in this lovely fanny pack that dad has to carry around.  He has the choice of wearing it around his waist or across his shoulder.  He has opted for a stylish shoulder sling.  Then they return back to the hospital tomorrow afternoon to disconnect and return the fanny pack.  As the last chemo treatment regimen, he will recieve his treatments every 2 weeks, on Wednesdays- but this round he will return the fanny pack on Fridays.  Another side effect from this different type of chemo is extreme response to cold- drinks, food, the doorhandle at St.Louis Bread Company, random things you wouldn’t think of.  Drinking water with ice actually hurts- it feels like breathing in freezing cold air during a run, so I’m told.

Today was the installation of mom and dad’s new fireplace.  They’ve been talking about it for awhile now (It goes back to when the power would go off for hours. . . luckily that has not happened lately.)  So now, that is completed!  They have a new gas fireplace that replaced the freestanding wood burning stove.  No more ashes, just a flip of a switch- or remote to be exact.  They are very pleased with the new changes in the living room.

This weekend the whole gang will be making a trek over to Lake of the Ozarks.  My parents have a timeshare and used a week at the lake starting this Saturday.  Jamee, Joe, and Denny are planning on arriving super early to get the most amount of shopping in.  Kevin and I will sleep in and arrive later.  Dad told Jamee not to plan on eating lunch together, so I’d assume Dad’s sleeping in too!  Mom and Dad are planning on hanging out there until they are ready to come home or until their week is over.  But for those working, we must come back on Sunday.

Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers.

jen.

PurpleStride and other news…

Just wanted to thank everyone that supported us on the PurpleStride in St Louis.  From what I gathered, enough money (over $100,000) was raised through this fundraiser to sponsor a research grant to help with the cure of this cancer.  We had a total of 29 official team members and raised $1,000 for the event.  The day turned out to be a beautiful fall day- perfect day to enjoy being outside with family and friends.  Dad was more tired than usual that day so he held down his chair at our “camp” and enjoyed seeing us come across the finish line.  I assume he entertained himself by “people watching” while his team was out on the course.  Once I gather all the photos from friends and family, I’ll post some team pictures taken throughout the day.

Dad had his routine scan on Friday to assess how the chemo is working.  He had his appointment to see the doctor and receive his treatment today.  When the doctor came in with additional people, my parents immediately knew that something was about to change.  Short story is that the gemzar (his chemo drug) has decided that it is done working in dad’s body.  The doctor explained that sometimes people become immune to the drugs and this has quite possibly happened.  The lesions on his liver have grown and additional spots have shown up on his lungs.  So, now the doctors have laid out another plan- actually two to be exact.  To start, the original biopsy will be tested for the type of cells.  If the makeup of the biopsy falls into a certain category, then he will enter into a trial study and begin taking a pill as opposed to the chemo route.  (This drug was not available when dad was first diagnosed in February.)  This trial medication will only work on a certain type of cell- which about 30% of pancreatic cancer contains this cell.  The results of the biopsy should come back in 5-10 business days.  If the cancer is not made up of this certain type of cell, he will begin another round of chemo but with another drug.  That appointment is already set up- 2 weeks from now- in case the trial is not an option.  Granted, we were all hoping (and assuming) that the scan would come back showing that the growth had remained the same as it had before.  The doctors reminded my parents that they are having success with dad’s treatment and that they had anticipated this change would have happened months sooner.  All in all, this wasn’t really the news we were wanting to hear, but it’s nice to know that the doctors have a plan (or two) in mind and are ready to conquer!

Please keep us in your prayers as we wait to see which treatment lies ahead of us.  Cards and phone calls are greatly appreciated- keep them coming, please!

jen.

The Pig Returns!

Another overdue update-
 
Dad received his treatment on Wednesday.  He had his latest scan last Friday and the results were reviewed with the doctor on Wednesday.  All in all, the mass and lesions have stayed the same since the last scan.  Granted, I would be elated if they kept shrinking, but I’ll take not growing!  The doctor suggested continuing with the same chemo regimen and so that’s what they are doing.  I believe we are waiting for some miracle drug to come out to help shrink this beast inside my dad- so keep praying!  His next treatment will be on Tuesday Sept 21st and then on Monday Oct 4th.  This past holiday weekend threw off the Monday schedule; they have to gradually return back to Mondays.
 
And for those of you who questioned my pig incident (no names mentioned), it has returned!  Well, not at our house, but at the neighbors.  My mom was out walking one day and saw that lovely pig she’d seen in pictures at a neighbor’s house.  She came home with a “you won’t ever believe story” after talking to that neighbor.  Evidently this pig belongs to a guy down the road but the pig doesn’t really live at his owner’s house very often.  The pig seems to like the neighbor’s yard and pets/animals better and so it stays there most of the time.  The transient pig has been sighted over 1.5 miles away from its real owners house.  Just maybe the pig (or hog as my dad calls it) will come visit again!
 
