Day 3 After 4th Round of Chemo

Day three after my chemo and with the Neulasta shot that I get on Tuesday evening to build my white blood cells back up, seems to be the harder of my days.  I decided today I would try to take one Tylenol every 4 hours just to ward off some of the flu-like systems that I personally get which includes joint and bone discomfort, weakness, mild headache.  I know that I will feel like this pretty much just one day and also that some of the effects can be due to the chemo on Monday.  

My appetite has down graded a bit which is usual for me after chemo.  When the appetite goes down so does my weight.  I do however, eat regardless of not much of an appetite as I want to keep my strength up.

By last night, I began feeling the thrush coming back in to my mouth so I began the thrush medicine to try to stop that.  One of the big clues is my tongue starts getting a white coat on it and my tooth paste burns so it will be soda to brush with until the thrush subsides.

Very happy about getting to take the 4th round of chemo and know that I am on the home stretch for the chemo.  Thank you Lord.

Praises:
*  I'm able to be up some and eat a little here and there.  My fruit juices and ice cold water are setting well with my tummy.
*  That my sweet sister is able to give me the Neulasta shot even though it's tough on her.  Sometimes the shot as it goes in burns and I whimper (natural response) but it un-nerves her because it's me.  Thank you Pat.
*  No nausea side affects from the chemo.

Prayer Requests:
*  The ladies I spoke to at the Center on Monday who had much more aggressive breast cancer than I and who are having to take so many additional chemo treatments.
*  My energy level and appetite.

Blessed and sending you blessings.
 genam44@charter.net

Nothing but PRAISE!

Yesterday was my scheduled round 4 of chemo and Praise the Lord, I was able to take it and it went off without a hitch.  I'm so thankful that I was able to get this round in because we all know what that means .... ONLY 2 ROUNDS TO GO.  Praise the Lord.

My blood counts were good so it  happened.  As this was my 4th treatment, I knew what to expect and knew I would be OK.  Once I got to the chemo room after my blood draw and visit with Helena, Nurse Practitioner, I had to wait for 1 hour and 5 minutes for them to get my infusion started because of so many ahead of me.  I was able to have my half sandwich and chips before the treatment so that really was a good thing.

While taking my infusion and after my nap from the IV injection of the Benadryl, I got up out of the recliner and unhooked myself from the plug for my IV and away I went to walking, rolling the IV pole with me.  Walked about five times through the whole chemo area which felt good.  I believe the combo of Benadryl and sitting for 3-4 hours at one stretch makes me weak and makes me feel bad so I have decided I will be walking during these last two remaining treatments. 

The infusion was finished by 4:15pm and away I went.  Got home and cooked dinner because I was starving.  After dinner, I knew I was fading fast so I showered and laid down on the couch and pretty much slept all evening until about 8:30pm when I made myself get up and get in bed.  My energy level had dropped by then.  Alicia ask me if I needed to sleep on the couch but I knew that I would sleep better in my own bed.
And I did.  There were wakeful times during the night but nothing of great length.  I slept pretty warm and most of the night without a head cover ... that means I was really warm.  Not feverish, just the results of steroids and chemo drugs.  This morning my face is as red as a beet but it's all part of day 2.

This morning finds me up and about, moving slowly but I'm ok with that.  I've had breakfast and juice and now on to the ice water.  I feel my tongue coating over which means I could be getting thrush mouth again.  Yesterday I ask Helena if she would give me a prescription for the Diflucan for thrush just in the event I got it. She was so sweet and gave me enough for this treatment and the final two, just in case.  I will not take unless I know I have it for sure.  After finding out what thrush looks like, I feel sure I have had it every time I've taken chemo, just didn't know it.

Praises:
*  That I was able to take the chemo yesterday.
*  That God led me to the Center and Dr. Young for my care.  Heard horror stories from other facilities in Fort Worth.  I feel so blessed with such good medical teams that have my absolute best interest at hear.
*  Feeling fairly good for today.
*  Continued support of my family.
*  Thankful for awesome friends who offer and help me.
*  Ability to work from home and stay in the mix of the goings on.

Prayer Request:
*  Got stories from women walking though breast cancer yesterday and they really need our prayers.  They experience nausea, extended treatment, reconstructions gone awry.  We had the opportunity to share our stories with each other yesterday and it was amazing for me to hear what all these women have gone through. Praising God that He has blessed with me and I've had minimal issues.
*  Those beginning their journey.

Leaving you feeling extremely blessed and sending you blessings!

 genam44@charter.net

First Dose of Steroids

Sunday began the steroids again for round 4 of chemo today.  JUST THINK .. only two rounds left after today. Praise the Lord.

