It's been a long time...

 Sorry to anyone that has actually checked this blog for an update! I talked to a friend at church today that said they occasionally checked to see if I had posted an update, so I decided to make one for him and anyone else that is wondering how I am doing.

I have been feeling really good this summer. In January, I stopped one of my IV chemo drugs due to some minor neuropathy I was having in my feet. I continued one IV chemo drug until the beginning of May, getting treatment every other week in St. Louis. I was feeling very run down and not really able to feel good before it was time to get another treatment. Because I was feeling this way, I decided to stop IV chemo and just feel better, and enjoy life with my family. My doctor said it was fine to stop. He wanted to see what my scans showed on July 1, and then decide what to do next from there.

My scans were mostly stable. The large tumor in my liver, the spot in my lung and the enlarged lymph nodes were all the same. There are 3 or 4 smaller tumors in my liver that were slightly bigger (their total size is less than one cm) and one possible new one, also smaller than a cm. He told me that he wanted me to experiment with the oral chemo I tried last summer and wasn't able to tolerate. He gave me permission to experiment with any dosage and try and get some, as it would be better than none. The small time I did take it last summer showed a shrinkage in the large tumor in my liver. So, July 29, I started taking the lowest possible dose one time a day. Tomorrow will be 2 weeks taking this dose. I feel pretty good, just a little tired and some evenings I feel nauseated. I go back to my oncologist on August 13 for bloodwork and a check in. This drug does raise my phosphorus level, and I may need to take a break. My plan is to ask if I can take this dose for 2 weeks and then take a break for awhile, take it again for 2 weeks, take a break, etc.

I feel like this is a plan that I can live with, getting a break from feeling tired and run down, then enduring it again for a short time. I also continue to get the stents in my liver replaced every 10-12 weeks. Next procedure is September 6. This keeps my liver functioning and the bile flowing, which is the most important thing for me right now.

I have totally exceeded the life expectancy of most people with my diagnosis. Many do not live a year past diagnosis, and my year anniversary was March 1. Many are unable to tolerate the chemo I took for almost a year for longer than 6 months. I feel like God is blessing me with more time, and for that I am most grateful. I just celebrated my 56th birthday. Last year on my birthday I didn't know if I would see another one. I am living life thankful for each day, trying to enjoy the little things. I'm enjoying my kids and grandkids and looking forward to Greg's wedding on October 27.

I should have scans around the first of October. If you're praying for me, please don't stop! I know that all the prayers have kept me here and feeling as good as I am. I don't take them for granted and appreciate them so much. I will try to be better at updating... I love you!

Stable

Wow...over three months since my last update. I guess there hasn't been much to report. I had scans on November 1, and they were stable. My tumor is the same as well as my other spots. No new cancer. Some lymph nodes were smaller and some were bigger, so we are counting that as a wash.

I have continued to get IV chemo every other week. I am still getting 2 different drugs each treatment. Soon (not sure exactly when) I will have met the maximum I can receive of one of the drugs due to possible toxicity. When that happens, I think I will just get the one drug and see how my body responds to that. I would probably be able to get that here in Springfield, so that would be more convenient.

I had my stents replaced again on November 3. That all went well. I had a different doctor for the procedure, but he seemed to do just as good of a job. I had to have it done a little sooner than scheduled, so that was the reason for the doctor change.

So all things considered, I am doing pretty good. We moved into the house we purchased and are mostly settled. We hosted Thanksgiving and it was great to have everyone here. We are getting ready for Christmas and soon it will be a new year. Don't know what the new year will hold, but trying to count my blessings instead of trials. 

I should have my stents replaced again the middle of January and scans around the first of February. The chemo routine is getting old. I really wish I didn't need to take it. I know it makes me tired and not have much energy. Before I know it, it will be one year since my diagnosis. I don't think some of my doctors thought I would still be here!

Thanks for praying and I love you and Merry Christmas!

Sickness, Scans & New Schedule

Last weekend I was very sick. I had not felt that bad since my diagnosis and the time immediately following my hospitalization. I knew my liver wasn't working like it should. I ran a fever for over 24 hours, I was achy and felt miserable. Monday we were closing on buying a house, so I didn't want to have to go to St. Louis. I didn't want to go to the ER here. So I pushed through and survived to Monday. We closed on the house (we are homeowner's once again) and I had bloodwork done here in Springfield.

