End of July Update

Hi everyone. Tomorrow's another chemo infusion and we wanted to give a brief update beforehand. Sara is in the sweet spot of her infusion schedule because she feels best just before it's time to go back. We had a really nice week with Sara feeling strong both mentally and physically. We had two big family dinners - just because. It really was nice and we had a fantastic time.

You may have seen us wearing our new pink bracelets this week. I decided that instead of wearing a yellow "Live Strong" bracelet or a nondescript pink one with no message, we should have a special message on ours. Ours say "Supporting Sara" and I thought it was just one more way to announce what's on our minds and what we are doing these days.

The 3-Day Walk is rapidly approaching and our cousin Deborah is walking her tushy off . . . literally. She has been logging countless miles each week in anticipation of the 60 mile trek. I joined her last weekend for a big walk (15 miles) and I'm happy to say she put me to shame! We walked the Green Bay Trail from the Braeside train station in Highland Park to the Baha'i Temple in Wilmette (and back) in 4 hours. After 3 hours my feet were throbbing and my hips were screaming. Deborah, on the other hand, was pain-free and walking as effortlessly at that point as she was when we started. We talked about everything (it WAS a 4 hour walk!), but it all kept coming back to Sara. Regardless of the topic, we both had in the back of our heads the important reason we were out there in the first place.

By now you all probably know that Deborah has raised $25,000 (that's not a misprint) for the cause and is the highest fund-raiser to date out of the nearly 3000 people doing the Chicago walk. To acknowledge this accomplishment, the organizers asked her to carry the "Friendship" flag in the opening and closing ceremonies. We cannot adequately express how thankful we are for Deborah's and your support. Sara and I are literally brought to tears on a weekly, if not daily, basis by how you have all become a part of our journey. "Thank you" just doesn't seem enough, but please let it be our start.

The 3-Day Walk kicks off on Friday August 6 at 6:30 a.m. at Northbrook Court. We'll be there to send Deborah off in style. We don't expect any of you to be there, but when your alarms go off that morning, just pause for a minute to look at your bracelets and think about the monumental walk that is beginning. When your weekend is winding down two days later, think about the fact that all the participants will just be finishing. We'll be at Soldier Field (crying I'm sure) at 4:30 as Deborah walks in and takes her honorary position on stage (with Sara, hopefully) to close out the event. It's going to be an amazing weekend.

Ok, that's it for now. We look forward to seeing you all soon.

Brian

4th of July Update

Hi everyone. We hope you've have a fun holiday weekend. Ours was great -- Sara felt good and we were able to be out and about. Margo and I went swimming several times and Sara tried to stay cool by dangling her feet in the water (being 7 + months pregnant in 90 degree heat doesn't look easy!). We also went to the Highland Park parade and a fantastic picnic with our families. Margo continues to loooooove any type of dessert she can get her little hands on. Ice cream, though, seems to be her current favorite. Go figure.

We haven't posted since the first chemo treatment so we thought it was time for a catch-up. The anti-nausea drugs and steroids really worked to subdue the side effects from the infusion until Day 3. That Friday she felt awful (nauseous and fatigued) and spent the day in bed. Saturday she just felt tired, but Sunday brought a repeat of Friday's nausea. By Monday, though, she felt pretty good again and has basically been feeling that way since. The doctors are going to make a few adjustments which will hopefully help Sara feel better over days 3, 4 and 5 post-infusion. Tomorrow is round 2 of "Chemo Tuesday," which means that we will only be two more infusions away from having the baby!

We made it through another big milestone a few days ago when Sara's hair began falling out. On Wednesday night we had an appointment with the guys who made her a wig and they shaved her head clean. It was emotional of course, but Sara handled it amazingly well. I kept reminding her to keep her eye on the prize -- being cancer-free -- and that losing her hair is just a temporary side effect. Her hair is just taking a little vacation while the chemo drugs do their work. And no offense to my wife, but those beautiful blonde waves that used to rest on her shoulders look NOTHING like the dark brown stubble that remains on her dome! And I thought she was a natural blondie! :) One last comment about the hair -- Sara has a perfectly-shaped head! It's small, round, smooth, and just so much fun to rub. (Note: I'm absolutely the only one who gets to enjoy that privilege. If anyone so much as thinks about reaching for her head, you won't be happy!). We haven't yet shown Margo Sara's bare head so as not to freak her out. For now Sara's been wearing different things to cover up.

Many of you have been asking about the meal calendar. We were holding off on adding new dates until we had a better idea of when we would need the help. We just added a bunch of dates around the chemo treatments and the birth. Please contact Laurie if you have any questions about the calendar. Again, thank you for helping us out in this way. It made a big difference over the last few weeks when Sara wasn't feeling well. Figuring out dinners was just one less thing to have to think about.

Finally, when you see Sara you will notice that she's not hugging and kissing as she usually does. Her oncologist said to do everything possible to avoid getting sick since her immunity is low. It seems a little strange at first to wave or blow kisses, but please understand that it's for an important reason. This too shall pass, but in the meantime, feel free to hug and kiss ME instead!

Have a great week and I'll update again soon. Here's to good health!

Brian