Friday, August 7, 2020

Hope.....

  This past Monday, Tuesday , and Wednesday, Ted had his maintenance chemo. He gets it 3 days and a lower dose for the last 4 rounds. He spoke with the cancer doctor on the 31st of July.  Dr. Birhiray (oncologist) told Ted to have the bone marrow ( IBMT) doctors call him and they could talk about Ted not having any more chemo. Giving us such hope.

 Yesterday , we drove to the IBMT clinic south of Indy. We take some back roads which takes a bit longer....but people are not driving 80 miles an hour, like on the interstate.
  Ted masked up and went in the clinic and I stayed in the car. It wasn't boiling hot, but plenty warm. I moved the car to a bit of shade when it became an empty parking spot. I did puzzles, played on the phone, watched people. Even watched goldfinches in the trees.
 Ted came out 1 hour and 40 minutes later.  He was  somewhat excited. Saying the dr called the oncologist and left word for them to call and conference.  Dr. Akard told Ted  he would call to let him know about stopping chemo. It truly sounds as if Ted has had his total rounds. Ted did get another round of baby shots. We go back in November(3 months away) His labs were decent even after having chemo the first three days of this week.
    The only thing  new about my sister Jeanie ,  she is sitting outside and visiting with her neighbors and our sister Brenda.  Improving. God is good.
  Thank you, thank you, thank you . Your kind words, wishes and prayers have helped us get this far.  We are so grateful.  Enjoy the weekend and please stay safe. XO

93 comments:

  1. Oh Susie, what hopeful news. I pray that will be the end of chemo for Ted.
    such good news about your sister, yes, God is very good.

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    1. Thank you Nonie. I am praying the drs call this coming week. Ted is sore from the baby shots today. No wonder little babies cry. Blessings for a nice weekend at your house. xoxo, Susie

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  2. What encouraging news, Susie! Great to hear about Ted and your sister, both! Nellie xoxo

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    1. Thank you Nellie. I was happy to see my sister sitting out . I don't mind saying I was very scared. I am thrilled abut Ted's news. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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  3. Good news for sure on all fronts. Reasons to celebrate! Have a good weekend.

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    1. Thank you Deb. Ted and I are starting to feel hopeful. Praying the good news comes this next week. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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  4. This is just good news, Susie. It's been a long time coming, but that makes now so special. They let me go with Don to his pacemaker check up. All with masks and temp. check and sanitizer. He's still has some balance so I like to go with him. He used his cane and not the walker now.

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    1. Wanda, It has been a long tough time for us. Times I thought would go on forever. The hospitals, dr appts, and meds. ,not to mention ER runs that can terrify us. It would be wonderful to have some normalcy . Glad Don is better and using a cane , not the walker. Blessings for a great weekend, xoxo,love you, Susie

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    1. Oh yes...YAY. Thank you Vee. Hope you have a great weekend. You are in my prayers. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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  6. Susie I am over joyed reading your news. Here's to healthier days for Ted and your sister. God bless you sweet friend, you are in my prayers.

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    1. Thank you Connie. You are a great friend. I am still praying the drs call soon and tell Ted, No more chemo ! That will make our day. We both admitted we could have cried for joy. My sister is doing so much better than last time. Blessings to you Connie, you are in my prayers too. xoxo,love, Susie

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  7. Hi Susie, I'm so sorry I've been gone but have been praying for you all every day. This is such good news and I know you both are so happy and relieved. I'm adding your sister to my prayers as well. Take care and will visit again when I can.

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    1. Hi Susie, Oh how I miss you. I miss your stories of growing up with your parents and siblings too. I pray for you and hope you have good days of joy. Take care and be safe, Blessings to you and your family. xoxo,love you, Susie

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  8. Oh that is good news. Now we can say a prayer of thanks too. :)

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    1. Oh my gosh, I always say"Thank you God" right then and there. I know God listens to our prayers and helps us. I am so grateful. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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  9. Sounds like good news, all around! I'm so happy for you, Ted, and your sister. :)

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    1. Thank you so much. We will probably do a happy dance when the dr calls us. Blessings, stay safe, xoxo, Susie

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  10. Wonderful, wonderful news on all points! Prayers will continue!

