Hot Dog!

Last night Bear kept trying to bite the dog. "Come here, get in my belly I want to eat my dinner!" As I was protecting my 4 legged fellow couch warmer, Bear kept saying " I'm hungry! Don't take my dinner away! I want my hot dog!" For some reason the combination of his words and voice tickled me pink. I love my babies!

Tomorrow afternoon I go in for a CBC (complete blood count). I'll keep updating.

My mouth feels way better...but now my body aches. They told me the shot they gave to increase my white count would cause bone pain...but honestly I thought since I didn't feel it yet, I got past it. Obviously not. Blah. It's time for more pain reliever and to climb into bed.

Humm...

I love yogurt and cottage cheese mixed together.
My kids are the cutest even when they stink from playing outside.
I have the best husband in the world that loves me so much and takes great care of his family.
I want the ice cream man to come by so I can buy a fudgecicle!

Thats all.

Whatta Day

Max came home on crutches with a bag of med's last night. They finished removing his nail, gave him several stitches, and stitched his nail back on to protect nerve endings. He's gimping around in circles but still managed to complete the laundry (I sorted it last night) do dishes, feed the kids and get my "mouth feel better" medicine. Such a good husband! Our friends took a picture...but I think I'll spare you. Even I got queasy.

Woke up unable to open my mouth. Good thing we knew some sign language. At least Kalee and I were able to communicate. I had to write notes to Max. Sucks trying to yell "brush your teeth" in ASL while your kids aren't even looking at you. Max spent the morning on the phone with my Doctor and the pharmacy. They gave me something better then magic mouthwash. It's called Clack's. Whatever. It works fantastically! I'm a happier camper now!

I want to thank everyone for their comments and prayers. I don't always have time to respond to each and every one and thank them individually, but I want you to know they do not go un noticed. You guys always put a smile on my face.

Off to take a shower, pop a vicadin, brush my teeth, gargle with Clack's and sleep. Aren't you jealous?

Mouthy Suckers

Today was not as bad as yesterday. My worst complaint is my mouth. Who would have ever known me to complain about my mouth?!?!?! The Adriamycin (1 of the 4 chemo meds I'm taking) has side effects of mouth sores. Me, the Googler that I am, looked it up and read the worst of it would hit by day 7. WHAT??? It's such a weird unexplainable discomfort of the mouth/tongue/jaw. I have experimented with salt water, baking soda water, hydrogen peroxide gargle and egg drop soup. ;) Don't research egg drop soup when you get your next mouth sore...it was just an Averi remedy that seemed to work for that moment.


I stayed home from church today. I have slept more then you could imagine. My friend Susan came over with a smoothie in hand knowing that would be the reason I let her in. She is so sweet. I was even able to thank her for removing a tick she found on the back of Bear's neck within seconds of walking in the door. Last night Max found one on Kalee. Ticks are new to us but having tick infested kids is a different story. I have heard people talking about how this year they are pretty bad....guess I get to research a good natural way to keep those disease carrying 'suckers' away from my kiddos.

Max went to church but came home injured. Long story short he is currently in ER getting his toe assessed. Fortunately we have wonderful friends all over. Amber brought Kalee home from AWANAS while our other friends that just got here from Japan and are still adjusting to the time difference, took Max to ER. After 8 hours you'd think the bleeding would stop?

...and how Bear managed to lift his nail too tonight is beyond me.

Never a dull moment in this house I tell ya!!!!

It Hit Me

Yup! It hit me today. Every time I try to eat, my mouth waters under my tongue and hurts my jaw. Such a weird feeling. I'm doing great with my permanent position on my left side on the couch. Slightly achy but mostly nauseous. It's a different kind of nausea then that of pregnancy. All these weird new feelings....

Day 2 After Chemo

I'm still kickin' around here. I woke up tired. In fact I didn't even roll out of bed until about 10:30 this morning... kinda felt good to not do anything. My stomach wasn't yelling at me to feed it which for me is not normal, but I forced some Cream of Wheat down. I think my taste buds are going. I could smell the brown sugar and saw how much syrup I put in it but couldn't taste it. I went in for the shot to increase my white blood cell count this afternoon. Not so bad...yet. Doc warned me that I would need pain relievers because it would make my bones ache (because it works in the marrow) and it was best to just sleep it off.

