What's Next?

Round #4 is behind us.  Mark's proclamation against the Red Devil, renaming it Christmas Cheer, seems to have scared it away a bit. (read about it here)  The nurses ask if I am wearing a wig and are surprised when I say "NO!".  I have lost a TON of hair, had to use Drano in the sink due to hair clogs, but am thankful for the blessing of thick hair.  I had a lot to lose.

I tolerated Round #4 well.  My Mother was able to be with us; things are always better when Mom is around.  I was much more tired after this treatment.  I have always been a good sleeper. But following this treatment I enjoyed 10 hours at night and a couple of 2 hours naps a day - I am definitely getting my beauty sleep.  I am getting more energy each day and I am trying to enjoy the beautiful Spring weather with a little walk in the evenings.  It is a different pace than I am accustomed too and I am still learning to stop and smell the roses.

While Mark and I were at my treatment last Friday a dear group of girl friends blessed our home.   I came home from the chemo feeling green, and my spirits were brightened to find scripture and encouraging words all around our house.  By the coffee pot, in the silverware drawer, on the mirrors, in the girls bedrooms, in the spice cabinet, etc.  You are not able to escape the nausea, but little signs from those cheering you on helps. 

I will have a PET scan tomorrow, Friday May 1, to determine how the cancer has responded to the 4 rounds of chemo.  Next week we will get the results and learn the next step of my treatment plan.  I feel selfish to wish that the chemo will end and that I can begin radiation.  I know God has the plan and it will be good.

Please join our family in praying for good results from the PET scan.  
Please pray that we are all prepared emotionally for whatever the next step of treatment will be.  

Thank You to everyone that has been with us each step of the way.  Delicious meals, uplifting cards, and sweet words mean so much!

Jumping Hurdles

"I believe in miracles and blessings; both great and small.  I believe in the human spirit to prevail.  I believe in possibilities."  With our Mighty God, this is so true.  These words were on a card I received from a sweet friend.

Round #3 is behind us (Friday, April 10).  It was tougher for me than Round #2.  I think it was harder because I actually had 2 days prior to the treatment that I "felt like myself".  After you feel 'good' if makes the difficult times a bit more challenging.  I got the white blood cell booster shot on Monday and was able to make it back to work on Wednesday.  We continue to be blessed with caring friends and family taking care of us.

I am fortunate that we now know the plan and schedule for the next few weeks  I will have Round #4 Friday, April 24.   A PET scan is scheduled for Friday, May 1; the PET will show how the cancer cells are reacting to the chemo.  Further course of treatment will be determined after the PET scan.

There are so many people that have been fighting this terrible disease for a very long time. Many of us have loved ones that have bravely battled cancer.  Many of us have friends and family that are battling right now.  Some have been fighting for months or even years.  They are the strong ones.  They are the brave ones.  These courageous warriors and their families need our prayers for strength.

My Dad and Sister,Kim, each battled this disease for many years.  They both fought with dignity and bravery.  My Dad went to heaven in June 6,1992 and Kim joined him on June 30, 2013.

Kim's cell phone ring tone was Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger".  I think it was sort of like her fight song.  To those around her, Kim was the epitome of strength.  The afternoon that we received the surprising news that I might have lymphoma, Mark and I met at church to pray with one of our pastors.  We were driving separately since Mark was meeting me straight from work.  After our time at church, we went back to our separate cars to drive home.  My car radio was on XM The Pulse - guess what song was on the radio exactly when I started the ignition?  Yep. "Stronger".   When I told the story to Avery, she said, "No body plays Stronger anymore; especially The Pulse".  That song playing at that exact time was NOT a coincidence. I know it was a God moment with Kim right there beside Him.  

We always enjoy a good Southern prayer before our meals (hoping the food doesn't get too cold as Mark prays).  This Easter as we gathered around the table, at the conclusion of the prayer for some funny reason Alyse wanted to us to join in and sing a song.  No one in our family is blessed with a singing voice, so we all grinned and giggled and joined right in.  She began leading us in singing the Doxology (you know it, right?).

1. Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
   Praise Him, all creatures here below;
   Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
   Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Well, I have been singing the Doxology in my head since Easter.  Whenever I lay down for a nap, I sing the Doxology.  When we sit down to eat, I sing the Doxology.  Actually I think it is very appropriated.  We are made (created) to praise Him.  

This quote was also on the card I received......
"I believe that hurdles in life are meant to be jumped over, not as something to stop us."  

We are jumping over a hurdle, but our family wants to Praise God as we do it!

(from TN Warrior Dash a few years back)

Letting Go

With 2 treatments behind us, we are rapidly approaching treatment #3.  

Round 2 was Friday, March 30.  Thanks to many prayer warriors specific prayers for less nausea, I tolerated the chemo better the second time around.  I started the meds earlier and stayed ahead of 'that feeling' and had less nausea.  Praise God!!  I was surprised that my white blood cell count was low, but this is to be expected.  The day after chemo, I received a Neulasta shot.  Neulasta is a drug that stimulates the growth of white blood cells to help the body fight infection.  I had heard about the side effects of the dreaded shot; extensive bone pain due to the marrow rapidly multiplying.  Thankfully, I had an exhausted body, but no bone pain! 

Mark's positive attitude about my hair might be scaring the Red Devil (aka Christmas Cheer) away.  Luckily, I started with a super thick head full; I am shedding and probably down to a 'normal' head of hair now.  Avery tells me I need to be wearing a hair net while in the kitchen. Eeeek!

Round 3 will be tomorrow, Friday, April 10.

I believe one of the most challenging things I am learning is that I must let go.  I can not do all the things I normally do.  I need to sit back and smell the roses.  I need to let go and let God.  This past week 4 sweet girl friends came over and pulled weeds and raked leaves from our landscaping.  I enjoy working in the yard, but have  realized it is more important for my body to rest.  I love a trip to Target, but instead, let a kind friend make the Target run for me.  We are blessed with caring friends bringing dinner, instead of working in the kitchen I can take an afternoon nap.   It is very humbling. 

A friend gave me this little heart (one of the friends that worked in the yard and did shopping for me).  I have been carrying it in my pocket.  At times like this we get strength from others.  It is a joy each day when I go to the mailbox and find a card someone mailed me showing their support and love.  At times like this we MUST get our strength from God.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  Isaiah 40:31

We appreciate your continued prayers for our family.   We appreciate the strength you provide. 

After two more treatments I will have a PET Scan to determine the effectiveness of the chemo thus far.  Please pray that the chemo drugs totally kill the cancer cells.

Much Love.