Tired Thursday

I stayed up later than Rob because I forgot to take my ativan before I wanted to go to bed. Nick had another crappy night sleep - not sure what is up with that. This morning we got up and had breakfast and my old friends, cramps, decided to make an appearance. After getting the kids dressed and ready to leave I needed to take a couple advil and lay down with the hot pad. We ended up going to Mom's about a half hour later.
Mom's friend, Kate, was over when we arrived - so we got to visit for a bit before she had to leave. The kids quickly found their mess-dough and played with that for a while. We took a "field-trip" to the courthouse so Mom could pick up something. The kids got to go through the metal detector and see into a courtroom and see where the sheriff's hang out. After we got lunch and went to the park for a picnic lunch but ended up leaving our original park and going to one close to home. The kids played for about 30 minutes and got a mini air show (some men showed up with a radio controlled plane and flew it around the field). We needed to cool off and picked up some ice cream. You wouldn't believe how much of a mess vanilla soft serve could make until you have seen Ellie and Nick. I think I went into a sugar coma and fell into a deep sleep. Mom played with the kids - mess-dough again, stamps and other crafts.
I finally woke up and it was time to time to get going to our house for family dinner night. We packed up and Mom drove with us to our house. Ellie and Nick quickly were over at the neighbors house playing and Mom and I got dinner ready. Dad was later tonight because he had his car at the shop and needed to pick it up. The kids came in and took a much needed bath and we got ready for dinner. Dad arrived and we had a nice dinner together and a great dessert - think sweet and salty - yum!
Mom and Dad left and Rob and I got Ellie and Nick to bed. Mom is suffering sympathy pains again - we both are having terrible tailbone pain. Everything else is the same as it has been, peeling feet, tingly fingers and abdominal cramps. Visualising my healthy body (and a more peaceful night), Tree
We will be in Michigan for the weekend so I will blog again on Sunday. Have a wonderful weekend.

Wacky craft Wednesday

Rob and I stayed up and watched the news before heading up to bed. I knew I cursed myself by publicly touting my awesome night because last night was anything but. It took forever for me to fall asleep - I remember looking at the clock at 11:00PM and then 11:30PM and then around midnight Nick woke up and was thirsty - I gave him some water and he went back to bed until around 4:00AM when he walked into our room and wanted to snuggle - which I did until I was dripping wet with his body heat - I put him back to bed around 4:30AM and then we was up again at 7:15AM. Rob had a meeting today so he was home to eat breakfast with us before he had to leave. Nick was funny he asked for a waffle with sausages on top and a yogurt on the side.
In Michigan this coming weekend is the clubhouse carnival - the kids who have participated in clubhouse during the summer get to be in charge of various carnival games - bozo buckets, cake walk, lollipop tree and such and on one of the mornings this week all the kids will make tie-dye t-shirts and Ellie won't be there until the carnival so I promised we would do tie-dye this week. We started off the morning with a trip to the craft store to pick up white t-shirts and ended up with a couple other craft project for the summer too. A quick trip to Target for a couple more white t-shirts (we couldn't get all the sizes we needed at the craft store). We got to Mom's and decided to do the tie-dye first. I had a couple different kits - my usual liquid one and one with strings that had a dry dye on them. We did both kits and they both came out beautifully different.
We cleaned up tie-dye and all of us - Nick had green dye all over his body. The kids moved on to stamping - Mom rolled out some paper and the kids took out the rubber stamps and ink pads and went nuts - Nick, once again, required major clean-up - he decided to ink the soles of his feet and stamp up his leg. Mom went and got her haircut while I got lunch for the kids (Mom started some hard boiled eggs for Ellie). Nick had a smuckers PB&J and acted like it was his first PB&J ever - Mom there is peanut butter in here and jelly. Mom came home with a new look and it looked wonderful. While watching tv Ellie saw a commercial for Moon Dough - a type of never drying play-doh and decided we should make moon dough. Mom and Ellie looked up a recipe online and we had all the ingredients so Mom and Ellie made their version of moon dough. The batch was cut into two and Nick got his dyed orange and Ellie teal - this entertained for a long time. Eventually they started taking our orders for food and making the dough into our orders. We finally cleaned mess dough up (Dad's name for play-doh) and headed back home.
Rob got home about the same time we did and took the kids outside to play and I got to enjoy some catch-up phone time with my sister-in-law, Lonna. The kids quickly found our neighbors and were delighted to have playmates. I washed out the tie-dye and like always like some more than others but they all look nice. I went to pick up dinner while Rob gave the kids a bath. We had dinner and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was on tv - so we had entertainment. I took a bath and I searched the linen closet for some sort of foot exfoliating creme and instead found a Bath and Body Works peppermint cooling lotion - I wish I found this a couple weeks ago but it still feels great. I have realized tonight that just like my fingerprints disappeared my footprints are also disappearing and being replaced by really pink/red sub skin. We got the kids to bed and are now watching some tv. Everything else is the same ole stuff - visualising my healthy body, Tree

This heat is exhausting

Rob was falling asleep watching tv last night so I sent him up to bed and I stayed up to watch the news. It was an awesome sleep night at our house - Nick slept until 7:30AM and Ellie until 8:30AM. Nick and I came down for breakfast and to watch morning cartoons and Ellie joined us when she awoke. We got stuff together to take to Mom's and grabbed some PB&Js for our picnic. We brought our huge rubbermaid of legos to Mom's today and that entertained Ellie, Nick and Tony for over an hour - there were enough legos for everyone. Mom and I made and packed our picnic lunch - a little something for everyone.
We drove to the forest preserve and un-packed our picnic - the kids had their special chairs which lined them up perfectly for the bench to be their table. Even though it was hot outside we found a shaded picnic table and it wasn't all bad. Ellie started to complain about a headache - I went and got her some ibuprofen and eventually got her a plastic bag. Tony started running around the table and then Nick joined him and their circle around the table eventually got bigger and bigger until it wasn't a circle any longer and they were just running around. Tony pulled a Forrest Gump and just started running away and then he'd glance to make sure we were still watching and then he'd run some more - I got up and ran after him and picked him up like a football and ran him back. We packed up because Ellie really wasn't feeling well and drove back to Mom's.
I checked Mediclim.com when we got home but there are no warnings for migraine headaches so we will just have to track Ellie's symptoms - she did need the plastic bag by the time we got home - poor girl. We watched a DVD that Mom and I have only been able to listen to for last last 2 months - the kids watch it in the back of the car but we can only hear the soundtrack - ended up being quite like we envisioned. I really thought Nick was going to shut his eyes and take a nap but he just cuddled - Tony did take a nap and Ellie did some crafts. Jo came and picked sleeping Tony up and we packed up our stuff too. I told Mom we might need to cut the English movies out for a while because Nick has become afflicted with some English terms - Mom, I need to go up and brush me teeth.
We came home and dropped off our stuff and picked up our library books and headed to the library for our final book check in for the summer reading program. The kids received their certificates, a t-shirt and a packet of coupons for some special treats. Nick immediately took off his t-shirt and put on his library t-shirt - No, he could not wear it over his t-shirt he felt the need to strip right in the middle of the children's department. We picked up some dinner and headed home.
We had a lovely dinner together - both Nick and Ellie spilled their drinks but lovely nonetheless. Ellie was thrilled that Wipeout was on - she didn't even care it was a rerun. Rob just asked that I tell everyone he says Hi. We are watching America's Got Talent - guilty pleasure. Still the same old hands and feet symptoms today but today I am also sleepy - I closed my eyes a couple times at Mom's today - not sure if it is the heat or just being tired. I am also pretty sure something happened to my butt while I was undergoing radiation - I have a bone there that I never really knew existed but now kills me on a regular basis. Visualising my healthy body, Tree

