tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90726154587650058812024-03-12T21:43:20.935-05:00Our Journey of Faith, Hope, Courage, and Strength"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord."- Psalms 31:24Pam Daineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742035654548938383noreply@blogger.comBlogger201125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072615458765005881.post-30091762013069164442015-11-05T09:33:00.000-06:002016-01-08T11:21:50.381-06:00Light at the end of the tunnelCelebrating the beginning of the end tonight. Started radiation today and looking forward to being done with cancer treatments in 7 weeks! But who's counting? :) #32moretogo
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4Suof9fYiNSpKwb4LmJ8rBmXNYj4AcAYbwr6-LUGf_MBUbcm4DzxLa8eVByB9yITbqZhZi0vne8F6CrU01lY0qcDOo7iGAOTUXvYOkqj_H48DPhHTHGMoTm70Vg8-pzTFmI7AJJBqoE/s1600/IMG_5813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4Suof9fYiNSpKwb4LmJ8rBmXNYj4AcAYbwr6-LUGf_MBUbcm4DzxLa8eVByB9yITbqZhZi0vne8F6CrU01lY0qcDOo7iGAOTUXvYOkqj_H48DPhHTHGMoTm70Vg8-pzTFmI7AJJBqoE/s320/IMG_5813.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Pam Daineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742035654548938383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072615458765005881.post-6991663350787087312015-10-09T12:16:00.000-05:002016-01-08T12:16:58.710-06:00Our AngelSo grateful for Aunt Diana who came to our rescue and literally was my set of hands for the week. Thank you and we love you!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggm6sJSZZ5cVKJBMBWK6IWvIM01eyXCuJevcgyizZBeJXcEZPY6MwEA626s2OLXfpulGiychOt9ugORh4wGp1_NrMDZEFYZ80r__SklfG28GwQK_r_aHE_6GQZZ-krd7Jqj2ZHuFs1pRI/s1600/IMG_2250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggm6sJSZZ5cVKJBMBWK6IWvIM01eyXCuJevcgyizZBeJXcEZPY6MwEA626s2OLXfpulGiychOt9ugORh4wGp1_NrMDZEFYZ80r__SklfG28GwQK_r_aHE_6GQZZ-krd7Jqj2ZHuFs1pRI/s320/IMG_2250.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Pam Daineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742035654548938383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072615458765005881.post-25192200772718123752015-10-02T12:10:00.000-05:002016-01-08T14:52:53.634-06:00Surgery<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's to not being able to use my arms for 2 weeks!<br />
<br />
On the bright side, I'll be able to watch to Conference from my hospital bed, most likely in peace and quiet. And Bryce and I went to hear Idina Menzel last night. Great way to celebrate. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95KNnZ_zgo82BGKbIWMa3wZUVct_YwIW3fzdlPHI5Uoa6i7Lzqandx0xtMx_7c1daQ4As7JxDVx-C42E9Ad8OyHy5PUuenzo9oGhawgu_X8PLpL9WeljHHD9i1hXHTnxRNR-ajeY79og/s1600/IMG_0292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95KNnZ_zgo82BGKbIWMa3wZUVct_YwIW3fzdlPHI5Uoa6i7Lzqandx0xtMx_7c1daQ4As7JxDVx-C42E9Ad8OyHy5PUuenzo9oGhawgu_X8PLpL9WeljHHD9i1hXHTnxRNR-ajeY79og/s320/IMG_0292.JPG" /></a></div>
Pam Daineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742035654548938383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072615458765005881.post-11441215728620931782015-09-18T11:40:00.000-05:002016-01-08T11:40:51.528-06:00Last day of chemoCelebrating our last day of chemo!! Grateful for the family and friends who made the journey something we will never forget. #5monthsofchemo #grateful #surgeryintwoweeks
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim2GYTKaM-WmIr-_GJhmE7BcG_udNyMGqybRA8zp3yDC2NXs0gCXV99a0aGEJ4bXtH2-OfiNVDYUfF-UgOATPu_3a7m91Ihvc7Z2WzobeeKsxdzuFxoefsmFnQ23axwghyVpNcNXcsPpA/s1600/IMG_5556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim2GYTKaM-WmIr-_GJhmE7BcG_udNyMGqybRA8zp3yDC2NXs0gCXV99a0aGEJ4bXtH2-OfiNVDYUfF-UgOATPu_3a7m91Ihvc7Z2WzobeeKsxdzuFxoefsmFnQ23axwghyVpNcNXcsPpA/s320/IMG_5556.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocTucQdbClkbfTdmepOybdL4RMXtSnxEkF93ShuyWycYF9-RFQ9ro7ooGiPQZB1bksgXEODZeU9oUe4K72MhFyuAD2yEJE5YaROAFX4zT1jsUBo8QNaTurvBGWpCp4URdAhfRLkfi-mM/s1600/IMG_5545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocTucQdbClkbfTdmepOybdL4RMXtSnxEkF93ShuyWycYF9-RFQ9ro7ooGiPQZB1bksgXEODZeU9oUe4K72MhFyuAD2yEJE5YaROAFX4zT1jsUBo8QNaTurvBGWpCp4URdAhfRLkfi-mM/s320/IMG_5545.JPG" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuO3pgDWSHZ_0r2D6qipTheRwu-IB8dhBHO-YKDTjzp7BXOBGoMzREK6jbECXkiJqGCvc0V6ohDI9vXDJxY4a_V3ORO5QhIVnnUbg0mts5qAH4EFLVsoeEuYwBh7tOY_ON1AM3sfQdxe4/s1600/IMG_5598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuO3pgDWSHZ_0r2D6qipTheRwu-IB8dhBHO-YKDTjzp7BXOBGoMzREK6jbECXkiJqGCvc0V6ohDI9vXDJxY4a_V3ORO5QhIVnnUbg0mts5qAH4EFLVsoeEuYwBh7tOY_ON1AM3sfQdxe4/s320/IMG_5598.