The Comfort Doc

We bumped into Dr. Welling the other day at the hospital as we were leaving and I just wanted to say something (and I know the doc reads this blog).  Macey commented on how just seeing Dr. Welling puts a smile on her face.  She really feels comforted and knows that he isn't just one of her docs, but a true, caring friend.  Dr. Blake Welling is very genuine and Macey feels it and so do the rest of us.  His warm smile and welcoming presence means so much to Macey and our family.  I believe sometimes in life things happen to bring people together.  Although the most unfortunate of circumstances, Macey getting sick has brought so many great people into our lives.  We know they are all important to her and each and everyone plays a key role in maintaining her attitude and keeping her spirit high.  We know deep down that Macey's ability to fight and overcome transcends all that is normal but so does her ability to draw people into her beautiful world.  Thank you Blake Welling for being a true gentleman, a great doctor and a presence that warms our daughters heart.  It means the world to her and our entire family.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  

Great Visit with Aunt Lori and Cousin Michael

We had a great few days with my Sister and Nephew (Macey's Aunt and Cousin).  It's been almost 4 years since I have seen them and our time together was priceless.  Macey was so excited to see them and as I mentioned in an earlier post was overcome with emotion when they walked in.  Lori got to go see firsthand one of Macey's radiation appointments and she sat in disbelief as she experienced what Macey has to go through 5 days a week.  The initial shock was hard for us too but once you go through the procedure it becomes routine, even for Macey.  There is no pain involved but the emotional stress of seeing such an elaborate concoction of machinery with your daughter affixed to it is a little alarming at first.  Aunt Lori too was overcome with emotion but at the same time was comforted knowing how much love and support Macey has at the hospital each day.  The staff has commented numerous times about how rare it is to see so much family coming each and every day to Macey's appointments.  She is always surrounded by family and friends and will never ever feel alone or like she has to face this thing solo.  We are there for her 24/7 and we even rotate sleeping next to her at night.  We all love our Macey Moo so profoundly, there really are no words to describe it.

Macey has her last regular radiation appointment today and will begin her "boost" portion tomorrow.  The end of the treatments are nearing and Macey is so relieved.  We can't wait for her to get some of her strength back and start feeling good again. 

AGAIN, please pick up a t-shirt or hoodie.  It would mean  alot to Macey and it will help her out more than you know.  With love from all of us, thanks!

From Left to Right - Maranda, Aunt Lori, Macey

T-Shirts and Hoodies ready today!

For those of you wanting the Miracle Moo t-shirts or a hoodie, they will be ready today!  You can email us or give us a call.  801-732-2858 or maceymiraclemoo@gmail.com  Please buy one and support Macey. 

T-shirt prices:
Regular mens cut - $12 (all sizes)
Ladies Cut - $14 (all sizes)
Hoodies - $23 (all sizes)
Miracle Moo Stickers 11" size (border cut) $3 ea.

Thank you!

Time to catch up!

Hey everyone, it's been a few days since we have updated the blog so figured it was time to get everyone current on what's going on with Moo Moo's treatments.  There hasn't been much change other than the fact that she is in her 4th week and the treatments are really wearing her down.  There are days when she really has to reach deep down to find the will to go to these appointments.  But, like the amazing individual she has proven to be, Macey finds a way to get herself focused and pushes forward.  Her good attitude and continued love and support from friends and family are key in what gives her such strength.  She only has a few more radiation treatments left and she will then begin the "boost" portion of treatment which generally focuses the radiation more directly on the tumor itself.  The other treatments do this as well but are expanded to treat areas outside of the site just to be sure there isn't any residual growth.  Macey is more than halfway through her treatments so that is good.  She will get a one month reprieve coming up and won't have to do chemo or radiation.  After the month break, she will do just the chemo for another month.  This is ok because she handles the chemo much better than she does the radiation. 

