No Christmas Cards This Year

Well, I couldn't let Christmas slip by without including the dogs. Once again they were good sports, but as you can tell I wasn't as inspired this year with their costumes. I'll try to do better next year.

Bryan will be in Monday, Sarah, Frederick, Carmella, and Joe will be here Tuesday. It's gonna be a full house!

Merry Christmas all!

Elvis puts up with me and my crazy ideas again.

Priscilla doing what she does best, and yes she loves to have her picture taken.

But I don't want my picture taken. That's Tubby, also known as "The Moron".

Tubby took a break from digging for gophers long enough to have his picture taken. That's mud on his nose, as usual.

Tubby, what a goof!

In memory of Miss Loretta July 2001-Nov. 2008

Done! (Medium Rare)

Vicki and Oscar hosted the finishing up party.

Oscar came dressed for the occasion.

The mold. I wanted to keep it for a souvenir, but was told it's bio-hazardous.

Well, I'm finally done with radiation. Last year at this time I was still doing chemo. What a crazy year it's been! Here's hoping 2009 will be better.

I started Christmas shopping on Tuesday. Thank goodness we can now do a lot of it online. I did a marathon shopping trip Thursday, and got most of it wrapped by Friday night. I'm really ahead this year. I'm usually just beginning to wrap everything on Christmas Eve, but I'm trying to listen to the doctors, and not "over-do".

Don was sworn in, or at depending on who you're talking to, on Friday. He won't take office officially until January 1. He's looking forward to being able to take Priscilla with him a lot. I never thought of coonhounds as truck dogs, but whatever.

I got all the lights up on the house last weekend, but of course the back ones keep blowing fuses. I never do have good luck with Christmas lights. I only got on the roof once, I was a good girl this year. One of the guys that work for Don did most of the heavy lifting, but I couldn't resist getting involved. It's just not Christmas til I spend some roof time.

Almost Done!

A constant reminder on the door to the treatment room.

"The Team" Nick, myself, and Chad

Well, I've almost made it. Last treatment is scheduled for tomorrow at 1:00.

I won't lie, it's been rough, but I haven't had to miss a treatment, and I'm finishing on schedule.

I can't help but wonder what exactly all this radiation has done to my body. I mean other than wipe out any stray cancer that might have been floating around, which is why I willingly allowed myself to go through this treatment. Since diagnoses I've had 3 pet scans, and I've lost count of the ct scans and x-rays. I figure by now I've probably been exposed to as much radiation as a human can safely be. Who knows?

The first day I realized that this was serious stuff was the day they couldn't start the machine because there were workers on the roof. They didn't want to cook some poor unsuspecting maintenance guy, so we waited until the roof repairs were done, then proceeded as usual. I then noticed that after I was "set up" everyone would run, and I'd hear that huge door close. I was left in the room with all that "stuff" buzzing around and through me. If the radiation can float up through the ceiling and roof, and do a number on someone up there, there's no telling what it's done to me.

Wouldn't it be ironic to survive chemo, radiation, and all the emotional crap that goes with it all, just to find out years later that "sorry, you have radiation induced cancer." There probably isn't really a cancer called radiation induced, but it sounds about right.

Anyway, I just have 1 more to go-yeah! I asked the guys if I could keep my block and have it framed. A block is kind of like a stencil, made out of some serious metal, that focuses the radiation where you want it to go. Nope. Seems my block is bio-hazardous. Figures.

I've been spending some time lately surfing you-tube. The kids are mortified, but thought I'd share this oldy with everyone. I think it's funny, and it's kind of fitting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Aq5cqjUFOo

Thanksgiving with the Boggses

New for me this year was pie baking, but it wouldn't be a Boggs holiday without a fancy cake!

I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving. Ours was fast!! It seems like I cooked, cooked, baked, and baked some more, we sat down and it was over! Sarah wasn't able to come in this year. She spent the holiday in Atlanta, GA, with Frederick's family. The boys came in Wednesday. They were kind enough to help me pull the Christmas tree, and all the decorations out of storage. I finally finished the tree last night, but I still have boxes and newspapers scattered everywhere.

Radiation is still happening. I have 8 more treatments! I look like a boiled lobster! They are starting what they call "the boost" with today's treatment. It is a concentrated blast of radiation directed at the area where I had the lumpectomy. The good thing is that the part of me that is burned won't be getting anymore radiation. I've had 4 days off with the holiday, and I'm ready to get it over with!

