Herceptin #9 of NeverEnding!

I am trying to get over my Moving Meltdown and hoping that God will let us in on His plan at some point. But until then- life goes on. 

(The State Department says I have to finish out the 1 year of Herceptin before they will reclassify me so I guess I am continuing the drug until April. BooHoo! I am being constantly reminded that I am NOT in control of my life!)

KBro came with me to my every 3 week Herceptin date.  It was great to have her back up at the Roger Maris Center with me again. We always have lots to talk about and laugh about. 

Julie was my Herceptin nurse this time. It's so fun to be able to visit with Nurses that already know me. AND she got the IV in the very first time and no bruising at all!!! Woot woot! Go Julie!

Even though the IV went way smoothly... It wouldn't be a Shay visit with some kind of drama. LOL This time the machine decided to act up. Right after we got it all set up the "WARNING: REPLACE BATTERY" beep started. And it never stopped!!!! We figured out that it wasn't plugged in BUT the battery didn't care. It must have been too weak to take the charge from the wall unit because it annoyingly beeped until Julie could track down another machine. We did a pretty good job of ignoring it but it was a constant irritating noise, nonetheless. LOL

Julie finally found a LOANER machine we could use. We had to laugh that it actually said LOANER all over the machine. We made some good "Big Fat L on your forehead" jokes but enjoyed the absence of the beep from the non-loaner unit!

Thanks Kristen for joining me! Always fun to be with you!

Short Nails

I have had LONG nails for as long as I could remember. In fact, any time I cut my nails short because of one breaking, I felt handicap! How do people function with short nails?, I would wonder. Also, my nails always grew in pairs. If one thumb broke, the next one to break would inevitably be the other thumb. I guess even my hands want life to be "Fair". LOL 

When I was diagnosed with cancer, I heard icky stories of people losing nails through chemo treatments. WHAT? Not something I was looking forward to. So back in May, I took a snap shot of my beautiful, strong, long fingernails. You know... just in case.

After 4 rounds of chemo, all I had experienced was dry skin! (And lots of that!) But nothing I couldn't handle. I figured my nails were here to stay! Hallelujah!
However, sometime in September (nearly 2 months after my last Chemo treatment), my nails started breaking and hang nails attacked every single finger! What is going on here??? People keep telling me I just need to be patient! [Not a strong point of mine, btw!] I finally had to just cut them all off. Once one nail barely grows over the end of my finger, it tears or breaks. So irritating! OH! the never-ending gifts from Cancer!
So, perhaps one day, I will get my beautiful long nails back but for now... I am learning to not be retarded with a shorter version and learning to love lots of lotion!

Continue in Patience

As I have been struggling this week, I came across this video. It almost makes me MAD! LOL I thought that because of raising four kids and fighting cancer I had learned patience. But not so!
Elder Uchtdorf testified that "God's promises are not always fulfilled as quickly or in the way we might hope. Patience means staying with something until the end. It means delaying immediate gratification for future blessings. The work of patience boils down to this- Keep the commandments, trust in God our Heavenly Father, serve Him with meekness and Christlike love, exercise faith and hope in the Savior and never give up!"

Also in General Conference this past weekend, I felt as if President Henry B. Eyring's talk was meant for me. I wrote down the things he said as if it it could be me speaking.

 "My personal ambitions might have clouded my view of reality and made it hard for me to receive revelation. He let me seek counsel and gain His permission to stay. He knew all the reasons that my service might still be of value. I am here to turn to my Heavenly Father frequently in prayer that He would have me do those things that I have not yet done. My desire to hear and do His will gave me a soul-stretching opportunity. We can't insist on our time-table when the Lord has His own. I thought I had spend enough time here and was in a hurry to move on. Sometimes our insistence on acting according to our timetable can obscure His will for us. We remove the pavilion when we feel and pray, "Thy Will be done and in Thine own time." His time should be enough for us since we know He wants only what is best. Submitting fully to heaven's will is essential to removing the spiritual pavilions that we sometimes put over our heads. But it does not guarantee immediate answers to our prayers. The Lord's delays often seem long, some last a lifetime. But they are always calculated to bless. Although His time is not always our time, we can be sure that the Lord keeps His promises."

What do these mean? I still don't have any answers but I do know that God knows what He's doing. I hope I have the faith to pray that He helps me know as well!

Class 5 Medical Clearance- DRAMA!

These last couple weeks have been filled with all sorts of emotions in regards to our "Out of Country" Adventure.

