Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Nine Months Clean!!!
It doesn't seem like it has already been three months since I have written in here, but it is that time again. Last week, I had my nine month CT scan and blood work, and once again it all came back clean. This is perhaps the biggest "all-clear" so far because it means that Liz and I will be able to get married on June 16th with clear minds that are not worried about having to continue the fight!! Thank you all so much for your continued support, love, prayers, and good vibes. It means the world to me.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Six Months Clean
I know that Liz and I have gotten out of the routine of updating our blog very often, but we both agree that is a good thing since there is really nothing for us to tell you. However, today is different. We found out that my tumor markers are all still normal and the nodules in my lungs are all still shrinking!!!
This marks six months clean for me and that is a huge relief for all of us. It has been a long journey, and we are all so glad that I have passed another hurdle in having this whole ordeal behind me.
Love to all,
Liz, Kurtis, and Chauncey
This marks six months clean for me and that is a huge relief for all of us. It has been a long journey, and we are all so glad that I have passed another hurdle in having this whole ordeal behind me.
Love to all,
Liz, Kurtis, and Chauncey
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Almost a month into 2012!
Hello!
It has been a bit since we've sent out a real update. Amazing to me that this blog used to be my lifeline to everything. I used to feel this almost obsessive feeling about updating it. Now, it doesn't cross my mind daily, and it is nice to know that Kurtis fighting off cancer probably doesn't cross your mind too often either.
Life in northern Colorado is treating us well. This year, so far, winter has been insanely warm and mild. In some ways that is really nice, but a small part of me misses the large piles of snow...and we've yet to have a snow day this year. That is one of the great things about working in education...the chance for a snow day doesn't go away when you become an 'adult' :).
Here are what the three of us have been up to -
Kurtis:
Working more and more as a substitute teacher in PSD. He spends all of his work days at my school (Polaris) which is great! He gets quite a few calls from the other members of the staff and enjoys getting to know the kids better each time he's in a classroom. I think he enjoys being able to be a teacher a few days a week and still spend some time working around the house on his days 'off'. When at school, he covers for almost any class ... French to math and back again ... and the kids seem to really like him. He's also done some major work around our house including cleaning up and organizing our office so that I have a nice place to work which is beyond awesome. He's started to work out now that his body is finally recovering from his treatments. Unfortunately, normal person mode can still wear him out, but it is NOTHING compared to where we were a year ago. In February, we'll be celebrate SIX MONTHS clean! Whoop whoop!
Liz:
I've been working and working. And working. I'm teaching two US history classes and one English class right now and I love them all. I was initially a little worried about my English class as there are thirty-three kiddos (!!) but the class has been structured in a way to accommodate all of their learning and it is going quite well. My US history class is making their own history books and loving it. My classroom constantly looks like a pinata exploded due to the construction paper scraps, etc. but the students are really performing well. Lacrosse is about to start up and I couldn't be more excited. We've started our winter season, lovingly referred to as 'winter ball' and the kids are 2-1. Winning doesn't matter in this league, the point is for the girls to remember how to play before we start having games in the spring, and they are doing a mighty fine job. There is a group of them participating in a speed, agility, and conditioning training program that my assistant coach and I are taking with them that is really fun. Butt-kicking, but fun.
Chauncey:
Chauncey is looking forward to his birthday that will happen in February. On 2-22 the puppy will be two! We can't believe we've had the little (well...kind of little still) guy for two years! He's been enjoying going on runs with me and making a mess of the house by dragging out all of his toys. The snow and ice are finally melted in the back yard and he seems to like that better than when he struggles to run on it. He's claimed one of the upstairs bedrooms and spends a lot of his time laying in the sun on one of the beds and staring out the window. Often when I come home from school his little cute face is waiting for me in the window :) When it is warm outside, he gets to go to the dog park that is not too far from our house. There are usually a lot of dogs there and it is quite funny to watch him try and get all the other dogs to chase him. We also got him a 'zipline' for the car. This is a system that keeps him in the back seat via a cord that runs across the handles in the back and then a tether clips to his harness so he can go back and forth, but not forward. Chauncey doesn't understand it yet, and it's pretty hilarious to watch him try to jump out of the car only to be completely thwarted.
We're hoping that everyone is doing well!
Sending our love!
Liz, Kurtis, and Chauncey
It has been a bit since we've sent out a real update. Amazing to me that this blog used to be my lifeline to everything. I used to feel this almost obsessive feeling about updating it. Now, it doesn't cross my mind daily, and it is nice to know that Kurtis fighting off cancer probably doesn't cross your mind too often either.
Life in northern Colorado is treating us well. This year, so far, winter has been insanely warm and mild. In some ways that is really nice, but a small part of me misses the large piles of snow...and we've yet to have a snow day this year. That is one of the great things about working in education...the chance for a snow day doesn't go away when you become an 'adult' :).
Here are what the three of us have been up to -
Kurtis:
Working more and more as a substitute teacher in PSD. He spends all of his work days at my school (Polaris) which is great! He gets quite a few calls from the other members of the staff and enjoys getting to know the kids better each time he's in a classroom. I think he enjoys being able to be a teacher a few days a week and still spend some time working around the house on his days 'off'. When at school, he covers for almost any class ... French to math and back again ... and the kids seem to really like him. He's also done some major work around our house including cleaning up and organizing our office so that I have a nice place to work which is beyond awesome. He's started to work out now that his body is finally recovering from his treatments. Unfortunately, normal person mode can still wear him out, but it is NOTHING compared to where we were a year ago. In February, we'll be celebrate SIX MONTHS clean! Whoop whoop!
Liz:
I've been working and working. And working. I'm teaching two US history classes and one English class right now and I love them all. I was initially a little worried about my English class as there are thirty-three kiddos (!!) but the class has been structured in a way to accommodate all of their learning and it is going quite well. My US history class is making their own history books and loving it. My classroom constantly looks like a pinata exploded due to the construction paper scraps, etc. but the students are really performing well. Lacrosse is about to start up and I couldn't be more excited. We've started our winter season, lovingly referred to as 'winter ball' and the kids are 2-1. Winning doesn't matter in this league, the point is for the girls to remember how to play before we start having games in the spring, and they are doing a mighty fine job. There is a group of them participating in a speed, agility, and conditioning training program that my assistant coach and I are taking with them that is really fun. Butt-kicking, but fun.
Chauncey:
Chauncey is looking forward to his birthday that will happen in February. On 2-22 the puppy will be two! We can't believe we've had the little (well...kind of little still) guy for two years! He's been enjoying going on runs with me and making a mess of the house by dragging out all of his toys. The snow and ice are finally melted in the back yard and he seems to like that better than when he struggles to run on it. He's claimed one of the upstairs bedrooms and spends a lot of his time laying in the sun on one of the beds and staring out the window. Often when I come home from school his little cute face is waiting for me in the window :) When it is warm outside, he gets to go to the dog park that is not too far from our house. There are usually a lot of dogs there and it is quite funny to watch him try and get all the other dogs to chase him. We also got him a 'zipline' for the car. This is a system that keeps him in the back seat via a cord that runs across the handles in the back and then a tether clips to his harness so he can go back and forth, but not forward. Chauncey doesn't understand it yet, and it's pretty hilarious to watch him try to jump out of the car only to be completely thwarted.
We're hoping that everyone is doing well!
Sending our love!
Liz, Kurtis, and Chauncey
Monday, January 16, 2012
Snowy January Day
Hi,
Nothing new or interesting to report here. Kurtis is doing great! School just started for me, so nothing extremely exciting, but we do have this picture to entertain and amuse everyone. Chauncey doesn't really have any fur that is good for snowy days. He freezes and shivers and it is always rather pathetic. However, we were able to score a REALLY nice Ruffwear jacket for him for only $15! Since it was snowing today, we made him wear it.
He's adorable and we love him...seriously the greatest dog to have around when someone is fighting cancer.
Nothing new or interesting to report here. Kurtis is doing great! School just started for me, so nothing extremely exciting, but we do have this picture to entertain and amuse everyone. Chauncey doesn't really have any fur that is good for snowy days. He freezes and shivers and it is always rather pathetic. However, we were able to score a REALLY nice Ruffwear jacket for him for only $15! Since it was snowing today, we made him wear it.
He's adorable and we love him...seriously the greatest dog to have around when someone is fighting cancer.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Throwing Away Cancer
Greetings!
Kurtis and I have been all into celebrating mini things as time has been passing.
Today, we did something that I really found significant, and made "cancer" even more a thing of the past.
Since we've been home from Indy, there have been cancer pills in our fridge. They were part of the chemo that K was taking after his big treatments.
TODAY WE THREW THEM AWAY.
Not that Kurtis has been taking them for months, but they've been there...just as this little reminder. "Cancer's here"....
