Friday, Nov. 29th

What a great feeling NOT to have to go to Sparta for radiation!!! Tomorrow (Sat.) and Sunday OFF!!! Back on Mon., Tues., and Wed....if I counted right would be my last, 30th day!

Keeping myself busy....Charlie was asked to work today (usually just works Sat., and Sun's). Before leaving I asked him to bring up or down the artificial Christmas tree....the past few years we've had a fresh one but I have too many ornaments and wasn't able to use all of them and the type of tree we had, couldn't 'hold' most of them as I think they may have been just a little too heavy. Unless I put them 'inside' the tree - they might stay but then you can't see them.

Charlie found the tree (right where he put it last year) in the attic.....but couldn't find the lights! When I put the tree together I put the lights on each row of branches (to give it depth)....so out I went to buy some lights....I have 4 boxes of 300 - I hope that's enough. I bought them right in town and they have smaller boxes = just in case I need a few more I know I can get them close by.

We had an enjoyable Thanksgiving Day = missing Sam too. I made two desserts on Wednesday night = an apple pie and this chocolate lasagna (made with layer of crushed oreo cookies, chocolate pudding and cool whip) and on Thursday I made some appetizers = deviled eggs, shrimp, stuffed mushrooms and spinach dip. I put it out when Nick came about 2:30.

Thinking a 12 lb. turkey would take about 3 1/2 hours to bake, I put it in the oven at noon time.....I had seen on the TV show (The Chew) to put a carrot, one piece of celery and a whole onion cut in half, inside the cavity to keep the bird moist and some added flavor....I'm glad I did that because the turkey wasn't done until 5:30!!! Thank goodness they had eaten before!!! I also made stuffing w/sausage and added some dried cranberries amongst other things; acorn squash stuffing (minus the bread cube); twice baked pototoes for Charlie and Nick; Paul and I had sweet potatoes; and I made artichokes!

6:30 = the dinner was great....the turkey was moist!!! I thought it would have been totally dried out!!! and dessert was even better!

I can't believe how fast this month (November) went....before we know it, it will be 2014!!!

Hope you all had a very happy Thanksgiving Day!

Tuesday, Nov. 26th (day 26 out of 30)

Had my CBC drawn today = all numbers are very good! Maybe the supplements are helping!

Radiation: On Friday of last week I noticed under my arm began getting 'red/irritated'....saw the doctor and she said to keep putting the Aquaphor on it (after treatment)....still on the red side but no blistering. I go one more day this week = then have 4 days off! Wahoo!!! the joys of these little things in life!

Saw Dr. May too...right now I'm taking a total of 4 (500 mg each) Xeloda pills a day. She wants me to stop taking them for several days after I'm finished with radiation and then to begin on that Monday taking more....6 pills a day. 3 in the morning (I have to have a new script made up as she wants me to take 2 - 500 mg and 1 - 150 mg) and then 3 at night and take them for two weeks ON and then one week OFF....but she also wants me to go for CBC once a week.

In three months time, from the beginning of radiation till the 3 months is over, she suggests a PET scan to see what's going on and decide what's next.

Dr. May said that the symptoms may begin to 'set in'....peeling of the soles and palms, mouth sores, diarrhea, and maybe one or two other things.......and here I thought I was doing so very well!!!!! Prayers to continue feeling the same way!!!!

Charlie drove me today - thinking the roads were going to be bad....but they were fine! The weatherman can make you crazy!!! They really make you paranoid! see a few snow flakes and you think we'll have a blizzard!!! I went food shopping about 2 and it was raining......

Having a new well pump is a real pain!!! The water is still coming out with a tinge of 'brown' color and an odor of bleach. Still drinking bottled water (including our pets)even though the plumber said Monday should be okay....when I see a ting of brown - I'll wait!!!!

With this = I'm afraid to begin baking/cooking for Thursday.....I hate to use too much bottled water not knowing how much we'd have left to drink....what gets done will be done....what doesn't = no one will know!!!!

Thank you again, for your continued support and prayers. Happy Thanksgiving to All = we really do have a lot to be thankful for! Friends like you! Family like you! and all the other blessings we have.

Friday morning, Nov. 22nd

50th anniversary of President Kennedy's fatal shooting.

At this time in my life I feel I should dwell on the positive things.....I have a roof over my head, heat, food in the refrigerator, electric, a comfortable bed to sleep in, my Kindle, my computer, and a loving husband - BUT NO water!!! Well, we do have 'some' water. A cold shower that drizzles is better than nothing....still leaving some soap on my body...but at least I'm clean and smell good! A dishpan in the sink with water so I can wash my hands during the day. I am thankful for things and one thing that I've known for a while (since our long lasting power outages and no generator)...I am NOT a pioneer woman!!! and I DON'T want to be either!!! I LOVE the little extra's in my life! and I want them back!!!

