Physical cancer vs. Spiritual cancer

Physical cancer.

Last week Doug felt impressed to deliver some "livestrong" wrist bands to my niece and nephew. Which may not seem like a big deal but given Doug's health traveling to Logan made me think twice!  I was worried sick about him going that far but he felt STRONGLY that they needed to be hand delivered.  SO OFF we went!  We jumped in the car one afternoon and headed down to Logan.  We called Elizabeth, my niece,  a few minutes before we got there so she knew we were coming but Josh was shocked..... Josh wanted to know what in the world we were doing there so Doug pulled out the the wristband and this note he wrote them to go along with it.  Here is part of what the note said, "Here's a wristband so you can share in the fight.  This battle is not limited to the physical cancer, which can't do any permanent damage but includes spiritual cancer has the potential to cause much more damage than any physical problem we might have. So remember as you wear this band, that as we rely on our Heavenly Father, and the atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ, that we can "LiveSTRONG" and put away the frailties and temptations that so often come our way. May we remember also to trust in our Heavenly Father, as Nephi did (2 Nephi 4:34-35) when those temptations and challenges arise, that our mission here on this earth may be fulfilled to the fullest extent possible.  It is my testimony that as we "Live STRONG" we will be blessed. " Love you brother in the gospel,  Doug

I am so glad we took the time to take these to Josh and Elizabeth because it touched them. It also touched us to see them so moved.   Anyone that knows Doug knows that this is exactly how he feels, and  how I feel as well. The day we found out, you may recall reading this earlier,  Doug was comforting his sad mother and said, "Mom my spirit is fine, they can do whatever they want to this body but it is my spirit that matters."  The physical cancer can't do anything to us 'eternally'  but make us spiritually stronger!  It is the spiritual cancer that satan wants to use to destroy us. It is our prayer that we can defeat spiritual cancer and  and go forth in our new found "LiveSTRONG" lives.

Dr. appointment

Just a quick  note to tell everyone how Doug's appointment went today.  The surgeon is pleased with Doug healing progress and he also got back his result for the micro-satellite instability. It came back negative. This is excellent news because if it was positive there is a greater chance it would affect our children more. Even at that, colon cancer is hereditary so they will watch our kids VERY close their entire lives.  Starting at about 30 they will start getting their colonoscopy.  They can blame Doug for all those good times that are ahead:))
Doug has now been referred to the oncologist and his appointment for that is Oct. 6th.  After Dr. Dixon reviews Doug's medical history he will decide if he will need further treatment.  Dr. Smith, the surgeon, knowing that oncology isn't his speciality, mentioned that the only reason he can see doing chemo is given Doug's age to make certain that all cancer cells are dead.  But then he smiled and said, "I'm not the oncologist so go see what he says."  Dr. Smith has been amazing to work with and we would recommend him to anyone!
Again, Thank you ALL for your love and support.  We pray every night for those of you that are praying for us. Our Heavenly Father watches over all His children.

"dad jobs"

We have always explained to Sam and Ethan that dad's have "dad jobs." Like if a dad is a teacher...that is his dad job. If a dad is a dentist...that is his dad job.  Doug is an engineer...that is his dad job.  Neither one liked to accept that they have to go to school and that is their job and daddy has to go to work.  It is a hard concept for little kids.  Somedays Ethan tells me, "I wish you went and did a dad job and daddy could be the one to stay home with me."  

Well, when Doug was in the hospital Ethan was concerned about dad's, 'dad job'.  Why wasn't he at work?  So we told him that while daddy is in the hospital he had a new dad job, "farting and pooping!"  And as funny as the kids thought that was, we were not joking at all! The first time Doug passed a little gas the nurses and doctors cheered for him.  They got so excited about any activity that was rumbling around down there:)

SO about a week later Ethan was riding with our friend to a parade and he says, "hey, did  you know that my dad has a new dad job?...it is farting and pooping."  life......

