History

Sunday, May 6, 2007 3:44 PM CDT

This is jackie.Just wanted to tell everyone how my surgery went.It was shorter than the doctor said it was going to be.They said it went very well and everthing is going great now.I am eating and walking like they did nothing.
My mom will update later. So thanks for visiting my site.

Friday, April 27, 2007 6:27 AM CDT

Jackie had her doctors appointment on Wednesday with one of the surgeons.

We were in the room with him for almost 2 hours he talked about everything. He even drew us some diagrams. He said that what they want to do is take the old bladder out and create her a new one out of her bowels but the radiation may have caused to much damage in that area so there may be a chance that they have to go a diffrent route there are several diffrent options. He said this is a very complex surgery. He was very caring and he talked to her and explained everything to her I liked that because it is happening to her. He told us that she will be in ALOT of pain she is going to have an insision form her ribcage down she will have alot of tubes coming out of her belly and those will stay there untill the drainage stops. She will have stents in her kidney tubes to keep them from collapsing. She will go to intinsive care for atleast one night depending on how everything goes.She will be in the hospital for 2-3 weeks depending on how well she recovers. Then she will have more recovery time at home.She is nervous but she is ready to have it done I talked to her about it yesterday and she was so grown up about it she said mom I need it done. Please continue to pray for her and the doctors.(Dr.Reyes,Dr.Keating and Dr.Whery)Also pray for the nursing staff because they have never had to care for a child that has had this surgery. This surgery is usally done in Orlando but the doctor decided to come here. Praise God for that I think she will recover alot better if Family and Friends are near by. I will have Shane come on and post our room number and the phone number after she is setled probly sometime after the first week. She will be addmitted on Sunday at 8am The surgery will begin at 7am and he said he hopes to be done by 7pm.

Thanks

Melissa

Monday, April 2, 2007 8:54 PM CDT

Jackies surgery is scheduled for April 30!!
Praise God this will be done before middle school!!
Please pray for her and her doctors. I will post more info as it becomes avalible.
Thanks for all of the support!!

Lots of Love
The Carters

Wednesday, March 21, 2007 5:14 AM CDT

Still no news on an exact date. Jane from Dr.Kelleher's office called and I told her I still knew nothing so she called and they told here April 30 or May 1. If they did that she would still be able to go to Tate Relay.
I will send him an email in few days if i still dont hear anything. I hate to keep bugging him about it but I'd just like to have time to be prepared for it and have her ready as well!
All is well here! Kids are all doing great in school.
There on spring Break now. They have been learning how to skate we have been taking them to the skating rink on tuesdays thursday or saturdays.They have picked it up so quickly! They really enjoy it!
Savannah is 5 months she is learning so much, everyday she seems to grow! There are new pictures so check them out and sign the guest book so we know you stoped by!
Please let me know if you need any info on The Tate Relay!
April 27 and 28

Thursday, February 22, 2007 6:47 AM CST

Doctor Keating sent an email the other day and said that he and Dr.Whey are going to get together and come up with a date and he promised it will be done before she starts middle school. Fcat's are next week so atleast she wont miss any of that hopefully it will be before summer so that she can have fun this summer!

Thursday, January 18, 2007 9:50 AM CST

Still no word about her surgery. maybe we will hear from them soon. I know it will be done in Gods timing.

They had an absolute blast at camp. I dont think they wanted to come home. They were able to see old friends from camp last year and they were able to make some new ones.They did so many things in just 2 days that they are still telling me new things they did. They had a Hollywood Gala night and some one from mary k came out and put there make-up on them and then they wore nice dresses and when we picked them up they had a slide show of the pictures they took and oh my Gosh they looked atleat 15 years old kinda took my breath away. As soon as they send them to me i will post them on here. The police escorted them through beauleah like the were one a Hollywood site seeing tour.
There was just so much stuff that they did. It was awesome I cant say enough about all the people that put it on!! They did a great job!
I am so glad that it was this close to her surgery so that she could have some fun before haveing to have this surgery.
We are planning on taking them to disney in May just a little family vacation after the long recovery she will have with this surgery.

I think thats about it for now I will update as soon as I know something new.

Thanks
Melissa

Monday, January 15, 2007 8:49 AM CST

Camp entertains sick youths

Amy Sowder
asowder@pnj.com

Moesha Jenkins, 8, jumped, gave high-fives to a Naval aviation student and squealed.

"We won! We won!" Moesha shouted Sunday after the balloon-bouncing relay race. "First place was us."

For Moesha, who is battling cancer, the games were the best part of her three-day camp, which ends today.

The Sacred Heart Health System camp is designed for children with cancer and their siblings. The program completing its second year was at Miracle Camp on Beulah Road north of Nine Mile Road.

Twenty-two children played unconventional games throughout the weekend, such as drenching their faces in applesauce to find Hershey's Kisses with their mouths.

Including siblings at this camp helps give them some much-needed attention, camp director Bambi Provost said.

"A parent often has to focus so much energy on a child who's ill that sometimes the other sibling gets left out," she said. "Here, they both get the attention."

Twins Brittany and Jackie Carter, 11, played and cheered on different teams Sunday.

Jackie, who is dealing with cancer, said she loved telling stories and toasting marshmallows at Saturday night's bonfire.

"The more people you meet who have cancer, the more you get to hear their stories and how they felt," Jackie said during a rope-knotting relay.

Brittany, who does not have cancer, liked the bonfire, too.

"It's fun because I can meet other people who have brothers and sisters with cancer," she said.

Volunteers at the camp came from Sacred Heart, the law firm of McDonald, Fleming & Moorehead and the Naval Aviation of Schools Command.

Dr. Chatchawin "Chatchi" Assanasen, a Pensacola pediatric oncologist, was one of the volunteers. He dodged footballs and 3-foot beach balls as he talked about the children.

"You can't tell the difference between who's a patient and who's not," Assanasen said after ducking his head under a ball that soared nearby. "It's a chance for kids to get away from all the hospital visits and enjoy being a kid."

Airman apprentices Dan Culbertson, 19, and Garrett Bulmer, 19, danced the "Hokey Pokey" and cheered with Moesha at the relay races.

"They have a tough time, so it's fun to help them forget their troubles and relax," Bulmer said afterward. "I'm glad to be a part of that."

Friday, January 12, 2007 8:14 AM CST

Ok we have some news, We sent Dr.Keating an email last night and he replyed back saying that he understnads that Dr.Whery is in Pensacola but hes not sure when he will be starting at the hospital. He said he will get up with him next week and they will try to work something out he said that Jackie is on the top of the list. Please pray that this is done by the end of January or very early in Febuary. Shanes company has been bought out by Circle K and they will be taking over on Feb.26th and Shane or my Mom (she will not be able to help with the other kids if this isnt done before take over.) will not have any vacation time. They will however get payed for any unsed from the origanal company but once they start changing over they will be training and they will not be gettin time off so we really need this done before all that takes place.
Also please pray for Jackie she is nervous and i think the biggest thing she is worried about is the pain afterwards pray that she will have as little pain as possible and a quick recovery.
Dr.Keating will be coming from Orlando pray that he has a safe trip.

I think that is all the new news i have as soon as i find anything else out i will let you all know.

Thanks

Thursday, January 11, 2007 9:24 AM CST

Still no word on the date of Jackies surgery. All we know is it will be the end of febuary or begining of march.We are ready to get it done so we can close the book on that chapter of our lives.

Kids are doing great Jackie and Brittany are going to caner camp this weekend there excited about that.
Kirsten is still to young to go so she gets to spend the weekend with me Shane and Savannah.
Savannah is doing great too she is 2 months old and weighs 13 lbs :)

Well thast about it for now as soon as i find something out i will let yall know.

Thursday, August 31, 2006 12:14 AM CDT

Just wanted to let everyone know that the doctor that is going to be doing Jackies surgery has decided to do it here in pensacola :) it will be either late january or early feb. she will be out of school for 3-4 weeks but they know whats going on and they said theyd make sure she dosent fall behind her class. I know they will take care of her as far as school goes.

Thursday, August 31, 2006 12:14 AM CDT

Monday, June 19, 2006 1:37 PM CDT

Today Jackie and Brittany went to a photo shoot for Sacred Heart the calender is due out sometime in November. They were with Jackie's doctor and a rep for Merril Lynch. They did alot of diffrent poses so ot sure witch one they will use. Her doctor told us that he sent the email to the doctor in orlando and he still isnt sure when he can fit her in for surgery so its not looking so good for getting it in before the summer time is over. I deffinitly want it done before she starts middle school Maybe we can just go ahead and schedule for next summer but maybe with alot of prayer they will call soon and have something in July. Even if she misses the first week or two of school she already knows most of the kids in her class and her teacher is on the American Cancer Society Commitie with us so she knows the everything thats going on and she will help us to keep her up to date with the class.
I am just afraid there going to call and give us only like a weeks notice. It would be difficult but we will do whatever it takes to get this done so it can be over for her.

Friday, June 9, 2006 10:07 AM CDT

Jackie had an appointment with her oncoligist on Monday and he said she looks great he dosent need to see her again untill September. He asked us about her surgery and we told him we are still waiting to hear somethng so he sent out an email to see if he could get a date out of them but I havent heard back from him now. Hopefully sometime this week we can find out. Of course I dont know how i feel about being in Orlando during hurricane season.

The kids have been in bible school all week they have had a blast.

I had a doctors appointment on Wednesday and everything is going good. We have an ultra sound scheduled for 6-26 to find out if it is a boy or a girl. The kids were able to hear the heart beat they thought that was really cool.

Well thats about it for whats going on with us.I will update as soon as i find out a surgery date.

Wednesday, May 31, 2006 11:57 AM CDT

We havent heard back from the doctors office yet the scheduler said that he would be out of town for a little while then when he comes back he has several surgeries scheduled but as sson as they can sit down and come up with a time to do her surgery they will call us. We hope they can do it this summer for one it will be better for her because she is going to 5th grade and we dont want her to have to miss alot of school its an important grade but she does great in school so either why I know she will be able to do it. But the other reason is I am pregnant and the baby is due on November 10 so we want to do it well before the baby come so that all of our attention can be on getting her well and back to normal. The girls are very excited about the baby I have an appointment on June 8th and the girls are going with us so they can hear the heartbeat. We dont know yet if it is a boy or girl but it wont be much longer.
Anyway as soon as we know when her surgery is we will post and let you all know.

Monday may 15, 2006

Jackies Dr Visits Have Been Good, Clear Scans. She Is Still Having The Reconstruction Of Her Bladder This Summer And We Will More Than Likely Do Some Type Of Fund Raising For It.

