There is Love and Support Everywhere We Turn. Blessed and a little Scared

October 16th, my first round of the fifth battle, came and went.  It was a bit harder than I remembered from in the past.  I guess we tend to push things behind us that are not that pleasant.  In time, we look back and think, "That wasn't too bad!"  Yesterday was my third week in a row.  That is why I am typing this at 2 a.m.  Sleep is not something you do after a treatment. . . .Well, let me start from the beginning.

I work for a half day on Friday's because that's what I choose to do.  Normalcy is good in a situation like this for everyone, or at least I feel it is for me.  Too much time on your hands sitting around thinking is NOT good for me, but, I am getting off course.

 After 4th period, I pack my computer and huge Vera Bradley bag up with papers and my laptop and head home.  I eat a light lunch- some yogurt and a few pieces that were left from a Rotisserie chicken-sipped on some ginger lemon tea and waited for Mom to honk the horn of her car once she arrived.  You aren't allowed to drive to and from treatments due to all the medication they fill you with.

 My appointment was at 1 pm.  We got checked in and I was called back.  First, they take your vitals-weight (God forbid if you lose a few pounds!  They do not like that!)  blood pressure, temperature, and oxygen level.  Then they seat you and access my port.  Can you believe I forgot to put on my emblem cream (numbing cream) until Mom and I were driving across the Bayfront!?  What am I thinking?!   So they also sprayed me with some numbing spray and put that needle right into my chest, no problem.  Well no problem for them anyway!   I felt the pinch for a few minutes, but eventually it went away.  Note to self:  every Friday, apply numbing cream to port access at least 90 minutes before apointment!!!

After over five hours of treatment, we are still hanging in there!

The room is set up to allow the patients to visit with one another.  Sometimes this is a good thing; other times, not so much.   Last week I sat near a woman who has a Facebook page.  We became "friends" so I can follow her journey.  She is also an ovarian cancer patient.  I can't tell you how long it has been since I sat next to someone who has this as well.   She was across the room and I gave her a friendly wave.

 This week, I was seatedt next to an elderly man who was very sick.  He has esophogeal cancer and could barely speak, which was a good thing because he kept making that hawking up a loogie sound and spitting into tissues.  Believe it or not, I am a squeemish person-even with all I've been through.  Poor Mom had a chair near him.  I only had to look at her once and knew she was thinking the same thing I was.  Poor guy, and EW!  At one point, I was going to quietly ask my nurse if I could move, but I didn't want to hurt his feelings, so I just angled myself the other way.

Then his family came in.  They had to be asked to leave because only one guest is allowed back there at a time.  The daughter that stayed with him was very chatty and her phone was going off like crazy with a variety of tunes which caused her to dance and sing.  The poor thing had no teeth, but was as happy as a clam!  She told me her life story-had a child at a young age and her child made her a grandma already.   She showed me pictures of her fiance' and how she had cut 11 inches off of her hair (that was very greasy-poor thing) when his mom had lung cancer.  Like I said, Mom and I heard her life story.  We must just have those faces that make people want to divulge their stories.   This woman was 32 years old. Yes, she told us how old she was.  She doesn't know a think about us though!   At about 3:30, he was finally finished and I could work on writing thank yous that I am very behind on!

 Then another elderly gentleman was seated next to me on my right.  He and his wife were very

pleasant and had a great sense of humor.  One of the many times I had to use the restroom from all the fluids they inject into me, I was unplugging my "pole" and they were telling the nurse I had had it and was trying to escape!  I am a pro at steering that pole all over the place by now!  But I was not planning to escape!  They had a great attitude and were nice, happy people!

 Some people come in and put earplugs in and listen to music.  I do that sometimes.  Others ask for headphones to listen to the tvs that are all over the room.  I just read the captions if I watch tv.  They have those turned on.  Other times I just PRAY!   I try to envision all kinds of things when they are actually giving me the chemo drugs.  I picture Jesus with his hands spread out waving his hand across me and removing the tumors or touching me gently on the shoulder and healing me.  I also envision the Scubbing Bubbles guy.  My borther in law, Scott sent me well wishes when I started and a picture of those guys from the commercial!  Do any of you remember that product?  I believe it's still on the market.

 This week they added Avastin to my list of chemos to receive.  It is a drug that strangles the blood cells that feed the cancer tumors.  So I also envisioned some red guys strangling the bad cancer cells at one point!  I couldn't have Avastin the first two weeks because of my lung surgery.  Avastin slows the process of wound healing down.  You bruise easier and it can cause neuropathy in your hands and feet.  Those are just the major side effects.   That was the last drug I received that took 90 minutes because I hadn't had it for over two years.  It's not the chemo that takes the longest.  They give me two anti nausea drugs first that each take at least 20 minutes, then Decadron (the EVIL STEROID) then Benadryll, (only 12.5 mg of that because I get so jittery I may jump out of my skin!  I learned that the hard way after they gave me 50 mg back in the beginning of this journey, five years ago) and finally Taxol and Avastin.  Mom and I were the last ones there.  The poor nurses had to stay until 6:15 pm because it took longer than they estimated with the Avastin for the first time.  So after over 5 hours of sitting. we were finally FREE!!!!

