Psalm 138:8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever--do not abandon the works of your hands.
I went in today for a coumadin check and finally the results were normal. The last 2 checks the results were too high. I hope it stays normal from now on. :) I will be going back in 3 weeks instead of 2 weeks. I am feeling pretty good these days. Just a little stiffness at times but no side effects from the new medication that I can tell. Praise the Lord!!! I don't sleep well at night so am tired during the day. I have blood work this Friday then Hercepting infusion next Monday. Other than that, it's a slow week medical wise. Thanks again for all your prayers. I am considering becoming a chemo angel soon. I sure appreciated my chemo angels. AnnMarie, if you read this--thanks for the cards you continue to send. You are so sweet. I will write you soon. My hair is slowly growing. I am afraid that I will have to quit wearing my wig soon since it's so short and my hair is going to start showing. It's short and looks like a boys haircut. lol. When it's warmer it won't bother me so much. I will have someone take a picture of my "short hairstyle" so you can see. My son says my ears are too big to show it off....oh, well....that is the way God created me. :) Have a great day. Love you all.....
Psalm 139:13-14 For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made: your works are wonderful., I know that full well.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Thankful
Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as memebers of one body, you were called to peace. And be thankful.
I've been reflecting on what has happened the past year especially in my family. Three members of my family was diagnosed with cancer. Hardly anyone in the past had cancer then boom, suddenly, we were getting cancer. It all started with my aunt (my mother's sister) who had breast cancer then it came back and she died in Nov. 2008. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2009. My uncle (my mother's brother) was diagnosed with throat cancer , I believe in the early summer of 2009. My brother-in-law was daignosed with prostate cancer in Aug. 2009. Wow!!! However, we are done with our surgeries, chemo, and radiation and we are all doing well. (My brother-in-law only had surgery) Praise God!!! He is so good. It was a scary and hard year especially for my mother but we are all breathing a sigh of relief now. I know for myself that this past year was a year of having to really trust God with everything. He was there for me and still is with me. I had alot of support from my family and neighbors but not always the support from others that I would have liked but that's okay. God provided all I needed. There would be people who I never expected to be helpful and supportive.
Also, I've been thinking how you never know when someone is going to be snatched away from you unexpectantly or you yourself never know when you will die. A young woman I know didn't wake up on Sunday morning. She was only 30 years old with 2 children, 12 and 2 years old. No one had an idea that this could happen. They dont' know yet why this has happened but it did. So sad....but it just shows us that our life is in God's hands and it can be taken up to heaven anytime. So, I want to be thankful for the time I have here and thankful for my family and friends. Let's be thankful today and every day for the rest of our lives. Tell someone today that you are glad they are here and that you love them. :)
I am feeling pretty good these days. No new side effects. Just waiting and waiting for my hair to grow. I will feel so much better when I feel comfortable to not wear a wig or hat. It will happen someday. Thanks for your love and prayers.
I Thessalonians 1:2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.
I've been reflecting on what has happened the past year especially in my family. Three members of my family was diagnosed with cancer. Hardly anyone in the past had cancer then boom, suddenly, we were getting cancer. It all started with my aunt (my mother's sister) who had breast cancer then it came back and she died in Nov. 2008. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2009. My uncle (my mother's brother) was diagnosed with throat cancer , I believe in the early summer of 2009. My brother-in-law was daignosed with prostate cancer in Aug. 2009. Wow!!! However, we are done with our surgeries, chemo, and radiation and we are all doing well. (My brother-in-law only had surgery) Praise God!!! He is so good. It was a scary and hard year especially for my mother but we are all breathing a sigh of relief now. I know for myself that this past year was a year of having to really trust God with everything. He was there for me and still is with me. I had alot of support from my family and neighbors but not always the support from others that I would have liked but that's okay. God provided all I needed. There would be people who I never expected to be helpful and supportive.
