So Zane has been a real source of laughter this last week. I thought I would share a few.
After putting sandals on for the first time since last year. He was pretty excited to have sandals on...
"Mom, you don't need socks with sandals! Nope, no socks, just feet."
Overheard conversations with Zane and Cora.
While playing mom and dad.
"Zane, you know our kids died, they got stepped on by a coyote"
While going to Seward for McDonalds
"Tora, I know how to drive, you push that button and it turns the brake on"
After scooping the black kitty off the road (one of my favorites) I told them that they better stay off the highway or the same could happen to the them. Zane responded with
"Well you have to look both ways, the black kitty didn't AND he didn't have a adult with him."
On the way back from Seward
"Tora, we have church tomorrow and we go to a monster church, but they are just nice monsters."
And my favorite
Zane: Mom, did you see that red tractor over there.
Me: Yes
Zane: It didn't have a bucket on it, why it not have a bucket on it.
Me: Not sure
Zane: Cause God made it that way.
Me: Really?
Zane: No, God didn't make that, the workers did.
Me: Yes, but God made the workers that made that tractor
Zane: Yes and I like God so he made me. And he made Jesus. And God is going to get him.
Me: Really, God is going to get Jesus for doing what?
Zane: Not he is going to get Jesus, like if you gets lost or if you gets hurt or if a dinosaur steps on you. God is going to get Jesus.
Me: Oh, so if you need Jesus, God will get him to help you?
Zane: YES
Me: Oh that is good to know. I will make sure I call for Jesus if a dinosaur steps on me.
I think I should change my blog to, "When a dinosaur stepped on me"
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Update March 17
It's been awhile since I have posted. I have been bad about keeping everyone updated here since I do it so much on Facebook then I am reminded that there are some that are some keeping track of things here that may not be on Facebook. So I will give you all on update then I am going to work on some posts that I have started and some that I need to get started on.
I had my last chemo March 8th. The previous time I had what they thought was a slight allergic reaction to the carboplatin, which is one of the drugs. The wanted to keep an eye on that since it's been known to get worse each time after that when it's given. So, guess what, had a pretty strong reaction to it this time around. My vitals stayed good, my heart rate went up a bit which is it be expected because it scared me a bit, well, a lot. They gave me some drugs to help with the reaction and my reaction to the reaction that pretty much knocked me out. I was still able to drag myself to Ruby Tuesday to eat at the salad bar, you know, you gotta do what you gotta do. They had stopped the carboplatin so I only received one drug instead of three. The last, herception they are waiting to give me more of because it may have caused some damage to my heart. I am having more testing on the 26th. It's a known side effect to this drug. Not sure yet if the they can medically reverse any of this damage so pray if you can. My next and hopefully last chemo is March 29th
more info about herceptin here
If you want a chuckle go to that link and look at the side effects, I have had everyone of those I think. It's like no kidding, I guess it doesn't give you cancer. I especially like this warning
Before receiving trastuzumab injection,
I had my last chemo March 8th. The previous time I had what they thought was a slight allergic reaction to the carboplatin, which is one of the drugs. The wanted to keep an eye on that since it's been known to get worse each time after that when it's given. So, guess what, had a pretty strong reaction to it this time around. My vitals stayed good, my heart rate went up a bit which is it be expected because it scared me a bit, well, a lot. They gave me some drugs to help with the reaction and my reaction to the reaction that pretty much knocked me out. I was still able to drag myself to Ruby Tuesday to eat at the salad bar, you know, you gotta do what you gotta do. They had stopped the carboplatin so I only received one drug instead of three. The last, herception they are waiting to give me more of because it may have caused some damage to my heart. I am having more testing on the 26th. It's a known side effect to this drug. Not sure yet if the they can medically reverse any of this damage so pray if you can. My next and hopefully last chemo is March 29th
more info about herceptin here
If you want a chuckle go to that link and look at the side effects, I have had everyone of those I think. It's like no kidding, I guess it doesn't give you cancer. I especially like this warning
Before receiving trastuzumab injection,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to trastuzumab, medications made from Chinese hamster ovary cell protein, any other medications, or benzyl alcohol. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure if a medication you are allergic to is made from Chinese hamster ovary cell protein or contains benzyl alcohol.
