Wed, 25 Jun 2003

Hump Day

Hi there. It's just me and Jade should be coming home any minute from chemo so I'd thought I'd take a minute and give a quick update.

We're happy to be halfway through the week. Jade is tolerating the chemo fairly well this week. Definitely some negative side effects as always but he remains so incredibly positive, strong and hopeful. He has been retaining some water, feeling light-headed/dizzy, very exhausted and hot (sometimes feverish but other times he's hot and his skin is super warm to the touch from all the chemicals just under his skin.) It seems this B Round of chemo messes with him mentally and emotionally as much as it does physically but he is fighting it all hard.

We got a phone call from KUTV - CH 2 (local CBS station) and they want Jade and I to come on this Sunday at 5:30 on their Take Two News program to discuss the situation and a little about insurances. Jade really wants to go and talk as long as he's feeling good. I informed the reporter we'd have to play it by ear to see if he's be up to it or not. So I'll call them Sat night or Sun morning and confirm but that's the plan. I am so appreciative of the help/attention we are receiving but I have to admit I really wish I could have my simple, anonymous life back!

From all reports I get the garage sale in Centerville this Sat should be quite impressive. (Big thanks to Marsha, Diane and crew!) Jade and I marvel at the wonders that have occurred in the past seven to eight weeks. If I'm honest, I am a little scared and sad to have the fund raising over. Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled to have the money necessary for the transplant, however, I was telling Jade the other day, the fund raising was something tangible that others could help us with. I know everyone is still supportive and will help in the coming weeks but as bizarre as it sounds, it seems the focus now needs/will come back onto Jade and I and what we have/need to do in the coming weeks. I know this doesn't make much sense but it feels like what lies ahead is something that Jade and I have walk through together/alone with all of you cheering us on. I didn't anticipate feeling this so it's taken me a little by surprise. I am so happy the fund raising is over so soon so everyone can have some summer fun and enjoy their 4th of July and other vacations. But as I stated earlier, it's a little bittersweet. If this has made sense to any of you, you're as sleep deprived as I am!

As far as other updates, Sadie is doing much better. The Rymadil (sp?) is helping her and extra love/pets have helped too! The basement is coming along. We have had so many people (co-workers, neighbors, family) come and work so hard! It's very difficult to be upstairs and hear them working and not be able to help. We should have it all done by the second week of July. It'll be done a week to ten days before Jade goes into the hospital. (It'll be nice to not pretend to be a general contractor any more too!)

Thanks for everything. Jade and I talk daily about how fortunate we are to have the help, love and support from you. It sustains us. I don't think I can comprehend how many people think of us and pray for us. Wow. Truly amazing. Thank you for your encouragement and hope. We're soaking all of it in. We'll keep you posted with how the next couple days go. Thanks again........

Much love...................Tanya and co.