Happy New Year

The last day of 2008.  On to 2009 and a new "normal." 

I wish all the best for you and your loved ones.  

Tomorrow it's off to Seattle again. Yes, travel has been rough. Last week was the worst as we drove over Snoqualmie Pass in heavy snow.  The week before, Seattle was in the middle of heavy snow accumulation.  (We even drove by that charter bus that almost plummeted off a high retaining wall into I-5 through downtown Seattle.)  But we just do what we have to do.

Under the Christmas tree we received a check from funds that came from Renee's almond roca candy sales.  She let me know that it has been a big community effort.  I am moved to tears when I think about it.

Earlier I wrote about how funds helped pay for an unexpected purchase of tires.  There are many other little things that I never would have anticipated I would need.  Just as a very small example, today I had to buy reading glasses.  (Not an unusual transition for someone in their mid-40s, but it feels as if my small-print reading deteriorated in one week.)  

White Christmas

Even some of the life-time Walla Wallans are saying they have never seen this much snow here.  And it's snowing again.  Big flakes. 

Despite the inconveniences and challenges the snow gives us, I am looking at the snow falling right now and it is beautiful.   

Merry Christmas to you. 

Weather Woes

We managed to make our weekly Seattle trip, in spite of the weather.  We arrived home early this evening ahead of more snow. 

We heard it was sunny in Walla Walla today, although in single-digit temperatures.  Just checked the temperature and it's 1 degree. 

It seems I spent an inordinate amount of time this past week plotting my way through this cold weather.  Even double-hatting and multiple layers of clothing are barely keeping the chill away when I had to go someplace, so I didn't go out much.

And I'm not wearing the wig much...actually I think I've only worn it three times.  It's just not that comfortable.  

The Latest Test Results

Last Friday, in addition to the regular chemo and Herceptin treatments, I also had an MRI and and Cat scan done. (A very packed day which also included a blood draw, iron transfusion, and a visit with my oncologist.))

We received the test results this afternoon and the MRI shows that the tumor (technically two tumors) has been reduced by about 2/3. It was originally the size about the width of my fist, so it is now about 1/3 of that.

The small spots on the lung have not gotten any smaller, but the good news is that they have not gotten larger.

Next week will be the 6th of 12 scheduled chemo treatments and the 7th Herceptin treatment.

As I said in an earlier post, this is a journey of ups and downs, and today is an up day.

We are so thankful for your continued prayers and support. It is so helpful to know you care.

Weather Woes

Inevitably, we knew we'd contend with winter weather and that's what happened last weekend.  After last Friday's chemo treatment, we headed south to Portland to avoid the Snoqualmie Pass storm (the pass did eventually close that evening).  Heavy rain made the I-5 drive difficult but we spent the night in Portland with family.  The next day's drive through the Gorge was fine.

We'll see what the weather brings at the end of this week.  Not sure if flying commercial during the holiday rush time-of-year is the best, especially as I have been sick with a cold for the past week.  

I have now completed five of 12 scheduled chemo treatments. 

A Little Story and Thanks

Last Friday we were driving back from Seattle....a little later than usual as the treatment took longer than expected. Since Vince and I were both very tired, we decided to spend the night in Richland. Minutes after we exited the freeway, we heard the dreaded "thump, thump" of a flat tire.

Although that was the last thing we needed at that moment, all I could think of was how it could have happened on Snoqualmie Pass or in the Ellensburg hills. We ended up having to buy new tires for our van, and I'm telling you this because the cost of the tires was just about the amount of the check we had just received from the fund that has been set up for Jonna and I.

If you are a WWU reader, you may know that Renee U. is raising fund from almond roca she is selling. We just wanted to thank her and anyone else who has contributed to this effort. It is very humbling to be on the receiving end of this generosity.

And, thanks for your prayers.

P.S. Patience. I just have to say another thank you.....Thanks if you have commented on the blog. I want to write back to you, however, a side effect of my chemo treatment is carpal tunnel. I had this about 12 years ago it has revisted. So after doing stuff at home and at work, I can't do much on the keyboard. So to the commenters, know that when I hear from you, I am sending thanks and thoughts your way.

Is There a Draft In Here?

I have 9 hours of experience with a bald head.  Beth, my regular hair dresser, shaved it off this morning since I have been losing hair steadily since Saturday.  Then, she styled the wig that I brought back last week from Seattle. 

Vince was with me at the salon.  Since he shaves his head regularly, scalps are not that unfamiliar to me, however, seeing myself in the mirror at first....I didn't recognize myself.......if that makes any sense.  

The experience wasn't as difficult as I dreaded.  Now, looking back on the last few days, I would say it was more upsetting to run my fingers through my hair and have "chunks" of hair come out.