Merry Christmas : D

Christmas Tacos at Marianne's

Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve at Mom's

Happy Birthday Connie

Hi Aunt Bobbie and Uncle Earl

Connie had a nice time visiting with Aunt Bobbie and Uncle Earl

who came in to visit her Dad - who is in the hospital.

Hi Robin Williams

Robin Williams performed at the State Theater in Cleveland -

Connie's friend from college Becky works for him so she and her family were able to visit backstage -

Connie had a fun day on Friday visiting with Becky : D

This Week

Connie had a nice week. Tuesday she went to University Hospital for her immunotheraoy treatment.

Wednesday night was a nice dinner at Longhorns with Rogers coworkers and spouses.

Friday breakfast at Chicago Deli with Roger, his sister Rosemary and their Dad.

Friday night was a lot of fun dinner - lots of veggie's from Miles Farmer's Market with rice and shrimp sauce ( yummy )

- Judy stopped by and we read old letters and had fun reminiscing - then Mom came by and we played Bowling Dice.

Connie's Favorite New Show

Connie's favorite new show is the Bonnie Hunt Show.
Roger tapes it so they can watch it together.


If you haven't seen it - check it out - she is too funny : D
it's on Channel 5 WEWS at 10:00 a.m.

Sunday at Mom's

We had our usual fun time visiting and a great dinner at Mom's on Sunday -

then a tree fell on the house.

No damage just a big bang and the chandelier lost a couple stands of crystals.

It was worse for the neighbor.

The remnants of Hurricane Ike brought steady strong winds, and gusts in some places above hurricane strength across Ohio

Update

Connie has had 2 of her IV treatments and is doing well.

They ended up not having to add the Irinotecan - which we were the most concerned about the side effects - only Avistin will be in the drip. Avistin is immunotherapy that will work to inhibit the growth of new blood vessels around the tumour - intending to deprive them of the nutrients they need to grow.

So it's off to University Hospital every other Tuesday to receive the treatment.

Update

The tumor board confirmed that the latest MRI shows new tumor growth
and there are not a lot of options available to stop the growth.
After much discussion with doctors and family -
the option chosen is an IV cocktail of Avastin and Irinotecan -
with 5% chance of adverse side effects
and 60% chance of extending her quality time -
Roger and the family decided -
this was the way to go.
We have a good chance of extending 3 - 6 months into 6 - 9 months.
If the next MRI in four weeks shows more growth
or she is not reacting well to the IV -
the treatment won't be continued.
Keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.

Update

Connie went for her MRI today -

with Roger and Mom ....

They saw some swelling around the tumors and though it may not be new growth -

the tumors did not get any smaller from the Chemo she was on.

(remember the last MRI after the Gamma Knife showed NO new tumor growth )

- so we need to stay positive.

The Tumor Board will meet tomorrow to review the MRI and see what they think.

She may be back on steroids to deal with the swelling.

I will update when we hear from the Tumor Board

Happy Birthday and Anniversary

Happy Birthday Roger - and -

Happy 30th Anniversary - Connie and Roger : D

Update

Connie had appointments with her radiation oncologist
and chemo oncologist
NO NEW growth on the last MRI and good platelet count !
She will continue the remaining six chemo treatments
( in pill form ) -
and have bi monthly MRI to keep an eye on things.

Mom' Birthday Party

Connie had fun at Mom's birthday party ! D

Caity and Melissa's Gradation Party

Connie had fun at Caity and Melissa's graduation party -

here she is visiting with her sister in laws

Erin and Rosemary : D

Whenever I See Your Smiling Face

Connie is halfway thru round 3 of the the post Gamma Knife Chemotherapy.

She had a great time with Roger at the James Taylor concert at Blossom

Four Years Ago

It has been four years since Connie had her seizure
laying in bed next to Roger at 3am.
Three little girls came running into their bedroom to see
all our lives change forever.

Beauty and the Beast

Connie's daughter Gracie was the Beauty

in Solon High School's production
of The Beauty and the Beast -

she took my breath away -

brought tears to my eyes

and gave me goose bumps -

Here is part of her adoring fan club - you were amazing Grace

Update from Mom

Connie has had a pretty good week.

After the initial swelling and discoloration from the Gamma Knife last week she is bouncing back nicely.Last Saturday she chose not to go to Borders.
Didn't feel well and her eyes were swollen shut.
Her three sisters came over with Bessie and brought Borders to her. They spent the day Sat appyling cold compresses and by the end of the day there was much improvement.
I must have done something right.
I know that when I'm gone that they will take care of each other.
Cousin Nancy kept her company last Fri night.
Marianne brought her kentucky Fried Chicken on Wed.

I took her to Borders yesterday for Coffee and her favorite sandwich.
Today I took her with me to get my hair done.
We had lunch with Millie and Melissa at deAngelos.

I continue to keep her company every day with much love. Mom
Here we are leaving the hospital last Thursday

Sunday at Mom's

Saturday

Connie's pretty swollen today - her eyes are barely open.
We brought over breakfast instead of our usual Saturday at Borders.
Connie let Judy put the ice pack on her face -only Judy everyone else was not allowed.
By the afternoon the swelling was much better.

Friday

Connie is home resting from Gamma Knife surgery yesterday.
The procedure took about 2 and 1/2 hours and they targeted the 4 new tumor growths.

Anyone interested can go to http://gammaknife.org/
they have a video the does a good job descriping the procedure.

Roger, Mom and Judy where there to keep Connie company -it was a long day ---
Judy made a nice collection of songs for Connie to listen to - that helped pass the time.