Merry Christmas Everyone!!

Here is our house on Saturday morning early....it was very cold in the 20s and it doesn't look like the snow is going anywhere soon.... We have over 10 inches now. We only lost power for a short time and have been able to get to and from the store as needed. We were surprised today that our bank was closed!

Ho, Ho, Ho!! Here's a great picture of our cookie bake Saturday before last. We met at Shelia's and baked all day - I'll put in another picture of the COOKIES!! Our Santa Helper apron's are a gift from Nancy - as she wanted this Christmas to be special for everyone. She was really with us as we baked. Jennie inherited Nancy's Kitchenaide mixer and we did the first batch of cookies in it! You can see it in the picture just to the right of Shelia!

In the picture are Jennie, Lorianne, Gayle, Darian and Shelia in the back row, then Allyson, Morgan and Cameron. Great fun!!

Here are the cookies halfway through the day - we all brought bar cookies already made so the day was much more productive!

You can see there is snow on the ground then (December 13th)! Here are some pictures at our house from this last week. More snow than we've had before here on Whidbey Island ... it's supposed to be more "temperate" since we are so close to the water...ha ha! This first one is our deck yesterday morning - the first day of Winter!

This is today - the car was clear of snow yesterday so you can see that we got a little bit more overnight!


Hope everyone is staying warm. We wish you all the blessings of the season. May you experience the peace and comfort of family and friends as we celebrate the birth of our Savior!

Two Celebrations of Nancy's Life!

Here is the announcement we are publishing in the Anacortes American, South Whidbey Record, and the Seattle Times.

Beloved daughter, sister, aunt, great aunt, friend. Nancy was beloved by her family, friends, coworkers, and especially by her prayer group. She departed for her next great adventure Thursday morning, November 6th with her mother and sister by her side.

She was born in Seattle, Washington - the first child of Ernest and Vernita (Markham) Osterhout on Halloween, 1946. She is survived by her mother, Nita, her sister Gayle Childs (Larry) of Langley, three nephews, one niece, 12 grand-nieces & nephews, a large extended family & countless friends. She was preceded in death by her father & her younger sister Janene. She grew up spending summers at Osterhout’s Fernwood, in the Baby Island Heights neighborhood, and she lived at the family cabin for a couple of years during the 60’s.

Nancy brought light and love to everyone she met. She had a varied career and loved her last job at the NW ESD, for the Autism Outreach Program. Another favorite job was working for the Big Three at Snoqualmie Pass in the 70s. She was an avid skier and ski instructor. She considered the work she did with her prayer group as her true vocation.

Nancy believed that her breast cancer was an assignment from God, so she would battle as long as she could to show other women how to do it with faith, hope, love and grace. We have all been blessed by her presence in our lives.

The family is grateful to Dr. Kim and the staff of the Cancer Center in Anacortes, and Skagit Valley Hospice for Nancy’s outstanding care. A celebration of her life is planned for Saturday, November 15 at the NW Educational Service District, 1601 R Avenue, Anacortes, from 1-3 pm.
A second celebration is planned for Saturday, November 29th at the Vantage Glen Clubhouse, 18100 107th Place SE, Renton from 1-3 pm. In lieu of flowers, she requested that memorial donations be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, 2009 Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk, (follow links to the 3 Day on this page) or to the Island Hospital Foundation, 715 Seafarer's Way, Suite 101, PO Box 1143, Anacortes, WA 98221

Peace At Last - Beginning Her New Adventure!

Nancy Lyn Osterhout

October 31, 1946-November 6, 2008

Free at last and off on a great new adventure! My beloved sister died yesterday morning at 1:48 a.m. She slipped peacefully away from her earthly body while my mother and I surrounded her with our love. She really wanted to die at home and that wish was fulfilled.

It was so inspiring for Mom and I and our children to observe just how very much Nancy is loved by her prayer group and her friends from work as they came by to visit her during the last couple days of her life.

The picture above was taken at Nancy's shop in Issaquah, about 12 years ago. It really captures her beauty, both inner and outer.

Nancy's favorite holiday was Christmas and this year she will be with so many of our dear ones who proceeded her to heaven, our Dad and younger sister in particular! Mom and I are rejoicing that Nancy doesn't need to suffer any more. We are being spoiled here at our house by my beloved husband and the cards and phone calls are already streaming in.

I will be putting the link to Mike's 2009 Breast Cancer 3 Day page here as we have decided the best place for memorials will be to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Please continue to pray for those of us left behind. I will be posting particulars on a Celebration of Her Life as soon as details are known.

Amazing Grace

Today is Monday, November 3rd. Nancy was transported to Island Hospital yesterday. As the liver failure progresses, the confusion caused by encephalopathy worsened, and well as her motor skills. She tried to get up and fell down. Mom was here alone with her and had to call 911 twice to help her get back into bed.

She is in the ICU and resting comfortably. I will meet with a social worker from Hospice today, as they would like her out of the hospital, and I know it is Nancy's desire to die at home. We just don't know if it is possible to give her the round the clock care here at her house.

