It's Tuesday

First Tuesday I missed work after chemo.  I am really hurting so I'm glad I'm home.  I slept most of the day away (again).  Mom came over and made homemade chicken soup, yummy.  The good news is I didn't get that metallic taste in my mouth this time around.  I'm heading for work tomorrow.  Matt wants to drive and I have no problem with that! My legs aren't working so great.  Jasmine got a job today! In today's economy, it has been difficult for so many. She is very excited and we wish her the best of luck!Casey had her first emergency call today.  A husband took his own life. ...

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Day 4 - After Chemo #3

I'm beginning to hit my low again, I can feel the tears well up inside.  This time, it has to do with changes in my life.  Generally, I can handle changes ~ open my arms and embrace them? ~ not without a lot of questions first.  Plan A, Plan B, what about this, what about that.... What I have to rest assure is that God will take care of me whatever changes come my way.  I know this is cryptic, but since it is a public site, I'm going to leave it like that.Just got done with another nose bleed.  yuckYesterday,...

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Day 2 - after Chemo #3

I slept most of Saturday away.  Trying to keep the pain under control, which means that I fall asleep a lot taking pain medication.  That's okay. Sleep is helping my body recover too.Starting the coumadin again .... Just 1 pill! then 1-1/2.  I just took 7 different pills, so you can see how confusing this can be.My sister/husband made dinner for us tonight.  It was fabulous and I could taste it! I'm spoiled rotten.I'm so behind on thank you cards and letter writing.  I want to send a note to my Aunt Midge this...

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The Day After - Chemo #3

Last night after getting ready for bed, I made the decision not to go into work today.  The first Friday I missed after chemo.  I was just too exhausted to think about getting up early and putting in a full day.  I'm ever so glad I made that decision.I slept on & off most of the day with the company of all my animals (boy, they can sleep A LOT!)  Watched a John Wayne comedy (yes, he made a comedy) called McClintock. Loved it!Took off for the cancer center for my shot of Neulasta. We braved the high winds today...

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It's A Good Day

Teri reading her bookTeri & I arrived on time for the THIRD round of cocktails.  I was hoping for the corner suite like last time .... guess what! I actually have my own room this time! With a door, a sink, and a TV.  How awesome is that, lol ~Last week during my follow up, my numbers were really low.  Nurse Bev explained that treatment could be delayed if my numbers didn't come up.  So, we had our fingers crossed, said a little prayer and waited.  John, intern from Malone, is on site learning today. ...

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Shot in the Arm

This news story came on today about Tom and Laura who own a coffee and tea shop in Independence, OH.  Their story is heartwarming and if you live in the area, stop by on Wednesday, Feb 29 between 5:00pm-7:30pm.  They are the only locally owned coffee shop in the area.Take a listen to their storyBrielle's @briellescoffeeBrielle's Coffee & Tea Room Muffins, Cookies, Scones baked fresh Lunch Entrees, Catering, Box Lunches, gatherings and meetings. (216) 642-9292 6523 RT 21 Independence     ...

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Methotrexate Shortage has Ceased!

Response from the Critical Shortage PostDear Carol,We are pleased to share with you that this morning, the FDA reported that the preservative-free methotrexate shortage has ceased.Based on quick action by numerous pharmaceutical companies, and thanks to your calls and letters, preservative-free methotrexate is being produced and shipped to hospitals and treatment centers in need. Many companies who were not major producers of the drug, or in some cases, were not making the preservative-free version at all, have increased or begun production in order to stop the shortage. The FDA believes that based on new production schedules,...

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R.I.P.

The White's Farm - God's CountryWe received the news today that our wonderful friend, Mr. White, went home to be with the Lord today.  He fought a courageous battle with cancer but is a testimony of miracles.Dear Father, I ask that you be with the family right now.  Guide them through this journey of loss.  I pray that Jim's transition to your arms is GLORIOUS where he no longer suffers and is forever at peace.  One day, Lord, we will have a reunion that will bring down the barn roof! When we will worship YOU and...

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More cocktails a'coming Thursday!

