Port removal

Today was the day I got my port-a-cath removed!!!! Praise the Lord!!! It was done in the dr's office with just using lidocaine to deaden the area. It took some extra time to cut through the scar tissue but he finally was able to and get the tubing that was in the subclavin vein. He finally was able to get the whole port out. I was surprised how long the tubing was---about 5 inches!!! He asked if I wanted it...he was laughing but once he had a patient who wanted it. Nope, I just wanted to see it. Almost thought of taking a picture of it to put on my blog. lol but I didn't!!!! So far I've not had pain from the site but I think it's still deaden from the lidocaine. I think I have about 3 stitches but not sure for it's covered up with a dressing to stay for 48 hours. This dr. is a friend of mine so we just conversed about all kinds of things while he did the procedure...made the time go by much faster. It took about 30 minutes to do....longer than I thought it would. Anyway, that was the really last thing that needed to be done to end my journey with cancer. Guess I should say that this is the end of my blog. How do I end such a thing? I am so appreciative to all who have followed this journey. Especially those who have prayed for me. It's been an amazing journey...not one that I want to go through again or would want anyone to go through but I feel that this was a time that God really taught me so much and that my faith soared. I now am able to tell my testimony in hopes to encourage others to have faith in God. Love to you all!!!!

Hair and meeting

My hair is finally growing and still curly!!! My bangs are just about long enough to get it cut. I am going to put up a picture of my hair so you can see. I went to the breast cancer support group that we have in my town. I've not been in several months. Since we have a new cancer center, they remodeled the place where I last had chemo into a cancer empowerment room that has a beauty place so women can have someone help them with wigs and makeup. Wow, it's very nice. Wish it had been there when I was going through chemo. Most of the women at the meeting have been coming so they all had nametags but there wasn't one for me. That is what I get for not going. lol The last time I went, I was wearing my wig so I am guessing no one really recognized me for one lady asked if this was my first time to go. Awhile back, they gave us these cute bracelets and yesterday I received a charm that has 2010 on it to put on my bracelet. Each year we will get a new charm. New people are leading the group so that was different for I really liked the doctor that was leading it. Two other ladies finished their chemo about the time I did so they are getting hair too and we all have curly hair. lol. On Monday, I get my port taken out. I will be so happy. I have so enjoyed eating spinach lately and not having to worry about what I eat due to the blood thinner. However, I am trying to cut down the calories again for I was gaining weight. I have lost 3 1/2 pounds this week. I cut out all snacks and no desserts when at home. It has helped. Thanks for all your prayers and love. Love you all.

Doppler study

This morning I had a doppler study on my right arm which is really a sonogram. They were looking to see if I still have a clot or not behind my port-a-cath or anywhere else. They were training a new young lady and she had some difficulty doing it and took a long time but luckily I wasn't in a hurry. It was interesting watching and sometimes I wondered how in the world they could tell the difference between a vein and an artery. Anyway my doctor's office called me this afternoon to give me the results of the doppler studies. Praise the Lord!!! No clots were seen!! So, my doctor took me off Coumadin (blood thinner) today!! I was so excited...now I can eat whatever. I've been off spinach for over a year and I really like spinach, especially spinach salad. Also, I can eat cranberries again. Perfect timing since Thanksgiving is right around the corner plus I have a wonderful cranberry bread I like to bake. I went to Bible study tonight at church and we eat dinner there. Guess what was there? Spinach in the salad!!! Yummy!!! First time to eat spinach since May 30 2009!!! I will be having the port removed on November 8. I am beginning to feel normal again. What a wonderful feeling. Thanks for your prayers and love.

