Well, after that pity party...
We had a great Christmas. Gordon was so awesome--taking care of everything while I ordered him around from my throne/bed. I have the best husband a gal could ask for.
As much as I've been tired and sore this Christmas break, it's been a great excuse to stay home and hang with the family. I'm grateful for the time I've been able to spend with Ian and Courtnie. My favorite memory so far is snuggling with Courtnie and having a "totally movie day" last Saturday. It was great.
So, here's our present run-down:
Gordon--PJs, razor (hint-hint), Police DVD, sweatshirt, a yard (yes, a yard) of summer sausage
Amie--a new crock pot (Polly broke my last one), Seinfeld "Scene-It," a snuggly hoodie, an electric blanket (ahhh!) and PJs.
Ian--skateboard, "sky box" skate ramp, shirt, PJs, Cardinals calendar
Courtnie--IM-me, Littlest Pet Shop playset, shirt, PJs, Hannah Montana calendar
The kids also got a new trampoline.
We had brunch with Josh, Kassie and the kids and then went to their house for dinner...deep fried turkey--YUM! The best part was having them close enough to spend the holiday with them. We missed not going to Gordon's mom's this year...maybe for New Year's.
I'm just so happy that I got to have an amazing turkey sandwich the next day--that made my Christmas! :)
Wish you all lived closer...we miss you!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Woe is Me
Time for another pity party...
It's been two weeks since I had surgery to remove my kidney tumor and I'm still hurting pretty bad. I guess that's to be expected when you have an 8-inch incision on your right side. Never mind that my kidney is healing from having a golf-ball sized tumor taken out of it. I guess I'm probably doing better than most. I can get up and around and am not completely helpless... :) *just a little!*
Something has been bothering me since my surgeon told me that the tumor was cancerous. When I had cancer the first time, I was at the tail end of my treatments when a CT scan revealed that the cancer was back. My mom panicked and called in Elders from a local ward to give me a blessing. They blessed me that the cancer would leave my body, and that--according to my faith--I'd never have cancer again.
Since I've left the hospital, I've wondered what that all means in light of the fact that I, once again, have (or had) cancer. The great news is that removal of a kidney tumor is all the treatment required (90% of the time)--so hopefully I won't need radiation or chemotherapy treatments and it shouldn't grow back. But the fact still remains that there was cancer in my body again.
Have I not been faithful enough? Was this cancer another test for me? I know that (like all of us--well, maybe not Bill) we all have things we can do better, and I'm not saying that God is punishing me by giving me cancer again. But what does it mean? I don't know if anyone can answer this one. I'm sure it's bothered my mom, as she was witness to the blessing in the first place.
I go to see the surgeon again tomorrow and hopefully he'll be able to answer a few of my questions. Is this tumor a result of the radiation treatments I had? What kind of cancer was it? What kind of follow-up will I have?
I'm so grateful for the prayers and thoughts that have been offered on my behalf. I have felt them, and they have helped me so much when times were tough for me. I'm so grateful to have good friends and a great family. They are truly the best blessing I could ask for.
It's been two weeks since I had surgery to remove my kidney tumor and I'm still hurting pretty bad. I guess that's to be expected when you have an 8-inch incision on your right side. Never mind that my kidney is healing from having a golf-ball sized tumor taken out of it. I guess I'm probably doing better than most. I can get up and around and am not completely helpless... :) *just a little!*
Something has been bothering me since my surgeon told me that the tumor was cancerous. When I had cancer the first time, I was at the tail end of my treatments when a CT scan revealed that the cancer was back. My mom panicked and called in Elders from a local ward to give me a blessing. They blessed me that the cancer would leave my body, and that--according to my faith--I'd never have cancer again.
Since I've left the hospital, I've wondered what that all means in light of the fact that I, once again, have (or had) cancer. The great news is that removal of a kidney tumor is all the treatment required (90% of the time)--so hopefully I won't need radiation or chemotherapy treatments and it shouldn't grow back. But the fact still remains that there was cancer in my body again.
Have I not been faithful enough? Was this cancer another test for me? I know that (like all of us--well, maybe not Bill) we all have things we can do better, and I'm not saying that God is punishing me by giving me cancer again. But what does it mean? I don't know if anyone can answer this one. I'm sure it's bothered my mom, as she was witness to the blessing in the first place.
I go to see the surgeon again tomorrow and hopefully he'll be able to answer a few of my questions. Is this tumor a result of the radiation treatments I had? What kind of cancer was it? What kind of follow-up will I have?
I'm so grateful for the prayers and thoughts that have been offered on my behalf. I have felt them, and they have helped me so much when times were tough for me. I'm so grateful to have good friends and a great family. They are truly the best blessing I could ask for.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Kinda embarassing, but I thought I'd share
So, I got names "Prescott Valley's Extraordinary Woman" for the month of September. One of my band parents nominated me. It's kind of nice, but kind of weird for me, as I'm just one person, doing my job...
Here's the link if you want to check it out. It's nice...
http://www.pvtrib.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=48408
Being a teacher is often a very thankless job, (as is being a mother) so it's nice to be recognized. I'm flattered. The good news is, I get my hair done next time for free, as I get a $100 gift card to my favorite salon! :) Yeah!
