Post Surgery and Cancer Diagnosis

The days that followed my surgery I was never in any major pain.  I stayed on top of the pain medications and did what the doctor's told me to do, rest but try to get up and walk as much as I felt comfortable.  I can't lift my arms or pick up anything over ten pounds.

For five days after surgery I had brought some books to the hospital to read but I could not see or read anything up close.  I thought I would have to get bifocals because my friends and family would shoot me text messages and emails and I could not read or respond to any of them.  The doctors said anesthesia does have short term effects on eye sight. 

My only complaint is my right arm and hand.  Dr. Grange did say it was difficult putting in my chemo port because I am so small and don't have much meat on my bones.  Either the swelling or the port itself is sitting on a nerve which makes my index and middle finger completely numb.  It wouldn't be a major issue but it is on my right hand.  I can't physically write anything.  I have been wanting to write thank you notes for a week now but I physically can not do it.  Steve left me for an hour one day to go grab a sandwich.  I thought I could handle Olivia's lunch a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich but the jelly jar was brand new and I could not open it.  I can't do my hair or make up, use a fork or cut up fruit.  It is so frustrating!  Dr. Grange wanted to see if it was the swelling that was pushing on the nerve but I know it is not the swelling because it is getting worse.  I couldn't sleep at all last night because any which way I put my arm a sharp pain shoots up to my fingers.  Other then that my all my drains were taken out a week after the surgery and my body is healing quickly so they moved my chemo date up to start May 5th.

Steve and I met with Dr. Grange this past Thursday to get the results from the pathology report.  This will finally give me my stage of cancer.  I learned through this process women have 30 lymph nodes each on the right and left side of their breasts.  Lymph nodes are small bean-shaped parts of the lymphatic system that drains fluid outside blood vessels which is called lymph.

Lymph nodes produce immune cells to help fight infection. They also filter the lymph fluid and remove foreign material, such as bacteria or cancer. Common areas where lymph nodes can be felt include the armpit, behind the ears, and sides of the neck.

When breast cancer spreads, lymph nodes in and around the armpit are some of the first places it travels, and surgeons often remove some of these nodes to determine whether the cancer has spread.

Dr. Grange removed 27 of the 30 lymph nodes and all 27 tested positive for cancer.  My tumor a month ago when I met with my OB GYN Dr. Dan Kirsch was 3-4 cm in my left breast. In one month it grew to 6 1/2 cm.  That is huge tumor!  Dr. Grange tested the tissue on my right breast and said she found the beginnings of cancerous tumors on my right breast.  If you are diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age cancer is much more aggressive.  If I had gone through with the second opinion I was seeking at the time it could have been an extra two weeks and I could have been at stage IV.  I am so glad I went with my instincts this time.  I stopped my second opinion early because I just knew I didn't have much time based on my first opinion.

To get the stage this is the chart they go by:  If you scroll all the way down to IIIC this is my stage and diagnosis.

Stage 0
Stage 0 is used to describe non-invasive breast cancers, such as DCIS and LCIS. In stage 0, there is no evidence of cancer cells or non-cancerous abnormal cells breaking out of the part of the breast in which they started, or of getting through to or invading neighboring normal tissue.

Stage I
-Stage I describes invasive breast cancer (cancer cells are breaking through to or invading neighboring normal tissue) in which:
-the tumor measures up to 2 centimeters, AND
-no lymph nodes are involved

Stage II
Stage II is divided into subcategories known as IIA and IIB.
Stage IIA describes invasive breast cancer in which:
-no tumor can be found in the breast, but cancer cells are found in the axillary lymph nodes (the lymph nodes under the arm), OR
-the tumor measures 2 centimeters or less and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes, OR
-the tumor is larger than 2 centimeters but not larger than 5 centimeters and has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes

Stage IIB describes invasive breast cancer in which:
-the tumor is larger than 2 but no larger than 5 centimeters and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes, OR
-the tumor is larger than 5 centimeters but has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes

Stage III
Stage III is divided into subcategories known as IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC.
Stage IIIA describes invasive breast cancer in which either:
-no tumor is found in the breast. Cancer is found in axillary lymph nodes that are clumped together or sticking to other structures, or cancer may have spread to lymph nodes near the breastbone, OR
-the tumor is 5 centimeters or smaller and has spread to axillary lymph nodes that are clumped together or sticking to other structures, OR
-the tumor is larger than 5 centimeters and has spread to axillary lymph nodes that are clumped together or sticking to other structures

Stage IIIB describes invasive breast cancer in which:
-the tumor may be any size and has spread to the chest wall and/or skin of the breast AND
-may have spread to axillary lymph nodes that are clumped together or sticking to other structures, or cancer -may have spread to lymph nodes near the breastbone
-Inflammatory breast cancer is considered at least stage IIIB.

