Where we are

Carol’s previous biopsy was a breath of fresh air and hope because the counts were up and we cheer every platelet and red blood cell along like we know them personally. However, the physical signs of progress were not so evident and in fact, the degree and frequency of pain in her legs intensified over the past few weeks and increased pain medication was needed to manage that. What we learned is that sometimes depending on the exact location of the biopsy, the reading can be different or even misleading.

The latest biopsy results showed a significant increase of leukemia blast cells and there have been some other physical signs, like swollen feet and belly, that all is not moving in the right direction. Carol’s lead oncologist at Moffitt (Transplant team) and local Oncologist have aligned on the current status which is that no other treatment would be helpful or productive and could in fact do more harm than good.

Michael & Sherry are here this week as am I, Alexia will be here tonight, and Trevor will be arriving with Isabella on Saturday.

Last night Jaime, Michael & Sherry, Daniel, Carol & I enjoyed the most beautiful sunset at Turtle beach I’ve probably ever seen – watching that big deep orange-red ball melt into the shape of a hot air balloon until it disappeared on the water was breathtaking and certainly a treasure for us all to share.

For those of you who’ve kept up with this journey, you know that Carol continues to be the most incredibly focused, courageous and determined person – and yes she continues to take an almost daily ride on her tricycle with our Dad most days… and me this week… today she lead the “posse” with our brother Michael, Daniel and me!

We are lucky to have so much love & support and Carol has one of the biggest fan clubs I know, pulling for her every day, having Carol & Jaime over to dinner, bringing home-made love-filled dishes, sending beautiful cards and inspiration in all forms – a fan club made up of family, friends, and others whose hearts Carol has touched in so many ways like the owners of her favorite restaurant “Veg” who don’t just deliver meals but do so with sweetness and smiles and hugs.

So we will continue to focus on sweet moments and smiles we can share, and on holding each other up with all the unconditional love we have for each other.

- Sister, Susan