2010 Summer Run

This year we had 101 team members and raised over $8,000 toward finding a cure!! We had a great turn out and lots of fun at the race. After the event we had a Party at the Casa to celebrate.

After Party at the Casa

Happy Birthday Cori and Steve

April 2, 2010 post- and Swedish Summer Run 2010

Around midnight I can begin to feel my stomach muscles again—besides the contraction/crunches I’ve been dealing with daily dry heaves. I believe this time it is anesthesia from yesterday’s surgery (shunt implant in my head to alleviate pressure), headaches, and vomiting.

12:35 AM my blood pressure is sounding off as it has elevated to 163/89 from a previous 143 over 80 something. The nitro patch is still on to help lower my blood pressure. I am resting but not sleeping. Perhaps an Adivan would be good, but I don’t know if my brain surgeon has approved the medication. I wish I could get my favorite nurse in here.

I am trying to position my head so as not to lay on my incisions, and it seems to be working. So I’m glad to say I’ve been successful on this. But I have problems getting tangled in my tubes and my blood pressure cuff and monitor go off every half hour.

Everyone has been so kind to me and I am feeling great. Thank you all for helping me heal. God bless you. You are all invited to join me on Team Sussex at the 2010 SummeRun raising monies to find a cure for ovarian cancer. This is my fourth competing and each year more cures become available. Your donations and participation are getting us closer to finding the cure.

Please check for race details and sign up for Team Sussex. www.summeRun.org or call Marilyn 206-669-2120

4th Annual Summer Run

We are off to a great start and new horizons with the Ovarian Cancer summer run. My "Team Sussex" is growing every year as I continue (thank God I am still alive) my battle with this demon. Every year with all new research and screening, new hope for early detection and new cures ,my life gets extended, so I am so grateful for this venue. We had our first kick off practice walk this last Wed at 6PM, you are all welcome to join us, and will continue until walk/run day-challenge yourself to be your best-July 25th, Sunday. If you can't make make race day, join Team Sussex with a donation (www.SummeRun.org), smile and think of me as you challenge yourself to reach a higher level with whatever activity makes you feel best(I am not talking about drinking folks).

My summer is busy. Dan's parents and brother are coming from Australia to see their granddaughter! We are all excited to show her off and have her meet her family. She will be 5 months old when they get here and is smiling and such a great baby they can't wait! I couldn't have waited this long, but they will get much better weather in July (I hope).
Then comes the summer run on the 25th, and then my nephew is getting married at our house Aug.1. Great to have uplifting and fun events to look forward to.

Plumbing problems

For the past 2 weeks I had been producing small hard balls and thank God they were small because they seemed to be backed up all the way up the entire pipe. I have been spared the colonoscopy ordeal because of all of the other test but it has been so uncomfortable that I was beginning to think I should go see another specialist. I had tried stool softeners, all the natural remedies like the Doctor recommended but finally decided to get a bit more serious and bought 2 laxatives. Just like the movie, Dumb and Dumber, the concoction worked, but I could go nowhere for a full day and I spent the day cleaning up. I have to admit, I feel much better and I have a new empathy for digestive diseases and cancers.

I have tried a couple of new healing techniques just to round out all of my options. Last week was my drumming session which was awesome, but I am afraid it wasn't as effective as it could have been if I hadn't been so constipated. There were 8-10 people there with Kristin Salerno leading the session. Soon we were all feeling the vibrations of 8 drums, singing bowls from Tibet, and rattles. Following was a restful, hands on Reiki session where I was the center of attention for all those wonderful energies.

Today I walked with my weekly pair of girlfriends and we dodged the bikers training for the STP (Seattle to Portland) bike ride. I was jealous of all those bikers riding when I cannot trust my balance to even get on my bike-in fact my bike was moved over to the waterfront house where we reside now (7550 E Mercer) and it is laden with rope, kayak paraphernalia, and other things that make it appear I will not be using it anytime soon. So this afternoon I capitalized on an opportunity to have an in home chiropractic visit from Dean Sanna. It was inspirational-reminding me of how good I have it, and what I need to work on to get better.

Updates, Doctor, and Baby

Most of the questions I get these days involve "How are you doing" and the usual response-"Fine" though I continue to fight new spots that crop up, and how is Dyllan? Is she home if come over now?

So to catch you up Dyllan was born to Erica and Dan on Jan 24, 2010 (9 week premature-nearly 4 lbs) and she has more than doubled her weigh and is strong as a horse. Seems like she is only steps away from crawling and mostly a near perfect baby though Erica calls her "Miss Fuss" a lot. We think she is the most beautiful thing on this earth and are loving having her expressions, both smiles and pouty lips. She seems to have caught up with the rest of the bunch at 4 months.

My visit to the doctor today turned into some more testing (EKG, to make sure my heart will withstand the next chemo treatment). So yes, the cancer has spread, to the lymph nodes, stomach, and lungs) but I was given a wonderful sunny Sunday, Mother's Day to gather my strength and prepare for the next round. Sunday we went to the baseball game (Mariners) and they won! First win in over 8 games, and it was 8-1
Then the kids put on a great evening as the sun set on the waterfront. Sean set a beautiful and cooked lamb, roasted potatoes, cut up pineapple and had a huge bottle of champagne. As a finale, they brought out a picnic canvas bag with snacks, plates and silverware, and drinks.Perfect for the boat, or most any excursion-which we will have to plan more of.