You really can't say they aren't look high and low for the cure for breast cancer
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Good news
A couple of weeks ago I found out that Susan G Komen had given money to Planned Parenthood as a grant for mammograms. Now I am all for low or free screenings for women that are in need of this. But in my eyes it was like saying that a serial killer should be given money so they could do something good for the community. Anyway, a friend sent me this press release. I did a quick search for the Lincoln affiliate. If you stand with me on this, please send them a quick email thanking them for the decision. I believe they would also be the ones to contact if you know of someone in need of a low cost or free screening. Every baby is a gift from God and is valuable. In a culture that just screams for equal rights for all, as a nation, we are not giving those rights to the most vulnerable.
Nebraska Affiliate
P.O. Box 461236
Papillion, NE 68046
Phone: (402) 502-2979
Fax: (402) 991-8591
Email Address: lynette@komennebraska.org
Julie Schmit-Albin on KFAB's Good Morning Show re: Susan G. Komen Decision 
Nebraska Affiliate
P.O. Box 461236
Papillion, NE 68046
Phone: (402) 502-2979
Fax: (402) 991-8591
Email Address: lynette@komennebraska.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
2/2/12
CONTACT:
Julie Schmit-Albin, Executive Director
402-318-8291 Cell
Click below for audio from 1110AM KFAB
http://www.kfab.com/player/?mid=21783918
2/2/12
CONTACT:
Julie Schmit-Albin, Executive Director
402-318-8291 Cell
Click below for audio from 1110AM KFAB
http://www.kfab.com/player/?mid=21783918
Julie Schmit-Albin on KFAB's Good Morning Show re: Susan G. Komen Decision
NEBRASKA RIGHT TO LIFE SUPPORTS SUSAN G. KOMEN FOUNDATION'S DECISION TO STOP FUNDING PLANNED PARENTHOOD
LINCOLN --Nebraska Right to Life is joining National Right to Life in supporting the Susan B. Komen Foundation's decision to stop funding grants to Planned Parenthood affiliates.
"The Susan B. Komen Foundation's grants to Planned Parenthood affiliates amounted to $680,000.00 in 2011 and $580,000.00 in 2010." said Julie Schmit-Albin, NRL Executive Director. "That's a drop in the bucket for a billion dollar entity like Planned Parenthood. This isn't so much about losing money for Planned Parenthood as it is about being rejected by the nation's most recognized breast cancer charity. It impedes Planned Parenthood's goal to mainstream itself into American society and tamp down the stigma of being the largest abortion provider in the country."
"As a breast cancer survivor and pro-life activist, I am but one of thousands of other pro-lifers who will now be able to support Susan G. Komen's Race for the Cure and other activities." said Schmit-Albin. "What Komen loses in support from this decision will be made up by an influx of Americans who will gladly acknowledge their rejection of Planned Parenthood with their donations and support."
"The Susan B. Komen Foundation's grants to Planned Parenthood affiliates amounted to $680,000.00 in 2011 and $580,000.00 in 2010." said Julie Schmit-Albin, NRL Executive Director. "That's a drop in the bucket for a billion dollar entity like Planned Parenthood. This isn't so much about losing money for Planned Parenthood as it is about being rejected by the nation's most recognized breast cancer charity. It impedes Planned Parenthood's goal to mainstream itself into American society and tamp down the stigma of being the largest abortion provider in the country."
"As a breast cancer survivor and pro-life activist, I am but one of thousands of other pro-lifers who will now be able to support Susan G. Komen's Race for the Cure and other activities." said Schmit-Albin. "What Komen loses in support from this decision will be made up by an influx of Americans who will gladly acknowledge their rejection of Planned Parenthood with their donations and support."
Nebraska Right to Life
404 S. 11th St .
PO Box 80410
Lincoln , NE 68501
PO Box 80410
Lincoln , NE 68501
Phone: 402.438.4802
www.nerighttolife.org
Find Us On Facebook & Twitter Too, Updated Daily!
