"God hath not promised skies always blue, flower-strewn pathways all our lives through; God hath not promised sun without rain, joy without sorrow, peace without pain. But God hath promised strength for the day, rest for the labor, light for the way, grace for the trials, help from above. Unfailing sympathy, undying love..."
Today's blog is in loving remembrance of my niece, Precious Hope. Precious was born and entered into rest on Nov. 30, 2002. I catch myself thinking about her from time to time. Would she have the curly hair her sisters have? Eyes as blue as the sky like little Shainy's? Would she be the big shot goalie like her big sis Sam? Sadly, we will never know. She is greatly missed by a multitude of family members.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Time has surely gotten away from me! I wanted to keep this blog updated as best I could, but there really hasn't been much to update. Todd is feeling so good right now, so good that he has virtually forgotten all he's been through in the last few months! Wrestling season is fastly approaching which means he will be extremely busy with work and officiating. I know he's feeling well when he's ready to get out there on that mat.
My mom, my mother-in-law , and I recently shared a girls night out friday night. We went to Cleveland to see An Evening with Scott Hamilton and Friends. For those of you who don't remember Scott Hamilton he is an Olympic figure skating champion who was diagnosed with testicular cancer back in 1997. He underwent a regime of successful chemotherapy treatments, surgery and recuperation. Instead of picking up where he left off in the world of figure skating, he felt he needed to do something more for others suffering from cancer. Scott founded the Scott Hamilton CARES Initiative ( Cancer Alliance for Research, Education and Survivorship) and is also a spokesperson for the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute. The CARES Initiative was started by Scott in order to raise cancer awareness while at the same time raising the money to fund such research to help for a cure for all types of cancer. Scott's mission is "to erradicate cancer in my lifetime." So back to friday evening, the ice show we went to see is only put on once a year to raise funds for the CARES Initiative and to give back to the people of Cleveland. The most amazing part of the evening was not the skaters, it was a young 16 year-old boy. This boy is in his second year of fundraising for cancer reasearch. During the brief intermission, he presented the Taussig Cancer Institute with a check for $108,000! His goal next year is to raise $250,000! I could not believe it, a young boy who should be worried about football games or girlfriends or what to do to on a friday night was spending his time raising money for cancer! How amazing!
My new job is going well. In fact, I love it! Last week I spent a couple of days in Cleveland for the 11th annual Innovations in Neurscience Nursing Conference. It was 3 days packed full of information. I think my favorite lecture was the one on mitochondrial disorders. In that particular lecture we learned about a study that was done in Portugal that could link a form of autism to a mitochondrial disorder which in turn could lead to a treatment! The study only showed a small percentage and it's virtually impossible to replicate that study here in the states, but it has paved a path.
Brynn is keeping busy with school- she loves it! She is slowly becoming a little adult! Just ask her dad, the other day he was trying to talk to her and she gave him the old "whatever" with the hand wave. That was priceless! I keep hearing that she acts more and more "like her mother!" I beg to differ. I would love to say it's the female gene, but she is one heck of a tomboy, too. On a recent trip to the circus, her favorite part was the dirtbikes. She couldn't wait to see the dirtbikes! When they finally came out she could hardly sit in her seat! None the less she does have her girlie moments, like screaming at the top of her lungs when anything Jonas Brothers comes across the radio or tv! And lets not even get started on High School Musical, Hannah Montana and iCarly.
As for Kael-he's content with putting his puzzles together and riding in the combine with "pa." He has his little perch, which happens to be my dads armrest, that he has to sit on when he's riding with "pa." He doesn't want the buddy seat it's attached to, he wants the armrest right next to "pa." I think my dad was ready to have a little boy around to share his passion for tractors with. After 4 girls (3 living)-and one more possibly on the way (I'm going to be auntie again!)- who could blame him! Kael is my little cuddlebug. He catches me offguard sometimes when he comes up, gives me a hug and says "Mommy your my best friend." By the way- those were his exact words after receiving his Flumist at the docotor's office one day. I think without a doubt he is going to be quite the ladies man! As Todd would say- "Just like his daddy."
