Thirsty Thursday

I guess Rick wasn't really thirsty, but he did have to drink lots of liquids before his scan. He always tries to share it...but I refuse. I think it's improved over the years. It used to be a thick white cream, now it's a thin white liquid. Yummmm...I go get a cup of coffee and sit next to him like a good wife, encouraging him to "drink it all up". Rick's results get back on Wednesday.

While I was there my doctor ordered a chest x-ray to make sure this respitory thing isn't pneumonia. I left before the x-ray came back so I'm just waiting for a call tonight to say everything is ok.

I'm very excited to meet a new friend tomorrow. Diana is her name and she is a non (never) smoking woman with lung cancer who has been taking Tarceva for 21 months too! We talked yesterday and made arrangements to meet on Friday. I heard today from the doctor's office that there are about 6 women who are responding like this to Tarceva (at least 16 months). We have enough to start our own support group - or goof off group :) Whichever seems to fit us best.

Love you more than all the snow falling in the Northwest Mountains....Holy Blizzard Batman!

Dreaming Big,
Dor

Wacky Women Wednesday

I'm going to make this a short but sweet message. Tonight I joined some old high school friends for dinner at a dueling piano bar (small problem...there are no piano players on Wednesday nights). Truth is, we didn't need to have any pianos, our laughter was the best music we could have heard. And laugh, we did. My abs got a work out and my face hurts.

It's important that I mention all of the women at the table are 50 years old EXCEPT ME (not that I'm rubbing it in).

Rick has his scan tomorrow morning so I'd better get a little shut eye. We won't have any results until next week but I promise to share them with you when we get them.

Keep Dreaming Big~
Dor

Terrific Tuesday

Have you noticed my theme titles lately? I'm trying to spice up the blog. I don't want you to tire of my rambling on.....

Today, another one of my friends Molly turned 50. Who would have thought that 50 can look so good? I used to think 50 was old now I think it's just right! Happy Birthday Molly :)

I don't feel like I accomplished much today but that's ok. It's not what you accomplished but if you had any fun while you weren't accomplishing anything. You can guarantee I'm having fun if I'm awake.

Not much to report in the health department. Rick has a really sore shoulder...no reason, just a lot of aching. My nose is still running. I'd better go catch it.

Love you more,
Dor

Magnificient Monday

I know it's not Thanksgiving, but I like to give thanks every opportunity I get. Below is yet another reason to feel thankful.

Here's a little note Angie got today from her friend and fellow referee Penny: In the spirit of defying the odds and doing things beyond expectation, I want to make a donation of a game fee to this cause. This game fee of $95 will be earned on Wednesday February 13^th at Skagit CC, when I become one of the first women to referee a men's game on that court. I'll be working the game in celebration of your mother's health and in support of your fund raising efforts.

Rick doesn't seem like himself this round of chemo. Nothing tastes the same, he seems really fatigued, and very quiet. He says he feels "pretty good" but that's his standard answer. I just hope I don't give him my cold/sinus/stuffy head symptoms.

Jake and Megan have solidified a date and place for their wedding. December 27th, 2008 at Floral Hall in Everett. We toured it today and it's very warm and cozy . It has the feeling of a Country Cabin. It's going to be great fun. The kids told me today that I will have a limit on how many people I can invite. Jake reminded me it's his wedding so he gets to invite his people first. Alright already :)

I was going to make oatmeal cookies tonight (they're Rick's favorites) but I spilled dinner all over the oven so I can't bake anything until I clean it out. Where's my maid when I need her? Where's that sexy oven cleaner guy with the bald head? Oh wait, maybe that guy just cleans floors... Long story short. Dirty oven. No cookies.

I heard a quote on Extreme Home Makeover last night....it went like this ~ If you're not giving, you're not living. That's powerful. Let's keep living.

