Re-cap of the past couple days

Our time at Desert Aire was nice, but much too short. Saturday evening Rick's body was hurting and by the time we went home on Sunday, he just reclined his seat and slept most of the way. I had a party to attend, so we got home, I changed my clothes and got home in time to watch some season premiers of some of my favorite shows.

Rick is still feeling cruddy but he went to work anyway. I got up, had a facial (it was a gift from some friends), went to lunch with Cathy, grocery shopped, canned more peaches, had the kids all over for dinner and now it's time to head to bed so we can get up at the crack of dawn. Chemo day tomorrow...after the PET scan, CT scan, bloodwork..... Long, Long days in Seattle.

Our good friend Shannon was told today that she has melanoma. The doctor doesn't think it's in an advanced stage, but she'll have to see an oncologist and go through the motions to get a good diagnosis. She was really active with our Relay for Life this year, I think she just wants to wear a purple survivor shirt. I said she could have one. There is no need to join the "C" Club. We're praying for you Burley Girl. One day at a time :)

It is time for me to call it a day. 6:00am will come early tomorrow.

Dreaming Big,
Dor

Spectacular Saturday

The agenda for today was : Nothing. We did that and a little bit more. After looking around the lots, we decided to do some trimming, burning, roof repair and sweeping. Now, everything looks great. This new chemo is really showing how fatigued Rick really is. Whatever we worked on today, had rest breaks in between. I'm just grateful that he's here. :)

We've had dinner and showers. Now, it's time to crawl under the covers and read a good book. Rick is already in the bedroom doing a Sudoku puzzle. Give us 10 minutes and we'll be out like a light.

This mini vacation is just what we needed.

Dreaming Happy Thoughts,
Dor

Enjoying the peace and quiet

We made it to Desert Aire this afternoon where the temperature was a perfect 70 and the wind was non-existent. We visited with Susie and Pat for a little while, then back to the house where we watched a couple of movies, knitted (ok it was me doing the knitting....Rick was getting the knots out of my yarn) and just relaxed.

I'll try to keep the blog updated, but if you don't hear from me, DON'T WORRY....I'm probably taking a nap.

Dreaming Big,
Dor

Getting ready for Desert Aire

We haven't been to our "little piece of sanity" in a month and I can't wait to get there. Rick has a little work to do this morning at his job, then we're off to Desert Aire. I hope to come back Sunday refreshed and feeling better. We're both looking forward to the peace and quiet.

We have amazing people in our life who every once in a while surprise us with unimaginable gifts. A few weeks ago, my friend Julie came into our house while we were gone and put my favorite phrase on the wall . Then yesterday, Jake was at a meeting with our friend (and Relayer) Karen. As Jake was leaving, she sent him home with a photo of Rick and I (at Cannon Beach) mounted on a chunky frame. I'm attaching a photo of my new wall...compliments of dear friends. Thank you ladies.

I'll admit it! I'm BLESSED.

Dreaming Big,
Doreen

P.S. I just read yesterday's blog and my grammar was terrible (not to worry, I fixed it). If I plan on publishing a book someday, I'd better proofread better. :)

Grey's Anatomy Premier

Reason number 3,476,984 to live. Grey's Anatomy. I know...you're thinking good gracious. Doesn't this woman have anything better to do with her time? The answer is a simple no. Have you seen McDreamy? Or McSteamy? I wouldn't watch it, except it's "good" for my eyes.

Still trying to recoup from my weekend in Reno. I'm not sure if it was a temperature change, all the excitement, or the overload of information I have stored in my head...but I just can't shake the dull headache, and the ugh feeling I've been having all week. It hasn't stopped me from getting a massage, going to the movies, or out to lunch with Rick, but it has slowed me down a bit.

I got a package from one of my new Relay friends from Oregon. She sent me a shirt today that says "Relay like a Rockstar". I think I'll be wearing that while I play Wii Guitar Hero. I'll post photos later.

Love you more than all the raindrops that fell in Stanwood today. Autumn is here.

Dreaming Big,
Doreen

Relay Meeting #1

The first Relay 2009 meeting took place tonight and I think it's going to be a great year. With so much to do, we are always looking for helpers. You don't have to be a committee member, but a sub-committee helper would be great. If you're interested, let me know and I'll pass it on the event chairs.

