Medications to treat Ovarian Cancer, returning to OC

Hello Family,


Last night I had a nightmare.  One of my old managers from the 1990's was in my dream and in the dream I was crying because I was being harassed.


It was so strange.  I was in a library that looked like a giant shopping mall.  I kept running from section to section because I was being chased by her, literally being forced to move because I wasn't "allowed" to educate myself.  I was forbidden to read or research information about my condition.  I guess I was trying to find out more information about a situation I was in, and she didn't want me to know my rights.  


It was like a game of hide and seek.  She would find me and make me leave the area and I would sneak back in and be caught again.  This happened over and over and over and over.  


When I'm on chemo my dreams are always very colorful and detailed and full of strong messages.  I always remember them in some way and often will continue the dream the next night.  


I'm literally remembering this dream as if it actually happened.  


I feel like it sums up a lot of life experiences for myself and so many others.  We get bullied all throughout our lives on different levels.  As kids, it's the bully who makes fun of you.  As you age, it turns into an awkward work situation or fellow parent on the school board or landlord from hell.  


We never really know though how significant these instances are until later in life.  I've had slumlords make my life very difficult and complicated.  I remember clearly the gal in school who gave me a hard time, changed me forever.  


As a patient, I remember a few health professionals who could use a lesson in decency.


Maybe my dream was a summation of all those experiences of when I could have either stood up for myself or researched something just a little more and gave myself more protection.  I didn't though, and when I did stand up, I always chose what seemed to be the "wrong" fight.


Now I am much much much better at choosing my battles.  I am more careful not to poke the wrong bear. I still make mistakes, but I make them less often.


All else is forgiven and tomorrow there will be a new battle.  Maybe I just needed a dream to collectively gather all of those moments in time into one event and just let it go.  


Cancer is enough for now.


On a different note, I came across a list of possible medications to treat OC and thought it would be good to re-issue it, thank you WebMD.


I know I saw this several years ago, but was too overwhelmed to really consider anything other than what was recommended by my fabulous gyn-onc, Dr. G.  I know I have been given the best chemo options considering my overall medical health.  I really trust my doctor.


For those of you who are new to ovarian cancer, this list may be useful just so that you are aware of all the options.


My recurrence is turning out to last longer than I had hoped, as my new Lipodox treatment plan continues into November.  I don't qualify for any trials because my medical condition is too complicated with having rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  RA is an auto-immune disease that effects multiple systems in the body, not just the joints.  


I feel fortunate that I have the Lipodox option and that SCCA  http://www.seattlecca.org/  was able to obtain this important medication.  The Doxil crisis sadly left many people without critical treatment. I AM so blessed. 


Love you ................ 

Considering taking medication to treat Ovarian Carcinoma? Below is a list of common medications used to treat or reduce the symptoms of Ovarian Carcinoma. Follow the links to read common uses, side effects, dosage details and read user reviews for the drugs listed below.

Your search for Ovarian Carcinoma returned the following treatments.

DRUG NAME	INDICATION	TYPE	USER REVIEWS

Arimidex Oral			528 User Reviews
Femara Oral			376 User Reviews
tamoxifen Oral			350 User Reviews
Xeloda Oral			110 User Reviews
AVASTIN IV			110 User Reviews
hydroxyurea Oral			50 User Reviews
Hydrea Oral			48 User Reviews
anastrozole Oral			43 User Reviews
megestrol Oral			32 User Reviews
Taxotere IV			28 User Reviews
cisplatin IV			25 User Reviews
letrozole Oral			24 User Reviews
carboplatin IV			21 User Reviews
Adriamycin IV			19 User Reviews
Megace ES Oral			17 User Reviews
Gemzar IV			16 User Reviews
Doxil IV			15 User Reviews
cyclophosphamide Oral			11 User Reviews
gemcitabine IV			11 User Reviews
docetaxel IV			9 User Reviews
Megace Oral Oral			9 User Reviews
leuprolide SubQ			7 User Reviews
bevacizumab IV			5 User Reviews
cyclophosphamide IV			5 User Reviews
capecitabine Oral			4 User Reviews
topotecan IV			4 User Reviews
paclitaxel IV			3 User Reviews
melphalan Oral			3 User Reviews
doxorubicin IV			3 User Reviews
etoposide Oral			2 User Reviews
Alkeran Oral			2 User Reviews
Adriamycin PFS IV			1 User Reviews
Hexalen Oral			1 User Reviews
Hycamtin IV			1 User Reviews
Docefrez IV			Be the first to review it
Alkeran IV			Be the first to review it
melphalan IV			Be the first to review it
altretamine Oral			Be the first to review it
thiotepa Inj			Be the first to review it
doxorubicin liposomal IV			Be the first to review it
Onxol IV			Be the first to review it
Lipodox IV			Be the first to review it
Lipodox 50 IV			Be the first to review it

