Dear Family and Friends:

Thank you for all the wonderful Birthday wishes!! I had a great birthday!

A few weeks ago, I had another CA-125, and yes, unfortunately the numbers continue to go up. The last result was 74. So I have gone from 23 at the end of July to 36, 54, and now 74.

I am still feeling good with a few discomforts here and there. In particular, I have some back pain and abdominal discomfort. So this past month has been very challenging emotionally and physically to say the least.

I actually started this post about a week ago and just finally took the time and had the time to finish. I did not know Michelle updated what has been going on.

The concert at Joshua Tree was incredible! We learned about some great bluegrass and blues bands such as Alice Di Micele, she was fabulous. Her first song was a capella, what a voice!! I loved her song, “On the Other Side.” Deertick, had a great blues and grunge mix, we also really enjoyed PorterDavis, Greensky Bluegrass, Toubab Krewe, and of course, I went to this festival to see Blue Rodeo! The people at this festival were all so fun, gracious, and present for a good time.

Last weekend, I was in Chicago with Billie. We stayed at my cousin Cindy’s house in Bucktown, which is a fun neighborhood in Chicago. Billie and I learned to take the bus and train to Michigan Ave. for a bit of shopping, food, and drink. Phoenix needs mass transit desparately, this is the only way to travel a short distance, save the environment, and wear and tear on ourselves and the car.

Friday night, Billie, Cindy, and I decided to play in Bucktown. Four bars and the most delicious Cuban restaurant I have even been to called Cafe La Guardia. Saturday we went into the city went to a very good restaurant, Trattoria Roma, Zagat rated and, the for the three of us, including a bottle of wine, was about $70, wow! We then ventured to Second City for the 11 PM show. The improvisational cast was really on and they made fun of Iowa and Phoenix!! From there, Billie wanted to go to Wrigleyville to meet up with several of her friends. We ended up in a club dancing till the wee hours of the morning.

On Sunday, we had tickets to the Apolla Theater to see Million Dollar Quartet. This is the true story of the night of December 4, 1956 at a recording studio, where Chet Akins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash jammed together. The muscicians impersonating them were so right on! This was a really fun show.

By Monday, we were all tired and hung around in Bucktown for dinner and drinks. This was certainly a weekend to remember. A big thank to Cindy for her wonderful hospitality.

So, I am back reality, not a bad place to be. I am so fortunate for all my blessings.

Currently I am up at the cabin with Pete and Michelle watching the Iowa game. They just won with 2 seconds left and Pete is ecstatic! Prior to, we had all been very busy working all day getting caught up.

Tomorrow I head back to Phoenix and on Monday I have a colonoscopy. I will have a CT scan on November 3rd and some more blood work. I will see Dr. Chambers on November 11th and will get the results of my tests. I will not really know until then what is next.

If I go into treatment again, I will enter the clinical trial Dr. Chambers has already discussed with me. I will tell you all honestly that I am OK with all this. The only hesitation I do have is that I do not want to to into the chemo fog again. The treatment I had before really gave me chemo brain. I could not read, focus, work, concentrate or remember anything. It has only been since July that I have felt that I turned a corner regarding my energy and ability to really think and process. I feel so happy to be back at work and productive. I will get through this next treatment and get back to feeling good again.

I truly appreciate all the encouragement and love that has been extended to me and my family. As you all know, and I believe this treatment is much harder on them.

I love you all very much and appreciate all you do for me.

Much Love, Colleen