To find us: go to ~ www.imaginenocancer.blogspot.com
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
When one door shuts, another one opens...
To find us: go to ~ www.imaginenocancer.blogspot.com
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Happy New Year
Since mom last wrote, there haven't been any medical updates. No news can sometimes mean good news, so we are fine with that. My mom hasn't had much of an appetite lately and that has been a little bit of a problem. She isn't nauseous, she just has difficult eating because she is always coughing. When she coughs as much as she does it's impossible to eat without vomiting. We've had some family discussions about staying on top of the food issue because her lack of food and/or water is affecting her ability to absorb her medicine properly. For those of you who have spoken with Dor on the phone the past week or so, you probably know what I'm talking about. She often sounds like she is heavily drugged up and has a difficult time holding a conversation for very long without falling asleep. It can be scary at times to hear her that way. With that being said, I know she is careful not to take too much medicine. She is very much aware of what she is doing, she just has a difficult time getting enough food into her system... but we are working on that.
My dad seems to be feeling alright this week, or at least he hasn't said anything that would make us believe otherwise. He took mom out for New Year's Eve so she could get out of the house and enjoy time with friends. She hadn't left the house since Christmas and with the weather being so dark and gloomy these days, I think he realizes how important it is to keep both of their spirits up. Jake & Megan spent the past week in San Diego and Dave and Val were in Eastern Washington so it was a quiet house for the most part. Sometimes quiet can be good, but this week, I think quiet was a little too quiet for everyone. I firmly believe that everyone, especially my parents right now, benefits from good company and smiling faces on a regular basis. I probably don't tell Jake and Megan thanks nearly as often as I should. I know they do a lot around my parents house and it certainly doesn't go un-noticed.
So, that is what you've missed from the past week. Mom has had better weeks, but she seemed upbeat on the phone today so maybe we are heading in the right direction. Dad is feeling pretty good, but some of that might have to do with the numerous college football bowl games that seem to be on every channel. As for the rest of us, we are hanging in there and remind each other daily how lucky and grateful we are.
After watching Farrah Fawcett's documentary back in May I had been wanting to read the book that just came out about her journey with cancer. I finally bought the book a few days ago and found that I couldn't put it down. I don't know much about Farrah Fawcett, but I will tell you, she sounds like a courageous woman who endured more than any of us could imagine, while doing her best to keep it out of the tabloids. She had dozens and dozens of surgeries and still continued to live life to the fullest. Reading the daily journal entries from the last three years of her life, I learned a lot. So many times I would read something and smile because I have literally said the same thing or felt the same exact way. As I was nearing the end of the book, there was a wonderful quote that put everything into perspective for me. It said, "Fear doesn't stop you from dying; it stops you from living". So that my friends is how I will leave you this evening. I encourage you to fear less and live more.
Sending our best from the Schmitt family to your family-
Happy New Year-
Amy
Monday, December 28, 2009
Special Gift today from Shannon's Brother Kevin
Now that I've shared the great news, I must share my dilemma....I have 3 blogs left with this name attached. I really need the help of all my followers. Amy and I have been working on names tonight (problem is, most of them require a swear word and that's not a good thing). Some ideas: I pee my pants every time I cough.com, somebody make that cough go away.com, cancer sucks (already taken), continue to follow the journey.com. We would love to hear your ideas so enter them under the comment section....that way, everyone can give us their input.
If I haven't said it lately, thank you EVERYONE for your continued support. We are BLESSED and not a day goes by that we take that for granted.
Dreaming Bigger than ever,
Doreen
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas to all and to all a GOOD NIGHT
The kids all left the house by 9:30 this morning (or last night) and we headed over to Jeff and Dawns for Christmas breakfast. The food was wonderful and the the little kids had so much fun waiting for their gifts left by Santa.
When Rick and I got home today my mom and dad came by and spent the afternoon with us. When they left, we both took a nap and enjoyed the peace and quiet of the day.
Nothing scheduled for tomorrow, but we'll have something worked out by the time we get up.
We're both feeling well tonight, hope you are too!
Dreaming Big,
Rick and Doreen
Monday, December 21, 2009
Pre-Holiday excitement
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Best Christmas Present Ever!
In the short while we spent together, we visited, shopped around Stanwood and Camano, ate lunch at the Chatterbox, came home and talked, rested, then finished our evening out with Rick and I, all the kids and Bonnie's clan at Anthony's Homeport in Everett where laughter was our appetizer, main dish and dessert. I can't stop smiling as I write this because the day couldn't have been more perfect.
It's amazing to receive a gift that wasn't on your list, but you later learn you couldn't have lived without it.
A BIG thank you to everyone who was in on the surprise. My day could not have been more perfect~except for the tears as we had to say our good byes tonight :(
Dreaming Big and VERY ,VERY, HAPPY,
Dor
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
A Day to Reflect
Friday, December 11, 2009
Great Dr. Appointment
Here's what we learned yesterday. After an upper GI and a breathing test, they discovered that acid reflux is making it's way up my esophagus and back into my lungs. (That's not a good thing). The good thing is, we are going to approach my cough from a different angle. Instead of just treating the cough for "lung cancer", we are going to work on reducing or repairing the acid reflux problem and see if that makes a difference with the cough.
I felt a great deal of relief when I left my appointment yesterday because it's the first time in over 3 years that we weren't blaming the cough on lung cancer alone.
I need to make some serious adjustments to when I eat, not laying down flat, taking meds before meals, limit things that produce acid. It's only been one day, but so far, so good.
I'm hopefully optimistic that some great changes are coming my way. My fortune cookie said so tonight as well. :)
Dreaming Big,
Dor
Monday, December 07, 2009
990th Blog...the countdown begins
I'm looking forward to a day in Seattle at the Swedish Cancer Institute on Thursday (Val is going with me...we'll make a fun day of it). I hope to know some answers when I leave my final appointment. The day will be starting with some kind of test that they will perform while I'm swallowing to make sure my esophagus is working correctly, then I'll have a breathing function test to see if my windpipe and the surrounding areas are working (we already know the lungs are shot so I'm not expecting miracles when it comes to those). My final meeting of the day is with the pumnologist, Dr. Gordon who is going to explain why things haven't been working up to par for me.
Saturday night, Dave, Val, Rick and I went to a Yule fest at Tazer farm. It was a fundraiser for the Senior Center. As usual, lots of laughter took place (and not always at the most appropriate times) but we had a lot of fun. We'll have to put it on next years "to do list". After we left the Yule fest, we drove all around the neighborhood checking out the Christmas lights. The holiday is nearing...very quickly so you'd better not shout, you'd better not cry...you know why?
I spent the majority of the day wrapping gifts (it's such a relief to get the gifts stacked up out of one room and stack them into another) I say it every year, but I really am cutting back this year. None of need a thing and if we want it, we usually just go buy it. It actually feels so much better to give than to receive so we'll be doing that as well. Lot's of families need help this year I hope we can make a difference for their holiday too!
It's time for me to take a little afternoon nap (hopefully someone will wake me so I can work on dinner when Val gets back from the grocery store).
The winter freeze is upon us, so wear your hats, scarves and gloves when you go outside, drink some spiced cider and sit by the fire when you get home from work. The day doesn't get much better than that :)
Dreaming Cold and Big,
Dor
Thursday, December 03, 2009
New Specalist
My mom has been to a few appointments with me but had never seen a CT scan result. He asked if we wanted to see my latest one and of course we said yes. As the doctor explained what it all meant, I could see my mom's eyes widen in dismay. My left lung is nearly fully of cancer so as you look at the CT scan it appears to be a white solid organ. In all actuality, the lung is suppose to show up black on the scan. My right lung shows signs of disease, but nothing like the left one. I've lived with this disease for nearly 4 years and I don't plan on letting it take over now. I'm just hoping with the help of Dr. Gordon we will find some other problem that is aggravating the cough besides the cancer.
When you know your body and something doesn't feel right, you have to keep fighting for yourself. The discomfort I've been feeling for the past few months is very different from how I felt at the time of my diagnosis. Come hell or high water....we're going to get to the bottom of the problem. Never give up....
Thanks for all your love and prayers!
Keep dreaming BIG,
Dor
Monday, November 30, 2009
Doctor's Visit
Val took me to my appointment today and we brought our knitting. In between each appointment, we took out our knitting needles and yarn and gabbed like a couple of old women. Oh wait, we are a couple of old women. Tomorrow, Dave is taking Rick to his chemo. It's wonderful having friends around who help break up the monotony of our day to day routines.
I'm ready to head to bed now and sleep off the news of today. I'm hoping things are brighter for Rick tomorrow and I learn some good things on Wednesday.
Keep dreaming big,
Doreen
Friday, November 27, 2009
Apple Cup Eve
My daughters made me very happy on this Black Friday...they've taken over where I left off. Amy and Mel were shopping at midnight, and Angie and Shannon were out shopping by 8:00am. When they were younger, I had to DRAG them shopping on Black Friday. The past couple of years Rick and Jake went with me. Thanks girls...you've made me proud :)
Yesterday we had a wonderful day at my sister in law Vickie's for Thanksgiving. The food all looked so tasty but I was nauseous most of the day so I only had mashed potatoes and some fruit salad. Later on I was ready for a piece of cherry pie that my sister in law Dawn made especially for me (cherry is my favorite kind of fruit dessert). Still feeling nauseous today....good thing I didn't bring a bunch of leftovers home. Thanks for your hospitality Vickie and Tom. We had a great time.
I really am thankful for all the family I have near me. So many families have too many miles that separate them during the holidays and I think the farthest away that anyone lives is about an hour. It's easier to hug and snuggle when you live close.
Tomorrow is Apple Cup, Huskies vs. Cougars. Rick, Jake, Megan, Amy and Mel are all going to the game. I passed on it. A little too fatigued lately and it would be a really long day. Bob and Dy are coming over tomorrow to visit so I'll be busy visiting them. Just for the sake of it, Go Cougs!
It's time for me to head off to bed. I'm hoping to take all the girls to the Skagit Nursery to see their Christmas tree displays on Sunday. It's a beautiful sight and worthy of missing a football game or two.
Dreaming Big,
Doreen
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Happy Sunday Morning
Megan and I went to a Bazaar yesterday morning to support my friend Kim's children's home in Bali. We bought some beautiful Balinese baskets and a few other things. By the looks of it, she had a very successful day too. Before we left Snohomish, we had to stop by a few of my favorite little stores in downtown...I ended up buying a couple of Christmas presents.
When I returned home, I laid down for my afternoon nap until Rick woke me for dinner with some friends in Mt. Vernon. We had a great time but all in all it made for a long day.
I just got up to take some medicine to stop coughing, but I think I'm going to head back to the bedroom and snuggle with Rick while we watch the Seahawk game.
Have a fabulous day. Stay warm and dry!
Dreaming Big,
Dor
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Newest Updates
Rick's appointment on Tuesday went pretty much as we had figured. The tumors are all bigger and he has some new ones as well. He is going to try 3 more cycles of a new combination and see how things are going. If his scans show stability we'll just keep doing the same thing. If not...we have a new game plan to look at. The most important thing is he's not in pain or discomfort. He doesn't feel much different than he has these past few years (except he's a little more fatigued than usual)
My clinical trial side effects are coming back, nausea, fatigue but with a little patience, I can tolerate all of that. My wide pipe problem seemed to be feeling better (last week), but I'm really struggling with it again. I wish I knew what was causing the discomfort, but again...we just need a little patience.
Angie had another successful "soup for a cure day". Our friend Larry Libby joined us and brought a batch of cod chowder (yummy). In only 2 short lunches, they collected over a thousand dollars. Pretty successful for lunch :) Today's lunch had some special guests, grandma Myrna, Grandpa Bob, Amy and Jana Shaughnessy.
Amy, Mel, and our friends Trevor and Lindsey are heading down to Bonnie's Gala this weekend. Trevor's mom passed away recently from lung cancer after her short diagnosis (2 months). I think it's important that they meet Bonnie and her family in person. There is nothing better than positive energy around a sad situation. I know my San Francisco family and my Stanwood family will take good care of them. (Thanks in advance).
Cancer can teach you so much. I've been learning about it for almost 4 years. But...days like today, I can't find any good reason to have it in my life. I've been sleeping all afternoon because a luncheon wore me out. Rick has been asleep in his chair since he got home from a hard day at work. Our friends and the kids help with clean up, bringing in firewood, general day to day chores. Those used to be our jobs but we have to start making choices to help with those kind of things or keep our energy for fun stuff. (I'm choosing the fun)
I know Angie wrote about it, but I wanted to give a special shout out to Jan Schemenauer for her fund raising efforts for the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation last weekend. Thank you Jan for helping raise awareness to Lung Cancer. We all love you.
It's time for me to get to bed. (Not because I haven't been there all day, but because I'm still tired). I'm getting an extra dose of beauty sleep :)
Dreaming Big,
Doreen
Friday, November 13, 2009
Short Weekday Update
We don't have much planned for the weekend except a little game of Bunco with some friends tomorrow night. I haven't played Bunco in forever so I'm looking forward to it.
Next week we'll get the test results from Rick's CT scan and I'll be sure to share what we learn.
Have a safe and happy weekend,
Big Dreamer Dor
Monday, November 09, 2009
Where we go from here
My CT scan shows only minimal growth so I can remain on this clinical trial as long as I chose to do so. Until something new comes along..I say, .keep me signed up. The CT scan didn't indicate why I'm having trouble with my windpipe, but Dr. West gave me 2 new kinds of medicine that will hopefully start working on my cough and breathing problems. I'll try anything once (ok, maybe twice). I know the appointment went fine, I wasn't told they couldn't do anything else for me, but I left the doctor's office feeling a little defeated. My breathing/coughing/shortness of breath is beginning to make me go a little crazy and I was hoping for a quick solution to the problem.
