Chemo #3

Today was chemo number three. As usual, I am feeling just fine this evening. My pattern in the past has been an achy back on Tuesday late afternoon, joined by achy hips & legs Wednesday evening and all out neuropathy and body aches on Thursday and Friday - along with heart palpitations, a bit of nausea and loss of appetite. Oh - and don't forget my wonderful friend the big C (constipation - I know, I know - TOO much information). Time will tell if my side effects 'trend' will continue.

Greg stopped by to do a couple loads of wash while he was on his way to Steve O's to do some yard work. Greg's plan to work at Interior Construction as a laborer was squelched when his summer classes coincided with Interior's work hours. Now he is scrambling to get employed and Steve offered part time employment mowing and helping with landscaping. It looks like he will do two or three part time jobs in order to make some bucks this summer.

When I said that Matt and Courtney were going to Rochester this weekend, I was mistaken. That trip is next weekend. This last weekend Courtney's parents, Faith and Tracy, came from Rochester to visit them in Des Moines. Courtney and Matt have narrowed their wedding date down to a couple of summer weekends in '08, and will let church and hall availability pick the actual date. Matt will visit William and Mitchell Law College in St. Paul, MN, this Friday. I now know that his area of study is called 'intellectual properties' instead of patent law - although they are, I think, one in the same. The first title sounds so high falutin!

I am praying for the possibility of less side effects, no heart palpitations and quick recover. Thank you for your prayer petitions - I can feel them every day.

Hi

Today was an uneventful day. Went to church, shopped for shoes for Mark, took a little nap and played mahjong on my laptop. I am saving up my energy for tomorrow's chemo - plus a lazy day now and then is good for the soul.
I am waiting to call Matt. Courtney's parents were going to be visiting this weekend and rumor has it they may be discussing a date for their wedding next summer.
Spoke with Greg this afternoon and he survived his 21st birthday party. Thank you, Lord!
Chemo #3 is tomorrow!
Have a great week!

Sunny Saturday

It is another beautiful day in Omaha. We have the windows open and the sun is shining.

Greg's birthday celebration last night was fun. We went to Old Chicago and started with their Italian nachos - which you should try if you have never had them - they are yummy. We ordered three pizzas for 5 people, which was way more than we needed, but it allowed Greg and Jaime (Greg's girlfriend) to take home left overs to enjoy over the weekend. I am angry at myself, as I intended to take along a camera to take a picture of his first legal beer - but remembering my camera has never been my strong point - and remembering to snap photos when I have my camera is not a strong point either. I somehow missed that gene - I think that my brother Al got all of that trait. Good thing, or the Anderson clan wouldn't have any pictures commemorating the holidays we share. But I digress... Greg's friend party is tonight and he and 100 or so 'close friends' are meeting down at the Old Market (a quaint shopping area) for a bar crawl. I would suggest avoiding that area tonight if you can. Jaime isn't 21 yet, so she is dropping him off in the Market and then picking him up at the end of the night. We are very grateful for this! Our Goddaughters, Courtney and Kaitlin (OK, Kaitlin isn't officially our Goddaughter, but we still refer to her that way as it feels like she is a daughter) are going to his party, so we have asked that they keep an eye on him and not let him do anything unseemly or downright stupid. Greg figured out a way to get around not having an up to date drivers license - he is using his passport. Sigh. Greg has always been a level headed, mature young man - guess we just have to hope that trend continues tonight.

I received very sad news today that my friend Diane Muir's father was killed in a fishing boat accident in Webster City, Ia. Her uncle was also killed in this accident. Prayers for her family as they deal with this tragedy.

My next chemo is this Monday around 1:45. Prayers and good thoughts are welcome!

OK Appointment

My pulmonologist appointment was OK. Not the big 'Yippeeee!' I was hoping for, but OK. My residual pleural effusion hasn't gotten much better, but it also hasn't gotten worse. He gave me my first breathing test, which showed my air exchange was about half of what it should be - due to the pleural effusion - so that is why I am short of breath. The good news is, I feel good, my strength is returning, the pulsometer shows I am in the normal range and my doc said the pleural effusion would eventually go away. I sure hope he is right!

I delivered the tshirts to the different schools and spent a little time visiting with my coworkers during their lunch. I picked up Greg's cake and went to the docs. In all, a good day.

