Oncologist Update...

Hello Dear Ones  ---


Well, Rob and I met with the oncologist late this afternoon, and we really don't know a lot more than we learned from the surgeon.  She is, however, in a BIG hurry.

Back in January 2012... so long ago now

Dr. B. wants Rob to make decisions quickly, due to the size of the mass... for she, too, said it's very large. 


So, two things need to happen next week:

1... Rob will be getting a detailed CT with contrast of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, with her main concern being the lungs looking for more cancer spread.  This would not have shown up in the x-rays that he's been getting.  (So, my question, is why has he been getting them?  Just me asking...)  This CT has been scheduled for next Monday.

2... We are awaiting a call for a CT-guided biopsy
of lymph nodes in the mass.  They will go in through his back or side via needle.  This will tell her exactly what cancer we are dealing with.  Both she and Dr. J are pretty sure it's the same cancer as the bladder cancer, but the biopsy will tell us for sure. 

If pathology says it's a different cancer than the bladder cancer, a lymphoma, she can treat that and give him 2-3 years barring any other spread.  If it's the same cancer as the bladder cancer they found in November 2012 and January 2013, we know it has spread, and she can try to treat it with different types of chemo, depending what our insurance will cover and what she thinks he can handle.  If he tolerates it well, he can see another 6-12 months. 

If he does nothing, she said 3-6 months. 

January 2012  - Pre-cancer days

He may even start the chemo or some radiation, and not be able to tolerate it, and ask them to stop.  There are just too many "what if's" at this point in time until we get both above CT results.  But she is telling him that he has to make up his mind SOON.  

We don't have a lot of time to make decisions it seems.  I could see Rob was getting a little stressed, and a couple of times we exchanged those glances that said, "What?  Why?  No way!  What if..." and so much more in that nano second of time.  

Overwhelmed.  Overloaded.  Too much. 

We are meeting with Dr. B. again in two weeks, on Tuesday, November 11th, to go over both CT results and figure out a plan of action.

Rob asked her about the recurrence of the cancer in the left ureter, and wondering how that could be, since the kidney output seems unaffected.  She said it has not grown large enough at this point to cause a complete blockage.  Okay.  Sort of comforting.

We discussed many, many other things, and my notes were on to page two, and didn't even sound or look like the English language any longer.  I was drifting away somewhere quiet.  My hand was writing everything she said, but my mind and thoughts were frozen.  Too much, too fast.  We need TIME.  But we don't get unlimited amounts of that. We will take what we get.

But we at least have two weeks to consider things.  

These two weeks are going to drag on and disappear in a flash.


~~~~~~~~~

Okay...  Well, not the definitive answers to anything that we were expecting to hear.   *sigh*


Rob is taking it all in, asking questions, trying to sort things out.  Dealing with things pretty well, considering.  Always making jokes.  Just who he is.  He's able to just let things slide off his back so he doesn't have to carry them around.  Don't know how he does it.

One thing I have learned throughout this cancer journey so far is to have patience, have faith, deal with one day at a time, and know that God doesn't give us more than we can handle.  He must know something I don't, because in the dark, quiet hours, I don't feel I'm handling anything well at all.  I am numb and tough during the daytime, and numb and reflective under the stars.  The numb just doesn't go away.