Back to the regular groove

Last night we went to Mom and Dad's for Sunday dinner. It was great to see Mom, Dad, Jo and Tony again. I really thought I gained some weight on vacation turns out I lost weight - I ate my fair share of ice cream, too. We had a wonderful dinner - pasta, fruit, broccoli slaw, salad and brownies - yum! I gave Jo and Tony a ride home while the kids played outside with Dad. We all went out for a couple minutes before we realized we were being eaten by all the 'squitos. Rob and I got the kids to bed and were able to make it through Next Food Network Star and another food program before Nick was awake and confused about being in his own bed. He got back to sleep and Rob and I joined him - why do vacations not leave you calm but evoke the need for sleep?
Nick was up around 7:00 AM and Ellie slept until 7:30AM. While trying to get breakfast I realized we really had nothing but rotting food and condiments in our fridge. We relaxed around here and then got ready to go to Mom's. We stopped by the bakery to pick-up some sugar - I mean sprinkle donuts and danish. I figure if ice cream isn't working maybe chocolate chip danish might help with packing on the pounds. We got to Mom's and the kids ate their bakery treats and played. We ended up on the porch with play-doh and Mom organized the play kitchen and the boys un-organized it. I got to read my magazines that came last week and Ellie ripped out some kids crafts from a couple, Mom and I decided to try a recipe from one for lunch.
We went in for a weird lunch - Ellie wanted a cucumber sandwich, Nick wanted a cream cheese bagel and I wanted a grilled cheese. The watermelon/yogurt/sprinkle recipe Ellie ripped out was not a success with any of the kids, however, the watermelon/feta salad was tasty. We put in our afternoon movie, Ponyo - we started watching it before vacation but we never finished - cure kids movie. After Ponyo Tony wanted Finding Nemo - so we watched that also - Nick and Tony cuddled but no naps and Ellie did some crafts. Jo came home and picked up Tony and Mom joined us for some grocery shopping. I don't think I've been in a grocery store that long in a while. Mom drove us to drop off the groceries and Rob was home and put them away and started dinner. We drove back to Mom's and picked up our car and were on our way home. I finished up getting dinner ready while Rob took the kids outside to play and try to catch butterflies. We had dinner and I gave the kids a bath and it was bedtime.
Today my feet are still not happy campers - more areas are becoming pink and irritated. My hands are about the same and I am contemplating that they might never be the same again. Visualising my healthy body, Tree

Home Sweet Home

After 10 days in Michigan, at the cottage, we are back home again. The ride home was pretty close to our best time this season - granted we left at 10:00 AM. We had a great week with Edwin, Dean and Rob's Mom - the most excellent part was that the thunderstorms came overnight and we were rain free during the days.

I got to escape for a few hours to visit with my girlfriend, Julie. We had a lovely lunch with tons of laughs and good conversation. I love the way we can just catch up where we left off - its been like that for over 20 years now. Ellie went to clubhouse for the nature walk and Nick went with Nana and Rob to St. Joe's children's museum and for a bit of shopping. The activity level caught up with Nick and he took a nap for Rob, by the time I got home Rob, Dean and the kids were down at the beach. When they came home I learned that Ellie will never do the nature walk again because they went all through the park and that was just too much walking for her - too funny. We all went about our own dinner before heading down to the soda bar for some ice cream.
Friday I took the kids up to Holland for a Mom and Kid day. We went to Chuck E Cheese (it was that or the arcade at the mall). The kids played games for a bit over an hour before trading their tickets in for plastic bugs, a top and some candy. We stopped by our favorite thrift stores and scored with some toys - Little People airport, Fisher Price racing car track, coloring boards for Ellie and those sort of things. We stopped in South Haven on the way back to the cottage to pick up some corn for dinner and the kids and I had some ice cream therapy and a trip to the toy store. There is this toy store downtown that is wonderful - they have stuff for a penny and up. As we walked in the owner was dispensing gummy worms to the kids - Nick wound up with a magnetic dress up boy, Joey and Ellie got a new change purse and a couple rings. We hit the beach when we returned - the water has been gorgeous all week - I don't remember this many consecutive days of warm water. The kids exhausted Rob, Dean and Edwin - I even left my umbrellas and went out for a bit. We had a bbq dinner together - Nick ate 3 ears of corn and wanted more. Ellie went to the clubhouse for movie night - Jungle Book - she really wanted Nick to come with but I am not sure he would sit still for the whole movie without us there. Dean and I went into town to pick up some ice cream - the soda bar had sold out of our choice flavors the night before.
Overnight on Friday a huge storm came through and it was dark getting up on Saturday. Dean and Edwin left early to get Edwin to the airport and Dean back to Chicago. Nana, Rob and I took the kids bowling - another first for Nick. We had them put up the bumpers but I felt like I was watching the scene from Uncle Buck where the niece rolls the ball down the lane and the ball stops rolling right at the pins - Nick was kicking the 8# ball down the lane (rolling was an unfamiliar concept - you kick a ball that big). At one point his speed was .8 mph and the ball stopped about 5 feet short of the pins. By the last 4 frames Nick was getting the rolling concept but it was still SLOW. Ellie beat the boys with one strike and 2 spares. We stopped to pick up some new sunscreen before hitting the beach. The waves and undertow were pretty decent from the storm - a good day to boogie board. Ellie played with her friend, Jackie and Rob was a good sport and played with Nick. What we have learned from this vacation is Nick has no fear of the lake this year - e will just keep walking out into the lake until he gets knocked down and Ellie doesn't understand undertow and will be 100 yards from where she began and not realize it. We spent a couple hours at the beach before heading up to clean up and go out to dinner. We ended up at our usual Italian restaurant for pizza and pasta. We had a wonderful time re-visiting our favorite moments from the week and talking about the clubhouse carnival next week. We came back to the cottage and watched a Alvin and the Chipmunks and the first bit of Chitty Chitty before getting the kids to bed - Rob and I followed about 45 minutes later.
Another huge storm went through last night but was dry by this morning. We did our clean up and got our stuff packed and headed home. I think this was a wonderful re-coup week for me - I haven't had to take a nap, I put my feet up for a while but its no longer that I am so tired I need to sleep mid-day. My feet are bad - I might need to wrap the left one. The problem with peeling skin is that mine just keeps on peeling and my feet don't seem to care the the next layer isn't really ready yet and thus my left foot has peeled down to very red and tender sub skin and it hurts to walk on it. My hands are still in a quasi neuropathy phase - still can't really feel my fingertips and they still don't have fingerprints. They, thankfully, haven't peeled the same way as my feet and seem to be better when I apply lotion. My tailbone is weird right now - it feels like the bone structure has somehow changed - maybe its just heeling - I hope.
I really liked it when Rob asked me what I had in store for the coming week and all I could say was hitting a couple new parks and maybe the pool - I have realized that I am not photosensitive any longer and just need to apply sunscreen - yeah! I finished my 3rd book last night and it was so awesome just to be able to have the time to read - I forgot how that is relaxing in its own right. Visualising my healthy body, Tree

