Summer's Almost Over

     I've heard from several of you that it's been too long since I've written--I'm so sorry!  Our summer has been just as hectic, crazy & fun as everyone else's!  Jarett received his mission call & opened it when we were on our way down to the Grand Canyon for a quick family trip after the 4th of July.  He has been called to serve in the California San Bernardino Mission--Spanish speaking.  We are so excited for him!!! He doesn't leave to go into the MTC until November 14th, so he'll be moving home this month from Provo to spend the next 3 months.  It's going to be tough finding a job for this short time, so keep your fingers crossed for him.  His little brothers are thrilled that he'll be home full-time, & I'm just hoping not to drive him completely nuts before he leaves.  Unfortunately, having cancer has NOT diminished my ability to constantly nag.  If anything, it's made it worse--I feel I may have less time to teach my children how to be decent human beings, so sometimes I go into overdrive & make us all miserable.
     I did pretty good with my last chemo treatment--the burns weren't too awful & I was able to do okay with the tiredness.  Some good friends of ours, Jeff & Melanie Shaw, invited our family to go to Lake Powell with them during the time of the worst side effects & I handled them pretty well.  It was just wonderful to be there relaxing, reading, eating great food & having my boys all completely entertained--thank you Shaw Family!
     The new chemo schedule with the Doxil is going to be every 5 weeks--that seems to be the magic formula for letting my white blood counts get high enough to receive it.  I received my 4th treament of the Doxil yesterday, & just a few hours ago received the good news that my CA-125 had dropped from 65 to 53.  I'm somewhat surprised because I've had some stomach aches the past couple of weeks, & had worked my frenzied mind into thinking that the cancer was having a party inside of me again.  I feel sooo relieved & grateful.  I wish there were more words I could use besides "grateful" & "thankful" to describe my emotions.  I am not articulate, & that is one of the reasons why it takes me so long to write.  Your prayers are continuing to be felt & are so (gratefully) appreciated.  I know there are many others in need of prayers, & I try to be mindful of them as I pray.  I am especially grateful for Vern at this time.  He has many heavy burdens to bear, & he willingly & quietly bears them.  He has to deal with the worst parts of me, & on this cancer journey has patiently supported & loved me.  Heavenly Father & Jesus Christ are continually mindful of us--They love us & are so happy when we love each other.  Thank you for loving me.

Always, Kim