She was able to come out of her bedroom with the help of the walker and visit briefly with Larry, Lorianne and her two little ones Allyson and Garrett on her Birthday Friday. I had worn the pink wig from our costumes and she asked to wear it. She had on a robe that had that color in it and the effect was great. She laughed and said some funny things. Her good friends Carol and Nancy were here from her work group. She has received more than 75 cards for her birthday. She did get some sleep Friday night. She was sleeping when members of her prayer group came by to celebrate the birthday.

I ask your continued prayers for comfort and peace as the transition continues. Prayers for our whole family too, as we prepare to cope with not having her here with us.

The picture above Nancy took at the Cancer Center during her chemo treatments earlier this year. It is on the wall in the infusion room - a beautiful handmade quilt full of love.

Nancy's Birthday is Friday! Happy Halloween.

Halloween is coming. This outrageous picture is from our Scrapbook retreat weekend before last. Lorianne asked everyone to dress up for Halloween or if they didn't have a costume - for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. When I got her e-mail about this, I responded, "So, should we go as Twin Boobs. I was honestly kidding about this but found these costumes online. What a hit. And it was a reminder for breast self-exam and Mammograms. WE performed a poem about mammograms, and had lots of laughs.

After the retreat I returned to Anacortes to care for Nancy. She has deteriorated physically and had some problems with medication compliance - so the week was very difficult for her (and me). Once we got her over her resistance to one of the meds, she was much more comfortable. She also had what the nurse thought could be a partial bowel obstruction, so we dealt with that too.

Fall has fallen....Last year we were in Maui

It's hard to believe it, but a year ago this week we were in Maui! It was 47 degrees here this morning and never warmed up enough to take off our sweatshirts! The good news is, we are heading back to Maui in February - can hardly wait.

I just got home late yesterday from a 10 day stint at Nancy's. She had a rough few days with increased pain as her cancer is spreading. We saw the oncologist both Tuesdays and he told us that the tumor markers had gone way up. He wants Nancy to think about starting a different chemo and let him know next week. With as sick as she has been, I truly doubt she will go for it this time. We need to look at quality of life issues again. She doesn't have much quality now, spending most days in bed, but to add another strong chemo at this stage seems ludicrous.

Please pray for wisdom, peace and comfort. Mom is doing well. I go back on Sunday for four short days, as next Thursday is the beginning of our EAT, NAP, SCRAP retreat at Fort Flagler. The preparations for the retreat are coming along nicely. Lorianne announced a costume or "wear pink for the cure" party for Saturday night. We have come up with a funny idea - hope it works out - I'm sworn to secrecy or I'd talk about it here. I plan to do layouts from the 3 Day walk, and can hardly wait to see everyone.

Nancy is our Inspiration - NEVER GIVE UP!

I'm here at Nancy's and she started the new oral chemotherapy on Monday. She's taking it twice a day and combining it with her long term pain meds - so she usually sleeps for a few hours right after taking it. The week has been a real roller coaster ride.

I got here Tuesday and Mom drove home after a long time away. I was still walking pretty tenderly from the blisters on my feet and the tweak to my achilles tendon. I had an early morning hearing at DSHS over in Mt. Vernon and they assured me that her medical would be covered for this month and next at least. Then had a visit from the Hospice nurse and social worker about 4:00 on Wednesday. After some small talk, they told Nancy that she was "being discharged" from Hospice. We were so surprised. They explained that the nurse director reviewed the oncologist's notes and determined that Nancy's goals did not fit with Hospice. In other words, since she still wants to fight the cancer, and not give up hope, she can't have the benefit of Hospice Care.

I was upset, understanding that the nurse and social worker were just the messengers - but I let them know how crummy (must admit I used a stronger word to them) I thought it was for them to blindside us like that. I put a call into her oncologist.

Nancy had an appointment with the oncologist at 9:30 Thursday morning. He was very upset at how this news got passed on to us. I told him if something like this happens to another hospice patient - they should rework the process where the physician is informed - then he tells the patient. He did tell us that he had heard that the hospice program was going to discontinue "Open Access" which is what Nancy was enrolled in - as it has proven much too expensive. He also said he'd talk to the medical director at Hospice.

When we got home, a young man was here to pick up her oxygen!! I told him no way since the replacement oxygen hadn't been ordered yet. The day just got more interesting, and I was grateful that Nancy was able to sleep through most of it.

I got another phone call about 6:00 last night from the night nurse at Hospice who said that Nancy's doctor wanted her back in the program and now they are coming over this afternoon (Friday) to re-enroll her!

I am so relieved, and so is Nancy. It is very disruptive to change out the oxygen, and figure out different ways of getting the medicine and other needed help.

One of the most touching moments of the closing ceremony at the 3Day walk last weekend was when the survivors walked in to the stadium and we all lifted a shoe in their honor. Then the chant, NEVER GIVE UP! NEVER GIVE UP! NEVER GIVE UP! resounded. That has been Nancy's attitude this whole 2 1/2 years and will continue to be.

