Team Alena

Smell that Monterey breeze

2008-08-28T19:37:00.000-07:00

Here is my LOVELY friend Hilary and her adorable family, whom I was able to visit last week before the hussle and bussle of school and work started. Brian, Hilary's husband was so sweet and let me have optimal girlfriend time and gave up his side of the bed for a air mattress in Brennens room. Brian your the sweetest. Hilary and I grew up together and lived with each other for about 3 months and we love out time together. I had such a good time there.

Oh I need to go! I cant finish this post!!!!!

Ocean Fun

2008-08-28T19:21:00.000-07:00

In Santa Barbara we went out to lunch and sat on the beach for a few hours. It was a wonderful time for me spending quality time with good friends.

Chemicals to avoid in your everyday Products

2008-07-08T12:30:00.000-07:00

Butylparaben
Isobutylparaben
Ethylparaben
Methylparaben
Propylparaben
Placental Extract
Placental Extracts
benzophenones
bisphenol-A
Nonylphenol
octylphenol

Please read the next post also. And share with everyone you can.

Educate yourself!

2008-07-08T11:21:00.000-07:00

Ok anyone who reads this. I have been doing some reading and researching that I want to share with you. Because I love you all and dont want you to go through that I went through. This does scare me because you are all exposed to what I have been exposed to and you may not be showing the signs yet. Cancer takes years to form until it has reached a point where you can feel it.
Lets start today and take control of what goes into our bodies. Our government and health facilities sure are not!
Please go to this link and watch these three videos:
http://envirocancer.cornell.edu/research/endocrine/
videos/drain.cfm

2008-07-08T11:17:00.000-07:00

Pesto Presto!

2008-07-04T17:41:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 4Th of JULY!!!!!
I had a fantastic day so far. This morning I went to the annual Tri-Ward breakfast and played with my family and talked with old friends.

After my sister and her family came by to pick blackberries and do some touch ups in the garden. Some deer have been coming in and eating my tomatoes! I have yet to taste my delicious heirloom tomatoes and I and beginning to wonder if I will this year! Last time I had a garden i had a huge fence around it.

After that I made some Pesto! I have never done this before and i have been so exctied to make pesto with the basil I grew. I will place some more pictures of my garden. Most of it was grown from seed. A few of the tomatoes were from the nursery. There is nothing better than eating what you have grown. How about you? Any of you have wonderful gardens?

Girlfriend Parties

2008-05-11T21:28:00.000-07:00

Recently some of my girlfriends have been getting together a lot lately. I have loved every minute of it. Anne(in blue) had a party and I was only going to stay for an hour and I ended up being there till 1 in the morning. This was supposed to be my Home work night. All I did was a bunch of giggling! The next night when I was doing my homework I felt the affects of not doing the night before. I could not help but smile and think of 20 some year old girls laughing like 13 year olds! I had a blast and finished my school work and took my tests with out a problem!
Yes, so school is out and I am ready for the summer!
I have lots of exciting hopes and dreams this summer. These are things that I love to do and didnt get to do them last summer. So I am excited to have energy and the ability to do some of the most simple things!I am so excited to do all of them...
Paint landscapes with my sister
practice the piano(I cant for the life of me play the left hand)
have a beautiful garden new job? spend time with my family
go hiking go camping have free time! read play at the river and lake
Possibly visit family in Ohio for a few weeks.....yeah I have to look into that. I am a little strapped to work for health insurance. I have to do some research to see what I can do. Life is good!

Widgets??

2008-04-22T11:31:00.000-07:00

Ok, so since I got this pretty background I lost my "Other friendly Blogs." That is my link to all of you. Do I need to do something with the widget thing? How do I get that back????
Some of you asked where i got my template from. Go to pyzam. There is a link on my page.

Make'n it UP as I GOOOOOOO....

2008-04-21T01:18:00.000-07:00

School will be out in 3 weeks and my other friends who have blogs are holding my hand and letting my know that I can write just about anything! When the time comes I can find more time to ponder the words of my world.
ANYTHING you really want to hear anything???? Then, I am just going to have to make it up as I go. We'll see where my creativity takes me.
Honestly...I feel like my life is very much so on the plain side of life. Yes, reading my blog is like asking for just plain ol' cream cheese on an ordinary plain bagel. I'll have to come up with wild stories and go on exciting adventures so that you can feel like you are bitting into an Everything bagel smoothered with garlic cream cheese that has been toasted!!
SO, tonight I was anxious to change my background and now I may become more inclined to write because I love my crazy fun template.
Goodnight for now!

Race for the CURE!!

2008-03-23T22:50:00.001-07:00

I cant believe it is coming to that year mark since I found out that I had cancer. The first time I went into the doctors and was told that I was indeed going to fight this fight I was presented with the opportunity to run in my first ever "Race for the Cure" event. So to all you wonderful friends and family please join me on May 10th @ Cal Expo! This was such an incredible experience. I loved seeing all the people running for this cause. I especially loved having all my girl friends and Sam there supporting me. If you have not done it before this should be your first!
We did come up with a crazy team name.....BOOBS GONE WILD!!! When you go to register go under this team name. Here is a link to go to for registering.

http://komensacramento.kintera.org/faf/r.asp?t=4&i=265447&u=265447-208074657&e
=1593073098

If you have any question Amy Wadman (Patterson) is the team captain. We would love to help you out if you need any information.

I wanted to thank Amy and Sarah for being so awesome and honoring my fight! You are both such sweet friends and I am so grateful for you support. I hope we can make this a wonderful moring and have lots of fun running together.

OHh.....I really would love everyone to run the 5K if you can...YES we will be walking. There is no way you will be seeing me running the whole thing!

2008-02-14T23:35:00.001-08:00

School started again! I was going to take chemistry and biology but many things got in the way... could not add, needed chemistry for biology and bla bla bla..Well after I sat in chemistry for 6 hours on the first day of school and talked to the professor after class I burst into tears.(after I left his office) The teacher would not add me and I was falling apart. I was trying to get into Davis as soon as possible and I already felt set back from not going to school last semester. I was quite angry that things were not working out my way. I went to the counselor to set up a plan instead of going home to cry. Well...the final decision after talking with her for 2 days and a couple of hours was to forget about Davis and go to Sac state. I was going to drop the horticulture thing. As i was picking out my classes in preparation for Sac state i stated to think about horticulture classes. I began to cry as I saw pest management, Plant Id, auto cad for landscapes and propagation. I cried to myself, "I want to be a horticulturist!" So I decided to take the classes that makes my heart sing. Here I am next to a Holly. I love learning new plants. Every week we have a quiz on new plants. On their name and cultural needs. I have never been so happy to do my homework. I have been having so much fun with my classes and I am glad that I am enjoying school so much. I dont think I would be saying the same about chemistry and biology.