We had a late, disrupted night last night so we are walking around like zombies tonight. The headache is still here a little, and I feel almost feverish, so I'm heading to bed now. I need to feel good before we head over to DA. We're hoping to go over this weekend. It's been a month and I'm having withdrawals.

Dream Big,
Dor

Tuesdays Highlights

Another day with good intentions to stay home. Perhaps my body thinks if it stops, it might not start again? I failed today's test as well. I had a massage (oh, how nice it was), picked up something I'd ordered at a store, got invited to lunch by a handsome hunk of a guy (Ricky), visited my parents (like a good daughter), picked up my mother of the groom dress (it's very nice), shopped at Costco, got home and made dinner...then collapsed (not literally).

I still have a little headache, but I think the massage distributed it all around my head instead of one area. I believe it will be gone tomorrow :)

Time to get to bed, I need my beauty sleep.

Happy Autumn,
Dor

Annoying Headache

Since Saturday afternoon, I've been fighting a headache. Today it got the better of me. I've been lying down since about 3:00pm. I just woke up and realized I'd not written a blog today and I promised myself I would be better with it now that I'm home from Reno.

I was hoping I would feel a great deal of relief by tonight but no such luck. I have a massage in the morning so hopefully that will ease my pain if it's not gone by dawn. Hey, I'm a poet even with a headache.

The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation~ Simply the Best Gala in San Francisco is coming up again in mid November. The kids are all planning on attending, but Rick and I haven't committed yet. So far, everything has worked out great for Rick but we want to give it a few more weeks. We still have time to book a flight, or plan for a road trip. With the price of gas, we're probably better off flying but we really do enjoy a road trip every now and then.

Time for me to get back in bed. Typing on a keyboard is a little more noise than my head likes.

Sleep Well and Dream Big,
Dor

I'm home and ready to FIGHT BACK!

We didn't get home until 2:00am this morning, hence...the late blog update.

Wow. That's how I'll sum up the past few days. From the moment I arrived at the airport to the time I left Reno, I was blessed with hugs and well wishes from people I've met this past year through Relay. Whether I spoke at an event they attended, they heard Amy and Angie speak last year, or they were loyal blog readers, I felt completely blessed that I had touched their life in some way that they would seek me out. Thanks for all the love. (you know who you are, Heather, Lacy, Donna, Shirley, Gayle, Audrey, Shelley and Mr. Mauss)

I attended an event called "Relay for Life Summit" where event chair people, key committee members and top fundraisers learn from the best. My brain is on OVERLOAD. I can't wait to share some of the great ideas with next years committee and my teams. I had a great time with my traveling companions ~ Jane, Karen, and Sue. We are all very excited about taking our Relay to a whole new level.

There was only one little problem I came upon during my trip. While in the airport on the way down to Reno, I saw my friend Shelley who asked if I was ready to speak? I said, "you're kidding, right?", and she said "no, you're kidding. Right?". Long story short, the night I went to the Mariner game, I was supposed to be in on a conference Internet meeting about speaking at a breakout session. Oops! I guess I missed that meeting. Truth is, I didn't have as long to worry about it (and I know the story well~I've been telling it for 29 months). I spoke with 3 other people, we had some question and answer time, and I felt honored that they asked me to do it.

I laughed, and cried (surprise, surprise) and really felt empowered. Some of the survivor stories I heard about reminded me that 10 years from now...the survivor story I tell about Rick and I will really impress people.

One funny story to share...I was sharing the hotel room with my friend, Jane Gum. If you don't live with me you don't always hear the coughing, but I do have a cough that can sometimes be annoying. On our last morning in Reno while we were getting ready, I had a little coughing spell in the bathroom while we were both getting ready. Jane turned to me, once the coughing stopped and said "You know, it's so nice to know that I'm not going to catch anything from you. If this were someone else with a cough, I would have thought to myself, why didn't they just stay home if they were sick?" She was a great room mate, but we were like 12 year old girls, talking until wee hours of the morning then having to get up early for meetings.

