To update you on Tom - he is scheduled to start yet another round of Chemo beginning January 10, 2011.  One week on, one off, back on.

Currently we have the schedule for January only.  I'll keep you posted.

Thanks Jeanne and Carla for your comments on the last Blog.  Isn't technology great that we can stay in touch by e-mail, by the Blog,  and other computer programs?

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.  The best part of the holidays is being able to spend time with family.  We did and we hope you all got to as well.

Guess we didn't have a white Christmas but sure made up for it.

Thanks to those of you who are staying out all night and keeping our roads clean.

This is a short post I just wanted to keep you updated on Tom's progress.  Hopefully the next post will be a little longer.

Thanks so much for reading the Blog. We are very grateful for all of you.






 

Tom didn't have any treatments this week.  He still gets tired easily and isn't sleeping well but at least he is eating well, for the most part.   I keep praying, as I'm sure many of you are, that he will continue to get stronger.

Christmas is next Saturday and this is definitely the time of year for giving.  It's also the time for spending time with friends and family.  For me, spending time with friends and family is the best part of the holiday's.

Two of Tom's sisters stop by at least once a week to check on him.  We are so appreciative of the time you both take out of your busy schedules to spend time with Tom.  Thank you.

We've received some nice Christmas cards from some of the State folks.  Thank you too.

When you go through something like Tom and I are dealing with that's when you really appreciate having friends and family.  Especially because they stand by you, support you, and are there for you when you need them the most.  You all know who you are.  Thank you!!

In one of the past Blogs I mentioned how, at the church I attend, some folks bring in their coffee, people don't generally dress up, it's a pretty relaxed environment.  Today we sang "Happy Birthday" to two of the church members.  Times sure have changed. 

Thanks so much to all of you for staying "connected" with us.  We are very grateful!!

Tom had his "lighter" treatment on Thursday.  He wasn't feeling great Thursday afternoon or Friday morning but started feeling better over the weekend.   We are very grateful that modern medicine has found a way to reduce the nausea that comes with Chemo treatments.  That said, there are still some nausea side effects along with numbness in the fingers and ringing in the ears.

If any of you notice the time on the Blog post, here I am at 1:30 AM updating the Blog.  Another of many sleepless nights that I suppose comes as a result of dealing with this disease.  The upside is that I'm updating the Blog, like I said I would.  The downside is obvious.

I was thinking about what to write on this weeks Blogs and a few things came to mind.  What I thought about a lot this week is "how do you protect the ones you love?"  I remember trying so hard to do this when our kids were young.  I would like to have been able to protect Tom from this disease.  What I've come to learn is that, as far as children go, the best protection is to teach them independence (by the way, I didn't excel at this with our children because I was overprotective as anyone who knows me knows).  I also know there are many things beyond our control.  What I do know is that we learn from our mistakes and do the best we can.   Sometimes that doesn't feel like enough but I do believe that if we do things with sincerity and the best intentions then we've done our best.

One of the other things I thought about this week is how brave Tom is and how much I admire his handling of the treatments he's endured for so many months.   He has been a real trooper and I would guess if I were in his place I would not handle things as well as he has been handling them.

On the last Blog I mentioned we bought a real Christmas tree.  We haven't had a real tree in some years so it's nice to see the real one.  However, it appears you have to cut the bottom of the tree before you put it in the stand.  The tree isn't "drinking" water and there is no fresh tree smell.  It actually surprises me that Tom didn't think of this because I think he knows everything.  So, for those of you looking forward to the fresh tree smell - the only way that is going to happen is if, on the particular day that you are here, I have "splashed" it with Balsam essential oils!!

Thank you for your comments on the last Blog.  As it turns out Jozie is feeling better from surgery.  She still gets tired and has a little pain now and then but is otherwise doing well.

Thank you all again for reading the Blog, sending your well wishes and continuing to check it.  Your support means everything to us and we are, and will always be, very appreciative.

Tom had treatment on Thursday.  Jeanne took him as I was working in Mass.  Thank you so much Jeanne for filling in.  I am very appreciative.

Things were a little better for Tom this round.  The doctor changed the treatment and he received a lot of anti-nausea medicine prior to treatment.  He's not feeling great but significantly better than the last time.

He has another treatment this coming Thursday so we'll see how that one goes.

Our granddaughter was taken to the emergency room this past week with severe abdominal pain.  As it turned out she had appendicitis and had her appendix removed.  While I'm sure we all appreciate the emergency room, our daughter and Jozie arrived at the hospital around 10 am.  By the time I got there after work around 6 pm Jozie had not even had a CT scan.  I have yet to understand why everything takes so long there.  In any case, the surgery went well, she had to stay an extra night but is at home now and doing well.

I wasn't going to set up a Christmas tree this year with everything going on.  I changed my mind and decided to decorate with at least a tree.  We bought a real tree this year.  We haven't had a real tree in years but I thought it might be nice for a change and it is.  

I started going back to church about a month ago and no, this is not a lesson on whether or not you should attend church services.    Our town church is a small community church.    After I arrived at church today I looked around at the people in attendance noting their blue jeans, sneakers, parkas, and even their Dunkin Donuts coffee.  Yes, in church.   I realized what a sense of community the weekly service is and how times have changed.  Guess it goes to show, it doesn't matter who you are, what you wear, or even if you bring your coffee to church.

Thanks Kel and Carla for your comments on the last Blog.  I appreciate all the comments you folks reading put on the Blog.  Carla, I'm glad that Kelly keeps in touch with the boys too.  It's unfortunate that we didn't spend more time together when the kids were growing up.

I think we get so busy in our lives that time slips away before we realize it's gone.  We are aware of that now more than ever.  I've said this in other Blogs but I'll say it again.  Appreciate your family and friends.  Tell them so.  Spend time with them.

Thank you all for reading the Blog and keeping in touch.  Your time and effort is very much appreciated.

To start this post I apologize for not updating the Blog routinely like I said I would.  It's been very busy for me but no excuses.  I will be more diligent in updating the Blog (and this time I mean it).

Tom has had a couple of weeks off from treatment, which is really good, because these treatments have taken their toll on him.  He's just beginning to feel better and on Thursday he starts in again.

The Oncologist is changing the type of Chemo he'll be getting on Thursday due to the pretty severe reactions he's had the last few times he's received treatment.

My sister, her husband, and our kids and grand kids joined us for Thanksgiving on Thursday.  I was so happy  to have them join us.  It brought some sort of normalcy to our house that we haven't seen in a while.

That, said I am so grateful for everything we do have, including a wonderful family and great friends.

With Thanksgiving over and Christmas just around the corner I was thinking about the holidays and what they mean to me.

I do very limited Christmas shopping since we buy primarily for the grandkids only.  Years ago we used to exchange gifts with all family members.  After I watched my kids put their gifts in drawers, never to be seen again, until we disposed of them I decided we would no longer exchange gifts.  The holidays, to me, are about spending time with family, not exchanging gifts.  Isn't that what Christmas should be about?

The most precious gifts we ever received were things our kids made for us when they were in school.  I wonder what happened to those times of making, rather than buying gifts.  Of exchanging just one gift, with all the love and thought that went in to either making or buying it, rather than counting how many gifts are under the tree.

Any of you who know me know that I spoil my grandkids.  I know the psychological reasons for that are because we grew up with nothing and I remember that terrible feeling of being embarrassed because we had less than everyone else (or at least that was our perception).  As I get older, I consider how those days shaped the person I am today.  Is it so bad to help our kids to know the true meaning of Christmas?  To help them to know that even if they don't get "the thing they had to have" the world would not come to an end, assuming they would even remember a week later.  Is it so bad to have adults know that too?

I know, at least for me, I want nothing for Christmas this year except to get a good report on Tom's health.  To know that the treatments are working and that he will get better.

Thank you Carla for your comment on the last Blog.  It's nice to keep in touch, even if it's only through the Blog.

Jeanne will be taking Tom to his treatment this week as I have to be away for work.  I don't think I need to tell anyone, reading this Blog, how stressful it is not to be there when he is having treatment.  That said, I'm thankful and grateful that Jeanne has stepped in to help.

In one of the previous Blog posts I indicated that I would work on informing those of you reading the Blog where the best deals were for organic foods.  I'm still working on it.   I'm saving all of my receipts to do some comparisons.  To let you know, I bought an organic red pepper yesterday that was almost $4.  My hope is that I can provide you with some information that will assist you in purchasing organic products, if you choose to do that, that won't cost you an arm and a leg (like the pepper, watermelon and various other purchases I have made).

