Hey beautiful people.
So just right off the bat, I want to share(for those that haven't heard) that after weeks of study and research, emotion, phone calls, more research, hundreds of informative emails, and so many many prayers (from all you dear ones as well:) ) the first step we decided to make towards treatment for Martin was to go to a hospital in Mexico!
Four weeks ago today while holding hands in the doctor's office was the first time we heard the word 'cancer', which was tied in with the words 'melanoma', 'aggressive', and 'metastatic'. It was exactly a week later that his diagnosis was confirmed after spending that week at a Cancer institute out of town, as well as the thoughts from several doctors about how long they thought Martin had left.
Ever since day 1 when I reached out to friends and family, as well as you guys-my online family, we have been bombarded (in the best way possible) by so much information regarding different treatment routs, unusual tricks and tinctures for healing, amazing success stories, cancer centers to consider around the world, various alternative remedies and treatment methods, all promising to do everything from simply prolonging his life to curing his cancer altogether, and we're beyond grateful for every bit of it.
Through it all several things remain absolutely sure: First, Martin is young and very healthy and strong-in every sense of the word which is a great asset, secondly we have the biggest support system- not only from all the loved ones around us, but also every single one of you who care so selflessly about us and our family, and thirdly (of course) we're going to do every and anything it takes to beat this.
So now to go back to the Mexico thing:) We saw that there was clearly an order to do things in if we wanted to get the most out of the treatments that seemed right for his case. To start off we'd already gone directly to a very renouned cancer institute to hear his options as far as conventional treatment, but had left feeling very overwhelmed and a bit confused, knowing only that we weren't ready to make a decision quite yet. Long story shorter, we decided to move forward first with some really neat alternative treatments that are available in lots of facilities-mostly outside the United States. We felt really good about coming to this hospital in Mexico for many reasons, but mostly because with the baby due in just a few weeks now we didn't want to be any farther away from home (we're just a couple of hours), they could get Martin in right away(time is of the essence), his treatments would only last three weeks (with lots of follow-up of course), and we didn't want to be away from the kiddies any longer than that.
Today marks about a week and a half of treatment, and things are going really well! Their main focus is building up his immune system to fight the cancer on it's own, instead of pumping drugs into his body that will try and fight it for him. We chose to do the out-patient option, so we typically spend about 5-9 hours at the hospital every day (when we don't spend the night), and can go home to a snuggly hotel room most nights, which is much better on us both mentally. We've joked that this is almost a fun vacation despite the obvious fact that it's...not, at all.haha We probably won't ever see the beach or swim at the hotel, and most days we end up falling in to bed exhausted way too late at night only to wake up again super early and do it all over again, but we have had some awesome food, seen some beautiful scenery, and are feeling very lucky to be here making progress! The hardest part of it all is missing our babies like crazy and not having our family all together, but we know they're being taken very good care of by close family members, and we're counting down the hours till we can hold them all again.
Phew! Sorry I feel like I've gone on for ages, and there's still so much I haven't shared. I want to stress lastly though for any concerned, that we've not closed our minds to conventional treatments at this point(as I said we'll do anything it takes), but we're also looking for the best quality of life possible for him, and since these methods are so much more gentle and 'natural'(though still with an extremely high success rate compared to conventional treatments they offered him), it made a lot of sense to try these first and see how things go:) This doesn't burn any bridges for the future or close him off to any other forms of treatment, which was important for us in order to move forward quickly.
Well I hope that I've painted a good enough picture of where we're at right now, but if you have any questions at all feel free to ask! I had big plans of posting much more while we were here, but our phones and computers are much more useless than we thought they'd be, unless we have a super good wifi connection (which is extremely rare). So, it might be feast or famine on the blog post front for the rest of the month.
Okay, ending now I promise.haha I have to say thank you again though to everyone who has sent prayers and positivity (and donations!), etc, of every kind in our direction during this whole nightmare. I'll never be able to say thank you enough or express how much every single gesture means to us. Love, love, love.
So just right off the bat, I want to share(for those that haven't heard) that after weeks of study and research, emotion, phone calls, more research, hundreds of informative emails, and so many many prayers (from all you dear ones as well:) ) the first step we decided to make towards treatment for Martin was to go to a hospital in Mexico!
Four weeks ago today while holding hands in the doctor's office was the first time we heard the word 'cancer', which was tied in with the words 'melanoma', 'aggressive', and 'metastatic'. It was exactly a week later that his diagnosis was confirmed after spending that week at a Cancer institute out of town, as well as the thoughts from several doctors about how long they thought Martin had left.
Through it all several things remain absolutely sure: First, Martin is young and very healthy and strong-in every sense of the word which is a great asset, secondly we have the biggest support system- not only from all the loved ones around us, but also every single one of you who care so selflessly about us and our family, and thirdly (of course) we're going to do every and anything it takes to beat this.
