Time for Cancer Round Three--Christmas Edition

So, good news, bad news, because it usually travels that way.

We found out that the lymph nodes in the neck have returned to normal. The ones in her chest on her aorta, esophagus and windpipe didn't reduce as much as we'd like, so we have two more rounds of chemo then it's on to UAB for radiation on her chest. Not the best news, but not horrifying either. Just part of the show some people have to deal with. Where the tumors lie in her body eliminates surgery as an option. They'd have to crack open her chest, and that's obviously to be avoided at all costs. Meantime, we are in good spirits, haven't had another bout of infection, and are rolling onward toward the goal line.

Everyone is working hard to make sure that our house continues to move forward in an organized way. I don't even have to really fuss to make it so, which is either a sign of maturing teens or the result of really spectacular parenting. Either way--winning.

Elise has been deceptively active. What I mean is, that other than her bald head, it's easy to forget the child is sick with a potentially terminal illness. She's managed herself beautifully. I'm proud of the whole show.  She's had some nausea and has a general lack of energy daily, but she's learned how to conserve for big events. We were able to have a big Christmas with parties five days in a row. (yes, five.)

We had our friends over one night and played Dirty Santa with a twist--White Elephant style. You basically bring some ridiculous gift from your house that is so crazy people question why you had it in the first place. We had some adult diapers, boxers with unicorn/rainbow/cats in space, a Dennis Rodman wedding gown Barbie, Steve's old grey gym shorts (not kidding), a semi-inappropriate t-shirt towel with a thong girl, a broken nacho cheese machine, and various other bizarre items, making we question what you people are keeping that crap around for.

Either way, it was a party. We also had my immediate bear family over for dinner--our traditional lasagna for Christmas Eve. We were even able to go out for hibachi Christmas Eve for lunch. All of our ridiculous traditions kept, even during upheaval and cancer.

E and I check into Children's Hospital tomorrow for her third three-day, in-patient chemo treatment. We've packed movies and cards and lots to do.

I'm thankful and blessed beyond all measure. Life is good.

Love,
Charlotte and the Fun Bus

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