The wig is short and sassy and dark in color and really cute. It's been a great day.
Blessings.
gkmorrison12@gmail.com
Friday, December 9, 2011
Little Extra Post for Friday
Today was a wiggy day for me. I decided since I know what is to come and I have the wigs I better try to get used to wearing them. So today I put on my make-up and slid my hair on ... <laughing> ... and TA-DA ... here I am....
gkmorrison12@gmail.com
gkmorrison12@gmail.com
Fabulous Friday - Praising My Lord
This has been the most fabulous week. God has continued to bless me in so many ways. His love is amazing and as He surrounds me in his loving arms I feel His love and comfort.
Things that have happened this week ....
* My blood counts were pretty good after the first round of chemo.
* My energy level has been abounding.
* I've been able to get a lot work done here in my bubble.
* I've been with blessed four days in a row with both grandbabies here for dinner.
* My appetite has calmed back down to pretty much three good meals a day ... and chocolate ice cream at night. No midnight snacks. YEA!
* My weight has come back up to my normal weight.
* I walked down and up four flights of stairs at the hospital yesterday.
* I found a wonderful wig store in Hurst where I bought two more wigs that are so cute an comfortable and very affordable. (Pictures to come)
* I faced the 'hair demon' and my sweet sis-in-law came and cut my hair really short. By the way, it's still hanging on. I was told it would let loose by day 15 after chemo.
* I developed some mouth sores from the chemo but it seems better this morning.
* Last week after my chemo and not feeling well, I didn't get my left arm stretched as much and this week I've suffered from an extremely tight under arm muscle that has now contracted the muscle that runs down to my wrist. I am working diligently now to get it stretched back out.
* Everything I eat is bitter. (chemo)
* When I was having such an emotional day on Tuesday, and along comes a beautiful flower arrangement of all colors of pink from a dear friend. Thank you B. (the pic doesn't do them justice)
* I weathered a severe stomach bug attack on Wednesday morning.
* The last two nights I have had uninterrupted sleep. PRAISING THE LORD for this.
* I looked out the kitchen window yesterday morning and there was a beautiful gold finch on my feeder. I love my birds. These little creatures make me so happy and I love feeding them.
* I won't go into details but I thank God for the excellent health insurance I have. They pay for things that I had no idea they would pay for. PRAISING THE LORD for this wonderful insurance.
It has truly been a wonderful week of good feeling good and good energy. God has been so good to me and to Him I give all the praise.
Sweet Jarrod spoke to me through some new scripture that his Mom shared with me.
Jarrod verses:
James 1:2-4
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its' perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:12
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
There are so many things that I have to be thankful for ... including the bumps in the road during this journey. The bumps seem to teach me something new and how or how not to do something. I have to keep in mind that I am a virgin on this breast cancer journey and I never know what is ahead but my awesome Father does so I continue walk with faith and know that He has it all figured out.
I close today with a full heart, a rested body, short hair and a love for all who are reading this blog. Our Father is waiting to hear from you today so talk to Him. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ... pray without ceasing ... do it and you will be glad you did.
Love and many blessings to each and everyone.
gkmorrison12@gmail.com
Things that have happened this week ....
* My blood counts were pretty good after the first round of chemo.
* My energy level has been abounding.
* I've been able to get a lot work done here in my bubble.
* I've been with blessed four days in a row with both grandbabies here for dinner.
* My appetite has calmed back down to pretty much three good meals a day ... and chocolate ice cream at night. No midnight snacks. YEA!
* My weight has come back up to my normal weight.
* I walked down and up four flights of stairs at the hospital yesterday.
* I found a wonderful wig store in Hurst where I bought two more wigs that are so cute an comfortable and very affordable. (Pictures to come)
* I faced the 'hair demon' and my sweet sis-in-law came and cut my hair really short. By the way, it's still hanging on. I was told it would let loose by day 15 after chemo.
* I developed some mouth sores from the chemo but it seems better this morning.
* Last week after my chemo and not feeling well, I didn't get my left arm stretched as much and this week I've suffered from an extremely tight under arm muscle that has now contracted the muscle that runs down to my wrist. I am working diligently now to get it stretched back out.
* Everything I eat is bitter. (chemo)
* When I was having such an emotional day on Tuesday, and along comes a beautiful flower arrangement of all colors of pink from a dear friend. Thank you B. (the pic doesn't do them justice)
* The last two nights I have had uninterrupted sleep. PRAISING THE LORD for this.
* I looked out the kitchen window yesterday morning and there was a beautiful gold finch on my feeder. I love my birds. These little creatures make me so happy and I love feeding them.
* I won't go into details but I thank God for the excellent health insurance I have. They pay for things that I had no idea they would pay for. PRAISING THE LORD for this wonderful insurance.
It has truly been a wonderful week of good feeling good and good energy. God has been so good to me and to Him I give all the praise.
Sweet Jarrod spoke to me through some new scripture that his Mom shared with me.
Jarrod verses:
James 1:2-4
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its' perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:12
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
There are so many things that I have to be thankful for ... including the bumps in the road during this journey. The bumps seem to teach me something new and how or how not to do something. I have to keep in mind that I am a virgin on this breast cancer journey and I never know what is ahead but my awesome Father does so I continue walk with faith and know that He has it all figured out.
I close today with a full heart, a rested body, short hair and a love for all who are reading this blog. Our Father is waiting to hear from you today so talk to Him. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ... pray without ceasing ... do it and you will be glad you did.
Love and many blessings to each and everyone.
gkmorrison12@gmail.com
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Let's Talk About Hair ... and other things
Monday and Tuesday of this week I was in a struggle within myself. I was emotional and felt a little burden in my heart. All these emotions stemmed from my hair. As I have mentioned before ... it's just hair and it is and I really feel that way but ... it is very emotional knowing that you are going to lose it all. My sweet sister in law and I had talked on Monday night and she offered to come cut my hair for me and all I could think about was the fact that 29 years ago she also cut all my Mother's hair off. The emotions just kept flooding my heart. On Tuesday I called her and ask her to cut it for me.
She is such a sweet person and came here to my house. When she walked in the talking began and I felt better already. I got in my chair and she began scissor cutting to get the long stuff off because the plan was to buzz it off. I am so thankful for our gift of gab because it was such a wonderful distraction. Originally we were just gonna buzz it off with the clippers but instead she ended up pulling on it and telling me how connected it still was and she scissored it into a spikey short style. I don't know who put all that blonde color on there <sly smile> but when that was cut off, I realized how dark my hair really is. It's brown. She spiked it up and it is very cute. Short and cute. I love it. I know now what my hair style will be when my hair grows back. It will be a little longer and yes, probably some blonde tips thrown in. I am now going to look for a spikey wig.
Once my hair was cut and spiked, all my emotions settled down and I was ok. I faced my fear and it didn't get the best of me. Yes, it's just hair and it doesn't define me but no matter which way you cut this pie ... it is emotional for a woman to lose her hair.
When I began this blog I said I wanted to share everything about my journey. So what is everything? Only the good ... only the good with a little of the bad .... or do I share all of the journey? Well I decided in order to be completely open and honest about this journey, I had to share everything.
So let's talk about CON-STI-PA-TION. I am of firm belief that those clear bags of poison that was filtered into my body last Monday had some clear cement in them as well. I have shared with you how much I seem to have to eat these days and we will call that input. With input on just about anything, there should be output. I believe the clear cement that was in those bags began stopping my pipes up the middle of last week and well there was no output. However, I had to continue eating every 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Each time I ate more food, I kept wondering about my pipes being clogged. Roto Rooter wasn't an option and I didn't feel like exercising. Alverna bought me some Milk of Mag ... which is yet another pill to take (believe me with chemo there are plenty of pills that I have to take) but I succumbed to take one. One should do the trick. NOT! Next came the prunes. I happen to be weird and love prunes so I ate them. NOTHING! Finally the clogged pipes began to work again after a week. My friend, Elizabeth, who just completed her journey, sent me a recipe for Magic Muffins which has Raisin Bran in it. She said the recipe should carry a disclaimer that one a day is enough. By my next chemo treatment, there will be frozen Magic Muffins in my freezer, ready for thawing, butter slather and eating.
