May 14 Update

It seems like a merry-go-round!!! One day feeling great (maybe good) about how Gene is doing, and the next day … not so good.

Thankfully, he has had more good days but does get very tired, so I always have to remember to walk slow (I am noted as being the fast walker of the family).

We just returned from Jacksonville, Fla., where we attended the AQHA Region 10 show. WOW, it was very successful: They had almost 250 trail participants, plus many in the English classes, western classes, youth classes and reining classes, and I hope on Sunday they had equally full entries in the cattle classes.

It was wonderful seeing so many people that share Gene’s and my love of the American Quarter Horse. We saw many old friends and also met new friends.

It was so rewarding to hear all the good comments that AQHA is doing for membership, and we are fortunate to have such dedicated volunteers that worked this show.

I always like to give a few ideas or hints I have learned along the way during Gene’s cancer treatments. (By the way, at our last doctor’s appointment, Gene’s cancer cells had shrunk 60%. That is good news but as we know not a cure. As the doctor said, these nasty cancer cells are always looking for a way to get around the treatments!)

So, on to those tips: 

• The very best sugar-free syrup we have found is “Walden Farms.” It is calorie-free plus sugar-free. I even warm it up before putting on the pancakes. (This is a good find for those looking for comfort foods while watching sugar intake.) 
• Be sure if you are a caregiver to have a good thermometer on hand. I like the easy one that you apply to the ear. 
• I have been having Gene use a face spray tanning lotion every morning. I think it gives him that "little bit of color." (He asks me every day, “Do I look pale?”) 
• Gene is going through extreme feelings of hot and cold, so he does not drink ice in his water or have really hot food. It gives him a tingling feeling, almost like a shock. 
• I have been buying lots of lemons to put in his water. It is so important for any cancer patient to drink plenty of water to flush out the toxins in his or her system. 
• Hand sanitizer is also very important as we all know, but I am trying to make it a habit to use it, especially when traveling. 

Finally, I did forget to mention: SHHHHHH! Let’s not mention this blog to Gene. I am not sure he would be too thrilled to know that I am telling ALL!

Keep Praying and Believing in Miracles,
Barbara