Round Two

Well yesterday I finished the second round of Chemo, 2 more to go. It went okay.  I did have really bad nausea later that night.  But after I took my second round of medicine it seemed better. As of right now I feel so-so.  Anyway, no use to complaining.  They are starting me on Patch for my next treatment to help with the nausea.  I guess will see.

Thanks for a nice visit from Robin from my Parish Church who bought by dinner for me and Jack. I really enjoyed our visit. You're such blessing.

Today I had to go in for my shot, which wasn't bad.  The shots help my white blood counts and help my bone produce for marrow.  I also visited the doctor, which confirmed we will see how well the tumor reacts after my 4th Chemo treatment.  Then a decision will be made if I will have my surgery or more Chemo.

They will fight against you; but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, says the LORD, to deliver you."  Jeremiah 1:19

Chemo Eve

It's the night before Chemo and all through the house; nothing was stirring, not even my stomach. :)  ...Well I'm ready for Round 2.  Jack will be accompanying me tomorrow.  He also will be with me the next couple of days.  Which will be nice, he takes good care of me.

In the coming days it is my desire to make a prayer out of any suffering that may result from the Chemo.  I have many prayer requests, I will take with me in the coming days.

"Jesus, I Trust In You!"

I'll update the blog when I can.  Until then I would love to hear from you in the comment section.

Blessings and Hugs to All!

Buzzzzzzz

I was staying with my Mom the past several days, so I have had limited access to the internet.   Mom is doing good, she enjoyed Christmas with all her family at the house.

I did it finally, buzz cut my hair on Suday.  It wasn't as bad as I thought.  It's going to be adjustment for sure.  I know it's only temporary, it's still an adjustment.  I don't think I will be posting any pictures any time soon. :)

In the coming days I'll be preparing for my next Chemo Treatment on Wednesday.   My doctors gave me some new nausea medicine which I will be picking up today.  Hopefully, this time will be better.  We can only hope!

Blessings and Hugs to All!

Blessings Galore!

Today as I reflect on the birth of our savior, I'm so incredibly thankful for my family and friends.  My hope is that you encounter the meaning of the birth of Christ in your hearts in a very special way.  Have a blessed Christmas!

Blessings and Hugs to All!

HPSJ Family

Today, I finally got out of those pajama's!!!  Oh and I hate to admit this but... I had "Big Mac" attack for 2 days.  The first day I thought, could I really want a Big Mac?  The second day, yes I really want a Big Mac.  So I had one for lunch!  Thanks Nancy M for living through it, I know that's not your favorite place.  :)

I also, stopped by my work family at Health Plan of San Joaquin (HPSJ).  Thanks guys for your support and laughs.  It was nice to see everyone.    Even though I've only been gone a week, it feels like longer.  Okay, I'm not going to name names, but I did get the message from several people on how to post a comment in the comment section, so here are some directions.  My suggestion you print this page out so you can save the instructions for future comments. :)

1. If the comment box is not posted below, click on comments and go to 2. If the Comment Box is posted below go to 2.


2. Type your message in the box (the box is located under "Post a Comment") at the end of your message type your name so I know who the message is from.

3. Click on the drop down box by "Comment as:" Select Anonymous.

4. Click on Post Comment.

5. For Security reasons you will asked to type in some weird charactors in a box, type the Charators posted above the box. and click on "Post Comment" and ta-da! Done! :)

Hope this helps!
 
Hugs and Blessings to All!

A Visit From Angels!!!

Last night I received a visit from angels from my parish Church.  My Confirmation family, their families with Fr. Peter leading the way; came by last night and sang Christmas Carols to me and my family!  The joy in my heart is beyond words.  I still feel the love as I write this today.  Along with my sister, Tina's family and mom we enjoyed Christmas Carols accompanied by a beautiful violin player (Josiah).    It was sooo incredible!  It really reminded me what this season is all about.   I'm so grateful for everything in my life right now.  We took some video, which I will try to post later if I can get it to work.

