So it wasn't the day after .....

Sorry it took a few days , I had a social hang over ( I did to much ) . Thursday night was awesome ! I took my sister and my friend Jessica up to Seattle to see my other friend Jessica Rosa aka Boom Boom la Rue preform in a show . It was fantastic ! Good music , new moves mixed with classic moves , some skits to jazz others to rock . A classic can-can and a reverse strip tease . The show had it all ! I made them get there early so we could find parking and get a good spot . After we went around the block we found a parking place . I went to pay the attendant I was short like 4 bucks it was either give him a tip, he had no change he was waiting for his manager to bring him some , or ask him if I could be back with some change . He looked at me pulled out his wallet and paid for me . I was just floored ! I walked up to Jess and Sister and told them what happened and while I was telling them I realized I had my wig on . I am AMAZED at the power of hair . I look at them an I said " I think it is because I have like hair right now " yes I said it totally valley not meaning to . Jess started cracking up . She turns an looks at me flips her hair over her shoulder and says " Oh my god ! I'm so pretty with hair ! And I like get shit for free ! I'm like way hot ! " . I kinda blushed but laughed . It was pretty funny . I'm kinda use to the way people look at me when I have a scarf on , its more of the ugly duckling / poor you / i'm glad i'm not you / i use to be you followed by awkward stranger hug sometimes the other person crying and then the stay strong speech , yet when I wear the wig most just ask what I got my scars on my chest from . I have to admit I have made up stories . It makes it not as tedious to deal with plus it's entertaining for me =) . My favorite one i have told some one was I was stabed by my sister with a meat fork ! hahaha you should of seen her face . She looked at me like your sisters crazy then Sister at me around the corner and I interduced karyn . As I finished I pointed to my chest and then made the shhh sign . I've never seen someone scurry away so fast . Hahaha also the other funny part is that there is now someone out there who thinks my sister is fliping crazy . For some odd reason that thought warms my heart . =)

Well besides tormenting Sister , I have been baking cookies . Sister gave me a challenge . To bake ALL the cookies in the Betty Crocker Cookie Cook Book . Having grown up making cookies from that book I thought to myself well I think I have made almost all of them ... not even close I think I have made like 40 of the different kinds . So i added up the cookies 146 if I bake 2 types of cookies a week , then make the normal 12 to 14 different kind of Christmas cookies it should take me about a year . I will be smelling like a cookie for ever !!

A long but nice week

Well I think I found out why sick people need so many blood transfusions . It's not that we bleed out or that our blood is unhealthy . It's due to the fact that twice a week ( if your lucky ) you get a blood draw to mak sure you are healthy . Heathy enough to be treated . Well I know when I go in for a blood draw they take 3 different vials of blood . Plus theres the blood they draw out to make sure all the flush stuff is out and they draw only blood . Then they draw out for me about 9oz of blood . doesn't seem like much but think of it this way a pint is 16 oz hence the term a pounder glass . So in a given month they take over a pint !!! Then they tell me that I need 2 pints to balance back out . hahaha It's a goood thing I love the staff at T.G. !

What have I been up to ? Thanks for asking ! =) I have been kinda on the down low . I have gone out a little but generaly this week I have been cozy at home in front of my faux fire place heater . I try an stay warm but sometimes I need help to warm the bones . Tonight though I am going out ! An old friend from Fenster is in a show tonight . I gathered up the troops and we are trotting off to Seattle for a fantastic show !! I am excited to get out of the house and city for a few hours . I will write about tomorrow after I wake up from my I had to much fun social coma .

the vampires give back

Today I have the pleasure of a nice relaxing day at Tacoma General . I sit in a over sized chair that makes me feel like I am 8 years old while I get transfused with new A+ blood . The nurses here take such good care of me . I've never seen a group of people as a whole have such a great over all attitude . I know how hard it can be to remain nice when dealing with the public . Everyone has a different way to say something wires get crossed and they still smile at you and say " We will figure this out and every thing will be right " . I like that they treat very person with the same amount of worth . I think that says alot about the group conscience .


I am getting two pints of blood today . I should of seen this coming my the bags under my eyes went all the way to my cheek bones . Last time they looked that bad was before i had my tumor removed . The last time I got transfused I did not feel that boost of energy that they all say you get . In fact I believe I went home an slept for 2 days . I am hoping for that feeling ! My fingers are crossed . It is a odd feeling to feel good so when it happens I try and make the most of it ! =) Like going for a walk or going out with some friends .


This last week was filled with small mini adventures for me . Might be part of the reason I am getting transfused today .... On Friday Sister and I went to a benefit that had a casino theme . After we ate we hit the tables craps blackjack texas hold'm and the one with the ball and wheel drawing a blank on the name . I am proud to say I lost all my money and had a great time doing it. It was the 1st time I have gotten dressed up also . I was lucky enough to have a friend with great taste and a shrinking waist give me some clothes that made me look hot hot hot ! I will be up front and say it was the 1st time while in treatment that I just felt like a normal girl . Earlier in my treatment I had bought a wig and I barely ever wore it due to the itchy factor . Well I had a lady give me a great skull cap that didn't make my head ubber hot or itchy I was in heaven . It felt good to have people say they liked my hair . Losing my hair I still believe has been the most dramatic part of this whole thing , and I didn't even like my hair ! It was thin and lifeless would not hold a curl , I couldn't even rat my hair to get a bump when it was short . THe glory of wigs has allowed me to have the hair I have always wanted . I like it . Easy too . I highly recomend for anyone .

Saturday Sister , mom and I carved pumkins . Ming was going to but she ended up only having a little bit of time so she hollowed out 2 pumkins in like 5 minutes ! I swear it was like watching Top Chef when they do the chop competion . That poor pumpkin didn't stand a chance , orange pulp flying , seeds shooting left and right , it was a frenzie . To say the least . I asked Ming what I should carve since she was leaving at least that way she would feel more apart of it . She said make a lil asian guy as she left . After the door closed I said to myself " An asian guy .... " So I made a Wang Chung of a pumpkin and callled him Mr. Ming ! The trick or treaters loved him ! I had a few ninjas comment on how that was the face of their master . So much fun !

On Satuerday night I went to a murder mystery party . I have never been to one . It was a lot of fun . I was able to be 2 characters . It was a fun group . Full of laughter an I was amazed how everyone was able to stay in their role . I think next time I might opt for a 5 hour energy before the next time . The last hour was tough for me . I started to get light headed and a little tingely . I wanted to eat but I was a little nauseated . I didn't have my meds on me either so I choose to try and tough it out . When I got home I ate a tortilla and felt better .

Sunday was a day to recope . I slept , did laundry , hung with Sister and just let my body take a deep breath and relax . Over all worth it =) . In the last few months I have made some new friends and the more I hang out with them the more I find things in them that I like and would like to someday see in myself or have be more prominate in my every day life .

Kalifornia

I had the pleasure of receiving a email when I was on vacation from a girl who lives in the mid west . She wanted to know how I was doing as I hadn't posted a new story/update in a while . At first it made my feel good that some stranger in the midwest was worried about me , then I realized I had started something that I had to follow through with and be better about keeping it up to date . I then felt kinda felt like I let myself down and others . I then had a conversation with myself that ended with me saying to myself " I'm not mad at you just disappointed " . I always disliked hearing that . So I from here on out will try and post something at least every week till I am done with treatment and who knows maybe after treatment too . I would also like to say " Thank you " to you all for your kind thoughts , prayers , good ju-ju , and wishes .

Well lets see I am on my 4th round of chemo right now . They took me off the vancristen due to the fact i was loseing mobility in my feet ! I could no longer walk on my heels . It is a strange feeling not being able to do something that you have been able to do almost all your life . I keep thinking if I think about it hard enough I can Jedi mind my feet to do it . Sadly no matter how hard I try I still can't do it . I think my Jedi powers are in the 70% of the brain I don't use . Yes I know we only use 10% but my " brain child " aka tumor took up 20% so Ifigure I have about 70% . haha well maybe less if you add in the pot smoking and I hear when you sneaze you kill brain cells - weird . So who knows ? Plus the body is always creating new cells and replacing the old with the new . I heard that your whole body is new every 7 years . I thought that was kinnda cool .

I have been having to get more blood draws as this morbid roller coaster goes along . I keep having low blood counts . I am so glad I got a port put in ! I guess the upside if I didn't get the port would be for Halloween I could of gone as a junky , ooooooh I can go out with like a gas station pump and be vampire gas ! hahehehaha . 1500 $ a pint !

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year . I love the changing of colors , crisp air , the crunch of the leafs under my feet , and the smell of the oncoming winter at the tip of my nose . Carving pumpkins the making roasted pumkin seeds yummers ! I love getting dressed up and seeing if people can guess who I am . What are you going to be this year ? I think I am going to try and be Debra from the show Dexter . I think she would be a hoot to be for a day or two .


So now hat I am being more involved with my life I think it might be time to maybe try working al little . I miss having a job . I can't really do much though so here is my plan . Do you want to send out Holiday cards but never have the time ? For a small fee I will do it for you ! I will fold , stuff, address and place your cards in the mail for you . I know it's an odd job to come up with but I figure that during the holidays everyone is always looking for the one thing that there is never enough of ... time . If you are interested call me or sister - it was kinda her idea and I thought it sounded good .

and the beat goes on

Well I wasn't able to be treated this last Friday due to my low blood counts . My white cells were at 3.71 and they have to be above 10 to get treated . My Doc didn't want me to have another blood transfusion yet so we are giving it a week or two to see if the cells get better . Fingers crossed .

I also Had a CT scan . THey did a non contrast scan and one with . My brain is looking good ! It is weird almost awkward looking inside yourself that way . The area where the tumor was has filled with cf fluid and looks like I know have a black hole ! The good thing is is that there was no whitish / grayish out line where the tumor was nor any thing new . Yippy !!

