A Few Things Before We Go Cruisin'

I flew home Wednesday and had my routine scan and blood work Thursday.  I then went to MSTI Nampa to have my dressing changed and as soon as I got there the nurse asked to look at my eyes.  He had just gotten a call from Boise MSTI that my Hemoglobin was low and that I needed to have a blood transfusion.  Um no wonder I've been vomiting in dressing rooms, in the parking lot at Costco and other entities.  I finally get it, when my heart rate goes up, I get short of breath and start vomiting with even the slightest exertion it means I need a transfusion.  I'm pretty sure I had other plans for my day, actually I was going to have lunch with Alisha, but that changed rather quickly.  Instead I had a date on the 4th floor with my amazing nurses, one of which was recently diagnosed and treated for breast cancer (she actually is positive for BRCA1 and 2 which is rare) and one who took care of me when I was really sick.  I was the only one there.  It was kind of nice to have their one on one attention and to talk freely.  Every time I get blood I think about the people who took the time to donate for me.  I'm so grateful for them.  Someday I hope that I will know who they are and can thank them personally.  It is such a gift that I can't live without.

Yesterday I visited Dr. Dan and reviewed my scan.  Unfortunately there is some growth from my scan in March, especially the one on the vaginal anal wall, the mass in the upper abdomen and some new spots on the liver.  But there was also some tumors in the lungs that shrunk.  We decided that we would stay on tamoxifen and start cytoxan which is an oral chemo.  It has been quite a while since I have been on chemo.  Thankfully I won't lose my hair on this.  However, I am getting really tired of the bone pain that is caused from the tamoxifen.  My hips and thighs feel like I've been hit with a baseball bat.  Unfortunately the long acting pain medication isn't really helping my spine pain.  I feel like I'm counting down the hours until I can take my next short acting pain medication.  Of course I had to visit nurse Pat while I was there.  I will be so sad when she retires in October.  She is one of the only nurses who can actually get my port to work.

The kids came over for a little swimming today.  Unfortunately I'm not really allowed to swim with this lovely back jewelry.  I'm sure I will from time to time, but not today.  It is always fun to watch the kids swim though.

Dad and mom always want to get rid of this airplane, but I keep reminding them how much fun the kids have on it.

The rest of this evening was spent packing and getting ready for our big Alaskan Cruise.  We leave tomorrow!  I can't wait.  I've heard this is a trip of a lifetime.  I guess we shall see!

Happy Mother's Day

Words can hardly express the love I have for my mom on this Mother’s Day. 

She is extraordinary, beautiful and extremely talented. 

She has survived her parents divorce, her mother’s death in her early 20’s, raising 7 resilient children and for the past 5 years she has watched me, her oldest daughter fight a disease that she wishes she could take away every day. 

She has cried many tears with me, wiped my own tears and prayed desperately for a miracle. 

She has hardly missed a Drs appointment, chemo treatment and if I’m not with her she calls everyday to see how I’m doing. Even over the phone she can tell how I’m feeling. 

She just knows because she’s my mother. 

She has great faith in the Lord and trust in his plan. Her compassion runs deep and wide. 

She worries long into the night and early morning hours about each of her children’s well-being. 

She never forgets to tell her children and grandchildren she loves them and to wear their seatbelts. She is immaculate at ironing, can bake any delicious dessert from scratch and keeps a sparkling clean house. 

She taught me to always look my best and to freshen my lipstick often. 

She encourages me to follow my dreams even when in my eyes they seem impossible. 

She reminds me often that I can do very hard things, that we can’t go around the hard, but through it. She is the best travel partner and never says no to a new adventure. 

She is fierce and opinionated, tender and bold, loving and kind and everything I hope to be someday. Thank You doesn’t come even close to the gratitude I have for all that she has done for me over the past 41 years and even more over the past 5 years. 

I sure love you mom!

Womens Conference, SLC Friends

Tuesday morning before I headed to SLC, my friend and fellow OVC cancer fighting camp buddy came to town.  It was so fun to have her visit.  We had acai bowls on my patio and caught up before she took me to the airport. 

I am always so happy to visit SLC.  I loved living there when I was in grad school and during my undergrad.  I especially love visiting during the spring when the tulips are in bloom. 
I was picked up by Tony, who took me to his cute home and then we met Tenielle for dinner.

Wednesday I went to my PA school and visited with my one of my teachers I hadn't seen since I graduated almost 15 years ago.  It was so good to see her.  I also had lunch with a former classmate and teacher at my favorite Red Butte, where I always get their house pasta salad.  I then met up with Tanner to see his new rental house, which is interesting and small but great for the young married couple!  Tenielle also met us there.  I then picked mom up from Alisha since she had driven down with her and we all went to Tanners house to chat.   We then made our way with Kayla to my cousin Amy's where we stayed the next two days while we attended BYU Women's Conference. 

Women's Conference was outstanding as always.  It has been 6 years since I last attended.  I loved that Kayla was able to join us.  There were so many uplifting talks, which brought me a sense of comfort and peace.  It was fun to have my cousins, aunts and friends attend with us!

Friday night it took us forever to get back to SLC but we made it and met Tony, Erin and Tanner for dinner.  That night and the following night I stayed at Tenielles.  It was fun to catch up with her and have some one on one time together.  Saturday morning we all got together for pedicures; of course!

It was then off to lunch with m dear friends from PA school!  Oh, how I love and adore each of them.

From there I spent a few hours with my very dear friends Matt and Shelley!  They are such great friends and I have such special wonderful memories of when we lived in Charlotte and when I visited them in NYC.

That evening we had dinner and went to a play with our friend Tyler.

Sunday I spent the day with Tenielle and then we visited Tanner and Kayla in their new house before Tenielle took me to the airport.  So much fun in such a short time.

NOLA For Ben and Angela's Wedding

Last Wednesday at Midnight really on Thursday, I met mom in NOLA.  She has never been there, so this was fun to show her around.  I actually usually don't go there to be a tourist, but since Kirt was away on business most of the time, I decided that we would be tourists.  It was super fun, the weather was fabulous and the wedding we went there for was probably one of the best I've ever attended!

I rented a car and drove it around like I new my way around, which basically by the time I left I did!  Thursday we took in a city tour, listened to some jazz music, ate delicious beignets and walked around the French Quarter, where I sat every few minutes. 

Friday I took mom to the first restaurant I went to my first time in NOLA 15 or 16 years ago.  Camillia's Grill, which is this tiny place with the same old fashioned bar stools at the counter and the waiters wear bow ties.  We had hamburgers, french fries and talked some college guys from London, Spain and Ireland.  You never know who you will meet in NOLA.

We also found Angelo Brocato Italian ice cream and where we got the most delicious cannoli.  We really felt bad that dad and Troy and Becky didn't come with us and decided we'd take them with us next time.

Friday evening was the real event!  My cousin got married at the zoo and had his reception at the Tea Room.  It was a beautiful evening!  The ceremony was so well done, the food was top notch, the dancing was super fun and the company was fantastic.  I was so happy that Kirt was able to join us for the event!  It was seriously the best way to represent NOLA!  Ben's wife Angela is such a sweet girl and so much fun!  He was so grateful we were there and I'm so glad we went.  Such a fun memory.

Saturday they had a crawfish lunch (I didn't eat crawfish) and then we went to the St. Patricks Day parade which was crazy awesome!  Kirt spent the day with us before we headed back to the airport.  He is hilarious without trying to be.  I think I laugh more with him than anyone.  Mom and I also hit the Milk Bar before the airport for the best Chicken Satay Salad and Strawberry milkshake.  Until next time NOLA...which we are already planning in the Fall!