Friday, March 4, 2005 12:34 AM CST

Everybody is doing great. All three girls are going to be playing ball with the church. Kirsten is going to be playing pre tee ball and the girls are going to be playing soft ball. They are so excited they havent been able to play any sports yet. They have been practicing every day.
The fcat testing starts on Monday they are ready. On Friday they are going to have a pancake breakfast. they are so excited about that because all day there isnt going to be any work just fun (incitive to do good on the fcat and just a fun day for all there hard work.)
Well thats about it for around here. Please dont forget to sign the guest book to let us know you stoped by :)

The Carter's

Wednesday, February 16, 2005 10:26 PM CST

Hello All!!
Things have been going good here Jackie had her port removed last friday!! YAHOO!!!
Still have to have the reconstruction in june but we are getting closer and closer to the end of this nightmare.
The girls have been SOOOO busy at school getting ready for the fcat. It seems like that is quite the test. We went to a parent workshop last night and took practice test and well i wont say how bad we did LOL.
Tommorow Jackie has her post op appointment so i will let yall know how that goes..

****Feb. 20**** UPDATE

Well she had her post op with Dr. Reyes,
She said it all looks great. She also told us that we will not be able to have her reconstruction surgery here. We had originally had planed on it in Birmingham and then there was some speculation that there would be a doctor coming here from Jacksonville and she could see him he is a great doctor now it turns out that he will not be able to work out 0f Sacred heart untill after the scheduled date of her surgery and she said we cannot change the date unless we wait another year and that wont work we have to have this done this summer she said she will have to have the whole summer to recover from this in order to get back to school on time.
And we seen Dr.ChaChe and he said that we can now go to every three month appt. HOORAY!!! We will still do scans and blood work on a three month bases
as well.
Keep the prayers rolling this way!!

Love the Carter Family :)

Thursday, January 20, 2005 8:06 AM CST

Last week we had a very big scare. Jackie had blood in her urine but when they tested the urine there was no infection so we couldnt figure out where the blood was coming from. We were so afraid that it had came back. That whole week we were having blood work and scans and doctor appointments, It felt like we were reliving it. But it turns out that she had ecoli in her urine so they put her on antibiotics and she is doing better. that was so scary.

They are both doing great in school, Kirsten cant wait she is getting excited about school she will start in August.
We are all moved into the fema trailer its really nice. The kids really like it.

It is almost realy time again and we are looking for team members people to walk or help with fund raising what ever you could do would be helpful. Please email me at Cart30@cox.net if you are interested in helping out with the relay. Anything helps!!!

Well i think thats about it for know. I will update again soon!

Thanks for stoping by,Dont forget to stop by the guest book. Have a great day :)

Monday, December 6, 2004 9:45 AM CST

Things are getting better around here we have been sick for almost two weeks. There is mold in the house from the leaks that we had from the storm. But Fema brought us a trailer and we are just waiting till they get it all setup and then we can move in it and start getting things cleaned up around here.
We are ready for christmas we have our tree up in the house i dont know yet if we are going to leave it up at the house and let santa come here or take it all down and set it all up again in the trailer i think it really depends if we have enough room.
We took them to see Santa after Jackies appointment last Wednesday (which went great she now weighs 65 lbs) and Kirsten got right down to bussiness and told him she wants EVERYTHING. The girls had act cool like they really didnt want that much then right after the picture was done and we were about to leave they both rammbled off some things they wanted. It was so funny.
I cant belive how big they are getting they dont even call us Mommy and Daddy anymore its Mom and Dad. :(
Its getting harded to but for them and more expencive.
I will update again after we get settled in the trailer.
Thanks for checking in

Tuesday, November 30, 2004 8:05 AM CST

Jackies appointment to Birmingham went great. We really like Dr.Jospeh. They did a bladder test and found out that her bladder is so small that it can only hold about 50cc's of fluid and a normal 9 year old can hold 300cc's so the best thing for her will be to do the reconstruction. Her surgery date is set for June 10th 2005. that will be great so she will be able to finish out the school year and then she wont miss any of her fourth grade year for that surgery.
She has an appointment today with Dr.Kelleher. They will flush her port and do a check up on her and counts of course. She has been doing great.
There are new pictures up of the girls we can finnaly put Jackies hair up in a half of a pony tail. She is so happy about that.

Thats all that is going on right now. Thanks for stopping by please sign the guest book!
Thanks

Tuesday, November 9, 2004 5:11 PM CST

Just wanted to let yall know that the girls are doing well.They had a wonderful birthday and Halloween.
Jackie has an appointment in Birmingham on November 24 at 1:00. She went in to have her port flushed 2 weeks ago
and her weight is up she is really doing great.
I hate to know that she still has a very long and difficult surgery ahead of her. School is going great.
We have just been keeping busy.

I want to Thank all of you for visiting and keeping up with us.

Melissa

Tuesday, November 9, 2004 5:06 PM CST

Just wanted to let yall know that the girls are doing well.They had a wonderful birthday and Halloween.
Jackie has an appointment in Birmingham on November 24 at 1:00. She went in to have her port flushed 2 weeks ago and her weight is up she is really doing great. I hate to know that she still has a very long and difficult surgery ahead of her. School is going great. We have just been keeping busy.

I want to Thank all of you for visiting and keeping up with us.

Melissa

Wednesday, November 3, 2004 8:44 PM CST

Just wanted to let yall know all is well here.
The girls ahd a wonderful Birthday and great time on Halloween.
I will update more later

Thursday, September 23, 2004 3:41 PM CDT

Hello again,
Just wanted to jump on here and let everyone know we made it theough the storm. I think it was the scariest thing that any of us has ever had to experince. It felt like the house was just going to crumble down around us. You can see some pictures of the damage at www.pensacolanewsjournal.com
The damage around town is so unbelivable. I dont think there is one yard that didnt get a tree uprooted and i think just about everyone has some type of roof damage. We were very lucky the only thing we lost was our privacy fence. Our roof is leaking and our celling is weak in Kirstens room and a tree fell on our car. Compared to some of the other places around town we were extremly lucky.
The kids are out of school till further notice the school's all took a big hit.
The national guard has been awesome they have places around town set up so you can get ice and water and meals.
and gulf power has alot of out of state help and they are moving right along geting power restored.
Its amazing that they can even figure out where to start.

Thats about it for now.

Tuesday, August 24, 2004 4:19 AM CDT

Jackies Doctor appt. went well he said she looks great she is gaining weight and growing in height. They are going to let me know when they schedule her scans what date and time. But that was about it. I will update more soon.

Melissa

Friday, August 20, 2004 11:59 PM CDT

Things are going good here. I want to say things are back to normal but I'm really not sure what that means. And i am afraid to say that because she has an appointment on Monday and then we go back to Birmingham on Sep.8.
She hasnt been having any problems but scans just scare me.
I know that it is in Gods hands and he is looking out for us.and at the same time i have feelings of what if... and what will we do if... And i think man i just dont know if she can do that again and i think i dont know if we can all go through that again but i relize you do what you have to do when any situation comes about. There are so many people that go through this over and over and it doesnt seem fair for anyone to have to go through it.

Just wanted to get that out!!
Melissa

Tuesday, August 17, 2004 3:26 PM CDT

There's not to much going on around here. Me and Shane have been working and the girls have been going to school.
We will go to Birmingham again on Sep.8 they will be doing an internal ultra sound and a exam under anistia.

I can't belive in 2 months they will be 9 years old and they are already in third grade. Where does the time go?
Brittany is so prissy you would think she is 13 she always
takes forever to get ready because she has to do her hair and make sure her clothes are just right (they must match exactly right!) Jackie is just laid back and dosent care what her clothes look like but she does want to wear lip stick and fix her hair. I think once her hair gets long enough she will be like brittany and always want to fix it.

My little baby Kirsten thinks she is 10 she does EVERYTHING on her own she dont need mommy :( she's the baby she is supposed to need me (i guess i should let her grow up a little she is 4)

I told Shane now i need a baby and he's not even interested in talking about that. Of course he's my biggist baby I'll always have to take care of him :)

Tuesday, August 10, 2004 8:15 AM CDT

The girls had a great day at school yesterday.
They were excited to get up and go this morning.
Shane's first day at his new store is today, I'm sure he's having a great day. Me and Kirsten are just gonna stick around the house and clean today. Jackie did not have an appointment yesterday. I dont know where i got that from but her appointment isnt untill the 23. They should be scheduling her three month scans sometime this month because the last one's she had done where in april.

Thats about it for today.

Wednesday, August 4, 2004 4:33 PM CDT

Just wanted to let yall know that the girls are doing great they are very excited about school they have orientation tommorow I have to work but Shane is going to take them. Shane was asked to be a manager for one of the stores in the company we work for and of course he took it. That is an awesome opportunity for him. Im so proud of him he's worked long and hard for this and he's so excited. He starts Tuesday. We took Kirsten to register her for Pre-school but they are full. There is a few day cares that offer pre-school type programs so we are going to look into that she wants to go so bad.

Thats about it for now Jackie has a Dr. appt. Monday just with her oncoligist.

I will let yall know what is going on as soon as i get the chance to update.

Melissa

Monday, July 26, 2004 4:58 PM CDT

Sorry I havent updated in a while we have been staying busy.
Eveybody is doing great.They cant wait for school to start. They are both going to be in the same class. The teacher is Mrs.Gafford which was Jackies 1st grade teacher so we are excited about that. She is such a wonderful teacher. Me and and Shane have been working oppiste shifts so we dont get to see each other much. Kirsten is doing good we are hoping to be able to register her for pre k tommorow we wernt going to and now she wants to go to school so i have to see if they have any avalible.
I will try to update the pictures soon Jackie's hair is growing so fast i want you all to see how much. SHe is gaining wait she is almost the same weight as Brittany.
They went to church camp last week and had the best time. Swimimng,Shaving cream fights,Tricks on the boys,camp fires Man thats the life :) They didnt want to come home.

I will try to get the pictures up soon.

Thanks for stoping by

Thursday, July 1, 2004 10:01 PM CDT

We went to Birmingham and the doctor decided to put her on a medicine to help her bladder he dosent think it will work but he said he wanted to try it just to say that he tried it and it didnt work because this is a major surgery and he didnt want to do it unless it was a must.
We did get to go to oak mountian state park. There was a farm there and the kids loved it. There was a 579lb pig there and he stunk so bad. There was a goat that followed Kirsten. Jackie and Brittany was facinated by the Gesse that just had babies. They had a really good time.

Monday, June 28, 2004 4:38 AM CDT

Just wanted to let everyone know that we are leaving today for Birmingham. She will meet with the doctor today at 1:00 and schedule a exploritory surgery for Tuesday. We will come back home and they will then let us know what they can do for her as far as the reconstruction.

I will update when we get back.

Melissa

Please pray that she will be comfortable with the doctor and that the trip goes well.