My bilirubin level was more than double what it had been on Friday. My liver function tests were all elevated. I had confirmation on why I was feeling so badly. I called my GI doctor in St. Louis that replaces my stents. They wanted me to have my bloodwork rechecked on Wednesday. I would be in St. Louis that day for my scans, so it worked out well.

Tuesday I felt a little better and Wednesday better than Tuesday. On Wednesday, Garrett and I drove to St. Louis to get my bloodwork and then a chest CT scan and an abdominal/pelvis MRI. We did that and then went to the hotel.

Thursday morning I had an appointment with the eye doctor to check for any damage that the oral chemo pills might have caused. Thankfully all was well and I'm just getting older and needed a higher prescription for my bifocals. Then I had more bloodwork and we waited to see my oncologist to get the results of my scans.

As soon as he walked in the room, he said, "Your treatment is working!" Garrett and I were shocked, especially after I had such a bad weekend. My tumor had shrunk (a tiny bit - 1.4cm)! All other places I have cancer were unchanged, stable. We couldn't really believe it. Of course, we were so happy, just surprised to hear good news. I know so many were praying for me over the weekend and leading up to my scans. I do know that all glory goes to God for the improvement (no matter how small)!

We then discussed what to do for my future treatments. I had already decided to come back to St. Louis to get my chemo because I just had done so poorly both weeks when I had it in Springfield. Maybe coincidence, or maybe they do things differently. My doctor suggested doing every other week treatments to give my body more time to recover between. I agreed, and he said 4 treatments and then we will rescan to see where my tumor is at after that. He still feels the oral chemo has helped me, and discussed taking an even lower dose just so I get a little of it working on my tumor.

My new schedule is:

September 7 - chemo - St. Louis

September 21 - chemo - St. Louis

October 5 - chemo - St. Louis

October 19 chemo - St. Louis

Then rescan at some point after that

So we are unsure what caused me to be so sick, but I am better and my liver and bilirubin have recovered. Maybe it just needed to get some yuck out! Regardless, I am thankful for God's hand in my life, giving me more time. Please keep praying and I love you.

I just had my 55th birthday

 

I know...it has been a long time since I posted. Sorry for any of you that have been waiting for updates. I had and MRI and CT on June 1, and it showed no change in my liver tumor, an additional small spot on my lung, but overall not a lot of change since my scans in March. I had genetic testing done on my tumor and it showed a rare gene fusion. There is a specific oral chemo medication that targets this gene mutation. 

I started taking it on June 14. Kevin and I took a quick trip to Florida to visit my best friend. While we were there, I had a bad reaction to the drug and took a trip to the ER to rule out blood clots and confirm it was a reaction to the medication. I stopped taking it for a month. When I went back to St. Louis to see my oncologist, my cancer antigen blood test had shown a significant drop. He wanted me to try the drug again at a lower dose to see if I could tolerate it. I started taking the lower dose on July 14. I seemed to tolerate it better. One side effect of this drug is that is raises phosphorous levels to an unhealthy level. This of course happened to me. To lower them, there is another drug to take. I am unsure which drug it was or if it was just the combination, but my joints began to hurt severely, and once again I had to stop taking the medication.

I saw my oncologist in Springfield today, and I will stop trying the oral chemo pill. It is hard for me to accept, because I know that it has a higher possibility of lengthening my life. It would not cure me, because there is no cure for the type of cancer I have. I will go back to the original chemo I had in St. Louis, but I will get it here in Springfield to lessen the trips back and forth. This drug kept my tumor from growing, which is a good thing. As long as my liver is working well, I feel pretty good even on chemo.

Here is my schedule for August:

August 14 - stent replacement in St. Louis

August 17 - chemo in Springfield

August 24 - oncologist visit and chemo in Springfield

August 30 - MRI and CT scans in St. Louis

August 31 - oncologist visit in St. Louis

Then I will continue with the 2 weeks in a row of chemo and one week off (one round) as long as I can tolerate it. I only had 3 rounds of it before, so I am unsure how I will do beyond that.

Thank you so much for praying for me and my family. We appreciate your love and care so much!

I love you, Sheryl

Cycle 3 tomorrow

 Sorry I have been bad about updates. The last several weeks have been busy with prom, graduation and graduation parties. I finished cycle 2 and will begin cycle 3 tomorrow. Last week on my week off from chemo I came back to St. Louis to have the stents in my liver bile ducts removed and replaced. That went fine and we were able to come up and back the same day. 

I have been a little sore and nauseous since then, but overall ok. Also very tired, but that is all to be expected. 

