Still on track to go into hospital Monday - Grateful for the sweet orchestration the last 8 years.

 That's about all I have for an update. So many people are asking...I thought I'd just put out that little post. 

On the other hand, I've been thinking about and sharing something with others that I don't want to forget. I have a deep sense of gratitude as I look back to when I was diagnosed nearly 8 years ago. I've missed out on very little as a result of this challenge - and I've gained so much. 

#1 I grateful that I was diagnosed after 2016. Two of our sons had beautiful weddings that year without the dark shadow of a new cancer diagnosis looming over those blessed events. 

#2 We were blessed by a couple who have been dealing with similar challenges all these 8 years who are like family to us. We have so many special people in our lives - it's like "an embarrassment of riches." 

#3 We've traveled and enjoyed so many things that God knows are important to me. I think it's been confusing to many (including to me sometimes) how I could have a form of cancer with a really poor prognosis but still live such an active and enjoyable life for so long. I even got to travel as part of my work, which was an unusual situation. I so miss taking students to discover the wider world ... and discover their own worthiness to take it all in. 

#4 I got to finish my career that I loved and, as part of a "Golden Handshake" by the district, was given an unexpected extra year of credit toward retirement and that qualified me for excellent medical insurance until both my husband and I turn 65 and go onto Medicare, and a wonderful supplement for both of us until we each turn 70. If we didn't have great insurance, we would be bankrupt. Nearly $1M was billed to insurance for my care with the clinical trial and chemo in 2024. I can't imagine what it will be in 2025. 

#5 I've had the energy and time to spend a lot of time with our 4 grandchildren with 1 more on the way! We've enjoyed adventures and meals and so many special times with our 6 kids (3 sons and their wonderful wives). I have generally felt well for it all and I'm so grateful as I look back. 

#6 Andy and I got to realize a dream of moving to Colorado into a beautiful home with 5 acres - something unthinkable in California for a couple of public servants. We love our home so much and have had 6+ years to enjoy it. 

#7 I have known I am safe, largely because of the people God has placed in our lives who have faithfully and thoughtfully prayed for me. From our friends and church family in California to our families now spread all over the place, to our new church family, neighbors, my Al-anon friends, and so many others. 

Can you believe all our kids and grandkids live within an 70 minutes of our home? That is something I dared not dream of when we moved here. They are all thriving and wonderful - I am often overwhelmed when I think of it all. I don't want to forget how blessed we are. God says "remember" to the Isrealites many times in Scripture. Help me, Lord, to remember all you've done and continue to do. 

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