Hickman Family Reunion-Play Day

After the exciting game of Volleyball the night before, everyone wanted to keep the spirit alive...So, we all went to a local park and played softball (I say 'we' as if I played-I took pictures)!


Can you see in the background of this picture? That is Grandpa & he stopped a little boy riding his bike and just struck up a conversation with him. It was just precious.

My baby (I mean slugger) up to bat!!!

It's good!!! Run....

Nana watching so sweetly!

Who are we kidding? She got up to bat!!!

So, Grandpa had to join in the fun, too!!

Nice Swing...

The Hickman Family Softball Team!!!

Uncle L...strong, huh?

Hickman Family Reunion-In The Beginning

Well, a few weeks ago, we went to B's family reunion (his Mom's side). We didn't get to go to the last one due to one of us being ill or something...So, it was exciting to get to go and see everyone. B's Mom is one of four girls! His Grandpa helped marry us!

The reunion was right outside of Colorado Springs. Due to this diet they have put me on for the seizures, I had to call ahead to every place we were going (i.e., hotel, restaurant, etc.) to see if they would allow me to bring my own food. We also had the delightful experience of dealing with TSA. I had to take so much of my food with me (pre-measured) which means that I basically broke every travel security law. However, my doc's office was wonderful and wrote a super letter that helped us get through security. They still wanted to take the whole cooler apart and look at everything, but it made it much easier.

Here we are at the airport, waiting for our flight. No seizures at this point in the day...Praise Jesus!!

On the plane!

When we arrived in CO, we took the shuttle to the rental car place. We tried to use B's dad's loyalty # to get an upgrade, but the guy didn't want to help us at all. So, we walked outside, got in our four door sedan and started to drive to the check out stand.

When we got there, the lady was so nice. B talked to her about her shoes, we told her why we were there and that we had wanted to get an upgrade, but they wouldn't let us because we had rented online. She said that wasn't true at all and to go pick any car off the lot we wanted!!! So, once we clarified ANY, we went and found a beautiful Tahoe (with only 5000 miles)! We didn't realize how much we would need it throughout the weekend, but it was wonderful.

This is Mallory! She's the wonderful lady that helped us get the best car!! She was such a blessing!
So, then we arrived at the "resort" where we would be staying with B's family. It was a beautiful location, The Hideaway. We were the only family there and so we had full run of the place. B's parents went to the grocery store for us before we got there so that I didn't have to pack everything. Also, the resort had a little fridge and microwave that I was able to use the entire time to keep my food. It created a bit of a challenge here and there, but we survived the first trip having to take every single meal with me.

Grandpa, B's brother, & Nana

B's Aunt N, his Mom & Dad

B's cousin R & his wife M. Uncle L, too!

Everyone just hanging out and talking. L, Aunt A,
Aunt J (she played the violin at our wedding), & Uncle R.

Uncle P & C

Everyone decided they needed a good game of night volleyball.

You can't see much b/c it was so late & dark, but I got to go get the car and move it down so they could use the headlights! Though only a short distance, I still get so giddy about driving!

A picture of the back of the Hideway.

Not a single seizure all day! Praise the Lord!!!

p.s. I was going to make the reunion one big post, but I have way too many pics. So, over the next few days, I will be posting more about reunion. Keep watch!!

From Connor's Mommy!

www.teamconnor.org

We've had a roller coaster of events the last few days. I'll start with my thankful praises first. I'm just amazed to see any improvements at this point. Connor's appetite continues to improve. He's hungry almost all the time now. He's so excited. He keeps saying, "I think my appetite is back." This has changed quickly. A week ago Friday, he wouldn't eat or drink anything. This week has brought big changes in his appetite.

Secondly, his breathing and oxygen levels are much better. 4 weeks ago, in Plano Presby Hospital, his oxygen levels were around 88. That is why they recommended the oxygen at home. Now, his oxygen levels are around 94-95. Isn't that amazing? His resting heart rate was in the upper 140's. Now, it is around 115 (normal range). Also, the swelling continues to decrease on his legs. The water is coming off his legs so quickly, there are usually small puddles at his feet. His back is more comfortable when he sleeps now. There's no other explanation for these changes except that the tumor is shrinking/softening and relieving pressure on his lungs and blood vessels. Also, his white count continues to soar. It was up to 46,000 and is now at 40,000. Patients with this amount of tumor burden usually have a very low white count. Praise God for all this!

