Well….okay….it’s now been about exactly eight weeks since I made my last post. Yeah, I know….seems kinda normal for me (remember...normal to me is not normal to ne1 else) and as you might know there were several reasons why it’s taken me so long to get back. Mainly because of how the year started and Nancy losing Staci. I just didn’t quite have it in me and thought if I were to go ahead and make a few entries they might not have come out right.
So, here’s where Nancy stands at this point and time. She is doing the cycle thing again – meaning 3wks in a row on and one week off. Each week is on a Thursday and they have been in the afternoon. I think they she talked about doin’ a Friday schedule and then declined. This first cycle was on a Friday and it wasn’t too bad. Late afternoons at the center are low key, everybody’s hangin’ and not much clientele (sounds betta than patients).
So here’s the deal – new drug Abraxane (I’ll include a link). It’s not an Ovarian cancer drug. It’s for breast cancer (Staci had used it) and it was goin’ to be a freebie from the pharmaceutical company if it “didn’t work” and if it did then the insurance company would be billed for it. So far it’s been workin’….slowly, slowly but seems to be workin’. The numbers when Nancy started on this were at 394 (extremely high) and then after the second round they dropped to 354 and then at the start of the third cycle (started third last Thursday) the numbers were at 321. Don’t get overly excited! Dropping….even slowly….does not mean remission.....just that the drug is working to some extent. My take – well….remember it is my take. I think this is a positive take….numbers dropping slowly …..there doesn’t seem to be any real harsh side effects that I’ve heard about (now remember…this is Nancy….she doesn’t complain….she doesn’t tell me much) and from my observation she seems to be hangin’ in there just as she has been doin’ for the last six and a half years and over eight five plus individual, single chemo treatments. Can you believe what I just said? 85 – as in EIGHTY FIVE…a true non Triathlete Ironman for sure!
Now, for more “stuff”. Nancy has been dealin’ with her right hand for quite some time…like over a year now and has a lot of Neuropathy and has been showing a lot of signs of this bein’ the most ….I dunno….most “bothersome” (I guess) issue that she is dealin’ with. A lot of “extra” doctor visits to people that I’m not quite impressed with. Several different tests to come to some type of conclusion if it’s really her hand or not. An MRI was done last week and the Keefer looked at the results and decided it’s not a hand related issue but more in the upper spinal area. Keefer contacted a neuro guy (Triathlete that I know) who is really tops in his field and Keefer asked if her would “take a look” at Nancy. Of course we know who this dude is quite well. Have known him and who he is for over 17yrs so it’s not like a stranger she is goin’ to see. I don’t think she’s really too hip on seein’ someone who is in the sport that is a seasonal acquaintance. The way I see…ya do what ya gotta do!
Okay peepz….there’s the most current and up to date info on the Main Girl! She still seems to see life with a smile. I still get my “Good Morning” every morning with a smile……even though on most days I don’t suppose I really deserve it (Nancy was pissed off at me for a coupla weeks after I drilled some holes in the beam that runs through the living room ceiling for my “indoor chin-up bar”) but ….hey…at least it redirects her thoughts for a short period of time.
I am not going to comment on her thoughts (everyday) about Staci…..those of you that know…know…..
For those that light here from time to time…..please ……feel free to leave a comment even if you want to stay anonymous…..I think Nancy thinks it’s kewl that I let her know from my stats on this blog that some people actually stop and read it.
So peeps….as I’ve stated before – keep your head down, your eyes up and your back flat (aero position on the bike)……run far, run fast….a body in motion stays in motion…TRAIN HARD, TRAIN SMART and you will kick some ass at the races!
As always,
Mucho love,
Roger
Monday, March 09, 2009
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I felt like since I had mentioned Staci several times I would post this and provide a picture of how I told Nancy I would always remember Staci. She was around 23 at this time....she always seemed this young to me.
