Overwhelmed!!

We had an absolutely unbelievable trip to the States these past few days. 

Our flights to SLC went well last week as we made the trek through Chicago and then on to Utah.  We’re so grateful to our parents in Ogden for hosting us the first night.  Friday was whirlwind of errands for the wedding on Saturday and preparations for dropping off Jenna at BYU.

I would say that the wedding day on Saturday, 23 August was just a beautiful day!  The forecast was for cold and rain, but after some showers in the early morning, it cleared out and made for a nice day to visit the Jordan River Temple and spend time with our beloved family and friends.  The sealing was beautiful, and Derek and Jessica were the picture of a happy couple.   We’re excited to have Jessica join our family.

The old Provo courthouse is a gorgeous, marble-filled building and was classy place to have a luncheon and reception.  We were simply overwhelmed by the family, friends and loved-ones who came to visit with our family.  We know that many of you traveled so very far to be there and went way out of your normal schedules to be a part of the festivities.  We are humbled by your love and support. 

Wendi held up better than any of us expected.  She had an unanticipated high energy level and was able to be a part of everything.  She looked beautiful and was an outstanding mother-of-the-groom.  I thought she might come crashing down the next day, but when it comes to being with family, she was able to draw on some kind of super-reserves and was energetic all through Tuesday.  We were blessed beyond our wildest expectations.

We were also fortunate enough to make it on our flights today and we are on our way ‘home’ to Germany.  We jump right back into the middle of school (the boys will have missed 3 days) and scouts and seminary and work, and chemo.  The summer truly is over, but we went out with a bang!

Thank you so much, again to all of you.  We love you and can’t thank you enough.  Your support sustains us daily.

Marküs

Round 2 Tomorrow and CT Results Great--

Wendi went in today for blood work in preparation for her next chemo session tomorrow.  She is finally done with the "AC" regimen and is phasing into the "T" segment.  It is supposedly the easier drug to handle, so of course, we're hoping that holds true.

She was also able to meet one of the two new Oncology doctors.  We are right in the middle of PCS (moving) season and the Oncology docs are swapping out as well.  She really liked this new guy and is hoping to be linked up with him.  Fingers crossed.

You may know, Wendi had her second CT scan last Friday.  They wanted to scan and see what things looked like after enduring that first chemo cycle and compare it to the scan done in June.  We checked with our radiologist friend in the ward who looked at and gave us the inside scoop.  Everything looked great!  We are glad to hear the good news.  The doctor today confirmed what he had told us earlier, so we are in a good position going into the next phase.

We are sending our kids off tomorrow to sneak back to the United States of America a little early.  Wendi and I will join them next week after that chemo session and Derek gets married on the 23rd.  That's the plan anyway!….

Marküs

First chemo cycle complete!

This past Wednesday was my 4th and final "AC" portion of Chemo.  Let me just say that I am so grateful that I have it behind me.  I am now trying to recover from all of those chemicals and have been tied to the couch more than I would care to admit.  I start a different regimen of chemo on August 13th which is called the "T" portion every week for 12 weeks.  Most of the ladies I meet in the chemo room at the hospital who are ahead of me in this process say they have had an easier time dealing with the effects of the "T"so that is what I am hoping for too.  I go in on August 8th for another CT to see what is going on with those cancerous lymph nodes that are under my collar bone that were too deep to dig for - hopefully they have at least shrunk some by now.  They will also see what is going on with the nodules in my lungs and other concerning spots.  I won't get the report for a few days afterwords, but it does make me a little nervous.  I will post as soon as I know….

If I could only win this cancer battle on LOVE alone, I would have won by now.  From the bottom of my heart I want to thank all of you out there for your kind words, flowers, meals, service, prayers & fasting.  All of the thoughts have sustained me through this really hard time in my life. So many of my prayers have been answered by all of you!  I am also so grateful for the enabling power of the Atonement in my life.  I know that I have received strength beyond my own.  In D& C 100:12 it says, "Therefore, continue your journey and let your hearts rejoice; for behold, and lo, I am with you even unto the end."  I have hope!
 
love, Wendi