I learned I should avoid fresh produce (because my body doesn't have what it takes to fight infection) and use an electric razor (once again because of some kind of infection). Humm. Should I invest in a razor if I'm going to loose my hair soon? Nah. I'm too cheap. Not to mention I'm a chemo patient now. I should love every piece of hair on my body while I can! Wouldn't Max just love it if I could make a pony tail with my leg hair?

Today some of our great friends from Japan came over. It was wonderful to see them. They just left with instructions for me to get to bed...and I'm here updating you peeps. ;)

Off to bed now. Curious as to what tomorrow brings. :)

Part 1 of the First Cycle

I'll bet your wonderin' how my day went? Until about 6 I was feeling great....then all of the sudden I got really tired. For the record, I didn't make it to the airport like I wanted because honestly, I just woke up. BUT I knew I had to update this blog so some of my friends would sleep tonight. ;) Gosh I love you guys...and I'm feelin' your love and prayers too!

Here is what my medi-port looks like. It's right under that white-ish circle below the incision. You can even slightly see the tube under my skin as well, that leads towards the neck.

My super cool nurse hooking me up! I felt a tiny prick like when you check you blood sugar but it was so much better then the IV and my hands were free.

The prayer quilt I got from one of the sweet ladies at church. I just love it!
The back of it. The hands are signed by some of my church family that is in prayer for me. Isn't that just awesome?

Trying to sleep after them giving me benadryl...but obviously Max was bothering me and I couldn't keep a straight face.

Finally sleeping! Something I did a whole lot of.

I walked in at 8:15 and we were out by 4. I had an appointment to find out results first. Guess what? My bone Marrow looked clean! God is Good! I'm stage 3 cancer. My heart function is more than adequate but my lung diffusion test were somewhat concerning because they didn't expand like they wanted...but he is contributing that to my random chest pain. Maybe my childhood asthma had something to do with it too? Who knows? Obviously not much of a concern right now. I expect that my lung function will change as I get further in the cycles.

I'm starting to get tired again. Off to drink some water, shower and climb into bed.

Here I Go! It's On Now!

I hear a little voice from upstairs...."Mooooom, come wipe my buuuuuuuuut!" My response "Sorry son. If I do that exceeds the a once a day but wipe limit." "What? Mom? You wipe me peas?" Awww, he used his manners...how can I not?

Tomorrow it is! Tomorrow I go in for my very own treatment. No, not a hot oil treatment! My first chemotherapy treatment. It's on now! Does cancer not know how I can put up a fight? Ohhhhh, let me show you!

I'm ready. I think. Didn't get Bear's hair cut like I wanted to. Might just have to suck it up and go pay the money to get it done. I never saw the reasoning to pay someone else to mess it up when I can do that myself. I have thoroughly scoured the bathrooms so cutting it now will ruin my work....and it's too chilly outside. I didn't get to organize Max's side of the closet like I wanted either. I forgot how much he had stored in his estate room on the ship. Oh well, I'm not going to sweat the small stuff...and it's ALL small. Laundry is done, sheets are clean, bathrooms are disinfected, kitchen is sanitized, everything below four feet is dusted (courtesy of Kalee), floors are steam mopped and vacuumed. Can't complain. It only cost me sending Max to Lowes to get them out of my hair to get it all done. Let me tell you, it would have been cheaper to pay someone to come clean for me. I forgot to ask for the card before he left. ;)

No promises I will update for the next 3 days or so. I hear the day of treatment I will be tired, and two or so days after I will be feeling the side effects. Secretly, I'm trying to convince Max to take me to the airport to welcome some of our good friends back from Japan. He's such a good husband...didn't say yes or no... instead it was a "let's see how your feeling".

Of to get ready for the Girls Gone Godly study and put stuff together for the kids tomorrow.

Do not be afraid!

Wash, Disinfect, Clean, Sanitize!

For inquiring minds...
I start the chemotherapy treatments on Thursday morning. I have an appointment at 8:15 (I think). I will get the results of the MUGA scan, PFT, and the bone marrow biopsy then and if all came back showing my body can handle the chemo, I start right there.

My medi-port area is not as purplish as it was yesterday. It graduated to a yellowish color. Hopefully tomorrow I can get these steri strips off and better asses the art.

