Happy Thanksgiving!

Today Vince had his one week post chemo check up. The dr. said that he is doing extremely well! He said the reason he gained 20 lbs. is because they have been giving him steroids with his treatments, which is what I kind of suspected. He said his blood work looks good, but his white blood cells are a bit low, so he is really not supposed to be around crowds or anyone who is sick at all. He needs to be very careful, especially the next week or so, as this is when he is more susceptible. He will go into the hospital for the 5 days of chemo on Thursday, Dec. 11th. This will be his last chemo for awhile. Vince is still feeling really good and he an Mikemo skate every chance they get.

He will probably be having radiation approximately 3 weeks after the chemo, depending on what the surgeons findings are after the MRI or CT Scan when he is in the hospital. Dr. Tap told us that usually the radiation treatments consist of about 4-5 weeks of treatments and the treatments are Monday thru Friday for those 4 or 5 weeks! I was so surprised, I had no idea it would be that long. That adds up to 20-25 radiation treatments. He did say that they would only be about 2-5 mins. long, which gave us some relief. But, we will be driving everyday to Westwood to get the treatments. When the radiation is finished, he will have the surgery to replace the bone, but that also depends on how much of the bone will be saved through chemo and radiation and how much of the muscle and tissue are affected. So, he could possibly be having the entire humerus replaced or just part of it replaced. Please pray that the treatments would be extremely effective and that he will have to have only a minimal amount of surgery. Of course we are always hoping for the best possible outcome and we do have faith that the treatments will be very encouraging. I am figuring, based on what he told us today that he should be having surgery sometime the end of February or beginning of March.

After he recovers a bit from the surgery then he will indeed have 8 mths. of chemo. I asked the doctor if that was absolutely necessary, since we were hoping that he wouldn't have to be exposed to all that chemo for so long, but he said that it IS extremely necessary. So, we will pray that he continues to do as well as he has thus far.

I hope everyone has a very happy Thanksgiving and may we all be a bit more thankful this year as remember how blessed we are no matter what we are going through:)

Also, we are having a quiet dinner this year at home vs. the 25 or so that we normally have, due to Vince's health and we are trying to de-stress our lives this holiday season. We will miss all of our family members...we love you all and we will miss Grandma Charlotte's yummy cooking!

Mom & Dad I love you and I will miss you, too...but we will see you next month!

I have to share this photo with you...it's Mikemo, Vince & Little Will. I think Mikemo was about 4, Vince 6, and Little Will about 5. Mikemo was a Ninja, Vince was Gambit & Little Will was Wolverine! They were sooooo cute! Thanks Big Will for the photo! It brought back sweet memories!

	"Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."
	Psalm 106:1

Today Vince is feeling so great! Oh my gosh! I am amazed at how much of a difference there is between his first chemo and this 3rd one! He did throw up twice last night, but it's mostly because he just feels so full and can't even put anymore liquids or food into his body until the chemo liquid comes out. He always feels so much better after that. He REALLY is doing so fantastic and I am so grateful to Jesus for providing healing in his body in such a short time! I made him pancakes for breakfast and we are leaving shortly for his 2 pm appt. at UCLA to have the shot that renews his white blood cells, which is given 20-24 hrs. after chemo.

Here are two photos that Mikemo took of our new friends, Milt & Betty! What a joy they were! In the photo with Veronica, he told Mikemo..."here, take our picture of me kissing her, kiss, kiss, kiss"...it was hiralious! He is such a jokster! He told us so many funny ones and kept us laughing for hours! Vince said he wants to make his appointments at the same time as his from now on, because he made the time go by so fast! A 6 hr. chemo session only seemed like a few hours because of them. His wife Betty & I are in the other photo...which I had no idea that Mikemo even took of us...it looks like we are posing, but we were actually standing next to each other because her husband told her to stand next to me to see how tall she used to be before she started to shrink! He told us to take 1,500 units of calcium everyday so that we don't get what she has and she looks at him and says, "oh...Stop!...they don't want to hear your advice"! LOL! They have been married for 55 yrs! They bicker back and forth constantly, but you know that they love each other very much just by the mere fact that they are still together! He has lung cancer, like I mentioned yesterday, and he said he never gets sick from his chemo and his was so energetic! His wife said she doesn't know where he gets all his energy and he is driving her crazy!! LOL! Actually, they reminded me of my own parents...when I call them on the phone, my dad picks up a phone from the other room and we are all talking, and then they start bickering back and forth and talking to each other while I just listen...it's pretty entertaining! I love it when my mom says, "Cal, you make too much noise on the phone...hang up!" Cracks me up! I love them for that...so it was great to have Milt and Betty remind me of what love is at that stage in life! See what we have to look forward to?...LOL!!!

