Not Such A Good Day

I did not sleep well last night. I was going to take Lisa to the airport this morning. By the time I went to bed I decided I may not be up to taking her to the airport. She came in to say good by and that was all I could do. I wanted to go church today because we were having a linger longer for June Sumsion's birthday. We had asked the Bishop if we could do something a little nicer they a lot of sweets etc. We asked members to bring sandwiches, fruit or vegetables. The ward was providing cake. I got up around noon and was up for maybe an hour and back to bed till 3. Not sure how I will feel tomorrow morning.

I did a little reading in the special Book of Mormon issue of the Ensign.

My former boss Cathy called to check on me today. She had breast cancer after my ovarian cancer. She told me that they have found a mass on her right side. I feel so sorry for her. She had it a lot rougher with her battle then I did. My prayers are with her.

A Nice Visit

Today my sister Merri Lea and her husband Rich came over from Modesto to spend the day. It was really nice to just sit and visit and catch up. They are going to bring Thanksgiving dinner and Ella and Bryan will come with them.

Keith made a wonderful Ham dinner.

Still feeling pretty good. A little tired this evening. 

Today Was A Good Day!!!

Today was a great day! I was able to sleep on my stomach and on my left shoulder! Yeah since I did not sleep well the night before. So far the port is a good thing.

Keith fixed a wonderful breakfast. Pancakes, scrambled eggs and sausage. Wasn't sure how the sausage would be but it was fine. I spent a lot of today being lazy. Faye and Phyllis Brown who I used to work with and their mother Florence came by. They wanted to visit with Lisa, we have been a few trips together and they wanted to visit her.

April Sanchez brought dinner tonight it was wonderful. I think we could get spoiled around here with all these meals.

Missed the ward Halloween party tonight. John Adams posted a picture around the food table looked like fun, but I did see Courtney Black did not wear a costume :(  .

So far no nausea!!!!!

No Surprises !???

I feel today was a good day. I got to spend some time with my sister Lisa. Thanks Lisa!

I did not sleep well last night. Since I'm a stomach sleeper and my port is on the front of my shoulder I had to sleep on my back.  (probably a little nervous too)

We got to the appointment early which was ok. Came and told us that there were no chairs available, that's was ok. When they came to take us back we went past all these empty chairs (no chairs huh?) and they took us back to a private room with a bed and bathroom.  The infusion went really well. The port was GREAT!! So far no nausea (if this had volumne you would hear knocking on wood). 

On our way home we stopped at Togo's-Lisa love's Togo's, they don't have them in Utah. I had to get a Turkey and Cranberry sandwich.

Came home and took a nice nap...I was able to sleep on my side.

Kathy Hardester brought us dinner it was yummy.

Mom and I went for a walk this evening. Mom was walking a quite a clip. I think she is doing really well with her recovery.

I pray the Lord's blessing will be with you all!!!!

The Port Is In !

So today I was able to sleep in. You'd think that would lead to an easy and relaxing day....not!  Lisa and I left today at9:00 to go to Kaiser. I had to do blood work. You know how when you try to do more then one thing in a certain time before you have to be somewhere else? Well I wanted to get the blood work done before my appointment to in put the port. At my lab at Kaiser you have to take a number and wait for it to be called to be registered. We arrived about 45 minutes before my appointment. Up on the wall was number 62 and the number I pulled was 83. Let the stress begin. No reason to stress. With in 20 minutes or so and my blood was drawn. Well off to ambulatory surgery. Got there checked in and taken back to get prepared and waited for over an hour to get prepped. They took my blood pressure and it was 80 over ? They decided that I probably needed some fluids (I had not been able to drink since 9:00 am) Well after the little bit of stress over the IV being inserted and some fluids it was 102 over ? They were happier with that.  So they moved me across the street. (actually across the isle). Finally about 2:00 I was in the operating room. They gave me something to put me to sleep. The anesthesiologist stepped out of the room and the person covering for her was a little concerned with my blood pressure and stopped the anaesthesia. Well I began to wake up. I even made several comments to them. They took me to recovery and they were very pleased and told me I would be released shortly.( should be home by 3:30 or so. The surgeon wanted an ex-ray to make sure the port was placed correctly. Some how the request was dated for tomorrow. By the time the nurse figured that out and was able to track down the doctor he was back in surgery. Finally (about an hour later) the ex-ray was finally taken and I was able to leave. Arrived home about 5:30. Dinner was waiting for us. Thanks Wrendy.  Right now I'm feeling pretty good. We shall see how I feel tomorrow.

