Sunday, December 28, 2008

Sugar & Spice, and Everything Nice...

That's what little girls are made of... or so goes the rhyme. Many thanks to Aunt Jamie for an amazing "girls only" day out at the ballet!

And today, all of our sweet girls were full of the sugar and spice that the magic of the Nutcracker, and adorable holiday dresses seem to bring out of little ones. Thanks for the magic, Jame!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Let it Snow, Snow, Snow!


Can you believe the weather we are having? We have been having so much fun in the snow. John and I took a little "drive" last night all around the county (doing exactly what they have been urging not to do!) We are so naughty.

John has had to clear off RC's chicken roof two times already for fear she would be lost in a collapse. Shorty is having a ball, although he has been naughty too. We decided to go to work on Friday, and let him out of the truck. He started bounding through the snow to attack a large truck at the business across the street. I was most of the way through the retention pond before I got to him, boy was my heart pounding. He loves to jump like a rabbit and burrow his head into the snow. He also enjoys munching the hard crusty stuff.

Our power was fading in and out last night and transformers were popping, but we never did lose power. We have roughly 14 or so inches of snow and it is still falling. John is out sort of clearing the driveway so that it is not a solid block of ice when it starts to thaw. I believe I hear him driving the Suburban now. I think he just can't stand to be idle, always has to be doing something.

I hope everyone is safe and warm and ready for Santa! I wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday. I will try to post a Shorty video soon.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Perfect 11

Just a quick update. Yesterday's "all clear" report from Dr. Goff gave us the go ahead to celebrate a year of remission. Despite having successfully maneuvered through two rounds of chemotherapy without vomiting, Jamie apparently does not have similar resistance to Mai Tais. But still the Blues Travellers at the Showbox was a just the right way to let go of the anxieties of the week between scan and exam.

I can not think of anything else I could be more thankful for.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Today was another all day stretch at the UWMC and SCCA. Jamie was scheduled for her 6 month CT scan, so we coordinated our follow up with Mercy the genetics counselor for the same day.

Now that we have Jamie’s primary care under control, it is now time to ask “why”? Genetic research is a hot topic of course and the UW medical machine appears to be keeping up with the trend. A few weeks ago the Jamie, Jennifer, Christie and I met with Mercy to discuss procedure and objectives. Jamie, eager to benefit her immediate family as well as society in general gave consent imediately. This meant a simple blood draw, coordinated of course, with Jamie’s regular port flush.

So today was the follow up and discussion of the results. Initially they are looking for a mutation of the BCRA1 and BCRA2 genes. Jamie’s test shows that she has neither. While this itself is good news as it appears to eliminate the most common genetic link both maternal and paternal, the work has not yet ended. If Jamie’s relative’s will be kind enough to let someone shove a camera up their bums and then share the results, we will be able to investigate the possibility of what our able clinician referred to as “Lynch” syndrome, which is not to be confused with any impulse to carry out capitol punishment. Those looking for more on the science can simply use google as regurgitation of facts is not the purpose here. What I will bring, and my audience now expects, is the story behind the story.

Now I must be tactful and withhold many of the juiciest of details as it was revealed to me on sunday that our professional team holds a connection to someone within our intimate circle.

During our initial consult with Mercy, introductions between the women were the usual superficial “very nice to meet you” with femininely limp hand shakes and multiple nods. But when she turned to me, our hands clutched and there was a brief pause. With that ambiguous, one eye row raised look the said “oh, you’re the husband, I have heard about you” and turned away.

My mind raced. Was it some sort of security warning in the file about me and my inclination to wander down dark halls and peek in unsecured cabinets? Or was I the topic of discussion at one of those after hours nurse parties at the little Mexican cantina on Boat street where the put on their “dress” nurse uniforms of short skirts, v neck top and little white hat, and do shots of tequila in various most erotic ways (trust me this has been self censored already)? Or maybe the SCCA staff has misread my previous writings not as whit, but as critique and black listed me?

But today Mercy was all business, except a brief lapse where she talked about how cute Brian and Katie’s kids were, (and who doesn’t already know that), and really proved her scientific skill. Despite my attempts to throw her off guard with the inevitable engineer geek questions about the arithmetic of genetics, she was rock solid. As I probed she remained unaffected and then laid down her trump card. A perfectly drawn, symboled and annotated family tree for Jamie. I was intimidated. Straight lines, archaic symbols, room to write additional notes. Truly admirable.

So still searching for answers as to my status in the UWMC community, we left the CHDD complex with our parking ticket validated.

Jamie, knowing that the agony of a procedure such as a CT scan would not fulfill her sadistic needs, agreed to make the most of our two hour break and accompany me to Recycled Cycles. She once again proved her love to me by standing by while I tried on every fluorescent yellow jacket, plus a couple of standard hues, comparing zippers, stitching and armpit vents. After accepting advice from a modestly pierced clerk and making my clothing selection, I could tell that Jamie wanted more. So next was neoprene shoe covers. Mountain bike style, or the more simplistic road biker’s? Or maybe just the over the toe types? Wait should I go to the car and get my cycling shoes and try them on? Why not? What about gloves? If I buy women’s because I have small hands will that make me look gay? Are you having fun honey? It was a true test of her endurance. And then wait, maybe none of these is what I want as the clerk and I discuss fenders and how they actually might be what I really need. So with apparel behind me, onto the real focus of the store “parts”. But I knew I had gone too far. So one quick lap and to the register to cash out.

It was nearly 1 pm when we arrived at the SCCA and straight to floor 2 we went. In their usual efficiency we were swept through reception and into the waiting area. This is the worst part for Jamie. She is veteran enough to know what is coming. Despite my jokes about her berry (really read barium) milkshake, I decline a sample when offered. We do get some relief though as a Joan Rivers like character reflects with her daughter on the excessive botox use of a friend. “Why would you want fat lips?, I only get it in my forehead”. “Can you move your eyebrows mom?” “ Well dear I think so, but I guess I haven’t tried” “You know so and so has it done every few weeks, I only go every other month. You can’t get rid of ALL of the wrinkles, that would be just crazy” “Did you know that botox can cure migraines?” “ So if you just tell your Dr. you get really bad headaches you can get your insurance company to pay for your botox!”

If you are outgoing, the waiting area can be a great place to meet all sorts of colorful people. When Jamie went back to get her port accessed, I invited a fellow to join me on the couch. He was a bit crippled and walked with a cane, but smiled continuously none the less. Soon it became apparent that his physical disability was only minor compared to the barking from his companion, who rode an electric scooter. She repeated several times that “I am going to wait up front” in a sort of anticipatory tone, but he ignored her as he was apparently much more eager to exchange pleasantries with me. Well, before she could get fully u-turned, the nurse called her name. The man let out a sigh of relief and made himself comfortable.

Now his story started out innocently enough, asking me where I went to school and then elaborating on his youth in Seattle and his champion high school basketball team. But like most of us, no matter how casual our story seems, there is always an underlying theme. So high school championship leads to a community college scholarship. That leads him to Kent. Eventually he and his girlfriend find themselves traveling on 320th in Federal Way late one night. And coincidentally some jack ass decides to cram a bunch of Busch into his gut and then four people into the cab of his pick up. They smash a couple of other cars up before plowing into this guy’s Toyota. Now based on the story teller’s hair I put the story in the 1970’s. The physics are pretty obvious. 70’s Toyota = tin can. 70’s pickup = large chunk of iron.

