Sunday, September 30, 2007
Catching Up
I thought I would do one more post for September. Last Thursday, Debbie and I went and got pedicure's done. OOOHHHH, how relaxing that was. I haven't done that in months. Thanks Deb, I wish we had some more time to hang out though. Sandy and Marcia got me a gift certificate to a spa that I can't wait to use. Thank you Sandy and Marcia.
Josh found out late last week that he didn't end up getting the job at Home Depot. They ended up hiring internally and told him they would hold onto his application. THAT TOTALLY SUCKS!!! I was really hoping that he would get a good job with benefits. This whole Cobra Insurance is KILLING us and of course we are pushed up against a brick wall because I have to have insurance. The only way for me to be covered is to get on group insurance. So hopefully Josh will find something else soon. I am really hoping that the PET Scan comes back clean next time so I can finish up on Chemo early. I need to find a second job and I can't really do that until I'm better. I can't risk getting sick and I need to make sure I'm resting as much as I can.
I am working on getting all my receipts together so I can turn them into the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. They will reimburse up to $500 a year. Considering my insurance premium is $900 a month, I pretty sure I will qualify for the full $500. It will probably take a several weeks to get but its better than nothing.
I wanted to thank those of you that have participated in Taylor's fundraiser for Science Camp. It truly means a lot to us. Taylor has even been earning money helping Great Nana with house chores. For those of you that don't know, Josh's Nana bought a house behind ours that she is fixing up and going to turn around and sell once she is done. The house has so much potential and if anyone is going to do it right, its gonna be Nana.
Taylor and Hailey are doing really good in school this year. Taylor came home last week very excited because she got an A on her spelling test and a B on her math test. Hailey is reading really well now. She comes home and grabs a notepad and just starts writing stories. Her spelling isn't perfect but she sure is trying. Both Hailey and Taylor are making tons of friends. Taylor has been exchanging phone numbers with her friends. I've already had to tell one of her friends not to call so late. It was a little after 8:00 but on a school night I like the girls to be in bed no later than about 8:30 and that particular night the girls were acting up and went to bed at 8:00. I can't believe how fast they grow up.
The girls are getting excited for Halloween. Of course they haven't made up their mind on what they want to be this year but I'm sure it will be good. The 10th annual Pumpkin Maze is open. www.pumpkinmaze.com They have a huge pumpkin maze, a pumpkin blaster, haunted house and so much more. They do the maze different each year. The picture I downloaded is from their website.
Not much else has really been going on here. Just trying to keep ourselves in one piece. It's time for some more anti-nausea pills, so I'm gonna go but I will write more soon. Love you all!!! Take care!!
xoxo
Thursday, September 27, 2007
PET SCAN RESULTS
GREAT NEWS!!!! THE PET SCAN SHOWED DRAMATIC IMPROVEMENT. MY DOCTOR IS VERY HAPPY WITH THE RESULTS. SHE SAID WE MAY EVEN BE ABLE TO CUT OFF A TREATMENT OR TWO. SHE HAS SCHEDULED ME TO GET ANOTHER PET SCAN DONE THE FIRST WEEK OF NOVEMBER. SO I COULD BE DONE WITH CHEMO BY DECEMBER 7TH. THAT WILL PUT ME AT 6 FULL CYCLES, IF NOT AND WE DECIDE TO GO THE FULL 8, I WILL BE DONE FEBRUARY 1ST. SEEMS LIKE FOREVER BUT I KNOW IT'S REALLY NOT. I'M A LOT CLOSER TO KICKING CANCER'S ASS THAN I WAS 3 MONTHS AGO, SO I CAN'T COMPLAIN.
JOSH SHOULD BE STARTING ORIENTATION AT HOME DEPOT ANYTIME NOW. HE WAS HIRED AS "DEPARTMENT HEAD FOR LUMBER". WE ARE VERY EXCITED BECAUSE THEY OFFER FULL BENEFITS. SO HOPEFULLY, I CAN BE COVERED UNDER HIS INSURANCE IN 90 DAYS. THE COBRA PREMIUM I AM PAYING NOW IS RIDICULOUS.
ANYWAY, NOT MUCH ELSE IS GOING ON. I JUST TALKED TO MY NURSE AND MY BLOODWORK LOOKS GOOD, SO I HAVE CHEMO IN THE MORNING. I HOPE EVERYONE IS DOING WELL.
