Last Saturday was PurpleStrides Boston and it was a wonderful turn out - so many people there, all for the same reason - because someone they love has heard the words "You have Pancreatic Cancer". And now we all want to raise awareness, fundraise money for research so that an early detection tool can be found and of course, to find a CURE!. I don't know the exact number of the people who walked/ran but it was amazing to see them all. One thing did get me all teared up though.. it was after the race, while looking at the gift shop items, I overheard one of the survivors talking about how she was 1 of 6 survivors there - SIX! SIX out of the hundreds of people there. Ugh! I hate cancer!
But the good news is, this was the first PurpleStrides event in Boston, and a huge success! The fundraising goal was $80,000 and at last count, the event raised $164,000! AMAZING! I enjoyed being there with Kate and walking with her friends and family - I also met her mother for the first time which was very nice - She is very blessed with amazing family and friends. It was really a nice time, considering the circumstances of why we were all gathered there.
Oh, and the video below that I made has been circulating around the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network world, in just TWO days, it has been seen by so many people. I was even approached by one of the media ladies for the Boston PanCAN Affiliate - she was so grateful for the video, and wanted to hear more about our story and offered to do a story on us.
On Tuesday Nain had his first follow-up scan since starting chemo. They went to hear the results on Wednesday. They were so-so. The tumor on his pancreas did not change - the ones on his liver varied - some stayed the same size, some got smaller and some got larger - so basically, he is a little worst off than before he started treatment. Not really the news we were hoping for but atleast the doctor is going to try another type of chemo, and hope there is a better reaction this time around.
Kate and Nain asked the doctor if he'll be here for the due date and there is no answer - it is impossible for the doctor to say yes or no since the disease is so unpredictable and anything can happen - especially once they start the new chemo. The doctor did advise him that he should go visit any family now that requires traveling since he may not be able to soon. They are traveling to Mexico next weekend so he can see all of his family, including his mother and grandmother for what could be, a last goodbye, although I am praying it is a "see you soon".
Kate is taking a personal leave from work for an unknown amount of time so she can spend every moment with her husband, he needs her, and she needs him. I am happy she is able to do it and that her work is very understanding, because it really is something that she needs emotionally - she needs to be there, for him, for her, for their family.
I absolutely hate the fact that there is NOTHING I can do. Well, I know what I have to do.. and that is to keep providing a good and healthy womb for their daughter, but besides that, I feel so helpless. I wish there was something I could do, something I could find out, or just something I could just SAY to make this better. I know I have to stay positive, and I am. I know I have to stay unstressed, and I am trying. But really, it's all I think about, it's always on my mind, as much as it is hurting them, it is hurting me - I just wish things were different. I wish things were perfect again.
When we went to visit them several weeks ago - Kate mentioned something about how she is so excited for the baby, and how she cannot wait to meet the baby but at the same time, she just wants more time with her husband - WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE ONE OR THE OTHER?
Since then, I do not remind her how many weeks we are, or how many days are left, like I used to.. I know she knows.. I know her mind is running like a countdown - and I don't want to keep reminding her - Can we just freeze time for a while?!
The baby shower is in 3 weeks (they want to do it sooner, rather than later) and I am happy to have been invited! Now I just have to think about what to get for such a miracle of a little girl! I have so many ideas, but now to put them all together for something perfect, for someone so perfect.
Me at 21 Weeks
