4/16/2015 Update

Last week we had a wonderful vacation. Tony, Bryce, Connie and I traveled to Boston to visit with Sarah and Matt. I skipped my last chemo treatment (which would have been on 4/2) as this conflicted with our vacation plans.

Our vacation was filled with activities and fun. We explored the Freedom trail sites over several days. We walked up 293 steps to the top of the Bunker Hill monument (a bit of an achievement for me). We toured Fenway Park (the oldest functioning major league park in America). We attended a Boston Bruins hockey game and Shear Madness play. We visited Salem MA and toured homes from the 1600s, 1700s, and 1800s; including a 200 year old home from China. We also went on the Hocus Pocus walking tour and were both entertained and educated on the history in Salem. Including learning about the witch hangings in 1693. One of the highlights for us was Easter service at Matt and Sarah’s new church and Easter dinner with Matt’s family in Connecticut. It was truly an honor and blessing to spend this time with Matt and Sarah.

Thank you Jesus for giving us this wonderful vacation. We will remember it forever.

So this week it’s back to work, and today, it’s back to chemo. I can honestly say that I didn’t miss coming in for the normal chemo treatment. However, I’m now in the chair, receiving the Erbitux and wondering (worrying) if my CEA count remains low (blood draw was this morning but I usually won’t hear back until later today). Well, I suppose we’ll know soon enough. And as I have always said, we’ll all be fine no matter what the future holds.

The Erbitux rash had definitely diminished quite a bit over this break. However, it didn’t go away entirely. And now I’m sure it will be back with vengeance. The rash is very annoying to me; but it is a small price to pay if the treatment helps to beat this cancer!

April is a big month in our house as three of seven have birthdays this month. Connie’s birthday was on 4/2. Bryce will turn 15 on 4/27. And Sarah’s birthday is on 4/30. Happy April Birthdays family. I pray that your next year will be wonderful and your birthday wishes will all be fulfilled.

Thank you all for your prayers and continued support throughout this battle. Your prayers make a difference! And my family and I truly appreciate them and you.

Sending Blessings to you all today.

Sincerely,

Philip