In search of warm weather and sunshine...

Those who could enjoyed a nice get away to Moab this past weekend. It was a somewhat last minute decision, so only Kim, Becki, Brooke, Ryan, Jess and the boys were able to make it. Becki is actually feeling quite well (considering) so it was nice for her to be able to enjoy family time and a little southern Utah sunshine. She wasn't able to hike or bike or anything, but had a great time at the park, playing games, watching movies, eating lots of food, and playing with her grandkids. Here are a few pictures from the weekend:

Becki and Tyler enjoying the sunshine

Nathan and Jess playing around at the park

Kim and Tyler- trying to take a walk with everyone. Tyler has to stop and look at EVERYTHING!

Ryan, Nathan, and Brooke at the musical park rocking out

Throughout this whole treatment, Becki has made it a point to keep Nathan in the loop so things won't be weird or scary to him. Here she is explaining her ports, why she has them, and what the doctors do with them.

Kim, Tyler, Nathan and Becki- They really love their grandkids!

We all had a great time and already can't wait till we get to go again with the whole family. Becki has gained her ten pounds, Wahoo!, and is now waiting for her doctor's approval to begin the next transplant. Dr Zangari is a little concerned about her low blood pressure and has been performing multiple tests to see if they can find the root of the problem. He had her see a cardiologist, who said Becki's heart looks fine except that the chemo has weakened it a little. After hearing that, Becki has been determined, even if she doesn't have the energy, to take little walks and do things to strengthen her heart. Hopefully, they will find out what needs to be done, fix it, and get her going on this next treatment soon so we can focus on the blue skies ahead and getting our Mom back.

Howdy Partner

The first weekend in March the whole family ventured down to Pleasant Grove where Emily plays Miss Andie in an Old West dinner show. Now of course you can't go to an Old West show without looking the part, so we all rounded up some western gear and had a great time. The band Steel and Thunder played the entire time and Emily's roommate/best friend plays in that band. The music was awesome, the food delicious, and Emily and her crew members did a great job. Nathan probably had the best time of all. He became Emily's little deputy and pretty much stood by her side the entire time. He even got to go back stage.

Steel 'n Thunder

Miss Ruby and Miss Andie (Emily)

Emily's solo performance of "You can't get a guy with a gun"

The whole rootin' tootin' crew

New update

Thank you for your care and concern. I am feeling better each day. I was having alot of trouble getting over the mucousitis, which made it difficult to keep food down, but the dead layers have finally started sloughing off. This last week I have also been battling an intestinal bacterial infection (c-diff). Now I just have to put on enough weight that round two can eat without putting me in the hospital. (I lost 30 pounds the first round). It's especially difficult this 2nd round to have a positive attitude because I know exactly what I am getting in to, and I am feeling so good right now!
Yesterday, I got to go to a family dinner with all my siblings and their kids and all my own kids. I had to wear a mask the whole time, but this is the first time in 5 months that I have been able to get this close to my neices and nephews. Actually, it is the first time I have been in a public situation. Every time I passed someone they "petted" my head which has about 1/2" of hair now. The kids were facinated! My 15 year old nephew looked just like me! (He keeps his hair really short)
I doubt that I will be starting phase 2 for at least 3-4 weeks, so we are going to try to get to Moab now that it has warmed up, before I start.
Well, I'm half way there. By Fall my hair can really grow and I can be excited about feeling better and better. Love, Becki