Thank You pt. 1

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Thank you to my sister who drove and stayed with me for another unexpected surgery.  I had to go back to Midlands Hospital for surgery to remove my chemo port.  Dr. Grange came to the conclusion I would need a pediatric port because my arms are so small.  They are going to wait until I get all the feeling back in my fingers and my hand is completely functioning before they put in the pediatric port.  It will go back in my right arm.  For the anesthesia for surgery they had to put in an IV but they couldn't use my right arm, because it was already in pain and they couldn't use my left arm, because they took out almost all of my lymph nodes from my mastectomy the week before.  So they had to put the IV in my foot.  I am not going to lie...it hurt!  Of course I could not shower for two days after surgery...but at least it wasn't a week like the first surgery I had.  I stayed at my sister's because Steve travels for his job and he was going to be gone this week.  Thanks to my sister for taking on the additional duties of taking care of Olivia and me while Steve is out of town.  You are the best!

God bless my mother who is watching all the kids until I am recovered from surgery and the days I have chemotherapy and radiation.  Thank you to my dad for helping out by driving the kids to and from school.  You have helped me so much during these last few weeks.  Thank you will never be enough.

After my first surgery I received so many phone calls, texts and gifts.  It is so overwhelming as I am hearing from friends that I have lost touch with over the years and their generosity has sincerely touched my soul.  I get so emotional when I think the time and effort friends and family have put in.... all for little ol' me.

I have so many thank you's and I dedicate this blog post to all of you who have reached out to me with your kind words, cards, phone calls, flowers, gifts and meals.  There are so many I hope that I don't forget you.  I tried to write them all down post surgery.

THANK YOU to:

My Aunt Linde and Uncle Terry for bringing over the first meal with beautiful flowers. 
Home made chicken noodle soup always hits the spot.

Joan and John Allen for our second meal.  Mexican, fruit and brownies

Jen and Matt Fehringer for the enchiladas, salad, muffins and cookies.

Katy Bode and Deanna Wolf- The Steak salad and soup were delicious!

Kathy Knickrehm Your Chicken and rice was wonderful

Kelly Robson - LOVED the fettuccine Alfredo the kids loved your Easter themed cupcakes.=)

Thank you to my sister-in-law Rebecca for the adorable necklace! 
Thank you for taking the time to make it.

Thank you to:

Mary Jo Ellis for the whole foods gift card.

Barb O'Brien for the gift card to Target.

Kay Bataillon and Barb Jackson for the gift card to Target.

Continued to Part 2

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. =)

God answered all my prayers by giving me cancer

Since day one of my diagnosis Steve and I have been questioning "Why is this happening to us...to our family?" I have been doing a lot of soul searching.  I am overwhelmed by the positive response I have received from everyone.  I am hearing from friends from every part of my life.  At times I get teary eyed thinking how wonderful you all have been to me with your encouraging words.  So far you are making this a positive experience for me so I thought to myself...why not make my cancer treatment a positive experience?  Why does it have to be so negative?  Tonight, I was telling my mom there was a reason I was given this disease and maybe it is to teach others about breast cancer, maybe with this blog I can help someone through their experience.  I can already tell you I am going to make everyone aware of breast cancer.  It is treatable if you detect it early....so ladies do your self breast exams and tell all your friends and family to do it too! 

THANK YOU Brea Nelson for your speech on Self Breast Exams. (Please say some extra prayers for Brea as she goes through her Chemotherapy) If it wasn't for you I might not be typing this blog on my way to recovery.  It could have been several months later and it could have been a blog where my cancer was untreatable and I was counting down the days.  THANK YOU Nicki (Odermatt) Welte for inviting me to your party.  You are two of my angels here on earth.

It is funny how God works.  He does answer our prayers but it might not be in the way we hoped or expected.

1. For some time I have been trying to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life.  I have dabbled in a few careers some inspire me and others I can do without.  I know at some point I will go out in to the "real world" again but I want to do something that inspires my soul, helps others and changes my outlook on life.

Having cancer in my body has already changed my outlook and is giving me a completely different purpose to my life. 

2. I have always secretly wanted a boob job.

3. When I had mastitis right after Olivia I did ask Steve to chop off my boobs because it hurt so bad.  (Women get this in their breast when they are breast feeding.  OMG it is painful!)  I did say on several occasions I could care less if I breast fed the next child because I did not want to get mastitis again. 

