Sarah Burchett...

Still no job...

2011-01-18T16:35:00.000-08:00

And COBRA is $512.01 a month for insurance... I think I could be driving a Mercedes for that kind of a payment!!

A summary...

2010-11-29T14:14:00.000-08:00

At the Tower at Rice Eccles

The Wedding Party

My Beautiful Sisters and Bride's Maids!

So, I have been very delinquent at putting up pictures and posting about the wedding. Here is a very sneak peak at the day. We were married at St. Ambrose Catholic Church and the reception was at the Tower at Rice Eccles. It was perfect and beautiful. It was everything I had ever wanted and more. When I get the CD from the photographer, I will put some other pictures up...

I had another MRI Tuesday and met the new Neuro Oncologist. I really like him, and he was really good at re-explaining things we hadn't heard in a while- since the initial diagnosis. I am still looking at MRIs every three months and the possibility of it coming back or never coming back. He says the tumor and all the things I have going for me makes it look like I will be in the category of tumors that re-grow 10-20 after or not at all. Pretty much all good news :)

Terrible at this.

2010-08-09T11:21:00.000-07:00

I really am a terrible blogger. I don't ever update, as I feel my life is boring. Well, right now, I suppose I am anything but boring. First off, I guess I can tell the world I am unemployed. I was "voluntarily terminated" from the PICU due to time management. It was felt that my time management was not coming along as quickly as needed in an ICU setting, and perhaps that skill would best be cultivated and developed in a less acute floor and situation. The problem with that is, there are no positions available on the floor. I am desperate for a job right about now. It has been about 3 weeks since I last worked and I am stressed beyond belief. I need insurance- desperately! Brain cancer as a pre-exsisting is a no go. Plus, there is that whole, I am getting married and wanting to live with my husband. I can't afford to move out if I don't have a job! Ultimatly, I am devistated to not be working in the PICU. It had been my dream job since I started working there. I was given my dream job, and then was told I am not ready for it, and it was taken away. I feel like I failed. I am not good enough for the ICU and I am not good enough for any job. I am just trying to keep my head up and find a new job. Any way, I'll leave the pitty party here, and move on. I am very excited to be married to Zack. The plans are coming slowly but surely. The engagement photos have been taken- a little late, but better than never! And the party planning is in full swing. I am just hoping it all works out.

I DO~

2010-03-29T19:51:00.000-07:00

Well, it is true. After three and a half years, I am engaged!! It happened February 26th in Disneyland. Zack had given me a Disneyland Vacation for my nursing school graduation in January. I didn't even suspect that trip would also be an engagement trip! The first day in Disneyland, he had made a big deal about wanting to make sure we were at the Castle for fireworks (my favorite!). I just assumed he wanted to be there because he knew I love Disneland, I love the Castle, and I LOVE fireworks. Turns out, he wanted to propose near the Castle and with the fireworks going on. Well.... there was high winds at high elevations, so the fireworks were canceled that night. He decided to go ahead and propose any way. He told me he had found me a present in one of the stores and pulled it out of his jacket. It was a little Tinker Bell jewelry box. I opened it, and at the bottom I saw a button that said "Just Engaged." (Right now, in Disneyland, they are all about Celebrations! You can get a button that announces what you are celebrating, like your birthday, your first visit, etc.) my first reaction to the button, was... What a butt!! He is making fun of me! He is going to laugh and say "one day you can wear this!" I shut the box and was looking up, when I heard "Sarah Elizabeth..." and I thought "oh great, here comes the teasing" but then I heard "will you marry me?" and saw him down on one knee. I said, "WHAT??!!" He stood up quickly and said, "Don't you want to spend the rest of your life with me?" and I said, "Are you serious?!" He said, "Didn't you see the ring?" I said, "There is a ring in there?!" Sure enough, there was the ring we had looked at in the jewlers before Christmas, placed around Tink's body. It was the kind of jewlery box/music box where tink pops up and spins around. I put the ring on, gave him a big hug, started laughing, and kept asking, "Are you serious?" and "Is this for real??" He kept saying "Yes, it is!" He finally pulled back a little bit, and said "So, it that a yes?" To which I replied, "YES! A thousand times it's a yes!" I just really didn't believe it was really happening! So, now, the wedding is scheduled for Saturday, September 18th at St. Ambrose. The rest of the details are still being worked out... stay tuned for more!

Abby Normal....

2010-01-15T22:56:00.000-08:00

So... I am beginning to realize that I really like to play the abnormal game. Think of anything that only happens to a select few people. and chances are... It will hppen to me. At least when it comes to health and medical issues. The latest and the greatest is hyperthyroidism. I had a physical today, (my first one since Girl Scout camp...) and after looking at my labs that were drawn at the beginning of the week, she informed me my T4 was high and TSH is low. Thyroid disorders are relatively common, however 80% of people have hypothyroidism... lucky me. I get the rarer kind. Basically, my thyroid (a gland in your neck that regulates important body functions like metabolism) is secreting too many thyroid hormones. The connection between my brain and my thyroid is not working. Lame. At this point, I am not even sure what this even meens for me. I have an appointment with an endochrinologist on the 21st to really figure out what is wrong and what to do about it. The dr. says since I had head ratiation, I am at higher risk for thyroid cancer, that could be a reason behind the hyperthyroid. However, the neuro-oncologist nurse at Huntsman said she has never seen any one have thyroid cancer from radiation. I hope that is not a chalange to my abnormal body...

On a happier note, I am done with finals for nursing school this friday, and have started training for a new nursing job in the PICU at Primary's. New job title, new pay check, old place, and old friends. I am so happy that things all worked out and I am able to start in the PICU. There was a consirn that it might not work out, but the planets aligned (and I think people fought for me) and it has all worked out. I could not be more excited, or more terrified. As a tech, when things get tough, I can leave the room or find someone else to help... Not really any more! I am excited to begin the training and become more skilled at taking care of really sick kids. I have loved my job as a tech and I can't wait to learn more as a nurse! I feel like this is a big girl job. I have had a real job for a while, but this is a grown-up one. One I needed a degree for!!

~me

Another MRI...

2009-08-03T19:20:00.000-07:00

Another boring doctors appointment. Nothing to report, and that is just the way I like it! Next one is the end of September... expect more of the same. At least I do!

If you are looking for something to do this Saturday, you could go to the Farmer's Market, OR come to Snowbird for Survivors at the Summit. It is sponsored by the Cancer Wellness House as a tribute to those who have been diagnosed with cancer. I plan on being there to celebrate those in my life who are also dealing with cancer, and those who have helped me up my cancer mountain. With out each and every one of you, it would not have been possible! The website for more information is www.cancer-wellness.org.

Here is some info I got off the website:

EVENT INFORMATION

Create, join, or sponsor an individual or team to hike the scenic summit of Snowbird's Hidden Peak at the 13th annual Survivors at the Summit event on Saturday, August 8, 2009. An inspirational event benefiting the Cancer Wellness House, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free programs to those living with cancer and their family and friends.

A day dedicated to recognizing and celebrating courage and determination, Survivors at the Summit is an opportunity for anyone whose life has been affected by cancer and all those who have lost a loved one to cancer to come together for a day of outdoor adventure, entertainment and camaraderie.

JOURNEYS HIKE

This hiking journey is a representation of the many challenges faced throughout the cancer experience and the triumphs experienced upon reaching a "personal summit" when living with cancer. Hikers trek in celebration of the spirit of determination, survivorship, inspiration and reverence of those living with cancer and those whose lives have been shortened by cancer.

Guided Hikes leave every 15 minutes from 8:00am to 9:30am for the 3.5 mile hike that gains 3,000 vertical feet. This is an intermediate-advanced hike. For those unable to hike, tram rides are available.

CEREMONY OF LIFE

Join the Celebration of Life ceremony at the top of Hidden Peak beginning at 12:30pm with a guest speakers, survivor tributes, musical numbers and celebration. Afterwards, enjoy a free tram ride down to the Snowbird Plaza.