Doug was off of work for over 2 full weeks.  Idaho Labs, aka his boss?, has been nothing short of amazing and supportive.  While we were in the hospital they brought over 2 huge HUGE bags of snacks, lots of  games, coloring books, movies and treats for the kids.  Days later, when we got home, they show up with 25 or 30 (can't remember) free bambino cards, (for you people out there that don't know what a bambino is, it is a delicious grease pocket pizza.mmm), and a gift certificate to a local restaurant.  Then even a few days after that the company suburban pulls up with its trunk full of household items and food.  We again feel so blessed to be surrounded by people who have helped us these last few months.  Doug couldn't be working for a better company.   

"I HATE YOU!"

Doug is still doing great!  He says he fills like his insides are "jiggily".  So he walks a round, still a little bent over and slow, but he walks around holding his gut.  He does wear this very fashionable girdle, Ethan calls it his cast. That helps with the discomfort.  The most painful part of the day is when he has to sneeze.  It sounds like nothing I have ever heard before...Like a little girl being scared by a bear.  He lets out this hilarious little  high pitched and painful sounding squeal and then I hear a sigh like....."oh it's over. " 
He has even gained a little weight. After tipping the scales the other morning at an all time low...122lbs.  And me screaming in the back ground, "I hate you!"  He has made it his personal goal  to "PACK IT ON!"  If we can just figure out someway for me to donate some fat that would benefit everyone:) My sister offered first but I should have first say?

 He is still weak.  He doesn't like when I call him 'weak' but I don't know what else to say. I have asked him to come up with a better word and all he does is start flexing his huge arm muscles just like a body builder  (I am telling you ladies, he has all the moves)  and then he will say, "you call this weak?" So when I say 'weak' I am not talking about his muscle strength...Just his stamina.  He still requires a nap everyday but over all his is amazing and strong! He hopes to go back to work this week. I kinda take it personal like he doesn't want to be around us anymore:) j/k  I have loved having him home!  I am a little over protective right now.  You can understand?  I went from totally thinking he could be dying to all of the sudden the doctors being so optimistic about his outcome.  I  have really enjoyed being with him every moment of the day for the last 2 weeks.  We have had so much fun just being with each other and with the kids.  There isn't a night we don't go to bed and say to each other, "we are so blessed!" 
Tuesday Doug has a doctors appointment with the surgeon.  We are hoping that he will get back test results.  The mass was sent to a special lab where they looked for something called, "micro-satellite instability." This will help determine how the oncologist will treat Doug's cancer.  It is basically a genetic link and although there isn't any history of colon cancer, or any other cancer, Doug can still be the first generation to carry this.  It would affect how they will watch our children. 

This picture is an "exact replica" of Doug's intestines:))  My hilarious brother, Mike, made him a huge cookie of his 'insides!' How funny is he?  Doug hurt from laughing so .hard!  If you look closely you can see the "tumor" on the lower left side. The pink note says,"warning might taste like a pooh."  
Having Mike as my brother, I should have a six pack from laughing so hard.  He keeps life fun!




Quote of the night...

We went to the viewing tonight of Dennis Brown. It was really neat to see Laurie, his beautiful wife, and their 4 amazing boys standing beside her.  What a legacy they have created by raising these fine men!  When we walked into the funeral home. One of the funeral directors, who was also Dennis' home teaching companion, greeted us.  I said to him, "it is very nice to see you." And he responded back,"Me and Dennis would always say, 'better to be seen than viewed.'"  We laughed pretty hard about that and yes that is something Dennis would say!

Have an amazing weak....week everyone!

didn't make the cut---

Hours after my last post, a man that I admire deeply died of a heart attack.  Not only was he a good friend of ours but  he is also my sister's father-in-law.  

Dennis Brown is one of the greatest  men I have ever known.  You couldn't be around him with out laughing at his dry whit.  He spent his life doing everything for everyone else.  He is an the epitome of a "family man." He lived for his wife, 4 boys and their wives, and especially his grandkids.   He loved to give to others and serve his family.  I would often get calls from my sister, Melanie, telling me things like, "Dennis just dropped off a 4-wheeler for us." and "Dennis just brought us a new stove filled with cheetos."  "Dennis just left us a pizza for dinner."  The list can honestly go on for hours.    Dennis has spent his last 2 years serving his beautiful, amazing wife who was diagnosed  with breast cancer.  Together this couple has touched more lives than we can even imagine.  

