We've had a very busy and hectic January. We have moved into our new home - something that should be exciting and gleeful. It is anything, but that. I had to be out of town for work for (2) weeks after being in the house a few days. Gone from Jim was excruciating...the day I landed back in Dallas, met him at the ER - he had a virus that took its toll. We received the PET results while in the hospital - not good; there is a tumor in his chest, his shoulder blade lesion went from a 3 to a 9 (not sure what that means, but it's not good) and a tumor pressing against his trachea, plus 3 compression fractures in his spine. We are to start chemo again on the 25th. We've been unpacking, but both irritable with the disorganization - at least that's what we say to each other...both really knowing the reasons for our irritability. Sorry to be so depressing, but that's how I feel right now.

Paula

HEY YOU
i was so pleased with the e- mail you sent me at christmas,as i presumed that as you had moved into the house all was well.
You have been out of touch for so long Paula and i know that things have been really busy,but perhaps its time to rest a while here and chew the fat with old friends.

we miss you

love Liz

I'm here - hung a few pictures in the house today and made a banana cake as I had some bananas going bad...Jim is feelin' better today - my sadness has lifted some today, but know it will be returning when he returns to the dreadful chemo on the 25th. We are planning an open house on the 28th, which he wants, but I am hesitant as he will likely not be feeling very well....It was good to see your message, Liz.

P

Banana cake.....I want to go there!!!

Paula: Take a vacation from cancer until the 25th. Ban it from your lives and enjoy each day until then!

Donna

I am taking your advice, Donna. I am having a good luck celebration for my boss as she has received a promotion. Jim and I hosting a party in our home on Tuesday evening for about 25 people that work with me - from VP on down.... It seems exhausting to me right now, but know that it will lift his spirits having something to concentrate on - besides cancer.

I read the posts about Neil and cannot help but compare it to Jim. Since Jim's has metastized to his chest and his trachea, can we expect this thing to burst out of his neck? I am sick with fear....

Paula!! You are on VACATION - forget it all and enjoy your time off. Signed: Dr. Donna Butcher (yes, that really is my last name, and no - no one in the family has yet become a surgeon!)