Whew! It’s been busy…busy…busy around here lately.
Momisan is doing well and pop is on the mend. He hasn’t been feeling well for the past few days, but he’s moving along in the right direction.
I took momisan to a dermatologist appointment last week. She still has that rash on her legs and a tad bit of swelling…and then or course there was the freak-out when her dermatologist told her that she was removing some spots that could become cancerous.
They say once you have cancer, you develop something called “cancer head.” It’s that thought that lives in the back of your mind that each and every time you go to a doctor they will tell you that it is cancer, or related to it.
It’s not only common, but completely understandably. So when momisan's dermatologist mentioned those spots could be pre-cancerous, she got a little upset. But after speaking with the doctor and explaining it to momisan that the spots were not cancerous, and they were removing them as a preventative before it got to a pre-cancer or cancerous stage – all was right in her world.
As for me, when the dermatologist asked to see my legs because apparently the spots are heredity, I told momisan that she could stop adding to our medical history any time now…any time. But thankfully, no spots here!
Well tomorrow is the big day – Relay for Life and much like the MasterCard commercial, being there as they announce momisan's (and pops) names during the survivor ceremony will be priceless. She is really stoked about wearing her survivor t-shirt, getting a medal and making a lap (as small or as large as she can) around that field – I have already packed the Kleenex for myself and the wingman. It’s going to be a joyous celebration that I would not miss for the world. Go Momisan!!!!
I still have a lot to do before tomorrow, so I am going to cut this blog entry short. I have the video camera all charged up and I will be sure to share momisan's victory lap – she has definitely earned it.
Special shout out to mom’s nurse Nancy and her sister Cindy…tomorrow we will relay in your honor as well. Keep the faith; continue to fight and now that there are people in Texas praying for you as you continue your journey.
Blessings to you all…and three cheers for the Dolly Momma!!!
Val
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Sunday, April 15, 2007
God is like GPS!
With age comes maturity and a new perspective on how we view the things and people that surround us. It’s odd, but now that I am in my late thirties, it seems like everything makes sense. All those lessons that mom and pop Longo taught me growing seem to have taken center stage. I find myself pondering the meaning of life.
Momisan has often said that we were put on this earth for a specific purpose and I think she is totally right. I believe that God has a master plan for each and every one of us. He knows exactly what our purpose is before we are born. Sometimes it takes us years to figure out what that purpose is, not because God has forgotten about us, but because it is not our time…it’s not the right time for that specific purpose to come into play.
I think the majority of us share common goals as we travel through this life. Most of us want to be good-hearted individuals who are faithful friends, supportive spouses, loving parents, respectable children and siblings and good neighbors. But I think that each and everyone one of us one defining moment that allows us to shine so bright, that it is blinding. That’s God’s specific purpose coming into play.
For me, I think my specific purpose started to unfold August 2006. That’s when we found out that mom had Cancer and the crazy train was about to depart the station. As I look back on all the decisions I had made in my life prior to that moment in time…it’s nothing short of a miracle. Rather than take a higher paying position in the fall of 2005, I decided I wanted to go back to school and I was fortunate that I could do that. During that time, I met a wonderful woman who was starting a virtual real estate business and was looking for an assistant. That’s everyone’s dream job…to be able to work from home and have a schedule with enough flexibility that you can compensate for family emergencies or just take advantage of a gorgeous day outside.
It’s like someone knew what was going to happen in August 2006…it was all part of God’s master plan.
I once blogged about a charismatic minister, Joel Osteen and even though he has a nondenominational church in Houston, I just love to hear him speak. There is something about his message that just resonates in my head. So I have his podcasts sent to my cell phone each week.
This weeks topic was exactly what I blogged about above. God has a master plan for each and every one of us and while we sometimes go the wrong way, if you listen and follow your heart, you will do the right thing that will lead you down the right path. Of course, Pastor Osteen was a little more humorous in his explanation. He said God is like GPS. He knows your starting point and where you need to go. Now we may not always listen to the direction, which usual tends to throw us off course, but God simply re-calculates and finds a new route for us. I think that is pretty darn cool if you think about it.
Now that we have NED in momisan, I am sure God is re-calculating my route. Now, I have no real idea where this new route will take me, but I am sure if I listen with my heart, rather than my head, it will come through loud and clear.
