Terry & Gloria

Drama--Drama--Drama

2012-01-23T17:49:00.000-08:00

You never know what a day will bring. On Monday the 16th of January I went to the doctors office for a "Normal" visit. I planned on getting my blood counts, my port flushed, a shot to make my bones strong and a shot to combat the cancer and keep it at bay. I also had major difficulty breathing. So the doctor ordered a CAT scan for my stomach, lungs and spine. He also ordered an MRI due to the headaches that have creeped back into my life. The doctor at first thought we could start the scans and get them going and all the results would be in by Friday. He also had an idea--If -I were admitted to the hospital we could do all the scans in a few hours and have the results by tomorrow. The doctor felt it was best for me and my "lungs" or should I say "pleural cavity", to be admitted. I went into the hospital thinking.. No big deal.. I'll be home tomorrow and everything will be great. Boy--was I wrong!!
(Above is a picture of the lungs) The CAT Scan showed that I had about 2 1/2 liters of fluid in the plueral cavity. Incidental, the Friday before I had a liter of fluid taken out. It showed that my left lung was partially collapsed. No wonder I was having trouble breathing! I just thought I was out of shape;). So the doctor gave me the options of coming in once or twice a week and have the fluid drained (by the way - to do this they put a needle in your back that is over 1 foot long to drain the fluid) or they could surgically put a catheter in the plueral cavity which would have to be drained daily. I chose the latter! Still not sure it was the best decision. Either one would be very ouchy!!! The doctor that put the catheter in is a "dipstick"! He didn't wait for the drugs to kick in before he started shoving the catheter in! I was out of it just enough that all I could do is cry and moan. It was incredibly painful!Oh, and by the way, the doc said, "the MRI on your brain is good - no cancer" (and yes, they did confirm that there is a brain ,it's matured to a 10 year old level- just in case you were wondering). I confirmed being about 10 by pointing out to the doctor that I was watching Phineas and Ferb on the Disney Channel while he was talking. My doctor is such and academic ( and he likes Phineas and Ferb). He began to explain how good and evil offset each other in the show. Wow!

So, to get on with it - I asked about the fluid. It seems that there are breast cancer cells in the fluid - actually they ooze and cause the fluid - gross! Good news - the CAT Scan also showed that the cancer in the liver and the sacrum are not active. Yeah! It seems like the shots are working. There is a war going on inside my body - the bad cancer cells are warring with the good cancer blocker shot. Cancer cells - you're going down! So after 2 sleepless nights in the hospital, I got to go home. The home health care people come and visit me every day. Drama, drama, drama we'll see what is next on "As the Richardson's Live Turn".

Wishing all of you health and love and good family!and friends!

Staying home for a few days

2012-01-14T17:28:00.000-08:00

I have had difficulty breathing the past few weeks. On the 30th of November the Hospital took just less than a liter of fluid off my lungs. I thought I was doing pretty good. Lately if feels like I have a 50 lb weight on my chest. So--when I was at the Dr.'s this week we had an X-ray done. The X-ray revealed that I had pneumonia. Yet, NO fever?? The doctor wanted to get me started on antibiotics. I had a difference of opinion. I suggested that they drain more fluid off my lungs to see how I felt and then if I got a fever... lets get going on the antibiotics. This doctor actually listened to me.
Yesterday I had just over a liter (1300 milliliters) off my left lung. Today --I have feel like I have been hit by a truck. The chest area is sore. Coughing is good... My lungs can now expand. I still DO NOT have a fever. Terry is checking it every few hours. He is so good to me. I have decided to stay home for a few days to recover. If I do have pneumonia (which I don't) but I wouldn't want to spread my germs. I also need to stay away from bad germs. So No church this week. My ward is full of kids. Love them..... but bad germs.
I have an appointment with my oncologist this coming Monday. I will get the bone strengthening shot, along with my cancer preventing shot. I am sure all will be good.

Betty A Richardson

2012-01-14T17:27:00.000-08:00

It has been two years since Terry's mom has passed away. Terry's dad (Haskell) had a nich put in a cemetery in Orem. Janell research and found these vases for the flowers. Haskell was so excited to go to the cemetery with a few of us and have a quiet prayer on her behalf.

We are grateful for Betty and the example she was to our family.

Terry lost a mom, but we all gained a father who is much closer now.

God Bless Betty!

Thanksgiving to Christmas to New Year Catch up

2012-01-06T20:43:00.000-08:00

Well a lot has happened between Thanksgiving and the New Year. The pictures basically say it all…. Physically, I have started a new drug to combat the cancer that has returned. On November 30 the PET scan reported more cancer in the liver and the sacrum. They also removed almost a liter of fluid out of my left lung. Reports came back to say that there are cancer cells in the fluid. SOOOOO--- the doctor is trying a shot that is given in the Toshie. It is suppose to attach itself to the cancer receptor cells so the cancer cells won’t reproduce. I have the shots every two weeks for the next few months and then every month after that. I am still taking a shot that makes my bones strong. That way the cancer cells will stay away from my bones.. So basically I am working on getting stronger and keeping the cancer at bay!! I am feeling stronger. I am very tired but I have good days and fair days. I say.... that I am fair to partly cloudy. I haven’t had a real stormy day for a long time… Kinda like UTAH Weather.
Enjoy the pictures and have a wonderful NEW YEAR!
This is what life is All about!! Family!!

Thanksgiving

2012-01-06T19:22:00.000-08:00

Janell made an incredible meal. It was FANTASTIC!! Mom and Dad came from Wyoming and spent Thanksgiving with us. Terry's Dad was here as well. Brickman even played the violin.

Forgotten Carols

2012-01-06T17:59:00.000-08:00

We have a tradiation to go to the "Forgotten Carols" each year. They are having there 20th anniversary this year. Janell, Jenni and I have been going for 19 years. When we didn't go to the performance we listened to the story on tape. (YES Cassette TAPE) Remember those...

Bar J

2012-01-06T17:58:00.000-08:00

Terry and I took Haskell (Terry's Dad) to the Bar J Wranglers for one of his 12 days of Christmas... We had a lot of fun.

Christmas

2012-01-06T15:12:00.000-08:00

Terry and I did the 12 days of Christmas for each of our kids, grandkids and Haskell. We enjoyed waiting each day for the kids to open their presents. We wrote poems each day for them to read and then they opened their presents. We then had a party on the 23rd of December to Celebrate Christmas.

Grandma Glori and her Kids

Terry with Mickey

I Saw "Grandma Glori kidding Santa Claus"

The Girls with their PJ's

The Boys with their PJ's

Lymphedema

2011-11-20T17:02:00.000-08:00

Here are the definitions and symptoms that I got off the internet. I will put the things I am going through with my lymphedema in orange.

DefinitionBy Mayo Clinic staff

Lymphedema refers to swelling that generally occurs in one of your arms or legs. Although lymphedema tends to affect just one arm or leg, sometimes both arms or both legs may be swollen.
Lymphedema is caused by a blockage in your lymphatic system, an important part of your immune and circulatory systems. The blockage prevents lymph fluid from draining well, and as the fluid builds up, the swelling continues. Lymphedema is most commonly caused by the removal of or damage to your lymph nodes as a part of cancer treatment.
There's no cure for lymphedema, but it can be controlled. Controlling lymphedema involves diligent care of your affected limb.

SymptomsBy Mayo Clinic staff

Lymphedema symptoms include:
Swelling of part of your arm or leg or your entire arm or leg, including your fingers or toes
A feeling of heaviness or tightness in your arm or leg
Restricted range of motion in your arm or leg
Aching or discomfort in your arm or leg
Recurring infections in your affected limb
Hardening and thickening of the skin on your arm or leg
The swelling caused by lymphedema ranges from mild, hardly noticeable changes in the size of your arm or leg to extreme swelling that can make it impossible to use the affected limb. If your lymphedema is caused by cancer treatment, you may not notice any swelling until months or years after treatment.

Terry is AMAZING!! He helps the lymph fluid that builds up in my arms to release by massaging it every day. So patient, loving and he has great hands. The first week there was about a liter of fluid that was lost in my arm. I am so blessed to have a husband who is so kind and concerned about his wife. My sleeves will be here in about a week. Here is a picture of what they will look like. I will have one for each arm and both hands. Fashionable huh!!

Halloween

2011-11-01T16:38:00.000-07:00

Went to Morgan for Halloween...

Terry is Mickey, Brickman is a Monster and Teagan is a Strawberry.

Wyoming Experience

2011-10-24T06:51:00.000-07:00

I was feeling homesick to see my parents. I knew my nephew (Kalin) was leaving on a mission as well. I was talking to my dad----I told him that Terry had a HUGE auction and we couldn't come to Star Valley (SV). Dad said ..."Why not? We'll just come and get you." "Ahh, I am my dad's punkin-noodle."
The day before dad and mom were on there way, Vance (my brother) called and said Lee (my brother) was already in Utah and would love to come and get me. So, my big brother came and got his little sister. When Lee came into my home, he looked at me and started baaaaa-ing. My hair after all the chemo-radiation and coming backing in came back super curly. He took me back to my teen-age years when I was teased by my siblings often. My hair was curly then as well. My family would baaaa, they would say I was a poodle, they had a ton ways to tease me.
Lee and I had a good drive to SV.
After arriving in SV, Lee took me to my parents.

I talked my parents into going to see Shay play volleyball at the high school. Shay is the setter for the SVHS. She is a sophomore and fantastic!! It was fun, and the high school was having there breast cancer awareness night. PINK volleyball, pink uniforms, and me with breast cancer. It was a blast to see my niece and brought back a million memories. Brought me back to playing in high school, coaching and being a part of volleyball. We determined that I have been involved with volleyball for about 37 years. AMAZING! I got to see my coach Anita Harmon. It was an awesome experience. I also found out the same night that Lone Peak High School in Alpine, UT had there "PINK" night the same night. I coached the girls at Lone Peak as Freshman. They are now seniors. How blessed am I?? Pretty blessed.

Here is a picture of Shay and I after her game.

The next day I made chicken noodle soup. It was so yummy. Mom and dad were so excited to have yummy soup. That night we went to the football game. My nephew (Pahl) is a senior and played a great game. Mom and I sat in the car with the engine running. It was freezing outside. I had a hard time seeing the game but we listened to it over the radio. Use your imagination..... Watching a football game behind the bleachers and a chain link fence and listening to it on the radio. Pretty weird, but had fun spending time with my mom!!

Saturday we just spent time with my parents. We had a great time just relaxing and spending time with each other. I love my parents!!

On Sunday, we went to church to listen to Kalin speak before he leaves on his mission. His is going to Mexico....aka Cancun area. He did a great job, he has such a great personality and he will make a great missionary.

Sunday morning I also got a text from Janell. "Can you call me when you wake up". So I was awake at 7:30 and texted back.... "I am awake now". She call right away and told me the most sad news. Brandon's (Janell's husband) sister passed away during the night. I started crying and tried to understand why God would take a young mother of 37 years with three young boys, 9,7,and 2. She was the sister that introduced Janell and Brandon. I was her visiting teacher. She was a sweet lady and a great wife and mother. I know it is not my question to ask why? I talked with Janell for a while and told her that I would help her in any way.

Dad, mom and I went to a dinner after church and headed for Evanston, for Jenni, Jared and Terry to pick me up. We met at McDonald's to drop me off. I loved spending time with my parents.

We left Evanston and headed to Janell and Brandon's home. I told Jenni that we could do something around the house if nothing else. We arrived at Janell and Brandon's house and started to vacuum, started the wash, and cleaned the kitchen. When they came home we helped with the kids, while Janell and Brandon answered phone calls and attended to visitors. What a great and supporting community.

Bishop's Quest

2011-10-11T14:30:00.000-07:00

On Sept 11 our bishop challenged our ward to not use social media, via-facebook, twitter, or blogging. At first I said, “What are you kidding me? This is the only way I share with my family and friends my progress.” I also knew IF I listen to the bishop’s counsel I would be blessed. It has been the full month and I am ready to catch up. There has been a lot that has happened in the past month. Take your time and catch up with me and my family. Thanks for waiting for me.

Grandkid Time

2011-10-08T14:43:00.000-07:00

Jenni and I decided to go to Morgan to visit Janell. Brickman didn’t have school on Friday because of parent teacher conference. Janell also had a craft day with her ward, so I had the opportunity to see and stay with my grandkids. We painted, read stories, put window stickers up and made eyeballs. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Hair Cut

2011-09-29T14:53:00.000-07:00

I had my first haircut since my chemo and radiation. I also got my hair lightened. It isn't very long but it is extremely curling. If you look at my right arm you can see my lymphodema. (swelling in my arm)

Water Walking

2011-09-20T14:28:00.000-07:00

Brandon my son-in-law has accepted a new position as a Sells Representative for Peterson Medical. Terry and I are so excited to have him in Utah County. He is away from his family during the week, which is very sad. But, we are getting the opportunity to get to know our wonderful son-in-law. One idea we had was to go to the Orem Rec Center and getting me some exercise. Now mind you-I have difficulty walking on solid ground. I am kind of wobbly. I was a bit nervous going. I knew it would be good to exercise, but I was afraid I would be at the bottom of the pool. Brandon and Jenni volunteered to come with me and take care of me. So on Tuesday the 20th we headed to the recreation center.
I knew that I couldn’t get too much water on my radiation stickers or on the radiation site due to burning. So I got in with my cute water shoes, and my old swimsuit (with underwire support, which is not needed anymore) and went walking.
Jenni made sure I was taken care of in the locker/shower room. She also made sure I got into the pool ok. She swam next to me, while I walk at about chest level water. Back and forth I went –with Jenni swimming next to me. When we first got in the pool there was no sign of Brandon- Then at the other side of the pool we saw someone swimming back and forth. It was Brandon.
Brandon is one crazy man….. his goal in life (in my eyes) is to make me laugh, which he does very well. He came next to Jenni and I and away we went. I said, “ Hey, Brandon… have you ever seen so much back hair in your life?” Brandon replied, “ We could always braid it”. Jenni and I, “Grosssssss” “Sick” Believe or not it was pretty gross and we probably could have braided some of the back hair… So gross!! I really didn’t want to go back. Too many kids, back hair, and noise. Though I did make it for about a half hour of walking.
The next Thursday the 22nd, we went back. We went a little earlier to void the noise and people. We had little or no people in the pool. The faster I talked the faster I walked… We were going pretty good when Brandon said, “Hey, mom don’t you think you should stop?? “ “What? I am doing great.” “Mom, you’ve been in the water for about 40 minutes.” “Oh, yes, I’m finished” What Brandon knew and was taking care of me…. Is that I have a bad left knee, surgery several years ago left my knee a mess. The water is great for it. It doesn’t put the pressure on the knee like the ground would. I went a bit too long and my knee swelled like a balloon when I got home. I had difficulty walking and the stairs…. Well, let’s just say, Poor Terry had to push me up the stairs to get to my bedroom. What a trooper.
Wednesday the 28th….. I did NOT want to go back. Yet, I knew if I went water walking it would only help me. At about 5:45 we decided to go. What was so much fun… was…. Brandon and Jenni went again, but this time we got Jared and Terry to come along. It was so good to have my husband there with me. Watching to “boys” jump off the board and to be with Jenni. By goal- is to go to Orem two days a week to continue my exercise and strengthening of my body.
I know it will take time, patience on my families part, and hard work, but hopefully I will be back to full strength soon.

