2010 - Bring It On

I know it's a worn-out cliche, but I can't believe how fast the year has gone. Just 12 months ago, we were catching our collective breath after a rough round of IL-2 in Nashville, hoping that it worked well enough to get to do it again, yet dreading the prospect. Then there was all the hassle and frustration with medical records, phone calls and missed calls between here and Vanderbilt. Although the second round of treatment was delayed, it was actually a blessing as we got to take a trip to San Francisco with friends, a Desert Storm reunion in Phoenix, celebrate Michael's high school graduation and participate in our dear friend Katie's wedding.

The summer was pretty much wiped out with the second round of IL-2. We celebrated Bobby's 57th birthday in August and our 28th wedding anniversary in September. Because the results of the IL-2 were mixed (one tumor growing, the other shrinking), Bobby started Afinitor, and oral chemo drug, in October. Other than the side effects of fatique and mouth sores, he's tolerating it all really well and the first checkup showed regression in the tumors. In fact, he's feeling so well, we're starting to think about pursuing a return to work, although there are a lot of considerations. For one, the work-to-well program at FedEx may not be as accommodating, with the current economic situation. A lot depends on the next checkup, at the end of this month.

Looking forward to 2010, we remain optimistic. We continue to work on the same ole things, eating better, exercising, reading the Bible, and being kind to one another :) We hope to spend lots of time with family and friends, and to stay engaged in meaningful work, whether it be here at home or in our community. We're also looking forward to having my sister Lynne here in Tulsa for a few months, while she continues her breast cancer treatments. Thankfully, she's had some positive results with her current treatment schedule. Rick with commute to Tulsa in between his business trips, until they get permanently settled in St Louis this summer.

Who knows what 2010 will bring? Though we'd like to think the good will be the best, and the bad won't be the worst, we know things usually fall somewhere it between. But regardless of the circumstances, one thing we know: our Rock will still be our rock and our Hope will still be our hope (Psalm 31). We wish the same for you in the year ahead.

God's blessings, Juli