I will have chemo again next week June 1st. After chemo I will have a chest CT and abdominal MRI the same day. The results of these scans will determine the next steps. If my tumor size is stable or smaller, I will stay with this chemo regimen. It it has grown at all, I will stop this chemo and try an oral chemo pill. 

I am not sure what the future holds, but I’m sure that God will help me through. Please keep praying that I will continue to have few side effects and feel like doing more “normal” things. 

Cycle 2 begins on Thursday

 Sorry for such a long time with no posting. The past 2 weeks have been pretty good. I have mostly had some days of being tired and days where I feel pretty good. On those days I try to get things done that are on my mental list of things I want to do on my good days. That includes a lot of going through things and deciding on what I want to keep and what we can get rid of. Despite moving twice in 7 months last year, we still have a lot of junk we have been holding on to. We will be having a garage sale the first weekend in June. I know that I may not be worth much by then as I will have just finished my 3rd cycle of chemo on June 1.

Tomorrow night Garrett and I will travel to St. Louis again. Thursday will be a full day of the 2 drugs and an iron infusion. I am now not as worried about getting nauseated, since I have made it through 2 rounds without it. Hopefully that doesn't get the best of me this time. I find myself wishing time away until I get done with cycle 3 so I can get my scan to see if the chemo is doing anything. I am also wanting to see what my bilirubin level is to see how my bile ducts are working. I feel like they are working good, but my liver may still not be functioning at a great level. I still look a little yellow and there are some other symptoms that make me think that as well. They will be checking my liver function with all the other things they check before I can get my infusion.

Specific prayers for this week are: controlled nausea, strength to make it through this busy month of appointments and all the family activities we have going on, that Gavin & Miranda's baby boy will be born on a day that I am home (May 24 due date) and a healthy baby and delivery, and safe travels back and forth to St Louis.

Thanks for praying ~ I love you

First Cycle Completed

 I am home again and feeling weak and tired, but still no nausea. They give me some pretty strong anti-nausea medications before my chemo, so they seem to be working well. I am also taking oral medications to keep it all at bay.

Garrett and I had a good trip up last night and back tonight. I cried a little and laughed a lot. Every time I leave home for St. Louis I always feel uneasy that I am going to come back different and never be the same me that left. It is a weird feeling to have.

I saw my oncologist today and he looked over the genome sequencing test results that I just received last night. He saw at least one thing that gave him another treatment to try down the road. So that was good news. He also told me that we would do 3 cycles of treatment and then do a repeat MRI to check for any changes in my tumors.

Thank you for the prayers. I now have next week off and then the second cycle will occur on May 4th and 11th. I will than have my stents that are in my liver bile ducts removed and replaced on May 19th. My third cycle will then occur on May 25 and June 1. These dates will hold true unless my blood counts are too low to get treatment. Then everything will be set back.

Have a great weekend ~ I love you,

Sheryl

Back on the road again tomorrow

 Tomorrow will be travel day for our family. Grant will be making the 26+ hour trip back to the UAE to get home to Anna and the boys. Garrett and I will make the much shorter trip to St Louis so we can be at Siteman bright and early on Thursday morning for a full day of treatment for me. It will be long day(s) for all of us, I'm sure.

It has been so good to be able to have Grant home for almost 3 weeks while we sorted things out and figured out what path I was going to start down in this journey. I know it was a big sacrifice for Anna to let him come, and I appreciate it so much! I know the boys are ready to see their daddy and Anna is ready for some adult conversation.

I have felt mostly good since my first treatment. There have been a few aches and pains, a couple days where my energy level was really low and I was just tired. I am a little nervous for Thursday, as it will be a very long day of infusions and a new drug that I don't know how I will react to.

Specific prayers for no/little nausea, no vomiting and that these drugs will do the work of shrinking the cancer/tumors. For strength for everyone in my family that is carrying most of the load of what I used to do in one way or another. For strength to enjoy family time and have good days where I feel like being outside and even doing some "normal" things I used to enjoy.

Thanks for praying 💓

Home and feeling pretty good

 We made it home around 3:15 today. I got my iron infusion this morning and that went fine. I am not experiencing any nausea, so that is a huge blessing. My appetite is increased, most likely due to the steroids I received yesterday prior to my chemo. I have to give this first round a 10/10. 

It is so surreal to be sitting in a big room lined with recliners with all ages of patients doing the same thing. So many stories that could be told. I seem to notice the young faces first. Not children, but young adults in their 20's and 30's. The ages of my kids. Not a lot of smiling, so I try to make eye contact and smile. We are all in the same fight, just different rounds.

