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!