Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Cancer Sucks

Sarah and I have been more heavy-hearted lately because several people we know of with cancer have taken a turn for the worse. One person in our parish has gone in to hospice -- we feel deep empathy for that family and also are reminded that we may be making that journey together at some point in the future. Sometimes it feels like cancer is breaking our hearts, but one tiny bit at a time...
It helps us in times like this to stay focused on appreciating each 'today' and reminding ourselves that the future is still unknown & Sarah has plenty of treatment options still available. Hope! The support of family and friends is also a huge blessing and has helped us make it through this past year since Sarah was diagnosed.
Sarah's next MRI is coming up after her next chemo treatment - it will be a relief for now to see a continuing reduction in her liver mets...

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear about your friend. That is so sad and hard. I'm still hoping for a great outcome for you guys, I think about you alot.

Unfortunately, I'm not coming for labor day. My sister (you remember the one - 6 weeks old when I moved in with Sarah freshman year) is graduating high school! She's got a full ride to UNC chapel hill in the fall. Wants to be a doctor! I may still come up in June, but I'm not sure.

All the best to you guys as always\
- Sharon

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear abut your heavy hearts. I can only imagine how tough some days must be! Keeping a good mental outlook while not feeling well physically must be a challenge. I hope it helps to know that so many people are thinking about you all. Wish I were there to do more.

Anonymous said...

I feel your heavy heart and wish I could do more to help lift it. We too are experiencing more friends and family fighting cancer. So now I watch more comedies, tickle my kids more, make more funny faces, jump on the trampoline -- anything to laugh, be happy, and enjoy today more. Keep Hope - many, many people beat cancer and it does sound like Sarah is responding well to the latest meds. I know we don't write often, but we are following your story and are keeping you in our prayers. Go Team Sarah!
Michelle & Andy Harold

blogauthor said...

(( sending prayers )) to your friend and family.

And Sharon, whoever you are, if you're a friend of Sarah, you're a friend of me. :) And I live near UNC Chapel Hill in Raleigh-Durham. Great place to go to school and she must be amazing to have gotten a full ride, that is a prestigious school.

Anonymous said...

Alan and Sarah-

I was a friend and former paralegal of Gene's and have been following your blog. I know you must have some very difficult days. I sure wish I could do something to make everything better for you. Please know that y'all are in my thoughts and prayers and are also on the prayer list at Faith Lutheran Church. You have a lot of people in your corner, praying for you and wishing you well. Try to stay strong. Patty LaBorde

Anonymous said...

Alan and Sarah,

This post is heartbreaking. Your pain and fear and anxiety come right through the computer screen. But what also comes through, just as clearly, is your love for each other - and the knowledge that whatever comes your way, you will be experiencing it together and with open eyes. You are lucky to have each other and the boys. I am honored to accompany you on this journey and we are all with you every step of the way. Friends are here (both near and far) to help you get through the tough moments - and please remember the Footprints poem. God is with you. And may Hospice be a looooong way off - for all of us, but especially your family.

You continue to be in my prayers as well as those in my Disciple class.

Eone
Richmond, Virginia

Anonymous said...

Hope, Love, Faith and Prayer are all on your side. Keep strong and know that we are cheering for your strength. You will beat this - feel it. All our love, Al and Sandra

Nancy and Rob said...

Sarah, I agree. Cancer sucks. I've said that many many times. I wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you and your family. You will beat this!!!