Plum is gone

I fell asleep on the sofa last night. I woke up at about 5AM with hip pain and contemplated going up to bed but stayed on the sofa until Rob came down to go to work. I went up to bed for an hour or so and my hip was absolutely killing me. I could not get comfortable in any position, with knee propped or legs bent. I tried Ellie's bed (firmer mattress) and I guess I was able to fall asleep there for a few minutes. Ellie came to get me to tell me the doorbell had rung.
I got the kids breakfast and started to pack Ellie's lunch. Ellie came upstairs with me and I handed her clothes for her and Nick. I took a shower because I figured I won't be able to get my skin wet for a few days. We dropped Ellie at camp and came back here so I could eat breakfast. Nick watched some tv and I checked email and then we packed up to go to Mom's house.
When we got there, Dad was outside with T, so we joined them. It was already so hot out this morning that we didn't last too long outside. We came in and I made a peanut butter apple roll up and had a glass of water before heading to the hospital. I checked in and was taken back to interventional radiology. I was given a lovely gown and slipper socks to wear.
I signed the consent form and was walked back to the room. Everything went quickly. One person was hooking me up to a blood pressure cuff and finger pulse meter. One person was prepping my skin with the green goo wash. One person was taping all the sheets to me. The PA, Kate, came in and told me she was ready to start. The lidocaine shot hurt like a good shot should hurt. About a minute later I was sufficiently numb and she began. I felt tugging and pulling and then she exclaimed it was out. We had to wait for all my tiny vessels to drain so I don't have a hematoma. My blood pressure was low today - 97/56 - 99/54 but pulse was high.
Kate sewed me shut and told me the name of a plastic surgeon at the hospital if I wanted to address the scar later. I got dressed and was given my discharge instructions. I stopped by Kellogg to talk with Stephanie, the social worker, about coming in for an hour or so with a setup for i2y. I have bracelets, pins, pens, posters and info to guide young adults to their website for info. Stephanie hadn't ever heard about them.
Oh, I forgot, I talked with Lisa at Immerman Angels this morning and I am officially in their database and can be matched any time now. I am very excited.
I went back to Mom and Dad's and the boys were playing. We stayed for a little bit before it was time to go pick Ellie up from camp. We stopped in at Steak n Shake for a shake, Nick tried a cherry limeade today. We got Ellie from camp and came home. Rob nicely took the kids straight to the pool to give me some time. I took an ativan before I went today and I was feeling drowsy after a crummy night of sleep.
As soon as they left, I curled up on the couch and was fast asleep. So deeply asleep that when the phone rang around 5PM, I was confused as to what day it was and where everyone was. I went back to sleep and slept until around 7PM. I got up and made dinner and that is when I first noticed the pain. A short throbby pain. It feels as if someone is piercing my skin about once a second with a dull pencil. Tylenol and arnica are not doing anything for this pain. An ice pack seems to work but I was told 15 minutes on 45 off and about 20 minutes into the off the pain is back.
Ellie and I went upstairs to read her book, we read until Ellie asked if we could stop. The storm that just went through was amazing with the lightening and thunder rolls. Amazed the kids slept through it. We finally settled on paint colors for the kids rooms and furniture today. Unfortunately, tomorrow will most likely be way too hot to paint the furniture outside.
This day has exhausted me. It was an extremely important day, the day that truly completes my cancer journey - the removal of the last medical necessity from cancer. I am hoping I will be able to get comfortable enough to get some decent sleep tonight. I can take another does of Tylenol around 2AM. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Wednesday

Took forever, again, to fall asleep last night. Looking at it now, I think this is anxiety about my port removal tomorrow. This morning we slept in a bit. I got clothes ready for the kids, got them breakfast, made Ellie's lunch and sunscreen and bug spray applied. Mom came to pick us up and we dropped Nick and Ellie off at camp.
Mom and I had our first solo trip out in a long time. We went to Hobby Lobby to look for fabric to make Ellie's new curtains. We found very cute multi-colored fabric that will compliment the Mary Engelbreit look she wants. I was also able to pick up a train plaque to personalize for Nick's room and a couple Mary Englebreit tins that Ellie can put pens or hair clips in on her dresser. We went to pick Nick up from camp and when I was signing him out the director said, "See you next week for the last day of camp." I cannot believe we have almost been through the first 4 weeks of summer.
We went back to Mom's house and Mom made us lunch - a delish bbq vegan pizza. Rob called with some sad news. Our friend, Sandy, had become an angel today. Sandy was one of the first people to connect with me after my diagnosis. She had been through what I was going through and could put words to everything I was feeling. Sandy was always one of the first people to seek me out at church to give me a hug. Always there to give me that pat on the back or positive energy, I know that Sandy's body is not suffering any longer. Many, many positive thougths for the Parker family.
I helped Mom work on a photo project while Dad took Nick and Tony to the park. When they got back, we went to pick Ellie up from camp. We went back to Mom and Dad's and Mom finished planting her flowers in the yard. Rob came over for dinner, we ordered El Famous. The kids enjoyed an ice cream cone after dinner and then we came home.
Ellie and I went upstairs and read her book for about an hour. We watched America's Got Talent and then got the kids into bed. Rob and I have been sitting on the couch listening to tv and playing on our computers. So, I tripped getting out of the chair at Mom's house today and did something funky in the process to my left foot.
I am sort of nervous about tomorrow - not the procedure itself but the possible pain. It is a very happy thing - my last medical necessity will be removed. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

A bit of this and a bit of that

Went up to bed around 2AM and could not get settled in, took forever to fall asleep. I remembered that Ellie had a field trip today and I couldn't remember if I washed her t-shirt or if it was in the closet. Those kind of random thoughts were running through my head. This morning Ellie was up first and Nick and I came down a bit after her. We had breakfast, I found that I had washed her t-shirt (bonus), we packed her lunch. I got her all pasty white with sunscreen and we were off to drop her at camp.
Nick and I came back here and I did some laundry and straightened up a bit. A little before lunch, I dropped Nick off at Mom and Dad's house. I had a quick bite to eat and then was off to Glenview to visit Patricia. When she looked at my tongue today she asked me how digestion was going. I said fine but she said my tongue indicated something else. Patricia attacked the top of my feet today - much nicer feeling than the bottoms. She also put needles in other areas she hasn't before. It was super relaxing because she left me alone for the entire hour, I almost fell asleep.
I stopped into a shoe tent sale and tried on some shoes but they were all still too expensive. I went back to Mom's to pick Nick up. Dad and Nick had an afternoon of park adventures. Mom told me how he was very specific about which parks he wanted to go today - even supplying walking directions. Nick and I went to pick up Ellie from camp. We came home and got our library books together to take back and do our check in.
We went to the library and did our check in and picked up a few of the books Ellie needs to read for Battle of the Books. We are going to really have to step up the reading because the books are all over 200 pages and she has 20 to read before school begins. We came home and Rob took the kids to the pool. I flipped loads of laundry and then put the baskets of laundry away. I changed the sheets on our bed.
I got dinner ready - breakfast for dinner. They got back from the pool and Rob got them showered while I cooked dinner. We watched America's Got Talent and I did Ellie's hair. Ellie has been trying to grow her hair out forever. We get to a certain length where it begins to tangle and then we cut it. I braided her hair for the wedding and I guess that is her new hairdo because she asked me to braid it again. We read the beginning of one of the new books before going up to bed.
Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Monday, Monday

