My "Creative" Oasis in the Desert: October 2015

10/23/15

Cancer, Chemo & A Body In Slow-Motion

Hey everyone! I've been reminded a couple of times today that I haven't done an update this week. To be completely truthful, Chemo #2 has given me a run for my money! I was warned that fatigue could be worse during this round of treatment, along with neuropathy and a few other side-effects. Again, I am truly blessed to not be facing many of these issues, EXCEPT "FATIGUE!" I mentioned on IG and FB that my lab numbers were still pretty good, but that I was a bit anemic. Being anemic also adds to fatigue.

My week started quite well, with my Monday infusion producing no hiccups.

I even felt quite well on Tuesday, and we decided to take a little roadtrip up to Payson.

Payson, AZ is where lots of people go to escape the heat of summer here in the desert. We thought we might see some Fall colors and experience some cooler temps. No Fall colors yet, but we did get the cooler temps and then a huge rainstorm on the way home. The raindrops were so big and loud, it sounded like they would actually break the windshield!

Anyway, it was nice to get out of the house, and The Man and I both enjoyed the day. I slept really well that night and woke on Wednesday feeling very good. It seemed like the perfect day to run a few errands, right? WRONG! Less than an hour into my list of "to do's," my body was protesting big time. I pushed to get a few more things done (not smart, I know) and literally crashed by the time we got home. I slept away the entire afternoon and most of Thursday and slept really well through the night.

Friday was going to be a "back to normal" day, or so I thought. As I was making my breakfast, I started feeling dizzy and light-headed, so I sat down until I felt better. As soon as I stood up again and took a few steps, I knew things were not going as planned. I FAINTED! Yep, right on the kitchen floor; but, no, amazingly I did not hurt myself! I managed to get to my phone and called The Man, who was still sleeping peacefully. Poor guy came running and found me sobbing like a baby....my emotions were on overload! He got me to my recliner, and that is where I have been most of the day. I did contact my doctor, but it's not that uncommon to faint, apparently. Rest, plenty of hydration, & more rest were the doctor's orders. No more dizzy spells and no more fainting, today anyway!

What lesson did I learn this week? My body speaks loud and clear, and I just have to be a better listener.

10/14/15

Chemo Monday Update

Hey everyone! As promised, I thought I'd do a little health update. Monday was the start of my second round of chemo, and as I mentioned to some of you, I was a bit apprehensive....just not knowing what to expect. My Oncologist and my nurse for chemo, both shared what I could probably expect; but what I've learned in my experience so far, is that each person is probably going to react differently with different or at least different degrees of the side-effects. All that being said, I have been so lucky and truly blessed to have had very mild side-effects so far.

Here I am all hooked up.

You cannot see them all, but I had 3 bags of drugs making up my "cocktail!" I had already had a slow-drip bag of Benadryl first to decrease the possibility of an allergic reaction to the new chemo drug -- Paclitaxel.

That bandaged area you can see peeking out of my blouse is my Power Port which is used for blood work and for my infusions. It's a small device that was surgically implanted in my upper chest a few days before starting chemo. I have to have labs done prior to my infusions each week, so the lab tech gets my port all set up so I don't have to get stuck again. The Power Port is a Godsend, because the chemo drugs can just destroy your veins.

Everyone I encountered on Monday, asked me about my afghan. No, I did not make it....I wish I could crochet like this! A very sweet friend made it for me and sent it all the way from Mississippi! Thank you, Teresa! It's the kind of soft that sweet dreams are made of, even in the infusion chair!

Tuesday, I awoke feeling almost euphoric and so energized.....truly one of those days that I really questioned whether I am actually sick! I know it's due to the mega-dose of steroids that I received on Monday! I took advantage of the energy and puttered around the house, made a big grocery list, and The Man and I went grocery shopping. We shop at WINCO, which is huge, so it's great exercise.....two birds, one stone! I was a little tired afterward but felt great after a short nap.

Today, I awoke feeling really good and even made it to the gym and walked for 45 minutes on the treadmill. Afterwards, The Man and I put together a good hearty soup in the crockpot. It was at this point that I had to look down and see if my legs were still attached to my body.....complete exhaustion hit me like a ton of bricks and with very little warning! Coming down from my "steroid high" isn't much fun, but now I know what to expect. The steroid dose will be gradually decreased each week, meaning that the energy level won't be as high but the "crash" will be less pronounced.

