The Giving Tree

I would like to put together a "symbolic reminder" of your prayers and words of encouragement for Zabrina and her family. I am not sure what it will look like... maybe a Tree with your words of encouragement hanging on note cards (like apples) from the branches. I will work on thinking of some creative display.

Anyway, please email me any short notes, scripture versus, and/or prayers for Zabrina or her family that you would like to include.  Please keep them relatively short (1 paragraph max), however, you can have more than one little note or prayer... just number each little "tidbit" you want me to include, so that I know how to separate them. Make sure you sign your name, so I know who it is coming from. 

  My email address is thesarahj34@juno.com.

Also, if you are interested in sponsoring a treatment (ie: putting together a gift bag for Zabrina to open at one of her treatments), please let me know. I also have a number of gift ideas, so I can help you if you like. Some of my gift ideas are a little pricey, so you can also let me know if you want to "go in on a bigger gift" with some others. 

Finally, as you continue to pray for Zabrina and the Davlin/Lee's, it would be great if you could pray specifically for:

1) Protection for Zabrina as she endures the hardships of chemotherapy

2) Strength for her family, as they hold her hand through this process.

Gotta tell ya, you all rock!!!. Well God rocks, but you guys sent up the prayers. Zabrina is doing great today. We had to go to the doctors office for a shot (by going back today it saves us $2400 per therapy) and she was up and handled the car ride well. She was even feeling well enough for some retail therapy at Legacy Village. Still has the nausea but it is well under control, I believe my french toast to be medicinal now. I always new it was good but healing powers is just amazing :) Last night when the nausea was at it's worst we said a prayer and within a couple of minutes she was fast asleep and made it through the night uneventfully, truly a blessing from God.

It's off to work for me tomorrow so I just wanted to say HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you and thank you so much for the help, 09' is looking better already. I wish you all a happy and safe evening. Say a couple extra prayers for everyone in your life tomorrow, you're already gonna be up at 11:11 so make some good use of those 49 minutes.

God Bless

Round two...ding, ding

Well round two has begun. Once again the nurse (Gina) and the medical assistant (Lisa) were awesome. Willing to answer our questions and do it with a pleasant, reassuring attitude. They are truly two of our Angels. The therapy went as planned and lasted about 3hrs. Have to give thanks to my sister for stopping by for this treatment, it was a pleasant distraction. Even if she did just use it as an excuse to escape the kids. I have to say that our treatment room was the most filled and had the most laughter.

Currently we are dealing with the whole hair loss deal. It really started this weekend and has become more of a strain than at least I expected (what do I know, I'm a guy). The tricky part about the treatments is timing, and when things happen when your headed toward 4 days of nausea and fatigue the last thing you have time to deal with is wig hunting. So we are morning the loss of those pretty locks and trying to decide on whether to beat the chemo to the punch and cut it off or let the process happen naturally. There is no right or wrong way, it's just what's best for the bride.

So begins the 4 days we dread the most. Blockbuster has been raided for it's best new releases, and the saltines and ginger ale are stocked up. Please continue to send up those prayers and post some encouragement they truly make the best medicine.

Keep up the good work team

Christmas

Monday evening (12.22.08)
Zabrina said the chemo fog was gone from her brain.
She says her mind is ready but her body is so tired.

Another praise God, because her treatment were started earlier than first planned, she was past the 3 days of low white blood cell count. This meant Bri could get out of the house to be with family for the holiday.

Rob, Sarah and Lionel came and we shared a fun day together. You all who are moms know that the best present for a mom is having all her babies together!

One of Bri & Jeff's presents from Rob & Sarah (well, they said it was from Lionel) was a blow up Santa for their front yard. You all know how they feel about the blow ups. Zabrina said, oh it is on! I look forward to seeing what Jeff & Bri buy next for Rob & Sarah.

Zabrina and Jeff went to his sisters Christmas eve ~ the boys and Lila were very excited and they all enjoyed their time together. Jeff's mom (glinda) gave Bri a red kitchen aid mixer ~ she does enjoying baking. So next Christmas, she is going to be the baking queen.

On Christmas day we went to the Keeney's again another perfect day with a lot laughing.

We have such a hard time wrapping our heads around the fact that Zabrina has breast cancer ~ and we all are so protective of her. Honestly, as her mom, I was not sure in some areas if I saying the right thing. So the first week, I would clarify a lot and she told me, Mom you are saying and doing the right things.

And we know, sometimes people are not sure what to say. So, for Bri, thinking about what might be said and not knowing how she would react to something that might be said was a bit overwhelming for her. You all know Zabrina plays all of the possible scenario over in her head and the possible response. It is part of her being a person who likes to have a plan.

Praise God ~ every loved one that we shared this week with was so loving and
most of all they were themselves.

