hear me roarrrrr...

[WARNING: The following blog post contains loads of cheeziness.  Fear not, simply proceed with caution, and perhaps a tissue in hand ;)]


So although Pat has been an absolute 'tiger' thus far in her journey with this jerk called cancer, I'm offering up a new theme song for her...

Yes, it's a Katy Perry song (sigh, I know it because my kids love it...so what?!). Anyway, as I was rocking out to Roar in my mini-van the other day, I couldn't help but picture my mom.  As tears of pride rolled down my cheeks, I realized just how 'tiger-like' my mom has been forced to be right now.

Kinda don't care how cheesy it sounds, but if you check out the lyrics below I think you'll find that some of the words represent what my mom has already been doing, and what we all know she'll be doing in the coming months:

You held me down, but I got up (HEY!)

Already brushing off the dust

You hear my voice, you hear that sound

Like thunder gonna shake the ground

You held me down, but I got up (HEY!)

Get ready ’cause I’ve had enough

I see it all, I see it now

I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire

‘Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar

Louder, louder than a lion

You held me down, but I got up (HEY!)

‘Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar

And although there are moments when she is too tired to roar or too sore to dance through the fire, that fighting spirit is just IN her. 

Recently we learned that the cancer, although mostly beaten down, had stopped responding to the chemo 'cocktail' that my mom had been receiving for the last 6 or so months.  And so, starting on Monday, she will be trying out a different chemo drug that we are hopeful will do the job.  

As she adjusts to the new treatment in the next three weeks, she has vowed to try her hardest to keep fighting but as always, she wouldn't turn down any words of encouragement, positive thoughts and/or prayers.  Every little bit helps.

Hold your ears people...prepare for some loud ROARS!



(Just in case you're living under a rock and want to check out the song...here's the official video)

New Canuck!

Well, it's finally official! This past Friday, Pat became a Canadian citizen! The already special experience was made even more special as Sara drove down from Calgary to surprise Pat at the swearing in ceremony in Brooks. Pat was FIRST in line to be sworn in! My mom, dad and Sara all found the whole experience to be heartwarming and emotional. Supper at Earl's and DQ treats rounded off the momentous day. That's pretty Canadian, eh?

Philly Visit!

A great time was had by all when Philly came to the Hat mid-July!

Cowgirl Party

Yeeeehaw! Last weekend we all got together in Calgary for Nora's 4th Birthday, complete with a timely Cowgirl theme! Everyone, including Pat, was decked out in some kind of Western garb, and Sara had the country music blaring throughout the party! Although we didn't make it to the Calgary Stampede that weekend, Nora's party made us feel a teeny bit like we had. Great fun. This was an especially welcome time for Pat to get up to Calgary to celebrate with the grandkids - she had a bit of a break from chemo treatments, but resumed chemo two weeks ago. Although she is still a tough b!#^&@ when it comes to dealing with the side effects, this last round seemed to last a bit longer for her. Once she 'turned the corner', there was no stoppin' her from getting her cowgirl butt up to Calgary for the party!

Whoops! Just about lost those cupcakes (see them sliding off the tray?)!!!

Feelin' Good in Cowtown

Pat was able to make it up to Calgary for the first time in six months this past week! Lots of grandkid time, a birthday party and feast for Di, and a delicious crepe brunch...good times. 

She is feeling good right now and will find  out this week whether she will go ahead with a seventh scheduled chemo appointment, or take a break for a little while. Either way, she is strong and positive as ever, enjoying the family wherever they may be. 

love birds

On April 26th Pat and Peter celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary! These two spent the day exploring the town together, lunching, walking and just appreciating each other. What amazing role models for us all.

Here's to many, many, more anniversaries mom and dad!

spreading some sunshine...

GUEST POST:

I am thrilled and thankful for the results of my recent CT scan. Scan shows significant reduction in cancer cells!

I am truly grateful for all the prayers, thoughts, and gifts of positive energy that are continually offered on my behalf. It is so comforting and reassuring that I am not alone on this new journey in my life.

- Pat

Hoppy Friday

A nice start to the Easter holiday- Easter egg extravaganza....

Pat is gearing up to fill her boots with lots chocolate, egg salad sandwiches, and jujubes...