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYygFX1P1MbUsvzRfgC7MN1XMZjKjflt-gxItp31BvGegp8eS-GV_L2ebvQcjnwTdOIebgseSCMgN85LZfSmvSMH2tUPfvdJdsaDrPnKXLacKD64dwzmk4NRGkeCB5yxd8Bu-TSZn3Mw/s1600/IMG_5567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYygFX1P1MbUsvzRfgC7MN1XMZjKjflt-gxItp31BvGegp8eS-GV_L2ebvQcjnwTdOIebgseSCMgN85LZfSmvSMH2tUPfvdJdsaDrPnKXLacKD64dwzmk4NRGkeCB5yxd8Bu-TSZn3Mw/s320/IMG_5567.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Pam Daineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742035654548938383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072615458765005881.post-31609143872184975592015-08-05T12:38:00.000-05:002016-01-08T12:47:37.229-06:00Stronger than cancerI wake surfed today. Proved to my body that I am stronger than cancer. :) I surfed until I couldn't swim to my board anymore. I'm definitely weaker than last summer, but still strong. Grateful for my body. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLNOErb4Udx2QJXLQgpQ_T1DNsHSiR2nImPSS1Ye1U1321GiLQUlcsP3IBvgr7TGJXGuOeijJp5mR5teoUZs9mbHn1_IndK1bQgWMZsyeTHHCb5br0y__QqyafViPOZz3qt-QoTN-f4lU/s1600/IMG_0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLNOErb4Udx2QJXLQgpQ_T1DNsHSiR2nImPSS1Ye1U1321GiLQUlcsP3IBvgr7TGJXGuOeijJp5mR5teoUZs9mbHn1_IndK1bQgWMZsyeTHHCb5br0y__QqyafViPOZz3qt-QoTN-f4lU/s320/IMG_0074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKM0CmmwIZ-jRkPGfamO6RRblu7fZzCm-qXHGYK2wjHKU13Ogr9y2MLxyDErarhOhYjNLzKFi5nC40_ZLS3BELct0KMhSiT2I7h54iNTBmcK_jz0ADotoc1Hgnq5g_88Qy53N8_jESXM/s1600/IMG_9812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKM0CmmwIZ-jRkPGfamO6RRblu7fZzCm-qXHGYK2wjHKU13Ogr9y2MLxyDErarhOhYjNLzKFi5nC40_ZLS3BELct0KMhSiT2I7h54iNTBmcK_jz0ADotoc1Hgnq5g_88Qy53N8_jESXM/s320/IMG_9812.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Pam Daineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742035654548938383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072615458765005881.post-37236694738703797252015-07-21T10:57:00.000-05:002015-08-03T11:03:24.424-05:00Hope<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Treatment 4 of 12 today, but who's counting?! :) Bryce drove up to Spokane with the kids, so Kaylee joined me today and brought me lunch. Thanks sis!</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I shared my side effects with the oncologist and he reduced my dose by 10% to limit permanent side effects of the taxol. I asked if that increased my chances of recurrence later and he said that the stats provide the big picture and that dosage reductions are part of that big picture, so the percentages don't change. My take on what he said - in the big picture stats may not change but individually they prob do. Oh well....</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I saw a beautiful moment of hope today as I started my chemo treatment. A young woman who I have seen for the last few weeks was finishing her last chemo treatment. What I discovered today is that she is a mother of five and probably only a few years older then me judging by the age of her kids. Her husband and five kids were there to celebrate with her as she rang the bell on her final day of treatment. My heart filled with emotion and I felt my eyes tear up. After she left, I reflected on my emotions, surprised by reaction and the variety of feelings I was experiencing. </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I was happy that she had such a supportive family too and that she wasn't in this battle alone. I ached for her and her family and wondered how they were holding up in this cancer battle. (My own trials don't seem so bad because I know how I'm doing, but with others you wonder how they are truly holding up). </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I was a little saddened that I had missed out on an opportunity to make a friend with a woman who's situation was similar to mine - young breast cancer patient, young mother, same cancer, same drug treatment plan. In my effort to sit away from other patients to provide them with some privacy and as little disturbance as possible, I felt today that I had missed a blessing in my life. This woman had thank you notes for the nurses and from the few words she spoke it was obvious she was a tender-hearted and loving woman. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Another feeling I recognized was hope. There was light at the end of the tunnel and I became excited that in 8 weeks my day would come to have my entire family in that room ringing the bell with me. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
Pam Daineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742035654548938383noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072615458765005881.post-50381522527149206622015-07-21T10:53:00.000-05:002015-08-15T05:05:59.898-05:00Week 3 of 12Only a couple of times this week I felt tingling in my thumbs. A great improvement from last week!
