Chemo #2

Chemo #2 went really well, but I was there for 6 hours! I ended up having to wait quite a bit. That place was hopping, today! Lots of folks needing chemo. Could definitely bring you down if you don't prep yourself before you go in. Both times I've been, though, there has a patient who is there for their last treatment. That's inspiration for you!

I did get to sleep in there today. I didn't sleep very well last night, so the benadryl was definitely helping me get a little extra drowsy. But, as I said, it was busy in there, and I couldn't seem to drift off. So, I pulled out the DVD player, popped in a movie, and within about 20 minutes, I was out! Slept for at least two hours. But, believe it or not, I'm still wiped out, tonight. Toxic chemicals make you tired, people! :)

I got two super gifts this week. One was from my step MIL. Has anyone ever read Psalm 45? Check this out....Psam 45:8,9

8 You love justice and hate wrongdoing; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellow kings.
9 With myrrh, aloes, and cassia your robes are fragrant. From ivory-paneled palaces stringed instruments bring you joy.

So, J sent me a candle called "His Essence." You can find it here. It is scented with myrrh, aloe and cassia. I also got a book mark with the verse on it. How cool is that? What an amazing idea! The smell is just like the incense used in Catholic Masses. I love it! J, I really, really appreciate it!

And...a friend of DH, whom I've never met in person, sent me a book titled There's No Place Like Hope: A Guide to Beating Cancer in Mind-Sized Bites by Vickie Girard. I've only read a few pages, but I think it is going to be great! He, also, sent four of the Livestrong bracelets for the family! Awesome gift, JT! I can't thank you, enough!

I'm hanging in there! And, for now, so is my hair! :)

God Bless Each and Every One of You! I Love You, All! Thank you for walking this road with me. I couldn't do it without you!

Just a Little Update

I've had so many people tell me that they check my blog every day, and I feel bad that I don't update more often. So, I'm updating.

Nothing much to report on the lymphoma front. I'm feeling great! I don't expect this to last throughout this little adventure, but I'll enjoy it while it lasts.

The trip to Chattanooga was fabulous! The girls were really, really well behaved. We actually had a relaxing vacation with children! I know that will probably never happen, again, but DH and I thoroughly appreciated it while it lasted!

We went to the aquarium (those of you who haven't been lately, should check out the new salt water addition), the IMAX, and the Creative Discoveries Museum. We ate LOTS of good food, too! We ate at Lupi's Pizza (yum), The Tortilla Factory (good sangria), and Sticky Fingers BBQ (extra yummy). So...if you get a chance this summer, take the kids to Chattanooga! Oh, and Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church is beautiful!


Me and "The Ladies in Chattanoooga"

Last night, we all went to our Church Picnic. We had such a wonderful time. So many caring people came by to hug me and see how I was doing. It is so humbling to know that many great people are concerned about my situation and are praying for me. I can't thank all of you, enough. I thanked God for you last night!

I have chemo #2 this Thursday. I can hardly wait. :)

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer! God Bless!

Check up

Dr. D said my blood cell count is "perfect!" His word! And, if that isn't good news, enough, he also said that if I didn't get sick after the chemo, I wouldn't get sick from it at all! He said the nausea is not a commulative thing. YEY!!! (Ok, I'm not wearing rose colored glasses, but I can enjoy small triumphs!)

He said no restrictions, so we're taking the kids to Chattanooga this weekend!

Thank God for good news and the prayers from all of you!

God Bless!

All is well!

As of this morning, I'm still doing great!

I was pretty wired last night, but I was warned the Prednisone might do that!

Please, keep up the prayers and encouragement!

St. Francis de Sales

"Don’t look forward to the changes and chances of life in fear. Rather, look to them with full hope that, as they arise, God will deliver you out of them. He has taken care of you so far. What you must do is hold on to His (God’s) dear hand, and He will lead you safely through all things. When you cannot stand, He will hold you up with His arms.

Do not worry about what will happen tomorrow. The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and everyday. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you the strength to bear the pain. Be at peace, then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and concerns. "

Great advice, I think. Thanks, D.S. for the prayer!

ps Polo match got rained out! Shucks!

The Aftermath

I am happy to report that at the moment...I have nothing to report. No side effects have shown up, yet!

Chemo was pretty much uneventful. Five hours of sitting in a quasi-comfy recliner listening to music on DH's MP3 player and reading a book. Next time I'm definitely bringing along the DVD player! I was planning on sleeping due to the benadryl, but no deal. I was wide awake for the whole time. The nurse said it was probably anxiety that kept me awake.

This port-a-cath thing isn't too bad. The only part that really hurt was the nurse pressing on it to find the endges. Then, she grabbed this aerosal can, and proceeded to spray my skin around the port to numb it. WOW was that stuff cold! But, when she put the needle in...I didn't feel a thing!

I went through 3 1/2 bags of "stuff." The 1/2 bag was just a regular saline solution. The first full bag was Benadryl, some steroid, and nausea medicine. Then came the antibody. After 3 hours of sitting around, I looked up, and that bag was less than 1/4 finished! I couldn't believe it! But, since I had no allergic reaction, they cranked that bad boy up, and the bag was drained in the last hour. Then came the chemo. Again, no big deal. My scalp was crawling a little bit, which was weird, but other than that...nothing! I am very thankful.

As of right now, I haven't felt sick. I'm hoping that it'll skip me this time around. We're going to a Polo match, tomorrow, and I don't wanna miss out! I plan on taking my bucket and meds, just in case. :)

Keep praying for me! And, I'll keep everyone posted on my gastric situation. :)

God Bless!

Chemo #1

Thursday June 9, 2005 8:00am

Think of me! :)

God Bless!

Comments

Hey, did anyone notice that you can post comments on my blog? You're welcome to! At the end of each post you'll see this....

posted by TacyLou @ 11:12 AM 0 comments

Just click on the comments portion, and you can comment/critique or join me in a whine-fest!

See ya!

Port-a-cath

For all of you who have emailed to tell me how positive and upbeat I've been, you may not want to read any further. Now's my time to start whining...just a little.

My simple procedure did in fact turn out to be a simple procedure. I have decided I do not like being put to sleep for surgery, but the bunch of docs and nurses that I had this time were great. Of course, I wasn't put way under. I woke up in the OR with everyone kinda chit-chatting and goofing around. I liked that. Much more like waking up from sleep.

I went home on time, no extended stay for me this time. Seemed like no big deal. Then, I got up the next morning. Since Friday, I have felt like someone hit me in the collar bone with a baseball bat. It is no fun. And, it ain't purty, either. In fact, I had DH take a picture to post, and I decided it was too ugly to share with all of you good folks. Just take my word for it. It is healing up, but it is a very unnatural yellow color. Yikes!

I can tell, however, that these two incisions are going to heal quite nicely compared to the first two. Thank goodness!

I have spoken with the surgeon's office, as well as the oncologist's office, and it sounds like chemo will start this week. I am planning on taking my little DVD player to watch movies since I have to be there for 5 hours. I still can't believe that! Of course, I may be wasting my energy. If they're gonna dose me up with Benadryl, I'm going to be snoring and drooling on their pillows rather than reading and watching movies.

Wish me luck, and send me all of your good thoughts and prayers!

God Bless!