Health Issues

It's been a stressful week.  On February 12, I had my annual mammogram.  On February 14, I received word that they found an abormality and that they needed a diagnostic mammogram which was scheduled for February 16.  At that appointment, the radiologist met with me and told me that he had found "something", a very small (1/16th of an inch) lump which could be from an injury, could be nothing or could be cancer.  He said I needed an ultrasound which I had about 5 minutes later across the hall from the mammogram room.  He talked to me again after the ultrasound and told me whatever it was, it needed to come out, and that he didn't know if it was benign or malignant.

On Monday, February 19, I met with Dr. Rob Wetzel, Surgeon at St. Luke's Medical in Clinton.  He had seen both the mammograms and the ultrasound and had visited with the radiologist and said they had scheduled me for Tuesday at 9 a.m. in the ultrasound room at the hospital to have it removed and then tested.  It was done with a local anesthesia - I bruised very badly, and the incision had one stitch.

I was scheduled to go take care of the kiddos on Tuesday, as they were out of school for a teacher work day.  Because I had to go for the biopsy, Ron went to Overland Park on Monday night because it was expected to be slick Tuesday morning and stayed with the kids.  They had a wonderful time - to McDonald's for breakfast - to Burger King for lunch - and to the movie to see Paddington 2.  Chad came home early due to slick roads, so Ron was able to start home around 3:30.

Debbie Sieger insisted on taking me for the biopsy on Tuesday (I could have driven myself but it was nice of her to take me).  It took about an hour.  Dr. Rob called me on Friday morning very early with the less than happy news.  The preliminary report indicated micro invasion breast cancer.  He feels it will be Stage 1A or 1B, and he again told me it would not shorten my life.  More surgery will be needed to remove more tissue to insure clean margins and to remove a lymph node or two.  I will meet with him on Monday, February 26 at 8:30 a.m. - he told me to bring a list of questions and we would go over them one by one and he would answer them all.  He has been so kind.  I would assume the next step after surgery will be an appointment with an oncologist in the city, then radiation for 4 weeks, 5 days a week, and hormone therapy at some point.  He said he didn't feel chemo would be needed.  It was found very early and was very small, which is in my favor.

Saturday night, February 24, Peyton and Chad went out to dinner with 6 of Peyton's friends and their Dad's to Nick and Jake's, and then they all went to the annual Daddy/Daughter Dance at her school.  Isn't she beautiful in the pictures?????  They had a good time.  Amanda and Garrison hosted 7 moms and 9 kids at their house for mom/son night - pizza and wine.  They had a good time too.

On Sunday, February 25, I played the gathering music at church and hymns during the service.  Ron woke up at 3:30 a.m. with the stomach flu, so he didn't go.  When I came home after church, I was surprised with a visit from Amanda.  Made my day.  We visited, had lunch and then she took me to Dairy Queen - her treat - for dessert and a mother/daughter visit.  Sure brightened my day and my outlook on things.

I hope to have surgery this coming week if schedules with the doctor/hospital can be arranged.  Ready to be a breast cancer survivor!!!!

We are blessed.

Mid-February 2018

On Tuesday, I had lunch with my previous Beta Sigma Phi Sorority group for our monthly luncheon on Pizza Glen.  We were missing a few, but we had a great time visiting and eating of course!

On Wednesday, Valentine's Day, we received a call early that Joe Moritz, who has been living with our friends Dennis and Debbie Sieger for 29 years, passed away, so I spent most of the day with Debbie.  Ron and I went to a late lunch at El Camino to celebrate Valentine's Day - so yummy.

After exercise class on Thursday, I helped Debbie with some errands and went to the funeral home to see Joe one last time before he was cremated.

I had my annual mammogram on Monday with a abnormal report, so I had a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound on Friday.  A very small mass was found, so I have been referred to Dr. Rob at St. Luke's Medical for a biopsy and removal, appointment on Monday, February 19 - praying for a benign finding.

