Lunch break

I had lunch today with Amber and Ellie before my radiation treatment.  Do I look radiant?  If so, it's not from the rays of a machine, but from spending time with sweet little Ellie.  Her smile is contagious.

Rain drops on roses.....

.......A few of my favorite things, Abigail and my hat!!  I love Hunter and Ellie also, just need some pics with my other babies.

Our newest addition

I have the greatest husband in the world.  He surprised me in April with a Maltipoo.  He was only 2 lbs and isn't much bigger still.  We named him Kimmo, it has a duel meaning.  After the hockey player and of course to remember the period of time I was going through Chemo.  Thanks baby, for giving me everything.

I have recieved  visits, e-mails, gifts like this one and over 155 cards. I could not have imagined how truly blessed I am to have so many friends and family that care about me. God has given me much peace and comfort through this trial.

Radiation

Dear friends and family,
     For all of you who have been reading my blog, you will notice that I have not posted in a while.  As they say,"No news is good news", right?  Things are moving  forward nicely. I had a few weeks where my breathing was not good and I feared my asthma or something else was going on.  Normally, I would treat myself, (for asthma) and think nothing about it.  Now, I am a little more cautious and take my health a bit more seriously.  So I made an appointment with my pulmonologist who told me that my asthma was again acting up, but in a different way.  I was glad that no fluid had gathered around my heart or lungs, which was her first concern, a possible side effect from chemo.  Back on prednisone and an inhaler to get things back under control. 
     I started radiation on Aug 1st and will continue for 6 weeks everyday.  My radiation oncologist explained the process of how the radiation works.  It really is quite the process to have everything be so precise.  The medical field has always intrigued me, so I ask many questions.  So far, so good.  I feel my ribs getting a little sore, but once you've gone through chemo, nothing else compares.
     My hats are still my closest friends!!  Wigs are nice, but too hot. My hair is growing back, but at a slow rate.  I look at our latest family picture and still morn my long color treated hair.  Oh well, nothing that 3 years can't correct.
     Many of you have told me that its hard to post a comment on the blog. I appreciate you taking the time to read about me, and I love hearing from you.  If you would like to comment, you can use my e-mail at uptownweddings@gmail.com.  In the meantime,  I'll  work on getting those pictures loaded.  Where's my kids when I need them? ha They know mom's not the greatest at computer technology!!

Change of pace

I have to admit that I am quite excited about our upcoming trip to Las Vegas! NO, not to gamble but to watch Caleb as he shows off his talents to scouts who are coming in from all parts of the country.  Caleb is now at the age where he has to prove himself in this area, or its off to other things.  As for me, I am looking forward to a change of scenery.  Since Feb, our lives have been dictated by Dr.s visits, test, port draws,operations, chemo,and side effects.  So imagine my response when Bob asked if I wanted to go.  After checking with all Dr.s and carefully packing my medical portfolio, my answer was a hearty, AMEN!  It will be a nice diversion since my last chemo appt. is on Thursday.  We won't be getting in until Wednesday night so I'm sure I'll be tired, but I usually sleep after chemo anyway.  I am scheduled to begin radiation treatments on July 18th.  I wanted to keep the ball rolling to get this over with and resume a normal life again.  I realize that I will always be at risk, and have to keep in touch with Dr.s on  regular basis, but I am looking forward to the day when I have the energy back that I once had.  Lets hope I can keep up with the pace these next few days in Vegas, if not, I guess the view from the room will have to do!

Chemo, Round 3

I met with Dr. Meng on Tuesday 6-7 to discuss upcoming chemo and also to discuss the massive amount of blood work they did while I was in the hospital. Most was within normal limits, but there was a real concern for 2 of the test. I don't have all the specifics, but to keep it in Layman's terms, I am at an increased for a heart attack and stroke.  My blood tends to clot too quickly making it possible clots to stick to the arteries and veins.  She has repeated some test and added additional ones which I have not received back yet.  She has advised me to take an aspirin everyday and to add an organic potion that will help, I'm guessing to help thin the blood naturally. We then moved on to the horrible sides effects that have been happening with the chemo.  She decided to move my date from Thursday, back one day and add 2 days of extra fluids.  It seems the chemo really dehydrates me quickly, and makes it harder for the organs to function.  So I spent 8 1/2 hours at the center on Wed, and then 4 hours on Thurs and now back today from 6-10 to do the same.  I only felt drugged on Thursday, and tired yesterday, but it seems to be working, because I feel OK so far.  Tonight and tomorrow real be the true test.  That's when the lovely Nuelasta shot kicks in.  Thanks for reading.