Hi everyone,
Deb's surgeon and oncologist has determined that the main tumor in her right breast is three and one half by four centimeters. About an inch and one half by a bit less than that.
The one in the left breast was six centimeters.
So we've learned that the anti cancer drugs, Tamoxifen, did not prevent this tumor, but since lobular tumors are not detected by mammograms, it's possible this tumor was present for some time.
We don't have the exact plan yet, but it appears it will start with the insertion of a power port for chemo and blood work. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_%28medical%29 is a link to a site showing a port.
We assume that chemo is intended to shrink the tumors present and to kill any other cancer cells present in remote areas.
Deb is understandably disappointed, saddened, a bit angry and would like to get on with the program. Her emotions seem to be a bit tipsy right now.
Now the good news. Many people are praying for Deb. She is very strong and has the will to beat this thing again.
If children have the ability to ignore all odds and percentages, then maybe we can all learn from them. When you think about it, what other choice is there but to hope? We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up, or Fight Like Hell.
Lance Armstrong
Once you choose hope, anything's possible.
Christopher Reeve
And so as so many others before, Deb will choose to fight like hell and have faith that whatever God's will is for her, she will accept it but never stop asking Him for healing and peace.
Thank you for reading this and above all, thank you for your prayers.
Dan
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
AN ADVERSARY RETURNS
AN ADVERSARY RETURNS
It’s been approximately three years and seven months since I was diagnosed with breast cancer and just over three years since the removal of my left breast. I had my first colonoscopy in October, a mammogram and my first bone density scan a couple of weeks ago, all with positive results. I have been seeing my oncologist and surgeon on the every 6-month plan and my radiation oncologist and general practitioner at least annually, always with good results. So imagine my surprise when during my latest visit with my surgeon on Tuesday November 16 when during the exam she “felt something”. She continued the exam and decided to check more thoroughly via ultrasound and then thought it prudent to perform a biopsy. This was a lot more than I had bargained for going into this appointment.
I had never thought much about how I might feel or react at learning that the cancer might return. Well, now I know. As I left the exam room, my whole body was shaking and by the time I got into the car, I was sobbing uncontrollably. I called Dan to fill him in, called my manager, as I had gone during my lunch time for the appointment, to let her know and then I went home; however, I didn’t go straight home. I made a detour through the McDonald’s drive-through for a Big Mac and fries; something I hadn’t done for a very long time.
I was told I could get the biopsy results on Friday November 19. In an effort not to alarm my family, I chose not to mention the biopsy until knowing the results. My hope was to be able to announce at Thanksgiving, “Yeah, we had a bit of scare last week…”. Well I got the biopsy results Friday and heard the words once more, “You have cancer.” I’d pretty much already resigned myself to the news being the worst and remained composed throughout the day; however, by the time I got home I was very tired; it had been a rough week physically and emotionally. The cancer is in the opposite breast and is lobular, the same kind I had before, which is why it wasn’t detected by my recent mammogram. (Dan did a great job of explaining all this in one of the earliest posts to this blog, so I won’t get into it here, but feel free to go back and read the earlier posts, especially those of you who are new to this blog.) I called my immediate family (for me the hardest part of the ordeal) to inform them and Dan let the girls (Kathi, Krista & Erin) know. We also met with our small group from The Chapel last night, a group of folks we are very thankful for.
Dan and I met with my surgeon this afternoon. She examined the biopsy site and did some more poking and prodding. We discussed my cancer history, agreed an MRI was needed to get a better handle on the size and placement of the tumor and discussed possible treatment plans, but could not decide on a definite path until we get the results of the MRI and my oncologist provides his thoughts. We left feeling encouraged, but not overly optimistic. My MRI is scheduled for tomorrow. I’ll meet with my surgeon Tuesday November 30 to review the MRI results and discuss a feasible treatment plan.
As most of you reading this know, Dan was the author of all the posts last time around and because he has a way with words, will be picking up this one after this initial post of mine. I may still jump in from time to time.
