Snowpocalypse........

We are having a ton of snow lately.  This is why I don't recommend getting pregnant in the spring...you take the chance of having a blizzard baby.  Don't laugh, Palmer was a blizzard baby.  By the time we got to the hospital, had Palmer, then left the hospital Wed thru Friday, they had closed I-35 and we had to spend the night at a hotel in Ames with a brand new baby that had just been circumsized.  My hormones were through the roof and I had a collicky baby, in a hotel room, with brand new parents who did not know what the hell they were doing....yes I cried most of the night.  We came home on a Saturday to snow drifts in the ditch that were at least 18 feet tall...not joking.  I felt like we were being swallowed by a snow tunnel all the way home.  And yes I cried all the way home as Palmer hated his car seat (and never got over that as a baby) and screamed all the way home.  But I had such good friends and neighbors who cleaned my house and my driveway out and got it all ready for us when we came home.....yes, that's the silver lining.  But stay away from your spouses in the Spring.....if you don't want  a Blizzard Baby.

Aunt Laurie!!!!!

Since my sister announced on Facebook that she was pregnant, I figured it was safe to post it to my blog.  I have been DYINNNNNGGGGGG to tell people too!!  I am so excited and cannot wait.  She is having quite a bit of morning sickness so I don't envy her there....I never really had it.  But I am so glad that we get to welcome a new baby in our family around Sept 24th or so of this year.  Hadley will have a playmate to boss around!!!

Tatoo......

Last Thursday I picked out colors, (well I didn't pick them out, Dr. Awesome the plastic surgeon did) to try to match my other areola.  How embarrassing!!  It was weird.  I guess they pick about 3 different colors and order them and mix them and then he tatoos it on...takes about 30 minutes.  My appointment is set for April 4th.  Other than maintenance to the oncologist and yearly mammograms, come April 4th I am officially done with cancer....done...so done.  Thank you Lord!!!

Here is a pic of me in my new wig.  I know everyone is dying to ask, why are you still wearing a wig, isn't your hair growing in??  The answer to that is yes, my hair is growing in and is frizzy and horribly curly, and well...ugly.  So I wear the wig cuz I have to have hair....I wouldn't be ME without a full head of hair and yes that includes wigs and hairpieces.  I shoud have been born in the 50's and 60's where wigs were worn all the time.  Oh well.....

Here is also a picture of Palmer from his tournament on Saturday.  They got first place and he got a medal....so cute!

Happy Birthday Palmer Drum!!!

Happy Birthday to my favorite 12 year old ever!!!  Palmer is 12 years old today and he seems so grown up!!  He asked for clothes and a cooling, memory foam pillow!  He has basketball practice tonight so I am going to surprise him with some crab rangoons....he loves those things.  It's nice that he is so low maintenance....(at times!!)

Here is a picture of Palmer on his 12th birthday....and one when he was 3 years old.  I am dying here as he is sooooooo cute!!

My daddy.........

Today would have been my Dad's 73rd birthday.  He's been gone over 10 years.  It just doesn't seem that long ago. He would be really proud of our family.  Everyone graduated from college and is doing pretty well.  I know he would love all the "additions" to the family after his death.  Mike, Hadley, Jon (my bro-in-law).  I think Hadley would have probably gotten under his skin as she does so many people!  In a good way though!  LOL!  He loved Palmer but only got to spend about a year with him and thought the world of Nikki and Christopher my niece and nephew.  I wish he could have been around to enjoy them a little longer.  So Happy Birthday dad....smoke a cigar and have a shot of Black Velvet for me...oh and give God a high five for keeping me around for a few more years!

I **heart** you........

This was just too cute not to share!!  They really do get along very well and Hadley is crushed if Palmer is upset (and he uses that to his advantage I might add) but she is getting old enough to stand her ground to him.  That stubborness from her dad's side is coming out :)

 

                                                          Don't mess with me Palmer

TGIF.........