My mom, my mother-in-law , and I recently shared a girls night out friday night. We went to Cleveland to see An Evening with Scott Hamilton and Friends. For those of you who don't remember Scott Hamilton he is an Olympic figure skating champion who was diagnosed with testicular cancer back in 1997. He underwent a regime of successful chemotherapy treatments, surgery and recuperation. Instead of picking up where he left off in the world of figure skating, he felt he needed to do something more for others suffering from cancer. Scott founded the Scott Hamilton CARES Initiative ( Cancer Alliance for Research, Education and Survivorship) and is also a spokesperson for the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute. The CARES Initiative was started by Scott in order to raise cancer awareness while at the same time raising the money to fund such research to help for a cure for all types of cancer. Scott's mission is "to erradicate cancer in my lifetime." So back to friday evening, the ice show we went to see is only put on once a year to raise funds for the CARES Initiative and to give back to the people of Cleveland. The most amazing part of the evening was not the skaters, it was a young 16 year-old boy. This boy is in his second year of fundraising for cancer reasearch. During the brief intermission, he presented the Taussig Cancer Institute with a check for $108,000! His goal next year is to raise $250,000! I could not believe it, a young boy who should be worried about football games or girlfriends or what to do to on a friday night was spending his time raising money for cancer! How amazing!
My new job is going well. In fact, I love it! Last week I spent a couple of days in Cleveland for the 11th annual Innovations in Neurscience Nursing Conference. It was 3 days packed full of information. I think my favorite lecture was the one on mitochondrial disorders. In that particular lecture we learned about a study that was done in Portugal that could link a form of autism to a mitochondrial disorder which in turn could lead to a treatment! The study only showed a small percentage and it's virtually impossible to replicate that study here in the states, but it has paved a path.
Brynn is keeping busy with school- she loves it! She is slowly becoming a little adult! Just ask her dad, the other day he was trying to talk to her and she gave him the old "whatever" with the hand wave. That was priceless! I keep hearing that she acts more and more "like her mother!" I beg to differ. I would love to say it's the female gene, but she is one heck of a tomboy, too. On a recent trip to the circus, her favorite part was the dirtbikes. She couldn't wait to see the dirtbikes! When they finally came out she could hardly sit in her seat! None the less she does have her girlie moments, like screaming at the top of her lungs when anything Jonas Brothers comes across the radio or tv! And lets not even get started on High School Musical, Hannah Montana and iCarly.
As for Kael-he's content with putting his puzzles together and riding in the combine with "pa." He has his little perch, which happens to be my dads armrest, that he has to sit on when he's riding with "pa." He doesn't want the buddy seat it's attached to, he wants the armrest right next to "pa." I think my dad was ready to have a little boy around to share his passion for tractors with. After 4 girls (3 living)-and one more possibly on the way (I'm going to be auntie again!)- who could blame him! Kael is my little cuddlebug. He catches me offguard sometimes when he comes up, gives me a hug and says "Mommy your my best friend." By the way- those were his exact words after receiving his Flumist at the docotor's office one day. I think without a doubt he is going to be quite the ladies man! As Todd would say- "Just like his daddy."
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Doctor day...
Whew, where has the time gone! First off, let me say that it has been crazy busy at the Mowrer house these last few weeks!! All holds true when they say there are not enough hours in the day. I'll begin with Todd updates. Last wednesday was the visit with the "ear doctor". Dr. Weber is satisfied with Todd's recovery process. I'm not so sure whether it's fortunate or not for Todd to regain the hearing in his ear because now I know he can hear all the "honey do's". Fortunate for me, unfortunate for him I suppose. As for his visit with Dr. Kraus today, all went well! The CT scan came back showing improvement and his serum levels were within normal limits! His next set of labwork and scans will be in December and every three months for a year.
