What could be a more appropriate way to end 2023 than to express our deepest thanks for the supportive comments and prayers of our Caring Bridge followers. Though there is much to say, nothing is more important than to report that Vicki’s cancer is in REMISSION four years after her diagnosis! 

There’s no doubt that this status is a byproduct of both God’s blessing and good medical treatment, but it represents hard work on Vicki’s part as well, including handfuls of pills each day and a total of 99 separate trips to hospitals, clinics and pharmacies since January – an astounding average of almost two per week.  And then, of course, there are the side effects.  Ugh.  Heavy doses of steroids have caused several tendon ruptures, and Vicki seems to have lost much of her sense of taste and smell.  

Medical billings of more than $500k in 2023 are a reminder of the blessing of good health insurance. It’s easy to believe reports that medical bills are the #1 cause of bankruptcy in the U.S.  Wherever you are on the political spectrum, this is a problem that has to be solved.

It was a joy to experience lots of travel this past year, so many back-to-back trips in fact that we might have overdone it.  Vicki’s poor immune system led to pneumonia and four days in the hospital in November, and balance issues have caused several falls – something we’ll be investigating in more depth in the months ahead. I’m still Vicki’s primary companion, though her cane is now a close second and seems to be of greater assistance in dealing with fatigue and neuropathy.

Still, we’re convinced of the sustaining benefits of living life as fully as possible, so we’re already planning multiple adventures for the year ahead, including Hawaii and the Mediterranean.  Wintering in Arizona will be possible as well due to insurance coverage for bi-weekly chemo treatments at the MD Anderson Cancer Center there. PTL!

Life is so good when you feel God’s presence and peace and know the end of the story. Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts for your role in our lives.