Dreaming Big,
Doreen

Peaceful Weekend

Some of the best weekends I ever have are the ones when I don't even get in the car and leave the house. This weekend was one of them. Today I never left my bathrobe and slippers. I did however, clean out my dresser drawers and collected a garbage bag full of clothes to take to Goodwill, cleaned out the SUV, ironed a bunch of shirts and got lots of little jobs done that I was hoping to do this coming week (so now I have more time to play).

When I woke up this morning I discovered the ground was covered in white. The snow quickly dissolved...but at least my wish came true. I think we all need a little snow every once in a while. It helps us tolerate the days that are just plain cold. It's our gentle reminder that it's winter.

It was Ellen's 50th birthday yesterday. I never made it to her birthday show and she probably won't make it to mine. So, I guess I'll have to set another day to meet up with her. Perhaps, next fall. Autumn in California is beautiful.

In my spare time this weekend (wait, it was all spare time) I cut Angie's, Rick's and Jake's hair. If anyone has seen my hair lately, you'd say I should have gotten in line. I'm the one who needed it the most. If I don't get a haircut soon, you can start calling me Sasquatch.

I thought I was completely over the sinus/cold/stuffy head disorder. I was wrong. It's back. I hope I'm symptom free or I'll be wearing my mask and gloves again for Rick's scan on Thursday. This will be the first scan since Rick has been on Chemo Lite. We're hoping it's still doing it's job. I believe!

I'd better call it a night. I'm ready to head off to bed and watch the end of Extreme Home Makeover (I haven't cried in a couple of days and that show is always sure to bring on some tears).

Enjoy your Super Bowl week and don't place any illegal bets (I had to say that since Amy is a Special Agent with the Gambling Commission), and if you do...I hope you win.

Dreaming Big,
Dor

Happy Saturday

Nothing exciting was planned for today, but Rick's Aunt Fran and Uncle Chuck stopped by for a visit, as well as Angie, her friend Shannon and Rick's brother Jeff. It was nice to have these unexpected visits. There's nothing better on a cold winter day than a fire going and friends around.

Rick is sleeping in front of the wood stove right now. He's been feeling pretty good lately, but he seems to get fatigued much easier than usual. I'm pretty sure when he laid down it was with the intent to watch the Arizona/Washington State basketball game (he didn't last very long).

Our visitors are gone now, so I think I'll go clean up the mess I made earlier in the kitchen, and start a new mess for dinner.

As I was telling my friend the story about the woman who got up and moved when I coughed at the Cancer Care the other day, I heard myself repeat what I told the gentleman who was also getting up to leave my area. I said "you don't have to leave. I'm not sick. I just have lung cancer". It that an oxymoron or what?

We're expecting snow tonight. I can't wait. I'd like it all to be melted by Monday so everyone can drive safely to work, but a little white covering always looks beautiful.

Dreaming White,
Doreen

Blogger Problems...

I know you were thinking that I forgot how to write. I didn't forget. I just had some blog malfunctions. But, I'm here now with lots to share. I planned on writing something yesterday but instead we went to the Stanwood Girls Basketball game. We were there to watch the girls but also to watch the official, Angie. She does such a great job. And I love it when she calls a "drawn charge", she looks very tough.

Chemo went well for Rick today. He's tired, but that's to be expected. His blood counts were all close to the "normal" range. We never look for everything to be normal. I'm not sure if we were ever "normal" before cancer, why start now? Next Thursday, Rick will have a scan that will let us know if the chemo is still working. I believe.

I had a really weird experience today at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. They have had many people get sick recently with a respiratory infections, so as I told you before, if you have any symptoms they make you wear rubber gloves and face masks. I'm symptom free so I was able to just be myself today. As I sat with Rick after he'd had his blood draw, I coughed. Just a regular cough from someone with lung cancer, nothing scary. I covered my mouth and didn't think much of it. The woman next to me jumped up and walked to the other side of the room. The two people sitting across from me jumped up as well and joined her. I tried to explain that I wasn't coughing because I had a respiratory infection but rather an annoying cough from lung cancer. They wouldn't stay around long enough to hear it. I'm sure to them I just looked like someone who escorted a sick person to the hospital.

