Wow, is it already another month! Time can slip through our fingers so easily....
These last two weeks I've been learning and mimicing the habits of our two cats; let me show you what I mean:
Habit #1: the sleep to awake-time ratio should be about 3:1
Habit #2: any type of space constitutes a bed
Habit #3: during awake hours, it is still proper to yawn, look sleepy-eyed, or doze off
Habit #4: looking out the window while sitting on the couch is a nice pasttime
Habit #5: bug KC long enough and he'll get you something to eat (or meds)...although he reacts much quicker to me than the two felines.
You see? Instead of the pets taking on the characteristics of the owners, I fear I have gotten the formula backwards. Oh well, I'll think about it during my nap!
This last chemo round was a bit rougher than the last. One cool note, is that it was cookie-monster blue in color! Most days as it would start, I could hear the song in my head..."C is for chemo, that's good enough for me.." This time my blood counts did drop all the way down, so I've had some transfusions and had to be careful due to no immune system. There were a few other side effects, but I am always grateful that they are temporary and mimimal.
We are getting very excited to see all our relatives who are able to make the trip for Kat's wedding...Yea!!! I'll try and adjust the sleep-awake ratio a bit when they arrive...just for them!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Not Much of an Update, but Lots of Words!
ABC's of Me
Here's the first tag I have received. I'm usually not one for sending things along when I get the emails of "send to 4 people you know...", but I thought this was a pretty cool one to do. It reminds me alot of the ABC poems I make my students do, so I thought, "What the heck?" Besides, I loved reading Alison's, my sister-in-law who tagged me! Hope you enjoy...
A. Attached or Single: Attatched for always to my best friend, KC; the only man who can get close to reading my mind and heart!
B. Best Friend: Um...I think I just answered that; although I have many girly friends who take the bill as well! Family members; can't leave them out of that title either, they are always there for me love me despite my many faults.
C. Cake or Pie: CAKE! Chocolate all the way, baby. Although I love it when it has mint frosting on top! Oh, and peanut M&Ms in the middle! ;-)
D. Day of Choice: Any holiday! I love all the traditions and joys they bring, the emphasis on seeing the good in mankind, and the focus on God and Family.
E. Essential Items: Hat, glasses, jeans, T-shirt, sweatshirt, keds, good book, drink, chapstick.
F. Favorite Color: White because in light it is all the colors...I'm not very good at choosing favorites, can you tell? My favorite colors to wear are black, brown, blue, green, and red.
G. Gummy Bears or Worms: Gummy bears! Worms have that wierd texture to them. I also have fallen in love with Kat's passion of chocolate covered gummy bears; so chocolate and spicy!
H. Hometown: I would now have to call Provo my hometown, because I have lived in it now for the longest time. And to tell the truth, I love Provo. There are so many things to do, all four seasons, lots of family oriented activities to do with my nieces (and nephews when they're around!), we have mountains, lakes and deserts...it's just great. I have also lived in Centerville, UT; Alb. NM; SLO, CA; and for a very brief time KC, MO. I've really loved each place, finding unique things that make them interesting. I also have realized that many times it is our memories of a place that give us our opinion of it, and I have so many great and amazing memories in all these places!
I. Favorite Indulgence: This is hard to answer, because I can't access many of these right now, but I'll speak from my normal life. Pedicures, massages, Pepsi, peanut M&Ms, hiking, swimming, hottubs, sleeping in my bed, watching Survivor with KC and our cats, gardening, game nights with my family, traveling, reading a good book, playing in the yard with my dogs. There are so many more, but I could really go on too long!
J. January or July: July. Mostly because I'm on my summer break, so I get to plan my days. However, I love all the parades, fireworks, picnics and heat July brings. It brings back a lot of memories of marching band; luckily mostly the good memories! I just love the carefree feeling of summer.
K. Kids: Yes, but in a broad sense. My students are my "Kids", and I miss not being with them. Let's see...over 500 kids so far. They crack me up with their jokes and dazzle me with their understandings and talents. I truly enjoy the part they play in my life. I also have many amazing Young Women from my neighborhood that I love like sisters. (Can I still keep them in this category, though?) They strengthen my testimony of God, and help me continually feel young and "hip"! Some people might think my dogs and cats...but they're just dogs and cats!
