Thursday, March 31, 2011

March 31, 2011

    Well, we will be seeing Dr. Mason today at Bonner General.  She is going to be Dr. Lin's contact here. Both are well re-knowned oncologists. Dr. Lin has MD Anderson in Houston on speed dial.  He worked there.  We have everything we need now to get started with the treatment. Just have to get going on it ASAP. There are like a kerbillion roadblocks at every turn. It is really a challenge for Sara and her caregiver people to stay on top of things.  I have a whole new respect for anyone experiencing a situation like this and  I had a ton of respect before.  Someone was complaining about the weather yesterday and I actually had to look outside; what weather?
    Sara had a very nice birthday and got several flower arrangements.  One from Petal Talk here in Sandpoint that is gorgeous! Thank-you everyone for your good wishes and kind words.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

March 30, 2011

    Today is Sara Dalebout's Birthday and she is getting a a silver bullet from Fed X to do some ass kickin'.
Let me just say this, Mr. Cancer, you picked the wrong person to mess with.  Not only Sara, but about a jillion other people.  Happy Birthday dear daughter!!!!!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

March 29, 2011

Still on hold for insurance approval.  Gonna start throwing around the 'L' word.  I will post again today if there is any word.  Sara is ready to have some major treatment and get this under control. Sarah Hess, Jenn, Chelsea and Erin have her feeling better than ever.  Come on Blue Cross of Idaho!!  {whoops} 

Monday, March 28, 2011

March 28, 2011

    Well, Sara is sleeping comfortably. Sarah Hess is by her side and taking excellent care of her. I have lost my voice { real funny, I allready heard all the jokes..} and will have to be careful if I am sick or not as Sara's immune system is seriously compromised. Which is our main reason to keep her isolated and visitors limited.  Even her Mom.
     I was thinking about all the prayers and good thoughts and started wondering just what they sound like.  I know if I had a minute with God, I would have to ask why?  Even though we should not question why.  But in all my human frailness, I just can't help it.  All the books on why bad things happen to good people, All the self help psychology, all the cliche's and platitudes, Caroline Myss, Carl Jung, Wayne Dyer, Dr. Phil.  When are they gonna kick in?  I think some people have this super inner strength that gets them through. You can't read it in a book, you can't buy it, you can't borrow it and you can't fake it. You either got it or ya don't.  Sara has it. No doubt.
  

Sunday, March 27, 2011

March 27, 2011

    So We think the new big patch is working. If Sara continues to improve and can eat real food, I am confident Dr. Lin will start the treatment by Thursday at the next appointment.  That is if the insurance company does not keep denying the request for this particular chemo.  The treatment he wanted to give her is a combination of three IV medications.  One is not available any more so he went to this oral medication that is two pills.  Which I cannot pronounce.  It is cutting edge treatment and that is why insurance companies can fool around.  If tomorrow I donot hear from our new best friend, Roy, the pharmacist, I will accidentally put the insurance company's name on here. So if they deny these pills, she will have to take something that is not the first choice.  What I am trying to say is, does this insurance company know who she is???? !!!! 
    Erin is back on the scene today to keep Sara on track.  It is vital that we donot get distracted from the schedule. I feel like we should be playing "Girl from Ipanema" {elevator music..}with all this waiting. Thanks again for everything everyone.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

March 26, 2011

    Start each day with a hug.  The sqeaky wheel gets the grease.  The road is long, with many a winding turn. She ain't heavy; she's my daughter, sister, friend, cousin, auntie, niece, grand daughter, co-worker, friend of a friend, neighbor.
    The new patch that lasts for 7 days is apparently working plus her new med regimen. {Feel free to correct my spelling} {Shanna}  This morning Sara feels pretty damn good. She is getting an appetite for real food.  Like filet mignon, brokli in sauce, fresh strawberries, blueberries, the 35.$ worth of fresh fruit from Whole Foods that she was craving but cannot eat, tangerine italian soda; only her stomache is saying mashed bananas, blendered oatmeal, tapioca pudding and smoothies.  It still is a step in the right direction.  Once someone said they spent the day with a child and really got the message about living in the present moment.  That is how this feels. Progress is painstakingly slow and to be impatient only causes agravation. Everyones good vibes and wonderful encouragement is what keeps us, Sara and her Dreamteam caregivers, afloat.  Ride on.