I was listening to the birthdates.  You see, to ensure you are getting the correct medication, they tell you the name of the drug and you tell them your last name and birthdate.    Yesterday, I heard from 1930-1953.  I was the youngest one in there yesterday afternoon.

When I got home, I ate a small meal and then went to bed.  I fell asleep around 8:30pm and slept until a little after 2 am.  Then I got up to use the bathroom and could feel the steroids kicking in.  After I did my double flush with the                                                                                       toilet seat down (I am considered toxic for the                                                                                         next 3 days), I decided to go downstairs and have                                                                                     a cup of tea.

 On that toxic note, I must give more kudos to Rob.  All of my clothes for the next three days have to be washed separately; anything you sweat in or that touches your body.  So I make a big pile on our bathroom floor and wash them after the third day.  I also strip the bed and change sheets. He will even throw these things in the wash for me on his way to watch tv. He still sleeps cuddled up with me and says he doesn't care if I am toxic or not!  Now that is true love!  He also said he doesn't plan on getting ovarian cancer!  LOL   I hope he never gets  any kind of cancer.  It's more about being  exposed to the chemo I am sweating out-and I am drenched when I wake up those first few nights after a treatment.  There are many times Rob will help me change into another night shirt because I am literaly soaked.  Then you get cold!  Anyway, if he is exposed to these cancer drugs they may not be as potent for him if he were to ever need them. He says he doesn't care. I love that guy!

Today I will stay up and watch movies, work on school work, ATTEMPT to nap, and just rest.  I will be shakey and weak.    I get a beautiful red rash on my face and neck from the steroids that usually lasts most of the weekend.  I will have lower stomach cramps that will keep me running to the bathroom.  I will drink G2 Gatorade for the electrolytes that my nurse says I need because the treatment dehydrates me and I will get charlie horses in places you can't even imagine:  stomach, ankles, toes, neck, etc. . . The nurse also said eat lots of protein, so my good, health crazed friend Elaine recommended Stoneyfield Organic vanilla yogurt.  It is AWESOME!  It's like a little treat.  I haven't been drinking/eating milk products other than an occasional piece of cheese here and there for over two years..  I switched to almond milk after reading about the anti inflammatory effects and the hormone danger it can cause.  But once a day, I think a little yogurt will be fine.

On Sunday I may make a short trip to the store with Rob and after that I will try to nap because I will be shaky and exhausted.  I should go to church, but I don't always go after treatments.  I take a big enough risk going back to school on Monday when my immune system is down, but it does bother me that I am not consistent.  So I make sure I pray more that day or read the Bible.  Danielle, Corey, and Wrigley usually come and visit on Sunday afternoon, too.  I look forward to that.  The boys are in and out with work.  I run into Zach, usually in the kitchen!  He's been working like a beast double shifts lately since someone was fired for not showing up.  Our society has not done a very good job on teaching this latest generation about fulfilling commitments and that you must go to  work on a consistent basis.  I think we instilled that in our kids, though.  They are hard workers.  (Sorry for getting off track again!)   I will see Andrew this week finally.  He has had hockey games the past few weekends.  He has been scoring like crazy.  They played Alleghany, Pitt Bradford, and one other team.  He scored 12 goals and had 9 assists in three games!   Woot woot!!  So proud of him!
Donovan will be happy to see him this weekend!   So Sundays are basicall for family.

 Monday is rough.  I haven't slept or ate much during the weekend and usually still have lower stomach cramps. I ALMOST made it through the entire work day last Monday.  My lunch group, however, said I looked exhausted and Mr. Ludwig came to the rescue.  He took most of my Advisory and Mrs. Valone took a few.   Mr. Krahe graciously said  to let him know if I needed anything.  I came home and slept for over six hours!  Tuesdays are somewhat rough too, but more manageable.  Wednesday was tough this past week.  My lower stomach was still bothering me.  Thursday seems to be the best day only to start over again on Friday.  So that is my week in a nutshell.  Mr. Fritts and the his staff next to my classroom are so generous and have told me to let them know if I need to make a bathroom run or anything-they will keep an eye on my class.  With everyone's help, we are making it work!  I am blessed!

Speaking of being blessed, my hairdresser is something else.  Carrie Kuhn set up a program on Facebbok called Mealtrain.  Anyone can go on it to sign up and bring us dinner.  It has been so nice these past two weeks.  I come home and nap.  When I get up the guys have a beautiful meal ready for them.  If I have an appetite, I will eat a little.  Otherewise, I stick to soup.  I cannot tell you how helpful this has been.  It's been overwhelming how helpful the community, our friends, and our family have been.  Again, we are blessed.  Thank you so much, Carrie-oh, and if you need a great hair cut or coloring, nails done, eyebrows waxed, call Polished Hair Design!  They are excellent and come highly recommended!  Carrie even cut my wig 5 years ago to fit my hair style.  I 'll be visiting her again with the same request soon.

