Sunday, November 2, 2014

It's a windy and brisk day today! Trying to stay warm is a little hard...sitting with a sweatshirt and blanket takes a lot of energy! I hate getting up to let the dogs in or out or doing stuff around the house....but I'll get through it!

Went on Monday the 27th for a follow up visit with Dr. May.

When I called for the appointment I told the receptionist that I refuse to wait over one hour due to the three hour wait the last visit. When I arrived at 10:30 I mentioned this again. The young woman asked if I wanted to hold my check - just in case I left....I told her to hold it as I'd end up coming back either this week or in three weeks! An hour came and I went up to her and she said I had another 10 minute wait.

Actually there was no way I was going to leave. I hadn't eaten anything as my regular doctor wanted cholesterol blood work and being that I needed a port flush - I'd have it done here. I also wanted to find out the results of my bone density test.

About one hour later, after having a finger prick blood draw...a nurse came in and flushed my port along with drawing the blood. Dr. May came in and handed me TWO papers of the blood work....the finger prick numbers were completely different than the 'quick' port draw....amazing how different they could be.... All numbers were good.

Bone density test was great!!! No signs of osteoporosis!!!

It's such an easy scan too. You lie on your back and they scan your spine and then your hips...all takes about 2 minutes for each = totaling 6 minutes.

No results of my cholesterol test yet.

I was so hungry when I was leaving. Thank goodness they have finger sandwiches served on Monday's and Wednesday's! I went out with a small egg salad sandwich on a potato roll along with a quarter sandwich of turkey on wheat....which I ate in the car....leaving at 12:30.

I'm feeling very good, other than trying to keep warm. We have the pellet and wood stove heating the house right now - which is okay....

I also STOPPED taking the femara (for breast cancer). On the 11th day I was totally exhausted! I even went back to bed for two hours - which I never do! And I had a headache (which I never get), along with no appetite at all. I ended up eating a small bowl of cold cereal at 9 pm, just to get something in my stomach. I didn't take any more and felt so much better the following day.

Dr. May wasn't too happy that I only gave it 11 days but I guess she knew there was NO way I was going to take it again - ever! so she decided that I didn't need to take this hormone pill for breast cancer. I'm guessing it's because I'm still taking the chemo pills.

Thank you all for your continued support and prayers.

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Just wanted to blog...nothing important but figured - what the heck.....

I went for my usual 3 week follow up on Tuesday. My appointment was scheduled for 10 am. It takes me 35 minutes to get there...when I arrived I asked the receptionist how long I'd be waiting...she said about an hour. Doable since the last visit I waited two hours. I sat down with my Kindle and waited. There was a women next to me - waiting...she was there about 20 minutes ahead of me. Patients walked in, checked in, sat down and then were called in BEFORE the other woman and me! She got up to make sure they knew she was there - so I figured they knew I was waiting too! Waiting, and still waiting. A woman came in with her friend and said the longest she's ever waited was ten minutes - and then she was called to go in. (she does have a different oncologist)....THREE (3) hours later!!!! I was called in!!!

So frustrated!!!! As calm as I was, I thought my blood pressure was going to be sky high! but it was normal! then the nurse came in and asked the same questions she always does...then Dr. May came in and they all apologized -- what do you say! Man oh man, did I want to say something rather than smiling and saying 'it's okay'....has to be the receptionist that schedules these appointments!!!! Got home at 1:30 then ran to the A&P to get my 5% senior discount (only on Tuesday's).

When I left the office I looked over to the receptionist and held up three fingers....she shook her head, rolled her eyes (with an apologetic eye) and turned away. When I call for my next three week follow up I will tell the girl that gives me my appt. that I will only wait 1 hour. If I am not taken - I will walk out! Wonder how that will go over!!!

It was a busy day, leaving the house at 9:20 and coming home after 1:30. Then running out the door again.

All is well, my CBC and rest of blood work is fine and Dr. May checked my lungs. She suggested I have a bone density scan as this new hormone pill (for breast cancer) has symptoms of joint pain. She wants to make sure I don't have or wants to know the score for osteoporosis. As there is some bone loss with this pill. I'm scheduled for the 21st. This is different than the bone scan I had about a month ago...but you think THAT scan would show bone loss.....maybe it's just the money they want!!! Thank God we have good health insurance that covers these tests!

All is well. God is good! Prayers are good too! and I thank you for them!!!

it's been a long time --- September 18, 2014

sorry for not blogging sooner.

