No go on the no prednisone

Well my blood tests came back and unfortunately my CRP elevated a little but more to 1.2. So unfortunately I am still stuck at 2.5 mg. Of prednisone. Which although as much as I would love to go off it I anticipated this... The medicine works but not that quickly. So fingers crossed for next month.

It has become very cold in minnesota, so my body has started to ache adjusting to the colder temperatures. Not much has been on my agenda this week, but I'm enjoying my fair share of scary movies. Also started working on my new winter scarf... Think Elle Woods pink! So much fun! Can't wait to finish it and wear it.

Hope everyone has a great Halloween! Can't wait to share pics of Keegan and Mia... they are going as Little Bo Peep and the Sheep that my mom made... Oh and my mom is going as Lady Gaga... yep I promise to share pictures!



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Hannity vs. The Mice Take 3

Mouse adventure number 3 started last night... Not in our basement but first floor.

Don't worry, the mouse didn't surface until 2 pm today and of course it happened while I was doing dishes, while I had the movie Witches on... Heard squeaking, looked down and there is Hannity with a mouse in his mouth- looking at me like "Look Mom... I got him". Needless to say I screamed, ran, and jumped on the table yelling for Chris! Thank goodness for the kitty as obviously the mouse traps we have out aren't cutting it.  Now I'm officially paranoid, as they have never been on the first floor unless the cat brought them up.  The whole time I was doing the dishes I was jumpy... as Chris said from the study, why are you watching a movie where mice squeak in it about ever 5 minutes.  But its The Witches... can you blame me????

Other than that we had a relaxing weekend, with Chris studying 24/7!  Only 4 weeks left and then I'll have my husband back for about a month!  Super excited.  So proud of him though for working as hard as he has been but still being concerned with my needs.  Everyone tells me this, but would like to re-iterate the fact that I'm a lucky lady!
The kitty is pooped and is tired after earning his keep! See pics below... he has been comatose for about 5 hours.  What a brave little kitty... I feel the need to take notes!  I've been a wuss! 

Sweet Dreams.

Adventures of Maggie Part 2

Well... I wish I had a more EXCITING blog post from my adventure, but unfortunately I don't.  I always tell myself to not get my hopes up about upcoming "things," whether that be a road trip, or simply a dinner date.  I just never know what my body is going to give me.  But unfortunately... I never learn.  I'll start from the beginning...

I headed on my way to Iowa on Tuesday morning, walking out the door and avoiding the kitties look... he gives the most heart wrenching pout whenever I go ANYWHERE!  Luckily a little snack diverted his attention... but not for long.  The next thing I new I was pulling out the driving and I looked up and there was Hannity, sitting on our stair ledge looking at the window.  I hate leaving my cat, but it had to be done, and I knew Chris was here to take care of him, so it made it better, but not necessarily easier.

So I went on my way down to Iowa and I actually enjoyed the ride for the most part.  It was a beautiful fall day, I had my music going and all was well.  I arrived safely in the Quad Cities and waited for my parents to get home... all was well, but then my dad arrived home with a cold.  Not so fun when you have a SEVERELY fraile immune system... plus my Dad sick is NO FUN.  But he handled it like a champ, just kept the sanitizer near and and him at a far.

All was well throughout the week, I picked Kelly up at the airport of Thursday night and we had a "sisters" date and JUST TALKED!!!  It was so great to be around here without 2 little ones, as much as I love my nieces, its nice to have the adult time once in awhile.

Anyways, Thursday night I started to have stomach pains, I thought nothing of it.  My stomach gets upset at the drop of a hat these days... whether its anxiety, something I eat, or all the meds I take.  Anyways, all day Friday I felt kind of queasy, but was okay until Friday evening.  We were getting ready to go to the concert and I just didn't feel good.  A couple of trips to the bathroom... I'll spare the details.  Anyways, I figured I was good to go but in the car I felt EVEN WORSE.  I didn't know if I was going to make it to the concert.  Deep breathing came in handy here.  Anyways, needless to say during the opening acts I was in the bathroom... at least I could still HEAR Billy Currington.  Anyways, long story short.  I saw Carrie Underwood's opening performance and then I was in the car on my way home.  Pretty much after I threw up 15 times at the concert I knew I was going to make it... it continued as I got home.  Luckily my dad was home so he ran out and got some medicine for me and took care of me.

