I Love to See the Temple

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Me on top of the Washington Monument (55 stories high!)

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Me with Molly, Natalie and Kenny (50 stories high..)

Me on top of the Washington Monument :)

Natalie and Kenny flew into town Sunday night (Natalie's birthday). Molly, Pops and Mom all went to pick them up from the airport. My mom convinced them that I was at a YSA (young single adult) activity, that Katie and Connor had to go back to MD to put Emmeline to bed, and that Allie was out with Steve. Sneakily though, we were plotting. We turned off all the lights and hid. Katie put the baby in the middle of the room (in her car seat) with a sign that said "Surprise!" And after Kenny turned on the light, and they noticed the baby, we popped out and yelled Surprise as well. They were SO excited! We sang Natalie "Happy Birthday" and ate homemade icecream cake made by Katie! It was delicious!

The next day (Monday morning) we drove into D.C. and went to the Washington Monument. I somehow convinced everyone that the building was 500 stories high... It was 55. But hey! Good for me in sounding so convincing :) It was BEYOND FREEZING. When I say it was cold, that it was freezing, that is an understatement. We were not prepared for that kind of cold. I didn't have a hat, or gloves, or a scarf or anything! Natalie, Kenny, Molly and I all stood facing eachother in a close "circle" where we tried to stay warm. It didn't work. At one point Kenny and I ran around the exterior of the building because it was our last resort to staying "warm". And by warm, I mean not getting hypothermia and dying. We FINALLY got inside, only 20 minutes later than our tour time, and we were able to go up to the top and look at the view. It was awesome! I took pictures out of every window, and posted them on facebook.

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Jesus Christ - in the Washington D.C. Temple Visitor's Center

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Annanadale, VA Stake Christmas Tree

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Me with the Nativity from the Philippines. It was BEAUTIFUL!

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Me and My Father in front of the temple.

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Siblings and I in front of the Temple

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Me in front of the Nativity

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Me with the lights :)

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Me with the temple

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Me with the temple

Last night, my family drove up to Maryland to see Katie and Connor's Christmas tree and to have Natalie's birthday dinner. It was delicious and super fun. After we ate, we drove down the street to the Washington D.C. LDS Temple where we walked around and saw all the Nativities and all the Christmas lights. First we went inside and walked around and saw the Christmas Trees and the Nativities inside. The Christmas trees were represented from stakes all around the D.C. area. The tree from our stake was hand decorated by Shelley Detton. It was really detailed and I was impressed. The Nativities were awesome, they really were. And the detail was incredible in some of them. Also, the majority of the Nativities were international. There were ones from the U.S. to Germany to Peru to the Philippines. Afterwards we went outside and saw all the lights and the ... formerly "live"... nativity. It was a very fun night.

I testify that the temple is the house of God. I know that when we attend the temple, we are blessed. I also know that if we live worthily to attend the temple, even if we can not get to the temple as often as we'd like, that we will be happy, and that we will be able to receive the richest of blessings. I testify that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true church and if we live according to the words of the latter-day prophets, and if we are obedient, we will be able to return to our Father in Heaven again.

Anyways, that's all for now. More confessions to come.

- J

Advice For College

I was looking through my OLD OLD blog and found a post where I asked for advice when I was heading to college... Look at these awesome responses:

 

Aubrey said...

Take advantage of your professor's office hours! They have office hours to help students succeed, so don't be afraid to go get help if you need it. I often could get all the one-on-one help I needed during office hours because it seems like very few students use them. Student teaching assistants are great too. When I was TA, I loved helping students! I sometimes felt badly when students came after doing poorly on a homework or test when I knew I could have helped them if they had come earlier.

August 11, 2008 9:40 AM

the Ricks said...

Um, my advice is to read the email of advice I already sent you! :)

August 13, 2008 8:01 AM

Cara and Barry said...