I had a few issues that I had to deal with and I heard - don't claim you have cancer...so not sure of what was going on, I decided to wait until I had something to say.

Imagination is the best thing!!!

My CEA levels had gone up from 18 to 928 in the last several months. I had a PET scan back in June and it didn't show anything new and what I had did shrink. Then it went up again- testing it twice...

Imagination -- while I had the PET scan - for 45 (or so) minutes I prayed...prayed really hard. So hard that I felt I saw Jesus standing by my legs - healing me. I got a chill! Then the report was good.

When the CEA level went up again, Dr. May wanted me to go for a whole body bone scan. An easy test - I had it done at the hospital - went in at 9:30 to get the 'radiation' shot then back in three hours for the scan.

Imagination -- while being scanned they first have your arms at your side, then over your head, then anyplace. While I had my hands over my head - I felt Jesus standing right there besides me and holding my hand and I totally felt him right besides me....Imagination - what a wonderful thing! To have Jesus right there was such a feeling of joy.

I had this bone scan done last Thursday. Results were sent to Dr. May on Friday. I didn't hear from her and I didn't want to call. I think I just needed time. Feeling no news is good news. Of course everytime the phone rang my heart stopped! until I saw caller id. Dr. May had called me several weeks ago when my potassium was very low...so I figured she'd call if results weren't good....

Praying to God for healing works! But the human in me still seemed to worry until I asked God to take my worries from me - which did work....

My sister Linda and friend Donna - prayed! really prayed!!! and both of them got me through this.

I felt that God was/is healing me but there is always that tiny bit of doubt...Linda and Donna have kept me believing! Words of Joel Osteen helped too. Reading his postings on facebook seemed to always point to what I was fearing or needed to hear.

I for one can genuinely say that PRAYERS WORK!!! Don't ever doubt....believe. God loves us all!

The last few weeks I had heard several people that I know were healed, and then a great job opportunity, good health to others. I had a strong feeling that God was telling me - ALL IS WELL!

Be a believer!!! I truly am and so very thankful for prayers!!!! and God and Jesus!

Friday, June 27, 2014

Wow....I can't believe it's been so long since I posted! I have been asked several times but never did anything. sorry....

All is well!

I went for a PET scan on Monday the 23rd and found the results today (Friday). NO new lesions! I have a few hanging around and one that WAS active has shrunk and still being a little active. This I can handle!

About three weeks ago I found out that my CEA level had elevated almost 100 points higher than it was. Of course the first thing any human being does is - panic! Then I decided to check the internet.... I read and felt this was for me....that sometimes an active lesion/tumor dissolves and goes into your blood stream making the CEA (protein) level show higher....that and today I found out that anything can increase the number...being ill, coughing, stress....

Praying to God has really helped me too! This scan I prayed the entire time. Without anything else entering my mind and wandering off....I prayed so hard that I saw Jesus standing next to me with His hands raised over my abdomen healing me. It was such a beautiful feeling that I did shed a few tears!!!!

Finding that you only pray to God at the age of 64 is strange in itself! Here I thought you had to pray to saints! Any saint, all saints...but you don't have to. Go to the big guy!!! All the saints would have to relay the prayer to God! so you may as well go straight to the man!(or woman)....

I also heard that you should NOT pray to people that have passed! You can share memories with them but don't pray to them as they can't help you...they are busy doing God's work and can't help you.

I may sound a bit freaky...but when you have such great results and are open to receiving God - you will understand.

Sometimes I try preaching this to my kids but they aren't ready to hear it yet.

Charlie put the house on the market, again. I'm not ready to move and not sure if I'd really ever be ready. I enjoy seeing my kids on a weekly basis! I enjoy cutting hair!!! I have so many friends. I know you can make friends anywhere...but once you're away from your kids....they say they'd visit...but it would never be on a weekly basis. I'd be ready to move once one of them moves on...well, actually its easy for me to say that now...but I'm sure I'd have another excuse not to leave.

We had a few problems with SS...they said Charlie earned too much money last year (His first year collecting). They go monthly on the first year. He was very concerned on how much he made keeping an eye on his monthly earnings....but what I think happened is that he worked for Lowe's the entire year. Full time until he retired then he went part time. SS took his yearly income as part time. Their error!!!! So glad we found it and fixed it. It would have been a lot of money that we wouldn't have received for one month or at their suggestion, over a three year period!