Greg was disappointed as he wanted to get his new '21' year old drivers license today, but since it is Arbor Day the DMV was closed. For Arbor Day? Sheese! Anyway, he is worried about getting into bars when he goes out with his friends tomorrow night. Hopefully the bouncers will take pity on him and let him in - it will only be expired by one day. We are heading to Old Chicago tonight to celebrate his big day. Should be fun!

I have had a productive, but uneventful day. I think I have all the t-shirts from Special Friends Prom figured out. Many people left without theirs and we want to be sure to get them to our volunteers. I spent part of yesterday and this morning contacting people and getting them organized. I will deliver them tomorrow to the different schools.

Tonight I took dinner over to a friend's house, so went to the store this afternoon (since I hadn't figured out all my menu until lunch time). Then I spent my afternoon pretending to be Rachel Ray - chopping and dicing, mixing and baking. My house smelled divine - YUM!

I also took Oreo, our cat , to the vet today for her yearly shot. She is a real 'scaredy cat' and tickled me when she tried to hide behind a Kleenex box on the counter in the exam room. I finally put her travel box on the counter so she could hunker down in it until the vet came in. She was VERY happy to get home.

Tomorrow I go to my pulmonologist. I feel like my lungs have improved, but can't be sure until I have my tests. Please say a prayer that it has continued to heal!

Cardiologist

Slaying the beast!

Went to the cardiologist this morning. Not much new there, other than she has ordered a heart monitor for a 48 hour period if I start having the weird heart palpitations like I had after my last chemo. Maybe this time my heart will behave, but I somehow doubt it. I don't have to go back to see her for two months (unless I have concerns, of course), so this is good.

Matt has been accepted into two more law schools - Creighton U in Omaha, and Drake in DesMoines. The only school he hasn't heard from is the University of NE at Lincoln. He and Courtney are going up to Minneapolis this weekend to look at William Mitchell's campus. A friend of Matt's plans on going to William Mitchell, so this might pursuade him to go there, too. They studied for and took the LSAT together.

Greg, my 'baby', turns 21 this Friday. Seems very weird. He wants to go to Old Chicago for his birthday dinner - I think because he wants to try the varied tap beers that are available there. He only has the rest of this week and next and his junior year is over! He plans on taking a class this summer, live at the fraternity and work.

My next chemo is coming up this Monday, so would again appreciate prayers that the drugs work at slaying 'the beast' while not permanently damaging my body - and that my heart is not effected this time. Your faithfulness is so appreciated!

Rainy Day

It has been raining all day. Right now it is 3:30 and it is rather dark outside. I don't think we are in any storm warnings, as I have the TV on and I haven't seen or heard anything. It was actually nice this morning, having it be so dark and gloomy, as I slept until 7:30 - which is amazing as I usually wake up between 4:30 and 5:30! This is the first day in a LONG time that I have felt really rested.

I have spent just about my whole day working on either my old computer or my new one. Between trying to set up the new one and looking for hotel accommodations for a couple of trips this summer, the day has frittered away.

Tomorrow I go to my cardiologists. I am hoping she doesn't send me for an ecco cardiogram again, but I am expecting it since I am sure my electrocardiogram will be abnormal, due to my chemo. I suppose it is better to be overly cautious.

While I know I have a different blog for my prayer list, I would appreciate prayers for two people who are are having a rough time. My friend, coworker, and fellow church member, Patty, discovered last week that her metastatic colon cancer has spread pretty extensively and her doctor does not paint a very optimistic picture for her future. My online friend, Stephanie, who is dealing with a particularly aggressive form of metastatic breast cancer is suspected to have had a stroke over the weekend. I appreciate your faithful prayers for me and ask for them to be included at this trying time in their lives.

I have said it before, but it bears repeating... Live life to the fullest - and treasure each day.

A few more pics.....

Carol, Jacque & Sharon at the Jazz brunch
Mark & Jacque

My blood work all came back in normal range (for having chemo) this morning, so that is great. My next chemo is a week from today. I am feeling well today - albeit a little tired from my weekend. A short nap after lunch took care of that. I have finally been approved for cardiac rehab, so I plan on starting this the week after next - once I am recovered from chemo. While my strength is getting better all the time, I will appreciate being told what is acceptable and what is not in the area of exercise. I am a little leery since my heart sometimes acts up.