It was a very sleepy house this morning. Ellie didn't wake up until almost 7:30AM and Nick not until 9:00AM. We had breakfast, got dressed and were on our way to camp. We dropped Nick off first - he was very happy to be able to wear his rain jacket and boots. I dropped Ellie off and then went grocery shopping.
I had a very quick shopping trip and a cart full of groceries and the most expensive thing in the cart was a jar of peanut butter for $3.09. Great $1.00 deals and I was able to stock up on non-perishables! I came home and organized the pantry food and the cabinets in the kitchen.
I picked Nick up and we went over to Mom and Dad's house. Tony was there and we had lunch and then the boys played. They made a cave in the living room and were pretending they were bears living in the cave. Nick did not want to leave when it was time to pick up Ellie.
We picked Ellie up from camp - I was happy they were able to have the last half of the day outside. We came home and the kids went to play outside. I fertilized my garden and watered the bushes. I have flowers on my squash and zucchini - so excited. Some of the beans also have flowers. My tomato plants are very slow growing this year even with fertilizer. I think all the plants will like the weather this next week.
Rob took Nick to the pool and Ellie and I were off to pottery. I glazed my tile and helped Ellie glaze her bowls. I was able to make Ellie 2 flowers to hang in her bedroom. Ellie worked on a present for someone. Ellie has been asking for weeks to have Wing Stop for dinner, so we did. We picked it up on the way home. When we got home, Rob told us how Nick's stomach was upset and he had to strip the couch and wash the floor between the back room and the washroom, poor boy.
I got Nick a yogurt for dinner, Ellie and Rob had their wings and I made myself a grilled cheese. The kids watched Cake Boss until it was time for bed. We got them to sleep and then Rob and I visited for a bit before he went up to bed.
I am tired, need a good night of sleep. I have an appointment with Patricia tomorrow - looking forward to it. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Happy day

I fell asleep on the couch last night and the next thing I know it was 6AM. I just stayed down here and not too much later Rob came down and then Ellie. Ellie said her head hurt her and then that led into a migraine and vomiting. Rob had volunteered for church and he went alone since Ellie was in no mood to go. Nick woke up just before Rob left.
I got the kids breakfast and we just sort of relaxed on the couch. Eventually, I got Nick in for a bath and then Ellie. I pressed our clothes for the John and Desiree's wedding. Rob came home and I took my shower and the he took his.
Mom and Dad picked us up and then we were off to Park Ridge for the ceremony. It was great to see our extended family we don't get to see often. What is wonderful about our family is we have this group of girls all around the same age and then this group on boys all around the same age. It was a very nice ceremony and we got to visit after for a bit before we were off to the reception.
The kids have been looking forward to this for weeks. To be able to dress up and dance. Nick was a dancing machine and was cracking us up. I think he might have watched one too many episodes of dancing with the stars because he has the body slide on the dance floor move down. Ellie loved being able to be with Claire, Pearl, Tara and Natalie.
Tonight was a bunch of fun, to be able to be carefree and live life is exactly what we need more of. We drove home and I thought the kids might zonk out but they didn't. Too much energy still pumping through their bodies. My feet aren't too unhappy with me today - I thought that was really a possibility with heels. I have to say, I am really enjoying this summer. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Lots of running around

Last night's sleep was not too great. I am happy to have the windows closed and I hope this helps everyone sleep better. Rob was up and out ultra early. I opened the gate for Nick and fell back to sleep for a bit. I think I might need to stop the afternoon iced coffee because I end up staying up until 2-3AM and get 4-5 hours sleep then.
Ellie and Nick were already eating breakfast when I came downstairs. Rob left the coffee on for me. I got the kids clothes ready and sunscreened them up. Dad was picking them up to go fishing. I went to TJ Maxx to return a dress and then ran into Marshalls and Old Navy. I was able to pick Ellie up a swimsuit on sale at Old Navy. I came home and waited for Dad to call saying they were coming home.
The kids had the best time fishing. This was really the first time Nick "got it". Both Ellie and Nick caught a few fish. The played at the park before heading home. I got them right into the car and we were off to Meijers. They were having a kids day Cars2 day. The kids got to make stop light treats, picked up some coloring pages and got a goody bag. The best part of our trip there was Tommy Blackhawk (the Blackhawk mascot). He was so funny. He was jumping into peoples carts as they walked by, he was climbing shelves, he climbed onto the conveyor belt, he brought the female employees bunches of flowers. Nick ran up to him to give him a hug and Tommy fell over and then jumped up and did a dance.
We did some shopping at Big Lots to replenish lunch snacks. We came home and Rob was getting home at the same time. The kids asked if Rob would take them to the pool - which he did. I went over to Mom's to paint her toenails. We visited for a bit before I came home. I fixed a salad and cut up some fruit and we were off the Park Ln block party by church.
The kids had a ball between the jump n joy and the zip line in the yard. Rob and I both got to visit with friends and had a wonderful time. Although we knew it had grown dark we weren't aware it was as late as it was. We came home - both kids fell asleep in the car. Rob was able to carry Nick in and put him into bed, Ellie walked in.
I think I got a mosquito bite on my foot but with the pins and needles , I don't really know. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

I am tired

I guess when all the windows are open and it gets down into the 60s the kids get cold. When I went upstairs last night, Nick was as close to Rob as he could be. I transferred him out of our bed and tried to fall asleep. We were up early this morning because the other downside of open windows is all the noise. The dogs next door started barking at 6:45AM and then the village came by with their trucks and chippers around 7:30AM to get all the downed branches. We all went downstairs and had breakfast and I got the kids clothes ready. I packed Ellie her lunch and then we were off to drop her at camp.
Nick and I came home and we watched Ponyo because we hadn't seen it in months. We went to Salvation and I was able to find a pair of shoes to wear with the dress to the wedding. As much as I love a cute pair of shoes, with feet that feel asleep all the time plus my clumsiness, heels are a definite no no. I was able to find a wedge slide in and I think I can pretty much rest assure that I won't break my ankle. We picked up lunch and came home.
I left Nick and Rob at home and went to pick Mom up so we could meet Jo, Ole & T at the hospital. We were invited to Jo's ultrasound - so honored. It is amazing how many details you can see in an ultrasound now. We got to see a full bladder, the heart beating, a full tummy...beautiful. After, Tony and I skipped around the hospital and played follow the leader. I dropped Mom back at home and came home.
The kids were playing outside with the neighbors. Rob and I talked for a bit before we cleaned the yard up and decided to call the kids in. We went up to their rooms and measured their rooms and furniture and mocked them up on graph paper. It let Ellie move the pieces of furniture around to different locations to see if she thought she would like them (without actually having to move them). We did the same for Nick's room - now we are just trying to decide if we sell his train table and make the trundle into a train layout.
We went to Lowes to pick out paint samples - a huge thing to get to pick what colors you want your room to be. We pulled about 2 dozen samples and will think about things tomorrow. We picked up dinner and came home. The kids finished watching Pippi Longstockings, they watched the first part last night. We went up to get the kids to sleep.
My feet have been strangely not great today. I am not sure if it has anything to do with wearing different shoes than I normally wear or what but they are very pins and needlish. My lower back has also started to bug me. It began on the last ride up to Michigan and has continued. I think I am going to start doing some physical training sessions to see what I can be doing to help my body along. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

3 in a row

Everyone slept well last night with all the windows open and fresh air traveling throughout the house. This morning we had breakfast and got dressed and just had a lazy time before dropping Ellie off at camp. Today they went to the sport park and played mini golf and Ellie tried the betting cages for the first time.
Nick and I came back here and watched Robots. I made myself a large iced cappuccino - delish. We went over to Mom and Dad's after the movie. We had lunch and then Dad and I took the boys for a walk. I was able to make it about 1/2 way through the walk before my feet started to act up. This is progress because last time is was only about 5 blocks. We stopped at the train tracks to watch the train pass under us and then went to the park for a bit. The boys didn't really play on the equipment, they ran all over instead.
We went back to the house for a bit before heading home to pick up Ellie. She had a great time at sport park and said her body hurt after the batting cages. We came home and were trying to think of things for them to do tonight. I had my stupid cancer bootcamp. We played outside with the neighbors and tried to think of pool alternatives because it was too cold to do that. We finally agreed to have dinner at home and use their bank certificates for ice cream after.
I left to go downtown - amazing how smooth a ride can be when it is not a Friday. There was absolutely no back ups on Lake Shore. I knew no one at the event tonight but it was very powerful to be in a room with 100 other people my age who have been through what I have been through. The topic tonight was oncofertility, which didn't really apply for me but I went to meet other people. I sat next to a lady named Ryan who just moved to Chicago from New Orleans. There was a survivor panel which was interesting.
I came home and signed up to be an Imerman Angel. It's 1 to 1 cancer support that is diagnosis and age based. I had considered signing up for support while in treatment but decided against it because I wanted my journey to be a positive one and didn't want to be matched with someone who might have had a negative one. I am excited to see what happens with this group because this was their toe in the water event and I think there is a definite need.
Exciting news of the day - I scheduled Plums departure procedure for next week. I am a bit nervous about this - it is the final step of this journey. It also brings no anesthesia, just a lidocaine shot before they re-open the incision and pull the port out. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Productive day