I'm SOOOO excited for my next treatment Thursday! Why, you might ask?  Because I'm SOOOO tired! I plan to sleep most of the day away.  PLUS, it will be the half-way point of my chemo cocktail.  I'll find out what time Friday that I will get the shot to boost my white blood cell count.  Looking forward to that too as I feel so drained.Family is gearing up for meals during my bad days.  Don't be jealous ... 'cause they are EXCELLENT cooks!  Our Family Recipes are shared on blogspot.Have a blessed da...

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The Love of Caregivers

Nikki told me about Martina McBride's song about caregivers.  She mentioned how it felt to be a caregiver, because she was for her husband.  This video is amazing, powerful, and true.  I'm so very thankful ~ every day ~ for the caregivers in my life.  I've never wanted to be a burden to anyone. It is very humbling to ask for help....but in most cases, I don't have to ask.  A helping hand is always there.  The hugs I get are powerful as well.  I get them daily from many sources.  Sometimes, they come unexpectedly from people I barely know.I can tell you that to me, knowing that I am...

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TGIF ~

Thankful that today is Friday.  I didn't feel so great today.  My own fault.... Matt drove me to work today and since I was in pain, I decided to take a pain pill.  Breakfast was hours earlier and taking that tiny pill on an empty stomach made me nauseous, dizzy and way off.  Nope, won't do that again.We had a department luncheon and Debbie was kind enough to get me a bowl of soup.  I sat at my desk for a bit to let it warm my tummy and get me back on track.  Finally, I joined the group in the other room...

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Test Results for #2 Session

Today was my follow-up appointment with my oncologist.  Doc Esther came back from vacation and was running about an hour behind schedule.  Don't you just hate it when you have to wait at doctor appointments?  But, I try to relax and not get overly anxious.  My INR for my coumidine is 1.7 (needs to be between 2-3).  So, she wants me to go up 1/2 a pill (1-1/2 pill per day).My white blood cells are low.  So, I will need to get a shot of Neulasta 24 hours after my chemo (Friday).  I'm not liking the side...

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That Fogginess

Duct Tape is WonderfulSo there IS such a thing as Chemo Brain !!! I knew it just wasn't ME....seriously?!  Pre-chemo, I use to say I had "some-timerz", not Alzheimer's (hope I'm not offending anyone). The article statesHere are just a few examples of what patients call chemo brain: Forgetting things that they usually have no trouble recalling (memory lapses) Trouble concentrating (they can’t focus on what they’re doing, have a short attention span, may “space out”) Trouble remembering details like names, dates, and sometimes larger...

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Critical Shortage of Medication

Critical Shortage of Medication for ALL: You Can HelpThere is currently a significant shortage of the chemotherapy medication preservative-free methotrexate in the United States. This drug is critical to the treatment of children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Unless production of preservative-free methotrexate increases, hospitals will run out of the medication completely in the days and weeks ahead.I've been reading about shortages in chemo drugs.  Put a face to the need and meet this dear child . Also, read Lil Blue Boo.Take a moment from your precious time to help save precious time for cancer patients....

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Happy Valentine's Day

What is Love?4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails1 Corinthians 13:4...

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It's a Matter of Life & Death

This canzer-thingy sucks. It's mean and it does kill.  How long is it going to take before someone finds a cure that is 100% effective?  I followed Lanie's Blog .... and then reality hit once again.I also follow Lil Blue Boo ... Ashley is amazing and celebrates "Choosing Joy" every day. I can't even begin to compare our diagnosis or treatments (nor should I), but to say that she is a very strong individual who kicks butt.This disease creeps into our lives and changes us forever.  If we are blessed to reach remission, we...

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Pink Glove Dance

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Crop Circles

Yesterday after my shower, the stubble on my head looked like crop circles.  No, really, it's true! Most of it was laying down, disconnected.  What a sight! I think I could have just stayed under the shower nozzle and wait for it to all wash out.  Instead, another session with Matt.  This time with lather and a Gillette Mach 3 razor.  I sat on the edge of the tub and let him take his time on my scalp.Bald and beautiful!  Well, don't know about the beautiful part though, lol.Saturday, I paid bills and...

