Saturday, June 30

Hello everyone,
Mom asked me to go ahead and write a little note while she rests - we have just returned from an evening stroll to the UVA Rotunda which was a little further away than we thought! Mom has had a great day today and felt really good. We all went to the Farmer's Market in Downtown Charlottesville. As Dad would say, we saw a lot of local color! We bought some fresh produce and enjoyed a nice lunch. We returned to the house for an afternoon siesta, then ventured out a little later to check out some holiday sales! Eric and Dad went running around for a while - I am sure they found a river somewhere, but we all met back up for a delicious meal. It was simply amazing for us to see how many of you have sent cards and notes of support and well wishes. There are cards all over the house - with many more coming today! Our family thanks you all for your love and support. God has truly blessed us with such loving family and friends. Please remember: God is good.....and all of the time......!
Love,
Laura

P.S. Dad says to tell Mitzi that he thinks mom is hooked on goji juice!

June 28

Good evening friends. Roger and I have had a quiet and peaceful day today. Feeling pretty good and I have been staying out of the heat. Roger, of course is working on his tan :) We did get some rain this evening also, although not much. Just enough to cancel our walk but hopefully will cool the air.
Need to tell you a couple of things: 1. The phone at the house here in C'ville is out of order but should be fixed by tomorrow afternoon. 2. All mail should be addressed without Jeffry Legro's name in it (oops, my mistake). I'm sure the postman has realized our names by now with or without his name, but one card was forwarded to VT, he was in town and brought it by tonight. I will take this opportunity to say a thank you again for the cards, letters, notes, calls, e-mails, blog comments and prayers. I can never adequately express my graditude and thanks or tell you how very much it has meant to Roger and I to have your support at this challenging time. It truly holds us up. Rem: God is Good-------and all the time------------.
I must also tell you that my grandson, Luke is 10 years old today!! Happy Birthday Luke!!

Love to all, Roger and Marlene

Better Day

Well, I had planned to skip tonight'blog, but since Susan called my attention to the fact that yesterday was June & not May, I thought you deserved to know that Roger and I really aren't "loosing it." Had a really good day today. Did not realize how tired we were, until we felt much better today. Great visit from Pastor Steve, Jackie, and Bradley enroute home from Williamsburg. Praying that all of you are well. Love, Marlene & Roger

Tuesday May 26

Just a brief note tonight. Saw the doctor today, like some of you, he said "just 5 more weeks". I would say things are going pretty well. Little tiredness, nothing of great significance. I have always wanted to be able to take power naps, never could before, but now short naps energize me again at least for a short period. I think Roger will take over all the cooking here very soon, he doesn't like all the ways I can fix zucchini!! :)

Wanted to share with you the scripture reading for today, since my spirits were low after this weekend:

Psalms 94:18-19 " When I said, "my foot is slipping" your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul."

Peace has returned.
Have a great day, and may God Bless. Marlene & Roger

Week 2 Day 1

After traveling >800 miles over the weekend, God has delivered us safely back to Charlottesville. We were grateful that my treatment schedule allowed me to be gone from Friday afternoon until Monday afternoon and that we made the trip without difficulty. Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers and for providing comfort and provisions along the way. Treatment resumed this afternoon. I still have only minimal side effects but I do know that I am receiving treatment. I look at that as a good thing, since I am here to be treated and I can tell that my body is responding, that's what we want! Continue to keep us both close, we are tired and will communicate better as the week goes on.

Thank you for the cards, e-mails, calls, and blog messages. They have comforted us and we look forward to reading them each evening. Remember, God is Good-----All the time & All the time-----God is good. In His love, Roger and Marlene

Out of Town

Just wanted to let everyone know that Marlene and Roger had to leave Charlottesville because of the death of Marlene's uncle in Knoxville. They will return to Charlottesville on Monday afternoon to resume treatment. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.


Otis

Day three of the journey

Thanks to each of you for your prayers and for being with us on this journey. Marlene has started taking the cemo pill and so far she has had no side effects. God continues to share his miracles with us each day. The treatment today lasted only 15 minutes and we were on our way. We had a visitor from GC today. Susan Herron came by to say hello and visit awhile. We continue to be amazed at the outpouring of love , it sustains us each day. We ask you to continue to pray that there will no side effects from the treatments. Have a good day and may God bless. Love you all. Marlene & Roger

Count Down has begun

Laura assured me that I should write a note tonight, that it would not be too boring. The treatments began today. Radiation was approx. 40 min. and they assured me if I could survive lying still that long, the rest of it will be a breeze, only around 10 min. I survived, without difficulty. A friend who recently had treatment with a mask told me to think of being wrapped in God's warm blanket, and that worked well for the time I was in it. Of course it is too soon to expect anything :) so Roger and I walked our 30 minutes tonight and I am going to take the chemo and go to bed! I will tell you all one thing to make you smile and make me proud. Tomorrow Linley is having 10 " of her beautiful blonde hair cut for "Locks of Love". She has let it grow for almost a year to be able to do that. Her Mimi is very proud of her! Have a great day and may God Bless each of you.

Love,
Roger & Marlene

Let the Treatments Begin!

Just a quick note, today was a "free" day, no appts. However I had a call from the SW around noon (she was not calling about the schedule and is a very sweet, helpful lady) but she thought it would be 7-10 days before treatments could begin, which was momentarily stressful.... however Roger said "don't worry, we know the whole thing is in God's hands" (where have we heard that before? :) within the hour I had a call from the scheduler in radiology and my first treatmen will be at 2:15 tomorrow, Wednesday June 20. I am ready. Let the Treatment Begin! Love to all and thank you for the wonderful, encouraging comments!! !!!! Marlene

June 18 Preparing...

Our appointment today was suppose to be an "assessment" by Dr. Larner, the radiologist who "would schedule another date for planning and making my mask". Or course we said we were "ready to go forward anytime, had relocated to Charlottesville" and they decided to try to schedule the mask to be made today. It was no surprise to us when the nurse returned smiling and said go get a cup of coffee, they will make it in 30 minutes. Now you may know I am a little claustraphobic, but God is good and I wasn't even afraid. I now have a "fencing mask" which they tell me will be mine to keep or destroy as I desired after my treatment is over. I am reminded of the Helment of Salvation, and as Laura will say, it will be a very visible part of the armor for this battle we have begun. We were encouraged by the two physicians that we saw. Dr. Larner told me I am in a small group of about 1 % of patients who have symptoms only with their vision. He commented/confirmed that my health is excellent (except for this not necessarily minor problem) and certainly that is a blessing for which I give thanks daily. After the mask was made I was suppose to meet again with Dr. Larner, however he was not available, (remember I wasn't suppose to have the mask made today!) so Dr. Read saw me. I was extremely glad to meet him, as he was the radiologist that treated my friend who highly recommended UVA to me. It was another blessing! So we are here, settling in, not sure exactly when the treatments will begin, as it takes a "few days" to get the mask ready etc. They will call me. I will provide another update after treatments begin. Love and continued thanks for the many prayers and expressions of love and concern! Marlene & Roger

We have arrived at our temporary "home" in Charlottesville. Laura gets an A + for home selection. We are in a quiet neighborhood with trees and birds, the house is nice and homey with a large sun room over looking a private patio and yard. We believe we will be comfortable here. (yes, Roger has a yard to mow, and possibly other things to do if he so desires). As you can see we are connected to the internet.

Our first appointment is at 8:30 in the morning and we will update you as events are forthcoming. Thanks to all for the calls, cards, gifts, and love. The Journey and the battle has begun. Marlene & Roger

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