Life Goes On

In all the craziness that is part of our daily lives, it’s been over two weeks since the last blog. I have been remiss not because I have been feeling particularly under the weather, but rather life goes on despite chemo. And at our house, we have quite a few irons in the fire!

I did finally have to face the reality that I am a chemo patient last week. I thought I would continue to skate through these treatments with little to no side effects, but after a trip to St. Louis with Kendal for a bridal shower after my last treatment, I was faced with significant myalgias, weakness, and fatigue.  I know that this is a small price to pay as we continue to pound the tumors that threaten me.

In the midst of feeling sub-par, I made a trip to the oncologist to make sure that my labs looked okay. Turns out that (just as I expected) my hemoglobin has dropped a few points since I started chemo. This is likely the source of my increased weakness and fatigued legs on the treadmill every morning. In addition to this, I may also be feeling the accumulative effects of the chemotherapy as I start my fourth round.  This past week with no chemo has seen much improvement, but I still need my afternoon nap! When I don’t get that hour of sleep, I certainly pay the consequence. Much to my surprise, utilizing the  meal train during the week ensures that I get my rest time as I don’t have to worry about putting food on the table for dinner. Thank you all for your continued generosity!

This morning all the girls and Scott leave for Europe to see Lauren who has been abroad since January. Regretfully, Greg and I will not be able to accompany them as I have continued treatments these next two weeks. It is imperative that I continue to stay on course, and while I know all the girls wish we could share in this family experience , we felt it most important that I continue chemo on schedule. The plan is for a trip to Europe for Greg and I later in the year! We will get to practice being “ empty nesters “ for the next ten days. How is this possible? I ask myself.

In other news, Kendal placed for a surgical residency at her first choice, George Washington University in Washington DC. This ensures that Kendal will be able to enjoy newly married life by living in the same city as her soon to be husband! (Scott will be his residency in OBGYN at Walter Reed Military Hospital in DC as well.) What a relief! At the match day party, we got a preview of the band that will be playing at Kendal’s wedding. Bring your dancing shoes and hold onto your wig (if you wear one) – they were fabulous!

I have continued to reconnect with friends. Despite the challenges of cancer, one of the many blessings has been all the phone calls, meals, and conversations with so many people who have touched my life over the years. I am so grateful for all the love and support that continues to come our way.

I leave you with this:

God’s Promise to Me

“Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6