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!