We got our call before 8 AM this morning that the plumber is coming = to fix or install our water pump (in the ground) shortly! Wahoo!!! The little things in life that give me/us pleasure.

I'll be able to use my dishwasher for the first time - not cooking and using some utensils and a few dishes are now waiting in the dishwasher to begin the wash cycle. I'd better read the manual to see how to start it! Since we replaced this dishwasher I've been doing them by hand - not bad considering I use more pots and pans than dishes...as long as I have to wash them, what's a few dishes, glasses and silverware.

Radiation is going well...today is day 23 (out of 30)...I wasn't going to count 'days' but being this close to the end I've changed my mind.

I did notice yesterday (the day AFTER I saw the radiation doctor) that under my arm is a little irritated (looking red). I hope she's around so she can suggest or prescribe some medication to put on it. Now to hope she doesn't' say not to use deodorant! That would be very hard!!!!

Thank you for our friends and neighbors that have offered their hot showers....but with everything I use = I'd need to pack a suitcase just to take a shower. Roughing it is a little hard but I can handle it for a few days = not enjoying it is another story.

Just in case I don't blog in the next few days - I'd like to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and yes, I am very thankful for the things, people and close friends in my life...and most of all for my loving family! God Bless You All!

Tuesday, November 19th

Everything is going well.....treatment: just finished week 4!! two more weeks to go!

Had my CBC done this morning, then radiation, then saw the doctor. Tomorrow I get my x-ray and radiation then done for the day.

I will go on Sunday and have four days off - Thanksgiving, Friday, Sat., and Sun...then only 3 days after that!

CBC was good - numbers are still where they should be. Dr. May came in and said to take all 4 chemo pills on a daily basis. I will see her next Tuesday.

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We were having problems with our water....had the furnace coil cleaned and had a great surge of hot water...then noticed the cold water wasn't as strong flowing through those pipes....Called the plumber and he found that our water heater or was it the water holding tank...keeps running = meaning = we need to get a new pump...the one that is outside - underground!!! And he won't be able to do this until Friday!!!!

He came around dinner time and when he left we ate....then I went to wash the dishes and it's dribbling out of the faucet!!!! How on earth will I be able to take a shower with NO pressure?!!! 3 days!!! I will be totally frustrated!!! Can't do laundry! and very little cleaning that uses water!!! I really need these comforts of home! I am a person that needs these life pleasures!!! I don't like roughing it!!! I enjoy the 'small' pleasures of life! Running water - inside the house! out of every faucet! I'm not asking for much....a roof over my head, running water and heat or air conditioning....oh and electric.......hmmmm, guess I am a glutten - wanting all these 'bare' necessities in my life. This is like living with a power outage and no generator....and we do have a generator but even that's not going to help.................

signing off, frustrated!!!

Saturday, November 16th

What a great feeling = not having to get up and do EVERYTHING so early in the morning. At least to me, it's early...to others that work on a regular basis/schedule = it would be closer to their lunch time!

Our cat did get me up....she's an outside cat that wants to be an indoor cat until yesterday and today. She can't make up her mind. She got me up to eat and go out (the last few days she eaten and stay inside)....then I was on the computer...then back to bed but couldn't fall asleep (go figure).

Took my time - ate breakfast at a normal time and even put a rump roast in the slow cooker and here I sit at 1:30 just getting ready to go downstairs (although I have been up and down all morning).

Radiation: Quick as a bunny yesterday and then off to Newton. I had an appointment to get my eyes checked. It just a little fuzzy and with Charlie having vision insurance I figured I'd take advantage of it. Went to Marshall's first then off for my appointment to find out that I don't need anything stronger (which is good as I just have these glasses for a little over a year) BUT the insurance that Charlie has is no longer!!! I called him (as he had to work yesterday) and he found out that they still have the vision but under a different provider. Now I have to do paperwork to get my money back, minus the deductable.

While there the optometrist highly suggested that I make an appointment with an opthalmologist. Seems that breast cancer can metastasis to the eye....and he wants the retina checked....I also went on line and it does say that this is a possiblity especially if you feel your eye sight is changing....hmmmm, now something else to worry about!

After I had my treatment, the husband and wife were waiting to talk to me....isn't that cute! I'm in a short time so they really didn't have to wait long. One of the nurses was also handing out homemade crochet scarves as one of her friends enjoys making them and giving them away (it's beautifully made!). I think we pretty much caught up on who's who and we know 'who'! I still can't believe this story! Out of all the people that go there - to be scheduled around the same time....and finding out you know their family.....well, you know what I mean.