My one regret from my time at BYU was that I didn't get more involved. I mean, I worked and had a busy calling and did my school work. But I wish I would have taken advantage of some of the clubs and service groups and things like that. Done something more meaningful. You know? Even if I just explore my talents and interests more. So that's my advice. Be involved. And don't waste time. There is so much great stuff to do there. Wasting time (watching tv too much or surfing the internet or sleeping or whatever) is the worst habit to get into. Okay. So that's all my advice. Except this...have fun! :)

August 13, 2008 1:13 PM

Babydoll said...

Make sure you come to some compromise with your roommates at the VERY beginning. I got along really great with most of my roommates, but one just kept crazy hours, and I had a hard time getting any sleep. We ended up fighting a lot before coming to a compromise. It would have made things easier if we figured it out in the beginning. Also, NO MATTER WHAT, don't stop reading your scriptures. Even during finals week and busy times. It is so easy to get out of the habit! Boston

August 14, 2008 2:18 PM

steph said...

I would also suggest taking advantage of your teacher's office hours. It is very helpful to have personal feedback from your teacher. It will improve your grades and make you more of a somebody in the class. I always found I did better in a class where the teacher knew me. Get involved. Go to performances and things on campus and take others with you. It helps you de-stress and it supports all the people who work so hard for their performances/shows. Don't feel like you have to have a major right away. Take a variety of classes to find what you like. Sometimes you'll find something you really like in what you never expected. I also suggest not worrying too much about getting married/having a boyfriend. There will be a lot of girls in a sort of competition to get a bf or get married... don't get involved with it. Just have fun with friends, go on dates, and just be your best self. It will come in due time. I noticed that when I let go of the worry, the thing I wanted to happen, happened. Be creative. Don't feel like you have to spend money to have fun. Brainstorm with people to come up with some fun activities/ group dates. It is easy to get discouraged in school, but you don't have to be. Make sure you are doing all those things that keep you spiritually strong. Don't weaken your standards because people around you do. Look for positive influences and avoid negative ones. Find ways you can improve each day. You may not get perfect grades but if you just try to learn as much as you can, it won't matter what grade you get (well for the most part) because you will have learned & changed from it. and Don't forget you are a cherished daughter of God and that he loves you! Remember you have a work to do in this life and that the experiences you experience are there so you can use them to help others and bring them closer to Christ (as well as yourself. I wish you the best of luck! College is so fun. You'll love it!

August 17, 2008 3:39 PM

Babydoll said...

No dating returned missionaries!! Uncle Steve (using Babydoll's account)

 

 

Gotta love family! So, to all my family members reading this- I love you. Thank you for everything! For looking out for me, for keeping me in your prayers- for your support and love. You're amazing. Truly. Thank you for never giving up on me! 

Anyways, that's all for now. More confessions to come!

- J

That One Time I Got Bored

Once upon a time I got really bored. So bored in fact that I probably lay in my bed on top of a heating pad and underneath 3 blankets, and I sit watching facebook and click refresh refresh refresh... hoping something will change. Nothing does. (Well, of course it changes, but not as often as I would like.) So, I rot in my room and eat candy and eat soda and it's getting ridiculous. And even doing that, I have lost a lot of weight and pretty much need to get back in shape. Why? Well, when you go through chemotherapy, the better shape you are in, the better you react to the chemotherapy. And at this rate I am going to throw my face up and feel like death because I am so out of shape. And how have I changed?... Well, instead of watching facebook or tv shows all day, I actually do real things.

Each day I pick a topic in the topical guide in The Bible and I study that topic until I have gone through all the scriptures listed, and I read accompanying talks and I study the topic until I understand what it means and how I can apply it in my life. After I find a way to apply it, I spend time thinking about how best to apply it, and I make to-do lists, and I check them off. I make it happen.

Afterwards, I spend time reading, studying, and marking two conference talks that are in the recent Ensign. I find myself discovering all kinds of insights and inspiration that are in these talks. I know they are inspired words from leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and they guide me in my life and help strengthen me in areas of my life that I struggle with.

