5-4-3-2-1- HAPPY NEW YEARS!

Dear Ms.Barnicel (aka Lynn, aka My teacher, aka my friend)
how are you?
i guess i always start out with that cliche' line but... oh well!
~~~
i had a great Christmas and i spent it with my HUGE family, as always! (you just can't catch a break can you? joking! it's always fun to have them over! :) )
i hope your Christmas was better then perfect- meaning you also got to spend it with your family and the people you love!
~~~
New Years came so quickly i forgot about it until a day ago when my cousin Myles said "what are you going to yell after the count-down?" i had no idea what he was talking about and was ready to inlist him in an "asylum" when he said - catching my unaware face - "you know? New Years!"
~~~
my sister was going to say BarfQuwa (barf-KWA) - it's a story for another day but long story short... scrabble gonewrong -
I was going to say "HOLA 'o9!"
and after some thought my cousin asked my uncle Joseph what cats said in French.
My uncle said "Minu!" (Meen-U)
i started cracking up at this point because my uncle is very big and has a beard and looks well not girlie....at all...and when he had said Minu, he had said it in the perfect voice of a little girl!
so now my cousin will shout "Minu!"
~~~
what will you shout Ms.B?
that is if you will be staying up that late, it's funny because it seems that all the kids I KNOW will be staying up and not their parents.

love, hugs, and the new years spirit!
Callan, August, Paul, and Patty!

Hey Ms.B!

Hi Ms.Barnicle,
Its Danielle! I really miss you, my soccer team won 2nd in the city! School is going really well, my break is heavenly! I looove sleeping in, its aweosme. I got a new digital nikcon coolpix camera for christmas, and wont put it down... haha.. I spent christmas with Darienne, remember her? well shes my bestest friend... I hope you had a great christmas! and i hope you got to spend it with your family. I hope i will get to see you soon, maybe i will just ironicly and randomly see you somewhere... okay, well i have to go, feel better.
Best Wishes,
Danielle

From Lynn 12/28/08

Dear Ones, It is Saturday afternoon, December 27 and the 'big brown bag' was just unhung, the last and toughest part of this round of chemo.  I wait and rest patiently for the effects to subside, blood counts to dip some more before they can rise again, and the welcome words that I can be released for a few days.   I hope to return home to recover by Tuesday.  Time with Colin and Danny and Jon and my own bed. Everyone here on the 12th floor continues to be wonderful, and I feel the effects of their great care every day.  They are patient and wise and helpful round the clock, and the fortitude of everyone through our trying Seattle weather was remarkable and an added blessing. To all of you, my deepest thanks and gratitude.  I have this image that I ride along on the wings of your wishes and love, humor, gifts and continued blessings, and I'm convinced they are the source of my good spirits and relative good health. Happy New Year to All! WIth Love and Hugs, Lynn

how are you

Hi Ms. barnicle

How are you. Ive been doing good. I like Ms. Stewart, she's really fun. But of course she isn't as fun as you. Out of the 7 days of winter break so far, I've gone sledding 3 times down a really steep hill. It was really fun. Although I was to chicken to go over the ramp we made. Even though it was tiny. So I have to go, bye!!!!!!!!!

(P.S. Me and the whole class miss you and hope to see you soon)

Sincerely,
Riley S.

MERTH! (doesn't that mean happieness?)

hey Ms.Barnicle,
how are you? with the holidays so near i have been shopping a whole lot.
i got every person in my family something and now i'm pretty much banned from my own money because i spent so much! It's unfare if you ask me but i wasn't asked so...

i've gotten pretty fare in my present story (PRESENT! - get it? hahahaha *ahem* sorry that was a bad pun) i'm up to the beggining of chapter 3. in case you need the URL again here it is - teapotnecklace.blogspot.com
i understand if you haven't found the time to read it, everybody is very busy these days, even me! I haven't written on my own blog for quite some time now even though i'm far into it.

we will be going to Ocean Shores after Xmas- much to my dissapointment. i will be missing a double header in indoor soccer this weekend because of it and i've already missed 2 this season! 2 more, isn't good. (a double header is 2 games one right after another!) i would do anything to come but unfortanely- there is no will, so there is no way!

it's kind of embarrasing- talking only of myself when i do write to you, but i can't think of much else to talk about!

Happy Holidays!
Ms. Barnicle

love,
August, Callan, Paul, and Patty

12/21/08

Hello everyone,

     Sorry for no recent posts,  Mom is feeling very good right now.  The doctors gave her a week of freedom due to her levels being so high. Nordic skiing, party hopping, and cooking have all been regulars for her.  She is expected in the hospital this coming tuesday for some more chemo.  Hopefully the snow will not postpone the date, but we'll see.  Thank you all again for the support and have a very happy holidays.