Blessing Of Church Membership

I'm so grateful for parents who found the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I'm not sure what my life would be like if they had not joined the church and raised me as they did. I'm not sure if I would be able to endure what I've been asked to endure in this life. I know I would not have the friends that I have in the church.

Because of the church I have been able to call upon holders of the Priesthood to give me blessings of health and comfort. I know that I can have faith in the words and promises that are spoken and that they come from my Heavenly Father. I'm grateful to know that I'm a daughter of my Heavenly Father and I have an elder brother who loved me enough to suffer for my sins, who showed me that I can over come the temptations, challenges and disappointments in life and that if I am true and faithful I can have all that my Father has.

Drawing A Blank

I have been sitting here trying to think of something intelligent to write about. I made a goal to try to write something everyday because I know how easy it will be to not write daily.

I love traffic days like today. It took me less then 30 minutes to get home from work. (which never happens)

The surgeon called today to ask me a few questions. The port will be place on my left side toward the top of my shoulder. He gave me some statistics like 1% chance of the lung collapsing (hasn't happened in 15 years), he hasn't had to give a blood transfusion in years. He also apologized that the port will be where my bra strap falls. I thought that was an interesting comment. He also mentioned sometimes there is infection.... Such a comforting conversation???

Changes In My Life

Today was full of firsts and changes and lasts.

I went to my last Ward Council (that is where a the leadership in our congregation meet and we discuss the members and their needs). Brought my last center piece to Relief Society.

So in Sacrament meeting my Presidency and I were released, and a new Presidency was called and sustained. Alma Estiva is the new President, Diane Black is her 1st counselor, Heidi Beckstead is her 2nd counselor. I know that will be a wonderful Presidency.

This change is coming with different emotions.I know that I can not give to the sisters what they need, but there is something missing in my heart and soul. I will miss working Sascha Corcoran, Lisa Zamora and Dixie Zinn. They have been wonderful to work with and supportive and willing do what ever I ask of them. I've also appreciated working with Mary Lou Schar and Heidi Pojda.

Sascha is the one that gave me the idea for the title of this blog.

After Relief Society I noticed a tote bag on Sascha's chair. It had lemon fabric for the bottom  and then around the top different fruit fabrics and the handles made with citrus fruit print.  I told Lisa Zamora that I wanted one like it. Well come to find out that bag was mine. Sascha had made it for me. The fabric used on the straps is the same fabric that covers her dining room chairs, it is to help me remember our Presidency meetings which we had around her dining room table on Thursday evenings. There were goodies inside, lemon heart cookies, lemonhead candy, a lemon slice sucker, country time lemonade mix and a rubber band man made from rubber bands and binder clips, the only thing holding him together is a rubber band. There is a note attached that God is what keep us together. I know exactly what I'm going to use the tote bag for....when I go to chemo.

Not only was I released I was also called to a new calling which is a ward missionary. I hope that I will be able help spread the gospel in the Branham ward. It is very interesting to me that Alma and I are switching places that has happened to me one other time. I was released from the Primary Presidency and called to the Nursery. Heather Judd was released from the Nursery and called to the Primary Presidency.

So life goes on!

Autumn's Day

Today did not feel like a typical Fall day. It was warm and sunny a good day to be outside.

The highlight of the day was going to Autumn Blehm's baptism. She is Keith Gibson's step daughter. It was such a sweet experience! Family and friends and ward members were there to support her as it should be.

Her mother married Keith Gibson about 2 years ago and the next day her mother Lisa was baptized. One year ago today Lisa passed away suddenly in her sleep.What a had thing for a seven year old to experience.

Today was a wonderful reminder of our Heavenly Fathers plan for each of us. He loves us and provides  guidance for us. He puts us in families to teach us and help us. He does give us trials and challenges to help us grow closer to him and provides us with what we need to be able to return him. I'm so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

What Better Way To Spend A Friday Afternoon?

So how was your Friday afternoon???

Mine started by being greeted by very friendly smiling people.

What was waiting for me?

A very comfortable lounge chair with warmed blankets.

I was given a couple of  yummy cranberry drinks.

Those smiling faces made sure I was comfortable. As a result I was able to finish reading an Ensign (a church magazine), finish a wonderful book called Daughters In My Kingdom and take a hour and a half nap.

All because my doctor is a little concerned about my kidney function.Well things are moving along.

I Have A Love Hate Relationship With This Time Of Year

Fall is in the air. Halloween is coming. We just had General Conference at the beginning of the month.

This is also the time of year when I was battling cancer six years ago.

