Halfway there! (July 28)

This week will complete my fourth cycle, which means I'm almost halfway done with my oral chemo. That still feels like a long road ahead but I'm grateful to be on the downward slope. After we returned home from Utah, we visited with Dr. Curley and he said that the peeling feet is to be expected with the Xeloda. He doesn't want to lower my dosage any more than we already have and he still hopes to have me complete eight cycles. I'm grateful for the wheelchair and stationary bike that friends have allowed us to borrow. It has made my immobility much more manageable.

The best part of this week has been Ryan starting his at-home missionary training. I've been able to be his "companion" while Glen and the kids went to Lake Powell for a few days. I have loved the spirit that has been in our home since we've been living the mission rules to go to bed and arise early, to pray and study scriptures, and to eliminate any media influences that might distract Ryan from his missionary purpose. I can hardly believe it's already been nine months since Paul was doing the same thing.

I'm not sure how many of you are old enough to remember the security alerts that would periodically come up on the TV screen. A loud beeping would sound and different colored bars would appear on the screen as we heard the words, “This is a test, this is only a test." Those words came to my mind this week as I thought about the plan of salvation God has for us and the recent experiences I've had in my life. Our “real” life, our eternal life, begins after this proving ground is complete, and it will be more glorious than we can imagine. I live for that day. I don’t ever want to get too comfortable here in this mortal probation.

I believe in modern day prophets and I know President Nelson is the inspired prophet for our world today. I'm thankful for his invitation to increase our faith. I try to ask myself each morning in prayer, “What would I do today if I had more faith? Think about it, write about it, and then DO it!” As my faith leads me to obey the commandments more fully and to keep my covenants, the power of the atonement can save me from my fallen state. I am indebted to my Savior Jesus Christ who suffered ALL pains, sins, all afflictions, and even death for each of us so that we might overcome them.

Family time + adjusted dosage

Andersen reunion

I'm writing this update from Manti, Utah, where we've been able to spend the last couple of days at the Andersen family reunion. It's been a year and a half since I was able to leave the state, so it's been wonderful to get away, be with family, and enjoy the cooler temperatures! We will head up north to American Fork next week to see some of my family and give Ryan the chance to visit relatives one last time before he starts his mission.

At the end of my last cycle, my feet got so painful that I needed to upgrade my knee scooter for a wheelchair to get around. I contacted my nurse navigator to make him aware of how I was feeling and they told me to stop taking the Xeloda until I could get in to see Dr. Curley. He said if I needed a wheelchair, I was probably on too much and they would reevaluate things after doing some bloodwork. When I saw Dr. Curley on June 18, he wasn't concerned with my bloodwork but definitely felt we needed to adjust the dosage of my medication because of the hand/foot syndrome side effects. He said it is not uncommon to have to reduce dosages and that it would not interfere with the efficacy of the oral chemo. He lowered my dosage by about 25% for the next cycle so that I will now take 2000mg a day instead of 2600mg.

Sisters!

At the temple for Ryan's endowment

Beka's birthday!

During this time we had the chance to enjoy lots of company. One of Kate’s friends from NC was able to come and attend Girls' Camp with her. My sister Kim came from Texas on June 11 to help with family and shop for Ryan's mission, and Rebekah was able to come home for a week to celebrate her 22nd birthday and be with Ryan and our family as we attended the temple for him to receive his endowment. It was a glorious event and one I was so happy I could save my steps for!

My feet were feeling much better after a 10-day break and I started cycle 3 on June 21. My hands and feet are looking better on this lower dosage but I can certainly see the side effects worsen the last few days on the medication. I am more tired, nauseous, and my feet are more tender and red. Starting Monday, I'll get another 7-day break! Feeling grateful for my improvement. 

Hope you all have a marvelous 4th of July!