Next week, we will be celebrating all the blessings we have received over the past eight months by participating in a Relay for Life. I extended an invitation to another family whose relay was rained out thanks to all the freaky weather we had on Friday and whose cancer fighter was unable to participate thanks to chemo side effects. This family has also suffered through the ups and downs of this journey called cancer. And while we only know each other on a casual level, we share a common bond thanks to cancer. And on relay night, it makes no difference how well you know or don’t know someone …everyone comes together with one voice and one heart to celebrate survivorship, remember those who were stolen by cancer and to hope for a cancer-free world.
Please say an extra prayer that we have good weather next Friday, with no repeats of this past Friday’s torrential rain, tornadoes and huge hail.
Also, on a non-cancer note…as many of you know, we are a law enforcement household. So not only do I worry about my husband, his brother and my brother, I have a tendency to worry about all those who protect and serve. During Friday’s storms, a young Irving police officer lost control of his car and it hydroplaned into a concrete pole, killing the officer. The officer was heading to an assist call for a fellow officer. Please keep this officer’s family and department in your thoughts and prayers.
Momisan has often said that we were put on this earth for a specific purpose and I think she is totally right. I believe that God has a master plan for each and every one of us. He knows exactly what our purpose is before we are born. Sometimes it takes us years to figure out what that purpose is, not because God has forgotten about us, but because it is not our time…it’s not the right time for that specific purpose to come into play.
I think the majority of us share common goals as we travel through this life. Most of us want to be good-hearted individuals who are faithful friends, supportive spouses, loving parents, respectable children and siblings and good neighbors. But I think that each and everyone one of us one defining moment that allows us to shine so bright, that it is blinding. That’s God’s specific purpose coming into play.
For me, I think my specific purpose started to unfold August 2006. That’s when we found out that mom had Cancer and the crazy train was about to depart the station. As I look back on all the decisions I had made in my life prior to that moment in time…it’s nothing short of a miracle. Rather than take a higher paying position in the fall of 2005, I decided I wanted to go back to school and I was fortunate that I could do that. During that time, I met a wonderful woman who was starting a virtual real estate business and was looking for an assistant. That’s everyone’s dream job…to be able to work from home and have a schedule with enough flexibility that you can compensate for family emergencies or just take advantage of a gorgeous day outside.
It’s like someone knew what was going to happen in August 2006…it was all part of God’s master plan.
I once blogged about a charismatic minister, Joel Osteen and even though he has a nondenominational church in Houston, I just love to hear him speak. There is something about his message that just resonates in my head. So I have his podcasts sent to my cell phone each week.
This weeks topic was exactly what I blogged about above. God has a master plan for each and every one of us and while we sometimes go the wrong way, if you listen and follow your heart, you will do the right thing that will lead you down the right path. Of course, Pastor Osteen was a little more humorous in his explanation. He said God is like GPS. He knows your starting point and where you need to go. Now we may not always listen to the direction, which usual tends to throw us off course, but God simply re-calculates and finds a new route for us. I think that is pretty darn cool if you think about it.
Now that we have NED in momisan, I am sure God is re-calculating my route. Now, I have no real idea where this new route will take me, but I am sure if I listen with my heart, rather than my head, it will come through loud and clear.
Next week, we will be celebrating all the blessings we have received over the past eight months by participating in a Relay for Life. I extended an invitation to another family whose relay was rained out thanks to all the freaky weather we had on Friday and whose cancer fighter was unable to participate thanks to chemo side effects. This family has also suffered through the ups and downs of this journey called cancer. And while we only know each other on a casual level, we share a common bond thanks to cancer. And on relay night, it makes no difference how well you know or don’t know someone …everyone comes together with one voice and one heart to celebrate survivorship, remember those who were stolen by cancer and to hope for a cancer-free world.
Please say an extra prayer that we have good weather next Friday, with no repeats of this past Friday’s torrential rain, tornadoes and huge hail.
Also, on a non-cancer note…as many of you know, we are a law enforcement household. So not only do I worry about my husband, his brother and my brother, I have a tendency to worry about all those who protect and serve. During Friday’s storms, a young Irving police officer lost control of his car and it hydroplaned into a concrete pole, killing the officer. The officer was heading to an assist call for a fellow officer. Please keep this officer’s family and department in your thoughts and prayers.
Val
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
We Have NED ...'nough Said!
I hope every one had a blessed and joyous Easter holiday surrounded by family and friends.
My husband James and I spent Easter with his grandma in San Angelo. While it was a bit hard to leave momisan behind (I am so use to seeing her and talking to her on an almost daily basis), but if we wanted to spend time with James’ family, now was the time to do it…while mom was healthy and doing well. We had no idea what her doctor would say yesterday, so when it comes to Cancer, you have to ““carpe diem” – seize the day!