Today the weather should warm up to the 40's and I plan to get out in the sunshine and fresh air and walk up and down the street. Helena told me on Monday she wanted me to start walking ... I made the mistake of asking if she meant with my next chemo ... she said "NO, NOW!" That was enough for me. Yes ma'am, I'll be walking today.
*** Cancer has taken my boobs, chemo will take my hair. My heart is filled with Jesus and nothing can take that from me.*** Praising my Lord along my journey.
Jarrod Verse
Psalms 28:6-8
Blessed be the Lord, Because He has heard the voice of my supplication. The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults. And with my song I shall thank Him.
Blessings!
gkmorrison12@gmail.com
She is such a sweet person and came here to my house. When she walked in the talking began and I felt better already. I got in my chair and she began scissor cutting to get the long stuff off because the plan was to buzz it off. I am so thankful for our gift of gab because it was such a wonderful distraction. Originally we were just gonna buzz it off with the clippers but instead she ended up pulling on it and telling me how connected it still was and she scissored it into a spikey short style. I don't know who put all that blonde color on there <sly smile> but when that was cut off, I realized how dark my hair really is. It's brown. She spiked it up and it is very cute. Short and cute. I love it. I know now what my hair style will be when my hair grows back. It will be a little longer and yes, probably some blonde tips thrown in. I am now going to look for a spikey wig.
Once my hair was cut and spiked, all my emotions settled down and I was ok. I faced my fear and it didn't get the best of me. Yes, it's just hair and it doesn't define me but no matter which way you cut this pie ... it is emotional for a woman to lose her hair.
When I began this blog I said I wanted to share everything about my journey. So what is everything? Only the good ... only the good with a little of the bad .... or do I share all of the journey? Well I decided in order to be completely open and honest about this journey, I had to share everything.
So let's talk about CON-STI-PA-TION. I am of firm belief that those clear bags of poison that was filtered into my body last Monday had some clear cement in them as well. I have shared with you how much I seem to have to eat these days and we will call that input. With input on just about anything, there should be output. I believe the clear cement that was in those bags began stopping my pipes up the middle of last week and well there was no output. However, I had to continue eating every 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Each time I ate more food, I kept wondering about my pipes being clogged. Roto Rooter wasn't an option and I didn't feel like exercising. Alverna bought me some Milk of Mag ... which is yet another pill to take (believe me with chemo there are plenty of pills that I have to take) but I succumbed to take one. One should do the trick. NOT! Next came the prunes. I happen to be weird and love prunes so I ate them. NOTHING! Finally the clogged pipes began to work again after a week. My friend, Elizabeth, who just completed her journey, sent me a recipe for Magic Muffins which has Raisin Bran in it. She said the recipe should carry a disclaimer that one a day is enough. By my next chemo treatment, there will be frozen Magic Muffins in my freezer, ready for thawing, butter slather and eating.
Today the weather should warm up to the 40's and I plan to get out in the sunshine and fresh air and walk up and down the street. Helena told me on Monday she wanted me to start walking ... I made the mistake of asking if she meant with my next chemo ... she said "NO, NOW!" That was enough for me. Yes ma'am, I'll be walking today.
*** Cancer has taken my boobs, chemo will take my hair. My heart is filled with Jesus and nothing can take that from me.*** Praising my Lord along my journey.
Jarrod Verse
Psalms 28:6-8
Blessed be the Lord, Because He has heard the voice of my supplication. The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults. And with my song I shall thank Him.
Blessings!
gkmorrison12@gmail.com
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Good Report
Yesterday was my white blood cell (WBC) count check and Praise the Lord, it wasn't too bad. While the numbers are below the healthy line, the WBC was NOT bottomed out. The other numbers that they check (my sister had to explain the acronyms to me) were good as well. All within a healthy range for a female. The clotting factor count (????) was low but not dangerously low so I cannot play with my tomahawk or hatchet for a while because it probably wouldn't be good if I cut myself. <smile>
Alverna and I ask Helena, Oncologist nurse practitioner, if we could celebrate my counts and have lunch out and she said yes. Probably wasn't the smartest decision to go out to eat amongst the public but we did. We stopped at Teresa's Dixie House on Belknap and had a lunch portion of chicken fried steak. As we approached the door, I could smell grease and it almost caused me to say 'never mind' but I didn't. I was so hungry by the time we got to talk to Helena at the doctor office, I was seeing a few stars. NOTE TO SELF: Never leave home without food. The chemo drugs can cause my blood sugar to drop and I think that could be what is happening and why I am having to eat every 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Helena was very happy with my report about no nausea or headaches (migraine or otherwise). She told me that what I had experienced with my first treatment I could pretty much expect for the remainder. If extreme fatigue is all I get, I'll take it. She suggested that I begin routinely walking and that would help me build up my stamina. Dag-gone just wish it wasn't so cold out so I could walk up and down my street. At my office, I can walk around our entire floor twelve times and that is a mile. I'm just not at the office yet. My sister has a stationary recumbent bike that she hangs her clothes on <smile> so I can go over to her house and ride that during the day for exercise until it warms up enough to walk up and down the street.
As we were finishing up our chat, Helena looked at me and said, "By next weekend all of your hair will be gone". I told her that I was going to have it buzzed off this week. I was supposed to have it done this past Saturday but just didn't feel like getting out so I cancelled. But it's on the "To Do" list.
God continues to allow my journey's path to be crossed by amazing women who are so kind to share their journey or a portion there of. While waiting for my turn to have blood drawn, a young woman was also waiting and we began to chat. She was celebrating yesterday also because she was having her last chemo treatment ... her sixth and final. I told her that I had my first one last week and told her I was blessed no nausea or headaches but the fatigue was pretty severe. Ppppfffff nothing compared to this young lady. She had had nausea with two of her treatments and thrush mouth with two of her treatments. So what's a little fatigue.
Cancer patients celebrate. We celebrate the smallest things and we rejoice with each other. It doesn't matter how small or how big, we celebrate. God has provided me with celebrations and I am so thankful. Below is a snippet of one of my daily devotionals ...
As you go through this day, look for tiny treasures strategically placed along the way. I lovingly go before you and plant little pleasures to brighten your day. Look carefully for them, and pluck them one by one. When you reach the end of the day, you will have gathered a lovely bouquet. Offer it up to Me with a grateful heart. Receive My Peace as you lie down to sleep, with thankful thoughts playing a lullaby in your mind.
Prayer Request:
* Rest and Sleep
* My body continues on the uphill climb to full WBC.
* Nose bleeds stop.
* All of us who are walking this journey.
Praise:
* My family. I have the most awesome family. I love you all ...
* My friends. God plants precious seeds in our lives and they grow in to FRIENDS.
* Good report on blood work.
I gotta run for now. I need to find the Collin Street Bakery website and try to order me a fruit cake. I love fruit cake and their's is the BEST. Anyone else out there like fruit cake? Let me hear from you.
Blessings!
gkmorrison12@gmail.com
Alverna and I ask Helena, Oncologist nurse practitioner, if we could celebrate my counts and have lunch out and she said yes. Probably wasn't the smartest decision to go out to eat amongst the public but we did. We stopped at Teresa's Dixie House on Belknap and had a lunch portion of chicken fried steak. As we approached the door, I could smell grease and it almost caused me to say 'never mind' but I didn't. I was so hungry by the time we got to talk to Helena at the doctor office, I was seeing a few stars. NOTE TO SELF: Never leave home without food. The chemo drugs can cause my blood sugar to drop and I think that could be what is happening and why I am having to eat every 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Helena was very happy with my report about no nausea or headaches (migraine or otherwise). She told me that what I had experienced with my first treatment I could pretty much expect for the remainder. If extreme fatigue is all I get, I'll take it. She suggested that I begin routinely walking and that would help me build up my stamina. Dag-gone just wish it wasn't so cold out so I could walk up and down my street. At my office, I can walk around our entire floor twelve times and that is a mile. I'm just not at the office yet. My sister has a stationary recumbent bike that she hangs her clothes on <smile> so I can go over to her house and ride that during the day for exercise until it warms up enough to walk up and down the street.
