Four 11 and Shrinking

I apologize for the delay in getting an update posted. I am struggling to stay on top of everything and being at the hospital without internet access for 5 days did not help.

First, a huge THANK YOU to the 30+ people who showed up at the new house and left it sparkling clean and fresh ready for move in. And, a special THANK YOU to the ladies who sent the email, made the calls, and organized the event. I don't think I have any words that can adequately express what a sweet feeling it was to leave the hospital, go to the new house, and realize that you all had eliminated a couple of days worth of work for me. You did far more than I would have ever asked of any of you. Thank you so much!

I stand amazed that you all showed up with such notice at the busiest time of the year. I know you all have busy lives, and many of you had family coming or already here visiting. Really ... thank you!

Ryan's surgery went well. He lost less than a 1/2 teaspoon of blood and they did not have to manipulate the intestines at all, which made the healing time go faster. He took an extra day of clear liquids before he was passing things out of his stomach enough to have formula. He is now on formula, 3-4 ounces every 3-4 hours around the clock. (It's kind of like having a newborn baby again.) We are encouraging him to drink all that he will from his bottle, and then topping off his tummy through the feeding tube.

As for me, I didn't have a chance to update you on last week's appointment with the new Oncologist. He was great! Not only does he seem brilliant and experienced, but he has an adorable accent. Hehehe. He thinks the best approach to my cancer is to do a very aggressive treatment in hopes of getting rid of the cancer completely. I am meeting with him again tomorrow to find out if I "qualify" for a stem cell transplant. I'll explain more about it after I get home tomorrow and have a more definite plan.

I hope to have a definite treatment plan at the end of the appointment tomorrow. I feel like I'm just spinning my wheels now. Lots of appointments, but no progress.

I spent some time at the hospital with a lovely little booklet called, "Chemotherapy and You." It's not a good read. I hope you never feel the need to read it. I'm now a little nervous (read a lot nervous) and wishing that I could just wake up to find this Cancer thing has all been a bad dream. In fact, I think I'll end now. I have some things I need to get done and can't sit here feeling sorry for myself. Besides, how can I feel sorry for myself when I am so blessed! So, note to self: "Be of Good Cheer!"