Charging forward ...

There's always something new happening in our household. Oftentimes it's something either discovered or created by one of the kids. You know what I mean. Brandon created a new dog dish for Andre (our black lab) that feeds him one piece of doggie kibble at a time. He used our marble trail set to do it. Or, sometimes it's something like Allie's discovery that when you pull a worm in two, both parts still wiggle. (OK, gross, but Allie likes "gross".) Then there are times when Nathan surprises me with a huge hug and a heartfelt "I willy lub you, Mommy. I lub you so much my heart is busting up!" Isaac's "something new" usually comes from his craving for reading about everything "CSI". He's been dusting for fingerprints all over the house! (At least SOMEBODY is dusting around here! I can't say the same for myself!) Anita's current "something new" is her newly emerging teeny-bopper tendency to develop a crush on every teenage boy who thinks he can sing. I mean really, is Justin Bieber really that cute? I personally think he needs a haircut and an attitude check!

Well, this Thursday is my turn for "something new." My specialists at The Center for Advanced Medicine (Siteman Center at Washington University/Barnes Hospital) have determined that the best way to treat the tumor in my spinal column is with a type of radiation therapy called Stereotactic Radiation. I spent Monday morning and early afternoon going through a series of tests to prepare me for my mega dose of radiation this Thursday, August 12th. The procedure is very "high-tech" and quite risky. I've already been through 3 different courses of radiation over the past 2 years. My internal organs have faired pretty well through it all; however, this time I've had to agree that I understand the high risk that this procedure will destroy my left kidney, making it inoperable. This is the same kidney that is currently stented. As a young child I had surgery on the same kidney. According to a number of tests, my right kidney is functioning quite well, so I've decided to go ahead and accept the risk in order to prolong my life and alleviate the pain I've had from this tumor. The goal is to shrink the tumor (this will not eradicate it.) I will have only one treatment, but it will be a high dose over an hour's time. As my dear friend, Tonya says, "Girl, go get your glow on!" Please keep me, my doctors, nurses and radiation specialists/techs in your prayers on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. I know that God is in control, but every little prayer is welcomed. I know He has heard your many many prayers before.

On a fun note ... This past month has brought many happy times as well! I've had the pleasure of getting to "hang out" with my old friends (yes, we're getting old!) from high school not once, but twice! I haven't had a chance to go out for such a long time. I forgot how fun it was to simply sit and talk, laugh and reminisce over a yummy meal with good friends. Thank you to Jenell, Heidi, Libby, Debby, Chris and Kim for giving me two really fantastic evenings! It felt SO GOOD! I love you all and hope we can get together more often. Also, a big "thank you" to Jenell for sending her dear family friend, Carl, my way! Carl, thank you for accompanying me on Monday to the hospital. Having a friend by my side made all of my nerves disappear. It really does get lonely driving back and forth to the hospital alone. To all of you, if you EVER need anything, PLEASE call me. Your friendship is priceless.

I am getting too excited about the kids' return to school! Beginning this Thursday, I will have the house to myself 4 days a week! I've NEVER, in my adult life, had this luxury! I've always had little ones underfoot while the big kids went off to school. Anita and Nathan will be at the middle school, Isaac and Alyssa in grade school and Brandon in preschool (4 half-days a week!) Me? Well, aside from the medical crap-ola ... I might read some of the books I've collected over the years, but never got a chance to read. I think I may join the YMCA and do some aquatic therapy to help with my rather annoying case of lymphedema. I am saying it now, because I know that in the end, I'll simply be bored! Lunch anyone? ;-)

I hope you all have had a wonderful summer! I'm sorry to have let our family blog go over the past 3 months, but I promise to do better this Fall! I want to thank all of you for keeping up with us, supporting us, loving us and praying for us! It really does mean the world to me.

Until Tomorrow,
Kathy "I'm Gonna Get My Glow On"