Radiation Leftovers

Justin's hair is beginning to grow back in, but much slower where the radiation was given. So he has an interesting pattern on his head. I can feel that there is hair beginning to grow at the radiation site, but it is about invisible at this point. All the rest is dark brown.

Another thing we have noticed is that certain spicy foods make his tongue sore. The worst one for him is Doritos. He loves those things. And yet when he eats them it hurts. So for now, he has to pass on them.

For a guy who has endured 25 radiation treatments, the above list is not much to complain about.

Writing a Book

Justin is in the process of writing a Christian action/adventure novel. He has been thinking of it for a long time and has finally buckled down and started writing it. I am not going to tell the story, but it is about pain, redemption, choices and forgiveness. A friend of his has some connections in the publishing world, so he hopes it is good enough to go the distance. I have been listening to his ideas for several years, discussing details and playing the devil's advocate on occasion. I know the main character like he is a relative. And let me say...I am very excited to finally see him on the written page. I am an avid reader and I believe this will be a winner!

Comic Relief?

We just moved into our house in mid-December, so we have not met our neighbors yet. But from what we have seen, they are all really nice folks. Well, tonight some of us got a surprise...

Tammy heard something at the front door. It sounded like bumps or thumps. She thought someone was throwing something at the house, but wasn't sure. She went to open the front door and smelled fire...

Lo and behold, we and other neighbors got the old "dog poop in a paper bag" prank done to us. They lit it on fire! We must have caught them in the act, because they left the box of matches on the porch, too. Jason and Justin went around the property to see if they could find them, but the kids were gone.

We decided to call the police, since our porch is wood. Lighting a fire on a wood porch is seriously stupid. I called the non-emergency number and the dispatcher told us that we were not the only ones that had this prank done. The officer was at another home getting a report about the same thing. He came to our house, wrote a report, looked around some, then went off to fight some more dog doo doo crime. Poor guy. What a dumb waste of his time.

Back To Work

After 6 weeks away, I returned to work today. I was a little worried that I would forget things, make big mistakes, or feel like I didn't belong. Of course none of that happened; I jumped right in and after about an hour, it didn't feel like I was away at all. Everyone was so kind to me, happy to have me back, and excited that Justin is doing so well.

I haven't really written about my finances much, but I will say a little bit here. Being without a paycheck for awhile has been a hardship. I won't get a full check for a few weeks, so it is not over yet. Though I was not being paid, my bills were still generating! Rent is still due, and we still have to eat. I am probably going to struggle for many months to catch up. I am usually very frugal, but I have had to be extremely tight since October, to try to get this done. We even skipped Christmas gifts this year to save money.

And here is the honest truth about it. I would have done it over again. I have been SO blessed to have six weeks to spend with my son. That has been worth so much more than money! We were together 24/7 for weeks and got along famously. We had great talks, long walks, big laughs, some painful circumstances, silly times, hard times, amazing activities, shared our dreams, plotted a really good book that is in the works, learned a lot about a lot of things, made some new friends and felt much peace in the storm. What is that worth? Zillions.

So my credit takes a ding, my utilities get behind, I get little texts that my cell bill is due. No big deal. None of that matters in the long run. But my son matters. More than anything.

I have a Provider. God cares for me, for my sons, even for my work and my pay. I need not worry about things. He will walk alongside us all the way, and provide what we need, not just during bad times, but also during the good times. He made a way for us.

Sunday

Justin got a big welcome at church. Everyone was so glad to see him. I think it is really good for people to see Justin in the middle of this trial. He is happy, confident and ready to share with anyone who will talk to him. There is no need to be nervous or upset--he certainly isn't that way. He got to see lots of people who have been encouraging him, praying for him, sending cards and gifts. His old friend Ryan was so happy to see him that he immediately invited us for lunch at his house. It feels to great to be loved by our friends.

All day long we were restless. I finally figured out that my head was telling me to get ready to go back to Iowa City. It was great to know that we don't have to do that anymore! I'm still living out of my suitcase, but plan to deal with that today.

Looking Ahead

Justin is once again looking for work. He loves camp ministry and would love to work in that capacity soon. He will be doing some consulting work for a church that has just purchased a camp right in our area. We are not sure what that will look like, but for now he is scheduling a walk-through and tour, so they can discuss what the camp has, does not have, and what would get it up and running, and used to the best of it's capability. He is really pumped and ready to go. He has a notebook of things to discuss after he observes. It should be fun for him.