Mid-week Update

The past couple days have been wonderful - except the humidity. Ellie has been busy during the mornings at clubhouse - making friendship bracelets, dodge ball tournament, bunco tournament & crafts. She is looking forward to the clue hunt tonight. I have been able to finish 2 books (sorry, Phil, they are nothing deep - my friend, Linda, mailed me some of her "quick" reads - Emily Griffith). I am onto my Jodi Piccoult book now. We have had a couple wonderful days at the beach - cloud cover has been a blessing - today is total sun though.
Nick has had a total transformation from his fear of the lake last year - he is diving into the waves as they come to shore and running out after Ellie. His favorite has been getting piggy back rides from Rob out in the lake. Ellie loves her boogie board and is constantly in the water with her friends.
We've got to catch up on movies this week - Hot Tub Time Machine (very funny), Blind Side (good but long), When In Rome (chick flick) and Tooth Fairy (kids enjoyed). I haven't been taking naps - just down time for n hour or two and putting my feet up - I think the need for extra sleep might be wearing off. My feet look terrible and are starting to be painful again - keep applying lotion and trying to keep them covered.My hands, thankfully, haven't taken the same path as my feet and are peeling the same way emlers glue would peel of your skin. Right under my tips look as though I have been in water for days.
Ellie and I went out for some birthday goods yesterday (Edwin's B-day) and she asked me some frank questions - Do I feel better or worse than I did in March? Am I worried? Am I scared? All I could do was cry - especially when she said are you crying, Mom? Then she informed me chemo is the worst thing in her entire life - I thought - me too.
We are on our way back to the beach - will definitely need the umbrellas today - I am still not sure about sun exposure and don't want to end up looking like a character from a Jim Carrey comedy. Tomorrow I am meeting up with my girlfriend, Julie for lunch. It is ironic - she lives in Kentucky, I live in Illinois and we both vacation only about 40 miles from each other in Michigan. Rob, Dean and Edwin took the kids mini golfing this afternoon - they golfed the holes out of order and Nick was not at all happy when his ball went into hole 18 and wasn't returned - but the pictures were pretty cute.
Can't believe we still have 5 more days up here - hoping the storm tomorrow brings some humidity relief -or the air conditioners will have to be permanently on. Visualising my healthy body, Tree

Weekend Catchup

The ride up on Friday was average - about 3 hours. Ellie watched the clock the whole time trying to decide if we would make it up in time for her to go to clubhouse for movie night. We got here at 6:45PM and Ellie quickly got her money together and I walked her over to the clubhouse. Toy Story (not that we haven't seen that about a dozen times in the last month) but Ellie was so exited for her first movie night of the season. I signed her in an walked home - Rob got dinner bbq'd while I was taking care of Ellie and we were perfectly timed to eat when I arrived home. We had a nice dinner with Rob's Mom. I walked over to pick up Ellie around 9:00PM (that is when movie night is officially over) - she was gleaming and was excited that her girlfriends were also at movie night. We walked home together and Ellie took on all the mosquitoes.
Saturday we all got up at our normal times and ate breakfast - we had a bit of communication breakdown and thought Rob's brother, Edwin, was coming in sooner than we originally planned but we were wrong. Rob, Nana, Ellie and Nick went to the beach for a couple hours while I took my nap. When I woke up they were home, fed and clean. We decided to cruise up to Grand Rapids a bit early to visit the children's museum and do some shopping. The museum had a Curious George exhibit - the kids really enjoyed it. We finally ended up getting Ellie the boogie board she has been wanting. We just kind of window shopped the shopping center and then hit Costco for some drinks for the week and Target for some essentials. We got to the airport and were surprised how far they let us get to the gate - the kids got to see Uncle Edwin's plan land. We got Edwin and headed for dinner - he hadn't eaten and we were all hungry. I was sure Nick and/or Ellie would fall asleep o the car ride home but nope - they both watched Polar Express right until we pulled up to the cottage. We let the kids stay up and visit with Uncle Edwin but we did finally put them to bed.
We all slept in this morning and Rob heard a storm was going to be coming through so we decided to hit the beach early. This was my first beach trip of the season - thankfully, it was overcast and not too sunny or hot. We stayed for a couple hours until Nick and I were ready to go back. We all cleaned up and got dressed and had some lunch. Ellie and I took a ride to pick up some stuff for dinner and just have some girl time. Biggest issues right now - my feet are peeling more than string cheese - I am no longer intrigued - it is jut gross now. My fingers appear to be a day or two behind so I'm sure they be looking lovely soon. It has been a nice 48 hours - can't wait to finish my book and start another. If anyone is trying to reach me - my celphone seems to die instantly up here - email me instead. I will try to write later in the week - we are still on dial up here so everything is super slow. Visualising my healthy body, Tree

