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
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
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
Thursday, June 17, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
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.
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
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)
Friday, April 9, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
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!!!!
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!!!!
Monday, April 5, 2010
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.
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!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
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.
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....
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....
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
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?
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?
Sunday, March 28, 2010
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.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
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.
Monday, March 22, 2010
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.
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.
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