Funderaiser Updates!

Check the left side column for updates on the yard sale and Scentsy Party!

The Scentsy party will be held Wednesday July 15th from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at 743 East 800 North (that's Sandy's house) in Preston. Come and bring a friend or even two (if you have that many)!

New Trials

Bryon's treatment's continue as usual. There have been no physical complications with the chemo or his new port. He struggles to keep up with work since several of his co-workers have been ill and no one is available to come in for him. He is also finding it difficult to accept that he is still recovering form his surgery. The speech and physical abilities are coming back steadily and we are very happy with his progress, but Bryon seems dissatisfied. Like anyone else, he wants to be better, or at least be more like himself before the surgery. He struggles daily with the knowledge he has a terminal illness and he can't ever escape the little reminders. Everything is planned around his treatments, how he might be feeling, or whether the tumor grows back in a different place. It is all about the tumor, not about Bryon anymore. No matter what the treatment does for him, I feel the loss of control over his own life is slowly draining his ability to function. We encourage him to get out and go fishing or have time for himself doing what he wants, but that rarely works out for him.

I would encourage anyone who is up for a day of fishing they would feel free to invite Bryon to get out with them and throw a line in. A four wheeler ride, or a drive up the canyon would do him some major good. He loves his family, but being with them all the time is not really the best medicine. He needs a manly moment, and possibly a vacation from EVERYTHING.

June 1, 2009

Bryon's treatment today was very special. Anna Kay got to go on the trek to Salt Lake with her mom and dad to see what goes on. She was a willing partner in crime as she hung around with her mom all day for entertainment. What a joy it was to just sit and play and talk with Anna. She has grown up so much, and we are so impressed with her ability to excel, considering her upbringing.

When traveling to the Point Restaurant to get lunch for Bryon, Sara and Anna ran into some unexpected friends. The first was Dr. Jensen, Bryon's surgeon. He was getting lunch between surgeries and gave 5 minutes of his time to explain some of his more recent thoughts on Bryon's case. He said that he had spoken with another doctor about Bryon specifically. He mentioned that when he last spoke to Bryon they had decided not to decide on how long this current treatment would last. After speaking with his colleague, they have decided to continue treatment for one year, and will see what comes of the tumor by that time.

The other friend was actually a family member of sorts. Brad Fisher is Bryon's great uncle and owner of Best Tire in Cornish. He was visiting the Huntsman Center with his wife Lynn for her 6 month checkup. It was good to see a friendly face and someone who is going through the same kind of run around for a loved one.

The Gundersen's made it home safely and were happy to be reunited with little Audrey. Bryon feels great but will not go to work tonight. Even though he felt well enough to go last week, he very exhausted by the weekend. He would much rather be awake and able to go fishing with his brother than have to stay in bed.

Thanks Anna for being a friend to your mom today, she loves you very much and can't wait to spend more time with you this summer!