Wednesday, February 13, 2008 Rolling with the Punches

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

IT'S ABOUT LOVING,
SHARING AND CONNECTING!

This is what I believe is happening to us as we take this journey!

Sunday is where I left off. This day was a day that I was suppose to play cards with my grandma and friends. Well, lets say I felt I was back to square one. I was in constant pain from 1:00 P.M. until about 10:00 p.m. I even had to go back on my pain pills (YES Linda I took them)! Not willing, but the pain was too strong. So I only got in one game of cards. Dinner was delivered by the Peters again! My family was in heaven. Thanks so much Cindy.

Monday, a day of pampering by my mom and dad. They took care of me, since I was exhausted from yesterday. I laid in bed most of the day! I even go lunch served to me in bed. That was wonderful. I was still whipped, and didn't get to go to Myles's hockey game. Everyone else went: Dad, grandma, uncle and father. Mom and I stayed home. Later that evening my sister and her husband came over so we could celebrate my niece Stephanie's b-day! Hey, Stephanie I need that facial before I start Chemo.

Tuesday was a much better day. I felt so much better! I was able to play Scrabble with my grandma and Jenny. My parents left to go back home. Thanks mom and dad for being here with me. That night I spent playing cards with Jenny. Jenny's sister Brenda and Aunt Sharon. I was greatful for them to come over and entertain me. I love playing games!!!!!

Wednesday the day we have been waiting for finally came! Greg took me to met Matt at Karmanoes, were we got our next plan of action. So here it goes: Next Tuesday I get my port in and the week after that I go to back to the doctors for blood work and a Chemo class. Then we will start Chemo one day every other week. Good news, I get to take the Chemo home with me and go back 2 days later they disconnect the medicine. Won't that be great! Also, I shouldn't lose alot of my hair. It might just get thinned. Oh, am I am happy about that. So it was a pretty successful day! I even went to see Myles play hockey.

I received another angel to my collection Angel of Heart by my friend Angie and her family. Thanks so much! I just love them. Also, a big thank you goes on to my Washington Family. They have given me money to put towards a cleaning lady to come and clean for me while I am sick. This will help me and my family out! Everyone is taking such good care of me. I am so greatful.
YOU ALL ROCK!!!!

Thanks again for the cards, response to my blog and the visits. I love you all so very much.. Have a great Valentine's Day and remember to...

Live, Laugh and Love one day at a time....


(some people wanted my email address jewels8264@hotmail.com)

February 10, 2008 Ups and Downs.

Its been a few days, but the excitment doesn't stop.

"For I know the plan I have
for you...
Plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
This message was on a decorative jar my brother Paul and his wife Anne gave me!

Lets go back to Thursday ... Once again it started with a breakfast outing with Matt's sister Kim. She also took me to a few stores. Thanks Kim! I then needed to come home and rest for my second visiting to the Weisberg Center. Let me tell you the place was what I was hoping for to do my Chemo treatments. Jane, Matt and I took a tour of the building. Words can't describe it. They have a waterfall, beautiful art and warm inviting atmosphere. So when Doc gives me the green light that is where I will go. We will find out all the details out on Wednesday.

Friday was a relaxing morning for me. Nobody came oh sorry Jane had to come a get a prescribition filled for Myles. Who is still sick with a cold. But for the most day I rested. Until....Matt called from work he said I am on my way home with......PINK EYE!!!! YES, you heard me PINK EYE!!!!. (I have had pink eye every year for about 12 years and he has never got it) BUT now he has it. The work clinic doctor said it was the worst case he has seen. I laughed at him until.... I saw his eyes, they were oozing the junk out of them. Out came the gloves and the Clorox Wipes. Once again I was off to Jac's room to sleep..

I did manage to go out Friday evening when the patient was set for the night. My friend Sheri and Mike had the gang all over. It was great to see everyone. We had great food, good laughs and a wonderful time. (Even though I was wishing Matt was there!)

Saturday Morning was an emotional day for Jac and I. This is the day she donated her hair for cancer! She cut 8 inches off. I was crying more than she was. Now the cut matchesher attitude ... SASSY!!! What a great girl she is. I truly was moved by her. Check out the pictures. People have been asking me for her address so here it is... 135 Collingwood Ave. Apt 7 East Lansing, Mi 48823.

Dinner was waiting for us (Jac and I that is, Matt had to stay at home) at Matt's mom and dad. They have been wanting to see me for awhile now. Some of the other family members were there. We had a great visit. Thanks Mom and Dad for the great meal. (YES I took home a doggie bag for Matt).

I spent a relaxing evening nursing my husband!! We watched movies and I put eye drops in his eyes.

Today I am looking forward to our annual game of Hand & Foot, with my grandma, Jenny, and Jenny's Aunt Sharon. Once a year we would go down to my Moms and play cards with my grandma, so this year she is coming to me. I am so excited. I love to play cards.