Friday, March 25, 2011

March 25, 2011

   So, today we {proverbial we....} are taking it easy.  Totally staying on med schedule. Jenn has mastered the TPN so is on board for nutrition.  Gerald's "Nutrition Break" club is taking on a whole new meaning.
    We are hoping to get the chemo treatments going then continue at home.  The side effects of this particular trearment are not suppossed to be drastic.
    The stages of awareness of are slow in progress.  At the Clinic, you can see the resigned look of acceptance on peoples faces. Luck is when the other guy gets hit with the arrow.  Now, they are in it for the battle. {Sara's friend Dawn, who lives close by, even sent little plastic army guys.} There is still laughter and jokes.  The strength of these people would put us all to shame for our petty grievances. This is a very hard lesson. 
    Sara will get through this, but it will forever change the way we look at life.  I think her experience will affect the way we all see things. Good and bad. One thing for sure, Friends and Family are #1. You cannot imagine what it means to have that support.  THANKS!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

March 24, 2011 @ 3pm

    Just returned from Doctor Appointment at the clinic. Sara had a bad morning and we almost did not make it.  Got right in to see Dr. Lin who took one look at Sara and said "better wait another week".   He re- evaluated her meds to help with the nausea and pain that she is still experiencing in waves. Some days she is really okay, but just happened to be really bad at this very important appointment when we were hoping to be able to start the Chemo finally which, like I have said before and he reiterated today, would cause rapid improvement.  Untill she can keep down oral meds, she cannot take oral chemo.
    Then we had a meeting with the clinic pharmacist who explained the whole chemo process and said if she can do good for two or three days, she can try the chemo pills.  Also the $#^&^%ing insurance co. has to approve the treatment which they have not done as of today. Are you kiddin' me?  If anyone wants to really talk health care reform {you know who you are} then catch me on a good day and I will tell you, reform is too gentle a word for the changes that need to be made.  I also will say the medical staff of these facilities and the people we come in contact with on a daily basis in regards to all of this stuff are absolutely wonderful, kind and patient.  The shuttle driver kept apologizing for the pot holes as he could see how sick Sd was. 
    So, we are on a mission for sure to keep Sara stable by getting her to eat {small amounts} and meds on a consistent schedule. Also, Roy, the pharmacist let me put him on speed dial. If I do not call anyone or write in here for a few days it is because I am concentrating.  Jenn an Jerry also are forbidden to answer the phone when we are in Sd's room and doing TPN and /or meds and/or foot massage and/or maintaining everything. Jenn is learning the TPN which is basically Sara's only nutritional support. She has not eaten in going on 8 weeks. The tube goes directly to her heart, so it is pretty important to concentrate.  So don't think we are rude. It is really hard. Try holding your arms out to the side for 10 minutes without letting them down.  That is what it feels like.  Sara is like holding back the running of the bulls in Spain or wherever.
   And don't worry about Lucy Dog.  Patty is taking care of her.
I love y'all!!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

March 23, 2011

    I guess the Panhandler Pies Event went very well.  And Thank-you Girls.  You are all adorable.  Sarah Hess sent us a photo of Joanna in her tee shirt.  Today I will make a concentrated effort to figure out how to put photos on here because there are some good ones. 
    Sara feels pretty good today and we might try to take her out for some fresh air as it is supposed to be 57 degrees. Keeping a close watch on her med schedule and maintaining so tomorrow we will not have any setbacks. I hope you all can appreciate what an effort it is to keep Sara from running down to Seattle Nordstroms in a wheel chair. She is keeping her weight at a steady level.  Temperature; normal to a little high. But she is wrapped up in her super warm, cozy shabby chic blankets Ruby, Annabelle and Baby Sara got her.  We decided to forget eating for now, but she has a thing for cherry cokes. She can only have 10 cc's of anything at a time. Okay.  Will probably not post in the morning because we will be off to the Doctor. So wish us luck.  Hell, wish us everything.  Love to all.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