My sister e-mailed me a link with lots of good information.  Once you open the link, there are additional links to organic food coupons, how to make home made cleaners and a variety of other information.  If you're interested, click on the link.

http://frugalliving.about.com/od/frugalliving101/tp/Start_Frugal.htm

We've been doing this for six months now.  Thank you for hanging in there with us, reading the Blog, and staying in touch.

Tom wasn't feeling great over the weekend.  He has a few days to start to feel a little better before he goes for his next treatment.  Thankfully he has Thanksgiving week off.

Today is our 40th anniversary.  Forty years and it seems like it was yesterday!  Those of you who know Tom well, know that he would make some smart remark if he heard me say that but I know he wouldn't change a thing.  Nor would I.  I could not have been luckier or more blessed to find Tom some 40 years ago.  He is the best husband and father anyone could ask for.

In the last couple of Blogs I talked about looking at your life, where you're going and where you want to be.  One of our friends sent me the following e-mail today.   I would like to share parts of the e-mail with you... 


"I had just finished reading a book by Dr.Ira Byock "THE FOUR THINGS THAT MATTER MOST...A Book About Living". The "four things" (the saying of them) are:

   Please forgive me.

   I forgive you.

  Thank you.

   I love you.

The mistakes of the past, which may have impacted others and "changed" the future cannot be taken back or "changed" now. And the future cannot be predicted and cannot even be wished for. But NOW is what we have and living fully now IS what we can do"

Another friend e-mailed me the following quote:

"The unexamined life is not worth living.”  Socrates

Good messages - something for us all to think about.  Life is so precious and no one knows that more than we do.

Kel, thank you for your comment on the last Blog.  We love you too.

During the Lungevity walk a couple of weeks ago Kerry  (the daughter of my long time best friend) was telling us that she discontinued Cable and subscribed to NetFlix in order to save money.  NetFlix currently has a 30-day free trial for any of you who don't have it and want to try it.  I subscribed this week and actually set up my WII to allow us to  watch NetFlix movies, tv, etc on our TV (and yes, I did it all by myself).  We'll see how it works.  It's certainly worth a try for any of you who don't currently subscribe to NetFlix especially while it's free for a month.

Thanks again for reading the Blog and staying in touch.  We appreciate the time you spend with us.

Tom's blood count was much better today.  He was able to have his chemo treatment.  As I sit here and post this Blog he is feeling terrible.  We did get a prescription for some nausea medicine that he had to take before they would administer the chemo this time.  I guess it helped a little but he is still feeling sick.

With certain Chemo treatments some of the side effects are ear ringing and numbness in the fingers.  Tom also has both of these side effects.  He did not have them with the Chemo he had this summer but the doses he's currently getting are so much stronger that I guess that's causing the side effects.

As Tom's wife, the hardest thing I have ever had to do is to watch him go through this and know that I can't do anything to change it.  If I could, I would.

We received another card this week from some of the ladies in the Morton Building.  Thank you so much.  You continue to send cards and keep us in your thoughts and we are very grateful.  By the way, not just any card but a hand made card!!

The Belmont crew stopped this week too.  Tom appreciates that you all take the time to stop and visit.  Thank you!!

In the last Blog I thanked those who supported me in the Lungevity walk that I did last week to benefit Lung Cancer.  I received another very generous donation from a work mate today.  Thank you Chris, your generosity is very much appreciated.

I could not complete this Blog post without sincerely thanking those State workers who again contributed their earned time to Tom.  Tom was given additional earned time so he can continue to receive the treatments he needs.  There are not enough thank you's that could ever tell you how much we appreciate what you've done.  You are such a wonderful group and we thank you!

We're approaching Thanksgiving in a couple of weeks.  It's a time to reflect on what we have to be thankful for.  I would encourage you to give this some thought.   All too often we take for granted what we have.  Think about the possibility of having Thanksgiving with someone you haven't seen in a while.  Think about giving a can of food to the food bank.  Think about just spending time with friends and family.


Thank you all for reading the Blog, for visiting, for sending cards, e-mails, calling and just being there.

Tom doesn't have blood work until Thursday.  If the blood work shows good results he'll have six hours of Chemo.  If not, I'll have to let you know because I'm not sure if they will hold off another week or give him Procrit, or some other form of medication.

The Lung Cancer walk for Lungevity, Inc. was Saturday.  Our group raised almost $900.  Thanks so much to all of you who walked.  You not only gave money but you gave your time.  Thanks to those who contributed, your contributions are very much appreciated.  A special thanks to my sister who made up the difference so we could make our team goal.  I wouldn't know what to do without her!  As it turned out, we exceeded our goal.

1,477 people participated in the walk and in total raised approximately $200,000, which also exceeded the Lungevity planners goal.  It is my hope to start something in NH next year.

There is a mis-conception that Lung cancer effects only those who smoke.  I hope that none of you reading the Blog believes that, but if you do, please do some research.  You will find those are not the facts.  Remember, lung cancer impacts 1 in 14 people.  

Thanks to all of you for your comments on the last Blog.  Your support is invaluable and it means everything.  It's sad that there are those in life who, for whatever their reasons, make the type of comments I addressed in the last Blog.    My guess is they don't have folks like you in their corner, even sadder for them.

For those of you who don't read the comments posted on each Blog Kerry included some websites on the last Blog for locally grown meats and foods.  I checked the eat wild site and have contacted a woman in Meredith who raises her own grass fed beef.   She sells her beef by the pound and she sells shares of beef that she is raising.  I'm not sure how the shares work but I have contacted her by e-mail and will let you know when she responds.  Her site is www.ladyfarmer.com if you're interested in checking it out.

There is another site that might interest you, it is www.localharvest.org where you can also find local produce.

If any of you eat Stonyfield yogurt you may have already seen it but their yogurt label says "The Presidents Cancer Panel recommends reducing cancer risk by choosing foods produced without pesticides, chemical fertilizers, antibiotics and growth hormones."  Be careful in choosing the foods you consume.  Nothing will ever change if we, as consumers, don't make different choices.

Here is something to think about.  Today, at church,  the minister said "you don't know how much you really have until you are deprived of it".  Those words are so true.   Think about how much you have.  Think about your family,  friends, the roof over your head.   Don't take things for granted.

Thank you again for reading the Blog.  Thank you for your support.  Thank you for being you!!!


 

Tom had his bloodwork today.  Evidently some parts of his blood improved but the parts that help stop infection aren't strong enough for him to have Chemo on Thursday so the Oncologist has put treatment off for one week.   They are holding off treatment because if Tom became too weak from the treatment and caught something, a cold, the flu, anything he would not be able to fight the infection.

I write this Blog with a little disappointment and a little sadness. Someone told me the other day that "Tom knew the dangers of smoking yet he continued to do it anyway. He should have known better." I know that I'm an idealist but it saddens me to think that people can think that way and worse yet voice those comments to me. Am I to assume that Tom deserves this? 

I understand that no one, unless you've been in this situation, knows how hard this is. It is a nightmare. It's hard on me, it's hard on the kids, it's hard on many of you and most of all this is hard on Tom. We can talk about knowing the dangers of smoking, we can say could've, would've, should've but it's a little late now. To actually say this to me was not only insensitive, it served absolutely no purpose. We are in a fight for Tom's life. We can't go back, we can only go forward. Tom is a wonderful human being. He does not deserve this. No one does.

I would also like to remind all of you reading the Blog that Lung Cancer impacts 1 in 14 americans. 1 in 14 - pretty bad odds.  There are currently no pre-screenings available.  Generally lung cancer is found only when looking for something else.  In a previous Blog I provided statistics on those who contract lung cancer.  Over 60% of new lung cancer cases are non-smokers.  What should they have done?  Do they deserve what they get?

 

All of you who read the Blog know that my sister e-mails me after every Blog she reads. After the last Blog she reminded me that it's good to control those things you can to make you happy because there is so much in life that is beyond our control. She is so right. 

Thank you Jeanne for the comment on the last Blog.  Good advice.

Thank you so much Barb for the very generous donation to the Lungevity walk. You are very kind and your generosity is very much appreciated.

As you all know we are walking on Saturday to raise money for lung cancer research.  Any of you interested in walking with us or contributing to the walk please refer to the link on the October 19 Blog.   We only have a few more days.  If you can contribute anything it will be very much appreciated.  If you can't you are very much appreciated anyway.  You have stayed with us through this and we will always be grateful.