Breast Model

2011-09-19T14:27:00.000-07:00

Jenni, Jenni’s sister-in-law Becca, and I went to the Women’s Expo. We had a wonderful time. The Expo had hundreds of booths that were fun. Bags, belts, home storage, pre-school books, necklaces and more. We had a blast looking at all the fun booths. At the end of our Expo our experience we came upon a booth. There was a sweet girl sitting on a “jazzy” chair, you know chair that are mobile. She was about 6-7 months pregnant and looking very bored. I looked up on the sign and it read “Petersen Medical”. I said to her, “Petersen Medical? My son-in-law starts with Petersen Medical next Monday.” “Real, who is your son-in-law?”
“Brandon Walker?”
“Oh, yea I’ve heard of him.”
“So what do you do for Petersen?”
“I do prosthetics,”
“Prosthetics”
“Yes, I do boobs”
“I need boobs , I can’t do reconstruction, so I need fake boobs.”
We talked for a while and she told me that I could get prosthetics, 2 bra’s and my insurance would pay for it. I was happy and made an appointment to meet with Kirsteen on Tuesday.
Jenni, Terry and I met Kirsteen at Petersen Medical. I thought we were going in to be fitted for my “new breasts” We sat down and waited for Kirsteen. I sat on a chair and it started to rise up. I mean the chair seat started to come up. I couldn’t figure out why the chair was rising. I got up and I was sitting on the remote control. Jenni and Terry started laughing.
Kirsteen came out of her office and asked me if I would ever consider helping the company to train new employees in fittings prostheses? We were in the store portion of the store.
I said, “ You want me to be your boob model? I would love to be your model. Wow, I had to lose my breasts to become a boob model. Crazy!”
So a week later, I am teaching two girls how to place prosthetics, or at least allow my body to be used. I joked with them that they were lucky it was me who was their model and not a grouchy old woman. The two girls did a great job and to tell you the true, I am glad to help, and teach.
So, I guess I’m a breast model, and they even gave me a gift certificate.

ER Visit 2

2011-09-15T14:25:00.000-07:00

With my new radiation treatment, comes a drug to strengthen my bones. “Zometa” I was asked to do a clinical trial with this drug, which I agreed to. The biggest side effect is with the jaw in people who receives it. In about 5% of cases, there is a part of the jaw that can just die off. The drug was given to me on Wednesday 9/14, no real problem….. well , yet anyway. Terry and I left the oncologists office about 10:00am. We were on our way to Jenni and Jared’s house so Terry could go back to work and Jenni could take me back to get radiation that afternoon. Terry was driving me to Jenni’s and I started slurring my words. I became very tired and lethargic. I couldn’t focus. My eyes kept opening and shutting. Everything was in a blur. I felt like I had been “Drugged”. Terry said I acted like I was drunk. I HATED the feeling of not being in control of my own body. It really scared me, not being in control.
After arriving at Jenni’s house, I asked Terry for a priesthood blessing. I believed this would help. I am so grateful for the priesthood in my life. Terry gave me the blessing and within a few minutes I could felt better. I then was talking to Jenni about the influence of God in our lives. I told her how the Priesthood is such a wonderful way to receive the gifts from God. In mid-sentence I fell asleep. I slept for about an hour and a half. I then woke up and we headed off to radiation.
I received my radiation, visited with Dr. Clark. I told him of the reaction to the medicine I had that morning. I also told “the woman in charge of the study” of the reaction I had with the medicine as well. About that time I kind of stumbled. She insisted that I get wheeled (in a wheelchair) to my oncologist, Dr. Rich’s office. I didn’t think it was necessary. In fact, I felt kind of dumb, crusin’ off in the double wide wheelchair. I was kind of dizzy, but I felt like I was okay. One of my radiation tech’s, Brooke, gave me a ride Dr. Rich’s. We did take a side road to show Jenni the radiation machine. I was sure we told “the woman in charge of the study.” Obviously, she didn’t hear that we were taking a side road and she took off to the office. Brooke, just went ahead and took me to the other side of the hospital. One thing I really like about Brooke, is she is so BLUNT. She is REAL! We found “the woman in charge of the study” in a panic looking for me at Dr. Rich’s office.
Jenni and I waited for Dr. Rich for about 15 minutes (our wait is much longer on other occasions) —he sent us right to ER. I wasn’t exactly sure why. When Nancy (PA for Dr. Rich) wheeled me to the ER, I asked her, “Why the ER, what is the big rush?” She said, there could be two things that could happen. #1 Slight Stroke, #2 The cancer could have gone to the Brain. My blood-pressure skyrocketed. 159/92. Having it on my ankle is a new experience in itself. Average blood pressure is 130’s/80’s. I was worried to say the least. I think more than anything I was not sure of what was going to be the outcome. THE UNEXPECTED.
Terry had called our bishop to see if there was someone in the ward that could help give a blessing to me. Brother Palmer, who works in the Provo area came over to give me a blessing. Only in Utah would you tell nurses you were going to give your wife a blessing and they asked if we had consecrated oil. I thought it was funny.
They took me to get an emergency CT scan to check if “indeed” I did have a stroke or the cancer had moved. So off I went … It took about an hour to complete the scans. The results: Vertigo…. Really??…. They gave me a bunch of prescriptions that I was “supposed “ to fill. I guess I am a little like my dad. If I don’t need it… I’m not going go take it. I really don’t believe I have Vertigo. Off to home we went.

ER Visit

2011-09-14T14:23:00.000-07:00

More Radiation/A Lot of Blessings

2011-09-10T17:14:00.000-07:00

The results are in on the CT scan I had on Monday.

No active Cancer in the liver

No active Cancer in the lungs

No active Cancer in the Sacrum (lower back)

Continued pain due to neuropathy in my feet

Continued pain in the chest area

The spot that was on the T-4 on the spine has grown 4 millimeters. Thus, I get to start radiation on Monday. They will zap the spot.

They will also start giving me a drug, via IV that makes my bones strong. It also has a 5% rate of having a side effect in people. Portions of the jaw may die. So I get to go to the dentist first. I will also be part of a clinical study to track people that take this drug. I will also see a pain specialist to start controlling the pain I am experiencing.

Should be an exciting NEXT three weeks.

I feel very blessed that the cancer is staying "Non Active".

CT SCAN

2011-09-07T18:23:00.000-07:00

You know you've been to the Radiation Department too often when the receptionists know your first name. They say to you when you come in, "hi, Gloria how's it going?" So my latest CT scan was on Tuesday morning. Terry and I arrived to register at about 7:30 a.m. They asked the normal questions..--what are you allergic to, what medications are you taking, how long have you had "This Problem" etc. I feel like I need to take a photocopy and bring it to them each time.... Don't they keep records, I mean really...

After getting the paperwork was finished, they pricked my finger and got some blood. They then took Terry and I to a room to have me drink a thick radiation goo.....(Berry Smoothie) yah right. When they brought me two bottles I was shocked. Then they told me it was Berry.... If anyone knows me... I don't like berries, especially raspberries. Well, I asked them if they had other flavors, they told they DID NOT. I was feeling very sad. So I plugged my nose and drank a cup, every 10 minutes. It took an hour to drink and then another half hour for it to go through my system.

Jenni came and let Terry go to his meeting. The nurse came to get me. They took me back to the dressing room. They have two sizes of pants, Large, which unfortunately does not fit me. They next size is 5 XL. yes you read it right 5 XL. I was swimming in these pants. It just cracks me up that as many people as they have come in and out of the hospital in a day, they are Large or 5 XL.

I went and had the CT Scan, the results will be tomorrow night. I will try to put the results on Friday.
Until then......

Happy Anniversary

2011-09-01T07:08:00.000-07:00

Terry and I got married 8 years ago and were sealed in the Bountiful Temple. We have had a fun and exciting time in those years. It never fails that Terry has meetings and/or conferences on our anniversary every year. This year was no exception. So I devised a plan.... A plan to go on a date with my husband. I worked my charm a week prior.. saying that we haven't done anything for a year. (which we haven't thanks to the whole cancer thing). Well what should we do? I talked him into going online and reserving a room in Salt Lake. We did a "staycation".
On Friday night we drove to Salt Lake and stayed at the Sheraton. We then searched for a a place to eat. Have any on you been to Salt Lake on a Friday night? The economy is doing well... you can't find a place to #1 park and #2 the line in the restaurants are HUGE! I gave Terry the suggestion to just go to either the Lion House or The Garden at Temple Square. He chose The Garden. It was amazing. The food was fair -- but the view was breathtaking.
We then went back to the Sheraton. The king size bed was HUGE and down-filled comforter was so cuddily. It was the first time since my surgeries that I could lay on my side. It felt wonderful. I slept so well! I just enjoyed sleeping and being with my sweetheart.
The next morning we went to Our Temple, Bountiful... Talk about another amazing view! Terry and I did some sealings for those who have passed on. It was fun to see how long these people have waited to be sealed to their spouse. I felt incredibly grateful that I had my sweetheart and we have been sealed. I know that when one of us passes from this world ..... we will be together Forever!! It gives me great peace to have this knowledge. My husband is the world to me. He is so kind, and I think in the 8 years I have been married to him ...he has raised his voice ..once! But who's counting;)
What a wonderful anniversary a couple days before our real anniversary on August 30! Love you sweetheart!

Cancer UPDATE:
I have had tingling in my fingers in my right hand.... I have had pain from my underarm to my wrist on my right arm. I am going to a lyphademeogist today to see what the problem is.
I am feeling well. I am tired and sleep a lot. (the doctor said I need to sleep and get to the REM stage for healing to take place). My feet have been really sore as well... I have neuropothy. Which translated means my nerves are shot in my feet due to the chemo. Will I get my feeling back you say??? No, this one I am stuck with. Thank you chemo for screwing up my feet!! I am dealing with it the best I can. Terry is incredibly understanding and patient. Next week is the BIG CT scan to check the spots on the spine. Hopefully, the doctors will tell me it is scar tissue and there is nothing to worry about. I said Hopefully! Prayers are still welcome... if your knees are not yet worn out. Thank you all for you love and support.

I can't leave today without saying what a wonderful, supportive family I have. My daughter Jenni has spent the ENTIRE summer taking care of her mother! She hasn't had much SUMMER FUN! She has taken care of me EVERYDAY!! I know this is not fun but I am so eternally grateful to my sweet Jenni and her sacrifice she has given to me... ( I also think they have been incredibly blessed to have photo shoots every weekend) Thanks Jen for your sacrifice! love you! Oh-- HUGE NEWS I Have saved-- Through sacrifice comes blessings..... Congratulations Jared and Jenni for bringing me a new grand baby in March! I am so very excited!! I am so sorry you've been sick... Invetero finally worked! YEAH!!! I guess we were sick together this summer!
One more bit of happiness... Brandon will be working for a new company in Provo now! Good bye RC Willey.. You are losing one of the BEST sells people you have ever had. Congratulations to Janell and Brandon. Sure love you!!

My first real outing!

2011-08-22T14:30:00.000-07:00

BREATHTAKING!!

Because of my blood levels being low, I really can't be around a lot of people. Because of neuropathy (numbness in the feet) I really have difficulty walking. Because of anemia I can't go to high elevations without getting extremely tired and lethargic. I also can't be in the car for long periods of time. As a result---This is the first time in 49 years of my life that I have NOT gone to Star Valley for a visit during the summer. I have been feeling very sad about it. Mom and Dad have been wonderful to come and visit me. But, I have missed the mountains.

My Aunt Maurine and my cousin Marie, called last week and invited me to go see the wild flowers at Ablion basin above Alta. I am ashamed to say--I really didn't know where that was. I was so excited to go I didn't care. So Marie came and picked me up (still not driving --due to med's and still healing)

We drove up the Little Cottonwood Canyon to see the wildflowers. Now I am not sure if it was that this was the first time I had been in this Canyon or it was I was seeing things through new eyes.... but it was amazing. The mountains, the rocks, the flowers, the smells, even the chair lifts were amazing. I couldn't take it all in. I became emotional several times. I guess I see things differently.
I went on my real first outing since my chemo, radiation and cancer experience. Maurine and Marie helped me walk a ways up to field of flowers. BREATHTAKING!!!

Yes, That is snow in the canyon.....

I can almost get me hands above me head.

Loving life!!

I am so grateful to Maurine and Marie for taking me on my first REAL outing. I found that you really don't have to go to far from your back yard (or Maurine's backyard) to find yourself in the mountains! I had such a wonderful time. We had a fantastic dinner at the Porcupine.

It was so wonderful--- I had to do it all over again this morning with my husband, Terry, Jenni and my father-in-law, Haskell. Thanks for the memories!! Amazing side-note.... I ran into Marie's friend Wendy eating lunch at the Porcupine... small world.

Terry's Birthday

2011-08-14T14:21:00.000-07:00

I have had a wonderful week. Terry's Birthday was Sunday. Brandon and Janell the grand kids came along with Jared and Jenni. Terry's dad came to give the "Ole man" his dues. Yesterday, I called mom and dad to see what they were doing. I asked them to come and have dinner with us. They drove from Star Valley and had a wonderful dinner to celebrate my sweethearts birthday. We had a wonderful time.
I am feeling pretty good. I am still healing from the radiation treatment. I have some sores on the breast area which are healing very well. I am still tired, but feeling much better. I am looking forward to getting my strength back. I still can't lift a gallon of milk out of the fridge without both hands. It will come back slowly, but surely. I am working on my upper body strength. Hand pulleys right now. The weight room will have to wait.

RESULTS THURSDAY!!

2011-08-12T11:22:00.000-07:00

RESULTS:

NO ACTIVE CANCER IN THE LIVER!!

NO ACTIVE CANCER IN THE LYMPH NODES!!

YEAH!!

TWO SPOTS: One on the sacrum and one on the T-4 vertebrae.

Going back for a CT scan in four weeks to check them out!

Gratitude is HUGE right now. I can never express the amount of gratitude I

have to my Heavenly Father- His Son Jesus Christ- the fasting and the

prayer from Family, Friends, Ward Members, Co-Workers, and ALL

who prayed in my my behalf. THANK YOU!! I Love you!!

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN!

PET Scan-Last Day of Radiation-Amazing Family

2011-08-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

Okay- Yesterday was an incredibly crazy day. At 8:00 I had a P.E.T. Scan. This scan is pretty amazing. It takes about 2 and a half hours. The scan projects the entire body and the cancer cells show up in red. It also shows active parts of the body. Very cool to see.

After the P.E.T. Scan I went right over to get my LAST Radiation treatment. The staff are amazing! The radiation process would have much more difficult without these amazing people. I will always remember Mama Mia and relate it to my radiation, as they played it the first four weeks. The last week they put on some more updated music. I loved it. Yesterday the played CELEBRATION! These wonderful people also took my cute grandchildren to the radiation room and took them for a ride on the bed. They showed Brickman how the big machine moved around my body. What an amazing bunch!! So grateful I had the opportunity to know them. Even though they burned me up! Well at least the machine burned me up!

After my last radiation treatment, I went to get my blood levels drawn. Which came back with my White Blood Count is higher. YEAH!

