She's Baaaack!

My daughter got into Denver yesterday and decided to shop before going to the hotel.  I got a call from her when her GPS failed to catch a signal.  It took about an hour to guide her over the phone while looking at mapquest and deciphering the maze of roads and freeways in that big city.  Momma gps ~  Kinda frightening when you are in a big city that you don't know and are alone.Today was her first plane trip (well, she was a year old when I went to visit my sister in New York).  She conquered her fears and arrived...

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Bittersweet

The weekend went way too fast, perhaps because I slept most of it away. Today is Matt's birthday.  He didn't want to do too much, so we rented movies and Jasmine stopped over to hang out. In a few more short days, Casey will be home.  Bittersweet, as it will also be cocktail hour.  Good news though, it is my 6th and last one! At least for now!Last Friday, my co-workers surprised me with a celebration for my birthday.  It was great and I'm a lucky girl.Mug - from Christ...

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The World Keeps Spinning

I'm so dizzy, my head is spinning. Like a whirlpool, it's never endin' .... remember that song?I can't help thinking about Ann's post.  How the world keeps going after we are no longer here.  She says that it is surreal like a viewer watching the scene and not really being a part of it. Like split personality. I get glimpses of "The Matrix" ....of people walking around like robots, busy doing whatever it is they are doing and not even acknowledging what someone is doing right beside them.  When one of us is plucked...

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Oncologist Update after Chemo #5

Monday morning follow up visit with Doc.  I had an easier time getting in and out than last visit.  So glad! Matt drove there and then to work so I don't have to worry about quick reflexes.She took a look at my numbers and approved me for the last cocktail scheduled for April 26.  Won't know until the blood tests the morning of to see if I will need another blood transfusion.  The fatigue has really taken a hold of me and I need the cane now more than ever.  She asked me about my depression and I was honest and...

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Sunday ~ Day of Rest

First day in a week I have my street clothes on.  No, I don't run around the house naked ... just been wearing my 100% cotton pjs!  But you knew that.Finally felt able to get all my bills taken care of and feel less frantic that I have forgotten to pay something.  Even though the paycheck is 60% disability, we are managing just fine.Late last night, I reactivated my facebook account.  It's been a year and two months since being on it and there has been some changes to get use to.  Amazing that it kept all my...

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No Longer in My Dreams

One more day to pull it together before work on Monday.  I have absolutely no idea how I'm going to even walk in the building.  Just a little weak and shaky.Hubby and I watched a few rented movies tonight and ordered a pizza.  Kinda greasy, but staying down so far.It's been a hard week, but I am trying to keep my mind and spirit focused for the end of the hardest part of treatment.  Reading other women's blogs gives me encouragement, but also gives me anxiety as there is always potential for setbacks.  I do know...

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The Big 5-0

Sorry it has taken me a few days to get back on-line ~Tuesday, Apr 10th was a big milestone.  God has granted me another day to breath, and in the middle of nausea, pain and tears, I am doing just that .... breathing.A few years ago, I thought that my 50th birthday would be a big celebration bash!  I was telling everyone that I expected a "surprise" party and dreamt that everyone I knew would be there.  My, how things change quickly.  Most of the people I knew are no longer in my daily life.  More of the "losses"...

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Meet Jackie Zavodney

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/jewell-cardwell-breast-cancer-survivor-focuses-on-her-blessings-1.284213Jewell Cardwell: Breast cancer survivor focuses on her blessings By Jewell CardwellBeacon Journal columnist Published: March 23, 2012 - 11:16 PM Jackie Zavodney (right) of Wadsworth goes over some questions with oncology nurse Regina Saus before Zavodney receives chemotherapy for her breast cancer at Akron General Medical Center's McDowell Cancer Center Tuesday...

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The 1st & 2nd Day Post Chemo #5

I didn't do "too bad" Friday at work.  I was anxious to leave though because of chest pains, which I believe was heart burn.  Matt picked me up at 2:15 and took me to the clinic for my shot.  We were too early (shot is given 24 hours after chemo ends, which was more like 3:30).Nurse Dawn was concerned that my blood pressure was high.  She gave me a swig of milk of magnesa and gave me signs to look for.  She said "lots of people go to the ER during this process, so don't mess around with it if it gets worse". ...

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The Shoe Fairy

The other day, my sister got to see first hand the response to the question "Do you carry size 5-1/2 shoe?"  JCP said "no".  How shocking, right?Next thing I know, Christie comes over with boxes of 5-1/2 shoes she found!  LOL.  Bless her heart.  Unfortunately, my feet are so bad that it is hard to find comfortable shoes.  By the way, Doc said to wear thicker socks and soles ... so that may just bump me up to the next size.Check out how cute these are!  Got some keepers in here!Thank you Christie!You...

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Chemo Session #5

It was a very close call that this cocktail hour(s) was to be cancelled for another time.  My counts were low, so Nurse Tracie wanted to wait until Doc came by to review the blood results and make a determination.  The most worrisome ~  the Hgb was 9.6 and the range is 11.7-14.7. (check on the link for more information)I began to weigh the pros and cons about cancellation:Herceptin would still be given and it doesn't have intense side effects.  SO, that would mean that I wouldn't be feeling  bad on...

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Day Before my 5th Cocktail

It's the day before my 5th cocktail session .... amazing how almost-normal-I-feel.  Trying to stay positive that the side effects will be minimal this time around.  Just in case, gonna go to the super store tonight and do some shopping and then go to a yummy restaurant.  When sis took me to the mall Sunday, I didn't last too long walking.  So this time, hoping for a scooter.  My right ankle is swollen again too and my back is on fire.  Doc said chemo drugs go to "your weak spots", but I'm thinking I need...

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Hope for the Future

I named my blog "Living in the Moment".  After writing for a few months, I see that planning and thinking about my future is quite important.  There is nothing wrong with focusing on today.  As they say, we are not promised tomorrow.So, somehow, one must keep that balance.  Live in the here and now by paying attention and stopping to smell the roses.  Plus, one should be able to "dream" about tomorrow and strive for those things in life that bring us joy and happiness.I got so caught up in trying not to worry...

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