Last night was much better than I anticipated. I thought, for sure, with the storm and how nervous both kids were that we would have company in our bed at some time. We got up this morning and had breakfast and I got clothes ready for the kids. Nick had to wear his camp shirt again because the photographer who took camp pics on Monday didn't have film in her camera and didn't get the pics. Ellie had a pool day today.
The storm left about a dozen branches in our yard but that was nothing compared to a few blocks away. We saw whole trees up-rooted and down on the street. Ellie just kept saying, "Wow." We dropped Nick off for camp and the building had no power. Luckily, it is a nature center and it was a nice morning so they could be outside. Besides picture re-do day it was also rowing day. Nick got to go out in a row boat and tour the lake. They found turtles, fish and frogs.
I dropped Ellie off at camp and her campsite was littered in trees. I went to Salvation but it was fruitless because the power was out and they weren't open. The storm damage was everywhere. I came home and was very productive. I took care of the mess around the house. I was able to get the living room clean, the dining room table sorted and the back room sorted. I talked to Dean for a bit to catch up and make plans.
I picked Nick up and we came home and he helped me drag all the branches to the curb. I added the branches we had cut down during the week to the pile. Mom, Dad and Tony came to pick us up. We were going to grab lunch and go grocery shopping. Traveling to try to get lunch it was apparent that power was out everywhere. We ended up going up to Garden Fresh Market and getting lunch from El Famous.
The boys never cease to provide laughter. Nick was doing his dance in the grocery store - semi hip hop, semi riverdance, semi Peewee Herman. At one point T climbed underneath the cart and was laying on the rack getting a ride. We traveled home and on the way Tony kept telling me I was going to have to go for a wash down. Didn't understand what that meant but he thought it was liquid out the nose funny.
It took us so long to get back home because of all the lights out that we were able to pick Ellie up from camp. They dropped me and the groceries off and Mom and dad took Nick and Ellie home with them for a little bit. Rob was home and working on cleaning up my piles on the table. We took advantage of the kids being gone for some concentrated cleaning effort. We cleaned out the fridge and washed all the shelves and drawers. We loaded the clean fridge with the new groceries. We were able to get all the piles sorted and cleaned up. I got the downstairs washroom clean. I was able to vacuum the rugs and floor.
Mom, Dad, Ellie, Nick, Jo and Tony came over for dinner. We had a delicious salad, cauliflower, fruit, pierogi, sausages and burgers. The kids played for a bit after dinner. Ellie finally got to show Mom her yearbook. We tried to pull the sliver from Nick's foot but I thought the neighbors might report us to the police from all the screaming so we stopped. Everyone left and went home and we got the kids to sleep.
I have every window in the house open right now, it is beautiful out. I feel ultra great about all the things that got done today. My feet are feeling better than they did yesterday. Need to rally the troupes again - could you send some positive thinking my Uncle Mike's way, please. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

What a day

Could not fall asleep, again, last night. That being said, I was dragging this morning. We got up and got dressed and ate breakfast. I packed Ellie's lunch for her field trip to Lincoln Park zoo. I lathered on sunscreen because it was supposed to be awfully hot today. Nick and I drove her to camp and dropped her off and then came back here to plan out the day.
I emailed the lady about the furniture and got a response saying if we got there at 11:30 it was ours. I called Rob and asked him if we should rent a truck, we did. Nick and I had some food and then we left to head to meet Rob and the lady. The furniture will be great for the kids rooms. 2 dressers, a bookcase and beds (one with a trundle). We were able to load everything into the truck.
I had an appointment with Patricia this afternoon. Rob and Nick went to get some lunch while I went for my session. I told Patricia that my feet are so much better than they were. I thought this would limit the needles to the bottom of my foot but instead, it increased them. I, apparently, have very strong reflexes. Patricia would stand to the side while placing the needles so she didn't get kicked. I had needles everywhere today, feet, legs, hands and head.
Rob and Nick were in the parking lot when I got out. We picked up the truck and went home. Our neighbor, Kevin, was nice enough to come over and help unload the truck. We were able to squeeze (and I mean squeeze) everything into the garage. I think the plan is to sand and paint the beds (Ellie is still debating on colors) and then to most likely sand and paint the dressers and bookshelf.
Nick played outside with Rustine for a bit before it was time to pick Ellie up from camp. Rob went to pick up our second craigslist buy of the day. We bought another set of beds with brand new mattresses and bedding from a surgical resident at the hospital. The beds will go up to Michigan for the kids and the mattresses are for their beds here.
Ellie was hot and worn out from her field trip but the rain stayed away. Ellie and Nick switched into swimsuits and were out the door to play. I tinkered in the garden. I staked a couple plants and then fertilized. Rob came home and we unloaded the truck. The guy told Rob he would happily take any of the set back if we were unhappy with them.
Rob and I talked about wither going to the pool or to a movie and because of the heat we opted for the movie air conditioning. We went to see Judy Moody - cute movie. When we came out of the show the sky was rich with lightening and the wind was really picking up. We got home just in time to get in the house before the huge storm came. There was a loose dog roaming the sidewalk and not one I recognized. I tried to find a tag but there wasn't one on the collar. Ellie is allergic to dogs - so I couldn't bring it in. When the rain started the dog ran back down the street - I hope it got home.
Both the kids were pretty freaked out. I am not sure if it was storm related, missing dog related, Judy Moody zombie scene related or other. Police were on our street today and then our neighbor came over to talk to Rob. I guess there has been a few break-ins in the area, one across the alley. Sheds, garages and such. We told the kids about it so that they would help us get their bikes, scooters and such into the shed and we could lock the shed. Not sure if that had anything to do with the nervousness. Nick kept on talking about a man behind a tree and then he was onto monsters in a train car. I had to hold him to get him to fall asleep tonight.
Rob and I met up on the couch and were remarking we were real happy with our thrifty finds today. I think the kids are very excited about re-doing their rooms. Nick wants his bed painted orange - I am trying to talk him out of that. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and new normal, Tree

Lazy day

Went up to bed much too late last night but slept in this morning. I got the kids clothes out, got them breakfast and made coffee. I was able to take a quick shower before the kids were yelling at each other. Ellie and I got her lunch packed and then it was a search for her water bottle (left at camp on Friday).
We dropped Nick off at camp first. It was picture day today so he wore his camp tshirt and looked so cute. I dropped Ellie off at camp (indoor day because of the rain) and came home. I should have taken advantage of being kid free and went to look at shoes but I didn't. I came home and enjoyed a cup of coffee and breakfast while perusing craigslist for furniture.
I found a bedroom set with bunks plus a lower trundle, 2 dressers and a bookshelf - going to look at it tomorrow if it didn't sell tonight. I think we would separate the bunks and paint the dressers and new knobs but it would be great for the kids rooms. We have come to reality - we had plans to expand the house in the next couple years but I think that will most likely be pushed back. We told Ellie and Nick we would do mini makeovers on their bedrooms. Ellie wants to paint hers, which it really needs and she has measured everything and is mocking up her dream design on paper.
I went to pick Nick up and had a very un-successful trip to DSW. We seriously walked in and Nick began to run up and down the aisles and we left. We came home and had lunch and did some work in the garden. I got a few more transplants planted. It seems that everything is growing. We picked Ellie up from camp and went to the library for check-in. We came home and the kids played outside with the neighbor kids and I did some more planting and weeding.
Rob came home and we caught up for a bit before it was time to get Ellie dressed for pottery. Rob took Nick to the pool while we were at class. Ellie worked on the wheel tonight and was able to get 2 bowls done. I glazed a few of her pieces because I had no real inspirations for work tonight.
We came home and had breakfast for dinner. Peanut butter, banana pancakes and cheesy eggs. We decided with the sun staying out as long as it is we have pushed bedtime back because it is difficult to sleep when it is still bright out and the neighborhood kids are all still out playing and screaming.
Mom had jury duty today and was picked and has to go back tomorrow. I have absolutely no motivation to clean our house. There is just so much stuff that needs to be gone through. Time sort of stood still after my surgery and piles just keep getting larger. On a cleaning up, sort of note, I will have a Thomas the tank engine toddler bed and a Castle conversion bed for sale soon if anyone is interested. Visualising my healthy and continually healing and the new normal, Tree

