going on trip

Psalm 62:2 He alone is my Rock, and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

Be sure to check out my previous post--Exciting news--if you've not read it yet. I just wrote it last night but forgot to mention about my upcoming trip. My mom and I are leaving today to go to a state park near the camp where my boys are at. We will be staying in a cabin and we are planning on going hiking tomorrow. We are hoping it won't rain so we can hike. My legs have been hurting until last night so hopefully the pain will stay away so I can enjoy the hike. We will pick up the boys from camp on Friday then head back home.

Yesterday I started a new medication to hopefully help my hot flashes. It is really for high blood pressure so I have to watch my blood pressure. So far my blood pressue is okay but starting to come down so hopefully it won't reach the too low mark. It can cause tiredness and dizziness. So far, no dizziness but I sure have been tired. Hopefully the tiredness will go away as I adjust to this medication. Love you all....

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with hyou wherever you go.

exciting news

Jeremiah 29:11 I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Seveal months ago I was asked to share my story about getting a MRI and it showing the cancerous breast lymph node and how it changed my treatment plan. It was shared on a website that is about encouraging medical imaging and having it funded, etc. Anyway, I was called yesterday to go to Washington, DC to share my story to legislators for an advocacy event. All my expenses would be paid!!! I'm to be there on Oct. 13-14. Well, Oct. 13 was to be my last chemo day but I called the doctor's office today and was able to get it posponed to Oct. 16. It is exciting yet scary. I'm not one to talk much in front of a crowd but I do know my story and am passionate about it. I just hope they don't ask questions. I think this group is like a lobby type group for medical imaging. Apparently, this health reform is wanting to cut medicare and rural funding for MRI, Cat Scans , etc. This group is wanting ordinary people to share stories how these imagings changed their life. Maybe this is what God wants me to do. Pray that I am able to do this. I am also scared of traveling alone especially in airports but I know that God will be with me and will help me do what needs to be done. I will keep you updated on the details of this trip. I wasn't able to call the lady who called me since I didn't get permission from my doctor until late afternoon. Is this exciting or what?
You can check out the website at www.rightscanrighttime.org
Psalm 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trust in Him and I am helped.

Home from trip

Psalm 145:17-19 The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all He has made. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.

Yesterday my husband and I took our boys to a Worldview leadership camp which took us 5 hours in driving time. We took different routes in going and coming back. It made a long day for us. It actually wasn't as bad on me as I thought it might be. I took Tylenol 3 times during the day to help keep the bone pain in my legs at bay. Most of the time, it worked until evening then my legs just wanted to keep hurting. I guess by then, they were just tired of being in the truck. (We had to take my husband's pick up truck instead of my nice comfortable Excursion but the Excursion is in the shop). I thought I might get really sleepy but it wasn't too bad either and I never really took a nap. We spent some nice time together while traveling. My stomach problems didn't bother me much either so was able to eat out. We went to one of my favorite places, Cracker Barrel!!! Yummy!!!

Today I am having leg pain still and the numbness in my toes and ball of my feet are still there. Just something to tolerate. Also, having some of that same digestive problem I had the other day. I had blood drawn this morning and had extra things ordered from my primary care dr. so had to go in early since some of it needed to be fasting so no eating breakfast before I went. I talked with the nurse about trying one of the medications that my primary dr. suggested to use for hot flashes. We are going to try the blood pressure medication but I have to take my blood pressure every day and call it in to the nurse to be sure it doesn't drop my blood pressure too low. I hope it works. If not, there are 2 others to try. Today I plan to enjoy my time without my boys at home!!!! Cleaning (if my legs will take it) and catching up on school work. My mom and I are planning to go on a mini-vacation on Wednesday through Friday. Will go to a state park near the camp where the boys are. We pick them up on Friday morning so that way, we'll be close and won't be such a long day of driving. Thanks for your prayers.

Psalm 123:8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

chemo day 5

Psalm 86:1-2 Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you.

