Mom update!

Hello! So mom is almost done with round 3 of chemo, and this is what I know so far:

She is absolutely adorable in her hat (and of course adorable all other times as well).

She has gotten more used to the chemo by balancing rest with activities.

She is joking and gardening more.

She has had the following symptoms: some nausea, but not as bad as the other 2 rounds; fatigue, some skin sores, hip muscle pain (MD says it's from the chemo), facial swelling, drowsiness from the pain medications, runny nose.

Her blood work is normal. Thank God!

She will have a PET scan before the next round.

She is DOING MORE HOBBIES (scrap booking, sewing, and she is very hopeful about the recipes we're going to make during the holidays).

She is STRONG!

She is SUPPORTED by so many wonderful people.

AND...

She is      LOVED      more than she will ever know!

If I think of more, I will update! Love to all!

<3 Heather

Oregon Trip

Kev recommended we take a quick trip to visit his family and friends up in Oregon.  I didn't want to leave mom but knew a little break away from here would be nice so I accepted his offer :) It was a MUCH needed trip!  We did a lot of stuff in the 4 days we were there.

First day we got into Portland at 9am, rented a car, and headed to have breakfast with his brother Craig and nephew Carter.  Then we headed to the coast, Lincoln City, and stayed at Chinook Winds Resort and Casino.  When we got there I took a much needed nap while Kev went to throw his money away ( I mean gamble :) )  After my nap and Kev's gambling session, and walked on the beautiful beach right near our hotel around sunset.  Then we went to a nice dinner place, called Kyllos (They had the BEST fish and chips I've ever had! Definitely heading there again the next time we go back :) )

Then after we headed to the outlet malls, back to the casino for more gambling, and then the jacuzzi after.  Did I mention our hotel was literally on the beach?  We left the windows open so we could hear the waves crashing all night.  I think I'm gonna add buying a beach house to my bucket list now :)

Day 2- We headed back to Portland, hung out and Craig and Jenn's place till the evening, then headed to the Timber's game.  Kev was super excited to go to the game while me and Jenn were just fixated on Starbucks and people watching.  Craig was down on the field taking photos of the game (he is the Timber's team photographer).

Day 3- We woke up and then went to go hang out with Kevin's dad to watch his stepson's football game. After the game we went shopping around Portland.  Kev bought another gun.  He was like a kid at Disneyland.  I will never get the obsession with men and guns, and I don't think I'm gonna try either :)

Later on, the ducks football game was on TV.  Kevin invited some old friends and their kids over to watch.  About 30 minutes into the game,  his sister Ali, surprised us by coming into town a few days earlier then she had planned.  It was the first time I had met her and we all had lots of fun that night!

Day 4-  The girls (Jenn, Ali, Kathy, and I) went to Hawthorne street, while Craig and Kevin went out into the woods to shoot their guns.  We had some yummy Thai food and walked around looking at the unique shops and strange people of Portland.  I now know why the motto of that city is "Keep Portland Weird"  I LOVED it!

Then we all got back to the house, had Kev's family over for dinner.  (Also met his other sister, Lisa, for the first time)  I can't believe it's almost been 4 years to finally meet all of his family.

Me and Kevin then headed to his grandparents' house and hung out there for a few hours.  It was nice to have one on one time with them.  They are so darn cute!  His grandfather is the best story teller and his grandmother is absolutely adorable.  I can see they are still in love with each other.  I told Kev I want to be like them when we get old.  He smiled and agreed.

So all in all, we did a lot with our small vacation =)

I am fine!!

Mom's second round has been pretty good all in all.  She just had that one week of not feeling so hot, then the last couple weeks she's been acting herself for the most part (still exhausted at times though).


The other day I was hanging out at my parent's house and I come walking up the driveway and see my mom in the yard raking leaves.  Dad is over in the corner saying, "Janet, go inside! I don't want you to get sick."  I am saying something of a similar thing, and mom just replies, "Oh I am fine you guys!"

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine. " ~Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book


She has been keeping busy with the yard work, sewing baby blankets, and organizing family photos to start scrapbooking.  I love seeing her do the things she loves!  


Mom has round 3 of chemo starting this monday.  I hope it goes as smoothly as round 2 has been.  After this 3rd round, the doctor plans on ordering another PET scan.  Let's all pray for GREAT results everyone!