I also spend time on my knees in prayer. The time I spend talking with my Father in Heaven is some of my most treasured time. I wouldn't trade that time for anything. I am so grateful for the times I am able to spend talking with God, and for the help and strength he is able to give me.

Starting this week- I am going to start exercising and getting more in shape. In addition to that, I have registered for an Independent Study Class from BYU, a Doctrine and Covenants class, and started that tonight. I am determined to work hard and do the best I can. I would really like to get an A in the class, and personally, I am SO dang excited to be back in school. With all my friends freaking out about finals, it actually makes me miss taking classes! Therefore, today I registered and spent a couple hours studying D&C and taking notes. I am so psyched to take this class!!

Besides my lifestyle change... I have some medical news for you. First of all, I have a stinking cold. I hate it. I go through a roll of toilet paper for my poor stuffy nose a day. It's ridiculous. Secondly, I have SPLITTING headaches again. The kind that set me off about my brain tumor in the first place. Same location, same pain. But this time, it's a little more sever, and it is a lot more recurring. I took pain medicines, like the one's they gave me in the hospital after my surgery, and guess what?! The PAIN IS STILL THERE! It's kind of irritating actually.

And lastly, I met with my Oncologist today. This is my cancer doctor. She is actually quite fantastic. We discussed treatment options, and when I would start my chemotherapy. I decided it would be best if I started Chemo after the holidays. Personally, I would like to feel nauseous and tired and worn down AFTER Christmas and New Year's. But that's just a personal preference. So, JANUARY 3rd. That is THE day. The day I start Chemotherapy. 5 days on, 3 weeks off. 6 months of therapy. 

And guess what? I have planned when I am going back to Utah. Excited to find out when?? Yeah, you will... eventually! :)

Anyways, that's all for now. More confessions to come.

- J

I Blame the Drugs

I laughed when I realized I had written a blog post on here, especially since I had no recollection of writing on my blog. Actually, I have no real memories of my hospital visit starting with being wheeled away after pre-op until I had visitors Tuesday night. That is two days of NO memories. I am 90% sure that I sent out many texts, and facebook messages while .... intoxicated :) Along with the blog post, but still, I blame the drugs entirely. So please, on behalf of my poor self, I ask for your forgiveness.

Here are snaps taken of my hospital visit:

Anyways, that's all for now. More confessions to come.

- J

That One Time I Got My Tumor Removed

So, I went into the hospital at 9:00 Monday morning where I met with the Surgical Center. I then walked to Radiation, back to the Surgical Center, followed by a walk BACK to the radiation. I got an MRI done, which was supposed to be a short (15 min max) MRI, that instead turned out to be an hour long MRI.... Not good for someone who is super claustrophobic. The nurses brought me to pre-op where they got me hooked up to the IV. After pre-op, I was sent over to Surgery. While I was asleep, they put in a catheter and an artery (iv) in. When I woke up, the catheter was in still, but fortunately, the artery iv was being taken out while I was slightly not really there. Although the catheter was rather painful (especially when someone leaned on it) it came out relatively easy. When I woke up, I looked up and my mother pointed out my Teddy Bear - Harry "Jeremy" Camkn Baker. He had his head wrapped in gauze, all around. And, had a little hospital bracelet. It was adorable. Not gonna lie.

I have been very anxious!! You have no ideaaa. Just now, I was moved into a regular hospital room where I had my nasty (bloody) IV taken out, and my oh my, it just hurts SO much less! Still kills of course, but I can't complain... It DEFINITELY could be a lot worse. But, I can barely keep my eyes open and focus on what I am typing or saying. It's kinda interesting :)

I sent Elder Stokes both a birthday package, and a Christmas day package- how awesome, huh? He better like those packages! In his birthday package, I sent sour candy and a letter, etc. In his Christmas package, there were mints and Christmas bows, and a brand new tie. Which is sweeeet!