The chemo is taking effect today. It first started out with some bone pain in my fingers and arm. My neighbor called to go walking so I said yes for I wasn't hurting then but she wanted to wait for at least 30 minutes or so. By the time I went walking my legs and hip were hurting. I only walked for about a mile and decided to quit early so not as to push it. I knew that I had a busy day ahead of me. I was also having some pain in my jaw and gum area but that has subsided by now. We went into town to celebrate Christopher's birthday. I just felt so tired that I couldn't wait to get home so I could nap. I did nap for 2 hours and when I got up, my right ankle was hurting which made it hard to walk. Almost all of my toes are numb, tingling so it feels funny when I walk or just sitting down. Luckily, my fingers aren't having the neuropathy too. The biggest problem I'm having this evening is the feeling of indigestion or something like it. It's hard to describe but it makes me not want to eat even though my brain wants me to eat!! I like to eat but I just can't right now. I feel "full". Ususlly chemo causes diarrhea or constipation. I rarely have diarrhea but have had some bouts of mild constipation which started today too. I really feel lucky though because even though I am having effects from the chemo, it's pretty mild compared to what others have and what I had with the first chemo meds that was given to me. I can tolerate all these effects so I feel blessed that it's not worse.

Tomorrow my husband and I are taking our sons to camp which is 5 1/2 hours away. I had really hoped that I wouldn't have to go but things didn't work out to where someone else could take them. . I know it won't be too comfortable but I can sleep in the truck and if I have to hurt, guess it won't matter where I am. At least I don't have to drive. It will be a long day so please pray that it won't be too hard on me. I am looking forward to a few days without kids. lol. And no schooling....yea!!! It's always nice to take a little break. Thanks again for your prayers. Will write again on Monday morning since we'll be home late on Sunday.

I just got up to walk to my bedroom to get my Bible to write scripture verses and noticed that the ball of my left foot is now feeling numb. Yikes!!! Hope my whole foot doesn't get that way.

Psalm 105:4 Look to the Lord and His strenght; seek His face always.

chemo day 4

Psalm 147:1,3 Praise the Lord! How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise Him! He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Prayers were answered!!!! I felt so much better today but it was an up and down day. No fever ! I had a slight headache off and on. In the morning, I felt pretty well and even my boys commented that I seemed normal but by lunch I was wearing down. I did some schooling with the boys then had to crash on the couch to take a short nap. By early evening, I had energy enough to bake a cake for Christopher's birthday celebration (his birthday is next week but he will be at camp). Then had to rest some more then was able to cook dinner with Brandon helping. Luckily for me, Brandon enjoys cooking so he has been quite helpful. My enegry level is getting low again but it's nearly bedtime anyway. I am thinking that maybe the fever was due to the flu shot. I don't feel like I am getting a cold --no sore throat or nasal congestion.

Usually I start to get some chemo effects about this time. Today I started having some increased numbness in my toes. I had just a little bone pain in my arm but not bad. I am just so happy that I had a much better day. I was able to stay home all day which was nice. Thanks for praying. I am hoping tomorrow won't be too bad. By the way, I haven't had many hot flashes lately so am wondering if maybe the oil of evening primrose is starting to work. I haven't called the onocologist with the suggested medications for hot flashes from my primary care doctor. I would rather use the oil of evening primrose than the other medications but anything will be nice just to get rid of the hot flashes. I will see what happens over the weekend before deciding whether to call the onocologist. Love you all.....

Psalm 116:5-6 The Lord is gracious and righteous; Our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the simple hearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.

chemo day 3

John 14:1 Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.

Today has not been a good day for me. It is the first time I've had fever since taking chemo. I have low grade temp plus headache and muscle aches. I had a slight sore throat when I first woke up but was feeling fine so thought maybe I had slept with my mouth opened or something. lol I went ahead and walked early this morning with my neighbor--good walk too. About 11 am, I started feeling bad and laid down to rest right after lunch--I needed to work with Brandon on school but just couldn't do it. He woke me up to take them into town to volunteer with Bible backyard clubs. I sure was wishing today that Christopher had his driver's license....maybe soon. Anyway, I went to a couple of stores that I needed to go to but then went on home. I usually stay in town all day on Thursdays but I knew I just couldn't do it today. My husband is so good and got off a little early to come home to get the boys basketball practice clothes then picked them up--Brandon had a dr's appt. and then took them to basketball practice. I stayed home and slept and rested. Luckily, Melissa brought over another meal today so I didn't have to worry about fixing any dinner. Thanks Melissa--perfect timing. I am tired so am going on to bed--early for me but when you are sick, rest is the best thing. Sure could use extra prayers today for I really don't want to get too sick. I am thinking that since I just had chemo and my white blood cells were normal right before chemo, that I might have enough to fight this infection. It takes a few days for the blood cell count to go down. I don't know if this is from the flu shot that I had or from Christopher who got sick just 5 days ago . Even though we did what we could to keep him from exposing me, it is just hard when you live in the same house. Thanks for your prayers.