Stage IIIC describes invasive breast cancer in which:  THIS IS MY STAGE
-there may be no sign of cancer in the breast or, if there is a tumor, it may be any size and may have spread to the chest wall and/or the skin of the breast, AND MY CANCER DID NOT SPREAD TO MY CHEST WALL
-the cancer has spread to lymph nodes above or below the collarbone, AND
 MY CANCER DID NOT SPREAD TO MY COLLARBONE
-the cancer may have spread to axillary lymph nodes or to lymph nodes near the breastbone

Stage IV
Stage IV describes invasive breast cancer in which:
the cancer has spread to other organs of the body -- usually the lungs, liver, bone, or brain

"Metastatic at presentation" means that the breast cancer has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes, even though this is the first diagnosis of breast cancer. The reason for this is that the primary breast cancer was not found when it was only inside the breast. Metastatic cancer is considered stage IV.

After Dr. Grange told me my stage I kept thinking thank God it wasn't stage IV and it did not spread.  It really didn't sink in how serious my condition was until after I got home and did a little research.  I know I am not a statistic but the statistics show 49% of people who are diagnosed with Stage IIIC breast cancer live up to 5 years after they are diagnosed.  I am praying now that the chemotherapy and radiation kills off all the cancer cells that could have been left behind after surgery.  I also pray that after 2012 I never have to hear the words "You have cancer" again! 

I hate cancer more then ever.  It took the life of Hannah a 5 year old girl who passed away Easter morning.  She is in my Auntie Em Prays section.  Two out of three have been killed by cancer since I did the Cancer walk down in Lincoln.  Hannah's story was introduced to me by my friend Kathi.  It makes me angry that her life was cut short.  The other two people Kathi was walking for was her boss Bob who passed away last year from cancer and me.  I don't plan on going any where with out a fight.  I am determined to come out of my situation cancer free and help other women who find themselves battling with breast cancer.

Ladies, Please do your self breast exams  two to three days after your period.  It saved my life and it will save yours!

Surgery Day!

Friday, April 15, 2011

6:30 AM  Steve and I arrive and check in at Midland's Hospital.

I am introduced to my nurse as she takes me back for a urine sample, wash down with surgical wipes, change in to my hospital gown, surgery tights, stockings and surgery cap.  Holy cow did I look ridiculous!  My mom and dad arrived for a last good bye and of course my dad was trying to get a picture of me.  Needless to say I won..there were NO Pictures!

I was starting to get anxious as there was a clock right in front of me and I found myself staring at the seconds.

7:15 AM
The anesthesiologist came in and asked me a LOT of questions and said I was going to be his easiest client.  I have been healthy my entire life, he laughed when I told him I never had a cavity, so there were no major concerns.

The nurses put in my IV and Dr. Grange (the general surgeon) came in to brief us before surgery.  The surgery lasts at least four hours so Dr. Montag (the cosmetic surgeon) wouldn't arrive for another hour when Dr. Grange needed her to start with her part. 

7:45 AM...now I am starting to get really nervous....only 15 minutes until surgery.

Dr. Grange is doing double mastectomy and a biopsy on my lymph nodes. If they test positive for cancer then she removes those nodes and several ones around them to make sure she removes all of the cancer.  Dr. Montag will move in after Dr. Grange and insert expanders under my breast muscle.  They look like deflated balloons and once I heal from the surgery (3-4 weeks) I will go in every week to have them filled with saline solution to help stretch my skin to my desired size. (This could take 3-6 months) I am going for a B cup this time... a gift to myself!  Once I get to a B cup then the expanders are removed in another surgery then an implant will take its place.  When it is all said and done I will look like a barbie.  Ta Ta's with no nipples and they will move with me.  Another bonus, when I am eighty my boobs will still be perky!  =)

THANK YOU Midlands Choice Insurance for my new Ta Ta's! =)

I remember one of the nurses say I probably won't remember much of the conversation because they started to administer the anesthesia.

