Blessings, Big and Small

Today's theme in the house has revolved around recognizing, receiving and appreciating the many blessings we have experienced as a family this past week and a half. I have had a few of my own - coincidences and conversations that give me goosebumps because they provided an unexpected support, timely answer to a struggle or just the right words at just the right time.

Mom shared an experience she had today as she called in to book a flight for my aunt Lisa. She knew the flight was last-minute and that it wouldn't come cheap. But instead of just doing it online, she called in and got a person on the other end of the phone. After giving the woman her information, the rep asked if she was Tammy Call from Las Vegas, NV. Surprised, mom replied that yes she is and discovered that the customer service rep was a long-time friend from Las Vegas who has been following mom's progress form the very beginning. She wasn't sure what she would be able to do so last minute, but somehow found a fare at the lowest price possible. Unbelievable! Such coincidences keep cropping up for us - it's crazy.

And then, my sister Kristen was called in and presented with a card from her boss and inside it included several hundred dollars worth of travel vouchers for her to be able to fly out to Phoenix and be with her family when she needs it. All of her team of 9 contributed and the gesture was above and beyond what she expected.

We are truly being looked after and cared for in our time of need, Thank you to everyone for your love and support :)

Know the Signs of Ovarian Cancer

When you research ovarian cancer, it is often referred to as "silent" because the symptoms are not overly alarming, or it may be easy to explain them away as the flu, or having eaten too much, etc. While not every woman who is diagnosed with ovarian cancer experiences these symptoms, it is important to know that there are symptoms and the earlier a woman is diagnosed, the better the general prognosis. And from what I have read, the "bladder troubles" often include frequent urination.

~Candice  

Evening Concert

Tongiht sleep evades me...and I listen to the music of Mike Ericksen sipping grape juice.  It is so peaceful!  Savoring the moment...

Back in the Saddle Again!

Okay so I am home "sleeping", or "sleep typing" as the case may be!  :)

I am really giving it my best shot at laying around, but somehow I just don't think I was designed to lounge around...even if it is doctor ordered!  So I thought I could add to the blog quickly and then make another attempt at "resting". 

(Note to doctor...pain killers just make it more tempting to move for some people)

Hello its me!  :)

Tomorrow I am going to get down to the business of "taking care of business"...paying bills, doing a little business follow up, setting up FMLA, deciding exactly how I want to fight this beast called cancer, etc.  Today...I am just going to be!

This morning I went to church.  The topic of discussion was agency and choice.  Its kind of ironic that many people believe that the Mormons are a large group of "followers"...today all that was encouraged was exercising agency, to discover, to think!  If anything we are encouraged to think and decide for ourselves.  This is God's plan for us...to act as Free Agents.  We literally have a choice...to follow the guy in red (or at least that is how they depict him)...making no choices, or to follow the Savior and make choices, knowing we will make mistakes, that we will be bumped, bruised, and broken in the journey in need of repentance.  Bottom line...life  = choices!

As I told my good friend Mr. Passman today via email, Today I choose to FIGHT!  I am so very grateful for the ability and the right to choose!

I thank you all for loving me and my family and supporting us in this journey.

Home Sweet Home

Mom is now home and sleeping peacefully. She is regaining her appetite and wanted some lo mein noodles and shrimp. Not sure how much she was actually able to eat, but it's good to hear that food is beginning to sound appealing now. The doctor said that she may attend church in the morning if she is feeling up to it so she may be there, or she may not. We will see how the night goes and how she feels in the morning. She is just thrilled to be home and in her own bed!

For now I think it's best to wait and see how she does at home before having visitors. I will post here when she feels like it would be ok. Then we can work on scheduling people at good times :). And now that she is here with all of her flowers - the house smells amazing!

~Candice

Please No Visitors Saturday 3/10/12

Mom called this morning and asked that I request no visitors today - for good reason! Her doctor stopped by to see her last night, he had been in Chicago meeting with a group of other gynecological oncologists from around the country. He is pleased with how she is doing and said that she may be able to be released today. Mom is requesting no visitors so she can focus her energy on getting out of the hospital today if possible.

So, pray for her and I will let everyone know what happens! :)

~Candice

Pictures!! 3-9-12

Mom took a shower tonight and got spiffied up so I asked if she would approve of some photos and she obliged :). Cam and Chaz stopped by for a very short visit so we took the opportunity for a photo op. Enjoy!

~ Candice