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.

Wrapping Up the Year with Chemo

I'm so impressed Sarah is spending the last day of 2008 having her 4th chemo treatment. It is hard not to think what I  would do in Sarah's situation. Of course one doesn't know- it takes being there and then you see.  Well what I see with Sarah is unbelievable strength, determination and  acceptance.  I'll keep you posted how her day goes as I'm able.  

In the mean time I know Sarah wishes each of you reading this a happy and healthy new year! Your love, faith and support of her are making a huge difference.  Her charm bracelet is at the jewelers- she has four unique beautiful hearts for it that have come from a variety of places in her life, locations/ages and it is perfect! Each card, email, phone call that comes to Sarah or family members delights!  I'm sorry if each blog is repetitive with what might feel like a "statement of appreciation" but it is true and a key part of this journey with Sarah and her cancer. So again- thank you for all you have done, do and will do!

The holiday Stoner celebration was fantastic.  Photos will make their way to my shutterfly blog and maybe here eventually. Sarah looked incredible. She is a wonderful mother, wife, sister, daughter and aunt!  Like all good things it had to end- we've all returned to our homes and will continue to email, call, text and look forward to the next visits in the new year.

Merry Christmas

Greetings from Hagerstown, Maryland!  Sarah continues to look and feel good. It is a special holiday and we're happy to be together.  Louisa had a great Dr appointment and couldn't be a better addition to the family. A baby's first Christmas is filled with awe and wonder, even at 4 months!   The crazy, wild, fun will get only better when Matthew's family arrives tomorrow! We can't wait.

We wish each of you hope, joy, peace and love. We hope you enjoy wrapping up the holiday month with family and friends.  We continue to be so grateful for your support.