Normal again!

OK, OK, I know, some of you are already saying, 'you've never been normal a day in your life'.  I'll accept that but I feel normal for me with the chief indicator being that I am able to enjoy drinking pepsi again and eat whatever, including some spicy stuff, and things taste normal.

I'm half way through my two weeks off meds and going about life one day at a time - playing golf, yard work, some of Nor Nor's to-do list, and enjoying warmer weather.  It's hard finding time to do all I want to do - how do people have time to work???? or travel?

Another good day in Carolina - the last piece of our 'championship' team announced he's coming back.
Go Heels!

Praise God!!!

What a beginning to another week!  I finished the 2nd round of chemo yesterday and spent the day at Baptist hospital today getting scanned.  It was worth it since we got great news.  Dr. Aklilu reported that the medication is working - since my last scan in Dec., the tumors have shrunk approx. 30 - 40%.  He said that maintaining the same size would be good news - this is about as good as could be expected.  My body has tolerated the chemo well and it has been effective!  Therefore, I get two weeks off again, then take pills for 28 days again before my next dr. appt.  Then, we do round 4 before we do scans again.  The side effects will hopefully decrease each round as we go forward and the hope is that shrinking will continue.  This is of course answered prayer for our family.  Thank you for your continued prayers.

Leading up to today, I spent a very special and enjoyable week last week.  David and his family have been with us for a week - he and I got to play golf together - and Chris, David, and I got to watch the Masters together.

Oh, yeah!  Some friends of ours arranged for me to attend the Masters in Augusta, Ga. both Thurs. and Friday.  I got to watch the world's best golfers on the most beautiful golf course imaginable with David on Thurs. and Chris on Friday.  It's still unbelievable to me, so I've included pictures below to prove I was there.

Prayer request

Praise - Tomorrow is the last day of this round of chemo and side effects have been very manageable.

Prayer request - I am scheduled to spend all day at Bapt. hospital getting scanned and Dr. appt. to report the results.  The request is that the scans will show that chemo has been effective (whatever that means - no tumors, shrinkage) and that God's will will be served.

Thanks again for your interest and prayers.

Lots to be thankful for!

Gracie and Isaiah spent the night and are with us for the day.
David, Kelly, Mia, Jackson, and Eli are coming later today planning to stay several days.
The weather is supposed to be nicer so we can play outside (kids and adults).
Looking forward to watching the final four with family and only one team left that we want to lose.

Physically, I'm feeling good.  So far (this is day 20 of 28) this round of chemo has had minimal effects.  Thanks for the prayers - answered.  I've been able to do whatever I do everyday (except drink pepsi).  My mouth is a little tender but still no mouth sores, little acid reflux, and I've been able to sleep normally.  The only noticeable change in appearance is my hair color - it has gotten much more silver/grey - Nor Nor says it's age but I know it's because of the medication!

Also, very thankfully looking forward to the Masters next week!