Bags for Brent

Bags For Brent Is Closed

2011-09-13T21:10:00.001-07:00

Knit Katrina Knit: Finally An Update On My Knitting

2011-06-05T15:54:00.000-07:00

Knit Katrina Knit: Finally An Update On My Knitting

And the beat goes on...................................

2011-01-03T07:30:00.000-08:00

Brent had his second treatment on 28 Dec. it didn't go as well as the 1st one. They had stop the meds for he had an reaction which closes his throat up and well you get the picture.
So instead they gave him a syringe of a med that you can only take every 6 weeks and it does a dozy on your immune system. This went directly into his port. He seemed to tolerate this one fine.
He goes back in 12 days for more meds.
I am starting to knit chemo caps for him to wear.
I am hoping to generate new awareness about colon cancer and get people to donate chemo caps to their local cancer centers or mail me caps they have knitted to bring to the University of Arizona Cancer Center.
You can e mail me (bagsforbrent@yahoo.com) for my mailing address if you want to donate knitted caps. Please no "Red Heart" yarn. I know it's cheap but it feels cheap too. The people going through chemo want to have some type of soft and comfort feeling around them. Not something scratchy and feel like they are going to jump out of their skin.
Thanks,
Katrina

December 07, 2010

2010-11-21T17:43:00.001-08:00

Please keep your prayer up for rent, for he is starting a liquid chemo on the 7th of Dec. He is highly allergic to it. Why take it then? For it's the only one that actually killed the tumors in his liver.
Thanks,
Katrina

3 weeks late but......Happy 39th Birthday, Brent

2010-06-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

We got to celebrate Brent's 39th birthday out of state this year. It was a nice change for us. He enjoyed fishing in the local lakes and going searching for treasure along the path that once had a narrow gauge RR back in 1909.

Looking at the San Juan River in Pagosa Springs. Colleen & I got to spend a day at the natural springs. Some parts were up to 105, but we just went to the ones that were 103 and below. We learned a good lesson about how natural hot springs wash off your sun block. Colleen got her 1st horrible sun burn.

We spent a day in Durango too!

We also went to the place where the yummy Durango honey comes from.

-Katrina

Last Day on Esty!

2010-05-31T19:34:00.001-07:00

Last Day for one of my bags posted on Esty. click on the link below to see.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/39738100/a-bag-for-everything
I will list it here After it expires on Esty.
Thanks,
Katrina

Posted May 5, 2010 12:00pm

2010-05-15T11:27:00.001-07:00

The latest from Brent:
Happy Cinco De Mayo everyone. Hope this finds everybody doing well. I had another treatment yesterday, and was very happy and suprised to find that I really didn't break out in hives for the first time in 2 1/2 years since I've been on ironotikan. I don't know if it is because I've been combating my allergies lately with claritan and benedryl,and the new mix helped, or if I get them from just the stress of getting treatment (this time I slept through most or the infusion). It looks like today will be one of those side effect days that not only do I feel nauseated, but will have the hiccups all day long. Ugh! Not much more to report, other than I'll get a good idea of how everything is working when I get a C.T. scan before my next treatment.

May God Bless all of you!

Brent

Brent's Art on Esty

2010-04-16T23:38:00.001-07:00

Come by my Store on Esty and see some of Brent's paintings.
Just click on my Esty store button on the right.
Thanks,
Katrina

The Lastest Bag I have made for Bags for Brent

2010-04-16T23:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry I couldn't change the bag the correct way.

This was for a swap I did for a lady in TX via Esty. She wanted a great bag to take to Disneyland in FL this summer.

I added a secret pocket in the side made with "old" Disney fabric that was given to me.

Inside I added a elastic band to keep the water bottle in place.

Day 3

2010-03-18T09:48:00.001-07:00

Day 3 and I am feeling that much better.

2010-03-17T18:45:00.001-07:00

Katrina asked me to put out this for her. Around 4:20 Monday afternoon her and Jacob were involved in a rollover accident. After being cut out of the van she and Jacob were rushed to Scottsdale hospital, where they were both examined. Jacob escaped with only a little soreness, and is doing ok, but as you can imagine this has really traumatized him. Katrina was checked out and didn't have any internal injuries or broken bones, but is extremely sore and scraped up. She was realeased Monday night, and is on pain medication. This has been extremely hard on her mentally, getting in to a car to go to her Dr. is almost impossible for her to do because of the fear. The accident happened at Crismon and the offramp of the 60. Katrina was Southbound on Crismon and had the green light, a car on the offramp t boned her mid van flipping her and Jake completely over and back upright. God was truelly protecting them. The van is demolished (the back roof of the van just behind where Jacob was sitting is bent in half). We ask for your prayers for thier mental and physical healing, and for the police to find her not neglegent in the accident in any way.

Thanks,

Brent

Lastest From Brent After Last Chemo Treatment.

2010-03-09T09:00:00.003-08:00

Well three weeks once again sped buy and I had chemo yeaterday. I decided I needed to push through feeling yucky and at least be at the office today. I guess everything is going all right, some of the side effect I get on the chemo pills are starting to get worse, but as usual I just learn to push through them. It became very apparent to me the last treatment before this one started to effect me more mentally than I can remember from previous times. I was more irritable, and just generally flustered a lot, so I'm trying to be more in control of my emotions. I noticed my feelings getting hurt a lot easier than in the past, for things I generally would ignore. I guess I'm reacting more to stress of not seeing any progress in my tumors shrinking. I'll be completely honost it scares me, but I just have to remember to put my trust in the Lord.

