December 15th...

Apparently my fingers have been broke or I've had little to say. RIGHT! Boy...I neglected this for awhile and need to catch up!
Chemo was cut 4 treatments short due to Taxol causing Neuropathy in my hands. Doctor said that the percentage of 4 more treatments doing any more good were outweighed by the potential damage it would cause further in my hands. In fact "permament" (if not already) would be an issue. I was of course estatic that I was done and moving on to radiation!
Radiation was a breeze for the most part. The Cat scan done prior to the initial radiation treatment showed the area by my collarbone that was a concern from the PET scan in the very beginning of my journey before chemo even started. The radiation doctor could not tell if it was "hot" or "cold", but decided to hit that area hard for the 35 treatments. Got some radiation burns, but was tolerable. I LOVED going in everyday and seeing the radiation techs...they are a wonderful group of women!!! Was very sad when the treatments were over. Happy of course to, but sad that I would not see them everyday...they became family to me.
My hair is growing in wonderfully and I'm having fun with the short style. Who'd have known beings I have had long hair most of my life. Funny how things don't matter as much as you thought they would in the beginning. Just like being without a boob....eeehhh, who cares! I finally went in and got fitted for the bra's with special pockets in them to hold the prosthetic breast....awesome! I feel almost normal now! The funny thing is that the 1 I had been wearing with my normal bra's that was given to me as a joke was 2 sizes smaller than what I was fitted for. You would have never known I was lopsided...I think. Ha!
My right hand has gotten considerably worse and I take pain pills a lot. I'm back to work fulltime and "mousing" all day on the computer is very trying by the end of the day. I've went to 2 doctors and am scheduled for carpal tunnel surgery December 22nd to take care of that. The Neuropathy triggered my carpal to worsen so hopefully this surgery will relieve the pain.
December 27th is the final PET scan "for now" to see if everything is gone...fingers crossed. I'm not worried or nervous though...it's strange. "It is what it is" and I know that I have done everything I was supposed to do so at this point I'm at peace with it.
Hope you have a WONDERFUL Christmas and stay safe!!!!! :)

October 4th....

Happy Monday!!
Had my radiation consultation, my cat scan, radiation tattoo's put on and my port taken out. Today I start radiation and am so stinkin excited to get it going!! Back to work fulltime and today has gone well. Bring on 3:30 so I can dart out to the radiation center!!! :)

Hope everyone is doing well. sorry this is short and sweet, but I'm doing it at work and not much downtime!

September 27th...

Good Morning! Slow moving for all of us I'm sure beings it's Monday and the weather is so crisp and cool...could just cuddle all day!
Had a great weekend watching a lot of football. Went to the West/East game Friday night and met up with the Gerst's. What a fantastic game...congrats West!
Saturday bummed around with Momma and then vegged for the night.
Sunday I went through some things in my dormer to get it prepared for the big clean up day. I tell you what...I will never recommend EIC to anyone. What a poor representation of a "reputable" company. So I thought they were anyway. Live and learn. Needless to say, my dormer is a mess from their roofing job and we will have to get up there and do some MAJOR cleaning and throwing away of insulation and carpet. Went to Sam's football game in the afternoon and they won 30 to 0! Great job boys!!!!
Today is my consultation to set up radiation. I am SO excited for this appointment!!!!
To leave you on a funny note....I tried spiking my hair. HaHaHa....not happening yet!!! Rest little mousse bottle...rest.

Talk soon...have a GREAT Monday!!

September 23rd...

