Three chemos down, one to go...hold the fries!

Dear Family and Friends,

Hi all.  The last time I updated you was July 4^th weekend.  We had a great time in Forest Highlands.   The following weekend we headed to San Diego, where we spent time with Amanda and her FIANCE! Eric Hough.  We had a wonderful time getting to know more about Eric and hearing of their plans to move to Santa Rosa, CA. 

I wasn’t off the plane but a few hours and headed to Amanda and Eric’s backyard where Mike and Amanda shaved my head (see the video below with my hairdresser Pierre).  My hair was held on with just hairspray and was falling out in clumps, but I wanted Amanda to be part of the ‘clean up’ process.  Honestly, by that time you really just want the hair gone.  I was asked if it hurts, it feels like when you have had your hair in a ponytail and take it out – that bent hair feeling. 

Back to Amanda and Eric.  They got engaged on July 31^st.  Eric made it a very special event and we were thrilled to get their phone call that evening announcing their news.  We all feel very lucky to have such a wonderful addition to our family.  Life is GOOD!

Eric & Amanda

The proposal!

Yesterday was my 3^rd chemo treatment.  The last treatment, July 15th did take a little longer to recover from so as I am told this one might take even a little bit longer.  It feels like you have the flu, body aches and just over-all crummy feeling.  I control it with the doctor’s recommendation of Aleve and Claritin, which is so helpful.  My sisters will come to AZ again to help out.  It is so great to have them here with me.  After this treatment there will be just one more on August 26th followed by a 5-week break and then six weeks of radiation. 

In between treatments, Mike and I look at the dates and try to figure out when I will start to feel well and make fun plans.  We just returned from a week in Okoboji, Iowa where we spent time biking, fishing, doing yoga and lots of dinners on our patio watching the sunset.  We had a wonderful visit with Mike’s high school buddies and their wives.  Then, finished the week in Omaha with Mike’s family at the beautiful wedding of niece, Chelsea to her now husband Eric. 

I want to tell you all thank you so much for your love and support.  Sometimes all of this feels so surreal to me.  But I want you all to know how very thankful I am for all you are doing and all of the love and prayers you have offered. 

Love to you all.  Katie