WE are just show shocked and overwhelmed. After almost 6 months of a downward spiral, we just keep pinching ourselves that we are actually seeing the EVIDENCE of improvement. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1 It's so awesome to finally see some evidence of what we've been believing for so long. Don't get me wrong. I know we still have huge hurdles (MOUNTAINS) to climb, but it is so encouraging to be going in the right direction.

Now, for the new prayer requests. We've been having problems with Connor's feeding tube. It's been leaking. The swollen stomach pulled the skin away from the tube, causing a leak. The leak got worse and the hole got bigger. Last night, the feeding tube was dislodged ( and out came all the food he'd just eaten). We rushed down to Children's ER. The surgeon looked at it and he just pulled the tube out. Right now, Connor has an ostomy bag to collect the food he is eating as it come out this hole. It's quite an interesting site. About 30 seconds after he eats something, the food comes out this hole. PLEASE PRAY WE CAN GET SURGERY SCHEDULED WITHIN THE NEXT TWO DAYS TO CLOSE THIS HOLE. He's getting no nutrition right now. Monday, Home Health is supposed to hook Connor up to TPN (nutrition that goes directly into his blood stream). This TPN with Connor's increased appetite should help him gain his weight and strength back. His face is so thin, it is shocking the first time you see him like this.

Secondly, his sodium is really low. They kept him overnight to see if they could raise it. The sodium level didn't come up much. We understand why it is low - he's sweating out all this fluid and losing salt this way and his food just leaks right out of him. We just don't know why the sodium level won't rise. PLEASE PRAY THAT THE SODIUM LEVELS WOULD RISE. Low sodium will make him at a risk for seizures. He should be coming home this afternoon.

Thank God for his wonderful grace and mercy and Connor's improvements. Please continue to pray for old and new prayer requests.

1. complete healing on earth
2. tumor shrinkage
3. his breathing and heart rate would stay in the normal range
4. his appetite would continue to increase
5. sodium levels rise
6. surgery soon to close the hole in his abdomen.
7. Glorify God through all this!
8. Grace to get through each day.

"They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He sent forth His word and healed them; He rescued them from the grave. Let me give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of His works with songs of joy." Psalm 107:18-22

Always believing,
Joy Cruse

T Bar M Travis

Those of you that have followed the blog for a while will remember Joey. We met Joey and his family one of the times I was in the hospital in Houston. He was in a chemical explosion. This is his pen. Joey was eventually blessed to meet Jesus. It was hard on all of us (I only met him once), but extra tough on his family. We became so close to all of them. We spent my 30th b-day with his family at Joey's funeral & his Mom & Dad even came to my hair cuttin' party and each cut a ponytail.

When Joey passed away, we told his wife that we wanted to send his kiddos to T Bar M! The oldest was the only one that was old enough to go this year! So, B & I had the privilege of picking Z up from the airport and taking him to camp!!!

The entrance to T Bar M Camp Travis.

My good lookin' man! Sorry couldn't help but post it.

B & Z, being cute!!

Let's go to camp!!!

The line of parents waiting to drop off their kiddos.

Z being introduced when he arrived!!

B & me at camp. Isn't the little stream/waterfall gorgeous? It's man made.

This is the view from Z's cabin.

You knew that God was an Aggie, right? WHOOP!

Z already having fun with his new friends!!

A quick good-bye hug!!

This is the head honcho of camp, JP!

He took us on a ride around the camp on a John Deere tractor-thingy. Ben got his face sliced with a branch that we ran into, but won't let me post the pic because he's tough & cool....; )

We had so much fun and heard from Z the next week and he had a blast and is already signed up for next year! You should sign up your kiddos to go, too!!

Update on Nate

Jackie sent this update for us all. Please continue your prayers.