Wednesday, June 23, 2004 3:38 PM CDT

Just wanted to let yall know that we have an appointment for Monday at 1:00 at UAB in Birmingham to met with the doctor and then on Tuesday they will do a exploritory surgey and then they will decide from there when they will do the reconstruction.
Please keep us in your thoughts and Prayers.
Everyone is doing good. We are planning on taking Kirsten and Brittany with us I think that will be ok and maybe on Monday afternoon we can find something to do.They should be able to sit in the waiting room with us.
I've hear such wonderful things about this hospital. I'm very excited to get over there and check it all out in hopes that they can fix her all up and we can get that port out and she will be able to feel that much more normal.

Thanks for stopping by to check up on us.

Friday, June 18, 2004 4:10 AM CDT

A very dear friend of ours from church passed away last night. He had cancer and he then relapsed and it took them by surprisse and it all happened so quickly. Please pray for the family. He and Jackie were close. I dont want to put names on here without permission but God will know who you are talking about.

As for Jackie we still dont know anything i have called the doctors office for the last three days. The message keeps saying that they are in clinic in Montogomery and they will return messages on Thursday. We its Friday morning and when i get home from work im going to give them a call again.
Kirsten's Birthday is on Tuesday and Shane's Grandfather is having surgery that day so i hope they dont call and all of a sudden want us there.
Well i need to get to work just wanted to say that i havent heard anything but i will let yall know as soon as i know.

Melissa

Thursday, June 10, 2004 10:03 AM CDT

Ok, we had to U.P.S all Jackie's x-rays, and test results to the Dr. and he will go over them and then make a plan for her. He will be doing some of his own testing so he wanted to see all her xrays etc...
Once his makes his plan they are going to call us and setup an appt.
Looks like we may be going back andfourth for testing, and once all the tests are complete, it will be time for surgry.
We will keep you posted.

Thanks

Carter Family

Saturday, June 5, 2004 1:30 PM CDT

NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS...................

Looks like we will be going for bladder reconstruction surgry very soon maybe within a couple of weeks.
We have to call the Dr. over at UAB in Birmingham, Al.
on Monday morning to see what he wants us to do. We know that it is going to be a very big surgry, he is going to have to do all of his on test etc., so we are not sure if we will be addmitted until all test are complete and then jump into surgry, or just go back and fourth until surgry time. We were not ready for this money wise, we had orignally been told it was going to be next year, so we were going to make it by haveing some money put back. But since this was a surprise..we are not reay in any way. We will update Monday after we talk with him.

Wednesday, May 19, 2004 10:42 AM CDT

Ok, We have been VERY busy with the two of us working now.
Everthing looked good on Jackies test!! :)
We now have to make an appointment to meet with Dr. Reyes to see about having her port removed. School has been REALLY good for her since her return, she is ready for the summertime. I'm sure Melissa will post more soon.

Thanks And Sorry for the LONG Delay In Reporting Back

Carters

Friday, April 30, 2004 7:32 PM CDT

I still havent heard anything back from the doctors office about Jackies scans. I have left messages but no return calls. On Monday I will be out that way and I will stop by there.

Other than that things are great. Jackies hair is really coming back fast. We can even put a small clip in it.
We havent really had a lot going on in the couple of days.
Me and Shane have been working and the girls have been going to school so we are ready for the weekend.

Ill Let yall know when i get soem info on the scans.

Melissa

Tuesday, April 20, 2004 5:13 PM CDT

Well No word from the Doctors Office I will call them tommorow and see what they have heard.

The Relay was a great success!!! We had the best time.
Jackie Brittany and Kirsten all stayed the night we put up a tent and they camped out they loved it. We cant wait for next years Relay. They were so tierd but they didnt want to go to bed but we made them around 11:30. They were afraid they would have missed out on something.

They got up just in time to play the fresh squezzed OJ game.
Where you had to get as much Oj in your cup before 30 sec.were up by squezzing the orange with your elbows. It was hilarious!!
It was so fun anyone that waasnt able to make it out this year should really think about it next year!!

Last Night they went to the Shania Twain concert and had a blast!
This weekend our church is having a community day and that will be a lot of fun.Please bring your kids out there is a link at the botttom of this page to go to the website for the church you can get more info there.
Me and Jennifer are taking the kids to the beach on Thursday so they have had so much fun and have so much fun planned!! Its hard to think back to this time last year when we couldnt even go to the beach!!

Please keep all the children in your prayers,This is such a horrible disase and there are so many suffering from it.

Thanks
Melissa

Thursday, April 15, 2004 5:03 AM CDT

Jackie had her 3 month scans yesterday.
We went to the hospital at 11:30am and we got home at 7:45pm. We had a long day at the hospital. I dont know when we will know something about the scans hopefully soon!
Everybody is doing well.

The realy is on friday and we dont have many people setup to walk on our team. Please if you dont have any plan just come out and visit us you dont have to stay you dont even have to walk just come out and say hello.
Jackie is the Hounory Child Chair and she is supposed to welcome everyone. If you are a Survivor please come to the Survivor Ceremony at 4:30 it will be wonderful. Be there a little early to register. The kick off is at 6:00 pm.

Any help we can get walkers,Donations,Visitors anything will be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks
Melissa

Wednesday, April 7, 2004 6:11 AM CDT

I just wanted to let everyone know that we are going to have a team for Jackie at the realy for life at Pine Forest
High School April 16-17. Please come out and support Jackie.If you are interested in being on Jackies team please send me an email at cart30@cox.net.I need a head count and we are in desprete need of team members on her team.She is the honorary chair child.If you cant come and you would like to donate something for her team to raise money for the research and cure for cancer please let me know.The American Cancer Society has been such an awesome help to us we just want to give back to them as much as possible.Please come out and walk with us You will have a great time and it will be for a great cause.

Sunday, April 4, 2004 3:17 PM CDT

Just wanted to let yall know that we are back from our camping trip and we had the best time.I have some film i need to get developed and then I will put some on here.
We didnt catch any fish but we had a good time.

Ive gotta help get all the stuff put away so when I get a chance I will give more details of our trip.

Melissa

Friday, April 2, 2004 4:55 AM CST

Me and Shane both have to work till 1:00 today and the girls will get her around 2:15 then we are going to leave for our camping trip. We are so excited. The weather is supposed to be beautiful. Its going to be a little chilli at night but theres no plans for rain!!

I will update more when we get back and Ill try to update the pics. I know Ill take lots of them.

Melissa

Monday, March 29, 2004 1:27 PM CST

****Please stop by and visits Maxie's Family he is an angel now.****
****Please visit Michelle's family she is an angel now.****

I really dont have anything to update about right now.We are going on a camping trip this weekend and after we get home I will update with some things that went on during our trip.

Melissa

Sunday, March 21, 2004 7:43 AM CST

WOW where do I start?
Yesterday was so awesome. Jackie got to go on stage with Marty White (DJ For WXBM 102.7) It was so cool. She talked about how much she liked being on the stage all night.
Shes going to be a super star one day :)It was so hot we thought we would melt before she got to go up there!
The first day of spring felt like the middle of summer.
We didnt even stay for the Mark Wills concert. There were so many people there. I was so proud of her for getting up there and talking with that many people out there.
Thank-You Joy for arranging that for Jackie she really enjoyed it.
Im going to be putting up some pictures that Joy took they are really good.
Well I gotta run but I wanted to tell yall about that.

Melissa

Sunday, March 21, 2004 7:43 AM CST

Thursday, March 18, 2004 10:30 AM CST

*****March 18,2004 4:57*****
We just got back from the doctor with Jackie and Brittany They said they are growing good. Jackie weighs 53 and Brittany weighs 62.
Brittany has some fluid behind her ears and she needs to be on a decongestant for a couple of days.She has been having some headaches She thinks it is all the pollen in the air. She wants Jackie to have her eyes checked.
But other than that they are doing great.

All is well here.
The radiothon went great they were able to rasie over 50,000 dollars. We were invited to come and share our story at a luncheon with Wal-mart at the hospital on Friday.
The Pensacola News Journal wants to do an interview.
Im so excited about all of these wonderful oppertunites that we are having to share our story and get the word out there that yes children get cancer and yes there is hope.
I dont like to talk in front of alot of people but this is one reason I will.
Yesterday we went to Bayveiw park and the girls played on the playground and then we walked out on the pier it was such a beautiful day. They also have a fenced in dog park out there and Kirsten was so excited to see all the animals.
I really belive she is going to be a Vet. when she grows up she loves animals so much.
They have a really high slide out there and it took us 10min. to talk them into getting on it because they were scared. But after they done it once they loved it and they wanted to do it over and over.
We are going to go to the Beaulah Sausage Festival with Shanes Sister and her family on Saturday.
Brittany and Jackie have there Yearly check up today at 2:30.
Other than that we havent really done anything this week.
Tonight we are going to grill ribs and have movie night Im not sure what movie they are going to want to get. We havent rented one in a while.

Well I think thats it for now.
I will update again soon.

Melissa

Thursday, March 11, 2004 9:45 AM CST

Just wanted to let yall know that we are going to be interviewed for the radiothon at Sacred Heart Hospital tommorow at 9:30 on 102.7.
Make-A-Wish is taking All the wish kids to Tindile Airforce Base to see the Blue Angels and the Thunder Cats.
Spring Break is next week I dont think we really have anything planned maybe we will take the girls fishing off the bridge one day.

I think thats all that we have going on right now.
Ill update more later.

Melissa

Sunday, March 7, 2004 9:28 PM CST

Friday Joshua and Kayla came over (There cousins)
They had so much fun.Jackie,Brittany and Joshua made up a play and it was so cute I made them do it again so I could video it.
Saturday We took the girls to walk along the beach.
I couldnt stand it anymore I had to go out there.
The weather has been so nice.We couldnt swim yet the water is still to cold but we just walked along the beach and the sun was shining and there was a slight brezze it was like we were all so normal :)
Then we had a fish fry at my moms Jennifer brought Brenn and Kira over and they rode bikes.
The girls had chior practice after church today so we did some running around we needed to do and when we got back I set three alams and we took a much needed nap.I was so nervous that I wouldnt wake up so I didnt sleep good but
It was nice just to lay down.There was an awesome concert at church too.
So as you see our weekend was pack full of fun.
It was so nice.
We dont have much planed for the week.
On March 12 We are going to do the Radiothon at Sacred heart Hospital to raise money for Childrens Miricle Network. We are excited about that.
Please Pray for all the Children that are going through so much right now and all the children that are dioing well that they will continue to do well.

Melissa

Monday, March 1, 2004 1:10 PM CST

It is such a beautiful day here, So im going to make this short. I just wanted to let yall know that things are still going great.We cant wait till its time that we can go to the beach and go fishing.Its getting so close.
Jackie and Brittany are working hard on an up coming play at church and poor Little Kirsten dosent understand that she is not old enough to be in it :(
I keep telling her it wont be long.
She is so excited about her birthday its not till june but she is planning it already!
Me and Shane went to see The Passion Of The Christ Friday night it is definitly a must see for everyone.
We didnt tke the girls because we felt that they were to young and after seeing it i think we made the right decesion because they are so sensitive.
Im going to try to update the pictures later today but right now Kirsten is begging me to go jump on the Trampoline with her so i, going to go play with her.