Living With Less So Your Family Has More by Jill Savage

2010-03-01T07:14:00.001-08:00

Today I'd like to welcome Jill and Mark Savage. Jill and Mark's newest book Living with Less so your Family has More just released and I've invited them to share a little bit about this great resource!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.

We have been married for 27 years…17 of them happily. After finding ourselves in a marriage counselor’s office around year 8 or so, we realized that we really didn’t know how to be married. We worked hard to turn things around and now we like to share that hope with other couples.

We have five children ranging from 13 to 25. Our oldest three are married. Anne (25) and her husband, Matt, live in Zion, IL, and are expecting our first grandchild in April. (We are very excited!) Evan (22) and his wife, Julie, have been married a year and a half and they live just a few miles from us. Erica (19) married her husband Kendall last September. They live in Augusta, GA, and wherever else the Army takes them.

We have two teenagers still at home. Kolya just turned 16. He’s learning to drive and we’ve nearly worn a hole in the carpet on the floor in the passenger seat trying to find that non-existent brake pedal. Kolya is the newest member of the Savage family. We adopted him at the age of nine from Russia.

Austin is 13 and in the 8th grade. He wants us to make sure and tell the world that this “living with less” life is a real bummer because he’s the ONLY kid in 8th grade who doesn’t have a cell phone.

Tell us about your newest book Living With Less So Your Family Has More?

The world screams the message that bigger is always better, but we have found that is not often true. When it comes to raising a family, less materially can actually result in more relationally. Children don’t need the best houses, the best lessons, the best cars, or the best clothes. What they really need is the best home life and the best family relationships we can give them.

Why did you want to write this book?

We didn’t start out with the “less is more” mindset. We started as a double income family wanting to have the “best” of everything. Then Mark decided to pursue ministry. We went from the “high life” to the “frugal life” very quickly as we moved to another state for him to go to Bible College full-time.

That experience introduced us to the concept that less is more. We definitely had less money, but we had more time. We had less stress and more peace. We had less activities and more fun.

Since that experience, we’ve continued to live primarily on one income for the past twenty years. We’ve had to battle cultural peer pressure and make different decisions for our family than many other families in our neighborhood have made. But we’ve never felt that we were materially depriving ourselves or our kids…instead we’ve focused on what we’ve actually been able to provide for them emotionally and relationally.

What do you hope your readers will gain from this book?

We hope the reader is encouraged to evaluate how they are living their life, spending their money, and thinking about family matters. Our goal is to introduce families to the “less is more” concept and then equip them with the attitudes and actions to actually make that happen.

For families that are already committed to less is more, we hope to bolster their resolve and help them stay focused on the long-term goal of providing relationally for their kids.

In today’s economy, there are many families being forced to live with less. We want to help them see the opportunity they have with this unexpected downsizing they’ve been forced to do.

And for those who have just been a little discontent with their life and saying things like, “I’m tired of the rat race of life,” or “Is there more to life than drive-thru meals for dinner?” we hope to help them see other choices they have and how they can lead their family in a different direction.

What unique elements will the reader find in Living With Less So Your Family Has More?

For couples who want to read the book together, we’ve included discussion questions at the end of every chapter. This helps move the readers to discussion and eventually actions. Even a single parent can use the discussion questions for personal evaluation.

Readers will find this book a practical guide to changing your attitude and your actions to live a successful “less is more” life. They’ll find our writing style to be a warm, casual, honest discussion where we not only share our victories but our mistakes along the way. We are an average couple living successfully on an average income who want to help others to see the possibilities before them.

This is a Hearts at Home book. What is Hearts at Home?

Hearts at Home is an organization that encourages, educates, and equips women in the profession of motherhood. Hearts at Home encourages moms through annual conferences, our extensive website (www.hearts-at-home.org), a free electronic newsletter, a radio program, and an entire line of books designed to meet the needs of moms all over the world!

Any closing thoughts?

It’s healthy for parents to occasionally pause and evaluate their vision for their family and the choices they are making. We hope this resource will help them do that together and that it will lead them to live a life of little regret.

Growing Grateful Kids by Susie Larson

2010-03-01T07:09:00.001-08:00

Today I'd like to welcome author and speaker Susie Larson. Susie's new book Growing Grateful Kids has just released and I've invited her to share a little bit about this great resource.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.

My husband and I have been married 25 years and have three grown sons (all in their early twenties). Our oldest son Jake works on the business side of the Christian music industry. Our middle son Luke is married to his beautiful wife Kristen; he works full time at a bank and part time as a worship pastor. Our youngest son Jordan is studying to become a surgical nurse. My husband Kevin is a commercial construction

updates from Brent!

2010-02-18T07:23:00.000-08:00

Posted Jan 20, 2010 11:50pm

Well, I had treatment #4 yesterday. I'll get a new CT scan before my next treatment to see how things are going. Unfortunately there wasn't any real change in my cancer markers, which really doesn't mean much because they can fluctuate up and down when the numbers are in the low range, so the real test is what the new scan will show.So far other than the hiccups all day, I'm not really feeling too bad, I even worked out today. Time for me to get back into shape. I'll keep everyone updated as the days go on.