Unfortunately on Sunday I started feeling the numbness and tingling on top of my foot and later numbness in my entire right leg. I got up out of bed to walk around to make sure I could walk without falling (my doctor asked me last week if I had fallen from the neuropathy and the question horrified me, that neuropathy could get that bad). I didn't fall and could walk normally so that was comforting.<br />
<br />
The good news is that the numbness and tingling never last for more than a minute so it's not bothersome. Just makes me wonder what permanent damage could be happening. Stats for neuropathy with taxol are that 1/3 never feel the tingling (missed that boat), 1/3 feel it only during chemo, and for the rest of the unlucky 1/3 it lasts their entire life. Hope I'm that middle third!<br />
<br />
On Monday the tingling changed a bit - instead of tingling it felt more like pins and needles. I wouldn't say it was painful, but it was a change from what it had been. I had been on my feet all day packing (Yes, we're moving next week - when it rains it pours!) :) so I wondered if i just had tired feet but the pins and needles came in my fingers too, and later my mouth was feeling numb. Part of me wonders if I'm inventing all these crazy feelings in my body, just more acutely aware of my feet falling asleep because I'm paranoid, or if I'm really having side effects :).<br />
<br />
With that said...
I like to be specific in my prayers, so for all of you wonderful friends and amazing people that keep us in yours, I could use prayers that my body will be strong against the taxol so I can receive all of my chemo treatments, and that my nerves will have as little damage as possible. There is power in prayer, and it's important to remember - I'm alive! So come what may with neurothpathy, I am blessed to be alive! :) Pam Daineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742035654548938383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072615458765005881.post-42862712418433804592015-07-18T05:04:00.000-05:002015-08-15T05:07:05.440-05:00California Here We Come!Bryce had a work trip to Los Angeles (on my birthday) and he surprised me with a ticket to go too. He packed my bag and everything! (In less than five minutes btw - and didn't forget a thing). #heisawesome. We left straight from chemo and had a great 2-day trip.<br />
<br />
Day 1 - I went to the Los Angeles temple while Bryce had his work presentations and meetings. He finished early so we were able to meet up and go to the beach before dinner and ice cream. So fun to walk in the water and see and hear the ocean. If you ever need a good calf workout - try walking on dry sand for awhile. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaRvEbHsw5AqN5HyZgKfDGwFDfOAVaYwpsyid-82reEO-cNl74_oUJ_KM6KQLgPjeEdf6yVXyK6D6hrcs4hVzi_-803j5jXv0iOBmlBFUh1I3ObZ0jioaktkDN9oYkee5MPYOEdLGnfI/s1600/IMG_5132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaRvEbHsw5AqN5HyZgKfDGwFDfOAVaYwpsyid-82reEO-cNl74_oUJ_KM6KQLgPjeEdf6yVXyK6D6hrcs4hVzi_-803j5jXv0iOBmlBFUh1I3ObZ0jioaktkDN9oYkee5MPYOEdLGnfI/s320/IMG_5132.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Day 2 -
Slept in and drove to the Newport Beach temple. (This temple was announced while I lived in CA and would have been the temple closest to me, however my family moved to Colorado before construction started so it was meaningful to see it finished and operating.)
