Faux Fall

It is a crisp, cloudy faux fall day. Well, at least hopefully faux fall - or we are in for a long winter! The temp is a chilly 61 degrees and it is overcast - trying to rain. A great day for a nap - and football!

We are going to our friends' house tonight for dinner and the Nebraska Husker/USC game. We are to bring dessert, and I thought I would share with you a dessert that always tastes great in the fall - and is SO easy! All you need to do is purchase a box of Peppridge Farm Apple Dumplings (in the frozen dessert section at the store) and a carton of Cinnamon ice cream. Tonight, one half hour before we want to have dessert, I will pop them in the oven and serve them hot with a scoop of the ice cream. MMMmmm. I don't usually like fruit based desserts like this, but I do like these dumplings. They just say fall to me (and are SO easy!).

I made a decision about the gym yesterday. I have decided to purchase a treadmill rather than join the gym. I already have a recumbent bike and weights. As I drove to the gym the other day I thought about how excited I was going to be driving in the dead of winter when the roads were icy and I wasn't feeling particularly well. I have nothing against Wellbound, the gym I was considering. It is clean, with new equipment and friendly staff. I just feel this is a better option for me.

Enjoy the game all you out in Husker land! What do you non-Huskers have planned for tonight?

Ant Alert! None sighted today.

Perhaps the siege is over!

Caddyshack Time

Today's post will be short - not a lot going on today. I was so happy as I saw NO sign of ants this morning in the kitchen. So I scrubbed the counters down with bleach and got everything looking nice and sparkly clean. When Mark came home for lunch, I commented on the fact that the ants were gone - but as he was fixing his lunch one strolled across the counter -AAAKKKK!!!! I went in and found another - so, guess they are still around. When will they leave us alone! I am afraid I am going to go ballistic like the Bill Murray character, Carl Spackler, in Caddyshack when he blew up the golf course trying to get the gopher. Sigh....

Seems like today flew by - I can't believe it is already 7:00 in the evening! This morning I managed to fritter away time - I am not sure what I did other than a little laundry, but by the time I was showered and ready to head out of the house it was already 11:00! I went to Younkers to return a dress and turned some old clothes in for 20% off coupons (Goodwill Days) and found a couple of things on clearance for myself. By the time I was through shopping I was dragging, but I forced myself to go to the gym - and I do mean forced! I took it easy, but got my workout done and headed home for a little mid-afternoon nap.

This afternoon I attended the Millard Public Schools Transition Workshop meeting. I have been on this committee for years and was happy that the powers that be let me still sit in. I stopped by Sgt. Peffers to grab some spaghetti for supper and now I am typing my blog and hoping I can keep my eyes open until 9:00.

Side effects so far this week seem to be a hoarse throat, limited appetite and a tired body. My breathing has been so improved this week - I am thinking allergies and humidity were taking their toll.

It is almost the weekend, everyone!

To Lincoln

It has been a busy day for me! I headed to Lincoln this morning so I could go to my Mom's doctor's appointment with the surgeon that did a bypass on her knee last November - and who had referred her to the surgeon here in Omaha who refused to do her surgery. He was very kind and helpful and has given her two names of other surgeons he felt would do a good job and she also got a referral for a new internist. Hopefully all of these things will work out for her.

My brother, Bert, had picked Mom up (since I can no longer finagle her wheel chair nor push her long distances) so it gave he and I a chance to talk and catch up while Mom was having tests, etc. We had a late lunch in the hospital's cafeteria and then I headed home.

I made a few stops on the way home to return some items and pick up a few things at the grocery store before heading home - and I am TIRED! I had thought I would try to make it to choir practice tonight, but my voice is hoarse from chemo and allergies and I am so tired I don't know that I could concentrate on the songs. I don't plan on performing with the choir, yet, as I can't stand and sing (takes too much breath power), but I thought it might be good to exercise my lungs - plus I miss my choir! Maybe next week.

Diane and I went to a PEO sister, Becky's, jewelry party last night. Silpada, I think it is called. Very pretty silver jewelry. There were lots of other 'sisters' there, too, so it was a pleasant evening - and Becky had really outdone herself with her spread of goodies!

chemo #10

Chemo #10 is under my belt. Today I received just the pre-drugs and Abraxane. I will be interested in how this affects me. I don't know if I am going to like this regime, but time will tell. At least it was just a two hour infusion instead of the normal four hour one - a plus!

I have a roast in the oven for supper and it smells very good. My appetite has been rather weird this week, so hopefully it will taste good, too.

I am still having ant problems. My neighbor, Carol, emailed me after my last blog about the critters and said they use a product called Terro. You put it on a little piece of paper and then allow the ants to swarm all over it and take it back to the nest. It is so hard to just let those little buggers do their thing and not kill them. If they are still around tomorrow, I am going ballistic. I called the exterminator and got a bit of a run around. I had told her they were swarming all over one of my counters (they were just here to treat for this problem one week ago) and she said they couldn't come back so soon to retreat. I asked her what to do in the mean time and she made some comment about flying ants being hard to kill. I told her they weren't flying - they were just little house ants - and she went in this big song and dance how house ants don't swarm - only flying ants - yada, yada, yada. What? Who CARES? Excuse me? I told her I obviously wasn't a 'professional' and didn't know the right 'terminology' to use. She said they would come back out tomorrow to take care of them. I am hoping they are gone by tomorrow (because of my Terro usage) so I can call and cancel. They are sending the same guy from last time who stuck a screw driver inside our lightswitch cover and blew a circuit on our garbage disposal - not the brightest bulb on the earth.

Fall Is In The Air

It is cool outside and a light rain is falling. So different than just a few days ago! Fall is definitely in the air. The plants on the deck are starting to show the wear and tear of a hot summer and I am getting tired of caring for them. The tomato plants are still growing like weeds, but without the hot summer heat many of them will probably not make it to the table. Things are slowing down.

I made it to the gym today. I walked on the treadmill and rode the nu-step. I did dumbbells and stretches. Boring, but necessary. Sigh.

Tonight is PEO and we are initiating two new members. Hopefully the night won't go too late -but it will, of course, because of the initiation. Oh well. I can sleep tomorrow during my chemo treatment.

OPA!

This is day five after treatment - my normally worst day. So, you ask, how do I feel today? Well, compared to other 'day fives' pretty good! I feel a bit 'weird' around the edges - hard to explain - and a little tired and achy, but nothing I can't handle. So, do I think this is better than doing dose dense? The verdict is still out. I need to do the full four week cycle before I make a judgement call.

We went to Piccalo Pete's for supper (an Italian Steakhouse in an older part of town). We all ordered filets (small for the ladies and large for the guys) and got the soup, and mostacolli (or green beans) and salad, and potato - along with bread and real butter and crackers.....WAY to much food - but very tasty.



After dinner we headed down to the Greek Festival at the Louis and Clark Landing (an area along the Missouri River). OPA! The event was on the smallish side - with just a few tents of things to buy, Greek musicians with dancers, and a few things for kids to do. The big draw was the food. Oh - My - Goodness! I am glad we opted to eat elsewhere, as the line to the ONE tent they had set up for food had an almost two hour wait! Bad planning on their part. There was a dessert tent that we hit that had a short line - and the baklava and almond cake was tasty. There were very strange 'flies'? that kept bothering us, so we ended up leaving and going to Brewsky's where we could sit outside and enjoy the beautiful evening. Unfortunately, there was a large group there that had been there a while (if you get my drift) so it wasn't as peaceful as it could have been.

This morning I opted out of church (again - shame on me) because I just couldn't seem to get myself moving. I am sure it has to do with it being a 'day five' day. I did manage to get to the grocery store and drop some things at the Goodwill. Mark was a doll and scrubbed all the floors in the house for me - what a guy! I also cleaned the masterbath (except the floor, of course), so I wasn't a total blog today (but close to it). Mark then had me go downstairs with him to go through the storage room so he could get it organized. When Matt was home this summer he went through a lot of his boxes of memorabilia and 'treasures' but didn't seem to get everything put back and/or thrown away. Now things are tidy once more.

