Wow! It's been a long time since I posted. April was not a good month.One of the things I have been wanting to do for about 20 years was to go to the Easter pageant at the Mesa, AZ temple. This year, it so happened that Diana and some of her kids, and Pat and some of her kids were going so I decided to go. Jessica also met me there with her girls (Cole was up north visiting his other grandparents). I decided to drive which was my first mistake. I went to Blythe on Friday, spent the night with Pat, and then went to the pageant. It was wonderful and I am so glad that I went. But it was also very hot (98)! The heat really took it's toll. But it was nice to see so much family and to spend time with them. We all went to lunch together and had quite a nice day. As I said, the pageant was beautiful and very moving. It also brought back fond memories when several of my sisters and I took our families camping at the Manti temple to see their pageant many years ago.On the way back to Blythe, I stopped with Jessica and the girls. Jason had picked Cole up from the Phoenix airport so I got to see him for a little while. I went back to Blythe, spent the night, and then went to church with the Boltons before heading home.
After my return from Mesa, my cold got worse. I have not had to skip any chemo since I began the neupogen but I was sick almost all of the time in April. I did not do much except rest and sleep. I am feeling better now. In fact, I had chemo last Wednesday and was only sick on Wednesday (the day I had it) and Saturday. But I went to Ella's soccer game on Saturday and it was very hot so I think that's why I felt so bad then.
I am now officially retired. I am looking forward to being able to go see my class. I am taking lunch to the staff at school tomorrow because they have been so helpful and supportive. I feel so blessed that when Las Flores closed I made the decision to go back to Ramona. I am so lucky to have worked with such dedicated teachers.
I have one other big announcement. Chuck found a new job. He will drive Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from here to Vegas and back each day. He will be making deliveries for Trader Joe's. There may be other days added on some weeks but just working the 3 days he will make more thatn he was making driving cross country. He got a new manager at his old job and the last two times he was supposed to be home, they got him home a week later than he had requested. Last time he had wanted to be home for the LB Grand Prix. We had flown Cole here and he was taking Cole in place of me taking Cole back East for the Williamsburg trip I had planned. Josh ended up being able to take Cole, thankfully. And Cole extended his stay with us so that he could spend some time with Grandpa. They had fun going to Boomers and doing things around the house. Cole seems to really enjoy helping Grandpa with projects around here. Anyway, it will be nice to have Chuck around more often and he really enjoys being here.
My other news is not so great. I had my CT scan and got the results. Now, my doctor reminded me that the scan was done in December and I didn't start chemo again until February so the results may be different than if I had already been on chemo. But the tumors in my liver have grown a little. Also, they are seeing some spots on my spine. So far, I have no symptoms for the spine. But those spots may lead to radiation after I finish the next 6 rounds of chemo. I will do another CT scan in July and hopefully the results will be better. Please continue to pray for my well-being.
I am skipping chemo next week for two reasons (with my doctor's blessing). I am flying to AZ for Bailey's promotion. I don't know how this happened, but she is going into high school! She will then fly home with me and stay probably until her family comes for our annual 4th of July celebration. Then, on Saturday, my dad and all my sisters will be here along with their spouses and some nieces and nephews. I am so excited to see them! We haven't all been together since my mom passed last June.
My school is having a retirement party for me on May 31. That is also Hannah's birthday. She tells everyone that her birthday is going to be special because she is sharing it with Grandma's retirement and we will get to party all day and all night. She is also excited that all of her cousins will be here. I am excited to have all 9 grandchildren here and hopefully Jessica will be able to get a great picture of all of them for me to put on my wall.
My class sent me a special poem for teacher appreciation day. It was so sweet. I have it posted on my wall to cheer me up when I need it. They have also been very sweet about texting me and calling me to check on how I am doing. When they were testing I sent in posters of encouragement.The substitute called me and put me on speaker phone and they all shouted out to me. I so appreciate their kind thoughts. I am really looking forward to seeing them again.
Well, I guess I covered everything. Hopefully it will not take me so long to post again.
