doghouse

Hi y'all.

Want to be part of a great ride this Spring?

In April 2007 I wrote in the Charity Section that Nebbie, my bride of 30 years, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in January and received her first treatment of chemo February 2nd. That we had 6 cycles of chemo in 4 week sets. Week 1 she would receive four medicines, weeks 2 and 3 three medicines, and week 4 only two medicines and the cycle starts anew. That after this chemo we faced a mastectomy, and perhaps more chemo, and certainly radiation. And that we were told the ultimate prognosis is totally based upon how the cancer responds to this Chemotherapy.

I said that as part of her treatment Nebbie had chosen to be part of a clinical trial because, as she put it, "Maybe something they learn from me will help someone else."

I added that we had found something that would allow me to overcome the most frustrating part of this entire process, my feeling of helplessness, having to watch from ringside as the Love of My Life fought this terrific enemy. We found something that will allow me to join the fight and also help others at the same time, the 50 mile Susan G. Komen Ride for the Cure bicycle event.

I then asked for support as I participated in this local ride in support of the Greater Nashville Affiliate of Susan G. Komen Ride for the Cure, whose promise is “to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all, and energizing science to find the cures.”

I concluded with the statement, “Above all else, we covet your prayers as we entered this new chapter in our lives.”

Well, it is now 2008 and you should be made aware of how our story has progressed. The chemo treatments performed so well that the amount of surgery needed was dramatically reduced. Wonderful folks like you gave funds in the amount of almost $7000 in the name of
“Team For Neb” to the Greater Nashville Affiliate of Susan G. Komen to continue their great work.

And, in answer to prayers, God came through! Not only were the margins clear of cancer, but also there was no cancer found in ANY of the breast or lymph tissue that was removed!

Was it all smooth sailing? No. Will the information learned from the clinical trial help someone you know and love? We certainly hope so. Were there side effects and complications? Yes. Is it over? Emotionally, I don’t know if it is ever over.

So what does all this mean? It means that we need a cure! It means that, like Komen for the Cure, “Team For Neb” is Keeping the Promise.

What promise? The promise that we made to all the patients we met in the Chemo treatment room over the last year. To the doctors and nurses who cared for us so well. To those of you who have gone, are going or will go up against this disease.

Please help us Keep the Promise. Help us help Komen to find the Cure. We need you to make a donation by visiting: www.komen-nashville.org . Under “EVENTS,” “2008 Ride for the Cure” then – click here.” Once at the Ride for the Cure home page, select "Sponsor A Participant." Enter Bill and Binkley as my First Name and Last Name respectively and then “Search.” Next, click on “Bill Binkley” and at my home page you will find a box in which you may enter a donation amount. Then just follow the instructions.

I have met several BF riders during the last year. Should you, or anyone else wish to join us for this event, feel free to register and bring your bike and helmet and come on! We’d love to see you there.

Thank you in advance for your support and continued prayers,
Bill