My sister suggested that  as one of my Blog projects I consider listing some of the places where organic foods could be purchased.  I go to some very specific places but to do justice to the Blog and you before I list anything  I will  take  the time to take some notes comparing prices, selection, and geographic location in hopes to provide you with some useful information regarding organic food choices and other organic items, the ease of finding them, and price differences.

Thanks again for reading the Blog and being here.  I know I say this all the time but it really means everything.   Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.

Today is the last day of October. Hard to believe the summer is over and we're faced with welcoming winter.

Tom gets blood work on Tuesday. Thursday's Chemo treatments will be dependent on what his blood count is. Otherwise things are going as well as I suppose they can.

I will continue to report on Tom's progress as he receives upcoming treatments. I wish I had more to report but this is a waiting game.

I told you, in the last Blog, that I would try put things in the Blog that might promote discussion and comments, maybe even just self reflection. For this week I actually wrote a poem -

If we could see the future

Would we change the path we chose

Or would we be just as content

To travel the same road

Would we be kinder to strangers

Would we be a better friend

Would we spend more time with family

Would we take the time to spend

Would we do the things we long to do

Or wait another day

Would we travel more, or read the book

That we have stored away

Would we take more risks, take more chances

Find another way

To be a different person

Than the one we are today

So as I write this poem I think

Life is such a precious gift

And if we could see the future

Would we change the way we live

A long time ago I read this question "If something were to happen to you tomorrow, would you be happy with the life you lived?" I ask myself this question every so often because I think it's a good one. Ask yourselves this question.

If there is something you should change, change it. If there is something you should do, do it. Sure, there may be some planning involved but make a plan, get it done.

Regarding work, I have always felt that if you have a job that you hate, if you get up every morning and hate the thought of going to work - if you dread walking through those office doors, or going to wherever it is you go - change it. Life is too short to be unhappy every day. That said, this economy isn't exactly ripe for job searches but keep your eyes open, get an education take the steps to help yourself. It doesn't have to happen tomorrow but nothing will ever change if you don't take steps to change it.

For me to answer this question I would have to say I've made some mistakes in my life that I wished I never made and given a second chance would not make again. If we learn from our mistakes they make us stronger. If we don't learn from them they are wasted. As for the rest of my life I feel I am incredibly blessed. I could not have asked for a better husband or children, including the grandchildren. Tom and I are blessed with wonderful family and friends.

I hope you can answer the question the same way.

I checked the Lungevity site. Congratulations Jeanne on the contribution. Good job.

If you read the prior Blogs you know we are walking to benefit lung cancer on Saturday. If any of you can, or want to contribute please refer to the October 19 post for the link. If you have trouble accessing the link please e-mail or call.

Thank you again for reading the Blog. I feel like we are all extended family and I am so glad you're all there.

This was Tom's week off from Chemo. We did have a checkup today. His blood pressure is good, he gained a little weight back (he had lost a little last time). His blood count is low so he has to go back on Tuesday for blood work before the Dr. can determine if he will have Chemo next week.

Thank you Jeanne and Sharon for registering to join us in the walk next week. Thank you Brenda for your donation. Your generosity is very much appreciated (all of you). I couldn't find a walk closer to home but I'm going to work on something for next year.

In my quest to continue with organic foods I ordered a turkey for Thanksgiving, from a local farm who raises organic turkeys. I'm not sure it will be any better than those at the supermarket but I will know that it hasn't been "pumped" with something to make it grow faster. It seems that the best way to go would be to become a complete vegetarian and forget the meat all together. However, any of you who know Tom know it would definitely be work to get there, assuming it could ever happen!!

I haven't said anything in the Blog recently about those of you who were/are trying to quit smoking. I hope you are continuing the fight to quit and that it's working for you. Keep going, I know you can do it!!!

For any of you who want to walk with us next Saturday, please register, we would be happy to have you! Any of you who can afford, or want, to contribute to the cause we would appreciate that as well.

We are very grateful for all of you reading the Blog and being with us throughout this whole journey, and it has been a long one. We realize you have given your time to read the Blog, call, e-mail and we continue to be very thankful for that. Please know the Blog was not set up, and will not be, for soliciting donations. We are doing the walk net week to raise money to help fund research for lung cancer. This is an annual event, thus my request for donations.

Thanks so much for reading the Blog. I'll try to be more consistent in posting so you can plan on certain days of the week to read it. I am hoping to add something to each up-coming Blog that will prompt discussion and comments from those of you reading it so please stay tuned...

I thought treatments would be so much easier. Not so much. Tom is pretty tired, which is consistent with the Chemo treatments. His appetite isn't as good as it's been recently or as bad as it was during the aggressive treatments so I guess that's a good thing. I'm not sure why I thought this would be easier given what Chemo does to ones system.

Thanks for your comments on the last Blog Kel, Jeanne, Kristi and Kerry. Comments are always so appreciated. And Kerry, you're right, at least about the chicken soup. He still eats eggs but my guess is when he gets better chicken soup will be off the menu!

November is Lung Cancer Awareness month.


I have some statistics on lung cancer to share with you -

Over 60% of new lung cancer cases are never smokers or former smokers
One in five women and one in twelve men diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked
Only 16% of lung cancer is diagnosed at it's early stages


Generally lung cancer is found when looking for something else.


Lung cancer continues to be the least funded of any of the cancers which is surprising given the statistics above.


When we think about how far breast cancer research has come it seems the same could be done for lung cancer. It also seems that there could be some type of pre-screening. Wouldn't that be nice? Lung cancer could then be found in the early stages rather than finding it when looking for something else.


I know, I was quite surprised after reading the above statistics since I think most people think of lung cancer as the smokers disease and I guess I did too.


We're in treatment now, the chairs are all full. How cancer effects so many. How far treatments have come although we have a way to go.


I have started a team - "The Lungest Yard" - for a 5k walk in Boston on November 6th to benefit lung cancer. Kelly, Jo, Tami, Ben and Amanda will be walking with me. If any of you, reading the Blog, would like to join the team and walk with us we would be privileged to have you. The link to register is below. It is $25 for adults and $10 for children. If you choose to join the team please let me know and we can make plans to go together, or meet there.


It's not often that I solicit contributions, but for obvious reasons, finding a cure for lung cancer is important to our family. If you feel you can, or want to contribute please use the link below to do so.


Please let me know if you can't access the link and I'll have Kelly help me with it. Once you access the site you can register to join the team or you can access the team (under the registration section) to donate to a team member, if you choose.

http://events.lungevity.org/goto/TheLungestYard

I thank you every time I post the Blog. I'll continue to thank you every time. Thank you so much for reading the Blog and keeping informed as to what is going on. We appreciate the time you give to us by reading the Blog, responding, and being there. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

As it turned out Tom didn't have to go to the hospital for hydration today. He isn't feeling as good as he did last week but not as bad as he did on Thursday either. Chemo makes him very tired.

He's back on a scrambled eggs, toast, and chicken noodle soup diet. At least for the time being until we're sure he won't get sick again.

If this makes him better it's worth it. Of course, that's easy for me to say because I'm not dealing with the same things he's dealing with.

Kelly, Jozie and I did the breast cancer walk today. Actually half of it. We weren't sure if Jozie could do the complete five miles so we opted for the short course. It was amazing to see so many people there. I must say it was very emotional for me to see all of the breast cancer survivors walking to the stage.

Jeanne, we saw you and Jeni doing the walk as well. A very worthy cause.

I think it's great that breast cancer gets so much press and ultimately lots of donations. It may sound selfish but I would like to see lung cancer get the same sort of press, along with donations and research. I haven't done the research to know what percentage of those with cancer have lung cancer but given my experience, at Tom's Chemo treatments, there are significantly more people than I thought.

One of the guys I work with sent me an article from Men's Health on the benefits of organic foods and organic products. The article talked about getting rid of things like "Raid" and other chemical laden products. There was a recipe for making your own "Raid" type bug killer. Articles related to going organic seem to be increasing. I'm still convinced the more people interested in buying organic, the more economical it will get, making it more affordable for everyone.

I know I've told you the stories about the $30 watermelon and yes, I'm a slow learner, I bought a $9 organic cabbage a couple of weeks ago. Yes, I need to look at prices. Fortunately, I've purchased a very limited number of what I would call extravagant buys.

