October 25, 2005

We had many requests for a picture. Here is one of our family taken a couple weeks ago. All is going well. I started radiation again on Monday. Still eating and drinking. I am hairless now, but I have lots of fun hats to wear. My dad is here helping out. It has been great. Thanks for all the cards, emails, words of encouragement, meals and prayers.

Feeling Blessed,

Denise

Curley Family Fall '05

October 21, 2005

Hello, I am feeling better each day. My esophagus is recovering and I was able to get some dinner down last night. Yea! I hope to stock up this weekend before radiation starts on Monday. Hopefully without the infection I can keep it going for a while. It has been challenging watching all this great food come in and not being able to eat it. Although, the rest of the family has enjoyed the meals very much.

The kids are doing great. They are taking everything in stride. They have enjoyed spending time with Aunt Dee, and Grandpa Case. Brian & Bonnie have found my recent hair loss interesting and they are ready for me just to shave it off. They are making guesses as to what color will grow back. Last night I gave myself a short haircut, so they were surprised this morning with my new look. They were also very excited & happy when I was able to eat dinner.

Napper is doing well too. He keeps very busy and organized getting everything done and still making daily life "fun." He plans to spend the weekend getting ready for his favorite holiday, halloween.

Thanks for everything!!!!!!!!

Sincerely,

The Curley Family

October 19, 2005

I came home from the hospital today. When I went for my radiation tmt on Monday they did lab work and determined that I should be admitted. My White blood cells had dropped more and I was running a fever. I also was having great difficulty getting anything down. They fixed me up though and I am feeling much better. I had I.V. antibiotics, I.V. fluids, I.V. antacids and even I.V. pain meds. The infection seemed to be in the throat and esophagus, probably "yeast" type infection. I still can't get food down but .fluids are good. My radiation tmts are on hold until next Monday and my next Chemotherapy was postponed 1 week until Nov.4th. That should give me enough time to get back on track.

My sister went back to Colorado on Tuesday morning and my dad drove in from Indiana last night. The extra help has been wonderful. The meals have been great. All the prayers and support keep us going. Thanks so much!

Love, Denise, Napper, Brian & Bonnie

Sunday - October 16th 2005

This weekend has been a bit tougher. My esaphagus continues to be my biggest concern. Each day it gets worse. I am having trouble swallowing fluids. Despite the various medicines that have been prescribed. My energy level has dropped significantly in the past couple days. I ran a fever on Saturday afternoon and had to go to the ER. I learned, as expected, that my White Blood Cells had taken a dive. We couldn't find a source for the infection so they put me on a general antibiobic. They gave me lots of hydration and sent me home.

My sister flew in from Denver last night. She has been taking such good care of me. The boys had an overnight boyscout camp on Saturday so I relied on the generous offers of Anna and Kathy to get me to the hospital and take care of Bonnie. Napper joined us later at the hospital and took me home. I don't know what we would do without all the kindness and support we have been getting. It has helped tremendously.

Thank you for everything

Love, Denise

Denise Curley

Wednesday October 12th

Hello, I am tolerating the treatments very well so far. I have had waves of nausea and some acheness, but overall pretty good. My biggest problem is just esophageal pain. The radiation hits a good part of my esophagus and I am starting to feel those effects. I have however figured out how to minimize the pain with eating and have not missed any meals so far. I have always eaten too fast and too big of bites and I am learning to slooooow down.

My chemotherapy is every 21 days. The infusion takes about 24 hours. My next one will be October 28th. Today will be my 13th radiation tmt. I will finish my 35th tmt on Nov. 11th. A few days after that and before my 3rd chemo tmt we will do more scans to see the status of the cancer. If it is in complete remission we will stop tmt, if it is partial remission we will continue tmt., and if there is no response we will stop tmt and do something else.

I have been exercising and I think that helps alot. I have also been practicing yogo and listening to healing meditation tapes. These tapes and the yogo both work on breathing exercises which I think are very beneficial, especially with lung disease.

I have plans to work Friday and Monday and I look forward to that. I am reminding myself to take one day at a time. I am trying to slow down and enjoy the moments. All the wonderful meals have freed us up to spend more time together and we truly value that time.

Thank you for all you do! We are so grateful.

Love,

Denise

October 7th

I start Chemotherapy today. I will have taxol, carboplatin and avastin. I am praying for minimal side effects and zero complications.
Thank you all for your prayers, cards, flowers, gifts, meals and emails.

Warmest regards,

Denise

P.S. Happy Birthday Dave