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.
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.
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.
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.
We’ve been really holding each other tight, enjoying nice meals together outside
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
and pesto cheddar turkey burgers.
It’s fun to see his confidence grow as he tackles making simple dishes
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.
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.
Portlanders, have you been there?
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.
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.
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.
There’s that crisp dining room and stunning bar
with something gorgeous to look at in every direction.
The drinks are stellar.
And the food looks like it was designed just for Instagram
but as you can see by the menu, the ingredients are so thoughtfully combined.
And the food is so well-executed.
We had pita sandwiches with zaatar fries.
We also had eggs in a spicy tomato sauce and a grain bowl with roasted vegs.
We loved every bite and I can’t wait to return.
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.
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.
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.
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.
And on one magical afternoon at the Bins, I found a bevy of tiny vintage holiday items.
Judging by the colors and styles
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.
As you can probably tell, they’re really small — maybe three inches tall?– and a little banged up but adorable.
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.
And how’s this for my last find?
These vintage mugs were all loose in the bin and yet miraculously intact, with its obvious paper holder one bin over.
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.
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
Thanks, pal. Hope to see you soon! Lunch next week?
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!
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!
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
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
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!
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!!!
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.
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.
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!
Wow, Lisa. That is a FIND! Let’s go to the bins — it’s been too long. Sometime in next month, perhaps? XO
Yay for good news and good times!
Yes, Lori. I’m so so grateful — and just trying to brace myself for some challenging times ahead. Thanks for jumping in here!
So much love to all of you and yes, breathe deeply 😘
Love you, dear pal. MISS YOU.
Wonderful news, I am so happy for you and you family.
Thanks so much for walking this path with us and your kind words. Have a great weekend!
I am so happy for all of you! These are wonderful news. Thank you so much for sharing your life and family.
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
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!!
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?