Momentarily feeling pretty good...go figure.
tomorrow is Relay for Life. I have always attended but never really participated, you know? It is an amazing event and one that all of us should attend...or at least understand and promote. I distinctly remember last year walking around with Jim and knowing I had the lump in my breast but not knowing it was cancer yet. I get teary eyed thinking about last year so I hope I can hold it together for this year. Still amazes me that I made it one year and here I am, life not changed much. I am so honored to live in this area with all of the people who work so hard making the Niles/Buchanan Relay so successful. I so wanted to be more active but am just still pretty emotional about it....not sure why really. There is the part of me that thinks I haven't suffered enough (I know that is dumb as dirt) but other than the surgeries and FEAR, it hasn't been too bad. Like I have said a million times, getting my tonsils out was much worse. I WANTED to die then! : ) Anyway, Jenny and Michelle, I can't tell you how proud I am to know you two, and all that you do for Relay. It's people like me that should be working my ass off to help, and then there's you two, who don't even have cancer but work so tirelessly. Thank you thank you thank you. I plan to spend as much time as I can at the relay this year. I am looking forward to the luminary ceremony and seeing fellow survivors. Gosh, it is all so amazing to me.
Today I googled reconstructed nipples and couldn't believe how good some of them looked. I did learn that that tattoo part fades quite fast, which explains why my PS nurse said to get the darker color. There are actual images if you want to check them out. But you know me, when it is all done, I be glad to show you. (well, most of you!) HA!
Then I googled "colonoscopy". Ohhhhhhhhh boy! That looks pretty darn invasive. I talked to my sis the nurse tonight and she said most of the gastro people she works with are all goofier than goofy because they have to be...thank heavens I am looped de loo for that event! I start my clear liquid diet Monday morning and then start with the pills at 6:00 PM Monday night. Then I will be spending most of my time "near the facilities" as the literature reads.
This blog reads like it should belong to some geriatric patient. How to get SCOPED. What interesting reading for all of you. Or how to get a NIPPLE. Hmm. Such great literature I write these days!
Josh is at his buddy Dominick's tonight. I miss Josh when he is gone 'cause he lets me love on him whenever I want. Andrew is at Kait's tonight. She has been gone a week and it was fun to have him around more often. He really missed her, which was nice to observe since you never know with him! With Kait gone and baseball over, we had about a week's worth of nights with everyone home each night. Andrew did have football a few nights but Jim and I actually cooked dinner and relaxed. Came at a good time with Mr. Pizza Pocket's demise and all. Still feel run down from that but it could just be me being bored.
I am really wanting a Pete's Patio pizza. Doesn't that sound good?
Molly
Friday, July 25, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Time to go back to work.
Still not a lot of energy. Getting bored. Bee sting pains, my ear is killing me, and my boob is bruised like no other. :)
Found my new favorite show. Jon and Kate Plus Eight.
Also, I really like Shear Design.
Like I said, time to go back to work.
Molly
Found my new favorite show. Jon and Kate Plus Eight.
Also, I really like Shear Design.
Like I said, time to go back to work.
Molly
Monday, July 21, 2008
1 year cancerversary, graduation parties
Feeling ok today, still somewhat run down. Just a few bee sting pains here and there. I was able to do a lot of housework and am almost done with all my laundry.
I forgot to mention on Saturday that July 19 was my one year diagnosis anniversary. Not that it is something to celebrate as most anniversaries are, but it went by, pretty uneventful. I am not sure how I feel about TIME and years going by. With this cancer, there is no 5 year "cure" --no chance of going back into the population of "your chances of getting cancer are no worse than the general population" which is what many cancers are considered after 5 years. so in my troubled mind, the further I get away from my diagnosis, I worry that it will come back. What a crappy way to think and what a crappy way to have to worry. So I guess I will try not to think about that. My victories will come with clean scans, I would guess. Not just passage of time.
Reading a good book right now by John Lescreorat (something like that) Very similar to Grisham and Turow. Intriguing to say the least. I had never heard of him until I found a paperback Ginger's books in the UP. John and Ginger are back down with us trolls, by the way. they stay up north until bear season which starts in September I think--after their hunters leave they are usually home for the last few football games.
Ginger has made me schedule Andrew's high school graduation party date. We will be having it the weekend of Memorial Day, 2009--that Sunday. I think it is the May 25, 2009, whatever that Sunday is...we have to have it when they are going to be home. So mark your calendars 'cause when Ginger plans, she PLANS!!!! : )
Hang in there Debbie! Before you know it it will be time to put the implant in and you will have squishy boob! Time has flown for me...it seems like I have been dealing with this longer than a year...but we have to take each day at a time.
Having burgers on the grill tonight Appetite is still not what I am used to, but maybe that is a good thing. HA!
M
I forgot to mention on Saturday that July 19 was my one year diagnosis anniversary. Not that it is something to celebrate as most anniversaries are, but it went by, pretty uneventful. I am not sure how I feel about TIME and years going by. With this cancer, there is no 5 year "cure" --no chance of going back into the population of "your chances of getting cancer are no worse than the general population" which is what many cancers are considered after 5 years. so in my troubled mind, the further I get away from my diagnosis, I worry that it will come back. What a crappy way to think and what a crappy way to have to worry. So I guess I will try not to think about that. My victories will come with clean scans, I would guess. Not just passage of time.
Reading a good book right now by John Lescreorat (something like that) Very similar to Grisham and Turow. Intriguing to say the least. I had never heard of him until I found a paperback Ginger's books in the UP. John and Ginger are back down with us trolls, by the way. they stay up north until bear season which starts in September I think--after their hunters leave they are usually home for the last few football games.
Ginger has made me schedule Andrew's high school graduation party date. We will be having it the weekend of Memorial Day, 2009--that Sunday. I think it is the May 25, 2009, whatever that Sunday is...we have to have it when they are going to be home. So mark your calendars 'cause when Ginger plans, she PLANS!!!! : )
Hang in there Debbie! Before you know it it will be time to put the implant in and you will have squishy boob! Time has flown for me...it seems like I have been dealing with this longer than a year...but we have to take each day at a time.
Having burgers on the grill tonight Appetite is still not what I am used to, but maybe that is a good thing. HA!
M
Sunday, July 20, 2008
We got a bleeder!!!!!!
A small set back Friday night...I was reading in bed and Jim was watching tv when he noticed blood all down my side and all over the sheets. So we got up to get me cleaned up and I felt very dizzy and very close to passing out. But Jim got me a cleaned up--we decided it was from me laying on the side of the incision--and with cool wash clothes and some orange juice I felt better. Poor Jim--we had just gotten back into bed and Shade puked all over the upstairs hallway. I did have to laugh because he was running around in his boxers taking care of the ladies in his life.
So Saturday I basically hung out in my pajamas most of the day. I took off the outside bandage and it still looked pretty bad under the steri-strips--lots of blood. But I was able to take a shower and there seems to be no new blood so...