Today was a very long day for me. We got up around 5:15 for our trek to Seattle. We got home around 2:30, I made a few changes to my PowerPoint presentation, printed out my newest speech for the Whatcom County Kick-off, drove to Bellingham (Pam came along as my moral support...instead she bribed me with candy if I could make it through the speech without crying...I didn't need the candy anyway). After the presentation, we stopped at Amy's favorite Thai restaurant in Bellingham (even though Amy wasn't with us...Sorry Ams...but it was very good). We had a wonderful time.

It's been a pretty busy week (again) so I'm going to lay low tomorrow. I think I'll sleep in, then maybe have coffee with a friend or two. Run a couple of errands. Then it's back home in my cozy living room where I'll try to finish a scarf I started a couple of weeks ago.

Jake has an interview in the Mukilteo School District on Monday. Not necessarly for a full time job, but at least for subbing in their district if they need him. He's been really busy teaching lately. It's nice that all the hard work paid off.

Dreaming Big Dreams,
Dor

Relay Motivational Speech

I've been spending much of my time motivating other teams and other communities ~ all the while...I forgot to motivate my own group. Yesterday, Amy noticed that the Dream Team was in 2nd place for fundraising so far this year (1st place loser as she called it). So, she sent an e-mail out to encourage our team to jump back into 1st place. Well, we did it. So far, we're about $500 over the team below us. I love being a part of a group of women who are so strong in their commitments. Thanks for your efforts. I plan on having a team meeting in the next month, so if you plan on being on a team, please sign up soon. Now is a perfect time to send memos out to those people who have supported you in the past and those who want to start helping you in your fundraising efforts. If you want to join me in my fundraising endeavors you can donate online by logging into my Relay for Life page at: (if you can't click on the link, just copy and paste it and it will get you where you need to be)

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeGreatWestDivision?px=1980915&pg=personal&fr_id=6258&s_tafId=104518

Thank you in advance for your support. Remember, we are always looking for more volunteers. If you or someone you know would like to get involved, give me a call, or drop me an e-mail and I'll pass it on to "my people". Also, we've set a goal of having 150 survivors join us in our survivor lap, so if you know of a cancer survivor who wants to be a part of this amazing event, have them get in touch with me as well.

I had a nice lunch today with my former (not OLD) boss, Jim Piccolo. It was nice to catch up on each others families. These are some of the things that I miss the most about work.

Rick has chemo again on Thursday. This is his last chemo for this round...next week he goes back in for a scan to see how well this treatment has been working. I'm still feeling achy on my side from what seems like a a shingles relapse. My friend Ann brought me some cream (made out of hot chili peppers) to rub on my skin. So far, it's made a difference in the sensitivity of my skin. I still feel some pain, but nothing like I did last night.

I've got a speech and a slide show to work on before Thursday. So, I'd better say good bye for now.

Love you more than all the frozen puddles in the Northwest.

Dreaming big,
Doreen

Happy Sunday

What a nice time I had yesterday. Movie and dinner with my husband...(the movie was great, but my sweater was all wet from tears by the time I left the theater) Storyline was great, but some of it was a little close to home. Then, I went to Bunco with a whole new group of ladies (I was a sub for someone who couldn't make it). I took 2nd place and came home with a nice little bag of goodies from Victoria's Secret. Great fun. Nice company.

Here's my bucket list so far:

Drive a really fast car (preferably with the proper fire suit, seat belt, and helmet on) perhaps on a race track...This isn't about danger, it's about adrenaline.
Take a ride on a Harley Trike (it's a cute little motorcycle that won't tip over when I stop)
Visit the Greek Islands
Give more than I take...
Clean out my closet (ok, you know I'm too practical not to throw in at least one boring thing)

I woke up fairly early this morning with some side pain (right where the shingles acted up a few months ago...Dammit!) I decided to just stay home today and take it easy (I've been going a lot lately). Instead, I went to another movie with my sister-in-law Vickie. We saw 27 Dresses. A typical chick flick. I hardly ever go to the movies, then I go twice in one weekend. What' up with that? I'm just living on the wild side.

