One Long Day

I'm not going to lie...the last couple of weeks have been emotionally, mentally and physically difficult.  When things aren't going so great it is easy to get discouraged. I try to stay positive and brave, but I'll be honest, some days are scary and downright terrifiying.  I love this picture and saying.  It gives me strength and courage when things are difficult.

Knowing that my disease is progressing has been difficult to accept.  I thought my treatment was done with my last radiation treatment in November of 2013.  When it came back in November of 2015 I think for a while I was in shock.  I could not have made it through the last several months without the amazing outpouring of love, support, prayers, small acts of kindness, meals, treats, texts, emails, visits, etc from all of you - from my family, to my friends/ward in AZ to the 2 wards/friends in Bountiful and my friends/coworkers/families of patients from Primary Children's,my friends/coworkers at the Bountiful Clinic, and my wonderful chiropractor Bryce Crowley and other amazing practitioners at Advanced Health Clinic.  Just when I start to spiral downwards and feel alone there is always someone or multiple people who reach out and let me know how much they care about me and my family. It is very humbling to have this kind of support - I feel your love and prayers!! I couldn't do this without so much love and support.
Earlier this week my sweet friend Carrie Bettis from Primary Children's asked if we could meet for dinner on Wednesday at Bombay House.  I absolutely love Indian food, but none of my family likes it so I rarely eat it.  I was excited to meet for yummy dinner and to visit with my friend the night before I was to get my port placed.  She met me at the front door and we went in and there was a table of so many of my friends from PCH that I hadn't seen for a while.  I miss my job so much there and miss the ladies I worked with.  I was so surprised and shocked and so happy they were there that I couldn't stop the tears from flowing.  It was so good to catch up with everyone and just sit with them all again.  It was so touching that they would all show up for me.  I was so worried about starting chemo and getting my port placed that this was exactly what my heart and soul needed.  Thank you Carrie for organizing the get together.

All these friends of mine have hearts of gold - they give their all to kids who have cancer day in and day out.  They are true examples of compassion, kindness, love, hope and excellence!  I love every single one of them!! Amy Pasmann is missing from these pictures - I don't know how to photoshop her in but she left before these were taken. :)

Today I had my port-a-cath placed.  In case you don't know what this is, it is an implanted device that has tubing tunneled under the skin and is inserted into your sublclavian vein that dumps right into the tip of your heart.  I had one with my first treatment - my cute friend Paige took me to get it the first time in 2013 while being sicker than a dog...this tells you how awesome she is.  This is what a port looks like before insertion:

Power Port - allows fluids/contrast for scans to be pushed at a higher pressure.

This is the needle that accessed the port when it is under the skin.

This is Paige comforting me before getting my port the first time.

This is Paige comforting me after the surgery when I was extremely nauseated!!

This is what it looks like anatomically.  This is done under continuous xray so they can see that the catheter is placed correctly. It is sore, but it will be worth it.  My one and only arm they can use for blood draws and IV's has had enough.

So it was with mixed feelings that my port was put back in today to start IV chemo.  On one hand I was glad as my veins are hard to find for blood draws and IV's.  Sometimes it takes several sticks just to get a little blood.  I'm also glad to have it because it is safer to give chemo this way. On the other hand it just means that I'm going to be getting more harsh treatment.  ugh...

