Trial or Miracle??? Pam's story continues.....

Ok, now for the update you have all been waiting to hear. Before I go into todays appointment, I need to back track about part of this miracle....
Before my 1st Surgery October 7th, I talked with breast Diagnostics to see what exactly this surgery was for and ask questions. They told me that since the biopsy could not prove or rule out cancer, they chose to do this surgery to remove the tissue. They informed me that medical research is going back and forth as to if it is really necessary to put someone through surgery when it may not be cancer. But Breast Diagnostics and MD Anderson did their own 2 year research program to follow this type of biopsy. In the surgeries were done only about 3 or 4 in 2 years came back as actual cancer. The rest came back as precancerous cells. However, in the women they did not do surgery on, over 1/2 came back with invasive breast cancer. So it was decided to be safe and remove the tissue in question, and be safe, rather than have it become full blown cancer within 2 years. They told me that I had a choice to turn down the surgery, but to me, it was a blessing this was even found, so I opted to follow through with the surgery and be safe now, rather than sorry later. The reminded me that only 3 or 4 in their research came back as cancer, so I should not be afraid. Most likely it was just an abnormal cell, or precancerous cell. So, with that, the rest of the story continued.
Now for today's update..... I went to MD Anderson and met with a wonderful doctor. She explained to me about the Lobular cancer I had and what it was, and the difference between lobular cancer and Ductal cancer. She called it cancer lesson 101. Which I was grateful because it helped us all to understand what excactly was going on in my body. She assured me that the RIGHT decision was made, not only to have the 1st surgery, but also the 2nd surgery. As they were able to completely remove all of the cancerous area. So I was relieved that we went against the odds and chose surgery! Huge blessing! She then explained that there are still numerous abnormal cells in my breasts. And because of that I am at very high risk for invasive cancer (meaning the cancer spreading). However, she explained that with Lobular cancer (LCIS) which is what I have, it does not respond to radiation or chemo! If cancer returns, and we know it will at sometime in the future, I would need a mastectomy. So, we had two choices.
One: we could just keep a close eye on the abnormal cells and if it goes into cancer, more surgery to remove. OR Two: Try some Tamoxifen cancer treatment pills. I would be on these pills every day for the next 5 years. They are suppose to slow down the cancer cells, keep new cells from growing, or hopefully kill off the cells.... There of course are some serious risks involved, but the risks vs cancer equals NO BRAINER! With being on the Tamoxifen, I will be watched closely with MD Anderson. And regular bloodwork will be done, along with other testing. We feel at peace with this decision. And the best news..... I am free to go to Idaho on December 14th as planned and stay till February to help Kellie!!!! I will have a follow up appointment and blood work before I leave for Idaho, and will follow up immediately when I get home in February. There is a bit of bad news..... I can still only lift 5 lbs. max. Hopefully in another month I will be able to lift 10 lbs. But that is my LIMIT! Which means.... No picking up and carrying my adorable grandson! Although I can HOLD babies and Camren as long as I am sitting down. NOT picking them up! So I will have to just be happy with that! Also, they found that there is still alot of fluid in the breast from the surgeries. It should have been gone by now, and with the pain I am having they are afraid it could go into an infection. So I have to watch that closely, and if pain gets worse, or any infection, I need to get to ER immediately and have it drained. GREAT! But I'm NOT complaining. This is the best news I could have asked for. I am sooooo grateful for all the prayers. Even if this slows the cancer down for a couple years, I am good, as I have other things I need to deal with. I am grateful for the miracles I have seen in my life these last few months. I am grateful for modern day technology as we have learned that this was just literally getting ready to spread. I know the miracles happened because of all the prayers that were offered in my behalf! THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!! You will never know how much you all mean to me!
Until next time.......

Trial or Miracle???? Pam's story Continues... and Craig too!

I guess it's time for a quick update on the Mace and Baldwin families. I am continuing to get stronger little by little. I still don't have alot of energy, and get tired out quite easily. Today I washed down the shower and toilet, (a total of all of 5 minutes) and I was wiped out. So I know my limits and trying not to over do. (Good thing I remodeled my house earlier this year. Guess the rest won't be finished for a while now). Anyway, My surgery is healing, we think we finally found the right meds for my anxiety, and we don't know if it is the surgery or anxiety that is making me so exhausted. Most likely it's the combination of the two. Even after having two surgeries already, to remove the cancer, I think it just finally hit me today that this is real. That is because I got my phone call from MD Anderson Cancer Center for my consultation and to meet the Oncologist. My appointment is for Thursday Morning. So this is where the real part of my cancer kicks in. Did surgery do good enough, or will there be more treatments.... I guess we will know Thursday. That is about all on me. I am still not lifting, Kassie and Joe are still here and have been a huge support. Just having them here really helps out! Now on to my brother......

