Bags packed

If any of you are in Chicago I highly recommend a dinner with "Da Coach".  Last night's dinner at Ditka's was the best meal I've had so far in Chicago.  Thank you Tom and Carrie.  I'm constantly reminded of the amazing kindness of friends to offer hope, healing, and show me that love is all around.  And tonight Carrie is cooking dinner -  I'll be there at 5:30.

I also received my certificate of completion at my "graduation ceremony" today along with a personalized CDH official challenge coin.  It commemorates the dedication, mission, passion, and spirit of the staff at the CDH Proton Center.  It was a nice lunch and a chance to say goodbye to all the wonderful staff members that I've meet over the last few weeks.

But I'm so psyched to be going home in the morning.  My stuff is packed and as soon as this final treatment is over I hope to be on my way home.  Due to weather difficulties I'm not exactly sure how I'm getting home, but the Former Boyfriend is working hard to make sure I'm home as soon as possible.

It's time to get settled and be vigilant about my self-care.  De-stress, walk the dogs, spend some time with my hubby, eat right, and get back to work.  I'll see you all soon.

Visiting "Da Coach" with Tom & Carrie

Just two treatments to go

My last week in Chicago is turning into a whirlwind week.  Tonight friends Tom and Carrie are taking me to Mike Ditka's restaurant for dinner - it was one of my bucket list things to do while here in Chicago.  And if luck holds out we'll go to Cooper's Hawk Restaurant tomorrow night.  It's a local favorite that everyone at the Proton Center raves about.

I finish proton therapy on Thursday, May 1st.  After 33 sessions of nuclear warfare I get a graduation party complete with a certificate of completion.  I'm so happy this part is over but I will really miss the wonderful caring staff at the CDH Proton Center.  It's the only doctor's office I've ever been in with a beverage bar, fireplace, and live music in the lobby.

Here's a picture of my scorched skin.  It's very sore and starting to itch quite a bit - think of it as the worst sunburn ever on steroids. I'm stretching 4 - 10 times per day to keep scar tissue from forming.  It hurts/burns, but if I don't stretch and keep it moving my skin and underlying muscles will get adhesions and I'll have less range of motion in my arm.

But we're so excited to see this phase come to an end.  The entire focus of our lives this past year has been staying strong and surviving cancer.  It's been a lot to endure for me and even harder on the Former Boyfriend.  Being apart has taken a toll on both of us.

That being said, it's time for blood work and scans. My first week back in Columbus I have five doctor appointments.  Even though at this stage I'm considered NED ( no evidence of disease ) cancer will always be lurking in the background waiting for an opportunity.  Luckily, I have a good team of doctors to help me figure this out and keep it from happening again.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone back in Columbus.

Can you say well done?

In the lobby

Weekend!

An uneventful drive home Friday, which is always a good thing. Was expecting a quiet night at home with the former boyfriend but my cousin Gina was in town picking up her daughter Rachel and Rachel's boyfriend Rick. Well that just screamed for a little get together for dinner. No cooking for us though. We hit Oties in old Hilliard and left the cooking to them. Celebration was definitely in order since Rachel and Rick each have just one more semester before they graduate from OSU. And when I go back on Monday it'll be just four treatments left. Yea!

Another farm visit

The past couple of days I've really been in my element.  Today I toured Kline Creek Farm, a living history farm depicting life as it was on this site in the 1890's.  Everyone working on the farm wears period clothing, and several tools are original to the property.  They do not use electricity anywhere on the farm.

The beautiful 1890's farm house and summer kitchen are open to tour and feature original artifacts and photos.  The barns are original to the property and the farm is actively raising livestock including chickens, Southdown sheep, and shorthorn cattle.

Kline Creek uses Percheron horses to work the fields. They produce oats, corn, soybeans and hay to feed the livestock.

And for a silly fact I learned this week:  The Menominee Indians called their prized wild garlic and ramp field located on the southern tip of Lake Michigan Shikako, or " Skunkplace".  Because the area was so rife with ramps and their odor the name lives on in its anglicized form, Chicago.