Meanwhile- My incredible family took care of me the entire day! I am so happy I have such wonderful husband, daughters, grand kids, and son-in-laws.

When we got home my daughter brought me flowers. When I got home-- I was exhausted, emotionally and physically! I was talking to Janell about everything and the stress I was feeling. I started to cry with all the emotion that had built up inside of me. My sweet little granddaughter, Teagan, turned to me and said with conviction, "Grandma Glori- BE HAPPY" I just started laughing. What a little sweetheart!

I Love my Family!!

NO INTERNET

2011-08-02T21:13:00.000-07:00

COMPUTER at home has been out of commission for two weeks!! YIKES!!

COURAGE

2011-08-02T21:11:00.000-07:00

I lost and found “MY Courage”. When I had my mastectomy, Janell my daughter, gave me a small rock with a breast-cancer ribbon and the word “courage” in it. The first week of July I lost my courage rock. I was so very sad. I went to the store where Janell got it and asked…..” Do you have any courage?” I have lost my courage…” They looked at me weird and just laughed. I searched for my courage for a couple of weeks. I thought maybe I dropped it in the car. Terry and I searched the car, my clothes and and the house trying to find “MY Courage.” On Saturday Terry and I went to meet Janell, Brickman and Teagan. We were going to meet mom and dad for lunch. We met Janell at a park and ride. I got out of the car and when I came back to get in the car.. You’ll never guess what I found …. You guessed it…. MY COURAGE rock. There it was, just sitting there right in the car. I was so excited, I started to cry. (please ---remember I have no hormones and cry over everything and at a drop of the hat). I know that it is just a small insignificant thing but. I truly believe God knows what I need right now. I know HE knows I need my courage… even it is as small as a little rock.

Redneck

2011-07-20T20:51:00.000-07:00

I love “red-neck” jokes. Jeff Foxworthy makes me laugh! So when radiation made my neck completely red, I couldn’t resist the jokes, especially making fun of myself. You know—I am from Wyoming and so I could be a true “red-neck”. The chemo I am taking, intensifies the radiation to come to the surface. So my neck is really—really red! The pain that comes with it is totally intense. So here are the pictures of the “red-neck” and the gray hair that comes with it. Because of the redness and the pain my Dr. thought it would be best to take off a few days. They also stopped the chemo, which was making my feet red and swollen as well. So here I am without a working computer and trying to heal!!

Snap dragons

2011-07-20T20:47:00.000-07:00

Flowers have always been a part of my life. I remember my Grandma Erma had the most beautiful flower garden in the front of her yard every year. You could look over a sea of purple petunias.
Last summer I had the most amazing snap-dragon flower garden you’ve ever seen in my front yard. Somehow-from the time I got this cancer, I have related my cancer to my flower garden. I know it sounds crazy but… that is what I have done. Last December after I found out that I had cancer I was in my garden trimming down the snap-dragons. The thought came into my mind that I would not ever see my flower garden again. The thought came into my mind and then left again. I really didn’t think about it again until spring.
Jenni was helping me trim up my snap-dragons and preparing my garden for spring and summer. She came across a fern type plant in my garden. It was quite pretty. I just didn’t like the looks of the fern. I told her I didn’t want it in my garden. She tried to dig it out. The roots on this plant were unbelievable. The twisted and turned below the surface of the ground. It had the longest roots I have ever seen on a plant. One root was about two feet long. I told Jenni that this was a cancer plant trying to kill my flowers. It twisted around to roots of my snap-dragon and started killing them off.
When Terry and I drove into our yard one day I saw my flower garden. The snap-dragons in my garden were starting to die. I broke down into tears. Poor Terry, didn’t know what to do. I went into the house as just sobbed and sobbed. Call it my breakdown. I felt like my life was spinning out of control.
Terry trimmed my snap dragons. He took the weed out of the garden the best he could. I was surprised he didn’t go and plant an entire garden of new snap dragons in my garden. He is a wonderful husband. He cares about my feeling and what is going on in my life. He takes care of me and makes sure I am safe. I feel so bad sometimes that this “WEED” is in my life right now. I truly believe it will be put under control. I just need a little weed killer. That is where the radiation and chemo comes in. They are doing the job they need to right now .
I know it is crazy like I said before that I have put this stupid cancer into a metaphor with my snap dragon garden. But that is the way my crazy mind works.

MOM and DAD

2011-07-20T07:40:00.000-07:00

I have great parents. I know that when kids get older they say this... or maybe they don't. I just know that my parents have done so much for me and my family.

Dad has a way with me that he really doesn't share with the other kids. He has a spiritual side that is pretty amazing. I love that. I don't think a lot of people every see him with that side. He is always the rough and tough guy... well it seem to others anyway. I have always been his punkin' noodle along with the rest of the girls in the family. But, I believe, (and I can believe it) that I was the original!! I have a very handsome dad. I love his silver hair. In most pictures he is being funny or looking away from the camera.

When I was growing up, I though I had the coolest mom in the world. One things she taught all of us was how to clean, (even if I didn't like it) I know that it is those little things that are important. Like scrubbing the corners with a toothbrush. You always knew when all the kids helped with cleaning the house and we were done cleaning THE HOUSE WAS CLEAN. I pretty sure I passed those traits down to my kids as well. It's called the white glove test.

Both my parents are always giving and helping others. It makes me sad to see my mom having trouble walking. She is still the most beautiful woman in the world. My hair is coming in now and I put it against my moms hair and GUESS WHAT!! yes it is the same color as my moms. Pretty cool huh?

At Erica my nieces wedding last week, my daughter Jenni took these pictures. She captured my mom and dad with real smiles and how they look to me. Nice work my Jenni!!

I really love my parents and all they do for me and for my family, my extended family, neighbors, ward members, the list just doesn't end!

11 Treatments left

2011-07-15T18:13:00.000-07:00

You'd think that if I am not working right now that I would have time to keep up my blog. Apparently, NOT!! Bottom line-- I am super dooper tired. I told Jenni that she has a sleeping potion in her couch that makes me so very tired!! Every time I sit in her couch I fall asleep! Amazing! Honestly, this radiation is kicking my butt!!

Good news! I have only 11 radiation treatments left. I am very red on both sides of my neck, my underarms and my chest area. I have been using two very good lotion treatments. One my amazing friend Joceyln sent me. It's called Jean's cream. It has helped so much. Thank you so much for the lotion! Really don't know how you know what I need, but come through everytime! The second is a radiation gel and lotion that only one pharmacy carries. It is also very expensive. They come in sample packets. Brooke, the radiation therapist rubs it on my burned back everyday. But, if it works, money is no object... right.

I had my cousin (Marie) coming to take me to one of my treatments this week. She totally dropped everything to help me. She is such a sweetheart!! She emailed me and told me she had a bit of a head cold. I asked the doctor if that would be a problem. My white blood cell count is only 3.3 right now. That means I am very susceptible to any virus', colds, really any type of sickness. I felt so bad that I had to tell her I needed to have another person take me. But, right now with only a few more treatments I can't take any chances. Thanks Marie--- we'll get together soon!!

I did go to a wedding last week. I had a ton of anti bacterial gel and a mask on the entire time. I tried to stay away from people. My niece Erica and Andrew were married in the Draper temple. It was awesome! My daughter Jenni took the pictures and Janell helped with the shading and whatever else Jenni needed. They did such a great job.

Sad note: I have been in some extreme pain. I have had a rough couple of weeks. My chest, from my surgery is healing but still hurts. I am very sore and have a difficult time putting my hands above me head still. I am exercising to help stretch the muscles, I just don't know how long it will take. Also, my dumb feet are like they are on fire. The chemo I am on makes your feet red, raw and even peel. The doctor told if they get too red, I needed to stop taking the chemo. My big toe looked like a strawberry. My feet and toes hurt so bad, I couldn't even have the sheets touch them at night. My sweet Terry, helps me each night, by rubbing them, if he can.... I was in so much pain I wouldn't even let him touch me.... It hurt soooo bad. So when I went to the doctor I told them about it. I stopped the chemo and started up on some antibiotics. I am happy to say they still hurt-- but not as bad... by any means.

I'll try harder to keep up the blog! Thank you all for your amazing support!

Radiation Tech's Brighten My Day!!

2011-07-10T15:21:00.000-07:00

I have the best Radiation Technicians any one person could ask for. It is just crazy how you can be feeling low one moment and these crazy (fun) people can make you just laugh!

So I it was a Friday the 1st of July when I was getting fluid at Dr. Rich's office. I had a bad week and was feeling very dizzy and tired. The fluid helps me feel better and have a bit more energy. I had gotten in late at Dr. Rich's office and had an appointment to get radiation at 1:45. I knew I was going to be late so I had the one of the nurses call over to Radiation and tell them I would be late. When I got to radiation I was indeed late. It was about 2:00 when I went in and change into "the gown". I had told the Tech's about my blog several days before. I told them how it was a release for me and helped me cope with all the yuckiness!!

Those crazy (fun) Technicians in all there "Glori" did the following. Brooke, Melanie, Janell (a student -who's last day was that day), our other Brooke was gone that day. But, I think Gary was involved as well.... Took the pictures with the crazy hats from my blog.... made them into 8X10 blowups and taped them on each of their backs. So here they are..... "Come on Gloria, we're ready for you". Meanwhile, I see them walking in to the radiation room in front of me with ME on their backs. But, they don't stop there..... They take the crazy pic, ya know the one with the gray frow, and put it on the radiation machine. S0 when I lay down and look up there I am. I was laughing so hard. You'd think that was enough.. NO-- Usually they play Abba (Mama Mia) while I have my radiation. This day they changed it to, you guessed it, "GLORIA". I was have my radiation, cracking up laughing. I what other case have you heard of that the patient is laughing while having radiation. They totally brightened my day. They are simply the best. I told someone that these people will help me get through this trial in my life. Thanks Dr. Clark's Crew. You're all the best. Oh-- I think I spelled all your names right!

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2011-07-10T14:18:00.001-07:00

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

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2011-07-10T14:17:00.001-07:00

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2011-07-10T14:16:00.000-07:00

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My Kids

2011-07-02T09:26:00.001-07:00

My sweet grandkids and amazing husband. Just look at the love in the room. Check out the awesome Hawaiian "Grandpa Terry Shirts" Yep they match!! Thanks Jenni and Jared for getting them when you were in Hawaii!!

Picture to make you laugh!!

2011-06-30T07:57:00.000-07:00

I have been given--wigs-hats-scarfs anything to cover my head. Notice the eyelashes are gone and eyebrows as well. By the way they have grown and are growing back.
After my first surgery in May, Sherry came to see me and took these pictures. Not looking to bad a couple days after having your breasts removed huh!! These just make me laugh!! They make Sherry die laughing, she couldn't stop. So - Please ENJOY! Oh- FYI Halloween is only a few months away... Let me know how I can help :)

The importance of Vitamin D

2011-06-30T07:26:00.000-07:00

Apparently, (my new favorite word) I have been ornery, snappy and not a very nice person. I haven't really seen it. But those around me tell me it is pretty bad. I have been having my radiation done every day. We are 11 down, 22 left to go. On day 10 I had a bit of a breakdown. I have been extremely dizzy and like I said earlier not a nice person. I went to my radiation appointment and then to get my blood drawn.
Apparently- a "normal" person should have a minimum Vitamin D level of 32. But, of course I am not normal--nor will I ever be-- my level is coming in at a whopping 12. YES, you read it right 12!! Unbelievable. So I have got these great Vitamin D pills I now take once a week. They are only 50,000 mg. Can we say side-effects anyone. That is a shock to the system. It was a shock to my system. I was so dizzy I could hardly walk. Good thing I have my Jenni and Terry to take care of me right now. Being low in Vitamin D- causes ornery-ness, depressions, dizziness, crankiness, basically not being a nice person. So Jared and Terry are making joked about how they need to by more milk- They think they are sooo funny.
Some of my blood levels are low as well. My White Blood Count should come in at about 6 or so. My went from 4.8 to 2.7 in a week. (Stay away from sick people) I am anemic as well. (iron levels low) I was walking around thinking I was doing just fine. (Well I am fine in attitude only) but my body is telling me something different. Dr. Clark say that he doesn't know whats wrong with me because I don't complain. I am keeping a optimistic attitude and he can't tell when I am feeling bad. So yesterday, he sent me to get fluids and anti nausea medicine. I am feeling like a new woman. More blood will be taken and analyzed today. Crazy what blood levels can do--- Crazy what Vitamins can do. So here is the question??
GOT MILK??

Sister to Sister/Mother to daughter

2011-06-21T10:15:00.000-07:00

What a great weekend. It all started on Friday with a Bacholorette party for Erica Merritt (my niece who is getting married in a couple of weeks. ) Sherry (my sister) called on her way to Salt Lake. She asked if Jenni and I could come and meet them at a restaurant in Sandy. This was about 4:00 and we were to meet them at 6:30. Sherry knew I couldn't go to Star Valley for her last shower. I was thrilled that I could be included. This was given by Andrew's family who I knew none of them.
Jenni and I drove to Sandy (okay Jenni drove I am still on driving restrictions because of surgery). Andrew has a very nice family. Erica has a lot of friends in Utah. It was fun to see her with her pink boa and fuzzy headband on her head. We just laughed and had a fun time. We then went to Andrew parents house for the rest of the party. Whoa..... If you need ideas for games.... talk to the Erica hee hee. I think she was even shocked. It was fun to laugh. I mean really laugh for a while.
I then told my sister she was coming to stay with me. She said she invited herself -but I don't think so. I was so glad to have her for the weekend. We talked and laughed and then we cried. We were having a great time.... Then Terry came to the top of the stairs and said "Gloria you need to rest!!! It's 1:00" I had no idea it was so late. So we all went to bed.
The next morning, we just hung out. I slept in and stayed in my PJ's most of the day. Sherry painted our back door frame outside, did laundry all day and made strawberry jam (YUMM)
We had such a great time. It took my mind off all the pain I have and stress that comes with it. Even though we had some "cancer" talks. It was good that she was with me for a couple of days.
On Father's day we invited Jenni and Jared and my father-in-law Haskell. We ate yummy salad, fruit and even had a BBQ steak.
Sherry then left and went back to SV. I was fun to have her. I am so glad for my sweet sister Sherry. Love you sis
Jenni took over for Sherry on Monday. I jumped right back in to treatments. The radiation feels like a sunburn (pretty bad one). Jenni is a sweetheart and takes me to my appointments and for drives. I am glad she is so close.

Treatment Update
The Doctors say I am doing well. They are pleased with the radiation thus far. Everything is lining up the way it should. The treatment looks positive.

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2011-06-15T15:10:00.000-07:00

Look-- look I'm getting hair. It so happens to be grey!! Oh no!!

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2011-06-15T15:07:00.001-07:00

Sporting a pink cap. Whoa Hoo. Looking good!!