When Dennis had his heart attack he was plumbing his son's house.  Of coarse he was doing something for someone else. 

This world will not be the same with out Dennis Brown in it!

Again, ditto to my last post!  What will spring bring for any of us? Are we living our "last moments" with someone we love? Are we living with out regrets?

When we found out about Dennis, I looked at Doug and said, " Heaven was looking  for a good guy and you didn't make the cut, Dennis did. How does that feel?"  We were laughing pretty hard:)

Take time to smile a little bigger, hug a little longer, and listen a little better to those we love!

real moments...

There have been multiple things that have happened this summer that have made me revaluate my priorities.  I feel incredibly blessed because of my trials with infertility because it has made me realize what a gift life is!  Every night I lay in bed and and take a look at the last 20 hours.....I rarely have any regrets as a wife and a mother. Now there are plenty of things I can do better but for the most part I can say ,"I tried my hardest and I will try even harder tomorrow!"  I try so hard not to live with regrets..

When Doug got his final diagnosis......"YOU HAVE CANCER"... We thought,"what does this mean?"  All these "what if's" were filling every thought.  'what does this mean for our family?' 'what does this mean for his mortal body?' 'how long will this fight be?'  'how are my children, especially Sam, going to handle this?'   'what will a year bring?'  We completely trusted in the Lords plan. We felt 100% peace in His will. That didn't change the wondering of what was going to happen.

On Sept. 8th Doug came home from work early.  He was in more discomfort, more weak, and more anemic than I had ever before seen him.  He got out of his car and I watched him bent over limping to the garbage trying to throw something away. He struggled as he lifted the garbage lid. He hobbled into the garage for a moment to see my dad who was working in there and then limped his way up our front steps.  When I saw Doug I knew all he wanted to do was go lay down.   In the mean time, Ethan, our 6 year old, had been observing the weather ALL day long.  It was windy and that meant 1 thing for him, he and dad were going to fly a kite!  He had went and found dad's big kite, pulled it out of it's container, and with his little knowledge was starting to get it ready. When Doug opened the front door there was Ethan, "Dad I almost got it all ready, it is a perfect day for flying a kite. COME ON DAD!" Doug kinda gave a smile and I then I bent down to explain to Ethan that daddy was sick and needed to lay down.  Doug knew that Ethan's heart would sink if he didn't go with him.  So being the kind of dad that Doug is, Doug told me, " I got this hun!" Doug, under any circumstance, wouldn't rather be anywhere in the world than with his kids! I watched out our big front window as together they finished putting the kite together and out they went. I sat here in the house with my mom and could not control my tears. They came fast and freely and the emotional pain I felt hurt. I couldn't stand the thought of "what is going to happen".... Do I need to start counting moments as "lasts"?  The last time......  and the question that just kept coming over and over was, "what will spring bring?"  At that time the diagnosis was grim and we didn't know what spring brought but this is a question for all of us to ask ourselves....  

"What does spring bring for any of us?" This could be any of our  "lasts" and are we living  with no regrets?  Are we living like these could be our last moments with our friends? parents? neighbors? spouses? and our children?  Are our lives in accordance with His will?  I am blessed that this trial came my way to take a step back and live my life so someday when I do meet my Savior I can honestly look Him in the eye and tell him,"I did my best!"

How often do we take life for granted?  Speaking for myself...More than I should, multiple times a day.  I think it is just part of being mortal.  We forget to give credit to God that gives us every breath we take.  Knowing very well that at any moment he could take that simple breath away.

May we all go to bed tonight with NO REGRETS!

eventful evening...