The following are two lists of foods. The first list is the highest in pesticides and should be purchased organic. The second, the lowest in pesticides and can be purchased conventionally.

See the full list at foodnews.org.

Highest in pesticides - buy organic

Celery

Peaches

Strawberries

Apples

Blueberries

Nectarines

Sweet Bell Peppers

Spinach

Collard Greens/Kale

Cherries

Potatoes

Grapes

Lowest in pesticides-

Onions

Avocados

Sweet Corn

Pineapples

Mangos

Sweet Peas

Asparagus

Kiwi

Cabbage

Eggplant

Cantaloupe (domestic)

Watermelon

Grapefruit

Sweet Potatoes

Honeydew Melon

Thanks for the comments Kelly and Brenda.

Yes, Brenda I've been trying to walk the loop at least a few times a week. My schedule doesn't always allow for that but any time you want company and want to do the "loop" please give me a call. I'm happy for the company and the walk is great.

Thanks to you all for reading the Blog. Your time and caring is appreciated.

Tom didn't do great after this round of Chemo. He was vomiting all night and has had little to eat.

I called the Oncology department today. We spent the afternoon in the hospital while he received saline for hydration. It's important for him to stay hydrated in order to flush the Chemo out of his system.

The Oncology Dept set up another hydration session at the hospital on Sunday just in case he continues to be sick over the weekend. I have to hand it to them they set up the session, just in case he needs it, so we wouldn't have to go to the emergency room and wait all day.

The Oncology nurses told us Tom was sick because he received Chemo that was double the strength of the last Chemo he received. They have prescribed a much stronger anti-nausea medication that he will take next time he gets that particular type of Chemo. Hopefully that will help.

There was a poster in the Oncology waiting room related to discarding un-used medication that you may be interested in. If discarding hard forms of medication (pills) put in a sealable plastic bag with a little water. Seal the bag and throw in the trash. If discarding liquid medications put in sealable plastic bag, add coffee grounds, close bag and throw in the trash. Make sure you remove all labels from any pill bottles before throwing them away to protect your identification.

Thanks Jeanne and Kelly for your comments.

Thanks so much to all of you for reading the Blog

Tom started his rounds of Chemo today. There are several different kinds of Chemo treatments. He received one of the same ones he received last time along with a different one.

I was sure it wouldn't be as bad as last time since he isn't having Chemo every day and there is no radiation. However you look at it though Chemo is no picnic. He wasn't feeling well at all when we got home. He was nauseous and freezing, the same side effects as last time. I'm really hoping tomorrow will be a better day.

I'm so glad Tom put the Chemo off until this week so we could get a nice weekend away.

On the upside he has gained about 24 pounds, his blood pressure was good. He is a little anemic but with Chemo, even though he hasn't had it for a while, that's to be expected, or so I'm told.

Thanks for the Blog comments. You're right Brenda it was a beautiful weekend. Jeanne, the kids were never be too much, they were adorable.

Sharon, I'm so sorry you ran out of propane. Hope you weren't too cold!

Thanks for reading the Blog. I can't tell you all enough how glad I'm am that you're hanging in there with us.

I didn't post last night because we didn't get home until later. For the first time since the beginning of May Tom and I were able to go away for the weekend.

So much that we take for granted, just every day things that people do, until you can't do them.

It was so nice to get away and I am so grateful that Tom was feeling well enough to go.

I know I've said this before but it bears repeating. Don't take things for granted. Enjoy life and appreciate those everyday things that life brings. Don't get hung up on the little things, that in the grand scheme of things will never make any difference in your life. Appreciate your friends and family and tell them so.

Tom starts Chemo again on Thursday. I'll keep you posted as to how that is going.

We received a very nice card last week from one of the folks Tom worked with at the Morton Building. Thank you!

Our son-in-law and grandson came over yesterday and put all of our wood in the cellar so Tom wouldn't have to worry about it. How nice was that? How great is it to have family members who help without being asked? Thanks Brian and Ben. We love you.

Thank you all for reading the Blog. Again, thanks for the cards, e-mails, visits, and keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.

Not much more to report today. I know Tom isn't looking forward to the next round of Chemo. If it makes him better, though, I'm all for it.

You're right Sharon and Jeanne he is feeling better. He's gained some weight and hopefully will be ready for the next round.

Thanks so much to all of you who e-mailed and commented after the last Blog. We still have a way to go. Your support, prayers good wishes and thoughts will help us along the way. Thank you.

For those of you reading the Blog I'm sure you're interested in what the Oncologist had to say today.

What came as a complete shock to both of us is that evidently Tom had two tumors. At least that's what the Oncologist told us today. I'm not sure if we just don't ask the right questions or if the physicians aren't forthcoming with information they should be telling us. It's frustrating but how do we ask the right questions if we don't know what to ask?

In any case, we were told the tumor(s) have shrunk significantly. They have opted not to do a PET scan at this time because they don't believe it will show them anything. Tom will be receiving another round of Chemo beginning October 7. He will receive the Chemo once a week for two weeks, one week off, then again for three more "sessions" - two weeks on, one week off as long as he can tolerate the treatments. After the Chemo they will do another scan to see where we stand.

The Oncologist indicated they want to "kick this cancer in the can". No one wants that more than we do. The Oncologist also indicated this too, is an aggressive Chemo treatment. They will track Tom's blood count, blood pressure, the same things they monitored during the first rounds.

Needless to say, he isn't looking forward to it. He has gotten so much stronger and is feeling better every day so we continue to be hopeful. No one said this would be easy.

Jeanne stopped today and we talked about how much everyone's support means to us and how much it helps. For those who have not been through something like this support, prayers and thoughts mean everything. We are very fortunate to have you all with us.

Thanks for the card Nan.

The Belmont crew, along with one of the guys Tom used to work with stopped this week. Thanks guys!

Thank you all for reading the post and staying with us. I'll keep you updated more often once Tom starts Chemo again.

Not much to report.

Tom weighed himself today and he has gained a little more weight. He can eat a lot of stuff now but it still hurts him to swallow.

I may have told you that we see the Oncologist on Tuesday but we don't see him until Thursday. My mistake. Tom does see the Radiologist on Tuesday. He had his CT Scan on Friday but we won't know the results until this week.

Thanks to Jeanne, Brenda and Tami for the Blog comments. I'll check out those Organic places.

I went to the Whole Foods market in Andover, Mass on Saturday. They do have a lot of organic stuff but it's not all organic so you have to pay attention. It would be nice to have a Trader Joe's or a Whole Foods market closer to home. It would be nice to have a good fresh fish market too. If anybody knows of one, I'm interested.

If any of you saw the evening news today there was a story about families raising back yard chickens for fresh eggs. Guess we are getting back to more folks growing their own food. How great is that?

I don't want to get into politics because I know how dangerous that can be. I just want to comment though that if any of you are listening to the politicians running for office I have yet to hear anyone tell us what their plan is to change things; the economy, the jobless rate, etc. etc. I hear "we will change things". I would like to know how. Maybe I'm just not paying enough attention. I'm not sure how any of us can make a decision on who to vote for if we don't know how anyone plans to change anything. Personally I think if the Democrats and Republicans would spend more time trying to resolve issues rather than spending their energy on who's at fault something might actually get done.

Thanks for continuing to read the Blog. We truly appreciate the time you take to read it, leave your comments, send your e-mails and just be thinking about us. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you!!

I'm sorry I didn't post on the Blog last night. I was really tired yesterday, was going to post first thing this morning and got busy working. One thing led to another and it didn't get done. My sister e-mailed and my sister-in-law called to make sure everything was ok because there was no Blog. Again, I apologize for not posting. Thanks Nan and Jeanne for checking in.

So far, so good. I guess things are as expected. We thought Tom's swallowing would get better but it still hurts. He forces food down but at least he's getting it in.

Our sister-in-law sent an e-mail about asparagus being good for Cancer patients. Evidently the asparagus is to be pureed. Whether it's a hoax or not, asparagus can't be bad for you and I thought how could it hurt to have Tom eat it. I didn't think he would eat it pureed so I've been giving it to him for dinner. This morning, in my infinite wisdom, I thought I would put asparagus in an omelet for him for breakfast. He wanted to know why I would put vegetables in his breakfast. For those of us who like veggie omelets, no big deal but he does not like vegetables for breakfast.

Last night I cooked carrots with his potatoes and whipped them together thinking it never hurts to have too many vegetables. You guess it! He didn't like those either and didn't eat them.