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccIBoxRzHIK1RBz3ofYyeWgCXNhRYVzky9vI4qj4fLZq9yQstiHvYq5Zo8p3T2MnKYuHMYuBXQtLBsZri8JQ9rTT9vEctMW6v33FTN1KWK56p6Lk6qx0_RpGbjA5N9trAzYo9fAOVcUw/s1600/IMG_5195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccIBoxRzHIK1RBz3ofYyeWgCXNhRYVzky9vI4qj4fLZq9yQstiHvYq5Zo8p3T2MnKYuHMYuBXQtLBsZri8JQ9rTT9vEctMW6v33FTN1KWK56p6Lk6qx0_RpGbjA5N9trAzYo9fAOVcUw/s320/IMG_5195.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
After Newport we we drove to the San Diego temple. (Can you tell I love the temple?) :). The San Diego temple has a special place in my heart because as an 8-year old girl when my family attended its open house, I decided inside that I would be married there. While I ended up getting married in the Provo temple, (does life ever go as planned?!) :) it was in the San Diego temple that my decision to be married in the house of the Lord was cemented, and became a moment in my life that I referenced and reflected on often growing up. Dinner was amazing at an restaurant on the harbor (seafood and my pick btw. I know, I have come a long way) :).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRcOA63byUNVpQP2FrqRojqJzN_np_TcIjKLevH_ga_TfZKGKXajpiVFX3UHmlqsPJqq3Jd5IVmOGQZD6aiAp3fIhHtVomO2_F0RqHMkTutDl9GPiaehuSo8_vf0Eiw5KtbAF55OjxtA/s1600/IMG_5243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRcOA63byUNVpQP2FrqRojqJzN_np_TcIjKLevH_ga_TfZKGKXajpiVFX3UHmlqsPJqq3Jd5IVmOGQZD6aiAp3fIhHtVomO2_F0RqHMkTutDl9GPiaehuSo8_vf0Eiw5KtbAF55OjxtA/s320/IMG_5243.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
All of the temples we attended were beautiful inside and out and I am grateful we have houses of the Lord all over the earth. Our lives, as well as those who have passed away, are blessed as we attend, and it is my favorite place on Earth to be. I feel the strength and power of the Lord and His Spirit and I know with absolute certainty that He loves and is aware of me. It was a wonderful trip - fun to be surprised, with Bryce, and in temples from my childhood.<br />
<br />
(To learn more about these temples visit <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/temples?lang=eng">https://www.lds.org/church/temples?lang=eng</a>)Pam Daineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742035654548938383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072615458765005881.post-50536725610208605472015-07-14T10:40:00.000-05:002015-08-15T05:08:17.480-05:00Week 2 of 12I told my oncologist about the tingling and he was surprised because the weekly treatment plan is supposed to reduce tingling and numbness. Makes me grateful I went this route instead of 4 treatments at a high dose every two weeks.
<br />
<br />
He said the standard of care is to continue with chemo treatments until there is pain. He said he tended to cut back on dosage a little earlier than the standard guidelines which was comforting but that this week we should push through and keep dosage and treatment the same.
<br />
<br />
I asked if the Benadryl reduction was reason for feeling the numbness and tingling (its dosage was the only thing that changed last week) but he said Benadryl has no impact or effect on the tingling.
<br />
<br />
Now off to California to celebrate my birthday and our 10-year anniversary!! Pam Daineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742035654548938383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072615458765005881.post-42044155693291165912015-07-13T10:59:00.000-05:002015-08-15T05:08:39.996-05:00Spoke too soonI spoke too soon. Lots of numbness and tingling this week. It feels like my feet and hands have fallen asleep and are waking up. Kind of annoying but the scary thing is that this numbness and tingling means nerve damage and it could be permanent. Oncologist was going to skip seeing me next treatment and just give me the drugs because last week was so awesome but I made an apt with him to figure out my options.
<br><br>
Good news is I feel awesome!!
Pam Daineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742035654548938383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072615458765005881.post-49863113162045522482015-07-08T10:39:00.000-05:002015-08-15T05:07:46.167-05:00Week 1 of 12Had an awesome week. Like I'm not on chemo. No side effects, no nausea, no numbness and tingling. I couldn't help but think that maybe they gave me a placebo. :). When I jokingly told my oncologist he informed me my blood counts showed I had chemo. :) I'm liking taxol a lot better than dose dense AC.<br />
<br />
I talked my oncologist into reducing my Benadryl dosage (I compromised at 50%) :) because I had no allergic reaction last week and that was the reason for the Benadryl. No need to come home sleepy for the rest of the day.
