Ending

Starting and Ending

Merry Christmas !

Merry Christmas

To so many friends who ask how I am.....thankfully, my lab reports and examination continue to show no evidence of recurrent disease. I am celebrating another Christmas!

Each one is special ...I now have 2 very, very special Christmas to remember.

Two very special ornaments. Christ the Good Shepherd ---- We celebrate HIS coming!
Mongolian Ger - amazing country with amazing people.

Happy New Year ! Hope to write again in about three months.

Mongolia and Beyond

Mongolia....an awesome country! We were privileged to visit Mongolia for a month and especially to visit with our son Mark, his wife Cinda, and children Annika and Toby. They live north of the capital of UlanBataar in the town of Darhan. We were about 50 miles south of Siberia. Beautiful Mongolia...the 'Land of the Endless Sky'. While 1.5 million people live in the capital, 1.5 others are scattered in the countryside and other towns. Many are nomadic, living in gers that they can move along with their livestock from place to place. Cows, horses, goats, sheep are everyday sightings, even outside your front door.

Mark and family work with many others in a NGO capacity. Mark is involved with a Christian Leadership Training Center, training church leaders from around the country. We celebrated the graduation of 6 who had completed this two year training program. Multiple other programs also take place. Cinda teaches ESL classes.

Returning to our lives in the states, we gratefully received the news today of good labs and a good examination. Thank you Lord again...! for your provision of life.

Pictures of Mongolia to follow...let me know if you wish to see them. Linda

Another Three Months

Three months have gone by from the 'Blizzard of 2011'. We have waited a long time this spring for some warmth and sunshine.

Today, my reports from the oncologist and the lab were all good! Those who have been this way know what it is like to wait for those numbers. I am so grateful.

Here is a photo from today of my oncologist; my hero who has overseen my care with competence and safety. She is outstanding!

Thank you Lord for these results.

Happy Spring.....Linda

Snow, Sunshine and Good Report

Following up examination today as well as blood work were all within good limits.

I was diagnosed and had surgery ONE YEAR ago today!

While I am feeling quite well, it is good to also get confirmation from the Dr. and with lab results.

Enjoy your weather, around the globe as we enjoy the sunshine and snow in Chicago.


"Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness."
Psalm 115:1

Gratitude and Thanksgiving

Gratitude and Thanksgiving It is the month to think of this topic. For me it takes on a very special meaning.

It has now been two months since my last chemotherapy infusion. During this time, my energy has increased and my appetite returned. I have again been hungry! Food has flavor, does not cause GI symptoms, and is for the most part eagerly enjoyed. That is such a welcomed change from days and months of active chemotherapy.

I felt well enough to fly out to the East coast to see Sarah, Becky and their families in October. Visiting with four grandchildren was a highlight. From Boston's Chinatown and numerous parks to Maine's scenery and the Klein's chickens, it was a wonderful week.

Celebrated three November birthdays with a trip downtown via the train....Anna Heredia is 4 years, Beth and Linda ? Birthday are wonderful.

This week was so important. My first follow-up visit with my oncologist was good. My lab work was within normal limits. And I do not have to return for three months! I am overjoyed.

Each and every day is a gift that I no longer take for granted.

Thank you Lord.

Number 12 - the final chemotherapy

Number 12 Chemotherapy is infusing. I will finish this infusion and have the pump removed late this afternoon.

With this treatment, I complete the coarse of chemotherapy! There have been reductions in initial dosing, delays with low blood counts, and stoppage of one agent due to side effects. In spite of all of this, I was able to complete the coarse of 12 treatments.

I will see the Doctor in two months, then follow up every three months. This is a transition into an uncharted area. We truly wait upon the Lord for His healing at this time.

In the past seven plus months, so many of you have stood with us and supported us in numerous ways. Some have weeded our yard, planted flowers, cooked meals, sent cards, knitted prayer shawls, run a triathlon, baked cookies, fasted and more. Each expression of love has been appreciated. You have truly ministered to us. Most of all we appreciate your prayer support during these months. The Word of God is alive and we claim His promises for LIFE.

"They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 We wait upon the LORD.

Challenges and Fun along the Way

Our daughter Sarah from Cumberland, Maine signed up to run in her first Triathlon early in February. It was a fund raiser for the Maine Cancer Foundation. The very next day, I was diagnosed with colon cancer!

