Hope yours was good too

We’re counting our blessings.  We’ve had so much turmoil this year that at times we’ve forgotten the blessings we do have.  We have this awesome family who loves us.  We have everything we could possibly need.  We have good jobs and have never once gone hungry.  We are blessed with each other and a love that runs deep.  Thanks to all of you who continually support us and Happy Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving at our house

Time flies even if you're not always having fun

It was one year ago that Johnny received his Stage IV colon cancer diagnosis. It’s still hard to believe, but we were lucky this week, Johnny had his CT scan and the tumors on his liver are responding to treatment.  His CEA number is slightly elevated, but we believe the rise in CEA is due to a very special nausea medication and not related to cancer metastasis.

We’re also on chemo holiday! Johnny will receive one infusion in December and then will be chemo free until January.

 It’s been our routine almost every other week for a year.  Before dawn, we’re at the Zangmeister Center as usual for a toxic cocktail.  We’ve started dreading each treatment more and more-both of us in an apprehensive mood leading up to the infusion.  The chronic nausea is frustrating but what’s been more difficult to deal with is the relentless nature of going through treatment.  

So we’re making the most of our time.  We went to Scioto Grove last Sunday.  It’s a new metro park south of the city and we spent the afternoon walking along the Scioto River with the dogs.  And we’re contemplating another trip to Yellow Springs this weekend because it was so much fun the first time. 

We hope all of you are enjoying the last of this beautiful fall weather, and have a great weekend.  Love you all. 

Johnny at the park with his girls

Little Sunday roadtrip

Sunday was one of the most beautiful days you can hope for in November. So we packed up the dogs and traveled to Yellow Springs.  It’s been named one of “America’s Coolest Small Towns” and it sure gets our vote.  The streets are lined with street vendors, musicians, eclectic shops, galleries and restaurants.  On the way home we stopped at Young’s Dairy and Peifer Apple Orchard.  Yellow Springs was such a great time we are already planning our next trip. It’s been years since I’ve been there and Johnny’s never been there before believe it or not.

We were able to enjoy another doctor free week.  That’s always a stress reducer- living an almost normal life.  Next week Johnny has his 3-month CT scan.  His blood work has all been good, so let’s hope that his tumors are smaller than they were in his last scan.  Love you all, have a great weekend!

Downtown Yellow Springs

Wait til next year Tribe fans (yet again)

We started this week at the Zangmeister Center for another chemo treatment.  Things went smoother than they have for a very long time, and we are grateful.  Nausea continues to be a dreaded side effect after every treatment, but overall Johnny’s doing great.  His CEA count remains low which is good and he is scheduled for CT scans prior to his next chemo treatment.

And… the heartbreak continues…Johnny was in mourning Thursday as he tried to come to grips with seeing his beloved Tribe squander a World Series championship that seemed inevitable just a few days before.  But just like all true Cleveland fans, he’ll be there cheering them on again in the spring. Right now we’re enjoying the last days of the garden (hard to believe I’m saying that in November), putting the RV away for the winter and looking forward to a trip to Yellow Springs on Sunday.  Have a great weekend and keep sending those prayers our way.

 

still getting fresh peas out of the garden