Colossians 4:2
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

Veronica and Mikemo came with Vince and I to UCLA for Vince's chemo today. The waiting room was extremely crowded today so they decided while Vince and I were in the infusion room that they would lay out in the hall! People kept asking if they were ok, they thought Mikemo was in need of some medical attention...it was pretty funny:) It gets a little boring hanging around waiting, and Vince says he doesn't really care if we are with him, but I know he really does. We love him and we want to show him we care. There is a difference in the action...saying something and then doing it, shows you really do care:) Vince has gained almost 20 lbs. since his chemo started! The nurse said she would rather see that happen than for him to lose weight. He has been hooked up for a few hrs. and he was getting a little nauseous in the beginning but he seems to be doing ok for the time being. He has a man and his wife who are really hilarious keeping him company! They are in their early 70's and just so funny...the husband keeps telling Vince jokes and stuff. He has lung cancer, and as he says, "really bad", but he has the best attitude! He said they found his cancer by accident when he went for a pre-op and had some tests done and told him he couldn't have the surgery which he was originally supposed to have (a spine fusion) because they found the cancer. He hurt his back a few years ago when he fell off of a chair he had put on his car to use as a ladder! He is a funny man...so glad Vince has him there with him today! Thank you Jesus for sending the most unlikely people to bring a smile to his face!

Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!
Hebrews 13:2

Chemo Tuesday

Vince will be having his 3rd chemo treatment on Tues, Nov. 18th @ 11:00 a.m. This is the one that is done in the doctors office for about 7-8 hrs. Please be praying specifically for no nausea and that he would feel better than he has in the past. The doctor did say that he shouldn't get as sick, and hopefully that will be the case. He will probably be in bed for a few days just to recover, but I know that with lots of prayers, God will comfort him beyond our expectations!

This is a photo of Jim with Vince on his shoulders. Vince was about 6 mths. old (he was a big boy), Jim around 24 yrs. old! This brings tears to my eyes as I remember how precious he was! (and still is...LOL!) He was soooo cute!!!!!

I will be in the cafeteria at UCLA Westwood for a quite few hrs. while he is having chemo, as the chemo room gets quite crowded with other patients, so if you are online and would like to email with any prayers or encouragement for Vince, I can read them to him throughout the day. Thank you in advance! God bless!

rondacapaldi@msn.com

For he loves us with unfailing love; the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!

Psalm 117:2


All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us.

2 Corinthians 1:3

Prayer Quilt

Vince received this quilt the other day in the mail.
It's so amazing and beautiful! I knew that a quilt was being made for him, but I had no idea how it was going to look! The quilters even made it with a special fabric which has skateboarders on it, which actually resemble Vince! If you double click on the photos, you can see all the detail. Check out the cross on the back of the quilt! It's a wonderful reminder of how Jesus died on the cross for our sins! Every time Vince uses this quilt it will be a constant reminder of God's grace and mercy! It also has over 50 tied knots, which represent all the prayers that were said for Vince! The Lord is so good! What a blessing to know that he has had so many wonderful and caring people praying for him! I even know people who are praying for him that have never prayed in their lives! Prayer changes things, especially the hearts of those who are doing the praying! Thank you Jesus for loving each one of us!

Thank you to all the women of "Sew Blessed Pray Quilters" who made this quilt! We are so blessed by your gift of love! God bless each one of you and thank you for praying for my precious son, Vince! My heart is full of JOY!

Inland Hills Church in Chino, Ca.

Thank you to Joe Tuso for putting Vince on your prayer chain at this wonderful church!!

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16

Game Day!

Today Vince & Mikemo got invited to go to a Clippers game at the Staples Center with Eric Koston (another pro-skater on Mikemo's team). Here is a picture of the seats they had! Pretty awesome, huh! I always get the "nose bleed" sections when I go to any venue! So, I am glad to see that they had an up close and personal view! Thank you Eric for making their day!

