Hi all!
Well, we have new news today. Dad called and said that MD Anderson called him earlier today to let him know that mom's appointment was moved up to next Monday instead of Tuesday at 2 p.m. She also has a different doctor now.
Her new Doctor is: Ganesh Rao, M.D.Assistant Professor
http://www.mdanderson.org/departments/neurosurgery/display.cfm?id=67673560-3c3a-4094-88c6c4e6bf42dedc&method=displayfull&pn=e7dc2468-803e-11d4-aec800508bdcce3a88c6c4e6bf42dedc&method=displayfull&pn=e7dc2468-803e-11d4-aec800508bdcce3a
I had left Stigler yesterday to come back home to Tulsa since we knew that her appt. wasn't until next week. We figured it would be best if I could go back to work with my students, be a mom again to Claire and wife to Breck these next few days before I left again. So today (wed.) I asked dad how it all went without me being there....
Dad went back to work today as well so my mom's mom (Nana Banana as Claire calls her) came up to stay all day with mom. Mom insisted that they go to Wal-Mart to get her kids (she's a first grade teacher) something for Valentine's Day....of course, Nana didn't put her foot down and wound up taking her to Wal-Mart! Ha!! They stopped at McDonald's to get a cup of coffee and had a great visit all day. It sounded like they laughed a lot and had good "talks" as mom said. :) Too cute!
Nana Banana and Claire-Dec. 08
This morning as I got back to work at my school with my adorable multiage (1st and 2nd grade) students. We were all teary eyed to see one another. I missed them so much and they came in with lots of hugs and even asked how my mom was doing! How adorable! One more thing about our morning at school....as we had our "moment of silence" during our morning announcements that are broadcasted daily school-wide, one of my kids said...."Mrs. Kasbaum, can we think about your mom right now?" Oh my goodness!!! I about lost it! Amazing how even the tiniest hearts sometimes are the biggest.
I can't believe how much this blog has affected people. We have had such positive responses from this! I'm glad you all enjoy it as much as I enjoy writing and doing the postings to keep you informed. Today I was overwhelmed by all the emails and comments people have shared with us about their own family members and close friends who deal and are still dealing with this disease called....cancer. I think there is a hidden meaning in this word though.....CANcer. We CAN do it and we'll help mom survive it no matter what! Thank you all again for your encouragement and support system you have in place for mom and our family. Keep writing because she's checking it with dad. Yesterday before I left Stigler to head back to Tulsa I was reading her the comments that you all are making.....wow. We laughed, cried and hugged. Here's how powerful and faithful mom is.
"It's not sad....it's just so overwhelming of all the support people are giving and I'm happy" she said.
You all take care and have a wonderful night. Pray for mom before you close your eyes! Love, Brooke
Hi Brooke! This is Cassie (Coplen) Shelton. We are praying for your mom and family. I am deeply touched by what you have shared. What a blessing your mom is to sooooo many! I love her smile and always have. You and Hillary are such a blessing to her. I'm sure of that and know that your strength only comes from the Lord. We will continue to lift you all up in prayer. Know that we love your family dearly. Tell Mr. Forrester we said hi too; even though I see him every now and then at the bank. 10,000 Blessings ~ Stan, Cassie, Caedon, Sydney, & Channing
ReplyDeleteHey Brooke! It's Sara Holbrook Thompson. You all have been on my mind daily since I found out about your mom. I want you to know that my family & I are praying for your whole family....peace, comfort & strength....and for the doctors....knowledge. Thanks for the updates! And please let me know if there is anything I can do for you from down here (Stigler). I liked what you said about cancer - it's CANcer!
ReplyDeleteHi Brooke. This is Sarah Price. Please let your mom know that Mr. Price has full control over the women at the grade school and is keeping me posted with her condition as it flows through his office:)
ReplyDeleteI,too, was in amazment about 5 years ago when an overwhelming amount of people showered me and my family with support while I took up residency at St.Edwards Hospital in Ft. Smith. I learned a very important lesson....GOD is still in the Miracle business and the Power of Prayer is spectacular. Your mom and your families are in our prayers.
Hi Brooke. This is your cousin Kelly in Atlanta. I am new to the blogging thing so excuse me if I make a mistake. I hope your mom read my prayer yesterday, not sure which blog it went on. We will of course continue to pray for you and the family. I have always admired you mom for being such an amazing person, friend, mother, wife and I feel blessed to have her in my life. With God's help she will make it through this. Big hugs and kisses to everyone and thanks for this web site.
ReplyDeleteKelly (Murphy) Vieira, Ashley and Adam
Mrs. Forrester, Brooke, Hillary and family, Hi, my name is Julie Lee German and while I was not in Mrs. Forrester's class, I do remember what a wonderful teacher she was and wished desperately that I could be in her class. My family and I have been gone from Stigler for a while, but when I received the email and phone call that you all would be coming for treatment at MD Anderson, I was so relieved. Living close to Houston, we hear all of the time what wonderous miracles they perform daily. My older sister, my mother and I live near Houston, so please do not ever hesistate to give us call for anything, we will gladly help in any way. And always, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers
ReplyDeleteBrooke: This is Marie Bryant. I am a substitute teacher at Stigler Grade School and a pastor's wife. I have worked with your sweet mother at the school. She and the family are on our prayer list at home and at the church. We are EXPECTING a miracle and for great things to come from this situation.
ReplyDeleteBrooke,
ReplyDeleteThis is Anjanette. I just wanted to let you know I continue to pray for your mom and your family. As you know, Dwight went to M.D. Anderson for his stomach cancer. It is a wonderful and miraculous place. The doctors are not only very gifted, but also very empathetic and concerned. God is a loving and kind God and I have no doubt that He will wrap His arms around your mom and your family and lead you through this trial. I love you all. Please do not hesitate to call me if you need anything at all.