That's it...it's a gorgeous day today! I have some windows open to let the fresh air in! Enjoy YOU day/weekend!

Thursday, November 14th

Sunny, beautiful day outside....was typing a long (not unusal) email to a friend and almost to the end = the power went out!!! Loosing my letter!!!! It went out for a second or two!!! All that typing and this happens! I just hope it doesn't happen again!!!!

The story = to continue from the last post, regarding the older couple....
Remember I mentioned because they take you so fast that you really don't have time to have a 'real' conversation with the other patient....One day I was there and two were in the waiting area (one done and waiting to see the doctor and the other waiting to go in). By the time I was undressed there was only one woman waiting....with that in mind = you get thing in bits and pieces!

Before I begin with this story....Paul had told me about this web site = teeth miridians = which I found very interesting! They show you a chart where there is a tooth/organ relationship!!! If you have a chance - you should use your search engine and view or probably PRINT out one of the charts.....

back to my story....

With this in mind and knowing the husband is a retired cardiologist I thought he and his wife may find this interesting. I made a copy for them and was ready to give it to them yesterday but they never showed up....

Today they were there...the wife, Dorothy, was already having her treatment so I changed and walked into the men's waiting room to give the copies to the man....He told me what was wrong that they didn't show up the previous day and then I handed him this chart....he talked about the dentist he goes to....and then he said the dentist gives them FREE cleanings at least 4 times a year and in turn he gives him tickets to the home Giants games....little stuff is adding up. He also mentioned his last name...and I hadn't really heard what Dorothy said the day before...when he told me his name and remembering that Dorothy said his son was an excellent cook...and he lived in Blairstown (the next town from me)...the name clicked...the town didn't...the great cook did....Turns out his son is our neighbor that lives 1/2 mile down the road. Samantha went to school with the daughter! and had a few breakfasts there after the sleepovers. Samantha said it was like a Las Vegas Buffet!!! So now I really know them!!! What a small world! Dorothy didn't know this yet as she came out and I went in for the treatment! I'm sure they were both laughing when the husband told his wife this! Not only living in the same town - but right down the road!!!

I saw the radiologist doctor today (you are to see them once a week). A good thing that I didn't see her yesterday. this part is a little gross: I noticed after taking my shower that there was a tiny white spot right around my nipple....me the picker that I am, thought it may have been a little soap that didn't rinse off, so I scratched the area....it was a little red right about that too. Now out comes some pus and then it was a little oozy....I mentioned this to the radiology people and they said this happens some times....The doctor didn't seem too concerned...just said to use Neosporin 2 x's a day (after treatment and before bed) and NOT to touch it!! Good grief - the things I CAN'T DO!!! At least I don't have to worry about it - seeing it happened today and saw the doctor too.

Other than that....everything is going well. I UP-ed my chemo pills - now taking 2 in the morning and 1 at night...will do that for two weeks unless I get some symptoms...but I'd have to check with Dr. May first...which I will see her in two weeks.

I still have energy...actually a little more. I've been getting up early - 5:45 AM....I go to the bathroom then back to bed but can't fall asleep....I fall asleep while playing that game - Words With Friends....until the kindle feels like it's falling off my lap which wakes me up....only a few winks of sleep....but I still clean upstairs and if I still have time I'll vacuum the main floor too. The chairs that the dogs sit/lay on always has hair on it!

That's all for now....everything is A-okay! Thank you so much for your continued support and prayers!

11-12-13 - today's date......

I forgot to mention this....One of my first treatments an older woman and her husband came in after me, Charlie was with me that day....The man was jovial and the woman was smiling....I didn't realize at the time that she too was going to have radiation treatments.

Because you're in and out you really don't have much time to speak to anyone - unless you or they wait to talk when they are all done.

Yesterday, Monday, I had the chance to actually speak to this woman. She told me she is 82 and her husband is 90 (and still drives!). He is a retired cardiologist and practiced in Newton. This is her 3rd marriage and his 2nd. She has two grown children; male 62 and woman 59...she didn't say anything about grandchildren...but then again we didn't have time to really chat.

Today we had a few more minutes. I mentioned to her something I said to Charlie...looking at them = I feel WE'D be like them in a few years...Charlie always joking and me smiling....she chuckled at that. She told me that her first husband died, second one she divorsed and is happily married to Lucian (or Lucas). His first wife passed away. Her name is Dorothy!!! You should have seen the expression on her face when she asked me my name and I told her.... Such a sweet old lady!