XOXO
JOSH SHOULD BE STARTING ORIENTATION AT HOME DEPOT ANYTIME NOW. HE WAS HIRED AS "DEPARTMENT HEAD FOR LUMBER". WE ARE VERY EXCITED BECAUSE THEY OFFER FULL BENEFITS. SO HOPEFULLY, I CAN BE COVERED UNDER HIS INSURANCE IN 90 DAYS. THE COBRA PREMIUM I AM PAYING NOW IS RIDICULOUS.
ANYWAY, NOT MUCH ELSE IS GOING ON. I JUST TALKED TO MY NURSE AND MY BLOODWORK LOOKS GOOD, SO I HAVE CHEMO IN THE MORNING. I HOPE EVERYONE IS DOING WELL.
XOXO
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Interesting
I received this email and I thought I would share it with everyone. Have fun and enjoy!!
In the 1400's a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. Hence we have "the rule of thumb"
-------------------------------------------
Many years ago in Scotland , a new game was invented. It was ruled "Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden"...and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language.
-------------------------------------------
The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV were Fred and Wilma Flintstone.
-------------------------------------------
Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S.Treasury.
-------------------------------------------
Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better.
-------------------------------------------
Coca-Cola was originally green.
-------------------------------------------
It is impossible to lick your elbow.
-------------------------------------------
The State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska
-------------------------------------------
The percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% (now get this...)
-------------------------------------------
The percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38%.
-------------------------------------------
The cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400.
-------------------------------------------
The average number of people airborne over the U.S. in any given hour: 61,000.
-------------------------------------------
Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.
-------------------------------------------
The first novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer.
-------------------------------------------
The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments.
-------------------------------------------
Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history:
Spades - King David
Hearts - Charlemagne
Clubs -Alexander, the Great
Diamonds - Julius Caesar
-------------------------------------------
111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321
-------------------------------------------
If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air the person died as a result of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.
-------------------------------------------
Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later.
-------------------------------------------
Q. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of what?
A. Their birthplace
-------------------------------------------
Q. Most boat owners name their boats. What is the most popular boat name requested?
A. Obsession
-------------------------------------------
Q. If you were to spell out numbers, how far would you have to go until you would find the letter "A"?
A. One thousand
-------------------------------------------
Q. What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers all have in common?
A. All were invented by women.
-------------------------------------------
Q. What is the only food that doesn't spoil?
A. Honey
-------------------------------------------
Q. Which day are there more collect calls than any other day of the year?
A. Father's Day
-------------------------------------------
In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase......... "goodnight, sleep tight."
-------------------------------------------
It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month, which we know today as the honeymoon.
-------------------------------------------
In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts... So in old England , when customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them "Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down."
It's where we get the phrase "mind your P's and Q's"
-------------------------------------------
Many years ago in England , pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim, or handle, of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some service. "Wet your whistle" is the phrase inspired by this practice.
-------------------------------------------
~~~~~~~AND FINALLY~~~~~~~~
-------------------------------------------
At least 75% of people who read this will try to lick their elbow!
-------------------------------------------
Don't delete this just because it looks weird. Believe it or not, you can read it.
I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of th huan nid Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh?
-------------------------------------------
YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2006 when...
1. You accidentally enter your PIN on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.
7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.
8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't even have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )
12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.
14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list.
In the 1400's a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. Hence we have "the rule of thumb"
-------------------------------------------
Many years ago in Scotland , a new game was invented. It was ruled "Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden"...and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language.
-------------------------------------------
The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV were Fred and Wilma Flintstone.
-------------------------------------------
Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S.Treasury.
-------------------------------------------
Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better.
-------------------------------------------
Coca-Cola was originally green.
-------------------------------------------
It is impossible to lick your elbow.
-------------------------------------------
The State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska
-------------------------------------------
The percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% (now get this...)
-------------------------------------------
The percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38%.
-------------------------------------------
The cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400.
-------------------------------------------
The average number of people airborne over the U.S. in any given hour: 61,000.
-------------------------------------------
Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.
-------------------------------------------
The first novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer.
-------------------------------------------
The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments.