Find Us On Facebook & Twitter Too, Updated Daily!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
MOPS Pink Out
Thank you to all my MOPS sisters who helped with me Pink Out in October. It's comforting even now to think back on that day and remember it for all the hugs, tears and laughs instead of absolute terror for what I might face in the coming weeks.
For some who wonder why I haven't been so scared, I am surrounded by godly women!
For some who wonder why I haven't been so scared, I am surrounded by godly women!
Ribbons Jessica handed out!
Craft time!
We were making candy bars into mummies and pumpkins
I am the discussion group leader for a crazy table, there was "talk" that we would get trouble more than other tables for talking......
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Second Chemo
Had my second infusion on Thursday, things went very smooth until Sat midday. My body aches and nothing sounds good to eat, so I sleep, I wake up because my body hurts, probably from being in bed so long! Darin and Kailey did a great job taking care of me, brought me what I thought I could eat and entertained Zane. We have had three hot meals provided to us this weekend from friends and family, so blessed!
After my first infusion, my white blood cell count took a nosedive, so I now have to receive a shot to boost my white blood cells(5700 bucks!!!) We are well insured, have not paid a thing...yet but next time I hear of a benefit for medical expenses for someone fighting cancer, I know why, this stuff is pricey! The shot causes flu like symptoms but was told very clearly if I do run a fever the are "obligated to admit me to the hospital" yikes, lets try to avoid that!
I do feel a bit better today than yesterday and trying to focus on that. I have the time to do more writing, a bunch good stuff has happened but I still have "chemo brain" where I have a hard time making sense of some things so I think I will hold off.
The hair on my head is making a mass exit, the hair on my legs is still there, what is wrong with this medicine anyway?! Handling the hair thing pretty well, I think because I can just avoid mirrors, I am reminded of my mastectomy each time I look down. I got a new Kindle Fire for Christmas from Darin and have been using it a bunch, Sat morning it decided not to charge so I will need to call about that. Getting casted for my falsies on Tuesday, Bible Study on Wednesday, MOPS Friday.
So some frustrating things and some things to really look forward to. Choosing to worship Him through all this, love you Jesus, glad to know you are right here with me.
After my first infusion, my white blood cell count took a nosedive, so I now have to receive a shot to boost my white blood cells(5700 bucks!!!) We are well insured, have not paid a thing...yet but next time I hear of a benefit for medical expenses for someone fighting cancer, I know why, this stuff is pricey! The shot causes flu like symptoms but was told very clearly if I do run a fever the are "obligated to admit me to the hospital" yikes, lets try to avoid that!
I do feel a bit better today than yesterday and trying to focus on that. I have the time to do more writing, a bunch good stuff has happened but I still have "chemo brain" where I have a hard time making sense of some things so I think I will hold off.
The hair on my head is making a mass exit, the hair on my legs is still there, what is wrong with this medicine anyway?! Handling the hair thing pretty well, I think because I can just avoid mirrors, I am reminded of my mastectomy each time I look down. I got a new Kindle Fire for Christmas from Darin and have been using it a bunch, Sat morning it decided not to charge so I will need to call about that. Getting casted for my falsies on Tuesday, Bible Study on Wednesday, MOPS Friday.
So some frustrating things and some things to really look forward to. Choosing to worship Him through all this, love you Jesus, glad to know you are right here with me.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Warrior Juice
Well, received my first warrior juice installment today (chemo) it's draining some of my human strength so the warrior strength can fight the cancer. Oh how I still long for Jesus to just speak and heal me. But I also know He is making me more like Him through this, He has a lot of work to do and He needs us to do it. I need to look with compassion, speak to others when I feel the urge, give hugs tell them how much I love them. I will never be close to be like the character of God. I am so marred with sin and human yuckiness so I need to FOLLOW really close behind Him and listen to His Words so I can try just a little to be like Him.
