Sunday, January 31, 2010

Sunday

Psalm 145:8-9 The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.

I had a laugh this morning....I have a cat that likes to sleep on my pillow with me. He is so soft and warm so I don't mind for he keeps my head warm. I usually go to bed with a turban but I get hot at times so take it off then my head gets cold. This morning right before I got up, this cat was on my pillow and decided to give my head a bath. He is good at bathing some of the other cats and my hair is as short as a cat's so I guess he decided I needed a bath. it sure felt funny. Does that mean I don't need to shampoo my hair now? Just kidding!!! As he was licking my hair, I got to wondering how these guys who have short hair stay warm at night. I like wearing my turban for it keeps me warm.



Tomorrow I go see the onocologist and receive a dose of Herceptin. I also get my coumadin level checked again. I think I will be starting a new medication too. I have noticed that lately I don't seem to be so stiff as before and am wondering if it's a side effect of Herceptin. If it starts up again right after getting Herceptin, then maybe that is the culprit of why I get so stiff jointed. I will ask the doctor about it. I have no idea how this new medication will affect me so better enjoy today while I'm feeling good. lol. Well, thanks for your prayers.

I Samuel 3;18 He is the Lord, let Him do what is good in his eyes.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

thursday

Isaiah 33:2 O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.

Sorry I haven't written lately but just not much going on. I am feeling pretty good these days. I still have stiffness when I get up out of a chair or bed. I hope that goes away in time. I feel too young to have that problem. And of course, the forgetfulness is terrible. My hair is growing but still seems way too short. It is getting more blonde looking so am happy about that. I get blood work tomorrow to be sure my white and red blood cell counts are good. I'm sure they will be but they always check it before I get herceptin. I see the onocologist on Monday, Feb. 1, and receive herceptin. I have been losing some weight so am trying to be careful to keep it down so my weight will be down when they weigh me at the doctor's on Monday. I hate being weighed at the doctors, dont' you? The scales seem worse than mine at home so it seems I weigh so much more. Thanks for checking up on me and praying. I appreciate it.

Psalm 118:28-29 You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Monday

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.

I am feeling pretty good these days. I still have stiffness when getting up from sitting down or lying down. I believe that is a side effect from the chemo I had but I will ask the doctor next week when I see if that is what it is. I talked to a friend of mine that had breast cancer and she asked me if I had started taking my oral medication, Arimidix yet. No, I haven't but will probably start next week. We talked about the side effects of it and I am now dreading in taking it for it has been so nice to feel good again. Of course, each person is different and who knows how this medication will effect me. So far, I feel that God has been so good to me in all that I've gone through--chemo and radiation for the side effects haven't been as bad as they could have been. Not pleasant but could have been worse so maybe, Arimidex won't be too bad either. At least I am praying that things will be okay for I will be taking this medication for 5 years. Yikes!!!

It is so nice to be able to wear any of my shirts now for you can't tell too much where the radiated area was. I can see a faint pinkness but I don't think it's too noticeable. I really do appreciate your prayers. Without prayers and God, I don't think I could have gone through this journey of cancer as well as I have. I hardly have any medical things to do this week--only lab work on Friday. Hooray!!! Love you all......

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding , will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Friday, January 22, 2010

coumadin level

Psalm 91:1-2 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress. "

Yesterday I had my coumadin level checked. Coumadin is a blood thinner which I take because of a blood clot I had behind my port-a-cath (a deviced placed under my skin where my IV is hooked up to receive medications). My level needs to be between 2-3 but it was high, 3.5. That is not good for my blood is thinner than it needs to be. I went to the dentist to have my teeth cleaned right after my level was checked. I told my dental hygientist about the level for my gums tend to bleed some when my teeth are cleaned. I wasn't too worried for my level has been high before and I never had a problem with getting any bleeding to stop. She asked the dentist if it was okay to clean my teeth and he said yes. Luckily, I didn't have too much bleeding and no problems at all.

I really liked the devotion I read this morning during my quiet time with the Lord. It was talking about how in music, there are rests included along with notes and it is an important part of the music. There are rests in our lives like when we have an illness, disappointed plans, frustrated efforts, etc. We might think it is the end but it is just part of the "music" and life goes on as planned. Rests are planned and we need to see that this is part of the "tune" and not get discouraged. I could relate to this with my cancer for it was a rest in my life. I knew it wasn't the end and I was able to use that time to draw nearer to God while resting. I hope we each can learn that lesson for we all will come to a restful time even when we dont' think we need it. We should just dwell in the Lord and grow in Him and trust His plans for our life. Have a great day. Love you all.....