Well, here is the latest update on my brother Craig. As everyone knows, our lives change minute by minute. Chemo was actually started over the weekend, but after 2 rounds of chemo, his liver count ended up being to high, so they had to stop the chemo and wait for his liver to continue to do better. The count is continuing to lower daily, but last night, it was decided to send him home and let the liver continue to drain and lower. He will return to Spokane every few days for blood work and when the liver count is better, they will be able to continue on with the chemo. I'm told his coloring is looking a LOT better. The yellow is disappearing and his coloring is coming back! A good sign that his liver is functioning.
He returned home last night to a brand new adjustable bed. Which according to his daughter, Craig slept very well in it. He pretty much sleeps, but the kids are glad he is home for a while. He may be home for about 2 weeks before they are able to get on with the scheduled chemo treatments. The doctors will follow him closely.
We ordered Green (lymphoma) and Pink (breast cancer) wristbands this week for all the family. We all wear them proudly knowing that "No one stands alone". (which is what is written on each of them).

So that is about it on the updates. My dad continues to heal from his surgery as well. It's a slow process, but all will be well. WE WILL FIGHT THIS AND WE WILL WIN!!!! Until next time.....

Trial or Miracle???? Pam's story Continues... and Craig too!

Well today I will do an update on my brother, as nothing has changed on me....

This morning the doctor was finally able to do surgery on his liver and drain it. The drain will be there for a while. Not sure the time frame. Craig said that as it drained he immediately started feeling better. He was able to breath without hurting. The doctor said that his yellow coloring should start coming back to pink as the poison is leaving his body. Following the Liver surgery, he was immediately taken in for the bone marrow procedure. And then after a very long and exhausting day, Chemo was started. ALL testing and procedures have now been completed.
He will now spend the next 5 days in the hospital on chemo, and then be allowed to go home for two weeks. As far as the testing results. So far the doctor has said that "They have found NO surpises." We are guessing that means that the cancer is in the area where originally thought and has not spread. We do not know that for sure, but from the comment, that is what we are believing. If that is the case, this is VERY good news! The doctor said that just with his liver being drained of the poison, Craig should be feeling ALOT better. Most of his sickness was most likely caused from the non functioning liver and not the cancer.
We should be getting all the formal reports back from all the tests and procedures, the beginning of next week and will then know what stage of cancer he is in.
His family, and ours as well, are very grateful for all the love and prayers. Especially for my friends who are praying for my brother, of whom they don't even know. THANK YOU!

Just a quick update on me. I am getting stronger every day. To just look at me, you would have no idea that I am dealing with cancer. (Except I've lost 22 lbs. since summer). Not all of which was from cancer, most was from stress for personal issues. I am still struggling with energy, but I know that will come back in time. Today I actually went shopping for a little bit ALL BY MYSELF! That was weird! I promise I am not over doing, and Kassie is making sure of that. I really enjoy having her here to give me the continued support I need.
I am grateful for friends and family, for all your comments on facebook! You are truly wonderful!!! I am also grateful for my 18 month old grandson, who today said, "gramma", then folded his arms and bowed his head. His mommy figured this meant he wanted to say a prayer for his gramma, so they did. What a precious angel!!!
PS.... the Lymphoma and breast cancer wrist bands I ordered for the family are in. The are great and each says, "No one fights alone." And from all the support and love we have felt, my brother and I both know that we are NOT fighting this alone!!!!
Until next time....

Trial or Miracle???? Pam's story Continues... and Craig too!