We were in Reno, so my other personality, "Dori" also came along on the trip. When we finally got out of our meetings at 8:30 -9:00pm, "Dori" wanted to go into the casino and play. Truth is, I had fun too! I blame bad behavior on "Dori". It's easier to explain that way. :)

Dreaming Big,
Doreen

So far, so good

I haven't been sleeping well lately (probably just a little nervous for Rick's treatment) so once we got home and I knew he was feeling ok, I laid on the bed for just a"few minutes" and I just woke up at 9:00pm. This family of mine needs to learn to wake me when I fall asleep in the middle of the day like that. I'm leaving for the ACS Summit tomorrow in Nevada, I'm not done packing, I hadn't written a blog, I have dishes to do...

Rick got his 2nd batch of clinical trial chemo today. Dr. Whiting said it was 33 times stronger than the first batch he was given. Although that seemed scary, he also said that people have been handling it well so far. Today Megan joined Rick and I for a day in the "Life of your in-laws". After my doctor's appointment (that went ok...just watching to make sure the cough doesn't turn into the first bronchial infection of the year) Megan picked me up at Seattle Cancer Care and we went to the UW to get Rick after his pet scan. Then, it was back to SCCA for an EKG, blood work, Dr. visit for Rick then his infusion. Megan had never been to an appointment with us and I think it helped her understand why we have so much confidence in our doctors and their staff. I think it was good appointment for all of us today. :) Thanks, Meg

Having a full day of scans, tests, etc....then the infusion is very wearing on us. I'm glad they are able to accommodate us so we only have to make one trip to Seattle, however, it takes me 4 days to recuperate from it.

My doctor's visit today was mostly to show them the size of tears that fall out of my eye sockets when I get sad. Ok, not really, but I felt like that's where it was going. I saw Dr. Anderson (Dr. Eaton's associate) and she helped me let go of all the anxiety, and survivor guilt and sadness I'd been holding in. Oh, it was a pretty sight. I don't know if I've ever mentioned this, but I am an UGLY crier. Blotchy face and neck, runny nose, snorty noises....No wonder Rick loves me. Who couldn't love that? I'm scheduled for a scan next month. No new symptoms so I expect to hear a little more of the same thing....Stable.

I really do need to get off this computer and finish getting ready for my big excursion to Nevada. We leave tomorrow around noon and the way I'm lacking sleep....it could be that time before I ever get up. :)

Dreaming Big,
Dor

The highlights of cancer

I know I talk about scans and blood tests and other misc. things that go on during doctors visits but I just thought today I would share some of the good points about having cancer.

1. They don't make me have mammograms any more (apparently all the CT scans would show something)

2. I get to skip the colonoscopy. I've asked and they said...oh, don't worry about that.

3. No need for an annual physical.

4. If you're forgetful you can blame it on chemo brain.

5. No one cares if you sleep in late.

6. Rick and I get to spend more time together, even if it's at a hospital/clinic

We've got an early morning tomorrow (the PET scan starts at 8:00am in Seattle). We're heading to bed now to get a good nights rest. We have a little conflict with our appointments tomorrow so hopefully I can work something out when I get there.

I'm trying not to be anxious about this second round of the clinical trial...but that unknown...it's the worst part.

Until tomorrow,
Sleep Well, Dream Big, and Be Strong,
Dor

Battle of the photos.....

Since this blog started over 2 and a half years ago, I've written many entries. Some that were sad, most that had humor, I sometimes added photos. I believe I've hit the big time. Here's what I know. Friends are talking behind my back saying things like, why was your grand baby on the blog and mine wasn't? Why wasn't their a photo of the fun day we had doing blah, blah, blah??? I believe this is when the money will start to pour in. I wish I would have charged money to view it....I would have sent all the money to a Breath Away from the Cure and put them on the Map (more than they already are). Check out their website if you haven't looked at it lately. So much is changing in the world of Lung Cancer. My friend, and adopted family member Bonnie....truly is an amazing woman with ideas that never end.

Today our feature photos will be of Pam and her her grandsons at the zoo. Baby Will (the one she's holding weighed a little over 3lbs. just a couple of months ago.) He's growing like a weed. His brother Andy (who is 3) is recuperating from hurting his "unit" on the carousel at the zoo. I guess it was the highlight of the day.