Also, I've been thinking how you never know when someone is going to be snatched away from you unexpectantly or you yourself never know when you will die. A young woman I know didn't wake up on Sunday morning. She was only 30 years old with 2 children, 12 and 2 years old. No one had an idea that this could happen. They dont' know yet why this has happened but it did. So sad....but it just shows us that our life is in God's hands and it can be taken up to heaven anytime. So, I want to be thankful for the time I have here and thankful for my family and friends. Let's be thankful today and every day for the rest of our lives. Tell someone today that you are glad they are here and that you love them. :)
I am feeling pretty good these days. No new side effects. Just waiting and waiting for my hair to grow. I will feel so much better when I feel comfortable to not wear a wig or hat. It will happen someday. Thanks for your love and prayers.
I Thessalonians 1:2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Cards
Psalm 9:10 Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Thanks for your prayers about my new medication. I've not had any side effects so far. I had that headache one day but not again so it may have had nothing to do with the medication. God is so good!!!! I was involved with an organization called 'Chemo Angel' where they send encouragment through cards and gifts while you are taking chemo. I had 2 wonderful chemo angels and one still sends me cards that she creatively makes. Well, the past few days I've been receiveing lots of birthday cards from different chemo angels all over the United States like from New York to California. I had no idea that was going to happen so it so amazing all the cards I am receiving. How sweet. One 'angel' called herself 'special assignment angel' so maybe there are angels out there just sending birthday cards. It is so nice to receive more encouragement anytime. Have a great week. I have no medical appointments this week--amazing!!!!
Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sins deceitfulness.
Thanks for your prayers about my new medication. I've not had any side effects so far. I had that headache one day but not again so it may have had nothing to do with the medication. God is so good!!!! I was involved with an organization called 'Chemo Angel' where they send encouragment through cards and gifts while you are taking chemo. I had 2 wonderful chemo angels and one still sends me cards that she creatively makes. Well, the past few days I've been receiveing lots of birthday cards from different chemo angels all over the United States like from New York to California. I had no idea that was going to happen so it so amazing all the cards I am receiving. How sweet. One 'angel' called herself 'special assignment angel' so maybe there are angels out there just sending birthday cards. It is so nice to receive more encouragement anytime. Have a great week. I have no medical appointments this week--amazing!!!!
Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sins deceitfulness.
Friday, February 5, 2010
cancer markers
Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
I've not had any more headaches but still at times have a pain or tenderness in my left breast. Have just a little stiffness--more so this morning than the previous days. But no real side effects from Arimidex yet. I am so glad. I know it's only been a few days so I have to wait to see for sure about the side effects.
Yesterday evening I went to the Survivor Sister meeting (our breast cancer support group) and my onocologist was the speaker. He talked about cancer markers that are tested by blood. I knew I was having this test performed and that my results were good but really didn't know what it all meant. It is not a diagnostic test but hopefully some day there will be one like the PSA is for prostate cancer. But what this test can show is: if your cancer is coming back, it can give clues. Each person's level is different so that is why it can't be a diagnostic test. So, it is used only for breast cancer (there are similar tests for other cancers) patients. He likes to test before treatments and then he will test again after treatments are complete. Then he will test each time you see him (usually 4 times a year when treatments are done until 5 years have gone by--then once a year) . What he looks for in the test is whether your level stays about the same and if it rises significantly, then that is a clue that something is going on. So, then other tests are performed like CT Scans, bone scans, etc. It was very interesting to me so I was happy that I went to the meeting. There is a younger lady who is a school teacher in a small town nearby that started her chemo a couple of weeks after me. She never wore wigs but always a hat. Yesterday she came in with nothing and her hair is just a bit longer than mine. She looked nice and everyone was complimenting her on her hair. I just don't think I look nice with such short hair yet. I have such big ears. lol. Would like for it to grow a bit longer. Our group is going to do a scrapbook to put in the cancer library where my onocologist's office is. We are each to do a page or more and give a testimony. I think I will tell about how the MRI was a lifesaving test for me and how I have the peace of God within me throughout this whole journey. I told the lady who is heading up the scrapbook, that I would help since I scrapbook myself. We might be working on it next month at our meeting. Sounds fun. Thanks for praying for me. I really have appreciated all the prayers and I believe that is why things have gone pretty well for me. Love you all......
