December 21st, 2004

So, I write the last update of what has turned out to be a very long and challenging year...but we write to you now with the hopes that you will all have a peaceful holiday season filled with love, laughter, health, and happiness.

Although we have had a rough couple of months, Todd and I wanted to let you know how truly lucky we are to have surrounded ourselves with such kind and generous friends. You give us the strength to do the little things and the encouragement to do the big things.

Todd humbly pointed out to me during our last round of chemo that no matter how badly he feels, sadly, there is usually someone in the Doctor's office who is feeling much worse. So, however bad things seem at times, we are thankful for all that we have: for each other, for our amazing family, for you all, and for the weeks in between the chemo cycles when life feels calm and good again. We have Rounds 9 & 10 in the bank and are just anxiously awaiting Todd's CAT scan appointment on the 28th. The results of this CAT scan will indicate how much more chemotherapy Todd needs to go through. As we see it, there are 3 possible outcomes. The first and most ideal is that the Doctor tells us that we are all finished with the chemo and that Todd just needs to have routine check- ups every 6 weeks. The second outcome is that the chemo did not eradicate all the remaining tumors in Todd's abdomen and another surgery is required to do so. There are very few doctors who remove tumors from the abdominal sheath and we would need to travel down to Johns Hopkins to meet with a recommended surgeon who specializes in this type of procedure. The third and least appealing outcome is that the Doctor recommends more chemotherapy treatments. We have mentally prepared for the worst and, of course, are hoping for the best. Friends of ours, who are fighting a very similar battle at the moment, shared a very wise motto that seems to capture our sentiments throughout these challenging times: "We can't control the wind but we can adjust our sails." After 6 months, we've learned to take things in stride and to "just keep digging in the corners" as Todd's hockey buddies have been wisely telling him. We will be meeting with Todd's doctor on the 5th of January to go over the CAT scan results and to begin another round of chemo. We will be sure to send an update soon after to let you all know where we stand.

Todd and I will be thinking of you all this holiday season when we take time to give thanks for all of the wonderful things with which we have been blessed. Take Care.

Love,

Todd and Amanda