More Soon.

Tuesday, February 24, 2004 6:45 PM CST

Hello again,
Everything is going great here.Jackie had an appoinment yesterday with her oncoligist and had her port flushed.Her counts are great and they agree with Dr.Reyes to just wait for a while before doing anything.Of course with her port being left in if she was to get a fever she would have to go straight to the hospital for a 42 hour stay.
But other than that we can have as normal as a life as possible.
It has been storming her latly.It was beautiful this past weekend Just a little taste of spring and we cant wait.My Mom and Dad are working on getting there boat ready so we can go out on the boat and when its warm enough we can go swiming and play in the sand!!
Well i think thats it for now.
Ill write more soon.

Melissa

Sunday, February 22, 2004 7:49 AM CST

I just wanted to quickly say that the Home Health Care didnt work out her bladder and Urethra is so damaged that every time we catherterized her the urine would just leak all around the catherter.Now they want to wait 3-6 months and then we will see a specilist,that will give her body some time to heal after all that chemo and radiation.

Ill write more soon.

Monday, February 16, 2004 10:31 AM CST

Im so sorry i didnt relize that i havent updated since her appointment.
Dr.Reyes wants to wait atleast 3-6 months before removing her port.
She wants to wait atleast 1 year before doing her reconstruction surgery and it will not be done her we are not sure yet where it will be done.
In about six months or so we will be sent to Birmingham to have some testing done on her bladder.
And starting on Tuesday she is going to start on homehealth
care. They are going to teach me how to cathertirize her twice a day to keep her bladder completly drained so that she will not get an infection in her kidneys.
Im nervous about doing this because i dont want to hurt her.
But that is what is going on as far as doctor stuff goes her next appoitment with her oncoligist is next week. They will draw counts and have her port flushed.
If she was to develop a fever anytime while she has her port in we will be addmitted to the hospital.But once they take it out she will be just like any other kid and get tylenol and call the peditritian.
It really makes me relize its not that bad to have the wait at the doctors office atleast we dont have to stay at the hospital!!!

But thats it for now.I will update again after the home health care starts to let yall know how thats going.

Tuesday, February 10, 2004 12:38 AM CST

Jackie has a Doctors appt. today with Dr.Reyes (her surgon)
We will be discussing her port removal and her future bladder reconstruction surgery.

Everything is going well here.
Saturday we went to The Pensacola Ice Pilots game with Make-A-Wish.We had so much fun.We were able to meet the players and get autographs.

The girls are doing really well in school.
Thats really all that has been going on latly.
I will try to give a update today after we get back from her appt.They are going to a birthday party at 7:00 at Chuck E Cheese so the girls are all excited about that because we havent been there since Jackie has been sick.

Tuesday, February 3, 2004 3:37 PM CST

***Here is the link to Pensacola Today.Thank You Jill for giving us the link.***
http://www.burchellpublishing.com/ptm.yourhealth.asp

There is a article in the Pensacola Today about Make-A-Wish and under that there is a half of a page article about our Make-A-Wish trip to Disney.It is a very good article.With 2 wonderful pictures.
But We cant figure out where we can get them from.The lady that did the interveiw sent us one,And there is aplace in the Magazine that says where you can get it from but when we went to Walmart they didnt have them and they didnt have them at Kmart either so when I find out where to get them from Ill let yall know.
thats all the news I have for now.

Melissa

Friday, January 30, 2004 7:24 AM CST

Well theres not a whole lot going on around here. Jackie just had a ct scan done yesterday and if it is clear (which it is :) she will have her port removed.She has an appointment 2-10,with Dr.Reyes and that is when we will find out about her surgery on her bladder.
I think that is all the news for now.

Thanks
Melissa

Wednesday, January 21, 2004 3:13 PM CST

****The Reconstruction is for her Bladder.The tumor was connected to her bladder and caused alot of damage.It has a constont leak and the only thing that can fix it is surgery, it is a very difficult surgery.If they dont do it she will have a leaky bladder for the rest of her life.****

Well jackie had an appointment today with Dr.K,He said that the scans look great,But We have to do one more scan before we have the port removed.That scan is scheduled for Jan.29.He said that he would know the results of that the next day and that we can go ahead and have the port removed after this scan comes back clear.Then we will see Dr.Reyes and then she will talk with us about if she will be able to do the reconstruction or if we will have to find a Dr.somewhere out of town.My prayer is that she will be able to do it because for one We are comfortable with the Hospital and We Love Dr.Reyes and Ryan and because we will be able to see our family it would just be eaiser for all of us but I Thank God That she will be honest and she will not tell us that she can do it when she cant so I know that if she says she cant she is being honest but she will find us the best.
Please continue to Pray for her.She has atleast 2 more surgerys to have.And she will have monthly appointments and every three months she will have scans.But other than that Dr.K said that she can do anything that a normal kid would do so its time for her to get a new bike and Maybe even go skating (Yikes) Those are the things that she says she has missed most this year.But I think that swimming will be on the top of her list this summer.

We are very thankful for all of you that keep up with our family.We know that she is thought about and Prayed for daily,And words could never express how thankful we are for all of you.

LOVE THE CARTER FAMILY

Wednesday, January 14, 2004 3:44 PM CST

First I have to say you must see the new pictures they are really good!!!

Everything is going good.We are still waiting on the results of the scan she had on saturday and she has another scan scheduled for monday.She is still loving school very much and she is doing Great as far as grades go.We are so proud of her.

Please remeber to check out the other sites.

And thanks so much for always checking up on Jackie!
we really do appreciate it!!

Melissa

Tuesday, January 6, 2004 11:11 PM CST

1-7-04--->Jackie had a wonderful day at school today everyone was so happy to see her.people were stoping her in the halls and in the lunch room just to get a hug.Mrs.Greenwell even stop the class in the hall just to let her say hello to Mrs.Gafford (her 1st grade teacher)And she was so happy to ride on the bus.She cant wait till tommorow!!Oh and her scans are scheduled one for this Saturday (MRI)
and the other for next friday (chest xray and bone scan.)Please Pray for excellent results so we can get her port out and she can continue to heal.

1-6-04--->Sorry for the long stretch without an update.
First things first Everything is well here. Jackies counts are good she is feeling godd and she gets to start school tommorow!!!She is very excited we all are, she layed out her clothes for in the morning and she went to bed early.She will be in Brittanys class and they are both glad about that.Kirsten cant wait to spend the day with just Mommy and Daddy.Speaking of Kirsten she has just went through the transformation from a baby to a Big Girl!She now has her own room, Thanks Jennifer for all the Help :)
and long nights!she has been sleeping in her own bed and cleaning her own room.She is so proud of her room ill have to take pics and put them on here because it is awesome.Also she has stoped sucking her thumb and she only wants to hold her nighty at night time.We are so very proud of her.We are also very Proud of Jackie and Brittany they are growing up so fast they are very helpful around the house (except cleaning there own room.)And i know that they are going to do so well in school.This whole year has been one very difficult journey for our entire family but the kids all did so well!!There are many more scans and teast and surgeries to go but it feels good knowing that chemo is done with hopefully forever.After her scans if everything is good then she will have her port removed!!
Please pray that they both have a wonderful day at school tommorow and that Jackie catchs right up with everyone else with the things they are doing.Her homebound teacher was good about going ahead so that she would be alittle ahead so that will be helpful.Well i guess i need to go to bed so i can get up early in the morning i promised them a pancake breakfast.

Ill try to add a little update tommorow letting yall know how the day went.Please dont hold me to that im going to Try!

Melissa

Wednesday, December 24, 2003 4:38 PM CST

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

We just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!!
Jackie had her last Chemo today and all went well.She has an appointment for 12-31 they will check her counts and make sure she is doing ok and then they will sign off on her to go to school!!We cant wait for that appointment she is very excited and so are we.Im not sure what i will do while her and Brittany are at school and it is just me and Kirsten.I know Kirsten will eat it up :)

Thats it for now i hope that everyone has a wonderful Christmas!!

Melissa,Shane,
Jackie,Brittany and Kirsten

Thursday, December 18, 2003 11:09 AM CST

Well I am sitting here waiting for the Drs. office to call. Jackie is running a low grade temp and does not feel good.Please pray that she does not have to be addmitted,and that she doesnt have the flu or strep or something like that.I hope that she can just go visit Dr.K and he can send us back home on some cough syurup or something.
Well when I hear something back from them I will Let yall know.

***They want to see her at 2:00 today.***

Melissa

Dec. 18 @ 5:34pm
We went to the Drs. Office and he said that she doesnt seem to have anything like the flu or something like that so he said she can get counts done and come home and that if her temp goes up then she will need to come back.

Saturday, December 13, 2003 9:12 PM CST

Well things are going pretty good here,Shane has been sick,But he is feeling better now.I hope that we dont all get it.I think it is the stomach flu.Jackies counts are good but here platlets are low.so we are going to go back to get counts again on Monday.

thats it for now.ill update again soon.

Melissa

*****NEW PICTURES1 12-14-03*****

Tuesday, December 9, 2003 6:21 PM CST

Hello again,

We were finally able to do the baptisim Sunday night.We did it as a family it was so awesome.Of course Kirsten was to young but she'll have her day :)
My mom was also baptitisted so that was awesome too.

Everyone is doing well.Jackie goes in tommorow to have counts drawn and Brittany has an appointment with Dr.Reyes to go over the results of the ultrasound,That she had on Monday.

I went to school with Brittany today to Volunteer and she was so happy.I havent been able to do that at all this year.Last year i went in every week.So she was so happy for me to come and i had a good time they were working on there play that they are having on Tuesday.Its really cute.Its called Santas shopping network.I cant wait to see it when they are in costume.

Jackie and Brittany both are going to be sining in the Christmas Musical at church on Sunday 12-14.Anyone is welcome to come :)
Email me for directions.

I think thats it for now.

Melissa

*****I am going to leave up the pictures of Jackie on the Photo page for a few more days for anyone who hasnt seen them please check them out.****

Saturday, December 6, 2003 2:13 PM CST

Everyone is doing well here.Jackie had a shopping spree today Thanks to the Kawanis Club and The American Cancer society.She had a great time.They even provided breakfast and Santa was there.
Jackies last hemo is scheduled for Christmas Eve.That is a wonderful Christmas present.She will have some scans done after all her treatments are done.
Well i think that is all the updates for now.If I think of anything else i will add it.

Thanks for all of your Thoughts and Prayers.

Melissa

Sunday, November 30, 2003 1:06 PM CST

**********New Pictures on the picture page There big but thats the best way so that you can see the most detail.***********

Well Brittany is sick and we are trying to get her well before anyone else gets sick.I took her to the ER on Saturday and they put her on Antibiotics,Said she has Broncitis and Upper respitory tract infection and possible the start of Phemonia.So we certinaly want to get her better fast.Jackie and Kirsten are doing well.On Tuesday Jackie goes in for her next to last chemo I hope all goes well and she doesnt get sick.She will get it in the office.
She is getting really excited about getting to go back to school.After her last chemo she will get some scans done to make sure that everything is gone.
Well i think thats it for now Ill update again after her appiontment.

