Thursday, February 19, 2009

Happiness is a new dishwasher...

You know you're all grown up when a new, super quite dishwasher makes your day!! Ohhh, ahhh isn't it pretty??


Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Happy Birthday Dad!!

Today is Dad's Birthday!! Everyone had to go about their day as normal although we did call his cell phone and sing Happy Birthday to him on his voicemail. We think that started his day out nicely. After everyone made it home we took him out to dinner...a gift for dad and mom!! The evening was ended with chocolate cupcakes!!

Monday, February 16, 2009

The Latest

So, I went to Seattle last week. I am all set up to begin radiation treatments. I will begin the 37 treatments on February 23rd. Fortunately I will be able to work while I am receiving the treatments...THANK YOU CITY AND BOROUGH OF JUNEAU!! If you find yourself in the Seattle neighbor hood during the next month and a half be sure to give me a call.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!

Much love to everyone. Here are some valentines for you. We made the shovels that say "I dig you!" for Reed's class and the cute pencils and toppers for Mia's class. Everyone got to have a hand in making them so it was really a labor of love. Happy Heart Day.

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Renee's Cancer...

I didn’t begin this blog to pass along sad or distressing news. I did however create it in order for friends and family to keep up on the Loree’s in Alaska. So I have decided pass on this bit of distressful news. First I have to apologize for not letting everyone know right away. Some of you may know this story and some do not know so I will start at the beginning and move on to where I am today.

On November 21, 2008 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. A bit stressful but the doctor’s assured me that I could wait until we completed our vacation and celebrated the holidays before surgery. That bit of news was a huge relief.

I had a lumpectomy on January 6, 2009. My lymph nodes were clear of cancer. The lump was a bit large than we had anticipated so there was one last test to run to determine whether or not I would need chemotherapy. I received word that with or without chemotherapy my chances of reoccurrence are the same. My doctor and I have decided that I will not need the chemotherapy and we’ll move forward with the radiation and hormone therapy.

I will begin 6-7 weeks of radiation therapy at the end of February. Radiation treatments are five days a week and cannot be administered in Juneau so I will need to be in Seattle for the treatments. I am hoping to be able to return to Juneau every now and then on the weekends. It will be hard to be away from the kids for long periods of time but with the help of friends and family it will all be worth the sacrifice. I am sure we can agree that a cancer free mom is better than the alternative.

I want to thank everyone for all the prayers, kind thoughts, and help along this journey. Everyone has been so great in helping. It is very heartwarming to know that so many people love us and are willing to help out in our time of need.

Much love to everyone and I’ll try to keep everyone updated.