Needless to say I have to keep vegetables separate in our house and definitely not serve them for breakfast.

I've been having pretty good luck purchasing organic fruits and vegetables that don't break the bank. We'll see what happens as the weather gets colder.

Like the watermelon made of gold I also purchased an organic chicken - about five lbs - the price - $27. I know, I know, I really need to pay attention to prices. It's amazing to me that organic chicken is more expensive than local grass fed beef. I'll continue looking for less expensive organic chicken.

I'll keep you all posted on Tom's progress. I'll make sure I post on the Blog every Sunday and once or twice during the week.

Thanks you all again for reading. Thanks for reminding me to post too!!!!

Tom continues to get stronger. He's still having trouble swallowing but he is trying different foods now.

I am so thankful that he is getting stronger. I pray it continues.

Thank you so much for your comments Kelly, Brenda and Kristi.

Brenda, you are very kind to comment on my "art work". There is something very special about having your own pictures framed and hung. Each time I look at them fond memories come back. I love it. We actually had the picture that Kelly won 4th place for framed and hung in our stairway. It's very nice.

Kristi, thank you so much for inviting us to the party. It was very nice. Thank you for the information about plastic too. I actually discarded all of my old plastic as well. I bought a Brita water picture with a filter in it to prevent Tom from drinking water from plastic bottles. When I decided to go Organic that started me on a path to changing a lot of things. Plastic being one of them. From what I understand, through the internet, a substance called bisphenol-a or BPA is widely used in the making of hard, clear plastic (polycarbonate). The BPA evidently leaches into foods and liquids stored in the plastic containers. The chemical is used in making food storage containers, refillable water bottles and the lining of soft-drink and food cans.

There have been studies performed on Rat pups that suggest BPA poses a potential cancer risk, along with some other health risks.

Unless a plastic container specifically states that it's BPA free it probably contains BPA. Based on internet research almost every canned product, even those labeled organic, have liners with BPA. This, I did not know until I did the research so I'll be more diligent in any organic canned foods I pick up.

The recommendation to lower exposure is to use fresh or frozen vegetables. Use glass, porcelain and stainless-steel containers. And I'm sure you all know, if you do use plastic it should NEVER be used to heat food in a microwave. (For those of you as old as we are, remember when milk actually came in glass bottles?)

It's amazing, once you actually start looking at things and what's in them what you find. I know in a previous Blog I also indicated that I purchased organic sheets, made from organic fibers with no chemicals used to make them. Who would ever think chemicals are used to make sheets! I guess whatever produces things faster and cheaper. I continue to ask, to what end, at what ultimate cost?

Thank you all for reading the Blog. We're four months into this and I'm glad you're still here. Thank you!!

Tom is getting better each day. We are not out of the woods yet but he is so much better than he was even four weeks ago. I pray every day that he will continue to improve.

His CT scan has been scheduled for September 24.

Thank you Kristi and Kerry for your comments on the last Blog. I agree Kristi that Tom does seem to be able to fix everything. I ask him all the time - "how do you know that?". It truly amazes me how he can do the things that he does.

Tom and I went to a 25th wedding anniversary party for our very good friends on Saturday (those of you reading the Blog who were there already know this). While we didn't stay for the clam bake it was nice to get out for a little while. I worry about us going out too much because I don't want Tom to catch a cold or flu or anything else going around. He's still gaining strength. I'm not sure what getting sick now would do to him. Nor do I want to find out.

After going to the party this weekend and getting such a warm welcome I thought again, as I do so often, how truly blessed we are to have such supportive friends and family. I know I say it often but I'm not sure, even though you are reading the Blog, that it gives you a sense of the continued support that we get every day and from so many people. I end each Blog with a thank you to all of you but I don't think words begin to cover the gratitude we feel toward all of you helping us through this.

I was thinking too, how the choices we make in the friends we choose and how we conduct our lives has a great deal to do with the kind of support one receives in times of crisis. It makes me sad to think there are people going through a similar thing that we are and they have no one. Several times during Tom's Chemo treatments, I noted people having Chemo treatments with no one to sit with them and they had to ask the nurses to find them a ride home. I couldn't imagine not being with Tom while he was going though radiation and Chemo treatments.

I've talked about Organic stuff in prior Blogs. If I haven't mentioned it before, the primary reason I made the decision to buy all organic products is because with Tom's treatments I thought he was getting enough put into his body without any other chemicals, hormones, whatever they put into food today. One thing led to another. I started doing some research and as a result became so much more aware of not just Organic foods but Organic cleaners, recyling and all the things that are referred to as "green" today. Many of you reading the Blog are too young to know this but years ago (and some still today - I'm sure some of you) people had gardens, they raised their own vegetables, they went to the butcher to buy meat or raised their own, they picked wild berries. My great aunt used to make her own soap with lard and lye. Cleaners were made from things like baking soda, which, for those of you who don't know, was also used as an antacid as well as toothpaste.

I know for some folks Organic isn't the way to go because with kids Organic foods are expensive. Organic cleaners though can be made from Castile soap, baking soda, borax, salt, things like that. They are considerably less expensive and less caustic than some of the cleaners out there today. Just something to think about.

Thanks for reading the Blog. Thanks for being there. Thanks for being YOU.

Tom and I met with the Oncologist today. He's is scheduling a CT Scan (it hasn't been scheduled yet but some time before September 27). Tom meets with the radiologist on September 27 and the Oncologist again on September 28 to review results of the scan.

The Oncologist plans to administer two more sessions (meaning 6 days each) of Chemo. One of the types of Chemo they gave Tom during the first round is unavailable because there is a shortage. Do you believe that? A SHORTAGE, really?? The Oncologist assured us there are other Chemo's out there that can replace the one that's unavailable.

Tom did gain a little weight in the last couple of weeks. He is eating a little more but I suspect the weight gain is partially due to no radiation and Chemo for the past week and one-half.

I'm praying each day that Tom continues to improve and be cancer free.

I have a few things I would like to share.

As you all know Tom works for the State. He had approximately three months of time accumulated which has truly been a blessing during this time. He needs more time because he's not healthy enough to go back to work, although he is getting stronger each day. The State has a system that allows employees to donate their accumulated time to someone who needs it. We requested additional time and have received it. First, I would like to say what an incredible benefit this is to those of us who need it. Second, I want to thank those who selflessly donated their time to Tom. Your generosity is truly appreciated and we can't thank you enough. Thank you so much.

Our daughter, who is going to college to become a teacher, has taken an interest in photography. She's taken a couple of classes and I think her work is really good (of course, I'm her mother - what else would I say?). In any case I, without her knowledge, entered one of her pictures in a photo contest. I did this for a couple of reasons. I thought she should realize how good she is and I think a little healthy competition causes us to work to be better. As it turned out she took 4th place out of 60 entries. No, she didn't take first place but 4th out of 60 when she just started is amazing. I didn't write this to brag about our daughter (we also have a daughter who is a very talented cake baker). I've never been the competitive type. I'm self motivated and always try to do a better job than the time before, in anything I do, but competition isn't my thing (Truth be told, I'm a perfectionist but we won't go into that flaw in my personality). What I realized in entering Kelly in the photo competition is that healthy competition truly is a good thing. It encourages us to try harder, do better, make a better product. I know our daughter will continue to work at better photography, if not for anything else, just to see if she can come in first. I think that's a good thing.

Thank you so much for continuing to read the Blog. Thank you, again, for the donation of your hard earned time to those of you who donated time to Tom. Thank you for going through this disease with us. We are very appreciative.

I can't believe it's Labor Day weekend. When Tom and I started this journey it was Memorial Day weekend. Here we are more than three months later.

Tom feels a bit better each day although the swallowing is still very difficult. He's sticking with eggs, soup, spaghettio's (organic ones), and jello although he has added toast to the routine, as long as it's on the soft side.

We see the Oncologist on Tuesday and we'll see where we go from here.

Tammy thank you so much for your Blog comment. You said some wonderful things and we are very appreciative.

Shelley, thank you too. I generally look at the prior days post to review comments that folks have left. I nearly missed yours until I looked at all the past comments to read some of them to Tom. It would have been a shame to miss it. It was very thoughtful. Thank you.

I would like to respond to a couple of things that were said in those comments.

I have no idea how hard it is to quit smoking because my experience with smoking was when I was probably 14 or 15 and stole my father cigarettes and smoked one just to be cool. Now to let you know how really uncool that was, I smoked them in the living room while he was sleeping in the bedroom!! Not incredibly bright but I was a kid, what did I know (although at that age I'm sure I knew everything).

