The last two weeks have been very good for Donnie. His only “not so good day” was Memorial Day. Lots of wonderful graduations were attended, along with Sophia’s (grandchild) 4th birthday party at the splash pad. Even though these events exhaust Donnie, he wants to push himself to attend, as these events are important to him and to me.
Of course, there is always the visiting . . .
Donnie even felt like ironing some clothes in preparation for Memorial Day. He was able to sing “Freedom’s Never Free” at church. It was an amazing day to appreciate our military who gave their ALL for our freedoms. We will forever be grateful!!!!!!
Another exciting moment was being able to take Brianna (7 year old grandchild) to the Little Econ River behind our home for her 1st SWIM in the river.
She was excited . . . then scared . . . then diving in the water off of a log in the river and swimming to me. It was a great day for Donnie and for me, as our kids grew up swinging on a rope swing tied high in a tree (after climbing up wooden steps Donnie nailed into the tree), and then swinging out and dropping into that river. It is about a city block worth of walking to get down to the river, so Donnie was not able to walk with us (too tiring and too hot for him). Hopefully he will be able to go with us the next time she swims there 🙂
Two weeks ago, Donnie’s tumor marker “CA19-9” increased from 171 to 192. Dr. Z felt it was not a significant change, and wants to continue on the same treatment plan, which is Abraxane and Gemzar every 2 weeks. He did check the markers again today (there are 2 different markers they watch for pancreatic cancer), to be sure we are not trending upward. Donnie is not in any pain, however he does need to take his anti-nausea medication here and there. He continues to be on his extended release morphine, and feels his neuropathy has increased slightly in his hands and fingers 🙁 We are grateful for the good days we have, and are praying for good days through some big family outings that are coming up soon.
Please continue to pray for minimal side effects, effective treatment, stamina through this ordeal, and healing if it is God’s will. We appreciate your prayers beyond measure!!!!
Love, Donnie & Tina
5 replies on “Summer is here . . . the SECOND summer since diagnosis!!”
So glad to hear you are both able to do so many activities with family and friends. I am so glad to hear that Donnie has so much energy at times. Praying for the nausea and relief of neuropathy. God is great.
So glad to hear of the great family time together. That is what life is all about. Praying Donnie continues to feel well and is able to keep attending the events that make the fight worth it all.
Hugs to you and Donnie!
😘Colleen
That picture of Uncle Donnie at the ironing board is SO cute!!! Thanks again Tina for the updates. Glad to hear, aside from the neuropathy, that he is pain free. Wow!
Happy 7th birthday to Brianna!!! I love that you all appreciated nature AND had fun on her birthday! It sounds like an awesome first-time memory!
We are always keeping you in our hearts and in our prayers. We love you guys!
We are so glad you and Donnie are having good times with the family. God is watching over him and you to make sure he shows progress. The ups and downs are normal for this disease. We continue to pray for goods to come. Love you.