Can't believe its already Thursday

Rob and I watched the new season opener of Psych last night and then we watched the news. Rob went up and I came up about 30 minutes later. The kids kind of slept in - Ellie until 7:10 AM and nick until 7:30 AM. We had breakfast, I did laundry (it seems like a continual task in our house - especially in the summer). Ellie and Nick packed up some stuff for Mom's and then we drove over there. I once again fell asleep pretty quickly on the couch. The kids watched Curious George 2 and then we pretty much snacked the day - popcorn, fruit snacks, dreamsicle shakes, ham and whatever else came out. This afternoon foam beads came out for a project except the boys don't understand crafts yet. Nick requested Toy Story again and it was food all the kids quieted down.
I got to catch up with my friend, Donna, on the phone for a while. Eventually, all the kids needed a break so I took Nick and Ellie and Mom was able to get Tony to take a nap. We headed to the mall to look around - ended up with gellie scandals for Ellie, a new beach hat for Nick, a new summer weight purse for me and a pair of capris. Then when we thought we were done we went into the summer sale at the card store and ended up with silly bandz and wind up walking toys.
We got home and did some cleaning - basically trying to get things back to there correct floor. Mom and Dad were joining us for dinner tonight. Mom brought over a nice salad and we had cold watermelon and pizza. I took a bath after dinner and had another couple inches of my feet peel away - again, kind of gross yet interesting. My hands and fingers are the same - the one thing I have going for me is it is summer and people just think the tops are tan. Cramps are still coming and going - haven't gotten the right answer for that yet.
Tomorrow we will be heading to Michigan for vacation - we will be up there for a week. To make vacation better, Rob's brother Edwin will be taking his vacation the same time - it will be nice to visit. Dean will be coming up mid-week and staying thought the weekend - full house - should be lots of fun. I have the beach go ahead with lots of sunscreen, a hat and not in heavy mid-day heat. I am going to try to update my blog sometime throughout the week - wish me luck. Visualising my healthy body, Tree

Yawn, yawn, yawn - Wednesday

Rob and I watched America's Got Talent and the news and then went up to bed. I think it so yucky outside that our air conditioning isn't cooling the upstairs enough. It was a most excellent morning - Ellie slept in until 7 AM and then came in bed with me for about 15 minutes before asking to go downstairs and Nick slept until 7:45 AM. I experimented this morning and tried an ativan instead of my advil/tylenol alternating - it doesn't make me sleepy at night just numbs my thoughts so I can sleep - however, it made me totally sleepy this morning. The kids and I ate breakfast and headed over to Mom's and I think I was asleep on the couch within 20 minutes.
The kids played nicely together with blocks and legos. We watched Toy Story and then Apple Dumpling Gang. Mom made the kids lunch and egg salad for the two of us. When Tony passed out for his nap I took the kids and we went to Whole Foods for some treats for Millietime tonight. We all got gelato as a treat - mmmm. We stopped home to drop off some fridge items and I laid down on the couch for a couple minutes and low and behold I was napping again. The kids were very good and played together while I was sleeping. I got up and we got packed up for tonight. We went back to Mom's and helped her get her stuff together.
We went to Kate's for Millietime - small group we were missing the McSlat girls (and Kelly). We had some delectable treats, something for everyone. The kids were very entertained by running around Kate's basement - Nick actually broke into sweat. It was good to visit with the ladies - it has been too long. We packed up and headed home - I was sure Nick would fall asleep on our drive home but no such luck. Symptom update - cramps seem to have subsided, my feet are painful just on their outer edge, fingers seem to be getting more swollen and more smooth each day. Everything feels like baby skin - smooth. Hope everyone survived the heat and humidity today - it was just gross. Visualising my healthy body, Tree

What a great Tuesday

Rob and I watched cruddy tv until I noticed he was dozing and I suggested he go to bed. I watched some more cooking tv and the news and then went up. Another early morning - 6:00AM must be the new wake up time (that is what we get for getting them to bed at 7:30 PM). The kids actually went down and got their breakfast and I slept in a bit longer. I did some laundry this morning and put away a couple loads. We decided to hit the library for reading club check in - only one more visit until we are finished. We went to look for bargains at a couple stores but none were to be had today. We came home around lunchtime and Mom joined us here today.
Every summer Ellie puts together a list of parks she wants to go to - so after lunch we tried to go to the first on her list but the park district landscapers were there and the sun was dead on the playground so we opted for a park we've been to but had fun at. Ellie was trying so hard to get around these three spinning spheres - she has blisters all over her hands. The kids had a bunch of fun and that is what the goal is. We stayed about an hour before it was just too hot to stay longer. Mom dropped us at home and we headed to the basement for craft time. Amazing what a mess can be created by craft sticks elmers glue and pompoms. I grabbed Nick and tried to get him to take a little nap this afternoon but no such luck. Rob came home and told the kids he would take them outside - I tried to sneak in a nap but with the next door kids convention screaming and Rob mowing the lawn I couldn't zone out enough. I brought out popsicles and we all enjoyed a cool treat.
We decided to hit one of the kid's favorites for dinner - CiCi's pizza buffet. Nick ate equal parts pasta and dessert. He even took the half brownie Ellie left on our way out. We came home and had a bath because both of the kids had summer kid funk and elmers glue all over. Rob got Ellie to sleep and I got Nick to sleep. Hopefully they sleep in a bit tomorrow because they went to bed a bit later. I started today off with advil instead of waiting for the pain to come and just have kept up with alternating advil and tylenol - seems to have worked. My feet didn't hurt until I just put pressure on the side - but they are constantly peeling of layers now. My fingers are the worst - they are swollen despite my advil/tylenol regime and the sensitivity on the tips is becoming very limiting. Our neighbor did suggest I could pull off the perfect crime without fingerprints - bank robbery is what she mentioned. Visualising my healthy body, Tree

