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!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Halfway!
Three down, three to go. Let's call it the homeward stretch. Or the downhill tumble? Some observations...
*It seems that each chemo knocks me down a little bit more and takes a little bit longer to bounce back. I experienced some "chemo brain" this time that I didn't after the first two treatments. It was an exhausting weekend - and I basically didn't do anything except read a good book. The chemo brain and significant fatigue may make working a little bit more challenging.
*Speaking of working, it's such a blessing that I am able to work from home during this treatment/recovery period. I've been working about 3-4 hours daily on almost all of my "good" days, which has been pretty nice (except when I lose my wireless or 3M network connections!). These hours may actually have to be reduced as I move on down this path. I'm finding less time to just rest and heal.
* Exercise is "medicine" just like food. I'm so glad there is Leslie Sansone to walk with at home! I tried about 10 minutes of a Denise Austin kickboxing video (garage sale bargain) and that was about it before I collapsed (as did Kevin!). And it was for beginners! I schedule in the exercise just like any medication per the dietitian and common sense for good health now and in the future.
* Doing something non-cancer is very therapeutic. Even just a Saturday morning garage sale or lunch at Subway and fabulous Dunn Bros Ice Crema coffee drink with friends (I guess that was a little specific!). I "save up" for those sweet treats, because they, of course, don't fuel the body, although often they fuel the soul! The friends & conversation & laughter certainly do!
* Moms cry when they watch kids performing....even when it's not their own kids! Tonight was Alec's grand performance of "The Wizard of Oz" at school. He did wonderfully! I'm one of those that is usually choked up as they play the opening music. I'm so proud of him and all the hard work he did rehearsing and memorizing lines. It's a truly astounding production for a 3rd grade class! His teacher is an amazing director and all around fantastic teacher. Oh, they also dedicated the shows to the two moms in the class fighting breast cancer right now. The entire cast wore pink ribbons in our honor, as did we. Okay, add that to reasons to get choked up...
* Mother's Day was very nice and I am again so blessed to have my little boys. It's so incredible that God chose me to raise them here on earth. I hope all the mothers had a special day! I had several people walking "for" me at the Mall of America Race for the Cure, which means a lot to me. I now have a new cookbook, scarf, and hat to remember their efforts. Very nice!
* Gardening is miraculous! Our veggie garden went in late this year (Mike just planted it today, in fact). When you really think about putting a dried up seed in some dirt and just adding water and sunshine and here comes something beautiful or good to eat, it's nothing short of a miracle. We did emphasize green things in the planting choices this year, plus always tomatoes. I've already pulled some rhubarb and made some experimental muffins. Too bad rhubarb always requires a fair amount of sugar to sweeten it up. It is a favorite of mine, now to just get those boys to like it....
* Sitting at a baseball game in the wind tends to turn a longer wig into a mass of tangles. Yikes!
* People that have known you for 10+ years may not recognize you with new "hair" and glasses!
* People tend to feel better themselves when they do something to help someone else. I'm hoping to get involved (at least a little) in the Cottage Grove Relay for Life in July (a non-chemo treatment weekend). It's very close to our house & I think I could take a lap or two. Hopefully with a friend or two! Also, I'm looking at some community service type projects for the Cub Scout den. The options to help others are endless.
* I didn't mean to cause anyone to worry by waiting a long time to update! I'll try to keep this a little more current in the future. It was more "busyness" than sickness that created the delay.
* One can never have too many in her support network. I am, again, so very thankful for each of you and your own individual talents and gifts. You bring so much to my life. I cherish your prayers and positive thoughts more than you can imagine. Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and keep in mind all those who have sacrificed for our freedom.
*It seems that each chemo knocks me down a little bit more and takes a little bit longer to bounce back. I experienced some "chemo brain" this time that I didn't after the first two treatments. It was an exhausting weekend - and I basically didn't do anything except read a good book. The chemo brain and significant fatigue may make working a little bit more challenging.
*Speaking of working, it's such a blessing that I am able to work from home during this treatment/recovery period. I've been working about 3-4 hours daily on almost all of my "good" days, which has been pretty nice (except when I lose my wireless or 3M network connections!). These hours may actually have to be reduced as I move on down this path. I'm finding less time to just rest and heal.