Anyway, I feel OK, much like my morning sickness with Zane. We did notice that I lost almost all color to my face even when I am feeling ok. Which is kinda weird since I always have a reddish look to my cheeks. I am tired and a little queasy at times but really doing ok. My guys are doing ok I think, spent some time down stairs with Zane and now him and dad seem to be getting along ok with a bath and bedtime.
If I feel up to it, Michelle and I are going to go Lincoln to get fitted for my falsies. ha ha. Be warned...here we come!
Anyway, I feel OK, much like my morning sickness with Zane. We did notice that I lost almost all color to my face even when I am feeling ok. Which is kinda weird since I always have a reddish look to my cheeks. I am tired and a little queasy at times but really doing ok. My guys are doing ok I think, spent some time down stairs with Zane and now him and dad seem to be getting along ok with a bath and bedtime.
If I feel up to it, Michelle and I are going to go Lincoln to get fitted for my falsies. ha ha. Be warned...here we come!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Supporting those around you
It's been awhile since my last post. I have a lot to write about but it seems by the time I get done what I need to get done I am wiped out. I had been writing after Zane went to bed but it seems like he goes to bed later and I go to bed earlier!
To update those that may not be aware of the next phase. I start my chemo treatments on December 15th. It lasts about five hours. I will be taking those treatments every three weeks for a total of six treatments. I also will be having an infusion of an antibody called hermectin (spelling?) every week until the end of March, then every three weeks until December 2012. That infusion takes about an 1.5 hours and there will not be side effects to that. We have some great options for Zane each Thursday, I am wanting to keep it consistent and there are ways we can do that. To start in December we are going to find what works. Grandma Nancy is taking him on the 22nd for the "short" infusion to go spoil him. She has thought of all sorts of things to do with him. My sister also has some flexibility around the holidays to watch him. In Jan, we are going to make a decision on where he will go each Thursday, and with the three or four options I am very comfortable with each of them.
Now for a little insight to my day yesterday and a lesson for me and I hope others that are reading this.
Have you looked around and noticed all they ways you can "support" people. T-shirts, ribbons, car magnets, yogurt tops...the list goes on.
I ended up in Lincoln yesterday morning at Zane's Dr office with a suspicious looking rash by his nose (just dry skin thank goodness) then off to find snow pants and snow boots that fit. But you see I was SUPPOSED to be at an appointment to find a different wig, the one I picked out doesn't come in the color I need. Zane was going to be at a friends house but I was not thrilled about sending him over there to infect her three kids with what looked like impetigo. A good way to loose a sitter :)
I am usually very prepared for clothes for Zane, finding a good deal on name brand clothes at a thrift or consignment stores. Finding cute clothes for him is something I really enjoy, I waited for a baby for so long I just couldn't wait to spoil him!
Sunday after church, start the stress.....The first I realized that his snow pants were a bit too small and he could only wear his snow boots without the liners was when I searched for about half an hour on Sunday for all the gear so he could go play in the snow. With two surgeries a month apart, Dr appointments and the like, it kinda slipped my mind. And it seems like winter just showed up all of a sudden around here.
One thing that really has been hard for me is that when my cancer has impeded on my life. Things I enjoy and people I love are being pushed aside for things that are really not enjoyable, and at times, downright terrifying. Did I mention since my last surgery that Zane doesn't want me out of the room? Even to the point of sitting in the bathroom while I shower, even if Dad is home. This was one particular evening when I was having a very hard time with my new appearance and a very hard time not bawling while showering, the whole time he is singing "TWINKLE TWINKLE LITTLE STAR!" at the top of his lungs. It ended up being one of those laughing/crying moments.
So you see why I haven't written lately, there is SO much. I am getting to my point, really....so I go into the office, a new office as of last spring. A whole another story on how we ended up there which shows how detailed God really is! Kathy who we see there gives Him the glory through her work, it was evident the first time I met her. She has received the notes from the Zane's appointment at UNMC in end of October regarding his visit. We had mentioned that I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer (it had been just two weeks I think) in case it played a part in his healthcare. So Kathy sees this and immediately asks how I am doing. Realizing she "knows" I say, well it's been kinda crazy at our house! She shared with me that she is a cancer survivor and that there is a gal in the office there who is a breast cancer survivor. She takes a look at Zane then asks if I want to see this gal to talk to her a bit. So she came in and it was good to talk to someone who has really been there and understands what I am going through. Actually, it was just nice to cry with someone who really knew how I felt.
