Journal Entry-September 20, 2009
Rain, rain, and more rain! We really need it, but those inside recess days are tough! We need to be able to breathe some fresh air and try to avoid the inevitable germs of the season! Nevertheless, cold and flu season has begun-at school and home. Joey has had a cold, four of my students have been out with colds, and Joe woke up feeling "under the weather", too! My counts were low from radiation and I had a flu shot Tuesday, but whatever the combination of reasons, I have been sick with a cold since mid-week! I've been blessed to be well throughout my treatments, so I shouldn't complain now. I'm thankful for a short week at school for the kids-NO HOMEWORK!!!! I have to work so we can't go anywhere, but the break from routine is welcomed. Joe and Joey are going to the men's retreat at the Wilds, so Anna and I will enjoy some time together.
I wanted to give an update about the swollen lymph node. Dr. Wilcox and Dr. Go agree that the area of concern is significantly smaller, probably due to a combination of the antibiotic and the end of radiation treatments. So...only two Herceptin infusions and a routine radiation follow-up appointment in October! Then a PET scan November 2 with follow-up with Dr. Go on November 17.
As the first day of Fall approaches, I look back and realize that I've seen all four seasons throughout my cancer treatment. It hardly seems real; almost like the world and everyone else kept on moving and I just stood still. But one thing I know was constant:
"Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty, covering yourself with light as with a garment, stretching out the heavens like a tent...He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its time for setting...O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all...These all look to you, to give them their food in due season. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things. When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. When you send forth your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground. May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works."
Psalm 104:1-2, 19, 24, 27, 29-31
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Bachelor of Perseverance
Journal Entry-September 12, 2009
"We know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:3b-5
"Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." Hebrews 12:1b-2a
"You know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:3-4
I graduated from radiation on Thursday and received my "Bachelor of Perseverance" certificate signed by all the crew at Radiation Oncology! It has been 223 days from my first chemotherapy to my last radiation! I would jump up and down to celebrate, but I'm too exhausted! I'm hoping the fatigue will slowly wear away and I'll have more energy for life! It never slows down!
So many have said, "Now you're finished!" With this phase-yes! I guess the active treatment of my cancer is over and the preventative treatment has begun. I will take Tamoxifen once daily for five years as a hormone blocker since my cancer was estrogen and progesterone positive. I will continue my Herceptin infusions every three weeks for a year. So it's a new phase, but the same faithful God and the same faithful prayers from so many! I am truly blessed!
"We know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:3b-5
"Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." Hebrews 12:1b-2a
"You know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:3-4
I graduated from radiation on Thursday and received my "Bachelor of Perseverance" certificate signed by all the crew at Radiation Oncology! It has been 223 days from my first chemotherapy to my last radiation! I would jump up and down to celebrate, but I'm too exhausted! I'm hoping the fatigue will slowly wear away and I'll have more energy for life! It never slows down!
So many have said, "Now you're finished!" With this phase-yes! I guess the active treatment of my cancer is over and the preventative treatment has begun. I will take Tamoxifen once daily for five years as a hormone blocker since my cancer was estrogen and progesterone positive. I will continue my Herceptin infusions every three weeks for a year. So it's a new phase, but the same faithful God and the same faithful prayers from so many! I am truly blessed!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
"The Lord is my Shepherd"
Journal Entry-September 6, 2009
"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23
I haven't read this Psalm in awhile, but it was brought back to my mind yesterday at the funeral for my Great Uncle Mont. It was one of his favorite passages of scripture. Rev. Shirley mentioned that this Psalm falls between Psalm 22 which speaks of the Cross and Psalm 24 which speaks of the King of Glory. In between them in Psalm 23 are the green pastures and a dwelling place with the Lord forever. Uncle Mont is dwelling in the house prepared for him now and no longer suffering from cancer! He and I both had our chemotherapy treatments at the same location. A couple of times we were there on the same day, but more often I missed seeing him by a day or so. The last time I spoke with him at length was the snow day we had in the spring when I went by for a visit. We talked about the chemo. and its effects on us. We talked about the Lord's grace and I prayed with him. I always remember him as the uncle who called me boy names and pretended to not realize I was a girl! I will always see him in his overalls and boots, walking around the farm and letting me help him gather the eggs from the hen house. Please pray for my aunt Louise, my grandmother, Janie and her other brothers and sisters in this great loss.
I have 3 more radiation treatments this week. I will "graduate" on Thursday! It should take about 6-8 weeks for the skin to heal and for my energy to return. I always felt like my cancer treatments were coming in order from the toughest to the easiest, and I still do. Chemo being first, surgery second, and radiation third. But none of them are a walk in the park. The level of exhaustion is incredible. I'm constantly fighting drowsiness and trying to keep up with work, homework, and housework. I went to Dr. Rippon this week for her to check the lymph node that is swollen. She said I should probably have an ultrasound in a few weeks if it is still hurting. I will talk about it with Dr. Gococo next Tuesday when I go for my Herceptin treatment. Thanks so much for your prayers, cards, and the meals that have been such an encouragement to us.
