Homeward Bound!

SO excited to report that I have finally cleared the Methotrexate from my body enough to be discharged! I finished my last Chemo treatment pre-surgery on Wednesday and have just been hooked up to fluids here on M50 for the last few days. I've gotten to be somewhat of a "pro" at the game "Guess Emily's Methotrexate levels" and "Guess Emily's weight in kilograms." Just silly little things to keep me busy...


I am waiting to be disconnected from my needle and fluids and then Mom and I will hit the road, NOT TO CHECK IN FOR ADMISSION FOR ABOUT 2+ WEEKS! SO excited! I have a mini break looking ahead to surgery either May 11th, 14th, or 16th. Phew! I will be treatment free for a little while and I couldn't be happier at the thought of this! We are starting to collect more information on the surgery from my surgeon and we've begun to discuss 3 possible options for limb salvation. We were informed that I will be having the entire distal 3rd of my femur replaced (about 1/2 of the bone) which means that my knee has to go too! This I was expecting, so it's no shocker to me. The knee joint will connect to my tibia with bone cement and then how it connects up to my femur are the choices my parents, my surgeon, and I will have to make. Is it weird I am getting excited for surgery? GOODBYE TUMOR! Recovery won't be fun, but when I am pronounced cancer free, it will all be worth it :)


In order for me to begin chemo post-surgery, My leg has to be somewhat healed because it will be unable to fully heal until chemo ends. This will cause some delays in the healing process of my leg, but I feel like I'm starting to get a good grasp on this whole "patience" virtue people talk about... ;) So, post surgery, I will be out of treatment for an additional 2-3 weeks for my incisions and stitches to begin healing, meaning OVER A MONTH WITH NO CHEMO! I'm practically jumping out of my hospital bed right now just thinking about it. Also, plans are now SET for my trip to St. Louis this week!! Words cannot begin to describe how excited I am for that...seeing my friends, being on campus, cleaning out my dorm, holy cow I can hardly wait!


So much good news, I think I'm going to explode. Feeling great, eating great (minus some minor mouth sores which are uncomfortable), and I MADE IT THROUGH THIS LAST ADMISSION VOMIT FREE! Gross, I'm sorry, but this is a big accomplishment! Can't believe it's been 10 weeks already.


Hoping you all are having a wonderful Saturday and great upcoming week! HUGE shout out to Team USA Cheer competing at the Worlds cheerleading competition today! Good luck! Also, have to give a shout out to Greg and Johnny at SLU, just wanted to say hey.


Leaving you all with a quote, mom felt this quote was fitting...MUCH love and peace!


"I am an optimist. It doesn't seem too much use being anything else." -Winston Churchill

Week 10

Whew.  This has been a good week and a mile marker on the road to recovery.


This is MOMMA from the Cleveland Clinic on the night shift.  Daddy-O spent the day here and Em had a good day of rest as her system cleared the therapy drug pretty well.  She is officially done with the chemo treatment in her "map" for the pre-operation time period.  It was all smiles as that IV bag was disconnected last night.


Sorry there has been lapses in updates as those that know us well, there is not a lot of down time in our lives.  Even the litte c cannot slow us down too much.  Yesterday we celebrated sister Mackenzie's 17th birthday and the fabulous Lily and Daisy turned 3.   Mackenzie had a wonderful retreat experience and led a great team on the 1st ever Walsh Jesuit Relay for Life.  It was nice to make her feel loved.  Thanks to everyone for making all of the team feel loved.


One of the highlights to yesterday, besides starting week 10 of chemo therapy, was our birthday breakfast at our house.  Emily surprised all of us and created a 12 minute slide show set to music with graphics to feature the last year for Mackenzie.. turning 16 and the ROYAL birthday with the ROYAL wedding and on... I stood there and cried at seeing ALL we did in past 12 months.  So much crammed in, so many smiles and accomplishments as a family... graduation, cheer, baseball, football, basketball, BIG MIKES wedding, the holidays, Em to college, Em to return and her first day at the Clinic... we have all had the good fortune of having these experiences as a family, with many true friends.   Even the friends we have had for years, or the new people in our lives, that live places beyond Cleveland, were a big part of our last year.  Mackenzie has grown so much in the past year of her life too.  Thanks again to many, many people who have stepped up and helped her move forward in such a lovely way.