We won't know anything about Rick until next Tuesday at his chemo appointment. We do know, that what they're doing right now isn't working as planned so we need to mix his chemo cocktail a little stronger :) I've got a few ideas that involve a marachino cherry and a paper umbrella.
Thanks to Amy who went with us today. She helped keep me sane and snuggled with me at the end of our appointment when we had to wait about an hour for the clinical trial coordinator. Rick did his fair share of taking cat naps throughout the day. He's much more fatigued than usual so it only takes a comfortable chair and a little peace and quiet...and he can fall asleep in a minute.
Thanks for all your love and prayers today. They lift us up more than you'll ever know :)
Dreaming Big,
Dor
Sunday, November 08, 2009
A Weekend of Goodness
A team of "Doreen Supporters" showed up at Seward Park in Seattle this morning at 8:30 AM to participate in the Free to Breathe Lung Cancer walk. Nine of us planned to walk the 3 miles as a group and Jake decided to run. We bundled up with hand-warmers, scarves and hooded sweatshirts to prepare for what was sure to take us a little while. The landscape was beautiful with leaves on the ground and the lake at our side. That is, until we noticed that there was a HILL on the course just before the 2 mile marker. Who in their right mind designs a lung cancer walk/run with a HILL? It was hard enough for Mom to walk that distance on flat ground with her compromised lungs!! With her determination and spirit, she wanted to try it anyway. With about a half mile to go, we were greeted by Jake and another group of Stanwood friends that were there walking in memory of Pam Smith and in honor of Mom. They walked the rest of the way with us and supported Mom as she crossed the finish line at 1 hour and 7 minutes. We have great friends and we appreciate their support very much. Jake, our solo runner, ended up finishing in third place (21 minutes) and won a medal. Way to go Jake! Mom struggled breathing today and kept telling us that she did "so much better" at Bonnie's walk in San Francisco at the end of the summer. Let's blame it on the cold, moist weather and nothing else.
Jan Schemenaur hosted a weekend of Southern Living at Home parties with the proceeds benefiting the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation and the local Food Bank. Thank you Jan for all that you do to support these important causes.
Tomorrow both of my parents have appointments in Seattle. They will each get a CT Scan but only Mom is scheduled to find out the results. They will review the results and decide on her next treatment plan. It may remain the same, it may change. We will let you know tomorrow night. As for Dad, his results and future plan of action will be decided on at his appointment next week.
Dream Big my friends...
Angie
Free to Breathe
I hope to have stories and photos to share after our big adventure tomorrow (actually today). I'll share them in my next blog.
Love to you all,
Dor
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Good news...and not so good news....
Angie wants to give a special shout out to all the people who made her Soup for a Cure debut such a hit. They raised nearly $900 dollars...for the fight against Lung Cancer. She has another Soup day scheduled in 2 weeks. If you're in the Marysville area on Thursday the 19th and would like to join us, stop by Shoultes Elementary School between 11:30 and 1:00 for some soup, bread and dessert. Amy came by on her her lunch break today and helped out. It was a special day raising awareness with my daughters.
We got some "not so good news" yesterday from Rick's oncologist. He is concerned about Rick's counts so they are scheduling a new CT scan for Monday to see what kind of changes are happening inside his body. The doctor already mentioned adding a new drug to his chemo cocktail to strengthen it up. We'll find out the results of his scan during his next chemo appointment. I'm already scheduled to have a CT scan on Monday, so we'll just get it all taken care of during one trip. We'll stay in Seattle a couple of hours longer so my doc can meet with me and give me some test results. If the clinical trial didn't work, we've gotta move on to something new. I also need to find out why my windpipe is feeling so plugged.
Let's pray for a little sunshine on Sunday for our Free to Breathe Lung Cancer Walk at Seward Park in Seattle. We're all from the Great Northwest, so a little rain won't hurt us...I just don't want it to mess up my hair. Oh wait, I don't have enough hair to mess up. I think I'll just wear a cap and we should be good to go.
Keep Dreaming Big,
Dor
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Vote for the Spartans :)
In the past, my blog followers have helped me achieve all kinds of goals so I'm asking for your help again. Our high school football team made it to the playoffs and if we get enough votes, the game will be covered by King 5 sports (see the attached information below). So, if you have an extra minute, please follow the link listed below and vote for the STANWOOD vs. BOTHELL game to be the featured game of the week. The voting closes at 1:00pm tomorrow.
*At King-5 TV we are committed to covering High School sports and try our
best each week to cover our region, but we have also started up something
called "The King-5 Big Game of the Week", where we give extra time to this
game with live reports from the game during the 5, 6:30, 10 and 11 news on
Friday.
To vote log on to king5.com and click on sports or go to the link below:
http://www.king5.com/sports/high-school/The-Big-Game-65840712.html
Thanks for your vote.
Go Spartans,
Dor
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Chemo day for Rick
With November being Lung Cancer Awareness month, I have a few things lined up (just in case I forget I have lung cancer). Thursday is soup day at Angie's school (I'll bring a soup, my appetite and money), Friday through Sunday is Jan Schemenauer's annual fundraiser for the food bank and The Bonnie Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (I'll bring food, my appetite and money), then on Sunday morning a group of us are participating in the Seattle Free to Breathe Walk at Seward Park (I'll just be bringing my lungs...let's hope they have some extra air in them). If you're interested in learning more about it, go to www.FreetoBreathe.org
This is the week when I'm suppose to be feeling a lot better. I'm not as nauseous, but I am VERY fatigued (when we got home from Rick's appointment today around 1:00 I laid down and woke up around 6:15pm - oops, there goes all my sleep for tonight). On Monday I have a CT scan and the test results to see how this drug is working.
Time to get my jammies on and settle in for the night. Sleep well :)
Love you more than all the leaves blowing around in our yard.
Dream Big,
Dor
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Happy Halloween
We had a total of 7 trick or treaters (6 of them had special bags with extra prizes and toys in them) and one poor little kid I didn't know was coming got half the basket of candy instead. We had 2 ninjas, 2 fairies, the bride of zombie, a monkey and a lion. We all just took showers and went as clean versions of ourselves (no need in scaring the kids).
Yesterday, Shannon's office dressed and decorated their offices to look like Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. She was an upaloompa. (I'll post photos when I get some). Her office won an award for the best decorated room. Megan's office was dressed as Three's Company and she was Mrs. Roper. She looked pretty cute too...gawdy jewelry, dress and strawberry blonde curly wig. Angie went as Fred Flinstone for all her students....I'm sure they loved it...even if they didn't remember who Fred Flinstone was :)
I'm hoping the kids are all coming by for a day of football tomorrow. We haven't celebrated a football Sunday in a couple of weeks and I look forward to those days. Since the Seahawk game is at 10:00am, I think I'll make waffles....
Rick has chemo again this Tuesday and I'm hoping to have all my energy back by then. I'm finding myself asleep around 3:00 everyday from a little batch of exhaustion. That is suppose to be getting better ever day. Let's hope by Tuesday...it's gone. :)
I guess I'd better get back into bed. I woke up with a little coughing spell and figured there's no better time than now, to say hi.
Hope you had a safe Halloween...now Happy November...Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
Love you more,
Dor
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Final pill taken, first round DONE
This morning my parents went with me to my doctor's appointment in Fremont. I saw a specialist regarding my "throat/windpipe problem". My problem isn't so much in swallowing, but rather breathing deeply, coughing and gasping for air. I feel like my windpipe has been crushed or injured. The gastroenterologist suggested that we wait and look at the CT scan on the 9th of November to see if the problem is my lymph nodes pressing on my trachea. If that's not the problem, he has suggested doing a new bronchoscopy to see if they can see any problem in the windpipe or entrances into my lungs. If that doesn't give us any solutions, we'll switch to plan B. I don't know what plan B is, but I'm sure they're drawing up the plans as I type this.
When we were done at my appointment, I took Mom and Dad out for Mom's birthday lunch. I asked her where she wanted to go, then I hinted we could eat at her favorite casino so she could play a little. She assured me they had good prime rib dips so going to the casino would be "JUST FINE". We all played the slot machines for a few minutes before we ate, then again after lunch. I ended up going home with 15 dollars more than I started with....Yahoo, that's what I call a winner.
Now that we've been gone most of the day, I'm ready for a nap. Luckily, Megan started dinner before she left for work today (she doesn't start until 1:00pm on Wednesdays) so I don't have to worry about that tonight. I haven't been sleeping well lately, so by 4:00pm I'm usually wiped out.
Rick has been feeling pretty good lately too. So far, they are sticking with the same plan he has been on since December 30th of last year. As long as the cancer stays relatively stable, he will most likely just continue with the same plan.
Heading off for a little afternoon nap,
Dreaming Big~
Dor
Monday, October 26, 2009
Soup for a Cure

Dreaming Big-
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Fatigue is a dirty word
As you can tell it's 6:30am and I'm up. I've been awake for about an hour (hoping it was just a dream that I was already awake) but no such luck. The only things bothering me right now are my constant state of being nauseous (I have meds to control that) and the overwhelming state of fatigue. I want to read but my eyes won't stay open. I want to knit, but I can't get my hands to move in the right direction. After brief little naps, I take full advantage of doing the things I can, starting dinner, unloading the dishwasher, a little knitting, doing laundry....then it hits me again and I lay down on my bed for what I think is going to be a couple of minutes....and it's 2 hours later when I wake up. The good part? I only have 6 pills left to take for this cycle of chemo then I have 2 weeks off. I've got an appointment with a doc from Swedish to do an endoscope of my esophagus to see what's going on down there. I can only describe the pain as though I have a bone caught in my throat when I cough, swallow too hard, or breathe too deep. I know my body all too well and this is definitely something different. I'm hoping that once I'm done with this cycle of chemo pills that my body will start to feel like it's old self again.
Rick's chemo went well again on Tuesday. As for now, he is just scheduled for his regular routine of chemo drugs every other Tuesday until December. After that, we'll re access our plans.
Megan has been coming down with a respiratory infection of some kind, so she spends every moment she's home down in their basement apartment. If she does have to come upstairs for anything, she wears a blue protective mask with a duck face printed on the front. We're all hoping she gets better soon.
Dave and Val's house is nearing it's final stages. I know they're anxious to get all moved in and start their new life over near Leavenworth, but I'm already missing them.
Shannon had another spot of melanoma removed from her chest on Monday. Angie and I stayed in the room while they cut it out (oh my goodness they take a lot of skin for just a tiny mole). I know it's uncomfortable to have to go through this, but she's much happier to do it now while the cancer is in it's early stages rather than wait until it's out of control.
Amy stopped by last night while I was just laying down for a quick little rest. Poor thing, didn't get much time to visit with me since I was so out of it, but I got to snuggle with her until it was time for her to leave. I love that time with my kids.
Ok, I think it's time for me to head back to bed for a little early morning nap. I'm hoping to go to lunch today with some old friends...I hope I wake up in time.
Dreaming Big,
Dor
Monday, October 19, 2009
Dor's Side Effect Update
Mom mentioned the feeling in her chest that has been causing her discomfort. She describes it as the "I think I swallowed a wishbone" feeling. Dr. West is taking that discomfort seriously and has scheduled a few appointments for mom. Nothing will change until her last nine days of this trial are over, but after that she will be getting a CT scan to see what's going on inside her chest, and an endoscopy to see what is going on inside her throat. If the new discomfort is being caused by swollen lymph nodes, she will likely start radiation to attack those spots and lessen the discomfort. In the mean time, he told her not to eat any chicken bones. :)
Overall, I guess the appointment went well. Hearing the word "radiation" was something new, but it wasn't scary. Knowing that her thyroid is within reasonable limits and her new tan is nothing to be frightened about gives us hope.
Another day in paradise-
Amy
Early Morning
This afternoon I have an appointment with Dr. West at Swedish. I've spent way too much time in a state of fatigue lately and my thyroid counts were way off on Wednesday so they want to check me out again just to make sure everything is ok. I only have about 10 days of pills left in this cycle then I have 2 weeks off. I'm looking forward to that!
I guess I'd better try and get a little shut eye before it's time to wake up again. I'll let you know how my appointment goes this afternoon.
Dreaming Big with my eyes wide open at 4:30am... ugh!
Dor
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Take my breath away....
This new trial drug is building up in my body a little more each day. It's now 12:30 am, I went to bed before 10 and I'm already up because I'm having problems sleeping. I talked to the oncologist today and my thyroid tests were off the chart on Wednesday and I'm looking a little yellow (tan) so we're going to head back to Seattle on Monday to see what's really happening inside my body. I feel like I have something caught in my throat all the time so we might be doing another bronchoscopy soon to check it out.
My eyes are starting to get heavy right now, so I'll try to head back to bed. I promise to write more in the morning (or whenever I get up).
Dreaming Big,
Dor
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Dr.'s Visit
I've really been experiencing shortness of breath, the usual cough (but not a very deep one), some kind of blockage in the middle of my chest (that seems to come and go), and a great deal of fatigue along with a few other new symptoms. Nothing a Big Dreamer can't overcome. :)
Oh, I forgot to mention, I'm not always sleeping well which is why I'm writing this blog at 1:00am. Oops. I need to get back to bed.
Rick says he's feeling "pretty good" but he seemed a little under the weather tonight when he came home. Hopefully the cabbage patch soup I fixed for dinner was just what he needed.
I'd better try and get a little sleep before morning arrives and I'm still up working on the blog.
Love you more than the blustery weather we had today....
Keep Dreaming Big,
Dor
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Happy Seahawk Sunday :)
After leaving Spokane yesterday afternoon, we went to Desert Aire to do a little winterizing before the bad weather sets in. I think we made it just in time. It was 19 degrees in Spokane, and 31 degrees at DA. While we were there we got to see Susie, Pat, Eric and Joe as well as Aunt Jessie and Uncle Mel. We've made our visiting rounds for at least the next couple of weeks.
We've got a fire built (upstairs and down), Megan is making a pot of chili for dinner, the Seahawks were on fire today (theywon 41 - 0). All in all, I think today's a WINNER.