Sunburn vs Radiation

2011-06-15T10:02:00.000-07:00

So- They started the radiation treatments. They last just less than an hour--the technicians said it should take less time each time they do it. I think it is remarkable that a ray can go through your body and kill the cells that are plaguing the body. CRAZY!
When starting the radiation they made an entire road map or a treasure map on my chest. I would love to show you but I think that would not be wise. I'll try to describe it instead. Try to imagine purple marker marks making squares on the right side. Tattoo marks on all the outside of my chest. Blue marks on the left side of the chest. Don't forget the entire scare that goes completely across my chest wall, and Oh, yes, the neon pink "x" marks the spot on the clavicles (breast bone) on each side of my chest. The markers are done completely with "Sharpies" very colorful and very interesting to see.
I told my son-in-law, Brandon about the process. Being the funny man he is said, "Wow, mom that gives a whole new meaning to "TREASURE CHEST""...hee hee hee. I guess "X" marks the spot!!
The radiation doesn't last a real long time. The last phase they put a squishy thing on my chest called a BOLUS or Cold thing! The Bolus brings the rays to the surface. This is what stings a bit and makes you feel like you have a sunburn. This is what will kill the cancer on the surface of the skin. When the tech's were working on me, setting things up... they said don't worry we won't hit you. It may come close but we have never hit anyone yet. WELL, I am here to tell you they were WRONG. They didn't know they had to deal with "The Schwab" nose. The machine bumped into my nose. I'm saying...."Mel, hey Mel it just got my nose" She felt so bad. At the end of the session they gave me some shower gel, lotion and soap. How nice.
I have some gel and lotion for radiation patients the helps with the burning sensation. It is quite expensive... But, what do you do??? Go through the pain or pay and go through less pain. (depending on how you look at it of course)
After coming home. The burn--was hanging in there- like I said it feels like a sunburn. I just took off my top and rubbed the radiation lotion and gel all over it. Hope nobody just walks in... of course there really isn't anything to see be a Treasure map and chest.....hee hee

Let the Radiation BEGIN

2011-06-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying I have an incredible family-friends and ward members. I have and have had people praying, fasting, helping me clean my house, bring meals, and basically taking care of me. Janell, Jenni, Brickman and Teagan were at my house all week last week. I love having my kids and grand kids around me. They make me so happy. It makes me laugh when my granddaughter Teagan (2) wants to see my owhee. Then wants to kiss it better. So she tries to kiss my chest. It is the cutiest thing you have ever seen. Brickman takes my temperature to make sure I'm doing okay.
I have my sweet Mary from work bring a meal to my family. I have a fleet of women come to my home to vacuum, dust and do my bathrooms. I have visits from family, friends and neighbors. I have been so blessed!!

Today starts a 6 1/2 week process of radiation and more chemo. The doctors have asked me to come to Provo daily instead of American Fork. They are trying some new procedures with me. Hopefully this will accomplish two things. #1 Have the process and procedure work on me to put the cancer in remission. #2 Help those in the future with this type of breast cancer put their cancer in remission.

Bluntly-this cancer attacks the lymphatic system throughout the breast. It is very aggressive and mean!! Because it is stage IV that means it has gone to other organs. aka (my liver). I have some HUGE challenges coming up the next several weeks. I will have raw sores on my chest wall. The doctors want the radiation to burn the surface of the skin to KILL the cancer cells in the skin. The chemo pills will enhance the radiation process. The chemo pills do have side effects. (sores on the palms of the hands and the bottom of the feet, fatigue, mouth sores). This will be an interesting process. I am very nervous, but incredibly hopeful. I know I am the hands of the LORD!!

People keep asking what they can do to help me. "Let me know if there is anything I can do" "Call me if I can help in anyway" Thank you so much for the offers. I am being well taken care of. So myself (along with my daughters) say-------- go to the temple. ..... go do a kind deed for some one else....pay it forward....... take in someones garbage cans........allow someone to merge --when driving......Smile at someone!! In other words be a better YOU!! It is very contagious and you will be helping me!! Thanks all!!

What happened to me?

2011-06-07T09:31:00.000-07:00

I have no uterus!
I have no ovaries!
I have no boobs!
What happened to me? :)

Watch out Cancer! You're next!

Ok, the latest:
on Monday I had a hysterectomy. They couldn't use the port for the IV or the Anesthetic, so they had to find a vein in my foot. Now that was a joy...let me tell you! Being VERY ticklish was not helpful. They called in a doctor to put the IV in my foot. He was very nice and very laid back. (Polynesian dude). He couldn't find a good vein, so he went and got a really cool machine called: The Vein Viewer. COOL! It shinned a green light on my foot and anywhere that there was a vein it stayed black. CRAZY! So he found a vein and the nurse held down my leg so I didn't kick him when he touched my foot. (TICKLISH) Then he poked it. OUCH! it wouldn't thread. He tried and tried. Meanwhile Jenni is getting all pale watching him and has to look away so she doesn't pass out. He decides to try the other foot. I looked up and there are 8 medical personal all around me. WOW! How many medical personal does it take to put in and IV? apparently 8. :) He got it to work this time. It was on the inside of my foot/ankle. So after all that... they realized they forgot to have me pee in a cup to make sure I'm not pregnant. TRUST ME PEOPLE I'M NOT PREGNANT! So with this needle in my foot, I have to walk to the bathroom walking on the outside of my foot so I don't mess up the needle. I was right! I'm not Pregnant! and that's a good thing! (I understand they have to test everyone)

Surgery went well. I wasn't as funny coming out this time. In fact, I was kind of crabby. The surgery took about 3 hours. There was a lot of scar tissue because of my intopic surgery back in the 80's so they couldn't do it laperscopically. So they went to plan B and I had a vaginal hysterectomy. Which is good. No incisions.

I was very nauseous last night, but feeling much better today. Hopefully I'll be able to go home soon. I'm waiting for the doc to come check on me and I have to go to the bathroom before they'll let me leave. So Jenni and I are now watching Loony Toons and Janell's on her way. And Terry's at work.... but he was here at 6am this morning checking on me. :)

Talented Daughter--Jenni- Silverstrand Photography

2011-06-01T14:04:00.000-07:00

I need to boast just a little. I have an extremely talented daughter who does photography. She has been staying/taking care of me the past few weeks. I have watched her in action and I am incredibly impressed with her work. She started her business a few years ago. She is getting better with her pictures each and every day. I just saying.... If you know of someone who needs a photographer..... she the one to have. Here are some of her pictures.
She is on my blog just go to Silverstand Photography BLOG and look at some of her most resent pictures or you can go to her website at www.silverstrandphotography.com.

Rest and Relaxation--- With a little exerise thrown in....

2011-06-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

This week has been filled with rest and relaxation. I find myself not sleeping at night. All kinds of things are going through my head. Because of the lack of sleep, I find myself sleeping throughout the day. I am going for walks (at least two a day).

I went to get measured for the radiation today. I have to have my arms above my head for at least two hours....... I can't get me arms above my head yet. I have to do more exercises to make my incision more pliable. So they are going to do the measuring next Wednesday... and I will start radiation the next Monday. This will also give me a few more days after my surgery to heal.

I am so excited to see my mom and dad. I haven't seen them for about three months. They are coming on mom's birthday, which is this Saturday the 4th of June. They are not staying long ---just for a visit and possibly lunch.

I am feeling really good. I am a little tired but, all in all I feel really good. My incisions are healing really well. I will be ready for all the excitement next week.

Thank you all for the prayer, for the flowers, cards, dinners, lawn care etc. etc. etc. I can never repay the love you have show me the past 6 months. It was cute when the flower shop dude came to my house and said, "More flowers for Gloria Richardson" we just laughed! My sister, Sherry has sent me cards every day for the past three weeks. It is fun to go get mail and know you have more than just bills. Thanks sis!!

Doctor Day

2011-05-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

We had a doctor day week. The first appointment was Tues the 24th with an OBGYN, Dr. Cloward. She will be preforming a hysterectomy on the 6th of June.

We then went to Dr. Tittensor's (surgeon) to get my drains out. (You know, the drains they put in you after surgery. I had four, two under each arm. They took out two of them a week ago and I got the rest taken out on the 26th). She said I was doing really well. I would have to agree with her. ( I feel really good--just hurt a bit)

Our next stop was Dr. Clark's office (radiation oncologist). I found out that my last radiation in 2003 was a drop in the bucket compared to the radiation I will be having. I will have blisters and they are going to bring the radiation out to the skins surface. I have the high chance of getting lympodema, which causes swelling in the arms. This will last for 6 1/2 weeks. It is scheduled for the 8th to begin. I have to go get measured on the 1st of June to make sure the organs are kept save. (I must tell you....I am a bit nervous for the radiation to begin) YIKES!!

Our next stop later that afternoon was to Dr. Rich. (oncologist). He said I would start chemo on the Sunday after surgery. This will be a pill (low dose) chemo. He said the cancer is very aggressive and after surgery I will be post menopausal--- Terry says my head spins around-- I think his is just being rude!! I really don't think my hormones are that bad. I mean I know I am cranky but- if you had to do this I think you'd be cranky too! Anyway- I will start a new anti-estrogen pill to put the cancer in my liver at bay. Between getting my ovary out and the anti-estrogen pill we can hopeful put this cancer in remission! He is a very knowledgeable Dr. He tells you the worst and hopes for the best. I try not listen to the worst! I always HOPE for the best.

It has been a crazy week. Hopefully the next week will be better.

Thursday RESULTS

2011-05-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

Went to Dr. Tittensor's to have two drains removed from my chest and get results about the surgery.

Long story ---Short---
13 lymph nodes removed on the left side... All cancerous
5 centimeter tumor removed on the left side- Cancerous
19 lymph nodes removed on the right side- 18 cancerous
18 centimeter mass removed on the right side- Cancerous
Tissue still has cancerous cells on the lower part of the right side and moving to the center of the chest.
Cancer still in the liver being fed by estrogen from my only ovary.
Pretty depressing! huh....

I know people are on my side --fighting for me!!

Good news-- MOST that cancer is now OUT and OFF my body. We are focusing on the skin by attacking it with radiation. The liver will be taken care of with anti-estregon pills and removal of the ovary. This coming Tuesday- OBGYN appointment .... surgery again.. sooner than later. Thursday- Dr. Tittensor appointment (surgeon). Dr. Clark appointment (radiation Dr.) Dr. Rich (oncologist).
The best news is that Dr. Tittensor let me know that they all meet along with radiolgists, other oncolgists and a strong medical team to discuss my case. It makes me feel wonderful that I have some many people on my side.

I am in good hands and I feel very positive going into this week. I appriecate the continuous prayers and love you all have given me. So thankful for a good medical team, family and friends who are on my side.

Daughters are amazing!

2011-05-17T20:02:00.000-07:00

I know how hard it was for Jenni to be in Hawaii and wanting to be here in Utah to take care of her mom. I was so happy that her and Jared had the opportunity to go to Hawaii and be with the Skelton's. I kept telling her that I was in good hands and that she could take care of me when she got home.

I had my daughter Janell with me since I returned from the hospital. Terry and Janell have taken care of me. Letting me sleep, helping me out of bed, helping me get food into my mouth and changing bandages. Janell and I had a moment when I took off my bandages and revealed my breastless body. We just sat and cried. I am glad they got the cancerous tissue off my body. I am so glad I have Janell, taking care of me. She does such a great job. She is so caring and loving. I am so grateful to her mother-in-law and sister-in-laws who helped with my cute grandkids-- so Janell could be here with me and Terry. I didn't realize how much I needed her until she was there helping me. What a strong child I have.

Sherry (my sister) and her daughter Erika came to see me on Wednesday. She stayed overnight. We had a super visit. I felt bad I wasn't strong enough to stay up and giggle, cry, and talk until the wee hours of the morning. But I was happy that my sister and her daughter came to see me. Sherry took tons of pictures of me and my many, many hats. We just had a great time and laughed a lot. There is healing in laughter.

Surgery Day

2011-05-13T19:02:00.000-07:00

Terry and I arrived at the hospital at 6:00 am and checked in. It was a 5 hour surgery and an hour in the recovery room. The nurse in the recovery room says that I am pretty funny! I guess when I was coming to I said some pretty funny stuff. I just remember a few. Yellow flowers were given to me by Erica (Sherry's daughter) and Andrew her finance. I told them I was glad they didn't get me pink for breast cancer awareness.... I was very aware I didn't have breasts. They all laughed...

I was in the hospital on Saturday and went home on Sunday afternoon. I went for my first walk two hours after surgery. The nurses and staff at the hospital were amazing!

On Saturday, Dr. Tittensor came in to check on me. She said I was doing great. I am so impressed with her. After she left, she came back within about ten minutes with her 6 year old daughter. Her daughter was concerned about my port. She needed to know I was OK.

So grateful for people who care about me and for my family. So thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who walks by my side.

The 2nd Opinion

2011-05-12T18:30:00.000-07:00

Terry and I left after work on Wednesday and stayed with Janell and Brandon for my second opinion with Dr. Hansen who's office is in Ogden. So, Terry, Janell, and I left for Ogden on Thursday Morning. We wanted to get there early because we had paperwork. When we got there, the nurse was talking to the receptionist telling her when I got there that Dr. Tittensor had already talked to Dr. Hansen. I thought to myself, "Wow, what a doctor! I'm so glad she's in my court!" I filled out all the paperwork that took about 45 min, then was called back into the office. The nurse had to take a blood sample from my finger. She squoze my finger, and the blood shot across the room. haha. I thought she hit an artery. We went into the office to wait for Dr. Hansen.

The phone rang, and it was Dr. Tittensor. She told me that the MRI results were back and that I did have cancer in the liver. She also said the Biopsy came back and there are cancer cells still in the breasts. She told me that after discussing with two oncologists, pathologist, and radiation doctor, that we should indeed go forward with surgery the next day. She would have a pathologist in the surgery with us. She thought she could get the cancer even if she had to take extra skin and then do skin graphs later. She also told me that she had already talked to Dr. Hansen about my case and thought I was in very good hands. We planned for surgery for 7:30am tomorrow. so I needed to be at the hospital at 6:00am the next morning.

Dr. Hansen:

He came in the office and told me that he had talked to Dr. Tittensor about my case, and was very impressed with her. He asked me what I knew about the PET Scan. I told him that I have cancer in my liver, and that I needed my breasts to be removed. He added, that there were spots in the lung as well, but he wasn't sure if it was cancer. He also told me that there are three ways to treat the liver.
1. surgery - which he did not reccomend.
2. radiation microblast
3. chemo

He suggested the chemo.
He also explained to me that cancer cells are very small and they might not show up on a PET Scan. His goal as well as anyone else who worked with me was to put the cancer in remission. He told me that I needed to be strong like my mom and have a positive attitude like my dad and I could probably get through everything. He said that Dr. Rich, my Utah Valley onchologist had done a very good job in treating me and that I should probably stay with him.

We left the office hopeful, knowing I had to prepare for surgery the next day.

MRI Day

2011-05-11T18:20:00.000-07:00

We met my Jenni so that she could stay and give me a ride back from the MRI becase Terry had a meeting he had to go to. We waited over an hour and a half to get into the MRI.

The MRI was to see if I had cancer in the Liver. So they strapped me down and put me in the machine. I kept my eyes shut because I'm extremely clostrophobic. (I didn't want them to know that). :) I also was getting over a cold, that Terry gave me the week before so I had a hard time breathing. That's all the MRI really is - is breathing. "Breathe in, hold your breath for 30 seconds. Breathe in, hold your breath for 40 seconds." After about 2 & 1/2 hours of eye shutting experience, I got finished with the MRI and then I had to wait for the results.

