#Blessed

December 12th

It has been a bit too long since my last blog. It isn’t because of any bad news, just preoccupied and trying to manage my feelings. Since last post my tumor markers went up to 108 but have dropped as of Dec 4th to 73! This means the cocktail with two chemo meds is working! Side effects from the last couple of chemo rounds have not been too bad and it has been mostly fatigue within 72 hours of the chemo!

The few weekends after the Gala we had the PanCan walk “PurpleStride”. We had a total of 22 walkers/runners to support Missy’s Mob – what an acknowledgment of how much I am loved and supported during this time.

Since then we have traveled a bit; Wrightsville Beach for Thanksgiving with family and friends. It was a beautiful long weekend with the exception that I was very tired during the days. I finally realized it was the sleeping pills I was taking each night. So since stopping those I have been doing much better during the days!

After Thanksgiving I had another round of Chemo which I tolerated really well and our next trip was coming up! This was to Kiawah with friends for the Kiawah 1/2 Marathon and celebrating Dawn’s birthday. It was a weekend filled with loads of joy. Congrats to John Uszacki for completing his first 1/2 marathon successfully – So proud of him! We also got to see my GI doctor for a drink on Saturday night at the Sanctuary – Saturday was my one year as a Pancreatic Cancer survivor! Our treatment is working and we will continue to fight this beast!

Me and my GI doctor, the best in the land – Jason Lewis

The Uszacki Four

Congrats to Dawn, Brook and John for finishing the Kiawah 1/2

Matka, Steve and me on the beach Friday

John, Dawn, me and SteveDawn and me

As I write this I continue to feel good and have had my last chemo treatment before Christmas. I am now planning our return trip to Kiawah for Christmas with the whole family.

I am also working in New Years Eve plans. My friends call me the Prime Minister as I love to plan – this keeps my mind off of unpleasant thoughts and feelings and having things to look forward to! It will not be a major blow out but I promise you it will be filled with good food!

My weigh in this yesterday showed me up six lbs from last week and the highest since Aug! Must be all the cookies I baked last week and soup I made! I have had enough energy to cook every few days and do some laundry! As much as I hate chemo I have to remember it is my friend and the only thing getting me well! I am working hard to fight this terrible disease!

Thanks to everyone for all the love and support and reminder that all this is what is helping me beat back this terrible disease. Prayers and good tidings are the best part of my days – big hugs and thanks to all! I wish everyone happy holidays and loads of joy and love to you and your families.