A Crazy Fact About The Human Body

While the human body may appear fragile, your body is stronger than you could possibly imagine. It is possible for you to survive even after the removal of the spleen, the stomach, one kidney, one lung, 75% of the liver, 80% of the intestines, and almost every organ from the pelvic and groin area.

Baboo!

I just want to say good morning to you!  I am so encouraged by all you do and so grateful that you are the kind of Mom, Woman, Person that can pack up her car and go directly into the next indicated action!  Thank you for being you and continuing to learn,  grow,  be open and tell the truth!

I just got off the phone with your 2 grandsons!  Zaq said he had a great dream last night:  You and he were asleep on the grass and woke up because it was hot outside... you both got up and ran and jumped into the river and went swimming!  He said "I can't wait to be in Montana with Grammie"!  Then Elijah got on the phone and read me the card he had pulled:  "I am taken care of!  Everyone in my life supports me with love and kindness."  

Life is good.  We will see you soon!  WE LOVE YOU!

Your Boo!

Rick T.

Hey Barbara:

Hope all of the gentle thoughts and prayers being sent to you from angels and well wishers around the country lifts your spirits like an updraft of wind catching a kite and sending it soaring into the clouds! This is my first blog (I'm at work so I must be brief), but I must tell you what I saw this morning. First off, as I left the house to do my horse chores this morning, I was greeted by a pair of Lazuli Buntings. The male birds have beautiful powder blue heads and backs and can be quite the crooners during the spring mating season. Next, I saw a lone cow elk chewing on some grass in a dense field of golden arrow leaf balsam root; sparkling from the dew of last night's rain showers caught by the first light of a bright morning sun. A short while later, as I was finally driving the 30 mile commute to work on my bike, I passed the usual group of four resting Hereford bulls chewing their cud while admiring the large herd of Hereford cows fenced off on the other side of the road. But this time, something was different... In the middle of this circle was a very big bull elk, sprouting the makings of what may soon grow to be a large pair of a possibly seven point crown of velvet-covered antlers! I slowly and quietly (for a Harley) pulled over, stopped and said a few complimentary phrases about inclusiveness and beauty to this group of relaxing, hoofed and horned bachelors, (all but the elk completely ignored me). The elk muttered something, I couldn't tell exactly what; perhaps just an annoyed grunt, but it sounded a lot like ( - I know this is quite a stretch - ), Elvis P. saying, "Thank you, ... Thank you very much." So, if I have the good fortune of a future visit, I'll have to wave and say,"Hey Elvis, whass'up?"

You will win!

Rick T.

Love from The Land of Big Skies !

Barbara, Stacey, Bonnie and family...
Greetings from Billings. Mom (Lynne) and her wonderful companion Dick drove out from Washington to see Polly and I for Mother's Day. This Mothers Day seems extra special, given the news we received about your health. I noticed that I hugged my mom a little tighter than usual, but that's a good thing.

We collectively pray you are feeling well and think of you often.

Much love,
Polly, P.D., Lynne and Dick.

Barbara,
Just sitting here on the beautiful California coast enjoying the roses and geraniums in my garden. The Gemini rose bushes are full of enormous blossoms and my Peace rose is jusst glorious this year, thanks to Miracle Grow and sunshine. Everything is blooming and the blue jays are back, demanding clean water for their baths each day. I love to watch them. One is an old scruffy guy who has been visiting me for many years. The other is a younger jay and more spritely.

They talk and chatter and splash and my cats sitting in the window are greatly entertained by their daily gossip. They discuss which dogs have accidents on the lawns, new foods available, the latest love affairs, and of course, sports and games. Jays are big gossips and I think my back yard has become a little Peyton Place for the latest goings on. When I take work out on the patio table they come to visit and hop around on the ground just to be near.

I am thinking of you as the jays talk, the flowers bloom and the lady bugs crawl around eating aphids. The neverending story of nature goes on and on and so do we, progressing in our own lives of gossip, affairs, good food, games, and sunshine. You definitely have a place here in my garden of earthly delights. Inhale the fragrance of the roses and relax in the sunshine.

