Thanksgiving Weekend

I went to visit my daughters, son-in-law and granddaughter in Boston, as well as my HS buddies.
I flew on Thanksgiving morning. Up to Salt Lake, then to Boston. I had the whole 3 seats to myself going to Boston. How nice was that! I have been a bit concerned about the Swine flu and traveling. I was prepared with a mask and hand sanitizer. I was on chemo that week. Got there uneventfully and was picked up by my son-in-law with my grandaughter in the back seat. She had just woken up from a nap and was in a playful mood.

When we got to the house, my daughters were in the last 30 minute preparation for the Thanksgiving meal. The table was set beautifully.

I was finally able to meet Greg, my daughter's boyfriend. He was doing the dishes. Prior to that, I had only met him via Skype. We all sat down and Michael said Grace and we toasted. I was happy to be there this year. The food was awesome. Traditional Thankgiving meal. They have even rememberd that I like fresh cranberries and made them for me. They like the jelly out of the can.

We talked around the table. Greg was in the middle of a problem at his apt, trying to get his electricity fixed. The fuse kept blowing at one outlet and the ceiling had a large crack in it.
He'd been calling the landlord, but not having much success. They were headed CT on Fri. so he could make his family a Thanksgiving meal on Sat.

My daughter was hell bent on going out to shop at midnight on Black Friday. I asked why she felt she needed to do that and fall into the marketing trap. She thought there would be some good deals. I explained that they were just trying to get her portion of some $$. So, she stayed home and went to sleep instead!!

Friday, we went to Old Navy. It was crowed, but not packed. The store opened at 3 am with a line outside since 2 am. We stayed away from the mall. Too crazy!! Later that day, Michael realized he bought the spanish version of Scrabble, so we went to return it. He told us to circle the parking lot and he would be right out. My daughter instead, parked in the parking lot and waited for him to call her saying he was ready. We sat there a while, (30 minutes or so) and she decided to call him to see what the problem was. No answer. So we drove up to the store and saw him standing there. OOPS. He didn't have his phone with him and he was waiting all that time. It only took him about 10 minutes to get the whole thing done!!

We watched UP and has some fresh popcorn (made on the stove) with real butter on it. Yummy.

Saturday, my friend Diane picked me up and we drove into Boston. Met up with Donna and Barbara at the hotel. They had already started drinking!! Then Holly showed up from Maine with the food she'd brought. Got that all unloaded and got settled in the room. We hung out in the room for the afternoon, shared stories and got caught up, laughed, ate lobster that she brought and had cosmos. (I wasn't drinking- too soon after the chemo)

I was wracking my brain trying to think of something to bring to my friends to express my gratitude for all they have done for me. On my way back from Denver, ( I brought my mother back to my brother's house. He had been in Germany judging at a harmonica convention), I was looking at the Skymall catalog and found this silver pin with 5 friends. I thought how perfect was that. So, when I got home, I ordered 5 and had them shipped to my daughter's in Boston. I wrote them each a note to say thank them for all they had done. We put them on and wore them all weeked. They loved them too! Diane brought back gifts from her trip to China, and Donna brought back loose gems from the cruise she had been on and a high heel cake/pie server!!

That night, we went to the North End for dinner. Something I have always wanted to do. We walked around a little in the North End before dinner and took in the smells and went to Mike's pastry for dessert. It was packed!! Every man/ woman for themselves!!

We had a nice dinner, some good conversation and thoroughly enjoyed each other. Then, this big group came in and were very noisy!! That was it. Time to go. We walked back to the hotel. We went to Barbara and Keith's residence (attached to the hotel and hung out there for a bit. Diane needed to refrigerate the remainder of her meal.) They drank some champagne, and told more stories. We laughed some more. Holly hadn't heard them, so Donna shared them with her. They were just as funny to hear them again.

We went back to the room and ate the canoli's we had purchased. They were excellent!!