Then,

yesterday, we get three (3) certified letters that we are being sued! I almost had to peel Charlie off the floor! I knew it was wrong. It was regarding a scan I got last June! and I had received a letter, then a few calls from a collection agency - which was supposedly fixed...until now....and due to my scheduled appointment today, I was able to get things straightened out. Seems that WE are the first EVER to get sued by the facility where I get my scans!!! again - THEIR error!

Charlie is planning on going to SC for a few days (to look at homes) then he and his sister Cathy will drive to see their Dad in Florida. I'm sure his Dad will be very happy to see both of them.

You can now consider yourself UPDATED! Again, if you don't see any new posts....everything is good!

Always remember: God will heal you! Ask or even demand that He heals you!!! He loves each and every one of us. Put your worries in His hands.

okay, done preaching too!

Thank you again, for praying to God for my healing!

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Just wanted to let you all know, I have a NEW computer and NO email addresses! I'm waiting to get ALL my junk from my old computer BACK onto this one...so just in case you haven't received an email from me = this is why. Hopefully I do get them all back!

I'd like to WISH all of you Mom's a very Happy Mother's Day! To women that never bore children, you are still a mom to someone! To men that have raised their children while your wife is working, you are considered a mom! and anyone else that I missed = Enjoy your day!

I go see Dr. May on Monday and I figured as long as I'm in Sparta I'll do my 6 month check up with Dr. O'Shea (breast care specialist). They are both in the same building. As long as I don't have to wait too long to see Dr. May, I'll make it to my other appointment right on time!

I had 'decreased' the Xeloda pills this time - now taking a total of 3,000 mg per day. I eliminated two 150 mg pills (per day). I'm still a little tired. It takes me a while to do my chores. I have to sit for a minute before continuing. I have 'some' symptoms. My skin is very dry and peeling a little on my hands - it's really around my finger nails that is dry. My feet not only tingle but if I stand too long they hurt. I keep putting lotion on both (hands and feet).

Not sure if I said this in my last blog = my feet = when I have to explain the feeling....I feel like they are Clown Feet! those humongous shoes! A little comical but hard to explain in any other term.

Other than that = All is Well.

Take care = Enjoy life!

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Happy Blessed Easter to All....a little late but God is always here for us and is showing us His miracles each day.

I went for my usual follow up visit with Dr. May yesterday. The only complaint I have is that you (I) arrive on time....but don't see the doctor for another hour! Nurses come in and take your vitals and your blood! and then you wait! Thank goodness I have my Kindle to keep me company! I usually play Word With Friends and I have one friend that is just about on all the time...so I'm always thinking of words to make! (thank you Barb!). My blood work (CBC) was very good.

This was my week off after increasing the dosage of my Xeloda by 1,000 mg each day. I did tell Dr. May my symptoms of which I tended to embellish a bit....I told her that my feet really hurt - especially as the day ends. They feel like a Clown's Big Feet! They do burn a little but it's bearable. Then I also told her my energy level has gone down....I do get tired a lot easier and it's noticeable to me. I find I need to sit after doing normal cleaning, laundry and other stuff. I was hoping she'd drop the dosage back to what it was but she said - one step at a time....She suggested we try to eliminate the 2 - 150 each mg. per day. So now I will take: 3 - 500 mg in the morning and at night = 3,000 mg rather than the 3,300 mg per day.

I can deal with the burning feet and tingling fingers but I don't like the energy level being so low. There are times that I don't even want to get up to prepare a meal....I'd rather just eat what is around = making me FAT! = eating junk food that I thought I'd never buy again....someone here is weeeeeeeeaaaaak!

Funny though, I did well on Easter....I did prepare grilled eggplant parmesan for Paul on Saturday as well as making the meatballs and sauce. On Sunday I made the stuffed shells, prepared my prime ribs and then made all the veggies and mashed potatoes....After sitting down to dinner (which was very late) I hated getting back up to clear the table and do the dishes. Thank goodness I had my kids help!

Nick was the only one that didn't have to work. Paul ended up helping Sam at the country club (as she was short some servers). They both arrived home at 7:30 with food on the table. Charlie had to work at Lowe's too, coming home about 6:15. Nicholas and I kept each other company.

I'm having computer problems! Seems I had two virus's and over 350 bugs! After cleaning it all up = my computer is running SLOWER!! so frustrating!!! Just getting onto Facebook takes forever and longer to post stuff! I posted some Easter photo's late last night and it took about 2 hours just to do that!!! I was ready to pull out my hair...well, not really but I was totally frustrated!

