Fall 2012 Update:
Team Life's a Beach's Light the Night the Campaign for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society was a huge success, thanks to all who donated, over 30 who walked, and over 10 who volunteered. Go Team!!! Special thanks to my team captains, Erin and my brothers, Jeff and Matt, and to my mom for flying out to walk with me.
And thank you to Nurse Mary Lou, for her continued involvement in helping me find the right strategy to minimize the side effects of the ATRA.
Spring 2012 Update:
Thank you so much to those of you who made donations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in conjunction with Ryan's 50 mile run. Aunt Mary, Aunt Lynn, Mary Lou, & Jennifer, your cards and continued words of encouragement have meant so much to me. Thank you thank you. And cousin, Holly Mazurko, I love and appreciate the book, Succulent Woman. I hate that you too understand the pain that cancer can bring to a family, but I feel inspired by your efforts to find peace. Michael, thank you for persuading me to go on the First Descents kayaking trip and for your involvement in the organization. I'm sure the first time I flip over in my kayak, I'll thank you again :-)
Fall 2011 Update:
We have been so blessed to have had the help we did during these two rounds of chemo. Thank you to Ryan, my parents, my mother-in-law DiAnne, Kelly, Sheila & Molly, Vanessa, Audra, Ann, Danielle, Michele, Carla, and my bosses and colleagues. And Aunt Mary, Aunt Lynn, Grandma, Sister-in-law Jen, Mary Lou, and Jennifer for their long-distance support.
Cancer doesn't just strike one body, it strikes a community. Although only one person has to endure the physical pain, the emotions are shared by all those who love and care. Cancer isn't fought with chemotherapy alone. All the prayers, words of encouragement, and support are just as powerful and necessary. I am so, so fortuntate to have received such tremendous support. Thank you to:
My Husband
I cannot imagine what this year would have been like without Ryan. He has to be there for me constantly, and be both parents to Katelyn during my tough spots. He has been supportive and calming, while hiding his own fears. He has deserved every one of those cookies he ate during the stress-induced binges. When this is all over, Katelyn and I will find some new hobbies, so he can train for a marathon in order to do something for himself, and to burn off all those chocolate chips!
My Parents
It is so difficult for parents to see their child sick. My sister-in-law Jen told me that during those first weeks, when they were home instead of at our house, my dad would spend hours alone in his workshop in the basement, and my mom barely slept. They must have been so scared. (Mom and Dad, I'm going to be okay.) They've made multiple trips out here, at first to sit with me in the hospital and help Ryan with Katelyn at home. Then later, once I'd been released, to help out at our home. I know they were there a lot while I was in the hospital, but I can't remember how much. Those days are a blur. They have done so much for us this year that I would say they are great candidates for the "Mom and Dad of the Year Award."
My Brothers and Sister-in-Law (Matt, Jeff, and Jen)
Matt, Jeff, and Jen have all been supportive in their check-in calls, emails, and visits. The hats Jen bought me got me through my bald summer. Matt, who was able to help out more given his location, has been great throughout all this. The meals, visits, and calls were wonderful.
Grandma
My grandma and I are fighting cancer together. Although her body has its own battle to fight, she's still been so concerned for me. She's one tough cookie, and has an easier time of maintaining a positive attitude than I do. She's my inspiration, and reminder that staying positive really does make a difference.
My Close Relatives
Aunt Mary, Aunt Lynn, and Uncle Bobby have each been waging her/his own "I love you kid" campaign. The continued letters and packages from them have been incredible. The care package from Aunt Sherry and Fam while I was in the hospital was fabulous and very thoughtful as well, and the helpful tips from my Aunt Laura, who works for the American Cancer Society, have been much appreciated.
My Mother-in-law and Her Friends
DiAnne has been helping us during my recovery from the chemotherapy, and helped us in the spring when I was in the hospital. Both with Katelyn and with chores around the house. Katelyn loves spending time with Grandma. DiAnne share my love of books and crime shows, which makes her a great companion while I'm too tired to do anything else. Her friends have been wonderful too. I received so many thoughtful cards and packages from them while in the hospital.
My Father-in-Law
Tom's calls and interest in the details of my health status have shown how much he cares for his son and his family. His friend Eloise, made us a beautiful prayer quilt that's on display in our sitting room.