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    1. Thank you Terri. I thankful for prayers from all of you and ever so thankful for God answering them. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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  11. Sounds like really good news hon. I’m so happy for you.

    Bee

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    1. Bee, I have not heard from you in so long. I pray you are well. I miss reading of your adventures, the condo crowd, and seeing your pink furniture. I am hoping the drs do call this week. Blessings, stay safe, xoxo, Susie

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  12. You and Ted have been on such a long journey! SO very grateful for this point in it.Pryers for you both and your sister. My sister Deanie had gallbladder surgery this week. She had lots of infection. They kept her in the hospital but she is home now and doing well we think. I hate that Covid has separated us from those we love who are ill. I think I told you about my sister's conditon....dementia...not really bad yet. She is a very private person so I don't say anything on my blog...but I'm sure she doesn't read my comments on yours!! Hahaha! Love you, Girl!!! Have I told you 'I am especially fond of you?' Can you guess where that quote os from? The Shack!

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    1. Linda, You cracked me quoting from the "Shack". Ted just said yesterday, "what's Linda and LD doing lately?" I told of of the water pump and he said he could , relate. Poor Deanie, glad she is home. Scary having surgery in this time. I am praying those IMBT drs, one of them calls us this week. Ted was excited and called his son, our SIL, and his brother, when we got home that day. :) Blessings to all , stay safe, xoxo,love you guys, Susie

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  13. Susie — I’m so happy to read this news on Ted. And yes—God is good! And to hear your sister is on the mend is wonderful news!

    Blessings
    Gert

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    1. Thank you Gert. It was nice to drive back, all that way with smiles on our faces. :) It's be a long time since we have had so much hope. I am thankful for all your prayers , Gert. I know you have sent many up for us. Blessings, be safe, xoxo, Susie

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  14. That is such hopeful news. We can never give up on hope. It's what keeps us going. Glad your sister is doing so well. Looks like all things hopeful at your house. Good New!!!

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    1. Thank you so much. I am eager to hear from the drs. But we got so excited, we started telling everyone. :) You know sometimes I feel so keyed up with stress, that when I can exhale, I almost feel drained.
      Blessings to you, xoxo, Susie

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  15. Hopeful news... I am so thankful. I will be praying all continues to go well.
    Lots of love, Carla

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    1. Thank you Carla. There's been times when I have felt as if my heart is caught in my throat...then when I can relax , I am totally exhausted. That's how many days on this journey have felt . I know Ted is looking forward to gaining his strength back. Blessings to you dear Carla, and thanks for all your prayers. xoxo,love, Susie

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  16. I keep saying prayers for you all. I missed the post about your sister. I will add her to my prayer list. Right now is hard on people with some having to do things by themselves. You don't know who or what to believe about anything. I will be glad when the election is over. It is trying on the seniors with having to wear the mask and stay at home. Take care my friend. Prayers and gentle Hugs.

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    1. Thank you Shirley. I surely understand about want the election over . LOL. I hate politics. I think a candidate should only tell you what they will do and not get to say a thing about the others. Honestly Shirley, I am sick of the disinfecting. LOL Stay safe , you are in my prayers and I truly appreciate yours. Blessings, xoxo, love, Susie

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  17. Lady, this sounds wonderful. We have a nephew who has been released from Chemo and is doing great. Prayers for Ted (and you). God is good.
    Love from Indiana (methinks)
    Sherry, jack & JJ (back on the road)

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    1. I told Ted of your lay over in Gary...not fun, but he laughed when he heard that Sherry had just cooked up a good dinner. We sure were hoping for an honest mechanic to fix your problem. Happy travels, stay safe. Blessings to all, xoxo, Susie
      p.s. getting excited about this coming week.

