Is Anybody Home?

Hello Friends and Family!!!!

Again I must apologize for my poor blogging manners! It's been forever and a day since I last sat down at the computer to spill mindless thoughts on my computer screen. So much has happened in the last month or so ... I don't know where to begin!

I suppose the best place to begin is with a party ... a double birthday party for two of my favorite kids in the whole wide world! My youngest, Brandon, turned 4 years old on Jan 7th and my eldest, Anita-Pita-Esposita (Nita), turned 13 on the 12th! She makes me feel SO OLD!

We've also had a few medical emergencies in the past month that are also worth sharing. Brandon's vp shunt (a valve/catheter device that drains fluid from his brain into his abdomen to treat his hydrocephalus) malfunctioned. We spent a number of days at Children's Hospital after emergency surgery to replace the shunt and for observation of neurological damage. Brandon went from being completely unresponsive before the surgery to giggling and chatting up a storm afterwards! The picture below was taken just 2 days after surgery when we returned home! It's amazing how kids bounce back after a major procedure!

I also had some pretty involved medical issues this past month that are worth mentioning for those who are following my battle with cancer. In January I had 14 external radiation beam treatments that targeted the tumor that has invaded my spine (which fractured my c3 vertebra) as well as wrapping itself around my ureter (left kidney drain) and the aorta as it passes by the kidney to supply my leg with oxygenated blood. The radiation left me feeling very tired, but it also alleviated quite a bit of my back/leg pain that has plagued me for the past year. Once radiation was complete I was to have my labs drawn so I could then begin my chemotherapy. This time around they are going to try Gemzar. Well, the day after my labs were drawn I got an ominous phone call from my Nurse Coordinator at the Siteman Cancer Center. My blood work was not good at all. My creatine level was at 5.7. Normal levels are 1 and below. I was rushed to Barnes Hospital and after a renal ultrasound was immediately hooked up to IV fluids as well as a blood transfusion. After 4 days in the hospital I was cleared to return home. I no longer am allowed to use naproxen sodium (Alleve) or ibuprofen to treat my pain. Alleve has been the one OTC drug that has worked for the breakthrough pain once my prescribed meds wear off. So, now my kidneys are working again, but I'm having a problem controlling my pain. Hopefully, when I start chemo on Monday (YAHOOOSERS!!!) the oncologist will increase my meds to put a halt to the pain that dampens my days.

What really stunk was that I missed my sister's 30-something birthday this year while in the hospital. So, without further adieu ...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAREST KRISTIE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! I LOVE YOU BUNCHES, FRIFFER!

OK, back to the good news. Before my admission to the hospital I treated my children and my nephew to a day at the movies! We saw Disney's new flick, "The Princess and the Frog". This was Christopher's first time at the theater. Fortunately, we basically had the place to ourselves! The kids all had a blast eating popcorn and drinking sodas. I am an old fuddy duddy, so my children never get soda ... they couldn't believe it when I ordered the "all you can eat" popcorn and soda special! The movie itself was entertaining, but I wasn't a big fan of all of the dark magic and inuendos of evil peppered throughout the show. I suppose that I should have suspected the "voodoo" and such since the movie takes place in New Orleans. The kids had a lot of questions, but went away from the movie having learned a lot about another culture. The characters were beautiful. It was nice to see Disney's first African-American princess!

I must also mention ... this past Wednesday was the 4th year anniversary of my mother's passing. It never gets easier. My heart remains heavy and broken. I still pick up the phone to call her for advice, or simply to share a funny story about something the kids did. I know she's in heaven, without the sickness and pain that took over her body in her last couple years here on earth, but my own greed still wants her here with me. I want her to know my children now. I want them to still be filled with their grandma's love and delicious home cooking. I miss meeting her down at the bottom of the backyard hill, hanging over the fence and just chatting while the kids giggled and played on the swing set. God knew what He was doing when He made mothers ... especially mine. For those of you who knew her, there is no argument that Mom was one of the most kind, compassionate and loving people ever. She had a laugh that filled me with joy. Her hugs were incredible. I can't wait to hug her again.

Thank you to all who have offered to help out during this trying period! Your prayers and well-wishes have meant the world to me and the kids. God has been good to us ... we are all happy and enjoying this time together.

Until Tomorrow,

Kathy, Nita, Nathan, Isaac, Alyssa and Brandon