I am in dire need of going to the gym. I had every intention of going today, but my sore spine and achy body was enough to talk myself out of it. Tomorrow. I WILL go tomorrow!

Good Day Four

I have hung pretty close to home, just venturing out to get lunch for Mark and I during the Nebraska game (Go Big Red!). Otherwise, I just did a little around the house (very little) and took a nap. I feel good today - much better than a normal day four after chemo - just a bit tired. Tonight we are going out to supper and then we will probably walk around the Greek festival down by the river. It should be a beautiful night, weather wise. My only complaint, physically, is I have very tingly lungs. For a couple weeks now they have felt like they do when you are first getting a chest cold - with out the cold. I am not sure what is causing it, but it is distracting and a bit irritating. I will have to run this symptom past my doc at my treatment on Tuesday.

Have a super Saturday!

Hmmmmm

Hmmmm - normally by this afternoon I would begin feeling the side effects of my treatments. However, as of this writing, I am feeling fairly normal - or at least as normal as I feel these days. I do feel a bit tired, and did crash for a half hour or so this afternoon, but I will take tired over achy and the general feeling of yuck. Tomorrow and Sunday will be the real tests, as they are typically my 'worst days'. I know I can't count on every week being like this week, so I will hold off to make any judgements of whether this is better or worse than the old schedule. Time will tell. I do think many of my achy symptoms were brought on by the Neulasta shot, so I pray that my body will keep up with the manufacturing of white blood cells so I don't have to endure that again.

I have had a pretty uneventful day - quick trip to exchange some things for Mark at the hardware store, laundry, straightening, etc. I also worked a little on some projects for the Unlimited Possibilities board I am involved with.

The weather is quite nice today - when I went to the hardware store in the early afternoon it was still in the 70's! I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Enjoy!

Steroids and Ants

One good side effect of chemo is the steroid high you get the day after the treatment. I woke up feeling great, did many little things around the house (cleaning, changing out a new handle on the screen door, laundry), then headed to Wellbound to work out. Diane stopped by with some paperwork for the Race for the Cure and then I headed to the grocery store. I am now feeling like a nap would be wonderful, but since it is after 5:00, that would NOT be a good idea if I want to sleep tonight, so I will just have to keep on keeping on.

We are having a battle with little tiny ants. We hired an exterminator a few months back because the silverfish from our shake roof were winning the battle in our master bath and Carolyn was having ant issues in her apartment. He comes periodically to respray. However, this week the ants decided to show their ugly little heads in MY kitchen. One day I saw one or two. The next day three or four. The NEXT day - hundreds swarming out of my light switch by the kitchen sink. I immediately called the exterminator and he came out yesterday. Most of them are gone, but he said to expect to see a few for the next couple of weeks while the poison takes effect. YUCK! I thought once you hired a professional, the little buggers would stay away. I guess not.

Chemo # 9

I got a late start to my chemo appointment and then hit every stop light and construction delay possible. The cancer center parking lot was full and I had to sit in a long line to get into the overflow parking garage, then had to drive in circles to finally find a spot. Walked over to the center (no shuttles there at that time) and got to my lab appointment 15 minutes late. Had to sit for 15 minutes for them to draw lab work and another 15 minutes at my onc's office. Needless to say, I got a late start on my chemo. I got home around 4:00.

Dr. S and I discussed my side effects - he checked my balance - which is horrible, and asked about my neuropathy. He had me stand with my feet together, then put my arms up like I was sleep walking, and the close my eyes. Oh boy - couldn't do that very well. (Yesterday, when I was being assessed at Wellbound I couldn't stand on one foot for more than seven seconds! When did THAT happen?). I told him about my lack of appetite and general feeling of blah - and about taking the zpack and feeling better once I took it. He is going to call in two antibiotics for me take as I see fit, since he is sensing a pattern with my fevers, etc. He also checked in with me on the bleeding, etc. He said that next time I was going to have to start the once a week regime. I told him I would prefer to try it now, and he said that was fine. So, long story short - I am now on weekly infusions. My schedule will be:

Week 1 (today) Avastin, Aredia and lower dose Abraxane

Week 2 lower dose Abraxane

Week 3 lower dose Abraxane & Avastin

Week 4 Chemo Break

Start over the following week

Dr S said he can not guarantee that my side effects will be less, as each person reacts differently to chemo. He hopes I will still have good quality of living with this new regime. If I don't like how it effects me, I can go back to the dose dense version. My onc nurse said that most people who switch to the lesser dose do very well as his/her body is already use to the big whammy, so they just breeze through the lesser dose. I hope she is right!

Another plus for the lower dose version is that, at least for now, I don't have to have the Neulasta shot tomorrow (YEA!). It is the shot that helps the body make white blood cells. It's side effects are sore muscles, achy bones and fevers. Often, people on the lower dose can maintain their blood counts since they aren't being hit so hard. I pray that this is true for me! If my next lab shows I can't do this - they will start the shot again.

My next scans are set for September 24. I will receive a bone scan and a CT scan of my chest, abdomen and pelvis. Time to start storming the heavens for great results. I would LOVE to see everything smaller, smaller, smaller - or even gone! Mmmmmm - sounds wonderful......

In Law Night

Mark's step mom, Joyce, her husband, Sam, and Mark's mom, Carolyn, had supper with us last evening. Joyce and Sam live in Mesa, AZ, and are the opposite of the NE snowbirds. They leave AZ in the summer when it is so ghastly hot and travel. I had Mark grill chicken hind quarters using a recipe I found on the internet. It was very tasty, but quite involved (using mop sauce every five minutes, turning, mopping, turning) so I don't think it will be high on his list of repeats any time soon. Mark took Sam on a ride in the Roadrunner after we ate. I hadn't realized that Sam is a HUGE car buff - having had 16 show cars in his lifetime, many of them that he built himself - street rods! Like Mark said - people tend to want the cars that were popular when they were teenagers.

I have had a fairly busy day. Joyce picked me up to go out to breakfast while Sam went golfing at Applewood. We ate at the new Wheatfields at Shadow Lake Towne Center - and they had great decaf coffee that I could enjoy! We also stopped at Kohl's so I could purchase some new towels for the master bath. It was a pleasant way to spend the morning.

At noon I headed to Wellbound, the new fitness center I am considering joining. As I suspected, I was a young whippersnapper compared to most, but it was clean and new and had very kind people working there. I enjoyed the atmosphere much more than Gold's gym. Gold's gym was full of sweaty, bulked up guys trying to impress people - or girls in skimpy outfits trying to impress the bulked up guys. Yuck.

This afternoon I have just rested and done more laundry - a never ending process it seems - even with just the two of us. It is now time to start supper - which will be easy since we have left overs from last night! Yea!

Labor Day

Mark and I went for a ride last night in the Road Runner. It was a beautiful evening. We stopped at the Dairy Queen and had a treat and then headed home. Mark then took Carolyn out for a ride while I picked tomatoes before it got dark.

Tonight, Mark's step mom and her husband are coming over for supper. We will grill chicken out and Mark's mom will bring a pie. Greg had thought he could make it, but he has a fraternity chapter meeting - so it will just be we 'old folks'.

Hopefully, Mark and I will have time this afternoon to go clothes shopping so we can take advantage of all the sales. It isn't often Mark is willing to shop - it is one of his LEAST favorite things to do!

We spoke with Matt last night, and he said school was going well. So far he is way ahead in his studies, as they are just reviewing. He said Courtney is enjoying her job and that the magazine she is working on has a regular section about patent law. Who knows - there might be some contacts for Matt derived from that!

Labor Day Weekend

We had a busy day yesterday, so I didn't get a post done. Sorry about that! I spent my morning baking a cake and making a fruit salad to take to the 'Anderson Picnic' in Lincoln while Mark went and rented a power rake, thatched the yard and mowed and caught the grass. Whew! He was a busy guy!