August 15th, Sarah along with over 900 others swam in the ocean 1/3 mile, biked 15 miles, and ran 3 miles. Sarah finished in the upper 10% of competitors. Please see the pictures of why she ran. This race raised over $900,000 for cancer research. Thank you Sarah for your effort for Mom and others.


This past week, with a bit more energy most likely because I had to stop one of the chemo drugs, we have experienced some wonderful adventures.

First was to the Tall Ship Festival at Chicago's lake front. 19 masted ships with an unbelievable amount of ropes, rigging, and masts. We were able to board several of the ships-schooners. The quarters below were tiny. We had to bend over in the living quarters. That's where over 24 hammocks sleep some of the crew, Claustrophobia for me! From the depths of the ships to climbing up the rigging to the high sails. Life on the water is challenging. That life is not for me, but they were delightful to visit.

The next day was a visit to The American Girl Place. What a wonderland for little girls. It is fun to see. Annika, our 9 year old granddaughter, LOVED it. We celebrated her returning to Mongolia with our visit and lunch.

Mark, Cinda, Annika, and Toby return to Mongolia on September 5th traveling through Seoul, Korea and on to Ulanbataar, Mongolia.

Hope - and another treatment

Earlier in the week, someone gave me a rock etched with one word.....Hope. Reading in a devotional on Wednesday morning, the topic was "When I need Hope".

We had blood drawn in the morning and met with the Dr.

We knew the results of the blood counts would determine whether further treatment would be given or stopped after 10 cycles.

The devotional went on with: "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassion's never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:21-23

We waited, we prayed and hoped we could continue, and we waited. After several minutes, the Dr. came with the word "Come on back, we can give you another treatment."

The ANC - Neutrophil count was the highest almost ever! One of the drugs, Oxaliplatin was stopped due to an increase in side effects which could be permanent. The other two chemo drugs, Leukovorin and 5-FU were continued.

The devotional went on..."The foundation of my hope is Christ's resurrection and the strength of my hope is His presence and power."

For praying, THANK YOU. No one has more profound thanksgiving than Don and I. God's grace is overwhelming. Don wrote the following: It was a fast rule when I operated that I reminded myself and all in the O R.....you have one chance to beat cancer, and this is it. We would then put our hands on top of each other and say, Let's beat cancer. It is my solemn prayer every day.

with JOY and HOPE

# 10 I am getting another treatment

While counts were up last week, they were again down this week with the possibility of stopping any further chemotherapy. Ideally, I still have three treatments to complete the protocol of 12.

ANC - Absolute Neutrophil Count was again 1..0. Not high enough for treatment with that alone.

After talking the Dr., a hand count of a specific sub-set of white blood cells was done. My heart was willing to accept whatever the Lord had prepared. (But I sure wanted all the treatment possible.)
It almost seemed like it came down to one number. That is not a truth as many, many factors enter into the decisions of chemotherapy.

Returning with the hand counted results of the sub-set put me up to 1.7. I was cleared for another round. #10 is infusing as I write. I will be disconnected from the pump on Friday afternoon.

Thank you again to so many who encourage me and most of all pray for all aspects of this illness.

Reading from another blog this eveing, I was directed to Psalm 119:14 "You are my refuge and my shield. I have put my hope in your word, Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live." Repeatedly later in the chapter are further words of petition. "Look upon my suffering and deliver me, renew my life according to your promise, preserve my life, O Lord. v. 175....Let me live that I may praise you."

Praise be to God!

Rejoicing over increased blood counts

Wednesday, I had additional blood work done.

With much gratitude, my blood showed low, but improved blood counts. While my Hemoglobin has never been so high and my platelets never so low, my Neutrophil count of infection fighting cells had eased up from the previous week. I have no signs of bleeding or infection.

Think that the time in Michigan with family, the sun, and the beach was good. However, the prayer intercession of so many of you has been the real key.

To God be the Glory. He is Faithful

Hurdles and Difficulties

With a week delay in treatment # 9, my blood counts did NOT show any improvement. My ANC remained the same while a slight increase in platelets and white blood count. It is risky to be given chemotherapy at this level. Figuring in other cells, although immature at this time, #9 treatment is being given. I will be disconnected from the pump this afternoon about 5 pm.

Much discussion went in to how to proceed after this. Because of the slow response of my bone marrow, further treatments might have to be stopped. I would love to have the recommended number of treatments to maximize effectiveness. I will be followed by blood work next week followed by reevaluation on August 4th.

