Iris Surprise

Last spring some of us from church helped an older lady in our community who needed some work done on the exterior of her house...yardwork, painting, that kind of thing. This woman had irises all over her yard. She had them in almost all of her flower beds and also had pots and pots with bulbs in them. She had so many she was throwing some of the bulbs away. So I asked her if I could have a few of them and she said yes. I took them home and planted them in one of my little flower beds out back (in between some other pink flowers I planted last summer):

Well my little bulbs took root and grew over the course of the year, but there was no sign of any flowers until one morning a few weeks ago when I went to let Toby out in the morning and discovered this:
I noticed that the color of the bud peaking through wasn't purple, but I thought maybe that was just the way it started out. Most of the irises at the lady's home were no longer in bloom, but the few that were were the typical purple irises that you often see. So in my head that's what I was expecting. You can imagine my surprise to discover this the next day:

A few days ago, a second bud appeared on one of the other plants. This one appeared tinged in purple, so again I was expecting the usual purple bloom with a yellow center. And again, I was surprised to discover this:

So far none of my other plants have produced buds (I think I planted 8 of them), but I'm looking forward to what other colors might appear.

Acting Silly with Aunt Janina

More fun with Aunt Janina

This weekend Lila got to spend the night at Aunt Janina's house. We had fun together and she did really well. No tears or asking for Mommy. It had been about a year since the last time she spent the night. I am happy to report there were no waking up in the middle of the night screaming or 3 am conversations after putting her in bed with me this time.

[Lila, head raised: Toby's on the bed with us!

Me: I know. Put your head down and go to sleep.

Lila: Our dogs don't get on the bed.

Me: I know. Put your head down and go to sleep.

Lila: When the sum comes up, it will be morning and we can have muffins for breakfast!

Me: Maybe. Put your head down and go to sleep.]

I remembered to take a few pictures of our evening together this time (courtesy of the strong hint from my sister :)

We watched Finding Nemo. Lila hadn't seen it before and she didn't get scared. Her favorite fish was "all of them".

Pizza and breadsticks for dinner with carrot sticks and ranch dressing. Yum.

Cookies and cream ice cream for dessert. Double yum. I got her a cup of water and then she informed me she wanted milk. So I got her a cup of milk, and she got the biggest kick out of having both. She would take a drink of milk and then a drink of water. It's the little things in life.

Going to bed with a few new friends.

Enjoying one of the books from Aunt Janina's house on the trip back home after having breakfast at IHOP (forgot to take any photos there).

Fun with Aunt Janina

What do we do when Aunt Janina baby-sits? Do we take naps? Nooo. Do we have "room time"? Nooo. We get every blanket we can find and we build a ginormous fort in the living room.

Then we get some toys and stuffed animals and...coaster holders and we take them into the fort.

It's always more fun to play with our toys (and coaster holder) in a cool fort than playing in our room.
The best part of playing in the fort is going in and out. Pants optional of course.

*Lila was also playing in the fort but for some reason most of my pictures had Wyatt in them and the one I took of her was extremely blurry. Phone cameras with no flash have a hard time focusing in forts.

Toby One Year Follow Up

It's been one year since Toby was diagnosed with oral melanoma last February and went through six rounds of radiation therapy. I took him to the vet a couple of weeks ago for his one year check up. He needs to have his teeth cleaned, but everything else looked good. Yay! I took this picture of Toby listening to the other dogs while we were waiting for the vet to come in the room. I like how he lounges on the bench. You can see that the treatment turned his face more white. But at least he's still here.

Toby Update

Well Toby had his last (6th) radiation treatment on March 31st. He did great, and so far hasn't shown any side effects. I take him back in a month for a follow-up checkup. I've been very impressed with the Veterinary Specialists of North Texas (who did his treatments). They have been very helpful and friendly...just a really good experience for both Toby and myself. Toby surprised me by getting along with the other dogs in for treatment, which meant that he got to wander around with the technicians and other dogs when he was there...and didn't have to get put in a kennel like I thought he might. The vet gave him this bandana on his last visit...and all the staff signed it. Very cute.

They also gave me the mold of his face that they used during his treatments to keep his head still...not sure what I'm going to do with it, but kind of neat to see it nevertheless.

Just for fun

These photos are probably a month old...from a recent shopping trip to Old Navy. Found them again when I was uploading some photos off my phone. Lila and Wyatt sure are fun these days...if you can get them to hold still!

Toby

Some of you have heard already that Toby has cancer. About a month ago now, I felt a bump on Toby's face when I was petting him. On closer inspection, I found he had a mass coming off of his gums just above his teeth. I took him to the vet and they removed it. They gave it to me and I took it to work, where we processed it in the lab. The diagnosis was oral melanoma, which isn't a very good prognosis. About the same as melanoma in people I'd say. The melanoma also extended to the margin, which meant that there was some residual tumor (extent not entirely known) in his mouth.

