Hello all…back from Vegas and totally rejuvenated!  Had blood work done today with all the sweet ladies at St. Luke’s lab.  Came back a “go” for tomorrows chemo.  Had an  appt. with Dr. Arun and her wonderful staff at MD Anderson, to do some reseach reguarding the BRCA 2 mutation. Dr. Arun is a breast cancer specialist to make sure my ta ta’s stay healthy. 

And what can I say about Vegas.  OMG!!!! George Strait touched my hand twice.  Yes, had to change my underwear.  Twice!!!  That’ll teach me to wear underwear to George Strait.  Martina McBride was awesome too.  She sang the song about cancer that left no dry eye in the house.  Need to get that CD. 

Bill had to be disciplined twice that I know of.  Took a picture of him and “Betty boobs” and another one of him losing money at blackjack while watching a pole dancer at the Tropicana.  I mean…who folds on a blackjack!!!!! I knew I should have packed the duct tape.  There are many more stories and so many nice people.  At MGM Grand we meet a sweet lady named Pat (who bought a book…thanks Pat) and was such an enjoyable person to chat with.  Also there we met Glen and Jamie who were so nice to us and got us on the front row to watch George.  I owe them huge hugs for the time of my life.  And our friend Allen who got us tickets.  And thank you Tommy who sent Bill and me pictures from the concert…thank you so much, we will treasure them forever.  Thank you Vera for taking such good care of us at breakfast every morning.  We sure missed you on Wed. morning when you had your well deserved day off.  Don our ticket dude at Harrah’s…what a nice guy you are.  We look forward to seeing you on our next visit.  Paul and Julie, Bridget and Misty…our Super Bowl buddies.  What fun.  You really get to know people when you have to hold seats for hours before the game.  Tom our bar tender at Harrah’s..thank you for giving us ole farts the attention that you do.  And to all the Keno girls..Cheryl and crew…thanks for encouraging us to gamble at breakfast….we loved every minute of it.  And leaving Vegas in an airport bar we ran into Rick the bartender and 3 other Texans. Greg, Donnie, and Chris.  Imagine meeting Texans in a bar.  All in all a blast and if I left anyone out…hang on, there is more to come. 

So, chemo tomorrow and and a chemo fog weekend.  Let me here from you.  Love you all!

Ride,Baby,Ride!

Leilani

Just wanted to tell everyone that there will not be a Monday Update this coming Monday.  Bill and I leave for Vegas tomorrow morning and will not be back until Wednesday.  As we were packing today our paint horse Bud developed an abscess in his left front hoof.  We called our dear friend and farrier Trini to the rescue.  He will be babysitting our baby while we are gone.  Meanwhile, Magoo has started his tailspin and acting like a complete jerk!  Lani will have her hands full for 5 days.  Anyway,  I will have a blast for everyone.  So, lifting the wine glass to a toast to you all.  Ride,Baby,Ride!!!!!

Leilani

Just a quick update.  Daisy, one of Dr. Bevers nurses, called me yesterday to tell me even though my platelets were low my CA 125 was outstanding,  less than 1.  Needless to say that really raised mty spirits.  So look out Vegas here I come.  But please keep my platelets in your prayers.  Love you all!

Leilani

Hi everyone,

Went for my pre-chemo appt. yesterday and my blood work came back not so good.  All fine except the platelet count (PLT CT).  It has to be at least 100 and mine was 93.  Don’t quote me…but something like that.  So it will be postponed until after Bill and I get back from our Las Vegas trip to see George Strait on Super Bowl weekend.  If George can’t make those platelets rise nothing can.  Everything happens for a reason and I guess the good Lord decided that waiting another week would be the best.  But besides battling this “sinus crud” I feel great and am I as feisty as ever.    I appreciate everyone that contacted me and wished me good luck.  Hopefully next time.  Believe!!!!!

Hugs…Leilani

I would like to thank everyone for all the wonderful birthday wishes.  It is amazing how many of you remembered.  I know that Facebook helped a little bit but it’s the thought that counts.  Love back to you all.  I had a wonderful pre-birthday lunch with some childhood friends yesterday.  Sharon and Cynthia DeGeorge and Lani and me met at Dekker’s in Fulshear and had a reminiscing good time.  The DeGeorge family lived next door to us from the time I was 3 until we moved to the Memorial area when I was 7.  So thanks Sharon and Cynthia for a great lunch filled with love,hugs, and memories.

Bill is taking me to dinner tonight at Sullivan’s Steak House.  Can’t wait to enjoy a wonderful evening together.  For lunch we are meeting our friends Linda and David at The Mason Jar.  Lani is in charge of Magoo (dad) for the whole day.  I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday gift. 

So again, thanks to all you.  You have made this a very special birthday for me.  I will never forget it.

Ride,Baby,Ride!

Leilani

I know we all have our favorite things to eat.  But Bill and I have run into something that is not only good for you but easy to make.  Salmon patties.  But not just normal salmon patties.  The HEB store near us has them pre-made or you can buy your salmon and make them yourself.  Chopped onions, bell peppers, chucks of low-fat cheese (any flavor you prefer)  jalepeno (optional), celery, and any thing you choose to add or take out.  Pan cook it in olive oil.  You can leave it in patty form or crumle it over a salad.  It is heaven.  And it is on my “foods to increase” list.  Others on that list are 5 servings of veggies/fruits a day.  More flax, olive oil, almonds, walnuts, avocados, whole grains, and lots of water.  Of course after 5 the water turns to wine!!!!

Anyway, just wanted to share my new discovery.  Let me know if you try the salmon recipe.  Gee, I should have had a V-8 is proving very true! 

Hugs,

Leilani

Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome Education Conference

Saturday, February 4, 2012

9:00 AM-3:00 PM

For Info please cal 713-745-7391 or go to ccg@mdanderson.org

If you are an Ovarian Cancer survivor there is a program you might be interested in.  The program is called Survivors Teaching Students: Saving women’s Lives     This program helps med students understand firsthand about ovarian cancer symptoms and risk factors so future physicians can diagnose the cancer earlier.

Please contact GynOncCommunityRelations@mdanderson.org or phone 713-792-2765

Lani and I had a wonderful visit with the great staff at MD Anderson today.  Amanda Brandt (Genetic Counselor) and Dr. Karen Lu guided us through our next steps to understanding and making decisions on our future with ovarian cancer.  It’s simple but so complicated.  I have a greater risk of developing breast cancer now with my BRCA 2 mutation.  Lani will take the BRCA test and she will have a 50/50 chance of being negative.  Just have to wait on the results to see how we go on with her treatments.  As for me…I head into a MRI of the ta-ta’s and a mammogram every 6 months.  I have several options.  Take it as it comes or have the breasts removed.  I figure the ovarian cancer is recurring…no options on that…so take each day as it comes.  I will always do what I feel is the best thing for me and my family.  I’m pretty strong.  I feel I will endure whatever happens, it’s just putting the family through all of this that bothers me.  So, my friends….keep the prayers coming and know that the good Lord will guide me to the right decisions.  Like right now…He’s telling me to go have a glass of wine with my husband and CHILL!

Ride,Baby,Ride!!!!!

Leilani