By the way.....

The cruise almost didn't happen, gasp! I got a call on the Monday before we left from my doctor's office, "was I by any chance yellow?" Remember that Friday I was feeling pretty crappy and as it turned out my bilirubin was very elevated due to the fact that my bile duct was blocked off, most likely from the tumor. So, after much scrambling and the heroic actions of Shirley, the oncology nurse, I was able to get in on Tuesday for an ERCP and had the blocked stent replaced, phew! I was a bit tired but nonetheless I was on that plane the next day! Everyone was bound and determined to get me on that cruise and once again I find myself so grateful for the people and blessings God has surrounded me with! So, next time you are faced with a situation that seems impossible, think again!

Cruise Report and Merry Christmas!

What a great time we had! Our trip started with a late evening plane ride to Ft Lauderdale then on to the ship the next afternoon! Our rooms were just beautiful with lots of room for storage and a big balcony where I got to enjoy reading in solitude drinking my coffee each morning. Friday we spent at sea, laying by the pool, exploring the ship and the kids enjoying some of the activities the ship had to offer. The food was marvelous, my appetite wasn't the best but I at least tried everything I ordered. On Saturday we went shopping in the morning in Cozumel, then on to a private beach where my brother in law and the two youngest kiddies stayed while the rest of us went to swim with the dolphins. I can't begin to tell you what a magical experience that was. What magnificent beautiful creatures they were and we were right up there close and personal as you can see. I was so overwhelmed I cried half the time, and because they are supposed to have healing powers my sister kept telling me to touch them and I swear she was trying to shoo them toward me. Alas the time went by all too fast and we were finished with our dolphin encounter, so we decided to go to Carlos and Charlie's for a traditional tequila shot and to buy some t shirts. back to the ship and even more food and Sunday we spent relaxing as much as we could with 4 kids in tow!

I really had a terrific time, especially the time spent with the people who are dearest to me in my life. The kids were kids, very well behaved but not Stepford children for sure! I am ready to go on another cruise, add that to my list of things to live for, a cruise in the spring with another swim with the dolphins!

Friends I will remember you

think of you, pray for you, and when another day is through, I'll still be friends with you.

I was so blessed to have a gaggle of my bestest girl friends come over last night to watch A Star is Born (Kris Kristofferson and Barbra Streisand). The movie holds a lot of dear memories for me, but none as much as last night will. They brought food, drink, props, gifts, you name it. I was laughing and crying so hard I had to take an extra Vicodin! I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I am truly blessed.

And to think it almost didn't happen. I woke yesterday feeling worse than I had felt in days, and had not been able to keep anything down since Tuesday. I called my oncologist's office and they told me to come over right away. They said better in their office than to wait four hours in the ER, so true. so, they took a look at me, loaded me up with meds and IV and let me sleep for a few hours. I was dehydrated for sure. God bless them for taking such good care of me always.

I was advised to cancel the evening, but after another nap I decided not to. I had been looking forward to it too long and so were my friends. They had enough good judgement to not overstay their welcome and we all had a marvelous time!

So, 3 days and a wake up and I'll be on a plane bound for Ft Lauderdale and the SS Navigator!! Peggy and I had our nails done and I get my hair done on Monday. My plan is to stay on the Lido deck heavily sunscreened (chemo doesn't mix well with the sun) and sipping fancy umbrella drinks and reading trashy novels and gossip magazines. No work, no chemo, no cancer!