OMG! I just had to write a quick post...
So my friend Kari asked me if I had received her housewarming gift yet, and I remembered that I had a note in my mailbox saying that I had a package at my apartment office. This morning I finally picked it up and she had found me the most badass cane with a dragon head and ruby red eyes! Though the coolest part... wait for it... is a real dagger hidden in the handle! We decided that it is going to save me both from falling over and from fighting off the Fiddletown Ninjas :)
Thanks a million Kari! Your concern for my safety and style are truly heartwarming!
xoxo,
Laurie, the Badass
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
What a friggin roller coaster this life is!
Hi everyone!
I'm going to apologize upfront for all of the exclamation points and smiley faces that will likely be in this posting.
I had an MRI last week to determine if my new treatments with Avastin are having any effect on my tumor and the results far exceeded my expectations :) I was hoping that the treatments would stop the rapid growth of my tumor, but had prepared myself for it to have little effect. Instead, I got an amazing voicemail message from my doctor Friday night saying that he was away at a conference, but he had gotten the test results and it said that it "showed improvement." He didn't go into any further detail, but that definitely got me super excited and allowed my parents and me to look forward to our appointment with the doctor today rather than dread it, not knowing what to expect.
The report is all written in doctor talk, but I can pick out some parts of it that I figure are good news: "The anterior posterior dimension... now measures approximately 30mm as compared to 53mm on prior MRI obtained in 7/21/10. The right parietal lobe no longer shows signal abnormality." I don't know about you, but something in that sounds pretty good to me :) "...degree of enhancement [has] markedly decreased since the last MRI." The doctor explained to us that what this means is that the brighter the tumor shows up on the MRI, the more activity it has in it. So this is saying that the tumor is less bright, therefore has less activity than before, therefore hopefully we're kicking its butt!
The one issue I have with the report is where it says, "Brain volume loss is noted." Hmmm, thanks guys, so you're shrinking my tumor, and my brain as well... fantastic! My doctor explained that brain shrinkage is normal as we age, but come on, in 6 weeks?!?! Really???
I also had my 4th treatment of Avastin today which went just fine, just like the others. I'm still trying to get used to my new brace. I'm walking a lot better with it, but I'm still pretty clumsy. I can tell I'm already losing muscle mass in that leg, but I'm hoping the physical therapist will give me some exercises to help me get stronger when I see her next week.
This weekend I looked for a cool cane in a few antique stores, but haven't found the right one yet. I've got a couple leads on some stores that may have the right one though, so I'll keep you updated on the Great Cane Caper :)
This Saturday I'm going to have a garage sale at my friends, Supriya and Jeremy's house, hopefully selling a ton of the junk I've collected over the years. Between the garage sale and donations, I'm trying to get rid of about 50% of my stuff so I won't have too much to move to Fiddletown on Sunday. It actually feels really good to go against my hoarding tendencies and simplify my life. I'm getting rid of 20 pairs of pants and probably about the same number of pairs of shoes. It's very liberating! I've already taken down most of my pictures and filled in the holes. I think this is the most prepared I've ever been to move. I'm nervous about moving to Fiddletown, I think for obvious reasons, but I'm also really excited about it. I love hanging out with my parents and every time I visit them, I always wish I didn't have to leave, and now I won't have to :) I think as long as I am able to keep myself busy, volunteering, visiting friends and working on rehabbing my leg, it'll be a great move for me. I plan on working on a few hobbies, helping my dad finish the room downstairs and perfecting a few cookie recipes to maybe start selling.
I have been reading the book, Johnny Got His Gun, about a soldier in WWI who had both of his arms and legs amputed, was left deaf from an explosion near him and had most of his face torn off leaving him blind and without a lower jaw or nose. It's really putting things into perspective for me... ok, I guess it could be worse :) I've been living with a brain tumor for nearly 9 years! I've had VERY few side effects from my treatments and VERY few physical complications from it. Until recently, I was working full-time and living independently. I have the world's most amazing family and friends and doctors and I really couldn't feel more loved and taken-care-of than I have been. I know I'm getting all mushy, but this has been a really great day and I've had a very fortunate life so far.
Ok, it is way past my bedtime and I need to read some more of my book so my brain quits shrinking. Hugs and kisses to you all!
Laurie ;-)
I'm going to apologize upfront for all of the exclamation points and smiley faces that will likely be in this posting.
