MRI Results

So I received the results today from the Radiology Oncologist from the MRI done yesterday to follow up on the three weeks of radiation Ceil had after the surgery.  I am glad to let you know that it came back CLEAR!!  The two very small specs they were concerned about are gone and the area that surrounded the tumor are clear.  This is the best news we could have received!  We'll have to watch things over the coming months and years due to what popped up over the last year, but we'll take it.

So this weekend, raise a glass to toast the good news and say a prayer for Ceil that things will continue to get better for her.

Happy Holidays!

October 22

Time for an update!

My mom, Karen T, was finally able to depart the state of CT to go down south to sunny Florida as Ceil continues to get better.  To state that her help is what got us through a tough time is the understatement of the year.  We couldn't have accomplished what we did without her and I will be forever grateful.  We'll see her soon as Ed and Kar come back before Turkey Day and stay until Santa comes but I believe beat him back to Florida (it's a little known fact that Santa, in fact, does not stay in the North Pole during the winter anymore.  With the price of heating and the Elves unionizing to get Obama-care, he's resorted to the possibility of shutting down the biz)

Like I said, Ceil is getting better.  I think it is definitely taking more time than we both imagined but at least the small steps are in the right direction.  She finished up radiation therapy last week so that ends her daily trip to Farmington. 

Since then, she has had another scan neck-down to verify no other tumors or lesions have developed which we are elated to let you know came back 100% clear.  In a couple of months they will do another MRI to check her head to see how the radiation therapy did.

Ceil is going to have another power port put in on Friday.  This will be used to give her herseptin (you will notice alot of mispelled words in my blogs - I'm not a Doctor.  Medicine names tend to get mispelled by me.  I don't feel bad though, the darn spell checker hasn't figured them out either).  The herseptin is used as a preventative drug to deter any cancer coming back in the future.  Ceil will get a 1/2 hour bag thru the port every third week.  The port just makes it easier due to Ceil's small, deep veins.

So all in all, a good post for you to go out and celebrate!

Thanks for checking in.

Vin

Been a while

Sorry it has been so long since the last post.  I have been in the middle of a move from Envoy to Village Mortgage...I know, can you believe I had to put work first for a while?  Like all moves, it was a little stressful but with the support of Ceil and my Mom, it went as good as it could.

Ceil update - PT over Today!!  OT over last week!!  Speech Therapy - as expected, that was the first thing she was done with...the girl can talk.  She also went to an eye specialist today that figured out why she was having issues with the mid-range sight and was able to figure out to correct it.  The guy...well, he's a specialist.  Highly recommended by Ceil.

I want to thank everyone for respecting Ceil's time at home to recooperate.  The rest and therapy has worked wonders and she has come a very long way in a relatively short period of time.  To throw in a plug - if anyone you know is in need of home health care or therapy, Salute Health Care was great to work with and Ceil will attest to that.  Thanks to everyone at Salute.

Ceil has been doing radiation therapy for the past two weeks.  She has one more week left.  She went back to UConn in Farmington as she did the last time she needed radiation for the original breast cancer.  The reason for the need for radiation is as you probably have figured out, the tumor removed from her brain did have traces of the breast cancer in it.  There were also a  couple of specs on the MRI outside of the tumor.  The tumor itself was verified to be completely removed from the MRI scan.  The Doc felt the best course of action to minimize the reoccurence in the brain was to do the radiation treatments.  Ceil has done exceptionally well through radiation.  It hasn't really knocked her out at all.  We hope this continues. 

We meet with her Oncologist on Friday to come up with the rest of the plan as to how to treat for preventative measures going forward.

We received the big box today filled with an afgan (spelled completely wrong!) and a book with the people that knitted the squares to make it.  Like all the support we have received, it was just another reminder of how much love there is for Ceil out there.  I let Carla know that it was absolutely the best thing I have ever seen in my life.  It really tugs at the heart strings and from the husband, thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to put that together.  It is huge, colorful and means the world to her.

I'm going to end this post with a copy of the letter that was in the package. 

Dear Ceil,

We hope this package brings you strength and the feeling of love.  This project was started for you when some of us heard that your blanket had gone missing at The Hospital for Special Care.  We knew we could never replace the one that was gone, but the idea was to make a new blanket for you.  One that would provide for you a feeling of strength and let you know how many people are rooting for your quick and full recovery. 

