Radiation Onocoglist

I apologize for taking some time to write, one of my proofreaders was out of town for a few days. Grandma Gabrielson had eye surgery yesterday so my dad was down in Austin taking her to the Mayo Clinic for a check up. So far so good.

First the important news, I’m done visiting my radiation oncologist unless I find something in one of my lymph nodes. Then I need to call right away. He gave me very strict instructions on what to look for. You would think he was talking to a first grader. My doctor is very nice but very by the books. So that’s exciting news. One doctor down two to go.

Overall I’m doing pretty good besides getting a little tired as the days of the week go on. Sometimes it’s my own fault because I try and do too much.

Last Friday I went to Dena’s for the afternoon and we made mosaic balls. It was a lot of fun. You can see a picture of our projects. I still think Chris (Dena’s husband) thinks we are crazy for our talented art work.

Saturday I went to the Osseo Lions Roar Parade with some people from St. Paul’s Lutheran church (the church I used to work at). It was tons of fun seeing Jenny, Jane and Cindy and the weather was nice and hot. In the evening we (my parents, myself, and the Feeny's ) went to the Anoka Crusin for the last time of the year. We did find a place to watch the Gopher Football game. I think we were all wishing that we were at the game.

Sunday, Dena and I went to Austin for Grandparents day to see Grandma Gabrielson. It was the first time Dena and I had been to her new place. It was nice to see her. All I can say is the people that work there are gifted people. I don’t think I would have the patients to deal with what they deal with every day.

School is great, it’s calm before the storm, and the boys in the morning are wonderful especially on Thursday (white frosted donuts with sprinkles).

Sally and Bailey have had a wonderful visit. Sally has had a nice vacation from her home. She actually hangs out with us instead of hiding from the excitement at her house. Bailey is a very sweet dog. We love having her. Both dogs get along great and are leaving on Friday sometime. We weren't friends this morning at 4:45 am. when Sally decided it was time to get up and play.

Have a great weekend
Anna

First Day of School

Today was the first day of school it's always exciting to see the kids. Sorry no first day of school pictures. Overall I'm doing okay and I'm just tired about half the time. I feel like I can never get enough sleep. Things are getting back to normal.

On Thursday night we had a sleepover, Jacob and Kennandi (Bryan's kids) spent the night. I never knew how much fun lighted knitting needles could be in the eyes of two 8 year olds. We went to Como Zoo on Friday morning and had a good time looking at the animals and going on rides.

On Saturday I went bowling for one of the first times since March. I can tell you I was tired after bowling 3 games, who knew that could take so much out of you. I came home and took a nap only to go to Hastings for Saturday night Cruise In for dinner. They have a nice car show in downtown Hastings and some new restaurants we haven't been to. I had my first Supper in a Cup since the first of the year. I can tell you it was super good.

Sunday I did stuff at church counting money and Kids Time (I was supposed to serve Communion but they didn't have enough people in church). I spent much of Sunday afternoon sleeping. Monday was also a nice day to relax.

Sally (Bryan's Dog) is coming to visit for a few days and Bailey (our winter dog) will be coming on Thursday for a week.

Have a great week
Anna

Back to School

Last week I spent most of the week trying to walk for exercise followed by a long naps. I was basically whipped out for the day after walking. It was the first time that I really tried to exercise in a long time. I'm almost back to eating normal foods besides a hamburger. I still can't have caffeine as I get a headache from the smallest amounts.

Over the weekend my dad and I went to Brainerd to race. The weather was perfect for racing and a little cool at night. For me it was a great weekend going down the race track, knitting, napping, and eating ice cream I can't ask for much more. On Friday I went shopping with Vicki Tercero, we went to Among the Pines (one of my favorite yarn shops) and a few other places, on one of our last stops we stopped at the liquor store and saw former Senator Norm Coleman buying wine. They had a lot of nice cars up at the track. MSRA (Minnesota Street Rod Association) rents the track every year for one weekend for the MSRA members. The first picture (the gray car) is of me racing and the second picture is of my dad drag racing.

This week I started back at school. I can tell you that it's nice trying to get back on schedule, but I'm still suffering from fatigue. I come home every night tired. My dad keeps reminding me to go to bed. You can tell who your friends are when they tell you at 10:00 am that you look really tired. I was a morning person prior to March, now I have a hard time moving in the morning (actually anytime I wake up). The doctors told me I can have fatigue for anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 years.

After many questions about the H1N1 virus and myself. I called the doctors office to see what I should be watching for and if I should get the shot. They basically said to use common sense (watch my diet, get enough sleep, exercise, etc.). I can get the shot only if it's a dead virus.

Also last week I was informed that one of the girls (12 years old) that I worked with when I was a youth director at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Osseo was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia (SAA). SAA is a condition in which the bone marrow fails to produce blood cells. The bone marrow becomes sick. Blood consists of three basic components that sustain life: white blood cells (to fight infection), red blood cells (carry oxygen), and platelet cells (control clotting). When all three components are affected, this is the development of Aplastic Anemia. She is currently at the University of Minnesota waiting a Bone Marrow Transplant which is the only cure. Her brother will be her donor. She will spend a minimum of 6 weeks in the hospital. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

Have a great Labor Day weekend
Anna