"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23
I haven't read this Psalm in awhile, but it was brought back to my mind yesterday at the funeral for my Great Uncle Mont. It was one of his favorite passages of scripture. Rev. Shirley mentioned that this Psalm falls between Psalm 22 which speaks of the Cross and Psalm 24 which speaks of the King of Glory. In between them in Psalm 23 are the green pastures and a dwelling place with the Lord forever. Uncle Mont is dwelling in the house prepared for him now and no longer suffering from cancer! He and I both had our chemotherapy treatments at the same location. A couple of times we were there on the same day, but more often I missed seeing him by a day or so. The last time I spoke with him at length was the snow day we had in the spring when I went by for a visit. We talked about the chemo. and its effects on us. We talked about the Lord's grace and I prayed with him. I always remember him as the uncle who called me boy names and pretended to not realize I was a girl! I will always see him in his overalls and boots, walking around the farm and letting me help him gather the eggs from the hen house. Please pray for my aunt Louise, my grandmother, Janie and her other brothers and sisters in this great loss.
I have 3 more radiation treatments this week. I will "graduate" on Thursday! It should take about 6-8 weeks for the skin to heal and for my energy to return. I always felt like my cancer treatments were coming in order from the toughest to the easiest, and I still do. Chemo being first, surgery second, and radiation third. But none of them are a walk in the park. The level of exhaustion is incredible. I'm constantly fighting drowsiness and trying to keep up with work, homework, and housework. I went to Dr. Rippon this week for her to check the lymph node that is swollen. She said I should probably have an ultrasound in a few weeks if it is still hurting. I will talk about it with Dr. Gococo next Tuesday when I go for my Herceptin treatment. Thanks so much for your prayers, cards, and the meals that have been such an encouragement to us.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
"Red and Yellow, Black and White"
Journal Entry-August 25, 2009
It never ceases to amaze me the assortment of people I see at my cancer treatments. I've seen the young, the old, and the in-between; white, black, Asian, and Hispanic; boy, girl, woman, and man. Cancer is no respecter of persons. But I know someone else who isn't either! "Red and yellow, black and white, all are precious in His sight; Jesus loves the little children of the world."
I am back in the chemo room for my 3rd Herceptin treatment. The smell is especially strong today, but I am using my Vick's Vapor Rub and keeping busy playing "catch up" on school and home stuff. I have 11 more radiation treatments. Yesterday I spoke with Dr. Wilcox about a sore spot under my arm. She thinks it might be an inflamed lymph node, so she put me on an antibiotic. Dr. Go agreed with her and will see me back for a re-check in three weeks. My red and white counts were a little low, probably due to radiation. I feel so washed out and sleepy, but that is to be expected as I enter the "home stretch" of my radiation. Thanks so much for your prayers as I take a deep breath and press on!!
It never ceases to amaze me the assortment of people I see at my cancer treatments. I've seen the young, the old, and the in-between; white, black, Asian, and Hispanic; boy, girl, woman, and man. Cancer is no respecter of persons. But I know someone else who isn't either! "Red and yellow, black and white, all are precious in His sight; Jesus loves the little children of the world."
I am back in the chemo room for my 3rd Herceptin treatment. The smell is especially strong today, but I am using my Vick's Vapor Rub and keeping busy playing "catch up" on school and home stuff. I have 11 more radiation treatments. Yesterday I spoke with Dr. Wilcox about a sore spot under my arm. She thinks it might be an inflamed lymph node, so she put me on an antibiotic. Dr. Go agreed with her and will see me back for a re-check in three weeks. My red and white counts were a little low, probably due to radiation. I feel so washed out and sleepy, but that is to be expected as I enter the "home stretch" of my radiation. Thanks so much for your prayers as I take a deep breath and press on!!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
"All Things New"
Journal Entry-August 23, 2009
"Behold, I make all things new." Revelation 21:5
Well, the "new" year is off and running, and so am I! I guess I'm just like a child at the start of a new year. I love helping Anna and Joey pack up all their new school supplies and get everything organized for a new year. I love getting everything set up in my classroom for my new class, even though it is hard and exhausting work. My life is full of new beginnings! Twenty new four-year-old's learning a new routine. Joey's first year of high school. Anna loosing her last baby tooth! I have a wonderful new assistant that is replacing my previous friend and co-worker of 5 years! I will miss you Sandy, but wish you the best in Detroit! Mrs. Barrineau, my new assistant is an old pro with young children, so she'll be a great asset in our classroom this year. I have had to stop my oncology rehab. class due to work, but am trying to continue with my exercise program on my own. I have added weight and strength training to my daily physical therapy routine. The radiation is beginning to damage the deeper tissues in my arm and chest, so I have to continue to stretch and strengthen them to prevent scar tissue. I have 13 more radiation treatments and will finish on Sept. 9, if nothing happens to the machine again! I am beginning to have some skin irritation, but mostly fatigue. I will have my 3rd Herceptin infusion on Tuesday of this week and hope to get some lab results and dates for scans set up with Dr. Go. I am thankful for all of those who have provided meals for my family during my radiation. They have been so helpful to me as I struggle with the daily rush of a new school year. Thanks to all who have kept me lifted up in daily prayer! I know I would not be strong enough for work and treatments without them. Finally, thanks to the Lord who makes "all things new".