I want to thank all of my family and friends for their unconditional love and support that is already being conveyed. You are very special to me. We believe that God has a plan for this and we are content to remain faithful and as calm as possible. Keep praying!
Deb
It’s been approximately three years and seven months since I was diagnosed with breast cancer and just over three years since the removal of my left breast. I had my first colonoscopy in October, a mammogram and my first bone density scan a couple of weeks ago, all with positive results. I have been seeing my oncologist and surgeon on the every 6-month plan and my radiation oncologist and general practitioner at least annually, always with good results. So imagine my surprise when during my latest visit with my surgeon on Tuesday November 16 when during the exam she “felt something”. She continued the exam and decided to check more thoroughly via ultrasound and then thought it prudent to perform a biopsy. This was a lot more than I had bargained for going into this appointment.
I had never thought much about how I might feel or react at learning that the cancer might return. Well, now I know. As I left the exam room, my whole body was shaking and by the time I got into the car, I was sobbing uncontrollably. I called Dan to fill him in, called my manager, as I had gone during my lunch time for the appointment, to let her know and then I went home; however, I didn’t go straight home. I made a detour through the McDonald’s drive-through for a Big Mac and fries; something I hadn’t done for a very long time.
I was told I could get the biopsy results on Friday November 19. In an effort not to alarm my family, I chose not to mention the biopsy until knowing the results. My hope was to be able to announce at Thanksgiving, “Yeah, we had a bit of scare last week…”. Well I got the biopsy results Friday and heard the words once more, “You have cancer.” I’d pretty much already resigned myself to the news being the worst and remained composed throughout the day; however, by the time I got home I was very tired; it had been a rough week physically and emotionally. The cancer is in the opposite breast and is lobular, the same kind I had before, which is why it wasn’t detected by my recent mammogram. (Dan did a great job of explaining all this in one of the earliest posts to this blog, so I won’t get into it here, but feel free to go back and read the earlier posts, especially those of you who are new to this blog.) I called my immediate family (for me the hardest part of the ordeal) to inform them and Dan let the girls (Kathi, Krista & Erin) know. We also met with our small group from The Chapel last night, a group of folks we are very thankful for.
Dan and I met with my surgeon this afternoon. She examined the biopsy site and did some more poking and prodding. We discussed my cancer history, agreed an MRI was needed to get a better handle on the size and placement of the tumor and discussed possible treatment plans, but could not decide on a definite path until we get the results of the MRI and my oncologist provides his thoughts. We left feeling encouraged, but not overly optimistic. My MRI is scheduled for tomorrow. I’ll meet with my surgeon Tuesday November 30 to review the MRI results and discuss a feasible treatment plan.
As most of you reading this know, Dan was the author of all the posts last time around and because he has a way with words, will be picking up this one after this initial post of mine. I may still jump in from time to time.
I want to thank all of my family and friends for their unconditional love and support that is already being conveyed. You are very special to me. We believe that God has a plan for this and we are content to remain faithful and as calm as possible. Keep praying!
Deb
Friday, August 13, 2010
Random Ruminations
Hi Campers, welcome to Friday the 13th!
I haven’t been too excited lately about life in general. Combined with my apathy, is the oppressing heat that keeps us indoors, and you get a television watching couch potato.
I’m not sure what has come over me. My 65th birthday came and went, without too much hoopla, and we’ve had enough rain that the flowers, grass and trees in the yard are beautiful.
Strider (the wonder dog) has an internal medical problem that is somewhere in her skull and cannot be completely diagnosed. It has caused her left eye and the side of her face to look as if she had a stroke. Our vet recommended we ride it out and we will visit the vet every six weeks or so to have an exam. Strider will be eight this year.
Our church, The Chapel, is opening a McHenry campus, not too far from us and we will worship at the
I’m looking through the other end of the telescope now. Reversing the lens allows me to see the present as a result of the past, I guess.