I know I've said this in previous Blogs, if you think quitting is hard it's nothing compared to this.

When Tom had the first biopsy he had to be awake because they had to put four tubes down his throat - one to get the biopsy, one for the camera, one to brush his lung, and I don't remember what the other one was for but there wasn't enough room for a breathing tube. He said he wished everyone who smoked could go through that. If they went through it once they would never smoke again. I can't imagine how hard it was, and how scared he must have been. And I won't even elaborate on how scared he was when he started vomiting blood after the biopsy.

Smoking isn't worth it! No matter how you slice the pie. It's expensive, it's toxic, it's harmful to those around you. It does absolutely nothing for you except to help tobacco companies become richer. It drives me nuts when I see people driving, with kids in the car, the windows up smoking. I have to ask myself, are they completely ignorant?!?!? I'm guessing many of them may be intelligent but I would have to guess they have absolutely no common sense. It truly makes me sad.

No one can make a person stop smoking until they are ready to stop. No amount of preaching or story telling will change that.

If I had my way I would make smoking illegal. I find it extraordinary that politicians focus on things like same sex marriage and abortion and never address the effects and the costs associated with smoking! So ask yourselves, why do you suppose that is?

I know in a previous Blog I mentioned this Blog was my therapy. So, Tammy when you talk about my writing the Blog to keep people informed it really helps me stay sane. You, reading the Blog, are more help to me than you know. Actually, those of you who know me well know that I'm not really forthcoming with personal things about myself or my family. Talking about those things is difficult for me. The Blog allows me to express myself, let you know what's going on and helps me feel that you are all there helping us. So instead of thanking me, I'm thanking you all. Thank you all so much!!

I can't imagine ever being without Tom. From the day we were married, almost 40 years ago, there was never a day that I could imagine us not being together. That's not to say we haven't had arguments because we've had our share. Never once, no matter how mad we got at each other, did we ever think it was time to throw in the towel. I think with any long term relationship, the longer you are together the more you appreciate your partner. Some of that may be a result of getting older but for me, I continue become more aware and more appreciative of Tom each day. We are truly blessed.

I've said it before but it bears repeating, let go of the little things. They don't matter. Look at the bigger picture. Be grateful for the things you have and the people in your lives. Let them know.

Those of you reading the Blog know Jeff, our friend, stops every weekend. This weekend he not only stopped but he wired in our generator. Thank you Jeff. Your help is very much appreciated.

Jeanne stopped again this weekend too. Thanks Jeanne.

I can't say enough how I'm so appreciative of you all reading the Blog and leaving your comments. Thank you so much!!

Yup. You're reading it. Another Blog.

Just wanted to let you know that Tom is doing well today. I was pretty sure if he had a good day yesterday he would have a bad day today. So far, so good.

I continue to pray each day that he will get better and be well (completely well) soon.

Thanks Jeanne for the Blog comment. The reality is that even when I teach him he probably won't be consistent about reading the Blog. I think partly because I don't think he particularly likes reading things about him.

In one of the previous Blogs I talked about the appreciation I have for those folks who keep the highways clean in winter, and those folks who work with their hands.

Today Kelly stopped to visit Tom. She hasn't had a chance to visit this week because she went back to work (she works at a school). With work, kids in school, kids activities, it makes it difficult to stop as often as she did during the Summer.

In any case, she told us how she stopped on her way over this morning to thank some guys who were cutting trees away from the power lines and to thank a policeman that she happened to see. Not only did she thank the loggers and the policeman but she paid for a stranger's coffee at Dunkin Donuts. All to "pay it forward" and be appreciative of those who provide a public service.

Here's the thing....my first thought was how proud I am of her that she took the time to do what she did. My next thought was, I wonder what the people she thanked thought and what about the person at Dunkins? What would you think if someone thanked you, out of the blue or paid for your coffee out of nowhere? Aren't people generally suspicious when they are thanked just for doing their jobs or if someone offers to buy their coffee (unless of course it's some sort of pick up line, which this clearly wasn't)? So here's something to ponder. Should people be suspicious? If more people did what Kelly did today would we be less cynical, more trusting? Wouldn't it be a better world in which to live? Would it really hurt us to be kinder, more appreciative?

Our neighbors stopped by the other day and brought us a goose (not living - ready to eat). I've never had goose but they gave us a good stew recipe and we'll certainly give it a try. Thank you.

If you have time, think about the questions above. Maybe you'll buy someone's coffee next time or thank someone for just doing their job.

Thank you all for continuing to read the Blog and for all of your well wishes. We are and will continue to be very grateful.

Ok. I know I said I would update the Blog on Sundays but I can't help myself.

Tom seems to be feeling better each day. Now that I've said that let's hope tomorrow isn't a bad day.

He is still having a hard time eating but his diet choices have increased a bit - eggs, chicken noodle soup, spaghettios (organic - they aren't as acidic), jello with whipped cream, and a soft serve ice cream cone daily (great for him, me, not so much). The soft serve ice cream doesn't seem to bother him like real ice cream does. Being on my organic kick that and the jello are the two things he's eating that aren't organic. Let's hope the soft serve isn't full of chemicals.

I'm updating the Blog for a few reasons. I want to thank Kelly, Jeanne and Andrew for responding to the Blog. Thanks Kelly for recognizing the "little people" - I use those words lightly because I have never, in my lifetime, felt there were those superior and those little people. Nor do Kelly and Tami. Everyone should be judged on their own character and not what they do for a living.

Thank you Jeanne for the nice things you said about Tom. I haven't read them to him yet but I know he'll be touched.

Andrew, what can I say. Your words made me cry. I know Tom will be touched as well. Thank you so much for the kind words and continued offers to help. Believe me, if we need something we'll call. I'm sure you know us well enough to know it's hard for us to ask for help but we will if we need it. Thank you again.

I keep saying I will read the Blog to Tom, not because he can't read, but because he's not really a computer guru and although I tried to teach him I don't think he knows how to get to the Blog.

Tom and I received two really nice cards today from friends of ours. One was thanking me for the Blog and wishing us continued strength. The other was letting us know they are thinking about us and we are in their thoughts and prayers. What was interesting about the cards is that the one sent to me was from the husband of the couple and the one sent to Tom was from the wife. They both had very nice messages and we thank you for them. We also thank you for the unique way in which you sent them. Very cool.

I also received an e-mail from our sister-in-law, while I won't list the whole e-mail following are some pieces from it:

To realize
The value of a sister/brother
Ask someone
Who doesn't have one

To realize
The value of four years
Ask a graduate

To realize
The value of one-second
Ask a person
Who has survived an accident

To realize
The value of one minute
Ask a person
Who has missed the train, bus or plane

Time waits for no one
Treasure every moment you have
You will treasure it even more when
You can share it with someone special

There was more to the e-mail but I thought I would share those few parts. I don't believe truer words were ever spoken.

I've said it before, and here it goes again, take the time with your loved ones. If you don't spend it now, you can never get it back. Remember, time waits for no one, not even you.

Our ever loyal friend Jeff stopped again this weekend, like he has every weekend since he found out about Tom's disease. How nice is it to have friends like that?

Jeanne stopped in again today to check in. Thanks Jeanne.

Thanks Donna for the call checking in.

I know I don't thank Kelly and Tami in the Blog but they are the best. They check in all the time on their Dad. We are very lucky and very blessed to have the children (and grandchildren) that we have. We love you.

Thanks again to all of you reading the Blog and staying in this with us. We are very appreciative. When I said above, how nice is it to have friends like that, how blessed are we to have all of you?

It looks like I'll be updating the Blog more often. I hope you'll be reading.

Thank you, for everything!!

I know I said I would post on Sunday's but I'm posting today in hopes that someone will read the Blog.

Tom was feeling pretty good yesterday, not great today. I keep praying he'll get stronger and healthier each day.

I received an e-mail today from one of the clients I work with. I have told a very limited number of the clients I work with about Tom. Primarily because it's hard for me to explain to people without crying. In his e-mail my client said he had been reading the Blog and was reading Kelly's as well. He indicated that he especially liked Kelly's Blog about her father being an artist. He went on to say how that Blog gave him a better appreciation for people who work with their hands.

