Happy days are here again!

Hey everyone,

Laurie has felt so much better this past week. This last 3 week cycle of A/C was much more like the 1st and 2nd cycle rather than the 3rd one which came with all the extra illnesses. Her cough is now very infrequent, and she has been able to get back on the treadmill during the past week, which in turn helps her energy level and ensures she gets hydrated. After her experience of picking up those germs last cycle, she has limited her “away from home” activities so that her immune system stays strong, and we thank each of you who helped make that possible by taking our children to various activities.

We look forward to another good week and anticipate the beginning of her 2nd round of chemo which consists of Taxol and Herceptin on April 6th. We will be remaining in town for Spring Break this year which allows us the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C. to see some of the monuments and museums and do some of the tourist stuff. Sadly, this is something we have never done. Better late than never, I guess.

Since we also have included “educational” information on this blog, we will admit there have been some small side effects, which Laurie calls the “small stuff.” For example, the chemo has brought on menopause and the hot flashes that accompany that. And she can’t sleep through the night since her bladder cannot last that long anymore. She does get weak from standing long periods (so she just doesn’t do that!) and she eats kids portions now so her digestive system doesn’t go into overdrive. Her allergies are more pronounced, and most importantly for her kids, she cannot wear her wig in the kitchen as sudden heat could singe it so their agreement is that she will stick to bandannas and turbans at home.

As far as me and the kids, we are busy trying to get rid of their coughs (Brooke & Forrest XIV) and sinus infections (me) and staying healthy (Ridge). We were all excited that Laurie was able to sneak out with all of us to a significant milestone for Forrest . . . his bridging ceremony to Boy Scouts! And this weekend was supposed to be the start of all 3 kids starting their baseball seasons, but only Forrest played a game last night and then the rains came. While we’re disappointed about games being cancelled, there is something nice to be said for “found” family time. Laurie decided to bake this afternoon so the house smells of cinnamon bread. The silver lining on the cloud of rain!

Our community has also experienced some strong reminders of how fragile life here on earth is over the past few weeks, and our prayers go out to the Stamps and Brewer families in the loss of a parent. We also praise the Lord that Mrs. Ricks (Wes’s mom) and Mr. Inglert (Tammy’s father) and Taylor Goodloe are doing better after serious hospitalizations. We will continue to pray for comfort and healing for these families.

We were treated three times this week to meals which meant I didn’t have to cook dinner. You don’t know how much that means when you’re trying to coordinate dinner either before or after baseball practices and games.

Monday was a surprise from Debbie Nelson, our neighbor, who brought us pork barbecue with buns, Coleslaw and corn. This was a welcome surprise that we all enjoyed. Thanks Debbie!

Tuesday the office staff at Floris ES put together a great meal of the kid’s favorite. Chicken strips from Chick-fil-A, macaroni & cheese, chocolate chip cookies and tossed salad. Thanks ladies!

Thursday's feast from Michele and Nikki at Oak Hill ES included chicken enchiladas, refried beans, sweet corn cake, Spanish rice, chips & salsa and Laurie’s favorite, Apple Crisp with ice cream. Thanks Michele and Nikki!

Once again the network of support we have is beyond incredible. Each day we receive supportive and encouraging emails, letters and cards via the post office, comments from the blog and phone calls. We continue to rely on the many prayers on our behalf. The words of encouragement make all of us smile and strengthen our resolve to move forward in this journey to completely heal Laurie now and reduce any chances of recurrence.

As always, thanks for all your continuing support.

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