-------------------------------------------
Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history:
Spades - King David
Hearts - Charlemagne
Clubs -Alexander, the Great
Diamonds - Julius Caesar
-------------------------------------------
111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321
-------------------------------------------
If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air the person died as a result of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.
-------------------------------------------
Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later.
-------------------------------------------
Q. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of what?
A. Their birthplace
-------------------------------------------
Q. Most boat owners name their boats. What is the most popular boat name requested?
A. Obsession
-------------------------------------------
Q. If you were to spell out numbers, how far would you have to go until you would find the letter "A"?
A. One thousand
-------------------------------------------
Q. What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers all have in common?
A. All were invented by women.
-------------------------------------------
Q. What is the only food that doesn't spoil?
A. Honey
-------------------------------------------
Q. Which day are there more collect calls than any other day of the year?
A. Father's Day
-------------------------------------------
In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase......... "goodnight, sleep tight."
-------------------------------------------
It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month, which we know today as the honeymoon.
-------------------------------------------
In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts... So in old England , when customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them "Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down."
It's where we get the phrase "mind your P's and Q's"
-------------------------------------------
Many years ago in England , pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim, or handle, of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some service. "Wet your whistle" is the phrase inspired by this practice.
-------------------------------------------
~~~~~~~AND FINALLY~~~~~~~~
-------------------------------------------
At least 75% of people who read this will try to lick their elbow!
-------------------------------------------
Don't delete this just because it looks weird. Believe it or not, you can read it.
I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of th huan nid Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh?
-------------------------------------------
YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2006 when...
1. You accidentally enter your PIN on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.
7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.
8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't even have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )
12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.
14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Avon for Science Camp
Below is an email from my friend Kellie.
Hi everyone,
I am Jane's friend Kellie. I wanted to help Taylor and since I am an Avon Rep I offered that if any of the Family and Friends of Jane would like to order Avon I will give all my profits to Jane for Taylor to go to Science Camp. You can call me to order or request the latest catalog at 209-951-1474 (leave message if I am not there). Or you can go to www.youravon.com/kcrnkovich and order directly on-line (please e-mail me at avon.bykellie@yahoo.com if you order through the website letting me know your name and that you are buying for Taylor's Science camp trip. If you order on-line and are in the area I can still deliver to you and you can pay at that time or if you live out of the area or just want it delivered directly to you choose direct ship and it can be sent to you and you pay by credit/debit card. If ordering $40 or more type in the code REP40 and you will get free delivery from the website.
The new Avon Holiday items have started coming out so it is a fun time to get Avon.
Thank you,
Kellie Crnkovich
Fundraiser & Science Camp
I can't believe how fast Taylor is growing up. She is in the 5th grade now and man do they have her busy. She's decided to join the band and play the clarinet this year. She is also working on going to Science Camp. The school has put together a fundraiser to help the student's raise money for Science Camp. If anyone is interested in purchasing something from her fundraiser please see the information below.
Taylor is currently doing an online fundraiser for BROCK ELLIOT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL... and you can help!
Go to www.kathrynbeich.com before 10/26/2007
Shop from their great selection of personalized items, chocolates, and more!
Enter 120448 under Option 1 after selecting an item.
By entering number 120448, you'll credit Taylor and Brock Elliot Elementary School with a large percentage of your purchase price.
Taylor thanks you for all your help!
xoxo
Taylor is currently doing an online fundraiser for BROCK ELLIOT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL... and you can help!
Go to www.kathrynbeich.com before 10/26/2007
Shop from their great selection of personalized items, chocolates, and more!
Enter 120448 under Option 1 after selecting an item.
By entering number 120448, you'll credit Taylor and Brock Elliot Elementary School with a large percentage of your purchase price.
Taylor thanks you for all your help!
xoxo
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Feeling pretty lousy
The last week has been pretty bad for me. This chemo treatment kicked my butt. I felt sick to my stomach until Tuesday. Wednesday wasn't too bad and today I pretty much felt normal until about 4:00 this afternoon, now I'm feeling like crap again. Gotta love chemo!!!
I had my PET Scan done on Sunday and the guy who was getting me prepped ended up bruising my hand trying to put my IV in. I usually don't bruise that easy but under the circumstances I'm know my body is more sensitive. I have an appointment on the 26th with my Oncologist to find out the results.
