Sunny Saturday

Normal times around here last night and this morning. When Nick got up, I pulled clothes for him and Ellie and they got dressed quickly and were on their way out the door with Rob. It was the Grow and Build truck day at our Lowe's today and I saw the poster when I was there earlier this week. It was a 54' truck all decked out inside with movie screens and project areas. The kids got to build birdhouses and see a few movies.
Rob dropped the kids back at home and was off to work a couple jobs. I got dressed and we were off too. There were a few good sales I wanted to hit today. First sale was a hit - 2 kids beach chairs, a sock monkey kit (new in box), a craft loom and a remote control car for Nick. We ran into a rummage sale and left with a few treasures - a felted wool purse, mickey mouse (or minnie) glove hands and some little people stuff.
The car unfortunately was telling me it was time to fill up - argh, $4.35 a gallon gas. We hit another sale on our way back home and Ellie found a cute little vera bradley paisley bag for $1 and I found a few pairs of swim trunks for Nick for the summer. We ran into Dominicks to see if I could score anymore 1/2 off claritin - no luck but I did get some good buys on sale stuff.
We went to April Fest at Morton Grove library. It was a wonderful free event - the girl scouts were running carnival games, the kids got to plant seeds from the farmers market, they got henna work done on their hands - so intricate and pretty. We came back home and had some lunch and then went out to soak up the sun. We took a bike ride to the park to play and the kids made some new friends to play with.
We came back home and Ellie packed her bag for her overnight at Mom and Dad's tonight and Nick got some of his new treasures bagged up to show off. Rob was coming home just as we were leaving so we did a hi/bye and were on our way. Nick played with his remote control car because Dad had an extra 9v battery and Ellie went to play on the computer. We visited for a little bit and then Nick and I said goodbye and came home. We called Rob on the way to let him know we were going to pick him up for dinner.
Nick's request was Red Robin and we were able to get a table right away. We had a nice dinner together - Nick was very proud of himself that he can squirt the ketchup all by himself now. We came home and got ready for bed - although Nick was tired it took forever for him to finally give in to sleep. Rob just went up to bed and here I sit blogging. I was thinking about it recently - how over my lifetime I have never been able to keep a journal/diary for more than a couple weeks and yet I have kept up with this blog for almost a year now - amazing. My feet are really bugging me today - I even traded out shoes a few times to try to get the pins and needles to stop but no such luck. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Happy sunny day

I fell asleep on the couch last night and then I woke up around 4AM and went to bed except I could not fall back to sleep for the longest time. Regular morning stuff around here - Nick takes pride in the fact that he can now get himself completely dressed. Ellie got off to the bus and then Nick finished his breakfast. Mom and Dad were picking us up this morning to drop Nick off at school and then we were going grocery shopping.
We dropped Nick off and then we went shopping. Stocked up on fruit and staples for the week. We finished shopping and checked out with the slowest cashier in history. We went to get Nick and Dad walked up to get him - delighted little boy. We dropped our groceries at home and then Nick and I hit a garage sale on our way to Mom and Dad's house.
The sale was advertised as a moving sale with very specific brands listed - brio & barbie were what we were going for. Prices were a joke - they wanted $40 for a shoe box of crappy track and trains however the barbie dolls were very well taken care of for a mere $.50 a piece. We stopped and picked up lunch on our way to Mom's. We ate lunch and then Dad took Nick for a walk and to the park and came back to play in the yard. I helped Mom paint flower pots.
We changed Scarlett out and for whatever reason the last couple changes the wax ring has broken its seal. Not to the point of major leakage issues but still not good for the skin breakdown. I guess it is time to bid farewell to Scarlett. Nick and I came home to get Ellie and we stayed outside for the rest of the afternoon. Nick had a few injuries - a bloody top lip and gum, a bloody bottom lip, a finger scrape - he was a walking accident.
All the neighborhood kids were here and they played with chalk, rode bikes, played hide and seek and jumped in the trampoline. Rob got home a bit before 6PM and we called the kids in for bath time and dinner. Ellie took a very long shower and when I went in to see what was taking so long she was sitting in the tub (shower on) trying to pumice her feet. I got Nick in the tub and Rob nicely massaged my back while we waited for him to be finished playing. Ellie and Nick snacked in the basement and played with barbies.
We did bedtime and we've been playing on our computers and listening to tv. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Happy Birthday, Mom

Normal stuff here last night and this morning. After Ellie got off on the bus Nick and I got dressed and ready for the day. We went over to Mom and Dad's and hung out while they got ready. We went to Lowe's to pick out some flowers and look at summer lawn furniture.
We had lunch together before I was off to my appointment with Patricia. It felt so good to have an acupuncture session today. It amazes me how relaxed I can get in just a short amount of time. I didn't realize until today that acupuncture can treat neuropathy so Patricia addressed that today. After my session I stopped into Von Maur to return Mom's boots and to try on the new Dansko's I really like.
I went home to pick up Ellie from the bus stop. We came in and did her homework and I got some fruit ready for Mom's house. We went over to Mom's and hung out for the evening - Jo, Ole and Tony came over, too. We had El Famous for dinner and Mom made cupcakes for dessert.
We came home and I got the kiddos ready for bed - it was Rob's last soccer game for the season. Nick had every excuse not to go to bed but did finally fall out. Ellie was trying to master her mad minute math test.
I told Patricia that I have had difficulty sleeping and I think she might have addressed that today because I am soooo tired right now. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Wednesday

Normal night and morning at our house. We were a bit slow this morning because Nick didn't have school today. We stayed in our PJs and watched Disney channel and just cuddled. I did eventually convince Nick to get dressed and take a ride.
We started out at Target - picked up a couple more Easter things for next year and found random food clearance. We went to Whole Foods where samples were so plentiful we didn't need to eat lunch. Ran into CVS and Von Maur - nothing much at either place but we did pick up an Easter Sing-a-ma-jig. Did a quick run into Dominick's and found kids claritin 1/2 off - I took every box they had.
We came home and played until it was time to get Ellie. We drove down to pick her up (it was raining) and then we went to Mom and Dad's. Nick quickly talked Dad into taking him downstairs to play with trains, Ellie disappeared to play on the computer and Mom and I watched tv. We changed Scarlett out and she is looking quite healed. We packed up and were on our way home but I stopped at the store to pick up lettuce and some veggies for dinner.
We got home and I got dinner ready while the kids took their bath/shower. We had veggie burgers on pretzel rolls, salad with strawberries, pineapple, grapes, broccoli and cucumbers. I cleaned up dinner and jumped in for a quick shower. We all watched the Middle together and then we went up for bed.
So, another layer of skin is beginning to peel off my feet. I go for my appointment with Patricia tomorrow and I am so looking forward to it. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

It's raining, it's pouring

The pouring rain lulled me to sleep somewhere around 1AM and I woke up when the rain stopped around 5AM. The kiddos were up way too early this morning but Ellie nicely took Nick downstairs for breakfast and let me sleep a bit longer. We got dressed and got Ellie a change of clothes for her field trip and we went down and watched cartoons. We packed Ellie's lunch for her trip and then she was off to the bus stop. Nick and I cruised off to school, too.
I met Christi for coffee at Panera. It was lovely to catch up and visit but it never lasts long enough. We both hoped the field trip wasn't cancelled because of the weather. I picked up Nick from school and then we came home and had lunch. We just had down time this afternoon before going over to Mom's house. I was able to schedule 2 Patricia appointments - 1 this week and 1 next. I have to say, I am not as anxious as I was about my September surgery - I sort of know what to expect this time around.
I took Nick over to Mom and Dad's and Nick immediately had Dad downstairs to play with trains. Mom and I visited for a bit before I came back home to pick Ellie up for her appointment with Trish. The field trip was cancelled and she was bummed out - their class seriously has the worst record of weather related field trip cancellations. We got a snack and then drove up to Northbrook. It was bizarre - along the way we would pass through downpours of rain and then bright sunshine 2 blocks later. Ellie and Trish were going to go for a walk outside to the pond to see the swans but as soon as they got out the door it began to rain.
After their session we discussed the plan for the next month - Ellie will go next week but then we will try to space the last 2 visits out every other week. Trish suggested a children's yoga class might help Ellie with her breathing and relaxation techniques. We drove back to Mom's to pick Nick up and then we were in the car to come home.
I re-heated pasta from Sunday and just added some cheese and a loaf of bread and we were all happy. Rob and Nick played with legos while Ellie and I did some hidden object games. We went up for bed but Nick wasn't all about going to sleep when the light was very much still out outside. Rob ended up coming in to put him to sleep (preparation for next week) and I kissed both Nick and Ellie goodnight.
I watched Dancing and then we watched the Bulls win. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

