Losing my hair

I am losing more and more hair each time I brush, the first time seeing full-length size strands though. Oh, the effects of chemotherapy.

 

Today was a good day

 Today was a good day, I had breakfast, and a snack, and looking forward to dinner and dessert. Stuffed peppers, spaghetti, and Waldorf salad.

Checking on White Blood Cells

 Feeling OK today. Had more blood labs to see how my white blood cell count is doing. So far during Chemotherapy and a few days after I deal with nausea, diarrhea, a little neuropathy, and I am extremely tired so I rest a lot. I am blessed so far because there is a long list of side effects I could be having. Keep those prayers coming. Hugs.

Paint and Sip

 

Haven’t done paint night in a long time so super excited for tonight. We are going to be painting on a tote bag this time. When it is done it will become my chemotherapy bag.

Here is my bag all done.

Low white blood cells

 I had my appointment with my oncologist today as well as labs before Chemotherapy tomorrow. My white blood cell count is quite low so we are doing a modified treatment this week, as well as more blood tests next week while they wait for a pre-authorization from my insurance company for a machine that will hook up to my side to stimulate my bone marrow to kick in. A little scary but we will take it as it comes. Keep those prayers coming. Hugs.

Cough and Congestion

 I wanted to update everyone. I am sorry I haven't been very active but I have had a cough and congestion that just won't let up even with medication. I have always had a hard time bringing up the stuff from my lungs, my mom would always have to watch me closely. So far it has not turned into an infection. I get my labs for my next chemotherapy and see the Dr. this Wednesday so I will know more then. Of course, I have a bleed on top of it so depending on labs I might need an infusion but will know more Wednesday. My family has been watching me closely, taking good care of me, and encouraging me to eat when I am up to it. We are taking one day at a time. I have been just trying to rest as much as possible while drinking lots of fluids. Thank you to everyone who has called, left messages, and texted to check on me. Keep those prayers coming. Hugs.

Time to go

The surgery team was here they should be coming soon to start my bleeding disorder medication and get me ready.

Day 2 of treatment

 

My pump today you can see it is shrinking and getting deeper lines. Amazing medical technology that Jesus gave someone the idea to make. Still feeling ok. One step and day at a time

I wanted to brag a little bit, we decided to full throttle homeschooling this year, and wanted to make sure it was known that Dorothy Marks kicked butt even with all of my health issues. Her first quarter average is 98%. Make sure to congratulate her and encourage her to move forward.

I am so blessed my hematology oncologist team just called to see how I was doing on my treatment. I am so happy to have the team I have.

First day of Chemotherapy

 

Starting meds didn’t sleep well last night so hoping to get a little rest here. Keep those prayers coming and send some encouragement my way. Love you all hugs.

Home resting with my little lemon friend which is actually my pump for the next two days. So far so good no side effects yet but I’m bound to have a few. Feeling the Lord’s presence for sure. I also made a friend and we plan to sit next to each other next time so we don’t have to talk across the room at each other. Don’t mind my hair it’s going to be washed Saturday once I get home from having the pump detached.

First set of Labs

 

Was all warm and cozy for my first set of labs before my treatments start. Got the A-OK to start chemotherapy on Thursday.

Holiday Excitement

 We had a pretty good Christmas even with stress, illness, and a tree that wouldn't light this year. Our tree that my youngest daughter and oldest granddaughter put up and decorated needed help that was not available this year from the angel who has seen better days that we let go of when they took down the tree to the lights that no longer worked which caused us to toss the tree altogether. We plan on buying a new tree, ornaments, and an angel for 2022. 

From all of the stress of the girls, my stomach started acting up and nothing was moving, causing me a lot of pain. Once the stress was removed my body started working and I was on the mend. We had Christmas Eve with my Son's family and boy do I love seeing the boys enjoy their presents. It brings me so much joy to be able to see them and spend time with them. 

Christmas was spent with all of the girls which was great and stressful all at the same time. My oldest daughter is just struggling and the fight is up in your face real, too much for me in my current condition to even get my mind around. I have placed her in God's hands as I need to heal so I can be there for everyone. 

Like I said before my husband only half guessed his pistachios but never guessed his larger presents which he loves by the way. The girls made out like bandits as usual. I got a three-tiered fruit bowl that didn't make our last move, some really nice warm mittens, gloves, and hats, and a whole case of chocolate Candy that used to be sold here in America but no longer is that my husband had delivered from England, I got a new Quill pen, wax, and a monogrammed wax stamper and all different kinds of colored wax to seal my letters with, a massager, nail files, and a piece of art with all of our children's names on it. I think there might have been something else but not sure. 

On the 28th I had my appointment with my Primary Care Physician and it was mainly a catch-up visit and setting up my next visit. It went well. I am down 36 lbs from my pre-op weight. I have a phobia of eating so we are keeping a close eye on that to make sure it doesn't get out of hand but this last week I have finished my plate twice which has made my husband happy. 

Our home has come to getting excited if I make a bowel movement and if  I eat. It's like a party up in here at any given time. Whoot Whoot. There are plenty of sad times but we like to focus on the good times as much as possible. 

I had someone cause some undue stress the night before my operation but it has been worked out. I don't think I will ever understand why people do things to hurt others. 

On the 30th I had my surgery to get more port placed. It went well. I was awake the whole time talking with the Dr. and Nurses, although I did sleep well when I finally got home. On the way home, since we know my chemotherapy treatments will cause neuropathy I had a Dairy Queen Banana Split and I enjoyed each and every bite savoring it for all, it's worth as it may be a long time before I can enjoy ice cream again. As for my port, it is still tender and still has a few days to heal. 

Later on the 30th we would find out that two of the people who were helping my daughter move her stuff into storage came back positive for Covid-19. We still rang in the New Year but I have to call my Dr.'s first thing Monday to see how they want to proceed with my care this week. I am thinking they might hold back my chemotherapy a week to see what my daughter's test says. Sadly there are no rapid tests open so we have to wait for the longer test to come back which seems to take forever. So far I still have the dry cough I have since my surgery in November and nothing else so we are taking that as a good sign. 

We are still taking one day at a time and enjoying the time we have together. Holidays can be stressful but please always try to find the happy moments. I know that is what gets me through. Here is to a New Start to a New Year for everyone!