Spring needs to get here...Soon

March is coming to an end, already. Can you believe how fast this year is flying by? You'd never know it was spring with all the snow we've had on the ground the past few days. Hopefully, we'll be able to plant our flowers soon. The care tags on all my flowers always say: It's safe to plant after all chances of frost/snow are gone. Here's what's coming up in the next few months: Our girls are taking vacations (not with each other...but they're both going to fun places), my friend Cathy turns 50 (what the heck is going on with all these people around me getting OLD?), I hit the 2 year survival mark (Yahoo), and Relay is just around the corner. If you're still wanting to get involved, there is time.

Yesterday was a fun day with Megan and her mom, Debbie. Jake and I joined them and they registered for their wedding gifts. It sure made Debbie and I wish we had nice things in our cupboards. The day was long however and my back wasn't feeling too hot by the time I got home. A little pain reliever and my bed and I was feeling much better.

Today was a lazy day for me. More lazy than usual. I never got out of my jammies. Again, church was on my agenda this morning, but instead I dreamed a ridiculous dream and woke up at nearly 10:00am. I must have needed it.

Rick and Jake took dinner over to Rick's dad's house tonight so they could all watch a Pay-Per-View program. I volunteered to make the food as long as I didn't have to go watch the wrestling program (or whatever it was). They just got home and Rick is feeling terrible. He said he can't remember the last time he had such a bad headache. I've got him comfortable with a cold rag on his head and an ice bag on his neck. Hopefully he'll get some relief soon. Actually, Rick and Jake were outside this afternoon cutting wood. Maybe he over did it. (That is definitely not my problem).

It's chemo week so Rick has blood work tomorrow then we're off to Seattle. I have an appointment while he's in getting his chemo. We'll keep you posted on how everything is going.

Dreaming Big,
Doreen

Pig Kiss?

This morning I went to Angie's school and helped her with a little project. I love it when I go into her class (it's usually a different group of kids each time) and she asks them who they think I am. The usual answer is "your sister"? I love it...and Angie doesn't seem to mind either. I guess with her short haircut we do look a little bit alike.

Today at Jake's school he was one of the lucky guys who "had" to kiss a pig as a contest prize for the kids. For some reason, it's always funny when a man teacher has to look silly at an assembly. At least that's how I remember it. I'm trying to attach the photo but I'm having problems...please be patient.

Amy was in Tacoma today on Military duty and it's been snowing like crazy. Luckily she made it back safely but I did my share of worrying until she stopped by.

My massage therapist called me this morning and was feeling better so I got to have my massage this afternoon. My body is sore tonight, but in a good way. I think the quickest way to happiness is through a massage.

My life is complete now. We got a Guitar Hero today for our Wii. I can't wait to share photos.

Love you more than all the snow that fell today in Washington State.

Dream Big,
Dor

Not much is happening today

This blog has been my vessel into the lives of people I may never have met. I am so thankful for the kind words, prayers, hope and love that I get from so many of you. I just want you to know that it doesn't go unnoticed or unappreciated. We will continue to pay your kindness forward.

Today was a very lazy day filled to the brim. I only left the house to go to the post office. Other than that, I soaked in a hot bath (another theory for back relief), answered e-mails, and had meaningful conversations with friends I haven't talked to in a while.

Rick's feeling great.
I'm doing fine.
It's time for me to say goodnight
Before I start to whine.

Love you forever,
Dor

Believe...

Today I had the pleasure of having lunch with an old high school friend and pastor, Mich as well as my dear friend Pam. When we are given the diagnosis of any life altering illness it's not uncommon to search for answers in your faith. I've been on that journey for a while now. I always believed I was going to Heaven. However, I also hoped I'd be in better shape than I am right now and that I'd have a good hairdo because forever is a long time to have a bad hair day and a weight problem.

Today during my lunch (in between the laughter) I listened. Listened to the message that Mich had to share with me. I've been needing this day for a long time and I didn't even know it. I have a lot to learn but I also have a lot to share.

