Sorry it has been awhile... we just returned last evening from an 8-day trip to the Southern Caribbean . I have a lot of phone calls and emails to catch up with.

It was an interesting trip as the weather was not what we have been use to. The first day was an all-day rain which the Captain earned some laughter referring to it as "quite yukkie" over the PA system. Least it wasn't snowing!

We eventually had sun and fun but it was the company of our great friends Chuck and Diane that was amazing. I was concerned with my recent surgery, worries about current brain tumors as well as other side effects I am dealing with from the cancer (vision and memory issues) but Ed, Diane and Chuck took good care of me. It was actually Ed who had two trips to the cruise ship doctor -come to find out he had a bad bout of shingles which caused him not to feel well through most of the trip. However we had lots of laughs and an amazing white water rafting adventure in Costa Rica. The Lund's are truly wonderful people and friends.

While we were glad to get home Wednesday evening I did have my MRI and doctor appontments today. Our news wasn't great but agreed we will try a few new things and hopefully find a way to get some quality of life as we move forward. My area the tumors were removed via the surgery a month ago have already returned. The swelling is what is causing the poor eye sight and my memory loss/confusion. So tonight I will start on steroids and a high dose of a new chemo called CCNU. Dr Uhm is hopeful that this may get a hold on the tumors.

I asked if it is possible to make it through June as I am so looking forward to the upcoming famly weddings (Drew/Keeley and Rachel/Lucus)? He is hopeful that if this treatment works I will get to not only attend but enjoy a few dances! I'm not a "Debbie Downer" but the way I have been feeling making it to July will be truly a gift.

So for all of you that I have yet to get back to, please be patient with me as everything I do right now is changeling. However, I am in good hands...God Bless!

I hope this day finds you warm and well. Here is an update for you on what I have been doing.

It has been a little over two weeks since my surgery. I have been feeling pretty good but I spend a lot of time resting or sleeping. Seems like I can be up for about a hour or two then I am tired. I get frustrated that I don't get more done in a day. I find it hard to stay focused on anything for very long. My vision is starting to get a bit better and I have learned to accept my limitations at this time. I have no reason to complain about anything as I have been very blessed through 3 1/2 years of terminal cancer and three brain surgeries. Hopefully it will improve with time - that is what the doctors have shared.

I look forward to the day I have energy to get something done - anything accomplished. Right now I find it hard to stay focused on anything as I start things but never complete anything. I am so grateful for Ed - he takes good care of me and reminds me there is nothing that has to be done. I have had these issues before and need to remember it should come back in time.


Once my incisions are all healed I will start another chemo treatment. It is an often used treatment that has very little side effects - mostly it will make me tired (whats new)! Also they will keep a close eye on my blood counts (once a week blood tests and I have to watch closely for shortness of breath or any lung problems). The nice thing is that it is a pill I take at home only once a month. I will start that around the first of March.

Meanwhile, we are blessed to take another trip with our good friends Chuck and Diane Lund. In 2007 we had a wonderful time touring Alaska for a week with the four of us. We had a blast and look forward to some days in the sun relaxing with friends.

Just a little housekeeping item - I no longer have my Mayo email account, so if you want to email me please use: suehruska@q.com