Sunday morning, Donna orders coffee for room service. The waiter brings it up shortly there after. Donna answered the door and in he comes. There was only the king size bed that Donna and I had shared. I'm sitting there without my wig on and smiling, thanking him for the coffee delivery. It occurred to me that he may have thought we were lesbians!!! Donna signed Barbara's name for the bill. (she was paying the tab at the hotel). Then, we thought about how a story may come out about Barbara and what she does when she is out of town without Keith!!!
The cream was just beginning to go bad, so Donna called down and had another coffee service delivered. The delivery person said there were other people who had the same problem. No problem.

Can you imagine what the people who deliver the room service see?? They could probably write a good book!

Sunday, we went to brunch at Joe's bar and grill. Eating again!!! Had a nice brunch there and walked back to the hotel along the waterfront and stopped for some pictures.

Sunday afternoon, we hung out in the room again and planned a dinner out with our family members who were near. My daughter and Greg came in and Barbara's daughter Casey and husband Keith came too. My grandaughter was still running a temp, so they thought it best to keep her home. Greg shared the rest of his apt story. The workmen had come in and started to rip down the ceiling. Sheet rock dust over everything. They had taken down the plastic over the doors to stop the dust from getting into the other rooms. He was a little perturbed. We told him to hire a cleaning service and take pictures and send the landlord the bill. After dinner, Diane and Donna left. Diane took Donna to her brother and sister-in-law's and Diane went home.

Barbara, Holly and I met for breakfast in the dining room at the hotel. Holly took me to the airport and then drove back to Maine.

What a delightful weekend!! Loved every minute of it. I had been looking forward to it for awhile. We thought about doing it again in the spring. Maybe a house boat trip to Lake Havasu!!

I was sitting at Logan, waiting for my flight. There was this woman, probably in her 50's or so, sitting kitty corner across from me reading a book. Then she decides to start picking her nose, and then eating it!! GROSS. I felt like I was being punk'd. There were people there who had some nice deep, wet coughs going on. UGH! It sounded like a TB ward.

I had never flown Midwest airlines. They actually serve warm chocolate chip cookies on their flights. What a treat. The middle seat was again not filled, so I didn't feel packed like a sardine on the way home.

My husband met me at the airport and we went home. He had been invited to his friend, Vera's home for his Thanksgiving dinner, and he Skyped with his family earlier that day. He and Sami also had a nice weekend.

So, now we are looking forward to Christmas. My kids and former husband and his wife are coming here to celebrate!!

























Friday, my grandaughter had a fever and my daughter thought is was because she was teething. Her cuspids were coming in. She wasn't really cranky, just a bit lower on her energy scale. We

I'm done with the 2nd chemo cycle. I decided to start taking the sleeping pills every night just because they make me sleep better and I don't get as fatigued. I also started decadron again to keep my energy up. I am now more motivated. Today, I plan to start my quilt. It's been 4 months since surgery.

Last week, I purchased 2 cranial prostheses (aka wigs). The bangs were too long for me to wear them, so I had to make an appt at the salon I go to for a hair cut and get the bangs cut.

I had been to a birthday party the weekend before. One of my friends was taking pictures as usual. I was looking at myself with a widened scarf to cover the bald spot in the front. Not looking too good. So, on Saturday, I went to the salon with my wigs and told Cynthia it was time to cut it off.

She cut the first piece off in the back, and I started to cry (again!). I didn't realize it was going to be this hard. She offered her support graciously. I composed myself and told her to keep going.

The gal sitting next to me asked me about my wigs. Were they long or short? I told her about them how they were highlighted which was something new for me. She asked me if I had breast cancer. I told her no, it was brain cancer. The bald areas were from the radiation. I apologized to her if I made her uncomfortable. She said no problem, she was empathizing. I asked her if she was a nurse, and she said she was the Director of Nurses at Banner Gateway. She was working on getting MD Anderson here in AZ. I asked her how she got them here. She just went to talk to them and that's how it all got started. There is no cancer treatment and research in this part of the valley. The need is far greater than what is here apparantly. They will be breaking ground this December. She is dedicating the next decade of her life to this.

There are no accidents!!

An Amazing Day!