March 22, 2011 by Colleen

    Trading teams today.  Nurse Erin has to leave to go back to work at SHMC in Spokane.  She is now on speed dial on my phone.  She has fine tuned Sara's meds so she is comfortable and doesn't have to sleep all the time.  We are so close to Thursday it is actually agonizingly slow even thought the days fly by.
    Her Dad and Jenn are on their way. It definitely takes three of us to make sure everything is taken care of. 
     If anyone wants to donate unused air miles for caregivers, Erin said that would be a good idea.  Hopefully, her treatment will go smoothly and we can continue that at home.
    { If anyone wants to donate breakfast from the Hoot Owl, I have not had breakfast food for two weeks.  This diet sucks.}
     When the Mass for Sara was in progress, Sara and I sat quietly on her bed and attended in spirit.  I honestly can say, we got it.  It is amazing the way things are falling into our lap as we need them.  Of course, we have a lot of help from 'upstairs'. Thanks Guys! Sara is feeling up, but  nervous about Chemo.  That is a word you do not want in your daily vocabulary. But the Doctor assures us the chemo in this case will be very beneficial.  Love to all.  Gotta go give Erin a huge hug. My family is AWESOME!!!!!!!

Monday, March 21, 2011

March 21, 2011 by Colleen

    Good Morning. And I mean that. We are so ready to start treatment.  I feel like we are at the starting line of a Nascar race. Vroom! Vroom!  Sara is doing great. We are adjusting her meds so she is not so rummy.  As far as visitors, she is pretty much concentrating on her every 2 hours meds.  Also, the SCCA housing facility is full of people who are here to be treated and heal so is not conducive to visitors. We allready cause enough commotion because she requires three caregivers.  When she comes home she will be thrilled to see everyone on a limited basis and get on with her life.  Her cancer is treatable even though it is extremely rare. The reason it is taking so long to get to her chemo treatments is that she could not take oral meds. During the past two weeks and her time in the hospital was to get her able to to swallow medication instead of IV.  She is on an IV for nutrition that is called TPN. She actually gained weight on this.  Now that she can take oral meds, she can start her chemo.  Dr Lin is confident we will see rapid results  and Sara will be up and at it.  So please spread positive thoughts.  Sara is very popular {she got that from me} so everyone wants to know what is going on.  But the truth is, it is a minute by minute operation and nothing can be planned. Anyone experiencing this will heartily agree.  So if I do not say what is going to happen, it is because I cannot say what is going to happen.  It is very tedious and requires a lot of concentration. Any distraction or unecessary commotion can lead to severe discomfort for Sara. I take the time to update this blog because I know people want to know stuff. But even doing this causes me anxiety because I am not by Sara every minute.  I do know one thing, She will kick cancers ass.  Cancer should have read the memo about MY Sara Dalebout.  Thank-you again.  The Dreamteam. 

Sunday, March 20, 2011

March 20, 2011 by Colleen

    We are going to try to take Sara out for some fresh air today as it is springtime in Seattle.  There is an REI literally across the street and Sara wants to check it out.  They have wheel chairs here and Sarah Hess will be the driver. Sara wants to walk, but Nurse Erin says "NO!"
    The other morning I woke up and said; "I had this wierd dream I was all dressed up and riding in a loggin' truck!"
    Sara said, "Me too,  I dreamt I was all dressed up and riding in a limo!"
    We are hoping to hear from Dr. Lin early this week about the treatment.  When that finally happens, he expects rapid results.  She is able to take oral medication now very well and so can start the treatment.  Still not quite able to eat, but we are working on that. Someone is touting the benefits of asparagus.
    You can be assured that she is in good hands. The Mom, Shanna, Penny Grace, Sarah and Erin.  We have become the dreamteam.  Grey's Anatomy, look out. It is a rollercoaster ride that you don't want to be on, but you can't get off till it stops. I will not bring up the suppository party.   Thanks to everyone.  I love you all more than you know.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

March 19, 2011

To all my friends and loved ones:

