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NEW ADDRESS
Spencer/Cathy Barr
Target House II
1811 Poplar Avenue
Room 522
Memphis, TN 38104
PETITION
PHOTO GALLERY
(New 7/15)
MARYVILLE DAILY FORUM ARTICLE #1
MARYVILLE DAILY FORUM ARTICLE #2
June 30 - 11:15 am
Well, Chayse and I are still in Memphis. We went to the
airport yesterday afternoon, arriving over 2 hours early. With that, we
volunteered to take a bump if they were overbooked. As we were boarding the
plane, they decided they needed our seats. After rebooking on the 6:30 pm
flight, Chayse said that he didn't have weight lifting or acceleration on
the 3rd or 4th. With a call to the reservation desk of NW Airlines, we were
able to change our flight to Monday afternoon. With the change, we are able
to spend the weekend with Spencer and Cathy.
As for Spencer, he is feeling pretty good. He has had an MRI
and CT scan this morning. Routine tests that have to be completed prior to
the BMT. With two more apointments this afternoon, we will be off for the
weekend.
June 29 - 10:00 am
Sorry for the lack of updates since Tuesday but we have been
busy. Yesterday was a hectic day with several appointments for both Chayse
and Spencer. It has been confirmed that Spencer is breathing and his heart
is beating (not sure about the brain waves yet) :). We have moved into
Target House II on Tuesday night. The room is setup a bit differently giving
the appearance of more room. Since it looks out to the pavilion area, the
bedrooms are much darker at night. Probably the highlight of the day
yesterday for Spencer was going to watch Superman Returns. Our little
movie critic gives it four out of five stars. The highlight for Chayse was
eating at Joe's Crab Shack. He recommends the Lobster Fondue. For Cathy and
me, it was just spending the day together as a family. It doesn't get any
easier getting ready to return to Maryville. Chayse and I will be departing
for the airport at noon today and do not plan to return to Memphis until
July 12, two days before the bone marrow transplant. It looks as if Spencer
will finish up most of his testing the end of this week and will have a few
days off before going inpatient on July 7.
June 27 - 11:30 am
Chayse and I rolled into Memphis last night a little after
7:00 pm with Pagliai's pizza in hand. That might be the longest pizza
delivery trips in history. It was great to see Spencer and Cathy after being
apart for a week. We spent most of the evening catching up on the week's
events and watching the College World Series. Following the game, Spencer
and I had to face off in NCAA baseball on the PlayStation. After winning the
first game, Spencer won the next two to capture the series.
This morning we met with the behavioral psychology staff.
Spencer and Cathy will be participating in a research study looking at the
effects of massage therapy and humor in the BMT process. They are believing
that they will be in the group that receives massage therapy three times a
week following the BMT. We have just found out that we will be moving from
the Grizzly House to the Target House this afternoon at 2:00. From the
previous trip to the Target House, we know it will take a couple of days to
get Internet access there. After an afternoon of appointments for Spencer
and Chayse, the plan is to take in some Memphis BBQ. Spencer is trying to
get the lowdown on the best place in Memphis from one of the nurses in
Assessment and Triage who claims to be an expert in BBQ.
June 26 - 12:30 pm
Well, we've already had a full morning of appointments and
testing and are now waiting to see the eye doctor. We should have been done
with the eye doctor by now, but it looks like they are running behind. We
have an audiology appointment at 1:00pm, so hopefully we'll get called soon.
This afternoon we will get a tour of 4th floor so Spencer will know what to
expect when he gets the transplant.
We had a nice afternoon yesterday. We took the trolley
downtown to the Peabody Place and ate lunch and took in the new X-Men movie
which we both thought was really good. We ended up taking a horse drawn
carriage most of the way back to the Grizzlies House since the trolley ends
early on Sundays. Memphis really has a lot of things that are complimentary
to St. Jude kids.
Rod and Chayse are currently on their way here after a later
than expected start. Chayse has appointments the next three days. It will be
so good to see them both again and spend some time with them.
June 24 - 6:45 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ROD!!!! Spencer and I hope you had a
great day and can't wait to see you and Chayse again Monday night. We love
you and miss you!!
Spencer and I took a cab to the mall and window shopped for
awhile today. We always love to check out the massage chairs at Brookstone
(I think that's the name of the store). Right now I'm in the hospital lobby
doing this update since we can't get wireless connection at the Grizzlies
House. I just came from the cafeteria and have us all stocked up for snack
and drinks until tomorrow. It looks like there are some good movies on TV
tonight that I'll take in while Spencer plays his new PS2 game. I better get
back so Spencer doesn't start wondering where I am. Have a great evening!
Until tomorrow, good night and God bless.
June 23 - 12:00 noon
Not much happening this morning. We've been to
assessment/triage to get Spencer's labs drawn and now we're waiting for the
results to come back and see the nurse. We didn't get released from the
hospital last night until 9pm. Like I've said before, nothing goes very fast
when it comes to being discharged. After we get things finished up here at
the hospital, we're going to find a way to get downtown to the Peabody Place
and take in a movie and dinner. We still do not know what Spencer's schedule
will be for next week, but we do know Chayse has appointments next Tuesday,
Wednesday, and Thursday. As soon as we know, I'll get it posted so you all
know what's going on.