So, goodbye Winifred, my dear dear friend. It has been good while It lasted, but I understand we won't be besties forever. It just can't be. Not tumor and me. Not us, not we. So, Freddy, we have to start seeing other people. Me, other boys; You, other tumors or heads. ;)


Let me know if you have any questions, okay?
Anyways, that's all for now- More confessions to come.

- J

BRAIN TUMOR UPDATE

Name: Oligodendroglioma

Grade: 2

Well, the pathology kind of came back. The tumor is an Oligodendroglioma.  It is a stage 2, which is a slow growing tumor.  The oncologist says it could have been there for 6 months, a year, possibly even longer than a year.  This type of tumor often develops from a with a single cell deviance on chromosome #1 or #19. However, there is still a pathology problem --the tests didn't come process correctly.  But the deviance comes from at least one chromosome, either 1 or 19.  It still could be both.  If it is both, the chemo will work much more effectively.

For now, I am scheduled for more brain surgery on Monday afternoon (12:00- just got the call).  I'll have another MRI right before to help guide the neurosurgeon. That means I'll probably have to go into the hospital by 9:30 am. I still have a fair amount of tumor in front of the hole left from the previous surgery, which should come out easily.  Behind the hole is a smaller part of the tumor.  But the tumor appears to be growing that direction. And that direction has critical brain function, unlike in front.  So the neurosurgeon will "push" to get the tumor gone from that part, but without "pushing" too much.  The area between the tumor and leg paralyzation is about 1", so there is a lot of room, he just has to be aggressive, but not too aggressive.  My hospital stay should be only a few days, as before.  (I am expecting to be home Wed-Fri, depending on how I recover, and how I handle the nausea, which is usually my downfall. :)  They will then send new pathology out for testing (NIH) to see if they can get a clearer pathology result.

After I recover for about 3 weeks, I will start chemotherapy.   It is pretty easy, as far as chemo goes. Chemo will be given once a day for about 5 days, then I'll recover for about 3 weeks.  (one month cycle).  This will repeat for 6-12 months.  I should be able to go to school part time or work part time during the chemo, with the understanding that the 5 days on chemo, I will be much sicker than the 3 week recover afterwards. I plan on taking a class or two from NOVA while taking an independent study class from BYU. If Chemo isn't too hard on me, I am aiming to return to Utah in the summer. But, if the Chemo is harsher, and I react poorly, I might not return until next winter semester... And a year away from my home... Kills me.

We love our oncologist and are liking our new neurosurgeon better and better.  They are both listed as one of the best in their fields for the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. My recovery is going great and I am anxious to get this next surgery done quickly.  (One reason we like the doctor.  He really listened to me and adjusted his surgery schedule to fit me in quickly since that is what I wanted....)








So, my old friend Freddy (Winifred) is being taken out in an invasive, slightly risky, surgery. And he is not too happy about it. Heck! If I were being removed piece by piece from my home, I would not be too happy about it. Especially if I was just a baby! And poor Freddy is just so young... He'll have a tough time being away from his mommy, but I'm pretttty sure that his mommy will be better off without him (as sad as that sounds).


Anyways, that's all for now- more confessions to come.


- J

That One Time My Wig Still Fit (And Other Memories)

Molly + Me

 

Molly + Me

Me and Kim Hodgdon

Keva Cochran + Me + Amy Lacrosse

Me + Lindsey Bush

Amy + Me + Keva

 So, worried that the wig may not fit, I put together the perfect outfit for chaperoning Mormon Homecoming (an event that I started a 3 years ago in my senior year of high school when I realized that our school homecomings didn't provide an opportunity for youth with higher standards to have an appropriate outlet):

Diamond Necklace - $35.00 - Cookie Lee (graduation gift from Yazmin Galloway)
White Rampage Pumps - $5.00 - D.I.
Forrest Green Cartigan - $20.00 - Forever 21
Creme Aidan Mattox Dress - $40.00 - Nordstrom Rack
Worthington "Snake Skin" Handbag - $5.00 - Thrifted @ the Thorley Yard Sale

Total 'Cost' of Outfit = 105.00 + tax

Are you thinking that's expensive?? Well, I bought the dress this week- 75% off!! So, it was WELL worth it. Isn't it beautiful?? Well, nice thing about owning as much clothes as I do, is that I always have perfect accessories and clothing to match whatever new clothing item I have purchased. Brilliant, I know. Haha. And for the record, the wig still fit!