CRAMPS

Rob and I watched Next Food Network Star and Kid in a Candy Store before deciding it was time to go to bed. Nick slept in until 6:15 AM today - Ellie waited until 7:00 AM to come in. We had breakfast and I did some laundry and we got ready for the first day of Ellie and Nick Morning Fun Club at Mom's. Unfortunately, I woke up with killer cramps - took a couple advil and my muscle spasm pill but nothing improved them - every 3 minutes for 30 seconds - I feel like I am pregnant again and measuring contractions.
We got to Mom's and I curled up on her bed - I noticed when I am laying down the cramps don't seem to be as bad as when I am standing. The kids got the big bucket of legos out and played well together. I moved to the couch - still curled up and semi-miserable. After legos the kids decided play-doh was the next activity - so we moved to the porch - where even though the thermometer said it was only 75 degrees it was sticky. I made my way to the couch and we listened to the radio while Mom and Ellie worked on Ellie's new shirt. I finally decided to try some tylenol and that is what finally kicked the cramps - I guess I will just need to go between the two - or I could go see my ob/gyn but I'd rather put that off until after surgery. Ellie helped me bring out some food for lunch and Ellie and Nick made their own ham roll ups. Mom finished sewing Ellie's shirt and it was time to head in for some air conditioning.
We put in Gnome Mobile (Ellie missed out on the first screening because she was in camp). Mom made the kids some movie popcorn and they got their places on the floor and the movie commenced. Mom and I put our feet up while we all watched the movie. We did a popcorn clean up after the movie and then came home - it was Ellie's last night of pottery for the summer. We packed up some popsicles for the last day party and were on our way to pick up Ellie's friends. Nick and I dropped the gang off and came home and Rob got home not too far after us. We tried to play outside for a bit - Nick wanted to play with his new gliders - but the mosquitoes and nats were too prevalent. I came in and started a good summer dinner - chicken salad, leftover pasta salad, watermelon & strawberries. Ellie got home from pottery and we all had dinner together. I decided to take a bath to soak my feet - which are now starting to peel away - kind of gross and kind of interesting all at the same time. My fingerprints seem to be further evaporating into thin air - its a quite weird sensation - I cannot turn pages of books, magazines or newspapers and everything feels smooth. My hands are still very discolored and neuropathy comes and goes.
Ellie and Nick decided to join me in my bath - interesting - I got out very soon after Nick jumped in. Rob and I got the kids to bed and now we are enjoying the sound of the cicadas and locust - they are real loud, but a sound of summer. I just snuck some more watermelon from the fridge and I have to say I am not sure there are many food things better than ice cold watermelon. Visualising my healthy body, Tree

Sunday Fun Day

I got the kids to bed last night and watched horrible tv - a little bit of this and a little bit of that - I finally went up after the news. Both Nick and Ellie woke up at 6:00 AM and neither were going back to bed - apparently children don't understand the weekend summer rule. We had breakfast and watched cartoons. On the agenda today was a trip to Arlington Heights to see Miss Lori and her readers are leaders show - needless to say none of us knew Miss Lori had a 90 minute show - in the heat. The kids found a spot under the tent and Mom, Jo and I found a tent in back to provide us some shade. Overall, all that was important was that the kids had fun - which they did. Just a word of knowledge to any parents who want to take their kids to see Miss Lori - aim for the food van instead of the reading van or come late to the reading van (gift bags are given at the very end). We did some grocery shopping before coming home.
The kids and I hung out for a couple hours at home. The kids re-enacted the Miss Lori show for a while (and I am sure for days to come). We eventually made our way to Mom's for dinner - El Famous. We ate dinner and then headed home because Rob was back from Michigan. While taking their bath the kids told him all about their weekend adventures and Rob told us about his. We got the kids to bed and now its quiet time. My burned, peeling butt is sore today - just like a sunburn its at the skin shedding stage. Nick looked at my naked butt today and sort of flipped out - he told me my checks (x-marks) were gone so I must be better - no more doctors - I wish. The tiredness continues - more so than when I was actually receiving treatment. The abdominal cramps come and go - seem more prevalent in the morning. Looking forward to the first week without camp - hoping to have some goof times with the kids. Visualising my healthy body, Tree

A full Saturday

I watched Fired Green Tomatoes last night and then went to bed - it was on late though. Ellie was the first up today and joined me in bed because nobody was next to me. Nick woke up a little while later and we went downstairs for breakfast. Ellie went with Dad this morning for Fishing Frenzy at Lovelace - she caught a few catfish. Jo and Tony picked Nick and me up and we started at Toys R Us for the Thomas event - which was disappointing - but we did a bit of clearance shopping. We decided to head to Northbrook for the Miss Lori PBS event - stopping at a garage sale along the way. It ended up being a sidewalk sale in tandem with the PBS van - I got some good deals on tie-dye for Ellie and then we really got good stuff from the PBS van. Walking toward the van Nick said, "That's Miss Lori's van." Miss Lori was there signing autographs as well as a bunch of organic food vendors. We were able to enjoy a frozen mango snack before moving on. Nick jumped in the jumpy jump while Jo and Tony pulled the car around to get up.
We went to pick up Ole and then we all met at Mom and Dad's for lunch. I was amazed how much both Ellie and Nick ate - must be an eating day for both of them. We put in Mary Poppins but it seemed to excite more than calm today. Mom and Ellie looked over the fabric they have accumulated for projects - Dad took Tony and Nick downstairs to play with trains. I fell into my deep sleep on the couch - again! I woke up for a moment to say goodbye to Jo, Ole and Tony but slept right through the end of Mary Poppins and the beginning on Shaggy Dog. Dad drove us home after the movie finished.
By some sort of a miracle, Disney channel has on High School Musical 3 tonight - entertains both Ellie and Nick. I made some popcorn and cut up some fruit and we are all just chilling out and occasionally Ellie or Nick break into dance (or song). I gave Nick a bath because he got really dirty today and we all got our pjs on. Looking forward to another low key night - it has been nice. Tomorrow we are going to try to see the reading version of the PBS van - hope its as much fun. Visualising my healthy body, Tree

Fabulous Friday

Typical night Rob went up early and I finished watching the news and then the end of some movie. Ellie was the early riser this morning and came right downstairs and fixed her breakfast. Nick and I joined her around 7:40 AM. I packed Ellie's last summer camp lunch and applied her sunscreen. We dropped Ellie off at camp and then went to Mom's house. Nothing urgent today - so Jo, Tony, Mom, Nick and I went to Big Lots - I stopped over at Lands End and was actually able to find a new swimsuit. We did a quick Target run before we stopped off at Ellie's camp for the last round up. Ellie was presented with the camper of the week award - very proud.
We left camp picked up some lunch and went back to Mom's. We all ate our lunches and then Jo and Tony left us for a nap. Mom put in Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and I quickly fell asleep and was dead asleep. Thankfully, the phone rang just before the time I needed to leave to pick up Ellie. We got Ellie and stopped home to see if Rob was still there - he was so we were able to give him a goodbye hug and kiss before he headed to Michigan for the weekend and we headed to our hair appointments. We were all going to go up to Michigan this weekend - but I cannot sit in the car for 4 hours - my butt just cannot take it. So, we decided to divide and conquer the weekend. I took the kids to get their haircuts - they both have lighter and shorter summer 'do's. We stopped at Mc Donald's for a cool treat before heading home to bathe off the haircuts. After their bath we had some dinner and watched the end of Madeline before going up and reading a couple books before bed.
Tomorrow is an exciting day - Dad and Ellie are going to fishing frenzy and Nick and I are trying to decide between a Thomas event and PBS Kids food van - we will see where the day takes us.
I think my neuropathy is improving a bit - advil helps. My abdominal cramps are back - probably my body trying to ovulate. Hope everyone enjoys their weekend - I am looking forward to it being low key. Visualising my healthy body, Tree

