11/4/15

Health Update, "Thank You!", and Great News

Hey everyone!  I hope this first week of November is going well for each and every one of you.  Before I do anything else, I just want to say "Thank You" to all those who sent sweet comments and prayers for the passing of my sweet sil, Carol.  I've tried to thank everyone, but incase I missed you, I so appreciated hearing from you.  Every day gets just a bit easier for my hubby, but the healing will still take time for all us.

This past Monday was Round 2 Chemo #4, with ONLY 8 more to go......YAY!  So far this week is going much better than the first three, but I really think most of my issues were due to large doses of steroids.  With #4, that dose was greatly reduced and will continue to be lowered until I am no longer needing any.  I don't really understand why athletes (or anyone else) "chooses" to take steroids.  Yes, you do feel kind of "invincible," but it doesn't last and the crash is bad.  I know they serve a purpose in the medical field, but I will truly be glad to not have them in my system anymore!

Did you notice I have a new wig?  I really did not like the one I had been using.  It was one I had had from several years ago, when I just thought it would be a good way to give my own hair a break from color treatments.  Anyway, it was kind of big on my little chrome-dome & not very comfortable.  Our insurance pays for a wig for chemo patients, so I went shopping for one.  When I tried this one on, The Man and I both immediately liked it, because it is very close to the style and color of my own hair (when I had some....lol).  This one is soft and quite comfy!

Monday's infusion seemed to go very quickly and without any hiccups.

My lab numbers, mainly my hemoglobin, were all within the normal range for someone on chemo.  Those numbers would be below normal for the average person.  Anyway, I am giving full credit to my new favorite breakfast.....Frosted Mini Wheats and to LISA at Texas Decor for telling me about it!  It has 90% of the daily requirement of iron, and it tastes really good.  I get 13g of protein, because I use 2% milk.....that's good for breakfast!

Now, for my other good news.  I mentioned early on that breast cancer runs in my family, so my oncologist wanted me to have genetic testing done.  It took about six weeks to get the results back, and I got the call yesterday.....I do not carry the "Cancer Gene!"  What a relief!  Had the test come back negative, I would probably be facing some major surgeries; but my biggest concern was for my children and grandchildren.  The Man does not carry the cancer gene either, so I was so happy to make phone calls to both of our children with the good news.  Obviously, anyone can get cancer and many do, so you cannot let your guard down when it comes to your health.  

If only one thing comes from sharing my "Cancer Journey," I hope it's that you all will treat your body as a "temple."  Take good care of yourself.....you only get one "YOU!"

28 comments:

  1. Oh Carol, I am so very happy for you! I truly pray for your recovery and wellness every night, and I feel somehow that God somehow listens to my prayers for you!!!!!!! I'm ecstatic!

    So sorry about your SIL, I prayed for her too when you mentioned her condition, all I can hope for is that she went peacefully.

    Love your new wig, but either one was fine because your contagious smile steals the show everytime!

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  2. Carol, I am so sorry about your loss. I know your SIL was dear to you. I am however, elated to hear about your good news. Stay strong, my friend, you are an inspiration to all. I was wondering about your new wig. I caught a glimpse of it on Instagram and thought it was a new do! Looks fabulous, but I agree with Vel, your smile is wonderful, no matter what's on your pretty head!! :) xo

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  3. Morning Carol,
    So happy to hear things are going well this week, and that the steroids will be getting less and less,
    and that all your blood work #'s are good..........Love your new wig, it looks great on you.......and so
    good to see you are still smiling. Well, we can tell the Lord is answering prayers on your behalf.
    I am sure that was quite a great relief for you and everyone in your family to know you don't carry that gene in your family.
    My hubby loves frosted mini wheats too...........one of his fav cereals, nice to know it has so much protein.
    Well, praying that you have a great week hon,
    Blessings and good to hear from you,
    Nellie

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  4. I thought that looked like a new wig when I saw it on Instagram! It looks great and so do you! I'm so happy that cereal did the trick and got your numbers back in the normal range. I even mentioned it on my blog post recently just in case anyone else is low on iron. That's great news that you do not have that gene! I know you're relieved about that. Blessings to you and your family! xoxo

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  5. oh- the dreaded steroids! I have been on them in the past to get inflammation under control. They are ALWAYS miserable and I got off them as fast as I possibly could.

    Your new "do" looks mavhalas dahling....It does look a lot like your "real" hair. It will be interesting to see how your hair comes back in. My blond straight-haired friend's hair came back dark brown and curly. LOL-- Her hubby said he felt like he got a "new woman" and loved it.(hmmmm)

    Glad you are feeling so well and you are almost halfway there. I am so glad that you do not carry the cancer gene. What a true blessing.

