“I’m baa-a-c-c-kkk…” The wheels just keep on turning on this ever-changing roller coaster ride. Within 48 hours of stopping the protocol I began to feel better. Of course nothing with me goes completely without complications. I developed edema (fluid retention/swelling) in my feet and ankles, so who knows. We do believe that these medicines brought me to where I am but also gave me some negative side effects. I have gained some weight but am hopeful it is not just the fluid retention. Yesterday was a special day. Paul and I went to McDonalds for breakfast (sausage biscuit breakfast meal), then onto Whole Foods where I commandeered an electric cart and raced through the isles. This is my first time in a restaurant in 4 months, and I use the term “restaurant" loosely. We have no idea what or why this is happening, but we’ll take it! I still don’t know how much longer I will feel this well but for today ... ”the beat goes on ...”. Love you all, Nyshie

Well, time for another update. This one is not so positive. Despite her “numbers” looking better, Nyshie herself isn’t getting better. She's using more oxygen, her appetite hasn’t improved, she's continuing to get weaker etc. We consulted with three doctors and the conclusion is that while this protocol was probably having an impact it simply wasn’t having enough of an impact to make her well. When we started this we knew that it had never been used with someone so sick and close to death. We are thankful that it has given her a few more months but it has become clear that it is not going to be the “miracle” we had hoped for. Yesterday, Nyshie decided that it was time to stop treatment and let this journey take its own course. The Hospice Nurse Practitioner was out this morning and said that the cancer has moved deeper into her lymphatic system as she is showing some areas of swelling and pain. She assured Nyshie that they will be able to control whatever pain develops, which, of course is everyone’s biggest concern. She has endured so much and fought so hard but she is ready to end this phase of the battle and let go. She feels very much at peace with her decision and we are all supportive. We fully expect she will be here for Christmas next week and maybe even New Years, as she is alert, eating some, awake most of the day and still quite connected to the world. She may even be rooting for the Broncos in the Super Bowl in January. Of course, we thank all of you for your unbelievable love and support through this seven year journey and hope your holidays are filled with love, joy, and caring. Paul & Nyshie

The journey continues. Amazingly, Nysh has stabilized and has continued to feel better. To think that just 12 weeks ago we were told that she had only a few weeks left at most and here she is able to get up, walk around the house, take a shower by herself, cook a bit, and laugh again, is truly miraculous. She is still quite weak and I am sure it will be months and in many ways years before she truly recovers from all of the surgeries and chemotherapy. Cancer is a tricky disease and of course it has a habit of adapting and mutating so where we are headed is still an unknown. Then again, it is pretty much an unknown for all of us. Our focus now is on her gaining weight and strength, which will be a slow process I am sure. All is not perfect for sure. The lung drains still give her pain although this is better and some nausea remains but also is less. She still has a significant amount of cancer throughout much of her body but it is in retreat and we can just hope and pray this continues. As always, whatever you are doing, just keep doing it. Paul