Upcoming Dates

We have a date set for surgery: Wednesday, July 21st. We will drive out to Seattle on the weekend prior (18th) and drive back the weekend afterwards (24th.) The surgery itself takes only 3 hours and requires only 1 night in the hospital.

I am taking some comfort in the fact that it is 4 weeks away. It gives us time to prepare, and it means I must not be in really bad shape if it can wait that long.

I have been really touched and uplifted by everyone's emails, phone calls, and cards. Thank you. I wanted to let everyone know that I have read and listened to them all and wish I could respond to each one personally. I had a dear friend ask me today if I had offended her because I hadn't responded to a recent email. Goodness, no! If you are thinking the same thing, the answer is the same! No one has offended me! I am just in over my head right now.

Cancer is like taking on another full time job. I am researching treatment options, changing my eating and cooking habits, making appointments, navigating bills and insurance, continuing to be a wife and mom, get sleep, meditate, and exercise. And work my real, full time job at the same time. Whew! It's a lot to handle. So please keep sending messages. Your encouragement keeps me going.

Many people have been so kind to reach out to us and ask how they can help. One of the things we are trying to do right now is prepare as much as we can for the long, upcoming months of treatment. We would like to get our house in better shape to lift some of the mental weight that we feel. Before the cancer hit, Brett and I were steadily working on finishing our house together; working on projects every weekend and many evenings. But now those projects have been put on hold.

We would like to host 2 workdays and invite anyone who is interested to come and help; Saturday, June 26th and Saturday, July 10th. Please come if you can! We will provide food and drink and will get started at 9 am each day. If you are thinking of coming, please let us know so that we can estimate food and building supplies. We will have all the tools and supplies ready to go. If you would like to help, but can't come on these days, we surely would welcome the help whenever you can make it.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. This week, our assistant priest and deacon came to pray with us. I mentioned to her that we can't do this on our own. She very wisely said, "You know, I don't think we are meant to." Brett and I are used to handling so much of life on our own. Asking for help is not something we are familiar with. But already, we see that making it through this difficult time takes a group effort. And we are extremely grateful for your love, support, and help.

Love,
Susan