So this picture does not really show how much my hair has grown as well as i would like it to, but it really has! I actually got the curling iron out on Sunday and flipped out my sides! It was amazing to actually attempt the womanly world of tools for beauty enhancement.
It is nice though to not have to do much with my hair. It pretty much is what it is.

2008-02-14T22:53:00.001-08:00

I came home from school one day and decided it was the perfect day to put a garden hat on and go for a walk in the woods! I packed up my homework, random books and paint and
walked right into bliss. As a child to be I would be found gallivanting here among the swollen streams and grass covered terrain.
It was so nice to take a breather and remeber the sweet things in life. I enjoyed wonderful conversations with Kai my nephew. We watched the cows graze in the distance. Earlier that day a cow got out and we had to coax the cow back over the fence. It was a sight to see. Especially when it went out into the road and there was 4-6 cars trying to put this big girl in her right place. It seemed like the whole neighborhood was out! It was just running down Olive ranch rd. and I was in my car trying to block it with another womans help in her car and then I would get out and try to scare it back up the street. I always loved doing this. Chasing cows is fun! After that eventful moment I nestled down to homework and the sunshine.
Spring is on its way. Soon I am going to get the garden ready. It is time to plant seeds inside for all those garden lovers! Kill those weeds in the old garden by putting a plastic down, and after amend the soil for some delicious home grown vegies and fruit! Only a few more weeks of potential frost! I cant wait to pop cherry tomatoes in my mouth as I pull weeds! LOVE IT!! Oh and if you dont have a garden spot then make a container garden. It is just as great and yields the same great summer vegies.

Our new friends

2008-01-07T17:37:00.000-08:00

L.A. was a trip for family, relaxing and new friends. These wonderful people in these pictures are the Stolworthy's. I met Shelsi online a few months ago while being sad because my hair was not growing back after chemo. While searching on the web for some hope I came across Shelsi's face in a google search. We corresponded via email and I felt that I needed to go down and visit her and her husband Eric. Sam and I woke up
Thursday morning to start our drive out to their house. We had a great time sharing pictures and stories. We went out to eat, Trader Joe's and to yummy frozen yogurt. Eric came home from work and then the girls went to work in the kitchen. I had a great time cooking with Shelsi and I enjoyed that the men were having a good time talking in the other room. I am so proud of those
men for their incredible courage and faith in caring for us women. They both have stood next to us and helped us feel beautiful and strong through our individual journey with cancer. We all enjoyed out meal together and after dinner it was time for memorable photos. We took the nice ones and then went to town with Shelsi's wigs. We laughed so much while we entertained one another with funny faces and attitudes. I have had just an incredible time being friends with Shelsi. I know that the Lord wanted us to be friends. There is no doubt about that. My friend Hilary knows a friend who is connected to Eric's family, who kept telling Hilary that Shelsi and I should talk, but by the time that Hilary told me she had already made the connection that she was the girl that I found online. It has been amazing to speak with her and read her path and her understanding of this life. I want to give a big THANKS to Shelsi for her strength and courage. It inspires me and helps me understand my savior more and what I had to go through. I look forward to being life long friends with the Stolworthy's. Sam and I enjoyed their company so much and we wish that we could live closer so that we could be around each other all the time.

A pretty Sam

2008-01-07T17:30:00.001-08:00

For some reason every time I see Sam in a wig it make me laugh beause it looks like the hair goes with him. It cracks me up. So, this is by far my favorite picture of Sam. We had so much fun playing while Shelsi and Eric

The master piece

2008-01-07T17:25:00.001-08:00

Here is our sand castle. We named it the blood flow of england. It was fun getting sandy and playing like kids.

The beach day

2008-01-07T17:07:00.001-08:00

Sam, his mom and I went to L.A. this past week and had a great vacation. It started off by going to his Aunt Bethanie her husband and two kids, Max and Lily. We went to the a wonderful place to eat called Taco Loco and then went to the tie pools. We saw some cool things in tied pools that I have never seen before. We saw a sea hare and an octopus!
We built a huge sand castle and left after dark.
It was so nice to take a break from work and relax before school starts next week.

Long time no see

2007-12-14T00:40:00.001-08:00

Oops, that was a bad download!!! Well here I am with hair. This is my sister Erin who is pregnant. She had her belly to show off and I my hair.
Yeah.....I'm sport'n the hair
Sam and I after a long day of celebrating my birthday. I am so happy for the year that I just accomplish. Wow I did it. God sure answered lots of prayers and he helped me out so much.
Merry Christmas to all!!!

Yummy Lunch

2007-11-12T00:42:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite things to do during my days was to go out with my girlfriends. It always kept me smiling and feeling some what connected to life some how. I really loved rekindling and strengthening friendships during my treatments and while I needed to take life slow.
It is so good to have friends surround me.

There is something on my head!

2007-11-12T00:24:00.000-08:00

Some of you have not seen me in a few months. Well this is what I am looking like these days. September 5th was my last chemo, so it has been 2 months and a week! My hair has grown this much!

So here are some pictures of the bald one who will soon be bald no more.

Everyone loves to rub my head and call me fuzzy, chia pet, a little duck and little chicken. So far these have been my new names. On occasion I hear Alena!

Sometimes I look in the mirror and I look like my Dad when he was little with a buzz. This picture reminds me of that look.

The wee little hair

2007-11-06T23:10:00.000-08:00

My hair is coming in in slowly. You can still see my scalp but my hair is umm almost a half and inch long on top. There is a mixture of blonde and a darker color, so it is hard to really see the new hair. I can't wait to see what it will look like in a few months.
I am finding more mobility in my arm and I test myself to see how far I can reach. It is crazy to think about all the things I used to do with out thinking. Now I have to ask my self all the time if i am able to do certain tasks, but it comes with the surgery territory.
My energy level is coming along. Yesterday, all my family spent the day building a tree house. I was in a chair most of the time answering to "can you give me the hammer, here hold this or I need that pencil." I think I was the most tired out of all of them!!! I really laughed at myself over that one. I was falling asleep at dinner!
Thank you all for sharing with me a very important time of my life. It has been wonderful receiving so much love and seeing the capacity of love. It truely is endless. I hope all is well in your lives and that you are seeing the blessings God gives us daily. I love you all, Alena

Guess what....???