Psalm 46:19 Be still , and know that I am God.....

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Wig story

Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is good medicine...

I have a wig story to tell today. When I get home, I usually take off my wig right away for I get tired of wearing it. It gets tight around the head. Sometimes I get lazy and just put it on the bathroom counter instead of putting it on the wig stand in my closet. So, last week , I had my wig on the bathroom counter. My black cat, Munchie, jumped up and started playing with it so I remembered how he messed up my real hair when I had it cut to give to Locks of Love . (He made a big tangled mess with it). I took the wig away from him and put it up. Well, a day or two later, I put my wig again on the bathroom counter. Later on, here comes Munchie carrying my wig in his mouth into the living room It was the funniest looking thing. He seemed so proud of having 'captured' this creature. Luckily for me, he didn't mess it up too bad. Guess I better not leave it lying around anymore.

I am feeling much better from my cold. I do believe people have been praying for me for usually it takes a long time for me to get over a cold. This one didn't get too bad and it's going away quickly. I never really developed much of a cough--just one day of a dry hacking cough. I haven't taken any cold medication in several days now. Thanks for praying.

Today I get my coumadin level checked. I hope it's good. It's been a month since I had it checked. I am hoping the cold medications didn't mess it up.

I am so ready for my hair to grow back. I am tired of wearing my wig and turbans, hats...It's been about 8 months since my hair started falling out. That seems a long time. I didn't think it would take this long for my hair to grow back. I told the boys the other day that maybe I will start going without my turbans and wig but my oldest didin't think that was a good idea---too embarrassing for him. My youngest said he didn't care, he would just tell people that his mom has cancer. Oh, well...I'll wait a little longer. :) thanks for your prayers and love....

ssians 3:1-2 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on eartly things.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Tuesday

Isaiah 33:2 O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.

Good morning!! I am feeling somewhat better with this cold. Still have a stuffy nose but not too much coughing. I am sleeping well so that helps plus I felt lazy all weekend with just sitting around most of the time. I know my body needed the rest but sometimes it makes me feel so guilty for resting. Luckily, there wasn't alot that needed to be done so rest was easy to get. However, it is time to get busy. Monday was a holiday at our house since my husband was off work and my youngest son was on his way home from a skiing trip so that gave me an extra day of rest plus I did some housework but not too much. I don't have much going on this week doctor related except a coumadin blood check on thursday. Was to have a dental appointment but I need to change it for I forgot I had it and I am getting my coumadin level checked at the time my dental appt. is to be done. Silly me. I feel so forgetful these days that it drives me crazy at times. I need to carry around a small calendar in my purse so I can remember when I have appointments. The nurse for my primary care doctor called yesterday to say that they have to redo the pap smear test since it came back insufficient for testing. The doctor thought it might have something to do with the medications I've been on. I should have asked then about whether it really needs to be done but I think I'll go ahead and get it done. It is scheduled to be done late February. Thanks for your prayers.

I Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Cold

Psalm 34:6 This poor man (woman) called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.

God protected me from the common cold and flu all during my treatments which was wonderful. I am back to normal on my blood cells so back to normal with illnesses for I have my first cold since I was diagnosed wtih cancer. The bad thing is that it's my first cold also since taking comadin and there are so many medications I am not allowed to take--some of my favorite cold medications. I almost forgot to check but right before I took anything I did check online if I could take it. I am not having fever, just a runny nose and slight cough and oh, so tired. I did sleep pretty well last night. I went to the chiropracter yesterday morning so that helped me sleep without having back pain and having to get up and sleep in the chair. Yea!!!!!

I also had a echo cardiogram done yesterday--test of my heart. I am sure it's okay but of course, the tech didn't say a word. It is interesting to see the mitral valves of the heart open and close and hear the heartbeat. I'll find out the result of the test when I see my onocologist on Feb. 1. Now that it's a new year, time to start all over paying the deductible for insurance and having to pay again. It was nice to be 100% covered there for a while. I saw that my radiation bill in San Antonio was $14,000 and insurance paid it all !!!! Thank you Lord!!! Thanks for your prayers. I always appreciate them. Have a great day!!!

Isaiah 33:2 O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Doctor's visit in San Antonio

Psalm 32:13-14 From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth--he forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.