Chemotherapy is either a blessing or a curse. It just all depends on how you choose to react. Most people will lose their hair, gain some weight, and feel crappy at least some of the time. To me, those are all small prices to pay to get this cancer out of my body. I'm as bald as a store mannequin, but in about a year, I'll have a whole new head of hair.....maybe a different color & maybe it will be curly instead of straight! I'm actually excited about that. I'm not thrilled that I'm gaining weight, especially after working really hard this past year to lose and reach my goal; but right now I have to eat what tastes good (and not everything does) in order to keep my numbers up and my body healthy to allow the chemo drugs to only destroy the cancer. I know what I'll have to do to get my body back in shape, and I can do it! I realize how fortunate I am to have not experienced the nausea that many people do, and I feel so lucky that my worst side-effect is fatigue. Fatigue I can handle.....I've mastered the art of napping just about anywhere, and I make no apologies for it!

I've always been a very positive person, and I feel that has served me well my whole life; and it continues to serve me during this bump in the road. My glass is always half-full! I will admit that I am so truly blessed to not be facing this alone. I have the most wonderful husband (and best friend), and he is by my side for everything. I have two great kiddos, who are very, very loving and supportive. I have extended family and friends who care deeply. And I have "cheerleaders" here in blogland and Facebook from all over the world who continue to send me positive thoughts, virtual hugs and many, many prayers. Yes, I have cancer, but I am truly a lucky woman!

10/11/15

Kitchen Gone Fallin'

Hey everyone! I hope this is going to be a beautiful week with lots more "Fall" weather and fun inspirations. Today I want to share my kitchen all dressed for Fall. Before I get started with that, I just want to report that I've had a very good week, and I'm preparing myself to start Round 2 of chemotherapy on Monday. I'm a bit apprehensive, because I don't know what the side-effects might be for me. I promise to do an update a day or two in, and let you know how things are going. I truly appreciate all of the kindnesses and prayers I've received from so many of you....you are simply the best! Now, enough about me! Let's take a look at what's been going on in my kitchen!

Just to the right of the open doorway going into the kitchen, is a spot that is so much fun to decorate. I used to have a chalkboard just under the shelf, but moved it to make way for my growing collection of aprons. I have several more, but like to switch them out by season and/or color.

The shelf is now holding a large blue mason jar vase filled with Japanese lantern picks and the drop cloth pumpkins that I made a couple of years ago.

I love creating a vignette for the island!

Most of the dishes are from Walmart, several years ago. The big clear jug is from the 80% off section of HL this past summer. The leafy stems & berry stems are from Michaels, last year.

I love using these dishes mixed with my FiestaWare.

This candle smells so good!

I seem to have an obsession with trays to contain things.....makes clean-up so much easier!

All of the turquoise items are from World Market and have been purchased over the last couple of years. To the left, I have filled a clear pumpkin cookie jar with oatmeal packets.....my new favorite breakfast!

This is to the left of the sink.

This was a free download, but I cannot remember where I got it....sorry!

I love filling these apothecary jars with seasonal goodies! The plate was from HL last year, and the owl was from World Market, last year.

This is my menu planning area with my cookbooks in the cupboard just to the left. This is my old laptop that I use just for Pinterest recipes.

I simply added the bright orange ribbon and a burlap flower to dress up the lampshade for Fall.

I updated the coffee/beverage station to include my favorite tea and some hot chocolate fixins'!

I like to keep things simple on our breakfast table lazy-susan, since we use it every day.

I put this together in just a quick few minutes using one of my chalkboard chargers (I made those several years ago) and some greenery & berries I had on hand. This is hanging just above my sink.

I'm still lovin' my pompom wreath that I made last year, and it's hanging in exactly the same spot on the pantry door.

Hope you enjoyed the Fall touches in my kitchen. They certainly do make me smile. Thanks so much for stopping by.....you are always welcome here!

I often party with these lovely bloggers:

Monday

Cindy at Dwellings--The Heart of Your Home for Amaze Me Monday

Kathryn at The Dedicated House for Make It Pretty Mondays

Tuesday

Maria Elena at Our Home Away from Home for Tuesdays at Our Home

Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday

Wednesday

Suzy at Worthing Court for The Scoop

Kathryn at The Dedicated House for Before and After Wednesday

Thursday

Richella at Imparting Grace for Grace at Home

Pamela at From My Front Porch to Yours for Treasure Hunt Thursday

Friday

Kathryn at The Dedicated House for Anything Blue Friday

10/4/15

Simple Fall Mantel

Hey everyone! I thought this week I would share my very simple family room fireplace and mantel. It is probably the simplest mantel I've ever done, but it also happens to be one of my favorites so far and the most fun.

Abby just happened to give me the opportunity to capture the cutest pic of her napping in front of the fireplace. Her pad is heat-activated by her little body. I guess she didn't get the memo that it's not yet chilly!

I guess you could say I'm into banners this year! Both of these are ones I made last year.

Abby would love it if we turned the fireplace on.....not gonna happen any time soon!

This toy truck is 63 years old and was a gift to The Man when he was 5 years old from his older brother. It has been played with by 3 generations of boys and has been well-loved! I just thought it would be cute to add these turquoise bottles that I painted....you know how I love pops of turquoise!