Best Birthday Ever!

My past two birthdays weren't much fun at all.  Two years ago I was in a lot of pain from radiation for the colon cancer, and that summer I spent a few weeks in the hospital.  I remember the awful pain that my inflamed and irritated intestines caused!  You can read what I wrote here.
Last summer, I was getting a harsh chemo combo for a second cancer, unrelated to the first.  I was sick and so tired I could hardly get out of bed.  You can read what I wrote that day here. (Re-reading that just brought tears to my eyes!  I can remember exactly how awful I felt.)
In that last post I wrote that I told my family we were going to make up for my 2 missed birthdays this year--by going to Duluth!  And we did just that!  We had so much fun!  We stayed just 2 nights, but we made lots of memories.  Rachel, her husband and 2 sons, Alyssa, and her hubby, and Shonna were all there.  It was so much fun to see my grandsons experience the waves of Lake Superior for the first time!  We also went to the Zoo and Enger Tower, and spent time just hanging out in Canal Park.  I was tired, sore and sunburned, but oh, so happy! 

Duluth is such a special place for us:  Rich and I went there on our honeymoon (nearly 27 years ago!); Rachel and Ken were married there (at Enger Tower); Jaren proposed to Alyssa there (again at Enger Tower!).  Shonna once said she wanted to get married at Enger Tower, but says her sister stole that idea! :) (Enger Tower is a stone tower that has about 5 stories.  It is in a park above the city of Duluth and the views of the city and lake are amazing!  There are gardens and a gazebo there too.)
Tomorrow I have another Herceptin infusion.  After this I'll only have one left!  Aug. 15th is my last one!  The week before I will have my ct scan and labs done, then I'll see my onc. on the 15th before my infusion.  So close!
We'll be moving Shonna back to Kansas City, Mo around the 6th of Aug.  She is moving into a house that is owned my a woman who rents out rooms to girls at IHOPU.  She'll have her own bedroom and bath, and use of the rest of the kitchen and living areas of the house.  Somehow we have to get her twin bed down there--not sure how yet!  It might fit in the van--Rich has to measure it.  I'm not looking forward to having her leave again, although I do enjoy watching her be a responsible young adult!
God has been so amazing to me and blessed me with so much.  I am continuing to learn so much about Him, and myself.  I've got a lot left to learn--but thankfully God has an endless supply of grace and mercy!
Blessings!!
Tina

Letting Others Write My Blog

I've read a couple of very good blog posts lately, and instead of writing my version of them, I am going to include links to them so you can read them yourselves.
First, read this writer's take on the new cdc report about colon cancer screening: Michellwillwin
Then, read this post from Ann about things you should and shouldn't say to people with cancer (and her snarky responses).  Ann is a great writer, and is able to talk about tough subjects with her always present sense of humor: butdoctorihatepink
And then, for an update on my grandsons, you can read about them here: loveissugarfree
These are all well written, easy reads.  Please check them out!

As for me, life has been GREAT.  I have been busy with my kids and grandkids, having lunch with friends, and helping my mom with some doctor appointments.  I have 2 Herceptin infusions left, and then I am DONE. SOON!!  In mid August I will have a MUGA scan for my heart and a chest/abdomen/pelvic ct scan to make sure I am still clear of cancer.  Then, I will see my onc., and have my final Herceptin.  Oh, and a bunch of blood tests too.  I think after that I won't have to see my oncologist for 6 months.  Won't that be wonderful?!?!
Near my birthday this month we are going up to Duluth for a few days.  Last year on my birthday I told everyone to plan to spend a few days with me in Duluth this year.  My girls, their 2 husbands, and my 2 grandsons will all be up there with Rich and I.  I had been getting treatment for cancer the past 2 summers, so I really wanted to do something fun this year!
We all feel so blessed.  God has been good to us!
Hope all are enjoying the summer--around here it'll be gone too soon!
Tina