catching up

On my 25th birthday, with my brother's dog, Chance. :)


In Livingston, Montana last September.

I am sorry that so much time passes between entries. I always have the good intention of writing reguarly, but somehow fall off track. A lot has gone on in the past few weeks, some good news and some bad. So, I'll update you all now.

I believe I had spoken too soon after my last entry. When I said that I was feeling great, I have to admit that by that evening, I began to feel the effects of the chemo. My body started to ache more than it did on the other medicine. The fatigue was something I could not seem to overcome and I slept for the better part of almost two weeks. I hated the way I felt on the Taxol.

Not only did I have the discomfort that came with starting this medicine, I also developed a pilonidal cyst. This caused me excruciating pain and I ended up in the hospital because of it. This pain was so intense that I couldn't walk, sit, or lay down without taking percocet every 2 hours. And that hardly took the edge off the pain. Just to touch it caused instant tears. I had to go under general anesthesia and have it surgerically drained. While I was in the hospital, I was then given an IV of antibiotics throughout the night and into the morning. I didn't eat for 2 days and was put on a liquid diet during my stay there. Happy to say that it seems to be healing pretty well and I'm no longer in pain. :)

On the bright side, because of the open wound and the potential problems it could cause due to my immune deficiency, they postponed my chemo that I was to have on June 17th to June 30th. This was SUCH a relief because I was dreading starting chemo again two days after getting out of the hospital. Not only that, but it took so much out of me the last time, I never really felt like I recovered. But everyday, I feel better and better! I can't wait until I have my 8th and final treatment.. I just want to feel like myself again!

And best of all, my mom is here!! :) She arrived on June 16th (with the hopes of sitting through my chemo with me..however, I'm relieved that I get to feel good and not tired and sick during her 10 day stay here in St. Paul!) We've been getting out and doing all kinds of stuff which has been good for me. :) We've gone to the zoo, on a paddleboat ride up the Mississippi River, to Duluth (and got to see Lake Superior for the first time), to the Mall of America, had a few picnics in the park....I really wish she didn't have to leave but I will see her again in September when I have my surgery. On July 3rd she will be attending a fundraiser for me. :)

Speaking of the fundraiser, anyone in the Bangor/Calais/St. Stephen areas who would like to attend the benefit:

Spaghetti Dinner

--Holy Rosary Church, St. Stephen, New Brunswick

--July 3rd from 3-5 p.m. (Eastern time) or 4-6 p.m. (Atlantic time for my Canadian friends :)

--Ticket prices: $15 per adult or $10 for children 10 and under

--Tickets are available at Stuart's Gifts in St. Stephen, N.B. (25 Milltown Blvd) or call (506)921-0581 to speak with Katelyn.

-My mom will be selling 50/50 tickets at the door! There will also be a silent auction with prizes generously donated from local businesses! Prizes include: a $120 gift card from Beyond Bronz tanning, a $50 gift basket from Sea of Tranquility, and a free haircut from Rumours Hair Salon..as well many other items! :)

**If you can't make it to the fundraiser, but are interested in donating, please contact Katelyn or myself (e-mail: annmdweber@yahoo.com) to recieve information on where to send your donation! Any help is greatly appreciated!

Other than that, things are going well, just busy! I want to apologize to anyone who hasn't heard back from me in the past few weeks. I haven't forgotten about you, I promise! Things will start to slow down again for me this week, but just know that I love you. :)

Positives:

My mom is here. :)

Having both Alan and my mom here at the same time is awesome!!

No chemo!

The fundraiser is raising money and is such a huge help!