A Family Affair

I was very privileged to attend a family reunion in Texas for my Dad's side of the family last weekend - The Soper Family Reunion!  I think the reunions started back in 1986, a year or so after I was married and before I had kids.  (I could have my dates wrong.  Life gets blurry after a while.)  The first one was at a community center in Castro Valley, CA.  We've had them every two years except one time I was told, it was stretched to 3 years.

Every other year for a reunion seems plenty often, except that not everybody can go every 2 years. The venue rotates between California, Dallas, and Spokane Washington.  I've only been to the ones held in California before this one.  I missed "California 92" when we were in Africa.  Including this year I think I've gone to 5.

Over a period of 27 years, there have been many changes. Loved ones have departed, children have grown up, babies have been born.

Something I discovered this year in Dallas is now Rosemary goes by Rose or Rosie; Marcus doesn't mind being called Marc; Suzie is now Suzanne (or it is Susan?); and Mary Grace will answer to Mary. Wow! It's hard to keep up!

Cousin Rosemary

Gordon, cousin Charlene and cousin Marc

Suzanne

Cousin Mary Grace

I met relatives I had never met.

My cousin, Mary Grace's daughter, Marla's family

Mary Grace's son, David's, daughters, Carly and Jenneh
(My sister, Jan in between.)

I met the non relatives who were there.

Some guys that live at Sheldon and Suzies

I enjoyed talking to my cousins...

My cousin Evan and his wife Dorathy

...and uncle.

Me and Uncle Len

My grandparents, Kirk and Virginia Soper  had 5 children - Ray, Reva, Edith, Rosemay, Kirk Jr. and Leonard.  My dad, Kirk and his brother, Len are the 2 remaining children .

If I counted correctly, there are 14 cousins, ages 43 to 78, and 10 of us were there!  I enjoyed catching up with them. I'm not sure about all the cousin's children...and their children.  It gets too complicated!

At some point during the reunion, the patriarchs of the family reminisced about the "old days." They told us things about the past and laughed...or maybe even cried a little when talking about those that have gone before us. We listen to stories we've heard many times before . . . or maybe for the first time.

 Kirk and Len

Of course no reunion is complete without food.  We had lots!  Friday night, we ate barbecued ribs and tri-tip with all the side dishes at Suzanne and Sheldon's.  Though they are recent California transplants, they did well to live up to the Texas reputation of doing things bigger.  Saturday, Mary Grace prepared beef brisket, chicken and ham and all the fixins. Thanks so much to our host and hostesses!  It was such a pleasure to be with you!

Suzie and Sheldon

Me and my cousin Mary Grace

*************

I am feeling well, except I do get tired.  I heard this may be a side effect of the Arimidex I am taking or a side effect of just living!

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A good day for the Huttons!

This is a very good day for the Huttons!  Two Hutton men started new jobs today!  (Yes, TWO, count 'em!)

After I wrote my last post, Scott received word that he was hired at Esurance, which is right down the road from us!  That is an answer to prayer!  For the last five years, Scott had to work out of town almost every week.  Many weeks he had to work in Pennsylvania . . or Ohio . . or Wisconsin, which is a full day of travel from California one way;  to be able to get to work in five minutes is unbelievable! Thanks for you prayers!

Scott on his first day of work.

The second Hutton to start a job is Matthew!  He graduated from college with a communications degree with an emphasis in media. For several years prior to going away to college he spent many hours volunteering in the media and tech department of our church. Now he is hired on to make videos!

Matt after work.

I'm very proud of both my men!  Good job!

God has been good to us!  Probably more than any of us deserve.  I even got to go to my family reunion in Dallas this last weekend.  I enjoyed it so much.  It was kind of a quick decision for me as I wasn't planing on attending until the day before!  Yeah, quick!  I'd like to think it was my prize for finishing chemo treatment!  I saw cousins I hadn't seen in years.  I met people I'd never met.  It was fun!

I'm feeling good.  My hair is slowly poking its way through my scalp! But not enough to go bare headed!  I might just show a picture.
Don't laugh!

Chemotherapy Treatment is Over! - wk 12

My chemotherapy treatment  is over!  The weekly blood draws are done!  No more neupogen shots!  I feel good!

Week 12

Aug 25, Sun
We all went to church!

Took Zach to the train station.  He had to be there for the 2:15 train, so we were rushing to get there in time after church and a quick bite. It takes about 30-35 minutes from our house. When I picked him up, I took the wrong freeway and it took me twice as long!   Now that I know the route, it is a bit easier.  It is sort of like going to the airport, so instead of my weekly trip taking Scott back and forth, I take Zach.

Aug 26, Mon
I suppose if someone gets cancer, they might as well get the perks that go along with it!  The American Cancer Society has a program called, "Look good, Feel better!" This is a hands on class for cancer patients showing how to put on makeup.  The best part about it is- all the free makeup and products they give away!  I went to this class this afternoon and received a bag full of goodies!

Aug 27, Tues
I had an appointment with my Oncologist, Dr Bobolis this morning. She was happy with the way my chemotherapy went and we talked about the next phrase of my treatment.  For the next five years I will have hormone therapy.  This will be in the form of a pill that I will take everyday.  My particular cancer feeds on hormones  so the idea is to lower my hormone levels as much as possible so the cancer will not come back.  The thought of having no female hormones is a little disconcerting, but this has been a well proven course of treatment.  Thoughts of me having a lower voice and growing a beard have crossed my mind, but I don't think that will happen. (At least I hope not!)

Another doctor's appointment today with my general practitioner. Just a follow up on my blood pressure meds.  No problems with this one. (I'm referring to a problem I had with an earlier medicine.  If you want to read about it, click here.)

Tech meeting at church to go over Bible study tomorrow night.  This is the third year that I've been the tech person for our women's bible study.  I run the sound board, pro presenter (the computer program used to play the media message that is presented on the screen) and control lighting and music cd.

Aug 28, Wed
Had a nice walk this morning.  I love my walks. I go down a path by the wetlands in our neighborhood.  I can't help but think of God's creation as I turn down the path.  I'm sure God loves beautiful things because He made beautiful things for us to look at and enjoy.

Scott interviewed for a local job.  With him traveling so much for the last five years, it would be wonderful if he could get a job locally. God already has the right job picked out for him.  I know He will provide!

Bible study starts tonight.  We are studying Gideon by Priscilla Shirer.

Aug 29, Thurs
I also do the tech for the Thursday morning Bible study.

Picked up Zach at train station.

Josh had to get his senior picture taken for the yearbook.

Aug 20, Fri
Matt and I grocery shopped.  It is so much easier when he goes with me.

Josh plays tenor drums (or quads) in marching band. The band played their first football game of the year tonight.

Aug 31, Sat
My last blood draw! (For 3 months!)  I won't miss this!

Lorri came over for a float in the pool.  The first time she came over for a swim this year!

*************

Now that I have completed chemo, friends have asked me the status of my condition and I haven't been sure how to answer.  My oncologist told me that I am in remission now, and have been since my mastectomy.  Technically, I can't say I am cancer free until five years from now.

. . . But I am going to live each day believing the cancer is gone!  I'm going to try my best to take care of my health.  I'm going to smell the roses . . . or the tulips . . . or petunias.  I'm going to count my blessings.  And I'm going to thank God each day... for each day!

This is the day that the Lord has made!

I will rejoice and be glad in it!

(Psalm 118:24)

If you would like to follow me on this journey, subscribe to My Breast Cancer Journey by Email. You will be notified by e-mail when I make a new post. Thanks, Pam