8 AM

I remember the nurses rolling my bed past Steve and my parents going to the surgery room and then darkness....

9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM,

12 PM (Steve said Dr. Montag came out and said everything was going fine, Dr. Grange was finishing up and should be done around 12:30 PM,

1PM.......

1:30 PM They finally got me to wake up from the anesthesia.

All I remember is seeing my mother and father-in-law and saying thank you for coming and then I was out for the rest of the day.

I don't remember this but Steve said when I woke up I was complaining of a pain in my arm. (from my port for chemo)

I am not sure when I woke up again but it was later in the evening and Steve was in a reclining chair next to me watching TV.  At this point I met my night nurse Megan who promised me to give me the much needed pain medications every 4 hours.  She brought me some water and did bring me my medications every four hours.  I had no pain. =)

Thanks to Marv and Annette my in-laws who drove all the way from Remsen, my friend Lyndsey who sat with my family and Steve while I slept, my parents who waited patiently for me to come out of surgery.  Thank you to my husband who was by my side through out today, Saturday and Sunday.

Thank you to my sister-in-laws Rebecca and Jessica who sent me pink roses.

Thank you to my Aunt Vicki and Uncle Denny who sent a bouquet of flowers.

Thank you to Ruth, Scott, Grant and Kyle who sent flowers.

Thank you to Leah, Chad and Charlie for the beautiful Tulips.

Thank you to my Aunt Linde, Uncle Terry, Leah and Chad for having cleaners come to our house.  It was spotless!

Thank you to Crystal for coming to visit me the next day, for the flowers, magazines for Steve and gift for Olivia.

Thank you Lyndsey for coming to visit me the next day.

Thank you Sasha for my get well kit! =)

Thank you Louise for my support pillows.



Thank you to my mom and sister for coming to visit me the next day.

Thank you Travis and Michelle for watching Jake and Elwood.

Thank you to my sister for watching Olivia the entire weekend.  I am sure she had a blast hanging out with her cousins.

Thank you to Dr.Grange and Dr. Montag and the staff of Midlands Hospital.  You made my stay very comfortable and helped me to get on the fast track to a complete recovery.

My Cancer is Genetic

When I was diagnosed with cancer in March, I never thought I could get cancer.  Cancer does not run in my family.  I am healthy, I exercise on a regular basis, I do not smoke, I eat my fruits and vegetables.  I never thought I was at risk until today.   I met with Twilla Westercamp at Bergan Mercy Medical Center for the second time to get the results of my genetic testing. 

I must be lucky because I fall in the top 10% of having a mutation since birth.  What this means is my mom and/or dad  is a carrier.  This increases the risk of my mom and sister to develop breast and ovarian cancer, and my dad to develop prostate and breast cancer. 

The scary part is I could have passed this down to my daughter Olivia.  Twilla did say they are doing several clinical trials on vaccines to fix mutations.  What this means is by the time Olivia is old enough (19 years old) to have genetic testing they will have a cure to prevent cancer that come from mutations.  Thank God for modern medicine!

What is a mutation?  I am not quite sure myself because I am learning all this medical "stuff" all at once.  This is what I got out of it.  Cells reproduce all the time, copy each other and die off.  So let's say my cells ABCD are copied several times then die off the correct way.  The mutation I have is causing my cells to reproduce incorrectly.  I developed cancer because B and C switched and my cells are reproducing as ACBD which is incorrect.  Because my cells are being copied the wrong way, they will not die off causing my tumor to grow.  This is how I developed cancer.

My cancer is 1/3 estrogen based which is stimulated from pregnancy which is why I can not carry a child again.  The risk of the cancer coming back is extremely high and either I stay around for Olivia to grow up or I try for number two and not be around for either one.

In some ways I am relieved to know this so I can prepare Olivia when she is older.  I will have genetic testing done on her. 

T-minus 11 hours and counting and my cancer will be removed.  I am so relieved to get it out.  I can actually feel it growing and it is pinching a nerve which sends a sharp pain down my back.  It will be so nice to know it is out.  Please pray it has not spread and the doctors can remove all of the cancer.

