You could not find a more awesome tutoring trio than Karl, Bev and Gary. They graciously, generously and flexibly help us take advantage of those few times that Faye feels well enough to do school work.

Karl, a renowned, vigilant and avid runner (in addition to being a great friend, tutor, x-country coach and AP Calc teacher at Creek) came up with such a great idea: a local '5K for Faye'. Karl offered to coordinate the details and I'm so excited (though I'll be the one lagging 2 miles behind, gasping for breath).  I especially love having another wonderful event to look forward to. Karl is working on the details and we will post information as soon as possible. Since there are so many great routes around here for a 5K we may shoot for more than one!

With each chemo cycle we become a bit more savvy to the process; what to take to the Hospital, how to navigate and time 225, where to park... We'll have it down by the time we are done. With each cycle however the chemo becomes exponentially more wicked miserable. On chemo mornings it is near impossible to drag Faye to the Hospital for more. I want to revile and despise chemo but of course I do not; I am very grateful it exists yet I look forward to the day it is replaced or - even better - becomes unnecessary.

The Doctors told us early on that they've 'perfected' medications to counteract the worst of chemo's side effects. I understand that chemo is a heck of a lot easier these days, but 'perfected'!?! Uh. No. What they have perfected is a mixture of chemo agents, steroids and meds that take cancer patients not to the edge of tolerance but far beyond. They've perfected the timing of these doses with barely enough recovery to do it all over again. My daily mantra is now 'one more round, one more round...'

While we were at the Hospital on Wednesday for the final dose of chemo of 'Round 3' Dr. A did a fly by and mentioned that radiation will start in January. Whaaaat?!? It turns out that I misunderstood back in September when Dr. A told us that Faye would be 'all done' by the end of December - she meant with the chemo.  In the big picture I suppose finishing chemo is a much more significant milestone, but still. Ugh. I am disappointed; not only will recovery be prolonged, there is now no hope of dodging that odious 'max out-of-pocket' in 2012.

Faye's counts are super low again and today we are scheduled to go back for a CBC and if necessary, a transfusion - a trip we will gladly make if it keeps us from an overnight stay.

Cheers to a comfortable and peaceful weekend, and beyond (TGIF). ~Lolly