Last night I found myself driving Izzy to the ER laughing all the way there.  
After family home evening the kids went outside to play on the swing and trampoline.  This is where we spend most of our nights.  I could hear Ethan, Isaac, Sam and Izzy playing a family favorite, "ring around the rosie."  Apparently Izzy didn't stand up quick enough to Ethan's liking so he thought he would yank her up!  Ya know that brotherly love:)  Izzy started screaming and Sam took her in and turned on a movie and we didn't think much about it until about 30 minutes later when she starts crying again.  Doug's mom, who happened to be here & is a great nurse, looked at it and thought for certain it was broken.  She recommended we take her to the ER because her little wrist was poking out.  There was a definite bump and swelling!  Doug was feeling a little too weak and tired so he stayed home and we called my brother-in-law, Dave,  over to help and to lift kids into bed.  
As I drove to the hospital I truly laughed most of the way there. How ironic we were headed back there. I almost could drive there with my eyes closed:o) 
I met my in-laws at the hospital where they helped me with Izzy.  They put us in the exact room we were in a week and a half ago when Doug was in there.   Our nurse was my great friends husband, Nick. That was fun!   They took x-rays, and realized that no bones were broken.  The Doctor came  in and tried to pop it back into place and figured it was either dislocated or maybe the growth plate had slipped.  With all the drama and an expensive trip to the ER she woke up this morning telling us, "it's all better daddy!" We kept her on tylenol and she is fine.  

She kept telling me she was a ,"sad baby"

How's Doug?

Everyone is asking how Doug is feeling? He is doing great considering everything that is going on with him. The nurses in the hospital told him they were going to get him a super man cape because he is so strong and his pain tolerance is incredible.  He had a morphine pump while in the hospital and he could push it every 10 minutes.  If you know Doug, he is such a light weight. He is nicknamed the 'cheap drunk.'  SO that first day he was pushing that pain pump every 10 minutes and that was a good time for everyone.  He caught on pretty quick that he didn't like feeling so doped up so he slowed it WAY down.  Every hour then every other hour until he  just wanted tylenol. The nurses were shocked that after such major surgery he could be so tough...   
So since he has been home he is up walking around, although a little slow and a little bent over.  He gets tired really easily and sleeps a lot. It is a little disheartening to see him so weak.  I am feeding him well, along with my family, so he can start gaining some weight.  He has about 25 lbs to pack on. I told him to eat a pint of 'Ben and Jerry's' ice cream every night.  He took me literally:)  His color is slowly coming back. He is still very anemic, which makes him white,  but a couple days ago he started getting some color in his face and even his hands have a little pink.  It is beautiful to see his color coming back.  His feet and legs still have no pigment but I think it will just take time!  The simple things we take for granted, ya know!
Ethan is loving having his daddy home. He just thinks it is a big party. He doesn't leave his side...ALL DAY LONG! and the babies don't understand why daddy can't hold them but sooner than later Doug will be back to running around with the kids and carrying then around the house!

Our Story!

Our amazing love story!

Pay attention because it is kinda a wild ride!

I have a brother Doug and in high school he had this great group of friends.  Doug, Adrian, Travis, Keith, Doug (corbett, yea my husband), Clint, Dustin, and Jordan....There were tons more guys but these particular ones have stayed incredible close.  When my brother Doug was a junior in high school he was killed in a car accident.  This group of guys, especially Adrian,  stayed close to our family and kept us informed on what was happening in their lives. They all kinda started going their own way, whether on missions, school, working or whatever it was they kept close to each other and kept my family, the Carlson's, always updated.  Eventually they ALL got married, yep even Doug Corbett, my husband. 