John 14:13-14 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

chemo day 2

Isaiah 58:11 The Lord will guide you always, he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen our frame.

Today I went to see my primary care doctor--first time to see her. My other doctors tell me that it's time to have a primary care doctor. She was really nice and so were her nurses. She doesn't really take new patients but she was highly recommended to me by another doctor then I met her at the Relay for Life and she agreed to take me on. Today she told me one reason was that I looked like a nice lady and I told her that I am nice. lol. I asked her about medications for hot flashes that are not estrogen related and she recommended 3 (one is really for high blood pressure, one for seizures, and one is an anti -depressant). She has used them with other breast cancer patients who are unable to use estrogen. She wants me to check with my onocologist and the coumadin clinic to see if I can take one of them, probably the high blood pressure since I don't have depression. Also, she wants me to have a colonoscopy--yucky!!! She says I am at the right age to have it and sometimes they see breast cancer patients get colon cancer too. Oh, great..... Anyway, she wants it soon so I am to see the gastro dr. in Oct.

Today I feel really tired. I did not sleep well last night so that is 2 nights now that I've not slept well. I usually don't sleep well the night I have chemo --due to the decadron. I wanted to nap today but was so busy with going to the dr. and working with the boys on school work. I finally got to lay down around 5 pm (for only 25 minutes) since a meal was delivered to me so I didn't have to do any cooking. Thanks CJ and Melissa. My cheeks have been really flushed today. Sometimes I have some flushing after getting chemo but it was really red today and warm feeling. I took my temperature twice to be sure I didn't have any fever, but no, I was normal. Anyway, I am really tired so should go on to bed. Thanks for praying...Love you all. I missed being at church tonight but hung out with my daughter which was fun.

Psalm 31:7 I will be glad and rejoice in your love for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.

chemo day 1 (treatment 7)

II Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

I had chemo plus saw the onocologist. I was able to get Benedryl taken off of my treatment plan. It makes me so drowsy but mainly I hate the druggy feeling that I get. He says I really don't need it now so he took it away. Yea!!!! Also, they highly recommended the flu shot so even though I really hoped not to take it, I went ahead and took it. I've never taken the flu shot before. He wants me to have the H1N1 shot too when it comes out. He says it would really be bad for me get the flu. My white blood count was normal today but just last Monday it was low so the chemo does bring it down for at least several days.

I was alone today for my chemo(was there for 6 1/2 hours). My husband dropped me off so he could go on to work. I usually have visitors and someone will usually bring me lunch but not today. I brought my lunch with me. Good thing too for they usually carry sandwiches there but only had 2 and there were 2 other patients there today that wanted the sandwiches. I don't like their sandwiches anyway. I took a book and read the whole book (Mom, one of the ones you gave me). I also took my 'Are you smarter than a 5th grader' hand held game that my chemo angel gave me. After awhile, my brain got tired of thinking--lol--but it was fun and so educational too. I didn't bring enough stuff to do this time. I could see the TV but couldn't hear it. I tried calling seveal people but no one was home....what a day--boring!!! Since I didnt' take the Benedryl, I wasn't sleepy enough to sleep. Now I am tired and ready to take a nap. I'm not feeling too great this evening. Hard to explain exactly what is wrong--just feel yucky. Maybe from the flu shot? Brandon is fixing dinner then I think after dinner I am going to rest in bed....maybe fall asleep. I didn't sleep well last night. Well, am happy to have number 7 treatment behind me now. Only one left--yea!!!! Thanks for your prayers. Love you...

II Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseein is eternal.

More hair loss

Job 2:10b Shall we accept good from God and not trouble?

With this new chemo, I realized that I am losing more hair. My head is already bald but I am losing my eyelashes and eyebrows. I can hardly put on any mascara anymore. I thought about using eyebrow pencil and believe it not, I got my daughter to show me how to use it. She is in drama and they use all kinds of makeup. She suggested not to worry about it since with my wig, you really can't see my eyebrows anyway. Whatever....I also bought some eyeliner and guess I coud use that instead of mascara. I will experiment with it. lol. Also, (since I think mainly women read this I will share the next loss). I have lost most of my pubic hair. The one place where hair seems to really cling on is my arms. How funny.