Disabilities or Challenges? April 27

It has been brought to my attention that I haven't kept up with the blog, so I thought I would tell you what has transpired. I have had a few physical setbacks, stemming from the fact that I was dizzy and seeing double so immediately we were back at Swedish Hospital in the radiology department for a lumbar punch (spinal tap). That is where they sample the fluid out of the spinal cord-3rd vertebrae, and then run a test to see if there is cancer running up to the brain they radiated the last month.
So after patiently waiting 4 or 5 days, I called the Dr office to get the results. The Dr came on the phone (best man in the world) and said "how is the double vision"
and I answered that it had really gone away. So he must have been just as ecstatic as I was and said I didn't need to have any more chemo for this week. So now I get a week off, and am that much closer to being cancer free.
Meanwhile I have had fun with long time friends, Susan and Maggie, from 7th grade from Japan. Have been swimming at the Bellevue Club and tying to regain my strength (not to hard with 4 personal trainers, Sean next door, and Dan downstairs, Mylo, my service dog who has to go out daily, and Earl who pushed Emily last year in the Marsha Rivkin Summer Run). It is coming up soon so start training now and I will let you know about all the details and after party.

Time to make more magic cookies

The idea of these cookies is that they are gluten free and very easy to make for the ones you love who are gluten intolerant-My intent is to get them in the store with the packaged Don't forget to comment on how the magic cookies effected you and let the comments come in when they get in the stores which will be soon? Have you tasted them yet? I am grinding the nut (I think i HAVE CASHEW FROM COSTCO)) AND WILL grind them in the coffee grinder. We shall see how the turn out. The always disappear so fast. Yum.
remember only 3 ingredients: 1 lb ground nuts, 1 1/2 cup of sugar, and 4 eggs. And lots of LOVE. After the eggs and sugar beat for 10 min, heat oven to 350 degrees and cook for 15 to 20 min. on parchment paper (so they don't burn). Add whatever other tasty ingredients you like (dried fruit) almond extract, etc. I would like to give upmost credit to Lynnette Johnson for the fabulous photos. Didn't she do the best job? What a love.

Love is the answer

I had an epiphony the other day and everything is going my way. I am healed and I now know the meaning of life. I get it! Love is the answer. "This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." (My Mother used to tell me daily)

New treatment schedule

The latest battle is on as of Wednesday, 4/7/10, and here is what the attack strategy is-take notes cancer network group; the love is working here! Let me tell you first-the bottom line is LOVE because that is all there really is to the meaning of life!!!I am filled with it abundantly and thank God everyday for all that I am blessed with. OK, My new chemo drug comes in a pill form and is called Xeloda 500 mg, 2 in the am and 2 in the evenings for 7 days each 14 days (and you think you have trouble keeping track of your pills each day!). Then I am getting accessed to my portacath once a week for a treatment of Avastin (I have been on this before and battled with my insurance company (no more battling with the insurance company, they are paying-it is expensive, but working!). So I had my first treatment on the 7th of Avastin, got my chemo prescription at Wallgreens, (have been showing houses in between and running into amazing loving people with the real estate consulting). You can all Steve if you want to drive me (still not driving-but enjoying the Bellevue Club immensely) and looking forward to a Jr High School Reunion coming up the weekend of the 16th and 17th with some very close girlfriends. The dates for Avastin are 4/15, 5/5, and 5/19.
There is so much more love going on, I cannot keep up with it, so I am just passing it along to you all. Love ya. Kerryoki (new nickname since I am from Oklahoma and love to sing love songs.

Mylo my service dog

Mylo, my service dog in training, and I walked to the top of our hill this morning. I am getting stronger. That used to be too far to the top. Perhaps because today is a new chemo , Dr visit and Avastin-next attack on the cancer. I love that dog! She is the very best. Aren't pets amazing healer's She sleeps on my bed and I know that is not cool for a service dog, but last night she sprang open like a kangaroo (she is part Australian I think cause she really is Dan and Erica's dog) and I found her with her paws up in the air on her back. Made me laugh (LOL)!

Had a stamper doodle party last nite with Elaine, Karen, me and Pam-whose house we went to. We will have to have another party so anyone interested in having fun and putting together cards with us, let me know for future arrangements upcoming.

Summer Run, July 2010 is gearing up with launch at Rivkin's house soon, so get ready team and send Marilyn an email (marilyndierickx@comcast.net) so you won't be forgotten. It will be my 4th annual and I hope to be running again!

Magic cookies today for sure!!!!

Dad and Doctors

My Dad is my Father in Law, George Sussex. My own father passed away from a sudden heart attack while sailing his beautiful dream sailboat, the Minx, with my brother, Todd back in 1994-a day I will never forget. He has been a rock for me and loving family head of household since I married his son August 27th, 1977 at the University chapel by campus and headed to a reception way out at his old friend Louie's parent's house in Burien. Boy were things different then. I made my own dress because I could (I could have fit into my Mother in Laws' dress but it had a huge train and I was going much less formal) Hind sight we had lots of fun with the dress at the parent's 50th wedding anniversary, so it more than served it's purpose.
Anyhow, I have been lucky enough to have 2 families now for over 30 years-who is so lucky? No wonder I am doing so well.
George recently had knee replacement surgery, and it is not uncommon here-my cousin, Domino, who was just here from Chicago, is looking into it and he is much younger, so consider yourself lucky to have had a success full replacement already-let's just get this under pain control! Any suggestions out there. We talked about how important it is to have a Doctor that you trust with your treatments. Doesn't matter what ordeal you are going through, you just want to know you are getting better, not worse. So please focus of helping us through the next energy flow to George's healing of his knee replacement. Thanks all.

"Magic Cookies"

I have been obsessesed with the magic cookies recipe and idea since it's inception, but am so aware that it has taken so much time to launch that it is now burried in a draft (now launched in an antiquated date of Feb 11. 2010) that still many of you don't get the magic cookies...At this point it should be going great guns, and it is for me, but it is just the tip of the iceberg. Make a batch today! I am pursuing the marketing in the stores at this point. Help is needed on packaging and marketing and getting into the stores. I am also out of the entire 60 lbs of almonds that I measured into lbs for each batch. Here we go!

new regiment for cancer treatment

I had a Dr. Kaplan appointment this last Wed and things are looking good. The radiation worked on the lump that had formulated but there remains a haze of cancer yet to see if it will dissipate. So I will have another scan next week and see where we are. Meanwhile, I will start chemo pill and Avastin IV next week, Wed. and hope that we can get rid of a bit more. There is still one other slow growing place in the lungs that may need a Cyberknife treatment (I assimilate it to prostate cancer where you plant seeds and radiate). Let me know if you know of anything else. I am making healthy foods again and welcome your visits and please check out my newly launched Magic Cookies blog for Dr. Kaplan.

