Here's a brief update on my health status.  The last time I posted in March, my CA125 was 75.8.  When I had it checked in April it had gone up to 111.1.  So, the fact that it is increasing means that more than likely disease is present again.  But I do have good news.  Originally I was scheduled to have my next CT scan in June, when school was out.  However, I have been experiencing off and on pain in my upper right abdomen (where the tumor is located).  So, Dr. Walker decided to go ahead and have me do a CT scan last week instead of waiting until June.  The conclusion was that there is "no new measurable disease", which means it hasn't changed since the last scan. Yay!!!  Also, my chest scan was clear.  So, for now, since I'm feeling relatively good, I'm going to hold off on chemotherapy. 

We had a wonderful Easter. this year.  Emma won the prize basket during the Easter egg hunt at church.  But Easter Sunday was especially special for us this year as Emma accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior.  Her Nana, Granny and Papa Ed were there to see her get baptized.  It was a glorious day!

I have 14 days of school left with students.  Then June 1 will be my last day of school.  I'm excited about my retirement and I look forward to doing things at home that I've been putting off.  I have plenty of stuff to do around my house to keep me busy for a while.  I plan on going through our two attics and our entire house and getting rid of stuff we don't need/use anymore.  I know I said my last garage sale would be the last one I ever do, but I think I will have one more big one once I clean house!

I'm also going to volunteer at Children's Hospital to be a "baby buddy".  I will get to hold/play with babies that are 1 year old and younger.  I've already completed the training for it and done my two rounds of TB tests.  I plan to start volunteering this summer.

My hair is finally long enough that I have somewhat of a normal hairstyle.  It's nice to not be bald and not have to wear a wig!  When I was bald, my head was always cold.  When wearing a wig, my head was hot!  I like having my own hair!

A few weeks ago, I participated in Carepacks and Cocktails.  It was a fundraiser for the Tenaciously Teal organization that gives care packs to people undergoing chemotherapy.  We did a fashion show and got to model two outfits each.  My two outfits came from Milo and Lily, a cute little boutique in the Collonade Shopping Center on May Avenue.  It was so much fun.  As we walked down the runway, there were lots of people on both sides cheering for us, taking pictures and giving us high fives.  Many of the models were survivors and some of us are still fighters.  It just gave me a very warm feeling inside to know that the people there, total strangers, were proud of us for fighting this horrible disease and wanted to show their support for us.  It was an amazing evening!  Thank you Tarah Warren for all that you do for cancer fighters/survivors!

We celebrated my mom's 81st birthday last week.  We played the clothespin game (Russ's favorite!!) and mom won the sudden death match!  We had a great time together.  I'm so thankful that my mom is still healthy and young at heart.  Many of my high school friends have already lost one or both of their parents.  I just feel so lucky to still have both of mine.

So, for now, that is where I'm at.  I will update when I have news to share.  Keep the prayers coming.  They are working!

Love, Cathy