Hard Copy Report

Received the report from my scans in the mail today. Nothing the nurse didn't convey, really, except it says no sign of abnormal abdominal glands, which I am pretty sure wasn't true the last time, so that is a good thing. It doesn't mention the spots I had previously in my lungs from four years ago that have remained stable, so am curious why they weren't mentioned, unless they were lumped in with the new spots. As Mark says, it takes someone with a medical degree to really interpret these things.

My Onc's nurse called me back finally yesterday afternoon to say Dr. Silverberg would call me on Sunday to discuss my concerns. I really do appreciate his taking the time to speak with me since he isn't even back to work, yet, and maybe it is a good thing that I will have the reports in my hands when we speak. My next treatment is Monday, so please send up prayers that the chemo kicks my cancer's behind.

Had a nice lunch today at Grandmother's restaurant with a former student of mine and her mom. Leah, the student, turns 25 tomorrow, so I got to help her celebrate her birthday! We had a lovely visit and caught up on all that has been happening to her. She is quite an accomplished piano player and played, again, this year at a national Band of Angels convention in Detroit for people with downs syndrome. She gave me a tour of her apartment in the basement of her family's home and she and her mom, Cindy, played a piano duet version of The Wind Beneath My Wings for me.

A quick 'funny' about our travels to the restaurant. I volunteered to drive so I could show off my new car. Leah asked me about two restaurants and I suggested she pick. Well, she said Grandmothers, but my chemo brain thought Garden Cafe. WRONG! So I am just ready to pull into the restaurant and Cindy said - 'Were you thinking Garden Cafe? Leah said Grandmothers.' Sheese! So we took off for Grandmothers - which is luckily not too far away. So we are chatting away and I drive right by the entrance to the restaurant. Poor Cindy was probably REALLY questioning whether she and her daughter should have been riding in a car with such a crazy driver!

Melanie tagged me to write 8 things about myself. I am going to leave that for tomorrow - so look for it then,Mel.

I am going to kick back and try to take a little snooze. We are going out to eat tonight on the patio at Spezia's to enjoy the beautiful weather and I want to be awake for that! Enjoy your weekend!

No Phone Call

Disappointment is my middle name right now. It is 3:15 on Friday and I haven't heard from my oncologist or received the scan reports in the mail. I called the oncologist's office this morning to remind them that the onc nurse had said that Dr. Silverberg was going to call me on Wed. or Thurs., and the receptionist 'reminded' me that he was out on medical leave. I explained what the nurse had told me and she said she would look into it. I haven't heard from either one of them. When the scan report didn't arrive in the mail today I called and asked for the onc nurse I spoke with Wednesday morning, and was told she wasn't in today. Sigh.... Guess I am just going to have to wait until Monday's appointment.

I am tired today. I went to my cardiac rehab and did fine, but I just feel very lazy. I know that the chemo has an accumulative effect, and fatigue is one of the side effects, but it is cramping my style.

Surgery Postponed

I spent the entire afternoon at the hospital waiting for Mom's surgery to start. My brothers, Alan and Bert were there, too. After she was hooked up to an IV and had blood drawn the surgeon finally came in to speak to her before he got started. He flipped back the sheet on her leg and said in an alarmed voice 'What is this?' Mom had a nasty raised rash on her leg below the knee they were going to operate on. He stated it was cellulitis and he couldn't operate until it was cleared up. Mom was very disappointed - but we want her to get better - not worse! We got her something to eat in the hospital cafeteria (it was 4:00 in the afternoon and she hadn't eaten since last night) and then Bert took her back to Lincoln. I got home in time to make a quick dinner (thank goodness for the frozen, bagged pasta meals) for Mark.

No phone call, as of this writing, from my oncologist. I really would like to speak to him, so if I don't hear anything tonight I will try his office tomorrow.

Greg, our youngest son, came home last week and told us he was going to change his major. He has decided he wants to go into law inforcement. Now, mind you, this will be the fourth change Greg has made since he began school three years ago - as Mark says, a different major for each year. He started out in performing arts, then computer science, then exercise science and now criminal justice. I know that police work is a very honorable career, and I am thankful there are those who are willing to do this dangerous work, but as a mom I am not thrilled that my baby has made this decision. Physical therapy sounds so much safer! However, it is his life, and if that is truly what he wants - so be it. His dad asked him if he thought he could shoot someone if he had to and he said yes. I reminded him that he couldn't shoot a bird or a bunny rabbit, but he said 'those are innocent animals and they aren't pointing a gun at me.' Ok, I'll accept that. I also asked how he knew this is what he wanted since he had thought he wanted three other majors, to which he said 'Yea, I thought about that.' But, a degree is a degree, so he has other options if police work ends up not being his choice once he graduates. As Mark also said, Greg is a smart guy, so whatever he picks he will do well in. Sigh - too bad we parents aren't able to select our children's careers!