Guy Mariano came over the other day to take Vince and Mikemo to play golf at a local golf course. He's the pro-skater that came over last month and took them to Golf N Stuff. I don't think Vince golfed, but I do know they had a great time! Guy brought over these yummy cupcakes from "Sprinkles Cupcakes" as a gift for Vince! Thank you Guy for thinking of him!

My baby brother, Eric (he's almost 45..lol) crashed on his dirt bike in the desert yesterday and broke his shoulder and humerus bone in 3 places. He had 2 surgeries in the last 24 hrs. Please pray for healing for him and that he has a speedy recovery! He was in a lot of pain when I saw him at the hospital today. Thank you so much!

Psalm 117:2
For he loves us with unfailing love; the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!

Pray for Nathaniel

Nathaniel is a 15 yr. old young man, who had open heart surgery recently, is now on a breathing tube, has a staff infection and pneumonia. His heart was leaking blood after the surgery and they put glue around his heart to stop the bleeding, which worked, but now has other problems. Please pray for him today, and that God will restore his health and that he would be on his way to recovery~he is in desperate need of prayers! Thank you all so much!

Vince is doing so fantastic! He is out skating with Mikemo and their friends everyday and gearing up for Nov. 18th. He is trying not to think about it too much...just the thought of having to go through it, makes him nauseous. Please pray for Bernadette, too...she is having a MRI on Monday or Tuesday. She is having a problem with her hip and it's extremely painful for her.


Thank you to Antoine for the letter you sent to Vince. He really appreciates the fact that you care about what he is going through. I am praying for your mom and your friend with cancer as well:)

This is a picture of Mikemo and Antoine in France (he lives there). This is where he met Mikemo and gave the letter to him for Vince.


Thank you Judy for taking me to dinner the other night~it was so nice to get out and spend time with you!


Happy Birthday to my mom...she had her 6?th birthday on Thursday! YAHOO!!! I love you! Of course she'd be mad if I said her real age...LOL!! Can you believe Thanksgiving is coming up in just 19 days! Christmas in just 47! I know I will have a new thankfulness as I celebrate these 2 holidays this year! How about you?


Jeremiah 30:17 "For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds," says the Lord.

Matthew 21:22 Everything you ask for in prayer, if you have faith, you will receive."

PRAISE REPORT!

Vince saw Dr. Tap today and he told us that the chemo is working nicely and a 3 or 4 in. portion of the tumor in the humerus has diminished! He said in his opinion, "the cancer is shrinking." We are so happy that the chemo is doing it's job in just a few treatments! Thank you Jesus for hearing our prayers! His blood work looks really good as well, but he is a little anemic, but not enough to treat him for it. Dr. Tap suggested that he eat his spinach! I told Vince I could juice it for him with some carrots and an apple, but he wasn't too keen on that idea! LOL! He did say that he would eat it...which is a great sign that all my nagging is actually getting through to him!

Vince will have chemo in 2 weeks (Nov. 18th) at the doctors office, the one day big blast session. At the hospital, we were told that the 3 week cycle is counted from the 1st day of chemo, but today Dr. Tap told us that it is counted from the last day of the chemo. So that is great news for Vince! He has 2 more weeks to feel normal! He also gained 10 lbs! I guess that fast food is catching up to him and the fact that he hasn't been burning off too many calories since his skating is at a minimum! Of course, as I am writing this, he and Mikemo just left to go skating at Skatelab! Hmmm I wonder what they will be doing there?

Thank you for checking on Vince to see how he is progressing. All of your prayers and wonderful thoughts are certainly paying off for him! He feels really good and he is very grateful for all the outpouring of love and affection! God bless!


Hey...check out this photo of Mikemo...so many people have said that he looks like Michael Phelps...what do you think? I think he does look like him, but only much more handsome, of course! I am looking forward to seeing Mikemo on his own box of Frosted Flakes in the future!

Proverbs 15:30
The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and a good report
makes the bones healthy.


Hebrews 11:6
Now it is impossible to please God without faith, since
anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and
rewards those who try to find him.

The Golden Tickets!

