Hi everyone - it’s me. It’s been awhile since an update has been posted. Things are going reasonably well, considering. Unfortunately I still have a back brace from a compression fracture in my spine caused by a tumor. I continue to do physical therapy to strengthen my legs and arms after my two-week hospital stay in September, and to strengthen my back after nearly four months in the brace. I can’t believe that muscles can atrophy in such a short time (referring to the hospital stay) but here I am, still recovering. Going up a flight of stairs leaves me out of breath.

Fortunately no additional hospital admissions since then. I had another blood transfusion a few weeks ago which helped my energy tremendously! A cancer veteran who had a transfusion of his own said he didn’t even realize how fatigued he was until after. I felt exactly the same way. I completed radiation of my spine in September and apparently that really impacts my body’s ability to create red blood cells. It’s still tough to get through the day without a couple of naps. 

I continue to receive home care nursing visits, chemotherapy every week and targeted therapy every three weeks. We will soon learn how effective these treatments have been. Preliminary results are hopeful so crossing my fingers.

Through it all, it has taken a village to juggle appointments and care for the kids. T, the baby, is crawling like a champ and is an expert at pulling himself up. His newest fascination are crawling up stairs (!!). E, our oldest, is obsessed with letters and writing, completely unprompted by us. We are so proud of them both!

I also have been overwhelmed by the generosity and support from family, friends, colleagues and even complete strangers. It’s been humbling and so comforting, especially so when I’m feeling especially sick or circumstances are most uncertain. Thank you, all, for the outpouring of kindness and love.