Posters and cards my students made when I was having surgery

Thank you to the Courtyard Winery and allowing us to hold the 2nd Annual Ovarian Cancer Awareness Fundraiser there!  A very special thank you to my parents,who supplied snacks each day and went out from 3-6 pm six days in a row dressed in their teal garb.  They made sure everyone knew what was going on and if they would like to make a donation!  You can tell she worked for Hamot in their philanthropy department!  We sold 632 bottles of wine and had many donations earning $1170!!!    Thank you to those who also sent donations directly to the fund.   We also sold some of Susan Evans' book.  I am so proud of their hard work and for all that came out to support this cause.  Although it is not recognized as much like other cancers, we are doing our best to get the                                                                                                                             word out.

My colleagues have also been just amazing!!!  The Junior High Builders Club is beginning a Yankee Candle Sale starting Monday that will run for two weeks.   Some of the proceeds will be going to the Ovarian Cancer Foundation too.  Then, Lacey and Trisha, our school psychologists, approached me and a senior high group is going to do a tshirt sale and awareness assembly on ovarian cancer at the end of November.  The shirts will say "Chase Cancer Away."  If you are interested in ordering a shirt, I will hopefully be able to post it on FB.  Finally, I even saw a dress down day that the district will have for the teachers where the money collected will go to that foundation I am so fond of.  Again, I am truly blessed!!  The Harbor Creek School District is GREAT!!!

More beautiful gifts that have been sent.

On a more solemn note, I noticed for the first time yesterday after washing my hair that it is starting to fall out.  I have felt how dry it was getting, but when I was combing it gently with a pck, it was coming out quite a bit and I had hair all over my shirt.  I think I will be going wig shopping sometime this week after school. . . THANK YOU to all of those colleagues and administrators who gave a monetary donation toward it.  Pam Chodubski, senior high principal, started that up.  She wants to make sure I still look good and I am truly thankful for everyone's generosity.  Another blessing.  I need to make a tshirt that says THANK YOU on it and just walk around every day wearing it!

I do have a few friends and family that have stayed completely away.  I have not seen or heard from them once.  I guess when someone is sick, you don't always know what to say, and I understand that. Maybe they think the end is in sight.  If they do, then they should stay away because I don't need negative Nellies around.  I have my own doubting moments and I do not want anyone else filling my head with sad thoughts.  Maybe they are just busy with life in general.  It's hard to say, I guess. I have plenty that have surrounded me to not take too much thought on that but it has definitely been noticed. :(  

Lastly, even though the chemo drugs have been making me more down and causing me to really fight negative thoughts out of my head lately, I need to remind myself that God is in my corner and his work has been showing me this daily through the people that have surrounded themselves around me, Rob, and our family.  It's hard to face a disease they don't have a cure for.  It's hard to have it come back for the fifth time.  It's hard to watch friends who have lost their battle before me.  So many questions go through                                                                                      my mind.  I do have those moments. . .

Everyone tells me how strong I am, but I am human; I am weak too.  Some people tell me that is Satan working on me when I have those negative thoughts.  I am not a follower of Satan, believe me!  I think it's more about the fear of the unknown.  Then I remember my doctor telling me, "No one knows when it is their time.  I could walk out of here and get hit by a car."  She is right.  None of us know when it is our time.  We have to trust in God  and believe it will be a better place where we will live for an eternity in peace.  So I will continue to work hard at thinking positive thoughts this month.

November 10th my CA 125 will be drawn.  After a day or two of waiting I will get an idea if this concoction is working.  I think I'll focus on that.  My mantra for the next several weeks will be:  I am loved.  I am strong.  I am in remission.  I am healed.  Then I will include the rest of you in my daily prayers as usual.
Until next time,
Sue
 

Ginger really helps to calm a stomach!  Thank you  Kathy!

Courtyard Winery fundraiser

Corey's work people from Nova Care sent this.  I am blessed.

FaLL ChALLeNgEs

September was full of changes.  Everyone headed back to school/college.  We had a packed schedule.  I watched the boys' participate in The Beast on the Bay.  It was their first time participating in a 10 mile obstacle course full of running, climbing, crawling, jumping, and hurdling.  Of course it was a cool wet day, but that did not stop the thousands of people from participating in it!

 It is a fundraiser for the National Barber Center.  Both of my boys' work with wonderful families of adolescents that have Autism.  These families both received help from the Institute in their kids' earlier years.  So it was a great way for my boys' to give back and support this establishment that has given so much back to those in our community.  This place has also taught Zach and Andrew a lot about working with this population.  They are people just like we are!  I love seeing them interacting with Donovan and Erik.  It warms my heart.  Just like seeing the teachers and para educators next door to me.  The Autistic classroom for middle school students in our I.U. 5 area is the housing area for those with Autism in grades 6-8.

Our district does its best pushing them out to some of the general education classes and allows them to socialize with students their age.  It's very rewarding to see this in action, and most of them know Mrs. Chase quite well!

