Sunday, August 5, 2007

a note from ellen

first, i would like to thank everyone for reading about me and my battle with this disease. this weekend i was fortunate enough to have many visitors: my friends, amber, amina, angie, natalie, jen and ashley, my aunts kathy and barb, my uncle chuck, christy and annie, ryan's parents and sister jaime, todd and kylene, diane and, of course, my parents don and suzy. it was so nice to see everyone and try to get some good laughs because it is hard to stay in bed all day.

there is a very high chance that i will be able to go to the apartment tomorrow. i am really getting anxious about starting some new art projects and hope i might be able to do a few before my next round of treatment begins.

keep writing me. i love you all very much.
ellen

38 comments:

Alison said...

Ellen, its so good to hear from you. It's also exciting to hear that things are going so well. It must be all the prayers you are recieving. Keep sending us the good news. Tim and I miss you, and we send you hugs. Love you Ellen. -Alison

Anonymous said...

Ellen,

I will pray tonite esp. for your
release from the hospital. You
two are making such progress.............
Continued strength.....
Prayers,
Patty

Anonymous said...

Love you, El!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Ellen!!!

We love you too! Keep up the strong work and positive attitude and you will be better in no time!!!

xoxo,
brunner

Suzanne Bort Gray said...

So good to hear from you Ellen! Sounds like you are progressing to the point where "home" will soon be a reality, and you can do something other than take up space at the hospital.

Ryan has certainly been a dear, keeping us posted with all the developments. It's great to read that those developments have been improvements of late.

Prayers continue.
xoas

Anonymous said...

Ellen,
It was so good to hear from you and I do believe that you will be going to the apartment today. You are steadily making progress.... it will continue I just know it.
Sounds as though your appetite is starting to come back as well..hooray!!!
The prayers are coming on a continous basis..We all love you and will never stop praying!
Keep improving!
Love, Marcia

Anonymous said...

Hi El - I can not tell you how much I miss you already and I just left! I am so proud of you - you are so amazing! Continue the good eating and sitting up and you will be in that beautiful loft of yours in no time! Also, I know exactly where I want to put one of your beautiful paintings - I'll send you all of the specifics very soon and I can't wait! I am constantly praying for you!

love always, Ashley

Anonymous said...

Hi Ell!!!

Glad to hear you were able to enjoy all of your company. It sounds like each day is an improvement and that is wonderful! we love you too very much and can't wait to see you.
Kelly and Doug Dragoiu

Jo Ann said...

Hi Ellen, its so good to get the post from you, although we all love hearing from Ryan daily. Glad to know you are getting stronger, just take it one day at a time. Looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday. Take care of yourself.
Love you both,
Jo Ann

Anonymous said...

Ellen! It is so good to hear from you. Ryan has written so beautifully about this ordeal, representing you well and expressing the anguish so eloquently, but it is a treat to hear your "voice." I hope you do get to go to the apartment today and can soak up some non-hospital ambiance! We miss you here and look forward to each accomplishment you achieve against this miserable disease.

Jan K.

Anonymous said...

Hi Ellen: It was so good to hear from you and to know that you are up and about a bit. Many prayers as usual and....yes... an emphasis on your being able to leave and go home for awhile. You are a trooper. I'll bet the shower felt heavenly. Ryan has done such a fabulous job keeping us all informed. He is so amazing. Thanks Ryan. It means so much to all of us that want to know a daily progress on Ellen. I hope by now you are out of there and enjoying some private time together doing what you want to do. Love ya. Cathy

Anonymous said...

I am sure the visits and laughter with friends and family will give you strength and healing. Keep up the good fight!

Still praying,
Meg Laubacher

Anonymous said...

Now you know we love Ryan, and appreciate his updates on the blog, but it sure is great to see a post from you!! And all positive, too. You must know we miss you, and are impatiently awaiting your return. In the meantime, enjoy your loft and your time away from the hospital. (You can keep Don for a couple more day, if you want!!!!) Our prayers continue to be for your full recovery.
Love,
The GDK Gang

Jen Sedlak said...

Ellen,
More good news! I can't wait to hear what the doctor says today, and praying that you can leave soon. This weekend just reminded me of how strong you are. Keep fighting-we are all with you.

And boy Ellen-you found the absolute best with Ryan! I don't even no how to put it in words.

Sending engery and love your way once again from home-Jen
I am picking up my wristband later today!

Elly Chain said...

Hi Ellen! So good to hear your comments on the blog. Sounds like you're doing so much better. Hope you're reading this at the apartment! Stay positive and know we're all thinking of you and your family. Give your Mom a hug from me! My neice's husband is a resident at Duke and they stopped in to see you last week but you were sleeping. I think they talked to Ryan. So - keep up the good progress reports and know the prayers are working. Love, Elly Chain

Anonymous said...

Hey "E",
Keep fighting! We miss you and want you back here at good old GDK.....Hilary's not as funny since you've been gone!Keep eating the Frosties and Fries, my type of diet...we're hoping for more good news. Ryan, thanks for all your updates!
We love you,
Rich

Jen Sedlak said...

Know-not no! I think I need Natalie's spelling book!

(Had to correct it or it would be bothering me)
Jen

Anonymous said...

Thinking of all of you and praying each day. I hope when you read this you are doing it at the apartment and able to enjoy some time away from the hospital. God knows you deserve a break.
Give your mom a hug for me also.
Linda Oleyar

Anonymous said...