Every president and most elected officials, it seems, are not only reviled in the media but they are under such intense scrutiny that I wonder how they govern or why they would want to serve. I think it becomes apparent that most of them survive by promising the electorate anything for a vote and so start running for re-election the day after they take office. We coerce them with the threat of block voting for someone else, and they rob Peter to pay Paul until we have our financial backs to the wall, and still we borrow money to keep
They say that hoarding has become more common in the last few years. Two Chicago Tribune stories in the last month told of a couple found buried (dead) under mounds of stuff in their homes. In one case a hole was cut in the roof to extract someone who could not even touch the floor. Our savings are down, and our debt is up. Even taking away the massive amount of money lost of the home debacle, there is still trillions of dollars owed by Americans to satisfy the lack of financial discipline over the last forty years.
Was it the lure of easy money the last few years that led so many to live above their means? Did we think that a day of reckoning would never arrive? Is our live now, pay later, responsible for the rampant obesity and health woes? When the bills come due, and they always do, will we understand how we got there and be ashamed?
We have made
We have no time for anyone anymore. We’re impatient with our spouse, our children and family. We are always in a hurry, afraid it seems to let time have its way with our lives. We resent the intrusions of life. The child who is ill, lonely, or sad, the neighbor who needs help or the poor people that are everywhere, never register on our radar screen because we are so self-absorbed. We have become the rich fool from the Bible.
And our anger. Where did that come from? Road rage, parents killing children, people on stabbing sprees, murder-suicides, it defines American culture today. Harsh words, escalating arguments, some settled with fists or guns, permeate our cities. People beaten with baseball bats, by strangers who didn’t know them. Mental derangement or uncontrolled anger? Hard to decide.
It may be that generations behind us will be different. They won’t care as much about stuff and power. The old guard politicians will make way for those who really want to govern, with equality, fairness, compassion and honesty. My bet is that the other 49 states will get there before our land of pay to play here in
Or it may be that people will finely see that for every dollar spent by government, you and I have to pay taxes equal to that dollar and one more for the government worker for his wages, fringe benefits and retirement costs. We can only defer those costs so long before we collapse under the mound of debt.
I would be nice to un ring the bell, put the genie back in the bottle and go back in the past to when life was simpler, more predictable and maybe more fun. I don’t know what year that would work. Maybe 1955? 1925?
The only peace I seem to enjoy is reading a good book or taking a nap. Not much of a recipe for all our social ills, is it. So tonight I’ll curl up in my recliner and fire up the 52 inch big screen and watch the ball game or the PGA Championship. And I’ll wonder where the heroes of government are today. Do we have a John Adams or a Thomas Jefferson out there? Who would we compare to George Washington or Abraham Lincoln today? We need courageous leaders in
But perhaps most of all we need people to demand fairness and honesty and then have the courage to model that by paying their fair share of taxes and supporting efforts with time and money to help those who suffer most. We need more humble servants, we have enough leaders, it seems.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Happy Birthday
Hello Fellow Campers,
The sunburn is fading; the muscles ache a bit less this morning, we have nothing but praise for God’s blessing of good weather all weekend. It was a very good party.
Deb was 50 on June 15th, but we waited to celebrate until Father’s Day and all the graduation parties finished.
I had never considered making it a surprise party, as I knew I’d need help with the guest list and the arrangements, and I would be challenged to approach the competence Deb exhibited in 1995 when she threw my surprise 50th birthday party.
So we planned a pig roast with all the trimmings. We used Billy’s restaurant in Spring Grove for the catering and ABC rental in Round Lake for the tent, tables and chairs and some emergency help Friday night.
We invited family, friends and Deb’s co workers, and a few neighbors. I knew it would be a terrific turn out, and it was. It was wonderful to see so many good people having a happy time.