The interesting thing is Dr. M gave me no pain meds, no discharge instructions, etc. so i don't know if this is normal or not. But I don't feel all that bad so I guess it is ok. I am hoping the steristrips will just fall off as they did with all my other surgeries.
If I am honest, I am thinking a tiny bit about the biopsy. What if they find more acc? But i know the answer is that it is good that it is out...but would scare me that my margins really weren't clear.
Not sure what i am going to do about a nipple now. The reason I decided to get one in the first place was because it wouldn't be a separate surgery from pizza pocket. As of now, I am just thinking a tattoo so when I see myself in the mirror it will look somewhat the same.
So Saturday I basically hung out in my pajamas most of the day. I took off the outside bandage and it still looked pretty bad under the steri-strips--lots of blood. But I was able to take a shower and there seems to be no new blood so...
The interesting thing is Dr. M gave me no pain meds, no discharge instructions, etc. so i don't know if this is normal or not. But I don't feel all that bad so I guess it is ok. I am hoping the steristrips will just fall off as they did with all my other surgeries.
If I am honest, I am thinking a tiny bit about the biopsy. What if they find more acc? But i know the answer is that it is good that it is out...but would scare me that my margins really weren't clear.
Not sure what i am going to do about a nipple now. The reason I decided to get one in the first place was because it wouldn't be a separate surgery from pizza pocket. As of now, I am just thinking a tattoo so when I see myself in the mirror it will look somewhat the same.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Still a padiddle.
Change of plans.
Pizza pocket is gone. No nipple however. Dr. M said that he was remiss in his discussion with me about my nipples and should have told me he needed to tattoo the area FIRST--which he didn't have the materials to do, so no tattooing and no new nipple as this appointment. No biggie in my book, what's another three doctors appointments? : }
But we did slice off Pizza Pocket. What hurt me was all the injections of the local anesthetic. I felt like he was just poking poking poking all over the area. I think he poked me at least 20 times. One time the vial that he was using popped its cap off and the drug splashed all over me and my face. He quickly wiped my eyes but it was all ok--just kinda funny. Then, when they were using a cauterizing tool, it had a short in it and sparked at the wrong end. At that point, Dr. M had to laugh too...it was just a comedy of errors.
I could feel him doing something but it wasn't painful. When he was sewing me up, he had to put more local in as it was hurting me a tad. I did get to see the tissue/fat/skin they took out. It looked the chicken fat. Of course they have to send it in to be biopsied (ugh!!!!) but the only thing that I am telling myself if there is ACC in there, it HAS to come out, so this is a good thing. If there is ACC, I am sure radiation would be a must, plus more surgery. Dr. M wasn't even sure if there was breast tissue, but since they send everything in anyway, this was a good precaution.
So, here I am with a bandage, no nipple, and just a slight bothersome feeling near my boob. I get to take a shower tomorrow. I see Dr. in two weeks for a recheck and we will schedule tattoo then. Then, the tattoo settles, and a month or so later, i can get the sewn nipple if I want. Maybe the tattoo'd area will satisfy me? who knows.
That's it from Reconstruction Central.
Molly
Pizza pocket is gone. No nipple however. Dr. M said that he was remiss in his discussion with me about my nipples and should have told me he needed to tattoo the area FIRST--which he didn't have the materials to do, so no tattooing and no new nipple as this appointment. No biggie in my book, what's another three doctors appointments? : }
But we did slice off Pizza Pocket. What hurt me was all the injections of the local anesthetic. I felt like he was just poking poking poking all over the area. I think he poked me at least 20 times. One time the vial that he was using popped its cap off and the drug splashed all over me and my face. He quickly wiped my eyes but it was all ok--just kinda funny. Then, when they were using a cauterizing tool, it had a short in it and sparked at the wrong end. At that point, Dr. M had to laugh too...it was just a comedy of errors.
I could feel him doing something but it wasn't painful. When he was sewing me up, he had to put more local in as it was hurting me a tad. I did get to see the tissue/fat/skin they took out. It looked the chicken fat. Of course they have to send it in to be biopsied (ugh!!!!) but the only thing that I am telling myself if there is ACC in there, it HAS to come out, so this is a good thing. If there is ACC, I am sure radiation would be a must, plus more surgery. Dr. M wasn't even sure if there was breast tissue, but since they send everything in anyway, this was a good precaution.
So, here I am with a bandage, no nipple, and just a slight bothersome feeling near my boob. I get to take a shower tomorrow. I see Dr. in two weeks for a recheck and we will schedule tattoo then. Then, the tattoo settles, and a month or so later, i can get the sewn nipple if I want. Maybe the tattoo'd area will satisfy me? who knows.
That's it from Reconstruction Central.
Molly
Baseball, vampires, and nipples.
Baseball is over for us. First time since Andrew was six that we aren't playing baseball in August. Not sure what we will do with all our time but Andrew seems ok with it all, and not having to wash uniforms every single day is nice too.
I have to mention the new book I am almost finished reading. It's really a teenager's book but Pam recommended it. It's called Twilight and is about teenaged vampires. It is very intriguing....I can see why teens love the love story --but it certainly isn't what I would normally read. But I must admit I really like it! I even googled it as there is a movie coming out in December. I was curious to see who was playing the parts...the female lead is exactly like I imagined, while the male lead is a bit too creepy for my imagination, but I am sure I will go see it anyway. Not anything that I would have ever picked for myself that is for sure. But if you are open minded, try it!
Today is "get yourself a nipple day". And "goodbye Mr. Pizza Pocket day". Haven't thought much about it to tell you the truth.
I will post later to let you know how it goes. My surgery starts at 2:30 in Kalamazoo. I am glad i get to drink and eat prior! : )
More later.
Molly
I have to mention the new book I am almost finished reading. It's really a teenager's book but Pam recommended it. It's called Twilight and is about teenaged vampires. It is very intriguing....I can see why teens love the love story --but it certainly isn't what I would normally read. But I must admit I really like it! I even googled it as there is a movie coming out in December. I was curious to see who was playing the parts...the female lead is exactly like I imagined, while the male lead is a bit too creepy for my imagination, but I am sure I will go see it anyway. Not anything that I would have ever picked for myself that is for sure. But if you are open minded, try it!
Today is "get yourself a nipple day". And "goodbye Mr. Pizza Pocket day". Haven't thought much about it to tell you the truth.
I will post later to let you know how it goes. My surgery starts at 2:30 in Kalamazoo. I am glad i get to drink and eat prior! : )
More later.
Molly
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
I can be an idiot.
How can you all stand me?
This morning, I took Dan and Andrew to their game at Hope College--had to leave at 7:30. Got home around 1:00 (we won) to see that there was again NOTHING in the mail about my test results. So I check caller ID and sure enough, Dr. T had called. I didn't right away panic as Andrew has his physical tomorrow so I hoped they just left a message reminding...well, no, no message. Heart starts beating, hands shaking. Strangely, I also saw that they had called at 9:16 a.m. and a year ago Thursday, Dr. H called at 9:46 to tell me I had cancer.
