Gorgeous Morning!

I sat on the deck this morning and thanked God for a beautiful day.  There is low humidity, sun is shining, birds are singing and I feel great!  God is so good to me.

Sorry I haven't posted this week.  As I have said before when I don't have much to post just think positive thoughts for me.  Usually I am feeling good and have nothing to write.

I have no idea what my counts are right now but I am not going to worry about that because I feel "normal".  (No smart comments to yourself about my "normalcy"!)  I have had some bone pain so that tells me the Neulasta shot is doing its job.  I go for blood work on Tuesday and hope the counts are good.  If so I have lots planned to go do for the next week:)  I have cleaned the house the last few days in anticipation of being able to "play" this week.  Of course Rick says that means there will be an increase in store purchases!

There are so many positive parts to this journey.  I tend to struggle with that on my pity party days.  But lately I am learning on those dark days God just carries me and then He puts my down to walk with my two feet and Him holding my hand.  He never lets me go!   I hope each of you can take a minute to remember to enjoy the life He has given to you.

Enjoy this fourth of July week and the freedom we have to live in this country.

Much Better

I just came back from doing blood work.  All of my counts are good except the white blood cell count is low.  But not as low as it was the last time.  This is normal in receiving chemotherapy.  The good part is that the neutrophils (which are baby white blood cells and will become white blood cells) are high.  This means that the counts should continue to go up.  I am still being proactive about things but at least I know I have some defense mechanism going on in my body.  And my bones are aching so I know something is working.  It is not unbearable but I definitely know things are working in this old body.

I am beginning to feel the need to clean cabinets and closets.  I work very slowly but feel like I am making some progress in purging crap:)  For instance since I was in "giving shower" mode the last few years I don't think I will ever have to buy another napkin in my lifetime! If you ever eat here who knows what will be the color of the day!  At least I feel productive in staying home.

It looks like it is going to be quite hot by the end of the week in KC.  Good thing I have Netflix and lots of reading to do.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Sleeping Beauty

I really wouldn't say I was the "beauty" but sleeping is what I have been doing.

I finished my steroids Friday.  Saturday I was weak but yesterday was complete "lay on the couch" day.  Plus the doctor put me on a different antibiotic and it is making me feel weird also.   Why do they have to change things up????  I try to do a few things and then I am back down.  I walked on the treadmill for all of a quarter of a mile yesterday!  I keep telling myself next week will be good week:)

I have blood work tomorrow so I will see how the WBC is doing this time.  I know it will be down but hope it hasn't gone off the charts again.

It is hot in KC.  In fact I really haven't been out much.  I am trying to get motivated to do some "projects" I have been wanting to do but I keep procrastinating.  I am sure they will still be there when I feel better:)

Stay cool.

Never know!

Each treatment has been different.  I keep thinking I have it figured out but I am learning I have to take it day by day or even hour by hour!

With this being said number 3 red devil hasn't been bad.  Of course I am on steroids through Friday and I got the shot to increase my WBC today.  I have so many drugs in me that I wouldn't have a clue as to what is causing what!  At least no nausea this time.  I slept well last night.  I walked up the street this morning and have been vertical most of the day. I did have a short catnap this afternoon:)

A friend sent me a card today and it was perfect.  It said that she hoped I could feel God beside me, taking each step with me, quieting my heart and reminding me always of His love.

I KNOW God is with me always!

Three down!

The first 4 rounds of chemo I am receiving are called "the red devil".  I have now only one more of that treatment left:).  My counts were good today.  I did visit with the oncologist this morning.  He has prescribed an antibiotic for me to take on day 5 trough 11 after treatment.  He said my WBC will probably continue to plummet on these next two rounds of chemo.  But, hopefully, it will not affect the next 12 weeks of chemo after this.  I will be praying that God will allow me to continue the treatments on the scheduled time.

I am starving while having this infusion!  Rick has returned with some lunch:)

I will post more later!

Normalcy???

I have no idea what is "normal" anymore but these last few days I  have felt like a little of my life before cancer entered in it!

Friday Karlene and the boys spent the day with us.  Whew....a 2 year old boy sure does keep busy.  But a 6 week old little one is so content and relaxing to hold.  I got to experience all of it!  I was a little tired Friday evening but nothing more than I use to be keeping up with the grandkids.

Yesterday we went on a road trip.  Originally Karmen and family were to be here for a concert on Monday night but the concert was cancelled.  I really wanted to see them and my great nephew was having a high school graduation party.  So we drove to Washington, MO and spent the day.  I thoroughly enjoyed seeing family.

Today is a rest day.  Tomorrow is the day prior to infusion so I hydrate myself with lot of water.  Therefore I stay close to home (if you get my drift)!

I hope all of the dads have had a great Father's Day.

I will post after my infusion on Tuesday.  Keep praying that my counts are still up and I will proceed as planned.

