John and I have been in Houston this week for our latest follow up at MD Anderson. What we have learned is the disease is growing again and it is time to change my therapy. Friday I will begin weekly chemo with a combination of three different drugs. It is a new, aggressive approach we hope will put this disease into remission. We knew in February the protocol we were on had a limited “effective” phase; anywhere from a month to 12 months. We had 4 months with this drug.

Many of my friends know but just in case you didn’t, Jennifer and I went to the great island of Oahu to stay with one of my long time friends. Jennifer graduated this year a year early. The trip was a gift from several folks that donated air miles, rental car and “fun money”. We did have FUN. I hope you enjoy the photo of me skydiving. I have always wanted to jump out of a perfectly good airplane and what better place than Hawaii. We hiked Diamond Head, snorkeled, swam with the dolphins & sharks. We raced in two sail boat races (35 & 40 ft boats). Oh, almost forgot we SHOPPED and shopped. The trip has been a trip of a lifetime for Jennifer and I; something we will remember forever.

God has a plan for me and we will remain strong and faithful. I am very blessed to be surrounded by friends like you. I know we will beat this disease for many years and I will repeat this trip with my David when he graduates in three years.

Grace & Peace
Steph