Thats what good friends are for!

I have been blessed with many wonderful things, and one of those is my friends.  Although the majority of my friends do not live in Minnesota, I feel as if they have all been with me holding my hand this past year.

Yesterday morning I woke up to a package on my door step from my dear friend Liz.  Liz is one of those people you strive to be... she is amazingly strong in her faith, not judgemental and truly someone that leads by example.  I was blessed my freshmen year to have Liz as my pledge mom in our sorority, Gamma Phi Beta.  We lived together the following year... the memories we made I will cherish forever.  Anyways, in the package was an amazing chocolate cookie candle... yes it smells like cookies.  Chris and I were craving some by the end of the night!  She also included some lotion and HOT PINK nail polish (I will be putting on today).  Another thing she included was a bible verse for each month for us to read and look at... but we can't peak!  I thought I'd pass along this idea... It was pretty neat and I already can't wait for February.

This experience has definately taught Chris and I how to be there for our friends and family in the time of need.  We have truly seen true colors of our relationships with people, mostly for the good.  We now are more eager to reach out and help that person that might be having a bad day, or bring cookies to the neighbor that just moved in down the street.  It definately has put things in perspective for us.  I recommend the next time a friend or a co-worker is having a bad day... just send them a little encouraging note, or by them a coffee.  A little act of kindness can go a long way... believe me I know!  Its the small acts of kindness that have kept Chris and I going for the past year and a half.

Pic of Liz with her bridesmaids from her wedding in August 2008.

Gamma Phi Formal picture... I believe this was my Junior year and Liz's senior year.

Picture of me, Heather (sorority sister and roommate) and Lizzy

My how far we've come...

Today was a good day.  I woke up to attend to the laundry and a clean kitchen.  I feel as if each day I am getting stronger.  I can definately tell that the Rituxin infusion has kicked in and the increased prescription of Cellcept is working.  God is good and everyone is rejoicing in my family.  We don't want to get ahead of ourselves, but it looks like we might have finally found the right prescriptions to combat my disease.

I sat down this morning and realized how far Chris and I have come.  It seems like decades ago, but only a few months ago I couldn't get out of bed.  As depressing as this is, I remember one morning in July, where I couldn't roll over as I was so sore, with a fever of 103, this is the day that I remember looking at Chris and saying I would rather be dead.  I know that sounds so depressing, but do remind yourselves that I am on prednisone so my thoughts are more "negative" now.  I have been fortunate to not have many issues when it comes to this, but people have committed suicide on prednisone.  It's a scary drug and I can't wait to get off it.  With that being said, I realized today... wow, look how far I've come.  It's hard to be positive when you're in the moment... i.e. not being able to sit down or getting tired doing laundry. 

At these times I need to remind myself to sit back and reflect... look at where I was.  I continue to pray that I stay on this path of "feeling good."  Not only for me, but for my husband and family.  At times I think this is all worse on them than me, especially Chris.  Our marriage vows showcase so much now... in sickness and in health.  It's hard to believe that we've only been married a year and I half.  It seems like we could be celebrating our 30 year anniversary any day now.  God truly blessed me when he put Chris in my life.  I pray that every female can find a man as special as he is.

A lot of people have asked me if I get angry or ask "why me."  I've pondered this question, as I really haven't had those thoughts, by all means I get frustrated.  But why not me?  I believe God gives you what you can handle... he must really think highly of me :) just kidding.  But although he chose me to go through this ordeal... God also gave me the strong support system of my husband, family and friends, to help me get through this.  Although life has had its speed bumps... and yes even pot holes, Life is still GOOD!  This experience has definately taught me to cherish each day for what it is and to look for the memory in each experience.  I challenge you to do the same! :)  It will definately put a smile on your face. 

Received this picture this weekend.  Its hard to believe our little niece Mia will be 1 in a month.  This definately lifts my spirits!

HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT!

Soo... the past few days have been a little difficult with the prednisone withdrawals but in the scheme of things not too bad. But today I had a HUGE accomplishment for me at least... I was able to sit indian style. yes that might seem crazy but I actually haven't been able to sit in that position for about a year and a half. Things are already looking up for 2010 for Chris and I! :) On the downside I didn't go to bed until 3:30 am and woke up at 5:00 am with Chris. I was able to fall asleep for a bit at 10:00 am for a couple of hours. The positive to this is everyone that is having me make invitations, etc. is getting my full attention and BOY my creative juices are flowing! :) Stay warm! :)

Hooray!

I got some good news today after going to the doctor on Friday. My white blood count is down to 15.8, from 31 last month. It looks like the Rituxin (infusion) might be working. I was able to start to go down on prednisone on Saturday. I was super happy about this, but then woke up Monday morning and remembered how much I hate the prednisone withdrawals... 4:00 am with muscle pains and 101' fever... not so much fun. Luckily today I didn't have a fever and the muscle pain isn't too bad in the scheme of things. Although the fatigue is not fun to deal with... I'm tired ALL THE TIME. Hopefully by Friday my body will start to adjust. First time in about 6 months we've had some good news... Chris came home a happy camper. Usually when I call him at work saying "the doctor" called, it's not good. Looking forward to a relaxing week... since I'm tired and lazy, I just might be able to finish my Abigail Adams book... what a remarkable woman.

Quick Update

It has been crazy in our household lately getting ready for the lovely "doctor" appointments. We went to the hematologist on Monday and after taking about 7 viles of blood, he concluded that he doesn't find it necessary to take a bone marrow biopsy. WHEW! My blood cells did not look malignant and I didn't have any swollen lymph nodes. We aren't out of the dark yet in regards to cancer, but so far everything has come back clear. Thank goodness! It looks like my white blood count went down as well. I'm curious to see what Dr. Fontana says on Friday. Hopefully we can figure out a new plan for 2010. I'm ready to start getting my life back on track, as I know Chris is as well. I'll post after the appointment on Friday! Wish us luck! Christmas was great... the best "trip" i've taken in over a year. I was mostly comfortable for the 6 hour drive to Iowa. It was such a blessing to see my beautiful nieces, brother and sister-in-law. They defintately distracted Chris and I from all the craziness we had been encountering. Keegan is definately a mini Brant (my brother) and it looks like Mis following in Kelly's footsteps. Their personalities are really starting to show and boy does Kel have her hands full. But both girls are just previous! It's hard to believe that our little Mia will be 1 in February. It seems like she was just born. My sister-in-law, Kelly, has been awesome and let me make her 1 year birthday invitations. It has been so much fun... pink and brown lady bug theme! Can't wait till their finished. I finally have another project to be working on! :) Here are a couple of pictures from Christmas!