I had an MRI last week to determine if my new treatments with Avastin are having any effect on my tumor and the results far exceeded my expectations :) I was hoping that the treatments would stop the rapid growth of my tumor, but had prepared myself for it to have little effect. Instead, I got an amazing voicemail message from my doctor Friday night saying that he was away at a conference, but he had gotten the test results and it said that it "showed improvement." He didn't go into any further detail, but that definitely got me super excited and allowed my parents and me to look forward to our appointment with the doctor today rather than dread it, not knowing what to expect.
The report is all written in doctor talk, but I can pick out some parts of it that I figure are good news: "The anterior posterior dimension... now measures approximately 30mm as compared to 53mm on prior MRI obtained in 7/21/10. The right parietal lobe no longer shows signal abnormality." I don't know about you, but something in that sounds pretty good to me :) "...degree of enhancement [has] markedly decreased since the last MRI." The doctor explained to us that what this means is that the brighter the tumor shows up on the MRI, the more activity it has in it. So this is saying that the tumor is less bright, therefore has less activity than before, therefore hopefully we're kicking its butt!
The one issue I have with the report is where it says, "Brain volume loss is noted." Hmmm, thanks guys, so you're shrinking my tumor, and my brain as well... fantastic! My doctor explained that brain shrinkage is normal as we age, but come on, in 6 weeks?!?! Really???
I also had my 4th treatment of Avastin today which went just fine, just like the others. I'm still trying to get used to my new brace. I'm walking a lot better with it, but I'm still pretty clumsy. I can tell I'm already losing muscle mass in that leg, but I'm hoping the physical therapist will give me some exercises to help me get stronger when I see her next week.
This weekend I looked for a cool cane in a few antique stores, but haven't found the right one yet. I've got a couple leads on some stores that may have the right one though, so I'll keep you updated on the Great Cane Caper :)
This Saturday I'm going to have a garage sale at my friends, Supriya and Jeremy's house, hopefully selling a ton of the junk I've collected over the years. Between the garage sale and donations, I'm trying to get rid of about 50% of my stuff so I won't have too much to move to Fiddletown on Sunday. It actually feels really good to go against my hoarding tendencies and simplify my life. I'm getting rid of 20 pairs of pants and probably about the same number of pairs of shoes. It's very liberating! I've already taken down most of my pictures and filled in the holes. I think this is the most prepared I've ever been to move. I'm nervous about moving to Fiddletown, I think for obvious reasons, but I'm also really excited about it. I love hanging out with my parents and every time I visit them, I always wish I didn't have to leave, and now I won't have to :) I think as long as I am able to keep myself busy, volunteering, visiting friends and working on rehabbing my leg, it'll be a great move for me. I plan on working on a few hobbies, helping my dad finish the room downstairs and perfecting a few cookie recipes to maybe start selling.
I have been reading the book, Johnny Got His Gun, about a soldier in WWI who had both of his arms and legs amputed, was left deaf from an explosion near him and had most of his face torn off leaving him blind and without a lower jaw or nose. It's really putting things into perspective for me... ok, I guess it could be worse :) I've been living with a brain tumor for nearly 9 years! I've had VERY few side effects from my treatments and VERY few physical complications from it. Until recently, I was working full-time and living independently. I have the world's most amazing family and friends and doctors and I really couldn't feel more loved and taken-care-of than I have been. I know I'm getting all mushy, but this has been a really great day and I've had a very fortunate life so far.
Ok, it is way past my bedtime and I need to read some more of my book so my brain quits shrinking. Hugs and kisses to you all!
Laurie ;-)
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Little Nugget
Ok, so I just remembered a funny story that I think most of you will get a kick out of...