Happy Father's Day

Friday seems like such a long time ago...
I know our ride up to Michigan took forever. Traffic stunk. By the time we reached the S curve on Lake Shore Drive Nick told us he needed to use the washroom - great. A not so quick stop at Millennium Park for a washroom drop off and pick up. Then Ellie needed a washroom about 10 minutes late, Skyway McDonald's stop. We stopped for dinner/gas in Michigan City and then finally to the cottage - total time close to 4 hours. I walked with the kids down to the soda bar for ice cream. We came back and Rob pulled a tick off on Nick's shoulder - tick check for all of us.
Nana picked up a cold this week and was a bit under the weather this weekend. We finally had a warm enough weekend to be at the beach but the water is still very cold. Saturday morning we all went into town for Harborfest. We walked around the artique fair and all the little booths. We stopped in the kids favorite shop to browse. We walked through the farmers market and the kids had cookies and Rob had a red velvet cupcake. Nick asked for orange juice and exclaimed,"I've had real orange juice before but this stuff is real good."
We stopped into Captain Nemo's for ice cream and then walked down to the park to watch the entertainment. It was hot by then and there was no shade and Ellie asked if we could leave. We walked back to the car and then came home. I got a picnic lunch ready while Rob got the kids ready for the beach. We tried out our new beach chairs - not bad. The biting flies were terrible and plentiful. We were down at the beach for a couple hours but eventually the sky looked like it was going to open and pour.
We did bath time and then Rob, Nana and the kids went into town and I went the other way. I am looking for shoes to go with my new dress but had no luck. I was able to get Rob's Father's day present, new gym shoes, some socks and tights for Ellie and socks for Nick. It was really pouring rain and I didn't feel like braving any more mad dashes into stores so I went back home.
Nana and I made dinner and everyone enjoyed it.
Ellie and I ran into Walmart to refill our water supply. Markdown madness there - we got Ellie a couple pairs of jeans for $5 and a pair of shoes for the fall $5. We came back and got the kids ready for bed. Rob and I sat on the couch and visited until we were both tired. All day, I felt like I had something stabbing me in my foot but could not find anything in my shoe or foot. It was just halting pain.
Today we got up and had breakfast. Rob and Nana took the kids down to the beach and I started clean up. I vacuumed all the rugs - probably collected 10 pounds of sand. I washed out sheets and put them back on. I washed the curtains in the dining room and re-hung them. I took apart the drapery panels I bought at the thrift store and measured for the ottoman slip covers. I got the kids into the bath when they came home and poor Nick must have had a mosquito get caught in his shirt. He has about 10 bites on one shoulder and armpit. The bugs were brutal this weekend. We had lunch and Rob played a couple games with the kids while I packed us up. We were on our way home. Unlike Friday, our trip was just over 2 hours on the way home. The kids went straight out to play while Rob and I checked email and such. We went over to Mom and Dad's for dinner. Mom made the boys (and Ellie's) favorite ribs. We had sweet potatoes, regular potatoes, asparagus, broccoli, watermelon, berries and cherries. Jo had bought super soakers for Mom and me and the kids used them for a water fight.
Mom made chocolate covered strawberries for dessert and they were scrumptious. We let the kids play for a bit before we ventured home. We were all so full that I asked the kids if they wanted to take a walk with me. We got PJs on and tried to get the kids to bed - Nick had no interest.
I have been accepted into my 3rd cancer based research study now. I applied to one through Northwestern and was accepted. Other than my feet bothering me and now a few itchy mosquito bites it was a good weekend. We are home for a couple weekends now before we go up for vacation after camp ends. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Thrivership? that is a new one

Average night last night not too much to say about it. This morning, I woke up to Nick pushing right on my incision with his hand to climb over my body - just a tiny bit painful. I got the kids breakfast and jumped in the shower while they ate. I fixed Ellie lunch for camp. We worked on her crazy hairdo for crazy hair day. I gotta tell you it was c-r-a-z-y. I think we had 8 ponytails all over her head. A couple Polly Pocket dolls, a cat figurine, a Mr. Potato head hand and about a dozen decorative barrettes - she won the crazy hair day contest.
We dropped Ellie off at camp and then Nick and I came home for a little bit. I had another cup of coffee while Nick played with cars. We went to search for a dress that covered Plum up and then the subsequent scar up once Plum is gone. I went to TJ Maxx and found about 6 dresses to try on. Nick is fabulous to take with to try on clothes and will give you the most honest opinion in the world. I narrowed it down to 2 dresses and bought both because I couldn't decide. I thought I would try them on for Mom and Rob and see which one got the best reviews. One will be very easy to find shoes for the other not so much.
We went over to Mom and Dad's afterwards and I got lunch for Nick and me. Dad took the boys to play in the yard. I tried on the dresses for Mom and she couldn't pick out her favorite. They both look great but are very different styles. We had an extremely therapeutic laugh session this afternoon. I don't even know how to describe what we saw or heard via blog - all I will say is involved a completely naked Nick, a garden hose and a crapload of laughs.
We left and got Ellie from camp. She was very happy to have earned $8 camper dollars this week and that she will be named camper of the week tomorrow. We came home and the kids had snacks. I shuffled laundry from washer to dryer and folded the other load. I got the kids ready for the pool. Rob came home, quickly changed clothes and they were on their way to the pool.
I was on my way up to Cancer Wellness for the survivorship evening. It was mildly interesting. I was the youngest by at least 15 years - more like 20. I had to chose 2 breakout seminars so I had chosen family relationships and food facts and myths. In the family relationships there were so needy individuals and clearly the others families were not ones with 4 and 9 year olds (well, maybe their grandkids). The food facts I did learn the doctors point of view. She felt organic really is a waste of money and that you would be better buying local. There is no difference in organic milk vs regular old Deans, organic eggs mean nothing and all US grown produce must have a water soluble pesticide that a simple scrub in water will remove.
I am glad I went because it was my first opportunity to attend an event as a survivor but I am an enigma. I listen to how a vegetarian lifestyle doesn't lend itself to cancer - really? I hear about how this food is good for breast, prostate or uterine cancer prevention but there really isn't anything out there about rectal cancer. All I really came to realize is eating is no longer fun once you are a cancer survivor.
I talked to Mom on the ride home and then talked to Rob for a long time once I got home. Some crazy things transpired in our lives today and it just really brings to life what is and isn't important in life. Some people are just plain out crappy people sometimes and some people just like the sound of their own voices. News of the day - I had my first nuts today in 9 months. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Long day