So now to go back to the Mexico thing:) We saw that there was clearly an order to do things in if we wanted to get the most out of the treatments that seemed right for his case. To start off we'd already gone directly to a very renouned cancer institute to hear his options as far as conventional treatment, but had left feeling very overwhelmed and a bit confused, knowing only that we weren't ready to make a decision quite yet. Long story shorter, we decided to move forward first with some really neat alternative treatments that are available in lots of facilities-mostly outside the United States. We felt really good about coming to this hospital in Mexico for many reasons, but mostly because with the baby due in just a few weeks now we didn't want to be any farther away from home (we're just a couple of hours), they could get Martin in right away(time is of the essence), his treatments would only last three weeks (with lots of follow-up of course), and we didn't want to be away from the kiddies any longer than that.
Today marks about a week and a half of treatment, and things are going really well! Their main focus is building up his immune system to fight the cancer on it's own, instead of pumping drugs into his body that will try and fight it for him. We chose to do the out-patient option, so we typically spend about 5-9 hours at the hospital every day (when we don't spend the night), and can go home to a snuggly hotel room most nights, which is much better on us both mentally. We've joked that this is almost a fun vacation despite the obvious fact that it's...not, at all.haha We probably won't ever see the beach or swim at the hotel, and most days we end up falling in to bed exhausted way too late at night only to wake up again super early and do it all over again, but we have had some awesome food, seen some beautiful scenery, and are feeling very lucky to be here making progress! The hardest part of it all is missing our babies like crazy and not having our family all together, but we know they're being taken very good care of by close family members, and we're counting down the hours till we can hold them all again.
Phew! Sorry I feel like I've gone on for ages, and there's still so much I haven't shared. I want to stress lastly though for any concerned, that we've not closed our minds to conventional treatments at this point(as I said we'll do anything it takes), but we're also looking for the best quality of life possible for him, and since these methods are so much more gentle and 'natural'(though still with an extremely high success rate compared to conventional treatments they offered him), it made a lot of sense to try these first and see how things go:) This doesn't burn any bridges for the future or close him off to any other forms of treatment, which was important for us in order to move forward quickly.
Well I hope that I've painted a good enough picture of where we're at right now, but if you have any questions at all feel free to ask! I had big plans of posting much more while we were here, but our phones and computers are much more useless than we thought they'd be, unless we have a super good wifi connection (which is extremely rare). So, it might be feast or famine on the blog post front for the rest of the month.
Okay, ending now I promise.haha I have to say thank you again though to everyone who has sent prayers and positivity (and donations!), etc, of every kind in our direction during this whole nightmare. I'll never be able to say thank you enough or express how much every single gesture means to us. Love, love, love.
Love your blog and family! Praying for speedy recovery!
ReplyDeletePraying for you guys! So happy that Mexico could offer you something; it's a shame that the US could not offer you these opportunities.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely thinking about you guys and your precious kids! I am sure they are doing wonderfully even missing mom and dad. You guys are so tough and you can do it with Heavenly Father's help. You might not have the time or energy, but if you get the chance, try to squeeze in the beach or pool a few times. No one would blame you for needing a break. Plus you so deserve it with all you're going through. Keep praying! You have so many people who love you!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear the treatments are going okay. Praying for you and your sweet family!
ReplyDeleteThinking about you sweet friend, and hoping that you guys are staying strong during this difficult process <3
ReplyDeleteThank you Emily for the update. I've been checking everyday. We are praying for you guys! Praying for healing! And strength for both of you. I'm sure most days are very exhausting physically, spiritually, emotionally, all of it! Praying for lots of sweet, awesome moments for the two of you while you're away from the babes, and praying for them too, as they miss their mommy and daddy. Just praying. :)
ReplyDeletePraying for healing!!! Thanks for the update!
ReplyDeleteMake sure to take care of yourself too Emily & your sweet wee baby ~
ReplyDeleteMake sure that you take care of yourself too Emily & your sweet wee baby ~
ReplyDeleteGod bless and wishing you all the very best xx
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with allibench, you have given me something to look forward too throughout the day by always posting earnest, engaging and positive posts about your family. I hope you know that we all send positivity your way and I know you and your family will get through this. Thank you for keeping us posted even though you're so busy.
ReplyDeleteI have checked the blog every day, sometimes a few times a day, I am happy that you posted Emily. I can not begin to understand what you are both going through and I guess no words can help but I am thinking of you as well as everyone else. Stay as strong as you can and I would agree if you could find some time try and have some beach or pool time, it will really help your body and mindxxxx Hugs from irelandxxx
ReplyDeleteSending blessings to you guys <3
ReplyDeleteI only rediscovered your blog about a week ago, but I'm definitely sending my good thoughts in your direction. Thinking of you all and sending cyber hugs from New Zealand xx
ReplyDeleteWas truly upset when I herd the news about Martin, but I know you guys could ge through anything. Sending love and positivity to you two and your lovely family xxxx
ReplyDeleteWishing the very best! Keep strong and fight. You have a beautiful family and a beautiful blog.