After my lab work I spent the morning taking gift bags (containing tshirts and picture frames) to the different schools that students forgot to pick up at the Special Friends Prom. At Millard North High School one of the paras came to my car to pick up the sacks and told me that a couple of the general ed mentors, that happened to be twin sisters, hadn't picked up their t-shirts at prom. I gave her these student's shirts just as two girls were walking by, returning from lunch. Noticing they looked an awful lot alike, I asked their names (the para didn't know these particular mentors). Guess what? They were the mentors whose tshirts I was delivering - weird don't you think? Millard North has over 2,000 students and they just happened to walk by while I was delivering their shirts.

I purchased a new laptop this afternoon to replace the school's, which I have to return pretty soon. I am sure it will take me a few days to get everything transferred over and to get use to the new look on the screen and the feel of the keyboard.

If you would go to KETV you can see this station's coverage of the prom. It was a nice story - so hope you enjoy it.

What A Weekend!

Special Friends Prom 2007

Jacque, Sharon, Carol

My wonderful subs - Kathy (Dec. - March) &

Timmaree (March to present)

A group ofmy students and student aid (in black shirt)

Sharon - shaking a leg

Conga!

Macarena!

What a weekend! Carol and Sharon arrived Saturday afternoon/evening and we hosted a barbeque with two other couples, Karen and Dale, and Jackie and Dave – who were members of our card group from our distant past (I was going to say back in the dark ages – but didn’t want to offend any of our friends J). Saturday we went through my closet of ‘party clothes’ to decide what I should wear and to find something for Carol to wear to the Special Friends Prom. The three of us were in Sharon’s bedroom in our underwear as we tried on different outfits and we laughed about how things haven’t changed after 30 years.

After trying on clothes we headed to Village Point to have lunch at Mimi’s and to do a little shopping. While the ladies continued their shopping I headed off to my coworker, Michelle’s, bridal shower. It was so nice to see so many of the people I have spent my life with the past 11 years. Michelle received many beautiful presents and all the gals who put on the shower did a marvelous job.

After the shower I headed home to try to get a little rest before the prom. A phone call from one of the Prom’s student coordinators concerning who was going to pick up the flowers from the florist (that closed in 10 minutes) prompted a flurry of phone calls - but of course, no one seemed to have on their cell phone – so Mark graciously ran to pick them up (and the clerk kindly said she would wait for him).

At the appointed time Sharon, Carol and I were dressed and ready for the prom. Sharon laughed as she had not attended her high school prom so this was the first one she had ever attended. The theme this year was ‘Hollywood Premiere’ so we walked into the event on a red carpet. The place was decorated with movie posters and paraphernalia and had HOLLYWOOD in large letters across the stage. The students and mentors, as always, had a wonderful time and for once we didn’t have any ‘incidents’ that were cause for concern (examples: student running away, seizures, vomiting, over heating, etc.). Some unexpected monetary donations came in during the event, which made our evening even sweeter (Special Friends Prom is totally funded through donations). Two local TV stations even covered the event! Carol and Sharon helped man the check in table and were extremely helpful the whole evening. They even spent quite a bit of time ‘cutting a rug’ with the students! The pictures I posted today were taken by Carol.

Today Mark and I took Sharon and Carol to the Prestige for the Jazz brunch. We were disappointed that there was no live music today (they did have jazz playing over the sound system), and the food was OK, though not as tasty as I had hoped. But it was still an enjoyable meal and Mark was a good sport listening to all the ‘girl talk’.

The ladies left around noon – Sharon to catch her plane to Denver and Carol driving back to Topeka – and I headed for the Unlimited Possibilities Board luncheon. The Special Friends Prom co-founders hosted this as in appreciation for the boards work this year. They served a great tomato and cream pasta meal and we all relived the previous evening’s prom. We agreed it was a success and had run, for the most part, smoothly.

I had intended to go to my former student’s Eagle Scouts award ceremony, but when I climbed in the car after the luncheon my body said I had hit my limit, so I came home. I think I have pushed my body enough for one weekend.

Tomorrow I go in for tests to check my blood counts. I pray that they will still be within acceptable ranges and I won’t need any assistance in the way of shots to bring the counts up! I am so grateful that I had the energy to enjoy my fun weekend with my long time friends.

Friday!

Friday is here and I am puttering around getting things done for my 'big weekend'. I am feeling pretty good and hopeful that this will continue as the weekend progresses! Talking with my friend, Carol, this morning I realized how much better I feel this weekend compared to when she was here a month ago. This kind or revelation helps me realize that progress is being made.