Well, alot is going on in the life of the Mace's and Baldwin's. First let me update you on me. (Pam)...
Today was my 1 week followup from my cancer surgery. With that follow up came good news and bad. (which was expected). The good news is that they were able to go in and remove ALL the cancer in my left breast. So I am cancer free as of last week! However.... The pathology results also showed that there is an area in my breast where the lobular gland and duct meet at the nipple. The surgeon was not sure if he would be able to clear that area. And he was right. He was not able to. The pathology report said that it is not LCIS cancer, however it came back as Atypical lobular hyperplasia involving the large duct. Which basically means I am at a VERY HIGH risk of Invasive (spreading) of the cancer. The report also shows there are several benign and precancerous tumors as well.
At this time, all my files have been faxed over to MD Anderson Cancer Center and I should be hearing from them tomorrow or Monday, to determine further treatment. If the hyperplasia cannot be treated, a mastectomy may need to be done in the near future. So, we wait for MD Anderson to determine which direction they want to take. Considering there are several benign tumors in the right breast as well, the surgeon believes radiation will be the next step. But..... there is a chance they may just keep a close eye on me and see what comes up. I'm not to thrilled about the wait and see approach, as I know this was found early for a reason and I don't want to risk it going into full blown cancer and chemo. Although it would be nice to be cleared to go to Idaho for the 2 months in December as planned. So I will leave it in the Lord's hands.

My little brother Craig, on the other hand, has had a VERY hard week. After he was admitted back into the hopsital (thanks to a VERY good Oncologist), he has been through a zillion tests, procedures and surgeries.... This week they did a Brain MRI, a Spinal tap, (at which they also put in a bag of chemo during the spinal tap, as a precautionary measure, so if the cancer is not in that area, it will keep the cancer free from there as they go in and do the other procedures). After the spinal tap, his neck went stiff. And he has been in severe pain. The stupid nurse came and gave him a tylenol, (which he argued and said he was NOT suppose to have because of his liver) but the nurse argued and told him it was on his charts and ok to take. So he did. Later the doctor came in and had a fit as my brother IS NOT to have tylenol or anything like it because of a non functioning liver!
Yesterday, he also had a heart test (surgical procedure) done. Because this took longer than expected, his other procedures were put off. Today he went in for a PET scan which will tell the doctors where the cancer has spread to. Once again, because this took longer than expected, they were not able to do other procedures necessary.
Tomorrow the plan is to drain the liver (which is a very serious surgical procedure) in the morning, then do a bone marrow test, and hopefully be able to start the chemo. We do not know for sure if it will happen or not, but we do know that these are the last two procedures he needs to have done before they can begin the chemo. So we pray that there will not be any complications with the procedures tomorrow.
The Mace family and Baldwin family want to thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, love and support. Although this is hard on Craig and I dealing with cancer, we know it is especially hard on our kids. But we know the Lord is with us. We are eternally grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who knows what we are all going through.
As I have said before, and has become the Family Motto.... "WE WILL FIGHT THIS AND WE WILL WIN!!!!!! Until next time....

Trial or Miracle??? Pam's story continues..... and family too!

Well, I have survived the 1st week of recovery. Yesterday I was finally awake for more than just a few hours. I still don't have alot of energy, but at least I was up before 1:00 pm today. I am still following doctor's orders, and not lifting and doing alot of resting. I return back to the surgeon Thursday for the latest pathology reports, and get my appointment to meet with MD Anderson.
In the meantime.... My poor family is going through Alot! My dad is recovering from Hernia surgery which took place on Oct. 26. Sadly, he is recovering on his own, as more bad news has hit our family.
Monday, the day before my cancer surgery, my little brother Craig, went to the hospital. He was transferred to a hospital in Spokane, Washington. After spending several days there, and learning his liver stopped functioning, a series of medical tests were performed. To our shock, he was diagnosed last Friday with B-Cell Lymphoma cancer. The stupid doctor sent him home for the weekend, only for him to become worse. So today, my mom, nephew, and brother returned to Spokane to meet with an Oncologist (which actually knows what he is doing), and is immediately admitting him back into the hospital. They will try and drain the poison out of his liver, do a series of more testing, and plan to begin R-EPOCH Aggressive Chemo by Thursday. At this point they plan on a 5 day in hospital chemo, 2 weeks home, 5 days chemo, 2 weeks home for at least 6 treatments.
We still do not know what stage he is in, but the doctors think that with the aggressive chemo it can be cured. But it will be a long 6-8 months. Our prayers go out to him and his kids, as he is divorced and the kids have no support at home to help them. Thank goodness my mom and dad are closeby. Although my mom is mostly in Spokane with my brother. My dad will help out as much as he can.
This makes me worried about what my future holds. Although his doctor assures me, that this is not hereditary, but because my cancer and his were found at the same time worries me. Was mine just a miracle and an early sign of what could have been??? I will know more after meeting with MD Anderson and making sure I will be cancer free. I thought I had it bad till I heard of my brother. My two surgeries, and possibly radiation treatments, are nothing compared to what he is going through. I am grateful mine was found before it went to the lymph nodes.
Again, we know the Lord is with us. For whatever reason our family is being hit with Cancer at this time, we do not know. The Mace family continues to deal with other personal issues going on in our lives as well, and sometimes it's hard to keep going. I know the Lord says he will not give us more than we can handle, but I do have to say..... "I've reached my limit!" But I know the Lord loves me, my children, my brother, his children, and all of our family.
As I have said numerous times..... WE WILL FIGHT THIS AND WE WILL WIN!!!!!
Until next time.....

