I completed Round #4 of chemo on Monday...it is amazing how fast the three weeks go by between treatments....feel like I am traveling down the road pretty fast! Dr. Sneed says that if my cancer markers go down..which I am praying they will...I will have two more treatments and then another PET scan to see where we are! Knowing that God is in control and putting my Faith in Him, I will be anxious to have this PET scan and not dread it like I have in the past!
I havc been pretty tired lately....asked Dr. Sneed about taking Ritalin like I did ten years ago, but this is not an option because of my atrial fibrilation! Will just have to take vitamins and rest....just finished my three days of steroids, so that will help too! On facebook today, my "Message from God" this morning was telling me that tonight I will have a good night's sleep...seems like all the messages I receive from Him, are just the ones that I need that day...He is so awesome!
I am so enjoying having Princess Breanna here visiting...such an angel! I truly enjoy her company...she is the sweetest ever....I already know how much I will miss her when she starts to school next fall....trying to store up some Breanna time now....she told me that she will have to come over on her days off! Hopefully, I will still be able to take her to church with me on Sundays and have some time with her then! She loves going to church!
Working on the "Jennifer Projects" for the kids at the hospital and have started to work on my project in honor of Jennifer's Birthday...oh how I miss her! Can hardly believe she has been gone for almost four years now. I miss her each and every minute of everyday! I am just so grateful for all the wonderful memories that I have of her and knowing in my heart that she is happy and healthy now....and most of all, the assurance that I will see her again!
We had another wonderful Ya Ya day at Kimberly's last Sunday...Kimberly, Missy, Lisa, Breanna and me...another fabulous meal by Kimberly and awesome Key Lime Pie from Missy! I cherish these times together being with friends and crafting together....perfect therapy! It is just like having a bonus dose of medicine each week! These times are so inspiring and at only age five years old, Princess Breanna has already become an avid crafter and card maker and wants to try all the new techniques that we do....she is really good too! Looking forward to another Ya Ya day this Sunday after another good service at church!
Last Tuesday, I went for my follow up hip replacement appointment...I was a little worried that the chemo might have been causing some problems, because I was having some pain in my leg and in my incision site. I was assured that my x-ray was good and there was nothing used like the cement in my surgery that the chemo would cause problems with. I do have swelling in that leg..but hey, it's on the right side of my body..I have always said that I needed a right side body transplant LOL! That seems to be where all my problems are. He said that possibly I could have some bursitis...but I don't have to go back to them until the anniversary of my surgery in October! YAY!! One less doctor appointment!
Again, I want to thank everyone soooo much for all your love, encouragement, prayers and gifts!
Thank you Lisa for all the wonderful cards, encouragement and postage stamps; Mandy for keeping me such a wonderful wardrobe of hats; Missy for the most awesome picture of the girl with her "Fighting Gloves" on, the wonderful pink snuggie that I have on right now, and the great book "BOOBS"!; Edwina for the adorable hats; Kimberly for all the wonderful meals, the continuous craft supplies! Most of all I want to thank all of my friends for all the wonderful encouragement, phone calls, cards and prayers....as you know I always say and it is soooo true..."I get by with a little help from my friends" and I love and cherish each one of you! I love hearing all the love, prayers and encouragement from my facebook friends...some of which I haven't seen or heard from in 40 years since we were in school....it is great reconnecting and getting back in touch with old friends! Thanks also to Judy and Pig for the gorgeous handmade afghans...this chemo sure has cooled this old body down and they sure are being enjoyed...Pig all the contributions that you do for the "Jennifer Project" are so awesome..just don't know how you do it! Stacie, you always amaze me with you ideas and creative projects for the "Jennifer Project"......so thankful for you! I am still in awe how you and Lisa made all the little "punch people" for the book thong bags...now that is talent! Would love to see the kids' faces when they see them! I love you all sooo much! I cherish the gift of your friendship!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
WINTER STORM ....FEBRUARY 8, 2010
What a surprise to wake up to snow...after it had been taken out of the forecast....as the morning progressed, the snowflakes got bigger and more beautiful! It just looked so pure, quiet and peaceful.
Bill and Judy are here visiting us from Illinois...thinking they were getting away from their winter weather for a bit....I had told them that it would probably be in the 50's here during their visit. Although snow is a very common thing for them, Judy said that it is sooooo cold in Bloomington that they don't get large snowflakes like this. I am sure they would never admit it, but I think that they enjoyed the beauty of an Arkansas snow. They were pretty amazed with the schools and such shutting down, but as I explained, we are not prepared to deal with these conditions as they are.