Corey and Danielle, our newlyweds, have been trying to adopt a puppy from Because You Care.  It was very involved.  They felt like they were adopting a child, not a puppy!  First, they had to fill out an application that wants to know about your career and salary.  Then they want to know about the amount of land you have and if you have a fenced in area for the dog to be able to run in.  Finally, they want to know if you have ever had a pet before.  They even asked a few people to write letters of recommendation for them!  After about four weeks, they were contacted and told they were finalists!  They still had to pass a home inspection.  Well, with all of these challenges that were placed in front of them, they were determined to get this adorable little  puppy.  He is part Husky and part German Shepherd.  He has one brown eye and then about 3/4 of a brown eye and 1/4 of a stunning blue eye!  They met the puppy-and it was love at first sight! So the house inspection was next.  Danielle got a hold of that debit card and went to town so that their little guy would have everything he needed.   The site he was being held at named him Malikia (Mal' - i- ky) short a and i sound and then ky as in sky.  They went with the name Wrigley.  hahaha   Corey loves baseball.  He was looking at the names of baseball fields and such.  Apparently one of his brother's  named a cat Easton, so they went with Wrigley.  My dad's first thought was because of Wrigley Spearmint Gum!  Ohhhh Dad!
  There have been some challenges that come with adding a puppy to your home.  He has lots of energy and he cried for several nights in his kennel.  So the new parents decided to let him sleep on their floor-until he peed and pooped on it!  Then they put Wrigley in their bed-Corey did this for the record-and he would then lick their face and paw them to death when he needed to go out.  They also tried just blocking him off during the day to keep him in the mudroom.  That didn't work out so well either.   He had plenty of room to romp around and play, but he was howling.  He also peed and pooped in there, knocked down a glass lid off the top of his biscuits, and dragged his kennel somehow to the other side of the room!  Apparently he is somewhat like his Mom because Danielle loves rearranging furniture!

The plan that is working best for them
now is Wrigley staying in his kennel to sleep in and when they are away.  He has not left any surprises for them after the work day, but did  get up at 3 a.m. the other night to go to the bathroom.  He seems to know not to even try to wake up sleeping beauty because he woke up Corey!  Good move, Wrigley!  He must have had to really go!   He is three months old and weighed in at 19 pounds yesterday.  What a pleasant natured little guy he is, too.  My dad just cracks up because we have always talked to our animals as if they are humans.  I believe he used to as well, but must have forgotten.  He gets the biggest kick when she is over and starts asking Wrigley if he has to go outside and pee!  I love the way my dad just starts laughing-from the belly-squinty eyes, sometimes until he cries!  So, as the Vukovic's continue to face some challenges with training a puppy the rest of us will enjoy watching and get a few laughs in.

Our biggest challenge this month was my CA125 numbers.  They jumped from 59 to 150 to 404 over the last three months.  My CT scan showed I had fluid in my right lung.  I knew something was up.  Just walking from the school parking lot had me sucking air like I had finished running a marathon!  It was awful.    So Dr. Krivak wanted the lung drained and sealed first. Then I would go back on chemotherapy.

 Of course my family, friends, and I were devastated.  Another battle.  How many more?  I know I am usually pretty positive, but that Monday after hearing the news, I sobbed.  It was not something I was prepared to hear.  I'm not sure if it was due to the news of going back on chemo or losing my hair or both that hit me.  I'm not sure if it was the realization that I still wasn't in remission.  Or it was all of the above.    Maybe it was because we had so much hope for the Parp Inhibitors to work for me.  Dr. Krivak was hoping I would get 3-4 years out of them.  Instead, I got seven months worth.  So for about 24 hours, I sobbed-mostly in private or in front of Rob.  I don't like to cry in front of people about this.  I find it a sign of weakness.  Rob reassured me that I was not weak at all.  I just needed to get it out.  I needed to feel this and then I would be better.  When I woke up the next day-Tuesday-I was done.  I felt I had cried it out as much as I could.  Today I would turn the page.  No more crying and a lot more fighting would begin.  This was on September 22nd.

      Then, there was the challenge of getting into a particular doctor  Dr. Krivak referred me to.  After making many phone calls and being told the scheduler was out ill for two days in a row, they called me back regarding Dr. Krivak's referral.  I would go on October 1st.  I was so ecstatic that I finally had an appointment.  Of course, I had to wait 10 days and breathing was getting more difficult for me.  Just climbing the stairs or walking down the hallway to get my lunch were very hard tasks.  So Danielle would pick up my lunch and I would wait until the middle of the day and have everything ready to go that needed xeroxed or copied and would do it all in one trip!

      Once October 1st got here, I was a bit nervous.  The scheduler told me they usually get you in within 2 weeks after you see Dr. Shendi.  TWO WEEKS???  Did they know I was having difficulty breathing??  I could not wait two weeks! Breathing is very important if you ask me!   So I called Dr. Krivak's office and spoke to his nurse.  She called me back and reassured me Dr. Shendi would get me in quickly once she heard what we were dealing with.   I certainly was hoping this would be true.

