June 28, 2023 I’ve had a crazy couple of days. After doing so well managing chemotherapy symptoms religiously it turns out that I started taking constipation avoiding drugs too late. After day 5 of no movement I developed severe abdominal pain and was told to go to the ER. The ER put me on IVContinue reading “A Life Saving Poop”
Author Archives: valvelde
1st Day of Chemo!
June 20, 2023 My first chemotherapy session is in the books. All went smoothly. I felt odd when we left (wonder why) but otherwise good. It’s now been a few hours and feel more off but over all mild nausea. Something tells me this may be the storm building up. It feels goodContinue reading “1st Day of Chemo!”
Prepping for 5 Months of Chemo
June 15, 2023 I’m feeling ready to start chemotherapy on Tuesday. This week I’ve ordered a wig (arrives today), completed chemo training, picked up more prescriptions than I ever thought possible, paid off medical bills to date and thus officially maxed out my out of pocket medical for the year. I’ve grateful for having excellentContinue reading “Prepping for 5 Months of Chemo”
First Oncology Appointment
June 6, 2023 Nick and I learned a LOT this morning. I’m feeling a combination of relief of having a firm journey map and nervousness of how Chemo may treat me. Here’s what I know, first the great news, no cancer found in my bones, liver or any other organ! Sweet, that means the cancerContinue reading “First Oncology Appointment”
Cancer Journey, Mastectomy
May 27, 2023 Just a little update, surgery on Wednesday went smoothly and they sent me home within a few hours after the mastectomy. I’ve been struggling a bit with pain management but Nick has been an amazing nurse. I’m so grateful for him. I have not gotten the lab results back yet but IContinue reading “Cancer Journey, Mastectomy”
It’s Breast Cancer! Ugh
April 26, 2023 It’s cancer. Not something you ever expect to hear. Last Tuesday I had an appointment scheduled with my general doctor to check out a lump I noticed. That kicked off a week of craziness. Wednesday a 3D mammogram and ultrasound. Friday a biopsy. Monday a formal breast cancer diagnosis. Tuesday detailed labContinue reading “It’s Breast Cancer! Ugh”
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) Flare – what’s it like?
In the past two weeks I’ve: – Cancelled volunteering at the State FFA Convention – Taken a couple half days of PTO – Cancelled supper with a friend – Did not attend a strategic planning session for a board I’m on. – Did not attend a fundraiser event I’d been looking forward to – leftContinue reading “Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) Flare – what’s it like?”
“Mom, am I too dumb for Kindergarten?”
“Mom, am I too dumb for Kindergarten?” Oh my gosh, how young are we when we learn to compare ourselves to others? “Why do you ask that?” “My friend can read and I can’t.” She and her friend both start Kindergarten in a few weeks. “Beautiful girl, your friend has two teachers as parents. TheyContinue reading ““Mom, am I too dumb for Kindergarten?””
Could the Global Pandemic Reverse “Brain Drain” of Rural America?
I’m watching around me where co-workers and friends are being told they can continue to work from home. No big deal, right? No! It’s a BIG DEAL. I see agricultural leaders from large and small Ag companies, Co-ops, Non-Profits, etc. for the first having a CHOICE to lead and raise there family outside of theContinue reading “Could the Global Pandemic Reverse “Brain Drain” of Rural America?”
Valerie Velde Bio
Val Velde is the Regional Customer Operations Manager at Land O’Lakes, Purina Division. She is responsible for multiple teams within the Purina Animal Feed Division of Land O’Lakes including Billing, Customer Care (disputes team), E-Commerce Customer Service, Upper Midwest Region Customer Service, and the Consumer Customer Service team. She is celebrating year 18 with theContinue reading “Valerie Velde Bio”
My Journey 