Brief Update

I'm going to assume most of you have seen my email update, so won't repeat everything here -
But the gist of the latest news is this:
The doc I went to see for a second opinion tells me I need to be seen elsewhere, by someone who's an expert in ovarian cancer. We are in wholehearted agreement although of course this isn't the best time of year for us to take off. She tells me I cannot wait until the haying is done as my cancer is extremely aggressive and worrisome, so... we (or at least I) will be taking off before long, I'd imagine.


She telephoned yesterday to say she's contacted a colleague at the Univ of CA - San Fran - with whom she's seen excellent results in other ovarian cancer patients. I attempted to phone them to set up an appointment but haven't heard back yet. In the meantime, I started the second chemo round which is doing its best to wipe me out. I'd forgotten what this felt like, and with all there is to do, it is such a pain to have no energy, but I'm trying to take it easy because if I don't, the weary stage lasts even longer.


On cheerier sides of things, the haying is going well in spite of taking time off for the whole of Cody. We love the lesson that when we take time to put spiritual things first, we are never sorry.

An Even Fuller Heart...

Here we are - home again, stacking hay and wondering how on earth 4 days can go that quickly! It baffles the mind.

But we had incredible, precious days of feasting and are now better prepared to face the battles ahead, just as I know you all are. How fortunate a people are we - that we have unlimited power on our side!

Jona: I hear wonderful things about you!! Take it from me, it's worth it. It's worth every little price you pay in humility and self-denial because it's REAL. The help, the comfort, the joy - even when it doesn't seem it could possibly be - it's real, every bit of it. I've proven it over and over again.

Beth R: I saw your daughter at Cody - what a beautiful girl! Thanks for your notes and thoughts our way. It's so great to hear from you and to keep in touch.

Emily: I'm sorry I didn't get to see you at Cody, but one of these days we'll meet for real. =)

Kathy W and Lisa W: thanks so much for your encouraging words at Cody. Maybe you know, but maybe you don't, how much help they were. I shall hold them close to my heart forever. (I'm not sure how many folks read my blog, but this note is true for so many of you! It was incredible to hear and feel all your love and support.)

Aw shucks - it'll take all day to write personal notes and for some reason, the convention laundry is not obeying my command to wash itself, the stubborn things! - -so please just know I think of and am glad for every single one of you who's taken the time to write here, call, send emails, or just think of us in the secret place. Thank you dear friends!

Some convention memories...

Goin' to Meetin':

Comparing Sibling Hair-do's:

And yes, here we seriously are slicing olives! AND we cut grapes in half. But, y'know, no one complained. OH WAIT!! Maybe one person did... hmmm... can you remember who that might've been, Jen?? =) (She was only in jest though, everyone, and kept us all in stitches while we sliced. And sliced. And sliced. And sliced. And ... etc.)

A Full Heart

It's so worth it to read everyone's heartfelt comments that I wanted to write another quick note before we leave to thank you and also to send a quick update.

I heard yesterday that my heart scan was normal which means I can begin chemotherapy. Yippee! Yay! Hooray...zip-a-dee-do-dah ...Yeah, sure.... =)

Anyway I'm approved for Doxil which is a monthly chemo drug, versus the one I may have to have next, which is every week for 3 weeks, then 1 week off. Ugh. Anyway, that's the good news. The not-so-great news is it's not that effective... none of the 2nd line ones are. In most women it just sorta holds off the cancer until they are able to try that first-line drug again because that's the one that kills it.

Another proviso: I see a doctor the Tuesday after Cody for a 2nd opinion. We were advised to do so and feel it's very good advice, so off we go. And who knows... she may have a completely different opinion. Then I'll have more decisions to make. Ah, what fun. =)

But that's the latest and greatest. Keep your fingers crossed for DEAD cancer cells, even if this chemo doesn't usually do that.

Thanks and much love from the couple with the best friends & family on earth.