Happy Birthday Amy & Angie

Our baby girls are 32 years old today. Where did the time go? I swear it was only yesterday that Angie hit Amy in the head with a meat tenderizer and she had dots on her forehead for weeks (Amy wore a stocking cap for days - in the middle of the summer - so no one would notice). They were the most adorable and loved little kids I knew. Big brown eyes, wavy dark hair and smiles that would melt your heart. Not much has changed. Angie still hits Amy with kitchen utensils, and their kindness and generosity would melt your heart in the middle of the Arctic Circle. They are NOT for SALE but they can be leased for a good price. Happy Birthday my beautiful little angels.

This morning (or afternoon) when we got up, Rick showed me an area on his tummy/side that was a little bothersome. After one look, Dr. Doreen diagnosed shingles. I first thought to myself "are you kidding me"? Then I called the doctor. As I assumed, they wanted Rick to see a physician and to get some antiviral medicine. So, this afternoon was spent in the waiting room of the Everett Clinic where my diagnosis was confirmed. After his appointment we headed to Smokey Point for a quick trip to Costco, Safeway then back to Stanwood to pick up his medicine. It might sound funny to those of you with REAL LIVES, but I almost felt like it was a date. Do you think I need to get out more? So far, Rick is not complaining of pain. Let's hope he has a mild case of them.

The kids are all coming up tomorrow to celebrate the girls birthday. We're going to have a great time and I'm sure lots of laughing will come into play.

I'm having a hard time keeping my eyes open so I've gotta get to bed and catch up on that beauty sleep I always mention.

Until tomorrow,
Love you more~Dor

Scans Looked Great

Stable: the art of keeping one's cancer from growing. Stable: Bigger is not always better. Stable: 6 more weeks of the clinical trial. Everything looks good. (However, the pneumonia is still lurking but I'm taking antibiotics for that)

It was great to hear those words again. I really believe in miracles and everyday I wake up is another one.

Stanwood boys basketball lost their game tonight. I was sorry to see their season end but they've had a good year and they still have lots of talent coming back next year.

Tomorrow night our cousin Ally will be playing in the girls championship game. Best of luck sweetie.

I got back from treatment today and immediately went to the basketball game with my dad and Rick. Needless to say, I'm exhausted so I've got to call it a night and get some rest!

Until tomorrow,
Dream Big~Dor

Fantastic Day

This morning I was greeted by my friends Morgan and Kelly (their 2 smiling faces) and a bouquet of sunflowers. What a way to start a day. The scan was uneventful so I hoping for great results tomorrow. Stable....stable....stable.... I do have a stomache ache this evening (probably from the stuff I have to drink before the scan) but no worries...it will be gone in the morning, just in time for chemo. After our day at SCCA, the 3 of us went to lunch at one of Amy and Melana's favorite places to eat; Tutta Bella. Awesome salad (on a flatbread) and brick oven baked pizzas. We made it back home just in time for Kelly to pick her son up from school. The day couldn't have been planned any better. Thanks girls for the special day.

On the way home this afternoon I got a phone call from Angie saying that I needed to call Rick at work because she needed to tell us something "together" and he can put us on a conference call. (Needless to say he got new phones and doesn't know how to do the "conference" part anymore) so she just told her dad the good news on his phone and I got to hear about it later. Most of you know that Angie refs high school and college women's basketball games. In the ref world it takes many years to advance as far as the state tournament. In Angie's world it happened today. She got a call that she'll be officiating at the State 4A women's basketball tournament in Tacoma next week (where Rick and I have gone every year since the early 90's). We are so excited to have the opportunity to see our daughter officiate some of the greatest games of her life.

One of the things on my bucket list was to be able to watch Angie work her way to the top in this career. She was an amazing little player back in the days. The last time she was on the floor in the Tacoma Dome was when her high school team was competing for what she hoped was the state title. Instead, she tore her ACL in the 2nd quarter of the first game and never entered another high school game.

She was a very emotional today when she called. She's always hoped to be chosen by her peers to get an opportunity like this, but more importantly she was so elated that her dad and I are still here to see it. I've cried tears of joy all afternoon. Do you think I should wear a shirt in the crowd that says "I love my Ref". Ok, just kidding. I do need to get her hair lightened and cut so she looks her best on the evening news highlights :) I'm attaching a photo of Angie and Susie (Shannon's golden doodle) with her Ruf-fur-ree shirt on. She wanted to get in on the action and congratulate Angie as well.