The steroids kicked in early and I could not sit still.  The day's accomplishments -  Cleaned out and rearranged the pantry and had to use the drawer we had given Madelyn to put toys in when she is in the kitchen with us.  Moved lots of items that needed to be located in more user friendly places.  Next came Tootie's bath and trim up around her eyes and tail.  My groomer is the greatest but she clips Tootie in a true Shih Tzu cut and long eye lashes and long tail does not work for me or her.  The hair around her eyes causes infections and well I probably don't need to tell you what a long tail does when she potties.   Bathroom clean ups came next.  That alone wears me out but I persevered.   Next came a bite of lunch with my sister and off to the office we went so I could get something accomplished that had to be done there. Got home about 3:00pm and had a snack and in my room I came to make file folders for all the separate medical expenses I'm receiving to pay.  Organization has a way of calming me.  I looked up at it was 4:30pm and time to start dinner.  Got the pork loin in the oven, prepared sweet potatoes (my Thanksgiving sweet potatoes = YUMMO) and broccoli.  Came back and finished up the file folders.  Went and finished up dinner and my sister, Alicia and Madelyn and I enjoyed.  Alicia cleaned the kitchen and then it was play time with Madelyn while Mommy ran to the store.  Ended up staying up until 10:00 (late for me)... slept until 1:30am and then it was waking time until 3:30am.  Woke up again at 4:30am and got up at 5:00am.  Steroids are great for energy and definitely help with the whole chemo process and I'm so thankful for them but they really mess your sleeping up.  I will work this morning until time to leave for my chemo and take my laptop with me to work while I sit and get the infusion.

Praises:
*  Unspoken prayer request was answered yesterday and I know this because I felt the calm come over me as God answered the prayer.  YES, I believe in prayer.
*  Greatest day yesterday after having felt so incredible lousy for about 4-5 weeks.  Praising God for wonderful earthly physicians and always His awesome healing hands.
*  My family
*  My friends

Prayer Request:
*  A dear friend going through some family issues right now.  She and her family needs our prayers.  No name necessary just prayers.
*  Those who may beginning their journey through a new cancer diagnosis and/or chemo today.
*  I am able to take my 4th round of chemo this morning after having all the issues last week.
*  A decision I'm wanting to make after I find out additional information.

Thank you for your continued emails, texts and most of all your prayers.

Love and many blessings on this magnificent Monday.

 genam44@charter.net

Getting a Little Hat Support

My little grandbabies have been kind of intrigued with my bald head and also me wearing hats all the time now.  Madelyn constantly holds out her little hand to touch my head with or without my cap.  I decided yesterday that I would put one of the many head coverings I have to see how she would like it.  Here's a picture of her and I with our head coverings.

She keeps it on for a while and then realizes she has it on and off it comes.  She will pick it back up and try to put it on herself.  She usually needs a little help.

Above:  A girl needs a hat and a pacifier to ride the choo-choo and Aunt Pat to work a puzzle.

Today I hope to get to see Braxton and get some pictures with him in one of my hats... a more manly color than purple of course.  I can't wait to see him.

Saturday was busy trying to organize the medical bills and make files for each entity that I owe.  Organization is the only way a person could keep up with all these bills.  You get bills from people and places you don't know but somehow they touched a piece of your life (blood, cultures, x-rays, etc) so it is all good.  I praise God for the folks who have taken care of me, whether I've met them or they are behind the scenes and for the job I have that affords me to pay these bills.

I masked up and had my hat on and my sister and I went to Walmart yesterday.  Yes, I got stared at just a few times but it's not everyday you see a bald headed lady with a mask walking through Walmart.  <laugh>  I was perfectly OK wearing the mask.  I ask my sister if she was embarrassed and she said "absolutely not".  The one thing that I needed that I would have had to walk by the pharmacy to get, my sister when and got for me so I didn't go anywhere near where people were getting prescriptions.  When I'm not in my bubble (my house), I feel much safer with a mask.  The picture below was taken at the Center last week when I had my blood work.  And if you have not ever had the opportunity to buy a box of these masks, they are $10.00 for 25 of them and that works out to .40 cents each.  Well if your nose drips while you have these on, that makes for an expensive tissue.  <laughing out loud>  Just thankful I have the masks.

It is unbelievable how much better my surgery scar under my left arm where they took the 16 lymph nodes feels by doing the procedures that Linda, lymphedema therapist, has shown me.  I believe the clump of tissue that was left under the incision is actually shrinking in size which is a blessing.  When my bat wing (my flabby underarm muscle) rubs on the clump of tissue, it gets kinda sensitive.  I want to begin doing some arm exercises which I have been given the OK to do.  I need to find my 2 1/2 lb weights ... don't want to start out with too much.  <smile>  I figure every little bit helps and it's better than doing nothing.  Right?  Right!