<br />
<br />
Still came home and took a three hour nap. Couldn't go to bed until 3:30 in the morning even though I was tired. Those steroids...(side effect is difficulty sleeping). My nap prob had something to do with it too. :)Pam Daineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742035654548938383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072615458765005881.post-41019251342638648762015-06-26T19:48:00.000-05:002015-06-27T00:14:39.109-05:00"Cruising Through Chemo"I was optimistic today leaving the hospital after receiving my first round of taxol. (No allergic reaction by the way. Just feeling sleepy from the Benadryl, but that has worn off now, and I'm feeling awesome - like I haven't had chemo yet.) We will see what the other days this week bring, but if this is what the second half of chemo is like, I'm excited. No headache, no nausea, no chemo brain cloud - wahoo!<br />
<br />
As I met with the oncologist today, he said - "You cruised through the first treatments of chemo. It may not have felt that way to you, but if everyone responded to chemo the way you did, I'd be out of a job and chemo would be an over the counter drug." Don't know if he was just trying to make me feel good, but the first 8 weeks went pretty smoothly and were much better than I anticipated. Such a blessing. He said the next 12 weeks should be even better. Hopefully I can keep cruising. :) <br />
<br />
And PS - my tumor is shrinking. Glad this is starting to work! (I was worried - and skeptical- for the first 6 weeks.)Pam Daineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742035654548938383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072615458765005881.post-34699977460221401062015-06-26T11:02:00.001-05:002015-06-27T00:12:11.671-05:00Time FliesI can't believe I have finished my first round of treatments. It's been 8 weeks since I started chemo. Here's to 12 more weekly treatments of a different drug! Side effects with my new drug, taxol, are supposed to be minimal since the dose is weekly but include neuropathy (damage to hands, fingers, and toes), bone pain, rash, and I could have an allergic reaction but I will know that in the first few minutes of receiving the drug.) Hope the next 12 weeks go as fast as the first eight. Still fighting strong!!Pam Daineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742035654548938383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072615458765005881.post-63005143410624745232015-06-25T19:57:00.000-05:002015-06-26T21:53:03.524-05:00The Curse of the CoughI have had a cough for the last 4 weeks. Had it shortly after my 3rd round of chemo, then it got better. Then a few days after my fourth round it came back. Cough syrup, humidifier, and allergy meds didn't help it. Oncologist said it was nothing to be concerned about because I didn't have a fever and mucous was clear (TMI). Probably a virus I picked up. It's been annoying more than anything and unfortunately has made sleeping difficult, as it gets worse when I lay down. Fortunately I can sleep sitting up on the couch after a coughing fit that lasts a couple of hours. :) Could be worse, right? Only one night was especially bad when three different children woke up at different times in the night and I had to start my bedtime routine again. Thank goodness Emi is here and I can make up for lost sleep during the day. I'm over the worst of it again (i.e. I can sleep in my own bed), so hopefully that cough stays away!Pam Daineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742035654548938383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072615458765005881.post-73135894544214399922015-06-20T00:00:00.000-05:002015-06-27T00:33:33.340-05:00Saturday AdventuresHad a blast today rafting down the Provo River. Provo Canyon is beautiful, and we had an awesome time. The kids loved paddling, especially Camryn and Deacon, and my favorite quote of the adventure was from Deacon, "Paddle hard, Mom! Paddle hard." It was great to have Emi and Cassidy come along too for extra paddling power and kid support.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuC8IKME1zc5tSc8jGqmbEfTFImwOhmMhXCa9CKi-AEZt1N3Cxod3ARBrtxanuUrDc0vqHOC2gKngPo8Ngofy0aBRFeWCnvIwpafO1QQm37tUWthrYDC2fiOv5s-ci220wB-kYWRtpqDw/s1600/IMG_4985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuC8IKME1zc5tSc8jGqmbEfTFImwOhmMhXCa9CKi-AEZt1N3Cxod3ARBrtxanuUrDc0vqHOC2gKngPo8Ngofy0aBRFeWCnvIwpafO1QQm37tUWthrYDC2fiOv5s-ci220wB-kYWRtpqDw/s320/IMG_4985.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWJF6L-QH_tlAlgTeW0Mp6G__94QqpjDnfzi0e-1uXCAxqjQL1o7m4dU6wUQ0rcW9Q6Jaqd4gbMTu0Iq1_BfXKNeaS-598flKl_9hdDxFJ1JSOJZblVTC3hCi3b-72_PyMY96KdtKdzk/s1600/IMG_5008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWJF6L-QH_tlAlgTeW0Mp6G__94QqpjDnfzi0e-1uXCAxqjQL1o7m4dU6wUQ0rcW9Q6Jaqd4gbMTu0Iq1_BfXKNeaS-598flKl_9hdDxFJ1JSOJZblVTC3hCi3b-72_PyMY96KdtKdzk/s320/IMG_5008.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Pam Daineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742035654548938383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072615458765005881.post-29774419203157737902015-06-18T21:29:00.000-05:002015-06-26T21:32:45.324-05:00My HeroHave you ever felt so indebted to someone that you don't know how you can ever repay them? That despite your most sincere thanks, actions, and words that you can't express the deep gratitude you feel? That's how I feel about my sister Emily. (I decided long ago to throw away the in-law part of family.) :) <br />
<br />