I watched the clock keep rolling away last night and I could not get sleepy for the life of me. I finally went up to bed around 2:30AM to try to see if being in bed would work - no luck. I finally fell asleep sometime during the 3:00AM hour. Nick crawled into bed with me sometime before 7:00AM but I was able to get him to close his eyes and go back to bed. We slept in - I looked at the clock and it was 8:40AM. I got up and got Ellie and Nick clothes for the day. I went down and got Ellie and Nick breakfast and packed Ellie's lunch.
We took Nick to camp first. Ellie really wanted to see his classroom and his campsite. Once again, he went in and began to play instantly. I dropped Ellie off at camp - they were inside today because of the rain even though it was supposed to be their first pool day. I went to Glenview Community for the 90% off sale. I was able to pick up a couple tops for Jo, a few for Rob and one for me. I found a corduroy coat for me and I picked one up for Tara. The big deal - 4 panels of curtains that I am going to take apart to use the fabric to reupholster 2 ottomans in Michigan.
I stopped by VonMaur to check out clearance. I was able to pick up some socks for Ellie but nothing else was great. I tried on a few dresses because I have a few events coming up that need a nicer outfit. All the dresses looked fine except that Plum really sticks out and looks gross. I was thinking about it - if you don't know what a power port looks like you probably might think a couple things if you saw it. You might check for piercing and tattoos and think it is some bizarre form of body art. You may think it is some medical device. You may think it is an alien living under my skin. Anyway, I did not get any of the dresses and will look for something else.
I went to pick Nick up from camp and he met me with a huge hug telling me that camp was fabulous. We went over to Mom and Dad's because Uncle Mike, Tara, Claire and Pearl were coming for a visit today. We all arrived at the same time. I helped Mom get lunch together and then we went to eat on the porch. It was great to hear the stories from the year and see how each of the girls have changed.
Claire and Tara came with me when I went to pick Ellie up from camp. Ellie walked straight past me to give them a hug. We came home and the rain had picked up. We had arts and crafts time - some lanyards, perler beads and coloring. We had movie time with popcorn. Jo came home from work and decided to stay for dinner and we stayed instead of going back to our house.
We ordered some pizzas and Mom made asparagus and melon. Dad took the girls for a walk and Tara came with me to pick up the pizzas. Rob met us over at the house for dinner. We had dinner and the little boys kept us laughing. The girls got to visit for a bit after dinner before we all had to make our way home. We came home and got the kids to bed.
Rob and I looked through a few posts on craigslist for some things we have been looking for. Feeling pretty good today -just tired and the usual foot madness. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Another Tuesday

Far better night last night - no vomiting or other disturbances. Ellie actually slept in a bit this morning. We all went downstairs and we had breakfast and I got Ellie's lunch ready. It is sort of nice having camp start so much later than school because we have time to visit and talk in the morning. Kitty was frisky this morning and first bit and scratched my foot but then she really bit Nick. I haven't heard him cry like that since his flu shot last fall. Gotta say she left some pretty deep impressions in his calf.
We got Ellie over to camp and then Nick and I stopped into Salvation to see if there was anything interesting. I am looking for a bed frame for Nick and always check the thrift stores. Nothing great today - a couple PJ pants for Nick. We came home and went for a walk to the park. Nick showed me his new talents. He can climb on the edge of the climber and get himself over to the chin up bar all by himself - I was just waiting for him to fall down. He swung on the swings for a bit and then ran all over the park.
We came home and had lunch and then went to work in the yard. I try a little bit each day to weed and trim some of the bushes and garden areas. Rob is on 1/2 days for the rest of the month and when he came home he took Nick outside to play some more. I was able to get a bit further in my book.
We all went to pick Ellie up from camp and then we surprised the kids and went for a treat at Dairy Queen. We drove into the forest preserve to eat and were able to spot a few deer. We came home and the kids went to play with the neighbors, rob worked int he garage and I read my book. Eventually, I saw that Ellie had her roller blades on and Nick had set up a ghetto sled (he tied his sled wot the back of a bike). I took Nick out his roller skates and he tried to skate for the first time. He was fine on the grass but when he took the first glide off the grass he fell and I was just very happy he didn't break his leg. He wanted to take the skates off and never skate again but I convinced him to try with me and quickly put the elbow, wrist and knee pads on him and his helmet.
We played outside until 6:45PM. Rob and I drew up the plan for the engine part of the train playhouse - it will have a picnic table and benches and a control panel. We came in and the kids took their bath and got their PJs on. None of us were very hungry so we had some left overs and I made the kids fruit and yogurt parfaits. We watched America's got Talent and then Rob took Nick up to bed.
Ellie went up a bit later, she did a few rows on her weaving loom and then played on the computer. I was able to finish my book tonight - a good thing because it is due back tomorrow. The biggest thing I have to complain about today is my feet. While normal people might step on a rock or wood chip and think it is uncomfortable - I seriously loose my balance, stumble and feel like my feet are being torn apart. It is hyper sensitivity and super annoying. Tong ht, coming out on the front porch to bring Nick's skates out, I stepped on some seed pod and tripped and ended up using Nick's chair to balance but losing my balance and the chair broke. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

1st day of camp

I felt like I was drifting to sleep on the couch last night so I made my way up to bed. I twisted and turned for about an hour before I was able to fall asleep. At 3:48AM I heard the tell tale cough coming from Ellie's room. I ran and got her a garbage can and rubbed her back. I asked if she has a headache - no. I asked if her tummy hurt - no. I turned off her light and went back to bed. Rob got up with her another couple times but all ceased around 5:30AM.
We all slept in a bit this morning, rousing a bit before 8AM. I got clothes out and I made Nick breakfast, Ellie tried a yogurt. I packed both of their backpacks for camp and re-read the info sheets to make sure I wasn't forgetting anything. Ellie said she still wasn't feeling good but couldn't isolate any specific thing - I ruled this overnight puke session as nerves. Ellie is all about order and routine and camp was going to throw that all to the wayside. Ellie told me what she wanted me to pack in her lunch and she got her water bottle filled and then we were on the road.
I dropped Ellie off first because I wasn't sure how Nick was going to do at drop off. Ellie found her group and I told her she could call me if she needed me. Nick went into the room without a problem and they quickly whisked him into circle time. Not knowing how long Ellie was going to last at camp I just came home and read my book.
I went to pick Nick up at noon and he came running out saying camp was so much fun. He made new friends, had a snack, planted some seeds and learned about nature. We played at the park for a little bit before heading home for lunch. We headed out this afternoon to go to the produce store and stop by Michael's to pick up a bandanna for Nick for camp. Nick helped me pick out fruit for the week and it is so nice that some of our favorites are coming into season. We did a quick run into Bath & Body Works to see what they had in their sale - picked up soap for $1.25 a bottle.
We came home to unload groceries and then we were on our way to pick Ellie up from camp. She had made it through the day and said camp was fun. We went over to Mom and Dad's because the kids wanted to tell them about camp. After the highlights from the day we went outside with Mom and Dad. Ellie, Nick and Tony went over to the neighbors to play with their 2 boys. I kept Mom company while she planted her pots with new flowers. I tried to help but I made too much of a mess so I switched to planting in the ground instead.
Jo came home from work and we got to visit with her for a few minutes before we needed to head out. We came home and Rob had put the rest of the screen around my gardens and had bought some peat moss for me to top coat the dirt. Ellie helped me while Rob took Nick to the park. Ellie and I washed up and went to pottery.
We worked on a couple special projects tonight. Unfortunately, the clay was extremely wet and wasn't rolling the way we wanted it to. We came home and I got the kids dinner ready - they both wanted an a la carte menu - meat roll ups, raspberries and blackberries, carrots and milk. Rob and I had nachos and fruit. Ellie and I took a shower and then we got the kids ready for bed. Rob put Nick to sleep and I tucked Ellie in.
I am just tired today - I need to sleep better tonight. My incision seems to be almost healed. I need to email Dr. Muldoon to find out when I can go swimming. My feet, well they are my feet.
I am asking for collective positive though help. We have a friend who could use some extra positive thoughts being sent her way. She is on her own journey right now and has had difficult treatment. If you have some space in your mind and could offer it to her, I'd appreciate it. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Weekend in review