Scan Report

The verdict is in - and it, for the most part, is good news. The oncolgy nurse called to say she was relaying a message from Dr. Silverberg, who is now coming to the office to do paperwork, but is not seeing patients, yet.

Here is the message concerning my scans:

* fluid around lungs is less
* there is no fluid around the heart
* there is less activity in the bone
* there are new spots in the lung, but are too small to measure. We will keep an eye on them.

She relayed that Dr. Silverberg said that if the last bit of news made me nervous, he would call me. It makes me nervous, so I expect a call from him today or tomorrow. I assume the treatment will stay the same, but I will wait to see what Dr. Silverberg has to say when he calls. I have other questions that I forgot to ask the nurse - such as have the lymph glands decreased in size, etc.

The wait is over. The verdict is in. I am happy for the most part, yet a bit concerned. I will just put it in God's hands.

Coincidence?

Have you ever said 'That was a coincident!'? I am sure we all have. However, as I have matured I have come to recognize these coincidences as 'God moments'. This morning, I picked up my devotional book to read before starting to get ready for my scans - which were given to see if the cancer is being effected by the chemo I am receiving. Here is the first part of that devotional, entitled Surrendered.
"It was the day I would find out if the cancer was growing, or shrinking. I put on the hospital robe and stood shivering in the bathroom (the shivers being a combination of fear and cold)........"
Tears immediately sprang to my eyes. I felt loved and cradled and am so thankful that God had sent me this devotion on the morning I needed assurance. No, I don't think this is a guarantee that all is well with the scans (however, I am hopeful) but it spoke to me that no matter what, He is with me.
The prayer accompanying this devotion was the perfect way to start my day. Here it is:
Lord, I thank You for my life. You know the desires of my heart, and I lift them up to You now. I pray, that if it is Your will, for the cancer to leave my body.
How grateful I am that I can surrender my desires into Your loving care. I am so thankful I can rest secure in the fact that You are faithful. You tell me to cast my cares and anxiety on You because You care for me. Great is Your love, Lord, higher than the heavens, Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let Your glory be over all the earth.
Be glorified in my life as well. I really want my will to be Your will. Grow me up this day so that my will is molded into Yours. Whatever You have in store for me, give me the strength to accept it and to glorify You every step of the way. You truly do understand my hurts, my fears, my pains as You made the ultimate sacrifice for me. Thank You for guarding my heart and my mind with Your peace.
Coincidence? I don't think so.

Heart OK

The ecco showed no problems with my heart. It was beating normally and had good function. :-) She said there was a slight thickening of the pericardial wall, which she did not find particularly alarming considering all the inflammation I had earlier this year, but it is something she will watch. Now, on to tomorrow's tests.

I didn't make it to cardio rehab this morning due to my Dr's. appointment, but I decided that was alright, as my right hip has been hurting lately and seems to be irritated by the exercise. I figure less inflammation is better for the scans tomorrow. I know that I have a large concentration of the bone mets in my right hip, so I am praying that the pain is either my old nemesis, arthritis, OR the bone cancer dying from the treatments and complaining about it.

I have felt well today, albeit a bit on the tired side. I ran a couple errands and other than the cardiologist's appointment, I haven't accomplished much today. I intended on ironing Mark's shirts that he hung to dry, but so far I haven't gotten that done. Maybe in a bit. Right now, I think I will rest. Being lazy is hard work!

This and That

The tour of Boulevard Brewery was fun. It is amazing how this company has grown in the 20 years it has been in business. A little trivia - Boulevard makes as much beer in a year as Anhieser Busch makes in a day. As our tour guide explained, they are not trying to compete with AB - they are filling a niche'. We got to taste the different beers that they make, but their wheat beer is still my favorite and Mark's favorite of what they make (his all time favorite is Amber Bock or Dundee Ale).

After the tour we stopped at a shoe store called Bob Jones. It was HUGE -especially the guys section. All the guys in our group found shoes to buy. Of the gals, only Bonnie found a pair. I was discouraged as none of the places we went had many of my gun boat sized shoes - and I was prepared to buy a few pair! Oh well - money saved. You would think retailers would get a clue and stock more of my size (11). I know that many of the younger set have larger feet. Of course, I wouldn't want their style shoes - I think I would look a little ridiculous in 4" platform wedges (not to mention I would probably break my neck).

After a quick trip to Crown Center mall we headed to the Plaza to have lunch. We ended up at a barbecue place. The food was good - but to be honest Mark and I still like Famous Dave's ribs better. However, the baked beans were to die for!

Today was a catch up day. Mark did a bunch of things around the house that I am not able to do and I did what I could to help. I went to the grocery store and then came home and made a meal to put in the fridge until later. Then Mark, Carolyn and I went to a Chad and Elaine Stoner concert. It was wonderful! I wish I would have invited a bunch of people. You might remember that this couple was on my list of favorite music. Chad plays a mean sax and Elaine has the voice of an angel and plays piano. They have started a ministry called Release that helps troubled teens who have found themselves in the court system. This concert was to raise awareness and money for their ministry. The message Chad gave was heartfelt and the music was heavenly.