My few weeks off this last time one of them I spent with the family down at SunRiver . It was nice . I was glad family friend / sudo sister Emily came with us . It gave sister some one to do all high energy type things with . Plus she picks on my dad ! haha he needs and deserves it ! It builds his character .... like he needs more .... I was able to walk around with my mom and not feel frustrated ( she walks slower than I do ) I feel bad but my natural gait is about twice as fast as hers . So when I was healthy it feels awkward to slow your walk and keep it slow . On the same page it feels weird not to be able to walk 4 miles in an hour . So when walking with certian friends I feel like the kid who almost has to runn to keep up - I should just get a wheel chair and my fast friends can push me around =) . I can take off my scarrf and feel the wind in my face as my " patchy hair growth " blows in the breeze . haha .

More blood stuff

I had a blood draw today it went well . My counts are up and things are looking good . I go in for treatment on Friday . It's my long day so I will be able to write more than . I am ready for my 3rd nap but wanted to drop a line to everyone . Thanks for all of your support !

booster shot

At 1st I didn't feel better from the blood transfusion . zI thought everyone lied to me about how much better I would feel . I mean I slept the whole 2 days away after . I felt just as sluggish and drained as I did before it . Well I then went in on Friday and they check my counts and they were way up but I still felt way down WTF ! The nurse told me my bodt was most likely useing that energy to accept the blood . I then was given the miracle shot in my belly . I don't know what was in it but about 3 hours after it , oh yeah ! WEeeeeeeeeeeeeee !!!!

The nurse told me to still give my body a few days before being around people so today is the 1st day that I get human contact other than my family in almost 2 weeks ! I'm so excited to see people . I missed my friends wedding that was yesterday =( , a birthday party on Friday and a bbq on Thursday . I might not stay long at stuff but it is still fun to get out of the house .

In the last week and a half I have watched 2 seasons of Dexter and half a season of Spartacus . I would walk around in circles around the coffee table and get tired haha . I had to move though laying around all day makes the muscles tight and sore . I also have a stretching regimine that I have to do or my whole body wants to go decrepide . I'm afraid my hair will grow back gray and between the decrepidness and the hair people with mistake me for some old lady .

Blood transfusion

Well today I sit in T.G. on the 4th floor getting a blood transfusion . I find it weird and kinda gross . I think of blood as a personal thing . I mean it runs through my veins my heart it helps power my thoughts , when mad it boils , when scorned by someone it turns cold , when in love it tingles the rest of the senses making knees go weak . I know it sounds dumb that out of all the stuff I have had to have done to me in the last 8 months that this one is the one that bothers me the most . The nurses have done a good job making me feel better about the whole deal . Even though I still have my reserves about the whole thing .

I understand the expression blue blood better now also . The blood I was given today looked almost purple-ish . The lady next to me had a blueish tint to it . I asked her what her blood type was ( I can't remember now ) but it was different then mine . So I am curious if different blood types have different hues to them .... the mind reels ....

Chemo coma

Well I have slept almost the whole entire last week away . No matter what I do I feel like I am about to pass out . I hate it . I cant get anything done . I was going to go to a wedding reception on Sunday , slept through the whole thing . It like I fall into a coma or something as soon as I fall asleep .

In news in the small . Mom and Dad are preparing for a huge spaghetti feed at their house . Sister has been over there helping a lot . I can't do much in their house . It tires me out after about the 3rd trip up or down the stairs , I need about a 2 hour nap . So I did small stuff folded laundry , loaded dish washer , and made lunch .

Mom is almost more than 3/4 ths done with the deck !! It looks amazing !! She has had some help from various people over the last month but for the most part she has done most of it herself . I hope I have that much energy ..... anytime soon ! =)

SCCA with mom ......

Karyn thought she might have to work this Friday so I took that and found someone else who could afford a whole day off and kinda needed one , my mom . Sister was beside herself . She looks and me and exclaims " Now I miss out on the movie !! " . I forget sometimes it's all about her . haha .

I reminded Mom at least 4 times " what time are you ogoing to pick me up ? " she would say "6:30 " Now this is important because mom has been known to not go to bed until then . Well she was at a friends house with dad having a ball . Mom normally does not drink but she had the idea that if she had a few glasses that she would be out like a light . Well her theory was right . Still slightly groggy she stammered her way through the house looking for her purse , keys , computer , AND cellphone . At 6;45 I call the house to find out if she has left . Dad replies sheepishly " She left 5 minutes ago ! " . I sit out on the porch for 10 minutes waiting for her . She shows up , I get in the car and she launches into her excuse like a 15 who came home late . We start down the street well at the end of the block she makes a left instead of a right . I said why are we going this way she said " I don't have my computer ! " I shoot her this look like you have got to be KIDDING ME ! Then she turns onto 6th I thought she did this for she knows how much I hate the road on Union . NOPE she needed to get gas ! I had given her 20 bucks the night before and reminded her that she should stop on her way to home depot . I give her my look again , She says that she didn't have time . Dad was yanking at her to hurry because they were going to late for dinner . Well she has me call dad when we hit 21st street so he could bring out her computer .

Well I kinda have that panic feeling when you wake up late and you look at the time and realize that you have to be at work in 5 minutes . I hate that feeling ! It's completly inocent but you can't help but have that pain in your gut . Mom drove and she might of even sped . I won't say if she did or didn't but I made my blood draw with only being 10 minutes late . She made it up here in about 25 minutes ! haha go mom !

IN the treatment room mom kicks back in the recliner and now is snoring next to me . Like I said she needed a day off . She has been kicking butt working on the deck . It is looking amezing ! I can't wait to see it all done . With her new post and all of dads tomato plants . IT should look good , real good .

Wow almost a month .... sorry

I haven't been a very good blogger lately sorry . I would think about it but then when I would start I would just feel drained or writters block . It sometimes is a challenge for me to do stuff . hnkcvx ( that was Raini saying " Meow " to you all .)

I made through this last round of treatment feeling a bit more drained than normal . After a few days of only sleeping I started to feel better . I even felt good enough to attend the 6th art walk . It was a nice day and I went with people that were willing to go at my pace . It can be a hard thing to do for some . On the ave I was excited to see people I normally don't get to see .

This last weekend I went with 22 other fabulous ladies to Moclips and rented a beach house had a bon fire , made smores , went to the casino , watched sis and lolo on the go-carts , went to the grocery store ( bawhahaha way better than walmart watching it was like condensed walmart you will have to see for yourself ) got my but kicked alll weekend in spite and malice , and a lil in cribbage . The other girls ran around did their hair ( tear ) , Donna gave a make-up class and sold some Mary Kay . The food was awesome ! Had some monkey bread for the 1st time it was good !!! In my opinion the only thing it needed was peacans then I might of stole the pan and locked my self in the bedroom till it was all gone !
Had great conversations met one of the funniest girls I think I have met in years SQUIRREL !!!! Bonded with some charished friends and made some new great memories ! Got to know a few of the other ladies better and even had a chance to make a new friend or two .

While all of that was a blast ! I have spent the last few days recoping . I would say in the activity department I didn't do much but in the socializing aspect of things I did a ton ! I never realized how draining it was for me . I felt kinda bad we were all standing arouind talking about the weekend and all the sudden my inner " turkey is done button " poped out and I looked at the girls and said it's time ! I kinda felt like a 5 year old .

I have my long treatment this friday and I am going up to Seattle with mom . She plans on doing something to computer while I get treatment . We shall see how it goes .

As the treatment turns

I have treatment tomorrow , hopefully , if my blood cells have balanced out I will . Last week I wasn't able to be treated . My dr. was afraid due to my levels . He told me that he wants to kill the tumor cells and cancer not me . ( My Dr. is a bit OCD about dirt and a few other things ) I told him if he killed me I would haunt him by leaving crumbs every where he went . He said well in that case I will make sure I don't do that then . Then whispered under his breath ' crumbs " followed by a slight chill . He talked about my treatment for a little bit then noticed that Sister wasn't there . He asked me if I came alone I said " No , my mom is getting a cold so I made her wait outside so I don't get sick " He looked at me and said " outside like in the car ? or the waiting room ? " I said " the waiting room " He looked outraged then said " So to save yourself , you put 20 other people in harms way ?" I looked at him weird and then realized what he ment and said " Well , I guess I just didn't think of it that way .... I should though ..... If my system is doing bad I should consider everyone elses is bad too " The he added " it's good that you think of your health the way you do " So I left my appointment feeling kinda like a jerk to everyone in the waiting , felt like I should of gotton all of them an icecream to say sorry . It was a learning day .

This last week was a kinda a good week . I slept alot and my tummy didn't hurt as much . I've been a little light headed lately but I think that might have something to do with the large amounts of coffee that I consume to keep me up and movin .

I was trying to helpful and put some stuff away in the kitchen and the stupid light in the kitchen kept attacking me ! It would just pop up out of no where and hit me in the back of the head . The 1st time in almost put me on my ass . I had to make myself sit down for a second . I went back to it and hit my head like 3 more times . Well the next morning I was using a mirror to see if I had a bruise or any lumps . I thought I saw 2 areas that looked bruised . I asked Sister o take a look . She starts laughing at me and ask me to point to the areas again . She laughs even harder and informs me that the areas that I thought were bruises were areas that were starting to grow hair ! I have to admit I felt conflicted , excited to have hair growning but paniced because it was growning in like a badly scorched yard . I know it's just hair and their are worst things not to have after everything I have been through , but damit ! I like having my own hair ! I fear when I let it grow out I will have to do a comb over . Or I might have to have wigs for the rest of my life . That is the kinda stuff that trouble me the parts of me that will be permanetly effected by the treatment and from the tumor .

1st day of 2nd round

Well tomorrow I will begin my 2nd round of chemo ! Woooohooo ! Mom has the pleasure of taking me . We will leave Tacoma at 8ish am and be up there till about 5 or 6 . I hopefully will be feeling well enough after all the drugs to make it to the lighting of the luminaries at Relay for Life . It's one of my favorites . I like Relay because it just isn't for one type of cancer . It is a cause for all cancer . I have brain cancer . I look up stuff to educate my self and it seems that when ever I do I run into a boob . Everything thing tends to pretain to breast cancer . I am not saying that boobs aren't a good cause and I am not bitter because I think mine are small , I just find it annoying .