My Bosses and Colleagues at Solar Capital
The 2008 financial crisis has given Wall Street a very bad reputation on Main Street. Our investment company, which played no role in the fallout, is proof to the contrary. My bosses, who are "Wall Street" men, are incredibly compassionate and caring. Even before I was sick, they were supportive of me as a working mother. When I became sick, their response was, "What can we do to help?" My colleagues have been great too, working with me when I've been well enough to contribute and picking up my slack when I've been dealing with the side effects of the chemotherapy. They have been true friends.
My Mother's Friends
Mary Lou, Nancy, Doris, Becky, Jennifer, Patty, Jackie, Bonnie, and Cindy (and their husbands) have all been praying for us, and sending us sweet cards and treats. But they haven't just been helping Ryan, Katelyn, and me. They've been a support system for my mother and father.
My Childhood and College Girlfriends
Kelly, Abby, and Andrea were my best friends growing up for a reason. They have been praying for me and sending me reminders of how much I mean to them. Kelly is coming out in October to help with my next round of chemo. I'm looking forward to being able to go back to Wisconsin and hang out with them, like old times. My college friends like Meghan, Lauren, and Sarah, who ran the half marathon to raise money for the American Cancer Society, have all been great too.
My Local Girlfriends
My local friends, Vanessa, Audra, Ann, Daniele, Michele, Sarah, Laura, and Catherine, as well as the rest of the Working Mom's Group, have made my family a priority, despite their own hectic lives. The meals, the rides to infusion appointments, the visits-- all of it has been so wonderful. And a special thanks to Vanessa's daughter, Gracie, who loves to eat Mac 'n' Cheese or hot dogs with Katelyn and share her toys. Sheila and her family have been so wonderful to us. Brooke and Ken, Erica, and Molly, has also been so supportive.
My Oncologists, the Registered Nurses, and their Staff
Dr. Goy, Dr. Goldberg, and Dr. Sharma saved my life, and their registered nurses and other staff members have been just as important. The John Theurer Cancer Center is an excellent facility. My family has felt confident I am receiving the best care possible while being treated there.
Thank you to the many others who have been supportive this year. Your kindness has been both touching and inspirational.
Team Life's a Beach's Light the Night the Campaign for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society was a huge success, thanks to all who donated, over 30 who walked, and over 10 who volunteered. Go Team!!! Special thanks to my team captains, Erin and my brothers, Jeff and Matt, and to my mom for flying out to walk with me.
And thank you to Nurse Mary Lou, for her continued involvement in helping me find the right strategy to minimize the side effects of the ATRA.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Spring 2012 Update:
Thank you so much to those of you who made donations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in conjunction with Ryan's 50 mile run. Aunt Mary, Aunt Lynn, Mary Lou, & Jennifer, your cards and continued words of encouragement have meant so much to me. Thank you thank you. And cousin, Holly Mazurko, I love and appreciate the book, Succulent Woman. I hate that you too understand the pain that cancer can bring to a family, but I feel inspired by your efforts to find peace. Michael, thank you for persuading me to go on the First Descents kayaking trip and for your involvement in the organization. I'm sure the first time I flip over in my kayak, I'll thank you again :-)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Fall 2011 Update:
We have been so blessed to have had the help we did during these two rounds of chemo. Thank you to Ryan, my parents, my mother-in-law DiAnne, Kelly, Sheila & Molly, Vanessa, Audra, Ann, Danielle, Michele, Carla, and my bosses and colleagues. And Aunt Mary, Aunt Lynn, Grandma, Sister-in-law Jen, Mary Lou, and Jennifer for their long-distance support.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Cancer doesn't just strike one body, it strikes a community. Although only one person has to endure the physical pain, the emotions are shared by all those who love and care. Cancer isn't fought with chemotherapy alone. All the prayers, words of encouragement, and support are just as powerful and necessary. I am so, so fortuntate to have received such tremendous support. Thank you to:
My Husband
I cannot imagine what this year would have been like without Ryan. He has to be there for me constantly, and be both parents to Katelyn during my tough spots. He has been supportive and calming, while hiding his own fears. He has deserved every one of those cookies he ate during the stress-induced binges. When this is all over, Katelyn and I will find some new hobbies, so he can train for a marathon in order to do something for himself, and to burn off all those chocolate chips!