Charlie celebrated his birthday on Friday the 18th. He worked and then went bowling (his normal weekly thing)...WE (it was only the two of us) had his cake (I sung Happy Birthday) at 10:30 pm! With his bowling league on Friday's....seems every holiday fell on that day == our anniversary, Valentine's Day and his birthday! Thank goodness mine is on Thursday! Not that it really matters = it's just another day and I'm not one for going out.....another day, another year....I'm alive!

That kind of sounds depressing....but I'm not. I'm happy and loving this warmer weather. I even drove back from Sparta with my convertible top down yesterday! I love my car!

That's my update for now - if you don't see anything - everything is okay! No news is good news!

12:43 AM - Saturday, April 5, 2014

Getting ready to go to bed but decided to sit here and type this....

Going to another facility to have a written report for a PET scan can be very confusing. Words used are so different and the meanings are sometimes hard to understand = good? or bad???

I didn't get a copy of this report until Dr. May handed it to me. She discussed it with me but just the highlights of it....

She was very happy with the results...but I didn't quite understand what this report meant? Was I completely healed?

YES, NO signs of breast cancer! Healed!!! God healed me!

Now for the colon cancer....still not 100% sure....reading it over a few times I have come to the conclusion that the lesions are still there but it seems that only one is 'active'. Actually one lesion in the lung is completely gone....and the others have gotten smaller but they don't seem to be active, except for one in the liver.

Dr. May wants me to increase the dosage of the chemo pill - I'm thinking its because she wants to aggressively treat these lesions till they are completely gone. I begin my two weeks ON - Sunday...so I will increase the dose to three (3) 500 mg. and one (1) 150 mg in the morning and then the same at night = for two (2) weeks. I see her the week off and we will see if I have any symptoms.

The only symptom that is annoying is the upset stomach, running back and forth to the bathroom....this time it seemed to be every other day (and on my week off). It's doable but that's because I'm home....it scares me because I never know when I will feel this way.....and why do I let it scare me like this?!!!

God has His plan and it seems that He is healing me. I am staying positive because I do know that one day I will be completely healed!!! God loves us all and wants the best for all of us. I believe!!! I am an open vessel and accepting His words.

Thank you, again, for your continued support and prayers!

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

When I was growing up, I was so shy and hardly had anything to say....well, I sure did make up for lost time! I can talk about anything!!! And here is my platform on my PET scan....

Appointment scheduled for Monday, March 31st at Hackettstown Hospital (about a 20 minute drive). The day before a scan your not suppose to exercise = hmmmm, sure for the first time I wanted to work out and couldn't! and no sugar or fruit....just protein. I can do that = that's the diet I was on in November = when I went to the nutritionist....and fell off of it....

I left here at 8:05 AM - knowing that I had to register at the front desk of the hospital and not knowing what the parking lot would be like....I arrived 15 minutes early....

Registered and then walked down to the radiation department....I was to begin the scan about 9....

I had my Kindle with me (just in case I had to wait) but no wireless connection, so I just played solitare.

The woman I spoke with, I believe she is the receptionist...walked in about 10 minutes later saying she was stuck in traffic....no problem....

With this scan, they inject you with this 'stuff' and you have to sit quietly for 50 minutes....well, here I am = still sitting!

The delivery of the 'stuff' was late!!! They didn't arrive until 9:45!!! All that sitting and I wasn't going to get out of there until noon!

They have this really nice resting room. A little water fall fountain, candles and soft lights = NO kindle! No mental stimulation...just sit back and recline for 50 minutes.

My body told me when time was up....I had to go to relieve my bladder so bad and it was perfect timing! Then into get the scan!

Twenty minutes later...I was back out in the waiting room, waiting for the CD to bring on Friday.

Karen (receptionist) was very nice, handed me some water and crackers while I waited.

I asked the technicial when Dr. May would get the written report. He said she should get it in two or three days = which would be perfect for me --- she should have it on Friday and I will know what's going on inside my body.

I believe that God has healed me! I am very anxious to hear the news!

That's my story for the day.....always waiting.....for something......

Monday, March 24, 2014

What a day!!! On the phone practically all morning!!!

When I saw Dr. May on the 14th of this month she said I was 'finally' approved for a PET scan....being on the chemo pill for two weeks, I had plenty of time to make my appointment. This week is the second week so I decided not to wait until the end or middle of this week to schedule the scan.

