Sarah took her 12th Chemo Therapy treatment last week and it went well! Next steps puts Sarah into Hormone Therapy and to a scan in early Auguest. What that means exactly we don't know but we'll keep you posted as we learn and navigate this course. What we do believe is Sarah is getting well, she is fighting this cancer, she is managing cancer in her life, she is working, loving, mothering, being, she is living! She is surrounded by love and support and we're all grateful.
I had a great quick visit with Sarah at the end of June and look forward to some more extended time with her at the end of July! Then our families will vacation together in August and we'll celebrate Louisa's 1st birthday a bit early so the cousins can sing in person! I find it easier to update this blog after visits so look again in a few weeks for thoughts on where things are. THANK YOU for reading and staying in touch with Sarah and our family.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Celebrations
Life gives us so many reasons to celebrate and this weekend we did just that with Sarah, Greg and Louisa. Louisa Clare Christopher was baptised at The Church of the Redeemer, an Episcopal Church USA. It was a beautiful service filled with grace and thanksgiving, commitment and promises that we will carry for inspiration and direction. I could go on and on about this event but won't take up space- email me if you need more details or photos!!
Sarah and Greg were amazing hosts providing a fantastic weekend in Baltimore. Louisa is in an active and darling stage- she goes after life-just like Sarah and Greg! She isn't walking but she is mobile! She isn't talking but she is verbal and above all continues to be happy, happy, happy! She really radiates joy. Clare, Peter and Sally adore her and we were impressed they didn't overwhelm their youngest cousin. It was a full weekend of great gatherings with family and friends in Baltimore- a city we really enjoy visiting- can't beat those hard shells and crab cakes- oh my gosh! I can't wait to go back- the problem is the more we're together and the more we want to return and the longer we want to stay. It is a good thing we all have fulfilling things to do when we are a part from one another and things like blogs, email, facebook and cell phones keep us connected.
The past few weeks have been filled with good focus for Sarah- baptism prep, travel for work and friend fun. She has chemo this week so lets keep her in our thoughts and prayers and support her as we have- she feels the love and it is working- we all have much to celebrate.
Sarah and Greg were amazing hosts providing a fantastic weekend in Baltimore. Louisa is in an active and darling stage- she goes after life-just like Sarah and Greg! She isn't walking but she is mobile! She isn't talking but she is verbal and above all continues to be happy, happy, happy! She really radiates joy. Clare, Peter and Sally adore her and we were impressed they didn't overwhelm their youngest cousin. It was a full weekend of great gatherings with family and friends in Baltimore- a city we really enjoy visiting- can't beat those hard shells and crab cakes- oh my gosh! I can't wait to go back- the problem is the more we're together and the more we want to return and the longer we want to stay. It is a good thing we all have fulfilling things to do when we are a part from one another and things like blogs, email, facebook and cell phones keep us connected.
The past few weeks have been filled with good focus for Sarah- baptism prep, travel for work and friend fun. She has chemo this week so lets keep her in our thoughts and prayers and support her as we have- she feels the love and it is working- we all have much to celebrate.
Monday, June 8, 2009
From Sarah....sent to me after her chemo of May 21st.
Good Morning! I hope everyone had a nice night! Chemo when pretty well yesterday. I couldn’t sleep the night before, I believe I got a total of 3 hours. At chemo. they gave me my Advent and Benedryl and I became crazy. Greg and I laughed the entire time. I got home and completely crashed. Greg went and picked up Louisa from child care, came home and I didn’t even know it. When I awoke at 7:00ish, and he was feeding her, I thought it was morning. Again, Greg laughed!
During chemo I did get to talk briefly to my chemo Doctor. I do like him, he is funny….however busy busy man. You must get your questions in early or he is out the door. Constantly being paged. He hugs me a lot too. He says these last three are it and then we are going on hormonal therapy. I asked about hormonal therapy. He said it is like chemo but oral. However, there are side effects as well, he said it will be a walk in the park compared to what I am on now. I said, “are the nodules just too big to be finished”, he replied, “Sarah, they are very small but we must continue.” Greg stated, ” we are winning!”
So, 1 down and 2 more to go and then on to a new recovery stage! We are doing well! Updated photo of Louisa.
Love you all! Very busy with work today and next week! Working from home. Have presentations to get together. Planning on going to TN June 8th and 9th!
xoxoxo
Sarah
During chemo I did get to talk briefly to my chemo Doctor. I do like him, he is funny….however busy busy man. You must get your questions in early or he is out the door. Constantly being paged. He hugs me a lot too. He says these last three are it and then we are going on hormonal therapy. I asked about hormonal therapy. He said it is like chemo but oral. However, there are side effects as well, he said it will be a walk in the park compared to what I am on now. I said, “are the nodules just too big to be finished”, he replied, “Sarah, they are very small but we must continue.” Greg stated, ” we are winning!”
So, 1 down and 2 more to go and then on to a new recovery stage! We are doing well! Updated photo of Louisa.
Love you all! Very busy with work today and next week! Working from home. Have presentations to get together. Planning on going to TN June 8th and 9th!
xoxoxo
Sarah
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Success to share and celebrate, work to continue....
Sarah called this weekend to share that her doctors have prescribed three more chemo treatments. Sarah is taking it well, there is disappointment that she doesn't get a break. There is also an understanding that the chemo is working and doing what it needs to do. So Sarah will keep working to fight the cancer, beat the cancer, recover from this illness and disease. She needs as much support, love, prayers, good wishes and thoughts as ever so keep them coming- you've helped so much with the work Sarah has done! You will help her recover and be cancer free soon- it is within reach!
Sarah has had great success from her work and we celebrate that news! Her doctor appointment last week was about that celebration- he is very pleased as we all are. There is still work to do and we'll keep you posted along the way. In the mean time enjoy what the warmer weather and longer hours of daylight bring- life and a great way to enjoy it!
Sarah has had great success from her work and we celebrate that news! Her doctor appointment last week was about that celebration- he is very pleased as we all are. There is still work to do and we'll keep you posted along the way. In the mean time enjoy what the warmer weather and longer hours of daylight bring- life and a great way to enjoy it!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
A great phone call!
This week Sarah called to share the great call she received! The nurse from her chemo center informed her that her scan looked good- very good! More details will come when Sarah meets with her doctor next week to discuss what exactly good means and next steps but a big phew, sigh, wooo-hoooo along with some tears occurred when this was shared! I'll keep you posted but for now prayers of thanksgiving and huge smiles and hugs to all of you for your support, love and energy! And here is to my amazing sister who is quite the fighter and has had and continues with a fantastic attitude!
OH- also I can't help but tell you what is happening with the darling Louisa! I saw everyone last week when I was in MD. She is as cute as ever- smiling, babbling and starting to think about crawling! She adored Sally and Clare which made everyone happy.
OH- also I can't help but tell you what is happening with the darling Louisa! I saw everyone last week when I was in MD. She is as cute as ever- smiling, babbling and starting to think about crawling! She adored Sally and Clare which made everyone happy.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
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!
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!
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