Stitches of Love by Gwen Rich

Gwen came to visit today and brought a wonderful gift with her.  She crocheted this beautiful blanket.  She put a warm minkie material on the back of it.  It is so warm and wonderful.  As I cuddle under it I feel her love, knowing her hands touched each strand of yarn.  I feel very loved and blessed to have a friend like Gwen.

November 30, 2011

November has been a wonderful month to reflect on all that is good. I am ready for December and celebrating Christmas.
I am thankful for two darling grandchildren that have spent the last three days with me while their parents are in Hawaii. Ty said to me yesterday, Gramma, thanks for taking care of us. Brielle is full of hugs and kisses. I love being a grandma. I am so thankful for them at this time in my life.

November 29, 2011

I am thankful for Chantel's children. They are three of my wonderful grandchildren. They live down south so it is hard to get to see them often. We were able to see them over the weekend. I love their loves and hugs. They have been so concerned for me, and they are always so careful not to hurt me. I love Connor, Chloee and Corbin. Grandchildren are the best.

November 28, 2011

I am thankful for all the medical professionals that I use on a regular basis. It seems like I see them too often, but I am so glad that they are there for me and help me with all they can. I am grateful to have each of them in my life, they are like my friends, I love keeping them around me.

November 27, 2011

I am thankful to live in the United States of America. I am grateful for the freedoms that we have. I can worship how and where I desire. I can vote for those that I feel will do the best job leading us. I can travel, shop and live where I want to. It is a blessing to have been born and raised in this country.

November 26, 2011

I am thankful for all my friends. My childhood friends that have stuck with me for a long time. My roomates at Ricks college and Little America. My Wyoming friends that I miss so much since moving to Utah. My Utah friends that are close by. My book club friends. All the friends that I have met at Huntsman, Mckay Dee and Ogden Regional through my cancer treatments. My facebook friends. I love you all!

November 25, 2011

I am thankful for my extended family and that were with almost a hundred fo them today! The Hyde family Thanksgiving is huge. It is always nice to see all of his siblings and their families. Shane's dad has 161 desendant and count with at least 3 more in the works. We are so bless with many people to love.

November 24, 2011

I  am thankful for this day that we can reflect on all our blessings. We have so many things to be grateful for. I feel very blessed. May you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!

November 23, 2011

I am thankful for the hot tub that was given to me a few months back. I spent an hour and a half in it today. Oh it is wonderful. I am even more grateful for the friend that found it, arranged the delivery and set up for it. I am thankful for all those that had a hand in doing this for us.

November 22, 2011

I am thankful for Alden our last child. Alden and I have a special relationship. There is something about the baby of the family. I was able to spend one on one time with him when the older kids were at school. We loved to use the walkie talkies. I remember sitting and rocking him when he had the chicken pox. One day while walking home after taking kids to school, he had the dog on the leash.... I was ahead of him and he said "mom, slow down, sparky wants to smell the flowers." He has taught me to slow down and enjoy life.
When I was going through chemo, I would come home and lay on the bed. Alden would bring a game in and we would play it on the bed. Before he went on his mission he was my right arm. He did all that I was not able to do. He drove me where I needed to be. He is a great example to me. He is serving and being a representative of Jesus Christ in Australia. I am proud of him. I miss him but would not want him to be anywhere else. I love my baby, Alden.

November 21, 2011

I am thankful for our first born son, Derek Hyde. It was so exciting to hear, "It's a boy!"  I knew Shane wanted a boy so badly. He has been a fun child, as a baby he loved popcorn. He begged for it whenever we had it. He was born with a club foot and had to wear a cast for three months before having corrective surgery on it. He never let it slow him down. When he was three months old he had bacterial spinal meningitis. We were worried we would lose him and are very grateful to the doctors and nurses that cared for me. That experience strengthened our family and we became closer to Heavenly Father and are grateful for keeping our little guy with us without any effects of the disease. Derek has always been a good example to everyone around him. He has a little brother that looked up to him and copied everything that he did as a boy. Derek splashed in the puddle, Alden did the same. Derek has brought much joy to our family. I love you Derek!