In case you are wondering where is Myles during our exciting week-end, he is with Matts family down in Troy, Ohio-- for Brandon's Surprise 30th Birthday. They all went to play Broom Ball--it's played on ice. I can't wait to see the pictures. Karen-- I heard you did an excellent job planning this wonderful event. Kudos go out to you! Sorry we missed out on all the fun!

A Huge Thank-you goes out to Mr. Tignanelli--- Van Dyke's Assistant Curriculum & Instruction for getting my Blog approved so my Van Dyke family can read my blog. This means so much to me. Thank you again....

Well the patient is up and I must get back to my job, break time is over.

Remember to LIVE, LOVE AND LAUGH...one day at a time...

P.S. My spell check is not working so I am sorry for any mistakes I make... I need to find out what the problem is.

February 6,2008 Here is to new beginnings.

Here is your quote for today:

The most interesting
people I know
drink in life
and savor every drop-
the sweet and the sour.
The good and the bad.
The planned
and the unplanned.

(Dark blue is my new color... it stands for Colon Cancer)

The last two mornings I have been treated to breakfast what a treat, because I love breakfast food. Thanks Angie and Cindy.
With all this help my house will be so well organized my family won't be able to find anything. Thanks to my sister-in-law Anne you were a great help.

Once again dinner was delivered by Nancy, soup, bread and brownies. Plus my good friend Gerri dropped off her famous mac-n-cheese. I am sitting her waiting for it to get done. The Cleaning Good Fairy came again today and cleaned my house. (thanks Dawn). My family is going to get spoiled with all the clean sheets and house.

We just got home from my CAT SCAN! Had to drink again, boy do I hate doing that. I also had to give blood. All went well. The drive home was the worse part. Matt's 4 wheel drive went out on the truck. So we slipped and slid all the way home.

Oh I forget to mention we were woken by Myles screaming last night: "MOM!!! the rain is coming in from my ceiling. !" We looked and it was also coming in our living room and kitchen. Boy when it rains it pours. Does anyone know a good roofer???

I was so glad I got to go to church today. Thanks to Cindy for picking me up. Forty days and forty nights, I am giving up Colon Cancer for life. How does that sound???

Thanks for everyone who is making comments on the blog, they are very inspirational. Keep them coming.
Also, I am enjoying all the cards. They sure lift up my spirits.

Well that is all for know I am going to go watch American Idol and get a few good laughs. Some of them sing worse than me... and that's pretty bad!

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

February 4, 2008 Meraculous Monday

I would like to start off with a poem written by Thelma Wells, it comes from the book Laughter & Latte, given to by my friend Gerri. It goes like this: When you have nothing
to laugh about, laugh anyway.
Soon you'll feel
the healing power
of joy and laughter
bringing new energy and life
to your weary,
frustrating day.

That is how Matt and I felt when we finally got the phone call from the doctor. Our prayers were answered and that they found it to be Colon Cancer and not stomach cancer. We don't know any chemo treatment details until next week. What a relief. We celebrated with a little bit of champagne.

I spent Superbowl Sunday with Ashlee and Cioci Sharon. Thanks for the good food and company. Ashlee was a big help in making cupcakes for my class. I loved the half time show Tom Petty. We even went on line today and bought tickets to his concert in May.

My afternoon was spent with telling my students about me. It went very well. They made me a beautiful scrapbook with a picture and a poem from each of them. Lunch was spent with the teachers, my second family. It was a baked potato luncheon. Thanks Christine. It was great seeing everyone.

So that is all for now. I will be writing later on this week.

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

February 3, 2008 Weekend-Up Date

FRiday started off with that beautiful snow... Myles finally got a snow day! He needed it to rest and recover from his cold. He slept and I walked around my house. Boy do I wish it was summer. Jenny came over in the afternoon to challenge my brain to some Scrabble and a game or two of 10,000. Thank god for neighbors, or I would be bored out of my mind. Everyone knows I can't sit still. Dinner was brought by Sheri and Mike, it was my favorite from Nettie's. Matt and I love that place. They also brought be a beautiful bracelet with my favorite saying: Live, Love, Laugh plus a new word Dream. How cool is that. I love it!

We had a great time until the phone rang... Jac.... slid off the road and was in the ditch. Police came and a tow truck to pull her out of the ditch. Matt and Mike took off to get her, she was to upset to drive home. Also the jeep wouldn't go over 45 miles. She was by Mount Holly. She was coming home to suprise me. I told her I am not up to Surprises. I told her life is giving me enough Surprises to last a life time! It took them 2 hours to complete this mission. She is home safe and sound. Thanks Mike! Thanks Sheri for babysitting and keeping me calm.

Saturday was a slow and boring day. I went to Myles's hockey game. It was good to get out. They played hard, but they weren't on their game. Too many boys got hurt, they lost 6-1 to the first place team. They will get them next time. This is the last month for Hockey, I don't know what I will do to occupy my time. I so enjoy watching him play.
The rest of day I slept and watch movies with Jac and Matt. Jenny did sneak in a late movie with us at night, while the band practiced in her basement. A cake was brought over by my neighbor Judy, thanks ! It is a Bill Knapp's cake. Anyone who is looking for those cakes they can be found at Hollywood Grocery store.

