We're baaaack!

Wow ... after 3 months of no internet access at home, we've returned! We're now armed with a pretty new modem and router so my family news and updates should become more regular! I apologize for not keeping up with the blog, but in all honesty we had a lovely summer without the intrusion of emails and internet surfing.

I have LOADS of great pictures from our family reunion in Nashville, our days at Grandpa's cabin in Illinois and of our lazy days at home.

Since I last posted I've received some disheartening news on the medical front, but I remain firm in my belief that God is still using me here on earth. When he calls me home, I'll be ready, but I truly feel that time is not soon.

In a nutshell, my CA-125 (tumor marker test) has risen from a 6 to a 17 in the last month. Even though the "17" is still in the normal range, the movement up on the numerical scale indicates that the cancer is beginning to figure out this chemo regimen that I'm on. Over the past few weeks I've been experiencing incredible pain in my lower back and left leg. After an MRI last week, my doctor discovered that the tumor in my spine has increased in size. She has referred me to a specialist at the Siteman Cancer Center for Advanced Medicine. His suggestion is to proceed with a different form of radiation that I have not had before. I will know more details after my appointment on Wednesday.

One of the side effects of the tumor growth is that I am not only experiencing pain, but I'm also losing my ability to walk. I was brave and bought a matching walking cane and walker this weekend. Isaac says that the bright red/burgundy color of my new toys is "tight" and that he knows I'll still look "glam" (glamorous) while I'm out and about.

The kids are getting excited about the beginning of the school year, which begins on August 12th. I'm nervous ... my two oldest are moving on to Middle School, Isaac will be attending grade school alone, and Alyssa still has not been assigned to a school or kindergarten classroom. Brandon is being re-evaluated for his preschool classroom placement, so I still don't know if he'll be gone in the mornings or afternoons. I'm simply looking forward to a couple of hours each day ALONE! I'm anticipating finishing so many projects around the house that have gone untouched for too long. I've got 6 gallons of paint ready to go up on the living room and dining room walls, a new digital scrapbooking program just calling out to me, and I may even get to some of my unread books sitting on the shelf!

Thank you all for checking back to see if I've posted! Also, many thanks to those of you who have called and written just to see how things were going. I am blessed to know all of you!

Until Tomorrow,
Kathy