May 17,2008 Getting By!

Here is my new saying:
Live with a heart full of dreams
Love from the depth of your soul
And embrace every moment of laughter....

My niece Ashlee bought me a necklace of Live, Love Laugh and that was the saying on the box. I just loved it. I thought I would share it with you all.



Well I finally completed Round 4 of Chemo. Mom and Dad were with me for the week. Nothing is better than someone taking care of you! Thanks mom and dad. I appreciate all that you do!!!

The count down is on EIGHT more days and Jac leaves for Italy. I am happy on one hand and extremely sad on the other. I will miss her sooooo much. But I know she will have the time of her life. Six weeks is not to long, but not seeing her for that long is going to be hard. We are going to spend this last week together doing girlie stuff, nails, movies, shopping, eating and Chemo.

Myles has started his summer job at the boat docks this last week. Finally, he can afford the gas for his truck. It has been a long winter. He has only one Lacrosse game left. Then on to hockey in June. Got to keep that boy busy.

A late Happy Birthday goes out to Ashlee (matt's niece) and Jenna who turned 21 ( my girlfriend Sheri's oldest). Boy does that make me feel old. We have one of the girls old enough to go out with us. Come on Yellow Roses we need to take her out with us and show her how it is done. (Yeah right we are lucky if we make it to 12:00 p.m.

Tonight our good friend Ross turns the big 40!!! We are going to party like Rock Stars. I will post some pictures on the next blog! Hopefully people will dress the part tonight.

I have started to go into work on Monday and Tuesday's from 9-12. Just volunteering my services. Helping out were I am needed. I am looking forward to dinner with the teachers on Monday night. It looks like there is 14 of us going. I am so blessed to have great friends.

The family room is starting to shape up. Matt, John and my dad put in the sub floor. Matt will paint the room this week-end. And hopefully the rocks on the fireplace will go up in about a week or so. Then the rest is up to Ross to wire us up. I am praying that this room gets done by Memorial Week-end, because it is time for BOATING season. I am in need of the water and hot weather.

My next Doctors appointment is May 27th. We will wait and see what the Doc has to say. Trying to get a handle on the side effects. This last time has slowed me up. I need to stay close to home. I am so grateful my parents were here to help out.

Matt is looking for a someone to walk with. I can't walk as fast as him. So let him know if you are willing and able. He must start exercising because of his sugar level isn't doing the greatest. So if anyone is up to the challenge of getting my husband to walk, please, please step right up. I need your help.....

Speaking of help our Church needs help for their Summerfest. Gerri, Debbie and I are in charge of gift baskets. So if you have anything that you would like to donate: gift cards, sporting event tickets, or any new items let me know. We will be putting together as many baskets as we can. I would appreciate any help we can get.

Well that is about all that is happening here. I truly would love to hear from you, so leave me a line on the blog. Look for Jac's blog of Italy soon to come. I will post the blog site as soon as she gets it up and going. That is how I will be able to see what she is up to.

Remember to Live, Love, Laugh one day at a time.....
Julie

May 1, 2008 Think Spring

I am singing for my supper! Lori Rocks!!!!!

Mike is giving it a try!!! The beat goes on with Sally!

The back up singers are rockin' the house! Ronald beats to his on tune!!!

Rock and Roll Band Night!!!

The gang got to together at Lori and Kevin's house. We had a great time. Look out American Idol here we come..... Hahahah

I finally completed Round 3 of Chemo.... Yeah!!!!! Things down at Karmanos went pretty smooth. I think they were warned about my sister. My CT Scan came back good. Things are looking good. Doc says I can start volunteering at the school for a couple of hours. Yeah!!! Getting a little restless. He still wants to keep me on Chemo for six months. But now all my treatments will be at Weisbergs, and I will only go down to Karmonos for my doctors appointments. The visits were just to long with my treatments. So I am happy about that.

We had some out of towners for a visit last week-end Jon and Lisa who live in Indian River. We had to take them to Netties for dinner. They just loved it.. Thanks for the visit and the pie.

Dinners by the ST. Anglea family has come to an end. I want to thank you all for helping me out sooooo much. We really appreciated all that you did. Yes Geri Krause you still owe me a dinner from Lou's Pizza, if we can ever get there when their opened. Plus the Switalski family owes me one dinner from Paul's. So I will let you know when I want the food!!!
Family Update...

Jac is finally done with school. She is staying up there working until May 17th. Then she will come home and get ready for her study abroad program to Italy. She will be gone for SIX WEEKS, what am I going to do with out her. I sure an going to miss her.

Myles is working hard at Lacrosse and at school. Hopefully his job at the boat docks start real soon. He has run out of gas money.

We are still working on the family room. We bought the stones and the mantel. The floor has been ordered. Maybe by the middle of May that room will be the way we want it.... Son as that room is done we can get the boat in the water. I can't wait to take the boat out of the well and park out and watch the sunsets. That will be my stress release.