"We went to the doctor today and really don't have any answers for Friday's MRI. Children's along with St. Jude reviewed the MRI. Nate will continue with the same course of treatment and he will have another MRI in a month or two and the doctors will watch for any change in the spots. Dr. Bowers nurse, Melissa, worked very hard today to get some of Nate's new chemo prescriptions approved and we are very thankful for her efforts and success. We know you all are praying for our little guy and ask that you continue to do so.

On another note, last night two Make A Wish volunteers came to our house to visit with Nate. He was asked, "where would you go if you could choose any place in the world." He pondered for about 20 seconds and replied, "ummm McDonalds." Wes and I got a kick out of this and the volunteer decided we might need to help him decide.

We love you all and appreicate your support and prayers."

Connor

Wednesday, July 1, 2009 9:54 PM CDT

We've seen some small improvements. We've seen some visible changes in his swelling. Still praying for more to come! He still has about 20 pounds of water weight on him (mainly on his legs and lower abdomen). When he was in Plano Presby 3 1/2 weeks ago, his resting heart rate was in the 140's. It is now in the 120's. These could be signs that the tumor is softening or getting smaller, which is relieving pressure on his lungs and blood vessels.

Also, he's started asking for food again. We usually have to force him to eat, but lately he's been asking for food several times a day. Granted, they are small meals (only about 6-12 bites at each sitting), but still progress. He's been more talkative and wants to get out of the house every day - even if it is just going to Target. Connor will need blood tomorrow based on the blood test he did today, but his white count is continuing to rise. The normal range for your white count is roughly 5,000-12,000. Connor's was holding at 24,000 for the last month and now it is 30,000. The immunotherapy is definitely stimulating his white count. We are praising God for the little things.

Thank you so much for the prayers! Nicole hosted Connor's prayer meeting today and about twenty friends (and new faces) came to pray for Connor. We are so touched and humbled by the outpouring of love from all of you.

Continue the prayer requests.
1. Continue to pray for the swelling to decrease
2. Tumor to shrink
3. Breathing to continue to get better
4. Appetite to increase
5. Restful, uninterrupted sleep
6. Back pain to ease

The past two months have been especially trying on Connor and our family. Often, we struggle for the strength to just continue through another day. At times such as these, we turn to the one true source of hope, strength and peace - our God! This devotional from Sarah Young in her book "Jesus Calling" is such a beautiful reminder of clinging to Him in the daily struggles in life.

"Rest with me a while. You have journeyed up a steep, rugged path in recent days. The way ahead is shrouded in uncertainty. Look neither behind you nor before you. Instead, focus your attention on Me, your constant Companion. Trust that I will equip you fully for whatever awaits you on your journey.

“I designed time to be a protection for you. You couldn't bear to see all your life at once. Though I am unlimited by time, it is in the present moment that I meet you. Refresh yourself in My company, breathing deep draughts of My Presence. The highest level of trust is to enjoy Me moment by moment. I am with you, watching over you wherever you go."

Still believing,
JOY

concert & snakes

Again, I'm trying to stay caught up (or, really I need to catch up)...

A few weeks ago, we went the Concert by the Lake. We were so excited when we got to see J & his Mom, M. His Mom and B worked together at the dental office B worked at a few years ago...J was in a terrible accident November 2007. His girlfriend was in the car with him. Sadly, she lost her life, but we still have J.

Hank & J getting some good cuddle time.

Rudder wanted in on the cuddle time, too!!

If you'll recall, we had a run in with a snake at the end of May. On our way home a week or so later, this was in our alley.

I actually got out of the car myself to take the pictures. It was so disgusting. We hope to never see another snake. Two in less than two weeks is enough....
Ben didn't use a shovel and an ax like he did last time, but I believe with the help of the Michelin's, he took care of the snake for everyone.

Connor Update

Saturday, June 27

I had a conversation with Dr. Rodriguez. I told him that it was so hard on Connor to be in Guatemala, away from his family and friends. I was also concerned about what we would do if we needed other medical care there. After a short conversation, he offered to make his medicine in pill form so we could take it home with us and Connor could finish the treatment here. He has done this in a few other cases. What a blessing. What a wonderful gift from God. We picked up the pills Tuesday and flew home on Wednesday. It is so good to be home and we are getting used to being home around all the other kids. Solitude has been replaced with sweet chaos.