So we started knitting, and thinking about colors for yarn and although you are strong and tough, we searched for the softest materials to bring you comfort.  People all around Connecticut, New England and as far away as Florida knitted and shopped for materials for your new blanket.   Each yarn was hand chosen for you, and each square was hand knit for you.  Each square is as unique as your relationship with that person.  And even though each square was chosen and knit individually, they have all been sewn together, in the hopes of providing even more strength and warmth. 

The book was put together for you to see  what materials each person chose for you, and to have as a keepsake if you ever need reminding that we are all thinking of you, your kids, your family, and wishing you the best.  

With Much Love, Prayers and Warmth,

Your Family and Friends

Making a Mark from an 11 year old

Ceil is continuing to recover.  She sounds 100% like her old self with complete memory back and not saying things that come from left field with no ryhme nor reason.  It's great to hear her back to normal.  I've been pushing her to rely less on the walker which she is doing now.  While still a little wobbly, she is definitely getting her strength back and her legs are starting to look like they have muscle again.

I wanted to share something with you that Olivia wrote for school.  When I picked it up, I had no idea what I was about to read.  The perspective of an 11 year old can be pretty powerful.  With all the talk about being positive, please read what an 11 year old's perspective is after having a Mom that was diagnosed with cancer. 

I am going to make my mark at McGee by making everyone smile.  I hate to see people sad because it brings back flooding memories of when I was nine and found out my mom had cancer.  All I really needed was a laugh or a smile, so I’m not going to let people just be sad and lonely.  I’m going to make someone’s day because all you need is a smile.  No more pain or sadness.  You just forget for a while and feel happy.  So happy it will warm your heart on a freezing, cold day.

 

-        Olivia Biscoglio

I hope this made it a better day for you and gave you some prospective that there is a silver lining with all that life throws at you.

Return to Home Set

The day we have been waiting for exactly one month is tomorrow.  Ceil will be checking out of HSC tomorrow at 11 and I will be bringing her directly home.  She will continue with therapy at home for PT/OT/ST through Salute Home Health Care.  We picked Salute as it is the very same Italian word we say when we clink wine glasses while we are making the Simeone Vino in September. 

Kidding of course, Salute is a company owned by a friend of mine that handles exactly what Ceil will need for home care.  It's great to know someone I can count on to put this all together...Crea, that is an official plug - kickback...

Ceil is looking forward to coming home to be with the kids and to be in her home which I hope will give her the ability to recuperate quickly.  The road to recovery may be long but it will make it even sweeter when she gets there. 

The kids continue to do well under the circumstances of having their mom away for so long.  Something I wish no child would ever have to endure.  But the kids did show maturity understanding everything she is going through is to make her well again. 

While I know everyone wants Ceil to be back to the way she was a month and 1 day ago, please understand that this recovery will take time as she went through some very serious surgery.  It's things you don't know or understand until you have got to live through it.  As amazing as you could ever think the brain or the body is, you go through what we just did and you realize what a complete miracle the human body is.  Just to know what it takes for a human to do the daily, taken for granted tasks we all do (like type what I just typed), it truly is a miracle.  Something we should never take for granted.

My Uncle John text me when this all first started telling me to stay strong, BiscStrong.  I have received hundreds of emails, texts and people telling me to stay strong which I think I have pretty much held it all together under the circumstances. 

Through this journey I realize where that strength has come from for me.  It comes from the tanacity of my beautiful wife who inspires me to know you can get through anything with the right attitude and you can get through it with grace.  I learned this two years ago, and she just showed me again. Truly the toughest woman I know!

I also get my strength from my mother.  The one I called to say I needed her help when this all started.  Without skipping a beat, she uprooted her and Ed's life to move into the house and take care of the kids...and pretty much everything else...for me so I could do what I needed to with Ceil without needing to worry about where the kids would be.  She also has been here anytime I needed to talk and doesn't wince anymore when the occasional F-bomb comes from my lips.  I know I don't tell her nearly enough but I love you Mom and I can't imagine going through this without your support.  Thanks for showing me how to be tough and it means the world to me that you are here. 

Thanks to Ceil's Mom, Dad, siblings and in-laws for your help through this all as well.  You guys are a close knit family that has remained close and there for each other through thick and thin.  You are a testament to what a family is all about.  For all the kidding I do about never leaving the nest on Edgewood Road, in reflection, I don't know why anyone ever would. 

I also want to thank everyone that has helped with the support, getting the kids places, and lending an ear, etc... While this isn't over, we appreciate it and appreciate it in the future. 