On the day we shared my diagnosis with family, she told us she would come to Provo the day she graduated high school to be our live-in nanny for the summer. I remember her first day here: she showed up at my door at 7:30 in the morning, without ever being asked, to get the kids off to school. She is willingly on-call, anytime, day after day. She loves my kids and treats them with love and kindness, even when they have their occasional difficult times (I hope it's occasional). I have been able to take naps every day, grocery shop, date my husband, workout - and the kids are able to get out and do fun things every day - all because of Emily. People lovingly ask how I am doing, and my answer is always the same: "I'm doing awesome because Emily is here." I don't know what I'd do without you sis. Thank you for showing me what it means to be family.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZw9-XnwEKk82uASdlS6U5IVv0cXREoVxzxXs678vB1jouKoftp5882oEnuT3Xm10Nlog84Qeb1IC0htXO4_3Fn7WQMbjP2tphOU_AoDjgAIEO82Ln0_D3p0zFlYizba67ky-cj0OdeSY/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZw9-XnwEKk82uASdlS6U5IVv0cXREoVxzxXs678vB1jouKoftp5882oEnuT3Xm10Nlog84Qeb1IC0htXO4_3Fn7WQMbjP2tphOU_AoDjgAIEO82Ln0_D3p0zFlYizba67ky-cj0OdeSY/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Pam Daineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742035654548938383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072615458765005881.post-2341930119096159872015-06-17T10:17:00.000-05:002015-06-19T12:08:53.018-05:00Hats to the GovernmentBryce and I went to the DMV today to finally get our Utah licenses. (My last license is from TX - completely skipped having an IA one. Clearly getting a new license when we move is a priority.) Anyway, my plan when we left was for Bryce to get his but I wasn't going to get mine. However, Bryce persuaded me that despite my bald head I should still get it - I could always retake the picture once my hair grew back. Besides, he had a shaved head too and was wearing a hot pink shirt (#wearpinkforpam). I reluctantly agreed.<br />
<br />
Bryce had his picture taken with "I wear pink for my wife" across the front of his shirt. What a husband. Then the DMV employee asked the gentleman in front of me to remove his hat for the picture. Oh well, I thought. No harm in having a bald head. <br />
<br />
Then it was my turn. As I sat down in the photo chair I asked the employee, "Do you want my hat on or off?" It didn't hurt to ask, right?<br />
<br />
Surprisingly, she responded, "Your choice."<br />
<br />
Wahoo! Thanks government, hats to you. Except just this time I'll keep mine on. Pam Daineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742035654548938383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072615458765005881.post-54613741563685835862015-06-15T09:04:00.000-05:002015-06-19T11:47:49.788-05:00Good news - negative test result! There's a lot to catch up on but I'll have to fill in the gaps as I have time. <br />
<br />
I received my MyRisk genetic test results - MyRisk tests more than just BRCA genes - they test 17 other cancer related genes, and since I had a great aunt with ovarian cancer, I "qualified" for more than just BRCA testing.<br />
<br />
Good news is test results were negative - I don't have any of the 17 cancer genes! I don't know what caused my cancer, but at least I'm not passing on the well-known cancer genes to my kids.Pam Daineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742035654548938383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072615458765005881.post-71835544478482839992015-06-04T09:04:00.000-05:002015-06-19T11:48:47.002-05:00RealityWalking out of the restaurant tonight...<br />
<br />
We got to the car and I realized Camryn still had her fork.<br />
Me - "Camryn, you have a fork from the restaurant. What did you bring that for?"<br />
C - "I'm saving it to use it for breakfast tomorrow."<br />
Me - "Oh - well we want to leave the fork at the restaurant because it's theirs, and we have enough forks at home that we can use."<br />
C "But mom!! All of our forks are dirty!"<br />
<br />
Never had a child stealing silverware from restaurants because she didn't have enough clean ones at home. (At least I did the dishes before we left for the restaurant.)<br />
<br />
And if that wasn't bad enough, later that night as Deacon was having a before-bed snack, he cleared his plate and fork (not paper or plastic) and dumped them right in the garbage can. Used to having paper goods I guess. Now I know where all of our forks are going. :)
Pam Daineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742035654548938383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072615458765005881.post-29942938118980658992015-05-28T10:28:00.000-05:002015-06-16T10:29:20.029-05:0010 miles!Biked 10 miles today - seven on the trainer, and then three with the family for a family bike ride. Feeling awesome. Love my chemo off weeks! Pam Daineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742035654548938383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072615458765005881.post-71266158250294784002015-05-26T14:39:00.002-05:002015-05-26T14:40:39.149-05:00One Mile Down, Many to Come<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px;">Today is a day to celebrate. <b> I ran my first mile today since chemo started!!</b> I am stoked! Only a 9:45 mile, but I ran it and probably could have run another one. My port didn't bother me for the first time, and I feel like I overcame a big obstacle today. I laughed out loud doing pull-ups today - does it really take chemo for me start going to the gym with Bryce? </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px;">Guess I have to show my body who's boss. :) </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px;">Only one mile today, but there will be more!!! </span>Pam Daineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742035654548938383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072615458765005881.post-85086842629419431402015-05-09T10:39:00.000-05:002015-06-16T10:42:18.993-05:00Race DayWhat a day to remember! We raced for the cure in the pouring rain in Salt Lake City today - and afterwards saw there were many others supporting elsewhere. We love you and are strengthened and encouraged by you. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LdMP8JhPbwc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LdMP8JhPbwc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