Today I begin the steroids for round 4 of chemo which is scheduled for tomorrow.  Praying that I can stay on schedule and I ask that you pray that also.  I have run a low grade temp everyday since Wednesday which the hospital doctors told me was normal and should not interfere with the chemo.  I have kept and will take my temp log with me tomorrow along with the medicine log of the meds I was sent home from the hospital with just so everyone knows what I've taken and what has gone on with the temp.

Gotta run and get the day going ... after all it's already 6:18am.  My internal alarm clock continues to wake me up at 4:30am so I figure my body has had it's needed amount of sleep.  Let's get the day going.

Praises:
*  Great Saturday
*  Got out of the house for a bit
*  Organization has begun for medical bills
*  Madelyn is beginning to feel better from her ongoing sinus infection
*  My family
*  My friends
*  My life

Prayer Request:
*  Fever doesn't keep me from taking the chemo
*  Unspoken request ... God knows what it is
*  Those who may be facing their first chemo treatment tomorrow

Thank you as always for the prayers.

Love and many blessings!

 genam44@charter.net

Saturday Morning

My first week of 'basic isolation' went pretty well.  <smile>  I got a few phone calls, texts and emails that helped me know folks were still out there. <smile>  I was able to work all week and get so much accomplished.  I have the same hours here as I do when I'm in the office - 7:00 to 3:30.  When 3:30 rolls around, the laptop is put away safely for the next day.  I need to get a few things from the office so I will go up there this weekend while no one is there.  I miss my co-workers and the hub-bub of the office but I know I'll be back among them before too long.

I feel good and my appetite is good.  My weight has maintained through this whole surgery and chemo treatment so far.  Last year around February I think, I joined Weight Watchers and lost the 17 pounds that had sneaked up on me.  I reached Lifetime member at WW.  My goal is to begin doing some sort of exercise since being under the care of Linda, my lymphedema therapist.  She has been so informative about all phases of  lyphedema 'do's and don't's' and I am so thankful God put her in my life.  I miss my exercise but she's given me the go-ahead for light exercise.

I mentioned Thursday in my post about the book, A Good Day Anyway, I received in the mail from A.G.  I want to share the Afterword from Mr. Massey, primarily the way a cancer patient feels and unless you have had the disease, it is hard to comprehend these feelings ... and know I do not want anyone to ever have to go through this just to comprehend.  Mr. Massey writes in his Afterword of the book ....

Cancer undoubtedly has an affect on everyone it touches.  The lives of the patients, loved ones, and friends are forever changed.  How cancer changes each of us is different.  During my first battle with cancer, my daughter, Amber was just nine months old.  I was determined to beat the cancer and be there for her in the years to come.  Amber and I were best friends as she grew up.  I took her to her first day of school and to all the activities she was involved in.  


Amber was eleven when I learned I had cancer again.  The odds were not in my favor and this news hit her very hard.  As the treatment went on and I looked worse and worse, both Amber and her mother started to slowly distance themselves from me.  They each admitted to me after I had beaten the cancer, that they had not expected me to make it.  The emotional separation was a defense mechanism to lessen the blow of my death when it came.  I know they were trying to protect their feelings, but is was extremely difficult for me.  


Having cancer a second time changed me too.  I had survived, and I knew that I couldn't afford to have cancer again.  Major lifestyle adjustments, including my diet, exercise and attitude were essential for my continued existence.  These were not easy for my family and made the emotional struggles we were already having even more complicated.


Eventually these struggles took their toll.  I beat the cancer, but lost my family.  My wife and I divorced and my daughter chose to live with her mother.  I was extremely lonely for several years after the divorce.


On the surface, I was doing everything right.  I continued to live a healthy life.  I didn't need or want any unnecessary possessions.  But inside I felt that no one would ever be able to understand me.  Most people just don't comprehend the special ingredient that makes life meaningful for me.  I was fully prepared to live out my days alone, but life had other plans for me.


Three years ago, I met someone that lived life the same way I did.  This amazing person is now my wife.  The first time Karen and I had a conversation, I knew she "got it."  She knew exactly how I felt on every aspect of life, because she felt the same way.  Karen survived childhood leukemia and a horrible car accident as a teenager.  She also values a healthy lifestyle. We both know that we are fortunate to be alive and strive to put gratitude first in everything we do.


We have been married for over a year and I have never been so happy.  Amber is grown now and chooses not to be in my life.  I know a time will come when we will be able to sort out our differences.  Until then, I want her to know that I will always love her and I am grateful for her.  She is the reason  these poems exist.  She is the reason I still exist.


I believe everything happens for a reason.  and I know that what my mother has told me since I was a child is true.  "No matter how bad things seem to be, they always will work out."