Thanks for stopping by,Please leave a message.

Tuesday, November 25, 2003 7:07 PM CST

SORRY ABOUT THE LONG WAIT FOR AN UPDATE.
Jackie had an appointment today and everything is still going good.She also had an echocardiogram done today I dont know the results of that but it was just a pecationary thing so I think that everything is ok with it but if i hear anything I will let yall know.She has an appointment for December 3rd for chemoand then there will only be one more chemo after that In three weeks. Yippie!!!
I have some wonderful news to share with everyone.Sunday night at the church Jackie and Brittany was Saved!!They are growing up so fast.I didnt know if they were going to be ready but they completly understood what it all meant.So next sunday Me,Shane,Jackie and Brittany are all going to be Baptisted together.Its going to be a very emotinal day for me.
Well they are waiting on me to get the Christmas Tree out.
We usally put it up on Thanksgiving day but we are going to be so busy i think we will just do some tonight and some tommorow.

I have some beautiful pictures to put up of Jackie when she went and had pictures taken for the Make -a- Wish calendar but i cant get the scanner to work so be on the look out for them in the next few days because ill get shane to do that.they are selling them for $15 but they are very limited if you want one let me know via email.

Thanks for stopping by please leave us a message :)

Sunday, November 16, 2003 5:15 AM CST

Well Jackie had a systascope done on Thursday,He bladder is still very irritated and bloody.Dr.K decided to stop ginving her cytoxin because it could cause further damage,So he decided to give her adriamiocin (*sorry about the spelling.)The good thing about that is she can get it in the office we have to stay there for 4 hours after its givin but we wont have to be addmitted so thats good news.She has 2 more treatments left.One the week of Dec.5 and one the week of Christmas.He said she can start back to school in January when all the other kids start back.She is very excited about that.She is going to have to have a big surgery in about 6 months or so to reconstruct her bladder,Dr.Whery (urolgist that done her cysto)Said that he dosent think that there is anything at all that will fix her bladder.He said she will have incontnice for the rest of her life.I wasnt willing to accept that because nothing has been tried to fix it.I understand that it will be difficult to do because she has absolutly no tone,She dosnt even have contraction of the bladder.But i feel like if they dont try they cant fix and there is a specilst somewhere that can at least try to fix it.Ill do WHATEVER i have to to get her where the best specilist is.Its not so bad right now but when she gets older that will not be something she wants to deal with.
Please Pray that they can do something for her to fix her bladder.
In the begning Dr.Reyes (Her Awesome Surgon)Was very positive about someone being able to fix it.

Well I think that is all the updates that I have for now,Kirsten and Brittany are doing really good They are very excited to about Jackie being almost done with treatments.

I put up new pictures so check them out when you get a chance.And dont forget to sign the guest book.

Melissa

Sunday, November 9, 2003 8:50 AM CST

Sorry about the background yesterday.
All is going good here.Jackie is going to have a Systascope done some time this week but they havent called and told me when yet.After she has the scope done she will have chemo,Hopefully only 2-3 days in the hospital.Well I gotta go get ready for Church.I just wanted to do a quick update.

Melissa

Tuesday, November 4, 2003 9:47 AM CST

Ive got so much to say about our trip.There were so many wonderful familys and volunteers.We spent alot of time getting to know the Heath family and the Lombardi family so it was extremly hard to leave there.Jackie was sad to leave Kevin he was a volunteer.We spent alot of time with him.

Im going to try to break everything down into the highlights of each day.

Monday:Jackie and Brittanys Birthday,We started off the day getting our pictures taken with Mickey and Minnie,And when they found out that it was the Girl's B-Day they direct everyone in the theatre to sing happy b-day so that was cool.Then Lenord the gardner brought them each a flower one pink rose and one yellow to match there dresses.(that was so sweet)Then it was off to epcot to have breakfast with the princesses.They loved that.Then we went to animal kingdom.They had lots of fun there.when we got back to the villiage they were having a pool party so we went to that for a while,then we had icecream.then it was time for Mayor Clayton (Bunny Rabbit)to tuck them in to bed.All three of them laughed so hard i thought they would never go to bed.

Tuesday:We went to Universal studios and Island of adventures.There was so much for them to do there they had alot of fun.We spent most of our time in Suess Landing.We got alot of autograghs there.Including Bullwinkle he was so funny he was dancing with them and he did the robot then he told us not to leave and he gave jackie a stuffed cat in the hat doll.Then we went back to the village,They had Nickoloden there and they picked one child to be slimed and Jackie was that child!!SHe loves it.It took forever to get the green off.She got a tshirt for doing it.Then we had Icecream.Then we went to bed.

Wednesday:We went to Magic kingdom.We had an awsome time there we rode ALOT of rides.We got a ton of autographs,And Pictures.There wasnt anything going on at the village that night so we decided to stay there and catch the fire works show.It was soooo good.The theme was wishes coming true so i cried nearly the entire time.But was an awsome show.But leaving afterwards was another story.It took us an hour to get to the car because we had to wait in line to get on a ferry boat brcause there is only two ways to get to the park from the parkin lot one is the monorail and two is the ferry boat.It wasnt to bad of a wait.It was defenitly worth it.

Thursday:We went to MGM.The first thing we did was Indiana Jones that was really cool.There was alot of neat shows there but we decided to make it a half a day so we coulod get back to the village and go goffy golfing and fishing.It was also Christmas at the castle so the go to play in the snow,Ride a horse and carrige,Get a gift from santa,Make a ornament and decorate a christmas cookie.

Friday:Halloween,We went to sea world.After we seen shamu and petted the dolphins the girls were ready to go.They wanted to go back to the village and go swiming.So that is what we did.Then around five the dressed up and went to the halloween party.Boy do they know how to Party :)It was Lots of fun but it was also sad because we knew that it was almost over.Kevin the volunteer that Jackie got really attached to gave her his necklace and she wears it everwhere the only time she takes it off is bed and bath.She shows everyone.

Saturday:It was time to leave we stayed at the villiage untill check out time.We went to lunch with the Heath's.
Very sad day.We wanted to stay but they wouldnt let us.
We drove to Marianna and stayed the night there so that sunday morning we could go to the cavrens.That was really neat too.We got back around 4 pm sunday.

It was defintly the best week of our lives.And we just want Make a Wish and Give Kids The World to know that we appreciate what they do because with out them this never would have happened.And we really need that time to not think about anything!

Ps every morning and evening we rode the carosel,And evernight we had ice cream all for free,Where else oin the world can you do that?

Monday, November 3, 2003 9:46 AM CST

We are back From our trip and we had a wonderful time.We have to return the rental vehicle so ill have to update when we get back,But i had to put up at least one picture.

Ill update tonight.

Friday, October 24, 2003 4:02 PM CDT

Well Only one more day till the BIG TRIP :)
Everyone here is so excited.Jackie is feeling much better and her counts are great.We went to walmart last night to get some last minute things that we needed and they had a Barbie Boster seat so Kirsten had to have it.She needed one because her other car seat Aggrevates her!! Where she got that from i dont know but thats what she said.But she loves her new seat she even made up an I LOVE MY NEW CAR SEAT SONG!!
We are going to leave early sunday morning. We Will Give updates when we get back

:)

Sunday, October 19, 2003 4:40 PM CDT

Only 7 days untill our trip.We are so excited.Please pray that Jackie is feeling better for her trip.Her stomach has been hurting.We go in on wednesday for counts and vincristine,Pray that her counts are good.Her Make A Wish people gave her a going away party last night and we decided to make it a Birthday paty to since there birthday is in 8 days.It was alot of fun.We took them and bought them some princess dresses to wear for halloween and for breakfast with the princess's.They put there dresses on and put on a wonderful show.Jackie is Sleeping Beauty,Brittany is Belle and Kirsten is Airel.Kirsten was being shy so we didnt get any really good pictures of her but well have more when we go on our trip.I asked each of them what the first thing they wanted to do when we got to give kids the world and Jackie said go fishing.Brittany said play goffy golf and Kirsten said eat ice cream.They all want to go to Animal Kingdom for the first Disney park.They are definetly ready,We all are.I dont know how Brittany is going to be able to concentrate on school work this week.I will try and update again before we leave.

Tuesday, October 14, 2003 2:44 PM CDT

We made it home!!!
What they said is that her bladder is so inflamed and irritated that it is pressing against her bowels and causing her to feel constipated but shes not they put her on ditropan to help the bladder get back to normal.
she was due for chemo on Wednesday but they went ahead and gave it to her today.She didnt get her regular doseof one of the medicines and she didnt even get any of the other so she didnt even get sick at all.And she didnt hve to get 18 hours of fluids because of the one that was ommited.She feels better but she still is having some pain.We are going to try our best to keep her well for the next few weeks because her make a wish trip is on October 26.plus Jackie and Brittanys birthday is October 27.We cant wait for the trip.Well thats it or now.

Thanks for all the Thoughts, Prayers,Calls,Guest book entries and Visits it really means alot to us!!

Melissa

Thursday, October 9, 2003 8:30 PM CDT

Jackie Is Back In Hospital Again... :(
If You Would Like To Talk With Her Or Melissa Please Give Them A Call, A Call Might Be Good For Jackie To Hear From Some Of The People That Visit Her Website And Care For Her And Our Family.

850-416-8346 Hospital Room Number

Thanks Again!!

Shane

Wednesday, October 8, 2003 11:51 AM CDT

GOOD NEWS THE BIOPSY SHOWED THAT IT WAS NOT TUMOR GROWING!!!
They said that is just inflamation and they are going to have to get back with the uroligist to decide what the need to do now because she is still bleeding.
Now for the bad news she is running a fever.Her counts are good so it cant be a neutropinic fever.she has been having some really bad stomach pains.He wants to see her at 1:00
so i hope that she wont have to be addmitted but it dosent look good.So i will update asap.

Melissa

Saturday, October 4, 2003 5:27 PM CDT

We made it home.They did a cystascope yesterday and they said that the bladder looked very bad.They did a biopsy to see if the tumor was growing.We should know something on Tuesday.He also said that she will definitly have to have reconstruction surgery on the bladder and urethra.She will also see a Neuroligist on Tuesday,She may have some nerve damage.I just wanted to give a quick update ill give more info after Tuesday.

Thanks for all the calls,Prayers,Visits and Messages
We really appreciate it.

Melissa

Tuesday, September 30, 2003 9:44 PM CDT

JACKIE IS IN THE HOSPITAL.........
LAST NIGHT WE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS BLOOD IN HER STOOL AS WELL AS IN HER URINE, SO THIS MORING WE CALLED THE DR. AND HE SAID BRING HER IN. THEY ADMITTED HER TO THE HOSPITAL AND ARE GOING TO DO SOME FUTRHER TESTING SO SEE WHAT IS WRONG.
THATS ALL I HAVE FOR NOW....