So tomorrow Ceil comes back to us at home.  We'll start that next chapter of our lives with big smiles on our face that she is back where she belongs.  We'll stay positive and we'll appreciate every single day.  I hope you do the same!

Good News on a Tuesday

I met with the case worker at HSC this morning to discuss how Ceil is coming along.  While she is getting better, she still needs some therapy both physical and occupational.  The great news is they feel as though she will be able to come home on Friday!!!  She will need 24 hour supervision which I along with my dedicated staff at Devonshire Rehab will be glad to do.  She also is having a little short term memory loss which is typical for the type of serious procedure she had done.

So there is the good news to make your Tuesday a heck of a lot brighter.

The kids and I are looking forward to getting her home on Friday!!  Feel free to load up Devonshire Way with signs and banners welcoming her home.

Friday update

Ceil's being doing well.  She's got her marbles all together and they have cut down her speech therapy from two sessions to one a day cause like you would expect, her talking has come back faster than expected.  I'd imagine that it's due to her 42 years of heavy exercise over the phone and in person.

As far as her recovery with PT and OT, it is and will be longer than I think we both anticipated.  Last time we went through a major ordeal with her breast cancer, the most Ceil was gone from the house was about a week.  As of today, she has not been home since August 12th.  Way too long! 

Ceil is doing well and pushing herself, but the amount of strength you lose in such a short time is unbeleivable and is taking time to recover.  She is doing 4 OT and PT sessiona 6 days a week.  Her strength is getting better, but there is a lot of work ahead.

The kids continue to do well with what is going on.  With the support system we have had in the past and with whats going on, it makes it all possible.

Guys, just know this - your support is extremely appreciated and its why Ceil made a recovery through her last battle.  While I would never ever wish it on anyone, it gave Ceil and I our eye opening moment that life is fragile and you need to appreciate every single day.  You need to take what life gives you and figure out what is truly important.  You need to get rid of the negative bullshit in your life and truly decide that you will live as a positive person that will make your time on earth a betterment for the people you know and surround you. 

If you realize and understand this from following along, maybe, just maybe, this all will make sense to you.

As I have been typing this, I got an email from our sister-in-law Carla that went out to a distribution list.  I want to share it because I think it is absolutely awesome and know Ceil will appreciate it.  I have been asked by so many of you what ever you can do to help...this may be it - please read and make this happen for Ceil.

Hello Family and Friends, I have a project in mind, and I’m asking for your craftiness! This project is for Ceil. During her stay at Hospital for Special Care, her very favorite blanket has gone missing. From what I hear it was very special to her and helped comfort her during treatments for Breast Cancer. It would be impossible to replace! So the idea I had was to create a new blanket, one that will also give her strength and let her know how many people care and are rooting for her quick recovery.

I have employed my Grandmother, aka Big Nonni, to help me, and I’d like your help too. The idea is to have as many friends and family knit squares that can then be knitted together to make her one big blanket. Each square can be as unique as your relationship with Ceil.

I know there may be people that don’t know how to knit, like me J , but would still like to contribute, so there are a few options: You can pick out the yarn you would like to see used, send it to me and Big Nonni can knit the square for you, OR you can send a silk ribbon that can be added to the blanket as an embellishment. Any unused materials that you send will be returned to you.

Just a few more things:

· Please make your square 6” X 6 “ ( feel free to make more than one)

· When you make your squares, please leave your name, a message (optional) and an extra piece of material on the side so I can put the yarn with the name/ message all together in a book or folder when we give it to Ceil.

· I will have a box at Simeone’s Mobil, 21 Chamberlain Hwy, behind the counter to collect all squares and ribbons. Please have your materials in a bag to keep it clean and all together. The employees will be aware that the materials will be coming in

· I would be happy to pick up any materials as well!

· Now we all know how strong Ceil is, but when you’re picking yarn, think soft and cozy. Any and All colors too!

· Here are some links of Soft yarn ideas.

http://www.joann.com/bernat-soft-boucle-yarn/prd27703/

http://www.joann.com/martha-stewart-crafts-extra-soft-wool-blend-yarn/zprd_11116258a/

http://www.michaels.com/Bernat-Baby-Blanket/nw0976,default,pd.html?cgid=products-yarnandneedlecrafts-yarn-bernat

· My email is simeonecarla@sbcglobal.net, cell860.967.9031, home 860.284.4242 for any questions, pick-ups etc.