I went to my friend Barbara's wedding shower last weekend. Barbara and most of her friends are volleyball players, as in, played in college & still play, really good volleyball players. So Barbara is the shortest of them, at 5'10"! I kinda forgot about this at the shower cuz we were all sitting, eating and playing wedding shower games. Well, the team that I was on for one of the games wanted to take a picture with Barbara, so we all stood up and I felt like an elf in the land of giants! There were 4 amazingly tall, beautiful women surrounding my 5'2" ass! I looked like their mascot :)
I was on my way home from the shower & talking to my sister on the phone about it and I told her my Short Laurie story (because she can totally relate... she's the tall one in our family at 5'3"). For those of you who know who Chelsea Handler is, she's a comedian and has her own show with a "little person" as her side kick named Chuy, but she lovingly refers to him as her "Little Nugget". So Dena said that I was Barbara's Little Nugget. Thanks Sis! Love ya too :)
I went to my friend Barbara's wedding shower last weekend. Barbara and most of her friends are volleyball players, as in, played in college & still play, really good volleyball players. So Barbara is the shortest of them, at 5'10"! I kinda forgot about this at the shower cuz we were all sitting, eating and playing wedding shower games. Well, the team that I was on for one of the games wanted to take a picture with Barbara, so we all stood up and I felt like an elf in the land of giants! There were 4 amazingly tall, beautiful women surrounding my 5'2" ass! I looked like their mascot :)
I was on my way home from the shower & talking to my sister on the phone about it and I told her my Short Laurie story (because she can totally relate... she's the tall one in our family at 5'3"). For those of you who know who Chelsea Handler is, she's a comedian and has her own show with a "little person" as her side kick named Chuy, but she lovingly refers to him as her "Little Nugget". So Dena said that I was Barbara's Little Nugget. Thanks Sis! Love ya too :)
New Wheels :)
I finally saw a physical therapist yesterday and she confirmed what I pretty much had already figured out... my left foot is mostly useless at this point. Walking has become REALLY hard lately and it's been keeping me from doing a lot of things that I normally wouldn't think twice about. The other day I was SLOWLY making my way to my car in the Costco parking lot and this cart-getter-boy offered to carry me to my car :) How cute is that? Anyway, that should give you an idea how very obvious my disability is now (not to mention what a hottie I've managed to stay throughout this whole ordeal, lol!)
The good news is that the physical therapist hooked me up with a brace that has me up and running (figuratively speaking) again :) It is a single piece of hard plastic that runs from the ball of my foot, up the back of my ankle and almost up to the back of my knee where it has a velcro strap that goes around my calf. It really helps me keep my ankle flexed and toes up so that they aren't dragging anymore. I actually went for a little walk around my apartment complex last night and am practicing how to walk normally again. After 2 months of limping, my hips don't know what the heck is going on! I think after a little more practice I should be walking like a big girl again :)
So I have tickets to watch the Giants beat the Dodgers tonight, and I was very tempted to cancel on my friends I'm going with because there's so much walking involved in going to a game, but I think I can do it now :) With my new wheels, I feel a lot more confident about getting around!
I'll try to write again later this week, but if not I will definitely post after my appointment next Monday with my oncologist when I'll be getting the results of the MRI I had 2 days ago. This is my first MRI since starting on my new medication, and it will pretty much let us know if the medication is working or if we'll have to move on to plan... what are we on now... D? E? Keep your fingers crossed for me... I'm pretty scared about this one.
Hugs & kisses to you all :)
Laurie
The good news is that the physical therapist hooked me up with a brace that has me up and running (figuratively speaking) again :) It is a single piece of hard plastic that runs from the ball of my foot, up the back of my ankle and almost up to the back of my knee where it has a velcro strap that goes around my calf. It really helps me keep my ankle flexed and toes up so that they aren't dragging anymore. I actually went for a little walk around my apartment complex last night and am practicing how to walk normally again. After 2 months of limping, my hips don't know what the heck is going on! I think after a little more practice I should be walking like a big girl again :)
So I have tickets to watch the Giants beat the Dodgers tonight, and I was very tempted to cancel on my friends I'm going with because there's so much walking involved in going to a game, but I think I can do it now :) With my new wheels, I feel a lot more confident about getting around!
I'll try to write again later this week, but if not I will definitely post after my appointment next Monday with my oncologist when I'll be getting the results of the MRI I had 2 days ago. This is my first MRI since starting on my new medication, and it will pretty much let us know if the medication is working or if we'll have to move on to plan... what are we on now... D? E? Keep your fingers crossed for me... I'm pretty scared about this one.
Hugs & kisses to you all :)
Laurie
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Happy Labor Day :)
Hi Everyone!