Max is going to be working on the garden tomorrow if all goes well. I'm looking forward to kicking them all out and cranking up the music to motivate me to clean and disinfect EVERYTHING. Max's Grandma (AKA: Guma) sent me the coolest sanitising mop that requires no chemicals. It's not just any steam mop. No. It's a super cool Haan Floor Sanitizer! Grandma told me it's my gift but for Max to use. :) I like her thinking. She even got me the tray attachment to do the bed, pillows and my throw rugs downstairs. How cool is that? I have used it several times and it works beautifully.

Grandma is also one of three people that can touch my laundry. The other two being my Mom and my Nana. All three of them taught me how to do it, I think that's why I'm so picky. Don't worry, I have it all figured out. Max overnights Grandma a stinky box, she washes and sends them back. Simple huh? Kalee is a decent sorter and just this week learned how to operate the washing machine. She gets a dollar per load. What? Child labor laws? No, it's called money saving ideas my friends. I teach her how to do it so we don't have to replace our wardrobes because everything is beautiful pinkish color. No really, Max isn't that bad. He learned why under wires don't go in the dryer...the hard way...but he knows now. ;) I don't think I'll have a problem washing. After all, the washer and dryer are only 5 steps away from my bedroom door. Humm, but I can pawn off the folding and putting away...at least for the few days after treatment.
Score!

Sunday's Smile

I should be taking a nap. I'm tired. But I need a break from my son... who instead of taking one deviled egg, took the whole plate off the counter and all but 3 slipped off. I just made them too! Sigh.


Yesterday morning when I woke up I sat up in bed and nearly screamed. Lets just say everything went south even with a shelf camisole on. Once I got up and realized I needed to get cleaned up quick to prop these girls back up and alleviate the pain, all was good. The port-hole is only a few finger below the collar bone but the shift of weight was enough to make me uncomfortable. We took the bandage off last night and it still looks kinda funky. When it's not so colorful I'll post a pic.


Yesterday we had a high school friend Renee and her boyfriend Ryan over. They came to deliver a cooler full of cooked ready to freeze gourmet food and a care package full of useful things from them, Dani and Inge. Those people put together a sweet care package. It had everything from a scarf to organic peppermint with thyme hand sanitizing spray, organic green tea, all natural ginger snaps, natural ginger slices, ginger-ale, some cool reading material amongst several other things to make me feel better while going through chemo. I have to say that when she told me they were going to do meals I realized I needed to set aside my picky-ness. Most people freeze in plastic full of dioxins such as Rubbermaid (anything but Tupperware brand) but not Renee. Nope, she brought the stuff over to freeze in glass with room for expansion. My crunchy friend knows me better than I thought she did. She knew me pretty well in high school but ...ut-hum years later while in a different stage in life she still has me figured out. ;) Next time I see them the platters will be washed and collecting dust ready to be returned. Fortunately I'm just about guaranteed to see them in June...for unfortunate reasons of visiting the same court house for the same reason Max did in fall. Thanks Renee, Ryan, Dani and Inge for everything!

It's amazing to have some great friends that say or do some of the sweetest little things that make what I'm going through a more comfortable.

I love you guys!

Now I get to go finish cleaning up deviled eggs that my angel dropped.

Broccoli Salad and a Smoothie

Um, I'm home? I didn't blog earlier because I was...um, out...having fun. Is that a good enough excuse? ;)


I got made fun of. I was in tears yesterday because I was not going to be able to eat. What the heck? Yes, I know I have cancer....and I am worried about food. Strange, I know.


I got a call about 10:00 from surgery asking what time I was told to go in. I said 12:30. The lady put me on hold and came back to ask how soon I could get there. Are you serious? By 11:00 I was in there. We didn't have time to drop the kids off with Susan. Max ran out to get them food while I got checked in. I think it was great for my children to see me gowned with IV in hand...perfect opportunity to answer questions. While waiting I called my friend Amber to ask about the meal for life group. She just so happened to be one exit away from passing the hospital on her way to Susan's house. How perfect was that? Max ran down to the car, moved car seats, and returned to me. Romy (Amber's husband- obviously some good family friends) walked in to sneak my kids some cookies. Since the kids were gone, Max ate them right in front of me. I was starving and he leaned so close, I could smell the chocolate and feel the crumbs on my sheets! Brat!