November 20, 2011

I am thankful for our tiniest baby, Britney Nattress. She was four and a half pounds when she was born. She has always had a huge spirit though. She always tried her best to do what was right. When she was little she would only wear dresses and no long sleeves because they made her itch. One year she asked Santa for a cantaloupe. She was still home when I was diagnosed with cancer. She did all she could to learn about the disease and helped me get through some difficult things that are hard to watch a mom go through. She still is a great support to me doing all she can to get me where I need to be. She is a wonderful mom to two of our grandchildren. I love our Britney!

November 19, 2011

I am thankful for our firstborn child, Chantel Robinson. She started our family and taught us to be parents. She was a good baby and fun toddler. She kept us laughing at her imitations of how polar bears say "I love you". She loved to dance and play with her young friends. She has been the best big sister to her sister and brothers. She is now a wonderful mother to three of our grandchildren. She is creative, talented and loving. I love my Chantel.

November 18, 2011

I am thankful for my husband. There are too many good things to say about him, so just a few. He loves me even when I am not at my best. He takes care of me and our family. He has a great sense of humor and makes me laugh. He has great faith. He encourages me to hang on when times are tough. He let's me have time with my friends, and even encourages me to go out of town for girl's weekends. He is a hard worker. I am so blessed to be married to this wonderful man for 29 years. I love him for all that he is.!

November 17, 2011

I am thankful for Relief Society. It is a wonderful organization that I am glad that I am part of. I love the friendship and love that I feel. It always lifts my spirits and helps me in all aspects of my life. Thanks to everyone that makes it a great organization.

November 16, 2011

I am thankful for my littlest sister, Kendra Miles. She was three years old when I got married.  It was a joy to watch her grow up.   She is a good example to me and did many things that I did not do, like serve a mission.   Now she has a cute family of four children.   It is still fun to watch her as she is a wonderful wife and mother, mostly she is my sister!

November 15, 2011

I am thankful for my little brother Gordon.   He was the first to teach me how to be a mom.   I was a teenager when he was born.   I helped alot with him.   I remember the day he taught me you have to be fast when changing baby boy's diapers.   We were both ready for church and I changed his diaper, he sprayed me from my belly to my head and as I quickly covered him back up I got him from head to belly. We both had to change clothes.
He now has a wonderful family of his own. They visit us often and we love the spirit that they bring when they come.   They are so willing to do anything for us. He is always looking for ways to help out.  He has an amazing wife and very loving children.  I am thankful for the example he has been to my children. We love them very much.

November 14, 2011

I  am tahnkful for fasting and prayer and all those who join with us. I know that our prayers are heard and answered. I have witnessed miracles in my life. I hope to be able to witness many more.

November 13, 2011

I am very thinkful for my brother Lynn. He married a beautiful woman and had three awesome children. He owns his own business and bought a 100 year old school house and made it his home. It seems like he has everything but his family is always looking out for others to help. They serve the Lord with everything that they have. Several years ago at a family get together he got me back up on water skis, something I hadn't done in a LONG time and didn't think that I would do again. Last month his family came to visit. Lynn and I had the best chat. He gives me so much love and support. I look up to you little brother, you are good to me and for me.

November 12, 2011

I am thankful for my younger brother Darrell Hodges.   He followed me to Wyoming and lived with us for a while after his mission.   It was nice to have family close by.   This past summer he hosted an event (wedding for his stepson) that proved to be a great family reunion for all of us.   We missed our sister Kendra Miles because she was pregnant but it was a great time for our family. It was wonderful to see Darrell so happy.

November 11, 2011

I am grateful to live in this country.   I am thankful for all the service men and women that fight for our freedoms.   May we never forget their sacrifices.

November 10, 2011

I am thankful for my 14th month younger sister.   We shared everything growing up, a bedroom, clothes, and even friends.   We were best of friends.   Today she is always there for me.   She has dropped everything to come help me with big events and doing things that I couldn't do for myself.   She has become my hands when I have not been able to use mine.  I love my sister, Tammy

November 9, 2011

I am thankful for my big brother Joe.   I always looked up to him, because he was bigger than me. I know it was difficult to be the first child and set the standard and forge though all the stuff that firstborne children go through.   He was always a good example for me.   I especially loved it when he let me hang out with his friends.   I will never forget playing spoons at the King's house.   I love my brother Joe and his big bear hugs.