This is the time of year when leaves begin  to change colors and fall from the trees and the wonderful holiday season is coming. The good things of this time of year out weigh the bad.

It Won't Be Heaven If It Doesn't Have Mom's Macaroni & Cheese

Tonight for dinner we had Mom's homemade macaroni & cheese! I LOVE MY MOM'S macaroni & cheese. I have a life long relationship with mom's macaroni & cheese.

That relationship starts before I was born. My fathers mother made macaroni & cheese for him (of course it was made from scratch, no Kraft then. Just looked it up on Wikipedia and it was first introduced in 1937). When mom and dad were newlyweds she made it for him. In his family they ate it as a side dish. In mom's family it was the main dish.  It took her a long time for him to admit that mom's was better then his mothers.

I don't remember when I first had mom's macaroni & cheese but I do remember that every Thursday (that was Primary day) mother would put it in the oven before we left to go to Primary at the Cherry building and when we got home dinner was ready. Have I said I love mom's macaroni & cheese?

When I came home from BYU for Thanksgiving weekend guess what was in the oven? Yep. Mac & cheese!

When I returned from my mission in North Carolina there it was mac & cheese waiting for me that I had not had for 18 months.

I don't get to have it as often as I did as a child, but tonight I HAD ME SOME MAC & CHEESE!!!!

No new update for me....Mom is doing good. The last couple of days she has taken short walks and is almost getting in and out of bed by herself. Great job Mom!!

The Phone Was Busy Today

Today was a great day for Mom. Her stitches were removed today and she took two short walks outside. Her recovery is steady.

Kaiser must have called me three times today. Dr Jeske called. She has the results from my liver biopsy. She said there were no surprises, that it is Ovarian cancer in  my liver. That is a relief. She is a little concerned about my liver function. She consulted a Kidney specialist and he says that some times the kidney gets a syndrome when the liver is fighting cancer. The first thing they are going to try is put fluids intravenously. So on Friday afternoon I will have 2 quarts of hydration it will take about 4 1/2 hours. She also wants me to drink lots of water. On Wednesday when I do the blood test before the chemo they will also check my kidney function.

Things are progressing.

Thanks you for all your thoughts and prayers!!!!

Electric Couches....Who Knew

Before I start on the couch. I want to share another exciting thing that happened yesterday.

Several years ago my calling was to train consultant that were to help people who would like a little help with learning how to get started on Family History. A couple was called from the Almaden ward. We came into our church building together yesterday. I found out that they went to the Temple for the first time Saturday. I am SO THRILLED for them. We believe that families can be together for ever. The only way we believe that that can happen is in the Temple.

On to the couch. So while I'm having my liver biopsy done ( still can feel the pain) Keith and Lisa went shopping for a new couch.  They got a good deal on it..floor model and they wanted to get it out of the store. Luckly it was delivered Saturday.


Well our couch does not have a lever on the side to raise and lower the foot rest. You push a button and it goes up and another button the foot rest goes down. It is amazing where technology has gone. Keith was told that this is the modern couch.

Electric couches who knew?

Great Sunday!

Today at church during Sacrament Meeting (our worship service) we had the Primary program. Primary is what we call the meeting that children ages 3-12 attend in the second 2 hours of church. Each year there is a theme. This year it is I Know The Scriptures Are True. All year they have been learning songs and talking about the scriptures and learning scripture stories and how they can apply to them. During the program each child presents a short message and they sing the songs they have learned. It is one of the best meetings of the year. This year was GREAT!!!

This afternoon mom had visitors. The Corcoran family came over to visit mom. They sang one of the songs from the program. They did great!

I visited a sister form the church to day. I had told her about my cancer. She told me she had prayed for me and latter she had a dream. In the dream she was told to read 2 Nephi 22. The book of Nephi is found in the Book of Mormon which is additional scripture that we believe in. The Book of Mormon is the history and dealings of Jesus Christ in the American continent. This is what 2 Nephi 22 says:

1 And in that day thou shalt say: O Lord, I will praise thee; though thou wast angry with me thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedest me.

 2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation.

 3 Therefore, with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

 4 And in that day shall ye say: Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.

 5 Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things; this is known in all the earth.

 6 ^aCry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion; for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

This has brought me great comfort. I will have to thank Maria!