Coffee, Wonder Woman water bottle and cards from the best staff around!

     Mom and I headed there for my 2:45 appointment.  Rob had band practice and I told him Mom would go.  (Another challenge:  It's Band Season!  I can't be sick during Band Season!)     It's always good to have two sets of ears to listen to what the doctor has to say in case one goes into a case of worry/shock.  I've learned this from the past five years.  Let me tell you, Dr. Shendi was amazing.  I would give her a 5 star rating.  She took the time she needed to with me.  She made sure she answered my questions and made me feel comfortable with what she was going to do.  The next question was when??  After checking with the surgery room she had one spot for the very next day.  Otherwise I would have to wait for weeks and she was fearful with how laborious my breathing was already.  So, she admitted me right then.  I was excited, nervous, fearful, and thankful all at the same time.

Adult coloring book filled with intricate designs, colored pencils, and holder, a beautiful bracelet with my Guardian Angel on it, face oil and soft tissues, coffee- Pumpkin flavored  :) a mystery card and gift card enticing me to replace by fit bit I lost, and some cinnamon pumpkin soap also from my colleagues and my lovely hair dresser.  I am blessed.

We were laughing with the nurse on our way through the hallways they are able to take from the Heart Institute to the hospital because the nurse had me in a wheelchair, but Mom was panting away too!  It was quite a long walk for her.  So we were joking that the nurse would have to push both of us.  Mom would have to hop onto my lap!  But that short, little Polish lady made it!

Rob packed me a bag and came down to sit with me for the night.  Surgery was set for 8:45 am. on Friday.   Meanwhile,  the IV team was in to put that in place and then they came back to take eight vials of blood.  If you are in search for rest, do not go to a hospital looking for it!  Between  blood pressure and temperature checks, those poles they give you fluids through beep constantly, and just the sounds of other people, it is not a restful place.   I was given a bag of magnesium because I was low in it.  I woke up every hour on the hour.  It was crazy!  Danielle downloaded a great app called iDream.  It has soothing sounds like the ocean, rain falling, etc. . .  I turned that on the other few nights I was in there and slept more comfortably.  It did the trick.

Another mystery gift from the Giver to add to my collection.  I will
continue to have faith!

An elderly gentleman who must have been quite lonely would talk to anyone that would stop and listen.  His voice was loud and deep.  It drove me crazy!  Then he had a horrible cough and he did other things as well that I won't go into, but let's just say, I know he was sick, but he was not quiet about anything!  When Danielle and Corey came to visit all I heard about was the flash that she received from the poor old guy!  He apparently had his gown up a bit to high where equipment was showing that should not have been.  Finally, they figured out he had appendicitis and got him prepping for surgery.

I was late on Friday going into surgery.  There were complications with the person in front of me. Hopefully everything went well.  Meanwhile,  I met with the anesthesiologist-one who referred to himself as a minion, and he thought his daughter had Danielle for English, but he wasn't sure because he couldn't remember the teacher's name.  Needless to say, they gave me some great stuff and I barely remembered anything once I got into the operating room other than Dr. Shendi talking to me.  Then her voice just drifted away. . . . . . .

Beautiful flowers from Julie, my student Olivia, and Chuck
and Kathy.  <3

When I woke up, I was already back in my room.  Rob  and my parents were there.  Then most of the  family came to see me throughout the weekend.   You know those people who are always there for you no matter what?  Those were the ones that were there checking on me.  I am fortunate to have them in my life.    I napped in between visitors and visited with the nurses.  One of my nurses had a boy I remembered from when he was in junior high. He was a gymnast.  It's a small world as far as where you tend to run into parents!  It happens all the time.

A beautiful "Tiffany" colored gift box necklace.  The card
said, "This gift box necklace is to remind you that
you are a precious gift wrapped in God's love.
Thank you, Robin!

 Even Dr. Shendi came to check on me Saturday and Sunday.  I was very impressed by the care she gives to her patients.  I finally made it home from surgery Sunday evening.  We found that I had fluid in my lung lining and after they drained 2 liters of fluid out of it, the lung decided to collapse.  So I have a tube of some sort in me still.  Every three days a visiting nurse comes to change the bandage and drain the lung.

The nurse came today, only to find that her daughter had Danielle for class last year and  thankfully we started off with very little fluid in there; less than 10 cc's.  She was happy about that and seemed to be optimistic that I might get the drain pulled on the 19th when I see Dr. Shendi again.

Meanwhile, I can't drive. . . I don't know how long I will be able to handle that, but I will try at first anyway. Danielle will be back to Driving Ms. Daisy again!  On the 16th of October I will begin chemotherapy.   Mom will be my ride to those appointments.  They give me too many things to allow me to get behind the wheel on the way home after a treatment!

A beautiful cornecopia made by Robin W.  Thank you! 

