The Foley Family - Trusting in God at ALL Times!!!: December 2008

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Grandmother's Home Going

My last grandparent, Grandma Vernetta Matthews, had her homegoing this morning at 1:00 a.m. Grandma was the mom of four kids: Paul Matthews, Shirley Stevens and twins Nancy Long (my mom) and Hugh Matthews. Grandma left us at the age of 93. She will be missed, but she will live on in her children (4), grandchildren (10) and great grandchildren (15+).

Monday, December 29, 2008

Update and getting rid of some stuff.

Well, I missed blogging, but as many of you may know...December 18th/21st was the Foley Family G.I.F.T day. (God is faithful and true) We celebrated Ethan's birthday on this day, but we were reminded and celebrated the life of our children, and esp. Ivee. It has been 2 years since her "fall" from the grocery cart and diagnosis. Em and I fell very blessed to have our children, and we are overwhelmed by the memories of our journey over the past two years.
May we all remember that children are a gift from God, and may we teach them to walk in truth and in the light of Christ. May we not stray from our responsibility to them, and may we be reminded daily that we are not promised tomorrow. So, live each day to the fullest, and take advantage of every chance you have to hug someone and tell then you love them!

I've got some stuff on craigslist, but I thought I would put it on here in case one of you were looking for something or if you knew someone who was looking.
We are selling our couch and loveseat, just asking $350 for both. They are in good shape.

Also, still selling a changing table and crib. Asking $150 for both. I can work with anyone on the prices if I need to. Should have a yard sale within the next month to get some stuff out of the house, so if you are interested you may need to jump on it.
Thanks and take care. God bless you!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Just a note of Thanks

To the Rodericks, McLeods and Hildreths...thank you for the boxes of clothing. I was surprised to come home and find them on the porch. I feel like I am missing someone, but I'll have to go home and see. I seem to have only a few minutes at work to post, so I am trying to remember these names from breif glances.
The play was a success. I haven't done one by myself before, but the Lord provided needs and blessed everyone involved and in the congregation. I expected to come out seeing about 250 to 300 people, but there were (including the cast/choir/band, children and workers in the nursery) about 530 people. About 475 to 500 in the audience. We didn't count, so I don't know for sure. I didn't really get to see alot of people cause my back is to the people all the time. But I was told there were alot of people who use to come here, and people who may not have been to church in a long time, and then some people who's names are big in the community here. I was just shocked! That is all I can say. God is good and faithful, and remember "Jesus is the reason for the season...but so are you!"

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

The Reason

I want to invite all of you to our production at the church this weekend. I am posting the info below. Also, you can take a look at the poster and get more info from our church website. That address is www.faithfamilyonline.com. I would put it all on here, but my church PC will not allow me access to post any pics or anything. If I have never meet you and you decide to come, please see me afterwards so I can meet you and introduce you to Ivee. Thanks for always lifting us up in prayer. God bless.

Faith Family Fellowship Presents...
The Reason
Written and Directed by Hope Foley
This Sunday, December 7th
6:00 p.m.
Spanish Fort, AL

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Ivee's story in SHORT...As if....

Ivee is a tough little girl. And with our help and by the grace of God, all will go well. We pray for a complete healing, and we know that our God is big enough...He is the Great Physician.

