Monday the 29th of October

What a busy weekend we all had. First it was an exciting day following chemotherapy: Taylor, Caleb and myself all crashed at Mom's Saturday morning. Her energy left the three of us (who were exhausted) feeling a bit jealous. Mom's energy carried her through Saturday and a busy Sunday at my house with a crew from GEFC and our family. Of course mom is always entertained when Matt starts smirking. This is because when Matt starts smirking, trouble is in the air and the Otts love trouble (despite what our very down to earth, mild mannered reputation might suggest). Luke panicked when Matt convinced him to be in charge of the hayride from the trailer and then added..."and Luke start yelling if we are going to hit (the ground), because someone or everyone will probably get thrown off (the trailer)." It wasn't long after that Luke started yelling like it was the end of the world (Luke gets frightened easily). Matt just laughed and laughed and egged Luke on some more. Good Times! Tonight, Mom/Granny had a little elephant show up at her door looking for some tricks or some treats. What a fun night. With all of this fun please pray that mom will be able to catch up on some rest and please pray for her body and the chemo as they fight the cancer. Thanks for all of the love you have poured on us these past few months...keep it coming (especially in the form of your wonderful comments.)

Friday the 26th of October

Mom received her chemotherapy treatment this week. Her white blood count has continued to rise, her platelet count has stayed around 115 (100 is the cutoff for treatment, so continue to keep this in prayer), and her weight dropped only a few ounces (from 99.9 to 99.6). Treatment number 5 is completed, 2 more to go before testing. Please continue to lift mom up in prayer and support. Thank you all for your encouraging words...keep them coming.

Friday the 26th of October

Today mom travels to Geisinger for her 5th Chemotherapy treatment. Her blood will be tested at about 12:45 and chemo will most likely start around 1:30. Please pray for mom's blood count and weight. Also pray that mom would be able to get the treatment and that the treatment would work. Thanks so much for your continued support.

Wednesday the 24th of October

Thank you all for your unending support and prayer. Please continue to pray for mom's blood counts, weight and dietary needs. Also pray that she is able to rest enough to provide her body with the much needed energy to fight this disease. We are two days away from treatment number 5.

Friday the 19th of October

Mom's white blood count and platelet count are back up! So the 4th gemsar treatment will begin any minute. Mom was also elated to find out that she will only need 4 shots (previously 5)to maintain her white blood cell count. Dr. White laid out the treatment plan for mom today as well. She will continue with chemotherapy every week for 7 weeks (this was week 4) and then mom will go onto a 3 week on 1 week off cycle. Dr. White is going to get a catscan and run some tests after week 7 to see how the treatment has been working. Mom was very encouraged by the visit she had to Geisinger this week. Keep praying that the chemo would destroy the cancer and that mom's blood counts will be stable enough to allow her to finish the last 3 chemotherapy sessions in this phase of the treatment.

Thursday the 18th of October

Tomorrow mom goes to Geisinger for her fourth chemotherapy appointment. She is scheduled to have blood drawn and tested at 12:45. If her white blood count and platelets are high enough chemotherapy will begin at approximately 1:15. Please pray that mom will be able to receive the treatment and that it will work! Thank you all, so much, for your love and support, please continue to pray for our mom and continue to encourage her as well.

Monday the 15th of October

Mom's next appointment is Friday at 12:45 for blood work and if all goes well the chemotherapy will start at 1:30. Please pray for mom's white blood count and platelet count. Mom has had two days of injectable treatments to help boost mom's white blood cell count. We are extremely thankful for Anne (mom's neighbor) who is a nurse and has been administering the shots. Mom also made it to church Sunday and hung out in the sound room with Caleb during the service. Please continue to pray that mom would keep gaining weight, that she would be able to receive chemotherapy on Friday and that the chemotherapy would attack the cancer. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.