Besides battling nausea, leaving my cell phone at home, forgetting my sleeping pills, and not bringing a coat everything else this weekend was great. I have my first follow-up appointment with Dr. West on Wednesday. I'm anxious to see how he feels things are going.
Dreaming Big,
Dor
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Another Beautiful Day :)

Chemo went well for Rick yesterday, but boy...was it a long day. We left for Seattle around 12:00 and got home at 8:30 last night. Ugh. While we were wasting time between appointments, we both got a flu shot. I'd forgotten about it until I raised my arm this morning. It's much better this afternoon. If you haven't had yours yet, don't forget. Once the swine flu vaccine comes out, you can get that one too. The needles aren't very long and the bleeding stops once they put a band aid on. Just kidding...I barely felt a thing!
We'll find out in the next few days if they are going to try to do another angiogram/chemo embolization on Rick's liver or if that option is off the table. Either way, chemo will continue and our attitudes will be great!
Hope this beautiful weather is finding you healthy and happy.
Lots of LOVE from the Schmitt House,
Dor
Monday, October 05, 2009
33 blogs left
Tomorrow is another chemo day for Rick. He's been feeling pretty good lately and that makes me happy. He's been well enough to be outside cutting wood and doing some of the things that make him feel like his old self. He came inside after working this weekend and sort of plopped on his chair. He isn't very good at determining when he's done too much.
I've been faithfully taking my new drug Sutent. It's caused a little nauseousness and extra fatigue, but it's all manageable. My cough however, is driving me a little crazy. I've been using the nebulizer more frequently to try and stop a coughing episode before it starts along with a cough suppressant. It seems to be working.
We'll be getting our flu shots tomorrow...don't forget to get yours. Just a reminder, if you rub it out after the injection, it won't hurt as bad the next day :)
Halloween is just around the corner, I wonder what my kids are going to dress like? Clowns?
Dreaming Big,
Dor
Friday, October 02, 2009
Friday Updates
I'm up writing this blog right now because I'm feeling too nauseous to lay down. Once all the side effects show up, I'll be able to manage them with breathing, or meds or a cold rag on my head (my mom always did that...I think it works for everything).
Rick has been feeling great this week. I'm so happy about that. I feel like I have my old Ricky back. Let's hope he stays that way. Quality of Life is so important :)
I'm going to go lie back down again. Hope I'm feeling better by morning.
Dreaming Big,
Dor
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Pill #1
(They are not worried about my abnormal EKG...it just throws an extra beat in every once in a while...I told them it's because my heart is so big it needs to beat more often).
Love to you all,
Dor
Extra long day
The side effects are the basic expected ones: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, FATIGUE, headaches, along with some other nasty things that only happen in 1% of the people. I never had problems with Tarceva so I have complete confidence this will work for me as well.
Both Rick and Amy went to my appointment with me, but neither of them came back home with me. Amy stayed in Seattle, and Rick went to the Mariner game with his friend Todd.
Rick and Todd got to sit in the Carl's Jr. Box Suite for the game, but before the game started, they were taken down on the field, shown places they didn't even know existed at Safeco Field , then had a wonderful dinner in their suite. They both had a wonderful time.
I'm writing this blog, half asleep so I'd better go get a little more rest before I start my day.
Love you more than all the raindrops that landed on the Pacific Northwest yesterday. It looks like summer is about over and fall has arrived.
Dream Big,
Dor
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Busy House, Lots of Love
Amy and Mel spent this weekend over at Desert Aire with some family friends (Trevor and Lindsey). They worked on landscaping and any other job that needed a little TLC. I hope they had a great time (after all their hard work). I'm not sure how we'll make it up to them but something will come along when they need us and we'll be there for them. I think it's been good for us to have a houseful of love. Cancer doesn't seem to be in the forefront anymore. I'm liking that.
Rick's energy has been good this weekend. He was out mowing lawns, and cutting wood...all the things he loves to do but hasn't had the strength to do it. His sense of humor and smarty pants attitude have joined us as well. It makes my heart happy to have him "back".
I got a message on Friday from Dr. West's clinical coordinator and it looks like I'll start the clinical trial on Tuesday. I have to call her tomorrow for the schedule but I'm ready whenever they are.
Yesterday afternoon Pam and I joined Angie, Shannon and their friend Martha from Portland for lunch at the Conway Tavern. What a busy day it was (the beginning of the "Oyster Run"...whatever that means). Shannon and Martha hadn't seen each other in a while so they stayed up late on Friday night to visit and drink a little red wine. Needless to say, time and wine got away with them and they didn't have near as much fun as we did during lunch. I hope they're both feeling better today.
Tomorrow is Megan's 1st day of her internship. I'm sure it's a scary feeling but she'll do just fine. It seems like so long ago that Jake (and Angie) were doing their student teaching and the time flew by like a hurricane. Best of luck Megan, believe in yourself and remember...you're not suppose to know everything...yet :)
I'm back in the knitting mood again so be ready to get a scarf. Every time I finish one, I think....hey, I like the colors in that one...maybe I'll keep it. I'm addicted to them and I need to start giving them away. So, if you see me out someplace with a scarf on my neck and you like it, let me know...I might just give it away.
My hair is almost getting long enough to comb. I'm hoping this new chemo don't make my hair fall out. I'm starting to like my new "do".
Love you more than all the pumpkins in the pumpkin patches,
Dor
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Late night with Doreen
I'm feeling much better than I was yesterday. Still taking antibiotics and Tylenol to keep the fever away. I was so thankful to have Amy take Rick to his appointments today, and to have Megan here at the house with me. I was able to rest, and Amy did her best to harass her Dad every chance she got. He needed a little of that :)
It's almost 1:00am and I'm having trouble sleeping, so I'd better call it a night and try to catch a little shut eye.
Love you the MOST...
Dor
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Early Morning Update
Today is chemo for Rick along with a follow up appointment with Dr. Kooy (his liver surgeon). I'm in no shape to take him, so Amy is filling in for me. We'll be getting the results of his latest CT scan as well. Let's hope all is well. Thanks Amy!
It's time for me to head back to bed and try to get some more rest. Have another wonderful sunny day :)
Dreaming Big,
Dor
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Spectacular Sunday with the Family
Jake and Megan are all moved in. (who would have known that our basement made such a cute apartment?) It was great to see all the girls. With everyone so busy at their jobs we haven't seen much of each other. We talk nearly every day, but that's not the same as a hug and/or a snuggle.
I've got lots of phone calls to make and appointments to arrange for both Rick and I. So, first thing in the morning, I'll be playing secretary and getting our schedules all in order.
I'm pretty tired after such a busy day, so until tomorrow...sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite.
And...don't forget to DREAM BIG.
Love, Dor
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Whirlwind Weekend
As soon as we arrived home, I put on some warmer clothes to go to the Stanwood Spartan football game with Rick. Angie and Shannon met us there, as did my dad and uncle Richard. It was a good game but we lost 17-21. Maybe next time :( It was nice to see some old friends who I haven't talked to in a while. My friend Sue was at the game from Lake Stevens (we were old athletic secretaries together). We could talk for hours, but I knew I was there to watch the game so we only chatted for 2 quarters. Oops!
Today, we moved Jake and Megan into our downstairs "apartment". With all the help from Megan's parents, and Dave and Val we got it done in no time. It's really starting to feel like "home" to them already.
Tomorrow is Football Sunday and all the kids are coming over. I've decided we're having turkey dinner (during halftime). It's only a couple of months early but I figured why not start getting ready for Thanksgiving? I'm looking forward to a houseful of my favorite people. Family, Football, and Food...does it get any better?
Sleep well and have a spectacular Sunday. I love you more than all the stars in the sky tonight...
Dream Big,
Dor
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Great Appointment
So, between now and the next couple of weeks, I'll need a new scan, a brain MRI and and EKG. After they make sure I'm in good shape, I'll begin taking a daily pill for 4 weeks then have 2 weeks off. After the 6 weeks are up, we'll scan again and see how things are looking.
Megan and I both agreed that he is very knowledgeable and clearly has his patients best interests in mind. I feel really lucky to be a part of this new team of doctors.
I was so anxious about my appointment today that I drove half the way in the HOV lane and I was all by myself (I was meeting Megan in Seattle). Oops. I could have had a whopper of a ticket.
I'm very excited about starting on my next journey to survival. Glad you're all here to do it with me.
Keep dreaming big,
Doreen
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Be SMART... for only $100

Tuesday, September 15, 2009
So Hopeful...
Rick's CT scan went as planned and we'll get the results from that next Tuesday when he has a return visit with his surgeon (along with another day of chemo).
When we got home from Seattle today, a friend of the family who is going through massage school dropped by and gave me a wonderful massage. The table was still up when Rick got home so he is out in the living room having a massage right now as I type this blog. What a treat we were given tonight. Thank you Krystal.
I just noticed the photo I posted yesterday. Ugh...I look terrible. Honestly, I look better than that on most days. I was just trying to show you my new hair.
I'd better go start dinner. It's getting late.
Keep dreaming HUGE,
Doreen
Monday, September 14, 2009
The internet is finally working :)
Friday, September 11, 2009
Swine Flu?
I woke up yesterday with an earache and a sore throat. It's still bothering me tonight but I've been working hard to make it feel better by gargling with hot salt water and using antibiotic ear drops. Angie made me call the doctor today to make sure it wasn't the beginning of the swine flu. I assured her that I wasn't oinking and my tail hasn't curled, so I think we're ok. These kids...always worrying about their parents...we should all be so lucky :)
We're still enjoying our house guests Dave and Val. Next weekend, Jake and Megan will be moving in too. Megan starts her internship on the 27th so they want to get settled into our house before she starts. It will be a nice short trip for Jake every day. About 4 miles to work. The drive for Megan won't be too bad either. This winter she'll be working in Arlington which is less than 15 miles away. I'm looking forward to a houseful of people. Laughter and smiles will make the days much brighter.
Dream Big,
Dor
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Chemo Tuesday
During Rick's doctor's appointment today I had a little meltdown. I told the doctor how I was worried about Rick and the changes I was seeing in him. We explained how we were sad about the liver chemo embolization not working. After a much needed pep talk, Dr. Whiting reminded us about all the things that are still normal in our lives. He told us not to put so much power in the liver process (he said he has lots of patients with cancer that has spread to their liver and they don't even get to try the procedure). Rick was lucky enough to have it work at least once (and maybe more if we're lucky). He gave us some really great advice so by the time we left his office we were both feeling better about life in general.
Lately, I've allowed fear into my personal space. Today, I kicked it out.
Just keep dreaming big...
Doreen
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Happy Labor Day Weekend
We spent a lot of time yesterday visiting with Rick's family. The Aunt's from Kansas are over here visiting so we got to spend a little extra time with them. Rick's cousin Lisa and her daughter who live in Walla Walla drove up and surprised us. Aunt Jessie and Uncle Mel had us all down for dinner last night to celebrate. Thanks! All of our usual buddies/relatives were over here this weekend except our kids and the boys at Eric and Joe's. Missed you all!
Though Rick didn't have any chemo injected into him on Thursday, I can tell that he isn't feeling like himself. They still did lots of poking and prodding in his tummy so I can understand why he's not really perky. I'm sure he's also processing the possibility that he may no longer have this procedure as an option. When you live with cancer, you never want options to be removed from your plate. We're not giving up on this process, but we know it will be at least another month before they even try again. :(
We are heading back home today because Rick wants to work tomorrow (since he'll be gone on Tuesday for chemo). On the way home we've decided to take a detour and go check out Dave and Val's new house. We're so excited to see the progress. Last time we were there, they had a foundation poured. Now they're putting down real floors. Can't wait to see it!
Continue having a safe and happy holiday.
Love you more than all the traffic we'll encounter this weekend...ugh!
Dream Big,
Dor
Friday, September 04, 2009
Fresh new start
When I sit back and think about how lucky we've been over these past few years, the support we've had from friends, family and strangers, and the success we've had with our treatments I believe we have a lot to be thankful for. You've just gotta keep Dreaming Big!
Thanks for all the love and prayers.
Rick and Doreen
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Blog Posting #950...
I have high hopes that his body will heal itself again and we can go back in and do this surgery again. I'm sad for him because we all know that this is the procedure that has given him the greatest results.
Luckily, he's feeling well tonight, his coloring is great and he ate a good dinner. We're going to enjoy this weekend with friends and family and forget about cancer for a while.
Dreaming Big,
Dor
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Change of Plans
Amy and Megan were at the hospital today to support us. Thank you girls for spending your free time with us. Sorry things didn't work out.
I'm overly tired today/tonight so I'm going to get to bed early and start tomorrow fresh and full of energy.
Shannon's brother had heart surgery today and everything went well. Here's wishing Kevin a speedy recovery.
Dreaming Big,
Dor
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Visitors, Salmon and Relaxation
We've had a busy weekend with lots of visitors. A couple of aunts from the mid west are here for a few weeks with Uncle Delmar and his girlfriend Myrna, Pat Yeoman, and old family friend was here for 3 hours today catching up on what's been happening. While I was at a party this afternoon, Uncle Chuck and Auntie Fran stopped by.
Dave and Val left early Saturday morning to head over to Lake Wenatchee. They are hoping to come back tomorrow to pick up another load of their items. Then all next week they'll be working on flooring, lights, and other miscellaneous home builder projects.
I've really been enjoying my time of feeling well. This week will be a little stressful with Rick having his chemo embolization, but I'll sleep right next to him in a hospital chair and hold his hand. That will calm my nerves. (This time I think I'll bring my own pillow and blanket).
Amy left yesterday for a funeral for one of the soldiers in her old troop. He died of complications from colon cancer. The service was being held in Los Angeles with a full military procession. She was very close to Curtis. According to Amy, he will truly be missed.