As I prepare to take my first steps of treatment on my journey towards good health, I wanted to take a moment to both thank you and to also ask for your love and support in a way that may not be most expected.
Firstly, my sincerest thanks to all of you have offered their help, sent their good thoughts and prayers, shared their stories of hope and healing, and sent support in a multitude of various way.  I cannot express how much it means to me to know that I have such an amazing community of people who care about me. 
I know that everyone wants to be able to continue supporting and helping in whatever ways that they can, which is why I am asking with respect that you do this only through the continuation of your thoughts and love and set aside any plans for fundraisers or benefits on my behalf.  As I continue to learn more information about what my course of treatment is and what that means for me, I can determine exactly where my needs will lay.  In the interim, if you have any ideas or questions about what may be organized in the future you can contact Laura Terry at (208) 610-1821 and she will keep everyone’s information to share with me. 
If you would like to send any other correspondence to me through the mail, you can send to my home address at:


207 Kootenai 4th Ave
Sandpoint, ID  83864

Plato once said that “The greatest mistake in the treatment of diseases is that there are physicians for the body and physicians for the soul, although the two cannot be separated.”  So much of our physical state is intertwined with how we think and feel and the road that lies ahead of me is one that will require me to be strong, centered and surrounded by positive energy.   Every part of me needs to be focused on healing and I need to be able to set aside any thoughts toward anything that draws my attention away from that singular goal. 
Thank you again to everyone for all that you have done and for allowing me to head towards the future with the comfort of having such wonderful and supportive people in my life. 

March 18, 2011 by Colleen

    We are determined today to keep Sara strong an focused so she can begin Chemo treatment.  Doctor Lin says she has to be ready before we can begin. So hold on tight.
    Wet try to inject humor into a humorless situation.  Bein' Irish and all. Being here with other people experiencing the same thing and seeing them try to smile through the tears.  The SCCA housing facility is AWESOME.  There is no political 'correctedness' here. Everyone has one thing in common. The number one human ambition; Living.
    Sara is the stongest person I know and she reminded me of that when I said 'no' to something yesterday.  The look on her face was the same look she gave me when she was two.  I wish I had got a photo because THAT is the spirit that will pull her {and us} through. And why she can wear whatever she wants.  Gerald drew a picture of "Captain Octreotide", {the big shot} which we framed, coming out with guns a'blazing. He is kind of a cross between Jack {in the Box} and Spiderman. When I figure out photos on this blog, I have some good ones.
  We will probably be going off the grid as from here on out we need intense concentration. All the good will and fantabulous laser beams to the disco ball are absolutely blinding.  You are all way more than you think you are.  Stay tuned to this blog if you want updates. This is where the action is.  Sara is in super good spirits and has the best caregivers in the world. Thanks to all.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

March 17, 2011 by Colleen

    We went to the big doctor today.  Shanna, Sara, Me and Penny Grace listened closely to every word. He said she will begin treatment immediately.  Now that her meds are regulated.  She got the BIG shot today. Literally. Sara said hurt like a !#$^^%*&&^%. 
    Erin Abromeit swooped in in a Maroon Malibu and saved the day as Sara's  ACREDO HOME CARE nurse.  We are comfortably set up at the SCCA housing facility in Seattle.  Possibly be here for one to two weeks.   I am still keeping the crowds at bay till Sara is stronger.  Sara ate a fourth of a cup of WHOLE FOODS gourmet soup today. {Plugging REI next week}.  The first solid food in probably 6 weeks.  She is on a nutrtional IV.
     I guess Sara was on the front page of the Daily Bee.  Save us a copy.
Prognosis: Good.    Spirits: Good   Attitude: Still Good.
     Never underestimate the power of prayer, good energy and above the fold exposure.  Thanks to all.

Update

Hi all Colleen is busy right now asked if I could post a update for the moment, Sara's Dr. Appointment this am went well from what I understood she is getting her Big shot the once a month treatment has begun!!! Colleen will post details later tonight..

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

March 16, 2011 cont. by Colleen

Okay.  Call me a cab..."You're a cab...."  We are packed and ready to go.  Just waiting for our suitcase of meds from the in house pharmacy. Sara is resting up for the trip. Everyone wish me luck getting us to the SCCA house. Lots of volunteers here at the hospital to help. I will say this is a helluva a way to find renewed faith in mankind. Love to all!!

