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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / HOPEFUL NEWS AND BREATHING SPACE

HOPEFUL NEWS AND BREATHING SPACE

June 11, 2019

porter walk

First things first.

This past week we learned some great news about David.

Turns out the chemo and radiation were hugely successful for David. Tests revealed recently that while cancerous cells are still found in his esophagus, the tumor looks to be largely eliminated, leaving mostly ulcerative tissue and burns in its place.

Only one-fifth of patients who’ve had the same treatments experience this (they call it a total pathological response), and the fact that the treatments were able to push back the tumor so decisively greatly enhances David’s chances to survive this cancer in the long term.

Here he is celebrating with Oliver and Daniel, his wonderful first son who’s an EMT with the SFFD.

Oliver, David and Daniel

David still needs to undergo this perilous and drastic surgery mid July but we really couldn’t have asked for better news right now.

Yes, he’s still in pain and developed a new hernia which will involve yet another surgery (later, though) but so far he’s maintaining his weight (thanks to my killer Haagen-Dazs milkshakes) and he’s feeling a little stronger and less foggy with each day (plus he kept his hair!).

We feel so lucky.

Lucky Lady bug

One of the best things about this news — other than the obvious of improved survival rates– is the fact that we’ve all been granted a little breathing space and hope for the future.

Let me tell you, it’s been a rough couple months so to be able to smile and do normal things is such a relief.

Oliver was able to graduate without the heaviest of burdens on his shoulders.

Oliver Graduation

I know it’s so cliched but it just does not seem possible that he’s graduated already.

We all love him so much and we are going to miss him like crazy.

Charlotte and Oliver Graduation

We’ve been really holding each other tight, enjoying nice meals together outside

Graduation Dinner Glassy Baby

and we’ve talked about things other than college and cancer– our two main conversation pieces since March.

With Oliver going off into the world, I finally got him to acquiesce to a couple casual cooking classes.

It’s been fun doing something as normal as cooking together, and we’ve practiced making some of his favorite snacks like grilled Gouda sandwiches with tomato soup

tomato soup with grilled cheese

and pesto cheddar turkey burgers.

Oliver cooking turkey burger

It’s fun to see his confidence grow as he tackles making simple dishes

Oliver cooking burger

and I can’t wait until he feels confident to make other dishes well enough that he’ll be inspired to share them with friends or a roommate.

Pasta Carbonara, Portland

Having a break from a steady onslaught of doctor appointments (and the constant worry of imminent news) means that we’ve finally been out to eat a few meals, too.

David’s very good friends from New York, Danny and Julie, came to visit us last week and we had the most wonderful time with them catching up and enjoying a terrific spread from Pollo Bravo at Pine Street Market.

pollo bravo pdx portland

Portlanders, have you been there?

pollo bravo pdx

So many of the dishes that you love from Toro Bravo are still offered here in this affordable, delicious off-shoot — including that spectacular radicchio salad.

radicchio salad at pollo bravo

For the first time in months I’ve felt the desire to relax and the appetite to enjoy food out, so I went out with a few of my friends  for a belated birthday brunch at Tusk, too.

Goodwill Outlet Bins Vintage Portland PDX

The place is so gorgeous inside; it features an airy room with high ceilings with an adjoining luxurious covered patio.

Everything about this place is perfection.

tusk portland pdx

There’s that crisp dining room and stunning bar

tusk

with something gorgeous to look at in every direction.

Goodwill Outlet Bins Vintage Portland PDX

The drinks are stellar.

Tusk drinks Brunch Portland

tusk brunch drinks Portland

And the food looks like it was designed just for Instagram

Tusk brunch Portland

but as you can see by the menu, the ingredients are so thoughtfully combined.

Tusk brunch menu

And the food is so well-executed.

We had pita sandwiches with zaatar fries.

tusk zatar fries

We also had eggs in a spicy tomato sauce and a grain bowl with roasted vegs.

tusk grain bowl

We loved every bite and I can’t wait to return.

tusk candle bathroom

And last but not least, having a little breathing room and some worry-free hours to myself means that I’ve done indulging in another hobby.

Binning!

I’ve popped into Goodwill Outlets a few times over the last couple weeks, and while I haven’t gotten tons of new things, I’ve loved the things I’ve brought home.

There were more vintage ornaments for an upcoming Fourth of July wall.

Goodwill Outlet Bins Vintage Portland PDX

I uncovered a charming/goofy old children’s book that I’ll leave next to my hammock, if for no other reason because it’s cute and it matches the color scheme of all the things on my porch.

