First 2013 Update, and Chemotherapy Round 2

On Sat, Jan 5, 2013 at 11:21 PM, Brad Reimer <mindnbrad@gmail.com> wrote:

All,

We're doing OK these days. A few days ago I felt the best I have in weeks. I have learned (OK, still learning..) not to let a good day predict how I will feel the next day, however (not easy for me by personality). Talked to the HR folks at my work about weaning myself back into things. I ran out of vacation/sick and we went ahead with disability insurance for now. Not easy decisions..

This past Thursday night Mindy and I attended the weekly support group at Cancer Care Northwest (the clinic where I'm being treated) for the first time. Was a wonderful experience. Mindy and I took away several amazing "nuggets" from some of the VERY special attendees. Felt like we were on sacred ground for much of the time. Really great experience.

And then, met with Dr. Danko and had second round of chemo Friday. It was much shorter this time which was nice. Have felt a little cruddier this time than I did after first round but oh well. In the big picture I definitely feel like I'm progressing. As the social worker leading the group said, I still feel like I'm "surviving" and not "thriving" yet.

We're still waiting on a test that is pivotal in regards to long term prognosis (something relative to a follicular dynamic I have, and transformation as Mindy partially explained previously...Mindy is the expert as you can tell :). That creates some stress when we let it. Mindy researched it online some more...which can be but sometimes isn't a good thing...

Had a surprise visit from Missy (my sister) and Frank this afternoon. They just wanted to come over to visit for a few hours. It was wonderful, and great to get hugs from my big sister. I love and cherish each member of my family of origin. They are so dear to me.

Attended our adult session of stake conference (this is a description of a stake, and this is a description of stake conference) this evening and it was wonderful. I love our stake and stake leaders. A counselor in the stake presidency spoke about adversity, and testified that Heavenly Father does not allow us to be tempted nor tried more than we can handle. I believe this with all of my heart, and I enjoyed his talk. For our closing hymn we sang hymn number 6, Redeemer of Israel. I felt the Spirit so strongly throughout the entire him, I didn't hardly sing any of it. I am so grateful for my Redeemer and to have the privilege of feeling his Spirit comforting me when I need it.

We love you all. More to come.

Brad and Mindy