Yesterday when we arrived at the Cancer Center, Grant had already gone to the waiting room and was talking with a couple. As I got closer, I realized that it was some friends of ours that we know quite well. Jill started fighting her battle with kidney cancer about a year ago. She was there, has one treatment to go and she will be done with her plan. She now has no evidence of cancer. It was a good reminder that God can move big mountains. Even though Jill's cancer is different that mine, I know that medicine alone didn't cure Jill.

Next week will be a little different as I will be getting both drugs in my protocol. I am still nervous about getting sick, but feel better knowing I made it through this first round with no nausea. Thank you to all who are praying. I know they are helping me each day.

First Day 1 complete

 Today was a long day starting with having my port placed at Barnes West County Hospital. After that, we drove to Missouri Baptist Hospital where I had an MRI. Then our last stop of the day was Siteman Cancer Center, South County. I received my first dose of one drug and so far just tired. Grant drove me up last night and we will stay another night so I can get an iron infusion in the morning due to low iron and hemoglobin. 

Next treatment date is the 20th, and Garrett will be my driver for that trip. I will get both drugs next week, so my after effects may look different. When the nurse educator was going through the drugs and their side effects, most of them were associated with the drug I didn’t get today, but will next week. 

Keep praying that the chemo will:

1) Extend my life

2) Give me good quality of life

3) Shrink my tumor and other cancer in my body

I am thankful for each person reading this and praying for me and my family ❤️

Nearly 13 years since my last post, but I am sick

 After considering my options for keeping family and friends up to date, I decided to open this blogspot back up. I have better control over who reads things here, it is free, already exists and can be shared easily. My family can post for me if I am not feeling up to it, so people can be updated in one post. And if you get bored, you can go back and read all my blog posts from years ago.

I am sick. Very sick. March 1, 2023, is the day I went to my nurse practitioner thinking I might have some type of hepatitis due to my itchy skin, yellow eyes and yellow skin. By 10:00 that night, I was diagnosed with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and admitted into the hospital in Springfield to have a procedure the next morning. I will spare all of the details, but after 10 days in the hospital, 2 days in ICU, a near death experience, 4 units of blood transfused, I went home on March 11. We then knew that my cancer was metastasized to my right lung and that I had stage 4 cancer.

So many people I love have reached out to me. My family came to see me from far away. My best friend dropped everything and came from Florida. So many meals brought to us at home and the hospital, vases of beautiful flowers, cards, money, gift cards, house cleaning, helping out with Galia and Graycen, the list goes on and on. It means so much, and I honestly don't know what we would do without each and every person that has made an effort to reach out to us. Thank you seems so inadequate, but we are very grateful.

It has been a process, but I have now been seen by a top surgeon in St. Louis that has confirmed that my tumor is inoperable at this time. Kevin, Grant and Garrett traveled with me to St. Louis on Wednesday for that appointment. He said there is a small possibility that I could be a candidate for surgery in the future, but not likely. He was very kind and I have confidence that he would help me if he thought he could.

We spent the night in a hotel and on Thursday saw the oncologist that I was very fortunate to get an appointment with, due to some help from someone I have only met one time. He had the connection and used it to get me in with this doctor as soon as possible. I am truly grateful.

The oncologist was also very kind and explained things thoroughly. He wrote things out as he explained them. The 2nd thing he wrote after my diagnosis were the goals for any treatment. The first is to prolong my life, second to give me a good quality of life and lastly to shrink my tumor. Since my tumor is occupying a large portion of a very vital organ, my top concern is keeping it functioning. I currently have 2 large stents in the main ducts of my liver, keeping the bile flowing and getting rid of the toxins that livers normally do for us daily without complaint. Since I am not just fighting the cancer, but fighting to keep my liver functioning, treatment options are very limited.

After a lot of prayer, thought, and talking things through, I have decided to go ahead with traditional chemo treatments for now. When I initially found out I had such an advanced cancer with truly no cure, I said I didn't want to do any chemo. I did not want to be more sick by taking chemo than just living with the cancer. But after realizing I need the chemo to slow things down with my liver, I have decided to go ahead with this horrible treatment. Am I scared? Yes. Can I quit the chemo any time I decide? Yes. All I know is that God is in control of my future. He can heal me if I decide to take traditional chemotherapy or went with a more holistic/integrative medical approach. For me, at this time, I have made my decision. I don't need anyone to send me different treatment options or ideas. I have seen most of them and decided against them for now. Could I change my mind in the future? Possibly. I just have to go down this path for now.