To add to my weekend's 'fullness' I have been invited to one of my past student's Eagle Scout awards ceremony Sunday afternoon. I am already attending a luncheon, but if I get done there in time, and have the energy, I hope to swing by for his reception. This young man was in my class just his freshman year (I usually had students all four years they were in high school). I really liked the guy, even though he didn't belong in my class (he was WAY too advanced scholastically), but because of some behavior issues they tossed him into my mix. We had our moments over his year with me, and we did butt heads now and then, but man could I see potential there! He is now a senior and his mom thought to invite me to his ceremony. Her kind email brought tears to my eyes.

I won't blog again until Sunday or Monday, but I hope to have some fun pictures to post! Have a great weekend!

Grrrrrr!

Yesterday I was feeling SO good - I even told Donna at lunch that I really felt like I had turned a corner with my heart flip flops. In the afternoon I got brave and decided to try a piece of chocolate. I had ONE Milky Way Easter egg - which is about the size of a fun bar. At suppertime I felt nausea - which passed with eating a little supper. At bedtime my heart started racing, my blood pressure sky rocketed and I went into A Fib. Sigh. I had to take two of my recovery pills and an extra blood pressure pill to get it to calm down. OK, it might not have been the chocolate - but I haven't had the racing heart for quite awhile. Everything is fine today, but grrrrrr!
I have spent the day rearranging tables in my great room. I bought a little accent table at NE Furn. Mart yesterday, and wouldn't you know, it had to be put together. I tried, but Mark ended up having to do it - it had very minimal directions and was very confusing. I had asked the sales person if it needed to be assembled and he said no. When the warehouse brought it out in a box I said 'I was told I wouldn't have to assemble this' to which the warehouse worker said 'Doesn't surprise me - those sales people will tell you anything to get you to buy it'. Another growl.
I didn't like the table in the spot I was thinking, but after rearranging all the other tables and trunk I am satisfied. Now I have to move the new picture over the couch that Matt put up for me one weekend not long ago. Oh well.
I started riding my stationary bike today. My pulmonologist wanted me to start this long ago, but my cardiologist kept telling me to wait. Then I had treatment so haven't quite felt up to it. I will try to ride it every day (unless it is an extremely busy day like Saturday) to see if I can improve my breathing, strength and stamina.

Lunch time!

It is so nice to feel stronger each day. I met my friend, Donna, for lunch, went shopping for a bit at Younkers (exchanged a hat - found a cute one)and then walked all over Nebraska Furniture Mart looking at accent tables. I feel great - just a little tired - so it looks like I am rebounding quickly. A funny - I wore my wig to lunch, but then decided I needed to have it off to try on hats, so I brought along a scarf. I sat in the parking lot at Younkers - looked around then whipped off the wig and quickly tied the scarf on. I don't know if anyone saw, but it made me giggle.
The weather is gorgeous - almost hot! Enjoy the day!

Party Time!

I took a cake and pop to school this morning to celebrate my birthday (a little late) with my students and coworkers. It was so great seeing everyone! I spent a little time cleaning out my desk and visiting with Melanie and Pattie. I do miss my coworkers! I also spent time visiting with Timmarie - my wonderful sub - who has done such a nice job that I haven't had to worry one bit about my class. I have been so blessed this way!

Being at school certainly brings home the tragedy at Virginia Tech. This type of horror is never far from the minds of professionals in education. I know we all have ran scenarios through our heads about 'what if'. I pray that none of us will ever have to put these considerations into action.

When I got home 'The Maids' were here going to town cleaning up the house. This has been such a nice gift - thanks again!

I am feeling stronger each day and am hopeful that I will have the stamina needed to enjoy my weekend. While a little nap sounds good, I am off to get some milk and maybe force myself to Hobby Lobby. I know that sounds weird coming from me - who would think that sitting in a chair could win out over a shopping trip? ;-D

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~My new wig! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today the temps are in the upper 70's! I think spring is here!

Today I am feeling even better - although I am still working on gaining my stamina. My mind knows what I want to do, but my body says 'maybe not'. I went to my blood lab appointment and all my numbers are still in what they consider acceptable range. I had thought I would go to a few stores after my appointment, but I decided to go home instead. My heart has calmed down considerably today, for which I am very thankful!