Doctor's visit with CT Scan results

Went to see the onocologist on Wednesday. He came into the room with a smile on his face saying that the CT scans were good. However, there is a small nodule on the right lung..Very small. The radiologist was surprised that it was picked up since it was so small. He didn't seem to be too concerned but will check it in a couple of years to be sure all is okay. So, I can have the port-a-cath out. The appointment date for the port removal is Nov. 8!!! It will be done in the surgeon's office. I asked about the blood thinner...not sure which dr. would be the one to take me off the medication. He will take care of it but I have to have a doppler which is a sound wave x-ray over my arm and shoulder to be sure the clot has dissolved. The doppler will be done on Wednesday, Oct. 27. I hope it is clear. It was so wonderful to come out of that cancer center with such fantastic news!!!! Larry and I went out to eat to celebrate!!!! Thank you Lord!!!

I finally found my blow dryer and used it on my hair the other day. I am needing to learn how to fix my hair...curling up at times and looking funky, so I think. Cute in front but funky in back. lol.... Have a wonderful day and thank you, thank you for all your prayers throughout my journey. This journey is about to end....well, sort of. Love you all.....

Cat Scan

I had two cat scans the other day. One was for the chest and the other for the abdomen/pelvis. This was done to see if there is any cancer. I've not received the results yet but will next week on Wednesday when I see my onocologist. I feel that everything is going to be okay. When they did the cat scan, they had to start an IV on me. I already had blood work earlier that day so was hoping they could use the same vein since it was my best vein. They had a new guy who was going to start my IV. I thought, oh, no....hope he gets it, so kept praying the whole time that he would be able to do it. Well, he didn't but he didn't take it out and the other tech was able to get it in. He said the first guy just wasn't aggressive enough to stick a little further to get into my vein. Didn't hurt.....the tech later thanked me for being patient with the first guy. I told him that I understood since I worked as a nurse and I at one time had to learn too. The barium I had to swallow later made me a little sick with diarrhea and a gurgling tummy. After a few hours, I was okay.

Other than that, I've been doing pretty good. Still trying to decide whether to grow my hair out or not. People keep asking me if I'm going to grow it long or keep it short. Just haven't decided. I'm getting used to it being short, lol but wonder what it would be like again to have long hair. it grows very slow though. Thanks again for checking up on me. I am excited about seeing my doctor again and hoping that I get my port out. Today I have to go get blood work to check for cancer markers and other things. Have a great day...love you all.

coumadin level

Today I went in for a coumadin level which is to be between 2-3. It was 2.5 which is perfect!!! This is the 4th time to be where it needs to be . I am so happy that we finally have the dosage where it needs to be. I also went to the cancer center to have my port flushed with heparin. I told the nurse that I am hoping that this is the last time for I hope to get my port taken out by next month. Her dad just had his taken out and by the same dr. that I will have. She says that the port is taken out in the doctor's office. I didn't know for sure how it was done so I am glad to hear that so I won't have to go through day surgery. I hate having anesthesia for I get sick every time. I will have a CT Scan next Wednesday then I see the doctor on the 20th of October. Just 2 weeks away!!!

My hair is growing and still curly. I had a several compliments today but it's starting to drive me crazy. Yes , can you believe I actually said that. There is one section that sticks out. I try curling it under with curling iron then hair spraying it. I don't usually have short and curly hair so not sure how to fix it up. I am also trying to decide whether to get a haircut or let it grow out some more. Decisions, decisions. But I am so happy to have hair!!!!

My energy level is the same...some days I am so tired and can fall asleep easily. I read books to the boys during lunch and sometimes I almost fall asleep. They laugh at me. It is funny, I'm sure. Then there are days that I am just fine. Still have joint stiffness so will be glad when port is out so I can take some medication to help. I can't right now since it will interact with the Coumandin that I take.

This past Saturday, my hospital had a "Pink Ribbon Run" for raising funds for our cancer center's educational room. My whole family participated. Most of us walked the mile but Brandon ran the 5K and came in 4th for his age group. It was his first time to run a race. He loved it and is going to run another 5K for Down Syndrome in a couple of weeks. A friend of his ran too and came in first in his age group and 2nd overall. We all got free t-shirts for being in the Pink ribbon run. I am getting quite a collection of pink shirts for being a cancer survivor. lol. Well, thanks for keeping up with me on reading this post. I'm sorry I don't post very often but there just isn't alot to say. Love you all.

