Pictures from Hoosiers Outrun Cancer

Hi - Just wanted to link to a few pictures from the Hoosiers Outrun Cancer 5k that took place down in B-town this weekend. Thanks Em for taking the pics and thanks to all who participated! Click here or go to:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=13seb6nu.b8emqs5m&Uy=-ma0go8&Ux=1

The Breakup

Well, it finally happened. Radiation is over and Vanessa broke with Fred, the technician. But I tell you what, the family couldn't be any happier. We really didn't see much of a future between the two of them. He always wanted her to wear this mask, which we all thought was a little strange.

In all seriousness, Vanessa battled through her daily treatments and has started to gain her energy back (and a few hairs on her head here and there). She displayed true strength and courage throughout the entire process.

Emily, Jeff, mom and dad are all doing well. We are heading down to Bloomington next weekend to participate in the Hoosiers Outrun Cancer 5k. Our team name is "We are all too pretty for cancer" and would love support! It's too late to sign-up to be on our team, but if your interested in running, head to http://www.hoosiersoutruncancer.org/registration.html and sign up!

Ok, ok, ok

I know it's been awhile since I put an update on here, but Vanessa is handling her radition and chemothereapy very well. We have had a few bumps in the road (gotta get this seizure thing under control), but we are through the first week of radiation...only 5 more to go!

Vanessa has spent the past couple of days hooked up to and EKG at St. V's monitoring her brain activity. It's actually pretty interesting to see the monitor. When she's laughing or thinking, you can see lots of activity...but when she's viewing her facebook page, not much is going on up there. ;-)

Anyway, she had a blast with her friends she met while studying in Ireland who were in town a little over a week ago. She also had a friend come visit yesterday from Waycross and they sang camp songs. Ask her to sing about the Titanic the next time you see her.

Hope all is well with anyone who is checking this. I've included a picture of Baxter below for old memories.

Next Week

Quick update....Little Nessy Moo is scheduled to start her radiation treatments next week. She has some great friends she will be spending this weekend, thanks goes out to you guys. ;-)

Can't stress enough how much we appreciate everyones positive thoughts and prayers that are coming Vanessa and our family's way. Keep them coming, it's the best thing we could ask for!


"The heart holds answers the brain refuses to see."

More Treatment

Thought I'd give everyone an update since it's been awhile since my last post. Vanessa is still recovering from the surgery very well, although we have had a couple of rough days to work through.

We got results back from the pathology report over the weekend and unfortunately it wasn't the news we were hoping for. The way it looks now, Ness will have to go back from some additional treatment to get rid of any lingering malignant cells up there and to prevent the tumor from growing back. We'll hopefully know more details around the treatment and timing by the end of this week....I'll update then.

Head Staples

Vanessa made her first trip back to St. Vincent's yesterday to get the staples removed from her incision. I haven't seen her yet but I'm sure she looks great! She has been recovering on my parents' deck and in the "healing room", which is really just my old bedroom. Who knew I had such power.

Home from the hospital

Vanessa was released from the hospital yersterday afternoon and now resting comfortably at home. I think she was excitied to get a full nights sleep and take a warm shower for the first time in a week.