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Today went well....didn't have to wait too long but long enough to talk to Dorothy! I went for my CBC (blood work) and all my numbers are good. Still taking the chemo pill 2 a day (1 in the morning and 1 at night). Tomorrow (Wednesday) I will begin taking 2 in the morning and 1 at night.

Still feeling fine....a little tired but I know exactly why....Charlie snores! gee, did I mention that before??? Not only with him breathing/snoring in my ear (which really isn't all that loud - until your right next to each other) but the cat loves to wake me early - when it's still dark! Which is before 6 am! We found out that she is now using the kitty litter box in the basement. Charlie put it there to keep the moisture and damp smell by the water tank....Our kitty found it! And here I was wondering why she'd get me up so early and NOT go out = after feeding her! So, I now pet her for a while (while still laying in bed and she's on the floor). She eventually moves back onto her bed by the steps. So here I am - up since before 6...I ended up getting up the second time the cat came meowing in by me which was about 7:30....while Charlie is still snoring away.

Thank goodness I did sleep well all night! until I was able to fall asleep with the snoring and waking up to a meowing cat!

Okay, I'm done complaining and telling my story.....

Monday, November 11th

Arrived a few minutes early today for my treatment....but seems like there were more people there today than ever!

I had to wait a few minutes....three people ahead of me...thank goodness each one takes about 5 minutes.

Still have my energy which is a good thing.

Taking a total of 2 pills per day until Wednesday then I will take 2 in the morning and 1 at night.

I think I have all this energy from the full moon too! Washed windows (inside and out) on Saturday and Sunday - just the two upstairs bedrooms. Having the windows shut for a while - when I opened them to wash the outside there were stink bugs inbetween the window and the frame! No wonder why we had so many last year - they hibernated in the windows!!!

Off to bed now....it's midnight....Wonder if I'll be able to fall asleep....Charlie is already in bed = snoring up a storm! And he thinks he doesn't snore!

Saturday, November 9th

Wonderful news yesterday.....I am NOT a carrier of breast cancer!!! Great news for family medical history!

My name won't go down in history for this!!! You all still need to be checked but it doesn't have to be at a young age.

Today, Saturday, is a day off....now you think I'd sleep late - nope, I actually got up earlier!!!

While I still have energy, I will try to accomplish a nice list of things to do around the house.

Charlie is working until 1 - and I'm sure he'll be outside doing something. I know his number on priority will be sitting in his chair outside = looking for that mole!!! I think in his previous life he was a cat. The man can sit and watch for a long time! He saw it moving underground and tried to get it...but it was smarter than him....and the dogs = you think they'd try to get it....I guess it doesn't have a smell and they had no interest in trying.

Nicholas's trip to the Philappians has been canceled due to the Super Typhoon.

Thursday, November 7th

I didn't realize that I hadn't blogged yesterday....so here goes....

There was an older woman with her husband getting ready for her radiation treatment on Monday. The woman was frail and had a beautiful smile. The husband was handsome and always cracking a joke. They reminded me of what Charlie and I may be like when we are 'alot' older. She even commented on how nice my hair was and who cut it. I didn't have time to tell her that I do it myself! One time, when we have time to talk I will ask her...I wonder if she is/was a hairdresser....now that would be a hoot!

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Wednesday, November 6th

Every fifth time (supposidly, give or take a day) they do an x-ray right before the radiation....so I had that and then after the treatment I saw the doctor (you do that once a week). Again, I was pretty much in and out...and because it was a nice day I decided to run to Kohl's and pick up a bra....well, I ended up beginning my Christmas shopping! and I did get two bra's! Now, do I hold the other things I bought for myself and wrap them??? or do I begin using them????

On my way home, which was about 12:15, knowing that I had to begin my chemo pill I was wondering if I should put it off until today (Thursday) due to me not even eating breakfast yet....

The little angel sitting on my shoulder kept whispering 'yes, take it' while the devil on the other side said 'wait'....I decided to listen to the angel!

Dr. May said that there doesn't have to be a certain amount of time in between dosages...so that was actually my answer.

I took one right after I ate my breakfast (which was 12:45)...then about 9 pm I decided to take the other...the hardest thing is deciding what to eat with the later one. It's not that I eat bread or crackers....I had some pepperoni and cheese then took the pill.

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Thursday, November 7th

Again, in and out....My appt. is 10:30 and I was out back in my car by 10:46. It was drizzeling so I'm glad I went shopping yesterday even though I had more time today.

Ate my breakfast and took my pill....this week (until next Wednesday) I take 1 in the morning and 1 at night.

Next week I go for the CBC blood work and take 2 in the morning and 1 at night....this is to keep the symptoms from coming on too strong....something I can definitely handle.