My friends and their husband's were kind and generous to purchase a gift certificate for a helicopter flight at the Grand Canyon. It was on my bucket list!!

We left after a half day of work on Friday and headed north to Flagstaff. We stayed there for the night. We were at dinner on Friday night, when all of the sudden, the reality of why we were even there came roaring into my thoughts. I started to cry. It was one of these moments that come from time to time. They just happen. I had been looking forward to this weekend for some time. I knew why I was there, but it was yet another reminder of my diagnosis. I already see it every day with my bald spot in the front and side of my head. Whew!

My husband asked me why I was crying, and I just shook my head. I couldn't talk about it right then and there. I composed myself and we each ordered a piece of pie to go. We'd eat it later.

We watched the Yankees play the Angels in the first game of the ALCS. They won. It was also during the playoffs that my first daughter was born 31 years ago!)

The next day, we were up early to continue the trip to the Grand Canyon. It was a bright, beautiful and cool October morning. We got to the airport in plenty of time. We checked in at the desk, and were told to go to another area just down the road. My gift certificate was upgraded to the "better helicopter". I thought, only Barbara would choose that!!

So, we waited until it was our turn. There were alot of other people speaking foreign languages. It was a busy place. A constant stream of 6 people in a group to take the ride. I was in the back by the window!! Yippee. We lifted off and away we went. We traveled over the pines for a bit, parallel to the canyon. Then we turned left and headed towards the giant crack in the Earth. Over the edge we went, and it was awesomely spectacular!! Oh my God. We had been there before a few years back, so we knew what to expect (sort of). It is truly an awesome sight! My pictures do not do it justice, but they are my memory of the day.

It's amazing how the landscape is different. We left in the pines and went to where it was barren, crossed over to the north side and it was even different there. It looked like a fire or flood had overcome that area. The trees were toothpicks on the ground. Then we went back in to cross over to the south rim. The colors were unbelievable in the sun. The Colorado river was at the bottom continuing to "do it's thing". There were other areas you could see that had water running in them at some point. But it was now dry there. What a wonderful trip!! I wondered if the pilot ever got tired of the view!

I have always thought you get the best view from above.

I got some good news yesterday at the Doc's office. My tumor is responding to the chemo/radiation. Next step is to go to a higher dose for 5 days a month. Start on Monday.

Still feeling good. Occasional problem with sleep still, but I have the sleeping pill to rely on if I need to. Good sleep is a very good thing!!!

I plan to start on the quilt soon. I am still getting fabric pieces. Got my painting all done. Looks great!!

It's been a long week. I've been fatigued. Weaned off the decadron and there went the energy level!!

We celebrated 3 things last night: my birthday, our anniversary and being done with the initial radiation and chemo. Had a nice dinner and bottle of wine!!!

Yahoooooooooooooo! I'm all done with the radiation treatments and take my last chemo dose tonight. Effects of the radiation were: loss of hair in the treatment field and fatigue. 6,000 rads in 24 doses. 250 Cg per dose. Now, I get a break for about 3 1/2 weeks. Another MRI for post treatment response on 9/21 and a visit back to the Dr for further treatment planning on 9/23. The plan is to double the temodar dose for 5 consecutive days per month with 3 weeks off inbetween. Of course, that could all change depending on the MRI.

The only thing I am sad about is that Ted Kennedy died this week. He went from diagnosis in May 2008 to death Aug 2009. 15 months after diagnosis and he's gone. I hope his quality of life was good.

I'm tired today, I think part of it is because I was up at 2:30 again. Jeez. I'll be looking forward to a good night sleep again. I think I will take the chemo in the am for the future doses. Also looking forward to getting rid of the meds I am on for the chemo and radiation prophylactic stuff.

Overall, I think I did real well. I had a ton of support from my family and friends and lots of prayers!!!

I'm also looking forward to a nice glass of wine or 2 this weekend.

I'm getting a bunch of fabric pieces with fabulous stories to go with them. Love it. Can't wait to put my quilt together. What a story it will tell.

I'm half way done. Yahoo! Now, I have 2 spots that are thinning on the left side. I will have to wear a scarf or a hat to cover it up. It's looking a bit strange.

