Long time no blog!

Ok, so this will be a long one because I have been so neglectful. Feel free to just skim :)

I did get one unit of blood which brought me up to an 8.7. I went ahead the next week and got another one. That one started to make a difference in my energy levels, but I ran into some other problems. I appreciate all the offers to donate, but I am set for now. My type is A+ (like a teacher!) and my sister, brother, dad, and several uncles match.

You know by now that my life cold not just be that easy! I've  had a pain in my lower back for a while now. Over the last month, it got more frequent and more intense. An MRI was finally ordered.  The bad news is it turns out I have bulging disks from L5 - S1; my lower back. The Good news is there is no tumor pinching nerves around my spine.

On the home front, my parents have finished their business with the ranch. They are now full-time horse ranchers! Ry's garage is almost done so he can start another house project, and Stac is on the conference circuit for school based community medical clinics. Chad's brother and family will be in town from Colorado for the July 23rd benefit and are trying to work it out to move back to Illinois. Anyone know of some jobs for a certified prek-3 teacher? She could teach at a preschool/kindergarten or be director for a daycare center. Kelsey got her acceptance letter for ISU! We had a great visit with some of my dad's family and are working on plans to visit Alabama.

We can't seem to get the pool going. The weather keeps putting gunk in the pool and every time Chad tries to work on it, he breaks something! My nephew Chris has had a little more luck inside learning to hang things and keep a house going between drippy ceilings, broken tiles, and overflowing toilets!

Last Friday, I gave a speech at the Relay for Life at Mineral Springs Park. It was a lovely ceremony for which I was honorary survivor. I appreciate the nice comments about my speech. I had prayed it would be just what people needed to hear.

This Friday will be my Hall of Fame party for my students. It's probably naive to think the pool will be ready, but I, of course, have a back up plan.

I am still so blessed by the number of people helping us and reaching out. It makes our burden so much lighter when we are able to share it!

Have a great 4th of July holiday! Don't forget to honor/thank a veteran!

Draaaaagging!

I realize it has been a while since I updated. I know, right?! Before my last chemo treatment, my lab work showed my hemoglobin was a 9. At an 8 they recommend a transfusion. Then I had another treatment. The dr. suggested I call and have my hemoglobin checked if I didn't perk up in a few days. Well, I didn't perk up. The first weekend, I actually slept about 20 out of 24 hours! So Monday I went and got checked and it came back as 6.9. Red Cross does what is called a directed donation so someone I know can give their blood directly to me. Many of my family members and close friends are matches so that's not a problem. The problem is the hour and a half I had to spend on the phone this morning trying to get the details and make sure I could receive the blood as soon as possible. Right?! Crazy!

So the end result is that I go in tomorrow morning at 9 to the pekin hospital to receive one unit of blood from my brother. My sister donated, but hers was contaminated by the people who collected it. She is steaming hot about that! I actually need 2 units. My dad and uncle will go tomorrow and donate. On Monday, I will have my blood rechecked and decide if I want to get another unit. That's where my dad and uncle come in. By the time Tuesday rolls around, their donations should be ready should I need them.

I am excited about the prospect of actually having energy again! This time without all the side effects of the steroid! By the way, I am completely off the steroid now except the day before, of, and after chemo. It has been a long weening process and I still take one every now and then, but the swelling is slowly going down and I feel much stronger, no more useless legs. I'm still not going to be running any races, but I can make it up our stairs!

I'm sorry if it seems like I have ignored you or avoided you. I assure you it's nothing personal. I have been faithful to listen to my husband (even though I hate when he's right!) and rest as much as possible. If I am resting I don't answer my phone and I haven't even touched my netbook for days! Right!? That's why I can't wait for this transfusion!

Happy Weekend!

Relay

I just want to let everyone know that the Pekin Relay for Life is June 24th. Youth Activities start at 3pm. At 6:30 I will be giving a speech as an honorary survivor and leading the survivor lap. I am thankful for this opportunity to be a witness for my faith! I hope to see you there! Mineral Springs Park lagoon.

I found out this week my best friends nephew has a tumor at the base of his brain. He is 4 years old. It's amazing how many lives can be changed by cancer. The American Cancer Society really does a lot to help people through it. It's a cause worth your time and money!