Lamentations 3:58 O Lord, you took up my case; you redeemed my life.
Last week, I participated in our town's relay for life. It was a very awesome and emotional experience for me. When I was walking the survivor lap which was the first lap, people just kept clapping and clapping the whole time we were walking. I would say that about half way around, I got quite teary eyed. It was neat to think, yes, we survived and these people are clapping for us as we've been victorious in this battle!!!! I just can't describe exactly what I was feeling. I just praise God for allowing me to be here today. As we finished our lap, we had balloons and let go of them....so cool to see all those balloons up in the air. Our caregivers joined us as we walked the 2nd lap. Larry and I walked hand in hand. I am so thankful that Larry was there to care for me throughout my battle. Wish my kids had been there too for they helped care for me along with my sister and mom. I walked the 3rd lap too with my friend, Teresa. Everyone was invited to walk that 3rd lap. Teresa was walking with her team until 9 pm so I would get off and rest then rejoin her and a team mate. I walked 7 laps. There was a tent in the middle of the field for survivors that had free food for us ....fruit, muffins, and cookies plus water and other drinks. That was so sweet of them. We stayed until about 10 pm....needed to go home for we left to go to San Antonio the next morning to see my nephew, Chris, graduate from high school !!!
This past week, I've struggled with fatigue. I don't know if the heat has made it worse or what but it has been hard on some days. Not so bad today though. Also, I've noticed the numbness I have in my toes more. I noticed it when my chemo was finishing (it is a side effect from chemo) but didn't notice it so much during the winter. Maybe it was because I was wearing enclosed shoes all the time whereas I am now barefoot or in sandals or flip flops. It really feels weird.
My hair is growing so slow. I even notice that the hair on my legs and underarms grow slow too. I don't shave often like I used to before chemo. Wonder if the cancer pill I take causes it to slow down. Should investigate that one. Also, the numbness in my left upper breast seems more noticeable ....drives me crazy sometimes at night. I know , that sounds weird but that is the way it is. I just have to live with it .......:). It's okay....I am happy to be here and it's not painful so no reason to complain or worry about it. It's just a part of my 'new' life. I am looking forward to this summer since last summer I was going through chemo and missed out on 'summer' in some ways. I am enjoying "gardening" and just look forward to spending time with friends, etc. I have a little part time job--taking my neighbor's kids to the swimming pool. There are big shade trees there so I will sit underneath those trees and try to stay cool. I don't plan to get in the pool though. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. In fact, last Memorial Day, I was in the hospital with a blood clot in my shoulder area behind my port. Wow, it's nearly been a year when that happened. That is when I started taking coumadin.
Love you all......thanks for your concerns and love and prayers. Let me know if I can pray for you!!!
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Relay for Life and Coumadin level
Psalm 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Went for my coumadin level today and it was still low. What's up? The tech thought that maybe it's because I am healthier now so need a higher dose. Maybe while taking chemo and radiation, my body just didnt' need much of the medication. So, my dosage went up. I even ate less green vegetables to see if that would help but guess it didn't . Guess I could go back to eating salads. Maybe it's because I've gained weight. OH, well....we'll see how the higher dose works. I go back in 2 weeks to have the level checked again.
Relay for Life in our town starts tonight!!!! I am going to walk the survivor lap and then caregivers join the survivors on the 2nd lap. My best friend is walking too with others from where she works so I'll join her too and walk some more. I am excited about this!!! Wish my kids would join me but alas, they could care less....teenagers!!! :) One has a good excuse...going on a boy scout campout tonight on land near our land.
Thanks again for you love and concern on my condition. You are all so sweet to check on me. I am feeling pretty good except the fatigue that I experience quite frequently. If I can get in a nap, then I do just great.
Psalm 138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life.
Went for my coumadin level today and it was still low. What's up? The tech thought that maybe it's because I am healthier now so need a higher dose. Maybe while taking chemo and radiation, my body just didnt' need much of the medication. So, my dosage went up. I even ate less green vegetables to see if that would help but guess it didn't . Guess I could go back to eating salads. Maybe it's because I've gained weight. OH, well....we'll see how the higher dose works. I go back in 2 weeks to have the level checked again.