As we were finishing up our chat, Helena looked at me and said, "By next weekend all of your hair will be gone". I told her that I was going to have it buzzed off this week. I was supposed to have it done this past Saturday but just didn't feel like getting out so I cancelled. But it's on the "To Do" list.
God continues to allow my journey's path to be crossed by amazing women who are so kind to share their journey or a portion there of. While waiting for my turn to have blood drawn, a young woman was also waiting and we began to chat. She was celebrating yesterday also because she was having her last chemo treatment ... her sixth and final. I told her that I had my first one last week and told her I was blessed no nausea or headaches but the fatigue was pretty severe. Ppppfffff nothing compared to this young lady. She had had nausea with two of her treatments and thrush mouth with two of her treatments. So what's a little fatigue.
Cancer patients celebrate. We celebrate the smallest things and we rejoice with each other. It doesn't matter how small or how big, we celebrate. God has provided me with celebrations and I am so thankful. Below is a snippet of one of my daily devotionals ...
As you go through this day, look for tiny treasures strategically placed along the way. I lovingly go before you and plant little pleasures to brighten your day. Look carefully for them, and pluck them one by one. When you reach the end of the day, you will have gathered a lovely bouquet. Offer it up to Me with a grateful heart. Receive My Peace as you lie down to sleep, with thankful thoughts playing a lullaby in your mind.
Prayer Request:
* Rest and Sleep
* My body continues on the uphill climb to full WBC.
* Nose bleeds stop.
* All of us who are walking this journey.
Praise:
* My family. I have the most awesome family. I love you all ...
* My friends. God plants precious seeds in our lives and they grow in to FRIENDS.
* Good report on blood work.
I gotta run for now. I need to find the Collin Street Bakery website and try to order me a fruit cake. I love fruit cake and their's is the BEST. Anyone else out there like fruit cake? Let me hear from you.
Blessings!
gkmorrison12@gmail.com
Monday, December 5, 2011
In My Bubble
This morning I have an appointment for lab work which will check my white blood cell count. It's amazing to me that this particular count can be bottomed out yet I had so much energy yesterday. It was wonderful powerful energy. I felt great and ate good and enjoyed my grandbabies for most of the day. My sweet friend, Elizabeth, who just completed her journey, told me during the second week after chemo she stayed in her house (bubble) to avoid any germs or sick people. I'm very blessed that I can work from home and stay in and away from people. Blood work again next Monday will prayerfully show the counts on the rise which could allow me to go to the office. The following week, the chemo routine begins all over again.
For some reason when I think about my little bubble, I think about the song from Cinderella ... In My Own Little Corner. Do you remember that song? Here are a few of the lyrics ...
Cinderella: I'm as mild and as meek as a mouse
When I hear a command I obey.
But I know of a spot in my house
where no one can stand in my way.
In my own little corner in my own little chair
I can be whatever I want to be.
I goggled the lyrics because all I could really remember of the words .... In my own little corner in my own little world, I can be whatever I want to be ... OK, so this is corny but I've decided I could be a chef in my little corner of the world. What???? ... you are asking? Well I have become addicted to the Food Network. It is so cool how much I've learned from those cooking shows. I even told my girls if they had not gotten me something for Christmas, I would like an emulsifier. <laughing> Alicia was telling Bonnie and my sister, "Yea she wants it to thicken her soups and stews." Well that caused a big laugh... But I still think it's a pretty cool little gadget.
I have some questions for the Oncologist Nurse Practitioner, Helena, this morning and I need to write those down. Sleep habits have changed and even taking the Ambien, I wake up about 1:00am every morning and I'm ready to get up. Maybe it's because I'm just a high energy kinda gal or my sister suggested maybe I wasn't tired or maybe it's just an effect of the chemo. I will let you know what I find out.
I love the cold and rainy weather. We needed it drastically. I can say that because I'm not out in it but if I were, I would still enjoy. After the hot scorching summer we had, it is a welcome break. I wish it would snow here however, Channel 5 says the snow is further north of us.
Praises:
* God is with me and His endless love and comfort is amazing.
* Great day yesterday with high high energy.
* Precious time with both my grandbabies, my sister and my girls.
* Great appetite. Dinner was broiled pork chops, sauteed squash, baked sweet potato. AND Blue Bell Dutch Chocolate ice cream with milk it in for a treat last night.
Prayer Request:
* For all those on the roads today traveling to work. Be safe
* Blood counts
* Pray for those who could be starting their very first chemo treatment today.
* That we all remember what Christmas is about.
I would love to hear from you. Send me an email at the email address below and let me know what's going on in your world.
Blessings!
gkmorrison12@gmail.com
For some reason when I think about my little bubble, I think about the song from Cinderella ... In My Own Little Corner. Do you remember that song? Here are a few of the lyrics ...
Cinderella: I'm as mild and as meek as a mouse
When I hear a command I obey.
But I know of a spot in my house
where no one can stand in my way.
In my own little corner in my own little chair
I can be whatever I want to be.
I goggled the lyrics because all I could really remember of the words .... In my own little corner in my own little world, I can be whatever I want to be ... OK, so this is corny but I've decided I could be a chef in my little corner of the world. What???? ... you are asking? Well I have become addicted to the Food Network. It is so cool how much I've learned from those cooking shows. I even told my girls if they had not gotten me something for Christmas, I would like an emulsifier. <laughing> Alicia was telling Bonnie and my sister, "Yea she wants it to thicken her soups and stews." Well that caused a big laugh... But I still think it's a pretty cool little gadget.
I have some questions for the Oncologist Nurse Practitioner, Helena, this morning and I need to write those down. Sleep habits have changed and even taking the Ambien, I wake up about 1:00am every morning and I'm ready to get up. Maybe it's because I'm just a high energy kinda gal or my sister suggested maybe I wasn't tired or maybe it's just an effect of the chemo. I will let you know what I find out.
I love the cold and rainy weather. We needed it drastically. I can say that because I'm not out in it but if I were, I would still enjoy. After the hot scorching summer we had, it is a welcome break. I wish it would snow here however, Channel 5 says the snow is further north of us.
Praises:
* God is with me and His endless love and comfort is amazing.
* Great day yesterday with high high energy.
* Precious time with both my grandbabies, my sister and my girls.
* Great appetite. Dinner was broiled pork chops, sauteed squash, baked sweet potato. AND Blue Bell Dutch Chocolate ice cream with milk it in for a treat last night.
Prayer Request:
* For all those on the roads today traveling to work. Be safe
* Blood counts
* Pray for those who could be starting their very first chemo treatment today.
* That we all remember what Christmas is about.
I would love to hear from you. Send me an email at the email address below and let me know what's going on in your world.
Blessings!
gkmorrison12@gmail.com
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Sunday Morning
I am happy to report I made it through Saturday. I was able to eat a good breakfast with my sister, however, I really need to limit the amount of food I put in my tummy at one time. Because I have lost weight since chemo began, I think my tummy is shrunk way down. AND NO, I do not suggest chemo for anyone out there wanting to lose weight ... lose that thought right now... <smile> Join Weight Watchers ... it's the best. We had a good lunch, again, I ate too much and was miserable. Lessons learned. For dinner, I popped me a Banquet Turkey Pot Pie in the oven and could not wait for it to get done. It was the most awesome thing I had eaten all day. I think I may cook these ahead of time because I like them cooked in the oven so the crust gets all crunch and combined with the juices from the insides, it is so good. It takes 40 minutes for them to cook so I really have to plan. They are microwavable but I prefer the oven. I could have eaten two of them but glad I didn't ... again, tummy overload. NOTE: Just put a pot pie in the oven for breakfast.
My energy from the day kinda diminished by early afternoon and I had to come get in the bed and rest. It wasn't that I needed to sleep but lay down and rest.