So tell me. What are the chances of needing a procedure at a hospital that your friend works at? What are the chances that particular friend happens to be an OR tech? What are the chances that he got to do my case? For me, awesome! I did request Romy and was so excited when I heard that he got my case. Nah, it's not weird. But I'm also one that had no problems with having my brother and best-friend's husband in the room when I delivered Kalee. I knew Romy would be the first one in prayer if something went wacky...and would tell Max exactly how I was in the operating room. Evidently I wasn't the best patient. I talked to much. Surprise, I know! They got me good and drugged I was out, and unlike my last surgery I don't remember hearing voices...and again don't even remember going to recovery. I do recall telling everyone that passed "your not who I'm looking for". I bet that would be nice to hear, huh? Romy told me I asked for broccoli salad (Amber makes it the best) and a smoothie as I was waking up. Sounds like me. Yeah, I bet tomorrow at Life Group I'll hear more about how wonderful I was, while out. I'm thankful he was willing to do my case. He has 3 kids under 6 so I knew he could count. Only left one thing inside me. A medi-port. ;)


After surgery, we went to grab me a smoothie and head over to Wayne and Susan's for the kiddos...where we met Amber and Romy and was enlightened about me not shutting up in the OR. We sat around for awhile to see how I was feeling. Are you kidding? I had my mind made up that we were going to have girls night out. We did and we had a great time. Dinner and shopping...any gals definition of fun. I got me a pair of cool sunglasses to sport with my nifty head apparel this summer and a new non-nursing bra for these ladies to be positioned in a way they don't pull on the incision area. I'm excited. We talked, laughed, shopped clearance racks and had no kids around...not even the ones we are married to.

Already Hungry

I got my Pulmanry Function Test (PFT-lung) and Multi Gated Acquisition Scan (MUGA Scan-heart) today. I now know I can breathe and my heart is beating.


The PFT consisted of me breathing. Surprised? It took all of a few minutes. The worst part...I had to clamp my nose closed with a funky looking clothes pin.

Fortunately, I was able to get in for the MUGA scan immediately following my PFT even though the appointment times were 4 hours apart. I forewarned the lady and she kindly allowed me to lay down prior to giving me an IV. She took some blood, did something with it for about 30 minutes to make it radioactive and shot it back in me. As she prepared to put it back in me I asked to see the label to verify it was my blood...because I'm weird. Funny enough it wasn't labeled. What? She did assure me that I was an only and no other blood was back there...otherwise she would have it labeled 20 ways. Ok. That's cool. Other then the person that left before I was even seen, it was a ghost town. They took 3 different angle shots at my heart to see how it was pumping. This is something I get before chemo, possibly during chemo and after it's all done. I'm seriously realizing I have to search for a compassionate bone in my body for those that complain about getting poked...as I did after having that episode of passing out and a seizure at the age of 18. All this is a lesson. ;)

I got my call for tomorrows medi-port surgery. I go in at 12:30 and am scheduled for surgery a couple hours later. I'm totally not thrilled I have to fast after midnight. No food or water. Those that know me know I HAVE to eat breakfast. I can miss any other meal but I'm one to rise, brush my teeth and eat immediately. I'm telling myself I wont be a grump. Nope. No pouting because I don't get to eat breakfast...or lunch.

I'm clinging on to the possibility that the Doctor may move faster then his schedule. :) ...so I can eat!

In Port on Friday!

Not much time to post. I'm falllllllling asleep here....but realize how important it is to update you crazy people.

Once again after today's series of events (related to not accepting my insurance) we got another reminder how God has His hands in this situation, and He is in control. Within a few hours, approval was faxed over and I was able to be seen by an out of network Doctor. I had no problems going to Portsmouth Naval for the procedure...just tell me what to do! All this civilian insurance mess is so new to me. I need someone to grab my hand and walk me through it. He did! ;) I am scheduled to get the medi-port put in Friday morning. During the consult the doc asked if I had any questions. I calmly asked "Will I be able to feel or see it?" I just about busted out in laughter when he said "Well, as thin as you are...." What? Can he not see my rear? Oh I forgot...this is a different Doctor then the one that dug into my butt last week. Yes it may be slightly visible but even my tank tops should cover it. He was sure to make me aware that I would have a small incision below my collarbone and another 2 on the side of my neck. I told him how that was the least of my concerns. Looks like the loaner biopsy incision will have a few others to accompany it...all on the same side. I can get this little buddy removed after treatment if I don't become too attached to it... and I hear it just makes getting poked so often much easier.