Cancer? or Blood Vessels that have pooled together?

The Whirl Wind Week

2011-05-10T15:02:00.000-07:00

Went to Dr. Tittensor's office for consultation on when to take off my breasts. Whoa Hoo! She talked with Terry and I about the options we needed to take. She said she wanted another core biopsy from my right breast to make sure the chemo had done it's job and killed the cancer throughout my breast. We agreed on surgery to be scheduled for Friday. We told the Dr. that I had a MRI the next day as well as another appointment with my mom's cancer Dr. in Ogden. She was completely supportive about getting another opinion and told us that she would contact us Wednesday afternoon to give us the results on both the MRI and the core biopsy. The Dr. also got us an appointment with a plastic surgeon to put on some new breasts during the surgery on Friday.

We left Dr. Tittensor's office and headed to Dr. Bishops and found out what was to be expected with the reconstruction. Can I just tell you --Poor Terry!! He got his education on breast reconstruction on this day. They showed us a book in detail of the process that we would be going through. From the surgery to the new breasts. Can I just tell you that Terry had an "ahh haa" moment. It was funny!

PET scan and Results

2011-05-01T17:23:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 25th I was up early and got a PET scan. If you're wondering what a PET scan is... Well-- it is a scan that is given to people who have cancer. Radio active solution is injected into the patient (me). After the injection I was placed in a dark room for 70 minutes. I was also given a diet 7-up with some other solution given to it. After the 70 minutes it was taken to the CT scan machine. The scan took another 45 minutes. BREATH IN -- BREATH OUT- HOLD YOUR BREATH....... 10 SECONDS LATER.... BREATH. In and out of the machine.

Half way through the scan the tech came in and injected me with contrast. This give you the feeling you just wet you pants. NOT COOL!!

Terry and I had to wait until Thursday to get the results of the PET scan. Meanwhile, Mom, Janell and Jenni all came to Utah for BYU Women's Conference. They all stayed with me. We had a great time together during the morning. We listened to some fantastic talks. We went to the Carl Bloch exhibit which was fantastic. I love spending time with family. After the exhibit Terry and I went to the Doctors office to get results.

Terry and I waited at the Dr. Office for about 45 minutes. Waiting.... waiting..... waiting. He came in a basically told Terry and I the the cancer had moved to the liver. Also, my (only ovary) was feeding the cancer. I would be have surgery for both breasts, lymph nodes and also have my ovary removed. No-mention of the breasts... What am I here for???? Breast Cancer!! I was overwhelmed. I didn't know the questions to ask the doctor at his point. I felt deflated.

The next morning after talking with with my family, I had a lot of questions. I wanted another radiologist to look at the PET scan. Heavens... I wanted my doctor to look at the PET scan. I also thought I needed another opinion. I want to make sure, and if I have to be the noisy girl wanting answers.... I guess that is what I need to be.... the noisy girl. The doctor called and Terry and I gave him all of our requests.

Come to find out..... The doctor called me on Monday morning. He said that the the mass that was on my liver could in fact be blood vessels that had pooled on my liver. A little different then CANCER!! I need to still have an MRI to make this concrete evidence.

So long story---short. I have three appointments next week. Tuesday. Dr. Titensor. Surgeon. Wednesday. MRI Thursday, Dr. Hansen (moms cancer Dr. in Ogden) for a second opinion. I am feeling much more hopeful!!

Amazing EASTER

2011-04-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

What an amazing Easter! Janell, Brandon, Brickman and Teagan came on Saturday night to stay with us. We made some very cool colored eggs, with the kids. Terry had Brandon do some son-in-law honey do lists. (fixing the water softener, etct.) Terry doesn't do the honey due things real well. It kind of funny.

Sunday, WOW!!

We had an outstanding Stake Conference which let out about 10 minutes early. YEAH!! I was excited. The talks were very Easter related. AMAZING! I am so grateful for the resurrection and the atonement of Jesus Christ. I know all I have to do is turn to Him for confront when I am feeling low. That was re-confermed today in the talks. Like the hymns says. I Stand All Amazed At the Love Jesus Offers ME!! So grateful, so amzaed.

After church Brandon, Janell, their kids and Terry and I all went to Jenni and Jareds for an Easter dinner. Ham, funeral potatoes, deviled eggs, salads rolls and the vegatable tray. Yum!
Family-friends are what it is all about.

Cancer update: PET scan Monday morning. Results Thursday afternoon.........

THE LAST CHEMO!!!

2011-04-17T11:05:00.000-07:00

How I have been looking forward to this day! Thursday April 14, 2011!! The day of my Last Chemotherapy treatment. I know the outcome of each treatment which doesn't make me very excited. But to know that his should be the last does bring me excitement. This is the end of the first chapter to this journey of breast cancer.
When Terry and I went to the treatment center, we were the only one's there.... which is very surprising. The place is usually hopping with tons of patients. I was grateful I had the nurses to myself. They have been wonderful through this whole process. Chelsie, Kellie, and Jamie have been so good to me along with the Dr. and his assistant, Nancy.
When I finished my chemo the nurses brought me a bottle of Sparkling Cider with a congratulation note. I then rang the bell of completion. Boy-Did I ring it. They said it was one of the best rings ever!!
So now it is to the next chapter of my journey. I will know more soon. I have a PET scan to see the progress--killing of the cancer--on April 25. I then meet with the doctor on April 28. Then surgery will be scheduled.
More to come...

Visits and gifts

2011-04-11T15:58:00.000-07:00

Week one of April. The past week after chemo has been very nauseating. I mean I want to throw up but can't. The cancer center has given me two IV drips with anti nausea medicine which does help. A LOT. My ward is wonderful to bring meals for the few days after chemo. I have had some wonderful visits. My mom and dad went on Spring Break with Danny and his family to Arizona. They stopped both going to Arizona and coming home. I love to have visits from my parents. They mean so much to me.
I had a wonderful surprise visit from Jennie Hansen and her girls. They too were coming home from Springbreak. Jerry and their son went to the priesthood session of conference and Jennie and I had a great time visiting. What an wonderful family. Friends are so important.
I had a new friend who I don't know really well, come and bring me a fantastic basket filled with things I am going to need in the coming weeks. Blanket, book, lotions, toothpaste, lip gloss, etc. Thank you Camille you are such a sweet heart.
The weekend of the 8th Terry, Haskell (Terry's dad) and I went to Morgan and visited Janell, Brandon, Teagan and Brickman. We had a fun time. Janell made Jenni, Haskell and myself the cutest easter egg tree. We eat yummy chicken noodle soup and just had a great time visiting.
While Terry and I were gone we had a visit from my cousin, Theresa. She brought me the sweetest angel. I was sorry I missed her.
Family, friends, visits and gifts.... how awesome and blessed they all make me feel. I am so grateful I am to all.

Chemo 6

2011-04-01T15:20:00.000-07:00

As you know I didn't have the last of my first chemo treatment. I am on number 3 of 4 on the Red Devil. I had that yesterday. Today I am feeling good, tired, but good. I have been hanging out at Jenni's all day. I have been working on schedules for next semester at school. I get to have a visit from my sister, Sherry and her family today. I am so excited. Her daughter, Erica and her boyfriend Andrew got engaged last night. I am so exited for both of them. Work is going very good, still stressful, that's why I am working on know what the girls need for next sesmster. I have been very tired the past week. I always get a priesthood blessing the night before the chemo. It helps me have faith the I can get through it, with little pain as possible. So far so good. But last night I was stressed-couldn't sleep-weepy. So Terry game me a comfort blessing. I really don't know how I could get through this without the Priesthood and the Gospel in my life. I am so grateful to my Father in Heaven that I can talk to Him when it I feel really low. I can ALWAYS count on my Father and Savior to be there for me. I know I am in Their hands. That gives me comfort.

Can you say STRESS??

2011-03-26T14:19:00.000-07:00

It’s been a couple of weeks since I have blogged… I have a difficult time writing when things are stressful.
Stress #1
Two weeks ago after chemo I developed a lump on my left shoulder. I didn’t know what it was. When the doctor and nurse saw it, they immediately sent me to get an ultrasound. They thought it might me a blood clot. Thankfully it was not a blood clot. They still are not sure why I have the lump on my shoulder. It is still there but not as big as before. Crazy
Stress #2
Terry and I bought a new car. I was sad to see our green goblet go on St. Patty’s day. It was starting to have some challenges:( Pretty ironic huh…. We love our new car are excited to take may trips. It is a Kia Sorento. We got a great deal on it because it had 6,000 miles on it. The picture is a stock photo - ours doesn't have fog lights or a sun roof.
Stress #3
Provo Canyon Orem moved to Provo Canyon Springville. I arranged for Mrs.Utah to come and visit with the girls, while everyone else moved. Jenny did a great job. I also got Habit for Humanities to come as well. The speakers did an amazing job taking about service and how the girls could build houses. It was great. I was in charge of the about 70 girls along with another teacher, and a few staff members. We did a great job entertaining the girls for 6.5 hours. Volleyball, Fruit basket, Relaxation and amazing speakers. Meanwhile the rest of the teachers and maintenance workers moved the entire school area. Amazingly enough--. Everyone was ready to teach on Monday. I am still unpacking boxes. (I’m not suppose to be around dust) We have such great teachers and staff.
Stress #4
Two years ago the company I work for laid off 4 teachers. On Monday they laid off our librarian. I was very sad. She is a very nice woman. I wish her the very best. You never know if you’ll have a job tomorrow. I am very grateful for the job I have right now.
Stress #5
My sweet daughter Jenni and her husband Jared are working on artificial insemination. Yes-future grandchildren. I have been watching Jenni working through many shots, and worrying about how to pay for the whole process. I am so excited for them to have a family. Hopefully, it all works and Jenni will be pregnant in a few weeks.
Stress #6
My little grand-daughter Teagan, gets random fevers of 104+. The fever lasts for a couple of days. The doctor says that some kids just have high fevers to fight off flu bugs. Weirdly enough- she is only two years old and she has these fevers every other month.
Stress #7
Thursday, March 24th I went to go get chemo. I was ready to go and my blood work came back—indicating that my immune system was 800 and it should be at least 1000. So chemo has been postponed until next Thursday..
Non stress
Mom and dad, and Danny and Kristi are on there way for springbreak and stopped for a visit and dinner. Yummy Red Lobster. It was awesome! Love you Family!!!

I will do better at keep up with the blog.

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2011-03-11T19:33:00.001-08:00

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2011-03-11T19:32:00.003-08:00

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2011-03-11T13:36:00.001-08:00

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Change--Chemo-Family

2011-03-11T13:07:00.000-08:00

Who really likes change?
At work we are moving our campus to Springville after almost 3 years of discussion. Well I can't be by dust, I can't lift things, so I am feeling like a bit of a whimp. Luckily I have an amazing husband who came and helped me pack. So I have a cute little pile of boxes all packed up ready to go. My job on moving day is to take care of the students. I have two guest speakers, games and of course some relaxation ordered for the students that day. I will be leading the games and relaxations. Hopefully it will be a wonderful smooth transition.

Well I got my Chemo yesterday. I got my shot this morning to bring up the blood levels. Yesterday I was feeling apprehensive going to my appointment. I mean really-- I was feeling so good- and I go in and get meds to make me feel sick... Who wants to do that.
I did tell the doctor I wanted to see this demons that are plaguing my breasts. He said he would talk to the radiologist and I would be able to see the PET scan. I'm quite excited to see where it is in my breasts. I want to know what it looks like. I guess I'm weird that way..Very visual!

I go word that my SV nephews and nieces are burning up the basketball court and the stage. I am so proud of them. I love the cute texts and facebook comments I get from them.
Last week I went to Morgan and spent the weekend with Brandon, Janell, Brickman and Teagan. Teagan is talking and says Grandmum Glori so cute. But the BIG star this past weekend was Brickman. He went to Weber State for a Music Fest. He was in the category with all the 3rd grade students and younger. There were about 100 students in this category. He is five years old and plays the violin. He came in third in the competition. WOW WOW WOW! I was so impressed with my little Bricky. He did such a great job. He wasn't even nervous. He just introduced himself, and his song and started playing. The judge asked him a few questions and he answered without a problem. He then had to return that night for an award concert and ceremony. I wasn't feeling well so Terry went with Janell, Kraig and Debbie. I'm glad he has such great support. I am so thankful I have an amazing family. I am going to try to put a picture of Brickman as a post from my phone. Hopefully it works. So if your wondering...... It's Brickman with his trophy.

Undate a little late

2011-03-04T13:49:00.000-08:00

Okay-This is an delayed update.
Sunday- 2/27/11 Terry and I were just chilling before church. My Aunt Maurine call and we were catching up on life, when the doorbell rang. Terry said, "If we're quiet maybe they'll go away." I said, "Go answer the door." To Terry's surprise it was my mom and dad. I was still talking to Maurine when mom came into my room. I was so excited to see her. I told Maurine that if she wanted she could come on over as well. One thing I didn't tell her was that Terry and I were talking in church. Mom and Dad came down to hear us speak. After church we Maurine, Charles and Marie came back to my house and we visited for a couple of hours. Then we went to Olive Garden for some yummy dinner. I was awesome to have my mom and dad!!! It was even more awesome to have Maurine, Charles and Marie. We had a great time.
Wednesday 3/2/11 I got a visit from Lee and Melissa. We had a great visit! Lee is a nut of you don't already know that. He made me laugh. Melissa is as gorgeous as ever! It was fun to go to Won Won Wok for dinner with them and have some Chinese food. We visited, laughed and even cryed.
Thanks family for making a great week even better.

It's okay to Cry!!

2011-02-26T17:45:00.000-08:00

Ya know- I grew up crying all the time. I mean it. Someone looked at me crossed eyed and I would cry. I have a very sensitive heart and soul that allows me to cry very easily. Since this cancer.... I have had a few quiet moments where I have not only cried, but sobbed. I told someone this week. I know I have cancer. But, on Tuesday, I realized I have cancer! It was a hard day. I just had a really good cry. It's Okay to take moments in our lives to just let go and cry. I shared my crying moment with one of the Doctors. She said we get caught up in the "Armstrong" cancer mode of being positive and everything is going to be great. But, you need to take time for you and feel sad at times. It is also Okay to laugh as well. Personally, I would would rather laugh than cry. I have done a lot of laughing this week.
I have had some wonderful visits. My sister, Sherry and her family stopped by and made me laugh. I had some wonderful friends and neighbors stop and just hang out with me. I had the Relief Society Presidency members come and spend an evening with me, and they made me laugh as well. Out of the clear blue I go two cards from friends. One from Camarillo and one from St. George. They made me smile and then laugh. I even got knock-knock jokes through facebook from my cuz.
I had kinda of a rough week. But, because of amazing people around me it was more than bearable. Thanks everyone for helping me through a rough one, without even knowing it. I know it is Okay to Cry.... But, it is also Okay to Laugh!

The Red Devil

2011-02-20T07:10:00.004-08:00

The CT scan confirmed that Cancer is growing in the right breast. I went in on Friday afternoon to get a new type of "Stronger" Chemotherapy. It is called "THE RED DEVIL" I thought we left all the Red Devils at Evanston High School, that is their mascot.. hee hee.. This chemotherapy causes a lot more nausea, mouth sores and in general - fatigue. Okay, I'm tired! I am not able to get my "day after chemo shot" that rebuilds my blood levels back until Monday afternoon. This shot usually wipes me out! Hopefully, I can be somewhat productive this week. This chemo has already started to work - I can feel it.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers and for fasting for me today. I can already feel more strength from your sacrifice.

