Round 18: Giggly Girls & SnapChat

Round 18 was lots of fun with my Nana B! We were giggly girls having fun on SnapChat.

 As you can see we had a lot of fun playing on Snap Chat. Afterward. we enjoyed our Wednesday lunch at Jersey Mike's! We truly make the best out of a day that could be filled with gloom. I go in with a smile, and she brings the laughter! I look forward to chemo days with Nana and Mom

Love and Hugs,
Crystal

Round #6 - Great Week (3/4/16) ~ Off Week - Fun, Sun, and Blessings (3/13/16)

Round #6 Great Week

This week was round 6, only two more to go before the next scan. My week started out with seeing Foreigner in concert at the Tivoli with Erin. We ha an awesome time. We even got moved to the front row so I could see the show, and I got the set list at the end of the show!!

I also received good news from Dr. Tran this week. My tumor markers are normal. This is an indication that the chemo is still working. I am so glad it has been a great week!

Off Week #2 - Great Start (1/10/16) & Happy Days (1/12/16)

This week is off to a great start! Thank you Lord! Still no pain!! I was able to spend the biggest part of the day in my wheelchair which was a plus! Erin spent the afternoon here and then she and T came over with dinner and watched some of the Golden Globes!

I am just so very thankful for the friends I have, as well as my outlook on this journey!

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The past two days have been very good days, with the exception of a couple low points.Yesterday I  spent the biggest part of the day in bed cause it was cold! Tammy came by for a visit, always nice to see her! After she left, I finally got out of bed, but then had to deal with tingling hands - gloves on in the house!

Then at bedtime, I got upset cause we were all just a little frustrated, but hugs and love you's made it all better.

Today, I was able to enjoy the afternoon out. Mom and I ran an errand, then met Emily & Kaylee for a late lunch at O' Charley's... it was good and we all enjoyed!

I spent 3 hours coloring this evening which I always find relaxing! Today's verse is a sweet reminder just to keep trusting in Him to carry me through this journey! That's you God! :)

"He answered their prayers because they trusted in Him." 1 Chronicles 5:29 NIV

Tomorrow: The Beginning of An Unexpected Chapter

Tomorrow

Tomorrow, the day after today, that is what tomorrow is, right?

Yes, but it is not just tomorrow for me, my family, my best friends. It is the beginning of a new chapter in all of our lives. This chapter is going to be full of many many ups and downs. Let's just be blunt. It IS going to be a chaotic roller coaster in every way possible. There is no way around that, but we will make it like we always do! Nothing is going to stop us. Ok, so what I am rambling about?

Here you go. I was admitted into the hospital on November 18 due to severe nausea, and other things related to that. I was given a couple bags of fluid and medicines to help with nausea etc. while in the ER. Also, while there they did a CT Scan of my abdomen and ran tests on a stool sample. The sample came back positive for C. Diff, which is an infection of the intestines. (Bad bacteria takes over in your GI tract). The CT Scan did not show any obstructions in the bowel. However, the doctor told us they did find a mass and a spot on my liver. I think we all just kinda sat there at that point. I don't know how my parents felt mentally or emotionally then. I began to prepare myself for the news that would follow a couple days later, I just had a gut feeling and knew.

I get to my room Wednesday morning around 9:00 a.m. or so. I am starving by this time because I have not had anything to eat or drink for quite sometime. Of course, I am on a clear liquid diet. [CLD]. That evening I have to drink the lovely drink that preps you for a colonoscopy. *I have a trick for drinking this, flavor it with water flavoring drops, except for red.* Thursday morning I have an ultrasound done of my liver, and then that evening around 5:00 I have the colonoscopy done. The results come back, and the mass that was found on the CT Scan is in my colon/rectum. We have to wait a while for pathology reports to come back but the surgeon was positive the mass was malignant (cancerous) To make an already long story short: most of the pain that I have been having for the last several months that was thought to be many other things, turned out to be colon cancer.

Yes, I said/thought/typed the word that no one likes to hear. Does it bother me? Not at all. Remember, I had a gut feeling after the results of the CT Scan came back showing a mass. So, I've had time to process the fact that I have cancer. Now, we treat it. Tomorrow is the first step. My first appointment with my oncologist, and Friday I will see my colorectal surgeon. Am I afraid of this new chapter that is being written in my life? No. I have always had a hunch that I would experience something like this in my lifetime. I know, it is odd to think that way, but I do so that if something does take place it is not such a shock for me. I am glad I am able to do that.

So, now we put on our armor and we fight this battle headstrong! 

For anyonne who may read this I would like to ask, if you have scripture or a quote that encourages you, please share it with me here or on Facebook. You may also email them to me at: prettigirlsmiles@gmail.com I am writing each of them down in a journal that I will take with me to treatment so I will always be encouraged by friends and family while they cannot be with me.

We can all rest in knowing that God allowed this to happen for a reason and He will be GLORIFIED in the end!!

I am not asking for much from anyone. Just be encouraging, not just to me, but each other as well.

