June 18, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Monday I saw Dr. F., my oncologist. He seemed very pleased with my progress. He has good instincts and prescribed 3 days of steroids, helping boost my energy level and my attitude. That afternoon, Judy and I went for my vitamin therapy. We missed having Merlene along, but hope she is enjoying Hawaii with her family. As usual, I learn something each step along the way. This time it was checking with my med changes with my internist.
Tuesday was Chemo day, and Sister Judy took me to and picked me up when I finally finished. It takes time to have your blood drawn, sent to the lab and then wait for the pharmacy to fix the Chemo bags. Fortunately, I had a book sister had loaned me about Southern belles and their manners and attitudes. While being humorous, it sheds good light on cultural differences here in the States. If we have problems understanding others, we need to look at their heritages and backgrounds.
This also gave me time to think about what I‘ll I do for my grandchildren this Christmas. I hope to write my on “Guidepost” stressing their roots and wings. I hope it sends them to assessing where they’ve been and where they might be heading.
Wednesday was another day of shot for me to warding off the drop in my white count. I’ll do this daily through Friday. Then errands: to my internist office to drop off a list of my present meds changes. He was not in, but had a good talk with his staff. He is from Iran, and had planned a trip, but cancelled because of the political situation. If he needs to see me, there is time next week. Next off to do a couple of errands – replacing wiper blades on my car and to the liquor store to find some wine for Leigh for Father’s Day. This is a good time to thank him for being such a good landlord. Still feeling fine, I was off to the church to drop off my UTO offering since they are collecting Sunday. I spent time visiting with Jackie. She had breast cancer twenty years ago, as a young mother- quite a struggle. I’m glad to have the benefit of those twenty years of learning --- and no little ones to care for. Jackie was blessed with good friends and church family for support; something we each need. Thank to you, my friends and family for your great support for me. It truly has been very good. Then I had a great talk with others in the church office – got a good people fix to carry me through my next isolation. All are welcome t visit The phone calls, emails and letters are a good boost, too.
One more thing, I forgot to mention; some of the women who work with Judy at the Women Club, her hospitality committee, sent me fresh fruit and kind notes with Judy, another act of kindness and support.
Tuesday was Chemo day, and Sister Judy took me to and picked me up when I finally finished. It takes time to have your blood drawn, sent to the lab and then wait for the pharmacy to fix the Chemo bags. Fortunately, I had a book sister had loaned me about Southern belles and their manners and attitudes. While being humorous, it sheds good light on cultural differences here in the States. If we have problems understanding others, we need to look at their heritages and backgrounds.
This also gave me time to think about what I‘ll I do for my grandchildren this Christmas. I hope to write my on “Guidepost” stressing their roots and wings. I hope it sends them to assessing where they’ve been and where they might be heading.
Wednesday was another day of shot for me to warding off the drop in my white count. I’ll do this daily through Friday. Then errands: to my internist office to drop off a list of my present meds changes. He was not in, but had a good talk with his staff. He is from Iran, and had planned a trip, but cancelled because of the political situation. If he needs to see me, there is time next week. Next off to do a couple of errands – replacing wiper blades on my car and to the liquor store to find some wine for Leigh for Father’s Day. This is a good time to thank him for being such a good landlord. Still feeling fine, I was off to the church to drop off my UTO offering since they are collecting Sunday. I spent time visiting with Jackie. She had breast cancer twenty years ago, as a young mother- quite a struggle. I’m glad to have the benefit of those twenty years of learning --- and no little ones to care for. Jackie was blessed with good friends and church family for support; something we each need. Thank to you, my friends and family for your great support for me. It truly has been very good. Then I had a great talk with others in the church office – got a good people fix to carry me through my next isolation. All are welcome t visit The phone calls, emails and letters are a good boost, too.
One more thing, I forgot to mention; some of the women who work with Judy at the Women Club, her hospitality committee, sent me fresh fruit and kind notes with Judy, another act of kindness and support.
June 17, 2009
Over the Hump
Well, mom, today you are definitely over the treatment hump with the 4th of your 6 treatments. Hope all your angelic allies are working hard with you on a speedy recovery from that treatment. Was talking with a couple of friends online thru facebook today and the attached song came up. I think you like it?
Click below or the title:
June 12, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
Something about being an “invalid” tends to encourage laziness – or at least that’s what I’m fighting right now. I’ve books to read; papers to sort; and letters to write,and yet I take to my bed or just vegetate with computer games or a silly TV program. I need to get up and get going. True confessions; pray for an attitude adjustment for me.