Tomorrow it's home to Columbus, yea!!!

The farmhouse

Original equipment

A recent arrival

Hanging with the flock

A day at the local horse farm

I spent today at the Danada Equestrian Center about five minutes from my hotel.  It is the former home of commodity trader Daniel Rice and his wife Ada.

The Rices made their mark in the 1965 Kentucky Derby with a bay colt named Lucky Debonair which finished first and won $112,000.  The following year, Advocator, another bay colt and Rice thoroughbred, placed second in the Derby.

Currently the property, somewhere around 700 acres, is owned by the DuPage County Area Forest Preserve District.  Danada has a Kentucky-style barn, with center stalls and an indoor track so the horses can be worked during the inclemet Chicago weather.  Usually there are approximately 30 horses on the preserve.  And you know the horses are well cared for when anyone can go through the stables anytime the Center is open.

Most of the current equine residents are draft horses used for horse-drawn hay and sleigh rides.  Some horses also work on the Danada Model Farm that uses 1950's machinery and practices.  The thoroughbreds and quarter horses at the Equestrian Center are used for summer camp programs where kids and adults can get hands-on experience.

The staff members are open, direct, and like able.  Beyond that they may be the most passionate horse lovers anywhere.

Is that a great face or what?

Charlie & Chopper

The last full week in Chicago

Spending time at home Easter weekend was great, but I definitely got myself off track.  A few too many indulgences...potatoes (carbs), ice cream, a sip of wine here and there, and a very yummy margarita.  I need to rest, reset, exercise/stretch more, and clean up the diet.  Cancer loves glucose.

Thanks to my cousin Thom I'm back in Chicago.  He came and got me on Friday and brought me back in less than ideal weather today.  There are no words to describe how grateful we are, and no way to repay Thom's kindness.  Lots of prayers for his safe trip home. And a couple shots of DuPage Airport, one of the fanciest small airports you'll ever come across.

I've included a picture of the Martin Mitchell Museum.  It's in Downtown Naperville on the DuPage River.  I had the opportunity to tour it last week.  The family made their money in brick and limestone and used the mansion to display their products.  The mansion is so grand it has an upstairs and downstairs bathroom, unheard of in those days.

Once again, thank you all for your love and messages.  I couldn't do this without you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Martin Mitchell Museum

DuPage Airport from the tarmac

DuPage Airport from the front

Happy Easter

It’s been a good weekend.  The weather cooperated so I was able to fly home on Friday with my cousin Thom.  With the extra time I was able to go downtown and see the folks at my office in Children’s Hospital.  What a difference a few weeks makes.  They are remodeling at the hospital and nothing looked familiar.  I can’t wait to get back.

Paul and Deb are up from Florida, and Josh is in from Cleveland, so we had the opportunity to spend Friday and Saturday nights with them – they head back mid-day on Sunday.  Jake, Elizabeth and Caroline coordinated everything so we could all be together.

We’re looking forward to Sunday Easter dinner with our neighbors, Brian and Chris.  They always invite us over for holiday meals.  It’s great to be surrounded by so many caring folks.

Happy Easter Everyone!

Caroline meets the Bunny

After dinner Saturday

A weekend at home now in sight

No fun museums the last couple days. I've been having trouble with a recent Ipad update, so Wednesday I went into Naperville to visit the Apple store.  The Apple tech was nice enough but the last thing he wanted to do was deal with a computer illiterate woman who wasn't going to buy anything.  Oh well. I did manage to snap a few pics of some of the features in downtown Naperville that I've been talking about.

Thursdays are when I meet with Dr. Chang aka Dr. Rad.  He's pleased with my progress and how my skin looks.  He gave me some additional medicine to protect it.  But I'm down to 115 pounds and he's not sure why.  And yes I am eating. I'm enjoying my stay in Chicago, I've met so many amazing people.  I'm thankful to all the folks at CDH Proton Center.  It's a special place.