July is Mine

As anticipated, Rob and I turned in early except I forgot to take my ativan. I didn't realize it initially, it took laying in bed for almost an hour to realize why I couldn't fall asleep. I kept saying to myself if I am still awake in 15 minutes I will go downstairs and take it but would snooze for a couple minutes and think okay I can do this. Nick woke up around 12:30AM because his blankets had come off and he was freezing - so I tucked him back in and went and took my pill. I remember looking at the clock at 1:15 AM - then I must have gotten to sleep. Nick was up early again and Ellie followed.
It was superhero day at camp - I came up with an American Girl t-shirt - the girls tell their history and are always positive role models. We dropped Ellie off at camp and went to Mom's house. I had my Dr. Marsh appointment today so we quickly got on the road. I got to Kellogg and upon checking in was told I needed blood work done - swell. The phlebotomist was gentle again and this time it didn't even burn. Margaret met me upstairs and took my weight - I gained 2 pounds. We went to the exam room and talked about my issues from my last visit - abdominal pain (ended up being my "new" period - spotting on/off for a week+), hand and foot syndrome - pretty much worse than before. Margaret even noted in my e-chart that I took my xeloda for 42 days - I guess I would get a prize if it were available. Dr. Marsh eventually came in (I have never had to wait for him before). We went over new concerns - my hands and when the pigment discoloration might go away - I guess it just takes time. Hand and foot syndrome should subside in time. Photosensitivity should be back to normal by the time we vacation in Michigan the end of next week. Basically the xeloda will take about 2 weeks to completely leave my body. Dr. Marsh said it is a positive sign my butt is burned and peeling - he said that means the boost worked as a boost - if I didn't have anything we would wonder if the boost worked and if I couldn't walk or sit it might have been too strong. He went over his timeline - CT scan the first week of August, followed by an appointment with him and an appointment with Dr. Muldoon. He said chemotherapy after surgery will be 6 months with visits every other week. He said hopefully there will be nothing to so pathology on during surgery and they would look back on my initial biopsies and again he suggested that after chemo I go through genetic counseling to find out my future risk factors as well as a tool for our children. He surprised me with the news that he feels I have successfully finished the hardest part of this journey - he said the combo radiation therapy and chemotherapy is very hard on the body - that was really awesome to hear. I asked about the possibility of my port being inserted the same time as my surgery - I mean hey, I'll already be anesthetized and in the hospital with pain meds - seems like a win-win situation to me - he said it would be up to Dr. Muldoon - fingers crossed. Margaret got my blood work back and said it was all fine.
Margaret nicely scheduled my CT scan and my follow up appointment with Dr. Marsh. Believe it or not in the last 2 months CT prep has changed - no more chalky barium - just the nail polish remover smelling stuff. I think the taste has probably gotten worse because I have 60 minutes to get it down - it being about 2 ounces of liquid that I mix with 20 ounces of juice or soda (Margaret said people have said coke or cranberry juice hide the taste well). It was a long morning - I was there a bit over an hour and Mom and the boys hung out in the car during that time. We went back to Mom's after picking up some lunch. The boys had a picnic on their sleeping bags again - Mom and I opted for the couch. We watched Jungle Book and Tony took his nap - Nick took turns jumping around and cuddling. Nick and I left to get Ellie from camp - we even left early because we have been the last people picking up this whole week (mind you I am there at 3:30 and that is the end of the camp day). We ran to Target to pick up dessert for tonight, sunscreen and baby wipes. We came home and Rob got home pretty soon after us. We took about 30 minutes and cleaned the house - it has kind of lacked a formal cleaning for a couple weeks.
Mom and Dad came over for our family dinner - Dad picked up dinner on his way - I cut up fruit to go along with it - a most delicious watermelon and the most humongous blackberries ever. We had a nice dinner and then Dad read some books to Nick and Mom watched Wipeout with Ellie. Mom and Dad left and then it was bedtime for the kids. Our neighbor called and dropped off dinner for tomorrow - fruit, pasta salad, brownies and a fresh smoothie for breakfast. I feel real good about what I heard today, visualising my healthy body, Tree

First day without treatments

Rob went up early last night and I stayed up and watched some of David Letterman. Nick woke up early this morning and Ellie was up at normal time. We had breakfast and got ready for camp - swimming day. I decided to remove my own stickers today - since two were just attached last week they were really stuck. Happily - the marker came mostly off with the stickers. Nick and I dropped Ellie at camp and then went to Mom's - without the need to get back into the car instantly and get to the hospital. Mom's friend Kate was over for a coffee visit and the boys played with legos and trains. My body feels abused today - just achy and my tummy wasn't real happy.
We eventually made our way to Menard's - Mom had some odd and ends she needed - thankfully, there was one of the kids carts right as we walked in. We went back to Mom's for lunch and some down time. Mom took the boys sleeping bags out and they had such a fun time with them on the floor. Movie of the day - the Apple Dumpling Gang. Tony couldn't take the action and quickly fell asleep - Nick on the other hand watched it until the minute we needed to leave to pick up Ellie. I took a nap - I have noticed I am really tired - I am not sure if its just the cumulative effects or what? We picked up Ellie from camp and came home for some air conditioning. Rob came home earlier than he thought - we had popsicles to cool off.
I took the kids to the library for their check in and then we picked up dinner - all while dodging the thunderstorms. We had dinner and then decided it should be an early to bed night - so both kids are in bed and asleep. I have my appointment with Dr. Marsh tomorrow - I have questions ready - like when are these red hands going to go away? I think it is going to be an early to bed night for me too. I feel sort of lost today - I gained at least an hour of time back but I keep thinking I am forgetting to take pills. Visualising my healthy body, Tree

