Oct18update

Monday, October 18, 2004

Maria began her second full week of treatments today. Each weekday morning, she makes the trip to Barnes Hospital, accompanied by her parents, for her radiation treatment.

This past weekend marked one month since Maria received her cancer diagnosis and one month since she arrived at her parent's home in Belleville, IL from her home in Union, KY for a second opinion regarding her treatment options. Since her arrival in Belleville, she has faced a constant and overwhelming series of appointments, tests, examinations, surgeries, and treatments. Despite not even having had time to fully absorb and process her shocking diagnosis before becoming immersed in the treatment regiment, she has maintained a remarkably positive attitude and a fighting spirit. In addition, she contends with her treatment side effects and the challenges imposed by her colostomy with raw courage and resolve.

Understandably, Maria is becoming increasingly homesick and longs for the normalcy of her everyday life, from which she was unexpectedly plucked over a month ago. She would give anything to be at home in Kentucky with Wayne, enjoying her favorite season of the year in their home's beautiful setting. Maria, just remember that you'll be home soon and you'll have many, many more autumn seasons to look forward to!



	Monday, October 18, 2004 Maria began her second full week of treatments today. Each weekday morning, she makes the trip to Barnes Hospital, accompanied by her parents, for her radiation treatment. This past weekend marked one month since Maria received her cancer diagnosis and one month since she arrived at her parent's home in Belleville, IL from her home in Union, KY for a second opinion regarding her treatment options. Since her arrival in Belleville, she has faced a constant and overwhelming series of appointments, tests, examinations, surgeries, and treatments. Despite not even having had time to fully absorb and process her shocking diagnosis before becoming immersed in the treatment regiment, she has maintained a remarkably positive attitude and a fighting spirit. In addition, she contends with her treatment side effects and the challenges imposed by her colostomy with raw courage and resolve. Understandably, Maria is becoming increasingly homesick and longs for the normalcy of her everyday life, from which she was unexpectedly plucked over a month ago. She would give anything to be at home in Kentucky with Wayne, enjoying her favorite season of the year in their home's beautiful setting. Maria, just remember that you'll be home soon and you'll have many, many more autumn seasons to look forward to!