One More Stepping Stone or Cog in the Cancer Proceedure

2011-02-18T07:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Thursday, February 17 was my scheduled Chemo treatment. So-- I go up early-headed to work to get a few things done there before heading off to the hospital for the chemo. Terry and I stopped at "Kneaders" one of my favorite sandwich and soup places for lunch. Yumm! We then headed into the Dr.'s Office. The doctor came in and I went through all my aches and pains. I told him that my feet were still numb. But, they felt like they were doing better. I told him that I had some pain in my breast... I mean ya know I do have Breast Cancer.... The right felt much more firm and not soft like it should be. And the left was hard in just certain places. He checked and suggested that we NOT do the Chemo today. I was shocked for a minute. I thought to myself, what could be going on now? The Dr. ordered a CT scan to be checked against the PET scan I had in December. So I left the Dr.'s office and hospital and headed to Imaging.
When Terry and I got to the Imaging department, yes more paperwork. I wished they would just talk to each other. It would save on time. Going over everything over and over and over again can be quite annoying.
The radiologist came and got me and the most embarrassing thing is when they find out how much I weigh (mostly over the phone) they think I am a "TEN TON TILLY". Which I am only a "Chunky Monkey". Anyway--The Radiologist gives me a gown that is a 5X or maybe even 6X. I mean this thing is HUGE, Tent like. I guess you need some fun to go with the not so fun. I got the gown on, I had to tie it up in the back before I put it on... I couldn't reach around that far, then I slipped it over my head. The back hung down open to the middle of my back. Oh the Joys.....
They accessed my port to put dye for the CT scan. The entire CT procedure took about 15 minutes. It was the prep and changing that took the time. Within 2 hours after the proceedure they had the results and notified the Dr. The Dr. call us about 5:45, Terry and I were home by then. The doctor said that there was some thickening in the right breast. That was a shock and concern to him. He said the Chemo should be making the breast supple and soft. Shrinking the cancerous tissue. He said based on the PET scan my cancer showed up at about 6 cm. in December. It has grown to about 7.5 cm. Okay the cancer shouldn't be growing. Positive note: The lymph nodes are getting smaller. But- there are two small nodules in the right lungs they are not sure about. They may be cancer or not... they are too small to biopsy. More JOY!
Sooooo- long story short- They are starting a new Chemo beginning today. This will be every two weeks. Hopefully the cancer will respond and decline instead of grow. Needless to say it was a very emotional night.
But then I got to thinking. Maybe, this Chemo is what is needed to get rid of the cancer. If I would have had the other Chemo it would have taken another three weeks before they knew that this was the way to go. Maybe, I need to remember that I am in the LORD'S hands and all will be well if it is HIS will. My job is to take care of myself, eat properly, get that needed exercise and keep the positive attitude coming in.
My daughters, Janell and Jenni, both said I need to stop taking care of everything by myself. I need to ask for help more often. I can't be in control all the time. So- they have asked a lot of people to join us in a family fast, this Sunday, in my behalf. I would love it if you could join in asking our Father in Heaven to help me and the Dr.'s to find a way this cancer can reduce in size. I already appreciate your love and support. I am stepping out of my comfort zone and asking for help. I have personally felt the effect of the previous fasting and prayer on my behalf. Prayer is a powerful thing. I will keep the faith! Thank you --May the Lord Bless You! Remember: Stepping stones or cogs it all in the attitude!!

St. George Quick Trip

2011-02-14T19:17:00.000-08:00

The Dr. said I needed to get some time away from work and I needed some sun. So Janell made arrangements to go to St. George with Terry and I. We had a great time. There is something about getting away and not thinking about anything...... Just spending time with my sweet grand kids, my daughter and my husband. Sometimes getting the rest you need, means spending time with the people you love. Here are the pictures that say it all...

Facials are always a good thing......

Orange smiles are a good way to start any day!!

Are you ready to go swimming??

Terry's Ready!!

Janell and Teagan are ready!

Brickman and Grandpa Terry are warming up in the hot tub!

The swimming gang is all here!

Grandma Glori is just soaking in the SUN!!

Going to Marv's for Lunch..... YUMMMMY!!

Cold Stone Ice Cream anyone?

Brickman, Grandma Glori and Teagan ready for their ice cream!

Teagan likes the lick method!

Funny story at Cold Stone: Teagan dropped her ice cream, which landed upright..... then Brickman dropped his ice cream, which dropped upside down on Grandma Glori's shoe. Grandpa Terry just stared at it. Janell said, Dad are you going to get that? Terry started to bend over, lost his balance, regained his balance and the chair hooked on his belt. The chair flung out from underneath him and fell on the ground. It was amazingly crazily funny!!! We all laughed till we were sick. Crazy Grandpa Terry!! Good Times!!

The WEEK after....

2011-02-07T13:09:00.000-08:00

The week after chemo is tough. Yes- I have a high tolerance of pain - thanks to sports in my life. I would rather play ball than worry about a sprained ankle. I learned to put the pain away and deal with it. I'm not sure if that is good or bad. Anyway- The second week is so much better. I feel so much better. I have energy, my brain is working again and I feel like I can get through the day without falling asleep.
Yesterday was a special day for me. (besides being the Superbowl.... which I admit I slept through) Jenni and Jared came to celebrate my birthday early. We had pizza, beanie weenies and chips with salsa. Real health food!! But is was fun. I opened the most incredible book given to me by Jenni and Jared. It is called "21 days closer to Christ". AMAZING! I am so excited to start the invitation, as they call it. I also got the subject that Terry and I will be speaking in Church. The subject, "The Enabling Power of the Atonement". I sure hope I am strong enough to get my message across.
One last gift was from my husband..... CHUCK. ------NOT CHUCKY. ------- I love Chuck. Terry got me the first three seasons on DVD. Now when I am bored after surgery I can watch Chuck. If you don't know Chuck he belongs to the Nerd Herd, at the Buy More.. He works for the C.I.A. It's a fun show. I was excited.
We are now looking forward to my birthday (still under 50).... St. George... and making Valentines with my grand kids. Life is very good!! Pictures to follow!!
Thank you all for kind words of encouragement. It means so much to have positive comments from you! It makes me stronger! After chemo it is especially helpful!! Thanks!

Chemo #3

2011-02-01T15:41:00.000-08:00

January 27, 2010....Okay, here we go again. Terry left on Tuesday for a scout meeting in St. George. (Cedar City area) He had no cell phone service. Can I just say FRUSTRATION! I need the moral support of my husband, even if it is just a few minutes. Terry did find one or two bars on his phone so he could at least say HI. Jenni and Jared know what a whimp I really am.... They came to my house and stayed with me. Yes-even held my hand.
Janell showed up at about 11:00. It is amazing to me how God works in this entire process with trials. Terry usually gives me a blessing before I go to Chemo. I was very anxious on Wednesday and Thursday, so I asked Jared to give me a blessing. We worked it out to go to his work and in the basement parking garage Jared would give me a blessing. Like I said.... It is amazing to me how God works in the entire process with trials and knows who needs to bless and what needs to be said. I am so grateful for the priesthood so I can have a blessing. Immediately, after the blessing I was clam. I was filled with love for my son-in-law and my daughters. I felt at peace and knew that Terry would be alright as well.
Janell, Jenni and I went to the cancer center. My feet have been a little numb the past week. The doctor called it neuropathy. I guess with chemo it can limit the circulation to your feet and hands. Because of the neuropathy , the Dr. decided to cut down on the percentage of chemo they gave me.
Thursday, all day chemo..
Friday, the shot to bring my blood (red and white cells) back.
Saturday, Hanging out and bonding with my daughters, a great manicure and going through every school item in my basement. We got rid of 6 bins worth of old-out-dated school things. I thought they were important.. (Terry came home Saturday night)
Sunday, Slept.
Monday, Slept.
Tuesday, thought I could make it to work..... made it a 1/2 day and slept.
Ya know Chemo feels like you've been in a fight and you didn't even get a good punch in. NOT FAIR!! I just feel sore. (All over).

Chemo #2

2011-01-28T05:30:00.000-08:00

Jan 6- I get very anxious before chemo treatments. NOT sure way? I guess it's the unknown or maybe it is the known.... Terry usually gives me a blessing before I go so I feel more calm. I always works.
Terry had to work and had meetings so he couldn't take me to treatment. Jenni just jumps right in to help. She drove me to the hospital and went through the treatment (a mere 5 hours). About 3 hours into the treatment Terry showed up and gave more moral support. I am very blessed to have family who loves me and want to help take care of me. After the chemo I felt pretty good in general. The think with chemo is it goes in to kill all cells good-and bad. There are side affects (some good some bad) to all of the chemo, here are a few:
#1 The next day I go in for a shot to help create white and red blood cell. Okay Anatomy 101... Where are blood cells created?...... In the bone morrow inside the long bones. So what happens is the bone in my body feel like they are EXPLODING with the production of the blood cells. aka PAIN.
#2 Mouth sores: I get these little sores all over in my mouth. They are pretty much annoying! This week they we out of control and caused Thrush as well. A film that is all over the inside of my mouth and down my throat.
#3 Nausea/Heartburn: I feel like I am going to throw up all the time. I have med's for all of this, which helps. But the burning feeling is not cool.
#4 Constipation/Diarrhea: I really know you want to know about my bowels but it part if it. The first of the week Constipation- by the end of the week diarrhea. Well this week the diarrhea took over and dehydration hit. I had to go in on Friday the 14th and get fluids dripped into me.
#5 Fatigue: I just feel tired all the time.
#6 Sleeplessness: I want to sleep but I can't fall a sleep. So I just lay there--WIDE AWAKE for hours. (they did give me drugs to help)
#7 Short tempered: I try to stay in my office at work, so I don't say something that will offend another person. Sometime Terry gets the blunt of it. I don't mean to be mean. I really try to be kind... I think I'm doing pretty good. Hopefully Terry know... "It's the Chemo Brain".. Sure love you Ter....
#8 Can be around sick people: Wearing a mask-suffocated me. But if I want to be healthy I need to wear a mask. I guess at work right now we have strep throat, bronchitis and pink eye. I personally don't want it. So once again, I stay in my office and spray Lysol all day. Use hand sanitizer and yes-wear a mask.
#9 Depression/Feel Bads: I just feel sad, like my "feel bads" have been hurt. They Doctor suggested that I get out of town and get some SUN. I'm all for that. Janell and are planning a Birthday trip to St. George. Look forward to feel good.
#10 Sore feet and hands: I have my feet and hand go numb. This is called Neuropothy, (nerve damage) (We'll talk about that in Chemo 3's post)

Needless to say the week after Chemo is the pits.... Then an amazing thing happens the third week. I get feeling better.... My energy is back and I feel like I could run a marathon. (not really a marathon but you get the point). I try to get as much as I can done at work, and home. I am in a happier mood, and I get a lot done. Just in time for Chemo 3.........

House Cleaning

2011-01-23T04:28:00.000-08:00

Several weeks ago, I was just watching some mindless television show on TV and some one knocked on my back door. (With the snow no one comes through my back door.) Janell, Teagan, and Brickman came bouncing into the house. I was shocked.
"What are you doing here?" I asked.
"Jenni and I decided you need your house sanitized and cleaned. I need your relief society Presidents phone number. "
"I don't have their number besides the entire ward is at a ward Christmas party."
"Mom, you have the numbers, I'll call and make all the arrangements." I found an old ward bulletin and sure enough there were all the phone numbers for the ward leadership. Janell called and left this message..
"Hi this is Janell, I'm Gloria Richardson's daughter, my sister and I are here to sanitize my my mom's house. We need 10 women from the ward to come and help. We are starting at 9:00 am. We'll see you in the morning. Thanks)
I guess I really have never seen the LDS relief society at work in this capacity. I have helped on occasion with a meal or something, but not sanitizing and entire house. I just hoped someone would show. I had a party last fall and invited the entire neighborhood. No one showed up. It was my daughters and I. So-I wasn't holding my breath.
The next morning, I made breakfast and we all got ready. I was to stay away from any chemicals so I didn't get sick. Then the doorbell rang. Women poured into my house. I didn't even know half of them. Tears welled up in my eyes. I had never seen such love and compassion to me.
Janell and Jenni had simplified the cleaning process. They put a note on each door to each room specifying what needed to be done in that room. When the relief society sisters came in and wanted to know what to do, Janell or Jenni would say, "Pick a room, see if someone is in there and either help them or find an empty room and do whatever it says on the door sign."
The cleaning supplies were on the kitchen table, along with gloves. Walls were being bleached, baseboards were being scrubbed, bathrooms were being cleaned and sanitized. There were about 10 unselfish women, who gave up their morning for me. I was so impressed. One, with my daughters organizing the entire cleaning procedure. Two, with the women who gave their time and their cleaning expertise. We even had one sister bring her daughter and she taught her how to serve.
I have always had a hard time asking for help. Janell and Jenni taught me a valuable lesson that day. People in general are good, neighbors are even better, and if asked LDS women will do about anything to help someone else. So here is a be WHO RAH fro all you ladies who helped me that day.!! WHO RAH!! I have the most sterile house in Silverlake. Life is Good!!!

The Story: Part 21 Chemotherapy

2011-01-21T05:59:00.001-08:00

This post will update my story. I will now just keep you up-to-date on daily procedures and visits.
Not knowing what to expect, Terry and I went in to the cancer center.
After visiting with the doctor, the nurses, Kelly and Jamie, had me sit down in a reclining chair. Then the paperwork. After going through all the paperword--- the question was asked, "do you agree with all the information given? If not you can leave right now." Obviously I agreed.
The nurses decided my port was still to itchy...so they didn't use it. They hooked me up with a warm blanket- and an IV in my left arm. They started with steroids to help my body handle the chemo.
After the steroids they hooked up the "taxatear". (I wrote the Chemo's name phonetically.). You'll never guess what happened next..... Yes-- my face started going red. My head felt like it was ready to pop off my shoulders. Nurse Jamie hustled in and disconnected me. I guess I'm allergic to this chemo. NICE....... Benadryl was hooked up to stop the reaction.
Long story short...they gave me the benadryl and hooked up the chemo again. This went on for 6 hours
Side-note;
Nurse Kelly gave me some wigs to try on. I tried a couple on and Kelly said, "Gloria, why don't you take off your wig so the other wigs will fit better.". I told her, "This is my real hair. It doesn't come off...YET.". We all laughed. .... We're all caught up.

The Story: Part 20: More Results

2011-01-18T04:35:00.000-08:00

Terry (what a wonderful husband) has been right by my side for the first bout of cancer and throughout our entire marriage. What a wonderful guy!! Lucky me!!

Anyway-- Terry and I went back to the oncologist after the PET scan... Hoping for good news. Dr. Nathan was very real... He was point blank, did not beat around the bush when he told me he thought there "might" be some cancer that had gone to me sacrum. (Come on all you health students--where in the body is your sacrum?) Lowest part of the spinal column next to the coccyx. It is the first butt bone.