    I posted about my "scare" today, too, and getting a clean bill of health. Feels good!

    Hope you have a great Wednesday- xo Diana

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  6. What wonderful news...praise the Lord! It is so encouraging to hear this good news AND your new "do" is just adorable and natural looking!

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  7. I did notice your new do & it looks great! I know how much I hate when I have to just take a dose pack of steroids. I can't sleep & they just make me feel weird. I can't imagine how awful it is to have large doses in your system. So glad that you had good test results. I know that was a relief!

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  8. Carol, Some good news for you and your family. You do look pretty sitting there. Glad you are being strong. I did read Lisa blog about the mini wheats. Hugs to you and your husband. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

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  9. I did notice your new and beautiful hairstyle and it looks fabulous on you! I am so very proud of you and so happy for you that you are staying so strong!
    God is good Carol, and I am so thankful that they found the culprit that was making you feel the worst.
    Sending loving thoughts and hugs,
    Jemma

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  10. Carol
    I never would have known that you were wearing a wig, it's so natural!
    I am sending belated sympathies on the loss of you SIL and will pray
    for your family, for sure.
    I eat Frosted Mini Wheat too. Now I know how good they are for me!
    Blessings to you-Kimberly

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  11. The new wig looks great, and what wonderful news about the genetic testing! :-)

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  12. Carol, I am so sorry to read about your sister in law. I am glad though, that your numbers are in the normal range. Your wig looks great! Take care and have a good week!
    Shelley

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  13. Just saw your post about your SIL and send my condolences for your loss. Ovarian cancer from what I've read is still one the doctors catch too late. My MIL died of this one.
    So happy to hear the positive results of your gene testing! I'm sure you were jumping for joy. Also I love your new hair. It looks marvelous....
    Take care
    Jeannette

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  14. Carol, I am just delighted with your good news, and i was unaware of the passing of your SIL. Condolences to you and your husband. Thanks for that tip about the cereal. We usually don't eat cereal because Leo has type 2 diabetes, but it appears that it has a lot of protein so he may be able to eat it. I will definitely check it out!

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  15. Your new hair looks fantastic Carol! So happy for your news both on your health and your genetic history and I am hoping this round goes easy on your body! Hugs to you and Hubby!

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  16. Carol, Your new wig looks fabulous! So glad to hear the treatments are going better! Hope you're able to enjoy the rest of your week! Take care! ~Rhonda

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  17. Wonderful news all around Carol! I love your new wig, you rock the reddish:) Keep up the good work. You're almost at the finish line. XO

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  18. So glad to hear that things are proceeding well, Carol. You do look great in your wig..you look great period. :)

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  19. I am so, so sorry about you SIL. I should have came and checked on you sooner...please give your sweet hubby my condolences. Love your wig, but you'd be just as beautiful if you chose to go bald! Praying for all of you.

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  20. Carol, I have been off the computer for several days taking care of baby J, or should I say, he has taken care of me.:) and I have missed sooo much. First, I am so very sorry to hear about your SIL. So sorry for your loss. I can imagine how hard it has been on your family. I am very happy to hear you are doing well, except for the fainting episode. Please, take care of yourself, you are like me, we keep going and going until our body says enough. I just loooove your new wig. You look so pretty! xxx Maria

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  21. I'm happy to hear the good news, Carol. You're in my thoughts and prayers on a regular basis. You look beautiful in your new hair!

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  22. What a brave soul you have, Carol. And, you look absolutely beautiful in that spiffy new wig. xoxoxo

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  23. Dear Carol,

    I have been away from blogland for almost a month, in which time, I just learnt, having read your post here, today, that you lost your sweet sister-in-law, and I am very sorry. I am sure she meant the world to you and your family.

    Your new do looks wonderful on you, but I suppose your super smile complements anything you wear! So happy to hear the good news re: your family history, as I am certain, your precious children were! Keep eating those Wheaties!

    Hugs,
    Poppy

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  24. Hi Carol! I hope this week is a good one for you and you're feeling good. Thanks for popping in to see me.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  25. Carol, I'm so sorry to hear about the lost of your sister-in-law, my condolences to your hubby. On the other hand, I'm so glad to hear the good news. You look beautiful with your new hair, well, you also looked good with the other one too!

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  26. God bless you and keep them in your heart and stay strong

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  27. Hi, Carol. Just thinking of you so I thought I stop by and see how you are doing. Hope all is well. Also, in case things get out of hand around here this week and I don't get another chance, I want to wish you and your husband a very Happy Thanksgiving. xoxo Maria

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I truly love to hear from you and try to respond to each and everyone. If you have "no reply blogger," I will respond in my comments section and then visit your blog as soon as I can.

Make this a great day!
Carol