Here's the link if you want to check it out. It's nice...
http://www.pvtrib.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=48408
Being a teacher is often a very thankless job, (as is being a mother) so it's nice to be recognized. I'm flattered. The good news is, I get my hair done next time for free, as I get a $100 gift card to my favorite salon! :) Yeah!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Dum da dum DUMB!
I officially hate the radiologist that did my biopsy. He sucks. (My dad always hated it when I used that word, but I'm going to anyway...sorry, dad.)
I had this biopsy done a couple of weeks ago on the mass in my kidney. It hurt like a mutha, and the only consolation I took in the entire painful event was that I would at least know what it was and what to do about it.
He (the radiologist) called a couple of days later to tell me that the results came back benign. (See my previous post...I already said this already...) Great, I thought. At least its not cancer.
Well...last week my urologist (Dr. Funk...cool name, huh?) called and left a voice mail that said that the biopsy was benign, but that the tissue sample was "inadequate." Whatever that means.
We played phone tag for the last week, and I finally heard from him yesterday. He said that the biopsy contained only muscle and fat tissue, but not ONE iota of kidney tissue--which was the reason we were doing the thing in the first place. ARGH!! I went through all of that for nothing.
Dr. Funk asked me if the biopsy was too big of a deal. I told him that it certainly wasn't pleasant.
Since we heard from him initially (the voice mail) Gordon and I had talked about my situation. We basically came to the conclusion that I'm going to be around for the next 20-40 years and do I really want to keep doing the whole wait and see thing for the rest of my life.
So...I talked to Dr. Funk about just taking it out. He said that that felt very reasonable to him, and, in fact, its exactly what he'd recommend to one of his family members. He thought my logic was, well, very logical.
I've already scheduled my surgery for December 16. This will give me Christmas break to recuperate. I'll need to take a week off after, but I'll miss as little as possible, which is good.
Well, I'm typing in the midst of mass chaos as we get ready for our homecoming game. Our football team hasn't won a game all year. Maybe we'll get lucky tonight. We were out practicing this afternoon and got caught in a HUGE downpour. We're all soaked, but happy. I love my job--I'm having the time of my life, and can't imagine being (or doing) anything else.
Love to all. :)
I had this biopsy done a couple of weeks ago on the mass in my kidney. It hurt like a mutha, and the only consolation I took in the entire painful event was that I would at least know what it was and what to do about it.
He (the radiologist) called a couple of days later to tell me that the results came back benign. (See my previous post...I already said this already...) Great, I thought. At least its not cancer.
Well...last week my urologist (Dr. Funk...cool name, huh?) called and left a voice mail that said that the biopsy was benign, but that the tissue sample was "inadequate." Whatever that means.
We played phone tag for the last week, and I finally heard from him yesterday. He said that the biopsy contained only muscle and fat tissue, but not ONE iota of kidney tissue--which was the reason we were doing the thing in the first place. ARGH!! I went through all of that for nothing.
Dr. Funk asked me if the biopsy was too big of a deal. I told him that it certainly wasn't pleasant.
Since we heard from him initially (the voice mail) Gordon and I had talked about my situation. We basically came to the conclusion that I'm going to be around for the next 20-40 years and do I really want to keep doing the whole wait and see thing for the rest of my life.
So...I talked to Dr. Funk about just taking it out. He said that that felt very reasonable to him, and, in fact, its exactly what he'd recommend to one of his family members. He thought my logic was, well, very logical.
I've already scheduled my surgery for December 16. This will give me Christmas break to recuperate. I'll need to take a week off after, but I'll miss as little as possible, which is good.
Well, I'm typing in the midst of mass chaos as we get ready for our homecoming game. Our football team hasn't won a game all year. Maybe we'll get lucky tonight. We were out practicing this afternoon and got caught in a HUGE downpour. We're all soaked, but happy. I love my job--I'm having the time of my life, and can't imagine being (or doing) anything else.
Love to all. :)
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Um...so...yeah...
My sister Lindsey is constantly reminding me that I need to update my blog. "I know, I know..." I always tell her. There just never seems to be enough hours in the day.
Amazingly, though, there's PLENTY of time for me to watch "Project Runway." Who knew?
Here's what a typical day consists of for me:
--Wake up at 5:30 a.m. to get myself and the kids ready for school. We need to leave by 6:45 to get to the high school by 7:00, as rehearsal starts each morning at 7:15.
--Between 7:00 and 7 :15, Gordon comes to the high school from work to pick up the kids and take them to school. We say quick family prayers in the morning in my office before they all leave.
--7:15 to 2:15 I'm teaching non-stop except for a 30-minute lunch break. I gave up my prep period this semester so that I could teach jazz band. It's not that bad, it just makes for a LONG day. Most days I'm here until at least 4:30, so that's a 9 1/2 hour day.
--Tuesday and Thursday Ian and Courtnie have football/cheer practice from 6:00-8:00. Wednesday they have gymnastics from 4:15-5:15.
--Last Friday was our first home game, which means that marching season is officially under way. Nights when we have home football games, I'm not home until 11:00 p.m.
--Ian and Courtnie had their first football game last Saturday, so that takes care of my Saturdays.
--Church is at 10:00 on Sundays.
Can I complain any more? When do I have time to think? When, I ask you???