Isaiah 58:8-9 Then your light will break froth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call , and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help and he will say: Here am I.
I've not had any more headaches but still at times have a pain or tenderness in my left breast. Have just a little stiffness--more so this morning than the previous days. But no real side effects from Arimidex yet. I am so glad. I know it's only been a few days so I have to wait to see for sure about the side effects.
Yesterday evening I went to the Survivor Sister meeting (our breast cancer support group) and my onocologist was the speaker. He talked about cancer markers that are tested by blood. I knew I was having this test performed and that my results were good but really didn't know what it all meant. It is not a diagnostic test but hopefully some day there will be one like the PSA is for prostate cancer. But what this test can show is: if your cancer is coming back, it can give clues. Each person's level is different so that is why it can't be a diagnostic test. So, it is used only for breast cancer (there are similar tests for other cancers) patients. He likes to test before treatments and then he will test again after treatments are complete. Then he will test each time you see him (usually 4 times a year when treatments are done until 5 years have gone by--then once a year) . What he looks for in the test is whether your level stays about the same and if it rises significantly, then that is a clue that something is going on. So, then other tests are performed like CT Scans, bone scans, etc. It was very interesting to me so I was happy that I went to the meeting. There is a younger lady who is a school teacher in a small town nearby that started her chemo a couple of weeks after me. She never wore wigs but always a hat. Yesterday she came in with nothing and her hair is just a bit longer than mine. She looked nice and everyone was complimenting her on her hair. I just don't think I look nice with such short hair yet. I have such big ears. lol. Would like for it to grow a bit longer. Our group is going to do a scrapbook to put in the cancer library where my onocologist's office is. We are each to do a page or more and give a testimony. I think I will tell about how the MRI was a lifesaving test for me and how I have the peace of God within me throughout this whole journey. I told the lady who is heading up the scrapbook, that I would help since I scrapbook myself. We might be working on it next month at our meeting. Sounds fun. Thanks for praying for me. I really have appreciated all the prayers and I believe that is why things have gone pretty well for me. Love you all......
Isaiah 58:8-9 Then your light will break froth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call , and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help and he will say: Here am I.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Side effects?
I Peter 5:7 Caat all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
You are probably wondering if I am experiencing any side effects from Arimidex which I just started on Monday. Not much yet but I did have a terrible headache yesterday evening. I usually don't have headaches so wondering if this could be a side effect. Headaches is on the list for possible side effects. Also, I've been having alot of pain/tenderness in my left breast. Not sure why that started up. It's not as bad today so maybe it's going away. Pain is in the area of my incision and radiation area. I've not experienced pain there except after surgery and during radiation. Other than that, I'm okay. The nurse practioner told me that it takes time to see what the side effects will be. I'm praying that it will be very minimal.
While I was writing this, my onocologist's office called and they have scheduled me for a mammogram and bone density test. Will be done on March 30. The doctor told me that Arimidex does cause bone loss so I am to take calcium with Vit. D. I am already doing that knowing that chemo also caused bone loss and my primary doctor told me what dosages to take. My grandmother had osteoporosis really bad. I had a bone denisty test done at the chiropracter's office about 2 years ago and things looked good but so many things have happened since then so who knows what my future holds with my bones. But that is okay for I know that the Lord does know and He'll be with me in whatever happens. Thanks for your prayers. Have a great day. Love you......
Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
You are probably wondering if I am experiencing any side effects from Arimidex which I just started on Monday. Not much yet but I did have a terrible headache yesterday evening. I usually don't have headaches so wondering if this could be a side effect. Headaches is on the list for possible side effects. Also, I've been having alot of pain/tenderness in my left breast. Not sure why that started up. It's not as bad today so maybe it's going away. Pain is in the area of my incision and radiation area. I've not experienced pain there except after surgery and during radiation. Other than that, I'm okay. The nurse practioner told me that it takes time to see what the side effects will be. I'm praying that it will be very minimal.
