2nd Anniversary

Today is the 2nd anniversary since Lisa passed. We all miss her very much and each family member and friend is honoring her memory in their own way today. Love, Dee Anne

April 1, 2009

Gosh I can't believe I haven't blogged in so long. Sorry Friends. I think of Lisa everyday. I miss her very much.
And with that said I am hosting the 3rd Annual Lisa's Easter Egg Coloring Party again this year. the Easter before Lisa passed I had a little Easter Egg party for her and some of her friends. If she thanked me once she must have thanked me a dozen times. She really enjoyed herself. So I have decided this is my tribute to Lisa.
Having fun, enjoying family and friends; these are the things Lisa put her heart and soul into. I had friends tell me that even during her illness she would call to check on them. That is who she was, so very thoughtful.
Everyone is doing well. As time passes it is easier for Mom to handle Lisa's passing. Johnny and the boys are getting along fine. We are all doing good.
We miss Lisa but we also know she is looking down from above and smiling at us, laughing at the crazy times we have, sharing our sad times and still watching out for us all.
Love to all, Dee Anne

November 3, 2008

Hello friends. November 17 is Lisa's death anniversay. Please remember her on this day. Love to all, Dee Anne

June 16, 2008

Hello friends. This is a picture of Lisa and our Mom at Lisa's 50th birthday party. We had such a good time. Johnny treated several of Lisa's close friends to a spa treatment in Austin that day and then we had a big party at the Dodson's home in Wimberley. Funny thing, I have Mother's sense of directions and somehow got Lisa and I stuck in traffic on I35 during rush hour on the way home. What good the spa did, huh? We laughed about it then and I laugh about it now. I count myself lucky to have loved and been loved by Lisa. Love to all, Dee Anne

May 20, 2008

Hello friends. Today is Lisa'a birthday. We will be going to one of her favorite restaurants for dinner tonight in her honor. I'll light a candle for her. Love to all, Dee Anne

May 12, 2008

Hello friends. I wish I could say times have gotten easier on everyone but actually it's as if it has gotten tougher in the past month or so. I am confident this is a phase that will pass. We celebrated Mother's Day and remembered Lisa. We also will celebrate Lisa's birthday on the 20th of this month. Love to all, Dee Anne

March 31, 2008

Hello my friends. Thanks so much to all of you that still keep Lisa in your thoughts. It is so rewarding to receive an email from someone who has recently visited the blog. Easter was fun. We decorated about 5 dozen eggs, Rita made a wonderful shrimp and crab gumbo and we all had alot of fun. I found this picture of Lisa and I and had to post it. Love to all, Dee Anne

March 17, 2008

Hello friends. Lisa has been gone 4 months today. We all miss her very much but overall are coping well.

Last Easter, Chris and I had an Easter egg coloring party at our house and many of Lisa's girlfriends came and dyed eggs with her. We all had so much fun. Everyone took their eggs home with them to enjoy the next day.

I am starting a tradition at my house this year. I will always have an Easter egg coloring party at my house the Saturday before Easter in Lisa's memory. So, if you dye eggs with friends or children, dye one for Lisa. It will put a smile on her beautiful face. Love to all, Dee Anne

January 29, 2008

Hello Friends. I hope everyone is doing well. Johnny and the boys are doing well. Mom is doing better, Pop is our rock, Rita seems fine and I am good too. We each are doing what it takes to deal with our loss. We all do it differently. For me; I love to talk about Lisa and the fun things we always did together. I find I miss her the most when things are just not going my way. That is when I would call her and she would give me her honest opinion. If I was wrong, she told me. If I was right, she told me.

Tomorrow is Mom's birthday. We are having a party for her. We will have a great time and Lisa will be with us, too. Love to all, Dee Anne

January 2, 2008

Happy New Year Friends. I hope your holidays were joyful. We all got through ours. We laughed some and cried some. Johnny and the boys are faring well. Mom seems to be having the hardest time and I think we all can understand that. It is not normal for a Mother to bury her child, no matter what the age. Everyone I have ran into during the holidays have been so sincere when asking how I am doing. It has meant so much to me. I'm okay. I miss Lisa everyday. I know it just takes time and that's what we are doing; is marking time, and that's okay. It's what you have to do.
We talk about Lisa a lot. I think its important for all of us to do that. We don't want to forget her. She was too special. We have to keep her spirit alive so when J.P and Matt start having children we can share their Grandmother's story with them. This blog will be a part of that. So thanks to everyone for your part in this. I think Lisa's life is an interesting story to pass on.
Love to all, Dee Anne

November 28, 2007

Hello Friends. It's been a little over a week since my sweet sister passed and it still doesn't seem real. I keep expecting her to pull up into her spot at the office, while talking on the phone. Everyone, friends and family, were so wonderful during this difficult time for us.

I would like to thank John Knowles and all of Johnny's co-workers at Exxon; their support was unsurpassed. Because of them Johnny was able to be by Lisa's side, taking care of her. And Johnny did take care of her. His love, patience and his self-education were a testimony to the rock-solid relationship he and Lisa shared for over 32 years.

