Treatment #4 and at the half way mark.

Dear Family and Friends,

Reviewing the past few weeks has been a blur.  

We have a cluster of birthdays on both sides of our family during the month of March.  Harli on the 9th, Jason on the 27th, Deaken on the 28th, and Grandpa Poulsen on the 29th.  We had some fun get togethers with the standard cake and ice cream.  This year Easter Sunday was part of our birthday celebrations.  Having a chance to reflect on the Saviors resurrection, one of the greatest gifts given to us.  This reassuring and eternal truth, along with other truths, always helps me find peace, happiness, and hope.   

Towards the end of Mandi's last treatment at the Hunstman, she was visited by her out of town sister. Sam, Tiff and Tycee made the long journey from Cali.  We were all glad to see, and visit with them for the short time they were here.  Sam and Tycee invited Deaken and I to take a day and head to the Beav for a day of skiing.  There was a small storm that put about six inches of new snow on the runs.  Mandi and Tiff had the day to spend visiting and catching up.  

This year as most spring breaks, was pretty casual.
Taeden had the chance to spend the week in St. George with some friends.  They went to the sand dunes, hiked, rock climbed, and played some golf.  The weather was not as warm as he had hoped for, but it was a good break from the everyday norm for him.
Also during the break we had a pretty good snow storm which allowed a couple more days to play in the snow.






Deaken and I went skiing with the Carlson family.  The weather was great, and Deaks had a blast skiing with cousins.  

Mandi really just loves being at our home with her family.  

Harli and Mayci played with friends and had a nice break from school.






Saturday was a day to spend doing a bit of spring cleaning, in and out of the house, and catching sessions of General Conference.  All the talks from the women's conference, to the final session on Sunday were very inspiring and offer reminders of where improvements need to be made.  I am greatful for the spiritual and insightful messages that come from gospel teachings, and the spirit of learning, for the purpose that my testimony will never become weakened.

Looking back from the beginning of this selection of life's experiences, time seems to be flying by as does most experiences that we have both good and not so good.  During these past few weeks for Mandi, she really seems to be recovering well from one treatment to the next.  During this treatment  they have increased the doses of chemo.  From one treatment to the next, there are different side effects that will show up.  Some that Mandi has been experiencing are, some tingling in her finger tips, one little spot on her chest that has pain, and still the fatigue and body aches which seems to be more noticeable right after she finishes each treatment and comes home.  The tingling is one that is expected and is bugging her the most.  It is more effected while washing dishes and if she touches warm things.   Yesterday we grabbed delicious McGriddles on our way to the Huntsman, and she told me I might want to wait for mine to cool down.  When she gave it to me it really wasn't that hot.  The doctor has suggested she start taking a vitamin b 6 supplement to help the tingling.  It could take 6 months to 1 year after her treatments are completed for the sensation to return to go away.  Her spirits are up as always, and her nurses like it when she is their patient.  The food is still not appetizing so she usually falls back on her safe Frosted Flakes.   Yesterday for dinner I made a run for Panda Express to get her some orange chicken and rice.  That hit the spot and put a smile on her face, and her fortune cookie was meant for someone else but was funny.  While she is here at the Huntsman her days are filled with doctors and nurses in and out of her room checking vitals, monitoring her infusion, bringing meds, having conversations about families and finding out what other family situations are.  She loves hearing about other people's families, and telling people about hers.  And drinking Sunkist with a king size Charlston Chew.  She will be here till this coming Monday afternoon, and we will be on our way back home again.

As the last few month that have come and gone this year.  Our Family is doing and getting along very well.   A lot of which is due to the help of Family, Friends and Neighbors that it seems are always thinking of the welfare of our Family.  As parents, Mandi and I are forever greatful for the good influences of all who keep an eye on each of our kids at school, church, and when we are not able to have that watchful parents eye on them.  We have learned the true meaning that it takes a community to raise a child.  One of the more referenced scriptures in the Book of Mormon found in Mosiah chapter 2 VS 17 reads "And belold, I tell you these things that he may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the sevice of your God.  At times like these we are recognizing the reality and meaning of this scripture.  We are hoping that when all is said and done that we will have done what we said we would do.

Love,
The J&M Poulsen's