Ale House Benefit

Well my plan to do nothing but sleep all day and relax yesterday work ! Sister and I went up to the Ale House at about 3:30 and spent a half hour in the parking lot talking to people who were leaving . I was not sure what to expect . My dad and sister kept saying there was going to be like four to three hundred people through out the day . I thought they were nutts ( yup they so crazy they get two " T's ") ! I was thinking to my self my dad might be a C.P.A. but he can not count people ! Boy did I eat my words ! From what I heard the place had been packed since about noon till seven when we left . CRAZY !!!!

I can not explain the emotions that I was feeling they changed a lot . When I first walked in and saw everybody , I felt the tight feeling my neck and my eyes felt like they might start to open the flood gates . ( I haven't had a flood gate moment yet . Last time I cried my brain leaked so I think I am still a little scared to cry . ) It is an odd feeling for me to have something that large for me . It was weird to see my face up on posters . ( kinda felt like a bought a pint of milk and saw myself as a lost child . hahah any ways )

It was really cool to see people whom I have been friends with since I was in kindergarten ! I am so floored that I have friends that I have known for that long . They know where I keep the bodies so to speak . They are the ones that know the stories that you wished were not true . They know what you wanted to be when you were 5 and still think you could be a bar spinner or a professional wrestler on G.L.O.W. ! Ahhh I'm so lucky !

I loved the drawings that Mandy and Twan's daughters made for me ! They were soo cute when giving them to me . Little kid hugs are some of the best . Then Mr. McKay framed and blew up this photo that I had asked him to take for me when we were in Copalis for Anns 30Th birthday . It was the light shining down through the clouds and trees so it looks like fingers . I loved it ! My mom use to tell us when that happened it was our loved ones who went to heaven reaching down to hug us . So I was pretty excited to see that Pip lived up to the standered in which I think of his work and got the most spetacular shot ! It was truelly lovely .

Tonight was a rare night . I'm glad that I was well enough to experience it . I can not remember the last time I had so many hugs ! Love hugs ! I also met a lot of new people . I just hope I can remember all the names and faces .....

Well sister just brought me an evening cocktail of Airborn and my mind is starting to drift , I want to write more but I think it will have to wait till tomorrow , So with this I say goodnight my friends . Thank you and spred the love .

Lazy Bones

Well today I did not done much at all . I wanted to rest up for the benefit the Ale House is having for me tomorrow . There for I have been in the house all day . Reading , Sleeping , Facebooking ( really playing bejeweled =) ) , Sleeping , Writing thank yous , Sleeping , and took a nap with Karyn's cat Rainie she is like taking a sleeping pill ! She crawls up next to and is all warm an starts to purr . Her and I race to see who can fall asleep 1st also we are at about a tie . I have to say I wish besides certian gimies there was more for me to do . They really don't target people who can't do much in the game department . I think there is solitair .... Granted the computer is nice and a good way to feel connected to friends but I can only stare at the screen for so long . Well maybe that is what I will do while I wait to be cleared for reagular activity , mmmmm wonder what kind of game I will come up with ? psss any ideas ?

I am super stoked to see everyone and catch up on what you all have been doing ! I just hope that I have enough energy to keep up with everyone . I am amazed at the amount of support that I have recieved . I mean it is just inspiring , It is hard to feel bad when you get so many people telling you that everything is going to be ok . It just goes to prove to me the power of words .