Thanks again for all the prayers!

WE DID IT! Seattle Breast Cancer 3 DAY WALK!!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for the support, love and prayers - here are a very few of the more than 300 pictures we took during our great adventure.


Wow - what an incredibly exhilarting and humbling experience we had at the Seattle Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk. Here's a picture of our team at the Opening Ceremonies on Friday, September 12th at Bellevue Community College. Gayle, Lorianne, Jennie & Michael - "Breast Friends 4 Nancy" - we are ready (we think) for this adventure!

The weather was much warmer than expected on Friday - but we trooped on through some beautiful neighborhoods in Bellevue, walked down the Lake Hills Connector and up into Bellevue where we had lunch at the park just south of Bellevue Square. After lunch we walked to Marymoor Park in Redmond - which was our home away from home for the next two nights! Here's a shot of a SMALL portion of the tents that housed more than 3300 walkers, not to mention the nearly 500 crew members.



Saturday morning dawned with a welcome misty overcast (which only lasted a few hours). We walke through downtown Redmond and then out to the Sammamish river Trail where this photo was taken:




You can see the mist and that's Lorianne in front of me with the pink monkey on her backpack! We walked to downtown Kirkland where we had lunch at Juanita Park. We then walked along the Kirkland waterfont, it was beautiful with so many supporters driving by and honking. We walked back to Marymoor Park on tired, blistered feet - but with an incredible feeling of accomplishment and appreciation for all your help and prayers.

Here is a picture from Sunday morning as we were leaving camp:



Most of the walkers were moving much slower Sunday morning, but you could sure feel the sense of anticipation for what was to come. We were bussed across the 520 Bridge to the Arboretum to begin our 3rd and final day. This is a great picture of Mike and Jennie and Lorianne tending to blisters before we started off.



We had a great walk through the UW campus - here is a picture of Lorianne and I on the Montlake Bridge looking at the cut behind us.



Then onto Greenlake where there was an incredible crowd of cheerers (including Larry) to keep us going). We walked around the lake and there was plenty of shade to keep the walkers cool. Our journey continued to Gasworks Park on Lake Union where we had a stop for lunch. Then on into downtown Seattle and along the waterfront. We arrived at the finish line to a huge crowd of well-wishers and screaming fans!!

Here is a picture of Lorianne holding the I'm walking for My Aunt Flag at the finish line:



After all the walkers arrived we filed into Memorial Stadium to a greeting beyond words. We saluted the Survivors who also walked by raising a shoe - it was very emotional.
Here is a great picture of Mike & Jennie and then one of our the stands were Larry, Shelia, Darian, Morgan and Cameron were cheering for us - they are on the top row - you can see the sign they are holding (but not much else):






Hopefully these pictures express more than words can say. There was so much love and kindness shown to all of us, we pray we are able to return it and even magnify it!

Two Weeks from Today - WE WALK!!!

Today is Friday, August 29, 2008 - this summer has just flown past! This next week I will need to keep up my training walks here in Anacortes. The picture above is from our Scrapbook retreat in Monroe. Dyona, Jennie, me, Shasta and Kim - we walked in the rain and nobody melted - hip hip hooray!!

I'm here at Nancy's. She did come last Saturday to the family picnic - what a joy to have so many family members there, and it meant alot to all of us that Nancy would make the effort. She did spend most of the day in bed, but was able to get up and visit with family for a little while. Thanks expecially to Mom for driving both ways!! One of the best moments from the day was when 2 year old Aiden (Mike & Jennie's son) sang "You are my Sunshine" to Nancy. Wow. Our dad's brother, Uncle Fred and cousin Karol were also there. A great day. Larry did most of the work preparing the house and yard for the party. We were able to get 14 dungeness crab (just before someone stole our crab pots - go figure!). Here's a picture from last Saturday - Nancy is sitting on the couch next to Ragna - then Annie, Devon tickling one of the twins.

Tuesday I meet with DSHS prior to an Administrative Hearing about Nancy's medical insurance. They sent a letter saying it was being discontinued at the end of this month! They had incorrect information about her SS disability and her private disability insurance. I was relieved this morning when I found out that they did reinstate medical coverage for September and when I spoke to the representative, he said if I bring the proper documentation, he is sure that her medical will be covered. Praise God! One less worry for Nancy and Mom.

More updates as this week and next progresses. Keep walking and praying!

Full Moon & Anniversary

Full moon rising over Mount Rainier last night! Michael took this picture from his front porch. It is gorgeous!

I'm here in Anacortes this week. Today is our 38th wedding anniversary and Larry is coming up to celebrate, probably go to lunch and visit.

Nancy didn't have chemo the last two weeks as she hasn't felt up to it. The oncologist decided this current treatment is not working enough to warrant the side effects. She had a CT scan Tuesday that showed some further spread of the liver and abdominal metastases. She gets a couple weeks off, then they will reassess and maybe try some oral chemotherapy at that time.

