Tuesday, August 18, 2009

August 18, 2009

This was week two of Bryon's treatment cycle. Things went off without a hitch and I am happy to say no one got sick this time. Bryon slept more than usual, but managed to muster the energy to down a cheeseburger, then drift off to dream once more.

Bryon has his good days and bad days. The physical ills are on a more regular schedule than the mental ruts he seems to fall into. He has mentioned that he feels worthless and asks 'why me?', but we all know the answer to that. Bryon is a very determined individual who has been given this trial only because he is strong enough to overcome it. He is very useful since he is determined to go to work every night and provide financial support to his family as well as himself. His loving support to other family members brings peace and appreciation to their troubled hearts. He brings smiles to his kids faces every day, who ask for him urgently when he is not around.

Bryon used to tell me that the one thing he loved most about me was my big heart. No matter who it was, I hated causing them any grief. I have changed a lot since then, and Bryon reflects his description of me so long ago. His heart gets bigger every day and we are so lucky to have him in our lives. I am so happy he was able to attend the Westerberg family reunion and share his light with every one. He thinks so much of others, and yet, all we can do is think of him and what he must be going through.

I love you so much Bryon, and so does everyone else who takes the time to think about you every day. You are of great worth and this terrible cancer has been dealt to you because you are strong enough to get through it. Every week is another week lived, and we are grateful.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

August 11, 2009

This week's adventure in Salt Lake was mildly, uneventful...for Bryon. Thanks to the new hospital cafeteria, the menu has changed for breakfast. Hallelujah!! We had french toast with bacon or sausage, a whole wheat bagel (talk about getting your carbs!), and milk and orange juice. Bryon downed his just fine, but half way through mine I got a wee bit queasy. By the time I had finished the bacon and toast, my stomach had had it! I immediately laid down to rest and no sooner had I got comfy did my stomach roar in retaliation. I was hit with food poisoning. For the majority of the day I was bed ridden or evacuating my innards in one form or another. So, in short, I got nothing done that I had planned on. My pedicure will have to wait till next week I guess.

On the way home Bryon wanted to go down the Fruit Way. He was just aching for some cherries. I thought I would be on the look out for any deal I could find. The first fruit stand that was open had our business. Five pounds of cherries for under $5! Bryon was ex tactic and feeling confident he could finish it all off by himself. I found a large bucket, nearly full, of pickling cucumbers. It was the last one and obviously picked over. I asked how much they were and the under age sales man said it was $18!! Holy Crap! Even the hospital isn't that big of a rip off. I brought the bucket over to him and asked him if it looked like $18 worth of vegetables to him. He said they only have them priced that high because people in Salt Lake will pay it. He said that since we were not from the city, being nice, and knew better than to pay that much he sold the whole thing to me for $7. Now I have a fridge full of cherries and cucumbers and not the slightest clue on how to get rid of them.

The whole family will give the cherries a run for their money, if our stomachs allow, but does anyone know how to make dill pickles?

Monday, August 3, 2009

August 3, 2009

We, the Gundersen's, want to thank everyone for supporting us through our difficult time. The support has been overwhelming and the ongoing efforts to keep us afloat take our breath away. We are extremely humbled and grateful that anyone would think that much of us. Thank you friends and family.