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  18. Susie- That is wonderful news. It has been a long haul for Ted AND YOU! You have been a caretaker and I know how tiring that can be. Let's hope and pray that Ted's numbers stay good.

    I haven't been blogging/visiting in a while so didn't know about your sister. I am glad she is improving.

    love to you- xo Diana

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    1. Thank you Diana. I knew you would be happy about Ted, since you and John came to see him when he was first admitted to St Vincent's. The first leg of his cancer journey. Maybe I can get some of my dr things done now. Blessings to you, hope this week is a good one . Love you xoxo, Susie

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  19. Oh, Susie! I'm so glad to hear your hopeful news! And I so understand all the ups and downs of these days of waiting and hoping and then the good news. You both are of such sweet spirits, buoying each other up with your great faith and love---you're both a wonderful inspiration. I'm so glad to know that you've received such a "good report" as folks used to say. My best thoughts and prayers wafting from here in INDY.

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    1. Thank you Racheld. I so appreciate every prayer and good wish . Thank you too for your kinds words. This week will hopefully be our new beginning. Stay safe. Blessings to you and yours, xoxo, Susie

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  20. HOPE is such a beautiful word.
    May God fill you with Hope and Peace as you await the Drs. conclusions. this is wonderful news going forward.
    Hugs
    Sue

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    1. I am so praying this will be a great new week. Thank you for all the kindness. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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  21. Love seeing answers to prayers! Continuing prayers for Ted and for Jeanie. I'm continuing to cling to hope for so many things in our world and this makes me hopeful!

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    1. Thank you Buttercup. I am hoping and praying for our nation too. I look back on this long journey Ted and I started on the 20th of November in 2018. It seems a long time ago. Ted has fought a heck of a battle to get to this point. Everyone's prayers and wishes and kind words have helped us. Waiting for news for the drs. this week. Blessings, stay safe, xoxo, Susie

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  22. That is good news about Ted, Susie. It's been a long and slow process for both of you. It's nice that you got to stay in the car and do puzzles and listen to the birds and even watch people pass by. I'm so glad to hear your sister, Jeanie, is improving too. Yes, God is good. Those yellow/orange flowers are beautiful. It's been pretty hot here, and I hope it's not too hot there for you.

    Take care, Susie. love ya.

    ~Sheri

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    1. Sheri, I wanted to be in the clinic with Ted...but he was able to go and come by himself...and with me staying in the car, that's one less chance of catching the virus. We have come too far to take any chances. Yes, my sister's improvement is tiny, but even at that, day by day she is better. Makes me happy. Thank you for always wishing and praying for Ted and I. You are truly appreciated. Blessings to you and yours, be safe. love, xoxo, Susie

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  23. Hey Susie, I've been so far behind, in everything. Had to read back to find out about your sister. Sure hope she is doing much better. Glad for the encouraging news your Ted got from the doctors. Gosh, you've had a lot to deal with. Wishing you all the very best.

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    1. Thank you sweet girl. I am grateful to our many blog friends and family for always encouraging Ted and I with good wishes and awesome prayers. It has been so helpful. My sister is getting a bit better each day. She still seems to be short of breath at times. But better. Blessings, stay safe, xoxo, Susie

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  24. HOPE is one of our greatest gifts. So happy for you and your hubby that maybe his chemo is over. PTL:) Life can sure throw us some punches, but God always gives us hope.

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    1. Cheri, I am praying all the time. I pray for Ted, my sister, our country, the world and I have to pray for the courage and strength to get thru some days. Faith is why I never give up...although, it's been tough...God knows. Blessings to you, xoxo, Susie

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  25. Oh my, you have sure had so much to deal with! And dealing with it all during the virus. But things are looking up, I am so glad for you!! I hope the chemo is over. They were able to insert the stents in your sister?

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    1. Yes, Ginny, the Virus has added an extra load. Always trying to stay safe, wash and wipe and clean, etc,etc.That's why I stay in the car when Ted goes to clinic. Waiting to hear from the dr this week. No chemo will allow Ted to regain strength and be strong to fight off any germs. Blessings, stay safe there. xoxo, Susie

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  26. Such good news! I am feeling your smiles! God bless.

