Day 11 after first chemo treatment. Valerie with Chris and Rita on the night before a Surprise Anniversary Party in Atlanta, GA. Valerie practically grew up with Chris and his brothers. Their parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this weekend and their sons planned a surprise party for them. Valerie had made plans to arrive with her sister and also surprise her mom, but then life took its twist! Valerie and her sister told her mom they were going (since she told them she was concerned about leaving Valerie during this time.....guess you did not need to worry as she is there with you!) and Valerie got final approval from her doctor to fly on Thursday, August 17. They did take two precautions, the doctors prescribed her antibiotics (just in case she got sick while in Atlanta) and they also requested she wear fitted compression garment on her arm to prevent Lymphedema. The flight went smooth, and she has been enjoying her time in Atlanta. She returns on Sunday evening to start Chemo treatment number two on Monday, August 21, 2006.