Momisan and pop were in goods hands. Andy was staying in town incase they needed anything and they had planned on going to church together on Easter Sunday. So I felt a lot better about leaving town. Besides, my husband has been wonderful for the past eight months, and his granny is 87 and such a remarkable woman and I know it is important for him (and I) to spend time with her while we can.
We had a wonderful visit, despite the fact that it was snowing for Easter! Yes indeed...the weather in Texas can be extremely unpredictable and it was just odd to see snow and temperatures hovering near 29 degrees while visiting west Texas. I called mom and each day she or pop gave me an update on the weather and how things were going. Apparently it was just as cold in Dallas as it was in San Angelo.
We got back to Dallas around dinner time on Sunday and on our way home I called mom to remind her of our doctor’s appointment this morning. The first words out of her mouth were, “I miss you.” I see that twelve step program in her immediate future! :o)
She told me all about her day and how she had shared a very special moment with my wingman, Andy, at church - she had a wonderful weekend!
She proceeded to tell me about something that transpired while I was gone and while I won’t go into all the details, I would like to kindly remind people who are around Cancer patients to not guilt them (or have others guilt them) into doing anything that they are not ready to do. If a Cancer patient says that they are not ready to do something, leave it at that and move on. By goading them on it does nothing except upset them and remind them of things that they can not currently do. Not to mention that it then falls upon the support team to lift them out of that funk.
When I got home, there was a message on our answering machine from the Dolly Momma herself. I won’t divulge the message in its entirety because as I stated at the beginning of my blog, there are some things that are given as gifts and not meant to be shared. But I will tell you that the voice leaving the message was tearfully explaining how much it means to her to have me as her daughter and how she feels like the most loved mother on the face of the earth…I have got her so fooled! ;o)
You know you are A number One momisan – you are the heart and soul of this family and we intend to keep you around for many more years.
I arrived at Casa de Longo around 9:00am yesterday and I found momisan rocking in her chair looking pretty darn good. She had on make-up and busted out the “hottie” wig and she was in good spirits for the oncology meeting.
Before we headed out for Medical City, we had a little time to kill and we started talking about family. It’s been a rough eight months for momisan, and when Cancer throws the spotlight onto your family, there is no where to hide. I shared with mom my thought for the day. Family, like any other relationship is a living, breathing thing. You get out of your family exactly what you put into it…it’s that simple. If you want love, compassion, patience, acceptance and any other positive, you had better make darn sure that you invest those same qualities into your family – otherwise don’t be shocked when you get the opposite. Of course the Dolly Momma tossed in the old, “reap what you sow” words of wisdom and she is absolutely correct. Family is the greatest assest one can have, especially when battling Cancer - think of family as a savings account - you have to "put in" in order to "take out" otherwise you'll find yourself over drawn and in the negative column ...and those are the times that you will need that "investment" the most...during the difficult phases of life. So make time to invest in family. ;o)
As we piled into the car, we started discussing the only two scenarios that were possibly yesterday. Either Dr. Munoz would say that everything looks good and no more treatments or we would be gearing up for another round of chemo.
We patiently waited for Dr. Munoz to come into the consultation room and when he finally came through the door, he was reviewing the novel known as mom’s medical folder. He put down the file and asked mom how she was feeling. Mom told him good and they chit-chatted for a few minutes. The he looked at mom and told her she was done. After one major surgery, three rounds of chemo, twenty five radiation treatments and one lengthy hospital stay…she was pronounced NED (no evidence of disease)! Thank you Lord for answering our prayers!
Did I mention that we are NED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now, before I proceed, for those not familiar with the crazy train called Cancer, NED does not mean that she is cured. It simply means that at this time all signs of the disease have disappeared after treatment and it can not be detected using current tests (PET scans/CT/CAT scans.) If this response is maintained for a long period, it is called a durable remission. The longer a patient is in remission the better the prognosis or outcome. However, as with other cancers, the disease could still possibly return and long-term follow-up is necessary.
But NED is FABULOUS!!! That is what momisan’s doctors have been fighting for…getting her to NED! This is what her family has been fighting for, NED! This is what her friends have been praying for, NED!
Did I mention we have NED!!!!!!!!!!!!
So as we started to comprehend exactly what Dr. Munoz was saying, the tears of joy and thankfulness started to flow. And as Dr. Munoz started to pass out the Kleenex he told momisan that she was a beautiful woman and he did not want to see her for three months – at which time we would do another scan to determine if we still had NED.
