Saturday, January 5, 2013
Jan. 5-Chemo 3-Day 10
Up to this point with my chemo, Day 10 has been a back-to-normal kind of day. I actually have felt back-to-normal by day 7 or 8 for sure, but not so much this time around. When they told me that the chemo would have a cumulative effect at chemo #2, I was prepared for that. But chemo #2 was easy. Easier than the first one and I was only down for 6-7 days. I guess the cumulative effect decided to happen this time around. What this seems to mean for me is that I am just very tired, weak & achy. Even after a good night of sleep I wake up feeling tired & sluggish. Both Kyle & my Mom reminded me, I only have one more time of going through this. And really, being tired & achy is not the worst that could be happening. So if you're reading this and have been praying for me, thank you! Continued prayer for strength & energy would be much appreciated as I really want to be able to get back on track before my next dose. And as I lounge around for a few days longer than expected, I pray for you and your thoughtfulness & generosity. I am amazed each day at the Facebook messages, texts, cards & goodies that are sent my way. I need to especially mention my sister & her family who blessed us this past week in a huge way. The only thing I can do is to say "thank you" and "I love you"!
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Happy 2013!
We ended up having a very pleasant New Year's Eve here at the Booher's! During a yummy lasagna dinner we talked about our highlights of 2012 (I'll get back to that later), then we hung out in the basement to play some low-key Wii games and then finished the evening with an exciting (is that really possible?) game of Monopoly. The kids wanted to stay up so we all made it till midnight except for Alexis who fell asleep on the couch about 11:15.
Today was nice & relaxing. Kyle hunted and he & the kids played out in the snow. I tried to recover from staying up until midnight! Then the best part of the day...I left the house tonight...first time since Friday! We went to Hastings tonight & ate dinner at Applebee's. My stomach wasn't quite ready for that, but man, did it feel good to put on make-up, some jeans and get out of the house!!!
So back to those highlights, here they are in no particular order:
*Watching the Olympics (Alexis)
*Going to gymnastics camp this summer in Charlotte (Alexis)
*Championship baseball game (Gavin)
*Playing in first Gus Macker (Gavin)
*Going on my first cruise with Kyle (Leslie)
*Purchasing the camper this summer (Kyle)
*Going to Florida & Myrtle Beach for weddings (Alexis)
*New cousin Keegan (both Gavin & Alexis at the same time:)
*Carson's birthday sleepover (Gavin)
*Visit to the U.P. & seeing Ryan doing so well (Leslie)
*Getting the box of gift cards (Alexis)
***Kyle also pointed out that because of a car trip to Myrtle Beach & Missouri, he and Gavin visited 10 states last year!
Finding out about my cancer this year was certainly unexpected and very hard to deal with. But when I look at the above list, I am not discouraged. It was a great year, full of wonderful people and experiences. I can only hope that 2013 is just as good!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Dec. 31-Chemo 3, Day 5
Last blog post of 2012! Well as usual, the last few days have passed in a blur of sleeping & lounging around as I recover from my third chemo treatment. So far everything has gone as expected. No weird surprise side effects or issues. As usual we have been blessed by great people who want to make our life easier during this time. Thursday evening Mindy Schriver brought a roast for dinner, something my family hardly ever gets...they were pleased! On Friday, Jill took me to Battle Creek for my Neulasta shot and my friend, Kim Ripley, provided a yummy Mac & Cheese w/ham for dinner. Kyle also brought home dinner items given by the staff at Eaton Rapids Eye Care...looking forward to eating the lasagna tonight for dinner! Sunday evening Mom & Dad Booher came over to spend some time with us before they head back to Florida. Jill brought homemade chicken noodle soup, it was exactly what sounded good to me last night. Definitely NOT looking forward to having them gone for the next few months but I joked that at least I should have some hair by the time they get back!
Due to my recovering from chemo, it looks as if we'll probably stay in tonight. Not sure what that will look like exactly but I do know that I will be with my most favorite people. I will also be reflecting on the blessings of the past year-there is SO much to be thankful for!
Due to my recovering from chemo, it looks as if we'll probably stay in tonight. Not sure what that will look like exactly but I do know that I will be with my most favorite people. I will also be reflecting on the blessings of the past year-there is SO much to be thankful for!
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Chemo #3 Day!
As I write this I sit at the Cancer Center at Bronson Battle Creek having my third chemo out of four. Things are going well. Kyle took the day off to come with me, his first time of being here for chemo. It hasn't been too boring. I spent the first 1/2 hour sending out e-mails. Then the genetics counselor came and met with us. Nothing new regarding my genetics testing. She had given me the results over the phone but needed to do it formally in person. The two genes they tested have no mutations detected. She said there are other genes that could carry a mutation but they don't have testing for those yet...someday maybe.