Things have been really tight for Josh and I lately. He works when his step dad has work for him, and I'm trying to work but I don't have many loan files and I have felt so crappy after each treatment. Josh decided that it was time to look for another job so he applied and Home Depot and they want him to be a "Lumber Supervisor". In 90 days, he will get full benefits which will be great. I'm hoping that we can get Kaiser Insurance and they still cover me or I'll have to be on my own policy and let Josh and the girls on his. I can't believe the cost of insurance. But I also don't know what I would do without it. Does anyone know about disability? I'm not sure I could qualify because I'm self employed. UUUGGGHH!!
I have to admit, I'm getting really tired of having cancer. I want to live a normal life again. No more chemo, no more daily trips to the injection center to get my nuprogen shots, no more blood work and no more tests!!!! I feel so helpless!!! I don't usually express this side of my emotions but I really feel if I don't I'm going to explode. Our luck the last year has been really bad and I'm just frustrated. I truly do appreciate everyone's support and can't tell you enough how much easier you have made this for me but I guess I'm having one of those moments.
I uploaded some new pictures on my myspace page so please check them out when you have a chance. www.myspace.com/steele052000 I'll write more later.
xoxo
I had my PET Scan done on Sunday and the guy who was getting me prepped ended up bruising my hand trying to put my IV in. I usually don't bruise that easy but under the circumstances I'm know my body is more sensitive. I have an appointment on the 26th with my Oncologist to find out the results.
Things have been really tight for Josh and I lately. He works when his step dad has work for him, and I'm trying to work but I don't have many loan files and I have felt so crappy after each treatment. Josh decided that it was time to look for another job so he applied and Home Depot and they want him to be a "Lumber Supervisor". In 90 days, he will get full benefits which will be great. I'm hoping that we can get Kaiser Insurance and they still cover me or I'll have to be on my own policy and let Josh and the girls on his. I can't believe the cost of insurance. But I also don't know what I would do without it. Does anyone know about disability? I'm not sure I could qualify because I'm self employed. UUUGGGHH!!
I have to admit, I'm getting really tired of having cancer. I want to live a normal life again. No more chemo, no more daily trips to the injection center to get my nuprogen shots, no more blood work and no more tests!!!! I feel so helpless!!! I don't usually express this side of my emotions but I really feel if I don't I'm going to explode. Our luck the last year has been really bad and I'm just frustrated. I truly do appreciate everyone's support and can't tell you enough how much easier you have made this for me but I guess I'm having one of those moments.
I uploaded some new pictures on my myspace page so please check them out when you have a chance. www.myspace.com/steele052000 I'll write more later.
xoxo
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
My Birthday Weekend!!!
Wow, what a weekend.
On Friday, we went to the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield, California. Fairfield is a little over an hour from my house. We met Sandy, Marcia and Alexa there because they flew into Sacramento the night before. It has been years since I've seen Marcia and I've never seen her daughter Alexa before. It was a lot of fun. After we got home from the Jelly Belly Factory, I was going to go to the grocery store to pick up some stuff for our picnic on Saturday. But instead I got stopped in my tracks by a dead car battery. Luckily, my brother saved the day. He even hooked me up and I got a discount on a new battery because he put it on his company account. Thanks little brother!!! After we got that all taken care of it was time to run to the grocery store and rush home so we could leave for dinner. Yeah, we went to La Villa's for my favorite mexican food. It was such a nice time. After we got home and was getting ready for bed, the phone rang. It was my mom telling me that she was in the Emergency Room with my grandfather. So off the ER I go. (Same ER that I went too!) After a bunch of testing, we find out Grandpa was having a mini stroke and that it wasn't the first. The CT Scan that they did showed that he must of had one before. The doc sent him on his way and told him that he needs to follow up with his primary doctor in Tennessee when he gets home and to make sure he is taking one baby aspirin a day.
