The little things in life... like puppies & mayonnaise

I sent this as an email to some friends today and Alena asked me to post it on her blog. It would have gone up a lot sooner, but I am not what you call computer savvy and Alena had to help me. Thanks mom!

Alena hasn't updated her blog recently, it has been a busy week. Well, Alena met with Dr Bodai Monday morning, and she will start chemotherapy as soon as next week.

Friday when Dr Bodai called, he informed Alena that the cancer was only in one area, and we assumed that meant no chemo. The cancerous (is that even a word) area is so large, that if a lumpectomy was done they would remove about one third of her breast. Doc doesn't want to do that, so they will try out chemo first.

Alena made it perfectly clear to me that no one will be shaving off their hair. Heather and I were planning on it and so was Alena's sister Jenny. But Alena doesn't want ANYONE to do that. I got mad at her and told her it was a good way we can support her, but she was being difficult so I dropped that subject. (Heather suggested we all cut our really short- she can't be mad about that)

Despite this shocking news Alena is doing very well. I think I have cried more than she has. Alena wants to get a dog to keep her company throughout her treatment and she wants to name him Keemo. Sam asked if we were going to shave the dog :) I want to name him Theodore Pergola - so the dog might have two names. This could be one confused little puppy.

Yesterday Alena, Sam and I went to the driving range, cooked a fancy dinner and ate it outside underneath our almost finished Top Gun patio. (If you don't know what a Top Gun patio is, watch Top Gun) We have been laughing a lot, and finding the little things in life that makes us happy. The other day Alena was making a sandwich a got out the mayonnaise. She read the ingredients and was so excited that Best Foods uses real food like soy milk, eggs and some other stuff. Life is good and we have so much to be thankful for, especially Best Foods mayonnaise.

Alena has been talking about cutting her hair really short. Before her 2nd chemo treatment, her hair will start falling out. I told her cutting it would be a great idea not only because it won't be as traumatizing, but she will also know how she beautiful she will look with short hair after it starts to grow back in.

So that's the latest. Alena is determined to plow through this and she will with a smile on her face. (I'll be the one crying, I'm really good at that) I love it when I'm talking with friends and other random folks who say they are thinking about and praying for Alena. It means so much to hear all of you say that. But just so you know, phone calls, visits, and flowers are always welcomed and they won't go unnoticed!

~Amy