Dr. Nathan told me I had a spot, that could be cancer, on my sacrum that showed up on the PET scan.
"You mean to tell me I have breast cancer in my BUTT?" "You're kidding right?" I was not happy.
I continued, "You see- I have a herniated disc between the L-1 disc and the sacrum... I believe it is wear and tear on my lower back. I don't believe it is cancer. My back hurts all the time. I just live with it. Does the PET scan show injured areas??"
"Your PET scan was very pronounced. It shows all your cancer."
"You mean it showed up.... The cancer really showed up?"
"It is throughout both breasts and the lymph nodes under both arms and the lymph nodes under your clavicle (breast bones). " "You'll start Chemotherapy next Thursday, December 16th."
Side note: At this point after my surgery to put in the Port, PET scan and diagnosis. I am red and I mean red all over my left breast and up my neck. The surgical covering, aka tape... I am allergic to. I mean I am itching and scratching and not being very happy. Terry went to go get benedryl and hydrocortazone. Thank goodness. One more thing on the list of allergic reactions... surgical tape. ------more to come-----

The Story: Part 19: The PET SCAN

2011-01-16T20:58:00.000-08:00

Reminder: "The Story" is a continuation of the things I have been to from the beginning of November. We are still back in December. Hang in there......I am doing my best to catch up.... I will put random day to day thoughts and feelings in occasionally. Thanks for caring...

Terry, Jenni and I headed to imaging part of the hospital. This is the day after the surgery to put the port in me. We arrived and checked in. Within minutes they came for me. A very nice gentleman (tech) took me back to a room that was about 4' X 4'. There was a computer... a window (not see through just really a hole with a door, to the next room, oh and a big recliner chair for me).

The tech was convinced that he knew me. I went through all the avenues .... which I can't believe is quite long. No connection. He was never convinced that he didn't know me. I finally told him, "God did such a great job on me. He didn't break the mold. He just made more of me to go around. There are lots of me, or people who look like me just hanging around." He just laughed ...

After giving a lot of information, "again", the tech went into a room, the next room with a window to my room. He put on some heavy duty gloves, and with tongs reached into a big steel container and pulled out a vial. In the vial he put the solution into a syringe. The syringe was encased with a steel case as well. The tech locked up the container, turned off the lights and brought the syringe over to where I was sitting. I asked him, "Are you really going to inject that into me?" He was almost pleased about it. So--- he did inject a radioactive substance into me.

After receiving my injection-- I was put into Ob's... :) By myself and observed. The same tech brought me a 32 oz soda with another substance in it. I was to sit for the next hour and a half ... quiet, still, without movement. Not hard for me. I just fell asleep.

They then took me to the scan machine.. and took HOT pictures of me. :) The HOT parts refer to the cancer spots. They show up HOT... And you just thought I was Hot... Cool!

Results later.......

Today's update

2011-01-14T13:37:00.001-08:00

With "The Story" I'm keeping you up on my entire cancer story as it happened and is happening. So we're back in December still.
I guess I need to update you on the happenings of today. I've had a tough week. I got a bit dehydrated and need to come in and get fluids. So I am sitting in the cancer lab getting fluid pumped into me. Not a bad way to spend a Friday afternoon. Thanks all for your comments, cares, and concerns. Very appreciated!!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

The Story: Part 18: The Port

2011-01-12T05:34:00.000-08:00

This is the Port This is how it fits under my left clavicle.

The Dr. scheduled the surgery for my port around noon. I had another ultra sound I needed to get complete for my kidneys the same day as the surgery. So I arrived with Jenni at the hospital around noon. "Bring your bladder full" they said. YIKES! Terry had meetings and said he would get there a little later. I registered at the arranged time. They lost me again.... I went to the wrong place again. These people have so many images of me in so many places you just can't keep them straight. "Bring your bladder full" they said. I was ready to have a HUGE accident. The hospital decided they would do the ultra sound on the kidneys. "Bring your bladder full"… Thank you for taking me. .....GO...... FINALLY I had never been so glad to make my bladder empty in my life.
After the kidney ultra sound, Jenni and I went down to a different end of the hospital and I registered for my surgery. Meanwhile, Jenni edited pictures for her photography business. She does such a wonderful job. Of course, I could be biased….No—I don’t think so. Here's the link to her blog: Silverstrand Photography Blog.

The nurses came to prep me about 2:00. I thought I’d be in soon. But- it took another two and a half hours to get me ready to take me in surgery. When Dr. Jennifer came in after the long wait, she said. “You know, you were a hard one to catch.” “What do you mean?” I responded. “ I took your CT scan, your ultra sound, your mammogram and your MRI to two different radiologists. I told them…. Okay—We know the cancer is there. Show it to me…. They couldn’t do it. They still after all of this could not see the cancer in any of these scans.” Dr. Jennifer continued, “I trust my life on these tests and scans, I have questions now.” I interjected, “But you trusted me Doc. You trusted me to KNOW that there was something wrong. Not only did you trust me, you listened to me.” So thanks!!

They finally took me in to surgery about 4:30 and I got finished about 7:30 that’s after recovery and everything. Here is a picture of the port and how it works. It is pretty cool.

The Story: Part 17: The Cancer Center

2011-01-11T05:42:00.000-08:00

Terry and I arrived at the Utah Valley Huntsman Cancer Center at about 4:00 in the afternoon. We were thinking we could go see the Dr. and be home by 5:00 of so.... NOT the case. We visited in detail about the possibilities of these cancers. Dr. Nathan is very point blank, no nonsense. He tells you the way it is, good, bad or indifferent. The Dr. needed to tell us all options. Dr. Jennifer scheduled surgery to have a port put in, for the next Wednesday. The Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan was scheduled for the next day, Thursday. This scan lights up the cancer of abnormal cells like a Christmas tree. The surgery for the port first.........

2011-01-11T04:30:00.000-08:00

Needed some summer at Cottonwood

The Story: Part 16: The Oncologist

2011-01-11T04:13:00.000-08:00

Terry and I returned home that night a little unsettled. Why? When do we start all this? How long will it take? According to Dr. Jennifer, I would start Chemotherapy right away. My mind was a big blob...Not sure which way to turn or what to think? The phone rang about 8:30 p.m. it was the oncologist.
"Hi, Gloria this is Dr. Nathan. I just got a call from Dr. Jennifer. She explained your case to me. I want to make sure you're doing alright. I had an appointment scheduled for Monday. But, I would really like you to come in tomorrow afternoon if at all possible."
I thought, "What? A doctor calls my house to see if I'm okay?" "Man, I must be really sick or he really cares." I'm going with the second, he must really care.
Dr. Nathan visited with me for about five minutes. I told him I 'm a tough ole' gal. My mother was my idol and if she can go through what she went through I can go though this. This is just one more stepping stone, I will not go easily!! I plan on being here a very long time!! --more to come--

The Story: Part 15: More Cancer??

2011-01-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

Terry and I were traveling home from work Wednesday. The doctors had changed my surgery from Monday the 13th to Friday the 10th. I had made the arrangements at work to make sure I had time off. When we got "The Call". The first thing Dr. Jennifer asked, "Are you in WalMart?" I told her no-- that we were driving home from work and I would put her on speaker phone so Terry could listen in as well. It was about 7:30 p.m. when we got the call. She began, "The results are back on your skin biopsy. It doesn't look good. There is a very aggressive cancer in the skin of your right breast." "If we go ahead and proceed with the current surgery it will spread throughout your body." " We needed to treat the cancer first." I responded, "Wait, wait wait, you're telling me I have two types of cancer? One in the left breast and another ON the right?" "Yes, that is what I'm saying." I was shocked to say the least. Words couldn't escape my mouth. For the first time in my life I was speechless. Dr. Jennifer told me that I needed to go through chemotherapy treatment, and then have a full mastectomy after that radiation. My mind was a whirlwind. I was not ready for all of this at the same time. The Dr. said that she had canceled all prior surgery. My next step was to meet with the oncologist and start chemo right away. ---more to come---

The Story: Part 14: The Follow Up

2011-01-09T04:38:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday of the next week, Terry and I went into Dr. Jennifer's office. She had scheduled surgery for the December 13th. "We'll remove the breasts and the lymph nodes and you can recover with in about 4 weeks.) "I am still having a problem with those swollen lymph nodes and with the thicken on your right breast. I really want to do a skin biopsy. We'll take a core sample of your breast and send it in. I spent more time with the radiologist and we both agree that the swelling must be coming from somewhere. Lets try this and see what comes of it", I agreed. Dr. Jennifer continued " I also want to do a test on you to check to see if you are a cancer carrier. It is a saliva test. Most insurances cover it. It will tell you if you are a carrier of cancer, and that will be good for all your relatives in the future to know as well." If I can prevent my children and grandchildren from going through what I am going through... "Go for it."
I changed into a gown and she numbed my breast for the skin biopsy. She took a pretty good core, and sent it to the lab.
I was still in a whirl wind knowing that I would be having surgery within a few weeks. The nurse came back in and gave me a bottle of $3000 scope. I swished it around in my mouth and spit it into a tube, several times. "Really, this can tell if I am a carrier of Cancer?" "Crazy!!"
The Dr. came in and told me she would have results as soon as possible and I would know very soon after. I thanked her and Terry and I went on our way. ---more results to come---

The Story: Part 13. The Testimony

2011-01-09T04:18:00.000-08:00

Terry and I had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Family, Friends, and lots of rest. We both needed it. We went back on Saturday, because of a huge storm coming in. We had the opportunity to go to church the next day. I felt very blessed to have caught this cancer so early. I felt that the doctor did a great job in finding and sticking with my case.
On Sunday I choose to share the gratitude I felt in my heart with my church ward for my Savior. I bore my testimony sharing the love I have for God in this whole process. Some could be very bitter and blame God for bringing this nasty disease to them. I felt that this is just a stepping stone to get closer to Christ (as one friend put it). I am just a servant doing what God wants me to do. I will do, and be the best I can be, to make others, may family and myself a happier people.
I have personally felt God's love in my life, more than once. There are several occasions I witnessed miracles in my life as well. My mother is a walking miracle today. I look to her as an example of strength and courage. I know I will get through this whole process with HIS hands guiding the way. I but need to follow HIS plan and have faith on my own and through the faith and prayers of others. I can feel the strength each day from the prayers being offered on my behalf and on behalf of my family. I am blessed to know I have so many people who care about me and my family. Words can never express the love I have for you all. ---more to come---

2011-01-07T04:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Belated Birthday Janell
You've gotta love cheescake.

The Story: Part 12 Thanksgiving

2011-01-07T03:28:00.000-08:00

We got ready for Thanksgiving when we go back to mom and dads house. I had brought the ingredients for a Shrimp salad. We had celery to cut. Mom and I worked on the Turkey. A basic , typical pre-Thanksgiving night. In the back of my mind I kept thinking...Cancer... Cancer... Cancer.. Then mom got on the phone and started telling my brothers and sister. WOW! The emotions kicked in. Reality. It was a tough night for me. When we finally went to bed, poor Terry just held me, as I cried myself to sleep.
I hadn't told Jenni and Jared yet about the cancer. I was talking with Janell on the phone, who couldn't come for the day because of Brandon's work. I relayed the worry I had for Jen.. She was at her dad's now and I wanted to wait to tell her when she got there at the church. Janell wanted to tell her to ease the pain and give her support. She said. "Please mom, let me tell Jenni about the cancer, it will be better coming from me. Especially since she's at dads house." I agreed with her.
We got ready and drove to Thayne. Because of the large group we decided to have Thanksgiving dinner at the LDS Church house. We got there about 10:00 or so, lunch was at 12:00. Sherry had reserved the building. We decided that the kids to play basketball, volleyball, and boardgames, the adults could help with the meal and talk. It was a good plan.
We started right in on making our different entrees. Me with my salad, MarJean stuffing celery, Sherry dressing(for the turkey - silly - she was already dressed;)) and mom was so cute sitting on a chair in the middle of the kitchen giving directions.
About 11:00 Jenni and Jared came in. Jenni just grabbed me started to cry. Then I started to cry. "I'm sorry Jenni, I just had the hardest time telling you. I was so scared for you. I wish I could take it all away." We just sat there and cried and cried." Jared came and and gave me a hug. "I'm glad she has you Jared. We love you both very much" "You know I couldn't tell you last night while you were driving. It would have been a mess... I didn't even know if you had tissues or not." Jared agreed.
I found it interesting to myself how each of my bothers and sisters handled the news of the cancer. Sherry, the go getter, was very matter of fact, as if this was part of life and we all have trials for our good. She said more than once that is was not about me, but for the rest of the family to grow and learn. Lee, lost his sweetheart several years ago to breast cancer. He wasn't there for Thanksgiving but was serving his wonderful family for the day or our numbers would be in the 60's. MarJean, the LPN nurse, was very clinical. She wanted to know what, when, where and why. Danny, just came and gave me a bear hug and said, "We're behind you 100%. Vance, the quiet one of the family, being the youngest he can't get a word in edgewise, was just quiet. I felt if he didn't talk about it--it wasn't there. My sister-in-laws were amazing. It wasn't the topic of conversation for the the most part. I retold my story and that was the end of that.
The food was fantastic. The family family was amazing and then we made gingerbread houses. What a great day..... more to come........

The Story: Part 11 Meeting My Parents, @ Pizza Hut

2011-01-06T02:32:00.000-08:00

Terry and I switched drivers off and on, all the way to Afton. Sometimes, I would just break out in tears. Terry was a huge comfort to me. I am so glad he is in my life. I Love him so much.

When we get cell phone service back, (Smoot) we called Mom and Dad. MarJean was there and they all wanted to meet at Pizza Hut. I was all for it.

Terry and I got there first. I told Terry that I really didn't want to talk about any of this in public. I would break down, I was sure of that. So he took on the "HERO PROTECTOR ROLE." We ordered for all of us and waited for the threesome to arrive.

Mom, Dad and MarJean came and we talked for a few minutes, ate our salad and Pizza. MarJean asked how my results were and if they had come back yet. My "Hero Protector" came in and said we would talk about it when we got back to mom and dad's house. Well that gave dad the cue to "Bring it on." He knew that things were not good. MarJean again being a LPN (nurse) said.."So it's back huh?" The waterworks began once again. My hero said "I think it would be better if we just talk about it at the house." Thirty questions started at me. I squeezed Terry's hand and gave him the look of it will be Okay!

I explain what had happened on the way here and the responses were interesting to say the least. "Looks like another doctor or two needs to pay their mortgage." "The really don't know for sure. right?" " Actually, there is a lot they can do with cancer now" "I've been there, you'll be alright" "D*@%. doctors." were the responses of my family. I responded with "At least they found it early hopefully. They'll just do the surgery and it will be done. It should take care of it. Beside, I have Terry to take care of me."
It was over telling the family. I don't know why I get told or tell people in public places. My first bout of cancer I was in Target when I was told. This one Walmart, and now my parents and sister, Pizza Hut. I need to stay away from these places..... more to come........

Hey Those are MY WIGS!!

2011-01-05T21:24:00.001-08:00

What a good sport to make Grandma- and Mom strong. Thanks Brickman and Jenni for having so much fun with me putting on my wigs........
Brickman styling one of Grandma Glori's WigsJenni looking like shes straight out of Wyoming, Mullot and all.... that is her hair on the bottom and mine on the top... she's lookin' good....