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful! I hope everything goes well. Thank you for posting what ya'll are doing. I am praying for both of you and your family!
ReplyDeleteThinking about you and your family. I am sending you both all of the love I have. <3
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the treatments !
ReplyDeletePraying for your hubbie!
ReplyDeleteSending you lots of love! xxx
ReplyDeleteI am sending you and your family all of my sincerest love, thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteI just discovered your blog and your beautiful family and I was devastated to hear the news of your husbands diagnosis. I really hope this treatment goes well, you're in my prayers x
ReplyDeleteSinead from Dreaming Again
Continued prayers from Michigan! <3
ReplyDeleteIt sucks so badly that you have to go for treatment, but if you get to go to Mexico with your sweetie for it, that's atleast a plus! I hope you were able to enjoy yourselves between his treatment and that you were able to take your mind off it for atleast a bit. Wishing you all the best!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.demosthynes.com
You and your family have been in my prayers and I know Martin is so strong!
ReplyDeletexx Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
I've been to your blog off and on for hair tutorials throughout the years, and more recently since I have red hair, I thought I'd look more at the hairstyles. Now I'll be checking in regularly to see updates. Big hugs and prayers to your family (I think you are LDS, too? not sure, but see you are in Utah with a gaggle of kids, so think so) I just shared on IG today that I made a brownie/cream cheese/fruit dessert I saw on your recipe section. Love from AustinTexas!
ReplyDeleteSending LOTS of love and prayers from Israel!
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing news!!! Praying for things to turn better. More blessings your way.
ReplyDeleteFound your blog about a month ago, looking at Hair... Sending all my love and prayers to you and your family. Always in my thoughts. From Kansas.
ReplyDeletePraying so hard for all of you.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and your family and sending prayers and strength to you!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear the treatment is going well so far. Wishing you all the best from North Carolina :)
ReplyDeleteOh my word. I had no idea any of this was going on because I haven't read blogs in ages. That is so incredibly scary but I am glad these treatments are going well. Hoping for all the best and good things for your little family and Martin. Praying for Martin, you and the kids and everything. Sending lots of love to you all. ♥♥
ReplyDeleteThinking of you, praying for you, and SO behind you in all this. Thanks so much for the update!
ReplyDeleteHey, the best of luck and lots of love for you and your family. Stay possitive and good things will come your way. Could you please share again how we can help with donations (you already have all our thoughts and prayers). Love! ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for taking the time to update! You are doubly in my thoughts as you have a baby on the way too. I hope that the news will be so much more hopeful and better in the next couple of weeks. Praying that Martin beats this! xo
ReplyDeletei love you and your family
ReplyDeleteall the best
<3
Emily,
ReplyDeleteWhen I read your post about cancer my heart sank. I went through something truly devastating in my relationship last year and, while not the same as your situation, it broke my heart and made me question everything.
At the time, I was pregnant with my daughter (my first) and that was such a gift to me. It gave me this strength and calmness which took me by surprise. It's incredible how these miraculous beings inside of us can help us in so many ways. A year later things are different but beautiful and full of so much love with my sweet baby. I know you find so much strength in your children, your husband and your entire family and I have so much hope for you. I see the same strength in you that I found in myself during my situation. My mother reminded me that I always had that strength and determination but I guess I never needed to draw on it so deeply.
Sending lots of love your way.
With best wishes,
Suzanne
Kudos to you and yours for taking the path less travelled. As advanced as we are, the U.S. is still rather behind when it comes to alternative (read: healthier) treatments and healthcare-system-related ways of doing things. (As a Colombian, I can identify.) I 1000% hope Martin gets better in no time and that this becomes but a memory in the near future. XOXO.
ReplyDeleteI've been following your blog for a few months, and have thought of you and your family, and prayed for you a number of times as I've been driving. May God bless you with guidance, peace, comfort, and courage!
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for you, your husband, and children.I know exactly how you feel! My family just went through this with my dad. My dad was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of lymphoma at the beginning of Feburary. We fought with it for several months, but at the beginning of May (three weeks ago now) the Lord chose to take him home. We also used more natural methods, and I still believe that they work even though in Dad's case they did not keep him here.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what else to say, but I will definitly keep you in prayer!! My heart is so heavy for you right now knowing what it is like to go through a time like this. Love you!
Sending prayers to your and Martin. Just something to look into:http://www.cbsnews.com/news/polio-cancer-treatment-duke-university-60-minutes-scott-pelley/
ReplyDeleteThe success rate with this is phenomenal and the future of cancer CURE. This may be what he is receiving in Mexico, I do not know. If it is, I applaud you. I am a clinical pharmacist helping hospice and palliative care patients so naturally, I deal with a lot of cancer. Cancers that were previously a terminal diagnosis, are now potentially curable with this treatment.
God bless you and your family. Your little ones are so precious. All things work together for good of those who love Him, sayeth the Lord.