Pray that God will give him just the right job. Thanks.

Daily Routine

Now that we are home to stay, we have to figure out what our daily routine is supposed to be. I have noticed that both Justin and I have done very little since we got here. We are used to crashing over the weekend so we can go back to Iowa City. I supposed it will take a week or so to get used to the lack of travel and being home again.

Thanks again, everyone for your cards, gifts, calls, encouragement and prayers. It has been a wonderful thing to be in the midst of all that love and care.

Hair Be Gone

Justin finished his last treatment this morning. He got a certificate of completion that was signed by all the nurses and radiologists that worked with him. They were very encouraging and told him how much they would miss him. A nurse talked to us about what to expect in the future and checked us out.

We packed up our things, said good bye to all of our new friends, checked out of Hope Lodge, and hit the road. It is amazing how fast 6 weeks flew by. A quick stop at Wendy's for lunch and we were on our way home for the final time for now.

Justin has been talking of cutting his hair off. The radiation makes patches of bald areas that don't look normal. So this evening, Jason took Justin outside on the porch and gave him a haircut. They did it out in the cold so there wouldn't be hair everywhere where the baby crawls. We didn't know what to expect, since he has never had no hair before. But we all just LOVE it. He has had many compliments from people all over the place.

Radiation does not give a stylish haircut.

You can't really trim this to make it look normal...

Hey, barber....you're getting it a little close!

Oh, yeah. Quite a different look, wouldn't you say?

Uplifting News

After Justin's treatment today, we had a medical team appointment. The main doctor came in first, which was unusual. He checked Justin's scalp for issues (none), encouraged him to keep walking the three miles a day, and answered our questions about travel, meds, the future. He told Justin how good he was doing, that he needs to come back in 2 months for an MRI and a visit to the thyroid doctor.

Even though Justin has not had any seizure activity for a month, the doctor said he must stay on the same dosage of his anti-seizure medications. He said if it got to the point of going 3 years without seizures, he might think of slowly easing him off one. Although that is a little disheartening, it is also something simple that Justin can do.

The nurse came in and told us she would work to get Justin's next appointments on the same day, and she would let us know soon when that would be.

Finally, the resident doctor came in. He is usually first. I told him thanks for all they have done for Justin. He told us that they look forward to the patients like Justin who actually do better. He said it keeps them going. That was nice to hear.

Almost Done

Justin and I cannot believe that he only has two more treatments left! Time has flown by! We have been here over 5 weeks already. Now that it is time to go home, we are finding it hard to do all the things we wanted to do. Tomorrow is our last full day here. He will have his last radiation Thursday morning at nine, and unless the doctor tells us differently, we will go home shortly after that. We will be responsible to wash our sheets and towels and do a deep cleaning of our room, but that shouldn't take us long. We keep it mostly clean all the time.

This whole experience has been very eye-opening for me. I have learned so much about myself, my son, and those around me going through physical hardships. I will be posting more about that in the future. I think I really need some time to process it and make some sense in my own head before I write it down.

Here is a little funny along the way. There are 28 rooms here, and we all must share all of the work in the kitchens. The four kitchens are in the four corners of a big room, with tables and chairs in between. My side has three women that do too much of the work; Tammy, Freddie and me. We do not mind in the least if we do dishes for someone who is sick. There are some elderly men that are here with no caregiver, and there are a few people who are really frail. So we do their work happily. The kitchens are wide and beautiful and have all the latest equipment, including industrial dishwasher/sanitizers. They are easy to run and we all (should) take turns. Usually there are several of us at once, so we chat and have a great time.

There is one caregiver who is a healthy female. We have noticed that she has never once done her own dishes. She leaves them on the counter for someone else to do. That is not only against the rules, but it is just plain rude. And she has been plain rude for 5 weeks. We are tired of it.

This morning Freddie and I noticed that she made scrambled eggs. She left her eggy pan, her (and her husband's) dishes, cups, silverware and wrappers on the counter for someone else to clean up. This really bothered me and Freddie. We griped that the two of us and Tammy always have to do her work for her. So I got a little piece of paper and wrote, "Please leave these for me so I can clean them myself." We both laughed that we really didn't want a confrontation, and maybe this little hint would nudge her to do her fair share. Then we left the kitchen, all clean except this one dirty pile with my note on it. We hoped she would pass by the pile later in the day and fix her problem.