Posted Feb 10, 2010 1:33pm

Yesterday was a very long day. It started early with a ct scan and then in the afternoon my Dr. visit, and then chemo. My ct scan came back good, basically nothing has changed so far, the 2 tumors have stabilized, so there wasn't any new growth, and there weren't any new tumors. As much as I'm used to seeing faster reaction to the chemo, I have to be happy that there is nothing new. As long as the Dr. is happy, I'm happy. I continue to be a part of we make history, and look forward to another ball next week, and then some more living history and reenactment days, the biggest one will be Payson at the beginning of April. Last year was the first year the group did Payson, and it was estimated that 3 to 4,000 people showed up that day to watch. We have also been assigned for next years 150th anniversery of the battle of 1rst Manassas, to portray the 2nd Virginia Regiment, part of the Stonewall brigade. The events surrounding the anniversary will last 9 days, with 3 of the days being reenacting the battle.

my shop is open

2010-02-03T15:41:00.001-08:00

not much there just yet but it's open!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Pokie70

Bags are moving to Esty!

2010-01-18T14:59:00.000-08:00

Hello readers. I will still repost updates about Brent and his walk with chemo here. I am moving the sales of the bags to etsy to see if I can get busniess again. It's been over a year since my last order.
Please click on the www below to check me out at Etsy.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Pokie70
Thanks,
Katrina

Christmas Note From Brent

2010-01-02T07:37:00.000-08:00

Brent with Lady Honey

The Uffelman 5 and Lady Honey too.

Merry Christmas

Posted Dec 27, 2009 12:36pm

Merry Christmas everyone! As this year draws to a close there are many things I am thankful for. I am thankful for another year of life with my family. I'm thankful for 8 full months without chemo, even though a surgery was mixed in there. I'm thankful for all of my doctors and nurses, without whom I'd never make it through. I'm thankful for allof thosewho continue to help us with medical expenses,and the unexpected bills that have shown up throughout this year. I'm thankful for our friends Gary and Barb who have been there with us and for us throughout the year. I'm thankful that I found the We Make History group, so that I am able to participate in something that I have always wanted to be a part of. There are too many things to list,so I'll leave it with the last but most definately not least, I'm thankful for my continuing and growing relationship with my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Now on to other things, last weekend Katrina and I ended up getting a new dog, a long haired chihuahua, that was a rescue from a puppy mill. She is 3 years old and is a survivor, like her owner, it just seemed like a natural fit. We deffinately hadn't really planned on getting a second dog, but everything just kind of pieced together like it was meant to be. So now I have 2 dogs to help me recuperate after treatments. Unfortunately, the way the treatment schedule falls, I have chemo on the 29th, so New Years eve won't be too much fun. I was nasuase non stop for a whole week after this last treatment, and the pills didn't really help me feel any better. The only time I felt any relief was if I ate, and then I only felt better for 30 minutes or so, and then it was more of the same. The bad thing is I've probably packed on some weight from all the eating I did to try and feel better, so were gonna have to try something new with my next treatment.

I hope everone has a blessed New Year! Thank you for your continued support amd prayers.

Brent

Life Just Gets In The Way.

2009-12-15T17:13:00.001-08:00

I know it's been a very long time since I have posted any thing here. The main purpose of this blog is to have a place where people can order bags for themselves or others.
Due to the low volume of orders I have been reprinting what my hubby, Brent , has been writing on his care page.
But please feel free to order a bag any time.
They are great for school, music books, for babies, teachers, camping and so on.
Merry Christmas to you all and a Blessed New 2010 Year.
Until Then,
K.U.

Here are the lastest post from Brent:
chemo day

Posted Nov 17, 2009 9:26pm

Well today was my first day back on chemo, and it has been a long day. The first treatment is always the roughest, but it tends to get easier when you get back into the routine, and your body gets used to it. So hopefully tomorrow I'll feel better, because I have a lot to get done at work.

This last weekend was a lot of fun, but also a lot of work. Friday we had a very large number of school kids come out to the festival, asking very good questions. As a unit we did a lot of marching and drilling over 3 days, and are catching on to what we need to do now as a battalion. We reenacted 2 battles a day, which is always fun. I think what sticks out in my mind the most was on Friday when the union side started beating us all the kids started chanting USA, I couldn't help but get a smile on my face. When we do in state events like this we actually play both sides, union and confederate army. I was really enthralled by the British unit for the Revolutionary war reenactment, they were really awesome to watch, it's amazing how regimented they were back then, and their drummer and fife player were great. Katrina and the kids came out for Saturday and part of Sunday, and they had a lot of fun writting with a quill and ink well at the prarie school, and fighting the British with wooden guns. Jacob played Civil War era songs on his viola at our quartermasters tent, and Colleen and Katrina were in the fashion show, showing off thier civil war dresses. Jesse was all over the place playing, and exploring all the different encampments, and eating kettle corn. Next year I will make sure to stay the night on Saturday, because I came to find out they had bonfires, singing, and even did an unplanned ball.
I hope all are doing well. God bless,
Brent

round 2

Posted Dec 10, 2009 6:59pm

Well, on Tuesday the 8th I had my second treatment and things went much smoother this time. I am very thankful that I have such good doctors and nurses, they were able to make little adjustments in my pre-chemo medicines, and that helped calm my nerves down. The side effects have been a little easier to handle than the previous treatment. Thanks for all of your prayers, they continue to give me strength

Why to Knit in Public and Be Proud of it!