On Tuesday, my daughter and I traveled to San Antonio for me to see the radiation onocologist, Dr. West. Before the doctor's visit, we had lunch with my sister at Cracker Barrel--one of my favorite places. I took my 'melted bangs" wig with me in case I decided to wear it with a headband since this will my last time to see them so why confuse them but my daughter and sister convinced me to wear the new wig. Usually when you go in, they see you and recognize you and they send a message to the back that you are here without you ever having to stop at the desk to say you are here. Well, the secretary was on the phone when I walked in so when she got off, I told her who I was in case she didnt' recognize me. She said that she knew my face seemed familiar but didn't know it was me. lol. My favorite radiation tech came out to get another patient and she saw me and recognized me. I didn't get to say goodbye to her when I had my last treatment for she was off so we talked later and I got to hug her and say goodbye. I told her and the nurse about my other wig and they had a good laugh. In fact, the nurse looked at me and said with a smile "that is so funny". It took forever for me to get to see the dr. for he had decided to see a patient in the hospital and got caught by the family members. He apologized several times about making me wait so long. He said my skin looked like it was healing just fine and that eventually it will look all normal again. I don't have to go see him again. The nurse told me that she had worried about me with my fair skin so was happy that my skin did so well. While waiting for the doctor, I read a magazine called "Cure" which is about cancer and it's free for cancer patients and survivors so I took a card for I am thinking of subscribing to it. I read an article about Herceptin which is a medication I am taking. They talked about the side effects and I am lucky not to experience hardly any of them --the only one might be fatigue for I am tired alot. They say that after having chemo, radiation, etc. that you can experience fatigue for months or even years. Oh, great.....

On Friday, I am to have an echo cardiogram which is just a sound wave of my heart to be sure that the Herceptin is not causing any heart damage. That is a side effect of Herceptin. So far, my heart has been healthy and I bet it is still healthy. Well, thanks for your support and prayers. Love you.

Matthew 11:28 Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Monday

Psalm 52:9 I will praise you forever for what you ahve done; in your name I will hope for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints.

Today I received Herceptin--an anti-cancer drug but doesn't cause any side effects for me which I'm so grateful for. I was only at the chemo clinic for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Yea!!!! I started to wear my old wig there with a headband but my sons persuaded me to wear my new wig. I walked in and they were all sitting there and just looked at me then I said "how do you like my new hairstyle" and they all relaxed and commented on it and then I told them the wig story about how it had melted. They had a good laugh. I finally posted a picture on my facebook with me wearing my new wig. One lady commented "Well, if you decide to get rid of this hairstyle, all you have to do is open a hot oven!!! Very funny.....lol.

Tomorrow I am going to San Antonio to have a checkup with the radiation doctor. I hate having to drive for about 7 hours for probably a 10 minute visit. Oh, well....that is life. My daughter is coming along for the ride so we will have some good mom/daughter time. Will have lunch with my sister at one of my favorite restaurants--Cracker Barrel. Pray that we will have safe travels. We are not spending the night--just going and coming back all in one day. I have been so tired lately and having to take naps in the afternoon--that's not typical of me. Well, should go on to bed now. Thanks for your prayers. Love you......

Psalm 55:22 Cast all your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

support group

I Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore enourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

On Thursday I went to my support group--called Survivor Sisters. A lady Ob/gyn dr. was there talking about several women health issues especially cancers like cervical and ovarian. She said that if you have had a hysterectomy, then you don't need pap smears anymore but still need to see your dr. yearly for other things like breast & rectal exams. I just had a pap smear, the first since my hysterectomy. I will have to ask my dr. to see what she says about that. She also talked about the BRca genetic testing to see if your breast cancer is genetic. I had always heard that you really need to worry about the history of breast cancer on your mom's side. She and another dr. that was there both said that studies show that it's on both sides of the family that you can inherit breast cancer. New info I need to pass on to my own family. At the support group, they gave us bracelets to represent our group. Our t-shirts are lime green with hot pink and black lettering. So, our bracelets have hot pink and lime stones with 2 black beads that have 'S' on them for Survior Sisters and then there are some clear beads. Very cute.

Well, I am feeling pretty great these days. I got blood work done yesterday to check my white and red blood cells and other things. I am to recieve Herceptin meds on Monday. I go to San Antonio on tuesday for a follow up with the radiation dr. I don't feel as stiff as I have been. Maybe the walking is helping. Of course, I've not walked the past 2 days due to it being so cold. I've done some Wii fit plus exercises though. Chemo messes up with your brain and I do seem unable to always remember or just have problems doing some simple thngs. Hard to explain but I just seem different brain wise, so I will just blame it on chemo--lol. My neighbor got to see my hair for she could see some of it under my hat that I was wearing so I went ahead and showed her and her kids. Her son has a crew cut and my hair is almost as long as his but as thick. She thinks it will turn blonde but my son thinks it's going to be grey. We'll see.....Have a wonderful weekend!! Love you all!!!