I didn't tell the girls I was going to lunch with Mich and Pam. Not because I didn't want them to know, but rather because I just didn't think about it. This morning I called them both and left a message on their phones saying I was going to lunch and I would call them later. Apparently, years ago I mentioned that someday when I die (this was long before cancer) I would like Mich to speak and/or sing at my funeral. We sang together in high school and we've been friends forever so it seemed only right. What I didn't realize was that when the girls heard my lunch was with Mich they assumed I was "preparing". I assured them that lunch was Mich and Pam's idea and they know me better than to think I would prepare for anything. I always wait till the last minute. I really do forget how much cancer effects everyone you love. It's not only the words we say but sometimes the things we don't say that have the biggest impact in their lives.

Ricky's tooth (or rather hole in his gums) is doing well. Tonight his dinner of choice was Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. At least Rick's food choices don't dirty many dishes. I guess I should look at this as a gift :)

Love you forever,
Doreen

Tooth Fairy is visiting again

Rick had to have another tooth extracted today from chemo side effects. Luckily his new favorite food is a soft root beer float so he isn't having problems eating. He went to work after the extraction but came home early for some pain meds. He's in bed now hoping for a good nights rest. I didn't sleep well last night so I'm hoping for some good sleep tonight as well.

I know it's a short blog but believe it or not, sometimes I just don't have much to say.

Love you much,
Dor

Snuggling up to my heating pad

When I woke up this morning I made a deal with myself that I would do something to get this back/hip problem under control. I made a massage appointment for Wednesday afternoon. I've never tried acupuncture, but I figure it can't hurt so I made an appointment for May 7th (that was the first opening our local acupuncturist had). I had Angie show me some more stretches. I walked. I'm in bed already with my heating pad. I've taken a muscle relaxant. I'm dreaming good thoughts...and I intend to wake up in the morning feeling better.

I shared my cooking woes with you the other day...you remember...Rick wanted chili burgers and hamburger helper? I swear I feel like I'm cooking for a pregnant woman with cravings. His latest...Root beer floats (with A&W root beer). This morning, that's what he had for breakfast. As much as I would like to tell you I'm feeding him foods full of nutrients, and health benefits, I must confess my love for him over rides everything I know that's right and I just want to make him happy. Is that a bad thing? I'm just thrilled he wants to eat anything.

I feel like the Schmitt family is always looking for favors, but this one is very different. If you haven't kept up on the new Blog "Take a Little, Give a Lot" www.takealittlegivealot.blogspot.com, Amy has posted a new entry about a "Dog for Aaron". The story is about Aaron, a 7 year old escape artist who is autistic. Please take the time to read about his need. Reason number 10,786 for me to live. I want to be around when Aaron finally gets his new best friend.

Hugs and kisses,
Dor

Happy Easter

We had a laid back Easter with brunch this morning and NCAA Basketball Tournament and Wii this afternoon. It doesn't get much better than that. Well yes it does, but that would include Easter Egg Hunting and you know how that goes at our house.

We hope you've all had a peaceful, healthy holiday with the ones you love.

Love you more than all the Easter Egg Hunts that got rained on today :(

Dor

Easter Eve

The past couple of days have been filled with friends and fun. I spent Thursday visiting with friends I hadn't seen in a while. We talked for hours then I went to an awards banquet with Angie. Friday, my friend Kim, who is back from Palm Springs spent the day with me. We chatted at home for a long time then when out for lunch and to my favorite little antique store on the island. I came home and rested for a bit until it was time to head over to the Hoops for Davis fundraiser. We always have a great time while we're there. Each year Angie has volunteered to be an official at the games (she will take bribes for the right amount of money), and this year Jake joined the forces by playing on one of the teachers teams. Jake left before the Alumni game started so Angie switched shirts and took his place. Next year Amy is going to come prepared to play in the alumni game as well. A few Schmitt's on the court at the same time never hurt any game. :)

After the game, we all went to Amigo's for a late dinner and laughter. There must have been 10 of us sitting around the table telling stories and making fun of each other. I had a great time.