Thursday, April 13, Grant and I will go to St. Louis for a portacath placement, MRI and a shortened day one of my treatment plan. I will be on a 21 day cycle protocol:

Day 1 - treatment with 2 chemo drugs (I will only get one drug the first day 1 on 4/13)

Day 8 - treatment with 2 chemo drugs

no treatment through day 20

Day 21 starts over to Day 1 - treatment with 2 chemo drugs

Repeat of above. I think I will then have scans to see if the chemo has done anything after 2 rounds of treatment.

If you have been praying for us, thank you, please keep praying. I believe in the power of prayer to change things and make the bad days better. I am about to begin the hardest fight of my life. I appreciate each one of you 💗

We are doing GREAT!!

Okay, I apologize for being silent!  I have been "encouraged" by a couple of friends to post.  I know silence can breed all kinds of questions, so let me just say that all is well at our house.  The reason for my absence has been that we are just busy.  I may not be posting for a long while after this one, mainly because of lack of time.

First off, let me say thank you for all the kind words about my friend Jill.  I was not able to make it to her visitation or funeral.  I am so sad, but only for myself and the others left behind.  She is finally free of pain and sorrow, and for that I am rejoicing.  She has earned a big, big house in heaven!

Our flights home went great.  We had no problems, and Greg did good, even on the long one.  When we arrived in Chicago, we were able to meet up with our friend Maggie and her mom, who is visiting from China right now.  It was great to see Maggie!  We miss her so much now that she is in Chicago.  Greg was tired, and didn't feel like talking.  I'm sure he was also a little overwhelmed with arriving in the USA.  Everything was in English and not many Chinese people or language.  He was kind of in shut down mode while we were visiting with Maggie and her mom.  When we headed to the gate, Greg became very excited, as he knew we just had one more short flight to arrive home.  We got him his first happy meal and our boarding time couldn't come quickly enough.  I tried to prepare him that there were a lot of people waiting to greet us.  I know he understood, but actually experiencing it would be something different.

We arrived in Springfield to about 35 people!  It was great to see all our kids, parents, my brother and so many dear friends.  The sweetest were the 4 boys from our church that are Greg's age.  Their mom's happen to be some of my dearest friends :).  They made a sign that said, "Welcome Greg" and signed it (along with some others).  When we first came through the door, Greg was just ready to keep walking and go get our bags and go home.  It took a little convincing that we needed to hang out and greet our welcomers.  He kind of hung out by himself for awhile, but soon was given gifts from his new "friends", which helped to break the ice a little.  We finally headed for home.  Once we arrived, it was so fun to see and watch Greg's reaction as he saw each new thing at his new home.  He was so excited, and literally bouncing from room to room.  We eventually got to bed, and then the craziness of our new life had begun.

We have done really well with jetlag, so that can't even be my excuse for not posting.  Our girls missed us, as well as the boys (although they don't admit it so readily).  We have jumped right back into running to physical therapy, band competition, football games, church and Kevin work.  He even worked the Friday night after we arrived home. 

Now for what you are all dying to hear.  How is he doing??  He is doing AMAZING!  First of all, he is one great kid.  He was so well prepared for us to come and has been cared for by some awesome people.  They have helped to form him into the well-mannered, kind, thoughtful and loving boy he is.  We are so grateful for them!  God has blessed our socks off by allowing us to become the parents to Greg FuXing Holle!  I am aware that we may still have some difficult (or just plain hard) things to get through in the future, but for now I am taking each good day as it comes, and being very thankful.

Greg had already figured out the personalities of his two sisters on the first night.  He is really observant, and Graycen was talking to him non-stop.  We are miraculously communicating through limited English for him miniscule Chinese from me and lots of gestures, miming and charades.  We also do have the online translators and the handheld for things that we just can't get across the other ways.  Yesterday was our second Sunday at church.  The first week he stayed with us in the "adult" service upstairs.  He fell asleep :).  But we had just arrived home on Thursday night.  Sunday night is the kids Christmas program practice, which Graycen & Galia are participating in.  We stayed in there with them, and Greg fell asleep again :).  Yesterday he went to Jr. Worship with his sisters and sat by his new friends.  He enjoyed it, I think.  He was impressed with one of his friends ability to recite the books of the Bible really fast, and let him know with gestures.  He is really embracing his new life with both arms, and we are so proud of him.  Last night was Christmas program practice again.  He hung out with his dad for most of the time, but when they went back to watch, he did join in with the actions and will probably be participating also.  We just want to let him take his time so that he feels comfortable, and he makes the choice to do things at his own pace.  So, church is going good--we are making progress at a quick pace.