Yea, not so much.
It's 2012 now! :)
Love to all!
Kurtis and I have been all into celebrating mini things as time has been passing.
Today, we did something that I really found significant, and made "cancer" even more a thing of the past.
Since we've been home from Indy, there have been cancer pills in our fridge. They were part of the chemo that K was taking after his big treatments.
TODAY WE THREW THEM AWAY.
Not that Kurtis has been taking them for months, but they've been there...just as this little reminder. "Cancer's here"....
Yea, not so much.
It's 2012 now! :)
Love to all!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Happy New Year!
Hello!
We've gotten out of the routine of posting often, but know that there are many of you out there who might be wondering how we're (okay...how Kurtis is...) doing. The answer - great! Here is a run down of what we've been up to the last few weeks ...
The end of December meant the end of school for me, and it was busy (as the end of quarters and semesters always are). We went a week longer than 'usual' or than many other schools are currently going, and even though the last week was a little rough and the kids were a little ragged, I am REALLY enjoying being off of work a week into January rather than being back at school...now.
In late December, Kurtis had another tumor marker check and an appointment with the doc. Everything is looking good - tumor markers are still normal and he is set to have another CT in February. The fact that his markers are still good made for a good birthday for me (yes, I'm 25 now...and officially old...I think...) and a good Christmas as well.
We spent the first part of my time off of school in the Springs with my family. My little sister (Christina) was home from her college in Spokane, and it was great to see her while she was home. We got to go out to one of my favorite brew pubs - Phantom Canyon. They make an excellent pile of steak fries, cheese, sour cream, and bacon that I absolutely adore...and the beer is great :). We enjoyed catching up with my family and hours upon hours of board games (including ZERO, Ticket to Ride, Bananagrams, Phase 10, Chronology, Buzzerwezzer, and...maybe a few others). We celebrated Christmas with my family a day early - and although Timmy and the Donkeys didn't pull off a "W", bit was a wonderful day filled with love and great food. On Christmas day we took a trip up to Denver to celebrate with my Mom's side of the family. We had a wonderful time with all of them and Kurtis even won the BIG PRIZE! For Christmas, we all purchased a $15 dollar gift, and then put $5 into the "big" gift. They were all wrapped in similar sized boxes in the same wrapping paper and we drew numbers and gifts. Although Kurtis drew #13 (the last number) he won the prize and walked away with $80! We spent a few more days in the Springs hanging out with my family and trying to help Chauncey understand why Luke and Quincy (my parents' labs) didn't want to play with his psychotic self.
From there, we headed up and out to Holyoke where we had Christmas #2. We enjoyed hanging out with Kurtis' parents, sister, brother-in-law (what is that to me? brother in law-law?), and niece. The days were pretty low -key and I was able to get some work done for school and we both just enjoyed some 'down time'. Christmas #2 was great - although I think the highlight for both Kurtis and myself was the elephant toy we got Aubrey (niece) for Christmas. The elephant toy shoots balls out of his trunk and then they fall into his stomach through his ears. After about 500 hours of wrestling it out of the box (apparently toys for kids need like 100 little tie things and small odd pieces of cardboard), we finally got it working and Aubrey was quite excited. She jumped up and down and exclaimed "WOW, WOW, WOW! Amazing!". She's getting pretty big now (about 1.5 years) and is a lot of fun now that she can talk and play. After a good few days in H-town, we headed home with a very tired dog.
The last few days have been both busy and relaxed. With money my grandparents and Kurtis' parents gave us along with Kurtis' BIG PRIZE money, we were able to take a trip down to IKEA and re-do one of our rooms. For Christmas, we got ourselves a new bed and nightstands (the Malm), and were hoping to be able to re-do our dining room next. So, earlier this week we headed down to Denver and picked up a new dining room table, four chairs, two "square" storage units and three floating shelves. and two bar stools. If you're not familiar with IKEA, they are a furniture/home store. We love it. The furniture is reasonably priced and modern...when you pick up what you want, it comes in flat boxes and you assemble it at home. I love that part - it makes me feel like I am 'making' our furniture...that and I like building stuff so it is fun for me. We've spent the last several days moving old stuff (big bookcase into our storage room which is now, thankfully, a lot more organized...old squeeky table is disassembled and in the basement too), and putting together and hanging up new stuff. We are insanely pleased with how everything has come together. Our new table is a lot smaller than our old one, and the room feels a lot larger now that we've taken out a bookcase that was just too big for the space. Chauncey is having a hard time as we've moved his 'house' (kennel) and when we ask him to 'take a time out' (go in his kennel) he gets really confused. Currently, he just goes and sits in the corner where his house used to be and we've got to help him find his house...it's rather amusing.
I head back to school on the 9th and Kurtis has several sub days already lined up. He has really been enjoying coming in to Polaris and will be coming to help me (well, my kids really) as I have about thirty-three kids in my English class. K is feeling stronger and better all the time. In the last few days before school I've been getting in some new recipies(Thai last night - and Madelines, Indian tonight!) which I really enjoy. In addition, we're both huge political junkies and have been getting increasingly excited about the 2012 election. We enjoyed watching the updates on Iowa yesterday and were amazed to see Romney win by EIGHT votes (that makes it easier to tell kids that EVERY vote counts!). Other than that, we've just been relaxing and hanging out with the pup who is sleeping hard right now due to this afternoon's visit to the dog park.
Here is hoping that everyone had a great holiday season and is enjoying the start to 2012. We're counting the days until our wedding (June) and Kurtis' one-year cancer free mark (Aug). Sending love from all three of us to all of you!
Liz, Kurtis, and Chauncey
We've gotten out of the routine of posting often, but know that there are many of you out there who might be wondering how we're (okay...how Kurtis is...) doing. The answer - great! Here is a run down of what we've been up to the last few weeks ...
The end of December meant the end of school for me, and it was busy (as the end of quarters and semesters always are). We went a week longer than 'usual' or than many other schools are currently going, and even though the last week was a little rough and the kids were a little ragged, I am REALLY enjoying being off of work a week into January rather than being back at school...now.
In late December, Kurtis had another tumor marker check and an appointment with the doc. Everything is looking good - tumor markers are still normal and he is set to have another CT in February. The fact that his markers are still good made for a good birthday for me (yes, I'm 25 now...and officially old...I think...) and a good Christmas as well.
We spent the first part of my time off of school in the Springs with my family. My little sister (Christina) was home from her college in Spokane, and it was great to see her while she was home. We got to go out to one of my favorite brew pubs - Phantom Canyon. They make an excellent pile of steak fries, cheese, sour cream, and bacon that I absolutely adore...and the beer is great :). We enjoyed catching up with my family and hours upon hours of board games (including ZERO, Ticket to Ride, Bananagrams, Phase 10, Chronology, Buzzerwezzer, and...maybe a few others). We celebrated Christmas with my family a day early - and although Timmy and the Donkeys didn't pull off a "W", bit was a wonderful day filled with love and great food. On Christmas day we took a trip up to Denver to celebrate with my Mom's side of the family. We had a wonderful time with all of them and Kurtis even won the BIG PRIZE! For Christmas, we all purchased a $15 dollar gift, and then put $5 into the "big" gift. They were all wrapped in similar sized boxes in the same wrapping paper and we drew numbers and gifts. Although Kurtis drew #13 (the last number) he won the prize and walked away with $80! We spent a few more days in the Springs hanging out with my family and trying to help Chauncey understand why Luke and Quincy (my parents' labs) didn't want to play with his psychotic self.
From there, we headed up and out to Holyoke where we had Christmas #2. We enjoyed hanging out with Kurtis' parents, sister, brother-in-law (what is that to me? brother in law-law?), and niece. The days were pretty low -key and I was able to get some work done for school and we both just enjoyed some 'down time'. Christmas #2 was great - although I think the highlight for both Kurtis and myself was the elephant toy we got Aubrey (niece) for Christmas. The elephant toy shoots balls out of his trunk and then they fall into his stomach through his ears. After about 500 hours of wrestling it out of the box (apparently toys for kids need like 100 little tie things and small odd pieces of cardboard), we finally got it working and Aubrey was quite excited. She jumped up and down and exclaimed "WOW, WOW, WOW! Amazing!". She's getting pretty big now (about 1.5 years) and is a lot of fun now that she can talk and play. After a good few days in H-town, we headed home with a very tired dog.