 

You thought that was me in the ducati jacket and helmet didn't you?

The Ducati

It's all about speed... Sean pulls a Grandma and decides to go wild and buy a motorcycle and give up his convertible BMW that he earned going to THE Olympic Trials back in 2004. Now he has a hunched over speed machine, and new black Ducati.

He comes home with walking papers, a jacket, Fancy Bell Helmet and gloves with steel. It may not be a fighter plane on the tar mack like Bonnie's speedy son Reid, but I swear those 2 are brothers somewhere. Protect each other. We are all excited about life in the fast lane. Love....

Abilities or challenges

I have recently and temporarily, had a few physical setbacks and it has opened my horizons. Rather than sit back and let the Doctors handle it, my team has encouraged and inspired me to "be the best You can be". I feel empowered.

I have been thinking of others whose paths have crosses with mine and 2 MS friends, and a new friend with seizures have come to mind. And comes to mind some Chrohns/ Colitis and other breast cancer patients and Altimers' (boy are there some duzies out there-I consider myself lucky... I am inspired by actions they have taken (or not, and would love to either learn or hope from their actions).

This is what action I am taking:
1. Mylo is my service dog and we are working on getting her certified.
2. Invite a friend to dinner or to drive-I am limited to no driving for the next 6 months since my seizure.
3. Ask for help specifically, and get to know who I am asking help from.
4. Dare to dream big and speak about it. Share.

See how loved you are?

Reunions

Just had a great week of reunions with college roommates and a wonderful date with my fabulous husband/gardener. My old house is now rented and the new tenant moving in. I went to see Avatar with Steve today and it was a fabulous date with 3D glasses. Hope you all are having as much fun as I am. I walked about 3 miles up hills and to Starbucks with Deanne and Susan (running friends who have slowed down for me). Feel free to make your own comments and stories as I know you all have them out there again. I am off to make magic cookies and my cousin is here tonight for the week from Chicago, so give me some time off for a couple of days.

Photo shoot just in...

If you like these pictures there are more where these came from. Loved the photo shoot. Send some money to Haiti for those beautiful children who need our immediate attention. Dyllan doesn't even steel the show here.

Dyllan over 8 lbs!

Just a quick note that today was Dyllan's due date (or close enough) so we had her Dr appt with Hal Quinn, Mercer Island Pediatrics (my kid's own Dr and great place). She weighs 8 lbs. 2 oz. -more than any of us bet... She would have been a big baby to push out! I am sure we are all happy to have her out here and so perfect.

1/2 marathon and Mylo

Mylo, Steve and I went up to the top of the driveway to cheer on the racers which I formerly (Steve too) have participated in actively. We found Bilbe's at the roads edge with cow bells and fortunately I had gloves to ring those cowbells loudly. Yeah Gwenna and Eric, yeah Debbie Constantine, yeah Earl Davis, and Art, yeah talking rain Hunter and Dad...I was glad to be watching this year. Perhaps next year I will be out there again.
Mylo barked sufficiently for encouraging all the runners and we headed back down after a couple of hours. A pump me up for the rest of the week. Today I celebrated a beautiful day, watched the neighbors wake board and water surf behind their boat, and kayaked the other day myself. Water is soooo healing. Try it sometime. You will love it.

Corned beef and cabbage

Yes, the luck of the Irish is with me for days...We fixed a feast of corned beef and cabbage and Michael Backes brought over green beers! We watch the Big Luberski movie in preparation for bowling nite tonight. Any day you can celebrate is a great day. Choose an event to celebrate today. Michael was great with Dyllan Grace and fed her a bottle. What a guy!

I cannot slow down...

Nora Jones, song of the day, my mind is spinning. Today was my last day of radiation treatment and lucky Irish St Patrick's day! Cause for green celebration all around. We are having corned beef and cabbage to celebrate. Lift a glass of green beer for me tonight. You have all been so fabulous in my uplifting spirits and encouragement, this treatment is nothing but love and success. My scan is next week and I expect miracles are resulting. More on the horizon if necessary we can go back to chemo. I am optimistic that I will regain plenty of strength this next week as I have a week off trauma and stress. No worries about driving with cell phone since I cannot drive for a bit, but that won't stop me from walking and now running. Come take me out!

A fabulous day

It is March madness and the weather is beautiful! 62 degrees out yesterday and a nice weekend up coming. Sarah and Sharon took me to treatment yesterday-my happy place. We got home and the water was flat as a pancake and beckoning for the kayaks to come out. It was Sarah's birthday, so we had to paddle down to the Beach Club and chase the geese off the dock. Set the tone for a gorgeous day and I actually got those flowers that have been pouring in into the ground for some beautiful color spots. Spring is here already. I made a chop chop salad and spinach salad with Lucy for dinner and bathed Dyllan before retiring for bed.

Business is picking up! I think that the log jam is breaking up and the banks are finally get their acts together and we are seeing offers once again. Deals are out there to be had. Call me if you have any urge to make a change.

