May 24 Update

Dear Friends, 

It is unbelievable how supportive you have been to Gene and me during this very stressful time for both of us – and of course Cindy, Jim, Samuel and Taylor! 

We had such a great surprise yesterday. Taylor (our granddaughter who will soon be turning 18) and Samuel (our grandson who will be 14 at the end of the month) drove down from Broken Bow to spend the day with us. We are so very fortunate that we have such wonderful grandchildren. We are so very proud of them – they are very nice kids plus good students and athletes. Of course their parents, Cindy and Jim, had a big hand in their upbringing. (I have attached this wonderful picture of Gene with Taylor and Samuel.) 

It has been an up and down week. Gene was scheduled for his sixth treatment on Friday but his white blood count was too low. So on Monday, he had a shot of Neupogen and they continued these shots through yesterday for a total of three shots. 

We are hoping that on Friday, Gene will be able to take his sixth treatment … which of course will take all day and then he leaves with a chemo bag, which he wears for 48 hours. 

Gene has been worrying about his schedule for his American Quarter Horse duties as he is now president! We had all the treatments scheduled and our travel plans scheduled around them, but we will make it work. 

Each week, I learn more about being a caregiver. There are so many great FREE publications available at the Cancer Center. The one I picked up today is great – “Caring 4 Cancer.” 

There are many tips for the newly diagnosed cancer patient, such as: 

Bring paper and pencil with you to doctors’ visits for taking notes, or ask a friend to come with you and take notes. 

MY SUGGESTION: If possible, take one or more of your children with you. It was so helpful when we went for our first visit and took our daughter, Cindy. Cindy had many more questions than I would have thought. 

Our doctor has been wonderful, and at each visit he puts Cindy on speakerphone – so she feels she is very much a part of what the doctor is telling us on how the treatments are progressing. 

Another tip: Sign up for a customized weekly e-newsletter that will provide you with timely, helpful tips and support as your treatment plan progresses: www.Caring4Cancer.com I will check this out and let you know and if it is worthwhile. 

Remember, as I said earlier this week: “Love is often hidden till it’s given away. Love is a gift we can give every day!” 

Barbara