Macey had a nice little visit from Tyler and Blake Welling last week and it was so great to see such dynamic, charismatic, sharp young men stop by to bring her flowers and some amazing fruit sorbet.  For you girls who don't know who Tyler is you can check out this link and see him on the red carpet.  He appeared in High School Musical 3 and is living in Los Angeles pursuing a career in acting.  This clip shows him with Ashley Tisdale and then posing in a group photo op.  Macey was awe-struck to say the least and really likes him.    Link to Tyler Welling.  And as Macey's Dad I wanted to thank both Tyler and Blake for taking the time to come visit her.  I know she was supposed to go on a date with you all and just wasn't feeling very good that day but the fact that you still came by and brought the flowers and gave her a rain check was very noble and caring of you.  And you other guys reading this blog, take note.. Chivalry is not dead, as proven by these two young men.  So from Macey and all of us, thank you! 

Picture of Tyler

Wednesday was a good day too for Macey.  We hired a great masseuse by the name of Paul Kekacks to come to our home, set up his table and give Macey the full treatment.  She had a look on her face like she was laying on a table sent straight from shangri-la.  She really enjoyed this and had never had a massage until now.  She is sold.  She wants them all the time now.  We figured she has been through so much lately it was time for her to get something that was relaxing, that left her feeling wonderful.  Paul accomplished this and we want to also thank him.  We'll be calling you soon.  So be ready!  :)

Well my Sister Lori, Macey's aunt arrived from Alabama yesterday with my nephew Michael.  It was so great to see them both and it made Macey cry.  Macey loves family so much and when she got to see her, and it was long overdue, she broke down.  They both look great as usual and Michael has sprouted like a weed and is taller than his Mom now.  We all sat around and visited and I had Michael play on the four wheeler for a bit and we finished the night playing 21 with my 8 year old Kylah.  These two, even though minors should visit Vegas soon.  They both are amazing card players.  They both ended up money ahead and did very well understanding the concept of the game. 

Michael and I playing on the 4-wheeler

Well it's Friday and Macey has her last treatment for the week and gets the weekend off.  So we plan on laying low, taking it easy and enjoying the beautiful summer-like weather we're having in the fall.  We might even take the boat out tomorrow.  It depends on how Macey is feeling.  Until then, we'll update you all with more later.  Continue your support and please keep Macey in your thoughts and prayers.  We love you all!

Family and Friends are Potent Medicine

Yesterday Macey's Aunt Alisa and her Daughter, Macey's cousin Analee stopped by to visit Macey.  Also Macey's Grandma and Grandpa Webb came to visit too.  Analee brought her new baby boy Callin (spelling? sorry if it's wrong) with her and everyone spent most of their time Oooing and Aahhing him.  He was very cute and looks just like Annalee.  Macey was having a very rough day yesterday and she was very emotional and feeling under the weather.  Even though Macey seemed a little distant and didn't visit much, you all must know that your mere presence means so much to Macey.  To win any battle, the size of ones army is imperative for victory.  Strength in numbers holds true for many things and with Macey feeding off of the love and energy that everyone brings her is literally emotional fuel for her to stay positive and strong.  When it comes down to it, family and friends are all you really have in this life.  Everything else becomes so trivial in times of crisis.  It really puts perspective into a person's existence and answers the many questions of why are we here and for what reasons?  When you face uncertainty and your days are nothing but endless trepidation, all of the material things in this world provide no comfort.  What is comforting is knowing the people you love and care about are ok.  Life is really simple when you look at it and our daughters say it all the time.  It's also hung on Macey's bedroom wall and it has been posted on their Facebook pages.  It's three simple words with very real, very personal meaning.  We should all live by these special words and when you, God forbid, ever have to face trying and difficult times with those you love, they will ring through when you reminisce about your past.  Always show those you care about love and never let a day go by where you don't tell them how much you love them.  A life with regrets is a life undone.  So I will leave you all today with this thought and let those three amazing words sing out to you.  