My Relay for Cancer walk is tomorrow. I want to thank all of you who bought a bag, a star or donated money. I really appreciate all your support. Your are the GREATEST. I will try and take pictures of the event and post them on the next blog. I don't know what I would do without your love and support. All you guys are my rock....

I received a real inspirational gift this week. It came from the Schultz family (St. Angela) . The gift was The Clinging Cross, a wooden cross that goes in the palm of your hands. I used it during my chemo treatment. It most of worked. If you want to see on go to "not so plan jane gifts". There you can see my new cross. Thank you so much I love it.

Remember to Live, Love, Laugh...... one day at a time.......

Julie

April 18th. Ups and Downs of Chemo....

Hello Everyone,

Here are some pictures of the Mother Daughter Banquet I went to. My mother-in-law takes us girls every year. I just wanted to take my mom and grandma this year. We had a wonderful time together.

The first picture is a doll from my teacher friend Christine. Isn't she the cutest thing. She is called "Comfort" from the wish Sister series from Hallmark. Her saying goes like this Something got you down? C'mon now. Don't let it! You're card for! (And don't you forget it!) the wish Sisters... making the world a better place one magical wish at a time! How great is that. She is just so cute.... Thanks Christine.


Once again I couldn't get Chemo because of some low numbers. This time was the Absolute Neutrophil Count. No clue what it is or what it does... I just know I couldn't get Chemo.

This time at Karmanos was a nightmare. We got there at 9:15 a.m. and didn't get home until 5:30 p.m. (and we just got a mini). I am so glad I get to go to Weisberg for almost all of them.

CT-Scan on the 25th. Doc wants to find out how things are going. I don't know how things can change since I only have had 2 rounds of Chemo. But who knows I am new at this stuff. I go on the April 30th to find out the results and try for round 3 of Chemo. My sister is going with me on this day. So Karmanos watch out!!

Just to let you know I need you all to add my brother-in-law, Greg, back on the Prayer Chain. The bad Cancer is back!!!! He is schedule for surgery on April 25th. Life sometimes just plains SUCKS... But, we will keep fighting the fight.

I was grateful for my mom to be with me again this week, even though it was just a Mini. She sure is a lot of help. thanks Dad for getting some of my summer furniture out. I just love being out doors

We went to Lansing yesterday for Lacrosse and to see Jac. This was my first road trip. My parents, Chelsea, Dawn and Ashlee went with us. Maryjo and her family met us there. We even got to go to lunch at Jac's place of work. We sure did have a great time. Myles team won in case you were wondering.

Kudos goes to the St. Angela families who are wonderful to keep feeding us: The Decks, Badali's ,the Saladke and the Sieradzki family. We sure are blessed. Thanks again....

Just to let you know I finally got the bags($10) and the stars ($1) for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. I will be walking on May 3rd at 10:00 a.m. and going back at 9:30 p.m. to see the bags lite up. It is at the Warren Community Center. If you are interested please let me know. I need all bags, stars and money by April 30th. Thanks for your support to those who have already helped me out.

Keep the prays and the cards coming they sure do help. For those who write on my blog THANK YOU!!! It means a lot to me. It is great hearing from you all. It gives me something to do. Keep it up. And for those who just read and don't post a comment shame on you!!!!

Thanks to the Iovan and Sortman family for the flowers this week. They sure are pretty.

Remember to Live, Love, Laugh one day at time....

Julie

April 5, 2008 To More Beautiful Week-ends

Ok people pretend this stick person can dance. I couldn't up load the video of this women dancing. So use your imagination and make the stick women dance.... It's beautiful women month! And all my girlie friends are beautiful... so here's to you. ( sorry men maybe next month will be for you).



Life is good. This chemo round was a whole lot better. Just a few side effects, but we are working on them.



We are keeping busy with Myles and his lacrosse. I am glad he has something to occupy his time. (Plus we have something to do!)



Thanks to the dinner crew this week you guys are truly amazing: McGillen's, Sieradzki's and the Swiltalski's. We sure do appreciate all that you do. thank you to all the St. Angela Families that helped me through the difficult months. I do believe the road is going to go smoother from now on. I have faith and lots of people praying for me. Thanks to our friends from up north the Steele family that brought over a breakfast dish. It was great!



This week we stayed close to home. I did get out and played Euchre and won!!!!!



New friends and old friends stopped by to check on me. I am so glad we have so many wonderful friends.



I soon will be calling on you guys to take me to my treatments now that they got all the bugs taking care of. Jacqueline did get to be with me on the last round with Matt and his sister Kim. That was a nice surprise. Plus, Linda and Cheryl (teachers from school), had the pleasure of taking me on Friday to remove the "Sh,, Bag". Thanks guys for taking me.