To quote him “that day changed my lie forever”. Although he can walk, it is with great effort and not without a cane in is one functioning hand. His companion fared no better (note she is not the same woman present day) as he says a broken back has left her in a wheel chair.

So once again we leave the SCCA with our challenges in perspective.


By the time we pull out of the parking garage it is nearly 5 o’clock and thus heavy traffic. I had been promoting the lobster special at Anthony’s for a couple of days now and Jamie agreed that a decent meal sounded better than a traffic jam. We turned to our trusty navigation system and eventually found our way through the Norwegian ghetto of Ballard to the Anthony’s at the end of the ship canal.

I felt conspicuously underdressed, not having my musty corduroy sport coat or faux leather Velcro shoes. But they seated us none the less, just in time for the sunset dinner special. We enjoyed our meal as we eavesdropped on thrilling conversations as “the good thing about my medication is that I don’t have to get up to pee so often” and other such intricacies of the golden years.

Chuckling as we watched old men pick the raisins out of their rice, (we will admit we found the taste weird as well), we unwound from our busy day and reflected on our gratuity for Jamie’s health and the time we have enjoyed together.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

36!


Nope, that's not my CA-125 number, it's my age! Hard to believe eh? The wonderful "giant cookie cake" you see there was provided by none other than my crazy (I say that in the most enduring way) baking friend, Katrina. Five layers of cookie goodness (Martha Stewart recipe) with cream cheese frosting in the middle. Unbelievable! John also furnished a made to order Cherry pie! (my absolute favorite)
Thanks to all that celebrated with me this year! It was my best birthday ever. Friends, Family, what more could I ask for.
Sidenote: Dr. Goff has asked me to be a part of a panel discussion at a special event for UW donors, doctors and others entitled "Cinema in Science". I am so excited to help her in any way that I can. If I can get the word out and allow other women to find this crazy cancer early, I'm all in. We will be screening the movie "Wit" with Emma Thompson. For those of you who haven't seen it, be prepared, it is a tear jerker. I would like everyone to know, I did not ever feel or was treated as portrayed in the film. I hope that is not what other women think treatment is like. I will update more once the discussion is over, sometime after Tuesday the 28th.
I'm off to get my 5th haircut!!!

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Congratulations!!



As many of you know, we are celebrating the marriage of our friends, Phong and Hoa Hong, here in Westminster CA, otherwise known as Little Saigon. We have been so fortunate to be included in such a special event. The services have been beautiful, but not as beautiful as the Bride. I'm not sure I have seen such a pretty bride in all the weddings I have attended. Hoa Hong, in her quiet way, sparkled like the brightest star today. Poor thing was up at 5 or so, to go get "made up" for the events today. She was continuously going even after we left at 11pm or so from the reception. She had to change her outfit about 3 or 4 times and have her picture taken and was video taped all the while, the whole time taking it like a great sport! I hope all of you agree with me in how fantastic she looks.


Tomorrow we head to Disneyland! For me it is like the commercial where the brother and sister are talking at night and their parents tell them they have to go to sleep and the little boy says "I'm too excited to sleep!" I am such a kid at heart and I am crazy about any rides. Emily and I plan to ride all the roller coasters and scary rides that we can tomorrow. We've talked about the "fast" pass and what we would like to do. We are going to have a blast!
I will have to update you all with some pictures of our adventures, but for now I will leave you with just a couple of the bride and groom.


Their smiles are worth a million! How cute are they?

Friday, September 12, 2008

Did you HEAR that??

We've been getting a steady take of one egg per day since our first post, with the exception of the very first day where we got the two eggs pictured in the first post. We knew that RC was definitely the laying girl, as she was the oldest of the two gals. TC is filling out quite nicely, but is still very young, so we've been cutting her some slack.

It's been a about a week since we have been letting the girls have free roam of the "dog" yard. They seem to really enjoy their free time roaming about, scratching for worms and bugs, and taking the glorious dirt baths they both really enjoy. Shorty has some reservations about his "yard" being taken over and has given the girls a little chase or too, but for the most part, he is his Shorty self and has pretty much ignored the ladies.

I was playing tether ball with Shorty yesterday when I heard something. I thought maybe one of the girls was laying an egg. I looked into the "coop" but didn't see either of them. Both were happily scratching in the dirt. I had to think closely at what I just heard. Did I hear a cockle doodle do? No, I must be hearing things I told myself and went back to playing with Shorty.

This morning John decided to drive the Suburban to work. As it has been rather toasty at night, we had the windows open to our bedroom. I heard the Suburban fire up, just as she always does even though she just gets short occasional spins around town. I dozing in and out listening to Adam Corrola, when all the sudden John bursts back into the bedroom. "Did you hear that?" he wakes me. "What? Huh? Are you crazy?" I give him the stink eye as I usually do when he wakes me up too early. "Did you hear that?" he asks me again. "Yes I hear the Suburban!" how could I not, she is quite distinguishable. "I think we have a Rooster!!! I just heard a crow!!" I suddenly jump up in bed and proclaim, "I thought so, I heard it last night!!"

We believe our young gal TC, is not a gal after all, she is a HE!! No wonder we aren't getting any eggs from him. The first two eggs (pictured below) have to be from RC! So, we are probably going to have to give "her" back to the pound, as there is a "rule" about roosters living in the city. TC is filling out quite nicely, but is also finding his voice, and the neighbors may not appreciate that too much.

I guess this is the chance you take, when getting young chickens from the pound. Maybe since we adopted "two hens" from the pound, we may be able to keep him. Time will tell. We will keep all of you faithful Blog readers updated with all the crazy happenings on the little piece of land we call our farm.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

First Eggs


I had just resolved myself to being satisfied with just having pet chickens when to my great surprise I found our first eggs while tidying up the chicken habitat tonight.

It was just after dusk, having returned from our post Weight Watchers dinner out with my parents, I was going through my evening routine of feeding, cleaning up various varieties of poop and settling everyone in for the night. While I had made time to get the newspaper pellets for the rabbit’s litter, I have yet to remember to get the wood pellets from the lumberyard, which according to Urbanchicken.com, make some sort of magic base for a stink free composting chicken floor. While skeptical about the author’s claim of only semi-annual cleaning, I do think that this material may well suited and of course is far less expensive than the material I am using for BB and GB. I had intended to procrastinate on cleaning out the “coop” , which nothing more than an old dog crate filled with local hay and two small litter boxes likewise filled for nests, until the proper material was procured. But my compulsiveness required at least a minimal effort and some straightening up.

I found the boxes a bit askew, and as I pulled them back to position the larger of the two eggs was readily visible. This prompted further search which revealed the second, buried behind in the hay floor. The hens sat above my head on top of the box, patiently observing me but making no motion. I carefully carried my treasure into the house and deposited them on the counter. I returned to find my wards contently snaking on a few greens I left behind. The girls obviously wary from their day’s efforts seemed eager to go to bed and only TC gave a lighthearted squawk as she hopped from my grip and into the crate.

Despite recently receiving an unsolicited opinion that “chickens don’t drink water at night”, I fashioned new water and food dishes that attached to the crate door, hoping to preserve the new paper litter I used to replace the soiled hay as a reward for their efforts. While Red Green may have dust tape, a strong but only temporary connection in almost all circumstances, I use the more technologically advanced and despite common myth, also readily reusable, zip tie. With the careful insertion of the tip of my pocket knife, I frequently save this trusty and most versatile plastic wonder from an unnecessary and unwarranted early destruction in all facets of daily life. Find yourself a little short? Connect two or more into a plastic chain that can bind a tarp, hold up your pants or keep your fender from flapping in the wind.