A good day

Well today I had a day off from being scanned , poked , taped , or told really big words that I will never be able to spell . It was nice ! Super nice ! Karyn arranged for mom and I to get our hair done at Embellish Salon . My stylist Trish was AWESOME ! When she was shampooing my hair I told her it was my favorite thing about a hair cut . I really like the head massage plus the smell of the shampoo and the warm water , it is so relaxing . She told me I was in luck because she was going to shampoo my hair 3 time to get all the sticky stuff ( the monitor sticker where super sticky ! ) , iodine , and what ever else was still holding on that I wasn't able to get myself . That alone made my day almost . Trish was so careful around my staple area and where the brain drain were , almost more than me .
Trish did a cute cut that would help me hide my staple area . I don't mind it that much but it seem to disturb little children and other girls - had a few ask if I need a safe place to stay , never had that happen before but thought that was super sweet , but then woundered if they would just drop me off at the shelter ...- Trish also showed me how to style my hair . I really thought that was fabulouse because I am not known for my hair styling abilities , if I am it is for the lack of . She made it super easy and even made it seem simple . Oh yeah I have bangs for the first time in .... almost 13 years maybe longer . I am not use to them yet not sure if I will get the chance but who knows I could ! Opps almost forgot moms hair looks super cute too !
After that we went to Hellp Cupcake so I could get a friend a cupcake for her birthday . Since we were there we thought we might as well have one too . They were darn tasty ! Sister and I splite a chocolate caupcake with buttercream and a white cupcake with chocolate buttercream . What can I say we had cupcake jungle fever ! Mom had a chocolate cupcake with peppermint chocolate buttercream . If you ever get the chance go ! It was my 2nd time there and I am always blown away by how good they are .
Sister and I then went and drove around getting a few things done . After that had a good dinner ! Erin came and picked me up and we went out to celebrate her birthday ! Yippy ! I was talking with a guy when I was there and I had told him about my tumor . He prceded to tell me about his friend who even though he would complain about not feeling well and all the other weird stuff he had happening to him did not go to the doctor . Yet he went out every night with the boys and drank . What ended up happening was he drank through his cancer . I am pretty sure if I would not have noticed as soon as I did if I hadn't quit drinking . I would of chalked up the headaches to hangovers or lack of water maybe even to much coffee . I am also lucky that my family and close friends listen to me . I was urged both times I went to urgent care by them . They were there to hold my hand , give me the nod that it would be alright , then the hug and hand squeezes saying everything will work out . I am honored to have such people in my life . Thank you all for everything you do for me and my family . The prayers , love , words of encouragement they all help and make a differance . Thank you !

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Tick, Tock... Tick, Tock... time. It can rush by or seem to stand still. Thirty seconds can seem like nothing. You can hold your breath for 30 seconds (or you should be able to), but you couldn't sit on a hot stove for more than a second or two before that amount of time was too long. So when we think about time, it all depends on what we are thinking about. On Wednesday Elizabeth had to lie flat (since her surgery she's had to be at a 35° angle or more... even sleeping). The CAT scan and MRI were both lying flat and for 20 minutes and about 45 minutes... respectively, but enough that with all the fluids she had to ingest her face became swollen and her left eye was almost shut and under her eye the tissue looked reddish, like she was slapped. It was the symptoms she had missed after the surgery. She was told she might experience swelling and black eyes after the trauma of the surgery, but she didn't... until the scanning procedures. So she had discomfort and a headache. Which was probably from her swollen face pressing her eyes and against her head.

Mom and Dad joined Karyn and Elizabeth today at the radiologist's office. Dr. Reiki. He was measured and direct in his explanation of just what had happened and what he proposed. The most unusual thing was this tumor was not common. It was in fact, uncommon if not rare... all tumors are cells that "go amuck". So breast cancer is breast cells that mutate and the body fights them. The prostate are prostate cells. Elizabeth, never one to do it easy, had primitive cells become cancerous. That means the cells BEFORE they become specific cells. So these cells in her brain were primitive because they had not become specific. And we were told we all have primitive cells, but very few... as cells become what they need to be and don't stay primitive. So for her to have primitive cells become cancerous was a long shot to begin with.

Now because of this, they want to follow the scans, which show no cancer, with a lumbar puncture. They would draw spinal fluid from her lower back and check it for primitive cells. To see if she is free of them or not. Then that will help determine the course of treatment. After we have the results of this procedure (Monday) we will be going to the UW to confer with the head of the neurology department.

So you can see she isn't just laying around eating the yummy food that is being brought by well-wishers, but she is hard at work healing and being a good patient. Her sister is an excellent caregiver, helping her in all things to do with her recovery. Karyn is the unsung hero in this event. She has given generously of her time and money to help her sister. She drives her to appointments (parents drive if Karyn can't), prepares meals, cleans, and sterilizes her home for Elizabeth. One gets exhausted just thinking about all the work.

So keep Elizabeth in your prayers. We want her spinal fluid clear of any cells that should NOT be there. Keep those good vibes coming. Prayers are greatly appreciated. Thank you to all who pray for her, who send food, and who are helping in so many ways. We send blessings to each of you for your concern and help. Friends and family are a true Godsend.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Today was the day Elizabeth prepared for her "mapping". She drank her barium and then when she actually got there they put her on an IV for more colorant in her circulatory system. First came the CAT scan then the MRI. On Thursday morning she will meet with her radiologist. Then the daily radiology sessions will begin...

Today was tiring. All the tries that it took to find her veins made her tired, as it would anyone; the anxiety of this all building up to the treatment; the hours in the labs; the waiting to hear and the not knowing just what to expect. I think it took its toll today.

