Finally! An August Update!

Hey everyone,

It’s been three weeks since our last update. Sorry for the delay but things became crazy after we got back from the beach. We all drove down to Myrtle on Saturday, July 18th, and after the normal delays on 95, we got there around 4:30. We checked into our condo, went to dinner with some of our baseball friends, and then went grocery shopping. The next day was beach day, and then we were able to go to a marvelous seafood dinner with our cousins, Keith and Katie, and their sons Matthew and Brian (13 & 10) and daughter Savannah (6). Since Forrest did not get to see them over the July 4th weekend, he spent the night with them so he could have some extra time, and then joined us and most of the other baseball team members and their families on the beach Monday midday. Laurie had to fly back that night to continue her radiation therapy, and the baseball tournament started on Tuesday. The team did well on Tuesday, winning both games, but then began losing steam on Wednesday (although they did pull out a last inning win) and then lost on Thursday. While the baseball results were disappointing, everyone enjoyed the sun and fun even though we missed Laurie. Also, at the end of the week, the riptides became dangerous … 3 people drowned, so the lifeguards were not letting anyone in the water above their waists, and we were happy to comply!

We came back home on Saturday, and were treated to a cookout by our next door neighbors, the Rohertys, and enjoyed our refreshing pool. Forrest also had to pack and leave the next morning (Sunday) at 7 am for Boy Scout Camp (Brown Sea Island, which is below Roanoke, Virginia). He had a great time even though all of us really missed him!! Ridge went to Chantilly HS boy’s basketball day camp, and Brooke had a great week at Chantilly Academy gymnastics day camp with her new friend Julianne.

Laurie has now completed 2/3 of her radiation … hurray! She only has 8 more appointments, the rest of this week and 4 days next week. Her doctor says her skin is holding up rather well, but she is also using “Calendula cream” every day and night to help, and she prefers driving these days so that the shoulder strap is on her left side, not the right side which is receiving these treatments. She is slowly gaining her energy back but still goes to bed early to ensure her body gets plenty of rest, and some days are better than others. She had a busy weekend as her sister, Carlene and her friend, Barb, invited her to the Women of Faith Conference in DC on Saturday and it was very enjoyable … both the speakers and musicians as well as the fellowship in the NBC box of women from Kirkwood Presbyterian Church. Then on Sunday, we all had lunch with my dad, Forrest and Frances Frakes, and Kurt Hallex and Dad’s roommate Dan at Famous Dave’s and then celebrated the 4 family birthdays that evening at Carlene’s house. Today, she also went for her every 3 week biological treatment (Herceptin). The big decision that we need prayers on over the next week is whether she should participate in a clinical trial that would be over the next 3 years. Background information: when breast cancer returns or metastasizes, it is in the 2 Bs (breast or brain) or 2 Ls (liver or lung). Other countries have studies that show taking biophosphates, which is what is taken to treat osteoporosis; helps prevent the recurrence in the bones. This trial would not have placebos, but would compare 3 different types of biophosphates and its side effects. The decision has to be made by next weekend as she would have to start within 60 days of completing her chemotherapy. No side effects have subsided yet, but still hoping for that!

During the WOF Conference, the following scripture was featured, and it reminded Laurie that God gives us hope in the midst of these challenges!

John 16:33 – I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!

Works for me!

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