Feeling that I had made a good effort to comfort my now egg producing hens I left them in peace in hopes a that this marks a strong and steady production of eggs for some time to come. I returned to the house to find that Jamie had already placed them in a carton and prominently displayed them on the kitchen table. Eager to share my success I dialed Katelyn and described our yield in detail to which she responded by assuring me that “the big one is for you and the small one is for Aunt Jamie”.

Unfortunately all this success and revelry is not without consequence. Jealous of the chickens, the rabbits have begun acting out, chewing on the new mdf trim in the basement . This has brought great wrath from Jamie, their former supporter and friend who is now suggesting that they may need to move outdoors and is thus proposing some sort of conglomerate chicken / rabbit duplex enclosure in the new barn yard. Although he feigns a look of concern, Shorty takes no real action, merely lazily watching them perform this gratuitous act of defiance without so much a nudge or bark to scold them. Thus I am left to be their sole disciplinarian as well as defender. I am going to first try a squirt bottle in an effort to deter them and may also try to install some clear plastic corners over the edges, although some have expressed concern regards aesthetics.

So while chicken is off the menu, I fear that rabbit stew may not. My hope is that this phase will pass or maybe I can call on the rabbit whisperer to reason with them.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

New Arrivals


In anticipation of omelets everyday, Katelyn ambitiously met me at the door this morning with an empty 18 egg carton. Her silence on the drive to animal services was a clear sign of both her excitement and anxiety for what lay ahead.
Yesterday on my way to Aberdeen I absentmindedly answered my cell phone, and was instantly confused by the woman on the other end. She said she was with animal services. I paused to look over my shoulder to see if Shorty was still behind the seat in his usual “dead dog” position. There he was.
Could it be Nick’s dog Sarah? Had she run off again and somehow I had become one of her emergency contacts (yes I know that sounds insane, “oh please don’t call my parents, there not home, call my friend Shorty’s dad, he will bail me out”)? Certainly the days of the bark complaints had gone to the grave with both Ryder and our neighbor George, who both died of cancer within a year of each other. Plus Shorty had been on vacation the past few days and hadn’t spent a moment home alone in almost a week.

So in the sort of broken, “huh did you say fricken’?” kind conversation we all now enjoy with this "new hands free, still ok to be mentally oblivious statute", I eventually comprehended what she was trying to convey to me.

It all began very innocently after the death of both Ryder and Miles in the fall of 2006. While at the shelter donating some of our remaining dog food, misc. medications and some odds and ends left over from Kay’s cat Lucky, I inquired about their signup sheet for dogs. Jamie of course was still partial to the Border Collies but somehow Corgis were also being given consideration. I always thought them an odd sort, but after seeing a PBS special on the Queen and her own pack of this stubbed off breed, I figured if they are good enough for her, fine by me. So on the list for dogs our names went, with our specific requests noted.
But my curiosity was not yet curbed and so I began to investigate what else I could request. Goats, donkeys, pigs and sheep all have their appeal, but I felt that I might be mocked at Slater Stables if I showed up with any of these looking for another stall to rent. My family and long time friends know I have had rabbits and a rooster as pets and so they seemed ideal choices based on experience as well as our current living conditions.

So like a TLC series we first adopted GB and BB. Then Shorty. And now I was on my way to add two more to the roster.

As we pulled in to the parking lot Katelyn asked if Shorty could come in. With very little effort I convinced her that he would prefer to just wait this one out in the truck and was grateful that I did not have to give the shelter and overly negative connotation by using the term “doggy jail”.
We waited only moments and then were called to the counter where I enthusiastically announced our intentions to pick up the chickens. Trying not to be too rash, and affirm that I was committed, I asked if we could first see them. With some hesitation it was indicated that it was possible, but we were offered some pictures which they hoped might suffice. I was skeptical at first, but as you can all see, these gals are very photogenic and thus I relieved us all of my earlier request and accepted them without further inspection.

I filled out the endless pre adoption questionnaire, which is an earnest attempt in the animals’ interest to keep the ignorant and irresponsible from taking home a pet they cannot accommodate or know where to keep (that was how Shorty came our way). When I came to the questions about how many pet’s you have had in the last 5 years and what became of them, I had to fight the urge to comically write “BBQ”. But my professionalism prevailed and I rendered my $6 in adoption fees and was handed two cardboard carriers.

Katelyn eagerly took her charge , I mine, and out the door we went. We loaded the boxes into a large hay filled dog kennel in the back of the truck and then proceeded on to our next stop; the feed store.

At the feed store we quickly parlayed our $6 bargain into a $60 credit card receipt as we procured feed (organic of course), oyster shell, feeder and water dispenser. Katelyn assured me that the chickens would also need some special bird toys, but I convinced her that they would love our own hand made versions just as much as any store bought chicken toy, even though I am still unsure just what is considered “chicken appropriate”.
As we left the lot I went a little too speedily over the speed bumps and got nothing more than a skeptical glance when I said “looks like we will be getting scrambled eggs this week”. Unwilling to succumb to tall tales, Katelyn turned her focus to Shorty for more intelligent conversation on his new chicken friends and their plans when they arrive home.
After a brief stop at the bakery for nourishment we backed the truck up to the rear gate of the dog yard. After a lot of fussing, assembly and re arranging we were finally ready for the big moment. Already showing partiality for the lighter colored of the two, Katelyn selected her box and joined me in the newly converted dog kennel and we closed the door. As we opened the tops our new friends just stared up at us. I grabbed the red and she graciously let me lift her out. I tried to guide Katelyn to do the same, but at the last moment and showing good judgment, she left the task for me. Being an experienced hand, I had no real troubles but there was a bit of squawking and flapping.
We watched them for a moment and then closed the gate behind us as Katelyn rushed to get Shorty out as she assured me that he was eager to meet them. Already rabbit tested, I have no real concerns about Shorty other than his presence might cause the hens undue stress. Although excited, he merely showed genuine interest and trotted around the two accessible side of the kennel, intently observing the two birds. Keeping a polite distance, he kept a watchful eye, but never a bark or any sudden moves which might unduly roust them. And when it was time to go, he left willing to Katelyn’s lead.
As of now the two still remain unnamed. Numerous have been suggested, Chocolate and Sweetie, being repeated numerously as well as some suspiciously masculine names such as George and Roger. As many of you know I try to avoid anything too human as there is nothing more awkward than hosting a BBQ and realizing that some acquaintance or family has brought offspring with the same name as your family pet. However celebrities, politicians and royalty are exempt from this rule and thus this may afford me some relief although with neighbors with so obviously different political concerns than my own, this might also be avoided despite an inclination to name one of them “Madame Gregoire”.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Best Buds

Ten of the many reasons that I'm blessed to have Jame as my best bud:
  1. She remembers the face of someone she met five years ago at a party (who doesn't recall meeting her).
  2. She's wonderful to talk to about anything at all.
  3. We have similar taste in food and beverages, hmm... clothes and well, lots of other things.
  4. Our 26-years of history means I sometimes even forget things we've done (and like Jamie, I have a freakishly good memory) but she remembers the things I've forgotton, and vice versa.
  5. We do new stuff. Like she introduced me to the Lemon Drop Martini not that long ago.
  6. She loves my kids unconditionally, and is marvelous with them. She loves Joel too, and is good at arguing with and teasing him.
  7. She married John, who like all excellent partners, makes her better and stronger. Well, and we all love John too.
  8. She and I have made each other better too, and the minor tussles we've had over the years have only made us better friends.
  9. Yeah, and she's a kick-ass sous chef to my mess-making self.
  10. I don't have a sister, and I sometimes wished I did when I was a kid, but now I'm glad that I don't have another sibling. I've got my Jamie instead, and she's way better.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Three Months Down

I had my three month check up with Dr. Goff on Monday. Everything checked out great. My CA-125 was 10, well within the "normal" range. I had my Mammogram the week prior and all was well with that too. No need to get another for a year!! All you ladies who put that off, don't! Make sure you get checked. Try to get into one of the new digital ones. They don't have to squeeze as hard :)

So I am free for another three months, when I will get another CT Scan, CA-125 test and regular blood counts and of course my ever so favorite "exam"!

