Sunday, March 25, 2007

Vegas, Baby



Here I am with the new do! This is in the Wynn, which seemed to be competing with the Bellagio for a botanical display while we were there. (I think the Bellagio wins, hands down, granted I loved these floral balls.) Eric and I had an AMAZING time in Las Vegas for our Spring Break. Won a little, lost a little (I did better on penny slots than he did playing cards), saw "O" from Cirque du Soleil, walked a TON, and relaxed by the pool. I was pretty happy with my energy level (we were a little worried because my second to last chemo had made me pretty tired the four to five days following it, but I think I was just getting over that flu), I really had no trouble keeping up walking around, and let's face it, I'm always in bed by 11 anyway.

We also got to see my friend Lisa and her husband. She's a frequent poster to the blog, so it was nice to see them again after about 15 years. Above is a picture of us at dinner. It was good to see "real" people while we were in Vegas... you kind of expect the plastic and neon, but to spend time with people who are pretty much like you makes it all feel a little more grounded. Our hotel helped with that, too. It was associated with the MGM Grand, but didn't have a casino itself. It was great to be able to leave all of that noise and smoke and craziness behind... kind of an oasis in the chaos. Loved the chaos, but it was awesome to leave it behind when we wanted.

Anyway, life has been busy since our return -- Eric got the flu on our flight back so we stayed in Milwaukee an extra day. He was pretty down and out the last few days of my "break," so I didn't get too much more relaxing done.

Kile and Cavanaugh were in their babysitters' wedding on St. Patrick's day. We had a few tense moments when both of them burst into tears and screams when it was time for pictures before the ceremony, but everything was fine for the wedding itself. Kile was a trooper, put on his Hollywood smile and walked down the aisle pulling Cavanaugh in a wagon behind him. Nathan and Betsy were pleased, and that's the most important part!

We heard excellent news this week that Eric's Uncle Joe, who was diagnosed with stomach cancer this fall, has had tremendous results with his chemotherapy. Pretty much all of the cancer evidence in the rest of his body is gone, leaving only the original stomach tumor. Not sure what the next plan will be, but I know the entire family is pretty relieved!

Anyway, it's 75 degrees here today and that garden is calling my name. I felt badly that I hadn't gotten around to posting yet, but like I said, it's been CRAZY busy for us! I'm headed to Mayo again in the next month for a follow-up appointment with my oncologist there. It's not supposed to be a big deal, but they will want to review my CT. Wish me luck!

Carpe diem. -- Trela