Touched by many

 

Here's a great photo of Dori with the kids today. I'll also include on her CaringBridge page.

Dori continues to be loved by so many. Today, friends Michael Cooper, Scott McConnell, Mariesa Snell and Russell Palk came by. It's a fairly steady flow of great people who care about other people. I am glad they care about Dori.

Dori's friends are helping keep mailmen busy. She gets several cards a day, and received a wonderful care package from Catherine Johnson and a great book and food basket from my Aunt Renee. She received some DVDs from SBA friend Carol Dunn and very nice pajamas from Mariesa and Monica McDougall. I am just scratching the surface of so many wonderful gestures. We've had many great meals lately, including some tasty grub from Jennifer Burns, Kathryn's SBA basketball coach, and Denise Shaw, who replicated Dori's chicken and dumplings recipe to perfection. All of you ROCK!

Kathryn, Will and I had a good pep talk this morning. We rehashed some previous conversations and then talked about how we can take out frustration better (not on each other or ourselves). There are better ways (exercise, asking God for strength, thinking good thoughts when bad ones pop in our heads, and preparing in advance for tough situations that will likely occur). They agreed to make a go of it. The last few days have been hard, but today has been much better.

I took out my frustrations on a poor treadmill at the Green Hills YMCA today. I ran a 40:58 5-miler, then a cooldown mile. I felt strong after Sunday's 11 miler, but didn't want to go near a training cliff. So I snuck in some stomach work (Lord knows I need it) and called it a day.

Jim

Recent photos

As promised, here are some recent photos. Doesn't Kathryn look great? She's no longer a "little girl." My Mom, shown with Will and Kathryn outside her catering business, also looks fantastic. She is a great person, not just a great Mom. I also have included a photo from last week's City Paper Reunion of Paige Clancy, Amanda Wardle and Amanda's daughter Selah. It was nice to have the old Business section back together.

Jim

 
 
 

Five weeks until VB Half

My Virginia Beach Half Marathon is 35 days away. Last week's training went well. The only thing that's been missing is some speed work, which I plan to fit in this week.

Schedules did not align yesterday, so Ann DeNunzio and I could not do our weekly long run together. So it was off to the Y yesterday afternoon. I shook off some blahs and ran some 9:13 miles, then some 9:05s. At around four miles, I started feeling OK, so I dropped down to some 8:57s and 8:49s. I finished my 11th mile in 8:41. Final time: 1:39:08, or a 9:01 pace. My heart rate reached a reasonable 155 BPM. Projected 13.1 yesterday was a 1:57:18. If conditions are good in VB, I think I can get sub 1:55. My PR is a 2:06 (twice in 2006), so there is much time to shave on Sept. 2.

Dori, my sister Anne and I are at Hotel Vandy talking about lots of stuff. One topic is how we used to look at people who had been through chemo (bald and feeling ill). We used to feel sorry for them, even self conscious. Now, I have a completely different view - I want to convey strength, determination and admiration. Will asked Mom recently if she will be wearing a hat or a wig when she gets out of the hospital. He said he's concerned she might scare his friends with a hat or cap. Anne is helping Dori get a wig, so all seven-year-olds will be able to roam the streets free of chancing upon a very cute bald woman.

Weekly training recap

Monday - 4.5 miles, untimed, 85 degrees, 58% humidity, moderate terrain
Tuesday - 3.2 miles, untimed, warm, moderate terrain
Wednesday - 7.0 miles, 1:00:10, 8:35 pace, treadmill
Thursday - Strength and stretching
Friday - 5.0 miles, 44:47, 8:57 pace, 82 degrees, 65% humidity, half hilly/half flat
Sunday - 11 miles, 1:39:08, 9:01 pace, treadmill

Total miles: 30.7 miles

Radnor run

This morning, I went to Radnor Lake, our treasured state natural area down the street, for a run. It was 82 degrees and quite humid, 65 percent. I ran a modest pace down to Franklin Road, which is 2.5 miles away from the West Entrance parking lot, and headed back.