I went to bed early last night primarily because I needed to lay down. It seems so strange for me to be headed to bed at 6:30pm but boy, it sure feels good when I get there. I was awake off and on all night. At 1:00am, Ms. Tootie and I headed to the kitchen to get us 1/2 of a regular Arby's roast beef. I had to upsize because the Jr. Arby's meat dries out really bad plus I wanted more meat. After our snack, it was back to bed and an hour of TV and back to sleep until 4:00am.
I woke up at 4:00am feeling good and decided to get up and turn the coffee on and fix my hair and put on make up. BUT before I could get my hair done, a good sip of coffee gave me the energy to clean out the fridge and freezer. I gotta tell you there was so much un-needed stuff in there that it was not even funny. Three bags of trash later and both sides were cleaned out. I thought ... hmmm I'll go for the pantry now. NOT! I don't think I had that much energy so I will get some help today to get that thing organized. My daughter, Alicia, went to Sprout's yesterday and bought a lot of good organic produce, meats, pasta and eggs. We should not have to buy groceries or take-out for a while. Anyway, the fridge needed cleaning and so did the freezer. Thankful for enough wonderful energy to get that accomplished ... all by 5:00am.
After that I decided it was time to tackle my hair and make-up so I did. I want to share that while my hair is not falling out in clumps (thank you Lord), it is shedding. Now most of you who know me, know that I have fine and kinda thin hair anyway but with the shedding, it's getting less and less. I've been told that I will have a feeling come over my scalp that makes me realize my hair is getting ready to fall out. Oh and by the way, everyone who has taken the chemo drugs that I am taking says, "You will most likely lose your hair by the 14th day after chemo and if you don't, do not think that you've escaped hair loss because on day 15, it will be all gone". Okey dokey ... I have my wig ready and a bunch of head coverings that I've bought. Hopefully today my dear sweet hair lady, Tamisha, can get by the house and buzz it off for me. I don't want it just falling out by the handfuls. Today was probably the last time I will need my hair dryer, styling gel and hair spray for some time. What a money savings that will be. You still must care for your scalp so washing and conditioner will be still part of my life.
I plan to get out of these pjs today even if I sit on the couch all day. Of course my pjs are so comfy and snuggly but come on ... a girl needs to get dressed after about four days. Maybe I'll be able to get out and take a ride in the car today. We will see.
Alicia and Madelyn, Bonnie and Braxton met their step-Mom LuAnn and their little brother, Colton, at his school for Breakfast With Santa. How I would have loved to be there but they took some pictures with my camera and I want to share. These babies and sweet Colton make my heart sing.
Praise:
* Thankful for more energy.
* Thankful for my family who surrounds me and loves me even when I am probably not too loveable.
* Thankful for an understanding agency that I work for to allow me to work when I can.
* Thankful that God has brought me this far and He promises to never leave me. How awesome is that?
* Thankful for the Food Network. It has become my new obsession.
So much to be thankful for.
Prayer Request:
* Energy levels stay good.
* Blood counts tomorrow.
* My son-in-law and most of the men in his family who have taken their yearly hunting trip to Terlingua. Pray for their safety while there and safe returns.
* All those who walk this journey with me. We are all in need of prayer.
I pray for you my sweet friends. I wish for you many blessings today.
NOTE: Gotta go check the chicken pot pie I have in the oven. Yummo!
Stay warm.
gkmorrison12@gmail.com
My energy from the day kinda diminished by early afternoon and I had to come get in the bed and rest. It wasn't that I needed to sleep but lay down and rest.
I went to bed early last night primarily because I needed to lay down. It seems so strange for me to be headed to bed at 6:30pm but boy, it sure feels good when I get there. I was awake off and on all night. At 1:00am, Ms. Tootie and I headed to the kitchen to get us 1/2 of a regular Arby's roast beef. I had to upsize because the Jr. Arby's meat dries out really bad plus I wanted more meat. After our snack, it was back to bed and an hour of TV and back to sleep until 4:00am.
I woke up at 4:00am feeling good and decided to get up and turn the coffee on and fix my hair and put on make up. BUT before I could get my hair done, a good sip of coffee gave me the energy to clean out the fridge and freezer. I gotta tell you there was so much un-needed stuff in there that it was not even funny. Three bags of trash later and both sides were cleaned out. I thought ... hmmm I'll go for the pantry now. NOT! I don't think I had that much energy so I will get some help today to get that thing organized. My daughter, Alicia, went to Sprout's yesterday and bought a lot of good organic produce, meats, pasta and eggs. We should not have to buy groceries or take-out for a while. Anyway, the fridge needed cleaning and so did the freezer. Thankful for enough wonderful energy to get that accomplished ... all by 5:00am.
After that I decided it was time to tackle my hair and make-up so I did. I want to share that while my hair is not falling out in clumps (thank you Lord), it is shedding. Now most of you who know me, know that I have fine and kinda thin hair anyway but with the shedding, it's getting less and less. I've been told that I will have a feeling come over my scalp that makes me realize my hair is getting ready to fall out. Oh and by the way, everyone who has taken the chemo drugs that I am taking says, "You will most likely lose your hair by the 14th day after chemo and if you don't, do not think that you've escaped hair loss because on day 15, it will be all gone". Okey dokey ... I have my wig ready and a bunch of head coverings that I've bought. Hopefully today my dear sweet hair lady, Tamisha, can get by the house and buzz it off for me. I don't want it just falling out by the handfuls. Today was probably the last time I will need my hair dryer, styling gel and hair spray for some time. What a money savings that will be. You still must care for your scalp so washing and conditioner will be still part of my life.
I plan to get out of these pjs today even if I sit on the couch all day. Of course my pjs are so comfy and snuggly but come on ... a girl needs to get dressed after about four days. Maybe I'll be able to get out and take a ride in the car today. We will see.
Alicia and Madelyn, Bonnie and Braxton met their step-Mom LuAnn and their little brother, Colton, at his school for Breakfast With Santa. How I would have loved to be there but they took some pictures with my camera and I want to share. These babies and sweet Colton make my heart sing.
Sweet little Braxton did not exactly think he wanted to
sit in Santa's lap but what's a few tears when they are
so young. Tears or none, everyone needs a picture
with Santa ... every year.
Madelyn
Braxton
This is blurry but I thought it was so cute.
I figure he was NOT looking for Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Praise:
* Thankful for more energy.
* Thankful for my family who surrounds me and loves me even when I am probably not too loveable.
* Thankful for an understanding agency that I work for to allow me to work when I can.
* Thankful that God has brought me this far and He promises to never leave me. How awesome is that?
* Thankful for the Food Network. It has become my new obsession.
So much to be thankful for.
Prayer Request:
* Energy levels stay good.
* Blood counts tomorrow.
* My son-in-law and most of the men in his family who have taken their yearly hunting trip to Terlingua. Pray for their safety while there and safe returns.
* All those who walk this journey with me. We are all in need of prayer.
I pray for you my sweet friends. I wish for you many blessings today.
NOTE: Gotta go check the chicken pot pie I have in the oven. Yummo!
Stay warm.
gkmorrison12@gmail.com
Saturday, December 3, 2011
The Week Behind
Praises:
* I did not experience any nausea.
* I did not experience any headaches.
* I am in the care of the greatest oncology/chemo center ever.
* Tylenol stopped my body aches yesterday when I was hurting so bad.
* I am still alive and kicking this Saturday morning.
* God carried me through the entire week and continues carrying me even when I don't have the energy to talk to Him.
* I have the very best family and friends a girl could ever ask for.
* There are only five more treatments to go.
* That all those who have walked this journey before me have been so gracious to share their journey which has given me insight of what I could expect while not necessarily applying to me.
* Dr. Chow, surgeon, released me and said my arm movement is great.
Prayer Request:
* My energy levels return.
* The chemo is doing exactly what it is supposed to do and catching any possible loose cancer cells that escaped.
* That anyone who started chemo after me this past Monday is doing well.
* The Neulasta shot which is what I got the day chemo after is working to build my white blood cells back to a healthy stage so I can continue on with the treatments.