Mark, Greg and I headed for Lincoln around 10:30. We left earlier than needed because it was a UNL game day, the State Fair was taking place in Lincoln and there is major road construction between Omaha and there. We had a few times we had to slow down, but we did get there in good time. We stopped and picked up Mom at her apartment and headed to Bert and Janet's house. Bert's band, Hardwood Dash, had to play for Husker Nation (a University 'tailgate' like event) so he didn't get home until mid-afternoon. Alan and Liz were in the process of moving to their new house, so we didn't see them until mid-afternoon, either. But Ken and Sharon came from Kearney and my niece, Holly, and her family and my niece, Ginger, were there, too. We had a nice visit and we gals headed over to tour Al & Liz's new house while the guys watched the game on the big screen. The new house is very nice and Liz has been busy painting walls and cupboards, and I am sure she will be happy when it is they are all settled.

We hurried home from Lincoln in time to change clothes and head to Lazlo's to help celebrate our friend Chris's birthday. We were tickled that the owner, Jeremy, was there. What a nice guy. As usual, he made sure we were well taken care of and even found a waitress willing to sing happy birthday to Chris (they usually don't do that). Afterwards we headed out to the Brabec's house and sat on the deck - it was a lovely night. They live out in the country near the Platte River, and the moon was beautiful (again) as it came up over the horizon.

My appetite has really been off all this week and I just haven't felt well. Not anything I could put my finger on - just blech. Yesterday, I finally decided to take the z pack that I was going to take a few weeks back when I had a low grade fever and then didn't take when the fever went away on it's own. Now I think I should have probably taken it, as I felt better last night, and even better this morning.

It is odd when your appetite is gone. Nothing sounds good. Nothing tastes good. Last night I ordered a pork chop dinner at Lazlo's with soup and mashed potatoes. The soup was delicious and when the meal came out it looked wonderful. The chop looked more like a fat juicy steak! I took my first bite and the flavor was great - but then - the texture got in the way. To my mouth it had a squishy, fatty texture. I KNOW there was nothing wrong with it - but I could not convince my mouth. I had thought the potatoes would be plain mashed potatoes, but no, they were garlic potatoes. I use to LOVE garlic mashed potatoes - but that no longer is true - they are just too rich for my taste buds. So, my meal consisted of the soup, a peice of bread, and three bites each of potatoes and meat. Luckily, Jeremy sent a couple of desserts to our table so I had a few bites of strawberry shortcake. Sweets, fruit, dairy and bland starches seem to be the only thing that actually taste 'right' to me right now. There are times, though, that only veggies sound good and sweets curl my toes - so maybe, in the long run, it all evens out.

My next chemo treatment would have been tomorrow, but because of Labor Day I set it up for Tuesday. However, I received a call a week or so ago telling me I had to move it to Wednesday as Dr. S was going to be out of the office. I wasn't happy at the time, but now, considering how I have felt, it is probably a good thing. I have decided to request going to weekly treatments to see if I handle them a bit better. I have been visiting with other bcmet survivors online, and there aren't many out there receiving chemo every three weeks like I am. Most are doing it weekly with their main side effect being that they are tired for a day or two. I can take tired. The weekly doses are much smaller so, theoretically, don't do as much damage. Hopefully this will be true for me. I decided if I don't like how I feel on the weekly, I can always go back to the dose dense every three week regime.

Two days ago I had a little scare. My left hip became very painful - especially when trying to stand up from a sitting position. In the past it had been my right hip that has given me problems. If you are a person with mets every little ache and pain becomes blown up in your mind. Is it progression? Has the chemo stopped working? I have been very fortunate as my bone pain has been fairly minimal - usually just bothering me when I first lay down at night or when sitting too long - like on car trips. Add to this that my digestive system has been 'off' and I was nervous. However, after a good nights sleep the pain subsided quite a bit, and I remembered having bent down to get out my big kitchen aid mixer from the bottom shelf of the cupboard and thinking 'I probably shouldn't be doing this' as I felt a twinge. So, long story short, I am pretty sure the pain was a pulled muscle. Whew!

As always, I appreciate your prayers. Hope you are enjoying your long weekend!

Cupcakes

I spent yesterday afternoon making 4 dozen cupcakes. Some went to Mark's work, but most went with me to Millard South this afternoon. I visited my old classroom and shared the cupcakes. What a huge class! I met all the new freshman - who were all very sweet and so happy to see me, even if they didn't know me. It was wonderful seeing my old students, Melanie, and the new teacher, Abby. Melanie asked me to share my 'ghost stories' from when I was a kid (my brothers and I think we lived in a haunted house) as they were reading a book in their class that had a mysterious being in it. I asked if it would frighten any of the students to hear such a story, and two students chose to go to the middle room to play a game and not listen to the story. It was fun reliving the tale - hopefully none of the kids will have nightmares!

Linda, Donna, Martha

Jacque, Diane, Mary

I met up with 5 PEO sisters for dinner last night. The picture above is actually from the Luis Palau luncheon - but it was the same group of women. We took our friend Martha out to thank her for providing tickets for us to the LP luncheon. We ate at Spezia's - which is a wonderful Italian restaurant. The meal was delicious - and the company even better. Oh, and these were the same gals that put on the fabulous PEO tea last Sunday!

I had a lovely brunch today at La Peeps with my friend and neighbor, Carol. We are both going to be 'mothers of the grooms' next summer, so we had much to visit about. Carol has been doing a lot more research than I have and had some good tips. I was quite impressed with my meal - chicken crepes. I would highly recommend it! The portion was huge - and now I have breakfast or lunch for tomorrow!

2nd Blog Today - The Eyes Have It

I forgot to tell what I learned at my opthamology appointment yesterday. The good news is, there is no evidence of cancer or macular degeneration. My problems (dryness and poor vision) are being caused by extreme dry eyes due to the chemo.

What I have found out about tears and lubricating eyes is interesting. Our eyes do not only produce tears, but also a lubricating agent - an oily like substance. Drugs can diminish or stop the production of this lubricant. Without the lubricant, the eye becomes sticky and vision decreases. There are cases of people who have excessive tearing - which can also be a part of the dry eye syndrome - because the eye is producing tears, but no lubrication.

The doc said mine was a fairly severe case, and has put me on 4x a day steroid drops and liquid tears every two hours. Basically, I need to put something in my eye almost every hour. I am HORRIBLE at remembering to take medicines, etc, so this should be interesting. His plan is to get my eyes back in working condition and then putting me on a different drug - Restatsis. I look forward to that as it is just used twice a day - a bit more doable than the regime I am on right now. However, I already notice a difference with my vision, so it seems to be working!

The Graduate

Sandy - Exercise Physiologist, Elaine - Rehab Nurse, me, Karen - Rehab Nurse & George & Jill.

I am finished with Cardio Rehab and received my 'diploma'! I can't believe that I am finally done! Two people who started the class back when I began, Jill and George, came for my graduation. Wasn't that sweet? To thank the wonderful staff I brought up a rose in a vase and a Kahlua cake along with a poster I made on the computer that said:

Eat healthy!
Exercise!
Lower your stress!
Everything in moderation!
But always remember….. Life is short.
So don’t forget to smell the roses …
And eat cake!

I also have another picture to share with you - my blogger buddies! Stacey had this posted on her blog, so thought I would share it. This pic was taken at our brunch on Sunday. Nikki and I both decided to blink right when the pic was taken, but that's OK - we'll get another pic next time!

Stacey, Melanie, Nikki, Me

Moon

Today is going to be filled with appointments (eye doc and dentist) so thought I would blog early. I am hoping the opthomologist will be able to provide me with something to counteract the dryness caused by the chemo. Many times when I blink, my eye lid gets stuck and I end up having this weird sensation of lids that don't reopen at the same time. I worry that someone will think I am winking at them!

Did you see the moon last night? I was hugenormous! I had stopped at Shadow Lake Towne Center last night around 8:00 to run in a store quickly to grab something. As I pulled onto 72nd street the moon was hanging just above the field across the street. I swear it was the largest moon I had ever seen. It almost looked like you could have reached out and touched it. I had heard on the radio earlier in the day that there was going to be a complete eclipse of the moon - so perhaps this had something to do with how close it was to the earth, etc. Wow, was it beautiful. I wish I would have had my camera!