I would like to thank Samson Controls, Matthew's new employer. The support that was shown to Matthew is a memory I will carry for life. Matt has not been with this company for very long and they never hesitated in giving him the flexibility he needed to be with his Mom.

And to Mike Stafford's office, John Paul's employer. John Paul was able to be with his mother, as well.

And my parents at Landmark Interest Corporation for allowing me the leeway to be with Lisa at a moment's notice. To Johnny for always welcoming me into his and Lisa's space and treating me as his sister.

Lisa was my true friend. She loved me no matter what, as only sisters can. And she knew I loved her. There was a specific time when Lisa and I were on one of our many shopping ventures, walking along and we were laughing about how we thought our verbal responses were so close and also that our voices sounded alike. We then both happened to look down at the same time and we both had our purse on the left arm with our left hand stuck in our jean's pocket. We had a really good laugh about that.
Lisa was one in a million and if I can just be a tiny bit like her then I consider myself a better person.
I will carry Lisa in my heart and I know she is looking out for me from above. I know I am blessed. Love to all, Dee Anne

November 18, 2007

I miss my sister. Please go to http://www.navarrefuneralhome.com/ for funeral service details. Love to all, Dee Anne

November 17, 2007

Our precious, sweet, funny, wonderful, loving Lisa passed away this morning. It is a shock to us because she had been improving and we were hoping she would pull through.
We know without a doubt she received the best care available. My sister, to the end of her life ,continued to be an inspiration to us all. Everyone is doing as well as can be expected.
Thank you to all our friends and family for your prayers. We love you all. We will be bringing her home today and will let everyone know what times her services are. Her services are pending with Navarre Funeral Home. Love to all, Dee Anne

November 16, 2007

Lisa remains stable. That basically means she hasn't worsened nor gotten better at this point. Her vital signs and blood gases are level. We remain optimistic that the care, medicine and most importantly by the Grace of God, her health will return. Please keep her in your prayers tonight. And if you have a prayer list at your place of worship, please call and add Lisa's name.

Johnny wants everyone to know that he is very thankful and sincerely appreciates the outreach of love and support we are receiving from friends and family. Love to all, Dee Anne

November 15, 2007

Lisa was placed on a ventillator this morning because she had too much carbon monoxide in her blood. The cultures should be back this afternoon so we know exactly what we are dealing with. Love to all, Dee Anne

November 14, 2007

One of the cultures has shown Lisa has a yeast infection in her lungs. The doctors began treating that this afternoon along with the antibiotics for the pneumonia. The final results from the cultures will be in tomorrow. Lisa is having difficulty breathing because of the infections. She currently is using a forced breathing machine to help her breathe. She is a true warrior; showing so much bravery through all of this.
Johnny is wonderful. He has not left the hospital and stays by Lisa's side. Again I ask that you
pray for Lisa's healing. Love to all, Dee Anne

November 12, 2007

Lisa had a biopsy today to determine why she is not responding well to the antibiotics. It went well and hopefully in 3 days the cultures will tell the doctors all they need to know. Please pray that the cultures do tell the doctors all they need to know. Lisa is resting well. Also, plese pray that Lisa becomes strong so we can get on with the radiation and chemo! Love to all, Dee Anne

November 10, 2007

Lisa is steady as she goes. Her spirits are good but of course she is a little bored. Please continue to pray. Love to all, Dee Anne

November 8, 2007

Lisa is feeling better this evening but she really hasn't made much progress from November 7th morning. The doctors tell us it takes time. So I pray to our Lord that he will heal Lisa, pneumonia and cancer. And I thank Him for her strength both mentally and physically. I will let you know more as I know more. Love to all, Dee Anne

November 7, 2007

Good morning, Friends. Lisa continues to get stronger. She is being the model patient and completing all activities that are asked of her. She is walking further each day and went to physical therapy yesterday. Thank you for the calls and prayers. Love to all, Dee Anne

November 5, 2007

Praise the Lord. Lisa is stronger today than she was yesterday. She was able to get up and walk. She had a good restful night and is eating more. Lisa's family appreciates all the prayers that have been said for her. It will be a short while before she is able to continue her chemo and radiation as she has to regain her strength. And she will, she is a fighter. I will continue to update the blog. Love to all, Dee Anne

November 2, 2007

Hello again friends. Lisa has had a couple of rough days. Her pneumonia turned out to be a rare strain named Pneumocystis pneumonia. She is doing better now and continues to show improvement. Her spirits are high and she is ready to get on with her treatments. So please continue to lift Lisa up in your prayers. Love to all, Dee Anne

November 1, 2007

Hello Friends. Lisa is in Tulsa right now. Unfortunately she has come down with pneumonia and her treatments are on hold until she overcomes this small setback. She, of course, is the model patient. Please lift her up in your prayers. Love to all, Dee Anne

