Rest

It is with deep sorrow and yet peace of heart that I must tell you that Linda passed on to heaven yesterday morning. Please take a moment to read the Caring Bridge update that Dan posted yesterday as it speaks so beautifully to who Linda really was. She wasn't just a cancer patient, she was so much more and her message will continue to inspire all of us. Linda truly was one tough chick. She never stopped loving our God and never stopped encouraging others to do the same. Please click http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/onetoughchick to read Dan's posting.

Dave's Uncle Chuck was also very recently diagnosed with brain cancer and sometime Friday night passed away. His battle was brief. He will be missed. Please pray for Chuck's wife and family as they mourn his passing.

Needless to say, this has been one very trying year. And now, Dave and I are reeling from yesterday's events as we try to prepare for what to do next. This last round of chemo has left me weak and I've battled fevers and chills. I believe God has allowed my fever to break in order to make arrangements to pay our respects in person to our extended family. Please pray for wise decisions and God's strength in us in the face of adversity, so that we may be a witness to those around us.

4 Down, 2 to Go!

I had my 4th chemo cycle August 31st. I wasn't as fortunate as last time with the side affects, but God has still been with me. I did not have the need to take any sleep aids and have taken very few anti-nausea pills this time. However, my blood counts have taken me to new lows and I am now anemic. This results in low energy levels and having to watch when I stand up too quickly, bend over, turn my head...... The first week and a half after this treatment, passing out or almost passing out was a bit too common. I think I'm over that part for now.

My birthday was just a few days after this last cycle and Dave wanted to take me out to dinner to celebrate. Not that I felt much like celebrating, but I did want to get out of the house and have a nice meal. Jenn blessed us by joining us. As I was walking out to the car, yet another episode of "Brought to you by Chemotherapy" moment occurred when I almost passed out again. Once that moment passed, Dave asked if we should continue and yes, by golly, I was going!! We arrived at Main Street Cafe on the square in Medina and ordered our meals. When our food arrived, it looked and smelled so good... but lo and behold my taste buds failed me. I could barely taste the food, and the little bit I could taste was tainted by chemotherapy mouth. I have experienced odd (downright nasty) tastes to no taste at all for the past 2-3 cycles and was really hoping that it wasn't going to happen this time, but it did. And on my birthday. How dare it! The good news is, I regain most of my taste before each new sessions, albeit, slightly tainted, but I've learned to deal with it.

Now we are down to 2 more cycles!! My next cycle is Sept. 22nd. I will really begin the countdown then!! My last cycle will be sometime mid October and I should begin to finally start feeling better about 2 weeks after that. During this "time off" I begin meeting with the radiation oncologist for education, molds and pictures.

Thanks to all of you for your continued prayers during this long drawn out process. The end is in site for chemotherapy!! I will continue to keep you updated. Thanks for sticking in there with me.