~~~~~~~~~

On a lighter note, sweet little 15-week old Riley is keeping us very busy.  He's house-training pretty well  --  for the most part  --  and learning to sit, shake, wait, come, and just look at us with that cute, "thank you for loving me" face.  He has his moments of racing around and bouncing off things, including the cat, but he's really trying to please, in his own way.  He loves to curl up in my lap and sleep, but that may not last when he reaches his 65-70 pounds!  :)

~~~~~~~~~

January 2012

If I hear back on the results before we see Dr. B. again on the 11th of November, I'll update, although I won't know exactly what it will mean.  It may be better if I wait until we meet with the oncologist, and have some clear answers as to which path Rob chooses to travel.  So, I probably won't update until the eve of the 11th.


Until then, know that your prayers are felt, are comforting, and are so appreciated.  And know, also, that you are in our prayers each day, as well.


Blessed in Life, and Wrapped in Peace...

... no matter what comes our way.


Cheri ♥

Difficult News to Share...

Hello, Dear Friends  --


Difficult news to share... 


I took a break from the blog, because it allowed me, almost, to pretend that life was normal, whatever that means.

As most of you know, Rob was diagnosed with a very aggressive stage IV bladder cancer in November of 2012.  He had two major surgeries, four rounds of chemo, and though not quite who he was before going through all that, he was able to lead a somewhat normal life for awhile.  The chemo took a toll, left him tired all the time and the fuzzy "chemo brain" never quite left.  He continued, every six months, to be poked and proded and scanned and radiated while they looked for signs of recurrence, which we were told would most likely recur within the first two years, due to it's aggressive, invasive nature.

This past June, the scans were all good.  His liver numbers have continued to climb without anyone being able to figure out why, though.  With a normal range of 0-44, his were lingering around 200+.  Recently, the number was 568, and still nobody knows why.  The CT shows many cysts on his liver, but they have been non-changing.  Rob was scheduled for his round of testing again this December.  However, I moved them up to November just in case he needed anything more, so testing could go toward our deductible which is going to reset and start over in January.  



Rob was having some bad pain a couple of times that turned out to most likely be unrelated, but something told me to move the appointments up even more.  So every Monday so far this month he has undergone blood work, x-rays, and his regular CT scan.  This time, the news was exactly what we did not want to hear...  the cancer is back.

Not only is it back, but it's back with a vengeance.  His left ureter (which was full of cancer in 2012) is collecting fluid, and they are concerned for cancer recurrence.  But more than that, his whole belly area, closer to the back, from aorta to lower abdomen, is filled with a mass of enlarged, necrotic lymph nodes...  the cancer has metastacized.

Rob's surgeon is a kind and smart man who cares deeply for Rob, and you could see how upset he was having to give us this news today.  We had seen the reports late Thursday night online, but wanted him to explain it all to us.  He wants us to see Rob's oncologist as soon as possible (this coming Monday) to discuss options:  1 - surgery, pretty much unnecessary as they know what's happening; 2 - second line chemo to try to manage symptoms;  3 - do nothing.

Either way, with or without chemo, Rob's timeline is within a year, possibly just a few months.

Devastated?  Yes.  Scared?  Yes.  Numb?  Absolutely.

In just four months we went from nothing showing up on the scans, to a whole body full of it.  Trying to hold the tears back at the surgeons office, we spoke frankly of many possibilities, but the oncologist will be able to fill in details to help Rob figure out what is the best path to follow at this point in time.  Once in the car, my angry, fearful tears came, and the sad ones continue to well up on and off throughout all these hours.

I will post more as we find out more.

Rob asked about following up on the liver issues...  His doctor said it really wasn't anything we needed to worry about right now.  We knew that, too.

 
Other happenings of late...

In August we lost sweet Darby girl, and a part of my heart that will never mend.  She loved us completely, and was the best ever companion.  It just doesn't seem right that she's no longer here.  The hurt is painful and deep and quiet... most of the time.  Tears flowed for 48 days before I could even entertain the idea of bringing a new puppy home.  Absolutely not a replacement...  but a rescue.  

So, just two weeks ago, I returned home from an adoption event with a new little black bundle... he rescued me.  Little 14-week old Riley is bringing back some smiles, and giving Rob some good exercise up and down the stairs as we potty train him.  

Riley, not Rob.  ;)

 
Just so you know...

Rob is handling this cancer news well as always, and as expected.  His sense of humor is fully intact, and he continues to use it, even if I think it's in bad taste!!!  