As we headed towards the exit of the oncologist office, the entire staff came out to celebrate our victory. There were hugs and tears just about everywhere you looked. And as I squeezed each member of our Dream Team, I could hear bits and pieces of a conversation momisan was having with another patient. And as I worked my way toward her, I heard her say…”I never would have thought the youngest one would have saved my life. She has been with me since day one and is my angel.” Well…that made the tears flow even more! :o)
And then she started talking about Andy…sorry wingman – I lost it after that and didn’t really hear what she said – but I am sure it was good…it’s all good, my brother!
Did I mention we have NED!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As I continued to work my way through the staff, my cell phone rang – it was my wingman, Andy. And through my tears, I uttered three little words…’We have NED!”
Of course, I forgot to tell him what NED was. So I had to elaborate, “We did it Andy…momisan has no evidence of disease and there are no more treatments at this time.” Well…as a founding member of Team Loco, you can imagine how he took that news. It was difficult to tell who was crying harder.
Then I called my husband, who has been my rock for eight long months and told him, “Momisan is NED!” Of course, he thought I said she was mad, but after I explained to him the conception of NED, I heard his voice crack as he asked to speak to the Dolly Momma.
As mom and I made our way to the car, she was squeezing my hand so hard that the blood stopped flowing! And as the elevator descended, tears flowed down my face. I thanked the good Lord for keeping our family together. While I am more of a spiritual person than religious, I do believe in God. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior and I believe that He did not forget us. He answered our prayers and sent his Spirit to momisan resulting in NED.
We crossed the parking lot doing our NED victory dance and as we headed towards home, I told mom that I wanted to take her to a nice lunch to celebrate.
As we sat in the restaurant reflecting upon the past eight months, our thoughts turned to those still fighting. We raised a glass to show our solidarity with each and every one of you and your families. Be strong, keep the faith, find comfort in the arms of those who love and support you and keep fighting the fight. We will continue to pray for each and every one of them and their families that they may receive the same good news that turned out to be our Easter blessing.
Words can not express the depth of our gratitude and love for all those who have prayed for this family for the past eight months, rejoice knowing that He heard and answered. Now this does not mean that your work with Team LoCo is complete, we still need those prayers to get pop to NED...so keep them coming. I know...I know...no rest for the weary! :o)
As I dropped momisan off at her house and headed home, I had to stop the car because my eyes got so watery, I could not see the road. I was overwhelmed by the miracle to make good on my promise – I vowed at the beginning of this crazy train ride that whatever came our way, or whatever happened, we would face it together - no man left behind – win, lose or draw, we would leave this battlefield together…and we did. We left on our terms, not Cancer’s and that’s the most blessed way to go!
Did I mention we have NED!!!!
Next week, we will be celebrating this victory by participating in the Relay for Life benefiting the American Cancer Society. I am already contemplating ending my blog (that has chronicled this journey) on that event. I can no think of more fitting finish then one that focuses on celebration, survivorship and hope.
High Ho Cancer …AWAY!
ChemoSabe
(I just had to add this photo – momisan was looking for a new wool coat, so I left her try mine on. Keep in mind that mom is 5ft6 and I am 6ft1 – is it me or does she look like Uncle Fester.
Which is pretty darn funny considering my cell phone ring tone for family is from the old Adam’s Family series…and for anyone that knows us, they will laugh at that comparison because it’s true…we are all about the fun people…all about the fun!)
(Momisan after hearing that beautiful word - NED!)
(Celebrating her victory over a nice piece of Tiramasu)
My husband James and I spent Easter with his grandma in San Angelo. While it was a bit hard to leave momisan behind (I am so use to seeing her and talking to her on an almost daily basis), but if we wanted to spend time with James’ family, now was the time to do it…while mom was healthy and doing well. We had no idea what her doctor would say yesterday, so when it comes to Cancer, you have to ““carpe diem” – seize the day!
Momisan and pop were in goods hands. Andy was staying in town incase they needed anything and they had planned on going to church together on Easter Sunday. So I felt a lot better about leaving town. Besides, my husband has been wonderful for the past eight months, and his granny is 87 and such a remarkable woman and I know it is important for him (and I) to spend time with her while we can.
