Another new year.

I'm writing this entry from a different state...where there's snow outside and it's freaking cold. Looking back on 2009, I never dreamed this is where I'd end the year. But I'd rather end it no other way. Absolutely perfect. ;)

I have so many goals for 2010. I'd call them "resolutions", but I'm not a fan of that word. I'm listing them on here to keep to them. I say I want to do this and that, but never quite get around to doing them. So...here goes:

1. Publish my blog to a book (one can dream, right?)
2. Race a car (like, on a track. Not down 20 or in Dalworthington Gardens. Those don't count.)
3. Volunteer/work in the prison
4. Go back to school (I have a couple of options for this one...)
5. Travel
6. Learn sign language

Hmmm...I thought I had more, but they've slipped my mind. I guess these will keep me occupied. :)

So to end this blog (and this year), have a happy, safe, healthy, and most importantly, FUN new year. May yours be filled with as much mystery, surprise and happiness as mine is sure to be. Love to all.

Merry Christmas and (more) tattoos

I've written in the past about the loss, and gain, of friendships over my illness. I try to not dwell on the friendships lost, but embrace the friendships gained...for these are the few that I will forever cherish. When I was diagnosed, my mom promised a tattoo when I was officially diagnosed in remission. Many months later, she and four other family members held true to their promises. And now I add one more.

Last year at this time, a promise was made to me in passing at my cancer free surprise party. I've known Tanner for many years now. We've traveled, been to many a punk rock show, and hung out in hospitals together over the years. And yesterday, he did this:


It was an honor when my family did it. To mark something permanently on your skin for someone else is no less than amazing to me. And that FIVE people did it...wow. And now Tanner. I am beyond honored that someone NOT related to me would do such a thing. I had to laugh, though, in his description. Apparently it hurt like hell. :) So, thank you, Tanner. You've just proved that whoever doesn't get a tattoo isn't a real friend. Ha! Kidding.




I happened to be wearing this shirt yesterday. Funny. I wear it sometimes, but not often. And I never get asked about it. But yesterday, I did. We went to eat and a guy asked what I was a survivor of. He gave me a high five and a "God bless" when I told him lymphoma, but I was in remission.



Now I must go. Still have stuff to do before tomorrow. Oh and on a sidenote...Tanner made Mom and I beautiful glass vases for Christmas. He does pinstriping and is awesome at it. I will post pics of those in the next couple of days. :)

Thanks for reading!

I should've been a race car driver.

Unfortunately, the Dalworthless, I mean Dalworthington, Gardens police don't think so. I just got a ticket. 50 in a 40. I suppose with my driving, it was bound to happen sooner or later. Jerks. Nonetheless, I'm not very happy with "their kind" right about now. Ha! Yes, that goes for you non-Texas cops, too. ;)

I need to go running now. Anyone up for a midnight run through Veterans? I could get us there fast. :) Takers????

As promised...

Here are the pictures I promised in the last post. I found some other ones, too. I dumped all the pics from my phone's camera and had over 450 on there. Sheesh. So here:

The donuts from Erin:

The (delicious, homemade) ribbon cake from Cheryl:

I posted this a long time ago...bald from radiation. The pic underneath is it growing back. Most of it is all grown out now...

These are some more drawings from Erin. She would have them done by the Monday morning after my chemo treatments.

And this is the pumpkin log that Erin made for my last treatment.

If I come across anymore, I'll post them. I have a long list of goals to accomplish in 2010. I'll post them soon. Now I have nothing else to write. I was told by a close friend to put something very inappropriate on this. Even my threat of this being a public blog didn't quite dissuade him. But, in the end, my stubbornness (and ownership of this blog) win. As usual. ;)

Time to run. Go COWBOYS!!!!

1 year down, 4 more to go...

Today is my one-year anniversary for officially being in remission. I planned on writing about it, but now...I don't know what to say. Actually I have so MUCH to say, I'm not certain how to condense it. A year ago I was told to "live my life again". And I have tried, certainly not without fail, to do that. I've had 2 scans that came back clean. I had my oh-so-precious mediport out. I overcame my ultimate fear--flying. My hair is almost back to being one length. I've had victories. I've been defeated. And now I've got one year down. And four more until I'm out of the woods.

