Game On! Barbstrong!

Dear Barb’s Army,

Today was a good day for Barb.  She rested a bit in the morning.  Then Katie, Joan, and Amy went to the Hospital with Barb to have the ascites drained again.  They got 2 liters out of Barb’s abdomen, which is about 6 pounds.  Dianne continues to make liquid recipes and Barb drinks them slowly.  They stay down for about an hour or two and then Barb gets “urpy” and we turn the ng pump on.  A little gets through because it comes out the other end…..if you know what I mean!

Tomorrow at 8am they are going to try a procedure called celiac plexus block, which will help with the pain in her abdomen and back.  It may not work because of her prior whipple and all the radiation she has received.  (That has left plenty of scar tissue.)  So Barb wants the prayer tonight to be that the BLOCK works.  If it works then she should be able to lower the dose of the pain medication.  That would keep her more alert.

A big thank you to GARCES HIGH SCHOOL for their PURPLE OUT and prayer time today.  Thanks to all who organized.  Thanks to an administration that knows sometimes the rules can be bent!  The Schager, Boylan, and Haller families all appreciate the support.  I am so touched by THE BARB’S ARMY Family!  God Bless you all!  Keep the Faith!  Love, MK

Gallery of the Purple People for Purple Out 2010.

Send your pictures, name and location to pictures@barbstrong.com

Dear Barb’s Army,

This is what I HEAR:

1.  I HEAR that half of Ames High School is dressed in PURPLE!

2.  I HEAR that Jimmy is being interviewed by Channel 8 at the high school.  He will spread the word that more funding needs to go into pancreatic cancer research for a cure!

3.  I HEAR the cicadas in the backyard while I watch Melissa massage Barb’s back.

4.  I HEAR my Mom tell everyone that there is NO NEGATIVE ENERGY allowed in the sun room, where Barb prefers to reside.

5.  I HEAR my Dad show up early in the morning to take baby Eric for his stroller ride.

6.  I HEAR the constant hum of the dishwashers and the washing machine/dryer.  There is never ending dishes and laundry.  Just when I think we catch up, there is MORE and MORE.

7.  I HEAR Joan squirting hardwood cleaner on the kitchen floor because Dianne makes so many concoctions that fruit juice gets everywhere.

8.  I HEAR a husband leave this morning and tell Joan and I, who are sleeping in the Master as he is in the sun room with Barb, “take care of my girl.”  I then HEAR that husband call from the farm and ask how Barb is doing today.  Do I need to come home?  I tell Jason that she is fine so far and to stay at the farm and get some work done.

9.  I HEAR the occasional push of the pain button by Barb.

10.  I HEAR that Barb’s Army, all over the WORLD, is wearing PURPLE today.  Game ON, BARBSTRONG!

Keep the Faith and know that Barb is at peace and well cared for!  Love, MK

Dear Barb’s Army,

Thank you for all the positive feedback on yesterday’s post.  It truly came to me in a dream.  I have learned over the years to LISTEN well to my dreams.

Jimmy has requested that everyone at his high school wear purple tomorrow in a PURPLE OUT day to remind everyone to pray for Barb and ALL people fighting pancreatic cancer.  So, I am extending this to ALL Barb’s Army.  Try and wear purple tomorrow!

Barb had a decent night according to Jason and got some good rest.  This morning she had a shower and then Joan gave her a long massage.  She has had a little back pain today, so she has pushed her pain button a few times.  Barb did get a bit “urpy” with a juice drink…..that means she gets nauseated and Katie turns on the ng pump to get it out of her stomach.  Barb had a nice nap in her bedroom and is currently sitting on a massage contraption getting her lower back rubbed by Melissa.

Keep the Faith.  Barb is well loved!  Love, MK

Dear Barb’s Army,

I would just like to announce that tomorrow, August 30, we are going to be having a “Purple Out” day. If you could wear purple tomorrow at school to show your support, that would be awesome. Thank you!

Love, Jimmy Boylan