Getting mentally prepared.....

There really hasn't been a lot to report as far as my health is concerned. I've been using this time to get myself mentally and emotionally prepared for next week. I am scheduled for surgery on Wednesday to get the port inserted. I met with my doctor the other day who explained the procedure and assured me that I wouldn't feel a thing or remember a thing. Sounds good to me. To be honest, I am not that nervous about that anymore. I am more afraid of the chemo on Thursday as I am not 100% sure what to expect. I'm quite sure that these are all normal feelings.

Basically the port itself is just about the size of a quarter and attached to it is the catheter that will be inserted and attached to my vein. It'll sit just under my collarbone and will be a god send in the long run. There is no way that I could go through 16 weeks of grueling intravenous poking and hours of treatments like that. I was so afraid of it at first, but after reading and hearing real people's stories, it is so the way to go!

As an update to my initial surgery, it's been 6 weeks (yesterday). I feel so much better and can do a lot more now with my arms. Of course, I am pretty sure that I shouldn't have mopped the entire kitchen and bathroom floors this morning. I am sure paying for that now! Please be assured that I didn't do it because Jeff wouldn't - he has been incredible! I was simply looking for something a little physical to do as I have been going out of my mind. Even though I was so proud of myself that I was able to get it done, it probably wasn't the best choice!! Live and learn I suppose.

I don't want to bore everyone with the details of my recovery but I did want to give an update as to where I go from here. I am at a pretty good place mentally right now, but like I said, it's the unknown that makes me crazy. A week from today I'll have one treatment under my belt and I'll just take it one day at a time from there.

Christmas Day


From our home to yours, we'd like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!!!!

Jeff, Tracy, Alyssa, Frankie, Jake the dog and all the cats; Messy, Keno & Fishstick

It's been very busy around here since I last posted. A couple of years ago, we all decided that Christmas Day would be a day where we would spend the entire day at home, just Jeff and I and the kids. What that means of course, is that we have to plan out numerous holiday parties with my side of the family and both of Jeff's sides, and then of course the kids and their Dad's family. So, needless to say, December weekends have been filled with lots of holiday gatherings up here in Pelham, NH. This year, more than ever, we have really enjoyed our time with all of our families. I am absolutely exhausted and I just really sat back and watched everybody scurry around me to make it all happen! Thank you to all of our family members for working so hard to make the holidays so special!!!

In addition to all of the holiday parties, Frankie turned 13 on December 11th. Poor kid, had to sit through a chemo teaching for an hour and a half on his birthday. I can assure you, it was made up for, 1o fold!

Yesterday, our house was full from a visit from our Bermuda family!
The day went by too fast of course, and although their visit was short this time, it was so good to have them here with us. Jeff vowed that when my treatments are all over and I am feeling up to it, we'll all go down and just veg in Bermuda for a while. Now there's something positive to look forward to - my home away from home!

Hi this is Alyssa. Today we had a holiday party with my mom's side of the family. I thought I would put up some pictures from the party. Mom felt pretty good today. Thanks to everyone who sent flowers, cards & gifts of support. It's nice to know that my mom has so many people that care about her =].

This is My Mom & I.

Jeff and my Mom
Frankie w/his new Red Sox shirt

Update

There isn't really alot to update except for the fact that I saw my plastic surgeon yesterday and he said that I am healing really well. Everything looks good and I am well on my way to recovery as far as the surgery is concerned. I still can't drive, which is a total bummer. But as soon as I can lift my arms up without any pain, I'll be back in businesss!

I'll be back with more later......