The Road to Recovery

Wow! We did it! Our little family endured 5 ½ weeks of radiation treatment! Looking back, I can’t believe it was that long, because it sure didn’t feel like it. We were finally able to go home Wednesday and have been enjoying a couple of days at home together. 

Carter and I after our little nap this afternoon :)

I was so excited to see Carter’s reaction to being home when we pulled up. Poor little boy was just like, “ok Mom where are you taking me today?”.  His smiles and giggles filled the whole house once he realized he had been here before. Slowly he remember that this was his home. His toys were brand new again, and every room was so exciting to explore. It broke my heart before (after my surgery), and it broke my heart again to know that our sweet little boy was so happy to be home! Hopefully we’ll be staying here for a while.

So… Tuesday I graduated from radiation therapy!! YAY!! It was such an emotional day. I was so excited to be done with radiation and having to drive 40 minutes every day for a 15 minute appointment, but I was so sad to say goodbye to the people I had gotten to know. My therapists were awesome!! They were always happy to see me, loved to joke around, and even told me that they were sad to see me go, but happy I didn’t have to endure any more radiation. Even though it was their job to take care of me, they really went above and beyond! I hope someday I can repay them for all the kindness that they showed me.

It’s so funny, because although surgery and radiation seemed to bring me to the end of all the craziness… it really is a battle I’ll fight my whole life. I guess I have greater lessons to learn. September we will have a follow up appointment to radiation side effects, and then October is when we actually find out if the radiation has done any good. We found out from our endocrinologist that more children will be possible, but sounds like a difficult road. I have been given strength from my Heavenly Father though, and I know that he will give me the strength I need for trials up ahead. 

Jason is running the Ruby Mountain Relay in my place tonight! I am so glad that he is doing something for himself. He has taken such good care of Carter and I through all of this craziness. He has continually shown love for me (even though I’m bald :P), and I could never ask for a better husband. He has had the last 6 weeks off of work, and now it’s going to be a huge adjustment to have him go back. We are going to miss him during the day. Carter is in love with his daddy too. I love being able to be both of my boys. Being with them has helped me get through so much, because they are my greatest blessings. Heavenly Father blesses us so much with our wonderful families!

Thank you for all of your continued prayers. We have felt them said in our behalf and have continued to be strengthened by them! Have a happy weekend!!

Radiation: Week 4 & 5!

23 treatments down... only 2 MORE TO GO!!!

What a wild ride this has been! We are so excited to be going home to Nevada soon. Utah has been fun, but there is just something more special about being in your own home (even if the town you live in really isn't that exciting).

This week (kinda last week because I'm so late posting...)we decided to switch things up a bit and stay with my aunt and uncle and their big family. I'm pretty sure Carter was so sick of seeing only adults and he needed some kid time! Plus the last time we stayed with them, he had a blast and happens to be the same age as one of my cousins! It has been such a blessing to be able to stay with family during this crazy time. Everyone has shown us so much love and support it touches my heart.

Sometimes I feel at a loss to be able to repay everyone for all they have done, it is also so very hard for me to be of any help. I now know what it feels like to have no energy, and it's not the greatest feeling.

Radiation has taken it's toll on me, but don't worry... I keep smiling because I still have hair (besides many bald spots that I can hide)!!!!! I have been tempted to shave my head a couple of times because of all my bald spots and radiation burns, but then remember awful hair is better than no hair :) My energy is none lately, and I have been a little sick. It amazes me that I have been able to do so much while being here. That definitely doesn't include being helpful with keeping the house clean and watching children. I seem to always get out of those things lately...

While spending our time here, we've really tried to make the best of it! We've been on some crazy adventures too. Monday, we went to pretty much the best shaved ice shack we've ever been to! It's right by a lake in Stansbury Park and the flavors are delicious, not to mention pretty good prices! Ha ha, and Carter loved that we were right next to a body of water. Poor Jason chased him all over, but it tired him out pretty quickly!

Thursday we experienced our first Pioneer Day in Utah as a family. Sadly we didn't do a whole bunch, but celebrated with family and a BBQ.

Friday, my brother was reunited with his little family after serving for 9 months in Afghanistan. It is so amazing how many young men and women sacrifice so much time with their families to serve in te military. My brother gave up 9 months of time with his family, and for that I am very thankful! I am so glad he came home safe too :)

Sunday we were able to see my brother, talk to him face to face and see how happy he is to be with his cute little family. We extended our hang out time to Monday where we all met at Tempe Square, had a delightful lunch on the grass, and attended the Church History Museum. It was pretty awesome.

Carter found a chair just his size!

Tuesday we spent some time with friends and went to the Museum of Natural Curiosity. Let's just say that it was a mad house of fun for kiddos. It wore Carter out too! He loved it! The down pour of rain outside was pretty fun to watch too! I think lots of prayers have been answered with as much rain as Utah has gotten.

Carter's favorite ball in all of the Curiosity Museum!

Carter stayed by the water for forever!

Daddy and Carter getting blown away in the wind machine

The rest of the week we went swimming, shopping (headbands for this bald lady), and enjoyed spending time with our family. We can hardly wait to go home! Only a couple more days and then here we come Spring Creek Nevada!!!!

Carter feeding his cousin!

He is going to miss his buddies

I think he is ready to be in his own crib