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Friday, March 28, 2008

My cute cousin Lindsay is putting together a team (Jenn's Joggers) to run/walk in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on May 10th. I'm so excited!! She also sent this video clip to all the family--and I was so inspired by the love of one person for another that I thought I'd share the link if you haven't seen it already:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flRvsO8m_KI

Love is an amazing thing!!

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Things are going pretty well since my treatments on March 14th. I've had pain here and there, but it's hard to say if it's the cancer, the medications I'm on or the workouts I've been doing. I think I pulled all the muscles in my legs today. I did a lot of stuff I haven't done for awhile (weight lifting). I have a new sensation lately that happens when I look down, a shock is sent down my body and out my feet. It's not painful--just wierd. Apparently this is from the radiation on my spine and should go away in about 3-6 months. I took a dance class at the gym last week with a friend, Paula Bergenthal--it was so fun!! That's the first place I started having the shocking sensation--probably because you throw your body all over the place in that class.

My blood test results from March 14 show that my blood counts are slowly coming back up. However, my tumor markers went up slightly. This was kind of a bummer after the last two times where the number came down by about 1,000 each time. We'll see what happens this next time.

My nephew, Josh Questeriet had his missionary farewell Easter Sunday. While he was giving his talk in church, the thought crossed my mind, "Will I be around in two years when he gets back?" Then I thought, "Will I be around for the day when my sons are giving their farewell talks?" That evening I told Josh I'd be here when he gets back. I plan to keep that promise.

I know there are others in my neighborhood wondering how long they'll be around. One is Cory Alldredge who's fighting oral cancer which has spread to his neck. Another is Natalie Karren who has a disease called Moya Moya (did I spell that right?). They're both in quite a bit of pain and wondering what the future holds.

The thing is--none of us knows when it will be our time to go. It's probably best that way. Enjoy today--whatever it brings!!

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Treatment Friday, March 14th
























Things went well for my treatment on Friday. The nurse got my IV in the FIRST try!! I was so excited to only be poked with the needle once. While I was waiting in the room to see my oncologist, Bry was playing some music on his ipod and I decided to dance, since I hadn't exercised yet that day. I put my jacket on over my hospital gown because it's always cold in the rooms. After my dr. visited, we went to the infusion room where everyone is getting their IV fluids (mostly chemo). It takes about 2 hours to get my bone treatment. Then I still had to get my shot, which ended up being two shots (one in each cheek!) since they only had smaller dose shots. I had amazingly bad pain in the rear end last night from one of the shots. I think the nurse may have hit my bone or a nerve. It's feeling better today.

I actually felt pretty good after having my treatments Friday, and we took the kids swimming that evening.

Friday, March 7, 2008

A quick word about a neighbor

Our neighbor and friend, Cory Alldredge is in the hospital at Huntsman. He was admitted today. For any who know him and Candace and their son Hayes--keep them in your prayers. We're hoping they can feel some peace as they pull through this.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Things have been going so well lately--I think maybe the cancer is gone!! (Who knows--maybe it's true!) The only thing I feel lately is a little achy and stiff after exercise or toward the end of the day. And this may not be the cancer, it may just be from the medications I'm taking. They cause joint and bone pain.

I went to a kick-boxing class at the gym on Tuesday. I used to love that class because you can take out all your frustrations while you're kicking and punching--it's very theraputic. I lasted 20 minutes (it's an hour long class). Once we started really bouncing back and forth, something in my chest started feeling like it was ripping or tearing. I'm not sure what it was, but I thought "At least I made it 20 minutes! Maybe next time I can go 25!" I finished off with the stair climber and the rowing machine. Guess I'll stick to the low-impact stuff for now.

So--overall I'm feeling pretty normal--and it's great!! I haven't had to take hardly any ibuprofen (when I use to take it daily). I feel very blessed and hope I don't take this time for granted. I remind myself each morning to show love to my husband and children and really take the time I need with them.

I also have this incredible urge to decorate my home. I'm not sure why.

--Jenn