Reflection of last year

I was thinking about what I was doing last year at this time. I was taking chemo and having a hard time keeping up with school with the boys. The boys were good about doing their school work but I was awful in taking the time to grade papers, especially essays, etc. This year I am more organzied and have been keeping up with their papers and school work. It is so nice not to be going off to the doctors and chemo clinic, etc every week. Seems like last year, I had somewhere to go at least once a week and sometimes more. Last year the boys couldn't drive but this year they can so it's nice that I am not going to town very much. I wish Christopher was driving last year but that didn't happen. It was hard to get that drivers ed done so that is something we aren't doing either this year. This year is just a smoother year. I am glad about that.

Another reflection that Larry had. My hair started to grow back at this time so what I have now is a year's worth of hair growth!!! Hard to believe. Since I've not had to use a blow dryer since May 2009, I can't find mine now. lol. I wanted to use it the other day but couldn't find it. I think I put it up somewhere but not sure. Need to do some more looking. Maybe I let my daughter have it but I don't think so.

I bought some medications over the counter to help with the joint stiffness but found out that it will interact with my blood thinner, Coumadin, so I can't take it. Bummer. Hopefully I will be off Coumadin by Novemeber so will save the medication until I can use it. Well, life is definitely much better for me this year!!!! I am looking forward to going to the mountains with my mom this weekend. What fun---just mom and daughter time. Love you all....

Coumadin check and flush

This past Thursday, I had a coumadin level done. It was 2.8 which is on the higher end of "normal" so all is great. I get to go another whole month before being tested again. This is great news. One thing I've done different to help my level is to quit drinking green tea. I didn't realize that can hurt your level. No problem, I've not had green tea since I learned about the effects of green tea on coumadin levels. I was only drinking it since I knew it was suppose to be good for you. lol..Oh, well, I'll start back on it when I quit taking the coumadin. After having my level checked, I went downstairs to the cancer center to have my port-a-cath flushed with heparin to keep it open in case I need it later. Was nice to walk in the chemo clinic knowing that I only had to stay for a few minutes. They weren't busy at all so the nurse had everything ready when I walked in. I think I was there for about 5-10 minutes. Luckily, the port was just fine. I will go again in a month to have the port flushed.

Everything is going pretty much the same. It 's kinda of weird but I seem to notice the numbness in my breast area more lately. Not sure why but I do. Seems that I am shaving my legs more too so guess my hair is growing better. lol. I bought a sticker for my car--one of the pink ribbon ones that says Breast Cancer Awareness. I saw one today at the store that says survivor. I would have liked that one better but it's okay. Hope everyone is doing fine. Thank you for continuing to check up on me. Love you all......by the way, I've not tried bowling lately...not sure I will for a long time. lol.

Bowling experience

Things are going fairly well. My hair is growing very slow but it's at a cute length so am happy with it. Not sure if I will grow it out long or not. Wish it would stay curly but I've heard that once it gets cut, that I will eventually lose the curls. My joint pain is less these days. Still have some trouble especially when I want to bend down to pick something up off the ground/floor. A couple of weeks ago, I took my kids bowling and decided I would bowl too. What a mistake.....I could hardly bowl. I like to bend down to roll the ball but I couldn't do it well at all. I was so sore the next couple of days. I guess bowling is out for me......just can't bend down low at all. It was the worse score I've done in years. I'm sure the kids wanted to laugh out loud but they were kind enough not to laugh or make remarks. I'm sure I looked funny trying to figure out how to bowl without bending much. lol. Hope you are all doing great. My brother in law who had the prostate cancer got a good report the other day....his PSA was less than 1 which is wonderful. He is cancer free!!!!! I will be getting a coumadin level check next week plus my port flushed with heparin. The only other complaint I have had is that there are times when my breast where I had the cancer feels heavy and painful in the morning when I wake up. During the day, I have no problems. Thanks for keeping up with me and I'm sorry I've not written in quite a while. Just not much to report on. Love you....

Last Treatment

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice!