I thought his comment warranted a Blog post. In the last several years I've really begun to appreciate all of the things that Tom is not only very capable of doing, but is very good at. I know I've mentioned in past posts that Tom does not have a degree. Tom is not a good speller and I'm sure his grammar could use some work as well. What I have come to appreciate more and more each day about him, is his ability to be so talented at so many things. Things that I know people with degrees could not begin to tackle. Not that I believe education isn't important, because I believe it is. I also believe there are many people without college educations who have numerous talents and abilities. My husband is one of them.

Not only do I admire all of the things Tom can do but it wasn't until last year when he started plowing for the State that I had any inkling of the hours and work it requires to keep State roads clean. I have a much better appreciation for those guys who are putting in endless hours to keep State roads safe during winter. I, for one, applaud what they do and thank them for it.

I hope some of you are still reading the Blog because I believe the message is an important one. It takes all kinds of people to make up this world. Many of whom contribute much more than any of us are aware of.

For those of you reading, thank you. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

I told you all I would update the Blog on Sunday so here I am. I hope you are all reading.

Tom is slowly improving. He's is still having a really hard time swallowing and is limited to eating chicken noodle soup and eggs. I told him today, that once this is over he will likely never eat chicken noodle soup again!

I know he's feeling better because he started to clear some brush this weekend. He did too much and was in a lot of pain and had to resort to taking pain medication. I told him to take things slowly, that he needs time to recover and get better.

We still have a way to go. For every day he is better I am very grateful and pray every day that he will continue to get better.

Thank you all for your comments on the last Blog.

Tom hasn't been able to eat the Ring Dings or the Funny Bones because it hurts too much to swallow.

Thanks Kerry for your comments about Food, Inc. It's nice to know there are others out there looking at healthier ways of living. Nan watched it too and although she has been a vegetarian for quite some time, and has purchased some organic products she too is changing what she purchases and consumes. In response to the hussy comment I will respond by saying you do what you have to do!!

I would also like to say it's a pleasure to know you, Kristi, and Andrew as the adults you are today. I know your Mom is very proud

Thanks Jeanne for your continued support, you too Brenda.

Thanks Kelly and Tami for being there.

Jeff, if you're reading this Blog thank you so much for visiting each week.

Chick, Pip and Linda stopped to visit today. Thank you.

The visits, calls, e-mails continue to be an important part of this process and for those we thank you.

Stay tuned for more next week.....

Tom finished radiation today. He has an appointment in four weeks to review his treatment and it's results with the radiologist. He actually received a diploma and this is what it said:

"Certificate of Merit and Appreciation" "Be it Declared that Thomas Drolet has completed the prescribed course of radiation therapy with the highest degree of courage determination, and good nature. We appreciate the confidence placed in us and the opportunity to serve you."

How cool is that? How true is that? He definitely completed this course with the highest degree of courage, determination and good nature!

Through this whole thing Tom has been great! He's had some really bad days and I know I've said it before - to quit smoking and go through what he's been through he is a Saint.

Thank you Kel, Tam, and Jeanne for the comments on yesterday's Blog. I look forward to the comments each day.

I'm going to tell you a little story. One that not many know but since we've developed this relationship over the past 33 days or so I thought I would entertain you.

Some 41-42 years ago I met Tom. He was dating a friend of mine. I knew I was interested in him so when he was taking my friend back to Plymouth State after semester break I offered to accompany them. Knowing that I would get to ride back with Tom alone. Yes, devious behavior as it was, I knew he was "the one". On the ride home I knew we were interested in each other but nothing happened then. Shortly after the ride to and from Plymouth he stopped dating my friend (she was way too loud for him anyway! and in case you are interested no longer a friend!). A couple of months after our trip to Plymouth State my car broke down and Tom stopped to fix it for me. I knew then he would call.

A short time later he called me for a date. We went out several times. At the time Tom asked me out I had been dating a guy from New England College for some time. Because dating two guys at the same time wasn't "done" then (not like it is today) I remember asking my brother who should I choose Tom or the guy from NEC. My brother chose Tom. I too, thought Tom was so stable, so "even" (for lack of a better word). I loved that about him.

We started dating in the winter of 1969 and the following November we were married. We will be celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary in November. I couldn't have made a better choice for a husband or a father.

Tom is comfortable with who he is. He doesn't second guess his decisions. He isn't a romantic guy but he brings far more to this relationship than romanticism. It's the little things he does like checking my oil before I go on a business trip.

Tom and I have two wonderful children (adults now). We couldn't be more proud of each of them and I won't even start talking about the grandchildren but they are the BEST!

When our kids were young Tom worked two jobs so I could work part time and be home with the kids as much as possible. He never complained he just did what needed to be done.

During our forty year relationship we have each been in pretty severe auto accidents and both survived. Dealing with this cancer is one more "bump in the road" that we are facing in our relationship. I feel we are blessed to have all of the things we have. We have a nice home, we have great kids, we have jobs, and we have the best family and friends. I am praying every day that this "bump in the road" is just that.

I'm the worrier in our relationship. I let little things get to me. I'd like to think after this experience I'll let those little things go and not get wrapped up in the things in life that don't really matter at all. Life is too precious to spend energy and time wasted on small things.

It's unfortunate that it takes an event like Tom and I are experiencing to make you realize the things you thought were so important are really so small in the grand scheme of things.

If I were to list all of the things Tom brings to our relationship you would be reading this Blog for a very long time. Tom is by far the stability in this relationship. I'm the romantic (hard to believe from a type A personality but it's true).

I could not be prouder or more grateful that I chose Tom during that fateful time in my life.

I am more in love with Tom today than ever, even after almost 40 years.

For those of you who are complacent in your relationship think about all of the great things your partner brings to the table. I'm sure everything isn't great all the time because no one is 100% perfect and don't the good and the bad things make the relationship that much better because that's how great relationship are built, isn't it? I'll bet if you list both the great and not so great things about your partner the things you do like will far outweigh the ones you don't. Focus on the positive things and let go of those things that you perceive are not so positive. In fact, not just the positive things about your partner but everything in life.

On another note - to maintain my focus on using non-chemical laden products here is a recipe for "Skin Feeding Sun Screen"

3 oz sesame oil

2 oz sweet almond oil

1/2 oz pure beeswax

4 oz distilled water

2 T zinc oxide

Optional

5 drops rose hip oil

5 drops chamomile essential oil

5 drops primrose oil

Melt the sesame, sweet almond oil and beeswax in a double boiler. Remove from heat, add water, blend with a stick blender until uniform. Allow mixture to cool. Add zinc oxide and other essential oils of your choice, if using. Blend. Transfer mixture to glass jar. Can be stored for up to six months.

Greasier skins should use almond oil alone. Sensitive skin is better off with a drop of chamomile oil instead. Be aware that chamomile oil is mildly lightening. Mature, dry skin would benefit from 1-3 drops of rose hip or evening primrose oil in addition to the sweet almond oil.

Sunscreen should be worn everyday even in winter. Enjoy. Most of the products can be purchased at Hannafords or Granite State Natural Foods. They would make great Christmas gifts too. Don't you think we should get back to making Christmas gifts? Wouldn't they be more meaningful?

Because Tom has completed his treatment this will be it for the daily Blog. I will update the Blog each Sunday so those of you who are interested can be informed of his progress until we are "out of the woods" and he's feeling better and back to work.

We still have a way to go. Tom has to regain his strength, he's still facing more Chemo. He will have another scan in several weeks to see what everything looks like and we'll know more then.

This has been quite an experience. Not only dealing with the cancer treatments but having you all be so supportive and helping me get through this. I don't know what I would have done without you! I know I've said it in all the Blogs. I truly cannot thank you all enough for your support. We are truly blessed to have you on our side and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

I hope you will continue to read the Blogs on Sunday evenings or Monday mornings so I can keep you informed of how Tom progresses through his current recovery and the next Chemo treatments.

Thank you so much!!

Day 32 of treatment. One more day to go.

Tom has more difficulty swallowing each day. Hopefully he'll get better once this round of treatment is over.

He lost more weight this week. Suffice it to say he's very thin. He told me I didn't need to tell people how much he weighs so I will say only that he currently weighs less than 140. His blood pressure was pretty good though 110/60.

We saw the Oncologist today. After Tom's last radiation treatment tomorrow he will have a few weeks off. We will see the Oncologist again on September 7. He will schedule a scan at that time. After a couple more weeks and after reviewing the scan, it is his intention to schedule one or two more Chemo treatments for Tom. He doesn't know, at this point, if the treatments will be six consecutive days, a couple weeks off and another six days or if he will limit them to three days a week.