I had an appointment with Dr. Prakash last Monday. Looks like I'm still on the 3 month scan schedule. I'll be having a Pet scan in February. Seems I have a cyst on the liver, and it needs to be monitored. It's probably nothing, but we can't be sure. The genetic testing is off for now. My insurance won't cover it, and I'm not willing to add yet another medical bill to the list. The good news I carried out of the meeting is that if or when I do have a recurrence, I will be able to use the same chemo I did the first time. I had really good response to it. The bag of tricks is still full.

Results

It has been a really, really long day. I didn't sleep much last night. Don hates it when I get so worked up. I don't live scan to scan. I live everyday, but the 2-3 days before scans are killers to me. My attention span is nil, and my temper is even shorter.

Anyway, my appointment for the scan was at 9:30 this morning. I was up by 5:00, why I don't know. I couldn't have any coffee, breakfast, or even water. I finished the last of the lovely Banana-Barium Smoothie by 7:00. I was at the hospital at 8:30, and met Vicki there. We spent the next 1 1/2 hours waiting. I had to drink another "Banana Smoothie", and wait 30 minutes more before they could do the scan. We finished everything, and I was released at 11:00. We went straight to Sonic. Breakfast was calling!

I spent the next hour at home in bed. My radiation appointment was at 1:00. I followed that with another 1 1/2 hour genetic counseling session. I had blood drawn, Don showed up and we drove over to the hospital.

We had hoped that the CT results would be available. Unfortunately they weren't. We left my cell # with Dr. Twaddell's secretary, and I went home. I waited, and waited, until I couldn't wait any longer. Errands don't wait for much of anything around here. I went to the banks and post office. I wasn't gone 20 minutes, but I missed Dr. Evett's call. He left a message that the scans looked great!

I have a radiation treatment in the morning, but don't think I'll be volunteering. I feel like I'm coming down with the "East Texas Crud". I'll see Dr. Prakash next Monday. I'm hoping he'll be putting me on a 6 month checkup schedule. The results of the genetic testing will be back in 3-4 weeks.

Vicki came over tonight for a little celebration. I'm so glad I'm her "project". Life would be so boring without her around.

Positive Thoughts

Tomorrow, Monday, will be a busy day. I'm due to have scans in the morning. I'm suffering from a bad case of "scansiety" today. If the tests come back clear, I'll be released for 6 months! Yeah!!!! If they don't come back clear, we'll have to pull out our bag of tricks. Yuck.

I'll have a radiation treatment tomorrow afternoon, followed by genetic counseling. I don't know if they will draw blood tomorrow, or if I'll have to wait for that. There are some pretty serious complications that we'll have to face if I carry the gene mutations.

I'll post again when I get the news, until then, please keep us in your prayers.

Mom and Dad relaxing after dinner.

Connie and Barbara (on the bike). These two ladies are part of the team that keeps "Team Boggs" rolling!

Vicki and Nick-one of the "radiation guys"

Vicki just being Vicki.

Don and Elvis heading to the pool.

Vicki, Don, and Merideth at Vicki's birthday party.

I don't know what's wrong with me! Sorry I finished the last post the way I did. These pictures should clear up any ideas of depression on my part! I have a new favorite song I'd like to share with you--http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJe57FQykAQ&feature=related

Seasons Changing

I've been taking pictures, and composing what I'd like to share for weeks now. This morning it's cold and rainy out. The leaves are at least a foot deep around the house. The plants that survived my care this summer are tucked safely inside, hopefully to make it through the winter. Don and I have been trekking across the meadow to check on "The Tree". It is finally showing it's color, and will only continue to be more beautiful in the next few days.

For those that haven't heard, Don won the commissioner's race. He will soon be officialy Commissioner of Precinct 1. We had a few friends over to wait for the totals. I think everyone was happy with the results.

I'm still volunteering at the cancer center twice a week. I've met some amazing people, and think that I've benefited from the experience more than I've helped. I have now finished 12 of 33 radiation treatments. We are trying to decide if we want to do genetic testing. It's a big decision, but thankfully, I don't have to make it quickly.

Don got his new wet suit in this week. He's only used it once so far. It's harder to get into and out of than he thought, and since the gym has an indoor, heated pool, I guess the wet suit will only get used when he can't make it over there.