Body shaking, I called and got put on hold for hours (ok, two minutes). The receptionist came back on and when I told her I hadn't gotten my results back she said "oh, it takes at least a week." And then she said, "While I have you on the phone, I called this morning about Andrew's appointment so he he still on? (yes) "And let me see if by chance we do have your results just in case."
On hold.
Yup, the letter went out and everything is normal.
Why do I do this to myself???? I PROMISED myself that I wouldn't worry so much. I wasn't worried all morning until I saw that the office had called.
Anywhooo, so that is all good. Andrew's team won, 8-0, and we play again at 5:30 tonight. Andrew is electing to go to football instead and I don't blame him as his coach only plays him if the Lakeshore kids are missing (which is understandable, as the Lakeshore kids are very good). This team is VERY good but we are just beginning to see some really good teams. Hope College is beautiful by the way. Their baseball stadium is brand new and is a great place to watch a game. In fact, Jim and I will probably go back up for the second game. He is a coach (who isn't needed all that much) but I would love for him to see the field and the campus.
Josh is off to driver's ed. Poor thing just turned 16 but we neglected to get his permit in time last summer when I was diagnosed so he can't get his license until first week of September. He says he is absolutely fine with it and seems so.
Aloha,
Mollykelani
This morning, I took Dan and Andrew to their game at Hope College--had to leave at 7:30. Got home around 1:00 (we won) to see that there was again NOTHING in the mail about my test results. So I check caller ID and sure enough, Dr. T had called. I didn't right away panic as Andrew has his physical tomorrow so I hoped they just left a message reminding...well, no, no message. Heart starts beating, hands shaking. Strangely, I also saw that they had called at 9:16 a.m. and a year ago Thursday, Dr. H called at 9:46 to tell me I had cancer.
Body shaking, I called and got put on hold for hours (ok, two minutes). The receptionist came back on and when I told her I hadn't gotten my results back she said "oh, it takes at least a week." And then she said, "While I have you on the phone, I called this morning about Andrew's appointment so he he still on? (yes) "And let me see if by chance we do have your results just in case."
On hold.
Yup, the letter went out and everything is normal.
Why do I do this to myself???? I PROMISED myself that I wouldn't worry so much. I wasn't worried all morning until I saw that the office had called.
Anywhooo, so that is all good. Andrew's team won, 8-0, and we play again at 5:30 tonight. Andrew is electing to go to football instead and I don't blame him as his coach only plays him if the Lakeshore kids are missing (which is understandable, as the Lakeshore kids are very good). This team is VERY good but we are just beginning to see some really good teams. Hope College is beautiful by the way. Their baseball stadium is brand new and is a great place to watch a game. In fact, Jim and I will probably go back up for the second game. He is a coach (who isn't needed all that much) but I would love for him to see the field and the campus.
Josh is off to driver's ed. Poor thing just turned 16 but we neglected to get his permit in time last summer when I was diagnosed so he can't get his license until first week of September. He says he is absolutely fine with it and seems so.
Aloha,
Mollykelani
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
I hate this week.
I know what you are going to say, but I just don't want to.
Yup, no pap results yet in the mail. Doctor said he would hope to get a letter in the mail to me by the end of LAST week. I had told him I wanted nothing but "normal" results. I know I should call--and I will after tomorrow--because Andrew has a physical on Thursday anyway. But dang, what does it mean? I googled pap test results to see if there was something that would indicate that abnormal tests took longer to discern (my breast biopsy went longer-- to use different stains to see what was happening) but I found nothing that said that, EXCEPT that it said pap results can take up to three weeks. Well, I happen to know that NORMAL results don't take that long --I've always had normal results--and it seemed like it took a week or so. Heavy sigh.
I then googled ACC of the cervix and that was enough to put me over the edge. But there wasn't much to suggest it was anything but a primary site, so I guess that is good. ACC is an awful cancer.
Speaking of that, Prudence, also known as Pru, passed away this weekend. Pru was the moderator of the ACC website that I found and have used almost daily throughout my journey. She had ACC salivary gland with mets to the brain being what ended up killing her. We are all so sad. I giggle thinking about her because she had a lot of rules for using the site--very SMART rules I would guess--she didn't like any of us just posting to say thank you, or good luck on your tests, that type of thing. She wanted it all factual, question based, and answered based. A few times I felt like I got in trouble when I would post and she would answer but gosh, she was a fountain of knowledge and moderated the ACC site without compensation for many years. She will be so missed and when I participate in Relay for Life soon I will be thinking of all she has done for us fledgling ACC newbies out here. I was so sad last night for a woman I never met.
Jamie Z, thanks for your comments. We both need to go out and get drunk and cry. : ) But we won't--we will be responsible and suck it up and get up, each day. That is our only option. We have lots to do in this world still and people need us.
This is the same week I was waiting for my results of my breast biopsy last year. I had it done on Monday and found out Thursday morning. No wonder I am a mess.
Wow, this is a pretty downer blog. I do have a funny story from camping--at least I think it is funny. Camping the first night was really hot that we even had a fan running outside. Well, the fan went into the tent that two kids were sleeping in and in the morning, the kids found a three legged frog in the fan's box. Outside the box was the fourth leg.
That just made me crack up.
Time to go tackle the world and try not to puke from nerves. I am about to swear off all tests, I really mean it. But then I am not sure my docs would give me drugs and lord knows, i need those. (I am really just kidding about the drugs...I do have my bottle of Xanax and may have to take one today, but in general, I am ok without them)
Love, love, love--
Molly
Yup, no pap results yet in the mail. Doctor said he would hope to get a letter in the mail to me by the end of LAST week. I had told him I wanted nothing but "normal" results. I know I should call--and I will after tomorrow--because Andrew has a physical on Thursday anyway. But dang, what does it mean? I googled pap test results to see if there was something that would indicate that abnormal tests took longer to discern (my breast biopsy went longer-- to use different stains to see what was happening) but I found nothing that said that, EXCEPT that it said pap results can take up to three weeks. Well, I happen to know that NORMAL results don't take that long --I've always had normal results--and it seemed like it took a week or so. Heavy sigh.
I then googled ACC of the cervix and that was enough to put me over the edge. But there wasn't much to suggest it was anything but a primary site, so I guess that is good. ACC is an awful cancer.
Speaking of that, Prudence, also known as Pru, passed away this weekend. Pru was the moderator of the ACC website that I found and have used almost daily throughout my journey. She had ACC salivary gland with mets to the brain being what ended up killing her. We are all so sad. I giggle thinking about her because she had a lot of rules for using the site--very SMART rules I would guess--she didn't like any of us just posting to say thank you, or good luck on your tests, that type of thing. She wanted it all factual, question based, and answered based. A few times I felt like I got in trouble when I would post and she would answer but gosh, she was a fountain of knowledge and moderated the ACC site without compensation for many years. She will be so missed and when I participate in Relay for Life soon I will be thinking of all she has done for us fledgling ACC newbies out here. I was so sad last night for a woman I never met.
