Author Archives: teamfricke

Boys In The Hood

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Is it wrong that both of the boys ask for this song everytime we are in the truck?  We raise them hard here in the burbs.

I’m thinking this will be their next photo album cover.  Notice how tough Mason is when he’s thugging it up and throwing down the signs.

Missing Alaska

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On my laptop my screensaver is flipping through all of the pictures that are stored there and it seems stuck on Alaska.  I often find myself just staring in awe of what I got to see and am quickly becoming obsessed with the great state.  I still intend on finishing my Alaska Trip posts once things calm a bit around here and the next post will be all about walking amongst the bears.

Working On The Wrist Shot

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I haven’t posted anything on here in awhile in regards to Mason’s hockey, so I thought I would put up a quick video of him from practice last week.  His skating is getting much better, he is actually shooting it harder and most importantly his celebration is vastly improved.  In scrimmages, when he decides to stop the leisurely skate, he has actually scored a couple of rebound goals.  Next we are going to work on his slap shot and the pulling of the opponents jersey over the head so he can dominate in the fight.

By the way, his jersey may say Stars on it but I am determined for him to be a blue.

Another Jared Update

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Last week after a couple of scans, Jared’s doctors found another tumor.  Below is his update from his CaringBridge site, http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jaredtwildenborg.  He is back in Houston tonight for more tests to start tomorrow morning.  He is still upbeat and extremely appreciate for the prayers coming from around the world, so please keep them coming.

“They found another tumor. This changes everything I was expecting to hear today. Here is what I found out;

1-The PET Scan from last night revealed another tumor about half the size of the original tumor (removed last month) near the same location by my heart.

2-My vocal cords on the left side of my larynx are NOT functioning. My vocal cords on the right side of my larynx are making up the difference resulting in my voice sounding higher. Not great considering my already crazy-high voice.

3-My left lung is posing a big problem. My left lung is NOT expanding properly since the tumor (removed in December) paralyzed the diaphragmatic nerve that “manages” my diaphragm and breathing. This is making me short of breath … even sitting still. I also run short of breath when I talk for more than a minute or two. The big problem involves treatment. The doctors hope to operate to remove this next tumor. However, if my lungs are not functioning properly then recovering from surgery may NOT be an option.

4-Surgery to remove the tumor (gross mass) is the most desirable treatment for this second tumor. Doc said this is the best coarse of action to help prevent future recurrence of my cancer.

5-Next Tuesday (January 24th) my doctors will convene to discuss all results and determine my treatment plan.

6-My next Appointment is with my surgeon next week Wednesday, January 25th, 2012.

This is all so frustrating for me. What an emotional roller coaster. Plus the long waiting between appointments and the uncertainty in the air on top of being out of my element … waaay out of my element. It gives me comfort knowing that everybody cares so much for me and that I am God’s hands AND I am reaping the rewards of all of His gifted creations in the skilled doctors and staff at MD Anderson.

So, that’s it for now. I have decided to drive back home today. I look forward to seeing my son and my girlfriend and other friends. I need to take care of “normal life” stuff for the next several days.”

Grandma Lewis Update

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Just talked to my mom and things are getting worse.  Grandma is not eating, but she does drink and this is probably the only thing keeping her alive right now.  Tonight my mom said that grandma was trying to talk, but couldn’t form words.  Please continue to pray for her to have a peaceful passing when it is her time and that she is comfortable until that point. 

Below is a picture from when we visited with her this past labor day.  It was a beautiful day out so we wheeled her outside to have a lunch where she quickly gulped down her favorite veggie personal pan pizza. 

Playa

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At the Allen Americans hockey game today with Mason and while waiting for our tickets I noticed he was burning a hole in these ladies with his eyes. After being a bit bashful he asked me to take his picture with them. One of my prouder moments. My boy got skillz.

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