Doug and Jill Wiseman were both attending BYU in Provo. They were in the same ward and started hanging out. Doug felt "safe" with her as just a friend because she wanted to go on a mission.  But the more they "hung out" the more they started liking each other. It didn't take long before they decided to get married. And although Jill's mom, Joann, thought Jill was too young, they still went ahead planning their life together. They were sealed on Nov. 22 1996.  They had planned on waiting a year to start a family but Heavenly Father obviously had something else in mind. They followed the promptings to get pregnant and months later they were pregnant with a baby girl who was due in December.  Life was looking perfect until about September when Jill started having some vision problems, headaches, and couldn't balance well.  One night, in October  they were eating a malt and Jill's malt had kinda fallen in her face. Ya know when you are trying to get the last of the malt out of your cup and you have to hit the bottom of your glass and a huge glob of ice cream comes screaming down the glass and it falls on your face before you can tilt your glass back? Well this is what happened.  Doug noticed that there was ice cream on her face and mentioned it to her. She couldn't feel a thing.  He realized that her face was numb and he knew that wasn't good.  They went to the neurologist and she sent her to get a MRI @ the hospital and then they found a brain tumor. Jill at the time was 31 weeks pregnant. After being in the hospital a few days and keeping a close eye on the baby they decided to they needed to take her. Samantha Jill Corbett was born Oct. 14, 1997 in perfect health.  Jill remained in the hospital for 2 more months and they kept Sam also in there not because she needed to be but the hospital said they wanted to keep the family together.  When Jill got out of the hospital, Doug, Jill, and Sam went to live in Layton Ut. with her parents, the Wiseman's, until she passed away in June.  Leaving Doug a single dad, he went to his school counselor and asked how he could graduate ASAP! He continued to commute from Layton to Provo almost everyday to get his diploma. And that he did. He graduated from BYU with a degree in manufacturing engineering.  

2 years later, back to the group of high school friends..., Our friend Adrian, who was married to Rachel and has 2 darling boys, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  Adrian stayed incredibly close to our family through the years and so this news, for everyone, was very difficult. He was absolutely amazing and his faith was admirable.  At the time I was 23 and was always telling him to "find me a man!"  He spent so much time with doctors and nurses I would always tell him, "Adrian, there has to be a single guy SOMEWHERE!" He always told me not worry about it he would find me a man!   Knowing he didn't have much longer to live he started drilling me a little.  I remember him looking me dead in the eye and asking me, "Baber, (that is my nickname) if you died tomorrow would you be ready to meet our Savior."  This was one of those moments  that changed my life forever.  I thought about that, especially under the circumstances, for weeks, months and now 10 years later.  Well, I was blessed to be able to help Rachel and boys and Adrian his last few weeks of his mortal life.  It was the most spiritual experiences of my life and it is a huge part of who I am today.  Adrian met his Savior on a beautiful Easter morning in April of 2000.  I will never forget what his father-in-law said, "The cancer died but Adrian lives on forever!"  He was right on! 

For the funeral ALL the friends came. We were all at the luncheon together and Doug Corbett, who I hadn't seen in years, asked if he could sit by me.  I was sitting at the table with Rachel and some other friends.  My family, who was sitting kiddy-corner  to us, looked over and was overcome with emotion thinking that "ME & DOUG" were meant to be...... YES, as crazy as it sounds it was true. After the funeral all the friends got together to hang out for a while before everyone had to split there different ways. While we were there they started giving Doug and I a hard time.  They were saying things like, "why don't you 2 just get married?" And to that Doug said, "well I would have to buy a new suit!" and I replied, "I would have to buy a new dress!" Since that moment we have called each other "dress girl" and "suit guy".  I remember Rachel telling me, "if Adrian had to die just so he could find you a guy, referring to Doug, I will be SO upset!"  WE laughed pretty hard about that!

About a week after Adrian's funeral Doug came up for my birthday and we ate dinner with my family.   Doug went back to Utah to work and I stayed here in Idaho going to school and working.  One night, days later, we were having a very casual conversation on the phone.  Then Doug asks, "hey what are you doing on July 28th?' I said, "nothing, why?" He then asked, "Do you want to get married?" I answered, "yea sure!"  (time line---beginning of May of 2000)  I explained that I was leaving to go to Europe with a friend for 5 weeks and would be back in the middle of June.  We kinda laughed for a minute, not thinking the other was very serious, and then we agreed that we really would need to get that "new suit" and "new dress".... 5 weeks later, when I returned, the wedding plans were made!  For those of you who ask....."Did you 2 date?" Well kinda. We saw each other a few times on the weekends. 