Enough of that ! I am getting to far into my own head ! Haha . Living with Sister is interesting . I am making my own little space but I think it will take me awhile to have it feel like home . When I tell people where I am I still say Sister's house . Not my new place . I think it will come . I was driving with mom the other day and I said mine and sister's place and mom looked at me and said that it sounded forced . I am adjusting . Sister is doing a great job of trying to adjust also . I tend to make her cat take more naps than she normally does so Raini has been on a few midnight rampages at Karyn's expense . While I sleep nice an sound up stairs with the door close .

It is June and the weather is that of may or april . I have to admit I love it when it rains super hard and the sound it makes on the roof . I also enjoy I good thunder storm . I see the dark clouds roll in and I get some what excited . I know I will sleep well as soon as it starts to rain . I have tried the tapes of rain and other nature sounds but they don't work they sound well recorded . I planted a bunch of flowers last week when it was nice an now I wonder if I planted them too soon . I hope that they grow and bloom . I am trying plants I have never had before this year . I have artichoke , sweet peas , yellow squash , and some wild flower mix that helps the bee population . I am so courious to know if the bee one works . That and I hear if you dont prune the artichokes to eat that they bloom into an amazing looking flower . The hard part is going to be not wanting to eat them .... I might just have to only let 1 bloom ....

Beginning of the 2nd set of Chemo: 3rd treatment

Today I took Elizabeth to have her hearing tested. Because her protocol uses platinum Dr. Chamberlain wanted to get a base-line hearing test. The use of this element can cause hearing loss and they want to monitor it closely. So the results were... very good hearing.

After the test we had agreed to stop at the Burger Barn on Custar Rd in Lakewood. I was very hungry, having only gotten up just before I picked up Elizabeth... she wanted to take the food back home to eat... but I whined and we had a picnic at the drive in. We raised our burgers as a toast to "Grambo", my mom's nickname. It was one of the places she liked to take the kids when they were small for burgers. I love those tie-ins. Being a military family we traveled hither and yon and didn't have "history" with places. We had traditions, but not a memory of places. So it was fun for me to recognize this as a remembrance of my mom.

We talked about Elizabeth's new move in with Karyn and how she enjoys planning dinner for them. She was doing meatloaf and was inspired by the thoughts of meatloaf sandwiches later. I must admit that hearing her describe how she was going to make it made me think it was sounding like a very yummy idea.

But I came home and worked a bit on my deck, placing two tall posts where shorter ones had been and making ready to do the railings. I have a lot to get done and this week promises to have good weather to do it in.

Friday I will take Elizabeth to Seattle for her last in this series of chemo. It will be a long one— lasting up to 8 hours. There is a lot to it. She has already alerted her aunt, Vanessa, to come visit and watch a movie. Her aunt is a cancer survivor and has had liver replacement (due to HepC). She is doing interferon to help rid her of the dreaded disease; and it seems to be working! So that is encouraging. Friday will be a lot of talking and then a lot of sleeping. Everyone seems to nap in this family. I need one. I've been have insomnia issues lately and do not get to sleep until 4 and 5 AM. This isn't healthy for me. I was reading that it can actually cause diabetes if you mess with your inner clock. So I'm going to give that much more attention.

Elizabeth is doing well, she isn't too hungry as she feel poorly if she eats too much and many foods have odd flavors. She is happy with the whole second floor at Karyn's and even put up a mail box for herself at 3615 1/2! Gotta love it. Oh, the address is 3615 1/2 South 9th, 98405... if you want her new address and don't already know it. Her phone is the same.

Thank you for your interest in her well being. It makes me feel very good to know so many are praying for her and wishing her well. She is a wonderful daughter and we wish she didn't have this challenge, but since she does she is facing it with grace and humor. Take care of yourselves.

Elizabeth's Mom, Kathryn

moving week !!

Well I will be moving in with sister this weekend . She keeps coming over to my house and telling me I don't have that much stuff to do . My mom comes over and tells me I have done next to nothing . I lean more tward mom's thought on the matter . If I was left to myself to pack and clean I would of started 2 months a go . I will pack a box or two then have to take a nap or at least a 0 to 15 min break . Yet , I will say I thought I had done alot of work already . I guess I hide my stuff well , because when it comes out of hiding I have a ton of crap !! I think half the stuff I am moving is stuff I am going to put in mine and sisters garage sale . I mean granted I am a girl there for I have slight shoe fetish but I never realized they would breed under my bed . My Pumas mated with my Poneys now I have Kangaroos . It crazy !!! The worst part is I look at each shoe like it's Salomons child . Give it away would be the right thing but I love the shoe !!! urg ! Why do they make them so darn cute !!! Maybe I will have a walk-a-thon where instead of donations you wear all the pairs of shoes you are going to donate and you do a lap around the feild with all of them tied to you like the back of a " just married " car . Then there could be sprint races in high heels . A slipper suffle for the old folks and mabye a baby bootie bounce off where the babies just bounce in their bouncy chairs . There could be something for everyone . * shivered * ( I just realized how dorky I am =) )

Well any ways so I am moving and for the 1st time ever I decieded to get a truck . I know , I know , I could fit all my stuff in like 9 cars , plus a few random trips . i am over trying to do that . it takes way more time and no matter how good it sounds in your head , it's really not the best idea . I was just cheap or was it that I opted to buy a keg of beer instead in the past to quench everyones thirst who helped me move ? I have actually less stuff now then I did 2 years ago though . I keep purging , all this "stuff " I don't even know why I hold on to some of it . A lot of it is just relentless baggage that I carry from place to place , yet I have no idea why . So as I try to answer that big questions with certian items my pile of " stuff " becomes less and I can feel the freedome of being set free from it . Seriously try it . I started maybe 6 months ago . I turned all my hangers backwards any thing that wasn't turned around I took a hard look at , tried it on , and if I still liked it kept it if not donated . I donated 9 , 10gal bags of clothes to goodwill . I didn't even have the urge to replace the all . Weird miracle ( or it could be the power of the tumor )

If it wasn't for mom yesterday sitting very nicley waiting for me to come out of my chemo fog to tell her how and where I needed help . I know I needed help but I want to know what box stuff goes in so I can find it I like Christmas just fine but not on moving day . So mom 1st was my " bag boy " she baged my panrty for me as I made areas in the front garage sale , storge , and moves . we finished about the same time and I told her I needed a break she agreed . I made some mac n cheese with broccoli in it for her and I , sister stopped by with newspaper and joined in on the meal . After eating we went on a family trip to Home Depot to get rubber storage containers . hehehe I never knew something like that would be such an experiance . I mean full on animated conversations over which one is better and prices and even color . I loved it =) . Hehe . Back at home mom stayed and helped me pack almost the whole kitchen . She is such a trooped ! I still have my room and the bathroom to do but everythings seems to be more do-able now . Love da momma !

Oh and the tomato , pepper and yellow squash starts are looking good !! I am excited for home grow veggies ! My favorite !

Should be a nice weekend

Well this week was about as normal as I get these days . I felt pretty good for the most part . The nausea is starting to be not as bad . The pills help me eat but I still have a lack of hunger and nothing ever really sounds good . The nurses keep telling me never eat anything you love while getting treatment , it can make you hate it , find it gross , or since the taste buds are all messed up think that it is made wrong or something is off in it . I have made the mistake now a few times . I thought I would have cheesecake bad choice tasted weird ( 1st time I have ate it since the food show when I ate all like 3 bad samples in a row I don't think I will ever eat it again ) A few different cereals Corn pops ( Yuck ! ) frosted flakes ( gross ! ) oatmeal ( strange texture ) chicken noodle soup ( too salty ) I have a few more but as I list them I am sorta getting depressed thinking at what few things I actually will have left to eat . I will be worse than those little kids that only eat chicken nuggets , ketchup and apples .

So with that said guess what I am doing on Sunday ? I am going to a benefit for the Broadway Center . They call it ' Food Stars " it's catered by 6 different restraunts from around town . I am sure that with my small appetite I will have some happy people sitting around me . I found a super cute dress at Ross for less than 20 bucks , shoes at Target - 20 , necklace w/ earring set Sears 18 bucks , wig 40 and make 6 dollars . not to bad I can also wear the dress for a few other things I have coming up . The wig is super cute too !! So happy ! This should be good ! Fingers crossed .

Embellish

Well this week has proven that chemo is slowly taking over my body . It is a weird feeling . It's odd I feel like I am getting old in fast / slow motion . I have no idea how to explain this to someone who isn't sick like me . It's a crappy feeling not being able to do what you know you should be able to do . I know I can walk over 2 miles and be fine , no , no I can't right now when I have tried I end up taking a 3 hour nap . I have to split my chores up in to chunks . I will read a chapter then wash a few dishes , read a chapter then sweep the floor , ect . So needless to say I can't wait to be done . I know it takes time I know I need all the naps I know that treatment is grueling but I just wish that it didn't take so long .

ON the other foot .... I get to go down to Embellish next week . Trish the great is going to give me a head scrub . Man I never knew how awesome showers and head messages were until I became bald . I use to be really good about taking 5 min showers now they are like 10 min . I just love the way they feel . I encourage anyone who needs a hair cut , color , perm , or just wants to try a new do to give Embellish Salon a try .