On a positive note, I had a biopsy done on my renal mass on Monday and the radiologist called me yesterday with the results. The mass is benign, which really doesn't tell me much except that I don't have cancer. Can it turn into cancer? What exactly is it? Why is it there? These are the questions that haunt me. (Funnily enough, Courtnie said that the other day just out of the blue...we laughed so hard for about 15 minutes.)
On another random note, I'm starting to like Sarah Palin. Who knew? When I first heard who John McCain's running mate would be, I was TICKED!! What about Romney? I just knew that we'd (by "we" I mean the Republicans) would lose, as no one will vote for a woman. This was all before I got to hear her speak. She's a tough, smart woman (kinda like me) who is a working mom (kinda like me) and who's kids aren't perfect (kinda like mine.) It just makes it more personal to think that we have that much in common, at least, as I have absolutely NOTHING in common with any of the other political candidates from either political party. It makes it interesting, anyway...
We had a "Corn at the Cobbs" party last Friday for our ward at our house. I had a home game, so wasn't able to be there, but I heard it was a blast. I'll have to post pictures when I'm home. For some reason, my school computer won't let me access them.
Well, that's it. I've been thinking a lot of my brother, Bill for the past couple of days as we get closer to Hurricane Ike hitting the Texas coast. I'm sure he's prepared and will be fine, but just wanted him to know I'm thinking about him.
Love to all! :)
Amazingly, though, there's PLENTY of time for me to watch "Project Runway." Who knew?
Here's what a typical day consists of for me:
--Wake up at 5:30 a.m. to get myself and the kids ready for school. We need to leave by 6:45 to get to the high school by 7:00, as rehearsal starts each morning at 7:15.
--Between 7:00 and 7 :15, Gordon comes to the high school from work to pick up the kids and take them to school. We say quick family prayers in the morning in my office before they all leave.
--7:15 to 2:15 I'm teaching non-stop except for a 30-minute lunch break. I gave up my prep period this semester so that I could teach jazz band. It's not that bad, it just makes for a LONG day. Most days I'm here until at least 4:30, so that's a 9 1/2 hour day.
--Tuesday and Thursday Ian and Courtnie have football/cheer practice from 6:00-8:00. Wednesday they have gymnastics from 4:15-5:15.
--Last Friday was our first home game, which means that marching season is officially under way. Nights when we have home football games, I'm not home until 11:00 p.m.
--Ian and Courtnie had their first football game last Saturday, so that takes care of my Saturdays.
--Church is at 10:00 on Sundays.
Can I complain any more? When do I have time to think? When, I ask you???
On a positive note, I had a biopsy done on my renal mass on Monday and the radiologist called me yesterday with the results. The mass is benign, which really doesn't tell me much except that I don't have cancer. Can it turn into cancer? What exactly is it? Why is it there? These are the questions that haunt me. (Funnily enough, Courtnie said that the other day just out of the blue...we laughed so hard for about 15 minutes.)
On another random note, I'm starting to like Sarah Palin. Who knew? When I first heard who John McCain's running mate would be, I was TICKED!! What about Romney? I just knew that we'd (by "we" I mean the Republicans) would lose, as no one will vote for a woman. This was all before I got to hear her speak. She's a tough, smart woman (kinda like me) who is a working mom (kinda like me) and who's kids aren't perfect (kinda like mine.) It just makes it more personal to think that we have that much in common, at least, as I have absolutely NOTHING in common with any of the other political candidates from either political party. It makes it interesting, anyway...
We had a "Corn at the Cobbs" party last Friday for our ward at our house. I had a home game, so wasn't able to be there, but I heard it was a blast. I'll have to post pictures when I'm home. For some reason, my school computer won't let me access them.
Well, that's it. I've been thinking a lot of my brother, Bill for the past couple of days as we get closer to Hurricane Ike hitting the Texas coast. I'm sure he's prepared and will be fine, but just wanted him to know I'm thinking about him.
Love to all! :)
Saturday, July 26, 2008
So I realize it's been a while...
As I procrastinate even further in writing the drill for our upcoming field show, I am surfing the web, and realize that I haven't updated my blog in quite a while. In fact, I think it's been almost two months. LAME!
So, here's what happened this summer:
1. Courtnie had her 7th birthday June 14. I have a 7 year-old. I can't believe it. "Where does the time go?" is a common question asked, and as I get older, I realize that this question becomes more and more relevant. She had a great birthday party (I'll post pictures later)--complete with a slip and slide and 8 friends. It was fun.
2. The day after Courtnie's party, we left for Utah. We took my good friend (and band parent) Nikki Lorton with us. We had a great time talking and visiting on the trip up. She has two great kids--her oldest is on track to be this year's Valedictorian--and it was fun to ask her advice on raising great kids. It's also nice to hear a different perspective on raising kids from a "non-LDS" view, as she is a devout Catholic.
Anyway, we arrived in Orem and stayed the night with Lindsey before we went on to Idaho to see my parents. I dropped Nikki off at the Idaho Falls airport so that she could rent a car to drive to Montana to spend the summer with her grandma who had just been diagnosed with cancer. We then went on to Rexburg where we spent some time with mom and dad and grandpa Joe. Sunday was Father's Day, so a lot of Sellers family came to Rexburg to visit. It was good to see everyone.