2009-10-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

I found this on Simply Knitting and thought I would pass it on.

Ten good reasons to knit in public
World Wide Knitting in Public Day is tomorrow, Saturday 14 June, so in case you're hesitating here are ten good reasons to get your pins out in public, whether it's solo, with a friend or with your whole knitting group.

Always want more time to knit? Use these odd moments on the bus or in the doctor's waiting room to full advantage.

Multitask. Women used to knit while watching their kids, but you can also knit while chatting to a friend, watching a football match or even at a music festival.

No tasks. People are less likely to ask you to do things when you're knitting – although you can always volunteer.

Take your mind off it. If you find crowded trains or your morning bus trip stressful or boring, a pair of silk and cashmere lace socks will take your mind off it in the nicest way.

"I used to knit..." You'll hear this one a lot – and seeing you knit, might encourage dormant – or brand new – knitters to take up their pins.

"Wow, that's gorgeous. You're so clever to have made that!" We hope you'll hear this one a lot too!

Meet new people. With all the knitters out and about tomorrow, you might find enough stitchers to start a group.

Something to talk about. It's suprising, but all kinds of people are fascinated by knitting, and have memories of doing it at school, or watching their mum or granny knit.

"Is that a sock I see before me?" Having your needles out in public makes it a lot easier for fellow knitters to spot each other.

Let people know you knit. Now they'll know what to get you for your birthday – or who to call when they unearth a stash of silk in their attic. (Hey, we can dream, can't we?)And, of course, it's rather a nice way to enjoy your favourite hobby – particularly when it's sunny, and you can find a spread out a blanket in the park, grab a table at a pavement cafe or meet some friends in a pub garden.

Kniting bring me peace and joy

2009-10-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

Has nothing to do with Brent or my bags but I just wanted to share with the blogging world.

the following.....

I can’t believe that this would ever happen to me. I am going to be featured in 2 issuses from now in Simply Knitting. Below is the email they sent me. you can see Ms.Kandy Korn in my projects area!
Hi Katrina,
We liked your mouse so much she’s being featured in issue 61 of Simply Knitting. Please can you send me your postal address so I can send you your copy of Patons Woolcraft and Prym bamboo needles.
Yours,
Miriam McDonald Production Editor, Simply Knitting

Until Then,

K.U.

Great News!

2009-09-01T21:08:00.000-07:00

Brent went down to Tucson today and Doc. Ong said that Brent's ct looked great and his blood count was great too! So he is "clean" once again. He will have to go down again in two months.
Until then,
Katrina

Maybe Tonight, Maybe Tomorrow

2009-08-11T19:44:00.000-07:00

href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoPb_KS39u8">
This brought to my attention from a friend,Shareef Dajani, I have known since 2nd grade, many moons ago. He lost his sister to cancer and almost his mom too. He cycles in the Live Strong Events in S.F.
The last time he cycled he had Brent's name on his shirt with others who's lives haven been effected by cancer.
Please pass on this message of Hope.
Until Then,
K.U.

From Brent

2009-07-31T18:39:00.001-07:00

Hi
Posted Jul 28, 2009 8:37pm
Hi to all. As most of you have read from posts from Dagney(thanks to her for the help). I was released yesterday after surgery. Mom and Dad gave us thier room at the Westin La Paloma, so we didn't have to make the drive last night. It was quite a shock before the surgery when Dr. Ong told us if all goes well we could go home that day, especially, after our consult with him telling us 5 to 7 days. I guess after being able to look at my previouse scans and the tumor only being 2 centimeters. he was pretty confident he could use micro ablaision to destroy the tumor without resecting it. He also took biopsies of 2 nearby spots and they came back as scar tissue. Hopefully the rest of all of those spots are scar tissue as well. Needless to say I'm pretty sore, and the oxycodone doesn't help a whole lot, but I am moving around ok. All in all things are going as good as could be hoped for. Thank you for all of your prayers, and I ask you keep them up, they really do help.
God Bless,
Brent

Day of Surgery Update.

2009-07-31T18:37:00.000-07:00

Transcribed from Katrina...Hello, this is Katrina's sister Dagny.Katrina wanted everyone to know that Brent had his surgery at 11:29this morning, and is currently being prepped for post-op whereKatrina will be able to visit him.I will be updating with more information as she updates me.
More from Katrina via Dagny....Brent is out of surgery. Katrina is waiting to hear when she can go back to see him. There were 49 spots on the liver which might be cancerous or scar tissue. There were too many to biopsy all of them, but Dr. Ung biopsied two which were negative.Dr. Ung ablazed (sp?) the active tumor and fixed a small hernia near his belly button. Dr. Ung was able to save his gallbladder. Brent might go home tomorrow if his pain level is low.The next step is to meet with Dr.s Ung and Dragovich to discuss what should be done next.Brent and Katrina want to thank everyone for praying for Brent and all of your continued support!

