Travel

I woke up with severe nausea this morning. I have eaten some toast, tried an egg and had half a cup of coffee, so far so good. I have two loads of laundry going. I am packed for the week. This was so hard to do since my decision making has slowed considerably. I am sure I forgot things but will make do.

My son-in-law, Clint, and a friend of his are driving over to pick me up this morning. Due to bad weather yesterday Nicole was unable to come. Today is Charli Ann's 2nd birthday. I hope I am feeling better when I get there so I can take part in the celebration.

I am positive the nausea is all emotional so PRAY that I can find inner peace. There is a lot of emotion tied into Charli's birthday (today), Nicole's (31), and Ben's (2nd). My sister, Ann, is flying in for the celebration. for Ben's first party. All my brothers and one sister-in-law are also coming. I wish my sister, Denise, could be with us but she has three small children. I am praying we will all be blessed and God will be glorified as we spend time together.

Pray for the appointment (10 AM) Tuesday for the second opinion. May God's wisdom prevail.

FREE

Home health care released me yesterday so I am free to be out and about more. I was so happy that I was able to go to Lenten services last night. It felt so good to be back with family and friends.
I also slept 7 hours last night which I am praying gives me more energy today. Plans for this day include riding to Columbia with a friend so I can pick up my records to take to UMKC next Tuesday and if I am not nauseous out for a bit to eat.
May God bless each of you with what will draw youcloser to Him. He has been with me always and continues to be faithful.

Second Opinion

I have an appointment next Tuesday, March 31, at 10 AM. I will be seeing an oncologist at UMKC. Pray for God's wisdom and peace for me and my children.

I slept better last night. I am still having some nausea which is a result of nerves. I did talk to doctor office yesterday and they gave me some suggestions to help with that. A lot of what is going on is me learning yet again that I am not in control. I must rest in the Lord and trust in His provision for my life. I must continue to do the things I can do to help with healing my own body. Pray for me as I continue to rest in Him.

New DO

Thought you might enjoy seeing the new me. I decided I would take a little bit of control and start preparing for less hair to care for. Basically it is wash and wear.

I slept a little better last night. I took half a Zanax early evening and that stopped the nausea and helped me relax enough to go to sleep. I got up around 6 so much better rest. Still waiting for home health care to come today. Can't go for a walk until they have been here. I did walk early this morning. The wind is very strong now so lots of pollen in the air.

Thank you for all your love and support. Each of you are very important to me.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Weekends are always very hard for me. I really have to work hard to keep myself going. Now it is even worse. Part of it is that I just want to move forward and get all of this over with so I can live a healthy life. This waiting is so hard.

I am so blessed by all of you who love me and are walking this journey with me, but I really miss Chuck. I miss the hugs, the silly smile, the way he pretended not to listen to me, even as he heard every word. Yesterday Jenn, Nate, Amanda and I went to the cemetery to put out the daffodils. Nate decided I am going to live another 49 years, from his mouth to God's ears.

Jenn helped me change dressings and wound is getting smaller. MaryAnne, my friend, neighbor and sister-in-Christ is sick so she is unable to help with the dressing. Praying she is better today.

PRAYER NEEDS:
Ambian did not make any difference in sleep. I took it at 9ish, was up 11,1, 3-6. I am tired but do not sleep during the day. I do try to rest in the afternoon from 1-3.

Nausea still hanging on. I know it is nerves and hope that when Lexapro kicks in (10 days) that this will get better. I am eating small meals.

Healing for incision.

Second opinion appointment.

Family and their individual way in which they are handling all of this. May GOD'S PEACE, STRENGTH AND JOY FILL EACH OF US.

Pray

I did not sleep well last night. I am very nauseous this morning so need energy and peace. Pray for God's peace and strength to fill me.

Friday, March 20, 2009

What a busy day! I left the house at 7:30 am when my friend, Linda, picked me up for a doctor appointment with the radiation specialist. His name is Dr. Bryer. I had another physical and good conversation. His suggestion was 25-28 treatments in the pelvic area. This would not start until three weeks after chemo is finished. He also suggested I start taking Lexapro, an anti-depressant. I agreed that I was struggling and that this drug worked well for me after Chuck died. He also gave me Ambian which I will not take until Jenn is here to see how I do with it. I did take it in hospital and had no problems but want to make sure I am okay with it here at home.

I met with Dr. Honeycut's nurse, Jeannie, to ask her to set up a second opinion at UMKC the week of the 30th. We discussed wigs, haircuts and other important things......

I have an appointment at 1pm on Monday to get a short haircut to try to prepare for what is to come. I will probably investigate wigs next week.

All of this is overwhelming to me. I am very tired tonight. I feel weak so will crash early. I understand getting the proper rest is important.

I did receive a wonderful sdurprise today from my sister, Denise, who lives in California. For my 60th birthday, she sent 80 quilt squares to my girls and they collected messages from friends, returned them to her and she made me a beautiful quilt. It has taken on an even more special meaning now as I snuggle in it and remember how many love me. THANK YOU, Denise.
May each of us truly appreciate the gift of time we have and tell all those we love how special they are.

May God grant me continued peace which does surpass all understanding. I trust He is going to work powerfully through my life as I face each new day.

Dr. Appointment news

Today I met Dr. Pamela Honeycut, my oncologist. The appointment was three hours long. She was very thorough and did a good job of explaining my unique situation. I have been diagnosed with undifferentiated endometrial sarcoma. It had not spread into the muscle of the uterine wall. There was involvement with lymph nodes (3 removed). It is classified a stage III C. There is a high risk of recurrence. Best recommendation : (1) Chemo --Taxol/Carbystalin x 6 cycles. And (2) Radiation therapy to pelvis. GOAL to increase the chance of cure.

She explained that at this time they feel they removed all the cancer with the surgery. I still have an opening in my incision so therapy would not start until mid-April. I must be totally healed and have as much energy as possible.

God is in control. I am praying for His complete healing, wisdom, strength and His peace. Please continue to pray for my children as they struggle with this turn of events.