Breathing a HUGE sigh of relief over here.  The CT scan came back clean!  No evidence of cancer.

Because GIST is a sneaky cancer and likes to pop up quickly, I will continue to have scans every 3 months for the next 2 years and every 6 months for 5 years.

My hemoglobin and iron have responded to the infusions a slight bit.  The numbers still aren't exactly where my oncologist would like them to be, BUT a good improvement.  Ill take it.

I am going to wrap up updates here until my next scan, as my prayer is that there won't be any news to report.  A few thank yous below and prayer request for a sweet girl battling cancer.  <3

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A MILLION THANKS....

St. Joesph's Hospital | Tower 8 - I met some of the most beautiful, compassionate, giving human beings during my stay.  I am forever grateful for the care, advocacy and love shown by so many kind and selfless nurses and CNA's.  

Lori - your timers, great stories, sense of humor and superior care will never be forgotten.  I miss you girl!  Call or text me so I can treat you to lunch and we can catch up.

Rachel - SUPERWOMAN!  I swear I still don't know how you do it all.  Thank you for reminding me of the ups and downs of recovery, your amazing care and friendship.  When is that margarita?  :)

Jasmine - ahhh girl!  You are one of the funniest people I have met.  Never will I forget Mary and her endless screaming. Cant wait to see you shine in your next step as a PA!  

Vicky, Jen, Danielle, - THANK YOU for being such a strong advocate for me and your top notch care,  especially that horrible night of unexplained pain.  Truly, you're all angels.

Laura - you crack me up, seriously.  Thanks for hanging/hiding out in my room and making me laugh.  Also for the endless ice, water and spit cups.  Ha!  So excited for your next stage as a nurse.  

Teresa, Michele, Kea, Annabel, Kourtney, Liz, Lupi, Nora and Sarah....just to name a few were others that I was blessed to have caring for me.  All of these women will forever hold a special place in my heart.  THANK YOU for all that you do.  You ARE making a difference and shining bright during a dim time for others.  <3

FRIENDS:
So many of you reached out via FB messenger, FB comment, text, sent cards, donated with GrubHub, to Go Fundme, etc.  Our family is so incredibly grateful and I am still working on thank you cards.  Thank you for your love and support.  Our medical bills are still coming in and because of the rarity of the cancer, unfortunately not everything was covered so your support has meant everything to us. We are so thankful and blessed.    

I want to shout out to a few friends specifically:  

Kelly - From the moment the diagnosis was given you were there.  Thank you for being there every step of the way for this journey and there for me with anything that was needed.  Thank you for coming to doctors appointments and staying with me in the hospital. Thank you for all of the time you sacrificed from your own family.  Thank you for keeping my friends and family updated with this site.  Your friendship is truly a gift from God.

John - Thank you for all of your handy work and support.  Thank you for loaning us Kelly and stepping in even more with your family, so Kelly could help with ours.   

Tasha - My friend of all things researched throughly.  Thank you for helping me navigate the medical side of things.  Thank you for blessing my family with your delicious meals.  Thank you for staying with me in the hospital.  Thank you for your precious time and love shown to me and our family.  I will forever be grateful.

Sarah - THANK YOU for not one awesome basket for the nurses but for 2!  As always, the super crafty and thoughtful one you are and I was so appreciative that I had something to offer the hardworking staff.  

Karen, Stella, Valerie, Jenny - Thank you for coming together and surprising me at the hospital.  No matter the time or distance we always seem to fall right back into place.  Thank you for all of the encouragement and support.  Jessica - I know you couldn't make it but was so happy to see you shortly after during your visit to AZ.  Love to you all.

Lori - Thank you for meeting me and sitting with me during my treatments.  That environment can be a scary one but having you there chatting with me, making me laugh and cry made all the difference in the world.  Much love sista.

Jen, Stephen and Elise & Marsha - Thank you for your encouraging, positive and faith based text messages/graphics/music.  These always seemed to arrive just when I needed them.  <3

FAMILY
Near and far we received support from our family.  Thank you doesn't seem like enough to express our gratitude for your time and support.  Mom and AJ - thank you so much for caring for the boys and ensuring that things remained as "normal" as possible for them.  They still talk about the time spent with you.

My AMAZING HUBBY - Goodness, I am not sure how you are still standing.  Staying with me almost every night, sleeping on a hide-abed, driving 45min to an hour one way to work, working all day, coming home for a few minutes to see the kids and then driving 45 min to do it all again.  This, on top of trying to navigate things at home, coordination of care for the boys, my care and the never ending house stuff that occurred during this time.  I am blessed.  Truly.  Thank you for showing me what true love is, especially in sickness.  
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A lot of people are still asking how they can help.  I would love to ask for prayers for our dear friends daughter, Maggie Hope Lent.  This little fighter and her parents have endured so many medical challenges throughout Maggie's life and now Maggie is battling cancer.  The strength and unity that they show while facing these obstacles always inspires me.  Maggie just started round 2 of chemotherapy.  Please pray that the chemo has a maximum impact on destroying the cancer and a minimum impact on her spirits. See a photo of this loved family below.

So what now?  I have pretty much resumed all activities. As a family, we are making up for lost time and making as many memories as possible. I am also back and working and its been so great to have this outlet.  Please consider supporting my small business if you need a great gift or stocking stuffer.  Reach out if you want something directly from my inventory and I can deliver or mail or you can go to www.arizonanails.com

Again, thank you for all of the love and support.  <3

Have a wonderful and blessed holiday season friends!  

With so much love and gratitude,
Lisa