Angie and Shannon are becoming addicted to fishing. Yesterday (and again today) they were at Shelly Rubatino's house and caught 6 salmon and/or humpies. Perhaps Shannon will put some photos on the blog later so you can really get a feel for what these women have accomplished (Done, hope you like the pictures -Shannon).
I did a little bit of Christmas shopping today at the party I went to. 3 down - 100 to go :(
Dinner is about done, so I'd better say good-bye.
Love you more than all the kids out school shopping this week :)
Dreaming Big,
Doreen
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Enjoying our house guests :)
I got an e-mail from a friend today who is also battling lung cancer. She told me that I shouldn't think of it as doing "nothing" with my cancer right now because I'm actually doing more than I think. I'm giving it a rest. I'm playing hard. I'm feeling good. My spirits are high. All of those things are great healing tools. My dear friend Diana, thank you for making me look at this in a whole different light.
Last night after a great halibut dinner, (and before dessert) I surprised Amy and Angie at their friend Allison Reid's house. Allison's kids, her sister, Erin and her mom were also at the house. When I got there, they were all playing Rock Band (the Wii version). It didn't take much persuasion and before you knew it, I too was a part of the band. I didn't stay long, but I sure had fun while I was there.
It's bedtime for the old folks so I'd better crawl under the covers.
Keep dreaming big,
Doreen
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Exciting Weekend
Today Amy helped me cross one of the items off my newest bucket list. We are not gun people but I've been wanting to shoot a pistol. So, today Amy took me to the shooting range in Bellingham and she let me shoot a whole box of bullets. It was exhilarating...my adrenaline was pumping after I hit the target on my first 3 attempts. After those first three shots however, my aim was a little low and to the left. If I was trying to shoot a robber, I would have hit his liver. I still don't have any desire to own a gun, but I would go back to the range and shoot again (after my arm stops throbbing and my lower back quits hurting - apparently my stance was a little tight)
Our friends, Dave and Val will be staying with us while they finish their house in Eastern Washington. They'll be working on the house 4 days a week, then spending the other 3 with us. There is never a dull moment when we're together...I'm really looking forward to spending time with them. Bring on the laughter :)
Rick has been a little worn out this week from the chemo. I'm hoping this next week gives him a break before it's time to have the next chemo embolization. I realized today how much better I feel when I'm not getting chemo. Maybe I really did need a break after all.
Love you more than all the salmon waiting to be caught this week,
Dor
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Here's what's happening with the Schmitt's
Wednesday afternoon, I met my buddy Shelly and my daughter Angie out by Kayak point and they picked me up via dingy and we went out fishing in Shelly's 34 foot boat. What a blast we had. Angie even caught her first fish...a salmon. She was so excited. But like all fishermen, she was mostly disappointed by the BIG fish that got away. She had it all the way up to the boat and before we could net it...it broke loose.
This morning Angie and I helped our family friends Dave and Val prepare for the final move out of their house. They have until tomorrow morning to get everything loaded. Dave and Val will be our guests for 3 days a week until their house in Plain, Washington is finished. They'll be sleeping in their trailer on our property...but I'll have them in the house visiting everyday :)
Nothing new in the health department. Just waiting for Rick's next procedure and for my hair to grow back. Surprisingly, I have about a 1/2 inch grow-out (and most of it is gray).
I'm trying my best to enjoy the next couple of months off from cancer treatment, so with that I'm also finding that I've been a little lazy in the blog category.
We're hoping to join our friends the Shaughnessy's up at their property on the Skagit River tomorrow. The girls have all gone up to the river tonight. Amy and Mel are going to set up the tent. Angie and Shannon are going to show them how to fish. I wish I was a mouse in the corner of the tent. Oh wait, there might already be a mouse in the corner of the tent...ick.
On Thursday, Megan finished (and passed) her last day in class at the University of Washington. For the next year she'll be working on her internship at various physical therapy locations. One private location, a nursing home, then a hospital. We're very proud of our little Dr. Megan.
Jake has been working in his classroom to get it ready for his next group of students. This year he'll teach 7th and 8th grade science, and 7th grade math. He starts coaching high school tennis on Monday. Let the fun begin. :)
This afternoon, my dear friend Pam became a grandma for the 3rd time. Her daughter and son in law, Erin and Cody had their first little son, Levi. He was 8lbs, 8oz and 20 inches long. Congratulations to all of you.
Ok, I think I've mentioned everything I could think of for the moment. In case I haven't said it lately, "the trouble with trouble is that it usually starts out as fun". Have a safe and happy weekend.
Dreaming Big,
Doreen
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Sorry about the blog malfunction :(
During the summer, Jake works for a company (Epic Entertainment) that does outdoor movies on 40 foot screens. Tomorrow night, a whole group of us are going to Marymoor Park in Seattle and watching the "Goonies". I can't wait. It was a favorite at our house many years ago. I just learned from Jake that it's Pirate Night...Argh...
The house is still pretty warm after the daily heat wave. So, I think I'll call it a night. Get some lightweight jammies on and head off to bed. It was a long weekend, and an early morning. I could use the rest.
Dreaming Big,
Dor
Friday, August 14, 2009
Beautiful Desert Aire
Tonight we're visiting with Uncle Mel and Aunt Jessie. They got a new puppy named Molly. A miniature
Boston Terrier. What a great dog. They rescued it from a puppy mill. Rick and I are both doing great. When my dad stopped by this morning to help us get ready to leave, I discovered that it was a little easier to get ready for the trip before cancer joined our lives. By the time we're all ready to go, we're exhausted and need a nap. Oh well, we're here now and that's all that matters.
Keep Dreaming Big,
Love you more ~ Dor
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Good Morning
I didn't write a blog yesterday, but I want to make sure that my "other" daughter Morgan had a fabulous 21st birthday. I've loved little Morgan since I first met her at a little cheer camp 15 years ago. Hope you had a great day.
Today is my buddy Janeen's birthday. She is not 21 and I am not allowed to publish her age :) I'm taking her to a movie today to celebrate. Happy Birthday, Neener.
Rick has chemo again on Tuesday so we've decided to head over to DA this weekend for a little rest and relaxation. We'll be meeting up with Bob and Dy (who we haven't seen in long time). I'm really looking forward to seeing them. We haven't seen our friend and neighbor Pat at DA since she turned 50 so we'll probably be doing a little celebrating with her while we're there too!
Dream Big,
Doreen
Monday, August 10, 2009
Great Scan Results
Dr. Eaton and I talked at length about what our upcoming plan will be. He told me of some options at Swedish Hospital in a clinical trial, and a new drug combination (that I haven't tried) Avastin and Alimta. We discussed how I feel about doing nothing, and he explained that as long as the cancer isn't actively growing it's good for my body to take a break. I keep in close contact with my team of doctors, so if anything changes before my next scan (in 2 months) then we'll change our direction sooner.
The scan shows that all the cancer is still in my lungs and lymph nodes and it still lights up on a PET scan. Since June 22nd, there seems to be no changes. Apparently it's just waiting for a day to come out and play. So until then, I'm going to just keep living and laughing.
My sister and law, Vickie and her grandson Jeffrey went to my appointment with me today. While we were waiting in the lobby, Jeffrey found origami cranes in a container. He brought one to each of us for good luck. I'm going to keep it with me for all my appointments. It seems to work :)
Dreaming Stable and Big,
Doreen
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Weekend Update
I get my scan results on Monday morning. I'm not expecting any changes but I'll let you know once I get home from my appointment.
For your information, we have a new e-mail address: rickanddor@verizon.net
Until later, keep dreaming big,
Dor
Thursday, August 06, 2009
I'm Back
The Internet is up and running, we have 700 TV channels (whatever happened to just ABC, NBC and CBS?...it was so much easier but not near as much fun). The phone works (I think) and now I'm just waiting on my TIVO cable. Enough about this technology....
Our Dream Big Bed was delivered while I was gone. So when it arrived on Friday, Shelley, Pam, Angie and Grandpa Bob were all there to help get it set up. We now have an incredible bed to sleep on. Thanks for all your help and love. Rick had the pleasure of sleeping on it a few days before I got home, but let me tell you....now that I'm home, it's hard to get up in the morning. With my knees up and my head up, I sleep like a baby. I wake up in the morning exactly as I started the night before. I don't think I move a muscle (or cough for that matter). It was just what the doctor ordered...
I have so many stories and photos to share of our trip. Honestly, it was one of the greatest times I've ever spent "on the road". These girls had me laughing (and coughing) the entire time. I think I may have done my share of making them laugh as well. We didn't get to spend near enough time with Bonnie and the gang, but the Gala is coming up in November so I'll be seeing them soon. Kim Mains was the best tour guide we could have asked for. Thanks again Kimmy!
Rick had chemo on Tuesday and while at his appointment, he learned that his CEA count has dropped from over 40 to 18.5. That is terrific news since normal is between 0 and 2. That's the first time it's dropped in months thanks to the hepatic artery embolization (to his liver). We met with Dr. Kooy yesterday (the physician who performed this procedure) and he is planning to do it again to the other lobe of Rick's liver within the next month. He said it will be much easier on Rick the second time around.
I had a PET/CT scan yesterday and I'll find out the results on Monday. I don't like the wait and watch game (which is what I feel like we're doing right now) so after I hear some results on Monday, we might be starting up a new program. I'll keep you posted.
I've missed you all since I've been gone. Sorry the blogs were sporadic but I was having so much fun that I knew you'd understand.
Thank goodness the weather calmed down while we were gone.
I'm attaching a photo of my bi-monthly flowers that were delivered today. They are just beautiful. Thanks Salal Floral :)
Happy to be home,
Dor
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Made It Home Safely
Dad's appointment went well yesterday. Thank you again Grandpa Bob for taking him down there! Mom has a pet scan this morning, and I will keep you updated on the details of that.
Keep Dreaming Big,
Jake
Monday, August 03, 2009
I refused to pay $14.95 a night for internet
Our 2 days in San Francisco were so memorable. We did our best to get in every possible thing on our wish list. When we first arrived, we met Bonnie and her daughters for lunch at the World Lung Conference. After lunch, we put other peoples name tags on and toured the lung conference. Amazing things are going on when it come to keeping those of us with lung cancer alive. Thanks to all of the research scientists and doctors who are working together to make great things happen. We spent all afternoon and evening at the waterfront and got back to the room at 10:30 that night. The next day we spent walking all around Union Square until it was time to head over to Golden Gate Park for the walk.
The 1st Annual Bonnie J. Addario 5K Golden Gait Walk for Lung Cancer was a huge success. In it's first year they raised nearly 130 thousand dollars. Janeen, Cathy and Donna got to meet my San Francisco extended family and friends. The all had a wonderful time.
Kim Mains, our old family friend (who lives near San Francisco) met us and did the walk with me (by the way I finished 8 minutes before Janeen, Cathy and Donna...but who's counting?). When we were done with the walk, Kim took us over the golden gate bridge, down Lombard's crooked street and gave us lots of opportunities for photos. We were going to meet up with Bonnie when we finished, but we never connected. She had a busy day and still needed to get some sleep for the Lung Conference today.
This morning we headed out of the city around 11:00am and made a few really important stops, the Jelly Belly Factory and the Olive Pit. The car is filled with souvenirs, jelly beans and jars of olives. We need to get home since we can't fit another item in the SUV.
As much fun as we've all had, I know we're all ready to get home to our families. We miss you and love you :)
I need to go now so I can get some shut eye.
Dreaming and Laughing Big,
Doreen
Friday, July 31, 2009
1st Stop ~ Lake Oswego, Oregon
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Plans have changed
We're packing up the SUV right now so I should probably go help.
I'll do my best to write a quick blog (with photos) each night if we have wireless at our hotels.
Keep Dreaming Big and Stay Cool,
Love you more ~ Dor
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
I'm Melting....
We checked the weather forecast for California and it will be a cool 75 degrees on Saturday when we arrive in San Francisco. Hallelujah!
For those of you reading this blog who live in Stanwood or the surrounding area, you know that our weather has been record breaking and ridiculous. For those of you who live elsewhere I'm sorry if this is your usual summer weather. I wish I could stop talking about it, but it's 10:30pm and our house is still 90 plus degrees. We don't have air conditioning because we get about 10 really warm days a year (if we're lucky). We do have good heating however because the other 355 days are usually cold.
I'm not sure if chemotherapy does something to our internal thermostat but I'm starting to go a little crazy from the heat. I'll try to write more tomorrow unless I'm delirious....
Dream Big and Stay Cool,
Doreen
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Happy Birthday Ricky
This afternoon my friend Kim came for a visit and lunch. We had a very nice visit and talked for hours about life and our kids and how lucky we are. I was feeling pretty good while she was here, but right before it was time to go out for dinner the heat really got to me. By the time we made it to the restaurant, I had nausea and sweat running down my face.
Now that we're home, I'm going to get into really cool clothes and head downstairs where the temperature is about 15 degrees cooler than it is upstairs. Ugh! We have a guest bedroom downstairs and I told Rick that tonight we need to be guests in our own house. Perhaps we'll sleep better than we have the past few days.
I'm really getting excited about the trip to California. 3 friends (Janeen, Cathy and Donna) will be joining me for a very special road trip. We are planning on spending 2 full days in San Francisco (including Bonnie's Golden Gait 5K Walk) and the other days will be scheduled for traveling. We plan on stopping (whenever we feel like it) to enjoy the sights along the way. I hope to bring my lap top and share the journey with all of you.
I still have the link attached to the right of my blog for Bonnie's Walk. If you're interested in donating or joining our team, you still have a few days to participate by clicking the link. I'll be bringing back t-shirts for those who signed up but didn't make it to San Francisco.
As much as I would like to write and tell you more about Rick turning 53 and the rest of my day, I really need to get out of the heat before I get sick again.
Stay hydrated. Wear sunscreen. Find a cool spot.
Dreaming Very Warm, But Big,
Doreen
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Jake and Megan in a magazine
Yesterday I went with Pam and bought new sheets for "the bed". The estimated date of arrival is Tuesday and I can't wait. Did I say thank you enough? If not...thank you, thank you, thank you!
