As I mentioned in my last post, time spent with others is the most important. Rich surprised me at Christmas with a spectacular gift...Mickey. Not the mouse...lifetime friends since second grade. Over the years it has been difficult for us to get together between school schedules and deployments. Maia was three last time she saw Aunt Michelle. Way to many years have gone by.

Mick arrived the second week of January for a few days well spent. Bless her heart as she made the daily trip with me to radiation and a few hours of work. Two foodies in a gourmet grocery store...one can only have been there! Thai food for lunch, yummy dinners cooked and laughter to be had. We took an overnight trip to Sedona. We enjoyed a few small easy hikes, as my energy allowed. Dinner was decided upon at Dahl & Deluca. Having been there before, I knew the dining experience would be exceptional. No better person to share such a experience with than Mickey. I am not sure who moaned over dinner more...Mick or me. Comment card was left behind completed by Mickey..."better than sex." Description complete.

2010 Holiday Season

November was the countdown month for my last chemo treatment. Lucky me, two days before Thanksgiving! Mashed potatoes have never tasted better. As for turkey, anything in the poultry division was not on the palate of favorites during chemo. Tart cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes hit the spot.

John & Mom's table was wonderfully decorated to serve the army of a family and dearest of friends, Jen, Jose and Sofia.

December brought in the beginning of my radiation countdown. 5 days a week for 35 treatments. Little did I know how exhausting this would be.

Christmas angels were chosen off of the tree at the store and gifts were purchased. This is Rich and Maia's yearly tradition.

Christmas Eve was enjoyed at the Kondikoff's and Christmas Day was served up at The Reidinger's. Chase, Olivia and Maia had their Santa list fulfilled. Video games, Nintendo DS, American girl dolls, books, clothing, etc.

I wished I had a little more strength during the holiday season, but I came to terms with the fact it was OK if all the cookies did not get baked. It was OK if the whole house was not decorated, if I missed a few ribbons the world won't end. Tough choice for a perfectionist.

After going through this cancer crap twice, what matters the most is to be surrounded by those you love. There is nothing greater than time spent. The simple things in life will do.

As for New Year's Eve...in bed by 11:15...to tired for anything else. Happy New Year!

Angels among us

While 3,000 people were walking 60 miles, I sat teary eyed in the sidelines with my own battle. I was not alone, as my mentor was also unable to walk. Linda Kacmarsky came into my life in 2008. She was the driving force behind Team W.I.S.H. This was her year to shine...One Million Dollars raised in seven years. Linda was unable to walk due to what doctors thought was gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis would have been an easy cure.

Linda was diagnosed with cancer. This disease took her life on December 20th. Her husband Frank said it best, she got tired of waiting for a cure for Breast Cancer, so she wanted to have a one-on-one conversation with God.

It is difficult to write about someone that touched your life in so many ways. I miss her. She is an angel leading the way.

Come and gone

I just realized it has been since October since I updated this blog. The intentions have been there, but time slipped by. I guess I should backtrack a few months.
November: Rich walked the 3 Day once again, while I watched the news snipits of the event by the recliner. I had planned to attend closing ceremonies, but chemo side effects told me differently. Rich, my mother and John(my fill in) enjoyed the 60 mile treck with "Flat Heather." For those of you with children and have ever had to do a "Flat Stanley" project, should understand.

My dear friend Julia came up with Flat Heather the night before the 3 Day. She took her everywhere...including the Port-A-Potty. She was bandaged, fed and tucked in at the end of the day. After the Arizona walk, she was then transported to the San Diego 3 Day. Flat Heather brought me many tears knowing she was surrounded by so much love. She made her final appearance on the evening news. Next year Flat Heather will look a little more inflated:)

My father and stepmother came to visit while the rest of the family was walking. I knew I would not be able to accomplish much, so the help was greatly appreciated. I was very nausiated from the chemo drugs. I was having issues with my port, so Karla spent the morning with me at the hospital until I could see the doctor. A few days later, my father took me back to the doctor to have my port removed. I ended up with a severe infection that almost left me septic. My father asked if they have a warrenty.....one could only wish.

My last round of chemo was done through a regular IV the week of Thanksgiving. One step down and one to go. Radiation began in December.

