Thursday, July 10, 2008

What can we say?


Our Alaskan Cruise with our family was wonderful and we all had a great trip full of terrific memories.   Gary enjoyed every minute, as did the grandkids and daughters/our perfect son in law.  We shared many beautiful landscapes and unimaginable glaciers and wildlife and visions that we hope that will stay with the younger ones for a lifetime.  Unfortunately, no moose and no bears and only a few whale tales. My 60th was a true celebration and we laughed quite a lot.

We found out today that Gary's tumor has grown since his last MRI done 3 months ago.  Needless to say, we are still reeling, but thought this was an easier way to tell you than through phone calls and emails.   He looks and feels great, other than fatigue.  

Our Bend Oncologist stopped his chemo that was scheduled for tonight and is contacting our other institutions (City of Hope in LA, Cedars Sinai in LA, University of California in San Francisco, and Cancer Center of America in Seattle) to determine the best treatment "protocol" for his tumor.  (Boy, do we dislike that word "protocol".  It's so very "politically correct" for chemical destruction of cancers.)   He tells us he'll have an answer for a new treatment plan this coming Monday.    This is an "E ride".   Gary and I remain hopeful and happy that we have had 30+ years together and a wonderful life.  We've travelled, played, laughed with friends, and enjoyed life to the fullest.  

Wish we had better news for you all, but we do ask for your continue confidence and prayers. We're not giving up and are going to remain hopeful.
V & G


7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello, Thanks for the photos of the trip. It was good hear (and see)that you had such a great time.

We are, of course, very upset to hear about the MRI results. Our thoughts are with you both and hope that the "protocol people" will come up with a more effective solution.

Much love to you both.

James and Teri

Anonymous said...

Virginia & Gary,

Gary & I continue to pray for you both. I checked the blog to see if you had had time to post the results--bless you for keeping us informed. I feel so much for you in hearing this. But I truly sense God's grace in your words and spirit.
I hadn't commented to you on losing Maddie --the beautiful painting of her brought tears to my eyes and I'm so glad I knew her some and had her in my prayers those days when you were here for our prayer group!
I hope you feel the love and prayers from all of us.
Mary Lynn

Les said...

Wow what an amazing trip! You guys are such wonderful people and kyle and I look forward to seeing you in california next year. This blog is such a wonderful way of keeping us all posted on how you're doing, thanks so much.
Keep living hard!
Leslie

Sharon said...

Hi there,
Thought I'd check the blog after sending my email....what beautiful photos and incredible memories for you and the family! You look gorgeous in your birthday "crown" Ginni! It's amazing to learn the medical news,especially after just seeing you and experiencing the smiles, and humor that were so bountiful!Our continued prayers and thoughts are with you both.
With much love
Sharon

Anonymous said...

Hi Guys,
I have been able to spend a lot of time with the little grandkids since they came back from the Great Alaskan Adventure. They are still grinning from ear to ear and LOVE to tell me all of the wonderful experiences they had. I let them repeat things over & over so that the memories spark new ones. I haven't seen much of the teenagers (they are soooo busy) but I know that they have wonderful memories also. I am really looking forward to seeing you both for our 50th high school reunion. We had a reunion committee meeting last week and everyone sends their love and are anxious to see you in August. Always remember that I love you both very much....Betty

Anonymous said...

Virginia and Gary,
Thank you for keeping us updated on your activities. What a wonderful trip you shared with your children and grandchildren. Keep on enjoying every day as you have been. Love Ron and Sandy

Anonymous said...

Gary and Gini,
I just wanted to say good luck this week and that I love you. Steve and I continue to pray that everything will go well. The pictures are fabulous and Gary you look FABULOUS! Love, Sara

Why now?

All is well, so why now?

Well, we have been extremely touched by the care and attention so many of you have showered upon us over the past 6 months (yes, this whole thing started 6 months ago, ie. 11/27/07). Throughout this time, we've had ups and downs and many of you have shared them with us and lifted us up with your love. When this first started, I sent out emails to our beloved prayer chain warriors, our faithful families and friends. Undoubtedly and unintentionally, people who care about both of us were missed.

As snowbirds, we have returned to our home in Bend, Oregon and we miss our "Southern Friends" who have done the same thing by going home to countless beautiful communities throughout the United States and Canada. This offers an opportunity to occasionally check on Gary's progress and post your comments.

My focus is Gary, so sometimes the phone call I "should" make to friends isn't made. I'll try to update this blogsite once a week to say hello and let you know how he's doing. Please don't hesitate to call us or check this blog from time to time and leave a comment.

We know that you worry about Gary and me and hope that this will give you some comfort.

Hope it works for you. Works for me.

We're sending our love to you through this blog. Please keep him in your prayers.

Virginia and Gary