Sympathy Pains

So this past Tuesday I (yes Jeff is actually writing a post) started to have a pain in my abdomen. I was a little worried about it as I haven't experience any pain that I would say is like it. I was thinking it might be appendicitis or something similar even though there weren't any other symptoms to go along with it.

So I called the doctor to set up an appointment. I went in that afternoon and they told me that since it is on the lower left side, there really isn't any organs there that I needed to worry about. The appendix and gallbladder are both on the right. They said the only thing that is there is the intestines and since the only symptom was pain that we should wait a couple of days and come back in if it got worse or I got nauseous or something like that.

So the pain got worse on Wednesday and even worse on Thursday. So Thursday I went back in to the doctor and they drew blood and scheduled a CT for today. The CT was scheduled for 7 am this morning which meant I had the pleasure of waking up at 5 to start drinking the wonderful tasting barium. That said, I still think I got more sleep than Elizabeth last night.

I got done with the scan and now I just get to wait for the results of the blood tests and the scan. I have been taking it pretty easy since Friday and overall feel quite a bit better. There is still pain and especially when I either get up, sit down, or walk. Until I get told otherwise I am just going to assume it must be sympathy pains for the pain that Biz has been having. If you want anymore details on that just look down a couple of posts.

My First Video

This video isn't really about either of us. It is the first video that I have created and thought I would share it.




GO JAZZ!!

I love art!

I really do. I have always wanted to be some sort of artist myself. To the right is a picture from James C. Christensen's collection, entitled, "Sometimes the Spirit Touches Us Through Weakness." The description for this photo is, "a hunchback, an 'everyman,' being visited by an angel and receiving the message that we grow through adversity - we can make our weaknesses into strengths. The hunchback is seated on a box inscribed with a Latin phrase that translates literally as 'after clouds, sun' -the equivalent of 'look for the silver lining." Funny how much more I enjoy the picture when I know the meaning behind it.

I love James C. Christensen's work. He is a close second for me on my favorite artists. I have a book of his work that he has done for the Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City. He has also done the art for inside the Nauvoo Temple.

I also realize that this is the picture I have chosen for the gallery this week, but I don't care. I think the message and the simplistic beauty of this pictures deserves its own blog spot.

My Trip To The Hospital.

So I went to the hospital this week. I was in a bit of a panic because I found a lump. If your stomach just dropped, I know how you feel. It was in the area where the hip and femur connect. The leg itself had been sore for about a week, and then it started to spread down the leg, and then I felt this tiny little lump. What scared me most was the lump was right where a lymph node was likely to be. (I know that we have hundreds of lymph nodes, but since I've had lymphoma, I have become very aware as to were the lymph nodes are, and what ones are likely to be infected by cancer first. This was one of the spots.)   Basically I couldn't stop till I knew one way or the other. So I went to my regular doctors to see if she thought there was any reason to be concerned. She thought that it was likely a pinched nerve, because of how the pain wrapped around the leg, and didn't follow a straight line. Still, she said I should get a ultrasound, and just make sure that everything was alright. 

So, I waited about an hour and a half at the hospital to get this ultrasound. I now have a little more sympathy for pregnant women, cause the tech did not hold back on how hard she pushed down to take those pictures. Imagine having strep throat, and then having someone pushing down and in all along your throat, taking pictures. Good times. Well, they said they would have the results in two hours. Six desperate and slow hours later, I get the call. It was the nurse (always a good sign when it's the nurse and not the doctor) and she said that it was my lymph nodes. There was an infection, similar to what happens to your throat when you have strep, and they were swollen. They were still within regular size, and the swelling was benign! Good news to hear. Sad news: there is nothing that can be done but to let it ride out on its own. This, apparently is fairly common, which also gives me relief.

I feel a little justified that there was actually something wrong. Weird to say maybe, but I feel everything now. Every twinge, pain, discomfort, I can't help but stop and assess. Am I missing something? Is my body telling me something? The problem is I didn't have any signs before. It came silently, and it was a miracle that it was even found. I hate to feel this way. Like my body and I are on opposite sides. I am reading Trust Jesus by Jeffrey Holland right now. I am grateful to have this book, because it helps to remind me that all I can do it my best. I personally can't guarantee that my cancer will never come back. I can only trust that Jesus has a better plan for me, and that He is aware of me. This is not easy for me to give such power away (like it is even mine to begin with, right?). I am afraid. I feel small sometimes because of it. This has stretched me in ways that I never would have before. Still, it has opened my mind up to the miracle of the atonement. That the physical and mental and emotional scars that are left on me will disappear. It's not easy for me to get to this mindset, but I always find myself coming to the same conclusion. I am grateful to know the truth of it, and that our Heaven Father has set a way for us to be happy, if not always now, then someday that will last.