People brought appetizers, side dishes and desserts, and lots of hugs for Deb and me. We saw friends on Saturday that came a good distance to be with us, and people that we have neglected over time, as our path and theirs crossed less frequently. Uncle Johnny was there at 84, the senior statesman to attend. There were kids and Strider the Wonder Dog too. We also had a surprise visit by Little Miss Peanut, Hailey Fish, daughter of Perry and Julie Fish.
Our good friend John Puleo came over Friday and helped set up the tent, a 20 foot by 30 foot beauty from ABC Rental. Our friends and next door neighbor, Paul and Karen Sorenson own ABC, so we have always used them for tents and just about anything else you could want to rent. John and I were a little confused about the center poles in the tent, so Paul and his grandson Zak came over and helped tune up the installation to withstand the high wind Friday night.
Saturday morning Deb was a whirling dervish, making beds, picking up, putting the ubiquitous pillows shams on and doing last minute weeding. The weather was post card perfect and Billy’s arrived about 2:30 in the afternoon and proceeded to exceed my expectations completely.
They carved and served the pork, some with BBQ sauce and some plain. The pork was the best I’ve had, period. Their baked beans reminded me of my mom’s beans, and the potato salad and slaw was delicious.
Prior to that, there were plenty of things to snack on and after dinner there was cake and ice cream and singing. Plenty of other desserts were there too, including brownies, cookies and pound cake.
The party continued until about 9 PM when the mosquitoes became overwhelming.
During all of this Strider, our cocker spaniel was a real lady, trotting around with the kids and looking for hand outs. A week ago she developed a pain syndrome, perhaps caused by some nerve or orthopedic problem. It scared us a lot. We were supposed to keep her quiet until she healed, but on Saturday it was an impossible task. Sunday Strider paid the price. We had to carry her down stairs to go out, and she laid in the yard most of the day looking sad. Her eyes seemed to ask the question, why? We’ll be getting x rays and hopefully she will return to 100 percent soon. She will be seven years old in September.
Deb and I cleaned up Sunday, stacking the chairs and tables and taking down the tent. We took our time and started the day (at 8 am) with a cold beer and birthday cake. Who says the Harrell’s don’t know how to party.
We probably had seventy five adults and twenty kids at the peak. Music was provided by John Puleo’s speaker system and my Ipod.
Too many times the only way to get this kind of turn out is at a funeral or wedding. We forget how many wonderful people we know and sadly lose track of in the rush of everyday life. It is too easy to get wrapped up in our own problems and activities until something happens to bring us together.
We thank everyone for the gift of their presence, sharing their favorite dishes in the feast, and the many hugs and smiles that still light our way.
I thank God for the gift of Deb all these years, as she is the leavening in my life, the ying to my yang and my wonderful partner.
God Bless.
The sunburn is fading; the muscles ache a bit less this morning, we have nothing but praise for God’s blessing of good weather all weekend. It was a very good party.
Deb was 50 on June 15th, but we waited to celebrate until Father’s Day and all the graduation parties finished.
I had never considered making it a surprise party, as I knew I’d need help with the guest list and the arrangements, and I would be challenged to approach the competence Deb exhibited in 1995 when she threw my surprise 50th birthday party.
So we planned a pig roast with all the trimmings. We used Billy’s restaurant in Spring Grove for the catering and ABC rental in Round Lake for the tent, tables and chairs and some emergency help Friday night.
We invited family, friends and Deb’s co workers, and a few neighbors. I knew it would be a terrific turn out, and it was. It was wonderful to see so many good people having a happy time.
People brought appetizers, side dishes and desserts, and lots of hugs for Deb and me. We saw friends on Saturday that came a good distance to be with us, and people that we have neglected over time, as our path and theirs crossed less frequently. Uncle Johnny was there at 84, the senior statesman to attend. There were kids and Strider the Wonder Dog too. We also had a surprise visit by Little Miss Peanut, Hailey Fish, daughter of Perry and Julie Fish.
