From a Headstone in Ireland

'Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.'
~ From a Headstone in Ireland

In Memory of Amy

It’s been a while since I posted anything here for obvious reasons. There’s not a day goes by that I don’t think about Amy. I’ll go to email or pick up the phone to call her about something that just happened. I know for all of us, family and friends, time and prayers will heal the loss but damn it hurts right now. Okay enough of my whining because if I don’t I know Amy will find some way of kicking me in the butt and saying snap out of it “coo coo”. A nick name she and our friend Eric gave me. Thanks ;o) We all have our Memories and oh memories they are.

You know it’s really sad when you want to do something nice in a friend’s memory that the Bank wants to make it difficult. A Long story.  With the money collected from Technology, Watkins, other friends  we were able to set up interest bearing accounts for Amy’s two grandchildren, Jasmine (4) and Christian (soon to be 6). Approximately $300 each and people are still donating. When the kids turn 18 the accounts will be turned over to them to use as they see fit. Our hopes are that the kids use it to further their education but only time will tell us that story.

What Sandy and I plan on doing is contributing to the fund at least twice a year, once on the anniversary of Amy’s death and then again on Amy’s birthday. If you want to contribute just send/get the money to me or Sandy and I promise it will be split between the 2 kids accounts.

If you want to contact me with questions or anything you can email me at hurricanecarla35@gmail.com.

So I probably won’t post anything again until September 21^st on this blog.

Until then …………….. May you find strength in the Love that surrounds you.

.•*´¨ ) ¸.•*¨) -:¦:-
(¸.•´(¸ ;.•Carla.♥

Amy's Memorial Service

Amy's Brother William Finley posted this on Facebook

 

For family and friends of Amy Finley Carter 

Her memorial service will be

Tuesday, April 5th, 2011

@ 7PM at First Metropolitan Church,

8870 West Sam Houston Parkway North, Houston, Texas, 77040. (West Road @ Beltway 8 feeder North)

Ph.# 713-983-7878 .

Thank you for your love, kindness, support, and prayers. God bless you all. W.P. Finley, Jr. (brother)

Just a Thought for the Day

I ran across an email last night and it made me think of Amy. I know she knew I loved her and thought of her like a sister. I just thought I'd share.  I did make a few adjustments to it.
Also as soon as I hear when the Memorial Service is I'll let you know.

One day a close friend dies, and on that clear, cool morning, you’re sitting there, struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't "anymore". No more hugs, no more jokes, no more special moments to celebrate together, no more phone calls just to chat or text, and no more "just one minute." Sometimes, what we care about the most gets all used up and goes away, never to return before we can say good-bye, say "I love you."

So while we have it, it's best we love it, care for it, fix it when it's broken and heal it when it's sick. This is true for marriage......old cars... children with bad report cards, dogs with bad hips, and aging parents and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it.

Some things we keep -- like a best friend who moved away or leaves this earth. There are just some things that make us happy, no matter what.

Life is important, like people we know who are special.. And so, we keep them close!

I received this from someone who thought I was a 'keeper'! Then I sent it to the people I think of in the same way...

Suppose one morning you never wake up
Let every one of your friends and family know you love them. You would be amazed at what those three little words and a smile can do.  And just in case I'm gone tomorrow.

I LOVE YA!!!

Live today because tomorrow is not promised.. 

Please Keep Amy and Her Family in your prayers

Amy had asked me not to post any updates after my last post and I have honored that request but I feel Amy really needs those prayers we all can provide. 
Amy's principal released this information to her school so I know eventually it would get around

Right now, Amy is in the hospital in critical condition.  The family has requested no visitors or phone calls at this time. 

If and when Amy's Family provides any information I will try to update you.

Just got an Update from Amy

Got an email update from Amy.......................

Just a quick update from Dr. visit yesterday.  The chemo treatments that she has been on have not been as effective as hoped for.  Which means she continues to have to drain the liquid off her lungs. The doctor started Amy on the chemo pill (Tarceva) when she got home after her doctor visit.  Amy was hoping to take the pill 7 weeks ago when they first talked about different options.  Please pray that this method of Chemo can do the job to at least stop the disease from spreading. 

They have taken her off blood thinner medication because they want to schedule a biopsy of the outer lung/lung wall.  The sample will go off for evaluation - may take 3 - 4 weeks to get results back.  They're hoping this will help to better define the cancer and how to treat it. 
Amy probably won't be providing too many updates between now and then.  

I'll post any updates I can. Continue to keep Amy in your prayers and thoughts.

Carla

To Chemo or Not to Chemo

On Monday the 21st Amy went in and had a PET Scan. A Pet Scan is most often used to detect for the presence of cancer and to see if and where it has spread throughout the body.  It will help your doctor determine the best course of treatment for your condition especially when used in conjunction with Ultrasound, CT Scans and/or MRI it is very effective in the detection of evidence of cancer spread.