Vince is feeling really good and if I could just keep him from skateboarding, he wouldn't feel soreness through his ENTIRE body! If you see him skateboarding, PLEASE STOP HIM! LOL! Actually, he is not supposed to skate, but I know how much he loves it...so I am hoping he is using common sense and NOT skating until after his surgery, not sure when that is, but he really needs to be healthy in order to have the surgery. He has an appointment tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. at UCLA Santa Monica and we will find out the results of the MRI and X Ray and I will blog about it tomorrow evening.

In the meantime, a dear friend of the family, Kevin and his wife, Debra, bought tickets for the Smashing Pumpkins Concert, which happens to be Vince's all time favorite band, and it should work out perfectly for him, because if my calculations are correct, it will be the night before Vince's 4th chemo treatment, the one in the hospital for 6 long days. What a great gift! Thank you Kevin and Debra for bringing a smile to Vince's face!

Check out this photo of Jim hugging Mikmeo! Cracks me up! Just goes to prove that you are NEVER to old to have your dad give you a hug and love on you! Warms my heart! I love how Mikemo's arm are just hanging by his side! Now that's submission!
We picked him up from the airport on Friday night, he was gone for two weeks in Europe with Matix Clothing! Welcome back Mikemo! We missed you!




This photo is Mindy and Vince...it was taken the day after he got out of the hospital last week.




Thank you to everyone for praying for him (and our family) while he was in the hospital, God has heard our prayers!

James 5:13
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone
cheerful? Let him sing psalms.

The Day After

Today has been a very good day for Vince. We had an appt. at 1 pm at UCLA Westwood, got a shot to rejuvenate his white blood cells, there was no traffic at all either way (thank you, Jesus), came back home, he went to lunch w/Josh, and has felt pretty good other than a little nausea (which he has medication for) so we are extremely grateful! He is feeling a little soreness in his ribs from the shot already, last time he felt it in his back, but that is a good sign, it means the shot is working:) We were also told that he should be getting a little more tolerant from the chemo with each treatment as well.

We didn't see the doctor today, but Vince has an appt. next Tues. Nov. 4th for blood work and we will find out about the MRI and X Ray results. He has a great appetite and has had McDonalds, Jack in the Box, & Taco Bell all within 24 hrs! As someone told me who had the same cancer as Vince, "that's already a little victory!", that he is able to eat. Yay!

Thought I'd share this video with you from "Stand Up To Cancer"..I thought it was really special. It's called "Be OK"...click here to watch it.

You can also launch a star. The Constellation is a tribute space to honor anyone who has received a cancer diagnosis. For a donation of $1 or more, you can add a star to the Constellation in the name of someone you love: a family member, a co-worker, a friend.
Thank you Cathy for your "goodie bag" for my hospital stay...I loved it!

Matthew 14:27
But Jesus spoke to them at once. "It's all right," he said. "I am here! Don't be afraid."

HOME SWEET HOME

We got home today from the hospital at 1:30 pm. When he got into the wheelchair to leave, the nurse pushed him to the elevator and as we were waiting, the door opened and there was a gurney in it so we had to wait for the next one, which actually took about 5 mins. He was so ready to leave that he put one side of the foot rests up, and was using his foot like he was skateboarding to push to wheelchair closer to the elevator and the nurse gently walks over and pulls him back...it was pretty funny...they kept saying if we don't get him out of here he is going to make a run for it!!

He has to be at the oncologists office at UCLA Westwood tomorrow at 1 pm for the shot that helps to replenish is white blood cells. He is doing very well considering all he has been through. As soon as we left the hospital he decided he wanted a cheeseburger, Sprite, and an ice cream cone! We found a McDonald's about 6 blocks from the hospital and he was so happy! We got home and he immediately took a shower and got on his computer and then rested for awhile. But, he has not thrown up! Yay!! His stomach does feel a bit upset...took his anti-nausea medication and feels better. The doctor said each day should get progressively better, so he will just take it easy and rest. Just getting out of the hospital helped so much...that smell was even getting to me!