I hope you all had a nice, relaxing Labor Day weekend :) I went to Fiddletown (big surprise) for a couple nights and enjoyed the slightly cooler weather than we've been having in Sac and the amazingly beautiful nights. Horch (my adorable dog for those of you not familiar with him) absolutely loves it up there. It's just about the only place I'll let him off a leash so he gets to go hunting out piles of deer poop to feast on. I try to discourage it, but apparently it's a real delicacy. I've heard that it is a favorite appetizer from many other dog owners. A few weeks ago I had Horch shaved so that his hair is really short now and he looks like a little puppy. I'll post a picture soon, but I don't have one right now... my camera's not working :(
I had my 3rd treatment of Avastin today. Everything went just fine again. I'm not real fond of the IV's, but I guess I can put up with it if this stuff is working. Speaking of that, I have an MRI scheduled for next Monday and an appointment with my doctor for the following Monday, 9/20 to get the results of the MRI to see if it has had any affect on my tumor. I'm super crazy nervous about it, but I'm trying not to worry about it and just keeping myself busy. My leg hasn't gotten any better, but it also hasn't gotten any worse. My oncologist just referred me to the physical therapy department so they can hopefully get me some kind of brace and teach me some exercises to keep my leg as strong as possible. I'm SUPER clumsy and kinda look drunk when I walk, but I think a brace that can help me flex my foot would really help my stumbling. I'm also thinking about getting a pimped out cane to make me more stable... something Snoop Dogg style with a cool brass handle and maybe a snake design carved into the shaft. On second thought, since I'm moving to Fiddletown, maybe it would be more appropriate if I whittled it myself while smoking a corn cob pipe .
Quick update on the boys, Mason & Skyler. They are now moved into their apartment in Davis and are trying to get used to the overwhelming amount of homework that comes along with college. We never made it past the fried eggs in terms of cooking lessons, but I kinda invited myself over this Thursday to finally make that curry dish with them. I'm pretty sure Mason will like it, he loves Indian food, but I'm not sure about Skyler, I'm thinking he's not super fond of veggies... I guess we'll find out! Apparently Mason has already been practicing some cooking on his own and it sounds like he's determined to become a great cook. He just needs a few pointers, but he's a very willing student. I'm so proud of him!
Ok, once again, it's past my bedtime. Horch is already snoring, so that usually let's me know that it's time to turn the lights off.
Hugs & kisses to everyone!
Laurie
I hope you all had a nice, relaxing Labor Day weekend :) I went to Fiddletown (big surprise) for a couple nights and enjoyed the slightly cooler weather than we've been having in Sac and the amazingly beautiful nights. Horch (my adorable dog for those of you not familiar with him) absolutely loves it up there. It's just about the only place I'll let him off a leash so he gets to go hunting out piles of deer poop to feast on. I try to discourage it, but apparently it's a real delicacy. I've heard that it is a favorite appetizer from many other dog owners. A few weeks ago I had Horch shaved so that his hair is really short now and he looks like a little puppy. I'll post a picture soon, but I don't have one right now... my camera's not working :(
I had my 3rd treatment of Avastin today. Everything went just fine again. I'm not real fond of the IV's, but I guess I can put up with it if this stuff is working. Speaking of that, I have an MRI scheduled for next Monday and an appointment with my doctor for the following Monday, 9/20 to get the results of the MRI to see if it has had any affect on my tumor. I'm super crazy nervous about it, but I'm trying not to worry about it and just keeping myself busy. My leg hasn't gotten any better, but it also hasn't gotten any worse. My oncologist just referred me to the physical therapy department so they can hopefully get me some kind of brace and teach me some exercises to keep my leg as strong as possible. I'm SUPER clumsy and kinda look drunk when I walk, but I think a brace that can help me flex my foot would really help my stumbling. I'm also thinking about getting a pimped out cane to make me more stable... something Snoop Dogg style with a cool brass handle and maybe a snake design carved into the shaft. On second thought, since I'm moving to Fiddletown, maybe it would be more appropriate if I whittled it myself while smoking a corn cob pipe .
Quick update on the boys, Mason & Skyler. They are now moved into their apartment in Davis and are trying to get used to the overwhelming amount of homework that comes along with college. We never made it past the fried eggs in terms of cooking lessons, but I kinda invited myself over this Thursday to finally make that curry dish with them. I'm pretty sure Mason will like it, he loves Indian food, but I'm not sure about Skyler, I'm thinking he's not super fond of veggies... I guess we'll find out! Apparently Mason has already been practicing some cooking on his own and it sounds like he's determined to become a great cook. He just needs a few pointers, but he's a very willing student. I'm so proud of him!
Ok, once again, it's past my bedtime. Horch is already snoring, so that usually let's me know that it's time to turn the lights off.
Hugs & kisses to everyone!
Laurie
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