"I would like to achieve a state of inner spiritual grace from which I could function and give as I was meant to in the eye of God."
--Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Gift from the Sea
Working Hard
11 years ago
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Like Mother, Like Daughter
These are pictures of Sydney and me taken nearly 25 years apart. The one of me (in the pink dress) was taken in about 1963; the one of Sydney was taken in 1988. And in 2007, we still wish our friends a blessed and happy Easter.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Emptying the Nest--All Over Again
I remember the first phase of our first empty nest. August 2001--we flew to Virginia and spent two hurried days shopping for Megan's first dorm at Mary Washington College. I couldn't help but feel immense pride at this brave child of mine--going to college, far from home, far from family, far from friends. She had been a shy, introverted young girl but somehow she had grown up able to face the world head-on. What more could a parent dream for their child?
Fast forward to summer 2005--I sat with Megan as she watched our friends move her belongings out of her very first "grown up" apartment. She loved her quirky apartment in "the avenues." But she realized that it would be a long while (if ever)before she would be able to manage on her own. She grieved for everything she had already lost in her young adult life--her apartment, her job, her future children. Cancer robs everyone of something; it seemed to take more than its fair share from her. I wasn't sure she would survive long enough to grasp the enormity of it all. My dreams for her were more immediate--just survive...
And now--2007. The movers arrived in the morning snow storm. But none of us cared about the weather. She was so ready!
Getting to move into her own place again is such a big step. I wasn't sure the day would ever arrive. She feels strong and is able to work almost full time. She has days that are bad, but most of her days are good, or at least manageable. But I'm the mom and the worry is always there. Will she eat? Will she keep the place clean enough? Will she take her meds? Will she get rest?
Her bedroom is nearly empty. The rest of the house is dotted with pieces of her leaving. But my heart is still full of love. And my dream for her today is the same as it has always been--be happy.
Fast forward to summer 2005--I sat with Megan as she watched our friends move her belongings out of her very first "grown up" apartment. She loved her quirky apartment in "the avenues." But she realized that it would be a long while (if ever)before she would be able to manage on her own. She grieved for everything she had already lost in her young adult life--her apartment, her job, her future children. Cancer robs everyone of something; it seemed to take more than its fair share from her. I wasn't sure she would survive long enough to grasp the enormity of it all. My dreams for her were more immediate--just survive...
And now--2007. The movers arrived in the morning snow storm. But none of us cared about the weather. She was so ready!
Getting to move into her own place again is such a big step. I wasn't sure the day would ever arrive. She feels strong and is able to work almost full time. She has days that are bad, but most of her days are good, or at least manageable. But I'm the mom and the worry is always there. Will she eat? Will she keep the place clean enough? Will she take her meds? Will she get rest?
Her bedroom is nearly empty. The rest of the house is dotted with pieces of her leaving. But my heart is still full of love. And my dream for her today is the same as it has always been--be happy.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Day after VD
Happy Day after Valentines Day--a holiday created by Hallmark and FTD.
We went to a cute cafe that does not take reservations. We had a 35 minute wait--not too bad for a couples' holiday. Then, being the romantics that we are, we took off for the Jazz game where it looked like Cleveland was going to sock it to us. But somehow, in the final quarter, the Jazz pulled their heads out of their butts and actually won the game. Yeah Us! 35 and 17 season, so far. Looks like we'll be back in the playoffs this year.
Tomorrow we're leaving for Vegas and the NBA All Star Weekend. The boys will do all the "basketball stuff" and the girls will go to shows, malls, and pool and spa areas. Vegas is a perfect town--truly something for everyone. We'll see the "Love" show by Cirque du Soleil and then we'll see Danny Gans. And I'm sure we'll hit our favorite restaurants and maybe try a couple of new ones. (And somehow, through the weekend, I'm supposed to stay on a Weight Watchers program...)
We went to a cute cafe that does not take reservations. We had a 35 minute wait--not too bad for a couples' holiday. Then, being the romantics that we are, we took off for the Jazz game where it looked like Cleveland was going to sock it to us. But somehow, in the final quarter, the Jazz pulled their heads out of their butts and actually won the game. Yeah Us! 35 and 17 season, so far. Looks like we'll be back in the playoffs this year.
Tomorrow we're leaving for Vegas and the NBA All Star Weekend. The boys will do all the "basketball stuff" and the girls will go to shows, malls, and pool and spa areas. Vegas is a perfect town--truly something for everyone. We'll see the "Love" show by Cirque du Soleil and then we'll see Danny Gans. And I'm sure we'll hit our favorite restaurants and maybe try a couple of new ones. (And somehow, through the weekend, I'm supposed to stay on a Weight Watchers program...)
