Hello Everyone,
Mom and Dad are up at the lake right now enjoying a little 'spring break'. Roldan, the kids, and I will join them in a couple days. Dad is really looking forward to taking his boat out! Mom hasn't been to the lake house since her diagnosis in May of 06, so we are all looking forward to having our traditional family time in the desert!
Last Thursday, Mom had her regular chemo and all went well. I took her on this occasion to give Dad a bit of a break. Much to Dads amazement, Mom and I got to City of Hope and back without getting lost once! ( anyone who knows my Mother and I, knows we can easily get lost just trying to get out of a doctors office!) Mom will have a Doctors visit on her next chemo which is scheduled for 3/29. She has been retaining a bit more fluid in her abdomen lately, so we will need to inform the doctor of this so he can make sure there is no blockage in her abdominal area and/or catheter. We may also need to ask for adjustment concerning her pain medications. Mom was unhappy with the last meds they had given her for pain, as they wouldn't bring relief for an hour or more, so the doctors have now put her on a patch. As with any new medication dosage has to be played around with for a while until you get the right fit. They started Mom on the lowest dosage patch to start with, and Mom thinks she may need a slightly stronger dose. All of these concerns will be addressed with the doctor at the next consult.
Never one to complain, it is very hard to assess Moms discomfort. There have been several times where I have asked her how she felt that day and she says shes been fine. Then on the next day she'll say 'Oh, I feel so much better today then I did yesterday!' -- You cant help but love her!!!!
Please continue to pray for my Mother, and the entire family. Next month brings a birthday celebration for my brother Mike! as well as Easter. A eagerly anticipated Mothers Day follows in May. Then in June, Mom and Dad will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary! My wish is that Mom can continue to feel well, as we have many parties and celebrations to enjoy!!!
Bye for now, Michelle

Hello Everyone,
Mom and Dad had a wonderful birthday celebration in Maui with Uncle Duane & Kelly. Unfortunately, while over there Mom came down with the cold virus that seems to be hitting everyone! Cough, fever congestion etc. However, if you're going to be sick somewhere, I guess Maui is the place. Overall they had a good time, and enjoyed a much needed break, and Mom has now recovered from the viral illness. Mom is still on a chemo(gemzar) regime of every other week, and seems to be doing pretty well with it. Just yesterday her and dad were out and about running errands for most of the day. Dad performs her paracentesis every other day which seems to keep her comfortable. Her next visit with the Dr. will not be until the last Thursday of March, so if there are changes made at that time I'll update. Although, none of us should relax and mistakenly feel we can let our guard down with this enemy we still fight, I am so grateful ( and hopeful ) that we have had 10 months now since diagnosis, when the doctors told us 2-4. Please continue to join me and the rest of the family, to pray we have many many more days with Mom. I would love to prove those Doctors wrong!!
Bye for now, Michelle