A New Type Of Golf Ball

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A few nights ago, Bryce called to me from the shower, “Tam! Check this out!” He was pointing to a lump the size of a golf ball on the side of his chest. It felt like a golf ball, too. We showed Dr. Isotope, who came to the hospital on his day off (thanks, Dr. W!!), and he told us it is a subcutaneous melanoma tumor. It was a small spot on the CT scan several weeks ago. $#!*!! Is the chemo not working? Why in the world would a lump grow to that size--virtually overnight--just 6 days after completing a round of chemo? Dad said not to place too much significance on that tumor, as it could have bled and changed size. I know, Dad, but it’s still scary. Dr. Isotope will radiate the tumor today.

Bryce is very nauseous today, and is lying in bed, panting. I hope he is able to go to the hospital for treatment without blowing chunks in the car. One day at a time, my Brycey. We’ll make today a good one.

On a positive note, I just bought size 7 pants. They’re too big. The cancer diet!!

15 Comments So Far!

On Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at 11:48 AM
Sally said:

Greetings Bryce and Tammy,
We're praying for you. The Saints in Logan have been added to the groups praying for you. We love you.
Marian and Sally

On Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at 4:24 PM
Mikey said:

Tammy,

I wish I could do more for you. I miss you guys. The thought crossed my mind that I should come visit you today as I called in sick to work this morning, but then I realized you probably don't need a sick visitor so I will just say hello here. Teri and I talk about you guys all the time. It seems that no matter who we talk to, you guys come up. We even have people who are complete strangers to you asking for updates because they have been impacted by your story. You are getting to be pretty famous. Just like those celebrity couples on tv. I can't think of a really good way to join your first names together though. Call it lack of creativity. Brammy? Brymmy? hmm. Any suggestions? Point is you are famous because everbody cares. And everybody cares because you are both so cool. You make people feel good about themselves when they are around you both. That is why we are all drawn to you. We are still behind you and pray for you daily. My wrist is starting to get healed up so I can wear the yellow bracelet again soon. I'll explain later. Take Care,

Mikey

P.S. Thank You to all those who are taking care of my friends. I worry about them a lot and it makes me feel better to hear about all the wonderful things you all are doing for them. It just shows the true size of the army standing behind you Bryce. Lead On General!

On Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at 4:30 PM
Kristi said:

Hey Tammy-
Sorry I wasn't able to hang around and talk on Sunday. It was great having you in YW. I love that you love Arrested Development. Jono and I are still mourning the loss of that show. We're both seriously considering a career in magicianry thanks to GOB. Bryce, drive that golf ball and every one like it out of your body....4. Tammy, I am a chicken and you must become my hair guru...as soon as Bryce kicks this cancer's ars.
We're praying for you guys!!!

On Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at 6:09 PM
Jer said:

Congrats on the pant size.

Bryce is the 1%!
My thoughts continue to be with you all.
Jer

On Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at 9:44 PM
jeremiah blue said:

You two are doing amzaing! One day...one hour....one minute at a time. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other...there is light at the end of this tunnel...even if you can't see it yet. This life holds more sunny days for you 3. Somebody has to be the 1 %.....there is absoluetly no reason to belive it isn't you. Be the 1%.
Prayers for you.

On Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at 9:47 PM
Rachel said:

Bryce and Tammy,
It was so good to see you both on Sunday, and to meet your beautiful little Danni. Thank you for making time for us (and for receiving the jimmy like a champ). You guys amaze me by your strength and positive attitude. I am aching for you and praying my guts out many times a day that you will have the strength you need to fight this thing. Tammy - thank you for this incredible blog. It helps us all keep up to date without driving you crazy with phone calls.
Keep fighting Bryce!
Love,

Rachel
P.S. Bryce, I'm here for you buddy - any time you feel like you need a quick pick-me-up, I'll be there with the proper tool if you know what I mean...

On Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at 11:08 PM
Allen Thompson said:

Bryce,

I found out today from Lee Wright about what you were going through. Hang in there buddy and keep fighting!! My family's prayers are with you.

I have fond memories of living in the hell hole on 11th east and 2nd south. We had a lot of good times. You have persevered much since then. Keep it up and God bless!!