Pray with us that the response would be in a range that further treatment could be given and for wisdom for the Dr in decisions.

Don and I did enjoy four wonderful days with our ENTIRE family....all 22 of us. This was the first time ever to be altogether. Will post some pictures ...lots of food, water, sand, kids, fun and more.

Another Delay

Well...with great anticipation of # 9 this morning, my blood counts were again too low to be given chemo. There is a response in my bone marrow, but not enough mature white cells to sustain another cycle. Chemo is producing varied effects on different systems.

Now...with disappointment, # 9 will be delayed another week. Hopefully, by then, I will have reached a level where I again can have chemo. I felt so good yesterday, Don and I were guessing what the numbers would be. Feeling good does NOT equate to adequate blood counts.

With Don's BIG birthday today, Mark & Cinda's 15th Wedding anniversary, and just plain summertime, our entire family is assembling in Michigan for celebrations. This is the first time that everyone will be together. That will be 22 people in all! Twelve adults and ten grandchildren from age 11 to 1. Logistics from food to sleeping arrangements are interesting. More about that later.

Again, we are reminded that our timings are not necessarily of our making. May the Lord continue to give direction and oversight as HE has in the past. Deuteronomy 31:8
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." We again claim HIS promises.

#8 and Storms

It is Friday evening July 2nd. I was disconnected from my pump about 5 hours ago now, having completed Chemo Treatment # 8. While my blood counts were still on the low side, they were adequate for me to be treated. That is a huge praise!

It is nice to not be tethered to the pump, but it has become so much a routine, that I am not bother with it, asleep or awake.

Each treatment seems to have its unique aspects. This time, only one IV bag was infused initially rather than two. It seem that Leukovorin is not available at this time in the United States. There is no supply to obtain this drug. While it is not an actual chemotherapeutic drug, it does potentiates the effects of the other two. There was a manufacturing 'glitch' which cause the supply to be depleted. Glaxo, Smith, Kline feels they will be able to supply more by the end of July. Interesting.

Two weeks ago, on Friday, a huge storm came through. We lost power in Western Springs for about 8 hours. However, the next day it again went out.....and this time stayed out for over three days. 78+ hours. We ran a generator to supply our refrigerator and freezer, light candles and flashlights, and went to bed at 8:30 at night. Even with the generator, we lost over half the contents of our freezer.

Mark and Cinda were up in Michigan. Power went out there as well for about three days. Our area in Michigan sustained extensive damage with many old, large tall trees uprooted. While we lost trees, there was no damage to our house. Our neighbor, however, had two trees and an limb go into his roof. One really had to see to believe.....thus will share some pictures.

The power of nature is awesome. Our God is in control.

Chemo # 7 - Mongolians Return

With white blood cells still low, especially my ANC - Absolute Neutrophil count of 1.1. , my dose was reduced by another 15 % from the initial dosage. Thus I am getting 70% dose. I have the 5-FU infusion until about 5 pm tonight. Again side effects were different this time.

It has been a delight to have Mark, Cinda, Annika and Toby with us. They have explored museums, sorted through items that were left here, and enjoyed several ethnic Chicago foods. They will be heading down to Missouri and Arkansas for the next few weeks returning to Chicago area mid-July. They are ticketed to return July 24, however, word came a few days ago that the Mongolian government might not be reviewing visas until July which might delay their return.
Timing again, is not always ours to set.

Thank you everyone for your intercessory pray on out behalf. How encouraging it is to learn of people that are praying in the middle of the night from Singapore to Niger to Mongolia to the midwest. Your friendship and concern is a real treasure.

Delay with # 7 Chemo

The expected #7 treatment could not be given today as again my blood counts were too low.

Treatment will be delayed one week, blood counts evaluated, and infusion restarted with the possibility of another reduction in dosage at that time.

We remain in God's hands. The timing and healing are not ours. May I completely "Trust in you, O Lord; You are my God," My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies" Psalm 31:14

JOY - Disappointment - JOY

JOY - Wednesday June 2nd

Mark, Cinda, Annika and Toby arrived from Mongolia via Seoul, Korea...24+ hours of travel. Ulanbataar, Mongolia to Seoul is now 3 hours as they have to avoid North Korean air space. After two years, it was absolutely wonderful to see everyone. Annika and Toby have both grown physically, but still have their sweet spirit. They are very resourceful children. Their return to the states was prompted by visa requirement. We are delighted! Aspen, their dog, seemed to remember them. They certainly were glad to see her.