All cleared for surgery

Fell asleep on the couch and woke up around 5AM and went up to bed. The alarm went off at 6:45AM - Rob forgot to turn it off when he got up. Nick and I came downstairs and Ellie and Rob were already up and were having breakfast. I got Nick breakfast and got myself a cup of coffee, switched loads of laundry and read the paper from yesterday. Ellie got off to the bus just as the rain began this morning. I took Nick to school and then I was off for my pre-op physical.
I got to my 9:30AM appointment a bit early but I had my visit, nose swab for Staph and was out the door in 10 minutes - pretty impressive and the main reason I want to switch doctors. So here is the thing - when you schedule your appointment you need to tell them why/what you are scheduling for - pre-op visit. When I checked in the lady asked who my surgeon was - Muldoon. The nurse brings me into the exam room and asks me if I know my height and weight ok, this is really official could I just give you a guess on my blood pressure and perhaps whip up a random white blood count? The nurse asks who my surgeon is - oh we are so efficient. The nurse takes my blood pressure and verifies medicines I am taking and says the doctor will be in shortly. Doctor enters and ask what I am there for - seriously? What type of surgery will I be having? Seriously, again, the sheet right in front of him says ileostomy take down. We once again verifies medicine and then he looks in my mouth, ears, feels my ankles, listens to my chest and presses in on my hip bones - done! I swear it took longer for me to wait to get my nose swabbed than it did for my pre-op history and physical.
I had a bunch of time until I had to get Nick so I went to Target to check out the Easter clearance and get some basics. I was able to pick up napkins and some basket fillers for next year and a couple cake mixes. I went to pick Nick up and then we went over to Mom and Dad's. We had lunch and hung out for a bit. Nick played with trains and we read through some catalogues. Nick and I came home and we watched cartoons and played until it was time to pick Ellie up from the bus. Nick got on his trike to pick up Ellie and we made it home just before it started to rain, again. Ellie did her homework and then the kids wanted to watch Sharpay. We all cuddled on the couch and I fell asleep -this is so bizarre - naps 3 days in a row. Rob came home and played with Nick while Ellie and I finished watching the movie. Ellie and I made pizzas before we went to pottery - Rob cooked them while we were at class.
Some of our pieces were fired and we had 2 bowls and a vase to take home with us. We both had a piece to glaze and then Ellie went to work making herself a mug. I had little motivation - partially because next week will be my last class for this session - Mom will be taking Ellie to the final few classes. We came home and the pizza smelled so good. We ate dinner, I jumped in the shower and then we got the kids ready for bed.
Nothing on tv tonight so I have been looking through websites for furniture. We will need to get Nick a big boy bed soon and I have been looking at captains beds or loft beds but haven't found the perfect one yet. I have given up hope for the back room couch - stuff spills on the couch several times a day and I don't care because it is 9 years old but I would be insane if it were a new couch. We also need new mattresses for all of us - ours is 12 years old, Ellie's is my bed from Mom and Dad's and we don't have an extra twin for Nick. I guess I know where our tax return money will be going this year.
Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Happy Easter

I went up to bed early this morning - fell asleep on the couch and woke up around 4AM. The kids were up early to find what the bunny had left them (New Sharpay dvd for Ellie and a pack of Thomas freight cars for Nick) and to search for eggs. Rob wasn't able to hide the eggs because Ellie went downstairs with him. He sent the kids up to do a quick clean up of their rooms while he quickly hid the eggs.
We went downstairs and had the egg hunt and I was surprised both Ellie and Nick pretty evenly found the eggs. I got my biscuits and cinnamon rolls made and the table set for lunch. Dean called to tell us he was pretty sick and wouldn't be joining us today. I pressed clothes for all of us and jumped in the shower and then we were off to church. We sat in a lovely spot by the sun filled windows - very serene.
The kids were up and out right as service finished so we didn't visit and were in the car on our way home. Ellie helped me get silverware and napkins out and Nick helped with the centerpieces. I got our quiches re-heated and veggies in to cook. I made a pasta with boca meat sauce. Mom and Dad got here with the ham and sweet potatoes, rice and beans and baked goods.
Jo, Ole and Tony brought a salad with them.
Uncle Bry arrived from Wisconsin, then the GGs and Uncle Bill. We got the kids settled in for lunch and then we had lunch. The food was wonderful and we were all able to sit together at one table which led to wonderful conversation and visiting. Rob and I dropped eggs for the egg hunt which the kids were initially excited about but once they got outside could have cared less that over 100 eggs were hidden about. Tony wanted to ride a tricycle and would pick up an egg just to throw it. Nick wanted to play on the slide and Ellie was the only one searching for eggs.
We had very scrumptious dessert - vegan red velvet cupcakes (don't hate until you try), de-constructed cannolis, cookies and dessert breads. The kids played outside for a bit before deciding it was a bit chilly. One by one (ok - sometimes 2 by 2) our family departed. Mom and Dad stayed and played with the kids - putting together their new puzzles and playing. I put my feet up on the couch and that was the end for me - I was nap bound.
I woke up and finished cleaning up and doing dishes. We packed Mom and Dad's bag up and they went home. The kids and I watched the Sharpay movie while snacking on leftovers. We got the kids to sleep after the movie and came down and watched our Sunday night tv. Right around 10PM I heard a siren and then the lights of an ambulance and fire truck pulling up to our next door neighbors - I hope everything is ok. We didn't feel like being too in the window so I am not sure if anyone actually left with the ambulance or not.
My feet are sore today and it travels up to about my knees with the numbing sensation. I have my pre-op physical tomorrow morning - oh yeah! Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Busy bunny day

Nick came down the stairs silently last night to bring me up to bed around 1:30AM - I wasn't quite ready for bed yet and tried to get him to cuddle with me but no such luck. Ellie, Rob and I were up early, Nick slept in. I was wet when I woke up and quickly found that dear old Scarlett had burst through the wax ring and was draining out - yuck. All I can think is that I have been doing wii and getting a bit sweaty and the sweat is wearing down the barrier. If this is the case I am surly certain I am happy we are parting ways before the summer. I did my first solo Scarlett change but I knew I would head to Mom's later and get a good change. Rob took Ellie to Dominick's for the 7:30AM egg hunt. Dad took Jo and me every year - a fun memory.
Nick woke up while Ellie and Rob were out and I got him some breakfast. Ellie and Rob came home and Ellie nicely shared her loot with Nick. Rob was out the door to go help a friend work on his house. We were busy bunny elves today. I put away 3 baskets of laundry - took forever. I decided to forgo cleaning until tomorrow but we did as much baking prep as we could. We made 4 loaves of banana chocolate chip bread and 2 loaves of cranberry orange bread. We made a broccoli cheese quiche and broccoli tofu quiche.
We took a quick break to go to the Skokie Park District egg hunt at Oakton Park. It is fun to see how it has grown over the years - it has been about 5 years since we were last at that one. Nick was in the grass and Ellie's hunt was in the park. They both got about 2 dozen eggs and were smiling ear to ear. We came back home and finished our baking up and put away all the ingredients.
I got lunch ready for us and then cleaned lunch up and I was pooped. I went to cuddle with Nick on the couch and I felt my eyes getting heavy and soon I was asleep. Rob called to say he would be home soon and I drifted back to sleep. Rob came home and the kids met him at the door begging to go outside and play. I drifted in and out of sleep until a bit before 4:00PM.
I dropped by Christi's to bring them their Easter bag. Christi was ahead of me and dropped a lovely basket full of yummy treats by Friday evening. We had some time to catch up and visit, plan our coffee date this week. I stopped by Mom's and we changed out Scarlett. Not really to worse for wear - a bit red. We discussed our menu for tomorrow and I took some oranges home.
I got home and I got Ellie into the shower and then Nick into a bath. I switched out loads of laundry and washed the kitchen floor - Ellie had spilled jelly on the floor today and the stickiness was spreading rapidly. We had dinner and then the kids watched Here Comes Peter Cottontail.
This is the first year we are not having my big, fat Easter brunch. It took a bunch of pro/.con lists in my head to come to the decision but with school events picking up, medical appointments and Rob working so much I just didn't think it was feasible to have 2 dozen people over. We are having our usual family Sunday group plus UB and Dean over. Hopefully we will be able to get together with the whole gang this summer when things normalize. I find myself heavy eyed again right now - I wonder if iodine can make you sleepy?
Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree
Happy Easter!