Tomorrow I see my cardiologist and Tuesday I have my scans to see if my chemo is working. Mom has her surgery on Thursday. Your prayers are always welcomed.

Kansas City, Ks

Hello from Kansas City! The Brabecs, O'Connors and Nielsen's have ventured to the big KC for Jazz in the Woods to see Euge Groove - an awesome sax player. Euge's full name is Eugene - which is Mark's middle name. He has always disliked his middle name (he wouldn't tell me what it was until we were engaged) so now he thinks it's a cool name and from this point on wants to be known as Mark 'Euge' Nielsen. (Euge is pronounce like 'huge' without the h.) We shopped yesterday for a bit and went to the concert. Today we are hitting the Boulevard Brewery and a bit more shopping before heading home this afternoon.

The concert was great. It was an outside concert at Corporate Woods and the evening couldn't have been more beautiful. The only down side for me was my heart was acting a bit 'funny'. Not A Fib, but skipping beats and a little short of breath. My best guess is my red blood count is probably low - I was told 14 days after treatment is usually the worst time and I am at 13 today. I also slept lousy the night before so perhaps I was just fatigued. As always - who knows....

We stayed at the Embassy Suites and the beds were comfy - I slept hard all night - and we had a good hot breakfast this morning (ES has an inclusive breakfast buffet and omelet station). Last night was a social hour, so we had drinks and snacks before heading out to the concert. All in all, Embassy Suites is a comfortable, affordable way to have a little pampering.

Time to head out. Have a great day!

27 Years!

Today has been another productive day. Exercised, laundry, housework, cat naps - all is well.

Had to take a sample of my kitty's poo in to the vet. She had diarrhea on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday (has made the litter box each time, but I had to wipe her hindy a few times). I called the vet Tuesday and was told to gather up a sample and bring it in. Well, of course, she didn't have any more troubles, and her litter box had already been cleaned out. But last night .... So in went the poo and we found that she has a bacterial infection. So now life will include tricking her two times a day to come when called so we can gag her with an eyedropper of antibiotics. I am so thankful I didn't have to take her in. Who knows what the trauma of that would have caused the poor thing! (Remember the Kleenex box story?)

I picked my car up at the dealership and came home to call the satellite radio company to get it set up. WHY can't companies use American answer centers? I had to speak with an Asian accented woman who sounded like she was a million miles away (which she probably was). I had to keep asking her to repeat herself and strain to hear every word. Very discouraging!

Today is Mark's and my 27th Anniversary! We are going out for supper tonight to celebrate. I had suggested the restaurant, Taste, but if Mark is game we might try a new restaurant that my friend Donna said she had heard sounded good. I will let you know if it is!

Productive Day

Today has been a great, productive day. There have been many moments when I did not even think about my lungs or heart - and that was awesome. It started with cardiac rehab, moved on to housework - a cat nap - and errands. I repotted a couple of plants and dropped the new car off to get it's satellite antenna installed. I am driving a Corolla as a loaner, which even though it is smaller than the Camry, it still has a nice feel to the drive. Hopefully my car will be ready tomorrow afternoon. At least I have the loaner!

Not much else is new. It is a hot, sunny day so inside is a nice place to be. I heard that next week it is going to be in the upper 90s so it looks like summer is officially here to stay.

From Cars to Scans

I am so excited! Mark and I bought a new car yesterday! Mine was showing it's age and it was time. We purchased a Toyota Camry from Performance Toyota. If you are in need of a car, may I suggest you stop by Performance and ask for Ken Knotts? What a nice salesman. He wasn't a bit 'smarmy' and so helpful. He didn't play games - went to bat for us to get us a great price - and was very accommodating. The only part that wasn't enjoyable was the amount of time I had to spend in the dealership waiting for everything to get wrapped up. My appointment was at 2:00 and I left (in my new car) some time after 5:00. This, remember, is after I spend two hours at the doctors office in the morning. The difference, though, is that I accomplished something in the afternoon! I got a new car! Yea!

My neighbor, Carol, called me after reading yesterday's blog to say she, too, had a strange doctor's appointment when she had to go on disability. Her doc, however, had a heart attack right after she left so she had to go back and have another exam with a different doc. After comparing notes we discovered her first doc and mine was the SAME DOCTOR!!!! OK, now I am convinced his brother works for the state. What a waste of money!!!! Carol said she too was made to wait an inordinate amount of time and then she didn't want the doc to touch her as he was so dirty. YUCK!

Mom called this morning to say her knee replacement removal surgery has been rescheduled for Thurday, June 28. Right now she is suppose to be at the Omaha Med Center at noon. Prayers please!

