Happy 4th of July

We had a very nice 4th, We got together with two couples from Church and we had a cook-out, played in their pool, and ate snow cones. Then we ended the day watching all the neighbors shooting off their fireworks.

Stephanie and Her new pet

Stephanie brought home a new pet today, while her and Steven was outside playing. She came running in, saying look at my new baby. I ask them who picked the frog up, Steven said NOT ME. It took us a while to talk her into letting this poor baby frog lose, so it can go find her mommy and daddy. She finally did, but not without a lot of crying. She wanted to know if the frog will remember her when it grows up. I said of course.......

Keeping Cool in the Summer Heat

Radiation Update

I went today to meet my radiation doctor, she was really nice. Dr. McCunniff explain that I will have 33 treatments total. She said it will take at least 1 hour. The side effect could be skin redness, Fatigue, swelling in the arm, and I could also have small amount of scar tissue on my lung (adjacent to the lymph nodes) and heart. My treatment and consultation will began on Monday, July 2nd. She told me radiation is the easy part, I have already gone through the hard part.

Back to Work I Go

Today was my first day back to work. I was a bundle of nervous. By time I past out all my Thank You notes, and cleaned up 6 months of dust I was ready to go home. I am only working 6 hours, and until I got home I didn't realize how weak I really was. I sat down on the couch and I was sound asleep. All my co-workers made me feel so good, and was all glad to see me back. You don't realize how much someone cares for you until something happens to you, and then you find how special your co-workers are. I received two baskets of goodies, money, cards, flowers, love, support, friendship, but most of all the prayers. I am so blessed to work with a bunch of caring people. Thanks for making my first day at work a good one.

Update

I hope everyone had a nice Father's Day and has been doing ok. The Moore Family has been doing really good. The kids are out of school and having a blast. I am doing really good. I had another bad chest cold or I never really got over the last one. The doctor put me on another antibiotic, so far this one seems to be helping. This is my fourth antibiotic in 6 weeks.

I went this Monday to see my cancer doctor, and we talked about the next step of my treatment, I go and meet my radiation doctor on the 26th of this month and we will probably start radiation in 2 or 3 weeks. I still will have to go in every two weeks to get blood work, and a shoot, plus I have to get my porter catheter flush out every 3 weeks. We also talked about when I can start back to work, so this Monday I will return to work part-time.

I can't believe 6 months ago I was getting ready for my surgery, and look how far I have came. I have to Thank God, and all my Family and Friends. Without all of you I don't know what I would have done. Everyone had been so kind to my family and have showed me how much each and everyone of you loves us. I can't say in words how much all of you mean to us, and how much we are greatful for all of you. Thanks for being there for us.

I love all of you, and may God be with you always,
Renee, Steve, Steven, and Stephanie

End Of School Program

Tonight was the kids end of school musical program. They sang all kinds of songs, and danced. Afterward they had supper for them. It was a wonderful program. Just watching the kids sing and dance and see how much they have grown in a year, brought tears to my eyes.

HIPPY HIPPY HOORAY

Today was my last chemo treatment, all of you were with me since the beginning and I want all of you to join in my celebration. I received my diploma and all the nurses came in and singing and clapping. The nurses made the day special.

I couldn't have gotten though this without my faith in God, my family, and my friends. I love each and everyone of you, and thanks for everything.


Love Always,
Renee

Family Update

Hello Everyone,

I am feeling a lot better this week, my voice is starting to come back. If I don't talk or cough much I think by the weekend it will be all the way back. I started having problems this week with my porter catheter. It is really swollen around the area and red. I went Monday for x-ray, and yesterday I went for a dye test. The port is still in place and working. they think I have infection in the area, so they put me on another antibiotics (500 mg 4 times a day), if it isn't an infection, they think my body could be trying to fight this foreign object. Even though I have one treatment left, they want to keep the port in for at least a year. My count are a lot better this week, my Hemoglobin is still low, so they gave me another shoot. I go back to the doctor this Friday, to see what my next stag of my treatment will be and hopefully talk about when I will be able to return to work. My last chemo treatment is this coming Tuesday.

