New York Love

We love you sooooo very much. Sending you lots of HUGS and KISSES. Can't wait to see you.

no wasting time

Today was day two since Shirlene had her first chemotherapy treatment. She is doing great. She seems to have two paces. Either extremely energetic and anxious or passed out exhausted. She has been waiting patiently to get up to Midway to find some home decor for her house and decided today was the day. We were completely shocked that she would have the energy to go but she had her mind made up and said she definately felt up to it. I also think she is growing slightly tired of her house since she's spent so much time in it this past month. I know she also did it for me knowing I wanted to get there before I had to head back home tomorrow. So for those reasons and with Shirlene feeling up to it we made it there this afternoon and all found fun, unique decor for our homes. We ended up having a late lunch and enjoyed the car ride home sleeping, except for Shannon who had to drive of course.

My girls and I have had a great time being here with Shirlene and Mike and Shannon's family. We are going to miss being so close but know we'll be back up soon. Shirlene, you're amazing! Thank you for the great example you've always been and continue to be to us. We love you.

For Olivia

This is a special post for Olivia, Grandma loves you and she is in no pain and is doing great. This picture was taken after her 1st chemo treatment today.

Chemo begins

Noon tomorrow will be my first chemotherapy. For those of you in the know the drugs I'll be given are Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin. I looked them up on the internet to see all the fun I'm in for and if you're interested you'll find them on www.chemocare.com/bio Mike, Shannon and I went to a chemo class last week and I chose Mondays as my treatment day so that I'll be feeling good by the weekend. Treatments will be every 21 days with December 7th being the last one. Each treatment will last about 4 hours. We were told in class that the first few days can be rough, but by day 4 or 5 I should be feeling pretty good, and if I don't have too many side effects I could even do a little traveling on the second or third week (NYC here I come!) Dr. Litton said he has a patient who goes skiing after therapy, and other patients who are positive he is trying to kill them. He said, "I'm not saying this isn't real......for them", but he suspects I'll be somewhere in between although I'd like to think I'll be up for skiing! Dr. Allred was able to remove my drains on Monday and Dr. Anderson gave me thumbs up to start using my arms on Wednesday so I've been in heaven these last few days as I can finally shower, dress, and do my own hair. It was also great to be able to go to church for the first time in weeks today. The priests in my ward have been bringing the sacarament to my home and while I have considered this a wonderful blessing there is nothing like fellowshipping with the saints, and feeling the spirit there. The Lord has blessed me abundantly with loving, caring family, friends, neighbors, and ward members whom I love dearly. I can't say I'm grateful to have breast cancer, but I am grateful to have my eyes opened to the tender mercies of the the Lord because of it. Once again, thanks for your love and support. It's been great to see so many of you, and I look forward to more visits.

Thanks to Dawn and Kristen for posting pictures (I have no idea how to do it). The girls had such a fun time while they were all in Utah. I had to pass on the activities until Wednesday when Dawn and I took Zoe and Tatym to Liberty Park.

Wigging Out!

I think I'm a really good sport to let the girls post these pictures!!! We did have a blast shopping for my wig after a fun birthday lunch at Zin's for Kristen. The girls talked me into going for the one with highlights so when I'm not sporting the shinny cranium this will be my new look. I went for an EKG and more blood tests today, then visited with the surgeon's nurse to see if I could have the last two drains removed (I promise that is NOT my stomach) but unfortunately they will continue to be my very close friends for a few more days. It has been absolutely fabulous having family here. Chris and his family are on their way home, but Brandon and Dawn joined us last weekend and they'll be here for awhile. I've loved watching all the granddaughters laugh and play and dance and have good times together. Kristen and Dawn have been so sweet and helpful. I don't know many daughters-in-law who would help their fat, old mother-in-law the way they have, but it's been good for Shan to have a break. It has really lifted my spirits to have so much family around and I know it is a sweet tender mercy from the Lord. I've had a couple of surprise visits from Arizona friends as well - what a treat! I love having visitors. Thank you all for your continued love and prayers. I could not do this without your help.

Good News

After a week of holding our breath, we let out a sigh of relief today after meeting with the Oncologist. The good news is...the cancer has not spread beyond the lymph nodes, and the pathology on the lymph node dissection showed only 2 of 6 nodes were malignant. Yeah!! Chemotherapy will begin on July 28th and treatments will continue every three weeks until mid December. After Christmas, Radiation will begin everyday for 5 weeks. After that, hormone and biologic therapy will continue for 5 years. My mom is feeling extrememly grateful and very blessed at this time. She's a little tired and worn out, but continues to strengthen all of us with her positive attitude and her unwavering faith. She has a long road to recovery ahead of her, but I am convinced that she will beat this and come out of it stronger than ever!

These pictures are out of order, some from Cali., from the 4th and at Grandmas house.