I have my second to last scan this month. The last will be in May 2009. From there, I will have just over three more years till I'm in recovery. 

Shout out to my girls from OZ!!!

This is just a little post for my sister-in-law Jana and niece Kylee who have just been cast in The Wizard of Oz at Rodger's Memorial Theater (holla!(dang you Greg for getting that into my vocab!!).)









Jana was cast as the whimsical Glinda, the Good Witch!
(The additional munchkin is my nephew Jackson!)











Kylee was cast as a munchkin, with the chance of being a Flying Monkey. (Again, the additional munchkin makes an appearance. Oh well!)

I know that this picture really is unrelated to the post, and to be honest I can't find a reasonable segue to justify it. But while Jana was at her call backs for The Wizard of Oz, I got to cuddle this guy to sleep. Heaven! He is such a sweet little cuddler. And he has the cutest little laugh, whether it is his a amused murmur to his outright laugh.

Heads Up

Just thought I would give all of you a heads up that the address is going to be changing this next week. I am not sure if there is going to be a link that you would be able to follow or not so thought I better give you a heads up. I am shooting for JeffandBiz.blogspot.com If any of you steal it I will track you down and beat you with a wet noodle.

Why I am Pam from "The Office!"

There are many reasons that I consider myself to be Pam from The Office. Jeff is my Jim, I like to draw, I am a secretary (though I much prefer to say office manager, which I am sure that Pam would agree with), and more I won't bore you with, but trust me, there are some.

Anyway, the point was cemented for me a while ago. Names have been changed to protect the innocent. I have waited an undisclosed time to write the blog, in hopes of protecting those parties, as I don't want to hurt feelings. But it was just too funny to miss.

So many of you Office fans will remember that Pam went to Phyllis's wedding, and everything was what Pam had picked out. Yep. That's right. I went to a wedding and it was totally my wedding! They had it at the same location for their wedding dinner, same temple, same reception center, very similar table settings/ideas (but nowadays, how can you not, right?) and DA DA DA DA!!! same DRESS!!! I know what you are thinking, coincidence...maybe. But this is a friend, and they were there at our dinner and reception! Gasp! They weren't engaged at the time, so the only thing I can surmise is that I have great taste, right? Well, Jeff said that, but of course I had the same reaction as Pam: "That's MY Dress!"

Now it seems funny, but Jeff will attest to the fact that I did not have too much fun that night. Poor guy. Little did he know what he was getting into with me.

Now as a close, if any of you know the couple (which I don't think anyone will) please do not say anything. Please do not leave a comment with any names. I really don't want to hurt any feelings. Just enjoy the hilarity that is my life!

Bragging Rights!

As a wife, it is well within my right to brag on my cute husband. Jeff was employee of the month at his job!!! He is always working so hard for our cute little family. The letter said things like "self maintained/trained" and "good example of hard work" for the other employees. This is just the kind of guy that My Jeff is. He is always going the extra mile for things, and when he does them, they get done right. How did I get so lucky? Jeff gets to work by 7:00 am every morning, and he never complains. He always works a hundred and ten percent, and then, if I work late, he will usually make sure dinner is already ready. Sigh.

Isn't She Lovely!

Kira Nancy Plowman
10-6-2008

Welcome little Kira. Our little niece was born yesterday afternoon at LDS hospital. She came two days before her scheduled C-section, much to the delight of her mother, Jessica, who was ready to go about a month ago. Proud Papa Dave had only been at work for a minute before he got the call and was on his way. This was Jessica's second C-section, and since this one wasn't an emergency, it went much smoother, and Mama felt better than the last time. It only took about 45 minutes before the family of four became a family of five.

First family photo.

Big Brother Luke was probably the most excited to meet his new sister. He has been talking to Jessica's belly for months now. You can see how elated he is to finally meet Baby Kira.

Jenna was also excited to meet her sister. No one could have been happier that Kira turned out to be a girl then Jenna.In my arms she moved around, but inJeff's arms, she fell into the deepest sleep she had had all day. Typical.

Proud Auntie Biz. Underneath that hat, there is a cute little fuzz going on.This is Kira deep in thought.
Her cute lower lip. She did not like to have her picture taken. But it was so cute to see her little lip pout like that.