We took Steven back to the doctor yesterday, to have his arm look at. It is healing really nice, so they put on a smaller cast for two more week. The kids only have two more weeks of school, before they start their summer vacation. Stephanie doesn't want school to end, she is loving it and has done so good. Steven likes school, but just don't like getting up early.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and holiday.

thanks again for all the love and support.

Love Always,
Renee


WBC (3.6-11.1) = 8.7
RBC (3.69 -4.88) = 3.43 (L)
HGB (11.4-14.4) = 9.0 (L)
HCT (33.3-41.4) = 29.5 (L)
MCV (79.3-94.8) = 85.0
MCH (26.8-33.2) = 28.8
MCHC (33.5-35.5) = 33.5
RDW (12.0-15.1) = 16.5
PLATELET (165-353) = 350

5 th Chemo Update

I am so sorry I haven't sent out an update lately, but I have been really under the weather. I had my 5th chemo treatment on 7th of May. I was sick that day with a head cold, and just got worse over time. All I did that was sleep, by the end of the week I was coughing really bad. I was sick on Mother's Day and also on Monday and missed Mommy and Me Day at the kids school. Steve played mommy for me and took picture and video's. They made me some really nice stuff and sang three songs to me. I went this Monday to see my doctor to get blood work, my counts are really low. They put me on antibiotics on Monday, I feel a lot better today, but now I can't talk. I lost my voice on Monday, and still haven't gotten it back. I think the kids and Steve are starting to like it, now I can't get on to them. (ha ha)

My 6th and finally Chemo treatment is on May 29th. Then three weeks later I will start the next phase of my treatment radiation.

Thanks to everyone at work for all the nice gifts, cards, and special prayers you sent me last week. It was very sweet of you and greatly appreciated. Everyone at work, my family, and St John's Church & School has been so nice and sweet to my family during this time, I can never say thanks enough.


I hope everyone had a nice Mother's Day's.

I love everyone of you, and God Bless You,
Renee

5/14/07 Blood Counts:

WBC (3.6-11.1) = .7
RBC (3.69 -4.88) = 3.65
HGB (11.4-14.4) = 10.0
HCT (33.3-41.4) = 31.9
MCV (79.3-94.8) = 85.0
MCH (26.8-33.2) = 29.3
MCHC (33.5-35.5) = 34.2
RDW (12.0-15.1) = 16.5
PLATELET (165-353) = 165

Manual Diff (40-60) = 18

Harris Teeter Field Trip

Today Stephanie and Steven's class went to their local grocery store on a field trip. They learned about a lot of new fruit, and were they keep all there food. They even got to check up some gum. When they left the grocery store, they went to they park and ate their snack and played. All the kids seem to like the park better, but Stephanie loved the Grocery Store the best.

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

Today was the Race for the Cure, my team raised $180.00. I want to say thank you for everyone that helped my family fight for a Cure. My goal was to walk 3miles, but Stephanie and I was only able to make a mile. I was proud of myself to make it that far. Steve, Steven, Amber (Steve Niece), and Mary (Steve Sister) all finished the 3 mile walk in 1 hour. Way to go Steven..

Family Update

Hello Everyone,

Just a quick note to let everyone know how we are doing. We took Steven to the doctor to have his arm looked at today and everything is looking really good. They keep the same cast on, they just changed the color for him. They said because he is such a active little boy, they didn't want to change it because if he fall the hard cast is better for him. Plus for mommy and daddy. He is doing really good writing with his right arm, by the time the cast comes off he will be able to write with both hands.

I went Monday to have my blood work and my counts was up some, my hemoglobin was still low. I feel better then I did last week, I still get tried really easy. My next chemo treatment is Monday the 7th, then I will only have one left. thanks again for all your love, support, and prayers.