Support.....
We head over to Old Navy to find new jeans for Zane and hopefully a coat and pants. Zane is being picky and keeps wandering around the store and loading things in the cart he thinks he needs. Including a $9.00 football. I decided to wait to battle until we get up to the checkout. We find a coat, one he likes so much he wants to wear it out. Good thing because the one he had on was really not warm enough to be walking around in outside. I get to the checkout and hand the gal the ball asking if it's really nine bucks. It is, I tell Zane too expensive, he gladly says ok, if he can take it back. I say, ok, we will do it together. He starts whining about it and gets behind the checkout stand to find it (he is kinda strong willed, he gets it from his dad :) She hands him the ball and he takes off running. I think, well ok, I am by the door so he can't get out and I can see him almost all the way there. She finishes and he isn't back. People are starting to line up behind me. I finish running my card and realize, I didn't pay for the coat! The checker said, just go grab the tag off it and she will ring it up. People are starting to get impatient. I am worried more about the fact he isn't back. I run back there and as it turns out the balls had fallen out when he tried to put his ball back and was trying to get them all stacked up again. I grab the tag and tell him to run back with me (running, ugh!) we are greeted with more impatient looks. Zane sets off the alarm. Apparently there is a tag that needs to be cut out. The gal behind me walks by and says, I bet he sets them off in all the stores and smiles.
We head out to the parking lot and I work on getting buckled in. I can't lift him easily so I wait for him to climb in. Someone is wanting in their car next to me. I step aside, let her in, wait for her to back out. She laughs and says he has three grown boys and remembers those times! I go back and work on getting the straps readjusted. Someone is waiting for the space right next to me. I step aside, well you get the gist...
My point to all of this. Don't worry too much about showing your support through ribbons, t shirts and magnets. (though they are ONE nice way to show support)
When you are busy driving to and from work or shopping, trying to find a parking space or standing in line when a lady and her crazy kid are trying to check out keep in mind, you don't know what they are going through, you don't need to know the whole story, but GOD DOES and wants YOU to show them the support they need to just get through the day and maybe make things a little more normal even when their lives are far from normal.
If you are having a hard time waiting, take the time you are waiting to pray for them......God has the time to listen.
To update those that may not be aware of the next phase. I start my chemo treatments on December 15th. It lasts about five hours. I will be taking those treatments every three weeks for a total of six treatments. I also will be having an infusion of an antibody called hermectin (spelling?) every week until the end of March, then every three weeks until December 2012. That infusion takes about an 1.5 hours and there will not be side effects to that. We have some great options for Zane each Thursday, I am wanting to keep it consistent and there are ways we can do that. To start in December we are going to find what works. Grandma Nancy is taking him on the 22nd for the "short" infusion to go spoil him. She has thought of all sorts of things to do with him. My sister also has some flexibility around the holidays to watch him. In Jan, we are going to make a decision on where he will go each Thursday, and with the three or four options I am very comfortable with each of them.
Now for a little insight to my day yesterday and a lesson for me and I hope others that are reading this.
Have you looked around and noticed all they ways you can "support" people. T-shirts, ribbons, car magnets, yogurt tops...the list goes on.
I ended up in Lincoln yesterday morning at Zane's Dr office with a suspicious looking rash by his nose (just dry skin thank goodness) then off to find snow pants and snow boots that fit. But you see I was SUPPOSED to be at an appointment to find a different wig, the one I picked out doesn't come in the color I need. Zane was going to be at a friends house but I was not thrilled about sending him over there to infect her three kids with what looked like impetigo. A good way to loose a sitter :)
I am usually very prepared for clothes for Zane, finding a good deal on name brand clothes at a thrift or consignment stores. Finding cute clothes for him is something I really enjoy, I waited for a baby for so long I just couldn't wait to spoil him!