As for the rest of the clan, Brynn will be starting her second year of preschool next week! I still can't believe how much my baby is growing. She never ceases to amaze me with some of her antics! Anyone that knows her, knows just how much energy she has. I wish I could say that it just oozes out of her, however if that were true I would surely pick up some of her reserves. Since she needed an outlet for all that energy and she loves any and all kind of sports, we signed her up for soccer. We had clinics all last week and she showed them what she had to offer, which by the way will not be goalkeeper! During one of the scrimmages, coach put her in goal. Apparently there was not enough action on her end of the field because she began pretending the goal posts were monkey bars. If that weren't enough, she decided it was break time so she ran off the field, grabbed her water bottle and took a seat! We couldn't contain the giggles! She simply stated "Daddy, I needed a water break." That's our B!
Kael is beginning to enter the dreaded "terrible two's". He is a little man with a very large temper. Potty training is his event this fall. There are days when he will just scream "I want my mommy" or "I want my daddy" between sniffles while he sits on the potty. My absolute favorite moment was one evening when I was getting them ready for bed. I sat Kael on the potty beside his big sis, well he couldn't go. So I stood him up to the potty and I told him to try and hit the little hole down in the bowl. He stood there for a time just looking and then ever so innocently he said, "Mommy, it broke. It won't work." I really don't think I made it through the bedtime story without giggling!
As for me, I recently started my new job at the Clinic. After getting moved around in the different departments, unbeknownst to me I'm told, I have finally ended up in Neurology. I'm really looking forward to the challenge! As I opened a new door, I had to close one. I finally shut the door on my family and friends at Buehler's after nearly 11 years of service. So for those of you in my Buehler family that may be reading this- it was really hard to walk out that door for the last time last week.
As for the rest of the clan, Brynn will be starting her second year of preschool next week! I still can't believe how much my baby is growing. She never ceases to amaze me with some of her antics! Anyone that knows her, knows just how much energy she has. I wish I could say that it just oozes out of her, however if that were true I would surely pick up some of her reserves. Since she needed an outlet for all that energy and she loves any and all kind of sports, we signed her up for soccer. We had clinics all last week and she showed them what she had to offer, which by the way will not be goalkeeper! During one of the scrimmages, coach put her in goal. Apparently there was not enough action on her end of the field because she began pretending the goal posts were monkey bars. If that weren't enough, she decided it was break time so she ran off the field, grabbed her water bottle and took a seat! We couldn't contain the giggles! She simply stated "Daddy, I needed a water break." That's our B!
Kael is beginning to enter the dreaded "terrible two's". He is a little man with a very large temper. Potty training is his event this fall. There are days when he will just scream "I want my mommy" or "I want my daddy" between sniffles while he sits on the potty. My absolute favorite moment was one evening when I was getting them ready for bed. I sat Kael on the potty beside his big sis, well he couldn't go. So I stood him up to the potty and I told him to try and hit the little hole down in the bowl. He stood there for a time just looking and then ever so innocently he said, "Mommy, it broke. It won't work." I really don't think I made it through the bedtime story without giggling!
As for me, I recently started my new job at the Clinic. After getting moved around in the different departments, unbeknownst to me I'm told, I have finally ended up in Neurology. I'm really looking forward to the challenge! As I opened a new door, I had to close one. I finally shut the door on my family and friends at Buehler's after nearly 11 years of service. So for those of you in my Buehler family that may be reading this- it was really hard to walk out that door for the last time last week.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Just a dream
Well, our much needed vacation was cut short due to Hurricane Faye! Our bright sunny days on the beach were soon overshadowed (no pun intended) by the fury building to the south of us. We debated wednesday night about packing up thursday morning and heading home, but thursday morning came and the sun was shining through the palm trees. Being that no hurricane was going to dampen our spirits, we decided to head to the beach. Once we made our way down the path and crossed through the little sand dune, our hopes were bombarded with 25mph winds and black clouds off the horizon. We tried to take one last walk down the beach, but the winds were so strong and the blowing sand felt just pelted us. Dismayed we took the final walk back to the beach house and finished packing up our things. Faye was not going to chase us back to Ohio though! We found a hotel in Charlotte thursday night and took the kids to the Discovery Place in downtown Charlotte. That place is amazing! It had such neat exhibits for the kids. They especially loved Einstein's Corner when Carolyn blew up a balloon filled with hydrogen! Not even Todd nor I expected such a loud bang! Friday afternoon saw us making the long trek home. Let me just say that while I'm glad Grandma Ivy let us borrow the movie "Cars" I will be more than happy to return it! Kael is a huge fan and we had to watch it nearly the whole way back to Ohio! Hours later I just had to put Jungle Book in, one can only take so much of Lighting McQueen! I must admit that I'm sure glad it was not Barney blaring through the speakers!