2007-10-31T00:31:00.000-07:00

Well, it is a little late for me but I want to let you all know that I am in REMISSION!!!!!!!!!!!! I went to my oncologist today and she was very happy to report to me that I have absolutely no cancer in me. So, Dr. Bodai did a very good job by the way on my surgery. I was very confident with him being my doctor. The path report said that there was no cancer to be found. The chemo wiped it all out! I then asked Dr. Hui, "then why did I do a mastectomy?" Well, because I had an invasive type of cancer it was the best way to make sure it was gone and dose not even stand a chance! I am very happy and I am so happy for all of you praying as hard as you did because you saved me! This is such a miracle. I walked out of the hospital just in awe for the blessings God has given me.
I still need to take tamoxifen for five years and I will start that in a few weeks. I still can't move my arm very well and Dr. Hui laughed at me because of this. I am in such a hurry to heal and she just smiled at me as I talked to her about what I try to do and what I want to do. She told me I need to take it easy for six weeks sometimes even more. This was good for me to hear so that I chill out and just listen to my body and not what I WISH I could be doing. I have rested a lot lately and I feel more responsible for doing so. Sam and my Mom are happy for this. I only can move my arm to my shoulder hight so pretty soon I will start physical therapy. I am very excited to do this. It will be nice to have help guiding me through my recovery.
Reconstruction wont start till six months from now. I have to be patient on that part. None the less, I am cancer free and watching my hair grow back. Slowly it is coming back. I cant wait to wake up one morning and see that my scalp is gone! I want to see that hair! Winter is coming and my head will be wishing it had its hair back.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!! Everyone have a spooky time and dont eat too much candy....Cancer LOVES sweets! Eat veggies! But, my favorite snack is still melted chocolates dipped by a banana. Yummy.

I cant find my camera so I haven't put any pictures up. But as soon as I get a recent photo on my computer I will show my hair coming in!!!

Looking better than ever!

2007-10-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

Well, I didn't get much new information from my Doctors visit today. We just took the drain out and I feel much better now. I have no idea when my reconstruction will be, but that is ok because he hooked me up with a great store! If you know what I mean!!!! I am feel absolutly beautiful and I am loving life. I will let you all more details later.

Healing Words

2007-10-18T18:09:00.000-07:00

When I came out of the surgery and I was exclaiming joy from surgery I was not far off. I truly felt from the Lord that the cancer was taken care of and that I had reason to rejoice in him! Well, Dr. Bodai called today and told me that there was not cancer in the lymph nodes and he made clear margins. I am cancer free! I had such an amazing feeling of love from my savior as I woke up and he told me I was ok. I can't believe that he allowed me to feel that comfort even before the results. The Lord does speak to us today. I know that if we seek for him in our lives he will bless us ten fold. Thank you for all the prayers and for the fasting. YOU all made it happen. YOU all have amazing faith. YOU moved my mountain! Isn't it amazing what we can do in the quiet of our homes or even in a car ride pleading to the lord for our desires. He will bless us with what we ask if it be his will. I know this to be true. In my hardest time while sick and feeling like a big blob he was there for me. Oh...I want to tell you . The night before I wrote in my journal that I wanted to know what it felt like to have a hug from the savior. Everyone always talks about warm arms around them and they knew that there were being hugs by angels. Well, Saturday night as I laid in the recliner and my mind was racing with discomfort and my body felt like hell I would feel moments of peace. My mind was quite. The same feelings you get when you hug someone you haven't hugged in ages, like the world stops and all that matters is that you are in there arms. It is quiet, still, warm, loving and peaceful. I felt him! Thank you for your prayers. They helped me so much.

p.s. i wish for you to pray for another friend of mine who was just recently diagnosed with cervical cancer. She is a wonderful mother of two and a wonderful wife and she is only 24 years old. Her name is Nicolette Lawerence (Dicus) Please pray for her...it is now her turn for love and support.

Im doing just FINE!!!!!

2007-10-15T20:35:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I am feeling great and I am getting used to the new way that I feel. I have been resting alot and moving around as much as I can. This afternoon I made my own lunch, cleaned up the kitchen, and even took out the trash! Then I went straight to putting on my make up which I then cried off! I was feeling so overwhelmed with the love that I have been feeling from all my family and friends. Man, do I feel the prayers working. My Mom picked up my Great Aunts wheelchair this afternoon, so this evening Sam took me out for a stroll. Jenny took all the kids in their family stroller and we looked at all the Halloween decorations. This was a perfect evening for a walk out in the night with the family. I look forward to everyday. I can't wait to get past this time in my life and become the new woman, in which cancer has given life to. If there is anyone who wishes to come see me and wondering if it is ok...Come on over. I am at home all the time! I would love to see any of you. I kind of feel like a freak show!!! Well time will heal all and I will be up and running as soon as I can. Thank you all so much the love is overwhelming. I love you, Alena

Who's afraid of a little surgery?

2007-10-13T21:18:00.000-07:00

Today was the day. We got up at four am, and gathered our bodies together and drove down to the Kaiser Hospital on Morris in Sacramento. Alena, Bill, Ruth Ann, and I(sam) arrived at about 20 after 5 am. After waiting for awhile, Alena was admitted and we journeyed upstairs to the pre-op area, where we would be separated from Alena. First, here is a little background. Alena was scheduled to have her surgery at 6:30 am. They said that she was probably going to be out of the hospital at around 12 noon. That was pretty amazing. Well, back to the story. We were kind of sad and emotional to be all of a sudden separated from Alena. We went to the waiting room and anxiously paced and tried to get comfortable, but we couldn't do that very well. I was ready for her to be done as soon as we got to the waiting room!!! 15 minutes later, a nurse came out and said that since it was Saturday, we could break the rules and come into the pre-op area and see Alena. We went in and she was laying a gurney, getting ready to meet the staff that would be assisting the surgeon with her surgery. Now, there have been an army of prayers to Heavenly Father for Alena, and I know that they were being heard and answered. The nursing staff at this Kaiser was incredible!!! They were very kind and funny, with great senses of humor. They put all of us at ease, and made us very comfortable. We could not have hand picked a better group of people. Alena was in the operating room for only an hour and fifteen minutes, and she was in the post-op room by 8:45 am. Ruth Ann's mom came around 8 am and joined us, which was very pleasant. Her smile and faith and great sense of humor made me smile. At nine o'clock we were able to go into the room to see her!! She looked so beautiful!! She was crying, and at first we were worried. This soon changed as she exclaimed, "I am so happy!!." Alena had so much joy and peace. She began to tell how light she felt, and how she could feel the prayers of everyone, and that she was so happy to have the cancer out. This made me laugh a little because the nurses were coming over thinking that she was in a lot of pain. To their surprise, she was saying how happy she was!
One of the nurses said, "whatever they gave her, I'd love to have some of that!" We all laughed a little bit, and under my breath I told Alena, "It's the Spirit." Prayers are answered, and for Alena, she is still doing amazingly well. She needed to rest some more, so we waited 3 hours more. We left the hospital around 1:30 pm, with Alena smiling as we were leaving. She has been sleeping off and on, but has also had the energy to eat, and to have visitors!! She feels so good, even though she is weak and tired, and quite sore. I am grateful that she left the hospital with this experience. I think it is teaching me and her family, and everyone else for that matter, a lot of lessons on gratitude for the power of prayer, and truly why faith in Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel. It is very powerful. One last quote from Alena right after her surgery. I don't think she will always think this, but it was quite funny. The post-op nurse was talking to her about her surgery, and she said, "I love surgery!!!" Well, Alena loves a lot of things, lets add one more thing to the list! Heh heh. Thank you everyone, we'll try to keep things updated. Love you all!!!