Turn on your left side

Last night actually was better than I had envisioned - Nick didn't start coughing badly until around 4AM - I got a good 2 hours of sleep. Ellie was up super early and then Nick slept in until around 8AM. I got clothes ready and got breakfast for Nick and I - Ellie had already eaten. Pretty quick morning here because I needed to get the kids to Mom and Dad's so I could get to the hospital.
Ellie and Nick both packed bags to bring to Mom and Dad's - scrapbooking stuff, trains and movies. I got the kids settled and then I was off to the hospital. I checked in and was told to undress (leaving underwear, socks and shoes on) and put on 2 hospital gowns and sit in the waiting room. It was a pretty glamorous picture - blue gowns, white socks and birkenstock clogs and my un-shaven legs.
I was called and was escorted to a room I haven't been in before. On the way the tech asked me to verify my name and birth date and I did but then I looked at him and asked if he seriously thought anyone would trade places with me for this procedure? We laughed. I was then told to remove the underwear, socks and shoes I was told I could leave on minutes earlier - hmmm - wouldn't it be easier to take everything off at once?
I was helped up onto an elevated table and told to lie flat. The tech (whose name I can't recall - Ted, Brian, Brad - something like that) adjusted an overhead x-ray machine to take an initial x-ray and show it to the doctor. Just like CT scans - deep breath in, exhale out completely, hold breath. The tech asked if I was told about the procedure and I said a little bit but I googled it. He briefly described what was going to happen and pointed to this huge bag of "dye" that would be injected via a catheter. I jokingly said I hope it wouldn't be the entire bag and he did a nervous laugh and said we would just have to see when the scope was on.
Dr. Gore (seriously, a different medical branch might be more appropriate) came in and once again explained what he was going to do and added he would start with a rectal exam. Turn on your left side and breath normally - yeah sure, I've heard that one before. He did his exam and then fed the catheter. I was nervous about this part because I ready some bad things. I have no clue how much of the bag of liquid actually entered my body but I felt pressure and bloated. I was told to move into certain positions and move my legs and hip various places and multiple images were taken. The catheter was taken out and I was told to use the washroom except nothing really came out. I came back out and the tech had me get back on the table for one last x-ray and then he helped me down and told me I could put my underwear, socks and shoes back on to walk back to the waiting room where I could get completely dressed.
The great news is that I have no leaks, holes or tears. I got dressed and went back to Mom's. The kids were watching different things, Ellie was in the kitchen watching cooking and Nick was watching Bernstein Bears. I did finally feel the need to get some of the dye out. Once again, I was not told what to expect after the procedure today - bleeding, how long the dye could take to leave my body - any of that kind of stuff. We had lunch and Dad played trains with Nick while Mom, Ellie and I ran out to get some ingredients for recipes. We all cuddled on the couches and watched Kit Kittridge this afternoon and then we packed up to go home.
I got eggs boiling for decorating tonight and then I ran out to the store to pick up the last of my ingredients. I stopped at Menards to pick up replacement light bulbs and a new fixture for the basement. The basement light fixture has been replaced about 4 times now - it is right under the living room and I think it might be all our dance parties that vibrate the fixture and burn them out.
I came home and we set up the table to dye eggs. We solid colored the eggs initially and then went back when they dried to do detail work. Ellie polka dotted most of hers and Nick pretty much re-dyed the entire egg. I love Easter eggs - they are so festive. We had dinner and then we bleached the kids hands before sending them up for bath time. I took advantage and did wii for a bit and then we got the kids ready for bed. Pretty quick bedtime tonight - the kids are looking forward to Easter egg hunting tomorrow morning.
I have a completely stuffed nose right now - I hope I am not getting sick and this is just the beginning of allergy season. I think all the dye has left my body now - the bloated feeling has gone away. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

All I can say is its Thursday

The usual around here last night and this morning. The kids were up too early for going to bed a bit late last night. We had breakfast, got Ellie a snack and then she was off to the bus. Nick sat in the window watching to make sure she got on the bus ok. I took Nick to school and then came back here to start cleaning our very trashed house.
I focused on the living room for the morning. I got everything out of there that didn't belong and I vacuumed and magic erasered the walls. I started in the dining room but wasn't motivated so I moved to the kitchen. I tried a magazine tip to clean the stove and I think it worked pretty ok - you pour boiling water on the grime and gross stuff and then you put a fabric dryer sheet int he water and the ick magically lifts.
I went to pick Nick up and then we went over to Mom and Dad's for a bit. We stopped for a milkshake for Nick. We had lunch together and then Nick played trains with Dad and Mom and I watched cooking tv. Nick and I cruised home to get Ellie off the bus. We came home and I finished clearing and cleaning the dining room table and then worked a bit in the back room. I still have some more work to do tomorrow but it looks so much better than it did this morning. I seriously don't think I have cleaned up since Nick's birthday party 3 weeks ago.
Rob came home and we had left over dinner at the clean table. The kids were watching Arthur and Rob was on the computer so I went to do wii Just Dance. Soon Nick and Ellie were down dancing with me. My arms are sore now but I figure I have to start doing some more moving around. We came up and had vitamins and medicine and brushes teeth and got the kids tucked in. Nick went to sleep super quick and I kissed Ellie goodnight but I was soon upstairs again because Ellie came down to let me know it sounded like Nick was going to throw up coughing so hard.
I went upstairs and Nick was indeed coughing pretty hard and his face was pretty red and he was sweaty and clammy. I tried to get him to drink some water but we was really sleep talking. I grabbed a garbage can because I knew the sound all too well. Nick is not a good thrower-upper. He does not lean forward or actively try to release fluid from him, he freezes and turns bright red. We ended up using the garbage can and Rob came up to help and Ellie refilled his water and got him kleenex. I made him some tea with honey and Rob stayed with him and told him some stories.
I forgot. I called anesthesiology today and requested Dr. Szokol again for my surgery - no promises but they will try. I have my lower GI tomorrow and I know that this should be a walk in the park but I am getting nervous. When I was diagnosed last year I got very use to dropping my pants and people poking and prodding my butt but that hasn't happened in some time now. From what I understand, I will go into radiology, get set up in a lovely hospital gown and they will inject the dye via a catheter into my butt. I will wait for a designated time and then they will take a series of x-rays.
My confusion comes in because I have no prep for this procedure not do I have the necessary means for the dye to leave my body. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Is it too much to ask for a bit of sun?