* That Arby's doesn't run out of roast beef. (more on this later <smile>)
After Monday my week has been an absolute blur. If I talked to you during the week, I am not sure of anything I said or did. Monday when I took all the cute snapshots of those drugs running in to my system, little did I know what affect they would really have on my body. I can honestly say that Tuesday was a blur, I honestly cannot remember anything except the dread that I had for Wednesday because I had my appointment with my surgeon and also the wig lady. An appointment meant that I was going to have to get up and move and I was not sure where I would find the energy.
Wednesday morning came and it took every tiny bit of energy I had could muster up to get ready for my appointments. My wonderful friend, Alverna, came and picked me up and away we went. Thank goodness she could let me out at the door of the doctor office where I promptly walked in and sat down waiting for her to park. We proceeded on to the appointment and Dr. Chow was ever so kind and uplifting. I had three questions ... When can I shave under my arms? When I can wear deodorant? Is there anything I can put across my chest to loosen the tight feeling of the healing/healed sutures? Answers: I can shave now but must be very careful because after this type of surgery you have no feeling under your arms. I can wear deodorant again. Do stretch exercises for the tightness of the healing sutures. I will see her again at the end of March and let me say by then I will have taken my last chemo treatment. Praise the Lord.
After seeing Dr. Chow, Alverna and I descended the steep climb up to Baylor-All Saints to get to the Survivor Gal store where my wig awaited to be thinned and styled to my face. By the time we got up there, we had a few minutes to get to the cafeteria only to find they had closed down the breakfast lines and were not opening again until 11:00 ... my wig appointment was at 10:30. I was finding if I had small snacks during my day of salty type foods, I felt better. I settled for a bag of baked Nacho Doritos which were very disgusting but at least the three I ate gave me a little something in my stomach.
We got back to Survivor Gal and the wig was put on my head and blah ... just blah ... I felt bad and to tell you the truth I didn't have much 'care' about me at that moment but because these wigs are very expensive I snapped out of it and Liz, my stylist, fixed the wig just the way I requested. As of this writing (Saturday morning) I am only praying the little jewel looks descent. And if you didn't know, there are wig products you need. Survivor Gal puts together a bag with everything one needs to take care of a wig. I was in no condition to pick and chose what products I thought I would need so I bought the whole set up for $50. I am telling you right now ... Losing your hair is NOT cheap. <smile>
When we came out of my wig fitting room, there was a beautiful young lady waiting for Liz to 'fix' her wig. I looked at this young beautiful woman and I honestly could not tell she had on a wig. It was longer in length, you know the length young women like their hair and it was fixed so stylish. I made comment I could not tell and she pulled it up and showed me her new hair that was coming back in. She was hoping insurance would allow her get a new wig after the first of the year until her real hair got long enough to cut and color. She was such a blessing to me that day.
I could not wait to get back to the car and sit to ride home. On the way, I ask Alverna to take me by Arby's and get me five Arby's Jr Roast Beef. They are bland, good protein and taste so good. After the chemo treatment, my taste buds took a nose dive and not much was sounding good. We got the Arby's and got home, I think I changed in to my pjs and got in my chair and had an Arby's and I was in heaven on earth. I think (no real recollection) that Alverna went to the grocery store for me to get me ... Campbell's Chicken and Stars soup and other things I requested of which I cannot remember any of them to note in this writing. She ended up getting me things like cottage cheese, Yukon Gold potatoes, red/yellow/orange bell peppers for the cottage cheese, chicken pot pies, Bartolli chicken meal that Alicia could cook, and other things of which now escape me. Let me say ... the cottage cheese was a great great idea. Scrambled eggs have also been great.
On Wednesday evening some friends brought over Weight Watchers Tortilla soup and it was so good. At first I didn't want any but my sister warmed up some of the broth and crumbled my beloved Baked Tostitos in it and it was delightful.
I was told that my taste buds would change and boy did they ever. I cannot stand toothpaste. The sweet taste makes me sick and I cannot get the sweet out of my mouth no matter how much I rinse so I am now using baking soda only to brush my teeth. I cannot hardly stand to look at the Mini Saltine Cracker box sitting on my cabinet, I don't know why it's just that way. The first thing I had all week that was sweet was Friday afternoon I fixed myself about a half cup of hot chocolate and it tasted good to me. Monday I had taken a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for my lunch while I was having my treatment ... the thought of PB&J today is sickening to me to think about. Smells are very powerful now ... colognes are terribly nauseating as well as cigarette smoke.
I have seven bottles of Gatorade for sale if you are in need. I thought it would be great to have Gatorade on hand for a break from water and it would also provide electrolytes, etc. I took one sip of the Gatorade while getting my chemo on Monday and almost barfed. No bueno on the Gatorade. I cannot even stand to look at the Gatorade bottles sitting on the cabinet so they will be leaving today ... one way or the other.
I was told to drink at least 68 ounces of fluid per day after my treatment which is really not a problem for me. I'm thankful for that. I generally drink my water at room temperature but all of a sudden cold ice water is delightful. I am still having a cup and half of coffee in the mornings and it still tastes ok. I had a misconception of all the water drinking. The way I thought all of this chemo stuff worked was: You get your treatment, you begin drinking water and wash all the drugs out of your body and wall-la ... everything was done and you go back to normal life. NOT NOT NOT! The lingering effects of the drugs stay in your system and cause their many affects before deciding to exit all the way.
Today is Saturday and I woke up at 4:40am, this was after I got up at 2:00am and had an Arby's of which Tootie got to share. Once my tummy has something in it, I can go back to bed and sleep again. I am praying for my energy level to return but have learned that when I don't have energy, it's ok to lay still and be quiet. With a low energy level, talking is a struggle and when you have to struggle, it's easier just to keep your mouth shut. I kept thinking if I could keep moving the energy would return ... it doesn't work that way with chemo. There is no build up for energy when you have chemo ... you just rest. I'm learning and again I'm so thankful for the cancer/chemo center who is taking care of me.
I'm off now. Typing has worn me out and I'm ready to lay back down for a bit. I'm thankful for so many things this morning and I know that this will get better. I ask for your continued prayers and let me know if you have prayer requests.
Blessings for your weekend.
gkmorrison12@gmail.com
* I did not experience any nausea.
* I did not experience any headaches.
* I am in the care of the greatest oncology/chemo center ever.
* Tylenol stopped my body aches yesterday when I was hurting so bad.
* I am still alive and kicking this Saturday morning.
* God carried me through the entire week and continues carrying me even when I don't have the energy to talk to Him.
* I have the very best family and friends a girl could ever ask for.
* There are only five more treatments to go.
* That all those who have walked this journey before me have been so gracious to share their journey which has given me insight of what I could expect while not necessarily applying to me.
* Dr. Chow, surgeon, released me and said my arm movement is great.
Prayer Request:
* My energy levels return.
* The chemo is doing exactly what it is supposed to do and catching any possible loose cancer cells that escaped.
* That anyone who started chemo after me this past Monday is doing well.
* The Neulasta shot which is what I got the day chemo after is working to build my white blood cells back to a healthy stage so I can continue on with the treatments.
* That Arby's doesn't run out of roast beef. (more on this later <smile>)
After Monday my week has been an absolute blur. If I talked to you during the week, I am not sure of anything I said or did. Monday when I took all the cute snapshots of those drugs running in to my system, little did I know what affect they would really have on my body. I can honestly say that Tuesday was a blur, I honestly cannot remember anything except the dread that I had for Wednesday because I had my appointment with my surgeon and also the wig lady. An appointment meant that I was going to have to get up and move and I was not sure where I would find the energy.
Wednesday morning came and it took every tiny bit of energy I had could muster up to get ready for my appointments. My wonderful friend, Alverna, came and picked me up and away we went. Thank goodness she could let me out at the door of the doctor office where I promptly walked in and sat down waiting for her to park. We proceeded on to the appointment and Dr. Chow was ever so kind and uplifting. I had three questions ... When can I shave under my arms? When I can wear deodorant? Is there anything I can put across my chest to loosen the tight feeling of the healing/healed sutures? Answers: I can shave now but must be very careful because after this type of surgery you have no feeling under your arms. I can wear deodorant again. Do stretch exercises for the tightness of the healing sutures. I will see her again at the end of March and let me say by then I will have taken my last chemo treatment. Praise the Lord.