Tony, my homeless friend

Tony lives on the corner of Rainier Ave and Jackson where I pass him going to and from my radiation appointments. He collects money until he raises $50 so that he can stay in a hotel for the night with his son. The other day I asked how things were going and Tony began to cry saying that his son had his arm amputated and was depressed. I started to collected 1st aid things around the house for his care to drop off this am. What can we do?
My sister was bit by a feral cat that she was rescuing from a homeless camp that had been bulldozed for a commercial development. Her temperature spiked to 101 degrees and she went in for a shot to aleive the fever. Animals calm us and need our help but don't complain the way humans do. I am training my dog to be a service dog since they aim to please their masters unconditionally. Random news...just on my mind.

Energy...

Amazing the energy that I feel surrounding me from all of your positive actions and thoughts. Keep it coming. My schedule has been full. Cori and Mo grabbed me to go see Alice in Wonderland yesterday which I could fully relate to (falling down the hole and all of the challenges and competitions-or am I in a dream?). Went to the container store and got myself a bit more organized, thanks to Betty who got me started on that route-have to admit it helps the business side of things, and invited 10 guests for dinner (someone else made the dinner) so the social was positively fabulous. Sally came by and took me out to run errands-sometimes it is nice not to be able to drive-no tickets here! And all that in just one day. Planning for the future is the hard part. The day started out with a photo shoot for Dyllan and the family and I am excited to get the pictures back. A beautiful day and wonderful results.

eye of the storm

2:30 and the wind was howling up a storm and I woke up dreaming of the past 24 hours. I had watched the Navy Seals training on TV and felt their fatigue myself; guests had been many during the day...Susan had taken me to treatment and we had visited her remodel in Queen Anne, Lisa had come over after and we had caught up on neighbors and yoga news, Eileen had come by to take me to a staging appointment that stirred some excitement about getting our Queen Anne View condo sold, Elaine from Blaine arrived to help with baby Dyllan and dinner, Suzie Curan brought dinner over and we supplimented and invited Dave and Enso to join the family. Bedtime at 9 was none too early so I am rested now and ready to face a calmer day today. Mylo needs training for her service dog certification, curtains need to be made for the baby's room, the magic cookies are all gone and I need to make a new batch and get them on the website...so much to do. Bonnie is out of town this week so work becons and it is exciting to see things moving again. Thank you to all who stimulate me and keep me going. Live Strong!!!

pickin' up

With all the dizziness of the past week, there was bound to be a better day, and it has arrived. I believe the new meds have made a difference in the numbness and my balance is returning. Not only that, but the tumors are disappearing and miracles are happening. I will get results from the cat scan a few days ago today sometime to confirm, but to the touch, things are already better. Dyllan is growing and so am I.

The Oscars were so much fun. I dressed up and went to Cori's house in all my finery with a little help from the peanut gallery. I think I won best outfit. What do you all think?

I am surrounded by angels and cannot fail.

Shaving again...

 

oscars

So I dressed up and went to the oscar party last night and pretended I was a movie actress. I am getting there slowly but surely. I wore my fur and diamonds and had to put my wig on cause my hair fell out again, and I had a beautiful big brimmed red hat that I acquired in Palm Desert to complete the outfit. Will see if Cori can email me a photo for the blog... Sean shaved my head last night to save me the clean up of shedding hair all over the pillow and shower. Slick Watts I am again.

Toured a new client around with Bonnie to some fun listings and will let you all know that I am still working so don't forget us. We just landed a sale this week so good news that things are picking up which means some cash flow. We have rented our Salem Woods house this past week and are very excited to be settled in our waterfront house with Erica, Dan and Dyllan. Stop by and see us when you get a chance. We love company.

Blackout

Parts of yesterday were a hazes to me and part as clear as gold. I went to my radiation treatment with an entourage of friends, Erica, Terri, Dyllan and Ka. We were greeted by Angel as usual and proceeded to the scanning machine for the quick visit it normally takes. Starbucks fed us a nice cup of coffee afterwards and snack and we went home back to Ka's to check out her classy, beautiful remodeling job. My leg started to go numb again, so I sat down in the kitchen booth and began to try to work it out.. After a few minutes, it didn't get any better, so I lay down on the bench seat and waited for the troops to get back upstairs and take me into the bedroom. I decided to call my doctor and see if there was some physio exercise that I should be doing to relieve this numbness, but the phone connections took too much time and next thing I knew the numb leg migrated into the arm area and shortly took over my whole body quivering in uncontrollable epileptic seizure. My heart raced out of my head, and my left side shook uncontrollably. I heard my daughter, Erica holding me and softly crying for me to wake up and I passed out. I thought I was dying, I was so scared. I woke moments later to find the shaking subsided and medics surrounding me asking me all kinds of questions. Hours of ER and cat scan and blood tests show that the tumor is still to blame for the body malfunctions, but I am convinced we are making progress and that it is not my time to go. What an experience! we drove my the homeless guy, Tony, who stands on the street corner at Rainier and Jackson and Ka handed him a $5. This is 1/10th of what he needs to spend the night at a motel with his son, then he will return for the next day and peddle for the next night. A veteran.

Dark Shadows

Song of the day: Friday Afternoon by Credance Clearwater Revival.
Did you ever watch that sitcom? Dark Shadows? or am I dating myself?

I am jumping ahead on the day and reflecting on yesterday (maybe the Beattle's song should be the song of the day-Yesterday) I attended a session at Guild's Club (the cancer network place to be for support groups, information and activities for distraction and growth) last night. The topic was preparing for and recovering from surgery. I have had my surgery already, but with this cancer, you never know when they will surprise you and opt for another one-TODAY. There never seems to be any time to sit with the idea of having your body carved up and how scarey that can be. The 20 some odd attendees were from all walks of life and the 1 1/2 hr time frame went by quickly. I went with Jean who also has ovarian cancer and is in remission now and we chatted up a storm both over and back since she drove. I listened to some stories that seemed hopeless yet these people were here with their caregivers and spouses and full of information. The leader was a therapist and survivor herself with the same genetic mutation that I have (BRACA1). I started daydreaming about new ways to reach my nirvana and come out from the dark shadows.