Monday was a grand day for me!!! Had my last Herceptin treatment and boy, was I excited. I was to be there at 11 for Brandon had a doctor's appt. at 9:30 and I wanted to be sure there was plenty of time for his appt. Well, Brandon got in and out very quickly so there I was at 10 am and right next door to the cancer center so I called and they said I could come in early. Larry had planned to be with me while I had the last treatment. He had not seen the new chemo clinic. So, I messed up his plans but I told him not to worry for it usually takes 1 1/2 hours to have my treatment. He planned to come over at 10:30 but got stuck in his office with one of his employees and wasn't able to get away until 11. And wouldn't you know that of all days, my treatment was done in only 1 hour. I walked out of the chemo clinic and Larry was driving into the parking lot. Sorry Larry....I made chocolate chip cookies for the nurses and staff which they appreciated. Also, I talked to them about buying a fish for their tank so they told me where to go buy one for the owner of this shop cleans their tank and knows the fish that is in the tank already. I will do that soon. I always enjoyed watching the fish. After my treatment was done, Larry and I went out to lunch at Olive Garden with some friends to celebrate!!!! What fun we had. Our waitress was someone we all knew and she gave us lots of extra mints afterwards and those are my favorite mints. (Andes mint). Larry ended up taking the rest of the day off so after he got home, we spent time together playing cards. Sarah joined us for a couple of games. Had a nice relaxing day. It is hard to believe I am done with all the IV treatments. Went through 15 months of treatments. I will have to go back in a month to have my port flushed with heparin but that takes just a minute to do. Will go there when I have my next coumadin level checked since it's all in the same building. I will see the doctor on Oct. 20 after I have some cat scans. Thanks to all of you who have followed my journey and have prayed for me all these months. Thanks , Mom, for all you've done for me. God has used this journey to draw me closer to Him and to others. He has delivered me from cancer and I give him all the praise and glory for that. I know He has been there every moment helping me get through this tough time. He gave me the peace I needed to navigate through this journey. What a wonderful feeling that was to have that peace, knowing that God is with me and that He knows what is best for me even though I may not understand why I had to go through this journey. All I had to do was lean on him and trust Him for all things. I hope I passed the test....:). Love you all...... (oh, I will have a hamburger cookout this Sat. around 6 pm...welcome to come...just let me know)

Isaiah 48:17 This is what the Lord says: I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.

coumadin level

Psalm 145:3 Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no on can fathom.

Sorry that I've not written in quite a while. I had a coumadin level check yesterday and it was perfect at 2.5!!! That was the first time to have it checked a month later so again, I get to wait for another month to have it checked. I am so happy about the level check. I also had blood drawn at the cancer center. I am to have Herceptin on Monday...my last treatment. Since it is my last treatment, I want to celebrate. First I thought we would just go out for dinner but now I am thinking of having a party at my house and invite my neighbors who helped out and some others who helped out and supported us. And if any of you live nearby, you are invited too. I will have it on saturday....august 14 in the evening. I am trying to think of what I can do for a memorable favor thing. Not sure yet. I am going to bake cookies for the nurses at chemo center and I want to buy a fish for their salt water fish tank. I went to Petco to check on what fishes they have so thinking of getting them a clown fish. I would get it on Monday except my son has a dr. appt before I go have my Herceptin so wouldn't be wise do that plus store doesn't open that early. I will ask to be sure it's okay to buy a fish and then do it shortly afterwards. I am doing great these days besides my "chemo brain". I still have joint stiffness and neuropathy in toes but other than that I am okay. Oh, sometimes I have the fatigue too. The other day we went on a field trip to see some painted rocks (Indian pictographs) and when the lady was talking, I was falling asleep and this was at 10 am. I was so embarrassed for what she said was interesting but I just do that at times. Well, thank you so much for keeping up with my journey...it's close to the end. Guess I can't say it's really over until I see the CT Scans in October but treatments are ending. Praise the Lord. I will say that the only thing I regret about my journey is the fact that I didn't have good church family at the time. I went to a church for 20 years that was family and they would have been right there for me (a couple were and they did pray for whenever I see someone like at the store, they ask how things are going with my treatments). But we had left that church 3 1/2 years prior to my having cancer then we were at a small church that would have been helpful but left it 1 1/2 years prior to the cancer. The church I go to now is large and even though some knew, they just weren't there to help out except one lady but I have known her for years through homeschooling. I really wish I had been in a better church but God used others like neighbors and friends and family to be my support group and I had to rely on Him so much more too. And my out of town friends were so encouraging with words, emails, cards, phone calls, prayers, etc. It all worked out so am thankful.....Love you all.