L. Life is not complete without...: My husband, parents, brothers, sisters (these include "in-laws"), extended family, God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, forgiveness, prayer, love, joy in friendship, the priesthood, temples, sunshine, wind, rain, snow, trees, flowers, mountains, oceans, music, laughter, learning, growth, moments of reflection, personal action, passion.
M. Marriage Date: June 16, 1995
N. Number of Brothers and Sisters: 1 Brother, 4 Sisters, 4 brother-in-laws, 1 soon-t0-be, 4 sister-in-laws
O. Oranges or Apples: Fresh oranges, but apple juice and sauce.
P. Phobia or Fears: Sitting in the middle of an aisle at a movie theatre, sharing a drink with someone (although I quickly got over this when I was on a hike without any water...thanks Brennan and Dad!), and my newest one is feeling skin sensations while taking chemo
Q. Quote:"I can do hard things"~Susan Tanner, "We can do it; we are pioneers!"~ my Mom (much to my chagrin!)
R. Reasons to smile: Hum...so many! The joy of each new day, feeling love for and from others, recognizing miracles all around us, all acts of kindness and tenderness.
S. Superman or Wonder Woman: Wonder woman did help me learn how to jump into the pool when I was younger (thanks to my wonderwoman swimsuit), but Superman has such a cooler outfit and powers... and talk about hunkalicious! I think I go for Superman; but that may change in 5 minutes, who knows?!
T. Tag four People: Like I said before, I'm not one to send along "tags", so if you like this one and want to try it, go for it!
U. Unknown fact about me: I tend to share alot of myself, especially with my students, so they know most of my wierd and crazy stories of my youth. Hummm.... How about that I have a secret desire to go snowshoeing one day? I don't think I share that one often...
V. Vegetable: Most Vegis! Did I mention that I love gardening? I wait all year for my zucchini and tomatoes (although technically a fruit), and I have an amazing craving for carrots these last months. Salads have always been one of my favorite things to eat, as well.
W. Worst Habit: Hitting the snooze button a few more times than planned, loooong showers, getting to work late. Oh, and the ever present stinger...procrastination! My new one tends to be getting long-winded in emails and blogs!
X. X-ray or Ultrasound: X-rays. I think it is so amazing to see the skeleton! Also, there is much less "prep" work, if you know what I mean...
Y. Your favorite food: Steak, salad, garlic mashed potatoes, asparagas, hawaiian haystacks, sweet corn, chocolate
Z. Zodiac Sign: Gemni
Well, there's me in a brief alphabet. As I read back through it, I keep thinking of other things to add, but I must stop at some point!
I'm in a current round of chemo this week, and all is well. I have a few different side effects, but nothing to talk about. All is well, and on Monday the doc said that he's very happy with my progress...no hospital revists!
Last week I went to the Tulip Festival with my mom and Amy; here's a few pictures from that. We were a bit sad, because there was only about 20% of the bulbs blooming as of yet, but it was enjoyable all the same. I guess we'll have to go back another day for the usual splendor of color. We were planning on having our wheelchair races, but alas, they were all being used already. So, the leukemia patient, the recently recovered surgery-for-ever patient, and the young'un with major back issues all walked the entire way. Boy, are we amazing, huh? We definitely got our workout in; Jesse would be proud!
Have a great week! ~Sarah
Here's the first tag I have received. I'm usually not one for sending things along when I get the emails of "send to 4 people you know...", but I thought this was a pretty cool one to do. It reminds me alot of the ABC poems I make my students do, so I thought, "What the heck?" Besides, I loved reading Alison's, my sister-in-law who tagged me! Hope you enjoy...
A. Attached or Single: Attatched for always to my best friend, KC; the only man who can get close to reading my mind and heart!
B. Best Friend: Um...I think I just answered that; although I have many girly friends who take the bill as well! Family members; can't leave them out of that title either, they are always there for me love me despite my many faults.
C. Cake or Pie: CAKE! Chocolate all the way, baby. Although I love it when it has mint frosting on top! Oh, and peanut M&Ms in the middle! ;-)
D. Day of Choice: Any holiday! I love all the traditions and joys they bring, the emphasis on seeing the good in mankind, and the focus on God and Family.