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Which Star Is Which???
Megan and Kate Walsh (aka Addison Montgomery Shepherd on Grey's Anatomy). Thanks Molly at Park City Mountain Resort for setting up their meeting!
Monday, January 15, 2007
Good News
Sometimes I can get so caught up in the silliness of life that I forget to share the most amazing parts of it.
Megan’s last appointment with the oncologist brought very good news. Her CA-125 has gone down another 7 points! While the word “remission” was not used, he did suggest that her disease is stable. He is thinking that this last chemo treatment of doxil might be her last for a while. The cancer cells are still in her body, but her body needs a break from the chemotherapy drugs and their toxicity. He would like to try tamoxifen, an estrogen suppressor in pill form, to be taken daily. Hey, if it doesn’t involve needles, I’d say it’s a good plan. Actually, it’s a very scary plan when you consider that it might give the cancer cells to gain another foothold. But it does make sense.
So, thats some amazing news, right?
Megan’s last appointment with the oncologist brought very good news. Her CA-125 has gone down another 7 points! While the word “remission” was not used, he did suggest that her disease is stable. He is thinking that this last chemo treatment of doxil might be her last for a while. The cancer cells are still in her body, but her body needs a break from the chemotherapy drugs and their toxicity. He would like to try tamoxifen, an estrogen suppressor in pill form, to be taken daily. Hey, if it doesn’t involve needles, I’d say it’s a good plan. Actually, it’s a very scary plan when you consider that it might give the cancer cells to gain another foothold. But it does make sense.
So, thats some amazing news, right?
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Men of the NBA
So I was at the Utah Jazz game last night. I couldn't fully concentrate on the game because I have a raging cold. But I started paying attention to the "hotness" of the players. The Dallas Mavericks may have kicked our butt on the court, but they lack hot players! (So there--Nowitzki "NitWitSki")
I'm compiling a list of the hottest men in the NBA. Right now, I have Matt Harpring of the Jazz at the top of my list. Mehmet Okur is right behind. Tony Parker of San Antonio is on the list. (Hey, if he's good enough for Eva Longoria, he can be on my list...) Also like Brian Grant and Grant Hill. I think Manu Ginobili will make the cut. Karl Malone and John Stockton can't be on the list because they are no longer in the NBA. Same thing with Raoul Lopez (okay, he wasn't really hot, but he was as cute as a puppy.)
What do you think? Who should make the hottest men in the NBA list? (By the way, I get the final vote and veto of who makes the list...)
I'm compiling a list of the hottest men in the NBA. Right now, I have Matt Harpring of the Jazz at the top of my list. Mehmet Okur is right behind. Tony Parker of San Antonio is on the list. (Hey, if he's good enough for Eva Longoria, he can be on my list...) Also like Brian Grant and Grant Hill. I think Manu Ginobili will make the cut. Karl Malone and John Stockton can't be on the list because they are no longer in the NBA. Same thing with Raoul Lopez (okay, he wasn't really hot, but he was as cute as a puppy.)
What do you think? Who should make the hottest men in the NBA list? (By the way, I get the final vote and veto of who makes the list...)
Thursday, January 04, 2007
39 Questions
39 questions to bid farewell to 2006 & Welcome in 2007
1. What did you do in 2006 that you’d never done before?
I flew across two different oceans (medicated, of course.)
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don’t remember making a resolution. I was just so damn glad for 2005 to come to a close that I was just hopeful for a better 2006.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Not that I can think of… my friends are all menopausal or close to it.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Sweet, wonderful Deborah, my friend and neighbor. She died suddenly and without cause. I sure miss her cheerful attitude about life.
5. What countries did you visit?
Oh, my… Copenhagen, Finland, Sweden, Russia, Germany, Estonia, Poland, France, Switzerland, Italy. It was quite a summer!
6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
Time with my entire family at once, health for my entire family at once
7. What dates from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
July 4, 2006—Meeting my girls at the Paris airport for our European adventure. Do you know they don’t have fireworks in Paris on the 4th of July??? ;)
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting through any of Megan’s doctors’ appointments without tears at the end
9. What was your biggest failure?
All the other doctors’ appointments..
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
nothing serious for me
11. What was the best thing you bought?
A pretty neat glass sculpture from Murano, Italy. It’s a rather abstract piece that looks like two dancers. Paid way more for it than I probably should have, but the girls MADE me do it.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Megan—she had been through such an ordeal. And generally, she has been optimistic and upbeat. Cancer can beat you down; I’d say she’s beating it up.