Anyways, so I chaperoned MoHoc last night. First I went over to Aimee Hilton's house where I helped the girls get ready. I did Katherine Weigl, Molly, and Ariel Stong's hair. Those girls, along with Aimee, looks beautiful!! Katherine's hair turned out better than I could've ever imagined. It was gorgeous. Amy Lacrosse picked me up from the Hilton Residence and we drove to MoHoc together. Keva soon joined us, and it was so much fun. I also had the opportunity to dance with one of the other chaperones twice. He is the father of one of my good friends from high school and he is an amazing dancer. I asked if he would waltz with me at some point, so he found two songs and we danced to them. The first was long, and a Viennese Waltz, and so you are waltzing twice as fast as usual. It was SO much fun, and I've never danced a Viennese Waltz very well AT ALL, so I was amazed at how well I danced it. I was in perfect form, and I just moved across the floor with pure elegance. People commented afterwards at how beautiful our waltz was, I smiled, and appreciated the compliment. Then another waltz followed half an hour later, and it was shorter and slower, and was just so fun. Overall, a great night!



So, I found these pictures that I haven't posted, so enjoy::

Emily, Miranda, Me

This picture is from a hang out with Jesse Wride + crew after General Conference on Saturday.

Right after I got admitted pre-surgery - November 1 - 5:00 am

Rebecca Carper, Me, Haley VandeMerwe

 

Me, Hannah Marsh, Lisa Rowley

These pictures are random ones from my hospital stay. I was so lucky to have so many amazing friends come visit me. We had over 50 in one night!! How did I get SO DANG LUCKY in regards to my friends. You, my friends, are amazing. Whether you had the time to visit me or not. To all those who've ever supported me- it is you I should thank. And I know I don't say thank you or say it to you personally enough, but know I honestly am so grateful to you. YES YOU! So, thank you. For everything.

Anyways...... That's all for now. More confessions to come.

- J

That One Time I Got My Staples Removed

I've been counting down to today. Today was THE day. The day my stupid staples got removed.

I must admit, two days ago, they started REALLY bugging me. SO, without approval from the parentals or the doctors, I started pulling out my staples. I only got two out before my Father told me not to pull out ANY MORE. He found some gause and medical tape, and covered my incision so that it would not be tempting. Yesterday still bothered me though. I wanted the staples gone SO bad. Fortunately, today my mother drove me up to Connor (sister Katie's husband)'s house and with the handi dandi stapler remover the doctor gave us before leaving the hospital, Connor removed the staples.

The first one was painful. I won't lie. But once Connor figured out the best way to do it, he popped out nearly all of them with only a little pinch. One staple was being difficult and I think he wanted to stay. But despite his fight, Connor took that little bugger and threw him in the trash. Good thing Connor is a real man. I would've felt guilty and let the poor staple stay. Yes, I'm being serious.

My head.... Staples GONE. Gross, I know.

This picture was taken after I spent like 30 minutes carefully cleaning it. The picture below was taken RIGHT after the staples were taken out.

Gross, Huh??

Okay, so despite the painful (probably more painful emotionally than physically) staple removal time, I did get to see my ADORABLE niece Emmeline (Katie & Connor's) and hold her and let me just tell you. Pictures do not do this baby justice. She is just so precious. And no, i'm not just biased because she's my niece. She really is a cute baby. See for yourself:

Mom holding baby Emmeline

Me with Emmeline right before I went home...

So precious.

Anyways, that's all for now. More confessions to come.