Yesterday as I ran errands after work and prepared to come into the Cleveland Clinic for the evening, it dawned on me how fortunate we are that Emily has handled this with as much GRACE as she has.  I am running in and out of the car, to the bank, to the store, picking up laundry in the house and all the while I am thinking, "Emily cannot do these things right now, and essentially has not been able to since the end of January.... surgery will be in May and she will be laid up even more for a short time... "  Even the recent episodes of GLEE have a character who is wheelchair bound as she is finishing up her senior year in high school and there is the realization of all she cannot do all things her classmates can. The GLEE girl does make singing and wheelchair dancing look glamorous though.  It is a great deal for Emily to process and folks say she is "amazing" and well, yes, she is.


Emily and I had the opportunity to visit with her surgeon this evening.  He stopped in and explained some general options for what will occur in her leg.  It will be up to her as to what type of "replacement" parts she will have and an MRI in the coming days will help us define that.    Em will need to spend some time researching options and he will provide more details, pictures and more information as it becomes more specific to her case.  This reconstruction date is not set yet, but now, May 14 is being mentioned.  We will keep the blog updated and call on all our friends to send good energy to her whatever day that ends up happening.


Prior to that, we are really pleased Emily will have the chance to return to SLU for a visit.  Since we don't have confirmation of surgery date yet, we are not sure of our exact plans for her, but she certainly CAN NOT WAIT to see all her friends and have some "regular" experiences and closure to this semester.  Stay tuned for more on that too.


Thanks for helping us get to Week 10.  The collective prayers, gifts, thoughts, messages, kindness has been so much greater than the challenge.  It is through your support that we will pull Emily through this.  She needs it, so does the team.

Time...

Time flies. That is what I have come to realize. The world is constantly changing and so are we. Time is just a measure and how we live our lives is a reflection of who we are. When things are hard and you aren't happy, time tends to move slower than we want. Time tends to go too quickly when we get to relax or enjoy things for a few minutes. Unfortunately, cancer sometimes puts time limits on life. It does not discriminate against age, gender, race, it affects everyone. 


This past weekend I had the opportunity and privilege of attending the first ever Relay for Life at my high school, Walsh Jesuit. I was discharged from the hospital on Saturday afternoon and then headed to Walsh to be a part of the opening ceremony. I was honored to be able to speak and share part of my story. It was kind of crazy for me because I never thought I would be giving a speech about cancer or having a team made in my name (#Teamemily, THANK YOU MACKENZIE AND FRIENDS!). The whole event was very cool and it truly set in that time does fly. I just graduated last June, and I hardly recognized some of the students that were there. Times change and it's amazing to see how much has changed in a year. The relay efforts at Walsh were incredible and I am so thankful to be a part of the community. Thank you to all that participated, to the administration, and to the American Cancer Society, it means so much to see people fighting to stop this deadly disease. 


Another Relay took place this weekend...Relay for Life at SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY! This was something I was looking forward to participating in, long before I was diagnosed. SLU holds one of the most successful college relays in the country! Again, I had the privilege of writing something to be read out loud during the Fight Back Ceremony. I tried to keep it a little surprise from my friends and asked one of the most amazing speakers I know, my friend, George, to read it on my behalf. It was really great hearing that people enjoyed my speech and my story. I also got a wonderful introduction from my my lovely best friend Alex to start it off. Thank you so much to the Relay committee (Katie) for asking me to speak and to George and Alex who spoke on my behalf. I wish I could have been there relaying with you all! But, I was there in spirit.


 Time is a fluid concept and I believe it's measured in value...how "well" you spent your time. How are you spending your time today? What are you doing with your time tomorrow? Are you making the most of it? I know I do not always use my time in the best ways and it is often "wasted." But, you can never have wasted time if you are spending it with people you love or doing something you love, anything that makes you happy. Cancer can take away time, but are you going to sit back and let it?


