Home...Happy and Healthy

I want to thank everyone for all the prayers you sent our way. God is so good to us! As we walked into the doctors office I asked that God be with us. I felt such a since of comfort and felt the Holy Spirit with us. We got the test results, which were good, and I knew that God was taking care of us once again! He continues to bless us. He is giving us strength, comfort and most of all love in our hearts. Thank you, God!! I'm feeling better everyday and am looking forward to the Christmas Season with my family and Friends. Please remember the reason for this season and know that we want you to have a

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

The Test Results

All is good!!! The MRI and CT scan showed that there was soft tissue inflammation. You ask--what is that? Somehow I injured my shoulder and it left inflammation around it. The doctor said to take motrin for 5 days and if it isn't better to go see my nephew Matt....he is a sports injury doctor. I know that the Lord heard all the prayers coming from all my supporters and he has answered those prayers. We want to thank all for the prayers and for the grace of God acting on this. The travel department at the hospital was able to get us on the next flight to Denver so we will be arriving around 9:30 tonight. Sounds like we will arrive to below 0 temps. (Are you sure you don't want to move back to CO, Jason?) Robbin and Patti have got all the Christmas gifts packed in the suitcases and we are over weight. Surprised??? NO Robbin did find a box to put all the cheese and brats in so that will help. Thanks again for all the prayers. And thank you Mariann and Barb for sharing your time in Chicago with us. Have a Merry Christmas and always know we love you all!!

December Treatments

Monday morning we headed to the hospital for my treatment. It's all routine now.....port access, blood draw, nurse appt, doctor appt, naturalist appt, and infusion. Only this time they add in a CT scan and MRI. Reason....I felt a lump on my right shoulder. The doctors felt all around this lump so it is sore and tender to touch. With that said, we are waiting for the test results today. There is a lot of unknowns....don't know when we will be coming home, don't know what the MRI will show, and don't know what the CT test will show. The unknown is the worst thing anyone can go through. My nurse felt very bad that she didn't get any info from my doctor. Patti, Robbin and I did sleep a little last night. The snow started here around 4pm so it was easy to snuggy in and eat pizza while watching Biggest Loser. Is that an oxymoron? This morning we are sitting on the phone waiting for the doctor to call. I promised Patti and Robbin I would call at 8:15am if I didn't hear from them. So it is time, I'll be back later!!

Christmas Shopping!!!

Talk about sales!!! We got all our shopping done and packed in the suitcase. Yesterday we went into Chicago and what a beautiful city at Christmas time, too. The Macy's windows were beautiful and really got us in the Christmas spirit. The streets were full of Christmas lights and people!! Thousands of people!! But really it was lots of fun and very festive. The one thing we really wanted to do was eat at the Walnut Room and we got to do that! Yummy food and a beautiful silver tree in the center of the room (tree --->). We didn't make it to the Sears Tower. Time just ran out. Today we got up and headed to the Outlet Mall. Yes, another day of shopping!! Robbin was so excited!! He loves to shop you know! He loves to be the bag man! After shopping we were hungry so off to the Brat Shop for brats and a beer. Just what we needed! Then we went next door to the cheese store for some purchases of cheese and brats to bring home. We are all in the room watching football and drinking hot chocolate. Tomorrow will start early 8am...port access then the doctor appts start...2:30 chemo so hope to get back to the room by 5pm. I'll blog tomorrow when we get to the room. Have a wonderful evening and stay warm!!!. Thanks to Mariann Bledsoe, Barb Kent, Patti and Robbin for all the support here. They are so good to take their time to be here. Thank you and God Bless You! Thanks to all my supporters at home for the prayers. This is possible with all of you!

December in Chicago

Burrrr......cold cold cold!!!! We flew in last night and it was so pretty looking at the Christmas lights from the plane. Today we are going to Chicago to see the windows at Macy's, eat at the Walnut Room then go to the top of the Sears Tower. Oh, did I add shopping and lots of hot chocolate!!! We have to take a train into Chicago, which I love!! All of us will have layers, layers, layers!! This will be so much fun and I will be taking lots of pics to share with you. Have a great day and I'll be reporting more later. Love ya!!

Home And In Bed

We got home yesterday around 1pm and I went straight to bed. I'm not hurting as bad just want to sleep sleep sleep. Thursday night, after my treatments, I was in severe pain. I got some other homeopathic supplements that I put under my tongue, (wow they really work, I can take as often as needed and these don't bother my stomach) along with a norco that was relief enough to go to sleep. Today is a good day, I got up had coffee and am thinking about what I can work on while sitting on a heating pad. I will be staying home. There's to many sick people and with a compromised immune, I am not taking the chance. Please keep yourselves health and stay away from people who think they must go out in public with the flu!! It looks like I could go sit in the sun today. Beautiful sunrise!! Love you all!!

