Noah Biorkman and he and his family are celebrating Christmas early this year. Noah is 5 years old, in hospice and most likely wont make it to December 25th. He has been fighting Neuroblastoma for 2 1/2 years and is loosing the battle against cancer. His one request is to receive lots of Christmas cards before he dies. Therefore I am asking that each of you send him a card so he can have the best Christmas ever. Noah said an angel figurine ornament was his favorite because it reminded him of where he’ll soon be “In heaven, and I’m going to be an angel.” His mom said she is asking to send $1 in a card to the family and they will donate it to the University Of Michigan neuroblastoma research center and the Michigan Make A Wish Chapter.
Cards can be sent to:
Noah Biorkman
1141 Fountain View Circle
South Lyon, MI, 48178
Merry early Christmas
Laura, Travis, Sammy & Gavin
Friday, November 13, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Post Reunion
Last weekend was my 20th class reunion and i had a blast. It was so much fun to see all my old friends and find out what they have been up to for the last 20 years. There were several people i don't remember and most people didn't recognize me since my "hair" isn't blond anymore. I was so touched with all the incredible well wishes including a friend and his wife who run Ironmans in my honor since i cant do them anymore. I was blown away and felt so loved by all my friends. The class even made a donation for the few of us that have breast cancer. Thanks guys.
The kids had a great time with my parents and I was able to show Travis a few more amazing sites in California. We saw my old roommate Gavin and his family in Monterrey and the Monterrey Bay Aquarium then went to Pebble Beach and Carmel. I forgot how amazing the beach is in Carmel. Travis couldn't believe the size of the waves and the kids were shocked at how cold the water was, but it was a perfect day and made me really miss the west coast. Thanks for the hospitality Pierce family, we had a great time.
This trip really made me realize that i cant have drama in my life anymore. I'm to sick and to tired to worry about everyone else. Therefore, if you get your feelings hurt because of something i did or did not do, it is not on purpose i just don't have the energy to do everything I would like to do. My mind thinks I'm still my old self, but my body just wont let me do what everyone else wants me to do. That being said, i am planing a cruise for my 40th birthday next October. I'm inviting anyone who wants to come. A friend is going to plan the trip and i will let you know more details when i get them. We will be headed somewhere in the Caribbean and not sure if it will be just girls, couples, or families. I guess it depends on the cost.
BTW...Besides the lingering cough, I'm finally getting over the flu and feeling much better. I'm trying to get back into my routine but I'm having a rough time. I'll be glad to get my IV's next week, boost my immune system and get some energy back.
Happy Halloween from "Darf Mador & Major Flirt with gun shots (?)"
The kids had a great time with my parents and I was able to show Travis a few more amazing sites in California. We saw my old roommate Gavin and his family in Monterrey and the Monterrey Bay Aquarium then went to Pebble Beach and Carmel. I forgot how amazing the beach is in Carmel. Travis couldn't believe the size of the waves and the kids were shocked at how cold the water was, but it was a perfect day and made me really miss the west coast. Thanks for the hospitality Pierce family, we had a great time.
This trip really made me realize that i cant have drama in my life anymore. I'm to sick and to tired to worry about everyone else. Therefore, if you get your feelings hurt because of something i did or did not do, it is not on purpose i just don't have the energy to do everything I would like to do. My mind thinks I'm still my old self, but my body just wont let me do what everyone else wants me to do. That being said, i am planing a cruise for my 40th birthday next October. I'm inviting anyone who wants to come. A friend is going to plan the trip and i will let you know more details when i get them. We will be headed somewhere in the Caribbean and not sure if it will be just girls, couples, or families. I guess it depends on the cost.
BTW...Besides the lingering cough, I'm finally getting over the flu and feeling much better. I'm trying to get back into my routine but I'm having a rough time. I'll be glad to get my IV's next week, boost my immune system and get some energy back.
Happy Halloween from "Darf Mador & Major Flirt with gun shots (?)"
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Not feeling great
Sammy was so kind to give me her cold and it has hit me like a ton of bricks. I cant swallow, my ears are ringing, headache, cough, mouth soars, etc. It is like i have the flew without the fever. Anyways just trying to sleep it off and take care of myself. Kind of difficult but doing the best i can. Hopefully i will get over this before we go to Cali. I was told not to write when we are going out of town, but looking forward to our upcoming trips. It is always great to get out of our day to day grind and see friends.
I'm getting so tired of going to the doctors every day. I get so down and stressed sometimes i want to just give up, but then i look at the kids and think this is so much bigger than just me. If i can keep up with cooking, eating, and 122 supplements per day i do well, but when i slip up then i feel really crappy. I get caught in this vicious cycle and it is so demanding. Then add the stress of home, the kids, etc. and my life seems overwhelming. Looking forward to a day with less doctors, less bills, less stress and more fun.
Sammy has been just incredible. The last two nights Travis has had stuff after work and taking care of Gavin by myself gets really difficult. After a few tears, Sammy gave me a big hug and got me Gavin's boxing bag to take out my frustrations. Although exhausting we had so much fun and had some laughs. She is such a Godsend and Gavin's "I wove you Mommy" just makes my day.
