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Deirdre Kohler, a friend in South Africa -- Art, Brain Tumor and a Coffee Shop- Wenatchee Brain Tumor Support Group Sandy's friends from her Brain Tumor Support Group
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Posted by: Dan @ 5:53 pm
Have Been Greatly Exaggerated.” –Sandy Beardsley (and Mark Twain)
Since finding out the results of Sandy’s MRI on June 30 — and realizing that there is nothing more that doctors and medical science can do for her besides lessening symptoms for as long as possible — we have been reeling between emotional highs and intense lows needless to say. We have had a lot of family and friends visiting the past week. And seeing everyone and all that love and support has been great - a real uplift to Sandy - though at times exhausting. She is feeling a bit better now that she has been off the chemo for over a week. She has more energy, though tires easily, and has a good appetite. She is still moving slowly, usually with the aid of a cane or hiking poles. Her left side deficits - weakness, lack of total muscle control, peripheral vision loss - are still present but lessened since she has been taking the Decadron steroid to alleviate brain swelling. On Thursday, and again today, we met with Hospice nurses. They will be available to assist Sandy and I for the duration of this journey. We are still hoping for a miracle, but also facing reality.
And we are also doing our best to continue to live life and have as much fun as possible…. such as on Saturday night when we joined at least 20 of our friends and family for a beautiful summer evening of food, wine, music, and a bit of dancing outside at a local winery (St. Laurent - a wonderful place). One of our favorite musicians - Kevin Jones Band - was performing. Sandy and I had a great time and she was looking so beautiful and radiant that the bad news from a week ago seemed a long ways away for a little while.
We are also looking forward to the LiveStrong Event in Portland on July 30. The “Friends of Sandy” team now numbers 13 and growing. Sandy and other friends are going to do the 5k walk, while I and others will be riding bikes anywhere from 40 to 100 miles. If you can, please make a donation to our team and the Lance Armstrong Foundation at the link to the left. When you get to the website, donate on Sandy’s page or click “My Team Page” to donate to other team members.
And of course we are still enjoying visitors to our home - though we are trying to pace ourselves and occasionally put out the “Do Not Disturb” sign. If you live far away, please call to see if Sandy is up for a visit. And the Gnome is usually hanging out in the garden and likes a little company…
Illustration by Heather Murphy
We would also like to thank everyone for the huge outpouring of love and support. And also thanks for the gifts of food, wine, deserts, flowers, music, cards, emails, fireworks parade, dancing and of course the howling at the moon circle. Your love encircles us and strengthens us. We are so blessed.
Good night,
Dan
July 10th, 2006 at 6:05 pm ….as are we for the two of you. Give Cameron a big hug. love your cuz.
July 10th, 2006 at 7:10 pm Sandy–You are looking radiant and more beautiful than ever! And Dan, those wondrous blue eyes are full of love and caring. Is that a glow I see or are you both sunburned! Thank you so much for this latest update. We are all with you and in awe of the indredible way in which you are making this journey. Best love and many hugs from Mom and Jim in Waldport.
July 10th, 2006 at 8:39 pm Sandy, I’m still at your side babe, but for some reason I’m having trouble keeping up! Do I detect new found energy on your part? Love, Shirl
July 10th, 2006 at 9:04 pm You two look absolutely marvelous!Not that you looked awful any other time)
July 10th, 2006 at 11:28 pm We’re blessed and still very very close to you on this journey.
July 11th, 2006 at 11:05 am Sandy and Dan, Thanks so much for the update it is greatly appreciated. You two look great!Sandy your smile is amazing but than so are you.I so admire your ability to face and handle adversity with such grace.I am still praying that our angel is going to help you through this.The seeds you gave me are blooming and they are beautiful just like you.Have a super day!!! Love, Janet
July 11th, 2006 at 2:27 pm You two amaze me and I don’t really even know you yet. However, I am excited to meet you in Portland and am trying to raise $$ like crazy for our walk/ride. You keep me uplifted while we deal with our own cancer journey with my husband, Judd. Reading your blogs keeps me positive and hopeful for you and for us. See you in Portland -keep smiling! You are an inspiration to all of us.
July 11th, 2006 at 3:04 pm Hi Dan and Sandy, Greetings from WSU. I am in Pullman for classes this week and next. It was great to see an update and hear from you. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
July 11th, 2006 at 3:09 pm Hello from Kansas! Thank you for sharing this wonderful picture - and sharing your lives and thoughts and journey with all of us. It’s wonderful to see the happiness in your eyes. I’m so happy you’re feeling better Sandy. You both embrace life to the fullest and live each moment with such amazing gratitude. It is an inspiration to all who are blessed to know you. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon. Love you
July 11th, 2006 at 4:41 pm Hi Dan and Sandy, I feel so blessed to have shared Saturday night with you folks and all your Friends/extended family. Seeing you both out starting off the dancing and going until that last dance was magical. Thank you for sharing this fabulous place with all of us who had no idea such an amazing place was near by. I continue to send you both Love, positive thoughts and wishes, and Prayers. Keep LivingStrong and doing it like you do!! Love!! OXOX
July 11th, 2006 at 6:35 pm Hi, Just a note to say that you are in our thoughts and prayers ! Thanks for the update. April
July 11th, 2006 at 9:06 pm We talk about our fun night eveyday, beautiful, inspiring, fun! Love ya both tons, -DaisyDog and family
July 12th, 2006 at 9:41 am Sandy, Dan and Cameron, Just watched Sheryl Crow on the morning show and thought about you Sandy. You know cuz, you two look a lot alike. Same profile and great big smile. To help celebrate your birthday tomorrow, (July 13th) we will light a candle, make a wish, say a prayer and blow it out. We stay positive and believe in miracles. Have a wonderful birthday. Eat, drink and be merry! Love and prayers, Susie
July 12th, 2006 at 10:42 am I will keep praying for you two. Happy Birthday, Sandy! You look beautiful!….Maria
July 12th, 2006 at 12:13 pm I come back from China to the news of what you’ve been going through and I’m overwhelmed. I am going to invite you to look at the photos of my trip from the Costco.com site so look for it. I wore my LiveStrong bracelet over there so you were there too….both of you, and I thought of you every time I looked at it. I’ll be there for the Acoustic Music Festival so I’ll see you then…..if not sooner. Love, Kellee
July 12th, 2006 at 12:43 pm Dear Sandy and Dan, We just got back from our family reunion in the SW and camped for two HOT days in Canyonlands. We looked down at the road you and Mary traveled. She has kept us posted while we were away. Now we are reading your last two weeks and blessing you both. Those words and pictures of your wedding anniversary were wonderful –I especially love the picture of you Sandy sitting in your wedding dress and surrounded by white flowers. Happy Birthday! God be with you. Love, Merry