Only 2 more days till my babies turn 32....Wow, when I say that out loud it kind of hurts. I'm having the kids up for dinner on Sunday to celebrate the February birthdays. I can't wait to see them all.

Amy has a rec league basketball game tonight and if she wins, she'll play in her championships next Thursday night. Jake's 7th grade girls basketball team is 3 -1. I'm telling you, just when I thought I was done watching hoops, they've come back into our lives in different ways and I couldn't be prouder of the kids.

You'll hear from one of us tomorrow about how the scan went.

Until then, Dream Big!
Love you more ~ Dor

Happy Birthday Pammy

Today is Pammy, my red-headed friends birthday. She's getting very close to social security age and I encouraged her to quit her job and start collecting. That way, she'll have plenty of time to do fun things with me. She reminded me that people can't make it on their SS alone. Ok, I guess I'll let her work for a couple more years.

Scan day again tomorrow. I'm not sure what they'll find in my lungs since I assume I still have some signs of pneumonia. Let's just pray for STABILITY in the size of the tumors!

What's happening with this weather of ours...sunny one minute, snow the next. Will it ever end?

We took down our old vertical blinds in our bedroom today and I replaced them with some beautiful crinkly silky drapes...I love it! It completely changed the room. Ok, maybe not completely, but it sure looks great!

I won't know anything about the results until Friday so I probably won't write again until then.

Dream Big,
Dor

Great day in Seattle

Everything went well today in Seattle. My blood count was almost back in the normal range so Dr. Eaton let me have chemo. I got a little sick this time but I feel much better tonight. Rick's CEA count is still going down....Yahoo! He's sitting in the living room as we speak soaking his Piggy's in Epsom salts. (My mom thinks it cures everything) The Erbitux is causing inflammation and pain around his toenails...so I took the opportunity to give Mom's remedy a try. I think he's enjoying it because I'm waiting on him like Cinderella :) Has anyone seen my glass slipper?

The Spartans won their basketball game tonight against Marysville. They play again on Friday night for a spot at the state tournament. How exciting for the boys and their families. Our cousin's daughter Ally and her team from Snohomish have already clinched a spot at State, so when we spend 4 straight days watching basketball at the Tacoma Dome at least I'll know some people. :) Rick could watch basketball all day without knowing a soul. I prefer to recognize a face or two.

When we got back from Seattle today I was able to get a massage. My body has felt pretty rough lately so that was just what I needed. I'm going to drink plenty of water and crawl into bed and work on getting better. I've gotta study for my CT SCAN on Thursday (I want to "pass" the test)

I'm hoping to have a little bit of fun tomorrow. I haven't been out of the house except for doctor's appointments since Friday. I'm looking for new window coverings for our bedroom. This is almost as bad as the snow...just not as cold.

Dreaming Big,
Dor

Sunny Monday

I woke up this morning to the sun coming in my bedroom window. What a fabulous way to be awakened.

I'm so happy Slumdog Millionaire won the Oscar for best picture. It was really one of the most moving films I've ever seen. I'm not a very good movie goer (well at least not for movies that are ever nominated). Comedies and chick flicks don't make it to the Academy Awards.

This is another busy week for us. Tomorrow we both have chemo (hopefully), then Thursday I have a scan, Friday we get results and hopefully I get more chemo. I think we should have bought a condo in Seattle about 3 years ago. It would have gotten plenty of use.

Rick is feeling well but really fatigued. I swear he can sit down for 2 minutes and he's asleep. I on the other hand can't get to sleep even after I've been in bed for 2 hours. Life?

I went to bed last night with an awful headache and a cold rag on my head. You can imagine how beautiful my hair looks this morning. The headache is still hanging on (though not as bad as it was last night). I really need a massage and I had to cancel on Thursday. I'm going to call her today and hope that someone else had to cancel today or Wednesday.

Now that I'm out of bed, I guess I should get a little work done.

Dreaming Big,
Dor

The way I see it!

