Medical update 7/31/14

I'm sorry we have gotten so far behind with the medical update.
It seems like things were changing so rapidly from day to day that is was difficult to know what to say.

Regretfully last weekend Susan spent a few days in the hospital in St George and was put on intravenous fluids, potassium, and anti nausea medications. She went home Monday and was feeling better and beginning to get her appetite back.

She has had only one chemo treatment and her white blood cell count has been too low to get any more treatments.

After spending the weekend at the hospital Sue made the decision to stop the chemotherapy and just go on hospice. This means she will continue to made comfortable with pain medication and steroids, but she will no longer try the chemotherapy.

From the beginning Sue had stated that she was much more interested in spending the time she has with family and friends and did not want to spend her time being sick from treatments.

Since she has made this decision she has seemed to be much happier, feeling better, and more at peace.

Sue  has decided to move forward with her original plans and go on a big adventure to join her reunion friends in California that have gotten together every summer for the past 22+ years. From August 13th-Sept 1st she and Joe will be on the Oregon coast enjoying the cool breeze and the sound of the ocean.

Ronnie and Kurt will  caravan with Sue and Joe from NV to CA and then to Oregon.

I just want to say that Joe is such a "trooper". He is so kind, patient, and loving, and devoted to Sue. It is precious to watch.

We love you both!

July 18, 1953

Hello Dear Family and Friends,

Just have to share something very sweet with all of you...today is Dad's 86th Birthday and Mom and Dad's 61st Weddng Annivrsary!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY POP AND HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM AND DAD!  You have set the best examples of Love and Commitment, Friendship and Romance!  We Love You Mom and Dad!

Looking Through The Eyes of Love

July 16, 2014

Just want you all to know that I'm doing really well this morning!  Ronnie is here and Joe, bless his pea-pickin' heart, got to go have his morning coffee with his "McD Boys"!  Totally over the disappointment of not getting to have my chemo.  That must sound strange to some, but when you are mentally prepared to get chemo it's a bummer.  I'm now determined to get those white blood cells cranchin'!!!!!!!!! Headem' Up Movem' Out .... Love You All and Thank You for Your Love and Friendship!!!!

Medical Update July 15, 2014

 I am happy to say that the difference in Sue’s energy and strength between this visit and my visit over July 4^th is amazing to see. She is doing so much better and seems much less painful!!! Yay!!!!!

On the down side she went in for her 2^nd Chemo today and it got postponed due to her low White blood cell count. They think this is not surprising as the radiation suppresses her bone marrow and then, last weeks chemo on top of that was just a bit hard on her body. They are not worried about it but will recheck her lab work next week before they resume chemotherapy.

They are asking her to take precautions however to reduce the chances of any infection due to the fact that her immune system is so suppressed.

Dr Te’ said she should reduce her exposure to the general public. Of course for “social Sue” this is like being in a prison cell, so please just call prior to dropping by. Make sure you are in good health, and please use the hand disinfectant on the bench inside the door. As kissable as she is, it’s probably best if you just blow her a kiss.

We’ll keep you posted.

Ronnie (#5 TaTa)

We Love Us!

Tata's in the Buff

Tata braided dog toys also serve as wigs:)

Thank you to Sue from Patty

Thank you so much for the beautiful necklace and message! I felt a sense of peace as soon as I opened the box. I will always treasure this profound gift. I’m so happy to have gotten to know you recently. My family and I are thinking of you daily. Love, Patty McGehee

Story of the 3 little bears in 4 pictures with love from Cathy Clary

"Hey my new college roomies - let's disco!"

Sue Bear (aka Elvis) teaches Peeky Bear and Nancy Bear how to "Do-Wap".

One bear wipe-out.

Three bear wipe-out and SNUGGLE!!!!!

Medical Update July 1, 2014

Ok, now for a little bad news, but be assured that thing are going to get better!  I've had a bit of a set back.  After finishing the brain radiation, I began to experience pain in my pelvis that turned out to be a fracture sight.  Joe is lifting me from bed, to chair, to bathroom for now.  Docs say just have to get more rest, let it heal and maybe there is some othro things that can be done.  In the mean time, I get to spend a lot of huggable time my Husband and it is a sweet time indeed.  Mom and Dad and Ronnie, and Mark spent a lot of time today investigating one of those spring loaded chairs to help me rise and shine...I hope I will be able to put on my super cape and fling myself into Joe's loving arms...his are getting tired of lifting his lofty Bride!!  HEE HEEEEE!!!

Medical Update June30th, 2014

Have to say, FINISHED MY FINAL BRAIN RADIATON ON JUNE 30TH.  IT WAS LITERALLY A CELEBRATION AT GAMMA WEST, complete with pictures.acheivement certificate, AND A BIG BAR OF CHOCOLATE!!!!!!  So happy to be done with that.  Doc says I will be fatigued for a few more weeks, but feeling good now.

Look who's giving Grandpa a pedicure....Molly K. Hopkins

A very sweet sight...Molly came to celebrate Emma's 21st.  Mom and Dad and Mark and Rozana drove up too and we all celebrated with Ronnie's delicious cheese cake and tacos from Robertos!  Live is so good and delecious!  Enjoy the small things!!!!

Mom got her first haircut from someone other than me.  Jazmine did beautiful job  It was a little painful letting someone else cut my Mother"s sweet hair.  Won' be forever, Mom!!!!  Thank you Jazmine!!!

July 4th Celebration!

Feels like a party going on all 4th of July with Sweet Emma Connell celebrating her BIG 21st here in Mesquite!  Beginning with the Tuacahn play, "The Little Mermaid."

The fun just kept on coming with a night on the town, Casa Blanca that is with Emma's first night of gambling.  She didn't hit it big, but had fun tasting different libations!

The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow

A favorite Tata song...

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=694054713987831&id=100001499270987

Compilation video by Patricia

 Please click on the link below for a beautiful video created by Patricia McGehee

http://vimeo.com/user10151051/sweetsue2014


My dad called me last week and described Sue as this incredible woman who could use a video that shows how many people love and support her. Well, I've taken on quite a few videos over the last 12 years and have to say that this one will stand out as one of my favorites; not because of anything I've done, but because of the character it describes. I had a chance to go through the blog and read the comments and see Sue's amazing spirit in the face of such a serious situation for the inspiration to this video. The way she reminds all of us to take one day at time and to love life is such an inspiration. I am so glad to have met her even if only through this blog. Sue is in my thoughts and prayers!

Patricia