Relay for Life in our town starts tonight!!!! I am going to walk the survivor lap and then caregivers join the survivors on the 2nd lap. My best friend is walking too with others from where she works so I'll join her too and walk some more. I am excited about this!!! Wish my kids would join me but alas, they could care less....teenagers!!! :) One has a good excuse...going on a boy scout campout tonight on land near our land.
Thanks again for you love and concern on my condition. You are all so sweet to check on me. I am feeling pretty good except the fatigue that I experience quite frequently. If I can get in a nap, then I do just great.
Psalm 138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Herceptin
Jeremiah 29 :11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Today I received herceptin. Just 3 more months then I will be done with the herceptin. Can't wait. Everything went well....My blood pressure was fantastic and they got my medicine quickly so I wasn't there too long. The clinic where I take my Herceptin and had chemo had to move to a smaller space back in the late summer or so for they are adding on to the building. All of the cancer stuff will be on the first floor and all together. It should open the first part of June so when I go get my next herceptin and have my doctor's appt. I will get to be in the new building. I go on June 7. I hear that it's much bigger than the old one and of course lots bigger than the area they have had to be in while waiting. I'm glad I will get to have treatments in the new building.
My hair is growing and getting quite wavy. It's thick too. Will be glad when it's much longer but am happy that I have hair. Still can't do much with it though. I am so tired today...not sure why. Might take a nap here soon. I tried to sleep while getting herceptin but noisy there.
My brother-in-law started his radiation last week. I am thinking that today will be his 3rd day.
It was a year ago when I had my first chemo treatment---May 19!!! So hard to believe that a year has gone by. I was listening to a couple of ladies talk about their chemo treatments while I was receiving my herceptin. Brought back memories...and not the happy ones either. I am glad that part of my life is over. I am so thankful for all of you who prayed for me during those days. I couldn't have made it without those prayers. This Friday is the relay for life and I am excited about walking the survivor lap. Come on out and watch---at 7 pm at the university's track stadium. Love you all.....
Jeremiah 17:7 But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes, its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and neveer fails to bear fruit.
Today I received herceptin. Just 3 more months then I will be done with the herceptin. Can't wait. Everything went well....My blood pressure was fantastic and they got my medicine quickly so I wasn't there too long. The clinic where I take my Herceptin and had chemo had to move to a smaller space back in the late summer or so for they are adding on to the building. All of the cancer stuff will be on the first floor and all together. It should open the first part of June so when I go get my next herceptin and have my doctor's appt. I will get to be in the new building. I go on June 7. I hear that it's much bigger than the old one and of course lots bigger than the area they have had to be in while waiting. I'm glad I will get to have treatments in the new building.
My hair is growing and getting quite wavy. It's thick too. Will be glad when it's much longer but am happy that I have hair. Still can't do much with it though. I am so tired today...not sure why. Might take a nap here soon. I tried to sleep while getting herceptin but noisy there.
My brother-in-law started his radiation last week. I am thinking that today will be his 3rd day.
It was a year ago when I had my first chemo treatment---May 19!!! So hard to believe that a year has gone by. I was listening to a couple of ladies talk about their chemo treatments while I was receiving my herceptin. Brought back memories...and not the happy ones either. I am glad that part of my life is over. I am so thankful for all of you who prayed for me during those days. I couldn't have made it without those prayers. This Friday is the relay for life and I am excited about walking the survivor lap. Come on out and watch---at 7 pm at the university's track stadium. Love you all.....
Jeremiah 17:7 But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes, its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and neveer fails to bear fruit.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Mother's Day
Proverbs 31:28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.