The last week was Vicki's birthday week. She celebrated in Tyler, Mt. Pleasant, and Pittsburg!

Merideth and Roy had a fish fry for her on Saturday night. It was lots of fun! On Sunday afternoon we went to the winery in Pittsburg. We decided it was the perfect way to spend an afternoon, very relaxing.

It seems like whenever things start looking up, and we are moving ahead, something always happens to bring us down. We lost our sweet Loretta yesterday. Don found her in her dog house. I can't believe that she's gone. My heart is broken.

1 year, and 5 months after diagnoses, I've finally started radiation. I'm being treated in Mt. Pleasant. The plan is to receive 33 doses. I go into the clinic every day (Mon.-Fri.). If all goes as planned, and the machine cooperates, I should be finished by the first week of December. Let's all keep our fingers crossed.

On a more upbeat note, I drove down to Anahuac a couple of weekends ago for a quick visit with Mom and Dad. They rode out Hurricane Ike amazingly well. I think they were lucky this time. I hope they don't try it again. While we were having dinner in Baytown Saturday night I ran into a friend from high school. I'm not going to say "an old friend", because she looked fabulous. The years have been kind to Barbara!!!!

I can't believe I haven't posted in so long. Where does the time go?

I've started walking again. An old friend, Vicki, called out of the blue one day and said, let's go for a walk. I've done it everyday since, and couldn't feel better. We are back up to 2 miles, with plans to get up to 3+ a day. I'm noticing that my clothes are starting to fit better again. Yeah!
I won't need to go shopping for a while since I have a huge range of sizes hanging in the closet.

Vicki and I have also been volunteering at the cancer center twice a week. I don't know how much help I've been, but I keep going. We were in charge of getting the place "pinked up" for breast cancer awareness month, so we spent most of Thursday morning making and hanging pink ribbons. I told everyone that would listen that March is colo-rectal cancer awareness month, and our color is blue. I want some attention for that too! I have been surprised at how many patients here have the same kind of cancer I do (did).

I've helped out at the flower shop a little, but the girls had homecoming under control, so I stayed away as much as possible this week. Homecoming never was my favorite thing. Now, the fall flowers are starting to come in, and that's another thing all together. I LOVE fall colors. I did a little light decorating at the house last week, we have pumpkins, and "the crow" on the front steps, and fall arrangements and pumpkin pie candles burning in the house. I'm ready for the leaves to start falling.

Don has been doing well, he's still swimming every day. We are going to have to join the gym when it gets colder, either that, or heat the pool. He ordered a wet suit so he could continue to swim, but he's had some "issues" with it, I wonder if he has a plan "B"?

We spent last Saturday at the steer sale at the fair. I didn't go last year, since I had just had a treatment, so I really, really enjoyed the funnel cake we shared. The weather was "fair-perfect", and it was nice to get out and walk around like normal again. Pops even went, but not with us! His sitters found a wheel chair, and took him out for about an hour. He had a big time.

We finally got around to celebrating our 32 anniversary last week. I can't believe we've been married that long! We took a quick trip out of town, spent the night, and had a lovely dinner at our favorite Asain restaraunt. It was a nice break.

Pops's care has had to increase, he now has a visiting nurse that will come by 1-2 times a week. An aide has been added to his team too. She is scheduled to be here everyday at 6:00, and will stay until 7:00. She is responsible for night-time meds, and helping him with a bath before bed. We are hoping that that will help him sleep better. Seems he's been getting up a lot every night, and has had a couple of falls. Don can no longer get him up by himself, it takes two men to lift him, remember he's a big guy! The amazing thing is that he can't walk into the bathroom without falling, but he can wiggle his way out of his hospital bed, complete with rails without falling down.

The campaign is gearing back up. We put up a few signs last night, and I've noticed them popping up around town. There is a Democratic Rally planned for today, and we'll be stopping by for a while. The next debate is scheduled for Oct. 14, at the Civic Center. November will be here before we know it!

Hope everyone is able to enjoy this wonderful weather. There's something about that first little fall briskness in the air.