For those of you that I haven't told, the women's clinic at the SCCA, has a regular GYN doctor. Her name is Dr. Hipps and she sees "regular" patients. I got my sister to go up and meet her, and she will now be my sister's regular GYN. What's nice is you can have all your stuff done right there--mammogram, blood draws, and anything else they might want to do and with state of the art equipment (ie: the digital mammogram). Well worth the drive once a year!


P.S. I also got my 3rd haircut on Tuesday!!!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Found!

One pair of black sunglasses were left behind at the Relay...

Are you missing them? Describe them, and they'll be returned to you!

Monday, June 23, 2008

More Relay Pics...

These are pics from Katie's camera. To see the rest of her photos, just click right here.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Go Team!!

There's another 2.5 hours of the Relay left to go, but here are a few photos from last night and earlier today.

A huge thank you to all the supporters of Jamie's Team — at last count, the fundraising total is up to more than $3,000.00!! And, Kenny had fired up the grill (lunch by donation and he did dinners by donation last night too... $300.) and, Katie fired up the kids bouncy house for $1 donations as well this morning, while the McL grandkids were out in the infield promoting the team's carnival games.

Brian was finishing lap #176 when we left, with only 24 more laps to go in his goal of 200. Yes, that's 50 miles, folks!! And, we had warm (if muggy) weather and no rain drops. An excellent event. Looking forward to seeing the final team total for donations to the ACS.

If you wanted to donate, but didn't get a chance yet, just click right here to do it quickly online. Thank you!!
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Wednesday, June 18, 2008

At The Relay...

Jamie is getting teal T-shirts (the color symbolizing ovarian cancer) for the team, and we'll be adding a team logo to the shirts. We're also encouraged to decorate our team campsite area with balloons, etc. so if you've got some festive additions, feel free to bring them!

Set up for the Relay starts at 9:00 am on Friday (although official campsite set up isn't until 3:00 pm), and anyone who shows up early to help with set up gets dibs on camping spots... so, if you're camping out for the event, try to get there as early as possible on Friday.

Stuff to Bring

Cards or Games
Cooler and Ice
Food Snacks and Drinks
Flashlight
Extra clothing
2 Pair of shoes
Sunscreen and Hats
Umbrellas and Rain gear
Quarters for Quarter Lap
Crazy Hat for Crazy Hat Lap
Tricycle for kids who want to participate in the Tricycle Race

And, if you’re camping out…

Toothbrush, towels, soap, etc
Tent and sleeping bags

And, here is the schedule for the event (there is a lot going on during all 24 hours):

Relay For Life Schedule
Friday, June 20th

3pm Campsite set-up
4pm Accounting and Registration
5pm Survivor Registration
6pm Opening Ceremony
National Anthem
Presenting of the Colors
Pledge of Allegiance
6:15pm Survivor Ceremony (reception following at Survivor Tent)
6:15pm - 8pm Team Pictures
7pm Team Captains Lap
7pm Dawson Family Jugglers
8pm "Redemption Band" - Christian Music
9pm Accounting Closes
9:15pm Cakewalk
9:30pm Tent Decoration Contest
10pm Luminaria Ceremony
11pm - 2am Karaoke

Saturday, June 21st
1am Crazy Hat Lap and Tug of War - Round I
2am Song Request Hour and Three Legged Race
3am Rock n' Roll Hour and Tug of Way - Round II
4am Country Hour and Water Balloon Toss
5am 80's hour and Tug of War - Finals
6am Dancin and Groovin
7am Oldies Hour
7am-9am Pancake Breakfast
8am Bed Head Lap and Scavenger Hunt
9am Accounting Opens and Rise N Shine Exercise
10am Tricycle Races
10am-11am "Blitz" the Seahawks Mascot
11am-2pm Face painting/balloon artist
11am Father's Lap
12pm Seattle Seahawks "Seagals", Hot dog-eating contest and Sports Lap
1pm Limbo contest
2pm Mr. Relay, Baby Boomer Lap and Blue Thunder Band
3pm-5pm BINGO
3pm Incentive prize fundraising deadline and Field goal kicking contest
4pm Accounting closes
5pm Hula Hoop contest
6pm Closing ceremony

Monday, June 9, 2008

The Check's In The Mail

Got people who'd like to pledge, but don't want to do it online? If they want to send you a check (or you're reading this and you want to mail a check) — here's what they (or you) need to do:

Just click right here to print out Jamie's donation form from your computer. Then, write a check and mail it to this ACS office:

American Cancer Society
1313 Broadway Ste 100
Tacoma, WA 98402

That's it! Easy as pie!! Or at least click, print, sign, address and stamp...

Only 11 days until the Relay... gather those pledges!

Friday, June 6, 2008

Update From Our Team Captain, Katie

For those of you who may have missed this email update from Katie, here it is:

Hi Team,

We are only a couple of weeks away from the big event! Hope you are all getting your walking shoes ready! Thanks to all of you for joining Jamie's Relay team! This will be such a wonderful opportunity to get together to celebrate Jamie's victory over cancer (and to contribute some funds to cancer research while we're at it).

I spoke with one of the event coordinators, Leigh Ann Breer, earlier this week. I was glad to learn that she has some Carnival type games and prizes that she would love for us to operate as a fund raiser for our team. She mentioned specifically a dart and balloon game (which I know Jamie will love ;-)) and a duck pond game that seems like it might be entertaining for the kids. I am going to pick up a couple of these games from her at the next Team Captains meeting next week. Of course any other ideas you all have for fund raising at the event are welcome, just let me know!

I know Jamie's dad and brother were considering a BBQ fund raiser, which I thought was a really good idea. Leigh Ann informed me that there are two groups planning a hot dog stand/BBQ on Saturday, so we might consider Friday for this if we decide to go ahead with it. Also, whoever is manning the BBQ would need a Food Handlers permit through the Health Department. It doesn't look too difficult to get this permit but it would be a bit of a hassle to get to Seattle or Renton for the class. See the following link for more information .... http://www.metrokc.gov/health/foodsfty/schedule.htm Also, if this is a serious consideration, please let me know so that I can let the event coordinators know as they are trying to organize the food aspect of the Relay. If not, no big deal. We don't need a permit to sell prepackaged food. Leigh Ann suggested that if we could get prepackaged sandwiches (or something like that) donated on our teams behalf, we could sell those at the event. Anybody have any connections in the restaurant industry??