Ellen ~ I have not been on your blog for a few days b/c I am traveling for work. So, when I got on today, of course I read every single update! :) Girl, good news is just all over!!!! :) From the Wendy’s fries and frosty (yum!), to all your visitors, to the decrease kidney thingy...the list goes on and on!!!!!! You are a little doll face and I love ya.

Thinking of you every single day,
Katie Mish-the-dish :)

PS - Ryan, if Mikey is half as good to me as you are to your wife, that is all I need in life. You are amazing as well! What a great team you two make.

XOXO

Anonymous said...

hi ellen!
so glad to hear you are headed "home" today!!! i am praying that the good news will keep coming daily. see you soon!
~hugs~
Hilary

Anonymous said...

Yayy, you're finally able to go back to the loft. What a relief that must be!
Hang in there! You're doing awesome. I was sad to leave, but still think about you guys every second. I'll be back again.
Get some rest! Love you both lots,
Jaime

Dave and Kris Wells said...

Hi Ellen and Ryan,

Hopefully you are reading this from your apartment today :) Looks like some of our thousands of prayers are being answered - what great news!!! We are continuing to think of you both and your family daily, and will continue to keep you all in our prayers. Keep getting better every day :)

Love, Dave and Kris Wells

Anonymous said...

Ellen, I am so encouraged to hear things are doing better. Jen told me about her visit down there. She said how great it was to see you. I wish I could be there too, but I am , in spirit. Thinking of you always,Love, Kathy Yaros

tiffbecken said...

We all love you too!! SO MUCH! It seems like all of our prayers for you are being heard.
Keep sending us good news and we will keep praying as hard as we can:)
I am so happy to see you are feeling well enough to write in the blog on your own. It was a pleasure to log on today and see your words.
You truly are an inspiration!
Love you!!

Anonymous said...

Ellen,

It is great hearing from you. I hope you get released today as I look forward to hearing more good news.

Love and Prayers,
Krickett and Dave

Anonymous said...

I am so happy to hear that you have been receiving good news- I can't even imagine how badly you need it right now! The last few postings from Ryan made my heart leap, it sounds like there are lots of reasons to celebrate right now. I will keep sending every single positive thoughts your way! Love you,
Abbey

Anonymous said...

Ellen:Glad to hear that you are improving.Want you and Ryan to know that our family misses you and sends you all our love.Keep up the good work Ryan.You are a good man.God bless you both.
joe and family

Anonymous said...

Hey Ellen and Ryan,

Ellen it was so great to see you update a message! I hope you are heading to your apartment soon. Keep fighting, you are amazing!

Love ya,
Amy

Anonymous said...

Hi Ellen!
What a great job Ryan is doing with keeping all of us up-to-date on your progress. Keep up the good work,Ellen,on getting better - the prayers, family&friends,your attitude and the krispy kremes all seem to be helping! We pray for your recovery!
Larry, Louann, Dan, Loren, Sara Smith

Anonymous said...

Dear Ryan and Ellen: So much to be thankful for. God is so good to us. I know many more good things are in store. As I get ready to get married on Saturday, I can only use you both as my inspiration. What an AMAZING Love you share. May you have a restful week. Much love with continuing prayers. Anna Turner soon to be Hillhouse

Anonymous said...

Hi Ellen! it is great to hear you write something! i would love to see a painting of yours! my walls in my house could use one; so if you feel in the green mood, go for it and i'll take one! :) keep me posted, and i would love to coordinate a visit. take care! all my love and prayers, morgen :)

Anonymous said...

It was so great to read your words! Ryan has done a great job keeping everyone updated but what a treat to hear from you. I hope there is some chicken soup with your name on it at the loft- you know I believe that it's a cure-all! Miss you guys-am praying for you and expecting that miracle!
Debbe

Anonymous said...

Ellen, what wonderful news and how exciting it will be to be able to enjoy a new setting and get renewed and refreshed. God is good all the time...We are leaving for Nashville tomorrow morning and will be there for a week. So I won't have access to the internet on a regular basis but Amanda has promised to call and keep me updated. Know that you and Ryan and all those taking this journey with you are continuously in our prayers.
Love to you,
coni

Anonymous said...

Ellen,
Stay strong; you are in our thoughts and prayers. Lots of Love, Your pals, Kim, Karen, Maria & Liz from FRS P.T.

Anonymous said...

Ellen,
I'm so happy to hear about your progress and that you are back "home" today. You are so amazing. I'll see you in a few days.
Love ya,
Tara

Anonymous said...

Ellen,
I am so happy that you are sitting up and getting better each day. I bet you loved having all that company this past weekend! Everyone loves you so much! Hopefully, you are reading this from your apartment but if not I am sure you will be there soon. Continue to get better Ellen. I am thinking of you! Love you!
Laura

Anonymous said...

Hello Ellen!!!

I am so glad to hear all of your progress. I am sure that you are looking forward to going "home". I just picked up my Ellen bracelet and I will wear it each and every day thinking and praying for you.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!! Stay strong and keep fighting.

With all my love and support.
Nicole Edie

Anonymous said...

Hi Ellen, What a nice surprise to see a blog from YOU! Thank you for the good news. Many things, large and small, to be thankful for. I hear the loft is quite unique and I know you will enjoy the change of scenery. Chuck and I were sitting with Bella on the balcony the other night, she sends her love, too. Hi Ryan, keep up the good work. Team Gray, I like it. Love, Aunt Connie