I started my morning at St. Marks Interventional radiology department.  My nurse was Serena and she was amazing - she got my IV on the first stick and was able to get all the labs drawn from it. She got me all prepped and ready for the procedure.  She then proceeded to talk about the sedation.  She let me know that since my lungs were already sketchy that they might not be able to sedate me all the way - I may be awake for the whole thing. ARE YOU KIDDING ME???!!!  I understand that they want me to keep breathing, but to be awake during this procedure was terrifying to me.  She said they would give me a little sedation at a time and see how it went. I suddenly wanted to bolt off the stretcher and make my way back home.  She was so understanding and calm and assured me they would do their best to make sure I was taken care of.  All of a sudden I just started saying a continuous prayer that lasted about 30 minutes.  I'll admit I was a little teary and it didn't help to look over at my mom and see her crying.  They wheeled me over to the procedure room and then I had to sit outside the room in the hall waiting for Dr. Carlisle who got called away to see an emergent patient.  It just made my anxiety increase.  What I would have given for some ativan, xanax, or valium...anything. They finally wheeled me in the room and I met the team - I'm not going to lie, they were awesome.  I let them know that Dr. Litton referred to them as the IR ninjas.  They all laughed and said the only thing ninja about them were their masks and joked about how they all better put on their masks.  I said what would be even funnier is if they all had the chewbacca mask on from the You tube chewbacca mom video.  Luckily they knew what I was talking about and thought it was funny.  It was a good way to break the ice and you always want a team working on you that is in a good mood for sure.  If you haven't watched the video and don't know what I'm talking about you can find it here. https://youtu.be/y3yRv5Jg5TI    They got me all prepped, draped and ready to go. I had a tent thing that was partially over my face so I couldn't see what was going on.  Dr. Carlisle came in and wanted to get started.  He saw my scar from my last port and he said "Have you already had a port?" I said "yes, with my last treatment."  He said "Well, that's not fair...I'm sorry we have to do this again." I, of course, had to agree. They gave me some meds and I could feel them a little bit - but I was wide awake.  They wanted to get started and since my breathing was ok - even though I was laying flat and starting to get a little panicky about it (but of course I didn't tell them that)  They gave me a little more. I remember the nurse telling me that Dr. Carlisle likes to use a lot of lidocaine and that it really burns.  I think I fell asleep during this part which was a blessing because I don't remember feeling any of it.  I did wake up while they were stitching me up and I could feel that - ouch, but it could have been a lot worse.  They left me accessed so I could get chemo and put the bulkiest dressing on it I could have ever seen.  When they took off all the drapes, I could finally see Dr. Carlisle.  He had the kindest eyes and took my hand and wished me all the best.  The whole team wished me well.  They were amazing!!

This is me on the way out of the hospital - what the crap is that dressing???  Obviously a nurse did not put this on. :)  Also, I don't think I could be more pale...I think a transfusion is in my future - maybe next week when my counts drop from the chemo.

After my port was placed I had an appointment with my Chiropractor, Dr. Crowley who is amazing and always fixes my neck and headaches...he seriously is the best - I need to get a picture with him.  I also saw Lisa who helps me with my lymphedema - she is wonderful.  We stopped and got a Keva Juice since I was starving and stopped by the house to change my oxygen tank before it ran out. Then it was off to see Dr. Litton - he of course was wonderful as always, explaining everything in detail and answering all my questions.  The best part was that I got several hugs out of him...they always make everything better. :)  Then he sent me back to get the chemo that nearly made me stop breathing. Like I explained in my last post it is different this time because it bound with protein.  He knew I was nervous about this and they don't usually premed for this chemo - but he was willing to give me a little dex and zofran to ease my mind.  I just love him. He sent me back to get hooked up and of all the nurses there, I got my favorite nurse Deann who saved my life last time - she of course remembered everything - even where I was sitting when it happened.  I have to say as a nurse myself - you don't forget those things.  She was wonderful - there were no problems and everything went smoothly.  She even commented on my horrific dressing and couldn't stand it, so she took it down and made it look pretty - a girl after my own heart. I would have done the same thing for my patient.

This is Deann...my favorite nurse and life saver

Hanging my premeds

Here is my Abraxane - it looks like they added lipids to it...but no...it's weird to get white chemo.

This is my mom...I now call her "Dr. Mom" as she has lots of medical advice for me (in a loving way) and is checking to see that I'm getting the right drugs...mind you she is a former teacher, principal and now is a literacy specialist. :) No medical background.  haha

Mom stayed with me the whole day and chauffeured me everywhere.  It can't be easy sitting and waiting for my stuff all day long.  She is a trooper.

Again - the before picture of my hideous dressing....

The after picture of the beautiful dressing change.  My port and the incision they made in my neck are really sore tonight - I don't remember it being this sore last time...

I have to thank all the people that helped out with me and my kids today.  Thank you to Jared Johnson for picking Dylan up for school and bringing him home! Thank you to Tricia Burrell for picking Maddie up for school and Jodi Holbrook who helped her with homework and brought her home - also for bringing me a much needed FIIZ!! That was lifesaving!!

This was called Timber and super delicious - it also made taking all my night meds so much easier!

A met a sweet gal - Amy Beebe at church.  I found out quickly that she was a nurse at the U working on 2 North where I worked long ago.  She knows my good friend Lisa Knapp - whom I love dearly.  She called me today and asked if she could come over for a minute.  She brought me my most favorite flowers out of her yard - peonies, coke and diet coke to make my 1/2 coke 1/2 diet coke concoction, Yummy chocolates and lip balm- something I go through quickly. We have become instant friends and I instantly love her! She was so thoughtful and kind.