Nothing much planned for today. Rick has to go to work for a couple of hours, I need to do a little housework, and the sun is going to be a scorcher again today (so I'll be working on staying cool). I hope the rest of your weekend finds you warm and happy.
Love you more,
Dor
Friday, July 24, 2009
Surprise!
What is so amazing about this gesture is that I know I will sleep better with my head elevated. Rick will be able to adjust his side to fit his needs and I will be able to do the same to my side. I do most of my coughing at night because my head isn't elevated enough. Now that won't be a problem.
Besides the surprise of the new mattress, we were greeted by many friends who had donated towards the purchase, my parents, and the kids (minus Jake who was working). The food was incredible, the friendship was immeasurable and the night was unforgettable. Shelley painted rocks and wood from the beach with the words "Dream Big". We can't help but Dream Big on our new mattress.
Thank you everyone for the incredible gift.
Dreaming Bigger than ever!
Doreen & Rick
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Rick is feeling better
These past couple of weeks have felt like a lifetime of uncertainty. I can't imagine how the kids, our friends, and family cope with the day to day struggles we put them through. Thank you all so much for your unconditional love and support.
Yesterday afternoon, I was pleasantly surprised with a beautiful gigantic bouquet of lillys and tulips from a friend and blog reader, Jeff. I had to use 3 different vases to get all the flowers in water. They are absolutely gorgeous. Thanks Jeff. They were just what we needed to cheer up our household.
I'm hoping to take a road trip with a few girls to San Francisco for Bonnie's Walk. We'll be leaving next Friday and will be gone for a few days. I don't think the drive to San Fran is that long (maybe 14 hours or so) and with a car full of women gabbing and laughing, the time will fly by. Let's pray my fever stays down so we can make this happen.
I guess I'd better get off the computer and think about making dinner. Mom and Dad gave us some fresh cracked dungeness crab so I think we'll have Crab Louies for dinner. MMMMmmmm Good!
Dreaming Big,
Dor
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Uncertain Future
I guess while I was gone today, our cows got out and my sick husband, son and daughter along with some fabulous neighbors, got them back into the field after a couple of hours of hard work. Thanks to all of you who helped Rick out today when he needed it most.
Today's appointment was a little bittersweet for me. Dr. Eaton said that today was my last treatment of this kind. Then I'll have a PET SCAN, and determining how that reads, I will go on a break. I can tell you that my body needs a break, but breaks mean NO TREATMENT, and NO TREATMENT causes growth (or so it has so far). I asked how long the break would be and he said indefinitely (until they see more growth). All of this sounds good but very scary for me.
Now, I suppose if they find that Doxataxel (the drug I'm on now) has been working according the the Pet Scan, they'll probably let me continue with it. Past Pet Scans weren't very promising so I think that's why the break will come instead. The next drug combo I'll try will be Alimta and Avastin. This is the last drug combination they have for me at this time. I could look at other hospitals for more clinical trials, but SCCA doesn't have any right now that fit my criteria.
Rick has chemo tomorrow morning (if his body can tolerate it). I know he just wants to get it over with, but he still isn't feeling well from the Artery Embolization. I'm sure he'll really be worn down after the cow fiasco today.
I'm feeling groggy after my chemo treatment today so I'd better call it a night.
Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.
Big Dreamer, Dor
Monday, July 20, 2009
Happy Sunny Monday
Don't regret growing older. It is a privilege denied by many. (anonymous)
This has been a very trying weekend at the Schmitt house. Rick has spent much of his time in bed. He's very fatigued, in pain, and just not himself. The doctor explained that once the chemo was shot into the liver, it eventually works it's way out to other organs or tissue in the body. He has pain near his shoulder (which they say is radiating pain) and the pain medicine just makes him confused so he doesn't like to take it. He says he's feeling better today but he isn't out of bed yet so we'll see how he's feeling once he's up and moving around.
Thankfully, the antibiotic my doctor prescribed on Wednesday hit the spot. I haven't had a fever since I started taking the prescription and I feel well (except for my heavy heart when I'm dealing with Rick).
The kids and my dad have been awesome. Stopping by to check on us, doing odd jobs while they're here. My dad stops by twice a day to feed the steers grain. I told him I could do it, but he says he likes helping out.
This morning my sister in law and nieces stopped by with some homemade cherry crisp (Dawn knows how much I love cherry desserts). It was good for my soul to see them. My little nieces, who refer to me as "Auntie" were freely handing out hugs and kisses. Dawn is careful not to bring the girls around when anyone has the sniffles or isn't feeling well.
My son is here now to visit so I'll have to say my good-byes. I have chemo tomorrow and Rick has it on Wednesday. I'll try to write something again tomorrow or if anything changes.
Keep Dreaming Big,
Dor
Friday, July 17, 2009
Chemo treatment : CANCELED
I was waiting at my parents house when they arrived home from Seattle late this morning so that I would assist them in any way possible. Mom and I got Dad tucked into bed and then spent a couple of hours visiting over lunch. She keeps apologizing for what has been happening with their health lately. She feels bad that we are the ones having to help them out. I just continued to re-assure her that we WANT to be there through the good and bad that we will be facing in the future months.
On a positive note, Mom is feeling better today and is working hard to schedule a family trip for all of us later in the year. She is thinking a 4 day cruise sounds good. I would have to agree! I like the idea of planning something big to look forward to. It takes our attention off of being sick and puts it on trip planning!
I would like to once again thank everyone for the supportive cards, emails and phone calls that show us that you care. They are greatly appreciated! Thank you friends....
Dreaming Big,
Angie
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Doreen is BACK
After all the sleep Rick has had over the past few days, he was up early today and thought he should go to work to do a little catch up. He was gone by 8:00am and got home around 3:30. I know he's a little wiped out right now, but he would never admit it. He feels good that he got his work done. Early day again tomorrow. Rick has chemo (does it ever end) and we hope it treats him well since he got a blast of it on Tuesday directly into the liver. Amazing what they can do now to keep people alive and thriving.
I have some clothes to fold out of the dryer and I need to think about making dinner. Until tomorrow, Stay cool and Dream Big.
Love you more,
Dor
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Happy to be Home!
Our un-expected hurdle appeared first thing this morning when Mom woke up. She was shaking, coughing quite a bit and didn't look like she felt good. By the time we arrived at the hospital Mom grabbed my arm and said, "I am going to throw up! Where is a bathroom?" We made it to the bathroom but that was just the beginning of our day. When we arrived in Dad's hospital room I asked his nurse to check Mom's temperature. It was over 101 degrees. It was at that time that Dad was about to get released from the hospital. Jake ended up coming down to Seattle with Megan and drove Dad back in my parents car while I stayed with Mom to get checked out. By 11:00 AM she felt nausea, had a fever and was being transported around the hospital by wheelchair. They took blood, got a urine sample, did a chest x-ray and eventually released her from the hospital just after 3:00 PM this afternoon. The doctor said that her counts are elevated, which they should be because of her bone marrow building medicine, but they might also be elevated because her body has an infection. They put her on a strong antibiotic and told her to come back if things get worse and they will admit her into the hospital.
What a long day! Jake is planning to stay the night with them tonight so that I can go home and sleep in my own bed tonight. If you call the house you will find that I left a new phone message thanking everyone for calling to check on them but that I disconnected the phone in their bedroom so that they can sleep.
Thanks for all of the prayers and well wishes. We can't get enough of those!!
Dreaming Big,
Angie
Rick Update from the UW
According to Dad’s doctor, his surgery went well. The chemotherapy drug was successfully administered into his right lobe of his liver and that was the goal. He did mention that there was a minor complication during surgery that ended up working out just fine. Apparently my dad’s Hepatic vessel closed itself off sometime during his battle with cancer so it created a new challenge for the doctor who planned to travel his instrument through there today. He had to find a new vessel that was also leading to that lobe of his liver. Lucky for us he found the vessel and the rest is history.
Upon returning to his hospital room we quickly noticed that Dad was showing high blood pressure readings. Even with his sickness he tends to be like clockwork when it comes to blood pressure…120/80. After surgery it elevated from 160/100 to eventually 181/108. By that point I was getting scared and so was the nurse. They gave dad a shot of medicine to lower his blood pressure and we waited. The worst side effect of today’s surgery for Dad was that he had severe back/stomach pains and he literally could not move his right leg or sit up in his bed for 6 straight hours. He was in pain and going stir crazy because he could not move around to get more comfortable. After allowing his medication to kick in and finally being able to urinate we immediately saw a dramatic drop in his blood pressure. When we left tonight it was 144/95.
I tried to post this blog late last night (Tuesday) but the internet at the hotel was down. It is now 7:20 AM and I am trying this again before we head back to the hospital. As for an update on Mom, she seems to have slept pretty well last night. Her breathing was labored and she woke up several times coughing but I jumped right up and got her water, more medicine or just crawled in bed with her and rubbed her back for a few minutes. Each time she fell back to sleep within minutes. Her poor little body really needed some rest.
One of us will write a quick note when we get more details about Dad’s progress later this morning.
Dreaming Big and praying for a Starbucks coffee,
Angie
Monday, July 13, 2009
Chemo? What Chemo?
Dreaming Big,
Angie
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Weekend Update with Dor
Saturday a busy day of doing things around the house, then heading to Janeen's to celebrate her son Will's college graduation. Go Cougs.
Today has been another productive day tied in with a little Rest and Relaxation :) You can never have too much of that. I need to start packing for a couple of days in Seattle for my chemo and Rick's surgery. Sometimes it makes more sense to just stay down there rather than making the trek back and forth.
I'm a little anxious/nervous for Rick's procedure on Tuesday. I know the outcome should be fantastic, but until they get started, I'll just keep biting my nails. :(
I have chemo in the morning, and I believe it is still just Taxotere without the fever making Gemzar. I'm not sure if I'll be getting a blood transfusion, but if that's on the menu....I'll order it. Dr. Eaton won't be at my appointment tomorrow but his associate Dr. Martins will be there. I need to make sure they are going to give me a little time off so I can go to Bonnie's "Golden Gait" the first part of August. I'm hoping a little break is in the forecast and I'll get a week off for good behavior. I could use a few days without nausea or headaches...
The kids have all been really busy this weekend, so I've hardly seen hide nor hair of them. I hope to see them all on Tuesday during Rick's surgery. I always need their moral support.
I'll try to write a quick little blog before I doze off tomorrow night after chemo, but if not...One of the kids or I promise to write something on Tuesday after Rick's procedure is complete.
Keep Dreaming Huge,
Doreen
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Blog #920
It's 6:00am and I finally just got out of bed instead of tossing and turning like I'd been doing for most of the night. My hip, pelvic and thigh bones are working overtime producing bone marrow and apparently they wanted me to stay awake and keep them company. Between the coughing and the aching you can imagine what a good night sleep I had. Maybe I should just go stay at a Holiday Inn (or whatever hotel it is where they promise a good night's rest).
Rick and I are heading to Bellevue this morning. He has a meeting and I get to tag along and take notes. (I'm hoping this will also include a nice lunch with my honey)
I met up with Janeen for lunch yesterday. She was in town doing some errands and she had her grand baby with her. What an adorable little girl with the biggest dimples you've ever seen. I had a great time, then did a few errands of my own.
Jake woke me yesterday morning with a kiss to my cheek. He worked at Sylvan yesterday afternoon, so he came up early to mow our lawns and do some odd jobs around the house that just didn't seem to get done. He is such a great help! After all his hard work was complete, he and his papa went to lunch.
I'd better end this blog. If I'm going to Bellevue soon, I should start getting ready.
Have a fabulous day and keep dreaming big,
Dor
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Rick's Dr. Visit
Have I mentioned lately what wonderful kids we have? Tonight, they all met at the house so we could discuss everything we'd learned today at the doctor's office. Amy brought dinner (though Angie and Jake passed on it since they already had dinner plans). We had an amazing family meeting where they asked the important questions to Rick and I like, what do you need from us? How can we help you? Don't be afraid of counseling...we're all doing it and it makes the process much easier to deal with. How did they get so smart? I'm serious, sometimes I look at them and think they must belong to someone else.
We had to change my chemo routine for next week so I would be available for Rick on Tuesday. As of now, I have chemo Monday, Rick has surgery Tuesday, then a CT scan on Wednesday.....Sounds like next week is nearly full.
My Neulesta is working again. I can feel my pelvis and hips throbbing as I sit her writing the blog. I know this is a good thing. It means my body is producing bone marrow. Yahooie! I don't know yet if I'll be getting a blood transfusion on Monday, but the nurses told me it's like having an oil change. I'll feel great, refreshed, almost new afterwards. I'm holding them to it.
I'm heading to bed now. It was a long day with lots of information crammed into my brains. Thanks to all of you who've been joining our Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation team. We're currently in the lead....and we have 23 members. I'm so proud!
Dreaming Big,
Doreen
Monday, July 06, 2009
Weekend Update
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Have a fun and safe 4th of July
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Gearing up for the 4th
It's always nice when we go away for a long weekend to have great house sitters. This weekend is no exception. Besides taking care of the house...I'm sure the flowers will appreciate getting watered and the cows will appreciate being grain fed. Thanks for always being here for us when we're gone.
Today is Melana's birthday, so we plan on doing a little celebrating tonight with strawberry shortcake. All the kids will be joining us as well as Vickie and Tom (not to mention the whole Cherry Lane neighborhood).
I didn't feel well yesterday, but I woke up today feeling much better.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
My dose of Reality
Doreen here. With a dose of reality. In case you hadn't noticed, I prefer to make margaritas out of limes (instead of lemonade out of lemons) but that's just a technicality.
This past week has been a little overwhelming for me, us. I know I've said it so many times before but we really have been LUCKY in the face of CANCER. Our battles have been fought with laughter, love and some toxins we can't seem to get away from. But lately, the battle gear has been a little more intense. I'm still trying to fight cancer with love and laughter, but I need something a little stronger than that. I need your prayers and some heavy artillery (chemotherapy).