June 22 - 6:15 pm
Whew! We had a bit of a scare earlier. After drawing some
blood to check the chemo levels, they were really concerned the chemo was
not flushing out as well as expected. In fact, the level came back at 270
which is extremely high, so they drew some more blood to recheck it and the
results were right at a normal 65. We're not really sure what happened, but
rejoice that the first reading was incorrect. Anyway, we're due to get out
of here sometime tonight--hopefully not too much longer.
June 22 - 3:00 pm
Wow, you wouldn't believe who we just met. Emerson Drive, the
country group who sings "I Should Be Sleeping" and "Fall Into Me". They all
piled into our room and took lots of pictures with Spencer and me. They saw
that Spencer had his Superman t-shirt on and they talked about the upcoming
movie. Emerson Drive recently played in Trenton, MO and we talked about how
close that was to Maryville and how I had just graduated from there. They
were really cool and wished Spencer the best.
June 22 - 10:30 am
Good morning! It looks like another hot and humid day here in
Memphis. From our hospital window we have a view of construction. Spencer
had a good night and seemed to sleep rather well in spite of going to the
bathroom every two hours. He is having some discomfort in his upper back by
his right shoulder. I think he must have slept on it wrong. Right now he is
playing MLB Baseball 2K6. We never did get to watch Mission Impossible II
last night because something must be wrong with the movie reader in his PS2.
It's no fun watching a movie with static and blue screens every now and
then. Thank goodness he can still play his games!
June 21 - 8:30 pm
Good evening. We're doing fine, hanging out watching Mission
Impossible II. The chemo was started at 5pm and will run for 24 hours. There
was just a shift change and the new nurse said his pH level was looking good
at 7.5. Spencer's dental appointment went fine with no cavities. He still
has one more baby tooth to lose and it's holding on pretty tight. The x-rays
look like it's a hat sitting right on top of the new tooth. The dentist
wants him to wiggle it out within the next two weeks before radiation
starts, either that or it will have to be pulled. Of course, Spencer thinks
he can get it out on his own!
June 21 - 11:45 am
Greetings from Memphis! As I type, Spencer is undergoing IT
therapy and should be done by 12:30pm. Hopefully that gives us enough time
to catch a quick lunch before his dental visit at 1:00pm. After that, it's
up to the second floor to be admitted for the final round of high dose
chemo. Spencer's spirits are still high and he is feeling really good. He's
been a great deal more talkative with the nurses and seems to really enjoy
giving them a bad time. Imagine that! We had a quick visit with Amanda
before going to procedures. She was the very first patient we met when we
arrived here at St. Jude's and we became instant friends. There is a
possibility she will need a BMT as well. We had a conversation about taking
only one day at a time and not to get too far ahead of schedule. She too has
felt like she got side swiped with the news of the possible BMT. I assured
her God knew before we did and He is still in control and we must continue
to trust Him for everything.
Rod and Chayse will drive down here next Monday as Chayse
will undergo testing to be Spencer's bone marrow donor. He has appointments
scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning and then they will
fly home Thursday afternoon. This way they can leave the van for Spencer and
I to get around while we're here. I have not found out yet when we will get
to move back into the Target House or exactly when Spencer will be admitted
for the BMT. I imagine it will be around July 7, but still have not had that
confirmed. Until then, we will stay at the Grizzlies House and have our
meals here at the hospital. During this time, I will have to do the updates
while at the hospital as we cannot get wireless Internet access at the
Grizzlies House, so hang in there with me and be patient!
We heard from so many of you who told us while we were home
that you keep this page as one of your favorites and check it all the time.
We cannot tell you how much that means to us knowing so many are keeping up
on Spencer's progress and holding him up before the throne of God. Now that
we're back here in Memphis for awhile, the updates will more frequently than
when we were home. I feel there are five things God is having us pray
against: Rejection (that Spencer's body would not reject Chayse's bone
marrow), Infection, Side Effects, Set Backs, and Complications. We know the
number five represents God's grace and it's His grace that will see us
through this time. And, of course, we continue praying for a quick healing
that would even astound the doctors!
I also want to take this time to again thank all of you who
have sent cards, letters, games, books, money, and prayers. We are
overwhelmed by the continuation of all of these things and cannot thank you
enough for your generosity. We would love to be able to sit down and thank
everyone of you personally, but that is not possible, so please know how
much we love and appreciate you all!
June 15 - 12:15 pm
Time flies when you're having fun. First and foremost,
Spencer is doing very, very well. It's hard to believe it has been a week
since we last updated. Last Friday, I picked Cathy and Spencer up at the
airport and headed to Joplin (with Minsky's pizza in hand) for my sisters
wedding. Congratulations to Harry and Tiffany who were married Saturday
afternoon. Following the wedding our family went out to eat with my mom and
dad and then we caught the Pixar movie Cars. I think Cathy and I were more
amused with the movie than Chayse and Spencer. After returning home on
Sunday, we were able to watch Game 2 of the NBA playoffs (way to go Mavs).