GOOD morning!
Been a VERY long time since I've updated...geez!
Been a happy and frustrating month all in 1.
First...I went back to work part time on the 14th. Yay!!! Will finish the month part time and then it it hard again in October. SO nice to have structure and routine again. Time off was wonderful during all my doctor visits and chemo sessions, but it also gets a tad boring trying to figure out how to fill some of the time.
I've been to several doctor visits this month. Doctor Singh stopped the Taxol chemo treatments after 8 treatments (original number was to be 12) due to the issues it was having on my hands. Being diabetic for 34 years and going through taxol is a tough combination because both are known to cause numbness and pain called Neuropathy in the hands and feet. I am fortunate to have no issues in the feet, but suffer a lot with my hands. He was concerned and sent me to see Dr. Bekavac and Dr. Palma to have this issue checked out. Bekavac says carpal tunnel and Palma says Neuropathy. Mom stated that chemo attacks the weakest areas of your body and it's more than likely a sign of both. Dr. Singh believes it is Neuropathy for sure. So...here's how it went. Dr. Singh "No more treatment and I would like you to see 2 doctors to look into the issue." 2 weeks later...Dr. Singh "I reviewed your chart and beings you had cancer in 4 lymph nods...we have to continue some sort of treatment at least a couple more times." This would either be Taxol T or Adriamycin beings Taxol without the T seemed to be the culprit. He stated that he would consult with his specialists to see which option would be best. "Are you not the specialist?" Hhhmmmmm.
1 week later after seeing the 2 new doctors dr Singh says "I studied your file and didn't realize you had 8 treatments so we will stop treatments all together." Now in my mind I'm thinking "should you not study the files of your patients every time you see them?" This isn't a common cold we're dealing with. Happy, but alittle frustrated that I feel he has been shooting from the hip lately. Do not get me wrong, he has been wonderful through this...all of his staff, but I just got somewhat concerned at that point.
Needless to say, I will have no more treatments and will now start radiation for 6 weeks everyday. I have a consultation appointment at the radiation center on Monday. Woo hoo!!!! SO excited to get that started and be done.
Being back to work has been GREAT! After 4 hours my hands are extremely sore, but I wear a brace and have oral medicine to help with the pain and numbness. Hopefully time will help it slowly subside.
Okay....off to work I go!!!!!! Have a FANTASTIC day!!!!!!!

Benefit.....

Haven't been on in forever! Been really pooped and going downstairs to post seemed like a lot which sounds silly I know. Like the nurse said to me that she hears from other patients "it's a tired you can't explain" and it really is.
The benefit....
It went SO well! There were SO many people...made my heart swell!
Had (at last count) 122 different auction groupings whether it be a basket of items or individual items. The out pour of support was AMAZING! Thank-you to EVERYONE who helped and donated!!!

Decorations were SO stinkin cute! Little paper bra's in sticks coming out of vases with colorful flowers! Little bra's everywhere and "Chemo Sucks" tree's with suckers on them! You gals did a fantastic job! Thanks to Missy, Traci and Aubrey!! :)

A farmer in the community donated a hog and a local meat locker butchered and cooked it as a donation. Randy Randall took a kick from the pig after it was dead! Crazy mad swelling and bruising! Thanks for taking 1 for the team buddy!
Tons of side dishes and desserts were brought in by donators and family and friends. Thanks to all of you who served food, ran up and down those stairs for more and who brought for the occasion!

A group of about 15 young kids had a couple of tables titled "Cookies For Chemo" and had been baking and decorating for a couple weeks. There were a TON of ribbon frosted sugar cookies etc! You kids ROCK!!

There was a table of "LuuLuu" items including t-shirts, koozies, pins, window sticky's, pens, bags, bracelets, key chains etc. Everything had LuuLuu printed on it. Thanks Bill, Nancy, Ashley and Sue!!!! Thanks to mom and Kevin also for helping out during the printing of the T's! :)

We had over a hundred door prizes which the girls gave away. The band "Fushion" played for free which was a lot of fun. Thanks Misha, Sommer, Mikey D and the band!!!! :)

All in all outside of the amount being raised which was wonderful (over $12,000)...it was so much fun seeing everyone! Family, friends, Ol' classmates, coworkers and even Grainger coworkers from Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois.

Thank-you again to all for being so fantastic and reaching out to help the benefit be a success!!!

July 30th at 9:33...

I am so wired...benefit tomorrow! Have I said it's like Christmas in July for me lately?! I am so BLESSED, loved and supported by SO many people that I just can't thank-you enough! I could babble, blabble, blabble, but I have to simmer down and relax so that I can sleep well and be my spunky self tomorrow!!! :)

July 22nd....

So much! So much! So much!
I'll start by updating me and then end it with a BANG! LOL
Chemo has been going well...treatment day tomorrow. You know...people always say "TGIF" and although I'm not a fan of treatment....TGIF!!! It's 1 treatment closer to being done and that is enough to celebrate!
I recently noticed that I have hair growing above my top lip! Now as I posted on FB "I know how annoying it is for the most part, but when you have lost all hair due to chemo...it's like Christmas in July!!!!
Tonight we finished up the "Cookies for Chemo" which the kids will be selling at the benefit. Nathan Randall and Katie Wolf wanted to do something to help raise money for my expenses and decided selling cookies would be it. Bless their hearts...they are AMAZING kids and above their ages! Several other young volunteers helped last Thursday and Shelly and Christine baked all night Monday night...you are angels to me and I thank-you from the bottom of my sugar filled heart! (Gotta love when the broken cookies are a free for all!)
We will finish up donation baskets next week, final benefit meeting Tuesday night at Becks, breast cance ribbon pedicures wednesday night, get into Isaac Walton Friday and BENEFIT SATURDAY!! I am SO excited!!! :)
Have a great Friday (TGIF) and a wonderful weekend!!!!