- J

That One Time I'm in the ICU

Just admitted in the Hospital

Prepping for the MRI

Post Surgery- Day One ICU

Top of head... You can see the wound...

L-shaped scar!

Feeling like crap in the ICU...

Gourmet Dinner ;)

Day Two - ICU

Trying to smile...

Hospital Room (ICU)

Mom says it looks like a turban... This is me asleep:)

Day Two - ICU... Mom even made me laugh.

So, The surgeon went in and did the biopsy. He removed 10 pieces of the tumor/brain and so he got out most of the tumor. Poor Freddy is almost completely deceased. Poor tumor. He was just getting started on his life, and BAM, dead. Sad day for Freddy.

When I woke up I was MISERABLE. I was in recovery and was confused and emotional and in pain. I kept trying to pull out my breathing tube, but that's all I really remember. Next thing I knew, I was waking up in the ICU and my mommy was there. I woke up a few hours after the surgery and have been doing relatively well considering all that's happened.

My dad called me yesterday and told me not to buy into labels, that even though the doctor had carved a big "L" on my head, didn't make me a loser. My dad is a funny guy.. Speaking of my dad's funny cheesy jokes. Being in the ICU reminded me of the joke my dad would tell us when we were little and how Picabo Street used to work in the Intensive Care Unit, but finally she had to find a new job because every time she'd answer the phone, she'd say "Picabo, ICU" (Picabo, I see you)... HAHA. Oh my daddy:)

Yesterday I had 3 visitors. Jodi Dahl Wilson (my dad's cousin) came first and brought my mom some food, and brought us some things to do. Later on she brought me flowers! They're not allowed in the ICU, but I'll have them in my floor room when I get transferred this morning. Next came Uncle Dave Smith (mom's brother) who was in the neighborhood and stopped by. It was fun to see him. Plus, it gave mom a chance to run downstairs and get my stuff from the car. (Aka, I was FINALLY able to update my facebook status! Ha ha.) Then a little before 9, my friend Jennie (we were friends back in the Annandale Stake in VA) came by and brought me Chunky Monkey! It's one of my favorite ice cream flavors:)

Then at midnight, they took my down to Radiology where they did a CT scan of my brain to see if there was bleeding in the brain- apparently there isn't, so that's good news! This morning I have a splitting headache... A literally head splitting headache. Meaning, my head is split... and in pain. :)

I am pretty up for visitors. I'm exhausted though, so hopefully if you wanna come visit, I'll be awake. But, I've been up and around a little bit- using the bathroom on my own, and functioning pretty well, which is a HUGE miracle cause I am always recovering terribly from surgeries. I seriously consider myself blessed.

Anyways, that's all for now. More confessions to come.

- J

That One Time I Went to the Hospital... More than just a routine check..

By the time most of you read this blog post I will be in the middle of a surgery. I don't know a better way to tell the world what's going on.... So you are the lucky ones who get the first update. At 5:30 am I am admitted into the hospital and after paper work, MRI's, and other prep, I will undergo a minimal 3 hour operation where they will cut into my perfect head, cut through my skull, and dig around in my pre-frontal lobe. Sounds fun, eh? You're thinking "no"? Well, some of us are trying to think positively!

My Hospital Tags

Well, Friday I went in to the hospital for 2 hours where I got branded and had blood tests and an ekg done prior to my admittance. I was told if I removed my bracelets I'd have to pay another 125$ to have the tests redone. Not letting that happen. So, the entire weekend I've felt the bracelets, and seen them, and just been freaked out.

In 4.5 hours I will be in the hospital. Crazy huh??? Wanna know something else crazy? I wasn't allowed to eat after 11:00 pm, so I made some pasta, and even though I finished it going "I feeeeel so full!"As soon as it hit 11, I was instantly starving again because I must admit I love food.

Anyways, more updates to come. But, for now.. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts- they mean a lot to me.

Anyways, that's all for now. More confessions to  come,

- J