Thank you for your thoughts

Thank you for your thoughts, I am having difficulty communicating but truly appreciate your sincerity . Typing texting not working too well at this moment but will hopefully recovery soon . I feel like I have aged 10 years in a week I am unstable on my feet and turned into a drop things from my right hand . They say this is the result of the brain lesions and the radiation treatments be patient with me and know that I love you and appreciate your support . Your kind words mean a lot to me

predictive changes

My positive progression has had a long streak. The adoption of Lucretius has been a welcome challenge to our lives and loves. As with any new puppy he has his own special challenges. we are all learning how to get along and he is a Pure Judy who loves to play,

as we are getting ready to spend more of the summer at the lake we have decided to take no more large trips on the schedule. Instead we are focusing on nesting and improving our Victorian home. Phase 1 is almost complete as we have ripped up the gardening around the house and replanted, I will finally have some perennials to play.

Phase 2 is much more ambitious as we are planning to paint the house - have painted-and change up the colors. This is a bold step but I am excited to see the next step.

  This is a game changer. We all knew when the saga started that there were going to be many ups and downs. I have been blessed with 2 1/2 years of relatively little encumbrances to my survival and general health. It appeared to be a miracle and I enjoyed every minute of it as did my husband John. It was the story of victory and
success and fighting and staying positive.

Please forgive me for not calling each of you individually, but I just couldn’t . You have been loyal and concern friends and I needed to share.

That fight is not overdifficult right now but I am not giving up. I need more knowledge of what the future holds in store and where the elements of health can be found. I will be looking for and with your encouragement, prayers love,and hope, to continue my Lucky streak.

So here’s the story my cancer has metastasized into my brain. There was a possibility of this happening according to the statistics from the chemo that I had been taking. Dr. Rathmann did not encourage doing MRIs until there were some indication of a problem. That indication came in the last couple weeks when I was having problems concentrating, remembering things, and with manual dexterity. Thoughts of Alzheimer’s ran through my head as did the fear of brain tumor.

It took a lot of courage to call Rathmann and ask for an MRI. An MRI got scheduled immediately and I spent the whole day in St. Francis going through a battery of tests and and imaging and then consulted with my doctors. When all my doctors ascended on the run together I knew I was in trouble . Multiple lesions were discussed, possible causes, variety of courses that could be taken now and down the line. Two phrases that stood out were “this is very serious” and “we are not sure.

There was clearly no time to hem and Haw over the next steps. I was immediately begun on a regimen of 10 days of radiology to be followed by re-evaluated tests. During that time and for at least a month I will not be able to drive. And not until the two weeks has passed will they be able to chart my next course.

When John told Will where we were going he immediately called Tyler who bought a ticket to come here and be with me. That truly touched me but also petrified me. He has already been a great help and encouragement and accompanied me on a few Dr. trips. Brother John is coming in next week for a few days. Then we are off to the lake for the Fourth of July. Keeping busy is Essential right now. I am very lucky for that. David Junior will be here the next week.

Side note this is exactly three years to the day of their father’s initial diagnosis

Mentally processing this series of events is very taxing.

An emotional memorial

This last week was very bitter sweet. An amazing family gathering in Steamboat Springs, reminiscing over good times shared by the Anderson boys and two of David’s closest friends.  One year after his death, we honored his memory with 4 days of enjoying the Steamboat Springs.

Will, John Davey
Bob Vasko, Tyler, Greg Furda

Tyler and Will organized the outting, renting a house in town for all of us, and a supherb day of fishing on the Yampa.  EVERYONE was successful and caught at least one fish.  More memories to add.

The four sons floated a section of the Yampa north of town while Leigh, Greg, Bob and John and I waded in the icey waters of the Yampa south of town.  

Davey

Johnny

Will

Boys floating

Tyler

Bob Vasko

Leigh Furda with guide
she and Greg caught the most fish

Dr. John

Me

Tuesday the "guys" headed up

Sarvis Creek, another favorite spot of David's, to bid the final formal farewell to the father and friend lost way too early.

The house was well equiped and since we had so many good cooks,  we ate very well every night right at home.  Weather was beautiful and Spring was in full bloom.  

Leaving Steamboat and the four boys was a bit wrenching for me.  So many wonderful memories for so many years, coming to a close...  at least for the time being and with David Sr. making the trip with us.  

In the Yin and Yang of life,  the next planned family trip will be to officially welcome a new member to the Anderson family as Tyler and J'mie will marry.  I am so looking forward to celebrating that event.