Ian had football camp at BYU, so we stayed with Lindsey in Orem most of the week. My days consisted of waking up WAY too late (I don't know what it is about sleeping in basements that just makes you want to sleep all day), waking up and getting ready, taking Ian to camp, driving back to Lindsey's and hanging out with her and her cute family. Wednesday night we went up to Michelle's for Abbie's birthday and the kids had a blast playing on her HUGE inflatable water slide.
We stayed with Michelle Thursday and Friday night and went to the zoo with Michelle on Friday. We drove home Saturday in time to make it to church on Sunday. It was a great week.
3. I turned 35 on July 2. 35 sounds so close to 40!
4. We had two parades at the end of June/beginning of July. I really dreaded doing the parades, but seeing the students and being around them just seems to give me a real burst of energy. I hope that never fades.
5. I have read SOOO much this summer! I read The Virgin Earth, At World's End, The Life of Pi, Sarah, The Divide, and The Host. (I'm sure there's one or two I'm forgetting in there!) I LOVE to read so much. As a result of this love, I've totally procrastinated just about everything I needed to do this summer to get ready for school, but I think it was worth it.
6. Ian attended another football camp at my high school. He had a great time, but worked SO hard. He's such a good athlete. He also got promoted to Level 3 in gymnastics, and Courtnie moved up to Level 2. They seem to have fun in gymnastics--that's what it's all about. Ian can do a round-off, back handspring, back tuck (all in a row) now--that's just so impressive to me.
7. Josh and Kassie moved to Prescott Valley last Sunday. (Well, they're here, anyway--there stuff is all on a boat somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean.) We've had a lot of fun hanging out and getting to know them better. Their kids are so cute, and Courtnie has had a blast being a "mommy" to Allison and Megan. We're excited to have family so close.
8. Band camp started this past Monday. It's going pretty well so far. I've had a few major issues--my best snare player developed a MAJOR attitude, and I had to ask him to leave. We're going to have to do auditions again to fill his spot. Attitude helps/hinders so much in band. I tell all of my students (repeatedly) that I'd rather have the worst player in the world with a great attitude than a great musican with a cruddy attitude. Luckily for me, I'm blessed with pretty great students. Our band is going down in numbers again this year, but only by a couple, and if we can just keep our middle school director for a while, then I'm sure the numbers will start to climb. We're doing a Beatles show this year, so we're all pretty excited about the music, and it's starting to sound good. Now, if I could just get the drill written!! :)
9. Last Thursday I went to see the Urologist about my kidney mass. He really wants to find out what it is, so he ordered another CT scan (yea me!) I'll have that on Wednesday. He said he'd call me as soon as he has the results so we can figure out where to go from here. It could either be a more "solid" mass, or a cyst with "walls." If it's more solid, it will show up brighter under the contrast and will need to be removed soon. If it's a cyst, then we'll just "monitor" it. Either way, it will be good to know for sure what's going on.
So that's where are now. School starts on August 4--can you believe it? We're off and running. Football/cheer starts for the kids on Monday, so my life (as I know it) is pretty much over. *Just kidding*
Love to all. Keep in touch!
So, here's what happened this summer:
1. Courtnie had her 7th birthday June 14. I have a 7 year-old. I can't believe it. "Where does the time go?" is a common question asked, and as I get older, I realize that this question becomes more and more relevant. She had a great birthday party (I'll post pictures later)--complete with a slip and slide and 8 friends. It was fun.
2. The day after Courtnie's party, we left for Utah. We took my good friend (and band parent) Nikki Lorton with us. We had a great time talking and visiting on the trip up. She has two great kids--her oldest is on track to be this year's Valedictorian--and it was fun to ask her advice on raising great kids. It's also nice to hear a different perspective on raising kids from a "non-LDS" view, as she is a devout Catholic.
Anyway, we arrived in Orem and stayed the night with Lindsey before we went on to Idaho to see my parents. I dropped Nikki off at the Idaho Falls airport so that she could rent a car to drive to Montana to spend the summer with her grandma who had just been diagnosed with cancer. We then went on to Rexburg where we spent some time with mom and dad and grandpa Joe. Sunday was Father's Day, so a lot of Sellers family came to Rexburg to visit. It was good to see everyone.
Ian had football camp at BYU, so we stayed with Lindsey in Orem most of the week. My days consisted of waking up WAY too late (I don't know what it is about sleeping in basements that just makes you want to sleep all day), waking up and getting ready, taking Ian to camp, driving back to Lindsey's and hanging out with her and her cute family. Wednesday night we went up to Michelle's for Abbie's birthday and the kids had a blast playing on her HUGE inflatable water slide.
We stayed with Michelle Thursday and Friday night and went to the zoo with Michelle on Friday. We drove home Saturday in time to make it to church on Sunday. It was a great week.
3. I turned 35 on July 2. 35 sounds so close to 40!
4. We had two parades at the end of June/beginning of July. I really dreaded doing the parades, but seeing the students and being around them just seems to give me a real burst of energy. I hope that never fades.
5. I have read SOOO much this summer! I read The Virgin Earth, At World's End, The Life of Pi, Sarah, The Divide, and The Host. (I'm sure there's one or two I'm forgetting in there!) I LOVE to read so much. As a result of this love, I've totally procrastinated just about everything I needed to do this summer to get ready for school, but I think it was worth it.