 My dad and Doug negotiated the price of his daughter while I was out of the country. They agreed on, for those who have seen 'Jonny Lingo', 40 cows and 1 bull! The morning of our wedding we walked out in the front yard and there were 40 large cut out cows and 1 huge bull! Doug payed up! 

I am so blessed to have 2 amazing sets of in-laws. We have 3 families that we love dearly. We feel no differently towards one than we do the other....THEY ARE ALL OUR FAMILY!  I truly feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have my family, the Carlson's, the Corbett's and the Wiseman's. 

Our life together has been blissful. The first morning we spent in our new little apartment Sammy woke up, ran out of her room and said, "I love my new mom!" It felt so natural and just what I had prepared for my entire life. It was a blessing to have a family and it was everything I ever dreamed of!

We have been married for 10 years and it has been amazing.  Almost perfect!  I say almost because there have definitely  been trials.  But every trial we have had we have come out stronger! We consider ourselves incredibly blessed. Even given the latest news on Doug's health. It will only make us stronger!

This morning Doug woke up to this sitting on his bedside table.  His cousin, Tim, who had cancer back in February, dropped it by for him.  We also got a package in the mail today from our great friends in South Carolina and they had 2 'live strong' wrist band. He told Doug he wasn't going to take his off until Doug was in the clear. I just put mine on and along with Jesse, I am not taking mine off until he 'is in the clear!'
Doug feels proud to wear his. He said it is kinda like an eagle scout badge, "I have earned this!"
                                                               LIVE STRONG!!

Doug's home

Doug is posting this one - from HOME!!!. I have been overwhelmed by all the people who have shown support so far - the prayers and visits, calls, letters, notes, thoughtful acts and kind words - the outpouring of love have been incredible to feel. There have been countless miracles through my stay in the hospital, and more I am sure will be coming. Through these past few weeks, I have felt my Savior's love and the reality that He will lift our burdens if we will allow Him to lead us through our challenges.

My 90-year old, across-the-hall neighbor from the hospital said something today that I felt was worth sharing - "I have no problems. Once you turn a problem into a situation, you can do something about it. Situations are easy to deal with. Problems are hard to fix." How true. We can all use a bit of his wisdom as we confront challenges in our lives.

Our hospital stay!

This is Doug's amazing mother! She is also a nurse.

 Everyone, including us, is asking when he will get out of here...WE wish we knew! He is still relying heavily  on the IV for liquids and the bed that moves up and down. This helps so he doesn't have to use those tummy muscles that have been sliced! It has been touch and go since the surgery... He isn't recovering quite like they were hoping but guaranteed we will be out of here by next month. haha

Today is a pretty rough day. Doug has a fever of 102.8 and is feeling awful. They just drew his blood to see if it is systemic or more flu like. Doug's immune system is weak already so this isn't the best news! They say this will set us back a few days.  Darn it:( They are just getting ready to take him in for a chest x-ray. The great news is we got his pathology reports back yesterday. His cancer is stage 2! YEA!!! They took 32 lymph nodes and all of them came back clean. Can you believe that. This is such a miracle. With the size of his tumor and the fact that it had grown into the muscle wall this is nothing short of miraculous!   Thank you to EVERYONE that is praying for us! We can not thank you all enough.

The kids have LOVED coming a visiting Doug. Ethan wants to know how every button works and where every tube is attached. The nurse asked him what he wants to be when he grows up and he said, "everything my daddy is!"

Doug has to ambulate (walk) 4 times a day. Our good friend Eric Dodd gave him a hand Sunday.

 Doug in his "man dress"... that is what he calls his robe.  When Ethan got it for him at Christmas he said he would never wear it..Man is he grateful he has had it now!  It covers up the 'full moon' as he walks down the hall!

surgery...

The surgery that Doug had is called a right hemi-colectomy. 