I felt good yesterday and today, for that I'm so grateful.  I'm not 100% but at least I'm able to get around a little.  The nausea comes and goes, but is less frequent now.  Praise God!

Advent Reflection:

The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty Savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in His love, He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals. (Zephaniah 3:17)

Blessings and Hugs to All!
Update:  If you want to make a comment in the comment section without signing up just select Annoymous and type your name in the comment.  Thanks!

A Lamb being led to the slaughter

Okay, now when I look back on that picture of me with a smile on my face taking my first chemo, I feel like a lamb being led to the slaugher.   The past few days have not been fun.  It's Sunday and I'm just starting to feel like I have some energy and I can eat a little something.  The picture of food, the thought of food and the smell of food is enough to send me realing.  I'm determined to do improve everyday though.  Thanks to all of you who are praying for me.  Prayers are the number one thing I do need.  So I thank you for the bottom of my heart.

If anyone has any advice on how to deal with nausea, that would help a lot.  The day of my Chemo they told me to take Zofran every 8 hrs for 3 days and Compazine every 6 hours as needed.  I did use both of these the first 3 days.  Yesterday (Sat) I took the Compazine every 6 hours only once.  I almost think after I take these medicines I feel worse.  However, I don't want to think how I would feel without them either.  Anyway let me know if you have any suggestions.

Last night I had a dream and in my dream one of my past confirmation students told me this from the Lord "my yoke is sufficient for you".  So I'm gonna just concentrate on that for now.  Again, I'd like to hear from you in the comment section, those words of encouragement are really comforting.

Blessings and Hugs to all of you.

Round 1

Okay round one of Chemo down.  Thanks to Lisa who was by my side the whole way.  She was such a joy and a big help.  You can tell we were the "newbies" there, but everyone seemed quit nice and very accommodating.  We were there from 9a-1:30p which wasn't too bad.  The administering of Chemo wasn't bad, but putting the needle into my portacath was a little painful, because it was still sensitive.  Other than that it was a very easy.

After I came home I felt very sleepy so I slept most of the day, until 4p I felt very nauseous and sensitive  to smells.  I had 2 kinds of meds for nausea, but they didn't really help till the second dose around 12-1a in the morning.  It was yucky to say the least.  I'm drinking water and some sprite which seem to help.  It's about 3:30pm on Thur and I feel okay.  I was able to eat some small meals today.  So hopefully over the worst of it for this round.

Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be shaken My love shall never leave you nor My covenant of peace be shaken, says the Lord, who has mercy on you. (Isaiah 54:10)

Thank you everyone for you kinds words and cards.  If you want leave a encouraging note or prayer please do so in the comment section. 

Blessings and Hugs to All!

Home Sweet Home

Tonight I moved over to my house in Lathrop, which is where I'll stay while I go through Chemo.  Mom is not doing to well adjusting without me there.  She will settle down in time.  Tina is doing an awesome job with her.  They finished all her Christmas shopping and half the wrapping.  I don't think I could of done all that on my best day.

Today was my last day at work as I will be on leave while I go through Chemo.  I may come into the office occasionally depends on how well I do on Chemo.

My friend Lisa is coming with me to Chemo tomorrow.  Looking forward to spending some time with her.  She is just an angel, I'm so blessed to have her as a friend.

O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!
Psalm 34:3

Put on your seatbelt here we go!

Blessings and Hugs to All!

Human Pin Cushion

It's been a couple of days since my melt down and I feel so much better today.  Almost renewed and ready for what is a head.  What is a head you say...oh yeah Chemo (on Wed).  You can read and read and read some more about what to expect from Chemo.  But like my doctor said you won't know till you get Chemo how your body will react.  They will try to manage the side effects (with meds) which is nausea, vomiting, diarrhea , constipation, fatigue,  mouth sores just to name a few.  Oh yeah and hair loss.  The only silver lining will be if I don't have to shave my legs while being on Chemo. :). 

I was all set thinking I can probably deal with most of these symptoms, until they told me I would have to give myself an injection (shot) 72 hours after chemo for 8 days.  The medicine will help boost my white blood cells.  They told me if I couldn't do it myself one of family members can give me the shot.  Or I can go to the doctor every day and they give me the shot.  However, they said I might not feel up to going to the doctor just for a shot.  I guess we will see in the coming days what happens. 