I just got an e-mail from Sheila in San Francisco today and it appears that XL-184"a drug that I'll refer to as Tarceva 2" has been released for a trial. I don't know if it's available in Seattle yet, but I know it's out there and I'm signing up. I'm going to attach a little portion of the e-mail. This is great news.

SAN FRANCISCO – Jan. 7, 2008 – Patients with non-small cell lung cancer who have had progressive disease while on a regimen containing erlotinib (Tarceva®) may be eligible for a new clinical trial using a new drug in combination with erlotinib.

The new drug, called XL 184 by the maker, Exelixis, Inc., disrupts cell proteins involved in the same cell division signaling network that Tarceva acts on, but it acts against different proteins. XL 184 targets proteins MET, RET, and VEGFR (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor). Tarceva primarily acts on EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor). All these proteins are involved in telling the cell to divide, and are mutated in cancer resulting in the cell receiving a continuous signal to divide.

While Tarceva has been shown effective in a variety of cancers, tumors ultimately develop resistance to the drug, diminishing its effectiveness. The hope is that modifying these additional proteins will break down that resistance to Tarceva and result in longer-lasting effectiveness.

The clinical trial announced today is a very early test of the new drug, called a phase 1-2 trial, which seeks to determine the highest safe dose before it can be tested for effectiveness. The primary endpoint of the phase 2 part of the study is overall response rate, meaning how many people's cancer is slowed or halted following treatment. Secondary endpoints include looking at how long the cancer progression is slowed or halted (progression-free survival), and whether patients live longer overall.

I know this sounds like a bunch of clinical stuff but when I read it, it made me very happy. I'll keep you posted if I get in on the trial....

Love to you all,
Dor

21Months and Counting....

I just returned from Everett where I spoke to a group of basketball officials about forming a Relay for Life team this spring. I think I may have encouraged them to join me for my birthday celebration. It will be nice to have a stream of black and white shirts walking the track next to the basketball players from our community. That's what coming together is all about.

Rick and I are going on an afternoon date today...I think we're going to see the movie Bucket List. While we're at the movie, we're going to make our own "bucket list". It's going to be a long list....We've still got a lot to do in this life.

Today marks 21 amazing months for me. Surviving is a great thing to do... Please don't vote me off the island any time soon.

Dreaming Big,
Doreen

Thankful Thursday

I want to apologize for my blog yesterday. I know I got a few people riled up about the radio station, but once I put a little more thought into it, it dawned on me that perhaps my story was too close to home for someone at the station. Or, perhaps they were looking for someone who was a long time survivor not someone still fighting the battle. As long as you all know I still have a fight in me, that's all that matters. I don't need to share it with a radio station....

Last night Amy and I had the opportunity to speak at the Burlington Relay for Life Kick Off. We had a wonderful time, cried a little, laughed a lot. Amy took the opportunity (like usual) and had a little fundraiser (actually she just walked around and collected loose change...though she said she also accepted bills). She left the event with $97. That's what I'm talking about! We were at a kick-off for Burlington so they could raise money, and Amy took their money instead for Stanwood's Relay. You've gotta love it. We met some great people with a passion much like ours and we felt honored to be their guest speakers.

Since I feel so thankful today for my life and the people I love...I've decided to make a Thanksgiving turkey. I know I'm a couple months late, or a few months early...but why should we only be thankful one time a year?

Have I mentioned lately that I love you more than all the polar bears in Alaska? Wait, are they endangered species? Ok, I love you more than all the snow in Alaska.

Dreaming Big and Thankful,
Dor

Whiner Wednesday...

I was going to speak on the radio on Thursday or Friday, but when the hosts heard that I was a stage 4 lung cancer patient, they said the thought they should talk to someone with a little more hope. I suggested they call me on the phone to talk...I'm not sure you can find anyone with more hope than me. I've heard that another DJ from the station is interested in talking to me instead...so I'll make sure he knows my middle name is "NEVER GIVE UP". I won't need to do much talking...I'll just keep them laughing, that ought to be enough evidence of hope.