We had a wonderful visit, despite the fact that it was snowing for Easter! Yes indeed...the weather in Texas can be extremely unpredictable and it was just odd to see snow and temperatures hovering near 29 degrees while visiting west Texas. I called mom and each day she or pop gave me an update on the weather and how things were going. Apparently it was just as cold in Dallas as it was in San Angelo.
We got back to Dallas around dinner time on Sunday and on our way home I called mom to remind her of our doctor’s appointment this morning. The first words out of her mouth were, “I miss you.” I see that twelve step program in her immediate future! :o)
She told me all about her day and how she had shared a very special moment with my wingman, Andy, at church - she had a wonderful weekend!
She proceeded to tell me about something that transpired while I was gone and while I won’t go into all the details, I would like to kindly remind people who are around Cancer patients to not guilt them (or have others guilt them) into doing anything that they are not ready to do. If a Cancer patient says that they are not ready to do something, leave it at that and move on. By goading them on it does nothing except upset them and remind them of things that they can not currently do. Not to mention that it then falls upon the support team to lift them out of that funk.
When I got home, there was a message on our answering machine from the Dolly Momma herself. I won’t divulge the message in its entirety because as I stated at the beginning of my blog, there are some things that are given as gifts and not meant to be shared. But I will tell you that the voice leaving the message was tearfully explaining how much it means to her to have me as her daughter and how she feels like the most loved mother on the face of the earth…I have got her so fooled! ;o)
You know you are A number One momisan – you are the heart and soul of this family and we intend to keep you around for many more years.
I arrived at Casa de Longo around 9:00am yesterday and I found momisan rocking in her chair looking pretty darn good. She had on make-up and busted out the “hottie” wig and she was in good spirits for the oncology meeting.
Before we headed out for Medical City, we had a little time to kill and we started talking about family. It’s been a rough eight months for momisan, and when Cancer throws the spotlight onto your family, there is no where to hide. I shared with mom my thought for the day. Family, like any other relationship is a living, breathing thing. You get out of your family exactly what you put into it…it’s that simple. If you want love, compassion, patience, acceptance and any other positive, you had better make darn sure that you invest those same qualities into your family – otherwise don’t be shocked when you get the opposite. Of course the Dolly Momma tossed in the old, “reap what you sow” words of wisdom and she is absolutely correct. Family is the greatest assest one can have, especially when battling Cancer - think of family as a savings account - you have to "put in" in order to "take out" otherwise you'll find yourself over drawn and in the negative column ...and those are the times that you will need that "investment" the most...during the difficult phases of life. So make time to invest in family. ;o)
As we piled into the car, we started discussing the only two scenarios that were possibly yesterday. Either Dr. Munoz would say that everything looks good and no more treatments or we would be gearing up for another round of chemo.
We patiently waited for Dr. Munoz to come into the consultation room and when he finally came through the door, he was reviewing the novel known as mom’s medical folder. He put down the file and asked mom how she was feeling. Mom told him good and they chit-chatted for a few minutes. The he looked at mom and told her she was done. After one major surgery, three rounds of chemo, twenty five radiation treatments and one lengthy hospital stay…she was pronounced NED (no evidence of disease)! Thank you Lord for answering our prayers!
Did I mention that we are NED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now, before I proceed, for those not familiar with the crazy train called Cancer, NED does not mean that she is cured. It simply means that at this time all signs of the disease have disappeared after treatment and it can not be detected using current tests (PET scans/CT/CAT scans.) If this response is maintained for a long period, it is called a durable remission. The longer a patient is in remission the better the prognosis or outcome. However, as with other cancers, the disease could still possibly return and long-term follow-up is necessary.
But NED is FABULOUS!!! That is what momisan’s doctors have been fighting for…getting her to NED! This is what her family has been fighting for, NED! This is what her friends have been praying for, NED!
Did I mention we have NED!!!!!!!!!!!!
So as we started to comprehend exactly what Dr. Munoz was saying, the tears of joy and thankfulness started to flow. And as Dr. Munoz started to pass out the Kleenex he told momisan that she was a beautiful woman and he did not want to see her for three months – at which time we would do another scan to determine if we still had NED.
As we headed towards the exit of the oncologist office, the entire staff came out to celebrate our victory. There were hugs and tears just about everywhere you looked. And as I squeezed each member of our Dream Team, I could hear bits and pieces of a conversation momisan was having with another patient. And as I worked my way toward her, I heard her say…”I never would have thought the youngest one would have saved my life. She has been with me since day one and is my angel.” Well…that made the tears flow even more! :o)
And then she started talking about Andy…sorry wingman – I lost it after that and didn’t really hear what she said – but I am sure it was good…it’s all good, my brother!