It's been a challenging fall already, but we all have challenges.  It's more about how we choose to look at it.  I can either look at this as a big setback--oh no!  The cancer is in another cavity.  That changes you to Stage 4.  Well I was already Stage 3C, so I choose to look at it as just another bump in the road.  Life isn't always easy.

 That's the thing I've noticed on Facebook.  Everyone is going through something.  Just be positive!  I don't need negativity around and neither do you.  It's not good for anyone.  If you have a challenge, think about what you can do to beat it in a positive way.  Our thoughts and attitudes are things we can control.  Look around and enjoy the sights and scents of the fall.  Enjoy your conversations, treasure small, special moments.  Pray and stay away from negative Nellie's.  Let them bring themselves down, but don't let them rain on your parade.  It's not worth it.  There's too much in our short lives to walk around feeling sorry for yourself; even when you think it is the biggest challenge ever.

I LOVE FALL!

Thank you to all who ordered a bracelet for the Evans-Krivak Fundraiser!

Get out there and make someone's day!

Breathe and be positive!!!!

 

Goodbye Summer, It's Time to Head Back to School!

This summer was so packed with fun and excitement, family and friends, that it just flew by!  We were busy with the nuptials of Danielle and Corey that before we knew it, August was upon us.
I have to say, this was the first time in my teaching career I did not make it into school before August.  There just wasn't time.  So once that month hit, I knew I needed to get busy.  Thanks to Pinterest I found a few new bulletin board ideas.  It's a good feeling to get those done and out of the way so that once we start with In-Service training, I can focus on anything new that is introduced to us.

We had a phenomenal start to our school year with a new Superintendent, Kelly Hess.  It makes a big difference when your school board hires someone who has put time, energy and  a big piece of their heart into the position they are taking over.  Kelly attended the Harbor Creek School District as a student.  She was then hired as a fourth grade teacher, I believe.  Eventually she was hired as a Principal and also held the position of Curriculum Director.  She lives in the district and she bleeds orange and black.  It is so refreshing to have someone who appreciates what we do and treats us with such respect.  She cares wholeheartedly for this district and it shows.   We are a great district and it's only going to get "greater" with her guidance. The feeling of opening day was exhilarating!  It got me so pumped up for a wonderful school year that is going to take lots of work and effort on both the teachers and the students' part.  Support from the parents is also very important. That's what will make us so great.

     We also have a new principal at the Jr. High.  It was bittersweet to have our principal move to the senior high, but Mr. Krahe is familiar with all of us as well.  He started as a Phys. Ed. teacher with many of us before becoming a principal.  He was the Athletic Director and Senior High Principal for many years.  So the move has been quite smooth.    Mr. Krahe got us motivated during our opening days with some group activities of sharing and of course discussion about the Common Core standards.  He showed us one of the TED Talk videos that we found to be very motivating.  Rita Pierson is an inspiring speaker.   Mr. Krahe's wife, Joanne, also deserves kudos helping her hubby out with treat bags for the staff and a packed full basket of Bob's mints and peppermint patties in the lounge with a clever note that had sayings on it like "Thank you for your commit"mint".  Who doesn't like treats?!  It was a great, collaborative start to the year.

My Special Ed Director got us all started with "Smiles" and a video that brought smiles to our faces.   The chocolate smile sucker was another plus!  We were given our caseloads that seem to be getting bigger every year and a reminder that we will be spending some time training more for Indicator 13.  This has to do with the Transition section on the IEP's we write.  It's always good to stay up on the latest through training.  So we are up and running for a successful year. 

Another exciting part about starting up this school year is the fact that my nephew, Kian started Kindergarten!  I was unsure how his Mom and Dad would  hold up watching their one and only little world get on that school bus and begin his education, but he made it quite easy on them.  That boy LOVES buses! So to get to ride on one every day to school is AWESOME in his eyes!

Danielle asked him what his favorite part of the day was and Kian replied, "Riding on the bus!"  What is your least favorite part of the day?  "They make me stay there ALL DAY!"  Ohhhh the things they come up with!  So he is beginning a new routine and seems to really enjoy it.  I'm sure I will have many more stories from Kian as the school year continues!  The one I must share this time has to do with lunch.  His mom, Michelle, was looking on the lunch menu last Thursday night.  She asked Kian what Big Daddy's Pizza was.  He said it's when the dad's come to lunch and eat pizza with you.  Well, Kian's dad lives on pizza alone.  He insists it has all 4 food groups and it is good for you.  To each his own. . . . anyway, being the Dad Scott is-he doesn't miss out on anything-he went there to eat lunch with Kian on Friday only to find out that this is what the name of the pizza brand is they serve!  Thankfully our elementary schools have a great policy and allow parents to eat lunch with their child, so Scott stayed for his favorite food!  There were three other dads that were there as well.   They must have gotten the same memo from their kids!

Well, I made it through the first two and a half days of school and ended up missing a day and a half from the flu.  Apparently my immune system was still on summer vacation.  I am still napping after work and taking three hour naps on the weekend, but eventually I think I will adjust.  I'm also doing a lot of  drinking those Bolthouse veggie drinks to stock up on more antioxidants.