I called Newton Imaging (the same building as the cancer center)....come to find out that their PET scan machine is broken and has been for a month!!!! with NO sight for it to be fixed right now....

first call AFTER speaking with Newton Imaging = to the doctor's office = where do I go now? Morristown, Dover....what about Hackettstown (so much closer)...yes, they will do it there BUT you have to call your insurance co. to ask them to change the site for this scan...

second call: called insurance co.....NO, you have to call the Hackettstown Hospital to have them agree to doing this scan.

third call: called the hospital = NO, I have to call the insurance co. back OR the doctors office and tell them that we have ANTHEM blue cross/blue shield and not Horizon....

forth call: called doctors office - we know you have Anthem...here is the authorization number, call back the hospital and give it to them.

fifth call: called hospital and made the appointment for the scan = Monday, March 31st at 8:45 AM....BUT I still have to get the authorization number from the doctors office. I also need to go to Sparta to pick up the CD of my last scan (so they can compare it with this new scan). I can leave with the 'new' CD....wonder how long it will take to get a written report?!!! I wonder if they will fax a copy to Dr. May or if it needs to be read by the radiologist in Sparta (Newton Imaging).

sixth call: called doctors office and got the authorization number - which ended up missing one number (finding out after I made the seventh call).

eighth call: called doctors office and ended up leaving a message and asking her to call me back knowing all this was made....no call back!!!!

So....I have an appointment for a pre-authorized PET scan at Hackettstown Hospital on Monday, the 31st. I will go home with the CD and bring it to Dr. May's office on Friday the 4th of April....UNLESS she wants it brought to her office BEFORE my follow up on the 4th.

All this....and I'm still not sure if the hospital will get all this information....I'm sure it will be okay...I would just like to know ahead of time.

I had all this information on scraps of note paper - hoping I'd remember what to say to whom!!! and see what the next step was....

All this time on the phone and I was so surprised that no one tried calling here!!! I think I would have gone just a little crazy if someone tried calling!

God does work in mysterious ways!!!!

Thanks for listening!!

Next update will be AFTER I find out the results of the scan.....

Tuesday, March 18th

When people ask why I haven't posted in a while, I was asked to say the following:

THERE AIN'T A FRIGGING THING TO SAY LOL.....and Believe in Miracles


quoted from an 'old' friend....John O'Toole..........

Friday, March 14, 2014

Always remember = no news is good news.....especially when I don't post on a regular basis.

All is well. Just came back from seeing Dr. May = on my 'week off' the chemo pill. Had blood drawn and everything is good.

FINALLY got approval to have a PET scan!!! I will call on Monday to make an appt. I will go on my next 'week off' which brings me to the first week in April.

Nothing else new.....prayers are working so I don't have bad symptoms. I have the occasional bout of diarrhea and still the tingling in my hands and feet - but nothing to complain about.

The only thing that I'm upset about is since the end of November I have gone off the 'good' foods and can't seem to go back.

The end of November when we had problems with our well, we weren't able to use the running water in our house. Which I gave up trying to wash the fresh veggies....it seems to have taken a little over 2 weeks to be able to use our water and that's when I began eating my regular diet. I have gained back all that weight I lost...and I keep trying to go back....breakfast is good, but then I begin snacking about 10 minutes after I finished eating really healthy. If I could only continue = I'd be fine! I guess or maybe I'll just blame it on Paul. When he is/was around = I'd eat good...with him being away = no incentive. Charlie, on the other hand, is doing great! He works out everyday/night! He's looking good! All the weight he's taking off = I'm putting on.

Okay, now I'm done complaining!

Thanks again for your prayers! and continued support.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

About a half hour before Shameless goes on and I finally decided to sit down and type this....

This is my week OFF....two weeks on, one week off = the chemo pill.

Feeling great....no symptoms this round.

I still have some tingling in my feet and I think I now have plantar fasciitis...heel pain. I bought a pair of heel cushions and it seems much better. It's an inflamation of your heel mostly from standing a lot (which I do). I keep moisturizing my hands with lotion and under my finger nails (seems that is where the skin is the dryest). Other than that, I have my energy and appetite.

I have an appointment with Dr. May and blood work on Friday.