· I’d like to collect everything by September 20, and have the blanket ready for her as soon as possible after that.

· If you’d like a photo of the finished product, leave your email or home address and I can forward it along when it’s done.

I've added as many family and friends that I could think of, but PLEASE FORWARD to others that may want to contribute too! Oh, and try to keep it a secret!, Shhh!

Thanks for helping out! I can’t wait to see what it’s going to look like and present it to her! Feel free to call with any questions! Carla

Tuesday 9/2

Happy September!  Unreal how fast time flies.

After our Saturday, Ceil had a couple of good days with no therapy due to Sunday and the holiday yesterday.  Today she's got a lot of therapy scheduled so she will be tired throughout the day I am sure.

Yesterday I brought up Great Taste (its on the way) and both of us agree, Wa-Wah in Berlin is much better tasting chinese. 

Everyone in the house is counting down the days until Ceil is able to come home.

The lack of news to give you is welcomed on our end.

Slow and steady recovery is what we'd like to continue.

Have a great day and thanks for following along.

Good news

After eight agonizing hours in the Hartford Hospital ER the CAT scan was finally read and proved to be negative which is great news.  Ceil has returned to HSC and will continue her therapy.

I was able to catch up on the 1st three out of four installments of Indiana Jones on USA while waiting.

Saturday update

All afternoon visits are suspended.  Our patient tried to get up herself and took a spill.  As a precaution they sent her back to Hartford for a ct scan.  I did speak with her and she sounded fine.  Once we are out of here I will give the blog an update.

Thanks

On to her next stop

Ceil was discharged and transported to Hospital for Special Care in NB.  Many thanks to Dr Rossi and the staff at HHS who took care of Ceil.  We'll miss the great nurses but it definitely was time to go.  It ended up being a full two weeks in the hospital.  

Couple of things I won't miss - the parking garage and the inconsiderate boobs that take up two spots in an already overcrowded garage, the residents of Hartford that believe everywhere and anywhere on a street is a crosswalk mo matter the time of day and for Ceil the cowboy coffee.

We got to HSC at about 3:30 pm.  Robin greeted us at the door and got Ceil all setup in her room with her hand picked team to get Ceil home as soon as possible.  

If you are going to visit Ceil please let me know.  She's got therapy throughout the day so I'd be able to let you know a good time.  It'll also allow me to run crowd control so she's not overwhelmed and have any setbacks.  If you do visit her, please understand even if she's tired, she won't tell you to leave so please use common sense if she seems tired.  Remember its all about getting Ceil home to the kids and I as soon as possible,

Thanks everyone, she's a little closer to home!

1st day out

Ceil is doing great today!!!!!!  Wide awake, watching TV and able to read some of the magazines she has.  Her headaches seem to have diminished.

The kids went back to school today and all with no tears.  I was nervous for them without mom being there.

It looks like we will be checking out in a couple days with a temporary stop at a rehab facility.  We are hoping to get her over to Hospital for Special Care to be with our friend Robin Cop to whip her into shape.  

So all good news from Hartford today!

Time to move

I just got the call that Ceil is being moved to a step down unit which is good news.  The Doc let me know we need to get her moving and out of the ICU which will hopefully get her energized a bit.  She is still very tired and definitely likes to sleep more than ever.  With the change of scenery and a roomate, I am sure she will be looking to break out.

Please do me a favor and understand that I am requesting that everyone holds off on coming up to the hospital.  The worst thing we can do is keep her awake and using energy to visit with everyone and when the kids show up, she is sleeping.  I appreciate you respecting this and it goes for everyone that does not have Simeone blood pumping through their body.

One of the things Ceil requested from me before surgery was for me to volunteer to run this year's Berlin Relay for Life.  With so many things going on in my life I had said No in the past as it would just add another layer of responsibility to my docket.  I have obviously had some time to really think about the important things in life over the past week and a half and let Ceil know that I would do it.  My decision was based on how important the Relay for Life is to Ceil and what it means to her.  Working with her on it will be one of the most satisfying jobs I will be involved with in my 43 years to date. 

So be on the lookout for something coming up the pike to celebrate Ceil's recovery from this ordeal which will use to also raise funds for the Relay for Life.  I would imagine it will be an event like the last Ava'sMom benefit which we raised a bunch of cash and everyone had a phenomenal time...and who could forget the Ava'sMom Drink?

If you want to be on the advance invite list to receive info on this, just shoot an email to me.