Thank you so much to all my friends and family who have sent me well wishes and prayers.  I am so grateful to have you in my life.

Ta Ta for now!

Introducing my God child

Today, Steve, Olivia and I joined our friends Matt and Sasha Speiker for the baptism of their third child Sofia Mae Speiker.

Me & Sofia

I have known Matt since junior high because we hung out in similiar circles of friends.  I never thought I would have been the God mother to his child! =)

I met his wife Sasha my freshman year in college at the bottom of the stairs at the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity with a few of my girl friends.  Sasha was crying because at the time she was going through a break up with her current boy friend who was in the house.  Sasha and I became instant friends and ended up living together our sophmore year in college.  Several years later a group of my high school friends were getting together at a local bar and I brought Sasha with me.  I introduced Matt and Sasha that night and Sasha (and I think Matt) fell head over heels in love!  Sasha said that night in my car she was going to marry Matt some day.  That some day came April 16, 2005 and they now have three beautiful children.  Jack, Savanna and Sofia. 

I don't remember how I met most of my friends but for some reason I remember how I met Sasha.  Isn't it ironic I met Sasha when she was down in the dumps about love and many years later I would be the one to introduce to her husband! (I am extremely proud to have introduced them they make such a great couple.)  =)

I was so honored when Sasha asked me to be the God mother especially during the worst week of my life. Sasha didn't know at the time that I was getting biopsies and ultrasounds until I told her shortly after about my diagnosis.  It certainly lifted my spirits when she asked me. 

I also find it ironic that Steve and I originally wanted to name Olivia, Sofia but decided on Olivia because my aunt had just name her new puppy Sophie.  I also said at some point during my pregnancy with Olivia it would be so cool to have a daugther with dark brown hair and blue eyes.  Now, I have a God daughter named Sofia with dark brown hair and blue eyes. =)  Another prayer answered.  Thanks God.  Thanks Matt and Sasha =)

Matt, Sasha and Sofia

Olivia, Me and Savanna

Trevor (the God father), Sofia and Matt

Me & Colin
Colin was in town from Minnesota.  He is a friend of mine
from high school.  He is really good friend of Matt & Sasha too!

Olivia and Savanna - in their cute little dresses...
Sasha and I were remembering back to the days when we got
all dolled up to go out...I see trouble in the future with these two! =)

Sasha, Sofia and Me

Please say some extra prayers for Sasha's family.  Sasha lost an aunt (her mother's sister) to breast cancer almost two years ago.

SAVE THE DATE....JULY 9, 2011

THANK YOU to Jeff and Kim Phillips, Jeff and Amy Schorg, Rob and Janel Schorg, Glen and Amy Roder and Corey and Abby Phillips. They are so kind to host a fundraiser for Steve and me.   (If I left anyone out let me know so I can get this updated ;))  You are so kind!

SAVE THE DATE!!!! Team Beer City – is going to be hosting a Tata’s Fun Run (A Bike Ride Fun Run) for Steve and Emily Pottebaum on July 9th! We are also doing a T-shirt fundraiser right now! Email Abby at  emilys_tatasfund@live.com

If you can't make it to Remsen on July 9th, I would like to Thank Erica (Paulsen) McMahon and Jacque (Hesse) Bailey for offering to throw another fundraiser in Omaha on another date.  They are wanting suggestions where to have the event.  If you have any ideas, suggestions or would like to help please contact Erica at ericajmcmahon@gmail.com.

THANK YOU!

Happy 2nd Birthday Olivia! 

We had some visitors tonight!

My boss from InSearch Bob and his family!  They were so kind to bring Olivia a birthday present and a gift card to Charlie's on the Lake and a book for me to read called "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers.  Teresa and Bob both read the book and said once they started they couldn't put it down.   I am going to start reading it after my surgery since I won't be able to move for 3-4 weeks!

THANK YOU Bednars!!!

Bob, Collin, Olivia, Me, Teresa and Andrew

THANK YOU Claudia Larsen who made me a rosary bracelet.  I have never met Claudia but she is the aunt to Nancy (Pick) Murphy who is a former class mate of Steve.