Treatments Today

Our day started at 11am, so getting out of bed after our train trip to Chicago on Wednesday wasn't to bad. I want to tell you about our Chicago fun first. We headed down to the train station at 10am and got to Chicago around 11:30am. The first place we needed to go was to the White House Black Market clothing store. My favorite!! We visited that store the first time we were in Chicago and the sales associate has called every month just to check up on me. It is important to me that we go see her when we are here. And of course look at the new clothes! I also wanted to take Wendy to the Tilted Kilt Pub. They have some awesome food and I knew she would love the atmosphere. We got back to the hotel around 11pm so getting a little extra sleep this morning was great. My day started with blood tests, which showed that the cancer markers are down!! YEA!! All other results were very good also. As far as the blood shows, my treatments are going just as my doctors planned. I saw nurses, doctors, naturology doctor, infusion nurse, schedulers and the driver back to the hotel. Good thing I love to be around people!! We took Wendy to the Braut Stop. Yummy!! Back to the hotel for packing and to bed. We get back home at 12:30 tomorrow. I'm feeling ok tonight just have a little pain and very tired. Off to bed. Thanks so much for all the love and prayers. God is good!

Time for Chicago!!

I must say, I am ready to go. I have not been feeling the best this month. I'm thinking the cold weather may have something to do with it!?!? Robbin, Wendy and I leave the 3rd and return the 6th. Please add us to your prayers. Wendy has not gone with us before so she is excited to see the whole process. It will sure explain a lot for her. So look for updates again. Thanks to all of you and have a blessed day!

Chemo Aftermath...yuk ;(

Robbin and I headed home Wednesday morning. All was going well until we got on the plane. It was like a switch was turned on. I got the most painful muscle cramps and bone pain in my back. All that could be done was rubbing my back and hope that the pain pills kicked in fast. After about an hour, I started getting relief and was able to sleep the rest of the way home. Once we got home I went to bed and that lasted for 2 days. So much pain and little relief this time. Robbin is so patient with me, making sure I have something to eat and rest so I could back to myself. Thursday we got a call from the doctor in Chicago. She told me that the cancer markers in the blood had gone down. What a relief that was to hear. So the hormone shots that I am getting are working!!! YEA!!! All I need now is some strength. That will take a couple of days but after that I will be able to have a life again. Thanks again for all the prayers. God is working wonders with me!! Love you all and don't forget to call when you want a blue cheese burger!!

Trip to CTCA for Treatments via Milwaukee

Well, today went just like we wanted it to. I first had my port accessed, had blood drawn for all kinds of tests, ate lunch with a good friend we meet out here then saw the doctor and the naturalist and we had about an hour brake. Robbin and I really needed to get outside so we went for a walk in the rain. The weather today has been off and on rain and wind. When we headed back in it was time for my shots and infusion. The waiting room was the best ever....there was a puzzle that we were able to but at least 40 pieces in. You would be proud Aunt Shirley and Uncle Gene. Then the nurse interrupted the fun and off we go for the painful shots. I know it must be done and really it wasn't to bad today. I always think about laying on a beach with an umbrella drink and the pain goes away. I'm hoping there will be a day when that really does come true!! Time out...pizza is here!! Ok, I need to order a small next time. We talked about how we could get the leftovers home and ;( have to leave it here. We wanted to go to Famous Dave's but when we got there the doors were locked and no one was getting in. It was only 8:45. Business must be slow. Anyway, my test results showed a small change for the better but the most watched test was not done so we will call tomorrow when we get home. I am feeling so well, it is hard to believe I had chemo today. Just pray that it stays that way. I will certainly let you know what the results are as soon as I get them. Once again, thank you for all the support and prayers. God is so good to put you in my life and for giving me such peace with this cancer. God Bless You!!