2007-09-13T11:00:00.001-07:00

So, here is a little update....which I believe the rest of my bloggs may just be little. I am going in for Surgery on October 13 for a single mastectomy. May I say a disclaimer....... Chemo was easy to talk about but from here on out I am feeling private. Phone calls to my home are always welcomed and thank you to all who enjoy checking up on me and seeing my progress.

This picture always reminds myself to shine and to never forget who I am...but there are times in my life where shinning is hard and I love that this is ok. I know that I dont have to shine alone. When I am feeling dark I know my savior will rekindle what I have lost and together we will shine my brightest. REMEMBER he didnt expect us to get it right every time thats why he came. He loves and understands my weaknesses more than myself more than anyone. I love my savior so much. Its funny to think that he understands what a 23 yr old feels like going through breast cancer! Isn't that the coolest! Well, everyone how bright is your candle today? I know I needed some shinning.
Ohh..also, I realized how much the savior allows us to lean on each other. That is one thing I believe he would love us to learn. That it is ok to have a hard time and lean on one another. I have a new insight on "Love one another as Jesus loves you." I can morn with someone over my loss and this person can be the physical love the savior wants me to feel. Before, I didn't understand the importance of morning with those who morn. But, I am sure grateful for all those who have listened to me and have helped me be positive. I have felt my saviors love for me through those conversations. THANK YOU for saving me in my time of need.

My Dear Dr. Hui

2007-09-08T14:22:00.001-07:00

This is my oncologist, Dr. Hui. Our little chat on Wednesday was a little emotional. I had been down a little bit with all the unknown. She tried to reassure me that I just have to have faith and that each patient has a different story and I need to just pay attention to my own body. I wish there was a way to predict what will happen through statistics, but studies show they can't tell you your outcome because of others outcomes. She explained it a lot better than I could but that is what she told me. It is normal for cancer patients to feel afraid after chemo when the Dr. says goodbye... hope the cancer doesn't come back!
Well my next step happens on Wednesday. I have an appointment with Dr. Bodai. We will discuss all the options for surgery. I believe it will be mid October. I really don't have any other answers or other updates to tell you all. This chemo has treated me really well. The last one was very hard, but I have hardly felt a difference from Monday to today. I have slept a lot which is probably one reason I am doing well. Prayers really are helping me be strong and having faith in them makes it even stronger. Thank you all for helping me see how the Lord works in our lives to bless us. I really have been blessed to have the health and strength to get through this because of all the prayers. Thanks you so much! My faith in surrendering my will to his has greatly enlarged. I have really enjoyed learning the lessons I felt I needed to learn to be a stronger witness of Christ. I will let you all know more next week after my appointment.

NNNOoo More CHEEEEEEEEEEEmo

2007-09-08T14:16:00.001-07:00

This is my nurse pumping me full of the drug I HATE adriamycin. Do you see how red it is! Oh I can't even talk about it.. Too much information, but I am gagging. I'm so glad I don't have to do that again.

Anti- chemo girlfriend day!

2007-09-08T14:14:00.000-07:00

Before the dreadful chemo I ran way to Monterey with Amy Patterson to see my dear friend Hilary and her little babe. Here Amy is about to attack a wild pigeon who is trying to eat our food! And Hilary is looking at me weird because i was telling them to look fierce. "Hilary, Amy look like you are going to get the bird--get them!!" Yeah I think they are too sweet for that!

The Monterey story.......

2007-09-08T14:05:00.001-07:00

Brennen had a fun time getting the birds and his self . We were very entertained!

2007-09-08T14:00:00.001-07:00

Hilary showed us where the baby sea otters live. This was very cute to see all of the otters interact with each other.

2007-09-08T13:53:00.001-07:00

Holy-Moly! It was cold and windy. I thought I would be reading books, basking in the sun, writing in my journal, having quality conversations with my girls and It was not this kind of day! Amy and I are hamming it up here, well... really at one point I'm sure we looked like this as the sand was blowing all over us from under the umbrella.

2007-09-08T13:33:00.000-07:00

Here we are enjoying ourselves at the beach. We got over how cold it was and played anyway. It was very nice to spend the day with my girlfriends.

Ahhh... chemo tomorrow how dreamy!

It's here! The last chemo

2007-09-05T11:48:00.000-07:00

In just a few hours I will be doing my last chemo!! I will be happy to report the information the oncologist gives for the next step. This is getting exciting! I know that I will have surgery sometime in October; i believe. I cant believe the summer is almost over and I am on my last chemo. Life has just gone by so fast. Thank you all for checking up on me. I will hopefully be feeling up to telling you what is going on with in the next few days.

2007-08-25T19:43:00.001-07:00

2007-08-25T19:28:00.001-07:00

Life sometimes feels crazy at my house! Cant you tell....yes!!!! the kids were driving mommy nuts so it was time for the kids to chill out with auntie and get some craziness out. It went well and they even helped clean up..... in my dreams. HAhAh well actually Kai (6) helped with some of my room. It looks like we picked up some of the pig sty. Life is good. Even though it doesn't go our way something right always works out. These beautiful pics are a testimony to that!

2007-08-25T18:17:00.001-07:00

Talon could not be more KISSABLE

When Chemo Attacks, Part 5!!!