Operation Info

2009-07-24T17:24:00.000-07:00

For all that like to pray for people when they are in surgery, Brent's Starts at 10:45 am
Thanks
Katrina

Visitation - A word from my hubby

2009-07-24T11:22:00.001-07:00

Visitation
Posted 1 hour ago
Sorry, just one more thing. I did want to send out a request from myself, on visitation. On the day of surgery I would ask that people do not show up. The hospital paperwork says that the waiting area is small so only a few people are allowed in there. Plus I would like to keep Katrina's stress level down as much as possible. Feel free to visit starting on the 29th, as I would like to have a day after surgery to rest and recuperate, and by Wednesday should be much more coherant, and actually remember you being there. And remeber if you do visit the "sad puppy dog face" as Katrina and I call it, is strictly prohibited, I don't need the pity, I would much rather enjoy the company.
Thank you for your continued support, and understanding,Brent

Real Men Wear.................................

2009-07-19T22:24:00.000-07:00

Brent now has his own C. W. outfit for this years We Make History Events.

Plus his kilt I ordered him months ago came in the mail too.

When I first met him he told me if I bought him a kilt he would wear it. Well, 14 years later I finally bought him one and he looks "well" handsome in it.

Until Then,

K.U.

A word from Brent.......

2009-07-09T20:01:00.000-07:00

Update from Brent-
"Katrina and I just got home from meeting with Dr. Ong, my liver surgeon. We have set my surgery for July 27th down at the UMC in Tucson and the plan is that I will be in the hospital between 5 and 7 days, to make sure there are no complications. There are few people who actually do surgery on the liver because of the degree of difficulty, but Dr. Ong knows the secrets. The main concern is the health of my liver, because with the length of time you are on the chemo it does damage to your liver that can affect the ability of it to regenerate. On top of the liver resection being done he will also remove my gall bladder, because of the location of the tumor on my liver the gall bladder will be in the way. With all this being said I am very confident in Dr. Ong's abilities. Take care, I'll keep you all posted.
Brent"

A word from Brent

2009-07-01T19:34:00.001-07:00

The following is from Brent.
Well everyone as much as I wish I had good news to report from all of my scans, I don't. The spot on my liver is cancer, and it looks like I will be having surgery in the next few weeks or so.Now there is some good news to come out of it; First it is only the one tumor, it's location on my liver is perfect for surgery, and last of all at this time it doesn't look like I'll need chemo.
That's it for now.
Brent

At Last!

2009-06-11T09:50:00.000-07:00

I finally was able to surprise my Brent. Yesterday, the kids and I with the help of my new friend, Barb, surprised Brent with a birthday cake and presents at a place where he has his weekly group with his Crusillo Brothers.

I wish I was able to get a photo of his face but this one was much more worth it.

Happy 38th Birthday to you!

Until then,

K.U.

to see more 1,000 word Thurdsay click here

Happy Birthday Brent!

2009-06-09T14:03:00.000-07:00

Brent turns 38 tomorrow!

May you have a blessed Day.

Love,

Katrina

I Finished The Bags..............

2009-05-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 4, I finished the bags from my giveaway and posted them to the winners. I hope you like them.

Until Then,
K.U.

They are all most ready!

2009-04-30T16:29:00.000-07:00

I am almost finish with my winners bags. Life has gotten in the way a lot lately and haven't been able to concentrate on them. I haven't forgotten about you ladies. Thank you,
Katrina

"Daddy is still clean." - Jesse Uffelman

2009-04-03T13:49:00.000-07:00

Brent's appt. went well on Wed. April 01, 2009
He is still "clean" of any cancer anywhere in his body. So he gets to rest until June when his next CT will be and his next appt. down in Tucson is schedule.
Until Then,
K.U.

Yahoo For Our Jacob!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-04-03T13:47:00.000-07:00

Our Jacob was number 23 on the waiting list for Mesa Prep Academy, but in the mail today I received notice that he was number one for six grade. Yeah, G-d! Thank you for all that was praying for this wonderful step in Jacob's Educational Journey. We are in luck also with his uniforms that he will have to wear, for one of the store is having a sale on the shirts so that will save us some money. Now I need to focus on finding him someone to continue his Viola lessons with and purchase a Viola for him. I can't wait to tell him when he gets home today.It's going to be a change from what he has been use to since 2ND grade but He keeps telling me that it's a good change and he is ready for it!
Until Then,
K.U.
P.S. I am almost finished with the Bags for my 3 wonderfully patient winners!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And The Number Is....................................

2009-03-25T23:07:00.000-07:00

Jacob is number 23 out of 45 kids on the waiting list for Mesa Prep. It was weird since his lottery number was 23 too. So hopefully by mid July we will know if it will be first day of School or will have to transfer in after school started.I will be out until Sunday. Going to a Cursillo retreat. I can't wait. Then Brent and I can finally talk about it!
Until Then,
K.U.
Then My life will be cleared to make the bags for my three winners. I promised I didn't forget you three. I have the fabric but didn't want to start sewing this week then would have to stop due to the Cursillo and start again on Monday.
Thanks.

Back To Life, Back To Reality

2009-03-24T09:03:00.000-07:00

Brent drove himself down to Tucson Cancer Center today for his 1st blood draw in over two months. He is having his CT next week. Since it has been so long since his last blood work they needed to see if his system would be able to tolerate the chemicals for the CT.
Then on April 01, 2009 Brent will have his first doc. visit in two months also. So please pray that Brent will still have the same results as he did in January.
Until Then,
K.U.

"Where every 3.5 minutes, someone is diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer....."