Sydney--she's doing great at her school. Elected to an office in her sorority and was selected as one of the top ten students on campus for her work during Homecoming.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
At the spur of the moment, I'd have to say Britney Spears. Would someone buy that girl some morals? Or some class? Or just some panties?
14. Where did most of your money go?
Just stupid stuff. Of course, basic living expenses, food, clothes, gasoline, but we also traveled quite a bit.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Tie between going to Hawaii for the first time, going on a Baltic Sea cruise, or just seeing Europe through the eyes of my kids.
16. What song will always remind you of 2006?
Believe by Brooks and Dunn
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
a) Happier
b) Fatter
c)Richer
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Volunteer work, exercise
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
CRYING, eating, watching tv
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent Christmas right here in the Utah Mountains with my two girls and sweetheart of a husband
21. Did you fall in love in 2006?
After 24 years of marriage, he still can make me fall in love.
22. How many one-night stands?
Bahahaha
23. What was your favorite TV program?
Grey’s Anatomy—who can get through the week without a little McDreamy?
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Probably not. Don’t really hate anyone that I can quickly think of…
25. What was the best book you read?
I can’t say that any book just “grabbed” me this year. Of course, these 45 year old eyes are having a hard time with reading the smallish print, so I haven’t really been reading as much as I used to.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I like Alan Jackson’s take on country gospel.
27. What did you want and get?
I wanted a semi normal year. Wasn’t sure we’d have it, but medical miracles are still happening and giving us time and hope..
28. What did you want and not get?
A cure
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
Hands down—Little Miss Sunshine. Just laugh out loud funny!
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 45 this year. I was in Louisiana visiting my daughter and extended family. I took my mom to get her hair done and then had lunch alone in a Mexican restaurant next door to the salon. Pretty bad…
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
See #28 above.
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
Still doing the ski town mom look. Knit pants, jeans, sweater.
33. What kept you sane?
Friends, mostly. Chocolate, cosmos.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I’m still in love with Keith Urban. I forgive him for marrying Nicole. ;)
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Without question, Iraq.
36. Who did you miss?
I missed having my oldest and bestest friends—the ones who knew me when I was a geeky kid and liked me anyway—being a part of my everyday existence.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
I can’t think of anyone really new.
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006.
I think 2006 was the year I learned to let go of the worry. Not that I don’t worry, but I’ve learned to not let it permeate into every pore of my being.
39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
MY WISH by Rascal Flatts
I hope that days come easy and moments pass slow,
And each road leads you where you want to go,
And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,
More then anything, more then anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it,
To your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more then you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.
I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,
All the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
And you always give more then you take.
Oh More then anything, Yeah, and more then anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it,
To your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more then you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.
1. What did you do in 2006 that you’d never done before?
I flew across two different oceans (medicated, of course.)
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don’t remember making a resolution. I was just so damn glad for 2005 to come to a close that I was just hopeful for a better 2006.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Not that I can think of… my friends are all menopausal or close to it.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Sweet, wonderful Deborah, my friend and neighbor. She died suddenly and without cause. I sure miss her cheerful attitude about life.
5. What countries did you visit?
Oh, my… Copenhagen, Finland, Sweden, Russia, Germany, Estonia, Poland, France, Switzerland, Italy. It was quite a summer!
6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
Time with my entire family at once, health for my entire family at once
7. What dates from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
July 4, 2006—Meeting my girls at the Paris airport for our European adventure. Do you know they don’t have fireworks in Paris on the 4th of July??? ;)
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting through any of Megan’s doctors’ appointments without tears at the end
9. What was your biggest failure?
All the other doctors’ appointments..
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
nothing serious for me
11. What was the best thing you bought?
A pretty neat glass sculpture from Murano, Italy. It’s a rather abstract piece that looks like two dancers. Paid way more for it than I probably should have, but the girls MADE me do it.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Megan—she had been through such an ordeal. And generally, she has been optimistic and upbeat. Cancer can beat you down; I’d say she’s beating it up.
Sydney--she's doing great at her school. Elected to an office in her sorority and was selected as one of the top ten students on campus for her work during Homecoming.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
At the spur of the moment, I'd have to say Britney Spears. Would someone buy that girl some morals? Or some class? Or just some panties?
14. Where did most of your money go?
Just stupid stuff. Of course, basic living expenses, food, clothes, gasoline, but we also traveled quite a bit.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Tie between going to Hawaii for the first time, going on a Baltic Sea cruise, or just seeing Europe through the eyes of my kids.