Days of Progression

Mission of the Good Shepherd had a beautiful healing mass the other weekend. Father Mark gave a lovely sermon. We were surrounded by members of Team W.I.S.H., family and friends. It was emotionally uplifting as well as spiritually. It has taken me a long time to find a parish that feels like home and I think I have found it. It has given me enlightenment I have been seeking for a long time.

People have asked me what they say my prognosis is. Honestly I have not asked the question. I don't want someone to put a timeline on my life. When my time is to come, it will come. Until then, I take each day as it comes.

After my first chemo treatment, we knew they may have to change my drugs upon the report from TGen. They did. I am currently taking Adriomycin/Cytoxin. Radiation and chemo pills will still follow. Chemo treatment on the 12th landed me in the hospital with severe vomiting. This round on the 26th has been much better. I can no longer feel the 3 lymph nodes in my neck, so I feel the drugs are working. I have two more treatments to go. November 9th and 23rd.

I came to the realization I will not be walking the 3Day this year. This is such a triumphant year, it breaks my heart. John has been granted permission by the 3Day organization to walk in my place due to the circumstances. Once again, I cried. Something I can do a lot of these days. I plan on feeling well enough to attend closing ceremonies with my husband, mother, John and teammates. In seven years, Team W.I.S.H. has raised over 1 MILLION DOLLARS for Susan G. Komen.

So there is my update.

Down Time in San Diego

We are rich. Not by large bank accounts or monetary possessions. We are rich with family, friends, employers and those people who have come into our lives for the very first time.

Before my lymph node surgery, Andy and Louise were kind enough to send us to San Diego for a few days of mental downtime. It was well needed for clarity. Rich and I spent the days walking La Jolla beaches and listening to the seals. Relaxing on Mission beach watching the dolphins in the distance. Ocean breezes clean the soul. We walked the street fair in downtown Little Italy. No time restrictions, no doctors to call...at least for a few days.

While sitting on Mission Beach, a couple placed their blanket down in front of us. She had a bandanna on her head and he had a pink ribbon bracelet on his wrist. "What are the odds in 50 miles of beach!", I thought to myself. We struck up conversation. She was 25 years old, avid runner, fitness guru. Doctors thought she pulled a muscle in her upper thigh. Cancer had spread from her breast to her lungs to her lymph nodes all down her leg. Her chemo regimen was something I could never even imagine. I was rich, to share stories with a perfect stranger and a conversation I will never forget.

Our employers have been so supportive, time off, food deliveries and just phone calls. It means the world to us.

Women I once gave advise to are now calling me to check in. I am taking new drugs, so side effects are different. We exchange notes, complaints and tears. There is no easy way through it. We have come full circle...once again.

Round 1 Chemo...trip to Seattle

My cousin Paul and his fiance Tiffany were getting married in Seattle. I had my first chemo treatment 3 days before the wedding. I was determined to feel well enough to enjoy the wedding and spend time with my family.

The wedding was small and intimate. It was heartfully warming to see my family again all in one place. All the cousins children are growing up to become beautiful young ladies and lads. I miss girl talk and time with Christine. My aunt is also going through a battle with cancer, so we compared notes and tears. I wish I felt better to participate in more of the social chatting, but the hotel room had other plans for me. I was the bedwarmer for a few hours.

I managed to take some time with Mom, John, Jeremy and Jill along the Ballard Locks followed by a stupendous lunch at Anthony's on the water. Fish and chips like I have never tasted! Getting a craving now. The gardens surrounding the locks are so beautiful and the flowers so stunning and large.

We also took time and went to the Space Needle. It was a clear day and we had a view of the entire city and mountain ranges surrounding the area. After taking in the great views, I took a view of the toilet as the chemo kicked in. There ended my fun day. The rest of the gang headed out with the bride, groom and family for a winery tour. Yes, I skipped out on a winery tour. Enough said there.

I was really feeling under the weather(Seattle drizzly)Sunday morning, but I was determined to see Pikes Market. The flowers they sell are the largest flowers I ahve ever seen, and cheap. The lobster tails are larger than two hands! I am so glad I felt somewhat human to enjoy a 1/4 pound of dungenous crab meat and a few bites of buttery pastries. Jeremy was on a chowder hunt and I think he had his share. We enjoyed as much fish and chips and chowder as the body can allow.

This trip also gave quality time to spend with John and Mom, Jeremy and Jill. It was great to have John as a tour guide and listed to his "true story I tell ya"s. Many thanks to Mom and John for a great trip and great memories.