A note from Nancy

Hi, it's Mike again!
I'm sitting on the back deck with Mom and Dad in Spokane, drinking coffee and taking in the beautiful sun. Mom wanted to communicate that she's not been on e-mail or facebook lately, so if you've reached out to her, please don't be offended by her lack of response.

Thanks for your continued support, prayers and understanding.
-Mike

Seattle Fundraisers for 3-Day Walk

Hi Everyone! It's Mike...

Since Mom was diagnosed last August, I joined a team and am currently training and fundraising for the upcoming 60-mile Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for the Cure in Seattle this September. Komen is a leader in the fight against breast cancer and has raised more than $1.5 billion for research, education and health services. The 60-mile walk is its flagship fundraiser with each participant contributing at least $2,300 in funds.

Our first team fundraiser is this week and I wanted to drop you a quick note to share a few details in case you can make it:

Today and tomorrow, Sazerac Restaurant in Hotel Monaco (4th and Spring in Seattle)will donate 20 percent of your total bill to our team. All you have to do is mention our team name, “Breast Friends” during breakfast, lunch or dinner and Sazerac will support our team’s commitment to raising more than $13,000! So far we are about one-third of the way to our goal and have much more to raise!

Also, by mentioning our name to your server, you’ll receive a coupon for 20 percent off an upcoming visit to Sazerac.

If this week doesn’t work for you, we have another event next week at Kylie’s Chicago Pizza in Fremont on Wednesday, June 23. From 5:00-10:00 pm, Kylie’s will donate 50 percent of dinner sales to “Breast Friends.”

Thank you all for the many ways you support our family and I hope if you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a meal or drinks with friends or family in the next few days that your plans include Sazerac. They’ve been a fantastic partner and are very supportive of local causes.

You can find more information about our team online on our Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=114062375305304&index=1#!/group.php?gid=105456446151513&ajaxpipe=1&__a=4

Or, if you feel led to donate, please do so by visiting our team page on the Susan G. Komen site:
http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2010/SeattleEvent2010?pg=team&fr_id=1471&team_id=119800.

And please tell your friends and family – as you know, word of mouth is the best way to share news about a great cause or event!

God Bless,
Mike

June 14th update

Nancy completed the second cycle of chemo last Friday. Again, she continues to be very tired on the second and third day after treatments. Yesterday Keeton was "dedicated" at Todd and Ally's church. We hosted a get together for the little guy and a send-off for Todd and Ally. The weather was perfect.

Next week is the off week for chemo. After the third cycle, she will have PET scans to see if we need a fourth cycle prior to radiation. Thank you all for the continued wonderful support.

June 6th Update

Friday we had Round Two of the Second Series of chemo. We were at the doctor's for over 4 hours. Everything went as planned. Saturday went very well. Again, they gave her some new meds to help some of the energy loss. Today Nancy was very tired and took it easy. Keeton came over for a couple hours this afternoon....(always good for morale).

Todd, Ally and Keeton are moving to Austin Texas the end of June. Todd has resigned from Bank of America. He will be working in the medical field for a company owned by Ally's parents. Todd has always been interested in the medical field ever since he worked at Evergreen Hospital one summer years ago. They are very excited about this new opportunity. We are sad to see them leave Spokane...they will be missed.

May 28th update

Yesterday Nancy had a long visit to Dr Anthony. She had her normal appointment with the Doctor, the chemo treatment, and her monthly Zometa treatment. It was over 5 hours... and yet it went well. All Nancy's numbers are in line....which is good after the week off. She slept well and had no headache. We are expecting some tiredness tomorrow.

There has not been a blog update for some time. Nancy has had a tough time with hair loss. Our son Todd shaved her head last weekend. She has two wigs....and looks absolutely wonderful. Speaking of last weekend, we travelled to Seattle and the Brennan's took us to Ten Grands, a concert featuring 10 Steinways on one stage....it was very cool.

We are also warned that the effects of chemo can be cumulative.... so it may get a little harder. We totally appreciate all the support....I wish there was a better way to say how good that support has been and how much it has meant. Happy Memorial Day weekend!

May 16th update

Nancy had her third chemo treatment on Friday. It took around 4 hours. They give her pain meds right at the end to prevent headaches.....and again, no headache! She slept good Friday night, and spent Saturday with Keeton. Got tired at the end of Saturday....and Sunday was very tired all day (no pain, just super tired). We expect her to regain some energy tomorrow. This week there is no treatment (3 weeks on, one off). Our next visit is the 27th, which will include Zometa and maybe scans. Your support has been incredible, thanks to all.

May 7th Update

Nancy had her second chemo treatment yesterday. Dr Anthony made two changes to her "anti meds" and added a pain shot at the end of the treatment for headaches. The appointment and treatment took over 4 hours. Nancy slept great last night.... no headaches, she feels good today. Hopefully that continues for all of Mother's Day weekend. Your support is wonderful!