Connor is so happy to be home. We had his friend, Mollie Claire, over for dinner Wednesday night with her family. He's had his friend, Sayers, over to play video games and we're going to play wii at his house tonight. He also got to see the Transformer movie. We have some fun lined up for him this week at home. I can tell his spirits are lifted. The only problem is that he gets bored. His body limits him from doing the fun activities his mind wants to do.

Please continue your prayers...
1. tumor shrinkage
2. swelling to reduce
(He has started getting rid of the water by sweating it out. Will it reduce the swelling or is it just the body's way of getting rid of water when it cannot hold anymore in. I'm praying that it will start reducing the swelling.)
3. breathing to get better
4. back pain to get better
5. appetite to get better - it's holding steady

I love this devotional from Frances J. Roberts

My Healing Power

O My child, take My hand and I will lead you out of the valley. Darkness and shadows are behind you, but light and sunshine are ahead; for I shall bring you into new life and give health as you have never had it before. I will give vigor and radiant joy. Did I not promise to give "abundant life"? You shall forget the days of illness in the joy of victory; for I not only give you a wonderful victory but I, your Lord and Saviour, shall Myself become your victory. I have defeated already the foe that wars against you, and My personal experience of triumph I share with you, and we shall rejoice together, for you are My favored child.

Be not afraid with any fear. My love surrounds you, and My power preserves and protects you. Lean on Me and trust Me wholly. You will find Me strong and faithful, and wil be lifted into My arms of unfathomable peace.

I will give you the strength to witness to others of My healing power. You shall be a messenger of hope to those who despair, and you shall bear a word of faith to those who doubt. Your life shall be in My hand, for I have delivered you from destruction and have bound you to My heart in a covenenat of holy love. My Spirit shall be upon you, and My blessing go with you wherever you go.

You shall know joy such as the world can never give. There is a rest and a joy which I have reserved for those who listen to My voice and follow in obedience. My way is not difficult; it is blessed. It will not be lonely, for I will be wonderfully near. It is a life of joy, and this joy shall truly be your source of energy, your strength and your health."

This is my prayer.
Joy Cruse

T Bar M Sports Camp

Once we left T & L's wedding weekend, we drove to New Braunfels for opening weekend of T Bar M Sports Camp. B spent 15 summers there. It's a special place. B refers to it as HOME. The camp director is like a second Dad to him.

Mom has heard a million stories about T Bar M, but has never had the chance to see it. So, we all went to experience the excitement. Here she is just getting to relax on the "porch" swing and take it all in...

He's back home!

Everyone getting their kiddos to their cabins.

One of the sports fields.

Yes, we know better than to write our names in public places.

However, he did many years ago and it's still there!

All of the deer that are on site are amazing. It's hard to believe there are so many with so much activity going on there. I had so much fun snapping pics non-stop of the deer.

Here they are peeking through the trees.

Crossing the street...they didn't look both ways.

Just hanging out.

Turn around, the camera is over here.

We had so much fun and it was great for Mom to get to experience the joy of T Bar M. If you have kiddos or friends that have kiddos, check it out. Send them to camp. It's so worth it and so special. I actually came to know the Lord at Sky Ranch (a summer camp in Van, Tx) many years ago. Just think, you could be a part of planting that seed and helping to create that special relationship between a kiddo and Jesus!!!

Update on Nate

From Nate's Dad:

Nate's MRI came back today with 3 spots on the brain that had not been there before. Dr. B is not saying that it is cancer, just that it was looked at for a long time by many well qualified people, and no one honestly knows what it is. The spinal tap shows no sign of cancer, which is great, but leaves a mystery. He overnighted the images to St Judes in Memphis and a team of neuroradiologists will try and figure out what the three small spots are hopefully by this Monday or Tuesday. Of course this is not what we wanted to hear, but we know that God is good and is with Nate. Please pray that whatever it is will not harm him and that Nate's brain is protected from all abnormalities. We thank you all for the prayers and please keep spreading the word, Nate needs your prayers as much now as ever. God bless you all. --Nate's Dad