I'm doing fine. We still don't know exactly why I had "the bleed". Self-diagnoses tells me it was just an unfortunate series of events. I won't go into it all now, but I know now what I'm going to avoid for a while! I did find out that you don't want to mess with thyroid medications. I'm back on mine now (took myself off in Dec. of '06). Swelling is pretty much gone, and energy level is finally coming back. I haven't had to do couch time all week.
The Chambers County family made it through Hurricane Ike pretty well. They were lucky. Mom and Dad lost 2 trees, that was all. I heard yesterday that one of my cousins has a shrimp boat in her yard. Of course on top of everything, supplies and necessities like clean water are hard to come by, and the power probably won't be back on for another week or so. I spoke to a friend from down there this morning, and her house flooded, but the good news is that her husband, dogs, cat, and horses are all safe. Another friend lost his house, hunting lodge, and all of his barns, but again the good news is that his family is safe. I saw the pictures of Oak Island on the news, and it's pure devistation. It is all gone.

Yesterday afternoon was spent napping on the couch, and catching up on missed phone calls. Barry and Lana brought dinner last night and we spent the evening quietly. Sleep came easily last night, which always surprises me after I've slept so, so much during the day, but last night was different. I slept peacefully all night, and had the most wonderful dream. I dreamed of the future. I dreamed we moved the flower shop to another location. All of my past and present employees were there. It was all very detailed. Everyone worked as one big team, we laughed, had a major screw up (which was as usual my fault, lol) and had so, so much fun. It was so good to see the old "crew" again. I don't really know what it all means, but I woke up feeling re-charged and happy. Happy days.

I now know (not that I ever wanted to) what ICU is all about. I'm home now after a 5 1/2 day stay at the hospital. Yuck. I woke up to a serious GI bleed Thursday night. Don and Harry (thank goodness he was here), took me to ER, and after a lot of poking, proding, scaning, etc., I was moved into ICU for the next couple of days. I'm still waiting for results from all of the tests, but have my fingers crossed that my stomach and small intestines are suffering chemo irritation. I should know more later. The good news is, the port is a goner. Thank you Bryan for dropping your plans, and coming home to be with Dad. I'll post more later. Right now the couch is calling me.

Getting Back to the old me

What a week! I had an appointment with Dr. Prakash on Tuesday, and the port will be coming out. HOOOORAYYYY!!!!!!! I have hated this thing since the beginning. It's like a constant reminder of everything horrible. He didn't want to say that I'm cured, but he did say that there is no data to compare my case to. In other words, they don't know why I'm doing so well, but they aren't going to question it, and neither am I. I won't see him again for 3 months, then more scans and if they are clean I'll start seeing him every 6 months.
On Friday I made a quick trip to Dr. Crim's office in Dallas. It was one of those 15 minute office visits. He looked over my scan and colonoscopy results and said he'd see me in 3 months.
We celebrated Clinton and Jean Twadell's recent marriage Saturday night. It was a really fun night out. Chocolate cake and lots of folks I haven't visited with in forever. How great is that? We were sorry we missed Lana's big 50th surprise party. Happy birthday Lana! I know you all had a great time. I hate that we couldn't be in 2 places at the same time.
I got the sad news about Hilary on Saturday morning. She was so strong for so long, and fought so hard. We need to remind ourselves how lucky we all were to know her. I was honored to do the family flowers for her services. It gave me an opportunity to think about her, and say good bye.
I was at the shop all day on Monday. Joe got emergency leave, and got home around 5:30, for visitation. After the service on Tuesday, we had a quick lunch and he left to go back to Oklahoma. I spent the rest of Tuesday doing "catch-up" errands that I had missed on Monday. Finished the day off with Lana and a glass of wine on the deck. Whew!
My to do list today isn't as long. I just need to make some phone calls and schedule some appointments. I'm not feeling nearly so overwhelmed. Jack and Lenice are coming in this weekend. It seems like forever since we've seen them.
Please keep Hilary's family and Amanda in your prayers. Hope everyone has a good week.

Now what?

I have run all summer. I think somewhere down deep inside I've been running from this past year. I'm trying to put it all behind me, pretend that it never really happened. Get back to being me, BC. Don prefers to think that we are trying to get as many experiences in as possible, in case (God forbid) it comes back.

I still haven't started volunteering at the cancer center. I have my official pink shirt, and badge hanging in the closet waiting to go, but I just can't seem to do it. It's like the scars of what I've been through are still too new. I really want to help there, and I will, just not quite yet.