Hugs & Love

Holidays Are Here!

Hello fellow Bloggers!

I took a month and a half hiatus while my computer was being repaired. I have it back and I am ready to write for all you lovely readers! :)

Today I am writing about... you guessed it the holidays and the things my family has made tradition through the years. I am excited about writing this post because it is part of a link up party, of which this is my first!

This album is my favorite Christmas album. It is not Christmas time until I hear Gene Autry sing Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. My mom has this album on vinyl. When I was growing up we listened to the record every year. When it begins Gene asks you to pull up a chair and listen. I always sat right by the record player and listened to the whole album. Just last night (Monday 12-15) I was able to add the album to my Spotify music collection, now I can listen to it anytime I wish!

When my sister and i were little Mom and Dad would drive us around on the old back roads and through a subdivision or two to look at the houses decorated with Christmas lights. We also listened to silly Christmas songs as we drove along. It was always lots of fun! :)

Now that my sister and I are grown we have started the tradition of getting new Christmas PJ's every year and just hanging out with the family. I know, most kids get PJ's on Christmas Eve to wear on Christmas morning. Well, I will let you in on a secret... We always opened our presents on Christmas Eve! Now that gifts are not of great importance to us and we do not have to be 2 or 3 places in a night to see this part of the family or that one we spend the night at home with our parents and bake Christmas goodies while listening to Christmas music and just having a good time with one another. Of course, there are still gifts under the tree for my 7 year old niece, but she also enjoys the PJ's and baking. She is quite the crafty kid!

What are some of your families favorite holiday traditions?

The Gift of Time

All of us are given the gift of time to use in whatever way we choose. Sometimes we are wise about it and sometimes not.

After finishing school at Cleveland State I was sure that I would have a job working from home doing medical transcription, which would make for a lot of time spent productively. Unfortunately, life did not pan out that way. I settled into just tending to the house. Billls were paid, I didn't need to worry.

However, at times I would worry about what others thought of me because I had gone to school and didn't have anything to show for it besides the degree hanging on my living room wall. It bothered me that I had achieved this goal and was not even putting it to use. In short, at times I have felt like a bum. I have often times begged the question, "Why did I do that if I was not going to use it?" I know many of us ask that question after finishing school. But, we should be proud of ourselves for achieving that goal which we set for ourselves. I know I am.

I have learned to see this personal struggle I've had in a different light. Having "too much time on my hands" has afforded me many wonderful opportunities. I am able to give my time to those who need it most - my family.

My sister does not have to worry about finding a sitter while she works. I am available anytime I need to be.

I am able to be part of all activities Kaylee has in school because I am not working around a schedule.

I am able to spend a lot of one-on-one time with Kaylee also.

I am thankful for this opportunity. I may not ever have kids of my own, but having time allows me to play a big role in my nieces life and that is one of the most important jobs I could have in this life. I get paid with lots of love and girly giggles!

Holiday Recap

So, I am a little late at posting but better late than never right?

The week of Christmas was fabulous! I stayed the entire week with my lovely sister. Christmas Eve day Emily and I spent the day with Dad. I really enjoyed the time we got to spend with him one on one. It isn't something we get to do very often. It was such a joyous time. :)  We hung out with Mom and Dad Christmas Eve night playing board games and waited for the anticipated arrival of Santa for sweet Kaylee. :) Christmas morning we had breakfast with Dad's brother and sister, which is always enjoyable. That afternoon after everyone left we sat down together and opened our gifts. This is only the 2nd year that we have opened gifts on Christmas Day. We usually open them on Christmas Eve.

I am very happy with what I received, but more blessed for the time I was able to spend with my family and the memories we made. We sure mad some great ones!

I can say the year ended well. I came into my own as a person, as an individual.

Pictures:

 My Gifts

 Ready for a day with Dad

Kaylee and I enjoyed a movie and popcorn <3

Family Time

If you are wondering what I have been up to lately, the title says it all. I have been spending time with my family; immediate and extended.

October 22 - I spent the evening with Mom, Emily and Kaylee for Kaylee's 6th birthday. We went to Build-A-Bear in Hamilton Place Mall. She had so much fun and I am glad I was able to be a part of her big day and first experience at Build a Bear. :) I loved watching her face light up. She is such a joy to be around and is so full of life. I'm proud to be her Aunt.

October 26 - I went to my cousin's Halloween/Birthday party. I had a blast. I was able to see one of my favorite people. Darlene. She was my caretaker through elementary school. I am so glad that we have been able to reconnect and spend time with one another again. I love being around her and laughing about nothing at all until our bellies hurt! :)

This month (November).. I have spent a lot of time with Emily since she has been out of work after foot surgery. I actually spent a night away from my house and stayed with her for one night and two days. Amazing, I know! LOL! We had a good time as we always do and I enjoyed our talks and getting to help Kaylee with homework after school. She is so smart and loves school just like me. :)

I have also had the blessing of being able to spend more time with some of my extended family on my Mom's side. I am so thankful that we have started making time for each other and don't just see each other in passing or at funerals anymore. We just have good wholesome fun and I enjoy it. I can't wait to make more memories!