TRIBUTE FLAGS

A sea of Survivors at the Summit commemorative flags will welcome hikers at the summit of Hidden Peak. Tribute flags honor loved ones who have faced the challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis. These personalized flags are displayed atop the peak to meet hikers and fly proudly in the wind during the Celebration of Life ceremony. Personalized flags can be purchased for $20 on our website.

PANCAKES ON THE PLAZA

Again this year, the Cancer Wellness House Board of Directors and Associated Foods want to personally thank all of our sponsors, donors, hikers, members, survivors, and families by presenting Pancakes on the Plaza. From 8:00am to 11:00am, volunteers team up with Snowbird's chefs to offer steaming plates of pancakes to hikers, tram-riders, sponsors, and other participants to fuel their journey to the top of the peak. Breakfast tickets can be purchased at the event for $4 per person.

PRIZE AND GEAR GIVEAWAY

Local and national companies have donated exciting prizes to the Survivors at the Summit Prize and Gear Giveaway. Prizes include lodging, recreational activities, outdoor gear, and gift certificates. Tickets can be purchased throughout the summer for $3 per ticket or 5 tickets for $10. The raffle will be held the Monday after the event August 10. Winners do not have to be present to win. To purchase tickets, visit our website www.cancer-wellness.org or call 801-236-2294.

For more information about this event, to become a corporate sponsor or learn more about Cancer Wellness House programs, visit our website www.cancer-wellness.org or call 801.236.2294.

A house of hope, Cancer Wellness House is a nonresidential community offering free emotional and social support to children, teens, men and women affected by cancer. With laughter, friendship, support and hope, Cancer Wellness House provides support groups, education, physical well-being classes, and social events.

Maybe I will see you there!

RAIN OR SHINE!!!!!!!

2009-06-13T14:22:00.000-07:00

If you have looked outside today you might be wondering about our party......

WE WILL BE IN THE CAFETERIA!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please come on over! See you at six! Come rain or shine!!

Party time!!

2009-06-10T21:29:00.000-07:00

A Party for the Burchett's. If you have not been formally invited, this is your invitation.

This Saturday night at Judge Memorial on the Beach (650 S. 1100 E.) from 6-10 there will be music, BBQ, and fun! Please come!! Call with questions!

364 Days...

2009-06-09T16:40:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow it will have been one year since I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I don't really know how to feel about that. It is just weird. Sometimes when I think about the last year, it feels like it all happened last week, and other times it feels like a whole lifetime ago. I guess in a way it has been a whole lifetime ago. So much has changed, and it changed literally over night. I went to sleep the night before finals, and woke up with a brain tumor. I woke up from surgery paralyzed on the right side. I was diagnosed with cancer and was treated with radiation and chemo. I have struggled through physical therapy to regain most of the function on my right side. I lost my hair and had it (mostly) grow back curly, thin in some spots. I learned a lot this past year, too. I learned the power of positive thinking and prayer. I learned to fear the unknown, grasp that fear, and give it up to God. You have to let someone else have your fear in life. However, it is important to have a firm grasp on your fears before you can give them up. Wallow in fear, unknown, and uncertainty. Then, when you cannot hold yourself up any longer, lean on someone else. I am not sure what I would have done with out my entire support team to lean on. Weather I know you or not, if you thought about me, prayed for me, sent a card, sent flowers, sent love; you allowed me to lean on you and lift myself up to continue on, to fight cancer, and win, to walk, and skip... kind of. To everyone, family, friends, acquaintances, I give you my most deep, sincere, and heart-felt appreciation and eternal gratitude. I know without all of this, I would not have made it to this point. I am back at work with a new sense of duty and pride, to make a hospital stay just that much better. I am six months away from graduating as an RN. I am cancer free (!) with scans that haven't changed much since after surgery. I am alive, but more importantly I am living. I have to also thank those people at the U of U hospital and Huntsman Cancer Hospital who physically helped heal me were there to fight with me. There are way to many of you to list, but I believe you know who you are.

THANK YOU!!!!

Pictures!

2009-05-14T23:44:00.000-07:00

So I don't really know what I am doing with this, but here are a few pictures; some older, some newer. Sorry it took forever.

In case you can't tell, my hair has grown back crazy curly! It was quite straight before, and not it is out of control! It is interesting having curly hair, and some days I love it, while others I hate it. Over all, it is not bad, and it is nice to not have to do my hair in the morning!

We went as a family to Portland to see Mary graduate from University of Portland. She graduated in organizational communications, and is hoping to find a job with a non-profit organization. She is interning for American Cancer Society this summer and living in Portland. So, if you are interested in running the Portland marathon and raising money for ACS, give her a call!

Laura is home for the summer nannying for two boys, and Emily is counting down the days until Uganda. I am just trying to make it through finals and this semester of nursing school. It has been busy around our house for sure!

My next scan/ appointment is May 27th. The last one looked GREAT, and I have not been doing any treatments since then. I shouldn't have any more ever (knock on wood!!) because my scan looked so good. Thanks for the continued thoughts and prayers! I will try and get more up soon!

MRI Results

2009-04-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

Everything looks good! No changes since the surgery even, according to the radiologist. All good things! Yay! Next MRI will be on May 27th (Mary's birthday) and I start back at PT next Tuesday. I am ready to start and hopefully walk better! Sorry this is short, I have lots of stuff for school I did not do this weekend... bummer! Happy Holy Week to all, and Happy Easter on Sunday!

Sarah

Just a quick hello~

2009-03-23T21:23:00.000-07:00

I had an MRI today, but no doctor's appointment. Apparently my neuro oncologist took a leave of absence, so I am seeing someone new next week. He couldn't see me today, so next Tuesday morning, I see a new doctor. The scan went well I guess. I had worked last night, and I only slept from 7:30 to 9:30 this morning. I think I slept through it, but I don't know how well you can sleep when it sounds like your head is in a tin can and someone is beating it with a bat. Any way, I really need to get my careplan done for clinicals tomorrow. Once a week I go to a hospital to learn and practice skills in an actual setting instead of "pretend" in the skills lab at school. Stay tuned for results from the scan next week. ~Sarah

The girls...

2009-03-04T19:21:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Hello everyone! Laura and I are the co-captains of a Relay for Life team this year. Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraiser. Every year they raise millions of dollars for cancer research and advocacy. This year our team, made up of our friends and roommates, will be walking continuously for 18 hours around the University of Portland’s academic quad to raise awareness, honor survivors, and remember loved ones.

We decided we would walk in honor of Sarah, our wonderful sister who has been such an inspiration to us as she has courageously battled cancer.

The biggest part of Relay is fundraising. Which is where you all come in. To make the stakes a little higher, Laura has decided to sacrifice her beautiful thick locks of hair for cancer research. That’s right, if we raise $5,000 Laura will shave her head!!

If you want you can make a payment online at our personal fundraising website go to: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/Sarah.Burchett

However, if money is tight, we would love for you put up a jar at home or in your place of work to collect spare change for our team.

We hope this letter finds you happy and healthy and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

-Laura and Mary

P.S. PLEASE FORWARD TO ANYONE YOU KNOW WHO MAY BE INTERESTED!

(From Sarah: I am so lucky to have such great cheerleaders/sisters. Please don't feel any obligation to donate. My Grandpa Colburn will not be donating.... He does not want Laura to shave her head!!)

Finally...