It didn't get as cold as predicted last night, so the roads should be okay to get out for a bit....at least until it does start dropping and re freezing later today. I need to go out and get my lab work done and I think Judy wants to go shopping for scrapbooking supplies. We didn't do any scrapbooking yesterday....sort of a lazy day...but I am ready to get started on her cruise book. I am sure looking at the pictures of her precious grandchildren will bring me joy! They are so blessed...they have 10 grandchildren now....8 girls and 2 boys! I am so proud and I must say...a little envious...what a blessing! How I wished that we lived closer to them....but at least I can keep in touch through the mail and facebook! Hopefully, they will get to come for a visit soon! Since Grandma and Grandpa are now retired, maybe we will be able to see them more often...and of course, this summer "Camp Debbie" will be open for anyone who wants to come...We had such a great time last summer when Amber and Lexie stayed for a week at "Camp Debbie"! Lots of wonderful memories that will last a life time!
Hoping everyone stays warm and enjoys the beautiful snow! Be careful if you get out, and stay safe!
Bill and Judy are here visiting us from Illinois...thinking they were getting away from their winter weather for a bit....I had told them that it would probably be in the 50's here during their visit. Although snow is a very common thing for them, Judy said that it is sooooo cold in Bloomington that they don't get large snowflakes like this. I am sure they would never admit it, but I think that they enjoyed the beauty of an Arkansas snow. They were pretty amazed with the schools and such shutting down, but as I explained, we are not prepared to deal with these conditions as they are.
It didn't get as cold as predicted last night, so the roads should be okay to get out for a bit....at least until it does start dropping and re freezing later today. I need to go out and get my lab work done and I think Judy wants to go shopping for scrapbooking supplies. We didn't do any scrapbooking yesterday....sort of a lazy day...but I am ready to get started on her cruise book. I am sure looking at the pictures of her precious grandchildren will bring me joy! They are so blessed...they have 10 grandchildren now....8 girls and 2 boys! I am so proud and I must say...a little envious...what a blessing! How I wished that we lived closer to them....but at least I can keep in touch through the mail and facebook! Hopefully, they will get to come for a visit soon! Since Grandma and Grandpa are now retired, maybe we will be able to see them more often...and of course, this summer "Camp Debbie" will be open for anyone who wants to come...We had such a great time last summer when Amber and Lexie stayed for a week at "Camp Debbie"! Lots of wonderful memories that will last a life time!
Hoping everyone stays warm and enjoys the beautiful snow! Be careful if you get out, and stay safe!
Friday, February 5, 2010
GREAT VISIT!!
We are having such a good visit with Bill and Judy...my brother-in-law and sister-in-law from Illinois...so good to be able to catch up in person. I feel sorta like a party pooper...not going anywhere, but we are getting alot of scrapbooking done. Their son and daughter-in-law, Cory and Theresa are in the process of adopting a little baby boy, Gage. They have four daughters already and they are so glad to have a little boy. Gage was born with a severe cleft palate and Har syndrome. He will begin a long journey of multiple surgeries on Februray 18th in Chicago. They are happy to get the process started but still anxious and a little afraid also. I know how they feel...but as I told them, you just have to trust God, "The Great Physician", and know that He is the one in control. He will be there for them and will guide the doctors in the care of Little Gage! What a lucky little baby to have such a loving and wonderful family!
I can remember when Jennifer was beginning her journey of her fight with Cystic Fibrosis....it began by first being diagnosed with a heart defect....even before we knew she had CF! She was of only five children in the world to have a heart defect and CF and the only one we know of that survived....in 1978! She went through so much....but as I have told Cory and Theresa, when you are going through things like this with your child, you really don't stop and dwell on what MIGHT happen....you love that child with all your heart, you are there by her side, and you keep your Faith that she is in good hands and that God is in control....He gives you the strength to keep going and you keep your eyes and heart in the future. Jennifer went through so much in her 28 years....but she was a strong, caring, compassionate and uncomplaining young woman...she always wanted the best for everyone and always wanted to help others. I know that I learned soooo many life lessons in those short 28 years! I still get my strength and courage from her.
There will be bumpy times for Cory, Theresa and little Gage ahead, I am sure....but I know how much they love this little boy and how very blessed he will be to have such a loving family! They will learn alot from him and will become better and stronger for this experience!
I am happy to be able to work with Judy on his scrapbook while they are here visiting! You can see the love in each picture that we put in the book! Cory is always telling Gage that he is going to take him fishing, hunting and to the Bear's game! I am looking forward to making scrapbook pages of these events for him!
I can remember when Jennifer was beginning her journey of her fight with Cystic Fibrosis....it began by first being diagnosed with a heart defect....even before we knew she had CF! She was of only five children in the world to have a heart defect and CF and the only one we know of that survived....in 1978! She went through so much....but as I have told Cory and Theresa, when you are going through things like this with your child, you really don't stop and dwell on what MIGHT happen....you love that child with all your heart, you are there by her side, and you keep your Faith that she is in good hands and that God is in control....He gives you the strength to keep going and you keep your eyes and heart in the future. Jennifer went through so much in her 28 years....but she was a strong, caring, compassionate and uncomplaining young woman...she always wanted the best for everyone and always wanted to help others. I know that I learned soooo many life lessons in those short 28 years! I still get my strength and courage from her.
There will be bumpy times for Cory, Theresa and little Gage ahead, I am sure....but I know how much they love this little boy and how very blessed he will be to have such a loving family! They will learn alot from him and will become better and stronger for this experience!