Comments on the blog...

I understand that some are having difficulties and giving up on the blog comments. Comments from the peanut gallery on that one? I suggested signing up for a gmail account, but some may just want to email me and then I have to get back to you...Keep it simple stupid (KISS it) My new motto.

Sunday Special Service

Sunday was a full day starting with my walk with the girls routine. Fresh air and good company is always a great way to start the day. Hiking up through Pioneer Park with Mylo in training (service dog) was both successful and invigorating. The dog preformed her duties well, eager to please and get some much deserved attention, and with my newly purchased hiking stick, my balance was uncompromised. We arrived at our destination, Starbucks, and a short lived wave of nausea overtook me. I had a straight up American and skipped the milk. Done. We walked back down thru the park, noticing all the wonderful old growth forest and beauty that surrounded us.
Home again and it was Dyllan feeding time, and I helped Erica get ready for a baby shower she was making cupcakes for, then tried to get some rest before the church service that would include a special anointment ceremony dedicated to me.
Joys and concerns were many and very heart felt as people expressed their inner most deep hurts and joys. One visitor was asking for prayers for his old roommate who had just killed a young teacher he had been stalking and in turn was later killed by police. Many had recently lost parents or grandparents, or we struggling with illnesses. My heart was heavy. Dale preached a sermon that hit home (the parable from Luke 14:15-24 New Testament p. 77) - the invitation to the banquet no one came to and the servant went out to invite the dejected into his house...and then following that service, I was received by so many who showered me with kind words and positive energy. Liz had a reception to follow and it couldn't have been less meaningful than the baptism of a newborn.

Vancouver Olynnpic Games

Saturday Cori, Bonnie and I decided to trek up to the games in Vancouver to savor the flare of the festivities before they left our neck of the woods. We were not disappointed! Dan, Erica and Dyllan caravaned. The border crossing was 10 minutes, the drive around 3 hours, parking by the waterfront, $10/day the trip-memories of a lifetime.
We caught the new sky (underground) train and shoved in like the Japanese trains, moving to the back cars to enable the stroller to fit, with instructions from the platform help for ease in transportation. Arriving at the hub of the activities we entered Robson Street, bought some souvenir pins and looked for the ever illusive red mittens and Olympic gear. To satisfy our growing hunger pains we ducked out of the crowd and drizzle and into Joe Fortes restaurant. We were escorted to the top garden rooftop tented venue, set up to especially for viewing of the city and with big screen TVs and special menu. We shortly notice Vince Vahn, who was getting the royal treatment sitting at the table next to us. Our waiters and waitresses gave us the royal treatment as well, bringing us steak tartar for tasters to an awesome meal.
Satisfied and full we exited to roundevou with Dan, Erica and baby Dyllan and move on to visit the Calderon and take pictures.
Along the route we encountered the party atmosphere of athletes mingling with spectators and a basic adrenaline air with dancing in the street, hockey games (the big hockey match off with the US vs Canada was due the following day and competition was in the air). We place a medal we had brought from home for an event we had completed (tour de Tuscon specifically that Bonnie had done) around Dan's neck and immediately got results-"Who is that guy and what event does he do?" Although we came up with quite a few responses hind site to chuckle about...Dan answered eloquently "I am the Australian baby buggy pusher champion!" and smiled, flexing his muscles and resolving to "Look better naked".
Gastown was our next stop where we check out the historic district and visited the Inuit Indian art shop. I would have loved to buy a few things there, but I am in recycle mode and trying not to add more stuff to my life (memories last a lifetime). Then Dyllan became restless and we stopped at Earl's restaurant to rest a bit and recover. No sooner had we reached the sports bar when Dan recognized 2 guest from his hometown in Terry Hills, Australia that he hadn't seen in 10 years! Amazed at such a small world, we joined them for another fabulous meal of the day and caught up with new friends, calling Australia to let Dan's Mom know that yet another person had gotten to hold her new granddaughter before her.
We left the crowds in search of a Canadian flag we could capture and take over the border, but didn't want to steal one and ruin the welcoming spirit that surrounded us as we left the country (On our entry we had seen many that had fallen off cars, but were not destined to take one home). Cori had said if we didn't get one, we would loose the hockey game-which was to happen the next day. It is her fault we lost!

technical update

Sign up for a gmail account so that you can post comments to the blog! Google is the search engine here and very user friendly. You will be glad you updated. You can email me for help at kkattale@gmail.com.

Vancouver Olympics 2010

 

Overdose

My head is spinning with all of the brainstorm ideas that are circling my head. I have a schedule starting early in the morning. If I am sleepless and up blogging, I can flip the lightswitch on in the stairwell so that Dyllan's parents know I can help with the feeding and maybe they can get some much needed rest (surely new parents are on overdose and must be exhausted); then I have gratitude to express and there are a million way to do that also (magic cookies, thank you notes, phone calls...). This process early in the morning, or even middle of the night, is restful and gearing up for the new and beautiful day that is showing itself to me in winter storms, sunrises, waterfront activity, dog cuddling and baby sttention. I must be careful not to spend too much time on any activity because it becomes an addiction.
I have scheduled my radiation appointments in the am on purpose since it gets me going and the hospital staff is fresh and new. I get dressed for the day because I have places to be and "stuff" to do. (Some days I need help with this one too).
Pinch me, make it real
I am so filled with loving energy from all who surround me that I overdose and forget to rest. By afternoon I really need to quit spinning and lay down. This is when pain, vomiting, or body collapsing seems to happen which frustrates me (sure some of this is from chemo or radiation....I have cancer). It makes it real because everyone is going through life with some sort of ordeal and we forget to listen to them because we are overdosing on our own pains. Let go, Let Love take over...

