YITBOS

Most of you who read this post have no idea what the title means. Dont worry, you shouldnt. But those of you who do, Thanks! This past weekend, our family came to realize once again the power of those 5 letters. The photo attached tells you why. Not to leave you all in the dark, just know that it means brotherhood. Phil and Russ, you can't imagine what it meant to have you show up the way you did. BALD NO LESS! Magda was so moved and cant stop talking about you guys.

Magda has chemo #3 today. She feels pretty good.

I wanted to share these pics as I think they show just how amazing my friends and more importantly my wife are!

Ill update later this week to let you know how Magda held up to this round of Chemo

Good News Bad News

Well, much like we learned with Nathaniel and our life with Treacher Collins Syndrome, we are now learning many of the same lessons (once again!) with Cancer. The key, don't let the highs get you to high or the lows get you to low.

The past week or more has been a bit of good news/bad news. I'll start of with some bad news... (hey tough noogies, this blog is not for the faint of heart it is about reality so deal with it!)

Bad News #1: As if playing some sick twisted joke, the powers that be have decided that this would be a good time for Magda's wisdom teeth to act up and become impacted! Even worse, there is not a darn thing we can do about it. Once Chemo starts the blood and flow of blood to the jaw are insufficient to promote the healing oral surgery would require. The teethe must come out but it will have to wait six months post chemo. Thats right.. A YEAR!

Good News #1, there are no cavaties in the teeth and with good oral hygene and some different techniques to minimize inflamation Magda should be able to hack it.

I wonder if your thinking what Im thinking.. THE BAD NEWS SUCKS much more than the good news is good.

Good News #2 (switched it up for you all happy types!) MAGDA STILL HAS ALL HER HAIR!! She likes this one alot.

Bad News #2 - It wont be long now till bald city. Yes, I will be shaving my head in support of Magda.

Bad News #3 (back to reality) The second round of chemo was yesterday. Lets just say Magda has been happier, Now learning a bit more about the joys of bombarding your body with the TOXIC AVENGER! Magda is wiped out, nauseaus, achey and down right unpleasant (BUT I LOVE HER)

Good News #3 - Two treatements down 10 to go! Im sure if you ask Magda she would not agree right now that this is good news.

Funny Side Story: The other day Magda had no desire to eat and was a little nauseus so I gave her one of her meds called MARINOL. Yes you pot smoking friends of mine it is made with the wacky weed! It in and of itself doesnt get you high just stimulates the munchies! But, on top of that, her back and mouth were killing her. So, I figure, how bad can it be to give her a Vicadin with some Marinol???? I know, Im not a doctor, but you spend as much time in Hospitals as I have and you would think you know some stuff to.... With that, my now somewhat loopy wife desides we should go furniture shopping!! get her in the car.. start driving and about five minutes in Magda asks me ( I swear this is true) "WHY DO ALL THE LITTLE CARS LOOK LIKE ARMADILLOS????" With that we both laughed for about twenty minutes, picked out some nice end tables, and went home and ate a pizza!

The moral to all of this..... Dont get to high or to low and dont mix Marinol with Vicadin.

(To my Dads friend Alan E.... Ill save you some, I know you more than anyone are dying to try this!!!)

Magda sends all of you her love. Is so appreciative of all you have done, and wants me to say she is sorry if she misses a Thank You Card somewhere along the way.

Be Well!
The Newmans!!

A Birthday Wish For Magda

Well, I blew it. With everything going on around here, I lost track of the days. When I woke up this morning, Saturday, I realized today was Magda's B-Day. So what do I do now. What gift could possibly be enough given the current situation. What could bring even the slightest glimmer of a smile.

I've thought about this for about 4 hours now. ( Jacob was kind enough to want a bottle at 4am) Here is what I've come up with for Magda's gift idea......

I WANT TO GIVE HER 72 More March 3rd's. 72 More Birthdays, 72 More Celebrations with Nathaniel and Jacob.

I don't think I'm being greedy. That would make my angel 100 years old. She will surely have celebrated bar mitzvahs, weddings, grand and great grand kids, and all of life's other wonderful moments. She will have chased away countless women not good enough for her boys. She will certainly have straightened my sorry ass out by then... MAYBE... and most importantly, she will have made me the happiest man in the world.

So today, on Magda's birthday, I need your help to deliver her this special gift. There is one sure fire way to deliver her this gift. Continue to do exactly what you are all doing. Pray for Magda, send cards and letters, flowers and everything else you all are doing. Because I know one thing to be certain. The power of the love and prayer you have all mustered will surely bring Magda this precious gift.

Thanks