In less than 5 minutes, Tammy enters the kitchen, sees the dirty pile, reads the note and promptly feels sorry for the unknown person who didn't have time to do their dishes....and she washes them all up and cleans up the mess, then throws the note away.

When we found out, Freddie smacked her in the arm! We laughed and laughed about our lesson gone wrong. So our friend got away with it again. As I write this, I know that there are again dirty dishes in the sink. She and her husband are the only ones in the kitchen (clean, except for her dirty pile). Oh, well. Looks like this will not be solved by me. But it did give us a reason to laugh like little school girls.

Can he do it...yes he can!

I left Justin at Hope Lodge for the weekend and went to Des Moines to get some of my stuff done, visit a friend in the hospital, see my sister, go to church and the library. It was different at first, since Justin and I have been constant companions for 6 weeks, but I got used to it pretty quickly.

Justin made his own meals, went to the wrestling meet, walked at the Arena and spent time with others that are here. I knew he would do fine, and he did. It was good for both of us, as I must return to work next week.

He has lost more hair, but has decided to shave it all off when he gets home and just start over. That is about the only negative about the radiation treatments. He has a hat, so that helps when he is feeling self-conscious.

Thanks for cards from Grandma Jo, Randy & Phyllis, Josh & Hannah, and Kelly Jo & Bryan. We appreciate your thoughts, prayers and gifts so much!

Wrestling Fan

I went home to Des Moines for the weekend and Justin stayed in Iowa City. He got a ticket to see the Iowa Wrestling meet. He feels very confident now to do things on his own, so I have been encouraging that.

He called me during the meet and was glad he went.

Valentines Day

Today was a great day. We invited some friends from Des Moines to go to the Hawkeye basketball game with us. Ramona and Rachel came for the day and we ate at Texas Roadhouse, shopped with them for Hawkeyes shirts, then walked over to the game. Though we didn't win, we had fun anyway.

I left Justin in Iowa City and came home by myself. He is fine by himself and was really looking forward to a quiet weekend. I will return sometime Monday after my dentist appointment to finally get my permanent crown.

Pictures!

From the pressbox...a place Justin would like to work someday!

Looking west from the top floor of Kinnick.

A favorite of Justin's.

In the bubble.

The Cy-Hawk Trophy. He is smiling because it is here, not in Ames. Right, brothers?

The football training area.

The pink locker room is REALLY pink. Carpet is brown and pink. I'll bet the visiting teams think this is the greatest locker room in the Big 10...and beyond.

As promised, the pink urinals in the visting team's locker room.

The field. Waiting for fall.

Dan Gable, Champion, Olympian, Coach, family man and friend to all who know him.

Dan Gable was very talkative and interested in not only wrestling, but Justin, too.

These values are good for all of us. There were things like this everywhere.

Where are the basketballs?

A seat that can be yours for only about 5 grand a year. Nice. You pay for the popcorn, too.

This is Justin and me in the Iowa Football Building, near the Cy-Hawk Trophy.

A Great Day

Today we were given a tour of the Iowa Hawkeye Athletic departments, the Carver Hawkeye Arena and Kinnick Stadium. We were taken on the tour by Jess, who works for University of Iowa and volunteers at Hope Lodge. We were gone about 3 hours and had an amazing experience!

First we went to the Football Building. They had a lot of awards, banners and trophies in the lobby, including Nile Kinnick's Heisman trophy, as well as the Cy-Hawk Trophy, which is here this year, and travels to the winner each year. There are many offices for staff there. Everywhere we looked, there were signs, motivational messages, pictures, awards, banners, stats, jerseys, portraits and lots of memorabilia. We got to see where the locker rooms were, the student athlete lounge, the training areas, offices, meeting rooms and weight room. There is also a room that houses the sound and vision equipment where they run the scoreboards, videos and game action. It is under Kinnick, but they run all the game stuff for the Arena here, too.

We went through the tunnel to the bubble, their practice field. Instead of football players in there, we saw the baseball team all suited up for the media, getting in a little press time before their season starts.