Those of you who know the hill from Franklin Road back to the park know it is a bear, especially in heat. A year or two ago, I might have mailed it in, walking the 3/4-mile slope. The elevation change is about 250 feet. In crisp fall air, it's not too tough; in the summer, it's a challenge. Up I went at a modest pace.

I finished the five miles in 44:47, or an 8:56 pace. I didn't push it because I want to preserve some energy for Sunday's long run. I'm at 20 miles for the week, so I'm thinking 10 will be a good distance on Sunday. Yesterday, I did some good strength and stretching. Training has become more of a mind game to me this year, since about May, really. I have had some downs, including one very frustrating 7-mile run with friend Chuck Hargrove, who has been helpful to me. But most of my training this summer, in the heat I used to whine about, has had ups. I actually have said several times summer running has been fun. The key is to mix in some treadmill runs. Also, I have become a smarter runner, knowing what to add to my regimen and what to avoid - both through trial and error and by reading magazines and other people's running blogs.

I'm at Hotel Vandy with Dori and the kids. Mom watched Kathryn and Will this morning. When I got to Mom's kitchen, out walks Kathryn with a snazzy new haircut. She looks like Farrah Fawcett! Dori did a double-take when she walked in the room. I will post a few photos later, but it's amazing to see our beautiful little girl take one step closer to being a young lady.

Friend John Marcheschi, he of the infamous posts on CaringBridge, will be in town this evening. We'll go to my Mom's for dinner, which is always fun. John and I will visit Dori tomorrow morning. I also plan to swing by a City Paper reunion this afternoon. I loved working at The City Paper as business editor. Looking forward to seeing Paige and my many good friends from Newspaper Land.

To all you Vandy fans ... aren't you pumped that football this year looks promising? It's the first time since I can remember we've had three respectful recruiting classes with good senior leadership. WR Earl Bennett says the goal is a BCS bowl, not just a bowl. Set your sights high, let everyone laugh, then do it.

Dori will join me this year as Vandy plays in a BCS bowl. That sounds nice.

Jim

Relief and joy

A lot of people asked me today how it feels when you hear your wife is "negative for leukemia," as today's report read. You feel relieved and joyful. Dori used the same words, along with happy and grateful.

You thank the Lord for a reprieve for your wife and children. You also think about getting this ship, which is now patched up and seaworthy, to the dock. Mission one accomplished ... Getting Dori cured is mission two. Sorry, I'm an old Navy guy.

I am at Hotel Vandy with Dori, who is laughing on the phone with friend Liz McConnell (Scott's wife). We had a wonderful dinner from Margot Cafe. It's French and Italian country food on par with the best cuisine in the country. I bought a super-tasty bottle of French red and some creme brulee for Dori (her favorite), and we shook up this sterile joint. We had a wonderful celebration.

Dori and I have become friends with several folks on the 11th floor. We were delighted to hear Kim Swindall, married to Dori's former co-worker Melody, went in to remission yesterday. We are praying hard for Chuck and Abbie Hendry. Chuck is battling AML and is having a rough time with chemo.

Dori finished Lance Armstrong's book, It's Not About the Bike. She loved it, even underlining certain passages. The kids are now donning two junior LiveStrong bracelets for their strong Mom. They, along with our wonderful families, were very happy today.

I ran 3.2 miles last night untimed in our neighborhood. Pepper ran with me, which was fun. He keeps getting attacked by other dogs, even though he is deaf and does not taunt. You should hear me scare the crap out of attacking dogs. Don't mess with a man dealing with his wife's leukemia. Today, I ran 7 miles at the Y in 1:00:10.

Thank you for your prayers of thanks and hope as we continue this journey.

Jim

Leukemia fundraising update

Here's an update on my/your effort to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (and some other good news). First, I thought I'd share something Dr. Greer at Vanderbilt told me last week.

He said the clinical trials for leukemia and related diseases are really in high gear and producing meaningful results. He said it wouldn't be possible without the generosity from so many people who want to beat these diseases. I've related to you all before that these efforts aren't solely for Dori but for all the leukemia patients who have and will be impacted by blood and marrow cancers. These diseases are like thieves in the night.