Did I mention we have NED!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As I continued to work my way through the staff, my cell phone rang – it was my wingman, Andy. And through my tears, I uttered three little words…’We have NED!”
Of course, I forgot to tell him what NED was. So I had to elaborate, “We did it Andy…momisan has no evidence of disease and there are no more treatments at this time.” Well…as a founding member of Team Loco, you can imagine how he took that news. It was difficult to tell who was crying harder.
Then I called my husband, who has been my rock for eight long months and told him, “Momisan is NED!” Of course, he thought I said she was mad, but after I explained to him the conception of NED, I heard his voice crack as he asked to speak to the Dolly Momma.
As mom and I made our way to the car, she was squeezing my hand so hard that the blood stopped flowing! And as the elevator descended, tears flowed down my face. I thanked the good Lord for keeping our family together. While I am more of a spiritual person than religious, I do believe in God. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior and I believe that He did not forget us. He answered our prayers and sent his Spirit to momisan resulting in NED.
We crossed the parking lot doing our NED victory dance and as we headed towards home, I told mom that I wanted to take her to a nice lunch to celebrate.
As we sat in the restaurant reflecting upon the past eight months, our thoughts turned to those still fighting. We raised a glass to show our solidarity with each and every one of you and your families. Be strong, keep the faith, find comfort in the arms of those who love and support you and keep fighting the fight. We will continue to pray for each and every one of them and their families that they may receive the same good news that turned out to be our Easter blessing.
Words can not express the depth of our gratitude and love for all those who have prayed for this family for the past eight months, rejoice knowing that He heard and answered. Now this does not mean that your work with Team LoCo is complete, we still need those prayers to get pop to NED...so keep them coming. I know...I know...no rest for the weary! :o)
As I dropped momisan off at her house and headed home, I had to stop the car because my eyes got so watery, I could not see the road. I was overwhelmed by the miracle to make good on my promise – I vowed at the beginning of this crazy train ride that whatever came our way, or whatever happened, we would face it together - no man left behind – win, lose or draw, we would leave this battlefield together…and we did. We left on our terms, not Cancer’s and that’s the most blessed way to go!
Did I mention we have NED!!!!
Next week, we will be celebrating this victory by participating in the Relay for Life benefiting the American Cancer Society. I am already contemplating ending my blog (that has chronicled this journey) on that event. I can no think of more fitting finish then one that focuses on celebration, survivorship and hope.
High Ho Cancer …AWAY!
ChemoSabe
(I just had to add this photo – momisan was looking for a new wool coat, so I left her try mine on. Keep in mind that mom is 5ft6 and I am 6ft1 – is it me or does she look like Uncle Fester.
Which is pretty darn funny considering my cell phone ring tone for family is from the old Adam’s Family series…and for anyone that knows us, they will laugh at that comparison because it’s true…we are all about the fun people…all about the fun!)
(Momisan after hearing that beautiful word - NED!)
(Celebrating her victory over a nice piece of Tiramasu)
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Happy Easter!
We hope that each and every one of you has a blessed Easter holiday. Spend time with family and rejoice in all your blessings …even when times seem hard. We celebrate all the love, prayers and well wishes that have come our way this past year.
Happy Easter and Blessings to you all!
Team LoCo and family
Happy Easter and Blessings to you all!
Team LoCo and family
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
From Dolly Momma to Thoroughbred
Yesterday was a pretty decent day at Casa de Longo. I stopped by for a visit and momisan looked pretty good today. Emotionally, we take it day by day, but physically…today was a gold star day. I had stopped by to see if mom was going to send anything to Uncle Bob’s funeral and if she needed any help.
When I got to the house, I found mom in the kitchen sorting through her meds and when she saw me standing there, she walked over and gave me a big ol’ hug. I could not help but notice how here hair is growing in. The chemo definitely changed the texture. She used to have really fine hair, but it is much thicker than it was and the color is going to be pretty cool when more of it grows in.
She is just so darn cute! She was telling me that she had gotten up and read the “glob” with her morning cup of coffee. She is techno challenged but that’s what makes it so adorable. You should have seen how excited she got when we set up “mom cam” – she thinks it is so cool to see each other via a web cam and have a real time chat. I think everyone should have a web cam and Microsoft Messenger – especially Cancer patients and their family. Like I have often said, a picture is worth a thousand words and it’s a way for everyone to stay connected and see the progress first-hand.