This is the letter she sent with it:

"One year I received a bracelet like this for my birthday.  It resembles the Rosary we Catholics pray as a special devotion to the Blessed Mother.  I loved it so much I decided to make a much smaller one such as this for my sister who was going on a mission outside the country.  I had it blessed by my parish priest and asked her slip it into her pocket, to wear it when she could and to pray it - to bring her home safe.  She did and has since passed it around to her friends and family members on special occasions when they needed "protection" as well, and now I make them for people to enjoy and bring them comfort.

Not everyone that wears it is Catholic, so we have renamed it from a Rosary to simply a "Prayer" Bracelet.

The largest metal bead represents the Apostle's Creed, or otherwise known as the Profession of Faith.  The first three little "stand alone" beads are in petition for an increase of faith, hop and love.  each of the other metal beads represents the Our Father which the dear Lord gave to all faiths as the perfect form of prayer.  the five sets of ten beads can be used for whatever prayer is special to you.  this is what makes it your bracelet.

The last metal bead at he end is the best - this is my "Prayer Box" I've added.  This is where you put your secrets,your worries and your wishes.  you put them in this little box and give them back to God to take care of because that's the safest place for them.  Enjoy..."

THANK YOU to the Krolls for the gift card to Whole Foods.  Melissa and I went to high school together and it was such a pleasant surprise to get her card and gift in the mail.  THANK YOU!

Justin, Maida, Melissa and Harper
Congratulations on your newest addition!  She is gorgeous!!!

Thank you in advance to Jen Fehringer, Kathy Knickrehm, Deanna Wolf, Crystal Crowley, Joan Allen and my aunt Linde who all signed up to bring Steve and I food after my surgery.  This will help Steve out a lot!!! =)

Thank you to Deb and John Bothof who brought me a blanket to keep me warm during my chemotherapy treatments.  It is PINK my new favorite color. 

Thank you to Travis and Michelle for offering to watch our dogs Jake and Elwood when I am in the hospital.  We LOVE you guys!!

Michelle, Travis and baby Paxton!!

Thank you to everyone for your kind words, cards and prayers.  I can't begin to tell you how much it is appreciated and how grateful I am to have such wonderful family and friends. =)

Party #3 - American Cancer Society Relay for Life / BAR HOP



Sasha and I drove down to Lincoln for the American Cancer Society- Relay for Life.
We talked the whole way down about our college years spent in Lincoln and how much FUN it was!



My friend Emily, her sister Lauren and my cousin Leah surprised me with T-shirts.

Back: Lauren, Tiff, Sasha, Me, Angie, Leah, Emily
Front: Emily, Kathi, Julianne

Julianne and I have known each other since highschool.
We were on cheerleading and lived in the same dorms
our freshman year in college.  I met Kathi through Julianne,
they were soriorty sisters in Kappa Alpha Theta.

Lauren is Emily's sister so I have known Lauren since college.
Lauren brought her friend Tiff and Teresa who I have met a couple of times.

My cousin Leah brought her friend Emily who is the biggest sweetheart.

Angie is my sister....so she pretty much knows me inside and out!

Kathi was the mastermind behind this whole relay team STORM.
Kathi was also walking for her boss who passed away from kidney cancer
last year and for Hannah Huckfeldt.  You can read more about her in my
Auntie Em Prays section.  Please PRAY for Hannah and her family
as they are spending their last days with her and she is only 5 years old.
THANK YOU KATHI!

THANK YOU all so much for coming down!

Me and Andrea!
(Thank you for sharing your story with me.)

Andrea and I reminised about a fantastic St. Patrick's Day
weekend in Kansas City.  Andrea had just moved down
to KC sooo Kelli, Karen and I joined her for the festivities.
SOOO much FUN!

Sasha, Dana, me and Karen

Emily and Leah



  

My Econ / bar buddies! 
Kelli, Karen and I started hanging out more during a summer economics class. 
The only thing that got us through,  was our daily run to
Main Street Cafe after class to get sandwiches and BEER!

CHEERS!

If I had never met Kelli or Karen I would not have met

my husband Steve.  I met Steve the night of Kelli's birthday

party at The Bar November 21, 2003.  I didn't want to go out but

Karen talked me in to going to Lincoln for Kelli's birthday party.

I left around midnight to meet my cousin Leah at The Rail

which is where I met Steve in line.

THANK YOU Leah for suggesting The Rail. 

THANK YOU - Karen, for driving me down to Kelli's party.