Well, today I noticed my hair is starting to thin on the left side of my bang area. Not quite gone yet, but on it's way!!! I'm also feeling more tired, but I have also been working hard and still not sleeping well despite sleeping pills. Last night I woke up at 2:30!!! Couldn't get back to sleep, so I got up and started my day. Got a few hrs in before I went to radiation.

Almost 1/2 way done.

I'm ready for week 3. Back to work tomorrow after my treatment. Still feeling good, with a little less energy.

I finished painting my bedroom today. Glad that's done. On to the bathroom with a different complimentary color.

I need to come up with a pirate costume for a pirate party I am going to at my friend Donna's in El Segundo, CA.

Day 10- End of the 2nd week. Yeah! This one went by fast. I am ready to go back to work on Mon. My boss has given me some flexibility with my hours. I can take a break inbetween if I need to. Awesome for me!

I am still feeling well. Haven't lost any hair yet, which they said may happen where they zap me. May still come, but if that's the worst thing, I can deal with it.

The fabric pieces are coming in. I am excited about how the quilt is going to look! Truly a patchwork of my family and friends. Keep them coming.

I am filling out a passport application today, just in case I need it at some point. You never know!!

New week begins #2

I had fun with Donna and Abby. Lots of laughing, eating and relaxing in the pool.

Thank goodness for Ralph, Donna's dad. She broke the key to the van we were driving in trying to get the gas tank cover open. He came to the rescue with his key!!! I think we could have been SOL! (Although, Toyota is supposed to come and deliver a new key to wherever you are?) That's what Rondaline said as I was talking to her at the same time.

My fabric pieces are coming in slowly. Come on folks!!!

I am starting to get fabric squares from .friends and family. Tracy and I both received cancer bracelets from his folks. They are very nice.

Day 5- First week of treatment is done. Still feeling good. Gonna go play with Donna and Abby now.

Day 4- Painting my bedroom today. Tomorrow Donna is picking me up. Abby is coming for a visit from Colorado. She's one of the gals we went to Kauai with back in Sept 07. Rondaline was supposed to come to, but her back is acting up and she was unable to sit on the airplane for so long. She's from Va. She will come later. Looking forward to Abby's visit. I think we will be doing alot of laughing!!!! Love it.

Day 3- Starting to get a little fatigue, which is expected.

Get this tumor outta here!

Well, I'm on my journey. Day 1 of radiation and chemo was uneventful. I took the chemo before I went to bed with the zofran 30 minutes prior to that. NO nausea. Yeah. I have not been sleeping well and wake early, around 3 -4 o'clock and start the day. It seemed to make my insomnia a little worse. At my Radiation Onclogy visit we talked about that. Dr. Flores suggested a sleeping pill. I have some lunesta samples that I haven't tried yet. So last night I tried the lunesta and slept all the way to 4:30. Woo HOOOO. But I feel rested and have a good energy level. Day 2- I drove myself to the treatment today for another zapping. 28 left. They are doing 5 different angles. It doesn't take long. The gals are very nice here in Scottdale.

I am hearing from alot of my family and friends who just check in to see how I am doing. Love that, and fully appreciate it. I can feel all the thoughts and prayers that are coming my way.

I am in the process of asking for fabric pieces to make a quilt from my family and friends. I want the fabric to be a special piece that is meaningful to them. So far I have 2 pieces.

I am working on my bucket list. So far, we went to see a concert. Earth, Wind and Fire and Chicago. I want to take a helicopter ride in the Grand Canyon and hike Camelback Mt. It's abit too hot to do it right now. Temp 115 today. I enjoy the pool and have my keyboard set up to get back to that. All the stuff that I put on hold for whatever reason, I am doing now. Dancing like no one is watching!! What a joy that brings to my soul. Always has. We plan to vist LA and Denver to see my mother and brother and a friend. I'm also reading more than watching TV. It's a delight. My back yard is filled with plants. I like to take care of them.

I am more interested in food now and watch my nutrition carefully.

I'm gonna go paint now.