6. Ian attended another football camp at my high school. He had a great time, but worked SO hard. He's such a good athlete. He also got promoted to Level 3 in gymnastics, and Courtnie moved up to Level 2. They seem to have fun in gymnastics--that's what it's all about. Ian can do a round-off, back handspring, back tuck (all in a row) now--that's just so impressive to me.
7. Josh and Kassie moved to Prescott Valley last Sunday. (Well, they're here, anyway--there stuff is all on a boat somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean.) We've had a lot of fun hanging out and getting to know them better. Their kids are so cute, and Courtnie has had a blast being a "mommy" to Allison and Megan. We're excited to have family so close.
8. Band camp started this past Monday. It's going pretty well so far. I've had a few major issues--my best snare player developed a MAJOR attitude, and I had to ask him to leave. We're going to have to do auditions again to fill his spot. Attitude helps/hinders so much in band. I tell all of my students (repeatedly) that I'd rather have the worst player in the world with a great attitude than a great musican with a cruddy attitude. Luckily for me, I'm blessed with pretty great students. Our band is going down in numbers again this year, but only by a couple, and if we can just keep our middle school director for a while, then I'm sure the numbers will start to climb. We're doing a Beatles show this year, so we're all pretty excited about the music, and it's starting to sound good. Now, if I could just get the drill written!! :)
9. Last Thursday I went to see the Urologist about my kidney mass. He really wants to find out what it is, so he ordered another CT scan (yea me!) I'll have that on Wednesday. He said he'd call me as soon as he has the results so we can figure out where to go from here. It could either be a more "solid" mass, or a cyst with "walls." If it's more solid, it will show up brighter under the contrast and will need to be removed soon. If it's a cyst, then we'll just "monitor" it. Either way, it will be good to know for sure what's going on.
So that's where are now. School starts on August 4--can you believe it? We're off and running. Football/cheer starts for the kids on Monday, so my life (as I know it) is pretty much over. *Just kidding*
Love to all. Keep in touch!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
I swore I'd never...
Okay, it's official...
The end of the world is near...
I let my kids get a dog. Not only is it a dog, but it's an "inside dog." We had a member of our ward pass away recently (he died in a bad motorcycle accident) and it's left his wife pretty devistated. She is having a hard time making ends meet, and taking care of this dog was just too much for her right now. We also took her chickens, so now we have a total of around 14.
In case you can't tell from the picture, it's a Boston Terrier--we named it "Polly." (So, yes, it's a girl.) It's cute and VERY hyper, but I think it will be fun. We need to house train it, which will be a challenge, but we'll make it work. Ian is SO happy, and I even let it sit on my lap and petted it today--a HUGE step for me.
So now at the Cobb Family Farm, we have four goats, about 14 chickens, one dog and two kids. We're happy...
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
My Pity Party
So, I'm a little self-centered. This isn't a big surprise to anyone who's known me for ANY period of time.
I've been to the doctor twice in the past week and it has caused me to reflect on my body and why it seems to be fighting me all of the time. Don't get me wrong, I'm SO glad I'm here, but I get down sometimes thinking about WHY I can't just have a normal body.
In the past 18 months, I've had the following:
1. Gallbladder removed.
2. Two stents put in my arteries in my abdomen area. My aorta was 70% blocked and my left renal artery was 60% blocked.
3. I have what I thought was a simple cyst growing on my right kidney. Turns out (I found this out last Friday) it's actually a "mass." It covers 1/4 of my kidney. Not cool. I'm seeing YET ANOTHER specialist in the next few weeks to see where we go from here on this one.
4. Three CT scans, complete with my Benadryl cocktail that makes me feel drunk (or what I can imagine drunk feels like) because I'm allergic to the contrast dye they use.
5. Three MRIs, where I have to hold my breath for way to long so that they can get a good view of my abdomen region.
6. Four blood tests. These are NOT fun because I don't have ANY veins. Why is it that people who never need blood drawn have fantastic veins, and I've been "blessed" with the most difficult veins known to mankind? When I go into the lab, they know me and automatically call for their supervisor. Last week when I got this done, it took 90 minutes (and seven pokes) to finally get enough blood.
7. I've also been diagnosed with high blood pressure and have osteoporosis. I also found out that my triglycerides are a bit high, which may be an early sign of diabetes. COOL!
Okay, now that I'm done complaining, here's what I'm grateful for: (in no particular order)
1. My amazing family. I have the greatest husband and the two best kids in the world. I'm so lucky to have them. I also have a great set of parents and really cool brothers and sisters. I'm looking forward to seeing some of them in June.
2. My body still works--I can walk around, and thanks to the stents, I can now walk relatively pain-free.
3. Insurance. With all of the crap I've been through, I'm grateful that I haven't had to pay for very much of it at all.
4. Medication. Thanks to meds, my blood pressure is controlled and I am re-gaining bone strength. I am also mentally relatively stable...but that's a story for another day.
5. The gym. I look forward to my 45-60 minutes at the gym every day. I feel stronger and happier when I leave. Even though I'm not losing as much weight as fast as I'd like to, I'm doing something.
6. My job. I have the best job in the world. You wouldn't know it by looking at my desk right now, but I really love it.
7. My membership in the church. I love the sweet peace the Gospel brings into my life. It is my compass and my light, and Christ is my strength when I feel down about all of the other things seeming to go wrong in my life.