Our good friend John Puleo came over Friday and helped set up the tent, a 20 foot by 30 foot beauty from ABC Rental. Our friends and next door neighbor, Paul and Karen Sorenson own ABC, so we have always used them for tents and just about anything else you could want to rent. John and I were a little confused about the center poles in the tent, so Paul and his grandson Zak came over and helped tune up the installation to withstand the high wind Friday night.
Saturday morning Deb was a whirling dervish, making beds, picking up, putting the ubiquitous pillows shams on and doing last minute weeding. The weather was post card perfect and Billy’s arrived about 2:30 in the afternoon and proceeded to exceed my expectations completely.
They carved and served the pork, some with BBQ sauce and some plain. The pork was the best I’ve had, period. Their baked beans reminded me of my mom’s beans, and the potato salad and slaw was delicious.
Prior to that, there were plenty of things to snack on and after dinner there was cake and ice cream and singing. Plenty of other desserts were there too, including brownies, cookies and pound cake.
The party continued until about 9 PM when the mosquitoes became overwhelming.
During all of this Strider, our cocker spaniel was a real lady, trotting around with the kids and looking for hand outs. A week ago she developed a pain syndrome, perhaps caused by some nerve or orthopedic problem. It scared us a lot. We were supposed to keep her quiet until she healed, but on Saturday it was an impossible task. Sunday Strider paid the price. We had to carry her down stairs to go out, and she laid in the yard most of the day looking sad. Her eyes seemed to ask the question, why? We’ll be getting x rays and hopefully she will return to 100 percent soon. She will be seven years old in September.
Deb and I cleaned up Sunday, stacking the chairs and tables and taking down the tent. We took our time and started the day (at 8 am) with a cold beer and birthday cake. Who says the Harrell’s don’t know how to party.
We probably had seventy five adults and twenty kids at the peak. Music was provided by John Puleo’s speaker system and my Ipod.
Too many times the only way to get this kind of turn out is at a funeral or wedding. We forget how many wonderful people we know and sadly lose track of in the rush of everyday life. It is too easy to get wrapped up in our own problems and activities until something happens to bring us together.
We thank everyone for the gift of their presence, sharing their favorite dishes in the feast, and the many hugs and smiles that still light our way.
I thank God for the gift of Deb all these years, as she is the leavening in my life, the ying to my yang and my wonderful partner.
God Bless.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Health Care-Everyone Has Thoughts
Well,
You either have to be living under a rock, or senile, not to follow the intense debate on health care. One of many initiatives before the country now.
In a perfect system, the patients rights and concerns would be paramount, but always with a nod to sensible economics and end of life issues.
President Obama tonight tried to address the misinformation about his health care proposals. He tried to check the hysteria being fed by those who would profit by the status quo. His plan will not raise the deficit nor will it mean less care or will it mandate government provided care as the only available option, he says, and I have no reason to believe he isn't less than sincere in what he says.
Make no mistake, when someone tells you they have only your concerns before them, count your fingers and change when you are finished, because if there is money involved, you can bet that the primary purpose of the transaction for them is making a buck.
Only insurmountable public pressure or legislation can regulate health care and reduce the enormous cost we pay for it by changing the way health care is delivered. Sadly, even the best intentions are doomed to fail if we can't get the politics out of the debate.
No one, republican or democrat, disagrees that health care has become too expensive for many people, and and unavailable at any cost to many more.
Deb is fifty, I'm sixty four. It stands to reason that with her exposure to cancer she will have trouble getting good health insurance on her own. Which means we either get a high deductible policy, she finds a job that provides health care, or I work another 15 years.
The thought of working until I'm 79 seems a bit unrealistic to me. Think of how my boss would feel about having me another 15 years. Reporting to work with my walker and in my depends.
Back to the theme though. We have to make hard choices and understand that we can't have unlimited options for health care without paying for it with higher premiums. Employers pass along benefit costs dollar for dollar to employees by limiting our paycheck compensation. And it is a tragedy in a country such as ours that so many people, including little children, go without not only basic care, but do without health education and nutritious food.