 

A brief description of the procedure to my understanding

• They checked Amy's blood sugar with a finger stick.
• If blood sugar is less than 200,  which apparently it was so they proceeded.
• They administered an IV injection of sugar, labeled with a radioactive isotope, known as FDG.
• Amy had to relax for an hour, while the sugar tagged with the isotope circulated in her body.
• Then she laid on the scanner bed while the PET scanner did its thing (for about 35 minutes). Scanned her torso.

Today she is at MD Anderson speaking with the doctors about the PET Scan results. Today she'll learn if she is going to take her 3rd round of Chemo on Saturday the 26th or what path the doctors want to take instead. As soon as I get an update I'll post new info.

 

Also wanted to provide some other information for some who were concerned since I posted the picture. Yep she's lost weight but not entirely because of the pneumonia or cancer. As many of you know Amy did smoke but she had quit about 3 weeks on her own prior to getting sick. She also had gone on a diet prior to getting sick and had lost weight. Amy is very conscious of the fact that she needs to eat and eat right. And trust me she does. If she gets out of line Momma Finley whips her butt and so does a few of her friends. She has probably lost 15 pounds since this whole pneumonia/cancer journey began, the rest of the weight had come off prior. She has been feeling pretty good all things considered but her energy level does run down by the end of a work day. So yes Amy has been at work.  Once she was released from the hospital back in December she was ready to get back into a routine and not let the cancer journey rule her life. She of course has to miss for doctor appointments and test and so far she's been able to take her first 2 chemo treatments on a Saturday.  Had she not gotten sick with pneumonia she may have not found out about the cancer. The doctors did determine she has broncho alveolar lung cancer. There are no tumors that can be removed because the cancer is in the cells.

 

Thru Amy's use of humor, faith, prayers, and the support of friends, family and co-workers she is determined to not let this dip in the road of life get her down.

She will move forward on this journey and is grateful for the prayers and support.

 

On a personal note Amy has been my friend for nearly 12 years. She's been one those friends who has made me laugh when I cried, never judged me, she just listened and comforted. She would show up in the assistant principals office when we worked at Watkins just in time to keep me from going totally bezerk. Well almost in time. She's is the friend you want in your corner in good and in bad times. She's the friend who would follow you to the end of the road and kick your butt all the way back home.  She's a truly special person with a big heart.

Love ya Amy! I'm ready for Choir practice when you're up to it. ;o)

 

Amy's friend

Carla

Just a quick note

Amy's journey hasn't been an easy one but she is a fighter and she plans on winning the fight. She manages to come to work and do her job. Her humor is always ready to make you smile. The energy level is low so she goes home and rests as much as possible. 
I've been out sick myself so I haven't got to talk with her to find out when her next treatment is but I'll post more as soon as I know anything.
Now some of you haven't seen Amy in a while so when we had a meeting on February 9th I snapped a picture of Amy.  Prior to this glitch in her life she had started a diet. She's looking really good.

As always keep Amy in your prayers.
Until Next time.............................May you find happiness in whatever you do.
Carla

Second Chemo Treatment Down

Amy made it through the 2nd treatment on Saturday just fine except for the long wait.
She had to wait an hour and a half after her appointment time.
Haven't got to talk with her yet to know if she still felt okay on Sunday.
Will let you know as soon as I can.

Stay Warm.
Carla

Doctor Says

Amy had her doctor visits today and says the doctors are pleased with the progress and results thus far.
She's scheduled to have her 2nd chemo treatment Saturday the 5th, then more scans.

Carla

I Know it's been a while....

Haven't posted in a while because there's not a lot going on. Amy is still hanging in there with a smile on her face but sometimes her voice betrays her and one can tell she's tired and sometimes in pain.

Amy went to the pulmonary doctor Wednesday the 26th but they're not ready to remove the drain yet.

She goes to the doctors on this Wednesday for visit, and she'll have your second Chemo treatment on February 5th.

I'll post something after her doctor visit Wednesday.

As Always Keep Amy in your thoughts and prayers

 

Carla

One Chemo Treatment Down

Amy handled the Chemo Treatment on Friday just fine. She hasn't been sick but it has made her pretty tired.
Correction from my last post.... Amy will have her 2nd treatment on Saturday,February 5th not this past Saturday. At this time she hasn't been given a schedule of how many treatments she'll have to do or for how long.
She did her usual afternoon drain on Sunday and found it to be more painful than usual. Which made her uncomfortable and restless for the last couple of days. She wasn't at work on Tuesday but she's there today.
She's still in quite a bit of pain and really tired.
Amy goes to the doctor on Monday the 24th to discuss how they/she will be able to get some relief from the pain.
Then on Wednesday the 26th she goes to see the pulmonary doctors. They'll evaluate her after some tests. Amy feels maybe the fluid build up has slowed already but as stated before it has become more painful to drain.
Unless something unscheduled happens before Monday I won't have anything new to post until then.
Keep the prayers coming.

