September 9, 2014:  Nanette's health has changed very quickly in the last two weeks.  She was losing strength in the left side of her body and finding it difficult to stand and walk.  On Monday, September 1 she was weak and she had a bad headache.  Sergio took her to the University of Utah hospital and they immediately did an MRI.  They reported the results to her oncologist at Huntsman and they determined that the new chemo treatment was not working.  The tumor has continued to grow and had, in fact, herniated, causing more swelling in the brain.  Again, surgery and radiation are not options at this point.  She was transferred to Huntsman Cancer Center and then was released to come home the next day.  The plan now is to once again change the chemo pill to a third choice in hopes of stalling the growth and swelling.  She will continue with the Avastin infusions every other week and had one yesterday at Daybreak Huntsman facility.  Two weeks ago she was walking in to the center for her infusion and yesterday she could not walk or stand.  She is confined to a wheelchair and very limited use of a walker.  However, she is alert and visiting with friends and family and receiving telephone calls, which she loves.

We have received help in hundreds of ways and her days are filled with visits from many friends and family.  Sergio's brother Jose and his wife Debbie came immediately and are a tremendous help.  I have moved back to Nanette and Sergio's home and will stay indefinitely.  Nanette's father has come from California and her brother Tony and wife and kids arrived yesterday, and her brother Robert is close by.  Jared and Shayla have been a constant presence and help, Tyler and his girlfriend Veronica come from Provo as often as possible and the twins never leave Nanette's presence  except to go to school (with great reluctance).  Sergio's family are in contact with us every day and ready to come from California at a moment's notice.  Nanette and Sergio's Ward and Stake have "stepped back up to the plate" again and everyone is doing everything they can to help and comfort and love them.  We have had meals brought in, flowers, cards, telephone calls and many visits.  They have all contributed to keeping Nanette's spirits up.  She is still concerned about other people and events in their lives, trying to stay connected and involved.  She has remained cheerful and grateful for every day.  Her faith is evident in all her conversations and actions and "despair" is not a part of her life.  Her love for her family and friends is at the core of her being.  All of your love and attention, prayers, and concern for her has never gone unappreciated or unrecognized.  

Elder David S. Baxter said "The smallest acts of kindness can make a world of difference in our lives.  They can dispel darkness with a bright flame.  I am convinced that in each of our lives are friends, neighbors and Church leaders who genuinely care for us and want to brighten our lives; we just have to let them."  

Thank you all for brightening Nanette's life.