I was playing on the computer around 2AM when I heard footsteps upstairs. I went up and tucked Nick back into bed - I think his coughing woke him up. Usual morning - breakfast, snack & off to the bus stop. I flipped loads of laundry and then it was time to take Nick to school.
I went to Meijers after I dropped Nick off, looking for new food ideas.
It was nice to be able to look around without a kid going nuts - so I spent almost an hour there. I found things I always forget to pick up because I was able to leisurely stroll. I had picked up a Thomas box car set for an Easter present for Nick and was thinking of what I could get for Ellie and I saw the new Sharpay (High School Musical) dvd came out today - bingo! I was able to pick up stuff for Millietime and some extra things for Easter. Eggs were so cheap I got another dozen and I will let each kid color a dozen - egg salad for the next few weeks around here.
I still had some time so I stopped into Wings resale - no finds there today. I ran into Panera and got a cup of coffee and a loaf of french bread and then I was off to get Nick. Nick and I came home and Nick helped me prepare food for Millietime tonight. We made a fruit salad and a pasta salad and then I cut up some bread and cheese. Nick and I had lunch and watched some tv this afternoon. AT&T finally came out to fix our static phone line - provided endless entertainment with the worker up in the cherry picker on our phone pole in the back alley.
We walked down to pick up Ellie from the bus - I need the sun to make an appearance soon. Ellie came home and took a quick shower before starting her homework. The best find of the day came when I went into my closet and realized I am not almost out of Scarlett supplies - I had an entire box from Mark Drug that I hadn't opened - Scarlett is back to every other day changes! We headed off to Mom and Dad's to visit before Millies. Mom (Tony) and I changed out Scarlett which was very confusing for T today because he thought Sca-lott had chocolate all over and Mom felt the need to go into details which led to some very funny faces, hmmmms and then utter distraction.
We went to Mrs. B's for Millietime - we were having a virtual baby shower for Kelly via skype. We had such a spread of food and pink and blue drinks. The kids were entertained with toys and then the trampoline. Kelly opened her presents and all her one of a kind onesies. It was a very nice evening. We did out baby pool to guess sex, date, weight and hair.
We came home and it was vitamin, medicine, brush teeth and bedtime. Pretty quick sleep tonight - I think they were both worn out. Nick's cough makes it hard to settle in quickly. Rob and I got to visit a bit before he went up to bed. Time is flying - surgery is 2 weeks from today. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Rain, rain go away

Usual night around here - I was hoping Nick would sleep in a bit longer this morning but he didn't. We had breakfast, packed snacks and switched laundry loads. Ellie got off to the bus with her umbrella and I got Nick dressed and ready for school. He insisted he needed his umbrella to get into school from the car - about 30 or so feet.
I stopped by Salvation Army and lucked out on jeans for my ever elongating Ellie. I have been looking for something to wear for Easter but the way the weather is going a sweater might just work out fine. I did find a sleeveless floral shirt but that might have to wait for the summer. I still had time so I ran into Big Lots and got some food items.
I picked up Nick from school and then we came home for lunch. Nick isn't himself right now, he is most likely getting a cold but he is congested, has a dry cough and a tiny fever. I think because he isn't feeling right he goes from fine to frustrated very easily. It took a lot of time to fix lunch today because of this. I transferred laundry loads and then we went over to Mom and Dad's house so they could watch Nick while I took Ellie to CW.
I picked Ellie up from the bus stop just as the rain started to pick up again. We came home for a snack and washroom stop and then we were on our was up to see Trish. I forgot, we submitted our Girls on the Run entry today and I got a response from the office saying they still have my letter hanging up from the Fall - keep your fingers crossed. Ellie did her homework on the way up and I got a few minutes to talk with Trish before she met with Ellie. Ellie and I discussed her therapy needs and we have decided to finish out with Trish and then see how the summer goes - if we need to find someone again, we will.
Ellie and Trish played playground games today - hopscotch, hula hoops bozo buckets. I got an email while I was there saying I had won a contest I entered today to win a Easter dvd - winning streak can continue. Ellie and I filled up the gas tank (thank you Lake County) and went to get Nick from Mom and Dad's. Ellie helped Mom do some hidden object computer games while Nick finished up playing with trains with Dad and then we came home.
We had leftovers tonight - I need to clean the fridge out to re-stock with new stuff. After dinner Rob helped me shuffle laundry baskets up and down the stairs and then he played with Nick while I caught up on email and Ellie searched the internet for origami videos. Ellie has really gotten into origami - and she was trying to make a jumping frog tonight.
Long bedtime tonight - prompted by Nick dumping his Claritin in the sink before he drank it and me trying to get saline spray into his nose. Completely tired me out! Rob and I caught the last part of Dancing and then Parenthood and watched the marvelous lightening outside.
My feet were a bit better today not as sleepy feeling. The brown spots on my hands are finally beginning to fade. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Snow? Seriously?

Usual night around here - Nick slept in this morning. Ellie and I got some time together this morning while Nick was still sleeping - we ate breakfast together. I changed loads of laundry and then Ellie and I heard Nick yelling good morning to us. We got Ellie off to the bus - had to dig out mittens and a hat. Nick and I lounged around for a bit before getting dressed and going over to Mom and Dad's. Mom and I changed out Scarlett and I knew she was going to be red and yucky today because I could feel the burn yesterday. I have enough supplies for another 7 changes and I am trying to stretch changes out so I don't have to order again. We did a hefty build up so hopefully we can get 3 days without too much breakdown. I had a 30% off Kohl's coupon so we headed to Kohl's and Trader Joe's this afternoon. I was able to find 2 sweaters and hand towels - all 90% off plus 30% off. Nick loves Trader Joe's because he gets to push a little cart. We found some dessert treats - mini ice cream cones and ice cream bars and some chocolate chip cookies. We hurried back home to pick up Ellie from the bus - got here a few minutes before the bus. I got my medical genetics report today and basically I could picture in my head a half tone ink sprawled across the pages that read 'fluke'. There is nothing in my genes that leads anyone to a rectal cancer diagnosis. My tumor didn't test positive (in 2 different tests) for Lynch so that basically provides me with 93% certainty ruling that out. We went back to Mom and Dad's house and Dad took the kids out for a walk - they were little icicles when they returned. We stayed for a bit before cruising to Aldi and then home. Strawberries were .99 - so we stocked up. We came home and Ellie cleaned out her backpack while I got dinner started - rigatoni, veggie medley, strawberries and garlic bread. Ellie was a big help and we watched Dancing while having a picnic on the rug. I got laundry loads switched and then Ellie and I went to work with our contest entry. The school isn't sponsoring Girls on the Run this Spring but Ellie and I still have plans to attend the race. There is a contest to win 2 race bids, dinner at American Girl and an overnight stay at the Drake. Rob got home and we got the kiddos to sleep - lightening fast bedtime for Nick. My feet are bothering me - I don't enjoy the whole feeling asleep alternating with pins and needles. I thought I was done with the peeling but yet another layer started to peel off today. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Sunday Sunday

I played on the computer last night - found an ultra addicting game. I went up to bed around 2:30AM but wasn't really tired. Around 3:00AM I heard little footsteps and then the gate opening - I think Nick might have been sleep walking because when I tried to stop him from going downstairs he just kept saying no to me. I got him back to bed and then tried to get myself to sleep too. We were all up before 8:00AM. We read the paper and ate breakfast and just hung out until it was time to got to church for Palm Sunday. We went to church and it was a nice service. Rob's childhood friend was in town this weekend and met him at church - so the kids and I went home and Rob went out to lunch. Ellie and Nick planned on the trip home that they were going to play with Ellie's dolls when we got home. Nick helped Ellie move things downstairs but ended up watching Max & Ruby instead of playing. Rob was dropped back home by Justin - he came in to visit for a few minutes. I ran out to Target to try to find a storage container for Nick's trains - they were in 2 containers and spilling over. I found a great container and got some staples for the week. I found Rob and the kids outside when I got home. We went over to Mom and Dad's for dinner - ordered Chinese. After dessert, Dad took the kids to the park. We came home and got the kids ready for bed - changed sheets on the beds. Rob and I were both down on the couch by 7:45PM. We watched our Sunday night tv and Rob just went up to bed. Just foot numbness issues today - not too bad. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Rainy rummage day

Nick and I slept in this morning until 8:00 AM. We went downstairs and I made breakfast and we got clothes on and planned out our morning. We left Rob at home and were off to rummage sales. We started in Evanston - no luck at the first sale - prices were way too high. We lucked out with a few things from St. A's - craft kits, puzzles and a cash register. We had a major costume score at St. Francis - chicken, pirate, jester and batman. I was also able to find Ellie some jeans and a couple games. We finished in Wilmette and we found a Buzz Lightyear costume, some books and a puzzle. We headed to Cici's for Tony's kids birthday party. Nick made good on his promise to try noodles when he turned 4 and he ate about 10 noodles. Ellie was a big helper and replenished plates for the kids on the far side of the table. We drove Mom home because Dad left after lunch to get home for the meter reader. Rob was helping a friend out this afternoon so we stayed at Mom and Dad's until late afternoon. The kids tried on all the costumes and I have to say that provided some very good laugh therapy. Mom and I warmed up on the couch together while Dad took Ellie and Nick downstairs to play. We left and went to Fresh Farms to get groceries. It was so crowded there for a Saturday evening in the cold, wet weather. I knew when the kids kept asking for just about everything that we should never have come shopping hungry. We came home and Rob was already home and helped us unload the car. I fixed the kids sandwiches and fruit for dinner and they showed Rob all their treasures from the day. We got the kids to sleep which took forever for Nick to finally knock out. My feet have a very different feeling today - they are numb with an underlying tingle. I realized how numb they were when I was rubbing them in with lotion and didn't feel the rubbing. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Rainy Friday