October 23, 2007

Hello friends. Lisa is in Tulsa for having chemo and radiation on those 4 spots on her lungs. She is doing good and is in good spirits. The radiation makes her tired but the chemo hasn't made her sick yet. I am going to see her next week so I'll feel you in then on how she is.
Love to all, Dee Anne

October 5, 2007

Yippee!! Lisa's biopsy came back cancer free!! Praise the Lord. She is remarkable. Lisa had the surgery Wednesday morning at 7:15 am. They were able to find her an ICU room at 8pm Wednesday night. She stayed in ICU f(or about 12 hours) and then was moved to a private room on Thursday morning. She was up and talking, eating, walking Thursday mid morning. She and Johnny got the great news this morning and they are packing up to come home!
Did I say she is remarkable? She was the perfect patient, takes after our Mother, tough as nails.
So the next step is to have the 4 spots radiated and chemo in Tulsa. I'll let you know how that goes!
Love to all, Dee Anne

October 3, 2007

Lisa had the tumor removed from her brain today and it came out easily. They were able to get all of it. She is going into recovery and will hang around the hospital for a few days. Praise the Lord. I'll update everyone later. Love, Dee Anne

September 27, 2007

Hello Friends. I have, inadvertently and unknowingly, mislead friends to believe that Lisa is cancer free. Sorry, she isn't cancer free. Her large tumor cancer cells are dead. She still has the 4 spots the doctors are going to hit with radiation and chemo and she is currently working with a neurosurgeon to decide what to do about the spot in her brain.
So again, sorry if I put the wrong info out there. Love to all, Dee Anne

September 12, 2007

PRAISE THE LORD! Lisa's report is a miracle. She has 4 small spots that her Tulsa doctor wants to hit with radiation but other than that the rest are DEAD, DEAD, DEAD!!!!! Even the large tumor in her lung is DEAD, DEAD, DEAD!!!! The ones in her brain are DEAD, DEAD, DEAD!!!!
One tumor in her brain, even though it is dead, is causing some tingling in her arm from the pressure so she may have surgery to remove it. She will meet with a neurologist soon to make that decision.
I have to let you go now because I have this need to dance in the streets and sing His praises!!!!!!! Love you all, Dee Anne

September 5, 2007

Hello Friends! Lisa continues to feel great and have lots of energy and look radiant! This past weekend we celebrated Johnny's birthday in Wimberley with friends and family and a good time was had by all! Love to all. Dee Anne

August 24, 2007

Hola! Just dropping a line to let everyone know Lisa is doing fine. Love, Dee Anne

August 6, 2007

Lisa was in Tulsa this past week and told her doctor how good she feels. He was excited to tell her it was because her platlets were above 200! That's good! So please continue to lift Lisa up in your prayers, it's working! Love to all, Dee Anne

July 23, 2007

Lisa continues to feel good. Praise the Lord. Her last chemo treatment didn't keep her down but she is taking it easy and being careful not to overdo it. Thanks for everyone's comments. Theyare appreciated very much. Please continue to lift Lisa up in your prayers. Love, Dee Anne

July 10, 2007

Lisa is doing very well. Her last chemo treatment (in this series) is on Thursday so she will feel pretty darn tired for the 4 days after that. She looks wonderful and has been working daily for the last week or so. Please continue to pray for Lisa's full recovery. God is listening.
Love, Dee Anne

June 19, 2007

Wow, time flies by when you're busy! I didn't realize how long it had been since I updated the blog. Anyway, Lisa is doing fine. She continues to fly to Tulsa for chemo. I'm sure many of you heard about her quick hospital visit to San Jacinto Methodist. After her second round of chemo, her platelets feel to a very low count and she had to be hospitalized for platelet transfusions and atibiotics. Dr Medilline was her attending physician. Thank you Dr. Medilline and all the personal at San Jacinto. Lisa was taken care of in a very personal way. Thanks again.
She is doing well since that visit, her platelets have been above 100, and that is good. The chemo makes her very, very tired, as all chemo does but other than that she is doing fine.
Love, Dee Anne

May 14, 2007

Hi Friends. I wanted to let everyone know Lisa is doing great. Her platelet count went above 100 last Monday (May 7) so she went to Tulsa on Wednesday (May 8) and had 2 types of chemo on Thursday (May 9). She's a little tired buy that is to be expected. She will go in this Thursday for another chemo. Keep the prayers alive praying that the chemo gets the rest of the tumors!
We had a wonderful Mother's Day at Lisa's with the whole family there. It was great. We are so blessed to hve such great family and friends. Thanks to everyone for your love and support!
Love, Dee Anne
PS Lisa's 51st birthday is this coming Sunday. Feel free to send her your birthday wishes through the blog and I will send them on to her!