One week from today I have my scans to see if the chemo is shrinking my tumors. People keep asking how long I will have to be on chemo - and as I have said before - one kind or another for the rest of my life. I am praying that this chemo is working and that I can stay on it until I am NED (no evidence of disease). There is that possibility that I will be told that I am stable - which means that the cancer isn't growing. Stable would be a good thing, but not as good as it's shrinking or gone. If I can get to NED there is the possibility that I would be able to stop chemo and start taking Aroma Inhibitors (drugs like tamoxifin or femara) which have their own set of side effects but not as toxic as chemo. These are given as a daily pill or a once a month shot. So, my prayer warrior family and friends, I humbly request a flurry of prayers for healing - specifically on the the way to NED. If this isn't to be, then I ask for prayers for peace with stable and/or strength for a new chemo. You are so appreciated! In my friend Stephanie's words - God is able!

Patience is a Virtue

Yesterday was so busy I didn't have a chance to post! Mark and I started the day by going to church for the high school youth choir's final concert of the summer tour - the Soul Seekers. They went to Colorado this year and it sounds like they had an amazing tour. They performed at homeless missions, women's shelters, etc., and had many 'God moments'. I was happy to learn that our head pastor, Doug, and his wife were on the trip as sponsors. Their twin daughters are freshman and it was their first year to be in Soul Seekers. I think it is wonderful that Pastor Doug got to witness first hand what the tour is all about. The choir sounded wonderful - as they always do.

Greg came over for lunch and we prepared the menu that was Mark's request for Father's Day. We had grilled beef tenderloin fillets and swordfish, fried rice with shrimp, asparagus, and fresh fruit salad. It was quite delicious, if I do say so myself!

After lunch, Greg and I headed towards the mall to find some summer clothes for him. I got home in time to put my feet up for just a few minutes before we headed off to the College World Series with our friends. It was a lovely evening - and the game was a blowout, so we got home relatively early.

This morning I woke up feeling tired, but had to head off to Cardiac rehab. I exercised - though my body would have preferred not - and then headed to a doctor's appointment. Now, this doctor's appointment started out as an irritation that I even had to go - and ended up a pain in the ---. This appointment was made by the Nebraska retirement system. I am going on Disability Retirement and in order for them to OK this I had to have this doctor sign off on me. Now, mind you, I have never met this doctor. He doesn't know me - I don't know him. My appointment is for 10:15 but I got there around 10:00. It is not in a convenient location for me (42nd & Farnum). I fill out TONS of sheets of paper about my health history and I sit. And sit. And sit. I am finally taken back to an exam room where the nurse goes over my history for a bit and takes my vitals. Then I sit. And sit. Then a nice student Physician's Assistant comes in and goes over my history and does a quick exam. He leaves and I sit. And sit. And sit. Finally, with my blood pressure peaking I stomp out of the exam room and ask the poor unsuspecting nurse 'HOW MUCH LONGER? I HAVE BEEN HERE FOR AN HOUR AND A HALF!!!!!!!' (two hours if you count the fact I came 15 minutes early). She must have seen the venom in my eyes as she jumped up and said she would find out. A minute later, the equivalent of Columbo in a semi-white lab coat walked in with the nice student PA. He was disheveled (to say the least), unkempt and had a musty smell about him. He wouldn't look me in the eye. He asked how I was, to which I replied - 'frustrated at having to be here for over and hour and a half' to which he muttered his apologies and started his brief exam. He was shaking a bit, so either I upset him or he was having the bends. Not sure which. The total time with this guy was approximately five minutes. I asked him why I had to see him when I already have three specialists I deal with on a regular basis and I am already receiving Social Security disabilities. He gave me some lame reason about them not trusting the docs (but they trust HIM?) and how the state wants to be sure my onc and I aren't in cahoots. I decided he must be related to someone on the state board and this was a way of sending business his way. I couldn't imagine someone choosing to go to this guy!

The rest of my day should be uneventful. Hope your morning was more productive!

Jobbers & Kaneko

Today was interesting - rather strange. I went to lunch with a group of my PEO sisters. We had a social with another PEO chapter. We had lunch at Jobbers Canyon in the Old Market and then went to the Kaneko Art Center. I will be the first to admit I have never heard of Jun Kaneko - the artist who is founding this center. It is located at the edge of the Old Market in a large warehouse. Jun Kaneko is a ceramics artist and his pieces run from $15,000 to over $100,00. Needless to say, none of us came away with any of his art! However, his concept for his center is quite interesting and it will be exciting to follow it's creation.