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Aurora Memorial: We must make a change: National training program required prior to purchasing a gun of any kind.

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2012/07/23/us/20120723_SHOOTING.html?smid=pl-share

My deepest condolences to the families of the victims, survivors and families of the survivors of the shooting in Aurora Colorado.  My home state and America and people around the world mourn your loss.  God Speed and Peace Be with You.

I propose that all people who purchase guns be required to have completed a training course prior to making the purchase.  This should be a Federal requirement, and a national registry of all people who have taken the gun safety course, gun ownership and current residence must be streamlined into one system.

Nobody needs to buy a gun in a hurry and nobody should be able to buy a gun without prior training on safe operation, handling and ethical and legal use of their weapon.

If the shooter would have been required to get to physically present himself to a training program operator, pass an exam and get a license that is certified and notarized,  he never would have passed.

I am not a fan of taking away our right to bear arms, but owning an assault rifle is ridiculous.

We need a license to drive a car.  We need a license to operate machinery.  In this country, you must pass a test to be a notary public.  Guys who work construction can't operate a forklift without going through certification for crying out loud....................

YET, in this country we allow people to buy weapons without knowing that they are trained on safe and lawful use.

The rigor and planning and patience and good honor necessary to take the time to attend and pass these courses would improve safe use of guns around the country and also would be a great deterrent, making it harder for criminals to buy weapons.  How many children are injured because stupid adults leave guns loaded in the house, accessible to curious little people? How many people hurt themselves each year because they don't know what they are doing?

I am not a fan of hunting, I can't even kill a spider.  I take them outside.  But I do understand that some people hunt and that we have a constitutional right to own a weapon to help us protect ourselves.  To continue to allow people to buy weapons and ammunition without proof that they have been trained on that weapon is plain irresponsible.

Please share if you support this idea.

We must change the ease of access to guns and background checks are not enough!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Marsha Rivkin Seattle SummeRun and Walk for Ovarian Cancer by Swedish

Race Details for Swedish SummeRun

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Date: Sunday July 22, 2012

Distance: 5k Run & 5k Walk

Day of Event Timeline:

• Registration begins at the corner of Marion & Minor 6:30 a.m
• Aerobics warm up 7:45 a.m.
• 5k Run/Walk 8:15 a.m.
• Surviving Ovarian Cancer Tribute/ Awards Ceremony 9:30 a.m.

Location: All running and walking events will start and finish at the corner of Madison and Minor - Download driving directions (pdf) or check your bus options using the Metro Transit Trip Planner.

Registration: $30 per person (through July 18), $35 per person day-of-race. Cash, check, and credit card accepted.

   Register online: Whether your choose to run or walk the 5k, select the appropriate registration option on the SummeRun homepage. On-line registration available until 5pm on Wednesday July 18, 2012.

   Register by mail: Please download the registration form (pdf) and return with payment to: Swedish Medical Center Foundation, Attn: SummeRun, PO Box 3976, Seattle, WA 98124-3976. Mail-in registrations must be received by July 13, 2012.

    In-person registration:  You may register in person from June 20, 2012 until 5 pm on July 17, 2012 at the following locations:  

• Super Jock 'n Jill (Greenlake) 206.522.7711 
• Foot Zone (Bellevue) 425.462.7463 
  
• Rivkin Center (Swedish Medical Center/First Hill) 206.215.6200

Parking: Free until 1 pm for all participants at the following location: 1101 Madison St. garage (enter on Marion via Boren). Please carpool when possible and allow extra time to enter and exit the parking garage.

Festivities & Awards: After the run/walk, you are invited to stay and enjoy refreshments, live music, an award ceremony for top finishers, and a tribute to ovarian cancer survivors.

