June 29th

Robert has completed his sixth and final round of chemo since completing his his initial six weeks of radiation and chemo after surgery. He was extremely tired and a bit nauseated with this cycle. He has been trying to get some extra rest and regain some energy. We will have the next MRI scan approximately one month after this round of treatment. The date has not been determined.

Summer is in full swing and it seems that everyone is on vacation or getting ready for a vacation. We will be leaving for Georgia on Tuesday and are looking forward to being away and spending time with everyone there. This has been a time of reflection for me and I am so thankful for the way that Robert has tolerated treatments and the positive reports that we have received after each MRI. I continue to try and take each day by day. Sometimes it seems overwhelming and we have to make a conscious effort to remind ourselves that relatively speaking - we are doing very well.

We have each other and we have so much to be thankful for. We are surrounded by so many people who care for us and continue to send us good wishes and for that we are forever grateful.

June 19th

I sit here and am unsure about what to post because this week has been good and there is no new medical news to report. As I wrote in the last post, Robert will take his sixth and final round of chemo treatments beginning this Sunday. Funny story- Each month it has been a process to get the chemo and anti-nausea medications. The oncologist office has to fax the order to the pharmacy and the pharmacy has to schedule the delivery with us... This process tends to take 2-3 days. The medications come via FedEx and must be signed for by an adult in the house. Of course- this morning the FedEx man comes while I am in the shower. Bryce came in and yelled, "He's here." I sent Bryce to yell through the window that I was coming and ask him not to leave. Let's just say- he waited and had a serious look on his face as I thanked him over and over again. I'm shocked that he didn't either laugh or run from me as I opened the door with a soaked head and no make-up on. I told Robert that I have a new relationship with the FedEx guy.
We hope that everyone has a great weekend.

June 13th

Time keeps passing, usually faster then we can believe. Bryce will go to Sport Camp next week, Trey is in his 'Big Boy' bed and room, and Robert will be taking another round of chemo a week from Sunday. Round number six since he completed the initial phase of radiation and chemo combination. Some days it feels like only yesterday Robert and I were in the ER and then I remember that it has been almost 8 months. We are thankful to be in a good place now and ready to keep moving forward with our lives. Robert is feeling well and is ready to move off of the chemo treatments.

Earlier this month I got to meet a GBM survivor of 17 years. Obviously, this was an emotional and inspirational encounter and it gives us all hope for our futures. I sat in the room with many other newly diagnosed patients and family members and was happy to report that we were 7 months out and doing well. The educational meetings always begins with quick introductions. People typically tell if they are the patient or caregiver. I explained that my husband was diagnosed with a GBM in Oct. and that I am there 'alone' because he is working. I further have explain that I do not consider myself his caregiver, as he is often the one taking care of us. My heart went out to everyone there as I have felt the pain that they are now experiencing. We pray for all patients, their families, and most importantly for a cure. Happy Father's Day to all of the Dads.

June 7th

We are attempting to beat the heat wave that has hit today and is likely to last for five days. Despite the heat, t-ball went on as scheduled and the day will proceed with more time spent inside then outside. Robert is feeling well and is running errands and doing chores around the house. There are moments when this seems 'normal' and then the realization hits that we have gone through phases when Robert was not physically able to do these tasks. We are reminded that our sense of what is normal has been in frequent transition. We become so accustomed to our daily lives that we often take for granted the beauty in our ability to perform the mundane chores of our daily lives. We are thankful that we are physically capable to complete these tasks. Each and every day will not be filled with the overly exciting activities and events, but that does not mean that we can't value the time. We continue to wish for 'just boring." Thanks for all of your good wishes.

June 2nd

We have experienced the kind spirits of so many people and continue to be so grateful for everything. There are times when things seem effortless and times when things seem insurmountable. We are thankful for the days that flow effortlessly and are learning to work through the moments that seem insurmountable. Robert and I feel blessed for the prayers that give us strength. We are so blessed and have so much to be grateful for. There are so many people suffering and fighting - with the strength that we get from you - we pray for those that are in difficult times. Our hearts ache for those that are struggling. We have to keep believing that everything happens for a reason - even if we can not understand it now.

Robert is feeling well this week despite his 5th round of chemo. Tomorrow I will hug my children - kiss my husband - and take a moment to recognize all of the wonderful family, friends, and supporters that we have in our lives.