Yesterday was spent in bed (propped up) or on the leather chair in the living room. I really tried to lay low and heal. My cough is annoying but I'm hoping that I'm coughing up the "bad stuff" that's decided to live in my lungs. The only thing on my body that's really hurting is my knee. I think I tweaked it while squatting and coughing at the same time...."she survived lung cancer but she walks with a limp". I can see the headlines now.

Shelley and I stopped at Starbuck's for a coffee on Friday morning on our way down to Seattle. For those of you who aren't Starbuck's addicts, they put some amazing sayings on the sides of their cups. This was on Shelley's and I thought it was worthy of some blog space.

"The Way I See It" #293

The way I see it
Isn't necessarily
The way you see it
Or the way it is
Or ought to be
What's more important
Is that we're all
Looking for it
And a way to see it!

--Desi Di Nardo, author and poet

Pretty powerful words coming from a cup of Java...

Love you more,
Dor

No chemo for me today!

Chemo didn't go as planned today.  My blood work showed that my white count was very high (meaning I had an infection brewing) and while I was at Seattle Cancer Care, my temperature kept rising.  Before they would let me have my chemo, my doctor sent me downstairs to get a chest x-ray to see if anything looked suspicious.  Much to my dismay, it appears I have aspiration pneumonia.  So,  they put me on a very strong antibiotic, gave me some directions about how to sleep and eat and drink, then sent me home to rest all weekend.   Amy was going to fire Shelley from being my chemo buddy (since we didn't get the job done) but she changed her mind since Shelley and I had so much fun.

My friends Diana and Kelly from Freeland met us at Seattle Cancer Care today.  Diana is nearing 3 years on Tarceva.  I guess they'll put her photo on the bottle now that she's doing so well.  It's so great to spend time with her.   It's not hard to connect with someone who shares your diagnosis and fight to life.  

I heard from some of my blog buddies today that I don't tell you often enough about how Rick is doing.  Don't you know...I'm the wife...it's suppose to be all about me :)  In all seriousness, I share everything with you about my life because I'm an open book.  Rick on the other hand is like a diary with a lock on it.  I tell you the stuff he's ok with, but for instance if he had diarrhea everyday, I wouldn't be able to tell you that.  I can tell you that he's doing very well.  He goes to work everyday (a little late...but gets his job done), he still has a rash on his face and torso, his counts are getting better, he has some fatigue and he has a little bit of fuzz on his head where his dark brown hair used to be.  

I'm going to get my jammies on and go to bed early.  I really want to kick this infection.  I've got things to do, places to go and people to see.

I'll keep you posted on Life at the Schmitt's!

Dreaming with a little fever,

P.S.  Cecilia, I would love to talk to you again.  Please send me an e-mail at dreambig@wavecable.com    Thanks!

Dor

$20.00 laying around?

Do you ever find a $20 bill in your pants or coat pocket and think...wow, today's my lucky day? I've just decided, that whenever I "find" a $20 that I forgot I even had, I'm going to send it to The One in a Million Campaign to eradicate lung cancer. For more information on how you can participate, go to: www.lungcancerfoundation.org or call 415-357-1278. If a million people send in $20 each, we can put screening clinics in hospitals all over the country. Early detection saves lives!

Thank you Bonnie Addario for having a vision that is changing my world!

Dreaming Big,
Dor

P.S. If you hadn't noticed, I couldn't sleep so I thought I'd say Hi! Amy won her games tonight...and we were there to cheer her on. I'd better try to get to some shut eye. I have chemo tomorrow and I need the beauty sleep :)

Doreen....Where are you?

Hi everyone. Remember Me? Doreen...the blog writer slacker? Well, I'm back with some great news. I've been busy lately doing a lot of nothing, but I feel like I'm making progress. :)

Yesterday I started my 6th round of chemo and my sister in law Vickie took the day off to be my chemo-buddy. We went to Seattle on Monday night (in time to watch the Bachelor on the big screen TV in our hotel room) to avoid leaving Stanwood at the crack of dawn and to miss the freeway construction. We had a blast. We laughed and talked late into the night. I felt like a school kid on an overnight trip. She double dog dared me to spit out the window (5 floors down) and if someone double dog dares you....well you know what I had to do! Luckily, no one got hurt or spit on.

