Doctor visit

I went into the doctor today and here's what happened:

Yesterday afternoon I started feeling some pain on my right side. This morning it was still there and a little worse. So, I called the advice line and they made me an appointment with my doc. I saw him and he looked over my last scan and poked and proded and has come to the conclusion that the cancer on my lower right rib is growing. He gave me more pain meds and has now referred me to get radiation again - this time on my side. As of my last scan the cancer spot there had been stable, but with the pain he thinks it is growing so that we should be proactive and radiate it.

Other than that I am feeling much better today. This round of chemo was hard to recover from. It's been one week and I am finally feeling pretty good. I do take some pretty heavy duty meds, but they are low doses so I don't feel so out of it.

I like all the people at the radiology place so it will be nice to see them again - not that I am looking forward to driving out there over and over again. But if they can get this thing under control I will be a much happier camper.

Just thoughts

We have had a very busy day and I have taken all of my medicine - which usually puts me to sleep, but I am not feeling sleepy at all!! So I thought that I would blog a little about what's on my mind tonight.

I am so grateful for my family. I have the world's greatest kids who love me and who are more than willing to jump in and help (most of the time) when I need it. It has been interesting to watch them over the past 13 months transition from kids whose mom did everything for them to being more independent and helpful. I have a fantastic husband who is helping to teach the kids to be independent and taking care of me. He really loves me and that is an amazing blessing to me daily! I have great parents and in-laws who love me and support us in everything. They arrange their very busy schedules to help us and to be there for support whenever we ask them. I am blessed with brothers and sisters (natural, step and in-law) who also support us and are willing to help whenever we need it. I have nieces and nephews with testimonies of the gospel and sweet spirits who are concerned for my health and I get to play with and love. As you can see I am blessed with an amazing family!!

I also have fantastic friends who I love to visit with, go to dinner with, go to see silly teenage movies with and just enjoy! To borrow a line from Faith and Vilate's book - My friends ROCK!!

As much as I am blessed, I feel it so strongly today of all days. You see today is the day I beat the odds. The median life expectancy for my type of cancer is 8 - 13 months. Today is 13 months and one day. I have won!! Yes I know I'm not cured, the fight's not over and I don't know what the future holds, but according to the doctor, my body is fighting this thing. I am so grateful to all my family and friends - it is because of you that my body is fighting. You give me hope, you give me support and most of all, you give me your love! Thanks for sharing your sweetness and your hope for me. It definitely keeps me going!!

I love my life - as much as I hate chemo, I am learning how to rely on the Lord. He is good and He wants me to be happy. I am happy. Many people might think that sounds weird, but I truly am. I know that being happy is up to me. I can choose to "love the road that I am on" - and I do. The road I am on is not always fun, but it is a good road and I have a great destination that I am headed for. Thanks for all your love!! ~ Kaci

Vilate turns 8

We have another 8 year old in the house!! Today was Miss Vilate's birthday!! We started off the day with donuts then on to pick up friends, McDonald's for lunch, swimming at Del Norte and then home for spaghetti dinner and ice cream sundaes. It was a very full and fun day!!! Vilate is going to be baptized on July 9th (Friday) at the Stake Center at 6pm. We are so happy for her - she is super excited and spending this week practicing being a peacemaker - her primary teacher gave her that assignment and she is having a difficult time, but hasn't given up yet!!

Vilate is such a dynamic kid. She loves her friends and her brothers and sisters. She is passionate and while that has it's benefits, sometimes she goes a little overboard!! Vilate loves to take care of others and help them. Vilate loves school and dreams of being either a teacher or a rock star. She loves to play the guitar and piano. For Christmas she got a microphone and loves to sing into it through the amplifier just like she's on stage. She also uses her easel and old school papers to play classroom and she is always the teacher. The little kids love playing school with Vilate. Vilate has a tenderheart and always wants to fix things and help people to get along. She has an obedient spirit and likes to be the enforcer!!

As much as she sometimes drives me crazy - I love this kid with all of my heart and I am so SUPER grateful that she came into our family!! Love you Vilate - I hope you had the happiest of Birthdays today!!!!