April Update

Where has April gone? Actually we don't want to wish it away as it is filled with many good things and many things to do. HOWEVER we are anxious to get the last scheduled chemo over and the scan completed and see where things stand with Sarah and her cancer.

I just talked to Sarah. The 9th chemo that was to happen today is being pushed out a week due to low platelets. Her Dr says this is a typical side effect of the chemo and isn't surprising. Sarah has a great attitude and looks forward to enjoying the visit with Matthew and being able to taste food! It doesn't impact her appointments so she is going with the flow very well!

I continue to hear about the wonderful ways people are holding, lifting up and embracing Sarah and her journey with cancer. THANK YOU. There are so many amazing people, events, prayers, opportunities and they all work. They all have an impact in some way, shape or form. The energy and love is all around us and we're grateful.

The sun is shining today in Ohio and Baltimore- Sarah and I are enjoying it deeply. Have a great weekend- I'll keep you posted.

Time Going By = Good!

How is it already March? I apologize for all the time with no update for Sarah! The good news continues, "no news is good news" is true at this point for Sarah. She is living and fighting cancer. She continues with chemo every three weeks and looks forward to another scan at the end of April to determine if/how often she'll continue with chemo treatments.

I will share that she was able to escape and take a wonderful trip! She and Greg were able to really relax and enjoy warm weather, sunshine, great food and good company. Louisa was with my Mom which was a huge treat for Nana! Shortly after arriving home from the trip Sarah had a chemo treatment. The time away had a positive affect- her "counts/numbers" were good/up.

As I share that Sarah is living with and fighting cancer I will say that she does this with amazing strength and honesty. Sarah acknowledges the challenge cancer puts before her and family and friends. She admits the hardship and beauty surrounding this place in life. The key word is LIVING in my mind with Sarah. From the very beginning of this journey, when she was first diagnosed, Sarah said she didn't want cancer to define her or her family. She is doing just that- she is living. Louisa helps in so many ways and continues to flourish. Sarah is a fantastic mother and is having fun with the introducing fruits and vegetables. This is a great age! Louisa adores her parents- and is truly a good baby- good sleeper, eater and mile stone maker! Sarah is working on her baptism which will be a very special day. As this blog is for/about Sarah I won't go into my own focus on baptism, but it is something I take pretty seriously. It will be an amazing time to recognize God's grace surrounding us and helping in so many ways.

I'll update as there is news to share for Sarah. In the mean time certainly email me if you have specific questions or want to chat! I'm keeping this pretty general at Sarah's request. We all have our own communications preferences, styles and perspectives. I'm enjoying the opportunity to connect with you in this way. Thanks for reading!

Good News!

What a wonderful title to type!  Sarah's visit to her Dr. confirmed that the tumors are shrinking and the chemo therapy is doing what it needs to do.  She will continue with the planned four more treatments and then determine what is next based on the results of a future scan.  All this happening with Louisa rolling over, cutting a tooth and progressing as a happy, healthy baby- love is in the air and we feel it!

All along we were told about the 3 Ps- good physician, positive attitude and prayer- we've had all 3  and much more including great nurses and staff, fabulous friends and family! We're so grateful!  Cancer is everywhere too close to home- as the "blogger" I share with you that my early morning exercise class has four women all of us surrounded by cancer- another sister, a mother and two daughter in-laws. Our family also has a dear cousin in Baltimore.  The good news is we're all sharing good news this month and I offer prayers of thanksgiving, tears of joy and sighs of relief.  But the fight is far from over- there are ups and downs and I ask for extra prayers and thoughts for these women and their loved ones who are special unique people I'm lucky to have met!  We all need to stay positive and appreciate what we have and look to the future- keep the conversations about health and diet, support to non profits making differences (medical and places that support learning!!) and stay happy- keep the love in the air!

FYI.....Sarah's birthday is Valentine's Day!  Her next chemo treatment is Feb 12th!  I had a great time with Sarah in Baltimore. Her last chemo didn't seem quite as bad - she was weak and tired but the side affects not quite as debilitating!  Louisa and Greg are good too!  I've included a photo of her charm bracelet- so fun to see this coming together. She wears it and draws strength from the friendly reminders she is loved and not alone in her battle!  

Greetings from Baltimore

Nap time, quiet time, restful, peaceful, still and sweet. I'm in Baltimore helping Sarah with post chemo not so good days- usually the beginning of the week after her Thursday chemo treatments.Right now Louisa and Sarah are both napping.  It is a lovely time of day and all seems well here!

I drove to see my parents last night and then came down this morning to do whatever is needed. So far I've chatted with Sarah, made lunch, given the baby a bottle, walked to the store with the stroller (where I had a fabulous inpromptu meeting with cousins- they are in town with their son, my 2nd cousin- who is battling leukemia), prepped for dinner, played with the baby and put her down for a nap.  

Sarah is doing really good- this past chemo (her 5th) was the "easiest" of them all!  Her PET Scan showed the tumors shrinking. She and Greg are looking forward to discussing results with her Dr in February.  The plan for now is to stay the course- which means 4 more chemos (I believe- I need to confirm.)  I'm thrilled with this news and arrived ready to celebrate!

I'll share more later but wanted to share the latest that I know with you dear readers/ Sarah supporters!

January is off and running

Hello dear readers. I so appreciate your feedback and communications.  As I said January is a big month and we're into it!  Sarah started back to work this week- slowly acclimating. Louisa started at the childcare center and all is well!  We're all proud of Sarah and Greg and wishing them well during this transition time.  Adjustments like this are tough for any parent. 

Sarah did get over the cold with no complications- phew- and is feeling good. The efforts to get child and self out the door are big and tiring- again for anyone but very much so for Sarah.  No doubt she is sleeping well these nights. The next scan/screen to see what is going on inside is this Friday- no idea when results will be shared.  So maybe there are some things causing restless nights.  So keep the Christophers in your thoughts and prayers. More as I know it, enjoy the snow and cold- it makes the warmth feel so good!

Being sick with Chemo is the worst!

Well darn it- Sarah has a crummy crummy cold! To deal with that on top of the low energy of chemo is no fun!  She is hanging in there and still getting things done like sorting clothes that Louisa has outgrown and won't need.  In the mean time I will share that chemo went about like last time including good news on the marker report!    January has a good bit happening, as always I'll report what I can and in the mean time please email or call with questions.  Also if you want to send Sarah anything the best way to do that is through my parents- Mom sees Sarah at least once a week and is happy to deliver letters or packages- 13312 Hickory Hill Rd, Hagerstown, MD 21742!  Thanks for reading.