Pam Daineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742035654548938383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072615458765005881.post-15558029935565452502015-05-07T15:25:00.000-05:002015-05-26T15:26:04.964-05:00Week 1<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<u><b>Day 2</b></u> (Saturday May 2nd)</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
Felt like I was going to throw up most of the day; same nauseous feeling from yesterday. Maybe having surgery and chemo on the same day wasn't such a good idea after all. </div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br data-mce-bogus="1" /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
Had a package from Clara and her family and some friends from Iowa. Great timing and the kids loved it too. Thank you! How blessed we are to have wonderful friends. </div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<b><u>Day 3 </u></b>(Sunday May 3rd)</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
I walked to church. I decided Friday I was going to go to church. Chemo wasn't going to stop me. Walking is nice, and I felt MUCH better than Friday and Sat. I think this is what chemo must feel like, surgery aside. Still on pain meds for my surgery. The nausea meds don't seem to be working and just leave me feeling groggy. </div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
I took a 30 min. snooze in the van second hour of church, and was ready for our Primary class 3rd hour. The bishopric asked if I wanted to be released from my calling, but I told them to please leave me in. Children heal the soul. </div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<b><u>Day 4</u></b> (Monday May 4th)</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
Woke up this morning feeling gross, like I was in a different body. It was hard to get up, or to even want to get up. I didn't feel like doing anything. I hate waking up. It's like a foggy brain and waking up in a different body. Creepy and disturbing are the best words I can come up with. </div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Day 5 </u>(Tuesday May 5th)</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
Woke up feeling awesome - the best I have felt yet. I took two Tylenol this morning because I had a killer headache. Had our morning walk and didn't take any drugs the rest of the day. Still had a nudging headache all day, like if I jumped up and down my head would hurt, and I still feel a little pull on my neck from surgery but no nausea. Wahoo!!!</div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br clear="none" /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
Jenny stopped by for a quick visit and it was so great to see her. She cleaned my kitchen while we chatted, and I haven't gotten tired yet talking about cancer. She brought over a cute journal titled "One day at a time" and a head wrap (is that even what you call it?) for me to wear. Dakota tried it on and it looked super cute. I loved it - still terrified to wear it. What if it looks awful and then I can't do anything about it? Maybe I'll just wear them and not look in the mirror. (Side note - I put it on this evening and Bryce and the girls said I looked cute. I looked in the mirror and I think I will be ok with them.) Btw - love it Jenny...just still getting used to the idea. :) </div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br data-mce-bogus="1" /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
Mindy is here! So fun to have her and Nate and the kids here. They met us at Tay's soccer game. It's fun to watch cousins play. Mindy made me sit tonight while she did all the work. Felt really weird...but it was kind of nice at the same time. </div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
Tips to remember: Curry always sounds good, and I think mint-flavored gum will help with nausea. (At least Camryn's bubblicious flavored gum does (actually it's my gum that she gifted to herself, but she shares so willingly). :)</div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Day 6 </u>(Wednesday May 6th)</div>
Tried today and feeling weak. I wonder if I over exerted myself yesterday but I didn't do anything too strenuous. I think I'm feeling this way because of my lack of sleep last night. I hard a hard time going to sleep, woke up a few times, and had a hard time going back to sleep. I finally realized why. Sleep was easy when i was on my pain killers and nausea medicine which are both sedatives. Now I'm off, and one of the side effects of chemo is difficulty sleeping (not sure why). Hopefully I can get some sleep tonight. Feeling a little nauseous but I feel so much better being off of all this medication so I think I'll stick it out a bit longer. Besides smelling peppermint helps. :)<br clear="none" /><br clear="none" /><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
Mindy is awesome. She takes care of me and my family while still taking care of hers. Thanks Nate and Mindalon. You are my heroes. </div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Day 7</u> (Thursday May 7th)</div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
Mindy introduced me to a song today (Fight Song) - it's my new theme song.<br clear="none" /><br clear="none" />Feeling good today. No drugs, no headaches. Just sore on my neck and left side from my port. Not sure if port surgery and chemo in the same day was a good idea. Both docs (oncologist and surgeon) said it wasn't a problem and people do it often. But I've wondered when and how I'm supposed to heal from my surgery with such a low immune system. I wish I had thought about that last week. Hope it heals soon. I'd like to hug my kids and have them sit on my lap without being careful. I didn't expect this until my real surgery later. <br clear="none" /><br clear="none" />Keeping up my <span style="line-height: 1.428571em;">6:30am</span> walks. My best time of the day. I feel the best, I enjoy the time with Bryce, the air is refreshing, and I start my day fighting. Wish I would have been this diligent in exercise when I actually had the strength to run. Guess i just needed a little motivation. :)</div>