SHANE

Monday, September 29, 2003 3:50 PM CDT

I just wanted to let all of you know that Jackie is having some problems.She has blood in her urine and can't hold it when she has to go number 2.They think she may have some nerve damage from the chemo and radiation.We dont know what will happen yet.Her counts are good and her urine shows no infection yet.There are going to let the urine cultures grow and if there is no infection they will get Dr.Reyes to do a cytescope.That is where they will take a camara inside and try to find out what is going on.Please Pray that what ever it is they can fix it.Shes not in the hospital right now.

Melissa

Friday, September 26, 2003 6:53 AM CDT

Well we made it through another round of chemo.
But not without out Jackie trying to scare us to death.
She got really sick,She was throwing up constantly.
She started throwing up blood,It was only twice but enough to scare me.They called Dr.Kelleher and he said that it was probly a busted blood vessel in her throat.She was sick got sick twice again last night and i called the DR. but right before he called me back she said I feel much better now.SHe is doing good now she was able to get some rest when we got home.
She had a blood transfusion yesterday too.That went well.
I am going to take Brittany and Kirsten to the Doctor today.Brittany has been complaining that she is dizzy and her ribs hurt,Kirsten is feeling better but ill go ahead and take her in but i think that she had croup.

My mom had her 2nd surgery at Sacred Heart yesterday.
It went much better than expected they were able to remove 80f it and the part that is left maybe broken up enough to pass if not she will only have to do one shock wave therepy instead of several.
I really learned the power of prayer yesterday.Me and Kirsten and Jackie was sitting on Jackies bed and we said a prayer together and when we were done Kirsten got up and sat by the window and I wasnt listening untill jackie told me to but she said "Dear Jesus, Please make my Nanny feel better."And belive it or not she was feeling better after this surgery than she did when she went in.The problem is she is running a fever of 103.

Me and Shane were saved Monday night and we will be Baptisted probly next sunday.We are very happy about our desision and I just wanted to share it.

I will add a little update when we get home about Brittay and Kirstens Doctor visit.
Oh yeah Brittany had her Ultra Sound Monday and they said that there is very little change to it.and all her blood work is normal so we are going to go back in 3 months and have another scan.

Saturday, September 20, 2003 12:28 AM CDT

Yesterday was an interesting day for us.Jackie had a severe allergic reaction to her antibiotics.She said she couldnt breathe and her chest hurt.I didnt think that she needed an ambulance so I called the Dr. and they said to bring her in immedently.I gave her benedryl before we left so she was feeling better by the time we got there.I told them i didnt think i wanted to do the whole home health care thing again, It is to stressful.
They gave her decodron and watched her for an hour and then let us come home.We didnt have any appointments yesteday so we were just going to relax.
Then all that happened.I knew that it was to good to be true :)
Monday is Brittany's scan and Wednesday is her appointment with Dr.Reyes,
Jackie goes in for chemo on Wednsday.
My mom has surgery again on Thursday.
Please Pray for all of them.

Thanks
Melissa

Wednesday, September 17, 2003 6:20 AM CDT

This is going to be a quick update I have to get Brittany ready for school and take Jackie in for chemo.
Im sorry that I didnt update sooner.
Jackie got out of the hopspital on Sunday,She is on home health care for antibiotics.She is doing much better.
What happened was when her counts bottomed out the bactira that was in her intestinse leaked out and got into her blood stream and caused an infection and when the blood has an infection then the port got infected.They have to get that cleared up so they wont have to replace it.
Her MRI results was the wonderful news we needed to hear.
He said that all the tumor was gone except for a small tnhickining of the bladder wall.so she will fininsh out her 52 weeks of chemo and we will pray that it is all over.

My mom had her surgery yesterday,It did not go as planned They were only able to remove 15-20% of the Kidney stone.
He said it was the most massive stone he had ever seen.He wants to go back and do the surgery again today.But she was running a fever last night so we dont know what they will do next.
While she was in surgery my Uncle came over and told us that he just left his Dr.'s appt. and they want to do surgery on him today at 8:30 am because he has a brain tumor.He had one 14 yrs. ago and they removed it.

Thats about it for now I will update asap.

Melissa

Saturday, September 13, 2003 9:42 AM CDT

Great News!!!!!! Jackie�s MRI Shows Only a Small Amount of the Tumor Left. She Is Doing Better, And May Get To Cme Home This Weekend. When She Gets Home Melissa Will Update More On The Test Results.

Shane

Tuesday, September 9, 2003 9:54 PM CDT

****JACKIE IS IN THE HOSPITAL AGAIN..SHE WAS ADMITTED ON MONDAY AFTERNOON...AFTER NOT BEING ABLE TO HOLD ANY FOOD DOWN FOR ABOUT 5 DAYS WE CALLED THE DR AND HE PUT HER IN...SHE HAS LOST 7 POUNDS SINCE LAST WEDNESDAY...TODAY(TUESDAY) SHE HAD TO GET A PINT OF BLOOD AND FOR THE FIRST TIME SHE HAD TO GET PLATELETS (SP?) AND THEN TONIGHT SHE STARTED RUNNING A 101.7 FEVER....WE WILL KEPP EVERYONE POSTED ON WHAT IS GOING ON....PLEASE KEEP US IN MIND AND PRAY FOR HER SPEEDY RECOVERY TO GO HOME. DURING THIS TIME I HAD TO TAKE OFF WORK AND PLAY MOTHER HEN (WOOOOOOOW!!!!!)
MELISSA'S MOM IS NOW BACK HOME AFTER BEING IN THE HOSPITAL OVER NIGHT HER SURGERY IS STILL PLANNED FOR SEPT 16.

THANKS
SHANE

Thursday, September 4, 2003 2:40 PM CDT

*****Please Pray for my mom she has a really bad kidney infection and she is supposed to have surgery on 9-16-03.To remove the huge stone that she has but they may have to remove the kidney.*****

We just got home from the hospital.Jackie doesnt look very good and she doest feel very good so I hope that she is not getting sick.I know there are alot of things going around.

The article came out in the paper today and there are more pictures on the web site.www.pensacolanewsjournal.com
It is in the life section.We took some pictures of the outside that we will post next week.They did such a wonderful job.The house looks so great.They even fixed a leaky pipe in the bathroom.We would like to know evryone's name that was involved so please email us. cart30@cox.net

We also want to thank everyone that stops by here to check on her and all the people that pray for her we really do appreciate it.

THANKS
Melissa,Shane
Jackie,Brittany and Kirsten

Wednesday, September 3, 2003 6:20 AM CDT

*****I will add new pictures when we get back from the hospital hopefully tommorow.*****

We had a great time at the Families Rock Weekend.It was very hot but we had fun.While we were gone some friends of ours painted and decorated the girl's room and bathroom,We knew all about that what we didnt know was they re did our whole house.we pulled up in the drive way and the yard was all cleaned up and there was some plants up by the house and the front door and porch was painted.I just started to cry,I couldnt belive that they did all that for us.The news journal was here waiting for us and when we walked through the door they were just taking lots and lots of Pictures.They re did the carpet and paint they re did our bathroom and kithen.It all looked so good.Then we went to the girl's room It was Unbelivable.It was a jungle room just like they wanted and the bathroom was all done up in frogs.They even fixed the leak in the pipes in the bathroom sink.The whole house looks so good.It was really such a suprise.We would like to Thank EVERYONE that was involved.We really love everything that was done.the News paper article is suposed to run Thursday.Life section.
The website is www.pensacolanewsjournal.com Just search for Jackies name and it should come up.somtimes the pictures arent on the online addition.

Thanks Again,
Melissa,Shane
Jackie,Brittany and Kirsten

Wednesday, August 27, 2003 7:46 AM CDT

*****Please pray for Katia and her family,There is a link to her site above.*****

Jackie has been doing well.She goes in today for counts and to see Dr.Kelleher.I hope that everything is good so we can go on our trip.If she is good to go we are going to leave around 2am friday morning,so we can hopfully beat some of the traffic and not be driving in the heat of the day.maybe during the morning rush hour we can stop for breakfast.

I just wanted to do a quick update today because we will be very busy tommorow getting everything ready for our trip.
I will update again soon after we get back.

Melissa

*****UPDATE 8/27 @4:28pm*****
Jackie went to see Dr.Kelleher today
her counts are great and she has the all clear for the trip.He also set up some scans for her when we get back.
September 5 is a CT scan and September 11 is her MRI.Also Brittany has her ultra sound on September 22.Please pray for good results.

Thanks

Friday, August 22, 2003 12:33 AM CDT

Well Jackie has been in the hospital since Tuesday.She started running a fever and she was screaming in pain so they wanted her to come in and start on antibiotics and have blood cultures drawn and counts and a urine sample.The blood and the urine came back fine but Dr.Kelleher says that we cant rule out a urinarie tract infection.So on Wednesday when we go back for her follow up she is going to have her urine checked again.Her counts have started to come back up so we are still planing on going to the Families Rock Weekend.She is feeling 100etter today.I gotta run for now but ill be updating again soon.

Melissa

Tuesday, August 12, 2003 8:51 PM CDT

Well,Tommorow is yet another round of chemo.She will also have radiation and counts.She only has 4 more days of Radiation left Yippie!!!I called Dr.Reyes's Office about Brittany's Blood work and they havent called me back yet.
I'll try callng them on Thursday if they havent called me back.They always say no news is good news but im a perinoid person when it comes to stuff like that!
Brittany has been doing good with school she really likes her new teacher,the classroom,the kids and all the new things that they are doing.But im afraid that she will have a hard time going on Thursday knowing that we are in the hospital.
Kirsten is just as silly as ever.She likes to run around the house naked because she watches Kim Possible and there is a naked mole rat on the show and she says she is a naked mole rat.It is so funny.Jackies Angel jo got her A Rufus doll and he talks,She carries it around every where she goes.I hope she dosent get naked at the hospital.She'll hide and get naked and come running out saying "Im a naked mole rat"Well ijust wanted to update before i go to bed.Ill update again soon after she gets out of the hospital.

Thanks
Melissa,Shane
Jackie,Brittany and Kirsten

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Thursday, August 7, 2003 3:36 PM CDT

Jackie started back to Radiation today,They did a few x-rays and remarked her because now they are going to be doing it from the sides and the front and back.We are really hoping that since there are only eight treatments left that they will all go well.Brittany started school on
Wednesday,She had a rough start because she was nervous but she did great this morning,And she says she really likes her new teacher.Jackie will meet with her teacher from last year tommorow but she wont start teaching her till next week.She is really disapointed that she cant start school now but Brittanys teacher is going to be suppling her with everything that they do.And she will include her when they have partys and stuff like that.So that really helps I am so glad that she will be doing that.
Kirsten had to get some blood work done on Monday,She was so good.She didnt even move an inch and she never cryed.Pete was so impressed. he told her he was so proud of her.(I asked for Pete to do it because he does Jackies alot.He is so sweet to the kids.He has also done Brittanys.)
Jackie is going to be addmitted for chemo Wednesday (Aug.13).Well I think thats it for now if i think of something else Ill post it.

