Sparkling

Rick, Brent, Dad and I dug some serious razor clams. They were awesome!!

When I was in high school there was this creepy kid that said my eyes sparkled and Marisa and Lisa haven't let me forget it. Just when I'm feeling pretty good, they tell me my eyes sparkle with as much sarcasm as they can muster. Assholes. Makes me laugh every time. Anyway, this weekend my dad said the sparkle is back in my eyes. He didn't mean it like the creepy kid did though. I'm feeling good, I'm living a normal life, I have energy, I'm myself again, not a shadow of myself, its good.

I went back to the oncologist the other day and she kind of told me what to be aware of, and what to check for, but she also told me not to let it consume me. She wants me to check areas around my neck for swelling and lumps, but she said do not do it everyday, because then you'll be thinking about it and worrying about it everyday. She emphasized that its her job to worry about it and think about it, so give that to her. That was really good to hear.

She also checked my vitamin D levels when they took my blood. They check for other proteins that indicate cancer too, but the vitamin D level was intriguing to me. There was a study from last December that showed a direct correlation between breast cancer and vitamin D deficiency. They are now conducting studies that relate vitamin D deficiency to other cancers. She also said that 80% of the US is vitamin D deficient. Crazy. I just got my results back and I have a certain amount to take daily, so I should be in good shape. My students asked if they could work outside the other day, so I told them they could, but first made them listen to my vitamin D speech.

I have my last surgery scheduled for July 7th. I go home the same day. I'm excited to get that one over and done with. I'm not excited to be in pain again and not be able to lift my kids again, but it won't be as painful or as intensive, plus it's the last one!

The Bowling Party

Here are some pictures from the party. Rick was in charge of pictures, and I'm totally impressed. He got two pictures of Lisa, which is really hard to do, and two pictures of my Aunt Linda. These are two people who will avoid pictures like you wouldn't believe, but who can say no to Rick?



Ready to bowl dude...


Says it all


My grandparents are awesome


New Bff - Liam & Max


Ava - star bowler


Debbie and her sisters, they just kind of look alike


I love my sister inlaws!!


Dad, Mom, her two brothers and our friend Melody. This is the genetic reason I now have gray hair. Its not chemo, its Cannons. Seriously, check it out, all white haired, then there's my dad, "The Dude" at a bowling alley.


Aunt Linda, creator of "Mr. Poopy" and the cute kid is of course, Brent


Randy & Nell - big blog commenters and supporters!! Also Jerrad, Brent's brother who came all the way from Montana.


I never thought I looked like my brother until I shaved my head... Lisa told a few people to wear their pink shirts to the party, but then everyone decided not to. Nobody told Amos they decided not to. Ha ha, he's not bitter. He was also complete with the acid wash jeans to match the blog pic. Classy.


Sorry if you're tired of pictures. I love them. Cannon and both grandpas.


One last picture of some of my friends. Justin King, Lisa, Melodie, DeAnn, & Nolan. See, I told you I had the biggest support group ever. There are still tons more pics of family and friends, plus those that couldn't make it. I'm so flattered, and loved, and wow. Thanks!

Positive Thinking

Doctors and nurses (and family and friends, etc) kept telling me not to underestimate the power of positive thinking. Do you realize how much easier it is to think positively when the weather is beautiful outside!? There are days I get freaked out about "what if the cancer comes back!?" I can get pretty worked up when my mind really goes for it. Days like Saturday, Sunday and today when its beautiful, we're weeding in the yard, we're playing soccer (some version of it) with Max & Cannon, there are NO negative cancer thoughts in mind. Days like today I think "cancer? no problem, kicked its butt." Overall, there are more 'sunshine' days in my head then there are 'rainy' days, so that's a start!! Bob & Donna - enjoy the sunshine in Hawaii!!

60 years!

Woo hoo sunshine! It was gorgeous over here today. Granted, I still had long pants and a sweatshirt on because I'm so tough, but the sun was out, and my nose looks a little Rudolph like. Fabulous! What this means is that Brent will bust out the fan in our bedroom in the next week or so because "its too damn hot!" Then he'll fart right in front of it, let it waft in my face and laugh like its the funniest thing ever. I don't think the cancer card is going to be very effective with this one... Married life is nothing but glamorous!!

My grandparents are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this week. Check that out! I don't know how you tolerate anyone for 60 years!? I get annoyed with myself after too long. Brent and his fan for 60 years... oh dear. :)