March 16, 2011

    We are leaving today for SCCA house this afternoon.  Sara has successfully been on oral meds since 3:00 yesterday afternoon. We pretty much have to leave before we pull a 219. We allready dressed up the IV stand, AKA 'Debby Downer', in a scarf, purse and sunglasses.
    Sara is still spending most of her time resting and medicated for pain but now that the scan, which took three days, is done, she is on to treatment and will be able to scale back on some of the heavy meds. Her spirits are high.  Big Doctor appointment on thursday.  Good Luck Day for the Irish. Gotta go pack before this hospital tan sticks.  This hospital is AWESOME.  If anyone out there knows anyone that was in our position, just call here and make an appointment, like Sarah Hess did for Sd.  Do not pass go, do not fool around.  In fact here is Sarah's phone #............ just kidding Sarah.  Thanks again for all your loving support.  

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

March 15, 2011 by Colleen

    Waiting for Team this morning.  Sara felt so good last night she laid awake out of pain.  We walked the halls this morning and she went with me for my double tall w/ 3 raw sugars.  {Yes, 3}  That is really progress for her to walk around. Dawn, her friend who lives right down the street came by to drop off a care package at the nurses desk and Sara was up walking so we ran into her. They had a nice visit.  Dawn, you really made her day.  Thanks!  The meds are finally being balanced and consistent which has been a frustrating journey.  She goes for more scanning at 11:00.  The scan has radoiactive bead in it so she is technically radioactive for 8-10 days.  They gave her a card to carry from Homeland Security  to prove it is medical and she is not a bomb carryin' fool.  I knew the FBI would get involved at some point. Probably post again today.  If things go well we will be leaving today. It will make everyone here awful sad to see us go. " It ain't easy bein' us."

Monday, March 14, 2011

March 14, 2011

    Sara a had a great night and slept good.  The Team of Doctors came in and said she might be able to leave the hospital this evening and be an out patient for her appointments. We would then go stay at the SCCA housing facility.  They are very optimistic about her treatments which after she begins, they may scale down to once a month.  Hopefully, she can return home to Sandpoint for treatment.
    I am officially addicted to Double Tall Lattes.  Living at this hospital is like being on a spaceship.  Pretty cool.
    The laser beams are working because the air has changed and all I feel are 'good, good, good----good vibrations...'.  Thank-you God and Thank-you all you special people. 

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Sissy Here

I am sitting with Sara right now. I got to visit her today from 1 to 10 PM. Penny and I hung out and kept Grandma Colleen company during Sara's naps. This way I got to talk to her more! I was just giving her an update on a cute picture from Jenn with the dogs. Thanks to all the dogsitters-Laura, Denise, Chelsea, Jenn and Jerry Dalebout (heehee). You know how much Sara loves her dogs.

It was great to stay all day and feel useful, I even gave Sara a little foot massage. It is definitely more stressful to be away from Sara and wondering how she's doing, than to be at her side even if she's just sleeping. I wish I could stay all the time.

Keep sending positve thoughts in any form in her direction! Sara reads her comments and facebook when she feels well and every positive message sent helps her feel the love.

Love,
Sissy

March 13, 2011

    Sara is resting  after not sleeping very well last night.  We are waiting for a procedure tomorrow that will determine her treatment. They would do it sooner but have to wait a certain period of time. So the next few days are important about who,what where, when, and how. {and sometimes y}  Everyone here is really nice and helpful.  They love Sara D...."She is awesome".  Sarah Hess, You made quite an impression as a best friend and advocate. 
    I am sleeping in the room in a very comfortable hide-a-chair {sarcasm} and I am looking forward to the year 2012, and I LOVE telemarketers! 
    Shanna, Ruby, Annabelle, Baby Sara and Penny Grace got Sara super cozy blankets at 'Tarjay'. So patience is a virtue and we are really putting that to the test.
    Everyone consolidate your good vibes and send them out as one giant laser beam of love and healing power.  The way these arrows of good energy are coming in, we have to duck every 15 seconds. There is a disco ball in the corner of the room so send 'em there and they radiate throughout the day like sunshine. Love to all.  Couldn't do it without you!!!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

March 12, 2011

We are still at the University of Washington Hospital.  Probably going to the SCCA house evntually. Sara is not using her phone a lot, so just keep an eye on this blog for any updates.  I am unable to return every call as I am concentrating on taking care of Sara D. It is still a minute by minute report and we appreciate everyone's concern and want to keep all in the loop, but untill next Wednesday, there is nothing to do but follow the appointments where they take us and a plan of action is set in place.    

