A bit of history
Since this blog is in the middle of the chemo we'll go ahead and provide a bit of history.
Letter #1 from January 4, 2006:
Dear family, friends and co-workers,
2005 has been quiet a year for us and it's about time to give you an update. As most of you know, we were blessed with a sweet baby boy on October 3, 2005. Today, Andryusha is 3 months old and is really amazing: he has more than doubled his weight (born at 7.2 lbs and now at 16+ lbs), has a great appetite, loves outdoors and traveling; he is very sociable and loves to cuddle up. All in all, his sweet disposition and good character enamors us all day long and we are growing more and more attached to him - we never thought parenting would be so great and that we could fall in love so very much! Since so many of you asked for pictures, here are just a few of the pearls - from the first month to 2.5 months. We promise to share more as time allows.
These are our good news. The not so good news (some of you know and some don't) is that 3 weeks after Andryusha's birth we got the biggest heart break: I was diagnosed with cancer - stage 2 Hodgkin's lymphoma cancer. The story of how it happened is long - to make it short, I noticed a swollen node while in India but doctors said it was just an inflammation that happens sometimes during pregnancy -- so not to worry much. But once we got back to U.S. and it didn't go away my midwife wanted to check it further. So from then on it's been a rough journey and hence the biggest reason for not sending any pictures or communicating much. I had a few scans, surgeries and biopsy and now I am going through chemo treatment and just completed the 2nd cycle with 4 more to go (plus radiation later on). I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason and for the best. And bad as it is, there are good things that are coming out of this as well: I never realized how many people care for me - I really didn't want to fight at first (it is so tiring to be strong all the time!) but seeing how many folks want me to stick around I could not let them down. I am now confirmed I have the greatest neighbors and amazing friends and co-workers. It is a very humbling experience to not be so independent and let people help you and I am truly thankful for it. Many of you have helped us in so many ways - with baby's milk, cute books to read at night, gorgeous crib, sweet 'get well' cards, e-mails/phone calls, and just plain food and groceries. You are all so amazing and we are so ever grateful to each and every one of you.
THANK YOU!
By the way, did you ever feel sad that Superman died? Well, let me tell you that he is very much alive and is acting under cover - being my husband :) I am amazed how he is handling me and the baby (I really don't deserve such a great man). My mom came from Moldova and has been of help as well - we will miss her cooking once she goes back home. Even the nurses at the cancer center are kind to me - they really want to make sure I am comfortable at all times and well taken care ! of. When tears come to my eyes - it is from mixed emotions of pain, sorrow and joy. I am growing up and getting wiser... So these are the greatest discoveries and confirmations for me - cancer allowed me to see the best sides of all of you. Please stay in touch and forgive if we don't reply right away. We love you all and think of all of you all the time.
Wishing you all health, love and blissful happiness in the new year and life ahead,
Natalia and the family -- RayAndNat
Letter #1 from January 4, 2006:
Dear family, friends and co-workers,
2005 has been quiet a year for us and it's about time to give you an update. As most of you know, we were blessed with a sweet baby boy on October 3, 2005. Today, Andryusha is 3 months old and is really amazing: he has more than doubled his weight (born at 7.2 lbs and now at 16+ lbs), has a great appetite, loves outdoors and traveling; he is very sociable and loves to cuddle up. All in all, his sweet disposition and good character enamors us all day long and we are growing more and more attached to him - we never thought parenting would be so great and that we could fall in love so very much! Since so many of you asked for pictures, here are just a few of the pearls - from the first month to 2.5 months. We promise to share more as time allows.
These are our good news. The not so good news (some of you know and some don't) is that 3 weeks after Andryusha's birth we got the biggest heart break: I was diagnosed with cancer - stage 2 Hodgkin's lymphoma cancer. The story of how it happened is long - to make it short, I noticed a swollen node while in India but doctors said it was just an inflammation that happens sometimes during pregnancy -- so not to worry much. But once we got back to U.S. and it didn't go away my midwife wanted to check it further. So from then on it's been a rough journey and hence the biggest reason for not sending any pictures or communicating much. I had a few scans, surgeries and biopsy and now I am going through chemo treatment and just completed the 2nd cycle with 4 more to go (plus radiation later on). I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason and for the best. And bad as it is, there are good things that are coming out of this as well: I never realized how many people care for me - I really didn't want to fight at first (it is so tiring to be strong all the time!) but seeing how many folks want me to stick around I could not let them down. I am now confirmed I have the greatest neighbors and amazing friends and co-workers. It is a very humbling experience to not be so independent and let people help you and I am truly thankful for it. Many of you have helped us in so many ways - with baby's milk, cute books to read at night, gorgeous crib, sweet 'get well' cards, e-mails/phone calls, and just plain food and groceries. You are all so amazing and we are so ever grateful to each and every one of you.
THANK YOU!
By the way, did you ever feel sad that Superman died? Well, let me tell you that he is very much alive and is acting under cover - being my husband :) I am amazed how he is handling me and the baby (I really don't deserve such a great man). My mom came from Moldova and has been of help as well - we will miss her cooking once she goes back home. Even the nurses at the cancer center are kind to me - they really want to make sure I am comfortable at all times and well taken care ! of. When tears come to my eyes - it is from mixed emotions of pain, sorrow and joy. I am growing up and getting wiser... So these are the greatest discoveries and confirmations for me - cancer allowed me to see the best sides of all of you. Please stay in touch and forgive if we don't reply right away. We love you all and think of all of you all the time.
Wishing you all health, love and blissful happiness in the new year and life ahead,
Natalia and the family -- RayAndNat
posted by Natalia @ 10:30 PM
2 Comments:
At 2:03 PM,
Shiidon said…
Nataly! i hope you are happy.
i just arrived in Haifa. i will start praying tonight for you and your family.
i will be praying in the Shrine tomorrow and each day for you.
my love to you, Raymond and Andrewska
At 12:53 PM,
Anonymous said…
Dear Natalie,
You are always in our thoughts and prayers. Baha'u'allah is with you. Our love to you, Raymond and Andrusha.
Love,
Tayebeh and Anvar
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