So what does Mr. Massey's Afterword of his book mean to me?  While his cancer was very severe and I praise God that he survived not once but twice ... I get it.  I get the healthy lifestyle ... eating, exercise, attitude.  I have been a semi-health nut for most of my life but having cancer drives this inside your being even more.  I have always been thankful for my health and the ability to do the many things I do.  When cancer struck my body, my determination kicked in even more.  My heart aches as I see many who chose to abuse their bodies with smoking, alcohol, over eating, prescription drugs, street drugs, an inactive lifestyle, etc.   Why?  Your body is a temple of God.  If God walked up to you today and said, "So and so, why are you abusing the body that I gave you?"  What would you say?  As you read this, you probably think I've lost my last marble but trust me I haven't.  I know exactly what I'm saying and why I'm saying it.  Your health is so important and your body was not meant for abuse.  Take care of it.  It is the only body you will ever have.  Don't wait until it's too late and you hear those words, "you have cancer (or something else)" and say "Boy, how I wished I had taken better care of myself."  Start today.  The end result will be well worth the effort.

Every week I receive an email newsletter from Sheree at Joan Katz Breast Center located in Baylor-All Saints Hospital.  Sheree is a jewel and I know God put her where she is because she is such a wonderful Christian lady who loves people.  Yesterday she shared the following...

Glenda Brooks is our counselor and she is also one of the most disciplined people I have ever known. She shared with me a song called “I’m Gonna Shine” by Maurice Chevalier. It is a wonderful and upbeat song. She said that she plays it every morning and it is simply impossible to have a bad attitude after listening to that song! So, I put it on my iPod and I have listened to it on the way to work every day this week and she is so right! It is impossible to have a bad attitude when listening to that song! The words are great and his French accent make it so much better!!

My friends, whatever your lot in life. Rich, poor, tall, short, sick, healthy, male, female…don’t let your attitude be your handicap! Make up your mind to shine today and everyday! Listen to Maurice and you cannot help but smile!!!

I'm Gonna Shine
This morning when I woke up, I said to myself, I’m gonna shine, I’m gonna shine today.

Made up my mind I’m gonna shine today.

I’m feeling fit and in condition

I’ve got a sunny disposition

I’m gonna walk to work across the park

Even though the skies are dark and gray

No matter what the sun is doing, I’m gonna shine today1

I’m gonna shine I’m gonna shine today.

I feel so fine I’m gonna shine today

When rainy weather comes a streaming

Just look at me and I’ll be beaming

I’m gonna shine I’m gonna shine today

I’m gonna laugh and smile the time away

Exactly like it was a holiday

No matter what the sun is doing I’m gonna shine today

I’m all lit up inside and glowing

So full of cheer I’m overflowing

As far as I’m concerned it’s blue above

The weather’s lovely and the month is May

No matter what the sun is doing I’m gonna shine today

I’m gonna shine made up my mind

I’m gonna shine, I’m gonna shine today!!!

Here is the YouTube link if you wish to listen to the song.  It will make you happy.   
(NOTE:  Pat, it's ok to click on this link, I promise.  <smile>) 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaaapzjJmMY

I pray for you today if you are fighting one of the demons I mentioned above.  I pray that God will lessen the pull of the drugs, cigarettes, eating habits, etc so that you can get on a healthy road for living.  The efforts and struggles will be well worth the end result.

Prayer Request:
*  Round 4 of chemo on Monday ... I will have only two left.  Exciting!
*  Fever doesn't get in the way of the chemo.  Had low grade three days this week.
*  Anyone who heard the words "you have cancer" this week.  They need our prayers.

Praises:
*  My family
*  My friends
*  Feeling good
*  My life

Praising my God and Holding His Hand.

 genam44@charter.net

Beautiful Thursday

Update from Wednesday Afternoon
Yesterday I was working and about 1:30pm I began feeling really draggy and achy and guess what I suspected?   FEVER!  Yes, I took my temperature and I had 99.5.  My hospital doctor and Infectious Disease Doctor told me to expect a little temperature along the way.  I took my two Tylenol, left work for an hour (that means I had to walk to the den), got in my recliner and dozed off to sleep for bit.  When I woke, I immediately took my temp again and it was down to 99.1 ... good deal, it's on the way down.  By dinner time, it was down to normal and stayed down all evening.  Praise the Lord!  About 1:30am this morning, I woke up and knew that it was back up.  At that time it was 99.1 so again the two Tylenol and back to bed.  I woke temp free this morning and have remained that way all day.  Praise the Lord!



