From Laurel:
Well, well, well.... my appointment today went much better than I had anticipated! For those of you praying that I'd have no pain today.....Thank you, I didn't! Because..........someone in scheduling goofed, and turns out it's too early for me to have a biopsy! Oh, I was one happy little camper when I was told of the goof. So, it was just another "routine" appointment today. : ) It will happen sometime in January. Until then, I'll stay on course to get healthier and stronger with each day!
Labs continue to be excellent. : )
Again, Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
Lots of love,
Laurel
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
Laurel's Latest
Hi Everyone!
I'm baaack!
With Thanksgiving day approaching, I wanted to sign-in to say hello, and once again tell you how incredibly thankful I am for each and every one of you in my life! Your notes have meant the world to me, and many a day, lifted me higher, and made me stronger. From long time friends, some whom I've been out of touch with, to total strangers that took the time to connect and send well wishes. Thank you so very much!
I have to mention a few names on this note. Without these angels, I honestly don't know how I would have made it these past months. No way, no how - Paula, Lois, Sandy, Jeane, Jenn and John, Angie, Jackie and Dave, and Carol. Also,the amazing cooks who have helped with meals! Thank all of you for your help, and for taking extraordinary care of me during this time. I've been overwhelmed by everyone's love and care. Thank you, all you prayer warriors out there (Cousin Jim J.- thanks). Your prayers are being heard, I know, because I'm strengthened by them every day. And thanks to the greatest sister in the world, Nancy, for helping me keep this site going. She's a hard act to follow!
The latest news is that this Wednesday I go for another bone marrow biopsy. Not something that I ever look forward to, but this is a really important one, as it will show the effectiveness of the transplant. I won't find out for several days after the biopsy, but I'll let you know asap. I'm a tad more nervous than usual this time, but I'm hoping and trusting that my slate will be clean, and I can again, start to live a full, healthy, and happy life.
I took my car for a spin a few days ago around the country block. It had been two months since I was last behind the wheel! It was a smooth ride, no problem. I'm still not driving more than a few miles, as I get tired very quickly, but it felt good to be on the road again! I've been chauffeured by one of the above people for over two months now. Yes, Linda, (hi girl) it's a tad chilly outside to stroll the neighborhood these days; winter in Iowa is on it's way! Plus, I can't go outside or any public place without my protection mask. It's a pretty scary look when I have my mask, sunglasses, and hat on. Run, baby...run!!
I'd be happy to send some pictures of my new look, but I've been having some camera/computer issues. You're not missing that much though- I have a little cap on my head almost 24/7 just to keep me warm. So, whenever I happen to catch a glimpse of myself without it on, it totally catches me off guard, and I screech a little WHOA! Some of my friends here seem to like my new look. Sort of a GI Jane / Sinead O' Connor thing going on. One thing I love about it is it's so low maintenance!! Gotta love that!
Good, exciting news (for me) is that my taste buds and appetite are in full swing. I never seem to be far from the kitchen these days as I seek out the next thing to munch on.
So, I hope you all enjoy your time on Thanksgiving with your loved ones, friends, and family…have a wonderful day! We all have so much to be thankful for. I feel especially blessed, and have so much to be thankful for this year.
I'm humbled by all your love, prayer, support, and blessings.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Love, Laurel
I'm baaack!
With Thanksgiving day approaching, I wanted to sign-in to say hello, and once again tell you how incredibly thankful I am for each and every one of you in my life! Your notes have meant the world to me, and many a day, lifted me higher, and made me stronger. From long time friends, some whom I've been out of touch with, to total strangers that took the time to connect and send well wishes. Thank you so very much!
I have to mention a few names on this note. Without these angels, I honestly don't know how I would have made it these past months. No way, no how - Paula, Lois, Sandy, Jeane, Jenn and John, Angie, Jackie and Dave, and Carol. Also,the amazing cooks who have helped with meals! Thank all of you for your help, and for taking extraordinary care of me during this time. I've been overwhelmed by everyone's love and care. Thank you, all you prayer warriors out there (Cousin Jim J.- thanks). Your prayers are being heard, I know, because I'm strengthened by them every day. And thanks to the greatest sister in the world, Nancy, for helping me keep this site going. She's a hard act to follow!
The latest news is that this Wednesday I go for another bone marrow biopsy. Not something that I ever look forward to, but this is a really important one, as it will show the effectiveness of the transplant. I won't find out for several days after the biopsy, but I'll let you know asap. I'm a tad more nervous than usual this time, but I'm hoping and trusting that my slate will be clean, and I can again, start to live a full, healthy, and happy life.
I took my car for a spin a few days ago around the country block. It had been two months since I was last behind the wheel! It was a smooth ride, no problem. I'm still not driving more than a few miles, as I get tired very quickly, but it felt good to be on the road again! I've been chauffeured by one of the above people for over two months now. Yes, Linda, (hi girl) it's a tad chilly outside to stroll the neighborhood these days; winter in Iowa is on it's way! Plus, I can't go outside or any public place without my protection mask. It's a pretty scary look when I have my mask, sunglasses, and hat on. Run, baby...run!!