On Saturday, we loaded up four cars full of my family and friends and headed to San Francisco. My Aunt Carol, Uncle Paul and cousin David drove from Phoenix, Arizona to join us for the weekend. I haven't seen my cousin David for 5 years. Wow, what a young man he has grown up to be. Anyway, we first went to The Precidio where most everyone stayed at the beach. Josh, Harry, Amber, David, Marcia and I drove over to Haight Ashbury. Harry, David and Marcia had never been. Once we walked around there for a while we went back and met up with everyone else at the beach to have our picnic lunch. It was really cold at the beach but it was still a lot of fun. After the beach, we headed over to Lombard Street and then down to Pier 39. We took the kids to the Aquarium at the Pier which was a blast and then walked around a bit before we found a great Italian restaurant for dinner. I don't think we got home until about 9:00 or so but I was exhausted. It was time for me to go to bed before I collapsed.
On Sunday, Josh woke up and made breakfast for my birthday. There were a total of 17 people to feed. He is such an awesome cook. After breakfast, my guests all started to leave. Sandy and Marcia had to head back to Sacramento to catch their plane. My parents drove Grandpa to Oakland to catch his plane. Aunt Carol, Uncle Paul and David hit the road for Phoenix. The rest of the day was pretty much a lounge day. We did get up and go to Musashi's for my birthday dinner. That is my next favorite place to La Villas. Musashi's is a Japanese restaurant where they cook in front of you. I love their fried rice....yummy!!
On Monday, my brother, Amber and my niece Lily left back to Idaho. I wish they didn't have to leave so soon. My niece was finally warming up to me. It usually takes her a couple days.
Now that I've gotten everyone caught up...today, I met with the surgeon regarding my gallbladder. She wants to wait until after I am done with Chemo to take out my gallbladder. She says that it is not infected and there is no need to take it out right now. She wants to make sure I heal correctly and being under Chemo, I have that chance of not healing 100%.
Tonight I am taking Taylor to band night. She wants to sign up to play the clarinet in the 5th grade band. I remember playing the violin in 5th grade and then I played the trumpet in 6th through 8th grade. I hope she sticks with it. I know she is for at least 5th grade. That is part of the agreement, she can't quit half way through.
Okay, I'm done rambling. I will uploaded some pictures when I get them off my moms camera. I hope everyone is doing well.
xoxo
On Friday, we went to the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield, California. Fairfield is a little over an hour from my house. We met Sandy, Marcia and Alexa there because they flew into Sacramento the night before. It has been years since I've seen Marcia and I've never seen her daughter Alexa before. It was a lot of fun. After we got home from the Jelly Belly Factory, I was going to go to the grocery store to pick up some stuff for our picnic on Saturday. But instead I got stopped in my tracks by a dead car battery. Luckily, my brother saved the day. He even hooked me up and I got a discount on a new battery because he put it on his company account. Thanks little brother!!! After we got that all taken care of it was time to run to the grocery store and rush home so we could leave for dinner. Yeah, we went to La Villa's for my favorite mexican food. It was such a nice time. After we got home and was getting ready for bed, the phone rang. It was my mom telling me that she was in the Emergency Room with my grandfather. So off the ER I go. (Same ER that I went too!) After a bunch of testing, we find out Grandpa was having a mini stroke and that it wasn't the first. The CT Scan that they did showed that he must of had one before. The doc sent him on his way and told him that he needs to follow up with his primary doctor in Tennessee when he gets home and to make sure he is taking one baby aspirin a day.
On Saturday, we loaded up four cars full of my family and friends and headed to San Francisco. My Aunt Carol, Uncle Paul and cousin David drove from Phoenix, Arizona to join us for the weekend. I haven't seen my cousin David for 5 years. Wow, what a young man he has grown up to be. Anyway, we first went to The Precidio where most everyone stayed at the beach. Josh, Harry, Amber, David, Marcia and I drove over to Haight Ashbury. Harry, David and Marcia had never been. Once we walked around there for a while we went back and met up with everyone else at the beach to have our picnic lunch. It was really cold at the beach but it was still a lot of fun. After the beach, we headed over to Lombard Street and then down to Pier 39. We took the kids to the Aquarium at the Pier which was a blast and then walked around a bit before we found a great Italian restaurant for dinner. I don't think we got home until about 9:00 or so but I was exhausted. It was time for me to go to bed before I collapsed.