I am having numb toes these past few days. It's part of the side effects of the chemo. I have one on each foot and it feels funny when I walk especially barefooted.

Today I had blood drawn to check blood levels plus my coumadin level. The coumadin level is finally where it needs to be. Now I can wait for 2 weeks to go back to have that checked. I have talked to 2 ladies since yesterday (one was the nurse who drew my blood for coumadin level) about hot flashes. Both are having lots of problems too. We shared things we've tried but luckily for them , they can take hormone substance like things whereas I can't. It's something we have to live with at times....

Tomorrow is chemo #7!!! Almost done. I am going to see if I really have to take the Benedryl IV for it makes me feel druggy which I hate. We'll see....thanks for your prayers. Love you all. \\

Luke 17:19 Then he said to him, "Rise and go, your faith has made your well."

Hot flashes

Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer , believe that you have received it and it will be yours.

I am feeling pretty good these days except the hot flashes. It seems it has gotten worse these past 2 days. I realized today while doing my quiet time that I haven't really prayed about the hot flashes. God says that he will hear our prayers and answer them and here I am not even asking him to take away the hot flashes----duh---I pray about so many other things but forgot about the hot flashes. I just sit here and complain....shame on me. So, I've now prayed so asking you too to pray alongside me about these hot flashes being taking away. I have a hard time sleeping at night at times when I am having several hot flashes a night and they make me sweat alot. The Oil of evening primrose isn't helping at all. I see my primary care dr. next week and will ask her if there is any kind of medication that is not a hormone that I can take. It may be something too that I just have to live with. God will help me through that too.

My oldest son is sick with a cold and I have really been working hard on keeping his hands clean and not too close to me either. Getting a cold could set me back. I am to have chemo this week on Tuesday but if I'm sick, they won't let me have it. Plus, I don't have the white blood cells to fight a cold well. Pray that I stay healthy. I really do appreciate all the prayers. You have all been so good to keep up with what is going on with me. I have decided to quit working with the kids at church until my chemo is over so that I won't be exposed to their illnesses. I didn't go to church today for the same reason for I know so many people are sick these days. I will take each Sunday as it comes on whether I stay home or not. I'll see what the dr. says too. When I don't go to church, I listen to lifechurch.tv online and always hear a great message there and good singing too. I did that today and it was fantastic. Have a great day. God loves you.

Matthew 9:22b...your faith has healed you.
Matthew 9:29-30a Then he touched theireyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you" and their sight was restored.

Wednesday

Matthew 6: 33-34 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. therefore do not worry about tomorrow , for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I love the verse I wrote today--has been one that I have clinged to for years. I try not to worry about my future when it comes to cancer. I read in the paper today of a woman 41 years old who died with breast cancer. That hit home and for a few seconds, I thought of myself but then remembered that God is in control of my life and when it's time for me to go 'home' then He will let me know and what a beautiful home it will be. But in the meantime, I am to seek Him first!!!

I had Herceptin yesterday and it went so well. My nurse had everything ready to go so this time I was only there for one hour instead of 2 hours like last week. I was quite pleased. I will have my last chemo 4 weeks from yesterday. What a day that will be !!! Celebrate!!!! :) I can see the end of chemo coming!!! Right now I am feeling pretty good--no pain or unusual tiredness. I will be having chemo next Tuesday--my 7th treatment.

Last night I was watching 'Touch by an Angel' and it was about a farming town of people complaining about being in a drought. The angels (Monica and Tess) reminded them of the blessings God has poured on them and then asked them if they ever thanked God for when they did have rain (no they bragged on how their fertiliezer, etc helped them have good crops). Made me think that I need to remember the blessings God showers on me and to be thankful for what He has given and done for me and not to be complaining. Once that town started helping each other in their needs, the rain came. Good lesson. Thanks to all who are praying for me and checking up on me. I do appreciate you all. Love you....

Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Sunday

James 5:16b The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

I was talking with a friend the other day who had breast cancer and she was amazed that I go out all the time for her doctor had forbidden her to go out to the stores, church, etc. I am told not to be in large crowds but I really don't heed that instruction. I've been doing fine and God has protected me from getting colds, etc. I don't worry very much about it. If i hear that someone is sick, I dont' want to be near them...especially when I hear that someone in my family is sick. This is the season of people getting sick so I'm wondering if I should be more careful. I'm not on the neulasta shots anymore (yea) but I know my blood count does get low, not dangerously low , but still low enough that a cold might set me back. I just get so busy with my kids and their activities that I don't give it a second thought. Plus, most of the time I'm feeling pretty good. Just keep praying that I stay healthy!!!

One month today I will be taking my last chemo!!! Almost hard to believe that the end is in sight!!! At least one part of my treatments!!! Since my coumadin level has been running low these past few weeks, I thought maybe I am eating too much salad so have decided not to eat salads for lunch. I usually eat a bowl of just salad at lunch to help with my dieting but I want to see if that is why my level is down. Oh, well...there are other ways to diet....right. :) Thanks for all of your prayers. I am feeling pretty good this weekend. I got really tired on Thursday but since then, I'm okay. My energy is almost back!!!! I do have to rest in between chores or activities but I'm not so fatigued that I don't want to do a thing like I felt on Thursday. And Thursdays are my busy day in town so that was hard on me. I know that God will give me the strength I need to carry on. Love you all......

Psalm 116:5-6 The Lord is gracious and righteous; Our God is full of compassion. the Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.

journal pictures

Read the next post about these pictures. I'm not good at this blogging--lol--so didn't get the pictures added to the last post like I intended.

Journal

Proverbs 4:11-12 I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.

I received a beautiful gift yesterday that I want to share with you. First, let me explain that I am participating in a program called "Chemoangels" where I have 2 'angels' that have been assigned to me to write me to encourage me through my journey of chemotherapy. That is why they are called chemoangels. Both of my angels are sweet and very encouraging in their different ways. One is younger and she just tickles me with her joy and enthusiasm. She loves to put together packages full of little things for me. Sometimes it is themed like a beach one, and then I had a garden one and the last one had alot of pink in it. She gives me all kinds of things from jewelry, books, nail polish, craft things, stationary, etc. Thanks Lisa for all you do!!!!

My other angel had cancer before so she can relate. She loves to do scrapbooking so makes me very creative and beautiful cards. I have these cards all over my house--I just counted 20 cards that she has made!!!! Well, yesterday she sent me a journal that she creatively made. Oh, so beautiful. I just almost cried when I looked at each page and read the verses, and other things. I know that it must have taken lots of time and effort to do this. I took pictures of each page and will share a few here. Something I will always treasure. What a precious thing to give. Thank you so much Ann Marie!!!

I love both of these angels and pray for them too. They are both so supportive, giving and loving!! I will miss them when my chemo is over. Hopefully we can keep in contact. It is nice to have this kind of support since chemo does take time, it is nice to have someone who still thinks of you and sends cards, gifts, etc. There is another lady who knows my mom and she sends me a computer postcard that she makes every single week. Isn't that sweet. My mom says it is her gift to encourage others in that way. I've only met her once and that was couple of years ago. You just never know who God is going to put into your life to support you and encourage until you are in a position of hard times. God uses themd to lift us up and boy, have these people lifted me up. Of course there are many people who have been around to support me in my time of need like a neighbor who pays to have a meal delivered each time I have chemo. I've known her for several years but not that close to her. It is a delight to see who God uses. Thanks to all of you have been there for me. I love you all and the best thing is your prayers.

With God, every day is a day to hope for the very best--to believe our prayers are being heard, to have faith good news is on its way, and to know that anything can happen between yesterday and tomorrow. (from a card I received)

Tuesday

Deuteronomy 33:27a The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms....

I am finally feeling more energetic which is great but I am experiencing some bone pain in my legs. Sometimes it feels sharp but usually dull. I was able to go walking this morning and walk the whole 2 miles but there was a moment I thought I would have to make it a shorter walk. Today I had to go in to have Herceptin. All went well. Luckily I don't have side effects from it. It just takes time--I was there for 2 hours today. It was the first time I saw the chemo clinic full--one person had to wait in the waiting room for an available chair. I go in every Tuesday to have Herceptin.