2007-08-20T19:00:00.000-07:00

Well, all you faithful bloggers. Sorry that we have not been very good at keeping you all posted. Alena has been very busy with her sister Jenny moving into the Kesti home with her family. Alena has been a great asset in cleaning and preparing the house with her mom and dad. So this full house is a whole new excitement for everyone. Jenny and her husband B are staying in Bill and Ruth Ann's house until the additions to Grandma's house are done. That is where they will be living.
Onward we go!! Alena has now finished 5 chemo treatments, which leaves only 1 left!!!! Hooray!!! There is a light at the end of the tunnel!!! No one can be more excited about this than Alena. This treatment has been very tough, leaving her body feeling weak and sick. Usually her sickness and nausea leaves after a couple of days, but her body still feels very upset since the treatment of chemo. She is still a trooper, going to activities and spending time with her family. Thank you for your prayers of faith and healing. I know they have been answered in Alena's recovery process. Please continue. Our gratitude is eternal. Alena is at this moment resting, even though it is her least favorite thing to do. Thank you and we love you!!

Sam and Alena

Pick'n flowers Pick'n Weeds

2007-08-11T01:46:00.001-07:00

I went over to my Friend Sarah's to garden and chit-chat. We had a lovely time and I got to play in the dirt!

Life is Good

2007-08-09T19:38:00.000-07:00

I really became disconnected this time. Before chemo and after I haven't really shared what I have been doing or how I have been feeling, but I am doing well now. I had the opportunity to go to Monterey and Yosemite this past weekend with my sisters family. I really had a good time surrounding myself in God's beauty.
My sister Jenny and her family moved into our house as they await for their house to be built, so life has been adventurous and I have had a lot of time to help them out. I take it a day at a time and make sure that I loved everyday. I love thanking Heavenly Father everyday for a wonderful day. That is one of my favorite things to do.
I have my 5th CHEMO on Wednesday! I can not believe how time has just flown by. I have really enjoyed my summer. It's been a little different then I thought summer would have been but I have really enjoyed spending it with friends and family and finding out so much about my self. Thank you all for always sending love my way.

im done with this chemo stuff...

2007-07-26T23:51:00.000-07:00

It's late for me to be up, but I wanted to let all of you know how I was doing. I went in on Tuesday for my 4th Chemo! I only have two more to go. I truely am reaching my limit. I had a very rough time emotionally and physically during my treatment and now after. Evertime someone asks me how was chemo I feel very nauseous and I ask them to not talk about it. I haven't really broke down and cried about all that I am going through not even a tear, but I sure have cried enough during this round!
A social worker woke me up during chemo on Tuesday and he was telling me about all the emotions one can feel during this time in there life, and I think I just gave in after that. I let this all become very really to me. This week my Mom had to leave to help my sister Jenny who lives out of town and I told my mom I would be ok. I realized how much I loved the help my Mom always gave me right after my treatment. This week I have been especially grateful for those that came and took care. Ok i am heading off to bed.

Sunday Pics

2007-07-03T10:44:00.000-07:00

Family photos!!!

2007-07-03T10:36:00.000-07:00

The Wrath of Chemo!!!

2007-07-03T09:25:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Here is the latest on what is happening with our lovely Alena. There are some great things and some not so happy and exciting things. Yesterday was Alena's third chemo treatment. She has been doing awesome, but the last couple of days before this treatment, she has been very tired. When we arrived at the hospital, she met with her oncologist, which is routine before every treatment. Alena was very tired, and her doctor was surprised to see her so tired. She looked at her charts and saw that her red and white blood cell counts were low. The doctor then proceeded to prescribe her two new medications to help her. Now Alena has to take two shots each week. One to raise her red blood cell count, and and one for her white blood count. Alena had been taking neupogen for her white blood cells, but that apparently hasn't been strong enough. This new one is as strong as ten neupogen shots. Chemotherapy is taking a little more of a toll on Alena. She still is smiling, and everyone around her is helping and supporting very well. She will get through this. The Lord is watching and blessing her daily. Our prayers our that these medicines, along with all the faith and prayers, will continue to raise her blood count and keep her kicking like the Alena we all know. I know that this trial is blessing her life and shaping her exactly how the Lord would have her grow. She is an example to us all, and this trial is also helping everyone around her grow. The Lord is showing his love to us all through these trials, teaching great lessons on humility and faith. Alena's family is being strengthened, and also her friends, and anyone who comes in contact with her. Today Alena is doing well. I forgot to mention that she walked out of the hospital yesterday, without the aid of a wheelchair(just the help of my arm). She is definitely taking it easier this time around. It's about time!! Heh heh. Lots of love to you all!

Sam

The Unstoppable Alena Kesti!!!!(Until I make her stop!!)

2007-06-26T13:57:00.000-07:00

Here are some funny events that happened to Alena last week. Anybody that knows Alena knows that she doesn't slow down for anything, especially if she has the opportunity to be outside doing yard work. Well, our best buddy Josh and his sweetheart Holly are getting married in July, and the reception will be in her backyard. There is a lot of preparation and landscaping to do. Alena has wanted to help out, but of course she can't be in the sun very much. Wednesday of last week, she told me that she had gone to Holly's house to help with the yard. I was thinking, okay, Alena went to her house and probably gave some advice on the best way to care for the plants, and how to do some other plant things. I talked to her that night, and she was exhausted. I figured she would be. The sun takes an extra toll on her. Well, the next day, we were talking, and Alena was still really tired, and she was throwing up, and not doing well at all. I was worried. She rested, and later she was feeling better. Well, we were talking about how she needs to take it easy. I repeated that she needs to TAKE IT EASY!!(she will never do it, but I say it anyway!!) Alena then proceeded to reveal to me some very surprising things, yet not really that unusual for Alena.
She said, "I guess I shouldn't have used the pick axe that much, or lifted and moved big heavy rocks." Why was I not surprised! Here is little Alena, on chemo, with a lower immune system, and an extremely sensitive energy level, telling me she probably should not have tried to be super woman. Well, she is super woman, and she has to watch out for the manual labor kryptonite. I think Alena will always push her limits, which is one reason why she will succeed in all that she does.!! I love you Alena!!