November 8, 2011

I am thankful for my dad.   He worked very hard to provide for and support seven children.   He taught me how to work hard.   We always had a huge garden and he raised cows.   It was when I moved away that I began to appreciate him more.   Whenever he visits he is always finding ways to help me out.   He is now retired but still working hard to help out his children and grandchildren.
The last few years I have been his date to his mission reunion, where we have the opportunity to listen to his mission president, Thomas S Monson.   Each year I learn more about my dad.   He is a great man. I love him.

November 7 2011

I am thankful for my mom. She gave me life and taught me many valueable lessons.   I am a better mom because of her.   She taught me how to cook, can, sew and be frugal.   I learned how to be compassionate, loving, patient and how to have a positive attitude.   I owe so much to my mother for all she has done for me.   I love my MOM!

November 6, 2011

I am grateful for my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

November 5, 2011

I am grateful for the Holy Ghost that gives me guidance and answers to prayers.   He is a comforter.   I depend on Him every day.   I hope I will follow each prompting and listen more carefully.

November 4, 2011

I am thankful for temples and that we have so many close to us.   We visited three of them today.   Oh what comfort, peace and joy they bring.   I am also grateful for my good friend Gwen Rich that plans our fun temple trippin' adventures.   Life would not be the same without you!

November 3, 2011

I am grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ who lived his life as an example for us. He has given me the opportunity to live again with all those I love.   He is always there for me and knows my joys and sorrows.   I hope I live my life as an example of His.

November 2, 2011

I am thankful for a Heavenly Father that loves me, cares for me and has a plan for me.

November 1, 2011

Each day in the month of November I will be thinking of the things that I am most grateful for.

I am grateful for my life. I enjoy every day.

Girl's Weekend in New Mexico

 A few years ago, Sandy introduced me to this wonderful group of ladies.  They are all close friends, each having their own challenges in life.  All inspiring in how they live their lives.   It was a thrill for me when I was invited to spend another weekend with them in Albuquerque.

We spent a full day in Santa Fe.  Susan was our guide and we visited many museums, a few cathedrals, art gallery, shopping and eating.

                                        Caroline in a native wedding dress.

Saturday, the sisters and I spent the day in old town.  We had a delcious Mexican meal with a very fiesty waiter.  We had a great time. 

Anna    Sandy      Cathy

Another Miracle...I Have the Best Friends

Last Wednesday my friend Sandy took me to Huntsman for a blood test.  As we waited the Physician's Assistant came and talk to us.  I explained to her that the pool had been a great benefit to me this summer.  It had helped take the pressure off my back and lessened the pain and helped me sleep at night.  It has also helped with movement in my arm.  We asked about the possibility of getting a hot tub through insurance.  We found out that insurance most likely would not authorize something like that.

 Sandy shared this information with another friend Teresa.  Friday night we were at a ward party and Teresa and I spoke about my pain and arm.  I also mention the idea of a hot tub to her.

Saturday night Teresa got the distinct impression that she needed to get me a hot tub.  She felt that God was telling her to find me a hot tub.  She got on KSL and found a free hot tub, however it was already taken.  Then the person posted it on KSL again because the first offer did not come to pick it up.  Teresa called on it and the person told her that another person had already said they would come get it.

 Again the taker did not show up to claim the hot tub.  The person called Teresa and told her she could have it.

She called another friend, Joe and recruited help to pick up this monster.  it was quite an adventure getting the hot tub out from under a deck, loaded up on the trailer and through a small alley.  Teresa was able to call friends near American Fork to help her and Joe's boys to get this loaded.

 They hauled the hot tub all the way from American Fork without a incident.


I received a call Sunday night.  Teresa's voice of excitement came though loud and clear...I have a hot tub for you and it is in Sandy's driveway.  We want to deliver it Monday or Tuesday night.