Last night I met Diane and her friend Denise for dinner at LaMesa. Diane and Denise met while doing chemo - they both are breast cancer survivors - and have continued their friendship, meeting every so often to catch up with each other. Denise wanted to meet me, so last night was the night! Her daughter is getting married in April, so we had more in common than just our similar health histories. It was a fun evening and it was great getting to know her.

Tomorrow is my last cardiac rehab day! I have to say I am a bit excited for it to be over. The only problem is, now I have to continue making sure I get a consistent cardio vascular workout on my own.

Brunch, Tea and Trophy

I had a fun, busy day yesterday! It started at brunch at Mimi's Cafe, where I finally met two of my blogger buddies face to face - along with my friend Melanie. These wonderful young women are cousin's of Melanie, and were also enticed into blogging by her - just like me! We have shared our ups and downs over the last months through our blog pages - so it was great to actually meet them in person.

After putting my feet up for a few minutes I headed over to the Oak Hills Country Club for the PEO tea that my chapter was hosting for Pam - a member of our chapter that is the new state PEO president. There was a big crowd that attended and the tea committee did an amazing job. The whole affair was beautiful and the committee made some delicious desserts - that were as good looking as they were tasty. One of our chapter members, Linda, who was on the tea committee, made a large portion of the goodies - and you would have thought a master pastry chef had made them. She had frosted brownies she cut into circles and decorated with frosting daisies, frosted star sugar cookies in white with a fairy dusting of eatable glitter, and strawberries dipped in white chocolate. I kid you not - absolutely perfect. I suggested to her she missed her calling (she is a fabulous teacher) but she said, no, that no one could afford her as she was too slow and too much of a perfectionist. She is amazing - but then I think all of that committee is pretty amazing. Another member, Mary, wrote a cute skit where she read about Pam's life while Diane held up products that coincided with some of the words (example: Pam 'pledged' to be true to PEO and a can of Pledge was held up). It was very cute, but the topper was when at the end of the skit our entire chapter held up old fashioned fans with Pam's picture on it (that Mary had made) in front of our faces when Mary said 'We are Pam's biggest fans'. That Mary - she is always coming up with unique and clever ideas. I am so proud of those gals - they did a great job!

When I got home from the tea, I was excited to find a trophy sitting on the kitchen counter! Mark's car received best of show MOPAR at the Millard Days Car Show! Pretty cool.

Leapin' Lizards!

Just a quick post in case you are interested in having a good belly laugh. This video on youtube just cracked me up - and notice, the host is former Omaha anchorman Michael Scott! Click here.

The Muscle Car Parade

It is absolutely gorgeous out today. The sun is shining and it is on the cooler side. Mmmm.

Mark and I got up early and took the Roadrunner out to breakfast. Then we came back home and Mark shined 'her' up and took off for the Millard Car Show. He met Steve where they thought the show was, couldn't find anyone else and drove around Millard looking for it. The Millard Days Parade was going on, and they finally asked someone at the parade start where the car show was - and, you guessed it - it is tomorrow. I can just envision the two of them driving around Millard - they had their own little parade with their two muscle cars.

Greg and I are going to go do some 'back to school' shopping today. His classes start Monday. I haven't talked to Matt yet, but know we will hear from him this weekend about how his first few days of law school went.

Tomorrow is a busy day - my blogger brunch in the morning and the PEO tea in the afternoon - so I am not sure if I will have the time or energy to blog. If not, I will be sure to post on Monday. Have a great weekend!

Unexpected Lunch Out

I went to Cardio Rehab this morning (my last day is next Wednesday, now) and came home prepared to just nestle in at home and do a few household chores. Instead, my friend Diane called to see if I wanted to go out for lunch. Well, of course I did! We went to Paradise Bakery and had their yummy roasted garlic tomato soup and then poked around a couple of shops at Regency. We then decided to go to Dillards to see if there were any good bargains on their clearance sale. It was a nice way to spend part of the day.

When I got home I called my friend Melanie to visit, since she was home with a sick kid. I got caught up on how things were going in her classroom (my old classroom) and got all our teacher talk out of the way. 'Out of the way?' you might query? Well, on Sunday morning, Melanie and I are going to meet two of her cousins, Stacey and Nikki, at Mimi's for brunch. We have become blogger buddies, and since Stacey is home from Florida we decided to meet in person! It will be fun putting living persona's in my mind instead of just pictures from their blogs.

It looks like we are going to get a break from the weather this weekend. Go enjoy the sunshine! (Or at least the clouds with no rain! :-)

Rain, Rain and More Rain

The weather in Omaha has been like a good share of the midwest as of late - rainy, rainy, rainy. I know all the vegetation is loving the rain, along with the nitrogen forming lightening, but I have to say I am getting just a bit tired of it. So far I have only spent one evening down in the basement waiting out a tornado warning, and other than high winds and downed trees that caused problems elsewhere in the city, we were spared. We had thought we might go to the last Jazz on the Green down at the Joslin tonight, but more storms are predicted, so we have opted to stay home.

I spoke with Matt and he said they had been having mega rain in Minneapolis. His first official day of law school is today. He has had to go other days this week, but for orientations, etc. He sounded excited to start. Courtney's first week of her new job has gone smoothly, other than she has a bad cold. Not a nice way to have to start!

Greg has been working at Interiors Construction (where Mark works) this summer as a laborer. Mark told me that Greg had to get his first stitches yesterday. He was throwing something into a dumpster and caught his arm on a piece of metal. Yikes! I guess he had 6 - 8 stitches. At least he only has a couple of days of work left before college starts up again.

My day has been uneventful. I cleaned out my computer area and got it all organized. It didn't take me long and it makes me wonder why I hadn't done it before. It looks SO much better. I need to go down and go through some boxes that I brought home from school, too. Maybe I will get to that yet this afternoon. I also got the balance sheet all ready for my old classroom account. I am certainly glad I didn't have to be an accountant - I am not very good at it! But it did feel good to get everything balanced and organized.

Now, I will end with the upside of being bald:

you don't wake up with bed head

rain, wind, humidity - no problem!

save money on haircuts/hair products

cool in the summer

never a bad hair day

Enjoy your day!

2nd Post Today

Had to share this fun site. See what song was a hit the day you were born!
http://www.joshhosler.biz/NumberOneInHistory/SelectMonth.htm

Former Students

People with special needs can be so endearing. I went to visit some of my former students today who have moved to our district's Young Adult Program. This program is designed to provide age appropriate skills to students who are 18 thru 21, rather than continuing to serve them at the high school level. It leans heavily towards honing work skills and general life skills - it is a truly outstanding program. Anyway, I went there to have lunch with the students. There are many other students there from the other high schools, too - some I know their names, some I just know faces from the dances sponsored by the board I sit on.

After we ate, I continued to visit with one of my former students as she and another young man were working on stuffing a form in the front of a booklet. This young man was very talkative and friendly, and I remembered him from the dances. He said he remembered me too, but he said 'I thought I recognized you, but you must have got a haircut since I last saw you.' So sweet. I explained that the reason I had on the scarf was because I was having chemotherapy and had no hair. He asked what that was, so I explained as simply as I could that I had cancer and the chemotherapy drugs were put in my body to fight the cancer, but unfortunately it also fought my hair! He just smiled and said 'Oh'. I just wanted to hug him.

One of the things I love about working with this level student is how genuinely kind and friendly most of them are. They just want you to like them and are so eager to learn - even when it is difficult for them.

Once I left the Young Adult Program I decided to run to WalMart to get various and sundry things. As I stepped out of my car I noticed how dark the sky had become. I considered getting back in my car and heading home, since severe thunderstorms were predicted for this afternoon, but decided to go on in. About half way through the store there was a HUGE clap of thunder and the rain let loose. The noise of the rain on the tin roof was deafening. I don't know how the employees can stand it! Of course, I hadn't thought to grab my umbrella out of the trunk of my car, so I got to sprint through the downpour, throw my groceries in the back seat, put the cart away and then jump in my car soaked to the skin. Nice. I had a couple more stops to make before I could get home and change into something warm and dry. Brrrrrrr.