Goodwill Outlet Bins Vintage Portland PDX

I also found a mini-rug and a vintage quilt now used on Porter’s dog bed.

I got a pretty (if sadly, empty) Tiffany & Co. hinged box that now holds the wood cross from Notre Dame in Paris (thanks again, Hedi!) and a rosary from Stephanie.

Additionally, for two dollars and change I picked up a brand new cookbook I’d been looking at a bookstore just a few weeks ago.

Goodwill Outlet Bins Vintage Portland PDX

I wasn’t familiar with her before I stumbled upon this book but I love her easy recipes and of course the styling is right up my alley.

Goodwill Outlet Bins Vintage Portland PDX

And on one magical afternoon at the Bins, I found a bevy of tiny vintage holiday items.

Judging by the colors and styles

Goodwill Outlet Bins Vintage Portland PDX

and little tags and labels (some are ornamental and a few have a “Japan” stamp on them), I think they are all from the 1940’s-50’s.

Goodwill Outlet Bins Vintage Portland PDX

Goodwill Outlet Bins Vintage Portland PDX

Goodwill Outlet Bins Vintage Portland PDX

As you can probably tell, they’re really small — maybe three inches tall?– and a little banged up but adorable.

Goodwill Outlet Bins Vintage Portland PDX

I couldn’t believe that I was able to find all these tiny things amidst a mountain of loose items, some of it bulky and most of it really junky.

Goodwill Outlet Bins Vintage Portland PDX

And how’s this for my last find?

Goodwill Outlet Bins Vintage Portland PDX

These vintage mugs were all loose in the bin and yet miraculously intact, with its obvious paper holder one bin over.

Goodwill Outlet Bins Vintage Portland PDX

So there you have it. Graduations. Meals out. Cooking lessons. Vintage hunting. Relaxing, sort of.

Yes, we’ve got a long and perilous road ahead without guarantees but for now, there’s just good eats and a sigh of momentary relief.

Looks like the perfect time to get our summer mojo going.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

« THE WAITING GAME
ENJOYING ANOTHER PDX SUMMER »

Comments

  1. Heather C Leek says

    June 11, 2019 at 9:31 pm

    As always, I love you and your fam. I couldn’t be happier to know that David is responding well to his treatment and in turn, your family gets to breathe. #KlineStrong

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      June 11, 2019 at 9:50 pm

      Thanks, pal. Hope to see you soon! Lunch next week?

      Reply
  2. Connie says

    June 11, 2019 at 10:36 pm

    Sarah, such good news! I’ve been checking regularly, hoping for just such a post. I’m so glad you were able to celebrate your son’s graduation with a little bit less weight upon your shoulders – and I love that you and your son did some cooking together, too – so sweet!

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      June 12, 2019 at 12:34 am

      Thanks for chiming in here, Connie! I’m so touched that people are praying for us, checking in, touching base all the time. Yes, less weight on our shoulders is such a blessing. Sending you a big hug!

      Reply
  3. Leanne meyer says

    June 11, 2019 at 11:21 pm

    Such good news to hear, sarah. Take a deep
    Breath. I think I need to come binning with you one day, and go to all of the lovely eateries there. Thinking of you all
    Xxoo Leanne

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      June 12, 2019 at 12:35 am

      Leanne, thank you so much. Your last weekend in Bridgehampton looked like one for the record books. So wish we all lived closer — I have the feeling we’d be fast and furious pals (and I daydream of the day that either you bin with me or I hit the sorting area of The Rummage Room!). XOXOXOXO

      Reply
  4. Lacy says

    June 11, 2019 at 11:34 pm

    Wonderful news!!! It’s great when the skies open up and it isn’t rain but sunshine in our lives.

    Congratulations Oliver!!! You’re on your way to a new a bright adventure. All the best for your future.

    Goodness Sarah, what a fantastic Goodwill score. Those books alone were worth the trip and those Santa mugs are killer!

    Sending hugs of love to each of you & of course sweet lovable, Porter!

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      June 12, 2019 at 12:37 am

      Hey Lacy! So true about the sunshine instead of rain. Lately I’d been feeling a little like Eeyore and the bad news bringer so it’s been such a relief to leave the worry behind for a little bit and focus on living, loving, noshing. We must meet one of these days!!!

      Reply
  5. Larry says

    June 12, 2019 at 1:10 am

    It was great to see you at the H S graduation and to hear the good news amid the pre-college excitement. CLE thoughts are with you through the coming hurdles.
    Larry
    PS Bridgewater was a very good choice. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      June 12, 2019 at 3:25 pm

      Larry, thanks so much for touching base. I was so frustrated that we didn’t get a chance to chat longer! Perhaps next time you’re in town we’ll carve out time for a cocktail. You look well! Love to you both.

