This LAST thing will make you smile

Carly made the evening news sports segment this week - click link below to see the video

http://www.click2houston.com/sports/Memorial-HS-Volleyball-player-battles-Cancer/-/1735736/16656324/-/gigt0l/-/index.html

Thanks for your continued support!

 

love,

Claudia

We Continue to Celebrate....

 

September marks the beginning of a New Chapter -- Carly's Senior year at Memorial High School, her 18th Birthday, and a strong recovery.  We are so very blessed to be embracing these milestones knowing GOD has made this possible.

 

We had a busy first week back to school.  In addition to attending classes, Carly played volleyball in her High School's annual Play-For-A-Cure game, which raises money for cancer research.  The game is played against Stratford High School, where Carly also has great support and friendships.  Carly has been working hard to get physically fit and it was a goal of hers to be back on top for this particular game.  She achieved her goal by performing well, playing hard and winning.  Needless to say, we were all smiles to see Carly back on the court having fun.

 

 

To celebrate her 18th Birthday we spent Labor Day weekend at the Ranch with her Camp Ozark buddies, where they managed to play more volleyball -- it is nice seeing her be a normal teenager again.    

 



 



As we close out this FINAL BLOG, we want to take the opportunity to thank each and every one of you that have held Carly up in prayer as she faced this challenge head on.  The community rallied around us.....from Memorial neighbors to school faculty to MD Anderson staff, especially Dr. Anna Franklin.  The community support, shown in so many ways, was greatly appreciated by our entire family.   On a personal note, I want to thank my beautiful daughter, Carly, for being such a witness to me -- the Faith she has shown and the unfettered belief that GOD truly has a plan for her life enhanced my own walk.  

With all our love,
Brad and family

She's back

Carly is back in the swing of volleyball and loving it.  She is exercising and getting stronger everyday (no more excuses for me not exercising).  It's great to see her on the court playing volleyball and having fun with her teammates.  This must be the best medicine for recovery because she is smiling all the time.
 

Carly had a tournament yesterday at Cy-Creek and afterwards a Mom, from another team, approached her and asked if she had cancer.  Carly explained that she had recently finished treatments.  The Mom told Carly that she was currently undergoing chemotherapy herself and that Carly looked so beautiful and happy playing volleyball that it was an inspiration to her.  The Mom said her wig made her miserable because it is so hot during the summer.  Carly recommended  the Mom try going without her wig because it's liberating and refreshing.  The Mom said she would give it a try.

We are so grateful for the support from our community and the meals from friends!  Thanks for the continued prayers - please pray for good results each time we visit MD Anderson, next week is our first time back.

As for new info with our family:

• Aug. 28 is the "Play for the Cure" volleyball game against Stratford and Carly will play
• Kevin is heading back to Texas A&M - the house won't be the same
• Clayton enjoys his job in the Woodlands with an Oil and Gas Company
• Carly turns 18 on Sept. 1
• Our new puppy, Tusker, has sparked energy in our older dog, Aggie.
• We're planning to run a half marathon relay as a family in Nov. (to lose some of the weight gained after the delicious meals delivered over the last 3 months)

Hugs,
Claudia

Is anyone still reading this thing?

This past weekend, we were able to get away to Mexico and celebrate Carly's triumph over cancer.  Carly chose the beach to get some color on her head. A good time was had by all.


Hasta luego,
Clayton

CANCER FREE

What a ride the past few months have been -- but today it ended in Celebration.  Carly completed her fourth and final round of chemo last Tuesday, 16 treatments, and was retested yesterday.  Today we confirmed the results we have prayed for and she remains CANCER FREE! 

With the completion of the treatments and the great results, she was given the opportunity to ring the Cancer Free Bell at MD Anderson.  What a beautiful sound and what a beautiful young lady.

God has been our refuge during this trial -- His promises have given us strength as we placed all of our Faith in His Word.  We rejoice in all the Great things He has done for us and give Him all the Glory.  He is good, ALWAYS.

We thank all of our friends that have lifted Carly up during the past few months; knowing that we were not alone in this struggle was such a blessing.  We also thank our neighbors  for their support, meals and prayers.  A huge, special thanks to Dr. Anna Franklin and the wonderful team at MD Anderson for their guidance, knowledge and support.  We will continue to visit monthly for check ups for a year.  All of you made this difficult situation much easier on us. 

