I am still itchy and get this...my sister has hives too!!  Kind of weird, don't ya think?????

Today I packed, and packed some more and just when I thought I might rest...I called Julie who offered to come over to help. So she did.  Other than my clothes and bathroom necessities.  It's a done deal in my room!!  I even vacuumed.  I suppose tomorrow, I might actually put the boxes in my car and get them over to the new house,  YEA!!  how exciting!!!!!!!!!!  Thanks Jules!! xoxoxox

Now, to answer some questions that have been asked....

I didn't take any pictures of my haircut.  It basically looks the same as it did...the back is just a little shorter.

I will take pictures of the new house, once we begin "officially" moving in.

Yes, I will also post pictures of the kids from Christmas.  (Thanks for asking!!!)

I'm not certain of any details with the clinical trial.  I don't know if everyone gets "standard" treatment and some get placebo's.  As soon as I know, I promise I will let y'all know.

Thank you Krissy for nominating my journal for the Guest Editors pick..and thank you Guido for the congratulations!!!  I am flattered and touched. I hope others come to share my journey!!

http://journals.aol.com/journalseditor/magicsmoke/entries/2008/01/04/guest-editors-picks---january-4-2008/3100

Below is something I've pasted in from The Cancer Crusade.  It's everything we cancer patients want to say, but aren't quite sure how to say it!!

 

When we honestly ask ourselves which persons in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness,
that is a friend who cares.
~ Henri Nouwen ~
Out of Solitude

Whether you are a newly diagnosed survivor or someone who loves him or her, cancer rocks your world. We survivors have our own issues to face, but those of you who care for us can help by learning what not to say. We know you mean well, but please avoid the following platitudes:

"God won't give you more than you can handle." This implies that God gave me cancer. I don't buy it. The God I know is about goodness and light and love and healing. He doesn't throw down lightning bolts of cancer (or other catastrophes for that matter); that kind of thinking went out with ancient mythology. My cancer was caused by some cellular misfire, some rotten biological/chemical event, a chink in my body's immune system armor. Instead of telling me that God doesn't give us more than we can handle, remind me that God helps us handle what we are given.

"I could get hit by a bus tomorrow. You'll probably outlive me." Keep that up, and I can guarantee it. Look, if you're walking blindfolded down the middle of a major interstate highway during rush hour when you say this (because that's how I feel right now), it might make sense and I might agree with you. Otherwise, it's a meaningless remark that does nothing to make me feel better. In fact, now I'm worried about you. Thanks a lot.

"You have to have a positive attitude to beat this, so come on! Be positive!" You've just added to the terror I'm already experiencing. You have implied (whether you meant to or not) that I'm hurting my chances of getting well because I'm very sad and very scared right now. If you really want to help me, acknowledge and validate my feelings. Feelings are not facts, so you can't argue with them; please don't try. Instead, help me express what's in my heart and on my mind. You don't need to respond to everything I say. Just listen without trying to "fix" things. I will find my way to a more "positive attitude" as I gain understanding of my disease and treatment plan and as I begin to regain control of my life. Be patient with me. I'll get there in my own time.

"Don't cry. It will all be okay." These words are almost always said because the person who is witnessing the crying is uncomfortable. If you're uncomfortable seeing me cry, then please don't come around for a while. I need to cry sometimes, and I don't need anyone telling me not to. Crying is healthy. It helps me get the bad stuff out, and that helps make room for the really good stuff like wholeness and healing.

And you don't know if it will "all be okay" anymore than I do, so don't say that. In fact, don't say anything just to be saying something. If you can just sit with me and be with me and acknowledge through your silent companionship that we are mere mortals but we are in this together, that will be more comforting to me than anything
you could say.

Thanks for coming here.  Don't forget to count your blessings and remember...I love y'all!!!