July 10th....

Been awhile!
I started a new chemo "Taxol" 2 treatments ago (yesterday was my 2nd) and it is going very well. The only side effects are either I'm extremely tired or have insomnia. Now I don't know if I can blame it on Taxol or just me. Ha! Luckily I have not been sick or felt nauseous at all. SO happy for that. :)
As with so many people during the downpour on Wednesday...my basement took on a lot of water. Was halfway up my knee's and very dirty. Loaded the garage with most of the totes, pumped out the basement, squeegeed the mud and then power washed the entire basement. In looking at the bright side of the situation, I have a VERY clean basement now and got rid of a lot of things I needed to get rid of anyway. Some things turn out for the best after all.
Today mom, Sue and I went through all of the benefit items thus far and made up the baskets and packages. That was SO much fun! Overwhelming to see how much effort people have put towards this benefit and I want to express how blessed I feel! You all are amazing!!!

June 28th...

WOW...what a fun weekend! :)
Friday was a "think pink day" at work and people were allowed to wear anything pink. I stopped in for a few hours and had such a good time talking with everyone and the potluck looked phenomenal!!!
Friday night was the benefit "come have a drink with Luu Luu" at the Karma bar. Thank-you to EVERYONE who came...it was a GREAT turnout and like above...I had such a good time chatting with everyone. Wish the attached photo was clear so you could make out that I have a sombrero on my head and maracas in my hands. Oh dear god!! What a blast! Thanks to Scott, Julie, Ned, Jolene and Craig for going above and beyond in making it such a successful night. You are truly FANTASTIC friends for caring so much and making the night so friggin fun!!! I mean seriously Scott? Did you really have to blow up your car just to make a grand entrance into Waterloo? LOL! Love ya Chub!!!! Thanks again to EVERYONE for celebrating the night with me!!!!!

Monday June 21st...

Happy day to you!
It was tough to drag myself downstairs to blog, but I had to make a new post! Last 2 days have been ROUGH....so glad this round of chemo was the last. We will see what the next 12 bring.
Saturday was SUCH a special day! Zach Kienol (my niece Emily's boyfriend) and the Gerst family have been taking pledges for the "26.2 for Luu Luu" marathon. They did an AMAZING job and Zach had Emily riding next to him the whole way. Wonder if Emily was rough on him like Jillian Michaels from the Biggest Loser?! Naw....you were a GREAT team and I am sssssoooooooooooo proud of you! It was a hot, humid and sunny day and the mosquitos on the trail were like miniature vultures, but you did not let any of that stop you from completing one way or another! Thank-you from the bottom of my heart!!!!!! Love you guys!!!!

Today is the BIG run!!!!!

This really wonderful kid I know...(Zach Kienol) :) came up with an idea to help raise money for my benefit...so he started training to run a MARATHON! Yes 26.2 miles...which he will be doing today! If you would like to pledge him per mile or just a donation that would be awesome. He has reeeeeaaaally worked hard! You can also come cheer him on! Thanks!
See More
Location:Waterloo/Cedar Falls Bike Trails (Starting and ending at Pfeiffer Park in Cedar Falls)
Time:4:00PM Saturday, June 19th

Happy Thursday!!!

Got up this morning and decided to go play disc golf in Cedar Falls. Had a lot of fun and would like to think I kicked Danny's ass at it, but...I didn't. Never played before so it was nice trying something new! :)
Been a GREAT week. Energy level has been above 50% and you know when that happens with me...I tend to go go go like it's at 100! Went to the pool with Chris, Whitney and Melissa yesterday. What a MADHOUSE! Sun felt fabulous though!!!!
I have chemo tomorrow and have been dreading it all week...not gonna lie. This is the 4th and the last of the "every other week treatments". After this I start every week for 12 weeks. It's a different "formula" as I will call it, so I'm hoping it treats me as well as these treatments have if not better. To not puke my guts out has been a blessing although I've been real close at times. Cross my fingers!!!
Have a FANTASTIC afternoon and I'll talk soon!!!!!!!!!!! :)

June 9th...