Love and Prayers,
Anjanette
Doreen played my daughter in a community play a few years ago. We had a blast. So as her daddy, you have to do what I say. Go kick this cancer's butt! I love you! Royce Alverson a/k/a Daddy
ReplyDeleteHey Guys,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to let you know you are always on my mind and in my prayers. I have sent a prayer request to our staff here at Oktaha Public Schools and we are all praying for ya! I have sent the word to some of the blogs that I stalk and there are so many people praying for you all. You are all such wonderful wonderful people and I know with your strong faith and the bazillion prayers that the Lord will see you all through this. I have so many wonderful memories from 1st grade on as I attended SHS with Brooke. You have impacted so many live and I believe that you will impact many many more. If ther is anything I can do please let me know!
God Bless & Luvins,
Lisa Highfill
Ms. Doreen,
ReplyDeleteGod is good and his miracles are REAL! As with everyone else, I am praying for his grace in your life. Your daughter Brooke was my daughter's (who is now a 9th grade honor student)second grade teacher and her wonderfulness as a teacher and person came from you...I'm sure of it. We all love you and surround your family with love and support. Keep smiling for us and we'll keep loving for you!
Love Crystal, Keoni, Jordan and Joe Curtis (Dallas, Tx)
Doreen and family,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say hi and to let you know we are praying for all of you daily. We miss you and can't wait for your return. Thanks for keeping us informed.We love you all!
Monty, Lisa, Tyler, and Addison Guthrie
Doreen and family,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted you to know you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. You are beautiful inside and out! Chuck, Brook, and Hillary, we are thinking of you as well. Doreen is blessed to have a family like you. You are all very special people.
Love you,
Rita Echelle
Brooke and Hillary,
ReplyDeleteYour mother is such a special ANGEL to us. When Brent had cancer and was going through chemo and the Stem Cell Transplant, there wasn't a day that went by that we didn't hear from Doreen, she ALWAYS called to check on us. When we had to move to Tulsa for the Stem Cell Transplant, EVERYDAY I would go to the mailbox and there would "ALWAYS" be a card with reassuring thoughts from her! We would not had pulled through those difficult times if it wouldn't had been for Doreen, family, friends, and ALL THE PRAYERS! Doreen was my 4th grade teacher and man, did we have fun!! She is the MOST outgoing, energetic angel you could ever imagine. Doreen was also in mine and Brent's wedding, reception, and a hostess for my wedding shower. As you can see, she is a very special person to us!!
There aren't too many people I would do this for, but I would for Doreen...IF I COULD ONLY TAKE THE TUMOR OUT OF HER AND PUT IT IN ME, I WOULD DO IT IN A HEARTBEAT! SHE IS SUCH AN AWESOME PERSON, HAS SO MUCH TO GIVE TO THIS WORLD, HER FAITH, HER LOVE, THE GIFT SHE HAS WITH CHILDREN, HER ENERGY...YOU CAN LITERALLY RUN OFF HER ENERGY WHEN SHE IS AROUND OU, SHE IS AN ANGEL FROM GOD AND THERE IS NO DOUBT ABOUT IT!!!
I have asked my friends, family, and coworkers to please put her in their prayer chains in their church, please put her in every prayer you pray, and please remember you girls along with Chuck. You'all need us and we need them to continue to be in our life!!! We love you guys!!
MAY GOD BE WITH THEM EVERY SECOND of the DAY!
Emily Greenmyer Wright
Brent Wright
Check this blog every morning and afternoon -- that's more than I check the status of tax returns that are filed....
ReplyDeleteKeep the information coming --- just a sentence that says "No news today" makes it all worthwhile......
Les & Janice
Dear Doreen, Chuck, Brooke and Hillary,
ReplyDeleteYou guys are in my thoughts and prayers.
Doreen, get better soon. I miss you at the G.S.
Love you,
Kathy Jones
Dear Doreen, Chuck, Brooke and Hillary,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you always. Doreen, get better soon. We miss you around here.
Love you,
Kathy Jones
This is Courtney (Holt) Perot. I just want you to know I'm thinking about you all and praying for you every day, all throughout the day. Doreen, you have been such a positive influence on so many kids. I know because I was one of them. Thank you for all you've done for the kids of Stigler and for being such a sweet, calming presence wherever you are. You'll be in good hands while at MD Anderson, I am sure of it. Between the doctors' expertise and God's healing hands, you can beat this and get back to doing the things you were created to do. We all look forward to that day and will be with you in prayer in the meantime.
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Courtney (Holt) Perot
Hello: Chuck Doreen Brooke & Hillary, this is aunt Linda. Just wanted to let all of you know that there is a lot of people in Ga. that is praying for a Miracle for Doreen and to give all of you strenth during these trying times. we miss all of you & wish we could be there so we could give lots of hugs to everyone!!!! We Love you all...Bobby & Linda
ReplyDeleteDoreen Chuck Brooke and Hillary:
ReplyDeleteAs I was coming to school this morning, I saw the first rainbow I had seen in a long time. It was beautiful!!! It covered the whole sky. Immediately, I thought of Doreen and said a prayer asking God to be with you and your whole family and to heal your body. When I got to school, I got my camera and took a picture of the rainbow and created a page to post on the Stigler Public School Web. It is posted as Doreen's Rainbow on the index page. You might want to take a look at it at www.stigler.k12.ok.us. I love all of you very much and look forward to seeing you back at school soon.
Linda Henderson