Thank you for viewing the cute pictures of the newest niece. I have to say, I have the cutest 12 nieces and nephews out there. Pictures don't lie.

To Blog or not To Blog!

Well, it happened. Whether or not I know what I am getting myself into, I am now an official blogger. (Ginny, I hope you appreciate this, as I had to rise to your challenge!)

I guess to start with my exciting news: Saturday was not only Women's Conference, but my one year anniversary of being in remission! Only four more to go! It feels good to be where I am. It's funny how the last year has flown by like no time at all, and the four months of treatment felt like years. To celebrate, my mom took me out for sushi...mmmmm, sushi!

Maybe that's because life is so great right now! I can't tell you how blessed I feel. I have this cute little home, that I share with my cute husband. I get to go to a job that I love. I have an awesome family, that just about doubled in June. I'm not trying to rub things in, but I just didn't know that life could be so wonderful! (Yes, I realize how I just tempted fate. Sigh, I will never learn.)

Also, since Jeff may never mention it but in passing, here is a picture from our wedding day!

Gavin

So I got an email from my Mission President's wife today. In reading it I first heard about this little tike and his story. I do have to say that I am sorry that I will not have the opportunity to meet Gavin and all the joy that I am sure that he brought in to this world during the short time that he blessed those around him with his presence. I'm not going to go into details of his story, if that is something that interests you feel free to click on the picture and it should take you to his website. I will let you know that he was born with a genetic disorder called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency that caused his liver to go into failure.

Hearing about what my mission companion must be going through has helped me stop to think how precious this time on earth is. We need to take time each day to stop and smell the roses so to speak. We can never be sure about what is around the corner for us in this life. Let us all take each day as a blessing from God and look to what we can do to bless the lives of those that are around us.

Shakespeare Festival

So we went down to the Shakespeare Festival a couple of weeks ago. This is a tradition that Biz has had with her parents for several years. The first night we watched Cyrano De Bergerac. I originally was looking forward to this as I was somewhat familiar with the story line from seeing the movie Roxanne. If you haven't seen the play, stick to the movie. It is much better.

The next day we went to see Fiddler on the Roof. This is a musical that the movie ruined for me many years ago. That being said, I really enjoyed the production. It was put on very well and was much better than the movie. If you had the chance to go to the Shakespeare Festival I highly recommend it.

The guys at the Malt Shop

I am still alive.....

So yeah it has been a while since I last updated this. I just sent an invite for Biz to update this as well. So hopefully you all hear more about what is or what is not going on.

This past Saturday, we went to the BIG BLUE BASH! Biz was nice enough to let me go and to come along with me. It was great to hear from former and current players about the program and the TRADITION SPIRIT and HONOR that is BYU FOOTBALL. We heard from Max Hall, Austin Collie, Brandon Doman, Reno Mahe (or Maje depending on how you decide to spell it) and Setema Gali. We are down to a week and a half until game day and I am stoked. It will be interesting to watch this season unfold. There is a lot of potential with this team. They will have to play their "A game" every week though as there are a lot of teams that would love nothing more than to dash the Cougars "QUEST FOR PERFECTION."

My stake plays Flag Football in the fall. I am looking forward to this. I am not sure how many games there are going to be. It will be fun to extend the usual Turkey Bowl that I get once a year though and play in several games. I guess I better get out and practice though so if anyone wants to play catch let me know.

So we are getting down to crunch time. Just 17 days left until the big day. I am very excited. I think we have all of the major details nailed down just a lot of the little things left to get done. We are going to have our Bridals and Groomals done on Monday. For being one that doesn't like pictures of himself taken, I think i have done quite well with it. I think having a great photographer and of course spending the time with someone that I love make things go very well. I'm not even dreading the pictures yet. Now by the time we are all done on the 18th, I may be but for now all is well.

So for those who don't know I am a server at Denny's. It has for the most part been very enjoyable. About a week ago two couples who were definitely Asian walked in and I sat them. I wanted to be their server but it wasn't my turn to be seated so I sat them in another server's section. When I got a chance I went over and asked them where they were from. They replied that they were from Japan. I then asked them, "Nihon no doko kara kimashita ka?" The look of surprise and the "Ehhhh" that came from them was wonderful. I had a chance to talk with them for a little while and they were from the Osaka area. It was a lot of fun to be able to use the language again especially with Japanese people.