-Colin

One more

A blonde calls her boyfriend and says, "Please come over here and help me... I have a killer jigsaw puzzle, and I can't figure out how to get it started."
Her boyfriend asks, "What is it supposed to be when it's finished?"
The blonde says, "According to the picture on the box, it's a tiger."
Her boyfriend decides to go over and help with the puzzle. She shows him where she has the puzzle spread all over the table.
He studies the pieces for a moment, then looks at the box, then turns to her and says, "First of all, no matter what we do, we're not going to be able to assemble these pieces into anything resembling a tiger."
He took her hand and said, "Second, I want you to relax. Let's have a nice cup of coffee, and then....." he sighed, "Let's put all these Frosted Flakes back in the box."

Dear Lynn. I think of you all the time, and especially now. Here is some laughter medicine. Mardi

"Dear Lord" the pastor began,with arms extended and a rapt look on his upturned face,"without you we are but dust..."
He would have continued, but at that moment one very observant little girl, listening carefully, leaned to her mother and asked quitely in her loud little girl voice,
"Mommy,what is butt dust??"
Church was pretty much over at that point...

Hey

Hi Ms.Barnicle,

Erin and me(Jena), have been thinking a lot about you lately. We are both on the honor roll and are doing super good at madison. Erin made varsity for the girls soccer team...and we will both try out for the volleyball team in the spring and hopefully will make it. The teachers are so much different then when we were in elementary school. they are waaay stricter and the seventh grade gold team changed the passing period to four-minutes. That's not good. So anyways we just wanted to leave a message/comment for you because we miss you big time. :)

With lots Of Love,
Erin and Jena <3

:) :) :) :) :) :) 12/5/08

Hello everyone.  Mom is coming home again today and feeling good.  Mom has no hair now and is looking like a better Britney Spears.  Her spirits are up and she is feeling cheery.  She now has a beautiful mac laptop which has made the world to her with music, videos, online connection and lots and lots of love. Thank you to all for your support and kindness.  Have A Great Day!!!!!

-Colin 

Hi Ms.B! :)

hello Ms. B!
how are you feeling?
i've been doing great (i guess i'll mention this every time i post)
i really miss you. i've been having trouble getting a post in every once and a while.
i've been sick with a cough and haven't been at school for two days.
it's been kinda wierd imgaining my budds in first period while i watch TV and drink hibiscus tea.
i guess that tea part is irrelavent but o-well!
i can't get over wanting you to teach at madison!
you'd brighten my whole day. the nurse there is kinda scary/intimidating...she told me that she didn't usually send kids home for a cough and headache but since it was my FIRST time in there.... well hopefully you get my point.
post soon!
love,
patty, paul, callan, and august

P.S. the quiz that SOMEHOW got posted on here was totally a glitch. i meant to post it on MY OTHER blog, but it posted here, well gotta go.

Twilight Quiz

The Twilight Test and Quiz 1) When Bella first meets Jacob, how old is he? 15 16 14 how should i know?!

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Hi Ms.Barnicle, It's Danielle!

Hi Ms.Barnicle, Its Danielle..
I'm crying just looking at your pictures and typing this, I miss you soo much.. Middle School is the best, I wish you were teaching there, Im getting really good grades and I made it into Honors!!!!! I Hope your feeling better, I went to Church last Sunday and Ms.Pickins was there and I told her that I was one of your old students and I talked to her for a little while. I saw you at the last West Seattle Football game, I tried to get ur attention, But I couldn't, I saw you with your soon to be husband! Im very happy.
You were the best teacher ever, and all your old students miss you so much.. My soccer team is going to State this weekend, I really hope we win. I miss your smile and happiness and hope to see you soon, next week after school, im making a little stop by old Arbor Hieghts to see Ms.Sato, and all my old teachers, and of course all my little 5th grade friends... (and ofcourse everyone else) Hannah-Banana says she misses you so much, and so does Nicole.. Its times for me to go now, I miss you so much Ms.Barnicle, and I hope you get better. :)
Love and Hope,
Danielle!
Ps: Im leaving you a little present! :)

The Twilight test and Quiz ( i made it!! :P)

The Twilight Test and Quiz 1) When Bella first meets Jacob, how old is he? 15 16 14 how should i know?!

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I Miss You!

Hey Ms. Barnicle!
I miss you so much! its been way to long. it seems like forever ago i saw you walking you dogs by the park! i remember when my dad went throught chemo, it was really hard but just keep pushing through it and it will turn out all better. when the weather gets nicer you should come swimming and just get away and relax. for community service im planning on working down at the swedish medical cancer center :) im really excited. i miss you so much its unbeliveable. just have a positve attitude and surround yourself with the family and friends you love and will provide you with a stress free enviornment, it makes a world of difference. call anytime you need to get away. i look forward to seeing you when all this is over. the time will pass by quicker then you think. i promise.
love and hope,
alexa lenning

Hi Lynn! As you go through the chemo this week here is a "happy place" image. We shall swim again, like we did last summer! Lay on your back, raise your arms, and immerse yourself in the memories of the smells/sights/sounds of early birds. Love, Mardi

Dear Ms.Barnicle,

How are you?

i finally found you blog, i had been spelling your name with one N.

I miss you sooooo much!

i've been writing and loving Middle School. i wish you taught at Madison very badly!

I hope Mr.Leu lets you go back to teaching soon! i wish you were!!

don't let Mr.Leu's negative "tood" rain on a good day!
(that sounded stupid! :P )

LOVE,

Patty, Paul, Callan, and August!

Dear Lynn,

If there is anything I can do, please call. It's been 4 years since I finished my chemo for my leukemia. As you know, it's all about attitude. I f you need help getting somewhere, or help just getting away, call. I left my numbers with Colin.
Be well, strong & positive.

Regards,
Don Lenning, Alexa & Kris

ps: Thank you Colin for getting back and help with blog.

Hi Lynn,
I am so glad you got to enjoy Thanksgiving at home with your wonderful family. I have been thinking about you nonstop, as have all of your fans. I think the sunshine must be especially for you today. I was so happy to see your smiling face on Colin's blog. I know, as you usually do, your approaching this illness with a positive grace and fighting spirit.

The Castillo's are sending you all our good karma, and Kyle may use use some of that Lancer power too :) . As you know, to all my family, you are bigger than life and we adore you to pieces. Please know that should you or the boys need anything we are a phone call and a block or so away (already sent the numbers to Colin.

Not sure if my prior post acutally posted but what the heck you cant have too many messages.

We love you!
Erin, Kyle, Beth and Will

Greetings from the Cove! Love to walk on Monday if you are up to it! Think about you all the time, Mardi

No more pills for now!!

Thanksgiving was good and thank you to all that gave out a hand and offered so many things for my family, it especially means the world to Danny and I.  Mom has been home which has been a nice change compared to the hospital life for all of us.  Her hair is beginning to fall out from the chemo but she is not to worried about that which is good.  Her good white blood levels have reached a point where for now she does not need to take all of the antibiotic pills.  This is good and means that for a few days she is less vulnerable to infection.  She will be going back into the hospital on Tuesday for another week or two of chemo. 

Thank you again for all of your support and generosity towards my family.

-Colin        

Hey Lynn

Hey Lynn, 

There's not a day that goes by that I don't reflect on you, your incredible being and what your going through.

I send my prayers, good wishes, and anything else spiritual I can put together.

I will read at church this Sunday at Providence Mt. St. Vincent, and will put in a good word for you!

Love and caring to you,

Katy and Mike Hanson

Favorite things

Hi Lynn!
A little musical greeting from your classroom:



The "tape" ran out right at the juicy good part, but we bet you can finish the song!

Happy Thanksgiving from Room 22!

Happy Happy Joy Joy

Lynn, Colin and Danny - So glad you are together for the holiday - at home. My family is thinking of your family and sending gobbles of prayers and cranberry bowls full of vibrant thoughts of a memory making day.

Thank you Colin for putting this site together so all of your extended family and friends can check in.

All our love,
Pam (aka Mrs Rogers), Jim, Danny, Jesse, Taylor and baby Dawson (aka our gorgeous grandson)

HOME!!!

Mom is home for a few days to be with us for thanksgiving. Her blood count levels were not where they were suppose to be but i think it was safer for the doctors to release her than to try to hold her there.  She must go back to the doctor everyday that she is out but at least she is home.  Here at home hand sanitizer has turned into the new lotion and bacteria is the enemy.  Thank you all again for your unconditional support of my family, and trust me it does not go unnoticed.  My moms spirits are high and she is enjoying the simple things in life like the sun, birds, home, and joking around with my brother and i.  Thank you all again.

Colin   

Dear Mr. Leu Kemia

Dear Mr. Leu Kemia,
I think it is time to surrender and remember who you are...the kind, generous, loving healthy cells that spread health and re-generation throughout Lynn's body. We all become confused sometimes, you just took a wrong turn somewhere and we are all ready to forgive you and live and let live; no shame, no blame. No one will think you are a wussy, you are the warrior, the gatekeeper that tells all the other cells what to do, get them in shape and tell them what formation they are to march in, they need a leader. You will not be alone,Dr. White is on your team and he will help you lead the effort.
Healthy cells unite forever!!
From,
All of us who care for and love Lynn

From Lynn 11/24/08 Day 14

Greeting from 1242. I've emerged from the fog and delighted to report that all is doing well. prognoses are difficult as yet but i'm told i'm moving in the right direction. Everything they say about the challenges of chemo are true, but i will spare the details for you. will i do it again and again if necessary?... you bet. Brushing my teeth and slurping down a bit of chicken soup were beautiful moments and a shower is nothing less than glorious.

My heart swells with the love and support that descend from every direction and each of you must know that you contribute to my smiles and ability to continue moving forward each day.

Thank you!!! 

Hope

Hi Lynn,

Checking in with you on a Friday, sending you a picture and a poem. The bird is a mountain bluebird - a rare enough sighting anyway - but here seen in an unusual moment of ascent.

The poem is from Emily Dickinson: Hope

Peace, hope, and strength to you - Mark

(image credit: Marv Breece)

Lynn,

The Wooleys are rooting for you and your family! This eagle photo will remind you to keep soaring like the eagles.

The Junior Seahawks want you back as soon as you are able. We all miss you!

Take care,

Kevin, Tammy, Andrea and Karolyn

From a Brisk Vermont

Hi Lynn,

We are dreaming of ping pongs....!

We send our love as knitting needles click, pencils sketch and bows caress strings. Looking forward to our next conversation.

Love, Nadine, Scott, Drew and Sierra

Denise Picinich

Please pray for Denise as she fights breast cancer. Her son Jimmy is a brother of mine and we need to stick together as a big family through all of this. Thank you.

Hey Lynn, We were thinking of you at Lincoln Park today, and sending lots of healing energy! Ann, Sean and Cecilia

Doing Good!

      Hello Again. I talked to mom yesterday and her last round of chemo is done for now if blood results come back good.  Her spirits are high and she feels much better than this past weekend.  She could even be home for thanksgiving which would be awesome for everyone.  

      I know some are having problems blogging.  I think you need to set up  a google account in order to post a main blog.  You may however post comments at any time i think.  Also some of you may be trying to send things to the house maybe if checks are sent then dan and i can take care of the rest for those of you that are aware of what im talking about. (we wont buy toys or anything don't worry).

Colin & Danny

9345 Fauntleroy Way SW

Seattle WA 98136

Thank you all for so much support and the care you have shown to Dan and I.  Please continue to keep mom in your thoughts. And thank you all again!!!

vermonters thinking of you!

Lynn,
We are sending more good, strong vibes to you from Vermont! Its a long way for them to travel, but they are coming daily. Keep up the good spirits and laughter.
love,
Audrey, Phil & Alden Huffman

ps. The photo is of Scott this summer on Lake Lila, NY.

You are whole , complete and perfect

Lynn,

The huge healing power of love your family and friends have for you is bigger then any dis-ease. You are a bright shining light in my life and you are always in my heart!

Deep peace of the quiet earth to you
Deep peace of the running wave to you
Deep peace of the flowing air to you
Deep peace of the shining stars to you

Love, blessings and loads and loads of healing energy and courage as you navigate the healing of your body,
Roberta and the Nelson fam

11/16/08

Hello to all and thank you for your support. Mom is starting to feel a "daze" from all of the chemo.  She has been very tired but still up beat and in a joking mood which is good.  Her good white cell count is very low right now due to the chemo and blood transfusions.  This means that she is very  vulnerable to infection and  other diseases.  Soon we will know when she will be coming home. At home however she will still be very vulnerable to disease and infection. Thank you all for the positive feedback and she loves to hear of peoples comments and good wishes. Keep up the good thoughts and prayers toward her way and thank you all again for the support for Dan and I.  We are fine on food for now and know that there are plenty warm meals out there if needed. Thank you again.