I'm also attaching a few photos of the wedding shower yesterday. This one was down in Seattle, and before you know it, we'll be having one or 2 up our direction. Megan worked for 60 hours straight at the Avon 3 day breast cancer walk (as a physical therapist) so she's a little tired.

Since no one got to see Angie at her worst on Friday, I thought I would show you why I was worried. She says she's doing much better now. I still like to worry. It gives me something to do with my time.

I'm calling Angie so I can attach a photo of my real grand kids, a cat & 2 fish . My grand kid list goes on further than that....Melana has a cat named Cooper who loves Rick, and Shannon has Susie a goldendoodle who LOVES me. My grand kids all behave well. The fish (Stan and Woody) don't remember who we are after 3 seconds so it keeps the relationship fresh, Fuzz, Angie's kitty is deaf and he doesn't know sign language, so our communication skills aren't very good. Susie thinks she's a person so we get along fabulous, and Cooper always hides until 3 in the morning then starts crying while we're staying at Melana's condo in Seattle.

I slept terrible last night. As a matter of fact I didn't actually get my eyes to shut themselves until after 5:00 am then Amy called from her training around 9:15am and woke me up. It's probably a good thing. Otherwise, I could have been sleeping all day long. My chest has been feeling a little heavy perhaps due to stress, or maybe a little bug coming on. I'm not terribly worried. I have an appointment on Wednesday and we can discuss it then.

Rick has to cool his jets for 24 hours prior to his PET scan, so if he wants to do any work that requires hard labor...he's gotta do it tonight or else wait until after Wednesday evening. Let's hope he'll be feel up for the task on Wednesday night.

We haven't been to DA in a few weeks and I'm starting to have withdrawals. What's wrong with this story? I feel better in Eastern Washington, my grapes are ripe, and the fun never ends. I say I'm going back over next weekend...or else. :)

Heading to the kitchen to do up the dishes before I collapse on my bed for a good night's sleep (I hope)

Dreaming and dancing by the light of the full moon,
Dorni

Weekend Update

Here it is, almost 9:30pm on Sunday night and I've finally settled down after a long busy weekend. Yesterday was filled with parties. A retirement party for our friend Dave and a 50th birthday party for our friend Matt. We had a nice time visiting with lots of friends we hadn't seen in a while...

Today I went to my first wedding shower for Megan. I had a really nice time with Megan, her mom and all of their friends.... After seeing all the gifts she got I started thinking how nice it would be if we could all have a shower every few years just to update our household supplies :)


This will be another busy week for us. Rick has his second batch of the clinical trial, a battery of tests, PET scan, a doctors appointment and in the middle of all that, I have my monthly check up with Dr. Eaton. On Thursday I leave for an ACS conference in Nevada. Hopefully when I return on Saturday night, things will start to slow down.

Good Night, Sleep Tight!
Dreaming Big,
Doreen

Scary Morning

My wake up call this morning felt like a nightmare, but in the end...it was only a bad dream.

I got a call around 9:30am from Angie's school saying that Angie had numbness in her right hand that had worked it's way up her arm and onto her neck and face. They had called 911 and were taking her to the hospital. My heart fell to the floor and I could only imagine that my 31 year old daughter was having a heart attack or a stroke.

While at the hospital, they ran an EKG, bloodwork, motor and sensory skill tests, and they found nothing. Luckily, during the time of Angie's discomfort, she didn't have any weakness in her limbs so that ruled out a stroke. Last night Angie was pressure washing for hours so their is a chance she irritated a nerve that caused this problem. They released her from the hospital around 2:00 and suggested that she make a follow up appointment with our family doctor. We all felt comfortable with her being released as she was feeling "normal" by the time they they had even arrived at the hospital. The physician told us that this kind of thing can happen to a seemingly healthy person who feels anxiety, or from a pinched or irritated nerve, or for any unexplainable reason. She is doing fine now, Thank God. I was very fortunate to have my friend Cathy by my side all day. I let Rick go to work, and Cathy held my hand in between my mini breakdowns. Thank you for all you did for me today, Cathy!