Christmas 2012: A Surpise

This year my family and I did Christmas a little different. Instead of buying gifts for one another, we each bought new pajamas and made a snack item.

Tuesday morning at about 9:45 a.m. Michael and I arrived at my parents house. He was in his Sock Monkey feeties and I in my Grinch pajamas with a cheese ball in tow! Mom and Dad had on Santa PJ's. Emily had on Rudolph and Kaylee had pink with Santa faces and fuzzy house boots! Shortly after our arrival Kaylee opened all her gifts. She had a great Christmas this year! :) I'm excited to hear her play her new pink guitar!A After she opened gifts we all snacked and watched A Christmas Story. Kaylee enjoyed it.

Then right before we started to sit down and play games I got a surprise.

I was totally surprised. I'm so happy and he did an awesome job picking the rings out. I had eyed this set for about four years. It was well worth the wait and a blessed Christmas surprise! There is video on Facebook. I couldn't figure out how to upload it here. I can't do the video justice describing it here. But, Michael was handing out Hershey candy tins. He gave me mine and I opened in expecting candy. When I saw the rings I didn't know whether to laugh or cry and all I could think to say was "Are you serious?!" with huge smile on my face. If I figure out how to post the video I will!

Afterwards, we all played games (Fact or Crap, Battle of the Sexes, and Pictionary) until the late evening. This was truly the best Christmas I've had in a long time. It was not stressful and we were not rushed. I thoroughly enjoyed having genuine quality time with those I love. That's all I wanted.

I hope you and yours had a blessed Christmas and also have a wonderful New Year!

Birthday Weekend

Last weekend was my birthday weekend. My birthday was Sunday, May 20.

The weekend began by having lunch with one of my best friends, Alex on Friday. Alex and I have known one another since sixth grade and have kept in touch throughout the years. We hadn't seen one another since I graduated High School in 2002. We enjoyed a nice lunch at Cracker Barrel with his mom and step-dad. Afterwards, we browsed around TJ-Maxx and Goodwill. It was nice to not only be out of the house, but to spend time with a great friend. I'm thankful to have Alex in my life and call him one of my best friends. I'm looking forward to many more lunch dates and hanging out! :)

Saturday, after Michael got home from work and had a nap we got ready and went out to Pokey's. My favorite local rock band was playing and I wanted to go listen to them for my birthday. I had a great time. Live music is one of my most favorite things. It's right up there with NASCAR/Racing. I get a thrill from it. The music makes me feel free. I forget all my worries when I'm dancing and listening to live music. I know this probably will not make a lot of sense, but I feel like a "normal" person when I'm dancing. It brings a beaming smile to my face and my soul dance with joy.

Sunday my Mom cooked my favorite dinner. I requested this as my birthday gift this year. Dinner consisted of meatloaf, fried taters,(yes, I said 'taters); slaw, creamed corn, fried okra, and green onions. This has always been my favorite dinner since childhood, along with pintos and cornbread. I thoroughly enjoyed dinner and spending time with my family.

I did receive some gifts:

Pink camo outfit
2 CD's from One Shot Down
Lantern for camping
Camping chair(s)
Clothes

Turning 28 wasn't too bad after all! :)

Tis the Season: Friends and Family

Tis the Season!

Christmas time is upon us once again folks! That time of year when stockings are hung, Christmas trees are put up with pretty decorations, Christmas Carols are being sang by one and all, and Santa himself comes out of hiding!

This year when my Mother asked me what I wanted for Christmas, it was difficult for me to give her an answer. I could not think of anything I just absolutely had to have. I named a few things that I would like to have but also told her they were things I could save for and get on my own. Gifts are the least of my concern this year. I would rather just spend time with friends and family and enjoy good food and fellowship. Don't get me wrong, I do like gifts, but this year especially at this time, has been rough for most everyone. The gift giving shouldn't be the most important issue anyway. Yes, it is a nice gesture, but we need to focus more on time with our families and close friends rather than what we can buy for Jim, Bob, and Sue! Some people cannot afford to buy much if any at all. Once again, that is why I say the focus needs to be taken off the gifts and geared toward family and friends again like it was many years ago! God doesn't want us to be greedy, bitter, hateful people just because we didn't get a gift. We need to learn to appreciate what we do have and not dwell on what we don't have.

Last week, I had the chance to go visit a friend whom I had not seen since high school. She invited Michael and I over for some homemade chili and boy was it good! I am very grateful that I was given this opportunity because I didn't really have a chance to get to know her much in high school. She is a very down to earth, loving, and devoted wife and mother. She has an adorable little boy who just loves Michael to death. It was very humbling for me to be able to reconnect with her. She leveled me out a bit I guess you could say and it felt good. I am looking forward to being able to build our friendship into one that will last a lifetime! :)