After being told there may only be a few months left, Rob leaned over toward the doc and asked, "So, it's okay if I have some FRIED chicken then?"  He, the doctor, and I cracked up!  And on the way home today, he said he's going to eat red meat here and there.  A-OK with me.  :)

Rob has made a few comments to me with that quiet smile... Wondering if this is his last Autumn to see and be in, thinking about having a cigarette again (which I hope he doesn't), and asking me if I'll miss him.  He said, "Facebook existed long before I got on it, and will be around long after I'm gone.  But it won't be quite as COOL a place without me. ;) "

Things he needs to know, and things he wants to think about.   

I believe we'll be having lots of talks about lots of things in these coming days.

Please, please continue to pray for Rob, and his family, and me, too.  For strength, for peace, for clear thinking...  please continue to lift us all in your prayers.  It's your prayers that have kept us lifted and kept us going through all the bumps and hurdles on this valley walk.

And as I mentioned to our family in a note earlier today...  our faith remains strong, and we know that God is in control of all things.  Because He sees the big picture, and we don't have to understand anything more than that.


In Love and Wrapped in His Peace,

Cheri (and Rob) ♥

Quiet Times Continue...

Hello again.  It's me.

I haven't updated much.  Things haven't changed too much, and that's good.

Rob repeated bloodwork again last month after having come off some meds to see if they were the cause of his high liver numbers.  Well, they were not.  His liver numbers continue to be high.  One of them, over 6 times the 'normal' high.  So, what now?

We need a picture day soon! (2014)

His family doctor wants him to wait and go for the pelvic/abdominal CT in June as scheduled, and then he wants Rob to see the surgeon and the oncologist, and he wants them to point-blank tell him it's not a return of the cancer.  Rob and I don't know what it is, and we don't want to figure it out right now.  His belly area is swollen on that side of his body.  Not bad, but noticeable.  Rob doesn't think so, but we see through different eyes.  I want to see through his for a while.

We will wait until the end of June to find out more details.  Until then, we'll just enjoy the doctor-free days of Spring.  

The CT that is scheduled was ordered this time by the surgeon rather than the oncologist, and by the sounds of it, seems more detailed.  I am happy about that.  I put all my doctor faith in Rob's surgeon  --  he is a good and kind and caring man, and in my book, that makes a good doctor.  There is never rushing with him, never a question that doesn't get an answer, and always time to hold our hands and explain in detail, even with drawings, anything we need to know.  He is tops on my list of good doctors.  Of good people.

Rob continues to enjoy his waking hours on facebook conversing with friends known and unknown, sharing smiles and memories of old, and most of all, the music that feeds his soul.  Even though these hours don't include me, it makes my heart happy that he's happy.  He tires easily and sleeps much, still struggles with headaches and a few other things, and he prefers to be home.  Home is a good place to want to be.  I'm glad he's home.  We go out for a bit here and there, but he tires so easily, that the time passes quickly.  *sigh*

I am mostly gone.  

2012

When I'm here, I mostly sleep.  I listen to Rob's day when I return, and follow it when I can.  You, our friends who know us well, have been supportive and loving and sharing and kind to us both.  You love and include me in your words and conversations with Rob, and most especially in the prayers for him, and it touches me deeply.  You are our prayer warriors, our battle partners, walking the front line with us and for us as one.  And I thank you so much.  

My cup runneth over... 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~


My daughter and her hubby are expecting blessing number three this fall, and it makes my heart smile!  It's one of those Lifesongs, you know?  Beautiful music... like the breeze in the branches, the waves in the sea, the beating of the heart.  Beautiful music.

And me?  I am running on empty.  I just went through another battle... this time with my insurance provider who changed my coverage when I went from part-time to full-time without telling me.  I fought it to the top, and they finally agreed I was wronged, and they let me correct it.  Another fire extinguished, but each one takes a toll.  Even though I win, I feel defeated from the fight.  Just a little bit.  I am under tremendous pressure at work to perform, and I'm finding I don't do well in those situations.  I need to find a fit, and so far I haven't.  But some things are more important right now, so I will stay and try harder.

My drive in to work is filled with prayer and inspirational words and music... things to fill me with that indescribable Peace and stave off the tears so I can do the day.  The tears sometimes come out... but quietly, and respectfully, and thankfully.  Not ever out of anger or pity, but just a silent release.  I am so grateful for all the blessings that surround Rob and I, even though some don't understand that.  But we really are richly blessed. ♥