Hope all are enjoying the beautiful day! :)
Where do I start? Well...I'll start first with the fact that I was blown away last night at the benefit meeting. SO much going on and I am amazed at how much time and effort friends and family are putting into it. Danny asked when I got home what was going through my mind and I said "just the fact that I don't know how I am going to thank everyone for all of the wonderful support they are showing and giving." In fact...I'm crying right now typing because it is such an overwhelming feeling.

I had treatment last Friday and am still feeling the yucks from it. Usually it hits hard Sunday and Monday and slowly tapers off, but this time...it has forgotten to taper off and needs a reminder. Geez! I have pushed myself to take walks and tinker in the yard. I figure if I'm going to lay around feeling like shit then I might as well be outside feeling like it. Ha! :)
Luv's!!!

June 2nd...

This entry is so random, but I wanted to jump on quick and express my thoughts. All morning I have been thinking about how blessed I am to have such an amazing family and such amazing friends. Just can't put into words everything that is going through my head. I get texts, phone calls, emails, cards, visitors everyday and ya know...you just can't imagine how special that makes a person feel. :)
Love you all!!!!!!!

BENEFIT MEETING PLANNED

Hello All~
Wanted to let you all know that you need to mark on your calendars Tuesday, June 8th, 6-8 pm to be at Beck's on University Ave., downstairs. We are getting down to the wire and need to get the planning finalized for the July 31st benefit! We will have the large 11x17 posters for you to post in businesses and around town. We also need a list of items that you have collected for donations for the silent auction! If you have large items, (please bring a picture of item.) You can also drop any items off at Karen's Print Rite, 2515 Falls Ave., W'loo between 8:30am - 5pm Mon. thru Fri. If you need something picked up, let us know. If you need more forms to make business contacts let me know and I will see that you get them. I will have extra shirts and other luu luu merchandise at the meeting also. Please keep the donations coming and hit as many businesses as you can! See you there! Thanks in advance for all of your hard work! You can contact me - Sue Randall cell# 319-269-4619 or email suerandall78@gmail.com or Ryan Richmond cell# 319-290-3388 or email isurchmnd@gmail.com
Thank you all in advance for all of your support!!!!

May 25th...

Happy Tuesday! Yes...I can say that NOW, but if you asked me last night if I'd be saying that I wouldn't have been so cheerful.
I told my mom that I would not sugar coat this entry. I know it's been awhile and I got through treatment without vomitting once which I am sssooooo thankful for!!! :)
It was a bit more rough 2nd time around and I have to say that I am still feeling wooped/tired/sluggish, but HEY....I did NOT vommit! Yay!!! :)
Now....as for last night. I went through the worst part of this journey that I myself (not speaking for other cancer SURVIVORS) have experienced thus far. Mom and Kevin stopped over to visit and when they left, I took a shower. Up to this point my hair has been slowly falling out, but last night was the last of holding onto something I could not hold onto anymore. You think "oooohhhh.....it's just hair." Your right if you haven't gone through it and I am by no means knocking anyone for saying it to make others feel better, but it is not just hair...it is alot of who you are. I stood there in the shower and just bawled as it fell to the drain. I called mom and Kevin and asked them to bring their clippers over. Mom put a chair in the kitchen and did you know that Kevin was an fantastic beautician? Anyway...Kevin buzzed it and mom rubbed my back while I held a towel to my face and just bawled. Vain or not...you cannot even imagine unless you've gone through it. Luckily I have a nice round head and as they said "you look like GI Jane!!" Woo hoo...I always wanted to look like a badass!!!! I'm now sporting baseball caps until I "want" to work with my wig. Just not ready for it yet for some reason and I can't explain why.
Today I am good. A bit sad deep down, but I feel like a weight has been lifted. A weight that I knew was going to happen, but was in denial. So I now push forward AS ALWAYS, dry my tears and enjoy the....can't say sun today, but enjoy Tuesday!!!! Hope all of you do as well!! :)

Friday May 21st...