Chopped up memory of the weekend but I will try. On Friday morning, Rob, Nick and I went to Ellie's school for the 3rd grade awards. Ellie was given the Helping Hands award for her willingness to always help out her teacher and classmates. We were very proud of her. It hasn't been an easy year for Ellie because she has worn her heart on her sleeve and has had to deal with things that no 8 or 9 year old should have to deal with. I got a certificate for being room parent and a box of candy.
We came home and I started packing for Michigan while Rob went up to Glenview to pick Nana up. We all sort of rendezvoused at the house at the same time. We got on the road as soon as Ellie got off the bus and didn't really run into much traffic. We stopped in Michigan City to have lunch and get gas and then were back on the road. We got to the cottage and got settled in. It was cold and wet - again!
Nana and I went shopping for groceries for the night and morning. We came back and I got dinner together while Rob and Nana played with the kids. The kids watched Megamind. We had a nice dinner together and Ellie fixed us all ice cream for dessert. Rob got the kids to sleep while I visited with Nana for a bit. Rob and I watched Little Fockers but my eyes were stinging so I sort of just listened to the movie.
Dean arrived after we went to bed Friday night. Saturday it was still cold and foggy. Nana, the kids and I went into St. Joe to hit a couple rummage sales and finish our grocery shopping. I introduced her to Aldi because Walmart's prices totally went up. Ellie found a weaving loom at the one sale and Nick found a Thomas dvd.
We came back to the house and had no real choice but to be inside. Ellie got to work on her loom and after about the 6th time re-weaving has the beginning of something. Nick is very happy in Michigan because the basement is a play area with toys he hasn't played with in 9 months. The kids commissioned both Dean and Nana into games, Clue, Battleship and Yahtzee. Rob and Dean got the grill ready for our inaugural grilling.
I got the rest of dinner ready - watermelon, corn, asparagus and we grilled burgers and hot dogs. We walked down to the soda bar for ice cream and I have to say it was bone chillingly cold. The breeze off the lake was incredible. We came back tot he cottage to eat our ice cream and warm up.
We got the kids to sleep but Ellie came down to say that she thought she heard a bat flying around upstairs. Rob went to check but didn't find anything and just stayed a bit longer with Ellie. I was able to get half way through a book this weekend - the first time in a bit I had both the patience and time to sit and read.
Today was another cold day in Michigan - I don't think we hit 50. The kids played more games with Dean. Rob took them into town to return our movies and to let them play a while at the park. Poor Ellie ran into a beam at the park and required ice upon their return. Nick got a mosquito bite last night on his forehead that today looked like someone hit him in the head with a baseball. Can you be allergic to mosquito bites?
I was able to get laundry done and our beds made while Rob was gone with the kids. We had lunch and cleaned up and then we were on our way home. We stopped in Michigan City again but only for a quick potty stop and a gas refill. Ludicrous how gas is more than .50 less a gallon there. We made good time on the way home not running into to much traffic - I guess this could be the advantage to expensive gas. We went straight to Mom and Dad's house for dinner. Jo and T were there and Jo is sporting a new hairdo - very cute. Mom had quite the spread for dinner - pasta and meatballs, strawberry salad, sauteed kale, corn pudding, pineapple and strawberries. A bit of all of our favorites. We got to visit for a bit before it was time for us to venture home and get the kids clean.
The kids had their bath and then we watched some tv before getting them ready for bed. Nick is scared about starting camp tomorrow and began telling us he didn't think he would make friends, then he moved onto he didn't want to go on a boat ride, then he flat out didn't want to go. Rob ended up telling him stories about when he was in camp.
My feet are really feeling funky this weekend. More pins and needles feeling than normal. I submitted my abbreviated story of my journey to a 'faces of stupid cancer' project. I am looking forward to summer and just having a normal one this year. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree
If you have time tomorrow night, check out this link to an awesome show: http://bit.ly/me665G

One more day...

I was in awe of the storm last night and stayed up to watch and listen to it. Somewhere along then line, I did fall asleep on the couch. The storm must have been conducive to sleeping because I didn't wake up until almost 6AM. I went up to bed for an hour or so. I was amazed to find both kids still in their beds, Nick slept in until a bit after 8AM. I got Ellie ready for school and Nick woke up just in time for us to drive Ellie because the storm was still mighty strong.
We came home and I started getting ready for field day -which turned into very sad kids in a classroom day. I ordered the pizzas, cut up cucumbers and apples and packed my bag. I was talking with Mom on the phone and Nick asked if he could go over to their house instead of coming to school with me and Mom said he could.
I dropped Nick off and came home to finish getting things ready. I had emailed Mrs. Bart to find out what the plan was and the plan was to have a movie, craft and game room and the kids could choose which room they wanted to be in. I rounded up some games and was on my way to school. I was able to unpack the bags and set up before the kids came back from another room. The kids were genuinely sad about the rain out of field day but we did the best we could to make it fun. I bought Jelly Bellys (which the bonus was they don't contain gelatin so everyone could eat them) and popsicles.
The movie was Up, they were making covered wagons in the craft room and the game room was bursting at the seams. I stayed until the kids went down to the gym for some running around time. I came home and unpacked my bags. Rob came home early - he had gotten a haircut and his $1 sub from Jimmy John's today. We were able to talk for a little bit before he went to help a friend set up her computer and I went to pick Ellie up from the bus.
It is absolutely unbelievable that the temperature is 50 degrees cooler than yesterday. I was freezing at the bus stop. Ellie and I went to Mom and Dad's to pick Nick up. Mom was telling me their plans for the evening and Ellie asked if she could join them. Ellie stayed and Nick came home with me. I tired to do some cleaning up around here because the house is just a disaster right now. I got together a couple bags to go to Michigan. Dean was coming over so we could fill his car up with crap that needed to go up to the cottage this weekend. I had the new beach chairs and a couple bags of toys and art stuff.
Dean came over and we loaded his car and then ordered dinner. Nick went with me to pick dinner up and to get a balloon from Dengeo's. We had a nice dinner together and Nick told Dean about life. After dinner Nick danced for us and made us laugh. We got Nick ready for bed and Ellie came home with Hello Kitty Yahtzee. I got Nick to bed and Rob got Ellie to bed. I had to close the windows - my feet are freezing.
My incision was still bugging me a bit today. I looked at it and it looks real good, the part where Scarlett was is totally closed it is just the far right end of the incision that is still open a wee bit. My feet have the pins and needles with the addition of just being cold. Tomorrow is Ellie's last day of school - yeah! We will be taking Rob's Mom up to Michigan where she will stay for the summer. I will post again on Sunday. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Halfway through the week

Nice surprise this morning, Nick went downstairs with Rob. He usually jumps in bed with me and makes noise and moves around until I finally get up. This morning, he asked to go down with Rob. He poured his own juice and Rob made him waffles. He sat on the couch and ate his breakfast and told Rob to go to work.
I came down with Ellie and we were both thrilled that Nick let us sleep in. I got Ellie breakfast and then jumped in the shower. We walked down to the bus and waited with Ellie and then came back home. I had enough time to make a pot of coffee and have a cup before we needed to get moving.
Nick and I went to KidSnips to get his haircut. He was a very good boy for Ms. Yvonne. His hair required all the fittings for her razor today. Nick has a handsome, short summer cut. He picked out a treasure from the box and a lollipop and we were on our way. I stopped in at Hallmark to pick up a teacher card and then graduation cards for our neighbors.
We came home and Nick had a yogurt and apricot for lunch. Mom and Dad called to say they were out in front - Nick ran right out. They took Nick for me so I could go and do a market research study. I was off to Northfield for the study - food test on fruit/yogurt fruit chews. I am hopeful that I get more calls from this place because it was close by and they paid well. Fruit chews not so tasty though.
I came home and picked Ellie up from the bus stop. Everyday she is coming home with her backpack filled with papers and books and crap. Today she had a rubbermaid container and binders. We went to Mom and Dad's to pick up Nick. Mom and Dad had gone shopping with Nick and Tony and had bought all the kids (Ellie, too) fedoras. Nick decided that he and T were the pickle brothers - I have no idea where that came from. The kids played together for a bit with legos and Ellie took their picture on Mom's computer.
We came home and got the kids ready for the pool. I applied sunscreen and that is when I noticed Nick's heat rash. It is terrible, it is all around his neck, under his arm pits and on his chest - poor kid. Ellie helped me pack up the bag with the towels and snacks and water and then Rob took them to the pool. I changed shirts and was on my way to the volunteer appreciation reception for Girls on the Run. It was up in Libertyville and I had a nice ride up. So many new stores opening up that way.
I got to meet some very lovely ladies tonight. I might train to be a site coordinator for the program. I visited with a coach from Buffalo Grove and we shared our stories. Emily, the volunteer coordinator, replaced the hat that was stolen on Saturday. I had some great food and then the most powerful mint. I came home and stopped at the produce market to pick up apples, carrot and cucumbers for the picnic tomorrow at Ellie's school.
I forgot to mention, it looks like I will be accepted into a research study from University of North Carolina. I sent my application in earlier this week it is called Fitnet. It is for cancer survivors and basically it helps you get active and physical again through facebook links. One group will get daily news about fitness and the other group will get weekly links to fitness pages. I get a pedometer and some cash and will hopefully learn some things along the way.
I have to say, the acetyl l-carnitine that I am taking for neuropathy actually says on the bottle "for cognitive health". I think my chemo brain is doing better. It was a bad foot day, it has been a week since I saw Patricia so maybe the acupuncture is wearing off. Patricia did tell me we need to attack the nerves regularly for the best success. My incision has been pulling a bit today and a tad bit uncomfortable.
Rob and I got to visit for a bit and he told me all about their pool adventures. I guess they stayed about 2.5 hours and the kids had a really good time. Ellie's friends from across the alley were at the pool and she played with them in the big pool while rob played with Nick in the kids part of the pool. I want to come up with another word for what I am right now. I have said it in the past, I don't care for survivor - I think Gloria Gaynor and Beyonce. I have been on this incredible journey the last year or so and I have come to the end of it - am I a winner, am I an explorer?
I have had quite a few people this week tell me that the my last year must have been horrendous, terrible, one I want to forget. I bring it around to, "It has been a journey." At times, I have felt this was a bad situation but I think overall, I have been 95% positive about this journey. I strongly believe that I have a purpose from this journey. My purpose is to show and tell doctors (and others) that this journey can be done gracefully, positively and most of all that my journey cannot be the same as anyone else's journey. I was told by how many people that the recovery from this last surgery could be bad - don't plan on leaving the house, some doubt their decision to reverse their ostomy, I might explode - none of that happened. I think I am here to provide the future journey takers with a range. I am hoping doctors might now say, "You could go right back to normal or you could be in the washroom for 3 weeks straight." ...Stepping off my soapbox, visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Another hot one

