Computer Issues...Resolved!

So glad to say we resolved our computer issues - yay! Guess I didn't realize how much I really DO get online until I didn't have immediate computer access :)

Well, here's a little update on my health/cancer journey. I have a surgical consultation appointment this Monday to discuss my upcoming axillary lymph node dissection surgery. From what I've been told, it will be scheduled within the next few weeks. My husband is unable to get off work to take me to the out-of-town appointment so my favorite cousin Tammy (a cancer survivor herself) will go with me. We're planning to make a fun time of it by hanging out after and going out to dinner or something. Ya know, some girl time. Tammy & I always have a great time when we get together so at least having that to look forward to will take some of the edge off the purpose of the day.

I also have an appointment to meet with a radiology oncologist to discuss my upcoming radiation treatments. Those will start once I recover from the lymph node surgery - which I'm told has an average 2-4 week recovery time. (Who knows? We'll see.) Radiation will consist of 5-day-per-week treatments for 6 weeks.

There will also be upcoming appointments to see the plastic surgeon regarding my breast reconstruction surgery but that's on down the road. (I currently have chest expanders that are in preparation for the implants.) I'm honestly not thinking about this part of the journey yet. Nope, just focusing on the next few parts I mentioned.

In lighter news, our middle child - oldest daughter - will begin driver's training on Monday. Wow, that seems incredible to me! Taylor is looking very forward to it.

I've really been so out of touch with blogging. What is going on with everyone? Hopefully I'll be around to visit this week. Have a great weekend!

Computer Issues...

We've been having computer issues...as in, our computer is F-R-I-E-D now! AHHHHH!!! I'm at the library at the moment. Hopefully we'll get these problems fixed soon and I'll be back to regularly posting again.

GREAT NEWS!!! I am ALL finished with chemo...YIPPEE!!! This past Tuesday marked the last of my treatments. Not done with this journey, but at least the chemo part is behind me.

Hope everyone is well. I'll be back when I can.

It's Been A While...

Whoa, it sure has been a while since I last posted anything...can't believe 11 days have passed! I honestly just haven't been feeling good physically and emotionally I'm just sick and tired of this whole cancer journey. I'm looking very forward to the 'being done with chemo' milestone (2 to go) but then I also know there are more surgeries/treatment to follow and sometimes it's all so overwhelming. I'm feeling impatient about a lot of things. Sure, my hair IS growing back but I want a full head of it N-O-W! I look outside and I'm tired of seeing snow...I want to enjoy the warmth of spring days. And the list goes on :) It's a just a "restless" stage of life right now but this too shall pass and I'm glad...

OREO Cookie Pudding Dessert

Boy oh boy, do you EVER have to try this recipe if you're an Oreo cookie lover. M'mmm, it's so delicious! I made it to take to a friend's house on Superbowl Sunday and it sure was a hit :) I think we all went back for seconds!

Let me just pass along that I used store brand ingredients for almost everything listed and it turned out quite well - so don't feel you HAVE TO use what's listed in the recipe. Just tellin' ya - for whatever it's worth.

OREO COOKIE PUDDING DESSERT

1 stick of butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup confectioners powdered sugar
1 large package instant chocolate pudding
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 package OREO cookies
1 (8 ounce) tub Cool Whip

In a food processor chop OREO cookies into fine pieces. Reserve 1/2 cup cookie crumbs; set aside. Cut butter into fine pieces and add to cookie crumbs; mix. Spread the crumb mixture in a 9x13 pan to create crust. In a mixing bowl, add cream cheese and powdered sugar; beat until well blended. Gently fold in half a tub of the Cool Whip; spread over crust. In a small bowl, make chocolate pudding according to package directions; spread over cream cheese mixture to create the next layer. Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the chocolate pudding. Sprinkle the reserved cookie crumbs on top. Refrigerate for about 2 hours before serving. YIELD: 10-12 servings.

Tell me if you try it and what you think!

Quiet Times...

Life has been pretty quiet and low-key lately, which is just fine with me :) As a result, I don't really have too much to blog about...

*Today was a "CHEMO DAY". Only THREE treatments left. WOO-HOO! My next appointment to see the oncologist will be on 2/16. My lymph node surgery will be scheduled for sometime in March. Radiation will follow.

*My hair is really starting to come in - YAY! Maybe I'll get brave and take a picture of it to post. At first it looked white or {GASP!} gray but now it's dark and looks almost like I have dirt on my head or something.

*It's snowing AGAIN. I am tired of snow, winter, bitterly cold days. Hurry soon, spring!

*Tess LOVES her new glasses. I've never even once had to remind the kid to wear them!

*A monthly book club for women is starting up at my church next week. I really enjoy reading so I'm looking forward to this!

What have all of you been up to?