Thanksgiving will soon be upon us all – and our family has more to be thankful for than many others; we are grateful for the gifts of improving health, family, friendships, love, and so much more. We have good news to report.
First of all, Jack is feeling good. He goes out and about for a good part of every day, picking up his Starbucks coffee, running errands, remotely managing computers, visiting friends and family, and so on. Two weeks ago we experienced the joy of Jack driving to the beach house – and for the first time in a year, we spent the night on the island. It was heavenly for both of us – the whole family came down and spent Sunday and after they left, we arranged the bed so that Jack would be comfortable lying in it (remembering that his back prevents him from lying flat). It was quiet and comforting to be there overnight; it gives Jack such happiness – which makes me happy, too.
Jack has had visits with four of his doctors in the past two weeks – and they all told us that he is doing well. He had a bone marrow biopsy and a bone marrow aspiration; both showed that his cancer is not growing in his marrow. Still, his cancer markers have risen very slightly – but remember that he has been off of chemo for almost 6 weeks. Dr. Weber believes that re-starting a light chemo dosage (which they stopped when he came down with pneumonia) may suppress the cancer and keep him at his current levels. He will start the chemo in the coming week, which will relieve some of my worries – though it means Jack has to be more careful about avoiding others with sniffles and sneezes because the chemo will suppress his immunity.
This season of thanks has reminded us that we take so much for granted until a twist in the road teaches us to appreciate the gifts we have been given. It has been almost a year since Jack’s back condition first indicated there was something wrong… and through this past year, we have become particularly aware that God, family, friends, and the health care system and Jack’s doctors, have blessed us with life and time together.
Thank you, everyone – we wish you the best Thanksgiving ever!
With love to all –
Sue and Jack