I feel like I just blogged but it has been about 12 hours... We got Ellie off to the bus stop this morning but she came back to get gloves and a hat because it really was brisk out there this morning. Nick and I had a laid back morning - we stayed in our PJs until lunchtime. We streamed some cartoons on netflix and just had cuddle time on the sofa. We had a major breakthrough today and I am so very proud of Nick. We got dressed and went to the bakery for a treat and then picked up food to take to Mom and Dad's. We ate lunch and then we hung out. Dad and Nick took their afternoon walk again - all bundled up and they even beat the rain home. Mom and I changed out Scarlett - fyi, since my life with Scarlett is coming to an end soon I did take some pictures today and will be sharing them over the next few weeks. Nick and I cruised home - Rob was home early because he went in early this morning - Nick put him right to work playing trains upstairs. I went to get Ellie from the bus stop and we told her that we had plans. We packed up snack bags and then we were off to see Rio. The movie was cute - Nick's favorite part was the part in the commercial where the big bird starts his rap and it ends with him saying drop it, drop it, drop it low. Ellie's favorite part was when the evil bird gets flung out of the plane with the fire extinguisher. We got a bag of popcorn and no, I resisted the temptation and just ate m&m's with Nick. After the show we had dinner at Chili's. Nick was an eating machine - finishing his entire meal and then Ellie's oranges. We came home and Ellie showed Rob how to make origami lotus flowers - she learned how to make them today at school. I gave Nick a bath and then we got ready for bed. I have discovered if Nick cuddles with a stuffed animal or his baby he knocks out almost instantly. Tomorrow is a busy day - a huge amount of rummage sales. My feet are still having the numb/pins and needles feeling but I did find this tiny sample of this product that is made from olive oil and beeswax and my feet were so happy to be rubbed in with it. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Stupid internet

Chemo brain has fried my short term memory so here are the highlights from yesterday. When Ellie was off to school and I dropped Nick at prechool I had 2 hours to myself - woohoo. I met Christi for coffee and catch up time - so nice. We weren't in a rush or interrupted and it was just good to talk about life. Mom and Dad picked Nick up from school so I met them back at our house - we went back to Mom and Dad's for the afternoon. We had some lunch and then went out to do some shopping/sample eating at Whole Foods. Dad and Nick took a walk when we returned and Mom and I had some time to read through magazines. Nick and I picked Ellie up from the bus and then we came home - it got cold out over the day. I read through 'Supergrandpa' a few times to get the Swedish words down with a flow. Rob came home and the kids played for a bit in between watching their favorite parts of Nanny McPhee. We had a snacking dinner and then Ellie and I walked over to school for Family Reading Night. I didn't realize it got colder still and both Ellie and I wished we had taken our gloves with us. We got to school and we got to our places - I was in the preschool room to read and Ellie had arranged to supervise the Hands Helping Haiti table and thank people for their donations. Mrs. Bart told me that this Hands project has really helped Ellie focus on things other than my health. She said Ellie is really wonderful at being the forelady - great to hear. I read 'Supergrandpa' during the 3 sessions and the kids were wonderful and asked fun questions about the book and the illustrations. After the sessions I met the kids and Rob down in the gym to pick out a book to take home with us and then we were on our way home. We tucked the kids in and then when Rob and I were trying to get online we realized we couldn't. This morning seems to be a bit better - we can connect but it is slow. Anyone have any opinions about Comcast for internet and phone service because I am leaning that way. My feet are pretty numb today with underlying pins and needles deep into the skin. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Internet down will post tomorrow

All scheduled

Fell asleep on the couch last night and went up to bed around 4:30AM. Normal morning - the kids were up early and I was able to take a quick shower before they killed each other. Ellie got out to the bus and Nick has started hanging out in the window and knocking on it to wave to the kids as they pass our house. Nick and I were off to school and I think he has developed a crush on his one teacher because he wants to bring her flowers. I went to Mom's to help her finish up her taxes and change out Scarlett. We were able to finish her taxes before I needed to leave to pick up Nick. Nick and I came home and had lunch and I was able to call Dee to schedule my appointments. I will go for my lower GI on Good Friday and I will go for my take down on the 5th of May - 1 year and a day from diagnosis. I scheduled my pre-surgical physical for the week before. I found out that I can't have the lower GI and CT scan done at the same time because the CT prep can interfere with the dye used for the lower GI and vice versa. I emailed Margaret to ask if I should do my CT and blood work before my surgery or if I can wait until June. She emailed me back saying she would check with Dr. Marsh to see what he wants to do. Nick and I went to Northwestern early learning lab for a research study this afternoon. It was a different lab than we usually go to and Nick was a bit apprehensive and wouldn't talk during the actual session - he just roared like Lightening McQueen from Cars. At the end of the session he was able to pick out a book. We took advantage of being at NU and went for a walk along the lakefront. We stopped in at Mom's so Nick could tell them all about 'college'. He is always so excited to go there. Mom and Nick made up some snack mix and then we were on out way back home to get Ellie off the bus. Ellie had finished all her homework yesterday so we were able to go right outside. It is so nice that the weather is getting a bit warmer and the sun is staying out a bit longer. Rob came home and I talked with him for a bit and suggested that he might want to take the kids out for dinner. I had plans to go out for dinner with 2 of my grade school girlfriends, Dena and Laura. Rob cruised off with the kids to go to Red Robin and Dena came to pick me up. Dena and I had a wonderful chance to catch up on our drive to meet Laura. We haven't seen Laura in 22 years but we have been able to catch up over facebook. We had a great dinner and spent hours visiting - such a wonderful time. Eventually, it was time to say goodbye and go home but I had a great time catching up and comparing journeys with my friends. When I got home Rob was still up so I got to visit with him and he actually stayed up and watched George Lopez with me. I am feeling very accomplished today - lots of plans in the work. I thought it was fitting to have the take down a year after especially since Dr. Muldoon said on our first visit that this would represent a year in my life. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Difference in opinions