2009-03-04T18:58:00.000-08:00

I am really bad at updating this, sorry!! So. I finished my last round of chemo (knock on wood) for ever (knock on wood)!! This last one really kicked my butt. I was really nauseous and it lasted about three days after the last dose. I think Thursday I was able to eat a whole meal. So, now I just get routine scans. I have one on March 24th, and then I think I will know how often I will go in for MRIs. Hopefully it will be every three months for a while, if they stay the same (which they have been since after surgery). I can't believe that this might be the end! It is almost a scary experience. I find a little bit of comfort in being a patient in treatment. It is comforting to know that I am not 100% in control of my cancer. There are man other people fighting for and with me to get me back to health. Well, now I am in charge. I know there are still resources at Huntsman, and I can always call/go up there if I have questions, but I am no longer in treatment. It is just a scary/ ominous feeling. I guess ultimately, I feel like if I am in treatment, there is not much of a chance there is going to be any developments or new things on my scans. If I am on my own, there is a much higher likelihood it could come back. The doctors won't say it won't ever come back. but they don't exactly say I won't ever have to deal with this again. In fact, it seems like they are expecting it to come back at some point in time. BUT. I have to stay positive. I cannot let fear and worry overcome me. There is too much stuff to worry about that is here and in my control. School for example. I really should be studying...

Bowl for Kid's Sake

2009-01-24T13:47:00.000-08:00

The Utah chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters annual fund-raiser "Bowl for Kid's Sake" is a way to have fun, and support kids. Bowling teams are formed to raise money, and then on Saturday, February 28th, the bowling teams get to bowl. I have joined a team, and am now trying to raise money for my team. All of the money raised goes towards helping little brothers and sisters find a big. It helps off set the screening costs for the volunteers. All donations are 100% tax-deductible. To make a donation to my team, you can go to the Big Brothers Big sisters of Utah website (www.bbbsu.org) and scroll down the page until you see the Bowl for Kid's Sake banner. Clicking on this gets you to the home page. Under visitors, you click on "sponsor participant." Then you put my name in, and it takes you to my donation page. Doing it on-line gives you a receipt for tax deduction purposes. My goal is $100, so any amount can help. Thank you in advance, for even considering donating. Then, if you need a laugh, come to Fat Cat's on Feb. 28th and watch me bowl. It is very funny!

A picture

2009-01-20T11:54:00.001-08:00

This is the MRI from last Tuesday. The left side is the newest and the right side is the older one. The stuff in the middle of the hole is most likely a blood clot that just hasn't dissolved yet. So, yes, I am an airhead, and I do have a hole in my head!!

Yahoo!!

2009-01-18T12:32:00.000-08:00

The news: I had an MRI on Tuesday. The doctors said the scans look great! Just the same as the last ones, if not a tiny bit better. So, the plan for chemo was discussed. I reacted to temodar last round, and didn't finish the round. The neuro oncologist was very pleased with this new scan and felt good about possibly stopping chemo all together! He said one option was using a different chemo for the next two rounds to get to 6 months of treatment. I have decided to try the new pills for at least one month, since I didn't finish last month's round. If I am OK with the new chemo- minimal side effects- then we will do a second round to get to 6 months. For brain tumors more advanced than mine, the standard of treatment is 6 months. There is no research to say getting me to 6 months is vital to getting rid of the cancer. There is also no research to say not getting me to 6 months will have any negative effects. So, I am on the last day of this round of new chemo. I have been very tired and lacking an appetite. This chemo has more side effects than temodar, but I am not itchy at all!! Hivey (my one hive on my belly) has not come back, and now he is just a scar! YAY!! I will take sleeping 14 hours a day and only eating toast and sprite any day. The shemo I am on now has two parts to it. One part is taken for five days in the morning, the other is taken on the fifth day at night. So, tonight I will take the second part, and this is when more side effects will show up. The oncologists told me to really stay on top of the nausea, because it could be really bad. I guess we'll see tonight how effected I am! So, the next decision is weather or not to do another month of this stuff, or call it good. I am leaning toward just being done...

It is hard to believe I am at the end of the treatment road. It has been a long and crazy road. I will still have MRIs frequently for the rest of my life, and there is still the chance I may have to deal with this at some point in my life again, but I most likely will be a long time before it shows up again.

OK mom...

2009-01-05T18:57:00.001-08:00

I told her I would for sure make a new post tonight because she took my dishes to the sink. So, mom I am doing it! I haven't updated in a while because I never feel like I have anything that interesting to say. I can't believe there are still people that like to read this!! :) I know you are out there, so here I am...

Our holidays here were great! We had a lot of fun with family both living here and those who came to visit. The girls were all in town, though Mary left to go back before New Years. She thought she could have more fun up there... what ev! Well, in reality the family she babysits for in Portland wanted her to babysit, so she went back up to make some money. Lame! (Niss you, Mare!) Our family got a Wii for Christmas, including a Wii Fit, so we have been enjoying that a lot!! It is really fun, and seems to actually help my leg a little. The Wii Fit has balance games, and other activities that get me moving. It is actually fun to work out! Good thing since Ballys in UT went bankrupt and closed their clubs here. However, there are still Ballys open in the rest of the country, so they so graciously upgraded my membership to include "locations from coast to coast." (That is what the letter I received today said.) Hopefully my email to Ballys will work, and they will cancel my membership! I can't go to California just to work out!! Though, that would be fun! Too bad I don't have a personal pilot...

School started again today for all of us in Utah- Mom, Dad, Emily, and I. Laura is here until Saturday. They don't start classes until next Monday! Lucky girls!! It is fun to have her home still, but I never see her! She is such a social girl. She has too many friends that want to see her and hang out, she never seems to have time for little ol' me!

I have an MRI next week, and we will be discussing chemo. I got so itchy last cycle! I started steroids as well as the same anti-histamine I had been on previously, but still on day three, I was beyond miserable!! I called the doctor on-call at 11:30pm and told him my story (while trying not to burst into tears) and he told me to not take my next two doses, and take some Benedryl. I was finally able to relax and get to sleep! I let my neuro oncologist know, and he said we would discuss the plan of action at my next appointment. I don't really know what they are going to say. I need to get to six months of cycles to make it to the recommendation of the oncologists, and the standard of treatment for brain tumors. In an ideal world, they want me to make it to a year! So, I need two more cycles to complete the six months of treatments. Tune in next time for what happens next!!

Thank you for continuing to care, and read this thing. Know I feel the thoughts and prayers still! It keeps me going!!

Hello!

2008-12-11T19:57:00.000-08:00

Well, the semester is about half over, so that is exciting. I am actually doing well- I guess there is something to be said about being in classes I am excited about. There is also something about the need to know the information for life, not just for a test. I start clinicals next Friday at a rehab center- I know a little about being in one of those!

My hair is growing a lot! It is almost all the way in- I only have two bald spots right now. Granted, the spot in the back is large, it still only counts as one. I am going to try and start using Rogain, who knows if it works. I figure it can't hurt!!

I am back at work, and doing 12 hour shifts!! What an idiot I am!! I am really happy to be working again though. I am able to see more and apply more to nursing school. I get out of the house, and get to hangout with my work friends. Plus, I have met a few kids with brain tumors, and introduced myself to their families. I hope by sharing my story I can give them hope and support. There are other people who can relate to their situation, and have made it through. My favorite quote right now is "The purpose of life is not to wait for the storm to pass, it is learning to dance in the rain." Well, it has been a down pour lately, and I am dancing!! I want to teach these families my dance, and show them it is possible to do so, despite what is happening in their world.

Any way, the girls come home this weekend! YAY! I am excited to see them. It should be a fun Burchett girls Christmas!

A little update...

2008-11-24T18:33:00.000-08:00

So, my MRI was great~ no changes, and if anything, things looked "smaller." There was a spot on the last scan they noted and were watching, but it was gone on this scan. So all good news. Back on chemo, and all signs point to the whole year. This time it has been tough. I haven't been nearly as nauseated or pukey, but I get SOOO itchy after taking chemo! I have an anti-histamine I was prescribed, and it has sort of stopped working. In nursing school, I learned that is called "tolerance." Sorry, I couldn't resist! Anyway, I think I would rather be nautious than crazy itchy! It makes me CRAZY! Plus the anti-histamine should make me drowsy, but it hasn't been able to make me fall asleep because of the itches! One more day of this crap, so hopefully I will survive!

~Sarah

A few prayers...

