Well, I've been putting off updating, because so much has happened since March (I can't believe it's been that long!) that this could be a REALLY long post. I'll do my best to shorten all the news, and hopefully update more often!
Let's start with my health~thankfully not much has changed! I still have the Seton thingy in my fistula, and it's feeling a bit better (although sore now from sitting so long!). I recently had an ultrasound of the area, but I can't get in to see my surgeon again until Aug 7th to find out the results and what we do next. Remember, this was caused by the radiation I had for colon cancer, and the radiated skin makes this a bit more tricky. For now, we wait and see what the surgeon says. She is really good, and I trust her judgement.
In May I had my 3 month check up with my oncologist and had my labs done. Everything looks good--some things, like hemoglobin and platelets, have improved. I continue to have problems with neuropathy, esp. in my feet, I continue to be tired a lot, and I still have a lot of bowel issues from my Low Anterior Resection. But I'm happy to be here, and be alive! My surgery was over 3 years ago--can you believe it?!
In Aug. I'll have labs, CT scans, MRI, and see my onc. again. I had an MRI and Mammogram in Feb., but he wants to start staggering them and doing one of them every 6 months. So, I'll have the MRI in Aug., and the mammo next Feb. My oncologist is keeping a close eye on me, so if there ever is a recurrence, of either cancer, we'll catch it early!
Ok, on to other news! In my last post I wrote about Rich going to a job interview that sounded promising--well he got that job! The pay is BETTER, the people are nice, and the job is interesting, rewarding, and less stressful! The drive is about 24 miles one way (nearly double what he drove before), but it's not so bad. He leaves early to beat the worst of the rush, and he is trying different routes. What we thought might be a major trial, was God just answering my many prayers to get Rich a better job! We have an AMAZING God (and He is amazing whether or not we go through difficult times!). Rich was miserable at the other place the last few years. Life is too short to live like that!
I have not found another job, and am thinking my little part time job at the school is really a blessing. Although it doesn't bring in much money (enough for a car payment or 2), I get to spend more time with my girls and grandkids. And those 3.25 hours a day I do work wear me out, so longer hours would be worse! I still keep my eyes open for a quieter paperwork kind of job though. That wouldn't wear me out as much as working with kids does. But then I wouldn't have summers off, would I?
Now for the REALLY GOOD news! Alyssa is pregnant!! And she is having a GIRL! I am sooooo excited! I was really hoping for a girl, because we've got the 2 boys. Alyssa was hoping for a girl too, because she LOVES pink! She warned Jaren that there might be 'pink overload'. He is so good to her. It makes him happy just to see her so happy about the baby. Funny thing is, this wasn't planned, and they had actually just talked about putting off having kids for a long time. God had other plans for them! They will be great parents, and they will have lots of help! Baby girl is due Nov. 5th.
Brennan and Charlie are growing like little weeds! Charlie is walking with a walker, and can walk holding on to furniture. He is so awesome. He is happy, giggly, and loves to hug and be held! He'll soon be 5! Brennan will be 3 the end of Sept. He is so funny and has a great sense of humor. Talks and sings all the time.
Alyssa and Jaren bought a house only 4 miles away. They moved in mid-May. Rachel and Ken sold their house in just a few days, and bought a house a little farther away. They are about 25 min. away, instead of 5, but are a little closer to Ken's work. Rachel is always planning and thinking about the next child they will adopt, but for now, there is work to be done on their new house, and 2 adorable little boys to give lots of attention to!
Shonna did move back home and we are so happy to have her back in MN! She will be going to the the U of M! Not the school I ever expected, but it is a lot less expensive than the Christian schools (even with some good scholarships she got!). She adopted 2 cute bunnies, and they are taking up most of my family room! But I love rodents, and these 2 are cute and have a lot of personality! Shonna will eventually be going to live down the street with my sister.
Ok, how did I do? Not too long I hope! I plan to do a post soon on some of the emotions and issues we cancer survivors can have. I've experienced a lot of highs and lows lately. But that's for another day....
May God greatly bless each reader that stops by here...love to all!
Tina
