Yet another type of therapy...Steeler game day therapy

Thanks to the help of relatives with "connections" and roots in Pittsburgh (thanks, Dan :>) and the generosity of people we don't even know, we were able to cross off an item from my bucket list-seeing a Steeler game in person! And in PRIME seats with a warm place to get out of the elements as well as outdoor space. Couldn't have picked better seats if we had the whole stadium to choose from. AND...I got to wear Mark Casey's (Heinz Ward) jersey! :>)  (Thanks, Mark)

We had a great time and the excitement in that stadium (Steeler Nation) was something to behold. So exhillarating to be in that much energy. Unfortunately the scoreboard at the end wasn't what we'd hoped (Chargers 34, Steelers 24), but such a rich time in Pittsburgh! Interesting to see the Football Hall of Fame exhibit at the Heinz museum. 

Terry Bradshaw's "stuff"

Also wonderful to see Constance's brother and sister-in-law. We so appreciate their hospitality in housing us for the weekend!

A bit of news about this adventure...and it really is an adventure with unexpected twists and turns. Had lab work done yesterday and (unbelievably) the tumor markers have gone in the wrong direction! They're starting to climb again. Dr. says it could be either from inflammation (I did have esophagitis and another little infection in the past few weeks) or from new tumor growth. We're going with the inflammation theory for now. We'll re-test again the first week in January and if they are going down again, will indicate they are stable. If they are continuing to rise, will likely do another CT scan and consider other treatment options. Not exactly the news we wanted to hear, but trying to walk the road of optimism while leaving the realistic treatment path open...

Thanks for your continued thoughts, prayers, positive energy...all treasured and truly needed.

Happy Holidays to all of you and your families. May you make wonderful memories during this special time of year! :>)

Celbrate Midwifery!

Yet another type of therapy...PARTY therapy! :>)

Our very capable chauffeur, Steve.

Elegant settings with beautiful menus

My sistas XO

This triffle was beyond delicious!

Ring of the doorbell, bunch of beautiful roses, chauffeur, red carpet to the "limo", champagne, hors d'oeuvres, a crown, linen, china, crystal, beautiful menu, amazing meal, sweet time with friends, over-the-top generous gift...my retirement celebration. How I love my midwife sisters (and their partners :>) I am such a blessed woman! Can't even describe my gratefulness...XOXOXO The path of midwifery has truly been an amazing one. What a gift to be able to get to know families, be with them as they welcome their new family members and then to watch those babies grow. And so blessed to have worked with so many dedicated healthcare professionals. Can't count the number of delightful spirits who have walked with me on this path! Though I will truly miss midwifery on a daily basis, imagine there will be other "midwifing" to do in the future...

Now on to my visit with the "interventional radiologist" tomorrow. Will be interesting to see what he can add to the pool of treatment options...bet it won't be nearly as much fun as PARTY therapy!!

Next to LAST

So here I sit in my recliner, watching chemo drip, drip, dripping into my port...savoring the last hours of chemo. After today's treatment (which is almost over), there is only ONE more!! I will miss the team of nurses here who are amazing beyond belief! However, I will not miss the wee annoying side effects that have been my constant companions. Grateful today for more "normal" lab work. My body has been so faithful to do all it can to stay strong in this process. The nurse I have today shared with me that her brother died of colon cancer 17 years ago, three weeks after diagnosis. They just didn't have the miracle drugs available today for treatment. I am SO grateful for all the bright minds of researchers and pioneer patients who were willing to be "guinea pigs" to test and refine the drugs I benefit from today. I wouldn't be here without them.

Sorry, no great pictures to share today...however, there will be more to come as I take off on my "road trip" in January. First comes retirement (24 more days), then holidays (my favorite time of year...because we get to see at least some of the "kids" :>), then off with my trusted buddy, Jenny (my lovely Jeep pictured above :>).

Thanks for all your continued prayers, thoughts and gestures of support. I appreciate each and every effort to aid in my healing. You truly make a difference!

Shrinking, shrinking, shrinking...

