Chemo in the chair #6

I hope this doesn't ramble on. As you can see it's 3:30am, it's called, "nighttime effects of cancer-don't plan on sleeping!" Anyway that may be my personal effect. It's always a learning experience when you go to your chemo appt. You're in a large room with 12 other patients, all sitting in comfy lounge chairs arranged in a semi-circle, very close together. You can truly reach out and touch your neighbor! Each patient is plugged in to their specific medications.

I've been in this large room 3 times now. No one has puked, or the more correct word, vomited, or dry heaved. This was my biggest misconception about chemotherapy, I just assumed everyone would be so sick and vomiting. The semi-circle setting would be a poor arrangement indeed if that were the case!

My visits take 4 hours from start to finish (what to do in a lounge chair for 4 hours)? My last 2 visits I decided to get to know my neighbors and other semicircle participants, soon to be called friends. Everyone has their unique story. I used to feel sad, maybe even pity looking at a woman who had lost her hair because I assumed they must be in cancer treatment. Now my thoughts and actions will be to congratulate her for being a brave fighter in a battle that no one would enlist in.

Next Wed., Aug.3 is my CT scan to see what the treatment has done during the past 6 weeks. I will tell you that I am already anxious about this procedure, even though I know it will do no good to worry because I cannot change the outcome. Please know that I have felt your support, love, and prayers. 

I did ramble, sorry. Please know I've gained much strength from your comments.

3rd South Family

I know we say this a lot, but our family has been truly blessed with amazing friends/family.  We have an awesome support system.  One group that has stuck together through thick and thin is our "3rd South Family".  When I was in 1st grade--many, many years ago:) my family built a house on 3rd South in Smithfield.  I believe that I had the "perfect" childhood growing up, surrounded by a a street full of loving neighbors that became our second family.  Two such neighbors have been "a part" of my family for as long as I can remember.  We have seen it all.  It is nice to know that someone always has your back.  Without asking, they innately know what to do and what is needed.  When one neighbor moved away, the other 2 weren't far behind.  Our three families remain neighbors to this day.  Kenny, Jackie & Family and Marlys & Family--THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! for taking care of my parents!  I don't think that you will ever truly understand the immense love we have for you!  I know my mom and dad appreciate and love you all more than you'll ever know.  Thank you for supporting them and all of us during this trial.  Without you, I don't know what we as a family would do!  We love you!!!

Walking in my sleep

I Know that i need to get Stronger, my body feels weak, so I wore my pedometer yesterday to get a baseline of my daily steps. I looked at the number 1616 late in the evening. At 3:00a.m. I woke up and realized that I was still wearing the pedometer which now read 1710. Yeah! I walked almost 100 steps in my sleep.
This is a far cry from the 10000 steps that I put in routinely during Feb-Apr during what I will call, "Get moving, you are going to Hawaii." (thank you to the Egberts for a wonderful vacation.) My weak showing yesterday tells me my body is a bit broken, yet I am determined to increase my activity each day and at the end of some future day read 10000 steps. That will be a happy day!
Happy 24th everyone. Again, thank you for your support, love and prayers. I can't imagine being on this journey without you. I am truly blessed!

5th Chemo

Wednesday, July 20
Today my mom had her 5th chemo treatment.  She seems to be handling everything fairly well.  She continues to get stronger everyday.  We never thought this is how we would be spending our summer vacation.  Crazy how life just happens.  We continue to learn numerous lessons from this experience.  Thank you for your continued love, prayers and support.  They are definitely helping!

Thanks to my BATC dept/family

I Must thank my dept/friends at BATC for all they've done. When you work everyday with the same people, they become your second family. We share secrets, triumphs, and challenges. We care about each other and each other's families. We easily spend more time with our second family than with our real family. And so it is that I need you to know that I appreciate all that you have done since June 5, the day that I started my leave. I wish I had something humorous to add but I'm actually feeling melancholy, just wishing I was there. This is like the summer vacation that you don't want! Day by day, right. Love you all!

Precious quilt

I received a most precious gift today-a beautiful quilt signed by friends and family. We have serious, even professional quilters in our ward but this was quite the project. I thank everyone involved from signing your names, piecing the quilt, and the actual sewing and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will always treasure this gift. I'm beginning to sound like a broken record but I am so overwhelmed at the kindness and generosity of others. It feels so different to be on the receiving end of everyone's goodness. Right now all I can do is embrace it. Please know how grateful and blessed we are.

Time for a tissue or two. Love you all. Thanks for your continued support and prayers.

"Wiggin' Out"

Thursday, July 14
Once a week someone from the American Cancer Society comes to the Logan Cancer Center and brings wigs, scarves, etc.  My mom went with April and my Grandma Ruby to find a wig.  (With this group, can you imagine the fun they had!)  Initially she was under the impression that she would be borrowing a wig.  When they got there the representative from the ACS told them that they give cancer patients one free wig along with some scarves, a sleeping hat and a portfolio to keep track of EVERYTHING.  They had quite a selection of wigs.  She found one that she liked.  April is going to do a little tweaking to it to make it perfect.  They were there trying things on for about two hours.  What a great service to provide for cancer patients.  Thank you for your kindness.

*Thanks to April for helping my mom through this.  We love you!