Trend Setting, a New Class, & a Visit with the Greats

Shortly after I was diagnosed, I read an article that said the head scarf was the *NEW* fashion trend for the summer. I knew the trend would never make it to Greenville but it still gave me hope that it wouldn’t just be women facing cancer that were donning scarfs!

If I’m at home I don’t wear anything on my head. Other than the boys and my parents, only handful of people have seen me bald. If we are expecting company, I usually have a scarf on. It took me awhile to be comfortable enough to wear a scarf and not my wig out in public. But, while I may be comfortable with a scarf, I think it makes others uncomfortable.  Wearing a scarf is an outward sign that I am sick and some people just don’t know what to say or do.

You don’t need to do or say anything; just treat me like you would if I had my long, brown, curly hair; like you normally would. Normal is good, I’m not constantly reminded the battle I’m fighting. If you have been where I am, it’s okay to say so, I welcome talking to other patients or survivors. If you have questions, ask me, I’m a pretty open person. Please don’t stare, give me a weak smile, or sad puppy dog eyes; that what makes me uncomfortable.

I’ve been dealt a shitty hand and so have many others that have faced cancer, it sucks! It’s an everyday struggle but in the end I’m going to be a stronger person for having fought and won this battle. And I’ll have a cute collection of scarfs for when the fashion trends does hit Greenville!

Round 5 is tomorrow morning.   I’m super excited to say I have made it the last 3 weeks without an unexpected visit to the doctor! Plus, one of my many awesome cousins is making the trip from Jersey to spend the day with me in the chemo room.

On another note, my sweet boy moved up to the next classroom at school last week. He has done so well with the transition and we are both loving Ms. Bethany’s class. Here are some pictures from his end of year party.

Last weekend we took a quick trip to VA to visit Jonathan’s grandparents and great-grandfather. We had a great time but I only managed to snag a few pictures.

Talking to Great-Great Grandad Clay

Exercising with Grandad Clay

Pirate football starts this weekend. It’s the first time in years that we didn’t get season tickets but we weren’t sure of my treatment plan or if I’d have the energy to make it to the games. So we are planning to watch the game from home. Let’s go Pirates … Aaarrrggghh!



A Week of Pintrest

As promised, here are some of the Pintrest projects that I have been working on the last couple of weeks, pictures included!!! I've managed to get 15 pins completed ... I'm halfway there but not going to meet my goal by Monday.

Funfetti Chex Mix

Aiden and I made this together and he had a blast! He brought it to school the next day to share with his friends and was so proud of himself, it was too sweet! It was so yummy and easy, I made another batch for us to keep at home.

Four Seasons Guacamole

I purchased avocados to make a different Pintrest find but ended up using them for this delicious recipe instead.

Brownie Refrigerator Cake

A couple of weekends ago, Jonathan headed to Raleigh for a guys weekend, a much needed and MUCH deserved break. Since he has such a sweet tooth, Aiden and I decided to surprise him with this cake when he got home. I changed the recipe a little bit by using chocolate cake mix instead of brownie mix and it turned out great, I may never use brownie. It's several layers of chocolate goodness so it does take some time to put together but it worth it!



My Sous Chef

Adding the ingredients





Mixing











Layer #1 - Cake



Mixing Layer #2 - Cool Whip & Cream Cheese





Layer #2

Layer #3 - Pudding

Finished!!!



Time to dig in

Salted Caramel Bars
This recipe was Jonathan's pin because he's a sucker for salty and sweet. The bars are good but hard, like break your teeth hard, probably why we still have some left. They take a while to make and set too.

Garlic Pesto Chicken with Tomato Cream Penne
I loved this recipe. It was quick, easy, and super flavorful.









Almost Done

Last Friday was my fourth round of chemo - I am officially 2/3 of the way through my treatment! So far, I’m feeling good, just tired and worn down. I’m taking advantage of this week to rest up since the fall semester starts on Monday. Yes, I will be teaching … just not as much as I normally do. My department chair and colleagues have been super supportive and helpful in working out a schedule that meets everyone’s needs and has minimal impact on our students.  I’m so lucky to work with such great people, especially the school health faculty!

With classes starting next week that means summer is almost over too! We have managed to squeeze some fun in this summer in between chemo treatments. Aiden took swim class at Raynez during July and absolutely loved it. He came home after the first night and said, “Mommy I know how to swim!”

He was able to show off some of his swimming skills last week in the OBX. We took a quick overnight trip to visit the Beach family while they were vacationing in Nags Head. Aiden had a blast and it was great to get away with both my boys, enjoy the beach and some good seafood!



The most exciting news of August is the arrival of our niece; Jaclyn Ann Tier was born August 1^st and is just precious!!! Congrats to Paul and Cheryl!!! I cannot wait to meet this sweet baby girl!

I’ve been keeping up with my “30 Pins of Summer”, I just haven’t posted them. Hopefully, I can get them up this week and maybe reach the 30 mark before Monday. If not, I’ll have to extend it … I have lots of Halloween/Football/Fall pins that I’m dying to do!

Thank you again for all the love, support, prayers, cards, texts, emails, meals, etc. They brighten my day, put a smile on my face, and remind me just how blessed we are! I hope you are enjoying the last few weeks of summer!

Quick Update

It seems that ever since I had the blood clot a few weeks ago I’ve been on a downward swing. First it was a bladder infection then I had a hard time with my third round of chemo. Yesterday I woke up not feeling so well along with a fever, so in to the doctor’s office I went. I got IV fluids for my dehydration but my blood work came back just fine. Dr. White put me on an antibiotic, just to be on the safe side, but was a little stumped as to what was causing all this. Even with my bladder infection she was surprised I felt as bad as I did. She is concerned that it could have something to do with the coumadin I’m taking since all of this started after I was put on that medicine. She’s said it’s not common but wants to monitor me. If I continue to get sick like this she may take me off Coumadin and put me back on the blood thinner shots or take my port out. I’ve been resting today and feel much better! I’m going to try and take it easy this week so I can rest up for my fourth round next Friday!