Nicole's Num Num's

I’m long overdue with an update. Life has been so busy and I would not want it any other way. Team Nicole’s Num Nums had another successful year at the Twin Cities Race for the Cure on Mother’s Day. It was an absolutely beautiful day and I am so proud of all of you who were a part of my team and also who donated under my team name. I’m also very proud of my husband for running in the 5K. He was a little leery of doing it last fall, but he was determined and I’m thinking that he will not hesitate when approached with another one in the future. It was exciting to be a part of the survivor ceremony/circle this year as I missed out on this last year since we really did not know what the events were all about. It was inspiring to be among survivors who were many years out with survivorship. We all enjoyed our weekend and even went on some rides at the amusement park in the Mall of America. Griffin showed us that he has absolutely no fear of rides and Brock was brave enough to go on the log ride again this year, but I think that he wishes he didn’t. Last year he went on it with Bryan and said that he would never go on it again as it was very scary, but he must have forgot. LOL.

In regards to my health, all is going well. I met with my oncologist in March and had lab work done. Everything came out within normal ranges. I have “graduated” to seeing him every 3 months instead of 2. I guess that one would call this a milestone in the cancer journey. I will see him again at the end of June and we will do another round of lab work then too. Anxiety will soon hit again during this time as I await my lab results. Crossing my fingers all will continue to go good as I have had an awesome response so far to the drugs that I am currently taking and cannot complain too much about the side effects. I have also recently followed up with some tests for the mass that was found on my pituitary gland since diagnosis. I will have an appointment with the endocrinologist this week to go over the MRI and lab work results. Thinking nothing but good thoughts of it not changing and all lab work on this comes back normal as well. She did not think it was of a concern last year, but wanted to do a follow up to make sure.

Our family made some memories a couple of weeks ago, as we went to visit my grandparents in south Texas. This was the first time the boys flew on an airplane and also seeing the Gulf of Mexico or ocean, I call it, while we stayed at South Padre Island for a couple of days. My mom and Aunt Sandy joined us on our trip and we all had fun and enjoyed our visit. Griffin was sick the last two days we were there, but not sick enough to go on the golf cart that my grandparents have to ride around in the mobile home park they live in. I think that was more of a hit then seeing the ocean. Summer is already upon us and looking forward to enjoying it and making every moment last. Hope you enjoy the pictures.


My wonderful sister in law Stacie and I


Bryan and Nephew Taylor


My cousins Paige, Anaya and I


My Mom and I


Sea of Pink






Bryan and I on beach (Brock took this picture, I think he did a pretty good job)


Griffin having a ball on the beach and in the ocean


Brock and Great Grandma Homewood at zoo


Brock searching for the perfect seashell


Griffin and I enjoying the ocean (actually I was chasing him most of the time)


Brock feeding the hungry seagulls crackers


The boys and I


My Grandparents, Aunt Sandy and I


Bryan and Griffin on beach


Brock and Griffin

Race for the Cure

Bryan, Griffin, Nicole and Brock at Christmas 2009

Hey everybody! It's Stacie. After Nicole sees that I put up a photo without prior approval, I may be banned so I better fit everything in today;)

It's time to sign-up for this year's Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. We had a great team last year and are excited to add to it this year! So sign-up and show Nicole how much we love and support her!

Here's the info:

When? Mother's Day-Sunday May 9th, 2010. The 5K run is at 7:30am and the 5K walk begins at 9am. A few are doing the run then joining us for the 5K walk also. If you choose to do both, just sign-up for one or the other. There are thousands of people there and they don't know who signed-up for what so don't pay for both. There is also a 1k walk inside the mall at 9:30.
If you can't make it but still want to be on our team (and get a t-shirt), choose Sleep in for the Cure when you register.

Where? Mall of America in Bloomington, MN

Cost? By April 17th, adults are $25 and children are $12. April 18th-May 8th, adults are $30 and children are $15.

Instructions:
When you're ready to register click here.
Choose Team Member Registration, scroll down and complete the form.
On the next page make sure you choose our team in the drop down box. We are Nicole's Num-nums. The rest should be easy to follow.

If you have any problems or questions email me at stacelynn74@gmail.com. I'll update as we get closer with more details. Hope you can all join us!

A Perfect 2010 so Far

I have started the New Year with an excellent report. I had a PET scan in January and there was no evidence of disease, or the way I word it is that NED is still my BFF (best friend forever). In addition to my great PET scan, I also had my best tumor marker result yet, which was 13. I could not ask for a better way to start off 2010, except if the Minnesota Vikings would have gone to the Super Bowl, but oh well. I had to throw that one in. The rest of my labs were good as well. Now I can rest and not worry until my next round of labs, which will be at the end of March. I’m suspecting that my next scan will be in May unless something is of a concern between now and then. I get very anxious and irritable each time I have to have labs and scans as reality sets in for me that yes I do have an incurable disease, but I must think nothing but positive and that my outcome will be nothing but the best news. It’s like a rollercoaster ride; I have my ups and downs. But of course who doesn’t have those moments in life. But thanks to my awesome support system, they see me through those going down times and that helps me get back to the top again:-) What would I ever do without all of you?
The boys are growing like crazy. Griffin is almost 18 months and still not talking much but is a master at nonverbal communication. At least he can communicate with us one way or the other and we can meet his needs for the most part. Brock is starting to be a great helper with caring for his little brother when needed and becoming still so inquisitive every day. He enjoyed a day ice fishing with dad on the big Mille Lacs Lake, his choice. He enjoys watching the fish on the camera and of course reeling them in. We all enjoyed a nice weekend with my side of the family in Minneapolis last weekend. We did some window shopping, eating and swimming at the pool. The boys enjoyed that part of the weekend the best. Good exercise for all. Looking forward to spring and noticing that daylight is becoming longer and longer everyday so we are getting there slowly. I’ve attached some pictures for you to enjoy.