* Exercise is "medicine" just like food. I'm so glad there is Leslie Sansone to walk with at home! I tried about 10 minutes of a Denise Austin kickboxing video (garage sale bargain) and that was about it before I collapsed (as did Kevin!). And it was for beginners! I schedule in the exercise just like any medication per the dietitian and common sense for good health now and in the future.
* Doing something non-cancer is very therapeutic. Even just a Saturday morning garage sale or lunch at Subway and fabulous Dunn Bros Ice Crema coffee drink with friends (I guess that was a little specific!). I "save up" for those sweet treats, because they, of course, don't fuel the body, although often they fuel the soul! The friends & conversation & laughter certainly do!
* Moms cry when they watch kids performing....even when it's not their own kids! Tonight was Alec's grand performance of "The Wizard of Oz" at school. He did wonderfully! I'm one of those that is usually choked up as they play the opening music. I'm so proud of him and all the hard work he did rehearsing and memorizing lines. It's a truly astounding production for a 3rd grade class! His teacher is an amazing director and all around fantastic teacher. Oh, they also dedicated the shows to the two moms in the class fighting breast cancer right now. The entire cast wore pink ribbons in our honor, as did we. Okay, add that to reasons to get choked up...
* Mother's Day was very nice and I am again so blessed to have my little boys. It's so incredible that God chose me to raise them here on earth. I hope all the mothers had a special day! I had several people walking "for" me at the Mall of America Race for the Cure, which means a lot to me. I now have a new cookbook, scarf, and hat to remember their efforts. Very nice!
* Gardening is miraculous! Our veggie garden went in late this year (Mike just planted it today, in fact). When you really think about putting a dried up seed in some dirt and just adding water and sunshine and here comes something beautiful or good to eat, it's nothing short of a miracle. We did emphasize green things in the planting choices this year, plus always tomatoes. I've already pulled some rhubarb and made some experimental muffins. Too bad rhubarb always requires a fair amount of sugar to sweeten it up. It is a favorite of mine, now to just get those boys to like it....
* Sitting at a baseball game in the wind tends to turn a longer wig into a mass of tangles. Yikes!
* People that have known you for 10+ years may not recognize you with new "hair" and glasses!
* People tend to feel better themselves when they do something to help someone else. I'm hoping to get involved (at least a little) in the Cottage Grove Relay for Life in July (a non-chemo treatment weekend). It's very close to our house & I think I could take a lap or two. Hopefully with a friend or two! Also, I'm looking at some community service type projects for the Cub Scout den. The options to help others are endless.
* I didn't mean to cause anyone to worry by waiting a long time to update! I'll try to keep this a little more current in the future. It was more "busyness" than sickness that created the delay.
* One can never have too many in her support network. I am, again, so very thankful for each of you and your own individual talents and gifts. You bring so much to my life. I cherish your prayers and positive thoughts more than you can imagine. Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and keep in mind all those who have sacrificed for our freedom.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Two down, four to go
As of last Thursday, I am 1/3 complete with the chemotherapy treatments. The treatment itself, again, went fine. I met with the nurse practitioner, Judy, this time. We reviewed my counts, etc., which were all good (white blood cell counts were actually high - as expected -because of the Nuelasta shot). She said the "bad news" was that I could have the treatment. No kidding! I wrestled through a tough weekend again. I think we managed a few of the side effects better than the first round, but I still was exhausted and "down" for the count. I'm certainly not 100% today, but gaining some ground.
I also visited A Fitting Place again, with Jenny and Sonja, this time, to remove the "chemo hair" following my rainy day chemo treatment. I was feeling very unprepared, except for the mountainous handfuls of long hair coming out of my head every moment, which helped me determine that I was making the right choice. It was honestly not nearly as traumatic as I expected. It's weird to get used to that sight in the mirror, however, of a closely shaved head (not as nice & fuzzy as the boys' because of bald patches!). Definitely tougher for the boys, especially Alec. He really doesn't want to see me without something on my head. Fortunately, I do happen to have more hair accessories of various kinds than ever before in my life, so I am fairly well prepared. "Normal" and "reality" just keep changing. I just need to keep up and make it the best it can be for me and them.