Now the strange part had nothing to do with lunch, PEO or the Center. It had to do with how I felt. I thought I felt pretty darn good - until after lunch. Then I just felt like a wet noodle. Luckily, one of the gals from the other PEO chapter drove me down to the Art Center from Jobbers - I don't think I could have made it walking with the rest of the gals. Then she drove Mary and I up to the parking garage to get Mary's car (who had kindly driven me to this event). I was able to find a folding chair at the Art Center, and spent most of my time sitting. Sigh - I just HAVE to remember that I am not myself on day six after chemo - no matter how badly I WANT to be. Three other PEO sisters rode with Mary and I, so we had a nice visit. All in all it was a fun day - even though I was a wimpy puppy.

A Better Day Five

Day five after chemo. Normally, this is the day I am in great pain (in my joints and legs), very tired and in general - blah. However, I went to cardio rehab this morning and fared fairly well. I stopped at the grocery store and went to Panera to pick up some soup for lunch. I took a little nap, emptied the dishwasher and vacuumed the main level. All in all, not a bad day. Diane stopped by and brought me a little present (a serving plate I had been eyeing at Cold Water Creek) and we visited between my yawns. My knees and hips do hurt a bit, but not nearly as bad as I have experienced in the past. My appetite isn't 'normal', but that's OK. I am hoping that this 'better day five' means the climb back up will be quicker than normal. I have a lot planned for the weekend, so am keeping my fingers crossed that it is!

Odd Day

Today is an odd day. I don't feel particularly awful - I just don't feel right. I am achy and a lot tired, even though I slept well last night. I feel a bit crabby. My plumbing is again acting a bit questionable, so I will stay close to home. Hopefully the day will pass quickly and I can get on to day five. If I don't feel any worse tomorrow than I feel today, I may try to go to cardiac rehab and just take it slow. We will see what tomorrow brings....

All's Quiet....

All is quiet on the southern front - no twinges - no cramps. In fact, no anything, so it looks like we have swung the other way. Sigh......

Made it to cardiac rehab this morning - and actually did pretty well considering it is the third day after chemo. Last time on this day I had to slow all my exercises down and was pretty wimpy. Today I was able to stay at the recommended speeds and levels - so that was good. By the time I got home, though, I was tired and after a little computer time kicked back and took a nap. I am a bit achy, but nothing terrible. Just very tired. My only accomplishments this afternoon has been getting some dates set for some events next year on whose boards I sit and polishing my fingernails. Not too impressive.

Matt has decided to come home for a few weeks in July before he moves up to St. Paul for law school. It will be nice to have him home for a bit. Having him 6 hours away will make visits a little farther and fewer between. He is excited, though, and is looking forward to starting this next educational adventure. Hopefully Courtney will be able to come to Omaha for a weekend or two while he is here so we can visit with her, too.

The weather outside looks gloomy. Cloudy and darkish. There has been a smattering of rain, but not much. Guess I would rather have it like this on a day I don't feel like moving much than all sun shiny and beautiful. Just two more 'icky' days to make it through and I will start the climb back out of the land of chemo side effects. Wish me well!

Loose Ends (A Pun)

PEO was fun last night. It was out at one our member's homes on a lake and it was so lovely looking out her windows to the lake below. We had a great meeting and lots of visiting time afterwards. It was good to get back to my PEO 'sisters'!

This morning I took Carolyn to the hospital for her epidural. She fared as well as can be expected when having your spine punctured numerous times with a needle. This time they sedated her, and while she remembers the whole procedure she didn't feel each time the needle was plunged in - a blessing I am sure.

I spoke with mom and she is feeling better from her bout with bronchitis, but still has a ways to go until she is 100%.

This next section is concerning a rather delicate subject, so if you don't like bodily function stories - skip this part:
While waiting for Carolyn's epidural to be done I ran some errands. Unfortunately, while at Kohl's my prior night's laxatives decided to kick in. Luckily the restroom was deserted so was able to get in and out without the embarrassment of having an audience. I then went to Bed Bath and Beyond and then Stems (a florists). At the florists I felt a little twinge - but thought it couldn't be anything too bad, since I had just had my purging at Kohl's. I started heading to the hospital to pick up Carolyn, and realized that no, I hadn't purged as much as I thought. I parked in the hospital's circle drive and ran in to find a restroom. Unfortunately, privacy was not to be had. The restroom was THE place to be. Oh well - didn't know any of them - thank goodness!!!!! I went home, put my feet up for a bit and after a time I decided that my problem must have passed. I had a half a sandwich for lunch and then decided to go look at new cars at a car lot not too far from our house (which turned out to be a good thing). I met a nice salesman, he got keys to a car and we were off for a test drive. Half way through the drive - another twinge. Uh oh ... We got back to the lot and the nice salesman kept talking and explaining and so on - all the while my twinges were quickly turning into cramps. I finally, hastily, told the nice salesman that I had to go. He asked me to wait just a minute so he could get me a brochure to which I said 'NO, I am not feeling well, I need to go now!' Well, I made it home, but lets just say I didn't make it to where I needed to be in order to be considered home free. Sigh. Side effects. So nice. Chemo causes constipation. Chemo also can cause diarrhea. So, you play Russian roulette - which will it be? Your guess is as good as mine.