Love Always,
Renee


WBC (3.6-11.1) = 9.9
RBC (3.69 -4.88) = 3.65
HGB (11.4-14.4) = 11.0
HCT (33.3-41.4) = 32.2
MCV (79.3-94.8) = 87.3
MCH (26.8-33.2) = 29.7
MCHC (33.5-35.5) = 34.2
RDW (12.0-15.1) = 17.0
PLATELET (165-353) = 200

Strawberry Field Trip

Stephanie and Steven class went with their class to pick Strawberries on a Field trip. They had so much fun, and it was so fun to watch the kids pick their on Strawberry's. You should have seen all the red faces. My two didn't like Strawberries until now, and these Strawberries was so sweet and very good.

Family Update

Hello Everyone,

This has been a rough week for our family. It started Sunday afternoon, when Steven decided to jump out of a swing and break his arm. We spent all afternoon at the emergency room with him. He broke both the radius & ulna in his left forearm. They had to sedate him to set his arm, he has a cast above his elbow, which he will wear for at least 2 weeks and then they will replace it with another cast. He will have to wear a cast for at least 6 weeks. He is doing really good, he is learning to write with his right hand now and is doing a pretty good job. It slowed him down for two days, but now he is right back to his self, scaring his mom.

As for his mom, I went in Monday for blood work and my counts was really low. The doctor saw me instead of the nurse. I was there for over 2 hours. They gave me a shot to bring my Hemoglobin up. I woke up Tuesday sick as a dog, I was sick all day Tuesday and had cold chills. They doctor called me in a antibiotic and some more nausea medicine. She thinks I had an infection, but I think it was the shot. I have been really tried all week, but I am feeling a lot better.

I hope everyone is able to get out and enjoy this pretty weather we are having.

Thanks again for all the prayers, love, and support.

Love Always,
Renee

WBC (3.6-11.1) = 1.3
RBC (3.69 -4.88) = 3.65
HGB (11.4-14.4) = 10.9
HCT (33.3-41.4) = 31.9
MCV (79.3-94.8) = 87.3
MCH (26.8-33.2) = 29.7
MCHC (33.5-35.5) = 34.0
RDW (12.0-15.1) = 16.0
PLATELET (165-353) = 188

4th Chemo Update

Today I had my fourth chemo treatment. So far everything is going well. The doctor gave me a new prescription to use if I have the muscle and joint pain this go around, she didn't want me to take to many Advil. My blood counts looks great. The hot flashes and just being hot from chemo is in full force, I am freezing everyone out. Stephanie is walking around the house with a blanket around her. I don't know what I am going to do when it gets humid. I guess I will walk around the house with a fan around my neck.

I want to thank everyone for everything they have done for me and my family. All the cards, love, support and friendship has meant so much to me and has helped me in so many ways. I want to say thank you to the special Easter Bunny's( at work) that helped make my kids Easter so special. They enjoyed everything, and keeps asking us how did the Easter Bunny know they wanted all that wonderful stuff.

I hope everyone had a nice Easter, I was feeling good and I went to both services they had at Church and was able to go to my mom's house for Easter Dinner. I figured that God would protect me from germs at his house and so far he has.... I have been blessed in so many ways and I know it is because I have all my faith in God and I know he will be there for me and my family. God is Good....

Thanks again for all the prayers and support. I love all of you very much..

Love Always,
Renee

(4/16/07 Blood Counts)

WBC (3.6-11.1) = 10.7
RBC (3.69 -4.88) = 4.18
HGB (11.4-14.4) = 12.3
HCT (33.3-41.4) = 36.8
MCV (79.3-94.8) = 88.0
MCH (26.8-33.2) = 29.5
MCHC (33.5-35.5) = 33.5
RDW (12.0-15.1) = 17.0
PLATELET (165-353) = 498

Easter Party 2007

Today the kids had their Easter Party at School. They went to their teachers house for a Easter Egg Hunt, Lunch, and just free time play. The kids had a great time.