I am asking for my wonderful support people to add Greg (my brother-in-law) to your prayers this week as he is waiting on test results. We are hoping that the cancer has not come back. He has been through a lot. Greg, I know you are cancer free, your truly an amazing person. Please keep up the faith and you will get through this . ( I know it didn't come back because this is my 6 months to be the Queen. You had your year to be the King. So I have got the throne now. So be gone with you!)

Enjoy your week.. I have a class on Monday on how to take of myself during this time. Plus I am going into work to celebrate reading month and find out the winners who raised the most pennies for patients. The winners are going to Olive Garden, I think I will go with them. Hey, Linda schedule it on a Monday or a Tuesday. We also have Lacrosse and we are going to try and watch one of Myles friends Padraic play Rugby on Friday. Oh I forgot to add the dry wall person is coming on Monday. We sure are busy this week....

Thanks for the cards, emails and prayers, they truly help me since I am stuck at home and can't work. I love you all.

Remember to Live, love, laugh..... One day at a time....
Julie

March 31, 2008 Opening Day!

Batter Up!!!!





Getting ready to bat the next round of Chemo!



So go Tigers!!!!!!!

Take Hold of Today

Make this your moment -

your time in the sun,

your chance to do something

that you've never done.

Forget about "should haves"

and "might haves" and "could haves"

Reach out and take hold of today!!

Well Easter came and went. We went to both sides of the family and had good food, good time and good memories. We celebrated Matt's, Paul's, Jodie's and Shawn's birthday. This is the only time Matt's birthday was on Easter day.

March 25th we went to the Schools fund raiser and Big Boys. It was great seeing everyone. The Washington People really worked hard. We just sat and ate. We even won a pie. Matt insisted on giving it my boss Darlene. Enjoy it Dar!!!

March 26th a Mini Round of Chemo. Sheri and Dawn had the pleasure of taking me. Had a rough start but it all turned out ok. We almost have the mini down pat. Thanks guys for being there with me..

March 28th I stopped by work for a few hours to catch up with the students and staff. Boy I was whipped.

That night Jane, Tom, Ross and Jenny helped Matt celebrate his birthday. We went to Tom's Oyster bar for dinner and back here to continue the celebration. This is going to be the longest 6 months being sober for me. They were so funny! We sure did have a good time.

Myles finally returned from AZ! He had a great time. Thanks to the Sieradzki family for taking him with you. Maybe next time I will be able to go and rest and relax.

Saturday we went to see Myles play Lacrosse. The won 4-2. It sure is a rough sport. We sure will be busy with his schedule.

At night we went to Anne's mom's 85th birthday party in Richmond. She looks great!

Thanks to the dinner crew this week: Badali's and the Siladke's.

Enjoy the game go Tigers!!!

Have a great week. The next up date will be after my next Maxi Chemo Round!

Remember to Live, Love, Laugh.....One Day at a Time......

March 22, 2008 Happy Easter!!

Here is another pair of Kick Ass Cancer Boots! (thanks Dawn)

Live today

Cherish your yesterdays,

dream your tomorrows,

but live your todays.

Tomorrow belongs to those

who fully use today.

This comes from the book No Limits But the Sky. (Hallmark special. Thanks Lisa from Washington). More of these great inspirations to come. I just love the book. I just love the basket of goodies you guys keep sending me. Jill I love the angel magnets. You guys are the best!!

I know it has been awhile since my last posting, but I am trying to live a normal life. (HAHAHA).

Dinner thanks go out to the following families: Siladke, the men at the Sieradzki house, (sorry Debbie you were out of town: your boys did good) and the Smilnaks. thanks so much. You don't know how this helps my family out. Gerri I will take a rain check for Lou's Pizza.. You guys are the best... Thanks Cindy for organizing it...

Well the week-end was good with friends and family keeping me busy-- visiting and playing cards. ( Jane I don't think our husbands will ever be the fastest at cards-- but we do love them).

St. Patrick's Day was different we usually go to the Elk's Club, but their cook left. So the cooks came to my house. The family came here to Corn beef and Cabbage, Shepard's pie and dessert. Thanks to Jenny and Dawn for helping to make my first St. Patrick's feast. It is great making memories. Sorry Jac you couldn't be here.

Thanks to Barb Butler who took me to breakfast and shopping (for Matt's Birthday gift.. boy did I get a deal). Thanks to Barb, Teresa, Judi and Shelly for my new angel of Healing. She is so beautiful. I am so blessed to have so many wonderful friends.

March 19th... Round 2 of Chemo.... didn't happen... white blood count too low... just got a mini chemo treatment instead. Still took a lot out me but, it wasn't as bad. (Mom was here on Spring Break with me.) So the next big treatment will be April 2nd. So I will wear the same boots again. Cindy is on a mission to find me size 7 white gogo boots. Those will be for Round 3 since I can wear white after Easter. Beautiful flowers came to brighten my day thanks to Sheri's mom,dad and her sisters family. They sure did help.