Now for school.  Tomorrow (Tuesday) he will have his assessment testing done at his new school.  There will be a Chinese interpreter present, so he can be tested in his first language.  It is a man, who is also the pastor at the Chinese Church here in town.  I am happy to make this contact, as there are just many things that I am unable to communcate to him that are VERY important.  We also have several Chinese students that attend our church and have offered to help us any way they can.  When he first met them last week, he was very quiet and didn't say much.  We didn't see any this week, so I don't know how he would react to them now.  He has begun talking a lot to us in Chinese, even though he knows we can't understand him.  I think he is normally a very talkative kid, and being silent was just too hard!  I think he feels comfortable with us enough now that he is just letting loose.

I don't know for sure, but I think Greg will start school later this week.  He is ready.  He is bored just hanging around here with me.  I know it may bring some major frustration in the language department, but I also know that it won't help him any to put it off.  I am just ready to get started and take whatever is coming.  He is a social kid, and I know he is nervous and excited all at once.

He has also decided it is okay to show he loves me--for which I am very happy.  I have gotten lots of big hugs, thank yous and I give him lots of kisses (which he tolerates).  I think seeing his big brothers readily accept my affection has helped in that department. 



At his first band competition - it was cold and windy!




His new best friend - Grady




Playing restaurant with his sisters




Being silly with his brother and roommate Gavin




Taking video of Sam (Grant & Anna's dog)

 Let me close with just saying that Greg is the perfect fit for our family.  He is really just right to fit into his place between his big brothers and little sisters.  God really knew what he was doing by telling Kevin we needed to make him part of us.  It really is so humbling and jaw-dropping when I think about this sweet boy's long journey into a forever family.  It was full of ups and downs for him, but I hope some day he will know how God has had his life perfectly planned from the start, watching over him each step of the way.  My biggest desire is for him to know that he is loved, by God and so many others that have been part of his life to this point, and so many more that will become part of his life in the future.  We are totally, completely and wonderfully in love with our amazing new son.  I can't wait to see what this boy's future holds...

Dear Sweet Jill

My precious friend, Jill Britt Richardson, went home to Heaven on Tuesday afternoon.  This picture was taken last July when we got together to celebrate Jill's birthday.  It was a wonderful time of reconnecting and laughing and just being together.  I am so thankful for this short visit we were able to have.  It was the last time I would hug my sweet friend.

What a treasure Heaven has gained.  Please pray for her three young children as they will miss their mama so much.

If you read her CaringBridge sight, you will see what a blessing she was to everyone she met.  Oh, how we will miss this girl!  I can't wait to meet her in Heaven and sing praises with her!

Forever in my heart...

Oath Taken, Visa in Passport, Brown Envelope in hand and the Amazing Jane!

Yesterday we went to the Consulate where FuXing signed his own visa application.  We were called to the window, and the officer said he could sign if he was able to.  He is able, so he did!  It was almost surreal.  We then took the oath and I got all teary when the head officer came out to speak to us about all the families.  She recognized the children that had recent birthdays, which included a boy who had just turned 14 - the age that makes them ineligible for adoption.  Everyone clapped for each child.  They then asked for a raise of hand for second, third, fourth, etc. adoption for the families.  The family adopting the 14 year old was on their sixth adoption.  We then went back to the hotel and had a group pizza party in the hallway of our floor of the hotel.  It was a great way to celebrate that we had all made it to this point!


Today consisted of last minute shopping, one last swim for Greg FuXing and Baba and packing for me.  We are so ready to come home!

We received FuXing's passport at 5:15pm and his visa is inside!  When we arrive in Chicago, he will become a US citizen.  He is very excited and has been singing and happy all day.

At 5:30pm, Jane - our amazing guide for Galia's adoption - came to our room and we were able to show her Galia's pictures.  She was so surprised to see how our girl has grown, and that she is so happy.  Jane has a very very big part in Galia RunYi's story.  So big that I cannot even explain it here!  I told her we hoped to bring her back to China when she is older.  She is excited to show her pictures to the orphanage director.  We had a great visit, and I hope we will meet again soon.

We leave for the airport at 6:40am (5:40pm Wednesday MO time).  Our flight is scheduled to arrive at 9:37pm on Thursday in SGF.  Can't wait to see the faces that will greet us at the airport!

One last hug from across the ocean {{hug}}!

Another new L*ego - only $5!