Spencer has spent most of his week hanging out with his friends. He was even
able to go to St. Joe and watch a couple of Marcus' baseball game. Tuesday
night, Spencer had Marcus and Tyler spend the night. They pitched the
tent and camped out (not sure how much sleep they got but they had a lot of
fun). Wednesday, we received the good news that the MRD from the bone barrow
aspiration drawn last week came back with 0 leukemia cells. Praise God! We
also found out that the BMT will take place on the 14th of July rather than
the 7th. One of the things Spencer requested before going back to Memphis
was a trip to World's of Fun. On Thursday, our family as well as Marcus,
Tyler and Whitney fulfilled Spencer's request. We had a great time! After a
bit of coaxing Spencer, Tyler and I got up the nerve to ride the Patriot.
Needless to say, we loved it especially Spence. He and I closed down the
park riding it three straight times. It is the first big coaster that
Spencer has ever been on but I am sure it won't be his last. We finished the
night off with a trip to Minsky's and the trip home listening to Game 5 of
the NBA Playoffs (not the best performance by the Mavs but we know they will
bounce back). Spencer spent the night with Marcus and we hope to make
connections with Chris Greisen later on today. Cathy and Spencer will return
to Memphis on Tuesday. The next 3-4 days will probably be the last ones here
for awhile for the two of them.
June 8 - 6:45 pm
We would have thought by now Spencer would have been released
from the hospital, but not quite yet. I guess there was a mix up on
submission of the discharge orders, so now we wait for the meds to be
filled. Once again, practicing patience is being required of us. I think we
are getting pretty good it! :o) ha ha We're hoping to get settled back in at
the Grizzlies House in time for the Mavericks vs. Suns game tonight. Looks
like tomorrow morning we'll have an appointment to check Spencer's levels to
make sure the chemo is flushing out before they release us to go home. Rod
will pick us up at the airport and then we'll drive to Joplin for Aunt
Tiffany and Harry's wedding on Saturday.
June 8 - 11:30 am
Oh, what a fun day! After sleeping in and eating breakfast,
we participated in Silly Field Day by ambushing our nurses with Silly
String. It just so happens the nurse's station is right outside our room,
and let's just say they were not expecting quiet and reserved Spencer to
display such orneriness! They didn't know what hit them as he bombarded them
with string! It was hilarious! They must have had a secret stash because it
wasn't long before they retaliated. One of the doctors came to examine
Spencer and was met at the door with a dousing of silly string. She was
totally caught off guard and took it very well. She said she came to see how
he was feeling and by the looks of things could see he was feeling great. We
laughed and laughed! The only downfall was we ran out of Silly String way
too soon!
June 7 - 3:45 pm
Spencer was admitted a little after 2pm and now we are
waiting for the chemo to come, which should be anytime.
We should know more tomorrow, the end of the week, or first
of next week, but tentatively it looks like the admit date for the bone
marrow will be June 30. Before that date, Spencer will undergo several tests
and radiation treatments before they harvest Chayse's bone marrow on July 7.
Chayse will have to come a few days prior to that date to undergo tests as
well. The nurse told us Spencer would be inpatient for 4-6 weeks.
We continue to pray and stand on the promises of God for
Spencer's healing. We believe Spencer has a strong heart and that it beats
with the rhythm of life. His blood flows to every cell of his body restoring
life and health abundantly according to Proverbs 12:14 and 14:30.
June 6 - 5:30 pm
Spence and I arrived at the Grizzlies House just
after 1pm and only had to wait a few minutes for our room to be ready. We
didn't do much of anything but hang out and relax this afternoon. Right now
we are at the hospital waiting for a nurse to take his labs and get him
hooked up to fluids. Tonight starts the never ending trips to the bathroom!
I believe our day will start at 9am tomorrow with clinics and procedures.
They will do IT therapy as well as a bone marrow aspirate and then check him
in as inpatient sometime tomorrow afternoon. Well, the nurse is here to take
him to the room to draw labs. I will update again tomorrow. Until then, good
night and God bless.
June 2
Another great day for Spencer. Yes, that is him riding bikes
all over town with Marcus. Seems to be enjoying just hanging out. We hope to
get to see several of you tomorrow night at the benefit!
June 1
Not much to report from the great town of
Wilcox. Spencer is doing well. After spending a couple of days in Treynor,
IA with grandparents, Spencer went to watch some of his friends play
baseball last night. This morning he went for a scheduled visit to the
hospital to get labs drawn. He is spending the afternoon with a friend. Kind
of like normal.
May 1-31
April 1-30
March 28-31
March 27
March 26
March 25
March 24
March 23
March 22
March 21
March 20
March 19
March 18
March 17
March 16 |