Today has been pretty laid back (for me). We didn't get up until late, but Rick got right up and started cutting wood. He promised to be safe (otherwise, I'm a wreck). I was on the phone all morning playing travel agent for my sister-in-law Vickie. It will be her 25th wedding anniversary this year so I was helping her plan a romantic getaway. We've come up with a few ideas. Wherever they go, I'm sure they'll have a wonderful time. My back and hip are giving me a constant dull pain and I'm getting sick of it. If I'm up doing fun stuff I try to forget about the ache. Sometimes it works. Rick is feeling pretty good today although his appetite is very weird. I pride myself as being a good cook and he keeps requesting things like chili burgers and hamburger helper. I don't surprise him with meals anymore...I ask what sounds good first. As long as he still has an appetite I'm happy to oblige.

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Easter tomorrow.

Dreaming Big,
Dor

Be Curious... and Help Raise Money

You will see Google Ads on the "Take A Little... Give A Lot" website. I signed up for them. It is an option Google gives you when you sign up for a blog. It is called "Google AdSense". Google decides which ads they want to place on my page. In return, we will receive compensation for every time you guys click on one of the links. We will be donating all proceeds to charity. We raised $7.15 on day one. It's not a lot but it should add up quick. Think about how much money Dor could have raised throughout the past two years with her blog had she signed up for it! If the adds are annoying and you think they should go away, let us know. If not, they will stay because it's an easy way to raise money for charity.

SO... if one of the ads looks interesting.... don't be afraid to CLICK ON IT!

THANK YOU-
Amy

Your New Favorite Blog Site

Ok, so maybe it won't be your new favorite blog site, since this one is pretty good, but I hope it is a blog you add to your list of daily sites to check.

This is Amy, and I am putting my money where my mouth is. Since writing the blog the other day about helping to make other people's lives better, I have been thinking about how to help. I've decided to create a new blog and I hope you guys can help spread it around. The whole idea of the blog is to "Take a Little, Give A Lot".... hence the title.

I think most people would love to help someone else, they just don't know what needs to be done or what someone needs help with. I want to change that. The new blog is available to everyone. If you need help with something... ANYTHING... let us know. The site isn't about money, or asking for it. It's designed to use resources we already have to help fill a void in someone else's life. Dor gave me an entry to add, so did Angie. Between Angie and I, we will be monitoring the site to ensure it is user friendly.

Check it out.... and help to change someone's life.
www.takealittlegivealot.blogspot.com


Amy

Happy Wednesday~

I wrote a blog yesterday afternoon when we returned from Seattle but the internet went down during the middle of my typing so it didn't save anything. I tried all night to let you know how our day went but I just now got service. Sorry :(

Chemo went fine, leaving Seattle Cancer Care was another story. We had to wait for the fanny pack full of 5-FU (chemo) to be delivered and attached to Rick. The woman who was suppose to be there to do it had a few problems along the way. She was speeding, got pulled over by the police, pulled off the road too far, went in the ditch, and had to be pulled out by a tow truck. I would refer to this as a "bad day at work". She finally arrived over 2 hours late and we were on the road home by 2:30PM. We started the morning at 5:30AM. Ugh!

The kids were all here to check on their dad last night. While Rick was sleeping the 3 kids and I sat in the living room and talked and laughed for over an hour about things not related to cancer. We haven't done that in a long time and it felt really good.

I've been meaning to tell you that March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. If you haven't had a colonoscopy yet and you need one....get your "Butt to the Doctor". It could save your life.

This afternoon we're going to a field dedication for our friend and coach, Mike Chandler who died a year ago after living many happy years with a kidney transplant (from his wife). Hopefully, the field will be filled with ex-players, students, friends and family. The impact he made on the lives of students and student athletes in our community was phenomenal. This is a great way to show our thanks.

I'll write more tonight (unless I have an internet problem again). Until then, enjoy this beautiful weather, laugh out loud, and do a random act of kindness.

I just looked at the calendar as I was getting ready to publish this and I realized that today is my 23rd month survivor anniversary. Yahoo!

Dream Big,
Dor

Long Fun Day

I had a great day in Seattle with Pam. Her boobs are in fine condition. That may have been more information than you needed to know, but I know everyone will be asking "I wonder how Pam's appointment went". So, there it is. She's good to go for another 6 months. I think cancer is afraid of that feisty redhead.