Jake took Rick and I to our appointments today and was a trooper. We really enjoyed our time alone with you. Today's doctors visit left me again with a heavy heart. We've decided to cancel yet another drug that isn't doing it's job. (or to put it better, it's really do a job on me...not the cancer cells). I'm due for a blood transfusion soon, my port acted like it had a leak it in, so my chemo was given through my veins today instead (it took a couple tries to get a good vein...so I'm a little bruised up). I got another shot of Neulesta to stimulate my bone marrow (and cause excruciating pain in my pelvis and hips). They did a dye study of my port to make sure it was in working order and we're still debating what to do with it. When I got home I looked in the mirror to find my eyelashes have decided to make their departure (it's hard to have pretty eyes without mascara...and it's hard to put mascara on my eyelids). None of these things by themselves would cause anyone grief, but when I put them all together, I guess it is reason for some tears.
I prefer to share happy moments with all of you because I think it spreads hope that we can all beat this thing. I've been winning for over 3 years so I have so much to be thankful for. My glass is half full (of that margarita I was talking about earlier) and I plan on keeping it that way.
I must say that on Sunday when Amy was at the house and I was going through my morning ritual of gagging, coughing, sweating, coughing some more, etc., I didn't think much of it. I do it every day. Rick hears it and has adjusted, every once in a while he knocks on the bathroom door and says "hey, are you ok in there?". I forget that if you're not a part of it every day, it can sound scary and I'm sorry about that. Once, I finally get some of the fluid up from the bottom of my lungs, I actually feel better. Then, I take meds to keep the cough under control the remainder of the day and start over the next morning. This is my new normal.
Rick had another uneventful chemo day. He had lots of work to do once we got home so he went back to the office until after 7:00pm. He was bushed when he got home. He had a little dinner (thanks to Lindsay Smith) then went straight to bed. I hope he gets a good nights rest. He really needs it. I know he has a lot of pressure on him to stay as healthy as possible. He's still the breadwinner, the man who brings home the health insurance, and still tries to keep up with things that need to be done at home.
That is as much "real" as I can dish out in one day. I'm attaching a photo that my friend Cindy took (she came to visit me during chemo since she knew I'd be in town...I met here while she was a patient there and we became instant friends). The photo is how Rick and I were set up today during our infusion. He was in room 27 and I was in 28. Jake sat between us and kept us company.
I got this from a friend today and it's suppose to be about Sisters. I believe it's for all the people I love so I wanted to share it with you:
Life is too short to wake up with regrets.
So love the people who treat you right.
Love the ones who don't just because you can.
Believe everything happens for a reason.
If you get a second chance,
Grab it with both hands.
If it changes your life, let it.
Kiss slowly.
Forgive quickly.
God never said life would be easy.
He just promised it would be worth it.
Dreaming Big,
The "Real" Doreen
Being Real
So here is the real story about how things have been lately. I was at my parents house on Sunday morning as we all got ready to attend a BBQ at their neighbors house. The steam from taking a shower has been hard on my mom for quite a while but I had no idea how quickly it has gotten worse. I will tell you, it's one thing to SEE her cute bald head or SEE her fatigued and say "it's sad to see the cancer affecting her", it's totally different to stand outside of the bathroom door and HEAR what lung cancer sounds like. The picture is not nearly as pretty as mom tends to paint. It is 45 minutes of coughing, gaging, sweating, more coughing, leaning over the sink with her mouth open hoping the fluid that is drowning her will fall into the sink and provide some relief. Watching someone struggle and knowing there is nothing you can do to help is one of the worst feelings in the world.
She called me a little while ago to tell me how things are going down in Seattle today. I was in a meeting and couldn't talk long but none of the news sounded overly positive. Nothing was horrible, but there was talk of her likely having a transfusion soon, and how they are only giving her one of the two chemos today because her body seems to be having a hard time with one of them. They can't figure out why she keeps having problems with a high temperature, and it sounds like her counts are starting to fall again. As of my last phone call with her, they were still waiting for news about my dad but they did know that his CEA counts have continued to climb and have now hit 35. For those of you who don't speak "cancer talk", we want moms counts to go UP and Dad's counts to go DOWN but today it was just the opposite.
We know how lucky we have been as a family over the past few years. We have been given far more time together than the doctors ever thought we would. We have had lots of good times and a few not-so-good times. I have no doubt that their positive attitudes have kept them alive so I anticipate they will continue to find the positive in everything that happens. It's the hard times that bring a family together so we will continue to embrace this time.
Fasten your seat belts, we are experiencing a little turbulence-
Amy
Monday, June 29, 2009
Chemo Eve
I'm pretty fatigued today so I think I'll finish this blog and call it a night.
Talk to you all tomorrow if I can stay awake long enough after I get home from Seattle.
Dreaming Big,
Dor
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Too tired to sleep...
Today we are going to our neighbors, Jeff and Ericka's house. Ericka's grandparents grew up next to my in laws and they will be in town for the weekend. We're all going down to their house to catch up on old times. Hopefully, both families will be able to make it for the visit. They used to have great times together. I'm sure many of the old stories will come out. I'm just not sure "which version" we'll get to hear. :)
I'm still feeling much better than yesterday. Let's hope it stays that way. Rick and I both have chemo again on Tuesday so I'd like to start the week on a good note. Jake will be our chauffeur to and from our appointments now that school is out.
Ok, I'm going to crawl back under the covers and o my best to fall asleep.
Wide awake but always dreaming,
Dor
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Bad Day, Ugh!
Today has been wonderful. No fever over 99.6. I feel good. I've been taking it easy all day only doing odd jobs around the house. Tonight Rick went to play cards with some old high school buddies so, Reid picked him up and dropped Cathy off at the house to play with me. Actually, we've made cookies, watched a movie, talked, laughed, talked some more. All in all, it's been a great day.
While I was laying in bed yesterday, our dear friends Ann and Michael came up and worked in our yard for an hour. It looks great. Thanks guys!
Gotta go check on my cookies (and my guest).
Dreaming Big,
Dor
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Clam Digging?
I was feeling pretty good this morning, rested, not queasy.... So I thought I would go clam digging with my Dad and Angie (Mom stayed in the car). My original thought was that I could dig some clams, perhaps be helpful, bring the clams back to the van, (just do whatever was needed of me). I have told you lately how much lung cancer sucks? I was winded before I ever got to the beach, I helped Angie get about 30 clams, walked them back up the hill (while sucking breath), then sat in mom and dad's van for the next 30 minutes trying to catch my breath. Clam digging was nothing like I remember.
Something great happened due to the clam digging... When we got back, we cleaned and ground the clams for chowder. Once I got back to the house, I made a huge stockpot filled with chowder (some for Angie to take home) and I must say...it was delicious. Fresh clam chowder on a blustery day. Now that's what I call a joyous afternoon.
I'm attaching some photos. It's a dirty job, but somebody's gotta do it.
Love you more than all the clams we saw spitting at the beach today.
Dreaming Big,
Dor
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Pet Scan Results
I felt pretty good most of the day. I got some odd jobs done, napped for a good portion of the afternoon, had dinner made for Rick when he got home in case I was napping (which I was) and didn't have to rely on anti-nausea medicine to get me through the day. I hope tomorrow will be as successful.
Rick is feeling good today, as well. When he feels good, it helps me feel better. No news yet from the specialist who is going to do his liver procedure in Seattle, but we just heard about it yesterday. I guess I need to be a little more patient. :)
Amy added a link on my blog site for anyone interested in joining our team for the Bonnie J. Addario "Golden Gait 5K" - 5K Walk/Run. The girls in California have assured me that they'll send our shirts whether we go the event or not. Just know that your $25 entry fee will sign you up and start adding towards our goal. So far, I think we have about 10 team members and have raised $550 dollars. Bonnie says "Walk. Run. Sit. Sprint. Sprawl. Crawl. Dance. Prance. Stroll. Cajole. Saunter. Meander. Hop. Skip or Jump" Whatever your choice ~ Break your stride for Lung Cancer. I love that Bonnie Girl....I wish you all had the opportunity to meet her. You would understand why I have such a passion for eradicating lung cancer.
Until tomorrow...
I'm just dreaming big,
Dor
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Tuesday Updates
Rick's CT scan showed that most of his tumors were stable or a little smaller except for the ones in his liver. So, the new game plan is to inject chemo directly into his liver as a condensed version of the drug. We're hoping that this is just what his body needs. We'll learn more about it in the next couple of weeks.
For those of you who read this blog earlier and were worried that I'd had a stroke (all the jibberish) I want to assure you that I'm fine. The computer starting typing it's own letters and I couldn't shut the computer off. Sorry if I scared you.
I slept for about 5 hours this afternoon so I think I'll be up most of the night. It's ok though because I'm feeling pretty good and I have lots of things TIVO'd.
Dreaming (with my eyes wide open) Big,
Dor
Monday, June 22, 2009
Here's What's Happening...


Now for some news:
I got a wig (cranial prosthesis) today. (I'm attaching a photo of me with my sister in law...I'm the blonde one on the left)
On Wednesday night, June 24 during the Oakland A's and San Francisco Giants game it will be the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation night. Bonnie (and a little girl, Emma who won an essay contest about lung cancer) will be throwing in the first pitch. Bonnie also told me that a little tease of the lungblog (with Jake and I in it) will be on the big screen. So, if you get satellite TV you might be able to watch it. She said there will be a big group of people with green shirts and lung cancer signs all over the stadium. Hopefully the cameras will zoom in on them. I am so excited that her foundation has brought so much awareness to this disease. Keep up the great work Bonnie. You're the best.
Amy and Melana ran a 5K in the Lance Armstrong Livestrong event that was held in Seattle on Sunday. I'm so proud of them for participating. Amy brought home a shirt for Rick and I that says, Game on, Cancer. I love them.
I forgot to mention this last week. Jake got a job back with the Stanwood Camano School District for next year. He's so excited to know what his future looks like. Megan just has a year left at the University of Washington, then she'll be done.
Angie is taking Rick and I to our appointments tomorrow. It's always so nice to have someone else at our appointments with us. They are great at taking notes and being moral support. I have chemo (as long as my counts are good) and Rick has a follow-up appointment to see if his chemo cocktail is working. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
I'm attaching a few photos from father's day as well. I hope you enjoy them.
Dreaming Big,
Doreen
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Happy Father's Day

Father's Day is a very special day for me because most you you know...I have the greatest DAD in the World. Not just because that what his card says, but because he displays all the qualities needed for that honor. He loves us ALL unconditionally, would do anything for ANYONE, he is EVERYBODY'S GRANDPA BOB, still loves my mother after all these years, forgets that he's 76 years old and wants to do everything he can, to help Rick and I. He doesn't take no for an answer, he's honorable, loving and the kindest man you'd want to know. He's my Hero! Thank you Dad for being who you are, all you've done, and all you'll continue to be.
To all the other Dads in my life....thank you, too. Thank you for being coaches, mentors and shoulders to cry on. Thank you for taking a firm stand (when you know it's for own good), giving hugs when we need it most, believing in us when we know we can do something, and forgiving us when we apparently couldn't. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your time. But, most of all...thanks for being you!
Let's take the time to Celebrate Dads ~
I've attached a photo of my dad and I right after my diagnosis. Isn't he cute?
Love you more,
Dor
Friday, June 19, 2009
Thursday night insomnia
This evening, Amy had a few people over to the house to have a "little spa treatment" She purchased the spa basket at a Relay for Life Auction. We had a great time and bought a few items to keep us all looking and feeling our best. Thanks Amy for letting us be a part of your spa adventure. My feet feel fabulous and one side of my face looks amazing....now I need to do the other side so I don't look like I've had a stroke. Hopefully, my products will arrive soon :)
We don't have many things planned for the weekend. Maybe a little work around the house, a movie, dinner reservations?, trip to Costco, then we're wrapping up Sunday with a BBQ for both of our dads.
Monday is a busy day. I have a PET scan and CT scan at 8:45am at the University of Washington, then at noon Rick has a CT scan over at Seattle Cancer Care. At 1:00 that day I have an appointment to be fitted for my "cranial prosthesis - wig". I'm not sure if you'll see me wearing it much, but you never know. Stranger things have happened. On Tuesday, we both get results then I'll get chemo. (Rick has this week off from chemo treatments). As usual, we are anxious for the results. I just need to hear the word STABLE so I can continue the treatment plan I'm on. We would like to hear the word SHRINKAGE from Rick's oncologist. His counts have continued to raise slowly, but we're hoping the tumors are shrinking in size. Again, we'll know more on Tuesday afternoon. When we know something...so will you.
It's now almost 1:30 and I think the Tylenol (arthritis strength) is kicking in. I'm going to try the sleep thing again. If it doesn't work, you might be hearing from me again tonight.
Sleep well, and if you're lucky enough to still have your daddy...don't forget to let him know how much you love him.
Dreaming Big,
Dor
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Early Morning Update

Thanks for the blog update, Amy. It's 3:00am and my "wishbones" woke me up so I thought I'd stay up long enough to drop you all a little note. To all of you blog readers, thanks for keeping Rick and I in your thoughts and prayers...we can feel the love surrounding us.
This chemo is quite different than anything I've had before. Not that it's so terrible, it's just very different. The first week is a quick dose of a drug that I barely even know I've gotten. By week 2 however, the dose is longer, stronger and they've added 2 additional drugs. At the beginning of week 2 I don't feel much different than fatigued, but by this time in the treatment, I've really got to watch the low grade fevers, ACHY hips, pelvis, knees, thighs (they gave me a shot so my body would over produce bone marrow to keep me healthy...I think it's working), nausea, loss of appetite (finally a new diet plan) and just an overall feeling of not feeling like my self. I've done a lot more resting than usual and it seems to be helping.