To date, you all have contributed $8,975, or 18% of my goal for the Sept. 2 Virginia Beach Half Marathon. There will be 20,000 runners at this year's half, and organizers expect $1.3 million will be raised for seven causes, which includes LLS. Dori thinks my goal of $50,000 is ambitious. Perhaps, especially since almost all of my time these days is spent being Mom, husband and runner in training. I am encouraged, however, on many fronts.

First, those who have already given have made very generous contributions. I can tell some friends really dug down deep to express their love for Dori and others and to encourage her in this fight. I will be in touch with a more personal thank you down the road, but THANK YOU FOR YOUR WONDERFUL SUPPORT - ALL OF YOU.

Second, I am encouraged to hear that people like Becky Reese, a good high school friend of Dori, has started raising significant money for LLS at an upcoming event in Colorado. Add her early efforts, and we're nearly at $10,000, or 20%. If any of you are doing something similar, please let me know and we'll aggregate all these efforts.

Third, I know many people who haven't contributed who are planning to do so. Fourth, I am hopeful some substantial contributions are forthcoming, and I plan to turn over a few other stones before September. One other note: If you are a frequent visitor to this site and/or a contributor, please consider forwarding this blog entry and the link to my Make Cures Happen page (it's on the left).

The end goal is to make a substantial impact on beating and treating leukemia and related diseases. I think it's one way you and I can show support for Dori, along with getting on the National Marrow Donor list (July 18 post). But let's be frank, the most gratifying thing will be to see Dori kick leukemia in its scrawny little a**.

Jim

Waiting again

It's been an emotional last few days for everyone in our clan, especially Dori and the kids. I'll go light on details and talk big picture - we are praying hard for Mom to get good biopsy results soon. I am optimistic after a few letdowns. Dori and I agreed again to approach as we have before.

Kathryn said some funny things to me the last 24 hours. Last night, she noted, "No offense, Dad, you're a great Dad but not a great Mom." Agreed. There is only one great Mom. Today, she cushioned the blow by adding, "Well, you're doing an OK job as a Mom without much experience." I love her take on things. K-girl and I fished for two hours this afternoon (her request) at Marrowbone Lake. We caught some nice bluegill, but more importantly, had some poignant conversation and good time together. Will has had a play day with his buddy, William Antony.

Our friend, Scott McConnell, heard some good news overall today. The largest of three tumors in his lung has shrunk. He'll still need surgery to get that bad boy out of there, but he's a strong dude with a great attitude. He's been, along with his wife, Liz, a great friend to Dori and me.

I ran 4.5 good recovery miles yesterday on moderate terrain in 85 degrees and 58% humidity. I was a bit sore from Saturday's 11 miler, but the oil can (moving everything again) helps the Tin Man get loose after a mile or so. I'm planning to do a short run tonight ... probably some junk mileage while my sister hangs with the kids.

Jim

Good photos of Kathryn and Will

Here are some recent photos of Kathryn and Will. They are having an active summer, as mentioned, in large part to friends of our family who have organized some fun days. The pictures are 1) Kathryn catching a fish on a day out with friends from St. Bernard Academy; 2) Me with Kathryn and friend Caroline Selinger (left) at the July 4 party my Mom threw; 3) Kathryn the artist and fashion model at my Mom's (Kathryn is gifted like my artist sister, Anne; she's wearing one of the hats Aunt Kathy, who also went through chemo, gave Dori); and 4) Will and Kathryn at a Sounds game with Dad.

Enjoy. Jim

 
 
 
 

Four biopsies

Dori has now completed four biopsies, the last one less than two hours ago. She just ate some food I picked up from the cafeteria - two pesto pizza roll-ups that she devoured. Great job on all fronts by Big Rabbit.