Steven's Prayer's

Last Night Prayer:

Dear God,

We are getting ready to eat, and all our blessing.
There are sick people out there, make them better.
In God Name We Pray.
Amen.....

Tonight's Prayer:

Dear God,
We are getting ready to eat, and all our blessing.
Make Sick people Better, and bring home people safe.
In God Name We Pray.
Amen............

Recap of Holy Week Services

This was our first Easter at St. John's Lutheran Church and we can't wait until next year.

As part of our Holy week worship life, we observe, in part, an ancient custom of the early Christian Church. Beginning with evening worship on Maundy Thursday and continuing through Holy Saturday’s Easter Vigil, these services were considered to be one service and called the Triduum (The Three Days). Even though people go home to rest and carry out their necessary responsibilities, they are encouraged to remember that at least in spirit they are still “worshipping” and remembering the events of Holy week. No benediction concludes this service as an indication that the service continues for two more days. The name Maundy Thursday comes from the Latin word mandatum, which means commandment. It is taken from Jesus’ words to the disciples in John 13:34: “a new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” Tonight, we remembered the first Passover meal and celebrate the meal that was given to us when Jesus celebrated Passover--- on the night when He was betrayed.


At the end of the service Psalm 22 is chanted. This Psalm talks about Jesus while He was on the cross. As we watched (in darkness and only saw white gloves) the stripping of the altar and hearing the words of Psalm we are reminded that Christ was stripped of all things as He suffered for our sins. We anticipate gathering together Friday night, focused on our crucified Lord. Once the stripping of the altar was completed, the congregation left in silence and darkness. Steve and I left with cold chills and tears in our eyes. The kids were amazed with it all.

Good Friday Service we remembered the freedom God gave His people at the death of the firstborn of the Egyptians. We will walk to the cross where God gave over His first born to death for the forgiveness of our sins. At the end of the service in complete darkness the pastor reads John 18:1-11, then the first candle is extinguished, then he continues with John 18:12-24, then the second candle is extinguished, then he reads John 18:25-38, then third candle is extinguished, then he reads John 18:39—19:11, then the fourth candle is extinguished, the he reads John 19:12-16, then the fifth candle is extinguished, then he reads John 19:17-27, the sixth candle is extinguished, then he reads John 19:28-37, and the seventh candle is extinguished. The Christ candle is taken from the Chancel area. The “Strepitus” is heard. The sudden and harsh loud noise indicated the closing of the tomb. Then we all leave in silence as the lights are brought up slowing, anticipating the joys of Easter while contemplating the solemnity of Good Friday.

"Son"Rise Service the followers of Jesus on the first Easter morning came to the tomb expecting nothing more than the opportunity to prepare Jesus’ body for the sleep of death. His burial on Good Friday had been done in haste; now they would take more time for a proper preparation of their beloved Master’s body. On this Easter morning, we signal this same mood with the somber confession, and the sorrowful hymn of death… and then….)

Yes, the tomb is empty! He is risen indeed!

What a why to finish Holy Week, then to ask my Pastor to Baptize me and my kids next Sunday.

Isn’t Christ Great……..

Easter Day 2007

Easter was a very busy day; I was up at 5:00am, cooking a breakfast casserole for Church. I woke the kids up at 5:30am, so they could spend a little time with their Easter Bunny Baskets. It didn’t take Steven long to dig into the Chocolate Candy. Stephanie got her Charlotte Web DVD and a Strawberry Shortcake Book and she was a happy little girl. Then we were off to "Son"Rise Service, Easter Breakfast, and then Easter Worship Service. Then we finished the day at my mom’s for Easter Dinner.

(Special Thank you to my sister-in-law Mary, her co-workers, and friends for making my kids Easter morning special.)

Mom (making my favorite dish Broccoli Casserole)

Steve, Stephanie, and Steven (watching Steven new Movie Flushed Away)

Russell (youngest brother)

Robbie & Susan (Brother & Sister in law)

Ricky (Oldest Brother)

Sharon (My sister-in-law)

Steve looking good.....

