To Friends and Family

I have been trying so hard to know the words to write to share some difficult news. Though it is difficult,  there are also many things to share that are wonderful blessings and good news as well.

I guess the best way to say it is to just say it. We confirmed through some tests and dr appts over the last several weeks that my cancer has returned.

That being said,  we have so much to be grateful for.  Good news is that right now it is isolated in my right hip/pelvic bone.  Good news is that my MRI confirmed that the cancer has not spread to any organs.  Good news is that there have been tests and labs and procedures to help us know exactly what is happening.  Good news is that cancer is same as before,  so the drs know exactly what treatments will be needed.  Good news is that I will not have to go through surgery or radiation. Good news is that I will have 2 meds and 2 injections that will be on a tight schedule over the next 2 years (min) and I will 99.9% not need systemic chemo like before. Meds and injections will be my chemo and support plan to protect my bones from further spread and to keep my bones protected from fractures. Good news is that I have 2 teams of amazing drs who are keeping in touch with each other and with us.  They have been honest and upfront about everything. They have taken as much time as needed (has been hours ) to talk with us and answer every question and explain every test result.  Good news is drs are hoping for minimal side effects. We will baby drugs a bit at a time and they will be watching me very closely.  Good news is,  that this time,  I know I can depend strongly on our ward family knowing all of our immediate family is far away.  Good news is that all my care will most likely all be in one bldg (new cancer center is gorgeous) instead of bouncing to several offices.  Good news is that beginning treatment etc will be going on during summer when we have a very relaxed schedule.  Good news is that Preston/Bro Baxter will be very available to help me as needed. Good news is that Preston/Bro Baxter has created a blog to post all of our updates. For our missionaries I will try hard to turn those posts into PDF files to email them to you.  Lmk if you would like me to do that? Good news is that,  hopefully,  most of regular activities, should still be attainable. Good news is that I can trust in priesthood blessings to help me feel at peace and I know that those words can give me strength and let me share my testimony with others because of the words and peace those blessings bring to me and our family. Good news is that our new goal will be to follow Elder Wirthlin's counsel - "Come What May & Love It" - we can work hard to focus on laughter and joy,  focus on having an eternal perspective,  focus on blessings and tender mercies,  focus on leaning on and turning to and trusting in heavenly father and the Savior, focus on finding evidence that adversity is a blessing in our lives to help us learn and grow during this mortal experience.

We know that things are going to change,  we know things will be very difficult at times, we know that sometimes it will feel like we are going backwards.  But we also know there will be great joy and laughter and miracles and tender mercies.  We know there will be sunshine and rain - how else can you make a breathtaking rainbow? We know that we can strive every day to do and see good, and to show gratitude to all those around us,  and come what may we will strive to love it.

Know that we love you so much. Know that we will do our best to keep you updated.  Please know that you can ask any questions that you have. We will do our best to answer them. Will write more soon.

Rory/Sis B/Momma Baxter