She will have this time to regain some strength and hopefully feel well enough to come to the family picnic a week from tomorrow on August 23rd. We are hosting the picnic at our house at Nancy's request. Mom will be here and will drive her down to the "cabin" as we all lovingly refer to it. Our house is built on property where our grandparents built a summer cabin in the 1920's. Lots of history, memories of fun times. We feel very blessed to live there.

Oh my goodness. The hospice massuse just gave me an incredible foot massage. I walked about 4 miles this morning (and it was warm!) and my feet feel brand new. Hope I can find someone like Linda to take care of my feet on the walk and afterward!!

Speaking of the walk, it's just four weeks away! We had a scrapbook retreat last weekend in Monroe and even though it was raining pretty good last Saturday, several of us went walking. Be sure to check out "By Shasta" - a very cool blog that has a couple pictures of our walk last weekend. Shasta's blog is always full of great info on scrapbooking and the 3Day walk.

Time for lunch out with my sweetheart of 38 years!

The Battle Continues - Spirits are High!

Wow - Saturday, August 2nd already. Nancy continues her valiant fight. Last week the oncologist told her that the tumor markers are down - which is good. He said "this chemo is working, biochemically." We won't know for sure until a Pet Scan sometime after her 4th round of chemo which is next Thursday, if the chemo has halted the spread of the disease. She continues to lose weight, but has enjoyed some food this week. We had an old fashioned pot roast on Wednesday and some wonderful fresh salmon and vegetables last night. She is having a little difficulty swallowing, but small bites work well.

Yesterday I walked about 6 miles here in Anacortes and to my surprise the town was having an arts festival. I did stop at a couple of booths. It was very festive and a nice distraction. Today a local furniture store is delivering a new mattress for the guest room! Mom and I will certainly appreciate having a comfortable bed.

The walk is getting closer - about 6 weeks - and it feels like my body is ready. Everytime I have a little ache or pain while training - I just think about what Nancy and so many other women go through to battle this disease - it is very inspiring.

Next weekend we have a scrapbook retreat and several of the gals are doing the 3 Day walk so we will get out and get some training walks in. Keep praying and thanks for all the support!

Chemo 3 and Some Good Lab Results!

Beautiful Sunset tonight over mount Baker - and we have a full moon (with no eclipse) so what a gorgeous night. I've been here since Monday - can't believe the week has gone by so quickly. Nancy had her third round of this new miracle chemo yesterday. We had some great news about her lab tests. Not only has her white cell count begun climbing again, but some of her liver function studies have improved as well. If she had felt like it - we both could have done a happy dance yesterday!!
Today we were both up early and cleaned out one of her dressers. She went to sleep about 8:30 this morning and asked me to be sure to wake her by 3:00 for an appointment at the cancer center for her neulasta shot. Not sure on the spelling of that and I'm too lazy tonight to look it up. She slept until I woke her at 2:45! Wow. That was the best sleep she's had since before this round of chemo started several weeks ago. She felt good enough after the shot to take a little drive to a beach and one of our favorite lookouts. An all together beautiful day. She's sleeping now and I should be.
Tomorrow some of the kids and grandkids may stop by to say hi if she's feeling like it. They are staying at my house on Whidbey with my dear husband and keeping him out of trouble. I had a great e-mail from my second oldest granddaughter, Morgan, this morning letting me know that she found a very rare piece of yellow sea glass at our beach this morning while her daddy put the crab pots out to soak. She is a super star soccer player and now a super star sea glass seeker! Way to go Morgan!
Time for some sleep. Thanks again for all the prayers and good wishes. Sweet dreams.....

WALKIN' & JAMMIN'

This picture sums up my activities over the past couple of days - walkin' and jammin!"

My pink high top Chucks have been beautifully embellished by my good friend Mallory! Aren't they the bees knees?? I don't do my distance training walks in these beauties, but I do wear them whenever possible! Thanks Mal for a great job. Her blog is http://leingangcrew.blogspot.com/

Mal is quite the photographer and has a beautiful family, check out her blog. The shoes are sitting in front of my last batch of raspberry jam. I made strawberry on Sunday and the raspberry yesterday. My kitchen smelled dreamy. I did have a little mishap on the final jar. As I was filling it (I use a funnel to avoid spills, etc), I reached way over to grab a particular spoon, the kettle's weight was too heavy on the funnel and the jar flipped up spattering hot jam all over me and the floor. The good news is the jar didn't break. The bad news, I got a little burn under my chin - just put a couple ice cubes and then aloe vera to soothe it and it's all better now. I reminded myself of the 3 Stooges and there is only one of me!

We've had some gorgeous weather and I've been able to hang clothes outside on the line and do a little weeding. These normal, routine tasks are ones I enjoy immensely that relax and renew me for my next time with Nancy.