Happy Mother's Day to all the moms who read my blog. I am so thankful that I am here to celebrate another Mother's Day. Last year, at this time, I was getting ready to start chemo...had surgery for port placement a few days before. I remember thinking that I hope to celebrate many more Mother's Day so here is the first Mother's Day after surviving cancer!!!! Praise the Lord!! I hope each of you that are mom's have a great Mother's Day too. Happy Mother's Day to my own mom. She has been a great supporter through my whole journey with cancer. Love you Mom....I appreciate all the wonderful things you have done for me....going with me to chemo, taking care of me afterwards, the phone calls and emails always checking up on me, faithfully reading my blog, the sweet gifts, going with me to pick up boys from Worldview camp (that was a fun trip), praying, and just loving on me. I love you , Mom.
I had a coumadin level done on Friday. It was still low but a tad bit higher than the previous level. It was 1.8. The nurse was afraid to increase my dosage except she just increased Friday's dose. She thinks that they are checking it too much and should give it time for the higher doses to catch up in my body. We just can't figure out why it's low. I am now wondering if that new cancer medication is the reason. I started that in Feb. I will ask the next time I go which will be in 2 weeks. I worked all day yesterday cleaning my house which really tired me out and today I feel so stiff. Didn't do anything that strenous so not sure why my body feels like I've gone on a hike. lol. My hair is growing so slowly but at least I have hair and it's thick. It seems before cancer that my hair was fast growing for I was always needing to cut my bangs. It has grown so won't complain. I am trying to learn not to complain about my hair....I am happy that I have some.
I think that my brother-in-law starts his radiation treatments this next week. He is ready to get it started and going so he can be done with it. Thanks for all your prayers and support. Love you all. Again....Happy Mother's Day. And to the ones who aren't moms yet and to the ones who are moms, tell your mom that you love them.
Proverbs 31:29-31 Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Happy Mother's Day to all the moms who read my blog. I am so thankful that I am here to celebrate another Mother's Day. Last year, at this time, I was getting ready to start chemo...had surgery for port placement a few days before. I remember thinking that I hope to celebrate many more Mother's Day so here is the first Mother's Day after surviving cancer!!!! Praise the Lord!! I hope each of you that are mom's have a great Mother's Day too. Happy Mother's Day to my own mom. She has been a great supporter through my whole journey with cancer. Love you Mom....I appreciate all the wonderful things you have done for me....going with me to chemo, taking care of me afterwards, the phone calls and emails always checking up on me, faithfully reading my blog, the sweet gifts, going with me to pick up boys from Worldview camp (that was a fun trip), praying, and just loving on me. I love you , Mom.
I had a coumadin level done on Friday. It was still low but a tad bit higher than the previous level. It was 1.8. The nurse was afraid to increase my dosage except she just increased Friday's dose. She thinks that they are checking it too much and should give it time for the higher doses to catch up in my body. We just can't figure out why it's low. I am now wondering if that new cancer medication is the reason. I started that in Feb. I will ask the next time I go which will be in 2 weeks. I worked all day yesterday cleaning my house which really tired me out and today I feel so stiff. Didn't do anything that strenous so not sure why my body feels like I've gone on a hike. lol. My hair is growing so slowly but at least I have hair and it's thick. It seems before cancer that my hair was fast growing for I was always needing to cut my bangs. It has grown so won't complain. I am trying to learn not to complain about my hair....I am happy that I have some.
I think that my brother-in-law starts his radiation treatments this next week. He is ready to get it started and going so he can be done with it. Thanks for all your prayers and support. Love you all. Again....Happy Mother's Day. And to the ones who aren't moms yet and to the ones who are moms, tell your mom that you love them.
Proverbs 31:29-31 Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Monday, May 3, 2010
brother in law
Psalm 37: 3-5 Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.
Sorry I haven't written in a week. The days went by so fast last week; or so it seemed. lol. I've been feeling pretty good but just still battling with fatigue. I'm afraid it's something that I will have to battle with for awhile. I'm sure many of you can relate for some time or other in your life, you've had that same battle whether from pregnancy, raising kids, sickness, etc. You just make yourself go on when there are things to do. The only medical thing I have this week is a coumadin level on Friday. I hope it's good this time.