We are in need of a canopy/tent for our team headquarters at the track. Does anybody have one we could use? Also, we need a relay baton. Any creative folks out there that would like to craft a special baton for the Jamie Clobbered Cancer team?

I have heard form several folks that the ACS website has been creating some headaches. I am sorry about this. I know there are people who have tried to sign up for the team and have spent there $10 but are not showing up on our roster. If any of you receiving this email notice that a teammate is not included on this email, please pass this information along to them. I am sending this out to all of the folks I have emails for (generated from the ACS site) but I know it is incomplete.

Sorry for the long email. I will stop here with more to come in the next couple of weeks. please feel free to email or call me with any questions.

Best,

Katie Stoll

Monday, June 2, 2008

Walk The Line...






After the Opening Ceremonies and the Survivors Lap at 6:00 pm on Friday, June 20th, team members can hit the track. There will be people from the team at the track the whole time, and all team members are welcome to camp out at the event, or show up whenever. Our team captain, Katie, thought that it would be good to have general walking shift times, but have the "sign up" be more informal, so I've posted a "poll" on the right side-bar so people can choose their preferred walking shift. (If you can only walk one hour, then choose the shift that includes that hour.)

Take a look, and take a second to vote on the walking time that works for you. You can choose more than one shift as well. If you're very flexible on when you can walk, this will let you choose a time when a lot of team members are walking, or when nearly no one is and we need someone on the track! It's a fairly informal way for us all to know when we'll be heavy or light on walkers.

Also... the "theme" for the event is "Carnival," and teams are encouraged to have a booth with an additional fund raiser (related to the theme) going on. Katie's got some ideas for this, but if you've got a good idea (you know, like maybe we need a cotton candy booth, or a pie toss booth, balloon animals, ooh or all three!), add it to the comments or tell Jamie or Katie. Thanks!!

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Just Ask... Spread The Word

The countdown continues, and we still have three weeks left to get pledges for the Relay!

The number one reason people do not donate is that no one ever asked them! Your goal is to reach out to as many people as possible, and simply ask if they'd like to be involved. Most people's lives have been touched by cancer in some capacity, and they'd like the chance to help in some way — to honor, to remember or to celebrate. Below are some great fundraising tips from the ACS to get you started:

Fundraising Tips for Individuals

Sign up
Sign up to use the Relay For Life® online fundraising Web site and make your own personal Web page. Start by clicking right here to Join Jamie's Team!! We'd love to have at least 11 more walkers!

Email Your Friends and Family
Send emails to everyone you know using our easy and fun-to-use email tool. Import your address book, use one of our email templates or create your own, track results, and follow up. Soon, credit card donations will start rolling in. Really, it is so fun to see the subject line for incoming email read: "A Donation Was Made On Your Behalf". If you need help importing your address to your Relay Team Member contacts, or figuring out how to email contacts, just email Jamie, Katie, or even me, or comment on the blog. Help will come your way!

Make a List and Check It Twice
Make a list of potential donors. Include everyone you know. Start by making a donation to yourself online. Your gift will set the tone for others to give.

One a Day
Ask a different person each day to make a contribution. If you get four $25 gifts, you will have raised $100 in less than a week. Don’t be afraid to ask for larger gifts. Cancer is an issue that affects us all, and most people are happy to donate.

Double Your Money
Many employers offer matching funds programs. Your $50 donation could turn into $100. Inquire with your personnel/HR department to complete the paperwork required to get your gift matched. Visit our Matching Gifts page.

The Mighty Pen
Send a letter in the mail to friends, family, and co-workers asking for their support. Include a printed off-line donation form (find the link on your personal Participant Center page). Let them know if you are walking in honor of someone. Explain why the cause is important to you; heartfelt messages get the best response. Don’t forget to send a thank you note to people who donate.

Bring It Along
Take your Web site's address and contribution form everywhere you go and ask everyone you interact with to sponsor you. Remember, the fight against cancer is a great cause, and most people want to help.

Talk It Up
Ask for a few minutes on the agenda of any meetings you will be attending. Explain why you are walking and ask for everyone’s support. If you are dedicating your efforts to someone who has had cancer, tell that person’s story.

Blog It!
Post details about the Relay on your personal blog, and link to your Relay Participant page so family and friends can easily pledge (for example).

Offer Food
Offer healthy treats to your friends, family, and co-workers for a small gift to the American Cancer Society. Most people can be tempted to donate.

Clean House
Clean out your garage or home and set up a Relay For Life® donation booth in exchange for your finds. Ask your friends and neighbors to donate their stuff to you, explaining that all proceeds go to the fight against cancer.

Celebrate
If a birthday or holiday is coming up, tell your family and friends that in lieu of a gift, you would like them to make a donation to the American Cancer Society for your Relay For Life®.

Pin It Up
Post your Web site address or walk paper on the bulletin board at church or temple, in the office, at the gym, or at school. Make sure to highlight your name, phone number, email address, and team Web page address

Send the Message
Change the recording on your voicemail or answering machine to mention Relay For Life® and how callers can make a donation. Then, when you call people back, ask them to sponsor you. When emailing friends, add a “PS” asking for their support.

Call Us
Your local American Cancer Society office has more helpful hints on raising support so don't hesitate to call or email to make this the most successful Relay For Life® yet!

Monday, May 19, 2008

Jamie Clobbered Cancer - Come Celebrate By Walking!!

So here's the skinny on walking in the Relay — it's $10 to register online right here, and the online registration wizard only takes a few minutes.

Once you've joined Jamie's team, you get your own participant page where you can send out emails to get donations, or you can just donate something yourself and come on down to talk with Jamie and walk the track for an hour (or two or three...).

C'mon... summer is coming, and we can all use more exercise. You know, keep the heart healthy and look good in your summer wardrobe. Speaking of which, you get a groovy new T-shirt when you join the team!

Can you think of any more excuses not to join in the fun? Isn't the 20th Father's Day Weekend you say? No, Father's Day is the weekend before the Relay. Registering online is confusing, or too much trouble? Just email Jamie, or leave a comment here that you'd like to walk — registration help will come to you via email or phone. I want to walk, but I can only walk at 5:00 am on Saturday morning (or 8:00 pm Friday night, etc.) —some specific time... First sign up! Next, leave a comment on this blog (or send email) telling Katie the "shift" you want to walk. That's it. Easy. Anything else?? Oh, you're worried about burning too many calories?? Well, no problem, I'll be sure to bake up some delicious cupcakes to have on hand at the track so no one has low blood sugar issues. Umm... and I also know an almost 3-year old who's joining the team and will be walking the track... Seriously, don't let a preschooler show you up!

There you go. No excuses. Now you have to come and walk.

Just do it.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Cancer Free Perks!!



We got to help Katrina celebrate her Birthday on Friday night with a wonderful dinner at The Barking Frog in Woodinville. As you can see from the photos I was able to partake in the fabulous wine and under cooked fish!! We took a taxi there and back, so no one had to be the designated driver.
I'm going to continue to remind everyone about the relay for life. We need more walkers!! If you can, please sign up so we can see how our team is shaping up. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail or call me! (If you click on the relay for life label below it will take you to the relay info post or you can scroll down to the original post and click the links!!)
Also, Check out The HAIR!!


Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Great News

I had my appt with Dr. Goff on Monday. All Clear!! All my tests came back negative and she doesn't know why I'm having the pain. Her best guess is my nerves are working double time and driving me crazy. She prescribed an anti-seizure medication that is used to calm nerves. I have to work up to the full dose and have to be really careful coming off the medication as well. Hopefully it will help with the neuropathy in my feet as well. I don't have to have a blood draw for three months and no scans for six months--what a relief!

I had my first hair trim today!! Thanks Wendy for squeezing me in. It feels great, but we have all agreed my hair is strange. I call it "baby puppy fuzz". Wendy thinks maybe it is trying to be curly, but it gets confused. Oh well, at least I have hair to trim :)

I hope many of you can come join us in the Relay for Life. It's going to be great fun, and would be even better if all my loyal readers were to participate. I will try to keep reminding all of you to sign up!! See post below for details.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Relay for Life — Come Walk with Jamie!

Katie Stoll (of Katie and Brian) started a Relay for Life team in Jamie's honor to get Jamie's "team" together to celebrate her success in clobbering cancer. Sign up right here!

Relay for Life is a 24-hour relay fund raiser for the American Cancer Society. You can find more info about it right here. I've participated in the Relay before, and it's a really fun and inspiring event. Team members (walkers) are needed for relay shifts, and at the event you can camp out overnight, or just show up for a walking shift and visit the campers.

The event begins on Friday, June 20 at 6:00pm and will last until Saturday, June 21 at 6:00 pm. It will be in Tacoma at the Franklin Pierce High School Track - 11002 18th Ave. E.
Tacoma, WA 98445-5200
. On Friday night there will be a survivor lap at 6:00 pm for cancer survivors, and a Luminaria Ceremony of Hope at 10:00 pm. Walkers who circle the track all night walk by the light of the luminaries.

You can make a Luminaria donation to the event or to Jamie's Team in honor of anyone whose life has been touched by cancer just click right here.

Join Jamie's Team to participate in the Relay at her Team Page — get there by clicking right here. If you're interested in joining the team to walk, but have yet to sign up, please leave a comment on this post so Katie knows how the team is shaping up. Anyone can join the fun, so mark your calendars, and get ready to lace up your walkin' shoes! We'll see you there!!

Lost Modesty

Today I had my "aspiration" at the UW radiology department. Well that is what it was supposed to be. I ended up having a biopsy instead. After mapping the area on my tush, with many rides in and out of the CT machine, no fluid came out of my "pocket". Instead the Dr had to change strategies and take a core sample from the lump that is pushing on my bum area as it was not a fluid pocket as was suspected. And as you can see I can be very detailed about this, because the anesthesia did not work and I was pretty conscience thru out the entire procedure. Believe me, I wish I wasn't. They actually had to stop in the middle of it to request the use of more drugs, because they had already surpassed the normal dosing for most people. I still hold the staff at the UW in high regard, but today was not the greatest of procedure days.

I had to stay after the procedure in the recovery area for a little bit, where I scared a nurse by dosing off which caused my oxygen levels to set the alarm off on the machine. Once I was somewhat stable, they sent me back down to 4 South, to wait out the after effects of the drugs. I guess I really was a special case today, because the nurse told me to order lunch, which John did only to have the nurse rush back in to tell me they didn't want me to eat until about 5pm and I needed to lay still until that time as well. Mind you I hadn't eaten since 9pm the night before, I was pretty hungry. All this while during the recovery, I had to keep baring my bum, so they could check on it. It's getting to the point, it doesn't bother me to have male nurses. I've lost all my modesty. One day I hope it will return (LOL)

Last Thursday, many of you know I had a PET scan, which came back clear with no indication of activity in the "pocket" in question. We had a bit of a snag when the nurse was trying to put my folic catheter in. In the end, I did the PET without it and found out the Nuke Techs actually prefer to run the PET without one. I'm hoping the good outcome of the PET will be some sort of indication that all is well with whatever they took out today.

I will try to post what I find out soon, but I have my three month check-up with Dr. Goff on Monday, so I may not find anything out until I talk to her. My nurse, Heidi will probably call and give me an update. She is so great about making sure we know all the details as soon as she finds anything out. I love that about her...always thinking about the patient and their state of mind.

I hope all is well with all of you--I will let all of you know any info I get as soon as I get it!!

Lots of Love,

Jamie

Friday, April 11, 2008

Minor Setback--Fast Action

I'm sorry for not posting a picture. I need to get John to take a photo to post. The hair is coming in strong!!

I've had a minor setback this week. I started having some pain this week and the usual drugs were not cutting it, so on Wednesday I called my favorite nurse, Heidi. As usual, she responded very quickly and told me I needed to come up and be seen. The next morning at 10am, I was being examined by Barb Silko, a very competent nurse practitioner, who sees patients during recovery after surgery, so you don't have to see the "boss" every time you go in. Barb did a "thorough" exam, and proclaimed she couldn't "feel" anything, but wanted to discuss the option of having a CT scan with Heidi.

I was on my way out of the office, when I got sidetracked talking to Tina, the team coordinator, regarding a change in my next scheduled blood draw. We were just about to leave, when Heidi caught us. She had wrote the requisition for the CT scan, and had Tina call downstairs to get us in that day! Talk about service. About 20 minutes later, I was chugging down the Lumen (barium smoothie) which was less thick than the regular stuff. At 12:30, I was laying on the table getting ready to start the scan.

Today, I got a call from Heidi with the results. She assured me they didn't see anything suspicious, but that I've had a pocket of fluid by the area where they did the bowel resection. It has always been very small (17mm x 19mm), but that it has grown a little bit (23mm x 24mm) and that it was likely causing the discomfort that I have. Dr. Goff looked at the scans and wants me to have a Pet Scan to make sure nothing "lights up", since my last one in November. She also suggested that the scans be sent down to the interventional radiologists to look at to see if they will be able to surgically drain the pocket. She is somewhat skeptical that they will be able to do it, because of its position, but wanted it to be the first choice. I think she would have to go in surgically if they can't do anything about it.

I am so grateful that I was lucky enough to find Dr. Goff and have her involved in my recovery. She and her team are the most wonderful people out there! I highly recommend the SCCA to everyone I talk to. I don't know where I would get such great and fast care like I receive from the SCCA.

I will keep you all posted about what I find out this next week. Wish me luck!!

Monday, March 31, 2008

Nice Brows!

So here's the best I can do for a recent-ish "close up" from a trip to the ocean the first week of March. You can't see Jamie's hair (it was cold!), but you can see the return of her great eye brows. Yeah!

Just click on the pic to get a closer look.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Lucky Number 8

Hello All!! I thought I would give you all a brief update post chemotherapy. I had my first blood draw (one whole month has gone by!!) and all is "spiffy"! My CA-125 is the lowest it's ever been at a cool low of 8. After starting out well over 4400, I will take an 8 any day.

My hair is coming in pretty strong now. I was worried for a little while because it was falling out again, but that seems to have past. I'm starting to lose the "steroid" puffiness in my face too--thank goodness. My eyebrows and eyelashes are coming in as well, so I'm starting to look more like myself.

I've been doing twice weekly deep water aerobics with my sister, Jennifer and Mom. The Club has just added Tuesday and Thursday to the schedule so I am going to do those classes as well.

I will try to post a picture soon :)

Monday, February 11, 2008

Happy New Year!

Katrina here, with a brief Crase update. Jamie and John spent the weekend with us, and we celebrated Chinese New Year in the International District on Saturday. As usual with any of our joint ventures, big or small, we had a glorious time.

