Travis and Olivia share August 15th for their birthdays. Poor Travis...10 years ago I ruined his Saturday birthday plans to golf with his brother when I went into labor and he's never had the spotlight on his birthday ever since.
To celebrate her birthday, Olivia had a girls' night with some of her closest friends. She chose a mermaid theme so they swam, made shell necklaces and had sorbet out of coconut and pineapple skins. They also watched Nim's Island. I taped them in the pool acting like mermaids and acting out a skit in the pool.....all Olivia's idea. I think the evening was a success and everyone had a great time.
Travis and I celebrated on Saturday night with our friends, Jim and Tiffany. We ate at Kona Grill and then got a treat at Paradise Bakery. The bowling alley had about a 1 1/2 hour wait so we decided to try a movie. While waiting for "Swing Vote" to start, Travis decided he was not up for seeing a 9:30 movie so we got our money back and went home! Kind of funny, but a good call. We weren't sure about that movie anyway. I haven't heard anything about it either way.
On Monday we met with Dr. Kresl, a radiation specialist. He told us all about radiation and what it would do and what it would involve. He explained that it's not a cure but a way to slow down and shrink the tumor. Apparently, gamma knife isn't indicated in the brain stem without great risk of damage to vital nerves. If we do radiation, Travis will go in every week day for about 6 1/2 weeks and get a small dose (31-33 times total). Over time, the tumor cells die and the regular cells in the area regenerate. When done slowly, it allows the good cells to recover and the tumor cells to die and break up. It doesn't get rid of the tumor but definitely slows things down. The side effects are nausea and general fatigue. People also experience pain in the area because as the tumor cells die, scar tissue is created and inflammation in the area occurs. We are meeting with a naturopathic oncologist, Dr. Rubin in a couple of weeks. We are researching as much as we can before we make more decisions concerning further treatment. Travis continues to get stronger and better. He is still doing physical therapy twice a week. He has more energy and much less pain as time goes on.
9 comments:
Andrea, I am so glad to hear Travis is doing better. I think about you alot and hope all is good.
Happy Birthday Travis!!!!!!! Isn't if fun to be 29 once again?! I haven't heard anything about Swing Vote so leaving might have been a good idea. Kind of looks dumb.
Travis and Andrea.
Just a note to let you know you are in our hearts and prayers. Been keeping up on the blog all summer. You are both amazing.
Happy Birthday! Looks like a great time. I'm not up for 9:30 movies anymore and I haven't had surgery! Good luck with those big decisions... Thank heavens for prayer-right?!
Happy Birthday to Travis and Olivia!! I am glad to hear that his recovery from surgery is continuing to go well. I hope you will be able to feel comforting guidance as you make decisions regarding treatment. You are both amazing people!!
Cute pics of Olivia's birthday. It is so good to see you lately! I am glad that things are going somewhat well!
Talk to you soon
Happy Birthday to Travis and Olivia! Blake and Olivia are just 10 days a part. She is such a cute girl. They have a fun group of kids to look forward to as they get older.
Good Luck with all your decisions. It was so cute to see you with your arm around Travis yesterday in sacrament. You were both smiley and you looked like newlyweds. You guys are so amazing!
I am so glad to know Travis is doing a bit better. We love checking in on your blog to get the updates! We also got the soccer roster today, so glad your little guy is on our team!!!
yah, haven't heard anything about swing vote either. i'm kind of disappointed in movies altogether lately. i mean, with the millions they spend, how hard can it really be to make a decent movie?! erggg.
but happy birthday to trav and olivia! my, that's a lot of birthdays in not a lot of time.
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