They cut out a portion of his large intestine and small intestine then reattached it. Here is the incision.

since we found out....

Our support system is amazing. We are so blessed to have so much family and SO many friends that want to help out. My parents have been at my house almost every second of the day since all this. My mom has been busy helping me deep clean, ya know because it takes my mind off of it a little, and my dad has been working in my yard and totally cleaning up, sheetrocking and putting shelves up in our garage. How great are they?! My sister, Mel & Dave, have taken Ethan and helped with the kids, Mike and Jess have been over to help and have been a tremendous support and my sister Michelle has been staying with the kids in our home. Doug's parents have been here everyday supporting and taking care of Doug and his siblings also have been here for us and continually asking what they can do for us!  We have incredible friends that listen to the spirit and call or come over when prompted. And we have an AMAZING ward that has fasted and are continually praying for us. Thank you to everyone. 
I know without a doubt that this trail in our life is for our good. We will be stronger and better because of it. We are spiritually excited for the journey because we will grow. WE are so blessed to be a part of this challenging yet necessary mortal existence. Eternally what matters is what we learn from our tribulations.  Doug told his mother, in trying to comfort her, "Mom my spirit is fin, they can do whatever they want to this body but it is my spirit that matters." i strive for this same attitude. It has made me question my own life...Is my spirit fine?
Doug looked in the mirror the other day and almost didn't recognize his weak, anemic, slim body to which he said, "well, there isn't much I can do with this physical body so I better get to work on my spiritual body." So he went into his bedroom and wrote in his journal and read.
I can't imagine going through this without the knowledge of the gospel.  For 15 years I have prayed daily that I may always keep an eternal perspective. I know that my Heavenly Father is blessing me with this knowledge at this time.  In 100 years from now it won't matter how we die but what WILL MATTER.... is what we learn from our trials that are placed before us.  
People say to us, "why would this happen to your family, it is awful." We have found absolutely NO tragedy in this news.  We feel at peace and know that Thy will will be done, not our own.
I told my nephew Josh, Doug's illness doesn't just affect his immediate family, it affects EVERYONE that has a relationship with him. WE ALL have something to learn from this bump in the road!

Doug's health

SO as many of you know that on Sept. 1st 2010 Doug was diagnosed with colon cancer.

He had been sick since May with stomach pain and it has increasingly got worse until some nights he was bent over in pain. He hasn't been eating or sleeping and is very anemic. He is as white as a ghost and cold to the touch, I call him my personal Edward Cullen! We both think it is pretty funny.

So he finally started going to the doctor to run some test. WE thought it would be a simple gal-bladder, or ulser or maybe even appendix. But after a EGD, multiple blood test an unltra-sound more blood test, to check his anemia, and any other possibility, the doctor told us to schedule a CT scan and colonoscopy.  During the colonoscopy he found the tumor in his cecum. It was about 2 1/2 inches in diameter and was cancerous. We were told by multiple doctors to go to Hunstman's Cancer Institute but we didn't have time.  Doug intestines were telescoping. Incredibly rare they tell us. Basically his large intestine is sucking in his small intestine which is causing the severe pain.  Our surgeon told us that this is a huge blessings because it caused him so much pain. If there wasn't the pain they would have never found the tumor. Colon tumors are slow growing and for the most part pain free until it has matastisized.  On Saturday we came to the E.R because his intestines had obstructed. They preformed emergency surgery and everything went well.  WE won't know what stage the cancer is until we hear back from pathology on Thursday. In the mean time so many friends and wonderful family has shown there love and support in our behalf.  We appreciate the visits, prayers, love, and concern people have shown. Our families have been absolutely amazing. They have been here for us every step of the way both physically and mentally. WE love you Corbett's, Carlson's and Wiseman's. Our lives could not be more blessed. 

Let's see if I can do this?
I had a feeling months ago that I should start a blog. I didn't know why and I am personally opposed to anything that is distracting to my family SSOOO I didn't listen. BOY I wish I would have:)
I know everyone wants the lastest updates on Doug so I will see if I can figure this out.