What a month!

This last month has brought many new challenges. Linda’s second round of chemo was very challenging. Her energy levels were very low and she battled with extreme nausea, although she never threw up. Linda also has been struggling with swallowing. The further we got into the radiation treatments the more challenging swallowing became. On and off Linda has been limited to a liquid diet. Thankfully Linda’s sister, Annie, suggested that we get a Vita-mixer. It has truly kept Linda out of the hospital, because we have been mixing and puréeing EVERYTHING!!

Linda had her last chemo treatment on Monday the 29th and her last radiation treatment was on Wednesday July 1st. So far this round of chemo has not been as hard as the second. However she is still struggling with her energy and swallowing. Linda’s radiologist told us to expect the side effects of the treatment to continue for at least the first three weeks preceding her final treatment. At this point they are just beginning to lessen. Yesterday she was actually able to eat a whole thing of yogurt without having to blend it. This may not sound like much, but was a really big deal! Overall Linda is doing very well…all things considered.

To say that the last four months has been a bit stressful is an understatement. It has affected us all in different ways. My father Michael started experiencing chest pain and arrhythmias. A couple of weeks ago he had an abnormal stress test, which lead to a referral for a cardiologist. Michael met with his cardiologist while mother was having her last chemo treatment on the 29th. During that meeting the cardiologist suggested that Michael have a Cardiac Catheterization to make sure that he didn’t have any blockages, etc. Before we knew it Michael was scheduled for his procedure on July 2nd at St. Joe’s downtown. Thankfully, Michael only had minor plaque buildup and did not need any further intervention. He is currently home recovering from his procedure. We are so thankful that the Lord Blessed us with another ideal outcome!

Many of you have known that my mother’s little dog Reggie had not been doing well. Unfortunately on June 20th we had to put Reggie to sleep. He could barely walk, lead a lone get up from a laying potion. Then he started passing blood in his stools, as well as coughing up blood. Mom, Mabel (our golden retriever) & I (Katrina) were with Reggie when he took his last breath. Unfortunately, Michael had to be at work. We all love and miss our little dude, but know that it was the right choice.

Linda was so distraught when we got home from putting Reggie down that she got online and started looking for a shelter dog. I was determined to wait, after all we still had radiation everyday and there was no way I was going to deal with house training a new dog. However, there was this poodle mix out at the Adams County Animal Control that caught our attention. On Monday the 22nd in between doctor’s appointments and radiation we went to the pound and found the newest member of our family. Lily is an 8 year old poodle cocker mix. She is the sweetest little girl. We brought her home that Wednesday and have not had one single accident in the house. Our only challenge is that she has been struggling with a case of kennel cough. After three doctors visits our little girl is finally acting like a health well adjusted dog.

Thank you for everyone’s love, support and prayers during this challenging time. I truly could not have survived without the six weeks of dinners. You all have helped to take a huge load of my shoulders. I can’t thank you enough!

Please continue to pray for Linda’s & Michael’s complete healing. Love to you all!