He goes back for his 3rd round of chemo around Nov. 11th...it's only 2 weeks away, since he is on a 3 week schedule and the first day you begin chemo starts that 3 week cycle, so that's the reason for only 2 weeks in between. He doesn't even want to hear the word "chemo" right now...it makes him sick, too:(

Check out Vince's legs...Bernadette shaved a "B" and a heart in Vince's leg hair...and when he was walking the halls pushing his chemo tower, one of the nurses walked by and said..."is that a "B" on your leg?" LOL!

Veronica is laying in my "bed" in this photo..see how "comfy" it looks! Sorry it's blurry...no, it's not your eyes! LOL!

So, that's pretty much it for now...I will try to update tomorrow evening about his visit to the doctor. Hopefully, he will have some info about the MRI and the X Ray:) Thanks again for all of your prayers! They are such a huge part of Vince's treatment and I know that he is doing so great because you are faithfully praying on his behalf! God bless!

Thank you Aunt Diane for bringing a "home cooked meal" to us today! We love you! It was delicious!

Strength is made perfect in weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9

Going Home Tomorrow!

Vince had the MRI and X Ray today. I don't know when we will hear the results, but I'm sure it will be soon! I am looking forward to hearing what the doctors have to say:) Vince is on his last bit of chemo for this round. It will end tonight at 12 a.m.! He is soooo happy! He has to finish another medicine for his bladder (it protects his bladder) and that one will be finished before 10 a.m. and then we are free to go as soon as the doctor releases him! Hopefully, 10:15 a.m...which is not soon enough for Vince! So I assume we will be home around 12 or 1 pm. God has been so good to him while he is here. The biggest hurdle has been the episode the 2nd night, but now we know he is allergic to Compazine and the other hurdle is the vomiting for the last 2 days, due to one of the chemo's. Otherwise, he has done so great! I can't believe that this is our 5th night here! I can't wait to sleep on a mattress! I've been sleeping on a fold out chair, which is super uncomfortable! But, it's a great reminder for me of how sometimes when we are uncomfortable, how much more we will appreciate having comfort! Sounds pretty simple, but true:)

This photo of Vince is an area where we could go and didn't learn about it until today...man...why oh why didn't they tell us sooner! I will make sure next time that the dr. tells the nurses that he can go out there...Vince didn't want to go back into the hospital, he can't stand the smell! Just the thought of smells would make him gag...like the soap, or the bathroom, or the sheets, etc..horrible!

Quick story...Pastor Mark (Executive Pastor @ Discovery Church) came to visit Vince & I today here at the hospital. It's a pretty confusing place to visit and find your way around, so I told him to call me when he got into the lobby and I would come down and get him. We got into the elevator to go to our floor and wouldn't you know...two men getting out of the elevator and one leaves behind...lets just say...a not so pleasant smell...and in the elevator with us was a woman, who was not shy in voicing her opinion! She proceeds to say..."whoa..why did they have to do that...oh man...that's baadddd...oh man...don't they care"...and then...WHAM...it comes our way!....it was so funny...and she got off on the floor before us and as quick as a wink...she pulls out a bottle of perfume and sprays the elevator for us as she left..running! Pastor Mark turns to me and laughs and says, "now, that's a first"! We were quite amused by her...and it gave us a good laugh!

This is a Bible verse that I would cling to when Jim had cancer...it helped me realize that there is joy in our sufferings...even though it is sometimes hard to find...it's there if we just look for it.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)

Pray For Good News, Expect Healing!

This morning at 7:40 am, Dr. Crow (one of the surgeons that did the biopsy) came in to see how Vince is doing and said that they want to get an MRI and a CT scan before Vince leaves the hospital so that they can reevaluate his tumor! I am so excited because I thought it wouldn't be until the 3rd or 4th treatment that they would do that. I am claiming a miracle for Vince in Jesus name! I don't know what they are expecting to see, but please join with me in prayer that it would show BETTER than what they EVER expected and that God would be GLORIFIED through Vince's story! God is able to heal Vince according to His word and I am expecting him to be healed! Please stand on HIS promises with me today...right now! As I was writing this Dr. Eckardt, the surgeon, came in with all of his team and said that no pain means effective chemotherapy! Praise God for all HE has done because we know that JESUS is the ultimate healer!

Jeremiah 30:17
I will give you back your health and heal your wounds, says the LORD.

Acts 4:30
Send your healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus."