Dr Love

Dr Love, (Dr Mehta, my radiologist)
I remind myself that love is the answer, so for me right now going through radiation, this is the answer. It is happy place, everyone knows my name and smiles at me in a welcoming manner when I arrive. They get me warm blankets and explain everything I have questions about. Patients talk to each other and encourage one another.

I am once again up early and as I rose, Steve said "you are something". What does that mean? He gets upset when I leave the room because he thinks I need to sleep. He is doing the best he can and trying to help me get better. Do I do the same for him when he is coughing or snoring in the middle of the night? Selfishly I want kick him and yank on his pillow to get him to roll over and stop snoring! My friends have gotten seperate rooms now and it is becoming popular to see new houses being built with 2 master suites. Why do we gravitate away from each other when we grow older?What if I want to read in the middle of the night? or blog? Who is the one that is supposed to get up and tip toe quietly so as not to wake the other? The one snoring, or the one who is sleeping without disturbance?

I think back to Dyllan and pure love. What would I do if the person next to me were Dyllan? If Dyllan were coughing, I would want to curl up next to her and comfort her even though she was annoying (if she is screaming out of control I might not feel like it-then it might be time to delegate the comfort task to someone else since I would be void of loving actions). We have choices. Take the loving action.

Clutter

Clutter shows an imbalance. If you have YOURSELF reached the point of "too much" or "enough already!", then it is time to start decluttering-a healthy thing for all of us. (remember this may not be just about physical things, but about what is racing around in your head)
1. Prioritize
2. Sort into files
3. Get rid of the junk-reduce, reuse, and recycle
3 boxes (believe me the earth will be a better place when we all start doing this-go green)
4. Give yourself a reward for your acheivements
5. Be gentle on yourself. Baby steps. You didn't get to where you are now overnite.
SONG-How Sweet it is to be loved by you by James Taylor

On weight:
You are perfect just the way you are-you weren't born imperfect. So now you have to go throught steps to return to perfect, but what is perfect? Perfect is LOVE. Start loving yourself.
1. Dress in the am for what you feel up to-notice how you are dressing and perhaps you will find your passion in life-swim suit at 6 am? Coach? Love that group!
2. Change your outfit for where you intend to be. Work? and who you are meeting-they will appreciate the connection and it will be appropriate. Stay neutral or whith what most would expect of you if you don't know the people you are meeting. Help someone you love get dressed if they don't have the mind to do it themselves, but don't push yourself on them). It is ok to look different (that is where fashion comes from...).
3.Go to a doctor if you aren't able to do these steps alone. The medical profession has lots of answers that may be right for you if you are brave enough to try them. (plastic surgery, lap band surgery...)
4. Exercise-you can maintain a good shape if you both eat right and exercise on a physical level. Dogs don't have a choice-look at their owners...
5. I prefer the natural remedies. I dress accordingly, but I can "fake it till I make it" also. You become what you imagine long enough. "Dream big and pray for the results".
Enough already....Declutter.

Mon. 2/22

Sorry about the lapse in blog posts, but I had some technical difficulties and I am hoping that I have them fixed now.

Dr Love visit and a tad nauseous this am-very unstable and just a little numb-enough so to ask Becky to come down with a walker. Cori brought over a whistle walking stick. Man! Do I feel old.
I debated smoking a dubie but never got that far. Steve takes me for lunch at the Blue water taco shop next to the hospital.
We are taking bets as to what Dyllan will weigh when she reaches her due date, March 23, 2010. She was born Jan 24th at 3 lbs 15 oz and now weighs 5 lbs 8 oz! What a girl! When she is awake, she is fully engaged. Making noises, picking up and turning her head, raising her arms above her head and kicking her little legs. She seems so much less fragile than just a few short weeks ago. What fun to watch her grow so fast before my very eyes-so I challenge myself to also press on fast. It is exhausting but a thrill with the Vancouver Olympics playing in the background. We are the champions.
I know I am going o get a good nites sleep tonight. The sun has shone brightly all day long and kayaks have cruised by and water skiers and it's February! I love it here.
My downs syndrome friend calls and I understand him. Perhaps my listening skills have improved. Mylo has mellowed out, not the wild dog she was when Dyllan came home. Hoang comes to clean and the House feels both clean and loved...
Yesterday was an amazingly strong day. Miracles are happening.

magic happening/alien encounter

I cannot possibly begin to describe the "magic* that happened yesterday alone. For simplicity's sake, let's just say each set of () is an opportunity for someone to comment or expound on the story) My head is exploding (perhaps a "chemo brain" side effect of the radiation that took place yesterday, as that is what Dr Mehta (Dr Love-that is what Mehta means) said might be a side effect of the procedure. Nasea is the feeling of the moment, the power of suggestion? I tried to block out that idea-it is a negative idea and I WILL not be negative about this treatment!!!! It is not a loving idea, God help me. YES, that is what Cancer has taught me.
The 2 hr consultation turned into an afternoon appointment to actually do the radiation. Like Avatar, I was escourted into a my spaceship where the transformation took place. "Are you clostraphobic?" Tony, the technician asked. I lay down on the stainless flatbed and a cold, wet breathable matter was placed over my face. "Kinda like a facial" Brea told me. (They remembered my name, I HAD to remember theirs-after all I AM a real estate agent and names are very important). This formed the facemask that would direct the radiation beams to my brain. In just about the same time a wonderful facial would have been over, the mask was ready to remove. I left the spaceship to return to earth, euphoric, and ready to return for the 1st spaceship trial launch that afternoon. To be continued...if you would like to drive me to a future launch, Kathy and Steve are scheduling escort service. I cannot wait to share with you, Hal-you are on buddy, Steve is 1st (warning-it will exhaust you and I am so happy you are up for the excitement (you might have to go to your man cave afterward)! Dyllan will ground us.