I've gotten used to the bald head (though I still have follicletis - an inflammation of my hair follicles) so my scalp has a little rash on it. I'm getting more and more accustomed. Now I don't scream when I see my reflection in a mirror or window or a glass of water :)
Today (technically yesterday since it's now 3:15am on Tuesday), I got an incredible gift of kindness. As you all know, I am so grateful for the outpouring of love and support I get from so many of you. From dear old friends, to some I only know through the blog, to some of you I've never met. Here's what happened: About a month ago I received the most incredible flower arrangement I had ever seen from a dear friend of Amy and Angie's, named Sabrina. It was sent to me from the Tulalip Casino's new flower shop, Salal Floral (I didn't even know they had one there). When Sabrina ordered the flowers she shared the "story of our family" to the shop owner and shared how much she loved our family over the years and what great people she thought we were. Long story short, they decided to "adopt" us and I got an e-mail from the flower shop saying they would like to send me a fresh bouquet twice a month as a kind gesture in hopes that it would keep our spirits high. Oh, my goodness. Me and fresh flowers? Are you kidding? I'm going to be elated. They will bring them every other Thursday...Am I blessed or what?
We were hoping Dave and Val would be moving in this week but it looks like there is a little glitch in the 3rd parties money. Too much feet dragging. I believe it's all going to work out, they just need our good thoughts to help push everything in the right direction. I guess it will be a little longer before the "partying starts"...Just kidding, our partying needs to be during the daylight. Otherwise, we've all fallen asleep in our chairs or on the couch. Don't worry about stopping by and interrupting our parties...you might just be waking us up :)
Well, now that's it's 3:30 and my tylenol has kicked in a little, I think I'll wrap my hips back up with a heating pad and try the sleeping "thing" again.
We're hoping this week Jake learns something about his job. They re posted a bunch of them and I think he applied for all the was qualified for. School is officially out on Wednesday, so let's hope they learn something soon. Megan has the rest of this week off then it's back to school again for her. I think the kids are going to spend a few days over at Desert Aire for relaxation and sun before Megan has to go back for her last set of classes. Once summer quarter is over, it all just hands on stuff for her. 3 months at 3 different sites. Then...she's done :) It's been a long journey, but well worth it.
Angie is officially out tomorrow so she'll join me at my next "result" appointment next Tuesday. It's nice when summer vacation comes around. The kids have more opportunities to join us at appointments and ask questions. It's also nice just to spend quality snuggling time with them. They can crawl right into the hospital bed during the infusion and no one cares.
Sorry to say this, but Amy doesn't just "get time off". She's got a great job and they will let her take time off and make it up as she needs to, but like the other 2 kids....she doesn't have an assigned "summer off". She does however join me at lots of appointments and I'm happy they give her the freedom to do that when needed.
Vickie is taking me on Monday for my PET scan then we're going to a "get beautiful" class that the University of Washington puts on for cancer patients who've lost their hair. We should have a great time. And you never know. I might come home with a cute blonde wig?
Ok, enough blabbering...time to head to bed. Someone (ME) needs their beauty sleep desperately. I should have been in be by 7:30 tonight :)
Dreaming with achy hip bones...which are connected to my pelvis bone, connected to my thigh bones, connected to my knee bone, connected...well you get the picture :)
Love, Dor
Monday, June 15, 2009
Checking In
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Over did it and I have no one to blame but myself :(
Sorry for not listening to you Eric, and leaving the party earlier. I could hear your little voice in my head all night long....
I'm going to head back to bed and try to catch up on my much needed sleep from last night.
Dreaming Big,
Doreen
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Quick little update
Dave and Val are in the middle of building their retirement home in Plain, Washington. We are so excited for their journey, but they are running into a few glitches along the way. We are willing and able to help with some of their problems, by inviting them to stay with us while they finish their building. Housemates at 50? We'll have the best time.... They accepted our offer (though Dave thinks he's going to make a bunch of the rules). We were hoping they would move in next week, but there are still a few things to work out with their buyers. I think we are all excited to spend more time together. I'm very sure that having them around will be as helpful for Rick and I as it will be for them.
I'm heading off to bed now with big hopes of waking up feeling great tomorrow. I've got a busy weekend planned with baby showers and graduation parties. I need to start feel better soon.
Love you more than all the beautiful flowers blooming on my porch :)
Dor
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Blog Post number 900...
Chemo went ok today. It was a long day and I fell immediately asleep when I got into Cathy's car this afternoon. I don't think I was much fun on the ride home. (Well I don't remember anything if that gives you a clue). I've been sleeping ever since I got home so now I'm awake and thought I would drop you a line to get you up to date on what's happening.
After the 2 doses of chemo, they shot me in the arm with Neulesta (a drug to build up my bone marrow over the next couple of weeks since these drugs tend to do a number on your blood counts). That seems to be the only thing that hurt tonight. The needle shot in my arm. I woke up around 7:00pm feeling a bit nauseous but I took something for that before it got out of hand and I'm already feeling better.
Tomorrow, Rick and I go in for eye exams and new glasses. My vision has gotten worse over the past couple of years, I think that's an AGE thing. I forgot I can actually blame some of my faultering body on age rather than cancer related stuff.
I'd better get back to bed before I wake myself up completely.
Dream Big Happy Dreams,
Love you MORE ~ Dor
Monday, June 08, 2009
Photo Shoot


Today I had a little photo shoot with my friend Noel. She spent a couple of hours making me feel beautiful (with or without something on my head). I try to be the person on the side of the camera taking the photos...not the one in them...so the first few minutes seemed~oh, so uncomfortable. I've posted some pictures from today's adventure. Hope you like them.
This afternoon, Amy and I went to Mt. Vernon to sit with some friends at the hospital. Their mom/mother in law has just been diagnosed with lung cancer and they needed some 1st hand guidance. Those first few days after diagnosis are so scary. Ok, all the days are scary, but we just learn to adapt as time goes on. We were there to help ask some of the questions you wouldn't necessarily know if you didn't know much about lung cancer. I wish them all the best on this new journey their family will be taking.
Tomorrow is another busy chemo day. I'll get the 2nd part of my Gemzar/Taxotere treatment. I've got a busy weekend coming up with Pam's daughter's baby shower and 2 graduation parties. I hope this treatment doesn't knock me down too much. I'm a busy woman with things to do, places to go, people to see :)
It's getting late so I think I'll go fold some laundry and get ready for bed. 5:45am comes early for me. I have to be ready to leave by 6:30 and since I don't have any hair to fix...I can get up 15 minutes later than usual :)
Until tomorrow, Dream Big~
Dor
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Wide awake at 3:20am
Rick had a successful morning at the livestock auction (I didn't go with him since I woke up with a headache, but it went away before he returned home and I had the car packed and ready to go). He bought 5 steers from some deserving young kids who had been raising them since they were calves. He however didn't feel well when he got home. So I fed him some lunch and we got in the car and headed over. He was feeling much better this evening. He thinks maybe he was just a little hungry (and needed some of my cooking).
The weather over here today when we arrived was a beautiful 73 degrees. Nice...Not to hot...not too cold. We took advantage of the heat (or lack of heat) because those days over here come few and far between.
I guess I'll go back to bed and see if my luck changes in the sleep department.
Dreaming (ok, not really) Big...
Love you MORE,
Dor
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Hot June Night
I started this blog earlier today...and I think I may have spoken to soon. It ended up being equally as hot as yesterday. They say, tomorrow is suppose to be 15 degrees cooler. Yahoo!
We've got another busy weekend planned. I guess it's a good way to keep our mind off all the things that can bring us down. Tomorrow night is our niece's 2nd birthday party, then it the annual Livestock Auction, then a quick trip over to Desert Aire. Then, I start the next batch of toxins that are going to change my life. (Positive Thinking)
Have a peaceful night and keep dreaming big,
Doreen
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
We're having a "heat wave"
I woke up around 5:30am needing an anti-nausea pill. I've been feeling fine ever since. Maybe it was just a reminder to get up early and water my plants outside before the temps get up to the predicted 90 degrees....what's that all about anyway?
Chemo went as planned for Rick yesterday. Same stuff, different day. We keep wondering why his CEA counts aren't going down (knowing that the tumors are shrinking), but the doctors aren't concerned about it. They say the numbers are still low (it's just that we know they've been lower...) we just want it all. Smaller tumors AND lower counts. Patience, Doreen...Patience....
Enough about us...hope you're all doing well. Don't forget to ~ Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate during this heatwave.
Dreaming Big (and very warm)
Dor
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Starting Over....
Rick's CEA count is creeping back up (but very slowly). No one seems to be alarmed by it, so I'm not going to worry yet either. He is very tired but doesn't plan on giving up the fight anytime soon.
I'll write more later.
Dreaming Big,
Dor
Monday, June 01, 2009
Chemo Eve
Today was sort of laid back. I spent the afternoon with my sister in law. We did a little job at her work, then went to lunch, stopped by Amy's work to say hello, then finished up by doing a little grocery shopping. I got home early enough to open all the windows to air the house out before Rick got home. The weather was beautiful today...but inside the house it was 80 degrees. (it felt a lot like an easy bake oven)
Tomorrow is a big chemo day. Hopefully all is going well with Rick's treatments, he seems a little more worn out than usual, but we've been doing a lot of things lately to cause fatigue. I will find out if the PET scan showed shrinkage in the tumors. If not, I will most likely start a brand new chemotherapy tomorrow instead. We'll keep you posted on that when the time comes.
I feel asleep on my bed around 6:30 tonight and woke up to a phone call from Jake. Megan just found out where all her internships will be next year. The first one will be at Northsound in Mukilteo, then at a nursing home in Arlington, and she will finish out in Spokane at St. Luke's Hospital.
Ok, it's time for me to say goodnight. 5:45 am will come early tomorrow. The really good perk is, I don't have to spend a lot of time on my hair :) Shower, make-up, clothes...I'm done
Dreaming Big positive thoughts for tomorrow,
Dor
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Settle down...It's Sunday
I was happy to see Megan today. I wasn't sure she would be able come up and celebrate since she had so much studying to do. This coming week is FINALS. 3 presentations and 1 final test this week alone. Ugh. Good luck hon. Thanks for partying with us even though you probably wish you were studying.
Shannon's brother Kevin, his wife Sarah and their 7 week old baby daughter joined us on Friday night for Relay. What a joy it was for all of us. Thanks...for the memories.
Amy is taking me to the shooting range for my birthday. I think it was on my bucket list. Fire a pistol...watch out Dukes of Hazzard.
I had a good week (minus the ear ache which is finally getting better). Rick seems to be dragging a little. I think his body is overloaded with toxins and it's starting to wear on him. He's much more tired and quiet than usual.
I'm exhausted from the crazy weekend, so I'm heading off to bed at 9:00pm. Nothing good on the tube and I don't feel like doing housework.
Thanks again to all of you who made this weekend and my birthday so VERY SPECIAL.
Keep Dreaming Big,
Dor
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Happy Birthday Dor!


Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Earache?
I'm getting used to the whole bald headed thing. As a matter of fact, I'm wondering if people used to think my hair looked bad? They keep saying how "beautiful" I look with no hair....
Tomorrow night I'm going to stay in Seattle with Melana because I have another PET scan early on Friday morning. She invited me down to spend the night and go out for dinner at one of her new "favorite restaurants" called Purple. I'm looking forward to it (Amy may even join us). The PET scan is at the University of Washington and that is about 5 minutes from her house. It will give me a chance to sleep in a little. Friday night is the start of Relay and I need all the extra sleep I can get.
Tuesday will be a big day for Rick and I. We both have chemo (which we've done before) however, it's never been the 5 hour version for both of us. The nurses are going to put us in side by side rooms and open the curtain between us so we can visit (or sleep) next to each other.
I have a massage tomorrow and I can't wait. It should be better this time now that the toxins are out of my body.
I'd better go put more medicine in my ear, then get to bed. I need to store up on some extra sleep before the weekend gets here. Don't forget, if you're not doing anything on Friday night, stop by the high school stadium and say hello. We're expecting a big crowd...and I would love to have you be a part of it.
Dreaming Big,
Doreen
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Adjusting...
I have so much to share but my head keeps bobbing. I'll write more tomorrow.
Until then, sleep tight..don't let the bed bugs bite.
Love, Dor
Monday, May 25, 2009
Bald is beautiful?




This afternoon I decided to take this whole hair-loss thing into my own hands. So, with the help of the girls and Aunt Vickie... and a pair of clippers.... I made it happen. We took some pictures along the way, so you might see a photo or two of me with a Mohawk one of these days. Check out the funky earrings I'm wearing. A dear old friend, Auntie Lois, brought me a whole bag of fun earrings (the concept is to draw attention away from the bald head...is it working?) Everyone keeps telling me that I have a cute round head but I'm still not completely convinced that the GI Jane look is for me. Regardless, I'm happy that it's over.
Originally, I wanted to turn this whole head-shaving thing into a fundraiser. I thought about inviting people over and letting them take turns cutting my hair (for a small price). I pictured wine, appetizers, and laughter but when the time came it turned into a personal moment. I hope all my friends and family understand my decision to make this private.
I am going to crawl in bed with Ricky and try to rest. I haven't been sleeping much the past few days and my headaches have been annoying. I'm hoping the headaches disappeared with the hair.
Goodnight for now-
Dream Big
Dor
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Desert Aire Delight
Today the 4 of us stained the deck at house number 1. Actually Rick and I didn't do much. Thank goodness the girls were here. The sun was really irritating Rick's skin, and too much heat knocks me down. So, without any whining or complaining...they just took control. It looks great!
Tonight we all went to cousin Joe's for a Mexican Fiesta. Our cousin Tom and his girlfriend, Andrea cooked a Mexican dinner all day today and it was fabulous. They bought tortillas fresh off the conveyor belt in Mattawa, bought all the fruits and veggies at the "open market" that is held each weekend in town, made strawberry margaritas (I didn't have one...the thought of alcohol makes me queasy) and played Latin music through dinner. It was great fun until I got a headache and had to go home by 9:00pm.