I really think Dr. May is so afraid that because I am the one taking these pills on my own I'm sure she's wondering if I really am taking them.....

I prefer these pills to work rather than going there for hours at a time while getting the chemo pumped (via IV) into my body.

I may have already mentioned this. Dr. May wants me to take these continuely for 2 to 3 months, then do a scan to see if/they are working or did their job! Now to pray that these do work and I'll be done in a few months with the chemo!!!! This I can handle!

Charlie and I watched a TV movie last night where there was a man that was holding people hostage in a restaurant - no one knowing anyone other than who they were dining with. One gentleman was asked 'why' he wanted to live. He didn't have an answer and the killer then asked him if he would give his life in order for the rest to live. The man said 'no, kill them and let me live'.....with that = I say - I'm glad that I am the one with the cancer rather than anyone else in my family. I know I can do this and I know exactly how I feel. I will take this on for the love of my family.

Yesterday, Nov. 6th was a special healing day for the National Shrine of St. Jude Prayer for Cancer. This is a prayer they also had on this site:

Prayer to St. Jude
Most holy apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant
and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and
invokes you universally as the patron of hope.
Please intercede on my behalf. Make use of that
particular privilege given to you to bring
hope, comfort, and help where they are needed most.
Come to my assistance in this great
need that I may receive the consolation
and help of heaven as I work with my
challenges, particularly (here make your request).
I praise God with you and all the saints forever.
I promise, blessed St. Jude, to be ever
mindful of this great favor, to always
honor you as my special and powerful patron
and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen

Election Day! - Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013

In and out...of radiation....no waiting.....I did have to see Dr. May today (and we waited). Charlie came along to hear what she had to say.

I'm so bad!!! I have MY thoughts and she has her own...and mine are not what she suggests!

Dr. May wants me to begin taking the chemo pill (Xeloda) tomorrow (I thought I'd start on Sunday)....

She knows me too well - after complaining - she said I can take a lower dose to see how I'm doing = 1 pill in the morning and 1 before bed, beginning tomorrow (Wednesday). Next week she would like me to take 2 in the morning and 1 before bed....AND she wants me to have blood drawn for the CBC (to see how my red and white blood count is) once a week. Originally she said I'd be taking this pill (a total of 4 per day = 2 am and 2 pm)and taking them for two weeks straight and one week off....she changed her mind on that one.....it is now DAILY.

That's pretty much it for being in and out!!!! Radiation is a breeze but doing blood work, you have to wait due to so many people usually ahead of you.

I do have my appointments for the rest of the month.

Tomorrow is the end of week two (2) of radiation with a total of six (6) weeks.

Dr. May also said that after two or three months from now, we will do another SCAN to see if we should still stay with this pill or change over to the IV or something else.

Prays that all this cancer will be gone in two months!!!!

The anxiety of what 'new' symptoms I may have........something I am not looking forward to.

Friday, November 1st

Finished FOR THE WEEK! again, I'm just counting weeks - not days...just finished week #1.

Yesterday I made chicken soup for me and added noodles for Charlie...we had a small cup full for lunch. Dinner I made, in the crock pot, ribs. Well, they must not have agreed with me! I had a stomach ache before going to bed and I ended up getting up a little before 6 AM and being sick! I haven't thrown up since my very last chemo way back in August 2012! ....so, is it the radiation or what I ate? Charlie had no problems.

I'm thinking (as per Paul) that the supplements I'm taking are clearing out the toxins in my body and I guess the ribs were too greasy....at least that's what I'm hoping is the cause.

I did ask the radiation nurse and she said that shouldn't be a side effect of WHERE I'm being radiated....which is a good thing.

I went in a few minutes ahead of time (to talk to the nurse) and the woman that goes ahead of me said she wasn't feeling well. She has lung cancer and was coughing...so she saw the radiation doctor and I took her place. I changed and before I was able to sit down, they called me in...I was out of the facility at 10:30!!! That was really nice!!!!

Not feeling well during the night = I didn't have the best sleep and now I'm pretty tired. When I play the Words With Friends game - while I'm thinking of a word, I tend to 'doze off'!!! It's taking me longer to play a game!!!

Charlie seems to be better today! He's been sleeping in Paul's room. He said he finally fell asleep last night (or this morning) about 3....needless to say, he was still fast asleep by the time I came home and stayed in bed until after 11:30 AM!!!

Now to relax tomorrow and Sunday = no reason to be on a 'strick' schedule!!! I can take my time in doing things around the house!

Don't forget to set you clocks one hour BACK == fall = the time falls behind do this Saturday night before you go to bed. :)