Join Remission Possible!

As many of you know, Clark's mom, Melissa, has been fighting cancer for a couple of years now. She is such a fighter and she fights with a smile on. I admire her strength and outlook and she is an inspiration to anyone who knows her. I'm going to give you a little background of her cancer battle and I hope I got it all right. Clark doesn't really talk about his mom's cancer too much, so I could have some of the details wrong. But, I think I got most the facts right.

Her battle started about 3 years ago when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She went into have her breasts removed (and she was kinda excited about getting some new ones), but they found out the cancer had spread beyond her breasts to her liver. She has been on the cancer roller coaster (ups and downs) since then.

She got a scan a couple of months ago that scared us all. Her cancer had moved to the lymph nodes of the pancreatic region, she had 9 spots on her liver, and two more enlarged lymph nodes between her aorta and vena cava. Not a good report at all. We were all really upset because her scans had been getting progressively better and had hoped for the cancer to be in remission. She did a more aggressive chemo and returned to the doctor last week.

Onto the good news- her most recent scan was much better! There was only one lesion on her liver and two of the enlarged lymph nodes had disappeared! YEAHHH!!!!! I am so happy the latest round of chemo worked and is kicking cancer's ass!

Melissa sent out an update today and this is a part of it (you can get a glimpse of her positive outlook):

"We all have to admit that the older you get the more your body tends to break down or just flat fall apart. So if you are out and about or just talking to your friends and someone should say to you, “Melissa Carroll sure has aged” or “Melissa Carroll sure has put on some weight” or even “Melissa Carroll looks so tired” you just need to agree. Since my last report I have turned 52, gained 5 pounds, gotten Clay married, and lost my daddy. I am also knee deep in Race for the Cure as one of the two Chairs for Teams again this year and getting ready for Clark’s wedding in June. So it is not really the last 11 months of IV chemo all to blame!!! I still love chemo! If I ever get off of it they are going to let me volunteer in the chemo room! How fun!!!" -From Melissa's Heath Report

Want to help kick cancer's ass? You should join Melissa's Race for the Cure team- Remission Possible. Her team has raised the most money, over $10,000, out of all the Race of the Cure teams in N.W. Arkansas. Simply go to http://www.komenozark.org/ and sign up for her team. If you don't want to do the "race" you can sleep in and support her too! (Let me know if you need help and I'll be happy to assist you).

Busy Mary

Ok, so it's been a while since my last post. Since then, I've traveled to Jackson, TN for Clark's brothers wedding, buried Clark's grandpa, and spent a lot of time with Clark's family. It's been a crazy emotional roller coaster- happy, sad, happy. I love Clark's family so much and love spending time with them. Clark's Aunt Anne was in town with her 4 daughters, so we went to dinner on Monday and spent a lot of time with them over the weekend. They are all SO sweet and so pretty. I can't wait to expand my cousin inventory! It was sad to go to the funeral Monday, but we all knew that Davies is in a much better place and so it was bitter sweet.

Onto other news- I have been working in the sales department at Lomanco. I like sales! The sales crew is a lot of fun and I enjoy being around them. The only downfall, I have to work 8-4:45 (when I was working in HR I worked 7-4). I guess it sucked being at work at 7, but it was nice getting off early. I like the 8-4:45 routine. I'm only scheduled to be in sales until the end of this week, but we'll see. I think they appreciate the help- they have someone out with a bad back.

We're planning Easter at my mom's. I am making a "surprise." I saw it in a magazine and thought it was the perfect thing to bring to an Easter feast. You take egg shells, empty out the egg, wash the shell, and fill the shell with egg salad. Cute huh! We'll see how it turns out. I haven't told anyone what I was bringing in case it turns out bad. Then I'll bring rolls.

Melissa Carroll (mom to be) gets the results of her cancer scans today. Please pray, keep your fingers crossed, do a hope dance, or do whatever you do when you need assistance from the higher beings. Her last scan wasn't good and we're hoping the chemo has been working. I'll try to keep you posted on the results.

Bad News

We got some bad news yesterday. Clark's grandpa, Daydee, was in the hospital and going downhill fast. Daydee has been in and out of the hospital for about a year, but they think this will be his last time. The doctors gave him 2-3 days (but he doesn't know that).

Not that you can time death, but this timing is really bad. Clark's brother's wedding is Saturday. I feel so bad for Clay (clark's brother). Your wedding day is supposed to be the happiest day of your life and Clay will be thinking about his grandfather, who he is named after (he has his middle name- Davies).