E. Essential Items: Hat, glasses, jeans, T-shirt, sweatshirt, keds, good book, drink, chapstick.
F. Favorite Color: White because in light it is all the colors...I'm not very good at choosing favorites, can you tell? My favorite colors to wear are black, brown, blue, green, and red.
G. Gummy Bears or Worms: Gummy bears! Worms have that wierd texture to them. I also have fallen in love with Kat's passion of chocolate covered gummy bears; so chocolate and spicy!
H. Hometown: I would now have to call Provo my hometown, because I have lived in it now for the longest time. And to tell the truth, I love Provo. There are so many things to do, all four seasons, lots of family oriented activities to do with my nieces (and nephews when they're around!), we have mountains, lakes and deserts...it's just great. I have also lived in Centerville, UT; Alb. NM; SLO, CA; and for a very brief time KC, MO. I've really loved each place, finding unique things that make them interesting. I also have realized that many times it is our memories of a place that give us our opinion of it, and I have so many great and amazing memories in all these places!
I. Favorite Indulgence: This is hard to answer, because I can't access many of these right now, but I'll speak from my normal life. Pedicures, massages, Pepsi, peanut M&Ms, hiking, swimming, hottubs, sleeping in my bed, watching Survivor with KC and our cats, gardening, game nights with my family, traveling, reading a good book, playing in the yard with my dogs. There are so many more, but I could really go on too long!
J. January or July: July. Mostly because I'm on my summer break, so I get to plan my days. However, I love all the parades, fireworks, picnics and heat July brings. It brings back a lot of memories of marching band; luckily mostly the good memories! I just love the carefree feeling of summer.
K. Kids: Yes, but in a broad sense. My students are my "Kids", and I miss not being with them. Let's see...over 500 kids so far. They crack me up with their jokes and dazzle me with their understandings and talents. I truly enjoy the part they play in my life. I also have many amazing Young Women from my neighborhood that I love like sisters. (Can I still keep them in this category, though?) They strengthen my testimony of God, and help me continually feel young and "hip"! Some people might think my dogs and cats...but they're just dogs and cats!
L. Life is not complete without...: My husband, parents, brothers, sisters (these include "in-laws"), extended family, God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, forgiveness, prayer, love, joy in friendship, the priesthood, temples, sunshine, wind, rain, snow, trees, flowers, mountains, oceans, music, laughter, learning, growth, moments of reflection, personal action, passion.
M. Marriage Date: June 16, 1995
N. Number of Brothers and Sisters: 1 Brother, 4 Sisters, 4 brother-in-laws, 1 soon-t0-be, 4 sister-in-laws
O. Oranges or Apples: Fresh oranges, but apple juice and sauce.
P. Phobia or Fears: Sitting in the middle of an aisle at a movie theatre, sharing a drink with someone (although I quickly got over this when I was on a hike without any water...thanks Brennan and Dad!), and my newest one is feeling skin sensations while taking chemo
Q. Quote:"I can do hard things"~Susan Tanner, "We can do it; we are pioneers!"~ my Mom (much to my chagrin!)
R. Reasons to smile: Hum...so many! The joy of each new day, feeling love for and from others, recognizing miracles all around us, all acts of kindness and tenderness.
S. Superman or Wonder Woman: Wonder woman did help me learn how to jump into the pool when I was younger (thanks to my wonderwoman swimsuit), but Superman has such a cooler outfit and powers... and talk about hunkalicious! I think I go for Superman; but that may change in 5 minutes, who knows?!
T. Tag four People: Like I said before, I'm not one to send along "tags", so if you like this one and want to try it, go for it!
U. Unknown fact about me: I tend to share alot of myself, especially with my students, so they know most of my wierd and crazy stories of my youth. Hummm.... How about that I have a secret desire to go snowshoeing one day? I don't think I share that one often...
V. Vegetable: Most Vegis! Did I mention that I love gardening? I wait all year for my zucchini and tomatoes (although technically a fruit), and I have an amazing craving for carrots these last months. Salads have always been one of my favorite things to eat, as well.
W. Worst Habit: Hitting the snooze button a few more times than planned, loooong showers, getting to work late. Oh, and the ever present stinger...procrastination! My new one tends to be getting long-winded in emails and blogs!
X. X-ray or Ultrasound: X-rays. I think it is so amazing to see the skeleton! Also, there is much less "prep" work, if you know what I mean...