The Oncologist did tell Tom that while he may not feel it, he has done extremely well through this aggressive treatment. Tom can't receive any more treatments until he's had some time to recover from the ones he's had and build up some strength.

Tom was pretty upset at the prospect of having more Chemo. He's feeling so miserable, is so thin, he said he doesn't know how much more he can take. The doctor told him the Chemo will be much easier without the radiation. Tom is not convinced.

It was so hard to see him upset at having more treatments. He's been through so much and just keeps going.

Thank you all for continuing to read the Blog, for your e-mails, calls, visits and all you do. Thank you again!!

Day 31 of treatment - 2 more to go. We have an appointment with the Oncologist tomorrow. I've told you all I'll let you know what happens next. As soon as I know, you'll know.

Thank you all for your comments on Friday's Blog. Thanks to those of you who e-mail and respond outside of the Blog.

Tom wasn't feel great over the weekend.

His throat is burning. It's hard to swallow. He's sick of eating eggs and soup. Oh yes, and we've added Jello to the diet.

This weekend he asked me to buy some Funny Bones and Ring Dings. Much to my better judgement I did as he asked because I thought even that trash is better than nothing. We'll see if he actually ends up eating them or if I end up throwing them out.

Jeanne thanks for stopping this weekend. I guess the Reiki treatment was not to be. Tom wasn't feeling well.

Jeff, if you're reading this. Thank you so much for your weekly visits. We couldn't ask for a better friend. We are so very appreciative. Thank you.

Thank you Andrew for your e-mail and offers to help. They are truly appreciated.

Thank you so much Kelly for your Blog today. You said some very kind things. I'll look forward to the manicure and pedicure.

If any of you haven't had the opportunity to see the DVD, Food, Inc. I encourage you to see it. I have it if there is anyone who would like to borrow it. Once you've watched it you will be as intent as I am about buying organic products and consuming organic foods. It's pretty disturbing. If we, as consumers, don't take a stand who will? I believe our future depends on it. Ok, I'll stop preaching but if you get a chance to see the DVD, please do.

I continue to be in awe at the prayers, e-mails, calls and all the support that we continue to get from all of you. We will be forever grateful. Thank you so much!!

Day 30 of treatment.

It seems like yesterday that we received the diagnosis that turned our world upside down and here we are 30 days into treatment.

Tom actually seemed pretty good today. I suspect it may be, in part, because he knows treatment is almost over. We'll have a better update for you after we see the doctor on Tuesday.

If I were to go back and review all of the Blogs to date and the comments from some of you reading them, put those together with the cards, e-mails, visits and phone calls we've received I would say Tom's diagnosis didn't just turn our world upside down. While Tom's cancer may not have the same impact on you, I know it would be fair to say it's certainly had an impact. Many of you have taken time out of your busy schedules to read the Blog, respond, visit, send cards, call, e-mail and the list goes on an on. It is humbling to know family and friends will rally around you when you need them the most. Thank you.

In her Blog Kelly talked about her Dad being her hero. Tami posted on the Blog how much her Dad has done for her and her family. Jeanne posted how she calls him when she needs him to fix something. Tom isn't just Kelly's hero, he's mine too. He is, by far, the most multi-talented person I know. He does not have a college degree. What he does have is an uncanny ability just to know things. He never reads directions when putting things together. He has this natural talent that he just knows how they go together. For those of you who have been to our home you've seen the remodeling he's done. He's never been trained to do those things. How is it that some people have this incredible talent yet it's never been taught to them?

It's not just his multi-talented abilities, he's the most even tempered person I know. He doesn't get flustered easily. While I have a tendency to go off the deep end he keeps everything in perspective. I guess opposites truly do attract.

Thank you so much Andrew for your post and offer to helps us. We truly appreciate not only the offer but that you're reading the Blog and staying in our corner. Thank you!

Tom put his foot down today and told me to buy Maxwell House coffee. While I thought I had the faux organic under control it is not to be. I'm not giving up, but for now, I'll get the Maxwell House. You can bet everything else will be organic though. Well, maybe not the beer, but that's it!

I just order several Organic books from Amazon so I'm sure there will be more to come. I made some shampoo tonight with burdock root. We'll see how that works out. I am pretty confident that anything is better than chemical laden products though.

Thank you all for reading the Blog. Keep the comments coming everyone likes to read them. Thanks for staying with us!!!

Day 29 of treatment. One more day before Tom has the weekend off.

He felt a little better today although he has four more days of radiation. We're hopeful once the treatments are over that he can start to build his strength and feel better.

It's so great to look at the Blog at the end of the day and see the comments. Thank you!!

Once treatment is over and Tom is feeling better I'm sure he'll be very to happy to have a beer with any and all of you (and a banana split with you too, Pip).

Yes Brenda, Tom still has his hair. We're both surprised. The fact that he had so much to begin with probably didn't hurt.

A couple of the guys from the Belmont shed stopped today to visit. Thanks guys. Thank you for the article too. It's good to know there are other organic seekers out there!!

During this process I have talked to Tom about the Blog and told him about all of your comments. I've only read it to him once. I was going to show him how to get into the Blog tonight so he could read it on his own. He said he didn't feel up to learning tonight because he was too tired. I decided if he didn't feel up to learning that I would read Wednesday's Blog to him, particularly Kelly's Art Class Blog and your comments. If any of you had the chance to read Kelly's Blog you shouldn't find it surprising that he was in tears. Then I read the comments from Wednesday's Blog and the tears continued. It isn't like Tom to cry. In a previous Blog I mentioned that I've seen him cry a handful of times in our close to 40 years of marriage. As he was going to bed we talked about all the support we're getting from all of you. He was very moved by Kelly's comments about him, the support from you all and is very appreciative.

Nan e-mailed today and told me she got a really nice e-mail from Maxwell House indicating they are continuing to improve their products. I believe that is how changes are made.

Thank you so much for your prayers, well wishes, comments, e-mails, phone calls, visits, all of the support you are giving us! It's all that support that gets us through this. Thank you!!!

Day 28 of treatment. Day 28 - can you imagine!!! This has been some Summer!

Radiation again today. Tom didn't do very well. Just when there is one good day, the following day, not so much.

You, who have been reading the Blog, know that Tom had aggressive Chemo treatments. Having Chemo every day for 6 days, two weeks off, and 6 days again is very aggressive. He's done great so far. He is so weak, has lost so much weight and yet he goes in there every day, like a trooper. On top of all that, to quit smoking, quit drinking and have the kind of treatments he's having I couldn't be more proud. To be fair, I don't think he really "quit" drinking, the carbonation hurts his throat. But he did quit smoking and for that I applaud him.

You guys are great to keep reading to Blog to see how he's doing. I'm so glad to have you in our corner!

Thanks so much for the Blog comments. I know I've said this before but I have to say it again, they're great! In fact, the following comments will respond, in some way, to each one.

Jeanne, you are sooooo much like your brother. You'll go for coffee as long as he pays. For you who know Tom really well he would say the same thing!

Pip, when Tom feels up to it, make sure you go for the banana split! Preferably, before he returns to drinking Mich light. I don't think they go well together.

I referred to Kelly's Blog yesterday because she had some really awesome things to say about her Dad (all true by the way!!). I thought because I could see her Blog you all could. Evidently that may not be the case. She put her Blog link on her comment for any of you who want to read what she had to say about Tom. It's under the "Art Class" Blog.

Tam, you know your father too well. Walk, maybe, run never!! You reading this, who know Tom, know that he goes one pace, always, without exception.

Tom, thanks so much for the kinds words re: General Services and DOT. They are very much appreciated. This experience has certainly taught me what a great group of people State employees are. They have been so kind and caring. Thanks to all of you!! Lest I forget the organic beer comment - I suppose if you drink enough beer I would guess one would not care if it were organic or not!

Yes, I'm determined to stay with organic products. I know in a previous Blog I mentioned that Tom only wants Maxwell House coffee. I was able to find an organic faux Maxwell House close enough that Tom hasn't noticed the difference. Thanks Nan for telling me about Yuban!

I'll close today's Blog with one last note - Tom said the first thing he wants when he's feeling better is a Wendy's bacon cheeseburger and fries (not the double one because that's too much). Ok, Ok, so it's not organic. When he's feeling better he can have Wendy's every day if he wants!!!

Maybe not one more note to close. I can't close the Blog without thanking you all again so much for all you're doing to help us through this. Thank you!!!