Hoppy Easter to you all:)

The Gallery Wall

Pat wanted to show off her gallery- pictures, origami, sculptures, and other creations from her grand kids and neighborhood kids.
This wall is a source of constant encouragement and support when she needs it most.
Takin it allllll in:)

Let them eat cake

So- in our efforts to bulk Pat up a bit, we've been recalling our favourite fatty treats. The latest favourite- good ol fashioned chocolate cake. No mocha-heaven-48-layer-fudge-cocoa-delight chocolate cake- just a straight up, purist chocolate cake.
So far we've sample Nigella's and Barefoot Contessa's recipes, with pretty good results- next up- Martha's.
We'll let you know what Pat selects as the winner.

Off to slice her another piece!

cake ('n) walk

Along with running errands daily with my dad, Pat has been enjoying Sara's delicious homemade chocolate cake (like, a LOT of it!), and walking the Big Guy.

Lets hope for better weather SOON so that Sara can safely transport another chocolate cake down from Calgary, and mom can walk with Leo on snow-free paths!

sisters from the city of brotherly love

Little sister, Ginny, is visiting from Philly for a few days. It's so nice to see the two enjoying their special time together. And, Lil sis is taking great care of Big sis ;).

special guest post

Someone wanted to send y'all a message...

"I continue to be grateful for all the prayers and positive thoughts shared through this blog, text messages, email messages, phone calls, scrapbook messages, small gifts and home visits. Leo agrees with me...best meds anyone could have!" - Pat

As you can see in the photo, the love that you are sending her way, is doing great things. Our whole family thanks you, including big Leo. ;)

family time

This past weekend, the whole Mueller clan was able to enjoy our time hanging out with Pat, here in Medicine Hat. She is feeling pretty good and as a result is giving herself little organizing jobs (who Pat?!!!), getting out to do a small errand here and there, and challenging herself to go up and down stairs to get her 'exercise'. Mostly though, she is taking care of herself and relaxing in her nest of a chair.

As you can see in the picture, Pat feeds off of those cute little nerds. Radiating happiness and love...

We love THAT.

talking to a brick wall

That's kinda what it's like, with this guy anyway.

(Pet therapy, no matter how dense he is...).
;)

homey

Well, she broke out...

Pat is currently at home, lounging in her new leather chair, barking out orders to anyone within ear shot. Actually, that last part is so NOT true. If you know Pat, you know she wouldn't do that. But, she is taking it easy, home at last. With the second round of chemo now under her belt, she is eager to just relax in the comfort of her own home.

The next couple of days will be spent settling in, adjusting to life at home after a month of being in the hospital, hanging with family, and managing any possible symptoms related to the chemo she just received. Rest assured though, she WILL have that phone close by in case you'd like to send a message. :)

darn blog

So you read one of our silly posts, and want to leave an encouraging/inspiring/funny/not funny comment?!  But the silly blog just won't seem to LET you do what you want to do?!! 

Fear not. Here's a simple way to leave a comment WITHOUT wasting hours filling out forms and creating profiles! {It actually doesn't take that long, and isn't that hard, but to keep it simple, just follow below!}

1. Click on 'comments' below the post.

2. Write your little (or big!) message in the box provided. Sign your name/nickname (if you'd like for Pat to see who wrote the comment).

3. Below the box, where it says 'comment as', click and scroll down to 'anonymous'.

4. Click 'publish'.

5. Done!

* Your message will display as an anonymous author, but if you want Pat to know who wrote the message, the name you signed in the message will show up. If you want to just remain anonymous, no problem. That works too.

In fact, why don't you do a little test right now on this post?!  

Go on, give it a try...

:)

Sunday smorgasbord

Well, not quite a smorgasbord, but Pat is remaining focused on regaining her strength in order to tackle round 2 of chemo as soon as she can.
Eggs, yogurt, and some Timmy's with some good fatty cream for breakfast.
It's the one time where she really can be, and should be absolutely pigging out...

So in support of Pat today, do the right thing and chow down on Hawkins Cheezies, Pecan Cluster Blizzards, and a big basket of fries- Lady's orders.

focus

Once again, Pat has amazed us.  This past week, she has shown grace, confidence and that soft, yet fierce power she tucks away in that tiny frame of hers...:)

She handled her first round of chemo 'like a boss', accepting and tackling the annoying symptoms with grace and humor. She has flexed her 'Pat muscles' in ensuring she has a hospital room that meets her needs and keeps her safe from that icky flu virus lurking about in the hospital. In true Pat form, she is doing mini-marathon laps around as many flu-free areas of the hospital. And, most importantly, she has embraced the positive power coming her way from literally hundreds of friends and family, in moving forward on her journey.