It is Friday, and I am happy about that.  It has been a long week.  We are very busy at work and it is really kicking my butt, I have to admit.  I haven't been feeling the greatest either lately....not cancer icky (since I am supposedly rid of that crap) but the crud that everyone is getting.  I haven't missed work though so I must not feel incredibly awful yet.  Just feel like someone took a jack-hammer to my head and nose.....and my stomach and other end are bit delicate right now.  I have managed to stay hydrated though so I don't think I will succumb to it...yet.  Better knock on wood....remember I am a jinx!!!  Just hope my kids don't get it....so far so good!  knock on wood again...double knock. 

I want to give a shout out a day early to my dearest friend Paige who is having a birthday tomorrow.  Happy Birthday Paige.  Paige and I went to Cancun for her 30th birthday (which was just last year right?  **wink wink**)  No, it's been a few years but we had such a blast.  I have never had so much fun on such few hours of sleep and had so much sand up my A$$, and salt water in my eyes...but oh was it fun!!!  It was my first snorkeling experience and it was so beautiful....I still have pictures from it and I may just post them!!!  LOL!

Please continue to pray for Kay Ryan's dad....he really needs it.  God Bless!!

Crazy, busy!!!

It's been busy, busy....swamped, not enough time in the day, busy.  Work has been a zoo.  It makes the day ZOOM by but I am so pooped when I get home my poor children have to be my gophers.....I don't think they mind (at least that is what I tell myself).  AS you can see I have eye bags, on my eye bags.....urgh!  But busy is a good thing these days...especially with this economy and new taxes....urgh.

Here is a pic of Stacy and I on her 29th *wink* *wink* birthday!  We all went bowling and had a great time.  I won't tell you who won. (me) But it was a hard fought battle.  Palmer and the other kids were hilarious.  It's funny to watch kids bowl.  Some good entertainment. 

On a more serious note, I need everyone to pray for Kay Ryan's dad.  He is in the hospital with leukemia and has had to take chemo.  We are praying for you!  Also pray for Stacy's mom who is in Stage IV breast cancer.  She is one tough lady and I hope she continues her current progress.  You go Sharon!!!

Here's to a NEW Year and a NEW me!!!

Can you believe it's already 2013??  I have my 25th class reunion this summer.  I can't believe I graduated from high school almost 25 years ago.  I have to admit, at 42 3/4 years old, I am starting feel a bit old.  Not that 42-43 years old is old....but I am feeling my youth really starting to slip away!!!  I have held onto it for so long that now I might have to admit, I will never be the sexy sex pot that I really never was in my 20's!!!  LOL

Today I go in so Dr. Awesome can look at my stitches on my new nipple.  I think he will take them out today....and by gosh, that blobbity blob that looked so icky when he first cut it and stitched it up...now actually looks like a nipple!  It's amazing!

I have decided not make any New Year's resolutions.  I never stick to them anyway.  I am just going to take one day at a time and enjoy myself and my family and friends.   So here is to a prosperous New Year...cancer free!

A Reason for the Season.......Happy Holidays!

 

Happy Birthday to Jesus Christ...(well belated, it was yesterday) but I don't think JC would mind a shout out the day after either.....after all, he was BORN yesterday!  I wonder if he is happy about how huge his whole bday has gotten???  Or if he's a bit embarrassed by all the attention?  I am sure for some people he wants them to calm it down a bit....ya, I am talking to you all you "blow up plastic" manger decorators!  And he probably is saying, tone it down on the shopping and spoiling your kids.  I was born this day so you could enjoy your families, friends, and faith....... not give all your kids an Ipad!!!  Well I have to admit, I am one of those spoilers and I really need to remember the reason for the season and that is faith and hope and happiness...Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus!!

20 Years Ago......

20 years ago today I graduated from Iowa State University. Which is so ironic, since I am a Hawkeye fan!!  LOL  --- but I did graduate in 1992 on Dec 19th with a Bachelor of Science degree.  It doesn't seem like 20 years but it does seem like it's been a while since I was involved in the college scene.  Loved it when I was there but glad I am done with it!!  I will just have to live vicariously through my kids' college experiences now!  Here are pics of me then and now:

Can you guess which are which??? LMAO!!!

Heavy heart....

