December 27, 2007

Merry Christmas! I’m sorry I haven’t been posting much, but Mark and I were out of town before Christmas on a surprise holiday vacation! He took me to New York City for 3 nights just before Christmas, and he planned the whole trip. We had a fabulous time…it’s a great and exciting city. The highlight of the trip was that we saw two Broadway shows– Hairspray and Les Miserables. They were very different but wonderful. We also took in the normal sightseeing stuff like the Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, Times Square, etc. We rode the subway and a ferry, took a taxi and the double-decker tour bus, and walked till we couldn’t walk any more. Our hotel was on 52nd and 7th Ave., so we could see Times Square from the front of the hotel. The whole city’s energy was a big shock to two country kids, but we loved it. This trip has been on my list of top things to do with Mark since I learned I had cancer again, so it was very meaningful and full of great memories. Isn’t he the greatest!

I’ve been feeling pretty good over the holidays, but I have had the headaches and throwing up a few times. I even got sick on the last morning of our trip to NYC, but I didn’t let it stop me too much. I had a PET scan on Dec. 18, but I haven’t went back for the results yet. I was supposed to go on Dec. 24, but I didn’t feel like getting any news before Christmas. I need to call and reschedule this appointment when my doctor returns from her vacation. I’ll have another brain MRI in January to see how the former tumor is doing, but that’s pretty routine for what I’ve been through.

Thanks for thinking of us, leaving comments and sending cards. We still appreciate your kindness, prayers and hugs! This journey is far from over, and sometimes it seems like it never happened, but then I’m reminded of the seriousness of what we’ve been through this year. Three different occurrences of cancer in 2007 have taken their toll, but we’re strong right now and still trusting God to provide the best for us. We love you all.

Sandy

December 12, 2007

I was sick again on Sunday morning and we all missed church. I don’t like missing church, but I wasn’t in any shape to attend. I woke up with a bad headache and started throwing up. Fortunately, by afternoon I felt normal again. In fact, I even enjoyed a great lunch with my family and cousins from the Link family. We had a great time visiting, sharing old memories and laughing with all of them. They are all very special to our family, and I’m grateful that Mom still makes the effort to bring us all together so we can stay close.

I had a blood test yesterday to check my liver counts, and it turned out good! This means that I started back on my chemo drug– Xeloda– yesterday, too.

Mark and I are spending this afternoon (and however long it takes) cleaning our house in Harlan and getting it ready for selling. The realtor is planning to list it this weekend, and we still have some work to do. I’m relieved that this date is finally coming, and I’m praying that God will provide a buyer right away so we can eliminate one more stressor from our lives. If you know anyone looking for a farm house with 6 acres in northeast Allen county, let us know!

Thanks for your continued cards, support hugs and prayers. I hope your holiday season has been a blessing to you so far, and that you’ll make many memories this year!

Sandy

December 7, 2007

It’s been another bumpy week, but I think we’re ending on a positive note! I was sick and threw up on Saturday and more on Monday, and I missed work on Monday because of it. In fact, I spent most of the day on our couch sleeping. Everyone has told me that I might just need more rest. They may be correct. I haven’t felt sick since Monday, and I’m now on my 7-day break from Xeloda chemo.

Mark and I saw Dr. Aggarwal on Tuesday, and she was pretty positive, too. She isn’t worried about the vomiting, but if it gets worse we’re supposed to call her and she’ll set up a brain MRI sooner than January. My next scan of the rest of my body will be Dec. 18, with results coming on Dec. 24. This is routine while you’re on chemo, and it will tell us if the chemo has been working. If there’s a total response, I could be in remission again and not have to take any chemo. Please pray for this type of response! The other options would be that the spots are the same or worse, and I’m sure that would mean more chemo. Yuk.

Thanks for your continuous prayers and support.

Sandy