Y. Your favorite food: Steak, salad, garlic mashed potatoes, asparagas, hawaiian haystacks, sweet corn, chocolate
Z. Zodiac Sign: Gemni
Well, there's me in a brief alphabet. As I read back through it, I keep thinking of other things to add, but I must stop at some point!
I'm in a current round of chemo this week, and all is well. I have a few different side effects, but nothing to talk about. All is well, and on Monday the doc said that he's very happy with my progress...no hospital revists!
Last week I went to the Tulip Festival with my mom and Amy; here's a few pictures from that. We were a bit sad, because there was only about 20% of the bulbs blooming as of yet, but it was enjoyable all the same. I guess we'll have to go back another day for the usual splendor of color. We were planning on having our wheelchair races, but alas, they were all being used already. So, the leukemia patient, the recently recovered surgery-for-ever patient, and the young'un with major back issues all walked the entire way. Boy, are we amazing, huh? We definitely got our workout in; Jesse would be proud!
Have a great week! ~Sarah
Sunday, April 13, 2008
"Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers today..."
Hey Everybody! 
Don't you just love Robert Frost? He and Langston Hughes are my favorites!
I've just finished my first week since the beginning of February with absolutely NO chemo. Yippee! The 10 daily
pills I take have now switched to a protocol of 2 weeks on-2 weeks off. I almost feel a little crazy as each morning and night I keep thinking, "What have I forgotten today? I know something is missing..."
The not-so-crazy good news is that without the daily stuff, I have felt more energy coming back. Yea! The other day I felt almost guilty for not being at work. My apologies to all my dear friends and students there...and if it helps make amends, I felt homesick for them. Luckily,
this is springbreak for them, so we all get to play hookie!
KC and I have tried to take advantage of the energy to do some small cleaning and organizing jobs around the house. Imagine that...spring cleaning! Boy, it feels good to check some things off my list that have been there a long time! I'm thinking I can now justify all those hours of HGTV, because I did much better getting rid of stuff I never use and I've had a few great new storage ideas. I'm a house-cleaning diva! (Although props to KC, he's quite the task-master as well.)
I've also been grateful for the extra time to tag-along with Kat in some of her wedding preparation. We are going to have sooo much fun at this wedding! I can hardly wait to see all the family! Mom and Dad have kept me entertained seeking/sharing house decorating advice, (oh! another credit for HGTV) and I have found I really enjoy making phone calls during the day...as in during regular business hours and not on a Saturday! I better not get too comfortable, because I could get used to this pretty quick!
For my future plans, I have this week again of chemo-free bliss. I'm planning on turning the TV off and reading some more good books from my pile! Thanks to some friends and my relished trips to Barnes and Noble, I've had quite a few titles calling my name these last weeks. I'm also very excited to go to the Tulip Festival with my mom and Amy, so next time I might have a few good pictures to share. Seeing my mom and I race on the wheelchairs will be classic, I think!
Then on the 21st I start my daily pills again and have additional chemo for 5 days at the clinic. I haven't had this type of chemo before, so we'll see how it goes. I can guarantee I'll repeat the practice of ice in the mouth! I brace myself for the worst each time, but we were all very happy to see that my numbers didn't dip too low this last time; and as I wrote before, the side-effects were minimal. So, my prognosis and outlook are very positive!
I wish you all a wonderful week! It is really beginning to feel like spring, isn't it? Our puppies (yea, they're dogs, but they'll always be puppies to me) have loved rolling in the fresh grass, and the cats are going outside more often to enjoy the warm weather. KC sits at his computer working with the open window letting a wonderful breeze through the office, while I keep going out to the flower beds to take pictures of the flowers coming up. It's a beautiful time of year; enjoy!
Love,
~Sarah
Don't you just love Robert Frost? He and Langston Hughes are my favorites!
I've just finished my first week since the beginning of February with absolutely NO chemo. Yippee! The 10 daily
pills I take have now switched to a protocol of 2 weeks on-2 weeks off. I almost feel a little crazy as each morning and night I keep thinking, "What have I forgotten today? I know something is missing..."The not-so-crazy good news is that without the daily stuff, I have felt more energy coming back. Yea! The other day I felt almost guilty for not being at work. My apologies to all my dear friends and students there...and if it helps make amends, I felt homesick for them. Luckily,
this is springbreak for them, so we all get to play hookie!