A couple of weeks ago, we were so excited that we have beat Cancer, are continuing to get ready to go (getting rid of things around the house, getting our passport stuff sent off, changing our post of duty date, etc.) and finally got all our my medical stuff off to the State Department. We had prayed long and hard to make the decision to go and have only felt that cancer was a little bump in our road. We are so ready to get on with things!
Then on October 1st, we received an email from the State Department. We I have received a class 5 (domestic only) medical clearance. Let's say feelings of denial and shock were probably first to hit. Are you kidding me?? What else can be thrown in our way? It's getting a bit ridiculous if you ask me! As soon as I read the line about an opportunity to have them review the decision, I wrote the Review Board an email. Funny thing actually- I decided to start an email and then had plans to talk to the State Department lady first to know what details to include to help my case. I went to save it in my Draft Folder and accidentally pushed send. Oops! Oh well! At least they know we want it reviewed and we can send details when they respond. LOL Too funny! At least I told them what I wanted and who I was. Technology bloopers can be so funny!
Here's the Email I received from the State Department on October 1st:

Dear Mrs. Seamons,
Your medical clearance review is complete.  Your case was discussed with Medical Clearances Medical Advisor, who recommends issuing a class 5 (domestic only) medical clearance until 4/2013 at which time your case can be re-evaluated.  This decision was made secondary to your continued medical treatment for the medical condition followed by Dr. Panwalkar.
Per 16 FAM211.2 (c), a class 5 clearance is issued to all who have a medical condition which is incapacitating or for which specialized medical care is best obtained in the United States.  Employees or eligible family members with a class 5 medical clearance may not be assigned outside of the United States.
If you have any questions you may contact me at      or at this email address.
You may request a review of this decision by requesting a file review by a three physician Medical Review Panel (MRP). If you wish to proceed with such review, please send an email to MEDMRP@state.gov .
Respectfully,
Sharon Mallory, RN
Nurse Consultant
Department of State
Office of Medical Clearances

The next couple days were filled with sadness and confusion. Answers to prayers can be so tricky. We know that we received the answer that we should take our family to Colombia. At least that's what we thought. Back at the end of last year, Colombia wasn't even an option. But we were looking for a new position and had asked the Lord to send us where He wanted us to go. Out of the blue, International called and offered us the Colombia position. Specifically in our prayers, we asked over and over again for His influence on those making the decision to put us where He would have us go. Then even after the offer, we took several days to think and pray about it and decided that that is where the Lord wanted us. BUT.. then we were diagnosed with Cancer. Are you freakin' kidding me??? Even then, after the initial shock, we felt like this is where the Lord would have us go, that we would beat the Cancer and do our best to go where God wants us regardless of obstacles that stand in our way.
Now this....
What does THIS mean? Brett and I have discussed a couple Scripture stories of answered prayers lately. And basically we are trying to decide what story our life resembles. One of the stories is about a man that asks over and over and over again for the same thing. And even though God says no, he repeatedly keeps asking until God says ok truly thinking he is doing a good thing. But the consequences of that action are life-altering (and not necessarily in a good way). The other story is of a man who is given an errand from the Lord. But then is thwarted by obstacles on every side. Others tell him he should give up but he will not. He will go and do what the Lord asked him- not matter what! And He does (after some pretty hard stuff) and the results is lives changed forever for the better!
So... what is OUR answer??? Is it-- "The answer is NO! Are you listening???" or is it "Work harder. Find a way!"? Frankly at this point, I don't know. Brett and I tried to talk about it but every conversation ended up in tears (me- not Brett) so we decided to let the dust settle a bit before we do anything. We haven't had a chance to talk to International yet so we're not sure what this would mean for Brett's position and the possibility of holding it any longer. So far they have been so patient and understanding. But there's gotta be a point where they just say "forget it", right?
Unfortunately for me, the Review Panel got back to us really fast, forcing me to face this sooner than I want to. But they got back to me quickly and the email looks encouraging so chin up, right?
Email from Review Panel on October 3rd:

Dear Ms. Seamons,
I am glad to initiate your request for a  Medical Review Panel (MRP) assessment of the medical clearance decisions made by MED/Clearances on your  Class 5 Clearance.    The following is a brief description of the process:
The Medical Review Panel process begins with a written request for an appeal of medical clearance to my office.   I will review the available electronic medical record and any other information provided for consideration.   Then a panel of three physicians who are familiar with living and working overseas will review the file and the request.  The panel makes a recommendation to the Medical Director, who makes a final decision on all cases.   The process normally takes about 7-10 days once all of the needed information and/or documentation are received.
 I will review your medical record in the next several days and contact you if additional information would be helpful.   If you have supplemental information you would like for the panel to consider, by all means, prepare something for them but please be brief-limit your explanation to one page if possible.  If you have questions regarding the reasons behind MED/Clearances decision, you should contact them directly at  MEDClearances@state.gov.  I would suggest that any supplemental information you desire the panel to consider also address those reasons, issues, or concerns raised by MED/Clearances.
I (we) look forward to working with you.
Sabrina R. Haas, MD

OR NOT! We were just getting our feet back under us to be able to call and see what we need to get to help our case when we received the next email. Let's just say that the shock, denial, sadness and confusion has turned to anger. I feel like I have done everything that I possibly could to be healthy and cancer-free so that our family could have this opportunity of a lifetime. It seems so unfair (and don't give me the "life's not fair" line cuz I don't really want to hear that this week) that I am in BETTER health now then I was before I was diagnosed but they won't clear us because some study says that Herceptin for a year is "recommended". It's such crap!!! Seriously! Everyone says a positive attitude is what beats cancer but these doctors are doing everything to ruin any positive outlook I have!!! Oh I know...Let's just keep her on a experimental drug that will cause heart failure so then we can deny her for that too! It's crap, I tell you! I know I am being unreasonable and not thinking straight but I am just SOOOOO freakin' mad!

Email from October 5th:

Good morning Mrs. Seamons,
I just left you a message at home to talk directly but wanted to give you some more information.  In speaking with the Medical Review Panel yesterday regarding your case, we cannot even panel your case or consider a Class 2 Clearance until you have completed your Herceptin (whether it be in November or later upon agreement with Dr. Panwalker) . At that point Medical Clearances will need an updated report from Dr. Panwalker  demonstrating completion of therapy and stability and with no evidence of cancer recurrence, as well as detailed summary of follow up imaging studies needed and frequency (MRI’s, CT scans) and  physician/ oncologist follow up.
I still am available to discuss your case in the meantime.
Thank you, Dr. Haas
Sabrina R. Haas, MD
Chief,Exam Clinic
Office of Medical Services
Department of State

October 9th:
Four days later, I have calmed down a little- and I mean a tiny little bit. My anger is more of sadness and frustration and ????? Who the heck knows! If someone could just tell me how to feel and what to do- that would be great! With Brett's insistence, we conference-called Dr. Haas to discuss a few things this morning. She was very kind but it wasn't exactly the phone call we were hoping for. We talked for a very long time and she threw out so much information that I'm not even sure what was all said but the main gist is this:
You only get one shot at a Review Panel. And they will NOT even begin a panel until I am completely done with treatment. And then I would need a very specific letter from Dr. Panwalker stating that I am finished with treatment, along with any future followups that are required including doctor checkups, MRI, scans, blood work, etc. Then, with all that information, the Review Panel would look at all the info, compare it to their guidelines and their medical opinions and if they feel any of the followup could even be done in Colombia and finally make a decision they feel would be best. So basically, it's still not a done deal but a "my life is in their hands" coin toss. ALSO-- If I quit Herceptin early (which I also have felt like was an answer to my prayers) and Dr. Panwalker doesn't agree, there is a good chance that the Review board would deny my case anyways for not following a doctor's recommendation. Screwed if you try not to ruin your heart/ screwed if you don't! I can't win!
She kept saying that they "want" people to be able to travel internationally but at this point my bad attitude has a different opinion!

October 10th (& into the 11th): 
Tonight and right into the morning, I had a long discussion/cry/scream with Brett to figure out our options. Let's just say, I don't handle conversations like this well. I feel helpless! First of all, I just want one other person to think that I should get off the Herceptin because it's what is best for me! But alas I am the only one. And it looks like it's the only way to even have an option to still go. Even then- I am totally confused at what God wants me to do? Why won't He just tell me. Cuz I would do it!
Even with my complete meltdown here on the blog, (cuz I actually have been pretty busy in real life), I do know God loves me! I really do and know that He has a plan and that it is way better than the one I have BUT I am so mad right now! I just can't see any direction or answer!!!