To kick off the weekend, I heard John chopping something in the kitchen Saturday morning. Turned out to be pineapple, and he was making Eggs Benedict for breakfast. It was absolute heaven. We also had an amazing dinner in on Saturday night, and with Jamie as my sous chef, we are unstoppable in the kitchen (and don't end up buried under dishes). The guys had picked up groceries on the way back from a bike ride. Good food, good friends, good conversation, some casual travel discussion—a very nice start to the Lunar New Year.

I think it's very cool that 2008 is "Jamie's Year" so to speak, since her Chinese sign is the Rat. This year promises "Great renewal, success and adventure," for her. Sounds good to me!

Jamie's looking great, feeling fabulous, she's sporting a gorgeous new hat (knit by Ali), and is Madeline's new "best friend". They played together a lot this weekend, and on Sunday M said, "I just want Jamie and John and Shorty to stay with us all the time now, OK? " If only we could all just hang out and have fun all the time... the perpetual holiday. Although with John and I cooking for all of us all the time, we'd all need to invest in some new mountain bikes (and ride them a lot)!

Gong xi fa cai! Wishing you prosperity! (Happy New Year!)

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Return Home

Feeling pressure from the impending snow storm, we left for Seattle yesterday a couple hours earlier than normal. I had gone to the office early that morning, finding the side streets with a modest inch or two of snow, but the main streets only wet and the interstate in good condition. On my return trip, my concern increased as the temperature dropped and the traffic on I-5 seemed to thicken.

As we headed north unimpeded a little before 9 AM, we forwent our usual coffee stop in DuPont, still feeling apprehensive about what lie ahead. Tacoma was soon behind us. As we left Federal Way and approached that non descript segment, Mid-way, the skies darkened and I felt the truck slip a bit as we went over a patch of ice.

Then it was over. South Center was bone dry, and our entrance into downtown Seattle revealed only wet streets and the rhythmic metallic percussion of chained up busses.

So we gave into our caffeine cravings and had coffee and treats at the Eastlake Starbucks. Still, there was time to spare so we went for a drive around the neighborhoods to the east of the freeway, eventually looping back through Capitol Hill. On our return route, the winter storm seemed to regain strength, as frozen rain and then snow fell, so we hustled to the SCCA to get parked and make our appointment.

Dr. Goff was her usual enthusiastic self while breezing through Jamie’s exam and giving us the results of the latest CT scan and lab test. All good news. Jamie’s CA-125 score of 10, was followed by an “all clear” account of the CT scan except a minor blemish in her lungs, readily explained by the recent cold. Dr. Goff countered our list of questions with earnest yet concise replies (can she eat Sushi, return to Weight Watchers and Etc.) and soon we were on our way out.

So the next year looks like this; blood draws and port flushes every 6 weeks, consults with Dr. Goff every 90 days and CT scans every six months. Jamie will keep her chest port for about a year, Dr. Goff admitted some time ago that she was a bit superstitious about their removal and tended to leave them be for as long as possible.

Although snow and ice had retracted, we were still left with a cold afternoon which we spent eating pho in the international district followed a ride on the SLUT (South Lake Union Trolley) to a matinee. With Dr. Goff’s approval, dinner of course was Sushi, a treat welcomed by both of us as we had been limited to California rolls since last spring, both for very different reasons. After dinner we took the hotel shuttle for ice cream, where amongst other things, the driver revealed that the acronym SLUT had been officially banned by their corporate policy.

We slept well last night, such that even I was startled awake at 7:30 AM by the alarm clock from a deep slumber. Jamie lounged a bit while I readied myself and snuck off for a bite of breakfast, heading Jamie’s warning not to taunt her by bringing food back to the room.

The three minute commute to the clinic was a breeze as yesterday’s warning of a snow storm were a farce, giving credence to Jamie’s claim that if the Seattle meteorological profession predicts it, it will never come. As we watched the news this morning I chuckled at a reporters attempt to make a live report out of a pile of slush and a cameraman’s attempt to dramatize a street crossing thru slush so thin, a pair of flip flops would have been permissible.

When the nurse called Jamie she stepped up quickly and trotted back to the surgery room without hesitation or looking back. The removal of the abdominal port is a relatively minor procedure and now a veteran, Jamie declined nurse Pat’s suggestion that I might accompany them in the prep area and thus I was left to finish my book.

On the 2nd floor, radiology, there is a very large waiting area that has been recently rearranged with a large variety of couches, chairs and end tables. Unfortunately, this new décor also included the removal of all but one of the coveted recliner chairs. The remaining chair is located in the far corner, where the view of Lake Union is best, but the glass and its remoteness make it a bit chilly. Not minding such conditions, as soon as Jamie was gone I moved towards my favorite spot only to find a women settling into the recliner. As she arranged her things and began to read, it was apparent that she was unaware of what was beneath her behind.

I alerted her to the luxury at hand, and as she gratefully leaned back I made an offhand comment about waiting for her to leave for the restroom and then buried myself in my book.

Engulfed by the author’s tails about capturing pigeons and using them to convert his vegetarian girlfriend to omnivoreism, I barely acknowledged the woman’s comment 90 minutes later, about the temperature in the corner. Being at the end of my reading I delayed my move for a bit, only to hear “Mr. Crase” called out from the front desk.

I found Jamie lying comfortably in the recovery area attended by the familiar Pat. Jamie was smiling and recounting her encounter with Dr. Hickman (he was not today’s surgeon however) and the fact that she discovered that he was now 83 years old. On the second telling of this identical story, I tried to convey that she had already told me that, but on the third, I relinquished and said “oh, how interesting”, as I also did when experiencing some variation of dĂ©jĂ  vu in the parking garage 30 minutes later, when the same factoid was once again presented.

The trip home was uneventful, and after some crackers, cheese and carrot sticks, Jamie quickly settled into nap position with her travel neck pillow in proper place. Her sleep must have been light, or her instincts keen, for as we approached Dupont, my interstate daze was broken by instruction to pull off at the Starbucks.

After a quick detour through the drive thru followed by a near collision with a Lincoln Town Car adorned with dozens of beanie babies and handicapped plates, we finished our uneventful journey home.

We arrived home to find the rabbits content and doing what they do best, pooping and tearing their habitat apart. Shorty’s whereabouts popped into my mind as I fed the fish and it was soon discovered that the door to the kennel was shut. Although Jamie could not observe him from the kitchen we were certain this was a sign he was home as well after his sleep over at Katelyn’s. As I approached the kennel he sleepily appeared from his den in typical lazy Shorty style, seeming unconcerned about anything.

Jamie is now resting comfortably, and in good spirits, watching the modern version of Pride and Prejudice for probably the 1,000th time. If it is possible to wear a DVD out, I think she may do it, as this and the BBC series of the same title are perpetual comfort favorites, like mac and cheese or a well worn blanket and fluffy pillow.

It is good to be on the return side of this journey, but I commented to Jamie in the waiting room that I could now comprehend the concept of post traumatic stress or a soldier’s return from war. Despite my glee for Jamie’s recovery, it is a little awkward envisioning a week or a month where this will not be the priority of our lives. This has been so emotionally intense for me, that I feel a great sense of relief, but also fatigue. As for Jamie, she shines brighter than ever, seemingly empowered by the whole experience. As I watch her I try to empathize and support, but find myself always being reinforced by her strength and positive energy.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Monday, January 7, 2008

Cheers!