So see, it isn't so bad! :^B
I've been to the doctor twice in the past week and it has caused me to reflect on my body and why it seems to be fighting me all of the time. Don't get me wrong, I'm SO glad I'm here, but I get down sometimes thinking about WHY I can't just have a normal body.
In the past 18 months, I've had the following:
1. Gallbladder removed.
2. Two stents put in my arteries in my abdomen area. My aorta was 70% blocked and my left renal artery was 60% blocked.
3. I have what I thought was a simple cyst growing on my right kidney. Turns out (I found this out last Friday) it's actually a "mass." It covers 1/4 of my kidney. Not cool. I'm seeing YET ANOTHER specialist in the next few weeks to see where we go from here on this one.
4. Three CT scans, complete with my Benadryl cocktail that makes me feel drunk (or what I can imagine drunk feels like) because I'm allergic to the contrast dye they use.
5. Three MRIs, where I have to hold my breath for way to long so that they can get a good view of my abdomen region.
6. Four blood tests. These are NOT fun because I don't have ANY veins. Why is it that people who never need blood drawn have fantastic veins, and I've been "blessed" with the most difficult veins known to mankind? When I go into the lab, they know me and automatically call for their supervisor. Last week when I got this done, it took 90 minutes (and seven pokes) to finally get enough blood.
7. I've also been diagnosed with high blood pressure and have osteoporosis. I also found out that my triglycerides are a bit high, which may be an early sign of diabetes. COOL!
Okay, now that I'm done complaining, here's what I'm grateful for: (in no particular order)
1. My amazing family. I have the greatest husband and the two best kids in the world. I'm so lucky to have them. I also have a great set of parents and really cool brothers and sisters. I'm looking forward to seeing some of them in June.
2. My body still works--I can walk around, and thanks to the stents, I can now walk relatively pain-free.
3. Insurance. With all of the crap I've been through, I'm grateful that I haven't had to pay for very much of it at all.
4. Medication. Thanks to meds, my blood pressure is controlled and I am re-gaining bone strength. I am also mentally relatively stable...but that's a story for another day.
5. The gym. I look forward to my 45-60 minutes at the gym every day. I feel stronger and happier when I leave. Even though I'm not losing as much weight as fast as I'd like to, I'm doing something.
6. My job. I have the best job in the world. You wouldn't know it by looking at my desk right now, but I really love it.
7. My membership in the church. I love the sweet peace the Gospel brings into my life. It is my compass and my light, and Christ is my strength when I feel down about all of the other things seeming to go wrong in my life.
So see, it isn't so bad! :^B
Monday, May 19, 2008
Relay for Life
On May 2-3, I participated in our high school's Relay for Life to support cancer research. I was asked by several of my band students to be their team's chaperone. It was a lot of fun (we were "Team Pirates," in case you were wondering why they're all dressed that way!) We stayed up all night walking around the track at the high school--well, we almost made it anyway! I slept from about 2:00-4:00 a.m., and when I woke up the track was pretty much empty. It was also fun because Ian and Courtnie stayed with me. It was nice to have them be a part of something so important to me.
It was also an emotional night for me, as they had a "survivor lap" for those who had battled cancer and won. You could also buy luminarias in memory of those who had lost the battle. Cancer is such a personal issue for me, as I'm a cancer survivor, but have also lost two very important people in my life to cancer. My mom's mom passed away while I was fighting cancer myself and Gordon's dad passed away about 10 1/2 years ago. At about 10:00 p.m., we all did a couple of laps around the track while they read the names and messages about the people who had died. There were luminaries around the track and in the stands they spelled the word "HOPE" with the luminaries. It was very cool, and very touching.
As I'm still dealing with the after-effects of my cancer treatments, I hope for the day that we don't have to worry about cancer. I know it may not come until MUCH later, but until that day comes, we can all hope.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
What??
So about a week ago someone came to me at school (one of my LDS band kids) and told me that someone scratched "I love Ian Cobb" into the bathroom stall at church. How funny.
Our school resource police officer here at BMHS (Paul Dunn) is also in our bishopric. He came and talked to me today to see if I'd heard about it. Evidently they also scratched a pair of lips into the stall and wrote "kiss me." The bishopric had a good laugh about it at their meeting last night. Bishop said, "Well, he is a ladies man."
It's strange, because you see things like that at school or in a public restroom, but I've never seen it done at church. Paul said they don't even know if they can paint over it because it's scratched in so deep.
I'm not ready for this!!
I'll try to sneak a camera into the bathroom Sunday to see if I can take a picture of it. If I do, I'll post it.
Our school resource police officer here at BMHS (Paul Dunn) is also in our bishopric. He came and talked to me today to see if I'd heard about it. Evidently they also scratched a pair of lips into the stall and wrote "kiss me." The bishopric had a good laugh about it at their meeting last night. Bishop said, "Well, he is a ladies man."
It's strange, because you see things like that at school or in a public restroom, but I've never seen it done at church. Paul said they don't even know if they can paint over it because it's scratched in so deep.
I'm not ready for this!!
I'll try to sneak a camera into the bathroom Sunday to see if I can take a picture of it. If I do, I'll post it.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Improve the Shining Moments
I really love my job. It gives me a great deal of satisfaction to know that I'm making a difference.
