The UgLy "C" word.....Cancer

About two weeks before we had Kelsey in the hospital, we got a phone call from Steve's dermatologist.  The biopsy they took from a suspicious mole on his back was definitely melanoma skin cancer, the most deadliest form of skin cancer.  Due to the believed stage of the tumor, we were referred to the Huntsman Cancer Center.  Wow, talk about an emotional, nerve racking 2 weeks!  I had expressed my concern about the 2 weeks that we had to wait before surgery, when the doctor told me that people usually have to wait 3-4 weeks.  Although that was comforting, it scared me at the same time - wondering if it was worse than we thought.

 

The surgery went well.  The tumor and surrounding tissue that was removed was larger than a golf ball!  After another waiting period (that seemed like ForEvEr!), the results were in.  There were no cancer cells detected in the surrounding tissue.  Our prayers were answered and a huge weight was lifted off our shoulders!  June was a very long month for us, but it made us realize how truly blessed we are.

Back to the Hospital...

I think we've all lost count on how many times we've had to do this.  I keep thinking it will get easier for her, but it doesn't. The doctor thought they'd try something to help calm her down before placing her NG tube.  Between that and the Play-Doh, we were all happy..... for a little while.  

Watching your child go through so much and be in any kind of pain is unbearable.  It takes every ounce of strength and courage for Steve and I to hold it together and be strong for her.  I always find myself asking how much more she can take, and every time she amazes me. 

 Kelsey is so lucky to have such sweet friends.  I don't think they realize how something as simple as a visit can lift her spirits and make her day. Thank goodness for Jessie and her puzzles!

SoftBall

Kelsey finished up the spring softball season the first week of June.  Watching her play for that 6 weeks, we were sure she'd make the All-Star team.  At the end of season swim party, the team was announced, and sure enough, she made the team.  She was thrilled! We had been so hesitant, and worried for months about her, but seeing the smile on her face assured me that we did the right thing.

8th Grade Promotion

 I can't believe how fast time flies by!  My little Aly was promoted to ninth grade.  High school!  I wasn't ready then, and I still don't feel ready.  But, like it or not, life comes at you fast, and the best thing to do is just hold on for the ride and hope for the best.  (I hope the next few years take forever!)

Jr. High Talent Show

Aly's school held a talent show a few weeks before school got out.  Aly and her friends, Kylie and Aly H., thought it would be fun to do a Hannah Montana knock-off.  Aly was Lola, Kylie was Miley, and Aly H., was Hannah.

Aly, Aly H., and Kylie

I LoVe these girls!  They are so cute.

I didn't get to see them in action, but I hear it was funny and the school loved it.  Kudos to them for being so creative!

Spring Recital

Aly had her Spring Recital with her dance group on May 27.  She did a great job, and looked beautiful.  Of all the pictures we took, this was the only one that turned out.

We were a group of very proud parents, a sister, and Grandparents.  Our baby is growing up so fast! We love you Aly!

MoAb

 At the end of April, we made our yearly trip to Moab to play on the rocks.  There were about 6 vehicles in with us, and we had so much fun! The new (newer) Jeep was awesome, though driving a stick shift on that stuff took some getting used to for me.

 The weather was perfect! 

 Steve was very sweet, and let me do most of the driving!

 Aly, Jayce, Kelsey, Jayden, and Jaxson

 Our family

 While on a trail with sand, rocks, and even water, Jeff got going a little too fast..... and rolled over.  We were right behind him.  It scared me half to death!  It was like watching it in slow motion. Thank goodness no one was hurt, and for roll bars and the fact that he rolled on to the sand!  Our Jeep pulled him back an all fours, and we went on our way.

 

Family pictures on "Wedgie".