October at CTCA via Milwaukee

Here we are back in Chicago for another Chemo shot and this time I'm thinking I will have extensive blood tests done. I'll let you know tomorrow when I update. So Robbin and I decided we would spend the day in Milwaukee. If you haven't seen this city you should. The architecture is so awesome. Old old buildings that have been restored to their original designs, except for the copper that has turned green. It really is beautiful. I took lots of pics and hope to attach them, if I can figure that out. (I may be calling you, Jason) We walked down to Michigan Lake and were disappointed because all the sites; museum, discovery world, etc. were closed. They close on mondays. So we caught the shuttle to Kenosha and checked in to our hotel. One thing that is a must when we are here is the Braut Stop. I order a hamburger with blue cheese and Robbin has the brauts. They have a store there that sells cheese. Yes, we are coming home with cheese. You haven't tasted cheese until you have some from Wisconsin. Yummy!!! Call when you are ready for us to cook you a hamburger with cheese. Time for bed. Look for more tomorrow. Love ya all!

Fund Raiser Bus to Blackhawk Casinos

If you weren't on the bus to Blackhawk with us, you missed a really fun time. Wendy & Patti planned this whole trip and they did such a great job. Once everyone got on the bus, they sold raffle tickets for a box load of donated gifts (and some that the average person wouldn't want or know what to do with). Everyone got one and as far as I know they loved what they got, well maybe not Rick Rogers. He got a sprinkler and a pair of pink garden gloves!! I can't wait to see him working in the yard! Or maybe Heidi Gaiser who ended up with a small tub of screws. Or Larry Reck who couldn't wait to go to the front of the bus to get his gift (unstead feet will land a person in someones lap or hands to help steady a person). This raffle took the entire trip so we didn't have to watch the road or get car sick. There was no time for that! Once we got to the casino, we got players cards that helped keep track of points played. As far as I know there was 4 people that really won big!! We had a great time and wish all of you could have gone with us. We may do another trip later so I will let you know. I want to thank everyone that went with us! The support is awesome and for you to donate to the Hope Fund is so helpful. Robbin and I have use this money for our travel to Chicago. Our insurance is doing so wonderful with a lot of the expenses but they don't cover everything and this money pays for that. God Bless You!

We're Home Again

We got home yesterday around 4:00 and I was in lots of pain so went straight to bed. This pain was from the chemo which effects my muscles...very painful to walk. Good thing I got home before this pain started! Robbin got us unpacked and started laundry before I woke up. Patti had to go to work to get trays ready for surgeries on friday. She got home around 7 and brought us supper so no worries about eating. Like I needed more pizza! It sure wasn't as good as Gino's Chicago Pizza! But very thankful that she was thinking about dinner so her dad didn't have too. Patti was very glad she was able to go with us so that she could see exactly what the treatments are and was able to talk to my doctors. I pray that this gave her some peace knowing that I am in good care with this cancer center. Both Robbin and Patti have been so much help making sure I was able to get going in the mornings for my appointments. Breakfast and coffee was always there as was the shuttle to take us to the center. I didn't have to think about anything but my treatments. That helps me so much! Love ya both!! If any of you would like to go with me sometime, just let me know and the center will set everything up for us. Thanks for all the prayers!

Chemo Treatment

Patti, Robbin and I arrived on the 31st of August. I had done some research into the hotel opinons that we have. They offer 5 different ones so I thought since Patti was coming with us this time, we would stay in the "Illinois Beach Resort".....spa, swimming pool, hot tub, beach to take those nice walks on, and a beautiful lake view. This all sounds great, right? Let me tell you, don't ever stay there. It was the most disgusting, dirty, rude employees, place we have ever seen. For a hotel to place cancer patience in, it really should be very clean. I won't go into details because you can figure that out for yourself. We called the Candlewood Suites (were we stayed last time) and there came to pick us up in less than 30 minutes. We unpacked and went straight to bed. It must have been close to midnight. The next morning we got up and went to the big city, Chicago. Patti had never been there so we really wanted to show her some of our favorite spots (shopping of course). We were able to do that, have dinner ("Gino's Chicago Pizza"..YUM)and take the train back to Kenosha. Must have been close to midnight. The next morning, today, we had to be at the hospital for an appointment at 9am. I met with my nurse to get the port accessed then met with the doctor. Everything went well. It amazes me how thorough all the doctors and nurses are. My appointments always last at least 30 minutes. These people don't want me going home with any unanswered questions. They're always willing to spend as much time with me as I need. Next was my chemo and hormone shots. Ouch!! It took about 1 1/5 hours. Seemed very quick and easy. YEA!!! We brought all our things back to the hotel and went to the outlet mall. It is always good to walk and stay active after my treatments so that the meds will work through my body to prevent muscle stiffness. Shopping always does the trick. We went to dinner at a restaurant called Brat Stop. They have a little store there where you can buy the brats and cheese. Guess what we are bringing home? We returned to the hotel and packed our bags and will be going home tomorrow. Should arrive in denver around 2:30. Once again thank you for all the prayers. Time for bed, it must be close to midnight.

