Two Weeks from Today - WE WALK!!!

Today is Friday, August 29, 2008 - this summer has just flown past! This next week I will need to keep up my training walks here in Anacortes. The picture above is from our Scrapbook retreat in Monroe. Dyona, Jennie, me, Shasta and Kim - we walked in the rain and nobody melted - hip hip hooray!!

I'm here at Nancy's. She did come last Saturday to the family picnic - what a joy to have so many family members there, and it meant alot to all of us that Nancy would make the effort. She did spend most of the day in bed, but was able to get up and visit with family for a little while. Thanks expecially to Mom for driving both ways!! One of the best moments from the day was when 2 year old Aiden (Mike & Jennie's son) sang "You are my Sunshine" to Nancy. Wow. Our dad's brother, Uncle Fred and cousin Karol were also there. A great day. Larry did most of the work preparing the house and yard for the party. We were able to get 14 dungeness crab (just before someone stole our crab pots - go figure!). Here's a picture from last Saturday - Nancy is sitting on the couch next to Ragna - then Annie, Devon tickling one of the twins.

Tuesday I meet with DSHS prior to an Administrative Hearing about Nancy's medical insurance. They sent a letter saying it was being discontinued at the end of this month! They had incorrect information about her SS disability and her private disability insurance. I was relieved this morning when I found out that they did reinstate medical coverage for September and when I spoke to the representative, he said if I bring the proper documentation, he is sure that her medical will be covered. Praise God! One less worry for Nancy and Mom.

More updates as this week and next progresses. Keep walking and praying!

Full Moon & Anniversary

Full moon rising over Mount Rainier last night! Michael took this picture from his front porch. It is gorgeous!

I'm here in Anacortes this week. Today is our 38th wedding anniversary and Larry is coming up to celebrate, probably go to lunch and visit.

Nancy didn't have chemo the last two weeks as she hasn't felt up to it. The oncologist decided this current treatment is not working enough to warrant the side effects. She had a CT scan Tuesday that showed some further spread of the liver and abdominal metastases. She gets a couple weeks off, then they will reassess and maybe try some oral chemotherapy at that time.

She will have this time to regain some strength and hopefully feel well enough to come to the family picnic a week from tomorrow on August 23rd. We are hosting the picnic at our house at Nancy's request. Mom will be here and will drive her down to the "cabin" as we all lovingly refer to it. Our house is built on property where our grandparents built a summer cabin in the 1920's. Lots of history, memories of fun times. We feel very blessed to live there.

Oh my goodness. The hospice massuse just gave me an incredible foot massage. I walked about 4 miles this morning (and it was warm!) and my feet feel brand new. Hope I can find someone like Linda to take care of my feet on the walk and afterward!!

Speaking of the walk, it's just four weeks away! We had a scrapbook retreat last weekend in Monroe and even though it was raining pretty good last Saturday, several of us went walking. Be sure to check out "By Shasta" - a very cool blog that has a couple pictures of our walk last weekend. Shasta's blog is always full of great info on scrapbooking and the 3Day walk.

Time for lunch out with my sweetheart of 38 years!

The Battle Continues - Spirits are High!

Wow - Saturday, August 2nd already. Nancy continues her valiant fight. Last week the oncologist told her that the tumor markers are down - which is good. He said "this chemo is working, biochemically." We won't know for sure until a Pet Scan sometime after her 4th round of chemo which is next Thursday, if the chemo has halted the spread of the disease. She continues to lose weight, but has enjoyed some food this week. We had an old fashioned pot roast on Wednesday and some wonderful fresh salmon and vegetables last night. She is having a little difficulty swallowing, but small bites work well.

Yesterday I walked about 6 miles here in Anacortes and to my surprise the town was having an arts festival. I did stop at a couple of booths. It was very festive and a nice distraction. Today a local furniture store is delivering a new mattress for the guest room! Mom and I will certainly appreciate having a comfortable bed.

The walk is getting closer - about 6 weeks - and it feels like my body is ready. Everytime I have a little ache or pain while training - I just think about what Nancy and so many other women go through to battle this disease - it is very inspiring.

Next weekend we have a scrapbook retreat and several of the gals are doing the 3 Day walk so we will get out and get some training walks in. Keep praying and thanks for all the support!