Due to being in the hospital last week, I had to cancel two of my appointments with the Lymphedema Therapist but I called today at 8:20am and just so happened she had a cancellation at 9:00am.  I got in gear and got there for another wonderful informational appointment.  I wanted to ensure that I was doing the lymph node drainage procedures the correct way and for the most part I was.  She showed me two extra things that I can do (she said because I was a good and aware patient) and I'm really happy to have these two additional procedures.  Ms. Linda also measured my left arm again and not much had changed from the original measurements which means my arm is not really swelling.  Praise the Lord!  From the measurements, she has a chart which determines the size of compression sleeve I will need.  My sleeve will not go over my hand (Praise the Lord) but rather stop at my wrist.  AND I do not have to wear it all the time, primarily when I exercise, yard work, vaccum (yuck), or anything of repetitive motion. She gave me a sheet for recording my arm measurements every 1 to 2 months.  She told me not to get obsessed (hmmm she must know me better than I knew <smile>).  This way I can keep up with any changes that I might not can feel.  I feel blessed that I have yet another wonderful medical person in my life.



As of today I have finished two of the prescriptions that I was sent home with.  You know there's a little something scarey about finishing those because in my non-medical mind I think that at least I am protected by taking the antibiotics (viral doesn't respond to this tho) and the Naproxen which is an anti-inflammatory and fever suppressant.  I still have Diflucan which is for the thrush.  I sure hope I don't get that again, it was painful.  Anyway ... I know God is healing my body and I rest assured He is taking care of me even with the meds being finished.



Yesterday I received a book in the mail with a hand-written note from a friend.  A.G. if you are reading my blog, I cannot thank you enough for sharing this book.  The book is titled  ... A Good Day Anyway ... My Poetic Journal of Cancer Survival ... by Dave W. Massey.  Mr. Massey has survived cancer twice (as well as the treatment).  During his treatment, he wrote poetry.  It is truly an inspiring set of poems that maybe someone who has not been through cancer and the treatment of such could learn something about the treatments.  More to come regarding this book.  Again thank you A. G. for sharing this book.

THANK YOU ---
This section is dedicated to my family.  They are my support and cheering section as I move through the ups and downs of my chemo.  They pick up the pieces for things that I am not able to do at this time.  They let me cry when I need to cry, they laugh when I laugh and they listen to my endless stories of how I feel. (Remember I don't have much outside life so I ain't got much to talk about.)  I love hearing the stories from their days because it is something other than fever, chemo, blood counts, etc.  I pray for each and every one  of my family and so thankful that God chose you all to be mine.  So family and friends who are truly my extended family your support, help, and love is priceless.  My awesome Lord how you have blessed me.

Please keep your prayers flowing.  I know God hears each and every one of them.
Much love and many blessings.

 genam44@charter.net

Little Update

Monday was my blood count check so off I went to Center to have that done.  I wore a mask the entire time I was in there because as you can imagine, I am a little scared now.  Ms. Cindy, the nurse that gives me my blood report got the report back and said, "You can take that mask off, your counts are excellent."  Excellent blood counts are wonderful and I'm so thankful but I still kept the mask on until I got outside.  I came home and logged in and worked the remainder of the day.  Lesson learned that day is that I must get up and walk around even if in my house because my chest where my incisions are and just not feeling up to complete par, I was miserable the rest of the evening.  Couldn't wait to shower and get in the bed where I could lay down.

Tuesday I got up feeling much better (Thank you Lord) and was able to work.  IT issues caused me a problem but hopefully this morning that has been corrected.  After work I cooked dinner and it was so good. We had some organic chicken breast that I soaked in brine water all day and then made chicken strips and yes, I battered and fried them, made some gravy, sauteed fresh spinach in a little bacon grease and topped with a couple strips of bacon and sweet potato fries.  It was so good and I'm taking advantage of being able to eat while my appetite is good.  This Saturday I must get to Weight Watchers to weigh in for this month.  My weight is maintaining what it was when I started this journey.  Over the weekend I was taking steroid breathing treatments and that causes weight gain and my weight went up for a few days but has gone back down.  I was able to get out yesterday before the rain and walk up and down my street twice.

I continue to do my manual lymph node drainage exercises that I got from the lymphedema therapist before I got sick.  I need to make a couple more appointments with her for the appointments I missed last week while in the hospital.  I feel this is an important part of this journey.  Knowledge is power and I do not want to just blow this off and say "oh well, so my arm is swollen" ... and yes, there are people out there that say that.  I also need to be fitted for my compression sleeve.

I continue to take the prescriptions that I was sent home with and know they continue to work on any infection that may be remaining.  Praising God for feeling better and knowing there is a light at the end of this tunnel.

Thank you for your prayers, please keep those coming.  Prayers are priceless.