Today, Bri and I are going to go wig shopping ~ a reality that is hard. She knows, her hair will grow back but it is one more part of her that the cancer/chemo takes from her.

I know you all are praying ~ and we see God's hand working everyday in so many ways. Monday 12.29 is the next treatment.

Also remember to pray at 11:11a or 11:11p ~ I set the alarm on my phone, so I would remember. How awesome,to know that many prayers are being offered up to God for Bri is so comforting.

Note to my son-in-law:
he said, I do not use punctuation or caps in my blogging.
So when he reads them to Bri, he does not take a breath,
so, this one is for you, caps and punctuation : )

What does is mean to "Sponsor a Treatment?"

Does Zabrina have health insurance, you ask? Yes, she does. She has excellent and comprehensive coverage... one of the many perks of being married to a fire fighter. If you are willing to put up with your significant other running towards fires instead of away from them, the city picks up the tab for your health care. Most of the time Zabrina likes to pretend Jeff sells insurance, but salesmen have good insurance, too, right?

Anyway, "sponsoring a treatment" means that you would like to contribute to a gift basket OR organize a "gift basket" to put together for Zabrina to receive each time she goes in for a chemo treatment. She will be going in for chemo every 2 weeks for the next few months. The treatments take a couple hours each time and, as you might imagine, can be wearing on both the soul and the body. We would love to organize a gift basket to give Zabrina each time she has a treatment to boost her spirits and show her love.

Though Zabrina, Jeff, and her parents may not be up for visits and phone conversations at this time (due to exhaustion, sickness, and the delicate state of Zabrina's immune system), trust me, your words, thoughts, prayers, cards, and the little symbols of your care speak volumes and encourage them like you wouldn't believe!! Rob and I have been a little bossy in telling them all not to return phone calls or accept visitors right now, because they have so much on their plate and need to take every spare moment they have to rest and take care of one another. Every time we speak with one of you, though, we always pass on your love and well wishes... thank you for being so understanding and flexible. You really have been!

Anyway, back to sponsoring a treatment...in the gift baskets we want to include notes, cards, scripture verses, and fun/pretty little gifts to encourage Zabrina. If you need ideas for "little gifts".... gift cards, lotions, DVDs (she can watch them during her treatment), magazines, and whatever else you think of would be great. You do not need to spend a lot of money (unless you want ; ) and don't feel like you have to give a gift. A card or note would be wonderful!) We all know Zabrina is a "girly-girl," so anything "girly" or "cutesy" she would love. Things to stay away from: food (her diet is restricted), books and puzzles (her mind is very fatigued).

Zabrina's next treatment is Monday, December 29th. If you want to contribute to the gift basket, please email me at thesarahj34@juno.com. You may also call me at 614.619.4033. If you would like to be the one to organize (ie: collect the contributions from everyone else for the basket) for the treatment on the 29th or an upcoming treatment, please let me know. I could use some help with this since I do not live in the area.

Thank you all. Again, as Jeff said in his post.... Zabrina, The Lee's, and the Davlin's are so very touched by the outporing of love. Though they are really only able to communicate with family at this time, the voicemails, cards, texts, emails, and meals bless them so very much. They cannot wait until the day Zabrina is healed and they are ready to celebrate and "party" with all of you once again!

Sarah Davlin (I am the wife of Little 'Bro, Rob = ) )

wizard of oz

Thank you for the countless expressions of love
for sure I know the many prayers, the outpouring of love
expressed by each person who cares about and loves Zabrina
is a part of her road to recovery

oh yes about the road to recovery
when Jeff and Bri picked me up to go to the oncologist
I ask where his office was and bri said off of 271
Jeff said, no it's not 271, it is the road to recovery
so when you travel on the road to recovery say a prayer for Bri
remember to pray at 11:11a or 11:11p

Zabrina received gifts from her children from MHCA ~
she opened those this morning ~
thank you for gifts that will be part of her journey

Thank you to my husbands sisters and brother for touching base
with him ~ that is the first thing he tells me after he has talked
with one of you ~ he needs that

Thank you to Linda, Michael, Becky, Katrina and Kim for bringing our
Christmas tree to life! I had got the lights on it but no ornaments and
had pretty much decided that wasn't going to happen
The ornaments look great ~
what struck me more was the presence of love
I felt when I walked into our living room ~ wow
and leaving the last ornament for me to put on

Since Bri was diagnosed, she wakes up thinking
I had a really bad dream that I have cancer then
she realizes it is not a dream
and honestly her dad, me, Jeff, Rob and Sarah all feel
we are living a very bad dream
that this can not be true
Really, I think God has anesthetized us and that allows us to function
His word tells us he will not give us more than we can bear
and because he loves us so
I know he gives us what we need to make it through the day or sometimes
what is takes to make it through the next 60 seconds

Here is the part that makes us smile about that
Well, since she has decided it is a bad dream ~
she has compared it to the Wizard of Oz and we all have our parts ~
that makes for some smiles

I know you all are praying ~ keep praying

Just a little public service announcement from the team.

