BYU Football Season Begins!

Thurs. Aug 30, 2012 – First BYU Football Game of the Season

This morning I was able to drag myself out of bed to do my 2+ mile walk. I am feeling more of the fatigue from the radiation right now. Afterwards, I showered and went to my radiation appointment. After coming home, I was completely wiped out and had a really good nap. Later I woke up to eat lunch and do a few things around the house like laundry and vacuuming out the car. Then the fatigue set in and I took a 2^nd nap! Wow! I’m trying to be patient with my body and allow it to get the rest it needs, but I have to admit that I feel a bit like a little old granny sleeping as much as I have today. Haha

This evening was the first BYU football game of the season and kick off was at 8:15pm. A dear friend of ours was able to get us a parking pass close to the stadium so that I wouldn’t have to walk too far to get and from the games. It was wonderful. As the crowd rose in the stadium for the playing of the national anthem, a wave of emotion swept over me as I remembered 5 months ago when I was first diagnosed and we were deciding if we should buy season tickets for the coming fall. I told Lincoln, “We’re buying those football tickets and I WILL be going to the games with you!” Well 5 months later, there I stood next to my sweetheart in our BYU blue and white colors getting ready to make it through another football season together! I’m so grateful to still be here and for the gift of enjoying these moments with the people I love. I’m grateful to God for his tender mercies in my life. I will keep fighting! By the way, although I was only able to make it half way through the game, BYU did win and I plan on winning, too!

What a wonderful, wonderful world!

Tues. Aug, 28, 2012

This morning I went walking again with Tracy. We even jogged almost half of our route. It felt really good. I love talking with her and laughing. It’s good for my spirit. Later I went to my radiation appointment and had my weekly visit with my radiation oncologist, Dr. Clark. He checked to see how I’m doing after the first 7 radiation treatments and 2 low-dose chemo rounds. I still feel good and have not seen any redness or irritation on my chest or neck from the radiation yet. He clarified that when I’m done with the 6 weeks of radiation/chemo that they will give me 3 months of no treatments for my body to heal from everything and then another PET Scan. I can’t even imagine what 3 months without any chemo or radiation will feel like, probably, like HEAVEN! I’m really looking forward to that.

This afternoon I took a nap and was surprised when I woke up to find that a dear friend in the ward had dropped off a dinner for our family. What wonderful friends we have! I stopped by to see a young man who is leaving on his mission tomorrow for England and to wish him well. Then I stopped by to see my friend who had brought us the yummy dinner. It was wonderful to feel her spirit and reconnect with her. She’s a special lady.

Just as we were getting ready to go to bed, The door-bell rang and someone left an amazing Chicken Alfredo casserole on our porch. As we knelt in prayer, we gave thanks to our Heavenly Father for such a kind ward in which we live and for so many good people willing to reach out and support us right now. We are truly blessed.

Chemo Round #8 & Radiation Week 2

Mon. Aug. 27, 2012

Today was the beginning of Week 2 radiation and chemo. My friend, Jeannee, came with me for the ‘fieldtrip’ to the cancer center. The team of nurses and doctors that work there are really great people and I appreciate all they are doing to help me heal and get better, but I don’t necessarily ‘like’ going there. J

Having my friend with me made the experience so much more enjoyable. We chatted about a million different things and laughed together. The time really seemed to fly by. She’s amazing. 

At one point, an older man, about 73, came in and sat by us. He was definitely tired and not feeling well, but he had a smile on his face and said hello to everyone in the room. As we visited with him, we learned that he was going through chemo for the 3^rd time! I can’t even imagine what that would be like! My heart went out to him and I admired his desire to be happy and cheerful, despite his challenge. Happiness really is a choice and I’m grateful for the examples of goodness, love and courage that I see all around me. Although the cancer center is not a fun place to go visit, it truly is a sacred place. There’s a special spirit as some people reach out to help heal and comfort those who are suffering and others who are fighting for their lives and trying to understand the purpose in their challenges. 

Ashley Off to College

Thurs. Aug 23, 2012

All day long Ashley packed up her things and squeezed them into her little 1990 Nissan Sentra to take back up to Utah State for another year of college. I have appreciated her coming home this summer to help me with the wedding and being my personal helper with life as a chemo patient. She’s never complained and she’s made me laugh and smile. 