I would also like to ask for your prayers for Pauline Wiggins who just had a stroke. She is the mom of the uncle who just died on Travis' side. She is an incredible cook and is our Thanksgiving grandma. She is such a great person and want her to know she is in my prayers.
Trying to stay strong,
Laura
I'm getting so tired of going to the doctors every day. I get so down and stressed sometimes i want to just give up, but then i look at the kids and think this is so much bigger than just me. If i can keep up with cooking, eating, and 122 supplements per day i do well, but when i slip up then i feel really crappy. I get caught in this vicious cycle and it is so demanding. Then add the stress of home, the kids, etc. and my life seems overwhelming. Looking forward to a day with less doctors, less bills, less stress and more fun.
Sammy has been just incredible. The last two nights Travis has had stuff after work and taking care of Gavin by myself gets really difficult. After a few tears, Sammy gave me a big hug and got me Gavin's boxing bag to take out my frustrations. Although exhausting we had so much fun and had some laughs. She is such a Godsend and Gavin's "I wove you Mommy" just makes my day.
I would also like to ask for your prayers for Pauline Wiggins who just had a stroke. She is the mom of the uncle who just died on Travis' side. She is an incredible cook and is our Thanksgiving grandma. She is such a great person and want her to know she is in my prayers.
Trying to stay strong,
Laura
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Great Weekend
This weekend my friend flew me up to Milwaukee and we had a great time. It may be my new favorite city in September, thanks Jodie and Matt. Coincidentally we went down to the lake and saw all the walkers for the 3 day. They had huge pink fountains so that was an added bonus. We are going to try and pick a fall marathon for next year, very excited and start a girls trip in the spring so we can see each other more often, YEAH. I got the kids some "cheese" shirts and i had to get a Packers shirt. Very disappointed that the only Favre stuff left was on the clearance rack, but he did play great this weekend sorry to all my SF fans. Anyways we have a few more trips planned this year and it has been so great to travel since i put that all on hold the last two years. I miss my friends. My 20 year reunion is coming up so that will be lots of fun. Most of these people i haven't see since my 10 year or since graduation since i live 3000 miles away. Were also going to get to see my friend Gavin and go to the Monterrey Bay Aquarium. Cant wait. Anyways, feeling good, just tired. Just read about an 8 year girl named Lily who was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma (sp) it is also in her brain, bones and abdomen. Please keep her in your prayers.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Last Few Weeks
Sorry i haven't posted in a few weeks. I have really been struggling since my steroids have kicked in. I have been so hungry and had roid rage. All i want to do is eat and yell at everyone. I started gaining weight and i was mad at myself because i know I'm not eating the right foods. Then i started feeling really tired and eating worse. The vicious cycle started and i couldn't pull myself out of it. I was able to get my steroid cut in half and I'm hoping this will help me get back on tract.
Travis and i were able to go to Gainesville for the Florida vs Tennessee game all by ourselves. It was amazing. Our friends took Gavin all weekend and that was a feet in it self, thanks SK and Chad. We got the dog covered, the kids, and had such a great weekend together. We were able to see friends, stay out until 10 (it felt like midnight), and sleep until 9. It was heavenly. Travis and i realized that we really need to do this more often. It is so great that we have such great friends.
On Monday we received word that my lyphnodes are in fact cancer free. Now i just have to work on my liver. The tumor is still the same size, but not bigger. We are both very happy with this news. So again, thank you all for the money to help us battle this together.
The bad news is my heart is getting weaker and weaker. I feel conflicted, I may beat the cancer but then have a very bad heart. I know living with a weak heart is better than the alternative, but it does concern me. What if i cant run ever again, what if i am in danger of having a heart attack, will i get so weak that i feel tired all the time. These are my concerns and it is very scary to think what is saving my life could also be killing me.
Hoping for a better week
Travis and i were able to go to Gainesville for the Florida vs Tennessee game all by ourselves. It was amazing. Our friends took Gavin all weekend and that was a feet in it self, thanks SK and Chad. We got the dog covered, the kids, and had such a great weekend together. We were able to see friends, stay out until 10 (it felt like midnight), and sleep until 9. It was heavenly. Travis and i realized that we really need to do this more often. It is so great that we have such great friends.
On Monday we received word that my lyphnodes are in fact cancer free. Now i just have to work on my liver. The tumor is still the same size, but not bigger. We are both very happy with this news. So again, thank you all for the money to help us battle this together.
The bad news is my heart is getting weaker and weaker. I feel conflicted, I may beat the cancer but then have a very bad heart. I know living with a weak heart is better than the alternative, but it does concern me. What if i cant run ever again, what if i am in danger of having a heart attack, will i get so weak that i feel tired all the time. These are my concerns and it is very scary to think what is saving my life could also be killing me.
Hoping for a better week
Monday, August 31, 2009
Ordinary Monday
No one made mistakes today , no one forgot my premeds, no one made me wait 4 hours, no one hurt me, so today was quite out of the ordinary. I could get used to this.
