One week down 51 more to go!

Well the first week of chemo is behind me....only 51 more to go! The doctor will do PET scans every quarter to make sure we are on the right track but expects that we will keep this regime up for a year. My next appointment is October 2nd and I'm hoping that he will let me go back to work on a part time basis. So far the side effects have been very manageable. I am learning to eat differently and trying to walk 3 to 5 miles a day. (Let me emphasize trying) I will continue with the chemo pills through this week and next week will be a "non-chemo" week. Then back on the 2nd for blood work, meet with the doctor and schedule the next Avastin treatment then back on the chemo pills for two more weeks.

I had a nice weekend...Friday evening Debbie Auman came over to help me with a little sewing project. Thanks to Abby, I need to repair damage to all the cushions on our living room furniture. Apparently Abby was not happy about us taking a vacation and let her feelings be known through a little demolition. My couch cushions look like a wild cat attacked and shredded them. She also felt that the chair cushion no longer needed the zipper in the bottom to hold all the stuffing either. "I love my dogs...I love my dogs...I love my dogs" has been the mantra while making the necessary repairs. All the while Abby just sits there all wide-eyed and innocent while I attempt to put everything back together again.

Then on Saturday, I went to see Momma Mia with Julie Qualls. What a show! We had great seats and the show was a lot of fun with beautiful costumes, sets and the music was terrific. While we were there, we got a list of the upcoming attractions. Julie and I talked about trying to see the Manhiem Steamroller show in November along a couple of shows coming in the 2010.

Gerald & I just want to say again, how grateful we are to have such great friends. Your prayers and words of encouragement have been overwhelming. It seems like every time we reach a point of discouragement there is someone there to let us know we are not alone. Deuteronomy 28 talks about all the blessings that God will pour out on us if we follow His commands. God says, "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you". So with that promise, we want to say blessings to all of you for your faithfulness during our time of struggle. May you see God at work in your life today. Have a great week!

Because of Christ,

Julie