Rick and I went to the first home football game tonight and a young player from Stanwood was hurt bad enough that they called a medi-vac helicopter to pick him up and then canceled the game. We sure hope he's going to be ok. What a strange day today turned out to be. Is it a full moon?

I'm heading to bed now before it's time to get up in the morning and start cooking for our buddy Dave's retirement party.

Love you more than all the red and white clothing at tonight's football game. Go Spartans!

Dreaming Big,
Dor

I've just had an epiphany

Do you ever wonder why nothing gets done? Yet you feel tired from doing something? I've discovered the problem. In order to get things done, you must stay home. Today I went to lunch with Jim Piccolo (my old boss - and I do mean OLD) and Rick. We had a really nice time catching up and talking about our hopes and dreams, and kids, and life.

When I got home, I had a few phone calls to make which took much too long but I got my problem solved. When my phone calls were done, I headed over to Lynell's and we turned into Little House on the Prairie women...I had my apron on and we canned peaches and pears. It is an amazing site. It's too bad we don't do that more often. How nice it would be to have pantries filled with fresh canned garden veggies and fruits. Ok, maybe in my next life, I'll get a little more Martha Stewartish! For now, I'm really happy with my peaches and pears. :)

Dinner tonight was at Jeff and Dawns. I feel bad because she never needs me to bring anything. When I get there, I play with my nieces until it's time to go to bed...and that gets dragged out for as long as possible when I'm there. Dinner was wonderful. Thanks Dawn.

I've had a non-stop coughing day today with a little heaviness in my chest. I'll watch it closely for pneumonia. I know it's that time of year again. You see. Nothing accomplished. Yet, I'm tired just writing about it.

Hope you liked the photos yesterday. Perhaps a Pepsodent representative reads the blog and will want to put my kids in a commercial....Where do those beautiful pearly whites come from?

Dreaming Big,
Dor

Happy Days

I'm attaching some photos from last nights game. We had a great time (although the kids did their share of making fun of me...) We were surprised with a big WELCOME SCHMITT'S sign on the big reader board, and we had hats delivered to us in the stands. All of this...courtesy of Shannon Burley the wish maker. Thank you again Shannon for making our night so special. Who knew you had so much clout? I should have wished for my photo with Josh Hamilton from the Rangers...

Today I was a helper at Angie's school (she even had lunch waiting for me when I got there). After my long day at the elementary school, I met my friends, Pam, Shelley, and Sheryl at the marina and we took Shelley's boat out into the sound. I was the captain for most of the trip (well I got to sit in the important chair and turn the wheel...I'm not sure how important I actually was but I looked like I knew what I was doing) The weather was magnificent and the sunset was breathtaking. It turned out to be a wonderful day but I'm exhausted tonight.

Amy leaves for a couple of weeks for military training so we won't be in touch with her very much. She'll have to do the calling and maybe e-mailing if she has access. Once she gets back from Michigan she'll be done with her military duty for a while and life should get back to normal. The house sitter will be fired at the end of the month. :)

Just wanted to let you know how wonderful life can be with or without cancer.

The photos are: Amy and Angie watching for fly balls, Jake and I, a couple of family shots, and one of Josh Hamilton up to bat (he's my favorite).

Dreaming Big,

Dor

Go Mariners!

I'm looking forward to a night of fun with Amy, Angie and Jake. The 4 of us are going to the Mariner game vs. the Rangers (not that it matters who we're playing because our chances of going to the playoffs are non-existent...I just care who my company is). Rick is staying home and watching the game on TV. He says the seats are more comfortable (and we only had 4 tickets). The seats are great. We're only 12 rows up on the 3rd base side. Apparently, I'm going to need to pay attention, or I could be one of those fans they carry out on a stretcher. Just kidding. My kids are bringing baseball gloves. They'll protect me.

I'm not looking for a new career, but this morning I played a "chef" in my kitchen. I made 300 meatballs, banana bread and stroganoff (for Rick's dinner). The 300 meatballs are not for Rick. Just the stroganoff. Oh, and the banana bread. After rolling meatballs all morning I was blessed with one of the best massages I've ever had. Sherry (my massage guru) gave me a hot stone massage that was amazing. I'm still walking around with a smile on my face. I did have to come home and do all the dishes from my morning cook-off. Ugh.