That just sounded bitter. It wasn't. It was sadness. I have so much to share about hope and happiness that it makes me sad to think that a diagnosis like mine means there is no happy ending. I just filled my 21st bottle of Tarceva. It doesn't get much happier than that ~ for the moment anyway :)

I just had the chance this past week to communicate with a stage 4 lung cancer patient in California who never smoked and has been trying all kinds of alternative treatments for her cancer. None of which have been working. Her doctor e-mailed me and asked if I could share my story. I did, and she is now trying Tarceva. I believe that was a divine intervention... Let's hope she has the same success with it that I've had.

I'd better get going now so I can get pretty for my speaking engagement tonight. It doesn't start until 6:30 and I need all the time I can get.

Dreaming Big,
Dor

Another Taco Tuesday...

The wind has finally died down, no snow is falling in our neck of the woods, and it's not even raining. (Hey, it almost sounds like summer in the Northwest).

I worked on my speeches this morning, went to Taco Tuesday with the girls, came back home and watched my nieces while their momma went to the dentist. All in all it was a great day. I'm a little beat from the day, so it's time for me to get my jammies on, read a book and head to bed.

Rick looks a little tired tonight. While he's in the midst of taking the chemo pills he just seemed so worn out. By next week he should start to feel better...just in time to start all over again.

Hugs to you all,
Big Dreamer Dor

Busy Life

My next couple of weeks are filled to the brim. I'm speaking on Wednesday night at the Skagit County Relay for Life Kick-off, then I have an interview with a Bellingham radio station on Friday (that's still tentative), on Saturday I'm giving a little pep talk to some basketball officials, then finally it's back to Bellingham next Thursday for the Whatcom County Relay for Life Kick Off. It's amazing to think that what I have to say can motivate others. Wow! Who would have known that the little girl who always got "talks too much" on her report cards would be actually saying something people want to hear?

Yesterday, we attended a memorial (celebration of life) for a friend. It was an amazing event. Vickie Cox was her name and in September of 2006 she did a video for her family and friends. Her family discovered it after her death. What an unbelievable way to say good bye. When we weren't laughing at her stories, we were crying from her heartfelt sorrow. I feel so blessed that Rick and I were able to be there for such a special occasion.

I've been falling asleep earlier than usual. I must need the beauty sleep :) Rick has been sleeping later than usual. We need to get on the same schedule or before long I'll be going to bed when he's waking up.

The wind has been blowing hard all day, the temperature has dropped and snow is starting to fall in the area. Be safe and stay warm.

Dreaming Big,
Dor

I'm dying here...

Not from the lung cancer....from the Seahawk game (I swear they're killing me). I'm trying to be positive! We have a Seahawk balloon flying in the living room, we have all kinds of snacks, and drinks, everyone is wearing a Seahawk piece of clothing or hat... And we're still getting spanked by the Packers. There is still 9 minutes and with a miracle we can pull out 3 more touchdowns and a couple of 2 point conversions. If not, we might still be having football Sundays at our house, we just won't be rooting for the Hawks. They've had a good season...we just need a GREAT ONE!

It's been a lazy afternoon here at the Schmitt house, but tonight we plan on joining some friends at a fundraiser for the Stanwood Historical Society. Live music, appetizers, drinks and fun...sounds just like something we need after a football day like today.

Wishing you all a safe and happy weekend.

Dreaming Big,
Dor

Busy couple of days....

I've been a busy girl the past couple of days...hence, no blog. I had a doctor's appointment on Wednesday and everything is still stable. So again, no news is great news! I've developed an anxiety with objects around my face and neck. Sounds crazy, but I can hardly stand to wear the protective mask at the hospital, or when I snorkeled in the Bahamas I felt like I was choking. I even feel that way when I have a scarf around my neck too tight. These are all new experiences, but not that unusual for someone with bad lungs, I guess. Just another adventure to look forward to.