Jamie Z, thanks for your comments. We both need to go out and get drunk and cry. : ) But we won't--we will be responsible and suck it up and get up, each day. That is our only option. We have lots to do in this world still and people need us.
This is the same week I was waiting for my results of my breast biopsy last year. I had it done on Monday and found out Thursday morning. No wonder I am a mess.
Wow, this is a pretty downer blog. I do have a funny story from camping--at least I think it is funny. Camping the first night was really hot that we even had a fan running outside. Well, the fan went into the tent that two kids were sleeping in and in the morning, the kids found a three legged frog in the fan's box. Outside the box was the fourth leg.
That just made me crack up.
Time to go tackle the world and try not to puke from nerves. I am about to swear off all tests, I really mean it. But then I am not sure my docs would give me drugs and lord knows, i need those. (I am really just kidding about the drugs...I do have my bottle of Xanax and may have to take one today, but in general, I am ok without them)
Love, love, love--
Molly
Monday, July 14, 2008
Ava's blood drive
Monday morning and what a sunny, warm day. Days like this should be bottled and sold.
Camping was fun as always. We arrived Friday night and set up, and later had hotdogs and fried walleye. I bought Jim a new deep fryer and he was loving it. He beer battered the fish--I avoided it--but my hot dogs over the fire were wonderful. The Hollands et.al had pizza over the open fire and that was quite good too. I also made strawberry shortcake. During the night the rains came and everything was SOAKED. We just let the kids sleep in and cooked under the awning. We had biscuits and gravy for breakfast and although the weather report said rain until 5:00 that evening, it actually stopped around noon and ended up being a glorious, cool breezy day. Jim was wanting BLTS for lunch so I started frying bacon early, and it was taking forever on our little propane stove, so Jim decided to deep fry it. Get this--it was fabulous! I thought it sounded horrible, but it went so fast and was a lot less greasy than mine. We will cook it that way from now on--when we need to cook a lot that is. ( we also cooked some for Sundy's breakfast, which was bagel/eggs/bacon sammies.) Saturday night we all had shish kabobs that were great as well. Nothing like cooking over open fire. We also had the proverbial s'mores, and Dave Holland made yummy homemade strawberry ice cream. We got home Sunday afternoon and slept well last night, but Jim and I have decided sleeping in our camper isn't half bad because the AC keeps it so cool. Love it.
Still haven't gotten my test results from Dr. T yet...I think the mail is here but I literally can't get out the front door as the doorknob broke off last night when I was locking up. I need to fix that soon!
Josh was such a big help yesterday with tearing down the camper that I promised him lunch today at his choice. As of last night, he chose Olive Garden. Andrew was in charge of the dog but didn't so much, but I will allow him to come to OG if he wants. : )
I have decided I have too much time on my hands and this makes me worry about cancer. Never would I think i would want to go back to work, but I'm getting there. I just love sleeping in so much.
Oh! I almost forgot to mention this. Jamie and Jamie Zimmerman are sponsoring a memorial blood drive in honor of Ava Christine. The drive is July 29 from 2:00 pm until 8:30 pm at the Niles Inn here in Niles. I can't give blood because of my cancer but certainly would if I could. If you want an appointment, call Jamie at 269-695-1476 but walk ins are welcomed. If you have never given blood it is really easy and painless. I used to give blood all the time and was about to start giving again but read that cancer survivors can't give blood until they are cancer free for five years. I am not sure I would even give then, since my cancer can lay dormant for so long, but we will see. But if yougive, you will feel so good about it, it will honor Ava, and most importantly, you could be helping someone in a time of need. Please take the time to do this.
Don't forget to cop a feel with yourself tonight if you haven't lately. If you feel anything weird, call your doctor.
Much amore,
Molly
Camping was fun as always. We arrived Friday night and set up, and later had hotdogs and fried walleye. I bought Jim a new deep fryer and he was loving it. He beer battered the fish--I avoided it--but my hot dogs over the fire were wonderful. The Hollands et.al had pizza over the open fire and that was quite good too. I also made strawberry shortcake. During the night the rains came and everything was SOAKED. We just let the kids sleep in and cooked under the awning. We had biscuits and gravy for breakfast and although the weather report said rain until 5:00 that evening, it actually stopped around noon and ended up being a glorious, cool breezy day. Jim was wanting BLTS for lunch so I started frying bacon early, and it was taking forever on our little propane stove, so Jim decided to deep fry it. Get this--it was fabulous! I thought it sounded horrible, but it went so fast and was a lot less greasy than mine. We will cook it that way from now on--when we need to cook a lot that is. ( we also cooked some for Sundy's breakfast, which was bagel/eggs/bacon sammies.) Saturday night we all had shish kabobs that were great as well. Nothing like cooking over open fire. We also had the proverbial s'mores, and Dave Holland made yummy homemade strawberry ice cream. We got home Sunday afternoon and slept well last night, but Jim and I have decided sleeping in our camper isn't half bad because the AC keeps it so cool. Love it.
Still haven't gotten my test results from Dr. T yet...I think the mail is here but I literally can't get out the front door as the doorknob broke off last night when I was locking up. I need to fix that soon!
Josh was such a big help yesterday with tearing down the camper that I promised him lunch today at his choice. As of last night, he chose Olive Garden. Andrew was in charge of the dog but didn't so much, but I will allow him to come to OG if he wants. : )
I have decided I have too much time on my hands and this makes me worry about cancer. Never would I think i would want to go back to work, but I'm getting there. I just love sleeping in so much.
Oh! I almost forgot to mention this. Jamie and Jamie Zimmerman are sponsoring a memorial blood drive in honor of Ava Christine. The drive is July 29 from 2:00 pm until 8:30 pm at the Niles Inn here in Niles. I can't give blood because of my cancer but certainly would if I could. If you want an appointment, call Jamie at 269-695-1476 but walk ins are welcomed. If you have never given blood it is really easy and painless. I used to give blood all the time and was about to start giving again but read that cancer survivors can't give blood until they are cancer free for five years. I am not sure I would even give then, since my cancer can lay dormant for so long, but we will see. But if yougive, you will feel so good about it, it will honor Ava, and most importantly, you could be helping someone in a time of need. Please take the time to do this.
Don't forget to cop a feel with yourself tonight if you haven't lately. If you feel anything weird, call your doctor.
Much amore,
Molly
Friday, July 11, 2008
The lonely disease.
I wasn't going to blog today but got on to check the weather report and saw my Kristina's comment.
THIS is how cancer kills people. Kristina, you put into words exactly what every test, every exam, every probe, every ache and pain, does to us. It is just the worst. I am so thankful that nothing showed up for you...and thankful they were diligent for you...but totally understand what you are thinking and feeling. Still not having my pap results back, I freak when the phone rings. It's all too much.