THANK YOU -  Kelli, for your birthday party in Lincoln!! =)

Dana and Me
I will be hounding you Dana until you get some BALLS!!!! ;)

They lit candles for cancer survivors and those who had passed away from cancer.

I AM A SURVIVOR!   SUCK IT CANCER!

Party #2 - Olivia's 2nd Birthday Party!!!

Olivia's Birthday is on the 7th of April.  I decided to have her party a little early because I wasn't sure when my surgery was going to be scheduled.  I went small this year only because I had to plan her party very last minute.  I can't believe Olivia is going to be two years old!  Thank you everyone who made it to the party.

This year I decided to do brunch.  We had 3 different kinds of egg casseroles, salmon, cream cheese with bagels, banana bread and fruit.  Of course I did cup cakes and once again I forgot to take a picture of the cup cakes....2 years in a row! 

My Uncle Terry and Aunt Linde

My Aunt Linde was so kind to have a few dozen of these
Eco-bands made for me to hand out. 
"Family & Friends for Em...You are in our thoughts"
THANK YOU Linde for the thoughtful gift.

My sister Angie with her son Sully

Olivia with her cousins Addison and Avery

Olivia with her cousins Sully and Cullen

I wanted to get a pic with my Aunt and Uncle before I lost my hair and Ta Ta's.
I don't have any recent ones. 

Olivia with her new Fancy Nancy glasses! 
She wears them all the time and once she puts them on
she always has a huge smile on her face.

Cake time!

Back: Baby Paxton, Addison, Cullen, Olivia, Avery,
Front: Olivia's cousins Charlie and Sully

Olivia with her new best friend PAXTON!

My friend Emily who is in town from Chicago and Olivia

Chad, Charlie, Olivia and my cousin Leah

Travis, Olivia and Michelle

Olivia with Nana and Papa!

Thanks Mom for helping out with the food, tables and clean up!  Love you!

Party #1 - Friday Night

Thank you to everyone who came out on Friday night to celebrate before my surgery and chemo start.  All of you I have known for over ten years the rest I have known for 20 years plus!  I love you all so much and I am so blessed to have you in my life!  After this year I think Nicki's idea of a vacation is a fantastic idea!  MEXICO HERE WE COME!!!!

From Left to Right: Laura, Sasha, Jody, Nicki, Me, Crystal, Gretchen, Kelly and Emily
I have known Crystal, Gretchen, Kelly and Emily since Junior High.
All of these ladies were my roomie at one point and time....well
minus Gretchen.  Gretchen and her husband are expecting a baby
in November.  CONGRATULATIONS!  I can't wait to meet him or her!
I met Laura, Sasha, Jody and Nicki in college. 
Sasha and I were roomies in college and I am proud to say
I introduced to her to her husband Matt many moons ago. ;)
Sasha and I have been good friends ever since.
Nicki, Laura and I went on a spring break or two together
and hung out a lot in college. GOOD TIMES! 
We still get together from time to time.
I got to know Jody through all of these ladies as they went to high school
together.  Jody just had a baby girl (Finley) 12 weeks ago.  CONGRATULATIONS!
Gretchen and Kelly - Thank  you for the adorable PJ's! 
Jody - Thank you for the Panera gift card - I hope you found your credit card! ;)

Megan and Me
I have known Megan since kindergarten...enough said! She
has definitely seen me at my best and worst.  It was great to
see you Megan!  I can't wait to meet your brand new puppy!!!!

Me and Heather

Me and Steve

Joe and me
I have known Joe since highschool.  He and his wife Rachel
are expecting their second child in June. CONGRATULATIONS!
IT'S A BOY!

Rob, Mike and Steve
Rob is Laura's husband and Mike is Nicki's husband...Steve is my husband.

Heather, me and Lindsay
I went to high school both of these lovely ladies! 
Heather and I were rommies in college.  Lindsay and I pulled
all nighters studying for our college Astronomy class my freshman year. 

Matt and Chris
I have known both these boys since high school. 
Ironically I introduced Matt to his wife Sasha who is a very
dear friend of mine from college.  Chris was in town from Chicago!
Chris and his wife Alison usually join me, Gardels and Crystal when we do
our annual trip to Chicago for a Cubs game. 
Thanks for coming!  It was great to see you =)