4.  I do remember saying I hate having to get ready and do my hair, blow drying, straightening and or curling and having a wig would save me some time.

5. I have said "if we won the lottery the one thing I would get is a personal chef".

Food has been showing up at my door step.  THANK YOU to my friend Karen Kirberger who dropped off this yummy chicken casserole with some sweets from Wheatfields tonight.  Check out Wheatfields it is her family business and Karen is one of the sweetest people I know.

Olivia LOVED the shamrock sugar cookies!

6. My biggest fear is being alone.  I know now I am not alone...

THANK YOU to the BODE's, WESTERING's, WOLF's, ALLEN's, FEHRINGER's, HUNTER's, BUTLER's "my extended family".  I have known these people my entire life and they are always there to help you celebrate life's treasured moments and pick you up when you have been kicked down.  John, Katy and their daughter Ellen dropped off such a special gift from everyone.  John said they all wanted to be there to help get me through my Chemo.  They were so generous to get me an iPAD so I could type my blog, make or watch videos to pass the time.  I got a little choked up after you left.  I didn't want you to see me cry.  All of you have touched my soul before this but you have gone way to far this time! =)  YOU ARE THE BEST!

THANK YOU TO MY FRIENDS...near and far.  A special shout out this week.  My friend Lyndsey wears scrubs for her job and on Monday she sent me a text.  A picture of herself in pink scrubs.  A close family relative to Lyndsey lost her battle with breast cancer so please keep Lyndsey's family in your prayers. 

My friend Stacy sent me a picture of the luggage tag I got her for her birthday and said every time she sees the tag she says a prayer for me.  Stacy you always know what to say to put a smile on my face.  I can't wait to hear more stories from your travels. =)

Good thing I have a life long friend and physician assistant down the street.  Thank you to Jen who had to get my IV port out of my arm because the hospital forgot to take it out.  =)

Thank you to Travis and Michelle - Travis you are helping Steve get through this so much easier by just being there for him.  Michelle - Thank you for having your little Paxton the roughest week of my life I love holding him and hanging out with you.

Several friends have offered to start food trains....  Crystal, Julianne, Sarah and Aimee...THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for thinking of me. 

Angie Ross thank you for offering up your wig. 

Brea thank you for offering your support and pillows.  I will contact you this weekend. 

Sasha, thank you for coming over to just hang and I we could talk about life.  It is nice to talk about other things to get my mind off cancer especially business ventures together! =)  Please keep Sasha and her family in your prayers as they lost her aunt to breast cancer recently.

THANK YOU to my cousin LEAH for putting a cleaning crew together for when I begin my treatments and just being you.  Thanks for calling to see how I am doing.

THANK YOU to my FAMILY for all of your support and prayers.  My parents, sister and brother-in-law  Dave are bending over backwards for me and I know how much this will effect your lives.  I will never know how to repay you for your kindness but I THANK GOD everyday he surrounded me with your love and compassion.

THANK YOU to  my nieces and nephews who are like my own children...Avery, Cullen, Addison and Sully.  You always know what to say and do to lift my spirits.  I couldn't be at a better place at this time.  Being around the happiest, silliest people on earth always puts a smile on my face and lifts my spirits.  Thank you for hugging me on Monday, saying "I Love You"  and making me cards.  It made me cry happy tears and thank God again for all the wonderful blessings in my life.  Avery you are an inspiration to me to keep a positive attitude.  I have never once heard you complain when you have your surgeries.  I promised Avery I was going to be strong like her.  (Avery was born with a cleft palate)

Avery is such a great artist!

Addison spent a lot of time on this one. =)

Avery said she wanted to give me flowers.

THANK YOU to my husband Steve and Olivia.  You are the reason I am going to fight so hard to win.  You have given me my drive to stay positive.  I THANK GOD he put you in my life because I could never live without you.

God has answered all my prayers.  I plan to embrace this experience through the good, bad and really bad.  For lent and this entire experience I gave up all negativity.  This is not going to be me lying to you and saying everything is going great.  I will tell you when I am in pain, when I am sick and when I feel good.  I have said this from the beginning, my little niece Taya has been battling her entire life  with a heart defect (she will be 2 on May 1st) and I have NEVER heard her complain... why should I?  THANK YOU Judy for sharing your prayers.  Now I ask my friends and family to say an extra prayer for Taya too. Visit her caringbridge site www.caringbridge.org/visit/tayadelperdang.