Have questions? See our Frequently-Asked-Questionspage!

Mom is home

While mom was in the hospital, many days passed by.

What started out to be a weekend of fun, plans to see "Rock of Ages", abruptly turned into two weeks of rounds for our family.  More importantly, two weeks of pure Fight like hell days for mom.

What started out as super high blood sugar (diabetic ketoacidosis) turned into every nightmare you can imagine.  I cannot detail it exactly for her privacy, but it is safe to say that my mom is my true heroin.  She just never quits, never never never.

Our family had to be with her 24 hours a day 7 days a week while in the hospital.  I'm tired and joyous at the same time.  Thank God her sister came out when she did.  She is still here. God Bless her.

As mom rotated from one floor to the next to the next, my sister and I had birthdays.  The nation had a birthday.  Mom was fighting to tell her doctors to help her.  It was so scary to see her experience so many different problems, and not be able to communicate.  But with her will, our will and the prayers of many, she made it, by the grace of God.

She is home now and so so so so beyond thrilled and joyous to see out her living room window.  To walk in the sun.  To have her own food and sleep in her own home.  To watch the people walking by with their doggies and stollers.  To see the neighbors and see the children smile.

Most of all to see her family and feel our love.  She has some determination that comes from no place I know.  I have my cancer to deal with, and had my Lipodox yesterday............but overall it's just not that big of a deal. My mom is everything to me.

I remember one day a few weeks ago, I had knocked on her door.  "Come In" she would say with her boisterous voice, as she knew it was me.  I remember my glancing thought...."I wish I had recorded that".

She made this meal when my Aunt was out here in June, just a great spaghetti with peppers and all the good stuff.  I decided to freeze my portion of the left overs.  I just had to keep it.  My mom actually can't eat that kind of stuff, but my Aunt was returning home and my mom really wanted to cook up something good.  She sure did.

Now she is on a new road.  It will take a few weeks for her to get her strength back from this most recent ordeal.  I just pray that she accepts the help she is given.  Her independence is crucial to her survival.  That's mom.

As I recall the lonely halls at night in the hospital, arriving after work to relieve my sister or my Aunt, I would see other people all alone.  It was heartbreaking.  Especially on the critical care floors.  I'd walk by the same room day after day and see that no visitors were there, no extra voice to speak for them, no watchful eyes.

That is the truly scary part.  Hundreds of thousands of people are alone in the hospital, they live away from family, have no local support network or are from a nursing home and may have few family ties.

I can guarantee you that if we weren't there, my mom would not be faring so well.  We had to stay on top of everything.  Her specialists are so amazing, but it's the in-between people.  The change in shifts, change in floors, a constant new orientation to someone different who did not really understand the complexity of her medical condition.  They have too many people to help, can only take time for what is needed.

I know I was a pain in the butt, but it was necessary.  When someone you love is fighting for their life, you just do what you need to do.  That is all you can do.  I pray.  I want to thank all of those who prayed for mom and sent their warm wishes and positive healing thoughts.

It feels strange to be sitting here being able to take time to even type this out.  The past few weeks have been spent running back and forth to the hospital, coordinating shifts and my work and errands.  My poor kitty cat was so good......I think she knew.  She complained a little, but for the most part, did OK.

Now is time for healing and peace.  I continue to pray that my mom can find some time to do what heals her spirit, her art and just doing some fun things for what remains of our summer.  She loves her grand kids so so so so so so much and her family.  She is so bright and wants to be involved in important things.

She just needs a break to get some time to do these things while she is feeling good.  It's so hard in between doctor appointments etc.  It will happen.

We still need to take our sweet trip to Bainbridge Island, the one we won in KLGandHoda.

She just called to see how I am doing........yay.  I got to hear her voice.  I got to talk with her and my Aunt.  My day is better already

For today I am resting, will work tonight and hopefully visit mom tomorrow.  My sister has just done an incredible job of coordinating and running things.  She is the best sister ever.  My sweet Aunt is here, such a blessing.  A few nurses and nursing assistants really were so so so so so so good to mom, you really were.  Thank you for your tender care....especially Mario and Sean.  Thank you deeply to her specialists who really look out for her, you are wonderful.

I love you mom.  I love you mom.  I love you mom.

