Almost two weeks after chemo #4 and I am feeling remarkably well these last few days. There were some "new" side effects from the extra steroids, which were given to prevent those itchy hives. Hey, no hives! Some crazy lack of sleep however, and then a monstrous fatigue last week. It seems to have leveled off, for now, anyway.
I have tried some "new" things, which I think is very helpful. Just as it's beneficial to schedule some pleasant activities to look forward to.
* As recommended by my chiropractor, I took a warm bath scented with Lavender essential oil virtually daily for the first week after the last treatment. This really did seem to be calming, and possibly helped prevent the hives as well.
* Got a massage yesterday here in town! Always a treat, and also suggested as a complimentary therapy. If anyone would like a very reasonable massage, contact Barbara @ K.eep I.n T.ouch massage therapy @ 651-769-9116. Her rates are just $40 for an hour massage. And, you can't beat the first-time special of TWO one hour massages for $40!
* Joined my 3M work group for a lunch at the Olive Garden yesterday. It's good to know that the Venetian Apricot Chicken is delicious (comes with broccoli and asparagus - what could be more perfect?) and so I barely missed my beloved pasta. Anyone that's known me for long understands that I should have been Italian! My son, Kevin, and I could pretty much live on a good daily dose of noodles!
* Tonight I took my very first Yoga class! It was just 30 minutes, and was great! This was from a gift certificate that I won from a drawing at the chiropractor's office. Again, this is a local woman who added a fitness studio to her home and is providing classes and personal training through her Real Fit Workout Studio. You can check it out at www.r-fit.com. Yoga is also a recommended complimentary therapy, especially for breathing & relaxation techniques.
* Drove through Starbucks for a nice hot cup of green tea one day last week after dropping the boys at daycare. The woman before me in line paid for my beverage & added a message to have a great day! Gotta love random acts of kindness. Something small & unexpected can make a huge difference in someone's day! :O)
We enjoyed the Strawberry Fest parade last Saturday here in Cottage Grove. The boys went on some rides while I checked out the business expo booths. Later, we watched Mike and the fire fighters demo an extraction from a car using the Jaws of Life. Absorbed lots of Vitamin D that day (and was wiped out after all that!).
I'll be having a little "getaway" at my sister's this weekend, which will be fun. Next week Alec will participate in the Starbase program that was offered to children of 3M employees. He's big into Science and technology and computers and is very much looking forward to this 4-day class.
I am scheduled for next Thursday, June 26th, at 10:40 for the next round of chemo. Until then, I will keep up my "healing" activities. The Christian radio station is on pretty much all day for positive messages and encouragement. I've read some more uplifting books (such as Chicken Soup for the Survivor's Soul). And I've spent time researching new healthy recipes online (could become addicting! Now I just need to cook some up...).
It's also so encouraging to hear from you through emails, etc. I can't say enough how much we appreciate every prayer and positive thought coming our way! If you would, please send some on down to the hurting people in my home state, Iowa, that are dealing with such devastation from the unprecedented flooding. The prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Take a Lap
Things are moving right along. This Thursday, the 5th, I have chemo #4 out of 6 at 10:15 (for you prayer warriors!). Please pray for good counts, so there will be no delay. Also, I had some "extra" delayed-onset side effects after the last treatment (including hives and tremendous itchiness), so please add that concern to your prayers, if you would.
Speaking of moving, I registered for the 2nd annual Cottage Grove Relay for Life which will be taking place on Friday-Saturday July 11-12th. http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=7153&pg=entry I have signed up for the Survivor Lap. Their definition of a survivor is anyone that has ever heard the words "you have cancer." I spoke with the survivor chairperson last night, and she explained that after the opening ceremonies at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, the survivors all take the first lap (there are approximately 3o of us right now). Then, for the second lap, they ask all the caregivers to join the survivors for another one (or more) and then the teams all join in. So, I'm inviting anyone who has said a prayer, sent a card, brought a meal, helped with the kids, sent a positive thought, etc. to feel free to join me on a 2nd lap around the track. I feel you are all "my" caregivers and I so appreciate you and everything you do to make this journey easier for me! There is no need to register; she said the more the merrier, bring it on! This takes place at the CG Jr High, basically across the street from our home. Last year we looked across at dusk and were amazed at all the glowing luminaries circling the entire track. It is beautiful, but it also represents so many people that have been affected by this disease.
This morning during my daily devotions and bible reading, I was touched by the following sentiment: "God will bless us with light as we follow Christ; we can shine even in the rain." I feel so blessed to find His light even as I walk through this rain shower (some days, a downpour?).
And there is always Hope! One of my favorite verses, that helps keep that "attitude of gratitude" going is simply "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" 2Cor 9:15 He has offered us the free gift of salvation and eternal life through Christ. That is the foundation of my hope every day!
Speaking of moving, I registered for the 2nd annual Cottage Grove Relay for Life which will be taking place on Friday-Saturday July 11-12th. http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=7153&pg=entry I have signed up for the Survivor Lap. Their definition of a survivor is anyone that has ever heard the words "you have cancer." I spoke with the survivor chairperson last night, and she explained that after the opening ceremonies at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, the survivors all take the first lap (there are approximately 3o of us right now). Then, for the second lap, they ask all the caregivers to join the survivors for another one (or more) and then the teams all join in. So, I'm inviting anyone who has said a prayer, sent a card, brought a meal, helped with the kids, sent a positive thought, etc. to feel free to join me on a 2nd lap around the track. I feel you are all "my" caregivers and I so appreciate you and everything you do to make this journey easier for me! There is no need to register; she said the more the merrier, bring it on! This takes place at the CG Jr High, basically across the street from our home. Last year we looked across at dusk and were amazed at all the glowing luminaries circling the entire track. It is beautiful, but it also represents so many people that have been affected by this disease.
This morning during my daily devotions and bible reading, I was touched by the following sentiment: "God will bless us with light as we follow Christ; we can shine even in the rain." I feel so blessed to find His light even as I walk through this rain shower (some days, a downpour?).
And there is always Hope! One of my favorite verses, that helps keep that "attitude of gratitude" going is simply "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" 2Cor 9:15 He has offered us the free gift of salvation and eternal life through Christ. That is the foundation of my hope every day!
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