For now I want to concentrate on Christmas and reason for the season:

For then I will change and purify the lips of the people, that they all may call upon the name of the Lord, to serve Him with one accord. (Zephaniah 3:9)
Prayer:  Lord, purify me of everything, whether present or past, that hinders me from serving You.

Thank you for you continued love, prayers and support!
Blessings and Hugs to All!

Melt Down!

Okay, today, I did it.  I had a melt down.  I think I was working up to it for the past two days.  The pain of the portacath and the fear of them taking the tape off, plus EVERYTHING else, I finally broke down.    A special friend of mine, Fr. Vinnie, said tears are a part of healing.  Those words echoed in my mind today for sure.

Thank God for wonderful friends like Nancy, Lisa, Guiann, Doris, my sister Tina, my nurse Mark and Dr. Sloan.  They helped me get through a difficult day today.   Plus all your prayers and positive thoughts too.

As I write this blog tonight, I'm feeling much better mentally and physically. :)

For with God nothing will be impossible.   Luke 1:37

Blessings and Hugs to All!

A Sticky Situation....

Today I'm still so happy for the news of the PET Scan from yesterday.  I know these results are because of all of you!  You have no idea how much I appreciate your prayers and support!  Thank You, Thank You!!!

Okay I need advice and I need it fairly quickly.  Yesterday, I had the PortaCath procedure.  Today, I'm so soar and in a little bit of pain.  The only thing I'm taking is Tylenol it's not working that well.  But that is not problem.  The problem is tomorrow I go back to the doctor so they can check the wound and I'm completely scared of them taking off the tape around gauze.  Other than ripping it off quickly, which is not an option.  Does anyone have any other ideas or advice on how do to take this tape of with the least amount of pain?  I was thinking they can put a man on the moon, but no one has come up with some kind of solution to take tape off your skin without pain.  If you have any ideas, please let me know in the comment section.

Thanks again for your love, prayers and support!
Blessings and Hugs to ALL!

I'm Blessed!

Just wanted to post today I received my results from the PET Scan.  The PET Scan checks to see if I have cancer any where else in body from my nose to my knees.  The doctor reported that I DO NOT have cancer any where else, except for the area in the left breast.  PRAISE GOD!!!

I want to THANK EVERYONE for your prayers, love and support.  I could not get through this without you. 

Well that's all I'm posting today, because I had the Portacath procedure today and I'm still very tired and a little soar.   I just wanted to keep you "a breast" of the situation. :)

Blessings and Hugs to You!

Pre-Chemo Brain

While I was reading some of the effects of Chemo, I read you get Chemo brain.  It's like you can't really concentrate on matters.  Well, I feel like I have Pre-Chemo brain right now.  Yesterday coming home from work I traveled 5 miles past my street to my house.    I think with all the research, questions, filling-out forms, tests and Christmas time, my brain is at capacity. 

Today, I had the PET Scan.  That wasn't bad at all!  They put contrast in you by I-V, but after you sit in a big leather recliner for an hour.  Then they scan you, which was like an open MRI and not loud at all.  Very relaxing actually.  I will find out the results tomorrow and let you know.  I will have the Portcath inserted tomorrow so I might be out of it for most of the day. 

A couple of months ago at work I won a customized quilt at an auction.  Well the person at work just finished it and I wanted to share it with you.  I will be using this for sure at home.  Thanks Nancy!

Blessings & Hugs to All!

Fear Not

"Fear Not"...is what I heard in my head as I scheduled my first Chemo treatment - December 16.   There is an unknown there that brings on some anxiety.  Because everyone reacts differently to Chemo there is no way to determine how I will react mentally and physically.  My faith and trust in the Lord will be tested for sure.  I feel like I'm in line to ride the biggest roller-coaster ride.  You know the butterflies you get right before you get on the ride?

