Just put on a little lipstick...

What can I say about Josh? It is hard to know where to begin. Josh was raised by college age kids...which I think is probably the equivalent of being raised by wolves. He started talking before he started walking, and really hasn't stopped to take much of a breath since. The first two words he really put together were " Cawolee's awful" - and if any of you know Carolee - she is ANYTHING, but awful! Sorry Carolee...he was prompted I'm very sure! I'm not sure how much of a childhood he had. He grew up with us, and we just took him along wherever we went. As a result, he has friends of all ages and rarely meets a stranger. When he was 4 1/2, along came baby sister Jenni and he became a big brother and hero, and she became his side-kick. Josh is very much my "extreme" child. He has always been very active, and loves to try new things. Whether it's martial arts, hockey, cycling, scuba diving, rappelling or jumping out of a plane - he ...

I promised in an earlier blog, that I would write about "The son" and "The daughter" so I'm finally going to try to get to those, as well as return about 20 phone calls and about 40 emails. I had a good nap after church today, so I am trying to tackle some of those overdue tasks now. Please be patient if you are waiting on me to return your call or email. I get overwhelmed easily, but I have every intention of getting back with everyone. Going back to work has been very good for me, but has also been exhausting. I'm hoping all my strength and energy returns very soon.

My friend Karen and her husband Mark had a birthday party this weekend. It was on Friday the day of my last chemo, so we stopped by to celebrate with them. They had our friends the "Mulch Brothers" play for entertainment, and instead of presents she asked everyone to give a donation to the American Cancer Society or Gilda's Club . Karen's father and father in law have both been affected by cancer. They received over 1300 dollars in donations at the party. Great party idea Karen and Mark!

12 weeks of chemo is finished! Yipee! I am so relieved to be finished. Tammy got my IV on one try, and after a bit of a wait for the drug to arrive from the pharmacy, I finally got my last dose of chemo. I've been tired this weekend as usual, but so thankful to have this over with. Hopefully my strength will return quickly and I'll be stronger every day! Once again I was spoiled with great meals this past week. Carmen sent roast, carrots and potatoes. Mike and Lori brought Pei Wei and then had us over for steaks on Saturday. I appreciate all the great meals we have been blessed with these past few months. It certainly has made this all go easier. I really want to thank everyone who has held me up in your thoughts and prayers over the last 12 weeks. I couldn't have made it without all the love and support I've been surrounded by.

I had my 3 month follow up appointment at Dr. Whitworth's office today. I got great results, no signs of recurrence to be found! For the next 2 years, both my Surgeon and my Oncologist will check me every 3 months. Friday...this Friday the 26th is my LAST chemo treatment! #12 here I come! I am SO ready to have this over with. Thank you again for all your love, support and prayers!

The HOW 100 Ride is a 30 mile ride down the Natchez Trace Parkway that around 450 women rode for women who have had breast cancer in their lives. Lisa Wynn rode this ride in honor of Pam Walch and myself. I've never personally met Lisa, she is a friend of one of my friends (Kathy Bright). I know from talking to her on email, she is a great person and I hope to meet her soon. Pam and I signed bandanas that she carried with her on the ride and she also signed our names on the "Wall of Hope" at the end of the ride. I have some pictures that Lisa sent me, but my internet is up and down these days so I'll add these as soon as I can. Lisa and my friend Kathy will be riding the "Jack and back" ride for MS on October 4th, while we are at the Komen walk. We will all be with each other in spirit that day. Thanks again Lisa!

Only one more chemo treatment to go! I am trying very hard not to whine, I have SO much to be thankful for, but I'm tired of being tired. My sister Lisa took me to this last treatment and I sat by a lady who was just starting her 12 wks of the same treatment that I am finishing. I tried to encourage her and give her hope that she will get through it. She was scared and weepy, just like I was 11 weeks ago. I hope she has a fabulous set of friends, family and coworkers like all of you!!