I woke up this morning to my first pillow full of hair. I've made it through 2 full weeks without losing my hair so I had convinced myself that maybe I wouldn't lose it after all. No such luck. My pillow looked like a small rodent was taking a rest. I woke up early (everyone else was asleep) and sat at the table looking at the pile of hair that had been on my head only hours earlier. Then I cried. I didn't want to wake anyone here, so I sent a photo to my sister in law Vickie who was in Vegas and one to Amy in Seattle. I knew once they got the photo, they would call. They did. Luckily, Susie and Pat (our great neighbors at D.A.) were awake so I spent the morning with them, crying and having coffee. I'm over it now. Hopefully, the majority of my hair will stay in until I get home tomorrow night. I've decided that the best way to deal with it, is to take control. So, sometime this next week...it will get shaved off on my terms. :)
I'm heading back to bed now. My headache is gone and I'm feeling better.
Hope you're having a safe and wonderful Memorial Day Weekend. The weather here is PERFECT!
Love you more,
Dor
Thursday, May 21, 2009
We need your help
My dear friend Bonnie Addario and I are tired of lung cancer. Tomorrow morning she is having a 3 foot by 10 foot letter delivered to Oprah regarding this REALLY BIG DISEASE. I'm attaching Bonnie's letter as well as directions to write your own message to Oprah to let her know what you think about Lung Cancer. I know what I want to say...but it contains a few bad words, so instead, I'm going to keep it clean and honest. I hope you'll do the same for me (us).
Here’s the 1-2-3 plan:
The scroll will arrive on Thursday, May 21, 2009
1. Please log on to https://www.oprah.com/plugform.jsp?plugId=220 FIRST THING on Thursday morning and pour your heart and lungs out about WHY you want to see Lung Cancer “talked about” on her show. (You will have 2000 characters).
2. We don’t want to tell you what to write and each email should be different.
3. Just mention that you hope she’s had a chance to read Bonnie J. Addario’s BIG letter.
Please send us a copy of what you wrote…if you want. If not…thank you, in advance, for giving it a go! It’s time for Lung Cancer to hit the airwaves in a BIG way.
Note: If, for any reason, the above link doesn’t take you to the “WE HEAR YOU: OPRAH’s MAIL” page…just go to www.oprah. com…you’ll find it.
Please write to Oprah on Thursday, May 21st ,and make Lung Cancer the headline it should be every day.
Thank you! Please call Sheila at 415.357.1278 with any questions, and please forward this to anyone you know who will send an email on behalf of eradicating Lung Cancer—and the 450 people dying a day, right here in the U.S
Imagine this on a 3 foot by 10 foot scroll:Dear Oprah...
I am sending you this really big letter because I need
your help!
I watch your show as often as I can. I am constantly
amazed at how far your voice reaches and the incredible
things you have done for mankind.
Single-handedly you have saved lives and helped elect a
President. You bring issues to the public’s attention that
would not have otherwise been noticed.
I know that if you read in the newspaper or saw on
the news that a Jumbo jet just fell out of the sky you
would be alarmed.
If you read the very next day that another jet fell from
the sky you would sit up and question what was
happening. On day three, you would have Patrick
Forrey on your show and you would be demanding
answers and “guiding us home!”
I know that if you really knew about a disease that
was killing 450 people a day in the U.S. alone and
almost nothing was being done about it, you would do
something. If that disease surpassed breast cancer in
1987 as the biggest cancer killer of women you would
take action. If you heard that this disease received so
little attention and continued to kill people because of
lack of attention and funding, I am sure you would
help us. So, I am convinced you don’ t know.
Oprah...the disease is Lung Cancer and it kills over 1.3
million people worldwide every single year. 60% of the
newly diagnosed cases are people that either never smoked
or quit smoking decades ago...
I am one of the very few, accidental survivors, who live
to tell you. I just reached my 5-year survival
anniversary on March 17, 2009. I am part of a very
small club of survivors and I need your help to increase
the members. I am convinced I am here to make a
difference and God only knows, this was not my plan.
Beverly Sills, Dana Reeve, Peter Jennings, Nat
King Cole, John Wayne, James Whitmore, John
Updike, Suzanne Pleschette, George Harrison, Andy
Kaufman, Walt Disney, Herb Caen, Joe
DiMaggio, to name a few celebs, have all died from
this dreaded disease and no one talks about it. As big
as this letter is, I can’ t name all the people who have
died before their time. Perhaps you know someone near
and dear. I began this foundation the dayDana died
because it needed to happen. Her sister ,Deborah
Morosini, joined our board, immediately, and stands up
with us every day to fight this disease. I am not a
celebrity to anyone other than my beautiful children,
grandchildren, friends and now thousands of followers of
this foundation. I don't have a TV show nor do I have
a movie career where I can rally fans to help me fight
this disease.
All I have is the thought of you....will you help me
bring this jumbo disease to the forefront and get help for
so many people?
With love,
Bonnie Addario
That's it for now. Thanks in advance for your help. We'll keep you posted regarding Oprah's response.
Dreaming Big,
Doreen
Monday, May 18, 2009
One step at a time...
Truthfully, when I told the kids what we were doing I thought they might be sad and think that we were premature in our purchase. Instead, they were the amazing kids I new they would be and said "Good for you, take control. Get what you want." Eventually, Rick or I would have to make the decision anyway so why not do it together?
I'm feeling much better this week in terms of queasiness. I do, however, need to get some rest. Hopefully tonight I'll have a little more success than last night.
Rick has chemo tomorrow morning and I'm going to take him. Originally, I thought we should make arrangements for someone to take him in case I wasn't feeling well. But, as you all know...I'm feeling great. We have to be on the road by 6:30am so I'd better get to bed.
Dreaming Big,
Doreen
Counting Sheep
I think my hair is having a calm before the "storm". For the past 4 days I've had a "good hair day" so I'm wondering if that's what happens right before it decides to fall out? Oh well, I guess after it's gone, all my days will be "good hair days".
I had a wonderful day today (Sunday). This morning Rick and I met my parents for breakfast, then I spent the afternoon (and early evening) with my sister in law, Vickie. We went to a movie, stopped at a few stores (where we found some great gifts ~ for ourselves), laughed and cried. We only live about 5 minutes apart from one another and we still don't get together often enough.
Jake came to the house today for a few hours and helped Rick run the weed eater and other odd jobs around the property that I knew he wanted to get done. It's not that Rick can't accomplish those tasks on his own, but having Jake here to help out saves him hours of strenuous work. When Rick works that hard anymore he's worn out for days and I don't think his body appreciates it :( Thanks Bud for helping out when you can (even when the Lakers and the Red Sox are on TV - I know that was a big sacrifice)
I've decided to put my Ipod on with some headphones, pick my favorite play list and crawl back into bed. Maybe my favorite music can help me get the shut eye I need.
Hugs and Kisses (I thought using the Dreaming Big line was a bit of a stretch since dreaming takes place while you're SLEEPING)
Doreen
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Saturday Night Barn Dance
We just got home after a really fun evening at the "Raise the Roof, Relay Barn Dance & Auction". Lots of people, fabulous time, more laughs than you can imagine. The kids (minus Jake and Megan ~ they were at a Fleetwood Mac concert), my parents, and a bunch of friends joined us for the event. Hopefully this will be an annual occasion.
You all know the story of Angie and Shannon's bowling shirts...well tonight wasn't a whole lot different. Today they went shopping at Value Village (again) and bought Hoe-Down outfits. I'm attaching a photo because an explanation would not be sufficient. Angie doesn't make it a habit to wear a dress, so you can imagine our hysteria when she and Shannon entered the party tonight dressed like "cowgirls". I'm still laughing out loud at the way they looked. What good sports they were.
Before we left the house tonight, Amy looked at me with really sweet eyes and said, "mom, you look so good tonight, people are going to say they want what you have". I assured her they wouldn't be wishing lung cancer on themselves and thanked her for the compliment. I think it just might have been the color pink I was wearing or maybe the tan I still have from Palm Springs. I'm attaching a photo of Rick and I so you can judge for yourself.
Someone wrote on the comments yesterday that they had a recipe for hard candy to help with mouth sores...I'd like to get a copy of that if you wouldn't mind sharing. Thanks in advance.
Since we have a big lawn and lots of weeds and today was over 70 degrees, Rick and I decided to work in the yard. Thanks to my neighbor Lynell stopping by, we now have less weeds than we did yesterday. L, you're the best.
Dreaming Big with a smile on my face,
Dor
Friday, May 15, 2009
Fabulous Friday
I woke up early again (one of the side effects to chemo...I don't sleep in like usual) and decided to get moving sooner than normal. I showered, made breakfast then headed to Marysville to take care of some unfinished business. I returned home around 1:00 and I was BEAT. Luckily, I took a little snooze and was back in business this evening. Amy, Rick and I went over to the fairgrounds to help out with the Hoe-Down. We didn't do much, but we had fun trying.
This afternoon, I started to get tingling in my fingers and a couple of sores in my mouth. I'm hoping this isn't the beginning of a rough 2nd week. If it is however, I'll learn to suck it up. I've had 3 pretty great years fighting this battle, I guess a few side effects won't hurt me.
I'm very tired tonight, so I'm heading to bed. Hopefully, I'll have some photos to post tomorrow night when we return from "Raising the Roof".
Keep DREAMING BIG,
Dor
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Wow
That's it. I just thought I'd share :)
Dor
Birthday Thursday
I've been looking forward to this afternoon because the ladies from work were meeting in Mt. Vernon to celebrate Sheryl (my replacement at work) and my birthday (they are both on the same day just 5 years apart). Janeen picked me up (even with a little headache remaining) and we scooted off to have some fun. Now that I'm home, and the headache is nearly gone, I'm so glad I went. Sometimes cancer can get the best of us and to be honest, I'm sick of it taking my fun away.
This weekend is our Relay Barn Dance (not a lot different than the hoe-down I just attended in California) but rather than celebrate a birthday, we'll be raising the money and the ROOF.
Tonight is a big TV night...I know I need to get a life. Grey's Anatomy is going to be a good one and I'm hoping they vote "Coach" off on Survivor. Other than that, I'm hoping for a good night's rest and a healthy day again tomorrow.
Dreaming Big,
Dor
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
So far...so good
I woke up at exactly 5:30am (today) just when my next meds were due. I have an odd taste in my mouth this morning and I'm already feeling a little queasy again. Let's hope today goes as well as yesterday.
I promise to write more later. I just wanted to give you a little update so you knew things were going well.
Dreaming Big,
Dor
Monday, May 11, 2009
New Beginnings
My mom had to be in Seattle at 8:30 am this morning and they left Seattle this evening around 7:00 pm. It was a very long day of treatment but she was in good company. Dad and my Aunt Vickie were Mom's caregivers today, not to mention visits from Amy and Megan at SCCA throughout the afternoon. Thank you Vickie for the love you showed Mom all day.
Mom received anti-nausea medication today that is supposed to last between 24 and 48 hours. Her doctor told us that the first three days will be the hardest for her and recommended that she have few interruptions and get a lot of sleep. Because of this, we are asking that everyone send supportive e-mails rather than calling the house for the first few days. We promise to bring the laptop to Mom and read her all of your messages when she is feeling up to it. By Thursday the doctor said she should begin feeling better. You'll all know when she is feeling better and ready to chat because you can't keep her off the phone for long!
With this new round of treatment comes some new side effects. As we previously mentioned, Mom will be losing her hair sometime between now and the next couple of weeks and she will have a compromised Immune System. Next week should be the time when her white count is the lowest, therefore causing a bigger threat to get sick. If you come to visit Mom over the next few weeks you can find hand sanitizer, face masks and just about anything else that you might need in the basket next to the front door. Thanks for helping us make this a priority!
As for those of you wondering if my parents need dinners to be made and delivered to them...no, not at this time. We have dinner covered for the next three days and will see what they are craving after that. We appreciate the offerings however.
I attached a photo that was taken yesterday at my house for Mother's Day. Looks like a pretty happy gang if you ask me... :)
Dreaming Bigger than ever-
Angie
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day
Danielle's (Bonnie's daughter) surprise 40th birthday party hoedown last night was so fun. Andrea (Bonnie's other daughter) wanted to throw the party of the year, and I think she did it! Their friends, the food and band were all amazing. I'm really glad I stayed for the event....except when I had to say good bye to the kids last night :( It was suppose to be a happy night and I put a little wrench in that when I gave all my kisses and hugs).
Amy is picking me up at the airport this morning and we're all meeting at Angie's this evening for a barbecue. I can't wait to kiss and hug the faces of my clan. Even though I've had a wonderful time here in California, I have missed them all so much. What a better day than Mother's Day to return home. :)
I could not have picked a better time to come down here. My week was so full of stuff to do that I was able to put my new chemo adventure to the back of my brain and not worry about it.
Happy Mother's Day to all you incredible moms. Sit back and let your family spoil you, YOU'RE WORTH IT!
Keep Dreaming Big,
Doreen
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Brain Overload
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Peaceful Cinco De Mayo
Tonight, Bonnie, Tony and I attending a dinner party with about 150 research scientists, who are working on early detection for lung, prostrate, ovarian and pancreatic cancers. It was an amazing event to attend. They have studies in the works where dogs walk around people and smell their breath. If something is wrong with the person, the dog lays down on the person's feet. Lots of evidence...it's just incredible.
I learned this afternoon before we left, that I might have another appointment in the city tomorrow with the pumonlogist then again on Thursday with the transplant team. I can not believe my time here with Bonnie and her family is almost over.
Tomorrow is Bella (Andrea's daughter) 7th birthday. They're having a big party with a bouncy house and lots of goodies. I can't wait for the fun.
I'm heading off to bed... Goodnight sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite.
Dreaming Big,
Doreen