More well wishes and positive thoughts needed

Hi everyone,

This is just a simple note to you to let you know how mom is doing.  She is STILL in hospital.  We are trying so hard to get her stable, she is so complicated.  She had new and severe issues arise after she was admitted and we are dealing with all of that mess.

I can't go into details, just know anything you can do to send a prayer or a cheery thought her way would be welcomed with open arms.

We want our mom back.  I love you mom with all my heart.....................

PS.  I start my new chemotherapy treatments Monday the 16th.  It's breaking my heart because I won't be available to help for a few days.  I have been switched to Lipodox.  Just really need it to NOT knock me down.

Being lifted in spirit.

Love,
Denise

Mom's work from long ago, prayers needed

When we were young as kids, my sister, brother and I remember mom spending many nights creating beautiful paintings.  This is the only photo we have of her work.  Somehow this horse painting disappeared after the divorce years and years ago.  I never want to see the heart that created this stunning representation of a Spaniard and horse to stop.

I am asking for prayers for mom. She had a heart attack last week and a series of other serious complications are keeping her in hospital, including an infection she acquired from her central line. She is in so much pain and just not herself at all.  She is suffering.  Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

I saw my gyn onc yesterday.  Had a follow up CT scan last week.  Well, the carboplatin isn't working as well as my gyn onc would like.  My tumors have grown slightly, one the same size and there's a new tiny one.  They are still all small, but a threat if they keep growing.  I have small amount of fluid around my heart and something strange going on with my lungs.  Atelectasis....where the tiny sacs collapse. I only have small area on both lower lobes, so that is good.  I feel like that partially explains my constant fatigue and decreased activity level.

My last carboplatin treatment caused me to get very short of breath, and sometimes even now I catch myself not breathing very deeply.  So my goal is to start doing deep breathing exercises while I transition to a new medication.  Basically carbo is not giving me enough benefit for all the suffering, and I agree to change out to a new chemo medication.

So I will start a medication similar to Doxil in a few weeks.  The program is 4 treatments, monthly.  My chemo brain has caused me to forget the name of the sister drug, but I think it's called Lipodox.  I honestly can't remember.

Well, it's not the best news, but it's not the worst news either.  The carboplatin did make some difference, and for that I am thankful.  I have been so fatigued and really need to exercise.  I have gained 10 pounds.

The good news is that this new chemo may have more manageable side effects and I won't have to go in hospital to receive treatment.  My gyn onc is so good.  She really wants the time that I am in treatment to be as functional and positive as possible.  I believe she has made a smart recommendation to change at this point in the game.

I need to be there for mom, and work and be as active as possible. We have to get her back on her feet..........

I just wanted to give you an update.  Thank you for your friendship, care and prayers.

Love,
Denise

4th Chemo kicking my behind

My mom with Kate, at the NBC Today Show.  Kate was our producer, so sweet.  My mom still beats down the doors of diabetes every day, and wins!

I painted this little fish when I was on chemo in 2010.  I just love the  blue.

As I sit here drenched because of the side effects I wonder why I don't look like a swimsuit model.  I just can't explain how ridiculously sick I have felt since last Monday.  Actually, yesterday was a good day and this morning I am faring "ok".  

My sister took me home from the hospital last Tuesday after another round of Carboplatin via a desensitization protocol, and I was thinking "I'm good". She bought me a soy vanilla latte ( I know, bad soy bad soy).  I can't remember much after she left, except to say that all week I was very short of breath.

All week I got drenched in sweats and would have bad nausea, be unable to breathe well, and just super tired.  I hardly drank a thing for three days, big NO NO.  I did the best I could. I took my meds like I was supposed to, oh well.  I am on the up side of the recovery now, whew.

Yesterday was the first day I had a cup of coffee.

My mom and aunt were so sweet to come over Thursday night because I couldn't function.  I was crying because I couldn't catch my breath.  It wasn't like I needed 911, it was just a knowingness that my body was having a hard time with the chemo.  Harder than last time.

Today I am so lucky that I feel well enough, I can go with my mom to her rehab and spend some precious time with my aunt.  

I only have two more chemotherapy treatments to go.  Strangely my CA125 marker is slightly rising.  Not sure what it means because my gyn onc stated that the marker is not reliable.  When my recurrence was diagnosed, it was 15.  15 is a dream number, a great number, if you are not in a recurrence.  So for me, 15 is not good.  It was 38 at the end of May.  I try not to obsess about numbers, but hmmmmmmmm.  