Psalm 118:8
It is better to trust the LORD than to put confidence in people.

Psalm 118:14
The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my victory.

Psalm 118:24
This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Here is a view from Vince's hospital window. I could see the ocean on the first day..it was so clear! The fog rolled in today, but it was a nice change. Vince slept pretty good last night other than waking up every hour to go to the bathroom. The more he goes, the better it is for his body...helps prevent some of the side effects by flushing out the chemicals. Grandma Charlotte (Jim's mom) came to visit today for quite awhile, which was so great for me, since I am the only one here with him now. We had some good laughs when she went downstairs to have a cigarette and got lost coming back to the room (which is like a maze) and some nurse escorted her back to me...which was great, since I was waiting in the hall looking for her because I had a feeling she was lost since she didn't come back in a timely manner! We hugged like she was gone forever! LOL!

Bernadette has to work, so she can't be here for the last few days, other than a few hours at night. Here is a photo of how we spend our time...that's Jim, Bernadette and Veronica on the computers and of course we each have own! I love to have my computer here at the hospital because I can email everyone on the spot...check my Facebook, listen to sermons, watch DVD's, play Bubble Town with my Facebook friends (you know who you are:) Vince has been playing it, too...keeps his mind occupied when he's awake and he doesn't really have to think about his circumstances. He is getting extremely anxious to get out of here. Originally we thought he would leave on Monday, but now it will be Tuesday. He is asking if they can speed it up, but it could make him feel a little more sick, so that probably won't be an option. He is just trying to find every possible way to get out of here. The smell of the medical tape, the bathroom, the sheets, and looking at the tower of chemo bags hanging just make him queasy! The chemical taste in his mouth is horrible and just laying in bed so much really sucks! I try to get him to walk the halls a few times a day, but he is not too excited about that, but does it anyway just to shut me up:) He threw up three times today, but always feels better instantly and then eats his lunch or dinner...good job Vince! He does still feel like eating which is awesome! He has had enchiladas, mashed potatoes, hamburgers, raisin bran, strawberries, ice cream...whatever he wants! The following poem was sent to me by a wonderful friend and prayer warrior..it's really beautiful:) Thank you, Rosa!

Never Unsaid by Valerie Capasso A son like you, I thought could never be. Because the day you were born, I just knew, God sent me a blessing- and that was you. For this I thank Him everyday, You are the true definition of a son, in every way. It is because of you that my life has meaning, Becoming a mom has shown me a new sense of being. I want you to know that you were the purpose of my life, Out of everything I did- it was you that I did right. Always remember that I know how much you care, I can tell by the relationship that we share. For a son like you there could be no other, And whether we are together or apart, Please do not ever forget- You will always have a piece of my heart.

1 John 5:4
Everyone who is a child of God has the power to win
against the world. It is our faith that wins the victory
against the world.

A Devotional I Received Today..Appropriate For Me & Maybe For You, Too!

GOD IS MY SALVATION
by Helen Grace Lescheid

Do you feel discouraged and don't know what to do next? We
have mentors that will talk with you.
http://thelife.com/experience/talk-to-a-mentor/
Listen to this devotional read aloud online:
http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/kindle/2008/10/26/god-is-my-salvation/

"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid"
Isaiah 12:2

Do you ever feel like you can't face another day of challenges?
Perhaps it's time to take a day off and to spend it in quiet
refection walking through nature or reading a good book by the
fireplace. But what do you do when none of this helps to lift you
out of the doldrums? May I suggest something that has helped
me to get out of the fog--literally and emotionally?

One night as I was coming home along the highway, the fog was
as thick as pea soup. I could not see the road in front of me. I
could barely glimpse the dim reflectors marking the lanes of the
busy highway. How was I going to find my way home? It was by
focusing on these "bright spots" in the fog. I inched forward from
one reflector to the next. What a relief when, an hour-and-a-half
later, I reached the warmth and light of home!

By using the same mind-focusing principle, I've learned to let
Scripture guide me instead of my moods. I take a portion of
Scripture like Isaiah 12, a favorite---- and personalize it. Then
I say it out loud.

Today I will give thanks to you, O LORD!

When I feel afraid I will remember, Surely God is my salvation.
I will trust, and will not be afraid.