During my appointment, I asked how everyone else on this trial (IPI-504) was doing. Oddly enough, I am currently the only one still on it (from SCCA). I guess there are about 50 people across America in this study, but only 5 from Seattle Cancer Care. Some people had problems with their eyes, or got blood clots, or it just didn't work. I keep wondering why I've been the lucky one? When I started on Tarceva no one anticipated that I would be taking it for 30 months. Now, I find myself the only one still benefiting from this clinical trial. During my exam yesterday the doctor said she could actually hear a difference in how clear my lungs were sounding. I can feel a difference as well. The only problem I've had with this drug is that it makes my joints ache. Usually, by my week off everything is feeling better, but this time my knees and hips were still feeling the pain. But that...my friends, is something I can live with. Achy joints are a part of life as we get older anyway. I'll just start the process a little early.

Next week I have another scan to see how my body is looking from the inside out, but I feel confidant that I'm going to stay on this drug for a long time. Please say a little prayer just for me, just for good measure.

After my treatment, I came home and took a 3 hour nap, Rick woke me in time to eat a little dinner then we headed over to the high school to watch the Stanwood Spartans beat the Jackson Timberwolves. One more win and they're off to State! Tonight, Rick, my dad, and I (and Angie for a little bit) went to Post Middle School and watched Jake coach his 7th grade girls basketball team (still undefeated after 2 games), then headed to Edmonds-Woodway to watch Angie officiate a district basketball game. It was a great game that went into overtime. She did a spectacular job (as usual). Tomorrow night, Amy (who plays in a women's league in Mt. Vernon) has a game, so we might have to go watch her play as well. We've been to one other game of her's this season and she still has lots of talent. You'd never know she's almost 32.

This is what happens when I don't write for a few days....I don't know when to shut up. I've been at the computer jabbering for the past 30 minutes about stuff you could probably care less about. But thanks anyway for listening even if you have no idea what I'm talking about.

On Friday, my buddy Shelley is taking me to chemo and she's never gone with me before. The staff at SCCA loves to meet my chemo-buddies. On Tuesday my doctor said "I can't wait to see who you bring with you each time. You have such nice friends and family". Clearly, I have a fabulous doctor if she can recognize what I've known forever.

Until I write again(and there's no guarantee when that will be), DREAM BIG and LAUGH OUT LOUD.
Love you more ~ Dor

Peaceful "Sun"day Afternoon

Sometimes when I sit down to tell you how things are going, I draw a blank. Like tonight, for instance. So I'll just give you an update on my weekend.

Rodger and Jan's anniversary party was a great event. I saw lots of people I hadn't seen in a while. I danced (until I had a little coughing meltdown while dancing and singing to "You know you make me wanna SHOUT"). After some fresh air, water, and 10 minutes of gagging and coughing, I was back to my old self again.

Chemo starts again on Tuesday (the first night of basketball playoffs) so I'm hoping I can get plenty of rest before tip off. If not, I guess I'll have to wait for Rick to come home and tell me the score. Good Luck Spartans!

I had a nice day today visiting with Angie and Shannon (though Shannon kicked my behind in Wii). Angie's been waiting for a day like today to start working in her yard. She mowed for the first time (crazy girl) and trimmed back all the foliage around her house. I sure wish I had her energy (or patience) when it came to yard work. I want it all done, yesterday and I would like to see flowers blooming by the end of the week.

Dreaming Big,
Dor

Happy Valentine's Day

Today is the day of LOVE (though I'd like to think all days should be celebrated this way). Rick and I slept in (and I'm not kidding. I had to make lunch when we got up because it was too late for breakfast). We're having a laid back day. Jake and Megan will be joining us soon and then we're going to an anniversary party tonight.

Yesterday I heard something that really struck my heart. When you are lucky enough to find your one true love, be careful not to get so comfortable in your relationship, that you take advantage of that gift of love. Make sure to look at your partner everyday and remember what attracted you in the first place. Thank them for making you laugh when you need it most. Or for loving you unconditionally. Sometimes, you might need to remind them how lucky they are to have you (but that is a whole different love story). Just kidding, I've been reminding Rick how lucky he is since the day we got married. I just don't want him to forget. He says he won't...but with the chemo brain, you never know.