So I cleaned up, put on sweat pants and a t-shirt and was going to kick back, when Carolyn asked how my shot went. Drat! I forgot I had to go get my Neulasta shot today - the one that makes me feel crumby but helps keep my white blood count where it needs to be. So, I got dressed and headed off to get my shot. Afterwards I decided to be brave and go to another dealership. Yea, I know, not real smart. However, I didn't have anymore twinges and had a successful test drive and even swung by the other dealership to get the brochure I had to bypass earlier.

Now it is 8:45 and I am tired. I didn't sleep much last night due to the steroids given me during my chemo yesterday, so I will be heading off to bed very soon. Goodnight!

Another One Down

Another chemo down. This is number five for Abraxane and number four for Avastin. My 'substitute' oncologist must have been a child prodigy as he appears to be around 14 years old. Really - he looks like a middle school student. OK, maybe high school, but he looks really young! He said he has been with the practice for a year. Great. I go from the best in the business to wet behind the ears. He said my doc will be out for at least another month. Sigh.

The sub onc also said my doc had said I was to have scans after 6 chemos. What? He told me I was to have them after my fourth Avastin which was today! I told the child doctor this and he said that was fine, we could do them now. Reflecting on this, I assume my regular doc wanted to be there for the scans - but I want to know if they are working! I am scheduled to have a CT and bone scan on June 26th. Prayers for signs of healing in all areas are appreciated.

I made it through chemo without going into A fib - so that is great! It seemed to take forever - I was there from 8:30 until 1:15. I am not sure what made this treatment so long. I went to cardiac rehab an hour early (7:00) so I was at Methodist for a long time!

Tomorrow is Carolyn's epidural. Hopefully it will go smoothly and she will get some relief.

Yesterday Mark planted some perennials in front of the rosebushes. For some reason nothing seems to want to grow there. I bought salvia and daylilies - hardy plants that don't mind the heat and sun. Hopefully these will do better than what we have had in the past.

A few weeks ago we decided to plant a couple of tomatoes this year and I am tickled that there are little baby tomatoes growing on the plants! I know this is what is suppose to happen, so I shouldn't be so surprised, but it is so cool!

I am getting groggy, so I think I will kick back in my comfy chair and take a little nap. I have PEO tonight and I haven't been in quite some time. Hopefully I will be up for it!

I didn't get a post done yesterday as I was fairly busy and didn't get home until late last night. Mark spent the morning and part of the afternoon doing things in the yard and I spent time watering plants, clipping dead flowers, and washing bird droppings off the deck ( I swear the birds like the deck better now that Mark has it all lovely). Then Mark graciously was my personal gardener as we went around the house and I pointed out what needed to be thinned. I pulled enough that my arm is a bit sore today (what a wimp) but the yard looks great.

We then went off to an afternoon wedding of a gentleman that works with Mark. It was lovely and we went to the reception for just a bit but had to get home to change clothes to go to the Taste of Omaha with the O'Connors. What a great night! It was held at the Riverfront and ConAgra Campus. We parked at the Gallup campus and rode a shuttle to the Riverfront. The place was really hopping! The guys were off purchasing tickets (how you paid for your food and drink) and Diane spotted a table that opened up - we grabbed it and we were set! Mind you, there were not nearly enough tables and chairs available for the crowd that was there, so fortune really smiled on us as I don't do well standing for too long.

There was an oldies band playing - just far enough away that we could still hear our conversation and it was close to the beverage and food tents. Absolutely perfect! Diane and I had tequila lime chicken skewers and bruschette from the Grillhouse tent and Mark and Steve had steak and ribs from Coltons. The prices were very reasonable and the food good! The weather couldn't have been more perfect - sun shiny, low humidity, just right temp and a very light breeze. Our table was in a shaded spot, so no worries about getting hot or a burn.

There was another area of food at the ConAgra campus, but we didn't wander from our coveted table and chairs. When someone got up to get something we would be asked over and over if we needed the temporarily vacated chair. All in all it was a fun evening! It is still going on today, so if you can get down there I would recommend it! There is a midway and gift vendors, too.

I don't have anything too exciting planned for today. I am being a heathen again as I intended on going to church this morning but slept too late. I decided I would go to the late service, but time has a way of getting away from me anymore and it was minutes before it was to start when I realized what time it was (and I am still in my pjs). I will go next week for sure as our church's youth choir give's it's end of summer tour concert. This is the group that I directed for three years and then was a sponsor for back when my kids were in it. The group is in Colorado right now on tour. There are suppose to be pictures posted tonight of concerts they did last night and today, so go to Faith-Westwood if you are interested.