Then we went into Kinnick Stadium and toured from top to bottom. First of all, it was beautiful. The view was spectacular--you could see all the way around the city for miles. On the top floor are the media rooms, which we got to go into and learn of who would typically be in that room for a game. Below that are the guest suites, several sizes. Below that is open air premium seating and private concessions. Next down are more suites. They are just above what we would consider normal bleacher seating for a football game. Our tour guide, Jess, actually "sells" the premium seating and suites...although he said they are always sold out with a waiting list. Mostly he makes sure every seat is purchased. It was really interesting to hear all about that. We walked out onto the ground level outdoors, to see the stadium from outdoors. Several fun things along the way; we got to see the Kinnink "jail" for those who break the law and are waiting for police. Also, I had heard a rumor that the visiting team's dressing room is pink. It is an old Hayden Fry thing--he did it to "psych out" the visitors. I never knew if it was really true. I am here to tell you, it IS true! EVERYTHING is pink--lockers, walls, pink and brown football carpet, even the sinks and urinals in the bathroom! I loved it (and took pictures)! At the very bottom of Kinnick are the team "game day" dressing rooms and the famous hallway where they come down before they enter the stadium. We found out where the Iowa team goes before their home games to get out of town and keep their minds on the game.

When we left Kinnick, we headed over to Carver Hawkeye Arena. Justin and I have been walking there a few times a week, so we are very familiar with the basketball area. But Jess took us down underneath the seating. There were all sorts of offices of athletics there, including his. We took a left by his office and ended up in the wrestling practice room, where practice for the older guys was ending and the younger ones were having a motivational talk before their practice began. A lot of these guys are practicing for the olympics and national titles. Jess and Justin were talking about the program, and then pointed out the coach to me. A man walked over and shook our hands and began to talk to us. He and Justin hit if off well and immediately began a preview discussion of who would win this week. It was DAN GABLE! He is probably the biggest name in the wrestling world, as well as an olympic gold medal winner. He didn't just talk wrestling...he wanted to know how Justin ended up at the Hope Lodge and how things were going. He seems like a really great guy. When he found out where our seats are for the tournament this weekend, he said it was just behind his family and he would come over to say hi. Then he thought and said, "oh, I can't, I'm going to be on TV." He said it very casually, as if he said he was going to the kitchen for a glass of milk. Dan and Justin talked for about 10 minutes. Incredible!

Next, Jess took us to the basketball area. The women were just finishing up their pre-game practice. We got to go in the locker rooms (not pink), the coaches offices and locker rooms, the player's lounge and the video viewing room. This area was like the others; full of motivation, memories and pride. We got to meet three of the players and the director of basketball. He took us around to see everything and told us all about it. When we got to the coach's meeting room, he took a coach's jersey from a shelf and checked the size...of course it was just the right size and he gave it to Justin. That was cool. He gave me his card, told me to email him anytime if we needed anything. He told us to find him in between or after the game to meet more players and get some autographs. Jerry told us they usually don't do tours of the areas we got to see...it was important that the players feel safe and secure and have privacy. Lastly, we went out onto the playing floor. Once again...cool.

What a day. One of the things I was really impressed with was Justin. He can talk football with the football guys and 5 minutes later, be deep in discussion with a wrestler. Later, he will know the faces and names of the team players he is meeting. The guy knows sports. Wow.

I'll get some pics posted in a day or two....I'm not home, so downloading from my camera is different and much harder. So check back later for those pink urinals...

Another Great Report

Today we met with the medical team again. And once again, the report was very good. They noted Justin's hair loss and asked if he needed some lotion for his scalp, and he turned them down. There was a lot of laughing and joking around, and that was it.

The doctor did say that they would continue to monitor the cancer after Justin is done with radiation, but that seems to be something he will do for life.

Melinda, Jon, and Cassidy came from Des Moines for a visit--they took us to Chili's for lunch. It was great catching up, and great to have someone from home stop to see us! Thanks, again!

Justin walked another 2 miles at the arena after lunch. It is good to see him desiring to get out and get some exercise on his own.

A letter came from Aunt Alice and Uncle Gary--thanks! It is always good to hear from you.

Getting Out On His Own

Justin walked 2 miles at Carver Hawkeye Arena today, and went by himself. I love this! He is feeling confident to go places alone. This is a tremendous praise!

We were going to go to a movie, but we couldn't agree on one, so we just didn't go. And that was OK. There will always be another movie, another time.

Monday and Busy

Justin woke up at 5:00am and couldn't sleep. He finally went looking for a TV (they don't have them in the rooms). He wishes he could sleep better, but at least he is not spending half the day in bed.


After lunch we went out to look for a hat. The doctors told him that he might lose some hair about week 2 or 3, and that had not happened...but over the weekend, he noticed that he is losing hair from 2 different areas. It is thinning, but not all gone yet. The hat will help. He feels a little weird with some hair gone, but is handling it well. One of the Hawkeye stores had a hat that fits pretty good.


