Clean MRI, Clean EEG Off chemo

I have had an interesting summer and fall. I have had three MRIs this year thinking my cancer was  progressing; they were all negative. I felt like each month I was getting weaker and weaker and was having severe tremors.. My oncologist referred me to a neurologist who did several tests. He increased my anti-seizure meds and my oncologist took me off chemotherapy (I had been on it much longer than anticipated and am tumor free so we thought I should cease therapy for the meantime). The tremors and weakness seem to be getting better so I am encouraged. I have a great quality of life thanks to all of you.
We have had a very blessed year. We thank you all for your prayers and your service. It's humbling to feel such love for us from so many people.  Our kids sure take care of us. Its like we have a role reversal. They take such good care of us and we so much appreciate their help.
Have a very Merry Christmas. We have learned a lot about Christ like living from all of you. We appreciate all of you.

A Long, lost Post! Summer of Fun!

It has been a long time since I posted, and I'm sorry!  It's been an eventful summer and I have meant to post many times but I have always had an excuse.  But not now.  Since April we have had lots of company, that was welcome!  First Amy and her kids came up for a week or so, then Emily and her kids came for about 3 weeks with Matt for the final 5 days, then David and his family came and stayed for 10 days on their way across country to his new assignment at the Pentagon.

Health wise, I have been doing very well.  We had a little scare early in July, but the MRI was clear.  I just think my body is rebelling against all the chemo and other drugs that I have to take.  Last month I had a great time health wise and was able to do some things I haven't done lately.  Roma has been busy working, and taking care of me.  She is a rock and I couldn't do it without her.  We have another grandchild due in December!  Nate and Shelly are having a girl. That will make our 19th.  It's surprising what we started 41 yrs. ago.  We are sure pleased with the result.  

Hopefully my health will allow us to have many more adventures in the Fall and Winter.  

Thanks for all your prayers and friendship.  I am humbled by the outpouring of love for us. We pray you for all too and love you. Sorry about the randomness of the pictures, I haven't figured out how to easily get them in order!  Enjoy!

My sweatshirt from Italy, compliments of Tom and Kris

Heidi and Molly in their BYU duds compliments of Roma

Heidi's 1st birthday

Shae and Brooke in their pool!

Riley and Ella having fun!

Shae, the swimmer!

Owen, Molly and Tyson at Thursday's Hero BBQ

The whole gang!

The Dave Pete. family at Kennecott Copper mine

Miles and Ella watching a video with Grandpa

The St George Randalls

Heidi and Daddy Dave

Kristine and Tommy! 

Nate and Shelly helping Dad and Mom

Ethan, our oldest grandson

Amy and Aaron

Ella and Owen having fun!

Crazy Miles and Isaac!

Pyper and Riley at our family's 2nd annual run for Juan (Paul)

Cooper-a gold medal winner

Jane and Ella playing with Grandma in the kitchen

Owen and Lydia at the park!

Tyson and Owen, 2 silly cousins!

What a colorful kid our Noah is!

Nate's family

Brooke, Pyper, and Ella washing off their color!  Ella's eyes still have some work to be done.

4th of July cookies, compliments of Emily!

Emily with the kids in Randall's pool!

Thursday's Hero Paul

Dallin's Baptism with brother Abe.

Dallin and proud Mom!

Jodi and Dave!

Tommy's family!

Nate pushing Lydia and Jane

Brooke the winner!!!!!

Roma and Amy

Updates and some pictures

I had some very good news last week. I went up to the VA hospital for my semiannual check up. They scheduled a MRI and it came out clean. That is good news. When I was first diagnosed they said the average life expectancy is 18 months to 2 years. In June I will reach 2 years since my first surgery. With a clean MRI I expect I will have longer to live.
I have overcome my case of shingles. The only casualty was my granddaughter who got chicken pox and a few week of extreme fatigue for me.
It's spring and we are glad of it. Thanks to my family I have got a lot done in the yard. We took the pond out, transplanted a bunch of plants, and generally cleaned up the yard. Thank you kids.
We have the best family and friends in the world. Thank you and may the Lord bless you.

Ethan

3 generations

Amy and Riley 

Shae and Aaron 

Pyper and Cooper

Lydia

Noah and Brooke

Randalls

Proud Grandpa (there are 16 more of them)

Shelly and Lydia

Nate and Owen

Easter Egg hunt at BYU

Updates

I haven't blogged in a long time so here's an update on my status. After my last checkup I became weak, had headaches and was generally dizzy. I was concerned enough to go to the doctor. He said I should probably have a MRI. So I did. The MRi showed no growth in the main tumor site and a slight decrease in size the second tumor. That was very good news. The doctor surmised that I had been on chemo long enough that my body is just getting tired of it. I can't go off the chemo but he let me wait one week extra between sessions. That seemed to work. I have tolerated the current round much better than the last. It seems that the Good Lord has blessed me again. I have had relatively good health throughout this trial and been able to do many wonderful things. Thank you all for your prayers and support.

Update and some pictures.

Isaac, Matt, Emily and Jane, Eleanor, and Miles

Dallin, Jodi, Heidi, Molly, Dave, and Abe

Lydia, Nate, Shelly, and Owen

Cooper, Kristine, Tyson, Tommy, and Noah

Shae, Pyper, Amy. Riley, Aaron, Brooke, and Ethan

We have had a wonderful Christmas season. Our family and ward has taken very good care of us. We had a wonderful family party in Hurricane, UT for four days and then we spent Christmas at Amy and Aaron's house. We spent a quiet New Years eve with Nate and Shelly. We so much appreciate all your cards and letters. We love hearing from all of you.
Early in January I had an uncle pass away. We traveled with my brother to Wyoming for the funeral. It was a sad time but I enjoyed spending some time my cousins and aunts and uncles. I have great extended family.
I was tired after the trip and another round of chemo but it was worth it. I had a Dr. appointment the day I came home and I had a good checkup.
We appreciate all your thoughts and prayers, God bless you all.