Good Friday was spent getting my doctors note to my work. Doc can't tell me when I can go back yet. I am getting pretty restless. Shopping and going out to eat is getting a little boring for me.. plus costly... Matt is trying to find me jobs around the house to keep me busy instead.

Jane was my chauffeur... to get my nails and feet done... just in case I could of wore sandals this Easter. What a joke that was. Because of the snow Jac didn't make it home to dye Easter eggs. So Dawn, Ashlee, Paul, Anne, Lola, Greg and Myles did the eggs. (My mom was missing in action!). New traditions and new memories that is what life is all about. Played a new game Racko.. of course Jenny is the Queen.. Anne, Paul and I did try, but she was just too good for us.

Thanks to my Bunco Gals for keeping me entertained this week. I sure do love playing even though I don't win .

Myles leaves for Arizona on Easter for a few days of rest and relaxation. He sure does deserve it.. Yes, he did make the Lacrosse Team. Thanks to Coach Jolly for being understanding and letting him have the week off. Myles knows he has to work hard if he is going to get any play time. (I promise to post the times for his games next week).

I want to wish everyone a Happy Easter and remember to make memories with your family. Cherish your time together. I am truly, truly blessed by you all. Thanks so much for being there for me. I will post again after my next mini-treatment on Wednesday.

Remember to Live,Love, Laugh........ One Day at a Time.....

P.S.

{Just to let you know one of Matt's friends, Grace, asked me to walk in the Walk of Life in May as a person fighting Cancer. There is different ways we can help her... purchase a star for a $1, and or purchase a bag that will line the track with a candle in for $10 the bag can be decorated with a survivors name or someone who passed from cancer or someone fighting cancer. Let me know if you are interested. If you want more info I can give you Grace's email address. If I raise $100 I can get a tee shirt to wear during the event. }

March 13, 2008 ADJUSTING!!!

Good morning to all.....
The message for the day:

Laugh with your happy

friends when

they're happy... (Romans 12:15)

A week has gone by and I am doing pretty good. I have just finished Round 1 of my Chemo treatment. Dawn, Jane and I went to Weisbergs on Wednesday. The 3 hour treatment lasted 6 hours. Oh what fun. My body is having a hard time with the BENADRYL, that they need to give me for the side effects from the Chemo. Drugs and me just don't mix! Hopefully we found out that I need the BENADRYL to be spread out longer. They can't give me the dose in a 5 minute interval. So now I am just dealing with the side effects and trying to get a handle on them. I look lie a 14 year old girl going through puberty. What a side effect. Plus some other side effects that I won't bore you with.

Other than that life is pretty much the same. Matt is trying to get the roof ready for the roofers who come out on Monday. He is trying to clean up his attic. He sure does have a lot of stuff, but we all new that. Also, my brother and Matt are trying to get the half bath toilet up and running. Plumbing problems. YUCK!!!!! Soon and very soon the door wall should be fixed. I feel so bad for Matt. When it rains it pours.

Jac is doing fine she had to work her whole spring break. She is saving for that study abroad to Italy this May. Life is tough!!(HAHAH). She did manage to come home for the week-end. She was a great help. Her next time home will be Easter week-end.

Myles is plugging along with the Lacrosse try outs. He has two scrimmages this week-end. Too far for me to go, but Matt will go and tell me how he did. He should know by Monday if he makes the team. Were all praying that him and his friends all make the team. That would be SWEET!

Matt did get out and see his favorite artist Robert Cray. Thanks to Jenny and Ross for taking him. They had a great time. While he was out we had Craft Night, you all know how much I enjoying crafts. Ashlee, Dawn, Jane and Jac sat and used Ashlee's Cricket and made cards. It is a pretty cool machine, but too much work for me. I played Wii with Myles.

I want to say THANK-YOU to Laura, Jenny's sister-in-law, she came over a gave me two acupuncture treatments this week-end. I sure wish she lived closer. Connecticut is too far for me to go. They really seemed to help.

Dinner thanks goes to the Peters and the Berlins. I do appreciate all that you guys do for us. The meals have been a big help.

Round 2 of Chemo is March 19th, which is the big one, and March 26th. So I will up date after the 19th. Pray that this round isn't as rough as the first one. Look for a picture of my second pair of "Kick Ass Cancer Boots" in the next blog. They are just too cute.
As the saying goes:

Life isn't about how

to survive the storm,

But how to dance

in the Rain!

I am sure ready to dance in the rain with my new boots. I just might have to get something new for each round of Chemo. I sure do like boots and clothes. I think I deserve them.

Well that is all for now so remember....

Live, Love and Laugh... One Day at a Time!!!

Love ya,

Julie