Psalm 145:7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

Doctor visit and Herceptin treatment

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

I wrote this yesterday but somehow I lost all that I wrote so am redoing it today. I was too tired yesterday to redo it then. Anyway, I went to the onocologist this past Monday. Talked with his nurse practioner too. My heart test that I had a couple of weeks ago was great. Shows that my heart hasn't changed at all from the first one which is great news. However, I did have a disappointment. I was hoping to have my port taken out after the last herceptin treatment which is on August 9. But, the doctor says I have to wait until I have a CT Scan of my abdomen, pelvis, and chest which won't be done until mid October. Then I see the doctor again on Oct. 20. If the CT Scan is good, no cancer evident, then I can have the port taken out. That means I have to continue taking coumadin for a few more months...oh, well....that is okay. Since I won't be having any treatments in Sept. or Oct., I will have to go to the chemo clinic to have a heparin flush to keep the port working. Heparin is a blood thinner and is use to keep lines open. They flush with heparin after each of my treatments. Guess I will be having surgery in Novemeber to have the port taken out (at least I hope). I talked to the nurse practioner about my joint stiffness. She says it is mainly from chemo. Could be some from getting older and some early arthritis but mainly from chemo. I have the joint stiffness mainly in the morning when I get up, when I get out of a chair, and especially when I get out of the car. I am sure people laugh at me when I go to Walmart or some store, and can't even stand up straight when I get out of the car. I must look like a old woman....lol.

I also had my herceptin treatment after seeing the doctor. It was going well which was good for I needed to hurry because I was babysitting that afternoon. Well, I had a float nurse who doesn't usually work there. My medicaton quit infusing but my nurse was starting an IV on a patient. Most patients have ports but once in a while, someone needs an IV started. Well, my nurse had trouble so I couldn't get her to fix my medicatin and wouldn't you know, the other nurse was also starting an IV. Then my nurse took off (maybe to lunch) so it was over 30 minutes before I could get someone to fix my medication. I was frustrated for it only takes 3o mintues for my medication to infuse and here it was....an extra 30 minutes. Usually it wouldn't bother me but that day I was in a hurry...oh, well....there was nothing I could do. I just have one more treatment left. Yea!!!

My hair is looking pretty good these days. I am getting used to short hair...um..maybe I should keep it short. Ummm....lol. We'll see...I am just happy to have hair. That was one of the hardest things about my cancer. For a woman, that is hard. Thanks to all for you love and interest in how I am doing. Thanks for your prayers. Love you all..

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.

Hair

Here is how my hair looks now. This is how it looks naturally....I just let it dry on own without blow drying or using a curling iron.

Great week

Romans 5:3 We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope.

This past week has been a good one for me. I had my last 2D echo heart test done this past Tuesday. I am sure all is okay...heart sounded good and I could see it pumping on the screen as she was testing my heart. Also, on Friday, I had a coumadin level check and it was great--2.6!!! (needs to be between 2.0-3.0) I finally get to have one month checks ---yea!!! I have my next Herceptin treatment on July 20 which is coming up soon. I have been feeling pretty good these days. My hair is growing and looking pretty nice these days. I am getting to like it short...nice on these hot summer days. However, I still would like for it to grow longer to see what it will look like.

