Party for Pottebaum - More Thank You's!

Stacy Nelson and Me

Crystal Crowley, Colin Hogan and Megan Misterek
I have known Colin and Megan since elementary school.

Kelly and Jeremy Robson
They just had twin boys in March...
doesn't Kelly look great?!

Kelly Robson and Gretchen Chace
I have known this ladies since Jr. High and we
are still great friends today!

Me, Crystal Crowley and Emily Gardels
Crystal and her husband donated food from their restaurant
HuHot Mongolian Grill and Crystal used her talents decorating the entire place!

One of my best friends Emily Gardels and her boyfriend Nick
flew in from Chicago.  Emily donated A LOT of
the auction items...she works at Macy's in Chicago
so she got some GOOD STUFF!

Gretchen and Jeff Chace...
They just had a baby Boy October 24!
Welcome to the world Jack Andrew =)

Megan Misterek and Mike Livesay

Me and Lori Armiger

 Thank you again for coming out to support us!  We are so fortunate to have such great friends!=)

one...twO...THREE.....KNOCKOUT! (Chemo #3)

Oh what a week this has been!  I have been extremely, fatigued, nauseous and angry to write.  I thought if I give it a day or two so I could clear my head .

I will start from the beginning....

My index and middle finger have been completely numb since my first surgery in April.  When Dr. Grange put my chemo port in my right arm it hit a nerve knocking out feeling and movement.  This makes it extremely difficult to do everyday tasks I use to take for granted.  Writing, typing, opening jars, slicing food...you get the idea.  Let's just say I have adapted to my new life style.  Since then I can now crack eggs with my left hand, but that doesn't mean I don't want my right hand back!  I WANT my right hand back!

Since then I met with Dr. Tiedemann a hand surgeon with GIKK who then referred me to a neurologist Dr. Weber.  We need to find out if my nerve will come back on it's own or if I will need another surgery to repair it.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

12:00 p.m

I met with Dr. Weber a neurologist who did a series of tests which included electric shocks and needles going in and out of my arm and hand.  OUCH!  Let's just say when I left his office I didn't want to go back.  Dr. Weber said he would have my results at the end of the day and I would find out once I met with Dr. Tiedemann.

2:00 p.m.

Chemotherapy #3

My good friend Gretchen took me this time.  I have known Gretchen since junior high but we became much better friends the summer before we started high school.  We would enjoy long afternoons in her swimming pool, taco and pizza night when I would stay with her family when my parents were out of town.  Gretchen and I were also on junior varsity cheerleading our sophomore year in high school.  I paid it forward and trained Gretchen since I had one year under my belt.  In return Gretchen found us our new coach Jenna who was a former dance teamer.  She trained with us everyday for metros in which we placed first in our division and first place overall winning the entire competition which included varsity squads.  We were the #1 squad in the Omaha Metro area.  That was such a fun year! 

From there we went to college and when I met my husband Steve, we all found out Gretchen's family was related!  Steve and Gretchen are second cousins.  Gretchen's mom Nancy (Pottebaum) Ballard's dad and Steve's Grandpa are brothers!  It was funny because when I first started dating Steve I kept forgetting his last name so I would always call Gretchen and ask. When I did forget I would always say Steve's last name was Potterybarn.  =)

Gretchen is expecting baby #2 a Boy!

Our friend Lyndsey stopped by to hang out too!

Friday, June 17, 2011    

Happy 39th Anniversary to my parents! 

Happy Anniversary to Lyndsey and Jerid Foster!

1:00 p.m.  Get my nuelasta shot
3:00 p.m.  Get my ta ta's filled

4:00 p.m.  Down for the count

Saturday, Sunday and most of Monday I was sawing logs.  I could barely lift my head, eat or drink anything without dry heaving.

Tuesday, June 21 , 2011

I thought I was back for the week to spend with the kids.  Today we spent the entire day indoors because it was raining.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Started getting sick with cough and sore throat.   Thank God my mom is on call she came to relieve me for the rest of the week so I don't get sick.  I called the nurses line at my oncologist and it took an entire day of me calling back at least 6 times to get an antibiotic.  LONG story here but lets just say the nurses line at my oncologist needs a lot of HELP! 

Thursday, June 24, 2011

12:20 PM

Met with Dr. Tiedemann to get my results for my hand.  Of course he said my median nerve in my right hand has a partial cut so I will need surgery.  UGH!  As he was talking about the procedure I was fighting back tears.  How in the heck am I going to be able to do chemo and have a surgery thrown in the mix.

4:30 PM  I was feeling awful so I went to my oncologist to get fluids and nausea medicine.  Dr. Thome' said I could have the surgery.  He would just administer a 1/3 of the dose on my 4th round. 

After sleeping on it I made the executive decision to not do chemotherapy next week.  There is no way my body is going to handle chemotherapy and surgery within hours of each other.  I am taking CONTROL.  My body...My decision!

