Would You Rather...

I haven't posted for quite some time!  We've had a pretty eventful month, mostly in La La Land, and I didn't realize it had been so long. Nate did well with his second round and we fell in love all over again with the miracle drug Emend. We're so grateful for anything that helps Nate live life! The second round was March 18 and Nate got to take a little break until April 15 so we could take a family vacation over spring break. Round three went so well that he made some comment on FB that  maybe he's become immune to the poison. Glad he did so well, but I have this silly notion that if he's not feeling sick, the chemo isn't doing it's job. I know, I know....Just one more indication that I could probably use some counseling at this point! Haha.

Today Nate starts his fourth round and if he stays on track he will be done with this chemo the last week of May. He's scheduled for a PET scan and contrast MRI next Monday and we'll get results the following Monday. This will be the new baseline. Hey!? I've heard that before! Nothing like a week to wait, and think, and think some more! Praying for strength and comfort, and of course good news!

In November of 2011, just before this all began, we took our kids to Oahu for a surprise vacation. We loved it so much that while we were still there, we purchased another week on the Big Island which had to be used within 18 months. We figured we could accrue enough sky miles to get all six of us there in that amount of time and planned to take the trip over spring break of 2013 (the 18th month). But then February came and reality slapped us in the face and we weren't sure if we'd get to take our trip. Glad we didn't tell the kids! We finally decided, with much coaxing from my level headed husband, that we would book the trip. We are so glad we did! We had a fantastic time spending time together as a family. When we told Nate's doctor about the trip he insisted that Nate take time off chemo so he could enjoy Hawaii. By the time we left, Nate had been off chemo for 2 weeks and was feeling pretty well! My favorite thing about the trip was watching our kids enjoy their dad, and watching their dad feeling well enough to enjoy them...it almost felt like "normal"! In fact, I went for hours without thinking about the 'C' word. I think that's a record for me!

Our favorite beach. We had so much fun boogie boarding!

High tide was amazing! A little too much surf for these land locked tourists! Of course Seth got right in the middle of it!

On top of the world at Mauna Kea

Snow in Hawaii? We went from rain forest to snow to beach all in one day!

Nate and Sydney having a little Daddy Daughter time during our souvenir shopping in Kona

We loved the Big Island and briefly considered permanent residence there, but decided we'd miss the cold, dry Utah winters. We actually schemed about how we could convince our family and friends to relocate with us, but finally figured that would be a no go. We visited Volcano National Park, Mauna Kea where the famous observatories are (snow and all), every side of the island, and of course the beautiful beaches! There's something about a vacation that brings out the best in our kids. I love watching them love each other. I think they needed a break from life as much as Nate and I. We're so grateful we had this opportunity!

A little male bonding time!

Seth making a putt for par!

We loved the pool! We spent the day here when Nate and Seth went golfing!

Walking on the beach the first day I looked down just in time to see this heart shaped coral wash up on the sand. It was a great sign!

Just a week after we got home, Nate had a business round table in beautiful South Carolina. I was able to tag along so we decided to stay for the weekend. Neither of us had ever been there so it was a treat to see that part of the country! There was a PGA tour event that we were able to attend and I played my first 18 hole round of golf! We had a great time riding bikes on the beach, eating good food (like grits and bananas foster, yum), and spending time together!

Nate at the PGA Tour event at Hilton Head, S.C.

I'm not sure if all that time spent in La La Land was the smartest thing we could've done, but it sure was dreamy! The re-entry wasn't too bad, but we hit the ground running! Soccer, baseball, and track meets started right when we got back and we didn't have a whole lot of time to think about reality. I'll count that as a blessing!

On our way to Nate's third round of chemo, I realized I'd started a pity party...I'm such the party planner! I was feeling sorry for myself and for Nate and our kids, and I started wishing our plight away. When this happens, I try to remind myself that everyone has trials. I began searching for others on the freeway to see if I could see any obvious heartache. As I did this I began to play the "Would You Rather" game with Nate who, bless his heart, wasn't having any of it. I'd ask him things like, "Would you rather be homeless and holding a cardboard sign under the overpass, or have cancer?" "Cancer". "Would you rather be confined to a wheelchair, or have cancer?" "Cancer". It went on and on with every trial I could think of and his answer was always the same. "Ugh", I thought! After feeling like a brat for trying to drag Nate down to my level, we spent a lovely morning together in the chemo clinic.

On our way home Nate switched the radio on and we learned about the bombing at the Boston Marathon that occurred while we were in the clinic. The news made me cry and I wondered what this world will be like when my children are grown and have children of their own. I opened my mouth to ask Nate another "Would You Rather" scenario, and before any sound escaped my lips, he said, "Cancer". This time, I had to agree. I am married to an amazing man who consistently reminds me of my blessings. He keeps me afloat in this sea of life and I'm grateful beyond words for the blessing he is in my life.

Speaking of gratitude and humility, we're still amazed and humbled at all of you who still follow our adventure. We're grateful that we haven't been forgotten, and we love knowing that so many of you are still praying for Nate and our family. Thank you for your kind words of support and the service you render. We are blessed! Love to all!