Staci Lyn McAuley went home to our Lord on Sunday, January 18, 2009, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She died in her own home encircled in the love of her husband, chil-
odren and parents. Although she was just 40 years old, Staci lived a meaningful and inspired life, touching everyone around her with her faith and endurance down to her final moments. '
Born February 11, 1968, in Alva, Oklahoma, Staci had a life-long passion for music. A native Oklahoman through and through, she graduated from Edmond Memorial High School in 1986 and went on to University of Central Oklahoma to receive her degree in Music Theory. She loved singing and enjoyed major theatrical roles in high school and college productions. She played several musical instruments and taught voice and piano lessons throughout her adult years, imbuing future generations with her love of song.
While still a student at UCO, Staci met and married Robert J. McAuley, III. They were blessed with 2 beautiful daughters, Brianna and Kaitlin. Staci was as devoted to marriage and motherhood as she was to music. Her precious girls will be her legacy.
She adored the beach and loved to travel. In recent years Staci was able to take two memorable and meaningful vacations. She realized a life-long dream, when she and her family took a cruise around the Hawaiian Islands and, more recently, a wonderful trip to the _mountains of Colorado Springs. She returned from both trips renewed with many treasured memories.
In addition to her husband and daughters, Staci is survived by her parents, Nancy Gartman and Stan Lisman, as well as many other beloved family members. The family wishes to express their sincerest gratitude to their church families at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Life Church, the community of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School, Dr. Michael Keefer and the staff at Mercy Hospital, Dr. Kiran Prabhu and staff at Integris Medical Center, and their extended family at Bank of Oklahoma.
One of Staci's favorite musicals was the Broadway show "Wicked." She was especially fond of the lyrics from the song "For Good" -- "So let me say before we part, so much of me is made of what I learned from you'. You'll be with me like a handprint on my heart."
Services are being coordinated by Baggerly Funeral Home at 930 S. Broadway in Edmond. Funeral service will be held at 10 am, Saturday, January 24, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (9th and Boulevard, Edmond) with the interment directly following at Memorial Park Cemetery at 13400 North Kelley in Oklahoma City. Donations may be made in her memory to The American Cancer Society.
Staci Lyn McAuley went home to our Lord on Sunday, January 18, 2009, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She died in her own home encircled in the love of her husband, chil-
odren and parents. Although she was just 40 years old, Staci lived a meaningful and inspired life, touching everyone around her with her faith and endurance down to her final moments. '
Born February 11, 1968, in Alva, Oklahoma, Staci had a life-long passion for music. A native Oklahoman through and through, she graduated from Edmond Memorial High School in 1986 and went on to University of Central Oklahoma to receive her degree in Music Theory. She loved singing and enjoyed major theatrical roles in high school and college productions. She played several musical instruments and taught voice and piano lessons throughout her adult years, imbuing future generations with her love of song.
While still a student at UCO, Staci met and married Robert J. McAuley, III. They were blessed with 2 beautiful daughters, Brianna and Kaitlin. Staci was as devoted to marriage and motherhood as she was to music. Her precious girls will be her legacy.
She adored the beach and loved to travel. In recent years Staci was able to take two memorable and meaningful vacations. She realized a life-long dream, when she and her family took a cruise around the Hawaiian Islands and, more recently, a wonderful trip to the _mountains of Colorado Springs. She returned from both trips renewed with many treasured memories.
In addition to her husband and daughters, Staci is survived by her parents, Nancy Gartman and Stan Lisman, as well as many other beloved family members. The family wishes to express their sincerest gratitude to their church families at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Life Church, the community of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School, Dr. Michael Keefer and the staff at Mercy Hospital, Dr. Kiran Prabhu and staff at Integris Medical Center, and their extended family at Bank of Oklahoma.
One of Staci's favorite musicals was the Broadway show "Wicked." She was especially fond of the lyrics from the song "For Good" -- "So let me say before we part, so much of me is made of what I learned from you'. You'll be with me like a handprint on my heart."
Services are being coordinated by Baggerly Funeral Home at 930 S. Broadway in Edmond. Funeral service will be held at 10 am, Saturday, January 24, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (9th and Boulevard, Edmond) with the interment directly following at Memorial Park Cemetery at 13400 North Kelley in Oklahoma City. Donations may be made in her memory to The American Cancer Society.
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