Round six was as smooth as any of the first five as the day just sailed by. Jamie, slightly encumbered by tummy ache (attributed to angry gyros) was otherwise in good spirits and took on her tankerload of fluid with the usual gusto. Our nurse today was Christie, significant not only because she has become one of our many friends on 7 SE, but also because she is the same charge nurse who gave us a tour of the wing just before Jamie’s surgery. She deserves a lot of credit for our confidence when we started with the SCCA as her outgoing persona and earnest descriptions of the challenges ahead helped both Jamie and I feel that would be getting the best care possible.

Only Jamie can truly describe the feeling of completing the 6 + 6 rounds of chemo and receiving the continuing positive praise of Dr. Goff. So I will leave further commentary and details on what is to come for Jamie when she is ready to post in a day or two and instead leave you with just a few details of our modest post-chemo celebration.

Although her brief ailment prevented this occasion from being marked by a waterside hotel view of the Space Need Fireworks, tonight was special. We are staying at our usual post hospital abode, the Silver Cloud, where once again the Wood family treated us to an evening of upscale picnicking including some celebratory champagne. Erik dazzled us with his ever improving table manners and Madeline of course was as good as any two year and a half year old could be. After tasty desserts we retired to our room for a little hotel bed gymnastics and playtime. The kids outlasted all of us and Katrina brought things to a close when she proclaimed clean pants and pajamas for all.

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Close Encounter

Will tonight be my last night of the familiar roll out sleeper chair? Will there be no more early morning visits from eager young residents looking to poke and prod Jamie for no apparent benefit?

Could be, as we sit her in the first half of Jamie’s 6 of 6 IP chemo sessions.

After a few weeks off over the holidays followed by another weeks delay due to the flu, I questioned Jamie if she was committed to continuing on or if she felt that she had pushed far enough. Her speedy conquest of the flu should have given me a better insight into her resolve, as without a quiver she said she would finish the prescribed 6th round. So with the full support of Heidi, saying that it is this week or never, we prepared for our last IP trip.

I almost got cut from the roster, feeling the threat of the post Christmas bug lurking around the corner. I hastily tried to bolster myself Friday with a concoction of Porter, Wiskey and a full dose of Nyquil before bedtime. This appeared to tip the scales the wrong way as I awoke Saturday feeling weaker and foggy.

Applying my father’s own remedy, a little manual labor, things cleared up and I went to bed Saturday night without the aid of any “medicines”. I awoke to Jamie’s prodding in the morning refreshed and ready for the day, further charged by a long hot shower.

Much to Jamie’s dismay, I was in no particular rush to gather things up and leave, now being a veteran of this routine and having realized that our prompt arrival has often been followed by inordinate amounts of waiting in our room for the process to be initiated.

After a misguided trip to the office to get my laptop chord, then back home again to retrieve it from the front seat of my truck, we were pointed north. Traffic was light and it was just 9:30 as we pulled into the parking garage. Admitting had to work a bit to get us in, the week delay having cause a little confusion. But in the end Jamie left with another set of yellow duplicates giving various levels of consent for everything from being listed in the patient phone directory to whether of not you want a priest present if the call is from St. Peter.

Today moved along at a good pace, with Christine as official day chemo nurse, but familiar Jenni doing the port access while cheerfully gloating over her travel plans to Costa Rica next month. There are few nurses we don’t recognize and tonight’s nurse is Mary. I will disappointed if the shadow like Rodger doesn’t make a late night appearance as well, always acting as my alarm for a mid night snack.

My inaccurate anticipation of foul weather let me leave my bike behind, so today’s adventures were on foot and thus a much smaller radii than I normally roam. I started at Recycled Cycles along the ship canal, making two full laps around the shop ogling the bikes and revising my every increasing want list of gear.

I then headed up the hill towards the “Ave” finding myself standing in front of a Tudor style building marked as the University Inn. As I walked along the storefront and then to the rear corner, I saw an inviting stair to the basement of the building and clearly demarking the entrance to the pub shrewdly hidden below.

Thirsty from my shopping and walking I entered, finding the low ceilings and dark woodwork as authentic as anything in the old world. I ordered a pint and then asked the barkeep the location of the “head”. On my return trip I passed an older gent who as I then walked passed the TV, asked me if I could turn it on to the football game.

I returned from the bar with my glass and the remote, and soon his Gaelic accent had charmed me into joining him. Dr. Sweeney is an 80+ year old Catholic Scotsman who now splits his time between Seattle and his family estate near Glasgow. As conversation progressed another pint was in order as I received lessons on everything from the pay rates of a WWII Captain in the English army ( A mere $2 per day) to the current political state in South Africa and the middle east.

As most of you know my past encounters with his creed have been somewhat tumultuous as many a time have I been charmed by their hospitality only to find myself poisoned by excessive amounts of drink. Now in England I am fine, with their Norman heritage they are people of moderation, but the Gaelic tribes are much more devious. Such perils I have faced amongst the secretive guttural language of the Welsh, the jolly folk music of the Irish or the seemingly sensible charms of the Scot, lured in under friendly terms only to find myself sickened beyond reason by their alluring Whiskey, Scotch and beer.

I can’t say that I wasn’t warned, as the Christian and Muslim worlds were preparing to rip each other apart on September 11th 2001, I sat in the Anchor Inn in the un assuming Welsh village of Ruthin. A lone Englishman told me of the woes of mixing with such a crowd and the deep conspiracy which they heralded. My youthful ignorance and the extreme thrusts of my traveling companion Joel, led us to dismiss such warning and continue on well into the night. On the trip home all seemed jolly as we stumbled to Ms. Ransons’ welcoming inn.

But alas in the morning the Englishman’s prophecy came to be, as breakfast was as difficult to push down as the daylight was to face.

But today, my new acquaintance, allowing his medical ethics to overcome his ancestral instincts released me from his spell, emptying the last of his glass in a single gulp and wishing my wife the best, got up to leave unimpaired and at a reasonable hour of the afternoon.

So off I went fulfilling an earlier request for Starbucks. As I marched along, hot cup in hand, I first smelt and then spied the familiar spindle of meat that marks a gyro cafĂ©. Sticking my head in the door I inquired as to when they close and got a prompt “1:30 AM”. Marking this as my evening dining spot I quickened my pace back to Jamie.

Enticed by the thought of a gyro, Jamie eagerly shunned the hospital fare and sent me off a few hours later to gather our gyros. Wanting to hasten my return and avoid a possible encounter with an Irishman, I drove the truck, finding parking close enough by on this Sunday eve. As I entered the shop I was reassured by the smell and basic configuration, meat, grill and three middle eastern men vigorously working in a tight space in perfect harmony.

What I wasn’t prepared for was the dark atmosphere of the place, with the political posters, and then gruff reception at the till. These were not the gay Greeks of Kirkland, selling a commercialized version of their local fare while daydreaming of their annual, and ever increasing in duration, winter vacation in their homeland.

No these were embittered men from the other side of the Mediterranean, angrily pushing meat and onions into a dry piece of flatbread only to monotonely call out “two regular gyros to go”. Now they weren’t terrible, as we both ate our gyros in their entirety back at ther room, but they weren’t fabulous either. And thus the truth comes forth, no matter where you are from, happy people make good sandwiches. Anger and bitterness will at best leave you full but unsatisfied.