</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
Pam Daineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742035654548938383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072615458765005881.post-69591509812518323532015-05-01T15:00:00.000-05:002015-06-27T00:37:00.557-05:00Round One - Surgery and Chemo<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
I had surgery to have my chemo port put in. Driving to the hospital in American Fork we were able to see Mt. Timpanogas Temple lit up for the entire end of the drive. It was like driving home, but to my home; His home. I love the temple. It is my other home. Seeing the temple helped calm me because I woke up feeling anxious about surgery. Just as we were pulling in to the hospital, Mindy texted over the perfect scripture: John 14:27. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." With the temple just behind me and the scripture in my hand, my fear left and I was ready. </div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
I was grateful to have Bryce with me all day. I am so appreciative of him and the support he has been. He is my constant and I don't know what I would do without him. </div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br clear="none" /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
I felt nauseous the minute I woke up from surgery. The only time I didn't feel nauseous today was when I was being pumped up with the chemo drugs, which is really backwards. I took some of the nausea drugs the oncologist gave me, but that didn't change anything. Must be from the anesthesia during surgery. </div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br data-mce-bogus="1" /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
Mal and Kaylee met up with us in the execution room (chemo room) as I am nicknaming it. There are about 10 chairs in a big room, you pick a chair, and they hook you up to the drugs that hopefully don't kill you. It all kind of seems wrong. It's like a dying room, and I'm still kind of creeped out about it. </div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br data-mce-bogus="1" /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
I came home and slept for the rest of the day. As I was climbing in to bed, I realized my bed was made. Still foggy from surgery, I realized I hadn't made it and Bryce couldn't have either because he was with me the whole time. And my house seemed a lot cleaner when I walked in then when I left. Come to find out, Kaylee had stayed home from work and cleaned like crazy so I could come home to a clean house. I love you Kay!!</div>
Pam Daineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742035654548938383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072615458765005881.post-43619360840409979912015-04-30T13:38:00.000-05:002015-05-07T08:22:21.837-05:00Taking off against the wind<div>
<div>
Mornings don't go as planned. :)</div>
<div>
<br clear="none" /></div>
<div>
We
received truancy letters from the school for the kids for tardies and
absences. We are required to attend a class, pay money for the class,
and go to court if we don't go to the class. I called the office and
told them I have cancer and everything is magically waived. Wahoo for
cancer. :) (Haven't pulled the cancer card yet, but today I did and had no problem with it.)</div>
<div>
<br clear="none" /></div>
<div>
My surgeon's office called. Apparently my surgeon wants to do an MRI biopsy on
the left breast even though nothing showed up on the ultrasound. I asked about false positives on MRIs and the radiologist's recommendation, and the nurse (my RS Pres) said Jennifer is thorough and cancer could
still be there and not show up on the ultra sound. Bottom line - She'd
rather make sure than not. If I have decided on bi-lateral mysectomy
then it doesn't matter. If not and it is cancer, then we should
know before it disappears during chemo so tissue can be removed on the
left side during surgery. I am appreciative of the thoroughness but can't help feeling annoyed. I wish the doctors could all get in the same
room, on the same day, at the same time, and preferably while I'm there :), so I don't have to keep
going back to the hospital for more tests. Most likely it's a false positive. I guess when the doctors say jump, I jump. Arg. UPDATE: It was a false positive. No biopsy and no detected cancer on the left side!</div>
<div>
<br clear="none" /></div>
<div>
Camryn and
Naomi (her friend who is a great way for me to get things done around the house) decided to decorate the wall with stamps and then accidentally
spill milk on the floor. Note: Wall disasters and spilled milk sometimes make moms cry.
Today it did - I held the tears until I was in my room where they
couldn't see. </div>
<div>
<br clear="none" /></div>
<div>
Received the perfect quote from
Kate. Her timing and choice of words were priceless. "When everything
seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off
against the wind, not with it." - Henry Ford. Lots of wind today.
This quote helped me get off the ground. Love you, Kate.</div>
<div>
<br clear="none" /></div>
<div>
Filling
out loan apps and reviewing sellers disclosures. Buying a house in the midst of all of this. When it rains it
pours. Thankful Bryce has been taking care of most of the house stuff. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Maybe my house will get clean today. :) </div>
</div>
Pam Daineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03742035654548938383noreply@blogger.com0