Halfway Point Behind Me

Well, I am just past the halfway point in my radiation treatment. I have just 7 more to go! Hooray! So far so good, although my esophagus is quite swollen and very sore so I am not able to eat anything except soup, yogurt and popsicles. I am also a little tired and have been trying to catnap a bit in the afternoon or early evening. No complaints though since otherwise, I feel great.

Pat is one week into his 2 week chemo cycle and it is very tedious. He is exhausted and not feeling so great. He is mostly trying to sleep it off and rest. If this chemo cocktail is working it will be all worth it though so we are praying and staying positive and hopeful!

On a good note, we received a generous packet of gift cards from the Army's Wounded Warrior program. It will do a lot to help offset the added cost of gas and food. We have two different hospitals that we drive to. The Army hospital is a 20 minute drive and I go there every day for radiation. Pat also goes there several times a week. We also have to travel 45 minutes away to the Air Force hospital for chemotherapy and visitis with those doctors. Pat also has to go there several times a week for dental and ear, nose and throat appointments. There are also a varity of scans and lab tests and pharmacy pickups to deal with on a weekly basis. It gets a bit tiring but I am just thankful that we have access to such high quality medical care here. Our doctors and their staff are just wonderful. We have tremendous support.

Speaking of support, Derek has joined the Leukemia Lymphoma Team in Training program to train for a half marathon and to raise money for LLS. In exchange for the training to run the Rock and Roll Half Marathon, he had to agree to raise a minimum of $2000. Thankfully he has raised over $1500 already! We are so proud of him. He is also doing really well with his training. He is quite fast and doesn't mind too much about getting up at 6am every Saturday to go run with the team! Thanks to everyone who has supported him with their generosity as well as those giving moral support as well! The event is in mid November and Derek can't wait!

I hope that all of you have a great week. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Give us strength to get through our treatments! Thanks!

Today's Glass Half Full: "Remember to love a little harder, hug a little tighter, smile a little brighter and always thank God for the gifts that you're given- for this is the legacy of Cole Ruotsala."

Who is Cole?: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/coleruotsala