Tonight I went to play Bunco with some ladies that live in my area. Most of them are older and retired. There was one lady there who is only 3 years older than me and she was also diagnosed with breast cancer the month after me but she only had a mastectomy. She just recently had some reconstruction done. I am glad that I didn't have to have the mastectomy but she was quite happy to have smaller 'boobs' and a tummy tuck (they took some of her stomach muscle and skin to do the reconstruction). That would have been nice....but still glad I didn't have to go through the surgery. It is so interesting to see how each person with cancer has different treatments or how they are affected differently by the chemo or radiation. God made each of us so unique. God will help each one go through whatever journey they must take whether it is cancer or some other type of hardship in our life. God is holding my hand as I travel my journey. He will hold yours too. Praise God!!!

Isaiah 43:2-3 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, teeh Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.

Monday (Labor Day)

Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.

Sorry I haven't written in a few days. I meant to write on Friday but got busy and really tired. We went out of town for the Labor Day weekend to my mom's. My sister and her family was there too so we had a great visit. I have been really tired these past few days. I keep wanting to nod off when people are talking around me (and even when talking to me). I would take a couple of quick power naps which seemed to help. Over the weekend, the neuropathy (tingling, numbness, etc on feet and hands) started but wasn't too bad. Right now it's mainly my toes that are numb. I also have some pain in my legs--like bone pain. They come and go and can really hurt for a while then it's just a dull pain. I take Tylenol to help alleviate the pain--not sure it really helps. I got in the hot tub thinking it would help but it didn't really help the pain but felt good anyway. lol. I think my family thought I was going to get into the hot tub bald but I had my little cap on. lol. I didn't want to get all wet anyway. The pool was too cold for me--it wasn't that hot of a day either. My brother-in-law has been diagnosed with cancer just recently and he was reading up on it while we were there. His is very early and he will be just fine--probably need surgery and be done with it. Lucky him but still....not fun to be diagnosed with cancer. We decided we have something in common and belong in the 'C' club!!! lol. I don't wish any new members in our club!!!! However, my husband's brother's wife is having a biopsy of her breast this week to see if she has cancer. My family has not really seen cancer among it's members and suddenly, it seems many of us are getting it. Weird. I am here to say though, we can get through it with God's help!!!! I hope everyone is having a great Labor Day weekend. We came home on Sunday night so will enjoy the rest of the holiday at home. Have a great day and I continue to thank everyone for their prayers on my behalf. I do appreciate them all!!!!

Psalm 31:7 I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.

chemo day 3

Philipppians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Today has been a long day and I am ready to crawl into bed. I was able to get some good sleep last night, however, I woke up way too early and was restless so got up at 5 am. Around 8 am I developed a headache and felt that my throat was getting sore. I thought, "oh, no...I can't get sick for I don't have the white blood cells to help me out". I decided that my health was more important than doing housework or grading papers, so took a 2 hour morning nap. I knew I had a busy day in town so needed all the rest I could get. I am a person that has a hard time resting when I feel half way decent, so it was good that I felt at peace just taking that rest. I had the headache on and off all day but my throat feels okay. I am exhausted though.... I ran all kinds of errands and went grocery shopping today but the most exciting thing I did was to go to a breast cancer support group. I went once right after I was diagnosed (back in April) but hadn't been able to go since either due to having surgery, chemo, or out of town. The radiologist who reads mammograms, etc. is the one who runs the group along with someone who works with her. She saw that I was there at the meeting and told the group about me having the MRI and the importance of why it should be done. So many doctors don't think it needs to be done but I am living proof that it is important since they found a cancerous lymph node inside my breast that was not picked up by mammogram nor sonogram. If it hadn't been found, I would have another occurance of breast cancer and have to do the treatments all over. I talked to the radiologist afterwards to tell her of my negative experience with my gyn dr. who had said no to having the the MRI and thought it was a waste of time and money. I was a little teary eyed as she told my story to the group. I am so thankful to God that the MRI was done and the lymph node discovered.

October is Breast cancer awarenss month so lots of activities are planned in our town. I plan to attend the pink ribbon walk. I think my friend, Erica , who is a breast cancer survivor is going to walk with me. Well, I am really tired and must go to bed. Thanks for your prayers. Love you..