Our youngest grandchild Garrett will turn two on Saturday. We are going to their home on Hood Canal for the celebration. On Sunday, Lorianne (Garrett's mommy) will drive up here to our house and spend the night. She and I will head up to Nancy's home on Monday and Lorianne has volunteered to take Grandma home. Lori will also do a pedicure for Nancy. I am blessed with the best family in the world. All the kids are so generous with their time, talent and financial resources. Each of them makes me feel so blessed.

I talked to Nancy and Mom on the phone last night. They have had a pretty restful couple of days, then yesterday Nancy decided to get the pantry in order, so Mom sounded a little tired but happy to get that task accomplished. Nancy is really "getting her house in order" - she is a supreme organizer and I know it feels good to her to enjoy that sense of order.

Today I'm going to walk a new route that rack up about 10 miles with a couple of significant hills. The 3 Day Walk is only 10 weeks away! Going to head out early as the temps are supposed to be in the 80s today.

Happy 4th of July! A True Independence Day

Independence Day, 2008 is dawning with pinks and blues this morning. We have had almost two days of rolling thunder storms, some humidity, rain and today is calm and somewhat cloudy. The sun has appeared almost every day this past week, and without extreme temperatures.

I am happy to report that Nancy is on the downhill side of the very difficult side effects from this chemo. This week has been infinitely better than the week after her first round of this new medicine. We owe much to Hospice, as they are the experts on pain control. She has been able to rest some, eat a little and we have had some laughs.

She was feeling good enough to sit up out here in the living room on Tuesday and we did get her head shaved. It is remarkable to me how much easier it was to do this task than it was the first time a couple of years ago. There was a whole bunch of emotion and tears (on my part) the first time and this time, we just got it done, laughed a little but no tears.

I am really feeling the multitude of prayer being offered on her behalf and for our whole family. I am calmer and more able to do what needs to be done without upsetting Nancy. My sleep patterns are a little altered, but I'm feeling very rested.

On Wednesday we tackled a big project. Nancy wanted to clear out her clothes closet, donating many of her beautiful things to me and Lorianne. Now that she is retired, she doesn't need the dress up clothes. She has always had an incredible flare for fashion. We reduced the size of the bedroom closet by more than half. Today we may do the hall closet where she has more clothes.

She had asked me last Sunday to try to find a heating pad, as the bone pain in her arms and shoulders is eased with heat. I love Anacortes. Everything is easy to get to and I found her local Walgreens without a hitch. The variety of heating pads was amazing and purchased this great, plush, soft pad with auto off control and she just loves it! It's extra long and lays across her shoulders without having to move it from side to side. Score! I also picked up a beautiful rose plant, April in Paris, and planted it outside the living room window. It looks very happy and healthy in its new location.

She had a check-up with the oncologist yesterday, labs were done and revealed her white count to be very low, so she got a shot of Neupogen which will boost white cell production. We go again today for a follow-up shot. Since it's a holiday the cancer center is closed, so we will go to the hospital nursing station for today's shot. That's all we have to do today.

Larry is heading into the mainland today to celebrate the 4th with Mike and Jennie and other family members. He will spend the night with them and pick Mom up tomorrow to bring her up here for the next week. Our trading off for a week to 10 days is working well for both of us, and Nancy is so appreciative. Mom and I each feel grateful we are able to help in this way.

Please keep praying and while your at it, be grateful for our freedom in this country. Happy 4th of July!

A Summer Update on Nancy

Today is Saturday, June 27th. I'm in Anacortes for the next week or so. I got up early this a.m. and did a 5 mile training walk here. As I walked I heard some music and right there alongside the road was the Anacortes Relay for Life, with tons of tents and booths and people walking for the Cure! Wow - I can't tell you how much that lifted my spirits.

Nancy had the second in a series of four rounds of chemotherapy on Thursday. She did very well and slept fairly well on Thursday evening. Yesterday, the pain returned (caused by the chemo) - but this time we have a great arsenal of pain meds to keep her comfortable. She has been able to eat little bits of food and we're working hard to keep the nutrition up. We decided this medicine (just approved by the Feds in December) is a Miracle Drug. The cancer cells are putting up a fight as they are being obliterated, thus the pain. Nancy continues to amaze me with her grace and upbeat attitude.

If she's feeling up to it today, I will shave her head, as the little bit of growth is now starting to fall out, and heck - it's warm here - supposed to be in the mid to upper 80's! Our goal is to keep her comfy and cool. As always your prayers are appreciated.

Pain Control is Better, Praise God!

It seems the new meds are doing better at controlling Nancy's pain. This was the most difficult week of my life. The caregiving part is something that comes naturally, but seeing my beloved sister in so much unrelenting pain was tough to say the least. Hospice has been wonderful. One of the "angels" came on Friday, changed the bed linens, and gave Nancy a pedicure. Also on Friday, my DH Larry brought one of our comfortable Queen Anne chairs up to have in Nancy's bedroom for visitors or for Mom or me to sit in while reading to Nancy or just visiting. What a gift of love!