My brother-in-law whose prostate cancer is not completely gone will be having 38 radiation treatments--hopefully starting next week. Apparently there isn't a problem with the skin burning like in breast cancer for they go in deeper. Lucky him--I'm glad he doesn't have to deal with that. It will be just an annoyance in having to go in to do the treatments every day plus it ruined their vacation plans that they had already made. What a bum deal for him and family but his boys were so good about it for they said they would rather have their dad than the vacation. I just pray that the radiation gets all the cancer this time.
I had been praying for a lady named Paula who had ovarian cancer. I don't know her personally but knew her brother back in high school. He and I had just gotten connected on facebook when his sister was diagnosed and they had a blog thing on facebook--called a group page--Praying for Paula. I sent her several scriptures that helped me during my battle with cancer and encouraging words. She really had a tough time for the cancer had spread and she fought courageously and had lots of strength and faith but she passed away this past week. I was deeply touched by it for some reason and cried. I know she is better off now for she won't have to suffer anymore. Made me realize how fortunate I was that I didn't have to face the hard things that she had to go through. Also , a good friend of mine, Heather (hi Heather) lost a good friend of hers about the same time to cancer. He had been battling his cancer for years. I had prayed for him too.....he isn't suffering anymore either. These losses made me really think hard about cancer and how lucky I am. Thanks to all of you who have prayed for me. Our town is having a Relay for Life (a fundraiser for cancer) on May 21. I will be there....walking the survivor walk and thinking about the people I know who have lost their lives to cancer. Come and walk or at least go to the Relay for Life if you live in our town or whenever your town has one. It's a worthy cause!!!! I went last year just to see what it was all about....enjoyed the speeches of people who had cancer...what inspirations they were. Two of them died this past year too. How sad.....
II Thessalonians 2:16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
Sorry I haven't written in a week. The days went by so fast last week; or so it seemed. lol. I've been feeling pretty good but just still battling with fatigue. I'm afraid it's something that I will have to battle with for awhile. I'm sure many of you can relate for some time or other in your life, you've had that same battle whether from pregnancy, raising kids, sickness, etc. You just make yourself go on when there are things to do. The only medical thing I have this week is a coumadin level on Friday. I hope it's good this time.
My brother-in-law whose prostate cancer is not completely gone will be having 38 radiation treatments--hopefully starting next week. Apparently there isn't a problem with the skin burning like in breast cancer for they go in deeper. Lucky him--I'm glad he doesn't have to deal with that. It will be just an annoyance in having to go in to do the treatments every day plus it ruined their vacation plans that they had already made. What a bum deal for him and family but his boys were so good about it for they said they would rather have their dad than the vacation. I just pray that the radiation gets all the cancer this time.
I had been praying for a lady named Paula who had ovarian cancer. I don't know her personally but knew her brother back in high school. He and I had just gotten connected on facebook when his sister was diagnosed and they had a blog thing on facebook--called a group page--Praying for Paula. I sent her several scriptures that helped me during my battle with cancer and encouraging words. She really had a tough time for the cancer had spread and she fought courageously and had lots of strength and faith but she passed away this past week. I was deeply touched by it for some reason and cried. I know she is better off now for she won't have to suffer anymore. Made me realize how fortunate I was that I didn't have to face the hard things that she had to go through. Also , a good friend of mine, Heather (hi Heather) lost a good friend of hers about the same time to cancer. He had been battling his cancer for years. I had prayed for him too.....he isn't suffering anymore either. These losses made me really think hard about cancer and how lucky I am. Thanks to all of you who have prayed for me. Our town is having a Relay for Life (a fundraiser for cancer) on May 21. I will be there....walking the survivor walk and thinking about the people I know who have lost their lives to cancer. Come and walk or at least go to the Relay for Life if you live in our town or whenever your town has one. It's a worthy cause!!!! I went last year just to see what it was all about....enjoyed the speeches of people who had cancer...what inspirations they were. Two of them died this past year too. How sad.....
II Thessalonians 2:16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
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