2008-11-17T20:32:00.000-08:00

1. Tomorrow is a check-in day. I don't think of it as a check up, because that makes me think I still have something the doctors are following. A check-in is just to catch up on what's been going on in my life. MRI is at 12:45, and then I will meet with radiation oncology at 3:00pm. I was supposed to see the neuro team tomorrow too, but they had to reschedule until Wednesday.

2. For my Colburn Family. My mom's aunt is now living in heaven. It is a phrase and way of thinking I have adopted since I have been working at a children's hospital. I don't like saying they have died, instead I think of it as living in heaven. She is going to California for the funeral and will have to miss the check in with the neuro team. So an extra prayer for her, she is sad about missing that meeting.

Thanks for all of the thoughts and prayers tomorrow and all the time. They are always felt and appreciated.

~Sarah

A golden ticket...

2008-11-13T20:03:00.000-08:00

If you are not familiar with the non-profit organization called "Invisible Children" you should become familiar. Basically, it is a group of fairly young guys who wanted to go to Africa and find a story. They ended up in Northern Uganda and discovered the stories of children who live in a war-torn country where they have to fight to survive. They have made it their mission to help the children of Uganda to have a better future. Invisible Children wanted to make sure the youth in the United States who had raised money, collected books, and put on the most creative fundraisers could go to Uganda to see what their efforts are doing. Well, this year, they have another way to win a trip. If you purchase the DVD "Go" from their website or during their road tour of high schools and colleges around the country, and find one of three golden tickets, you also are going to Uganda. The road crew came to Judge, Emily bought a DVD, and there was a golden ticket in it!!! I cannot even believe it is true . She is beyond excited. She had heard of the organization last year, and had been dreaming about going for the whole year. She made it her life goal to go to Africa to help children. Well, big dreams do come true! Check out the videos on line. One is at ksl.com, I searched for Emily Burchett and hers was the only one that came up. If you missed the newscast, the video is up on line. Then, on invisiblechildren.com, under media, and then videos, scroll down a little and there should be a box with a golden ticket. That one is really good! I am very proud of my tiny sister, who at 16 will travel farther that I have. Congratulations, Em!!

All dressed up~

2008-11-10T18:09:00.000-08:00

I still have yet to get the pictures up. There were so many on my camera, I maxed out my memory on my laptop and I didn't even get them all uploaded! Lame. So, here is one from my phone (a fancy iPhone I love lots!) from my friends Wes and Meghan's wedding this weekend. It was a beautiful event at Millcreek Inn. Zack was one of the groom's men, so he had to clean up a bit :) My mom found the great hat the morning of the wedding. It was perfect! Zack had even suggested a hat, "like you would wear to go to the races" (his words!). Sure enough, she found one!

I'll keep working on the pictures, but three tests this week have kept me busy! I guess studying is important!

Thanks for your continued concern, love, and prayers. I have an MRI and drs appointments next Tuesday, the 18th. So all the positive vibes are appreciated. Lots of love, Sarah

Humm

2008-10-25T18:14:00.000-07:00

I guess it is about time for a post. I think it has been long enough. So, an update....

1. I started classes again. Good and bad. I am excited to be back in the nursing program and working toward an end goal. Yay! But school is just not always fun. Classes are just two days a week, but alllllllll day long. 8:30 to 5 or 6pm. Boo.

2. I started back at the hospital. I am really happy to be back working. I have missed all my work friends, and all the walking I do around the unit has been good on my leg. I feel like I am walking better, and the limp is less prominent. I got kicked out of the PT club- I forget if I mentioned that... I got 30 days of PT from insurance When those 30 days were up, insurance did not want to continue paying even though my therapists though I could benefit from about 30 days more! So I haven't been in PT. I have been trying to do the exercises on my own. I have also been trying to get up to Bally's to workout and go to a yoga class or something, but I find so many excuses for not going. So, if anyone wants to join me, a gym buddy makes it easier to want to go!!

3. My hair is growing!!!!!!!!! There is a little peach fuzz in patches here and there, but it is progress. I was starting to think that it would never grow back. The oncologist told me to wait about 3 months and it was fast closing in on the three month mark. I was getting nervous!!! But there is growth.

4. The girls came for a visit. Their fall break was a full week, so Mary and Laura drove here with two of Mary's house-mates, Hannah and Kathy. It was fun to see all four of them again. We had lots of fun, and even found time to get a family Christmas card picture done. It turned out really cute, actually, despite all our protests. My mom was dead set on this happening, so she got the photographer at Snowbird to do the pictures. We did them up Little Cottonwood Canyon, and we had to hike up the steepest trail ever for about a mile before we got to the little clearing in the woods the photographer had chose. Ok, I exaggerate. We did have to hike, but the trail was up a hill a little ways, and it was hard with a bum leg. I did make it, but I whined the whole way.

I think that is about it. Sorry it took a year and a half to post anything new. Oh, I did find the picture chord thing so hopefully I can get some pictures up here!

Blood work...

2008-10-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

I am supposed to get my blood drawn routinely on chemo, just in case any of my counts go down. There is a small chance that will happen, but it is a chance none the less. So, yesterday was
my day to get labs done. It was uneventful. They don't usually say anything, because it has always been fine. So no news is good news in this case. I finally have all the paperwork signed to go back to work, so hopefully that will be soon! That is about all that is new. I am still hanging in there, I don't really have anywhere else to be!

Happy Birthday, Laura!!

2008-09-24T11:33:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to wish my little sister, Laura a happy birthday! She turns the big 2-0 today. So not a teenager any more! I love you, Laura!!

Eating again...

2008-09-23T09:17:00.001-07:00

Well, I guess I can safely say, chemo stays in a person's system for 48 hours. Last night at 10:00 pm I all of the sudden felt better. I was STARVING, and wanted a cheeseburger. I bugged Zack enough that he took me to McDonalds and got me one of their dollar burgers. I ate half! Not the whole thing, but I figure as my first meal in two and a half days, it was pretty good! Maybe not the best choice, but none the less. I had been eating some peaches my dad brought home from work, and drinking gatorade, so I thought McDonalds was the obvious next step! On a different note: My friend Becca brought me some shampoo that is supposed to stop hair loss, and help restore hair growth, so I am going to try it. I'll let you know if it works, and the name of the product... I can't remember it right now!

~Sarah

Whew...

2008-09-20T14:35:00.000-07:00

This chemo thing is kicking my butt right now! I can totally tell it is more than twice the dose as the last time. Tonight is my last dose for a few weeks, and I am so ready to be done! It has really run me down and just in the last 24 hours it has been hard to keep much down. So, I have been drinking gatorade and Jamba Juice. That is about all that sounds good! One more dose!! I can make it!!! Then I think about 11 more months of this. But, I can't let myself think that far. I am focusing on getting through this one. That is tough enough! Right now, I am just enjoying some Gatorade, the rain, and the Utah game. Well, I would be enjoying the game more if we weren't down!

~Sarah

I mixed it up...

2008-09-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

In that picture of the MRI, the left side is actually the one from the other day, and the right side is the one post-op. Sorry!

Yay!!

2008-09-17T13:28:00.000-07:00

So, the MRI looked really good! It was exactly how the doctors would have wanted and expected. This is a picture of the scan. The right side is the scan from yesterday, and the left is the scan from 24 hours after surgery. The top pictures look at the tumor, and the bottom looks at swelling. Any scan I get from here on out will always show that there was something there at one time, so the fact that there is a little spot is not bad. The surgical site looks smaller, and there is less swelling than before. It was so encouraging! I was even told that I might be cancer free as I sat before them, but the radiation oncologist wanted to see more scans before he really said that. So, now I get another round of chemo. The neuro oncologists are not convinced that I am truly allergic to the chemo. I am on a different anti-nausea med, well just the actual brand name, not the generic brand. So far so good! I will have five days in a row of a higher dose of chemo for five days in a row every month for maybe the next year. The doctors think we should be as aggressive as we can because I am so young and previously healthy. I might have been OK with out getting any more chemo, but why risk the unknown? So, now I am just doing chemo this week, and will go back to work next week when I am done with this round. That way if I do react, I don't have to worry about work. I am actually excited to go back. I miss all the people there and it will be nice to have something to do during the days. Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers about the scans. It is looking up!!