LIVE  -   LAUGH  -  LOVE

Miracle Moo T-shirts and Stickers Soon!

Just wanted to update everyone on the T-shirts and stickers.  We should be getting the stickers made in the next few days and might even have the shirts ready too.  There are a few things Macey needs to help her get around so we are selling the shirts and stickers to help fund these items.  The mark up on the shirts and stickers is very small and most of the money is going to pay for the actual printing and for the work done to create them.  So please, feel free to let us know what you want, how many of each, and sizes.  The t-shirt image below is obviously shown in a woman's style, but we have regular, men's style tees too.  We can also do Hoodies, sweatshirts, you name it.  For now though, I have prices on shirts and stickers as follows:

T-shirts sized S-XL are $12.00  XXL and larger $14.00
Stickers are $2.00 each.  They are a nice, edge cut sticker for windows or wherever you want them.

Hoody and sweatshirt prices TBA.

Thank you everyone for supporting Macey!

You can request items in an email to maceymiraclemoo@gmail.com or call 801-732-2858

Ladies style T-shirts

Stickers

Twinkle Toes

So we all just hung out on Saturday, relaxed a little and reveled in the fact that we had no place to be, nowhere to go.  The skies looked a little temperamental so we nixed the fishing trip for the day.  Nice thing about fishing, you don't need 90 degree weather like you do water skiing.  So we'll just wait for a pretty day, regardless of the temperature. 

Macey's Aunt Amber and Alisa visited and brought her some beautifying products.  Alisa worked on Macey's toes with some pink sparkle and Amber worked on Macey's twin Maranda with some purple sparkle.  I've included a pic (Sorry about the blurriness, not sure what happened).  But we all just visited, watched the girls get their toes done and then had my youngest and her best friend (who just so happens to be Julianne Hough's Niece) get their toes painted by Alisa and Angela.  Amber was tired of sitting on the floor with her butt up in the air working on feet... haha..  Macey's Aunt's have been so giving and so sweet to her.  We are so thankful to have such great family with big hearts and genuine care and concern for Macey.  They are all on the same "Macey will get well" band wagon and we appreciate them so much.  

My friend from work, Steve Calarino stopped by too to say hi.  He is going to hook Macey up with loads of Blu-Ray movies!  Macey enjoys a good movie so thanks to Steve it sounds like she'll have plenty to choose from soon. 

We're slowly switching Macey off of her current seizure meds because we feel they are the cause of her getting rashes and breaking out a little.  She is very self conscious about things right now so the littlest issues really upset her.  We are doing everything we can to keep her happy and healthy.  What she doesn't realize is she is the most beautiful girl in the world and there is nothing that can change that. 

Overall a good day for her.  We had a good time visiting with family and friends and we encourage anyone to come by anytime to say hi to Macey.

 

Made it through a full week

Well our Macey Moo made it through her first straight week of radiation.  She gets the weekends off and is very happy about that.  She was pretty run down yesterday and you could see it.  Today however, Macey finished her treatment and has been very upbeat and full of energy.  She went to the store with the girls and was glad to get out of the house.  She is still struggling with her right side which makes walking very difficult.  Regardless, Macey marches on and doesn't let the little things slow her down.  She is determined and focused and you can see it. 

The weekend should be nice and relaxing and maybe, just maybe the weather will be good to us and let us go fishing.  So please Mother nature, open up your Motherly arms and tame your squalls for just one day.  Macey deserves a day of relaxation and some hanging out with the family.  Not to mention I want to see her land a fishy.

Also, thanks to my girls (Macey's Sisters) who have shown her so much love, so much support and have been so incredible with her.  There is no sibling rivalry here, only sibling compassion and love.  So from Mom and I, thank you and we love you.

