Wednesday in Tioga . . . from Trudy

Hello Again,

Trudy has begun Month Four (of Thirty months) on Maintenance Chemo. Actually each cycle is 28 days. She begins each cycle with an IV infusion of Vincristine, and five days of mega-dose Prednisone. This is added to the daily dose of 6MP and the one day per week of Methotrexate. Each of these drugs are potent cancer-fighting agents that serve to keep the Leukemia out of her Bone Marrow. They have all the side effects and can be pretty hard on the body . . . but we are confident that they are doing the needed work.

Trudy is a great fighter. She is amazing in keeping her spirits upbeat and her activities as full as possible. I posted previously about thoughts of her Dad that have encouraged her. My Mother was a veteran of Prednisone's benefits and side effects . . . we talk of her as an encouragement. And then there is my Grandmother Shackelford. Trudy and Grandma Shack had a very special bond through the art of "tatting." That is the handiwork of making lace through intricate little shuttles, great dexterity, and an acute eye for detail. In the last few months, Trudy has made dozens of tatted, lace snowflake designs. Thanks to Grandma Shack, that handiwork art has been a good dose of medicine for Trudy. We, both of us, are grateful for our terrific family heritage.

We know too, that your prayers and encouragement are a vital component of her day-to-day progress. The progress is miraculous the journey is arduous and the blessings are too many to list. Thanks so much for sharing your love, encouragement and prayers with Trudy.

Blessings,
Trudy and Robert