This afternoon Pastor Doug came over. We had a nice visit and as always he said a lovely prayer.

Carolyn and I went to Sam's Club so I could pick up a cake to take to school tomorrow. I wasn't able to take a treat on my birthday since that was one of my 'down' days so we will celebrate tomorrow. It will be nice to see the students and staff - and to talk with them about Special Friends Prom, which is this weekend!

I have a busy weekend coming up, so I am hoping that I remain healthy and continue to gain stamina this week. My friends Carol, from Topeka, and Sharon, from Denver, will be visiting. We are having friends over from 'the old days' on Friday night and then going to Special Friends on Saturday night. I also have a wedding shower on Saturday afternoon and a luncheon on Sunday. Whew! You can see why I want my stamina back!

Take care everyone!

Spring Has Arrived

It is a lovely day outside. The sun is shining and I think it is in the 60's today!
We went out to dinner with our friends last night and had a great time. Bonefish had excellent food (I had the halibut with a mango salsa) and the service was wonderful. I was tired by the end of the evening, but it was a good tired.
Today I am a bit under the weather. Chemo has an effect on the digestive system which can cause many different 'problems' of either rapid elimination or very slow elimination (if you get my drift). Without going into details, I started out with one of these problems which now looks like it is switching to the other problem. Nothing horrible - I just don't feel as well as I would like. I had hoped to go to church this morning as the adult choir was performing their cantata, but knew that wouldn't be a wise idea.
I hope to head to the store this afternoon, to get out of the house to enjoy this weather as well as restock our larder, IF my tummy will allow it.

A Better Day

What a difference a day makes! I am feeling much better - my legs and hips are just a little achy - and my upset stomach is gone. My heart is still tap dancing, and since I didn't ever hear back from my cardiologist's office I guess I just assume I am OK in that department. I have to say, of all my docs, this one's office is the worst at getting back in a timely manner. You would think people involved in the 'affairs of the heart' would be the most proactive!
Tonight we plan on going out with our friends the Brabecs and O'Connors to Bonefish - a newer restaurant at Regency Court. I have heard it is excellent, so am looking forward to a wonderful meal as well as great company.

Day Five of Treatment

Today I am still not feeling very well. I did not sleep well last night due to the joint and muscle pains in my hips and legs and the pain pills didn't seem to do much. Today my stomach is a bit 'off' and I just don't feel well in general. My heart is still flip flopping around, so I am just laying low today. Tomorrow WILL be a better day! :-)

Short Post Today

While I am not as achy as I was after my last treatment, I am still not feeling the best today. I am tired, cold and achy and just don't feel 'right'. I still feel SO much better than I did four years ago during treatment - for which I am certainly thankful. My heart also keeps skipping around - I am sure not liking the chemicals I willingly have coursing through my body. So today is a lay low day. My friend, Diane, stopped by today to drop off gifts (it is my birthday today) and I have had two beautiful bouquets delivered - one from my husband and one from my classroom coworkers. Such day brighteners! If I follow the same path as my treatment three weeks ago, tomorrow should be a better day. Here is to better days!

Unlimited Possibilites

Co-Founders of Special Friends Prom: Kelsie and Katie

at last year's prom

2006 theme was Hawaiian Paradise
Some chose to dress Hawaiian
Everyone had a wonderful time.....

I made it to my board meeting last night, so had a list of things to do this morning. I spent time on the phone and my computer wrapping up some loose ends. The board I sit on - Unlimited Possibilities Inc (UP) - is an organization that provides social activities for Millard High School and Young Adult Program students with special needs. It began seven years ago when two young ladies were called (and I mean that in the true sense) to host a prom especially for these kids - and called it Special Friends Prom (SFP). It was an amazing, magical event. SFP continued on each year, but the co-founding girls realized, since they were seniors the year they started it and were both out of state for college, that they needed help, so started the UP board four years ago. I was happy to be asked to join. I became the student coordinator's sponsor as well as a board member. This year, because of my cancer diagnosis I had to step down in December and allow the other board members to take over my responsibilities. If you know me at all - you know this was hard for me to do. I like things 'just so' and pride myself on my organizational skills. But the board has done a fine job, as have the four student coordinators (general education students that do the planning and fund raising for the event each year). UP also hosts a Fall Dance for the students. Both events are fun and the students have such a great time. This year the Prom is on Saturday, April 21st. The events are always free for the students and countless Millard staff volunteer their time to make sure the students have a great time. 30 to 40 general education students are invited to ensure the special needs students have the time of their life. It truly is a magical evening. Students are given t-shirts, a professional picture, picture frame, and there is lots and lots of food. We rely totally on donations, so if you belong to an organization that is looking for a philanthropy project, please consider Unlimited Possibilities!