April 25, 2007

Hi everyone. Lisa is doing great. She looks wonderful. At times she is a little tired but that is to be expected, radiation does that to you.
She is here in town and having her platelets checked each Monday. Once they hit the 100 mark she'll be on her way back to Tulsa for a chemo treatment and then back home to rest.
So many people have stopped me to ask about Lisa. I appreciate every one's genuine concern. Thank you. Oh, and Johnny, John Paul and Matt are doing great, too.
Please continue your prayers, they are the answer.
Dee Anne

March 29, 2007

Praise God! Lisa was given wonderful news today. The TOMA radiation reduced her large tumor over 50%!!!!! And other, smaller tumors are gone completely! The doctor also checked all her other organs and the cancer is not there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The course of action is to begin chemo after the TOMA radiation is completed on her brain. Her doctor is very optimistic that chemo will rid her body of the remaining cancer. Praise God. Please give your thanks but keep praying to God that the chemo does work completely!!!
Thank you for your prayers and our love to all our friends and family. Dee Anne

March 20, 2007

Lisa had her first full brain radiation yesterday, Monday, March 19, and she feels fine. In fact she didn't feel a thing. Love to all, Dee Anne

March 16, 2007

Hello everyone. I hope you all are doing well. Last Sunday Lisa started having a weird feeling in her right arm and hand so she went to San Jacinto Methodist on Monday for a MRI. The MRI showed a common development with lung cancer patients in that she has two small spots on her brain. Don't freak on me at this point, keep reading.
As I have told a few friends, it's at this point that people grimace. Let me reassure you, it's okay. We are very positive that this is only a bump in the road to Lisa's full remission. As I said earlier, this is a common occurrence with lung cancer patients.
Lisa and Johnny spoke to her doctors at The Cancer Center Treatment of America in Tulsa and they have reassured them that this is the easiest location to radiate and then it almost never comes back. Lisa asked her doctors why the chemo from her last visit didn't keep the cancer from going to her brain. They answered that the brain almost never responds to chemo until its been radiated.
So she and Johnny are now in Tulsa beginning her full brain radiation to be followed up with TOMA radiation on the two spots.
We still do not have results on her last visit but will let you know when we do.
So, please, as people begin to hear about this and begin to talk about it, reassure them this is not a doomsday. It is only a bump in the road. Lisa's spirits are good and she is ready to get the treatments going! Love to all, Dee Anne

February 13, 2007

Hi out there. Listen, twice today I have had friends comment that they had heard that Lisa wasn't doing well and that she was in Tulsa doing experimental medicine. None of that is true! She, of course, is feeling tired and nauseous at times but she is doing very good considering what her body is being put through.
And TOMA radiation therapy isn't experimental. It's new but it has been approved and insurance pays for it, which to me is the best indicator that it has been shown to work. So if you have friends tell you this, tell them to read the blog!
Love, Dee Anne

February 8, 2007

Our Mom and Aunt Frances traveled to Tulsa to stay with Lisa Mon-Wed of this week. They kept Lisa busy! Johnny is there now and will most likely stay with her through the remainder of Lisa's visit. Lisa is doing good. Her reactions to the chemo and radiation are pretty much what they told her it would be. Please remember Lisa in your prayers.
Love,
Dee Anne

February 2, 2007

Good morning, friends. I have been lucky enough to be able to come stay with Lisa in Tulsa since last Tuesday and I must tell you this place is amazing. So many stories of people with no or little hope that come here and walk away in remission. And then go on to live a long cancer free life. I have observed the staff from sunup to sundown and I have never seen anyone treated with anything but the utmost respect. You are never just a number.
One small thing that really puts a patient at ease is that the employees name tags only have their first name. Someone has put some thought into how to make a patient feel more comfortable.
When Lisa and I sit down to eat (the food is fabulous here!) its inevitable someone tells us their story of how they have been involved in deciding their treatment with their doctors. It seems every patient we have talked to is so very educated in their specific cancer.
Lisa has heard many stories of lung cancer patients that have been put into remission. It is all so very encouraging. I am so glad she has come here. In your prayers, please give Thanks to
God for Lisa.
It looks like we are coming home for the weekend. Yeah but I'm going to miss the food!:) But I'll be back up her to stay with her, I hope next week.
I also want to, once again, tell everyone how lucky Lisa is to have Johnny. he is wonderful. Our parents are just as wonderful, too. They allow me to be here with Lisa by letting me work from up here via a laptop. Our parents, David and BJ, have told me repeatedly, "Take care of Lisa first." We are blessed in many ways.
Another thing I have learned through all this; you can not be a wimp and have cancer. There is a lot of pain and illness associated with getting rid of this terrible disease. Lisa is a champion.
I had a patient tell us yesterday, "Life is like a roller coaster ride, you have to experience the lows to appreciate the highs." How true that is.
Love to all, Dee Anne

January 29, 2007

Hi friends. Lisa wanted me to pass on to everyone that the reason she is in Tulsa and not Houston for these treatments is because it isn't offered in Houston, It is called Toma (sp) treatments, which is a very specialized radiation machine administering the radiation to the tumor. Lisa doesn't feel anything from the radiation. Love, Dee Anne

January 27, 2007

Lisa is feeling much better today. Thanks for the prayers and keep then coming! Love, Dee Anne

January 26, 2007

Hello friends. I thought many of you might want to send Lisa a card while she is in Tulsa. Here is the address:

Lisa Urban
Room 2003 c/o CTCA at Southwestern Regional Medical Center
10109 E. 79th Street (81st Street & Highway 169)
Tulsa, OK 74133.

