Michigan Bound!

Well, believe it or not, we are currently on an RV bound for Michigan...with Tina on board!

It was a tough decision, but Tina really wanted to be up by family to try and gain her strength back and get better. Since she is unable to fly, we knew driving was the only option. No way she could ride in a car in her condition, so we decided to RV it. We are the proud new owners of a 1991 33 ft Holiday Rambler! It has a great big queen size bed in the back, which is perfect for Tina.

We are at the tail end of the trip as we just entered Michigan, and it is a welcome relief to get out of the AZ heat. It has been a pretty good trip, and Tina is doing great. Teya is actaully having a pretty good time too, and Rick, Rose and I are splitting all the driving duties. Teya is in charge of the having fun in the RV duties, and it seems she is doing just that. Only been pulled over by the cops once on the trip...

So how long are we going to be in Michigan? Really, it is kinda unknown...but as long as is necessary. The main goal is to get Tina healthy, so she will stay at her parents house so everyone can help nurse her back to health, and the RV will be my new home/office. We are hoping to be here 1-2 months before we can head back to AZ. If we think it is going to be any longer than that, we will look to rent a house up here and go from there. Thankfully, my work has been great about me working remotely, so I really, really appreciate that. Two of Tina's co-workers from PTF are staying at our house while we are gone so Marley, Bo, Kitty and the fish will be well looked after, and our good friends Cathy and Jon are gonna help take care of any other house stuff that may arise. That makes the trip that much easier...

While we will dearly miss our AZ family, know you are in our thoughts. We have received such fantasic love and support from everyone, it made the decision to leave very, very though. Know the invite is out for anyone to come and visit! Might be a nice break to get out of the AZ heat and come play on the water. Thanks again for all the love, prayers and support!

Tina's first week home...

So it has been a week since Tina has been home, and she seems to be doing a lot better. She still seems to have good days and bad days, but luckily, lately they have been good days. Much of the swelling she had when she was in the hospital seems to be going away, her heart rate seems to be a bit lower, and today she was even able to get out of the bed by herself and take about 10 steps with her walker! Might not seem like much, but for someone who has pretty much been confined to a bed/chair for the last 6 weeks, it was quite an accomplishment! Nothing like being home...

The hospice doctor was here today, and he too seemed impressed by her progress. He thinks we are going on the right path to get her better, but thinks it will definitely be more time.

I must clear something up though. While we say she is getting better with the little day to day things we post about - that we see as 'victories' - please understand how sick she really is. Why do I say this? It seems some people are thinking that she is getting better. Bottom line is she has a damaged heart that isn't working correctly, melanoma tumor(s) that are growing, and a girl that isn't yet strong enough physically to do anything about them. We need to get her heart better, so we can start some type of cancer treatment for the tumors. We are still a long way before she can start fighting again...

Now, if you know Tina though, you know that is nothing! Our girl is so strong and driven, we have no doubt she is going to pull through with flying colors. The thoughts and prayers that each of you have sent her way have definitely been felt! We thank you...

Anyway, will try to get an update again in the next few days...

Quick note...Tina is home!

Being in the hospital just wasn't the environment she needed to fight, so we made the decision to bring her home with hospice, and the doctor's all gave the OK. The hospice staff took care of getting all the hospital equipment, medications, supplies, etc...and will be dropping by every day or two to help us take care of her.

It is the first step to getting her well enough to really begin fighting this fight...and nothing like being at home. Teya was especially excited...but I think all of us were equally thrilled, as it was a long 3 weeks with her in the hospital. Now we just need to get her better...

Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers. Know that Tina can feel them, and they are a great strength for her, so thank you and keep it up!

The latest update on Tina...

I know many of you have been asking, so a quick update of the latest information for you...

It started on Saturday night, when Tina's heart rate skyrocketed to almost 200, so they rushed her down to ICU and tried to get her heart rate back in check. They did an Echocardiogram on her heart to see what was going on, the result was they found out the ejection fraction (the pumping function of the heart) was only about 15-17%, where a 'normal' heart is 50-60%.

The critical issue is she will not be able to survive if they can't get that percentage up, and we have been told this isn't really something that can 'improve' - so we don't really know what the next step is. While they really don't know what caused the problems, they think it might have been caused by her latest Chemo, DTIC (Dacarbazine). Unfortunately, Chemo isn't smart enough to just target the cancer; it works on all organs in the body. Bottom line is, the heart has become the biggest issue - if that can't be figured out, it doesn't matter what is happening with the cancer...

The good news is on Sunday, she was able to move out of the ICU and back up to a regular hospital room so Teya is once again able to visit. As for the next steps, we are pushing to get checked out of the hospital, hopefully as soon as tomorrow, and try to set up hospice at home. Tina just doesn't think she can fight like she will need to cooped up in a hospital room, and we all agree. Nothing like being home! We talked to the 'Hospice of the Valley' today, and as long as we can get checked out of here, we have them on board to get us all set up at home so they can help us care of her, and get back on the path to fighting this disease. Note though, while Tina's surrounds might have changed, her condition hasn't, so still no visitors - hope everyone understands...

As for Tina, she is an amazing person...and I can’t express the strength and fight she has. There have been a number of times where Doctor's have seemed to be ready to put her on 'Comfort Care', and just let everything play out. Talking with her though, they always change their minds when they see the strength and drive she has. It is amazing. She is actually very much at peace with what is going on. No pity, no 'feel sorry for me' attitude. She says she can defiantly feel all the prayers that everyone is sending her way, and helps to give her the peace and strength that she has.

Finally, thank you to everyone for the fund raisers, yard sales, lemonade stands, etc. as people try to raise money for Team Pale Skin Is In. It is amazing generosity that all of you have displayed, and it is much, much appreciated to alienate a huge burden on our family. Also, thank you for all the prayers, kind words, calls, emails, texts, etc. While we might not be able to get back to each of you individually, know that we appreciate it. Know as much as you are thinking of us, we are thinking of you…we have an amazing network of family and friends...

Mom Here Prayers Needed

Please stop right now and pray for Tina's heart. Her heart has began to fail and is being move to ICU as I type. I believe in the power of prayer and all of Tina's prayer Warriors. Please, Please she needs you NOW. Her heart is only functioning at 15% RIGHT NOW.