I don't sleep much, though I try.  I sleep when I don't want to  --  when there are piles in front of me waiting to be worked on.  But in the wee hours of the darkness when I should sleep, I instead listen to the silence.  I feel your prayers for us each day, and I know they are what keep us keeping on.  So from the bottom of my humble heart, I thank you continually and completely.

In the past few months we have celebrated birthdays and holidays, and family gatherings... all filled with laughter and love and memories of good and happy times.  I like to store those up inside.  On hard days, I remember, and the smiles just come out.  More Lifesongs.

I've been staying away from the television more and more, as I am striving to focus on other things... things more meaningful and more lasting.  Things less noisy and less complicated.  My idea of a perfect morning would be sitting at the waters edge, watching the sunrise and listening to the waves calmly roll in.  But until I find that again, I will find my quiet where I can.  It's everywhere, we just have to listen.  Even here, in the midst of a community of people, I open the door as the sun starts to rise, and sit on the balcony.  I listen to the rustle of the breeze and the discussions of the birds as they prepare to welcome the day, and sometimes even the raindrops as they dance on the grass.  It's a beautiful, quiet symphony that God gives to us each day, if we don't let the busyness of life drown it out.  That's the music I want to hear.  That I need.  (Thank you, Lord!)

Tomorrow (Today) is my day off work, and after I take my Nicole and her babies to her doctor's appointment, we're off for a girl's day at the zoo!  So needed!  We are going to laugh and play and take pictures and act silly and make faces and eat a picnic lunch.  A lifetime of Lifesongs in a day.  

Ahhh, life is good, no matter what!

Okay, I'm way past bedtime again, and much to do before this head rests on the pillow.  So I bid you a loving and peace-filled day, and hope we can share smiles and hugs and happy memories together one day.  

Soon.  :)


In Love and Wrapped in His Peace,

Cheri ♥

Mostly Good

We finally heard back from Rob's surgeon at dinnertime tonight.  Two weeks after our visit, and what seemed like hours and days of waiting... sometimes impatiently, sometimes not.  The news was mostly good. :)

The bloodwork for his B12 levels were normal.  And so was the pathology/cytology report on the urethral wash (whew!).  The only issue, is that the two liver blood levels are still "extremely high" and the surgeon isn't sure why.  If you remember from a post in early Autumn, those high numbers caused enough concern that Rob's surgeon moved his pelvic CT up a month.  (Thankfully, it was okay.)

But there is concern as to why the bloodwork is still so high in regards to the liver.  We haven't gotten our copy of the actual results yet, but the last time, they were 4-5 times higher than they should have been.  So, from the surgeon's comment tonight, they are still there or above.  He wants Rob to follow up with his regular doc to find out his thoughts on these results.  The next pelvic CT is in June.

Rob was doing some reading, and is convinced the high liver levels are from his statin drugs he's on for high cholesterol.  I know these can contribute, but I think I'll wait to see what the doctor says.

So, Rob will be on the phone tomorrow, making another appointment for more prodding and poking, no doubt.  I'll keep you posted.  He is still dealing with headaches and fatigue daily, but doing okay!

On the home front...

In the last few weeks, I have accepted a full-time position at work... against Rob's wishes... but when I weighed all the pros and cons, it was needed.  It's only one extra day, but with more paid time off... and the added hours will help cover the added medical insurance costs we're incurring.

I struggled with the decision for weeks, but felt God had placed it in front of me... more than once.  This time I had to listen quietly for the answer.  And it came.

I think often of the days when I was not in this rat race of living, with people everywhere and impossible traffic I can't avoid... and a tune came to mind:

2012... A merry moment :)

 I could wile away the hours
Conferrin' with the flowers
Consultin' with the rain
And my head I'd be scratchin'
While my thoughts were busy hatchin'
If I only had a brain...

I would not be just a nuffin'
My head all full of stuffin'
My heart all full of pain
I would dance and be merry
Life would be a ding-a-derry
If I only had a brain...

Some days... back when I had all the days... I wondered if I should be doing more, being more useful, something.  Wondering if I had a brain about me at all.  And now, being back in what has become the "real world" of work and sacrifice and no time to call my own, I find myself longing the no-brainer days of old.  *Sigh*... 
Just the inner me dwelling on the surface, trying to seep it's way out.  Again.

Instead, I will go to work and use the brains God gave to me to the best of my ability, for as long as I am able to.  

And I truly am thankful for that.  Really.

God sees the big picture.  I get so wrapped up in this life sometimes that I am only seeing the moment.  I will wait on God's perfect timing.  And listen with my eyes wide open. 

I would still like to dance and be merry, though.  

I just have to find the music again.  

And I have faith that I will. :)





