WBC Normal!

The day I have been waiting for has arrived.  My white blood cell count is NORMAL!  That means that my body is able to fight off infections and bacteria.  And it also means I can eat fresh fruit and salads.  Ahhhh....happy days again!

I am feeling terrific.  Rick and I spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday babysitting our 2 year old and 5 month old grandsons.  What a great way for me to feel normal (even though I had to have help carrying Emerson).  I was exhausted Sunday evening but Rick was too so guess I can't use cancer or chemo as an excuse for being old:)  Ethan and Rick had colds and I escaped getting them.  Of course Ethan instructed me constantly to put on my gloves or not pick him up because "the doctor said so"!  The innocent words of a two year old.

I just booked our Florida vacation at our favorite spot.  Unfortunately we will be going a little later than planned because they were booked but I couldn't care less as long as I get to the ocean!  We have a balcony that looks right into the ocean so if it is cold or rainy I won't mind!  Life is good.

It looks like I am getting closer to the "results" part of my journey.  I am enjoying every day and thank God for it.  Even though there have been side effects from all of the things on my journey I feel so blessed.  It is the new me and I will enjoy the life God gave to me.

Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away; look, new things have come! — 2Corinthians 5:17

Giddy!

I am feeling giddy today!  No chemo!  No steroids!

I just got back from blood work.  My white blood cells are still low but we expected that today.  I also have a little cold so I know that plays a part in the results.  Hopefully next week they will begin to go up.

I have a busy rest of the week especially this weekend.  We are babysitting Ethan and Emerson from Friday thru Sunday.  Whew I am going to be super tired by Sunday evening but I am so glad Karlene and Adam will get away for a short time.  I have not been able to help them out much since Emerson was born so this gives me something to feel "normal".  Normalcy is what I am wanting to get back into my life.

Not much else to report.  Fatigue continues to be part of my life.  I just get tired easily but have learned how to balance it out in the day.

I hope everyone has a good rest of the week.  Cool fall weather is expected in KC this week.

Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to enable them to fulfill the purpose for which they are called.

Rejoice!

Final cocktail day today!

I haven't posted for awhile because I was waiting for today.  I was going to wear my tutu for my happy dance but decided it made me look fat.  I went for the black slacks to match the tap shoes:)

The last 6 months have been quite a long journey but I am a breast cancer survivor!  God has been good to me.  But also I have had such a great support system of friends and family.  You all have made my journey with such love, caring thoughts, food, prayers, phone calls, gifts, hats, scarves, races, visits, dinners out, and the list goes on!  I am one truly blessed lady.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Today marks a new beginning in my life.  I have no idea what is in store for tomorrow.  I am going to enjoy today.  I still will have a long week this next week with side effects from today's treatment.  But it is so good to know next Tuesday is just blood work.  I have lots of grandkid time planned this week and next so that will help me get through all those crazy side effects.

I will continue to post on Tuesdays after I have blood work to get you updated.  The blog has been a great way for me to connect with so many people all over.  It has been a long 9 months but I survived and will continue to fight.  Remember breast cancer picked a fight with the wrong chick.

Love and hugs to all of you!

Psalm 118:24

²⁴ This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Number 11 Going Down!

Counts are good enough for an infusion:)  I am starting to get ready to put on my tap shoes for that big dance next week.

It looks like a busy week this week so I will sleep good at night!

Enjoy your week.  Weather is gorgeous in KC!

No More Physical Torture

I am sorry I didn't post anything yesterday.  I had a "don't feel so hot" day.  I thought I was getting a cold and was freaking out.  I have stayed healthy this long and DO NOT want to get sick now.  I was also very tired.  So I did my "lay on the couch" day.  I did walk and make a turkey breast dinner but that was about it!

I woke up this morning feeling much better.  I did my exercises and proceeded to go to my physical therapy appointment.  My range of motion is normal and all of the cording is gone!  (Thanks to Rick and the continued massage therapy he does to my arms.)  My arms are still increased in size but she is not worried about it because they are symmetrical.  Also I have put on 10 pounds with the chemo.  The chemo, steroids and increased weight haven't helped the situation.  As soon as my counts are back to normal range I will begin a yoga program with a center that specializes in breast cancer patients and lymphedema.  I also will begin to increase my walking and begin some weight bearing exercises with my arms.  She was so pleased at the progress I have made that she released me.  But I can call her anytime I think something is going on and my doctors will order a new script.  I still have a lot of precautions to take and will always need to wear my compression sleeves for many things but I must remember I still have my arms!  Finally some results!

Tomorrow marks number 11.  I haven't allowed myself to get excited yet.  Once I sit in that chair on number 12 and see that I will get that infusion...I will get exited! Since the mammogram in the middle of February until today I have just tried to "stay the course".  After next week I am not sure what the course will look like but I figure I can travel whatever way it takes me.

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.

Number 10 almost done!

Sleeping beauty is wide awake today and doing her happy dance.  Some counts still low but good enough for an infusion.  God is always good to me.  October 15th is just around the corner.  I will be at the infusion center every week until Novermber 12th.  My oncologist is a stickler about watching blood counts so will go in every Tuesday for bloodwork.  I will have a bone scan on November 5th and then a followup visit with the Dr. on the 12th.  Hopefully all will be good because after that appointment a road trip is planned to our favorite place, Henderson Park Inn, in Destin, FL.  Both Rick and I are more than ready for the ocean and beach.  Even if it is cool I will enjoy it.  I even bought a new broad brimmed hat this weekend to help me stay out of the sun.

My cousin from Portland will be in on Thursday.  I am hoping I feel well because "Bro" turns 60 on Friday and I hope to be able to have dinner with him for this celebration.   I seem to have to "play things by ear" these days.  I hope all of you have a good week.