The last few days have been both busy and relaxed. With money my grandparents and Kurtis' parents gave us along with Kurtis' BIG PRIZE money, we were able to take a trip down to IKEA and re-do one of our rooms. For Christmas, we got ourselves a new bed and nightstands (the Malm), and were hoping to be able to re-do our dining room next. So, earlier this week we headed down to Denver and picked up a new dining room table, four chairs, two "square" storage units and three floating shelves. and two bar stools. If you're not familiar with IKEA, they are a furniture/home store. We love it. The furniture is reasonably priced and modern...when you pick up what you want, it comes in flat boxes and you assemble it at home. I love that part - it makes me feel like I am 'making' our furniture...that and I like building stuff so it is fun for me. We've spent the last several days moving old stuff (big bookcase into our storage room which is now, thankfully, a lot more organized...old squeeky table is disassembled and in the basement too), and putting together and hanging up new stuff. We are insanely pleased with how everything has come together. Our new table is a lot smaller than our old one, and the room feels a lot larger now that we've taken out a bookcase that was just too big for the space. Chauncey is having a hard time as we've moved his 'house' (kennel) and when we ask him to 'take a time out' (go in his kennel) he gets really confused. Currently, he just goes and sits in the corner where his house used to be and we've got to help him find his house...it's rather amusing.
I head back to school on the 9th and Kurtis has several sub days already lined up. He has really been enjoying coming in to Polaris and will be coming to help me (well, my kids really) as I have about thirty-three kids in my English class. K is feeling stronger and better all the time. In the last few days before school I've been getting in some new recipies(Thai last night - and Madelines, Indian tonight!) which I really enjoy. In addition, we're both huge political junkies and have been getting increasingly excited about the 2012 election. We enjoyed watching the updates on Iowa yesterday and were amazed to see Romney win by EIGHT votes (that makes it easier to tell kids that EVERY vote counts!). Other than that, we've just been relaxing and hanging out with the pup who is sleeping hard right now due to this afternoon's visit to the dog park.
Here is hoping that everyone had a great holiday season and is enjoying the start to 2012. We're counting the days until our wedding (June) and Kurtis' one-year cancer free mark (Aug). Sending love from all three of us to all of you!
Liz, Kurtis, and Chauncey
Friday, December 9, 2011
Latest CT Scan Update
Hello one and all,
I figured that it would be a good idea to share with you the results of my latest CT scan results from last week. The remaining tumors in my lungs are continuing to shrink and my tumor markers are all still normal!!
This is outstanding news and I am so lucky to be in the driver's seat.
We will continue to monitor my blood once a month or so and do CT scans every 3-4 months.
Thank you all again for all of your thoughts, prayers, and positive thoughts that you all have been sending to me and my family.
Liz and I are very much looking forward to spend Christmas with our families and not with the staff of the oncology ward at Poudre Valley Hospital; even though they were wonderful people.
Love to all,
Kurtis
I figured that it would be a good idea to share with you the results of my latest CT scan results from last week. The remaining tumors in my lungs are continuing to shrink and my tumor markers are all still normal!!
This is outstanding news and I am so lucky to be in the driver's seat.
We will continue to monitor my blood once a month or so and do CT scans every 3-4 months.
Thank you all again for all of your thoughts, prayers, and positive thoughts that you all have been sending to me and my family.
Liz and I are very much looking forward to spend Christmas with our families and not with the staff of the oncology ward at Poudre Valley Hospital; even though they were wonderful people.
Love to all,
Kurtis
Monday, November 21, 2011
Pre-Thanksgiving Post 11-21
Good Morning,
It feels like it has been forever since I have written anything about what is going on with me. In fact it was in May when you all heard directly from the horse's mouth so to speak.
Needless to say it has been a difficult month for me because I am continually thinking about what was happening on this day last year, but it has also been refreshing because I know that all that is behind me. Last week my tumor makers were all retested last week and they all came back NORMAL!! It is hard to explain how ecstatic we are to feel like we are finally clear of this large bump in the road.
Liz has been keeping herself busy with school and lacrosse. She is very much enjoying being in school and always has about 100 stories to tell me about her day when she gets home. She is also practicing with the lacrosse team about two times per week and she is really really enjoying that. I think she has the practices more for herself than she does for the kids.
Chauncey is enjoying having me back healthy and we continue to have "first grade" at home. He is turning into quite the snow dog and really enjoys playing outside in it and looking out into his "kingdom" from the upstairs windows.
I have been keeping myself busy. In September, I a started substitute teaching at Liz's school and have been working once or twice a week doing that. It is definitely what I have needed since I have been sick. It has been a joy to begin to put a face to many of the names that come with Liz' stories.
Liz and I are extremely excited to be spending the holidays with our families this year instead of cooped up in the hospital. This year we are creating some gift bag type things for the people that are in the hospital for Thanksgiving that we will take there either Wednesday or Thursday because we know how much it sucks to have to be in there and how much small gifts can mean.
But all in all the last several months have been very good to Liz and I. We now look forward to a much more stress free road ahead. Thank you to all of you who continue to pray for us, think about us, and seen positive thoughts our way.
Love,
Kurtis (and Liz and Chauncey)
It feels like it has been forever since I have written anything about what is going on with me. In fact it was in May when you all heard directly from the horse's mouth so to speak.
Needless to say it has been a difficult month for me because I am continually thinking about what was happening on this day last year, but it has also been refreshing because I know that all that is behind me. Last week my tumor makers were all retested last week and they all came back NORMAL!! It is hard to explain how ecstatic we are to feel like we are finally clear of this large bump in the road.
Liz has been keeping herself busy with school and lacrosse. She is very much enjoying being in school and always has about 100 stories to tell me about her day when she gets home. She is also practicing with the lacrosse team about two times per week and she is really really enjoying that. I think she has the practices more for herself than she does for the kids.
Chauncey is enjoying having me back healthy and we continue to have "first grade" at home. He is turning into quite the snow dog and really enjoys playing outside in it and looking out into his "kingdom" from the upstairs windows.
I have been keeping myself busy. In September, I a started substitute teaching at Liz's school and have been working once or twice a week doing that. It is definitely what I have needed since I have been sick. It has been a joy to begin to put a face to many of the names that come with Liz' stories.
Liz and I are extremely excited to be spending the holidays with our families this year instead of cooped up in the hospital. This year we are creating some gift bag type things for the people that are in the hospital for Thanksgiving that we will take there either Wednesday or Thursday because we know how much it sucks to have to be in there and how much small gifts can mean.
But all in all the last several months have been very good to Liz and I. We now look forward to a much more stress free road ahead. Thank you to all of you who continue to pray for us, think about us, and seen positive thoughts our way.
Love,
Kurtis (and Liz and Chauncey)
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Update! October 1
Good Morning and hello!
Since it is October, I thought it would be a good time for our first update of the month! Right now, everything is going really well and Kurtis and I are slowly getting life back to normal. Day by day it gets closer and closer.
Kurtis is doing well. We just got his most recent HCG number back and it is currently less than .5 which is awesome! I always tell Kurtis "good job!" when he gets his low numbers back - seems a little silly since it isn't anything he can control besides taking his medicines :). He met with the doctor on Wednesday and he was very pleased with Kurtis' progress! Earlier in the week, Kurtis had to get a blood transfusion because the chemo pills knocked down his blood counts...but it's normal and he feels a lot better now that he's had the transfusion.
This past week was "intensive/adventure" week at Polaris and I had a really big group this time so Kurtis was my additional help in the form of a sub. We worked with great kids all week and did a whole bunch of simulations which was fun. I think the week was pretty tiring for K, but he's certainly enjoyed working again! This weekend we don't have a whole lot going on...but we're going to go watch some of our lax girls play rugby a little later and we had the chance to watch some of our lax girls play field hockey last weekend.
Hard to believe it is October already! The weather in Fort Collins has been insanely hot (for the season) and I'm really ready for the fall weather. Or at the very least, a drop in temperature by about fifteen degrees! We're enjoying watching football and playoff baseball.
Other than that, not a whole lot new is going on here.
Sending love!
Liz (Kurtis and Chauncey)
Since it is October, I thought it would be a good time for our first update of the month! Right now, everything is going really well and Kurtis and I are slowly getting life back to normal. Day by day it gets closer and closer.
Kurtis is doing well. We just got his most recent HCG number back and it is currently less than .5 which is awesome! I always tell Kurtis "good job!" when he gets his low numbers back - seems a little silly since it isn't anything he can control besides taking his medicines :). He met with the doctor on Wednesday and he was very pleased with Kurtis' progress! Earlier in the week, Kurtis had to get a blood transfusion because the chemo pills knocked down his blood counts...but it's normal and he feels a lot better now that he's had the transfusion.
This past week was "intensive/adventure" week at Polaris and I had a really big group this time so Kurtis was my additional help in the form of a sub. We worked with great kids all week and did a whole bunch of simulations which was fun. I think the week was pretty tiring for K, but he's certainly enjoyed working again! This weekend we don't have a whole lot going on...but we're going to go watch some of our lax girls play rugby a little later and we had the chance to watch some of our lax girls play field hockey last weekend.