Tomorrow is my only day off. We have a busy week/weekend ahead of us. I got tons to do before some friends head down here from DC in a few days. I'm sure she doesn't want to step on the edible Easter grass (leave those unique findings to my Step-Mom) that has made it's way around the house.

Port? What Port?

Have I ever mentioned how thankful I am to have the people I know in my life. I'm also thankful for those people that are not in my life yet. Some people I have just met, others I have known for a lifetime. Some don't even know me but know my story...thanks to my Mom. I have learned something from everyone. Even my quiet readers have taught me that they care...and my no-so-quiet Church family has informed me how anxious they were to read about my holy butt. Many have called, stopped me, or even e-mailed telling me how they love to read my blog. Why? I seriously think you guys hit my blog to make yourselves feel normal. News flash-my husband and children are far from normal. What normal child paints their Mom's hair blue? Hello?!?! Really, thanks for flooding my inbox with crock pot recipes, caring and most of all your prayers. You have no clue how much this experience is teaching me. I always say living in Japan taught me a lot about myself and made me grow leaps and bounds. So far my recent cancer diagnosis has as well. I pray others learn from my experience and look up to see where I get my strength from...because it surely didn't come from my veggies. ;)

Tomorrow morning I have a consultation with another Doctor to discuss getting a port-hole. ;) Since every other week this ship will be pulling in, it's best for me to make the ammo on-load as easy as possible. As of right now all I can tell you is it's a small device inserted under my skin below my collarbone. It will serve as an IV so they don't tear up my veins. I'll post more on that tomorrow when I know more.

A Bum With A Hole.

I gotta hole in my bum! I seriously have an inverted hole large enough for me to store a pea in my rear end!

Yesterday I had a biopsy of my bone marrow. I thought it was best for me to avoid the computer since I already made a fool of myself around the friends that have been watching our kids. I was loaded up. Yes, this chick that never took Tylenol because of the 'chemicals' took Valium. Despite the name, it didn't reduce my volume. But fortunately I wasn't slapping leprachuns off peoples shoulders either. Dr. Atienza (my oncologist) is fantastic. I think he likes digging into peoples butts. He laughed the whole time...which made me laugh...and in turn made my butt jiggle...and probably is the reason for the nice little eraser size hole. :)

So when I say he went in the dimple... where do you think that was? I thought about the part that inverted when you squeezed your butt cheeks together. Nope. That's not where he ripped me a new one. I got up on the table, layed on my stomach and pulled my pants about 3/4 down my butt thinking he was going in from the side. He walked over and ever so slightly pulled my underwear down and started feeling for bone. What? That's not my butt. He went into the licence plate part. That sensitive part that if someone smacks me, I turn around and tear them up. Yeah, that part. A huge tray of material was wheeled in and in order to avoid looking for the needle I started staring at the wall. I voiced my opinion then...I was rather upset that he didn't have a magazine article taped on the wall for me to read. I'm not so sure if the numbing part was worse... or the drilling into the bone... or the marrow withdrawal. I told him I was thinking of a song to scream when the lydocaine went in...he told me to sing it...but I refused because I didn't want him to pawn me off to a different Doctor after. When I felt him drill tap into the bone I mentioned I felt something. Max said "yeah it's because you just peed your pants". For clarification purposes, I didn't... but we sure do know how to get the staff laughing. From then on it was a laughing matter. Those people are never going to look at Max and I the same. We talked about some strange stuff...but that's what made it a memorable experience. They took the liquid part and solid part of my marrow. He only took a tiny bit but it sure did feel like he sucked everything from my knee on up. People say its a painful procedure. I think the word painful is used because there is no other way to explain it. It was a strange indescribable feeling. I was out and about today so it's not something that wiped me out...but I'm not a wimp either. I'm one tough Mama...ask my family, they'll agree. I feel crippled when I go from sitting to standing but that might have something to do with icing. No, he didn't prescribe chocolate icing. He wanted me to put ice on the area. Instead, we ended up staying at our friends house so I could make a fool of myself playing Battle of the Sexes. Mental note for next time, one can ice and play games at the same time.

Results wont take long to come back. But he doesn't want to see me until after the lung and heart tests (that I take this Thursday) come back in. Can't blame him. He needs time to recoup from yesterdays visit. :) We are scheduled to discuss all the test results the morning of April 23rd and that is also the day my fight begins. I start my very first chemo treatment.