We had our Relay for Life kick-off last night. For 3 hours we had a steady stream of interested people stop by the cinemas. They gathered info, chatted, had refreshments then stopped by Starbuck's to sign up their team. (We couldn't get wireless Internet at the Cinemas so Jake and the McCune boy's sat at Starbuck's with their laptops on and waited for anxious Relayers to sign up). So far we have 33 teams. Not bad for early January :) If you're interested in getting involved or want to donate, go to http://relay.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeGreatWestDivision?fr_id=6258&pg=entry

Rick's chemo treatment has treated him pretty well this time. It may be because he was well rested from the vacation, or maybe it's because he has a good wife taking care of him...either way, he's doing fine (except for his sleeping habits).

Lots to do today...I'd better get going...
Dreaming Big,
Doreen

Taco Tuesday!

I fell asleep very early last night before I had a blog written. I didn't have much to say anyway.

Today was Taco Tuesday and we had a full group. We had our usuals, (Pam, Janeen, Shelly, Sheryl and me) and Janeen's mom and my parents. We had a full house and some great tacos!

Rick and I are meeting his cousins again tonight for a little more basketball. I'm more tired than usual...I'm sure I'll sleep well tonight when we get home. Tomorrow is a regular oncologist appointment for me. Nothing exciting. No scans. No blood work. Just poking and prodding. I'm sure everything is great.

Don't forget about the Relay for Life Kick-Off at the cinemas on Thursday night. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the upcoming events, sign your team up, sign up under someone else's team, get some fundraising ideas, and meet your committee members. Hope to see you there.

Jake is having a great time substituting. Before you know it, he'll feel like a "real teacher".

Dream Big,
Dor

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

Last night we had a little house guest. Darlena (our 2 year old niece) spent the night with us while her Mommy and Daddy had a date. Her sister, Baby Jacqueline stayed with us too while mommy and daddy went to dinner, but Darlena wanted to spend the night at Auntie's house. Oh, sure it was a blast having popcorn and watching Fox and the Hound 1 and 2...but after midnight, she woke up and said..."I miss my Mommy and Daddy. And my baby sister...and Sadie our dog". I reminded her that Mommy and Daddy were sleeping and Auntie doesn't have a car seat to bring her home. One of the things I didn't mention is that she's potty trained so we don't give her anything to drink after about 6:00pm. (Unless you've given her popcorn at 8:00pm and she keeps waking up saying, "Auntie, is it morning yet?...I need water, I need orange juice, I need milk". ) I finally caved in, gave her a few sips of water, rubbed her back, brought her some fruity cheerios and we sang. All of these things helped with the crying, but I think she kept one eye open the rest of the night ~ Waiting for "morning" to come so she could have pancakes and orange juice. When her daddy got here to pick her up, she told him she wasn't ready to go yet. Go figure :) The important this is, we had a blast. Sleep or no sleep.

For those of you who don't live in the Pacific Northwest, let me give you a weather update. It may come as a surprise to you "BUT IT'S COLD and RAINING".

I'm feeling much better but I still have a few reminders about the winter cold I've been harboring for the past week. I hope you're all able to avoid getting this. If not, just be patient...it will eventually clear up. What's the old saying? Your cold will last for 14 days if you don't take any medicine. 2 weeks if you do. (I believe this to be a true statement)

Rick is doing well with this batch of chemo so far. (knock on wood) It's hard to believe he's sick and has all these toxins running through his veins. Because, when you see him, he has a nice "healthy tan" and looks better than ever.

Tonight is a new episode of Desperate Housewives. Though I'm not Desperate...I love to watch it so I'd better get off the computer, clean up the dishes from tonight's dinner, and get my jammies on.

Don't forget about the Relay Kick-Off on Thursday the 10th at the Cinemas. Call me for more information.

I love you more than all the puddles of rain in Washington.

Dreaming Big,
Dor

Great Day...

I had a wonderful day yesterday. I told you it would be a busy one and it was. But, so worth it! Besides lunch and laughter, we went to the movies (and had popcorn). Thanks for a great day, Jana, Alisha, Kelly & Morgan!

