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Posted by: Dan @ 8:20 pm
My apologies for the long gap in the posts here. Some of my readers have been getting restless and downright unruly, so here’s what’s been happening….
Sandy finished her 6th round of Temodar chemo on April 7. It went about the same as the previous round — some nauseousness, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, intestinal tract shutting down… the usual fun that she’s gotten accustomed to for about 10 days out of every month. The first half of April found us both in a bit of a depressed state of mind. But now that the weather has improved and spring really feels like it’s happening — with trees budding and wildflowers thick on the hillsides — our spirits have lightened. Sandy came up with a good line recently… “In the garden of friendship, hope blooms.” And we count our blessings for all our friends, even those we have not met yet, like the many people who write comments or emails to Sandy.
We just got back from a great weekend trip to see Sandy’s parents, her brother and his wife, her niece and her baby daughter. A real nice reunion and celebration of her father’s 81st birthday. He’s also a brain tumor survivor (had surgery 10 years ago). So to celebrate these two cancer survivors (and me surviving getting hit by a truck) we headed off to climb Manastash Ridge - about 2000 vertical feet of mostly steep trail hiking. Sandy was first to the top and was on her way down, not expecting her dad and I to make it, when she found us hiking slowly but steadily upward. We all made it to the top, signed the log book and headed down after awhile (which was harder on us than going up). Sandy’s dad used to do this climb of Manastash every week, but had not done it in years - partly due to his age and other health issues. So it was a real joy to see him and Sandy together again on this high beautiful place. Sandy is still ecstatic about it — what a gift. See photos of the day HERE
Sandy’s brother and I also got a good little epic bike ride in the day before Manastash hike — yep, we’re training for the LiveStrong Ride in July — I’m still real sore and can barely climb stairs (and maybe halfway back to the strength - and lack of pain - that I had before getting hit by a truck while riding my bike a year and a half ago) but it feels great for the soul to even be out there riding again. As one of my heroes Dr. Bob always said… “It’s Another Day in Paradise.”
So don’t forget to help our team and the Lance Armstrong Foundation with a donation. Each team member has to raise a minimum of $500 to ride. Click on the link at upper left, then click on “My Team Page” when you get there. You’ll see a list of our team members you can click on to view their personal page and donation form. Please donate to any of them with less than $500 of their goal.
Tomorrow (Tuesday) is Sandy’s MRI. She is getting them every two months now. We have to wait until Friday to meet with her local oncologist to get the results. Sandy has been feeling good lately so we’re not expecting any change. But any extra prayers and energy you can send her way this week can only help. MRI time was always tough in the past when they happened every six months, so this two month schedule is of course tougher still, and coming around way too fast.
But hope still blooms….
Good night,
Dan
April 25th, 2006 at 7:11 am Hi Sandy, You look terrific!! I will keep you in my prayers. Maria
April 25th, 2006 at 8:03 am I was away for a few days and how wonderful to come back and read your news!You do look great and Sandy’s sunny smile is a blessing for all of us who have those MRI times too (my daughter). We know. We’re at your side ALWAYS sending out all the energy we have. Keep smiling Sandy we all need it. Leda
April 26th, 2006 at 7:44 am Leda, I will pray and send out good energy to you and your daugher as well. I had some great news yesterday from my neurologist - my MRI came back completely unchanged (almost 2 years now) !! So the seizures just meant a needed increase in the dose of my meds! I’ve been buying more lavender recently. It really helps me relax. One thing I tried is to spritz it on myself before I have to go into that MRI tube. It really seemed to help. God bless, Maria
April 26th, 2006 at 12:16 pm Sandy andDan Seeing those pictures of you climbing reminded me of the summer I lived with your mom and dad. Your dad would bug me every chance he could to climb. I would usually be gone on the weekends but not always. As I remember it is a beautiful climb. When he wasn’t trying yo get me to climb, he was making me fit on his “Total Gym”. I have to say our parents were pretty smart. So good to hear from you guys. Good bless and as always our prayers to you and all the other friends I read about on your blog. We keep you all in our prayers. Susie and Wally
April 26th, 2006 at 8:10 pm Dan, thanks for updating the blog. I’ve been worried , not hearing from you. Glad to hear you two have been doing some hiking. I was proud of myself just playing 2 rounds of golf, nevermind hiking up a mountain for heavens sake. Good for you! I’ve just swallowed the first of Round 18’s drugs, and was thinking about you while I was doing it, and hoping you get used to them as I have. I have a Hot Dog sale planned Saturday to raise money for my Relay for Life team. I plan on doubling up on the antinausea pills, and doing as best I can. My family will be there to help me, so I’ll be okay. I think I’ll take my comfy lounge chair to relax in slow times. Probably by the end of the long day (10 -
April 28th, 2006 at 7:48 pm Hey Dan and Sandy, Thanks for posting photos…love seeing pictures of you. I think about you every day and send all good thoughts and prayers. Know that you are loved by a whole “bloomin” bunch of folks, including me.
May 1st, 2006 at 7:00 pm Dan and Sandy, Your websites are truly inspiring. Sandy, it’s been a long time since we enjoyed our summers at Tall Timber. Those pictures of you and Eric are awesome and bring back many fond memories. You both are an inspiration, and as lovely as the view of the Stuart Range in the background. Your stories shine with courage and hope. I will continue to enjoy reading your blogs and will keep you in my prayers. My only regret is that I didn’t discover your site earlier. God Bless! Bob