So... my plan was to come home Saturday.  Well I woke up Saturday in extreme muscle pain and a low grade temp.  As much as I wanted to come home, it just wasn't going to happen.  Luckily I was able to make the drive home on Sunday, just in time to wake up at 5 am for my infusion on Monday.  It has been quite an emotional week filled with ups and downs.  I'm fortunate to have my rock, Chris and my cuddle bud, Hannity.

Here is a picture of Kelly and I BEFORE the Carrie Underwood concert. 

I'm at least happy that she got to enjoy it... as she is the bigger fan between the two of us.

I had a rough weekend, so Chris surprised me when I got home with my "early" birthday present.  A new ipod touch.  Needless to say it came in handy at Monday's 5 hour infusion! :)

After my rough weekend... I was happy to come home to this little guy!

So that is the end of my adventure... definitely an adventure, but not too exciting!  As my dad said to me... don't be disappointed... all the more reason to see Carrie Underwood next time!  He always knows the right thing to say.  Luckily, Kel enjoyed her thoroughly and by staying an extra day I was able to spend more time with her and my mom.  Trying to stay positive, although hard, TRYING is the key word.

Adventures of Maggie Part 1

Well... quick blog post... I am off to Iowa!  As you remember this past August was the first time me driving ANYWHERE by myself.  Well this is the first time I will be driving HOME (6 hours) by myself.  I already have some scheduled stops along the way, but say some prayers and cross your fingers that all goes well.

I haven't been feeling my GREATEST but I still feel better than a did before the first round of infusion.

I'm looking forward to my welcoming party in Iowa... my parents.  Can't wait.  Plus... my sister-in-law is coming from Georgia on Thursday and her and I get some "sister" time just us... hasn't happened since BEFORE they were married... 6 years!  I can't wait, as I could use a great dose of Kelly right now.  Then on Friday we're off to the Carrie Underwood concert... bucket list of sister-in-laws... CHECK!

I'll take pics and keep ya'll updated!  Hope everyone has a great week!

Lovingly,

Thankful for Fall Days!

The best thing about living in the Midwest is the fact that we get to experience ALL four seasons!  Fall is my favorite season.  Chris and I decided to brighten up our day on Saturday, Oct. 2 and take a day trip to Red Wing, MN.  It literally was only a 40 minute drive from our house.  We took the Wisconsin Great River Road and it was WONDERFUL driving the drive... along the Mississippi with beautiful fall trees and bluffs.  LOVE IT.  Anyways... here are a few pics from our adventure.

Chris and I walking along the Mississippi in Red Wing, MN... Oct. 2, 2010

Quaint Church in the middle of town.

Thought this tree was beautiful.

You can tell that my face has gone down some with the decrease in prednisone, but I definitely still have my work cut out for me... Here is me on 2.5 mg. of prednisone.

Here is me in March on 30 mg. of prednisone.

Infusion Part One

So Chris and I ventured to Edina, MN this morning for my infusion at 7:30 am.  I had MAJOR anxiety leading up to when we got to the appointment, but once I got settled in my chair, and the IV started, I was actually fine.  My heart rate, the highest was 109... last time it was 140.  We were all pumped, granted the anxiety medicine they gave me helped.  Now... I did have the IV flush go right through me so there were MANY trips to the bathroom, but I was okay with it.

I watched the movie Letters to Juliet, and then read some.  Chris studied and worked on from his blackberry.  All in all... I was pretty proud of myself.  Only one more to go in two weeks.  Funny story though... I forgot how tired I would be... I got a smoothie from McDonald's... so good if you haven't had one and its fresh ingredients.  I finished my smoothie on the couch and literally passed out.  I proceeded to move to my bed following a 2 hour nap and then slept for another hour and a half.  I'm exhausted, but trying to keep myself awake for now so I can go to bed early after a nice warm bath... yes doesn't it sound amazing!?!?!

My husband is awesome... just have to say!  I don't know what I would do without him and his calm self.  Thankful for his patience with me and his willingness to be by my side supporting me and knowing he wouldn't have it any other way!  My husband is a rock star... yep I said!

Bye for now!  Hugs!!!