First off you have all been so respectful of our current situation (sounds like she's knocked up or something), and for that we are thankful.

Secondly we know that many of you are jealous of Suzanne, Mr. Davlin, and myself for getting all of the visitation time (just kidding about the jealousy), but in all seriousness you know your jealous.

We know you all just want to visit and chat and encourage the healing, but it is just to tiring. We all love to hear from you, but we have a hard time connecting the thoughts sometimes. Not to mention having to say the same thing over and over again. Obviously we want to encourage you all to call and leave a message or send a text letting her know your praying for or just thinking of her, but phone conversations at this time are just to draining.

As for the visits, even though the physical tiredness has lessened, the mental fatigue is still pretty strong. With time this will change and the party will take place, but until the boss says so the visits are a no go. She knows she doesn't have to "entertain" any of you, but even just telling the story is tough.

Please don't be offended or feel slighted, this is not directed at anyone (well except for Bob), we just felt the need to explain why calls may not be answered. We/she could not be more moved with the outpouring from friends and family and the shear fact that 21 people have even signed up for this is amazing. The fact that we even need a blog stinks.

With all of that being said here is your mission. Please, please, please keep sending your prayers and words of well wishes and we will be communicating as we have been. If you could help us out by keeping those who may not be reading this up to speed we would be appreciative.

Love you all and thanks.

Peppy and almost drug free

I got a chance to chat with Zabrina yesterday. She had some spunk to her. The unfortunate part was that all she had to share was what she has been watching on TV : )

Turns out right now her pain is so low she is able to grin and bear it. Mostly because the side effects are, well, let's say a "pain in the butt." So that means she is only taking the anxiety meds.

We chatted some about Christmas presents and plans for next week it is very refreshing to experience the cheery Zabrina we all love.

mom thoughts

We ask Zabrina on a scale of 1-10 what are you today and her reply is
"10 being best or worst" our answer 10 being best ~
she says she has to clarify the rating scale
today she is a 5.5 heading towards 6 she said
from saturday until tuesday she ate fruit and saltine crackers
she said a belt is a must to hold up her pants:) she doesn't want to lose
them walking from the living room to the kitchen
wed & thurs she has ate real food
her pain has decreased greatly

I had a mini melt down (just a mini one)at Sams club yesterday
on the phone with my son
kinda of funny, when I think about it now because I was not aware of any
other people in the store

I know I need to take care of me so I can be with Bri and I have a hard time
even voicing that because Bri is the one going through chemo
and I somehow still think I can do all the things I love to do

words of wisdom from my son
he said Mom 4 things you are to do every day count them on one hand
1. God
2. take care of me (so I can be there for Bri)
3. be with my husband
4. and one extra thing
and I said I have to add him and Sarah (his wife)
so that is 5
Rob said and with the other hand ~ I am to hold Bri's hand

my husband spent the evening with Bri tonight ~
he said they laughed a lot
for sure he can make her laugh
I love hearing it

Kathleen came and cut her hair Monday
very cute ~ I think she looks like Kate
from Jon & Kate plus 8 ~
but they do not have the 8 and she is married to Jeff not Jon

for all of us if Bri is having a good day
we all are having a good day

thank you to those who are going to decorate our tree
do you know how many ornaments I have?
that is one of the things that I keep thinking I could
do but Rob called tonight and ask if I wanted help
every day this week I thought I could do it but I have not

tomorrow Jeff works
so I will be with bri ~ I did not see her today

I know you all are praying and I need to know that
I find the most strength from the prayers

today the emphasis is on
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil
the evil is from Satan ~ our evil right now is cancer
and our awesome God is victories over evil

wow my thoughts have been all over

News from the trenches

Hello everyone!
Here is your news from the trenches for today and thankfully there is not much to report. My wonderful bride was very awake today, which is a huge improvement over the past few. The pain today is down to a 1 out of 10 which means the pain pills have not been needed today. This is a huge relief because of the side effects (drowsy, constipation). Our GOD sent doctor continues to impress us at every turn, returning calls and giving the perception that we are his only patient (and yes I use the word "we" because they truly are treating us all).

We have started a grading scale for our days and today we hit about a 6. Basically like a flu, up for a little while rest for a little while. She is getting her appetite back a little at a time and keeping the fluids flowing in. Thankfully they have all been staying down since day one.