We went to the hospital last night. We walked in his room and he was sleeping. Clark woke him up and Daydee was kind of out of it. Daydee told us "I'm not going to make it to the wedding." We told him he'd be there in spirit. Daydee told us he wasn't in pain and he felt alright. (He's on morphine so he's better not feel any pain). We didn't stay long. Clark gave him a hug and we walked out. I started crying as soon as we left his room.

To me, the whole situation reminded me of putting our dog to sleep. It was like we were saying our goodbyes and he has no idea that it's about to be his time to go. Very sad.

After the hosptial visit, we went to Mimi's (Clark's grandma). We brought dinner and then we sat around and visited. Clark's parents, Daydee's brother, mimi, and I all sat around and told stories of Daydee and reflected on his life. I think we were all in agreeance that even though it's so hard to loose someone, once they're in pain and don't have any quality of life- it's time to let them go.

Daydee was always so sweet to me and gave me the nicest compliments. He'll always hold a special place in my heart. Please keep the Carrolls in your prayers. We'll need it this weekend.

*** Davies died on Thursday. He will be missed ***

2010 Goal: Run a Marathon

Yes, you read the title right. My goal for 2010 is to run a marathon. (sorta). As I have mentioned in previous posts, I think it would be so glorious to run a marathon. I envied the runners in the 2009 Little Rock marathon as I watched from the sidelines. I'm not much of a runner, but I am trying to be! I'm slowly improving my endurance and time. The most I have ever ran (without stopping) is 3 miles, and I've only done it once. That was my 2008 goal and my dad gave me a trophy when he learned I completed my goal (it was kind of a joke, but I show off my trophy proudly). I now run/walk 3 miles in about 34 minutes and I try to do it at least 3 or 4 times a week.

Ok, back to this 2010 goal. I realize the 26.2 miles would be way too much of a challenge right now for me, but I found out that the Little Rock marathon has a "relay" marathon. AWESOME! Perfect! Allison and Laura have committed to the 2010 marathon, so we just need one more team member and we've got us a team. Any interests? Post a comment and I'll get back to you about tryouts. (only kidding :).

Here is the info off the LR marathon website:

WHAT IS THE RELAY MARATHON?
Not ready for the whole 26.2 miles? Then sign up for the Little Rock Marathon Relay.
Individuals representing corporations, schools, churches, civic groups, friends or families can form a team for the Little Rock Marathon Relay. Your team can run, walk or do a combination.
Relay teams are composed of four individuals. Each member of the team completes his/her segment of the 26.2-mile marathon course, and then hands the timing chip to the next team member at a set relay exchange. Segments are as follows:

1 Start Line- Main Post Office, 6.2 miles

2 Main Post Office- Arkansas State Capitol, 6.9 miles

3 Arkansas State Capitol- Murray Park, 7.8 miles

4 Murray Park- Finish Line, 5.3 miles

I call the last leg! I am really excited about running the marathon relay. I think I can handle 1/4 of the 26.2 challenge and couldn't think of better people to have on my team. I told Laura, "we may not have the best time, but we'll have the most fun!" We may need to drink some mimosa's before the race kicks off! The race is scheduled for March 7, 2010 so I have plenty of time to train! I better get started....

Jackon, TN Here We Come!

I am so exciting about this upcoming weekend. Clark's little brother, Clay is getting married in Jackson, TN- Roadtrip! Clark and I are driving to Jackson on Friday morning for a weekend full of festivities. We have the rehearsal dinner Friday, I am going to the bridesmaid's brunch Saturday morning, and of course the wedding/reception Saturday night. Clark's family is so much fun and I don't know Shannon's family too well, but her parents are super sweet. My mom and dad are going as well as a bunch of FUN people (Mark and Sherri Alt, Bo and Ashley Mattingly, and a bunch of other people who know how to party)! I'll post next week on how the wedding went down.

Last weekend was fun! Date night was a success- dinner at 1620, the Looney Bin, and then drinks at Ferneau. Saturday I made a trip to Sam's and spent way too much money. You know it's bad when a stranger looks at you walking down the isle and says "I think you need another cart." My cart was about to overflow- I knew it was time to checkout at that point. I love Sams though! It was about lunch time and the samples were in full force. I was sold on the teriyaki chicken you can heat up in the microwave and beef jerky. I came home with a month's supply of both. I also stocked up on TP, paper towels, dish soap, deodorant, razors, toothpaste, and toothbrushes. You'd think I had an army living at my home.