Then shortly after she left, my Mom & Dad came in with Gavin & Alexis. We decided it was a good time for them to see the cancer center & check out how chemo works. They were also going to lunch. They didn't seem overly impressed with the workings of chemo but then again it's not really that exciting. Just a lot of sitting around:)
Kyle packed his lunch & I had an egg salad sandwich that they brought around. He's breezed through his magazines so I think I need to finish up this blog so he can use the iPad...otherwise he might fall asleep on me!
Speaking of sleep, I woke up at 4:30a.m. and never got back to sleep. This was after waking at 1:45a.m. roasting hot and waking at around 2 something and 3 something as well. At first I was puzzled as to why and then I remembered the Decodron that I take the night before chemo and the night of chemo. Not sure how I had forgotten but each time I have done the same thing...funny how 3 weeks is just long enough to forget some things:). So back to the 4:30a.m. thing...I laid there and tried to go back to sleep for an hour. At 5:30 I had given up so I got up. I sat in the living room & read my scripture book from my Aunt Loretta. Then I decided to de-ornament the tree & take it down. Funny what you can accomplish by 8a.m.!!
Christmas came and went rather quickly! It was a good one for us, nice and simple but full of family, food and fun. The kids are quite content with their goodies and I was excited (probably too much so) about my 20 piece Pyrex glass storage set from Kyle. We took some special pictures in front of the Christmas tree.
Then shortly after she left, my Mom & Dad came in with Gavin & Alexis. We decided it was a good time for them to see the cancer center & check out how chemo works. They were also going to lunch. They didn't seem overly impressed with the workings of chemo but then again it's not really that exciting. Just a lot of sitting around:)
Kyle packed his lunch & I had an egg salad sandwich that they brought around. He's breezed through his magazines so I think I need to finish up this blog so he can use the iPad...otherwise he might fall asleep on me!
Speaking of sleep, I woke up at 4:30a.m. and never got back to sleep. This was after waking at 1:45a.m. roasting hot and waking at around 2 something and 3 something as well. At first I was puzzled as to why and then I remembered the Decodron that I take the night before chemo and the night of chemo. Not sure how I had forgotten but each time I have done the same thing...funny how 3 weeks is just long enough to forget some things:). So back to the 4:30a.m. thing...I laid there and tried to go back to sleep for an hour. At 5:30 I had given up so I got up. I sat in the living room & read my scripture book from my Aunt Loretta. Then I decided to de-ornament the tree & take it down. Funny what you can accomplish by 8a.m.!!
Christmas came and went rather quickly! It was a good one for us, nice and simple but full of family, food and fun. The kids are quite content with their goodies and I was excited (probably too much so) about my 20 piece Pyrex glass storage set from Kyle. We took some special pictures in front of the Christmas tree.
Monday, December 24, 2012
The Box
We had an experience this week that just blew us away! It was a gift to us by people who we will never be able to thank personally...because we don't know who they are. We only know that they are from "the community and beyond". Pastor Don delivered this box on Thursday and said I had to wait until Kyle could open it with me. So that night after being out late for Gavin's scrimmage in Charlotte, we gathered around as a family and opened the box. Our jaws dropped, we were caught by surprise and truly amazed at the number of gift cards (46) in all different amounts and from all different places. Lots of gas cards which will come in very handy when I am driving to Battle Creek everyday for radiation this Spring. Lots of Meijer & Wal-Mart cards, many restaurant cards and some Visa cards. Wow! We were at a loss for words but before the kids headed off to bed we took some time to pray. Kyle prayed that each person who had contributed to the box would be blessed because of their kindness. It is a prayer I still say when I look at the box. People can say all the negatives they want about our little community. I've been caught expressing some negative attitudes before in my life, but my cancer experience has taught me so much. This Maple Valley community is really just a big family and the people are kind and caring and generous. I know we feel fortunate to live here and raise our children here. So if you are reading this and you had a part in this gift to us...we say thank you and may God bless you!
Another thing that happened this week that shows how our community is a family was when I went to the pharmacy. I was picking up the meds needed for my next chemo treatment. I paid and was about to walk away when Jody, the pharmacist, stopped me and said they were going to need an update on what was going on with me because people ask them all the time. She said in fact 2 people had asked them just that day. So after giving her a quick update I was on my way feeling SO cared for by our community!
So on this Christmas Eve day, I find myself feeling a little more thankful, a little more blessed and a little more in love with a God who not only provides for us but puts wonderful people in our lives. I hope that you will think of Him in these next couple of days and reflect on what Christmas really means.