Picture is from my recent weekend near Lincoln City, Oregon (great time with family), but not many good photos as it was raining most of the time (big surprise!)  That is such a beautiful coastline...

Quick update after my CT scan today: Good news-tumors continue to shrink away. Had a discussion about evaluating my status for possible radiation of remaining ones. Will see a radiation oncologist soon to see if I would be a good candidate. Only 3 treatments left!! Color me happy!! :>)

If I haven't mentioned it before, I LOVE the nurses at MDA! They are totally awesome! Fun to have an ongoing relationship. :>) They are my "new best friends"! I'll miss them when I'm not a "regular".

Have a retirement date of December 21 (also arrival of the Apocolypse I'm told). WooHoo! Then the holidays...my favorite time of year. Then starting to plan (loosely) a road trip around the West in January/February. Have a wild hare that maybe I might want to explore purchasing a tiny travel trailer...It's cold in winter, and doubt I would be comfortable camping (my original plan).

Happy Halloween everyone! Bet you've never seen a pumpkin birth before! :>)

Rolling into retirement...

After a wonderful photography trip to Secret Canyon and hiking near Kanab, Utah a couple weeks ago, decided that rather than working more, I need to hike more! (And do other things like spend time with family and traveling! :>) So after nearly 29 years of practicing midwifery (and some 13 as a Labor and Delivery nurse before that), I decided to hang up my "catcher's mitt" and retire in December. Sweet memories I'll be taking in my heart of an amazing career filled with tender, magical moments with women and their families. I've been privileged to witness power, strength and tenacity of women as they give birth. They have taught me so much. Not to be forgotten are many comrades who have shared their journeys with me...mentors, wonderful midwives, incredible nurses and assistants, wise consulting physicians, kind housekeepers and unit clerks...so much to be grateful for!

Now a few pictures of the type of scenery that's calling me...

Wedding therapy works!

Just in case anyone needed verification of the effectiveness of wedding therapy...

My initial tumor markers were off the charts at 24,000. After only 3 treatments, they were down to a little over 1,000 (a dramatic and impressive drop)! After wedding therapy, this week's numbers are 200. Another dramatic and impressive drop. We are shooting for under 4-5, so have a bit more work to do, but confident the trend will continue.

Planning a hiking/photography therapy trip this next weekend to Utah. Then next month, planning a family therapy trip to Portland to visit my niece, Linda. :>) Got to have those things to look forward to! :>)

Life is good!

Wedding (Joy) Therapy

Joy, Joy...

The Happy Couple

The Gavette Family

First kiss as Mr. and Mrs. 

The Hickey Family

The brothers do their best...

So...just got home from some of the best therapy sessions anyone could have-quality time with my precious "children". I am so grateful for my incredible sons and their amazing ability to pick wonderful women! We all got to celebrate with Matt and Catherine as they became the newest Mr. and Mrs. Gavette. What a joyful week of watching them make public their commitment to one another. Such loving families. We are so blessed to now be part of the Hickey family, too!

The beautiful bride

Such a sweetheart!

The Handsome Groom!

The men in her life...

Her sisters and His brothers

Awh...

The Gorgeous Girls

Catherine and her new mother-in-law

NEWS Flash!!

So anyone who doesn't believe in miracles, you might want to re-think that possibility...

Got CAT scan results today and the primary (4cm) colon tumor is GONE!! The oncologist asked the radiologist to take another look (I don't think she could believe they couldn't find it...) and nope, no tumor visible!! I think that qualifies in the miracle category!! And besides that, liver tumors have shrunk to 1/2 the size they were - with only 4 treatments!

AWESOME!! GRATEFUL!! MIRACULOUS!! WOOHOO!!

Met another sweet nurse soul today. Talent and compassion in staff at MDA seems unending. Love those nurses!!!

CHEERS!! (with apple cider, of course! :>)

It's WORKING!!