Sunday after church, start the stress.....The first I realized that his snow pants were a bit too small and he could only wear his snow boots without the liners was when I searched for about half an hour on Sunday for all the gear so he could go play in the snow. With two surgeries a month apart, Dr appointments and the like, it kinda slipped my mind. And it seems like winter just showed up all of a sudden around here.
One thing that really has been hard for me is that when my cancer has impeded on my life. Things I enjoy and people I love are being pushed aside for things that are really not enjoyable, and at times, downright terrifying. Did I mention since my last surgery that Zane doesn't want me out of the room? Even to the point of sitting in the bathroom while I shower, even if Dad is home. This was one particular evening when I was having a very hard time with my new appearance and a very hard time not bawling while showering, the whole time he is singing "TWINKLE TWINKLE LITTLE STAR!" at the top of his lungs. It ended up being one of those laughing/crying moments.
So you see why I haven't written lately, there is SO much. I am getting to my point, really....so I go into the office, a new office as of last spring. A whole another story on how we ended up there which shows how detailed God really is! Kathy who we see there gives Him the glory through her work, it was evident the first time I met her. She has received the notes from the Zane's appointment at UNMC in end of October regarding his visit. We had mentioned that I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer (it had been just two weeks I think) in case it played a part in his healthcare. So Kathy sees this and immediately asks how I am doing. Realizing she "knows" I say, well it's been kinda crazy at our house! She shared with me that she is a cancer survivor and that there is a gal in the office there who is a breast cancer survivor. She takes a look at Zane then asks if I want to see this gal to talk to her a bit. So she came in and it was good to talk to someone who has really been there and understands what I am going through. Actually, it was just nice to cry with someone who really knew how I felt.
Support.....
We head over to Old Navy to find new jeans for Zane and hopefully a coat and pants. Zane is being picky and keeps wandering around the store and loading things in the cart he thinks he needs. Including a $9.00 football. I decided to wait to battle until we get up to the checkout. We find a coat, one he likes so much he wants to wear it out. Good thing because the one he had on was really not warm enough to be walking around in outside. I get to the checkout and hand the gal the ball asking if it's really nine bucks. It is, I tell Zane too expensive, he gladly says ok, if he can take it back. I say, ok, we will do it together. He starts whining about it and gets behind the checkout stand to find it (he is kinda strong willed, he gets it from his dad :) She hands him the ball and he takes off running. I think, well ok, I am by the door so he can't get out and I can see him almost all the way there. She finishes and he isn't back. People are starting to line up behind me. I finish running my card and realize, I didn't pay for the coat! The checker said, just go grab the tag off it and she will ring it up. People are starting to get impatient. I am worried more about the fact he isn't back. I run back there and as it turns out the balls had fallen out when he tried to put his ball back and was trying to get them all stacked up again. I grab the tag and tell him to run back with me (running, ugh!) we are greeted with more impatient looks. Zane sets off the alarm. Apparently there is a tag that needs to be cut out. The gal behind me walks by and says, I bet he sets them off in all the stores and smiles.
We head out to the parking lot and I work on getting buckled in. I can't lift him easily so I wait for him to climb in. Someone is wanting in their car next to me. I step aside, let her in, wait for her to back out. She laughs and says he has three grown boys and remembers those times! I go back and work on getting the straps readjusted. Someone is waiting for the space right next to me. I step aside, well you get the gist...
My point to all of this. Don't worry too much about showing your support through ribbons, t shirts and magnets. (though they are ONE nice way to show support)
When you are busy driving to and from work or shopping, trying to find a parking space or standing in line when a lady and her crazy kid are trying to check out keep in mind, you don't know what they are going through, you don't need to know the whole story, but GOD DOES and wants YOU to show them the support they need to just get through the day and maybe make things a little more normal even when their lives are far from normal.
If you are having a hard time waiting, take the time you are waiting to pray for them......God has the time to listen.
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