Love and many blessings for your wet Wednesday.

 genam44@charter.net

My Journey Took A Detour

From my Jesus Calling devotional book ... January 18
I am leading you along the high road, but there are descents as well as ascents.  In the distance you see snow-covered peaks glistening in brilliant sunlight. Your longing to reach those peaks is good, but you must not take shortcuts.  Your assignments is to follow Me, allowing Me to direct your path.  Let the heights beckon you onward, but stay close to me.

Learn to trust Me when things go "wrong".  Disruptions to your routine highlight your dependence on Me.  Trusting acceptance of trials brings blessings that far outweigh them all.  Walk hand in hand with Me through this day.  I have lovingly planned every inch of the way.  Trust does not falter when the path becomes rocky and steep.  Breath deep draughts of My Presence, and hold tightly to My hand.  Together we can make it!
Scripture verses:  John 23:19; 2 Corinthians 4:17: Habakkuk 3:19

When you read my blog post below, you might understand even more why I depend of my Father in Heaven to direct and guide me through not just this journey but my journey of life.  Without Him I could not make it through this or any other journey in my life.  I am so thankful for my loving Father who stays with me and directs me when my journey is on the straight and narrow or takes a detour.

Wednesday, January 18
The morning started out as any other morning, got up and got coffee, ready for work and 5:30am out the door.  Talked to my sister for about 10 minutes when my brother beeped in and talked to him until 6:00 when I got the office.  Felt good, was congested from all the stuff that blew in over the weekend but didn't think much about it.  All that changed by 7:00am when all of a sudden I started feeling very cold.  By 7:30 when my boss (S.C.) came in to my office to get some information, I was beginning to shiver.  I ask him if he thought it was cold in my office and he said no, but come to my office, it's warmer in there.  His office was warmer and we finished doing what needed to be done and back to my office I went.  Colder and colder I got as the minutes ticked away.  By 8:15am I realized that shivering with two thick sweaters on was an issue.  My temp had to be sky high.  I told his secretary I was leaving and she ask me if I was OK?  No, I wasn't but I needed to go home.  She got S.C. and he ended up driving me home.

On the way home, I called the Center and told them I knew I had over 100 degree temp and they told me to come in at 3:00pm.  Once I got home and took my fever I should have called them back.  It was 103.7.  I took Tylenol and laid in my recliner covered up.  S.C. ended up coming to get me and take me back to the center.  Blood work was done and when Helena, Nurse Practitioner, came in and examined me, she said, I want to get Dr. Y, Oncologist).  I didn't care who she wanted to get because I was laying down on that exam table and it just felt good to be laying down.  Dr. Y checked me over and had a real concern with the temp and said she felt like I needed to be in the hospital.  I told her I was just fine with that.  They sent me back upstairs to have my port capped off so that the hospital would use it instead of sticking me a gillion times.  Praise the Lord for ports (even tho I have fussed about it).  In a matter of 15 minutes, the medical staff at the Center had my paperwork ready for me to head up to Baylor-All Saints.

Once inside I got registered and the nice man who registered me, J. C., called for transport but there were three people needing rides in front of me.  He goes and gets a wheel chair and takes me himself.  It was after 5:00pm by now and lots began happening around me.  The hospitalist doctor, Dr. V, came in talked to me and set out a plan.  My sister got there and of course being a nurse she had questions ... and of course I didn't have any answers. <smile>  We are a pair when it comes to medical stuff.   Hooked up now to a fast dripping IV and a plan in place, I felt good to be in such a good facility where I knew I would be taken care of and all I wanted to do was get that hospital gown on and get in that bed and lay down. <smile>  My girls got there as fast as they could and boy was I happy to see them too.

Let the Test Begin
I won't go in to all the details but they ran massive blood test, throat cultures, lung x-rays, breathing treatments and on and on and on.  Nothing!  By Thursday Dr. V. felt the issue was viral but he was calling in an infectious disease doctor (IDD).  In case you aren't aware, viral is airborne. Now I don't know about you but when a doctor tells me that he is calling in an infectious disease doctor I begin thinking ... Well I probably caught the one little bitty germ that blew through NRH from Indonesia.  GREAT!  And then I think, there's probably no cure except the floo-floo tree leaf in Indonesia.  GREAT!  I will never be cured because Texas is probably too hot to grow a floo-floo-tree to cure me.  I continued getting major antibiotics, congestion medicines, Tylenol, and many other things, IV and oral but that was to treat the bacterial infections I had because there is no cure for viral infections, they must run their course.  The IDD, Dr. B, visited me on Friday afternoon and he had quite the personality.  He had reviewed my file and all the tests results and told me it was a viral infection in my lungs and trachea.  He put me on an anti-inflammatory for my lungs and oral antibiotics and told me when I was temp free for 24 hours I could go home.


