Thursday, December 13, 2012

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! :>)



Monday, December 3, 2012

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!!