My Parents
It is so difficult for parents to see their child sick. My sister-in-law Jen told me that during those first weeks, when they were home instead of at our house, my dad would spend hours alone in his workshop in the basement, and my mom barely slept. They must have been so scared. (Mom and Dad, I'm going to be okay.) They've made multiple trips out here, at first to sit with me in the hospital and help Ryan with Katelyn at home. Then later, once I'd been released, to help out at our home. I know they were there a lot while I was in the hospital, but I can't remember how much. Those days are a blur. They have done so much for us this year that I would say they are great candidates for the "Mom and Dad of the Year Award."
My Brothers and Sister-in-Law (Matt, Jeff, and Jen)
Matt, Jeff, and Jen have all been supportive in their check-in calls, emails, and visits. The hats Jen bought me got me through my bald summer. Matt, who was able to help out more given his location, has been great throughout all this. The meals, visits, and calls were wonderful.
Grandma
My grandma and I are fighting cancer together. Although her body has its own battle to fight, she's still been so concerned for me. She's one tough cookie, and has an easier time of maintaining a positive attitude than I do. She's my inspiration, and reminder that staying positive really does make a difference.
My Close Relatives
Aunt Mary, Aunt Lynn, and Uncle Bobby have each been waging her/his own "I love you kid" campaign. The continued letters and packages from them have been incredible. The care package from Aunt Sherry and Fam while I was in the hospital was fabulous and very thoughtful as well, and the helpful tips from my Aunt Laura, who works for the American Cancer Society, have been much appreciated.
My Mother-in-law and Her Friends
DiAnne has been helping us during my recovery from the chemotherapy, and helped us in the spring when I was in the hospital. Both with Katelyn and with chores around the house. Katelyn loves spending time with Grandma. DiAnne share my love of books and crime shows, which makes her a great companion while I'm too tired to do anything else. Her friends have been wonderful too. I received so many thoughtful cards and packages from them while in the hospital.
My Father-in-Law
Tom's calls and interest in the details of my health status have shown how much he cares for his son and his family. His friend Eloise, made us a beautiful prayer quilt that's on display in our sitting room.
My Bosses and Colleagues at Solar Capital
The 2008 financial crisis has given Wall Street a very bad reputation on Main Street. Our investment company, which played no role in the fallout, is proof to the contrary. My bosses, who are "Wall Street" men, are incredibly compassionate and caring. Even before I was sick, they were supportive of me as a working mother. When I became sick, their response was, "What can we do to help?" My colleagues have been great too, working with me when I've been well enough to contribute and picking up my slack when I've been dealing with the side effects of the chemotherapy. They have been true friends.
My Mother's Friends
Mary Lou, Nancy, Doris, Becky, Jennifer, Patty, Jackie, Bonnie, and Cindy (and their husbands) have all been praying for us, and sending us sweet cards and treats. But they haven't just been helping Ryan, Katelyn, and me. They've been a support system for my mother and father.
My Childhood and College Girlfriends
Kelly, Abby, and Andrea were my best friends growing up for a reason. They have been praying for me and sending me reminders of how much I mean to them. Kelly is coming out in October to help with my next round of chemo. I'm looking forward to being able to go back to Wisconsin and hang out with them, like old times. My college friends like Meghan, Lauren, and Sarah, who ran the half marathon to raise money for the American Cancer Society, have all been great too.
My Local Girlfriends
My local friends, Vanessa, Audra, Ann, Daniele, Michele, Sarah, Laura, and Catherine, as well as the rest of the Working Mom's Group, have made my family a priority, despite their own hectic lives. The meals, the rides to infusion appointments, the visits-- all of it has been so wonderful. And a special thanks to Vanessa's daughter, Gracie, who loves to eat Mac 'n' Cheese or hot dogs with Katelyn and share her toys. Sheila and her family have been so wonderful to us. Brooke and Ken, Erica, and Molly, has also been so supportive.
My Oncologists, the Registered Nurses, and their Staff
Dr. Goy, Dr. Goldberg, and Dr. Sharma saved my life, and their registered nurses and other staff members have been just as important. The John Theurer Cancer Center is an excellent facility. My family has felt confident I am receiving the best care possible while being treated there.
Thank you to the many others who have been supportive this year. Your kindness has been both touching and inspirational.