I'd be happy to send some pictures of my new look, but I've been having some camera/computer issues. You're not missing that much though- I have a little cap on my head almost 24/7 just to keep me warm. So, whenever I happen to catch a glimpse of myself without it on, it totally catches me off guard, and I screech a little WHOA! Some of my friends here seem to like my new look. Sort of a GI Jane / Sinead O' Connor thing going on. One thing I love about it is it's so low maintenance!! Gotta love that!
Good, exciting news (for me) is that my taste buds and appetite are in full swing. I never seem to be far from the kitchen these days as I seek out the next thing to munch on.
So, I hope you all enjoy your time on Thanksgiving with your loved ones, friends, and family…have a wonderful day! We all have so much to be thankful for. I feel especially blessed, and have so much to be thankful for this year.
I'm humbled by all your love, prayer, support, and blessings.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Love, Laurel
Monday, 23 November 2009
PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN'S THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION
October 3, 1863
It is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God; to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord.
We know that by His divine law, nations, like individuals, are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world. May we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war which now desolates the land may be a punishment inflicted upon us for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole people?
We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown.
But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.
It is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God; to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord.
We know that by His divine law, nations, like individuals, are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world. May we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war which now desolates the land may be a punishment inflicted upon us for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole people?
We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown.
But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Laurel's Latest
A big "hi" from Laurel, and she sends lots of love and hugs to everyone!!
November 11 has just about come and gone. The news just keeps gettin' better all the time! : )
Lab results great, didn't need an IV boost, and made a big trip to Walmart! Huge, this is huge. Then....
Laurel returns to the hospital clinic in 2 weeks for a bone marrow biopsy. She is not looking forward to that one! But I have no doubt that it will be an incredibly positive result, telling her of a successful transplant - yahoo, baby!!
So let us continue with positive thoughts, blessings, and prayers going her way.....a lot of laughter and humor is good, too! I know we can distract her for the next two weeks, so that she won't think about it (or maybe not as much!).
Until then, thanks to everyone for the love you send.
Love,
Nancy
November 11 has just about come and gone. The news just keeps gettin' better all the time! : )
Lab results great, didn't need an IV boost, and made a big trip to Walmart! Huge, this is huge. Then....
Laurel returns to the hospital clinic in 2 weeks for a bone marrow biopsy. She is not looking forward to that one! But I have no doubt that it will be an incredibly positive result, telling her of a successful transplant - yahoo, baby!!
So let us continue with positive thoughts, blessings, and prayers going her way.....a lot of laughter and humor is good, too! I know we can distract her for the next two weeks, so that she won't think about it (or maybe not as much!).
Until then, thanks to everyone for the love you send.
Love,
Nancy
Friday, 6 November 2009
Laurel's Latest
From Lo's sister, Nancy : )
Her most recent check up was a good report card! All lab values were right on. She did, however, have to spend 5 hours :( at the clinic - needing an IV boost of fluids and electrolytes, ugh!
She's doing great and will be heading home on Saturday. Her son, John, is going to drive her to Richmond, and help her get settled, comfy, and cozy.
**Next follow up appointment is Wednesday, 11/11. Stay tuned for more great news!!!
Her most recent check up was a good report card! All lab values were right on. She did, however, have to spend 5 hours :( at the clinic - needing an IV boost of fluids and electrolytes, ugh!
She's doing great and will be heading home on Saturday. Her son, John, is going to drive her to Richmond, and help her get settled, comfy, and cozy.
**Next follow up appointment is Wednesday, 11/11. Stay tuned for more great news!!!
Sunday, 1 November 2009
Sunday's "Purple" Walk to End Alheimer's Disease
Thank you everyone who supported me and others for today's walk to find a cure for Alzheimer!
Amazing support for making Alzheimer a memory!
To read more, click here:
17th Annual Memory Walk
and here:
California's Southland Chapter
What is Alzheimer's Disease/Disorder?
More pics to come as our group downloads their cameras!
We met at FARM for lunch and guess who else was there? Maria Shriver! She's prettier, sweeter, and tinier in person.
This pic just in:
2009 Memory Walk Champions (from L to R)
Back Row: K-Earth's Charlie Tuna, Ken Howard, Cristina Ferrare, Steve Edwards, Ron Rifkin, Bryan Cranston, First Lady of California Maria Shriver, and Rafer Johnson
Front Row: Bob Goen, Tracie Thoms, Leeza Gibbons, and Lea Thompson
Amazing support for making Alzheimer a memory!To read more, click here:17th Annual Memory Walk
and here:
California's Southland Chapter
What is Alzheimer's Disease/Disorder?
More pics to come as our group downloads their cameras!
We met at FARM for lunch and guess who else was there? Maria Shriver! She's prettier, sweeter, and tinier in person.
This pic just in:
2009 Memory Walk Champions (from L to R)
Back Row: K-Earth's Charlie Tuna, Ken Howard, Cristina Ferrare, Steve Edwards, Ron Rifkin, Bryan Cranston, First Lady of California Maria Shriver, and Rafer Johnson
Front Row: Bob Goen, Tracie Thoms, Leeza Gibbons, and Lea Thompson
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