Sad News

We learned this morning that our nephew, Garrett, passed away sometime last night. He would have been six months old next week, just a day younger than our Cavanaugh.

When you're going through something like cancer treatment it's pretty easy to become very focused only on yourself instead of on the outside world. What a tragic reminder that the rest of the world moves on no matter what personal struggles one is dealing with.

Our hearts go out to my brother-in-law Dean and his wife Meg as they cope with every parent's worst nightmare.

Carpe diem - Trela

3 down, 1 to go!

Well, it's the day after treatment and I've been up since 8:30, have already eaten breakfast, returned a phone call, and checked my email. I feel every so slightly out of it, but this is MILES ahead of the last two treatments afterwhich I spent the first day totally unconscious. Only one more set of this nasty bugger and then we move on to the reportedly kinder, gentler drugs.

After my adventure in the hospital the doctors decided to cut my dose by a full 30%, and I'm definitely feeling the difference. As long as it still does its job, I think we're good to go. I'm focusing on a day of relaxation, movie watching, and lying on various surfaces around the house. So much better than the last time! I can actually pick up the remote! All will be well until approximately 7:30 central time when the Cardinals take to the field... if they don't win I may be using this blog to either 1. sell Eric to the highest bidder or 2. find a new place to live.

- Carpe Diem, Trela

Round 3

Well, a 30% reduction in chemo dose seems to be a lot easier on the cute blonde. She is still feeling pretty tired and groggy, but overall she's feeling much better than after the previous two sessions.

The nurses at Oncology Associates told her that her priviledges had been revoked after she drove to Chris and Leisa's house. Trela, now the "bad girl" at the clinic is not allowed to be in possession of car keys while undergoing chemo. Like the bar drunk at closing time her protests that "I'm fine to drive... really." will not be accepted. Luckily there is no shortage of designated drivers for her.

About a week from now will be the low point for her blood counts, so we'll hope that she can avoid IV antibiotics and/or a hospital stay this time. We'll keep you posted.

Meg Riney stopped by for the afternoon yesterday and kept Trela company. From what Meg told me today, Loopy isn't just a classic childrens story book.

Other than that things here are going well, Kile and Cavanaugh are having a good time at Grammie's and things at work for me are getting accomplished.

Until next time...