Update on Shirlene and Dawn

Shirlene has been going through her radiation treatment for the passed several weeks and is doing fantastic. It was so great to see her, and just how much she improves all the time. She was given the "OK" from ALL her Dr.'s to be here this week. They put off her radiation and herceptin until next week. She hasn't suffered any of the side affects from the radiation except a little fatigue, and hopefully she won't down the road. It was wonderful having her in town watching her enjoy all her granddaughters (all 10 of them were here). We sure missed Ian and Colton! Shirlene looks AMAZING and is doing so well, I think she'll definitely be up for our girls trip to New York this fall :) I know she has been anxious to post herself, but has been extremely busy!! After this weekend look forward to some of her Christmas pictures and more about her radiation treatment. I just wanted everyone to know she is doing so well.

Dawn has suffered a SEVERE head injury and was released from ICU late Monday night, and is now in a regular room to recover. She has had her moments, but is on the road to recovery. We have been told by neurologists that it's a miracle that she is doing as well as she is, but that it will be a long road ahead. She has a skull fracture and a subdural hematoma on her right side and a concussion on her left side. She has a few scrapes on her arm, leg, and back, but no other broken bones. She will be taken off the anti seizure medication soon and hopefully that will help with her nausea and fatigue. The baby is fine and I know that is a HUGE relief to both Dawn and Brandon and all of us as well. She still has her sense of humor and has been very talkative. She has been responsive from the very beginning and even remembers almost everything about that night.

We are so grateful for her progress, but know that it will take some time for her to feel 100%. Please continue to keep her in your prayers. We will continue updating everyone on her progress.

I wanted to take a picture of Shirlene and Dawn today while we were at the hospital, but it was a rough morning. We'll put pictures up soon. Just know that Dawn looks beautiful. She doesn't even have a bump or a bruise (where you can see anyway). When we got to the hospital on Sat. she still had her make up on. She is such a beautiful girl inside and out. We love her so much and are praying her a fast recovery.

Prayers Needed

We've had such great results with all of our dear family and friends and their prayers on behalf of Shirlene's recovery, that we would like everybody's prayers on behalf of Dawn. Friday night she had an accident and had some head trauma. She has been in ICU since. She is stable and doing well. Mike and Shirlene, and Shannon and her family are in Arizona. We would ask that you keep Dawn, Brandon and her family in your thoughts and prayers. We appreciate you all, and your constant love and support to our family.

Mike's 60th birthday

Mike turned 60 years old yesterday, January 7th!!! He's not too happy about it, but we're going to celebrate anyway. I'm hosting a little open house for him Saturday evening from 7 to 9 so if you're in the area please feel free to stop by. We had a fabulous time with our family over the holidays and hope you did, too. I'm feeling much better and getting geared up for radiation which will start this coming Tuesday. I will go 5 days a week for the next five weeks. Everyone tells me radiation is a "walk in the park" compared to chemo so I'm counting on it! I feel so blessed to have such great friends and family helping me along this journey. My testimony continues to grow as I feel the love of the Lord daily through your love and prayers and support. Thanks for your calls, visits, responses on the blog and e-mails. It really helps!!
Love to all,
Shirlene