Up and Down Battle

As I have said the cancer journey is filled with ups and downs.  I know God has given me the strength to face this battle.

With that being said yesterday was a day of me calling Rick after physical therapy and saying, "I hate cancer!"  The physical therapist said my arms are beginning to show some signs of swelling.  Not so much in the left arm but more in the right arm.  The right arm is the arm that 19 lymph nodes were removed.  I will always have the chance of developing lymphodema in that arm.  There are precautions I can take to make sure this doesn't become full scale.  So yesterday I was measured for custom compression sleeves and gloves for both of my arms.  It will take a couple of weeks before I receive them as they are custom made in Germany.  I will need to wear them during the most active part of my day for maybe up to 4 hours.  I also need to make sure I elevate both arms as much as I can and Rick will do the massage therapy on me every few days.  After this news I had a melt down of saying, "I have no hair, boobs and now will look like a freak wearing compression sleeves!"  Needless to say I got that out of my system.

Once I had my "fit" I called Karlene to see if I could have some time with the boys and my form of "treatment".  We had dinner with them, watched Ethan play, held Emerson and spent a lovely evening on their screened in porch.  I came home and slept like a baby.

Today I woke up and thanked God for being with me as I fight this battle.  I got ready and had breakfast with the retirees from my school.  What a fun morning!  We had a great turn out and I was able to visit with dear friends.  My dark mood from yesterday was gone.  It has continued to be a good day.  My counts are good:)  In fact the WBC is even higher than when I started.  That means the shot I am getting is doing its job.  Onward and upward!

Once again my hubby is a gem.  After my "explosion" yesterday he surprised me and told me he had made reservations for the fourth of July at a hotel (praying my counts would be good) that sits high on a hill in the city.  He had talked with the staff and arranged to have a room that will have a window view of the city's fireworks.  I cannot get any bug bites for the fear of infection so being out after dark watching fireworks had posed a problem.  As usual he is the love of my life.  I did ask if he used the "C" card in making the arrangements and he said, "you bet"!

As this battle continues I must remember God is in control.  I win the battle anyway it goes!