Our family has enjoyed another AMAZING week. Karen has been able to get out of bed EVERY day and enjoy some level of activity. She's used the new found energy to take three of the children to lunch this past week. So far Hannah, Matthew and Rachel have had a date with Mom by themselves. Each of them have commented on how much they have enjoyed their time alone with Karen. We plan to continue this new found practice. We had "intentions" of doing this before but it seemed difficult to find the time. Karen's illness is teaching us the time is there and the time is now. One of my grandfathers many sayings has become crystal clear to me now, "Man can always find time for what he finds important."

Karen began taking Xeloda (chemo) again on 28Jul. Aside from fatigue and nausea (discouraging and debilitating at times though common with chemo) Karen has not had any of the side affects she had with the first round of Xeloda. Praise God for this answer to prayer! Today, 08AUG, marks the completion of 12 out 14 days she has taken Xeloda. Just 2 more days and she'll be able to enjoy a week off before staring the next round!

Karen's latest visit to the oncologist was on 04AUG. This time was for a 120 minute infusion of Aerida to help her bones fight against the cancer. She also received another dose of Aranesp to help her body boost the red blood cell count(RBC). Even though Karen wasn't scheduled to see her doctor (Jan Galleshaw) Jan still came into the "chemo room" to check on Karen. She was pleased to hear Karen had thus far had no hand/foot or mouth issues from taking the Xeloda (chemo). Jan commented on how well Karen looked and her remarkable improvement over the past few weeks. The subject of the 3 Day Walk benefiting the Susan G. Komen foundation came up during their chat and Jan suggested that Karen make attending the walk a goal for 2006. Of course there is no guarantee Karen will be able to participate in a 60 mile walk 18 months from now, but HOPE is life to the bones!

As I watch Karen I'm reminded of all the things I take for granted. Just the ability to get out of bed and carry out the tasks of daily life are a blessing that should not be taken lightly. We all have different challenges on many different levels, but each of us is given the exact same 24 hours every day. It's like a bank account that is filled up each day but it's balance cannot be carried into the next day. It can however pay huge dividends for you and others depending on how it us used. A common question asked with "terminal" disease prognosis is "How long do I have to live?". I know ask myself that question every day. I believe with every ounce of my being that only God knows the answer. There is a country song to which I have only heard a few times so I'm not certain of the exact words but the chorus goes something like, "Everyone should get the chance to live like they were dying." That's a really deep thought to ponder........

If you knew today was your last day on earth how would you spend it?