I had tickets to the Castings Crowns concert on Saturday night with friends, but just did not feel up to it (even just walking around in ~30 degree weather did not sound appealing). So I had to just praise God here at home, instead!
Today was a day of much needed rest. After visiting the chiropractor for my weekly adjustment and dropping the boys at school, I came home, did my 2-mile walk (exercise is medicine, too) with not as much energy as usual, but hey, cancer hates aerobics. I finished up a couple of books that I had previously started, which dealt a lot with "human moments" and learning to make the most of every minute of the fleeting time we have on this earth. This whole thing has been a huge wake-up call and I need to make sure I don't slip back over to the "just endure and walk the treadmill" track again.
I've also been listening to some CDs that offer powerful healing & restorative action. Some are selections gathered for positive reinforcement (thanks, Linda!), and others are relaxing, healing, or guided imagery and affirmation. Music has always ministered to my soul, and this challenging time is no exception. I've even been playing Alec's "We're Off to See the Wizard" piano music when I get a chance - his 3rd grade performance of "Oz" will be May 22nd. Very fun and exciting!
I hope that each of you knows what a tremendous blessing you are in my life. I apologize if I have not made sure you know what you mean to me and my family. We had much greatly appreciated help this weekend from friends and family and we are very thankful for everything. And tonight, Mike's cousin's family took the boys for supper and on to Alec's baseball practice (Mike still has EMT classes every Monday & Thursday evening). It gives me time to rest and re-energize, which are both crucial for quick and complete recovery. I thank God for each of you and for your generous and caring hearts.
I also visited A Fitting Place again, with Jenny and Sonja, this time, to remove the "chemo hair" following my rainy day chemo treatment. I was feeling very unprepared, except for the mountainous handfuls of long hair coming out of my head every moment, which helped me determine that I was making the right choice. It was honestly not nearly as traumatic as I expected. It's weird to get used to that sight in the mirror, however, of a closely shaved head (not as nice & fuzzy as the boys' because of bald patches!). Definitely tougher for the boys, especially Alec. He really doesn't want to see me without something on my head. Fortunately, I do happen to have more hair accessories of various kinds than ever before in my life, so I am fairly well prepared. "Normal" and "reality" just keep changing. I just need to keep up and make it the best it can be for me and them.
I had tickets to the Castings Crowns concert on Saturday night with friends, but just did not feel up to it (even just walking around in ~30 degree weather did not sound appealing). So I had to just praise God here at home, instead!
Today was a day of much needed rest. After visiting the chiropractor for my weekly adjustment and dropping the boys at school, I came home, did my 2-mile walk (exercise is medicine, too) with not as much energy as usual, but hey, cancer hates aerobics. I finished up a couple of books that I had previously started, which dealt a lot with "human moments" and learning to make the most of every minute of the fleeting time we have on this earth. This whole thing has been a huge wake-up call and I need to make sure I don't slip back over to the "just endure and walk the treadmill" track again.
I've also been listening to some CDs that offer powerful healing & restorative action. Some are selections gathered for positive reinforcement (thanks, Linda!), and others are relaxing, healing, or guided imagery and affirmation. Music has always ministered to my soul, and this challenging time is no exception. I've even been playing Alec's "We're Off to See the Wizard" piano music when I get a chance - his 3rd grade performance of "Oz" will be May 22nd. Very fun and exciting!
I hope that each of you knows what a tremendous blessing you are in my life. I apologize if I have not made sure you know what you mean to me and my family. We had much greatly appreciated help this weekend from friends and family and we are very thankful for everything. And tonight, Mike's cousin's family took the boys for supper and on to Alec's baseball practice (Mike still has EMT classes every Monday & Thursday evening). It gives me time to rest and re-energize, which are both crucial for quick and complete recovery. I thank God for each of you and for your generous and caring hearts.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Right on schedule
It's been awhile since I updated....so here's the current scoop.
I went to work for 2 half days last Monday & Tuesday (14th & 15th). I was fairly surprised to find this just wiped me out! I have since been approved to work from home (up to 4 hours daily, per Dr. Hartung, probably 3 days a week or so). I purchased a Wireless Router yesterday & just need to get that set up today & I should be ready to roll. Working from home will be really nice, particularly to avoid "extra" germs while I have a suppressed immune system, not to mention conserving the energy required just to get "ready" in the morning & drive in. Need to keep those blood counts up & the chemo treatments on schedule. Let's keep the end in sight!