It was so nice to be away from home, to forget about all tests and doctor visits. It's that easy come, easy go lifestyle I love. I'd have to say that this vacation will definately not be forgotten. We won't forget about those sharks, dolphins or jellyfish that paid us a friendly, but scrary, visit. The sand dollars were amazing, not to mention the starfish. We have taken several trips to the beach, but I don't think my eyes have been open, nor my mind, to the colors, sounds or smells quite like this trip. This trip was much more appreciative because my husband was by my side to share it with me. Until this past May I never once thought of anything happening to him. I never thought there would come a day when I had to think about losing my best friend, my soul mate. Unfortunately, that day came. If there is anything I've learned from this is that I take to many things for granite.
We walked through the doors of the CTC for one last time today. I have to hand it to the staff in there. They are amazing! For the type of people they take care of and what they do, you can feel the warmth there. They truly care. In fact, as we walked in the receptionist was saying "Hi, Todd" with a huge smile on her face. Once down the hall I heard another ask, "So how was the vacation?" and she really wanted to hear about it. Really I can not say enough about the staff in there, I'm so glad that they took such good care of Todd. They really made him feel like part of the family and not just another patient coming in for treatment.
As for the actual visit- Dr. Seider is done with him until his check up next August!! He said he felt everything went well and all looks good. Our next step is Dr. Kraus, the Urologist, at Aultman. He will read the results from the CT and bHCG tests Todd had two weeks ago. If all goes well there it will be a series of CT scans and bHCG tests every three months for the next year or two.
It was so nice to be away from home, to forget about all tests and doctor visits. It's that easy come, easy go lifestyle I love. I'd have to say that this vacation will definately not be forgotten. We won't forget about those sharks, dolphins or jellyfish that paid us a friendly, but scrary, visit. The sand dollars were amazing, not to mention the starfish. We have taken several trips to the beach, but I don't think my eyes have been open, nor my mind, to the colors, sounds or smells quite like this trip. This trip was much more appreciative because my husband was by my side to share it with me. Until this past May I never once thought of anything happening to him. I never thought there would come a day when I had to think about losing my best friend, my soul mate. Unfortunately, that day came. If there is anything I've learned from this is that I take to many things for granite.
We walked through the doors of the CTC for one last time today. I have to hand it to the staff in there. They are amazing! For the type of people they take care of and what they do, you can feel the warmth there. They truly care. In fact, as we walked in the receptionist was saying "Hi, Todd" with a huge smile on her face. Once down the hall I heard another ask, "So how was the vacation?" and she really wanted to hear about it. Really I can not say enough about the staff in there, I'm so glad that they took such good care of Todd. They really made him feel like part of the family and not just another patient coming in for treatment.
As for the actual visit- Dr. Seider is done with him until his check up next August!! He said he felt everything went well and all looks good. Our next step is Dr. Kraus, the Urologist, at Aultman. He will read the results from the CT and bHCG tests Todd had two weeks ago. If all goes well there it will be a series of CT scans and bHCG tests every three months for the next year or two.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Vacation ready
Pardon the delay in updates, although nothing has really changed since I last posted. Todd still has his bouts with nausea, but fortunately it's beginning to seem less and less. I'm beginning to think that maybe our vacation isn't meant to be! This last week our friend Berger, part 1 of the couple we are vacationing with in less than 2 weeks, ended up having an appendectomy this past weekend! Apparently it was largely inflamed and the surgeon really had to work to remove it. He now has to have an MRI because of a spot they found on the CT scan which he had while in the ER with his appendicitis. So while Todd 2 (Berger) is going to have an MRI early next week, Todd 1 will be having a follow-up CT scan on Tuesday! Seriously- will this not be a much needed vacation or what! Add to the multitude of health issues, I have been interviewing for a nursing spot at the Cleveland Clinic here in Wooster. Stress city here at the Mowrer house!