About Macey

So I've talked a lot about what Macey is going through, her treatments, friends, family etc, but haven't spent a lot of time talking about our amazing Miracle Moo.  One of the most difficult things for me to understand, grasp, or comprehend is why this dastardly disease chose my daughter.  Why would it target such a young, beautiful and sweet young lady?  Macey has the most gentle and calming personality I have ever known.  She is sweet and loving to the core.  She is soft spoken, always polite and has a heart the size of Texas.  Macey has always been very active and she is very athletic and very talented.  She was literally weeks from enrolling in The Salt Lake City college of Arts for Cullinary school.  Yes, Macey wants to be a chef.  She's a good singer, loves music and has an incredibly fun and funny sense of humor.  Macey has a confidence about her too.  It comes through in her pictures.  She is so beautiful and so sure of herself.  Seeing her struggling to walk and seeing the curious passersby's stare at her is really difficult.  It has made her cry.  I'm sure it's hard to go from being the all American girl to feeling like the girl that everyone stares at because she is being helped along due to her right side weakness.  As a Father it's the most helpless feeling I have ever experienced.  Macey is very brave, very beautiful and has so much to live for and plans on accomplishing many things in life.  Macey is the epitome of the perfect young woman.  She is an example to many and intimidating to others.  But when you get to know her and see how selfless she is and how eager she is to be your friend and to never let you leave without a big hug, you'll see what I mean.  Macey is not afraid to show love, to say I love you and to let everyone know around her that she is genuine and giving.  Macey has given my family and so many friends all of the irreplaceable, non-material gifts of life.  She has given us all her beautiful spirit, coupled with a smile that creates a ubiquitous wave of positive energy that turns this planet in the right direction.  We love her so much and are blessed to have such an amazing daughter.  We love you Macey.

A picture of the letters Macey received from Cooperview Elementary

Macey received the letters from the Copperview Elementary students and we sat and read through each and every one.  I have to say that these were some of the sweetest, funnest, cutest, and creative letters I have ever read from a group so young.  The minds of children are absolutely fascinating and the cards are living proof.  Thank you again to Fred Marcin and his class for doing such a touching and thoughtful thing for Macey.  She LOVES them!  We've read them several times and we read them to everyone that comes over.  You guys are AWESOME!!

Macey's nails for you U of U fans!

 I know there are a few of you out there who like the Utes (Dr. Welling), so Amber decided to redo Macey's nails yesterday and add some Ute flair to them. 

A quick note to everyone

For those of you who have posted, please know that we read everything written on here and are thankful and very grateful for your sweet thoughts, comments, and prayers.  For whatever reason this blog won't let me reply to your posts.  So please know we have read and re-read all of them.  So from Macey and all of us, with much love, thank you.

An Eventful Day

Never got a chance to post anything yesterday because quite honestly it was a pretty busy day.  We had Macey's radiation appointment in the morning, plus it was Alyssa's birthday.  Aunt Amber came over again and her and Angie went shopping for the girls.  The radiation appointment was quick and easy and thankfully this time Macey didn't get a headache afterwards.  She took a pain killer right before so we think that helped to offset any pain she might have experienced.  Little Sister Kylah has been a big help and has stayed with us most of the time and wanting to be with Macey at the radiation appointments.  She also likes pushing Macey in the wheelchair.  Macey can walk but it's difficult for her right now because of the weakness in her right side caused by the tumor.  The doctors said too that it might get a little worse before it gets better because the radiation will cause swelling which could increase the pressure on the already vulnerable area in her head.  She did good through most of the night but always dreads the cocktail of pills she has to take before bedtime.  Macey used to have a fear of taking pills but recently has become quite the pro at it.  Not like she has a choice.  We have been taking turns sleeping with her so she isn't alone.  She likes to lay on the couch and watch TV until she falls asleep. 