Some of my favorite things!

My beautiful angel friend Renee Jenkins was so kind to bring over dinner.  It was so super yummy and thoughtful.  She is one of the kindest people I know.  She always knows how to lift my spirits.

YUM!!

I can't forget about my cute friends at the Bountiful clinic - LeEtta, Quincey and Dawn.  They constantly make me laugh and make sure I'm doing ok.  These ladies are amazing and I love them dearly!!  Also, my sweet boss Linda sent me home with a wonderful dinner on Monday - my kids ate it so quick I didn't have time for pictures.  Thank you Linda - it was so kind of you and super delicious!!

These autographs are going to be worth something!!

I love their sense of humor and the thoughtfulness in this gift.  I have to say the body butter smells delicious and I have used it every day since I got it. Thank you ladies, you are awesome!! :)

I guess that wraps it up for today - I don't mean to write such long posts but I guess I have a lot to say.  It was a long day today, but I made it through with a little help from my friends and family.

I love this "letter to cancer"

Even though my prognosis is not good, I'm still taking things one day at a time, still fighting, still hoping there is a cure right around the corner.  I'm not giving up, I have faith that this newly added chemo will get my lungs under control and I will be able to breathe and continue with the things I'm here to do on this earth.

There is always hope!!!

Be brave, my heart. Have courage, my soul,

Tiffany







\

The Results Are In. Drum Roll please.......

Dr. Litton called me tonight about 6pm.  I was glad to get the call from him, but felt bad that he was still at the office that late.  Since he was so busy one of the midlevel's looked at my scan and the radiologist's report.  It talked of pneumonitis, pneumonia, atelectasis, pleural effusions - so naturally anyone would think that my breathing problems were related to all those lung issues.  Unfortunately - even though that's what it looks like, Dr. Litton and Dr. Call have believed all along that it is my disease.  I don't have normal lung nodules like most lung disease looks like...mine is in the lymph in my lungs so it can look like pneumonia, pneumonitis and atelectasis.  Of course the pleural effusions are what they are and are getting a little worse, but so is the rest of the disease in my lungs.  No wonder I can't breathe.  It also doesn't help that my hematocrit and hemoglobin are dropping.  I'm not low enough to transfuse yet but all these things add up to not being able to tolerate any activity without becoming short of breath.

Anyway, getting back to the call....one of my favorite nurses Deann (she actually saved my life when I had an anaphylactic reaction to Taxol) she called earlier in the day and let me know what the midlevel's said about my scan and if my symptoms get worse to call and come in to be seen. I explained that Dr. Litton wanted to compare my scans and see if things were progressing...explained that my disease looks like pneumonia etc, let her know that my tumor markers had doubled and my breathing was worse than before I started Xeloda 2 rounds ago. She let me know that everything was making sense now and she would get all the info to Dr. Litton so he could let me know what was next.  I think that since he was on call and out of the office last week, he never really saw all my xray's and scans because the midlevel's try to manage those things when docs are out of the office.  With my weird issues and looking at a patient's chart they have never seen or talked to, there was no way for them to know what we were watching out for.  So finally Dr. Litton was able to look at all my xrays, scans, and labs...combined with my worsening symptoms things don't look super awesome right now.  He has decided that it would be best to start IV chemo...Abraxane in conjunction with my Xeloda.  They have a synergistic effect, so the hope is that we can get my lung disease under control.  He knew this is not what I wanted to hear - I told him I hated that plan, but knew we needed to do it. I love him.  He was so understanding on the phone.  I'm sure it can't be easy to deliver bad news day in and day out...especially because I'm probably his favorite patient.  ;)

Abraxane...it is the fancy name for Taxol bound with protein to help lessen reactions.  Last time I had Taxol - it was mixed with a solvent that is famous for causing reactions...and thanks to the nurse curse of course I had a reaction.  I almost stopped breathing...period...it was one of the scariest things I've experienced.  Talk about impending doom...I'd heard about that, but unfortunately experienced it first hand.  It makes me nervous to start this drug - but hopefully I won't react since it is bound with protein now.  I have been so lucky to be on oral chemo for the last 6 months - I'm so sad that it isn't working.  Just thinking about starting IV chemo makes me nauseous and a little gaggy.  I'm going to need to have some serious mental revving up before I start....and maybe some ativan....a lot of ativan.