Though I had a wonderful time, I'm exhausted tonight and Rick and I get to do it all again tomorrow. Our time won't be as fun (we won't go shopping afterwards) but we do snuggle on his bed while the chemo is dripping in. It's always a good time to catch up on lost sleep.

Today while I was at SCCA I visited their new gift shop. I asked if it was run by volunteers and the answer was yes. The manager said, "are you going to ask what I hope you're going to ask"? I said I was in Seattle every other Tuesday and I would like to give back, so they gave me a number to call for volunteer training and said they would love to have me. As you all know, I'm a talker so I'm sure I'll have a great time meeting new patients and their families, oh~and selling stuff too.

I'd better get to bed. 5:30am comes really early.

Dreaming Big,
Dor

We're home safe

We had a wonderful time over at Desert Aire (except for the broken pipe repairs and the drenched closet floor --- broken pipe over flow) Everything is great now, thanks to the help of Bob and Dy and my handyman husband.

Generally we come back home by mid-afternoon. Today we stayed a little longer so we could pick Jake up at the airport. He was on stand-by all day so we didn't know when he would actually show up. We're all home safe tonight. I talked with the girls earlier and they were home too. I can sleep peacefully now.

I've told you before how I feel when I'm over at Desert Aire, but I want to share it with you again. The house is always clean (when we get there and when we leave it ), we have a television but only for movies and Wii. We play board games and cards. We work on sudoku puzzles. I read books... We don't have a phone (except for our cells and they don't always work). I forget about sickness (except in the mornings when we take our handful of pills). It's my little piece of Heaven.

I'm heading under the covers now because our house is freezing and I'm getting up early to go with Pam to Seattle Cancer Care for her 6 month check-up. I'm sure she has other plans for us as well. I can't wait.

Love you more than all the goosebumps on my body...(sorry, was that too visual?)
Dreaming Big,
Dor

Late Night/Early Morning Blog

It's one o'clock in the morning and I'm sitting here at Susie and Pat's writing a blog. They were kind enough to let me use their internet since I couldn't get any at our house. We had a great day playing guitar hero, darts, board games, laughing, eating and drinking.

After reading Amy's blog from Thursday, I don't think there is much I can say. I know she worries and wonders how we are all going to handle what's coming our way, but I can assure her that our sense of humor and love for one another will pull us through anything.

Until we get home tomorrow, stay safe, be happy and dream big,
Dor

Whatever...

I have stared at the screen for a few minutes trying to come up with a title. I guess I'm just not feeling it today. I certainly hope it's not this much of a struggle to complete the rest of the blog entry. Here I go, wish me luck as I sit down and wing it.

I don't have much to say other than the fact we've all had a rough couple of weeks. I have a hard time seeing my mom cry, yet I am constantly encouraging her to get things off of her chest. What can I do? Nothing... except hug her, remind her that there are a million people out there who want to help, and then make inappropriate comments that make her laugh.

I have a hard time seeing my dad sick to his stomach or unable to eat. I must say, it helps my spirits that my dad hasn't lost that sense of humor which usually comes out at the most inapproprite times. What can I do? I can bring him a blizzard, cuddle up next to him in bed, and watch NCAA basketball. I think it made us both feel better.

Things are beginning to change physically. There is no doubt about that. Mom's back is hurting her more than she leads on. Her cough is worse and it seems painful to watch her when she coughs a number of times back to back. Not that anyone will be surprised, but, her 30 seconds of painful coughing is immediately followed by a smile and a joke about allergy season or a hairball in her throat. It's hard to be sad when you are laughing.

My sad moments aren't when we talk about sickness or cancer... not even about death. My worst moments are when I hear my mom talk about medical insurance, or her disability through work. She is very appreciative of the staff members in Stanwood who have volunteered some of their sick leave to get her through this tough time. She can't say enough nice things about these people but she also knows the importance of sick leave and she wants people to keep enough for themselves, as you never know what tomorrow will bring. Mom and I talk about her fears. She doesn't know what's going to happen with her disability insurance and she is scared (for many reasons) about losing my dad. She can't imagine being without him. She doesn't want to see him sick. And, she doesn't want to be in a horrible situation as a stage four lung cancer patient who's insurance benefits are changing. What if something isn't covered? What if one or both of them hit their lifetime maximum in insurance coverage? What if... what if... what if. Those are the conversations that make me sad. I want my parents to live in the now. I want them to think about the things that are happening around them. I don't want them dreading the "what if's" of the future. I can assure them that their children will be just fine. Many of you have assured them that their children will be loved and looked after. What none of us can do is ease their concerns about the uncertainties of the future.

