November 12, 2007

I'm a bit nervous, as tomorrow my second round of chemo begins. In a way it is exciting, because it will be all the more defense against the gremlins inside me. I just hope and pray my body has the strength to fight!

I've been reading a book my sister Catherine gave me called "Getting Well Again". The authors embrace the full "Mind, Body, Spirit" into therapy for their cancer patients. One of the great factors in success is the Imagery their patients use to visualize the "fight" between the good cells and bad cells. Of course, the good always prevails! When I practice visualizing my images, they give me power I didn't know my mind had.

On important component in my images is the prayers that are sent by each of you. I use them in my imaginary battlefield because of the enormous power they bring, so keep them coming!

God's blessings on you all,
Maureen

Hang tough! Judy Rex November 12, 2007 at 10:36 PM MST
Maureen, your messages are a bright spot in my days on the road. Your spirit and sense of humor are always an inspiration. I'm picturing you as the superhero conquering the bad guys as you enter this next round of chemo - go get 'em!! Looking forward to sharing some tunes and a bottle of wine soon. XOXO, Judy
Prayers and good wishes always coming your way!!!!!!!!! Patti Herf November 12, 2007 at 10:36 PM MST
Maureen, thanks for your update!!! yes, the prayers are on going...and the prayer group at P.V.U.M. church are always keeping you in their intentions !!! we just got home from cheering Allison as she walked the Breast Cancer 3 Day in San Diego.... she is so inspired by the positive attitude of the whole experience that she now wnats to walk another City's 3 Day Walk next year... she and i are going to try to walk it together.. so, i've begun my training now as Allison is a fast walker...do'nt know if these ol bones can keep up, but, she assured me she's slow down if we "have to" oh, youth!!! so, my dear, know that you are never far from my thoughts !!! the offer is always "open" for a drive to get some type of "treat" ... keep us posted, love to you and Mike, patti
Why nausea makes me sick Mark Schuler November 12, 2007 at 04:33 PM MST
Hey Caseys! Thanks for keeping up with the updates, it's great to get them. I had to chuckle a little when I read today's message, not that "chemo tummy" is usually a funny subject. Many years ago I spent a summer interning for the Legislature and somebody put in a bill to legalize pot smoking for chemo patients. Being the intern, the staff stuck me with coordinating the public comment. The idea had some merit and many of the drugs used then had some common formulary. No, the funny part was the endless stream of "advocates" that would wander in wanting to testify for legal use. Interesting bunch of folks, believe me. Have a gnarly week dude!
Hello Maureen Brian Kirby November 12, 2007 at 10:48 AM MST
I've been privileged to get your Carepage e-mailed to me every day and love to see how you're getting along. I think about you, Mike and your family often and wish you only the best in your recovery. I do feel somewhat in the circle of things as Maria Hassell is on a basketball team with my daughter so I get "family" updates from time to time. That Starbuck's date is a neat idea and I'm glad that you back on track in your normal life. Keep taking care of yourself and be continue your positivity. Lots of people love you Maureen. Brian Kirby
Still thinking about you Linda & Max Selig November 12, 2007 at 06:49 AM MST
Dear Maureen, I know I don't know what you are going through but I am thankful you have such a wonderful support group. For many years I worked with "critically ill" patients and was always overwhelmed with their positive attitudes. They taught me to appreciate rainy days, overworked days,sleepless days, demanding days. Every day was a blessing for them and I learned not to waste even one. Most of us never get that "wake-up" call and I try hard to keep that in mind when I start my days. Thank you for reminding me of that fact as I start this day. Lin Selig

