Counting my blessings

 Since chemo on Tuesday, I have been feeling many of the normal side effects, but thankfully, there has been no reoccurrence of fever so far.  Though I didn't like the delay between these last 2 cycles, I do think that it has helped me to build some strength back and to not feel as bad with this treatment.  With the many bugs out there, I am trying to be pretty careful because my white blood cells did start out in the normal range, but definitely on the lower side this time.  

This year has definitely been a struggle and had some complications, but I wanted to take a moment to count some of my many blessings.

1)  I am so thankful for my family, both near & far, that have helped in so many ways.  I know that it has taken a lot of time, energy, and adjustments on their parts, but they have been such rocks for me.   Plus, I'm very excited about getting a new little niece sometime in February!

2) I have been blessed to have friends who somehow know just when things might  be hard and somehow reach out  to make me smile :)

3) The support that I have received from so many people and in so many ways is amazing!   The cards, prayers, calls, texts, and facebook/blog posts have been so uplifting.   Financially, the support of so many has been overwhelming and incredibly touching.  While, I've had at last check about $20, 600 in medical bills this past year, that burden has been significantly lightened through the kindness of so many.   I need to make sure to mention my appreciation for the 1213 Charitable Trust which did a $5,000 matching grant, and Chris Garrido who organized an amazing fundraiser.   I couldn't possibly name every person who was so generous in this post, but I want you to know that I appreciate it more than you can even begin to imagine.  

4) I appreciate so much the staff, nurses, and my doctor at Florida Cancer Specialists.  I don't know how they do it, but they are always in good spirits with a smile and kind word.  The atmosphere there is so calm which is something that I really need.  Dr. Cogburn has that same calm and kind demeanor, and I've been so appreciative of how she really listens to me, addresses questions, and provides explanations while giving me the opportunity to determine the best option for me without pressure.

5) I am thankful that what we are doing in regards to chemo, etc.  seems to be working and moving things in the right direction!

6) Most importantly, I am thankful that I can rest assured that  I am never alone, and that I do not have to handle any of this own my own.  It makes me think of the old Footsteps poem about how the two sets of  footprints are when He is walking beside you, but the one set does not mean that He left your side....those are the times He carried you.


Christmas Card Update/ Apology:    I had the best intentions of sending out christmas cards this year, but unfortunately, that just did not happen.    I hope that you will know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I wish you all the best things possible both at the holidays and for the New Year!

#4 of 6

A few weeks late, but I finally got my fourth treatment today.  Hooray! (Or maybe I shouldn't be saying hooray about purposefully putting poison in my body? Such a weird thing to be happy about, but oh well, lol!)  It is nice to feel like I'm back to fighting, and it was also really nice to record a temp of only 98.2 at the doctor's office this morning.

The surgery seems to be healing well, and it definitely did the trick with the fever. I didn't realize how much running that fever was affecting me, but I have felt so much better since it has been gone!  Very thankful that the surgery does seem to have addressed the problem.  

After 5 weeks, I felt like I was back to day one in getting the chemo.  Since the infection kept flaring up throughout the first 3 cycles, I am curious/nervous about what will happen now as to whether the infection and/or fever will come back, etc.  I also wonder if the side effects will be different now or what to expect, but hopefully, I will feel better overall.

Okay, nausea is kicking in more so I better stop writing and get some crackers.  Hope everyone has a good week, and that you manage to avoid any last minute shopping craziness!

Fever free!

The surgery on Thursday went well, and I was able to come home that afternoon.  It has been so nice to be fever free since the surgery!  I'll find out more about what was going on when I see the surgeon on Wednesday, but it seems to have worked.  This week will be spent recovering, and hopefully, the following Tuesday (12/18) I'll be able to get back to chemo.    I'm ready to get back to fighting!

Thanks & Surgery

Thank you so much to everyone who donated items, money, and/or time along with  all of those who came out to Cold Stone last night.  It was such a fabulous turnout, and it was wonderful to see everyone.  Thanks again to Chris Garrido for organizing it! 

Due to the infection that keeps recurring and the fever, I will be having surgery tomorrow morning.  The reconstruction will have to be removed, and we may readdress that after chemotherapy is done, depending on how things are with the cancer.  At this point, the most important thing is getting the rest of the chemotherapy treatments completed.  I will have to have a little bit of time to recover from the surgery, but hopefully, chemo will be able to resume on December 18th.  After 3 weeks of a fever and recurring infection, I am ready to do whatever is needed to get that taken care of and go back to fighting cancer.

Well, lots to do to get ready for being laid up and unable to lift more than 5 pounds again for a while, so I'm going to make this one short.  Thanks again, and I would appreciate thoughts & prayers for a successful surgery & recovery!