I am feeling rather achy this afternoon. I knew my feeling so well was going to be short lived. My only outing today was a quick trip to the grocery store and that is where I felt my hips and knees start to complain. At least this time I have pain pills if it gets too bad - so far Tylenol has helped. But at least I haven't been nauseous - a real Godsend! Hopefully my achyness will only last tomorrow and some of Friday - like last time. Say a prayer and keep your fingers crossed!

Day Two

Day two post chemo has been a good one. I went to Nebraska Furniture Mart and bought a new printer, headed to the oncs for my Neulasta shot, went to Hancock Fabric and bought some fabric to make a scarf, then headed to Steinmart, Card Factory Outlet and the Dollar Tree looking for a tall gift box (to no avail). (If I feel good tomorrow I will take my friend Diane's advice and try Hobby Lobby and Gordmans.) I came home, have been trying to install the printer (again, to no avail), made supper and am now hoping the back ache I am experiencing goes away soon as I want to go to the Unlimited Possibilities Board meeting tonight. I am sure the back ache is from today's shot. It causes all kinds of body and bone aches - I was just hoping it would wait until tomorrow to kick in! My last treatment my worst days were the fourth and fifth day. We will see what happens this time. I keep praying that this time won't be so bad since I am not as weak as last time. A girl can hope!

If anyone has knowledge as to where I can get two tall hard cardboard gift boxes with lids - or just nice boxes with lids that are around 6 to 10 inches wide and 12 to 15 inches tall, please let me know. I am going to make donation boxes for an event coming up and I just think this kind of box would be ideal. If I can't find this type of box I will just use the old regular cardboard box. Too bad it isn't Christmas - they would be easy to find!

Have a nice evening!

2nd Blog Today

I am posting this 2nd blog as I found a link to my all time favorite song from one of my breast cancer on-line 'sisters' - I Can Only Imagine. I am happy I can share it it with you! I Can Only Imagine Enjoy!

Treatment Two

Treatment number two is down and it was uneventful. I even slept fine last night. My oncologist is out of town today so I saw his PA. She said that breast cancer patients are given a much lower dose of the Avastin than other cancers, so we don't have as great of side effects as other cancer treatments. She also said, if you are going to have side effects, they usually show up the second or third treatment as the chemical builds in your body. The main side effect is a bloody nose - not horrific - just in the tissue if you blow your nose. Between my allergies and the furnace being on the last week I am already having this symptom!

My red blood cells are a little low, so they will test them next week to decide if I need a shot to bring them up. Otherwise, my blood work looked fine. I go in tomorrow for the Neulasta shot - which helps my bone marrow produce white blood cells. If you remember, the last time my white blood cells remained within the normal range last time thanks to this shot.

If you have to have breast cancer mets, now is the best time in history for it. There are new treatments being added often and our prognosis is so much better than even a few years ago. My prayer is for remission until a true cure is found. But as I have said before - I will take remission!

Lovely Weekend

This was a great weekend. Matt and Courtney arrived Friday night and spent the weekend. Since we already had plans to go to Lincoln on Saturday for an Easter gathering at my brother's home, Courtney, Matt and I went ahead of the rest of our family so Courtney could look at wedding dresses. Not having daughters, getting to go with Courtney was a treat for me! The reason she wanted to look in Lincoln is because a designer she liked had just had a trunk show at the shop (Ellynnes Bridal). Courtney looked beautiful in all the dresses, but she was able to narrow it down to just two - both from the designer she liked - similar in look, yet different - if that makes sense. I am sworn to secrecy about what they look like - but that's OK - just know that which ever she picks (or even if she picks a different one) she will be lovely. She wrote the names of the dresses down and will look for these dresses up in Rochester with her mom. Matt, of course, was banished from the store, since he can't see the dress before hand, so he hung out at a coffee shop, shopped some and waited, and waited.

