"R 'n R" in Mexico

It has been two weeks since Larry's chemo regiment was stopped, and he has felt wonderful! And, what is more wonderful is the fact that we have four (just think, FOUR) more weeks of this Wonderful Life!  In six more days twenty-four (or is it 26?) of us will be heading south to Puerto Morelas, Mexico, to unwind and relax in 80-degree temps and the cool, azure-blue waters of the Caribbean.  For Larry and me, it couldn't come at a better time in our lives.  No worries, no thoughts of chemo, no NOTHING associated with his cancer.  I'm thinking of this trip as a second honeymoon and a good time to really connect with each other.  Another bonus of this trip is that both our boys and their "better halfs" will be coming with us!

New Game Plan

Yesterday we arrived at the Clinic for an all-day chemo session, only to find out that the Doc wished to consult with us.  Larry and I were believing that this last cycle of chemo would indeed be the last, or at least until the PET scan results were in.  Not the case.  Next Monday Larry begins a new cycle which means he'll end on January 9th.  The Doc then will halt chemo for six weeks so that Larry can build up his body to undergo more chemo cycles beginning in late February.  A proposed PET scan will be taken on February 15th.  The new year, 2012, isn't looking inviting.

Tough Week

Larry began his Cycle 6 last Monday and hasn't fared well this week.  This time he's been feeling miserable the last four days--generally really tired and weak.  Next Monday's chemo he's skipping because he's looking forward to a pheasant hunt in South Dakota.  Jim, his brother, kindly invited him to Todd Worrell's Firesteel Creek Hunting Lodge for a long enjoyable weekend--all expenses paid!  Isn't that grand!  Two fantastic hunting trips in less than two months.  The lodge looks terrific!  Check it out on the Web:  http://firesteelcreek.com/about/index.html
After this week, Larry is really looking forward to the hunt.  Hope all works out well for him and Jim!

A "THANKS" giving Day

When I was much younger, I took so many things for granted.  As I grow much older, well, things take on a whole new perspective.  There is much in my life I am grateful for ...the sad situation is that Thanksgiving Day seems to be the one time where I give voice to them.
I am grateful for....
--forty-two years of happily wedded bliss.
--Larry's chemo  working its magic.
--waking up each morning feeling happy and healthy.
--the companionship of my hubby, the one who shares my life.
--my morning kiss.
--Max, our dog, who loves me unconditionally.
--Larry's little "pat" on my butt, his way of saying "I love you."
--our family, two healthy boys and a daughter-in-law who all grew up well!
--our three grandkids who make me smile.
--the support of family and friends during Larry's cancer treatment.
--having a home, food on the table, and people to share it with.
--all the wonderful places we been and sites we've seen over the years.
--enjoying the simple pleasures like sitting around a campfire, roasting a hotdog in Vandalia.
--having a "completed" Bucket List and being able to work on a new one!
--having the ability to share with those less fortunate.
--reaching that stage of my life where money means less and love means more.

The list could go on and on...  Just know this:  I'll try not to ever take life and love for granted!  Cultivating an "attitude of gratitude" is my goal.

Good Day News

Finally, after six months of doom and dread, good news arrived!  There is a light in the tunnel. The chemo helped.  After finishing four cycles of chemo, Larry took several scans to give the doc a "before and after"  picture of the cancer cells.  As of now, the chemo seems to be working--the affected lymph nodes have decreased in size and some clusters of cancer cells have gone away.  Larry is now scheduled for two more cycles of chemo, lasting into the first week of January.  At that time, Larry will take a PEP scan which will show how "hot" the affected areas are--"hot" meaning how potent the cancer still is.  So with that info, I guess we want Larry COLD !!

Thanks for your prayers and concerns and support.  We're not out-of-the-woods, but this bit of good news has put a smile on our faces and a hope for a cure.

The End...for now

Yesterday was the last scheduled chemo treatment for Larry.  This ended Cycle 4.  Next week come the scans, then we wait anxiously for the 14th doctor's appointment.  That'll be the "Ball-Breaker".

Monday, Monday

The trip is over and it's back to the grind; it's chemo time!  Larry is starting his Cycle 4.  Next week after chemo, he gets two scans which will tell us if the treatment did any good or if the cancer spread.  So, everyone keep their fingers crossed;  November 14th will be the moment of truth.  I know we are all wishing for good results.