Getting out but not around a lot of people

So part of my treatment is that my immune system will be going down the shiter here in a few weeks . I will not be able to be around a lot of people again . I like to go for walks around town but I crave to hike out in the trees with truely fresh air . My mom and I stopped at REI today on the way home . I found a book of easy day hikes for Rainier and the Penninsula . I am hopeing that I can find all sorts of different friends to do these hikes with . Some are kid oriented , some allow dogs , but they all are outside in our gorgouse pacific northwest . So when ever you want to go for a nice day trip give me a call or e-mail me . I am ready ! I will warn you that I am not a fast walker anymore I still have not been able to build speed . It truelly will be a stroll through the forest or feilds .
cell 253-651-9933
e-mail whitacre.elizabeth@yahoo.com

Ruff week

Chemo started last week and I can say that it is slowly kicking my butt . I went today with mom and I was surprised at how fast and smooth it all went . I think it was the fastest I have been in and out of SCCA . i was suppose to get a hearing test but they want my ear canal to not be inflamed when I go . It's inflamed from when I had radiation . We all thought it would have gone away by now but sadly I am partialy def now in my right ear till the swelling goes down . It's a strange feeling to have bad hearing .
On our way up to SCCA we stopped in to Starbucks for a quick snack an so I could have a coffee . As I was looking at he breakfast sandwichs I hear " Liz ? Liz Whitacre ? " I turn around and it was Gloria Binkly !!! I haven't seen her in about 2 years ! My emotions are all crazy , I was so excited to see her I almost cried . I am turning into a emtional basketcase . I was so amazed to see her . It is so funny how a small 5 minute break from what " is " going on can change how you feel for a good chunk of the day .

May day fun over

May day was great this year at sisters house ! The pole was wrapped by the young and the old . Every one remembered which direction they needed to go . The welcoming to spring is now over so spring and warmer weather can begin !!!
It was a lot of fun to see every ones kids running around playing . Kat's daughter wowed us with her animal noises and kept me laughing as she tried to squirm away . They are so cute at that age !!! Laurels oldest Maddie was showing off her spanish speaking skills to us . We would ask her how to say a color or item of clothing and she would name it . Then she counted to 40 in spanish ! The end to her show was the preforming of sumersaults and kartwheels .
The fire pit was lite a little after 6 to help keep people warm . It was nice to sit around the fire . I was bundled up and toasty . When we started to run low on wood I taught one of sisters friends how to chop wood with the help of Jeff D. it was pretty funny . Dino was pretty proud of himself as well as he should be . He did a great job .
After everyone left sister and I sat around and talked about our favorite moments and had a good laugh .
I woke up on sisters couch this morning feeling a little worn . I can tell when I have socially strained my self and I was a little stained . I found my purse and took my antipuking pills . I honestly can not tell you if they work or not because I hate feeling way enough that I take them on time . My hunger level these last few days has been down again . I am hoping that it will balance out here in a little bit . I have had the energy of a three toed slothe today . I will learn balance . I will learn balance . This will be my mantra for the next leg of my journey .

starting again

Sister normally takes me to my Seattle Cancer Care appointments but do to things she had planned she did not . So here is the Tale of Dad taking me to S.C.C. .
Dad picked me up at 8:15ish so that we could grab a quick breakfast and head out on to the road . we were pretty lucky traffic wasn't bad at all . We made it uo to Seattle at about 9:15 . Still had about a half hour before my 1st appointment . I flipped through a zine and dad took nap #1 . They cal my name so I follow the nurse to the blood draw room . Blood is done and over with fast . The nurse tells me I have a few minutes before my mri and that I can just rest - nap #1 for me .
I am woken up and taken to a holding type room where the tech tells me that the music listed ob the wall is what I can listen to while in the mri . After ho humming over the list I settle for the Gypsy Kings . THen the tech tells me it was going to be a few more minutes then lays a warm blanket on my lap -nap#2 .
The tech wakes me up and tells me the mri takes about 45 min so if you need to go , go now . I slip back out into the lobby to grab something and dad was cathing up to me know - nap #2 for dad .
The MRI machine at SCC seemed so much loader to me then TG or Alenmor . It also made different noises . AS I lay on the board I practice meditating as a way to not freak out . Then I fell asleep - nap #3 . after about 40 min of being in there they pul me out and inject some contrst into my system and did about 10 more min of xrays .
After that fun . I took dad to my meeting with the dr.'s I got my vitals , weighed , and temp taken . THen had a small learning session on what all the drugs and prescibtions were . My dad and I were thing we would be done by 3ish ..... The dr.s nurse told hime what was on thr board for the day . !st a 5 hour hyrdation bag ( cut to dads face as his eyes first bug out then roll then go to the clock so he could figure how much longer lol ) 2nd vanchristine 3rd cisplatin and then 4th CeeNU ( it's like 24 pills that you have to take with in ten minutes , they taste pretty nasty too . Then they flush the port line and your done . The nurse than proceeds to give me 5 priscriptions to have filled while I get treated .
I take dad up one more floor we sit down and wait not even 5 minutes before they call my name to go to the infusion room . Room 7 I like that room because you have less people around you and noise . I put my stuff in the room and give dad a tour . I show him wher the kitchens are and his eyes light up slighly . I told hoim all this was on me and to help himself . I grabed a water bottle , string cheese and a jello pack . Dad got a nutriagrain bar some cheese water and a soda . When we came back there was Ed all ready with my hydration bag . He told me that he increased the drip and it should only be about 3hrs , Awesome !!! He is so good to me ! I got all comfy on the bed and settle into the idea of a nap . Ed grabbed be 2 warmed blankets . Nap # 3 .
I wake up and dad is cruisin through his book and I feel really nice and rest . Ed comes in and gives me a shot of steriods to help with one of the meds he wil be giving me . I then wonder what all the steriodes they have given to me might do to me .. I hope I don't turn into a cabbage patch doll or garbage pail kid . Shortly after Ed leaves . nap #4 .
I wake up from nap #4 and I see dad napping so I will gues that this nap is #4 for hime also maybe #3 . When I wake I feel the results of the steriods I have a bit more energy . I turn on my little t.v. and watch Fariss Buellers day off . love that movie . ( When cameron was in eygpt land .... let my cameron go .....) ( Do you want a gummy bear ? They are warm they hac=ve been in my pocket all day soooo.... ) shortly after the end of the movie . Ed comes in and informs my that I am done !!! So exciting !!
Now all I have to do is figure out my pill scedule and I will be golden !! I have to remain some what excited and peppy over this crap or the actual reality of it will eat my happiness , and I don't like it when that happens . So what do you do . Put on a happy face and WOOOOOHOOOOO!

May 1st Garage Sale to Benefit Elizabeth

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church is hosting a garage sale to benefit Elizabeth Whitacre

9am to 3pm

Saturday May 1, 2010

You can't come??? Tell your friends/family.

Many people donated items. You need to come by So 12th and Jackson and take a look for yourself. This sale was put together by members of chapter AY, P.E.O.

We are blessed with great friends and family. Thank you "sisters" in P.E.O.

Posted by Liz's mom

I have stuff to say

I will write tomorrow had a long day but it was a fun and eventful day of treatment .

Still tired

Well these last few mornings I have been woken up by text messages from friends coming in at 6:30 or 7 am . I have to say I love my friends but seriously 6:30 am ? I will make it a rule right now no text or phone calls before 8 am unless it is urgent or we are going somewhere and it is my wake up call . Yes that hour makes a huge difference . I love you all and I wan tto hear from you and chat but that early I am no good to anyone .

I spent the day with my parents on Sunday . Well I should say I took a nap at their house and went to dinner with them . I had met with dad at about 10 am to book the condo for the family vacation in August . Then I proceeded to go into the den sit in dads lazy boy cuddle up with hannah and take about a 3 to 4 hour nap . Mom tried to wake me up 3 or 4 times but I could barely move . Eye lids to heavy must shut . I even missed my aunt Liz and her boyfriend Colin being there . I was awake for about 10 minutes of their visit . I felt bad but there is not much I can do about that kinda stuff . My body just kinda shuts down when it gets tired . I think at this point I could be walking down the street and fall asleep .
After aunt Liz left mom , dad and I went to the casinio to eat . It was lobster night . I walked throught the line and grabbed a salad to start with and a few popcorn shrimp . I get to the table and mom has a half of a lobster a few claws from crab and some thing else . Dad i think might of had a full lobster and some fried claws . I love crab , clams . lobster , and mussles so I was happy . I went throught the line and grabbed all my goodies . I eat the few clams and mussles I grabbed they tasted pretty good . I think started on my half lobster not so good , it's not that it was the way it was made it's just the way it tastes to me . So i gave mom my lobster claw and the last of the tail . I start on the crab claws .... same out come of the lobster I gove my mom my claws . I am getting pretty hungry at this piont . I haven't really ate much and working this hard to try and eat was begining to annoy me . I go through the line again and try the turkey get a few more clams and muscles and call it good . The turkey was good but the 2nd round of shellfish not so much . =( I gave up on real food and a german chocolate cake caught my eye so I grab a slice of cake drown it under some vannilla ice cream and have my cake for dinner . Every kids dream . haha
It was nice to spend time with the parents . Dad is less stressed out now that tax season is over and mom is well mom she's working on like 20 things at once and finishing some of them up . Way to go mom !!!

Fun with the fam-dam-ly

I have been doing paper work for the last few days and working on some things for different friends who have exciting things about to happen in their lifes . I think doing paper work is almost more exhausting than a day with out a nap , but it all has to get done . Blah !

On the high note my dad's good friend Jeff gave us his amazing Marinier's tickets . 6 rows back off to the right side of home plate awesome ! I have never been to the diamond club so it was experience . Private entrance , catered food it was like thanksgiving at the country club . Prime rib , turkey , clams , all kinds of salads and fruit . It was a impressive spread . The seats we had were all nice and cushy and roomie . Then they have these sheats of paper when you want something you just check off what you want and they bring it to you . Wanna beer check it off . Want fish and chips check it off . It was kinda weird to not pay for anything . I liked the all inclusive part . I didn't have to deciede between things . Plus I forgot my money * blush * I was glade that I didn't need any . Dad really likes sitting there too , ha ha he looked at me and handed me the sheet of paper and said it had been a half hour since he had a snack . Later on he came back from the bathroom with a hotdog . A little later in the inning I poked my dad in the leg to see if he had filled his hallow leg and to check his sodium level . I guess I just could of looked at his calf to see if he had developed cankles . When we were leaving the game I had had my fill of coffee and suger . I was tired wired and sugar buzzing . Dad was tired , fried , and loopie . We passed by a street guitar player and dad and I both caught a listen to one of his verses and he sang " My doggie .... " . So all the way back to the car dad was screaching about " My doggie " then I joined in . Karyn turned and looked at dad and I and said what are you two talking about ? We both chimed in " my doggie " !!! She rolled her eyes annoyed that we didn't give her the answer she wanted . Then shook her head an gave me the look that she didn't want to know .
He he he he I love Sister . It was a nice day with the family . The Marinier's won and I got out of the house and was able to do something that had nothing to do with a hospital or treatment for 6 hours I loved it !!! Thanks Jeff !!!!!!