So today is a great new day.  I am thinking about some friends, one who's mom and brother are ill.  One who is having her hip replaced and another who will be having brain surgery in a few days.  

We just need to keep looking forward and doing the best we can.  I feel so so so blessed that I get to talk with my family every day, or send a little text, or look at a few photos.  And, I have this sweet little cat named Marilyn, who stays within 5 feet of me all day long.  How bad can this life be?

Love you all.........................

More on New York, it stays with you always

Mom on the way to New York City May 7, 2012

Our cabbie was a great driver

The NBC Today Show Studio crawl

Me with the producer and her camera ladies...yay

Kate in the middle with her camera ladies

Mom enjoying the 360 degree View Restaurant, what a spectacular way to see New York

In New York, everything is big and tall

A view from "The View"

More views

And another view

A view once more

Things sure look small down there

Times Square

Times Square

Our first look at the city, arriving late into the evening

Mom and I have yet to take our little get away on Bainbridge Island, but we will soon.  It's just been a whacky time since we got back.  It took forever for me to even find photos because I had lost my cell phone at JFK airport.  Luckily I got it back.  Mom had severely bruised her tail bone getting into a cab that Tuesday and we spent all of Wed handling that.

As it turns out, mom had the ride of her life on a pedi-cab the day before the show.  She was in awful pain and finally we decided to go into a clinic.  Kate was such a gem helping us out with all of this, but getting there was crazy.

In New York they say take a cab everywhere.  Seems harmless....NOT. You can't catch a cab on smaller side streets, you have to walk to a busy corner.  My poor mom, walking around with me trying to find a cab.  So after one cabbie refused to take us...seriously.....this wonderful Irishman with bright blue eyes came up to us in his little pedi-cab and asked if we needed a ride.

I have to tell ya, I was not real confident in that, as the day before I saw pedi-cab race across four lanes of heavy traffic practically tipping the whole thing over.  Mom was excited.  We explained that she was in tremendous pain and that we were on our way to an urgent care clinic.  He promised me that he would go slow and take good care of my mom.  So we got in and held on...weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Mom laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed.  She said that was exactly what she needed.  It was also a great way to see the city.  I have a small video clip of our ride...........

It was a trip of a lifetime and we will never forget it.  Thank you Kathie Lee Gifford, Hoda Kotb and Kate for hosting us.  Thank you to David Friedman, Chandra Lee Schwartz, Davy Wild, and of course Kathie Lee Gifford for creating such a beautiful song "Strong Like You" from me to my mom.

Here it is over a month has gone by.  I go into the hospital tomorrow for my 4th round of chemotherapy desensitization.  I went chemo shopping today for soups, veggies, yogurt, etc etc etc.  Of course I forgot my colace and flax seeds.  I just want it over with.  Not looking forward to almost 10 days of bad nausea.

I have been sleeping 12 hours per day for a long time.

Mom has been in hospital twice since the trip.  Geeze.  She can't catch a break but looked great today.  She is just a real trooper.  She is all excited because her sister is coming out to visit.

My sweet sister is finally up and around again, the whole family dealing with whooping cough.  Can you imagine?

Several of our teal sisters have passed away this past month, and that is really hard.  I pray for their families and hope that they can keep the conversation going.

Every day can be rich with life, the little joys and the small smiles that really warm your heart....that is what we need to look for each day.  Can't worry too much about what may or may not come.

I have a beautiful and loving family, a kitty cat that just gives me pure joy and I think she is happy too.  I have really nice friends and most of all I have God.  We all have Him there to love us and carry our pains.

I love you all......................Denise

Art doesn't fall far from the tree

My mom taught her well.  My sister is showing her works on Poppytalk Hand Made, as well as on her blog.  I always enjoy her work.  It makes me smile and brings me joy.

Those of us with chronic illnesses, no matter the name of it, deal with many of the same issues. Pain, disruption of life, lingering thoughts about how we have used our time up until now.  "Could I have done better?"  "If only I would have done this or not done that."  We have no answers, only God knows these things.

