Wednesday, October 22, 2008

I Believe In Angels .....

This summer, Gary and I went to see Mama Mia three times. We love the music and the beautiful scenery. One of the songs that sticks in my mind is "I Believe in Angels".

When something like this happens, there is no doubt that angels magically appear on our doorstep.
  • they come bearing cookies for Gary, The Original Cookie Monster
  • meals on the first day of Chemo that are hot from the oven
  • telephone calls from dear, old friends wishing us well and telling Gary that they love him and letting him tell them the same. The phone calls are so hard, yet so beautiful. There have been lots of tears expressing love, happy shared memories, and wishes that this wasn't happening to Gary.
  • Snow bird friends leaving and coming to "say goodbye" and capture a memory of their dear friend
  • visits that allow me to leave the house knowing that he is with someone he enjoys
  • cards, newspapers and magazines
  • ramps and wheelchairs

As an update, Gary started on a Chemo called CPT 11 and a vascular restrictor called Avastin. He's scheduled for another session 2 weeks from now. So far, he has reacted very well and is as sweet, loving, and kind as ever. He never complains and always tells me thank you. How sweet is that? He's a joy to care for. He is exhausted, but enjoys getting out for lunch and driving around.

Please say prayers that this Avastin stops the new growth and the Chemo stops the cancer cells from reproducing rapidly. While you're at it, would you pray that the side affects are few?

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Just checking up on Gary and seeing your update from a few day ago. Prayers continue from both of us. Have REALLY good feeling about the Avestin. Sending our love...
Barb & Ray Losi

Anonymous said...

Gary, you are still chief of our tribe (remember way back?) and still doing it right.

With love, an Indian brother, Dave

Anonymous said...

Gary and Virginia, Looking forward to seeing you both soon. Just hoping and praying the Avestin will be the answer!! Keep believing in angels!! Love, Jack and Chris

Anonymous said...

Gary and Virginia, just when I thought things were going well, Shala informs me otherwise, we will
all pray, keep our fingers crossed, whatever postive thoughts needed to be sent your way,that the Avestin works it's magic.
Smiles, Cheers, Hugs,
Sallie and Dan

Anonymous said...

I was so glad to hear the first round of the "new" chemo didn't have many side effects and that during your visit with Laura and Jim there were many smiles, laughter and much love. I pray for you both every day. And by the way Gary, you look great! Keep smiling - it makes your eyes sparkle, and I have always loved that about you.
Love you, 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