Better yet

I was thinking that by this point in my break from treatment I would be feeling better than I am . I was looking forward to having more energy and the stomach pains to stop . I guess I need to look at the bright side of all this is I think I have finally caught up on my sleep from my early 20's , now I just got to work on my late 20's .

I had the pleasure of going out to Laurel's new office early this week and having lunch with her and Sergio . It was kinda a slow day for her so we ordered in and instead of having 45 min for lunch I was there for almost 2hours . I had fun catching up with them and seeing the new digs .

I have been taking care of Karyn's cat Rainie for the last few days . I enjoy taking care of her she naps as much as I do . Last night she was feisty . She woke me up 3 or 4 times . I could hear her running laps in the living room then she would bolt into the bedroom and jump on the bed and head butt me , then stare me down till I pet her . While I petted her she kneaded my boob . I was to tired to stop her . She woke me for the last time at 6:30 am . She ran and jumped on my stomach headbutted me then pawed my face when I went to pet her she jumped off of me ran into the other room , then came barreling back in and repeated what she did . I figured man she must be hungry . So I get out of bed to feed her , her food bowl was almost full . I thought thats weird she's acting like she does when she wantd to be fed . As I walk into the living room I step on her greeen monster . ( The green monster is a kat nip toy that has a opening in it so you stuff the toy with kat nip ) As I look around I see the insides of the toy on the carpet . I pick up the toy and look inside she ate the equivalet of a 20 sack . No wonder she was all cracked out .

Shopping with Jen

Woke up yesterday all kinds of bright and early . Went to the store grabbed a cup of joe and went in the search of the perfect banana and orange . ( Weird quirk about me I love oranges hate orange juice ) After a small safari hunt at the Met , I found good fruit . I had a good giggle watching these two little korean kids run around the produce area . The mom asked the girl to grab some apples she grabbed two from the bottom and the whole thing came down ! The poor girl squated down with her arms over her head and sreamed ah oh ! Her mom smiled and went over to her daughter and they looked at the ground picked up 2 more apples put in a bag and the mom told her daughter it's ok messes happen you just have to clean them up . So the little girl went and grabbed one of the kids grocery carts and filled it up ! I laughed so hard . The produce guys were trying to tell her they would clean it up but she would not stop till that lil cart was full . I thought it was great . It was nice to see a parent not get mad at a kid for makig a big mess and to also teach them a leason at the same time .

I got home and looked at the Sunday paper to see where all the Estate and garage sales were . Jen arrives on time with coffee in hand . We jump in the car and start our tour of tacoma . We found all kinds of hidden treasures . At one sale I found something I really haven't seen since middle school , fimo jewlery !!! I was in shock to see it I thought someone was giving up their late eighties early ninties collection . Nope the lady told us she had just finished some of the peices . I winced but then imagined all these old ladys rolling around in their lil rascals sportin vuleer 2 peice suits with fimo jewlery sets and all made sense .
We then made our way to a sale that claimed to have a huge unicorn collection . I have to admit I was excited to see what it would look like . Lamely according to the lady in the house that the big day of the sale was the day before . When we got there it was dollies , chrismas garland spikes , and a chair for a dollar . So sad .
With a slight disappointment we motor on . We head to the deep south mall area . After some directionaly challanged moments ( my liz liz was broken ) we were headed in the right direction . We found a sale that Jen thought had " Hugs " . It was a tiney sale but there was some ineresting stuff and people . While we were looking around they had the radio on and a commercial for getting std testing came on that said 1 out of 6 people have a std . The girl who was puttinng on the sale looked around and said ok who is raise your hand . One of us has one and it's not me . I thought it was funny but then my sense of humor is kinda twisted . Jen and I looked at each other and giggled .
We jump back in the car and head down Alaska . I tell Jen that Mings new house is on this road . Well we both have to pee so we scope out Mings house to see if she is there but sadley she is not . So we creep around her house peeking our head into all her window . I was kinda hopeing that she was home and had parked in the garage so we could scare her . Jen and I talked about going back to a few of the other sales we had been to , to pick up some of the "free"stuff so we could leave it in Mings yard . Like a ugly scarcrow made by the fimo lady and a few pot and pans that looked like they were in Nevada when they tested the bombs .
After all that snooping we built up some hunger . Being by the mall and considering that we had to pee we went to Costco . HAve you been in their bathrooms lately ? They have Dyson hand driers ! They look kinda weird but work great .
I treat Jen to a Sunday savy lunch of a all beef frank and a 20 oz ( refillable ) soda . I know I am such the sugar momma ! As we sat squished around people we don't know Jen spots her mom . Her mom has 2 cute little kids with her . We say Hi to mom and finish our dogs .
After some talking we choose to hit one or two more sales up . Sadley none prove to be great . Jen starts to drive and we end up on S.th 19th . As we are driving this little Asian lady is having a sale so we stop . Most of it is old vases and jewlery boxs . The weird part was nothing had a price tag . I picked up a plate to see if it was on the back and the lady yells " Fifty cents !" Jen picks up a vase she yells " four dollars !" We finish looking around and yet again find nothing .
I had so much fun looking at other peoples stuff . I also found new places in Tacoma I have never been . That said I also found places that I will never go again , and a few that I will . I love Tacoma and all it's grit . It truelly is a special place .

it's so nice !!

Yesterday I woke up sooo early !!! I couldn't figure out why I had woken up , then I heard it . My cell phone . I forgot to turn it off . Urggg !!!! So I shrug it off and decide to get dress and embrace the day . I went and met a few friends for some coffee and we sat around and chatted for a bit . When I left I could almost feel my insides gittering from to much coffee .

I got home and in my coffee induced stage got bundled up and went for a walk . It lasted about 2 blocks . It was so windy and cold ! I had to retreat back to the house . It is stuff like that , that kills me . I sometimes just start to feel normal but then mother nature reminds me that I don't produce as much heat as I use to . I hate it . I love to walk and it annoy's me that I can't really do it . I hope this weather becomes better soon .

I worked on a project for a friend for a bit and Karyn'scat Rainie helped out the whole time ! Her way of helping is laying on the part I want to work on . Then when I ask the cat to move she gives me a look like why ? I can do this side you do the other . I finally gave up and joined the cat in pretend working . When I went to sleep that night Karyns cat slept with me the whole time . She must of thought I needed some extre attention . I was surprised when I woke up in the morning to find her stil laying there on the bed next to me . She opened her eyes looked at me then head butted me . She then proceeded to purr and kneed at me till I got out of bed and fed her . She is such a character .

A bit of a break

Well so far my little break from treatment has been ok . I was thinking that as soon as treatment stopped all the side effects of the treatment would go to . It's my inner blond thinking . I should of known better . It didn't go away on the weekend so why would it go away in 3 days . Right ? I have wishful thinking ...
These last few days I have been just as tired as always . I have not done much , yet I try and get out of the house at least once a day . Fresh air is good for the soul . Helps clean out the bad air . Clear the head in away . Even though it was windy yesterday it was nice it sit in the sun for awhile . I am looking forward to spring and summer . The one big thing I did do was I went to the Rainiers season opening game with Ming and Erin . We had a good time . I only made it to the top of the 7th inning then became to cold to deal . Even with Ming and Erin on either side of me to block the wind and snuggle next to it just wasn't enough . I am lucky to have such understanding friends because they did not mind leaving . When I got home I ran a mini bath to defrost my toes . My toes are the real reason for leaving . They became little ice cubes in my shoes . I even had my liner sox and wool sox on ! I tried to dress right . I think I might wait a few more weeks before I go to another night game . I really like going to the Rainier games . For the price of a Marnier ticket I can take 2 friends , park , get a dog , and a drink . Plus games are always better when you go with good people .

Formula for Life?

Formula for living life to the fullest.

Laughter, humor, good friends, life worth living... God bless Elizabeth... and all of you who pray for her, and who care... Friends, Family, Fun.

F times 3 makes for a good recovery... hum, I may have a formula. f x 3 = +Rq

We all want answers, like working a math problem. But life doesn't lend itself to quick or repeatable answers. We are not numbers, but so totally independent that it is hard at times when faced with extremes in opinions, speech and habits to think of all of us as the same species. One person can complain about something someone else compliments. One of us can think that it is time for politics to change while another thinks it is just starting to make sense. We are short, tall, thick, thin, dark, light, smart and not-so-smart, yet we all must face the next day and what it brings without knowing any answers.

Do you remember 7th grade geometry? Postulates and theorems? You remember, proving problems using quotes like: "the shortest distance between two points is a straight line" or " A circle can be drawn with a center and any radius." etc. Well, I think a formula for a happy life can be as different as the people but some factors will enter into almost all and they are: humor/fun, friends and family (family doesn't have to be "blood relatives") And I think Elizabeth has solved many problems with her three F's. And YOU are part of the solution to this problem Life has given us. We are grateful to so many wonderful friends and family members. Several friends have purposed a garage sale to benefit Elizabeth... read further to see how to help and participate.

**********************************

My P.E.O. chapter is planning to give Elizabeth a May1 Garage Sale! If you have items that you'd like to donate, please put them aside to take to St. Andrews Episcopal Church on S.12th/Jackson on April 29 between noon and 5 pm. They may take things on Friday, too while they are pricing. The sale will be 9 - 3 on Saturday, May 1st. Please spread the word about attending or donating. It meets all three of the F's... ! Let's solve another math problem: bills and expenses of living.

