Now it's our turn to speak

The fact that Sue is the eldest of 5 McCormick children, (and is always the first to speak) it is our turn to write on the blog and let you know how much we care.

We will start with the youngest and move up in age. :-)

Sue,
Words can't even describe how much you amaze me. You have so much courage and optimism every day even with all you have been through. You are such a light to everyone around you, and even to people that don't know you but have heard about you. My friends, church, and I continue to pray for your healing every day. This is one of my favorite quotes: "God understands that we are not strong all the time. Sometimes all we can do is rest on His arms as He takes us through the journey of life. With Him we are safe." It is so true! I am so lucky to have you as a big sister. I love you so much Sue!

Love Always,
Tara

Hey Sue! Just want you to know how much I enjoy checking this blog. While we've had our share of news we didn't want to read, it's the anticipation of seeing fun pictures of you and reading your inspiring words that I look forward to. For example your latest entry...I wasn't expecting to see you front & center with boxing gloves on--staring right back at me on the computer screen! Instant smiles for the kids and I...thank you!

I'm reading "Heroes Among Us" by Jim Ryun & sons. I am reminded so often of you Sue as I read about these phenomenal, every day people. As the front jacket states--it's about the lives of men and women who inspire us. Their lives show us what it is to be good, to be brave, to be guided by conscience and character. They are an inspiration, whose courage shows us the way in which we should go.

I love you big sister! Hope this picture brings a smile to you...as we had so much fun in that Shakespeare Theatre shop, remember?! I'm surprised we didn't get asked to leave after trying on all of those goofy hats!

XXOO
Stacy

Sue,
You were, are and continue to be my inspiration. Thank you for reminding me how blessed we are each day. Thank you for being an example of someone who walks the talk. Thank you for reminding me that what we have is too much and giving back brings greater joy to our souls. Thank you for never taking the easy way out and addressing life head on..... Thank you for always lifting my spirits when I should be lifting you up and thank you for being my big sister.
I love you more than words can describe.

Matt


It's the small things in life that tend to make a big difference. Take for example our waking up everyday to be able to go out and do the things we would normally do in our routine lives. We don't always give thanks, or give much thought that just being able to do small things can mean so much. The past year has been difficult for Sue to say the least, for Sue just waking up knowing that this is another day, that she has defeated cancer, is a small victory. Just being able to teach, to be able to spend time with her children in the classroom is a victory. We were fortunate
this summer to have been able to spend time with Sue as we toured the Mediterranean Sea, it was a special time and a special trip to be able to see the expressions of love for family and her joys of travel. My sister Sue is a special person, she has a glow that attracts people to her, she has a zest for life and is determined to become a cancer survivor. Sue never asks for anything, always looks at the bright side, and is an inspiration to the rest of us. It's the small things that we can do to continue to help Sue fight this disease, it's the small things that add up
in the end, you're my hero Sue.


We love you,


Mike, Judith, Kelli & Michael

"Chocolate, the dog and a messenger bag"

It seems I'm always starting blog updates recently with not so great news so this time, I'm switching gears. The best part is I really don't have any bad or sad news to report and that's even better! As you can see with the pictures, I'm ready for the TKO with this cancer stuff :)

Chocolate...ladies and gentlemen, there are signs that my enjoyment of chocolate is returning. Over the past week or so, it has smelled good and I figured that was a good first step. The other night I was offered a dark chocolate covered caramel and it looked good so I decided to try it. Tasted yummy going down so I waited the usual few minutes for the taste to turn sour in my mouth as it has in past months. Nothing happened! After several minutes, I tried another and it was good too. Feeling bold, I ate a third and praises! They all tasted just fine and I enjoyed every gooey bite. I decided not to push things and kept it at three, but maybe, just maybe my road to recovery is going to be paved with dark chocolate caramels! Coffee is still off the table, but hey, I can be patient. :)

The dog....back in February Corbett was diagnosed with a level 3 (terminal) disease called mastitis, a type of internal cancer animals get. At the time, she was given roughly three months to live. Devastating news, to be sure. Well, she's outlived that original diagnosis by almost 6 months, looks fine and is acting every bit the queen of the house. A little over a week ago, she had dental surgery to remove an abcessed molar and Lynn, her vet, took chest x-rays as a precautionary measure first to be sure there wasn't something else going on in her body. No signs of tumors or the slightest indication of anything wrong. Praises! She (Lynn) thinks Corbett may have licked the original tumor into such a highly inflammatory state that there was a misread of the original biopsy. She said that if Corbett really does have level 3 mastitis it has done such a good job of hiding itself, it's virtually undetectable. So it turns out that Corbett probably isn't anywhere near as sick as we once thought and she continues to rule the roost as only a diva dog of her caliber can do.

The messenger bag....last Thursday at the start of my last social studies class of the day, a student came up to me, Connor, and said he had something for me. With kids, this could be anything from a piece of candy to a flower to a note from a parent. He then handed me a little neoprene messenger bag with a front zip and said it was for my oxygen bottle so I wouldn't have to carry it around in my hand (the carry bag provided has just a short hand strap). Clearly, this was probably his bag that he was giving to me and it touched me beyond words. This little guy is quiet and doesn't say a whole lot in class, but to realize he had been thinking about me and saw a way to make my day easier with a bag to carry the tank in has moved me more than I could ever say. I tried not to cry too much when I smiled and hugged him and thanked him and it brings tears to my eyes even as I write this. I don't know if Connor will ever realize how much his gift means to me.

The blessings in my life are so many and even as the battle continues with this cancer in my body, my spirit is alive and joyful and so grateful for what God has given, and continues to give me. This last round of chemo has been fairly mild with the side effects and I start the second round next Weds., the 14th - IV for two of the chemicals and a 48 hr. infusion pump for the third chemical. Then two weeks off (no chemo) and a scan to follow shortly after that. I still feel good - fatigue is always present but that's normal these days and I have enough energy to teach and do most anything I want to. I use the oxygen as needed, some days more than others and it's not such a big deal, just annoying to carry around. I'm experiencing a merciful reprieve from what could be very unpleasant symptoms and side effects and that is a huge praise.

Fall has come to Portland full force and the colors are gorgeous. We've had a string of sunny days that really illuminate the brilliant palette of the trees and I love it. Breezes are turning a little chillier than I like, but I have a lovely collection of hats and scarves to use.

Love and hugs to all of you,

Susan