When I came in to work today, I had treats waiting for me on my desk. A box full of donuts from Erin and a purple ribbon cake from Cheryl! I took pictures and as soon as I find the SD card adapter for my phone, I'll post them. I went out to dinner last night with my family and out to lunch today with Mom. And I talked to a creepy, 1-900 elf. Ha! All in all...a good day.

So I'll end on this: we've been having a tough time at work lately. I won't go into detail, but I'm frustrated beyond end with the politics of public school. And then I hear stuff like this and my heart melts. My kids actually DO listen to me! From one of my 3rd graders via his mom: "Hey, look Mom-it's Mrs. Riggle's very favorite sky outside!" ...to which he was referring to the very ominous looking rain clouds out. :)

Thanks for reading. Good night.

Good grief.

Right. Let me apologize for not updating sooner. This seems to be a recurring theme.

I finally got my results of my CT scan. They're NEGATIVE! We had a wee bit of a scare with it, though. When I called to get my results (like I always do), I didn't get them over the phone (like I always do). My nurse called me back on Friday (October 23rd...yeah, yeah--I procrastinated a bit) and said the doctor hadn't had a chance to look at them yet. She asked when my appointment was (November 2nd) and wondered why it was so far away. My oncologist's office is the one who makes the appointments and sends the date to me. I usually don't have a say in when it is. I told her I didn't know why it was so far after the scan. She suggested we make the appointment for the following Monday. She had 3 openings-all during the day-and knows that I teach, but urged me to come in during one of those times. I picked the first time available.

Let me explain now why this worried me. I've had several scans in the last year and a half. PET and CT. For every other CLEAN scan I've had, I called the next day, left a message with my nurse and she's called back to let me know the results. Yes, the doctor looks at them first. My nurse is just the messenger. But nonetheless, I get the results via phone. So when she didn't give them over the phone, I panicked. Now...I realize that a rational person might not have done so. I never claimed to be rational. :) Here's the thing though: I worried. And I had every right to. Unless you've been in my position, you have no idea what it feels like to wonder. I worry about it coming back. It's not constant, but seems to increase when I have a scan or check-up.

When I went to my appointment, I had a long talk with my doctor about this. She asked me if I worry about it. I said yes, isn't that normal?? To me, it is. It's real. It happened. And no matter how ridiculous it is, they're still my worries, feelings and thoughts. My doctor seemed to agree with this and pointed out that she has no idea how it feels...she's never been through it. Exactly.

Let me pause here: I wrote this earlier today. I just reread it before publishing it. Wow. I sound defensive. I'll apologize if I offend anyone, but I'm not changing it. The perks of writing your own blog. :)

So to finish. What we did find from the scan is that a gland in the right side of my neck is enlarged. Most likely due to radiation and should go away. I have to start getting mammograms in 5 years. Just a precaution since I had radiation on my windpipe. I get another scan in 6 months. Then, depending on the results, no more after that unless I have symptoms. Yippee!

Hopefully that's it. We did several Light the Night walks. Thanks to everyone who came out to walk with us. I have some pictures and will post those later. Also had a wonderful turnout at Chick-Fil-A! I'm waiting to get an exact total, but there were so many people there. The drive-thru line circled around the building consistently throughout the night and I heard there was no parking outside. Awesome!

Okey doke. Goodnight for now. 7 more days... :)

Cats.

Yesterday was my CT scan. I wanted a PET scan instead but since my last one came back negative (good), they suggested a CT scan (bad). Then if anything is abnormal on these results (bad), next will come a PET scan (bad). Ha! I only say the CT scans are bad because nothing showed up on mine. My cancer, and to what degree it had spread, only showed up on the PET scan. Remember the whole "I'm stubborn" thing. But I'll take what I can get. I actually started this post yesterday, but didn't get a chance to finish it. At the time, I was in the process of fasting. I couldn't even have water. I had to drink these starting at 2: One at 2, the other at 3, and my scan at 4. At least it was spaced out...the last time I had to drink them both in 30 minutes! Ick!

