Good Days

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." --Phillippians 4:6-7

It's been difficult with no major symptoms from the infusion to feel it is actually doing something! Mind you...I'm not complaining!! This is so different from the last battle. The toxicity was so intense last time. Now, being more tired and somewhat weaker are the only symptoms I'm having. Actually, I don't know if that's from the ipilumumab or the cancer...kind of scary.

We are all trying to live one day at a time...enjoying each one for it's simple pleasures and trusting God with the rest.

I've had some incredible days since I posted last. We spent last weekend with my sister and her family at the lake and enjoyed it so much! Her friend generously allowed her to use their house for our enjoyment. We had so much fun in the water, on the jet skis (Amy and Kel, you have too much of your mother's blood in you!) and enjoying good food! It was sure a full house!!! There were many memories re-visited and many new ones made.

Got to eat lunch with Heather and the kiddos today....always special to spend time with them....we sure all love Olive Garden! Eddie would call it the Guccioni in us!

Looking toward spending a little time at the Gasconade County Fair next week...seeing people, watching Mason and the kids on the rides, and watching Blake and Brett show their pigs!

A down note has been becoming aware that I can no longer watch Mason and Ava for long by myself. My 'stroke' (right) leg has been weaker lately and I don't trust myself very much. I don't know if anyone can understand how hard it is to come to this realization, but there would be nothing worse than one of the grandkids getting hurt because of me. They are all (all 10 of them!) infinitley precious to me. Fortunately, I've had offers of help from several people so that I can still be with the kids. For these offers.....thank you.

Got Started Today!

"C ommit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3

I'm actually sitting and getting my 1st infusion of ipilimumab....at least I feel I'm being proactive. I have not gotten any of the immediate side effects you can get so that's a plus! Praying this is the path God's led me down and that He will bless the journey.

"I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears."---Psalm 34:4

With the help of friends and family, I am trying to patiently (lol) wait for next Tues. to get here so I can finally get started on the ipi...I feel so frantic that there is nothing inside me fighting this cancer.

I have actually had a great week filled with visits:
*Mon. evening, Amy and the kids came over and Amy fixed Eddie and I dinner!
*Tues. was filled with tests and scans, but it didn't stop Mom from taking us out to dinner after... (yes..it's true...there is a theme here!)
*Wed., Denise Jennings and her son, Matthew came and spent time. We were able to catch up...it was great.
*Thurs. my niece, Jen and her daughter, Finley came up...it's always fun to spend time with them!
*Fri. Eddie and I got to keep Ava while Amy and Mason went to the Fair
*Sat. we get to keep Kurt's kids overnight and take them to church Sun. morning

Then on Mon. I get to go spend time with my college roommate who I haven't seen in TOO many years! Being busy definitely helps pass the time!!!!!

another step closer

His Grace is sufficient for me

Went to Siteman today for labs, tests and scans. They are required before I will be officially accepted into the study we're trying for. They're 99% sure I will so we'll go with that until we find out differently.

4th of July Bash

"God bless America, Land that I love...."

We were fortunate enough to be able to have our annual 4th of July bash again this year. It is so much fun for Eddie and I to host this for our family and friends! We have water for the little ones(or Grandpa diving in to cool off from frying!) games for the bigger ones and chairs for us older ones!! Thanks to Chuck & Carol we had plenty of fish for the Fish Fry (Eddie and Kurt worked too much to go fishing often enough this spring...oh well, they fish at Chuck & Carol's anyway!) While we ate our homemade ice cream and brownies, the Warren County Fair had an awesome fireworks display to finish off the night.

Thanks to everyone for their help this year.....we couldn't have done it without you!

Unfortunately, I found out I have a "severe kidney infection" from the Dr. in the ER in the middle of the night.....not the best way to spend the night...wouldn't recommend it!