~Sarah

Long time no post!

2008-09-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I am back in SLC, on a wonderfully rainy day. The whole time I was in Portland, it rained once. The temperatures were warm, there were at least two days of highs of 84! It was so beautiful, but I was ready for a break from the heat, and a little rain. Humm, I guess I had to come home for that!

First things... I still have yet to find the cord, but I got some pictures on a CD from Costco, so here are some from my last radiation.

Some of the entourage that came that day. The boyfriend, my aunt, some cousins, a sister, and an almost sister.
Outside with the limo! And some balloons.

Inside the limo.

A Toast! We got some champagne and sparkling cider to celebrate.

The Limo ended up at the Cheesecake Factory- one of my favorite places- for dinner. It was such a fun way to celebrate the end. So, now next Tuesday is the MRI, and then... who knows! I am still enjoying the break. Today I can legally drive again. It has been three months to the day since I had a seizure and this crazy summer began. It is really weird to think about all that has happened and all I did in three months. Just weird.

I got back from Portland Monday. It was so much fun to see Mary and Laura. Zack went with me, and we drove up to Port Angeles, WA where his parents recently moved. It is such a beautiful part of the country, and one I had never visited before. I had such a great time with them. Lots of fun sights and great company! Then it was back to Portland, but we went a little different way. We drove down the coast and stopped in Forks. It is where the Twilight series books are set. I felt like a teenager as I dragged Zack around and told him all about the books as if the characters actually lived in the town! It was a fun little detour.

Back in Portland, we hung out and took in the city, and then on Sunday we went to the coast. It was in the 80's that day, and not a cloud in the sky! The beach was packed and if not for Haystack Rock, I would have sworn we were in California! The beach was full of people, and there was a wedding setting up. It would have been a perfect day for a beach wedding!

Now its back to Utah. I am slowly setting up my room here in my parent's house. Well, my house again. It is coming along. I am still doing PT and OT, and I actually feel that my walking is getting better! It is not perfect, but I am finally feeling like it is getting better. Hopefully soon I can get the pictures up soon!

Take care all!
~Sarah

Hello!

2008-08-26T21:57:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! There is nothing new to report, but I just wanted to let everyone know that. All is well on the home front. I am going to go back to work after my MRI on the 16th of Sept. Just some little half shifts here and there, but something to keep me busy. I want to upload the pictures from my last day of radiation- I had a limo pick me up at Huntsman and take us out to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner- how ever I need to locate the cord that transfers pictures to my computer. I know I have it somewhere. I found it a few weeks ago and put it in a safe place so I would have it when I need it... I just don't remember where that safe place is. Any way, hopefully I can get those up soon!

~Sarah

I'm done!

2008-08-19T10:27:00.000-07:00

My last day of radiation was yesterday. I am done! It has really flown by, I can't believe that I have spent about seven weeks at Huntsman. Now I am not really sure what to do with my days! The girls are back in school, so I can't play with them. PT is only twice a week, so that leaves three other week days where I have nowhere to be! It is weird. I was going 300 mph before I found out I had a tumor. I was full time in school and working full time, trying to find time to study and still hang out with my friends. It was great, and I enjoyed it all. Then I slowed down to about 100 mph trying to beat cancer. After I was discharged, I had therapy and radiation Monday through Friday. I had all my sisters here to hang out with, and be entertained by. Now, it's just Emily and I... maybe I could convince her to not go back to school and just hang out with me. She does really like her friends at school, so it might be a long shot. My classes start back up in October, and my leave at work ends September 3rd. Slowly but surely, life is getting back to "normal." For now, I am just working on moving home, getting my hair to grow, and looking forward to a trip to see the girls in Portland with a detour to Port Angeles to see my boyfriend Zack's parents, who just moved up there. I am excited to get away and have a vacation!

I really cannot put into words the love and gratitude I have towards everyone who has supported me and my family through this whole ordeal. The cards, phone calls, thoughts, prayers, meals, treats, visits, parties, donations, and well wishes have gotten me through and helped me be as strong as I can be. Weather I have known you for my whole life, or have never met you, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

~Sarah

Whew!

2008-08-14T10:26:00.000-07:00

After six days of yuck, a course of steroids, anti-hystimine, and LOTS of sleep, I am finally feeling about 95% better! The itching and hives are almost gone! I still have a few patches here and there, but SO much better than yesterday. It is getting close to the end, and I cannot believe it! My last day of radiation is Monday. So crazy how quickly it has gone! Thank you to every one who has done anything for myself, my family, or on my behalf. It is because of all the thoughts, prayers, and well wishes that I am where I am today!

~Sarah

Not bed bugs...

2008-08-11T18:10:00.000-07:00

But I wish it was that easy! Last night, my bottom lip, and my hands started to swell up. This morning, when I woke up, it had gotten much worse, and by 11:30, my upper lip was swollen too. It hurt to walk because my feet were swollen, and I had started breaking out in hives. I went into the hospital early for my radiation treatment so I could try and see the doctor. My temp was a little high, low fever, and my heart was beating a lot faster than normal. So the doctor saw me, and said he was 98% sure this was an allergic reaction to the chemo. Super. So... I am now on a six-day course of steroids to get the swelling and itching under control. So far so good. The swelling is coming down, and I am not even a little bit as itchy as before. I won't take any more chemo for the time being, I am really only missing two scheduled doses, and a possible few more to last until the last day of radiation. The radiation oncologist is not worried. If I ever need this kind of chemo again, I will most likely just get steroids the entire time to keep the allergy from getting out of control. Not too bad I guess. Now that I stopped the chemo, hopefully the nausea will go away too. The pharmacist said I might feel really hungry with the steroids, I thought GOOD! I haven't really eaten more than a piece of toast in about 48 hours because nothing sounds good, and I usually just throw it up. So hopefully things will be getting better. I guess anything weird that can happen will happen to me! I seem to have the wrong kind of luck when it comes to brain tumors! Thank you for the prayers!

~Sarah

blah

2008-08-10T12:53:00.001-07:00

Well, I think all this chemo and radiation stuff is finally catching up with me. The last few days I have been really tired and just not feeling well. I sleep tons, nap for hours, and drink a lot of gatorade. My skin is really itchy, and my hands are stiff too! I keep thinking there must be bead bugs, but I don't think that is the case! Not bad, though, if I can make it this far before I feel yucky. I have my 44th treatment of chemo on the 12th and my 33rd treatment of radiation on the 18th! In other words, I am almost done! The end is in sight. I can make it!

~Sarah

WOW!!!

2008-08-06T20:47:00.000-07:00

I cannot express enough thanks for everyone who came out to the Woodshed this weekend. It was such a fun night full of great friends and faces I hadn't seen in a long time. The generosity of everyone who came and the love and support I felt was so humbling for my family and I that truly cannot find words to describe it all. It was just amazing! I cannot say enough about Katie Limberakis who ultimately was the brains of the whole operation. If you ever need anyone to put together a fund raiser, let her know! She was able to pull it all off without even breaking a sweat! So many of the people I have gone to school with since first grade and beyond were there to support me. It was such a blast to be with people from High School and elementary school. The Judge community is such a unique bond. It is even more interesting when I can bring in people from past classes who are friends of my family through my dad's time working there. I forget that it is not just the people I went to school with that want to support me. I have more people to thank than I think I am able to, but I am making the effort! There were so many people who donated their time, money, talents, and gifts to make the night a success. Thank you thank you thank you to those that gave donations of raffle and auction items, those who were able to give money, the musicians in the bands, and people who came for the fun. The thank you notes are coming!

Setting up, and people arriving!
Katie and ISorry it is on it's side, but this is my new bike!!! It was auctioned off, purchased by a group of families, and then donated to me! I can't wait to ride it around.