As Carly starts her healing and recovery for senior volleyball season we ask for your continued prayers -- we know God hears them.

Now that we are on the backside of this journey, I can honestly say, what we have gone through I wish on no one, but the blessing of friends, family and faith we have received during this period, I wish on everyone. 

Much love, Brad

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those that love Him and are called according to His purpose...  Romans 8:28

BLESSINGS

When I count my blessings, I count Carly twice.  She has been a ray of sunshine through this storm.  Carly had a positive attitude through all her treatments and just has scans and check ups left.  Hallelujah!  The healing and recovery can begin as she is wanting to play volleyball Senior year for Memorial High School.

We will miss many of the friendly faces at MD Anderson we were use to seeing each week, including Bertha.  Bertha is a valet parking attendant who greets us everyday, smiles and asks Carly, "feeling better today?"

This experience has taught us a lot but especially to appreciate the little things we sometimes take for granted.....laughing, walks, riding bikes, nature, neighbors and trying new things.

What have we tried new?  Meet Tusker! She is a rescue dog we saw on the news from a shelter.  Tusker has "trouble" written all over her but we adopted her today and she will spice up our lives!

We are grateful for many things as we celebrate our blessings.  Thanks for your continued prayers and support.  This verse below is for Carly:

2 Timothy 4:7

I fought the good fight,

I finished the race,

I kept the faith.

Blessings to you,

Claudia

Proud Grandmother

My precious granddaughter, Carly, is entering her last day of chemo today and I'm so proud of how her Christian faith has shown through while fighting her illness.   I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank each of you who have given so much love and support to Carly and her family.  Your prayers, visits, calls, e-mails, food, and gifts lifted their spirits during this difficult time.  They knew they weren't alone in this fight; they had an army of supporters behind them.   

From the beginning when Carly was asked about her illness she would tell us God had a plan for her.  And since God doesn't wish illness on anyone, I know God's plan was to heal Carly.  I thank God for his blessing.   

To all who stood by Carly, you too have been a part of God's plan.  Your comfort not only touched Carly but was felt by others who were effected by her illness and were also in need of your love and support.   We thank you.                           

Love, Nana

We Made it to Camp

Sorry we have not posted in a while, we have been busy shouting Carly's Good News from the mountain tops.  Since we last wrote, Carly completed her Third Round of chemo and is preparing for her Fourth and, God willing, FINAL Round.

She got a nice break when her Doctor approved her to go to Camp Ozark for a few days.  A special thanks to the Torn's, who welcomed her with open arms and allowed her to drop right into the middle of a Session.  As you can see, she loved being with her friends for what was to be her last year as a camper. Not only was it a fun few days with friends, it gave her an opportunity to fill up her spiritual tank as she enters this final round of treatment.

SPORTS JERSEY NIGHT w/ Maggie Pipkin, Hanna Johnson and Shelby Hoyt

Also a special thanks to Katherine Christie and Ali Donelson (friends and Ozark counselors) for all of their love and support through this process.

We thank you for your interest in Carly and ask that you continue to join us as we lift her up in prayer.  Specifically we are praying for no side-effects on these last four chemo treatments plus a full speedy recovery.

Love, Brad

Happy Father's Day!

Hope everybody enjoyed their Father's Day.  Dr. Anna Franklin delivered Brad's Father's Day gift early last week when she gave us the news that Carly's scans were negative.  You should have seen the doctor's face when Brad said, "I'm going to kiss you," and did just that. Carly is thankful for her Dad's love and her Doctor's wisdom.

We are facing three days of chemo this week with a renewed outlook that the treatment works and we plan to finish strong. In addition to praying for protection of organs, low side effects, strength, comfort, and cancer cells never to return, please add healing of her body.  Carly would like to start playing volleyball for Memorial HS in August and practice begins the week after chemo ends in July.  Carly's legs are weak but she will meet with a physical therapist to get her strength and muscle back.