On Saturday, we went to Joe's funeral and drove to Overland Park afterwards for the remainder of the day.  Ron and Chad went to the Golf Show - Amanda went to pick up Garrison and a little friend at a birthday party - Peyton and I went to Hyvee and for Happy Hour drinks at Sonic before we all gathered at the Todds and then went to Jose Peppers for an early dinner before Garrison's final basketball game of the season.  He had such a good game and a great time.  He had only made one basket prior to Saturday night and made four (4) baskets in the game Saturday night.  He was on fire! They had team pictures and he received a trophy following the game.  Earlier in the day, Peyton and I had fun playing in her room with her American Girl Dolls and coloring.  Tommy (the doll) was doing his gymnastics routine in this picture.

After church on Sunday, Ron and I visited Mark and Mary at their lake home.  Bo and Dan, Brent and Jill and their kids joined the fun for a delicious fish fry - crappie that Mark caught - and we had a greta day visiting.

Lots of great memories made this week - we are blessed.

Kiddos hit Clinton February 2018

The kids' school was out on Thursday and Friday (2/8 and 2/9) for Parent Teacher Conferences, so I drove to OP on Thursday morning to pick them up and brought them back to Clinton with me for a couple of days!!!!  We lucked out, and they had no extra-curricular events until Saturday morning, so we took advantage for some Clinton Time!

They wanted to go see Grandpa at the bank first thing, so we invaded Hawthorn Bank!  They had a great time in Grandpa's office and talking to some of his co-workers.  We stopped at McDonald's before coming home for Happy Meals which they ate on the living room floor as a picnic!!  They always want a picnic!

Peyton mixed up and baked heart sugar cookies by herself.  After they cooled, we frosted and decorated them for Valentine's Day - Garrison did most of adding the sprinkles!  They deliver a plate of sweet treats to neighbor, Miss Esther and fixed one for Miss Kelly for the next day.  We had a great time!   Peyton washed all the dishes by herself!

Grandpa took the kids to the CHS Basketball Game Thursday night while I went to P.E.O.  They all had a blast and stayed for 1 and 1/2 of the games, enjoying the band, cheerleaders, the game and visiting with some of our friends who were there.  They are doing so much better with talking to people!

While Grandpa was at work Friday morning, Garrison and I made a Star Wars ship (or something) out of the craft book he bought with his own money.   It was quite a deal!  He cut, glued, drew - it looked great when we finished.  He did not want to take his picture with it - go figure.  They both made Valentines for their parents.  Miss Kelly came over Friday morning, and we all went to Walmart and brought home food from McDonald's for lunch - she taught us how to do mobile ordering.  Woo Hoo!

Grandpa took Friday afternoon off, and we all went to the Aquatic Center for fun and splashes.  We were there about an hour and a half and had a great time.  Of course, they wanted to buy something from the vending machine - part of the deal.

Friday night we had Peyton's favorite, BBQ Meatballs, rice, applesauce, strawberries, corn and croissants for dinner.  Garrison was in charge of setting the table and did a great job.  Peyton made the rice and washed some of the dishes after dinner.  They are growing up!!!!

After their showers and snack, we were in bed before 8 p.m. and asleep by 8 p.m. - we made it!!!!  We knew they had to get up early on Saturday morning (Peyton had slept until 9 a.m. on Friday) to get back go Overland Park for Girl Scouts and Basketball - we were out the door on time!

When we arrived, Peyton helped me and taught me how to make the giant snowflake in the picture.  We started with 5 pieces of computer paper and this was the result.  It was so much fun.

Peyton went to Girl Scouts.  We all went to Garrison's basketball game and then to lunch at The Red Door before coming back to Clinton.  We stopped at Hyvee and Sam's Club before coming home and made it right as the freezing rain was starting - Whew!

We are so blessed.

We are erring on the side of caution today and not going to church - will listen on the radio.