KC and I have tried to take advantage of the energy to do some small cleaning and organizing jobs around the house. Imagine that...spring cleaning! Boy, it feels good to check some things off my list that have been there a long time! I'm thinking I can now justify all those hours of HGTV, because I did much better getting rid of stuff I never use and I've had a few great new storage ideas. I'm a house-cleaning diva! (Although props to KC, he's quite the task-master as well.)
I've also been grateful for the extra time to tag-along with Kat in some of her wedding preparation. We are going to have sooo much fun at this wedding! I can hardly wait to see all the family! Mom and Dad have kept me entertained seeking/sharing house decorating advice, (oh! another credit for HGTV) and I have found I really enjoy making phone calls during the day...as in during regular business hours and not on a Saturday! I better not get too comfortable, because I could get used to this pretty quick!
For my future plans, I have this week again of chemo-free bliss. I'm planning on turning the TV off and reading some more good books from my pile! Thanks to some friends and my relished trips to Barnes and Noble, I've had quite a few titles calling my name these last weeks. I'm also very excited to go to the Tulip Festival with my mom and Amy, so next time I might have a few good pictures to share. Seeing my mom and I race on the wheelchairs will be classic, I think!
Then on the 21st I start my daily pills again and have additional chemo for 5 days at the clinic. I haven't had this type of chemo before, so we'll see how it goes. I can guarantee I'll repeat the practice of ice in the mouth! I brace myself for the worst each time, but we were all very happy to see that my numbers didn't dip too low this last time; and as I wrote before, the side-effects were minimal. So, my prognosis and outlook are very positive!
I wish you all a wonderful week! It is really beginning to feel like spring, isn't it? Our puppies (yea, they're dogs, but they'll always be puppies to me) have loved rolling in the fresh grass, and the cats are going outside more often to enjoy the warm weather. KC sits at his computer working with the open window letting a wonderful breeze through the office, while I keep going out to the flower beds to take pictures of the flowers coming up. It's a beautiful time of year; enjoy!
Love,
~Sarah
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
New Hair Growth!
Hey! Just a quick update. KC and I were really excited to see some new hair growth in my crusade to have some hair left for Katie's wedding. Thought you'd like to see the evidence for my case...
People have told me it might grow back in a different color; I think this will go great with Kat's colors, don't you? We found it even has an amazing side-effect from the chemo I've taken...
I could be my own party! Who needs clowns? Oh, and don't you love those Achmed eyes?! It's the meds...they tend to do that to you.
Hope you enjoyed a chuckle!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
What does April Snow bring?
Wow! For those of you who don't know...we have 4 inches of snow in our backyard again! Isn't spring great? I love Utah for the diverse seasons, but I was really getting excited about the warm weather!
KC's parents came out from California to visit us this last week, and luckily they got out just before the snow hit...Boy, was Mom relieved! We feel very blessed that they were able to spend time with us; just hang'n out at the house. They (along with my folks) are just happy to have the event of the day be "watch a movie", or "go to the doctor", or my favorite..."what have you not eaten yet?". We had a great time, and even got to have dinner with both sets of parents! How great is that?!My first round of chemo went well. I quickly got to know the nurses, finished 2 books (so far), and have my favorite lazyboy staked out for my treatments. As promised, I kept my mouth FULL of ice all week, and it has really paid off! No mouth sores! As I expected, I started feeling the fatigue and soreness on the weekend, but I don't know if my 2-day lag on side-effects are an accuracy thing or a self-manifestation. Either way, those are side-effects I can handle and won't complain much.
I've been amazed that today (Monday) the soreness is starting to diminish, and my strength is returning. If this is an indication on how quickly I'll be able to recover after treatments, I am VERY excited. I'm still bracing myself for the blood count-dip, but thanking God for the relief I feel in my recovery. For the next 3 weeks, I'll be visiting everyother day for bloodwork. So far, so good.
You know, as I go into the cancer clinic, I see many people with different challenges in their health, and realize how minimal my inconvenience has been. While I'm counting my blessings, I am touched by the care and humanity that nurses, doctors, patients, and family members show each other. There's a lot of love being shared in those rooms; it's amazing to witness it.