I had the apple one first: Then I shared with Mom: Then I finished with berry: I had a full scan-neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis. I had to do the scan without dye first and then with dye. This is not my favorite part...they have to prep the IV (which isn't really a needle, but a small tube) before my scan starts. Then for 3/4 of it, my arms are up over my head. Which takes a bit of talent with a needle stuck in it. I thought I had described the sensation of the dye, but looking back, I don't think I did. It creates a warm sensation everywhere. The first time I had it, I was warned that it might feel like you wet your pants, but you really didn't. Well...that joke was on them! Kidding, of course. But it really does feel like that and it makes you wonder if you actually did.

I called to get the results today, but they didn't have them yet. I'll call again tomorrow morning. Even though the lady I talked to said my doctor would go over the results at my November 2nd appointment. Really? Like I'm going to wait that long?? Not so much.

Don't forget about all of this. I've booked the Chick-Fil-A by my school tentatively for November 5th. Once I get all the details, I'll post them. Come eat chicken and support autism research!
Must do something to help this.

Thanks for reading. Good night!

Money, money, money. Give me some of yours.

Ha! Yes. Tis that time of the year I'm asking for donations. To two worthy causes. The first is for Light the Night. This is a walk that raises money for Leukemia and Lymphoma research. Something very close to my heart. If you'd like to walk, we have a team for this weekend and for next. Go here to register for the 18th. Or here to register for the 24th. Both have information on times and locations. If you'd like to donate to my page, go here.

Also, in November, is Walk Now for Autism. I posted info in my last blog about it. If you're interested in joining, this is our team link. If you're interested in donating, go here. I'm still in the process of setting up a fundraising night at Chick-Fil-A. Details to follow...

I've had a change in appointments as well. I'll be having a CT scan on the 21st. I need lab work prior to that to check my kidney function and then my check up is on November 2nd. Yippee! More time to wait. I'm learning, with the help of some very close friends, to break out of my shell and overcome some fears. We shall see...

For now, that's it. Stay tuned...

I love rain.

This will be the most random blog post by me ever. Maybe. I was drugged on some of the previous ones, so...

To start, there are some Light the Night walks coming up in October. We are doing the Dallas one again this year. It's on October 18th. Short notice, I know. I'll get a team set up soon and post if you're interested in joining. My extended family did the one in Colorado again this year. I posted pictures under Light the Night-Colorado 1.

Also coming up is Walk Now for Autism. Autism is my passion and by doing this walk, I feel like it spreads the awareness a bit. I have a team every year. Last year, I hosted a fundraiser at Chick-Fil-A. I'll get that going again and post about it, as well. If you're interested in joining, this is our team link. If you're interested in donating, go here. I hope you'll do both. I mean, I did have cancer and all. ;)

Speaking of, I have some appointments coming up. I'm in the process of getting a scan scheduled and I have a check-up on the 19th. I feel better and better with each passing day. Except for the nightmares, which have returned in full force. I know it's due to the upcoming appointments and I'm hoping once they're over and done with, they'll slow down or stop. And you should see my hair!!! It's almost completely grown back. Yippee!!! On the topic of hair, a friend and co-worker, Susana, grew her hair out to donate to Locks of Love. I love that people do this. It's such a great organization and cause. Thanks, Susana!!!!

For even more random topics...I'm obsessed with this: Playing for Change. Matt showed it to me and I can't get enough of it! I love the music and the message. I'm also obsessed with Dexter. Just thought I'd throw that out here. I tried to post my Jamaica video on there, but kept getting an error. Ah well.

Now I must go. I have to finish decorating for Halloween. It takes a couple days at my house. I have a village and everything! I'll post pics of that next time. And the Cowboys play at 3. Against Denver. My cousin, Jeff, and his wife, Stephanie, will be there. She's for the Cowboys (she's the sane one in the family) and he's for the Broncos. HOWEVER, he is painting himself in blue and silver because he's a good sport. Watch for them in the endzone...they'll be holding a sign with all of our names on it. Go COWBOYS!

Something I Don't Like...