Hard to believe it is October already! The weather in Fort Collins has been insanely hot (for the season) and I'm really ready for the fall weather. Or at the very least, a drop in temperature by about fifteen degrees! We're enjoying watching football and playoff baseball.
Other than that, not a whole lot new is going on here.
Sending love!
Liz (Kurtis and Chauncey)
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Continued Good News and Self-Check 10-18
Hello!
Time from a quick update from our neck of the woods. Today has been rainy and grey. Normally, this sends me into an angry tirade all day...and my poor students have to listen to me moan about how much I hate rain...but not today! My classroom has been a bazillion degrees since we've started school and the cool air circulating around my room felt more than fabulous today.
Since Kurtis' HCG has been "less than two" the doctors ordered the high sensitivity test. We have since learned that Kurtis' HCG is .5 which great news. Right now, there aren't a lot of things that we're doing medically for Kurtis. He's taking oral chemo which doesn't impact his daily life too much. Sometimes he's tired and occasionally his stomach hurts, but for the most part, he's "normal." In order to make sure that he should stay on the chemo, he also gets his blood drawn once a week to check for various levels, etc.
Life has normalized for us somewhat which is positive. In October, we will hit the one year anniversary of Kurtis' initial diagnosis. When I look back at the past year, there are a lot of things that I've learned and ways that I've grown. There are a lot of people who feel really bad when they find out what we've been through over the last year, but in a lot of ways the things that we've experienced have really impacted our lives in a positive way.
I know, it sounds strange... but consider the following...
...the type of cancer Kurtis has isn't forever. It isn't something that he'll have to carry in his body for the rest of his life. Sure, the treatment has been hell (to put it nicely) and it isn't something I'd wish on my worst enemy, but there are a lot of sickness that don't go away. His is on its way out the door as my fingers tap along on this keyboard.
...the sunrise, the sunset, rainstorms, afternoons in the hammock, baseball games, dinner out, reading books, drawing, writing, dreaming, and playing among everything else we do is now in technicolor. Life has never seemed so bright - even the simple things. Both Kurtis and I have learned not to "live in the moment" but to "love the moment". Of course, we're still future-minded, but it is nice to be able to love the moment you're in - and notice the small things.
...Kurtis and I have been through a whole lot together. I think there are a lot of people who are approaching marriage...right around our age...who have not been through the firestorm we've just walked through. I've discovered how nice it is to look at your partner and know that no matter what, they've got your back. There might be puking involved - or scary hospital stays - random frustration fits - or moments when you don't know what to do, but at least you have someone with you all the time that gets you and that you just get too.
...Families rock. Our families are fabulous and I can't imagine being here right now without them. Parents are great and they know how to do everything - from calm you down on a rough day to making sure that you have everything you need to survive.
...Friends and co-workers rock too. Ours have been so supportive. From our close friends that live in Fort Collins to the staff at my school and our lacrosse families we've had so much help that never went unnoticed.
It's hard to say things like "I'm glad you got cancer" or "I'm glad cancer touched us"...because, truth be told, there is no way that we'd like to repeat this whole process. BUT - since it happened, there are a lot of things we've learned and a lot of ways that we're better off because of what we've been through.
In addition, I'm gearing up a program aimed at teens called "Self Check 10-18"...it is only in the beginning stages right now, but what other way to throw out an intro to it than in this blog where you have followed our moves through this journey.
Working with kids (high school mostly) makes it so I know a few things:
-HS kids are awkward. All of them. So were all of us when we were there.
-Testicular cancer is rare, but if you break down the ages of kids who are diagnosed, many of them fall into the HS age - or the close to HS age.
-Because they are unsure about who they are, they are also confused about everything else (what time class starts for example...haha) - including their body.
-I don't want ANY kid who finds a lump to not tell someone because they are embarrassed about it.
So...for these reasons I decided that one thing I could do to give back, spread awareness, and ultimately make 10-18 a positive day instead of a negative one.
Self-check 10-18 will launch at my school in classrooms on the 18th of October (Kurtis' diagnosis date). 10-18 in police "ten codes" also means urgent which I found appropriate. In short, teachers will talk to kids about the importance of knowing their own bodies - and most of all reporting something to an adult who can help them if they find something odd. It's not about scaring kids, but just about having an honest conversation helping them to feel less afraid. In the future, I'd love to get people that kids look up to speaking to this, but for now, we'll start small and work from here.
I'm launching a facebook page today, and if you're connected to facebook, I'd appreciate it if you'd add it. It takes a certain amount of "likes" before the page can have its own name, and I'd like to get that done ASAP. So - you should be able to search Self-Check 10-18 and find it!
As time goes by, I'll make sure that more information goes up as I have it :)
ALSO (I know, this post is long...hang with me) There is a benefit for Kurtis...here is the information from the Holyoke Golf Club:
Liz (Kurtis and Chauncey)
Time from a quick update from our neck of the woods. Today has been rainy and grey. Normally, this sends me into an angry tirade all day...and my poor students have to listen to me moan about how much I hate rain...but not today! My classroom has been a bazillion degrees since we've started school and the cool air circulating around my room felt more than fabulous today.
Since Kurtis' HCG has been "less than two" the doctors ordered the high sensitivity test. We have since learned that Kurtis' HCG is .5 which great news. Right now, there aren't a lot of things that we're doing medically for Kurtis. He's taking oral chemo which doesn't impact his daily life too much. Sometimes he's tired and occasionally his stomach hurts, but for the most part, he's "normal." In order to make sure that he should stay on the chemo, he also gets his blood drawn once a week to check for various levels, etc.
Life has normalized for us somewhat which is positive. In October, we will hit the one year anniversary of Kurtis' initial diagnosis. When I look back at the past year, there are a lot of things that I've learned and ways that I've grown. There are a lot of people who feel really bad when they find out what we've been through over the last year, but in a lot of ways the things that we've experienced have really impacted our lives in a positive way.
I know, it sounds strange... but consider the following...
...the type of cancer Kurtis has isn't forever. It isn't something that he'll have to carry in his body for the rest of his life. Sure, the treatment has been hell (to put it nicely) and it isn't something I'd wish on my worst enemy, but there are a lot of sickness that don't go away. His is on its way out the door as my fingers tap along on this keyboard.
...the sunrise, the sunset, rainstorms, afternoons in the hammock, baseball games, dinner out, reading books, drawing, writing, dreaming, and playing among everything else we do is now in technicolor. Life has never seemed so bright - even the simple things. Both Kurtis and I have learned not to "live in the moment" but to "love the moment". Of course, we're still future-minded, but it is nice to be able to love the moment you're in - and notice the small things.
...Kurtis and I have been through a whole lot together. I think there are a lot of people who are approaching marriage...right around our age...who have not been through the firestorm we've just walked through. I've discovered how nice it is to look at your partner and know that no matter what, they've got your back. There might be puking involved - or scary hospital stays - random frustration fits - or moments when you don't know what to do, but at least you have someone with you all the time that gets you and that you just get too.
...Families rock. Our families are fabulous and I can't imagine being here right now without them. Parents are great and they know how to do everything - from calm you down on a rough day to making sure that you have everything you need to survive.
...Friends and co-workers rock too. Ours have been so supportive. From our close friends that live in Fort Collins to the staff at my school and our lacrosse families we've had so much help that never went unnoticed.
It's hard to say things like "I'm glad you got cancer" or "I'm glad cancer touched us"...because, truth be told, there is no way that we'd like to repeat this whole process. BUT - since it happened, there are a lot of things we've learned and a lot of ways that we're better off because of what we've been through.
In addition, I'm gearing up a program aimed at teens called "Self Check 10-18"...it is only in the beginning stages right now, but what other way to throw out an intro to it than in this blog where you have followed our moves through this journey.
Working with kids (high school mostly) makes it so I know a few things:
-HS kids are awkward. All of them. So were all of us when we were there.
-Testicular cancer is rare, but if you break down the ages of kids who are diagnosed, many of them fall into the HS age - or the close to HS age.
-Because they are unsure about who they are, they are also confused about everything else (what time class starts for example...haha) - including their body.
-I don't want ANY kid who finds a lump to not tell someone because they are embarrassed about it.
So...for these reasons I decided that one thing I could do to give back, spread awareness, and ultimately make 10-18 a positive day instead of a negative one.
Self-check 10-18 will launch at my school in classrooms on the 18th of October (Kurtis' diagnosis date). 10-18 in police "ten codes" also means urgent which I found appropriate. In short, teachers will talk to kids about the importance of knowing their own bodies - and most of all reporting something to an adult who can help them if they find something odd. It's not about scaring kids, but just about having an honest conversation helping them to feel less afraid. In the future, I'd love to get people that kids look up to speaking to this, but for now, we'll start small and work from here.