Trial or Miracle???? Pam's story Continues... and family too!

Well, I made it through the 2nd surgery!!! Tuesday started out very early at 5:00 am. As we were pulling out of the driveway, I noticed that all the trees on our street had pink ribbons tied around them. Kassie and Joe went to all the neighbors the night before, informed them on what was happening and got permission to tie pink ribbons around all the trees. What a very nice surprise for me to see the love and support (some from neighbors we don't even know) before going in to surgery.
As far as we know at this point, surgery was a success. They believe they got it all, and we now wait a week for the pathology reports again to make sure we got it all. After that I will be turned over to MD Anderson to determine which direction to go next.
I slept for 3 days straight, but have been visited by several friends (some of which I may not remember them coming), have been fed very well, received tons of flowers, cards, phone calls, emails, and text messages.
I am very grateful to all my family and friends for all the love and support. I am grateful to my Heavenly Father who has been watching over me.
On a side note.... things are not going well with my family. My poor mom is keeping really busy. On October 26th, my dad had surgery for a hernia, and is suppose to be down for 6 weeks. The day before I went in for my surgery, my little brother (1 year younger) ended up in the hospital in Moses Lake, Washington. Because of the seriousness of his condition, he was transported to Spokane (about an hour and a half away). He was been in the hospital since Monday and awaiting test results. Things are not looking good, and hopefully test results will be in tomorrow. Our prayers are with him. My mom has been with him in Spokane (my brother is divorced and 6 kids) which has pretty much left my dad to recover by himself.
It amazes me at how much our family has been through this last year. Health wise, personally, emotionally, etc. But still we keep the faith and move on!!! We feel the love and prayers from all our family and friends. And know the Lord is in control at this time in our lives. Until next time......

Is it a Trial or a Miracle??? Pam's story continues

To begin, I must say that I have the most wonderful family and friends in the whole world!!! Thank you for all the love and support these last few weeks, and especially this last week. I have received so many kind words of encouragement and I have been so blessed! The picture above is the MANY cards my kids leave out for me every day giving me support, flowers I've received, chocolates, more cards, and the list goes on!
My daughter planned a really nice surprise Girls night for me Friday night, and it was nice just to be surrounded with love!
Today I went in for my pre-op at the hospital. That was easy, as I was just there 3 weeks ago, and so I didn't have to go through all the many hours of testing again. Only some blood work and signing of papers!
This afternoon I went to meet with the Surgeon for a final time before surgery and got the reports back on my MRI. Good news, The surgery has not changed for tomorrow. The right breast came back as more of a pre-cancer so they are just going to watch it at this point. MRI also shows that the last surgery, on the left breast, was basically a success. Alot of the cancerous tissue was taken out. Tomorrow will be some final clean up, and whatever else they find that needs to be removed! After tomorrow's surgery, I will be turned over to MD Anderson for them to make decisions on radiation and/or what to do with the Right breast. With any miracle, they will say no radiation and come back in 6 months! (I can hope and pray anyway). But as the doctor said, this is the best news we can ask for at this point. We are confident he will get it all out tomorrow.
Bad news on the MRI... is that it shows that either way of what happens these next few weeks, I am at VERY HIGH RISK of it going into full blown breast cancer in the very near future. So for that reason, MD Anderson, may decide to do Radiation to keep on top of things. I am ok either way, as long as I am clean to go to Idaho in December to help Kellie with our little grand baby that will be coming in January.
Either way, I am still at peace! I feel the love and prayers from all of you! You truly are a huge support to me and I am eternally grateful to you! I'll keep you posted, until next time.....