Dori mentioned some of the things she has loved or appreciated since being in the hospital. They include the teddy bear from our children, Werthan's sugar free coffee drops in the neat gift basket from my co-workers, the pajamas from Heather, all the iTunes gift cards and DVDs, her new baseball caps, the Panera lunches from Jan and Faye, the praying shawl from Laura, and the "flower" from the McCormicks. Every gift has been special, really.

Dori asked me today what good has come from this ordeal, from my standpoint. "Seeing all the love," I said quickly. Our children have noticed "how many people are doing nice things for us." Your prayers and thoughtfulness just continue to amaze us. Thank you again on behalf of all of us.

Dori and I have had an emotional day today, complete with reprofessing our love for each other. I so want to see Dori home - for her. Dori calls leukemia a "double whammy" - you get to go through chemo and then you don't get to go home. She is thinking about how to help people in her situation down the road. Not surprising.

I plan to run 5 easy miles this afternoon. Here's the training recap from last week. Thank you for your prayers for good biopsy results this week.

Weekly training recap
Tuesday - 9 miles, 1:21:14, 9:01 pace, treadmill
Wednesday - Strength and stretching
Thursday - 5 miles, 41:27, 8:17 pace, treadmill
Friday - 3.86 miles, 31:26, 8:08 pace, 82 degrees, 34% humidity, moderate terrain
Saturday - 11.0 miles (unofficial, may have been 10.9 miles), 1:34:41, 8:36 pace, 62 degrees and 65% humidity, moderate terrain

Total miles: 28.9 miles

Good week of running

Before I get all impressed with myself ... check this out. Dori exercised THREE TIMES yesterday after a week of chemo. THREE TIMES! She walked twice and rode the bike for 17 minutes. Do you think that inspired me? You bet your rump it did.

This morning, I ran the full length of Belle Meade Blvd. twice with our good friend, Ann DeNunzio. That's 11 miles, or just a tiny shade under. Ann is a machine - she's run the Boston, Chicago and New York marathons. At the latter, she ran an amazing time, like a 3:40 or something. Ann, who is planning to join me in Virginia Beach Sept. 2, was my rabbit today. We were blessed with very good conditions - 65 degrees and 65% humidity.

The first 5.5 miles went well, but around mile six, Ann started pulling ahead. We ran the first 5.5 in 47:10, or an 8:34 pace. Ann picked it up, and pulled ahead of me by 10-15 seconds. I worked to stay with her. At 8.25 miles, I was at 1:10:10, or an 8:30 pace. That's where I noticed a bloody right nipple. Off went the shirt. Thank God very few motorists were around.

The last 2.75 miles are mostly uphill. Not steep, but good gradual gradients. Ann pulled 30 seconds ahead of me, willing me to follow. I did, keeping her in check (I know she dialed it down a time or two ... she looked in good form today). I was really feeling the run now, but no way was I not going to go sub 9:00 for 11 miles after Dori's regimen yesterday. Of note, Dori is reading "It's Not About The Bike" by Lance Armstrong, which I can't wait to get my hands on. I'm also wearing one of Lance's yellow LiveStrong bracelets, courtesy of my sister Anne's good friend Kristen Meadows. I looked at that bracelet a lot the last two miles. Welcome, Pain. Hope you enjoy my finish, courtesy of Ann, Lance and mostly Dori.

I reached the Percy Warner Park gate in 1:34:41. That's an 8:36 pace, not shabby for a big boy like me. I am most pleased with last 2:75 miles, which I ran modestly uphill at an 8:58 pace. This came on the heels of a four-mile run last night at Radnor Lake at an 8:08 pace. Total mileage for the last six days is 29 miles. Training is going well.

I am off to Pancake Pantry soon to visit with good friend Chip Saltsman, who is running Mike Huckabee's campaign for president. I like Huckabee, and not just because he's a runner. He's a common-sense guy. Looking forward to hearing about the campaign and seeing Chip.

Kathryn gets to fish today with one of her teachers, Mrs. O'Neal, and three good friends from school. Their parents invited K-girl, and she's pleased as punch. Will and I will go see Mom around lunchtime. We'll watch some sports later today and relax. I am looking forward to a few cold ones and melting in my chair.

Jim