Tomorrow is my next chemo. I hope that my onc will order scans so we can see if this treatment is working. Prayers are appreciated!

Lazlo's for Lunch

Another busy day! It started at Cardiac Rehab after which I raced home to shower and be ready to head out to lunch with friends. Diane, Mary, Annette and I went to Lazlo's for lunch. If you remember, this is where the Brabecs, O'Connors and we had a wonderful evening bantering with the owner on Steve's birthday. Well, guess what? Jeremy, the owner, was there. We called him to our table introduced Mary and Annette and that was all she wrote. What a nice guy. He visited (and bantered) with us and totally charmed our friends. He stopped by often to make sure everything was OK and then gave us a free dessert - strawberry shortcake - and coffee for those that wanted it. What a nice guy. I think he won himself two new recruits for future restaurant visits as well as a job prospect for Mary's son! Annette was a naughty girl and grabbed the ticket and treated us all to lunch - and WE had invited HER! Thank you, Annette.

After lunch, Diane and I ran to the Marshall's on North 72nd to get some shoes she had seen but hadn't purchased on our 'crawl' on Monday. When I got home, Carolyn and I headed to Lowe's to get tomato cages, plant food and tree spray. I can now say I am officially tired!

The weather is suppose to to be beautiful tomorrow in Omaha. I hope you have as equally fine of a forecast where ever you live!

Hearts, Decks and Other Things....

My heart decided to act up during the night. I initially had trouble falling asleep - felt a little wired - so it may have already started with the rapid heartbeat but I didn't recognize it. I woke up at 1:00, went to the restroom, and when I laid back down I felt it start whirring. I took a recovery pill, waited fifteen minutes, and it was still tap dancing, so I took another recovery pill. Fifteen minutes later I thought it might have slowed down a bit so went out to the kitchen where I keep my digital blood pressure machine. My blood pressure was super high, I was in A Fib and my pulse was 110. I sat and took my BP every couple of minutes and my BP dropped as did my heart rate. When I felt like everything was stable I went back to bed. I slept intermittently - not very restful. When I woke up this morning I could feel my heart whirring again, so got pillows, propped myself up and tried to sleep a bit more. By the time I got up it had stopped acting up. It seemed to me that if I wasn't laying down it would go back into rhythm. I don't have any explanations this time - no chocolate, caffeine or alcohol. I guess sometimes there just isn't an easy explanation!


Some of you have asked for pictures of the deck. It was finally a nice, sunny day, so I here are some pics. It looks brand new. In fact, if you look at the bench in the picture below you can see the color the wood on the deck was before Mark toiled so long and hard on it. Hopefully, the bench will get a coat of stain soon.


I spoke with Mom and she is still feeling poorly. She said she was running a temp of 101 yesterday and has just been resting today. Hopefully the antibiotics will kick in soon and she will start to feel better. What a blessing she didn't have her surgery and then come down with this!

My friends and PEO sisters, Donna and Cindy, are back from their trip to Africa! Donna said the one thing she will always remember was the smiling faces of the people - and how appreciative they were of what they were trying to do. If you remember, Cindy has founded and is supporting a women's hospital - and while there they also visited schools and orphanages. I am so proud of them!

Monday is my next treatment. Thanks to all who keep me in their prayers. You are all appreciated!

Restful Days

After my emotional as well as fun weekend, and equally fun shopping trip on Monday, I was exhausted yesterday! I slept until 7:00, then spent the rest of the day cat napping off and on. I did very little and did not stray far from my comfy chair. The only time I left the house was to go run and get some soup at Little Kings for supper. I went to bed a 10:00 (after dozing through the last part of The Closer) and slept all night. I feel much more alert today - I just needed that day of rest!

I went to cardiac rehab this morning and felt much better doing my exercises than I did on Monday. I stopped at the grocery store on the way home. I have spent the day puttering around the house and making supper. I cleaned out a couple of drawers in my bathroom vanity and took a cat nap after lunch. In all, an uneventful but nice day.

My brother, Al, called to say that the doctor diagnosed Mom with bronchitis. When I talked to her on the phone she sounded miserable, so I hope her antibiotics kick in quickly and she feels better soon. It is such a blessing that Al lives in Lincoln and is able to take Mom to her appointments when needed. Thanks, Al.

Surgery Postponed

Mom's surgery was postponed as she has come down with a bad chest cold. She was geared up to do the surgery, so is disappointed that it won't happen this week. Hopefully the cold will be short lived and her surgeon will have a cancellation so it can happen soon.

Oops

Oops! I had the wrong day for Carolyn's epidural - it is a week from tomorrow! Prayers are still appreciated!

Store 'Crawl'

Wow, am I tired. But, it's a good tired because I had a very fun, busy day.