On Wednesday, August 29, 2007 at 9:12 AM
Chris R said:

Bryce & Tammy -
I have been following your battle from Mandi and Nate. I have just started reading your blog. I am in awe of your courage and strength in this fight. You never realize just how many people care and love you until you are forced into crisis mode.
I also wanted to thank you for the opportunity to meet Dani and see the three of you together. The Easter Egg coloring event at our house will always bring a smile to me. Seeing how much love there is between you two and for Dani tugs at my heart. The "creative" egg coloring of Bryce and Nate brings a new dimension to the art.
I just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts daily. You both deserve to be the 1% - hope can create miracles.

On Wednesday, August 29, 2007 at 11:29 AM
Eric said:

Bryce and Tammy,
I and all of my family are thinking about and praying for you. Bryce it sounds like you have a wonderful wife and family to love and support you. Your friends love you too, and we are here for you. I am so sorry that you and all your loved ones are going through this, please add our faith to yours.

On Wednesday, August 29, 2007 at 12:12 PM
Leslie said:

Hi there! Thanks for the comment on my blog, Tammy. I truly wish that I could do more to help. I can't even imagine what you all must be going through. You are always in my thoughts. I am wishing you all health and happiness.

On Wednesday, August 29, 2007 at 3:11 PM
Rhonda said:

You have such wonderful friends!!!!Nate brought braclets for us to wear and wear them we will. We love you and miss you and pray for you day and night. You are the 1%, I actually get chills when I say that, it is true! Please focus on what you want!!! Yes kill that cancer; but most important though, is to think of your body as whole, healthy and perfect. You can do this Bryce, you've got the world and more behind you. Lots of love and good thoughts to you and Tammy and Dani. -Rhonda

On Wednesday, August 29, 2007 at 6:27 PM
Rhonda said:

Whoops - I didn't read it before I sent the last message. Correct spelling is Bracelet - and the word I wanted is wristband - we are wearing them with pride! And if someone asks we will tell them your story and send them your way, and ask for their prayers and good wishes. You have created a such an avenue for prayer, good thoughts, and love it is absolutely beautiful. The encouragement, the outpouring of love and admiration, the hope, the desire for abundance of all good is coming to you in all directions. I would love to know how many cities, states, and countries this has touched. It's incredible Tammy, but why should I expect anything less. Love you. -Rhonda

On Wednesday, August 29, 2007 at 6:37 PM
Tedde Reid said:

I am so glad to hear you are home...I bet Dani is even happier! Somehow being home always makes the "hurts" feel better. You are on the prayer list at our Church here in Chicago and on the prayer list of our staff at SEFA as well.

I don't know that you ever watch Joel Olsteen who preaches from the Church where the Houston Rockets used to play, but his message last week was on visualization...visualize yourself in happier and healthier times. Mark 11:24 says "Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." While our religions are different, we worship the same God. We are praying daily for your healing.

With all the good the two two of you are doing telling the story of protecting your skin, I just know God has so many purposes for your lives. Keep up the good work!

We are thanking God for the positive messages you are sharing and thanking Him for the healing only He can do!

Tedde

On Wednesday, August 29, 2007 at 10:50 PM
Emilie (Laub) Bott said:

Bryce & Tami

I am not sure if either of you remember me. To tami, I would have been Christy's friend and to Bryce it is an even further stretch. I was in a seminary class with you back in HS. I believe it was Brother Mac! I wish I would have had the courage to tell you in HS how much I looked up to you and respected you. I guess now is my chance. You were such positive person and always made the class laugh. I always admired who you were. From the sounds of things it looks like you have grown into a higher level of what I once knew. Your story is amazing. I admit I first heard it on Christy's blog. Somehow...i found the link to this. I don't really have the words to say...other than you both have touched my heart so deeply. I am full of tears as I type. I truly believe in miracles and I pray that the miracles will bless you soon. Thank you for touching my life... I think that is why I am so emotional. Bryce you give me hope. Tami you give me strength. Love that baby! She is adorable...she has no greater gift than the love you to have for one another. May it live on!
With Love

Emilie

On Monday, September 10, 2007 at 11:04 AM
Kris (Wife of Dean Stage IV) said:

Dear Bryce and Tammie,

This just sucks so bad and is so not fair!!

I didn't see what type of Chemo Bryce was on? Dean has just had his 3rd dose of Carbo/Taxol and seems to be responding really well to it.

No one can know what is the right thing for another person but looking
at those beautiful babies has got to be the best possible inspiration to keep fighting. I have heard stories of people that are in the same condition Bryce is in right now coming out of it. Where there is life there is hope and Bryce is still here and looks like a fighter!

All of our thoughts and prayers are with you, we are praying for the miracle that you so deserve!!

Godspeed!

Kris and Dean Hedstrom

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