Tech Support

Went with my sister in law, Liz, to help her pick out furniture last night. Turns out she and Al selected a couch over the weekend, but she had other pieces she wanted to purchase. She bought a pretty entertainment center and a big overstuffed recliner that I am sure Al will totally enjoy. She special ordered everything, so it will be a couple of months before they come in, but it will be fun to see them once they arrive!

I have had a very productive morning! My former coworker, Melanie, had asked me to balance the classroom checkbook and get it prepared for the yearly audit. I was happy to do it, but just hadn't had the desire to tackle it until today. So, I have everything balanced and pretty much accounted for. Now all I need to do is an excel sheet to show the ebb and flow of the monies (now mind you - our little account rarely sees $300 in it, so this isn't high finance). Anyway, my new laptop doesn't have Microsoft Word - just Works, so many people's computers aren't compatible with it. This just drives me nuts whenever I want to share something - or even open old files from my old computer. I went online to look into purchasing the Word software and found out it has a $30.00 rebate right now - AND - I found out that Best Buy does in store rebates so I can purchase it for $30.00 off today and not have to wait for 15 weeks for the refund to come!!!!!! I think that is FANTASTIC! So, once I have this installed I can finish up my audit report for Melanie.

I managed to eek out enough energy to scrub the masterbath - it always feels good to get at least one major cleaning project done a day.

I also went online with HP tech support to have them fix a problem I have been having with my printer. I will install it, then a week or so later it has disappeared and won't work. I reinstall - and again - is gone in short order. VERY irritating. I did not want to call their tech support as I have found it beyond irritating (you get some person in India or some such place with poor English who doesn't understand your problem and keeps calling you 'mam' over and over and over.... ) So, I go online - and guess what? From the speech pattern I observed in their responses - I was back in India. It took over an hour to get the problem resolved and not without a little impatience on my part. The following is an excerpt from my second session I had online with a tech.

Myra: Welcome to HP Total Care for All-in-One Products. My name is Myra. How may I assist you today?
Jacque Nielsen: I have reinstalled my printer. I think there is a next step - all the info disappeared before I could make sure. (I provided her with my session number)
Myra: Could you please provide me couple of minutes to go through your previous chat session.
Jacque Nielsen: Yes
Myra: Thank you. (Seven minutes went by)
Myra: Jacque, thank you for being online.
Jacque Nielsen: Ok
Jacque Nielsen: Do I need to do anything else?
Myra: Have you resintalled the software after restarting the computer?
Jacque Nielsen: As I stated above - yes (can you hear me getting a bit pissy?)
Myra: Are you able to view the printer icon?
Jacque Nielsen: Yes
Myra: Good.
Jacque Nielsen: But I always can once i have installed it. Then in a week or two it is gone
Jacque Nielsen: I am hoping to avoid this.
Myra: I will help you in fixing this for ever.
Jacque Nielsen: Good - I have already done the initial fix. Is there anything else I need to do?
Myra: Please, follow the steps that i am providing you now.
Myra: 1) Click on the "Start Menu" icon on the bottom left corner of the screen , type .....
Nielsen: I HAVE ALREADY DONE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jacque Nielsen: You were suppose to have been reviewing my last session. You would have known this. What were you doing for the seven minutes I sat and waited for you?
Myra, of course, totally ignored my crabbiness and told me what to do next - nicely of course. Hopefully the problem has been fixed - I will see in a week or two if my printer remains installed. I can't wait for my survey of services to come on my email - it won't be pretty.

Perkier

Things have perked up for me. I made it to cardiac rehab, and while I didn't go full force, I managed to finish all my exercises (albeit not at the normal intensity). I only have five more times there, and I have to admit I am looking forward to being done. I plan on trying out a new gym, Wellbound, designed for baby boomers and seniors that have expertise in working with people with heart and health issues. From the brochure I think I will be the cute chick the guys look at - pretty sad.

After my work out I came home and got some little chores done that I had been putting off and managed to sneak in a tiny nap. This afternoon I headed out to get my makeup and try on undergarments. I didn't find any u.g. that I liked, but did manage to purchase four v neck t-shirts to wear with my pj bottoms. I was just going to get two, but found out they were clearanced for under $5.00 each! Excellent!

Tonight, if the weather holds out (we are under a tornado watch) I will be going to Nebraska Furniture Mart with my sister-in-law, Liz. She and Al have just purchased a house and they want a new sofa. I always enjoy going to NFM - but I am sure Mark will be nervous thinking about me entering the doors.

Has anyone else noticed an increase in allergies lately? I never know if my extremely runny nose is from allergies, the chemo, not having nose hairs (it does make a difference - nothing to stop the flow) or what. I have been sneezing and my eyes have been dryer and stickier than they usually are. I have an opthomologist appointment next week to see if I can get some relief for my dry eyes and deteriorating vision because of the dryness. Maybe he can address my allergy question.

Stay cool and dry. It is going to be a wet week in Omaha!

Another Lazy Day

Went to church this morning. A 'small-group' of lay people provided the service as Pastor Doug was out of town. They did a wonderful job and I thought they had a good message - get involved with a small-group at the church! With churches getting bigger and bigger, these small groups minister to individuals and makes one feel like they truly belong and have a voice.

I have, again, been rather lazy today. My intent was to do some shopping this afternoon, but a little nap sounded better. I know the chemo is what makes me crave these naps, but they certainly cramp my style. I guess I should look at the bright side - I definitely save money napping instead of shopping! I need makeup - and all I have to do is run into the store that sells it and purchase it - so that is not so time consuming. However, I also need to go foundation shopping - new bras - (sorry guys - a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do) but this I know will take some time. Diane told me about a new shop at the new Shadow Lake Mall that has a wide selection so I hope to give it a try one of these days when shopping sounds better than napping.

Taste & Jazz

I seemed to rally yesterday afternoon, and while I didn't feel 100% normal (or at least what is my new normal) I felt OK. Mark and I went to dinner at Taste and then to the Rockbrook Village free outdoor concert. Steve Raybine, a local jazz musician with national recognition, was playing. Our friends, Chris and Bonnie, met us at the concert. Unfortunately, what started as a few scattered raindrops quickly became a steady rain. Even with umbrellas we were getting soaked. We finally opted out and walked over to the Garden Cafe for dessert.

Have you ever eaten at Taste? It is locally owned and is really quite good. There is the one at Rockbrook and another one that opened on 132nd & Dodge. It has retro decor and serves very unusual, but good, food. Last night Mark had the swordfish on rice with a mango salsa. I had the beef tenderloin kabobs on porcini pasta. Both were excellent. The portions are smaller(actually normal - but restaurants usually over size things), but the price is very affordable. Each of our meals was only $12.00. My appetite is not all that big these days so Mark was able to get full by eating his plus half of my meal. Actually, a guy might do well to order a double portion of the meat as the price is so reasonable it would still be in line with other restaurants. We also had the sweet potato fries with their aioli sauce as an appetizer. In all, it was a very good meal. Oh - it is on the Passport card, too - which means you get one meal free! If you eat out a lot, a Passport card can save you money - it is well worth it's price.

We don't have any huge plans today. Hopefully I can make myself go ride my exercise bike (OK, I WILL go ride my bike) and get a few things done around the house. I should probably run to the grocery store, too. So, with that in mind, I had best get busy. Have a great day!

Better Day

I am feeling better today. Not perfect, but better. I didn't go to cardiac rehab - just too tired. However, I did manage to do some ironing, ride my exercise bike and do a few things around the house. I find I have to push myself on days like today - and then I feel better. Hopefully tomorrow will be even better.

Blech

Nothing to report today of interest. I am feeling rather 'blech' and tired so have basically slept, read and sat. I am running a low grade fever and will probably call my doc tomorrow to get some antibiotics. I hope you are having a better day.

Frisk the 15th

I am going to try to remember to add this to my blog each month. This is a reminder to do your self breast examination - someone picked the 15th of each month - and I think that is a great idea. If you are over due for your mammogram - please schedule it tomorrow. Thanks!