Surgery complete

Ceil is out of surgery and I've been told by the anastesialogist (spelled wrong but you get the drift) is doing well.  He said the surgery went very well.  I look forward to hearing from the neuro surgeon direct but wanted to let everyone know the good news.  

Hopeful that this helps her wake up so I can get her out of here and home...it's been 10 days in the ICU. While the nurses and Docs have been great, Ceil really would like to jump in a shower and we miss her at home.  Also, her home should help get Verizon and Nordstrom share prices back up a bit.

Thanks for the messages today.

Surgery today

Ceil is going in for her surgery in the next half hour. They will be putting in a permanent shunt To relieve the pressure.  Please take a moment to say a quick prayer for Ceil and the surgical team.

Thanks

Still in ICU

We are still in ICU due to spinal fluid continuing to pool and not circulate thru the 4th ventrical properly.  They had told us pre-op that this would be possible.  The solution to this challenge is draining the ventrical either by a temporary solution or with a permanent one.  We will consult with the neuro-surgeon in the am.  

The kids are doing well with it all.  They miss mom at home but understand she is where the docs can make her better.  Everyone's help is sincerely appreciated which has made it easier for me to get up to the hospital.  I feel blessed to have the community we do and the family support.

Wednesday will be tough with Liv going to middle school for the 1st time and Ceil not curbside for the kids 1st day of school which has never happened.  

I continue to get asked how I am doing. Besides being more tired than I ever recall, I think I'm dealing pretty well.  I learned a lot from Ceil with our last go around.  I learned what's important is what you spend your time on worrying about.  I also learned that stressing out doesn't make anything better.  A truly positive attitude on the other hand lets you accomplish more.  When you have this, your kids, your business and other daily tasks that need to get taken care of, the attitude and the ability to plan and prioritize is what will lead you to accomplish what's needed.

I'll let you know tomorrow how what are next step will be to get Ceil home.  I miss her with every minute she's not at the house.

Thanks again everyone for your support and loving messages.  

Ceil needs some prayers tonight please.

Signs That Don't Apply

After a stressful week, a little comic relief for Friday compliments of Ceil's Mom!

IV's taking out

I got to the hospital this am and there was something missing.  The tubes that had loaded up Ceil's left arm were all taken out which is a great sign that her vitals are all in control.

She's out of bed and in a chair.  As I stand here and write this, Jose the blood taker is trying to find a vein to get a sample.  She's either feeling real good or the digs are doing the trick.  She just called Jose a bastard for sticking her.  She followed it up with some flirting... Must have forgot I was here!

She's doing much better.  She was able to stand to get in the chair.  She's still getting bad headaches which they control with drugs.  She ate yesterday and this morning which is a great sign as well.

Thanks for all the CareGrams.  The support has been incredible and she loves to read them...especially the funny ones (Tufano you should be on stage).

Thanks for visiting

Thursday update

Great news!! Ceil's showing of being Ceil.  Last night her parents came in to see her and she told her mom to "stop" when she didn't like what she was saying.  This is typical when my mother in law is generally talking about getting someone to eat food when they don't want it.  

30 minutes later her eyes were open and the two of us were able to talk for a while without her closing hers due to being tired.  Her nurse gave her the hourly neuro check and she had the best one since we've been here.  

I got up here this morning and she was awake.  We had a good conversation and she remembered seeing her parents and siblings yesterday.

Due to her needing rest and our concern for her getting better, the only ones on the list to get thru the door to get in the unit are her siblings and parents.  Also, she does not have her cell phone that is why texts aren't being returned.  Just want you to know she's not being rude.

Thru this whole ordeal, the kids are doing great.  They know what is going on and miss Mom but know she's here to get better.  

Get back to you soon

Send a Care Gram

Let Ceil here from you with an online Care Gram.  They print em and post em in her room. http://www.harthosp.org/patientvisitors/caregram/default.aspx?view=form&formview=picture

Out of Surgery

Ceils surgery went well according to the surgeon.  She is back in ICU recovering.  She can be in for a few days.  I'll keep this updated as she improves.

Thank you for all the wonderful wishes and prayers.  They worked!!

Uncle Wally referred to Ceil this week as a battleship.  Tough as can be and what you bring when you go to battle.  She is the toughest person I know...with a helluva smile!