"It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23
"Behold, I make all things new." Revelation 21:5
Well, the "new" year is off and running, and so am I! I guess I'm just like a child at the start of a new year. I love helping Anna and Joey pack up all their new school supplies and get everything organized for a new year. I love getting everything set up in my classroom for my new class, even though it is hard and exhausting work. My life is full of new beginnings! Twenty new four-year-old's learning a new routine. Joey's first year of high school. Anna loosing her last baby tooth! I have a wonderful new assistant that is replacing my previous friend and co-worker of 5 years! I will miss you Sandy, but wish you the best in Detroit! Mrs. Barrineau, my new assistant is an old pro with young children, so she'll be a great asset in our classroom this year. I have had to stop my oncology rehab. class due to work, but am trying to continue with my exercise program on my own. I have added weight and strength training to my daily physical therapy routine. The radiation is beginning to damage the deeper tissues in my arm and chest, so I have to continue to stretch and strengthen them to prevent scar tissue. I have 13 more radiation treatments and will finish on Sept. 9, if nothing happens to the machine again! I am beginning to have some skin irritation, but mostly fatigue. I will have my 3rd Herceptin infusion on Tuesday of this week and hope to get some lab results and dates for scans set up with Dr. Go. I am thankful for all of those who have provided meals for my family during my radiation. They have been so helpful to me as I struggle with the daily rush of a new school year. Thanks to all who have kept me lifted up in daily prayer! I know I would not be strong enough for work and treatments without them. Finally, thanks to the Lord who makes "all things new".
"It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Comments
Journal Entry-Aug. 6, 2009
Many of you have mentioned that you were unable to post comments on my blog without creating a Google account. I think I have fixed the problem!! So feel free to try again! All you need to do is select the "Comment" button under my blog entries. Then choose "Name" in the "Comment As" drop down menu. Then type your comment and post!
The comments I have received have been very encouraging to me! I hope this helps!
Many of you have mentioned that you were unable to post comments on my blog without creating a Google account. I think I have fixed the problem!! So feel free to try again! All you need to do is select the "Comment" button under my blog entries. Then choose "Name" in the "Comment As" drop down menu. Then type your comment and post!
The comments I have received have been very encouraging to me! I hope this helps!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
A Week of "Firsts"!
Journal Entry-August 4, 2009
It has been a week of "firsts" for me, starting with my first entry of August!
I was able to walk up the hill at church without getting out of breath.
I wore mascara on my new short eyelashes for the first time this week!
Today is the first time I’ve gone by myself to the Cancer Center. I am receiving my infusion of Herceptin.
I actually used shampoo to wash my hair for the first time since February! I thought it would encourage my hair to grow if it knew that I now recognized it as being enough to shampoo!!!
And yesterday I was able to get groceries by myself and load them into the car.
It was been quite a busy but exciting week! I can really tell a difference in my strength and energy level since I've started the oncology rehab. program. It has given me a boost, just in time for a new school year!
"God does not give us overcoming life: He gives us life as we overcome. The strain is the strength. If there is no strain, there is no strength...If you spend yourself out physically, you become exhausted; but spend yourself spiritually, and you get more strength. God never gives strength for tomorrow, or for the next hour, but only for the strain of the minute."
Taken from My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers
It has been a week of "firsts" for me, starting with my first entry of August!
I was able to walk up the hill at church without getting out of breath.
I wore mascara on my new short eyelashes for the first time this week!
Today is the first time I’ve gone by myself to the Cancer Center. I am receiving my infusion of Herceptin.
I actually used shampoo to wash my hair for the first time since February! I thought it would encourage my hair to grow if it knew that I now recognized it as being enough to shampoo!!!
And yesterday I was able to get groceries by myself and load them into the car.
It was been quite a busy but exciting week! I can really tell a difference in my strength and energy level since I've started the oncology rehab. program. It has given me a boost, just in time for a new school year!
"God does not give us overcoming life: He gives us life as we overcome. The strain is the strength. If there is no strain, there is no strength...If you spend yourself out physically, you become exhausted; but spend yourself spiritually, and you get more strength. God never gives strength for tomorrow, or for the next hour, but only for the strain of the minute."
Taken from My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers
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