Friday, March 11, 2011

March 11 Update

    We are still at the hospital in Seattle.  Sara has excellent Nurses and Doctors watching over her. Her Mom is here now which is almost as good as Sarah Hess to whom I am forever grateful.  It is almost like Grey's anatomy except no one has a telephone pole sticking out their ear. 
    Her prognosis is literally minute by minute. They are determining the best treatment for her particular case. We will stay here untill they are comfortable sending her back to the SCCA place or possibly home. Sara is resting most of the time to keep up her strength to kick some major behind.  I will keep this updated as best I can.   If anyone wants to send her a note or card send it to her house 207 Kootenai 4th Ave. Sandpoint, ID 83864 and we will make sure she gets it.

Thanks to everyone for all you prayers and kindnesses. North Idaho truly has a halo.

Colleen

Thursday, March 10, 2011

The Scoop.. per Tuesday

Hi All, Yesterday was a very busy day we woke up and went to Sara's real doctor appointment ( meaning a doctor that has a plan to save her life) if you can imagine it was music to our ears.. the whole reason we are here to begin with!!! Dr. Lin is now Sara's Oncologist he is from MD Anderson in Houston and works directly with Dr. Yao ( the doctor we were striving to get in with in Houston).

Dr. Lim admitted me into the UDUB hospital, we're trying to stabalize my body.  I haven't been able to eat whole foods for ...... ????? I can't remember.  So I am on a heavy liquid IV diet to try to get me to stabalize my weight.  I've lost 10lbs just since I've been here.  Sarah tried to go get me some pants that wouldn't fall off... and bless her little heart, she thinks I am a size 6.  Well I'm not that small, especially by H&M standards, but I feel like I did when we used to go to Cali and had a hard time finding a swimsuit for the tall lanky girl with no boobs.

This skinny sick girl is just waiting for someone to tell her... "take this pill, it will make all those mean tumors in your liver go away".... but I don't think that is going to happen.  So now I start to learn what it means to live with cancer.

I'll give an update today what's happened since I've been here....

~s

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Well it started out good......Sarah Hess

This morning upon our waking up we made plans to conquer Seattle Space needle whoohoo.. Everything seemed good Sara was feeling OK ( not her typical fabulous self ) but good enough to go for a stroll to whole foods then to space needle for some good ol family bonding with her dad, sissy ,wes and thier adorable girls!! We got some GREAT pictures i tell ya, i must admit even I was a bit whoozy way up there so maybe was not the best idea but oh well, So now here we are sitting in the ER at the UW hospital cause Sara's whoozy spell got alittle out of control ( we decided we needed a good IV cocktail to get her feelin to par again).. One funny thing i can say is im glad im such a pest cause we r cozy in a hospital room bed meanwhile people have been in the ER waiting room for 4 hours...sucks to be them i tell ya!!! Hence i think this is why Sara asked me to come...the squeeky wheel gets the greese right?? So while the rest of you are livin it up this saturday night out drinkin your micro brews and fancy vodka drinks we sit in a 10x12 hospital room with a liter of CT scan dye and a bottle of ensure.......Cheers!!!!

Friday, March 4, 2011

Update from Doc visit today

Okay, well... the rides at Disneyland are probably way more fun...... Dad, Sarah, Sissy and I sat in a little cramped hospital room, with nurse after nurse asking the same questions over and over.  By the time the white haired, white bearded man came in it was obvious that he skimmed through my chart notes that all the nurses wrote down just moments before.  He hadn't even taken a look at the scans, x-rays that we fed ex'd overnight here earlier this week since he was ON VACATION! GEEESSSSHHHHHHH.

All in all, he was no saving grace, we all definitely walked out more deflated than when we walked in... On the way in we had cameras clicking, flashes flashing.... it was like the episode of Absolutely Fabulous when Eddie has to go in for a hangnail and Patsy goes in for moral support with photographers, champagne and cigarettes.  On the way out.... it was like we had just come from a wake.

After that, we came back to our cozy home-away-from-home and Sarah was on the phone, again, and we are now seeing another Oncologist Tuesday morning.  So Sarah, Dad and I are going to get cozy over here in Seattle, in our little home away from home, waiting, wishing and praying....

