Thank you for patience..

Thank you for you patience...

I just completed last night my chemo cycle. I ended up skipping the Saturday evening pills minus the Zofran due to the headache induced naseau. I have just been tired today. Not sure if you will be reading a school update from me. The more I try to compile the story the more it doesn't make sense or flow well for the blog. I also type slow still . Sorry for those of you who want to know...

I really appreciated the comment someone wrote the other day.

"Praying for a day of peace and contentment in God's faithfulness in your lives as you and all your family deal with struggles most of us can't really know. Wishing your boys great school days and love and patience on the homefront for all of you."

I am thankful for all of you who have prayed for me and the family in the past. I am continually being reminded that this world is full of brokeness/sin. People are hurting and need Jesus. I don't know how people can go through trials without HIM.

It has been an adjustment for me to have the boys back in school. Lots of things to complete on the homefront. It seems like little time. Chemo brain/body may have something to do with it.

k-

School Days

Yesterday the first day of school went well. Also lunch with Joe was good. I'm not 100% today. As time allows I will post more. For now, enjoy the picture.

k-

Doctor, Marriage & Joe

The doctors appointment went well today. My labs look good so does my blood pressure. Dr. Needles thought the headache was at first from the Zofran(can be side effect - ok what isn't?). Then later changed his mind. He and I agreed that it was most likely a chemo induced headache turned migraine. I thought later that it could have been a migraine. I was seeing stars prior to bed. Ughhh! We are going to monitor this effect from the chemo later down the road.

Dave was able to take the day off today. We enjoyed a lunch date at a local Thai restaurant. I devoured my lunch. It was good to be together as we have been under a lot of stress. We are feeling it at home. Please pray for our marriage.

I have been delinquent in informing you about my friend Joe from southern Missouri. If you have not been keeping up. He is a now 82 year old man as his birthday was on August 14. Long story short he was had radiation at Siteman on his left ear while I was having brain radiation in December of 2006. We were able to get to know each other while waiting around. Since our discharge from radiation in February of '07, we have kept in contact. Once by eating lunch together in downtown St. Louis. Other times we have phoned each other. (ok not sure if those were complete sentences.- sorry) It is good to have him as a friend. He has been through a lot since February. Another form of cancer was found in the other ear. He had surgery. Just recently he had a non cancerous growth removed from his back. He is having his stitches removed tomorrow. After his doctors appointment he is coming over for lunch. I am thrilled to have him over for chicken salad sandwiches. He said he loves chicken salad. That's easy for me for Dierbergs has the best around. Salad on dollar rolls...you can't go wrong. The plan is for me to phone him once home from picking up Stuart at school. I am having my mom here to take care of Stu while Joe and I converse.

A fun quote from Joe as he called the day of my ear test a few weeks back. "I'm gonna stir the gravel as long as my feet will let me." Huh? He meant he plans on being around as long as he possibly can. He is an encourgement to me. I am glad I have him as a friend.

Looking forward to tomorrow...
First day of school...Joe here for lunch
k-

Saturdays ache

Oh, where to start? Yesterday proved to be one hard day. I had a mild headache throughout the day then it worsened in the evening. Enough to call the doctors exchange. I was wondering the maximum amount of tylenol a patient could take that would be safe. During the day 500 mg. of tylenol would hardly cut the pain. I knew liver damage could happen if a person took too much tylenol. The on call doctor said up to four grams of tylenol is okay, but we need to monitor this side effect. Tell me about it! The doctor also mentioned some other potent pain med (can't seem to remember at this time) I said no due to the naseau. If the pain didn't subside the hospital would have been a good choice. I went to bed at 8:30 pm with two tylenol and one Zofran for the (most likely) headache induced naseau. I awoke at midnight with no pain. Happiness exuded in the bedroom. I thanked God for the absense of the pain. Friday nights chemo really did a doozie on my body last night. Not something I want to repeat anytime soon.

Tomorrow is my doctors appointment at 11:30. We will find out the lab results from Thursday. You can be sure I will tell him about Saturdays episode. Tomorrow Stuart is also going to meet his teacher and drop off the school supplies in the morning. Tuesday is coming all too soon.

Today was a good day. k-

A Mississippi Visit

Last night the boys and I just returned from visiting my brother, Calvin in Mississippi. My mom went along. It was a short but much needed visit. Dave was unable to go due to him being in San Francisco on business till this morning. We all had a great time in the south. I love the southern "talk".

It has been a low key day. Great to be together as a family for dinner.

Life is not complete till you've been to Piggly Wiggly.