Happy Friday! It's been awhile!
This week was a fun one with having friends over in the evenings. Monday Vonna and Kate visited and we had a "much needed" girls night and decided we needed to make it a bi-weekly ordeal. Tuesday night my girls that I've known since we were teens and Momma came over for another girls night. What a bunch of nuts...we had SO much fun! Crazy girls...I love ya!
Yesterday Danny and I ran around doing errands...picked up Pookies ashes and when the guy called he said "may I speak to Lori Gerst?" I said "this is" and he says "this is Dave from the Humane Society letting you know that the cremation of your brown tiger cat is complete and ready to be picked up." I thanked him, hung up and said to Danny "wonder who's cat I'm picking up because Pookie was Gray." LOL
Went to Visions salon and set up an appointment for next week to have my head sized for a free wig. Heather Taylor mentioned it to Kate that they give away free wigs so I will take advatage of 1. Thanks ladies for the heads up!!! :)
That will allow me to have 2 wigs for alittle variety. Which leads me to my next topic. As of Wednesday night my hair has slowly been falling out. Shed a few crocodile tears for about 2 minutes, but then straighted up. First time I've cried over anything since the 1st Oncologist appointment. You kind of don't think it's happening when it does...just think its normal because we all lose alittle when we brush it out. Well...this isn't normal and have to accept the fact that yep...it's falling out. Of course you always hope you'll be 1 of the lucky ones that don't lose it, but have to be prepared that you will. I've been prepared, but when it happens, you don't want to think it is. Anyhoo...one of the "perks" of this journey and one I will also get through!
Hope everyone has a FABULOUS weekend and enjoy the awesome weather that is to come!!!

Wet Wednesday 05/12

Okay it may be a wet miserable week, but I won't let it bring me down. Had the last 2days to mourn my favorite man...the one as D2 (stepdad Kevin) would say "was the longest man in my life other than male family members". HaHaHa...cracks me up and so true! He's in a much better place and I know I did the right thing.
Now....I think I have officially gone crazy! No comments please, BUT I was up at 4:00 this morning...actually alittle before (sick huh?) and had the dishes done, carpet vacuumed, touched up paint areas in the house that no one else would see and had the yard mowed and sidewalks swept by 8:30 am. Now I'm not saying that I have neighbors that like me anymore, but my yard looks nice. :)
Will admit that I'm alittle pooped and looking forward to lazy time for the afternoon.
Have a great hump day and I'll chat soon!!!!

Sad...

Just put Pookie down...hardest thing I have ever done.

Oh and....

I had 11 inches taken off my hair Thursday night for Locks of Love. Party didn't happen Wednesday night because of the surgery (bummer), but Denise worked it out for me to go in Thursday night after Candi closed!!!! So happy we got it done!!!! :)

Mother's Day...

Happy Mothers Day to my unbelievable mother! All the strength, courage and determination I've learned from her. Love you Momma. :)
Happy Mothers day to ALL of you mothers!!!!!!! Hope today is a wonderful day for you!
As for me....I'm struggling hard. Chemo went great and I have not gotten sick once. Been urpy a couple times and the tired stick hit me hard last night, but other than that...no terrible side effects yet from the chemo.
Weekend has been extremely sad outside of that though. Friday morning when I woke up my cat had taken a turn. My usual grumpy "feed me" old man was in his own little world. Went to chemo, came home and he was the same. So now it's Mothers Day and his "possibly just don't feel well" mood is lethargic and non responsive other than shallow breathing. You can appreciate if you have loved a pet that has been through every ups and downs in life with you being your "best bud" for 19 years...how this must feel. Devastating to say the least. I feel bad saying this but the saying "god only hands you as much as you can take" statement is one I would like to throw out the damn window right now. Tomorrow I will do the next hardest thing that has been handed to me and put him down.

Happy Friday...

May 7th..today I start my first chemo treatment. Not nervous or scared at all. May be because this last week has been a tough 1 and I'm just ready to get the show on the road. Tuesday I went to my gynocologist to have a non-hormone IUD put in. 10 minute procedure that lasted over 2 hours and 2 doctors later trying to manipulate my cervix open enough to allow the amount of room that is needed for the device. No go. They needed 6cm and I only had 5cm to work with. In the process of figuring out another option.
Wednesday was my surgery to have the port put in. 45 minute procedure ended up being 3 hours before my parents and Danny received any contact on what was going on. Could not get the port to cooperate and did a few extra cuts. He also knicked my lung sack so breathing was difficult for awhile after. Woke up twice during the operation...once during 1 of the cuts....WEIRD. Strangest feeling ever.
All in all...it's Friday and we all made it here! :) Now if the weather would straighten up it'd be even better. Have a FANTASTIC day!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Oncologist appointment....