Usual night around here - I fell asleep on the ouch and woke up a bit after 4AM and went up to bed for a couple hours. Ellie was up before us and was already downstairs eating breakfast. I got clothes out for the kids and then Nick and I went down. Ellie and I packed her lunch for school and got her snack ready. Ellie walked to the bus stop and Nick tried to escape to walk with her. I applied my lidocaine and then Nick and I were on our way to school. I dropped Nick off and headed to Kellogg to see Dr. Marsh. I checked in and waited for my blood draw labels and went up to see Julia. Julia did my port draw and flush and then I was up to see Dr. Marsh. I don't know if the needle was a smaller gauge today or what but I have to say that the draw didn't hurt as much as the infusions did. Tammy, Dr. Marsh's nurse practitioner, came to get me and we went over my lingering neuropathy issues and my medications. Tammy did my exam and she called me tiny - not how I think of myself but I thanked her. Dr. Marsh came in and we discussed my neuropathy, my meeting with Carol last week, my appointment with Dr. Muldoon. On his agenda for me - a CT scan and labs in about a month and then to get Plum removed because I don't need the reminder of what it was there for. He said it is a very short procedure - they re-open the incision, pull the catheter out and stitch me shut. Of course, as predicted, Dr. Marsh wasn't cool with the no colonoscopy - he said that although Dr. Muldoon has very skilled hands they are not skilled enough to find polyps. We compromised and I said I would go this summer sometime. My white blood count is low - lower than it was most of my chemo. I went to get Nick from school and we picked up some milk to make milkshakes. Mom called to say come over for lunch so we stopped at home and made our shakes and then went to Mom's. After lunch I helped Mom get tax stuff done and helped Dad with some online forms. I got an email from Margaret saying she was bummed that we did cross paths today but to call her for my test results. I gave her a quick call and she told me the levels were back on my hormone blood work and we can pretty much conclude from the levels that I am post-menopausal. At least now I know if I see blood it is something that needs to be addressed because it shouldn't be there. Mom and Dad offered to watch Nick while I took Ellie to see Trish. Dad and Nick were going to go on a walk and enjoy the sunlight. I came home and got Ellie from the bus stop. We stopped in to get a snack and I grabbed a magazine to read and we were off to Cancer Wellness. Ellie did her homework on the way and I watched the trees and bushes and was amazed to see what the warm weather has done to the foliage. I hung out on the couch and read while Ellie had her session with Trish. When they were through Trish asked us to talk about what we might want to happen when she moves to California in a few weeks. I guess we will have to see when surgery is complete how Ellie is - in my mind, that is pretty much the final chapter but Ellie said she might like to still talk with someone. We drove back to Mom and Dad's to pick up Nick and Jo and T were over playing and visiting. Nick went with Mom and Dad to get their haircuts and was a well behaved boy. We came home and I got the oven preheating for pizza. Rob and Ellie brought the laundry up from downstairs and I went to work folding and putting away. Ellie helped me spice the pizzas and put them in the oven and then we made smoothies. I am trying to find ways to sneak some more calcium into our diets. Ellie pretty much made the smoothies - frozen berries, greek yogurt and cranberry juice. We had dinner and the pizza and the smoothies were really good. We got vitamins, brushed teeth and got PJs on and then we read books and got the kids to sleep. Watched Dancing and Parenthood and here I am listening to Conan and blogging. Feet are pretty numb today. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Mellow Monday

I went up to bed relatively early last night and slept ok - it was muggy in the house. Nick woke up around 6AM and Rob got out of bed so Nick crawled up but never went back to sleep. Nick's talking woke Ellie up and we were all downstairs by 6:20AM. I made the kids breakfast and got clothes ready for the day. I did some laundry and got Ellie ready for school. Ellie walked to the bus and then Nick and I went to Mom's for the morning. Nick played with play-doh and the castle. It was time for his conference but Nick wanted to stay at Mom's - so I went to the conferees and Nick stayed. The conference was short and sweet and it was neat to find out how his skills and knowledge have grown since the fall. He got his yearbook - so cute. I went back to Mom's and we had lunch - yummy leftovers! Low-key afternoon, Nick and I came home after lunch and we went outside to play. Rob came home from work a bit early so I could go to my appointment with Dr. Muldoon. My appointment was good - Dr. Muldoon doesn't believe that I need a 1 year colonoscopy - he said he will do a scope while I am under anesthesia for my surgery. I will talk to Dr. Marsh about his tomorrow. I have to schedule a lower GI - dye is injected and then they take an xray to make sure there are no leaks or holes before I actively have things traveling there. I have to get a physical and a nose swab too. The debate is do I switch primary care doctors before the surgery or just wait until after? The surgery itself will take between 1-2 hours with a hospital stay 3-4 days. The recovery is not pleasant and I can look forward to about 3-4 bad weeks and the need to be around the toilet constantly. The good news - the prep for surgery is just 24 hours of clear liquids and nothing by mouth after midnight. I came home and Rob and the kids were outside still enjoying the day. I started a bath for stinky Nick and then Ellie and I were off to pottery class. We found the pieces we glazed last week and I have to say Ellie's cupcake is so awesome. Ellie I glazed the bowls we made last week and then we both had a bit of time to make something. Ellie made a box and I made a bowl and with leftover cut-outs - I made Ellie a lid for her box. Ellie looked at the lid and decided it should be a butterfly and did some work to my design. We phoned in an order to Dengeos and had 15 minutes to kill so we went to the grocery store to pick up some stuff for lunches and breakfast and ice cream for dessert. We got out dinner and came home. The kids had a picnic in the back room while Rob and I were at the table. We had ice cream and then we took the kids up for bed. A bit quicker night tonight. I will be interested to hear what Dr. Marsh has to say tomorrow and then I need to decide if there is a difference in opinion who I am going to listen to. My feet are pretty sensitive today and seem to have yet another layer peeling off of them. The hormone that controls hair growth must be back to normal levels because I had to tweeze my eyebrows today - something I haven't had to do in about 6 months. I better wrap this up because I need to read through the book I am reading for family reading night at school this week and get accustomed to the Swedish names and cities in the book. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Super warm Sunday

Hopefully this will work - our internet is not liking the wind outside and is very temperamental. Nick woke up and came down to get me a bit before midnight last night - I walked him back to bed and tucked him back in. We were all up early this morning. I made banana chocolate chip pancakes and Rob had made us some coffee. It was another long day for Rob but we at least got to eat breakfast with him before he needed to leave today. The kids and I got dressed and then we ran to Lowes to pick up the last part of Katherine's present - some fresh herbs. We came home and Ellie helped me re-pot the herbs and then the kids played around the house while I baked our french toast casserole. When it finished baking we headed to Mom's for brunch. The kids were sooo happy that it was warm today and they got to play outside the majority of the day. Jo, Tony and Katherine arrived and we sat down for a very delish brunch. We had cheese strata, french toast casserole, potato pancakes, fruit salad, bagels - it was very good. The kids quickly abandoned us to play with the neighbor boys. We got to visit without interruptions - it was very nice. The thermometer at one point read more than 90 degrees. The kids came in and it was very apparent they would require a very bubbly bath tonight - they were black with dirt. The kids had a drink and then we came home. We got home and took the kids bikes out and Rob pulled in - good timing. We sat and visited while the kids played. It is wonderful after a long winter to see all the kids playing and talking. We finally got the kids inside for shower/bath time and the water was filthy. We had sandwiches for dinner so we didn't have to heat up the house anymore than the hot day did. The kids zoned out to a movie and then we went up to bed. I thought for sure the kids would both just pass out but that didn't happen. Rob and I watched tv and it is still so warm inside. The breeze (the wind) is making it bearable. My feet were happy to be in sandals today but have been pretty pins and needles this evening. Another busy week ahead - appointments with Dr. Muldoon and Dr. Marsh, conference for Nick, dinner with old friends. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

WooHoo its Saturday

I fell asleep on the sofa last night and woke up around 4AM and really debated going up to bed but I did. Rob was up and out the door around 5AM and the kids were up around 7AM. We had breakfast and tried to decide if there was anything anyone wanted to do today - Rob wasn't going to be home until around 5PM. We got dressed and headed to a rummage sale. We lucked out on the craft front with some new in package art sets - a silk screen set and a screen printing set. We left that sale and headed to a block sale in the city. Ellie got a couple gallon ziploc bags full of barbie clothes - probably the best buy of the day. When I was a kids you could get a Barbie outfit for a dollar or two - now a silly bathing suit is $10. Nick got a boy Barbie - not Ken but some other boy. We came home and the kids played very nicely together with play-doh and then with Barbies. I made lunch and we took a break to eat and then we got ready to go and enjoy the sun that finally came out. The kids took their roller coasters out and went back and forth between those and bikes and scooters - the jeep! I did some yard work - I found out that the city will till pick up leaves. I ended up raking and bagging 90 gallons of leaves. I only got about 10 % of the garden beds done. Dad came over to drop by some electronics for Rob to take to work tomorrow. The city is having a Spring Greening day and they are recycling just about everything. Rob pulled up just as Dad was about to unload - perfect timing. Dad left and Rob and I visited on the porch while the kids played. I came in and got my french toast casserole assembled to bake tomorrow morning. We are having a birthday brunch for my Mom's neighbor, Katherine. I started a bath for the kids and then started dinner. The kids smelled so much better after their baths. We had dinner and then I ran out to Michael's to pick up some supplies Ellie and I need for a project. When I returned home we got the kids to sleep. Rob went up to bed not too much later - he had a long couple days. I am feeling pretty good today. I have noticed my balance is a bit off, Carol told me this is part of the neuropathy. Looking forward to short sleeves tomorrow. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Fun Friday