I have a rather random request-  My mom has exhausted herself trying to figure out different recipes to use as my dad really doesn’t have an appetite or desire to eat.  Kevin and I aren’t much help when we aren’t there as we cook by taste and not straight from recipes.  (For those of you who don’t know, my mom second guesses herself when things aren’t an absolute- like a recipe.)  I know this sounds rather trivial but has become somewhat of a burden depending on who you ask.  That being said, I’m asking for recipes my mom could make when Kevin and I aren’t around that are “tried and true” and on the side of very flavorful, spicy, etc rather than bland.  Please send them to my email (j.b.gates@gmail.com) and I will print them out and pass them onto my mom.  Thanks so much in advance.
 
Once again, thanks for all the phone calls, cards, stopping by to visit- anything and everything you have done to reach out to our family.  It means more than you know.  Please continue praying for my dad and our family as well as the cancer research being conducted.
 
jen.

Another Busy but Good Week

Another two weeks have gone back and Dad received another treatment. We count our blessings as each week goes by and another treatment is given. The side effects are not as predictable as they once used to be. I think everyone stands on guard for any moment that dad feels great and is ready to do something/go somewhere.

The Muny season has now concluded with the last night being quite possibly the hottest night of the season. Kevin and I joined mom and dad that evening- the seats next to them were even available! It was a great production but I have to say that neither mom and dad nor Kevin and I saw the end of the show- it was just too hot! Last night, we were talking about how nice it would be to go with the weather that we had that night.

The hardwood flooring upstairs has now been completed; the stairs are still unfinished. The treads and risers have now been picked up from the wood shop and are waiting to be stained. Dad is working on the logistics of finishing everything- practicing on the basement stairs first. Once he gets his plan finalized, we’ll help him knock it out. Then the inside construction projects should be done- at least all that I know about for now. . . I’m sure there are more that I am unaware of.

My cousin just got married in Montana this past weekend. (Congrats Mark & Ashley) Mom and Dad decided that that long of a trip would be too long for Dad to make at the moment. Kevin and I went to join in on the family festivities and stopped at places along the way- Grand Teton NP, Yellowstone NP, and Denver. I called them after we saw Old Faithful erupt and later mom told me that we brought back old memories of when dad and her were at the park. . . and they went there before Jamee and I were around! Memories are such a great thing-

Denny is quite possibly my parents biggest source of joy and entertainment. They took him peach picking at Eckert’s last week. Evidently the wagon ride took Denny by surprise and he held on to his Gedad for dear life. Obviously, Dad thought it was cute how unsure Denny was about the ride and how Denny clung tight to him for security. Yesterday, mom and dad took Denny to the zoo in the morning. When I got home from work, Denny was all excited to tell me all the animals he saw. From what I gathered, he really liked the lions, but he did tell me all about the penguins. . .

 jen.

Update. . .

Dad received his treatment on Monday, which I am very grateful for.  I have a cold and tried to keep my distance. . . luckily we got the good news that his counts were high enough for another round.
 
This past week I was out of town so all my updates for that week are retold stories- that being said, I think they had a good week.  Two of my mom’s sisters (and a brother-in-law) came to visit in the beginning of the week.   I think they enjoyed chatting and all that.  My parents hadn’t seen Donna and Ron since April; LaVerne is a frequent visitor as she lives much closer!  On Wednesday night, they skipped their Muny date as it was way too hot outside to enjoy anything.  A large crop of peaches were picked from the peach trees before the deer got to them.  Evidently, last year mom was waiting until the peaches were really ripe to pick them and then the peaches were mysteriously gone.  The deer are typically on that side of the property so it was assumed they enjoyed the peach crop.  Since she picked them early, the deer didn’t get to enjoy our fresh fruit.  Our garden got scorched by all the heat.  Still producing tomatoes, but the cantaloupe and watermelon just may be gone.  Throughout the week, Kevin laid wood flooring, leaving only one more room left.  (It is in the process as we speak.)  The wood floor looks great and I can’t wait for the treads and risers to arrive from the shop.  We can then finish our construction project inside (no more carpet!), put things back together, and move on to the retaining walls and landscaping outside.  Of course, they are more than proud of the results and love showing them off to whoever visits.
 
Tuesday night, Jamee and Mom went to an advocacy and awareness meeting for Pancreatic Cancer in St. Louis.  I think they both agreed that this was a good experience.  They met and spoke with a few survivors and their family members.  One lady’s story of her diagnosis sounded very familiar- similar to dad’s.  She is an 18 month (and counting) survivor with Dr. Tan as her doctor.  (Dr. Tan is dad’s doctor.)  They talked with another survivor and I can’t remember who her doctor was, but she was a 5 year survivor!  Needless to say, their spirits were lifted.
 
On that same note, I just wanted to mention that we are supporting the PurpleStride St. Louis on Oct 17th.  It is a 5K Run/Walk and a 1 mile fun run/walk in Forest Park to raise awareness and money for research.  Our team is called Team Borton, be like a duck.  If you would like to join our team or donate money, please click on the link below.  Last year, the PurpleStride raised over $100,000 with over 970 people attending the affiliate’s first 5K walk/run.  They are hoping for a bigger crowd to support this cause.
 
http://pancan.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=345885&lis=1&kntae345885=7E507091DDB94DE8ABA6ACEF98723C1F&team=3785420
 
 Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.  They are greatly appreciated!

jen.