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!