I will miss her this year. She has been overwhelmed with not having a job when she goes back. Something about conflicts with her class schedule. Just as we were hugging good-bye, her cell phone rang and it was a lady at Aggie Ice Cream asking if she was still available for a job with them. Tears of joy ran down her face and then down mine! So after the call, we had a ‘thank you’ prayer and hugged as she headed back up to school. I’m so grateful for tender mercies and for answered payers. I know the Lord is mindful of each of our situations and that He is with us. Good luck, Ashley!

Happy 25th Anniversary

Wed. Aug 22, 2012 25 years of marriage

Today is my 25^th wedding anniversary! Wow! Lincoln and I had talked about waiting until I get better to go do something to celebrate, but I decided that we need to celebrate ‘now’! It couldn’t be anything too big or too far away, so we decided to just go out to dinner and spend the night away together. Life is too short and too fragile to just take for granted that there will be ‘another time.’ I’m grateful for the past 25 years with my best friend at my side. We've had challenges, but so many blessings and joys in our lives. I’m grateful for the gift of life and for the opportunity to be a wife and mother and for the wonderful lessons that I’ve learned along the way. Lincoln still tells me that he loves me and that I’m beautiful. I’m a lucky woman. Here’s to 25 more years!

Lincoln & Lisa - 25 years!

Phase 2 of Treatments Begins

Mon. Aug. 20, 2012 – Radiation Begins!

This morning I started with a 2+ mile brisk walk. It felt really good again. Each time I go, I feel stronger and stronger. I recognize that the radiation therapy will bring on added fatigue in a few weeks, but right now I feel really good.

After a shower, Ashley went with me to have my first radiation treatment. It went relatively smooth and only took about 20 minutes. Then I met with Dr. Breyer to discuss what chemo she wants me to take on a weekly basis for the next 6 weeks. I’ve been praying that my doctors will be inspired as to what will best help me beat this battle against cancer. Today I was told that because I have responded so well to the Carboplatin and Taxotere chemo drugs, she wants to keep me on those 2 meds on a much lower dosage. I was quite surprised because she had mentioned a possible different medication last week when I saw her. 

She said that it’s such a low dose that it’s like a ‘whiff’ of chemo compared to the heavy doses I was on previously. I also thought my chemo would be a 30 minute session, but after talking with the nurses and getting set up for my chemo, I learned that it is more like a 3 hour chemo event each week. I have to admit I was a little bummed about that aspect of the treatment. I’ll still need to take the anti-nausea drugs for the first 5 days of chemo just to make sure that I don’t get sick. The bottom line is that I want to get better and if I want to do that, I’ll need to follow the doctor’s recommendations. This phase will last for 6 weeks. I have already conquered 4 months of heavy chemo; I know I can do this.

After my appointments, Ashley dropped me off at a local bakery to have lunch with two of my good friends. It felt really good to laugh and to visit with them. They are amazing ladies and I love them dearly. I have so many blessings in my life. I have a great deal of positive to focus on and that’s what I choose to do right now! J

Wonderful Sunday Happenings!

Sun. Aug. 19, 2012

I have to remind myself from time to time that Sunday is a day of rest. Rest from the world’s activities, but not from the Lord’s. We had a meeting at 10am with a member of our Stake Presidency and our high councilman to discuss our calling. It was a wonderful meeting. We attended Sacrament Meeting with Lexy in our home ward and then went down to the singles ward. We returned home around 3pm and I emailed all of the weekly singles ward activities out to the home ward YSA Couples so they can share it in their home wards. Lincoln made some yummy zucchini bread for the families that he home teaches. Then I started on dinner. Tyler and Andrea joined up and we really had a fun time together. Our garden is producing so much beautiful tasty treats that I’m thrilled. We had fresh tomatoes, onions and green pepper slices on our grilled hamburgers. It was delightful! I also made a yummy peach cobbler from the fresh peaches that a neighbor brought to us. Wow! It turned out pretty terrific. I made copies of the recipe for Ashley and Andrea to take to school.