First phase - COMPLETE

After a long weekend it was nice to be back to "normal" today. Nick woke up early but Ellie slept in a bit. We had breakfast - which was a bit of a challenge because our fridge seemed to lack everything except condiments. We got Ellie off to camp - tonight was camp round up - this year was the Wild West themed. Nick and I got to Mom's and we headed off to the hospital - the last day of radiation boost - woohoo.
I checked in and waited in the waiting room until they brought me back - and then I waited in the second waiting room for a bit. The only magazine available was a cancer magazine - I paged through and found an interesting little article about a website called i2y.com - I'm too young for this Stupid Cancer. It is a website devoted to cancer patients 18-39 years of age - interesting facts and links through here. I went in for the final treatment - and I centered myself - they didn't have to move me a centimeter - I got it down finally. I thought we might have some momentous removal of the magic marker and stickers but no such luck - just well wishes and hopes that we don't see each other professionally again. I called Mom and she picked me up. We went grocery shopping to correct the fridge situation.
We went back to Mom's for lunch and I took a nap while Mom played with Nick. Nick and I headed off to pick Ellie up from camp and then we came home. Nick fell asleep on the way to get Ellie and stayed asleep through a few transfers. Rob, Ellie and Nick had appointments with our dentist this evening. Nick woke up just as we got there and was a bit unsure about his first dental visit. We came home and got ready for camp round up - Ellie dressed in her western wear. Mom picked us up and we got there early enough to grab a spot under a shady tree. The storm held off just long enough for round up to finish - Ellie did a wonderful job as spokes lady for her group and dancing her routine. Mom dropped us back at home and we went out for celebratory ice cream for dinner.
Ellie went to bed quickly but Nick had that afternoon nap and he was a hold off. I feel great about being finished with phase one - I think I am going to start taking bets on when my butt will stop hurting when a door slams into it - I am thinking it will probably be timed with when I hear an anesthesiologist say now count back from 5. My feet are slightly better today and my hands about the same. I am really looking forward to these next couple weeks off to re-coup and re-group. I have an appointment with Dr. Marsh on Thursday but that is all for the week - hopefully for the month. Visualizing my healthy body, Tree

A great but ohh so long day

We had dinner at Mom and Dad's last night before coming home to get ready for fireworks. We got on our bug spray, grabbed a refill on our water bottle and were out the door. We decided since I basically can't carry anything that this year we would just bring a blanket and leave our chairs at home - good plan. We parked a little further than normal but we've learned over the years which way to park to get home quicker at the end. I realized as we were walking to Niles West that I had walked more yesterday than I had in probably the last 7 weeks combined - way too much. We got to our normal spot and then the kids and I were off to get our 3D glasses. On our walk we met up with my old co-worker, Larry and his wife Dana - we got to catch up for a while before we got our glasses.
The blanket was a great plan because we told Nick he could only be in on the blanket and we didn't have to chase him down the street this year. Skokie started their fireworks late and Nick didn't make it through the first 10 fireworks before he put his head on my leg and fell fast asleep and slept through the entire show, the transfer to his stroller, the transfer in and then out of his carseat and the transfer into his bed - poor little boy was wiped out. The fireworks were awesome - they had smiley faces and hearts and big booms and crackles - I love fireworks. On the walk back to the car I told Rob I wanted to just cut off my feet - it might be less painful than the neuropathy and the big blisters I was sure were forming. Bless Ellie's little heart - when we got home she got me out a bag of frozen veggies to place on my feet and turned my hot pad on and filled my water glass.
Rob and I stayed up for a bit after we got home and just tried to get the energy to go upstairs. Rob and Nick were first up but then Nick really wanted me to be up - Ellie slept in. We got ready for our Church parade and got on the road. This year we went low key - Ellie made a couple signs for her bike and Nick designed a plastic hat and drove his firetruck. The kids and Rob made the loop - I sat this year out but did meet them at the end of the route for some photo ops. No big prizes for the parade this year but the kids had fun and got to choose a prize after the other awards were given out - Toy Story gliders for Nick and Silly Band rings for Ellie. We decided to come home between the parade and the picnic to rest. Rob entertained the kids and I took a nap. I woke up around 1:30 and we got our sunscreen on and refilled our water and were on our way - we picked up a picnic lunch on route.
It was a beautiful day in the shade - we enjoyed our lunch before the kids abandoned us for the park. Races and games began and Rob and Nick did the egg toss and water balloon toss - no winners there, however, Ellie took 1st place in her groups running race. Ellie ran back to me with the biggest smile ever and her 1st place ribbon and was gleaming that she beat the boys. Since I was moving very little from my chair today I got to enjoy some nice visits with some old and new friends. We moved over to park lake for the softball game and Rob made the wise decision not to play. Other that the quick run by Ellie and Nick were playing with friends the entire time. Nick ended up soaking wet and covered head to toe in sand and Ellie joined him in the dirt department. They ended the day with a little fishing in the lake and I told Rob I really needed to put my feet up.
During the course of the day when I did get up from my chair I did notice my butt was not real happy - the product of sitting in a camp chair for the last two days. I told Rob - I haven't been this uncomfortable since the first week of treatment - just throbbing lower back and butt pain. My feet are still miserable and I wish I could just freeze them - or cut them off. I buttered them up with a thick layer of shea butter lotion and put on my fuzzy socks - I didn't see any blisters but it feels like they are there. My hands are still a bit painful but nothing compared to my feet.
I have my feet up and I am relaxing with my hot pad - this weekend has been wonderfully entertaining and joyful but I am so tired from all the activity. Tomorrow is it - last radiation treatment and last dose of xeloda - woo freakin doo - so ready to be finished. Visualizing my healthy body, Tree

Happy 4th of July

I had a relaxing night last night - Ellie was dropped off around 9 PM and I put her to bed and then I put in our new Netflix - Everyone's Fine - got about half way through before Rob came home. No sleeping in this morning - we were all up by 7:30AM. We had breakfast and a lazy Sunday morning reading the paper and watching cartoons. We got dressed in our red, white and blue and ready for the Skokie parade. Rob took a ride earlier this morning to put our chairs out in our shady spot. UB stopped by on his way back to Wisconsin and dropped by a train signal light for our backyard.
Mom and Dad beat us there but the parade began very soon after we arrived. It was a wonderful parade - a great mix of marching bands, local businesses and politicians. Nick got up to dance for about the first 3 marching bands but quickly exhausted himself. The kids ended up with a bagful of candy, Frisbees, flags and coupons. After the parade we came back home for some cool off time - it is super humid and hot here today.
I painted my fingernails - I thought it would make my knuckles less noticeable - I don't think it really did. My feet are killing me today - back to the broken glass feeling. We are watching the newer version of Parent Trap and we are about to head to Mom and Dad's for a re-heat dinner. Hopefully the rain will stay away and we will be able to go the fireworks later this evening. I can't believe we still have tomorrow to play - this long weekend has been so nice. Hope everyone is enjoying time with family and friends - it makes the weekend so much better, visualizing my healthy body, Tree