Average night sleep, the kids were up early. I got them breakfast and found cool clothes for them. We got Ellie off to the bus stop and it was already gross outside. Nick and I went to school this morning for the volunteer appreciation breakfast. I stopped into the office to verify our residency for next year and pay Ellie's fees for 4th grade.
The breakfast was very nice. We sat with our neighbors and a few band groups played and the dance troupe performed. We got to visit with Ms. Jody for a few minutes (Nick and Ellie's first teacher). Nick played with his cars and entertained most of the people around us - some were old and weren't so amused.
We left school and went grocery shopping for the week. I was able to pick up sunscreen on clearance because I know we will be going through bottles this summer. We stopped at Burger King to pick up lunch before coming home to drop off groceries and eat. Nick ate his entire burger, 2 apricots and pretzels.
We went over to Mom and Dad's house for a visit. I was able to find some dairy free ice cream on sale and picked up a few pints for them. Nick talked Dad into setting up the Harry Potter train set and playing. I got to visit with Mom for a bit.
We came home and got Ellie off the bus and it was truly gross outside - the car said it was 102. Ellie desperately wanted to play outside but it was too hot and we had a dentist appointment. Ellie talked me into a library run for their first check in. The kids both checked in and got their first stamp and were onto their next challenge.
We got home just before Rob and the kids split an apple before brushing their teeth to go to the dentist. I didn't schedule an appointment for Nick this time because of all the fuss last visit - I wanted him just to watch this time. Ellie went first and did beautifully - 9 and still cavity free! I went next and I was worried because it has been slightly over a year since my last visit and I had all those gum problems with chemo. Turned out my mouth and gums did just fine - no cavities or gum issues. Rob finished our visit up - no cavities (had to put it in). Nick sat in the room and I think got a bit more comfortable with Dr. Gallai - hopefully next time.
The kids really wanted to picnic on Ellie's deck but Rob and I were concerned about the heat on the roof. We talked them into a picnic in the basement. We picked up frosty's from Wendy's on the way home and re-heated pizza for dinner. We had some cherries and raspberries and carrots. Rob went scavenging in the garage loft for me to find lids to several rubbermaid containers and I did my best to organize a bit downstairs. I got all the recently acquired legos into a rubbermaid. Ellie went through her Barbie dolls and picked a few out to donate. I weeded out the toys that the kids have outgrown.
I got Nick to sleep and Rob took Ellie up. Ellie is trying to finish up her cursive workbook to be able to take the cursive test and receive her cursive license. If she passes she gets to write in cursive the last few days of school. We let her stay up and finish her book. Rob and I have been flipping back and forth on tv. This week is flying by and I am so happy I write things down on the calendar because otherwise I think I would be blowing things off left and right. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

It is hot out there

Another tough time falling asleep last night. It was Nick who was up at 5:45AM today - this has to stop. We got up and got dressed and had breakfast. I jumped in the shower quickly while the coffee was brewing. We walked Ellie to the bus stop and it was already starting to get clammy outside.
Nick and I hit Menards this morning to pick up vegetable fertilizer and stakes for the beans to grow on. We picked up a treat at Starbucks and went to sit in the woods for a bit and watch the wildlife. We pulled the car in and there was a deer about 10' away, many busy chipmunks, squirrels and birds. Nick loved it. We opened the sunroof and he looked out from up there.
We came home and put the fertilizer out in the garden. I didn't leave enough room between the container gardens for someone with balance issues and while trying to back out from between the boxes I ended up getting the chicken wire cut into my leg. We came inside and had a snack before going for my appointment with Dr. Muldoon.
Nick amused all the people in the waiting room playing with his Matchbox cars. The medical assistant was a girl I had gone to middle school with - funny. Dr. Muldoon looked at my incision and was impressed at how it was healing, I told him about staphysagria. He asked how things were going and had been. I explained things were pretty much back to normal (bowel wise). I told him I never had the explosion, the urgency issues or the need to sit on the toilet all day. I also told him about the stupid resident who put the fear meter all the way to high right before my surgery - apparently, he is from plastics and isn't with Dr. Muldoon any longer.
I will see him again in about 4 week. I still have my 10# weight restriction to prevent another hernia. Nick and I stopped at Mom's to drop off an inhaler and visit. Nick and Tony played for a bit before we came home to get Ellie off the bus. I agreed to let the kids wash my car because they wanted to play outside. After the car was washed I put the sprinkler out for them to run through. I found fertilizer in the garage for the regular garden beds and decided to give them all a good dose. I did some pruning back of some of the shrubs and bushes.
Rob came home and I came inside for a cool off break. It was soon time to get ready for pottery. Nick and Rob were going to run to Home Depot to pick up some dirt and grass seed. We needed to seed where Rob placed all the dirt he took out for the electrician and we have a couple areas in front that never seem to take. Pottery was fun. Ellie started making a house that she wants to use as a candle holder. I worked on tiles because I liked the way my tile came out from last month.
We came home and had dinner and then it was time for bed. I wouldn't have thought Nick would have just passed out from being up so long but it took him a while to fall out. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Another busy day

I'll be honest, I passed out early last night. I fell asleep on the couch and went up to bed around 2AM. It took me forever to fall asleep again. Ellie woke me up at 5:45AM to say that her water bottle has spilled in her bed and everything was wet. I thought she went back to bed but she apparently went downstairs and played on the computer. When Rob woke up he nicely shut our bedroom door so I could sleep longer. I woke up around 8:45AM - Nick and Rob had left for church.
I had coffee and went up to swap out Ellie's closet. I took her long pants and jeans and switched them out for capris and shorts and the same with sweaters for t-shirts. Ellie picked out what she wanted to wear today and got dressed. I wrapped the gift for the birthday party and we were on our way.
The party was out in Hoffman Estates at a huge pet store that has a ginormous aquarium. I dropped Ellie and then had a couple hours to myself. I went to Bath and Body Works to pick up some wallflower refills. I stopped in Sur la Table and found some cool gadgets on clearance. I went to Community Thrift and was able to pick up some white t-shirts for tie-dye fun this summer. I went to Target to pick up ziplocs and sunscreen.
I went to pick Ellie up and we headed home. Ellie had a fun time and they even pulled out the hypo-allergenic breeds of dogs for her to pet (she breaks out in hives when dogs lick her). We made great time home, actually faster than the way out. Ellie and Nick played for a bit before we went to Mom and Dad's for family Sunday.
This afternoon we honored Uncle Bill (our first family Sunday without him). We had watermelon, salad and pizza from Gullivers. We finished with ice cream sundaes. The kids played outside and it was a lovely afternoon. We left early to come home and clean the kids up. Ellie and Nick both went out on Ellie's deck and Rob passed up some chairs and a table and they snacked outside. It was fun to hear them through the windows.
We got the kids to bed and then Rob and I sat and watched tv. I have to say my feet are improving, although my right foot seems to be a bit worse. It's cancer survivor day today - I get to celebrate my first this year. Super busy week ahead - I have at least 1 thing to do each day and evening and it looks to be scorching heat. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Exhausted