Disappointment - June 2nd

Following Chemo #6, I have felt quite good. Probably the best of any week immediately after the infusion. I had a positive attitude, ate quite well, and had period of 'energy'. Prior to the going to the airport, I had blood drawn. My white blood cells count was at the lowest it has ever been. WBC....1.9 for those who are interested. My ANC was 0.03. Lesson: feeling good does not necessarily translate into quality blood counts. Again, my risk of infection is heightened. I was given another dose of Neupogen to help boost my production of white cells. Also placed on antibiotics with signs of an infection brewing.

JOY - June 3rd

Thursday, repeat blood drawn showed white blood counts which have never been higher!!!
Thank you Lord for Neupogen, that I do no have pain as my marrow is stimulated, and that it has been effective for me. WBC jumped to 7.7 and ANC to 4.5! Blood draw again next week before #7 hopefully will continue to show positive effects of the drug.

Thanks to so many who lift up my situation in prayer before the Lord, for those that have helped with yard work, with food, with comments and letters, and in multiple other ways. We appreciate each of you.

God is Faithful

It has been quite awhile since I wrote last. I do not want to bore anyone with the details of chemo side effects. They are there, sometimes more intense than others, sometimes present in the morning, sometimes appear at night. I can have some energy for a while, and then a veil of exhaustion come over and you will find me on the couch or in bed. I want to be able to anticipate these times, yet there is no pattern.

Chemo #6 was infused last Wednesday and for the most part, I have felt quite well. Don and I were able to enjoy several days relaxing in Michigan.

This past week has been eventful. #6 for me....yeah! Last Friday, our daughter Becky had a complete thyroidectomy done for nodules that suddenly appeared this spring. Dr. A. Gawande was able to do her surgery...one of the top endocrine surgeons in the country. We prayed that her vocal chords would be spared.......she is able to talk; we prayed that her para-thyroid glands would be spared......all four of them were! While she has experienced days of discomfort and pain, each day brings a bit of relief. Thankfully, the other set of Grandparents, Dan and Jean Williams were able and willing to drive out to care for 2 year old Eleanor. They have visited parks, farms, and taken many walks in Boston, keeping that little sweetheart occupied while Becky recovers.

Now this week, Mark, Cinda, Annika and Toby have driven in the capital of Ulanbataar, Mongolia. They leave tonight at midnight flying through Seoul and onto Chicago.....a 24 hours + journey of time. They have to leave Mongolia due to visa status that will change when they return. They will be in the states for about 6 weeks. We pray for a peaceful flight with periods of sleep.

Since we like the medical community, Sarah and Peter's oldest son will have an operation on Thursday to remove his adenoids.

We so much appreciate your comments, your interest, and most of all your prayers for God's continued care.

Chemo # 5 - Day 5

Number 5 Chemo infused last Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Dose adjustment took place to the appropriate dose for the response of my bone marrow. Side effects continue, but one learns to deal with them. Sometimes that means extra hours on the couch from the constant fatigue.

Have been watching a Mother Robin build a nest outside our dining room window. She faithfully sat for weeks on that nest. There seems to be a Mom and Dad combination as two adult robins are usually seen nearby. This past week two little heads popped up in the nest. It has been fascinating watching the parents bring bits of food....worms?....to them. The baby robins grow so quickly. Talk about being faithful as a Mother.

Had to include a picture of our Aspen. She is a delight....well most of the time. We get used to her snoring, her cough, her routine.....and she to our routine as well.
Mark, Cinda, Annika, and Toby return to the states from Mongolia on June 2nd...16 days, but who is counting. Aspen is power sleeping until then.

4 going on 5 for Linda Plus adventure for Don

Almost two weeks ago, #4 Chemo was administered. However, because of low blood counts, I had to have the dosage reduced by 15 %. There have been a variety of reactions. The cold sensitivity tops the list. Fatigue seems always to be present.

Over the last several weeks, Don has noted a deterioration in his vision in one eye. This is the eye that had surgery last August when they peeled a membrane off the retina on the back of the eye. Yes, deterioration certainly had occurred. Thus, last Wednesday he has a cataract removed with the placement of an intra-ocular lens. Over the next few days, his vision improved almost hourly. Now he can see well enough to vacuum the floors and know that he has pick up everything.....Both my hair as well as the dogs!

This Wednesday, Chemo #5.

Pray that I can receive the full dosage and the cancer cells continue to be killed.