I WAS suppose to go for a PET scan this week but it seems that my insurance company DENIED it. The office called to say that I was now to schedule a Nuclear Imaging Bone Scan (at the hospital) and then have a CT Scan at Sparta. I called to make the appt. for the bone scan....it's for Wednesday at 10 am = I go for the radiation injection at 10 am - then I can leave or stay but need to be back 3 hours later for the 1 hour scan! Are you kidding me?!!! I made this appt. on Friday about 2 pm. I was home alone and completely lost it! So totally frustrated that I have to have 2 scans on two different days and see the doctor on Friday! Plus it's having all this crap injected!!!

After I calmed myself down, I decided to call the insurance company directly. They said it was denied due to the doctor not giving all the information needed. She can call again and re-apply for this PET scan. I was happy with that answer. I called the office and got the answering machine. Here it was about 2:30 and they leave at 4 == had no call back. Now dwelling over this the entire weekend, first thing tomorrow I will call the office to set this ONE scan up!!! Guess nothing will happen this week = so I'm sure it will be in 3 weeks = which is fine with me. As long as Dr. May agrees with this and doesn't pressure me to go for these two scans. Not that the PET scan is any better = but it's just ONE scan and being injected with radiation once! The PET scan gives bone density information.

What blows my mind = if the insurance company declines one scan for the cost....now with two scans it would cost more! Really?!! Is the doctor trying to make some kind of point with the insurance company??? Is this related to Obama Care???? = heck, it's all a conspiracy!!!! LOL Guess you have to find some humor in all of this.

I do a fair amount of 'channel surfing'....I've watched before but I don't know the actual schedule = Joel Osteen. He totally amazes me. He gets me so uplifted by what he speaks about. I've caught his show twice....his first one was 'telling' God, the Lord, to heal me! He said God wants good for all of us and we have to be persistant and stong to 'tell' Him what we want. Today Joel Osteen was talking about 'timing'...why is it when we ask for something it doesn't happen tomorrow....God has a plan. He knows what and when you will receive it. It may take a day, month, years...and in that time you will find what you were asking for...or someone that you meet that takes you to achieve your intention. I've always known, deep down, that God brings people into your life for a reason. If you ever get a chance to see or listen to Joel Osteen - do, I'm sure you'll be totally impressed and uplifted by his speeches.

Other than this beautiful weather we are experiencing - life is great! As I shake my head in disbelief....more snow expected Monday night into Tuesday. We have so much snow and no place to put what is being plowed! and when the warmer weather comes to melt it...and being cold at night = what melts turns into black ice! No winning here = at least for another month! We need several days of warm weather along with rain = to wash it all away....and most likely into the houses = houses with basements! and into houses that have no basements.

Charlie was up on the roof (one roof over the screened in porch and where the pool table is) shoveling off the heavy snow. The rest of the roof is angled enough that it will eventually slide off. speaking of which = outside the upstairs deck is a chunk of snow that will be an avalanche!!!! when the door is open. Charlie said he will shovel it off tomorrow = unless all the snow falls on top of him when he begins shoveling!!! = I'll have my camera ready...now that's my weird sense of humor - watching it happen!

Poor dogs are having a hard time finding a place to 'do their thing'. Jersey went next door to go = under their trampoline! She and Marlee were outside and I called them to come in. Marlee came but Jersey didn't. I had to put my coat and boots on to find her. Here I thought she was trapped in snow! I saw her struggling to come back home. I figured if she got there = she could get back....all this happened while it was snowing yesterday and Charlie was at work. I was ready to call him to come home = if she was stuck someplace there would be no way that I could get her out...thank God she was okay.

the end....

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Wow...I didn't realize it's almost a month since my last blog.

I've been on my chemo pill for a few months now...After my radiation treatments Dr. May increased my dosage to 2,300 mg of Xeloda. 3 pills in the morning and 3 at night - for two weeks then one week off. On my off week I go to the center to have my blood checked and speak with Dr. May.

Everything is going fine....blood work is good/excellent! I have a few symptoms: tingling in the hands and feet and my heels hurt a little. I do have the occasional bout of diarrhea...just comes on when it wants to...no rhyme or reason.

I actually feel very well. No hair loss, my skin is good, no mouth sores, no finger cuts, lots of energy too.

I will have a PET scan the week of the 17th of this month.

I truly believe I will conquer this disease...I know God can heal me, if it is His will.

The thing is miss is being able to shovel! Having this port (in my chest) means that I can't...it was enjoyable for me as I got my exercise and fresh air! and my driveway was clear, edge to edge!!! We do have our driveway plowed but there is still clean up that needs to be done.