I know when ever I have been ill; funny cards from friends always made me feel a little better. It's always nice to know friends are thinking of you. But most importantly, keep the prayers coming! Dee Anne

January 25, 2007

Lisa left on Monday to begin a new treatment in Tulsa, OK at the Cancer Treatment Center of America for 30 days. She will be receiving daily radiation (M-F) and chemo once a week. We are very optimistic that this will shrink those !##$@^^ tumors.
You can view info about CTCA and wonderful survivor stories at www.cancercenter.com .
Lisa heard about this center from our Aunt Freddie and then Lisa did some research and decided this was the best place for her to be.
I talk to Lisa daily and she feels good. So please send her your thoughts and prayers through this blog and I will send them on to her! Love to all, Dee Anne

January 5, 2007

Hello Friends. Sorry I haven't been blogging through the holidays; we were all so very busy. Lisa spent alot of time with family and friends and needed to be reminded to slow down a little bit. She jokes that the doctors have made a mistake, she feels t good to have lung cancer.
So I'm happy to report that Lisa is in very good health. She is still undergoing gene therapy. Fortunatley Lisa is healthy enough that she has choices instead of doing straight traditional chemo. She has a wonderful quality of life. If anyone saw her over the holidays you know what I mean. For those of you who didn't I'm pasting a picture of Lisa and our Aunt Freddie (Mom's youngest sister) at one of our many family get-togethers over the holidays. Doesn't she look wonderful?
Lisa tumor is not shrinking like we had hoped and prayed it would by this time (but it isn't actually growing ether, and that's good.) So I need everyone to please pray to our Lord, specifically, to shrink her tumors. Lisa has one main tumor and a few satellite tumors. Our prayers need to encompass all those little bastards. Excuse my language, but sometimes those are the only words that fit.
Love to everyone and thanks for all your prayers in advance.
Dee Anne

November 21, 2006

Lisa's test results were conflicting in that it seemed to help on her large tumor but not on the satellite tumors. With this information Lisa had decided to continue the gene therapy for one more month. She looks great, feels great and is even able to have full conversations without coughing! So continue your prayers that all these stupid tumors shrink, shrink, shrink!
Love to all and Happy Thanksgiving! Dee Anne

November 1, 2006

Hello everyone. I haven't posted to the blog lately because there hasn't been anything to report. Lisa is still undergoing gene therapy and we won't know anything for awhile. She still looks like a million bucks.
Lisa, myself and our niece, Leslie, enjoyed a day at the spa last week. The facial tech guessed Lisa's age at 37!
Love, Dee Anne

October 10, 2006

Hello everyone. Just checking in. Lisa Is doing great. She will not have results on her gene therapy for awhile. But I wnated everyone to know her spirits are high and other than that stupid tumor, she is as healthy as a horse! Please continue your prayers!

September 18, 2006

Lisa continues to feel good and look wonderful. She isn't experiencing any bad side effects with the gene therapy. Continue those prayers! Love, Dee Anne

September 12, 2006

Hola! Lisa has decided to begin gene therapy. So keep sending your prayers! Lisa looks wonderful and is very, very healthy except for the stupid tumor in her lung. Her outlook is very positive, she will beat this thing yet! Love to all. Dee Anne

September 2, 2006

Hello friends. I have an update on Lisa that I know everyone has been waiting on. Lisa has decided to look for a different type of treatment because her current treatment has not produced the results she or her doctor had hoped for.
Lisa is looking at a treatment that is referred to as gene therapy. Gene therapy actually looks at the gene which is causing the cancer. From there, the doctors attack that specific gene to reduce the tumor. This is not a new type of treatment. As Lisa learns and decides more, she will keep us up to date.
Lisa is healthy and looks wonderful. Her spirits are bright and she is optimistic that a new therapy will shrink the tumor. Lisa has asked that everyone continue to pray for her.
Love to all, Dee Anne

August 25, 2006

Hi out there. Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I went on a long vacation and forgot to let ya'll know. Shame on me! And then Lisa and Johnny have taken some time off too.
Lisa's update is good. She is very healthy and her blood count continues to be very very good. As soon as we know more I'll be sure and post it here. In the mean time, please continue to lift Lisa up in your prayers. Love, Dee Anne

July 24, 2006

Lisa was given an x-ray on Thursday and before her treatment on Friday, she was told everything is stable. And that is good. She is such a fighter. After her tretments on Friday she begins to feel pretty crummy around Sunday afternoon. She refuses to let this cancer beat her. She went to yoga on Monday evening! And if you know Lisa, this is her typical nature.