BUT, thank heavens for Xanax I guess. I am just sick for what you went through and understand why you don't want any more tests. I know all cancer survivors go through this is some ways, but with ACC, IF it shows up again, we have no options and bascially, while we may live for a few years, mayabe as much as even 10-20, getting ACC again is what will kill us. I don't mean to be a downer to anyone but I want to put into writing why this cancer is so bad. We all look fine, and even feel fine, but it's still there, that awful possibility. I think this piece by Alice Neely that I found late at night one night is very good to explain how this weighs on us. The scary thing is I have no idea how Alice is doing, so I don't even think about it.
However, to spin this in a positive way, because it is the only way to win, Kristina and I have ACC/breast (although I worry I have it in my neck) and we hope that the prognosis for this cancer is better than normal... We have to believe this Kristina and we have to tell ourselves "we are not going to die today." And then we have to live.
I want to cry for Kristina's experience because I feel it deep in my heart--been there--but instead, I will get going, get packing for camping, curse the weather report, and pet my dog.
And if that doesn't work, I will take another Xanax and live stoned. Those 70's people may have been on to something.
Molly
THIS is how cancer kills people. Kristina, you put into words exactly what every test, every exam, every probe, every ache and pain, does to us. It is just the worst. I am so thankful that nothing showed up for you...and thankful they were diligent for you...but totally understand what you are thinking and feeling. Still not having my pap results back, I freak when the phone rings. It's all too much.
BUT, thank heavens for Xanax I guess. I am just sick for what you went through and understand why you don't want any more tests. I know all cancer survivors go through this is some ways, but with ACC, IF it shows up again, we have no options and bascially, while we may live for a few years, mayabe as much as even 10-20, getting ACC again is what will kill us. I don't mean to be a downer to anyone but I want to put into writing why this cancer is so bad. We all look fine, and even feel fine, but it's still there, that awful possibility. I think this piece by Alice Neely that I found late at night one night is very good to explain how this weighs on us. The scary thing is I have no idea how Alice is doing, so I don't even think about it.
A Lonely Disease
By: Alice Neely
What's scary about ACC is that there's really no one to talk to. Doctors either brush you off or send you home to make your will, your family gets terrified every time you reveal a new pain so you start staying quiet, and no one else in the world understands a cancer that can linger for years and haunt you and terrify you. The public is used to a dramatic diagnosis followed by surgery, chemo baldness and usually death in 2-3 years. We with ACC linger on and on, year after year. People get tired of hearing about our aches, pains and limitations. They lost that initial surge of sympathy they had years ago when we were first diagnosed. Most cancer patients would be gone by now but we linger on. Getting new tests and new evidence of mets.
And even then we don't get really sick. Our doctors say wait, nothing we can do, enjoy your life. We go back to living, trying, working, having relationships. But still it haunts us. WE know it is a killer. We know there isn't a good cure. We know our lung mets are now legion instead of 3. But the others who know us are tired of our dramas. Like the boy that cried wolf they've stopped believing in the urgency, they want to enjoy their healthy lives and they're tired of hearing about ours. Our brave lives of living in the face of fear and met knowledge. People get excited but then look for resolution, life goes on, their lives go on. Ours are a continuing drama of new test results, new pains and new trials. I think we just wear them out.
So who can we talk to? Our doctors nod with smiles and leave the room, our families get terrified so much so we have to calm them and our friends don't understand our fears. We look too damn good.
Of course it colors everything we do and feel; relationships, children, jobs, everything. None of them can know how influenced we are by knowing we have ACC. We live with it, we don't like it, but we're thankful we don't have something more deadly and rapid. We're the lucky cancer ones, so who are we to complain? We live years with ours when other are gone in a year. So what is our beef?!
We are alone, no one understands, no one can relate. How many times have all of us heard "Over 5 years ago? Well, that's good news! After 5 years cancer doesn't come back!" Well, that's with normal cancer, we say, ours is different and the longer you go, the greater the chance of mets. It's just a matter of time. They laugh and say "Oh, you're just worried. Think positive!" We do, we try, we think bloody positive every bloody day, year after year. But the mets keep coming and they keep growing and we keep getting more scared. So, who can we talk to?
Our thoughts only scare others. It’s just really not fair.
Alice Neely
diag. 1990, ACC salivary gland, 1993 neck resection, 39 weeks radiation
lung mets 2004, lymph mets 2005
Member of ACCOI’s free email Information Group: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Adenoid_Cystic_Carcinoma_Organization/
However, to spin this in a positive way, because it is the only way to win, Kristina and I have ACC/breast (although I worry I have it in my neck) and we hope that the prognosis for this cancer is better than normal... We have to believe this Kristina and we have to tell ourselves "we are not going to die today." And then we have to live.
I want to cry for Kristina's experience because I feel it deep in my heart--been there--but instead, I will get going, get packing for camping, curse the weather report, and pet my dog.
And if that doesn't work, I will take another Xanax and live stoned. Those 70's people may have been on to something.
Molly
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Not so blucky, just a bit yucky.
I am such a boob for complaining about all my ailments all of the time. Stomach is somewhat better today...I certainly can't say appetite was affected at all today as I had a work/lunch meeting and ate all that Reuben sandwich they gave me. It's just that bluckiness that is hard to shake. But I am definitely BETTER, just not perfect yet. Plus my usual ear/throat pain, and pain in my side/liver are still weighing in on all my emotions.
The other night I had a major hankering for homemade lemonade. I did not feel good and when I don't feel well I crave only certain things--usually, tomato juice is the key. (I think that is back from my college days when tomato juice and V8 were the cure for a night of drinking) Anyway, I almost got up and drove to Martin's to get some lemons. Finally, just yesterday I made some, following a recipe I got off the internet. (food network I am sure)
I must say, using the process I used, homemade lemonade is overrated! Of course, I don't have a juicer so I spent about a 1/2 hours squeezing lemons with my hands and getting stickiness all over my counter. I needed a whole cup of lemon juice and that took 6 lemons. Then I made the simple syrup that was recommended (sugar and water heated to dissolve the sugar) and added a few more cups of water (4 to be exact) And yes, it WAS good, but not necessarily worth the time I spent "juicing", not to mention the 6 lemons were almost 60 cents a piece. But there you go, I made it and can say I did.
A few minutes ago this thought crossed my mind: cancer has robbed me of dreaming but reminds me to live each day. I think I need to accept that. When I worry it is about something not happening yet, so I have to live by my mantra "I am not going to die today." I guess I needed to write this to remind myself to follow it. What a wonderful downer I can be.
Must go get husband's baseball uni and yell at Andrew to get himself dressed. We have to be in Kalamazoo at 4:30. It looks quite ominous outside but I am sure we will still have to go up there.