When I am weak, The LORD God is my strength and my might; He
has become my salvation.

When my resources are gone, I will draw water from the wells of
salvation.

I've discovered there's power in speaking the Word of God out
loud. As I recite God's life-giving words throughout the day, my
mood lifts and I receive courage to move forward one step at a
time.

~ Lord Jesus, thank you that I don't have to navigate this day
alone. With Your help I will face every challenge and conquer it.
For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among us.

I know I've been a little slow in getting up to date on the blog. I have had so many people calling and emailing me wanting to know what is going on with Vince since he has been in the hospital. It's so wonderful to have such caring family and friends. Thank you for that! We got here on Thursday about 2 1/2 hrs. late, thank you to the fire that was near the Getty Center.

Everything seemed to be going fine, until that episode last night, which just makes me cling even tighter to my faith:) God has been my strength through all of this, which I know I would NEVER be able to handle on my own strength! I am weak and powerless and I realize more than ever that God is my rock! I cannot do this alone! I NEED Jesus and I want to know HIM more! I am amazed on a daily basis at how HIS love covers me and my family and I will dwell in HIS presence. HE has shown me HE is caring for us by the people HE sends into our lives for prayer, encouragement, and fellowship along this wonderful journey called life! I will choose to listen and believe the voice of TRUTH, which is the word of God:)

The picture above is Bernadette and Vince waiting to be escorted to his room...aren't they cute:) I love them both so much! Bernadette is such a wonderful, sweet and loving girlfriend and Vince (and our family) is extremely blessed to have her around as he is battling this horrible disease. I can't help but think that they are so young to have to deal with something of such great magnitude at this early stage in their lives, but I know that God has a plan for them and how HE wants to impact their lives and the lives of so many others around them. Sometimes it's hard for us to even imagine what's around the corner and how we are going to endure, but that's where faith comes in. I know I speak about that quite a lot, but if you don't have faith, then what DO you have? No faith? Now that's a scary thought!
Mark 11:24 For this reason I say to you, Whatever you make a request for in prayer, have faith that it has been given to you, and you will have it.

2 Corinthians 5:7 Our life is lived by faith. We do not live by what we see in front of us.

2 Corinthians 4:18 And so we keep our eyes on the things we can't see instead of what we see, because the things we see last for just a short time, but the things we don't see last forever.

Vince's hair started to fall out a few days before we came to the hospital, so Bernadette decided to shave his head last night. It's still a tough thing to have done, even if you are a guy and you do want to be bald for a Halloween party! LOL! It was a little hard for him to look in the mirror...he is grateful for beanies though (thank you ACTIVE RIDE SHOP:)

Vince is getting bored and wants to go home! We found out that he might not get to go home until Tues. morning...bummer. But, he has been feeling pretty good, except for that one bump in the road...so to speak, and again, it's one day at a time. The last few weeks have been so great...we felt as though life was "normal" again. He was out skating and having fun just hanging out with Mikemo and their friends, but once again, back to chemo. It's all about enjoying the small things as well as the big things. Vince has a great attitude and he knows that he is going to beat this cancer and in a year, all of this will just be a memory. God is so good!

Gosh, I guess I could go on forever, but I won't, but before I go...check this out....here is a picture of my tire. Both of the back ones looked like this a few days ago. I have been driving on them for the last 6 weeks back and forth to Santa Monica and home, and I was shocked when Jim pointed them out to me! They were both splitting at the seams! Whoa! I can't believe that I didn't get a blow out! I now have 2 new tires and feel so much more secure! Thank you Jim's Tire in Simi Valley!

I think if you click on this picture it will enlarge and you can see the inner edge a little better! Maybe you should check your own tires, too! Don't rely on someone else to discover it for you, or when it's too late:) An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure...so they say! I am saying goodnight, it's 1:05 a.m. on Sunday morning and I am watching my handsome son sleep peacefully! Now, hopefully I will sleep, too! Thank you for all the prayers and support for Vince and our family!

Thank you Jeanette for the yummy cookies & visiting us at the hospital:)

Thank you to the Vasquez family and to the Carson family for the videos, they are awesome!

Thank you to the Dyer family for the wonderful and yummy enchiladas!