I've had a case of writer's block lately. I used to write as therapy. Now anytime I sit down to do so, my screen stays blank. Just like now...I try to write and eventually just leave it and come back. I started writing the last post 2 weeks ago. I just finished and published it the other day. Eh...oh well.

I've hit some milestones lately. For one, every year we go to Nokia Theater for our convocation for the district. We end up parking a good mile away due to the traffic. Last year, it took me FOREVER to walk to the building. We had to keep stopping on the way just for me to catch my breath. This year, it took me no time. My lungs are finally building strength and I'm able to walk a distance without my usual huffing and puffing. Yea! I'm still doing yoga amongst other things. My legs are still tingling, though.

Another milestone...on September 9th, I've been in remission for 9 months. I have another PET scan and check-up in October. I'm trying hard to focus on other areas of my life instead of this one. Not working out so much.

I was going through pictures and found this video. I took a ton of little clips when we were waiting for baby Jacob to be born. This was from the first night. For some reason, it makes me laugh. Thought I'd share. Oh...and check out the jersey. ;)

Must stop writing now. I've got things to do before noon. Brad and Jill are coming over to watch the Cowboy game. Oh...and I love the rain out now. So soothing.

Go Cowboys!

Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag

Fancy title, eh? I wrote something about everyone's birthday in the month of April. There's one more today. Her name is Phoebe. She's our German Shepherd and she's 4 today.

We got Phoebe in November of 2005. We had just moved into our house the previous October. And 2 weeks later, we were broke into. At the time, we only had Peanut-our Dachshund. I've always liked big dogs and especially German Shepherds. So I searched Petfinder religiously for a month and finally found her. Except...it really wasn't her. The picture I found and the puppy I got were totally different. But I'm glad she's the one we got.

She's the epitome of a perfect dog. She's obedient (for the most part), lovable all the time, and will attack at the drop of a hat if she thinks we're in danger.

So here's to Phoebe. The best "German Shepherd" ever.

Another.

I had another anniversary the other day. Yet...procrastinated in writing about it until now. Some things never change.

On August 1st of last year, I had my first chemo. I'm not sure what to write about that I haven't already said. Hence the procrastination. All that can be written of now are feelings. One feeling from that day: I was terrified. Thank goodness for Ativan.

In my last post, I mentioned going out with my brother that night. Well...he flaked out because he was "sick". Whatever. ;) He did, however, make it up to me with an even better idea. A group of us went to Jamaica Gates. The group included Jilly, her husband Brad, and my other two "brothers", Todd and Oscar. We drank Red Stripe, ate jerk chicken nachos (and other
stuff...Oscar), and listened to great live reggae. We had a blast. And even got some ideas for costumes for Halloween.

Back in February, I wrote about starting yoga. I posted a picture of a lady doing yoga specifically to show a pose. And I got a lot of grief over it all because I said it wasn't my mom. So...

There. There's my mom on the beach in Jamaica. Happy now? Good. :)

Thanks for reading.

Flashback

The hardest week of my life started on July 21st of last year. I said in a post that this month is full of anniversaries. I don't feel the need to post about all of them (...or do I?), but I will sum up some. I do it because it's interesting to me how much time changes. For instance, last year, at this very moment, I was sitting in a doctor's office with a needle in my arm, like this:

But, TODAY, at this very moment, I'm drinking coffee, writing and getting ready to spend the day with Jill. We've been in workout mode. Today is walking, swimming, and yoga. And tonight, I'm going out with my brother, Bryan. We're going to paint the town...green. Because we can. No really. We're going to Home Depot first for the paint...

Must go now...thanks for reading!

Lots of change and a show.

A year ago today, I was officially diagnosed with cancer.

My life changed forever on that day. I remember the feeling I had when I was told it was cancer.

Two days before, my doctor had called with the results of my surgery. He had said that my lump showed features of Hodgkins lymphoma. I would probably have to do some "chemical treatments" (chemo) and maybe some radiation. I took it well on the phone with him...and then I hung up. I went straight back to the bedroom to tell Matt and I couldn't even get the words out. I finally did and him, being forever calm, said, "Okay...what do we do next, then." He had to call my mom and tell her. I couldn't.