I couldn't fall asleep last night which wasn't a great thing because I had to be up early this morning. Ellie and I got up a bit before 7AM. We got dressed, applied sunscreen and ate breakfast. We made it down to Montrose harbor in good time and were so fortunate to find a street spot to park in. Only problem was it was about a mile South of the harbor. We were both pouring sweat by the time we checked in at the volunteer tent.
We got to work taking medals out of the bags and hanging them on the racks. Ellie calculated that we probably hung close to 500 medals. It was so hot but we lucked out and had the rack that was partially under a tree. It was neat to see the race from a different perspective. They had almost 10,000 girls registered to race today. We handed out medals to the girls as they crossed the finish line. It was cool to see the girls responses - some stopped to read the medal, some gave hi fives and I heard I ton of "I (we/you) did it".
Ellie and I stayed until 11AM and she looked like she might pass out so we checked out and walked back to the car. Unfortunately, all the tents were already packed up so Ellie didn't get any swag. I stopped on the way back home at one of the ice cream trucks and Ellie picked out a snow cone. We got home and Rob and Nick were in the yard with the electrician. Apparently, in the 9 years since we built the garage the pipe we installed to run cable through has collapsed and it made their job complicated today.
I took the kids over to Oakton park for the bike safety rodeo. We registered their bikes with the village - just in case they are ever stolen or lost. The kids did the safety rodeo - about 4 stations that the kids had to maneuver through. We got safety lights and water bottles and then went over to see the police cars and fire trucks. The kids got to sit in the vehicles and press buttons and ask questions. It was soooo hot outside and it was time to have an air conditioning break.
We came home and had lunch and watched some cartoons while cooling off. After lunch the kids got on their swimsuits and we sunscreened up and went for some sprinkler time. I planted my veggies in the container gardens - I am hopeful for a great garden this year. I brought the kids in for bath time because everyone needed one today.
Rob took them to get a treat at the corner store and by the time they got back the rain had begun. We just had chill out and relax time the rest of the afternoon. I went to pick sandwiches up for Rob and me - the kids were having reheats. Rob finished the cabinet overlay for the basement and we got thing set up down there. I am exhausted and figured the kids probably were too so I started bed time early and both were asleep by 8PM.
I really thought my feet would hurt more than they do - positive sign. I am proud of Ellie for volunteering with me today - I know she would rather have been running. Considering the temperature and the amount of girls and the humidity - I was glad we weren't cleared to run the race. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

What an adventurous day

Good night around here last night - I went to bed early and slept pretty well. This morning was the usual stuff - get dressed, breakfast, pack snack and get Ellie to the bus. Nick and I went to pick Jo up after Ellie left. We went garage sale shopping this morning for our ever growing children. I think I can share now - Jo and Ole and expecting their 2nd child in the fall, so happy!
We had good success at sales today. I think I ended up with a very good start to Nick's fall wardrobe and a couple items for the summer. Jo found a booster seat for Tony. We came home just before lunchtime and Nick went immediately into the bags to locate his treasure. Ole came to pick Jo up and then we had some lunch.
Rob and Nick left to pick up Nana from the airport. Rob told me that he fell asleep on the car ride. It was a good thing because traffic was bad and it took Rob 1.5 hours to get to Midway. I got our clothes ironed for tonight. I got Ellie from the bus and we ran to Target quickly to buy some summer dress shoes for Ellie. I didn't think the red and black crocs would look too pretty with her lovely Kit outfit.
We came home and Horticultural was here filling my garden containers with dirt so that I can plant our veggie garden - woohoo. We got our things ready for tomorrow, took our showers and got dressed. We had a nice drive to American Girl - Ellie was super excited. We got there and were seated with 3 other groups. The other girls at our table haven't don't the race before and were very excited and nervous about tomorrow. Ellie re-assured them that they could do it.
We had dinner and were treated to a girl power, moral booster seminar. After dinner we walked around the store and Ellie showed me what items she wanted to put on her wish list for the future. We walked through Water Tower - not too many stores that we felt the need to actually go into. We did hit the children's section of Macy's and we lucked out on some awesome clearance buys. We found out that the girls fitting room has the most wonderful view of the lake and Navy Pier - truly wasted on the fitting room. Ellie picked out 2 new dresses - one ended up being $5.20 and the other $6.57, originally over $100.00 for the two. I picked Nick up a shirt/vest combo for dressier occasions this summer.
We walked along Michigan Avenue and stopped at John Hancock to look up and then to the pumping station to look into the glass windows. I took Ellie up to the lobby at the Ritz - if we didn't have to be up at the crack of dawn tomorrow I would have stopped and had a glass of juice with her - she was in awe. We drove home the long way so that we could plan where to park for the race tomorrow - we think we figured it out.
Rob and Nick took Nana to Glenview and then went to the family fun night at school. They had dinner and Nick went in the bouncers and then the fire department came to hose down the kids. It sounded like they had a bunch of fun together.
I honestly have to say, my left foot does feel better today. I think the e-stim really worked. Do I dare say I have broken the seal on the new normal? Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Cooled the house down

Had an average night sleep, better sleep the last 40 minutes. I had tapped Rob awake a minute before his alarm was supposed to go off and then fell back to sleep. Next thing I know, Ellie is walking upstairs - I look at the clock and realize the volume on the alarm had been turned off. I got clothes out for Ellie and got her snack together for school. Nick slept in until 8:30AM! Ellie got off to school on the bus and I had a few minutes to enjoy my cup of coffee.
Mom, Dad and Tony picked Nick up around 10AM and took him with them to run a few errands. I went for my appointment with Patricia. She told me that the resident at the hospital put something in my notes that she never sees them write - it was positive progress. We addressed my neuropathy today. Patricia said it was time for the big guns and we did electric stimulation with the acupuncture. Patricia put about 10 needles on the soles of my feet and I literally jumped off the table in pain. She told me that this was actually a good sign because when nerves re-build they are more sensitive to pain. The e-stim felt bizarre - we won't discuss how Patricia could actually see the e-stim working before I could feel it working.
I have to tell you, when you have a whole bunch of needles in your feet and some have been stimulated for an hour - it feels real funky taking those first steps afterwards. I stopped in Glenview Community and was able to pick up a few pairs of capris and a few shirts. I went to Mom and Dad's to pick Nick up. We went out to the porch to soak up some sun and then I helped Mom prune back her lilacs. Nick and I came home to get Ellie.
We went to the library to sign up for the summer reading program. Our library does a real good job with their programs - this year they have built a castle in the children's area. Ellie is going to be busy reading this summer - in addition to the library program she has signed up for battle of the books at school.
We came home and the kids went outside to play for a bit. I attempted to do some cleaning up around here because everywhere I look there are piles of crap. Rob came home and carried laundry downstairs for me to wash. We ordered Chinese for dinner because it was cool outside and I couldn't think about cooking dinner. Nick and I drove to pick it up. We had a nice dinner and then Rob gave Nick his bath.
I got Nick to sleep while Rob tucked Ellie in. I managed to get the house into the 60s today. Rob actually pulled the blanket over this legs tonight. I figure we might not have to turn the air on until Saturday this way. Busy weekend ahead - dinner downtown tomorrow, race on Saturday morning (Aunt Carrie will be doing the race with her niece) and b-day party and family Sunday on Sunday. So, I think Patricia might have improved my foot feeling today. However, the one spot on under my middle toe feels like there is a shard of glass wedged there. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree