Gus here...

Well just letting everyone know that Tara is NOW finished with her radiation treatment. She finished yesterday and left for Kansas for a while. Our Uncle Doug is not doing well and she went to be with our dad out in Junction City. I know she is grateful for all your good vibes and thoughts during her treatment. I want to thank everyone who has bought shirts! WE really appreciate it. The most recent order has been picked up from Contagious Graphics and are being delivered (or sent) by tomorrow. Like we have stated earlier, these are being made to order. If you want one, it's not too late! The shirts are $20. We have a Paypal address now to purchase shirts. It is : made.in.kansas@gmail.com If you pay this way, throw in a few bucks for shipping. Let me know if you want to buy one or have any questions. My address is eengstrom@carolina.rr.com

Thanks again for all your love and support.

Gus

Yep, still tired

9 more treatments to go!  WHOO HOOO!!  As I said in the last post, I can tell a big difference in my leg!  The pain is almost gone.  It's so weird to not have that pain.  It's been with me for 4 months and I guess I thought I would always have it.  

Gus, Caleb, Glenda and Amy did some serious work on my house this weekend.  I suffer from hoarder disorder and Gus is great at purging!  They all went through stuff, cleaned and separated trash from things for the big yard sale I am going to have when I feel up to it.  

In related news, Amy moved in and that has been nice, as well.  I think it's going to be a perfect fit.

OK...now for news about treatment.  I spoke with Dr. Steffens' nurse today.  I was trying to get a handle on what is going to happen after radiation.  She said that the research team was looking, but having a little trouble finding a clinical trial for me.  Once I finish radiation there will be no "measurable" disease.  This doesn't mean it will be gone, it means it will be invisible to scans.  So, without "measurable" disease, I don't qualify for most clinical trials.  That was a real bummer for me.  I am not going on to do chemo.  He is going to put me on a drug called Faslodex.  It is a hormone treatment.  It will be a once a month shot.  If I'm honest, this doesn't feel like enough.  One of the things the nurse said on the phone was, "you know you're in good hands?."  I do.  I trust Dr. Steffens.  I don't think he's not doing all that can be done, I think the situation just sucks all the way around.  That first meeting with him last month, he did say that it would be a case of trying to "control" because there wasn't much that could be done.  So, let's all just keep hoping for that miracle.  I am not going to give up!

One thing I'm doing is folding 1,000 origami cranes.  Japanese legend has it that if you fold 1000 origami cranes, you get a wish from the crane.  Long life, cure for illness, etc.  I'm going to cover all my bases and do just that.  I am folding 10 cranes per day.  I have completed 60 and I will finish June 14.  Wish me luck.  And I have started a facebook group for my uncle Doug.  I know he's not going to fold 1000 cranes, but I think if everyone pitches in, we can do it together and get him that wish from the crane.  If anyone not on facebook would like to pledge a few cranes for Doug, let me know.  

Well, until next time!!!

Love and gratitude!

Tara

I'm still tired, but feeling less pain

Radiation is just exhausting.  It seems so easy.  Go in 5 days a week, lay on a table for 15 minutes, go home.  But getting the power of 1000 suns in both the femur and the rib is like getting the power of 2000 suns.  That's lots of radiation!  :)  I guess the radiation is doing it's job.  The pain in my leg has lessened quite considerably.  I am walking with a cane (a cane that has a horn on it :) ) and will continue to do so.  My femur is quite compromised because of the tumor and I will use the cane for safety.  

In other news, I am getting a roommate.  My friend, Amy Joiner is going to move in and live downstairs.  It's a win win.  I need help keeping up with my house and with Margot and Amy gets to live away from home for a little while.  It's going to be great!  I haven't had a roommate in a long time and generally love living alone, but I really do need the help.  And, she's a cool girl.  So, here's to fun times on Sunset Dr.

Well, I left Margot outside to get some air and she is barking like crazy.  I am going to get her and see if we can't take a nap!

Much love, 

Tara