Posted by Kathryn Cecelia "KaCe", Elizabeth's Mom

Friday April 3rd

Friday was a quite day in most ways . I went to radiation and had my blood drawn . I wasn't feeling so hot afterward so I had sister drop me off at home . It is weird how even if I take my naps and do what I need to how I can feel tired or is it drained ? . I took about an hour nap and woke up feeling like I still needed another hour ..... it turned into two ..... Did I mention I was tired ? I slipped out of my treatment coma and decided to escape my reality by reading . I found the book that I started when I was over at sisters " Breakfast with Buddah " I read about 4 chapters then realized that maybe the reason I was so tired is because all I ate that day was a banana . Duh ! So as I was making myself a feast of the gods a.k.a. peanut butter and jelly sammy =) My neighbors daughter was home for the weekend .( I live in the upstairs of a duplex .) She and her little friend went rippen through that house like two taz's on a sugar high . I could tell at any moment where they were by the noise and the sound of spirited feet running all through the house . I smiled and had a bunch of memories of slumber parties when I was a kid . My friend Ann had a few of us over one night and we tried to see who could get the furthest on Super Mario Bros . We had a 12 pack of Coke and all of us were so wired that we would die so would could run to the bathroom every 5 min . Up and down the stairs we would go to um go and since we were all hopped up on suger it wasn't the quite run to was the heels of your feet thunder run . Good times good times . Any ways .....
I woke up with a little bit more energy than before . Mom picked me up midafternoon ( yes it is only about 3 and I have taken 3 naps ) and took me to the grocery store . Procter Safeway has been undergoing contruction and now every thing is in a new place . It is like a scavenger hunt trying to find stuff . Normally I like it I find it sorta fun . Mom and I both grabbed our own carts and headed in thr directions of where we thought the stuff we needed would be . I was doing well I was about half way through my list ( 15 min into the trip ) . Then it happened . The cramping and gut wrenching twisting that sometimes happens from the Chemo and Radiation . I have to say that I had not experianced the pains this bad before . I was about to abanden my cart and try and find mom to get me home . I stood in the aisel half sweating from the pain and partly to try and not puke from it . Then it accured to me , by the time I find mom and tell her and get her out of the store I could be done shopping . So I continued on shopping . The sickness passes after about another 15 min . As I stoll up and down the isle I see mom talking to one of the stock boys and wonder what she is tyring to get stocked just for her . Nope ends up she was looking for vinager . The stock boy and her are both thinking it should be in the isle they are looking in . I tell her to try the salad dressing isle . Now I don't have much room to talk here . I walked around the store maybe twice trying to find the condoment isle . Every time I went by it I was looking at something else or looked at the other side of the isle . I was not on my game . Mom and I finally cash out . I have her drop me off at home and I proceed to put the stuff away then take yup you guess it another nap ( up to four now ) . I woke up at about 5ish and made myself some dinner and watched a movie . Afetr the movie I started to watch a t.v. show , I never finished because I fell asleep on the couch ...... I woke up and draged myself in to my bed at about 12:30 . Then I didn't wake up till 8 am .
Now this day is a classic reason why my mom won't race my dad and I to see who can fall asleep the fastest . She thinks of hom and I as the dolls that have eyes that close as soon as their heads start to tilt back . She says it just isn't a level playing feild anymore , our abilty to sleep any where at any time puts him and I in a league that her and Karyn just on a normal daily basis can't compete with .

Doing stuff !!

Let's see here .... Well on Monday after we were done at SCCA we headed to some restaurant to meet up with some friends to see Alice in Wonderland . Jessica and I were sitting in the car while sis tried to figure out the pay station . he he he . We had fun looking at her from the comfort of the dry warm car . Watching her trying to figure out the weird pay station that takes coins and cards but not bills . ha ha ha . It was a lil amusing . It was nice to see Jessica I haven't had the chance to see her in a while and it was fun catching up . Alice in Wonderland was awsome !!! I loved it ! Go see it if you get the chance !
After treatment on Tuesday I went out to lunch with Jen and her lil guy . We went to the Westend it was pretty good . I love her son he is just so sweet and a character in a half ! We sat around giggled and had ourselfs a nice afternoon . After lunch we went to Target . Ha ha ha Jen found this plastic microphone that made your voice sound like it was in a tunnel and J-bug sat there and tried making noise in it the whole time we were in the store . He is so going to be a American Idol . So cute ! Well after all that excitement Jen dropped me off at home and I layed down on the couch for a quick moment and woke up 3 hours later . I guess I was tired .... Sleep is good though helps me heal and keeps what lil energy I do have .
Woke up at like 5:30 on Wednesday I guess I slept to much the day before . Called Erin to see if she wanted to go grab a cup of coffee . She and I went and hung out for about an hour or so talking catching up and stuff . She is such a go getter . She is almost done with her EMT class . she has been working very hard for the last while to get this goal accomplished . It is cool to watch someone follow their dream .
Kat came to get me at 10:30 to go to treatment . Afterewards her and I went to Ross to try and find a few dresses . Kat found a cute green one with a few circles in the design . I found a knock out one ! It is going to be awesome ! Plus it was only 20 bucks ! Love it ! Kat said we would have good shopping Karma since we found princesses parking I thought she was kiding nope ! Yippy ! Then after Ross we went to the mall and at Fuego I found some bracellettes and a pair of earings for 10 bucks ! So I would say it was a good day of shopping . KAt dropped me off and I took a little nap this time made sure so that way I could get back on my sleeping pattern .
Today I will just relax . Maybe get a pedi with sis . Do some chores . Sleep . Read . Live the dream ...

As My World Turns

Sister and I had a pretty good Monday yesterday . I slept like a good lil Washington baby thanks to the rain . I love falling a sleep to the rain even when it's a storm I love it !! I woke up in a good mood . Sister picked me up and we went to Radiation . The waiting room looked kinda full I was a lil paniced at 1st since sis and I had to be in Seattle by 1:30 . A full room can mean a machine down , complications with the computer , or that they are short staffed for the day . I went and changed in to a robe and took the last empty chair . The high energy nurse came around the couner and said lets go liz . I looked around the room to make sure I wasn't getting dart eyes . I had one or two . The nurse told me that she grabed me b/c my treatment was quicker then the rest and they where short staffed for the day . It works for me . Sorry suckers !!
I come out from thr patient only area and grab sister . We hop in her car and head North to Seattle . We made it up there faster than planned we left early due to the crazy weather . We checked in then I checked out . I found a nice recliner by the window curled up and passed out . I was so out of it I didn't hear the nurse call my name . She had to come and give me a lil shake . As I woke up an took a fast invintory I had a slight horror moment . I noticed that no one was around me , I wondered to myself if I was snorring ? maybe I farted ? I know that I drooled . Oh well ....
We met with my Chemo Dr. and his head nurse . Befor he got there she gave me a few test . I told her that I still have tinggles in my toes and a few in my hands . She made me walk on my tippy toes and then on my heels to see if it had effected my balance . Then she had me take off my shoes and socks to test my nerves in my foot to make sure no damage was happening . I kinda grimaced at this , I just got these sock maybe a month ago I have washed them a few times but they tend to shed a lot of lint . I tell her and she says thats ok it will be worth it then . I give her a odd look as I pull of my soc and half a lint catchers worth comes out of one sock and ask her how so ? She gets this menecing look on her face and tells us that my Dr. is a lil O.C.D. . She said it will freak him out that there is something on the floor . So I take off the other sock and it has maybe one or two less peices of lint . She started to poke my foot with a peice of a cotton swab that she snaped in half . She asked me to tell her if it hurt . Well duh !! You are stabing my foot with a twig ! Both feet and hands passed the poke test so she deemed me ok .
I tell her since we are doing this kinda stuff would she mind looking at my ears ? Last week my inner ear cannels started to hurt then over the weekend the right ear felt like it went under water . So she looks at my ears and says that really the only thing I can do is wait and take some Sudafed to help a little with the pressure . This made me feel a little bit better but also bummed me out that I had to deal with this till it took it's course . As we are talking about this my Dr. comes in . Sis is the only one facing him as he walks in so she got the joy of his 1st reaction to my sock's poop on the ground . Sister said his eyes slightly bugged out . What I found amusing was as we were talking his eyes would wonder over to it and he would just kinda look at it beifly and try not to obsess over it . Then he notice all 3 of us looking at him and he knew he was set up . He tells sis and I that he's a little compulsive and I tell him I want my Dr. to be . If he has a set way of doing things and it has to ne a certian way I figure he is less likely to say Oops . I don't like hearing that from my Dr. ( Or hair stylist ) . He and the nurse conversed for a moment and they looked over my blood work then they told me that they were going to lower my dose of the Vanchristian . Due to the fact that my feet were tinggleing and my hands were starting to show signs of it . We said our good byes for the week and went up to the 5th floor for my treatment .

Blessings

This weekend I went away to play with friends doing wire worked jewelry. It was a blast. While away we talked about Elizabeth and her situation. Elizabeth had told me..."NO, sniffles. No colds." No illness or a person can't be with her. So our hostess' hubby left for the weekend, so as not to expose me to his cold. I was touched by their sensitivity. It turns out that Vicki, my hostess, has a niece that has had her lungs transplanted. She is only 34. She also can't be exposed to Tom's cold. I think to myself, that a lot of families have health issues that are not evident by looking. Amy (the niece) looked normal. She must be very careful of germs, just like Elizabeth. It was strange, yet similar, to have these same issues. Having to be mindful of cleanliness is a good thing that we often over look.

Now when I know I'll see Elizabeth I am very mindful of my physical wellness, my hands' cleanliness, and just an over all sense of things that might bring danger or harm to Lizzy. I think we, who are well, forget just how great our body's immune system is. We take for granted that we can grab something that is in the public realm and not think twice about the germs left by the previous person using the item. We are truly remarkable beings.

I am ever so mindful of how much I love Elizabeth and want to keep her safe. So I keep hand sanitizer handy and a prayer on my lips. She's off to treatment this morning in Tacoma and then to Seattle. Karyn and she are even planning to do a "fun thing" up in Seattle. Go to a movie... they can tell you about it.

And so another week begins. Not many radiations left. One more week after this one, I think. Yippee.

