Thanks & A New Angel

Shayla with Christi's cat, Buckeye. She dressed her in a build-a-bear outfit.
PICTURE: Shayla put Christi's build-a-bear wig on Buttercup and Buttercup could have cared less! Shayla snapped this photo.

Thanks so much for your concern about my “stomach issue”. I really appreciate your thoughtful emails and postings!! I did return to my doctor and he still believes it is “gastritis” which is an irritation and thinning of my stomach lining. He said it is caused by an increase in stomach acid, produced more as we age (I am 40 now.) and while under stress. The “attacks” have occurred after eating rich, fatty foods (Chinese food, ice cream, mashed potatoes & gravy, diet Coke, brownies, and chicken nuggets). He put me in Nexium and I’m going to continue to try to avoid those foods. Even though the lady on our living room floor does not look a thing like the beautiful woman in perfect positions on my DVD, I also started doing Pilates as I know I must exercise. I hope it helps!! I really don’t like being on medication, but I do hope I feel better soon. Thanks again for your wonderful suggestions and thoughts!

Although I knew one day this news would come, it is still with terrible sadness I share the news of Harrison’s death, just a couple of weeks shy of his 9th birthday. Harrison and Christi were diagnosed within months of each other and on many of the same trials together at MSKCC. He fought for an amazing 5 ¾ years – wow!! His mother and grandparents are the best! I remember one time speaking with Harrison’s grandmother and telling her how nice of her to come to the hospital with Gina and Harrison each day and she said, “How could I go off and enjoy retirement while Harrison is treating for cancer?” As I spent much of Monday crying my eyes out as I cleaned out Christi’s closet, I know none of their lives will ever be the same. Run, Harrison, run and never look back!!