My prayer today:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for all the wonderful joys you have given me in my life. Thank You for my family and friends, they all mean so much to me, especially my sister Lisa. Dear Father, I ask that You please see that Lisa lives a long and healthy life. I ask that You please make her tumor go away. In Christ's name I pray. Amen.

Love to all. Dee Anne

July 19, 2006

Hello everyone. I have had several people tell me that I am not updating the Lisa's blog enough. I'm sorry. I have been updating the site each time Lisa has a treatment but I'll do more if everyone would like me too.
Lisa continues to look and feel like a million bucks! She is eating just about all organic fruits and veggies. Her spirits are wonderful and she asks that everyone please continue to pray for her. Renew your church's prayer list with Lisa's name.
Lisa's next treatment is this Friday and I will update the site with that news. Until then!

June 30, 2006

Lisa had a CAT scan today and her prognosis was good. They told her that it looked like the tumor on her right lung had shrunk some. Great news!!!! And she began another round of chemo today after having a small reprieve.
Lisa is in great spirits and looks like a million bucks! But please, please, please keep Lisa in your prayers everyday. They are truly the best medicine. Love, Dee Anne

June 4, 2006

Hello everyone! Lisa had another chemo treatment on Friday. The CAT scan shows the tumor has shrunk but not as much as we had anticipated from viewing the earlier x-rays.
What we know is that the chemo treatments are shrinking the tumor and expanding her lung and bronchial passages. This is good!
Previously, we could see the tumor in the x-rays and it appeared to be shrinking rapidly, but as the lung expanded it seems to have pushed the tumor behind her heart, so it isn't visable in the x-rays. But the tumor is shrinking!!! Yeah!!!!!
Lisa is doing great! She feels great and looks absolutley wonderful! To look at her, you would never think she was fighting cancer.
Continue your prayers for Lisa, they are the strongest medicine Lisa can be given.
Love, Dee Anne

May 25, 2006

Hello everyone. I wanted to let everyone know that Lisa is doing great. She and Johnny have really been enjoying their home in Wimberley and just taking it easy. She is in great spirits and appreciates everyone's prayers so much. So please continue your prayers for Lisa's full well-being. And visualize that stupid tumor shrinking, shrinking, shrinking. More, more, more!!!!
Love, Dee Anne

May 13, 2006

I wasn't clear in the last message what Saturday is Lisa's birthday. It's the 20th!

May 12, 2006

Lisa had her 4th treatment today and also rec'd wonderful news that her tumor continues to shrink and her lung continues to open up! This is wonderful, wonderful news!! We are blessed! Please continue your prayers! Oh and Lisa turns 50 on Saturday! Happy Birthday, Lisa!
Love you all, Dee Anne

May 1, 2006

Sorry I haven't been back to update in awhile. Lisa's tumor continues to shrink after each chemo treatment. Dr. Pisters took another chest x-ray and it amazing how much the tumor has shrunk in 3 treatments! Lisa will have a CAT scan on her next visit and that will measure it precisely.

I had a dream Saturday night that Lisa came bouncing into my house and declared, "Cancer free." I believe God sends us messages from time to time and I believe this is one of those times.
Lisa understands that even when she beats this, another battle will begin. One that she will fight daily for the rest of her life.

We have been so fortunate with Lisa being a fighter. We have never had to tell her to keep her chin up, its been held in defiance against this cancer since day one. I love that about her and I'm sure you can understand that it has made it easier on us.

Please continue to keep Lisa in your prayers. I give thanks for all the friends we have that care about her.
Love, Dee Anne

April 21 2006

Hip Hip Hurray!!!! The prayers continue to shrink Lisa's tumor!!! More details later....
Love Dee Anne

April 13, 2006

Hello Friends. Just a quick update. Lisa and Johnny are doing very well.

April 7, 2006

Hello friends. I wanted to drop a few lines and let everyone know Lisa is feeling great. After her second chemo treatment she had the normal couple of days of feeling really tired and not having an appetite but other than that she is doing great. Keep praying and visualizing, shrink, shrink, shrink!
Love, Dee Anne

April 1, 2006

Lisa had a very encouraging check up yesterday. She has responded very well to the chemo treatments! Her radiologist's report was very positive along with the results from her blood test. Her next treatment and check up will be 3 weeks from yesterday. During that visit Lisa will be given a CAT scan, which is a more accurate report on the shrinkage of the tumor.
We all are very thankful for this news and know God is listening to our prayers. I know it goes without saying, but please continue to pray for Lisa's full recovery.
Love, Dee Anne

PS Shrink, shrink, shrink!

March 30, 2006

Hola! Lisa has her second chemo treatment tomorrow so let's all continue the prayers! They work. Visualize that stupid tumor shrinking, shrinking, shrinking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Prayers, chemo and mind over matter, all of them so powerful !! Thanks for your continued emails and comments. Lisa and Johnny appreciate them but I want you all to know how much I appreciate them, too!