This wig that Brickman is sporting is when I am feeling very old... What do you think?? He wears is well!! so cute bud!! Thanks for making Grandma Glori Strong!!

More Christmas Pics

2011-01-05T21:11:00.000-08:00

Teagan or should I say Snow White, say cheeeeessee....

Night Fury (Toothless and Hiccup) and Brickman

Grandma Glori, Teagan, and Brickman reading a story.... Grandma Glori is looking like a grandma.... heehee

Christmas Pics

2011-01-05T20:36:00.001-08:00

Christmas at Janell and Brandon's
Pictures in order

Grandpa Haskell (aka POO) watching a movie.

POO watching another movie, and if you notice he's snoring....

POO and Grandpa Terry watching a movie (Like father like son)

Brandon, Teagan, Janell and Brickman in their Christmas PJ's.

The Story: Part 10 Leaving WalMart, Knowing.....

2011-01-05T20:09:00.000-08:00

The Dr. tried to be reassuring, saying, "I am glad you were proactive and I want to see you next week. Tuesday, my nurse will call for an appointment. Gloria try to have a good Thanksgiving with your family."

Terry and I left WalMart in Evanston, knowing that my cancer was back. Does the word DEVASTATED MEAN, anything to you. I was crying, "It's not fair!" I screamed. We got in the car and just sat there, in Shock!! "Gloria, we have to call your girls and let them know." "Your daughters need to know." Terry explained. "I can't call Jenni, she's driving she'll be a mess." "I can't call Jenni!! Not yet!" I blubbered through the tears. Jenni was going to Star Valley for Thanksgiving as well. She was about an hour behind us. "Okay, then I'll call Janell."
Terry made the call to Janell and explained that sure enough her mom had cancer. Janell, was so strong. She told Terry and I, "Mom, Dad we have to be strong and get through this." "If anyone can get though this you can mom." I asked her where she was. "I am Debbie and Kraig's" she said. "Will you do me a favor, and ask Debbie to give you a Mom hug!!" " I love you so much!"

I got myself under control and we left the WalMart. As we were driving I looked in the rear view mirror.. "Hey Terry, Lee is following us." "No he's not" "I think it's Lee!" "What would your brother be doing in Evanston in a snowstorm?" "I don't know but that is LEE, but that's not Erica with him?!!" We came to a stop light and I opened the drivers door and put my head out the side and stuck my tongue out at him. "I sure hope that's Lee."

Sure enough he drove up next to us and unrolled his window. "What are you doing? You crazy brother" He was bringing Daryl's wife Chelsey's family to Star Valley for Thanksgiving with his family. It was so ironic to see my brother, I needed his smile to get me through the next few hours. ....more to come

The Story Part 9- Your Cancer is Back

2011-01-03T15:56:00.000-08:00

Terry and I decided we needed to get of of DODGE.... for Thanksgiving. We left for Star Valley on Wednesday afternoon. I just wanted to spend time with my family. My entire family was hopefully going to be together. I drove to Evanston, and we decided to stop at WalMart to take a potty break and there might be some pre-Christmas sales.... I was checking out the little boy outfits for our grandson when my phone rang. Terry says, "That's weird your mom, Janell and Jenni just called right before we got here....." then he laughed. I answered the phone and it was Dr. Jennifer. She asked me if it was okay to talk. I (of course) said sure..... I walked into the men's section of the store. (there is never any shoppers in the men's section). She continued to tell me, "Gloria I got the results back from the biopsy. It's not good. Your cancer is back." Tears immediately filled my eyes. "We are going to be very aggressive with it. You know you can't have radiation on that breast again right." I said "yes". She continued, " I want to see you in my office on Tuesday. Please, try to have a good Thanksgiving." " I am so sorry for the news but I knew you should know right away." I just stood there in shock for several minutes. ............

The Story Part 8-The Needle Biopsy

2011-01-02T10:21:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if anyone reading has had a needle biopsy before, but I had one with my first bout of cancer. I sat at a mammogram with my breast immobilized. It felt like a sewing machine was coming at me. NOT FUN AT ALL. I was expecting the worse this time as well.

We arrived at the AF Hospital showing up early for my appointment. I had pre-registered the day before. The woman on the other end of the phone told me to go to the same place as you went before. So, the last place I had been was AF Hospital. Well, they couldn't find the appointment at AF Hospital. The receptionist made a few calls, come to find out I should be at the UV Hospital only a half hour away, if I drive. Forty five minutes if Terry drives. Guess who drove. I am so glad I didn't break any laws.... I did go the speed limit. I did make it in 28 minutes. They called ahead and told them what had happened. Some of their other patients, who were early as well went in my place. They worked them in and then it was my turn.

The needle biopsy machine is one that you lay flat on your stomach. Like the MRI, I got to put my breast into a hole. At least this one was round. They numbed me well. They took several cores from my breast and sent them to the lab. I was there for about an hour. After the biopsy they did another mammogram. Basically, they just cut me open and they tried to squeeze me. Not sure of their procedures. I guess there is method to their madness.. Tomorrow -- the diagnosis.

The Story Part 7-Back to the Dr. Office for Updates

2011-01-02T10:10:00.000-08:00

After the marathon tests on Friday, I went to my appointment to see my Dr. on Monday. She said she just didn't feel good about what the radiologist said that we should wait six months. She contacted another radiologist and they went over my files over the weekend. It's good to have Dr.'s on your side.... They both agreed since I had had cancer seven years ago in the same breast.... I probably needed a biopsy. --Just to make sure. --I agreed with them fully. I still had pain in my lymph nodes and it was unexplained. She scheduled the needle biopsy for the following day. more to come....

The Story Part 6-The One Day Marathon of TESTS

2011-01-02T03:33:00.000-08:00

The three of us (Terry, the Dr. and me) decided that it would be best to have a "floor plan or blueprint" if you will, of my body so the Dr. knew what to expect before I got to go under the knife. So the CT scan, mammogram and Ultrasound were scheduled - - All on the same day (it was the Friday before Thanksgiving). I arrived at the hospital, fasting. Had blood drawn for another test. The lab tech came to the waiting room to give me my radioactive cocktail breakfast shake. I drank two bottles of this gross chalky tasting substance. Okay, it wasn't that bad.... I waited with Terry in the waiting room for about an hour and a half. Tried to unplug the computer at one point and got shocked..... That radioactive stuff really works.
TEST #1 THE CT: The first test was the CT scan. Dr. Jennifer ordered a full body scan (trunk) so she could find out what was going on in the lymph nodes as well. I finally went back to the scanning room. I was greeted by two big burley dudes. I laid down on the slab and they hooked me to an IV for more internal scanning. The test only took 10 minutes. It was something from a science fiction movie. The only problem---- I had to raise me arms above my head at the end of the scan. When I raised my arms the tubing wasn't long enough or leaked or something.... Because the IV squirted the juice all over my clothes and face. Not FUN..... FUNNY....but NOT fun. The lab dudes said that I would have results with a few days.
TEST#2 THE MAMMOGRAM: I left one part of the hospital and was directed to go to another part of the hospital. I changed into a gown that fit and opened from the front... JOY (you know what I mean if you've had a mammogram or if you're a woman). Then comes the "Sit and wait" mode. Terry was getting a lot of work done, supporting his wife and typing away on something. They called me to the Lab room and they took the mammogram. A squeezing experience. The tech was very nice and very supportive. She told me the Radiologist would let me know what he saw before I left today. I thought "cool"... To the next test.....
TEST #3 THE ULTRASOUND: The imaging portions of the hospital are together in the hospital. So I didn't have to go far for my ultrasound. In fact they got me right in. They pour this warm goop all over the skin before being tested. Just so happens that it was my breasts being tested remember..... GROSS again! They checked out both breasts including lymph nodes again with a rolley wand type contraption. (It reminds me of a computer mouse) The tech didn't talk much... She was all about business. When she was finished, she told me to wipe off the goop and get dressed.
THE VERBAL RESULTS: The mammogram tech came out had told me that the radiologist saw two tiny calcium deposits in the left breast. She told me the doctor said to come back in Six months. In six months they would see if anything had changed. I thought to myself... Cool- Six months is good. Please hang in there for the rest of the story... you know there's more.

The Haircut!!

2011-01-01T18:01:00.000-08:00

Brickman was brave for his Grandma Glori. He shaved his head so Grandma Glori wouldn't be so scared! Thank you Brickman for being brave for me!! Love you!!
These are before ---During, YIKES-- I had to take my turn---and after....

My sweet daughter Janell, her kids Brickman and Teagan came today.
We went to "Tangled", we need a movie with hair because, before the movie, we shaved our heads. My hair has been falling out for the last few day. Handfuls of hair..... it was very depressing. So, we figured that we would take charge of the cancer. It will not take my hair... I will take my own hair. The picture are the best, and say it all. Nice head huh?? I guess Terry was right, the older you get, the more you start looking like your spouse. I just didn't know it would be me looking like him. hee hee!!

The Story Part 5-The Surgeon

2011-01-01T04:10:00.000-08:00

Because I don't have her permission to use her full name, I'll just call the Surgeon Jennifer, or Dr. Jennifer.
An appointment was made for me the second week in November 2010. I arrived at the Dr. Jennifer's office with Terry.

(Suggestion to all who may ever go through this or any Medical procedure.... Keep a notebook or paper with all medical past surgeries, family medical history, any medication, type, dose and how often taken. It will save a lot of brain stress and recall. I wish I would have done this.)

Terry and I waited for a while- then both of us were called back to an office. I wasn't sure what to expect. I was anxious, when I get anxious I get silly. While we waited, Terry and I joked about having horses in back window. We were on the third floor, but outside the window the horses were having a great lunch.
The assistant came in and I gave her the history of my medical life. (the notebook would have been handy.) They brought in another ultra sound machine. After about 20 minutes Dr. came in. I gave her my history again, filling any gaps she didn't get from her assistant. After she was finished talking with Terry and I, she seem puzzled to me. You could see the cogs in her brain turning-- wondering what she should do with me. She then took another ultrasound to see if she could see something different from the lab. Her machine wasn't as good as the other from the hospital. she asked if I had had a mammogram in the last year. It told her NO, just the MRI. She decided, that she needed a floor plan of my body before she started carving on it. She also said she needed to research my case more in depth. I told her about the first ultra sound I had and how rude the tech was, I told her that my file was just LOST. She sent her assistant out to go find anything from the hospital internal network. Sure enough the assistant brought a copy of the ultrasound, she found it and it stated I needed an MRI a YEAR ago. Frustration!! She made me a copy for my files and ordered a CT scan, mammogram and Ultrasound to be done that week. She told me she wanted to see me within the next week. We would then recap the results. more to come........

The Story Part 4- the Lymph Node Ultrasound

2011-01-01T03:38:00.000-08:00

When the results came back from the MRI, they said my lymph nodes had grown to 2 1/2 centimeters under my left arm. My Dr. sent me to get an Ultrasound to get more information. So-- Once again I went to go get an Ultrasound. The lab tech only took pictures of the lymph nodes under my left arm and right arm. As far as the lymph nodes under the right arm,
she said, "These nodes looked health and the cortex resembled a healthy node. The nodes looked like typical healthy textbook nodes. They are swollen to about 2 centimeters, but look very healthy."
"What could cause the swelling," I replied.
"It could be as simple as common cold." she said.
"For an entire year?" I responded. "Weird".
Then she went to the left arm..... I had told the tech how big the MRI had revealed my lymph node was. She told me that would be milometers not centimeters. I didn't want to argue with her. (Ya know, I really do know by own body. Listen) I figured that she would see what the MRI revealed, when she got it on the screen. Sure enough---when checking the left arm they had a hard time finding it. It was deep into the muscle-growing-putting pressure on the nerves and yes just larger that 2 1/2 centimeters. It was dark, and she didn't make comment on it looking healthy at all. In fact she didn't say much of anything after that point. She brought in the radiologist and he look at the images.
He looked at me and said..."You need to see a surgeon."
I said, "Who, is the best in your opinion. Can you give me him/her?"
"Yes," he said.
He gave me the name of a surgeon. Jennifer is one of the best. He told me he would make the arrangements. I thought to myself "great here we go" .... I had no idea...... to be continued.

The Story Part 3-- MRI #2

2010-12-31T15:51:00.000-08:00

In October of 2010 I got a letter stating that I needed to go back and get my second MRI. I scheduled the MRI and got ready to go. I went in to register for the MRI. The registration assistant was very curious about all the answers I was giving on the questionaire. She kept looking at me with sympathy in her eyes. She had been trained not to ask too many questions about the patients. I asked her if she wanted to hear my story..... She said yes. I told her about my first bout of cancer.... she started crying and gave Terry and I movie tickets. Crazy!!
When I got into the MRI room with my XXXL scrubs, I asked the lab tech to make sure that she scanned the lymph nodes. Now, if you can image.... remember the MRI machine. Not really big, right? They had me lay down on your stomach, they put pads underneath your stomach to make me more comfortable. They placed my breasts back in the square holes. Placed my arms above my head. Oh- and made sure the IV of radioactive juice was hooked into my arm. How I wish I had a picture to show you all. I got the giggles twice when the lab tech tried, I mean really tried to put me into the MRI machine. My toosh was hitting the top of the machine and scraping against it. I felt like a bullet being pushed into a gun. Twice she had to return to the beginning and start over again. I just didn't fit...... I took out all the cushions underneath my belly, giving me more room to get (my butt) in the machine. Now-- I have had MRI's before, where you lie down on your back.-- NO problem, I fit with room to spare. But this laying on your belly thing, going in backwards is NOT cool..... So, the cushions are now NOT under by belly, it is extremely uncomfortable to say the least. I go in....... Without the cushions--- I fit!!... Tightly, but I fit. For the next hour---bang, bang, bang, clonk, clonk, clonk...... I got through the MRI. to be continued...

The Story Part 2-- the MRI

2010-12-31T08:11:00.000-08:00

Now I don't know if you've every had an MRI... Well, a breast MRI is a bit different, especially if you have a big butt, which in my case-- this is true!! This was one of the most horrifying experiences I have ever gone through. Claustrophobia 101, laying on your stomach with your breasts hanging though two square holes (don't they know breasts are round) and hoping my butt fits in the machine. Well it was a tight SQuEeZZZEEe, but we got it done. By the way, they have two sizes of scrubs, Med. (which I am not) or XXXXL. I mean I was drowning in them. I felt skinny for a moment. I got finished with the MRI.... results came back in two to three weeks.... it read, "You have a slight thickening on your right breast. Everything else fine. No cancer or abnormalities. Please come back in 6 months for a review. "
I was to say the least "FREAKED Out". I read it over and over, the only thing I could see was "COME BACK IN 6TH MONTHS." I then read it to my family... They were all excited that there was nothing wrong , no cancer, no abnormalities..... But I knew there was something. Why six months?? What was the thickening? Why did my underarms still hurt??
I was tired all the time. I couldn't (not matter what I did) lose weight. I even tried prescriptions from my Dr. to help... NO I stayed steady... BIG and overweight. I had headaches daily. If fact the month of April, June and Aug I had a headache almost everyday.! May and July was nice the Dr. gave me something that took them away!! They could only be given to me for headaches every other month..... to be continued