I have had a heavy heart all weekend.  The shootings in CT of innocent children and teachers has me just sickened.  I can't even imagine what they are going through, and I really don't even want to imagine it.  When I see their little faces it makes me want to sob with what could have been for them.  I take a look at my own children and I am so glad to have them with me all the time and to be able to hug them and tell them how much I love them.  I am not sure why people do such evil things, it's confusing and horrible.  I hope the parents can find some way to deal with the pain they are going through.  I am not sure what I would do or how I would handle it and hopefully I never will have to.

On Sunday, Dec. 16th I celebrated (yes celebrated) 1 year since my diagnosis.  On that day 1 year ago I seriously thought my life was over!  Or at least it would never be the same again and not in a good way.  I can say that reflecting on the past year, I am so thankful for modern medicine and for the love and support of friends and family.  I was crying on this day 1 year ago, and this year I am happy.....happy to be ALIVE and kicking and to be able to torture those who need it!!! 

Yesterday I got my nipple reconstructed.  It was a surprise how quick and easy it was.  He basically just took and cut a criss cross then sewed it into one big blob of a circle to make the nipple.  Easy peasy!!!  I didn't feel a thing since I can't feel anything anyway on that side.  But it looks NASTY!!  It's so gross!  It takes 3 months to heal, then I can get the areola tatooed on and he will most likely color the nipple in also.  I asked him about dead person nipple...not only did he laugh about it, he said there is a procedure where they do that and it costs twice as much and it is not nearly as successful!  How ironic!  Glad I don't have dead person nipple....only my own!!

What happens in Vegas....

Stays in Vegas...yes I am talking about my money.  It's still in Vegas.  Curse you, you FUN slots!!!  I had a ton of fun with my hubby and we got to see the National Finals Rodeo in person!!!!  I think Mike was in Heaven!  It was pretty cool and I am so glad we went.  Had a ton of fun with Seth and Beth and Anna and Alex.  Great people to travel with and be in Vegas with. 

I got to wear my cowboy hat....I felt like such a cowgirl with my 5 lb sparkly diamond belt and flannel shirt.  I got my belt at a 2nd hand store for $10....they were selling them in Vegas for $90!!!  And mine is soooo much cooler, at least I think so.

Here are some pics of Mike and I at the rodeo.  My face is not really that fat, it's the angle of the camera.  **cough, cough** (throat clearing sound). 

Holy Mammogram!

Took me two hours to get a mammogram yesterday (they were quite busy) but after a couple of looks from the radiologist and one scary ultrasound from my breast surgeon, he said he was very happy....so that makes me very happy!  I am in the clear for my left breast, what a relief!!!

We just got back from a weekend away in KC with our friends the Kubiks.  Carey, Jason and Kyley were so much fun to hang with.  The girls loved each other and Palmer really entertained Hadley and Kyley.  We kept telling Kyley that Palmer was Justin Bieber and she would giggle and get all embarrassed...adorable.  Hadley enjoyed trying to hug Kyley and Hadley especially loved the pool!!  We miss seeing them as they moved away to Wichita, KS a few years ago, but we still keep in touch all the time and try to see each other at least once a year.  With my chemo treatments we had to postpone their visits many times as I was either sick, or they were sick...and I was not much for visitors this year, but now I am ready to see everyone!!!

No News is Good News??

I had my x-ray done on my back last Wednesday and have not received any info (good or bad) about it so I am going to go with everything is ok!  No news is good news in my book.  I figured if there was something wrong they would have surely called me by now.  At least that is what I am telling myself.

I finally had my hair trimmed (thanks Kristi Myers) and am starting to wear the pixie cut with lots of goop in it to keep those curls from going haywire!!  Yes, I said curls, lots of them.  When I don't "style" my hair it looks like Pauly D from Jersey Shore....kind of that "cup or bowl" style that looks like part cactus.  Yuck.  So I use this product called "surf hair".  It's far from looking like surf hair, but it does keep it in a more stylish manner.  I am going to highlight it tonight!!  Wish me luck! 