There are days when I wish I had a pocket-sized “Dolly Momma” just so I can squeeze it and hear those priceless momisms throughout my day.
Speaking of the Dolly, she resembles more of a thoroughbred than a wise sage. Shortly after chemo, she had developed a rash on her leg. Her primary doctor thought is was a reaction to some of the medication she was taking. So he gave her some ointment and that seemed to do the trick. However shortly after her last hospital stay, we noticed that the rash had spread to the other leg and while it was not painful, she did say it was rather itchy.
It turns out that the rash is from excessive fluid retention – who knew that all those fluids (which are important for hydration) would produce a rash. So if you are a Cancer patient and you develop a mysterious rash, find a good dermatologist. It can be treated with a prescription ointment and some Ace bandages that compress the legs. This helps to reduce the fluid and alleviate the rash.
Mom says she looks like a race horse! And ya know…she is right.
And here is how I would imagine that race would be called …
They’re in the gate and they are off
It’s Cancer and Momisan
Cancer and Momisan are neck and neck
It’s Cancer on the turn
Momisan is keeping pace
On the straight away it’s Cancer and Momisan
Momisan is gaining ground
Cancer is fading back
Coming in to the homestretch its Momisan and Cancer
Momisan and Cancer
Momisan leads by a furlong
At the finish line…it’s Momisan!
Momisan takes the win!
…and the crowd goes wild!
For all of you who are betting individuals, here is an insider tip – put your money on Momisan. For those that love her and believe in her, the pay off is going to be BIG!
Find your inner race horse today. It doesn’t make a difference if you are in the lead or trailing, just keep the pace and head towards the finish line.
Blessing to you all!
Val
When I got to the house, I found mom in the kitchen sorting through her meds and when she saw me standing there, she walked over and gave me a big ol’ hug. I could not help but notice how here hair is growing in. The chemo definitely changed the texture. She used to have really fine hair, but it is much thicker than it was and the color is going to be pretty cool when more of it grows in.
She is just so darn cute! She was telling me that she had gotten up and read the “glob” with her morning cup of coffee. She is techno challenged but that’s what makes it so adorable. You should have seen how excited she got when we set up “mom cam” – she thinks it is so cool to see each other via a web cam and have a real time chat. I think everyone should have a web cam and Microsoft Messenger – especially Cancer patients and their family. Like I have often said, a picture is worth a thousand words and it’s a way for everyone to stay connected and see the progress first-hand.
There are days when I wish I had a pocket-sized “Dolly Momma” just so I can squeeze it and hear those priceless momisms throughout my day.
Speaking of the Dolly, she resembles more of a thoroughbred than a wise sage. Shortly after chemo, she had developed a rash on her leg. Her primary doctor thought is was a reaction to some of the medication she was taking. So he gave her some ointment and that seemed to do the trick. However shortly after her last hospital stay, we noticed that the rash had spread to the other leg and while it was not painful, she did say it was rather itchy.
It turns out that the rash is from excessive fluid retention – who knew that all those fluids (which are important for hydration) would produce a rash. So if you are a Cancer patient and you develop a mysterious rash, find a good dermatologist. It can be treated with a prescription ointment and some Ace bandages that compress the legs. This helps to reduce the fluid and alleviate the rash.
Mom says she looks like a race horse! And ya know…she is right.
And here is how I would imagine that race would be called …
They’re in the gate and they are off
It’s Cancer and Momisan
Cancer and Momisan are neck and neck
It’s Cancer on the turn
Momisan is keeping pace
On the straight away it’s Cancer and Momisan
Momisan is gaining ground
Cancer is fading back
Coming in to the homestretch its Momisan and Cancer
Momisan and Cancer
Momisan leads by a furlong
At the finish line…it’s Momisan!
Momisan takes the win!
…and the crowd goes wild!
For all of you who are betting individuals, here is an insider tip – put your money on Momisan. For those that love her and believe in her, the pay off is going to be BIG!
Find your inner race horse today. It doesn’t make a difference if you are in the lead or trailing, just keep the pace and head towards the finish line.
Blessing to you all!
Val
(The legs of thoroughbred!)
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Coulda Shoulda Woulda
It has been a rough few days at Casa de Longo. My mom’s oldest brother, Bob, passed away. This is the same brother who recently celebrated his 90th birthday with a party - the one mom could not make because she was in the hospital.
