Gene and I drove to Omaha on Friday and had a wonderful dinner with our longtime friend Barbara List. Then on Saturday morning, we were in the run/walk for pancreatic cancer held in Omaha.
Daughter Cindy and granddaughter Taylor ran in the 4-mile run. Gene and I were so proud of them. Taylor passed her mother, but Cindy was a real hero: She ran the 4 miles in very good time, even though it was a tough run. There were many hills, which Cindy doesn’t have to face in Broken Bow!
While in Omaha, I did sign a petition to be sent to Congress to increase the financial support for pancreatic cancer research. Pancreatic cancer only gets a very small percentage for research from the government, and this is such a difficult cancer to detect. We desperately need a screening test.
I want to say a big “thank you!” to our wonderful family and friends for the continued prayers and thoughts for Gene during his cancer treatments!
It is because of all your prayers that Gene’s cancer tumors have shrunk in size … by 90%. Dr. Ramaekers is so pleased with Gene’s progress, and we are, too. But, of course, we have to be ready for a plateau.
We had another call from our good friends Butch and Charlene Morgan from Colorado, checking on Gene. J.D. Yates calls at least once a week.
We are so thankful for our “Horse Family” – everyone has been so concerned and helpful to both of us. And we can never forget our Grand Island support team of family and friends. (If Virjeanne Baker keeps bringing us homemade pies, we will be too fat to move.)
Today, Gene is having his seventh treatment. We arrived at the St. Francis Cancer Center at 8 a.m., and he will probably be here for at least six hours today. I never look forward to the days after Gene’s treatments, but I know we have to take the good with the bad.
We are both trying to be very positive, but I have many bad moments where I silently pray that Gene does not have to suffer like we all have seen so many of our loved ones do. They say God only gives you what you can handle, but sometimes I think I have already handled more than my share.
On a more practical note, here’s a new comfort tip: It is helpful to bring your slippers or flip-flops along when you are getting your treatments. I always need to remember to bring a shoe horn. Sometimes it is difficult to get shoes on after several hours of sitting.
I would love to hear your comments and any advice or tips on making this journey through the dark tunnel of the unknown.
Thanks so much.
Till next time,
Barbara
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