3Day Walk in Denver

I just have to tell you about the wonderful people that are at the 3Day walk. We have a team of 5 who are walking 60 miles and they are just amazing to me. I went down yesterday for the opening ceremonies and found that this is the most spirited walk I have ever seen. These people are so dedicated to the cure for breast cancer. As my supporters do, they have spent a part of their life giving and giving for the cure! If you have time, please go to the blog with your support. The team members are...captain Cara Casseday, Wendy, Patti and Sue Casseday. I am on the team and raised lots of money but are unable to walk. Just wait till next year!!!

http://denver3day.blogspot.com

Back to Chicago

Since we have been home, I have scheduled another appointment in Chicago for my first chemo at CTCA. I'm really looking forward to it and also want to see all the friends I have met at the hospital. These people are so incredible and have so much love to give. Very Inspirational!! I have been looking over all the info I got out there and have millions of questions. So I'll have extra appointments but I really need to have answers. I guess I am just picky. One thing I never did get to do while there was to review the actual MRI, CT Scan, Pet scan and most results. My mind was so relieved to get the good news. I have had a chance to look over everything and add to my question list. That is one thing the doctors there love. When you walk in with a list they comment on how much they appreciate it. Have you ever had a doctor tell you that? I sure haven't. This trip Patti will be going with Robbin and I. It is so important that my daughters go to see the hospital and met my doctors and nurses. I am praying that this will ease their concerns. It sure did mine! We want to take Patti to downtown Chicago to experience that beautiful city so we will leave a day earlier. This time we will be staying at the Illinios Beach Resort(goggle that one, wow). The cost is the same and it sounded so fun to walk along a beach that isn't from an ocean. Not sure I have done that one. We leave August 31st and get home Sept 3rd.

Something I want to mention also.....Wendy, Patti and my good friend Mariann have been working hard setting up a HOPE Fund at Colorado East Bank in LaSalle, that people can donate to for all my expenses. I am so grateful for them and to all the people that have donated to it. Thanks so much and big hugs!!

August 28th, 29th & 30th you all are invited to Denver for the 60 mile walk that Wendy, Patti, Cousin Sue, Cara and I are walking in. (I will not be walking all day) The best time to be there is Sunday for the closing ceremony....City Park...2001 CO Blvd...Denver. For more info go to www.3day.org and look for "Spectator Information". It will be an exciting day!!

Thanks again for all the thoughts, prayers and visits. Love you all!!

We're Back Home

SUNDAY......We got home yesterday around 5pm. Our plane was delayed for 2 1/2 hours. I've never experienced this...we had to sit in the plane with little air movement, screaming kids, and tight quarters. I put my headphones on and acted like I was in the MRI machine!! Never did fall asleep and it was a good thing we bought a sandwich and took it on the plane. We got in the air and we both fell asleep and didn't wake up until the captain announced we were preparing for landing! Must have needed the sleep.

Friday was a very fun day. Robbin took me to Chicago on a train, which took 1 1/2 hours because it made several stops. It was so much fun. When we arrived about 1:00, we got off in the station that had several stores and a food court. We did stop to eat then went to buy a couple of umbrellas so we could start the walk in downtown Chicago. The rain had started earlier in the day and didn't quit until around 10 that night. When it rains in Chicago, it rains! Have you ever been in a big city when it is raining? Everyones walking down the street carrying an umbrella and it is an awesome sight. The rain doesn't stop anyone from doing what they need. And I think this is the most friendly city I have been in. Every store we were in, every restaurant we ate in and the people walking down the street, seemed to be happy and are loving life. I have been noticing this since our trip. These kinds of things are not just things anymore. My love for life and being around people has grown and sure means more to both Robbin and I. Sad but this trip was a reality check. I always knew I had cancer, I just didn't feel like I did so I wouldn't take proper care of myself. One thing I know now is that listening to my body is most important. Healing bones is difficult. My life has changed because of this so I won't be doing some of the same activities that I love doing. Just wait to see what I find. I have to replace those things....Don't know yet what it will be.

All of the thoughts and prayers have helped me through this and will continue to get me through this. Robbin has been my rock. He has supported me more than I could ever imagine. I love you, baby and thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I plan on blogging again when I get more news or just want to keep you updated. I love all of you and praise God for the relationship I have with you.