Today was a "teacher in service" day--normally pretty lame for me. Today we started working on the process of accreditation for our school. Basically, it's what we have to do to ensure that our students' credits are accepted...it proves that we're a viable school. Whatever...
Anyway, we're starting a new "cycle," and there's a new process we have to do. As a result, we're doing everything different, including a new set of chair people (or is it chairpersons?) As a way to get the ball rolling and remind us why we were doing this, she had us write down three of "shining moments" we've had as teachers.
Here were my three:
1. I love it when the students start to really love the music. When I first hand out a piece of music, they don't especially like it. They hate it if it's hard. I love the moment when they start to feel successful and then start to really love the music.
2. I love it when one of my students asks me what they need to do to become a band director. They say that imitation is the greatest form of flattery, and this is very true!
3. I love my students' faces after a concert, when I can look them in the eyes and know that they feel good about what they've accomplished.
After the meeting, I returned to my room and was working in my office when a former student walked in. He graduated 2 years ago, and we had a pretty good relationship when he was in the band. He's a goofy guy who has had his fair share of ups and downs.
He gave me an invitation to his wedding in July. I was so excited for him. He looked so happy...he has a plan for his future, and I'm really glad. We ended up talking for about an hour and a half--just talking. It was great...another "shining moment."
Here's to more "shining moments" in the future!
Today was a "teacher in service" day--normally pretty lame for me. Today we started working on the process of accreditation for our school. Basically, it's what we have to do to ensure that our students' credits are accepted...it proves that we're a viable school. Whatever...
Anyway, we're starting a new "cycle," and there's a new process we have to do. As a result, we're doing everything different, including a new set of chair people (or is it chairpersons?) As a way to get the ball rolling and remind us why we were doing this, she had us write down three of "shining moments" we've had as teachers.
Here were my three:
1. I love it when the students start to really love the music. When I first hand out a piece of music, they don't especially like it. They hate it if it's hard. I love the moment when they start to feel successful and then start to really love the music.
2. I love it when one of my students asks me what they need to do to become a band director. They say that imitation is the greatest form of flattery, and this is very true!
3. I love my students' faces after a concert, when I can look them in the eyes and know that they feel good about what they've accomplished.
After the meeting, I returned to my room and was working in my office when a former student walked in. He graduated 2 years ago, and we had a pretty good relationship when he was in the band. He's a goofy guy who has had his fair share of ups and downs.
He gave me an invitation to his wedding in July. I was so excited for him. He looked so happy...he has a plan for his future, and I'm really glad. We ended up talking for about an hour and a half--just talking. It was great...another "shining moment."
Here's to more "shining moments" in the future!
Life on the farm, part 2 (the sequel)
Courtnie is afraid to pick up her goat herself, but she'll hold it if Ian gives it to her.
Ian loves having the responsibility of taking care of his pet. He gets up at 5:45 every morning to feed him--I don't even have to ask twice!
A few of our chickens. You can't hear it, but the rooster was crowing right when I took this picture. We hate the rooster, but don't have the heart to kill it. Maybe someday...
The goats are really playful, and the kids love being with them.
Life on the farm
Here is Ian getting the bottles ready for the goats. They have to be fed three times a day, and boy do they love it!
Okay, so I didn't mean for this photo to be in with these photos, but here's Courtnie with her HUGE gap where her two front teeth used to be. She lost one on March 20 and the other exactly a week later. The first one Gordon had to pull out with pliers--it was SO wiggly and she refused to pull it out. The second one came out in her Taco Bell taco! How strange! :)
This is our "big boy" goat--Basil.
Speaking of big boys, here's Ian feeding our two baby goats. Left goat is Midnight and the right goat is Spot. Midnight is Ian's goat, Spot is Courtnie's.
They CHOW DOWN on the milk! It's gone in less than a minute!
Okay, so I didn't mean for this photo to be in with these photos, but here's Courtnie with her HUGE gap where her two front teeth used to be. She lost one on March 20 and the other exactly a week later. The first one Gordon had to pull out with pliers--it was SO wiggly and she refused to pull it out. The second one came out in her Taco Bell taco! How strange! :)
This is our "big boy" goat--Basil.
Speaking of big boys, here's Ian feeding our two baby goats. Left goat is Midnight and the right goat is Spot. Midnight is Ian's goat, Spot is Courtnie's.
They CHOW DOWN on the milk! It's gone in less than a minute!Monday, February 25, 2008
Ian's Birthday
For Ian's birthday this year, he and his friend Cody went to an Arizona Sundogs hockey game. Because his mom is soooo cool, she was able to get Ian and his friend in early to sit on the bench and watch them warm-up. Does he have the greatest mom in the world or what???
The Sundogs are a semi-professional team that is in its second season in Prescott Valley. They built a hockey arena a couple of years ago. It's going to be used for a new arena football team this spring. Kind of cool for our little town.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Thoughts on kids growing up
So my little boy turns 11 on Monday. I feel old. I'm really not that old, but having an 11 year old makes me feel that way.
