Coming Soon

Hello All,

Here's a picture for you.

Treatment update and Christmas tree!

Over thanksgiving Rachel kindly pointed out that I don't update my blog very much. She's right. I'm going to be more on top of things from now on...

I started my Radiation and Chemotherapy treatments on December 1st. It was a long day. I went to work and also started my training on our new systems software. But there were problems with my pharmacy and insurance and Dr's office with regard to having the prescriptions filled and approved on time. I almost missed my Radiation treatment because it looked like I wasn't going to get my medication in time. I was late to Radiation, but the staff were friendly and honestly the treatment is painless. My MRI's were far more uncomfortable and annoying.

I had plans to have dinner with Josh that night and I had a craving for Thai so we went to Thai Basil. Now I read all the instructions on my medication before taking the pills, but I overlooked the part about how I should only have 5 small meals a day. I ate way too much Thai food and ended up waking up at 3am this morning to be sick. so, I have to be more careful and follow instructions completely, but I believe I will do fine on this treatment.

I got a small tree for our house because I love the smell of a fresh tree, but it was much harder for me to decorate a noble fir than I had expected. Growing up we always had the Douglas fir, but I think I still did a pretty good job.



I also stopped by late this afternoon at the Children's Home and saw some of my old friends and coworkers. It was a nice visit. I really miss them and some of the work that I did while I was a part of the team.

California Academy of Sciences-Awesome!

So Julie and I went to the new museum in Golden Gate Park on Monday November 10. It was completely PACKED with other anxious visitors like ourselves. Well worth the money, and by far the best museum I've been to in a long time. We were able to see the Planetarium (got in the nick of time) and the 3D Bug show which was quite fun as well. Here are some pictures. I stayed one night at a Hotel called Hotel Carlton and it felt more like a B&B than a hotel because it was void of your typical sterile hotel decor. Infused with art, culture, and pictures from around the world, it was quite the treat.


And here's a view from the room..you can see it through the screen!



For Susie, a Tomato Frog:


For Clay, a Giant Stuffed Bear!!


My favorite, the Phirana:


Just so you know, there are lots more pictures, and this museum boasts a Rainforest, Aquarium, Planetarium, and Living Roof. There is so much to see! Here's Julie and I being silly:



One shot from the Aquarium:

A Party To Remember

So, though my best buddy got hurt on her way to the airport and couldn't make it for the big event, it still went off without a hitch. I was so happy to see the friends that I've missed while I was away. We had laughs, good food, good beer and other beverages, and good times. I was surprised that everyone fit in the house. I hadn't had a large party since I lived in midtown, and that unit was actually smaller. Anyway, here are some pics from the night. Thanks again to everyone who came, and those who couldn't--you were missed!!

Paula, Jessica and I (Above) Charlie too...


And here's Katie (holding meagan) Faye, Kristen, and Amanda (below)

And a picture of one of my cakes! That's right, there were two!! Paula made me a homemade red velvet cake! So tasty! This picture is of the one from Costco

Jeff and Clay discuss something very serious:

Jennifer, Christina, Laura and Kirk, manning the food table.


So we all had lots of fun. Some of us even played our favorite drawing game (kind of like pictionary and telephone combined). Here's to many more years!

Pacific Beach and Visit With Shannon

Finally made it to the beach, and it was a beautiful day in the little town of PB.




A little idea of the shops around PB at Garnet and Cass streets:


And my long lost friend from High School happened to be out on a trip with her husband to Anaheim for an optometrist convention and she came to San Diego for a nice visit. So good to see her and the boys. I didn't get a picture of her little tot Jude who is incredibly cute at the age of 3 who had a blast playing with Miss Pickles.


And guess what? I am posting this blog from MY HOME IN SACRAMENTO! That's right...I'm baaaaack! Just got home at 4 this afternoon. It feels nice to be in a place that feels like my home but it feels a little strange too after being gone for so long.

I'm Radioactive

Well I'm not uptight
Not unattracted
Turn me on tonight
Cause I'm radioactive


Today I went to the Radiation Oncologist in La Jolla for the injection of the radioactive isotope. It felt quite bizarre. I could feel the injection of the needle and syringe as it filled the balloon in my skull with liquid. Not many can say they know what it feels like to have something poured into your head! It was a little awkward and uncomfortable but not really painful. Then to mu delightful surprise my Neurosurgeon removed the staples from my head as well.

So, right now I'm dangerous. More dangerous than usual. My family cannot come within 3 feet of me. I can't go near Miss Pickles. I can't go near any small children or animals. I'm surprised that I'm no danger to myself! As you'll see from the pics below, my uncle thought that to further protect himself I might want to wear a hat...



Come Wednesday next week the radioactive isotope will be removed, and somewhere near the end of the month I will have the surgical procedure to remove the balloon and catheter.

All in all, I am enjoying myself very much in San Diego. It's nice to have my family by my side and to just focus on recovery. I'm already 50 pages away from finishing the 3rd book in the Twilight Series, a series I'd only just begun before I arrived in San Diego. I intend to make it to the beach while I'm here just to relax, and I intend to hop around town whenever possible. I'm told to stay away from Tijuana. Here's a pic of my room at my Uncles' house:



Miss you all. Thank you for the cards and well-wishes and for all the pretty flowers. They've really made each day here that much more special. I hear there is supposed to be some hip party when I return....
In the meantime- I love this picture of my head bandages after the surgery.

I am feeling great

I wanted to upload some pictures but that will have to wait for another time.

I feel so relieved to be out of surgery. All went really well, and I have been impressed. My surgeon is quite satisfied with the procedure.

I'm now at my uncle Kevin's house in San Diego recovering. I have my own cute little room upstairs that has windows that look out over the canyon. My bed is very soft and comfortable and I'm taking all my meds as instructed.

I have a couple of appointments in the near future, just next week. I've still got to get the radioactive material placed in the balloon that is inside my brain/skull. I believe it stays in for about 5 days. Kinda freaky but I've got to trust the doctor.

I'll be home soon and I look forward to seeing you all.