The blogging hour

I have a love/hate relationship to the wee hours of the morning...I wish I could sleep, but I am either sleepless due to all of the thoughts racing around in my mind, or due to physical distress because of the cancer, so 1st off I will update you on the recent status of my cancer...
I had my staples removed from my head yesterday where the Dr did a brain biopsy. The results showed a malignant tumor, and the good news is that it is a spread of the ovarian cancer-meaning that it is treatable-not some inoperable, inaccessable brain tumor-so please pray for the results of my upcoming treatment-which will be radiation for the next 3 weeks, 5 days a week. That is step 1. Beyond that, there is talk of more chemotherapy after the radiation. I am always open to hearing other options, but likely will still default to my Dr's opinion since he his still directing my treatment. Don't take it personally (I get a lot of free advise, and appreciate it).
The thoughts that race around in my mind could fill a book, and that is where you all come in...I am slowly writing it...so comment away on the content that fills this blog, as that is my life and your feedback is the source of my strength. I love reading your comments-if you prefer to remain anonymous, just email me instead.

Recently, through my real estate connections, I had the opportunity to talk to an incoming celebrity. I was so excited to welcome their family to the area, that I called the agent I knew would be working with them and offered my help and my waterfront house-since I see it as such a welcoming introduction to the NW. We are competitors so the offer was rejected and I dropped the enthusiam and the energy directed to this family and focused on the move that I had begun with my family to the healing waterfront house we are in presently. In the past, I could easily have seen the money from the sale of a big house as the driving force to pursue this potential client. My prayers were for an answer that would help heal me and I was surprised at the outcome. I have found beauty and healing amd pure joy in settling here with the family and discovered when your energies are directly towards love, that all things are possible.
Todays thoughts run to support of President Obama-why not go to top)?-why stop at a simple celebrity? The powers of love have carried me through troubled waters. Obama gets so much criticism because of the hard decisions he has to make, but if we all directed loving thoughts towards him and his "enemies" (after all he did win the Noble Peace prize for something) how could the outcome be anything BUT peace? Love conquers all.

Fairytales

Yesterday, Valentine's Day, our darling Dyllan came home.

Once upon a time...in the kingdom of Mercer Island, Washington, there was born a tiny little princess warrior who arrived 9 weeks before she was baked because she couldn't wait to visit this world and be with her Grandma Kat who was sick. Her parents, Queen Erica and King Dan were both wild and full of heart and humor in the most amazing way, and one could tell that this beautiful creation would be a strong spirit. Her friends had a huge party and showered her with gifts to celebrate her arrival. Her Mommy and Daddy picked up their already busy schedules running their castle, to prepare for her arrival home.
The kingdom was going through some tough times and the castle was needing fortification and Grandma needed help, so Princess Dyllan's parents decided to move in with Grandma Kat and Poppy. There was celebration in the land on the day of her arrival home. An Earthquake and tsunami had recently devestated parts of the earth but the world had come together in unification at the nearby country of Canada and were playing winter games. The love that surrounded her amazed everyone who came into contact with her and even those who just felt her strength through the love that a newborn brings but silently she was healing her sick Grandma...

I invite you to send me your chapter for Dyllan or come down as you have and share with her Grandma your stories. You are all apart of her now and will help her heal her Grandma in love. This is for real! This is your gift to her. Dream big and manifest the results.

Motherhood

We are the world...I have been reflecting on the birth of my own children since Dyllan came into the world and remembering new connections, even reconnecting to old friends and cherishing the bonds that were formed when such emotional connections were made. They say that is how we learn things in life; to connect them to something that triggers an emotional connection.
My college roommate from way back (I will not say old) emailed me the other day to ask what she could help out with and what Dyllan needs. I have been thinking that Dyllan needs NOTHING, she has it all, but now I have come to realize that she needs what everyone needs, and that is LOVE. She thrives on it. We all do. I realized that my friend's son's name is Dylan and that we now have something new in common-(and I also realized that my Aunt Grace shares this new baby's namesake-so I called her right away because I hadn't even talked with her lately.) My friend's son is a computer wizard and an only child and I need help with my pictures from the last 3 weeks that are piling up in my computer and needing to be organized and it occurred to me that this was the gift that my friend could give-a talent that needs direction in a growing child of her own. Time to spend loving and nurturing a relationship of love that needs rekindling (push each other to be the best we can) with her son. It need not cost a penny, but it would pass on the love.
Touch someone else today. You may not realize what it means just to have someone who cares. Happy Valentine's Day. Dyllan is scheduled to come home today!

Glimpses of Grace

The book Glimpses of Grace sits on my nightstand with daily devotionals and stories. Even if I don't read it, it reminds me to look for God everywhere.
4 am and I am watching the Olympic ceremonies
7:42 am I have taken 2 tylenol and gotten some sleep, Steve has left to swim at the Bellevue Club-so glad that he has been inspired-and the sun is orange on the horizon
8 am I am rested and not in pain and going soon to see Dyllan Grace

The Winter Olympics

I love the Olympics! The ceremonies, the songs, the dancing and celebration has always inspired many to achieve more and dream big. It is the world celebrating life and love in unison. The atmosphere is contagious. You cannot watch it without getting attached to the celebration of life and even with fatal accidents, it represents living life to the fullest. Who doesn't want to get caught up in that excitement? We are the World is the theme song and I cannot wait to welcome Dyllan home with that song. We live in a wonderful world.
Last night Kathy made dinner at the house for Cardens and Thorsvigs and us, while I caught up on funny things that seemed highly important to me right now like my "Magic cookie" recipe-(stay tuned, that entry is still in draft form), and getting things ready for Dyllan to come home. Becky came down to distribute money from the last remaining partnership investment finally closing (the end of a chapter), and to visit her feral cat that is being adapted out who resides at Petsmart today, She tried to get a purr out of the cat who squirmed in her arms and moved on when she was unsuccessful to hold Dyllan and run home. A day full of touch and go contacts that touch my life in many ways and warm my heart. Erica asked me what I had accomplished today, and I just wanted to say I participated in life. When I faded on the couch in the early part of the evening I was happy to fall asleep with the inspiration of the opening ceremonies and grateful for all those who shared my day.