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    1. Thank you Kay. Actually people passing our car in the parking lot may have wondered about the big sign of relief. LOL I felt exhausted, as if I had carried a huge load for a long time. I know God carried it , casue I prayed plenty. Blessings, stay safe, xoxo, Susie

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  27. Hope...Yes Hope! This is wonderful news Susie. Without HOPE we would perish. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. Thank you Cindy. I am waiting to hear from Ted's drs about this.We will call them if not word by tomorrow. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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  28. Great News, Keeping you both in our extended Falily Prayers, Still working on Deck Staining but too hot today and gonna be 90 tomorroe, (Tuesday), Sending Love and Blessings from back East, Gary

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    1. Hi Gary, Thank you so much for your prayers. You are in ours too. :) Take your time staining...the time I did our deck, thought it would never end...it did and here it is time for more. Yikes. Unending. Blessings to you and your mrs. xoxo, Susie

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  29. Wonderful news Susie on both of your loved-ones. Ted has been through so much, I surely hope the end is in sight, and his health will forever restored. The same wishes for your dear sister, she has been through the mill also, life is so fragile, but we pray and carry on....
    Hugs,
    ~Jo

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    1. Jo, You are right...we have to keep plugging along to get thru what life will deal us at times. I thank you for prayers. I think of Jo. I know you must miss Oliver. I still miss Ozzy, my daughter's old cat. He was not there in the drive to rub against our legs when we went our about a month ago. We wore our masks and Sam the dog will growl at us till he hears our voices. :) Funny how pets can win you over. I don't have pets, because I get to enjoy my daughters' pets. Blessings top you dear friend, be safe. xoxo, Susie

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  30. I shall keep you all in my prayers

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    1. Thank you so much. All prayers are welcomed. We should all pray for one another. Bless you, xoxo, Susie

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  31. Susie, I am so happy and excited for you and Ted. What great news and may good things continue..Good news about your sister also. We are thinking of you all..Stay well..xxoJudy

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    1. Thank you Judy. It's been tough but Ted says he can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I pray for him. We called the drs. back...they have yet to have their conference. If it doesn't happen this coming month, it surely can not be much farther. Blessings, wearing a mask is just second nature now. bought more at CVS this morning. xoxo, Susie

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  32. Such good news...I hope he will be done with chemo soon!

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    1. Thank you Linda. Ted caled the drs office today...those two drs have yet to get their heads together. But it will happen soon. Hope you are all doing well and enjoying some good things n life. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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  33. I hope that news is spot on and the conference goes well. I'll be holding my breath for you. Yes, yes!

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    1. Jeanie, We are still hoping...as Ted has called both drs again...and the drs just can't find the same time to have a conference. Wish they would just tell their nurses to do it. LOL. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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  34. What blessed news! God heals!
    Praying~

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    1. Thank you Nancy. I do believe in the power of prayer. The more the better too. LOL. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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  35. oh such awesome news susie, i have prayed for you and ted many times, always sending hope and positivity your way!! the flowers are so pretty and the clouds are too!!

    next time bring your camera and you can have fun taking pictures!!

    and many thanks for your kind words on my recent post, kindness, receiving it is the best feeling possible!!

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    1. Thank you so much Debbie. I was heart sick over the fire there. Thank you for your kind wishes and thoughts for Ted and I. We are still hanging...waiting for the drs to get their heads together. :) Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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  36. Keeping you all in my prayers! Sounds good I pray all goes well! You made good use of your car waiting, since we all have to do that now. I love your beautiful flower pictures! Good things are happening I pray for you all. xoxo, Dolly

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    1. Thank you dolly. I am grateful for your kind prayers. They have helped us so much. Giving us strength in the power of prayer. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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  37. So glad to hear that your husband is doing better, and will continue praying he never needs another chemo treatment! Much love to you dear friend!