How long does it take to get back to normal? Physically, I'm good. I had a colonoscopy this past week. The surgeon removed 3 more polyps. That's good news, we stopped them early. I had CT scans, and they were clear. I'm still considered NED. So, what's the problem? This is where it gets sticky.

It seems like every time I turn around I hear of another cancer tragedy. Tony Snow, Leroy Sievers, the list goes on and on. But what really bothers me is the number of young people who are being hit. I don't understand, and I can't come to grips with it.

I want my old life back. I no longer want to be defined by cancer. I just want to be Annaleisa, and I know in my heart that isn't possible. This disease has changed me, and I'm still fighting it.

Last trip of the season

Our last trip of the summer was a quick one to see Miss Sarah. She's doing well, and we had a relaxing, and fun visit. Went to brunch with Frederick on Sunday afternoon, walked the beach, and had a few drinks with Carmella on Sunday evening. A little sight seeing on Monday, and then the big finale on Tuesday. An airboat ride. You all know, I'm all about airboats! We got to meet several alligators up close, and as we were coming out of the everglades, a rainbow stretched across the horizon to greet us. Perfect end to a perfect trip.

Fireworks, and the 4th

My family is so funny. When I was first diagnosed, they all thought I would die within the year. Bryan planned a trip to NYC for the two of us in Dec., thinking it might be the last chance to do a road trip with Mom. He soon learned that Stage IV colon cancer didn't mean I was going to die right away, so he canceled the trip. Now, I'm not supposed to know anything about that first planned trip, but the Boggs Boyz aren't great at keeping secrets! He re-scheduled the trip for the 4th of July, starting out in Boston for the Boston Pops, and fireworks. We then took the train into NYC, for a few days. We saw Wicked, did all the touristy things, saw the Yankees play the Red Sox, and met up with Lynn and her family. It was a real treat. I'm glad I'm not dead yet!!!!!!!!

What Elvis does on Saturday Afternoons

Do I have too much time on my hands?

What the Kitty Boys do when I'm away

Thought I'd let everyone know what Sigfried was up to while I was in New Orleans. He no longer thinks he's a dog. He thinks he's a lion now. Poor Roy!

AFTER:

BEFORE:

Relay for Life

Relay for Life, 2008 is now history! The last hurrah was last night with a pizza party at the CLC in Mt. Pleasant. I believe that so far they have collected $63,000! Not bad for a group without a central chairman. The great numbers were done with old fashioned teamwork. It was good to see old friends and make new ones. Judy, Bill, Annaleisa, Don, Worthie, and Richard were all in attendance.

Bill, Don, and Richard are heroes! They have stood by the Sistas during this past year. I overheard Don ask Richard, "Did you think we'd be here last year at this time?" We are all so, so very fortunate, and happy!

Summing it all up

These are posted backwards :(

We finished the weekend off on a grand scale! One of my longterm dreams has been dinner at Commander's Palace! It was all I thought it would be. Don's fish was swimming, unbelievable!!!!!

We started the last day off with beignets at Cafe' Du Monde. I'm glad I wasn't in any of these pictures, I had sugar, AND powdered sugar ALL over me. Silly me didn't think about sitting downwind.

I especially liked the art work behind Jack. I think he had the best view of everything. We were at a corner table, and he was facing Jackson Square.

The last two pictures were taken at the Old Absinthe House. We had just spent an hour wandering around the French Quarter, lost as only touristas can be. Check out our friend in the background. The blonde. She told Lenice she had just been "decked" by a drag queen while minding her own business walking down the street! Oh yeah-have I mentioned that I LOVE NEW ORLEANS?

We're laughing because we didn't have to sit next to the blonde!!!!!!!!!!

Houmas House

Front entrance of The Houmas House, facing the river.
One of many water gardens at Houmas House. There are sculptures of two giant herons in the background by the rock wall. I just love herons!

One of several waterfalls.

This pot was originally used to make molasses from the sugar cane grown here. Clever up-dated use for it, don't you think?

The back water garden.

Back of the house with part of the terrace, and water garden in the foreground.

Don, admiring the art. This is for "the boys"!

Here's another one for the boys. He really was trying to be a sport.

Lenice said she thinks that Houmas House must be what heaven is going to be for me. A place with lots and lots of blooming plants that I know the names of, and lots of water falls, fountains, sculpture, and butterflies. I hope she's right. It was so peaceful!