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

Friday, March 7, 2008 Hanging in there!

Just a few Laugh-out-loud lines from author Barbara Johnson:

Frogs have it easy; they can eat what bugs them.

Smile! It kills time between disasters.

Life is like an ice cream cone: Just when you
think you've got it licked, it drips
all over you!



Just to recap my week...

Monday I spent with my friends Sally and Jane we had a nice lunch and visit. Thanks guys for being there for me.

Tuesday, The BIG BAD CHEMO DAY! Yes I wore my Kick Ass Cancer Boots! Well it didn't go as I planned. We arrived by 8:00 and by 9:30 I was hooked up and practically out of it the whole time I was there. Yes, I got sick and it sucked. Matt and my parents were there and they know more what went on that day then me. All I can tell you is that I received a lot of medicine throughout the day. We finally left around 4:00 p.m. I came home and went straight to bed. I missed the wonderful meal brought by Marianne Licata, it was from my favorite place Netties. My family truly enjoyed it thanks Marianne. Hopefully, they left me some.

Wednesday, I spent the whole day in bed. I didn't do much of anything. Thank GOD for my parents. They were here for me. The Cesul family came to visit and brought dinner. What a relief for my family. but once again I couldn't eat. I sure am missing a lot of my favorite foods.

Thursday, thanks to Jane she came over and washed my hair, so I could go to Weisberg Center to have my pump removed. My parents took me there and finally my pump was removed. Everything went smoothly. My parents took off back home again. Matt brought me home just in time to watch General Hospital. ( one of my highlights of my day lately). Dinner was provided by the whole Deck family! Once again my family enjoyed the great meal. I was in bed feeling sick.
My brother and his wife came by and we watched American Idol. Another one of my favorite shows. Still a little queasy.

I received a wonderful package in the mail from Marilyn ( my former boss). It is a cute, pink and jeweled picture frame with my saying on it Live, Love Laugh. Now I need to figure what pictured to put in it.

Today is Friday and I don't have any plans. Jac and Myles are both home so maybe we will just sit around and play games and watch movies. I do enjoy my kids home. I am feeling a lot better. So we will see how today goes.

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

Once again my wonderful St. Angela families have dinners covered for March! You guys are the best!!!! God is really watching over me. Thanks to you all.

March 2, 2008 Getting Ready

Good Day Everyone,

Give a girl the correct
footwear and she can

conquer the world

said Bette Midler.

This saying came from the book If the Shoe Fits..A Treasury for the Shoe Lover. Someone from my school gave it my weekly basket. So thanks to whoever you are. Everyone knows I love my shoes and boots. The ones I have chosen to kick cancer with is these black and white rubber boots. They are just so cute. I will have to find new ones once the weather gets warmer. Hey, St. Angela Families, maybe I will get those white go-go boots I talked about a couple of years ago. (Wouldn't that be funny, walking into Karmanos with those boots on!).

February 28th.... Took my mom and Jenny to see the new place I will be going to Weisberg Center. They agreed it is beautiful. Since I will be there weekly getting treatments and other medicines that I need. I will be needing rides on Wednesdays, So let me know who is available . I am not sure about Fridays yet, I might be able to take myself. We will just wait and see.

That afternoon I drove for the first time.. Let me tell you it was great. I took my mom everywhere I needed to go. I think I wore her out. I did end up coming home and taking a nap. Dinner was delivered by the Richardson's. It was very good. Thank you so much. I was even able to go to the Lacrosse meeting, it was wonderful to see some friends I haven't seen in a while. Keep your fingers crossed for Myles to make the team.

Friday, I was so busy catching up on paper work . It took me all morning. In the evening my girlfriend Sheri and her husband Mike had the some of the gang over again. I just love seeing my friends. I needed to see them before Tuesday, I needed some extra encouragement. Thanks guys. I love ya all.