I probably won't blog until after camping, so I hope you all have a great weekend. I am sure I will be abused by my family as we sit around the campfire with umbrellas and a crazed dog--we are supposed to get thunderstorms on Saturday, but WE ARE STILL GOING DAMMIT!!!!
Psycho Camper Mom
The other night I had a major hankering for homemade lemonade. I did not feel good and when I don't feel well I crave only certain things--usually, tomato juice is the key. (I think that is back from my college days when tomato juice and V8 were the cure for a night of drinking) Anyway, I almost got up and drove to Martin's to get some lemons. Finally, just yesterday I made some, following a recipe I got off the internet. (food network I am sure)
I must say, using the process I used, homemade lemonade is overrated! Of course, I don't have a juicer so I spent about a 1/2 hours squeezing lemons with my hands and getting stickiness all over my counter. I needed a whole cup of lemon juice and that took 6 lemons. Then I made the simple syrup that was recommended (sugar and water heated to dissolve the sugar) and added a few more cups of water (4 to be exact) And yes, it WAS good, but not necessarily worth the time I spent "juicing", not to mention the 6 lemons were almost 60 cents a piece. But there you go, I made it and can say I did.
A few minutes ago this thought crossed my mind: cancer has robbed me of dreaming but reminds me to live each day. I think I need to accept that. When I worry it is about something not happening yet, so I have to live by my mantra "I am not going to die today." I guess I needed to write this to remind myself to follow it. What a wonderful downer I can be.
Must go get husband's baseball uni and yell at Andrew to get himself dressed. We have to be in Kalamazoo at 4:30. It looks quite ominous outside but I am sure we will still have to go up there.
I probably won't blog until after camping, so I hope you all have a great weekend. I am sure I will be abused by my family as we sit around the campfire with umbrellas and a crazed dog--we are supposed to get thunderstorms on Saturday, but WE ARE STILL GOING DAMMIT!!!!
Psycho Camper Mom
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Bluck.
I don't feel good. It feels like the touch of the stomach flu, and if I knew it was that, I would just suck it up, but when you have had cancer, well, you know the drill........gawd.
I am thinking about digging through Drug Central (my medicine cabinet) to look for some anti-nausea meds. I got some a few summers ago when I experienced "labrynthitis", which I am sure most of you have never heard of...leave it moi to get it. (it's like vertigo) Anyway, I have so many unused pills in my medicine cabinet, I really should get rid of them. (I read today that you are not supposed to flush them, but instead ground them up and put them in coffee grounds and then seal them in a plastic bag to throw out. The coffee grounds prevent "accidental ingestion.")
Ugh. I can't shake this!
I am now back reading my rare cancer forum and there have been at least 2 more ACC/breast patients diagnosed--Didi and DarcyDiane. We all feel so lost because we are so rare. Kristina is still out there in internet land and I think is coming up on a 6 month chest xray--lots of positive thoughts and prayers her way please!
Still waiting for results on my pap...I am in telephonophobia--every time the phone rings I freak that it my doctor calling to say they found cancer. I've NEVER been afraid of these results but every test puts me over the edge.
My mom has two more chemo treatments left and she will then be done. She's doing fine, but has lost 30 pounds. The good thing is her blood pressure is very good now--the doctor took her off meds for that so she is happy.
Well, maybe I will take some things out to our trailer--we are going camping this weekend as I may have mentioned. I cleaned it this mornings and need to take the clean linens. It will be one less thing I have to do on Friday.
Yours truly in hypochondria,
Molly
I am thinking about digging through Drug Central (my medicine cabinet) to look for some anti-nausea meds. I got some a few summers ago when I experienced "labrynthitis", which I am sure most of you have never heard of...leave it moi to get it. (it's like vertigo) Anyway, I have so many unused pills in my medicine cabinet, I really should get rid of them. (I read today that you are not supposed to flush them, but instead ground them up and put them in coffee grounds and then seal them in a plastic bag to throw out. The coffee grounds prevent "accidental ingestion.")
Ugh. I can't shake this!
I am now back reading my rare cancer forum and there have been at least 2 more ACC/breast patients diagnosed--Didi and DarcyDiane. We all feel so lost because we are so rare. Kristina is still out there in internet land and I think is coming up on a 6 month chest xray--lots of positive thoughts and prayers her way please!
Still waiting for results on my pap...I am in telephonophobia--every time the phone rings I freak that it my doctor calling to say they found cancer. I've NEVER been afraid of these results but every test puts me over the edge.
My mom has two more chemo treatments left and she will then be done. She's doing fine, but has lost 30 pounds. The good thing is her blood pressure is very good now--the doctor took her off meds for that so she is happy.
Well, maybe I will take some things out to our trailer--we are going camping this weekend as I may have mentioned. I cleaned it this mornings and need to take the clean linens. It will be one less thing I have to do on Friday.
Yours truly in hypochondria,
Molly
Monday, July 7, 2008
It's hot out there.
Hello. I had a pap and a pelvic today so that shows you want a wonderful day it is. HA! My doc tried to even things out by telling me about prostate exams, but there still has to be a better way. I told him I expected nothing but "normal" on my report. My inner gut tells me it will be abnormal just because that is the way things seem to go for me. Drat.
TMI, I know. Just wanted to set the stage for my mood.
Actually, now that it is over, I feel somewhat relieved of course. My blood pressure was very good,which surprised me. We will see how it is at the dentist this afternoon. (yes, I have my second least favorite appointment this p.m. and they always take your blood pressure)
I posted a few photos from Summer UP 2008.
Next Friday is surgery day for the new nipple and the slicing of Mr. Pizza Pocket. The more I think about it the more incredulous I am that this should be done in his office. That same weekend Andrew's baseball team is playing in the State playoffs so I hope to still be able to attend. Dr. says ice will be my friend, and I am used to walking around in a drug induced stupor so maybe I WILL be ok.
Kids are all sleeping. Josh had four friends over and I think they are all still asleep. In an effort to save money, we have the windows open instead of AC, but it is getting hotter and hotter and even I may suggest we turn the air on....
I wish Andrew would wake up. He sleeps all morning, gets up for either football, basketball or baseball practice/games, then leaves to go out with Kait or his friends, and comes home at midnight when I am asleep. I think he is definitely a teenager.
We are going camping this weekend and I think I am the only one who wants to go. I think Shade will like it. We are going with two other families but the boys, Andrew especially, does not want to go. It's only for two night, geesh.
TTFN. It's time to eat breakfast.
Love to you all.
Molly
TMI, I know. Just wanted to set the stage for my mood.
Actually, now that it is over, I feel somewhat relieved of course. My blood pressure was very good,which surprised me. We will see how it is at the dentist this afternoon. (yes, I have my second least favorite appointment this p.m. and they always take your blood pressure)
I posted a few photos from Summer UP 2008.