I can't imagine they get many customers?  Right  next to the Consulate Building




Yes, he is holding my hand going into the Consulate




Oath taken!  Giving the thumbs up




View from our hotel room - grass on the roofs




Together again with Jane




Bubble boy with Baba and Jane




Hard to believe we are together again!

Linda Nai Nai's Visit

We had a wonderful visit with Linda Nai Nai (grandma).  What a special woman she is!  I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to meet and thank Linda for all she is doing and has done for the orphans we care so much about.  She also had a huge part in preparing our son for us, not to mention asking the Father to provide him a family.

Check out:  http://eagleswingschina.org/ to see the amazing work being done!  You can also see their blog at:  http://eagleswingschina.blogspot.com/  Be part of the amazing things being done for orphans!

We had a fun day yesterday.  Greg FuXing got to show off his new swimming skills to his Nai Nai.  That wore him out, so we went to our room for a rest and more visiting.  Last night Linda treated us to a "western" style meal at Lucy's and then we talked some more until we fell asleep. 

This morning we got up and went down to breakfast.  It was so packed that they ushered us back to another restaurant that has never been opened up for breakfast.  It was nice to be a little secluded from all the normal breakfast chaos. 

Then it was time to go to the lobby for Linda to catch her taxi to the airport.  I held it together until she drove off and then the tears started.  FuXing was concerned about me, so I tried to stop.  Once we were up to the room, he gestured/spoke, "Don't cry".  Then he gave me a big hug and I just said, "Mama ai Linda nai nai" (Mommy loves grandma Linda).  He said, "ok" which is his way of saying it's all good.

He is now busy with his legos again.  He got a new plane yesterday (they are so inexpensive here compared to home). 

We love our sweet boy, and we know that many others in this big world do too.  We are so thankful for all that have loved him in our place.  Such a difference it has made in his transition. 

Two more sleeps and we will be on our way home!

Greg FuXing and Nai Nai at breakfast



All of us at breakfast

 A


One last hug



Some last minute instructions

Good bye for now, dear Linda Nai Nai

The city zoo and red couch

Today we headed to the zoo.  We arrived at 10am, and it was HOT and HUMID--my favorite weather, not!  We survived and FuXing got to feed the giraffes and we saw a real panda in China.  As you can see from the pictures below, Kevin was also hot and covered in sweat.

Kevin trying to be funny




FuXing and the panda




When he saw this he yelled, "Australia!"




New friend J who is 12 pretending to be baby kangaroos




Feeding the giraffe (cost $1.50)!




Calling the mini-deer (that's what they looked like)



Traditional red couch photo

 Then this afternoon we gathered for the taking of the red couch pictures.  It was 30 minutes of organized chaos.  We do have these pictures from our other two adoptions, so we are happy to get them again.  As always, the babies are usually crying and the parents are usually laughing.


Our travel group!




FuXing was finished with pictures - just us



All the kids in our group (one being held by her daddy)

We are planning to meet our friend and guide from Galia's adoption tonight, but she has not arrived yet, so it may have to wait for another day.  Love and hugs from across the ocean...

Familiar Faces and New Friends

This morning we headed off to the medical clinic for FuXing's visa medical exam.  We arrived right when they were scheduled to open, but it was already jam packed with local people.  We were one of the first adoptive family groups to arrive.  Soon after the place was packed with adoptive families that have been waiting for Mid-Autumn Festival to end so the clinic would open again.  We luckily got out in about 2 hours.  Fu Xing got his TB skin test and 4 immunizations.  Kevin was able to hold 2 of the little ones for their shots so they wouldn't associate that with their new mommies.  Such a great guy...he is used to holding down people ;)

While we were waiting for all the boxes to be checked off, I looked into one of the exam rooms and saw Jane, our guide and friend from Galia's adoption.  If not for her, Galia would not be our daughter!  I almost couldn't believe it.  She is staying at the Victory, but I gave her our room number, and she said she would call us.  I can't wait for her to see how big Galia has grown.  I think she will be surprised!

Then I was talking with a dad who had his 5 year old daughter getting her exam.  He said he was with Bethany (our agency for Graycen's adoption).  I asked him if S was their guide, and he said she was and was there in the building with them.  We found her and she remembered us--again!  We saw her last year at the medical clinic when we had Galia there.  We got another picture with her.  I gave her a message from Kim--she told me if I saw her to tell her.

Finally I met a mom who has adopted 2 boys, ages 12 and 13 from Henan province.  She lives near Dallas and knows a couple of Springfield adoptive families that I also know!  We plan on connecting again while we are here.