On Sunday, Josh woke up and made breakfast for my birthday. There were a total of 17 people to feed. He is such an awesome cook. After breakfast, my guests all started to leave. Sandy and Marcia had to head back to Sacramento to catch their plane. My parents drove Grandpa to Oakland to catch his plane. Aunt Carol, Uncle Paul and David hit the road for Phoenix. The rest of the day was pretty much a lounge day. We did get up and go to Musashi's for my birthday dinner. That is my next favorite place to La Villas. Musashi's is a Japanese restaurant where they cook in front of you. I love their fried rice....yummy!!
On Monday, my brother, Amber and my niece Lily left back to Idaho. I wish they didn't have to leave so soon. My niece was finally warming up to me. It usually takes her a couple days.
Now that I've gotten everyone caught up...today, I met with the surgeon regarding my gallbladder. She wants to wait until after I am done with Chemo to take out my gallbladder. She says that it is not infected and there is no need to take it out right now. She wants to make sure I heal correctly and being under Chemo, I have that chance of not healing 100%.
Tonight I am taking Taylor to band night. She wants to sign up to play the clarinet in the 5th grade band. I remember playing the violin in 5th grade and then I played the trumpet in 6th through 8th grade. I hope she sticks with it. I know she is for at least 5th grade. That is part of the agreement, she can't quit half way through.
Okay, I'm done rambling. I will uploaded some pictures when I get them off my moms camera. I hope everyone is doing well.
xoxo
Friday, September 07, 2007
Jelly Belly Factory
It has been a busy couple of days. My brother, his wife and daughter arrived at 3:00 in the morning yesterday from Idaho. Then my brother and I went and picked up our grandfather from the airport in Oakland. Today we are off to the Jelly Belly Factory to do one of their tours. This isn't the first time we've been but the girls love it and it gets us out of the house. And of course, I get to pick up some of my favorite chocolates.....JBz. We are also meeting Sandy and Marcia there. They flew into Sacramento late last night and will be coming to my house today. Tonight, we will be doing my birthday dinner at La Villas; my favorite mexican restaurant. Then tomorrow is our big trip to the city (San Francisco). I can't wait. When my brother and I went to Oakland yesterday there was a 20 degree difference in the weather. It was so nice. I love going into the Bay!!!
I also wanted to tell you about my Chemo Angels. I found this great website that hooks up current chemo patients with Chemo Angels. Chemo Angels are cancer survivors or someone who has been affected by cancer in one way or another who volunteer to spread a little love and encouragement to current chemo patients. I have two angels...Shelby from Massachusetts and Bonnie from New York. I got this great card from Shelby earlier this week and yesterday from Bonnie I got a gift for my birthday. A nice box of chocolates and a gift card to Barnes and Noble. What a great surprise! I know that once I am done with my chemo, I am going to apply to be a chemo angel. If you get a chance check out the website; www.chemoangels.com - Thank you Shelby and Bonnie you made my day!
I better get my butt moving so we can get on the road. We live about an hour or so away from the Jelly Belly Factory and it is Friday, so who knows how traffic is going to be.
xoxo
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Chemo 3A
Friday I had my first chemo treatment in Modesto. I'm very excited I made the change. The nurses are awesome. My new Onc is great, she decided since I was having problems with my gallbladder that she wanted to move my PET Scan up. So I'm now getting my PET Scan done on September 16th instead of late October. They wanted to schedule it on the 9th but I told them that is the last thing I want to do on my birthday so I have to wait an extra week. The Oncology Pharmacist prescribed me two more medications to take since I've been having my little gallbladder issues. One is Pepcid and the other is Decadron. The Decadron is one of my pre meds for chemo. But he is going to have me take it in pill format for about 5 days after chemo to help my stomach/gallbladder out. For those of you who don't recognize the picture above that is a PET Scan machine.
My mom ordered me the LIVESTRONG Survivorship Notebook. I just got it in the mail today. I'm still going through it but it is a 3 ring notebook with tons of information and a great place to stay organized with all my test results, prescriptions, receipts and any thing else I gather during this journey. There is no charge for the notebook, just a small shipping and handling fee. I suggest that anyone who is dealing with cancer, any kind of cancer go to www.livestrong.org and order your own.
Anyway, my mom and dad left Idaho about 5:30 this morning and were in Oregon the last time I talked to them. They should make it to our house hopefully around dinner time. I hope everyone has an awesome Labor Day Weekend, be safe and enjoy!!!
xoxo
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