Thanks again to everyone. If you were there or not. Your love and support is so uplifting.
Love, Sarah

Hair cuts and puzzles!

2008-07-30T17:44:00.000-07:00

Well, I did it!! I shaved my head! Well, actually, I buzzed it. We borrowed the clippers from the little boys across the street who get buzz cuts for summer doos, now we have matching hair cuts! It was not quite as tragic as I was expecting. I was starting to loose my hair from the right side too, because the radiation has to go out on the other side, so I was getting some hair-loss on the opposite side. I finally just sucked it up and decided to cut it. It is actually a nice change. It is super easy to do and wash- my morning is so much easier and takes less time!

I am still doing really well, and feeling great. Nothing new to report about treatments and my health, it is really all the same!

Mary is back in town, so it has been really fun hanging out with all six of us again! We all go to Huntsman for radiation every day, some of us on our lunch breaks from work. There are puzzles in the waiting room, so we have been puzzle people this past week or so. It is fun to only get about five or ten minutes with the puzzle each day, and come back to see how much has been done by other people. Sometimes we even go back to the puzzle after my treatment and stay to work on it for a half-an-hour! It is a fun way to pass the time.

Today, after radiation, Mary and I went on an adventure to the Gateway for some PT and OT on our own. We got dropped off at the Trax station to ride the commuter rail downtown to do some shopping. We walked all over and found some cute things, including a fun brown dress to wear to the party on Saturday! It was super fun, but after an hour and a half, I was pooped! We had fun finding crazy sunglasses and trying them on, these were our personal favorites!

We meet with a new therapist Friday who specializes in neurological patients, so no PT or OT until then. I am on my own to do the exercises they gave me, hence the shopping outing.

Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. We still need them! Hope to see you Saturday! Or if you can't make it, know you are there in our thoughts!

~Sarah

The Woodshed!

2008-07-27T12:44:00.000-07:00

Ok, everyone. It is going to happen this time! The previously scheduled party will now be on Saturday, August 2nd, and starting at 7pm, we will be at The Woodshed. It is located at 60 E 800 S. There will be a $15 charge at the door, there will be bands that will play, and an auction/raffle. It is an all ages event- well, once you are over 21- so don't think you are too old to come! Come to hang out and celebrate just being alive. Everyone should celebrate that once and a while. There will not be any tears, just friends and a few beers! I hope to see you there!

~Sarah

Happy 24th!

2008-07-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

It is weird to be in Salt Lake at this time. We have been in McCall the past, I don't even know how many years! We don't even know what is open and not on this holiday! I know I don't have radiation and therapy today, and that's about it. We are going over to Kenny and Veola's (my dad's brother and his wife) house for a get-together with the Burchett side. Believe it or not, the ENTIRE clan has the potential to be there. There could possibly be 42 Burchett's plus three extra between boy/girlfriends and Laura Jane. Mary is the only one of us not in the state of Utah (she's #43), a rare occasion for our family! It should be a crazy, but fun time.

Treatments are going well, and I am glad to say I have nothing to report. I am at the half way mark for radiation. After it is over, I will have a month off and then an MRI to decide how well the radiation and chemo worked. I will have another round of chemo at that point, and it will just be left to decide how long that will last. That is where I am at this point. Enjoying my "time off" and hanging out with the fam.

~Sarah

Quiet on the homefront.

2008-07-19T21:39:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone~

There is not much to report around these parts. Things have been moving along as usual. PT is going really well. Friday, we had a fairly nostalgic day. Every time I did an exercise, I would say "Remember when I could only do this much? Remember when I could only walk this far? Remember when it took help to get situated on this machine? I just did it all by myself!" We talked a lot about how far I have come, and how well I am doing. A wise woman, who has also experienced times of hardship in her life, once told me to just keep putting one foot in front of the other. When I looked back, I would be amazed how far I had come. She is right. No matter how discouraged I am at the end of the day by how much further I have to go, I have come even farther!

I still don't have any resolution about what to do with my hair... I took these pictures about 20 minutes ago on the camera built into my mom's laptop. This one on the right really lets you see how precisely they are radiating my head. The distinct line down the middle is crazy! You can't tell I have about half the hair I usually have when I part it on the side, which is how I always wear it. I have bought some really cute hats where you really can't tell I am missing chunks of hair. But then it would be an adventure to just shave it all off! I still don't have a clue. Maybe if I have the urge to shave it for longer than 20 minutes at a time, I will just go though with it. I'll just have to wait and see!

~Sarah

Dear Diary,

2008-07-14T20:54:00.000-07:00

Well, back to the grind stone. We had a very fun weekend hanging out in Deer Valley and "camping" at the Spruces. I didn't camp- I just went up for dinner and s'mores. It was fun to be out and with the whole family. Mary left today for Portland and will be there for two weeks working hard to finalize the Freshman Service Plunge. It is a weekend of service the incoming Freshman at the University of Portland participate in. They are there to help the community, but also to hang out and meet their new classmates. Mary has been setting up the locations for the service and soliciting donations of food and water form the community. She had two women working with her, but one has accepted a new position, and the other just had a new baby boy (six weeks early, but healthy and cute!). they have been very helpful in keeping Mary on the straight and narrow for this, but she is still feeling a little stressed. Then I go and get cancer- how rude! So, it is back to our quiet house of just six. Still fun, but interesting how that one person can add to the commotion in the house! This week is more of the same... PT/OT and chemo/radiation. The only difference is that I now have considerably less hair than last week. It is funny- everyone at Huntsman kept saying "in the second or third week, you will start to loose your hair." I guess I should start setting my clocks by what they say. Then again, why did I doubt them- they do this for a living! I guess I just wanted to be the anomaly. I was just sure my hair wasn't going to fall out. But, it has. I am not convinced I am going to be able to cover it up. I think it will just look "better" if I shave it all off. But then I have to wear scarves and look like a cancer patient. Then again, that's what I am. I should just embrace it and get over it. Every one else in my shoes has!! I just don't FEEL like I have cancer- I am not ready to look like it. It is falling out in clumps. I wish it would just come out all at once. Like I could just take this "wig" off and be done with it. I guess it is a gradual process so I can get used to the idea a little at a time. It is my transition period. But a band-aid seems to hurt less when you rip it off all at once. So, for now I am just adjusting, I will get there. After all, I do have cancer- and that took some getting used to too. Maybe I will just have to invest in a long blonde wig. Hannah Montana rocks it, why can't I?

~Sarah

News:

2008-07-10T21:55:00.000-07:00

First of all, I can move my toes! My right big toe slowly moves and the others follow shortly after. It is not a huge movement, but it is progress none the less and I am very excited it is there! Therapy is also going well. My therapists tell me how much progress they feel I am making even from session to session and week to week. I am really enjoying it, and I want to do well so I can keep making these small improvements.

Second of all, I don't have any hair loss yet. "They" say it will happen somewhere in the second to third week. This is the middle of the second week, so I guess it will be any time now. Hopefully I can keep most of it and style it so I can kind of hide the bald spots as best as possible.

Third, We took a picture of my mask so you can see it (below). It is not the cutest picture, and it might give you "the nausea"... it gives Mary "the nausea." (I had a nurse in the hospital who came in after I told her I was feeling sick and wanted some medicine. She asked me "Do you have the nausea?" For some reason it really made us laugh, and that is how we refer to it now.) It is a full face mask so can I keep my head perfectly still. It enables them to radiate the exact same spot each time, by holding me in the same position. I can't open my eyes in it, or move my mouth much. It is not as bad as it looks, I promise.

Last, I am feeling really well. My appetite comes and goes, but I am not nauseous really. I was more nauseous on Monday, but it has passed. I have energy for the most part. I don't really nap every day, mostly I just need some quiet time in front of the TV. I don't feel like I have cancer. I thought you were supposed to be miserable, and I am not. YAY! Thank heavens for that. I guess all the prayers from the prayer wheel are working!

We have had a really good week, and hopefully you all have too. We thank God every day for our amazing family and friends. Your support through thoughts and prayers is invaluable.

