The doctor's appointment yesterday showed relatively good blood results - well within normal range for chemo patients. My next chemo treatment remains scheduled for January 8. The most uncomfortable side effect so far has been my sore mouth. Since I haven't had the common side effects, I had to develop one of the less common ones. It's a little difficult to eat, but the oncologist said that should be getting better, not worse, until my next treatment. I have found some ways to minimize the discomfort.

Jon's family arrived safely and we're having a good time. The boys had the time of their life last night wrestling with Uncle Ben and Uncle Josh. At the moment, the house is quiet because Grandpa decided I needed a nap and took everyone on a walk.

More updates later ... I'm going to go take my nap.

Christmas Eve

The last couple of days have been very good. My appetite isn't great, but at least I don't feel sick. The doctor said my hair is likely to turn loose this week, so I finally bought a hat that covers my whole head. I found out that I have a big head.

Jon's family will be arriving from South Carolina today, and we're looking forward to seeing them. We never thought we'd all get together twice in one year. (The other occasion was Ben's and Beka's wedding in May.) The only family members who won't be here are Kevin, Jessica, and their children. They live in Siberia and don't need to come to Colorado to experience Christmas weather. That is why they aren't coming, of course. (Kevin and Jess - we'll miss you all.)

Many of you have made this Christmas the most eventful our children have ever had. They received so many gifts, that we let them begin opening one each night since Sunday. They have loved it and are enjoying their gifts so much. Eliana (the five-year-old) noticed that Cara (11 years old) didn't get quite as many gifts as she did, so she chose her largest unwrapped gift and gave it to Cara. It turned out to be an 18" doll that Cara has wanted for quite a while, and one that Eliana would have loved to have too. I could see the disappointment on Eliana's face. She was seriously reconsidering her generosity. I pulled her into my lap and whispered encouraging words in her ear. She can be very sweet natured when she's in the mood, and at that moment she was in the mood. The next present Eliana opened was a doll very similar to the one she had just given Cara. What a sweet reward and lesson.

Merry Christmas to all of you. We hope you have very pleasant days with your family and friends. And may you be very aware of the love of our God.

First Book Review - A Winter's Tale

I love reading too much to keep all my good literature experiences to myself. This first book isn't quite a literary masterpiece, but the art work is spectacular. Those of you with kids or in elementary education have probably heard of Robert Sabuda and the pop-up books he designs. I fell in love with his work the first time I saw it, and now I have three of his books: A Cookie Count, America the Beautiful, and Winter's Tale. These books are not for my children. I would never trust them with the incredible, delicate, pop-up work. I do read them with the kids and let them enjoy the fun but with tight supervision.

Winter's Tale has become one of our Christmas traditions. The book only has six pages, but each page folds out with an additional pop-up illustration. The text is very simple, but has the element of a riddle as you try to figure out who is doing the talking. The pop-ups are all of wild life, and often a page will combine a figure of an animal along with the animals who would normally be its prey but without violence. There is lots of glitter and sparkle in the papers used, but at the same time the art gives a peaceful feeling. The last page is the most elaborate with a nice little surprise - and you will solve the riddle if you're paying close attention.

I bought this book several years ago for about $25.00. Now, for someone who almost never buys books new, and almost never for more than $1.00, that is a fortune. (I even bought one of my other Robert Sabuda books, A Cookie Count, for $0.50 at a thrift store.) But the price I paid has been much worth it. It has appeal for all of us, and to keep it from getting to be old-hat or dog-eared we pack it away with the Christmas decorations each year.

Even if you only walk into a book store to take a look at one of Robert Sabuda's books, you will thoroughly enjoy it. You'll probably get hooked and have to eventually buy one to satisfy your new found hunger for pop-up art. I hope you have as much luck at thrift stores as I have.

My pictures are awful. I hope you really will take a look at the book itself and not let my photos be your only impression of this fun book.

Still feeling pretty good ...

After Chemo

It's been almost 48 hours since the first treatment. Jon said I looked yellow-green at the end of the 4 hours, but I felt reasonably well. The nurses were kind. One of the nuns served us delicious sandwiches, and I was surprised I felt well enough to eat it. I had minor side effects during the treatment, but nothing big. I didn't feel very well at home that evening, but was up and about enough to do a clay project with the kids. The nurse warned me that nausea would set in on Friday and sent me home with 3 different medications to take if necessary. I held my breath all day yesterday, waiting. I was very tired and slept most of the day, but no nausea! This morning I still feel fine. The second chemo drug I received (Cytoxan) is supposed to kick in tomorrow or Monday, so I'm not out of the woods yet. Thanks to all of you who are praying.

A specific prayer request is for our health. Typically chemo patients receive a treatment to boost the production of white blood cells the day after each chemo treatment. White blood cells are killed in droves by the chemo. I can't receive that treatment because of the baby. My immune system will be very, very low over the next couple of weeks. I won't be going anywhere to speak of, and I'll have to go to a friend's house temporarily if the kids get sick.

It's been a week since I posted anything. Those of you who check everyday must be wondering what happened to me.

Chemo starts tomorrow morning. We appreciate everyone's prayers so much. The last few days have been full of little things that need to be done before treatment starts. I needed to get some maternity clothes, we had run out of family pictures for Christmas cards, and there were a few final Christmas details to take care of. I think things are taken care of now. Wonderful, beautiful, gracious, kind, efficient ladies from church are cleaning the house tomorrow while we're at the hospital. More beautiful, talented people are fixing meals for us over the next week. I am so grateful for all the help. Jon's family will be arriving on Christmas Eve and will stay for a couple of weeks. The kids will be well cared for if I'm not up and about soon after the treatment.

I had my blood checked again yesterday. Maintaining good iron levels has always been a problem for me and is a concern with pregnancy and chemo combined. Yesterday's test showed higher iron levels than I have ever had - a good way to start treatments. The lettuce juice must be working. I know lots of people have been praying too. Thank you all so much.

First Chemo Treatment

The oncologist outlined more specifics of treatment yesterday. My first treatment will be given on December 18. I'll receive both drugs (Adriomycin and Cytoxan) in one treatment that will last for about 3 hours. The treatment will be repeated about every 21 days if my blood counts are high enough.

To help keep my blood counts high, I am drinking a concoction of juices - one head of romaine lettuce, carrots, and one apple. All this makes about one 18-ounce glass of juice. It looks unappetizing, unless you're already used to Barley Green or something like that. But it actually tastes good. The apple helps a lot.

Baby is doing well. We had another check-up and ultrasound on Wednesday. Please pray that this little one will be protected from the bad effects of the chemo.

Many people we have never met have reached out to us in such sweet ways. One un-met friend, who recently finished chemo treatments for breast cancer, sent me her wig, shampoo, spray, books, hints, ideas, encouragement, and other things that are such a help. My aunt's church friends have been so kind with their cards, gifts, and care in different forms. You all are helping us see what a blessing we can be to God's children anywhere. You have been a wonderful expression of God's love.