Jesse(Nephew) playing video of games.......

Rachel (niece) trying to look all pretty......

Dyeing Easter Egg 2007

Let the Easter Egg Dyeing Commence...

Stephanie with her beautiful smile..

Steven hard at work...

The Finish Product..

Health Update

My hysterectomy went really good; I was woken up by the doctor telling me NO CANCER AND YOU CAN GO HOME. That was the two best things Steve and I have heard in a long long time.

I had my third chemo treatment on March 26th, and I did really well. I only got sick that night, but I think it was because I was stuck in traffic for three hours due to a wreck and I got to hot. They only problems I have had this go around is very sore muscles and joints. Some days it hurt to move my neck and my legs hurt so badly I wanted to cry.

I went to the doctor for my blood work on Monday the 2nd, my counts were really low. I was told to be really careful and not go around anyone sick, and stay away from fresh veggies and fruit.

I did go to Church last night and I hope to go tonight and all the services they are having on Sunday. I figure that is one place that God will protect me.

All my hair, eye brows, and most of my eye lashes are gone. So far the kids hasn't even noticed my eye brows are gone. I think it is because I wear glasses and you can't see them. I don't take my glasses off until I go to bed.

My next Chemo treatment is April 16th, and I go for more blood work on Monday, so hopefully they are up.

I hope everyone has a blessed Easter.

Love in Christ,
Renee

APRIL 2ND BLOOD COUNTS

WBC (3.6-11.1) = 1.0
RBC (3.69 -4.88) = 3.75
HGB (11.4-14.4) = 11.0
HCT (33.3-41.4) = 32.4
MCV (79.3-94.8) = 86.6
MCH (26.8-33.2) = 29.3
MCHC (33.5-35.5) = 33.8
RDW (12.0-15.1) = 15.0
PLATELET (165-353) = 154

MANUAL DIFF. CELLS
Neut (40-60) = 25

HELP THE MOORE FAMILY FIGHT BREAST CANCER

Join my family in the fight for breast cancer.

On May 5th we will be WALKING 4 A CURE for breast cancer.

I was diagnose with breast cancer on November 28, 2006, my life changed that day. Breast Cancer doesn't just affect me, but it affects everyone that loves me. Since then, I have under gone two surgeries and 3 chemo treatments. I have 3 treatments lefts, and then I will begin my radiation treatment following with reconstruction surgeries.

I have a daughter that is going to have to worry about breast cancer, wouldn’t it be great if on May 5th they can come up with a cure.

Please help me and others fight for a cure.

Hysterectomy Update

Sorry I haven't sent out an update lately. I have been sick with an upper respiratory infection, and this past Saturday I woke up with my face swollen. My tooth was abscess, I called my doctor and they called me in two antibiotics. I was told if I started running a fever to call them or call 911. Today all swelling is down and I am doing really good. The kids also had a cold and missed a week of school, Stephanie still has a running nose.

I wanted everyone to know my hysterectomy will be tomorrow at 11:30 pm. The doctor will remove both ovaries and do a biopsy. If cancer is found, he will make incision and remove the uterus and surrounding tissues. Let's hope and prayer that no cancer is found. So I can come home the next day, and start my chemo treatments on Monday.

Please say a special prayer for Steve, the kids, my mom, and my brothers.

Thanks for all the prayers and all the support.

Love In Christ,
Renee

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVE

How do I begin to tell you how lucky I am
to have you in my life?
I'll start by saying what a gift you gave me
the day you walked into my life.

You're my best friend in the good times
and my rock in bad times.
You're the reason for sweet yesterdays
and my promise for tomorrow.

I never thought I could feel this much love
until you became my husband.
You made this year and every year
the best one of my life.


Love always,
Your Wife, Renee

2nd Chemo Treatment

I had my chemo treatment on the 12th of last week, we were there all day. They kids stayed at school and ate lunch and took a nap. That was a special treat for them. I don't think Steven liked laying still for that long, the teacher had to move him for talking.