Another short entry tonight because our internet connection keeps going in and out and I don't feel like losing everything tonight. Usual morning around here except Nick slept in. After Ellie went to school Nick and I went to Mom's house and hung out. We had lunch and then went grocery shopping. Mom and Dad dropped us at home after the shopping and we had a bit of time before we needed to get Ellie. We got Ellie and came home and I had the kids pack their candy bags and I cut up this ginormous apple we had found at the store. We grabbed a couple bottles of water and then we were off to see Hop. We got there just as the previews were ending and the movie was starting. Great movie for kids. We left the theatre and I had coupons for free scoops of ice cream at the Chocolate Shoppe so we went there to finish off our date night. The kids have their favorite flavors - Nick's is superman and Ellie's is zanzimint - I tried the cherry fudge tonight - my new favorite. We came home and I told the kids we could pull out the sofa bed and continue our movie night with Nanny McPhee Returns. We watched the movie and snacked and then we got ready for bed. I got Nick to sleep and then tucked Ellie in. Rob came home about 3 minutes after I came downstairs and Ellie came down and asked if he would tuck her in too. We watched DC Cupcakes and then Rob went up to bed. My feet have been pretty numb today - I think I need to switch out of my Birkenstock for a couple days and see if it makes a difference. Had a wonderful night with the kids and I am sure we will have a great weekend with the weather warming up. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Sleepies have caught up with me

I think this will be a shorter entry tonight because I am tried. I fell asleep on the couch and had a 20 minute nap but I thinking I could fall out again. Usual morning round here. Nick found our stash of home videos and asked to put one in and we weren't able to leave the house after that for a few hours. Funny how the kids have grown up. Nick and I did leave to do some shopping late in the morning. We did a bog loop, thrift store, Von Maur, Kohls, Target, Whole Foods, HomeGoods. Nothing great today but we were able to get some gifts that we needed for baby and wedding showers and birthdays. We had lunch at Target and Nick looked at me about half way through and asked if we were having a date - yes! Nick also has reached the age where he just blurts his thoughts out and I was mortified when he blurted out, "Mom, why does that boy get to work at Target?" as the little person walked past. To make it worse he was getting food when we were and Nick just kept looking at him and asking about the little boy. We came home and got Ellie from the bus. Ellie did her homework and then we all watched some more home videos. Rob is working a whole bunch this weekend so when he got home I said I was going out to give him some time with the kids. I went to Gymboree to use my GymBucks - found some cute things for the kids on sale. I came home and made dinner - pretty much the best nachos ever. I had cheese, black beans and veggie chili on them and they were real good. I made some mini cinnamon rolls for dessert - also very good. I took a quick shower and ever since I have been so cold. My hands and feet decided to act up on the neuropathy train today. When I went to wash my feet in the shower I realized it was almost like my feet were asleep without the pins and needles just a bizarre feeling. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Some closure

I could not get sleepy last night so I ended up deciding I needed to go up around 2:30AM. Nick slept in again this morning but Ellie was already downstairs eating breakfast. I got all our clothes ready and then made Nick some breakfast. I packed Ellie's lunch and cut up an apple for her snack. Ellie walked to the bus and when the bas came I got Nick ready to go to Mom's house - I had my meeting with Carol from the survivor ship program today. I dropped Nick off and then was on my way to Kellogg. I checked in and Carol came to find me. We had a lengthy meeting - a bit over an hour. The meeting basically goes over all my chart from the date of diagnosis until today. We talked about radiation effects, I still have pain when a door hits my butt or when I try to use my hip to push something closed. This should lessen with time but might never be gone. We talked about surgery and how other than the compazine allergy the surgery and recovery were pretty much textbook. We discussed my folfox therapy and she had calculated out my total doses of each of the different parts of the chemotherapy. We talked about side effects that still exist - neuropathy, some depth perception issues which also could fit into the neuropathy category. Sleep or sleeplessness. Carol informed me that there is a blood test Dr. Marsh can run that would give me a clear picture if I am in active menopause or not. We spent a bit of time talking about what early menopause means higher risk for cardio-vascular disease, bone density issues - especially in the pelvic region because of the radiation. I am apparently more at risk for pelvic fractures - I will have to remember this next time I decide to fall down the stairs. We went over the 'standards' for testing and office visits - I guess the new normal involves a pretty steady schedule of doctor appointments. Carol gave me a huge folder filled with resources and we discussed symptoms that definitely need to be called into my doctor. By the end of my meeting with Carol I started to feel some closure to this chapter. I now know that after my list of May appointments and procedures I can now add a visit to an opthamologist, my ob/gyn and my new primary care physician. I went back to Mom's house and we had lunch together before we went home. Nick really wanted to watch his new dvd from the McSlaton family. When we came home he was more interested in playing with his trains. I did eventually convince him to come and cuddle with me and we watched Kipper on tv. We walked to the corner to pick up Ellie from the bus (which was so late today) and they finally hired a permanent driver. Ellie started her homework and then Mom and Dad came over for some playtime before dinner. Nick was happy to have a playmate while Mom helped Ellie finish her homework. After homework, Ellie and Mom tried out Ellie's spa craft kit - they were making oatmeal soap for the tub. I started doing dinner prep - cutting veggies and getting water boiling and the oven preheated. Rob got home from work and he was in a good mood. Mom helped me finish up dinner prep and then we sat down to eat. We had pasta, meatballs, broccoli, asparagus, garlic bread and fruit salad. Ellie made her own creation - garlic bread with meatballs, broccoli and noodles sprinkled with romano cheese. After dinner, Mom and Ellie read a book - Nick listened. Mom and Dad left and we got Nick into a bath. We went up for bedtime and Nick asked if I would cuddle him and he was out cold about 2 minutes later. Rob and I have been watching tv and talking - he went up to bed a little bit ago. My knee has been sliding in and out of place today - doesn't feel so good. I think I might be ready to give a pedicure a try in another few weeks. My feet are still peeling and still pretty sensitive but to soak and be pampered might just work. My hands are doing pretty good - they still have occasional pins and needle pain. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Tuesday - busy day

I heard footsteps upstairs around 11:30PM last night so I made the decision to stay on the couch a bit longer because I knew Nick was in my place in bed. I went up around 4:00AM and moved Nick over and went to bed. I woke up this morning and Nick was still sleeping but Ellie was downstairs. I got clothes ready for all of us and then woke Nick up and we went down for breakfast. Our phone line still is having issues - this morning the issue was the internet connection fading in and out. Ellie and I packed her lunch for school and got her a snack and then she was on her way to the bus stop. I got nick some sausages because he was still hungry and then we drove to school. I stopped into Salvation - nothing great today, although, I did pick Nick up a play-doh machine that Ellie has and Nick always beg to play with. I went to HomeGoods and looked through the clearance - found a few things for gifts I need. I went to BigLots and picked up cereal and juice and a couple other food things. I walked through Michaels but didn't find anything. I finished my shopping adventure at the produce store and was able to pick up things for the week. I picked Nick up from school and we went home to un-pack groceries and pick up Scarlett supplies which reminded me I needed to place an order for supplies. Nick and I stopped at Target before going over to Mom's. I picked up pizza crust for dinner and replenished our claritin and vitamin supply. Mom had lunch started when we got there. Tony was playing with me right from the moment I walked through the door. I picked him up for some love and he motioned for Dad to take him - Dad asked him to give me a kiss and I said that Tony didn't love me and to prove my point he cuddled into Dad's neck and looked at me and tuck out his tongue and I think he might have made a noise. We had lunch together and then Dad took the boys out in the yard to play and soak up the sun. I have to say that even though it was not warm today they all came in smelling like summer kids. Mom said she would watch Nick so I could take Ellie to her appointment with Trish. I left to pick Ellie up and gave Nick a kiss. I got Ellie from the bus and we came home and had a snack before we drove up to Cancer Wellness. I read all the table magazines while Ellie was in with Trish. When she came out we got gas (local friends and fam- gas is 3.95 at Lake Cook and Skokie Rd) and drove back to Mom's. Mom and I changed out Scarlett who is doing much better today - not really so red and not bleeding. We came home and Ellie did her homework while I put the pizzas together and got dinner ready. Rob started a bath for Nick and Ellie and we all ended up finishing up at the same time. The pizza was quite tasty and was liked by all because there was none to put away. We put the kids to bed and came down to watch Dancing and then Parenthood. I am watching (listening) to George Lopez while blogging and they just showed Drew Carrey - he totally doesn't look the same man. I am happy to report I think that maybe my recent ability to use my colon might now be closed again. How weird and bizarre but all the pressure has ceased. My feet have tingled all day and I am not sure why but some of the laundry that I brought up smells like buttered popcorn. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Million dollar question still unanswered