Man...how do I express how I feel? I will TRY to keep this somewhat positive because thats what I do, but I may struggle here and there. If you've been close to someone and been a part of their appointments you will understand. For you that haven't...I will try to explain the emotions. I was told that this would be the second worst appointment from the initial diagnosis and she was right. (Love ya Sue for all of your support and knowledge and "f*ck it we WILL get through this" knowledge!) Thank you for everyones support for that matter! Okay...to know pretty much what your up against is one thing, but to hear it as facts is completely different. Can't explain it and mom asked what was different for me that I didn't know going in...I can't explain. To hear the details of your situation and have it fine tooth combed is total reality. Waves of emotions that I have NEVER felt before...not even close. To hear a possible "timeline" of your life and percentages due to studies, freaks ya out when it's coming from a doctor. Anyhoo....Tuesday I have an ECHO test on my heart. Wednesday I go to the surgical center to have the port put in, then patient education that afternoon on upcoming treatments. Wednesday night I will have my hair cut for Locks of Love and Friday I have lab and then my first chemo session. They prescribed anti nausia meds, but told me to try not to take them because they will raise my blood sugar levels. Not sure what may be worse...being sick alot or hearing that taking the pills pretty much knocks you completely out of commission. I don't want to come across as "Debbie Downer"...just need this night to be a whirlwind of emotions and wake up tomorrow kicking a**!!! Have a GREAT weekend and I will post again soon!! As my dad said "just don't lose that beautiful smile" and you know what...I won't! :) Mom...thanks for being my rock and Danny...you keep my smile going and make me feel amazing everyday!

April 22nd...

Well doc appt went great! Feel like that part is coming to an end and it's a bit sad. I REALLY like Dr. Duven and Kathy and will miss them terribly. Doc had to aspirate fluid out because it had created pockets under my skin and would not drain out of the tube. He said it may fill back up and he'll need to drain them again. Yeah last night....POOF! Or should I say...poofy? Almost looked like I had my boob back. The hole where the tube was did not close yet (the first 1 did immediately) so the fluid is draining out at a slow drip. Still gauzing it up, but so happy I'm not toting that tube and bottle around. :)
My dear friend Lisa and I had lunch and bummed around today. Had such a great time with her and cannot wait to hangout with everyone at her and Bud's wedding Saturday!
Oncologist appt is Aprl 30th and we will discuss chemo. I'm guessing it will start in a couple of weeks. 1st week in May they will put the port in my chest that I will have throughout chemo...this is where they will inject it.
Next....the hair cutting party. I'm getting a few friends together and we're going to make a party out of getting my hair cut and donating it to Locks of Love. Kandy (hairdresser) is coming to the house and doing it there. Very sad deal for me, BUT someone will gain a nice wig and that makes me happy knowing that I myself will have a wig or 2 shortly.
Have an awesome night and look forward to FRIDAY!!:)

Monday picnic! :)

Happy Tuesday!
Danny had yesterday off and decided to take me on a picnic. We had a great time and the weather was just right...alittle chilly so that you had to cuddle. (smile)
Tomorrow is my next appointment and I CANNOT wait for it to get here. I've had the last drain in for 3 weeks and it is screaming to be taken out. Not that it is a big deal because I've kind of gotten used to it, but it is starting to drain out around the tube on my side so that part is a bit of nuisance. Reality is really creeping up on me in the fact that in a couple of weeks chemo starts. I'm okay with the fact that I know that day is coming, but also okay with the fact that I've been alittle oblivious to it. Insert famous saying..."is what it is!" :)
Enjoy this gorgeous day!

Thursday April 15th...

Hi! :)
Had my 2 week doctor appointment yesterday and seriously....I love going there and seeing Dr. Duven and Kathy. Not the kinda thing you wanna go to the doctor for, but they make it sssoooooo much easier. He said that I'm doing great and that the infection was clearing up nicely. The drainage is still alittle "cloudy" so he wrote out another prescription of antibiotics. Took the rest of the staples out...yay!!!
Gave me a sucker and pushed me out the door. Kidding! Next appointment...Wednesday. :)

Happy Tuesday! :)

Well hello there sunshine! Think I may go outside and enjoy the weather. My dad just called and is coming over to rake the yard and lay grass seed and fertilizer so I'm gonna pitch in and pull a weed...or 2. LOL
Doctors appt tomorrow and I'm looking forward to it. Remember when doctors were so scarey when we were little? Still should be for me, but I can't wait to go. They are 2 awesome people! Took a few days to convince the infection to go away, but it's feeling and looking ALOT better.
Hope you all have a WONDERFUL day and smile at least once, twice, three times a lady. Gotta love Lionel Richie!!!!! :)

April 10th...