Saturday.... My exercise gals came for a visit, Nicole, Angie and Kathy. They brought flowers and cookies. Thanks guys for the great visit and gifts. My dad came to collect my mom to go home. But she will be back on Tuesday for the big day. At night we went with the Greg, Dawn and Ashlee to dinner for their anniversary. It was great to see them, even though they were nice and tanned. I am sooo jealous. My son and Chris and Chelsea drove up to see Jac. Their first of many visits I am sure of it.

Sunday..... Church at St. Lawrence to see my favorite Father.. Bob. I just love how he gives the sermons. I even went at 8:00 a.m. to see him. Breakfast was at my favorite place the Pantry, with Greg and Dawn. Greg loves that place too. The afternoon was spent playing my favorite card game Hand and Foot. Thanks to Sharon, Jenny and Jane for entertaining me all afternoon. We started at 1:00 and ended at 7:00 when the pizza arrived.. thanks to Buddy's pizza.... sure was yummy..

That is all for now. I will write after my Chemo week. As always....

Remember to Live, Love and Laugh.... One Day At A Time.

P.s. Tonight we eat the dinner from the Lemanski's. thanks neighbors.

February 28, 2008 Count Day to Chemo

Hello Dear Friends,

Life is short

Break the rules

Forgive quickly-

Kiss slowly

Love truly

Laugh uncontrollably

and never regret anything

that made you smile.

That is what you all have done, made me smile. I am truly blessed! I will never be able to express how much your love and support has helped me and my family during this crazy journey! The journey is going to get tougher and I know you will be there for me.

Hockey is now over the boys tried hard but fell to defeat on Saturday. Know what will I do. We are hoping that Myles will make the Lacrosse Team. Try outs are next month. Dinner was delivered by the wonderful Gerri. Thank you so much. A couple of visitors also came by on Saturday. Amy (my replacement at school, please stay until I can get back!) Also, Matt's cousin Teresa. Thanks for the visit ladies. Plus Jac came home for a quick visit thanks to her friend Chris!!

Sunday we all went to church and I got to see my ST.Angela family. I love seeing you all! You are the reason I keep coming back. Thanks for all the prayers. The day was spent with my parents and my family. Dinner was delivered by Matt's cousin Liz (she had time before she had to leave for the Czech). Boy and I thought my life was busy. My niece Stephanie came over and gave me and my mom facials. I never had one before. Nice job Stephanie. ( I forgot to give you your birthday gift, please come stop by).

Monday, my wonderful sister sent over her husband Doug to vacuum my house with her Dyson. YES, I am sold. It works wonderful! He could of done a commercial on my house. Thanks so much! I told my sister I am not buying one that she could just come over once a month and clean for me.(HAHAH she said to me)! Maybe she will keep sending Doug over instead! I did make it up to school for the Monday Lunch Club! It was great seeing everyone. I sure do miss you all. I even made a quick visit into my classroom. The students looked great. Tonight I got to cook a meal. My first in a long time. My family actually like it. I know some of you are surprised, but I can cook, I just chose for Matt to do it! At night my mom and dad took a ride over to see my dad's sister (since she can't drive, but she can do everything else)! It was great seeing her. I even got to see my brother and his wife. Thanks guys for keeping me busy!

Tuesday, The day we have been waiting for. The Trip to Karmanos! Again we drove in the snow. Gave blood, saw the doctor and gave more blood. The day for Chemo will begin on March 4th at 8:00 a.m. The doctor said it should take about 7 hours. So we will pack our breakfast, lunch and snacks. That place is soooooo busy. The day is finally coming and I am scared sh.......less. I know, I know that all of you will send your love,prayers and support, but that is how I am feeling. My husband and my mom and dad will be with me. It will be along day.

Enough of that! I ending my evening playing BUNCO with my gals. I had sooo much fun, I even came in second. (Lost first by 1 point). I so enjoy being on the move.