Next Friday is surgery day for the new nipple and the slicing of Mr. Pizza Pocket. The more I think about it the more incredulous I am that this should be done in his office. That same weekend Andrew's baseball team is playing in the State playoffs so I hope to still be able to attend. Dr. says ice will be my friend, and I am used to walking around in a drug induced stupor so maybe I WILL be ok.
Kids are all sleeping. Josh had four friends over and I think they are all still asleep. In an effort to save money, we have the windows open instead of AC, but it is getting hotter and hotter and even I may suggest we turn the air on....
I wish Andrew would wake up. He sleeps all morning, gets up for either football, basketball or baseball practice/games, then leaves to go out with Kait or his friends, and comes home at midnight when I am asleep. I think he is definitely a teenager.
We are going camping this weekend and I think I am the only one who wants to go. I think Shade will like it. We are going with two other families but the boys, Andrew especially, does not want to go. It's only for two night, geesh.
TTFN. It's time to eat breakfast.
Love to you all.
Molly
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Tech issues resolved.
I'm back! Not only have I been on vacation, neither computer in our house has worked for about a month. Bought some anti-spyware stuff that Josh knew how to install and wallah, we are fixed! At least this laptop is. I am hoping to post some summer UP pictures and will fill you in on well, not much, but I will be back soon.
josh seems to think since he fixed everything, he should get to use this computer.
Later.
Molly
josh seems to think since he fixed everything, he should get to use this computer.
Later.
Molly
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Relaxing.
I am trying to keep up on blogging. It is my favorite thing to do but where is the time???
We are in the process of upgrading all our cell phones this week. Not an expense we can afford but my cell was missing, Josh's got wet in a hot tub, and Andrew's is older than the hills. Only my Nimmy declined a new one. Funnyhow simple things are fun. I have taken lots of pix using the camera--what I will do with them is another story.
Debbie F is getting her tissue expander placed in a few weeks. Wish her luck. It is nice having that behind me. On an interesting note, I think I have an air bubble in my implant. It feels like the size of a pea, but it is definitely there. I will have to ask Dr. Woody about it when I have pizza pocket sliced off.
We are in a quandary about going to the UP (fishing) this year. Baseball is causing the dilemma. Andrew has a big tournament before and during and after we are there, so we are trying to pick some days when he will miss the least games. Normally, I am ready to get the heck up there, but with summer, it's pretty relaxing HERE, so I don't really care when we go. I am leaving it up to Jim but have told him we are NOT going without Andrew. No way. Andrew really wants to go even though he says it is no big deal to stay home without us. HA!
Reading some Lisa Jackson murder novels these days. Goal is to get Pillars of the Earth done--but I am liking the trashy scary stuff these days.
Isn't the weather great? It could be a tad warmer I think but sleeping is great!
summer summer summer....
Molly
We are in the process of upgrading all our cell phones this week. Not an expense we can afford but my cell was missing, Josh's got wet in a hot tub, and Andrew's is older than the hills. Only my Nimmy declined a new one. Funnyhow simple things are fun. I have taken lots of pix using the camera--what I will do with them is another story.
Debbie F is getting her tissue expander placed in a few weeks. Wish her luck. It is nice having that behind me. On an interesting note, I think I have an air bubble in my implant. It feels like the size of a pea, but it is definitely there. I will have to ask Dr. Woody about it when I have pizza pocket sliced off.
We are in a quandary about going to the UP (fishing) this year. Baseball is causing the dilemma. Andrew has a big tournament before and during and after we are there, so we are trying to pick some days when he will miss the least games. Normally, I am ready to get the heck up there, but with summer, it's pretty relaxing HERE, so I don't really care when we go. I am leaving it up to Jim but have told him we are NOT going without Andrew. No way. Andrew really wants to go even though he says it is no big deal to stay home without us. HA!
Reading some Lisa Jackson murder novels these days. Goal is to get Pillars of the Earth done--but I am liking the trashy scary stuff these days.
Isn't the weather great? It could be a tad warmer I think but sleeping is great!
summer summer summer....
Molly
Monday, June 16, 2008
Randomness
Wow, what a perfect day, weather wise. Unfortunately, I have had an upset stomach. I hate the feeling. Not sure if it is something I ate, or what.
Yesterday was my first day off that I didn't go to wrok. I did check my email and will try to stop by tomorrow. I have to drive to Adrian, Mi tomorrow to pick up Andrew to get him back to Lakeshore for a 5:30 baseball game. He is at basketball camp and Jim and I took him Sunday evening--got back at 1:00 in the a.m. Nothing like a lot of gas and time for a few games of basketball!
I made dinner tonight--I am trying Paula Dean's Chicken Georgia, which is just shallots, mushrooms, butter and mozzarella cheese over chicken. It smells amazing but mystomach isn't up to it. I also made long grain rice but haven't made the green beans yet--Jim is at practice and who knows when he will be home. And of course Josh won't eat anything much so it's just me looking at my wonderful plating of this great smelling dish.
If you read my comments, you see one from Teresa Hartman. I met her on line and she had ACC in her cheek and is a research librarian in the UK...she is wonderful and shows us the power of the internet.
I have had a few blue days about this cancer thing. While I used to obsess, now I am just fearful...waiting for that terrible symptom to show up. I do have to have a colonoscopy--not afraid of that for some reason--and I am also going back to see Dr. Nancy next week.
TTFN. Don't forget about me...!
Yesterday was my first day off that I didn't go to wrok. I did check my email and will try to stop by tomorrow. I have to drive to Adrian, Mi tomorrow to pick up Andrew to get him back to Lakeshore for a 5:30 baseball game. He is at basketball camp and Jim and I took him Sunday evening--got back at 1:00 in the a.m. Nothing like a lot of gas and time for a few games of basketball!
I made dinner tonight--I am trying Paula Dean's Chicken Georgia, which is just shallots, mushrooms, butter and mozzarella cheese over chicken. It smells amazing but mystomach isn't up to it. I also made long grain rice but haven't made the green beans yet--Jim is at practice and who knows when he will be home. And of course Josh won't eat anything much so it's just me looking at my wonderful plating of this great smelling dish.
If you read my comments, you see one from Teresa Hartman. I met her on line and she had ACC in her cheek and is a research librarian in the UK...she is wonderful and shows us the power of the internet.
I have had a few blue days about this cancer thing. While I used to obsess, now I am just fearful...waiting for that terrible symptom to show up. I do have to have a colonoscopy--not afraid of that for some reason--and I am also going back to see Dr. Nancy next week.
TTFN. Don't forget about me...!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
YUK. Colonoscopy here I come.
Met with the gastroenterologist awhile ago (and forget to write about is) and he highly recommends I get a colonoscopy now. With my mom's history, and my rareismyflippingmiddlename, he said "yes, and I will even write a letter to your insurance company if needed." So I guess that is ok. Better to find out if there is something there, right? I think I scheduled that for July29.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Summer and the livin' is easy.
For once in my life, I am sitting here with not much to say.
