Friday, January 7, 2011

Welcome 2011...

I had my 9-month (routine) MRI on December 30th. Follow-up doctor's appointment was yesterday. Report was good, even indicating some improvement. PTL!!! Blood counts were also good. My blood pressure was high, uncharacteristic for me. We will monitor it over the next few days to see if it continues or was a fluke. For now, treatment will continue as is.

Great days ahead for 2011!!!

Monday, January 3, 2011

Happy New Year!

LIVING LIFE by Bonnie L. Mohr

Life is not a race ~ but indeed a journey. Be honest. Work hard. Be choosy. Say "thank you," "I love you, and "great job" to someone each day. Go to church, take time for prayer. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh. Let your handshake mean more then pen and paper. Love your life and what you've been given, it is not accidental ~ search for your purpose and do it as best you can. Dreaming does matter. It allows you to become that which you aspire to be. Laugh often. Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them. Some of the best things really are free. Do not worry, less wrinkles are more becoming. Forgive, it frees the soul. Take time for yourself ~ plan for longevity. Recognize the special people you've been blessed to know. Live for today, enjoy the moment.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Ugly Sweater Family Photo

My family decided to draw names for Christmas. The mission was then to find the "ugliest" sweater you could find. The results are in:

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Christmas Blog

In lieu of a traditional family Christmas letter/picture in the mail, I decided to blog instead.

What a year 2010 has been! If someone had told me a year ago what this year would unfold in our lives, I doubt I would have believed them.

Here goes...

On February 11th, our granddaughter, Savannah Katherine Weaver, was born. She looks like her Mommy (definitely a Clark). Logan's physical traits are all Weaver features. I was able to be with Brooke and the kids for 10 days following Savannah's birth. What fun we had!

As most of you already know, March is when I received my diagnosis of cancer. Surgery and treatment soon followed. There have been two days in the last 9 months that I would consider myself sick. That, in itself, is amazing. I do have "tired" times, but there is an easy remedy for this. Treatment is progressing forward, and I am feeling really good. I have often referred to this time in my life as a journey. I purchased a journey plaque at Family Christian Store with the following Bible verse on it: "I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

On May 15th, Brooke and Brad participated in the 6th Annual Head for the Cure 5K. This run is to help raise awareness and research funding for ABTA (American Brain Tumor Association).

If you know me, you know I don't like surprise parties. I turned the BIG "50" on July 14th. My children and husband planned a party for me 4 days before the momentous occasion occurred. Did not see it coming.....they got me. Did I mention I don't like surprise parties? Randy also made arrangements for us to renew our wedding vows. It's interesting how those words took on a different meaning from when we spoke them 31 years ago. I really don't like surprise parties (have I mentioned that), but thanks Brooke, Brad, and Randy for giving me my special day.

Later in July, we took a family vacation to Myrtle Beach. We had a great week. The weather was picture perfect. Highlights from the week included watching the boys play in the ocean, Brad playing sand volleyball, shopping at the QVC Outlet store (LOL), poolside relaxation, some golfing (for the guys), Legends (entertainment show), etc. The best time, for me, was the night we took Logan miniature golfing for the first time. He was so excited and thoroughly enjoyed every moment...PRICELESS!!!

This summer, Brad was hired as the Business Teacher for Whitko Community Schools. He and Carter moved back to Fort Wayne over Labor Day weekend. He and Brooke live minutes from each other. Works out really well for Randy and I. :-) Brad is currently very busy with their wrestling season as one of the coaches.

In late September, Brooke and Brad ran in the Fort4Fitness Half Marathon (13.1 miles). Brad finished with a time of 1:58:44. Brooke was on his heels with a finish time of 2:01:35. Whew!!!

Randy and I are anticipating a trip (somewhere warm) after the first of the year. No exactly sure where or when...TBD.

For now, we are looking forward to the Christmas holiday with family and friends. 2010 has been a year like no other in our lives. You all have been a BIG part of it. Your love, support, and prayers have been a lifeline for us. Thank you just isn't adequate in expressing our heartfelt gratitude.

We truly wish you and yours a "blessed" holiday season.

"CHRISTMAS"

"C" is for the Christ Child who was sleeping on the hay,

"H" is for the Heavenly Host who worshiped Him that day,

"R" is for the Radiance on Mary's holy face,

"I" is for the lowly Inn--a poor and humble place,

"S" is for the Star that shone to guide the shepherds there,

"T" is for the Travelers who brought Him treasures rare,

"M" is for the Manger where He laid His little head,

"A" is for the Angels who hovered 'round His bed,

"S" is for the Savior who brought peace and hope to earth on the wondrous night we celebrate--the night of Jesus' birth.


Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Thanksgiving Eve

Thanksgiving or Thanksgiving Day, currently celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, has been an annual tradition in the United States since 1863. Thanksgiving is historically a religious observance to give thanks to God. Traditionally, it has been a time to give thanks for a bountiful harvest. While it may have been religious in origin, Thanksgiving is now primarily identified as a secular holiday. HOW SAD!

I, for one, could not enjoy the festivities tomorrow if I did not stop to ponder on all I have to be thankful for. While 2010 has not been like any other year in my life, I cannot help but reflect on all that God has done these past 8 months. "Thank you" seems so in adequate.

This week is a chemo week (pill) for me. I also have an Avastin treatment later this morning. So far, so good.

Looking forward to being with family this week. All the good food won't be so bad either...:-)

Take time to reflect on all the blessings in your life.

P.S. Happy Birthday to my father-in-law TODAY!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Veteran's Day

It has been awhile since my last post. I have been feeling amazing. One great week rolls right into another great week. GOD IS GOOD!

We've been spending a lot of time in Fort Wayne (some of my most favorite people in the world live there). I've also been thinking about and planning for the upcoming holidays. I think I have finished my Christmas shopping in record time this year!

I am scheduled for my second Avastin treatment later this morning. My first one, two weeks ago, went well...no complications or side effects. Expecting no problems this time either.

Today is Veteran's Day. I think of the commitment these men and women have made...in some cases, the ultimate sacrifice. I have a cousin, Jeff Stegman, serving currently. "THANK YOU" seems so inadequate.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Results are in...

I know I posted a blog earlier today, but I simply cannot remain silent.

Pet scan showed effects from radiation....no new growth. I will proceed with the chemo maintenance pill this week, followed by an IV chemo (probably on Thursday) mainly to keep the swelling reduced.


GOD IS GOOD!!!!! Randy and I are just in"awe" of HIM!!!!!