Fun and busy day

Rob and I watched Miami Medical - sadly the last one, it was cancelled. I didn't take my ativan until almost 10 PM which pushed back bedtime. Rob and the kids were up early and let me sleep in - woohoo. We had brunch plans with our good friends (and the kids Godparents) Eric and Pam - so I didn't even need to make breakfast this morning. We got dressed - I got to wear the pretty, hand-painted dress Mom and Dad brought me back from Spain 11 years ago (its been hanging in the back of my closest since I got it and over the years I have tried it on but it never fit).
We arrived at Eric and Pam's and were treated to the most delectable breakfast. We had a great visit - Ellie and Nick entertained us by jumping off the porch and just generally bopping around. It was a very nice morning - no appointments to be at and no where to be but sitting on a porch visiting. We eventually had to part ways and go home but we had such a good time.
We came home and I put my feet up and tried to take a nap. Ellie decided to clean her room - on her own. Nick started playing with me, cuddled for a bit but then he went up to his room to play with his trains. We had a couple down-time hours before it was time to go to Mom and Dad's for dinner. We were celebrating family Sunday today because UB was in town. It was nice to visit with Uncle Bill and Grandma and Grandpa GG. As usual, Mom put out quite the spread - some of my favs - orzo, black bean & avocado salad. We had a wonderful dinner outside under the gazebo - even though the sun was shining bright, it wasn't bad in the shade. Nick and Tony attempted to play catch together - it worked well while they were receiving constant cues - Tony throw the ball to Nick, Nick throw the ball to Tony - then just when you think they've figured it out - mayhem. Mom made a blueberry cobbler for dessert and I whipped up some fresh whipped cream - ummm, delicious summer treat. The kids ran out of "proper" fun and moved onto ice cubes from the cooler. Very entertaining - Nick loaded a train car with ice, Ellie was attempting to juggle ice, Tony was delighted with the ice going down his back.
Ellie really wanted to spend some more time with UB - so Mom and Dad agreed to bring her home later. Nick, Rob and I headed home - Nick most definitely needed a bath. Rob has a bunch of friends in town from grammar and high school - so he snuck out to have dinner with them. I am relishing the whole couch to myself and the peace and quiet. It has been a long day but such a great day. Looking forward to another great day tomorrow - enjoy everyone. Visualizing my healthy (almost radiation treatment free) body, Tree

WooHoo only 1 more treatment

Rob and I watched some tv and relaxed last night - he went up early and I went up after the news. Took forever for me to relax enough to go to sleep. We were all up around the same time - we had some breakfast, did some laundry and got Ellie ready for camp. It was pool day and a mighty fine day for it. We dropped Ellie off at camp and were on our way to Mom's.
We got ready to go to the hospital - snacks, videos and all. They were running behind so although it was a quick treatment it still took too long. The technicians all joked about being all most finished - that I might miss them having 3 days to myself and they wanted to know what the celebration plans were. I called Mom when I finished and she picked me up. We stopped by Old Orchard so Jo could run a couple errands and then were on our way back to Mom's. Uncle Bry is spending the weekend at Mom and Dad's - haven't seen him since Easter. UB arrived just before lunch - we all ate together before the boys had some outside time. Nick and Tony were so funny in the water table today - they were both right out of a Wisconsin Dells commercial - pouring water over their heads and giggling. Jo and Tony left early, Nick "helped" UB and Dad set up a train signal in the yard. We eventually made our way inside to cool off. My red palms spread to the tops today - not red so much as the knuckles being an entirely different color than the rest. Its not so much neuropathy in my hands anymore - its more inflammation pain.
Rob stopped by for a quick visit and then went home to pick up a couple things. Dad and UB picked up Ellie from camp and then picked up Rob. It's Dad's birthday - so we were having a little party. Rob took Nick and Ellie outside to play and Dad, Mom, UB and I put in the new Sherlock Holmes. I got to see about half before the kids came in - I also got to put my feet up for that time. Ellie helped Mom get some appetizers together and we ordered pizza for dinner. Ellie and I ran out and picked up an ice cream cake.
About a week ago I told Mom it looked like my fingerprints were disappearing and sure enough when I googled xeloda hands this afternoon (I wanted to see how bad my hands could really get) there was a news article about how xeloda can erase fingerprints - basically because of the hand syndrome the skin can repeatedly peel - thus erasing the fingerprint. I think this might also explain why I have little feeling in my fingertips - expect my thumbs.
We had a nice dinner together and then a good dessert. We took our stinky kids home for a bath - both of them turned their bathwater black. Bedtime was easy because both of them were pooped. We have a busy weekend ahead of us - brunch and dinner plans tomorrow and the 4th on Sunday. I hope everyone has a safe, happy and healthy weekend, visualizing my healthy body, Tree

I am tired

Last night Rob and I watched tv and went up to bed together but neither of us could really fall asleep - at one point I said I was going to come back downstairs and close up some windows but Rob volunteered. I did finally get comfortable and was able to fall asleep. Nick came running into our room some time during the night and was restless. Ellie woke up early and decided to go downstairs and start her breakfast - Nick and I joined her a bit later. We got Ellie off to camp - she had a walking field trip to a local park.
Nick and I arrived at Mom's - bonus Thursday, Dad took the day off and Tony was there also. We were off to the hospital -where I was told by Patti that my treatment would be longer today because they would be taking films in between and taping and marking me. Seriously, Dr. Nanda just told me my butt looked great yesterday and now today I get new magic marker marks? At least the marks aren't as bad as the tape I was feeling marked out - and this time its red - I will feel so festive for the weekend. They finally finished up and then informed me not to move yet because they needed to photograph my butt - I say again, seriously? So Patti snapped a couple pics and then they peeled off the tape - ouch! I called Mom and they were pretty much pulling up as I got out. I was feeling ok - so we went to the produce market and picked up lunch before heading home.
We ate lunch on the porch and then went outside for a bit. I checked out my butt in the mirror - marks were not as bad as I imagined but Dr. Nanda was lying when he said I wasn't burned. It was nice to be outside even if I was in the shade. The boys played in the water table and then started making their own fun - including the grand finale - throwing balls and anything that could be found into Dad's pond. Mom and I took the boys in and we watched the remainder of Mary Poppins - Nick's mouth dropped at the chimney scene. Dad, Nick and I took the ride to get Ellie from camp and then we dropped Dad back off. Rob got home not too much after we did. We have had plans all week to see Toy Story 3 tonight - except Nick didn't want to until I showed him some trailers on the computer.
We headed off to the movies - Nick's first show! We got popcorn and candy and then chose the top row to sit in. It was so fun to hear Nick and Ellie's reactions (laughs, words and the occasional cry). Great movie but we all needed tissues. Nick didn't want to leave - he thought we could watch it again. We came home and the kids had some food before bed time.
Besides my butt hurting, my hands are extremely itchy and painful today (doesn't help that I burned my right hand puring my tea this morning). My feet were okay until after the movie - I am pretty sure that is just inflammation. I am hoping for the best tomorrow - I really want to be able to sit for the parade and fireworks on Sunday. Visualizing my healthy body, Tree