My dad called me on Saturday and asked me to come over. I don’t think anyone really had the heart to tell her. It was probably the hardest thing I have had to do. I think we were all afraid that she would feel guilty because she was the only sibling not there at his party. That was one of the things she said when we had to cancel the trip, she said that she felt deep down in her heart, that she needed to be there. It’s going to take her awhile to realize that she can’t beat herself up for not being well enough to attend. Sometimes illness robs you of the ability to do the things that you desire most – one can not be faulted for that. But I understand where momisan is coming from.
I called Andy and he came right over with the girls and we spent the evening with the parents and mom shared some of her fondest memories of her older brother. It’s amazing how much she remembers – there’s eighty years of memories in that brain.
Andy went by to check on mom this morning and I went by around lunch and spent the afternoon with her. She was upset when I got there, but that’s another chapter in a completely different book – it’s just a pity that she has to read it now when she is grieving for the loss of her sibling.
Mom and I were discussing mortality today. I think anytime someone close to you passes, it is natural to take inventory of your own life. She asked me if there was anything that I wish she would have done differently. While there were times that we did not always see eye-to-eye, everyone has there disagreements and no family is perfect, I told her that I would not have changed one, single thing. She has been a wonderful mom and while we have grown closer over the past fifteen years, this battle with Cancer has cemented our bond. Even Andy sees her in a different light and knows that Cancer has given us a special gift that we will cherish and share forever.
I have no idea what the secret of life is. Every one has a different interpretation. But mom made a comment today that made me think. She said “You only get one ride on this attraction called life, so you had better do your best to get it right the first time.”
I don’t think mom meant that you had to be perfect, because no one is perfect, but I think she meant that you do your best to do the right thing so at the end of the day, God forbid if something were to happen, you are not standing there saying “coulda, shoulda, woulda.”
Our prayers are with my mom’s extended family for the loss of a brother and for my Uncle Bob’s family as they deal with the loss of a husband, father and grandfather.
I pray that my mom will find peace in the next few days and that she comes to realize that even though she did not get to be with her brother on his birthday, that he understood and he knew what was in her heart just as much as she knew what was in his.
Live your life with kindness and love and be there when you are needed most so at the end of the day you don’t have to worry about “coulda, shoulda or woulda.”
Blessings to you all – We love you!
Val
My dad called me on Saturday and asked me to come over. I don’t think anyone really had the heart to tell her. It was probably the hardest thing I have had to do. I think we were all afraid that she would feel guilty because she was the only sibling not there at his party. That was one of the things she said when we had to cancel the trip, she said that she felt deep down in her heart, that she needed to be there. It’s going to take her awhile to realize that she can’t beat herself up for not being well enough to attend. Sometimes illness robs you of the ability to do the things that you desire most – one can not be faulted for that. But I understand where momisan is coming from.
I called Andy and he came right over with the girls and we spent the evening with the parents and mom shared some of her fondest memories of her older brother. It’s amazing how much she remembers – there’s eighty years of memories in that brain.
Andy went by to check on mom this morning and I went by around lunch and spent the afternoon with her. She was upset when I got there, but that’s another chapter in a completely different book – it’s just a pity that she has to read it now when she is grieving for the loss of her sibling.
Mom and I were discussing mortality today. I think anytime someone close to you passes, it is natural to take inventory of your own life. She asked me if there was anything that I wish she would have done differently. While there were times that we did not always see eye-to-eye, everyone has there disagreements and no family is perfect, I told her that I would not have changed one, single thing. She has been a wonderful mom and while we have grown closer over the past fifteen years, this battle with Cancer has cemented our bond. Even Andy sees her in a different light and knows that Cancer has given us a special gift that we will cherish and share forever.
I have no idea what the secret of life is. Every one has a different interpretation. But mom made a comment today that made me think. She said “You only get one ride on this attraction called life, so you had better do your best to get it right the first time.”
I don’t think mom meant that you had to be perfect, because no one is perfect, but I think she meant that you do your best to do the right thing so at the end of the day, God forbid if something were to happen, you are not standing there saying “coulda, shoulda, woulda.”
Our prayers are with my mom’s extended family for the loss of a brother and for my Uncle Bob’s family as they deal with the loss of a husband, father and grandfather.
I pray that my mom will find peace in the next few days and that she comes to realize that even though she did not get to be with her brother on his birthday, that he understood and he knew what was in her heart just as much as she knew what was in his.
Live your life with kindness and love and be there when you are needed most so at the end of the day you don’t have to worry about “coulda, shoulda or woulda.”
Blessings to you all – We love you!
Val
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