Some things should exist without debate.
Every person in this country, and I mean every person, should have access to affordable, competent health care. Secondly, every person should have access to mental health care and counseling. All Children should have three good meals each day, however they are furnished. Every student should have a safe school and good teachers. Children should be clothed for the season and we should have enough DCFS employees to make sure children are truly safe.
And while were talking here, or I guess I'm talking, lets get rid of property tax as a barbaric means of funding schools.
How do we pay for this? Take the cost for the basics and develop a graduated tax without any loop holes and let all income be subject to it. Then trot out these other optional programs, that really are ear marks and pork, and let the people understand their true cost and have a say in what gets funded.
We live in a land of plenty, yet we have become self absorbed and selfish. That is, you all have, because all of you know, I'm a truly wonderful altruistic person.
We do very well, with our charity, even in times of hardship. And there are government programs that reach out to the poor and the sick. But we could do so much better. Private programs only go so far. We need the boost only our government can provide, when it not hogtied by bureaucracy and red tape.
There are a lot of people in need out there. Most of the time they don't have a face we can see, and that makes it difficult to respond to the need.
Many children lack food, clothing and with a new school season around the corner, we're reminded that many do not have the school supplies they need to start a new year. There are a lot of good programs out there that will furnish those supplies to needy kids.
I think Deb is doing very well. We have been working on the yard it seems, every free minute and there is still more to do, but it is taking shape just in time for her birthday celebration this Saturday. She loves working in the yard. Our new kitchen counters and sink look. We go on vacation in August, so we are anxious to have the free time.
Today, hug a friend, call someone you miss, write a thank you note and make sure that you tell everyone how much they mean to you and that you love them. What if tomorrow never comes?
There is no one that can't use a smile and a cheerful word. Someone's day may completely change for the better with your small kindness.
I tell Deb each morning as I leave that I love her. Then (and this is sad) I go around the bed to where Strider (the wonder dog) is now laying on my pillow, and pat her and say goodbye.
Finally, I ask you, where is the sin in sincere, and what is the good in goodbye? (Music Man 1957)
God Bless
Dan
You either have to be living under a rock, or senile, not to follow the intense debate on health care. One of many initiatives before the country now.
In a perfect system, the patients rights and concerns would be paramount, but always with a nod to sensible economics and end of life issues.
President Obama tonight tried to address the misinformation about his health care proposals. He tried to check the hysteria being fed by those who would profit by the status quo. His plan will not raise the deficit nor will it mean less care or will it mandate government provided care as the only available option, he says, and I have no reason to believe he isn't less than sincere in what he says.
Make no mistake, when someone tells you they have only your concerns before them, count your fingers and change when you are finished, because if there is money involved, you can bet that the primary purpose of the transaction for them is making a buck.
Only insurmountable public pressure or legislation can regulate health care and reduce the enormous cost we pay for it by changing the way health care is delivered. Sadly, even the best intentions are doomed to fail if we can't get the politics out of the debate.
No one, republican or democrat, disagrees that health care has become too expensive for many people, and and unavailable at any cost to many more.
Deb is fifty, I'm sixty four. It stands to reason that with her exposure to cancer she will have trouble getting good health insurance on her own. Which means we either get a high deductible policy, she finds a job that provides health care, or I work another 15 years.
The thought of working until I'm 79 seems a bit unrealistic to me. Think of how my boss would feel about having me another 15 years. Reporting to work with my walker and in my depends.
Back to the theme though. We have to make hard choices and understand that we can't have unlimited options for health care without paying for it with higher premiums. Employers pass along benefit costs dollar for dollar to employees by limiting our paycheck compensation. And it is a tragedy in a country such as ours that so many people, including little children, go without not only basic care, but do without health education and nutritious food.
Some things should exist without debate.