But I'll be heading home to Columbus tomorrow as soon as my treatment is finished.  I am so psyched to see everybody.  I miss home so much.  Happy Easter. Love to all and a big heartfelt thanks.

Covered bridge on the Riverwalk

West Branch of the DuPage River with covered bridge in background

Amphitheater at Riverwalk

Tuesday was definitely better than Monday

When the GPS Lady says 290 miles to your destination - we'll that pretty much sums up Monday.

On Tuesday I met up with Rosemary. We both grew up on Palmwood St. and have kept in touch even though it's been 30 years since we've seen each other.  Currently Rosemary and her family live about 20 minutes from my hotel.  We chatted for awhile and then had lunch at a very authentic Chinese restaurant.  It was a wonderful treat.  The restaurant has the classic Chinese feel with great food and good service.

Following lunch we went to the Lizzadro Museum Of Lapidary Art.  I've never seen a collection anything like it.  It was started by Joseph Lizzadro an Italian immigrant.  Joseph took a job with Meade Electric in 1916 as a laborer and worked his way up.  After the founder died Joseph became Chairman of the Board of Meade Electric.  He made a proposal to the state of Illinois to change over the gas street lights to electric.  Meade prospered and so did Joseph.

Joseph fell in love with the mineral world and he especially loved to cut and polish jade.  His hobby and collection grew and in 1962 the museum opened to the public.  The museum has a very friendly staff and a warm inviting feel that is rare in museums.

After the tour we went back to Rosemary's home for a cup of tea and chatted awhile longer.  It was a very fun day.

At the museum

With Rosemary

Weekend

After three weeks of living in a hotel I can now say I am a certifiable homebody.  There is no place I’d rather be than in my own back yard.  The Former Boyfriend and I have had plenty of fun traveling, but nothing beats being at home.

Hooray for halfway

We'll I'm officially halfway through proton therapy, only 15 more trips to Fukushima.  My last five treatments are called a "radiation boost".  I'll receive an extra dose of radiation to my scar because cancer likes to recur in the scar region.

The fact that I've heard the song "Radioactive" twice while receiving my treatment along with the term "radiation boost" leaves me a little leery.  I'm not wanting a "bonus" round of this stuff, but I really don't want the cancer coming back either.

I had my appointment with Dr. Chang aka Dr. Rad today.  He's a Michigan man through and through - born and raised, undergrad, med school he bleeds maize and blue (and never lets me forget I'm from Columbus).  He said my skin is holding up good so far but he'd like me to put on a little weight.  I came in at 117 today.

I finished up at the Proton Center before 9. It was another blah day but that didn't stop me from going to St. James Farm.  I didn't stay as long as I would have liked due to rain, but I loved the place.  The old farmhouse and a German style barn remain on the property from the 1800's.

Originally owned by Chauncey McCormick - the great nephew of Cyrus, inventor of the mechanical reaper and co-founder of the McCormick Reaper works.  That merged with Deering Harvester and ended up as International Harvester.

The farm was home to award winning Guernsey cows and the dairy was state-of-the-art for its time.  And the equestrian facility has a 62 stall stable, a 1.5 mile steeplechase track, and an indoor arena.

But now I'm back at the hotel getting my stuff together so I can head home as soon as my treatment ends tomorrow.  As always, thank you all so very much for your love and support.

Pictures from St James Farm

Enjoying the break in the weather

I've really been enjoying the past two days.  Finally getting out of the hotel and into the sunshine with temperatures somewhere around 60 degrees.

I love downtown Naperville.  The forefathers had the vision to provide plenty of free parking downtown to keep the businesses alive.  There is so much beauty and charm with unique shops and cafés everywhere.

The Riverwalk in downtown Naperville consists of miles of brick paths with covered bridges, fountains, outdoor theaters, and gorgeous landscaping.  At one point on the path is the Moser Bell Tower.  It has 72 bells that span six octaves.  It's one of only four world wide.  I can just imagine what this area is like in the summer.