During the latter part of the day we all celebrated Alyssa's 21st birthday.  It was a great time and we had the whole family plus Maranda's boyfriend Zack over plus Camden who now is officially Alyssa's fiance.  It was a really cute evening when Camden put together an elaborate way to ask Alyssa's hand in marriage.  They've been together 4 years now so it's long overdue.  He played their first song and they slow danced out on the deck.  After the song he knelt, pulled out the ring and asked if she would marry him.  The whole family was very emotional and our little Macey Moo cried too.  I held her as Camden proposed and she sobbed right along with the rest of us.  It was a very special evening for everyone.  All I could think of besides giving away one of my daughters in the distant future was a wish that Macey had a good guy that loved her and was beside her through this ordeal.  Macey has so much to give and her sweet personality would be a gift for anyone worthy enough to receive it.  For now, we'll work on getting her better and give her all the love a family can give. 

A special thanks to everyone who has been so thoughtful and so helpful.  Even the tiniest things, a short email, a phone call, a post on facebook etc, expressing your love and support for Macey not only helps her, but gives the family the needed fuel to strengthen our wills and encourage our already tenacious state of minds.  You can knock this family down, make us sick, challenge us in any way imaginable, but our love, our bond, is eternal, unalterable, and unyielding.  Strength and love are juxtaposed in this house and will remain so.

Alyssa and Macey showing their matching diamond heart pendants

Camden giving Macey a big hug

Kylah wheeling Macey to the exit of McDay Dee

Mom, Dad, Kylah and nurse Karen, escorting Macey out

All the girls last night

Left to Right: Erica, Alyssa, Macey, Maranda, Kylah.

Alyssa and Camden showing Macey some love.

Camden proposing to Alyssa.

The newly engaged couple with Mom and Dad

Camden and Alyssa slow dancing.

A closer look at Macey's Radiation Treatments

Since it's the weekend and the hospital was pretty quiet, we were allowed to go back with Macey again to see her get set-up for a treatment.  Also, we took some pictures of her on the table so everyone can see exactly what it is she has to deal with every day.  Alyssa and her boyfriend Camden also got to go and see her getting prepped for treatment.  These treatments have apparently been more broad in scope, targeting a larger area.  The upcoming treatments will start to entail more focused areas of the tumor, destroying its mass.  Macey has started getting pretty bad headaches following the treatments but it seems that a little rest, some good pain meds and some peace and quiet, she starts feeling better within an hour or two.  She has done extremely well on the chemo (no nausea whatsoever) and she's been a real trooper with the radiation as well.  We'll continue to look for little signs that Macey is improving.  We are still pretty early in the game and are hoping to see significant improvement down the road a bit. 

Macey in what I like to call the "Face Cage"

A look at the entire contraption

The table turned sideways for different angles of treatment

Macey just relaxing and letting them do their thing

The white cross on the side of her head is where they line up the laser

beams so the computer is aligned with the beam administering the radiation.

Day Two of Chemo and Radiation

Well our Miracle Moo is churning right along with her treatments.  Don't know if it's coincidental but when Macey woke up this morning I asked her if her leg was still sore from sleeping on the couch and she answered me immediately, clearly, articulately, and very concisely.  I stood there shocked for a moment and said "you just spoke to me without thinking and had no issues whatsoever articulating yourself to me".  Macey too said  "wow I guess I did".  So we're thinking that maybe the treatments are starting to do some positive things for her.  Don't get me wrong, Macey can talk and have conversation but she gets frustrated at times and has to stop herself once in awhile and concentrate to get the words out.  Today as well she seems to be doing much better having conversation.  The Dilantin that she takes for seizures we believe is causing issues with rashes and it's frustrating her.  We're hoping her body will adjust to these new meds and start having little or no reaction from taking them. 

Her second treatment was much faster and me (her Dad), Maranda (her twin), Kylah (the youngest) got to see Macey go through the entire treatment via a computer monitor.  This machine that is treating her is about as high tech as it gets.  The operator told us the machine alone, not counting all of the extra attachments, the table that Macey lays down on, the software, room, etc, costs around 3.2 million.  We could see where the radiation was focused with each scan and how it is attacking the tumor at multiple angles.  She was only on the table today for maybe 10 to 12 minutes.  The staff there is very friendly and very helpful and informative.  They are great about letting us in on what is going on, how everything works and making sure we are thoroughly informed.  So it really creates a comfort for the whole family knowing that Macey is OK along with knowing what the procedure entails. 