We went from dress shopping to lunch at Bert's. Not all family members were present, but we still had a nice time and great food. Greg's friend, Jaime, even came along - brave girl! We got back to Omaha in time to rest up a little before meeting our good friends, the O'Connor's, at Brewsky's for hamburgers. The 'kids' of our two families were pretty much raised together - so we try to get together when we can. With two of them still in college and one living in DesMoines we take advantage of these get-togethers when we can.

Today we were off to church to celebrate Easter, and then we went to the O'Connors home for a delicious meal. Jaime joined us today, too, and met The O'Connors for the first time. My kid's had been warning her about 'Uncle Steve' - but he was on his best behavior, so hopefully she won't be afraid to join us again! :-)

Tomorrow is my chemo day. I don't expect to sleep much tonight - but maybe I will surprise myself. Once I am past this one, where they are adding a chemo drug, I hope I won't be as apprehensive - the unknown is always the hardest part. Thanks for your words of encouragement and most of all for your prayers.

Good Friday

Good Friday - I have always wondered about this terminology. Maybe my friend Diane M can help me on this one? Perhaps it is 'good' because of what is to come? I have a hard time thinking about the Crucifixion of Jesus in the terms of being good. I know I have been told the history of this terminology before but I haven't retained it. I hate to watch the videos that depict the Crucifixion - I have a great imagination so don't need the visual. I remember as a child being worried that had I been alive at that time, that I might have been one of the taunting crowd. I even hate it when we do responsive readings in church and have to portray the crowd.

I am puttering around the house today, getting ready for Matt and Courtney to arrive from DesMoines. We have a busy weekend, so I am going to take a break from my blog so I can enjoy my family. Tomorrow Mark, Carolyn, Matt & Courtney, Greg & Jaime and I are heading to Lincoln to my brothers for an 'Anderson' Easter get-together. Then we will spend some time with our 'other' family - the O'Connors so the kids can see each other and we can see them. I may blog Sunday night, or I may wait until my treatment is over on Monday (my appointment with the onc's assistant is at 8:30 a.m.so my treatment will start around 9:00).

So, please remember my treatment day in your prayers and have a blessed Easter.

A Nothing Day

Today is a nothing day. Now, a nothing day is not bad. In fact, I like a nothing day now and then. A nothing day is when I have nothing I MUST do, so I can do what I want. My house was cleaned Tuesday because of our friends' generous gift of a housekeeping service, so all I have to do in that respect is do the dishes, which I have done, etc. I will go to the grocery store later, once I have my grocery list done, but...if I don't get it done today, there is always tomorrow. I have lots of little projects I could do - and I may - like finish straightening my closet (by the way, Mark was able to go to bed last night), some laundry or ironing - but again if not today....

It is amazing how quickly I have settled into being a stay at home wife. I can't say that I really like it, but it is doable. I suppose my mind is likening it to summer break right now. I am not sure when the reality will set in.

One thing I have found of interest to fill my time is an on-line breast cancer discussion board. It is an opportunity to speak with women who are also diagnosed with stage 4 mets breast cancer - and also women who are newly diagnosed with first time breast cancer. It is usually uplifting and gives me a chance to feel like I am making a difference in women's lives who are going through the same thing I am. I have laughed out loud reading it, cried and have become angry at some people's insensitivity. I am daily driven to prayer for these feisty, inspirational women as I read about their trials as they fight what we call 'the beast', and feel so much closer to God because of it.

I have to admit, I am already worrying about my chemo treatment on Monday. Today was suppose to be 'the day', but if you remember, I got it changed so I could enjoy Easter. Last night I had trouble, for just a little bit, falling asleep thinking about it, so I assume Sunday night I will not sleep much. My concerns, other than feeling yucky for a week, are with the new drug they will be adding and the heart meds that I am on which don't interact well with it. I would certainly appreciate prayers that I will do well on this new drug (as well as the others) without concern about drug interactions, that my heart will cooperate, and again, that the chemo will eradicate the cancer, but not do permanent harm to my body. You are all so appreciated!