We also decided to get me a porthole...I mean medi-port. I'll talk more about that when I get my appointment scheduled for the procedure on Monday.

**On a side note- I met and talked to a young lady in Old Navy today while shopping for a birthday present. I know God placed her there to talk to me. She was about my age and just finished chemo a little over a month ago. I'm amazed at the little things God does...but in awe daily of the big picture!!

Butt I'm Tired

I cant wait to blog about the bone marrow biopsy. I'm exhausted and my butt is nicely telling me to go to bed. I'll update this post and share my experience with you guys tomorrow. It was actually a funny experience...seriously. I'm not in pain...but don't expect me to crawl under a car and change the transmission tomorrow morning.

A Glow in the Dark Full Moon

As I stepped foot into a local civilian hospital this morning, I immediately felt lost. I had to go to administration to fill out more paperwork and after, they kindly directed me towards radiology. They called me back to ask if I would like the contrast as just water or lemonade. You mean I have a choice? WOW! I tried it as water...but it wasn't pure enough for my taste buds so I opted to flavor it with more chemicals and sugar lemonade powder. Remembering that I have been down this road before, I decided it was easier to chug it and drain my bladder half a dozen times before I went in for the scan. The kids went with today and were asking why they couldnt drink from my big cup. "They put some stuff in here and it makes my insides glow in the dark so when I go through a machine the Dr can see everything inside me." I'm not too bad at putting it in easy terms. An hour later they called me back and laid me down to start the IV for contrast. She was either sent a memo from Portsmouth Naval or flat out read my face as I walked in. The staff was great...that makes all these visits easier. They put me in a tube that talked to me "Hold your breath.....breathe. Do not swallow. Hold your breath.....breathe." It was quite a demanding little machine. I need to get back into yoga for breathing control just for that automated voice lady since I'll be visiting her quite often. The contrast was different this time. It wasn't a one time feeling...it was constant drip when they started it. Do you know what it feels like to pee your pants for a few minutes? I do. ;)

This Friday I go in for the biopsy of my bone marrow. A great opportunity for me to moon the Dr and him not be offended. I have my PFT and MUGA scheduled for the end of next week. I can't start chemo until those results get back to my Oncologist so I'm assuming my start date will be pushed back some.

Off to sleep again. I cat nap often these days. I need to be ready for the Girls Gone Godly study tonight. I'm excited because we will be talking about "Worry Warts"....you know, something that applies to none of my family or friends...

Worry never empties tomorrow of sorrow, but it does empty it of its strength. Don't let anyone rob you of your confidence in God. Know His Word. Hold on to His hand. He will make your impossible mission possible and your life so much more than bearable. -Barbara Johnson

A Little Bit of Everything

What a gorgeous weekend we had. Max got a great dose of vitamin D working in the yard. The kids were mostly found somewhere between the trampoline and the swing set. How did I spend it? Going through the kids clothes getting rid of the winter ones that don't fit, and pulling out my fantastic end of season buys from last year and wonderful hand-me-downs to see what else will be needed before I start treatment. Go figure today we are under Tornado Watch/Warnings. Gotta love Virginia weather.


On April Fools Day Max had duty. Kalee didn't realize that it was April 1st until about dinner time...so no, she didn't switch the cereal bags. Instead, when I went to brush my teeth that night my toothbrush was no where to be found. I shout "Anyone know where my toothbrush is?"....Kalee comes in to the bathroom with a giggle, "it's under the sink, April Fools!"


The other night she was playing with Little-Ann (AKA: Lilly-Ann, Diddle-Dan...) and out of the blue asked "Mommy, do dogs have to be married to have babies?" WHAT?? Um, well....yeah, that was so unexpected and I had no time to rehearse a proper answer. "Dogs are a little different then humans honey. They learn about each other by sniffing each others butts. You don't see me sniffing butts when I meet someone do you?" Kalee, "Ohhh, but how do they have babies?" "Well, it still takes a male dog and a female dog just like it takes a woman and a man." Fortunately that was enough to hold her over until next time... Wshew! I need to order this book and keep it on hand for us to read together. I'd rather be prepared for when that time comes that the one or two things I say arent enough to answer her questions.