It's been awesome having this whole week off from chemo. The week was filled with lots of fun and projects. Last night, Rick and I picked up our friends Dave and Val and we went out for dinner at the Conway Tavern. My stomach is still hurting from laughing while listening to the Karaoke. The music and sound system were so loud. The place was jam packed with people. I asked Val half way through the evening, "am I getting old, why does the music have to be so loud, have you ever heard of that song?". The answer is, yes...I'm getting old. But wasn't that what I was dreaming for? Old Age...

I love you more than all the chocolate and flowers given today...

Until tomorrow...keep dreaming big,
Dor

Thursdays Thoughts

Is there a difference between taking it easy...and being lazy? Please tell me there isn't. I'm really enjoying my "taking it easy routine". Oh, it's not like I do nothing...but today for instance, I didn't get out of my pj's (I just re-named them loungewear around noon) and I sat in my dining room with my friend Cathy while we made Valentine cards until around 5:30 tonight. We've decided we can't do this for a living because we would have to charge 25 dollars per card to break even.

My mom had a follow up appointment yesterday and the doctor is going to go back in and do another procedure on March 4th. We're hoping they can remove the rest of the gallstones and figure out what else might be going on in there.

Last night was a big Relay for Life meeting and although the team of committee members have been working diligently for the past 4 months, last night was my motivation to get started. I have so much info in my head from all the events I've been to in the past few months, I need to start sharing. It's no good to be the "keeper of the knowledge" if you're not going to share with others. With the economy struggling like it is this year, we are going to have to get creative to raise money for the charitys that are close to our hearts. Though you hear me talk about the ACS a lot, my love is really for the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation. I am so moved when I read her website and see another amazing thing she has done for research, awareness and treatment. I say this often, and I really mean it...she has changed my life :)

Tomorrow is my daughter in law's 24th birthday. Happy Birthday Meg! We'll be celebrating on Saturday at our friends Rodger and Jan's 25th wedding anniversary.

While making cards today, I came across a new saying that I loved and I think you will too...

Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can.

I've added a photo of Rick and I from the wedding. He has hair and mine looked cute so I thought I'd share it with you.

Dreaming Big,
Dor

CEA count is going down

When you have colon cancer,the tumor marker they judge the growth on is called the CEA. Rick's numbers have been all over the board. When he was first diagnosed, his numbers were 59.8. Normal is between 0-2. During his first year of treatment they were able to keep his numbers within that "normal range". Then as his body started to change and the cancer began to spread his numbers started rising...rapidly. Just about a month ago his CEA was nearly 140. Today they were down to 26.4 Once they have given Rick a new CT scan we will be reassured that the Erbitux is doing what it was expected to do. We are so blessed that Rick had the right DNA to even be able to take this drug.

I hooked up my new humidifier last night and I already felt a change this morning. It could just be wishful thinking, but I think I'm on the road to less coughing....

Be careful on the roads over the next few days. It's icy and snowy and dangerous.

Dreaming happy and BIG....
Dor

Fantastic Weekend

This weekend was set aside for my sister in law Vickie. It was her birthday and she wanted Rick and I to join her and her husband Tom for a fun time in Poulsbo. Not that I didn't believe her judgement in locations, I just "wondered" what we could possible do to keep ourselves busy in "Poulsbo"? Truth is, we had a grand time. Poulsbo is a really cute little city (a lot like Leavenworth) with a bakery that is out of this world. Every meal we ate was memorable and I would definitely take the time to go there again.

My doctor's appointment went well on Friday. I went with 2 old friends who helped me laugh all afternoon. I'm going to buy a humidifier tomorrow and start on a new inhaler (attached to my nebulizer) to try and control this cough. It's starting to make me crazy. Oh wait...I've been crazy for a long time.

I'll write more tomorrow, but for now I'm going to get into bed and call it a day.

Dreaming Big,
Dor

Another day of fun and games at Chemo

I'm really looking forward to tomorrow's treatment. I'll be spending the day with 2 of my dear friends, Donna and Cathy. We haven't been together for a long time, so we've decided to make a day of it tomorrow. It was Donna's birthday earlier this week so we're hoping to celebrate at lunch.

I'm looking forward to a fun weekend with Tom and Vickie at Poulsbo celebrating her birthday. She says they have a bakery to "die for" in town but I don't think I'll try anything. :) I would hate to die on an apple fritter!

The 4 of us have a good time together laughing and teasing Vickie...