Colin and Dan     

From Lynn

Hello to all and heaps of thanks for your love, support, and phenomenal ways of showing you care.  I am indebted to you all for truly keeping my spirits high, and giving me the courage to keep going.  My rock-star doctor informs me that i am on a "busy" treatment schedule and that is in fact very true.  Colin, this blog is the perfect idea for keeping us all in touch (as i, colin, write) ;). Danny, a huge thank you for keeping everything together on the home front. I love you guys. John, thanks for the conversations, laughter, and well of love and support.  I love you.  Ill welcome more calls and visits as the days become more settled.      

An overview of A.L.L.

What Is Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia?

Leukemia is a type of cancer that starts in the soft, inner part of the bones (bone marrow) and often moves quickly into the blood. It can then spread to other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes, the spleen, liver, central nervous system and other organs. In contrast, other types of cancer can start in these organs and then spread to the bone marrow (or elsewhere). Those cancers are not leukemia. Both children and adults can get leukemia. The term "acute" means that the cancer develops quickly, and if not treated, could be fatal in a few months. "Lymphocytic" (limf-o-sit-ik) means that the cancer starts from cells called lymphocytes (limf-o-sites). Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a type of cancer that starts from these white blood cells in the bone marrow. ALL is sometimes called acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Leukemia is a complex disease with many different types and sub-types. The kind of treatment given and the outlook for the person with leukemia vary greatly according to the exact type of leukemia and other factors. Normal Bone Marrow, Blood, and Lymphoid Tissue In order to understand the different types of leukemia, it helps to have some basic knowledge of the blood and lymph systems. Bone Marrow Bone marrow is the soft, spongy, inner part of bones. All of the different types of blood cells are made in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is made up of blood stem cells, blood-forming cells, fat cells, and tissues that aid the growth of blood cells. The blood-forming cells come from blood stem cells. They only make new blood-forming cells and not other kinds of cells. (They are different from embryonic stem cells which are formed from a developing fetus and can grow to become other kinds of cells in the body.) The blood-forming cells can develop into 1 of the 3 main types of blood cell: red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. Red Blood Cells Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to all other tissues of the body. They also carry away carbon dioxide, a waste product of cell activity. A shortage of red blood cells causes weakness, shortness of breath, and tiredness. Platelets Platelets are actually pieces that break off from certain bone marrow cells.. Platelets help stop bleeding by plugging up holes in blood vessels caused by cuts or bruises. A shortage of platelets can cause a person to bleed or bruise easily. White Blood Cells White blood cells help defend the body against germs such as viruses and bacteria. There are quite a few types of white blood cells. Each has a special role to play in protecting the body against infection. The 3 main types of white blood cells are granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes. The immune system is made up mainly of lymphoid tissue (also known as lymphatic tissue). The main cell type that forms lymphoid tissue is the lymphocyte, a kind of white blood cell. The two main types of lymphocytes are called B-cells and T-cells. Normal T-cells and B-cells do different jobs within the immune system. Any of the blood-forming cells can turn into a leukemic cell. Once that happens, the cell can reproduce to form many new cancer cells. These cells can overwhelm the bone marrow, spill out into the bloodstream, and spread to other organs. Acute lymphocytic leukemia starts from early forms of the lymphocytes. Types of Leukemia Not all leukemias are the same. Leukemias are divided into 4 main types. Knowing the exact type of leukemia can help doctors better predict each patient's outlook (prognosis) and select the best treatment. The major types of leukemia are based on these factors: acute or chronic lymphocytic or myeloid Acute Leukemia Versus Chronic Leukemia The first factor to take into account to classify a patient's leukemia is whether most of the abnormal cells look like normal mature white blood cells or whether they look more like stem cells (have not matured.) Acute leukemia: In acute leukemia, the bone marrow cells don’t mature properly. These immature cells build up and crowd out normal cells. Without treatment, most patients with acute leukemia would live only a few months. Some types of acute leukemia respond well to treatment and many patients are cured. People with other types often do not do as well. Chronic leukemia: In chronic leukemia the cells look mature, but they are not really normal and they can’t fight infection they way they should. They also live too long, so that they build up and crowd out normal bone marrow cells. Chronic leukemias tend to progress over a longer period of time, and most patients can live for many years. However, chronic leukemias are generally harder to cure than acute leukemias.

Welcome

Welcome to all.  I hope this blog will work for all of you out there.  Please feel free to ask questions here for myself, Danny, John, or Nonny (joyce).  If it is more of a personal question please email me at moyc@cc.wwu.edu. 

Today mom started her first of many visits to the hospital for extensive chemo.  She had a horrible room at first with a great view of a brick wall, but john and i managed to get her to a nicer room with the help of pouty eyes and 5$ bills. JK.