Well hello there! :)
Been a few days due to the fact that getting down to my computer was next to impossible. Wednesday night I went to bed with alittle discomfort, but thought nothing of it because hey...I had surgery. During the night and on into Thursday the pain became worse to the point of unbearable. I can take ALOT of pain, but this knocked me down and brought tears to my eyes. Doctor had me come in that afternoon and said I had an infection underneath the incision and a lot of inflammation. They put me on antibiotics, uped my Vicodin to 2 pills per dose every 4 hours and also 4 Ibuprofren each time with the Vicodin. Needless to say I've been in la la land and resting the past couple days. Today I feel "alil" better which is GREAT. Alittle better is better than alittle worse. :)
Hope you all have a WONDERFUL weekend and enjoy the nice weather!!! :)

Appointment....

Went great! They took every other staple out and I got to lose 1 of the drainage tubes/bottles! Yay!! They said to keep doing whatever I'm doing because it's looking good. I go back in another week. :)

April 6th....

Well it's been 1 week today that I went in for surgery. I'm well and getting along great, but wanted to share what I've been thinking about today. As I'm getting ready for my 1 week appointment, I think back to when it all began. Now I know it was only a month ago, but to me...it feels like forever ago. I specifically ran over and over in my mind the day of my ultrasound. Tracy and I got together in the morning laughing and hanging out having a good time until my appointment. We picked mom up, listened to the "cabbage/lettuce" whatever it was cure and laughed the whole way there. Laughed (cuz thats what we do) in the exam room until the doc came in and started the procedure. At 1 point I said, "geez doc...your taking a lot of pictures"...no smirk on his face although he is a WONDERFUL man and smiled when he came in. Somehow at that point....I finally became scared. They say that rough roads in life make you stronger and lord knows...I've had my share and have always came out stronger and more determined. I pray that this is also 1 of those times. Nothing negative...only my thoughts for the day...
I will post again when I get back from my appointment. :)

Song...

All time favorite song......
http://www.cmt.com/videos/jo-dee-messina/26376/bring-on-the-rain.jhtml

Hello all! My computer took a dive a few days ago and I just got it back up and running and dang is it zooming! Thank-you D2 (Dad 2-Kevin) for your smarts and time in fixing it! Trying to catch back up on the emails, but hey...got plenty of time for that. My wonderful, beautiful, loving mom posted for me yesterday and I appreciate her update. Couldn't have said it better myself. Ha! Things are going good and my spirits have been up since I came home from surgery. I look at it this way....I can't change what happened nor can I go back, so all I can do is take this journey and take it like a trooper. :) I have gotten SO many flowers and cards and thank each and every one of you for being so caring and thoughtful. Also..the meals have been amazing and the visits have been much appreciated.
Today....well, I have no scheduled plans or visits lined up until tonight so WOW....I may just actually veg for once like I'm supposed to. RIGHT I know, but you never know!
Have a GREAT weekend and I'll pop in again real soon. :)

April 1, 2010

Another good day. Danny decided to take me for a ride to Iowa City for dinner. I decided to stop and buy my wonderful mother some flowers and take to her office in Cedar Rapids. She was totally blown away when I walked in her office. Met her co-workers and they could not believe I just had surgery and looked so damn good. Had a wonderful day but was a little tired by the time I got home. Dr. Duven's office called when I got home and informed me they received lab tests back from the nodes they removed during surgery. There was 13 nodes removed from under my left arm and only 4 were cancerous. They first told me probably 9 would be cancerous so I was so excited.They peeled the cancer off my chest wall but don't feel it penetrated the wall. The cancer lump in my breast was about an inch in length, 3.5 phase. They remind me that the surgery is the easy part of this journey, chemo will be the hard part. I will always keep my eyes on the light at the end of the tunnel. Have a great Good Friday.

Wed. 3/31/10

Life is good! Lori has Vicodin!!! Lori is doing well and feeling good! Who wouldn't be with Vicodin! LOL Lori's computer has crashed so she cannot update currently. Anyone that has ordered t-shirts last week they will be ready by the end of the week. We may even have some of the new orders from this week done too. Bracelets and key fobs should be at my doorstep tonight! So with that said, we (Ry and I) will be busy doing deliveries. Hopefully, Ryan is gonna try to fix Lori's computer tomorrow night. We will keep you updated! Also, if you are wanting to volunteer for benefit, the meeting is set for April 8th, 6 pm at Beck's on University. Bye for now! Sue

Surgery went well

Hello All~ I received message at 10:43 am per Jan (Lori's mom) that surgery went well and Lori is in recovery! YIPPPEEEE!!! Will update again when we have any more information. Thanks all for caring!!! Sue

Post from Ryan

Just an update for all of Lori's support group, check out the website for new info on the Benefit!!! Organizational meeting 4/8 at 6 pm, at Becks, on University for all those interested in helping out with it.