I'm launching a facebook page today, and if you're connected to facebook, I'd appreciate it if you'd add it. It takes a certain amount of "likes" before the page can have its own name, and I'd like to get that done ASAP. So - you should be able to search Self-Check 10-18 and find it!
As time goes by, I'll make sure that more information goes up as I have it :)
ALSO (I know, this post is long...hang with me) There is a benefit for Kurtis...here is the information from the Holyoke Golf Club:
Hope everyone is doing well and we're sending love to all!
Liz (Kurtis and Chauncey)
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
August CT Scan Update
Greetings!
I come today with fabulous news! Kurtis had a CT scan last week to check his abdomen and his lungs. We have been nervously awaiting the results ... today especially. But, when the doctor came into the room today he immediately told us that everything was shrinking which is wonderful.
Kurtis continues to have normal HCG readings and will now have to have his blood tested using a "high sensitivity test" which should tell us what number he is exactly at. All we know right now is less than 2, but that is comforting enough as all we need is for it to be normal (and it is).
Not a whole lot new is going on here, or it doesn't feel new anyway. I'm back at school and currently teaching two sections of English 9/World Lit combo classes and one section of College Prep Reading. I've got great students and it is a whole lot of fun. In a few weeks, Kurtis will be going through the sub orientation for the school district up here and start out subbing by helping me run my intensive (a week long class that is different from "normal" classes) at school. I'm teaching a whole bunch of social studies simulations which should be a ton of fun for us and the kids.
We are currently fostering three adorable puppies until they can find homes. We've had them about a week now and it is fun to get to play with them and watch Chauncey be the "big brother." They wear him out, but he really enjoys having them in the house. Their names are Dexter, Helton, and Tracy (Rockies theme...) and we're hoping that they are able to find homes soon.
This weekend Kurtis is playing in a golf tournament in Holyoke and we are going to hit up the Rockies game Monday. I know he will enjoy playing golf with his dad and it will be nice to spend Monday afternoon at the ballpark.
On September 17, there will be a benefit for Kurtis in Holyoke. We don't have all the info yet, but it encompasses a golf tournament, dinner, and dance. As soon as I have access to the flier, I'll get it posted up here.
Thank you for your continued positive thoughts -
Liz (Kurtis and Chauncey)
I come today with fabulous news! Kurtis had a CT scan last week to check his abdomen and his lungs. We have been nervously awaiting the results ... today especially. But, when the doctor came into the room today he immediately told us that everything was shrinking which is wonderful.
Kurtis continues to have normal HCG readings and will now have to have his blood tested using a "high sensitivity test" which should tell us what number he is exactly at. All we know right now is less than 2, but that is comforting enough as all we need is for it to be normal (and it is).
Not a whole lot new is going on here, or it doesn't feel new anyway. I'm back at school and currently teaching two sections of English 9/World Lit combo classes and one section of College Prep Reading. I've got great students and it is a whole lot of fun. In a few weeks, Kurtis will be going through the sub orientation for the school district up here and start out subbing by helping me run my intensive (a week long class that is different from "normal" classes) at school. I'm teaching a whole bunch of social studies simulations which should be a ton of fun for us and the kids.
We are currently fostering three adorable puppies until they can find homes. We've had them about a week now and it is fun to get to play with them and watch Chauncey be the "big brother." They wear him out, but he really enjoys having them in the house. Their names are Dexter, Helton, and Tracy (Rockies theme...) and we're hoping that they are able to find homes soon.
This weekend Kurtis is playing in a golf tournament in Holyoke and we are going to hit up the Rockies game Monday. I know he will enjoy playing golf with his dad and it will be nice to spend Monday afternoon at the ballpark.
On September 17, there will be a benefit for Kurtis in Holyoke. We don't have all the info yet, but it encompasses a golf tournament, dinner, and dance. As soon as I have access to the flier, I'll get it posted up here.
Thank you for your continued positive thoughts -
Liz (Kurtis and Chauncey)
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
-to Indy and back-
Hello!
I can't believe that it has been about fifteen days since I've written any kind of an update. That should serve as a very good sign to all of you - and it is. The short of it is that Kurtis is doing fantastically.
In the last two weeks we've been soaking up summer.
We've spent a lot of time sitting around and watching tv - mostly "Lie to Me" and "the Tudors" which are both things we don't watch during the school year but have access to on Netflix. I've been getting ready for school - purchasing supplies and writing lesson plans - and we also finished painting our room and the basement. Our room now has beautiful black frames with pictures of our family and friends covering the walls along with a new cover for the comforter that we like very much. Not only that, but we also found time for a few rounds of golf, several Rockies games, and time family.
This past weekend, we returned to our ever favorite place (in the entire WORLD might I add!), Indianapolis. Kurtis needed to have a six-week checkup with Dr. Hanna. In planning the trip, we didn't have a lot of time, so we ended up spending two nights in Indy instead of just one. Although it is not our favorite place, we had a good time. The Drum Corps Championships were going on which was very lucky! Our first evening was spent at a neat bar and grill and then to the park to watch the drum corps warm up. Kurtis probably learned far more about marching band than he ever wanted or needed to, but we had a great time. Sunday we hung out in the mall (it was a dreary day...the day following a bad storm where the stage blew over @ the state fair killing several people if you heard that on the news)...which was a lot more fun than it sounded. We ate at the new California Pizza Kitchen and played an 18 hole round of glow golf topping the whole thing of with a movie and dinner at a cute place on Mass. Ave (the only moderately cool place in the whole town).
Monday afternoon Kurtis had an appointment - so we spent the morning strolling by the river and checking out the animals at the zoo. As soon as we got back to the IU med center memories started to flood back. We've had a lot of experiences there reaching back over six months and the sights, sounds, and smells always bring back feelings of being back in there.
The appointment went really well. Dr. Hanna checked Kurtis over and went through the details of his treatment and recovery. Men who respond to the stem cell quickly (Kurtis did) have a 50% chance of being cured completely. Men whose numbers normalize after treatment (Kurtis' did) have a 75% chance of being cured. Considering that Kurtis had both of those things happen - he is in a really good place. Dr. Hanna let us know that the next year is important, but if we can get through the first year without relapse that we're in a great place!
We're feeling very thankful right now and extremely happy. Thank you to everyone for all the support, love, and care over the past ten plus months.
Here is to the next step in the journey - - -
Love to all -
Liz
I can't believe that it has been about fifteen days since I've written any kind of an update. That should serve as a very good sign to all of you - and it is. The short of it is that Kurtis is doing fantastically.
In the last two weeks we've been soaking up summer.
We've spent a lot of time sitting around and watching tv - mostly "Lie to Me" and "the Tudors" which are both things we don't watch during the school year but have access to on Netflix. I've been getting ready for school - purchasing supplies and writing lesson plans - and we also finished painting our room and the basement. Our room now has beautiful black frames with pictures of our family and friends covering the walls along with a new cover for the comforter that we like very much. Not only that, but we also found time for a few rounds of golf, several Rockies games, and time family.
This past weekend, we returned to our ever favorite place (in the entire WORLD might I add!), Indianapolis. Kurtis needed to have a six-week checkup with Dr. Hanna. In planning the trip, we didn't have a lot of time, so we ended up spending two nights in Indy instead of just one. Although it is not our favorite place, we had a good time. The Drum Corps Championships were going on which was very lucky! Our first evening was spent at a neat bar and grill and then to the park to watch the drum corps warm up. Kurtis probably learned far more about marching band than he ever wanted or needed to, but we had a great time. Sunday we hung out in the mall (it was a dreary day...the day following a bad storm where the stage blew over @ the state fair killing several people if you heard that on the news)...which was a lot more fun than it sounded. We ate at the new California Pizza Kitchen and played an 18 hole round of glow golf topping the whole thing of with a movie and dinner at a cute place on Mass. Ave (the only moderately cool place in the whole town).
Monday afternoon Kurtis had an appointment - so we spent the morning strolling by the river and checking out the animals at the zoo. As soon as we got back to the IU med center memories started to flood back. We've had a lot of experiences there reaching back over six months and the sights, sounds, and smells always bring back feelings of being back in there.
The appointment went really well. Dr. Hanna checked Kurtis over and went through the details of his treatment and recovery. Men who respond to the stem cell quickly (Kurtis did) have a 50% chance of being cured completely. Men whose numbers normalize after treatment (Kurtis' did) have a 75% chance of being cured. Considering that Kurtis had both of those things happen - he is in a really good place. Dr. Hanna let us know that the next year is important, but if we can get through the first year without relapse that we're in a great place!
We're feeling very thankful right now and extremely happy. Thank you to everyone for all the support, love, and care over the past ten plus months.
Here is to the next step in the journey - - -
Love to all -
Liz
Monday, August 1, 2011
Didn't see that coming...did you cancer?
Hello!
We have some very exciting news for you today!! Kurtis is no longer pregnant!!