Is it a Trial or a Miracle??? Pam's story....

After returning from Hawaii, I went to the doctor for a health issue. While there, I decided to go ahead and have a full physical done. I figured since I only go to the doctor every 5-10 years, since I was there, I might as well get my clean bill of health.
I went in on August 5th for a mammogram. While there, the x-ray tech came out and told me that one of the x-rays came out blurred, so she needed to retake it. So she adjusted the machine and took two more pictures. Then told me I was done. I remember thinking, "don't you want to check those first to make sure they aren't blurred?" But continued on my way. A few days later the Doctor's office called to tell me that my test results came back, and there were a couple minor things, but all in all, everything was good. I asked if that included ALL tests, and they replied "yes". So, I went on my way, figuring I was good now for several years to come!
To my complete surprise, 2 days later, I received a letter in the mail from the radiology department, informing me that my mammogram came back abnormal and needed further testing. At first I thought, "whatever". But then something hit me that I needed to get those records and find out what was going on. I immediately went down to the doctor's office where the records were picked up. I cried as I read that something was found and I was being referred to Breast Diagnostics.
On September 7, after returning home from a trip to Idaho, I went to Breast Diagnostics for a more high tech mammogram. They informed me that 90% of the women go home after this, as the high tech machine is pretty clear, and usually rules out whatever they thought was a problem. Well, not for me! I was the 10% that came back as needing a sonogram. So I immediately went in for an hour long sonogram. Again being told that 90% will find nothing. After waiting for the radiologist and specialist to look over the sonogram, (about 20 minutes) both the tech and specialist came walking in to the room to inform me that I needed a biopsy done immediately. They explained that it was probably nothing, but they needed to be sure. Most likely some kind of tissue that just didn't look right. I informed them that the biopsy would have to wait as I was literally leaving in 3 hours to fly out to Idaho to help with my grandson. They asked how long I would be gone and I informed them "2 weeks". They then scheduled the biopsy for the very next morning after I arrived home.
While in Idaho, I explained to the kids what was going on, and my son and son in law gave me the most wonderful blessing I have EVER heard in my life. They did not tell me I would be healed. (although I was hoping they would). Instead, I was told that I would have the faith to endure. That I had the love of my family and friends, and that I could get past this. I felt very at peace and knew that all would be well. In a way, I felt this was all a waste of time, that the Lord was just testing me for some reason. (like I didn't have enough going on in my life already). But either way, I felt very at peace for whatever the Lord had coming my way.
On September 19th, I went in for the biopsy. Again, the Doctor was excellent. And explained to me that she felt it was just some weird thing as it did not look like a tumor. She originally thought it was a cyst, and hoped to drain it. However, that wasn't the case and she ended up doing a core biopsy. Again, I felt very at peace as she said the results would be back within 3 to 5 days. I was given directions to be careful using my left arm, etc. And no lifting!
Two nights later, a little after midnight, I walked into a dark room without turning on the light and tripped over a stupid rocking stool. Knowing I had just had the biopsy and I needed to protect my left side, I took a hard fall without bracing myself. My right knee went in every direction EXCEPT the direction it was suppose to. As I hit, I screamed. I was in more pain than I have even been in. I could NOT move my knee at all. And I thought for sure I had messed up my major surgery from 10 years ago. A sudden trip to E.R. was made, even though I knew they would do nothing to help me, I NEEDED pain meds Desperately! They drugged me up good, and home I went at 5:00 am.
At 8:00 am, when I knew the orthopedic office was opened, I called for an appointment. They told me to come in at noon. I then fell back to sleep as I was totally drugged and no clue what I was doing. At 10:00 am, my phone rang. It was Breast Diagnostics Records department. They were calling to inform me that my reports were ready for me to pick up to take to the surgeon. The surgeon??? What surgeon? And why??? She then realized that no one had called me with the biopsy reports. Of course I freaked, knowing that this was not good news if I was being referred to a surgeon. They told me the doctor would be giving me a call.
After about 30 minutes of hearing nothing, I called to talk to the doctor, informing them that the records department had called. She apologized for me getting that call, but told me that the biopsy came back as a Complex Grossing Papillary Lesion; Fibrocystic Change. Because of this, surgery needed to be done to further evaluate what was going on. I was horrified. But yet, I still felt at peace. The Lord had assured me that all would be well. And I knew I needed to trust HIM!
I then pushed that aside, and left for the orthopedic doctor. He told me that my surgery held up, but that he was sure I had torn the meniscus. He sent me in for and immediate MRI and told me that surgery would be the next day if anything showed up. Great! Another knee surgery...
My home teacher David Arnett, and friend Kevin Watts, came over that night to administer a blessing to me. Again I felt at peace and knew that all would be well. I then received a phone call that the MRI showed no tear. But a very severe sprain. I would be down for 3 weeks! If not better in 3 weeks I needed to return as sometimes the MRI aren't clear with so much swelling.
Surgery for the Breast lesion, was scheduled for October 7th. And before they could do surgery, I had to be off crutches. Which meant only 10 days on crutches instead of three weeks. I did not know what that was going to do to my knee, but this surgery needed to be done. Again, I was not afraid. And I knew the blessing my kids gave me still stood.
October 7th came and in I went for surgery. With tons of prayers being said in my behalf, I knew the Lord was with me. Surgery went well, and the surgeon thought it was all done. HE did not expect anything except maybe some pre-cancerous cells...
I went home from the surgery with a 2 inch incision, for the pain and recovery period, which would be at least a 2 week recovery of no lifting and limited use of my left arm. Which was ok, as that would help my knee heal better.