After dinner, I helped Andrea with Thank you cards, Lincoln helped Tyler updating a computer and Ashley and Lexy hung out with us. After Lincoln’s home teaching appointments another neighbor brought by some delicious bacon wrapped chicken skewers and some pistachio encrusted chicken breasts to share with us. We were all in heaven! Today was a wonderful day of serving and being served and feeling God’s love in my life. 

Kinda feeling like a Super Hero

Sat. Aug. 18, 2012

This morning I got up early to go walking again. Tracy was busy, so Lincoln and Lexy decided to go with me. As we got about 3 blocks from our house, I asked Linc & Lexy if they saw a cape flying off behind me. They looked at my kind of funny. I told them that I felt so good, I felt like I was a superhero and that I was flying! J It feels so good to be getting stronger and to not just be alive but to feel alive!

We had a great walk together and Lincoln said he was quite surprised at the pace that we walked. I’m not winning any Olympic medals, but the last time he went on a walk with me, we only walked about 3 blocks and then turned around and came back home. This week my route has been 2.33 miles and we walk pretty fast. It felt good to know that this ‘chemo’ lady is getting some strength back. It’s very empowering.

Ashley had a vocal recital this morning. We went to support her and listen to all the other students sing. It was wonderful. Ashley was the last to perform and it was fabulous! She has the most amazing voice and she lights up when she performs. It was a treat to be there. I’m going to miss her when she leaves next week to 

go back to Utah State. She’s an amazing young woman.

Ashley - An amazing young woman!

Blessings Through Trials

Fri. August 17, 2012

This evening we attended a wedding reception for some good friends of ours. Their oldest daughter got married and it was wonderful to see them on their happy day! At the reception, I ran into several students from Rocky Mountain Elementary and they were so happy to see me. I had fun talking to them. One girl told me that her mom was helping in the kitchen and wanted to see me. 

I stopped by to talk with her for a few minutes and she gave me the biggest hug and congratulated me on my recent good news of moving from chemo to radiation. She said her family prays for me every day and I was so touched by her faith. Then she said something to me that really sank in. She said, “I’m so grateful for your journey and the opportunity that my children have had to pray for you and fast for you. Because of you, my children now have a testimony of miracles and the power of prayer. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this experience.” 

Once again, that thought came to my mind, ‘Remember, Lisa, it’s not about you.’ The Lord’s ways are not our ways and so much good can come out of challenges and trials. He truly is in charge and we must always remember, remember to trust in His will and His timing.

Getting Stronger Day by Day

Thurs. Aug. 16, 2012

I went walking with Tracy again today and it felt great. I can feel myself getting stronger. My right foot seems to bother me the most, but a few extra strength Tylenol and 30 minutes to let it kick in and I’m ready to head out the door and work up a sweat. I love talking with Tracy in the morning because she makes me laugh and feel good. I’m pretty comfortable waving at people as they drive by, even though I don’t have my wig on and I just have on my trusty baseball cap. It feels very liberating.

Getting Tattooed!

Wed. Aug 15, 2012

This morning I took off early to go to the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center Oncology Dept. There they ‘simmed’ me or I went through a simulation. It’s a process where they have me lie on a flat table in a room with a CT machine. The machine takes pictures to show where the tumor is and then the technician puts marks or ‘tattoos’ on my body so that every single time I get on the machine for my radiation, I will be laying in the exact same position as they administer the radiation.  I was expecting to have 3 tattoos. Nope. I have 5 tattoos. I asked if I could have a butterfly tattoo since we were at it and he smiled and said that wasn’t an option. Oh well. You never know unless you ask!

The tattoos look like black freckles they will use to line me up with the laser beams. I have one on either side of my torso, one at the base of my left rib cage, one on my sternum area, and on close to my left clavicle. It was a pretty straightforward procedure. The technician explained that Dr. Clark now has 3 days to look at my Pet Scan and tumor info and will determine where exactly my body will receive high doses of radiation to shrink the current large tumor and where to direct the low doses of radiation to ensure that the previous areas of cancerous activity in my lymph nodes is gone for sure.

I feel very optimistic about this process and feel at peace about where we are headed.