I wound up at the oncologist's office last Monday after work for a very "itchy" hand (near the site where the chemo IV was). Now I have steroid cream to apply there, and it is much improved. Again, if this got out of hand, it could delay the chemo. So many interesting side effects....
I also had an eye exam Friday, partially to explain this other side effect. Just once, I saw a "halo" light in both eyes that actually distorted the magazine (healthy recipes!) I was reading. The explanation was similar to a migraine (I've never had one). The eye doctor said that some people see the halo but don't get the headache. He said he was not surprised that I'd have this resulting from the chemo drugs. He said I did the right thing by just sitting & closing my eyes for 20-30 minutes. Otherwise, my vision had not changed. I was due for some glasses, though, so ordered up some more "stylish" ones. I made sure the woman assisting me knew I wanted to look "good" even without hair and eyebrows! Everyone there (Mead Optometry) was very helpful.
The most disturbing thing right now is that my hair is falling out hand over fist. It is right on schedule, 2-1/2 weeks after the first treatment. I knew this would bother me, and it really does! It bothers Alec a lot, too. I'm going Thursday after chemo, with my sister, to have the remaining "chemo hair" removed and the wig styled. I showed my boys the wigs last night, and even tried one on for them. They decided I didn't look like me and "where are your curls?"! Alec thought I looked like Nancy Drew! So, I think I will be getting one more - a curlier one so it won't be as "shocking" to them every time they look at me. There are many websites with good hair pieces, at significantly lesser prices (www.bestwigoutlet.com for example).
I did meet friends for lunch last Thursday and Friday which was really nice. Heard about some skin care ingredients that are not so great, so spent probably 8 hours on-line researching some of that. I think I'm driving myself crazy with that, since there are virtually no products that don't contain at least something questionable. I'll need bifocals just to read the tiny but massive lists of ingredients on every product! However, the database "rating" many of these has "data gaps" of up to 90%+ in some cases, so they aren't sure either!
I'm scheduled for chemo this Thursday the 24th @ 10:45. My sister again will accompany me and we'll find a good light movie to watch. My friend, Coreen, has agreed to pick up some lunch for us & deliver it! We're thinking that new Noodles linguine with asparagus - maybe double the asparagus! Healthy & delicious greens! So, please pray that my counts will be good and that I won't be delayed.
Oh, we had the pleasant surprise of a phone call on Saturday evening from my cousin, Diane, from Cedar Falls. She & her family were in Woodbury for their son's soccer tourney and had some time on Sunday. We met them at our church and enjoyed a short visit before & after the service. Very nice!
I want to continue to thank all of you for your on-going prayers and support of our family. You are showing the love of God every day in your actions and we are so grateful. We are also praying for several (too many) others that are fighting this cancer battle. One of my dear friends had surgery yesterday. One other friend lost his battle last week, and his family needs lots of prayers and support as well. We pray for God's continued comfort and peace and strength for all of these, His children.
I went to work for 2 half days last Monday & Tuesday (14th & 15th). I was fairly surprised to find this just wiped me out! I have since been approved to work from home (up to 4 hours daily, per Dr. Hartung, probably 3 days a week or so). I purchased a Wireless Router yesterday & just need to get that set up today & I should be ready to roll. Working from home will be really nice, particularly to avoid "extra" germs while I have a suppressed immune system, not to mention conserving the energy required just to get "ready" in the morning & drive in. Need to keep those blood counts up & the chemo treatments on schedule. Let's keep the end in sight!
I wound up at the oncologist's office last Monday after work for a very "itchy" hand (near the site where the chemo IV was). Now I have steroid cream to apply there, and it is much improved. Again, if this got out of hand, it could delay the chemo. So many interesting side effects....
I also had an eye exam Friday, partially to explain this other side effect. Just once, I saw a "halo" light in both eyes that actually distorted the magazine (healthy recipes!) I was reading. The explanation was similar to a migraine (I've never had one). The eye doctor said that some people see the halo but don't get the headache. He said he was not surprised that I'd have this resulting from the chemo drugs. He said I did the right thing by just sitting & closing my eyes for 20-30 minutes. Otherwise, my vision had not changed. I was due for some glasses, though, so ordered up some more "stylish" ones. I made sure the woman assisting me knew I wanted to look "good" even without hair and eyebrows! Everyone there (Mead Optometry) was very helpful.