Well, like I said, time does fly. Whether we want it to or not. Enjoy your time wisely because every second spent unhappy, angry, or doing something you don't enjoy, is a second wasted. Cancer isn't the only ugly thing in this world that steals time, there are many things. Don't let ugly feelings steal any more of your time, it's just not worth it. Today is a new day, and I am excited to report, one day closer to surgery! Tomorrow I will be admitted for my LAST CHEMOTHERAPY before surgery! 10-11 weeks ago, I never thought I would make it to week 10, and it's here, and I'm getting through it! I am so excited to report that tomorrow is Mackenzie's 17th birthday, and Daisy and Lily (my pups) 3rd birthdays! Lots going on tomorrow and through the week. Well, I hope you all have a fantastic day and enjoy all the time that was given to you! Make the most of it, love and peace coming your way! 

Trudging away...

Not feeling super great right now and started off a rough morning, but it's all part of the process. Still have a day or two more of fluids to clear the chemotherapy from my system. It just makes me so tired.


Well, I am about to fall asleep already but I just wanted to post this tonight. The Saint Louis University Community never ceases to amaze me. Once again, I am honored and touched to be thought of, and now to be written about in the University News. Many thanks goes to Charles Bowels and the whole team at the University news for offering me a chance to share my story. 


Thank you all so much for the love and support. Everyday is a new battle and offers you a new way to react. I choose to be positive. Much love to all, Keep your Heads UP!


PS here is the link to the article in the SLU newspaper, The University News!
http://unewsonline.com/2012/04/19/saintsational-angel-battles-cancer-with-optimism/

Back to the Grind!

After 3 weeks of being away from M50, I guess it's about time to get back for more chemo! I checked in at about 2pm today, got great results on my blood counts, and was given the OKAY to head on up for admission. I am back in the hospital to receive Methotrexate later tonight, which was the one that I had the rare reaction to. Some preventative steroids have been added to my medication list for the next two days to make sure that I don't have a reaction to this drug again (and its a great anti-medic to relieve nausea! DOUBLE WIN!). I was nervous this morning, and although we don't know what is going to happen or how I'll react, I am confident that it will be just fine.


I am back to the grind for the next few days...lots of fluids, lots of laying low, and lots of painting (my favorite hospital activity thanks to my friends at child life here on the floor!). I had a great last weeks or so, hanging out at home visiting with some friends, and visiting my high school, Walsh Jesuit! It is an exciting few days for Mackenzie who is making her Kairos retreat! It's a great retreat that I had the privilege going on and leading when I was at Walsh. Many prayers go out to her and all the students on the retreat. Thinking about you always, Kenz! Visiting Walsh was a really great experience. Because Mackenzie was going on Kairos, my mom drove her to school on Tuesday to say good bye and good luck and I decided to tag along. I got to see many of the amazing teachers that shaped my high school experience and inspired me and my college decision. A big shout out goes to my girls, Tori and Morgan, who helped show me around and of course, always make me smile! So exciting watching all the seniors finish up their last few days at school, prepare for prom, senior experience, and then graduation! Thinking about where I was last year at this time...hmmm...sending deposits for SLU, trying out for Saintsations, enjoying the last few weeks at the WJ!


Visting Walsh was great and many thanks goes out to the whole WJ community for their support, love, and prayers. Faculty, staff, students, everyone at Walsh, thank you so much. I am proud to be a warrior!


Won't be resting too much for the next few days as I will be woken up every hour to use the bathroom to make sure I will be clearing my system of the drug. I hope that you all rest easy and enjoy your evenings. Tonight is a great TV night...right Tori? Modern Family followed by the much anticipated season finale of Revenge. Can. Not. Wait. Adios, for the day, much love and peace to all!

You're NEVER Alone

Today's post is simply to thank everyone for all the support. I don't have much to report other than I am feeling great. I have, knock on wood, successfully made it through my "susceptible" time of low blood counts, fever free! My bone marrow should be regenerating itself now and my blood counts should be headed back to normal! Just in time for me to be admitted on Wednesday for Methotrexate. Oh the ups and down of chemotherapy...everyday is a different day! 


Listened to this song again recently and I just have to say thank you.


"May the angels protect you, trouble neglect you, And heaven accept you when it's time to go home. May you always have plenty, the glass never empty, And know in your belly, you're never alone.
May your tears come from laughing, you find friends worth having, As every year passes, they mean more than gold. May you win and stay humble, smile more than grumble, And know when you stumble, you're never alone."