~~~~~~~~~~

Okay, enough on us.  We're doing okay! 

Be blessed in all you do, and know that we are praying for all of you each day! 

Side note:  I was wearing Spring jackets for the last few days, and will be waking up to nearly 10 inches of snow.  I'm realizing you just gotta have a sense of humor to stay in Michigan.  ;)

Blessed in Love and Peace and March Snow,

Cheri  ♥

Doctor Check Tuesday

Good early morning, or Good late night... depending if you're waking or retiring.

I'm sort of stuck in between.

I dozed in my chair while my favorite show was on (Downton Abbey), and now when I should be sleeping, I find the need to write.  So I do.  Sleep will come in time.

February 2014

Rob's been doing okay, handling this insanely cold winter better than I am.  I worry about him slipping and falling as he takes Darby out during the day while I'm gone, but God's been protecting them both.  If it weren't for my family all being here in Michigan, I would run away in a heartbeat.  

For sure!  

We had a bit of a reprieve, with temps in the 30's for a few days as we broke out our Spring jackets...  But this very night the temps have dropped again, and they say this infamous 'polar vortex' is making another appearance for at least the next seven days and nights, with below zero temps again, and crazy-cold wind chills.  Ugh.

Rob and I will see his surgeon on Tuesday afternoon.  I wasn't sure we were going to be able to swing this appointment, but God is good.  We had a reminder call for the appointment, with an added note that any deductibles, co-pays, etc., had to be paid at check in or the appointment would be rescheduled.  If you read the previous blog, you'll remember that Rob lost his medical coverage.  I was able to add him to my policy with my part-time job, but the costs are barely within reach.  And our deductible is in the thousands.  We don't have extra 'thousands' laying around.  And just office visits are out of range right now.  So, I spent several sleepless nights wondering what was going to happen...

A very sleepy Rob & his Gypsy, 2/14

Rob needs to keep this appointment, as he's due to have a urethral wash to check for cancer cells.  This 'wash' will check the part of the urethra that was left after surgery.  The cancer had spread through the balance of the urethra prior to surgery, as well as through the bladder and into the prostrate and pelvic lymph nodes.  So we have to keep a close watch on the whole pelvic/abdominal region.  I have been praying day and night... for peace, for rest, for healing, for answers.

Then, Saturday morning, I was inner-urged to check our online bank account before leaving for work on two hours sleep, only to be blessed to find that our tax return, which wasn't due for three weeks, had been deposited that morning.  Whew (thank you, Lord).  I wonder why I waste so much time worrying when God is in control of it all anyways.  Silly me.

So, we are hoping it is at least enough to put out the current fire, and chip down the deductible as we move forward.  Relief is a nice feeling.  :)

It may take a week or so to get the test results back, and I'll update the blog when we find out.  We still need to follow up on the last bloodwork results that came back suspicious, as well as with his eye specialist.  Trying to prioritize these days.

Okay then...  I'm going to listen to a little bit of music to soothe my soul, then sneak quietly under the covers on my side of the bed.  The other side is soundly sleeping, which I am thankful for.  Though he is tired, and has headaches, and vision disturbances, and isn't able to do all he used to do anymore... I am thankful he is able to rest.  He feels good when he's sleeping.

I keep this foremost in my mind lately, a reminder from my son-in-law:

"The Lord will fight for you;  you need only to be still."

~Exodus 14:14

I sit quietly.  Still.

I pray you have a blessed week, and that you're able to enjoy... everything.


In Love and Truly Washed in Peace,

Cheri  ♥

http://youtu.be/oab9giH2cG0  --  Listen to this beautiful version of "In Christ Alone", acapella, by David Wesley.  Brings tears to my eyes and peace to my soul.  This is how I get through these days.  :)  ♥

A Few Changes, Still Okay

Hi.  

I know it's been a while again since I updated Rob's blog.  I should really go back and re-read the last one before I write anything, but I've still got lots to do before going bed, and even then, I will only touch my pillow for a few short hours before it all starts again.  So, here goes...

Rob had some blood reports come back "not good" in late fall, and although we haven't followed up on them, his surgeon moved up the CT of his abdomen/pelvis, which looked okay!  All of us, including Rob's surgeon, were relieved and thankful from what we were expecting!

The latest, and craziest, and most stressful thing of late is this:  Rob lost the medical coverage he had for his cancer treatment and screenings.  Thanks to Obamacare, they tell us "we have fallen through the cracks."  After many tears and fears and stressy explosions with people who really don't care, we didn't know which way to turn.  Then fear stepped in and I started operating in the flesh, rather than in the Spirit.  

Sparing you all the details, I was able to stop, and take some time to process everything.  And I was reminded by my daughter of something our pastor, Cal Garcia, said:

"Satan drives;  the Holy Spirit guides."

So when I have those times, (and I do have those times) when I feel under pressure to make a split-second decision, I need to just STOP everything and weigh all the consequences.  To think things through, to pray for peace and understanding and direction.  In this process, God protected me from making a decision I would have regretted.  But He provided a solution, too.  Rob and I went to dinner and talked over many different scenarios, and it's all okay. 

I was able to add Rob to my medical coverage at work... even with the stage IV cancer.  I explained it all to them, and because it was a "life event change" they let me add him on.  Now mind you, I am only part-time, and by adding Rob it more than tripled what I was paying.  And we have a large deductible, and out-of-pocket expense.  But I have faith and peace that God will continue to provide for us what we need.  Because He does.

So those stresses we were going through for this particular thing were melted into a puddle that I joyfully jumped in, sending it away for good.  And it feels awesome.  :)

He busted out laughing after this!