The Advent prayer for today is:

Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, He comes with vindication; With divine recompense He comes to save you. (Isaiah 35: 4)


Lord, You are my strength and with You here, my own fears fade right away.

That reflection is exactly what I needed to hear today.  God is Good!

Tomorrow I have the PET Scan, which shouldn't be too bad.  They will be scanning my body from my nose to my knees.  Hopefully, I should get the results in a day or two.  I will post when I find out the results.

Blessings and love to all you!

First off, I can't say it enough, THANK YOU EVERYONE for your love, support and prayers!

Medical Update:  Tuesday (12/8, I'm scheduled to have the PET Scan (finally).  I will keep you updated with the results.  I'm praying no other cancer is found in body (from nose to my knees).  Wednesday (12/9), I'm scheduled to have the PortaCath inserted.   I will probably start my chemo treatments the following week.

Today, I got my wig.  I think it looks nice, but it's not like having your own hair.  It will be a nice change though.

Just wanted to let you know Mom is doing well too.  She is such an inspiration to me.  Jack, too, has been supportive, listening to all my thoughts and helping with my decisions.

Tina gave me information on St. Peregrine who is the Patron Saint of Cancer Patients.  My mom and I will be praying this novena starting today.  If you'd like to join us, you can do so through this link:
St. Peregrine Novena

God Bless and Hugs to All!

Praise the Lord!

Today, I just got off the phone with my surgeon on the way home from work. He said my Breast MRI results showed that the cancer is contained in the lower quadrant of my left breast. I have NO cancer in the right breast AND NO cancer in my lymph nodes. I have tears in my eyes of relief and gratefulness to God and YOU. Your prayers are responsible for these results!!! So I humbly thank you from the bottom of my heart. I still need to have a PET scan which will check if there is any cancer in my body between my nose and knees. But right now I'm going to bask in the Glory of God and these results because it could have been a lot worse.

I'm not sure about when the PET scan is scheduled yet, there is a small glitch in the paperwork, hopefully I will know the schedule tomorrow. They did confirm I will have the Portacath procedure on Monday. I'm a little nervous, because I don't like procedures done where I'm awake. I have a meeting on Friday to review the details of this procedure. If you have to schedule a meeting before the procedure, that can't be good. Oh well, that will just be another opportunity to offer up for my prayer intentions.

That's about it for today! Thanks again for all your love, support and PRAYERS!!! Your prayers are a testament of God's saving power! The scripture that comes to my mind is from Mary's Magnificat:

And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. Luke 1:46, 49
Amen!

Hugs and Blessings to all of you!
Special hugs to all the Students and teachers in the Confirmation program (and Father Peter)!

Chop! Chop!

Okay, I did it!  I got my hair cut today!  I posted the picture to the right so you can see.  When the hairstylist was cutting my hair, the reality was setting in.  This is really happening!!!  In the coming days I plan on buying a wig.

Today, I had the breast MRI.  Which really wasn't too bad.  I think I could have actually fallen asleep if it wasn't so loud.   The lady (technician) who did the test was really good.  Her name was Jeanne too.    She made me feel at ease and it really didn't hurt at all when she put in the IV.  (Prayers are working!!)  I hope to find out the results tomorrow.  Which will tell me if the cancer is in the other breast (the right) too and/or the lymph nodes.  So please pray with me.  I'll let you know as soon as find out.

Someone had asked if I will have surgery.  Sorry, I forgot to mention this part.  Yes, I will have a mastecomy after the Chemo.  When my surgeon mentioned at first, I was kinda in shock.  But now after researching I think this is the best way to go.  I also will probably have reconstruction surgery too.  I'll let you know more "deets" in the coming weeks when I get close to making the final decision.  Right now I'm trying to take this one procedure at a time.

I can't beleive all the medical decisions, medical education, research and appointment tracking I've had to do in the past weeks.  My head is spinning with information.

However, the New Orleans Saints winning the football game last night, put me in great mood today! :)

Advent Prayer for Today: 
Lord, help me welcome You once again and make room for You in my daily life, that You may make Your home in my heart.

God Bless and Hugs to All!