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Archive for July, 2009

Fourth Round of Chemo Done!! Yahoo!!!

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

Yesterday was my fourth and possibly last round of chemo.  I can choose to do to more because I have done so well and my blood work has been perfect.  They have a trial going right now that they believe four rounds is just as good as six but it’s not concluded yet.  With each round of chemo you can slightly increase your risk of leukemia later in life and it’s hard on your bones causing possible problems with osteoporosis!  Crazy huh?  Long story short I need to do more research and make it a matter of prayer.  I feel like I could definitely handle two more rounds of chemo, but I obviously don’t like the increased risk for leukemia and problems with osteoporosis.

Anyway,  I feel great today.  I ‘m going in for my follow up shot soon and that always makes my bones feel weak but doesn’t knock me flat thank heavens.  I constantly chuckle and say pregnancy was much harder.  I felt so sick into the fourth month with each one of them.  I kind of got used to just learning how to function when I didn’t feel 100% every day!  Lee is still in Nauvoo with the three older kids.  They are having an incredible experience.  Lee plays the part of Willard Richards.  He doesn’t have a speaking part but is in scenes with Joseph Smith.  It’s been a real testimony builder for each one of them! I am so grateful they are having this opportunity.  I was in the Hill Cumorah Pageant before my mission and it is such a life changing experience to be involved in a pageant.  I’m so glad these kids are getting that experience in Junior High.  What better time of life to build a deep foundation for their testimonies! I obviously miss them all so much but couldn’t be more thrilled that they are doing it!

I’ve had a great time here with the three youngest kids .  We have been to the Children’ s Museum, the Walt Wick Exhibit (I Spy Books) at the BYU Arts Museum, the Creamery, Bridal Veil Falls,  Playing at Carls Jr., Swimming in the pool out back,  The 24th of July Float Exhibit at the South Towne Expo, the Dollar Theater, Ice Age 3-D, playing with friends and cousins and almost anything we can think of that doesn’t cost a fortune to stay out of the heat!!  We plan on doing  2$ Tuesdays at the Dinosaur Museum next week and starting swimming lessons.  We even cleaned the playroom and deep cleaned some bedroom closests!  Wow, now that never happens!  lol   We all miss the big guys at home.  They play so cute with the younger ones.  The kids all crave a  little phone time in the evenings.  The cell coverage has been poor in the day so texting and calling has been out until around 11:00 at night!  We miss them a lot.  They will come home late next Tuesday.

I’ve had such a neat experience being in touch with a lot of old friends on facebook and feel completely humbled by all the comments of love and support.  It’s times like this when you realize just how rich and fulfilled life is.  Family and friends are such a blessing and truly the most valuable thing in this life!   It’s hard to believe that cancer can be a blessing in your life but it has truly been a bitter, sweet experience.  Thank you so much for your love and prayers!  Well, I’ve got to run to the Doctors soon.  Have a great day!

Third Round of Chemo Done!!! YES!!!

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

It’s getting harder and harder to get to the computer these days.  Could it be the six kids home for summer? lol  Anyway, my third round of chemo is done and it went a lot like the rest.  I was definitely more tired, but I think that was due to a busy holiday weekend more than anything.  Lee took the kids to camp on the parade route Friday night and they loved it!  What a good Dad.  My brother Alan got us hooked on that crazy tradition and the kids won’t give it up!  They come home completely tired on the fourth, but who cares if they made some memories and loved it!  They revive in the evening enough to eat something and do fireworks!  Needless to say, it was a busy but fun weekend!

I hope everyone enjoyed the fourth.  I have to say I love this dear country so much.  We are so blessed to live here!  I still get teary eyed at parades and whenever I hear a good patriotic speech.  Living in a third world country for 18 months can do that to you!  I am so grateful for my mission in Peru in more ways than one.  I know it’s in situations like a mission where you learn that you are not alone and that with the Lord’s help you can do anything.  What a blessing my mission has been in my life over and over again!

My Doctor says I have one to three rounds left.  We have to talk about four rounds verses six.  It’s in trial right now.  I tend to feel if I am doing well . . . sock it to me and lets get this darn stuff out of my life!  We’ll see.  Well I have to sign off!  I need to help the boys get packed for Nauvoo tomorrow. You should see Lee’s beard.  We’re quite the pair when it comes to hair! lol  I’m so glad I am knocking out this cancer thing one day at time with your prayers!  Thanks again!