Thanks for stopping by
Melissa,Shane
Jackie,Brittany and Kirsten

Saturday, August 2, 2003 1:09 PM CDT

We are home again.She is doing great.
Wednesday we went in for radiation and while we were there we talked to Dr.Moyes about her burns from radiation because they were coming back.He suggested we go ahead for that day and then we would take a break for a week.then we had to go get counts and then go to clinic.Dr.Kelleher said that her counts were really low and She needed blood so we arranged for my sister to watch Brittany and Kirsten and my mom took shane to work.It takes around 3-4 hrs for the blood to drip.Her temp was around 99.5 the whole time so i knew that id have to keep an eye one it.We were done by 5 and by 7 we were on our way to the Hospital.They did cultres and urine samples and started her on antibiotics.
She has another urinire tract infection.She is doing much better now.
We would like to thank everyone for the Thoughts,Prayers,
calls,visits and messages.It really helps to know that so many people care.

Melissa,Shane
Jackie,Brittany and Kirsten

Thursday, July 31, 2003 11:41 AM CDT

JUST A QUICK UPDATE...............
JACKIE IS BACK IN THE HOSPITAL, WE TOOK HER IN LAST NIGHT SHE WAS RUNNING A FEVER, AND COMPLAINING ABOUT THE AREA FROM RADATION...WILL UPDATE WHEN WE CAN.

THANKS

Friday, July 25, 2003 9:09 PM CDT

Hello everyone :)
Yesterday Jackie got to come home and when she was taken to the car there was a big suprise for her.A friend of ours (Joy Clark)arranged for a limo to pick her up and bring her home.A Dream Limousine decided to donate the ride.We would like to think them for that and Joy for aranging it.They all had a great time.

Jackie got really sick with the chemo.But once it was all over she was feeling alot better and was able to go home the next day.They started her on a new medicine called Neulasta It is like the neoupogen but better because it is a one time shot instead of 10-14 days worth.

Radiation is still going well,She hasent had any problems latley.Knock on wood!!

I think thats it for now.

Melissa,Shane
Jackie,Brittany and Kirsten

Friday, July 18, 2003 6:40 AM CDT

Hello Everyone,

Sorry for the late update. We have been so busy. Wednesday Jackie had her weekly chemo (Vincristine).
And Brittany had an appointment with Dr.Reyes, She said that the cyst has gotten a little bigger, not a lot, but she did send her for blood work she said it was just for precaution, but it makes me nervous. It will be at least 2 weeks before we know anything else about that.
Jackie has been doing great taking her medicine. She doesn�t want to but she is.
She goes in this coming up Wednesday to be admitted for chemo. The last weekend in August we are going to Orlando for the American Cancer Society�s Families Rock Weekend, where we can meet other families and learn new information about cancer.
We can�t wait for the break. It seems like every time we turn around we have she has to be put in the hospital. She needs the break so bad we know that she is tired of having to stay at the hospital.
She should start back on radiation on Monday. Her bottom was so bad it looked like she had gotten burned really badly. It was blistered and peeling. They finally got her some cream that really helped it. She loves the people at radiation.
Well I think that�s it for now.

Melissa, Shane
Jackie, Brittany and Kirsten

Wednesday, July 16, 2003 0:15 AM CDT

We Are Home Now :)
I Just Wanted To Jump In And Say That....Melissa Will Be Updating Everyone On Everything That Went On In The Last Six Days At The Hospital. She Will Be Updating This Tommorrow (Wednesday).

Thanks!
Shane

Sunday, July 13, 2003 11:43 AM CDT

Ok, Jackie Is Feeling Better Now. We Are Still In The Hospital, But She Has Been Taken Off Of IV Fluids.
If She Can Take Her Med By Mouth 4 Times Today She Will Be Able To Go Home Tommorrow (Monday). If She Can't (Won't) She Will Have To Stay For About 4 Mone Long Days To Finish Her Meds Out. The Fever And For The Most Part The Pain Is Gone, And She Is Doing ALOT BETTER!! :)
Thats All For Now......

Thanks!
Carter Family

Thursday, July 10, 2003 10:24 PM CDT

Ok, We Have Some New News.....Jackie Has A Urinary Track Infection..They Called It A Different Name.
At This Point Her Counts Are Still Low, And She Has Been Put On A Pump To Where She Can Control Her Own Pain Med When She Needs It. She Is In A LOT OF PAIN! We Are Praying For Her And Hope Everyone Else Will As Well.
If You Would Like To Talk With Her Or Us For Any More Info Etc..Please Give Us A Call At The Hospital.
We Have No Clue When We Will Get Out, Or Whats Next?

850-416-8354
Room 354

Thanks! And Keep Us In Mind.
Shane...And The Family

Wednesday, July 9, 2003 4:45 PM CDT

Jackie Is Back In The Hospital...
Her Blood Counts Are Very Low Again..And She Is Going To Need Blood, They Are Also Running SOme Test On Her We Will Update More Info As Soon As We Get Some.

Friday, July 4, 2003 5:03 PM CDT

******HAPPY 4TH OF JULY******

Hello Everyone,
I hope that everyone is having a safe and wonderful 4th.
Shane had to work :( so we are just hanging out untill he gets off at 9pm.But we bought some walmart fire works the kids will be happy with that.

Jackie is feeling better,She had chemo on Wednesday and she was really sick she even got sick for a while the next day.We had to take a break from Radiation because she is starting to get a little raw on her bottom.She will be off radiation Thursday Thru Sunday and if she is better we will start back on Monday.It is already looking alot better.

We are so proud of her.She has been so strong and brave through all of this.

Hugs and Prayers
Melissa,Shane
Jackie,Brittany and Kirsten

Friday, June 27, 2003 6:22 PM CDT

Hello Everyone,

Jackie has been feeling great and Her counts are great.She was in the hospital for four days last week because she was running a temp of 103,But all the cultures were negitive.It was what they call a neutropinic fever caused by low blood counts.Her counts got really low and she had to have a blood transfusion.But she is doing much better now.She is going to radiation Monday - Friday for six weeks.Radiation is not painful to her and so far she hasnt had any skin irritaion.

She will be addmitted on Wendsday for Chemo.Please pray that she wont get sick.

As some of you may know The Northwest Blood Center is really low on blood so if you can donate PLEASE DO SO.
It really scary to think that someone may need blood and won't be able to get it.It is REALLY LOW.Jackie is O positive,They are 116 units short.It is critically low.

Thanks for you Continued Support,
Melissa,Shane
Jackie,Brittany and Kirsten

Monday, June 23, 2003 11:51 PM CDT

Well, Everything Is Better Now We Are Home From The Hospital. Jackie Is Feeling Much Better Now.
She Was Able To come Home On Sunday, Which Was Also Her Sister Kirsten's Birthday (3 Yrs Old) :)
So, Everything Is Back To Normal, As Normal As Possible.
She Will Continue To Do Radiation Treatments 5 Days A Week.
This Is All I Have To Add...This Is Shane (Father) I Will Let Melissa Update More Later..She Always Gets Into More Detail.
Thanks!! :)

Friday, June 20, 2003 3:04 PM CDT

Hello, This Is A Quick Note To Let Everyone Know That Jackie Is In The Hospital..She Has Been Running A Fever And Will Need To Get Blood The Dr. Said We Will Be There Until The Fever Goes Away And Her Counts Come Back Up.

She Is In Room 345
Phone Number Is:
850-416-8345

Thanks! We Will Keep You Informed When We Get A Chance

Thursday, June 19, 2003 7:15 AM CDT

This is going to be a short update.We have been really busy.Jackie started radiation yesterday,and she had counts drawn and her weekly chemo.Her counts are VERY LOW.They havent been this low in a while.She is already running a low grade neutropenic fever.(99-100)We just have to watch it and if it goes over 101 then we have to call the doctor and be addmitted to find out whats going on.She hasnt been eating very good and you can tell she dont feel good because all she wants to do is either lay on the coach or lay with me.Shane slept on the coach and Kirsten and Jackie both got in bed with me,Brittany slept by Shane in the livingroom,She wanted to watch Disney channel.

She gets radiation at 9:00 every morning during the week and she takes a break on the weekends,She has to do this for 6 weeks.She did really good during radiation,everyone has to leave the room because the dose of radiation is so high.But her and Scooch (her bear) just layed there very still.Ill post new pictures later.Ill get one of Jackie and Scooch.

Thanks,
Melissa,Shane
Jackie,Brittany and Kirsten

Friday, June 13, 2003 4:16 PM CDT

Hello Again,

Jackie did great Thursday with surgery.Dr.Reyes and Ryan and all the OR nurses took real good care of her.She was sore right afterwards and that night but she is doing great now.She is walking around really good now.She started running a low grade temp last night so we are still watching out for that.
She also did really good with her chemo.We dont know if it was the diffrent combination of nausea medicine or if it was because she didnt get actinomicn-d but she didnt get sick like she usally does.She got sick two or three times after surgery.
She went down on Friday and toured the radiation department
everyone there was really nice.and they explained everything to us step by step.Then she had a ct scan.
She will start radiation on Wednesday and she also will have counts done and have vincristine.(weekly outpatient chemo)
We will update again on Wednesday or Thursday to let everyone know how her first radiation appointment went.

Thanks
Melissa,Shane
Jackie,Brittany and Kirsten

Friday, June 6, 2003 3:46 PM CDT

HELLO EVERYONE,
I know that everyone has been waiting on the update about her surgery.Dr.Reyes has been really working hard on getting LOTS of input from other Doctors.They have decided that the best thing for Jackie at this time is to NOT have surgery.She will start back on chemo Monday and while we are there we will talk with the radiation specilist so we can make plans for her to start radiation.When we talk to him on Monday we will ask him if it is nessecery to have her ovaries moved over to keep them from getting damaged.Dr.Reyes can do that if we need to.She said that this is the best thing for Jackie right now because of the location of the tumor.Dr.Reyes is the best.I know that she has been working really hard on deciding the BEST possible route for Jackie.I thank God for her and Ryan.
We get to meet the new doctor on monday.His name is Dr.Kellher.We have heard so many wonderful things about him.I really look forward to meeting him.

Please continue to pray for Jackie She still has a long road ahead and she has been such a trooper.