Another joy was on Sunday we were able to meet up at the Hansens' house for a
family dinner. It started out as "Second-Easter", and then morphed into Mom's and Cory's birthday celebrations as well. What fun! I think it's quickly becoming a tradition that the girls spend the time taking pictures and posing for them, while the guys sit around and laugh at us taking the pictures. This, of course, is when they are not climbing apparatuses for the nieces! Other than that, my life has become pretty boring as far as reporting news; but no news is good news, right? Don't take me wrong; I love every minute of it, and KC can tell you I've watched more H&G TV than a normal person should view. So, I'll bid you "Adieu" before I bore the heck out of ya! (and if I spelled that wrong, blame it on the meds!) 'Till next time...
Lots of love,
~Sarah
Monday, March 24, 2008
Good News!
Happy Easter! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend with loved ones, shared the joys of all the blessings and miracles Christ brings us, gave thanks for the Ressurection, and felt joy for the second chances we get through The Atonement. What complete love our Savior has for and shows us!
Last friday, we got the wonderful news that I AM IN REMISSION! What sweet words to hear! This means that the chemo was working correctly, and my body was cooperating. YEA!
Now I am entering the "consolidation" phase. I will do three more one-week rounds of chemo, but as an out-patient in the cancer clinic. These are lower doses, and I get 3 weeks inbetween each round to heal and gain my strength. During the 3 weeks of "rest", I will still be going into the clinic to give blood samples, and meeting with my doctors so they can monitor my immune system and other blood related concerns. They are also able to give medicines when my numbers start falling to hopefully boost my own marrow production so I won't have to have as many transfusions. Too cool.
So things are definitely on the recovery track, and I hope that I only have 3 more months of these treatments...then the next stage is "full remission"...where I hope to stay for a very long time! I start the first chemo round (well...first since I've been home...) this week, 3/24. My doctor suggested I keep ice in my mouth for the week I'm in treatment to reduce the mouth sores that were so...annoying...last time. I had a good friend suggest that idea while I was in the hospital; I'm determined to follow the advice this time! (Sorry I wasn't so obedient the first time...) I might even be going overboard, as I try to think of a way to suck on ice while sleeping! ;-)
I appreciate all your thoughts and prayers, and am grateful for your continued actions on mine and KC's behalf. I know God answers prayers and strengthens our faith through our trials. I have witnessed this over and over throughout my life, but especially in these last months. He never gives us anything we can't handle, and many angels found in friends and family have made this experience something we can definitely handle. Thank you for being a part of my growth and for enriching my life.
~Sarah
PS- Oh, I also hope all the eggs were found before the skunks had a chance to hunt them, and the chocolate was soothing to the digestion! Nothing better than a diet of hard-boiled eggs with seasonings of jellybeans and various shapes of chocolate! Just don't make a salad with the fake green plastic "grass"...Trust me on this. Love you all!
Last friday, we got the wonderful news that I AM IN REMISSION! What sweet words to hear! This means that the chemo was working correctly, and my body was cooperating. YEA!
Now I am entering the "consolidation" phase. I will do three more one-week rounds of chemo, but as an out-patient in the cancer clinic. These are lower doses, and I get 3 weeks inbetween each round to heal and gain my strength. During the 3 weeks of "rest", I will still be going into the clinic to give blood samples, and meeting with my doctors so they can monitor my immune system and other blood related concerns. They are also able to give medicines when my numbers start falling to hopefully boost my own marrow production so I won't have to have as many transfusions. Too cool.
So things are definitely on the recovery track, and I hope that I only have 3 more months of these treatments...then the next stage is "full remission"...where I hope to stay for a very long time! I start the first chemo round (well...first since I've been home...) this week, 3/24. My doctor suggested I keep ice in my mouth for the week I'm in treatment to reduce the mouth sores that were so...annoying...last time. I had a good friend suggest that idea while I was in the hospital; I'm determined to follow the advice this time! (Sorry I wasn't so obedient the first time...) I might even be going overboard, as I try to think of a way to suck on ice while sleeping! ;-)
I appreciate all your thoughts and prayers, and am grateful for your continued actions on mine and KC's behalf. I know God answers prayers and strengthens our faith through our trials. I have witnessed this over and over throughout my life, but especially in these last months. He never gives us anything we can't handle, and many angels found in friends and family have made this experience something we can definitely handle. Thank you for being a part of my growth and for enriching my life.