Weary

Today is the spiral down. Went to cardiac rehab and had to quit exercising the last 10 minutes as I got dizzy. Came home and spent the rest of the morning running to the bathroom. I now just feel tired and weary. My eyes burn, my body aches. This too shall pass.

It looks like it could rain any minute, and the temperature tomorrow is suppose to be in the 80s with a lot less humidity. I am looking forward to that.

If you like ribs, the Ribfest is over in Council Bluffs this weekend. If you go, be sure to try the ribs at Johnson's and Rasta Joe's. Yum!

Another Post

This is my second post today. Wanted to share my pics of ideas for future hairstyles for when (if?) I ever get to stop chemo and grow hair again. I did this on ivillage - it was fun and made me giggle - quite a bit. Not only can you 'try on' new hair styles, but also makeup, glasses, headbands and hats. Thanks, Stacey, for putting this collage together for me!

Hints

Feeling pretty normal today - although I did not sleep well last night. Our PEO meeting ran later than usual - lots to discuss - so didn't get home until 10:30. I read in bed for an hour or so and then willed myself to sleep. Woke up this morning around 4:15 so read and then finally got up and made myself pancakes and an egg. I was hungry! I had eaten rather lightly yesterday, so I am sure that didn't help my sleep patterns either (along with the nap during chemo and the steroids they gave me).

Here are the hints that were shared at last night's meeting. Hope you find some that you can use!

Reynolds Slow Cooker Liners - lines crock-pot and keeps it clean. Store the box in your crock-pot so you remember to use it!

Daby - nail hardener. Works like a wonder. Get it on Ebay - around $8.00 - no shipping!!!! I use this product and have nice long nails - paint over the entire nail after polishing (not just on tips as directions say)

Folex - carpet stain remover - purchase at Lowes - takes up even old stains

Press and Seal - forms seal on dish when storing.

Tide to Go - takes stains off your clothes when you are away from home - works like magic!
Keep in your purse and one in your desk.

Cover Girl lipstick (not sure of the name) stays on all day

Greased Lightning - stain remover - great on grass stains and dirt stains.

Jewelry Cleaner - 1 cup warm water, 1 T ammonia, 2-3 drops Ivory Soap. Soak jewelry then use soft brush, rinse

Put rinds of watermelons/cantaloupe put in sack in freezer until garbage pick up day

Fels-Naphtha Bar - pre- treating stains on clothes. Purchase at grocery store

Bees Wax Furniture Polish - Cleaning Mart - 84th & Center

Use Shout to clean off door of refrigerator’s pebble finish

Soak casseroles with Cascade and it takes the baked on food off

Plastic food scrapers to take off baked on food on pots, pans and casseroles. Can be purchased at Bed Bath Beyond and most stores with kitchen supply areas. (Old time hint. Before you could purchase these we would make them from plastic milk cartons - cut a three inch square and round off the corners - works in a pinch)

Window Cleaner - Few drops of Dawn in water, rub with rag on glass and use a squeegee (purchased at Cleaning Mart) - to have streak free windows

Painting - use a garbage liner bag around tray and pour paint in. When done, dispose of the roller by grabbing it with liner to keep your hands clean. Put the roller in the pan and turn the bag inside out. Tie knot in the bag and throw all away.

Use a dryer sheet to ward off mosquitoes. Used dryer sheets can be used as a dusting cloth on TVs, Computer screens, etc.

To remove stains off of counters make paste with baking powder & lemon, put on stain, leave then wipe up. Stain is gone.

Sliders for moving furniture - put under legs and furniture even heavy furniture is easy to move. Can get at Lowes, Home Depot, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, etc.

Leave fabric softener sheets in car to keep it fresh

Strawberries - Use a straw to push up from the bottom to the top and it hulls the strawberry.

Mr. Clean Magic Erasers - great for cleaning the uncleanable. Counter tops, bath tubs, metal chairs, patio furniture, painted walls (not flat paint though)

Chemo #8

Chemo number 8 has been infused into my body. As normal, I feel fine today. The effects don't usually start hitting until Wednesday. Dr. S said if my side effects continue to worsen I may have to switch to getting chemo every week instead of every three weeks. He said that some people find that having a smaller dose lessens overall side effects. He stated we will reevaluate at my next infusion appointment (Sept. 4). I just don't want to be so tired all the time that all I want to do is sleep in my comfy chair - but then I also want to be able to walk (I had more muscle weakness after the last chemo) - so I guess I won't borrow trouble and just wait to see what transpires. One of the things I appreciate about Dr. S is how on top of things he is. When he mentioned the possibility of going to every week I told him I had wondered about that, as I had read about other ladies whose docs told them that every week was 30 to 44% more effective than the every three week regime I was getting. He said, yes, there had been one study that had reported that, but now it was generally felt that the lower dose once weekly was tolerated better and that all of the regimes were fairly equal as far as effectiveness.

Dr. S said he would order scans for me the end of September. He said he is happy with how I look and feels confident that we are on the right track. I request a copy of my blood work at each appointment and am happy to report that some things that you want the numbers to go down - have, and that others are stable. In fact one particular one is one point away from normal and it had been double what it should have been in March! Yea! By the way - Dr.
S was wearing his prosthesis today and appeared to be handling it quite well. After watching Mom learn to walk on hers I know how hard it is to reteach your mind to make it cooperate. Go Dr. S!

After thinking about Mom's problems with her surgeon, she will probably seek out a different doc. Who wants to go to someone that has 'pimped' her around like this doc? It is really disgusting if you get right down to it. I would LOVE it if she could find someone who would be able to go in, do a repair on it, and fill her up with antibiotics rather than what the other doc was going to do - which was to cut out the entire broken knee replacement and leave it out for 3 or more months to get rid of the infection, then go back in with a new knee replacement.

I have PEO tonight, and Joan is going to pick me up - which I really appreciate. I have to take my laptop along to take notes for tonight's program which is our own version of 'Hints from Heloise'. I will be sure to post all the hints that we receive. This should be fun!

2nd Post on Sunday

Hi! My friend Melanie asked me post the recipe for the Peach Praline Shortcake. Unfortunately, she won't be able to try it as it has nuts in it and she is allergic! Sorry Mel! Anyway - it is a good recipe - especially at this time of year when the peaches are so outstanding. Maybe you (Melanie) could make a small shortcake for yourself using brown sugar and just leave the nuts out and then make the regular praline version for everyone else?

Peach Praline Shortcake
Make peaches and sauce early in the day to allow peaches to form juice and sugar in sauce to dissolve. Take out of fridge one or two hours before serving to bring to room temperature.

Peaches
4 cups sliced peaches - sweetened
(Hint: to peel peaches, drop one by one in boiling water for a few seconds. Skin will skim right off. )

Sauce
1 cup sour cream
½ cup brown sugar packed
Blend together - remember to do this earlier in the day so sugar dissolves.

Shortcake
1 ½ cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp baking soda
½ cup brown sugar (packed)
1/3 cup shortening
½ cup coarsely chopped pecans
1 egg
¾ cup milk

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Grease round layer pan, 8x½”
Measure flour, baking powder, salt and soda into bowl. Cut in brown sugar and shortening thoroughly until mixture looks like meal. Stir in pecans. Combine egg and milk; stir into flour mixture just until blended. Pat into pan.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Split shortcake while warm. Fill and top with peaches. Top with sauce.

Relaxing Day

Not much to report today. Went to church this morning, grocery store this afternoon and that is pretty much it. The heat is oppressive - and it is hard for me to breathe outside. So, I have stayed inside - reading, sleeping computering (new word?), etc. Hope you have had a relaxing day, too.

Blogs

Part of the charm of reading people's blogs is being able to legally peer into the lives of others. Since I have started this blog I have added many blogs to my list that I check daily. I have quit putting links to them on my blog because they have become too numerous. I think what is particularly interesting are the different things that people eat or restaurants they go to. For instance, I now know that a bierock is similar to a runza, PeiWie's is an oriental restaurant and a fluffernutter is a sandwich made with peanut butter and marshmallow creme! So interesting - at least to me - but then I like reality shows like Little People Big World, or What Not To Wear, too (however, I DON'T like reality shows like Survivor or the Bachelor).