Psalm 73:25-26 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Chemo day 2 ( & note to AnaMarie)

I John 5:14-15 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him.

So far, this round of chemo is going well. I have not been sick and in fact, I'm not even taking the anti-nausea pills that I have. I just felt that I didn't need them. Yesterday I was wiped out from the Benedryl that was given to me but then by night time, it wore off. They also gave me Decadron which is a cortisone and it made me hyper, jittery, and I couldn't sleep anymore. I was awake most of the night. I know I most of dozed some but very little. I did okay during the day but about 5:00, I was ready to crash plus I had a headache. However, I really wanted to go to church so I took a couple of power naps which helped get rid of the headache, but still tired. I am going to bed as soon as I post this. I couldn't believe that I felt so well and even did laundry, graded school papers, and took my boys to the eye doctor. But, I know that in a couple of days, the chemo will take effect and my legs will probably start hurting so I'm trying to enjoy the days I have now to get things done.

Yesterday when at the doctor's, I asked him about taking flaxseed to help with the hot flashes since that is one of the biggest problems I have. He said it was okay but he also told me to get Oil of Evening Primrose. Now why didn't he suggest that before when I mentioned that I had hot flashes and he said I just needed to deal with it. I had to call the coumadin clinic to see if it was okay for me to take the Primrose. It turns out that it can cause a risk of bleeding but they said I could take it but had to be monitored more closely so I said that was fine for I really would love to get rid of these hot flashes. I had my blood checked yesterday and it was low so I'm not too worried. I had to take an extra coumadin pill anyway just to try to get it to where it needed to be. I started taking the primrose today and we'll see if it works. I sure hope so. Pray for me that it works.

Well, thanks again for reading these posts and keeping up with my journey through this path of cancer. God has been so good to me. He's an awesome God. Thanks for your prayers.

Note to AnaMarie: thanks my chemo angel for the note today. You were so encouraging to me knowing that you have been down this same journey and you are doing just fine. I pray that you continue to do well. Love you.....

I Chronicles 16:10-11 Glory in His Holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength, seek his face always.

Chemo day 1

Nehemiah 9:28b And when they cried out to your again you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time.

Today I had my 6th chemo treatment. It lasted shorter than the last time but still seemed so long for I was there about 5 hours and 15 minutes. I saw people come and go but I just stayed....lol. When I was at the doctor's office, the PA told me that my white blood count had gone down too low--she was actually looking at the lymphocytes and said I will probably need the neulasta shot. The doctor agreed and I was not too happy about it for it will make me feel so sore and yucky and make me want to be in bed but I have so much to do on Thursday. But you have to do what you must. Right after I got down to the chemo clinic, the PA called my nurse and said that she had looked at the wrong white blood cell count for she was to look at the neutrafils and it was okay. Yea. That means I don't need the neulast shot after all. Praise God--He is so good. They give me Benadryl and that really made me druggy and sleepy today. I was about to fall asleep when my sister called so we had a nice visit. Then my stepmom came with my lunch--yummy--and she stayed for an hour. She knew I was sleepy and told me to go ahead and sleep but I hate to do that when I have a visitor. As she was leaving, my new friend, Erica, came to visit. She's the one who had cancer three years ago. She brought me a book to read about living with breast cancer. Looks like a great book. We have so much in common and it is so great to talk to someone who has experienced this journey. There is a breast cancer support group meeting this coming thursday and I am hoping she'll come with me. I've only been once and that was right after I was diagnosed. All the other times I couldn't go due to either chemo, surgery, etc. I am wanting to go this time if I feel okay.

Anyway, I came home after running a few errands and I was still so sleepy so went straight to bed. Larry couldn't even wake me up for dinner for I was really out of it. That is very unsual for I can be quite a light sleeper. I woke up right after they finished dinner so then ate my dinner. Then back to bed to sleep some more. They woke me up for dessert--Larry was craving cherry pie and ice cream so bought it at the store. It was okay for store bought pie. Anyway, I am now awake but ready for bed soon again. lol. I have more to say but will save it for tomorrow--so check it out tomorrow too!!!! Thanks for your prayers---I told Erica that I do believe it's all the prayers that have been lifted up on my behalf that causes me to have a just a few side effects. I am very fortunate and I will praise God for that!!!! Love you all.....

I Chronicles 16:25 For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared about all gods.