Okay, so it's been a couple of weeks since we've entered a new blog. Laura had a week's rest from chemo treatments last week and also was on "vacation" from work. Her best friends from Australia were in to visit for a couple of weeks which was fun for her. While they were there, she along with them and about 5 other friends made a back country trip to the Peter Grubb Hut and spent two nights there. She made the trip cross country skiing (others did various things, i.e. snow shoeing, snowboarding, etc.) She really wanted to go and enjoyed the trip. While they were at the Hut, some other friends "stopped by" which made the event even more special.

She has been feeling a bit more "cranky" lately, along with being tired, having hot flashes constantly and not sleeping well. She also has been feeling a bit less "social." (But, of course, we love her anyway!!!) Personally, I think this is a combination of a "build-up" of the chemo along with the menopausal problems she is experiencing. She had chemo again today and is now in the last cycle (we're not sure exactly how many more treatments she will have). Within the next few weeks, she will have another tumor marker test done so let's all hope and pray for a big improvement there.

Laura continues to work, but cuts back on her hours slightly when she can. At the moment she is preparing for her nephew, Nick, to make his annual snowboarding trip to his "Aunt Lolo's" for his spring break. He is a joy to have around and she looks forward to his visit each year. This year, however, she likely will not be able to do as much with him in the way of snowboarding but I'm sure they will enjoy their time together.

That's it for now--stay tuned--and keep those positive thoughts, energies, comments and prayers coming.

Shirley (Mom)

Hi--here we are again after a lengthy blog break. Laura has indicated that sometimes she just doesn't feel up to updating this blog so has asked me to be her "spokesperson" (which of course, I happily agreed to!).

She had a bone scan a couple of weeks ago which turned out to be kind of a "mixed bag." These bones scans are evidently not easily read. It showed improvement in some areas, however it also showed some new "hot spots." She was told not to take these results too seriously as it is not a "black & white" kind of thing.

This past week, they repeated the tumor marker test; she got the results yesterday and it showed definite improvement. She started at 170, the next time 114, the next time 108 and this test showed her at 75. I believe "good" is considered below 33 so she is "on her way". She has now had 17 chemo treatments and has 8 remaining, so hopefully that tumor marker will just keep going down.

She is tired, hairless and achy, but nothing seems to keep her down. She continues to snowshoe, cross country ski and went back to work about a month ago. She is now looking forward to being off work for nearly 2 weeks (vacation), spending time relaxing and having some fun with her very good friends from Australia. Til next time--keep that positive energy coming her way!!

Shirley (Mom)