After seeing Dr. Chow, Alverna and I descended the steep climb up to Baylor-All Saints to get to the Survivor Gal store where my wig awaited to be thinned and styled to my face. By the time we got up there, we had a few minutes to get to the cafeteria only to find they had closed down the breakfast lines and were not opening again until 11:00 ... my wig appointment was at 10:30. I was finding if I had small snacks during my day of salty type foods, I felt better. I settled for a bag of baked Nacho Doritos which were very disgusting but at least the three I ate gave me a little something in my stomach.
We got back to Survivor Gal and the wig was put on my head and blah ... just blah ... I felt bad and to tell you the truth I didn't have much 'care' about me at that moment but because these wigs are very expensive I snapped out of it and Liz, my stylist, fixed the wig just the way I requested. As of this writing (Saturday morning) I am only praying the little jewel looks descent. And if you didn't know, there are wig products you need. Survivor Gal puts together a bag with everything one needs to take care of a wig. I was in no condition to pick and chose what products I thought I would need so I bought the whole set up for $50. I am telling you right now ... Losing your hair is NOT cheap. <smile>
When we came out of my wig fitting room, there was a beautiful young lady waiting for Liz to 'fix' her wig. I looked at this young beautiful woman and I honestly could not tell she had on a wig. It was longer in length, you know the length young women like their hair and it was fixed so stylish. I made comment I could not tell and she pulled it up and showed me her new hair that was coming back in. She was hoping insurance would allow her get a new wig after the first of the year until her real hair got long enough to cut and color. She was such a blessing to me that day.
I could not wait to get back to the car and sit to ride home. On the way, I ask Alverna to take me by Arby's and get me five Arby's Jr Roast Beef. They are bland, good protein and taste so good. After the chemo treatment, my taste buds took a nose dive and not much was sounding good. We got the Arby's and got home, I think I changed in to my pjs and got in my chair and had an Arby's and I was in heaven on earth. I think (no real recollection) that Alverna went to the grocery store for me to get me ... Campbell's Chicken and Stars soup and other things I requested of which I cannot remember any of them to note in this writing. She ended up getting me things like cottage cheese, Yukon Gold potatoes, red/yellow/orange bell peppers for the cottage cheese, chicken pot pies, Bartolli chicken meal that Alicia could cook, and other things of which now escape me. Let me say ... the cottage cheese was a great great idea. Scrambled eggs have also been great.
On Wednesday evening some friends brought over Weight Watchers Tortilla soup and it was so good. At first I didn't want any but my sister warmed up some of the broth and crumbled my beloved Baked Tostitos in it and it was delightful.
I was told that my taste buds would change and boy did they ever. I cannot stand toothpaste. The sweet taste makes me sick and I cannot get the sweet out of my mouth no matter how much I rinse so I am now using baking soda only to brush my teeth. I cannot hardly stand to look at the Mini Saltine Cracker box sitting on my cabinet, I don't know why it's just that way. The first thing I had all week that was sweet was Friday afternoon I fixed myself about a half cup of hot chocolate and it tasted good to me. Monday I had taken a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for my lunch while I was having my treatment ... the thought of PB&J today is sickening to me to think about. Smells are very powerful now ... colognes are terribly nauseating as well as cigarette smoke.
I have seven bottles of Gatorade for sale if you are in need. I thought it would be great to have Gatorade on hand for a break from water and it would also provide electrolytes, etc. I took one sip of the Gatorade while getting my chemo on Monday and almost barfed. No bueno on the Gatorade. I cannot even stand to look at the Gatorade bottles sitting on the cabinet so they will be leaving today ... one way or the other.
I was told to drink at least 68 ounces of fluid per day after my treatment which is really not a problem for me. I'm thankful for that. I generally drink my water at room temperature but all of a sudden cold ice water is delightful. I am still having a cup and half of coffee in the mornings and it still tastes ok. I had a misconception of all the water drinking. The way I thought all of this chemo stuff worked was: You get your treatment, you begin drinking water and wash all the drugs out of your body and wall-la ... everything was done and you go back to normal life. NOT NOT NOT! The lingering effects of the drugs stay in your system and cause their many affects before deciding to exit all the way.
Today is Saturday and I woke up at 4:40am, this was after I got up at 2:00am and had an Arby's of which Tootie got to share. Once my tummy has something in it, I can go back to bed and sleep again. I am praying for my energy level to return but have learned that when I don't have energy, it's ok to lay still and be quiet. With a low energy level, talking is a struggle and when you have to struggle, it's easier just to keep your mouth shut. I kept thinking if I could keep moving the energy would return ... it doesn't work that way with chemo. There is no build up for energy when you have chemo ... you just rest. I'm learning and again I'm so thankful for the cancer/chemo center who is taking care of me.
I'm off now. Typing has worn me out and I'm ready to lay back down for a bit. I'm thankful for so many things this morning and I know that this will get better. I ask for your continued prayers and let me know if you have prayer requests.
Blessings for your weekend.
gkmorrison12@gmail.com
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Chemo Treatment #1 Down and Only 5 to Go
Monday started for me with about 3 hours of sleep from the night before due to the Decadron (steroid). I can honestly tell you that I had absolutely no anxiety about my first chemo treatment so it truly was the Decadron that was keeping me awake. My friend, Alverna, came to pick me up at 9:30am because I was supposed to be at The Center for blood work at 10:30, meet with my oncologist nurse practitioner and then on to my infusion at 11:00am. The Center had been closed last Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving and that caused a pretty good back-up. This place is so incredible because no matter how late they are running, you will be seen and you will be given all the time you need to talk and get your questions answered. As my day progressed, it was indeed 1:00pm before I found my recliner seat in the infusion room and waited for the process to begin.
As I mentioned in previous post, Monday is when the prisoners get their chemo treatments at The Center so the corner chairs will never be available so I chose the next section. There was a chair available on the end of the second section right by the nurses station. When we got to the infusion room most all the chairs were taken so I was happy about getting the spot I got. I could see almost everything going on in the facility which is right up my alley.
I was the last person in my six chair area to begin my treatment. When they did my blood work earlier in the day, I had the option of going up and letting them take the blood from my port but I opted for the vein draw because I thought they would sticking the port twice but later found out that the line they put in for the blood draw would stay and I would only be stuck once. Lesson learned. So my young chemo nurse, Jennifer, came over and was so sweet and talked me through what she was about to do and gave me the order of which I would receive my cocktail. The blood draw nurse, Lisa, was walking by and squatted down by my chair and offered me her hand when Jennifer got ready to stick the three prong line in my port. After Jennifer cleansed the area with alcohol she ask me if I wanted her to topically freeze the port before the stick? YEPPERS sure do. She froze it, I was told to take a deep breath all the while holding on to Lisa's hand and stick and it was in. Waaa hooo no pain.
Jennifer begain my regime with a little saline flush in which she mixed Phenagrin (antihistimine) and Aloxi (an anti-nausea drug). The Phenagrin being injected into the mainline that way gives me a little warm fuzzy, head silly feeling but quickly went away.
Below picture was the beginning of my infusion
After that part of the infusion, next came the Adriamycin aka Red Devil. The good thing about the Red Devil is that it takes only 10 minutes to drip in. The Red Devil also turns your urine red immediately but as much water as I drink, that didn't take long to get back to normal. (If you're thinking this is too much information, it's all part of the journey.)
Once the Red Devil was finished, next came the Taxotere. This drug takes an hour to drip in and all the while I'm not feeling anything. I don't look so happy in these pictures but I was really glad to get the show on the road. The sooner I get these treatments started, the sooner they are finished. After the Taxotere came the Cytoxcin which also took an hour to drip. Once that was complete they do a 10 minute clear the line saline drip and then you are done.
All in all the experience was not difficult. It was really cold in the infusion room which I'm sure helps people who might be experiencing nausea. I took my own blanket throw but ended up having to get one of their blankets as well. I had on jeans, socks with ankle high boots, tank top (easy access to port) and a sweater and I was freezing.