~Sarah

Prayer Wheel

2008-07-06T18:59:00.000-07:00

Sunday evening, July 6, 2008

Sarah said I could update the blog this time. This is Cynthia and I wanted to take the opportunity to thank everyone who visits the blog and sends good thoughts and prayers our way. I cannot tell you how blessed we feel with all of you out there supporting us. It is a very overwhelming and humbling experience to be on the receiving end of so many kind and wonderfully thoughtful expressions of support. From the prayers, visits each day, cards and letters, to the dinners and gifts, we do appreciate your kindness.

The July 4th weekend is almost over and we are gearing up for the second week of radiation and chemo. A friend suggested that we post on the blog exactly when the treatments are so that everyone can be praying at the same time—she called it a prayer wheel. So, Monday-Friday at 1:00 in the afternoon, pray for the radiation to kill the cancer cells. Sarah says the rosary during the treatments, we usually are praying silently in the other room. It lasts only minutes—literally only 2-3. Then around 10 pm each night, before Sarah takes the chemo pills, we pray the following prayer together over the medicine—
“In the Name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, we ask that this medicine be blessed with the creative power of God. Please remove any side effects from it that could be detrimental to Sarah’s physical or spiritual well-being. Increase the medicine’s effectiveness so it may produce healing, restoration, and renewal for Sarah’s body, mind, and spirit. Amen.”

Thank you again for the support--your prayers are appreciated any time of the day!!
Cynthia

Well...

2008-07-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

First things first. The Woodshed has lost their liquor license due to a lack of paperwork. So... the party Saturday night has been postponed. :( It is tentatively rescheduled for August 2nd. Thanks to everyone who has been involved so far!

Now... an update! Chemo and radiation started Monday. It is not as big of a deal as I had thought. Radiation takes about three minutes for the actual procedure, but we are up at Huntsman for about 20- 30 minutes with parking, waiting for them to call my name, set up, and walking out. The first day, I was a little nervous. I think the realization of things starting and the weirdness of the whole ordeal set me off. I take things one day at a time, and try not to get too upset about the unknown, so I am not sure I have really wrapped my mind around it all. When thoughts creep in, that's when the tears come. Chemo is just two pills I take at the same time every night, even on days I don't have radiation. I will continue chemo for 6- 12 months after the course of radiation is done to continue to kill the cancer cells. They will do frequent CAT scans to monitor the progress and make sure the tumor is not growing back. I ended up not taking my finals Monday, because the day took much longer than I was expecting!

On Tuesday, Mary got in! I didn't get to pick her up from the airport, because I was taking my finals. They went well! It has been really fun to have Mary here again! It is really fun to have all my sisters together again! All six of us (seven with Laura-Jane) haven't been all together at home for a LONG time! It is really fun to have a full house.

Now, I don't have any therapies until Monday, so I have been instructed to do lots of swimming, walking, and coloring to do my own PT and OT. It should be a fun weekend! Happy 4th everyone!

~Sarah

No tears, just beers!!

2008-06-29T21:39:00.000-07:00

Some of my amazing friends that I went to school with from 1st to 12th grade have put together a party/fund raiser. This Saturday (July 5th) at the Woodshed (a private club for members) located at 60 E 800 S and starting at 7:00pm, there will be a party! An auction/raffle is being put together with some really great things. A few bands, including my friend Talia's, will be playing. These girls should be professional auction planners, they are so quick and thorough in putting this together! There will be a $15 charge at the door, and I will be there, so if you can stop by, it promises to be loads of fun. It is a little weird to think I need or deserve a party like this. I am so grateful to have such loving and thoughtful friends! Thank you in advance to all who can come, and to all those that want to be there, but can't for any reason. You will be there thought and spirit. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Adventures in living...

2008-06-29T21:04:00.000-07:00

We went OUT to dinner! It was fun evening Friday. A very generous person gave us a gift certificate to Gastronomy, so we decided to go to the Market Street Grill at Cottonwood for a lovely half-the-family dinner. Emily and Laura-Jane were at Camp Tuttle with the Ulster Project, and Mary was still in Portland. (She will be here Tuesday, and we are extremely excited for her to be here for two weeks! I might never let her go back!) It was fun to put on nice clothes, a little make-up, and feel like a real person again! After two weeks in the hospital, and a week at home, it was time to get out!! We sat outside on the patio and listened to the stream nearby. My cousin's husband Keith is a manager there, and since it was not the busiest of nights, he was even able to stop by and chat with us for a few minutes. We had fun chatting with him.

My next outing was an adventure. On Saturday, we went to my Grandpa's pool to swim. Such a weird experience! My muscles in the right foot don't work very well still, so in the water, my foot floats to the surface when I try to walk! It was good therapy, I guess. I tried to sit on the bottom step of the pool, but I couldn't keep my right side down, so I twisted and turned, and tried to drown. Good thing people were standing near by! It was such a comical experience. If you can't see, I am the one in the black hat in the middle/front. There was no sunburning the scar, Amy! My friend, Dave and fake sister Kelsey came swimming too. It was a party!

Tomorrow is a big day. Physical therapy at 11, radiation at 1, chemo class at 2, and my finals for my first semester of nursing school at 3 (or so). I missed finals being in the ER after the seizure on the 10th. I tried to get neurosurg to let me go home for the morning to take finals. but they said no. Actually, they looked at me like I was crazy for asking, and then said no. I promised to come back, but still no. I guess a brain tumor is kind of a big deal to them... what ev. Keep the prayers and positive thoughts coming!

~Sarah

Therapy...

2008-06-27T15:52:00.000-07:00

Today Sarah was her usual rock star self in PT. My dad and I drove her up to the U for her therapy appointment, and though we were 15 minutes late....she more than made up for it. The three therapists who were working with her had her doing some new, more challenging, exercises. She worked on a machine called "the Total Gym" (yes the same one that Chuck Norris endorses). She went on a six minute walk and went 420 feet. Her prior record in the six minute walk was somewhere around 300 feet. Woo Hoo for improvement. The most amazing part was when the therapist told her to balance on a block on one foot while lifting the other leg to the side. She dominated this task and proved my dad wrong who thought she was not going to be able to do it on her "weak" side. HA! After several leg lifts on both sides, she was very tired. But there was MORE to be done. She did work on a ball, a balance board, and then walked half way to the car before finally resting in her wheel chair. Sarah reports that she feels like she has more control in her right arm today. She is more coordinated in her arm and feels good about that.

Our next appointment was at the Huntsman Cancer Institute for a simulation of the radiation that will start Monday. It only took about 30 minutes and Sarah is ready to begin treatment. After a few phone calls we learned that we will pick up her chemo pills on Monday when we go for her first session of radiation. So for now we wait...and rest....and enjoy the visits from friends and family.

Emily is participating in the Ulster Project this summer. So last night we received a new member of the family, fifteen-year-old Laura-Jane Wallace from Omagh, Northern Ireland. She will be staying with us for a month and she and Emily will be involved in service projects, a river trip and many activities put on by the Project. This is a program that Mary and I did at her age and so Emily is happy it is her turn. It's something we signed up for before our world turned up side down, but it's also something that we all agreed as a family to stick with. Life goes on I suppose and we are all trying to continue to enjoy each day. Sarah, her housemate Meghan McGill and I went to the Salt Lake Arts Festival downtown last night. We wheeled Sarah around, drank a smoothie and enjoyed the art and the heat. Sarah even bought a beautiful silver bracelet. Somethings never change. Love to all who read this, I'm sure you got more than you bargained for with this entry. -Laura

Huntsman Cancer Institute

2008-06-25T10:34:00.000-07:00

So not a place I ever thought I would need to go!! It is a beautiful facility- I feel like I am a member of an elite country club. Well... we met with the radiation oncologists yesterday to set up radiation. They made a ask of my face that reminds me of a mid-evil torture device. They put this flat piece of plastic in hot water, then molded it to my face. It will me strapped down to the table, and used so my head does not move during treatment, and I am in the same position every time. Treatments will be about 15 minutes long. Radiation will be 33 treatments, M-F, not including holidays. It equals about six-and-a-half weeks of treatment. The chemo will be done at home in pill form. There should not be any drop in my blood counts, but they will draw blood every week just to make sure.
The chromosomal analysis on the tumor came back, and I had no deletions. All that means to the doctors, is the chemo might not be as effective. It means nothing to me. I will have the same treatment, and fight the same fight. Now, it is just a challenge! What is a fight without a little challenge??
I am still doing PT on M,W,F and OT on T,Th. The movement and function is coming back, but I am still working hard.

