Wednesday, August 21, 2013

URLs, CT scans, and a crazy 5 year old

Turns out I had the wrong URL for my Pampered Chef site in my last post. Here is the correct URL:
http://new.pamperedchef.com/pws/suzannemurphy

I also wanted to mention that I really love the Fundraiser program PC does. A percentage of sales from each party goes directly to your cause - whether it is a national cause, like the American Cancer Society, or a more personal cause, like a friend struggling with the cost of medical bills. I also donate a percentage of my earnings to the cause as a way to give back to the community that has been so giving to my family. If you are interested, contact me - this is my favorite type of party!

Medical news: last week I had a scan to check on the tumors in my torso. The tumors in my liver and abdomen are shrinking slightly while those in my lungs are growing slightly. I suppose we are at a 'stable' place for now. In a few weeks I am going to meet with a lung and chest surgeon about having a biopsy of the tumors in my lungs. The purpose is two-fold: determine if the lung tumors are related to the cervical cancer or the neuroendocrine cancer. The second purpose is to do a test called a chemotherapy assay. In this test a variety of chemotherapy agents are applied to the tumor to see which ones work best in the lab. Dr. S can then use this information to help him decide where to go from here.

Last weekend we went up to my in-laws' home on Lake George where my father-in-law surprised Rory with his very own fishing pole. And worms. Rory was all smiles. He was even more thrilled after catching over 20 sunnies off the dock. He'd put his pole in and almost instantly had a fish. His little brothers were equally excited by watching the fish in the bucket before we put them back in the water. It was great to see Rory have such fun with a new hobby!





- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Work

I miss working. I miss interacting with new people who are not doctors or nurses. I miss the challenge of doing something new.
I cannot go back to my old job. It is a deadline-driven job and I cannot guarantee I will feel well enough to meet my deadlines. Plus, chemo brain. For those who have not heard of chemo brain it is a term used to describe the forgetfulness and slower thought process of those on chemo. Again, not great for my former profession.
So I thought about what I could do, factoring in my hip pain, treatment schedule, and medications.
Turns out that list is fairly short. But then my friend Betsy came over to do a Pampered Chef party with me as the hostess. And it hit me...this would be a great job. Flexible hours, work when my treatment schedule allowed, and selling a great product that people can actually use in their homes!
I talked to Kelly and he agreed to sign up with me, that way if I am unexpectedly having a rough day, he can fill in for me. (I know...he should probably just do the cooking part of each show anyways!)
We would love to have some of you as our first hosts/hostesses! In September all stoneware (like the famous pizza stone) will be 20% off, so it is a great time to host a party. I also have some clever, useful, and affordable Christmas gift ideas for teachers, etc. You can be a host or hostess in many different ways:
1) Host a show where I come to your house (again, with wine!), you invite friends and family, and we make some yummy food. One friend feels her house is too small, so we are going to have her party at my house. Keep that in mind if you feel the same way! You will earn free and half price products for hosting. Kelly and I earned over $200 in free products when we hosted!
2) Host a catalog show. I will give you catalogs for you to give to your friends and family. They can then place orders online through my website or by contacting me. Easy breezy. And, you will also earn free and half price products for yourself!
3) If you would like some Pampered Chef products, but don't want to host a party, you can go to our website and place an order:
http://new.pamperedchef.com/pws/suzannemurphy
I'd love to hear from you - Pampered Chef sells awesome, reliable products that you will love to use. Thanks!
Email to reach us at: suzanne.murphy@gmail.com

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

I am running out of title ideas for basic updates.

I have returned from Michigan after a great mini-vacation with my mom. We were able to spend lots of time with family and my cousin's wedding was beautiful. My only comment is do not have my mom push you in a wheelchair. Thankfully I can't feel my toes so the bumps into various metal poles didn't hurt too much!

On Tuesday I had a pelvic MRI because Dr. S was concerned my severe hip pain could be caused by the cancer spreading. The MRI was brutal - I cannot be on my back comfortably and had to be on the hard table being still for about 45 minutes. I thought of my husband's cousin who had to have an MRI of her brain a few days after brain surgery while lying on her staples and thought...she had the fortitude to make it through, so can I. Thankfully, the MRI showed no signs of cancer in my bones or pelvic organs.
He changed my pain killer plan so now I am on a long term pain killer, use other meds for short term pain relief, and flexaril - a muscle relaxer - has been added to see if that helps. Last night I took my meds, fell asleep at 11 and woke up at 1. In the afternoon. I think I will space out my meds a bit more tonight!

Tomorrow my beloved grandfather-in-law, Pa, is having a pacemaker put it. I know this is a very safe surgery, but please keep him in your thoughts. He is a feisty 94 year old with lots of living still to do.

My dad is still in the hospital. He receives dialysis 3 days a week and that seems to help his mental clarity. Overall, his condition seems to be stable - not going backwards, but also not making much progress. I am hopeful once he is in a rehab facility that changes.

Kid story of the day:
Kyan and Rory go to camp at a place called the Dome. They love it there and come home exhausted from all the activities they do. One of Kyan's favorite sports is baseball - he must take after his great grandfather. The Dome has a batting cage. Kyan ended up spending about 3 hours in the cage and came home with a blistered hand. The next day I thought that would slow him down a little. No sir. Back in the cage again. I think his great grandfather Stokes would be proud.