I was in shock.  I could not think of much to say than thanks over and over again.

 Teresa called again on Monday and said everything was arrange to deliver the hot tub at 7 pm, Tuesday evening.  She recruited lots of help as you can see from the pictures.


Shane prepared a place next to the deck for the tub.

 We have the best friends and support.  They will help us get the electrical done and another friend is a plumber that will work his magic on getting it running.

 I look forward to some relaxing time in this huge tub!

Thank you friends!

Chemo Treatments will not stop me from having a good time

My day started at 4:30 am with a quick shower and getting ready to catch a ride to Huntsman with a dear friend that works there.

We arrived around 6 am and I got out the laptop and checked email and facebook.  At 7;30 am I checked in early for my appointment, which paid off in big ways.  They got me right in and started on the long list of procedures.
Weight and vitals, port access, blood draws, Warfarin pill, more blood draws, pre-meds, blood draw and chemo med, Belinostat. After the drug was given I had more blood draws. I had a two hour break and was able to get some lunch at the Point Restaurant.  My last blood draw was at 4:30 pm.

For the last month I have look forward to seeing the Nashville Tribute Band play in Ogden.  I had given up that hope when I knew I had a long day at the hospital.  I was pleasantly surprised when the day went so quickly.  So Britney and kids picked me up at the hospital and took me home.  We played with kids and Shane agreed to take me to the concert.  Derek and Jessica went along as well.

We had a beautiful time, it was perfect weather, the atmosphere was wonderful and the music was soul stirring. 

Chemo will not stop me from having a good time.

Me and Shane, Jessica and Derek

Kaylyn, Laney and me

Another Clinical Trial

Another day at Huntsman.  I left home at 8 AM and got to Huntsman by 9 AM.  Today I am to have labs drawn, take a pill, then have a series of labs drawn over the course of eight hours.  All in a  days work.  The pill is Warfarin (Coumadin).  The first week I will come back to Huntsman each day for a blood draw.  Documentation will be made to see how the blood reacts to the Warfarin.

In two weeks I will start on the drug Belinostat.  I will have just as many blood draws to watch and see how the blood reacts or changes.  As long as my body can handle this drug I can stay on the study for six weeks.  I can use the drug longer if it is beneficial.

I am praying for some great results.  As I looked over my last CT Scan I found that the tumors continue to grow.  I need and want them to stop.

Good things about being at the hospital for nine hours:
I got to read more of the book "Animal Vegetable Miracle".
I caught up in my email and facebook.  I looked at all of Britney's new post on her blog!
I played a couple of games of Sudoku.
I had a wonderful free lunch.  A beautiful salad with salmon.
I am writing on my blog!!

Now the long day is over and I have the drives back and forth to Huntsman for a blood draws each day for the next week,

A New Trial to Look at

Today I went to see Dr Gouw and talk to him about a new trial drug.  I had blood work done and an EKG.  We talked to the Dr. about the new drug and some new developements in fighting cancer.  If I can stay alive long enough to take advantage of all the smart things they are doing for cancer, I would be happy.

I had a CT scan done as a baseline for this trial.
I am thankful for smart people that work hard to cure cancer.
Everything looks good to start the trial next week.

Family Reunion Star Valley Wyoming

Thursday August 11th.
I woke up knowing that the car should have an oil change before we left for the valley.  I was lucky to have gotten right in to Jiffy Lube, a crowd of people came behind me.  As I finished there the kind worker let me know I had a nail in my tire.  They also let me know I needed a new air filter. 
I decided to go to Sam's Club to get fruit that we needed for the meals at the reunion.  I then went into Walmart to pick up a filter.  As I walked into the store my foot turned in my sandal and it broke.  I had to pick up a pair of flip flops because I did not have another pair of black sandals.
On the way home I stopped to have the nail removed from the tire and fixed.

All that by 10 am.  We finished packing and were on the road by 11AM.  We decided to go through Logan and Bear Lake.  This was the way that we took to get to Star Valley when we got married in Logan.  Logan is always a fun place for us.  We HAD to stop at K Mart to see if they had any fabulous sales.  We got some more fruit at Smith's. 