I had the privilege of visiting with my cousin and her husband in from out of town which was really great. Congrats to Jenny and Eddie as they are expecting a baby in August! One of my best friends Brennan stopped by last night too and it was great seeing him. My neighbor Sam came over too along with Mackenzie's boyfriend Mark, love you guys. We went up to John Carroll University to see the Luminaria Ceremony at their Relay For Life. 


When my mom told me we were going to go up there, I (selfishly) didn't want to go. Dealing with my cancer is something I still struggle with and being at an event focused on cancer made me nervous. I love and completely support Relay for Life and I am so glad I went because it was somewhat of a mental battle "won" for me. I feel like I kind of came to terms with a lot of things last night and I was so lucky to be surrounded by my family, the John Carroll community, and all of the people who work so hard to raise money for cancer research to find the cure, to help people like me. 


When we got there, bald and thin, I crutched into the crowded gymnasium surrounded by happy upbeat college students and faculty. I was immediately overwhelmed and upset because it was just last year, and previous years, that "healthy" Emily was attending the same ceremony with my mom, and now I barely recognize myself. Its unreal how things change sometimes. The lights went out in the gym and I sat in the dark of my moms office at JCU for a few minutes with my Dad to compose myself. As the ceremony began, there were three testimonials of students who's lives were affected by cancer. I was struggling to keep it together and then the first boy began to speak. His story began all too familiarly. "I was playing basketball when I began to notice knee pain. I needed to get it checked out." A pit developed in my stomach and it felt like the air was being sucked out of me. I was practically listening to my own story. After 2 MRI's and an x-ray, the doctor sat him down and said, "You have cancer. It's called Osteosarcoma." At that point I lost it. He described not being able to walk for 9 months, losing his hair, and the 30 week treatment plan and surgery that he endured, the exact same treatment plan that I am on. He closed his speech with "I will never be able to run or play basketball again, but it's a small price to pay for my life." 


Listening to his specific testimonial and knowing that he made it through, gave me hope. As a slideshow flashed through the dark gymnasium filled with lit candles in little bags, I cried to myself. Watching the names of people who's lives were affected by cancer was devastating and hopeful at the same time. Cancer affects many people, not just the ones diagnosed with the disease. Families, friends, all different circles of life. Then, my name flashed across the screen. "In Honor Of...Emily Elizabeth Evans" I can't really explain the feeling you get when the you see your name on a Relay for Life slideshow. I was deeply touched.


Well, the whole point of this post is to just say "You are never alone." In this fight against cancer, to see so many people come together, it helped me realize I am never alone. The amazing support system that I have and that all of you have, I am confident you can make it through any difficulties in life through prayers, friends, and positivity. I am so blessed to have the outpouring of love and support from so many circles of life. It helps me so much and I just want to say thank you. And, a special thanks goes to all the amazing people at JCU that included my name in the ceremony and for all those that lit luminaries for me. My friends at JCU, Cara down in Charleston, Cheryl at Miami U, Allie at Dennison, all those who have thought of me in your Relay's, thank you. I am so humbled by your support and love.

So whatever your battle, whatever your challenge, please know, you are never alone. Personally, I have to say, whenever you think that no one is thinking about you, please please please know, I am. You are never alone.

Shake it out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbN0nX61rIs


Listening to some music today, I came across the song "Shake it out" by Florence + The Machine. I would highly recommend it, and it inspired me for this post. Above is the link to the song, hope you like it!


Today was my weekly trip to S20 for a check up on my blood counts. It was a treat to have my little bro with me, Joe hasn't been able to come to one of my check ups because he's usually at school. But, he is on spring break now so it's fun hanging with him during the day. Just as expected, my blood counts are extremely low, as this marks "day 14" after my last treatment, when my counts are expected to be at their lowest. I am at 0.10 neutrophils, and anything below 0.5 is considered "neutropenic" or extremely susceptible for infection. I have virtually no immune system right now, so I will be laying low for the next few days or so! Hand sanitizer, masks, and lots of hand washing have taken over the house once again but I understand because it's necessary. I don't want to end up in the hospital with a fever like last time! Overall though, I am extremely happy to report, I AM FEELING GREAT! I don't want to jinx myself, but I feel completely "normal" again and am eating well! I feel like I can do anything right now, like I am healthy again. Soon enough, that will be me again, no doubt.