While I was writing this, my onocologist's office called and they have scheduled me for a mammogram and bone density test. Will be done on March 30. The doctor told me that Arimidex does cause bone loss so I am to take calcium with Vit. D. I am already doing that knowing that chemo also caused bone loss and my primary doctor told me what dosages to take. My grandmother had osteoporosis really bad. I had a bone denisty test done at the chiropracter's office about 2 years ago and things looked good but so many things have happened since then so who knows what my future holds with my bones. But that is okay for I know that the Lord does know and He'll be with me in whatever happens. Thanks for your prayers. Have a great day. Love you......
Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Doctor's visit
Psalm 37:3-4 Trust in the Lord and do good, dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in teh Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Today was a busy day. First I had my coumadin level checked. Last time it was high at 3.5 and this time it was even higher at 3.7. That means my blood is too thin. So they changed my dosage. I can't think of anything that I am doing that would make the level high. After that, I went to the onocologist--just down the hall. All my blood tests and echocardiogram (heart test) was good. No problems there. I asked him about the stiffness I am having. He said that chemo makes you age and it could be a type of arthritic problem. It might go away but if it doesn't, then he'll send me to an arthritis doctor. He started me on a new medication called Arimidex which keeps estrogen from being produced. Even though I don't have any ovaries, my body still produces some estrogen. This medication does have side effects and each person is different. He said that the most common side effect is bone pain (oh, great...along with my stiffness) and hot flashes. I am already taking medication for hot flashes so hoping that it will continue to help with the hot flashes. Other side effects are weight gain (please...no), headaches, dizziness, back pain, and a host of others. I took my first pill this afternoon. I will be taking this medication for 5 years so hoping it's not too bad.
After the doctor's visit, I had Herceptin which went well. I was really sleepy today so tried to take a little nap. It was pretty quiet except the nurses talking among themselves and just as I was falling asleep, a sweet lady comes bursting in with a loud "hello everyone" to bring goodies for the nurses. Oh, well...my medicaiton was just about done so needed to wake up. lol. Thanks for your prayers and just pray that the side effects won't be bad. I was just enjoying feeling good these days. Sigh.....:) Love you all......
Psalm 36: 5-7 Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulnees to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains , your justice like the great deep. O Lord, you preserve both man and beast. How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.
Today was a busy day. First I had my coumadin level checked. Last time it was high at 3.5 and this time it was even higher at 3.7. That means my blood is too thin. So they changed my dosage. I can't think of anything that I am doing that would make the level high. After that, I went to the onocologist--just down the hall. All my blood tests and echocardiogram (heart test) was good. No problems there. I asked him about the stiffness I am having. He said that chemo makes you age and it could be a type of arthritic problem. It might go away but if it doesn't, then he'll send me to an arthritis doctor. He started me on a new medication called Arimidex which keeps estrogen from being produced. Even though I don't have any ovaries, my body still produces some estrogen. This medication does have side effects and each person is different. He said that the most common side effect is bone pain (oh, great...along with my stiffness) and hot flashes. I am already taking medication for hot flashes so hoping that it will continue to help with the hot flashes. Other side effects are weight gain (please...no), headaches, dizziness, back pain, and a host of others. I took my first pill this afternoon. I will be taking this medication for 5 years so hoping it's not too bad.
After the doctor's visit, I had Herceptin which went well. I was really sleepy today so tried to take a little nap. It was pretty quiet except the nurses talking among themselves and just as I was falling asleep, a sweet lady comes bursting in with a loud "hello everyone" to bring goodies for the nurses. Oh, well...my medicaiton was just about done so needed to wake up. lol. Thanks for your prayers and just pray that the side effects won't be bad. I was just enjoying feeling good these days. Sigh.....:) Love you all......
Psalm 36: 5-7 Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulnees to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains , your justice like the great deep. O Lord, you preserve both man and beast. How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.
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