Little Side Note:   Let's talk about Thrush ... Fungal Infection in Your Mouth and Throat
Now I don't know about you but if you've had children, thrush was always something you didn't want your children to get.  Luckily my girls never got thrush so I had no clue what to expect.  When I was at the Center on Tuesday and Helena was examining me, she said open your mouth.  She said, "can you taste your food?"  No, not really.  She said, "Well you've got thrush in the back of your mouth and probably down your esophagus."  Great ... now I at least knew why the two previous nights I had woken during the night with a 987 degree inferno in my throat.  Dr. V put me on the medicine to clear this fungal infection up and after just two of the pills my throat got much better.  Of course it takes more than two pills to get rid of this stuff so that's one of the prescrips I am taking here at home.  If you haven't ever had thrush ... be thankful ... if you have, you know what I'm talking about.  My thrush is a direct side affect of the chemo.  OH ... I'm very thankful my girls never got thrush because it would have been awful.


Going Home
Dr. V came in on Saturday morning and listened again to my lungs and told me that he was letting me go home.  By the time I got out in the early afternoon, I had been temp free for 24hours.  After he told me I could go home, we decided I would stay at least through lunch so I could get my antibiotic.  My friend, Greta, had come up to visit so she said she would stay and take me home.  Awesome ... going home, paperwork cleared, medicine instructions and ride home all in one place.  All we had to do when we got ready was to let the nurse know so she could get someone to walk us out.  That's mandatory.  After lunch, I got my antibiotic and we got rounded up and away we went.  It was wonderful knowing you have been cared for by the very best medical personnel there is and you feel better and are going home.

On the way home, Greta and I talked and laughed.  Her and her hubby and I have been friends for 35+ years so we have lots of history and good memories.  We ran through the Walgreens and left my six .. yes, six prescriptions and on to the house we go.  Here's a picture of my house.  I was standing in my sisters garage when I took this.

I didn't get to go home but was staying at my sisters across the street because my sweet grand daughter that lives with me had spiked a temp Saturday morning.  I was getting closer to home and I could at least see it.  God does have a sense of humor, doesn't He?  <smile>

Chasing a rabbit here ... Noisey Hospital Halls
The first three nights in the hospital were not good sleeping nights because it seemed so noisey ... all night long.  Now don't think I'm talking about nurses coming in and bothering me because they didn't but literally the hall noise kept me awake.  Bruce (Greta's hubby) works at Baylor-All Saints and he would come up during the day to check on me and finally I ask him if he could get me a fan?  He said he sure would try ... and not only did he try but he got me one and we turned that little booger on and Saturday night I slept seven hours with only one waking time during the night.  WHY had I not thought about that earlier?  Lesson learned.    Thank you Bruce for coming to my rescue.

The Road Ahead
None of us know what's on the road ahead but I will continue on my way with God by my side.  I will keep my eyes on Him and know that He has my road all mapped out but He is not ready to share it with me yet.  Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight".  I like straight paths but must say this detour was an adventure and God brought several more wonderful people in my life.  I want to maintain as good of health as possible and finish out my treatments.  I will be working from home these next several weeks, staying in my bubble.  As a reminder and this is not about me but if you have friends who are unable to get out and about due to health or other reasons, remember those friends.  They know that everyone's else's life is continuing on and they might feel isolated so send a card or email, make a phone call and let them know you are thinking about them.  I know that my treatment is going to end and soon enough I will be able to get out and about.  Thank you family and friends for supporting me and being here.  I get a few emails from primarily folks I have worked with over the years and it's always good to hear what's going on in their lives.  I know I am not walking my journey alone, God has and will continue to walk with me during this time and all the time after as well as my family and friends.  I am thankful!  I cannot and will not tell you that I am upbeat all the time because I'm not.  I have had several down times in the last 3-4 weeks but I do believe that it is because I have not felt up to par for some time.  This viral infection didn't just come on me in two days, I think it was incubating for a while and all the while I kept thinking, if I keep pushing forward surely I'm gonna feel better.  I've learned this is NOT the case in the situation I'm currently in .... pushing myself only will make things worse.  I've had a EYE OPENING experience and trust me, my blinders are off and I'm focusing on my body more and knowing that pushing is not in the cards for me right now.

I am happy to be home and feeling much better.  I will continue on with my treatments and working from home until they are finished.  There is a light at the end of this chemo tunnel and I can see it and I'm heading for it.  I am blessed and very thankful.

Love and many blessings!


 genam44@charter.net

Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine!