Every person in this country, and I mean every person, should have access to affordable, competent health care. Secondly, every person should have access to mental health care and counseling. All Children should have three good meals each day, however they are furnished. Every student should have a safe school and good teachers. Children should be clothed for the season and we should have enough DCFS employees to make sure children are truly safe.
And while were talking here, or I guess I'm talking, lets get rid of property tax as a barbaric means of funding schools.
How do we pay for this? Take the cost for the basics and develop a graduated tax without any loop holes and let all income be subject to it. Then trot out these other optional programs, that really are ear marks and pork, and let the people understand their true cost and have a say in what gets funded.
We live in a land of plenty, yet we have become self absorbed and selfish. That is, you all have, because all of you know, I'm a truly wonderful altruistic person.
We do very well, with our charity, even in times of hardship. And there are government programs that reach out to the poor and the sick. But we could do so much better. Private programs only go so far. We need the boost only our government can provide, when it not hogtied by bureaucracy and red tape.
There are a lot of people in need out there. Most of the time they don't have a face we can see, and that makes it difficult to respond to the need.
Many children lack food, clothing and with a new school season around the corner, we're reminded that many do not have the school supplies they need to start a new year. There are a lot of good programs out there that will furnish those supplies to needy kids.
I think Deb is doing very well. We have been working on the yard it seems, every free minute and there is still more to do, but it is taking shape just in time for her birthday celebration this Saturday. She loves working in the yard. Our new kitchen counters and sink look. We go on vacation in August, so we are anxious to have the free time.
Today, hug a friend, call someone you miss, write a thank you note and make sure that you tell everyone how much they mean to you and that you love them. What if tomorrow never comes?
There is no one that can't use a smile and a cheerful word. Someone's day may completely change for the better with your small kindness.
I tell Deb each morning as I leave that I love her. Then (and this is sad) I go around the bed to where Strider (the wonder dog) is now laying on my pillow, and pat her and say goodbye.
Finally, I ask you, where is the sin in sincere, and what is the good in goodbye? (Music Man 1957)
God Bless
Dan
Monday, June 22, 2009
Relay for Life 2009
Hi all,
Compared to the weather last year, this was a peach. Except, Deb like to froze overnight. But all in all it was a terrific time for her and she raised about $800 in pledges for the American Cancer Society.
We continue to bump into people with cancer or their care givers. Others deal with the loss of someone to cancer.
There is no feeling like hearing for the first time that someone you love has this dread disease.
Please continue to pray for all those who struggle with cancer.
God Bless,
Dan
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Memorial Day 2009
Welcome To Spring
Hi Everyone,
I hope this finds you well and happy, as spring is here at last.
Deb continues to do well. Her exams are unremarkable, and her physical strength and spirit seem to gain ground steadily.
Deb is going to take part in the Relay for Life starting on May 30th. Here is what she said in her e mail.
"Hi everybody. I am planning to participate in the GLMV (Green Oaks, Libertyville, Mundelein, Vernon Hills) chapter of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Live this year on May 30th and 31st. I will be a member of the Mundelein Community Women's Club team.
Thanks to all of you who supported me and the cause in last year's Relay. I had never participated before and surprised myself with my emotion that came over me as I joined so many others on the survivor's lap to start the Relay.
During my life, and especially since my breast cancer diagnosis in April of 2007, I have been touched as family, friends and acquaintances have had to personally fight this disease, act as caregivers or mourn the loss of a dear friend or family member. The Relay is a way for me to continue to "fight the fight" against cancer.Following is a link to the Relay for Life website. It provides additional information and provides an opportunity to donate if you wish. I would really appreciate your support.Deb
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY09IL/1034019598?px=10651602&pg=personal&fr_id=15278
Deb and I know that there are so many worthy causes out there that compete for our charitable contributions, so please don't fee that you need to contribute anything but your prayers for Deb's continued good health and the success of the Relay for Life gathering.
A new favorite sent to me recently.
"You know, I spent a fortune on deodorant before I realized that people didn't like me anyway."