It is hot and humid in my house. The dog is asleep. Jim and Josh are on a DQ run and have learned that they are closed because of the death of the owner. So now they are heading to Indiana. Andrew and Kait are watching some old basketball game on TV. And here I am.
Mike I.! Carla B wanted to say hello! She has retired this year, along with Leon and Ken and Greg B. Not sure if you know all that but there are very few of us left--even though you haven't been gone all that long, it seems like its been years since the days of the lounge and laughing 'til we cried with Pyles, Carol T., etc. Good ol' days.
Andrew and Josh had a game tonight cancelled by the rain. Andrew is exhausted as he is trying to "train" for basketball, baseball, and football. He is very undecided about basketball and football for next year--mainly because he's just plain tired. With the increased emphasis on winning, it is very difficult to be a three sport athlete. There is no way in the world the kid could actually work a job....and he probably should since he is just a bit spoiled...but I think he would cry from exhaustion. We keep telling him to suck it up, he's only young once, but he continues to whine about it. We will see what he does...I don't really care, but it should would seem wierd not watching him on Friday nights.
We did celebrate the news yesterday that Andrew qualified for the Michigan Promise $4000 scholarship based on his state test scores. Now, mind you, we have kids do the same thing each year so it isn't all that hard, but HE is thrilled because he doesn't have to take any final exams next year. So that is nice.
Did I tell you poor Joshie got two "minuses" on his all A report card? Yup, 6 A's and two A-'s. Josh is such an easy student--I never have to even ask or review anything with him. Andrew had a great year for that too--but in the past, I was always looking over his shoulder making sure things were getting done. I am trying not to be the helicopter parent that I see so often and so far, they are doing quite well. I do still worry about the driving thing but at least his truck is big. : ) Josh does not drive much at all which is a really big mistake as he is scheduled to get his license in late summer.
Ah, the boys are back. Peanut Butter Cup bizzard here I come.
Molly
It is hot and humid in my house. The dog is asleep. Jim and Josh are on a DQ run and have learned that they are closed because of the death of the owner. So now they are heading to Indiana. Andrew and Kait are watching some old basketball game on TV. And here I am.
Mike I.! Carla B wanted to say hello! She has retired this year, along with Leon and Ken and Greg B. Not sure if you know all that but there are very few of us left--even though you haven't been gone all that long, it seems like its been years since the days of the lounge and laughing 'til we cried with Pyles, Carol T., etc. Good ol' days.
Andrew and Josh had a game tonight cancelled by the rain. Andrew is exhausted as he is trying to "train" for basketball, baseball, and football. He is very undecided about basketball and football for next year--mainly because he's just plain tired. With the increased emphasis on winning, it is very difficult to be a three sport athlete. There is no way in the world the kid could actually work a job....and he probably should since he is just a bit spoiled...but I think he would cry from exhaustion. We keep telling him to suck it up, he's only young once, but he continues to whine about it. We will see what he does...I don't really care, but it should would seem wierd not watching him on Friday nights.
We did celebrate the news yesterday that Andrew qualified for the Michigan Promise $4000 scholarship based on his state test scores. Now, mind you, we have kids do the same thing each year so it isn't all that hard, but HE is thrilled because he doesn't have to take any final exams next year. So that is nice.
Did I tell you poor Joshie got two "minuses" on his all A report card? Yup, 6 A's and two A-'s. Josh is such an easy student--I never have to even ask or review anything with him. Andrew had a great year for that too--but in the past, I was always looking over his shoulder making sure things were getting done. I am trying not to be the helicopter parent that I see so often and so far, they are doing quite well. I do still worry about the driving thing but at least his truck is big. : ) Josh does not drive much at all which is a really big mistake as he is scheduled to get his license in late summer.
Ah, the boys are back. Peanut Butter Cup bizzard here I come.
Molly
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Nice.
June 1st--and summer feels like it is here. Nine days left of work. No getting kids up, no asking about homework, no worrying about cancer...uh, well no, but summer means a lot more relaxing!
I don't mind working these last few days--my colleagues are fun to work with and we go out for lunch. : ) I still glad I am not a full year employee--although right now I sure could use the extra $20, 000 or whatever it is. These next two weeks I will be getting ready for fall--cleaning out files, finishing scheduling, interviewing new teachers, making room assignment changes, those types of things. I also have my evaluation with my boss (the superintendent). He always asks us what our highlight of the year was...every year I have to think about it, and every year it is similar to the previous year. My highlights are never major, but are rather the little things that no one ever recognizes or necessarily knows about. One such highlight happened this year just after graduation had ended and I was watching the seniors get on the Project Graduation busses. A mom of a graduate came up to me and thanked me for helping her daughter graduate. Her daughter had stopped coming and I made phone call home to see if I could try to talk her into coming in at least for a meeting...she did, we talked, I encouraged, and she graduated. I did NOT do anything all that special, but just did what any one would do. So yup, she graduated. I am amazed with some students who give up with just weeks left to go. Anyway, that was minor but still made me happy. That is why we go into teaching, I think. The little things.
Yesterday I got attacked by allergies at our girl's softball games. I could not breathe all night. My eyes were watering, my nose running...arggh. But I took a Benadryl and woke up fine. Congrats to our girl's softball team for winning districts. They are ranked number 1 in the state and are on a roll. Also, the team that beat us in baseball also won districts which made us bittersweet....at least we got beat by the best.
I am actually making dinner so must go.
Ah summer. Gotta love it.
Molly
I don't mind working these last few days--my colleagues are fun to work with and we go out for lunch. : ) I still glad I am not a full year employee--although right now I sure could use the extra $20, 000 or whatever it is. These next two weeks I will be getting ready for fall--cleaning out files, finishing scheduling, interviewing new teachers, making room assignment changes, those types of things. I also have my evaluation with my boss (the superintendent). He always asks us what our highlight of the year was...every year I have to think about it, and every year it is similar to the previous year. My highlights are never major, but are rather the little things that no one ever recognizes or necessarily knows about. One such highlight happened this year just after graduation had ended and I was watching the seniors get on the Project Graduation busses. A mom of a graduate came up to me and thanked me for helping her daughter graduate. Her daughter had stopped coming and I made phone call home to see if I could try to talk her into coming in at least for a meeting...she did, we talked, I encouraged, and she graduated. I did NOT do anything all that special, but just did what any one would do. So yup, she graduated. I am amazed with some students who give up with just weeks left to go. Anyway, that was minor but still made me happy. That is why we go into teaching, I think. The little things.
Yesterday I got attacked by allergies at our girl's softball games. I could not breathe all night. My eyes were watering, my nose running...arggh. But I took a Benadryl and woke up fine. Congrats to our girl's softball team for winning districts. They are ranked number 1 in the state and are on a roll. Also, the team that beat us in baseball also won districts which made us bittersweet....at least we got beat by the best.
I am actually making dinner so must go.
Ah summer. Gotta love it.
Molly
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