There is good news. I passed my blood test Wednesday so I’m already for my Dr.’s return on Monday and my fourth chemo on Tuesday. I’ve decided this time I’m dressing St. Fiacre and his monks (they’re the ones I’ve visualized growing my white cells in the bone marrow) in those special suits they dress people in who are dealing with hazardous wastes. That way they’ll be protected from the chemo and can do a better job of protecting the white blood cells. Any other suggestions? I’ll do anything to avoid those shots they give me.
My vitamin therapy buddy, Merlene, is off to Hawaii for a week with her two sisters and her son Eric and his family. I’ll miss her when we go for vitamin therapy, but I’m glad she’s getting a nice trip.
With the stock market finally inching up, I’m thinking more and more about planning a trip to Scotland next year when I finish with my cancer treatment. My grandfather Robertson was born just outside of Aberdeen. The books I’ve read about Celtic spirituality has really whet my appetite. Iona is on my list of places to see. Anyway, it’s fun to dream and plan ahead.
There is good news. I passed my blood test Wednesday so I’m already for my Dr.’s return on Monday and my fourth chemo on Tuesday. I’ve decided this time I’m dressing St. Fiacre and his monks (they’re the ones I’ve visualized growing my white cells in the bone marrow) in those special suits they dress people in who are dealing with hazardous wastes. That way they’ll be protected from the chemo and can do a better job of protecting the white blood cells. Any other suggestions? I’ll do anything to avoid those shots they give me.
My vitamin therapy buddy, Merlene, is off to Hawaii for a week with her two sisters and her son Eric and his family. I’ll miss her when we go for vitamin therapy, but I’m glad she’s getting a nice trip.
With the stock market finally inching up, I’m thinking more and more about planning a trip to Scotland next year when I finish with my cancer treatment. My grandfather Robertson was born just outside of Aberdeen. The books I’ve read about Celtic spirituality has really whet my appetite. Iona is on my list of places to see. Anyway, it’s fun to dream and plan ahead.
June 6, 2009
June 5,2009
How to begin? Let’s just say, my halo certainly slipped a bit yesterday - the result of cabin fever. I can tell you there are a few negatives to attempting to be a “desert mother”.
You can read all about being a cancer patient, but being a human being, there are sometimes you can’t control everything.
The nicest thing is having the support of loving family and friends. Then there are wonderful unexpected surprises that sweep the dark clouds away – a beautiful vase of lovely flowers or a delightful package of unexpected goodies. Thank you, friends! And a laugh and a hug from a loving child who had anticipated the meltdown.
I’m still battling chemo brain and fighting against low white blood cell count, but happy to report it’s on the upswing.
Monday I received some interesting news from my vitamin doctor explaining some of the tests she did prior to beginning chemo. I was anemic, borderline low thyroid and some information regarding my estrogen levels. It was enlightening and making me really want to make some lifestyle changes. And I’ve tried edname beans; they’re not bad!
By the way, I don’t have my jar of pennies, but it is fun to find creative ways to bring a smile to the waiting room. It’s fun to find a way to make others smile. Which reminds me of a cartoon in my bag of goodies: it’s a funny little character who states,” I like to wake up every morning with a smile … sorry you missed it!” It was a perfect day for me to get that!
All in all, I have nothing to complain about. So many people in this world are suffering great tragedies personal, political, job losses, loss of homes. I thank God each day for his blessings. And good friends who care enough to see what’s going on in an old lady’s life to read her blog.
You can read all about being a cancer patient, but being a human being, there are sometimes you can’t control everything.
The nicest thing is having the support of loving family and friends. Then there are wonderful unexpected surprises that sweep the dark clouds away – a beautiful vase of lovely flowers or a delightful package of unexpected goodies. Thank you, friends! And a laugh and a hug from a loving child who had anticipated the meltdown.
I’m still battling chemo brain and fighting against low white blood cell count, but happy to report it’s on the upswing.
Monday I received some interesting news from my vitamin doctor explaining some of the tests she did prior to beginning chemo. I was anemic, borderline low thyroid and some information regarding my estrogen levels. It was enlightening and making me really want to make some lifestyle changes. And I’ve tried edname beans; they’re not bad!
By the way, I don’t have my jar of pennies, but it is fun to find creative ways to bring a smile to the waiting room. It’s fun to find a way to make others smile. Which reminds me of a cartoon in my bag of goodies: it’s a funny little character who states,” I like to wake up every morning with a smile … sorry you missed it!” It was a perfect day for me to get that!
All in all, I have nothing to complain about. So many people in this world are suffering great tragedies personal, political, job losses, loss of homes. I thank God each day for his blessings. And good friends who care enough to see what’s going on in an old lady’s life to read her blog.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)