Kathryn Cecelia "KaCe" Whitacre, Elizabeth's Mom

Foggy

My head has been a lil bit in the fog these last couple of days . I am just now starting to feel better from this last weekend . I sooo learned my lesson ! On Monday when sis and I went up to SCCA we all looked over my blood work . My whit e blood cells are starting to go down now . THey told me I am not in bubble mode yet but I should shop either early in the day or later to aviod lots of people . If I go out to eat I have lunch at about 130 or 2 dinner about 4 0r 5 . Then there is always the option of take away .
The other rules are some of the older ones put back into play . I have to carry hand sanitizer with me and I need to make sure that who ever is with me use's it . ( I have become kinda a hand washing Hitler ) I have started to notice a lot more how gross certian things are . I think this experiance might turn me slightly O.C.D. .
I am looking forward to Easter next week . I think it is mostly because I like to bake and create . This year sis and I are going to make the cake shaped in a easter egg . I found a recipe for a lemon cake . I think I might use lemon curd and rasberry jelly as the filling ( yummers ) . Kayrn is good at making interesting cakes . She like a cake archetect . She can build any kinda cake ! She should get a job at charm city cakes with Duff !
Dad drove me to treatment twice this week . We do pretty well as a team . We both get tired easier than most , we eat smaller portions so we share meals which mean half the cost , and we are both pretty flexible ( on most things we still have our stuberness ) . Dad I and drove through the honking tunnel and the 5 mile drive . Dad was super wild life tour guide ! He pointed out deer , reindeer ( sure they were in the zoo but they were still on the road side ) racoons and a few other tresures . It was a lot of fun .
Sis and I met some of my friends for a late lunch on Friday . Jesse was in town from Cali , Pat an Kelly were in from Portland , Annie and her lil man , Lenny and Jessica and their lil red head guy . We went to the Antique Sandwich Co. I hadn't been there in years . I forgot how good their sammys were ! I also forgot how huge the sammys were ! I made sis eat half but I think I could of just had one fourth of the sammy and been full . It was great to see all of them . As a group they are some of the happiest people I know . I love that I would consider most the people I know as happy . Not just happy but have positive out looks on life .
This weekend I plan on keeping the low profile thing going . I am starting to feel good and I want to keep that feeling . I know what I have to do to do it . I might have to hit up a yard sale or two though .... I am addicted . Plus you would be amazed what 5 bucks can get you the last day of a sale ! I think I like the hunt ....

sleepy days

Well these last few weeks the treatments have caught up with me . I have been ubber tired and have had lack of energy . I was glad on Wed. that I started to pull out of it . Sister and I on St. Pat.'s day went to O'mally's and she had the sheppards pie and I had the corned beef . Both were yummy ! THen on Thur. went to the Ale House to watch the Huskies play . What a game I didn't think I would have nails left by the end . Let's see if they can oull it out on Sat. . Then on Fri. went to Clover Leaf to watch the Gonzaga game . Uncle Doug Ronner is a little bit supersticous so the places to go and watch it are narrowed . So he was super happy to be somewhere and they won ! After the game drove Doug and Jack to Cheers West to meet up with Julie . Watched the last 4 games of the day . Ming ended up showning up and had fun with me picking on people . Karyn dropped me off at home and now I am getting ready to hunker down for the night .

These last couple weeks has given me insite of what I am in for in the coming weeks . My doctors told me that I will start becoming more tired !! ( I don't know how much more I can sleep ) While discussing this with one of them he told me he could give me speed , then he looked at me all serious and said but no crack . Hehe I love a doctor with a sense of humor . I hope that it doesn't come to that . My sister is a gawd sent during these times for me . I barely want to get out of bed let alone anything else . She helps so much AND she's postive while she does it . No Debbie downer here ! Love her ! I don't know what I would do with out her . I wish everyone could have as good as a relationship with there sibling as I do with mine . It truely is a special bond . She knows all my good traits and my bad yet she still sticks around to see what will happen next . I love it .

Midweek St. Patrick's Day, March 17th

Erin go braugh. Ireland forever. Perhaps I should say, Elizabeth go braugh? But if I just said it and didn't write it I'm sure Eli would think "go bra?", "what's Mom smokin'?" So perhaps we'll just pretend that I didn't say it at all, ok?

This week has been one of activity. Elizabeth has her radiation every week day at 11 and on Mondays she has chemo, too. So Mondays are very busy for Karyn and Liz. Tuesday was busy too with an outing to the country club where teams were drawn for the BB tournament... a tournament that will result in the Final Four. Karyn and Eli enjoy sports as much as their father and so the three went out to have fun with the other members of their ilk. The club had prepared a room just for them. They had a good time. Tuesday happened to be pizza night and Eli didn't want more cheese in her diet so they opted for the Outback and called me to join them.

We had a nice family meal, more than enough food. We laughed a lot (we tend to do that) and had a great time. Elizabeth was wearing her new wig and every time I looked at her I was surprised to see her with bangs. It is so weird how real the hair is with highlights and such. Yet she doesn't wear bangs normally and it seemed so odd to glance at her and see the bangs. It played with my mind. It didn't seem like she was wearing a wig, but it seemed like something was different. I wonder how I'll do when she gets the short haired one she is looking at? It is hard for moms to accept change in their kids, even when they know what it is about.

Anyway, tomorrow it is my time to take Elizabeth to her appointment. I am happy to do it. She informed me last night that after her remote took a dip in a class of water it didn't work anymore, so I'd have to reprogram her new remote. (It seems I'm the only one who can get it to work.) Am I lucky or what? So tomorrow we will have a day together.

Each day is a day closer to beating this "C". If you live in Tacoma you may have read about the new cancer center at TG. It was featured in the paper this weekend with Dr. Rieke and some of the staff being shown using the new equipment and talking about the new facility. Jim and Liz told me that they were there last Friday when the reporters and photographers were there, but they couldn't muster the strength to awake from their naps. I guess they were both napping in the comfortable chairs. (It's hard to take Jim anywhere that he doesn't catnap on you.) So now Elizabeth goes to the "new and improved" center at TG and gets her radiation.

Tomorrow is my turn to take her... I'm wondering just how comfy those chairs are... I may have to test them myself. I'll let you know if I, too, fall under their spell and nap.
posted by Kathryn Whitacre, Elizabeth's mom

The weekend

This last weekend we spent quite a bit of time relaxing and hanging out together.    Saturday morning I picked up Liz from her house and started the day out with a T-town first for Liz - a trip to Le Donut for some fresh made doughnuts and coffee.  If you have not been there, I strongly encourage you to go some time. They are on S. 11th in hilltop across the street from Safeway. 

After our melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts Liz and I were off to my house to make Dad's birthday cake.  His cake was a banana cake decorated as an abacus. We had a good time hanging around the house baking the cake and decorating.  While the cake was baking Liz took a little nap and was joined by Raini, my cat and nap buddy.  The last week was a long week for Liz, she was very tiered from the radiation and chemo treatments, in addition she has started to experiance the loss of her hair.  On Tuesday we trimmed her hair.  Much of the week was spent resting and sleeping so she was excited to have some energy and to be out doing a few things.  A few weeks ago Liz had a port put in to assist with the injections and blood draws.  She has been healing well from the surgary.  Every time the staff look at the port they are amazed at how well she has been healing. 

While decorating the cake we were graced with visits from mom, Maria and Em.  After decorating the cake and hanging out for a little bit we dropped Liz off at her place to relax (with her surprise care package of gummy worms - yum yum).

On Sunday I picked up Liz in the afternoon, we went out to pick up some items for Dad's birthday and then it was off to the parental units' to celebrate.  We had an enjoyable time making linner (lunch & dinner), watching the selection show, and celebrating dad's birthday.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Friday, March 12, 2010

This past week has been filled with family, and illness. It all began two weeks ago when Elizabeth went to the hospital with symptoms that we thought were linked to her treatment. However, we found out that what she had was the flu. Karyn and I took food over, and Karyn nursed her back to health. Then Karyn got the flu. I took food to her and made her bread pudding (comfort food from childhood). I stayed and visited with her. And two days later Karyn was well. That was the night before my sister was due to arrive for a much anticipated visit.

Pam's plane arrived Wednesday at midnight. I drove her home and then at 3 AM I'm up with the flu! Pam leaves when she awakes and goes to Karyn's to stay so she doesn't get the flu from me. She is there for three days and while she's gone our visit is put on hold. I felt at least Elizabeth got to see her aunt. Aunt Pam and Elizabeth share a rye sense of humor, a ready wit and an independent spirit. If I didn't know better, based on personality, I'd have thought Pam was her mother. They really share a number of strong personality traits.

But I digress, back to the flu story... Jim has plans to go to Las Vegas with his friend, Doug. They are going to hang out, watch the Zags, enjoy the sun, do a little work at the tables and a needed break from the daily grind. Suddenly, Friday night Jim gets sick. It is the third time in 40 years that Jim has been "sick". He really gets pissed, but takes to his bed and in a supreme "mind over matter" exercise gets well enough to go on his trip. And never looked back. His flu lasted only 24 hours.

Wish I could say the same. I was sick for another day, then Pam came to stay. We planned to have some "sister fun" while Jim was gone, but it wasn't to happen. Pam got sick. She was sick from Sunday until Wednesday and left on Thursday.

Now why tell this story here? Well, as a close family I thought you'd all appreciate how we share everything— from our germs to our love and affection. Elizabeth is the current focus of our energy and concern. We are all doing our best to help her. But while she has her personal challenge, there is still the challenge of daily life for her and the rest of the family. Whether it is battling the flu or grocery shopping, or napping in the doctor's office or battling for high score on Facebook's Bejeweled, we interact and share not just the space our bodies occupy, but the emotional expanse that we each require.

Now the flu is behind us and we are each glad to say "goodbye". Another week will begin on Monday. Elizabeth is well, Karyn is well, Jim and I are well. So we will enjoy the weekend, enjoy Jim's birthday, basketball and a special meal. Afterall, getting well is about enjoying life.

Posted by
Elizabeth's Mom, Kathryn Cecelia "KaCe"

Hair ! Dawning of Aquarious ?