He's way into his music, most of which I can't stand to listen to...another reason I feel old. I remember my parents not wanting to listen to my music. On family trips I would sit in the back of the Suburban with my boom box and listen to "my music." It was mainly Madonna, Duran Duran and Debbie Gibson. *How embarassing!* I thought my parents were lame for not wanting to listen to my music. I always swore that I would always stay "current" on the "cool music."
Now look at me--when I get in the car, all I want to do is listen to talk radio. What a geezer!! :^B
The music he listens to isn't all that bad, per se. I worry about him listening to some of the music my students listen to. Gordon and I have had long talks with him about the power of music and the influence it can have on your life. I look at some of my students who listen to what I describe as "hate/scream" music and what kind of kids they are. They have little to no regard for authority and just seem to be in a bad mood all of the time.
For a while at the beginning of the school year, I listened to the "Hairspray" soundtrack almost every day. (By the way, if you don't have that, you really should get it...it's really fun.) When I would listen to it on the way to school I couldn't help but be happy. It put a spring in my step and a smile on my face. I should go back to listening to it...I've been so grouchy lately.
Anyway--
He's growing up, and next year he'll be a Deacon. How strange is that. I look at those boys now, and they look so much older than Ian. Granted, Ian is a bit smaller than most boys his age, but the Deacons just look big. It's weird to me to think that in a few months Ian will be up there passing the Sacrament. Odd...
Courtnie is huge. I mean huge. Even though she's 4 1/2 years younger than Ian, they are only about an inch apart. We just bought Courtnie new shoes and she's wearing a size 2. I don't think I wore a size 2 until I was in the 6th grade. Luckily she stays active and is still slender. The thought of having an overweight kid scares the crap out of me. I see how they're treated in school and I would hate for my kids to have to go through that.
Okay...I guess I'm done for today. If you read this before Monday, February 25, call us and wish Ian a Happy Birthday. I'm sure it would make his day.
He's way into his music, most of which I can't stand to listen to...another reason I feel old. I remember my parents not wanting to listen to my music. On family trips I would sit in the back of the Suburban with my boom box and listen to "my music." It was mainly Madonna, Duran Duran and Debbie Gibson. *How embarassing!* I thought my parents were lame for not wanting to listen to my music. I always swore that I would always stay "current" on the "cool music."
Now look at me--when I get in the car, all I want to do is listen to talk radio. What a geezer!! :^B
The music he listens to isn't all that bad, per se. I worry about him listening to some of the music my students listen to. Gordon and I have had long talks with him about the power of music and the influence it can have on your life. I look at some of my students who listen to what I describe as "hate/scream" music and what kind of kids they are. They have little to no regard for authority and just seem to be in a bad mood all of the time.
For a while at the beginning of the school year, I listened to the "Hairspray" soundtrack almost every day. (By the way, if you don't have that, you really should get it...it's really fun.) When I would listen to it on the way to school I couldn't help but be happy. It put a spring in my step and a smile on my face. I should go back to listening to it...I've been so grouchy lately.
Anyway--
He's growing up, and next year he'll be a Deacon. How strange is that. I look at those boys now, and they look so much older than Ian. Granted, Ian is a bit smaller than most boys his age, but the Deacons just look big. It's weird to me to think that in a few months Ian will be up there passing the Sacrament. Odd...
Courtnie is huge. I mean huge. Even though she's 4 1/2 years younger than Ian, they are only about an inch apart. We just bought Courtnie new shoes and she's wearing a size 2. I don't think I wore a size 2 until I was in the 6th grade. Luckily she stays active and is still slender. The thought of having an overweight kid scares the crap out of me. I see how they're treated in school and I would hate for my kids to have to go through that.
Okay...I guess I'm done for today. If you read this before Monday, February 25, call us and wish Ian a Happy Birthday. I'm sure it would make his day.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Random Cobb Family Photos
Gordon and Courtnie quadding with the Robinson clan. Courtnie loves to go FAST!!
This is an older picture...I'd forgotten how short her hair was. I miss it! She wants it long, but it's so cute short.
Ian wearing his "I do all my own stunts" shirt, which is SO appropriate for him!
Ian loves Cub Scouts. He'll be 11 next Monday and will be an 11 year-old Scout. We bought him his new Scout shirt and a bunch of Scout stuff for his birthday.
Ian and Courtnie--Halloween 2007. Ian was a vampire (complete with black hair dye) and after many attempts to find the right Hannah Montana outfit, this was the best we could come up with. She decided that she was just a "pop star" and not Hannah Montana.Monday, February 11, 2008
In case you were interested...
So here I am, entering the world of "blogging." We'll see if it merits anything...
A bit about myself:
I am a 35 year old female band director in the great state of Arizona. I teach high school band in a semi-rural community. I have a wonderful husband and two great kids (ages 11 and 6.) I am a childhood cancer survivor--I had rhabdomyosarcoma at the age of 6--so this blog may contain a bit about my struggles with the late-term effects of that.
In addition to all of that, I am also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. (Yep, I'm a Mormon.) :^)
A bit about myself:
I am a 35 year old female band director in the great state of Arizona. I teach high school band in a semi-rural community. I have a wonderful husband and two great kids (ages 11 and 6.) I am a childhood cancer survivor--I had rhabdomyosarcoma at the age of 6--so this blog may contain a bit about my struggles with the late-term effects of that.
In addition to all of that, I am also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. (Yep, I'm a Mormon.) :^)
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