Rob is scheduled to see his surgeon later this month for the urethral wash, where he'll continue to be checked for returning cancer cells.  But we're both handling it all okay.  For now.  It's always easier in the quiet times.

~~~

Rob continues to be very tired, is still battling ferocious headaches, sometimes for days, and struggles with a few other ongoing issues, but all in all, he is still here.  He made it through the first year post-surgery, and for that we feel truly blessed.  We were told due to the aggressive form of cancer, that it usually returns in the first 1-2 years after surgery.  We're counting our blessings that it's remained in hiding so far.

Rob is strong and gentle, kind and caring.  Certainly not deserving of all he's got on his plate.  But he balances that plate remarkably, with a big smile and bad joke.  It's just who he is.  :)

~~~

The days have been long and short, if that makes any sense.  Long in the cold and snow department, and short in the way they disappear.  I wish I could get a handle on the days, and make them last forever like when I was a child.  Days were long then.  I could accomplish so much!  Now, I come home from work so exhausted that I fall asleep with my dinner dishes on my lap, or a pen in hand trailing a squiggly line down my to-do list for the next day.

Sometimes I let myself go to the land of self-pity, but just long enough to fill a tissue or two with tears.  Then, God picks me up... gently... and tells me it's all going to be okay.  He's working out all these beautiful details for my life, and I just need to trust Him and believe His promises, and rest in His arms.

So I do and I will.

Something else Pastor Cal said:  

"If it's not good yet, God's not done yet."

I will wait.

~~~

I will update with any changes that may occur, and for sure after his appointment with his surgeon on the 25th.  Promise.

In the meantime, stay warm and safe if you're in this crazy snowbelt we're experiencing this winter.  Realize how blessed you are to be here and to be surrounded by people who love and care about you.  

And practice random acts of kindness.  All the time.

It does the heart good... :)


In Love and Washed In Peace,


Cheri  ♥  

Once a nut, always a nut.  :)

  

Happy New Year :)

This has been a year... 

A long year!

December 2013

It started out in early January with Rob's second, and most invasive, surgery where he was hospitalized for almost 10 days, and then many weeks of recovery at home.  Starting at the end of February, he spent four months undergoing nasty chemo treatments to prolong his life... because without them, doctors only gave him 3-6 months.  There were repeated problems with Rob's vein's shutting down, infections, etc., and he got really sick during the last part of the treatments.  He almost made it through all the treatments, but ended up having to have a blood transfusion in place of the last one.  I was afraid he would not bounce back after seeing what it did to him, but he is doing very well right now.  Even his hair has gotten some of the dark color back, and his long curls are slowly returning.  :)

We also moved to a new apartment at the end of May, and I changed jobs at the beginning of September.  And in November, Rob's retina started to detach, so that involved immediate laser surgery and weeks of re-checks.

It's all been a big blur...a BIG blur.

I am glad to see this year go.

Rob has to continue being checked out by his surgeon, oncologist, and eye doctor.  And I have to tell you, at each visit, we are a bit apprehensive.  We know what's coming, we just don't want it to come any time soon.

~~~

Have I told you how much we love all of you?

We would not have been able to get through all this without your love and support... financial, emotional, spiritual.  You have kept us surrounded in prayer, helped us to get through the eight weeks I had to take off work unpaid to care for Rob, and the reduced schedule I had for months after that.  

You have all helped us in more ways than you'll ever know.  The love, the hugs, the well wishes, and especially the prayers.  We could feel them all.  God has used this time to strengthen us, and to let us know that although we don't see the 'big picture,' He does.  We have faith that no matter what happens, it's all going to be okay.  And as I've said many times before, we're okay with that. ♥

I am hoping for a good and happy year ahead for all of you, filled with heartsongs and laughter, and a treasure chest of blessed memories.  You all continue to be in my prayers.

Rob will see his eye specialist again in January, and his surgeon in February for another urethral wash/cancer check.  I'll keep you all posted on those as they come.

Please forgive the disjointed 'feel' of this update... I'm going back to the couch now.  I spent all day yesterday sleeping there.  I am pretty sick.  Fever, chills, bad cough that's tearing up my throat, runny nose, headache, every joint and muscle aching.  Ugh.  Dumb flu.  I don't like being sick, but my body obviously needs the rest right now. 

So, from the bottom of our hearts, we wish you peace and love and happiness... treasured times and family times... filled with blessings and blessings and blessings! 

Because this is what you have given us.


A Happy and Blessed New Year to You All!!!


In Love, and Wrapped in Peace,

Cheri ♥