Trusting Baba to help him float

First time swimming without his floating ring

Wonder what they are talking about?

Goofing off with Baba while we wait

Checking ears

Checking the throat

Same Dr. that examined Graycen and Galia

Our traditional picture with S from Bethany

So, the day is not half over yet, and we have had an exciting day.  Most excited to see and talk with Jane.  Will post more later.

Lambert's Buffet style x 10!

Our meal last night was great!  My parent's friend, River and his wife and daughter picked us up at our hotel and we drove about 30 minutes out into another district of Guangzhou.  There was an actual "Outlet" shopping area with Adid*as and Ni*ke stores.  Then there was this restaurant, which was named Four Seasons International House.  There were lots and lots of local people eating here.  River told us it was the best place in Guangzhou.  You bought your tickets then went to another counter where they assigned you a table.  Once you were inside, there was hundreds of choices for food.  It was a great choice, because then we could just pick our own food and we didn't have to feel bad if we didn't like something.  Huge restaurant and so much food!  The popularity of it reminded me of Lambert's in Ozark, but the buffet style was like Ryan's on steroids :)  We had a great time and a nice visit with River.  He is counting on my dad visiting next year...that I would have to see, my dad in Chi*na!

Today we went to the pearl market where I just bought a few things for my friends, and also went to a shopping mall where FuXing got some new shoes.  No, he did not need them, but he wanted some that tied because all the other boys traveling with us have tennis shoes that tie.  He has some waiting for him at home also, but not sure if they are the right size.  We at lunch at Pizza Hu*t with our friends the S family.  We are making good friends again on this trip.  Adoptive families just rock! 

Tonight is our group dinner at Cow & Bridge Thai restaurant on the island.  Tomorrow is the medical exam (finally!).  FuXing will probably have to get some shots, but hopefully not too many.  He told our guide he is not afraid of shots.  I believe him.

It is finally not raining today, so Kevin just took FuXing to the pool.  I am headed that way to get some pictures and stick my feet in the water.

Inside the restaurant

Right before we got told, "No photos!"

Friends across the world :)

Guangzhou - Day 2

This morning we went on a city tour of Guangzhou.  We went to the Six Banyan Temple, Old Chen House-Museum and the Arts & Crafts Shopping Center.  I did a lot of shopping at the government shopping center.  They have the best quality and no bargaining.  Most things sold on the island are just not great quality.  I don't know if my standards have risen or the quality has just gotten worse.  We are meeting in a few minutes to have FuXing's visa picture taken and then my parent's friend River is picking us up to go to dinner in Guangzhou.  They met him in a crazy way while he was in Des Moines going to school to learn English.  He is a businessman here and is taking us out to the "best restaurant in Guangzhou".  I am cautiously excited as to what that might mean ;)

<>

Some of the Baba's and their kiddos

I will update when we get back about our evening...

Guangzhou

We have made it to the last stop before coming home.  Because of the Moon Festival, things are closed down for the next two days.  Just hanging out and trying to keep FuXing busy.  He wrote things on his translator that said, "nothing to think about" and another funny one.  I finally caught on, and typed in "bored" and he said, "YES!"

He did great on the plane ride yesterday.  He was a little anxious when we started landing and actually let me cuddle him for quite a while.  We took video of us boarding the plane, taking off and when we landed.  Such a huge "first" for him.  Only three more flights until we land in Springfield.

He is 100% boy, and loves being silly and having fun.  Kevin is getting worn out :)  He loves to play army and is always shooting something and throwing  bombs.  They are now shooting from behind the pillows at each other :)

View from the window of our hotel in Zhengzhou

Getting ready to leave Zhengzhou



Making noodles for lunch

He is excited to see his Linda Nai Nai.  He asked about 10 times yesterday about the timing of it, but he does know that it is in 5 more days when she arrives for a short visit before heading to Jiaozuo.

Can't believe how much we already love him.  We are able to communicate most things, but the hard things have not come out yet.  Maybe best until we are home and can be in a normal setting (for us anyway). 

We have the option of going on several tours here, which we have not done previously on our trips because we were here for a short time and last year Gavin had the chicken pox ;)



Hoping the time here goes faster than it seems it will...we are excited to get home and see the rest of our kiddos.  I know Anna and Grant are doing a great job, but I'm sure they are ready for us to come home, too!



Ready for take off - V for Victory

Our Guides in Zhengzhou, Rita & Yisha - they are holding him for the picture