I wanted to share with you some of the little things that make us smile everyday:

• hitting all the green lights to MD Anderson
• a cashier opening a new lane at the pharmacy
• generous neighbors and fun friends supporting us
• finding french fries at the bottom of the bag
• holding the elevator for somebody at the hospital
• great doctors and nurses working with us
• Carly finishing strong

Love,
Claudia


Mark 10:27
With God all things are possible

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

I want to thank Maggie Pipkin for sending the attached photo, from Africa, to Carly today.  It came in while we were working our way through a long day of tests at MD Anderson; what a smile it put on her face.  It is nice to be loved.

The purpose of today's tests were to gauge the progress of Carly’s chemo treatments to date. What we confirmed was the fact that we serve an Awesome GOD – Carly was pronounced "CANCER FREE"!

She will continue the scheduled chemotherapy for the next two months, but should be completely done by the end of July.  I ask that you continue to keep her in your prayers as she finishes the treatment and starts her recovery.  As I have said before, we are so blessed to have an institution like MD Anderson, that serves as His hands and feet, in our own backyard -- Dr. Anna Franklin, we love you.

I cannot express the joy that we felt when we heard the news.  We want to celebrate with each of you that have offered up our beautiful daughter in your prayers over the past couple of months.  It is a blessing to have you in our lives.

Love you -- Brad

Twins

I had a few minutes of free time today so I thought I would give Carl’s followers a different perspective, other than Brad and Claudia's.  Carl’s staying strong;  she just finished her second round of chemo last week and has two more rounds, if all goes well.

She has some new wigs/beanies to style off for summer!  One of her favorites is a pink wig, and recently its been difficult to go to sleep early, on account that she records herself singing different Nicki Minaj songs in her wig at night. 

We appreciate all the support our friends have been providing us and please continue to keep her in your prayers.

Go Carl Go!

Big Bro Kevo

In a nut shell

I saw this pin and thought it summed it up pretty well -- Having a child undergo Chemo treatments is difficult, but honestly, our experience has been as good as it can be.

I have noticed a few things that I would have never thought about before -- one being some of the general comments cancer patients hear, from people wanting to help, but probably they DON'T want to hear (fortunately we've personally only heard a couple of these)

• It's only hair, it will grow back
• This might make you feel a little nauseous
• Somebody in our family had cancer but....
• You'll like the taste of this medicine
• I think it would be fun to wear a wig
• I don't know if this DVD player works

Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God.

Thanks again,
Claudia

Fun w/Friends

Three days of Chemo surely entitles one to a day at the lake with friends --
 

Carly finished part of her Second Round of Chemo Thursday, again without many side effects, and decided to spend part of her weekend relaxing in the sun.  She even spent part of her day doing "donuts" on the waverunner -- to me, she seemed a bit more aggressive in the turns, so I assume she was venting to a degree. 

We will be back at MDA on Tuesday to complete this Second Round and then will repeat a series of tests the following week to gauge the progress. 

Again, we thank you for your concern for Carly and for keeping her in your prayers.  We know God hears them.

Love, Brad

Team Carly

Carly's brother, Clayton, made these t-shirts in support of Carly.  Her friends passed them out and wore them at school.  This picture was sent to Carly, not from her High School but, from the rival High School in support of Carly.  We love her friends, both Memorial and Stratford!

Yesterday we made an appointment to have Carly's hair buzzed off.  The only visual I could imagine was Brittany Spears' headline news shaving her head years ago.  Needless to say, thanks to Carly's character, there was no resemblance and no drama.  Carly made it easy on everybody in the beauty shop, especially me.  You would have thought she was getting her hair trimmed.   To take a quote from her cousin, Travis Hook, "nothing will break her beautiful spirit and Hollywood smile."  Yes, bald really is beautiful!

I am blessed to have time carved out with Carly.  We have 3 days of chemo this week so I ask you to please pray there won't be any side effects, complications or physical damage.  Pray for strength and comfort along with protection of her organs.  Pray to destroy all cancer cells, never to return again, and for 100% health/healing for her entire body.