Well, On October 17th, I returned to the surgeon's office for the results of the surgery. A good friend went with me, just incase it was bad news. But still I felt completely at peace. The surgeon walked in, pulled his chair up next to me, then opened my file. I knew something was up, as usually they would just walk up and say everything was normal. He started to explain to me about the Lobular Glands, and how it didn't spread to the lymph nodes, etc. I said, "so this is cancer" and he said, "yes". I asked several times if he was sure. And each time he responded back, yes. He said we were very fortunate as it was caught early. It hadn't quite made it to stage 1. He told me that this kind of cancer is normally NOT found on a mammogram. There are no lumps. It is a group of cells, and It is usually found by going in and looking for something else. How the tech spotted it, was nothing but a MIRACLE! It did not hit me that it was cancer until he started talking to me about MD Anderson Cancer Hospital. And again I said, "so this is real, this is really cancer?" And he again responded, "yes". The surgeon was very good as he explained to me what would be taking place. Another surgery on the left breast, and MRI to be done on the right breast (as what they believed was a cyst in the right breast, they now believe is also cancer, as Lobular cancer is usually found in both breasts). He talked about Surgery, Radiation and possible Chemo. Although he felt Chemo would most likely NOT be necessary. But that would be up to MD Anderson after the surgery is completed.
I must say, that I was shocked! Never in my life did I expect to be told I had cancer. There was no reason for me to go in and have this mammogram done. The timing was definitely NOT RIGHT, as I have so many other things going on in my life right now. Heavenly Father knows what I have going on, so why would he put me through this? Why now? I do not know, but one thing I know for sure is that I KNOW and have LEARNED that my Heavenly Father LOVES ME! He knows who I am and what I am going through. I know He will bless me and will bless my kids and their families as well. Some how, I will make it through. I will fight for my life! I am truly grateful for my family and all the wonderful friends who have been there for me. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people in my life.
My oldest daughter Kassie and her husband Joe, flew out immediately to be with me and help me through all of my times of trials. I am grateful to them! My kids have made me cards, which have been left out for me, (one every day), to lift my spirits! Of that I am truly grateful.
I am still at peace. I truly am not afraid. I will fight this and I will WIN!
My next surgery date for removal is November 1st. I am still waiting for the date of the MRI. Thanks for all the love and Prayers! Althought this is a huge trial in my life, at the most inconvient time of my life, it is a MIRACLE that it was found. By the time I would have gone in for a mammogram, (in a couple of years) this would have spread by then and who knows where I would be. So yes, this huge Trial... It is a MIRACLE!!!

Now Let's get updated....