Well I have had another long week . It has been filled with joy and pain . Joy was my aunt Pam is down from Alaska . =) It has been great seeing her . She is a crazy fun lady ! The pain is in the tummy area . It think it is from the radiation but it could be the steroid pill that I take , no idea . It kinda feels like cramps or like when something terrible happens and you get that sinking feeling in your tummy . ( Well at least I do ) It is a tolerable pain , I know it is just a side effect of one of the things that will make me better .
I went to a red neck wedding with my friend Todd . It was a blast . Bob Cody's step daughter Bobbie got married to Scott out kinda by Northwest Trek on a lake . It was a nice small wedding . They had hay bails set out and a few folding chairs . ( * When the ceremony was going to start Todd wanted to sit in the back so he could get some pics of them walking down the isle . So we find two chairs at the end . I was adjusting my purse and scarf as Todd went to sit down . Well as he sat down the legs of the chair sunk into the ground . Todd's arms were a waving and he hit kind of a high note as he realized he might be going down . I was just about jumping up and down I was laughing so hard ! I was so glad he sat down 1st ! ) The grooms men all had camo vest on and shades . They wore their Sunday blues ( aka wranglers ) As I looked around I joked with Bob and Todd that Todd and I were the only people there to watch everyone else was in the wedding . I think they had 10 in the wedding party ? Bobbie had a pretty lacey dress . THe braids maids had these great lil black dresses ( they will be able to wear them to all kinds of things , they were supper cute ! ) The gurber daisey colors were purple and white . They had made the dance floor from plywood it was pretty cool . They had drove 10 foot rebar into the ground then strung light from pole to pole to light the dance floor with twinkle lights . It was great to be witness to such a happy day . As night fell I started to become cold I looked at Todd and said Pumpkin . I knew I would get colder and I will admit that I get grumpy when cold , but in my giveb condition it is multiplied . Todd took the que and we said our good bye's to th ebride and groom . Bob was all kinds of proud when we were leaving . I think it is cute to see the bodeing parents . How they look at their kid with pride and yet you can almost tell they are seeing them as a 5 year old or something . It's cute . Todd and I left before the cutting of the cake or the food was out . I know I am lame ! but that just proves how much Todd rocks . We ended up having a Fruggle Burger . I have never had one it was pretty good ! Todd droped me off at home and I went up put a movie in and passed out . IT was a exciting day .

I started losing my hair .It started on Friday . I am not going to lie . It is disturbing . I knew this would be the hardest part for me but it wasn't until i was washing my hair and when I ran my hand through my hair and a chunk came out did I realize how much . It almost knocked the wind out of me . I started crying right there in the shower . It was like I pulled a section of a weave out . For the last cupple of days I have been in denial over it but I had to come to terms with it . I was lucky in some ways . Ming and Lolo took me out for a day of pampering . We went wig shopping out at the B&I and I found a nice wig . I think the two of them might end up buying a few wigs them selfs . It was a lot of fun seeing the different styles and colors on al of us . After the wigs we went and got Pedicures . Oh it felt soooo good ! The back rubbing chairs , the lil foot rub and a few laughs between friends . It was blissful . I picked a hot pinkish color for my toes . Totaly not what I normally get but I thought that I needed to step out of my norm . We ended the day down at El Gaucho . We were a little early to be seated for dinner so we sat at the bar and shared a appetizer of calamari . Lo and Ming had a glass of wine . It smelled super good ! They said it was good . I had a ice tea ( yum ) . After our snack they came and told us out table was ready . We were seated and the server told us about the specials and what her favs were . The 3 of us debated on what we should all get . Lolo and I ended up sharing a meal g for two . It was awesome ! I have to admit I can't remember what it was called but my taste buds can still taste the flavors . I might say it was the best beef I ever ate . It all was good . The tomato with parm and herbs was a surprise hit for me . The asperagus was nice slightly woody but went well with the other flavors . We shared a side of the mushroom rissotto it was creamy earthy and rich . I could start to feel my gut expand . All 3 of us were about to hit a food wall . We sat there and talked for a few hours as we milled and savored our food . We had a couple of to go boxes made up . Mmmm tasty left overs ! The server dropped off dessert menus and Ming and Lo both puffed up their cheeks as if to say no more . I took a peek . MMmm Key lime pie , Banana Fosters , or Creme Brule . I went with the Brule . We got a round of coffee to go with dessert . THey server brought out a HUGE platter filled with fruit , nuts , and then a cheese and date plate to go with . Ming worked on craken the nutts open , I diced up a pear to share and the server carmalized the Brule . It was awesome ! I have to admit I am still full !!! We left there at 7ish and it is now 12ish . I had a glutness dinner . I know now what the Greeks must of felt like . I t was a day I will not forget for a long time .

I will be shaving my head tomorrow . It is kinda a serial moment . I am affraid . Why , I am not sure . Most likely it is because it is the unknown for me . On the bright side I have a wig and a few scarfs . I just hope that I will be able to pull it off . I have a big head .... now I will have a big bald head .... I hate this shit ! ...... I hope that my hair grows back .

March 1st

Over the course of the last few days I have been at every spectrum of feeling good to bad not only the feelings but the side effects of both . From high fever to lack of sleep followed by a few pass out episodes I have put myself on bed rest . It is boring but at least I am finally starting to feel better . The part that drives me nutts is that I do not know if I am sick " sick " or if it is Chemo sick or even radiation sickness it even could of been a combo . At any rate I am feeling better . My temp is down , food stays down , and I am able to eat again . I am not a fan of the liquid diet . There is only so much Gaterade and apple juice I can drink .
Karyn drove me up to Seattle Cancer Care on Monday for my chemo shot . We had a good plan going for us this time , Karyn is a good little planner . I had a few hours earlier in the day to myself before the drive up to Seattle . I had a little bite to eat and tried my hardest to nap but the meds would not let me . One of them makes me a little bit wired which is annoying . I need my naps and sometimes they won't let me urg ! So no nappy=poo for me . I end up watching the Disney channel's lunch time movie . Haha I love having a inner kid . As the movie comes to an end sister calls me to tell me she is out front . I turn off everthing grab some water and head out the door .
I get in the car and sister is on the phone with mom . I just sit there silent . Karyn pulls onto the freeway to start our trip up . As I notice that we are getiing closer to the on ramp sister does as sister does , she signels to get in the left lane and I look at her and say ummm Seattle , and this block is a big one to go around . She giggles and says opps auto pilot . I shake my head . She is so silly . I have never met someone who is so organized yet so scattered . I love it . We get up to Seattle and I get all checked in . Sister and I take up camp in a few recliener seats out looking Lake Union I curl up and try to nap sister played vidio games on her phone . They call me in . The nurse starts with reconigion and balance test . We tell her about the weekend sickness . Then came out med pad . Three more meds later and my head spinning it was time to go get the shot .
Karyn and I go to the injection floor and do some more waiting . As we lay there we flip through a few magizines . We discuss dads birthday coming up and what ever shall we do . No conclusions were reached , he's a hard man to get stuff for . They call my name and we go back to maze of rooms with the most comfortable beds in town . I so wished T.G. had beds like that . I find my room and lay on the bed and wait for the nurse . I look at Karyn and ask her to grab a water and maybe a breakfast bar from the patient kitchen . While Karyn is gone the nurse comes in and we get aquainted . I tell her I have a port . She get's a little excited saying how nice they make them for everyone . I tell her how I am slightly nervous about using the port . I explain the whole Pulp Fiction horrorer of it for me . She said she would lainicane the arean 1st and that shoud make it a bit easrier on me . It was so easy , I couldn't believe it . All I felt was a push not a prick . THey have to push slighlty on the port to feel the 3 dots to find the injection spot . Karyn come back from the kitchen with a few bars a bag of apple chips and some tapioca pudding . I am so hungry , but do to certian things not moving I don't feel like eating . The nurse comes back with my shot and a I.V. bag . THe shot is done pretty quickly followed by about 10 min on the I.V. drip . She flushed the line and we are done .
Karyn drives us home traffic isn't to bad and we make it to my house in no time . The Lyon's had made us a cobb salad and some cornbread for our dinner . It was sooo good ! Susan had made to kinds of bread one plain and one with jalopenos and peperchinis . It made life super easy after all the running around to have dinner all ready . Thanks Jeff and Susan !

Olympics, Farrelli's and Earthquakes

Saturday started off nice and relaxing, I had stayed the night with Liz  just incase she needed some assistance.  Friday Liz was admitted into the ER due to having some episodes of "Elvis Legs" (as she calls it) and dehydration after starting the day at 3AM throwing up.  (see previous post).  We started the morning of just lounging around her place.  I was sleeping on an air mattress in the front room.  Liz was currled up on the couch when I mentioned that I should start getting my day underway.  She chuckled a little and said, "let me help you." With that she pulled the plug out of the mattress, the air wisked out of the matteress, it sounded like an airplane taking off.  In just a few seconds I was flat on the floor. 

We both went about our mornings preparing for an afternoon of watching Olympics at Farrelli's.  Dad and I showed up early to get things ready and chauffeur mom showed up a little bit later with the lady of the day.  The day started off with Curling and NCAA basketball on the TVs accompanied by some really yummy breakfast pizzas from Farrelli's.  They pies were a new recipe that they were trying out.  We all gave them a big thumbs up.  As we were watching the Curling competition dad explained many of the rules and neuances of the sport.  He was explaining that at the level of the Olympics the players are the true "rock stars" of the event.

About an hour into the event there were many of us that had just found out about the earthquake in Chile.  Our collective thoughts and prayers go out to all of the people in Chile and all of the areas effected by any of the aftermath. 

The afternoon continued with TVs broadcasting Olympics, updates on Chile and the possible tsunamis and basketball.  Through out the day we had items that were raffled off.  Liz was the offical number puller.  She did a great job locating the winner.  There was a great distribution of winners.  The afternoon wrapped up about 3:00.  With full tummies and bounty in hand we all bid each other a good afternoon and went our seperate ways.  The rest of the day was fairly low key

Thank you everyone for your continued support!