Dianne

Trying again

Good day,

Hope you have a nice ride today. Just when I thought I had it figured out, bingo got an error message. I almost had a picture on here. I'll take the directions out of the box when I find the box. You have a wonderful day!

Howdy from the Heartland

Hi Auntie Barbara! Hello from Omaha. Just want you to know that we are thinking of you everyday and cannot wait to see you again. Preston's tumor is finally starting to shrink after nine months of treatment and soon you will both have to celebrate recovery by a grand celebration at Flathead! Much love, Jen, Jeremy, Preston and Peyton

Hi Barb....Lynne from Hoodsport. We are heading for Billings tomorrow. Short trip as we'll start back on Sunday afternoon or early Monday. I'll call you in Elmo to see how you are doing. If you feel up to having a cup of coffee (or green tea) we'll take a detour off I-90 and see you for a few minutes before heading to back to Hoodsport. Many hugs...Lynne

Update 5/6/08

Family and Friends!
Just wanted to touch base and let you all know how Moms' first chemo went.
We arrived at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance on time at 7a.m. Our kind nurse helped her to decide that the cold she had developed over the weekend would interfer with her breathing during the first procedure to put in a "porta-cath". It is basically a port to do blood draws more easily and of course to administer her chemotherapy, or "divine radiance of healing light." So we put that off until she goes in for the 2nd treatment.
Schedule of Moms' treatments and surgery:

Chemotherapy in Seattle: May 5, May 28 and June 18

Surgery in Seattle, UW Hosp: July 15

More chemo to be scheduled after surgery.

The post chemo response has been quite contrary to our expectations. No nausea, no fatigue. At least not yet and it's a clear 24 hours later. So, I'm feeling like an exception to the norm. Still strong, healthy (er, except for cancer) and more optimistic each day (for what its worth).

If this good fortune holds, I'll return to Elmo at the end of the week and do some early spring days doing early spring things. Paint some trim, dig some dirt, wash some windows. How thrilling that all seems this year.

Love,
Bonnie and Barbara

Hello from the Flathead.

Hi Barbara and hello to my cousins too. Saturday I went for a beautiful drive to see our friends in Eureka. Jimmie asked about you so I told him what I know. Andrea commented on what a special lady you are and Jimmie said your life has a powerful impact on others. Not to be disrespectful or anything, but that is not new information for me! (ha) Anyway, he also said that you are very strong and this will help you through the treatment. I told them both how grateful I am that they saw you.

I am well. Went to Billings for work and was able to hang out with cousin Jackie each night She is quite fun. We appear to have a similar humor gene. Also, I took Natasha to Missoula for the night and we went to the Kyi-Yo Pow Wow at U of M. Then a trip to Rockin Rudy's ( she had never been there). She is a beautiful spirit and I am always glad when we spend time together. You are in my prayers. Brittney

Bigfork blessings :)

Hey Barbara,

This is cool...for one so techno-challenged as me...thank you thank you !

We saw Cohen in NYC...whew ! But we did drive north to a wonderful climbing

area called the Shawangunks (Gunks) and spent 2 nights sleeping in his van

@ 32 degrees...the climbing was fabulous and got us all grounded again to be

in the whirlwind of the city.

You are surrounded by love from all over the planet and beyond ! Seen and unseen

friends, in the ethers and in real life :)

I will be in Seattle May 30...I would LOVE to see you !

Much much love,

Rebecca, (Carl & Cohen sending love too)

Love surronds you

Barbie,
I just wanted you to know I love you! But you know that, now's the time for giving back for all you've done for me! My prayers are with you. If you need/want anything, you know where I am. I have those things for you. Peace Lady!
Love, Billy

You're in my Prayers

Grammie, Now is the time to visualize those smiling grand children, your darling daughters and all the things that make the fight worth waging. Dig deep, keep the FAITH and let all the healing thoughts and prayers in. We are with you and love you so much.