I can't believe all the snow we are having this year!

Friday, January 10, 2014

Went for my first (and most likely last until six months) follow up with the radiation doctor. They do the same thing that the oncologist nurses do....ask if you have any pain, check your blood pressure and weigh you then the doctor comes in and checks you = so I asked 'why' I have to see both....doctor said - to have an extra opinion or to answer any questions.....for a person that 'hates' going to the doctor I don't see myself going there six months from now. Unless I don't have to go to the oncologist twice a month....we'll see about that.

I left the house a few minutes earlier than I needed and didn't realize it until I arrived at the office 1/2 hour early. The positive thing about that department is they actually take you on time - or earlier!!! They took me in right away.

My appt. (same unit) for oncology was scheduled for 11:30....and they didn't take me in until 12:30 (which I didn't expect to be taken in before waiting an hour). They did the same thing, ask if I had any pain, took my blood pressure and weight...imagine I weighted one pound MORE there!!! and my blood pressure was a little different (which is normal as that can change from one minute to the next = but my weight...so funny!)

Got the results of my blood work from two weeks ago and the one that was just taken. All my numbers are good.

I saw Dr. May, as she was passing by (I didn't have to see her) and told her that one day I had a really bad case of diarrhea and didn't eat anything that entire day so I skipped taking my chemo pills in the evening and the following morning. She said I should 'never' skip them...to keep on taking them.....I'm still not sure if it was a stomach virus or from the chemo. Guess I'll find out when I take them again. This was my week off so I will take them beginning Sunday - that entire week and one more week = then off and that week is another scheduled appointment to actually see Dr. May and do the blood work too.

I've been keeping myself busy. I was going to take down my decorations on Monday but Charlie was 'cleaning out' or as he said 'straightening out' the basement where all the boxes are = that 'he' packed away. I think he is going behind my back and throwing them away!!! I haven't looked in the other room that he said he put them in....hmmmm. A conspiracy!!! to throw away MY stuff!!! deep down I'm a little hoarder!!!!

Tuesday I went food shopping, Wednesday Samantha was going down to Wayne along with Charlie to put her platform bed frame together...so I went along. First time I saw her room there. Not a bad size = for free rent!!! She has her queen size bed, TV (with a floor stand), small refrigerator, clothes rack and she brought down a folding table so she could prepare food...she has room for her microwave (that she can't find but we think is put away in the shed unless Charlie got rid of it), her hot plate, crock pot, George Forman grill and I think she has a toaster oven. She's pretty much all set. I suggested her adding a shelf over her clothes but she wants it pretty much bare...not like here at home where (as she says) it is cluttered! Sam begins work on Monday the 13th. She'll be home once a week to do her laundry until she gets busy at work. She's really looking forward to beginning. So, I left my comfort zone to go down to Wayne!!! Yesterday I had the doctor appointment and I'm hoping today (Friday) that I can begin taking down the decorations. I did take down the Christmas stockings and the cards...but I sure do have a lot more to pack away.

One of my customers said she puts each room away...and here I've been putting everything together...all the lights, garland etc together and then when I take them out, I never remember which garland goes in where....So, after all these years, I have learned something else!!! Charlie is working today then he'll go bowling tonight. Giving me all this time = to myself......

I brought you up to date on what's been going on here and again, I thank you for your prayers! Happy New Year!

2014 - Happy New Year!

What a busy month of December!

Finishing radiation, going down for a few days to South Carolina for Samantha's college graduation, decorating, working and having so many parties!!! I loved every minute of it!!!

I'm taking my chemo pills every day! Dr. May will be proud of me for not skipping a day!!! Of course the timing of it always changes! but I'm taking them! Now praying that they will and are working. Right now I'm on the 'two weeks ON and one week OFF' and doing blood work on my 'off' week. If I remember correctly I will have a PET scan either the end of this month or in February to see if the pills are working.

I feel great....still have my energy and just a few minor symptoms....a day or two of running to the bathroom but not as bad as the past...my hands/fingers and soles of my feet are a little dry and peeling a little but not a problem. I noticed a mouth sore last night - but gone within an hour....

With all these get together's this past month did I realize how much life is meant to live! All the things/milestones I would have missed out on if I wasn't here....brings a tear to my eyes....Life is good.

Prays help you realize that miracles do happen! I thank each and everyone of you who is reading this! You are truly appreciated! Happy, healthy and a prosperous New Year to YOU and your families.