I'm home now. Our eldest son, Jeff, brought my mom up to Nancy's to stay with her for a while, and I came home for some much needed rest. There were some funny things that happened last week. I was putting away dishes in Nancy's kitchen and the cupboard door came off at the hinge on one of the upper cabinets. I was holding it up in one hand, reaching out for a screwdriver I had just used to tighten the toilet seat, then using my foot to get a step stool close enough to stand on. I was able to get that door down safely. The next morning the cupboard door next to the first one came loose from the hinges. Nancy asked me if I'd been hanging on the doors - ha ha. When the handyman for her apartment building came by to re-attach the doors, he asked me the same thing. Uh, no.

My sister is my hero and such an inspiration. Through all this pain, she remains hopeful. She had an appointment with her oncologist on Thursday, which was the first day in a week she'd been up and dressed. For the first time in many visits he had some good news - her brain CT was clear - no metastatic disease there. We are grateful. She had a visit from some of the wonderful folks in her prayer group. Betsy brought a homemade blackberry pie. The visit lifted both our spirits. Another close friend from work came by with a gift. By the time they all lelft, Nancy was pretty exhausted.

Thursday night was rough. Her doctor changed her pain med regimen (hoping for more relief), but the dosage was too small. The hospice nurse came on Friday and got that straightened out and she rested much better Friday and Saturday.

I haven't done much training lately, and missed Expo for the 3 Day yesterday (Mike & Jennie went and did the 10 mile training walk). I plan to take a nice walk after church this morning, and get back into a routine of walking until I go back up to Nancy's.

We covet your prayers and are so grateful for them.

Staying at Nancy's this Week

Today is Wednesday already. Mom stayed with Nancy last week and the three of us decided together that while Nancy is feeling so punk, that we don't want her to be alone. I took Mom home on Sunday and came to be with her on Monday. We've had a busy week. Seeing the hospice nurse and social worker, a couple of co-workers have stopped by. Mike had a job up this way so he stopped by for a short visit. Nancy is feeling really blessed by her many friendships and loving family.

We are having a challenge controlling her pain and the hospice nurse is working with us to try different meds. Please pray for comfort for Nancy.

Most of the paperwork for disability and dshs is completed and those details are smoothing out. She has watched a couple of movies, but mostly remains in bed as sleep, when it comes, is the only time she escapes the pain.

I'm heading out to her grocery store and hopefully will find some things that taste good. The problem with these strong chemo treatments is that often your tastebuds are altered and your old favorites (i.e. toasted cheese sandwich) no longer taste good.

I'll try to keep everyone posted. Thanks for all the prayers!

THE SALE WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!!

Thank you for your support! Last weekend, May 30 & 31st we had a huge family/team bake sale and garage sale and raised over $3,000 for the 3 Day and for my sister's care. This first picture is of our team (Jennie, Mike, Lori & Gayle) as we were setting up the sale on Friday. We are wearing our KMPS Aloha Red Shirt Friday tee-shirts. 94.1 KMPS is a major sponsor of the 3 Day here in Seattle and also a great country music station! The sale offically opened at 9:00 a.m. - but per usual we had several early birds, and we welcomed them.
We had a steady stream of customers and everyone was so generous. They bought lots of baked goodies and jewelry. Here's a picture of Jennie and Lori with Grandma (Gayle & Nancy's Mom). She sold antique and collectible jewelry to help Nancy with expenses. By the end of the day on Friday we were all very tired, but so excited as the money was flowing in! We relaxed Friday night after covering all the items for sale (as it was somewhat damp at night). We were up again on Saturday to greet our first customers. We also had a raffle of a huge picnic basket full of goodies. We sold over 150 tickets. Another popular item was our Ducks for the Cure - cute pink ducks with the breast cancer ribbon. They were adopted to loving familes and provided alot of fun for our grandkids during the sale!

We were all touched by the number of people who are affected by cancer. We talked to many surviovors and family members. Many people just donated to the cause if they didn't find an item to buy. We handed out cupcakes as thank-yous. We raised over $3,000 to support our fundraising efforts for the 3 Day and for my sister's expenses. THANK YOU ALL! We are very grateful.

Huge Garage & Bake Sale This Friday & Saturday!!

Wow - we are really pumped. Our team is having a huge garage/bake sale this Friday & Saturday at our house here on Whidbey Island. We have a notice in the South Whidbey Record in Community Events (since the sale will benefit the 3 Day) - and word of mouth advertising.

The really cool thing - is our neighborhood saves up donations for a year for an annual sale and they are having theirs on Saturday - so our signs and advertisements will benefit both sales! Just to whet your appetite -here's a picture of some Norwegian Rye Bread that I baked for the sale:

This has been a difficult week. We learned from Nancy's oncologist that her PET scan showed multiple areas of metastatic disease. We have her signed up for Open Access Hospice - she can still get the treatments and have the cushion of care and needs met from this group of nurses and other caregivers. She told her doctor on Thursday - "I'm going to beat this!" She is still upbeat and working hard on staying positive -- Please continue to pray - we need all the help we can get.

We are also having a training walk on Sunday (6.5 miles). I know we will all be fatigued - but what better way to train for the 3 Day!!