We went to the mall again to walk. Each time we go we walk faster and walk longer distances. I am excited for him that he has the energy to do this.


Justin got 2 cards in the mail, which he enjoys. Thanks to Sherry & Tim and Grandma Jo! It is not too late to send one, if you would like. But it should be mailed by the end of this week to make sure he gets it. Once again, the address is:

American Cancer Society Hope Lodge
Justin Bickford-Room 304
750 Hawkins Drive
Iowa City, IA 52246

Settled In Again

This weekend went very fast. It seems we don't even need to unpack the suitcases anymore...just pull out the dirty and put in the clean and head out again. We are getting pretty good at this traveling stuff now. The trip seems shorter and shorter each time...and no, I am not driving faster and faster!

Usually we see lots of deer when we travel, but today saw none. Not one. However, we did see many flocks of geese flying in large flocks, headed north. Is that unusual for the first part of February?

Justin has such ambition and motivation now! He is taking notes for the book he is writing--for the first time in many months. And he has a notebook full of camp information for a church that has purchased a camp and is looking for someone to help get it started. He is very excited to get back to living. His brain is full of ideas that have been stuck in there for many months, and they are just spilling out.

Thanks to Aunt Gorilla & Dave, and Pat & Carolyn for helping us on our journey. We are humbled and grateful. And thanks to all of you that are praying. We still pray that Justin will be 100% healed from his cancer, and we ask that you continue to pray, even through this time when things are looking good.

We have a very busy week, and will keep you up-to-date on everything going on, including the doctor's visit on Wednesday.

Future Opportunities

One of the caregivers staying at Hope Lodge and I have become friends and spend a lot of time talking, sharing, laughing, and even crying. She and I are making some plans in the future. Once we are back home and back to "normal", we are going to start working on trying to get some added funding for people staying at the Hope Lodge. After spending a month around many families, we have found similar problems in almost every family. The first thing is that life goes on. Every single person at the Lodge is setting aside regular employment for a time, yet all the bills and expenses are the same at home. The second is that they have added expenses for food, gas, added medications, and all the little things you need while away from home.

We have actually seen people who don't have food or money for food staying at the Lodge. They don't hang around in the dining area, and don't come down to eat much. Although there is food there that we share, it is not enough for proper daily nutrition.

There are people who have to work during their chemo and radiation just to pay the bills. One man here is a driver, and must drive daily, even when he is as sick as a dog from his chemo. Otherwise his family will lose everything. Some of the caregivers spend all week dealing with an ill person and their needs, medications, special foods or feeding tubes, appointments and travel, then go home and work all weekend at their jobs. Then back again for another hard week. They don't get a break.

My friend and I are trying to work a plan to get some funding for grocery and gas cards, donations for the bills still at home, etc. While we LOVE that the Hope Lodge is free for lodging, we know it is just a part of the big picture...and we hope to make it a little easier yet.

Justin and I are also working to get some Chaplains for the Lodge. We will begin that as soon as we are back. Hopefully there is already something in place, but we have not heard of it yet. We would like to see some pastors available to spend a little while volunteering at the Lodge, or be open to being "on call" if someone needs some help or counsel. Just to have someone to talk to would be an added benefit. There are days during this crisis time when a listening ear or a comforting word would be a blessing.

Time Flies

We are home for the weekend, and only a few weeks left of radiation. It does not seem like we have been at this for a month already!

If you would have asked me to guess how it would be 4 weeks into radiation therapy, I would not have guessed anything right. I would have thought Justin would be sick, tired and depressed. Instead, he is happy, healthy and active. I would have guessed that our days would be boring and we would be looking for things to do. But we are actually busy enough that we sometimes turn down opportunities. And I would have guessed that our weekends home would be full of fun, friends and family. It ends up that they are too short, we are wiped out emotionally, and spend the first day unwinding and the last day getting ready to go back.

If the first four weeks are any indication, the next two will be over with in a flash.

Blessings

I am sitting up late, waiting for Justin to finish a table game with some newfound friends here at the Lodge. It has been another amazing change, to watch Justin go from a very alone and quiet guy when he got here, to someone that is hanging out with the people closer to his age, playing cards with the older folks, and getting bored with the things he has been doing for many months. He is doing so much better than even last week!