The rest of week looks pretty calm. I hope to update the blog over the week-end. If not after Chemo. Keep the prayers coming.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GOES OUT TO MYLES'S FRIEND MIKEY ON FEBRUARY 29TH LEAP DAY! HOW OLD ARE YOU KNOW MIKEY 4YRS. HAVE A GOOD ONE.

Remember to LIVE, LOVE AND LAUGH..... ONE DAY AT A TIME!

P.S. I got a new welcome mat with that saying on it from my friend Michelle from St. Angela's. Thanks Michelle. I love it.

Saturday, February 23, 2008 Feeling Stronger!!!!

Don't ya love the T'shirt. Dawn and Greg's friend Angie found this for me! I just love it. I thought some of you would love to see me as I get ready for my next step in this journey. I know some of you live far away and miss seeing me.HAHAH. So here I am. Yes mom I do have COURAGE!

The thought for the day!

My family and friends

are a cirle of strength

and love.

With every birth and

every union

the circle grows.

Every joy shared

adds more love.

Every crisis faced

together

makes the

circle

stronger!

Well the week has finished and it was a pretty normal one for that. I am pretty sore from the port, but I am managing. My sister-in-law and her family set out for ST. Thomas. A vacation they truly deserve. I sure will miss them, but I know they will be having fun! (don't forget to have a drink on me at Fish-Net and Hookers)

My girlfriends from school, Cheryl and Linda took me to the show on Wednesday. It was great to get out for a little while. I even got to do some school work. How sweet was that. Dinner was delivered by Matt's mom and dad. Thanks mom and dad. Matt finally got a night out... he went to see Bon Jovi... with Jenny, Ross and Kim. thanks guys for giving him a break. I just sat home and watched American Idol.

Thursday was quiet day at home. I didn't go anywhere. Sat home and rested. I did have surprised visitors, Joe and Donna . They delivered dinner and conversation. It was great seeing them. Thank you!

My sister also came that night and brought me a goody bag for my visits to the clinic. Inside the bag was a hand made scarf and blanket, all with my saying on it...Live, Love, Laugh. They are just beautiful. Matt's sister Kim stopped by for a quick hello. I just love seeing people.

Friday was a fun day for me, I got to get my hair done. I feel 100% better! Thanks Anne for taking me there and waiting for me to get finished. Lunch was at my favorite place Olga's. Jaqueline did manage to call me and ask,"What does it mean when you can't open your eyes, because they are gooped shut!" I told her get to the clinic fast you have PINK EYE! I feel so bad I can't be there. Here roomates were great and they took care or her. Thanks guys. Dinner was compliments of the Sieradzki family. We sure are eating well!

Thanks from my Washington Family, I got my house cleaned by Tina the cleaning lady today! I just love a clean house.

Myles had one of his playoff games last night. They played a great game but lost in overtime 2-1. Today is thier last game of the season. My mom and dad are coming in today for a couple of days. They will be staying at my Aunt Bernie and Uncle Jerry. thanks guys for letting them stay there.

The rest of the week-end is up in the air. All depends on how I feel. We might take a road trip to see Jac. But we will have to wait and see.

Oh, before I sign off...Hey Berlin family thanks for the great chicken dinner on Tuesday. Myles loved it. I need the recipe. Maybe all of you who bring food need to attach your recipe. I am so greatful for everybody and the help I am getting .

Enjoy your week-end. Look for your next blog update after my doctors appt..on Tuesday.

Remember to Live, Love and Laugh...One Day at A Time!

Love you all

Life is a dance.....God's love is the music....

Julie...

(My prayers and support go out to my dear friend Lori who lost one of her friends last week. If there is anything I can do for you Lori please call. Fear not my friend...God is with you!)

February 19, 2008 Dreaming of Warmer Days!

Hello Wonderful Friends,

I know it has been awhile,but nothing exciting has been happening. Here is the thought for the day:

On the pleasant days of

marriage, gaze across

at your man and conclude he

is worth it. On the difficult

days of marriage, gaze up

at your man and conclude

he's worth it.