Our doctor visits will start next week. On August 5th Todd will have his follow-up CT scan for Dr. Kraus (Urologist) then on August 6th he will be seeing his Otolaryngologist Dr. Weber (more commonly known as the "ear doctor"). Following vacation he will have another PET scan for Dr. Seiders (Radiation Oncologist) along with a visit, and a few days later is scheduled to see Dr. Kraus.
This past Saturday there was an amazing article on the front page of the sports section in the Daily Record about a 20-year old junior A hockey player for the Wooster Oilers. Corey McDevitt made it known to the press that he is currently battling testicular cancer. Diagnosed in March of this year, Corey has already been treated once. Three weeks ago his blood tests came back to show the cancer had returned, this time appearing in the lungs. Right now he is currently undergoing chemotherapy at the Cleveland Clinic Wooster. Every three weeks he finds himself having seven-hour treatments five days a week. Yes, I said seven! What's even more amazing is that he wears his ice skates to every treatment. He has been proclaiming to be ready to hit the ice come Halloween! Talk about determination! That is what it takes to come out on top. He aslo mentioned that his inspiration comes from none other than Lance Armstrong. I have already sent an email to lend support to this young man, if anyone else would like to do so he can recieve letters at: Alice Noble Ice Arena, 851 Oldman Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691 or emails can be sent to coachhart@nc.rr.com. Also if anyone is interested, the title of Lance Armstrong's book is "It's not about the bike."
As for Todd's aunt Sandy, she had her surgery and is doing well. I believe she is going to be starting her chemo in the next week or two. From my understanding she will be seeing Dr. Stallings, a Medical Oncologist, here in Wooster.
Although everyone has done so much for us already, I would like to ask that you still keep our family in your thoughts as we are still not in the clear yet and unsure if we will ever be.
Our doctor visits will start next week. On August 5th Todd will have his follow-up CT scan for Dr. Kraus (Urologist) then on August 6th he will be seeing his Otolaryngologist Dr. Weber (more commonly known as the "ear doctor"). Following vacation he will have another PET scan for Dr. Seiders (Radiation Oncologist) along with a visit, and a few days later is scheduled to see Dr. Kraus.
This past Saturday there was an amazing article on the front page of the sports section in the Daily Record about a 20-year old junior A hockey player for the Wooster Oilers. Corey McDevitt made it known to the press that he is currently battling testicular cancer. Diagnosed in March of this year, Corey has already been treated once. Three weeks ago his blood tests came back to show the cancer had returned, this time appearing in the lungs. Right now he is currently undergoing chemotherapy at the Cleveland Clinic Wooster. Every three weeks he finds himself having seven-hour treatments five days a week. Yes, I said seven! What's even more amazing is that he wears his ice skates to every treatment. He has been proclaiming to be ready to hit the ice come Halloween! Talk about determination! That is what it takes to come out on top. He aslo mentioned that his inspiration comes from none other than Lance Armstrong. I have already sent an email to lend support to this young man, if anyone else would like to do so he can recieve letters at: Alice Noble Ice Arena, 851 Oldman Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691 or emails can be sent to coachhart@nc.rr.com. Also if anyone is interested, the title of Lance Armstrong's book is "It's not about the bike."
As for Todd's aunt Sandy, she had her surgery and is doing well. I believe she is going to be starting her chemo in the next week or two. From my understanding she will be seeing Dr. Stallings, a Medical Oncologist, here in Wooster.
Although everyone has done so much for us already, I would like to ask that you still keep our family in your thoughts as we are still not in the clear yet and unsure if we will ever be.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Bittersweet
As one Mowrer is finishing up cancer treatments another will just begin. Todd's aunt Sandy was just recently diagnosed with lung cancer. From what I understand it is a mixture of small and non-small cell. She will travel to Columbus to have her right upper lobe removed and then undergo chemotherapy here in Wooster.