More Positive Thoughts for You Patti Stoner November 13, 2007 at 07:24 AM MST
Maureen, Our prayers are with you especially today as you get your second treatment. We are thinking of you and know that the strength of your friendships and family help you keep the faith. Continue your positive thoughts as you fight this battle! Patti, Pat & Megan Stoner
Sending in extra troops for the battle Nancy Gerdes November 13, 2007 at 07:05 AM MST
Thanks for the imagery post, Maureen! Imagine the calvary prayer regiment arriving from South Dakota--we have a horse (Husker as he originated from Nebraska!) so the image works, just add some more horses to the picture! Nancy Gerdes (Catherine's friend)
Maureen - The Blessings of another day! Joan Lentner November 13, 2007 at 07:01 AM MST
I read your latest update about chemo starting tomorrow. You are going to get through this and the prayers that are going will sustain you in the rough moments. I definitely can't say that I know what you are going through, but you can be assured that I care and that the prayers are going for all that you will need. And so just for today, I wish you peace in your heart, a huge smile when you think of all the beautiful people who have touched your life so far...and will continue to be there for you. Time for that smile break :) :) With all my heart I wish you the best day possible. Joan (Lowry Hill - Mpls)
warriors Jacque Ingemansen November 13, 2007 at 03:42 AM MST
You have many silent partners in prayer. We are storming the heavens in your name. Maureen, we are all here to help you fight the fight. Today will be a victory. Love.
My Morning Offering is For You! Catherine Billion November 12, 2007 at 11:28 PM MST
Oh Jesus, through the immaculate heart of Mary, I offer all of my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, for the intentions of Your most Sacred Heart, for the salvation of souls, the reparation of sin, and the reunion of all Christians. I offer them for the intentions of our bishops, and all of the apostles of prayer (that's all of us), and in particular, for those recommended by our Holy Father this month...in addition, that Maureen's chemo will be efficacious in destroying all cancer cells, while sparing her precious immune system cells and other rapidly-producing good cells! This is our dominant thought and prayer for you this day; we will start out by offering our Mass at 8 am for this intention and all of the Casey family's intentions. Much love and blessings, Catherine

Thinking of You Tom Lawless November 13, 2007 at 09:29 AM MST
Maureen, you are in my thoughts and prayers during this battle. I just know you will beat this thing!
Past Truimphs Patrick Goetzinger November 13, 2007 at 08:54 AM MST
Dear Maureen, Reflecting on past triumphs not only help in challenging times, but also provide you an opportunity to chuckle. Reflecting on the day you and Kirby went toe to toe at Old Head and the events surrounding that historic match always brings a broad smile. The Cahoonas can't thank you enough for your triumph that day. We toast your victory every year! Next gathering of the Cahoonas will cause another toast to new challenges conqured. Cheers. Pat
Hello Maureen Harry Stark November 13, 2007 at 08:52 AM MST
Just a quick note to say that we will be praying for you, Mike and your family today. In God's strength all things are possible so we will be praying that He holds you up in this time of challenge. Blessings to you! Harry and Helen Stark MPLS
We send you our love Clint Gibson November 13, 2007 at 08:38 AM MST
Faith and prayers are with you from your legion of friends who believe you will come through the treatments successfully. Know that Judy and I have you constantly in our minds and in our prayers. Clint
greetings Tom Sadvary November 13, 2007 at 07:32 AM MST
Maureen and Mike, We know that this round of chemo will be difficult, but you have the best attitude in the fight to kill this disease. It is good that you can do this as an outpatient and be with each other during the recovery periods. Please let us know if there is anything you need from the hospital or that we can do for you. IN the meantime, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers....Tom and Mary Sadvary

Hey Maureen... Tim Schwimer November 13, 2007 at 07:27 PM MST
It's been awhile but I wanted you to know I'm thinking about you and pulling for you. Hang in there and keep your chin up. You'll come out of this stronger and wiser than you already are ;) -tim
With you in spirit JOHN OBRIEN November 13, 2007 at 03:03 PM MST
I miss you! I'm sorry that I only found out about this web site today. Lisa L. gave me the location. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and I know that you can come back from this.
Look out Gremlins Deb Keenan November 13, 2007 at 11:29 AM MST
Maureen, Jeanne gave me the CarePage information, which I check daily for updates on you. It's been awhile - days at Casey's in Chamberlain when our boys (then much younger) played a lot of football in their back yard by the river. I'm enjoying the pictures on your CarePage as I remember your infectious smile... must come with the positive attitude and strong spirit. As I read your update from yesterday, I pray for strength for you today as you tackle another treatment, which is one more behind you. I see "gremlins" falling already. :) Keep strong and rely on your family and friends for strength as well. I lift you up in prayer each day.
Fighting with you.... Mary Permoda November 13, 2007 at 10:15 AM MST
Hi Maureen - I am standing there with you with artillary in hand - you can beat this - you have a strong army!!! With Chemo 2 under your belt you have 2 less to have!!! another check mark off the list to health and wellness!!! I believe in you...and my prayers are endless!
Our prayers are with you! Hope Rex November 13, 2007 at 09:49 AM MST
Maureen, Thank you for making the effort to write to all of us. We are with you in spirit and very much in pray through this battle of yours. Please remember to take the anti-nausea meds early rather than waiting... Live better through Chemistry! You can do this. You are a strong woman and a fabulous mother! All our best, Hope Rex (Katie's aunt in Boston)and all "The Boston Rexes"