Baby week!

Holy cow!  There were lots of boys born this week!

My friend Kelly pushed out twins on Tuesday, March 8, 2011.

Lucas and Leo!

Congratulations to the Kelly, Jeremy, JJ and Will! 

March 10, 2011

Congratulations to Michelle and Travis who welcomed Paxton Ryan in to the world!

Travis and his baby boy...Paxton!

Steve, Olivia and Paxton

Me & baby Paxton

Jen and Matt Fehringer welcomed Joshua March 11, 2011.

Congratulations! =)  He is a cutie!

Christmas Cards 2010 -

Thank you so much for thinking of us this Holiday Season.  We will be thinking of you too!

I had to add this picture.  I found it when I was going through some old photos recently.  CABO!  If anyone remembers what year we went comment at the bottom and let me know...I can't remember. =)

I love all your Christmas Cards so I decided to display them.    

Bode



Fehringer

Congratulations to Matt and Jen..they are expecting baby #2 in March 2011!  Can't wait to meet him or her.





Westering
The Westerings added a new family member....Congratulations to Molly and Mark who were married in 2010.

Liam is so cute!  He is growing fast!

Hunter

Hopefully I can meet Mark in 2011...You look gorgeous Molly!

















Wolf

Big News in the Wolf family.  Tom and Misti Congratulations on your soon be baby #2.  Can't wait to meet Baby Wolf in 2011.

I love this picture!



My First Christmas in Heaven

I received this email from a friend of mine Deb Bothof  on December 7, 2007.  This is her favorite Christmas Poem.    Deb's son passed away unexpectedly when he was in highschool and said this poem helped her get through her first Christmas without Christopher.  Deb I am always thinking and praying for you and your family.  =) 

Reading this poem again made me think of some friends and family who may still be grieving their losses... two in particular.  Linda Traynor passed away last year and this will be the first Christmas her family will be celebrating without her.  Terry, Brad, Heather and Dan .... Please know that all of you are all in my thoughts and prayers. 

A neighbor and life long friend Jen and her husband Matt.  Matt's father passed away this year.  Steve and I  have come to know her husband Matt who is probably one of the nicest people I have met.  Matt helped Steve with our basement by donating his time and we can't say thank you enough!  We love you and please know we are thinking and praying for you and your family this holiday season!

There are others we are thinking and praying for this holiday season as you have lost family, friends and loved ones over the years...too many to mention but you know who you are...I have some you in the labels...we love you all too! =)

My First Christmas in Heaven

My First Christmas in Heaven
I see the countless Christmas Trees
Around the world below
With tiny lights
Like heaven's stars
Reflecting on the snow
The sight is so spectacular
Please wipe away that tear
For I am spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year
I hear the many Christmas songs
That people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can't compare
With the Christmas choir up here
I have no words to tell you
The joy their voices bring
For it is beyond description
To hear the angels sing
I know how much you miss me
I see the pain inside your heart
But I am not so far away
We really aren't apart
So be happy for me dear ones
You know I hold you dear
And be glad I'm spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year
I send you each a special gift
From my heavenly home above
I send you each a memory of
My undying love
After all "love" is the gift
More precious than pure gold
It was always most important
In the stories Jesus told
Please love and keep each other
As my Father said to do
For I can't count the blessing
Or love he has for each of you
So have a Merry Christmas
And wipe away that tear
Remember I am spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.
author........ unknown

Just Pictures

When Olivia and I got home she got to see her friend Nicholas.  I would like to say congratulations to his mom and dad...they are expecting a baby in March!  Congratulations Jen and Matt!

Good Night!  Love you!

July 2010

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4th of July, The Zoo with the McGee's, play date with the Speiker's and hanging with Gardels and other friends who were not pictured.  We also celebrated Mya's 1st Birthday.  Video below!



We also celebrated a good friend's birthday.  Nicholas!  He lives 4 houses down from us and I have been friends with his mother Jen my entire life!  Check it out! 

Olivia's 1st Year

Lots of Family and Friends in here!

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