This also means I have to get a port again.  My veins suck, and I will be getting Abraxane once a week for 3 weeks and then off for a week - so a port is really needed. I will find out more tomorrow about when this will be scheduled and when I start chemo.  The office was closed when Dr. Litton called, so his staff will work on it tomorrow.  I'm not sure I'm ready to lose my hair again so soon...or my fingernails...or my toenails.  My sweet friend Alexis took me to get a pedicure tonight - it will probably be the last one for a very long time.  I guess I'll have to go find the box that has all my scarfs and wigs in it...I have no idea where it is.  Maybe I'll shave something crazy on my head before all my hair falls out.  If anyone has any good ideas, let me know.  You only live once...right?!

I guess that's all for tonight...I don't have the energy to add pictures, it was all I could to to get this information out of my brain.  I guess that makes this real now.  More to come...

Be brave, my heart.  Have courage my soul.
Tiffany

Mutations and MRI's and Oxygen...Oh my!

WARNING: This post is not going to be the most positive thing you read. It's been a long hard week and I'm still trying to wrap my head around all that has gone on. This was my week off chemo - I usually look forward to that because I feel pretty good - almost normal.  However, this week was different.  I felt worse this week than I did on my chemo weeks which is totally not fair and super discouraging.  I saw Dr. Litton on Tuesday.  I was almost certain I was going to need a blood transfusion.  I was short of breath, dizzy, weak and my head had been pounding for 3 days.  I could not get my headache under control despite Ibuprofen, percocet, my wonderful Chiropractor, Craniosacral therapy, massage, essential oils....I tried everything.  My labs were drawn and they were absolutely nothing but normal.  I was sort of hoping that I needed blood, because that would explain all my symptoms.  When my labs came back normal I started to become concerned.  Dr. Litton was concerned that my breathing was getting worse despite 2 rounds of chemo.  He decided to get a chest xray to see what was going on. 

My most recent chest xray - still sporting a plural effusion and other yucky stuff.

 We talked about possibly doing a brain MRI, but decided to watch it since I wasn't having any other neurological problems.  We also went over the results of the cancer cells he sent for genomic testing. I had done some reading before my appointment about mutations with breast cancer cells so I would have some idea of what to expect if my cells had mutated.  Since I haven't been responding to treatment I should be responding to, I think we both were suspecting something was up.  So this part is the bad news...my cancer cells have lost their estrogen and progesterone receptors.  This is bad because without those receptors - the cells are harder to kill.  This is also bad because there are more chemotherapies they can use when you have those receptors.  When I was first diagnosed in 2013 my cells were 90% estrogen receptor positive.  So, these sneaky little cancer cells have mutated so they can stay alive. What a jerk move...  Also bad news #2 - there were some genomic mutations.
There are a bazillion different mutations that can occur.  I have been praying since Dr. Litton sent those stinking cells out for this test that out of all the mutations there could be -  I just didn't want to have the P53 mutation. P53 is the mutation NO ONE wants.  There are no targeted therapies for it, it is aggressive, and very difficult to treat.  Well...I had 2 mutations.  Just guess what one of the mutations was???!!!  Good ole' P53.  Are you kidding me???  This was hard news to swallow.

  I asked Dr. Litton how come every time I came in to see him, things just keep getting worse and worse.  He wheeled his stool right up next to me and hugged me and said, "Because you are a nurse...and because I like you so much."  Of course....the dreaded nurse curse...I sort of forgot about that.  If you don't know what the "nurse curse" is...basically when nurses have to be patients they seem to get all the obscure side effects of drugs and things just are more complicated and hard to treat.  I had this problem all through my first treatment.  I would have all the normal side effects and then also the horrible ones that no one really gets.  I got shingles, cellulitis, blisters on my feet, anaphylaxis  to chemo...the list went on and on.  I usually bring some kind of treat in when I see Dr Litton - on this day I brought the delicious chocolate covered mangoes.  I asked him if  I didn't bring a good enough treat for him and if I brought better treats would he give me better news?!
I went on my way over to St. Marks for my xray - if it looks worse (my disease in my lungs is progressing) then we will probably have to start IV chemo which means I have to get a port put back in.  As much as I don't want one I will be glad to have one since my veins are so bad and they can only use my left arm for IV's and blood draws.  My arm is getting really tired of being poked.
I called the next day for my results and to let them know my headache was even worse - basically not tolerable.  Dr. Litton was out of the office, but it was decided I better have a brain MRI to make sure the cancer hadn't spread to my brain.  Of course without any receptors and the P53 mutation - I am at higher risk for brain mets...nurse curse... Ugh...off to St. Marks for the 2nd time this week for the MRI.  Luckily my brain was fine, there is not a physical reason for my craziness.  Even though my brain was ok, my breathing was worse.
Friday I went in to see my palliative care doctor who is absolutely wonderful.  Dr. MacPherson has saved my bacon numerous times.  Friday was no different.  I usually see her for acupuncture to help with my side effects.  I was basically a train wreck, so we totally skipped acupuncture.  I was coughing and having such a hard time breathing with oxygen sats of 84%. She was  so concerned that I could have a blood clot in my lungs that she sent me over to St. Marks for the third time to have an angio/CT.  She also wanted a better look at what was going on with the disease in my lungs.  With my sats being so low I ended up buying myself continuous oxygen...joy of all joys.

