Norma at Ray's backyard party

Ray hosted a party for the Ohio gang. Here my mom is enjoying a conversation with Andre, a dear friend from Holland who now lives in Mt. Vernon, IL with his wife Annelies.

This week, Norma started her first round of another chemotherapy treatment. While her oncologist was pleased with my mom's response to the first form of treatment, the cancer was starting to outsmart the chemo. In an effort to continue to fight the cancer, Dr. Laufman is trying another approach. So, Norma receives five days of chemo this week, followed by a 2-week break. Then she does it again.

She is perfecting the art of living with cancer. I think she deserves a prize, and so does Dr. Laufman and her wonderful team of doctors.

Tomorrow is my mom's birthday. After treatment, she is going on a picnic with my dad, Lisa and Emily and Paul.

Happy Birthday Mom. Celebrate YOU!