The feelings I had on my way home are somewhat hard to explain but my body core felt tender on the inside. Sounds strange I know but that was the feeling I got. I still have that feeling this morning some but no nausea. There's nausea meds coming here shortly to ensure that I remain ok.
In my meeting with Helena, Oncologist Nurse Practitioner, I mentioned to her about the Decadron sleep deprivation and she said she could get me a prescription for sleep so I ended up with Ambien. They tell you to have everything done before taking the Ambien so at 7:30pm last night, I had had a shower and was finished with my day, took 1/2 of an Ambien, went right to sleep until about 12:45am. After waking at 12:45am, I dozed off and on the remainder of the night. Thankful for such a great group of medical personnel at The Center. Other information that I found out about the dosages of chemo drugs, they are all measured and go by your weight.
Here are a few more facility pictures I took trying to capture the beautiful bright facility where I will be taking the mere five remaining treatments.
There are three chairs on each side in each section of the infusion room.
My wonderful sweet friend, Alverna, taking a well deserved nap.
The nurses desk stretches all the way across the room.
These ladies never stop. There are 22 chairs in the facility
and as the bags empty and the machine beeps, these ladies
are up and taking care of your next drip or getting you ready
to go home.
The front desk by where I was sitting.
This morning I am extremely fatigued and my face is flushed but Praising the Lord that (1) I have no nausea and (2) I have no headache. I'll begin my daily anti-nausea meds here shortly and then take another Decadron at 8:00am and the last one for this round at about 2:00pm. The anti-nausea drugs go through Thursday or however long I might need them. God is carrying me today as I feel I have not near enough strength to carry myself. I know God is right here with me and holding me up this morning.
Today I am claiming the following scripture. Lord I seek you in the days ahead as every day before. Thank you for bringing me this far down my journey.
gkmorrison12@gmail.com
As I mentioned in previous post, Monday is when the prisoners get their chemo treatments at The Center so the corner chairs will never be available so I chose the next section. There was a chair available on the end of the second section right by the nurses station. When we got to the infusion room most all the chairs were taken so I was happy about getting the spot I got. I could see almost everything going on in the facility which is right up my alley.
I was the last person in my six chair area to begin my treatment. When they did my blood work earlier in the day, I had the option of going up and letting them take the blood from my port but I opted for the vein draw because I thought they would sticking the port twice but later found out that the line they put in for the blood draw would stay and I would only be stuck once. Lesson learned. So my young chemo nurse, Jennifer, came over and was so sweet and talked me through what she was about to do and gave me the order of which I would receive my cocktail. The blood draw nurse, Lisa, was walking by and squatted down by my chair and offered me her hand when Jennifer got ready to stick the three prong line in my port. After Jennifer cleansed the area with alcohol she ask me if I wanted her to topically freeze the port before the stick? YEPPERS sure do. She froze it, I was told to take a deep breath all the while holding on to Lisa's hand and stick and it was in. Waaa hooo no pain.
Jennifer begain my regime with a little saline flush in which she mixed Phenagrin (antihistimine) and Aloxi (an anti-nausea drug). The Phenagrin being injected into the mainline that way gives me a little warm fuzzy, head silly feeling but quickly went away.
Below picture was the beginning of my infusion
After that part of the infusion, next came the Adriamycin aka Red Devil. The good thing about the Red Devil is that it takes only 10 minutes to drip in. The Red Devil also turns your urine red immediately but as much water as I drink, that didn't take long to get back to normal. (If you're thinking this is too much information, it's all part of the journey.)
See the bag of Red Devil ...
Once the Red Devil was finished, next came the Taxotere. This drug takes an hour to drip in and all the while I'm not feeling anything. I don't look so happy in these pictures but I was really glad to get the show on the road. The sooner I get these treatments started, the sooner they are finished. After the Taxotere came the Cytoxcin which also took an hour to drip. Once that was complete they do a 10 minute clear the line saline drip and then you are done.
You can see the port on the left side of the picture where the drugs are administered.
All in all the experience was not difficult. It was really cold in the infusion room which I'm sure helps people who might be experiencing nausea. I took my own blanket throw but ended up having to get one of their blankets as well. I had on jeans, socks with ankle high boots, tank top (easy access to port) and a sweater and I was freezing.
The feelings I had on my way home are somewhat hard to explain but my body core felt tender on the inside. Sounds strange I know but that was the feeling I got. I still have that feeling this morning some but no nausea. There's nausea meds coming here shortly to ensure that I remain ok.
In my meeting with Helena, Oncologist Nurse Practitioner, I mentioned to her about the Decadron sleep deprivation and she said she could get me a prescription for sleep so I ended up with Ambien. They tell you to have everything done before taking the Ambien so at 7:30pm last night, I had had a shower and was finished with my day, took 1/2 of an Ambien, went right to sleep until about 12:45am. After waking at 12:45am, I dozed off and on the remainder of the night. Thankful for such a great group of medical personnel at The Center. Other information that I found out about the dosages of chemo drugs, they are all measured and go by your weight.
Here are a few more facility pictures I took trying to capture the beautiful bright facility where I will be taking the mere five remaining treatments.
There are three chairs on each side in each section of the infusion room.
My wonderful sweet friend, Alverna, taking a well deserved nap.
These ladies never stop. There are 22 chairs in the facility
and as the bags empty and the machine beeps, these ladies
are up and taking care of your next drip or getting you ready
to go home.
The front desk by where I was sitting.
This morning I am extremely fatigued and my face is flushed but Praising the Lord that (1) I have no nausea and (2) I have no headache. I'll begin my daily anti-nausea meds here shortly and then take another Decadron at 8:00am and the last one for this round at about 2:00pm. The anti-nausea drugs go through Thursday or however long I might need them. God is carrying me today as I feel I have not near enough strength to carry myself. I know God is right here with me and holding me up this morning.
Today I am claiming the following scripture. Lord I seek you in the days ahead as every day before. Thank you for bringing me this far down my journey.
Psalm 105:4
4 Look to the LORD and his strength;
seek his face always.
Blessings.
seek his face always.
Blessings.
gkmorrison12@gmail.com
Monday, November 28, 2011
The Bitter Taste of Insomnia
It appears that no matter how much energy I used yesterday, the steroids are going to win. After all I got accomplished yesterday morning and then a 3 1/2 hour shopping escapade with my sister as well as decorating for Christmas during the evening hours and a 10:30pm bedtime didn't faze the steroids. I woke at 11:45, waiting for the alarm to go off so I could take more steroids at 1:00am. I decided the anticipation of the alarm was the issue so I took the steroids at 12:40am and laid there patiently waiting for my sleep that didn't come so I got up at 1:45am and am now on the computer. It's almost 3:00am. I know these steroids serve a big purpose in my treatment so I will not be angry about these wakeful times.
I guess I will try to get back in the bed, I'm freezing sitting here at the computer because due to the many hot flashes that I'm having, I have to close the air vents in my bed and bathroom that are currently running heat. I sleep with two fans blowing right on me which produces cold flashes too. Oh well, the tired is temporary until the next treatment. Today I'm claiming the following scripture...
I hope you had a wonderful Sunday. I would love to hear from you.
Blessed and sending blessings!
gkmorrison12@gmail.com
I guess I will try to get back in the bed, I'm freezing sitting here at the computer because due to the many hot flashes that I'm having, I have to close the air vents in my bed and bathroom that are currently running heat. I sleep with two fans blowing right on me which produces cold flashes too. Oh well, the tired is temporary until the next treatment. Today I'm claiming the following scripture...
2 Corinthians 9:11
11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
I hope you had a wonderful Sunday. I would love to hear from you.