Praise Be to God

As I have said before I really believe in the power of prayer and that God has me in his hands.  With that being said my white blood cell count is within normal range:)  It was at .4 last week and today was 4.9.  The nurse said she really couldn't believe I didn't end up in the hospital.  I told her I was bound and determined not to end up there and took all the precautions I could for the last week.  God also knew what He had in plan for me.   And I am ready to go somewhere today!

I have a physical therapy appointment this afternoon.  Rick can't wait to learn the "torture" massage he will do to help with the cording.  I may regret his ability to do this technique.

After our appointment we are doing something.  I have no idea what that will be but it will not be in this house.  It is very hot in KC but that will not stop me today.

Friday my little Petrie dish, Ethan, is coming over with his mom and little brother.  I am so excited to have him be here for the day.  He has not been to Mimi's and Papa's in a long time.  I also will get to see my other grandkids Monday as they are coming to KC for the day.  Life is good.

I have five days to enjoy before my next infusion on Tuesday.  I hope all of you have a good week also.

Praise Be to God!  This is the day the Lord hath made.  Rejoice and be glad in it.

Good weekend!

The weather has been perfect and I have felt good.  God is good!

Yesterday I held Mr. Emerson almost all afternoon.  I would say "little" Emerson but he weighed 10lbs. 13oz on Friday!  He is a hunk of joy! There is something so peaceful watching a baby sleep...especially if he is your grandson. Ethan was super excited about his train ride and came home wanting Papa to play outside.  I got to watch him running around like a madman!  It was a perfect day for me!

Today has been a productive day.  I know it sounds crazy but I was able to do some household chores that were bugging me.  Remember I am captive in my house at times so I see things that need to be done.  So as crazy as it sounds I cleaned the refrigerator and the pantry!  No more "expired" items around here.  I also defrosted the freezer in a little refrig we have in the basement.  I know I am sometimes obsessed with cleaning but I thoroughly enjoyed being able to do normal things!

I have blood work again Wednesday morning.  I sure hope the WBC is up and I can do some things before my next treatment on the 18th.

Looks like summer will be arriving this week in KC.  Stay cool!

Holy Moly!

It is an understatement when they say a side effect of the Neulasta shot is bone pain.  The pain I experienced last night cannot even be described.

I felt great yesterday.  In fact I even wore a mask and gloves and went to the grocery store.  But at about 10:30 last night the most excruciating pain attacked my lower back and hips.  I told Rick it was like having back labor with no relief.  I could not get comfortable.  I was only to take the Claritin for 4 days following the shot so I did not have that in my system.  I immediately took one.  The only relief was when I was standing.  Needless to say I did not sleep.  I was not running a fever and did not see the need to call the doctor.  I can only take Tylenol so I took that also.  Finally this morning around 7 it subsided.  I had aches but not the severe pain.  After the doctor's office opened I called the nurse.  She was not my normal nurse so I was not pleased with her response.  I really think I knew more about the Neulasta shot than she did!  I did not go in but now know I can take a pain pill if it happens again.  From what I understand a person can have a delayed reaction to the shot.  It is as if a balloon is expanding in your bones as the white blood cells begin to increase from the shot.  I think mine were overfilling:)

 As the day has progressed I just feel like normal arthritic old age pain.  I went and had my wig styled this afternoon.  A girl has to have some sort of pampering every once in awhile!  I also had a physical therapy appointment.  My therapist is so awesome.  She is very pleased with my range of motion.  I still have problems with cording that happens from the lymphatic system being messed up from the chemo.  She massages it and breaks it up.  Next week she will be teaching Rick how to do this at home for me.

Tomorrow is Ethan's second birthday.  Adam and Karlene have an afternoon planned with him and a Thomas the Train ride.  Therefore Papa and Mimi's get Emerson!  I can sit and hold him all afternoon and I will forget any pain I have.  Great therapy!

Each day God has a new challenge for me but you know He gets me through it!

Have a great weekend.  Take time to enjoy!

Didn't Work

I guess the Neulasta shot worked but didn't work as well as I had hoped.  My WBC has literally plummeted.  I am on house arrest again and an antibiotic.  I was very weak and out of breath this morning but my oxygen level was good.  They also had me get a chest e-xray and there is no indication of pneumonia either.  Guess I am just a wimp!  I am so hoping I don't end up in the hospital so I am taking every precaution I can.   I may end up with a case of "stir crazy" but thank goodness I like my house:)

I really don't have much else to write.  The devotion I read yesterday said, "Let go, relax, be still, and know that I am God".  I am trying to relax in God's healing.

Hopefully the rains are finished and we will see some sunshine in Kansas City later this week.

Blimp!

Sorry I haven't posted in a few days.  I thought this treatment was going to be a breeze.  Looks like each time it is a little different.  I have not had the nausea but fatigued has set in.  Plus I have had all sorts of reactions to the steroids which has included beginning to look like a blimp.  I just haven't felt well at all.  Everything tastes and smells weird.  God has heard me constantly the last few days.  I am sure He is listening and I trust He will guide me the next few days.

I will try to write more in a few days.  I just don't have the strength to think right now.

Have a good week.