-Sammy

midnight chat

2007-06-24T23:07:00.000-07:00

I know that a lot of you check the blog often and I feel bad that you look at the same entry that has been there for days. I really don't know what to write, but here I go. I surprisingly have done incredibly well during my Chemo. I truly have to thank Heavenly Father for the amazing strength that I have received. I feel like I need other people to tell me what is happening to me right now. I don't realize the reality of having cancer. I feel great and life seems better than it has been at other times in my life, so why now is life so good, when it seems like it should be so hard. I consider myself to be a positive person, but I am now realizing how important my thought process is. For instance, today I was sitting in church thinking about how tired I was and how the open seat next to me looked nice and comfy to lay on. Then I started thinking, "but then I would get nothing out of the lesson, so why not challenge yourself to really enjoying the lesson, maybe even participate and really begin to understand and appreciate the rest of the people in the room!" I did so and the lesson became very alive and important to the strengthening of my own testimony and I grew even more love for the women in that room. I was really taken by the power of having a change of thought. I don't know if any of you have heard of the movie and book called The Secret. I was recently given it as a gift and I began reading it. One of the quotes in the book reminded me of my current situation.
I have known about my cancerous spot for a long time. I just didn't know it was cancer. It stayed the same size for a very long time and that is why I never budged about getting fussy with it. I just left it alone. This is seen as stupid by others and sometimes myself, (Honestly a 22 yr old with no past history has no thought to cancer and being concerned with cancer) but as soon as cancer was brought to the forefront of my mind I began thinking about it constantly. I, one night, stayed up thinking about it so much that the spot actually began to hurt. Also, it began to increase in size dramatically. Well, thats when I finally went in an here I am on Chemo. It was I think, one week and four days after my first treatment when I was at work talking to a coworker and I felt the spot were the cancer was and it was gone to the touch. I was able to cup my hand and the tumor would fill the spot before treatment started. As I touched the spot I began finding myself searching for it. I could no longer feel the spot anymore. I was flabbergasted. I didn't even know how to carry a conversation except to say "I cant feel it anymore!" I could owe this to many things why this happened, but one that I find a very important key is the power of positive thinking. Even though the effects of chemo were not encouraging and many were opposed to me going through it I had a lot of faith in chemo. After the first treatment I was completely not scared about having treatment or having cancer. I put all trust in God and also myself that I would get through this with a positive attitude and a life learned lesson. When i put good thoughts into focus this cancer thing became a breeze and if I may, enjoyable.
I'm going to put out there... the challenge: I don't want this to be supper cheesy, but with all sincerity, because you all have helped encourage me so much. At this time I don't know what is ailing your life at this time personally, and I know that each of you reading this is that someone or knows someone who deals with the daily battles of self persecution, physical pain or unexpected troubles. Learn anyways to always look for the good. I truly know the value of having a grateful heart, having faith, being positive and most of all treating others with kindness. These are key ingredients to my happy life and I would like to share it with you!

Sunny Dog

2007-06-20T11:01:00.001-07:00

Here's the doggy on Loan! Sunny! Last night I had had a fun time shaving her. This was my first experience shaving a dog and I had a lot of fun giving her a hair cut. Thanks Hargadon's for allowing Sunny to visit for such a long time. She is doing well and my family loves visiting with her. She looks so pretty!!!!

Second Chemo down, four more to go!!

2007-06-11T16:20:00.000-07:00

Well, here is a little update: Alena is moved back into her parents home in Granite Bay, with a freshly applied coat of paint in her room. She will miss her cute little cottage in Roseville, but she is so grateful for the comfort of being at home. She needs her parents, and I am pretty sure they need her too.
Alena and Amy are already having roommate withdrawals!! Alena sports the bald head very well, and she was blessed with a perfectly shaped head. Heavenly Father blessed her with that so she would be comforted during her trials!! Alrighty then, Alena had her appointment at 11:15 this morning at Kaiser, and everything went so unbelievably smooth. Alena got to be in the corner of the room in a hospital bed that was very comfortable. We also watched Robin Hood: Prince of thieves!! Talk about a plush chemo session! We were in and out in no time(well, 3 hours), and Alena does not have any nausea, which is great, and the only thing she is experiencing is fatigue, which is easily solvable!(sleep)
She is now resting, and doing very well!! Thank you so much for your love and strength!! Bye for now.

2007-06-07T12:48:00.001-07:00

I really like putting pictures on the blog it makes it look so colorful. These are some wonderful women in my life. My grandma whom I got my love of the out doors and gardening from. Also, she gave me my first sewing lessons and now it is one of my favorite hobbies. My sister Jenny who is my greatest strength and mentor when life gets scary. Thanks Jenny! Hilary and her cute Brennie Bear thank you for coming and seeing me and for your amazing support even thought I can't see you as often as you wish you could. You still make me smile. Sarah Landford in the cute apron. Even though life is crazy for you I love seeing your strength in your ability to serve and lift others. Amy Patterson, this is my wonderful roommate. Whom I am going to miss much. It was so much fun living with you and I will miss our wonderful bright yellow cottage. I am so glad I was able to grow so much by your example daily. I will miss you much! Well, I hope all of you can enjoy these pictures they tell their own stories. I am surrounded by your comments on the blog, cards, hugs, phone calls, and visits. This makes the smile on my face last forever. Thanks for all keeping me feeling wonderful at this time.

Parents are the Best

2007-06-07T12:35:00.001-07:00

This was my hair cut before I shaved off my hair. As you can see I finally learn how to put pictures on the blog. Thanks Mom and Dad for all that you do for me!

Sammy love

2007-06-07T12:12:00.001-07:00

yes, Melanie Sam shaved his hair off too! He Still looks handsome as ever and even more so for all the love and support he is giving. Thanks for raising such a good man! Love you much. Charene, I give cinnamon hair cuts for free or actually for a good laugh call me if you want one! You'd look HOT. Cinnamon licking good HOT. HHAhA

Hair Cuts

2007-06-06T17:50:00.000-07:00

My hair finally got to the point where I could not take it any more. It started falling out by touching it this weekend and then by this morning I had to wear a scarf to work because if I didn't I would have looked like a tree in fall. My hair would have been blow'n in the wind. After work I went over to Sam's and we both shaved our heads. My Nephew Talon (3) Said "where is Auntie Lena." He also kept saying "I see that head!" I was a little sad but it is pretty funny. I go for another round of chemo on monday. I'm not looking forward to the nausea, but after a few days it goes away. I'm moving back home this weekend and I am very happy to have my parents close by to help me. Thanks for all you support.

I'm trying my best!

2007-05-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been down for a few days but I'm at my parents house trying to get my self to go to work. Yesterday I ventured out by my self for the first time! I'll tell you what I am tired today. I realized that I can not go with out a nap during the day. I know that if I just stay at home and feel like I am doing nothing that is just as damaging to myself if I were to run a marathon right now! It is good for me to spend a few hours doing things that make me happy and then take a rest. Amy, Sam and my Mom get on me to make sure that I am treating myself well.I don't know if the blog will be as frequently written since I am not always up and around to get to a computer. Amy and I don't have one, so I have to go to Sam's or my parents. Thanks for the comments I look forward to hear from you all. Have a wonderful day!