March 22, 2006

Lisa is doing good. She has her appetite back and continues to walk every morning. Lisa will have treatments every three weeks until her tumor shrinks enough to be surgically removed. Shrink, shrink, shrink you stupid tumor!

March 16, 2006

Good morning everyone. A quick update on Lisa. She is doing reaaly well. Still tired and she has a funny taste in her mouth and not much of an appetite but otherwise she is doing okay. I want to say how much I appreciate how Johnny is taking care of her. They both have done extensive reading on what Lisa should eat and then Johnny cooks all the meals! Talk to you soon!

March 14, 2006

Good morning. Lisa is doing fine. The chemo has left her a little tired but that is to be expected. Please continue your prayers.

March 11, 2006

Dr. Pisters, Lisa and Johnny decided yesterday that the results from Tarceva were not as aggressive as they would have like to have seen. So Lisa begins traditional chemotherapy today. Thanks to everyone for their prayers. Please continue them for us.

February 28, 2006

Hello Friends. I don't have any new news but I did want to tell everyone how wonderful Lisa feels and how beautiful she looks. I know I have said it before but it stands repeating; so many friends have been so very kind to Lisa and our family. Someone told Lisa after her diagnoses that cancer is horrible but that Lisa would see that it can be beautiful, too. That friend was right. Lisa has shared heart-warming stories of how friends have touched her life and changed it for the better. I feel Lisa will continue on in this tradition and touch lives that need her. Please say a prayer for her, God listens.

Lisa's Update!

The tumor has appreared to have shrunk! Lisa, Johnny and Dr. Pisters sat down together and all agreed that the tumor looked smaller. One thing is for sure-It didn't grow!!! So Dr. Pisters is keeping Lisa on Tarceva for another two weeks and then she will perform a CAT scan. Thank you for your prayers, they worked!!!! God is listening to us so keep sending your prayers for Lisa.

Lisa's Disguise

February 22, 2006

Good morning. Just a note to tell everyone again thank you for keeping Lisa in your prayers. I just can't say enough times how much we all appreciate it, we believe in the Power of Prayer.
Lisa has an appointment this Friday to see how well the Tarseva has shrunk the tumor. Please pray with me that it has shrunk, shrunk, shrunk!
Lisa is feeling good, a little tired from the medication and a small rash beside her nose but she still has her positive mood! Yesterday when she walked in to work, she did so with a pair of those big Jimmy Durante glasses with the big nose and mustache attached! It was hilarious and made everyone laugh. Laughter is strong medicine, too!
Love, Dee Anne

February 19, 2006

Lisa is feeling well. The Tarceva has given her a slight rash but she is very thankful that she is very heathly! Lisa will meet with her doctor on February 24 for an update. Shrink, shrink, shrink you stupid cancer!

February 16, 2006

I want to tell you the story of how Lisa found out she had non-small cell lung cancer. In May 2005, Lisa developed a slight cough. Not a hacking cough, more like an allergy cough. She visited 3 ear, nose and throat specialists over the course of 9 months and they all told her she had Reflux.
But our mother, BJ Boothe, kept on Lisa to find out why she kept coughing. She told Lisa coughing was a sign of lung cancer. Isn't it funny how Moms just know things.....
In January, Lisa visited a new doctor. He gave her medication and told her to come back in a short period if the cough had not disappeared. The medicine did not help so she went back.He then took a chest x-ray and that was when Lisa found out she has a mass in her right lung.
This doctor sent Lisa to a lung specialist and he biopsied the mass and determined it was non-small cell lung cancer.
Everyone's life has a purpose. I believe one of Lisa's life purposes is to educate us on this disease and its quiet symptoms. Lisa's story helped someone today. A friend had a cough and after hearing Lisa's story had it checked out. He believes it helped him. I do too.
Lisa is feeling really heathly. She and Johnny are taking wonderful care of her. Lisa's spirits are so brightand she is attacking this cancer from every angle possible. But we believe the prayers said by everyone haved helped above everything else. I can't say Thank You enough for the kind words I hear everyday from friends and even total strangers. I'll be back soon. Love, Dee Anne

February 14, 2006

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone. Lisa is in wonderful spirits! She is attacking this disease like she attacks everything else, with a vengence. Lisa is one of the strongest, smartest and absolutley the most competitive person I have ever known. She knows that the body has the ability to heal itself from within, with God's help. Thanks to everyone for sending your sweet messages. It means so much to Lisa, her family and her friends to know she is in your prayers. Please take just a minute, right now, and pray for Lisa's full recovery. And then do as we do and visualize that tumor shrinking. God bless!

February 10, 2006

Lisa begins her treatment today. She has decided to begin treatment with a drug named Tarceva. Tarceva has show good success in treating the type of cancer Lisa and many other non-smoking women have. The drug attacks only the "bad" cells, leaving her "good" cells to help in her battle against cancer. Please continue your prayers. We believe prayers are what contained the cancer to her lungs only!