I am also researching alternative treatments outside of chemo and radiation.  If you know of any doctors, books or websites to alternative treatments send them my way!

I know chemo is suppose to work but I hate feeling like crap.  I want to feel healthy and energetic like I use to! =)

Friday, June 24, 2011

Scheduled my hand surgery with Dr. Tiedemann for Friday, July 1, 2011.  I tried to cancel my chemotherapy with Dr. Thome's nurses and once again no one called me back.  So when I don't show up for my session next Thursday I might get their attention!

Please pray for my hand to come back and for a safe and successful surgery.

Don't forget!  Today is the last day you can vote for my friend Melissa G. to win $2500 to donate to Susan G. Koman! https://www.mkmakeovercontest.com  There are 9 Melissa G's so here is a picture of Melissa.  I couldn't get the one from the website to work...I am sure you all are smart enough to figure it out!  =)  I have known Melissa since high school.  We were on dance team my junior and senior year and were roomies in college my sophomore year.  Please support Melissa on her quest to win $2500 for Susan G. Komen! 

This is Melissa G!

Thank you to:

Jeff, Traci, Mia, Sam and Ava for the Papa Murphy's pizza, the adorable hat and sign!

John and Joan Allen for the delicious ribs and potato salad.

Sara Rogers for the delicious dinner!  Tomatoes with feta cheese and Chicken pitas!

Deb Bothof and Matt Edstrand for the organic produce and rice crispy treats.

My sister-in-law Jessica for the generous donation to Susan G. Komen of Iowa in my name.

Melissa Gregory for entering a contest to win $2500 to donate to Susan  G. Komen in my name!

My sister for watching Olivia Wednesday night.

My Mom for always watching the kids when I am to sick or weak.  Love you Momma!

Thank you to all our friends and family for all your love, support and prayers!

Thank You

I can't get over how generous you all have been!  Thank you to:

Brian and Emily Penke
for their generous cash
donation!  Brian and I go
way back!  Our parents went
to high school together and
many moons later Brian
and I went to high school together!

Lyndsey, Jerid, Haili and Alexa Foster
For dinner, the cookbook and company.
Thanks for checking in to see how I am
feeling and coming to my 2nd chemo
treatment.  I have written more on
Lyndsey and I growing up....coming soon!





Thank you to Betty and Bruce Bode.  We loved the chicken and rice dish and will enjoy all the soup you made for many weeks to come!  Betty you always think of everything!  Thank you for taking the time to make all the food.  Thanks for bringing it over Bruce!

Thank you Deb Bothof!  Deb brought us meat to last the entire memorial weekend.  We LOVED it!  I ate almost all the rice krispy treats which was probably a good thing...I need to gain some weight.  I love the journal you gave me...it is amazing how it relates to my own life.  Thank you!!!

Thank you to Emily Klaur and Nicki McMahon for the comfy clothes and adorable hat!  I hope we can have a play date soon!  =)

Thank you to my Aunt Linde and Uncle Terry who dropped off the best bacon!  OMG!  I LOVE it!

Ruth your enchiladas were a hit!  Steve and Olivia loved them.  I can't wait to try them later on in the week.  We have not dug in to the brownies yet, but I plan to bring them to my sister's to share with the kids. 

Thank you to Gretchen and her mom Nancy who dropped off a fruit platter, lasagna and dessert.  Gretchen just found out she is having a BOY!  James will make a wonderful big brother..he is adorable! 

Thank you to Sasha who gave me the Sex and the City movie...we need to make a date night to watch it Sushi!  =)

Thank you will never be enough and I want you to know that your kindness is helping me and my family get through this "cancer" thing so much easier. 

XOXO

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 =)

Christmas Cards 2010

Thank you all for thinking of us this holiday season! We are thinking of you too! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!



Chris, Alison & Mia Borgmeyer




Congratulations to the Matt & Sasha, Jack, Savanna who welcomed Sofia to their family.




Can't wait to meet your two newest additions in 2011!  Kelly & Jeremy Robson are having TWIN boys in March!



Congratulations to the Beckmans.  Sam & Tad are having a baby in 2011!

Gretchen, Jeff & James Chace

Congratulations to Laura and Rob who added Ella to their family in 2010!

Ella Morrow

Siebkens - Heather & Nick I am so glad I finally got to meet Nolan and see Parker this month!

Creighton & Elena & Creighton Brown -( Brian & Carolyn) / Ryder & Kalyn Harrington - Nicole & Ben 
Ron & Jan Brown

The Waddelow Family - Kim & Jeff

Kendall & Ryan Waddelow

Congratulations to the Harveys who welcomed Lilli this year

Christmas with the Pottebaum's

Click here to view these pictures larger

Tonight we celebrated Christmas with friends of mine from highschool and college.  My dad dressed up as Santa and delivered gifts to all the kids.  I am so grateful for such great friends and family especially this time of year.  I don't need to write much because you can see the highlights from the video I put together and the pictures up above.



Enjoy!