2009-03-04T21:50:00.000-08:00

Not only dose Colon Cancer effect the person it effect the whole family.

I am only4 days behind in posting this very important message.

Whereas this year marks the 10th anniversary of the first designation of

March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month;

(Introduced in House)
HCON 60 IH
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. CON. RES. 60
Supporting the observance of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and for other purposes.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 25, 2009
Ms. GRANGER (for herself and Mr. KENNEDY) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Supporting the observance of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and for other purposes.
Whereas this year marks the 10th anniversary of the first designation of March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month;
Whereas colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths for men and women in the United States;
Whereas colorectal cancer affects men and women equally;
Whereas more than 148,810 people in the United States will be diagnosed with colon cancer this year;
Whereas over 49,960 people in the United States will die from colon cancer this year;
Whereas every 3.5 minutes, someone is diagnosed with colorectal cancer and every 10 minutes someone dies from colorectal cancer;
Whereas every 5 seconds someone who should be screened for colorectal cancer is not;
Whereas the vast majority of colon cancer deaths can be prevented through proper screening and early detection;
Whereas the survival rate of individuals who have colorectal cancer is 90 percent when detected in the early stages versus only a 10 percent survival rate when colorectal cancer is diagnosed after it has spread to distant organs;

(My Brent was at stage 4 with it to his lower lobes of his lungs and made "Swiss cheese" of his liver.) Whereas only 39 percent of colorectal cancer patients have their cancers detected at an early stage;
Whereas uninsured Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with late stage colon cancer than patients with private insurance;
Whereas only 14.9 percent of those without health coverage in the United States have currently been properly screened for colorectal cancer;
Whereas if the majority of Americans age 50 or older were screened regularly for colorectal cancer, the death rate from this disease could plummet by up to 80 percent;

(Don't believe this. If you think you have the "symptoms" of colon cancer press your doctor(s) until you get the proper screening. Cancer doesn't know age or race or sex. It can strike before age 50 and my Brent is living proof of this.)
Whereas regular colorectal cancer screening has been ranked as one of the most cost effective screening interventions available, with the potential to save 40,000 lives a year;
Whereas treatment costs for colorectal cancer are extremely high, estimated at $8,400,000,000 for 2004;
Whereas colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable in most cases;
Whereas increasing the number of people between the ages of 50 years and 64 years of age who are regularly screened in the United States, would provide significant savings in tens of billions of dollars to the Medicare program from cancer prevention and treatment costs;
Whereas the Prevent Cancer Foundation launched the National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month partnership in 1999 to raise awareness about colorectal cancer and how to prevent the disease through screening;
Whereas along with their national Super Colon and Buddy Bracelet campaign, Prevent Cancer Foundation has worked alongside their partners to improve awareness and reduce incidence and mortality from colorectal cancer;
Whereas the Blue Star, developed by the Members of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, the American Cancer Society, the Colon Cancer Alliance, and C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition represents the collective fight against colon cancer, the eternal memory of the people whose lives have already been lost to the disease, and the shining hope for a future free of colon cancer;
Whereas C3 created the Cover Your Butt campaign to build support at the grassroots level and help shape policy decisions so the most effective colorectal cancer prevention and treatment are available to all Americans;
Whereas Coaches vs. Cancer (a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches), the Colon Cancer Alliance, and Ethicon Endo-Surgery have created `Earn a Blue Star Day' as a means for individuals and corporations to raise awareness of the importance of screening for colon cancer;
Whereas greater awareness of this cancer and the means to prevent it could save the lives of tens of thousands of Americans each year; and
Whereas observing a Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month during the month of March would provide a special opportunity to offer education on the importance of early detection and screening: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That the Congress--
(1) supports the observance of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in order to provide a special opportunity to offer education on the importance of early detection and screening;
(2) recognizes and applauds the national and community organizations for their work in promoting awareness about colorectal cancer, providing information on the importance of prevention and early detection through regular screening, and facilitating access to treatment for its sufferers; and
(3) urges organizations and health practitioners to `earn a Blue Star' by using this opportunity to promote awareness about colorectal cancer and to support early identification and removal of pre-cancerous polyps, detectable only through colorectal cancer screenings.

copied from -http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.+Con.+Res.+60:

Until Then,

K.U.

Thousand Words Thursday

2009-03-04T21:10:00.000-08:00

Brent got into the spirit of Disney during our breakfast. I love how he is such a big kid a heart. I don't think there is anymore to say.

Click here to see more TWTs.

Until Then,

K.U.

A Thousand Words Thursday

2009-02-26T22:21:00.001-08:00

Brent got to (re)meet Coach Snyder from (ASU).

Back in 1999 Brent along with our Jacob meet Coach Snyder during a meet and greet the ASU football players.

The reason for this meeting was after Coach was RX with cancer too , Brent reach out over the Internet waves and has become pen pals on their blogs.

Brent was so happy to finally meet him after all this time.

Until Then,

K.U.