 

Please pray especially on these dates as she will probably be taking chemo:

May 29, 30, 31

June 5, 19, 20, 21, 26

July 10, 11, 12, 17

Thanks for all the love and support,
Claudia

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding

F A I T H

Webster defines FAITH as "belief and trust in and loyalty to God, complete confidence, without doubt"

Matthew 17: 19-21 says, "if you have FAITH as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Well, Carly is moving mountains -- her FAITH is an inspiration to all of us. 

And Our Lord is rewarding that FAITH; the tumor in her Lymph Node is obviously shrinking and she has made it through the First Round of Chemotherapy with very few side effects.  Yes, she is starting to lose her hair, but even this visible sign of her struggle hasn't shaken her FAITH. 

She told me the other morning she enjoys listening to Kerrie Roberts' "No Matter What" on her drive into school each day -- in the event you haven't heard this song, I have attached a link.  If you are like me, when you hear this song in the context of what she is going through, it will bring tears to your eyes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=OA3MSqufJP4

I can't thank you enough for the many prayers you have offered up for Carly. The support we have received from friends and family is humbling.  As Carly starts her Second Round of treatment next Tuesday, I ask you for your continued prayers as she resumes her battle.

Much love, Brad

Makin Lemonade

As the saying goes....when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!  Below are just a few of the good things happening around here:

• Summer is almost here!  
• Clayton and Kevin are around to make Carly laugh.
• Brad always looks for the positive.
• Carly is a shining light.
• The dog gets lots of attention.  
• The swelling in Carly's neck is visibly down after chemo.
• Snail mail has made a come back and we love it. 
• Massages are recommended (good therapy for both of us)
• There are so many nice people that want to help.
• Carly worked a High School car wash today with friends. 
• My family can count on a couple good meals each week, thanks to friends.
• Shaving legs won't be necessary soon.
• Carly received a club volleyball award tonight for working hard, leading by example, and having good character.
• New medications help with side effects, most the time.
• Our neighbor happens to be a nurse and helps daily.
• Hodgkin Lymphoma is treatable and beatable.
• People are praying for us around the world.  Please continue to pray for peace, strength, wisdom, minimal side effects and a full, speedy recovery.

Love always,

Claudia

Sup World

On Tuesday I had my 4th day of chemo treatments and my brother Kevin said he would accompany me to the hospital and support me.  As you can see he fell asleep on the job, but it was an early morning so I can't blame him.

After Tuesday's treatment, it was nice to come home to a bed where my feet don't hang off the end, like they do in hospital beds....tall girl problems. Also, having a neighbor that is a nurse has been such a blessing. If not for June Schleicher, my dad would be giving me my daily shots  (he insisted he would be perfect for the job because he says, "I'm good at throwing darts.") 

I cannot even begin to explain how amazing the support of my friends, family, teachers and doctors have been in this process. So many people have been praying for me and have stayed by my side every step of the way. There is no way I would be able to keep such a positive attitude without their love and support. I also know that God has a plan for my life and even though I can't see it yet, I have complete faith in Him that I will be stronger from this trial. 

I appreciate the continued thoughts and prayers! Reading the posts on this blog and everyone's comments makes this process a whole lot easier. 

Thanks again,

Carly  

Jeremiah 29:11

Graduation Weekend

I am officially a Texas A&M Former Student! Carly and the family came up for my graduation ceremony this past Saturday. I am about to begin my career working in the Houston area and am thrilled to spend more time with Carly.

We'd like to thank my friend Molly Jodeit and her family for sharing their experience and giving us guidance throughout this process. Carly, as always, has been a trooper, smiling the whole way through. Please continue to remember her and bring her joy and laughter.

Over and out,

Clayton

Top 10 List

My new favorite quote:: "I know God won't give me anything I can't handle, I just wish he didn't trust me so much."

We want to thank everybody for their kindness, generosity and support!  I'm trying to keep up but my focus is getting Carly healthy.

Carly just completed 3 days of chemo and is amazing..... below are the Top 10 things We are Thankful for:

10) Fuzzy bears and blankets
 9)  Funny Movies
 8)  iPhones, iPads and iTunes
 7)  Special deliveries of meals and gifts
 6)  Memorial High School's understanding faculty
 5)  Prayers, love and support
 4)  Early diagnosis, MD Anderson and anti-nausea medication
 3)  Awesome Doctors and Nurses
 2)  Faith, Family and Friends
 1)  Carly

All the Best,
Claudia

God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power, love and sound mind.    
2 Timothy 1:7  

GOD is Good

We serve an Awesome GOD. 