February 9, 2006

Please continue to place Lisa in your prayers and on your church prayer list. Lisa is so positive and strong. As soon as Lisa and Johnny have decided on her treatment I'll pass the news along.

Test Results 2/7/06

Lisa and Johnny met with her doctors at MD Anderson and were given her test results today and it's contained to her lungs! Hallallujah, Praise the Lord! They have been given different treatment options. They will sleep on it tonight and decide what course they feel is best for Lisa. Please continue to pray for Lisa's full recovery. The power or prayer is so amazing!
Love, Dee Anne

Monday, February 6, 2006

Good morning! Lisa and Johnny had a quiet weekend reading up on cancer treatments and diets. Johnny bought Lisa a juicer and she is drinking 3 pounds of vegetables each day. We joke that she is going to have an orange nose like our boys did when they were babies. Lisa and Johnny meet with their doctors this week to find out her prognosis. Lisa is so positive. We all believe miracles happen everyday and that we will beat this. Friends have been so kind to offer stories of their loved ones and the miracles that they have been blessed with.
Please continue to hold Lisa and her family in your daily prayers and continue to share this site with friends and family. Any illness is easier when you know you have so many people pulling for you!
And again our web masters experienced technical problems this weekend. Sorry if any of you had problems with "site unavailable" or just not being able to log on. There is a scheduled outage tonight between 5-6 PM. They assure me the problems are coming to an end and soon the site will be much better.
Love,
Dee Anne

Second Hand Smoke Rumor February 3, 2006

There seems to be some talk about Lisa's lung cancer stemming from second hand smoke. We just do not believe this is true. I can't say that Lisa has never been exposed to second hand smoke but I can say Lisa has had only minimal exposure to second hand smoke throughout her life. We grew up in a smoke-free enviroment.
From an ABC website I found: Ten percent to 15 percent of lung cancer victims are non-smokers. Among that group, women are two to three times more likely than men to get the disease. Doctors don't know why. Hormones, second-hand smoke, diet and air pollution all are believed to be factors. So you see, it could have been many things other than second hand smoke. Lisa joked and said it must have been her hairspray! I love her.
Also, I have had several friends call and inform me that when they invited friends to join Lisa's blog site the last couple of days, the friends have received error messages. I checked with our blog master and it seems Blogger and Google have been working on this site the last couple of days. So, keep trying to log on! If you experience trouble, try typing LisaUrban.blogspot.com into your brower's address bar and see if it will take you directly to the site. If friends continue to have problems with the site, please let me know at dnavarre@lmi.bz. Thanks! I'll be back when we have more information! Love, Dee Anne

February 2, 2006

Thanks to everyone for the heart-felt calls being made to Lisa and her family. We appreciate them very much. Foremost, thanks to everyone for the prayers being said for Lisa. Everyone has been so kind to offer to place her on their prayer list.
Some of Lisa's running buddies; Wanda Peters, Lisa Dodson and Lauren Conder gave Lisa a pair of boxing gloves for her fight ahead. This capsules the attitude Lisa has, she is ready to fight! Her family is ready to fight, too. If I could just get my hands on that cancer... It wouldn't know what hit it! I'm sure everyone feels the same way I do.
Thank you for the comments being made on this blog site. Everyone is so positive! Keep 'em coming!
Love,
Dee Anne

February 1, 2006

Lisa and Johnny are at MD Anderson again today continuing testing. Today Lisa will have a brain scan and Friday a full body MRI. So everybody continue your positive thoughts!!!! Damn cancer go away! Lisa's positive and really enjoys hearing from everyone. Anne Mundinger really made her laugh last night. Thank you Anne!!!!
Lisa's doctor at MD Anderson is Katherine Pisters, MD. She's in good hands. We also would like to thank Kelly Larkin MD and Joseph Ainsworth MD for expediting Lisa's visit to MD Anderson.

January 31, 2006

Lisa was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer on Friday January 27, 2006. Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for about 80 percent of lung cancers. Among them are 4 types of tumors. Lisa has Adenocarcinoma which is found in the mucus glands of the lungs. This is the most common type of lung cancer in women and among people who have not smoked. Lisa has never smoked.
Lisa and Johnny are visiting M.D. Anderson for the first time today. After a battery of tests she will be given advice on how to treat her specific cancer.
I will update the site as we have information. Thank you Lauren Conder for this wonderful suggestion.
Lisa and Johnny have many wonderful friends and we as her family appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers. A special Thank You to our friends at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for their help on Monday! You are a blessing.
Love,
Dee Anne

PS I am creating this site so I may inform all of Lisa, Johnny, John Paul, Matthew, Mom, Fern, Rita, Pop, Greg, Greg, Chris, my friends (you get the idea) of Lisa's progress. You may make comments and send emails to Lisa through this sight. I encourage you to send Lisa your thoughts, love and prayers. You can also send this site to others that you know care about Lisa by clicking on the envelope below and filling in the required information. When you send a comment or email you will notice a few security features my geeky friends tell me are a must.
Please check back often for updates!