CT Scan Completed

Thank you so much for your prayers and words of encouragement. They got me through this day of waiting for Dr. Nichols' call which came around 6 p.m. The CT scan shows that the cancer has been stabilized and is actually getting smaller in my liver, lymph nodes and most bone areas. The spine does show some cancer growth, but we are still on the attack! The plan is to go forward into another 3 months of chemo (same drugs and same schedule). I take this all as good news and an answer to your many prayers.

Elise flew home last night and we spent today running wedding errands and having lunch with friends. What a great distraction, not to mention just plain fun! We ended the day "beefing" up my red blood cell count with BBQ'd steaks in the backyard. I wish you could have all been here, but please know that I felt your presence.

With love,
Linda

Round 3 Completed

Greetings, All,

Yesterday completed round 3 of chemo (for a total of 9 sessions). Once again my body handled it well--the only downside was the effect of the steroid last night. I finally got out of bed at 2 a.m. and laid on the couch where I read until 4:00. After a couple hours of sleep, I felt fully awake and ready to go. I know, however, that this is drug-produced energy and fully intend to lay down this afternoon.

My CT scan is scheduled for 11:00 on Monday. I have my 32 oz. of yummy berry flavored contrast fluid ready to refrigerate and drink over a 12-hour period. I do appreciate your thoughts and prayers as I try not to play out every possible outcome in my mind over and over again. I am trying, instead, to live in the moment and appreciate what each day brings. Yesterday I was grateful for Mom massaging my feet while I relaxed in my chemo lounge chair. Then Mary Simpson stopped by to visit after her students performed in the lobby again. I couldn't hear them but could imagine the wonderful music they were creating. Today, Ginny Morse (my blog creator) is picking me up so we can have a picnic lunch in a nearby park. It's a beautiful day, and she couldn't have picked a better outing for me.

Thank you again for your continuous support demonstrated is so many ways. I know you are with me every step of the way. I thank God for each one of you.

Linda

Doing Well!

Having just completed my 2nd chemo session of round 3, I am happy to report that I am still handling it well. I'm quite positive that there will be more chemo after the scan on June 29, possibly another 3 months. (Bring it on!!) I think I was able to get 6 hrs. of sleep last night, and I can operate on that--at least until my afternoon nap!

Thanks to Ashley Ulmer, we had a lovely Greek dinner waiting for us yesterday evening and then Dan's folks brought spaghetti, bread and salad which will be on tonight's menu. We are not lacking for great food thanks to our generous family and friends. When I start feeling guilty about all the meals we have been receiving, I am reminded by many that this is a blessing to them as well.

Some of you have asked for a little more info on Elise and Matt. They met on E-Harmony just over a year ago. Matt moved to the Seattle area from Phoenix about 2 years ago, I believe. He is an electrical engineer for Aerojet and enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, from snowboarding to kayaking. Most importantly to us, Matt loves and cherishes Elise and vice versa. We had the privilege of meeting his parents a couple of months ago. We rendevouzed at a restaurant in Ellensburg and the six of us had a lovely afternoon together. We are very thankful that they have joined the ranks of those who are praying for my recovery.

I look forward to your comments, phone calls, e-mails, and visits. Blessings on each one of you! We thank God for His care and for yours as well.

Love,
Linda

Let Round Three Begin

Round 3 of chemo began yesterday. That's right--on a Thursday--and the remaining June sessions will all be on Thursday mornings. I'm content with any day as long as it's in the morning, the time I feel best and have the most energy. Once again, Mom made me comfortable with blankets, neck pillow and cozy socks on my feet. I also enjoyed a visit from Victoria Nord, one of our SMTA piano teachers who, like Mary Simpson, has walked this road before me. They both have offered me so much inspiration and comfort. After two more sessions I will be ready for a CT scan on June 29. That will tell us where we go next--either more of the same or a new chemo combination. In any case, it sounds like there is more to come, and I am just fine with that. I do not want to let up in any way.

I received a good night's sleep last night, in spite of the steroids. The few meds I took helped me to wake up refreshed and ready to go! I try to get on the treamill almost everyday and am working back up to a mile. Knowing that exercise and good diet are proven cancer fighters are great motivators!

Last weekend was especially joyful for us as Elise and Matt (Harris) drove from Seattle to celebrate not only Dan's birthday but their recent engagement. They are looking at a Dec. 20 wedding, and we are so thrilled. Now I have something wonderful to focus on and help (where needed!).

Thank you for your constant support. I'll continue to keep you posted.

Linda