I went up to bed around 2AM - I was sort of waiting for the storm to die down and if the kids would stay asleep. Everyone slept through the storm and it was a rather quiet night. Back to school today, Nick woke Ellie up around 7:30. We went downstairs for breakfast and got dressed. I packed kiwi for Ellie's snack and got her lunch ready. I asked Ellie last night if she wanted to clean out her backpack - she said it wasn't in need, yet that is what she was doing 3 minutes before she needed to leave. Ellie got out to the bus and was picked up and I got Nick some more breakfast because he was still hungry. When I tried to call Jen Dore this morning I realized our phone line either had water or wind damage from the storm and had tons of noise on the line. I left a message for Jen and then called the phone company to place a service call - our internet also was flaky this morning. Before I took Nick to school I got a call that out issue was resolved. Nick and I went to school and he was happy to be there again. I dropped off some books at the library before coming home. Our phone was again noisy when I got home - so I place another call to repair the line. I got a call back from Jen and she said I should run my symptoms past Dr. Muldoon - so I emailed him with my story. I picked Nick up from school and we came home and got ready for Mom, Dad and Tony to come over and play. They brought leftovers from yesterday with them for lunch and then the boys went to play with the trains. I was off to my appointment with Dr. Hulick, the genetics doctor. Shelly, Dr. Hulick's assistant, sat and discussed my family tree for the first part of my appointment. I had to fill in this 10 page questionnaire about 3 weeks ago that dealt with my family cancer history and other health history questions and fax it into them in advance of this visit. I found out that my tumor and nodes were biopsied and that I do not carry the Lynch Syndrome gene. This means I am not at a higher risk for other particular cancers. Looking through my family tree there is nothing that jumps out. So the million dollar question is still unanswered - how does a 34 year old with no family history, hasn't eaten red meat in 24 years, has never smoked and isn't partaking in happy hour every night end up with stage III rectal cancer? The other good news was that I had no polyps present at my colonoscopy and hope the same happens at this next one. I was told there were a few tests I could pursue but chances of insurance covering them was not great and they most likely wouldn't tell us anything more - an upper endoscope - think colonoscopy of the upper GI and digestive system and blood screening (although the biopsy contains more info). The wonderful thing about the visit today is my tree will hang out in their computer system and when new genes are found and new information that is pertinent to me becomes available they will contact me. I can also contact them if anything comes up medically in my family tree and they will add it and advise. I came home and it was almost time to pick Ellie up from the bus - Dad and the boys came with and Nick drove in the Jeep with T. This made Dad a bit nervous - Nick driving and not having clear boundaries. Ellie did homework and Jo came to pick T up and then Mom and Dad left. I got a call from Dr. Muldoon who also didn't provide a wealth of security - he said he would check everything out at my appointment next week. It was likely that a ball of mucus loosened and passed and this is normal because my intestines are still living. Rob came home with a huge box for the kids to play with - the new entertainment for the week. Ellie and I left for pottery but not without Nick flipping out because we didn't take him. Ellie and I glazed and then made very similar bowl - I made mine and then Ellie decided it looked cool and made hers. We were able to pick up quite a few pieces that had been fired and were ready to take home. Ellie finally glazed her horse (about a year old) and took it home tonight. We picked up Dengeos on the way home I need to hit the grocery store tomorrow. We ate dinner and watched the first few couples on Dancing with the Stars before going up to bed. Both kids were asleep pretty quickly and then Rob and I were able to come down and watch the last few couples. I noticed while showering today that my feet have begun to shed another layer off - wonderful. TMI moment - my butt is officially sore and I can only imagine how very sore it will be after the reversal. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

So long Sunday

It was a late night last night because I wasn't tired - I went up to bed around 3AM. Nick woke up early - around 6:45 and was ready to go. Rob woke up around 7 and took the kids down to play and have breakfast. I went back to bed for about an hour. I had some coffee and breakfast, read the newspaper and then got the dining room table cleared off. I got the kids dressed and Rob took them outside for some fresh air. I talked to Christi for a few minutes comparing notes from spring break and confirming lunch orders for Su'nana and Catherine. Ellie was a super duper helper this morning. She got the kids table set up for Nick's party and got the crafts ready. Rob went to pick up lunch and Nick's guests arrived. Jo and Tony were first to arrive and then Christi dropped off the girls. Rob got home with food just in time for the kids to sit down and have hot food. After lunch the kids decorated wooden trains and we played pin the #1 on Thomas and put on Thomas tattoos. We opened up Thomas crackers and then had cupcakes for dessert. We ended Nick's party outside with bikes and scooters. We had a bit of down time before heading over to Mom's house for Family Sunday - we were celebrating Tony' birthday today. Mom had all T's favorite foods for dinner - mac and cheese, pizza, fruit, there was salad and ham and Grandma GG brought pork and stuffed shells. Jo had a death by chocolate cake for Tony. Needless to say, I thought I was done with the dual emptying until I ate dinner. I did some research and did find some posts to forums about the ability to have an active colon and an ileostomy and yes it is possible. One man said his doctor told him it was neurological and it was the waking up of his colon. Wonderful, I am glad my colon is awake now maybe it can nap until my reversal. Mom and I changed out Scarlett - she is not very happy right now - a bit of breakdown and tiny bit of blood today. I am placing my last order for supplies tomorrow. We came home and I really wasn't feeling great - I got PJs on and took a couple advil and set the hot pad and laid down on the couch. Ellie came and cuddled with me and then Nick came in too. We watched Monsters, Inc. and let the kids stay up a bit longer to finish the movie. I took a bit of a nap while they watched. Ellie went to sleep quickly, Nick not so much. I am listening to the huge storm moving through right now and was surprised that the temperature the news was reporting - 72 degrees? It was only 55 when we went over to Mom's tonight - must have risen. The thunder and lightening are very aggressive - wonder who will get up and who will sleep though the storm? I have my genetic counseling appointment tomorrow afternoon - interested to hear what he has to say. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Still foolin with me

I believe I might me ativan free now, haven't had it in a few nights now. I went up to bed around 2AM and dreamed of waking up healed. Rob went downstairs with the kids and I slept in. Unfortunately, the dreaming didn't work. We hung out here all day. Rob worked with Ellie to finish up the cabinet downstairs and trim it out - looks marvelous. Ellie, Nick and I put up Easter decorations. Each of them got a window to hang Easter clings up on and I strung out the lights and put out all the singing plush - I think we have more for Easter than any other holiday. Rob had to tape a soccer game today - so he left a bit after lunch and then Ellie went out with Mom and Dad. Nick and I played with trains and read some books and watched a video. Rob got home and finished up the base of the cabinet and got the tiles back down on the floor. I love it - we made one section just a huge bin for dress up clothes and we were able to get rid of the huge toy box that the clothes were in. Rob took Nick outside to play for a bit. I gave Nick a bath - poor kids, his arm where he got the shots yesterday is not only bruised but is completely red and hot. While Rob showered I got dinner ready for us, Ellie was staying at Mom and Dad's for dinner. Nick went to sleep quickly and Rob and I watched crappy cable. Ellie came home and told us about all her adventures and then Rob took her up to bed. Rob just went up to bed himself and I am not tired - could be a long night. We got the house cleaned up a bit this morning for Nick's party tomorrow, we are having Tony and Su'nana over to celebrate. So at least my washroom trips slowed today and I wasn't rushing to the washroom - still sucks! I ate a fiber filled dinner and I am hoping that paired with yogurt and a double dose of probiotics fixes this. I guess I can find a positive in this - I know the nerves still work, I am getting a bit of a preview of what is in store next month. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree