Wedding Photos and Video

If anyone has any photos they'd like to send, send them to me, kyle@kyleroth.com. Thanks to Uncle Mark and Heidi for some of the photos.

Mom and Dad

Mom and Dad Dancing:

Mom and Zac Dancing:

Mom and Aunt Jan:


Video of the wedding in Punta Cana:


Professional Photos: View them all

View them all

Feeling good

Just a quick note to say I'm feeling good today and I am determined to make this final round my last. YES I CAN.

Back to normal

We are getting back to normal after resting for a day. We went to the Delphi retiree's picnic today and that was very nice. Kyle got to catch up with some of his buddies and the food was great. We also went to the grocery store for some much needed groceries this afternoon and then we went to Mom and Ralph's for dinner. So we had a busy day. I know many of you are asking to see pictures of the wedding reception. I will have to get my son, Kyle, the computer whiz to put some on my blog because I don't know how to do that! I am feeling wonderful and soooooo back to normal that it is hard for me to believe that just 3 weeks ago I came home from the hospital and thought I would never feel like this again. I want to enjoy every day until I go back to Cleveland Clinic. I am so much more aware of little things like the vivid colors of the sky or a pretty flower, or the sounds of the birds singing, or the smell of the air as I sit on my front porch. Things that i often took for granted before. One thing I do want to do before I go back is spend some time with my grand children. They won't be able to come see me this time because they don't allow children under 14 to visit in my room on the floor I will be on this time. I am going to be there a minimum of 3 weeks, depending on how my body accepts the transfer. So, I am going to try my darndest to be out in 3 weeks. YES I CAN!

Wonderful weekend

What a wonderful weekend I had! I felt like the belle of the ball at the wedding reception (even though I wasn't, Lauren was) I danced the night away and stayed to the very last dance of the evening. Iwas a little tired, but it was worth every bit of it. I saw people I haven't seen since before my diagnosis and it was wonderful to see everyone and just to be there. Lord knows that 1 month ago I doubted I would be there. I spoke with my doctor at Cleveland Clinic and he says my chances of rejection improved 100% now that I am in complete remission. So that makes me feel better. Today is just a resting day for me after the busy weekend. We went to Lauren's parents house on Sunday and watched the kids open gifts and then we went to Deming's Sunday evening for a cookout and i saw a lot of friends there also that I haven't seen. So it was a busy weekend, but fun!

Celebration Tonight.

We are preparing to take off for Toledo for Zac and Lauren's wedding reception. It will be a big celebration for our friends and family. I have so much to be thankful for........loving and healthy children and grandchildren, many many many friends who have seen me through the most difficult time of my life, a husband who I can truly say has stood by me in good times and bad (and believe me there have been many more good times than bad) Today is our 34th wedding anniversary and I am just as in love with him as I was on June 24 1972. We have been through so much more in those 34 years than most people will go through in a lifetime, and all the while we persevered with blind determination that we were going to beat the odds that were stacked against us. And we did. So, now it is with that same determination that we are going to make it through this journey ahead. Yes, I am going to have the bone marrow transplant. And yes, I am going to be a survivor! YES I CAN! So now I am off to celebrate this most important day in our family and to have the time of my life!

Reports from Cleveland

This afternoon the bone marrow transplant coordinator called with my lab results and biopsy results. Thanks to all of you and all of Gale's second graders who are still saying the rosary for me, I have great news to report. I am in complete remission. That means there are no signs of leukemia cells in my bone marrow and my white blood count is higher than it has been in years and completely in normal range. Of course, I was ecstatic and I asked if I still needed the bone marrow transplant. She said she had discussed that with Dr. Kalaycio and he still wants to proceed because my leukemia evolved from Myelodysplastic syndrome and he is certain it will return at some point in my life. A bone marrow transplant would prevent that and since I have no leukemia cells that makes my prognosis better to accept the transplant with fewer problems. Of course, I am thinking ....what if this is a miracle and I am cured now. Do I want to subject myself to this if I don't have to? But Kyle and I talked about it and he said "what if it comes back and you are not eligible for the transplant at that time because of age or other factors." That is true because they told me they don't do them on persons over 55. So,I have a lot of questions for Dr Kalaycio when I see him in 2 weeks, but I will continue with the steps for the bone marrow transplant. I am beating this nasty disease. YES I AM. YES I CAN.

Stormy Thursday

What a night and day of storms. Kept Kyle and I awake much of the night. Today we heard from many family and friends that had water damage and flooding. Our hearts go out to you as you clean up and repair. I will be praying for you as you have for me. Today I had my pre-BMT dentist visit. The dentist said everything is healthy in my mouth so I am cleared by him. Still waiting to hear biopsy results. My sister Libby has her day of tests next week. I am so looking forward to the wedding reception this weekend. I can hardly wait to see all of you whom I haven't seen since before my illness. I am so thankful for all of your prayers and thoughts. Without all of you I am afraid I would not have the courage to fight this battle. Thank you all. I will be a survivor. YES I WILL and YES I CAn! P.S.Ginny I would love to talk to you sometime. Call me at your convenience.

2 Days in Cleveland

We spent all day Tuesday and most of the day today in Cleveland for testing for my bone marrow transplant. We had appointments with all kinds of social workers and financial counselors along with the medical tests and bloodwork and the dreaded bone marrow biopsy, which was this morning. It actually was the least painful one I've had and Dr. Kalycio did it because I told him I needed to be put out, so he said he would do it and it would not hurt. Well, I told him today if I need another one he is doing it! All of my heart tests and pulmonary function tests were fine, so I guess we just wait to hear what the biopsy report is. Last evening, we spent the night at Kyle and Erika's house. We just enjoy watching Kade showing off for us, He is so cute! We walked to the Dairy King and had ice cream and he was in heaven. It is so nice having them so close to the hospital. It's been a Godsend. So all in all it was a good trip and I am feeling confident I can do this. YES I CAN!

Going to Cleveland

It is wonderful to have Kyle home. I think we both missed each other very much. We went shopping today and came home and ordered pizza with Jess and the kids. They came to visit tonight, Tomorrow morning Kyle and I are making the trip to Cleveland for my testing. It is a 2 day ordeal, so we are spending the night there, so I will not be able to write until Wednesday. I have to have another bone marrow biopsy on Wed morning, which I am not looking forward to. I told Kyle he doesn't have to go in with me this time........the last one was as hard on him as it was on me. Hopefully this one will be less painful. These tests will determine how much chemo I will have to have before the bone marrow transplant. I will let you know how everything goes when I get back. I just have to keep my sights on that wedding reception on Saturday and how happy I will be to see the new bride and groom. It will be a special day.

Kyle's home

Today was a day of anticipation as Marcie and I prepared for Kyle's Return. We cleaned and did laundry and I was exhausted by noon so we had lunch and then a little nap. Mom Roth brought supper over, so we ate and waited for Kyle. He got home about 6:45 and there were many kisses and hugs. He ate dinner and then started telling me about the trip. It soounds like they all had a wonderful time. I can't wait to see the pictures. Thank you to all of you who give me support when I am having bad days. I know I need to focus on just getting better and nothing else. I will. YES I CAN.

Grandkids walk in Relay for Life

I am so touched by all of you who remembered me in the relay last night, but it is especially touching that four of my grandkids did the walk for me. First Kade did 4 laps with his grandma Debbie and Aunt Marcie for me. Then Alexa, Alayna, and Alli went a little later and walked for me. Mom Roth also did 7 laps! She came to see me later and said her feet hurt! I sat on the porch last night and some of the neighbors came over. I'm starting to feel normal for a little while. Today Barb D picked Marcie and I up and took us to lunch at her house, It was lovely. We had a very nice visit and Bill got in his teasing of Marcie. She has missed that! We sat on their porch and enjoyed the beautiful afternoon. It made me a little sad to look at our lot and see it all marked off for our house.....that will have to be on hold for a little while. The doctor says I may be off work for a year, so that means we will be living on Kyle's retirement check and we will barely be surviving, let alone build a house. But I just have to focus on beating this and I will. YES I CAN!

Friday

Feels good Friday is here and the week is almost over. Kyle will be back Sunday. Today is their big fishing outing. Can't wait to hear those stories. I am feeling good. Did my first outing to a restaurant today. My mom, Marcie and I went to Panera for lunch. It went well, except I could not eat all my food. I guess my eyes were bigger than my tummy. Ran into our neighbors, the Stephens there and it was great to see them. This afternoon, Penny took me to see Linda P, the lady I got my wigs from and she is so generously creating an updo wig for me to wear to the reception next week. I was touched by her caring. This evening Deb stopped with my grandson, Kade on their way to Relay for Life. Kade had a shirt that said "for Nana Roth" on it. Marcie, Deb, and Kade are going to walk a lap for me. The tears would not stop flowing when I saw that little guy in that shirt. It only reaffirms in my mind that I am going to beat this. I want to be here to see that little guy grow up. YES I CAN and YES I WLL!

News from Cleveland

Cleveland Clinic called today and said I will be admitted July 17 for my bone marrow transplant. I will be there for 1 week before the transplant and I will have to stay a minimun of 2 weeks after the transplant, if all goes well. ANd we all know YES I CAN! Today I took my dress back, but did not find anything else I liked. We are going to look tomorrow again. Took a nap again today and it felt good. Lois and Buck stopped over this afternoon with the kids and that was wonderful! I miss my grandbabies. I haven't heard from anyone else from Punta Cana. I am sure they are just having too much fun. Can't wait till Sunday. Marcie went to the Elks tonight for burgers with Ed and Cindy and she gave me all your messages and good wishes. Thanks everyone, I really appreciate it!

Stronger by the day

I really feel like I can feel myself getting stronger by the day. Today two of my friends from nursing school, Nancy and Vickie came over for lunch and Nancy picked up my favorite salads form Berardi's and we sat on the deck and enjoyed our time together. It felt so good to sit in the sunshine and feel "normal" again. When I have visitors it just perks me up so much. I did take a nap this afternoon, I don't know why but I felt like I needed one. It refreshed me. This evening had dinner with Mom and Marcie. I did some laundry and cleaned up the kitchen, something I could not have done 1 week ago. Tomorrow, Barb K and I are going to take my dress for Zac's reception back. It is too big. I will try to find something else. Gale, the soup is delicious......... Thank you!

Doctor's visit

The visit to Cleveland went extremely well. The doctor was amazed at my change in status from 1 week ago when I left the hospital. He told me to keep up the good work and to walk each day to help me gain more strength before the bone marrow transplant. He turned me over to the transplant team who will call me next week to schedule my day of testing in Cleveland and the actual transplant which he said will take place in mid July. He gave me a lot of information and told me all the things that can go wrong, which made me want to say to him I CAN DO THIS, YES I CAN. I'm sure they have to tell you all those things, but I am determined to be in the 50% that don't have the rejection problems. Tonight sister-in-law Julie picked Marcie and I up and took us to her new home for dinner. It was lovely and i enjoyed myself very much. The house is gorgeous! Then when I got home, the newlyweds called me and I got to talk to the newest Mrs. Roth and Zac. They sounded so happy and I was overwhelmed with joy. I also got to speak to Kyle and cried through most of it, but let him know how well I am doing. He was a little emotional also and I just can't wait to see all the pictures. Well, it has been a full day and I am a little tired tonight, will write tomorrow.

Marcie's Birthday

Sorry I didn't write yesterday, we had a BUSY day. Marcie had a great birthday. In the morning I haad my mom drive us to Kohl's and I bought Marcie her gift. I even shopped with her a little. It felt good to get out of the house. Then we had many, many visitors all day and Marcie got many gifts. Had a little surprise party at dinnertime and she was excited. Today, I am getting ready to leave for Cleveland for doctor appt. at 11:00. I will update when I get back.

Long day

Well, I kind of had a long day today. I really miss Kyle and it is not like I can even talk to him. My momm stayed all day today and I really feel like I would be fine on my own, but you know how mothers are. Enough said. Connie, Courtney, Kelsey, and Jared stopped this afternoon and their visit perked me up. Deb brought Kade and Riley tonight and I just love seeing those grandkids. Julie also stopped by and she is like a breath of fresh air. Tomorrow is Marcie's birthday so The day should go by faster. We are having a small surprise party for her ....I know she thinks we aren't doing anything since I can't drive so she will be surprised. Tuesday I have to go to Cleveland for a doctor visit, so before you know it it will be wednesday. Love to all of you and thank you again for all the thoughts and prayers. I am feeling much better each day.

Day of mixed emotions

YEAH! My computer is fixed! Sorry if I scared everyone by missing a day. Yesterday I took a walk with Kyle up and down Central Ave. Saw some of the neighbors and it was a good thing. I slept very well last night and had a great day today. Kyle, Erika, Kade, Zac, Lauren, and Riley came to see me before leaving for Punta Cana and we had dinner together. It was wonderful and I think the kids felt a little better leaving me when they saw how much stronger I was than the last time they saw me which was in the hospital. It was still very emotional when it was time for everyone to take off and I did feel a little depressed that I wasn't going, but I know from a nurses perspective that there is just no way I should be going to a third world country at this time. I'm ok now and I can only sit and wait for their return and all the wonderful stories. Penny is coming to spend the night with me, although I feel quite capable to stay here with just Marcie, but Penny insisted. So we'll have a jammy party. Talk to you tomorrow.

Another good day

Today has been another good day! I've been eating well, and Kyle and I sat on the front porch for about an hour this afternoon. Boy, did that feel good! Enjoyed the flowers my friends planted and it just felt like I was being normal for the first time in a long time. I wore my wig for the first time today and everyone seemed to like it, especially Marcie! I watched Kyle wash the cars and it just felt so good to be outside. My Erika is doing better and she is itching to get out of the hospital......I told her I know how that feels. They are still trying to regulate her insulin injections, but they plan on discharging her tomorrow. Hopefully if all goes well, She and Kyle will be able to go to Punta Cana, I know they want to go for a much needed vacation. Kyle and Marcie are at the Elks and they are bringing me a famous burger from there....can't wait! Each day that goes by finds feeling a little stronger. YES I CAN!

GOOD DAY!

Sorry this has taken me so long to post, something has been wrong with my computer today and it has taken me a long time to figure out how to get to this page. Anyway, today was a GOOD DAY! This morning Gale brought her beautiful 2nd graders to my house and they sat in a circle on my deck and prayed the rosary for me as I watched from my kitchen window with tears running down my face. Then Barb D brought lunch to me and tears flowed again as I haven't seen her in a few days. I ate all my lunch with no problems! Then I had an appointment with Dr Fanning this afternoon for a blood draw and all of my counts have skyrocketed ... they couldn't believe it and faxed it to my dR at Cleveland Clinic. My nurse called a little later and said I must be feeling wonderful , by the results in my bloodwork! Beth stopped after work and brought me some Berardi soup and I ate 2 bowls! Kyle told me I'm going to get fat. I just feel good! Daleen stopped tonight as did Jude and Shelly and it was so good to see them. If any of you want to stop and see me that is fine, I am feeling so much better! YES I AM!

1st day home

Sorry it has taken me so long to update....yesterday was a little rough. First of all it took forever for them to discharge me. Then the ride home was a little tough on me. Poor Kyle had to drive through my barfing. Need less to say, I was exhausted when we reached home. Then I found out my daughter in law Erika had to be hospitalized for a high glucose level and they thought it was not just gestational diabetes. I felt so bad leaving them without Kyle to stay and watch Kade, so they had to take him with them to the hospital. I'm waiting to hear what they found out today. Today was a better day for me, I even ate real food and kept it down today! I am just so overwhelmed by all of the support, love, and help from all of you. I have broke down more than a few times today whenever I think of it. I owe many many thank yous and I will get them out. Thanks to the neighbors for the sign out front welcoming me home. I burst into tears when I saw it. Thank you everyone else for everything, I will never forget your generosity. Talk to you tomorrow.

Day 36- GOING HOME!!!!!!

Hi Everyone,
Cindy is going home today.She is ready to run out the door.She will update when she gets home.

Thanks for all your love and support.

Kyle & Cindy

Day 35

This morning I've renewed my strength to fight the fight. During the night last night I told my white cells to start moving and multiplying and I almost felt as if I could feel it! Sure enough, the doctors came in this morning and said all my counts had gone up! So they discontinued all of my antibiotics and they are going to watch me for 24 hours to make sure I don't spike a temp and if all goes well I'll be home in a few days. So, I'm going to keep talking to those white cells and ask that you add it to yor prayers. I'm going to go home and relax for a feww weeks And then it will be time for "the cure" from my sister. I can do this, Yes I Can!

Day34

Thank you everyone for all the strength and encouragement you give me. Yesterday was one of those days when I really needed it. I know I'm being tested, but yesterday I just lost all my gump. Today, I'm feeling stronger. I am looking forward to going home. I wish they would give me a day, but they won't. They say as soon as my white count climbs 2 days in a row, so that's what I am praying for right now. Keep the prayers coming please, I know they are helpng and I know we can WIN!

rollercoaster

I'm sure you been wondering what's going on. Well today was a wild rollercoaster ride. I woke up happy, knowing I was going home soon and I was clear. But the doctor yesterday kept stressing 'preliminary report", so I was anxious for them to come in with the final report. That didn't happen until this afternoon and it was not what I expected. The doctor said they found 3% blast cells in the bone marrow,consequently I am not in remission. So now the plan changes again. I am going to go home at the beginning of next week. I cannot go to my son's wedding, which breaks my heart. I am going to rest at home for a month. Then I will be getting a bone marrow transplant from my sister, Libby, and another month in the hospital. Then, hopefully I will be cured. I'm feeling a little low tonight, so keep the prayers coming.

Biopsy Results

ALLELULIA, ALLELULIA, ALLELULIA, ALLELULIA the doctor just came and told us the preliminary report is CLEAR! CLEAR, can you believe it? We have to wait for tomorrow for the final pathology report, but they said that should also be clear. Oh, Thank you, thank you everyone for helping me through this awful road i've been on. There were so many times I thought Icouldn't go on and your strength came pouring through on me, I would just feel it. I know I have much that lies ahead of me, but with all the love and support from you, I will make it through.YES I CAN!

Day 32

I am sure you are all wondering what is going on........ so are we. The doctors came in, but did not bring the biopsy reports with them, so they have to come back this afternoon. The Doctors service here switches over on the first of every month. So, now I have new doctors. Gee, this timing is really good huh? So we just haveto play the waiting game. I will let you know as soon as I know. Thanks everyone.