My Mother in Law was a trooper and took over the nursing duty last night while I was at work. It was harder than I thought to go, but I'm glad I did. The guys at work are very supportive and have offered to cover my shifts if needed. The prayers are now coming from several fire departments in the area as the news has spread. It was good to get back into the mix and luckily we had some exciting runs to keep us busy.

It also served to empower us all in our ability to take care of Zabrina. In the movie "We were soldiers", Mel Gibson said something to the effect of know the job of the man above you and below you because in combat you may have to know it. And now we know and have the confidence that we have each others back.

Thank you all, and keep up the good work.

What is normal?

We are told we need to work towards normal
so yesterday I went to work and today Jeff went to work ~
I spent the day with Bri today

we are told we need to do normal
for sure, for right now, we have a new normal
on a scale of 1 -10 ~ 10 feeling good ~ today was a 3

we went to Pat Catan's, (a local craft store) she wanted to get supplies to
send in for her kindergarten class for Christmas gifts they are making ~ she did it!
as we drove there, we were not sure if she would be able to get out of the car
That was our fastest shopping trip ever ~ in and out in 20 minutes:)

then we came to our house in Mentor and she went to bed
she keeps waiting for this bad dream to be over
Bri said every time she wakes up thinking she has had a very bad dream

pray for God's healing
God has answered so many prayers ~ an amazing doctor,
she is tolorating the meds,
the time of year that both her dad and I can be with her,
an amazing sent from God husband
her brother and sister-in-law that keep in touch daily
family and friends that expressed love in so many was that we need a new
word for love

this chemo treatment has been a tough one ~
so mind boogling as a mom
wanting her to have treatment, knowing how sick she will be
I keep saying
"Yeah though I walk through the valley of darkness ~ I will fear no evil"
I focus on the walking and we she will walk out of this victorious and oh
what a party we are going to have:)

THANK YOU!!!

Hello everyone,
I would just like to say thank you to everybody for the support Zabrina and I have been shown and we are only in week one. You people better not burn out on me:) The outpouring of prayers, offers of assistance, and food have truly been overwhelming and moving.

I want everyone to know that we have the utmost faith in God and our doctors. The medical team we have working with us are truly top notch. I cannot say enough for the University Hospitals Ireland Cancer Center. From the early detection to the immediate treatment, it has been a moving experience. It all happened so fast and so smooth we really didn't have time to shop for doc's, and we are so glad we didn't. Dr. Friedman and his staff have called us after hours on their own time to check up on us, and have treated Zabrina and I like humans not just another patient. We are truly blessed.

A few highlights of the past week:
-After receiving the diagnosis on 12/8 at 3:15pm, we were in the Oncology office by 4:30
-By 12/9 all of the pre-testing was scheduled by noon
-12/10 and 12/11 were spent scared, tired, and in testing offices at the Cleveland Clinic and UH (that's right, they arranged the tests at another hospital to make it work with our insurance and timing)
-12/12 at 11:30 we met with Dr. Friedman (oncologist) and received the "good" news about the cancer being confined to the left breast
-12/12 at noon Zabrina began her recovery. First round of chemo was done by 4pm.
-Since then we have had some ups and downs as far as her comfort level, everyday a little better.

It is so incredible to know that within a week of diagnosis my wife is already on the road to recovery. We still have our fears but we trust in the Lord to get us through this.

Special thanks to Rob for getting this up and going so fast so that we can update you all. Sometimes it's just to hard to hear the words when talking on the phone as opposed to typing. So please do not be offended if you get the voicemail.

Thank you all again, we love you and couldn't do this without you.

The road to recovery begins

The road to recovery has begun. Over the next four months normal will be redefined for our family.

This past Friday was Zabrina's first treatment. She will receive chemotherapy every two weeks for the next four months. The fisrt and second month's treatments will be comparatively stronger than the third and fourth months. All treatments from here on out will be on Mondays.

Cancer has only been detected in her left breast and they will do a few treatments to help shrink it before committing to a surgery. We are hoping come time for surgery that a lumpectomy can be all that is needed.

The fridge is overstocked, the answer-machine is blinking, and we couldn't feel more loved.

Many of you have asked how you can help out. If you are interested in helping out you can do so by "sponsoring a treatment" Please call 614-580-5102 or email me Rob.Davlin@gmail.com

In order to help you help Zabrina, you can sign up to "Sponsor a treatment." You can sponsor a treatment in various ways.

• Giant Eagle gift cards (they can buy prescriptions, gasoline, and groceries)
• Send cards (include Bible verses on note cards)
• Text message her little hello's
• Text message Bible verses
• Email her: zabrinadavlin@gmail.com
• Youtube.com videos of you saying hello or a funny story

Also you will find a calendar which has Zabrina's treatment schedule and the sponsor dates as well. We will share updates with you here. You can sign up on the blog to be notified of updates automatically.

Philippians 4:13