So far, it has been a pretty low key day. I have done a few things around the house - but not too much. I also went to the grocery store, read a few pages in a book and did some computer surfing for a future trip. I tried to go out and dead head the roses, but the heat chased me back in. I think this is just a resting day. Tonight we are going out to supper with our friends the Brabecs and O'Connors - and that is pretty much it for today.

Ribfest

Last night I got to experience A Fib once again. We were in Lincoln at the Ribfest in the sweltering heat. I am pretty sure I just over taxed my system. Everyone else was dripping sweat and I looked cool as a cucumber = not a good thing I realize now. The A Fib only lasted a few hours, with the help of my meds, so that is good. The Ribfest was great - even with the heat and heart problems. Every year we attend with my brother, Bert, and his wife, Janet. It is 'tradition!' (tradition!). As is also our tradition, Janet and I bought lotto tickets. I don't usually gamble, not because of any convictions, just because I am cheap. Anyway - I bought $10.00 worth of tickets, won $7.00 back plus got a spin on the prize wheel and won a rucksack - kind of a glorified duffle bag. All in all it was a successful trip.

My day has been non-descript. I went to Cardio rehab, came home and visited my blog friends and discussion board and kicked back for just a bit. This afternoon I tackled the kitchen and eating area's floor. I like to clean the floors on my hands and knees - it is just SO much cleaner that way. It took me a little longer than normal, but I managed to get it done. I did a quick vacuum of the living room and hallway and I feel like I have accomplished something today!

My friend, Lynne, is stopping by in a bit to drop off some paperbacks and to look through my stack of books to see if she wants to read any of them. Monday is my 8th chemo (yuck) so I need some good reading materials for my week of recovery. I am hoping that after my 9th chemo Dr. Silverberg will order more scans to make sure my chemo is still working. I feel like it is, but it is always nice to have that reassurance. Plus, if the scan shows improvement, it gives me hope that one of these months (years?) I can get off this harsh chemo and move on to something less toxic. If you are wanting a specific prayer for me - heading towards a long remission would be awesome!

Quick Blog

Just a quick blog to let you know all is well. I have had a busy day and am also busy this evening.

Mary, Diane and I went to Greenwood today to pick up Bakers candies for our PEO tea - which is the end of the month. One of our members, Pam, is going to be the state president. Quite an honor and quite a big job! Anyway, after Greenwood we went to Ashland to eat lunch and visit some of their cute shops. My favorite shop in Ashland is Willow Point, which is Nebraska artist Gene Roncka's art gallery. He is Mark's favorite artist - and one of mine. We own lots of his prints (can't afford the originals).

Oreo, our cat, has the runs, again. I called the vet's office and a tech suggested I try giving her a teaspoon of Peptobismol before getting an antibiotic prescription again. So off I trotted to the store to purchase the pink yucky stuff and an eye dropper. Guess what? Oreo didn't much care for the Pepto - and the scratches on my hand prove it. I barely got 1/4 a teaspoon into her when she escaped and shook pink Pepto all over my kitchen. Nice. I will be getting antibiotics for her tomorrow.

Chemo Brain

OK, I now know I officially have chemo brain. I was at school today to pick some things up from my old classroom and stopped over in the Sped office to say hi to my colleagues. One of them asked what street I lived on in my development and I replied 'Meadow Drive'. She looked confused and I thought - that doesn't sound right. Now, let me explain. I haven't lived on Meadow Drive since Mark and I were first married 27 years ago! Yes, we lived there 7 years, but that is still 20 years since I lived there! Sheese! Up until this moment I hadn't felt like my treatments were bothering my memory too much. Now I know better.

As I said, I went to school to grab a few things I had left there (to get them out of Melanie's way). It was great seeing Melanie and I got to meet her new co-teacher and two new paras. I also got to see a number of the sped staff and to view my dept. head, Michelle's, wedding pictures (she was a beautiful bride). It felt funny waltzing in and out without worrying about all the normal beginning of the year stuff.

My mom had been waiting to hear from her orthopedic surgeon's assistant to set up her knee operation. The assistant had been on vacation the last week. She called Mom today to tell her the doctor has decided to not do her operation..... Say, What? I called the assistant to hear it for myself. She said the doctor didn't feel comfortable doing the surgery because of all her many health issues. Again - Say, What? He had her prepped and ready for surgery two months ago but backed out because of the skin infection. Her health hasn't changed in these two months. I asked what she was suppose to do - she was in pain, she had an infection..... I asked to have the doctor call me, and she said she would give him the message, but she didn't think he would call me. WHAT? Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr. She suggested I write a letter to him. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. So now, we are back to square one, and Mom thinks no one else here will touch her if this doc won't (he is suppose to be 'the best' in this area). Sigh.

Getting Organized

Hmmmmm - another Tuesday with nothing I have to do. So nice. I spent the morning putzing around, cleaning out drawers and cupboards in our bedroom. It had gotten to the point I was having trouble closing one of the built in cupboard doors, so thought it was time. Carolyn's cat, Maggie, has discovered my overflow of scarves from the basket I store them in and it is now her favorite place to catnap. While mucking out the cupboards I found a crocheted square that Carolyn had made for our now deceased cat, Puff, to sleep on, so laid that on the dresser where the scarves were so she had someplace to nap (and shed) besides my scarves. :-) She is one happy kitty.

I discovered all kinds of treasures during my straightening spree. It is amazing what one shoves in drawers to get them out of the way. Books, head sets, an old cell phone and all it's equipment, my lost number 6 Harry Potter book and a dust jacket to another. I even found a PEO item I have been looking for (yes, Diane, I found it), along with an old camera, many mismatched socks, adapters to who knows what - the list goes on. Needless to say, I have one large plastic garbage liner ready for the trash and another ready for the good will.

My friend Melanie has inspired me on her blog to plan out some meals for the week instead of all the sudden thinking 'Oh, it's four o'clock - what should I make for dinner?', then running to the grocery store. Hopefully I can even think ahead to next week for after treatment when I REALLY don't feel like cooking or shopping and have a plan for that, too. So, with that in mind, I bid you adieu. I need to make my meal plan and grocery list!

Exercise, lunch & shopping!

I have 9 more cardiac rehab days! This will put me a little over three more weeks if I don't miss any classes. I know I need to find something else to give me a cardio workout. It is time to start looking at all my options.

Went to lunch today with Lori and Diane. We had a nice meal at Mimi's Cafe. I hadn't seen Lori in a few months so it was good catching up with her. How is it that time flys by so quickly? Lori's hubby has a classic car, too, so I am sure it won't be long until the three of us will be car show widows as the guys traipse off to classic car events. :-)

Diane and I did a little shopping after lunch at Village Point and then Von Maur. We looked at possible 'Mother of the Groom' dresses just for fun. There was actually one that might work, but I want Courtney's opinion, if possible, and since my chemo treatments could change at any time, I hate to purchase this early with the possibility of my weight fluctuating. But it was fun to look!

Greg's girlfriend, Jaime, came home this evening from Korea. If her plane was on time, she arrived 15 minutes ago! Greg stopped by the house to pick something up this afternoon and I asked that once she is rested, and has her pictures developed, to stop by so she could tell us all about her trip. I am sure she will need a few days to recover even though she is young. I know I would need a week or two to feel like myself again!

Matt emailed Mark and said they had been spotting all kinds of wildlife around their house in Minneapolis - deer, a turkey 'family' and more. Sounds so peaceful!

The past few days have been so busy. I am ready for a down day. Tomorrow I plan on staying close to home to putz and rest. That sounds wonderful.

Relatives and Cars

It has been a busy, fun day. I saw all but one set of my aunts and uncles on my dad's side. We all met in Lincoln at my brother Bert's house. His wife, Janet, hosted the day even though Bert was away on business. That was SO nice of her! We had a great visit and had lots of food and desserts. I still find it hard to believe that my aunts and uncles are all 75 or older - They really don't look their age! Heck - the baby 75 year old still rides in barrel races at rodeos and wins! It was nice to hear that they all keep track of me on this blog - so - Hello every body! Missed you Aunt Dora and Uncle Don!