Looking to the Future with Hope

Tues. Aug 14, 2012

This morning I walked with Tracy again and it feels so good to be active and in the beautiful outdoor air. My feet are always sore in the morning, so I take my Tylenol early enough to let it start working before we get walking and it does help some. I don’t have to limp quite as much. We were able to walk 2.33 miles at a quick pace and I was thrilled!  I came home, changed and showered and then was ready for a little down time. Haha

Lincoln came home early from work and together we went to meet with Dr. Clark, the new radiology oncologist. I was a little nervous, but said a prayer before leaving the house to be able to understand what my future treatments will be like regarding radiation and how that will change my day to day routine at this point.

Linc & I met with Dr. Clark today for 2 ½ hours. He’s a radiation oncologist and works very closely with Dr. Breyer my oncologist. They are in the same office. I had butterflies in my stomach as we waited to be called back to an exam room. As soon as he walked in the door he had a big smile on his face and shook our hands. His nurse Vicky was very warm and reassuring as well. Dr. Clark began by explaining that he had looked over and compared my PET Scan from March 27^th of this year with the recent one on Aug. 8^th. He smiled and said the difference between the two was “Remarkable!” He said my body is doing exactly what it’s supposed to be doing in reacting to the chemo. He said there is no more metabolic activity in the lymph node system throughout my left chest area or neck except for the largest tumor which is in the upper area of my left lung. Wahoo! In a nut shell, he explained that I will go through 6 weeks of radiation, 5 days a week for 6 weeks. In addition, I will also be on a once a week low dose round of chemo that will help my body accept the radiation more effectively. Instead of 5 hours of chemo every 3 weeks like I’ve been doing, I’ll have a 2 ½ to 3 hour chemo session once a week.

After 6 weeks of this type of treatment, they will give my body a 3 month break from all treatments so that I can heal. They at the end of the year they will do another PET Scan and re-evaluate how my body has handled the treatments and then we go from there. He was very clear in that his goal was not to have my cancer go into remission, but to CURE me of this cancer. Wow! I can hardly process that thought, but I am so grateful for this miracle that is taking place in my life. I am so humbled that my prayers are being answered and that I’m getting better. It’s hard to put into words, but I’m going to live. I’m going to be here to share this mortal experience with my husband and children and I’m so, so grateful. I really feel like I need to keep my feet on the ground and just take this one step at a time, one appointment at a time and one day at a time, but I’m doing it with a smile on my face and a grateful heart.

Listening to the Spirit

Mon. Aug 13, 2012

Today would normally be the horrid Day 4 after chemo, but not today! Since I didn’t have chemo last Friday, I was really wanting to go out and go walking in the neighborhood for exercise. My feet are still pretty sore from the neuropathy, but I took some Tylenol and then cleaned the kitchen waiting for the medicine to kick in. I saw people running outside and walking their pets. I even saw my favorite visiting teacher run by and I just wished that I had someone to walk with. My daughter had been up late watching a meteor shower and I didn't have the heart to wake her early, but I felt sad that I wasn’t out among the movers and shakers this morning.

And then it happened, just as I resolved myself to doing laundry, my phone rang. It was my cute visiting teacher who had just gotten home from her fun and felt impressed to give me a call and see if I wanted to go for a walk. I was stunned! “Yes!” She told me to get ready and she’d be by in 10 minutes to take me for a walk. We were only gone about 25 minutes, but it was so wonderful to get out in the fresh air and move my body! I loved chatting with her and waving to neighbors that drove by. We stopped to feed the horses on the way back. When I finally got home, I was thrilled to have broken a sweat and earned a shower! I am so grateful for my friend listening to the spirit and giving me a call to go on a simple walk. It meant the world to me. I know Heavenly Father knows who I am and that he is aware of even my smallest desires. I am so grateful that my friend lives her life in a way that she can listen to the promptings of the Spirit and acts on them. In so doing, she blessed my life today for which I am deeply grateful!

Miracle still sinking in!

Sat. Aug. 11, 2012

Today was a surreal day! I woke up and looked out the window at the beautiful day ahead of me and thought, “Hearing yesterday’s news that the cancer is out of my lymph nodes is as surreal to me as the day that I was diagnosed and told that I have cancer.” I’m still trying to let it all sink in. I am still tremendously grateful and humbled by this miracle in my life. 