So as of this very early hour, (perhaps it is the lack of sleep? LOL) I have decided to keep taking Herceptin for the "doctor recommended" time and see what happens. Looks like we are here at least until April or until God tells us to move somewhere else.
Alright.... Enough blabbing for a lifetime so there you go! The Seamons' Colombian/ UnAnswered Prayers Drama!

Eating Pink

The Gills brought us a gift today. The kids were so excited for dinner! Thanks guys for thinking of us!

FM Breast Cancer Walk

Even with my "little" bit of Cancer, I wanted to figure out how to be part of the Breast Cancer Survivor Family. Well, it just so happened that up at the YMCA, they recently started promoting the  

http://fmbreastcancerwalk.org/

"Walkers will unite to raise awareness and funds for those affected by breast cancer, whether as a survivor or supporter. This three-mile walk will begin and end at West Acres Shopping Center." The proceeds from the Walk benefit LiveSTRONG at the YMCA and the Breast cancer Research Foundation. 

I am so grateful for the opportunity of participating in the LiveSTRONG program that I decided I wanted my family to be a part of the Walk. So we signed us up!

Of course, our family is always up for "Festive" dressing. Today was no different! We got PINK shirts as part of the Walker's fee but we also wore pink hats, pink shoelaces, Breast Cancer earrings, a pink Beauty Queen sash, pink boas and pink ribbon face tattoos  How cute are we??? We were told by one of the photographers that we were the best dressed family there! Modesty aside... I know! ;)

As soon as we signed in, found the Stephens (thanks guys for doing this with us!) and got our T-shirts, the kids ran to find Katelyn. They adore her! We took the chance to snap a picture with her. Oh my heavens- we are a good-lookin' crew!

Along with taking of our own pictures, there were a few Radio Stations at the Event. A couple of them took pictures of our group or family. We even made it onto the Popster 104.7fm website. Fun! Check us out here under "Loving Dad's Pink Hat" and "Mother's Day Crafts": 

http://www.1047popsterfm.com/powergallery/galleries/grid_lightbox/index.php?gallery=49;theme=light

We got to the Event a little early so we could "enjoy a variety of activities including games, stroller decorating, frame and button making, posing with your friend and family at our photo booth", and getting treats! The kids had a blast!

We tried to meet up with our LiveSTRONG buddies to get a group shot. Katelyn had to go out for the opening ceremony so we let her skip out. Caleb was M.I.A. as usual. LOL Nicole was at a Viking game with her boyfriend. Kiona was still sleeping. Jennifer never picked up her phone (good job, lady! LOL) but we did find Denise! Go Denise! So here's the group shot we got! I absolutely LOVE it! We are so funny!

http://www.memories-online.net/BreastCancerWalk2012 password: YMCA

Then it was time for the FM Breast Cancer Walk to begin! We went out for the end of the Opening Ceremony. They had a Survivor share her story and then we were off! Everyone walked through the archway decorated by Bras on Broadway and headed down the route. Our little group was the back of the pack. Partly because the boys were playing football in the Mall parking lot beforehand and mostly because we are very slow walkers! OR we could blame it on the 6 children. Whichever works for you! Joshua just said it was cuz we are "UNIQUE". LOL I love it! We did meet up with Denise somewhere along the trail so we got to cross the finish line with her and take a picture of all of us! Way to go, everyone! Awesome job!

Being the Walker caboose didn't have all disadvantages. Somehow we missed the sign directing us to the "shorter" version of the walk. Oops! So we decided to blaze our own trail aka "make up our own shortcuts" along the way. We cut across a couple fields and a playground. LOL It worked out good though cuz the little ones were dragging by the end and Robbie's feet were thanking us for shortening the trail!

Along the Walk route, we snapped a shot by a TEAM SHAY sign they had put up for the event! How fun! We even got to bring the sign home afterwards. Thanks again to the Stephens for participating with us! It was way fun to spend time with you! You guys are awesome friends!

Here's our cute PINK, Breast Cancer shoelaces! So fun!

Last but certainly NOT least, I had to share some pictures I got with my LiveSTRONG buddies! First, Robbie has been such an amazing Cancer Supporter for me. She has been there every step of the way. Thanks lady! Sure luv ya! You are awesome! Next, Denise walked in a Cancer Walk yesterday so she didn't think she'd make it to this one but at the last minute decided to come. I'm so glad she did! Robbie, Denise and I got to take a picture with BOB. So funny! Denise is such a great woman and a fellow Breast cancer Survivor! We got to chat quite a bit about our treatments while we walked. (She got to do part of her treatment in Hawaii!!! So fun for her but totally not fair! LOL) Then, just as we were leaving (in fact we were all in the van and I ran back in to get my TEAM SHAY sign), I ran into Jennifer and Denise. We decided to find Katelyn and grab a picture. AND get this--- Caleb was actually there! It's a miracle! So we got a fun group shot! The Cancer Survivors and our Trainers. How awesome is that????