I wish there was more I could do. I'm sure you do too. I heard a guy on the radio yesterday say something to the effect that too many people get obsessed with wanting more success in life so he encouraged all of us to become absolutely obsessed with doing everything we can to make the lives of the people around us as happy and fulfilling as they can possibly be. I don't know about you, but I'm all for it.

My advice for the day:
Give more than you take.... and laugh.

Dr. Amy

Tearful Tuesday

That good cry I had yesterday, well I had it again today. I must have some extra fluid I need to get rid of (hence, all the tears). I wish I had all the answers...but that's impossible...because I don't even know all the questions. I've had backaches, and headaches, and toothaches before and I don't' remember going crazy from them. Hopefully, I'll soon adjust to the inconvenience this new pain it is causing and try to go back to my fun "normal" life.

Rick had his tooth problem assessed today and it looks like they need to extract it. He takes such good care of his mouth, that the news of losing another tooth is really upsetting to him. The oncologist explained to us that chemo is very hard on soft tissue and that is what our mouth is made of. Thankfully, his nauseous is better today.

We are going to Desert Aire this weekend to take care of our broken pipes. I'm sure there is no damage to the inside of the house, just the bad pipes in the garage (which is under the main part of the home). I'm really looking forward to spending some time over there. We haven't been there since before Thanksgiving. If you don't hear from us in the next few days it's because we might not get wireless internet. I promise you'll hear all about our fun weekend once we return. I might call the girls and have them write a blog just to let you know how we're doing.

Jake will be gone all weekend. He's heading down to Southern California to be in his fraternity brothers wedding. I'm sure he'll have a great time.

I had a fun afternoon today with all my buddies at Taco Tuesday. Thanks ladies for helping keep my spirits up. You're just what I needed.

Dreaming Big,
Love~Dor

Happy March

I got up late this morning, or was it early? Well whatever it was, it was definitely emotional. I'm not sure why today got me...but by noon I'd had myself a very good cry - the silly kind where your clothes get wet from the tears...I need bath towels to dry my eyes, not tissues. I'm over it now. Or, at least for the moment.

Rick went to work around 12:30 and by 2:00 or so he was already feeling cruddy enough to come home. Instead, he worked through the nausea and got home around 5:30. His tooth is feeling much better but he's still going to the dentist tomorrow for a follow up. Tonight he's just taking it easy and watching basketball on ESPN. I know, you're shocked by his television selection. Ok, maybe you're not. It makes him happy to watch sports, so that makes me happy.

My back ache is really intense tonight so after I get these dinner dishes cleaned up, I think I'll be going to bed (after I put my clean sheets on it). I've got a couple of books I need to finish reading.

Keep dreaming big,
Keep raising money for research,
Keep smiling,
Keep Believing in miracles.

Dor

Clock Error

You know my little joke about losing an hour? Or was that gaining an hour? Well, I got it wrong. Pam called to wake me this morning for church (and I wanted to stay in bed just a little longer) . I thought I'd closed my eyes for 10 minutes, instead, I guess I closed them for an hour and 10 minutes, got up, showered, got coffee for Pam and I and waited in the parking lot at Bank of America. Then...I discovered the clock in the car had not been changed yet. I looked at my cell phone and realized that Pam was already at church. Oops. Everything has a plan. Instead of wasting a good hairdo on doing housework, I went to the Lutheran Church I grew up in (since it's service started at 9:00). I saw lots of old friends and acquaintances I hadn't seen in a long time. The new pastor is amazing. The sermon had my name written all over it. (Apparently, he knew I'd be there). Pam met me after church and we worked on Relay for the next couple of hours. It turned out to be a spectacular day.