      Reply
  6. Lisa says

    June 12, 2019 at 1:47 am

    This is such a wonderful post to read. Congrats to everyone on their milestones.

    I love your little pine cone gnomes. I haven’t been to the bins in a bit, but the last visit resulted in an unusual (for me) find. A cordless Dyson Animal in working order! It even had some battery life left when it was wheeled onto the floor, so I was able to troubleshoot it before I bought it for $3.71. I’ve been happily vacuuming ever since!

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      June 12, 2019 at 3:24 pm

      Wow, Lisa. That is a FIND! Let’s go to the bins — it’s been too long. Sometime in next month, perhaps? XO

      Reply
  7. Lori Kaplan says

    June 12, 2019 at 2:58 am

    Yay for good news and good times!

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      June 12, 2019 at 3:26 pm

      Yes, Lori. I’m so so grateful — and just trying to brace myself for some challenging times ahead. Thanks for jumping in here!

      Reply
  8. Elona says

    June 12, 2019 at 3:40 am

    So much love to all of you and yes, breathe deeply 😘

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      June 12, 2019 at 3:27 pm

      Love you, dear pal. MISS YOU.

      Reply
  9. Lori says

    June 13, 2019 at 12:27 am

    Wonderful news, I am so happy for you and you family.

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      June 13, 2019 at 3:08 pm

      Thanks so much for walking this path with us and your kind words. Have a great weekend!

      Reply
  10. Patricia Oliveira says

    June 13, 2019 at 1:27 am

    I am so happy for all of you! These are wonderful news. Thank you so much for sharing your life and family.

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      June 13, 2019 at 3:09 pm

      Patricia, I’m so touched when I’m reminded that people I’ve never met are wishing us well and sending thoughts and prayers along. Thank you so much for tagging along on this journey and the sweet note. Big hugs, Sarah

      Reply
  11. Cynthia says

    June 14, 2019 at 5:24 am

    You my lady deserve some good news as you have shared. I have wanted to respond before, because you are such a force. Creating all those goodie bags and treats with people going through much of the same as you and your family, and you still took time to think of others. You are a giver, a sharer, always the eye on the other person; family, friends and family. Have followed your posts for as long time, and so admire you. Hope blessings continue for you and yours. Thanks for being you and Sharing!!

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      June 14, 2019 at 2:54 pm

      Cynthia, your sweet post made my morning! Thank you for all the kind words. You sound like the kind of person that realizes that givers give not because they crave accolades or attention but rather because showering love on others is what makes them feel more grounded, more grateful, more connected to their community. I bet you’re this type of person, too! Sending much love back to you, Sarah P.S. Where do you live?

      Reply
  12. Kim Castle says

    June 14, 2019 at 8:23 pm

    I’m so glad to hear that David’s responding so well! Your great luck at the Bins was more than random: it’s kharma for sure!

    Reply
  13. Kate V says

    June 14, 2019 at 8:54 pm

    Such great news! Glad you are able to breath a little and enjoy the things you love. Take an extra swing on your beautiful porch of yours for me. So happy to see David’s face in that photo with the boys- makes my heart melt. xoxo

    Reply
  14. Kathi A Lauinger says

    July 26, 2019 at 3:27 pm

    Hi Sarah,
    We met at Providence Franz Cancer Institute. You shared your yummy cookies with Mike and I.
    I was “Cook Kathi” at Hollyrood G.S., years ago. I think of you and David often, how loving and caring you were, during my Journey with Cancer. I HAVE lost my hair due to Chemo, but Life Is Good!! Cards have turned though, my husband, Mike, is at Laurelhurst Care Facility for PT, OT and Speech, he had fallen, due to Parkinsons’, and when this happens, I can’t help him, so 911 is called to assist. This happened Friday, a week ago, ER RN, worked quickly, to admit him, the following Tuesday, that changed, room became available, Monday afternoon, I packed his bag, and he will be there for 7 days. If therapy strengthens his leg muscles, they may extend it, but now looking into facility with qualified care, for I can’t take care of him, here at home. I need to take care of ME, also!!! Great to chat with you!!! Love, Kathi

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      August 4, 2019 at 3:40 pm

      Kathi, I remember you well! It sounds like you have a LOT going on, too. Here’s my email: olivebred@aol.com. Write me and maybe we can meet up or I can drop off cookies to you or Mike? I’m looking forward to hearing from you and I send you an ENORMOUS hug to you. XO, Sarah

      Reply

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