I think that is the news for now. Thank you for the prayers and positive thoughts. I feel them all and cannot imagine going through this with out it all!

PS...

2008-06-21T20:58:00.000-07:00

There are some pictures at the bottom of the old posts for you to see. I had a hard time figuring out how to post them!

I'm HOME!!!

2008-06-21T19:23:00.000-07:00

Hello to all Family and Friends.
I got home this morning at about 10 am after eleven days in the hospital. I spent one day in the neuro acute care unit, one in the ICU after surgery, five days back on the neuro floor, then four days in rehab relearning how to walk and move my right side. It has been a crazy ride, but I am hanging in there. I feel really good. I am in good spirits, despite being frustrated I am not able to move like I would like. The movements are coming back, and my therapists feel confident that I should regain all the function I had before surgery. I am starting out-patient PT and OT on Monday, and I will have two hours of rehab five days a week. I guess the best way to start this off is to update on the tumor. We spoke with the oncologists yesterday to learn more about the course of treatment. I will have 30 days of radiation treatments out-patient at Huntsman Cancer Institute. I will also have oral chemo everyday during the radiation that I will take before bed. The chemo is there to prepare my tumor cells to die. It makes the radiation more effective. Treatments will begin in about two weeks and will last about six weeks. I am going to take the time off work and school and focus my efforts on rehab and radiation. I think that is enough for me! I feel very confident in the doctors and the treatment. I will beat this!! I cannot express to you all how important and meaningful all of you are to me! I can truly feel all of the kind thoughts, warm wishes, prayers, and support from everyone. My family and I have been so deeply touched by the out pouring of everyone's love. There are so many more people who love and care for myself and my family than I ever thought. I feel so blessed to have each and everyone of you in my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will keep up the fight and we will keep updating as things progress!

Sarah

Reahb!!

2008-06-19T17:49:00.000-07:00

Sarah moved to the Rehab section of the hospital on Monday afternoon. I was very hesitant to make the move because there are usually two patients to a room and we had such a great large room before. I was not ready emotionally--Sarah was still not sleeping at night and she was not able to keep her food down. They also did not allow family to sleep over as we had been doing. But it has turned out to be a wonderful transition and healing time. She has physical therapy for walking and exercising her right leg and occupational therapy for her right arm. There is improvement already with expected full recovery of her movement. (Please pray for this!) She is still on medication to prevent seizures and steroids plus others. Last night she had the best night sleep for a long time! (And I wasn’t even there to fix her pillows and take her to the bathroom!)

We meet with the Neuro Oncologists tomorrow afternoon with the course of treatment suggested from all the docs who met today at the weekly tumor board. We are anticipating radiation and chemo for six weeks but will know specifics later. One day at a time. One of the young nurses aides came to see Sarah to share her story--she is a two- year cancer survivor and just completed a second round of radiation. They talked and cried and it was very good for Sarah to see someone young going through what she is, and fighting it. We are learning a new vocabulary and new terms and viewing life as a very precious thing.

Family and friends visit—there is a nice outdoor patio where we sit and eat lunch and dinner with Sarah. She thrives on the visits and there is much laughter and an upbeat atmosphere. We are so appreciative of everyone’s support and encouraged by the phone messages, cards, visits and help with all of this. Our lives are now forever changed. God is still our focus and healing and faith will keep us going. I came home for a nap today and realized I must pace myself—it is difficult to think of anything but getting her better The nurse told me to take care of my needs and remember the other family members. We have a huge job ahead with moving her home and gearing up for the next phase of treatment. Jerry has all of July off and has only had to go in for a couple of hours each day. I will think about work once we get her home. Jerry and I are both grateful for the support that our friends at work have given us—it is incredible how everyone had rallied to help. Sarah’s friends and coworkers at Primary Children’s Hospital stop in for visits and have also been so supportive. We can’t thank you all enough!

Keep praying for us all and for Sarah’s continued strong spirit and physical healing!!

Love to everyone!! Cynthia

2008-06-16T22:21:00.000-07:00

On behalf of Sarah and my entire family I would like to thank our incredible support system of family and friends. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for the meals, and the phone calls, and the visits. It is now one week since Sarah had her seizure and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. We are all overwhelmed by the love of our family, friends, church, and school communities. I will now attach a letter that my mom wrote with the intention of e-mailing to her family who lives out of state. Someone mentioned that with the amount of people who love Sarah, and want to know how she is doing, it might be a good idea to set up some way of updating people. Between the letter, and suggestions from friends, this Blog was created. It is by no means a way of curbing phone calls or visits. We need all the support we can get. It is just a high-tech way of communicating with family out of state, and anyone who cares about Sarah and her recovery. With love, the Burchett Family

Dear Family and Friends-
We want to tell everyone what exactly has been going on with Sarah and her recent diagnosis of a brain tumor and surgery. As you may have heard, she had a seizure early in the morning (about 2:45 AM), Tuesday, June 10, 2008. In the ER they did a CT scan which showed a mass that confirmed a tumor. They then did an MRI and told us the tumor was the size of a lemon, probably had been growing for a few years and she would need surgery immediately. She spent the night in the hospital and on Wednesday, June 11 at about 9:00 am, she had surgery to remove the tumor. By about 2:00 PM they were finished and the surgeon seemed confident that he got as much of the tumor as he could see in the microscope. All of this happened within 36 hours from when she had the seizure. Unfortunately, the pathology report told us the news that it is cancer and she will need radiation and maybe chemotherapy. The official name of the tumor is anaplastic (which means malignant) oligoastrocytoma grade 3. She cannot move her right side well although sensation is there and some movement is returning. They will move her to the rehab floor here tomorrow for extensive therapy daily. The tumor board meets on Wednesday and her case will be reviewed and treatment discussed. The surgeon thought a week of rehab and then radiation and perhaps chemo depending on the tumor board recommendation. We are at the University of Utah Hospital with the Huntsman Cancer Institute attached where most likely her treatments will take place.

Needless to say we are blown away and in survival mode. Thanks to the sky miles of a great friend, Mary was flown in from Portland Thursday morning and we have all been at the hospital with many great friends and family members present. Sarah has been very courageous and up beat through it all and keeps us laughing constantly. She is very open with who she wants around and we must be setting the record for flower arrangements and visitors. Our neighbors have mowed the lawn and brought dinner and said prayers (we take all religions and faiths at this point!) At one point there were 13 people in her room and Grandpa said we would need to send some away if any more came! More came and Sarah loved it so we have welcomed visitors. (Grandpa left though!) When she is sleeping we put a sign on the door and meet people in the waiting room on the floor where there is a TV, chairs, table etc. I am writing this in her room while she sleeps, and the girls are eating lunch someone brought in the waiting room. Jerry was on duty last night so went home to sleep. (My turn tonight.)

I can’t thank everyone enough for all the support and prayers!! We feel them and we need them. We are likely in for a long haul—we are blessed to have such a wonderful support system of family and friends. If you are hearing this for the first time I am sorry, we called and tried to tell everyone. The inter net is great for some things but not for this type of news. But it is quiet for the moment and I thought I would take the time to write it all down—good therapy too. So, until Wednesday when the tumor board meets, our life is on hold. We will not cancel anything or make drastic decisions just pray for full recovery and great results from treatment.

Our love and faith in Jesus Christ will keep us going. Thank you for your support.

Cynthia