Another Busy Day

I forgot to mention that Monday evening, after dinner, Mark hauled the two ton of rock around the house and put it on the garden area around the deck. It looks great - and Mark was a tired boy!
Last night I went to a Look Good Feel Better workshop at the store, Bravadas, where I purchased my wig (that I LOVE so much - NOT!). It is sponsored by the American Heart Association and it is very nice as you are given a lovely bag with over $250.00 worth of makeup and face care products - from cleansing to pressed powder. The ladies at the store, Sharon and Barb, volunteer their time once a month to do these workshops. So very kind of them.
My friend, Diane M. has a blog that I have listed below. She is so knowledgeable about the Bible, and this week she has been writing about holy week. She does such a beautiful job - you might enjoy reading it - and even leaving her a comment!
This morning I started organizing my closet. It was in that mid-stage between winter and spring and had become quite a mess. I was working away when my friend Carol called. We chatted on and on forever, when I got another call. I was waiting for a doc's office to call back so said goodbye to Carol, only to find the call was from my friend Sharon. She wanted to do lunch, so I took a quick shower and met her at Taste. Yum! I stopped at the grocery store on the way home, then started making ALL the phone calls I should have made earlier. It is now 5:00 and I walked into my bedroom for the first time since leaving at lunch time and saw the mess I had left on my bed from the closet. Guess I know what I will be doing tonight!

Fun day

Went to lunch today with my coworkers (former?) Melanie and Patty. It was great catching up with them! We then went to the bank and transferred our classroom account from my name to theirs. Our class has a little business where we make promo buttons for customers and make a whole 25 cents a button, but it adds up and gives our class fun extras like pizza parties or fun activities.
I spoke with my onc today about informing my cardiologist about side effects of my chemo treatments. I received a call from the card. nurse saying that my onc had contacted my card. and she wanted me to know that they would have ran the same tests regardless of this information. I said that was fine, but wanted her to be aware of the side effects (sheese). I also asked the card. nurse to see about changing my diuretic as I think it is what has been making my body think it is having multiple urinary tract infections (a possible side effect according to the internet - bladder spasms). I finally figured out that each time I took the diuretic the next few days I would have a 'bladder infection'. My cultures on the last 'infection' came back clean, so hmmmm........ I haven't heard back on that one yet.
I have heard others say that dealing with cancer is like a full time job. Seems this is sad but true. I pray for a time when I can go a few days and then a few weeks and then a few months and then maybe years when I don't have to think about all this 'stuff'.

Doctors Offices - GRRRRR

I met Mom and my brother Al today at the Med Center for Mom's appointment to see the orthopedic specialist. Her appointment was scheduled for 11:15. They arrived at 10:45 and checked in, I arrived at 11:00. We did not get taken back to the exam room until 12:15 and then didn't see the doc until 12:30. He was in the room for approximately 5 minutes. Grrrrrr. Then Mom had to have an xray and then blood work. We finally had lunch in the hospital's cafeteria at 2:00. Dependent on her test results, Mom will have her knee replacement removed this summer. If, by some miracle, the infection is gone in her knee, she will be able to immediately have the knee replaced. If the infection is still there she will have to be without her knee for two or more months while it heals and then have the knee replaced. Of course, the first scenario would be the best!
I started out with a very low grade fever that went away by mid morning. Right now it has returned - but I don't feel as bad as yesterday - just a bit tired, so hopefully whatever it is, has lost it's hold on me.
I called my cardiologist to get my blood test results and the nurse said everything was normal. Over the weekend I was reading some postings on a discussion board and came across a list of side effects for the drug Abraxane - the chemo drug they gave me last time. One of the side effects is abnormal EKG - hmmmm. I asked the nurse to let my cardiologist know this before she orders any more tests. Hopefully she will look it up on the Internet - or better yet - speak with my oncologist. I think I will call my onc and suggest he visit with her.
Matt received another law school acceptance - this time to William Mitchell School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. While not his first choice, he likes this school and would be happy there. Way to go Matt!

Palm Sunday

Today is Palm Sunday. Mark and I went to church and, as always, I enjoyed watching the children proceed in waving their palm branches.
After church Carolyn and I went to Kohl's where I found a couple more hats, then came home to find my friend Diane had come with another hat she is sharing with me!
Unfortunately, I have not felt the best today. I discovered after I came back from Kohl's that I have a low grade fever and am just plain tired. I don't know if this is because of my bladder infection, if I am coming down with something, or if my body is complaining because this was an off day for the steroids. Who knows. Whatever it is, I am just sitting under a warm blanket and praying this passes quickly.
Tomorrow I hope to meet my mom at her surgeon's appointment at the Med Center here in Omaha. She is consulting with this doc concerning her infected, broken knee replacement. She has been dealing with this for over 3 years, so prayerfully he can provide her with a solution to this problem.
Again, in honor of this Holy day I say Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest! :-)