Mark entered his first car show today. It was in Ralston (a little town within Omaha). As you remember, Mark stores his car at Steve's house. Diane called this morning after they left her house laughing at how cute Steve and Mark looked rumbling down the street in their cars. I am sure they both had big smiles on their faces. Mark's car took Best MoPar - he got a little plaque and everything! Oh, and I hear I gave the wrong make of Mark's car on the blog. It is a PLYMOUTH Roadrunner, not a Dodge. Shows you how much I know about cars.

A Long Day

It is a little after 10:00 and I am SO ready for bed. However, I have a busy day tomorrow and may not get to my blog, so decided to write tonight so as not to worry anyone.

Started my day with housework - laundry and cleaning the master bath - and then got ready to go to a luncheon. The luncheon was the Susan G Komen breast cancer survivor luncheon. Diane and I sat with our breast cancer sisters, Ricki and Kathie, who are both from York. I met Ricki through our mutual friend, Donna, and Ricki introduced us to Kathie at last year's luncheon. The meal was OK, the speaker - eh - but I am glad I went as a gal who works tireless for breast cancer fund raising received a well deserved award. It was also nice to catch up with Ricki and Kathie.

After the luncheon I had to go to Sam's Club and HyVee to get food for tomorrow. Seven of my aunts and uncles - along with my brothers and their wives, and a couple of my nieces - will be at Bert and Janet's house in Lincoln for an informal get-together. My awesome sister in law is going above and beyond the call of duty by hosting this gathering of Anderson's while her husband, my brother, is out of town on business! I will be driving to Lincoln on my own for the first time since all my health issues started. It is only an hours drive from my door to theirs - but it is still a milestone. Wish me luck!

Mark stores his muscle car in our friend, Steve's, garage. He was going to go over to Steve's house tonight to spiff the car up for a show tomorrow in Ralston. Dear Diane invited us to come over for supper since Mark was going to come over anyway. It was SO nice to not have to cook - and it is always nice to visit with our good friends! Their daughter, Kaitlin, was home, so it was good to catch up with her, too.

Matt is officially moved in to his new house in Minneapolis. Tonight as we drove home from Steve and Diane's, Mark kept saying 'Matt's starting his new life', 'Matt's gone for good - he is starting his new life'. It does seem so odd to think that he won't be home for any extended periods of time again. I can't think about it too much - or I will get teary.

Bright Future

Matt is headed for Minneapolis by way of DesMoines. We met Greg downtown at Jazz Kitchen and had supper as a family one last time before the big move. Matt drove separately and had his car loaded and ready and is now on I-80, headed into his bright future. Mark will head to DesMoines in the morning with the bigger items he is taking, and then he, Courtney and her parents will take the last leg up to Minnesota. I am happy for him, but sad at the same time. Few will be the visits home now that his law school is about to begin. It will seem odd having him six hours away instead of just two. Ah well, time marches on.....

I managed to deliver Greg's cookies to him tonight. There was only one ziplock bag instead of two, but that is what he gets for not coming over to grab them. Matt went home with only one bag, too, as he and Mark demolished his second one. Last night I decided to try to make some semi-healthy cookies for myself since chocolate doesn't agree with me. I used a light, heart healthy margarine and half egg beaters, half eggs. When I had it all whipped up I had batter instead of dough, so ended up making bars. They aren't too bad - but definitely not chocolate chip cookies!

My sister-in-law Janet, my nephew Ryan, and niece Tory came for a visit today. I wasn't expecting Ryan to come as he and his brother, Eric, were suppose to be at camp, so he surprised me! But what REALLY surprised me is how much he has grown since I last saw him in April! He is going into the 7th grade and is 6'2"!!! He has slimmed way down and I think I would have walked past him with out recognizing him if I'd met him on the street. Tory has grown a bunch, too, but not as drastically as Ryan! They are two good looking kids, that is for sure.

Matt joined us for lunch at Red Robin at Shadow Lake and then he headed home to pack while the rest of us shopped. On the trip to the restaurant Tory asked to ride with Matt in his car and she talked his leg off (she is going into the third grade). Matt isn't use to little kids, but I am sure he was flattered that Tory took a liking to him.

It is almost bedtime and I am tired. It has been a busy day and I have a busy weekend ahead. Good night everyone.

Tiny Increments

I have decided that Dr. T is a bit of a pessimist. He looked at my xrays and said there was no change. I looked at my xrays and saw improvement. When I questioned him, he said, 'Well, yes, I guess the area is smaller.' Hmmmm - isn't that an improvement? Then I did the breathing test. My air diffusion went from 47% to 51%, to which he said 'no improvement'. I know it isn't huge, but I'll take 4% better! So, while I am not drastically improved from three months ago, everything is going up and not down, so I am happy.

In case you are a daily reader of my blog, I posted earlier today, too.

Have a great day!

Tuesdays & Thursdays

I like Tuesdays and Thursdays. They are the days I don't HAVE to get up at 6:10 in order to get ready for my cardio class. They are the mornings I can leave my PJ's on as long as I'd like while I putter around. These are the mornings I can enjoy a cup of decaf coffee or decaf tea while checking my email, discussion board and blogs. I do like Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Speaking of tea, Matt's fiance, Courtney, gave me a tea mug and diffuser. Matt had one and I asked about it, so she brought me one with some tea from her favorite tea shop in Des Moines, Gong Fu Tea. The mug has a diffuser with a ceramic holder that fits neatly in the mug and a lid that you can set the diffuser on when you are done. It is very cool. Here is a picture of it from off the web.

Courtney gave me the white one, which is perfect, as my dishes are white. Thanks, Courtney!

Matt was lamenting the fact that he and Courtney had just begun to settle in to Des Moines and had found favorite places, like Gung Fu Tea, and a bakery that makes great focacia bread, the Farmers Market, and a fun, inexpensive after work hangout- and now they are starting over in Minneapolis/St. Paul. I know he is excited about the move, but there are always things you hate to leave behind. He leaves tomorrow for Des Moines and Mark will follow on Saturday with his things he has here at home. Courtney's parents will haul all the items from Des Moines to Minneapolis in a UHaul. This will save Mark from having to drive the 6 hours up and back. Thanks Faith and Tracy!

Carolyn baked a batch of chocolate chip cookies for Greg a few days ago, and he keeps forgetting to stop by and pick them up. Mark and Matt have been attacking them, so if he doesn't get here soon they will be gone! She now has also baked a batch for Matt to take with him, but they are hard for the guys to resist - so I am not sure how many will actually make it to Des Moines!

Greg's girlfriend, Jaimie, is in Korea. She left last Sunday. Hopefully she is enjoying the convention and seeing the land of her ancestors. This is quite an adventure for a twenty year old!

I have an appointment with Dr. Thommi, my pulmonologist, this afternoon. It is just a check up, but I am anxious to hear what he has to say. I will post again later, after my appointment.

Bouncing Back

Today has been a fairly productive day. Went to cardiac rehab and found out I have 11 more visits before I 'graduate'. Part of me says 'hooray!' since exercising isn't my first choice of past time, while the other part of me is nervous that I will back slide and lose the strength, etc. I have gained. I am going to have to come up with some type of routine that will keep me at it - good luck with that (I say to myself).

I came home and had an over two hour conversation with my friend, Melanie over the phone. A lot of it was about starting the school year, and some of it was about fun things (like Harry Potter and Whoopie Goldberg hosting The View). Melanie has quite a challenging year in front of her, so I wish her well!

Next I plowed through some paperwork I had been putting off and wrote a thank you note to my friend Ricki, who sent me a beautiful book called 'What Cancer Can Not Do'. Intriguing title, don't you think?

A couple of phone calls to my friend Diane, a few emails, a trip to the grocery store and it is now 4:15. Where did the day go?

I had my kazillionth bladder infection start yesterday (probably why I was having trouble bouncing back), but feel better today after a couple doses of antibiotics. Thank the Lord for antibiotics. I couldn't imagine having to just grin and bear - as it is unbearable!