Blessed and sending blessings!
gkmorrison12@gmail.com
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Preparation, Praise and Prayer
Let's see ... preparation has been underway now for the beginning of my chemo treatments. I have accomplished a lot of the things that I wanted to get done. I forgot to get Gatorade yesterday at Sam's and I probably should really get back over there and get a case. In my chemo class they told me to drink at least 68 ounces of fluid in my waking hours. It doesn't have to be all water but if you know me well, you know I'm a big big water drinker but it can be Gatorade and such. They shy you away from coffee and tea. Now I do plan to have my 2 -- ok, maybe 3 cups of coffee in the mornings but after that it is water and Gatorade. I'm not a great big tea drinker unless my sister and I are out during happy hour for Sonic (2-4pm) and we go to our local Sonic which makes the very best tea, then I will drink a large tea. I will prepare and take me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with probably real Lays potato chips because my chemo starts at 11:00 and will run 3-4 hours. I can't imagine poison being dripped in to my body and me not eating. <smile> If I go see Jesus during these chemo treatments, I plan to be full. <smile> And don't worry, I will be on Benadryl, and so much anti-nausea medicine that I don't plan to get sick and if I do ... well I just do. This chemo has to be done and by cracky I'll get it done.
I praise the Lord for such a wonderful family and the family time we have gotten to share the past four days. Both my awesome nephews were here and we cooked together, shared meals, and watched football, napped and had such a good time. On Saturday we celebrated my grandson, Braxton's first birthday with a huge party for friends and family. Below are a few pictures. I didn't pictures of Braxton's other grandparents but I can get copies from Bonnie, I will post those also. Stay tuned!
Grammy and Braxton
Grammy G with Braxton
This morning we had a big breakfast before sending my nephews off. Justin works at Florida State University in Tallahassee and Travis works at Texas A&M. Both of them work in labs ... go figure, they both have a degree in molecular biology. These are two of the finest young men on the face of the earth. I love them both so much. Below are a couple pictures we took after we stuffed our face with sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, blueberry muffins and biscuits and jelly. Orange juice and coffee too. They will both be back in about three weeks for Christmas and of course none of us here can wait. Safe travels guys.
Justin and I.
Travis and I.
At 1:00am this morning, I began my Decadron (steroid), oh you know the one that you wake up and take to prepare your body for chemo that can cause insomnia? <smile> Believe it or not after I took it and laid there and thought about wanting an iPad, I went right back to sleep and woke up at almost 6:00am. I got up with jittery hands, went to the kitchen and made the coffee and in the meantime grabbed a banana and ate it. That seemed to help the jitters. LOL AND then let the energy begin. I had to run to Walmart and pick up a few things for breakfast, you know orange juice, eggs, biscuits, blueberry muffin mix, bacon and sausage <laughing> and it was a good thing there was no one in the store that early because I was doing wheelies with my cart, taking those corners like no other, walking down the aisles just grabbing stuff off without stopping (ok so that's a little fabrication), anyway, got checked out and back home in record time without speeding. After we ate and everyone left ... let the cleaning begin. Floors are dry and wet swiffered, little vacumming, windows cleaned, two loads of laundry, dishes unloaded from dishwasher ... Unbelievable how much energy two steroid pills can give you ... can't wait to see what the two that I just took (1:00pm) are going to do for me. I have to take two Decadron every 12 hours for three days so who knows what's on the agenda for the afternoon... roof the house, fix the fence <laughing>.
Praise ...
My left arm is getting so much better and stretching really good. I can almost touch the wall with my left side when I raise it like I can my right arm. Praise the Lord. I think I mentioned that the day after my surgery I was certain I would never be able to even move it again because it hurt so bad. And the Lord said ... "Be still and know that I am God. Patience Gena, I've got this under control". I continue to praise my awesome Lord and know that He has everything under control. I have no worries because what ever comes my way, He already has a plan for me.
My friend, Alverna, who is always here for me and will be taking me tomorrow for my chemo and staying there with me. While we aren't sure she can stay in the infusion room with me, she can come in and visit with me.
Prayers please!
* Safe travels for my nephews. Justin's drive takes about 12 hours and Travis about 3 hours.
* That my body will handle the chemo. To know me is to know that I do not like to take medicine and now will be taking, as far as I'm concerned, the strongest of the strong.
** A dear friend of Alverna's fell and broke her hip this morning. Please pray for speedy and full recovery for Nancy.
I hope you and your family had a great and blessed Thanksgiving. Thank you for reading my blog and please share it with anyone. Cancer is a journey that no one has to go alone. I will be here for anyone traveling this journey. Let me hear from you if you get a minute. My email is below.
Blessings and much love.
gkmorrison12@gmail.com
I praise the Lord for such a wonderful family and the family time we have gotten to share the past four days. Both my awesome nephews were here and we cooked together, shared meals, and watched football, napped and had such a good time. On Saturday we celebrated my grandson, Braxton's first birthday with a huge party for friends and family. Below are a few pictures. I didn't pictures of Braxton's other grandparents but I can get copies from Bonnie, I will post those also. Stay tuned!
Grammy and Braxton
Daddy and Mommy watching Braxton eat his smash cake.
Pawpaw, Bonnie and Braxton
Grammy G with Braxton
Cousins and Uncle Colton (in the back) playing in the ball
house that Uncle Scott and Aunt Steph got Braxton.
Braxton lost his passenger. He pushed Madelyn back and forth across the den a bunch of times on the choo choo train.
This morning we had a big breakfast before sending my nephews off. Justin works at Florida State University in Tallahassee and Travis works at Texas A&M. Both of them work in labs ... go figure, they both have a degree in molecular biology. These are two of the finest young men on the face of the earth. I love them both so much. Below are a couple pictures we took after we stuffed our face with sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, blueberry muffins and biscuits and jelly. Orange juice and coffee too. They will both be back in about three weeks for Christmas and of course none of us here can wait. Safe travels guys.
Justin and I.
Travis and I.
At 1:00am this morning, I began my Decadron (steroid), oh you know the one that you wake up and take to prepare your body for chemo that can cause insomnia? <smile> Believe it or not after I took it and laid there and thought about wanting an iPad, I went right back to sleep and woke up at almost 6:00am. I got up with jittery hands, went to the kitchen and made the coffee and in the meantime grabbed a banana and ate it. That seemed to help the jitters. LOL AND then let the energy begin. I had to run to Walmart and pick up a few things for breakfast, you know orange juice, eggs, biscuits, blueberry muffin mix, bacon and sausage <laughing> and it was a good thing there was no one in the store that early because I was doing wheelies with my cart, taking those corners like no other, walking down the aisles just grabbing stuff off without stopping (ok so that's a little fabrication), anyway, got checked out and back home in record time without speeding. After we ate and everyone left ... let the cleaning begin. Floors are dry and wet swiffered, little vacumming, windows cleaned, two loads of laundry, dishes unloaded from dishwasher ... Unbelievable how much energy two steroid pills can give you ... can't wait to see what the two that I just took (1:00pm) are going to do for me. I have to take two Decadron every 12 hours for three days so who knows what's on the agenda for the afternoon... roof the house, fix the fence <laughing>.
Praise ...
My left arm is getting so much better and stretching really good. I can almost touch the wall with my left side when I raise it like I can my right arm. Praise the Lord. I think I mentioned that the day after my surgery I was certain I would never be able to even move it again because it hurt so bad. And the Lord said ... "Be still and know that I am God. Patience Gena, I've got this under control". I continue to praise my awesome Lord and know that He has everything under control. I have no worries because what ever comes my way, He already has a plan for me.
My friend, Alverna, who is always here for me and will be taking me tomorrow for my chemo and staying there with me. While we aren't sure she can stay in the infusion room with me, she can come in and visit with me.
Prayers please!
* Safe travels for my nephews. Justin's drive takes about 12 hours and Travis about 3 hours.
* That my body will handle the chemo. To know me is to know that I do not like to take medicine and now will be taking, as far as I'm concerned, the strongest of the strong.
** A dear friend of Alverna's fell and broke her hip this morning. Please pray for speedy and full recovery for Nancy.
I hope you and your family had a great and blessed Thanksgiving. Thank you for reading my blog and please share it with anyone. Cancer is a journey that no one has to go alone. I will be here for anyone traveling this journey. Let me hear from you if you get a minute. My email is below.
Blessings and much love.
gkmorrison12@gmail.com
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