The only problem is my husband's health. He's having heart spasms that occur at times and makes him faint or have dizzy spells. The doctors can't figure out yet what is the cause of these spasms. He almost fainted yesterday in HEB. Just pray that they will find the cause so they will be able to treat his problems. Every time he does some exercise or activity using his arms, he seems to have these spells. He played Wii golf the other day and now the spells. Poor guy....I ended up having to finish mowing the lawn today since he started to have a spell again. Thanks for your prayers.

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.

Doing well

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

I am so sorry that I've not posted in quite a while. I am feeling much better these days. My fatigue is even better....still get tired at times but not like it was. Praise the Lord. I had Herceptin this past Monday (June 28) and all went well. The nurse scared me though for she had trouble getting a blood return from my port. They always check to be sure the port is working by pulling back the syringe to see if blood comes out of the port. They have never had any problems with my port. So, here it is near the end of my treatments and I thought my port was acting up. The nurse decided that the needle was next to the edge. She finally got some blood back so all is well. I have only 2 more Herceptin treatments left. Yea!!! I plan to have my port taken out when the treatments are done so that means I will have to have surgery to have it removed. It will be simple and a day surgery procedure but I hate having surgery. Oh, well.....

My hair is growing. The front is finally down to the bottom of my ear lobes. It's somewhat curly in the back but I hear that it's like baby hair and will grow straight after awhile. I will get someone to take a picture of me soon so I can post it and you can see it. I am liking it much better.

We have a horse and the farrier came out last week to shoe the horse's hooves. Turns out he has rectal cancer and we have the same doctor so we enjoyed conversing about our cancer and treatments, etc. He wears a pump to have his chemo infusing all day long for 5 days in a row. He is doing this for 6 weeks. It doesn't make him sick so he just carries on like usual but he gets tired. My brother-in-law just has a few days left of his radiation treatments so I know he will be happy to have that behind him. Hopefully all is well. I think he'll have a PSA test soon but not sure about that.

I still have problems with chemo brain (so they call it) where I can't always come up with the correct word or name of things. My kids tell me that I am just getting old but I know that it is from the chemo because I wasn't that bad before cancer. Oh, well....it's not too bad so I won't complain.

Tonight is our breast cancer support meeting but not sure I will go or not. I learn some things there but really find it hard to meet people there. It's a rainy day here and I don't have to go to town, so it will be real easy just to stay home. I've been busy this summer babysitting some kids so not home alot. Thanks for checking up on me. Love you all.....Keep praying for me!!

Galatian 6:2a Carry each other's burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

coumadin level, heat problems

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Went today for a coumadin level check and it was fantastic for once. The level was 2.4!!! Finally got the level to where it needs to be. I don't have to go back for another 3 weeks. The newest thing I've been doing is trying to lose weight. I am doing this mainly by cutting out the desserts and snacks. I've lost 6 pounds so far, however, I went out to eat today. I tried to be somewhat good so we'll see tomorrow if I gained weight or not. I'm so bad about losing then gaining it all back in one meal. I am surprised that I've been doing great without any sweets since I have such a sweet tooth. No cravings yet so I am feeling good about it. I gained weight during chemo time and just trying to get through cancer treatments. Guess I just ate whatever. :) Then I gained alot when my dad got cancer and died---too many sweets around. Time to lose weight.

I have a little job this summer which is keeping me busy. I take my neighbor's 2 kids to the pool and this past week I took them to tennis camp then to the pool. Yesterday we were outside from 10 am to 4 pm. I got home and started to feel really bad---had chills, muscle aches and a headache. I went outside to warm up and still had chill bumps when Larry came home. I felt really exhausted too but somehow was able to manage to fix dinner but right after I ate, I laid down and took a long nap. When I woke up, I felt really hot and took my temp---100.3. I think I had some kind of heat exhaustion. I'm going to have to be more careful---drink more water. I was also sunburned....I was in the shade all day and didnt' feel hot but guess I should be sure to use sunscreen and drink lots and lots of water.

Today was the first time someone looked at my driver's license and noticed that my hair is different. It happened at Walmart. The cashier asked what happened to my long hair. So I told her. Her mom had chemo 3 times and each time her hair came back darker and curlier. Well, I hope this is the only time I have to have chemo. Well, thanks for your love and support and prayers. Love you all......