One Chemo session down, Five to go!!

2007-05-22T11:22:00.000-07:00

Well, hello everybody, this is Sam here with the lowdown on how things are going for Alena. Yesterday, Alena, her mom, and I all went to Kaiser Hospital in Sacramento. We arrived around 9:00am, and met with the Clinical coordinator for the oncology department. Usually there is a class held for all upcoming chemo patients, but the doctors wanted to get Alena in there as fast as they could eithout wasting any time. We sat and talked for about an hour, covering everything that is going to happen during the next 4 1/2 months that Alena will be taking chemo. This fabulous nurse was named Sherry. She was a firecracker!!She had different colored fingernails, and crazy cool socks. She even shared some funny stories about accidentally taking her husbands vicadin pills, mistaking them for her calcium pills. She was a hoot!! She answered all of Alena's concerns with a lot of knowledge, and made all of us feel very comfortable.
Here's the best part. Alena was given a prescription a few days prior to all this for a drug called Atavin. This is a anti-anxiety drug, which women take before their chemo treatment because of the traumatic experience. Well, Alena took one, and then she was still feeling anxiety when the chemo was starting, so the doctor said she could take another. Well, I have never been more entertained by Alena, and she has never been more entertained by me. Alena could not stop smiling, and she kept saying, "I'm so happy" and she also said, "I like Atavin." I zoomed around like superman on the doctor's chair, making her laugh more. All this laughter from Alena attracted the nurses, which loved to watch her laugh. Alena then started to hicc-up, and then burp, right after. She then would laugh and make everyone else laugh!!! It was great! Her treatment took about 3 1/2 hours, having all the chemo drugs injected through an IV drip. Alena said that she could of stayed for another hour because she had so much fun.(Thanks to the drugs!) I think Alena's mom and I should have taken a little drugs as well!! Ha Ha, just kidding!
We finally got to go home, and Alena was not feeling well at all. She threw up a few times through out the rest of the evening, and we ended up having to call the hospital at midnight to see if we could get another medicine to help her get rid of her nausea and vomiting. I went to the pharmacy and got a suppository, which worked like a charm to control her stomach. She is able to eat today, and is resting and sleeping, and who knows what else she will do. Alena is looking foward to going to the temple this weekend. She will be blessed and strengthened so much!! Thank you again to everyone, you are all answers to our prayers, and you are all examples to me!!! Keep up your prayers and your faith, thank you.

P.S. Alena's next chemo is June 11th, at 11:15am @ Kaiser on Morse Ave. in Sacramento. Only two visitors allowed in the infusion suite at a time. Until next time...

-Sam

Alena's First Chemotherapy!!

2007-05-22T01:07:00.000-07:00

It is very late Monday night, or should I say Tuesday morning. Alena is sound asleep trying to keep her fluids down. We spent 7 hours at the hospital today, and we are all beat. I will write a lot more in the morning when I am more coherent. Right now I just need to go to bed. Alena is a trooper, and she even cut her hair really short in preparation for losing it. This small information will tease you until later.....Good night all you wonderful people who love and support Alena so much.

To all my supporters

2007-05-18T16:55:00.001-07:00

I have no idea how to start this blog. I just got off the phone with Sam telling him my results from Dr. Hui. She was an oncologist I saw today. If I stay at Morris she will be my Doctor through this time of my treatment.(i may switch to a new Doctor in Roseville to be close to home) She went over with me the things Dr. Bodai told her. They both agree that my tumor is around 3.5-4 cm in size. Due to this size, over 1 cm, Chemotherapy is advised. Dr. Hui received the results back form the biopsy telling us if the tumor was Estrogen/progesterone +/- recepted. Mine came back + which opens up the opportunity to take Tamoxifen. This is the long term hormonal therapy. There is nothing pretty about this drug other than it decreasing the chances for recurring cancer. The major down side of this is the need to be cautious not to get pregnant during this time. Therefore, during the five years I need to take it I will be unable to have children. So this sounds like a downer, but honestly if this is the trial that God intended for me to have then Bring It On! I know that I will get out on top and I will have become closer to God and see more good in life. The whole purpose for us to be here is to strengthen our relationship and understanding of God. I will be eternally grateful for this trail and especially all of you. All of you have taught me so much about service and how to have a tender heart towards all that are around me. Thank you all so much for your individual love and support. Well.... Chemo starts on Monday the 21st at 10:30. Since they want to be aggressive about my treatment they wanted me in as soon as possible. Usually one will go to a chemo class, but I will get all the info on chemo an hour before. Sam will be coming with me to hear the information about chemo and he will sit with me for 3 hours while I am getting treated. Sam has been a really great emotional strength and he really keeps me happy. So far my Parents have gone to all my appointments, which have been many and they have also been a big help and support. Oh, I know that you all probably have more questions that I have not answered. If any of you have questions you can either call me or write a comment and i will respond to you. Sometimes on your comments I don't always recognize who they have come from and I would love to know who you are! Please type your name if your comment does not give clear identification of who you are. Wow, i can not believe the amount of love that I am receiving. Hearing stories about people telling people about me and the prayers and the love that is given for me is so touching. I thank you much and will be letting you all know how Chemo goes for me.

2007-05-16T20:17:00.000-07:00

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

2007-05-16T19:40:00.000-07:00

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

My Talk with Dr. Bodai

2007-05-16T13:35:00.000-07:00

Well, I was very excited to hear that the cancer was only in one spot, but they are still very concerned for my age and the effects for a surgery now. I was hoping more then anything to not go through chemo, but the doctor really wants me to start as soon as possible...like next week. I was shocked to hear that. Because of the size and the location he would have to take out a significant part of my breast, so they are hoping to shrink the tumor down and then have surgery. We have not received the hormone results back from the biopsy. This is the deciding factor for my treatments. I have an appointment with my new Oncologist (who is my doctor through my treatments) on Friday. By then I hope to know when the first day of Chemo is. Thank you all for your prayers. I love the support.

The best news Ever!

2007-05-11T14:04:00.000-07:00

Dr. Bodi called me this morning and told me that the cancer is just in one spot! I was very happy to hear this news. I am surprised because in my Biopsy it stated possible lymph invasion. Thank you all so much for your prayers and fasting. I know it it helped me. I just finished my finals and I am school free! On Monday I will tell you all about my visit with Dr. Bodi. Thank you Alena

Waiting for Results!!!