I got my official diagnosis when I saw my surgeon to have my bandages removed. By then, I'd had some time to let it soak in. I remember he had an intern with him that day. When he confirmed that it was, indeed, cancer, the poor intern looked more shocked than I was. He told me a little more about the cancer and treatment and that I'd have to come back to him and get the port put in. He even took one out of a drawer to show me.

I've changed since that day...and I've been through hell since that day. My changes have been emotional and physical. I'm stronger now. I know how short life is and I'm sad that it took this for me to know. I have more scars and tattoos (...from radiation and celebration). I've had less hair, more weight, less weight, dark circles under my eyes, pale skin. And I've emerged to someone completely different than a year ago. But better.

So today I'll celebrate. I'll celebrate being diagnosed...and being alive a year later. Matt and I are celebrating by going to see Rancid and drinking these:

instead of these:

like I was doing last year.

And as my best friend, Jill, writes, "Happy 1 year today...a day to look back and see all that you've accomplished and all the ass you've kicked :D". Well put.

Thanks for reading.

Post Script

Something I should've mentioned on my last post was an anniversary. On the 3rd of last July, I had my cancer lump removed. The 2 weeks of waiting for the results following would prove to be hell, but nothing compared to what was in store. Instead of rehashing the details, you can read them here. There will be several of these posts to follow. I'm a sucker for anniversaries...and July is full of them for me.

Did I leave my flip-flops over there? Literally.

Well...we're back from Jamaica. Boo to that. I think so far, this has been the best of the 3 trips. I wasn't ready to come home. We left on the 24th and came home on the 1st. We met several people at the resort that were fortunate enough to get to stay an extra night due to problems. No flight crew, cracked windshield, overbooking. We weren't one of the lucky ones. Everything there was fantastic! The people, the food, the drinks, the music. There were even "stray" hermit crabs! You could see them all over the sidewalks. We even had one in the room.

I would love to say that we spent a lot of time at the beach, but truth is...there's no bar at the beach! So 90% of our time was spent in the pool (with the bar). :)

New friends-D'Sean and Dario

We met some really nice people here...guests and staff. Our agenda (on most days) went like this: eat, drink, swim, eat, drink, swim, shower, eat, change locations to pub to drink. All in moderation, of course.

Wednesday night until Saturday we did nothing!!! It was incredible! We woke up, ate breakfast (which was delicious), had coffee (also super delicious), then headed to the pool.At night, we had dinner and watched their nightly show, which usually consisted of music and dancing. After that, we headed up to the pub for more entertainment...be it talking with new friends, karoke, or a piano/guitar sing-a-long with new friend, Robert. Next time we go, however, I'll change my state of residence to somewhere other than Texas. Telling that to someone with a mic is a big mistake. Lots happened in that pub...I was told I was (insert British accent) "absolutely gorgeous" by a "disgracefully drunk" Englishman...who then went on to moon me. Nice.

On Sunday, we hiked up Dunn's River Falls. It's in Ocho Rios, which is about 1 1/2 hours from Montego Bay. We took a bus over there. Wow. It's amazing we didn't die just from the ride over there. We almost hit a goat, got pulled over by the police, and were passing someone as someone was passing us! The water was cool and very refreshing. It took most of the day. We came back, ate and ended up in the pool...again.

On Monday, we went ziplining over and through the rainforests of Montego Bay. I posted a link to it in my last blog. It starts with another bus ride up the mountain. Once there, we're strapped in harnesses and fitted with helmets. From there, we ride higher up the mountain in a safari-type jeep. All I can say is good thing we had the helmets! There were 7 "ziplines" or traverses, as they're technically called, and 2 repels. Off of platforms. Suspended over 50 ft. in the air. So much fun! The funniest was Shelley, who almost flat out refused to jump off the platform. And then when she did, she was crying! Sorry Shell! Once done, you're taken back down the mountain by jeep. Except we got a flat. We walked half the way down and were then picked up by the other driver...who came up the mountain...in reverse.