Story: On a routine Monday, December 18, 2006. I was missing work and taking my oldest daughter to the doctor cause of a stomach virus. Stopping at a grocery store on the way, I left the oldest in the car for a moment and ran inside with Ivee. I put her car seat on top of the grocery cart as so many of us mom's do. Leaving the store, I turned for a brief moment to throw something away. I turned around just in time to see the entire car seat fall face down on the concrete. I flipped, as any mom with a 7 month old falling face first would do. I arrived at the ER in record time. She already had a huge knot rising on her forehead. As they (eventually) started a CT scan, I felt God speaking to my heart. In all but audible words he told me she would be fine, but that we would find something else, that this was why she had fallen, so He could reveal it to us. So, as I watched from the tech room, I saw something that even to me, a non-trained observer, knew was not suppose to be there. A friend of mine was the radiologist there, and he confirmed, also by doing an MRI, what I suspected. I was at peace in spirit cause my heart had been prepared...but not okay. My husband was working out in Texas and would have to drive more than 7 hours to come home, not knowing what was happening, but just that she fell. Ivee was transferred to a local children's hospital in Mobile. That night, Dr. Martino consulted, and would run an MRI the next day of his own, and perform surgery on that Wednesday. On December 20, after 5 hours of surgery, all was successful, and Dr. Martino removed 98% of what he knew was an egg sized malignant tumor, later diagnosed as Stage 3 Anaplastic Ependymoma. The remaining 2 cm was on her artery next to the spinal chord.

Deficits from initial resection/treatment: Ivee had many deficits due to the tumors removal, even though he was able to leave her nerves in tack. Her right eye was severely crossed. Her vocal chords were paralyzed (left has regained use). Her hearing was affected (loss at 2000 hz and high frequency sounds). Hearing aids received June 6, 2012 at age 6. Have already hear improvement in F, S and ending sounds in 2 days time! Her balance was never truly restored, and she has left side body weakness. After 30 days (including Christmas) we were allowed to take Ivee home. She had 6 months of chemo and then 33 treatments of radiation at St. Jude.

Procedures/surgeries:

1.) Tumor Resection (12/06) – Anaplastic Ependymoma

2.) Gbutton placed for eating. (01/07)

3.) Nissen fundiplication pyloroplasty done (wrapping of throat & stomach) (01/07)

4.) Chemotherapy Begins (01/07)

5.) 5 central lines placed (many fell out on their own) (01/07 – 05/07)

6.) Port placed at St. Jude (06/07)

7.) Chemotherapy ends (06/07)

8.) Radiation (06/07-08/07)

9.) Rare scar tissue formation in the brain removed (09/08)

10.) Shunt Placement (10/08)

11.) Shunt revision/replacement (02/10)

12.) Hip Displaysia surgery – Dega Osteotomy {Not tumor related} (10/10)

13.) Reoccurance - GTR {Gross Total Resection} (02/11)

We were shocked (as was the doctor) when her Jan. 2011 scan showed a reoccurance. It was on the same artery where the orginal tumor was left behind. GTR was done on February 18^th with much success. 2^nd dosing of radiation began March 28 and ended May 6, 30 doses.

14. Begin 2nd dose radiation on March 28 (30 doses) Ended on May 6, 2011.

Improvements:

1.) Right eye is still weak, doesn't require glasses yet. Patching the good eye to strengthen the right one.

2.) Right vocal chord is still partial paralyzed. In Fall of 2008 , to the doctor's dismay, discovered she has received movement again in right chord (update: Since resection in 2/11, Right vocal chord is completely paralyzed, no movement now)

3.) Still G Button feed. Cannot eat much by mouth. She doesn’t have the drive to try to eat, but we are treating her with an appetite enhancer. She has been approved through Modified Barium Swallow Test.

4.) Balance is still and issue. Has improved over the years. Uses a walker and wheelchair.

5.) Has learned to stand (assisted) for a few moments by herself and take some steps/usually across a room (May 2012). Uses a walker VERY WELL!!

6.) Currently watching a paraesophageal hernia of the fundoplication. No surgery required at this time.

7.) Non-cancer related surgery due to hip dysplasia in Fall of 2010. Has improved her balance and slipping out of socket.

Currently:

She is doing very well! She attended K5 full-time with a personal aid (might repeat K5). She is very smart and attentative. She used her walker often throughout the day and is learning to take independent steps. She takes a little bit of something to eat everyday now instead of once a week! She has learned to drink larger portions at a time. Enjoys Hippotherapy (horse therapy). Is extremely observant, caring and just down right funny!

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