Since Toby is relatively young (he's only 8) compared to most dogs that get this tumor, I took him for a consult with the veterinary radiation oncologist. After a fair amount of consideration, I decided I would pursue the radiation if there wasn't any evidence of metastatic disease already. So Toby went back to the vet for a chest x-ray. Good news: no mets. That was 2 weeks ago.

Last week, I took Toby back to the radiation oncologist and they performed a CT scan of his head and chest. The CT scan also came back negative for any evidence of metastatic disease in his lungs (most common site this tumor spreads to) or lymph nodes. This doesn't guarantee it hasn't already spread. But it is still good news and gives me hope that perhaps it has not. The doctor also uses the CT scan to map out where and how much radiation to shoot at the tumor. (and avoid as much of the surrounding normal tissue as possible)

I took Toby in this morning for his first treatment (the protocol consists of 1 treatment a week for 6 weeks). Fortunately, the radiation oncologist is on the way to work for me so I am able to drop him off on my way in and pick him up on my way home. The doctor said everything went well and he seemed normal when I picked him up. He's conked out pretty good now though. One nice thing about this vet is that they let all the dogs that are being treated that day walk around in the big room outside the radiation area instead of being cooped up in a kennel. Assuming they get along of course. So far I have been pleasantly surprised (and somewhat shocked) to learn that Toby has mingled with all the other dogs and not gotten into any "arguments." Not sure if this is because I'm not there for him to "protect" or if the new environment overwhelms him, but either way, I am thankful as I think being with the other dogs makes it more of a pleasant experience for him. I don't think he rests that much while he's there, though--other than when they put him out for the procedure.

I know that Toby is just a dog (as those of you without a dog may already be thinking), and I certainly wrestled with the decision to pursue further treatment as it's not without cost. But in my life, he's been much more and I couldn't not give him a chance. Thanks to all of you who've been so supportive! I'll try and do better about keeping you posted.

Lifegroup Camping

Here are a few pictures from the camping trip Toby and I went on over Easter weekend with some of the people in my lifegroup.  Group shot at the end of our trip (everyone gets a plate "award".  Mine was the "bring your dog to camp" award and Toby's was the "who needs water shoes?" award, if you were wondering).

We went to Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas (about 4.5 hours drive).  The weather was beautiful until Sunday morning, when it poured.  But overall, the trip was great.  There are some really nice hiking trails.  Toby absolutely loved being outside so much, especially when he didn't have to be on the leash.  He was very good about keeping track of where "mom" was, but he also wanted to be in the lead, so he got twice as much exercise as the rest of us going back and forth.  He was worn out by the end of our day hike on Saturday, but dog happy.
We had a few water crossings on our hike.  The water was cold too.  But we were prepared with water shoes, and it didn't seem to faze Toby any.
 A couple of pictures of my and my bud.  I took the second one when we were laying on a rock, which is why the angle is weird.

Chicago Bound

I see another month has gone by, so time for an update to the blog.  Earlier this month, I flew up to Chicago to visit my cousin Megan, who works at the Marriott downtown.

I had a really good time catching up with her and seeing some more of the sights in the Windy City.  We went to the zoo, the Chicago History Museum, and saw the broadway show Jersey Boys, which was really good.  We ate lots of delicious food, too, so it's good we did a lot of walking! 
Her cat loved my suitcase.  She was pretty much camped out there the whole weekend, unless it was time to eat.  Then she was camped out in front of her automatic feeder waiting for it to dispense some food.  Can you tell she likes to eat?  

Megan lives in a studio apartment (very small but she has done a great job organizing/decorating it) and this is a picture looking out her window at Lake Michigan. 


I've been to Chicago a few times before, but I had never made it to "the Bean".  It is a kidney bean-shaped, reflective statue (actually called Cloud Gate) in Millenium Park.  Of course it was raining the day we went there, so I was trying to snap pictures quick, and none turned out all that great.  It was also VERY cold most of the time I was there.  It even snowed one night.  I had fun, but I was happy to come back to the warmth of Dallas.

Top 3 Things I am Loving This Week!

1.  A digestive tract that is once again functioning properly.  It was not pretty people.

2. An immune system that works to fight off infection (see number one).

3. ER!  I know I am one of the few that has watched this show from beginning to soon to be end.  That's right I've seen every episode, folks.  This is the last year, and I have to say I think this season is really good.  And not just because they have managed to bring back almost all of the significant cast members from previous years.  I really do think the stories about the current cast are good this year too.  That being said, I have really enjoyed seeing how nicely they have weaved in the old cast members with the stories they were already telling.  Last night's episode with George Clooney, Juliana Margulies, Eriq la Salle and Noah Wyle was especially well done, in my opinion.  But the thing I am most loving about ER's final season is that so far they seem totally willing to give all their characters a happy ending!  Now they just need to get Ray and Neela back together and I'll be satisfied.  Oh, and I'll just say that I think a cool way to end the show would be if Carter took over as Chief of the ER since the show started with him there as a med student, but the writers can do what they want...

And what did Wyatt think of Elmo?!!

Sesame Street Live Part Two

For part one, click here.