The sickness started on Thursday, and by Sunday it was at full force. I went Monday morning for my blood work. My White Blood Count was really low, I had to see the doctor before I could leave. We are thinking it is were I was so sick over the weekend. I am just thankful that the kids are not sick right now.
BLOOD COUNT:

WBC: (3.6-11.1) = 1.20
RBC: (3.69-4.88) = 3.99
Hgb: (11.4 -14.4) = 12.0
HCT: (33.3 - 41.4) = 34.7
MCV: (79.3-94.8) = 87.0
MCH: (26.8 - 33.2) = 30.0
MCHC: (33.5 - 35.5) = 34.5
RDW: (12.0 - 15.1) = 14.6
Platelet: (165 - 353) = 185

Today I am starting to feel better. I am still not up to my old self, but a lot better.

All my hair is gone, and the kids are great with it. Stephanie got really upset the first day, she started crying saying "You are a boy now, and you are going to start doing boy stuff." I guess she now knows I am still a girl......

I want to say thank you for all the cards, prayers, and all the wonderful gift I have received from everyone. Your kindness, love and support means everything to me and my family.

Thank you so much and I love each and everyone of you.

Love always,
Renee


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Happy Anniversary!! Steve

Hey baby

I really don't know what to say to you
because you already know that I LOVE YOU
more than life itself.

You have given me the best life
any wife could ever ask for,
A wonderful man and 2 beautiful kids
what more could I ask for.

Steve I love you so much. Thank you
for being there for me, this past couple
of months. Your love and support has helped
me more then I could every say.

Thanks for loving me and being the
best husband every. I cant wait to spend
the next 18 years with you.

I LOVE YOU.

HAIR IS GONE

I couldn't take it anymore, I shaved my hair. It was hurting so bad and hair was every were. I'm not sure if everyone understand why I wanted it off. It is like every time I find a handful of hair it like the cancer is in control. I want to be in control, so with me shaving my hair, it like hi, I'm not letting you win. I'm taken it. Does that make since, it did to me at the time.

I showed the kids my new hair cut, and both of them put their arms around me and told me they loved me so much. Kids are the best medicine every.

BLOOD WORK UPDATE & SURGERY UPDATE

Hello Everyone,

I went in today for this week blood work and talked with the Gyn-Oncology doctor. My blood work was great and they was really happy with them. The doctor was shock on how high my White Blood Count was, I know why they are high, God. My prayers every night is for my Counts to stay high, so I can stay around my kids.

I feel great this week, I was able to go to Church last Sunday and go and spend the afternoon with mom. I figure surely God will keep me safe from infection there. My hair is starting to fall out, I probably will get Steve or Mom to shave my hair this weekend. My scalp hurts so bad from were the hair follicles are dying. So far I can brush the hair to cover up the bald spots. Before long I will have a nice comb over.... (ha ha)

BLOOD COUNT:

WBC: (3.6-11.1) = 8.50
RBC: (3.69-4.88) = 4.39
Hgb: (11.4 -14.4) = 12.9
HCT: (33.3 - 41.4) = 38.4
MCV: (79.3-94.8) = 87.4
MCH: (26.8 - 33.2) = 29.5
MCHC: (33.5 - 35.5) = 33.7
RDW: (12.0 - 15.1) = 13.9
Platelet: (165 - 353) = 343

My Gyn-Oncology doctor appointment went well, they have schedule my operation for my hysterectomy on March the 13th. He wants to wait 4 weeks after my next chemo -treatment. Which is on Monday the 12th. So I can get feeling better. He will do LAPAROSCOPY surgery though the belly because my ovaries are so high, if the biopsy comes back cancer he will then make a incision and remove the uterus and the surrounding tissue. Lets hope and pray that the biopsy comes back not cancer.

Thanks again for all the cards, email, and prayers. I greatly appreciate everything everyone has done for me, they mean the world to me. Thanks again and I love everyone so much.

Love Always,
Renee