What the heck does that mean? Well - his HCG is NORMAL. Finally.
>HCG, for those who haven't been following us for a long time via blog is the hormone that is used to measure the level of Kurtis' cancer, simply speaking. It is the same hormone that is used in pregnancy tests - when someone is pregnant it is a positive thing...in our case it is super negative. It is responsible for some of the things that Kurtis feels when he is sick - moody, tired, achy, sick, etc...just like pregnant women. So, now, you get the joke if you didn't!<
They took a test of his blood on Thursday to check his HCG levels. When we were in the land of Indiana, they can test the blood there and get results back in about two hours - but in Fort Collins, the blood has to be sent to the Mayo clinic and it takes a few days to come back. With the blood test on Thursday, it meant that we had to wait over the weekend. Over the course of fighting this junk, we've gotten better about waiting, but it is never easy.
This morning the results were in and I could hardly believe my eyes. NORMAL NORMAL NORMAL.
Thank goodness.
Kurtis has been feeling better than he did last time (aka after his RPLND and we were told that it was gone...). I talked to him about that in the car today and I asked him if he knew it wasn't gone last time the whole time and he said yes. He feels different now and you can see that in his eyes and hear it in his voice. :D
Tonight we're going to the Rockies game which should be fun. It's raining here as I type this, so hopefully it clears up for the game tonight.
Not a whole lot else to report...just getting ready for school to start up and looking forward to life actually being normal(ish).
Sending love!
Liz
We have some very exciting news for you today!! Kurtis is no longer pregnant!!
What the heck does that mean? Well - his HCG is NORMAL. Finally.
>HCG, for those who haven't been following us for a long time via blog is the hormone that is used to measure the level of Kurtis' cancer, simply speaking. It is the same hormone that is used in pregnancy tests - when someone is pregnant it is a positive thing...in our case it is super negative. It is responsible for some of the things that Kurtis feels when he is sick - moody, tired, achy, sick, etc...just like pregnant women. So, now, you get the joke if you didn't!<
They took a test of his blood on Thursday to check his HCG levels. When we were in the land of Indiana, they can test the blood there and get results back in about two hours - but in Fort Collins, the blood has to be sent to the Mayo clinic and it takes a few days to come back. With the blood test on Thursday, it meant that we had to wait over the weekend. Over the course of fighting this junk, we've gotten better about waiting, but it is never easy.
This morning the results were in and I could hardly believe my eyes. NORMAL NORMAL NORMAL.
Thank goodness.
Kurtis has been feeling better than he did last time (aka after his RPLND and we were told that it was gone...). I talked to him about that in the car today and I asked him if he knew it wasn't gone last time the whole time and he said yes. He feels different now and you can see that in his eyes and hear it in his voice. :D
Tonight we're going to the Rockies game which should be fun. It's raining here as I type this, so hopefully it clears up for the game tonight.
Not a whole lot else to report...just getting ready for school to start up and looking forward to life actually being normal(ish).
Sending love!
Liz
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
"The BOX"
So, show of hands...who remembers the story of the insane insanity at the Indy post office?
If you're not raising your hand, you need to go back a few posts...go here!
Anyway, on the heels of that awesome experience we returned home. And then we waited for our boxes...two were coming from Michigan City and were sent a day after the Indy box. Once we got home, there was no box (which was okay) and in the next few days, we got our Michigan City boxes, but not the Indy box.
So we waited.
And waited.
And then, for a change of pace, we waited.
Daily we'd come home from somewhere (like the grocery) and hope to see the box on the porch.
It wasn't.
EVER.
So, after a week after it should have been delivered, I called the USPS customer service. I asked them what I should be doing - go to the Fort Collins office, call Indy's office, talk to them?
"Oh, it's no problem ma'am. We'll open up an investigation."
Great. Investigation. Show of hands, who feels good about the box being returned to me? Um, not me.
So I told the "representative" about the box and she gave me a case number and told me that someone would call me Thursday. They didn't. Anyone shocked? Nope. Me either. This prompted me to call them and ask about the "investigation" (was my box murdered?!).
"Oh, it looks like they're still investigating. Someone will call you Monday."
Guess what happened Monday? You're right: no call. So I called..."oh, someone will call you tomorrow, we're still investigating." AWESOME. I hate you. I want my box.
I called my mom and we decided I should go to the post office here with all the information and they could call the brilliant people at "customer service" and find the box (or what remained of it).
This morning I headed over with all the information I needed...where I sent the box from, to, what size it was, what was in it, when I sent it, my calls to customer service, etc. etc. We met with a nice man who looked at it, headed in the back and brought back the box.
So, for like two weeks, our box has been sitting in Fort Collins. Great. I want to know who gets paid to do investigations at the post office. I could be making so much money doing absolutely nothing!!!!
Other than THAT, things are going well. Kurtis will be tested for HCG on Thursday which makes us happy/freaked. It hasn't been tested for several weeks now, and we're hoping it is down, down, down. He's been playing golf and that is "normal" and I start lax practice back up on Thursday.
Chauncey is doing well too - happy to have all of his toys back from the box.
Hope everyone is doing well -
Love,
Liz
If you're not raising your hand, you need to go back a few posts...go here!
Anyway, on the heels of that awesome experience we returned home. And then we waited for our boxes...two were coming from Michigan City and were sent a day after the Indy box. Once we got home, there was no box (which was okay) and in the next few days, we got our Michigan City boxes, but not the Indy box.
So we waited.
And waited.
And then, for a change of pace, we waited.
Daily we'd come home from somewhere (like the grocery) and hope to see the box on the porch.
It wasn't.
EVER.
So, after a week after it should have been delivered, I called the USPS customer service. I asked them what I should be doing - go to the Fort Collins office, call Indy's office, talk to them?
"Oh, it's no problem ma'am. We'll open up an investigation."
Great. Investigation. Show of hands, who feels good about the box being returned to me? Um, not me.
So I told the "representative" about the box and she gave me a case number and told me that someone would call me Thursday. They didn't. Anyone shocked? Nope. Me either. This prompted me to call them and ask about the "investigation" (was my box murdered?!).
"Oh, it looks like they're still investigating. Someone will call you Monday."
Guess what happened Monday? You're right: no call. So I called..."oh, someone will call you tomorrow, we're still investigating." AWESOME. I hate you. I want my box.
I called my mom and we decided I should go to the post office here with all the information and they could call the brilliant people at "customer service" and find the box (or what remained of it).
This morning I headed over with all the information I needed...where I sent the box from, to, what size it was, what was in it, when I sent it, my calls to customer service, etc. etc. We met with a nice man who looked at it, headed in the back and brought back the box.
So, for like two weeks, our box has been sitting in Fort Collins. Great. I want to know who gets paid to do investigations at the post office. I could be making so much money doing absolutely nothing!!!!
Other than THAT, things are going well. Kurtis will be tested for HCG on Thursday which makes us happy/freaked. It hasn't been tested for several weeks now, and we're hoping it is down, down, down. He's been playing golf and that is "normal" and I start lax practice back up on Thursday.
Chauncey is doing well too - happy to have all of his toys back from the box.
Hope everyone is doing well -
Love,
Liz
Friday, July 22, 2011
Kurtis back to golf
Hello!
Hope everyone is keeping cool during the heat wave that the county seems to be experiencing!
Well, we're still home and everything is going well. The days are ticking down from "summer" back to "school" which I'm not totally disappointed about. I love teaching and working, so the summer always seems a little bit too long. However, with the first half of our summer being spend in Indy, I'm not bored with summer yet and looking forward to enjoying the last few weeks I've got left!
Not a lot of stuff is going on around here. We were able to go to the Rockies game on Wednesday and we met my parents for dinner which was really fun. The Rockies played well and won the game which is even better. It's nice to get back to the ballpark and I can't wait until August when they come back to CO!
Kurtis went to Holyoke this weekend to play in a golf tournament. I decided to stay home and take care of our grass and get some work in at school. He's been enjoying hanging out with his family and I got some good time in at work the past few days - always nice to be back in my classroom.
Chaunce is mad that he can't be outside all day since it has been so hot, but otherwise he's happy.
Sending our love to all of you!
Liz
Hope everyone is keeping cool during the heat wave that the county seems to be experiencing!
Well, we're still home and everything is going well. The days are ticking down from "summer" back to "school" which I'm not totally disappointed about. I love teaching and working, so the summer always seems a little bit too long. However, with the first half of our summer being spend in Indy, I'm not bored with summer yet and looking forward to enjoying the last few weeks I've got left!
Not a lot of stuff is going on around here. We were able to go to the Rockies game on Wednesday and we met my parents for dinner which was really fun. The Rockies played well and won the game which is even better. It's nice to get back to the ballpark and I can't wait until August when they come back to CO!