Today we learned that Carly's cancer appears to have been revealed in an early Stage; 2A.  As we have learned over the past week Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a very treatable and curable cancer, especially when diagnosed early.  After a week of tests we found out today that the cancer has not spread to the bones, liver, spleen or other organs; it appears to be concentrated in her neck and upper chest. 
Carly has been such a witness to me as she marches through the days without pause.  The grueling tests, the endless prodding and poking -- she never complains and does it all with such grace.  Instead of complaining, she sings songs of praise as we drive to and fro. 
After receiving her results today we moved immediately into treatment -- but only after we heard about every side effect, no matter how remote, of the chemotherapy she will be taking.  
We have been blessed with an extremely patient and through Physician; Dr. Anna Franklin.  She makes us feel like Carly is her only patient; never hurried or annoyed by our endless list of questions.  What a Blessing MDA has been to our Family.
Carly began her Chemo this evening.  She is currently scheduled to have four (4), twenty one (21) day cycles of treatment.  And if all goes well, should be cancer free in early August. 
As I said in my earlier note; I know God didn't "will" this to happen, but I do believed he "allowed" it to.  Yet, I also know he is paving the way for us to Glorify Him.  He "allowed" me to be in a position to notice the tumor early in its growth, He "allowed" us to be domiciled in the same city as MDAnderson, He has blessed us with a support group that is lifting us up at every turn and He has "allowed" us to feel His presence every step of the way.  I have no doubt He is holding Carly in His Almighty Arms. 
GOD is GOOD!
Love Brad

Wig Shop

My sis Carl went wig shopping the other day.  Truthfully, I think it looks better on me, but you can be the judge...

It is amazing how Carl can keep such a big smile on her face even in times like these. Carl has had such a great attitude this past week during all of her tests.  I can't even begin to imagine the things she will take away from this to make her even stronger.

I can't wait to come home for the summer to see her beautiful smile everyday.

Love,
Big Bro Kevo

Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. 

Deuteronomy 31:6-8

A Day at MD Anderson

Did you know MD Anderson has a new greeter?  Brad .   Yes, Brad talks to everybody in the waiting room and down the halls.  Also, when Brad pushes Carly in the wheelchair he makes race car noises.  MD Anderson is both wonderful and sad because we are glad this fantastic hospital is in Houston but didn't realize how many children have cancer.

Carly is being tested from head to toe so the doctors will know what level of treatment she'll need.  So far the indications are good but they have a few more test to run.  Chemo will probably start next week.  Carly is strong, is a good sport and will turn this into something positive.  They pricked and poked her all day today and when done, she gave them a big smile and said "thank you."  She seems to enjoy the free apple juice. Carly says she will now have something to write about on her college essays.  

Clayton and Kevin were heartbroken when they heard the news and came home for a couple days.  They told Carly that God tests the ones he loves the most. Now they are in constant contact with her and keep her laughing.  It will be nice to have the boys close by this summer. 

Please continue to pray for good test results, healing, comfort, peace, strength, wisdom, a complete and speedy recovery. Thanks to our family, friends and teachers for all their prayers and support.  We have people organizing, calling, emailing, texting, leaving gifts and meals etc.....We feel the Love!  

Claudia

Our Baby Girl

As many of you have heard, our baby girl, Carly was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on April 30, 2012. Although I obviously do not understand God’s Plan, I know he loves Carly dearly and would not forsake her. I do not believe God “wills” these types of things to happen, but I do believe he “allows” them to happen to bring us closer to him. I know I have been down on my knees more in the past two weeks than I probably have in the past two years.

Claudia and I sincerely appreciate your prayers, because we know the Power of Prayer.  We are praying humbly and boldly for a miracle that would remove this cup of suffering from her before she even gets started with treatment, but have put it in God’s Almighty Hands.

Please pray for strength and courage for Carly and that she will be drawn even closer to her Maker during this time.

Thanks in advance for your support.

– Brad