Last night Rick, Jake and I met our cousins Kelly and Shelley who were in town for the Snohomish girls basketball game. We went to the Stanwood Grill then headed up to the game. Their daughter Ally isn't playing right now...torn ACL...ugh!

I'm just getting ready to jump in the shower and get ready to meet up with Megan and her mom. They are letting me tag along today at the Seattle Wedding Show. Though no date is set yet, you can never have too much information to work with. It was very kind of them to invite me. I'm really looking forward to it. "Mother of the Groom"...Doesn't that make me sound old?

Rick and Jake will be staying home watching the Seahawks! Angie gets to go to the game....Lucky girl!

Better get going...I dont' want to keep the bride waiting :)Publish Post

Dreaming Big,
Dor

Chemo Update

So much for keeping the promise of writing to you as soon as I got home. I'm not sure where my day went once we got back from Seattle, but it's now after 10:00 and I just got on the computer for the night. Oops. You might have to wait for those photos until tomorrow.

Rick's blood counts are pretty stable (his white blood count and platelets are a little low so, we'll need to do our best to keep him away from germs this go around). When we were at the Cancer Care today, they made me wear a protective mask and rubber gloves (because of my sinus cold). I've been careful with Rick, but they told us today that many of the transplant patients have been getting very sick with the virus that's going around, so anyone with any kind of symptom had to be extra careful. It's better to be safe than sorry. We still spend about 3 hours down in Seattle for Rick's infusion, but it's so much easier on his body than before. He's been resting most of the day since we got home. The first couple of days after treatment usually wipe him out.

Tomorrow is a busy day for me. I'm having lunch with some friends, then visiting with some other friends after that. Rick and I are hoping to go to the high school basketball game tomorrow night. It's against Snohomish and Rick's cousins daughter plays for them. (Not that we need any reason to attend a sporting event). Of course, all of these plans may go to the wayside if I'm not feeling well ... or he isn't. :)

Just a reminder that next week (January 10th at 6:00pm) is our Relay for Life kick-off at the Cinemas in Stanwood. If you're not doing anything that night, stop by and join us.

Gotta get to bed. We started the day very early this morning and I'm starting to feel the exhaustion set in.

Dreaming Big,
Doreen

Chemo Day

We're on our way to Seattle for a little shot of "cure". I'll post a blog and some photos when we get home today. Stay tuned :)

Love you more than all the traffic we'll see on I-5 this morning...

Dor

Sneeze, Cough, Repeat!

My new year started with a box of Kleenex, Sudafed, a pillow and a blanket. I'm sneezing, coughing, my head is stuffy, my nose is raw from blowing it, and I could be a Nyquil commercial. I think I need sun :)

This morning I woke up feeling cruddy...a lot like I did when I went to bed last night. So, I put some clothes on, went to the store and bought all the ingredients to make a big pot of cabbage patch soup. Once I put it all together, Rick kept stirring it and I went to bed. Though it hasn't healed me, it has warmed me up (it's my internal sun).

My dear friend Kathi turned 50 while we were in the Bahamas and her family had a surprise party for her last night. I missed it...no one wanted my sneeze particles on the appetizers. I called her during the party to wish her my best (Rick added his two cents worth and asked her if she got her AARP card in the mail yet). That is when you know you're getting old. When AARP sends you an application. Have I told you all how excited I am to be invited into that club? 50...sounds like a great age to really start living :)

I've been sitting at the computer for about 5 minutes now and my head is throbbing so I'd better go lay back down again. I have a Christmas tree to take down tomorrow and Thursday is chemo day for Rick so I need to start feeling better, ASAP. They don't like it when I'm at Seattle Cancer Care with Rick during his treatments and I'm coughing and sneezing. It frightens the patients.

Don't be afraid to pursue your dreams. If you can dream it, you can do it! Right now, I'm dreaming of a cleared head and a clean house...

Love you more,
Dor