I'd better say good-bye for now. I've gotta get ready for the BIG GAME.

Dreaming Big,
Dor

Monday Night Football

Everyone is feeling good at the Schmitt's. Rick has had a lot of energy lately and wants to take complete advantage of it since he isn't quite sure what to expect after his next round of the clinical trial.

I had big plans to iron every shirt in our house today....The mission did not get accomplished...however, I made a dent. Pam came over for a nice lunch on the porch. Amy came over this afternoon and we had a nice little visit before Angie, Jake and Rick all got home. I invited everyone over for a BBQ and Monday Night Football. They've all gone home now and I'm ready for bed. Oh wait, it's not even 8:00pm. I guess I could iron a few more shirts :)

The crying is getting better. Perhaps my survivor's guilt is wearing off. I am so happy and thankful to be alive and feeling well. But for some unknown reason, I also have this guilt that I can't shake because "I'm alive and feeling well". It's sounds ridiculous, but then isn't cancer ridiculous?

I'm looking forward to my little trip to Reno for the American Cancer Society's convention. I'm sure it will be an empowering and informative event.

If you haven't done so yet, buy yourself a bouquet of sunflowers. Morgan brought me a bundle and I can't stop smiling when I look at them. Sunflowers heal whatever is ailing you. I promise.

Dreaming Big,
Doreen

Invitation Making

What a wonderful day I had today with Megan's family and friends making invitations for the wedding. My friend Lynell joined me and gave me a tour of Alki Beach before we went to Megan's house. What a nice time we had. The invitations turned out beautiful. I can't wait for you all to see them.

Rick stayed home today and mowed lawns and did some work around the house. He sure likes it when he's feeling better and he can get stuff done at home. It gives him a feeling of "normal"....

Last night when we got home from the wedding, I laid on the bed around 6:30am for "just a minute" ...I got up at 9:00am. Wow, I must have been tired.

Gotta go now, Rick and Jake need haircuts and who better to do it than me, Doreen Juarez.

Dreaming Big,
Doreen

My friend Neener is finally a Nana

Within this "storm" we call life, every once in a while we have a little peace and calm. I started my morning out with a walk with my buddy Lynell and it just got better from there.

Angie and Shannon stopped by to watch the cancer special that I TIVO'd from last night. It was nice to see them both for just a few minutes before they took off for the busy day they had scheduled. If you didn't get a chance to see the special, let me know. I'll invite you over and we can watch it and share popcorn (like movie night). Amy had drill with the Air Force this weekend so I didn't get to see her (though we talked a few times), Jake and Megan celebrated their 4th anniversary of their 1st date, kayaking around Lake Union then dinner at Benihana's. Oh, to be young again.

Today Rick and I attended a wedding for one of the guys who works for him. We had a very nice time. During the wedding, my phone vibrated and I knew what that meant...My friend Janeen was becoming a grandma (I know Anna and Bo had to do some of the work...but they'll get the credit for that later). I've attached a photo of Janeen and Reilee (I think that's how you spell her name). As you can see Grandma is elated..

My tears were almost not existent today. Perhaps I'm DRY. Rick is still feeling well thanks to all your thoughts and prayers. I think next week is going to be spectacular.

Big day scheduled tomorrow (working on wedding announcements). I'm looking forward to all the plans Megan and her mom have in store for us.

Dreaming Big,
"Auntie" Dor

Don't forget to watch the cancer special tonight at 8:00pm

Here I am in my 30th month of survival. I'm surrounded by love and hope. I get to plan my days according to how I feel and how the weather looks. You would think with all this positive energy surrounding me, that I would be at the top of my game. Instead, you will find me with red puffy eyes, tears streaming down my face into my cup of tea, feeling on the edge of insanity. Ok, that's not a fair assessment. I'm always on the edge of insanity. But I just feel blue.

I just got off the phone with my Tarceva buddy Diana who had a little scare with her lung cancer but everything is ok after all, Rick is doing fine with his new treatment, I got my new appliances...what more could I need?