Per my sister's subtle prompting, here are some more photos from the very exciting Sesame Street Live production we all went to a few weeks ago (it was actually pretty cute for kids and I enjoyed seeing Lila's reaction to it all).  Colette failed to mention one of the most exciting parts--Lila used the grown up potty in the bathroom before the show started!  Of course this WAS after about 15 minutes of Colette telling her "Elmo" wanted her to go so we could go start the show, but still, it was an accomplishment :)

Here is a photo of Lila clapping. 
Here is one of the Elmo balloons being sold during intermission.
One of the star himself, Elmo.
One to prove I was actually there.
One of Lila "smiling" for me before the show started (sorry blogger uploaded these in the wrong order and I'm too lazy to fix it).

Florida In February

Well, I guess enough time has passed that I can post something new.  If you follow facebook, many of you may know that I just returned from a quick trip to Amelia Island, Florida (outside Jacksonville) for a breast cancer symposium.  The conference was at the Ritz-Carlton, and here is the view from the balcony attached to my hotel room.  Nice, right?

I wish I could say I enjoyed it, but the truth is it's not much fun being there by yourself.  Sometimes being single just sucks.  And it was Valentine's Day.  Oh the irony.  That being said, the symposium was pretty interesting, and actually made me think of my good friends Keri and Bill.  Bill because he is training to be a radiation oncologist, and there were a number of those at the symposium.  It was multi-discplinary, so there were also pathologists, radiologists, general surgeons, plastic surgeons, and at least one pysch person there.  Being reminded again of all that radiation oncologists do, it just gave me a new appreciation for Bill.  And it made me think of Keri because there were a LOT of statistics.  Most of the lectures referenced recent studies on drugs, survivorship, etc.  So keep up the good work guys!  What you are doing really does make a difference.  (what the rest of you do also is important but not applicable to my story)
This is a picture I took when I went to the downtown area of Fernandina Beach the first night I was there.  Apparently the island was occupied at least once if not multiple times by pirates, and has been under the rule of 8 different flags in its history.
As you look at this picture, where are the sinks?  That was what I was wondering after I came out of the stall in the bathroom at the Jacksonville airport.  Was this some sort of Candid Camera moment? The 2 larger boxes on the mirror are automatic paper towel dispensers, and the smaller ones are automatic soap dispensers.  And the metallic rods that appear to be coming out of the mirror are the automatic water faucets.  It's hard to tell in the picture, but the countertop slopes downward to a little trough that runs along the wall (the sink).   I had never seen anything like it, so I snapped a picture when I was alone in the bathroom just so I could share it with all of you.  

Also I feel I should mention I rode with the Iowa State Women's softball team on my flight back to Dallas.  There was a tournament, and they won 5 out of their 6 games (I asked).  Way to go ISU!  Nothing like walking into the airport and seeing some red and gold to brighten your day.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Just a quick post to let everyone know I am still alive.  Work has been very busy for me this time of year as everyone goes to the doctor since they've already met their deductible.  I hope you all are enjoying the holiday season and have a Merry Christmas!  This is the sum of snow in Dallas :)

The Funniest Show You May Not Be Watching

Since I think I know most of the people who occasionally read this blog, I thought I would let you know that if you aren't watching the Big Bang Theory on CBS, you're missing out.  Don't believe me?  Check out this promo link: About Superman.

A Little Scoop of Autumn

Perhaps one of the strongest items associated with the months of October and November is the pumpkin.  Is it Halloween without a Jack O'Lantern?  How can it be Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie, right?  Well, recently my sister made some awesome pumpkin cheesecake, and I was fortunate enough to get one of the last pieces.  It was delicious.  I might even try making it myself sometime once my oven thermostat gets fixed.  In the meantime,  I've discovered a very close second to the real thing--you guessed it--the latest Ben & Jerry's flavor, Pumpkin Cheesecake.   It is Delicious with a capital D.  On a side note, did anyone else know that they expect you to get 4 servings out of one of those small pints?  (I discovered this after I'd eaten about 2/3 of the container :) Oh well, pumpkin is one of the 14 "super foods" so it can't be that bad, right?  

Texas State Fair

It seems everyone is posting pictures of the state fair on their blogs, so I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon.  This was my first year to go to the Texas State Fair, or the Great State Fair of Texas as they say on the radio.  It was a lot of fun, I have to admit.  I actually went twice-once at night and once during the day.  On Saturday night I went with some friends from church and got to see the pig races, light show, and experience all the rides lit up.  Then on Monday I went with my sister's family and got to experience smaller crowds and the cutest kid exhibit ever--Little Hands on the Farm (check it out on my sister's blog).Here's a picture of Colette, Lila, Big Ben and Big Tex.  (sorry Ben--I couldn't resist :) 

Here's a picture of my niece Lila waving at me when she was on the carousel.  She loves the "horsies."  Who doesn't, really?  I mean, I would have ridden it too if everything at the fair didn't cost an arm and a leg.  But I'm sure I'll have forgotten that part by the time it rolls around again next year...