Last week I went for bloodwork, and unfortunately, a blood vessel broke, so as she was pulling out the needle from my port, it looked like a bad horror film for a few minutes.  This nurse was so skilled, she did

not get one drop on my blouse!  She thought for sure she did.  Afterward I bruised from it but my bloodowork came back good, so that's all that counts.   I am anxiously awaiting for this Friday.  I have a CT scan in the morning and they will take my CA125 again.  It went up from 50 to 159 at the end of July, but I am hoping that the added wedding planning stress and a bad case of poison ivy caused that.   Then on the 21st, I will take a ride down to Pittsburgh to visit my favorite oncologist, Dr. Krivak.
 I have been tired since going back to work, but that is also a side effect of the Parp Inhibitors I am on. Plus it has been so hot this past week.  Who doesn't feel drained at the end of the day?   My stomach has been funky and I haven't been as hungry; in fact, I am down 10 pounds, but that could be from having the flu. Don't worry, I have another 25 extra  pounds lying around, so I'm trying not to worry about that either.  I've been trying to lose weight for over a year!  So when all of a sudden, you drop ten, it makes me a bit curious.     I tend to panic a bit with any little change, but I think that goes with all that I've been through.  I just have to stay strong and be positive.  Everything is fine.  Those spots are disappearing or dying off from the oral chemo I am taking, right?!  Soon I will know what is going on inside and that will bring me some relief, I am sure.
Finally, I have to mention that September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness month and Ovarian Cancer Awareness month.  Some of my dearest friends have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer.  Kathy Lewis, my "twin" is the first person I must mention.   We met when I was a substitute teacher for her probably about 24 years ago. We have a lot in common besides teaching.  She is my true go-to friend for advice and for exercise!  That woman loves to exercise!  We also both have three children; a girl and two boys, birthdays in June only two days apart, and a love for coffee and books!  She was so brave as she fought her way into remission!  She has been in remission for several years.

 My other friend, Rob Ludwig, is also a thyroid cancer survivor.  His fight has been  more involved and he has an awesome scar right across his neck.  He has been in remission for almost two years.  He's been fighting for almost five years with one recurrence.    Rob has had to deal with keeping his thyroid controlled through medication as does Kathy, which causes hot flashes and a flushed face for him.  He's the only guy who understands me when I am sweating up a storm one minute and cold the next!  He continues to go for scans and bloodwork to make sure his numbers are where they are supposed to be.  I love his zeal for life!  He is so uplifting and full of fun.  He always keeps me laughing and he is one hell of a fighter! There is also Kristie Curtis, who I met through Kathy and aerobics class.  She also went through a scary time getting her thyroid removed.  God never gives us more than we can handle.  Apparently, he thinks we are a bunch of bad asses!                                 Susan Evans, a patient of Dr. Krivak's, and a  family friend, Michelle Fuhrman, have joined together to have a fundraiser for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153652820720757&set=gm.847554585341311&type=1
It's called the Evans-Krivak Gynecological Research Education Fund. We are selling beautiful Keep Collective bracelets and necklaces.  A portion of the proceeds will go to the fundraiser.   I am one of the hostesses as well as Susan and several other women.

Susan and I are both patients of Dr. Thomas Krivak.  Thanks to him, Susan is in remission, and I have been given several years of living so far from his up to date knowledge of what works for this disease.  Although I am not in remission, I am hopeful it will happen soon.  So we are helping to raise awareness and money in order to help Dr. Krivak continue research for a cure and educate other oncologists and patients.  Please order something if you can!  It would be greatly appreciated.

 Susan also wrote a book about her experience (picture below).  All proceeds go to the fund, so if you are ever looking for a great read, check it out!  She and her husband started the fund for Dr. Krivak and do a ton of traveling and speaking regarding her journey and the need for a cure.  God bless them and all they are doing for Research and Education!

Enjoy Labor Day!  It is a yearly tribute to all the contributions our workers have made to our country.
Until next time,
                                                        Sue
  

Susan Evans book-it's a great read!  Check it out!

Giving up is not an option!

AMEN!

                                   

The Wedding: A Month Packed with Fond Memories!

The big day finally arrived!  All of the planning and preparing we did for the  two and a half year engagement was well worth it.  The ceremony was beautiful with a little bit of comedy- Danielle forgot the order of "In the name of the Father and the Son-"-flip flopping it- with nerves getting the best of her; the kids were also quite comical getting them down the aisle.  Then there were the vows that were quite touching as Danielle wiped away one of Corey's tears-I think he got everyone crying at that point.  Danielle was teary eyed but very composed after crying off and on for three weeks!  I think she got it all out working on their new house and moving out of her family home.  Lots of changes!!

