Whoosh!

Wowie Zow!  What a week.  Philip and I have been BUSY!  But lets start at the top.

Tuesday I saw my Radiation Oncologist for my radiation follow up.  I really like Dr. C but he doesn't have an outward sense of humor and I think I surprise him quite a bit.  I figure they see crying and depressed people all the time so I usually go in with my funny side out....well I think it is funny.  Dr. C is also very slow.  This is something I found with good doctor's in the cancer realm.  Seems there is always an emergency or someone had more questions then they scheduled time for.  I understand...or at least try to be patient.  I would hope I wouldn't be rushed if I needed more time.  So when he poked his head in right after I got started in the room with the nurse, I said "Oh, you missed me!"  he looked at me puzzled and straight faced and said yes.  He was only peeking in to ask the nurse for something for another patient.  I decided to tone it down when he came in again to see me.  Of course, he was serious faced but was THRILLED with my progress.  He said he told himself he would be happy if it had just stopped growing.  He never expected it to shrink so fast!  He was honestly surprised it had gone down so much.  Of course, I wanted to know when it will be gone completely which he responded it could take a few months.  I also asked about my eye feeling fatigued.  He said that shouldn't last and that lubricating eye drops might help.  So we practically high 5'd and agreed to get together in 3 months unless it is growing or bothering me.

Here is Larry (the lump) comparison photos.


Larry 6/20 - Larry was bigger then this before radiation

Larry 7/10

For those of you not on Facebook, when I finished radiation, I felt like I was given a surprise of time of at least a month free from medical crap and it just so happens, I got an email with a last minute cruise deal so we are headed to Alaska in a few weeks.  It was on Philip's list to go to Alaska.  I tease that he already went on an Alaska cruise but he was in my tummy.  Anyway, we are headed out on Princess cruise lines out of Seattle.  It has been something to keep my mind off cancer and make me feel rewarded for my bravery.  I feel like I am stealing away time which is even funnier to think about.   It is really tough to think about wearing a coat and sweater in August.  We are looking forward to it.

Our ship - Golden Princess

We usually rent Philip a tuxedo for our formal nights on cruises but since it was $130 for the week, we decided to put our money towards a real suit.  I'm still a cheap sucker so we went to Mr. Mac.  Philip picked out a beautiful dark grey pale pinstripe suit.  It didn't fit perfect of course so it is being altered for him.  It will be available next week.  I think Philip will get some good use out of it including any award ceremonies (nudge nudge Philip), school dances, or other things that are suit worthy.  Hopefully it will last him a few years.  We made sure there was room for future alternations.  As a Mom, this is a huge step for me.  Philip looks so grown up and I know it is a matter of time before he is on his own.  It is sooner than I am ready.

Trying on jackets in his shorts
 

Did I mention we turned in Philip's Eagle stuff 2 weeks ago?  Well we hadn't heard anything so Philip called "the guy".  He didn't call Philip back but he called me yesterday to get a reference.  He said he is checking the rest the references but thought we could probably schedule the Board of Review meeting for after the 24th.  Once Philip is approved through that, the paperwork goes back to the council for final approval and then I think Philip gets his medal in the mail.  I can smell it....it just might be coming!!

And the HUGE news for this week is because Philip's Dad moved last week to Sandy, it became too far for us to be driving him back and forth...so the focus for Philip to finish his driver's license got serious.  Ryan finished most the driving with Philip so we took time Tuesday to go take his drivers test.  He wanted to go to a private company that his drivers ed company recommended.  It was pretty painless and they supply the car!  Philip passed with flying colors.  The instructor said he was a great driver.  So we decided to drive out to Draper to the office to get the license.  Philip got a new photo, eye test, and paid the fee and he is now a Utah Driver!  On top of it, Ryan offered to sell Philip his VW Passat.  It is a very nice car...in fact, probably too nice for a first car but that is what is there.  So Philip is going to work for Ryan to pay off the car and he is now a licensed driver.  If you see a dark grey Passat driving down the road, please drive carefully around him if it is Philip.  As a Mom, I admit I am struggling with this HUGE step but I am beyond thrilled for Philip.

Last night, we decided to go to an "antique" auction in Ogden.  The advertisement they sent out showed 2 electric guitars and an acoustic guitar so Philip was interested and I thought it sounded fun.  We went to do a quick preview (it takes a long time to get to North Ogden!) and Philip thought the guitars weren't anything too exciting.  After driving up there, I didn't want to just leave so we stayed awhile to see what was up.  I really enjoy auctions.  Philip...well not so much although we came home with a big ole' machete knife for Philip ($11) and a wood file drawer ($10) for me.  We got tired after 2 hours and left before it was over.  We didn't see how much the last guitar went for.  The others went for about $25 but were only worth about $100.

Philip is back at his Dad's house until tomorrow night.  Friday he goes to the oral surgeon for his wisdom teeth removal.  I sure hope it goes smooth.  I will share that event with you next time I write.

I hope everyone is having a good week.

Do you guys get sick of my photos?  Since I learned how to post them here, I find I take photos everywhere!

XOXO