We had house guests, Melissa and Randy, on Saturday night. We went do dinner with the family (9 of us) and went to the Rep to see the Foreigner. The play was okay- way too long in my opinion (and Clark's- he was sleeping every time I looked at him). Melissa and Randy departed early Sunday to see her friend in the hospital who had her baby Saturday night. It worked out really well for them to happen to be intown.

I enjoy spending time with Melissa (my sister) and am glad we've gotten closer over the years. We haven't always had the best relationship. We are so very different and are personalities have clashed in the past. I think we are really very similar, but it has taken me a while to realize that. Sometimes when I say something it reminds me of Melissa- kinda weird. She really is one of my best friends these days and I love her very much. She is a great mother and an awesome friend to have.

It's a short week for me since I'm taking off Friday to head to Jackson- Woop Woop! Weekend countdown: 3 1/2 days.

Friday Night Plans

I have decided- we're doing dinner and the Looney Bin for date night tonight. I couldn't keep a secret and was having a really hard time figuring out what date to pick, so I asked Clark and that was his choice. He liked the bike idea, but thought we'd enjoy it more when it's warmer and had the full day to enjoy the bike riding.

We're going to dinner at 1620- a restaurant neither of us have gone to, but we've heard really good things about. It's close to the Looney Bin, so it should work out great. This sounds really cheezy, but I found a "quiz" in Cosmo (The Cosmo Couple Quiz) yesterday that I cut out and it's going to be our dinner conversation. Your supposed to ask questions outload and then you both answer them. For example, some questions are "What's your most embarrassing childhood memory, What's the biggest risk you've ever taken, Where is the number one place you're dying to visit, etc. There are 10 questions and it will be neat to see how we each answer them.

Tomorrow I plan to go get a manicure and a pedicure, work out, and be lazy for most of the day. Tomorrow night we're going to eat dinner at Lulav with my family and then go see The Foreigner at The Rep.

Sunday Clark and I MUST go register. We've been meaning to do this for a while, but have been putting it off because we really don't know where we're going to live, so it's hard to pick out what would look good. I've been exploring dillards/bed bath and beyonds website today and I think I'm just going to get a bunch of neutral, classic pieces (no crazy designs or wild colors). Things that would go well in almost any setting. Any registry tips? I need some!

I hope you have a great weekend!

100 Days to Go!

The wedding is 100 days from today! I can officially use my desk calender with 100 wedding tips.

I want to give a shout out to Ms. Heidi Klum who is recovering from a infection on her back. Heidi is my best friend's Alli's dog and had an infection from a rabies shot she got back in December. Birdie, my dog, and Heidi played a lot in December. I hope Birdie didn't bite her injection site and cause the infection. They played really rough over New Years Eve when mommies weren't watching them too well. Birdie and I love Ms. Heidi and we wish her a full recovery!

On to other news- Clark and I have our second dance lesson tonight. Looking forward to it! This is such a special time in my life. When else do you get to go to dance lessons with your daddy one night and then go with your fiance the same week? Normally you'd have to drag a guy to dance lesson, but when you're getting married they'll do anything you ask. (And my dad and Clark actually enjoy the lessons- they're a lot of fun!)

Clark and I have "date night" tomorrow (Friday) night. We started this tradition a couple of weeks ago. Every other week we take turns surprising the other with a date night. He went first and we went to a FABULOUS restaurant called Lulav. Neither of us had ever gone, so it was fun to try something new. (On a side note: we're going back Saturday with a bunch of the family- the Smiths, Randy and Melissa, and my mimi. Yummy!). I'm trying to think of something really fun to do. PLEASE comment if you have any ideas. We want to incorporate dinner, but other than that we're up for anything. Some of my ideas are 1. renting bikes and riding them by the Arkansas River (you can rent bikes), cooking out on the grill, and finishing the night in the hot tub 2. going to dinner and then going to the Looney Bin comedy club (Allison- yes, I think Clark is ready to take my back :), 3. Going to the country club for a night of pictionary and drinks, 4. Bowling and dinner. What do yall think?

Bball tourney starts today. I filled out my bracket like I do every year. Last year I think I ended up second to last out of about 100 people at work. But, my mom won and she got like $1500 bucks. Way to go mom! I didn't inherit her love for sports- I'm never any good at picking who will win. But it makes basketball a lot of fun to watch, and I think one year I'll get lucky.

Well that's all for now. The weekend is almost here! I don't know about where you are, but the weather in Little Rock is fabulous and it makes me want to play outside.