A Miracle Happened in My Life Today!

Friday Aug. 10, 2012 

I woke up this morning getting ready for round #7 of chemo today. Lincoln had an early appointment with our family doctor. His doctor asked about my cancer and my prognosis. The doctor asked if we had asked our oncologist if my cancer is terminal and if so, how much time do I have. He said we may want to be aware of the time frame in order to make some decisions about what we do with our time, if it is limited. I was stunned. How can I ask if it is terminal, if I feel at peace about what I’m going through. How can I have faith and hope for a miracle, if I’m asking if I have limited time? We decided that we will ask my doctor if it gets to that point that it appears that I have a limited time. Deep breath!

In the car as we drove to the doctor’s office, I told Ashley that we were going to ask some hard questions about how much time the doctor thinks I have and to be prepared for anything. Ashley looked at me and said, “Mom, you’re going to be okay. My patriarchal blessing tells me to counsel with my parents about my college education and about who I will marry.  I know that you will be around for me to talk to about those things. You’re not going anywhere.” I needed to hear her faith and conviction. I love that girl!

A miracle happened today! My PET Scan shows that all cancerous clusters in my lymph nodes are now completely gone! The only remaining cancer is the mass in my upper left lung. Now we move on to radiation. That means I did NOT have chemo today! Wahoo! I will meet with the new doctor next week to learn more details. A big THANK YOU to everyone who's been praying for me and for being a part of my miracle!

I was so grateful for the wonderful news that the oncologist shared with us today. I asked her if I could give her a hug and I thanked her. She replied, “What are you thanking me for? You’re the one who’s done all the work!” I thanked her for going to school and learning about medicine so that she could take such good care of me.” I also had Lincoln take a picture of us together.

I emailed and texted family and friends about the update on my condition and posted it on Facebook. I’ve received so many incredible well-wishes from so many friends from literally around the world. It has touched my heart and lifted me. What a wonderful, wonderful day of celebration! I thank my Heavenly Father for his tender mercies in my life and for listening to all of our prayers!

Busy Day Just Being a Mom

Thurs. Aug. 9, 2012

I started taking my steroid drugs again as I get ready for my next round of chemo tomorrow. It was a busy day just doing 'mom things.' I took Lexy to appointment with her school counselor and then Ashley to a dentist appointment. 

It was funny because the dentist commented on my new hairdo and how much he liked it. He said that he almost didn't recognize me. Ashley had a funny look on her face like "What are you going to say?" I simply thanked him. I think Ashley smiled in relief. Sometimes, I just don’t feel like talking about cancer. 

I had a long nap this afternoon. I think my body is trying to catch up on lost sleep from the reunion! Chad has been home with us working on the rest of his medical school applications and fixing some things on his car. It’s been so much fun to have him home and to be around him. 

PET Scan

Wed. Aug 8, 2012

This morning came far too quickly. I left at 7:30 am for my 2 hour Pet Scan. It went just as I had anticipated. I remember having one of these the day after I had my first round of chemo. The Pet Scan will detect the areas of uncontrolled cancer activity in my body and help the doctor to determine what my progress is in fighting the cancer and where we go from here with my treatments. She will go over the results with me on Friday at my appointment for round #7 of chemo. I'm just hoping and praying for the best.

Russell Reunion at Bear Lake

Sun. Aug 5 - 7, 2012

For three wonderful days, I had the to chance to rub shoulders with my family, my mother's side of the family with aunts, uncles, and cousins as we celebrated the Russell Family Reunion. People traveled from Washington State, Minnesota, and from various places in Utah. It was awesome! I'm sure that my grandparents, Joseph Franklin Russell and Marie Elizabeth Wintle were smiling from heaven as they saw their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren gather at Bear Lake to talk about our heritage, reconnect with one another and to have some good old-fashioned fun! 

We rented out 3 condos and had about 36 people in attendance. The days were filled with boating on beautiful Bear Lake and playing in the sand. The evenings were full of BBQ's, games and lots of laughter. The late nights were filled with competitive games of Pinochle, watching the Olympics, and yummy food. It was so much fun. I miss my grandparents, but I'm so grateful for those who sacrificed to come to this reunion and to keep our family ties strong.