Cousin fun in Mississippi

Today I had my blood drawn for my doctors visit on Monday. I start chemo Friday night through Tuesday. The boys start school on Tuesday even little Stu. His mommy will miss him.

added on 8/22 ** Stuart is going T / Th - half days

Fitting things in ...

This week has been one of trying to fit things in prior to school starting on Tuesday, August 26. Yes it is one and a half weeks away. But gotta get the last minute fun in while we can.

On Thursday we enjoyed the final Family Summer Series Program for 2008. It was a free movie event held most Wednesday and Thursdays during the summer at participating Wehrenberg theatres. The popcorn and drinks were even discounted for the kids. We went to see Horton Hears a Who yesterday. Charlottes Web was another movie we attended that was less than a month ago. Gotta love free! Afterwards great conversation was had at Chick Fil A with friends. Lots of laughter.

We also are trying to swim at the pool after the four o'clock hour. When it is warm enough. I say the weather patterns have been odd this year. Rain galore then a cool August.

Haircuts.

A trip to visit an uncle.

It has been a good summer.

k-

Can you hear me now?

That's right I had my audiology testing performed this afternoon at the hospital. The gal giving the test said in conclusion "Your hearing is what we consider well within normal range." Great! Now it must be my slow processing that is causing my delays. Let's pray that in time it will correct itself. The funny part of it all it that my appointment was really scheduled for Wednesday the 13th. When signing up at the reception desk. I joked with the gal saying "I guess I didn't hear her correctly with scheduling on the phone.

This past weekend was alot of fun for Dave and I. We enjoyed a beautiful wedding on Saturday with a delightful reception. The bride was Lindsay, my previous OT from the rehab hospital. At the reception the tables were assigned seating. We sat with Kate, another patient of Lindsays whom was confined to a wheelchair. Great conversation was had. A coworker of Lindsay was also in attendance. She said she remembered me and how I was not able to use my left side hands, arm legs, etc. She mentioned that I have come a long way. I told her thank you. It was humbling to be in their presence. Memories of December came about.

All in all it has been a good few days at the Snodgrass home.

I also want to add a link that Dave's uncle sent to me today. I thought the scenery and music was good. God has been my friend through all of this. Once seeing it you will understand that sentence. I think the title was Irish blessing.
http://www.e-water.net/viewflash.php?flash=irishblessing_en
k-

Audiology Test

On Monday, August 11 I will have my audiology test performed at St. John's Hospital in the afternoon. It seems that my hearing is not good since my second surgery (December 12, 2007). Not sure what is going on. Most likely it is my inability to comprehend or slow processing/thinking skills could also be the culprit. Whatever the case I asked my oncologist, Dr. Needles if I could have a test performed. He obliged with a written order. He did mention that most people who have had radiation usually have problems with an overload of ear wax. He checked mine at my last visit and said it looked good. "Don't want to be embarassed over ear wax issues." I agreed. Also he mentioned a brain test (can't remember his terminology). I immediately said no for I had a prelimenary one performed prior to surgery. No way am I going to repeat that test! Way too taxing on me. A full three hours of "showing me how dumb I am." I also had a shorter version (one hour) given post surgery in the rehabilitation hospital. No thank you. All I have to say is I have never been good in math. Ask Dave he will concur.

Truth

I am the way and the

truth and the life.

No one comes to

the Father except

through me.

John 14:6

Yes, the blog colors have changed. I like to have some variety in the blog world. It reminds me of my childhood where I changed my room around on a daily basis. Not joking.

k-

The Camper

An energized Carter, Logan & Jimmy

Carter had a good camp experience. A little tired yesterday(as expected). I took him and his brothers out to lunch at McAlisters Deli he had his head down on the table prior to eating. When Dave was home for dinner lots of good conversation was had. The stories were great. His cabin had guys in there from school. Lots of laughs. Something about Wesley being a green machine and needing a quarter. Guy talk- that is for sure! Just keep in mind boy cabins smell. Ok for those of you who have boys know their rooms just have a smell to them. I don't even have a teenager yet so that will be delightful having three boys who just came home from a sporting event. Room Freshener anyone? Not including their friends. OoooEeeeee

A tired Ian, Logan & Carter after camp

It is a Salt & Light camp tradition that they tie dye shirts. Carter wanted to wear his slung over his shoulder. He was tired.

He did have to sing for his care package that was sent to him. He chose "ABC" song and sang it faster than I have ever heard it sung before. Quite HI larious.

We all went to bed early last night. Friday is eventful.