2007-05-10T14:32:00.000-07:00

The P.E.T. scan results are still not available for me yet. I have a doctors appointment on Monday with Dr. Bodi. At this time he will read to me the results from the scan. I know a lot of people have been asking me what is happing with my progress, but I have not heard any solid changes in my progress. I have been anxiously waiting. So far thank you for your prayers and thoughts. I will be in touch with you all later. Alena

Make sure to pre-register!!!

2007-05-06T20:24:00.000-07:00

This is information that I pulled from the web site. I know that some of you are not wanting to run but i would like to at least run some! I hope that most of you will be able to pick up your T-shirts and number before the morning of. I'm thinking that we should meet at 6:30 in the morning. We are going to meet at the roseville stake center . If you wish to join us and drive down with us please do. Thanks gang!
you need to pick-up your race number and T-shirt at Arden Fair Mall Saturday, May 5 through Friday, May 11. We’ll be located in front of Nordstrom. Use the main mall entrance. Hours are 10 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. each day. Others may pick up your packet for you. You can also pick-up your number and shirt race morning at the main gate of Cal Expo.6:00 am: All Cal Expo parking lots open (please arrive early)
6:15 - 7:45 am: Race Day registration, Main Gate, Cal Expo
7:45 am: Start of 5K run, Expo Blvd in front of the Main Gate
8:05 am: Start of 5K walk, Expo Blvd
8:00 - 11:30 am: Post race expo and entertainment (continous)
8:25 am: Start of 1 mile fun run/walk, Expo Blvd
8:45 am: Registration begins for the First Annual Little Road Runners for the Cure (see details below)
10:00 am: Survivor Celebration and Awards

Love of the Sabath Day!

2007-05-06T19:46:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much, all of you for your support through prayers and fasting. My family and I feel your love. I have to say that I have not been in contact with Doctors, so there is not much to say for my treatments. I hope with in this next week I will be in contact with Doctors to see where the cancer is located.
This day was so beautiful and the sun sure was shinning. I have really learned how to love others. I hope that through this I come to understand my hand in the Lords work, and that everyday we can ask the Lord what he wants of us. Who he wants us to hug and serve. My thoughts of others changed instantly. I would be driving in my car and either someone would do something amiss to me or I to them, and I wondered "what has your day been like? What kind of trails are your going through?" Wow! the amount of compassion the Lord wants us to have for each other. I felt an opportunity like never before to understand how the lord wants us to treat others in our thoughts and deeds. This is definitely an aspect in me that will take a lifetime to perfect. To both Saras, Uncle Bruce and Aunt Carol and the Calls thank you for your strengh and prayers. Also, to all others who are concerned for me. I love you all. Amy and all my girl friends and all those who helped Friday night from the Ward I sincerely thank you for a lovely night. Good luck to all those with Finals this week! Love alena

Thanks Again

2007-05-05T11:58:00.000-07:00

To Alena's chem friends, thanks for loving Alena. Also, thanks to the Bushnells crew that came last night as well.

Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure

2007-05-05T11:44:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. Here is some information on the Susan G. Komen race for the cure that is going to take place on May 12th, 2007. That is in 1 week, so you need to register soon.

It is a 5k run/walk or a 1 mile run/walk. Register at www.komensacramento.org.

The event will be held at Cal Expo in Sacramento, and gates open at 6:00 am. The 5k will be starting at 7:45 am, and the 1 mile will be at 8:25. Arrive early (45 minutes before race) so you can get ready. Please come and support Alena and all other women with breast cancer.

I'm sure Alena will get on here later and tell everyone how much she loves you all and to thank you all for your love and support. I would like to say that I feel that the burden seems very light due to the prayers and support from everyone. I am extremely grateful for that. I love you all.

The party/support Alena shin dig that was thrown last night was awesome! So many people came to show love and support. Thank you Amy and the Kesti's for setting this up. (and others!)

Wena Woosers!

2007-05-04T08:33:00.000-07:00

I LOVE YA GIRL!! posted by Hilary Wiest

Thank you!

2007-05-03T14:14:00.000-07:00

To the Webbs, Maria, Hilary and Amy thank you so much for your love and support. I am so thrilled to feel your love and I will all be letting you know of my progress. alena

Friday night

2007-05-03T14:07:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone-
My dear girl friends wanted to have a surprise party for me Friday night, but Amy (my roommate) let me know about it! I can still act surprise since this was all done with out me knowing. I saw that Amy posted a comment but if you dont klick in comments then your would not find out. Friday the 4th of may we will have a get together starting at 7. If you wish to see me or my family your are more than welcome to come. I am gateful for my friends for wanting to share my load. Thanks girls for always thinking of me! Well to all those who decide to come I will see you there.
.....Alena

My Anticipation

2007-05-02T21:39:00.000-07:00

I just went into a P.E.T. scan today. It is the newest and greatest tech. I was grateful for the opprotunity to have this accurate reading of my body. I dont have my information with me at this time to explain this more. IF you have questions I would love to respond. I also got a C.T. scan.. I think that was what it was called. It is somewhat like a Mammogram but it used the radioactive gluclose Molecule they injected me with for the P.E.T.. We will see if the cancer is only in the spot we hope or if it has had enough time to travel through my one breast onto the other or even if it had gone into my Lymph nodes. Honestly the later my prove to be true. But I have much hope. So depending on when this is the first time you have looked at my blogg we may have already put my results up. I am getting tired since I have been up since 4:45 for my Scans today. I love you all.

Why this Blog Spot

2007-05-02T21:27:00.000-07:00

I, Alena, would love to be able to provide a way that all my loved ones can keep tabs on me during this time in my life. I am so grateful for all the prayers, thoughts and fasting that has been done on my behalf. I have been so blessed with many phone calls of people wanting to tell me that they were thinking of me and wanting to know my newest progress. Due to this out pooring of love I will be on the phone all day!!! So this is the best I could come up with. I wish there was some way I could recieve your hugs every second of the day and could tell you, by my own words, I love you and your concerns lift my spirit. I will be having Sam, Amy Patterson (my roommate), my family and myself switch off telling my progress. So, bare with us as we perfect this. And sorry if I spell like poop. Well thats why and My family and I look forward to hearing from you. Please take the time to communicate with us. I love you all so much.

2007-05-02T19:02:00.000-07:00

"...I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day." -Alma 36:3