I didn't want to post an update on the first, being April Fool's and all, so have waited a few days now. First off, I really appreciate the thoughts and prayers from everyone. It must have some effect, as I just had a PET scan 2 weeks ago (first since starting chemo). So at the 2 month stage, the scan showed no sign of cancer in the peritoneal cavity (upper abdomen), and only "small residual" areas in the omentum (walls of the lower belly). The oncologist is extremely happy with this result (as I am!) as it means the cancer is responding to the drug treatment. The goal is to get it to remission, and so the protocall is to continue for 3 more months (3 rounds), another PET scan to see whatever is left that could be taken out surgically (if anything), and go from there. This part is at least encouraging, as I'd wondered if all the dealing with side effets and stuff, was worth it. It was, and is just the news I needed to keep on keepin' on. More side effects from the Taxotere have started, watery eyes, which means crying all the time to most people. Sometimes so much that I can't hardly see what I'm doing. I might have to go to an eye dr. to have the tear ducts cleared out. (causes scarring of the tear ducts). Will see if it gets worse in the next week or two. Right now, I can deal with it, but if it gets worse, will have to do something about it. I've had to miss a few weeks of treatment due to low platelet count, so they're trying to get the dose adjusted so that it doesn't wipe out the platelets as much. Still have low blood pressure, so have to watch getting up and down too quick, as I get pretty light headed really quick. So while doing OK by chemo standards, for me, it's hard to learn to slow down and not do everything at my normal speed.

Real horse news: My black halter mare Tyra (Ongoing Quest) foaled a black colt by Pleasant Dreams and he's doing well. Am waiting on Andrews Passion (in foal to PD) who is at 365 days today. She had her last foal at 370 days, which is one of the longest gestations I've had on a mare. Horses are just now starting to move again...signs of spring? A few days of warm weather and people are now thinking its OK to look for a new horse to buy. I still ahve a bunch to sell, only 1 broke riding gelding, but still lots of yearlings, 2 yr olds, and a 3 yr old. Broodmares are selling, since people are now thinking about breeding season.

Will add on to this page as needed, or if anything interesting happens. Again, I appreciate the support I get from all my friends and am blessed to have so many caring people around me.

April 16,2010

Andrews Passion foaled on the 14th a black filly w/ characteristics. I have more than a month until the last one is due. Other recent news is about our 3 time Nat'l/World Champion black and white stallion Back To Black, who is now on his way to Bill Wickland in OK for Competitive Trail Riding (silver medallion). Bill rode this horse's sire, Classic Black to a gold medallion for us. "Kobe" has been in Nebraska with J/S Training learning some new classes...roping and reining... over the winter. He is already a great over fence horse and can show Green Hunters. He pleasure drives as well, so we should have another well rounded stallion to show and carry on the tradition with. Photo in 2008

He has everything going for him we feel:

Our plans are to finish his silver in Distance, then come back and show under saddle for multiple gold medallions. (He's already Res. Nat'l Ch. in HUS). Ambitious yes, but we have faith in the horse and the trainers that can get it done.

 

 

Updated 4/8/2010