Monday, June 7, 2010

School's out! YEA!!! I can't tell you how relaxed I feel already. Summer in the mountains of Colorado this year is truly a gift from God. I can honestly remember laying in bed at the hospital in the Hospice room, watching the snow falling outside and thinking that I would probably never see a Colorado summer again. So, I plan to make the most of each and every day, doing all the things we enjoy, and savor every moment for what it is - a wonderful gift! I had chemo last Thursday. I am scheduled for a CT scan, an echocardiogram, and a port flow test on June 21st. The oncologist is thinking that we will not schedule another chemo on the 23rd as I would normally have, but rather take some time off, let my body regroup, and see what happens. We will monitor my body closely, and if we think that I need to get back on some kind of chemo, he has a different one in mind to try. The current chemo drug has been very effective in keeping the cancer from spreading, and has actually reduced the size of the big tumor, but it is very hard on my heart. So, we will try a different drug that acts similarly to the one I am on now, but hasn't the drawback of the heart deal, although I'm sure it has its own drawbacks, whatever they are. Last summer when I got off of everything and was just taking my homeopathic remedies and following the RAVE diet, I didn't do so well, so I hope my body is stronger now and will respond to less treatment in a positive way! Bob is doing really well in the monitored cardiac rehab program at the Shaw Center where I receive my treatments. The staff there is very knowledgeable and helpful. On his off days, he does the excercises using his own heart monitor. Sarah just finished a 10K race in Port Angeles, WA, where she was visiting her old roommate from CMC in Steamboat. She has lost 30 pounds over the past year and is feeling so much more energetic and stronger than before. She often rides her bike to and from work now that the days are nice and long, and works in the masters' swim program three times a week, so she is serious about getting into shape. We all feel so blessed to be together and to feel so well after a roller-coaster year. I was asked to give an "inspirational" message at the state Delta Kappa Gamma Conference in Longmont this weekend, and of course I shared my "miracle" story of how God healed me at Christmastime. So many women came up to me afterward to tell me how touched they were by my message, and that they would share it with others they know who are struggling with pain and hopelessness. Many asked me for my contact information so that they could pass it along to a loved one. I was so happy that I was able to offer encouragement to them. Please continue to keep us in your prayers, as I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is faithful in answering them!

4 comments:

  1. I love this post! And I love you Ruth! Hope to see you at Deeper Still this weekend (I think you said you were going). If not, hope to see you soon!!!

    JennB:)

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  2. Hey Ruthie and family:
    We check your blog updates regularly. We love you and pray for your healing. Glad to hear that Bob is doing well. Way to go Sarah !
    Best wishes from some of your Avoyelles family,
    Robert & Sandy Chatelain

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  3. Anne Zoller KieferJune 19, 2010 at 6:39 PM

    Ruth,
    All my love to you and Bobby. I know he will continue to get stronger. How could he not with a role model like you. There will be many beautiful Colorado summers for you both. Continue taking care of each other.

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  4. Hey Ruthie- Am so happy you are doing well. I always get a little jealous about the "end of School" not applying to me but at least it makes the traffic in DC better during the summer months. All going well here. Tell Bob I am sorry about the valve replacement problem but know her will be back to normal soon. Love to you both and Sarah too.

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