Tuesday, March 19, 2013

ERIN'S LAST ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Whoop Whoop!!!!  Today is a huge milestone for Erin.  Today is her very last chemotherapy treatment!!!!  She went to her acupuncturist yesterday and is so ready to kick some chemo butt.  Last one!!!  Erin is fiercely determined and pretty excited.  I'm not sure exactly what the next step will be, I know she has talked about the possibility of radiation.  I'll post when I know more.  For now, today is a huge, huge, huge celebration.  Whoop Whoop!!!


Saturday, March 16, 2013

Friendship

Caring, giving, self-sacrificing, these are all words I would use to describe Erin.  She is the type of person who has shown up at my doorstep with an easy bake oven she found at a yard sale, because she knew I always wanted one as a kid.  Or, buys another friend a real Cabbage Patch doll because she didn't have one when she was little.  Erin is also the person who volunteers to watch my kids when they are sick, even though she is home enduring chemo side effects. Truly, she is the type of person to bend over backward for a friend and think nothing of it.  Well, this week I have been fighting some really nasty bug.  When Erin found out I was sick, she asked me what I needed.  I told her I needed her little chemo butt to stay far, far away from the germs at my house.  She said she would leave things on the porch and never come in contact with the air I am breathing.  I assured her I needed nothing but rest and went on my way.  Well, about day three of my lovely illness, Erin sent me a text, indicating I should peek on the porch.  Yep, total care package out there for me - cough drops, magazines, flowers, and more.  Seriously?  I am going to be just fine, she is the one who should be looking after herself.  She and Claire repeated the gesture yesterday, with a small, thoughtful surprise left on my porch.  I'm not sure what I did to deserve such a great friend, but I know I am so, so blessed.

Honestly, I have not been able to visit with these two much lately.  I am hoping they are doing well and handling chemo as best they can.  I know that Erin only has one more dose of chemo, but I'm not sure where Claire is at in her schedule.  Hopefully, I will have more updates, soon.

Thank you to our latest dinner delivery gal, too.  A friend of a friend of mine, who does not know Erin or Claire or me, has signed up to bring multiple dinners to the family.  When I thanked her for taking the time and energy, she was very humble and acted like this is just what people do.  Honestly, I love seeing that.  There has been more good in this journey than I ever could have imagined.  It is something I wouldn't wish on anyone, but seeing the way our community rallies to help out others is awe inspiring.  Thank you!!!!

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Chemo and Coyotes

About a week ago, Jennifer Holm  and I were lucky enough to steal Erin away for dinner.  She was at just the right place in her chemo cycle to be feeling up for a little Twigs therapy.  I'm not sure if I was more impressed with my friends scrambling to get their drink orders in before the end of happy hour, or the devouring of the peanut butter chocolate mousse.  It really was quite a sight on all levels.  It was also awesome to laugh, joke, share stories, and experience a regular old girls' night.  (Old night..... definitely not old girls!!!)  The only thing that could have made the evening better was if our friend Kerrie could have joined us.  Ahhhh.... next time!!!!

Last Wednesday, Erin spent the day in the chemo recliner.  She has one more round to go.  The day prior to chemo, she did see her acupuncturist, in hopes of minimizing the nausea.  Erin said she still feels nauseous, but the acupuncture definitely made a difference.  In her words, this time doesn't feel like there is a pot of poison simmering in her belly.   While she is faring better, Erin did not escape all of the side effects of  exhaustion and nausea.  Throw in some killer hot flashes (a common chemo side effect), just for fun, and Erin has spent most of her time post-chemo in bed.  One more to go, Erin.  One more time!!  Whew.

I saw Claire briefly about a week ago.  She seemed to be doing well and was getting ready to go for a walk with Terry.  Hopefully, they will avoid the neighborhood coyotes they found on their last walk.  While strolling through the golf course, Willow (Erin's dog) went running for a bit.  She came back with a coyote hot on her tail.  Oblivious to it all, Willow kept running and suddenly had two coyotes trying to tag team her. The coyotes changed their plan when they spotted Willow's grandparents approaching.  Crazy!  As far as Claire's journey goes, she will be returning to the chemo room this week.  She is not a fan of this chemo concoction, either.  It would be grand if she endured it better than the last round.  Time will tell.

The link to the meal calendar is on the right.  If you feel inclined to send a meal, please sign up.  Sometimes it seems hard to know what to prepare for our ladies, but keep in mind they are feeding two little men, too.  An option for the kids instead of Erin and Claire would work.  The boys like all the typical kids' foods - macaroni, pizza, etc.  Thank you to so many of my own friends who have sent meals.  Many of these friends have never even met Erin or Claire.  Your caring and understanding touches my heart.  Thank you.

Also, cards of support are always appreciated.  3118 W Grace Ave, Spokane WA 99205.  Thanks for thinking of these two amazing women!!!!