Thanks
Melissa,Shane
Jackie,Brittany and Kirsten

Thanks

Sunday, June 1, 2003 11:31 PM CDT

We really dont have any new information to share right now.We are all doing good just waiting to find out where we will go for surgery.
We havent really put alot about what type of cancer she has and how she was diagnosed so we decided that is what we will do.
January 6,2003
Shane went to the bathroom right after Jackie did and she forgot to flush,and there was blood in the toilet.So i called her into the bathroom and i checked her bottom,There was something in between her butt checks that we thought was a hemroid.So i called the doctor first thing the next morning.
January 7,
We went to our appointment by that time she had a large abcess on her left butt check,I could not belive what i was seeing that was not there the last time i had looked at her bottom.The doctor said that it would drain itself but we should have a surgon look at the skin tag.We were so worried and scared.We had an appointment with Dr.Reyes
January 14.
January 14,
We left Brittany and Kirsten with there Nanny and took Jackie to the Nemours Childrens Clinic.We meet with Dr.Reyes and her PA Ryan and we were so impressed with them they where so caring and sweet.I dont know what it is but from the minute we meet Dr.Reyes we felt so comfortable with her and we felt like she would take care of everything. She said that Jackie would have to have surgery to have the abcess drained.So we were addmited that day to start fluids for the surgery the next morning.That night she had an ultrasound done on the whole abdomen because of the blood in her urine.
January 15,
Surgery was cancelled.Dr.Reyes told us that there was a mass in the bladder so they would have to do some other test.That day she had several test done.Surgery would be rescheduled for the next morning.
January 16,
All the Grandparents came up for the surgery and Brittany and Kirsten Came too.Me and Shane went with Jackie to the pre-op room,We were sooo nervous.Jackie was laying in my lap and Shane was holding her hand when Dr.Reyes came over to let us know what was going on,She said that the mass in her bladder was a tumor and they would have to do a biopsy to be sure if it was cancer or not.I tried so hard not to cry in front of Jackie i knew that she would be scared if we were.A few minutes later they where ready to take her back Dr.Reyes told us to go back to her room and stay off the phone they would call us in the room when it was over.She didnt want us to have to wait in the waiting room with all the other people staring at us because we were so upset.When we left that room the tears began to flow and for the next 24 hours they would just keep coming.Shane put his arm around me and we walked to the waiting room where everyone was waiting for us.We just told them to come back to the room we would explain there.We told them that she could have cancer.We all cryed for a few minutes and then we had to pull it together for Brittany and Kirsten.So we asked the Hospital School Teacher to bring us some poster board and we made a huge get well card and hung it on the wall for her.soon after that the phone rang we all gasped as Shane anwsered it.It was Dr.Reyes She does have cancer.She then said that the surgery would be a little longer than they thought because they would go ahead and put her port in (a line in her chest for chemo and blood draws.)Shane hung up the phone and told us just what we expected and didnt want to hear.So then we had to call the rest of the faily and let them know what was going on.we still couldnt use the phone in the room so we used the phones that were up and down the halls there were 4 phone and we were using them all.about 30 minutes later they call us to tell us she is in recovery and that me and Shane can come in.The man that was in the recovery room was so sweet.Every time i would cry more he would tell me "Its ok Mom shes in good hands they are going to make her better"
That afternoon we talked with Dr.Lew.He says she has RHABDOMYOSARCOMA.It is connected to the bladder and goes out and connects to the vagina wall and wwraps around the rectum.We could tell from the very begining that he knew what he was doing and that he was a great Dr.But he was full and he would have to send her to another hospital out of town.
January 17,
She was already starting to feel a little better and she was getting ALOT of guest and Gifts that really helped her feel better fast!and we really appreciate all the things that everyone did and is still contuining to do for us.All the prayers are also VERY IMPORTANT!!.
January 20,
We were released from Sacred Heart Hospital.We were not sure where we were going to go because of insurance issues.
January 21,
We are going to Shands in Gainsville.We left Brittany and Kirsten with my mom and dad and left for Shands.we didnt have to check in untill the 23 so we got a motel room and took Jackie to some fun things before she would have to be put in the hospital.
January 23,
We were addmitted to Shands.We had some BAD experinces while we were there we couldnt wait to get home.While we were there she had a bone biopsy and it was clear.THANK GOD.
January 25,
Her first dose of chemo.
It was awful she was so sick.Every 30 min.she was getting sick.By the next morning she was feeling better.
January 28,
We came home
Febuary 1,
Jackie had a high temp and we had to be put in the hospital we were there for 12 days.

That is how we found out she had cancer,We are now waiting to find out when and where she will have her surgery to have the tumor removed.We will let you all know as soon as we find something out.

Thank-You So Much for all the support in these difficult times.
Melissa,Shane
Jackie,Brittany and Kirsten

Tuesday, May 27, 2003 2:46 PM CDT

Hello Again,

We hope everyone had a great Memorial day weekend.
We are all doing good.There is not a whole lot going on We have Brittanys Ultrasound appointment tommorow but we wont hear anything about that untill Dr.Reyes gets back from her surgery meeting.Dr.Lew is leaving the new doctor is Dr.Kellher,We will miss Dr.Lew alot.We are greatful for the time that we were able to have with him.He is truly a wonderful doctor.
Jackie is working on a new poem to put up on the site so as soon as it is finished we will post it.

Tuesday, May 27, 2003 9:58 AM CDT

We are updating now please check back around 4pm this afternoon.

Thanks

Wednesday, May 21, 2003 9:55 PM CDT

Hello Again,
We are all doing good.Jackie had her chemo on Monday she was sick but about 11:00 she went to sleep and she was fine after that.
Brittany Went to see Dr. Reyes and she said that It looks to be an ovarian syst and we will follow it with ultra sound every two months.
Jackies surgery will be out of town.We are hoping for Jacksonville.We should know more about that tommorrow,When
we hear something we will update the site.

Thanks
Melissa,Shane
Jackie,Brittany and Kirsten

Wendsday, May 21, 2003 3:49 PM CDT

Hello Everyone,
I took Jackie to the doctor today because she had been falling down alot lately,It turns out it is a side effect of the vincristine.but other than that she is doing well.She has gained 2 pounds which is great because we thought she was losing weight.They called on friday and changed her MRI appt. from Monday to Wendsday.Sorry i didnt get a chance to put that on here.But as soon as we know something we will let you all know.Brittany's ultra sound is supposed to be on may 28th but were trying to get that changed to alittle sooner.The first grade play was last night and it turned out great all the teachers and students
did a great job.There is a link at the bottom of the page for the school there is some pictures on there.Well i think thats it for now.

Thanks so much for supporting us and praying for us
during these difficult times!!!

Melissa,Shane
Jackie,Brittany and Kirsten

Monday, May 5, 2003 2:23 PM CDT

Hello Everyone,
All is well here.We have added some new pictures,One is from there first birthday party.We know some of you didnt know them when they were babies so we thought we would put one on here.

We also added a picture from there Teddy Bear party.One day last week Jackie got out of bed and said momy today is leahs Birthday and so i asked Brittany when is Binkleys birthday?she said today so of course it must have been Lenas Birthday too so we had to have a party for them.They all had a great time the bears all ate to much and got sick to there tummys :)

We are just waiting for the 12th.We hate waiting and not knowing what will happen next but it is nice to have a little break from getting chemo.

Thats all for now as soon as we have more info we will let you all know.

Melissa,Shane
Jackie Brittany and Kirsten

Monday, April 28, 2003 9:37 AM CDT

Hello Everyone,
Jackie will not be getting any chemo this week,
or next week.Then on May 12 she will get an MRI if it shows that the tumor is small enough for surgery then thats is when she will get surgery.She will be in the hospital after surgery for atleast 2 weeks.Just before she comes home she will get her big dose of chemo (after the 2 week break for recovery).Then she will start radiation,She will have chemo and radiation at the same time.The only thing she will not have is the actinomicin.
Brittany will have a ct scan done on May 1st.We will let you all know how that turns out.
We will let everyone know when the results come in.
Thanks for all the support.

Melissa,Shane
Jackie,Brittany and Kirsten

Monday, April 21, 2003 11:29 AM CDT

Hello Again,
Were back from vacation. WOW what a great time we had!Atlanta sure is a busy place.
We got there Monday night around 6:00.
Tuesday we got up early and went to Stone mountian That was so much fun we rode the train around the mountian,we rode the sky lift to the top of the mountian,they also had a boat and we went to a 4-d movie (that was awsome)We stayed there from 10am till 6pm we were so tired but we had fun.
Wendsday we went to Zoo Atlanta They had alot of fun there too. Jackie's Favorite animal was the Panda Bear,Brittany's was the baboon (Because of the purple butt)Kirsten's was the Lion.After the Zoo we went to the Coca Cola Museum,That was so neat we tasted coke from all over the world some was good some was awful.
Thursday we went to Amicola Falls that was beautiful,it was a water fall that plunged 729 feet.After we left there we went to Thunder Roads Nascar Museum There wasnt very many people there so the girls were treated like stars!! The people that worked there were so nice the girls we to little to ride in the simulators but since there wasnt many other people there they let them ride any way for free! And they raced slot cars.
Friday We went to Six Flags, Boy that place is HUGE with LOTS OF HILLS we rode the Log Fume (water ride)That was so fun all three girls were able to ride with both of us and we all got wet it was so funny they were screaming and laughing.
Saturday we went to American Adventures A kids Amusment park.and Saturday Night We Went To the Lazer Show at Sone Mountian That was so cool I think Everyone in Atlanta was there :)
And Sunday morning we came home. We had the best !!!
We are getting her CT SCAN today so as soon as we hear something we'll let you all know.

Melissa,Shane
Jackie Brittany and kirsten

Saturday, April 12, 2003 7:29 AM CDT

We had the best time at the relay for life ceromony last night,it was great.They were giving out door prizes and Jackie won a HUGE TURKEY,And Brittany won a vannila gift basket with body wash and stuff like that.(she might have to share with mommy)Then when we did the lap around the track everyone from Jim Allen was wearing a button with Jackies picture and they were all screaming for Jackie and waving there checkered flags.I dont think shes had that much fun in a while.They were doing face painting at one of the booths so we went over and asked them if they could paint her head it was so cool.(check out the picture in the phots album)We are going to go back later today and see how many people stayed all night:)
We are going on our vacation on Monday so when we get back there will be all new pictures for you all to see.Also
wanted to say CONGRADULATIONS to Jim Allen Elementary for winning 3rd place for tent decorations and 2nd place
for the most money raised WAY TO GO!!

Happy Easter
Melissa,Shane,
Jackie,Brittany and Kirsten

Monday, April 7, 2003 9:19 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,
We have created this site to thank everyone for all the help and support during these very difficult times.
Please check back weekly for updates on her treatment.She has test coming up on the week of April 21.After we get the results we will let you all know.Also want to let everyone know that there will be a Relay for Life fund raiser at Tate High School Friday 4-11 If you can come out and show your support that would be great :)

Thanks again
Melissa,Shane,
Jackie,Brittany and Kirsten

Monday, April 7, 2003 9:04 PM CDT

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