Shelley

Mom

Karola

Me

Best tour guides: David and Dane

On Tuesday, we stayed around the resort and took pictures and continued with our regular routine of going to the pool. Oh...and we were given some ganja, of course. Some guy slipped it in Shelley's pocket at the buffet. We weren't going to smoke it so we passed it off to some friends we met in the pool...who also happened to be a NY city cop. Ha! Oh the irony! All in all, it was tons of fun! We're planning another trip there in November. We'll see how it pans out. For now, I'll end with some of the highlights:

1. Kabooms
2. Pool soap operas
3. Being mooned, not once, but twice!
4. Delicious
5. Literally, sorry, definitely, and, of course, flip-flops
6. Jamaican delights :)
7. Yee-haw!
8. Learning the dating rules
9. Pick up lines
10. Pub nights

Thanks for reading! Go Cowboys! ;)

I break stuff...

...including promises. I'm way behind on posting pics of Mel and the baby, like I said I would. So here are a couple:

Mel and Jacob

Proud Parents

Family shot

Uncle Matt

Beautiful Baby

I have a TON of pictures of the baby. I'll try to post a few in the next couple of weeks. Yes...I'm giving myself some time. :) They've all been home for a couple of weeks now and everyone is doing fine. Happy and healthy! As Jill said yesterday, "Is it possible he's gotten cuter?" The answer: YES! He's adorable!

Tomorrow we're leaving for our annual Mother/Daughter Trip. Leaving on a jet plane to Jamaica! Shelley and Karola came down on Friday to spend some time with us, er...the baby, before the trip. Shelley and I've had so much fun! Well, not according to her, but... We went to the movies and out drinking on Saturday, Six Flags on Sunday, and walking/workout yesterday. I don't know what the two of us were thinking going to Six Flags. I had 2 free tickets so we were only going to go for a couple of hours. Ended up staying the whole day. We rode almost every ride and the park wasn't too crowded. It was insanely hot, though.

We'll be in Jamaica until next Wednesday. Spending a little quality time with the beach. We're planning on zip-lining through the forest. Go here to watch a video on it: http://www.chukkacaribbean.com/MontegoBay/canopy.php I'll be posting blogs throughout the trip (hopefully) with pictures. We can't wait!

As for my port, it's finally healing! The bruising is almost gone. There is some scar tissue under the scar, but I'm proud of that. Feels like a little mini port. :) I went to see my surgeon (who's awesome!), but was a little disturbed by the clock in the exam room:

Okay...better go. Still have to pack.

Thanks for reading!

Jacob Bryan Booher

Here he is! The most beautiful, perfect, sweet baby boy! Born at 8:59 PM, 8 lbs, 5.5 oz, 20 inches long. Mom, Dad, and Jacob are happy, healthy, and exhausted. Mel was so tired, I didn't even get pictures of her holding him. I'll get those tomorrow. :)

Jacob Bryan

Proud Dad Love
Matching wristbands

Beaming Oma Tearful Aunt Kimi

Isn't he precious?! Now I'm off to bed. We were at the hospital with them all day and will be back tomorrow. More pics to come!

Goodnight!!!!

Awaiting the arrival of sweet baby J... and other news.

This post is written from the hospital room. The room in which my sister-in-law, Melony, is waiting. And that's it. Just waiting.

Most of you know, Mel's pregnant and was due on June 10th. She had a doctor's appointment on Thursday. Her blood pressure's been higher for a couple of weeks so the doctor advised admitting and inducing her last night. So now we're just waiting. They don't expect anything until around midnight. I'll keep this updated as the day goes on, but for now, here are some pics from last night:

Baby heartbeat!

And in other news...I'm healing quite nicely. I've taken off the bandages. Still bruised, but I'm able to move now. There's a pretty gnarly (ha!) scar there. I posted new pics under surgery.

Also, there's only 2 1/2 days left of school. I, unlike most teachers, do not look forward to the end of school. Especially this year. I have four kiddos moving on to middle school. *sniff, sniff*

Okay...check back later for updates!

UPDATE (7:38PM)--Still no baby. They'll check in an hour and then there's a possibility of a C-section. But for now...more fun pics!

Check back...we'll be up. :)

UPDATE (8:37PM)--C-section it is. They just wheeled her back. In an hour and a half, sweet baby J should make his appearance!!!

Updating the blog...