16. What song will always remind you of 2006?
Believe by Brooks and Dunn
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
a) Happier
b) Fatter
c)Richer
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Volunteer work, exercise
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
CRYING, eating, watching tv
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent Christmas right here in the Utah Mountains with my two girls and sweetheart of a husband
21. Did you fall in love in 2006?
After 24 years of marriage, he still can make me fall in love.
22. How many one-night stands?
Bahahaha
23. What was your favorite TV program?
Grey’s Anatomy—who can get through the week without a little McDreamy?
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Probably not. Don’t really hate anyone that I can quickly think of…
25. What was the best book you read?
I can’t say that any book just “grabbed” me this year. Of course, these 45 year old eyes are having a hard time with reading the smallish print, so I haven’t really been reading as much as I used to.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I like Alan Jackson’s take on country gospel.
27. What did you want and get?
I wanted a semi normal year. Wasn’t sure we’d have it, but medical miracles are still happening and giving us time and hope..
28. What did you want and not get?
A cure
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
Hands down—Little Miss Sunshine. Just laugh out loud funny!
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 45 this year. I was in Louisiana visiting my daughter and extended family. I took my mom to get her hair done and then had lunch alone in a Mexican restaurant next door to the salon. Pretty bad…
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
See #28 above.
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
Still doing the ski town mom look. Knit pants, jeans, sweater.
33. What kept you sane?
Friends, mostly. Chocolate, cosmos.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I’m still in love with Keith Urban. I forgive him for marrying Nicole. ;)
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Without question, Iraq.
36. Who did you miss?
I missed having my oldest and bestest friends—the ones who knew me when I was a geeky kid and liked me anyway—being a part of my everyday existence.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
I can’t think of anyone really new.
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006.
I think 2006 was the year I learned to let go of the worry. Not that I don’t worry, but I’ve learned to not let it permeate into every pore of my being.
39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
MY WISH by Rascal Flatts
I hope that days come easy and moments pass slow,
And each road leads you where you want to go,
And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,
More then anything, more then anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it,
To your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more then you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.
I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,
All the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
And you always give more then you take.
Oh More then anything, Yeah, and more then anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it,
To your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more then you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
What a difference a year makes...
Here is Megan this Thanksgiving. Her hairstyle is so adorable. Can you believe that one year ago she was completely bald from chemotherapy? She continues the journey--with many, many potholes. But her smile is still radiant. 
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
And the winning team is....
once again the LSU TIGERS! Poor Kevin! It really looked like this could be Arkansas' year. It seemed like the timing was right for that Arkansas Razorback ornament to go to the top of our Christmas tree. But, alas, it seems one more year that Kevin and the rest of the Razorback community will have to endure a Tiger win.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Halloween 2006
Yes, even boring dweebs like me celebrate Halloween. The first pic is from the annual Spice Girls Bunko Halloween Extravaganza. What a great group of women! Good to laugh with, good to cry with, good to have lunch with, good to have a drink with. I'm blessed to have them in my life. The other two pics are of Annabelle and Addy. They truly do not understand people's fascination with animals in costume. Just seems WRONG, doesn't it.
Fall 2006 Vegas
Just a few pics of Kevin and me and the beautiful decorations in the Bellagio atrium.
Friday, October 06, 2006
The End of Fall
Autumn is the most melancholy season of all. For me, it is a reminder of the passing of time. Time--the one commodity we can't seem to capture and save. I've watched the maples and oaks turn magnificent shades of red and orange. Then, just like a fire, the colors die away. The aspens are still golden, but with every breeze, more and more leaves fall to the ground. In just a few days the limbs will be bare. And in just a few weeks, the ground will be white with snow. Ah, if only we could make the fall last a little longer...
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Surprises
Aren't surprises the best? Megan and I just pulled a great one. My family knew that I was arriving for a visit. They were unaware that Megan would be tagging along. So, I met my parents at the curb of the New Orleans airport, put my luggage in the trunk, then looked around and announced, "Oh, I've forgotten something. I need to run back in." I went back into the terminal and brought Megan out with me. It was GREAT! Then when Syd got to my folks' house, I sent her upstairs to get her "birthday present" off the bed. I could hear her yelling to Megan (who videotaped the whole thing), "I just talked to you on the phone!"
I just love good surprises.
I just love good surprises.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Happy 24th Anniversary
Okay--so I'm not the best at keeping an up-to-date blog. Friends, I know many of you are concerned that I am still somewhere in the Baltic Sea. Never fear, we made it home from our journeys in reasonably sane shape. Had a great time. If I ever figure out how to post photos, I'll put a couple on this blog.
Today is our 24th wedding anniversary. My, how time flies! Or does it creep? Depends on the day, I guess. We're having quite the ride though. Planning on going out to dinner and thats about it. Kevin leaves tomorrow for Tulsa; I leave Wednesday for Louisiana.
