I just found out how to check for comments on posting on our blog.  Sorry I haven’t responded to them sooner.  I have not visited a blog before, so I’m still learning the method of keeping up with it.  I will finish my third week of radiation and chemotherapy tomorrow.  I feel I have been doing quite well so far.  I know patients tend to get fatigue and start losing hair from the radiation (I’m on a chemo tablet that usually does not cause people to lose hair) after being in treatment for a few weeks, so I’m expecting it will hit me by next week.  This week my sister Lindsey has been visiting so I’ve been having a great time going shopping with her and getting some things done that I haven’t been able to do in a while (like taking the dog to the vet and the kids to the dentist and for their flu shots).  I tried on all the pants in my closet and three garbage bags full are too big for me, so I’m donating those. I had to get some smaller pants to keep them from falling off!  Mostly I was looking for fleece pajama type pants.   I call them my uniform and have been wearing them to radiation because they are much more comfortable while laying on that hard table than a pair of jeans.  I think having my hat on and a visible scar on my face usually makes people sympathetic enough of me to not be upset by me wearing flannel pants!  I was also able to get my first OSU ball cap that I plan to wear as I watch them play football.  I am still wanting some cooler weather that feels like Fall.  Hope you are all doing well!

I meant to put a note on the blog last week, but I had one of my frequent problems with the internet connection we have at home right when I meant to do it.  In any case, I have now gotten a ride scheduled for each of my 30 radiation treatments. I’m so glad to have so many friends and neighbors willing to help me out when I’m not able to drive.  I will mark this on the calendar so everyone knows.  Also, if you had any questions about bringing us dinner, we have decided to stop the dinner delivery for now.  I think it will help the kids have a more comfortable schedule at home at night and we have so much extra food in our deep freeze.  We appreciate all of you who brought us food.  It was sure delicious! 

 I had radiation treatment #12 today and I seem to be getting through them pretty well.  I haven’t lost any hair from it so far, but I have heard that it often happens in the third week of treatment which is this week.  I’m also thinking I’ll likely get more tired either this week or next with the chemo and radiation going at the same time.  This week Lindsey is staying with us and we shopped all day yesterday.  I only got 7 hours of sleep last night and today I worked on cleaning the house and unpacking the things I bought yesterday.  Tomorrow we will likely shop again!  Something I have been looking forward to!  Hope you are all doing well! 

I can’t believe it, but I finally got onto the blog in such a way to be able to write things.  I am the one that asked Doug to make up the calendar for my rides to radiation, but I think it’s been somewhat hard using the calendar for bringing us dinner.  I think what would work best would be for you to contact me either through e-mail or through the phone and then I’ll mark on the calendar the nights that are already covered.  That will let people know which nights are still open.  I thank you all for considering giving me a ride to the university.

I also was wondering if Karl would like to give us his e-mail address so we can contact him for the first tim in 20 years.  I leave that up to you!

I feel guilty asking for help, after the incredible generosity that you have all shown with dinners and other help, but if any of you happen to be free in the afternoons and could pick Laurie up and drop her off at OSU for her radiation therapy, I would greatly appreciate it. She’ll have it daily for 6 weeks, and since I’m back at work and Laurie is not allowed to drive for a few more months, getting her there is a bit of a problem.

I’ll pick Laurie up after the treatments, so we’ve just looking for rides there. I hope that we can spread out the rides and no one has to do more than a few. If you can help, that’s great and if not, that’s fine too: no pressure.

We’re using the dinner calendar (thank you, Google) to try to arrange this:

If you can help, please click on the calendar link above, click on the 3:45 ride appointment, and enter your name into the comment area.

Again, thank you all for your help. It is greatly appreciated.

Doug

I just learned of Laurie’s condition last week. It broke my heart! She has pulled me through a lot of trying times over the years and I was very sad to see her leave Worthington Family Physicians. But very happy that we continued our friendship with our kids at school. Becca and Tyler. Please let me know if there is anything at all that I can do to help!!!! ANYTHING! Please send her our thoughts & prayers and know that they are with you all during this trying time!

Love always!

The Webb’s

(Jen, Sammi, and Tyler)

Laurie has been resting and recovering for a while.  She has two doctor’s appointments tomorrow and another on Wednesday, and then we’ll know more about what the future holds.  Right now, we’re enjoying some calm and Laurie’s sister, Lindsey, and her husband, Tom, visiting.  Yesterday, Laurie insisted on visiting Giant Eagle as her first shopping excursion in 7 weeks (it boggles my mind), so today was spent recovering while Tom and I went to a flea market (notable quote: “Seriously, Tom, do you need to pay $25 for stoplights in your house?”)

Thanks,

Doug

Hi Doug ,Laurie & kids…..

We sincerely send our best wishes for a quick and speedy recovery. It’s been 20 years, (awkward) since I spake at you guys, so please forgive me. I want you both to know we are here for you in whatever capacity you need. God bless you and your families. We’re here. Like a sweet young lady once told me…”When your at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on!”

Much love,

Karl,Amy, meghan,kylie,keon, Buddy(dog),kiko(boy cat),and minnie(girl cat)

Dear Laurie and Doug-  As you know,  you guys have wonderful kids and I just want to let you know that they are both doing very well at school.  The are so happy that you are home and have felt comfortable sharing what’s going on and then moving on with their day.  I think the routine has been good for them.  We don’t know how much you are resting, so if you want any particular info, please call me at 883-3300 or send me an e-mail at school–

wilprinc@worthington.k12.oh.us

I’ll try to get into their classrooms today and take some pictures to e-mail to you. All the best, Pat

My neighbors have been kind enough to organize people dropping off dinners. If you’d like to do this, please visit here:

If you need help with this calendar, please let me know.

Thanks to all. We really appreciate the help.

Doug

Laurie was released yesterday from The James and is resting at home.  Her recovery is going well and she’s back on email, so you may hear from her soon.  The kids are away for the weekend, so that Laurie can recover.  Thanks go out to Paulette and Randy Rudes, Ivan and Elaine Dangler, Lindsey (superstar!) and Tom Milam and the usual crew of very supportive family and friends.

Thanks!