I keep thinking God is sending me in a direction of helping first time cancer patients. I am not one to make small talk or give advice unless asked, i obviously didn't get this trait from my mom (she loves to give unsolicited advice), but every time i see one of these new patients i want to reach out and tell them how life really is at Emory. Not to scare them, but to educate them on how to be there own health advocate. I get my chemo in the phase II trial bay so i see several new patients each time i go. These patients get inundated with tons of info that they will not remember and really don't need. These doctors have no idea what it feels like the first time a patient gets chemo infused into there body, but i do. I can just sit there and hold there hand if need be. Not sure how or when i can do this, but i find myself reaching out every Monday one way or another. I see the scared looks on the women's faces and the helplessness a husband feels. Travis keeps saying i got cancer for a reason and he thinks he has figured out his role and now i think i may have figured out mine. Just need to figure out the logistics.
Funny Story
On Sunday we were walking out of church with 3000 other members and I got corralled behind Travis. He did not know this nor did the wife of the guy next to me. The husbands had on similar shirts and were about the same height. She reached for Travis' hand and with out looking he took it. I looked at her husband, he looked at me and we both called out our spouses names. Travis looked back at me, looked at the women he was holding hands with, and every one busted up. We thought it was really comical considering the preacher was just talking about cheating...I think Travis will check who he is holding hands with from now on. We are still laughing about it.
Cant wait for the first game this weekend. SEC Football, so much fun. Unless you went to Notre Dame, Michigan, Ohio, etc. you haven't experienced what real SEC football is all about. Everyone, even if you don't like football, should experience a game once in there life. I recommend the Florida vs. Georgia game in Jacksonville around Halloween, largest tailgate in the US. So much fun if you can get a ticket. More than 80,000 people attend the game and lots more just go and party. Those of you not affiliated with "Jorts" should look it up. People watching is half the fun. Of course beer goggles never hurt the experience, but lack of restrooms can.
Have a great week and i will check in next Tuesday. Funny they are so strict with my schedule unless they have a holiday...
Laura
I keep thinking God is sending me in a direction of helping first time cancer patients. I am not one to make small talk or give advice unless asked, i obviously didn't get this trait from my mom (she loves to give unsolicited advice), but every time i see one of these new patients i want to reach out and tell them how life really is at Emory. Not to scare them, but to educate them on how to be there own health advocate. I get my chemo in the phase II trial bay so i see several new patients each time i go. These patients get inundated with tons of info that they will not remember and really don't need. These doctors have no idea what it feels like the first time a patient gets chemo infused into there body, but i do. I can just sit there and hold there hand if need be. Not sure how or when i can do this, but i find myself reaching out every Monday one way or another. I see the scared looks on the women's faces and the helplessness a husband feels. Travis keeps saying i got cancer for a reason and he thinks he has figured out his role and now i think i may have figured out mine. Just need to figure out the logistics.
Funny Story
On Sunday we were walking out of church with 3000 other members and I got corralled behind Travis. He did not know this nor did the wife of the guy next to me. The husbands had on similar shirts and were about the same height. She reached for Travis' hand and with out looking he took it. I looked at her husband, he looked at me and we both called out our spouses names. Travis looked back at me, looked at the women he was holding hands with, and every one busted up. We thought it was really comical considering the preacher was just talking about cheating...I think Travis will check who he is holding hands with from now on. We are still laughing about it.
Cant wait for the first game this weekend. SEC Football, so much fun. Unless you went to Notre Dame, Michigan, Ohio, etc. you haven't experienced what real SEC football is all about. Everyone, even if you don't like football, should experience a game once in there life. I recommend the Florida vs. Georgia game in Jacksonville around Halloween, largest tailgate in the US. So much fun if you can get a ticket. More than 80,000 people attend the game and lots more just go and party. Those of you not affiliated with "Jorts" should look it up. People watching is half the fun. Of course beer goggles never hurt the experience, but lack of restrooms can.
Have a great week and i will check in next Tuesday. Funny they are so strict with my schedule unless they have a holiday...
Laura
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
CT update
Travis and i would like to thank you all for your prayers and $ cause it looks like they are working. Saw the doctor yesterday and the tumor in my liver has not changed in size, so that is good. The better news, still need clarification from the doc, is there are no other lesions in the abdomen. We asked if there are no comments on these because there are non or they just didn't change, so waiting to hear about that, but very excited if there are non except the liver lesion and tumor. I of course was hoping they would find no cancer at all, but the doc said these meds may show more improvement the next scan in three months not to mention i wasn't taking any meds for two months and the cancer could have progressed and then regressed. We will never know, but the news is promising.
When i was at the doctors yesterday i had a nice surprise from a friend i hadn't seen in quite some time. So thanks for the visit and the laughs Heller.
Here's to healthy eating and the 48 supplements i take everyday.
Laura
When i was at the doctors yesterday i had a nice surprise from a friend i hadn't seen in quite some time. So thanks for the visit and the laughs Heller.
Here's to healthy eating and the 48 supplements i take everyday.
Laura
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