For more TWT click here

A Word From My Hubby

2009-02-22T22:13:00.000-08:00

chemo free
Posted Feb 19, 2009 6:52pm
I haven't written in a while so I thought I would update a little. First things first, I've been chemo free for a little over 3 weeks, and it feels good. I have taken advantage of the things I wasn't able to do on all the chemo medicines, most if not all involved being able to eat stuff that I wasn't allowed to before. I wasn't able to eat sushi, which I really like, or things like blue cheese salad dressing, or brei cheese (any cheese that has live mold cultures), honey, etc... you get the idea.
For Valentines day, Katrina and I decided to go out on the 13th to avoid everyone else, and went to our favorite Irish pub/ restaurant (they actually built the place in Ireland then dissassembled it and shipped it to Tempe and built it) they have very good food, not just traditional Irish cuisine but new Irish cuisine as well. Of course, the Guinness is the best part of the evening. I continue to oil paint, and for a Valantines day present I did a painting for Katrina, a butterfly in a buch of wildflowers (off a picture from a trip into the white mountians). The butterfly theme is from our honeymoon, staying in Monterey, at the butterfly grove, where the monarch butterflys come in on thier way to Mexico.
Jacob finishes up another season of NFL flagfootball this Saturday, they have the championship tournement, and it could potentially be a long sfternoon, depending on how many games they win. He has started taking lessons on the viola in school, and was selected to try out for the district honor strings orchestra, one of only 5 kids in his whole school to recieve this honor.
Colleen continues to be involved in the brownies, and has started taking soccer after school.
Jesse is in his terrible 2s, and continues to try to use the potty chair, but it's a struggle. He will be getting glasses next week, so that should be interesting.
I am in the thinking stage of trying to put together a fund raising event for the UofA cancer center. I am looking at doing something a little different than the norm., and I think it will be very succesfull, but I'm not giving out details until I'm able to put more pieces in place. If I'm able to pull it off it will be March of 2010 (colon cancer awareness month). So stay tuned for more info.
Last but not least I was able to attend an ASU basketball game for the first time this year , with Jacob. We saw them play USC, and it was a lot of fun. You don't get to see the full beauty of Herb Sendeck's defense on T.V., but what an impressive thing to watch in person. I look forward to watching how far they can go in the NCAA tourney.
God bless all of you,
Brent

No News Is Good News ...............

2009-02-04T21:36:00.000-08:00

As a saying goes, "No news is good news". Well have do have news and it is good just the same. Brent went down on Tues. for his chemo and doc check up. They told him his last two CT's looked the same and nothing hasn't really changed so...............................
Brent is on a two month chemo break. Then he will have another CT at that time and if the CT looks that same then he will go for another 3 months and another CT to follow that. Praise G-d for this. This news has found him in great spirits. We don't use the "R" word and not "celebrating" it to much for how it was short lived last year from April to July being in "R". But we are pleased and happy just same.
Until Then,
K.U.

And The Winners Are.....................

2009-02-02T16:09:00.001-08:00

Thank you all so much for stopping by my blog and entering my very first giveaway.
I had a hard time picking the winners. Yes I said winners. I used www.violetcottage.com to pick three numbers 1 to 92.
Drum Roll Please...........................
# 78 becca
#11 mommaia
#55 jen
I will e mail each of the winners. Thanks for playing and look back for future giveaways.
Until Then,
K.U.

The Day Is Almost Here For The Winner(s)

2009-01-31T22:38:00.000-08:00

Yes, that is right. My cup over flows with joy of having so many of you stopping by and learning that much more about colon cancer and how this particular cancer has touched as many lives as breast cancer has. So I found www.violetcottage.com to pick not one but three winners for this giveaway. I felt this was the best way to do it. So please check back and see who the winners are.
Until Then,
K.U.
P.S. I will give the winners 48 hours to get back to me with their mailing info. If not then I will have to pick someone else. I would hate to do that. Thanks.

Thanks you and stay tune for the winner................

2009-01-29T07:50:00.001-08:00

Thank you all for stopping by. Being my first giveaway and all I wanted to thank you all personally but in case I don't get back to you r site here is a big great thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! from me and my Hubby Brent. I am overwhelmed from the responses I have gotten so far keep them coming. Remember these make great birthday and anniversary and baby shower presents:-)
Until Then,
K.U.
P.s.
the winner will be pick by a random computer program to make it easy on me to pick a winner.

My First Give Away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-26T20:28:00.000-08:00

I am doing my first give away. I want to celebrate Brent's 2nd year as a survivor of stage 4 colon cancer(Jan 16th).

So I am linking up to Bloggy Giveaways . Com Click here to check out the other give aways.

I don't have any fancy rules or huge requirements.
All I ask of you is to leave a comment on what colors you would like your bag to look like.
and
I'll let you have a second entry if you cut and paste this blog's button and post it on your blog to show support of bring colon cancer to the forefront as Breast Cancer has.
I hope someday colon cancer might have a 3 day walk or a just a "regular" charity walk during the month of March.
I will pick a winner on Feb 2. 2009 I can't wait to see what type of colors you come up with. Good Luck to you all.
Until then,
K.U.

Chemo Tuesday

2009-01-20T18:43:00.000-08:00

Today was another chemo Tuesday for us. I got up at 5 am this morning with my Brent and Jesse in tow and made the biweekly trip to the U of A Cancer Center for Brent's Chemo. He didn't meet with the doctor this time so we got out of the center by noon. Brent and baby slept on the way home while I kept the AC blasting on me to keep me awake. I could have guzzled another yummy cup of coffee from the center but then I would have to play the pee pee dance on the ride home. We try not to stop in Florence. For the non AZ people it where we have a state prison and just seem not the best "place" to stop.
Brent's spirit were up beat today after spending 3 Disney filled 0 children days at Disneyland. I will share photos in the up coming posts.
We are praying after 02-03-09 they will say "that's it thanks for stopping by and remember to tip your nurse on the way out!" So please keep praying for him.
Last Friday was his two year anniversary as a survivor. Praise G-d!
Thanks for stopping by and I am open back up for orders!
Until Then,
K.U.

