Numbers are Still Coming Down

Disneyland 2012

I'm on the tail-end of a chemo treatment today. I had it on Monday, the 23rd & am just today feeling almost normal. I was able to go out to dinner & a movie last night with Sue, but was still feeling funky & had a bad stomachache after dinner. I need to learn to take it easy--when food finally starts really sounding good I have a tendency to go crazy & eat too much, & my stomach just isn't able to handle it all! I was so pleased to learn this week that my numbers had dropped this last month from 266 to 161. I have to say that I was very surprised. I really felt that they were going to stay pretty much the same, or go up. It seems that the farther along I go with the chemo treatments, the more weird "symptoms" I feel in my abdomen--so it kind of messes with my mind. I've noticed that I'm much more tired this time around than with the chemo I was doing last year, & I've been alot more emotional these past few weeks. So many people tell me that I'm handling things so well, but there are some days that are incredibly difficult emotionally, & I do throw myself a "pity party" every now & again. I am so very grateful that my Mom is with me the weeks I do chemo. I am in awe at the number of people I hear about who are doing chemo & still going to work at their jobs! Mom does so much to help me with the kids, the house, laundry & meals--but just having her with me during the day--so I'm not alone--is the greatest blessing.

We had a fun trip to Disneyland 2 weeks ago--the weather was great & there were 15 members of the Cloward family who joined with us. We'd rented a house all together & the kids just had a marvelous time with each other! How grateful I am to have such great family & to be so close to them--we truly love & enjoy each other.

Thank you, thank you to all who continue to keep me in your thoughts & prayers. I am continually bowled over by the kindness of so many of you--the sweet notes, texts, calls, words of comfort & hugs mean so much to me. I am ever mindful that there are many others that are struggling with all manner of "diseases"--whether they be physically, mentally or emotionally. And it is our privilege & blessing to be able to offer up whatever we have to help ease their burdens. Our Heavenly Father's plan is just perfect, & I am thankful that He uses us as instruments in His hands to bless each other--both those who give, & those who receive are blessed by His love. Thank you so much for giving to me. Love always, Kim