only 2 more to go

This is a picture of Tim before he was going to play dodge ball with a group of high schoolers. i guess the outfit is as much of an ordeal as the game. His black socks had bugs bunny on them too! My wig is who we call Jo-Jo. she is the shorter of my two and a little more sassy. I think its just the attitude that goes along with it.

I have decided that I really don't like posting the new blog because then I have to really tell the truth. I have decided I don't like Chemo and it doesn't like me and i really don't want to finish. Yes, I will complete the journey but it is getting harder and harder. The side effects come faster and last longer. I am seeing them affect every aspect of my life. I do not like it!!!!!!

OK enough complaining. Every day is better then the last and food is starting to taste a little better. not much. I had my fourth treatment last Monday and tried to work and be effective....I wasn't. Took Friday off and that was a really good idea. Slept most of the afternoon. still trying to walk/run every couple of days. Tim and I have decided to do the Tri For Joe the end of May. It is a good goal to work for. WE are going to do the 5K. I think Sean will do it also. Not sure about the other two. hee hee.

We are going to plan a trip to some where to celebrate the end of chemo this summer. Any one have any good suggestions? Would love the beach setting, cute pool boy, spa, oops my imagination was getting away with me. :) We are open to anything. Just the time to celebrate and be together as a family.

well off to pick up Matt from a camp out and we plan of rest the rest of the day.

Again, thank you for all of the encouragement, visits, meals, and support. I truly could not do this with out all of you!!!

Love Lisa

updated letter from my sister Michelle

This is a letter Michelle sent out and she does such a great job of updating everyone and the details, I thought I would let you all read it too. have a great weekend. Love Lisa

Michelle's letter:

Hello all,

I don’t remember where I left off but here is an update on all that has been happening in the family.

Lisa—after her surgery and biopsy, her tumor was larger than expected (but still small); it was recommended that she have chemo. I was able to be with her in Cincinnati for her first treatment in Jan. She has completed 3 out of 6 treatments and doing very well. She feels a bit crummy after the 2nd or 3rd day and then tired for the next 6 or 7 days and then is good for about 10-12 before the next treatment. They are every three weeks ending the first week of May. Other wise she is doing very well. She has gone back to work, and works around her chemo schedule. From what I hear, everyone has been so gracious to her and her family supporting them through all of this. I know she is ready for the whole thing to be done—as you can well imagine. I know that some big celebrating will be happening in May!!!!

Michelle and Lisa---Lisa decided to have the genetic testing done to see if she had any of the cancer genes. (BRCA 1 and 2). The results of this test were going to determine more treatment for her and myself. Yesterday the results finally came in and all of her tests came back NORMAL! She does not have any cancer genes. That is great news for all of us including her daughter Shannon. What the news means for me is that I do not have to be tested and when I meet with my oncologist in April, I will most likely be put on a treatment of a Tamoxifin-type drug as a preventative measure. I am so happy not to have to go thru anymore testing and surgeries in the future at this point. I will be monitored closely other wise for my annual check-ups etc. The same goes for Lisa too. She may have a little bit more to do for other things but nothing too major.

My Dad—I don’t think anyone knew but while I was getting ready to go to see Lisa, my dad had a biopsy on a spot on his lung. It turned out to be lung cancer, so while he was under, the doctor took out the top left lobe of his lung. He was in the hospital for 9 days and came home on oxygen. Lisa and I were able to drive up and see him the day before he went home and then spend another two days with him before I had to go back to Washington. His prognosis is very good. He has stopped smoking and so has my mom. This is wonderful for everyone. He was taken off the oxygen at the end of February and is pretty much back to work also. My mom was a wonderful caregiver for him and I know they also had a wonderful support group surrounding them. My brother Mark flew in the day after the surgery and stayed with my mom for the week my dad was in the hospital. I know he made it much easier for my mom by just being there. ‘Thanks again, Mark!”

All in all, we have come through this better and stronger. God is amazing and a great comfort. I feel blessed and thankful for all our recoveries and for all the people who have been there for all of us---family—friends—medical personnel etc.

Thank you again for all of your prayers and thinking of us through all of this. May the rest of 2009 be healthy and relaxing.

Hugs and Love,
Michelle

half way there

only 3 more to go. I am so thankful that its almost over and yet it seems to be a life time away. The 3rd treatment was uneventful. I received an extra liter of fluid the day after so hopefully, I will not have another run of SVT(Heart rate over 225) and a trip to the emergency room. I think I didn't get enough water the Saturday after my 2nd treatment and my body reacted. all is well now.
i ran today for the second time since the beginning of surgery. I am sure its not a pretty sight but it feels great. working towards a mile and trying to improve my time. I really can only go up. I have been walking and its nice to push a little harder. Tim is my constant cheerleader. Work is going well and its nice to be back to the normal grind.(most days) the kids are doing well and we are adjusting to physical changes much better these days.
My dad is back to work and off his oxygen and no chest tube. So far, no chemo or radiation for him. He is very thank ful and continues to struggle with the desire to smoke. Its a hard 50 year old habit to break!!! We love you all and continue to say thank you for all your love and support.
Lisa