When I wasn't off in Idaho, (this last year), I kept busy updating the entire house. Painted and redid the master bedroom and bathroom. Gutted Kaydee's bathroom, Moved Jason's things to the room upstairs, totally redid the downstairs bathroom, Repainted the kitchen, put in granite counter tops, the works in the kitchen. Redid Rick's office (in Jason's old room), Painted the music room and fixed up my office. Yeah, that kept me pretty busy with no kids around!
The summer was filled with alot of ups and downs. Kaydee and Jason were enjoying Hawaii, although Kaydee was keeping mom hopping as she was having health issues and there was nothing I could do about it. While in Hawaii, the kids lived through the tsunami, Kaydee managed to have a ruptured ovarian cyst, and then managed to pass out, where we remained knocked out for 10-15 minutes. Ending up with a major Concussion! (those were just a few of her issues). We had some personal family issues to deal with which kind of put a hold on things, but we will make it through. (those issues I will not get in to)
The end of July, with Kaydee and Jason's Hawaiian adventures coming to an end, we flew the entire family out to Hawaii for a family reunion. It was nice to have the family together and we were able to meet Kaydee and Jason's friends, spend time on the beautiful beaches, visit Pearl Harbor, The Polynesian Cultural Center, Swap meet, hiking, and enjoying time with the kids! We rented a house there, so it was really nice to all be together.
The first of August, we said good bye to the kids as they flew back to Idaho and we made our way back to Texas with Kaydee and Jason. It was really hard for the kids to leave their friends behind in Hawaii! They had a great time!
Three weeks after being home, I flew Kaydee and Jason to Idaho for them to spend time with their Sisters and brother in laws. Two weeks later, I returned to Idaho again, to move the kids in to their apartments at BYU-Idaho where they were ready to start a new adventure in their lives. Even though Idaho is NOT Hawaii, I am sure they will come to love Idaho (or at least the friend part any way).
That about sums up that part of our life. Next will be the Miracle and new changes that are coming in Pam's life......

Can't believe it's been a year!

Ok, so I decided I would do a quick update of the last year. If you read the kids blogs you can get more details of Elder Mace's return home from his mission in Mesa Arizona.
In September, it was with mixed feelings that we sent Kassie and Joe on their way back to Idaho so Joe could finish up his last year of school. We knew that would be the beginning of all the others leaving as well.
In December, Kellie, Alex, and Camren also left to return to Idaho. Alex had about 2 years left of schooling. We truly miss having them in our home. Just 2 weeks after they left, Rick and I boarded a plane with Jason and Kaydee and headed to Hawaii. After spending about 9 days there, (got the kids moved in to their dorms and ready for school) it was time for us to leave the fun of Hawaii, and head home. It was a LONG plane ride back home knowing that we were returning home to Texas to a VERY empty house. And empty it was!
However, Pam was only home for about a week when she received a phone call that Camren was having some serious seizures, and needed to fly to Idaho to help out. She was in Idaho for about 10 days helping to get Camren to doctors and making arrangements to get him to Primary Children's hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was discovered that Camren was not only having some type seizures, but he was having a rare disorder called a Shudder Attack. This was causing him to lose weight, as he had an attack every time he ate, and would cause him to stop eating.
In February, Rick and I flew to Idaho to spend time with the kids and to attend a surprise 80th birthday party for his mom. This was a quick 4 day trip, but very nice visits.
The end of March, I again flew to Idaho (last minute) as Alex had to fly out of town and Kellie was having some severe food allergy issues, and Camren was still having seizures. I ended up staying for 3 weeks, helping the kids, attending our son in law, Joe's, graduation from BYU-Idaho and celebrating Camren's 1st birthday. Rick was able to fly out for a weekend to attend Joe's graduation and it was a great reunion. Even though Kaydee and Jason had to join us by way of SKYPE on the internet.
Just when it seemed Camren's seizures were doing better, his mommy discovered a new issue. Camren stopped breathing while he slept. Right now they have him on monitors so the kids know when he stops breathing and they are waiting to get back down to Primary Children's Hospital for more testing.
We are trying to get use to the empty nester stage of our life. When I am at home, we have kept busy remodeling our home. So far we have completely redone our music room, my office, Kitchen, 3 bathrooms, master bedroom, Jason's room, and currently Rick's office. Plus we totally fixed up the front and back yard, cleaned out the garage and attic, and the list goes on. We are almost finished!!!!! (And no, we are NOT moving).
This about sums up the life in the Mace home. We are waiting to fly the family all out to Hawaii for a family reunion in July when we pick up Kaydee and Jason and bring them back to the mainland.