The oxygen concentrator with extra long tubing to get around the house.

My little buddies

I'm thinking of starting up a Match.com profile...I'm pretty sure this will reel in a lot of great catches...especially in the 60-80 year old range.

 The good news was that I didn't have to stay overnight in the hospital because there was no clot.  Dr. Litton was not in the office on Friday so he will compare my chest CT's to see if we need to have a change in the chemo plan.  Weekends suck for that reason.  Everything gets put on hold and then I sit and worry and wonder what is coming next.

Even though I had a crappy week there were some bright spots.  On Wednesday my Bishop came over and gave me a really nice blessing.  There wasn't a dry eye in the room.

Before the blessing none of us could eat anything...I was too nervous about what might be said, but it was a really great experience and after we all decided we were famished - so we went to Robintino's - one of our favorite places to eat.

Mom and Dad (a.k.a Santa)

My favorite 16 year old - Dylan

Of course Maddie wouldn't look at the camera. :)

I had some sneaky angels leave these beautiful flowers and chocolate covered strawberries.  Even though they were trying to be sneaky - I knew exactly who it was, but since it was supposed to be anonymous, I will leave it at that.  After having such a lousy week it was just what I needed to keep going and face the next day.  And can I just say - I have dipped many a strawberry, and these are the best ones I have ever had!!  L - you are amazing!

These aren't the first pink roses this sweet Angel has given me - she is so thoughtful and always doing something nice for someone else.  There have been several times over the last 3 years of treatment/hard days that a pink rose would show up at my door step.  Love you R!!

I read this quote every day.  It helps me to keep fighting.

Maddie had her last band concert of the year.  She plays percussion - and I love watching her play all the different instruments.  She is great at what she does and I love that she loves music!  These pictures aren't great - dark auditoriums aren't the greatest for getting decent pictures.  I was having such a hard time breathing this night - I wasn't on oxygen yet.  I was just so happy I was able to go and see her play.

I was also able to go on a date with Parker to go shopping for graduation presents for his girlfriend Hannah.  It was nice to spend time with him - even if he wasn't very happy I was trying to take his picture at dinner.

I can't believe he is 19 and all grown up!

I was also able to go on a date with Dylan - he did not want his picture taken at all...too bad!  I love spending time with the kids together, but it is always nice to spend some one on one time with each of them.

Cute boy and delicious beverage!

"Mom...don't take my picture!"

Last but certainly not least, my cute coworkers LeEtta and Dawn brought me a delicious Keva Juice.  Man - I love Keva - but I have a hard time branching out from my regular favorites, but they brought me some kind of peachy heaven.  It tasted so yummy.  I'm pretty sure they brought it over after taunting me from work with their FIiZ beverages!

"Don't be jealous - we got FIIZ without you!"

So there you have it....the good the bad and the ugly.  Hopefully on Monday Dr. Litton will have looked at all my labs, scans, etc and have a new plan for me.  I'm disappointed, but he did say we still have options, so I will choose to have faith that one of the options is going to help get this disease under control...I've got lots to do and don't have time for this crap to get in my way!

Be brave, my heart. Have courage, my soul.

Tiffany

Taking a break from cancer

I'm tired of having cancer, tired of talking about it, tired of thinking about it so for this post I'm taking a break from cancer. Also,  I think it is always important to remember how delicious bacon can be...those of you who love bacon will surely agree!

So... Instead of talking about the "C" word,  I'm going to share all the great things I have been a part of the last week or so.

First of all my youngest son Dylan went to his first dance which also happened to be his first date.  He went to Viewmont's prom and had a great time and a darling date.  I can hardly believe he is old enough to be dating now.  He is such a great kid and helps make sure I'm taken care of.  He has a great heart and I love him to death! Here are some of the highlights:

Cute little grandma thought he looked very handsome.