Thanks to everyone for positive e-mail and feedback. EVERYONE DESERVES A LIFETIME!

16 Weeks Until the Walk!!

Got an e-mail from my "virtual personal trainer" and realized it's just 16 weeks until the 3 Day Walk. Training is going well. I walked 5 miles on Sunday, 6.5 on Monday and 3 today. My total miles logged is 160 so far. Monday Larry dropped me off at the Post Office in Freeland and I walked home. There is a great view at the start of this walk that shows Baby Island in the distance - wow did it look far. It took me 2 hours and 20 minutes. I sure love the camel backpack Mike & Jennie got me for Mother's Day. Not stopping to take a drink of water really helps.
Nancy had her PET scan last Wednesday and we see the oncologist tomorrow for results. Keep those prayers coming.
Our garage sale/bake sale is just a little over a week away. We'll take lots of pictures to post here . The fundraising is going well. I'm over 50% to my goal of $3,000 and our team is at 32% of our goal of $15,000. Thanks to everyone who has donated and to those of you who will. We are hoping to take a big chunk out of the goals at the garage/bake sale!

May 5th - Walked to Freeland Today! 6.5 Miles!

What a way to spend Cinco De Mayo! It was a beautiful day, perfect weather for a nice long training walk. A couple of my neighbors honked, waved, said "way to go, Gayle!" - it was great! At about 6 miles, my legs were feeling the effort, but I'm happy to report that my feet felt great.


Once again, having the right shoes is so important!

This beautiful horse always greets me on the route. I sure he wondered why I didn't come back - as this time my sweet husband picked me up for a ride home. When we do a 13 mile training walk - I'll see him both ways!

Today is Thursday and I'm headed up north to see Nancy to work on some paperwork and some other errands. Her PET scan is scheduled for next Wednesday. More later!

Inconclusive CT Scan - PET Scan is next.......

Yesterday was a full day. I got to Nancy's about 12:30 and we spent some time filling out her long term disability paperwork. She made some really pretty earrings to give the nurses at the Cancer Center as a thank you. I did a few chores. We didn't get in to see the oncologist until after 5:00 (He had a full day too).



We were able to get a formerly "ridiculously expensive" (that would be $700.00 for 30 tablets) anti-nausea drug - for a resonable price as the company has just come out with a generic. The copays for all this medical stuff is so high that it is difficult to keep up. Just hoping it really helps with the unrelenting nausea Nancy has experienced since her last round of chemo ended the first of March.



The oncologist told us that the quality of the CT scan was not good technical quality and he didn't trust the results. The original lesion on her liver is still there and unchanged (he and we think this is good news, because if it was a cancerous lesion - the chemo would have impacted it). The new study also showed two addition potential problems in the liver - but again - the doctor doesn't believe they are real- maybe artifacts or shadows. So in the next week or so, we will go for a PET scan.

I got home a little before 8 - the drive was gorgeous as always. I was able to walk 3 miles before I left in the morning. This weekend I want to walk 6 miles either Saturday or Sunday. I think we get to stay home so it should not be a problem. Thanks for all the calls and prayers - they are working!

Great Weekend - Two Training Walks!

Beautiful Weather for our walks this weekend!! Beautiful Grandchildren to Inspire us!

Our team was together for the weekend. Lorianne arrived on Thursday with her kids, Ally 3 1/2 and Garrett 21 months. On Friday, Larry watched the kids so Lorianne and I could go visit Nancy. We had a great time. Nancy even showed us how to make some earrings and gave us three pair for our team to wear. She is still weak from the side effects of the chemo and the other meds, but also still upbeat and hopeful.

Friday evening Mike, Jennie and Aiden 24 months, arrived and the cousins really started having fun. We took a 5 mile walk on Saturday. Here's a picture of Mike, Jennie, Lori and kids at the beginning of our route, halfway through, and Jennie and Lorianne taking it easy in the driveway after the walk. They had set up lawn chairs to keep the kids from going out into the road.

On Sunday, I volunteered to stay home with the little ones (who needed naps) and Mike, Jennie, Lori and Larry did a 4 mile walk - checking out a new route so I can post some as a training walk leader. We had a great time. The kids also brought up some items for our upcoming garage sale the end of May. We checked out our friend Shasta's blog - they had a garage and bake sale this weekend. We are also including a bake sale - and plan to borrow their idea of making pink ribbon cookies!

Garrett and Ally like to wear their Mama's hat. Here's one more picture of the three grandkids helping Gigi cook!

Today I'll accompany Nancy to the doctor. She will have a scan and we'll get the results on Thursday. Please continue to pray for healing and for a cure!

Training Walk Leader Conference Call Tonight!!!

Hi everyone. I participated with several people who have volunteered to be a "training walk leader" for the period between now and our big 3 Day walk in September. We had a conference call tonight to bring everyone up to date on the importance of this group, and especially safety. It was very inspiring - AND there were two people on the call that I know - my son, Michael, who is our team captain - he's organizing walks in Orting, and Kim a great friend from the scrapbooking retreats who always makes me laugh!! Also an inspiring lady from North Carolina who is coming here to walk!!