The most disturbing thing right now is that my hair is falling out hand over fist. It is right on schedule, 2-1/2 weeks after the first treatment. I knew this would bother me, and it really does! It bothers Alec a lot, too. I'm going Thursday after chemo, with my sister, to have the remaining "chemo hair" removed and the wig styled. I showed my boys the wigs last night, and even tried one on for them. They decided I didn't look like me and "where are your curls?"! Alec thought I looked like Nancy Drew! So, I think I will be getting one more - a curlier one so it won't be as "shocking" to them every time they look at me. There are many websites with good hair pieces, at significantly lesser prices (www.bestwigoutlet.com for example).
I did meet friends for lunch last Thursday and Friday which was really nice. Heard about some skin care ingredients that are not so great, so spent probably 8 hours on-line researching some of that. I think I'm driving myself crazy with that, since there are virtually no products that don't contain at least something questionable. I'll need bifocals just to read the tiny but massive lists of ingredients on every product! However, the database "rating" many of these has "data gaps" of up to 90%+ in some cases, so they aren't sure either!
I'm scheduled for chemo this Thursday the 24th @ 10:45. My sister again will accompany me and we'll find a good light movie to watch. My friend, Coreen, has agreed to pick up some lunch for us & deliver it! We're thinking that new Noodles linguine with asparagus - maybe double the asparagus! Healthy & delicious greens! So, please pray that my counts will be good and that I won't be delayed.
Oh, we had the pleasant surprise of a phone call on Saturday evening from my cousin, Diane, from Cedar Falls. She & her family were in Woodbury for their son's soccer tourney and had some time on Sunday. We met them at our church and enjoyed a short visit before & after the service. Very nice!
I want to continue to thank all of you for your on-going prayers and support of our family. You are showing the love of God every day in your actions and we are so grateful. We are also praying for several (too many) others that are fighting this cancer battle. One of my dear friends had surgery yesterday. One other friend lost his battle last week, and his family needs lots of prayers and support as well. We pray for God's continued comfort and peace and strength for all of these, His children.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
One week later
It's been a busy time since my 1st treatment. Turns out that days 3 & 4 are really pretty much the pits even though day 1 went very well. I haven't felt that lousy in a long time, maybe ever. I've determined a few things I'll change (such as not worrying about eating "healthy" for a couple days & eating "bland/comfort" instead) the next round. Today is easily my "best" day since the chemo.
However, besides they things I couldn't do, things I could & did do include:
* Saved up my energy & managed to attend Triple Espresso with my family on Sunday afternoon - I'm sure the laughter promoted good healing endorphins
* Dropped my boys at school daily - takes more effort than I thought some days!
* Attended the Look Good Feel Better class on Tuesday morning with my sister. It's amazing how positive all these women are, no matter the circumstances they are facing (head on!)
* Went to the dentist Wed. morning - just a cleaning, but my mouth is still not quite back to normal (whatever that is). Tip for dry-mouths - Biotene toothpaste - I had never heard of it
* This morning I went to the Wig Room at the American Cancer Society in Mendota Heights to choose a free wig and several handmade scarves/hats. This is a great program - if you know anyone that needs one, just call & schedule a one-on-one appointment.
My family and I are very appreciative of all of your support. For example, today a large (3 feet?) stuffed smiling daisy was delivered by UPS (thanks Westergren's!). It makes me smile just to look at it. :O) And two friends visited with a Subway lunch & balloons. There is so much to be thankful for every day! When I think of all of you I remember "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!" You give us so many reasons to rejoice no matter the circumstances. God bless! And enjoy the snow (NOT)!
However, besides they things I couldn't do, things I could & did do include:
* Saved up my energy & managed to attend Triple Espresso with my family on Sunday afternoon - I'm sure the laughter promoted good healing endorphins
* Dropped my boys at school daily - takes more effort than I thought some days!