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My Soul is Restored

Above MeA wonderful friend of mine from my school days in North Carolina has been a great encourager.  He said that through prayer and support that "all bases are covered, but don't forget short stop (your BIBLE)".  He reminded me of Psalm 23, which our family is very familiar with as we have read it at many of our funerals.  But reading it again, brings even more assurance that right here and right now, God's words sustain me.  His promises to us are true.Psalms 23:1-6(NKJV) The Lord is my shepherd; I shall...

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The Pickle Jar

A forwarded e-mail worthy of sharing ~The pickle jar, as far back as I can remember, sat on the floor beside the dresser in my parents' bedroom.  When he got ready for bed, Dad would empty his pockets and toss his coins into the jarAs a small boy, I was always fascinated at the sounds the coins made as they were dropped into the jar.  They landed with a merry jingle when the jar was almost empty.  Then the tones gradually muted to a dull thud as the jar was filled. I used to squat on the floor in front of the jar to admire the copper and silver circles that glinted like a pirate's treasure when the sun poured...

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Sleep is Good

Thank you for all the prayers and messages.  I have been in bed by 7:30 each night, so haven't been on top of messages.  It makes my heart smile to read them.Today, the side effects have lessened their grip.  It is Day 7 post chemo and I'm trying to think of foods that won't make me nauseous.  The vitamin k in leafy greens is a "no-no" because of the coumidine....salads, broccoli, spinach.  I can have it, but if I do, it has to be all the time or none at all because it will spike my blood tests.  Sleep is...

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My Pity Party

The last few days have been kinda rough.  I missed all day Monday ... managed to work Tuesday 10:15-4:00.  I have no idea how I drove to work and back. I don't think I'm going to try that again either.  I'll just have to book both Monday & Tuesday after chemo that I'm going to be off work.  Everything inside of me is getting killed.  I'm feeling it.I got home yesterday and went straight to bed.  Matt came home from school around 8pm and was distraught that I hadn't taken my medicine or eaten.  Getting hard to eat.  Not hungry and that metallic taste is back.  So, looks like...

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To Believe

Jackie EvanchoTo Belie...

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Express Yourself

When the time comes, I will learn how to make eyebrows.  I had NO IDEA this is how to do i...

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Laughter Heals

We've all heard that laughter heals.  I see no reason to doubt it!  Hope you get a kick out of this!Belly laughs are wonderful for the soul and  Laughter healsSilly Kitti...

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Just another Sunday

Just a quick note to let you know that I'm hanging in there .... although very tired and my bones hurt like last time.  Keeping the pain at bay as much as possible.  Decided to rest one more day and go back to work Tuesday.  Peace be with you...

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Sleepy Time ~

I've lost some hours somewhere .... Last I remember, went to work Friday.  Okay day, but got tired before lunch time.  Matt picked me up around 4:00 (glad I wasn't driving) and we went to Sam's club looking for printer ink.  (thank goodness for scooters) They didn't have it so our money went on other "stuff".  Almonds for one.  The nutritionist on my "team" called me to talk about my numbers and even though they looked good, was encouraging me to get more protein and iron to promote healing.  nuts, yogurt, cheese, meats, etc. And, if I'm not hungry for a full meal, snack on trail mix. ...

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How are You being Treated today?

I hope you are being treated well today.  I am! Got my cocktail, recliner, laptop, penthouse suite, window overlooking the countryside (i mean parking lot) ... All last year, I kept saying I was going on a sabbatical.  Even wrote it on the white board at work.  Look~ I can certainly consider this my sabbatical ... why not? There sure is time to reflect and definitely re-align areas of life.Matt brought me to the treatment center and helped me get settled in.  Adam (brother-in-law) followed us in ... Matt got to stay...

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A Couple of Photos

I got most of my stuff done tonight as I prepare to be "out-of-sorts" for a few days.  My goodie bag for tomorrow is ready and I'll be taking my laptop to keep in touch with the outside world.There has been some requests to share photos of my beautiful round head. Here goes!Sorry about the quality ... can't use flash when pointing the camera at a mirror!Self PortraitI like the scarves better than the hats and wig.  Finding fabulous ways to tie them.  Gypsy WomanRocker ChickI have no idea what I'm doing!  Last time...

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