I started out going to cardiac rehab and worked out. As I got in my car at the hospital, my cell phone was ringing and it was my friend, Diane. She has decided to dabble in retail and has taken a very part time job at Cold Water Creek - now that she is an officially retired lady. She was on the 'call' list today, where she had to call to see if they needed her to work. Well, they didn't! so we decided to do our discount store 'crawl' that we have been planning, but just couldn't seem to get a time when we both were available. When I got the word that Diane was free I ran home, showered, and was ready just in time for her to pick me up. Omaha now has two TJ Max and two Marshalls, plus a Steinmart and we hit all five - along with having a quick lunch at Don & Millies. As I said, it was fun - but tiring! I also hit the grocery store, and I don't think I could move another muscle right now. What a wimp! I found a few summer tops for myself and a shirt, shorts and jacket for Mark to try.

Chemo has been doing a number on my vision. I got new glasses and contacts right at the beginning of my treatments. Everything was fine until about a month ago my vision starting tanking. I knew it was the chemo, but they have steadily gotten worse - everything looks 'smudgy'. Well, I was reading my breast cancer discussion board this morning and one of the topics was about vision. Someone said that she was told the vision problems are caused by overly dry eyes and that her doc gave her prescription eye drops that helped a lot. I bought some over-the-counter gel lubricating eye drops at the grocery store and put them in my eyes while sitting in the car in the parking lot. Oh.... my....goodness! I couldn't believe how much better I could see! Of course, the effect didn't last long - but obviously this is, at least part of, the problem.

Mom's surgery is this Wednesday to have her knee joint replacement removed until the infection is cleared up. The docs will then, hopefully, replace the joint. Her operation will be done at the Med Center here in Omaha and then, once she is released from the Med Center, she will be at Madonna, in Lincoln, for 6 weeks getting IV antibiotics. She will then have another 6 weeks of healing time before they will consider going in to replace her knee joint. We do not know yet where she will spend these last six weeks - it will depend on how much assistance she will need.

Carolyn, my mother in law, is still having some issues with her back. She stirred things up when she took the fall at Granite City. She is going to have an epidural tomorrow to try to get some relief, so I know she would also appreciate prayers on her behalf.

Thank you, everyone! Prayer is a powerful thing!

Unhealthy Eating

Last night was my friend, Diane's, retirement party. Our whole family was there since Diane, Steve, and the girls are just like family. A fun time was had by all. She had a great turn out - even though the weather was a bit uncooperative. My family was impressed that I was able to stay awake the whole evening - in fact - we were the last to leave (other than a couple of Kaitlin's friends). Of course, today I am a bit tired around the edges - but that's OK!

Today we met Mark's step mom and her husband, Sam, for lunch at Famous Daves in Bellevue. Matt, Courtney and Greg came also to visit with their Arizona grandma. After lunch, Matt and Courtney headed back to DesMoines from the restaurant and Greg headed back to the frat. Mark and I drove through some car dealerships to check out new cars (mine is starting to show signs of kicking the bucket) for a bit before heading home. Now, I am feeling very lazy.

I told Mark that I haven't had one healthy meal all weekend. I have had Mexican, brats, appetizers, ribs, and tonight - pizza. I can see a water pill in my future. But Mark's question was - did you have fun? to which the answer is - most definitely YES!

Goodbye, Patty

Patty's funeral was this morning. Pastor Doug did a beautiful job summarizing Patty's life of serving others. She was a gentle woman with a big heart. A proud mother and dedicated to the students at our school. She was proud of our students, too. I shed enough tears this morning to last a long time - but I am sure they will not be my last ones I shed for my dear friend. Our Chancel Choir sang a beautiful song - but not the one she wanted. I feel bad, as I think perhaps I dropped the ball. She told me many times that she wanted the choir to sing a certain rendition of Amazing Grace that it had sang a while back. I assumed she had told others - but since a different song was sung - I must have been the person in the know. I am sorry Patty.

During her eulogy, Pastor Doug shared a small story to illustrate Patty's caring for others. He said not long ago he had asked her how she was, to which she answered her typical 'I'm fine' but added 'But we really need to pray for Jacque'. Oh my. I barely held back a sob. Dear Patty - always concerned for others over herself. I will SO miss you, my friend.

TGIF

Peg's funeral was a nice celebration of her life. Peg was such a sweet lady. One of my students, Dan, met me at the church and we sat together. He was so sweet, and so appropriate. His mom should be proud.

Tonight is the visitation for Patty. I plan on going early as Matt and Courtney are visiting from DesMoines. They should be here around 7:30 so I want to be home when they get here.

I had a great nights sleep last night - finally! I went to bed around 8:30 and read for awhile, then it was lights out until 6:00 this morning. Heavenly! I still feel tired around the edges, but I am sure this is the chemo doing a number on my red blood cells. I ran a few errands this afternoon and stopped at the grocery store to stock up for the weekend.

For everyone working - TGIF! For those of us 'retirees' - what day is it? (I seem to forget the day and date quite often.)