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    1. Thank you Marilyn. It was good news , as we are still waiting for the drs to do their conference. They can't seem to find the same time. I am ever so grateful for your kind prayers and words. It mean so much. Blessings to you and yours, xoxo, Susie

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  38. Hi Susie! Everything is going so well!! Let's knock on wood that it continues! Great news and great post! xxx :)

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    1. Rain, I am so with you knocking on wood. We need a break every now and then. I just keep on praying my friend. Blessings, stay safe, xoxo, Susie

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  39. Hi there Susie, was glad to see you had stopped in! Glad to hear things are going good and your sister is improving as well! I'm kinda ready for fall to get here....some cool breezes would BE SO NICE.......

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    1. Debbi. I think with the covid and the heat it is wearing lots of us out. I just can not endure those 80-90 degrees days. I continue to pray for God to send down his loving mercy for all of us. Blessings, be safe. xoxo, Susie

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  40. Praising God for answered prayers! I bet Ted was almost skipping to the car:) I pray for better days ahead for both Ted and Jeanie! Have a blessed Sunday dear friend, HUGS!

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    1. Thank you Theresa. I am still praying God will keep showing us his love and mercy. Ted's drs have yet to get back to us. We may start calling them every day. LOL Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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  41. Dear friend. I am very very pleased to learn of your husband's gapped words from his doctors. As I mentioned I think, though I don;t blog of it, my son is going through immunotherapy and chemo both. Fabulous that your sisters are doing better. Improving. Like you, I thank the Lord for everything He has given in blessings.

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    1. I am thankful for your kind words and rpayers. I just have to pray all to the time, can't stop now. I would love for God to send down his mercy for our world. To help us get rid of the Covid and get back to some kind of normal. I will keep you son in my prayers too. There's so much out there in the world that can hurt us. Blessings to you, stay safe, xoxo, Susie

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  42. Thank you Laurie. Hope you are doing well. I will try to post again this coming week. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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  43. Oh this is the best news ever Susie. Let's hope and pray now that you and Ted can enjoy retirement and once Covid is under control you can maybe enjoy getting out more and doing more. So excited for you and for Ted. God is good. xoxo Kris

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    1. Thank you Kris. I am grateful for all the prayers. God listens to us. Yes if Covid were gone we could even go join our families to brunch or cookouts. We have been around them when Ted's counts are high and good. The maintenance chemo takes his counts down. But since it's a milder dose , it isn't as bad as it was. Still hoping to hear from his drs. I wish they would relay their thoughts to the nurses and let them conference. :) Holding your family in my prayers. Blessings to you, xoxo, Susie

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  44. Sounds like good news Susie..So happy for you both..It has been a long haul..Enjoy your weekend..hugs

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    1. Thank you Missy. It does seem like a long time. 22 months now. We still have not gotten a definite reply from the drs. Gosh they would be contacting us if we owed them money. LOL. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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  45. Hi Susie, fires are happening again in California, oh my. One of them is about 45 minutes from where Jess lives. She's Ok, but the air is smokey and ashes falling on her car. Say a prayer for our state, dear friend. Thank you so much. : )

    love ya,
    ~Sheri

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    1. Sheri, I do pray for your state. It scares about the fires. I keep you and your family in my prayers. Always be safe honey, don't take chances. Blessings to all, xoxo,love, Susie

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  46. Wonderful news all the way around! Been praying for you all.

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    1. Tete, The drs actually got their heads together and this very afternoon told us Tede No longer will get maintenance chemo. Hooray. Thank you for every prayer and good wish. We are so grateful. Blessings to you, love, xoxo, Susie

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  47. I'm glad to hear the good news! Waiting is really so hard. I love the idea you have taken the prettier back roads! Take care and enjoy your Autumn months!

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    1. Thank you Gayla. We did just this afternoon get a call form the cancer dr's office and the nurse said the drs had finally decided, it's official no more chemo. It's been a long journey stressful journey. I am so thankful for everyone's prayers and well wishes.Blessings, stay safe. xoxo, Susie

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