Psalm 86:12-13 I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Doctor's visit

Psalm 118:28-29 This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

I saw my family practice dr. yesterday. I actually shaved under my arms for the first time in a long time before I went to see the dr. lol. She said my cholestrol level is down by 20 points and that the good cholestrol is up while the bad is down--all good news. I really didn't do much to change my diet. She wants me to have a bone density test when I have my mammogram which should be done in March. I had a pap smear done so hoping that is normal. Should find out soon.

I am wearing the 'new ' wig now and it's funny to see how people react. Some don't recognize me such as at Brandon's Boy Scout troop --one of the scout masters introduced himself to me thinking I was a new mom. I don't think he knows I had cancer but some of the parents and other scout leaders do. I went to church to work with the kids and several thought it was my natural hair grown back. I wish.....but no.... one young woman had to touch it to see if it was really a wig for she didnt' believe me. Guess that is good!!!! Even the dr. wondered if it was my hair or a wig. She didn't know for sure until she checked me and could feel that it was a wig.

I've been walking 3 times this week but sure makes me tired since I get up so early to walk with my neighbor. We won't be walking the rest of this week since a cold, cold front is coming in tonight. My only problem is feeling so stiff after sleeping or sitting for a while. The doctor thinks it may be from chemo but said to ask my onocologist. Thanks for checking up on me and praying. God has been so good to me this past year as He has been right by my side through all of this. I love Him!!!!

Psalm 121:1-3 I lift up my eyes to the hills---where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and Earth. He will not let your foot slip--he who watches over you will not slumber.

Monday, January 4, 2010

skin

Psalm 116:1-2 I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heardy my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.

My radiated skin is finally looking so much better. Yippee!!! It is still pink but just slightly. You can still see it; and I hardly have any shirts to wear to church since you can see the radiated area even though the shirts I have aren't that low. I wore one yesterday that tends to show some of the radiated area but I kept pulling it up so it won't show much. Today I bought a new shirt that I can wear--looks like a button down shirt with a thin sweather over it. It doesn't show the radiated area. My mom's friend who had breast cancer and had radiation said to use Vit. E cream to help it heal so I went to 2 stores to buy some. I couldn't find anything that was only Vit. E cream but did find a Gold Bond healing cream that has Vit. E in it. Sure is nice to use that instead of the aloe vera gel--now my clothes won't stick to my skin!!! Larry thinks the lumpectomy scar is looking better too.

I wore the short wig to church and no one said anything--not sure if people recognized me. Probably thought Larry was with another woman--hahaha. We came in a bit late and ended up sitting near the back so probably no one noticed me back there. I wore it shopping for a new shirt today and it came right off when changing shirts. Good thing I was in the dressing room!!! I had a comb with me so was able to fix it up. How funny.....will be glad when my wig days are over.

I had my cholestrol level checked today and will find out results tomorrow when I see my family doctor. I am to have a pap smear tomorrow too--will be the first time since I had a hysterectomy in summer of 2008. The doctor wanted to wait since I was in the middle of treatments when it was time to have a pap smear.

I went walking with my neighbor early this morning. It was the first time to go walking in over a month. It felt good to walk but sure was cold this morning. I bundled up well but sure missed having hair to help my head stay warm. I had two hats on but still was cold in the beginning but after walking awhile I got to sweating so it was okay. Well, thanks for your prayers and encouragement. 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.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

quick note

I Chronicles 16:25 Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.

Not much going on these past few days. My radiated area is healing--pink now instead of red. And peeling, oh, how it's peeling and itchy. It is still tender and painful at times--mainly when I lie down and when I stretch my left arm. I keep wanting to peel the skin away. I've always been bad about doing that to sunburns. However, the skin is thicker than when it's just a sunburn--weird. I am to have a cholestrol blood test next week on Monday, so trying to eat right. The last time I was tested (in Oct) , we had gone out of town so ate out which is not normal for me and my cholestrol level was high. I am wondering if it's the way I had eaten the few days before the test so I haven't done really much to change my eating habits so that I can really see this time. It wasn't that high, just a little over the normal level. I've always been normal before.

Larry and I went shopping today and I wore the newer wig. He doesn't mind it at all. Just seems so short and poofy on top. Oh,. well........maybe soon I'll not have to wear a wig. Have a great day. Love you all......keep those prayers up that the radiated area will heal soon. It's been over 2 weeks since the last treatment and I'm still dealing with it. Impatient, I guess.....lol.

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