What a fun day! I'm so glad we decided to participate! Thanks to Katelyn and all the YMCA staff that put in all the hard work to organized the Event. We loved it!
More of of Katelyn's Livestrong Pictures: https://plus.google.com/photos/111503550070915712854/albums/5785086979850704113?banner=pwa

Party in Pink

Back in  May, I went to my first meeting with the FM Breast Friends Support Group. It was a good experience but then... life diagnosed with breast cancer happened. I haven't been able to make it back until now. Tonight, Shawn Roehrich (Justice's last year teacher) picked me up and we headed uptown to the the HoDo Restaurant for a Party in Pink. The FM/BF group won a party at last year's Bras on Broadway event and saved it for now. In place of their monthly meeting, Pam and Lisa (co-founders of the group) wanted us to be able to get-together and enjoy each other and our survivorship  I was able to meet a couple more people so I'm glad I went. Thanks Shawn for going with me. It meant a lot!

CELEBRATION OF SURVIVORS!

Host : FM Breast Friends Support Group

When : Wednesday, October 3 at 6:00 PM

Where : Ho Do Lounge - Stokers Room

             101 Broadway

             Fargo, ND 58102

Message From Host : 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and a chance to Celebrate our status of Survivors! . We will not be having a Support Group Meeting in October - instead we have decided to treat you to a night and a chance to enjoy each other and Embrace the friendships that we share!

We hope all of you will join us for a fun night! Please wear Pink - we will be having a photograph taken at 6:45 pm   

They had a bar with a group tab and some amazing appetizers. Being almost the only one NOT drinking, I ordered a pitcher of lemonade. Which Shawn and I teased that they must have freshly squeezed since it took forever for them to get it! Who knew I could be such a difficult non-drinker! LOL All the ladies were so much fun to visit with. It is awesome to be able to swap stories with those that have experienced similar life adventures. 

We also got some group pictures. It was a lot of fun! Here's everyone in the group that made it up this evening. 

I'll POST this one when they send it out!

Then we did SURVIVOR pictures. There were too many of us so we broke up in smaller groups. Here's those of us that are 2 years and under Survivors! Aren't we cute?! 

LiveStrong Brochure

I have been really enjoying the LiveSTRONG Program at the YMCA. It has been fun to be brave enough to  go to the gym and get this--- actually workout! Wow! Are you surprised???? Can you believe that I just said it has been fun to work out! There must be something seriously wrong with me. OR maybe there's finally something seriously right with me. LOL
I have made some amazing friends in the Program. It's been a lot of fun to have October be Breast Cancer Awareness Month because it has given us many excuses to get together at the events. [And yes- I know it's only the beginning of the month] It feels like I am going to them with a big group of friends. I love it!
Also, our little group had the opportunity to help update the Fargo YMCA LiveSTRONG brochure. At one of our sessions, we took a little time to have the marketing director take pictures of us. We had a blast! We smiled, hugged, threw leaves at each other, hiked to the river in the freakin' cold, and even took some in the weight room. So much fun! But then again- I'm always up for having a camera around. It made my day!
Here's what the new brochure looks like. Isn't it so beautimus? Our whole group is on the back in the leaves including our amazing Trainer, Katelyn and our fun intern, Nicole. On the front, Katelyn's encouraging Denise and Jennifer to step it up and go faster on the bikes. (She's so mean! LOL) Then in the inside, there I am working out! See- there's even proof! Go me!
I'm so glad Robbie talked me into signing up and being brave enough herself to go with me. You are awesome! Wouldn't want to "GLOW" with anyone else. Luv ya, lady!

Here's some of the other fun shots we got during our photo shoot. Aren't we so cute?

 We went out to Island Park where we threw leaves in the air.

And then threw leaves at each other!

Then we walked over to the Red River. Nicole stuck her foot in the water. Silly girl!