Another,
Anger management. He- "You know when I'm upset, you never seem to get flustered and fight back." She-I work out my anger by cleaning the toilet." He- "How does that help?" She-" I use your toothbrush".
We continue to be amazed by the abundance in our life, all provided by God and by his grace.
On this Memorial Day Weekend, I look back over the years to a time years ago, when as a high school band member in Pontiac Michigan, I was asked to play taps at Perry Mount Park Cemetery at the conclusion of a Memorial Day Service. I was dressed in my band uniform with my trumpet shined for the occasion.
"Thanksgiving is a time when we pause to give thanks for what we have. Memorial day is when we thank the people who fought for the things we have". " Our heros who gave up all of their tomorrows so we could have ours".
There were proud men from World War Two and Korea, many in their dress uniforms, who stood at attention with a crisp salute as the rifles cracked. There were some tears too from family members remembering fathers, brothers and sons who had surrendered their very lives in distant places to keep America free.
Today we can add to the list those that served in the Gulf War, Viet Nam and everyone currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. I don't know how we can ever fully appreciate their profound sacrifice, given for all of us, but this weekend, above all, we need to thank God for these brave men and women, the thin green line between the comforts of home an our enemies.
Peace.
Hi Everyone,
I hope this finds you well and happy, as spring is here at last.
Deb continues to do well. Her exams are unremarkable, and her physical strength and spirit seem to gain ground steadily.
Deb is going to take part in the Relay for Life starting on May 30th. Here is what she said in her e mail.
"Hi everybody. I am planning to participate in the GLMV (Green Oaks, Libertyville, Mundelein, Vernon Hills) chapter of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Live this year on May 30th and 31st. I will be a member of the Mundelein Community Women's Club team.
Thanks to all of you who supported me and the cause in last year's Relay. I had never participated before and surprised myself with my emotion that came over me as I joined so many others on the survivor's lap to start the Relay.
During my life, and especially since my breast cancer diagnosis in April of 2007, I have been touched as family, friends and acquaintances have had to personally fight this disease, act as caregivers or mourn the loss of a dear friend or family member. The Relay is a way for me to continue to "fight the fight" against cancer.Following is a link to the Relay for Life website. It provides additional information and provides an opportunity to donate if you wish. I would really appreciate your support.Deb
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY09IL/1034019598?px=10651602&pg=personal&fr_id=15278
Deb and I know that there are so many worthy causes out there that compete for our charitable contributions, so please don't fee that you need to contribute anything but your prayers for Deb's continued good health and the success of the Relay for Life gathering.
A new favorite sent to me recently.
"You know, I spent a fortune on deodorant before I realized that people didn't like me anyway."
Another,
Anger management. He- "You know when I'm upset, you never seem to get flustered and fight back." She-I work out my anger by cleaning the toilet." He- "How does that help?" She-" I use your toothbrush".
We continue to be amazed by the abundance in our life, all provided by God and by his grace.
On this Memorial Day Weekend, I look back over the years to a time years ago, when as a high school band member in Pontiac Michigan, I was asked to play taps at Perry Mount Park Cemetery at the conclusion of a Memorial Day Service. I was dressed in my band uniform with my trumpet shined for the occasion.
"Thanksgiving is a time when we pause to give thanks for what we have. Memorial day is when we thank the people who fought for the things we have". " Our heros who gave up all of their tomorrows so we could have ours".
There were proud men from World War Two and Korea, many in their dress uniforms, who stood at attention with a crisp salute as the rifles cracked. There were some tears too from family members remembering fathers, brothers and sons who had surrendered their very lives in distant places to keep America free.
Today we can add to the list those that served in the Gulf War, Viet Nam and everyone currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. I don't know how we can ever fully appreciate their profound sacrifice, given for all of us, but this weekend, above all, we need to thank God for these brave men and women, the thin green line between the comforts of home an our enemies.
Peace.
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