Bear Lake was beautiful!  We stopped to get something to eat and a RASPBERRY Shake.  Then on our way again.   We arrived in Star Valley around 5:30 PM.  We stopped in Smoot to find our group but they were not to be found.  We went into Afton and checked into our hotel.
We met up with everyone back in Smoot for dinner.  It was fun to visit with the families of Brad, Lee, Delmer, Trena, Bart, Starla, Troy, Ryan and Layne.  We missed Kevin's and Amy's family.  After dinner Shane and I went to Dad and Hazel's motor home and played "Blokus" and watched fireworks that Troy's family lit off.
Friday we ate breakfast with Doyle and Hazel.  We went on a scavenger hunt throughout the valley.  Each sibling wrote about their favorite place and we guessed what it was and went to that area.  We went to the Cemetary where many family members are, we drove past the houses where shane's family has lived.  We saw the new high school and where the old high used to stand. Many memories in the valley.

We stopped at the Cheese Factory in Thayne.  We walked into some great friends from Roy! It was fun to visit them and hear what they were doing in the area.  We made our way up the Grey's river to Murphey lake.  This is a favorite childhood memory  for Shane and our children.  We had lots of food. chairs for visiting and resting, a canoe, paddle boat and raft for taking out on the lake.  Fishing gear could be found everywhere.  Bart took a remote control boat and attached hook and bait to it.  We all had fun watching him try to catch fish from it.  It was a beautiful day with the family.

I took Alden's photos and videos to show the family.

We left the lake around seven to get out of the forest by the time it got dark.

We ate dinner in town and got back to hotel.  During the night I got sick.  I am not sure if it was from radiation or a bug I got.  I had a fever the next morning and still did not feel well.  After eating breakfast with the family we were on our way back home.  It was a fast trip, we did not stop and went through Evanston.  We were home in three hours.  I slept the whole way and came home and slept the rest of the day. 
I was a great time despite not feeling well in the end.

Radiation Treatments for Spine Metastasis

With the advise from my doctor I am going to be doing radiation to my spine to shrink a tumor in the T3. 
I did the planning for it on Wednesday and Started on Thursday.  I only takes about 15 for each appointment.   This will not destroy the tumor but should shrink it, helping to relieve some of the pain I have had in my back.  I will have 10 treatments.  Then start the new trial drug.

I now have five new tatoos.  Three down my neck and chest and one on each side of my body.  They will be used to line me up to the right coodinates each day.

Another week without Chemo

I had my blood tested on Wednesday and the platelets had only increased by 5.  It went from 69 to 74,  I need it to be over 100 to start chemo again.  This is a mixed blessing because I feel good.  I am able to help out more around the house.

Derek is getting married this week, so I will feel good for that great event!  We have been fixing the basement up so that they can live there and save some money.  It will be nice when it is completed. 

Just Another Day at Huntsman

Starting about Wednesday last week my bicep in my right arm has been sore.  It felt warm and had a bit of redness.  I have been trying to use my arm more, so I thought maybe I was overusing it.  I also started to sleep in the bed instead of the recliner so I thought maybe that could be causing some problems.

Sunday I showed it to my friend, a nurse.  She agreed that it was warm, swollen and red.  She voiced concern that it had symptoms of a blood clot.  I agreed to call the doctor on Monday to check it out.

I call the nurse at Huntsman and they wanted me to see a doctor there.  I drove to Britney's house and she drove me to Huntsman.  I spent the day having blood tests, then trying to get a blood test from my arm, (that did not work) and finally an ultrasound on my arm to look for blood clots.

After spending the day there I have peace of mind that it is not an infection or a blood clot.  I will wear my compression sleeve and watch it.
I will go back to Huntsman to pick up the antibiotic to start my next round of the clinical trial on Thursday.