I am happy to be able to work with Judy on his scrapbook while they are here visiting! You can see the love in each picture that we put in the book! Cory is always telling Gage that he is going to take him fishing, hunting and to the Bear's game! I am looking forward to making scrapbook pages of these events for him!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
ROUND #3 DOWN
Completed Round #3 of chemo yesterday...my awesome sister and chemo buddy, Kimberly and I spent a wonderful day together. We started with IHOP for breakfast, and saw Anita there..it was so wonderful seeing her...she looks good and is always in good spirit...she has her PET scan tomorrow...praying hard for good results!
We left IHOP and went for a manicure and pedicure...which was heavenly...were running out of time, so we had to go to chemo, then back for the polish...which was good because we got to sit in the massage chair again..love that! I was happy that my new Purple Power Port worked well for the chemo...still had to get stuck for the Protine test..but didn't have to worry about getting IV! He put me on Keflex for ten days to help with the bump blisters on my head which is caused by the chemo drug, Taxotere! He was very pleased to see that my cancer markers had gone down after the first chemo....will be anxious to see what they are when the results come back this time.
I will get another Neulasta shot this afternoon...did so well with it last time that I won't have to have the weekly lab this time. That will save trips to the doctor. I felt really good about this visit and will keep my gloves on "Fighting like a Girl".....hopefully and prayerfully, this battle will end soon and I will be back at work...giving care, love and hope.
Kimberly brought boxes of Valentine Sweethearts to all the employees and the chemo patients yesterday....they were very well received....isn't she the sweetest and most thoughtful sister ever! Being in that chemo room for three hours with others going through their different stages of treatment, really makes you appreciate life more..always good to hear that people are there for their last treatment and compassionate and understanding for those there for their first treatment....I have been on both sides ten years ago....it truly is a life changing journey.....you really learn to appreciate life's little moments and so grateful for a second chance! Everything happens for a reason, we don't always know the reason at first, but I think it is revealed to us at the right time! I feel like I am a better person and more compassionate and stronger through my journey with cancer! Of course, I learned alot....I mean alot...from Jennifer as she battled her life long battle with Cystic Fibrosis.....she was so strong, caring, compassionate....never, ever complaining about all she went through. She was truly amazing and I love her so much and miss her so much! I am so grateful for the gift that I was given to be her Mother!
Bill and Judy are coming today for a visit...will be so glad to see them and be able to visit...I only get out to go to church and the doctor...so this will be a welcome change!
I haven't been sleeping well at all due to the three days of steroids I take the day before, the day of and the day after chemo. Wake up about 2 am and can't go back to sleep, so I didn't stay for Bible Study last night...sure missed being with such a great group of women....just needed to get home to my bed!
I hope this will be a good week while Bill and Judy are here!
We left IHOP and went for a manicure and pedicure...which was heavenly...were running out of time, so we had to go to chemo, then back for the polish...which was good because we got to sit in the massage chair again..love that! I was happy that my new Purple Power Port worked well for the chemo...still had to get stuck for the Protine test..but didn't have to worry about getting IV! He put me on Keflex for ten days to help with the bump blisters on my head which is caused by the chemo drug, Taxotere! He was very pleased to see that my cancer markers had gone down after the first chemo....will be anxious to see what they are when the results come back this time.
I will get another Neulasta shot this afternoon...did so well with it last time that I won't have to have the weekly lab this time. That will save trips to the doctor. I felt really good about this visit and will keep my gloves on "Fighting like a Girl".....hopefully and prayerfully, this battle will end soon and I will be back at work...giving care, love and hope.
Kimberly brought boxes of Valentine Sweethearts to all the employees and the chemo patients yesterday....they were very well received....isn't she the sweetest and most thoughtful sister ever! Being in that chemo room for three hours with others going through their different stages of treatment, really makes you appreciate life more..always good to hear that people are there for their last treatment and compassionate and understanding for those there for their first treatment....I have been on both sides ten years ago....it truly is a life changing journey.....you really learn to appreciate life's little moments and so grateful for a second chance! Everything happens for a reason, we don't always know the reason at first, but I think it is revealed to us at the right time! I feel like I am a better person and more compassionate and stronger through my journey with cancer! Of course, I learned alot....I mean alot...from Jennifer as she battled her life long battle with Cystic Fibrosis.....she was so strong, caring, compassionate....never, ever complaining about all she went through. She was truly amazing and I love her so much and miss her so much! I am so grateful for the gift that I was given to be her Mother!
Bill and Judy are coming today for a visit...will be so glad to see them and be able to visit...I only get out to go to church and the doctor...so this will be a welcome change!
I haven't been sleeping well at all due to the three days of steroids I take the day before, the day of and the day after chemo. Wake up about 2 am and can't go back to sleep, so I didn't stay for Bible Study last night...sure missed being with such a great group of women....just needed to get home to my bed!
I hope this will be a good week while Bill and Judy are here!
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