Though Rick's tooth is feeling a little better, he has been nauseous most of the day (and very light headed). We've been lucky thus far when it comes to being queasy. Today, his body had a different plan. His appetite is not very good either, but at least he's eating soup. I thawed meat for dinner, so I made enchiladas, and when the girls stopped by today to see us, I sent them home with lunch for the next couple of days. Jake ate his for dinner and still has some for lunch tomorrow. I never learned how to cook for 2 or 3.

My brother-in-law Jeff, is leaving for Panama for an extended period of time... He is down there working for Foss Tug. It's a great opportunity, but too much time away from his family. We're hoping he has a safe and quick journey. Until he gets home, we'll help hold down the fort.

I'm not really sure what time it is, and I don't much care. As long as TIVO has it figured out and we wake up tomorrow morning, I'll be fine.

Here's wishing you a warm and wonderful week~
Dream Big,
Doreen

Reflecting

About 2 years ago, I wasn't feeling well. I was sick and tired of not feeling well. I was looking forward to my last Mom's Weekend in Pullman and and Athletic Director's Conference in Spokane. I knew that soon we would find out why my pneumonia keep hanging on. What I didn't know what how much my life would truly change forever over the next year. Luckily, I'm still here to talk about it, and laugh in the middle of adversity.

The past month has been a whirl wind. With both Rick and I having scan results that were less than perfect we had to look cancer in the eyes again and remind it who's boss. On Thursday, Rick sneezed and felt something pop in his tooth so he's been suffering with a bad toothache ever since. We talked to our dentist this morning who put Rick on an antibiotic and pain pills to get him through the weekend. Hopefully, he'll get some relief soon. He's been in bed all day.

Pam stopped by today to visit, talk about Relay and play a little Wii. She kicked my behind in darts (but not as bad as my dad did yesterday). If you ever need to smile, just play a little Wii. It's a sure way to turn your corners up.

I'm going to get to bed early tonight since I'm going to church in the morning and I lose an hour because of daylight savings time. Or wait...do I gain an hour? Is this a math question?

Stay healthy and happy :)

Dreaming Big,
Dor

It's finally Friday...

It used to be that I wanted Friday to be here so I had the weekend off. Now I want Friday to be here so the ones I love have a little time off. Nothing major planned for Rick and I. I'm sure we'll find something to do.

Angie and Shannon are going to Stevens Pass for Hope on the Slopes. A fundraising overnight event (much like relay but on skis or snowboards). Amy and Melana are at Desert Aire (Amy just called, said she turned the water on at the road and some pipes blew...ugh). I guess we'll be heading to D.A. to do some repair work. Jake is staying home all weekend doing planning lessons for his class for next week.

I went to dinner and the school play (Fiddler on the Roof ~ which was the best production I've seen at Stanwood High School) with a bunch of girls from school/work. This morning Rick and I met my mom and dad for breakfast. It's nice to spend quality time with Mom and Dad like that. We've decided we're going to do this more often.

It's now almost 10:30 I've got an achy back and a little headache. I think it's time for bed.

Until tomorrow, Dream Big.

Doreen

Stayed Home All Day

Rick and I got up later than usual this morning. He hurried down to Everett to get his chemo disconnected. I stayed home to get some work done. I had a bunch of phone calls, finished up some paperwork that needed my attention. Had Pam and Janeen over for lunch. Mom and Dad stopped by and played Wii this afternoon. Amy Babcock from the ACS stopped by. I made dinner, then fell asleep by 7:30.

I just woke up and remembered I didn't say hello to all my worldwide friends. So Hello! We're doing fine here at the Schmitt house. Rick's chemo side effects are a little worse this week, but still very tolerable. I took some new meds today to help with my backache. They seem to be working.

This blog sounds very boring tonight. Guess that's my clue to say Good Night.

Good Night, Sleep Tight, Dream Big,
Dor

Here's what I know...

My scan today was not what I had planned for. Though I'm still going to stay on the Tarceva, the report showed disease progression with significant increase in the size of the left lower lobe nodules (which has caused volume loss and fibrosis). They've identified 36 nodules in my lungs and the cancer is showing up attached to my Plura which may be the reason I've had such a backache lately. Some of the other nodules are slightly larger and denser but there are no new nodules so apparently I've had all those in there for some time now.

