Hello loved ones! This is such a roller coaster ride. Each day can be challenging just to get out of the bed or chair and get going with life. The last surgery has been quite difficult to get through with a lengthy recovery. I struggled with pain, energy, and especially nausea for about three weeks. Finally, the weekend of the Fourth was a great couple of days and we enjoyed the holiday with our family and some good friends.
On July 9th we went camping with the extended Loser family to my sister and brother-in-law's (DeeDee and Kerry) mountain property in Sanpete County called the Bighorn Ranch. We took the motor home up to their trailer and had a great time! My other sister Catherine & her husband Jared took our tent trailer up, too. I pretty much laid around in chairs and a hammock and tried to enjoy what everyone else was doing. It was very pleasant and quite enjoyable. The company was wonderful, the food great, and the atmosphere was serene and beautiful. I think everyone had a truly great time and made some wonderful memories!
On Tuesday, July 14th, Michelle and I met with the oncologist to review our action plan. We decided not to pursue any more chemotherapy. The Doctor said that any further chemo benefit would only be about 10-20 percent. Given the negative side effects for me, it just isn't worth the effort. We will monitor the growth of the cancer and when we see a marked increase in the activity we will re-evaluate our position. The doctor is very supportive - at one point during our visit he paused, pushed back from his desk, looked at the ceiling, then turned to us and said, "Are you two okay with all of this? Do you just wish it would end, or you would get better?" Our reply was mixed, but we both acknowledged that we would like him to be able to tell us that we had three months (or some time frame like that) and then we could make definitive plans and move ahead. Of course we know that is not possible for him to do. The doctor said that our visits with him are always easier than he thinks they will be, and he commended us for not seeking every way possible to gain a few extra days of "existence". He said we are doing remarkably well considering all we have already been through. Michelle and I left with mixed feelings once again. Life can be so frustrating!
Thursday and Friday of this week we had a sleepover with the Ricks College Family. All six original couples came for a BBQ dinner at the Loser Home, followed by games, laughter and
reminiscing. Most spent the night, then all were back together for a gourmet breakfast. We are blessed to have such wonderful friends that we really consider family! It was fun and refreshing to be with one another.
Friday afternoon just the Loser family gathered to swim, have dinner, do fireworks in the park out back, and then watch some family videos. It has been a wonderful and memorable holiday. We are truly blessed!
Here are some pictures of the fun things we have been doing-
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8 comments:
Hello my dear friends!!! We have missed our visits to your home!!! All is well. Ned is busy and hopes you are able to read about his adventures on his blog. As for me, we are trying to patiently await the baby. Brett leaves tomorrow AM to go to LA for the Bar exam. Since no baby has come yet, we are going to try and see if we can keep Necia down and not in labor till he can catch a red eye on Thursday night. They are learning patience:)
I hope all is well today. That you are feeling a bit of energy and know that even though we are far away, we think of you and LOVE YOU!!!
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Ned and Barbara
So grateful to see that you have had some enjoyable moments lately. The hammock looks like a great place to enjoy the fun (if I were in it they would have to dump me on the ground and then pick me up and all that before the trees crossed on their way down. Not being wild is the hardest part of survival but I wouldn't trade to be wild again. Monique and Hilary just came back from girls camp and did all the climbing and zip line and walked the logs and rope ladders and I had a twinge of nostalgia but am so glad they can both still do it. I love that Adam has Isaac doing the zip line, what an exciting life they will have.
Wedding plans must be all consuming by now, best wishes to all of you and blessings overflowing to through the festivities. Love you
Richard, you are amazing. I am sorry I haven't been in touch. I do come here to follow your progress. You have been a model to me in my life experiences and I hope you know you have touched me that way. Would love to hear from you if you feel up to it.
my email is on google, dsmith62@gmail.com feel free to write anytime. Glad to see you are enjoying so much family time. That is so imprortant. Stay strong my friend. The lord is certainly watching over you.
Dave (from Rescue Alert)
We love you love you love you!!! Thanks for a wonderful sleepover and time to play!
I am so looking forward to seeing all of you on Saturday. Things are coming up quickly. Rick, I am praying you will feel great to enjoy all the festivities with Benjamin. :-)
I love you all,
Pana Lou
Thinking of you...
Love Tracy & Jill
Sounds like great fun. I'm glad to read the new post and to hear how things are going for you guys.
We are always thinking of you guys and we sure love you! Take care and we'll see you soon!
So glad to see another post. We were a little worried. What a wonderful family and what great times together--you are blessed. Our prayers are ALWAYS with you. We are so sorry we can't make it to Benjamin's party. Jason (back East in law school) is flying in today (Friday) and only able to stay until Monday. I rarely see my little granddaughter...sure you understand! Don't know why things always happen at once but please know we are so happy for Ben and hope you all have a wonderful day. We will be in touch!
Jane
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