During the procedure, the radiation which generates energy, can stimulate the brain causing bizarre effects to the patient such as seeing lights both white and blue as well as triggering smells.  Macey said she could see a blue light followed by a smell of something similar to floor cleaner.  Even though the lights and the smells don't exist, the do to Macey because of the areas of the brain that are being stimulated by the radiation.

Thank you Mr. Marcin and students at Copperview Elementary!!

A very good friend of mine Fred Marcin, is a school teacher and was so very nice to present Macey with a bear named "Red" and cards made by his entire class for her.  Your very kind and sweet gesture is part of all the wonderful miracles that we have seen since Macey got sick.  Her name "Miracle Moo" is comprised of all the little miracles that our great friends like Fred and his students have given to our daughter.  With all the love in the world from Macey and our family, thank you all. 

Mr. Marcin's 6th grade class at Copperview Elementary

holding up the cards they made for Macey.

After Radiation, this is what we did. Thanks to Dr. Welling!

So we had a great time at the Utes Game.  It was a little difficult for both Macey and Daddy.  I mean I'm not completely out of shape but if you've ever been to a stadium, there is nothing really in close proximity from where you get out of your car to where you have to sit.  I had to drop the girls off close to the front, then go find a parking spot a half a mile away.  When I ran back to where I dropped the girls off I had to piggy-back Macey up to the stadium.  I enjoy it believe it or not but going up the stairs really brings out the burn in my quads and hammy's..  lol.  We saw Dr. Welling there (Blake) and he got us sideline tickets for the pre-game and Erica got to meet his oldest son Blake (Jr.)  It was a good time for the family and we all enjoyed the game, the electricity of a college stadium and the sea of red that graced the stands.  The Utes stompped the Montana Bobcats too.  Below are some pics we took at the game.

Dr. Blake Welling and the Girls

Daddy and Kylah

Macey and Maranda (Alyssa too caught off guard, sorry Lyss)

Macey's first Radiation appointment

Well, another step towards getting Macey better.  She started her radiation therapy today.  It went well even though it took a little longer than usual because they had to do some initial set-up since it was her first time.  They showed us everything and let us in to see Macey before the radiation so we could see what it looked like for her.  She was on a tall table in a darkened room and they had that plastic, mesh face cage holding her head to the table.  There was a bright green beam of light crossing her face as to mark where the beam was going to transmit.  It honestly looked like something out of  a sci-fi movie.  Macey was laughing and staying calm.  The set-up is very intimidating to look at and Macey handled it all very well.  Me, Angie and Kylah stayed in the waiting room and tried to assemble a 100 piece puzzle of a tree frog while we were waiting.  We almost had it complete when they wheeled Macey back in.  The puzzle kept us preoccupied while they were beaming our daughter.  All in all though, it went well and Macey is already acting more positive just knowing that something is finally being done to kill the "blankety blank blank" tumor.  We go again tomorrow. 

To everyone

Sorry I have to create a post to say this but for some reason now I can't reply to your posts.  Even though I'm the administrator and am signed in.  Anyway, thank you Fred (Mr. Marcin) and all of your students at Cooperview Elementary for the very nice post and for "Red" the bear.  We appreciate you all and Macey was very happy to read the post.  It means a lot to her and our family to get such wonderful feedback and comments from our friends.

Chuck and Louise, thank you both for your post too.  Macey is a strong girl and we know she will kick this things butt.  She laughed when she read the end of your post and it made her smile.  Her happiness and positive attitude is reinforced and sustained by great friends like you who help her to stay upbeat.  So thank you both very much. 

All our love to all of you.  Macey and family.