In the next week, she will once again muster up all the strength and grace needed to take on her second round of chemotherapy. She is busying herself by reading up on the process again, satisfying a few little food cravings, and preparing herself mentally for the treatment which will take place some time next week. 

She knows that as she enters into this next round of chemo, she will need to really take care of herself, really make sure she stays as healthy and stress-free as possible. This sweet little 'social butterfly' knows that she will need to temporarily curb her flitting about (socializing!) in order to truly focus on staying strong. As always, however, mom will continue to check her purple iPhone when she can, excited to see her little messages of encouragement and love.

Keep 'em coming people ;).

chill chair

Someone deserves a new warm, fluffy, cozy place to hang when she comes home in the next little while...

Dad bought and assembled this bad boy yesterday. Who COULDN'T relax in a chair like this?!

Mom is looking forward to trying this out soon...

Check it out!

Pat is feeling the power

Here on another sunny day with Pat, and she wanted to send out a huge thank you to everyone... Of course. Because even when she's in here, she's thinking of everyone else and wanting to make sure she's adequately expressing her gratitude.
Really though, she's insistent that the generosity, thoughtfulness, and overwhelming care and support that people have shown her has been the key ingredient in getting her and her family thus far in this journey.
She sincerely feels blessed that so many people have taken the time and energy to do so much for her...
And because of this abundance of kindness, she in turn is inspired to share what she can with others, however she can right now, whether that be with a smile to a stranger in the hall, a light squeeze of a tired nurse's hand, or an unexpected joke with a visiting friend...

She's feeling so much support for her family from so many people, so for today, never underestimate the power that your smile, your kind words, your flowers, your texts, your photos, and whatever other ways you think of Pat can help her along.

Happy Sunday.

Hospital room hazards

So far another sunny day, both inside and outside the hospital room.

Pat is still enjoying back-to-back episodes on the Food Network, which is encouraging!

Caution to anyone visiting Pat- when navigating through the room, watch out now for the giant metal arm (not at all subtle or hidden) that the TV is attached to. Not much help to Pat having a concussed visitor laying on the ground after banging a noggin...

You've been warned...

She's talking about food...

Pat's energy this afternoon is synonymous with the sunshine outside today...
Lots of warm smiles, and bright, happy eyes.

She even initiated a 15 minute conversation about her first few meals that she wants to schedule when she's able to chow down again.
Any guesses? Burgers? Pizza? Spaghetti?

Try again- the lady wants vindaloo, pad Thai, and lasagna.
And the lady will have it!!!

Enjoy your Friday night pizza/ burgers/ nachos, and stay posted for a dinner invite from Pat, I'm sure!

(grand)kid therapy

This is who Pat and Peter got to hang with on Christmas Eve...

up to speed...

In case you have not been in contact with Pat or her immediate family in the past few weeks, here is a general overview of her current health situation:

• At the end of November '12 - Through a series of tests, doctors found fluid around my mom's lungs, as well as spots on the liver indicating advanced cancer (primary source unknown, but initially thought to be bowel).
• My mom was immediately admitted to the hospital and, with the exception of a few day passes and Christmas Eve, has been there since.  
• The fluid around the lungs was drained (almost 2 litres!), and my mom was able to breathe much better.  With the help of a respiratory therapist, my mom worked at improving her breathing capacity over the first 2-3 weeks in hospital.  This is not an issue at this time.
• A few tests caused stress on the digestive system and as a result, have caused much discomfort for my mom. Doctors are working at getting swelling down in the abdomen and have struggled with finding a diet that my mom's system can handle.  Currently, she is receiving nourishment through IV only (TPN), so that she can build up strength.  The goal is to have her eating real food in the next few days. Once this happens, she will be discharged to the comfort of her own home. ;)
• It has been extremely difficult for doctors/specialists to determine a primary source of the cancer.  After many tests, and in consultation with three oncologists in Calgary (Tom Baker Cancer Clinic), the doctor here determined that mom has advanced ovarian cancer.  This is  a 'best guess' scenario (not 100% certain, but most signs point to ovarian).
• Friday, Dec. 21 - Chemotherapy started at the Cancer Clinic here in Medicine Hat. This plan is for her to receive treatment every three weeks for 4 cycles. The situation will then be reviewed and a plan for further treatment will be determined.
• Through all of this, you should know that Pat has been a trooper.  It has in no way been easy on her, but she is ready to fight this stupid disease with all that she's got.  What helps is positive notes, calls, texts and even that elusive 'energy' we hear about being sent her way. (Positive) Power to the Pat!