What I do know is that we need art and music and play and laughter to be part of our lives, in a big way.  It's healing to see beautiful art.  We go to distant lands or other places and either imagine wonderful things or remember experiences that made an impact.  Granted, we may not always feel "good" but art is about truth.  Truth is cleansing, and cleansing brings about peace with our selves, which can bring about peace with others.

I love you sis!  Good work!

Poppytalk: Affordable Art: weathered silo: One of our participants this month at Poppytalk Handmade is Mandy of weathered silo . As we feature affordable art this coming week, I'm ...

A song for mom. "Strong Like You", by Kathie Lee Gifford and David Friedman

http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/47372225#47372225

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

My mom and I had the most amazing experience on the Today Show.

She is such an inspiration to me.  I know she can be an inspiration to others.  We all have our challenges.

Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb are so incredibly sweet, so thoughtful, so kind, so sincerely interested.  What an honor for mom and I to have had this chance. I watch the show all the time, it always makes me smile.  Being on the set gave me a permanent smile.  Love and hugs to Kathie Lee and Hoda, I sincerely care about you.  My mom told me she really felt that your sweetness, care and love.  I wish my mom was writing this in her words, but you know what I mean.

All the people on the set, hair, makeup were so courteous and happy and you can tell that the people at NBC love what they do. Bobby, thanks for the joy and for doing my hair.

On the set, you can feel the positive energy in the air.  You need something, all you have to do is ask.

For my essay to have been selected from the hundreds or however many are submitted is just a miracle.  Kathie Lee was so genuine in providing prayers to us and I could feel her spirit.  I just can't believe I was in Hoda and Kathie's presence, wow.

I wish I could write out all the laughter and joy that my mom is feeling right now.  The trip was a real challenge, because we both have some limitations and mom just pushed through everything like the trooper that she is.  I love the look on my mom's face right now, she is BEAMING!

Thank you Kathie Lee and David Friedman for creating such an incredibly beautiful and inspiring musical piece for my mom. WOW, that is truly amazing.  I posted on my FB page that I am truly humbled.  I feel like God has lifted us with this truly beautiful gift.  Chandra Lee Schwartz, your voice is so beautiful. Davy Wild, thank you for your keyboard talent.

Katherine Cook, you are incredible, thank you so much.  You are so responsive and talented, please give everyone a huge hug from me and mom.  Superhug to you!

I hope to find my cell phone because it has all our precious photos from the trip.  I was crying my eyes out on the way home.  I lost it somewhere between the security checkpoint and the gate at JFK.  I wish I had worn a camcorder on my head the whole time.  New York City is just indescribable, and we were overwhelmed.  I mean, what can I say.  You have to be there I guess to understand.  It's huge.....you almost fall over backwards looking up to the top of the skyline.

To my sister and aunt who helped with getting the photos and helping get us ready to go, a major huge hug and love to you.........what a whirlwind.

I pray I did not forget anyone.  There is so much more to tell..

This was a once in a life-time opportunity.   I love you mom!

Denise

Mom and I will be on KLG and Hoda this Thursday

I am extremely proud of my mom and can't wait to see the glow on her face when she gets a chance to share her life with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb.  I had written into the show about how inspiring my mom was to me in helping me cope with ovarian cancer and how much strength she demonstrates in her constant battle with Type I diabetes.  It is a miracle that she is not on dialysis at this time, and her having her heart attack on Valentine's Day may have played  a role in her healing, of all things.  I call it a miracle.

I had asked God for just a little more freedom for her, and here we are.  You will get to know her as a person, a real human being, and know why I love mom so much.

I am so so so so so so so so so so so so so happy that my essay has touched my favorite producer in the whole world.  I'll call her "K" for now.  She has been so generous and I can't wait to meet her and Kathie Lee Gifford, Hoda Kotb, and Sara Haines and the rest of the Today family.

I owe a million thanks also to my sister Mandy, brother Arnie, aunt "D" for really digging in and physically helping me through my transition from California to Seattle.  My sister especially, because she had sacrificed so much precious time with her young children and husband, and their lives are so busy.

Caregivers are so important, whether they are literally caring for you or being that angel in waiting, as a shoulder to cry on.  I love my entire family so much, I just can't say it loud enough.

I know that most of all, we are so proud of mom.  Mom I love you with all my heart and want to thank you for all that you have given me.

I can't wait to write about our experience.

Peace, Love and Blessings to you all.

Denise