In the song "Shake it Out," some lines of lyrics stuck out to me...
"It's always darkest before the dawn." Today I also found out some news I wasn't expecting. It's my own fault, but in my mind, I painted a picture of my recovery from surgery that was completely different than the reality I am facing. I am one month away from surgery to remove the tumor (details of surgery to follow soon!). In my mind, I thought that if I am getting a knee replacement (most likely) that I would be walking shortly after to make sure nothing gets too stiff in healing. I was faced with the reality that this is not true whatsoever. I will be in a long brace to keep my leg completely still for a few weeks. I was painted the picture that I will be in a wheel chair for most of the summer, which I wasn't expecting. I will likely be able to begin to learn to walk again around the time that my treatment is all over in the middle of September, but nothing is for certain. I know it's my own fault, but I guess I just wasn't prepared to hear that my recovery will take a lot longer than I expected. "It's always darkest before the dawn." Lots of hard times to come, pain, frustration, disappointment, the darkest is yet to come. But, the dawn comes after. The sun will come out again, it always does. The dawn WILL come. Gosh, being on crutches and pretty immobile since January, I am so looking forward to taking my first baby steps walking again when I am cancer free. It seems like so far away but I'm always going one step at a time. The hardest times are coming but right after them, the dawn will rise. I will recover, even if it is longer than I expected.


"It's hard to dance with the devil on your back, so shake him off, shake it out." 
Worn down, and tired of this, I often find myself facing the demons I'm battling with a heavy heart. Literally, I love to dance and it's a great release for any stress or frustration, but sometimes I am not able to dance. I get worn down with my battles, the devil I am facing, and give up. The reason I love this song so much is because it reminds me to shake him off. To stop worrying about my problems and to dance again. It's hard to live a life of sadness and troubles that constantly worry and frustrate us. It's hard to be so down, so shake it off! Think about all the good things going for you and learn to dance again. Learn to have happy days and please live each moment to the fullest, nothing good comes from your "devils" wearing on your back. 
Tonight I am a little disappointed because I am not at my end of the year team banquet for Saintsations. I miss my team very much, but I am there in spirit! I dance for you. 


Tonight, for me, shake the devils off your back, even just for a moment, please learn to dance again. Love the life you live and try to appreciate all the small things. It's always darkest before the dawn. Sending you all the love in my heart and wishing much peace to you all.

Hope

Good morning and Hoppy Easter to everyone! Somebunny loves you! ;) I hope that this Sunday finds you well and relaxing, enjoying some time with family maybe, or wherever life is taking you right now! It has been a nice morning already here with teamevans. We started off early at 7:30 morning mass because momma was a Eucharistic Minister. I had a moment of revelation in Church today...


The whole message of the homily today was hope. Easter is a time that brings hope to all. Hope that (in my faith) all souls will make it to heaven to have eternal life even after death. All pain, suffering, and death are temporary. Everything is temporary. Obstacles in your life are temporary all because we have hope. Hope gets us through the hard times that there will be better days...and please trust me, there ARE better days. As I continue on my journey, I look forward to these better days. Some happen now just being with friends or hanging out with my family, but even better days are to come. Hope gets me through, keeps me holding on. Never give up.


And now its's family blog day...teamevans, take it away!


Momma says:  Thank you Emmy (and Shaggy).  Hope is a great title for the day and outlook on life, not only for you and what you face, but for all of us.  Note to self - don't get caught up in the "stuff" and things left undone which is much easier said than done.  We have learned so much and as we closed the Lenten season, we closed the onset to Emily's challenge - the shock and feeling unprepared has subsided.   We have opened our hearts, minds and arms to the little "c" and that is so much smaller than Emily, and all of us - Thanks Kathleen.  It is so true and it was such a blessing for us to see you on Good Friday.  Your light shines and I could see it radiate right through Emily.


Joe says:  Hoppy Easter Everybunny! Finally writing on the blog fot the first time. I hope everyone has a wonderful day.


Mackenzie says:  We celebrate holidays so strange around here... thanks to anyone who is actually checking this blog on Easter Sunday!