THURSDAY...What a great day!! I was told today that the PET scan, CT scans and the MRI results show that the cancer is not in my organs and has not spread on the bone. The areas that do have cancer on them are growing and that is where my pain is coming from. There is no nerve impingement. This kind of cancer is treatable and will not take my life. What great news!!! I will have to have chemo shots of fazlodex once a month and zomada infusions once a month. The dose will be doubled. Every 3 months I will have the CT scans and PET scans done so that the doctor can watch the growth or shrinkage. I am coming to Chicago to have my chemo. This center is so amazing in every way. I just can't explain the loving care from all employees, nurses, doctors, even the cooks and janitors. The atmosphere is one I need to continue healing. If any of you have a loved one that has cancer please bring them here. There is treatment for all cancers and lives are saved everyday!!! I have seen it!! Tomorrow Robbin and I are going to Chicago via train to enjoy the city. We want to thank everyone for all the prayers and thank God for His work. We love the posts from everyone and I will continue to post news when I can. For now, I am taking a brake for a few days. We arrive back home saturday afternoon. Thanks to Patti for feeding our dogs and watching TV with grandma everynight. What a trooper!! See you all at home soon. August 28, 29, 30 is the 60 mile walk in Denver that we will be participating in. Someday there will be a cure for breast cancer!! Love to all and God Bless.

I understand that some of you are having trouble posting on my blog. I believe that you have to join then you can post. It isn't a big deal to join and there is no cost. If you still have trouble let me know and I will try to help you. I really want to hear from you.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT....wow am I glad today is over with. It was a long day but certainly worth it. I had an Echocardiogram, a CT scan, a MRI on the brain and a MRI on the lumbar spine. Those MRI's are not fun!!! They put you in a long tub with a helmet thing on your head that just barely fits and they tell you not to move for 1hour 45 minutes!! Well, DA!!! how could you? I also had an appt with the pain specialist that insists that I start taking some pain meds. We both think that it is time because of the pain I am having. We also visited a friend we met here who's mother has cancer and is not doing well at all. So by the time we left the hospital it was 5pm. Just finished subway and I am headed to bed. Pray that the doctors have good news for us tomorrow. We meet with 3 of them starting at 9am. By 2pm we should know what the plan is for treatment. I'm very excited to get started. The patients I talk to are all so positive and keep coming back here for their treatments. It is amazing how most of them are treated and go home cancer free!! That will be me!! Once again thanks for all the prayers and praise God for all He does!! Love to all.

WEDNESDAY

It's a beautiful day here and I'm praising God for all He gives me!!

Tuesday...another long day of tests and meetings. This day seemed to be harder than yesterday and I'm thinking it was because of the waiting between meetings. There were times when I just needed to get out of the hospital. There is a beautiful park about 1/2 block away so that is where you can find me when I don't need to be meeting with doctors. I had a PET scan at 5 and got back to the hotel around 6:45. Robbin ordered bbq ribs for dinner. I ate the whole plate!! I hadn't eaten since 11am so that gave me permission to eat the whole darn plate! I'm very thankful for all the info that we are getting. Tomorrow will be lots of tests also. They will be doing two CT scans, MRI, and a bone scan. I will be done with all tests then. Thursday I'll meet with 3 different doctors for their opinions and diagnose. I'm really looking forward to that. We have met some really nice and amazing cancer patients and their caregivers. This is a great place to witness for God. The stories are so inspiring. My hope is even greater than yesterday!! God bless you. Time for bed. Love you, Gwyn

My First Day At CTCA in Chicago

Today was a very nervous day for me. I really didn't know what to expect and as most of you know I don't like the unknown. It started with the New Patient Registration then to meet my nurse for an assessment. Robbin and I then meet with one of many oncology doctors. He was very nice and sure made me feel better about what was going on (from my doctors records at home). He was at least positive and tells us that there is treatment for the bone cancer that I have. From there we went to lunch and back for blood draws. I think they took 5 gallons of blood!!! One thing about it, there is no test that will be missed. We then had to wait to get a schedule of upcoming appointments. Very long day but I at least have an idea of what to expect. Tomorrow will be lots of meetings with the naturopathy, nutrition, mind/body consultants and then new guest orientation. I will have a PET scan at 5. By the way I am very glad they are doing this scan. It will show any and every cancer area that I have, it is very thorough. It is not a comfortable scan but well worth the pain. So, for now, I ask for continued prayer for both Robbin and I. He is being very patient and is spoiling me. There is nothing he won't do for me! He's the best!! All for now. Look for more tomorrow. Good night and love all of you!