Mother's Day

I had a beautiful Mother's Day.  I was able to talk to my mom and dad on the phone and wish my mom a Happy Mother's Day.  I am grateful for the way she raised me and the example that she has been.  I love and respect my mom.
I spoke to all my children, Chantel on the phone and Alden on the phone from Australia.  He is doing so well.  Check out his blog at http://elderhydeaustraliaadelaide.blogspot.com/ .
Britney's family and Derek and Jessica were over for dinner.  It was a fabulous day.

Derek and Shane bought me a new stove.  I am spoiled and LOVE being a mom.

What can you accomplish at the hospital?

Today's time at Huntsman for 10 1/2 hours, this is what we accomplished.

Accessed port with two needles
Gave blood samples before infusion
Pre meds before chemo.  (controlling the side affects and nausea)
Saw and talked the doctor
Physician Assistants check up
Three hours of Chemo Treatment
Four sets of vital signs
30 minutes of Zometa
Lunch with a handsome husband
Read  Alden's email he wrote on P day.
Updated  Alden's Blog
Eight  Blood draws  (checking to see what the drug is doing to my blood and body)
Three EKGs  (monitoring the heart)
Shane started and nearly finished a book that he pick up off the bookshelf.
Lost count of how many times I saw Spencer the Clinical Study coordinator including almost running into him first thing in the morning.
Checked out the menu of the restaurant to take home dinner.
Spending the day with my husband was the greatest!

I am grateful for all the excellent people that have cared for me at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital and Clinic.  They truly have blessed my life and have not given up on me.

Dinner at Urban Bar and Grill

We walked a few block from our Hotel to the restaurant Urban Bar and Grill.

We were seated a a nice table and our server, Jason, did a great job telling us the specials and the items on the menu that he really liked.

We made our selection and were very pleased with the food.

Of course we left room for desert.

We had a very nice meal together. 

Our Trolley Tour

Nijad walked us down the block to the trolley stop.

Our afternoon was spent on the trolley touring around the city.  It was a great way to see all the things that were available for us to see and do.

Petco Stadium Where the Padres Play

Kaye was a great tour guide he had great stories to tell.  We were entertained as we saw many great sights.

On the Coronado Bridge looking at a Navy Ship

San Diego on the Right, Coronado on the Left.

Museum at Balboa Park.  If we had another day we would have spent it here.

We did get off the trolley at Old Town.  We went to the Mormon Battalion Museum.

Shane and I have family that joined the Mormon Battalion.

Alden was our hero and showed us what it would have been like to be part of the battalion.

Our First Taste of the Westin's Food

They left us with many yummy snacks to munch on.  We tried a few but did not fill up because we were close to lunch time.

This was just a start.  The fridge is stocked with Snapples,  Orange Juice, Apple Juice and Water.

We were greeted in the restaurant by wonderful people.  The menu had something for everyone.
We felt like kids in a candy store where there was no limit to what you could have.  I know that my children haven ever felt like they could have it all no questions ask.  It reminds me of a time when Alden went shopping with Grandma and Grandpa Baker as they look for things he would tell them "too much money, no too much money".

Tina was our server for several days.  She is a beautiful person, she was so fun to get to know.  We really enjoyed each meal with her!

San Diego's Westin Gaslamp Quarter

At the Westin Gaslamp Quarter we were greeted by the staff.  They were all so warm and welcoming.  They knew who we were and had been waiting for us.  We were introduced to many of the staff and they had smoothies made for us.  What a WOW welcome.

They took us to our room where we where wowed again.  It was beautiful and spacious.  It had a living and dining room area.  There were two attached rooms and a deluxe suite above the boy's room.  The rooms were newly renovated and we were the first to stay in them.

Alyssa and Tim went through our itinerary with us.  They shared many of the exciting adventure that we would have while we stayed with them.

The boys room was great.  They got separate bed, a bathroom and dressing area, as well as a desk and mini fridge.

The girls got the same type room but they had a king bed to share.  I am sure it took them back to their childhood when they shared a bed.

The beds were so comfortable, it was heavenly.  It was hard to get out of bed once you were snuggled in.

Our room was a dream,  the view was incredible.

The bathroom was even relaxing.

What a wonderful place to begin and end our day.