Daddy-O says: We continue to be thankful for so many special people in our lives.  The little c is a game changer, but we marvel at the kindness of people.  We have been the recipients of so many kind and thoughtful acts from family, friends, acquaintances, and many people we haven't met but have have been moved by Emily's story.  For doubters, please believe us that there are many, many wonderful people who are anxious to help remove the obstacles in your life. There is so much for which to be hopeful.  My closing comment will give you a hint as to what the rest of the day holds for me.  I wish you all have a day that will not be too "taxing" and that you get to be the "Masters" of your domain.  Happy Easter everyone.

I Believe In The Underdog

HELLO! We have a guest blogger here today! It's Amanda! I am a cheerleader on the Saintsations with Miss Emily. I had the opportunity to visit Em this week during Easter break and I gladly took the chance. After a 12 hour bus ride I finally arrived in the wonderful University Heights, Ohio. We spent  yesterday with some friends and family and had a blast. Now I'm about to head back home for the rest of my break!


I arrived at the Grey Hound station late Wednesday night/Thursday morning at about 3 am where Mr. Todd graciously picked me up to come home. The morning started out very early. Em, Mackenzie and I had a huge breakfast. She said that yesterday morning was great for her because she finally had a full meal. Emmy ate a bagel and a half, tons of fruit and nutella. During breakfast one of her friends from home came to visit, Mike. We hung out at the kitchen table and Emily got to visit and catch up with an old friend. 


After breakfast we hung out at the house for most of the day and had the chance to catch up on SLU life. We watched our teams favorite movie.... BRIDESMAIDS, and of course quoted almost the whole movie. Throughout the day we had a ton of visitors. Ali, her mother, Greg, Johnny, and Lindasy just to name a few. 


For dinner we decided to go to this nice little burger restaurant called the B Spot. It was great to have everyone there and hang out just like old times. After a long day we headed back to the TeamEvans household for some popcorn and a movie night. After a huge debate on what movie we should watch, we decided on The Sitter. SOOOOO FUNNNY!! 


So time to talk about how Emmy is actually doing! Back at school I remember Emily being this wonderful, free spirited, bubbly girl, and that's exactly the girl that I've seen. After the rough past couple of days she's feeling a lot better. Slowly but surely she is getting her appetite back which is good to see. Sometimes she does get frustrated from the little things. Last night during our movie she did have to be hooked up to the fluids because she wasn't drinking enough water throughout the day. Today she is headed back to the clinic to hopefully remove the needle that hooks up to fluids each night. It has been irritating her, so getting that removed is huge progress. Next week her blood counts will be dropping which means that she will be susceptible to any kind of illness and they have been preparing very well for that. There are hand sanitizer bottles everywhere! 


Overall Emmy just wants everyone to know how much she appreciates all the love and support, it means the world to her family. It was absolutely breathtaking to be able to see her like this. One of my biggest fears this week was to see Emily in pain and that was the complete opposite of the girl I visited the past day and a half. Just remember that when you are at your lowest of lows, there's always a positive point in everything.

SURPRISE FROM SPAIN

Hola! It's Emily again! So much to report. I am so sorry I've been so slacking on the updates...The beginning of the week was rough just as my mom stated in the previous blog. Actually right after she posted, I proceeded to get cir and fall into some dehydration issues from lack of drinking enough fluids for the next few days. Today is a new day though! I was able to eat my first "full" meal this morning for breakfast in about a week...it's progress! Slow and steady wins the race...more like a marathon for me...


BUT...


Before I can even begin updates on today which will follow in a new blog later tonight (yes 2 in one day!) I MUST talk about yesterday.


To preface the day, my senior year of high school, I participated in the foreign exchange program and hosted the most wonderful girl from Barcelona, Spain, my great friend, Judit. I was also fortunate enough to be able to make the trip back to Spain and stay with Judit and her amazing family! I had the time of my life, great food, great friends, great family. Barcelona truly is a special place if you ever get the chance to visit. It's awesome and I loved every second, especially having the opportunity to meet amazing people like my friend Judit. 


