Thursday, January 21, 2010

ENJOYING THE SUNSHINE

Hi there,


We haven't posted any updates lately because we've been busy enjoying the sunshine here on the coast. The weather has been great - we're even getting out in the garden (sorry - that was a dig for those of you living out there in the cold!) to begin our spring cleaning routine.

We escaped to Seattle for a few days and had some fun. Dallas followed me around while I shopped till I dropped - he's always such a good sport about that! I was on the search for a dress for the wedding and came back with two possibilities. The Big Guy said his contribution was to purchase a tie that matched my dress which he did in about five minutes flat (maybe he doesn't enjoy shopping as much as I do!).

Dallas has been fishing quite a bit and is having some luck in that department so he's a happy camper. He went out last week with Marcus and Gerry (he says there's nothing like fishing with three generations of Stober men on board and was wishing that Jordan was there too) and they all caught a salmon. Yesterday we were out enjoying the sunshine and he snagged another salmon so that was good. Today he's out again with Marcus and Gerry so here's hoping that they have good luck.

On the cancer front things are okay. I know that Dallas is having more aches and pains than normal but he rarely complains. He has another herceptin treatment next week so hopefully that will help the way it usually does. Despite his increased pain the Big Guy continues to amaze me. I rarely see him without a smile on his face and he has more energy I do. More later...

Love,

Patty

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Happy 2K10!

Hi Everyone,

We hope that you enjoyed your holiday season as much as we did ours. We had a lot of fun with the kids, enjoyed meeting more of Heather's family members and spending quality time with friends. Jordan flies back to Calgary tonight so our home will be a lot quieter for awhile!

We have been anxiously awaiting the results of Dallas's latest CT scan. At the end of his last chemotherapy session before Christmas, he was really feeling ill (the first six sessions of herceptin were accompanied by a very strong chemotherapy to "kick start" the herceptin. The chemo is what causes the most side effects). Our doctors felt that a CT scan was in order so that we could all get a clearer picture of what was going on with the Big Guy. You may remember that Dallas's continuation on the herceptin is based upon whether or not he's improving or at least feeling well on the drug. The results are in today and the news is mostly good. Dallas isn't showing any new tumours in his neck area which is always the area of greatest concern. There are three very small nodules which have shown up on his lungs. These nodules may have been there before and were not picked up by previous CT 's or they could be brand new - either way they will be watched from now on. The cancer in Dallas's bones has also advanced, but at a slower rate.

All in all it was a good cancer day. Dallas's herceptin treatments will continue and we can't emphasize enough how wonderful this drug has been for us. Dallas hasn't felt this well since before his surgery. The movement in his neck continues to improve, his energy levels get better every day and the rosy colour is back in that smiling face of his. His hair is starting to grow back we hope he'll be sporting another new 'do in time for the wedding.

Thanks as always for your support on our journey. We don't know what we'd do without you! We'll look forward to seeing more of you this year. More later...

Love,
Patty & the Big Guy

PS - You may have noticed that our comment section on the blog has been getting "spammed" lately. While blogger tries to fix this glitch in their system there may be a delay in your comments appearing on the blog. Please keep them coming anyway - we love reading them!