our trip to KC

was tons of fun! I survived on what little sleep I'd had and we arrived just in time for Sabrina to drop me off where Brittany works (as nanny to a 5/mo old). Brittany kept saying "I can't believe you're here!" and it was such fun to see her .... where she lives, works and goes to church. After dropping me off, Sabrina and her mother-in-law went to meet Mallory at the hospital for an ultra sound. The exciting news there, was that Mallory's due date is just two weeks away! They'd been thinking more like four, so the blessing of baby shall be here sooner rather than later :)

That evening we went to the church for Mallory's baby shower. They had a great turn out and so many delicious treats to eat! She got a load of fabulous gifts - it was a really nice time. Got to bed late that night of course (after 11) and by sharing a room and a bed w/someone else, I didn't get much sleep once again. We met the girls at Bob Evans for breakfast and then went shopping downtown Lee's Summit. It's a nice area with a lot of cute shops and we really just enjoyed strolling along, spending time together, laughing, chatting and lunching together. We took the girls back to their apartment and left there late afternoon. It was hard to say goodbye to Britt. We cried :( Next time she sees me I won't have hair :) But she is enthusiastic and happy and loves it there - that is good to see! Here are some pics from our 24/hour whirlwind trip to KC.
















We got home late on Wednesday night, kept running into minor obstacles along the way ..... but again, it was 11:30 by the time I got to bed. Then yesterday morning was Aunt Neva's visitation and this morning is her funeral. After the visitation I went to lunch w/some of the family and then to have my stitches out. I'd gotten so used to them (having had them nearly six weeks) that they really didn't bother me. But it was a relief to have them out and things look great. I'd also not given thought to me not seeing that surgeon again. She really did a fantastic job and I was very pleased with her, but for reconstruction I will have a plastic surgeon. A friend told me yesterday, looking at the bright side ..... hey, that's one doctor out of the way!

I have a heck of a week ahead of me with much to look forward to. On Monday my friend Beth from Elkhart comes back to visit, this time she's bringing her 4/yo daughter with her. I'll have my blood drawn that day, then go in for round two of chemo on Tuesday (not looking forward to it NEARLY as much as I was that first one - ha ha!) Now that I know what's coming, it's more a matter of bracing myself than having excited anticipation! On Wednesday I'll go in for my Neulasta shot and assuming I feel ok, Beth will head home. Thursday, a friend from my scrapbooking message board is coming through Champaign and I plan on meeting her for dinner. Thursday night my longtime girlfriend Reba (from KY) is coming to stay with me until Sunday! Intermingled with all of that (hoping and praying I feel ok) I will need to go to Aunt Neva's attorneys office and begin dealing with some of her estate matters.

Taking a deep breath.
Taking it one day at a time.
Promising myself (and others) that I'll rest when I need to.
With love and support from family and friends, I can do this!