~Sarah
PS- Oh, I also hope all the eggs were found before the skunks had a chance to hunt them, and the chocolate was soothing to the digestion! Nothing better than a diet of hard-boiled eggs with seasonings of jellybeans and various shapes of chocolate! Just don't make a salad with the fake green plastic "grass"...Trust me on this. Love you all!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Home again, home again, jiggity jig!
Helllllo! Sarah here, writing to you in my house, in my study, at my computer, with no cat on my lap (I pushed him off...way too demanding for attention while I'm trying to write!)
I came home Saturday afternoon, and enjoyed sitting in a comfortable chair to watch some of the many recorded TV shows I had missed while in the hospital....got to have my Survivor! I'm sure many of you know that joy you have after being away for a long time, of just sitting in your house and looking around with a goofy smile on your face. It was heaven.
Then it was time to go to bed and I realized.....my house has stairs! Drawing on my backpacking memories of tenacity, I climbed my Mt. Whitney one stair at a time, with KC nudging me from behind. After a "quick" shower to wash all the hospital smell off me, that wonderful cloud of a bed never felt so needed. :-)
Each day I feel stronger and can go longer between rests. I continue to tackle the stairs a few times a day, and it felt soooo amazing to wear jeans and a shirt the other day! "Normal" clothes! I'm also loving the fashion of hats...With a long shirt, pants, and a hat, I can pretty much cover up any evidence of chemo. Pretty cool, huh?
One of the things I am most grateful for, is that I get to plan my own days again. I can wake up and make my list (that KC always laughs at) and do the things that I want/need to do on a schedule. (Sigh of comfort) Granted, I don't always get through much of the list, but that's okay. One day at a time. I'm learning to put "sit in chair to rest" and "nap time" on my list more often....that way I get more things checked off!
Friends from the neighborhood have been so supportive in our transition. They think of ways to help before KC and I even have frame of mind to think about them. My friend, Laura, had already coordinated dinners to be coming for us, which relieved KC's responsibilities immensely! He's a great cook, but when he has so many other things on his mind that he is managing....it really has been a blessing for us. "My girls" sent a message of encouragement which touched me deeply, and others have called or briefly stopped by to give a smile and a hug. Great thanks to Donna, who made me a hat to wear to church...I love it! Many thanks also to Brad and his family, who made me some hats which have added greatly to my new sense of style.
Monday I was blessed to see my Hanson nieces, which I've missed so much during this time! Jessie brought her 3 girls over, and we went outside to feel the sunshine! I love the sunshine! We walked around and looked at all the flowers (bulbs) coming up through the ground, talked to the dogs, and played a small version of soccer. I was amazed how they energized me! KC kept quietly asking, "You okay?" I was excited to just smile, and respond, "Yep." It was a wonderful visit.
On Tuesday, KC and I braved my "first" outting. We went up to my parents' house for dinner and a sleepover. It was immensely enjoyable to sit and tell stories and laugh it up family-style. My two other sisters, Amy and Kat (with fiance Cory), also came to share in the fun at dinner. It was very enjoyable! While there, we even got to talk on Skype to KC's parents and on the phone to our Fleming nephews. They kept asking, "When do we get to see you?" KC and I kept thinking, "Oh, if only they knew how much we wanted to see them!" My Uncle Rick called also, and it was great fun talking with him. We are so blessed to have an amazing, loving, and close family.
So, for the next few days I'll be sitting a lot, tackling stairs and other activities that strengthen my muscles again, taking alllllll my medications, reading, writing, and realizing how clumsy I am at wii. KC keeps stifling his laughter as he encourages me......but we'll see. Brennan was right, it sure is helping my muscles and hand-eye coordination improve! (I'm sure a toddler could do better than me at some of these games!) I'm so very grateful for this fun way to improve!
As for the update on my cancer, I go into day-surgery on Wednesday (19th) for my next bone biopsy, and then on Friday (21st) I meet with my oncologist to discuss the next steps in my treatment. They'll also be doing blood-work, etc. In the past, he has indicated that the next 3-4 months are dedicated to treatments and sending me into remission (hopefully permanent), but until then, I don't really know much except to eat well and get strong. I'm trying to get an appetite back still, but small nibbles here and there seem to help. So, just know I'm taking it one day at a time, because I've learned a lot can happen in one day!