While on my walk I came across this bronze sculpture of Dr. Suess's Cat in the Hat.  He's 8 foot tall and stands in front of the library-and the residents are very proud that their library has been ranked number one in the nation.

And I checked out Herrick Lake, a 885 acre forest preserve that is just north of my hotel.  Originally it was home to the Potawatomi Indians - their trails serve as the basis for roads I drive on everyday.  Herrick Lake is part of a series of preserves all connected that provide 3700 acres of open space and trails.  I have a lot to check out.

Tomorrow after treatment I'm off to see St. James Farm.  It's over 600 acres with barns that date back to the 1800's.

And on Friday I'll be HOME!  I can't wait.

No caption necessary

Herrick Lake

Riverwalk

Monument

Bell Tower

Pictures of them preparing to zap me

I'm back in Chicago after a rainy Monday drive. I have no idea why the roads get so crazy when it rains but my guess is a combination of folks with poorly maintained cars, yacking on their phones, along with terrible roads. But I made it here without incident.  The Former Boyfriend and I thought once we got into a routine these trips would get easier, but it's been hard on both of us being separated.

It's been so difficult to try and explain proton therapy so my techs took a couple of photos.  If you look closely you can see the blue wax ring right above me.  Inside the blue wax ring are the brass rings that I showed in a previous post.

Before my treatment session my radiation techs line my body up using lasers in the room and ink marks on my body.  I'm also laying in a mold of my body to hold me in position.  Following this the techs use a CT X-ray scanner to make sure all my organs are in the proper position.

Once properly aligned, the techs run and hide behind radioactive safety glass while they zap me for approximately two minutes.  Then the techs move the proton machine to a second position and zap me again for another 1-2 minutes. Everything is painless and after treatment I'm free to do whatever I want for the rest of the day.

Thanks to everybody for all your support it means more than you will ever know.

Are we home yet?

I woke up at 4 am desperately wanting to get on the road home.  My treatment was scheduled at 8 am but due to technical difficulties with the cyclotron magnets my actual treatment time ended up being closer to 10 am.  But off I was and it’s always such a shock traveling for miles past the endless array of convenience stores, fast food joints, chain stores, orange barrels, and all of that insane traffic.

I arrived home at 5-ish Friday, strung out from the physical stagnation of driving and the dreary weather.  I found a dead mouse in a trap in the basement and black ants in the washing machine…yep I’m home and I’m happy.

Living the hotel life is strange and a couple nights ago I plopped down in front of the TV and watched a documentary called The Light Bulb Conspiracy (much better than a segment of Cupcake Wars I watched).  In short, the film’s about planned obsolescence, and one of the first documented efforts to engineer planned obsolescence into consumer products.  That effort, coordinated by numerous manufactures in the late 1920’s, was aimed at light bulbs.  Apparently, many early light bulbs had a flaw: they lasted too long.  Because they lasted too long they didn’t need frequent replacement.  As the movie documented, what happened to light bulbs – which was to cut their lifespan by more than half- happened to numerous products.  Very sad.  But if you happen to come across the film it is worth watching.

So Thursday I was rescued from another night of hotel TV by friends Tom & Carrie.  They live in Naperville and are about 8 miles from where I stay.  Tom and The Former Boyfriend became buds back in their pre-teen years in Northeast Ohio and they have stayed in touch all these years.  But anyway, Tom and wife Carrie took me to their local Mexican watering hole.  The food was good and the margaritas powerful.  After dinner we went back to their home and had a chance to catch up.  Their youngest daughter Katrina studied Animal Behavior in college and now works with sea lions at the New Orleans Zoo.  I got to see video of her at work with the sea lions, she is truly, truly gifted.

And I received word this week that my final treatment will be Thursday, May 1^st.  My treatments are going well.  The only side effect I’m having is a little sun burn effect on my skin.  This is unavoidable, but the doctors are watching it closely and will adjust my treatment plan if needed.

The Former Boyfriend and I thank all of you so much for your thoughts and prayers.