It is early Sunday morning (7 a.m.) all our sleeping except for me! I am writing my blog. What is wrong with me, I should be sleeping. but that is what naps are for. I am trying to go to church today. I really need to go. After church my boss is coming over and we are going to write a letter to my students parents, to tell them what is going on. I think this letter will be my hardest letter ever to write. I sure do miss those kids. I am going in on Monday to tell my students what is going on. It will be an emotional day for me and them. But they are in good hands.

Coming up this week a trip to get a CAT SCAN and a tour of another place to get my chemo. I will keep you posted of how my days go. As for now we continue to pray and wait until I get my next piece to this puzzle that I am putting together.

Please keep the cards, prayers and love coming. Those things will truly help me to get through this tough time in our lives.

P.S

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANE!!!! Just to let everyone know Jane and Tom did get away for a quick vacation in Cancun!!!! they are celebrating Jane's birthday. Enjoy your day dear friend, Yes I do miss you....

Also a HAPPY BIRTHDAY goes out to Brandon (Matts nephew) HE TURNED 30!!!! Welcome to our world. You old man!!!!

Enjoy the rest of your week-end. And for all you Super Bowl people out there, may your team you are cheering for win. I have no clue who is playing! I think I will just watch a girlie movie and sleep.

As always Live, Love , Laugh... one day at a time!

January 31, 2008 Rest and Recovery Days!

Let me introduce to you "Tickle" the frog. This is the frog my friends John and Lisa sent to me. Isn't he adorable. (because he is pink!) I have been eyeing him for awhile. Thank you so much Lisa and John.

Here are my angels that are looking over me.

Their names are: Chrysalis

Angel Of Courage

Thinking of you

Angel of Hope

Tree, a Prayer

They are so beautiful. Thank you so much. They are such good company.

I thought everyone would like to see some of my special inspirations. There really isn't much to say for the last two days. I have had a few trips out to the world: Target and the show. Went to see 27 Dresses. The show was very funny. Thank you Jenny and Aunt Sharon who took me to see the show. Which I need.

Myles spent the day with me, he is sick with a cold. Thanks to Jane, she took him to the doctors for me. He is not contagious. I think he just needed to be with me.

Tonights dinner was brought by Matt's brother Gary, thank you for the pizza, Matt and Myles really enjoyed it. Night ended with a dear friend bringing me yummy, comfort food: ice cream and cake. Thanks Geri, just what the doctor ordered.

Always remember to Live, Love and Laugh... one day at a time

January 29, 2008 "The Waiting Game!"

Yesterday my day started off wonderful with Jane taking me to get a pedicure and a manicure. I was in heaven. It is one of my favorite things to do. Kudos to Jane!!! We spent the day talking and crying. It was a cleansing day! Late in the afternoon two of my college days friends came by: Melanie and Sue. Thanks for the laughs and memories. We really appreciate the gift cards that Sue and her family gave us. We sure will use them during this busy time of our lives.



The pink basket arrived again by Cheryl and Linda. It was filled with goodies. Cheryl brought me lunch from the Lunch Group! (It happened to be Cheryl's turn anyways). Thanks to my Washington Family. You guys are truly amazing people. Hopefully, I can come by for lunch one Monday real soon. Who has it next week?



Our night ended with Julie C. (from Church) giving us amazing body and neck massages. It was wonderful. Even Matt snuck in a neck rub from her. He was in heaven. Thanks Julie for your great hands.

Today, Jenny was the morning nurse. Thanks to her, she help me to get my phones up and running. I know have communication with everyone. Our afternoon was spent down at Karmanos. Here we meet my new doctor, but once again we play the Waiting Game. He needs to review my pathology slides before he can determine what type of cancer I have. So guys we won't know anything until next week. I will be going for another CAT SCAN next Wednesday.
The doctor was very nice along with his Fellow.

Another applause goes out to one of the Washington Family, Nancy T., she sent over a pot of vegetable soup, homemade bread, salad and a cake. Matt and I were so relieved, that it was waiting for us when we finally got home from the doctors. (we were there from 12-5). You all know that I hate waiting.

As we approached our house their was the UPS man delivering me more gifts. I am overwhelmed by peoples generosity. Our friends John and Lisa sent me a Frog from their gallery. Tickle (of course who is pink) is so awesome. Tears were flowing. It came at the right time, he brightened up my spirits, since we still don't know the journey we are going to be taking. Along side that gift, my girlfriend from California sent me a Willow Tree Angle, Hope. She didn't even know that people have been giving them to me since this all has started. God works in mysteries ways.

Thanks Greg for the beautiful cross. It will be with me and strengthen me as I go through this.

Don't forget to post your comments... I need to know someone's reading them.

As always remember to Live Love and Laugh!!!!