Here's what Diana just shared with me, on days when I need to be strong I am. Days like today are considered "SAFE". Safe to let go of my anxiety, and fears. Safe to cry because I can. Safe to just say dammit this isn't fair. That's what I'm doing.

During my moments of mental awareness....I want to remind you that tonight on all the major channels there is a special called Stand up to cancer. I believe it starts at 8:00pm. Who knows, it could be the beginning of the end of cancer as we know it. If nothing else, it will give you something to watch while eating popcorn from your new microwave (oh wait, that's me).

I'm going to go now and take a little afternoon siesta. Perhaps when I wake up the sun will be shining and so will my attitude?

Dreaming with soggy eyes,
Dor

Laid Back Thursday

I think I might be having some sympathy pains for Rick today. He felt fine when he got up this morning, I however felt feverish, raspy chested, sweaty and coughy. I've just stayed home all day and I'm feeling better as the day goes by. I'm very happy to report that Ricky is showing no signs of side effects from our newest experiment.

Cathy stopped by to cheer me up and I think it's really working. We shared tea and tacos along with a little laughter and tears. Can people get dehydrated from too many tears? If so, I might need a 1000cc's of Saline. :)

I'm still waiting for my new appliances (Rick says I'm just excited for them to arrive so I can make popcorn...).

We're going to Jeff and Dawn's for dinner tonight. Dawn makes a fabulous pork roast and she knows how much we love it, so we usually get an invite on Pork Roast night.

Love you more than all the political mail I get in the mail everyday....Ugh...

Dreaming Big,
Dor

Day one of study SCH711245 (or something like that)

Besides the 10 extra vials of blood they needed from Rick today, the infusion was pretty much like every other chemo treatment he's ever had. We are really looking forward to some great things happening.

On our way home this afternoon (since Rick was feeling well) we decided to check out a few potential places to hold the wedding rehearsal dinner. Nothing is in stone yet, but we're making progress.

I feel completely wiped out tonight, So...I'm heading off to bed where I'll be dreaming of my new freezer and microwave that will be delivered tomorrow. Isn't it fun to get a new appliance every once in a while?

Love you more than all the homework that got eaten by the dog tonight.

Dreaming Big,
Dor

Good News

I wasn't sure what today's journey would bring us. What I found was a new sense of hope. The doctor said Rick is a great candidate, is in great physical condition, cute (ok, he didn't say that part but I did). Rick will be one of the lucky guys who gets to start the trial immediately (as in tomorrow at 9:00am) and within 2 months we'll know if it's working or doing nothing. So far, the participants already in this study are not showing many signs of side effects so we are hoping for a couple of uneventful months.

Amy joined Rick and I for his appointment today, and in her words "today felt hopeful". We really believe the next few months will allow some time for new treatments to be released and for Rick to enjoy life.

Thank you for all your hopes and prayers. Please keep them coming our way.

It sounds like Angie and Jake had a great first day back at school. Let's hope the year is a successful one.

Dreaming with my dancing shoes on..
Dor

Cry Brain

Because I've been crying so much lately I believe I have what is known as cry brain.
I am unable to carry on adult conversations without wimpers, or sniffles, and I keep forgetting what I was talking about. So for know, let me tell you about my fabulous day (as I can remember it).

I went for a walk with Lynell tonight (climbed a fence and got a sliver in my butt)
We ordered a new microwave for above the stove (ours died on Thursday)
We ordered a new freezer for the garage (ours died on Tuesday)
I was surprised with beautiful sign that was put up in my house by a dear friend Julie Hepper
Jake passed his Highly Qualified math exam (which was mandatory for the district to give him a contract)
Amy and Angie made it back from their weekend journeys. So now all the Schmitt's are home and safe off the roads.

And the best news of all: We had a message on the recorder when we arrived home today that they have officially accepted Rick into the clinical trial. We still have to go to Seattle tomorrow for all the official stuff, but after reviewing all this tests, they have chosen him. Yahoo! The actual treatment will start on Wednesday.

For all of you in the educational system....have a wonderful first day back to school. I'll be thinking of you and wishing I was there!

Love you more than all the restless school kids tonight.

Dreaming Big,
Dor