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.