Kurtis went to Holyoke this weekend to play in a golf tournament. I decided to stay home and take care of our grass and get some work in at school. He's been enjoying hanging out with his family and I got some good time in at work the past few days - always nice to be back in my classroom.
Chaunce is mad that he can't be outside all day since it has been so hot, but otherwise he's happy.
Sending our love to all of you!
Liz
Sunday, July 17, 2011
late night report from the hammock
Hello!
Hope all is well in your neck of the woods - just a quick update from our end of things.
We went to Colorado Springs this weekend to see my family. It had been quite some time since I had seen any of them so it was nice to spend a lot of time with them. My sister comes home on the weekends from her awesome camp job, so I got to see her too. Last night, Kurtis, my dad and I went to the Rockies game. Our seats are by the bullpen and I am interested in working with the Rockies to set up a testicular cancer awareness campaign. The bullpen coach, Mike Wright, knows us (we hang our head over the wall and look longingly at baseballs enough) so I started by writing him a letter asking him to get my contact info to the person who handles that kind of stuff. He said he would, which is great news - and also wrote a beautiful note on a ball and had a bunch of the bullpen guys sign it. It was a wonderful gesture that meant a lot to both of us.
This week looks pretty simple. Kurtis has a blood draw tomorrow morning and then we're going to go to the driving range. We went last week and it was not pretty for either of us - seems like time away from the clubs is NOT the answer when trying to get better at golf. Haha. Hopefully that will go better. I'm getting a haircut that I've been needing for a couple of months in the afternoon, so I'm pretty excited about that.
I'm not sure what else is up but more hammock lounging (YAY) and taking the stinky dog to get a bath at the "Pawlor".
Hope everyone is doing well!
Sending love ,
Liz
Hope all is well in your neck of the woods - just a quick update from our end of things.
We went to Colorado Springs this weekend to see my family. It had been quite some time since I had seen any of them so it was nice to spend a lot of time with them. My sister comes home on the weekends from her awesome camp job, so I got to see her too. Last night, Kurtis, my dad and I went to the Rockies game. Our seats are by the bullpen and I am interested in working with the Rockies to set up a testicular cancer awareness campaign. The bullpen coach, Mike Wright, knows us (we hang our head over the wall and look longingly at baseballs enough) so I started by writing him a letter asking him to get my contact info to the person who handles that kind of stuff. He said he would, which is great news - and also wrote a beautiful note on a ball and had a bunch of the bullpen guys sign it. It was a wonderful gesture that meant a lot to both of us.
This week looks pretty simple. Kurtis has a blood draw tomorrow morning and then we're going to go to the driving range. We went last week and it was not pretty for either of us - seems like time away from the clubs is NOT the answer when trying to get better at golf. Haha. Hopefully that will go better. I'm getting a haircut that I've been needing for a couple of months in the afternoon, so I'm pretty excited about that.
I'm not sure what else is up but more hammock lounging (YAY) and taking the stinky dog to get a bath at the "Pawlor".
Hope everyone is doing well!
Sending love ,
Liz
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Monsoon Season in Fort Collins!
Hello all!
We are still home and things have been going great. Just as per usual, when life begins to return to "normal" I don't usually update as much.
In the past few days we have really settled in. During spring break, we started painting our house. We weren't able to finish our room and then it was cold outside and we were in the middle of lacrosse and I never got it completely finished. I was supposed to finish after school got out, but as you know - as soon as school was done I was headed out to Indy. Long story short, I got that done and it feels fantastic. We also have some dead and thin spots around the yard, so I've been working on growing grass in those places. I bought some stuff called "Scott's EZ Seed" that was recommended by the grass area worker at Home Depot. Here's to hoping that it really is "EZ"!
I don't know that a lot of you have ever been to our house, but we have a great backyard. Minus the fact that there are two huge pine trees placed really awkwardly that neither of us like at all. I even had a dream about going into the mountains and catching pine beetles in a jar and bringing them home to kill the trees....something I would never do in real life. So, I was sitting in our living room and I looked out and realized that a hammock would be the perfect thing to go out there. We set out on a journey and found one at JAX (a store kind of like REI) that is made of parachute. It.is.awesome. We love it and I've already become a lazy sleep in the backyard mess.
Yesterday we had quite the hail storm. It has been raining in the afternoons here almost daily, and one night we fell asleep to paparazzi like lighting that went on for quite some time. Yesterday the thunder rolled in and I pulled the cars in the garage and brought our hammock inside. In a few minutes the stones started falling from the sky, so I moved the peanut sauce off the burner and tried to cover up some of my raspberry bushes and roses. Unfortunately, they still got beat up quite a bit, as did everything. The hail was quite big and came in at an angle and it really sounded like we were under attack. Chauncey wasn't thrilled with the "attack" and wandered around the house like the world was ending. Hail was shooting out of the rain spout and piling up. It hung around for awhile after the storm was done in piles on the side of the house and in front of the garage.
So far, we've avoided the severe weather today and are enjoying the Rockies game. Tomorrow we're headed down to Colorado Springs to visit my family (and to go to a Rockies game!) so that should be a lot of fun.
Hope everyone is doing well-
Sending love!
Liz
We are still home and things have been going great. Just as per usual, when life begins to return to "normal" I don't usually update as much.
In the past few days we have really settled in. During spring break, we started painting our house. We weren't able to finish our room and then it was cold outside and we were in the middle of lacrosse and I never got it completely finished. I was supposed to finish after school got out, but as you know - as soon as school was done I was headed out to Indy. Long story short, I got that done and it feels fantastic. We also have some dead and thin spots around the yard, so I've been working on growing grass in those places. I bought some stuff called "Scott's EZ Seed" that was recommended by the grass area worker at Home Depot. Here's to hoping that it really is "EZ"!
I don't know that a lot of you have ever been to our house, but we have a great backyard. Minus the fact that there are two huge pine trees placed really awkwardly that neither of us like at all. I even had a dream about going into the mountains and catching pine beetles in a jar and bringing them home to kill the trees....something I would never do in real life. So, I was sitting in our living room and I looked out and realized that a hammock would be the perfect thing to go out there. We set out on a journey and found one at JAX (a store kind of like REI) that is made of parachute. It.is.awesome. We love it and I've already become a lazy sleep in the backyard mess.
Yesterday we had quite the hail storm. It has been raining in the afternoons here almost daily, and one night we fell asleep to paparazzi like lighting that went on for quite some time. Yesterday the thunder rolled in and I pulled the cars in the garage and brought our hammock inside. In a few minutes the stones started falling from the sky, so I moved the peanut sauce off the burner and tried to cover up some of my raspberry bushes and roses. Unfortunately, they still got beat up quite a bit, as did everything. The hail was quite big and came in at an angle and it really sounded like we were under attack. Chauncey wasn't thrilled with the "attack" and wandered around the house like the world was ending. Hail was shooting out of the rain spout and piling up. It hung around for awhile after the storm was done in piles on the side of the house and in front of the garage.
So far, we've avoided the severe weather today and are enjoying the Rockies game. Tomorrow we're headed down to Colorado Springs to visit my family (and to go to a Rockies game!) so that should be a lot of fun.
Hope everyone is doing well-
Sending love!
Liz
Monday, July 11, 2011
H to the O to the M to the E!
Hello!
I'm sorry I haven't written in several days, but what a several days we have had!
Kurtis and I made our way across the US on I-80. We started out leaving Michigan City in Indiana and ended up going through Chicago. As nice as smart phones are, sometimes they make things more complicated. Our trip through Chicago wasn't planned, but seeing as we didn't get murdered on the south side, we deemed it successful. We finally got on the roads west - ended up on a toll road...and thought "oh no" but ended up paying like $5 total. The drive to Des Monies was nice. Once we crossed the Mississippi River into Iowa, we decided to have lunch. There were all of the normal fast food choices, but we drove into town and found a great little Gyro joint. It was delicious! We even saw a large rodent that we think was a beaver!
We spent the night in Des Monies, IA which was nice. We found a little mexican place like Chipotle, but it turned out to be terrible, so that was a bummer. The flavors were pretty much non-existent...and for me to be saying that says something!
In the morning, we packed up the mutt and headed to Holyoke. We drove through the rest of Iowa and all of Nebraska with a few stops here and there. Nebraska is not nearly as pretty as Iowa, so it was a boring ride. Chauncey knew that "something" was going on, so he spent almost the whole ride standing up in the backseat. He would fall asleep with his head on stuff, but stood up the entire time. At the end of a long (long, long) drive, was Holyoke where Kurtis' family lives. We hung out with everyone and had a wonderful dinner while watching the Rockies and enjoying the nice cool non-humid night.