* Attended the Look Good Feel Better class on Tuesday morning with my sister. It's amazing how positive all these women are, no matter the circumstances they are facing (head on!)
* Went to the dentist Wed. morning - just a cleaning, but my mouth is still not quite back to normal (whatever that is). Tip for dry-mouths - Biotene toothpaste - I had never heard of it
* This morning I went to the Wig Room at the American Cancer Society in Mendota Heights to choose a free wig and several handmade scarves/hats. This is a great program - if you know anyone that needs one, just call & schedule a one-on-one appointment.
My family and I are very appreciative of all of your support. For example, today a large (3 feet?) stuffed smiling daisy was delivered by UPS (thanks Westergren's!). It makes me smile just to look at it. :O) And two friends visited with a Subway lunch & balloons. There is so much to be thankful for every day! When I think of all of you I remember "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!" You give us so many reasons to rejoice no matter the circumstances. God bless! And enjoy the snow (NOT)!
Friday, April 4, 2008
One down, 5 to go...
One round of chemotherapy down, 5 to go. My sister, Sonja, came with me for the first treatment yesterday at 8:20 a.m. and helped me get all my "stuff" arranged. It's invaluable to have a second set of ears for all the instructions. The treatment itself went without incident. They pumped in two bags of nausea drugs and then the two chemo drugs, one after the other, and then a shot of Neulasta to boost my white blood cell production. The nurses were very nice. All of the patients seemed pretty upbeat. It's amazing & concerning how many people are undergoing treatment for cancer - just at this one location.
We hooked up the portable DVD player and watched most of "The Princess Bride" during the infusion. It's good to have something light that includes a little laughter during this stressful time. That's one of my favorite "classic" movies. I also had a couple of fruity "Popsicles" to help prevent any mouth sores that might think about developing. The nurse, Celia, said I wasn't getting that particular drug, but I figure prevention is still a good idea! We then had to run to Target and pick up some additional Rx's, etc.
My long-time friend, Jane, and her kids came over to help me out last evening while Mike was taking a test for his EMT class. It was good to chat and relax a little. I was definitely ready for bed by about 8:00 though.
I did my 2-mile indoor walk this morning and am sort of waiting to see what side effects hit when. All the suggestions are to "get ahead" of them and take care of them ASAP to reduce the impact. They are saying I will experience the hair loss before my next treatment in 3 weeks. I'm really not looking forward to that one.
My mom and stepdad are coming up today to help out. Also, we are all, kids included, going to a Triple Espresso matinee on Sunday (I'm praying I feel good!). That is the best laughter medicine ever.
I think one major reason the actual treatment went so well yesterday was the wonderful prayer coverage I had. I thank every one of you who lifted your prayers to God during that time. Even my blood pressure was very good, so it was helping my stress level as well. I am so very thankful for the amazing outpouring of support for me and my family! I wish you all a restful and peaceful weekend. God bless you!
We hooked up the portable DVD player and watched most of "The Princess Bride" during the infusion. It's good to have something light that includes a little laughter during this stressful time. That's one of my favorite "classic" movies. I also had a couple of fruity "Popsicles" to help prevent any mouth sores that might think about developing. The nurse, Celia, said I wasn't getting that particular drug, but I figure prevention is still a good idea! We then had to run to Target and pick up some additional Rx's, etc.
My long-time friend, Jane, and her kids came over to help me out last evening while Mike was taking a test for his EMT class. It was good to chat and relax a little. I was definitely ready for bed by about 8:00 though.
I did my 2-mile indoor walk this morning and am sort of waiting to see what side effects hit when. All the suggestions are to "get ahead" of them and take care of them ASAP to reduce the impact. They are saying I will experience the hair loss before my next treatment in 3 weeks. I'm really not looking forward to that one.
My mom and stepdad are coming up today to help out. Also, we are all, kids included, going to a Triple Espresso matinee on Sunday (I'm praying I feel good!). That is the best laughter medicine ever.
I think one major reason the actual treatment went so well yesterday was the wonderful prayer coverage I had. I thank every one of you who lifted your prayers to God during that time. Even my blood pressure was very good, so it was helping my stress level as well. I am so very thankful for the amazing outpouring of support for me and my family! I wish you all a restful and peaceful weekend. God bless you!
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