On the same night as Prom, my darling niece Sarah Wilson opened her mission call at my mom's house.  She was so nervous, she could hardly wait.  We all had a guess for a state side mission and a foreign mission.  NONE of us guessed she would be going to Honolulu Hawaii!!  She is so excited - and we are excited for her and also to plan a vacation to the islands.  She will be a great missionary.

Before

After

Everyone recording/taking pictures  - nice photo bomb Maddie!!

So that was an exciting Saturday.  The next day Dylan was ordained a Priest and my dad came out to our ward to do the ordination.  Dylan had worn his tux to church and the Bishop said that "everyone who is ordained a Priest should wear a tux from now on."  He did look very handsome and was dressed up for an important occasion.

Monday, my good friend Paige surprised me with lunch and a "foot zone".  I had no clue what that even meant - but I tell ya...it was amazing!  It was so nice to spend time with such a dear friend that I don't see very often but once you get together it feels like time never passed.  I wish I would have thought to take a picture of our excursion...I'm bad at that and realize that if I'm going to blog about stuff, I need to take pictures as well.  The time we spent together really healed my heart and soul.  It was so thoughtful of her to take me out on this adventure.  This is my sweet friend, she is beautiful inside and out! (Paige, I hope you don't mind I stole this off your fb page. :)  )

Tuesday I was able to meet a dear friend for lunch.  I met Melody many years ago under not so ideal circumstances, but I quickly knew we would be friends for life.  Our short lunch ended up being nearly 3 hours and we still had so much to talk about.  She is a strong, intelligent, compassionate, loving soul and I'm so blessed to know her and her family.  She has been through things no mother should have to go through, yet she does all she can to help others.  Again...I didn't get a picture which I'm so sad about but here is a picture of her - I don't know how I'm so lucky to have such wonderful friends.

Most of you know this about me, but for those of you who don't - I love to quilt.  Thursday I was able to go to the Home Machine Quilting show in Sandy at the expo center.  I went with myself which was wonderful because I could take as much or as little time as I wanted.  There were hundreds of quilts and vendors selling all kinds of sewing items.  This was like heaven to me.  A couple of years ago I entered 2 quilts to be judged as a beginning quilter in this show.  I didn't win anything, but it was fun to be a part of it.  They aren't anything amazing, but here are the two quilts I entered:

And here are a few things that caught my eye at the show this year.  Some of these things aren't my favorite - meaning I wouldn't choose to make or display them, but I do recognize the hours spent and the incredible talent people have in making these creations.

I don't know why, but I love triangles...love everything about this quilt.

Lots of fabric pieced together to make this Flamingo...love it!

Amazing quilting

2 things I love...COLOR and FABRIC!!

Friday I took it easy because I had such a busy week - but luckily my good friend LeEtta was able to break away from her daughter and grandkids up from AZ to go to a craft show at the Legacy Events Center in Farmington.  There were a lot of things to choose from - I wanted to buy a lot of things, but since I had gone a little crazy at the quilt show I refrained from going too crazy at the craft show.  While we were there I ran into a wonderful lady I met again under not ideal circumstances, but have loved her since I met her.  This is Shelley - she is amazing, funny, creative and strong and I love her guts! She has the most beautiful daughter that has gone through things most of us would crawl in a hole to avoid.  I spent many hours with these two and I'm so blessed to know them.

This is my sweet friend LeEtta who went to the show with me.  She is one of the kindest people I know.  She texts me almost every day to check on me, takes me to appointments, brings me FIIZ, and makes me laugh.  This is a picture of us right after I found out I relapsed.  She came all the way to AZ to bring me some flowers - well, and of course to spend Thanksgiving with her daughter and family.  I wish I would have taken a picture on our crafting escape - but of course - I didn't take a picture in our shopping frenzy. :)

I will end this long post with Friday...the best day of the week - I got to pick up my sister from the airport.  I have really missed her and am so glad she is here.  I wish she would move here so we can be together more.  She has a way of making everything better - we don't even have to have any plans - just hanging out is enough.

All in all it was a great week - cancer wasn't invited, so that made it better.  I just wish it would take a hike for good.  I love my family and love the time we have been able to spend together. More adventures to come in the next post coming soon.  I'm finding I have to hurry and blog/record the memories because my memory is not as great as I wish. (thank you chemo brain!!)

Be brave, my heart. Have courage, my soul.

Tiffany