The longest week ever is almost done....in the past 9 days I have completed the following...

Starting with last Saturday - Thyroid Conference and Lee prom.  Sunday Lake Area Chorale concert.  Monday work, then another Chorale concert that night. Tuesday work and play practice from 6-9.  Wednesday was a conference in Columbia, visit to Dr Zitch for check up on swallowing, then play practice from 6-9.  Thursday was a repeat of Tuesday.  Friday was work and first night of "Henry".  Saturday was cleaning of fish tank (5 hours, ugh!), mowing front yard, then "Henry" again.  Sunday was cleaning of back storage room (really packed and desperately needed a complete gutting) then Chorale concert.  Monday will be work and our final Chorale concert in the evening.  WHEW!

Now I am thinking about the last 3 1/2 weeks of school.  Savana is done on May 21st.  Lee is done on the 15th.  I really cannot believe how fast this school year has gone.  I am talking with Camp Sabra, and plan to get a few weeks of work in their clinic over the summer.  They are always short on nurse coverage and were very excited that I might be able to give them a hand.  Also, they were so glad that I lived close!

Dr Zitch feels that my swallowing problems are coming from an under production of the mucus portion of the saliva in my mouth.  The stupid radioactive iodine did its number on my saliva glands.  Basically, I just need to always keep a drink with me when I plan on eating.  Dry foods really get stuck easily and will need that added moisture to go down.  He did set me up for a "swallow study" to be sure that the muscles and nerves are working like they should.  I really feel that the saliva thing is the main issue.

I want to say thank you so much to the family and friends that ventured out to the performances this last week.  Again, your support means so much to me and the family...Love ya all!

A whole month of activities...scrunched into one blog....

In the last week, we have experienced two proms.  Savana went to the School of the Osage Punga celebration.  It is an annual event that all the high school students are invited to attend.  Formal of course!  So we ran Savana up to Aunt Kims before the big night to get some great pictures of her in her amazingly beautiful dress.  Plus some great close ups!

Tonight was Lee's Junior prom event.  He and his friend Sarah decked out to the max and met Aunt Kim at the Wilmore Lodge for some great pictures to document the event appropriately.  Lee and his best friend Cliff had to be sure the event was attended as a double date as they are rarely apart from each other....best buds I tell you!

                        My favorite "sassy" picture...Love the facial expressions.  Cracks me up!

Before all the picture taking today, Mom and Dad, Kim and I attended a Thyroid Survivor Convention that was being held right here at Lake of the Ozarks.  I had been invited to speak on a "survivor panel" to share my journey through these last couple of years and provide support to others as they work their way through the life changes that any cancer diagnosis will inevitably bring along.   The event was a success and everyone that attended went away from the program having learned something new.

As my kids experience their milestone events, I have also felt that today was a milestone event for me.  Connecting with others that "understand" what your struggles and pressures have been like is very comforting and also lets you know that you are not alone...which I never have really felt since I have the best support group right here within my amazing family.  Love you Mom, Dad and Kim for taking your beautiful Saturday and spending it with me!