This verse was inside our box:
1Peter 4:9-13. "Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."
Another thing that happened this week that shows how our community is a family was when I went to the pharmacy. I was picking up the meds needed for my next chemo treatment. I paid and was about to walk away when Jody, the pharmacist, stopped me and said they were going to need an update on what was going on with me because people ask them all the time. She said in fact 2 people had asked them just that day. So after giving her a quick update I was on my way feeling SO cared for by our community!
So on this Christmas Eve day, I find myself feeling a little more thankful, a little more blessed and a little more in love with a God who not only provides for us but puts wonderful people in our lives. I hope that you will think of Him in these next couple of days and reflect on what Christmas really means.
This verse was inside our box:
1Peter 4:9-13. "Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."
Thursday, December 20, 2012
The Proposal
Not much to report here! Feeling great and preparing for Christmas of course. On Dec. 26th I do blood work and see the oncologist. On the 27th I have my next chemo treatment. But since today is December 20th, I decided to tell you a little story...a proposal story!
18 years ago on this day, Kyle proposed to me! I was an 18 year old just 4 months into my freshman year of college. He was 19 and a sophomore. He lured me to his house, somehow. I seem to remember him claiming he was sick & wanted me to come over & hang out instead of going to the varsity basketball game in Pennfield. So I get to his house (in Vermontville) and he comes downstairs all dressed up and has flowers for me. I was sitting in a chair in the living room, his dog Vinnie was sitting by my side looking for attention. I remember being shocked at the fact that he was 'supposed' to be sick but yet he was dressed up and giving me flowers!? He got down on one knee in front of me and said lots of wonderful things and asked me to marry him! (I always wished I had a recording or something to remember exactly what he said) The ring was beautiful, a heart-shaped diamond that I had admired when we had looked at engagement rings for fun one day. Kyle worked very hard at Bob Evans and Big Boy during that first year and a half of college to make enough money for that ring. This was a great indication to me of what a hard worker and provider he was. I was the happiest girl ever (still am)! The plan for the evening had been that I would pick up my brother from basketball practice and we would head to the varsity game in Pennfield where our families all were. We didn't want to walk into the game and tell everyone and have it be a big scene, but we didn't want to go to the game and pretend nothing had happened cause we were so excited. So we picked up Lee and headed to Charlotte. We ate dinner at Wendy's (remember we were starving college students) and went to see The Santa Claus at the theater in Charlotte. We were waiting at my parents' house when they returned home from the game. They weren't too happy because they were really worried about us and why we hadn't arrived at the game. This was before cell phones!! But after we told them our news they were excited and all was well.
A lot of people thought we were too young to be engaged...and we probably were. I know it wouldn't be my first choice to have Gavin engaged at 18 or 19. But we were confident in our love for each other and just knew that we wanted to be together, forever. We had a long engagement (18 months) and got married on Aug. 10th, 2006. Our vows included the traditional, "for better and for worse, in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer, forsaking all others as long as you both shall live" (not sure if I have that all correct, just going from memory). We've been through a lot since saying these vows 16 years ago. But I know we've only experienced just a fraction of what God has in store for us. He is so good to us and has seen us through some wonderful times and through some rough and trying times. The thing is, we're never promised that life will be perfect (although most of the time it seems pretty close to it) but we are promised that God will walk together with us and give us what we need. I am very thankful that God has blessed me with Kyle. He is an amazing man who loves God, loves me, loves his children. He lives everyday in a way that demonstrates honesty, love, trust and integrity. As I have told his parents several times, I am thankful for the fact that they raised a man who upholds all of these characteristics. So especially during this cancer journey, I am blessed to have Kyle right there with me every step of the way. He is rooting for me and appreciating my baldness in the same way I have appreciated his for many years now:)
Thank you Kyle for asking me to be your wife 18 years ago, I love you!
18 years ago on this day, Kyle proposed to me! I was an 18 year old just 4 months into my freshman year of college. He was 19 and a sophomore. He lured me to his house, somehow. I seem to remember him claiming he was sick & wanted me to come over & hang out instead of going to the varsity basketball game in Pennfield. So I get to his house (in Vermontville) and he comes downstairs all dressed up and has flowers for me. I was sitting in a chair in the living room, his dog Vinnie was sitting by my side looking for attention. I remember being shocked at the fact that he was 'supposed' to be sick but yet he was dressed up and giving me flowers!? He got down on one knee in front of me and said lots of wonderful things and asked me to marry him! (I always wished I had a recording or something to remember exactly what he said) The ring was beautiful, a heart-shaped diamond that I had admired when we had looked at engagement rings for fun one day. Kyle worked very hard at Bob Evans and Big Boy during that first year and a half of college to make enough money for that ring. This was a great indication to me of what a hard worker and provider he was. I was the happiest girl ever (still am)! The plan for the evening had been that I would pick up my brother from basketball practice and we would head to the varsity game in Pennfield where our families all were. We didn't want to walk into the game and tell everyone and have it be a big scene, but we didn't want to go to the game and pretend nothing had happened cause we were so excited. So we picked up Lee and headed to Charlotte. We ate dinner at Wendy's (remember we were starving college students) and went to see The Santa Claus at the theater in Charlotte. We were waiting at my parents' house when they returned home from the game. They weren't too happy because they were really worried about us and why we hadn't arrived at the game. This was before cell phones!! But after we told them our news they were excited and all was well.