Enjoy each moment of this beautiful spring weather, and thank you again for all the jokes, laughter, smiles, and inspiration. May God bless you for all the love and support you share.
Lots of love to ya!
~Sarah
I came home Saturday afternoon, and enjoyed sitting in a comfortable chair to watch some of the many recorded TV shows I had missed while in the hospital....got to have my Survivor! I'm sure many of you know that joy you have after being away for a long time, of just sitting in your house and looking around with a goofy smile on your face. It was heaven.
Then it was time to go to bed and I realized.....my house has stairs! Drawing on my backpacking memories of tenacity, I climbed my Mt. Whitney one stair at a time, with KC nudging me from behind. After a "quick" shower to wash all the hospital smell off me, that wonderful cloud of a bed never felt so needed. :-)
Each day I feel stronger and can go longer between rests. I continue to tackle the stairs a few times a day, and it felt soooo amazing to wear jeans and a shirt the other day! "Normal" clothes! I'm also loving the fashion of hats...With a long shirt, pants, and a hat, I can pretty much cover up any evidence of chemo. Pretty cool, huh?
One of the things I am most grateful for, is that I get to plan my own days again. I can wake up and make my list (that KC always laughs at) and do the things that I want/need to do on a schedule. (Sigh of comfort) Granted, I don't always get through much of the list, but that's okay. One day at a time. I'm learning to put "sit in chair to rest" and "nap time" on my list more often....that way I get more things checked off!
Friends from the neighborhood have been so supportive in our transition. They think of ways to help before KC and I even have frame of mind to think about them. My friend, Laura, had already coordinated dinners to be coming for us, which relieved KC's responsibilities immensely! He's a great cook, but when he has so many other things on his mind that he is managing....it really has been a blessing for us. "My girls" sent a message of encouragement which touched me deeply, and others have called or briefly stopped by to give a smile and a hug. Great thanks to Donna, who made me a hat to wear to church...I love it! Many thanks also to Brad and his family, who made me some hats which have added greatly to my new sense of style.
Monday I was blessed to see my Hanson nieces, which I've missed so much during this time! Jessie brought her 3 girls over, and we went outside to feel the sunshine! I love the sunshine! We walked around and looked at all the flowers (bulbs) coming up through the ground, talked to the dogs, and played a small version of soccer. I was amazed how they energized me! KC kept quietly asking, "You okay?" I was excited to just smile, and respond, "Yep." It was a wonderful visit.On Tuesday, KC and I braved my "first" outting. We went up to my parents' house for dinner and a sleepover. It was immensely enjoyable to sit and tell stories and laugh it up family-style. My two other sisters, Amy and Kat (with fiance Cory), also came to share in the fun at dinner. It was very enjoyable! While there, we even got to talk on Skype to KC's parents and on the phone to our Fleming nephews. They kept asking, "When do we get to see you?" KC and I kept thinking, "Oh, if only they knew how much we wanted to see them!" My Uncle Rick called also, and it was great fun talking with him. We are so blessed to have an amazing, loving, and close family.
So, for the next few days I'll be sitting a lot, tackling stairs and other activities that strengthen my muscles again, taking alllllll my medications, reading, writing, and realizing how clumsy I am at wii. KC keeps stifling his laughter as he encourages me......but we'll see. Brennan was right, it sure is helping my muscles and hand-eye coordination improve! (I'm sure a toddler could do better than me at some of these games!) I'm so very grateful for this fun way to improve!
As for the update on my cancer, I go into day-surgery on Wednesday (19th) for my next bone biopsy, and then on Friday (21st) I meet with my oncologist to discuss the next steps in my treatment. They'll also be doing blood-work, etc. In the past, he has indicated that the next 3-4 months are dedicated to treatments and sending me into remission (hopefully permanent), but until then, I don't really know much except to eat well and get strong. I'm trying to get an appetite back still, but small nibbles here and there seem to help. So, just know I'm taking it one day at a time, because I've learned a lot can happen in one day!
Enjoy each moment of this beautiful spring weather, and thank you again for all the jokes, laughter, smiles, and inspiration. May God bless you for all the love and support you share.
Lots of love to ya!
~Sarah
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