A Happy Summer!

     I am enjoying the summer since I am feeling better than I have for years.  Remission continues along with maintenance treatment.  Oral chemo everyday (Venetoclax) and a shot every other week of another chemo drug (Velcade).  I do pretty well with the treatment other than a few days of not feeling very perky after the Velcade shot. 
     A follow-up MRI done mid-June showed more compression fractions in my vertebrae, even though I am not experiencing much pain.  There will be a consultation with the ortho dr at UCSF prior to kyphoplasty procedure(s) in the next few weeks.  This will stabilize the vertebrae and spine.  I've lost so much height since diagnosis (approx. 3 + inches) that I am having to adjust to life as a short person after living a "tall" life!
     Johanna and her 2 kids are here for the summer.  Jesse & family were here the week of July 4th. Lots of fun with cousins swinging, sliding, eating fruit pops, running in the sprinklers and, hopefully, washing off the sticking aftermath of the pops!
     We enjoyed a visit from a number of Steve's cousins and spouses, and an aunt, from Minnesota, Indiana, So. Cal. and Seattle last week. Several of the men attempted to climb Mt. Shasta.  They didn't reach the summit but are already talking about "next time".  We're happy Steve did so well after 2 bouts of pneumonia this winter and a lingering cough.  We all headed over to the Coast for a few days after the big climb to see the Redwoods, beach and pier at Trinidad, a meal at Samoa Cookhouse and just ate way too much food all week!  We especially enjoyed our Rueben sandwiches on Aunt Luverne's home made rye bread!    
     We look forward to more visits from friends passing through and some outings for us to Ashland and weddings in Bodega and Seattle.  Of course, the schedule is busy, too, with medical appointments and treatments.  It's a small price to pay for the blessing of continuing to live on this earth and be able to enjoy our family and friends, especially our 8 grand kids!
     We know this unexpected remission is a miracle from God. You share in this miracle as your reward for your faithful prayers!  Don't stop!  Maintenance prayers are needed, too!