More Then You Wanted To Know

      The Thursday before mom's hip surgery I met with my oncologist. He informed me that my cancer is back. He scheduled a PET/CT scan. What they do is shoot you with radioactive sugar solution. You have to lay in a dark room for an hour and then you go through the scan which scans your body a section at a time.  That was the following Wed, on Friday Dr Tatman called. The cancer is 2-3 inch mass in my pelvic and lesions in my liver. Dr Tatman no longer does chemo therapy so he referred me to the medical oncology department. By noon they had scheduled an appointment for Tuesday. Lisa went to my appointment. I love my doctor. So the news is not great. Since it is in my liver no surgery right now. I will be starting chemo on Oct 27th. My doctor Dr Jeske schedule a liver biopsy on Thursday. That is quite an experience.

      We show up at 12:30 and go back to be prepped. I get an iv go back to the CT room they scan me to see where they are going to take the sample, they give me a local in that area. He takes some samples but they decide that they are not good enough samples. It felt like they went through my liver and to my back bone. . Well come to find out that my blood pressure had dropped and they did not want to give my any more anesthesia. But I survived!

      So they next fun thing is that I am going to have a port input because chemo will be a little more often.. One cycle is two drugs one week, then the next week one drug, then one week off. I will have to have blood drawn in between.

My veins are pretty deep so to make it easier on me and the nurses I'm having a port put in.  That will be Oct 26th.

     Dr Jeske says she has no doubts that we can get in remission. She also said it will probably be tougher this time.

So Glad It Is Friday

I guess the liver biopsy took more out of me then I thought it would. Today was one LONG DAY!

I still have two weeks before the treatments start. It is also going to be a long 2 weeks.

Today I had lunch with 2 women (they are sisters) that I used to work with and their mother. We still get together on Friday's for lunch. It has been a few weeks since we have gotten together  for various reasons. It was great to see them. Faye took a tumble and broke, no the correct term is crushed her shoulder. She seems to be doing OK.

It has been great having Lisa (my sister from Utah) here to help take care of mom. Mom is doing great, she doesn't think so but she is

Update: I have a pre-op appointment on Friday in preperation for the port to be inserted.

Things I Forgot To Share

Saturday evening Sister Julie Beck the General Relief Society President was in the Bay Area to meet with sisters from our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). It was a wonderful meeting! During the meeting I felt that maybe I should start my own blog. I have been following a couple of them. After Relief Society Sunday I was talking to Jennifer Williams, I told her that my cancer was back. She asked if I was a journal writer. I told her no, she said maybe I should....Well the law of witnesses two or more, that was the confirmation I needed sooooo. I have now made a second entry.

Cancer update: I have a mass in my pelvic area 2-3 inches and lesions in my liver. I met with my new doctor...LOVE HER!!! Very supportive and encouraging. She is confident that we can get this in remission, but it might be a tough road. But I say bring it on. I had a liver biopsy today, should get results in a week. They had a difficult time getting the samples they wanted. Some pain involved but because my blood pressure dropped they would not give me any more anesthesia. I survived because here I sit typing. The next thing on schedule is to install a port. I will have chemo one week (to start Oct 27th) with two drugs and the next week only one drug, no chemotherapy the next week. Blood draws in between.  Then is starts over, I will have three of them and then another PET/CT scan (to check how the cancer reacted to the chemo) Then 3 more cycles and then we see from there.

I'm so grateful for all the love, encouragement, support I have received and I know I will continue to receive.

How This Blogs Name Came To Be

So why is my blog titled Lori's Lemonade Club? In the last couple of weeks I have been handed a few lemons!!! I have always loved lemonade. When ever I go to McDonald's that is the drink I get.

In elementary school I was part of the choir. The one song I remember learning is "Lemon Tree" All  I can remember is the chorus:

                                    Lemon tree very pretty and the lemon flower is sweet
                                    But the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat.
                                    Lemon tree very pretty and the lemon flower is sweet
                                    But the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat.

My father's father wore blue and white stripped overalls. In the bib pocket he had a little baggie of lemon drops and always had a candy jar full of them. When ever we sat on his lap we always had access to the lemon drops. 


I have a niece Lauria Elizabeth Marble and her initials are LEM  she would go by the nick name Lemonhead.


I have always liked the saying "When life hands you a lemon...make lemonade"


Last this past Saturday a dear friend stopped by with scones and lemon curd and a wonderful book called The Lemonade Club. It is a sweet and heart tugging story about best friends in elementary school the teacher often tells the children that when life hands you lemon make lemonade. One of the girls gets cancer and in solidarity the whole class including the teacher shave their heads. As their hair grows back the teacher's does not. She is battleing  breast cancer. The two girls and teacher strengthen, support each other and meet often as the Lemonade Club. What I love about this story is the support that is shared. 


Well I just found out that my Ovarian cancer is back....So my goal is take the lemon I was just handed and make it into LEMONADE!!!!!