I was lucky tonight.... Lil Penny came to say goodnight to her Auntie Sara:) Tomorrow the Seattle Center with everyone, Ruby to lead the way.  And these 3 amigos, the next plan of attack if we aren't liking what this guy is saying we see Tuesday...... we're going to look into case studies, experimental medicines and whatever else is out there...... Switzerland here we come!

The answer for a prognosis rolls on....

~S

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Seattle bound!

And we're off!  Dad is captain, Sarah co-pilot (even though I'm in the passanger seat) and me sleeping of course...... It's a gorgeous day, the Colombia looks beautifauul, (even though I still would never swim in there... Yikes! Who knows what in the bottom of that river).

Weird Deja Vu with Dad, Sarah and I roadtrippin it... feels like 20 years ago when dad took Sarah and I to The Rolling Stones concert in Vancouver B.C.  Sarah and I forgot our garment bag with ALL of our "lets look HOT" clothes for the occasion.  We talked dad into taking us shopping to ensure we were HOT, and, well, it worked.

Last night going to sleep I felt like a little kid who's waking up to go to Disneyland in the morning.  Funny how that works, how the fun of Disneyland, the fantasy, lights, costume, big castles, waterparks and rides can be traded in for the happiness of seeing a doctor, a specialist that is, to tell you your prognosis for your disease.  So yeah, I'm excited.

I'll keep ya'll posted, so come back now hear? 
Lots of love!
~s

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Excited

I've taken myselft of the Benedryl so I could function at work today....  it felt good to know what is going on and some normacy in my life.

Leaving tomorrow to Seattle before an ice storm takes over the pass.... passengers are myself, Dad and Sarah.  Jenn is staying behind to help take care of Mom, Bentley and Liza:) And Sissy is meeting up with us for the Doctor's appt Friday AM.  I am on pins and needles to hear what they are going to say... I am looking for concrete news so I can understand what exactly I'm up against better. 

I'm down to 150lbs, and since I am not taking the Benedryl, the rash on my chest is starting getting worse and going down my arms now. Soooooooo I pretty much look like a freak. Still living on Ensure and Gatorade, no whole foods.

Well good wishes, prayers and all that stuff from all you I will be channeling! And I thank you all in advance:)

I'll keep you posted!
~sara

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Progress

There is some progress in this very llllllooooooooonnnnnngggggg drawn out process..... Looking forward to Friday.  Dad, Sarah and I are heading to Seattle staying at the Seattle Cancer Care House right by the clinic and conveniently located 10 blocks from downtown where Westlake  is:)..... hmmmmm. 

Sissy is meeting up with us Friday AM for the doctor's consultation.  We have no idea what they are going to say or tell me about treatment.. this is like not finding out the sex of your child.  All I know is 3 weeks ago a doctor said the C word to me (Cancer), and I still feel like I'm waiting for a diagnosis.  Even though I'm shooting my self up everyday I just don't feel like for the "aggressive" cancer I have and the "aggressive" treatment they said I needed..... well I'm no doctor, but it just doesn't seem like this is very aggressive!  I want this shit gone, now.... hasn't cancer ever heard of ASAP?

Yesterday was hard, if something could go wrong, it did.  And considering my hormones are all messed up, I thought I was having a nervous break down....
I'm rambling now, characteristics morphine does, and a lot of times doesn't make sense. A big shout out to everyone and your support, good thoughts and prayers. To my Dad, Chels and Laura Raines for keeping Bentley and Liza entertained for me.  To my Mother, Sarah, Jenn, Denise and Erin for staying with me... (even though I tell them I'm fine, then I forget to take meds, so they're right.) My sister, brother and Sarah for fixing this website stuff for me, everyone who's been so awesome bringing me food, I have to say, for someone who hasn't been able to really eat, my refrigerator is more stocked now than it ever has been. Just to everyone helping in anyway they can, from Lauren's acupuncture to handy man Dave. Stay tuned, Jill has offered the DTC to do a benefit which Karley is brewin up.

For now it's Seattle, to mull over what the specialist say, and decide if to stille go to the Mayo Clinic in Houston for that 3rd opinion.  I figure if they say the same thing, then I'll know the treatment is right, right?

Love to all,
~S