Hope, Faith, and Endurance

Hi to all!

We made our journey to CTCA and back without any major travel inconveniences, other than we had to get up at 3:00 am to make it to the airport to check in by 5:00 in Scottsbluff . We left Alliance with a foot of virgin snow on the ground that we had received the day before.

Brian saw his oncologist's PA for the first time and she was a little more blunt, telling Brian and I that he will always have to be treated and monitored for cancer. We knew that, but hopefully he will have a break from the chemotherapy!

Brian is currently suffering from the after effects from the sixth chemo round. It is always hard for me to see him feel so bad and not be able to help alleviate some of his discomfort. It is the nurse in me, I suppose.

The next visit to CTCA will start on 3-20-10. We will fly out of Scottbluff again on that Saturday to O'Hare. Our friends Bruce and Mary will pick us up and we will spend the weekend visiting. They will transport us to Zion for our appointments starting on Monday. Brian is to have a CT scan prior to seeing his oncologist on Tuesday. If no signs of cancer are evident we are fairly sure he will not need any chemo, even though they scheduled a session in case.

I have been helping Paqui plan her wedding. It has helped lighten my mental load and pocket book, ha! The wedding will be a great party to look forward too, something positive for the future.

Planes cancelled Planes scheduled

12/19/2010 BLL

Last Monday 2/15, we showed up timely to fly to O'Hare for our 2:30 PM flight on Great Lakes airline. However, they cancelled the flight at about 1:30 PM. We could not get on any other United flights out of Denver that day. So, we returned home and skipped the appointment for chemotherapy and rescheduled it for next week.

We fly out of Scottsbluff at 06:00 AM, Arrive at O'Hare at 12:03 PM on Monday 2/22/2010. The doctor appointments, including chemo will be on Tuesday, 2/23/10; and fly back home on Wednesday 2/24/10 to Scottsbluff.

It is worth saying that I felt outstanding this week. I was able to get my legs moving again, walking and hiking some. We have 6" of snow on the ground, so are back to winter. The hot tub was broke down, but got it fixed today.

Read a couple of books this week: "Seeds of Man" by Woody Guthrie and "Pinnacle Jake" by A.B. Snyder. Also read "Over-the-Counter NATURAL CURES" by the people's chemist, Shane Ellison. Written in 2009, Ellison disputes the value of big pharmacy's ad campaigns. He tested many natural supplements and post results at www.overthecounternatualcures.com. Check it out!

Many thanks for the continued thoughts & prayers! Hope to be basking in the sun in the clearing at the edge of the dark woods soon. Love, Brian & Mary