I'm not thrilled with the results, but it is what it is. My positive attitude has not changed so I will continue to fight, but I have a feeling my anxiety level will be higher than ever. I've had a rough couple of days so I think I'm going to curl up on the couch and try to relax. My Ricky will be home from work soon and I think wrapping my arms around him is exactly the medicine I need.

Enjoy your evening-
Dor

Super Tuesday

Chemo went well for Rick today. He's really tired, but that's to be expected. It's so nice to be taken care of by so many wonderful people down in Seattle. I must say, the trip today took a little wind out of my sails today, too. I'm not sure if it's the drive, the anxiety, the chemo or a mixture of all these things that wore me out. Whatever the reason, I'm up for a little afternoon nap.

I don't have much more to say today. I've got a scan tomorrow and I'll let everyone know how that goes when I get home tomorrow afternoon. Like I've said before, I give my Tarceva a little pep talk before I take it, so I believe it is working better than ever.

Until tomorrow, enjoy the sunshine and the ones you love :)

Dreaming Big,
Doreen

Chemo Eve

Happy 75th birthday, Dad! Thanks for everything you do. Everyone wishes you belonged to them, but I'm the lucky one who gets to call you DAD. Did you ever know that you're my hero?

Today was one of those days that I found myself doing lots of things, and accomplishing nothing. (Except for the massage...which helped relieve my backache a little) The nice part about a day like today is I can count on another one just like it in the near future. Do nothing...get a massage....it's a good deal.

Tomorrow will be another long day in Seattle, as will Wednesday. I wish we could figure out a way to do it all at once, but our doctors work on different days. Now that gas is $3.50 a gallon (I swore I wouldn't buy gas if it hit $1.00 per gallon...how's that working for me?) we need to find ways to cut down on all the trips back and forth to the city. Or, perhaps we need to get a hybrid? The only problem with hybrids is their size. Rick's knees would be up under his chin.

I'd better get to bed since we have an early morning ahead of us.

Dream Big,
Dor

Spring is just around the corner

We returned from Tacoma around 6:30 last night, changed our clothes and joined friends and family to celebrate my dad's 75th birthday. His actual birthday is on 3/3/33. As you can imagine, his favorite number is 3. I'm attaching some photos from last night's gala. (Amy was at drill weekend which is why you won't see her in any of the photos). The one photo of Angie and Grandpa was taken out in his workshop. The rest of the photos are at his party. Pam brought some flashy red sunglasses that we took turns wearing to bring a little more excitement to a 75 year olds birthday.

Rick slept like a log last night. Once we got home and crawled into our own sheets, he was out like a light and didn't wake until the phone rang at 6:45am (it was Pam calling to wake me up for church). Pam and I went to the 8:30am service and when I arrived home, Rick was still out like a light. I think sometimes our adrenaline keeps us going, but when we give it a chance to slow down...we STOP. He apparently needed the rest because he's feeling refreshed tonight.

Our friends, Dave and Val stopped by to visit this afternoon. We are scheduling a little get-away with Dave, Val, Bob and Dy. The 6 of us are going to Oregon in April for a Seafood Festival. Bob and Dy have been to it before, but the rest of us haven't. I reserved a condo at Cannon Beach for us to stay in for 3 nights. I'm looking forward to some quality days with all of them (oh, and I'm also looking forward to the seafood).

Rick has all his blood work done tomorrow for chemo on Tuesday. Let's hope his counts are all in the "normal" range. While Rick is at the lab for his blood work, I'll be getting a massage. Oh, I can't wait. My massage therapist can work wonders...It feels good just thinking about it. Hopefully, by my Dr. appointment on Wednesday I won't even have to mention the backache.

The weather was beautiful again today. I'm so happy to see bulbs sprouting everywhere. I love my trips to the grocery store where each day they are putting out more displays of flowers. Before we know it, we'll be weeding flower beds and complaining about how many times a week we have to mow the lawn... So for now, I'm buying tulips and daffodils and bringing the spring inside.

Dream Big,
Doreen

Tip for the day: Don't wait for a special occasion to use your good dishes. Every day is special.