Making the Most of it!

A bit of what we hope is a sign of progress...

Tim mentioned to the doctor yesterday, that he had not taken any pain medicine for the last few days. Tim added that his pain was not completely gone but it was tolerable. Tim had been on daily pain medication for almost a year so this has to be a good sign!

Tim's next round of chemo is scheduled for July 6, followed by a shot of Neulasta to help his expected low blood count to replenish. We are hoping that things will go better this time around and that Tim will not have to return to the hospital with any complications. We are also hopeful that these treatments will be effective. A CT scan will be done on July 21 and a follow-up appointment with the Oncologist is scheduled on July 25.  The results of the scan will determine the next course of action.

July 10 will mark 6 months since Tim's diagnosis. Our lives have dramatically changed, our future has become very uncertain, and many days have been emotionally draining and depressing; but, we try to keep busy, remind ourselves that God has a plan, and make the most of the good days.

During the last 6 months, I have also learned to do things that I never had an interest or a need to learn.  Mostly, because Tim took care of such things, like home repair and upkeep, but also because Tim spoiled us and did so many more things for us that we could have otherwise done ourselves.  Some of my learning experiences have been frustrating, while others have been rather funny.  I like to recall the funny ones instead.  Like the first time I attempted to mow the lawn and ended up covered in dirt and grass because I failed to secure the waste bag on the lawn mower.  Or the time when I used the edger for the first time and left a curvy edge with some bare patches instead of a straight and clean-cut edge.  There is a most recent incident, in which it took me a good 15 minutes of failed attempts to air a bike tire, before I realized that I was just taking the air out.  Apparently, there is an additional piece that should be attached to the end of the hose in order for it to work.  It is moments like these that help alleviate some of my stress.

Our days are normally low-key and quiet, but this weekend was a busy one.


Katie & Maegan Decorating plates with Daddy to use at home.



 

We started the weekend by taking the girls to Color me Mine for a little fun & to Islands for dinner on Thursday.

Katie & Maegan keeping Daddy company in the waiting area.

Early Saturday morning, Tim had both of his bottom wisdom teeth removed.



 

Later that Saturday morning, Maegan had a blast on her first day

of her Music and Movement class.



Katie & Maegan enjoying music time.



Katie & Maegan enjoying tumbling time.

 





On Saturday evening, Katie enjoyed her first clay spinning wheel class!
She had been begging to go since last year.

Katie molding the clay.



Katie's finished work of art.



On Sunday, I edged and mowed the lawn and then, with my sister's help, trimmed a big bush (in the background) that has grown out of control.
Thanks Maggie!

After I mowed and cleaned the yard, Maegan played and cooled off with the water sprinkler.

We finished our weekend the best way possible by attending Sunday evening Mass!

Maegan walking next to Daddy on the way out of Mass while holding her favorite hat and purse.

"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God." 

I praise God for the many blessings he has given to us during our life and pray for the strength and courage to trust and accept his will.  Thank you  to our family and friends for being with us in this journey.  God bless you!