Something new

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!