Sorry about this again

2009-01-11T19:46:00.000-08:00

I will be on holiday from 12 to 19th of this month and then will be back for orders. feel free to leave an e mail order for your bags. thanks and G-d Bless.
Katrina

And Now A Word From My Hubby.......

2009-01-09T21:17:00.000-08:00

treatment day
Posted Jan 5, 2009 8:52pm
Hi everyone, as you all know I met with the doctors today, and unfortunatly, I didn't get the news I was figuring I would hear after my last visit with them. They have decided to continue my treatments 2 more times, besides the one I had today, and then do a scan. If nothing has changed then they will put me on break, figuring the spot in my lung is scar tissue, because they have so aggressively treated me, they can be more confident with that diagnosis. In the spirit of college bowl games and the nfl playoffs, here is my football analogy of what is going on; my team has made another tremendous play and it looks like we scored a touchdown to ice the game, but the referees are putting the play under review, to make sure of what they saw. My team and I are physically, and emotionally drained, but are looking to dig deep and keep the intensity up to win this hard fought battle.So once again, I ask you to keep me and my "team" in your prayers.
Brent

Please Pray Today

2009-01-04T20:13:00.000-08:00

I took this photo moments (back in April, 2008) after the wonderful news that Brent had 0 Cancer in him. That joy only lasted until July 29, 2008 when his nurse told him a spot came back in his lung and liver.
Now with the spot gone in his liver and that wee spot in the lung hangs around,
I am asking for all that view this on Jan. 05, 2009 to pray for my Brent. For he is going to Tucson for treatment. This is #3 of 3 and praying this will be his last treatment for a very long time. Last time he was on "maintenance" which meant he was not having as much liquid chemo and was only going once a month and the rest of the time he was on pills. So......................he will get the news to see if he will be on "maintenance" once again.

Joshua 1:9

(New International Version)
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Amen

Hello Out There In Blogland!

2008-12-29T18:16:00.000-08:00

This is what happens when you eat too much Christmas Candy.

Thank goodness for American Dental Care. eh?

Bags For Brent is back from brake and is open for taking orders.

Until Then,

K.U.

Merry Christmas To You All.

2008-12-24T11:12:00.000-08:00

Matthew 1:21
(New International Version)

21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name
Jesus,[a] because he will save his people from their sins."
Merry Christmas to you all from our family to yours.
Until Then,
K.U.

A Thousand Words Thursday

2008-12-18T08:49:00.000-08:00

Until Then,

K.U.

Life Is Made Of Moments Like This - Wordless Wednesday

2008-12-17T16:12:00.000-08:00

Memories by My Family

Wordless Wednesday

2008-12-03T20:05:00.000-08:00

The Lord has answered our prayers again. The spot in his liver is gone and the spot in the lung is so small that they can't biopsy it and don't know if it's cancer or a scar. And is cancer marker is 2.5 ( In the cancer world 5 or below is "normal")
Until Then,K.U.
to see more W.W click here

Thank you all for stopping by

2008-11-26T16:52:00.000-08:00

Please Check out this site too. And Thank you stopping by to read my family's story. Looking forward hearing from any of you for an order. Dead line for Christmas is Dec 17th so I can get it to you on time.

http://queenconger.blogspot.com/2008/11/bags-for-brent-giveaway.html

Until Then,
K.U.

Thank you, Lisabeth and others who have stopped by.

2008-11-26T16:38:00.000-08:00

G-d Blessing to Lisabeth for all she has done for me and my family by sharing our story.
Thank you to all of you out in blog land who have stopped by to read our story.
Until Then,
K.U.

Est. 2007

2008-11-12T12:51:00.000-08:00

Hiya,
I am starting this new blog due to the many e mails

I have gotten about what is Bags for Brent.... is there a website and do you have paypal.
I am happy to say I will be able now to tell you what Bags for Brent is about......

and yes I do have a site and paypal. Yahoo!
Below is the blurb I usually send out to people and then below that are photos of many of the bags I have sewn. I haven’t taken a photo of every one due to forgetting to.

So if you have purchased one and don’t see yours here, please don’t feel sad. I want to thank the people who have encouraged me to this step. I pray what I do here will make a difference in the Colon Cancer world. Thank you for stopping by and hope to hear from you soon.

Bags For Brent
In February 2007, Bags For Brent started by Katrina, wife of Brent to bring awareness of how colon cancer can straight anyone at any age at any time.
Brent is currently under the care of Doctor Dragovich, who specializes in research of colon cancer.
By donating $5.00 of each bag to the University of Arizona Cancer Center;
as of this date, Katrina, has been able to raise over $500.00 which goes directly into the funding for finding the cure of colon cancer.
Each Bag For Brent is one of a kind made to express the personality of the owner.
To place your order contact Katrina: bagsforbrent@yahoo.com
or 408-208-0581

Until Then,

K.U.