Monday, November 21, 2011

Time to take things a bit more seriously! It's Thanksgiving week and this is the time of the year when we should all reflect and give thought of the things we are most thankful for. No, I'm not talking about being thankful for a great vacation or a new car. These are "things"! I'm talking about being grateful for events in our lives that have happened over the year that we cannot put a price on. So I've come up with what I am most grateful over the last 12 months.

1. Mark, my husband who is my rock. He is always there by my side during tests and chemo even if it means getting up at 5am to get to the hospital for a CAT or PET scan. He holds my hand when the IV's are being put in or I'm given an injection. He has picked up what I can't do anymore due to fatigue such as laundry, dishes, etc. He has NEVER once in the 1.5 years complained about doing these extra chores.

2. My family who is always there to give me support when I need it most. Whether it's a phone call, card or visit they are always there when I need them.

3. My friends who have stuck with me all this time. Your emails, thoughts and prayers lift my spirit. I have a memory box filled with your cards that I go through when feeling down. How can I not keep going with all your well wishes.

4. My "work family" at Designcraft. You guys are the best and I love you all. You keep me focused and don't let me dwell on my minor aches and pains. You're always there to keep me going and when things are bad and I have trouble walking, opening packages, etc you guys are always there to help me. I couldn't do it without you!

5. The doctors, nurses and staff at U of C Medical Center. I know I have given you a lot of grief over the past 1.5 years but you always come back with a smile and comforting words. I don't know how you do it putting up with all of chemo patients but you all are special and have a gift of caring. You all are the best and I appreciate all you do.

6. The people I come across in my day to day life. In stores, restaurants, at the gas station, etc. Even when I looked terrible being bald, bloated from steroids, etc you were kind and looked past the outside and saw what was inside my heart.

7. Life in general. I take each day as its last and try to make the most of it. I try to not take anything for granted. What a gift it is to wake up each morning. Life is precious and we should all live our lives to its fullest.

8. I'm thankful to all of you who read my blog. This is one way I have to relieve a lot of stress of side effects, chemo days, tests, etc. I appreciate you reading my words. I hope some day what I have related about this experience will help some one in some small way.

9. Ok - I have to be a little less serious for a moment and say I'm thankful for Thanksgiving dinner! I missed lasts years dinner due to being in the hospital and not being able to eat. Anyone who knows me knows I love turkey, dressing and everything that goes with it. So this year I'm thankful I'll be able to enjoy dinner with family and friends.

So I challenge you all to reflect this week and come up with things you are most thankful for.

Until next time - Keep Dancin'!

Friday, November 11, 2011

Well the news wasn't bad but not what I wanted to hear. After going through 7 month of the chemo pills and all the side effects the CAT scan showed stable. No growth but no shrinking of the tumors. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy the tumors haven't increased in size or quantity I just was hoping for better results considering all I've read about the drug. So starting November 23 I will be taking a new trial drug that is suppose to make the chemo adhere to the cancer cells instead of roaming around and taking the healthy cells with the cancer cells. I realize that if I wasn't on the chemo pills it could have been the opposite so I'm not upset.

It's a good thing too because I have been obsessing with the whole thing the last week and came up with the following:

Why I Can't Die!

1. I have too many family and friends that I would miss dearly and hopefully would miss me.
2. I have too much work to do yet and don't want to disappoint anyone
3 My babies (cats) would miss me terribly.
4. I love life too much.
5. The pale look just doesn't suit me.
6. I haven't found the right pajama's to be buried in.
7. I haven't reached my goal weight yet!
8. The hospital staff would miss my witt and humor espcially when they are putting in an IV
9. I still have some great books I need to read.

and ........

10. Seriously, I believe this happening to me for a reason and there is still something I need to do and accomplish that will help others. Not sure what it is but I'm sure it will come to me.

Until I have news - Keep Dancing my friends!

Tuesday, Novemeber 1, 2011

I hope you all had a great Halloween and didn't consume too much candy!

Not a stellar weekend! Saturday was a funeral for Grandma Pat who was a wonder lady. Although she was 83 years she had so much life and energy which faded in the last few months. She will be missed by all who knew her.

I woke up Sunday morning and my feet burned so bad I could hardly walk. Spent the day in the recliner with Mark putting cold clothes on my feet. Felt better Monday except a cyst I've had on my tailbone for about a year opened up and is infected so I started an anti-biotic today. Of course as soon as I took the first pill my hands rashed up and I have a blister forming. Not sure if it's from the chemo (since it happens often) or the new meds. Struggling today with my feet bothering me and just very tired. The good news in all this is that I did wake up this morning so I shouldn't be complaining!

Getting ready for the CT scan next week. As soon as I get the results I'll let you know.

Keep warm and keep Dancing!!!