A lot of people thought we were too young to be engaged...and we probably were. I know it wouldn't be my first choice to have Gavin engaged at 18 or 19. But we were confident in our love for each other and just knew that we wanted to be together, forever. We had a long engagement (18 months) and got married on Aug. 10th, 2006. Our vows included the traditional, "for better and for worse, in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer, forsaking all others as long as you both shall live" (not sure if I have that all correct, just going from memory). We've been through a lot since saying these vows 16 years ago. But I know we've only experienced just a fraction of what God has in store for us. He is so good to us and has seen us through some wonderful times and through some rough and trying times. The thing is, we're never promised that life will be perfect (although most of the time it seems pretty close to it) but we are promised that God will walk together with us and give us what we need. I am very thankful that God has blessed me with Kyle. He is an amazing man who loves God, loves me, loves his children. He lives everyday in a way that demonstrates honesty, love, trust and integrity. As I have told his parents several times, I am thankful for the fact that they raised a man who upholds all of these characteristics. So especially during this cancer journey, I am blessed to have Kyle right there with me every step of the way. He is rooting for me and appreciating my baldness in the same way I have appreciated his for many years now:)
Thank you Kyle for asking me to be your wife 18 years ago, I love you!
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Dec. 16-Chemo 2, Day 13
As I sit here after church I am reflecting on how thankful I am for my church family. The amount of people who seek me out, young & old, friend or merely an acquaintance is amazing to me. They ask how I am and let me know that they are praying for me. How lucky am I to have not only the family I was born into, but also my family at Grace Church!
I am back to my normal self. Eating whatever I want (always scary around the holidays), staying up till 11-11:30pm (rather than fall asleep on the couch at 9pm) and not taking any meds for nausea or pain (bring on the vitamin C though). I even walked with the library in Nashville's Christmas Parade yesterday! Speaking of yesterday...it was Lexi's 9th birthday!!! She had the privilege of being a Christmas tree in the parade yesterday along with her friends Anna & Paige. We went to Gavin's basketball game which resulted in a last second win & sky high blood pressure for all involved. Then lunch at Goodtime Pizza with the whole family who gave Alexis some very nice gifts. Our last stop was for the 3pm showing of the Nutcracker at The Revue in Nashville. I know she had a wonderful day but she woke up this morning asking if there were any more parties for her today?! Sorry child, it's all we've got for this year:)
There have been so many instances over these last two months where I have said to Kyle or just to myself, "I will gladly take this breast cancer over what this person is going through or what that person is dealing with". Friday's tragedy in Sandy Hook, CT is no exception. Chemotherapy and no hair are a minor inconvenience compared to the heart wrenching loss of a child. I pray that these families will look to God to bring them through this difficult time. May they receive His peace and strength each and every day.
I am back to my normal self. Eating whatever I want (always scary around the holidays), staying up till 11-11:30pm (rather than fall asleep on the couch at 9pm) and not taking any meds for nausea or pain (bring on the vitamin C though). I even walked with the library in Nashville's Christmas Parade yesterday! Speaking of yesterday...it was Lexi's 9th birthday!!! She had the privilege of being a Christmas tree in the parade yesterday along with her friends Anna & Paige. We went to Gavin's basketball game which resulted in a last second win & sky high blood pressure for all involved. Then lunch at Goodtime Pizza with the whole family who gave Alexis some very nice gifts. Our last stop was for the 3pm showing of the Nutcracker at The Revue in Nashville. I know she had a wonderful day but she woke up this morning asking if there were any more parties for her today?! Sorry child, it's all we've got for this year:)
There have been so many instances over these last two months where I have said to Kyle or just to myself, "I will gladly take this breast cancer over what this person is going through or what that person is dealing with". Friday's tragedy in Sandy Hook, CT is no exception. Chemotherapy and no hair are a minor inconvenience compared to the heart wrenching loss of a child. I pray that these families will look to God to bring them through this difficult time. May they receive His peace and strength each and every day.
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