So many family and friends gathered to witness and celebrate with us.  The church was packed.  It was very meaningful to see so many  present to witness their vows.  I am truly thankful for everyone that came to celebrate with us.  Then we were off for pictures and then to the reception.
                                                                                                             Obviously, I'm slightly biased, but I thought Corey and Danielle made a beautiful bride and groom.  As I look back over Danielle's 27 years, it's still hard for me to believe she is a grown, married woman! Where did  that little girl go who loved to play school with her brothers or wear my high heeled shoes  as she pranced around the kitchen.  Where did that little girl go that would talk incessantly to her dolls and dance around the house in her ballet or tap shoes?  I still remember wanting to keep her in a little bubble and being so worried when she went off to Kindergarten.  All the time we spent at dance recitals, band concerts, marching band shows, and softball games.  It's crazy how fast time goes by.   Then she met Corey at Youngstown State University where they had both been recruited as Division I  baseball/softball pitchers.  He was so shy and she picked him out the very first class they had during their Freshman year.  Granted, he did not remember having class with her, but she quickly reminded him of it as they had two classes in a row together and she went and sat with him for the second class.  They became friends and by their sophomore year, began to date.  The rest is history.

I must brag about the cake.  My Mom made it and Corey's Dad, Rick, made the cake box with their initials carved in it.   The top of the cake box also opens so they can store things in it.  Mom has been making cakes and taking cake decorating classes at Michael's for as long as I can remember.  We were so happy when she said she would like to make the cake for them.  A wedding cake is a bit more involved compared to making a birthday cake!  She did a fabulous job!  White cake with raspberry filling in the middle.  Mmmmmmm.  She even made a chocolate groom's cake.  Corey has more sneakers (tennis shoes, as he refers to them) than most women.  So of course Mom chose to make it about sneakers.    I believe he is up to about 55 pairs of shoes!  He is worse than a woman.  Hahaha

It was quite a family affair on the groom's side.  The ones with sunglasses are mine and Rob's sons.  Corey's brothers are the ones without.  They had a great time bonding and I know my boys' are thrilled to have gained another brother!  From the job Corey's brothers did with the toast, I would say they are quite happy to have Danielle as a sister-in-law.  They gave her lots of pointers about him and some pretty funny stories of Corey growing up.  Becky, Danielle's Maid of Honor, also did a terrific job on her speech.  It's always enjoyable to listen to stories of the past and hear about the bond the girls' made through their adventures.

 Danielle had Becky, her high school friend and softball catcher as her Maid of Honor.  She also had her cousin Julie, her college teammate and friend Jordan, her high school friend and teammate Stephanie, and her now sister-in-law, Emily.  What a beautiful wedding party they made!


They had two ring bearers and two flower girls too. Liddy and Ethan are our niece and nephew.   Liddy didn't quite make it down the aisle, which we figured would happen.  She is only 15 months.  Her brother, Ethan, 2 1/2 years old, did quite well!  So did Aubree, our great niece, age 3, and Kian, our nephew, age 5 1/2.  Pictures after the wedding were another story, but it was to be expected with nap time missed for several of them!

 Danielle coaches Softball at the local high school she teaches at.  Many of her girls' from the team came to see their coach get married and strike a pose with her.  It was so touching to see these young ladies at church supporting Coach Chase-now Coach Vukovic!  Many of the underclassmen were unable to make it due to a tournament they were playing in.  However, they were there in spirit!

 There's nothing like capturing a moment between Dad and Daughter!  I just love them so much!

 As soon as Corey got to the reception, he was ready to dance.  So once we ate, he got the dance floor moving!  As you can see, we had quite a dancing crowd.  The floor was packed for the entire five hours.  It was definitely a day to remember. 

 

Proud and happy parents, me and my hubby Rob!  

 Then, before we knew it, the day and night we had counted down to--- was over.  I took naps for the next two weeks after that!.  Danielle and Corey went to Montego Bay in Jamaica.  Corey received word that he had passed his Boards for Physical Therapy while they were away! There's always more to celebrate!   The Honeymooners returned and Corey went back to work while Danielle began teaching Colorguard for her Dad's high school band.  Back to reality!

As we prepare to return to school next week for my district, I plan to take a few more days to just relax and breathe!  Very soon I will have to hop  back onto that work schedule again.  I love my job, but it has also been nice to regroup and enjoy the days and nights of summertime.  My CA125 had jumped up from 59 to 150 in July.  However, I feel really good other than tired.  That is a symptom of the Lynparza (oral chemo I take) so I think between the wedding hustle and bustle and a bad case of poison ivy, that is probably why my numbers did a jump.  I will find out soon.  September 11th  is set for another scan and they will also check my CA125 numbers again.  Then, on the 18th I will head down to see my number 1 oncologist, Dr. Krivak.    In the meantime, I will be sure to take time to eat well, exercise, and breathe as I prepare my classroom for another year of learning and fun.  

 One more very important thing I want to put out there; September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.  In honor of this disease that has no cure but has taught me so much, I want to ask you to keep an eye on my Facebook page and look for another blog on some ways you could help us find a cure and also purchase some very pretty arm candy!  More details to come soon! 

Have a great day and remember to SMILE at someone.  You may just make their day!  Until next time,

Sue