Greg

Sending you all the love your heart can hold...

Hello Barb,
I've been thinking about you soooo very much! I've been in Washington D.C. for work and I'm so happy to be home, where I checked my email and found the invitation to this blog -my very first! I know you have made it through the surgery with flying colors - I can just feel it! My dear friend, you mean the world to me and I am so happy to think of you surrounded by your beloved girls and those grands. Since I read in one of the blog posts that you're still planning a canoe trip, I'm counting on our hike, girl! You just let me know where and when and I'm there, probably trying to keep up with you.
I'm not sure how these blogs work, but I wanted you to know that I'm sending you love, laughter, warmth, peace, and all good energies on the wings of hope and prayer from your buddy of 40 years. Lots and Lots of LOVE, Roysie xo

My Other Mother Rocks!

Hi Mom.....it's Tam, sending you much love, prayers, and peace. I just returned from a wonderful trip to Maui with Dave's Mom and sisters. It was so great to see Stace a couple of weeks ago but difficult to hear the news. I want you to know that I feel truly blessed to have you in my life. We don't get to see each other as often as we would like but I am always thinking about you! Your strength and courage is an awesome example to me. Thank you...I love you. I will be over for a visit very soon.
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" Lamentations 3:22-23.
Love,
Tam

Dear Barbara,
It is me, Jennifer, Bonnie's friend! Hello! I am with you all in spirit and love and keeping you close in heart.
I am out of town for a bit but when I get home, know that I will attend to Bon and the boys, all three of them.
If you have any special requests, let me know.
I send you love, your photo gallery is breathtaking.
ciao for now,
Jennifer

Healing love

Dear Barbara, I am so glad that you are surrounded by so much love. But I know that love creates love. ODAT. To see you with so much positive energy and surrendering to the journey is a gift.
I want to say so much and to hold you for just a moment. So I will close my eyes and visualize it.
Your daughters and your family is just amazing. I smile.
Blessings , Laura

Hi Barbara. Well, as usuall I'm slow on the draw in getting to you but do know that no matter how slow I am, you, as always, are in my thoughts and prayers. You are so strong in spirit and soul that I know you will do well. Grumpy is concerned but also knows that you will prevail. I will try to teach him how to get onto this sight so he too can communicate with you. (what am I talking about---knowing him, he will probably teach me how to use this sight! Anyway Barb, we love you and are with you in spirit and prayers.
Love you,
Rita, Grandpa & Jack

Hi Barbara,

I love you , my friend, and I just know that this will be another triumphant journey for you. You are an inspiration to me, and have been for the last 20 years! I've watched you joyfully conquer one obstacle after another, and I know that with God's help, many prayers, and a lot of support from family and friends; this will have a positive outcome.

I loved your email last night stating that in the midst of your treatments you have scheduled a canoeing adventure! Right on! Having been on one or two of those with you, I know that will bring about much healing.

Namaste,

Eric

Barbara,

I just heard the news about 2 hours and 53 minutes ago. Still processing it all..... but I wanted to send you a HUGE HUG from the whole Judge family. I've never known a woman as rock steady as you -- you've been a fabulous role model to all of us girls. Fight hard; Get well! We send you our love and good thoughts. And yes, we will all go get the C-125, or whatever it is, test.
More to come, Love, Millie, Tim, Elizabeth and Joseph

In Spite Of Ourselves

Hey Barbara! Sheesh, my friend, I can't let you out of my town for one minute. Look what happens. I reckon you'll have to stick around Seattle and let me visit you more. My two tiny monsters are keeping me crazy busy, but every night I sit down and look at this internet thingie in search of a laugh. I found a great one tonight. It's a music video. If you're looking for a laugh, then turn on your speakers and give a listen to my boyfriend, John Prine. Click the link below.

Betsy (aka Squishcake)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5axlwCBXC8