This is an amazing journey - we all feel so blessed o be part of the 3Day community. Please consider a donation. Click on the 3 Day widget here on my page. Thanks in advance. PS - today was a 3 mile walk - not too strenuous and there were eight (8) eagles in plain view!

We have planned a huge communicty garage sale the last weekend in May. We will have lots of interesting items. I am a scrapbooking, card-making person - so I have made several different styles of cards - including a Breast Cancer Awareness series. My husband is a dahlia grower and has made a "cart" for fresh flower sales a little later this summer - to benefit the 3Day! Our fundraising programs are only limited by our imaginations!! Goodnight for now.

Training, Praying & Family Time

Today is Sunday. Yesterday was so beautiful here in Seattle. Spring has been slow in showing up, but she was in full splendor all day yesterday.

I was with Nancy on Friday to see a kidney specialist. He was very thorough and gave her the great news that he didnt believe her kidneys were a factor in the severe edema. All her blood work and her history pointed to that system being healthy. He epitomized compassion and said he was certain that with proper medication, she will be over this particular problem in a week. We both praised God for this positive appointment. While some of the therapy was being administered, I did a few errands for her. I left to head down to the southern part of our state to spend the night with Mike and Jennie, thinking I could get a walk in before dark. Wrong.

The traffic was bad and I decided to make a detour and spend the night with our oldest son, Jeff and his wife Shelia and our three oldest granddaughters, Darian, Morgan and Cameron. Had a great visit. I got up early on and went for a 3 mile walk around their neighborhood (which was our neighborhood for 33 years - as Jeff and Shelia bought our older home). I left the house at 6:30 and the sun was just coming up, birds singing and a clear beautiful sky. I prayed the whole time and had a sense of peace and well being.

It was time to depart at 8:00 a.m., as I was participating in a MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers) Leadership Summit with Lorianne that day. Mount Rainier was out in all her glory and the drive was very pleasant and traffic free-yahoo! My role in MOPs is as a Mentor Mom to these young, inspiring mothers, and this Summit was a nationwide event, including a live webcast. I met several young women who hold leadership roles in their groups and some other mentor moms who had great experience on how best to support these leaders and all the young moms who come to the MOPs program. What a blessing.

Visited my mother-in-law, Ragna on the way home. She fell a couple of weeks ago and fractured her pelvis. She is recuperating well in a local rehabilitation center. We had a great visit and she remains positive and amazing at 93!

There was a long ferry line due to the great weather. I didn't arrive home until almost 8:30 pm, and my beloved husband, Larry, had dinner ready. I went to bed early and slept well. Today I plan to walk another 5 miles here at home. Thank you, Lord for all the blessings in our lives.

Another 5 Miles Today!

I'm happy to report another 5 miles under my belt after a lovely morning walk. The pace was not as quick (thought it would be 90 minutes - but took more like 110). Saw several eagles, and even though rain was threatening, it stayed dry the whole time. Planning on another 5 Friday morning before heading into town for a MOPs leadership event.

Had a great visit with Nancy yesterday. She's working hard to get rid of some edema. Her spirits remain high. We talked alot about the Dalai Lama's visit to Seattle later this week. For me, there is a sense of the fullness of spring, and a chance for some momentous changes. I finished reading the Wisdom of Forgiveness by the Dalai Lama. I wish all my Christian friends could read it and see that his purpose is not to push Budhhism on others, just share the wisdom he has gained. We are all connected, we don't have to be predjudiced or fearful of others who have chosen a different path.

I found out Sunday at church that the parish is "Walking to Jerusalem" - encouraging walking prayerfully and getting some good physical exercise. Everyone records their number of miles on Sunday for the previous week. More on this later. Be sure to visit my web page for the 3- Day - our team is just $30.00 from 25% of our goal. The widget is just below this post and at the top right! Thanks for reading. Gigi

Welcome to my Blog

Hello and Welcome to my Blog!

I am new at this but wanted to set up a page about the Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk coming up here in Seattle in September.

Here's a picture of our team, Breast Friends 4 Nancy -My youngest son, Michael formed a team to honor my sister Nancy who has recently completed a second round of chemo. She has been a huge inspiration to all of us. If you don't know about the 3 Day - it's a huge commitment - both physically and fundraising goals. You walk 20 miles a day for 3 days - that's 60 miles! Each walker raises a minimum of $2,200. Mike, Jennie, Lorianne & Gayle (Gigi to my grandkids).

We have been training and attended a Kick-off and shoe clinic last weekend. What a difference the right pair of shoes, that fit well makes!! I never knew your toes were supposed to be able to "play the piano" in the shoe and be at least a thumb width away from the toe. When I walked today - my feet were completely comfortable. Yahoo.

I'm going to figure out how to add a widget to this blog as it will take you directly to the Breast Cancer 3 Day site for more information!