Back in the weight room, Katelyn was such a hoot. She's such a great motivator and a ham for the camera. She should be a model. LOL We love her!

https://picasaweb.google.com/111503550070915712854/YMCA?locked=true#

What a fun experience! Thanks Katelyn for letting us be a part of it!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

It's amazing to me how easily things can escape your attention until you are forced to see them up-close and personal. For example, it can be as simple as deciding to buy  a certain kind of car. Then all of a sudden noticing them on every street and in every parking lot. I'm sure something like that has happened to you before, right? OR it can be as complicated as seeing PINK in every direction during the month of October after you are diagnosed with Breast Cancer. (Today is actually 6 months from my diagnosis. Can you believe that?)
I'm not completely blind so I'm sure I had seen PINK things in prior years but it had never crossed my mind that I should stop and contemplate what it really meant. So... what does the color pink, ribbons, October and Awareness mean to me now?
It means-
* My life will never be the same!
* Life is precious!
* I am worth fighting for!
* I am not alone!
* People care about each other!
* Even in the midst of trials, you should find an excuse to Party!

Happy Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

So next time you walk past a display full of pink ribbons, clever sayings and all sorts of pink attire- pause just for a moment for those who's life's have changed forever!

HAIR she comes to save the day!

I wasn't going to post about my hair growth until it was all grown back. You know- long and blonde and beautiful (and possibly curly). However, my decision about that was made without my knowledge of how very, very, very, very long it takes for hair to grow back!!! LOL But because I have had lots of hair growth since my B-Day in May [birthday, bald day, whatever you want to call it], I thought it appropriate that my hair gets it's proper salute now.
I've done a pretty good job of documenting things. Are you surprised by this???? LOL So without further ado, here's Chemo Girl's Hair Growth journey thus far.

{"Today, I think I will call myself..... Chemo Girl! LOL"}

Chemo Girl's Hair Growth on the top:

April 27: 1st round of Chemo
May 1st: Long, blonde hair
              Family cut my hair into boy cut
              Family shaved my head
May 18: 2nd round of Chemo
May 21st: It actually started to grow back. This is my GI Jane look
May 22: A patch started to fall out on the right side
May 26: Both sides started to thin
May 27: Hubby duck taped my head to remove the hair
May 28: All that was left was tiny black hairs
May 29: It looked like peach fuzz on top
May 30: Shaved whatever else I could.
***No more hair for a month and a half! :( ***
June 8: 3rd round of Chemo
June 29: 4th round of Chemo
July 30: Starting to see a tiny bit of hair growth
August 1: Surgery Day- My Cancer Patient Hairdo. LOL!
August 5: Baby hair
August 17: Looks really light
August 19: Starting to see a cowlick in the front
August 24: Starting to turn darker
August 31: The growth on the back of my neck is going crazy!
September 7: Pretty much stopped wearing my wig. I just wear hats when I go out.
September 14: My hair is starting to part in the opposite direction then it used to.
September 21: Getting pretty thick
September 28: The Justice look-a-like
October 5: Brett used the shaver to straightened out the back.

Chemo Girl's Hair Growth on the side and back

There you go! My Hair Growth Journey is far from complete but I am glad to have it cover my head again. Minor miracles- we'll take them!

Herceptin #8

I had my followup appointment with Panwalker today. The first thing, he said to me was " So what did you decide?" I had to laugh. He does a good job letting me think I am in charge. ;) I told him that I would schedule a couple more Herceptins but still am choosing to not take Tamoxifen at all. I figured that I might as well keep my doctor at least half way happy as long as I am here. However, I don't want to continue the Herceptin after we leave and definitely not into the new year. (I already hit my insurance maximum for the year. No reason to hit my maximum for 2013 with one round of Herceptin.) Other than that, he said everything looks great. He wants to see me back in 3 months or before we leave the country. 

Back in the Infusion Center, Samantha was my nurse for the day. She was a lot of fun and so sweet. She let me ramble on about my blog and even show her a couple of things on the iPad I borrowed. 

My stinky left hand veins did their usual. You think one will cooperate and then.... ha! Just Kidding! It disappears after you poke it. Dangit! The second time we did it more in my wrist and it worked like a charm. I don't know why they do that. Buggers! Besides that, the day was quick and uneventful. [Except dropping off the Chemo hats] I did get to visit with my Volunteer friend Becky. This is her last Friday up at the Center until next Summer. {Insert sad face}. I'm so glad I got to see her one more time. And... she got a job at a local Quilt shop so I'm positive I'll see her there some time! Yeah!
Here's my little bandaged hand after my visit:

And here's what my hand looked like a 3 days later. Kucky! I can't tell you how excited I will be when all the pokes and bruises are over!