New treatment

There is nothing like new life to make you want to stick around for while longer. Dyllan is my treatment. Our hearts beat as one when I pick her up and hold her. I fed her a bottle of Mom's milk today just after getting out of surgery myself for a brain biopsy that will need attention soon. She spit up a big swallow all over her cute little new outfit. "I know what that is like Dyllan, I do that too, but you have to learn to eat to get strong and get out of here" I tell her. She smiles at me and opens her little bird mouth some more, and then she purrs like a little kitten. It melts my heart, what a gift from heaven. Her tubes and monitors are almost all gone. I hated mine, I couldn't sleep from beeping and bright lights and nurses waking me up all the time for blood test, blood pressure, shots of insulin...The only one left is her feeding tube because she is still developing. The nurses at the hospital love her so much they are happy to take care of her till the end of March when she was due to come home, but like her parents, she a competitor and has to push on and be the best she can be as soon as possible. Love is contagious, pass it on. That is what living life is all about!

I have a dream

Last night, under the influence of general anesthesia, I got violently ill, then restless remembered my dreams as I slept fitfully off and on, or not at all, with grandiose dreams that nurse Cherie encouraged as she came in to wake me every hour for more pokes and sticks, temperature readings and blood pressure monitoring.
I first remembered my mother and what an influence she had on me growing up, the care she gave me and what I have passed on to my daughter and now to her new baby...then my sister, who is caring for her mother-in-law who had a stoke, in her house where she added a wing.
That lead me to think of our current situation. In order to save money we are combining households and Erica and Dan and baby Dyllan, when she comes home, are moving in downstairs. Like the good ole days, we will take care of each other and help each other reach our goals and be one big family again. Sean rents the Casita next door but we have toyed with selling that and now I see it as a res pit for healing and want to keep it for others to enjoy in transitional phases of their lives. It has been that for our family and others and made a wonderful difference. We don't need a second home, we just go next door and hot tub out on the waterfront and watch the sun come up over Mt Rainier. It is a magically spot where we had Erica's wedding ceremony. The waterfront tranquillity is dream invoking.
I remembered today sketching my 10 yr vision on paper at a Pursuit of Excellence class and there were grandchildren coming down the driveway at our house. Here it is nearly 10 yrs later, and the children are moving back in with grandchild number 1. Dream can manifest themselves. Dream big.

Magic Cookies

I mentioned to friend Val, who has Celiac disease, that I wanted to make some gluten free cookies for some growing number of people I know who also gluten intolerant. There need to be more healthy food choices for us to grab and go. We scheduled a date to cook in her kitchen and stockpile good food for my upcoming treatments. We had a fabulous afternoon catching up on old times and making good food, but the cookies launched a magic in the connections that took place the following day, most importantly to thank the Doctors who were taking care of me and baby Dyllan (takes me back to teacher appreciation days at school-always good results when you thank the people who make a difference in your life). What those magic cookies did was to connect me to another human being, not just a doctor, but someone who also has a beautiful life, full of children and grandchildren, travel fun, remodeling expertise, photography skills, Yankee fan club, and much more that take me away from my cancer focus so that when I see him professionally, it can be other than hard knocks news.

Here is the recipe. I am planning to start marketing them in the stores (could use your help) and will donate the profits to The Henry Kaplan Research Fund, which you can access via the Swedish Foundation if you want to make a monetary difference to cancer research and a very hard worker. He is the best!
(Nusskuchen)
Magic cookies

1 1/2 C sugar
4 eggs
1 lb. grated nuts (you can buy at Trader Joe in a 1 lb. bag at Trader Joes)

LOVE
Place on parchment or greased cookie sheet and bake 350 degrees, 15 -20 min.

Beat eggs and sugar for 10 minutes. Add nuts.

Still Blury

In a spontaneous celebration of another glorious day, Cori, Bonnie, Sue, Jean, Penny, Marilyn, and I ran off to Alki Beach to lunch at Cactus, people watch, walk and commune with each other. It truly was spring weather outside but no one expected to see a lone swimmer strip down to his suit and neoprene swim cap and dive in for a swim in the frigid salt water (45 degree) of the Puget Sound. A very striking, tall woman wearing designer sunglasses and strolling along with her split leash and twin lasso apso dogs gathered side glances. A father walked hand in hand with his fire chief toddler son. We all were the beneficiaries of the glorious day without thought or worry of another buck to be made at the office.

My phone rang just as we arrived at Cactus. It was the nurse at preregistration for tomorrow's Hotel Swedish check in. She fired the same old questions at me that I had answered 4x before in the past week! I paced outside the restaurant, not wanting to interrupt the moment, but knowing I needed to prepare for the upcoming event and just get it over with. Any other calls for the day could wait. Brain surgery doesn't happen every day and after all I do want to make sure they get this one right. Name and spelling? birth date? medications? do you have a life directive? are you an organ donor? history of surgeries?...after about 10 minutes and patience running thin, she asked if I had any questions and I realized I had better pay attention because for this event, I had to be responsible for myself-back to reality when I was trying to run away...

Lunch was fabulous, we walked the beach afterwards, checked out a condo-then I could say I was working-and decided it was time for desert, so off to the French bakery off Main St in Bellevue where we talked about Paris and far off countries and other cultures.

Back on the Island, Mylo waited to be walked but Erica offered to take me with her to feed baby Dyllan who has now graduated to a crib. I captured her picture to review the next couple of days when I will be at ICU Swedish and she at NICU at Overlake. Together in spirit we can conquer anything. Steve and I closed the evening with Netflix "Julie and Julia". I will update when out of the surgery fog in a few days.

Dyllans pink shower day