Todd was worried about being fatigued when we go on vacation, but the nurse assured him that within a week he should start feeling less tired.
For those of you who believe in superstitions, on the day of Todd's last treatment we seemingly adopted a little black kitten, appropriately named Midnight by pawpaw Larry. It came out of the cow pasture and perched itself, with help from Java, up on the fence post where it stayed for hours until Todd came to the rescue. Kael, my little animal lover, just can't get enough of it and Brynn likes it until it starts to get playful with her then she starts running through the yard crying "It's chasing me! Get it away!". So I guess our family has grown by one more!
Todd was worried about being fatigued when we go on vacation, but the nurse assured him that within a week he should start feeling less tired.
For those of you who believe in superstitions, on the day of Todd's last treatment we seemingly adopted a little black kitten, appropriately named Midnight by pawpaw Larry. It came out of the cow pasture and perched itself, with help from Java, up on the fence post where it stayed for hours until Todd came to the rescue. Kael, my little animal lover, just can't get enough of it and Brynn likes it until it starts to get playful with her then she starts running through the yard crying "It's chasing me! Get it away!". So I guess our family has grown by one more!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Heading for home
Todd is rounding third and heading for home plate! I can't believe how these last few weeks have just flown by! Thursday will mark his final treatment. According to Dr. Seider, his PET scan was clear and his bloodwork, which he had drawn last week, came back within normal limits. As much as we'd like to bid farewell to all the scans, blood draws and doctor appointments, it won't be happening anytime soon. Dr. Seider and Dr. Kraus would like to see him again in four weeks, each doctor wanting their own seperate scan and labs. Dr. Seider would like a PET scan and Dr. Kraus would like a CT scan. I can already hear the misery in Todd's voice when he mentions the PET scan! If all of the scans and labs come back clear, then he will see Dr. Seider once a year for five years and Dr. Kraus will probably be once every three months throughout the year.
The radiation is finally starting to catch up with Todd. This last weekend he found himself dipping into the Compazine quite a few times. He gets hungry, takes a few bites and then ends up feeling sick or gets a faint aroma of something and gets sick. At his appointment today he told the nurse how he had been feeling lately and her reply was that now he knew what being pregnant was like. I must have been in the back of his mind somewhere because his response to her was "No I wouldn't say that to my wife because she'd say "no you don't know how it feels to be pregnant!""
Looking back I still can't believe how this all happened. Life can change in just the blink of an eye. As much as I felt like blaming someone in the beginning, I came to the realization that this is our plan. This plan was in the making long before that first date many years ago and I'm ok with that. I'm a firm believer of things happening for a reason and I have learned to just roll with the punches and things will get better. One day coming out of the CTC Todd mentioned how it hurt him to see some of the other patients in there looking so fragile while at the same time he's walking out full of energy. So on days when I feel like crumbling, I stand tall realizing that someone out there has it far worse than me.
The radiation is finally starting to catch up with Todd. This last weekend he found himself dipping into the Compazine quite a few times. He gets hungry, takes a few bites and then ends up feeling sick or gets a faint aroma of something and gets sick. At his appointment today he told the nurse how he had been feeling lately and her reply was that now he knew what being pregnant was like. I must have been in the back of his mind somewhere because his response to her was "No I wouldn't say that to my wife because she'd say "no you don't know how it feels to be pregnant!""
Looking back I still can't believe how this all happened. Life can change in just the blink of an eye. As much as I felt like blaming someone in the beginning, I came to the realization that this is our plan. This plan was in the making long before that first date many years ago and I'm ok with that. I'm a firm believer of things happening for a reason and I have learned to just roll with the punches and things will get better. One day coming out of the CTC Todd mentioned how it hurt him to see some of the other patients in there looking so fragile while at the same time he's walking out full of energy. So on days when I feel like crumbling, I stand tall realizing that someone out there has it far worse than me.
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