Chemo Hats Service

Our Stake Relief Society had their annual Stake Women's Conference on September 14th. Every year, they plan a Service Project to participate in. Last year I helped with it and really enjoyed it. This year, Sister Z called me back in July to throw around ideas. At the time I was going through Chemotherapy. Obviously, baldness and chemo was on my brain (literally). I suggested that we could make Chemo hats. Even though it didn't go with their "theme" for the evening of service, Teri sent out an email to the women of the Stake with a few Chemo cap patterns that I had sent her.She let them know that if they wanted to make some, we would donate them to the Roger Maris Cancer Center in September. As the Friday night evening of service drew near, plans changed a bit and they did (along with lots of other things) make a few chemo caps that night. BUT sisters from all over the Stake had taken upon them the challenge in their spare time leading up to the Conference as well. It turns out that our LDS Fargo Stake Sisters had made 57 chemo hats to donate! How awesome is that?

Teri met me up at the Roger Maris Cancer Center to donate them this morning. So fun! As the weather is getting colder here in Fargo, we hope they will warm those that choose them as they are going through Chemo.

Here's the links that I sent to Teri back in July. 

"This is more of what I like to wear. I think they are the comfy-est and I can sleep in them or wear them out in public without people seeing my bald head. 

Head Huggers

Quick and Easy Fleece Beanie

Creative Kindness Easy Hat

Kindness Hat with lots of variations"

Hope Soars Cancer Dinner

At my LiveStrong class, they mentioned this Picnic that was being put on for Cancer Survivors and their families tonight out at Trollwood in Moorhead. Brett is out of town but Robbie offered that her family would go with me if I wanted to go. So.. we braved it. I'm so glad we went! It was a lot of fun. 

We met the Stephens there in time to see them blowing up the Hot Air Balloons. The kids were so excited! Unfortunately, the famous Fargo wind picked up and this is as high as they ever got them before they took them down. At least we got to see them. When we checked in, they had a drawing for a chance to win a ride on them at a later date. How cool would that be?

Inside, they had a few information booths from the embrace program @ Sanford Health. Everyone got a Livestrong bracelet and got to tie a ribbon on the hot air balloon (out of fabric) that will hang in the Sanford Hospital. They also had a guest speaker that is comical and sings beautifully. The kids were running like crazy out in the open field having a blast so we only heard the parts that she sang. But what a great way to celebrate survivorship then through humor and music!
For dinner, they had pulled perk sandwiches, beans, cookies and drinks. It was really good! Then we met up with some of my LiveStrong friends. Robbie, Liberty and I chatted with Denise and Kiona before they left. Liberty loves Denise! She thinks she is so funny! When the Stephens had to take off, the kids and I went to look for Katelyn (my awesome instructor) and Jennifer and her family. We took the chance to get a group shot. Glory hopped right into Katelyn's arms for the picture. How cute!

The kids absolute favorite part of the night was the Golf Cart ride back to the van! LOL They had them available at the door of the building and the guy offered. The temperature had dropped significantly and we had parked out pretty far so it actually worked out well. The kids giggled the whole time! One problem now though-- they all think we should buy a golf cart! LOL Silly kids! Thanks a lot Embrace and Sanford!

New Post of Duty Date

Brett talked to Kim Lappin, the Associate Director of International Operations for the IRS HQ, this week. She wanted an update about my health and our Cancer plan. Brett discussed it with her a bit and informed her that we had turned in all our physical papers to the State Department for review. We are hopeful that we are getting the ball rolling to get down South by the end of the year. We still feel like this is an opportunity that would be beneficial to our family and are way excited!!!
During their conversation Brett discovered that supposedly, work at the Embassy is pretty slow during the month of December. So, Kim said they will officially change our Post of Duty date to January 1st, 2013.

When Brett and I discussed it later, we talked about how great it would be to have a "slow" month to get settled, unpacked and get to know people. So if we get medically cleared, I would really like to be down there December 1st. I know that is coming really quickly but we have been waiting a LONG time to go. There's no reason for us to wait longer than we have to, dang-it! LOL
It just happened that Brett talked to Kim again today for something. He mentioned what we had hoped for and she said she didn't have a problem. So if we get cleared medically... we will be switching our Post of Duty Date it to December 1st. Crazy but so exciting!