Yesterday morning, my dad and I headed back to the Clinic to have my weekly check up down at S20. The doctors believe I was finally on the mend from my week of nausea. Because I was still feeling some discomfort in taking deep breaths, (residual effects of my reaction to methotrexate) my dad and I wheeled down for a chest X-ray. On the way down, out of the blue, I said to my dad "Dad this is going to sound so weird but I feel like I am going to see Alfredo, Judit's dad walking around because he is a doctor." My dad kind of paused for a minute and said "Wow, that's bizarre." The x-ray was great, all is good in my lungs, so we headed back up to S20. Looking down at my phone while wheeling back up, my dad says "well I guess we could have gone another way" and I looked up. Judit was standing right in front of me at the Cleveland Clinic. My mom sitting right by was crying taking pictures of my state of confusion, disbelief, and shock. Also next to my mom was sitting Judit's friend from Spain Xisco. Their families were in NYC for spring break and Judit secretly planned with my family to surprise me for a day visit. They flew in from NYC yesterday morning, my mom picked them up, and they came to the clinic. Unfortunately, they could only stay for the day and flew back last night. but WOW. Talk about an AMAING surprise. Absolutely mind blown. Many, many, many thanks go to Judit and Xisco's families for this wonderful surprise, kisses to my family in Spain!! 


We spent the day driving around downtown and hanging at the house, it was just wonderful being with them and I could not get over the fact that they were in Cleveland. Also, a big birthday shoutout to Alfredo! I hope you have a great birthday! T'estimo to you and tu familia! I still can't believe that weird premonition I felt yesterday morning...some sense I just felt. My dad is right..."bizarre."


Well, JUDIT you got me, what and amazing surprise. I can't wait until I am better and we can be reunited in Spain! I miss you tons already and I love you very much! Thank you for everything, I cannot believe how blessed I am to have a friend like you. 


I hope you all appreciate the amazing people in your life. We all are truly blessed, and it is important to remind people how much they mean to you. Please call or text or email an old friend in your life today, you never know how you can make someone's day :) Have a wonderful day everyone, much, much love to you all! 

It is April

It is MOMMA, on behalf of brother Joe, whose job it was to be the BLOG buddy tonight.  Joe has been busy with his CYO life... winning the City Championship in Basketball and starting the Baseball season in good form.  So far, the Bulldogs are 2-0 and off to a good start, even though Em has not seen him play yet.


To be brief, after coming home from the hospital on Friday afternoon, Em laid low, felt low all weekend.  Spent a fair amount of time with "her head up" and in a bucket.  Just felt sick and our new term "crummy".  Late Sunday, she perked up and has benefited by IV fluids at home via home health care.


Tonight we have some minor technical difficulties with that, so Em will simply have to keep drinking, eating her popsicles and drinking juice with vigor.  She has great color in her cheeks, a beautiful smile and laughed at me all evening.... so it is good to see the real Emmy again.


We will rest up, may pay a visit to our friends at S20 tomorrow to check in and have an update.  Home health care has been wonderful, as it has provided Em the chance to "chill" at home.  Her vitals and all other indicators are good... she just has to force the consumption to keep feeling good... the less she does, the worse she feels.  I told her if it were easy, she would have this down, no problem.  It is NOT easy.


Nurses Daisy and Lily are her best caregivers, right behind Mackenzie and Joe, who are able to help when they are home and do a fine job. Daisy slept with Em last night with one paw on her arm the whole night.  When the "real" nurses stop in, she never takes her eye off them.  Lily is right their too, laying across her good leg and watching the bedroom door.  No worries here when they are on shift.


Em is getting her workouts... laps around the first floor, Joe holding the IV pole, some balance training on the ball with light weights and stretch bands.... lots of good, deep breaths.  Still some residual fluid under lungs, but NOTHING like she had just a few short weeks ago.  Sunny days and crutching a bit outside will be a part of her routine.  Em will benefit from Kenz who is full throttle into some really great workouts... can hardly wait to get her sister going....


More will follow... just wanted to do Joe's job tonight... he will have to BLOG another time and he has given up on the NCAA final game and gone to bed.  Funny how MARCH MADNESS ends in April.... just about as good as BCS games to mid January and the Superbowl in February... oh well, we enjoy it all and send our shout out Jenn and family in Kansas... feeling the Jayhawk love with 3 minutes to go.


Thanks for all the support, thanks to Lyn and Ashley for running in Chicago for Em yesterday...  the Warblers from Glee sending a shout out to Em as well.... lots of love coming Emmy's way.  Please know that she accepts it, breathes it in and sends it back to all.