Megan spent 3 nights on the lovely 8th floor of LDS hospital recently. Diagnosis--bowel obstruction. Things seem better. She started a new drug, Doxil. Its giving her terrible mouth sores. Poor thing can only eat very soft, cold, bland stuff.
Syd is still Syd. Going 20 different directions without a map. I'll see her in a couple of days and celebrate LSU's Homecoming with her.
So, until the next post...
Share a bottle of wine with someone you love!
Today is our 24th wedding anniversary. My, how time flies! Or does it creep? Depends on the day, I guess. We're having quite the ride though. Planning on going out to dinner and thats about it. Kevin leaves tomorrow for Tulsa; I leave Wednesday for Louisiana.
Megan spent 3 nights on the lovely 8th floor of LDS hospital recently. Diagnosis--bowel obstruction. Things seem better. She started a new drug, Doxil. Its giving her terrible mouth sores. Poor thing can only eat very soft, cold, bland stuff.
Syd is still Syd. Going 20 different directions without a map. I'll see her in a couple of days and celebrate LSU's Homecoming with her.
So, until the next post...
Share a bottle of wine with someone you love!
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Set to Sail
We made it to Copenhagen! Unfortunately, a major piece of my luggage did not. But thats okay; if it doesn't show up in Sweden, I'll just make due. Of course, it is the bag with my new Talbots, Coldwater Creek, and other purchases. AND my dress shoes for formal night tomorrow night.
The flight over was uneventful. First class is THE way to fly to Europe. And Scandinavian Airlines is wonderful. I still didn't sleep much on the trip (played video games instead,) so I'm pretty tired now. But I think I'll sleep well tonight.
Sure wishing I had packed more Hershey bars... maybe the girls will bring a big bag when they meet me in Paris...
Ship pulls out of the harbor in less than an hour. Gotta go meet friends and toast the coastline as we pull away. Bon Voyage.
The flight over was uneventful. First class is THE way to fly to Europe. And Scandinavian Airlines is wonderful. I still didn't sleep much on the trip (played video games instead,) so I'm pretty tired now. But I think I'll sleep well tonight.
Sure wishing I had packed more Hershey bars... maybe the girls will bring a big bag when they meet me in Paris...
Ship pulls out of the harbor in less than an hour. Gotta go meet friends and toast the coastline as we pull away. Bon Voyage.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Countdown to our European Adventure
Next week at this time, I'll be arriving in Copenhagen for the start of our European Adventures! There is a ton of work to prepare for a monthlong "vacation." The cruise portion of the trip is taking care of itself; I only have to show up with luggage and passport. The land portion (where I meet up with Megan and Sydney and travel through France, Switzerland, and Italy) is a tad more complicated. Hotels in 5 cities, rail passes, museum tickets, and car rental are reserved. I still need to figure out where we'll stay in Geneva. And I have to figure out the train schedule. And a quick lesson in French and Italian wouldn't hurt. Thank goodness Sydney knows French; it may save us in Paris. I don't know how much posting I'll do, but I'll attempt to keep track of our adventures via this blog; anyone who is remotely interested can check in and see how its going. I'll also post the link to the princess cruise line; they have a web cam from the deck of our ship, The Star Princess. Occasionally you can see the port where the ship is docked; keep in mind the time difference or you'll just see water or darkness. So, back to packing and organizing--and then LET THE FUN BEGIN!
Monday, June 12, 2006
If this drug works....Priceless
Megan's first week on topotecan and thalidomide was uneventful. I'd take her to the oncologist's office, sit and watch the poison drip into her arm (thinking the whole time, "let it get the cancer, let it get the cancer."), and an hour or so later, I'd return to the condo in Salt Lake. These drugs aren't nearly as toxic as the taxol/carbo--I just hope they work. We have had a bugger of a time getting the thalidomide. And man, oh man, is it expensive!!!!! Albertson's pharmacy's price was $6800 per month; insurance pays 70-80%, depending on if its considered generic or not. But my hunter husband was able to locate the drug at Huntsman Cancer Institute and it was $1700. We're unclear as to whether the insurance pays the same percentage there. It is insane! But my fearless husband and his merry band of employees are on the case. Either way, we'll get the drug; hey--isn't that what credit cards are made for????
One day of poison dripped into daughter's arm--$10,000
One month of thalidomide------------------------$6,800
One more year of health------------------------Priceless
One day of poison dripped into daughter's arm--$10,000
One month of thalidomide------------------------$6,800
One more year of health------------------------Priceless
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