I love you Jim, Mindy, Bobby, Gianni, Vince, Bernadette, Mikemo, Rachel, Veronica
and of course my parents and in-laws! You are all so special to me!!!

God bless!

Immediate Prayers Needed

It's 11:00 pm on Friday night...please pray for Vince, I know that a lot of you won't be checking email but Vince needs prayers right now! He started to have twitching in his face about 1/2 hr. ago and his tongue was swelling, it was difficult for him to talk. It is extremely scary for Bernadette and I, but even more so for Vince. I noticed his face twitching and he got scared, we told the nurse, who was in here, and they called the dr. They gave him Benedryl and he felt better within minutes. They gave him an anti-anxiety medication and he is now resting comfortably. I know there are side effects with chemo, but they think it was caused from one of the anti-nausea drugs they gave him. Thank you for your prayers of protection, healing and comfort for Vince. Thank you Jesus for your word! I give you all the glory and praise! Amen!

Matthew 8:17
This fulfilled the word of the Lord through Isaiah, who said,
"He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases."

Mark 11:24
For this reason I say to you, Whatever you make a request for
in prayer, have faith that it has been given to you, and you
will have it.

UCLA Hospital-Santa Monica

I forgot to mention that Vince will be in the hospital for 5 days in UCLA Santa Monica Hospital. I guess that's important to know, huh? The doctor told us that the 5 days there should be a little easier than the one day chemo treatment at the office, because they spread them out over those 5 days vs. 1 day of blasting him with intense chemo. So, I guess he will find out the difference between the two. But, he still needs plenty of prayers, as chemo is always tough. I will post more later about what time he has to be there on Th. Until then...have a blessed day!
Please say a prayer for my friend Lisa...she is having her first chemo treatment as I write this. Pray for her and her family to have the strength and peace that only God can give! Thank you!

Chemo Thursday

Sorry about the late blog, but I've been putting it off because we didn't know exactly when he was going into the hospital. We were told that he would be on a 3 week schedule and that would mean Tues. Oct. 21st would be the date, but for some reason the communication isn't that great (the oncologist has a new nurse practitioner and still learning the ropes, pray for her as she is a very sweet lady:). So, Thursday seems to be the day. Vince didn't like that too well, since he is planning on going to a Halloween party next weekend and he knows that he needs at least 5 or 6 days after chemo to heal and to feel somewhat normal, in order to attend. We are trying to push for Wednesday, as every day counts towards his goal. I will be posting pictures of the party, so you might want to check back after Halloween for the updates! Hopefully, Mikemo will be at the party too...as he comes home on Halloween from Europe. Please pray for Vince's chemo treatments. We are asking the Lord for better than expected results, just like this last time! Since God is in charge, I choose to trust HIM with my son's life and I know that "all things are possible with God" :) By the way, he is just now starting to lose his hair! They told us it would take about a week, but it's been 3 weeks! I took a video of him pulling his facial hair out with duct tape! OUCH! I am going to post that video of him doing that as soon as I figure out how to do it! LOL!

Also, if you could say an extra prayer for Mikemo and his team and for them to have a safe trip home, I would be a very appreciative MOM!! Thank you:)

I am praising God that I got my jury duty postponed for 1 yr! Yay!

Thank you Henschen family for making Vince's "chemo blanket"..it's awesome! It will keep him super warm and cozy as the days get colder! Jackie, I love how you said that "Jesus blankets us with HIS love"...that's so true! What a great visual for us every time he uses it!

Vince looks about 15 yrs. old without his beard! He shaved it off yesterday before it was supposed to fall out. He does still have hair under that hat, but not for long. It's shedding everywhere!

Thank you to the Reilly family for making us yummy scones for our breakfast treats! We especially love the art work on the bags! Thank you Allie and Aidan! You are awesome artists!


Philippians 4:6
Do not worry about anything. But pray and ask God for
everything you need. And when you pray, always give thanks.

Lakai Team Interview for Fully Flared Video

Here is a video clip that I found on the Transworld Skateboarding website. This was the video that Mikemo was in last year and it was awesome! If you would like to watch it just click the link below. Please be warned that you will hear lots of "F" words...that's the part I hate the most! If you want to check out the Fully Flared video clips you can also click here. Transworld Skateboarding interview.
If you want to know where to buy one click here.