1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
   Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
   Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
   Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
   • Refrain:
     This is my story, this is my song,
     Praising my Savior all the day long;
     This is my story, this is my song,
     Praising my Savior all the day long.
2. Perfect submission, perfect delight,
   Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
   Angels, descending, bring from above
   Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
3. Perfect submission, all is at rest,
   I in my Savior am happy and blest,
   Watching and waiting, looking above,
   Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

I love, praise and rest in the assurance that my Lord  fills me with His love, comfort and grace.  

It was a wonderful day on Sunday. I hope you had a great day too.

 genam44@charter.net

Renewed Energy and Appetite

Saturday morning I got up early and got my coffee which was not tasting all that good yesterday.  My mouth was somewhat coated from the chemo but Praise the Lord as the day wore on, the taste buds came back alive.  I just love my coffee in the early mornings not for the kick start because I drink 1/2 caff but the taste.  Anyway the morning was a little slow to get started, energy level was improving but not 100%.

I was hungry for breakfast and made myself two delicious scrambled eggs with a little cream cheese, Spanish rice, and hot sauce.  I cannot begin to tell you how good those eggs were.  My sister brought over turkey bacon which I could not eat due to being bitter to me and I had two pieces of toast.  Breakfast pretty much started my eating frenzy.  My girls and grandbabies did a little shopping and by the time we got home, it was lunch time.  I ran to Rosa's and got us crispy beef taco dinners which includes three tacos, rice and beans and fresh tortillas.  I was like an bottomless pit.  I ate all my meal and looked at my sisters dish for more rice and beans and then Alicia's dish for more and they had both eaten all theirs too.  I opted for a tortilla dipped in hot sauce and then another tortilla warmed with honey.  Lunch proved exhausting <laughing> so it was time for a little snooze before proceeding with the day.  A little hour or so nap and I got back up and my sister and I ran to Sam's.  On the way to Sam's, I indulged in the Drumstick ice cream treat.

At Sam's I got fresh raspberries, blueberries, avocados, brussel sprouts (love love love them), Parmesan crusted tilapia, fresh spinach and of course Coffee Mate (love my CM).  I am planning on making a fresh spinach salad tonight with mushrooms, red onion with bacon crumbles with warm dressing made from the bacon fat, vinegar and sugar.  My sister will prepare the chicken that goes with it and I may saute up some of the brussel sprouts.  YUMMO!

Dinner found us at our beloved Sammy's BBQ in Riverside.  Yes, another big meal for me.  Our friend, Anna, joined us and we met at 6:00pm for a time of fellowship, catch up and food.  Anna and I opted for the rib plate with the tart cole slaw and my sister got the chopped beef sandwich basket.  It was so so tasty and I ate all of mine except the french fries but I did manage the onion rings.  As we walked in, there was a man sitting with what appeared could have been his Father (elderly gent) and I had noticed him.  After the men had left, our sweet waitress, Vesta, came over and told us that the little man that was sitting by the door as we walked in had taken care of our dinner and she took all our tickets and crunched them up.    Of course by the time our sweet waitress told us the man had picked up our tab, he was gone and we could not thank him.  I had actually watched he and the elderly gent leave and the man was so helpful to the elderly gent and I thought how sweet it was.  We were all so touched and of course very appreciative.  I said a special prayer for the man who bought three unknown ladies dinner last night.  I know God will bless the man beyond measure.  Thank you kind sir for your generosity.

During our meal and afterwards, we got to visit and catch up.  After awhile the hats that I wear start to bother me so I was either going to have to take my hat off or we were going to have to leave.  I always wear a hat of some kind everywhere I go but that doesn't mean I leave it on.  After a few minutes, these hats begin to get on my nerves and I get hot and they feel like they are squeezing my head.  My family is the best because they don't care if I have a hat on or not and even in public places, they don't care.  My sister told me yesterday that I could actually be a pioneer for women who do not like to wear hats and have no problems going bald in to places.  That made me feel good.  And let me tell you about my hair.  Since the last picture I posted, more of my hair has fallen out BUT the hair on top of my head is growing and getting longer.  It is so funny and very unbelievable.  The hair that is growing of course is still connected and it is just like your hair, it hurts if I pull on it.  Now in the next three treatments it may all turn loose but for now it's growing like it's being fertilized.

And while we are on the subject of things growing, my nails are growing unbelievable amounts.  Praise the Lord and my nails have not turned blue from the one chemo drug (Taxotere) that I take.

So here ya have it... what was a very bad week from the chemo has made a big turn around and I am feeling much better with renewed energy and my wonderful appetite back.  Praise the Lord.  Thank you for following my eating frenzy and I know I most likely bore most who read this but this is the life of a chemo patient.  Thank you for your continue prayers, they mean so much to me.  God hears each and every one  of them and I  know He loves hearing from you.

Sending many blessings this blessed Sunday morning.


 genam44@charter.net