Returned from the islands and back to chemo...GREAT news from lab work today. The doctor was very surprised and pleased to tell me that my tumor markers have plummeted from 23,000 to 1,000. Quite a fast response after only 3 treatments. I know all the prayers and healing, positive energy sent are making a huge difference. Thank you all for your amazing support. Will get a CAT scan later this week that should confirm the shrinking of tumors. We are thrilled! It's working just the way we'd hoped (actually I think we're ahead of schedule).

Thought I'd add a few pictures from our vacation (the "island therapy"). Next we move on to "wedding therapy", "hiking therapy" and there's the constant of "work therapy" that feeds my soul...all important adjuncts to the chemo.

I am so GRATEFUL for all your loving support.

Thank you.
XO

Islandtherapy

Enough chemotherapy for awhile, now for some serious islandtherapy...Lots of ocean, waterfalls, swimming, hot pools, tropical fruit, fish, adventure, relaxing and best of all...family. XO On the island of Dominica in the West Indies. We're on the windward side of the island, so lots of beautiful waves and rugged coast (reminds us a bit of New Zealand). Rain forests cover the island.  An active volcanic field offers hot pools, geothermal power and rugged mountains. There are 365 rivers on the island-with all the high mountains, waterfalls are abundant. There is beauty everywhere you look. People are lovely, time is laid back, roads are pretty good, driving is on the left (Peter is our designated chauffer-he navigates the hills and curves like a pro)...A beautiful piece of paradise!

Feeling awesome... :>)

The BEAUTIFUL side of cancer

CANCER. Now there's a word no one expects to hear, a diagnosis no one wants to have. It comes along with all sorts of fear, sadness, pain, uncertainty (just to name a few common emotions). Though I certainly don't enjoy hearing that word with my name attached, I have discovered that there really is a beautiful side of cancer.

Having this "unintended adventure" has allowed me to experience more love, care, compassion, sweetness and generosity than I have ever experienced in my life. I have been touched by beautiful words sent to me via email, cards, comments, offers of help. If I hadn't embarked on this adventure, I don't think I would ever have known how much love is in the hearts of people in my life. I have been the recipient of some beautiful gifts: A beautiful quilt (pictured in another post), a fun dress that I had admired and not purchased, yummy dinners, massages, music, a care package from friends in San Diego. As soon as the box was opened, pure fun, laughter, love and delight came pouring out with dozens of items. It was filled with very practical items (like soup and toothpaste) and fun things (like a teddy bear and these slippers).

Prayers, healing energy and positive thoughts have made such a difference. I know the chemo is working. The tumors have to be shrinking. For the past week I've felt "nearly" normal. I've been able to do yard work, hike up (the small saddle) on our Lookout Mountain, work (1/2 time), enjoy company and preparing for our upcoming family vacation (and have been off pain pills). I am truly grateful for the beautiful collective energy surrounding and uplifting me. Thank you all.

If I hadn't embarked on this adventure, I wouldn't have met all the beautiful people at MD Anderson. Nurses there give such skilled care with grace and compassion. I know they must all have been hand-picked from "the cream of the crop". Receptionists, aides, volunteers are all such friendly, helpful and welcoming faces. My physician is perfect for me. She is very knowledgeable and compassionate. She listens. She spends whatever time is needed to answer all questions and makes me feel like I'm the only patient she has to see.

All these things have helped me see the beautiful side of cancer. It's the only side I'm choosing to see...I live in gratitude.

It's getting better...

Round #2, done. Much better than the first! Even went into work the next day without any problem. The only thing I'm noticing is how much I enjoy napping. It's hard to tell if napping is a side-effect of treatment or just a habit now. :>)

Here's a few pictures of MDA:

It's a very peaceful place to go for treatments. Lots of pretty art/photos/plants. Can't say enough wonderful things about the staff. They are such caring individuals and make you feel so "at home".

Also, went to California last weekend for Catherine's bridal shower. What fun!! It's always so great to "play" with your adult children. XO Now we're eagerly awaiting the trip to Dominica in the West Indies. We leave 2 weeks from today. Lots of SCUBA divers in our family, so will hopefully have some great pictures to share after vacation!