Saturday night, I participated in welcoming my Sailor friend Amber, home from the sandbox. She left her husband and 3 children days after Thanksgiving to serve as a Sailger in the Narmy (not a typo...newer terms for IA). I'm so glad she made it back to her family. We went out to eat with 2 other couples that attend the same life group...and I tell ya I have never laughed so hard. I walked out of the restaurant with a huge smile and sore ab's. Those couples bring out the best in us...I love them!

Break is over. Must get Kalee started on her next assignment so I can continue my list of phone calls for testing and such this week. Chemo should start a week from today. Wow!

A Plan Of Attack!

My brain is on overload. Do not be afraid!

As many know I met with the oncologist today. I did mention my brain is on overload...right? Well, I'm going to try a mind dump since it's late. Nothing fancy.

My diagnosis is Nodular Sclerosing Hodgkin's Lymphoma. It is in my neck, chest and spleen. He said I have an uncommon form of it. I have always been unique though, haven't I?

I have several tests to get done next week. In Averi words, I need one to check out my heart, another for my lungs, another CT scan to use as a baseline (can't wait for that pee in my pants feeling), some basic lab work and a bone marrow biopsy. Something else was on that list but can't remember.

I go in on the end of the week for the bone marrow fun. He said he goes through the dimple in my butt....I'm curious as to which one...and pulls from the hip...unfortunately lipo is not included in this procedure. If the bone marrow comes back showing the disease then this treatment plan may be revised. As of now I'm at stage 3 cancer. If it's in the marrow then I will be considered at stage 4. Do not be afraid.

The plan of attack is.... I should start chemo treatment the Monday following the biopsy (day after Easter). I will go in every other week for treatment and the day after, will always go in for a shot to increase my white blood cell count. Two treatments = one cycle. I have to go through four cycles and then we will do another CT. If results show everything gone I will have two more cycles and be done. If it shows something then he will increase to four cycles and do more testing to make sure it's gone. Soooo, I'm looking at about 6-8 months of treatment.

He will give me 4 different chemo drugs. Can't for the life of me pronounce, spell or even remember them but he went through them one by one explaining side effects. I remember him saying I will loose my hair...which is sooooo ok with me AS LONG AS I loose everything between my arm pits and my toe hair. I'll consider myself jipped otherwise:) One drug may give me the runs but another may constipate me...so that balances things out... right? I can get mouth sores....ehh, ok. Tired and nauseousness is also common....been there done that two times for about a nine month stretch each (seriously guys I know there is a difference). No problem! Why??? Because there is no problem too big for my God! He is in control!

Max has been at EVERY appointment with me so far. He is an excellent question asker and I have grown to love him more every day. We have lots of military related paperwork to do (EFMP for you military folk that understand)...but pray that it's all made easy for him/us and the Doctor.

Kalee and Bear have and understanding appropriate for their age. We have been answering Kalees questions as she asks but am not overwhelming her with too many details. Bear said "no more nu-nu when you get the medicine, huh Mommy?"...so I take it he understands they will be out of commission after 6 1/2 years of honorable service.

I'm so tired...I need to sleep. I missed my regular nap today. I bet when I read this tomorrow I'm going to ask "What was I thinking?" I know better then to blog when I'm delirious...see how much I love you guys?

... God's love is unconditional.

Do not be afraid!

I'm doing the...

happy dance! Ooo-ooo! I'm thankful for the lady in the Tricare office at Portsmouth Naval helping me out. After 3 hours of talking on the phone I'm finally scheduled for an Oncology appointment tomorrow at noon! Heck with the estimated 7-10 days for the referral to process...God is in control!

My Dr's Appointment

Yesterday we had my last appointment in General Surgery. The staff has been fantastic! The Doctor looked to see how my incision was healing. I told him "my friend said when I get old it'll look like a wrinkle." He chuckled and said "neck line". It looks great. I have to keep sun block on it otherwise if it burns it will always be discolored. I hate the smell of sunblock! I have been looking into essential oils recently so this is a great place to experiment with. As for now I'll keep applying Melaleuca Alternifolia oil (tea tree oil) at night and Vitamin E oil during the day to keep the scar visibility to a minimum.

I have been on the phone all morning trying to speed up this process but it's not getting me far. Right now I'm waiting for Portsmouth Naval's Oncology Clinic to either approve me to be seen there or approve me to be differed out to a civilian. Once that happens I will be able to make an appointment and know my treatment plan.

I know. Hurry up and wait. Welcome to my life as a Navy Wife. That's what keeps things interesting with this lifestyle.