Health, Christmas and Thankfulness

Hey everyone!  I'm sure everyone is super-busy this week getting everything you need for the quickly approaching "Turkey Day!"  This is probably the first year since I've been married (46 years), that I am not planning to cook the entire meal or making pies & other such Thanksgiving fare to contribute to another family member who might be hosting the meal.  It seems a bit strange but not in a bad way.  It is what it is, and it's only one Thanksgiving out of many.  The photo above was my brief tribute to the Pilgrims and their Indian friends as they came together for the first Thanksgiving.  This was on display for about a week after Halloween before I started packing the Fall decor away and having The Man bring in the Christmas crates.  I know that many of you are greatly opposed to Christmas decorating until after Thanksgiving, but I love getting our home decorated early, so we have plenty of time to enjoy it.

Health-wise, I am doing great.  I seem to be trying most all of the possible side-effects with this drug, Paclitaxel.  I have some neuropathy in my fingers, a rash that doesn't itch, dry nose and throat that causes nose bleeds and a cough, and "wacked-out" tastebuds and mouth sores, and fatigue.  I find that crocheting really helps with the neuropathy, long sleeves & pants cover the rash, moisture sprays help with the dry nose and throat, different mouth rinses help some with the confused tastebuds, and naps work the best for fatigue.  The side-effects that are most common that I have not "tried" -- nausea (not one little bit), complete loss of body hair.....eyebrows, eyelashes, & all other parts of the body--still just my little bald head!  So I feel very fortunate.  I'm on the home-stretch with only 5 more chemo infusions to go!  My last infusion will be December 28th, so I will celebrate the New Year with Chemo behind me, and look forward to getting the next fazes -- surgery and radiation completed, and being Cancer-Free!  I cannot possibly express how much I appreciate all of your sweet comments, encouragement and prayers.  I am so lucky to have such a wonderful group of cheerleaders.  I am so truly blessed to have a great hubby.  He has been with me every single step of the way.....he has started referring to me as his "Project!"  I am such a lucky person to have all of you in my life!

Now before I wrap this up, I thought I'd share a little "sneaky peek" of my Christmas decor.  I think I'll be finished in the next few days and will share more in the weeks ahead.

I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, however you are celebrating.  Take care, be safe and enjoy all those leftovers!

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!"

Sadness and Joy Go Hand-in-Hand

Hey everyone.  Our family is very sad today.  My sweet sil, Carol, lost her battle last night.  We've known for several weeks that the time was near, but you are still never really prepared.  She was surrounded by her husband, children and grandchildren, so I know her heart was filled with love as she passed.  She fought a brave and difficult battle with ovarian cancer, but some battles are just not meant to be won.  As we grieve for the beautiful person we've lost, we are also joyous that she is no longer suffering. 

I will be silent for a few days, so please do not worry about me if you do not hear anything for awhile.  Thank you to all of you who have continued to ask about how my sil has been doing, and for your continued prayers.  I'll be back soon.

           Hugs,