Roman 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

New cancer clinic & dr's visit

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.

I went to see my onocologist on Monday and all my blood work looked great. I am nearing the end of my treatments....yea.....August 9 will be my last Herceptin treatment. I will have one more echocardiogram to be sure my heart is still doing okay. After I have my last treatment, I won't have to have another heart test so the one in July will be last one. It is good to be seeing the end of the tunnel.

I had Herceptin on Monday too. The chemo clinic is much larger. There is an actual nurse's station. Before, they were just in the middle of the room. The only bad thing I think about having the nurses station at one end of the chemo clinic is that they can't watch all their patients well. What if someone is having a bad time, they are far off. There are no call buttons so you couldn't call for help. Of course, someone is always having to do something for someone so there is someone around usually. The floor is wooden looking..and there are about 14 chairs and each has their own TV that is on a arm thing that you can move to the side or wherever...it is kept behind the chairs when not used. The screen is small but that is okay. Of course, the nurses now can't watch TV like they did before. lol. There is plenty of space for the aquarium which is placed in the middle so we can see the fish. There are nice chairs next to each recliner chair so each person can have a visitor and there is room for more than one visitor. And you can see that they have new organizers for all their equipement and it's handy for the nurses. They also have a room with a bed in case they have a patient too weak to sit in a chair. They haven't had that before. They have their own pharmacist too but they had that in the first one too but I'm sure it's much nicer.

They have 7 exam rooms for the doctor--there were only 3 before. Plenty of room for another doctor to come. The nurses station for the doctor is much larger and nicer too. The nurses seem quite pleased with all the new stuff.

Thanks for praying for me. I am feeling about the same...get tired easily, some hot flashes and slow hair growth. The numbness in toes and breast areas drive me crazy at times but I just have to get used to it. lol. All in all, I'm going great!!!! Praise God!!! Love you all.

Colossians 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 earthly things.

Coumadin level

Isaiah 12:5 Sing to the Lord for He has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.

I had my coumadin level checked yesterday. Finally it has gotten to the level it needs to be but it's at 2.0 which is at the low end. I need to be between 2.0-3.0 so the head nurse decided to up my dosage just a tad bit to try to get me in the middle. I got scratched today by a kitten and it bled easily so guess my blood thinner is working.

The doctors' building where my onocologist, chemo clinic, and coumadin clinic is located has been under construction--building on a whole new section. (Three stories). The first story in the new area is the new cancer clinic. It is now complete so I got to go there yesterday to have blood drawn since I have a doctor's appt and herceptin on Monday. I haven't seen the whole clinic yet but what i have seen, I was quite impressed. The waiting room is 10 sizes bigger!!! It even has a fridge with drinks that you can help yourself and crackers and the TV is bigger. Each receptionist has their own desk and a huge area behind them for the copy machine, etc. The area is about 5-6 times bigger than they had before. The lab tech had her little area in the store room before and now she has her own room with the sign "Lab" on the door (she mentioned that to me). I peeked into the chemo clinic and saw that it was bigger and I hear that at each chair, there is a TV for each person. I will let you know more when I go there on Monday. Can't wait to see the rest of the area. I know they are so happy to have the new space and there is space to add another doctor which is what my doctor wants. While the construction was going on, the chemo clinic had to move downstairs in a very tiny area so they have been cramped for several months so I am sure they are happy to be in the new area. I figured that I have 4 more Herceptin treatments left to enjoy this new area. They should have their own pharmacist again which will make things go faster.

I have been busy grading papers and doing report cards for the past week or so. I didn't realize how behind I was until I started grading....way behind. Then I realized that this has been a tough school year with me having chemo, then radiation and living in San Antonio, then my dad getting cancer and dying. Three major things in one school year!!! But we made it and all papers are graded and report cards done along with updating transcripts!! Whew....now I can begin to enjoy summer!!! Praise God!!!

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.

Relay for Life

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.

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.