Carla

Friday

I know Friday's Chemo treatment went okay. Amy was feeling okay but was ready to go home and go to sleep. The doctors told her that her 2nd treatment on Saturday might be a little more difficult. But then everyone reacts differently. Haven't got to speak with Amy this weekend so I don't know how it went.

I hope to catch up with her Tuesday. Post more then.

God Bless
Carla

Part I Act I

Amy has completed her 10 radiation treatments for the spot on her pelvic bone and Today is receiving her first round of chemo at MD Anderson. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

 

For her Technology Friends she sent a card via me. I have tacked the card on the wall in our mail area here at ISC-N. We're so spread out I thought this to be the best way to get the card to everyone. She has been busy trying to write Thank you's to all her friends all over the district.  

 

She is very grateful to all. The prayers, cards, email, blog comments and donations have made the journey easier knowing she has such supportive and caring friends. The donations helped give her family have a Merry Christmas and curve some of the expenses for travel to and from the hospital. She sends her Love and Thanks everyday to everyone.

 

 

 

Let's get this show on the road

At first my chemo was scheduled for this Sat.  I had it changed today for this Friday at 7:30 am.  I just thought it would be best if I had the entire weekend to rest after my first treatment.  I am happy to report that today was my last radiation treatment for the pelvic bone!  Thank the GOOD Lord!  Thank you to all of you for the continued prayers.  Dr. says that I may be eligible for the chemo pill later on.  We will see.  They wanted to get moving on a plan that they know to be successful, and I AM ALL FOR THAT!!!!

Love and hugs,

Amy

Finally she has a plan ...

Amy's post to Facebook & Email ---

I would like to thank you all for the prayers and loving support.  The prayer group is truly one of my biggest blessings and I am truly grateful for the prayers you all say in my behalf. 

I am gearing up this morning to go to my 9th of 10 radiation treatments!  Praise the Lord that I have come this far without any major complications.  After the treatment, I will have blood work done, then on to meet with the Thoracic Dr.  Hopefully, there will be some sort of plan to begin chemo soon.  We have been waiting on test results to determine what kind of treatment I am eligible for.  Please pray that I can receive the "chemo pill", as that is what my Dr. and I are hoping for.  It would require less time away from home/work.  Again, thank you all.  Bless you all

update after meeting with doctor.....

PTL! Chemo will begin this Saturday. Maybe after a couple of rounds (in-house) I might be able to switch over to the pill. Dr.'s still can't isolate the "mutant" cell, so they are going ahead with what they know to be successful :) Come on Saturday! Thanks to all my family and friends for the continued prayers...

love you all. xoxo, Amy

Whew! Amy made it thru the week.............

Here's Amy's post from Facebook***‎8 of 10 radiation done, and I am feeling pretty good - PTL and all of you for your thoughts and prayers! Anxious to meet with dr. next week to hopefully devise my chemo treatment plan (pray for the chemo pill), as it won't require so much travel. Love you all, and again, THANK YOU for the prayers, I appreciate them more than I can say. XOXOXO, Amy***

A few other facts. Amy worked most of the week but did have to take one day to take her 9th radiation treatment, run some other tests and talk with a doctor. It's makes for a really long day. She's at the hospital (MD Anderson) by 6 am then when finished she comes to work. She admitted to me today that she was grateful when the weekend got here but at the same time she was so happy to be back to work and trying to get back into a routine. Catch 22 of course.

Amy continues to drain the fluid from her lungs daily. It's not a very pleasant process and it hurts like crazy (that's not exactly the way Amy described it) during the process and for another 30-45 minutes after she completes draining the fluid. Her mom started out helping her but now Amy does it by herself. But once a mom always a mom. Momma Finley shows up every day to help Amy. Even if it's to just cheer her on, give a hug or a kiss or sit quietly for support. 

Amy voiced her frustration regarding the wait while the doctors decide what method of chemotherapy she'll receive. She's ready to get this show on the road so she can move forward. Once she does start chemotherapy the doctors keep telling her the fluid will start drying up and they can eventually remove the catheter. Amy can't wait!

Hugs, Love and prayers to my friend Amy
Carla

She's Back....................

Well if you haven't heard.....Amy is back at work today! She finished her 4th of 10 radiation treatments yesterday. She continues to feel better each day.
Post more later.

Carla