This says it all for me. Matthew has been my rock. I don't know what I would do with out him. I have put him through a lot. I love you Matt with all my heart and soul!! Thank you so much!

Valentines Day was spent at our favorite place Nettie's. The Chapman's joined us! The food was delicious. Hopefully one day we all can go and celebrate. Guess what I got..... a singing telephone gram!! It was the funniest thing I have heard. The gram came from my former boss Marilyn. Thanks for the laugh!

Friday I went to the show with Matt's sister Kim and Jane. Thanks for the entertainment. The movie was cute. Dinner was at the Polish Century club with Matts family. I think I over did it, because I was so sick all night long. Once again I moved into Jac's bed. Matt was up all night taking care of me. Being sick SUCKS!!!

Saturday, Matt and my brother spent 3 hours with the roof guys. I bailed out on them, I went and took a nap! Needless to say we didn't buy a steel roof. Thanks to Teresa and Judy (ST. Angela Friends) they saved me from having to listening to the roofers long drawn out presentation. They brought a huge bin full of snacks for the family. Jac and Myles certainly enjoyed it. (The bin was from Teresa, Judy, Shelly and Barb. )

We also received a huge basket of desserts from Ridley's Bakery Cafe' . We have enough sweets to last a long time. Thanks to the Van Dyke girls: Amy, Alia & Carmella. Once again my family is in heaven.

Saturday night the boys went to watch our friends son from Petoskey play hockey. I was still not feeling well so I stayed put right at home waiting for Jacqueline to come home. Thanks to Mary Jo and Sheri who got her to me. My friends are wonderful! We had a great visit with Jay and Devin. Great laughs and fun.
Dinner was delivered by the Peters. I am so greatful for not having to cook.

Sunday we all went to church. It wasn't at St. Angela, but it was still good to go. Greg, Dawn, Ashlee and Lola came for a visit. Once again Dawn did the laundry. Matt sure its getting spoiled. What am I going to do when you guys leave and go to St. Thomas for a week? HELP!!!

Dinner was delivered by the Mamelka's. Great food once again!!!We sure are eating good. The rest of the day I just took it easy! I am getting a little restless!

Monday was all about Myles and his friends. We had a group 16th birthday party at Whirlyball. The boys had a blast. Matt even got to join in on the fun. Happy Birthday boys. Thanks, Cindy, Gerri and Julie for helping to get this party off. I will get you the pictures soon.

TODAY, PORT DAY! Matt,Jane and I started off at 7:15 a.m. to get to Harper Hospital. There we sat until 11:50 before the took me to do my procedure. OH what fun it was sitting in the bed waiting, waiting and waiting some more. The doctor scheduled to put my port in got sick so the Cheif of Surgery had to do it. So I had to wait my turn. The procedure itself didn't take that long. We finally got home at 3:15. I am feeling ok. Just a little sore. It feels like I have been punched. Yes, Linda I can take pain pills if I need them and I will.

Laterin the evening, Matt and I ended up taking Nettie's Food up the wonderful nurses at St. John's Hospital. Our way to say THANK YOU for taking good care of me and my family. They truly were greatful and surprised. It was great seeing them. They sure were busy! My room was empty, but they told me it wouldn't stay that way for long.

Upcoming Events:
My next doctors appointment is February 26th. Hockey playoffs are this week. I am getting a hair cut. Friends are coming by. But that is all there is. Keep the cards and prayers coming. I am so amazed at all the care you all have shared for me and my family.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DEAR FRIEND ANGIE. I LOVE YOU!!!

P.S. you all need to come and sign me new guest book; compliments from a teacher at Washington: Jill Solomon. It is the greatest book ever. (I hope I leave you in suspense.)

As always: Live, Love and Laugh...One Day At a Time!

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)