Justin got a card in his mailbox from a little first grader with cars the boy had drawn..."hope you fel btr. do you lik my cars?" It was so cute! Every guest here got one from one of the kids in the class. This morning one of the volunteers left a little gift in all the mailboxes...a little charm to put on a zipper pull that says, "believe." Justin let me have it...it wasn't something he would use, but I love it. He got an early Valentine from a staff member, and a wonderful gift certificate for almost anyplace in the Iowa City area from friends Barb and Perry. He was very surprised and happy about that one and is trying to decide how to use it in the best way possible.

Justin will have radiation in the morning about 9:00, then we will head home for the weekend. No plans yet, but we will be glad to get home. It is nice to get a break and to get recharged for the upcoming week.

Wednesday is Doctor Day

Today we saw the doctor for just a few minutes. He is very pleased with Justin and very happy that he is walking a mile or so daily. Again today, Justin had no skin trouble at the radiation site, no hair loss, no fatigue, and no other troubles. What a blessing.

I asked the doctor what strength the radiation is, just to find out. He said relatively low...that is what works for his type of tumor. I'm glad about that. It is nice to know they aren't zapping him with the highest power they have.

I have seen a remarkable change in Justin this week. He has virtually stopped having the daytime "blips", and is only having them at night. They are lighter and are similar to beginning to dream before you are asleep. Although they bother him, they are nothing like the stuff of the past. He is much happier, more animated, has his old "spunk" back. The best thing is that he is working very hard to get ideas together for a job he is hoping to get this spring. He talks about it and takes notes, and even had a hard time sleeping last night because he was excited thinking about working! This is a tremendous praise....Justin has HOPE again!

He is no longer happy sitting at home. We have to have plans each day...we go to the mall, a movie, go walking, play pool or anything that keeps boredom at bay.

A volunteer named Jess came in today to talk to Justin. He works in the press box at Kinnick Stadium. He is going to pick us up next Thursday and give us the grand tour of the stadium and Carver Hawkeye Arena. Justin is very excited to do this. It gives him something to look forward to.

This week we have done very little off campus. It has been pretty boring. I went to fill the gas tank and that's about it. We hope to do more next week.

Several meals this week were provided by volunteers--cheesy potato and ham soup for lunch on Tuesday and tacos and nachos tonight for supper. Tomorrow night is "Potluck" Spaghetti Dinner--we are bringing garlic bread, others will bring the rest. It is more fun to share a meal, but many of the people staying here are on special diets or feeding tubes, so not everyone can do it. Lots of the chemo patients have very sensitive stomaches and noses...some things just set them off. I didn't know this, but microwave popcorn sends the chemo patients running...they can't take the smell...it makes them sick.

The older lady from my earlier post this week was up in the kitchen today, in a wheelchair, looking out the window at the deer that hang out in our back yard. She actually looked at me, watched the deer, and responded to her husband regarding the deer. Good for her. She seems to be doing OK. That is a good thing.

Halfway

Today marks the halfway point with Justin's radiation treatments. He is thrilled.

The patients can take their own music in the cancer center when they get their treatments (otherwise they have to listen to piped-in elevator music--not his type!). Justin has made friends with the staff and has been taking some really weird stuff in there, just to make them laugh. He has an amazing collection of all types of music, some just for weirdness. He actually has CD of William Shatner of Star Trek! So each day the radiation staff await his choice for the day. They always get a good laugh, or at least a surprise. It helps him pass the time in a fun way.

Today Justin got a card from his Grandma Jo. She sends him a lot of things and he really enjoys getting something in the mailbox. While we were sitting in the dining room eating lunch, a staff member brought a box in for him--it was flowers and encouragement from my friend Kelly Jo! I arranged them and Justin decided to leave them in the dining room where everyone could enjoy them. They smell wonderful and everyone is enjoying the fresh flowers.

Thanks Mom and Kelly Jo for the encouragement, and thanks friends for your thoughts and prayers!

Super Bowl

Justin and I returned to Iowa City in time to see the football game. It was nice to be here and settled in, instead of having to drive in late at night or early in the morning. It is very quiet here, and the kitchen was all shut down by 9:00 pm, which is unusually early.

I was making nachos for all of us watching the game, and the husband from my last blog came in. I asked him how his wife was doing and he said, "oh, real good." Hmm. I hope so.

This is our "middle" week. This is the week that he will pass the halfway point. So far we have not seen any problems due to the radiation, and hope it stays that way.

Now that I have not worked for a month, we are really feeling the pinch. It is going to be a tough month or so until I can get back to work. I am so thankful that God has provided everything we have needed. I am sure He will continue that. I will not let myself worry.