Happy March 29th!

Today is my day to relax. Now you know I won't although I may not leave the house. Kinda like when you take a vacation and you feel like everything needs to be spic and span clean before you leave? That's how I'm feeling about surgery tomorrow. Not that it's going to be a vacation, but maybe it's my way of focusing on something else for the day. I had a FANTASTIC weekend! Had breakfast with my Ry Ry and Katie Saturday morning, the Goldsberry's family get together Saturday night, church with Jean and Butz Sunday followed by a wonderful lunch and then Sam's (nephew) 11th birthday party!!!! Today it's just me, Windex, Pledge, Tide, Downy and some Mr. Clean...until later. :)

One more thing....

A HUGE thanks again to 1 of the most AMAZING men in my life for creating this blog for me. Love you Ryan! :)

Happy Friday! :)

My posts will be random thoughts, but just go with it with me. Today I have been texting because as most of you know...if my cell phone server did not see at least 1,000 plus text on my monthly bills, they would be calling to see what was wrong. This morning I am in a GREAT mood and of course my goofy best friend of 25 years is a nut and ags me on. I told her this morning that I can't believe how sore my armpit is and how the nods must be having 1 hell of a dance off getting jiggy in there. HEY...if you can't be silly then it will only drag you down. On a serious note...I have 2 appointments today. First is a physical with my family doctor and second is to meet up with the surgeon to go over the surgery. After that...my WONDERFUL mom and I will probably roam the mall and enjoy the day. I hope ALL of you have a GREAT Friday!!! Luv's

Thursday March 25th

Okay first I'd like to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for all the wishes\prayers\thoughts\cards\gifts\flowers and such nice comments for me during this journey. I would love to thank each and every one of you and this is how I'm doing it at this time. THANK YOU!!!! SO........I JUST got home from meeting with the Oncologist in reference to the results of the PET scan I had yesterday. This was to see if the cancer had invaded any other parts of my body. It by far has been the BEST day of my life so far in regards to this because they found no other findings outside of my breast. I am ESTATIC!!! When people say "I feel like the weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders" they aren't a shitten! I know it's still going to be a long process, but that is 1 less MAJOR thing we don't have to worry about. THANK GOD!!! Love you all and cherish each and EVERY one of you!!! :)

Update on Lori from Sue 3/24/10

I wanted to give you all a update on Lori. Surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday 7am. Lori is getting her PET scan today. That is to determine if cancer has spread to any other parts of the body. Lori has a positive upbeat attitude and is ready to fight the fight!
We (Ryan Richmond and myself) will be sponsoring a benefit for Lori, it is currently in the planning stages. The plan is tenatively set for mid June, possibly even into July. We are currently looking for a location. Date will depend on location & availability. Hoping to have location by end of week.
For all that have volunteered your time & talent, Lori is overwhelmed and grateful! I will be having a gathering next Wed. or Thurs. eve. to organize volunteers. I will have date set by end of week and will communicate that. Anyone wanting to volunteer in anyway, you will want to attend the mtg. If you cannot attend, let me know and I will see that you get a packet. Packets will not be available until next week.
Volunteering will consist of soliciting businesses for silent auction items, selling shirts, wristbands and suncatchers, putting up posters, picking up auction items, setting up benefit, serving food, cleaning up at benefit, making meals for Lori and her family.
At this point I have the following items for silent auction: 8 days, 7 nights in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico at the Marina Fiesta Resort, 1 large quilt, 1 baby quilt, 2 framed and matted fishing prints, Tastefully Simple, Avon, stained glass stepping stones, stained glass breast cancer ribbon suncatchers. So the list is getting bigger.
Speaking on Lori's behalf, she is unable to answer each person personally like she would want to, just due to the volume. Thank you all for all of your love and support for Lori and her family! They need you all now, more than ever!

Info

Just a quick note from Ryan, I will be getting all the info to Lori for this blog, I set it up for her, and haven't given her the password for it yet. My bad. ;)