She was so grateful for the bean soup and bread she had today. Both girls say that having the healthy good food makes it easier at a busy time of day. Today Karyn worked in the afternoon and Mom ferried Elizabeth hither and yon. So they got home around five tonight to a meal that was ready. The mint brownies were great too, so thank you, thank you.

Hope you'll join us all at the Ale House for a fundraiser to help Elizabeth.

1pm - 6pm Jan 31st.

Staples !!! Urge ...

Well today sister , mom,and I all went to Dr. Harris office to have a follow up and to have my staples removed . Yikes ! Over the last week I have heard horror stories and ones that said they didn't feel a thing . Then add my imagination and a few fears and I was almost a nervous wreck ! PLus the night before I had a dream that I had pulled out 3 myself ! I woke in a cold sweat and had to go look in the mirror just to make sure .
So we all pile in the little exam room and the nurse comes in and looks at my train tracks and says " oh we are removing staples " and I tell her that I'm a chicken and she tries to relax me by telling me she fast and good at it . She had such an air of confidence I had to trust her . So she starts pulling them out and she was right ! She was good at it and even with my mom hanging over her shoulder with her cell phone trying to take pictures .
She was done in about a minute which I thought was super fast considering I had about 38 to 40 staples in my dome . I only had one that really hurt but that was because I had some hair under the staple .
Then Dr.Harris came in . ( side bar - So I was pretty doped up on pain killers and other stuff when I was in the hospital , plus I could not wear my glasses due to the large amounts of gauze on my head . The way I could tell everyone apart was by the way their voice sounded . ) I kinda of looked at him kinda odd and said " I didn't recognize you with out drugs ...." He gave me a smirk and said he gets that a lot .
The coolest part was when he showed me my tumor !!! I had heard what size it was and I understood how big it was , but seeing it actually in the brain and how much room it really took up . Well it was almost breath taking slight horror mixed with relief . It was also kind of a immortal moment . I mean I know I'm not but I guess I still was hanging on to a little of the thought still , not so much any more . That thing looked huge in my brain !! I could not believe it !
So we go to make it a follow up appointment and the receptionist asked if i wanted a 9am or 11:45 . I tell her the 11:45 . My then my mom asked her " When does Dr. Harris go for lunch ?" The lady says" at noon " . I look at my mom with kinda wide eyes and say " Why did you want to take him out ? " ( then sister and I snicker hehe ) The receptionist then replies " Well you know he's married . " My sister chimes in " so is she ! " . Mom chips in " almost forty years !! " We all go out the door laughing lightly at the situation . While we are waiting for the elevator sister looks at mom and asks " Do you really want to take him to lunch ?" Mom looks at sister and replies " Well I think it would be a good way to thank him for his services " I look at sister we both have the same kind of look and start laughing and both say " services ! " Mom punches us both in the arm and declares " YOU TWO I SWEAR ! "
Gotta love family outings ...

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Today is party day! Yeah. Tomorrow is her "real" birthday, but today we celebrate. Several of her friends are coming, Laurel & Sergio with daughters Mattie and Maycee, Carolyn, Erin, Vanessa (her aunt) and Vanessa's fiance, Colin, her bf, Paul and the family. Not too many just a core of people who have been helping her for the last three weeks and with whom she's been close. We know that many would want to come, but our dining room can only seat 16 so the 14 that were here about maxed us out. Elizabeth was maxed. She was dog tired at the end of the evening, but so happy to have seen her friends. It is always fun to have younger people about the house. They told stories on themselves and laughter was everywhere.

Elizabeth's father makes the BEST spaghetti sauce. His sauce makes others pale by comparison. Yum. A great salad was made by Karyn. She puts corn kernels in it. That always throws me, but it is so good. The craisons, and homemade candied walnuts don't hurt it either. It is such a good salad. There were three types of french bread: plain buttered, buttered with garlic, and cheesy bread. Then dessert. Good wine, lots of water, and friends sharing a meal.

I cannot say what Elizabeth thought tonight, I didn't ask her, but I know that every guest expressed their heartfelt affection for her and the fact that she is here with us. It was a true celebration of life... hers.

She opened presents and asked for spaghetti sauce to take back to Karyn's. She got a big piece of the dessert for later and off she went... tired, but happy.

Oh, and she told a story on herself and her father. It seems after lunch yesterday they went to Costco, to purchase supplies for today and to look around. Well, the walked by the recliners and both of them have medical issues and tire easily... you guessed it! They each laid back in a chair and feel asleep! In Costco! Ah, Elizabeth— just knowing you makes me a happier person.