Palmer came back from Disney World.  If only I would have had my camera ready at the airport.  When Hadley saw Palmer she yelled his name and ran to him for the biggest brother/sister hug I have ever seen....priceless.  They are so cute....yes I am one of THOSE parents...it's makes me want to puke too.   Palmer also gave Hadley a Tangled brush and crown, since she likes that movie so well.  It was really sweet of him to think of her and she wore the crown around for a while then decided that her stuffed animals needed to wear it, so she put it on them. I have such good kids...so lucky.

I can't believe it's almost Thanksgiving!!!!

Despite all the crap that went down for me this past year, it really seems to have FLOWN by lately!  I took Palmer to the airport on Saturday so he could visit his dad and his family for Thanksgiving.  They are at Disney World right now as we speak!!  Lucky duck. 

I will get my x-ray this week on my back ribs so at least that will be done.  I am beyond sick of doctors...(no offense to my doctors) but seriously....I am sick of you.  I still have my mammo and nipple surgery to think about....yuck.  I will always have a bit of fear getting a mammo now....I think that's fair to admit.  Who wouldn't???

My friend Kristi Myers and fellow BC survivor had shoulder surgery this past week.  I hate to even complain about my small little things that I have to get done as I am sure that was painful!!  Hope you are feeling better Kristi!

On a humorous note....someone better buy Hostess cuz I really don't want to live in a world without Twinkies!  But as long as there is still bacon....

Weight loss....part 2

Well, I am almost half way to my weight loss goal, I have lost 23 lbs so far.  I am trying to get to a 50 lbs weight loss but one day at a time, I love food wayyyyy too much to be there in just a few weeks!!  So I am hoping that by early summer (swimsuit season) that I can be at my goal!!  I feel so much better and have a lot more energy.  And my clothes fit, that is such a bonus!

Had my 3 month check up yesterday and all was great with my vitals and blood work.  I am full of nutrients so far!! Yay!!  I have to go get an xray next week as I have a sore spot on my left side near my back rib.  I have had that sore spot since chemo ended but thought it was just from surgeries, but I still have it, so to be safe they are going to check out the bone.  I am sure it's just arthritis....like everything else on my body!!! 

My baby boy Palmer leaves to go see his dad for Thanksgiving and go to Disney World....what a lucky duck!!!  I will miss him.  I am looking forward to some R&R during Thanksgiving.  I am not even going to look at a mall......I am not a Black Friday shopper at all. 

We went to a wedding this weekend.  Congratulations Brittany and Brady Myers!! It was so fun.  Here is a picture of Hadley in her wedding attire:

Still waiting for my 3 month check up

They cancelled my 3 month check up that was suppose to be Nov 1st as Dr. Singh had something he had to do at the hospital and someone accidentally scheduled my appt at the same time.  So they moved me to Nov. 12th.  I am not stressing out about it so far.  I feel good, so hopefully that is a great sign!!  I have been trying to figure out all the times that I have gone to the dr. for tax purposes....yay for medical mileage!!!  Thank goodness for this blog...it's like a written video tape of my appointments and it was so nice to be able to look something up so easy.  And who said it wasn't a GOOD thing that I am an over-sharer?!

More pictures!!

Here is Palmer in his Auburn gear.  He is an Auburn fanatic!  I would say he is a pretty good fan since they are not very good this year, he is very loyal, good or bad!!  Kind of like me and the Iowa Hawkeyes...curses that they are so bad this year too!!

And here is Miss Hadley goofing off at Grandma and Grandpa's house right before Halloween.  She didn't wear them for very long as there were tootsie rolls that needed to eaten by her, as well as all the other candy in Grandma's house.  Can we say sugar high??

Race for the Cure!

I got up early on Saturday morning with Kristi Myers to catch a bus from Ames to Des Moines to walk in the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure.  While I didn't "race", I did walk three miles which is a GIGANTIC feat for me.  I was tired as hell, but I made it!!  And what a great turn out!  Hopefully one day we will never hear of anyone dying from breast cancer.  I know it's a huge wish, but hopefully it will happen one day.  I sure hope it does in my lifetime.  Here we are after the 3 mile marker....I was a happy (and sore) camper!!  Thank you to all my Cycos for a Cure teammates...it was a fun day!