Surgery change

The surgeon came in and let us know Ceils been bumped to tomorrow morning as another surgery got cancelled.  Tomorrow morning she goes in at 7:45.  She's sleeping right now to get ready for the big day.  Please tomorrow morning give her positive thoughts collectively at 7:45.  

This picture was sent to me from a special friend for inspiration. How true it is.

CBISC STRONG

Cat scan results

Ceil just let me know the CT scan neck down came back with nothing showing up.  More good news that she is still cancer free.  Lets just get the tumor out and get things back to normal.

The messages and texts are nothing short of inspirational.  We are so fortunate to have such a large, loving community that surrounds us.  

Thank you, each one of you, from the bottom of my heart.  

August 18th

Last night Ceil had an MRI and CT scan done from her neck down.  The MRI was to see if there was any additional buildup in the spinal chord from any residual tumor "flaking".  This sometimes happens with this type of tumor.  The good news we received today is there was no additional problems from this in the spinal chord.  We haven't received any word as of yet on the CT scan results, but look forward to hearing about that as soon as we can. 

The Neuro surgeon came in today to let us know that the crew and the machines needed for the surgery are booked for Monday morning and for Tuesday.  Therefore, it is looking like we'll be going in on Wednesday morning.  The surgery is quite long so you want to be started in the morning to make sure you have the right team available.  I liken it to wanting Jimmie Johnson driving the car and having the #48 pit crew available when it's time to race on Sunday.  There's a lot of good drivers and crews, but you want the best available for game day.

Ceil's in unbelievably good spirits.  It sets me back to 2011 when I realized just how strong she was/is.  She's got the right attitude and ability to face adversity like no one I have ever known.  It's what makes her the person we all love, you just can't rattle her! 

I let the kids know what's going on.  That Mom is in the hospital so the Doctor can take care of the pressure that is causing her dizziness and the headaches.  Our nurse today gave us a good opinion - when the kids are old enough to hear more of the details, they will ask questions about it.

Speaking of nurses - Ceil's got two great nurses that are enjoying having her in the ICU.  Most people in there are in rough shape and consequently don't talk much.  Ceil on the other hand has made fast friends.  One of her nurses she actually had in Women's Health when she had her masectomy.  So there is some familiarity for her.

So that's all for now.  Thanks everyone for all the messages and text's and the love and support.  It means a ton and keeps Ceil busy reading it all.

And so it begins...again (August 16/17)

Friends/Family/Co-workers and those of you that clicking the link, Ceil has been admitted to the hospital due to pressure, diziness and vomitting.  Like her last heroic fight against cancer, I will keep everyone updated the best I can through here so that everyone knows whats going on with Ceil.  I do not do this for any other reason but to help everyone know what we are doing and to help her not have to repeat the same story over and over.  We beat it the last time through a lot of positive energy and the repeating of negative information to everyone will not do her any good.  You are all friends and family and I know that you all want the very best for Ceil and that is what the team of Doctors is here for.

Couple of things I need to get down right away.  Please do your best to share the info with who needs to hear it however, with four kids running around and school starting, please do not make assumptions that you know what is going on outside of what you read here and have that info overheard by a child that may repeat inaccurate info to our kids.  It'll be hard enough explaining to them what is going on without them being frightened by misinformation.  I appreciate this in advance.

First what I can tell you at this point is Ceil had an MRI last night that revealed she has a mass in her brain that is blocking fluid from circulating on its normal path from brain to spinal chord.  Due to this the spinal fluid buildup.  They admitted her to the ICU last night and she will stay there to make sure the pressure does not build any more.  First they believed that this mass or tumor was the breast cancer moving its way to the bottom of the brain where her type of cancer has the potential of going.  However, based on the MRI, we did get some good news that the tumor appears to be benign.  The course of action at this point is a surgery on Monday or Tuesday to remove the tumor.  With everything going according to plan, recovery from something like this will be up to a week in the hospital and more at home.

As we know more, I'll keep adding to this so please feel free to copy the link or just click back on the link.

I've had some calls today and I appreciate it and the love and support from everyone.  I have asked myself why does she have to deal with something like this again.  It is gut wrenching to watch the love of your life have to have this much put on her and it's not fair.  But it makes you realize how important the people around you are and how precious life is.  Maybe God is just trying to remind us all of that and is using one of  his greatest creations to help us all realize it. 

Do Ceil and I a favor and let someone in your life know just how much you love them, how important they are to you and make sure to give them a hug and a kiss today.

Please pray for Ceil and our whole family and make sure to stay positive...we will be!