Dr. Boll did Lindsay's first expansion today. It was painful for her and very weird to watch. They put a large needle into the port in the expander- yes right through the skin. They then fill it with salt water. Today they put in 50cc's on each side. This creates pain, and pressure on that area. Those are some of the words that we have heard numerous times throughout this process. Pain and pressure- they always say that is what she is going to feel no matter what they will be doing to her. I have learned that I do not like either word. Hopefully there will only be a couple more expansions before the next surgery because she is in major pain again tonight due to the PRESSURE on her muscles, ribs and skin.

Thanks again to the Buddecke family for providing a fantastic dinner.

US Open

If you have not been to Pebble Beach I suggest you all go. It is where the Golf Gods live and it is the most breathtaking view you will ever see. I have had the privilege to play there and it is an entirely different experience when you walk the course the way we did Thursday and Saturday. I will have to say it was an amazing Father's Day gift. I was there with my boys and my brother and it was fantastic. It was nothing like the Phoenix Open. People actually watch golf at the US Open. I did get to see some high heels and plastic surgery (not due to breast cancer) when Tiger Woods' group would come through. Yes he had quite a following of Scottsdale looking women, you would think they would at least let him get divorced first. I never knew that Cougars prey on Tigers.

B

Well- it's been a couple of days- so I figured I would be the "guest blogger". It's Lindsay! Brian is spending the day traveling back from California with the boys. They had an amazing time back home- saw some friends, Uncle Ryan, Uncle Jake, cousins, and some great views at the Us Open! I am so glad they were able to go- but I will admit it made me a little homesick. What I wouldn't give to be back in Cali- maybe someday. Brian certainly deserved a break after all that he has been doing around here- maybe wasn't all that relaxing with 2 small children, but at least they could get away!

I have been feeling ok. Still moving extremely slow, but to be expected I suppose. I had Hadra with me over the weekend- she was very helpful. I am grateful for the unwavering friendships that are loving us and supporting us through this!

There are so many things that have happened over the last three weeks. We have been faced with challenges we've never faced before. We had difficult choices to make. As I look back now- I am so proud of what we have done. Our relationships are stronger, our faith is clear, and the little things just aren't as important. We've learned a lot about us, and a lot about those around us. From the time I was diagnosed, I said "I refuse to say I have breast cancer, I have simply been diagnosed. This will not become our life, it will be a part of our life. We will deal, and move on." As difficult as it has been at times, I believe that we have stuck to that- we are moving on! I say "we" and "us" because I certainly have not been doing this by myself. I have been carried throughout this by the love I receive from God, my husband, my children, and many more of you! The innocence and love from my little guys has been true medicine! I am so grateful. I await the day that we can help someone else who is going through this. I am ready to share, encourage, and walk alongside someone just beginning this journey.

Happy Father's Day to my amazing husband and all the wonderful fathers out there! Our children are watching every move we make- let's make smart moves!!!!!

Love to you all
L

Lindsay had a rough day today I think she over did it with activity today. Her back and chest hurt, they said that she would have good days and bad days hopefully that means tomorrow is going to be a good one. She was at least able to get out with some friends and be outside. Overall I can't believe how far she has come in 19 days it is amazing.

Thanks to the Kirby family for a wonderful dinner tonight. Thanks to the Hallums and all others that contributed to get a house cleaner today it was great. The lady that did the cleaning was here for 4 hours, I guess I must have missed a few spots over the last 19 days. I would like to apologize to her for the bathrooms our boys do not have the greatest aim.

Golf

I will be at the US Open this week a gift from my wonderful wife for Father's Day. Unfortunately she will not be attending considering some life changing things have happened since December when she bought the tickets. Lindsay will have someone staying with her starting tomorrow until I get home.

I guess I will get to see Tiger Woods a man I do not have much in common with. I do not have his game on or off the course. I just wonder if he will be trying to get Hoe in One, sorry I digress sometimes. I think I have a few more things in common with Phil.

Thanks again to my wonderful wife for the gift, I love you.

B

We went to get the first expansion done today but Dr. Boll was unable to do it. Lindsay still has an area on the right side that they cut so thin it went through the skin on the original surgery. The area is not completely healed so the doctor thought we should wait until next Monday. I don't think Lindsay was really looking forward to more pain again anyway. I know she really wants to get the expander's out asap they are very uncomfortable and rest right on her ribs. Each day continues to get better, unfortunately Lindsay is still sleeping in the recliner. She cannot seem to get comfortable laying flat on her back.

Just wanted to say thank you to the Locklin family for providing dinner Saturday night. I guess Firemen really can cook. Thanks to the Dunham family for hooking us up with dinner tonight and for bringing the kids by it was great to see them.

Just a thought

How is it that a pair of grown adults would allow their 16 year old daughter to go on a boat ride around the world by herself? I am going to have a hard enough time letting one of my boys drive around Chandler by themselves at 16.....

We went to see Dr. Eden today, he had the full pathology report for us. He said everything looked good with exception of the cancerous area. Lindsay asked about the chance of re-occurrence, he told her there are still possibilities but they are slim but we will continue to monitor the area. She felt a little better today, she took the boys to a movie in the morning so she was able to have inner action with actual adults. Thanks to the Foreman family for bringing dinner tonight and thanks to the Masters family for the stuff they brought as well. One of my buddies at work asked me today how long it had been since the surgery, he thought a week. I seems like it has been two months since the surgery, everything seems to have slowed down I think it is because we are out of our normal daily routines. I cannot believe how far she has come in 14 days, once again it is a testament to her strength and commitment to get better.


Just a thought

I was going through the U-Scan at the grocery store today, for those of you that do not use this option it is your opportunity to scan all of your groceries, pay and scan your own coupons. I scanned all of my items, bagged all of my items and then paid after swiping my value card(that could be another blog in itself, what are those cards all about just give us the discount). I start to leave without one store employee ever saying a word to me, on the way out I say thank you to the employee standing there at the podium. Shouldn't they be saying thanks to me? After all I did all of their work for them and paid a part of their paycheck by shopping at their store, how about a little thank you. Oh well at least I know I can scan, bag and pay which means if I ever need a job at that store I am way ahead of the game.

B

Lindsay was on her own for a big part of the day today, probably a little early for that but no choice. Thanks to Trisha and Alyssa for helping out during the day. I am home now and have one more day until vacation and we should be in a better place. She is still having some pain but once again each day is getting better. Her first expansion will be on Monday that will be a big test, I am sure it will hurt. Thanks to our neighbor Jo Jo for the food last night is was great.

Our son Dylan made mommy some rice crispy treats to help her feel better, I think they are working.

Wow another milestone today Lindsay drove a car. She looked like an old lady from Sun City doing it but it was great. Very slow turns and slow with the gas which is not usually her driving style but she is still very limited in what she can do. I think she is starting to feel like a real person again, she wanted to do some shopping. I think that is a sign of any woman starting to recover even if it was at Michaels and she only spent $12.00. Once again baby steps. Dr. Boll was very encouraging about the next surgery when she gets the expander's out and implants in. She said it is nothing near to what she just went through, no drains and it is outpatient surgery.

A special thanks to our friends the Goldmans at Zipps for supplying dinner tonight.

Political

Did I see today that Obama is now mad about what happened in the Gulf? I believe the oil spill is a true weapon of mass destruction, lets get some of our people back over here to help US out. My heart goes out to the people of Louisiana, it seems like devastation year after year down there. Unfortunately I don't think a Super Bowl win cleans up beaches and birds.

B