Rick and I are both feeling pretty good and I'm hoping we stay that way over the weekend.

I'll try to bring the computer along to let you know how our weekend is working out. If all goes well, I might even send you some photos.

Have a safe and happy weekend.

Dreaming Big,
Dor

Early Morning Coughing Spell

I woke myself up a few minutes ago coughing. I also woke Rick up. And the neighbor dog. And some people down the street. So, while I'm up, waiting for some meds to take hold, I thought I would drop you a note. I hope I'm not waking you as well :)

I mentioned yesterday about a wonderful opportunity I was given to go to Orlando regarding Lung Cancer. It is scheduled for the same weekend as Relay and after much thought and conversation...I think I'm going to pass on the chance. I am given opportunities all the time to learn and grow when it comes to cancer research, information, new trials. For many of you, the only time we work on eradicating cancer together is at Relay for Life and many of you do it with me in mind. I can't miss it. And I don't want to miss seeing you. I still have big plans to go to California and meet with an amazing team down there (just no date set), I always have the GALA in November, and numerous chances for education throughout the year. So, my decision is made. I'll be home for Relay and don't forget, together we can make a difference.

Amy, Angie, Megan, Sister in law Vickie, and Pam all celebrate their birthdays this month. I might need to get a job just so I can help them celebrate. Happy Birthday to all my "girls".

Dreaming Big and sleepy,
Dor

Quick Note

I made a conscious effort to have fun on chemo days, no matter what. Janeen had an appointment in Seattle today as well, so we went to Seattle last night, then out to dinner with Amy and Mel at a great little restaurant in Wallingford, had our room upgraded (at no cost) to a beautiful view room that overlooked Lake Union, and enjoyed every minute of our evening.

When we got up this morning, the sky and water had a pink glow to them and it looked like it was going to be a perfect day. Janeen brought me to my appointment, took care of her business, then met me back at SCCA to finish up my infusion. Everything went smooth and when we left the building, it was actually sunshining.

While I was at my appointment today, Dr. Krystana told me about a wonderful opportunity to go to a lung cancer seminar in Orlando in May. When she heard about it, she signed up and learned that it was for patients as well. She said she immediately thought of me and sent me the information to apply for a travel grant to go. I'm going to work on that tomorrow and see if they think I'm worthy of attending. I'll let you all know later. What a wonderful experience this would be.

I've been asleep for a while and I actually just got up to get a glass of water. I'm sleepy (groggy) so I'm making this short and heading back to bed.

Tomorrow I'm hoping to go with my mom to her follow up appointment. I want her to have an extra set of ears listening when the Dr.'s tell her about her gallbladder problems. I think she's happy to have me come along.

Dreaming Big with heavy eyes,
Dor

Super Bowl :(

Well, the team I was rooting for didn't win, but it was a great game. I guess that's why they call it the SUPER BOWL. Angie has been sending text messages and photos...she is having the time of her life. We had a great time at Jake and Megan's today with her mom and dad, and Amy and Mel (who just got back from Mexico...and have the skin color of cocoa) The food was great, we yelled a lot, laughed even more, and even shed a tear or two for the Arizona Cardinals.

My mom is still feeling pretty good after her surgery, but we aren't done with the procedures they need to do to get all the gall stones out. Just one more body part I didn't care knowing about. Seriously, I could be a doctor. I've been saying it for months.....but I know boobs, butts, lungs, livers and now gallbladders more than I'd ever hoped to know about them.

In the past few weeks (since the pneumonia), I've noticed that I get winded more, or if I do too much without resting in between chores, I have coughing spells that I think are going to end up with coughing up a lung. Because my lungs are compromised they just don't heal as quickly so I have to put up with some of the consequences. The good part is that they still hold oxygen, they still allow me to laugh, and talk, and walk, and breathe. That's how I feel about my body too. I'm always complaining about my weight or how unhappy I am with the way I look, but I've decided that I love this body I'm in. It gets me where I'm going. It let's me do all the things I need and want to do. They still make clothes to fit me (so thankfully I don't have to go naked yet). We all need to think this way more often. Life is so much more fulfilling when you're living happily.

Let me leave you with this thought...

It's only possible to live happily ever after on a day to day basis. Make it a priority!

Dreaming Big,
Dor