1/25/18 Yes, it's true--I have FOMO.

Dear Friends and Family,

Here is the latest in the epic battle of Gabrielle versus ovarian cancer.  We received the results of my recent PET scan and there were many things to be thankful for, such as no cancer evident in my kidneys, pancreas, stomach, etc.  However, there were some new, very small spots of cancer in my liver.  They were small enough at this stage that the oncologist wasn’t terribly concerned.  But that explains why my tumor marker has not come down into the normal range yet—there is still some cancer growing in my body. 

What will we be doing about this you might ask?  Well, because the nerve pain (neuropathy) in my hands and feet has gotten so bad from being on the chemo drug Taxol, we are meeting with the oncologist on Monday to review all the options and decide on a new treatment plan.  It is nerve wracking to think of starting new drugs that may or may not work, or that may cause new and difficult side effects.  But it is nerve killing for me to stay on Taxol, and the oncologist said, “I want you to be at your son’s med school graduation, but not in a wheelchair!”  Hear! Hear!  I could not agree more!  So, as I wait for Monday’s appointment, I remind myself daily to keep my eyes on Jesus, my motto for facing cancer and all of life, and I continually trust myself and my family to His care.  And I remind myself that whether total healing comes in this life or the next, I will be healed! 

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Rev. 21:4

Meanwhile, I have been thinking a lot about FOMO.  Have you seen the new billboards for Lyft, the competitor of Uber that provides you with rides around town?  It says “NO MO FOMO.”  FOMO is an acronym for Fear of Missing Out.  Apparently you don’t have to miss out on any of the fun things to do around Seattle, or any city, if you call Lyft for a ride!

I love FOMO people.  I am a FOMO person.  You know, those people who don’t want to miss any party, adventure, trip, great new restaurant, or movie.  The people who will still attend the theater, opera, or symphony despite the fact that they have a fever and can’t stop coughing.  A FOMO person will fly across the country to attend your birthday party or a concert (yes, I flew with my friend Georgi to Tucson to hear Barry Manilow’s final performance, and my sweet friend, Soozi, flew from Utah for my birthday party).  FOMO people do NOT want to miss out!

I realized that being a FOMO person helps me in my fight against cancer.  I fight so hard because I don’t want to miss any special milestone in the lives of my family or friends.  Here is a short list of things I don’t want to miss out on in the next couple of years:  Daniel’s graduation from medical school in May; celebrating said graduation with a family trip to the tropics; attending Dani and Jeff’s wedding in August at a winery in Oregon, where Renée will be the officiant; taking Jericho to Disneyland as promised when he is a “four-year-old-boy;” my annual trip to a romantic Inn on the Oregon coast with Steve; walks, talks, meals, movies, and game nights with dear friends; attending Daniel’s wedding (no, he’s not engaged yet, but has been dating someone very special for two years); and lastly—for now—holding Renée and Riley’s first baby (and no—they aren’t pregnant yet)!

I am thankful God made me a FOMO person.  FOMO gets me up in the morning.  It gives me wonderful things to look forward to.  I know that if I can just stand the pain, nausea, constipation, or fatigue for one more day, then I will be one day closer to the next special memory I want to make with the friends and family I love so very much.  So here’s to all the precious reasons to keep on fighting!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jer. 29:11

Love,

Gabrielle

No missing movies with my friends!

No missing burgers with Steve!

No missing giggles with Jericho!

No missing wearing matching slippers with Renée!

No missing having Jon and Karissa over to cook us the world's best Thai food!

And no missing Karissa's chocolate cake, with strawberry/guava filling and handmade marzipan flowers!