The next day, we hung around for awhile longer before heading all the way home to Fort Collins. It was a nice blue sky day which was wonderful since we haven't seen "blue" sky since we left. As we got closer to home we were able to see the mountains - what a glorious homecoming those are! We had no problems getting into the Fort and even came home to a welcome sign on our driveway :)
The car has been unloaded and I've been pulling weeds and working in the yard. Chauncey has been bouncing around the backyard and the house and is very happy to be home. He misses camp a little bit, but has enjoyed "playing" with the dogs that live on the sides of the fence.
Today we've got an appointment with our local oncologist to check in and get everything set up here (blood tests mostly).
Other than that, I don't think that there is much to report!
Have a lovely day!
Love,
Liz
I'm sorry I haven't written in several days, but what a several days we have had!
Kurtis and I made our way across the US on I-80. We started out leaving Michigan City in Indiana and ended up going through Chicago. As nice as smart phones are, sometimes they make things more complicated. Our trip through Chicago wasn't planned, but seeing as we didn't get murdered on the south side, we deemed it successful. We finally got on the roads west - ended up on a toll road...and thought "oh no" but ended up paying like $5 total. The drive to Des Monies was nice. Once we crossed the Mississippi River into Iowa, we decided to have lunch. There were all of the normal fast food choices, but we drove into town and found a great little Gyro joint. It was delicious! We even saw a large rodent that we think was a beaver!
We spent the night in Des Monies, IA which was nice. We found a little mexican place like Chipotle, but it turned out to be terrible, so that was a bummer. The flavors were pretty much non-existent...and for me to be saying that says something!
In the morning, we packed up the mutt and headed to Holyoke. We drove through the rest of Iowa and all of Nebraska with a few stops here and there. Nebraska is not nearly as pretty as Iowa, so it was a boring ride. Chauncey knew that "something" was going on, so he spent almost the whole ride standing up in the backseat. He would fall asleep with his head on stuff, but stood up the entire time. At the end of a long (long, long) drive, was Holyoke where Kurtis' family lives. We hung out with everyone and had a wonderful dinner while watching the Rockies and enjoying the nice cool non-humid night.
The next day, we hung around for awhile longer before heading all the way home to Fort Collins. It was a nice blue sky day which was wonderful since we haven't seen "blue" sky since we left. As we got closer to home we were able to see the mountains - what a glorious homecoming those are! We had no problems getting into the Fort and even came home to a welcome sign on our driveway :)
The car has been unloaded and I've been pulling weeds and working in the yard. Chauncey has been bouncing around the backyard and the house and is very happy to be home. He misses camp a little bit, but has enjoyed "playing" with the dogs that live on the sides of the fence.
Today we've got an appointment with our local oncologist to check in and get everything set up here (blood tests mostly).
Other than that, I don't think that there is much to report!
Have a lovely day!
Love,
Liz
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
-Indy's Greatest (or not so great) Hits!-
Good Evening!
I'm writing today from the central time zone! We're still in Indiana, but some parts are a little brighter than the others when it comes to selecting their time zone location.
We're spending the night in Michigan City, we'll continue our homeward bound adventure tomorrow. Today we went to Lake Michigan which was beautiful, and slightly disastrous. Among other things, I decided it would be a great idea to take Chauncey into the lake (he hates water). I thought that if I could just get him to calm down a little bit in the water that he might like it.
It failed. I now look like I've been attacked by a cat or something with scratch marks all over my arms, hands, and face. Kurtis said that I had been attacked...by a 'fraidy cat!
So, in honor of our last night in Indiana for this trip, I've decided to compile a list of things that we will miss and things we will not miss upon leaving the hoosier state.
THINGS WE WILL MISS...
-Looking tan, even though we are not. I'm in better shape than Kurtis, but he still fits right in.
-The nursing staff is really nice at IU, so that's a plus
THINGS WE WILL NOT MISS...
-Driving down Washington St. daily. On this drive, we pass about fifteen different varieties of fast food and I manage to hit more than 70% of all the lights.
-Humidity. I do not enjoy feeling sticky and covered in wetness 24 hours a day. It is disgusting and gross and I do not understand (even in the slightest) how people manage to live long term in such terrible climates.
-TERRIBLE DRIVING. The driving is absolutely terrible. Stop signs are optional, I get cut off at least once a day and no one (NO ONE) knows how to merge. Oh, it is a force to be reckoned with.
-The word Hoosier. This is such a weird word. I don't know where this word comes from. It is weird. I don't really like it - it makes me really uncomfortable for some reason. Say it out loud. See? Awkward.
-Taking my dog out on a leash daily for bathroom breaks. Oh, sliding door, how I love thee, allowing my dog to pee without me!
-The interesting people that inhabit the hotel. There are some really...special...individuals. I am glad to be living not near them anymore.
-Not feeling safe at the neighborhood grocery store. I drove to Target instead. I miss King Soopers. I will not miss the drive to Avon in order to pick up five things.
-Sweet pickles. For some reason, Indiana has an aversion to dill pickles and while I don't eat a lot of things with pickles, Kurtis does. And really, sweet pickles are just not very good when you like dill ones best.
-The night news coming on at eleven. It's way too late people. But, I guess when you've messed your time zone up and it stays light until after ten, you just have to move the news back.
-Living in a box. I think the space we were living in was smaller than the main floor of our house. It gets a little cramped and we are glad to be headed back to our house.
-ALSO! Coin operated laundry. Wow, I did not miss that from college...
-Construction on the interstates. Indy is trying to get ready for the Super Bowl and have torn up their entire highway system. Getting around is really fun.
-THE SUPER BOWL. People in Indianapolis are in denial that the NFL is in a lockout. It's amusing. In the paper everyday, there is a countdown. Really? You need a countdown? (Now you're wondering...it's only 213 days away)
-Having a kitchen. With four burners and a dishwasher.
I think that's all for today. Hope everyone is having a great start to July :)
Love, Liz
I'm writing today from the central time zone! We're still in Indiana, but some parts are a little brighter than the others when it comes to selecting their time zone location.
We're spending the night in Michigan City, we'll continue our homeward bound adventure tomorrow. Today we went to Lake Michigan which was beautiful, and slightly disastrous. Among other things, I decided it would be a great idea to take Chauncey into the lake (he hates water). I thought that if I could just get him to calm down a little bit in the water that he might like it.
It failed. I now look like I've been attacked by a cat or something with scratch marks all over my arms, hands, and face. Kurtis said that I had been attacked...by a 'fraidy cat!
So, in honor of our last night in Indiana for this trip, I've decided to compile a list of things that we will miss and things we will not miss upon leaving the hoosier state.
THINGS WE WILL MISS...
-Looking tan, even though we are not. I'm in better shape than Kurtis, but he still fits right in.
-The nursing staff is really nice at IU, so that's a plus
THINGS WE WILL NOT MISS...
-Driving down Washington St. daily. On this drive, we pass about fifteen different varieties of fast food and I manage to hit more than 70% of all the lights.
-Humidity. I do not enjoy feeling sticky and covered in wetness 24 hours a day. It is disgusting and gross and I do not understand (even in the slightest) how people manage to live long term in such terrible climates.
-TERRIBLE DRIVING. The driving is absolutely terrible. Stop signs are optional, I get cut off at least once a day and no one (NO ONE) knows how to merge. Oh, it is a force to be reckoned with.
-The word Hoosier. This is such a weird word. I don't know where this word comes from. It is weird. I don't really like it - it makes me really uncomfortable for some reason. Say it out loud. See? Awkward.
-Taking my dog out on a leash daily for bathroom breaks. Oh, sliding door, how I love thee, allowing my dog to pee without me!
-The interesting people that inhabit the hotel. There are some really...special...individuals. I am glad to be living not near them anymore.
-Not feeling safe at the neighborhood grocery store. I drove to Target instead. I miss King Soopers. I will not miss the drive to Avon in order to pick up five things.
-Sweet pickles. For some reason, Indiana has an aversion to dill pickles and while I don't eat a lot of things with pickles, Kurtis does. And really, sweet pickles are just not very good when you like dill ones best.
-The night news coming on at eleven. It's way too late people. But, I guess when you've messed your time zone up and it stays light until after ten, you just have to move the news back.
-Living in a box. I think the space we were living in was smaller than the main floor of our house. It gets a little cramped and we are glad to be headed back to our house.
-ALSO! Coin operated laundry. Wow, I did not miss that from college...
-Construction on the interstates. Indy is trying to get ready for the Super Bowl and have torn up their entire highway system. Getting around is really fun.
-THE SUPER BOWL. People in Indianapolis are in denial that the NFL is in a lockout. It's amusing. In the paper everyday, there is a countdown. Really? You need a countdown? (Now you're wondering...it's only 213 days away)
-Having a kitchen. With four burners and a dishwasher.
I think that's all for today. Hope everyone is having a great start to July :)
Love, Liz
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