Trial by fire...

Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you. But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly.   1 Peter 12:13

Finished the last of the A/C Chemo, which is the worse so I am told.  This last treatment was the worse to say the least.  It's Sunday night and I'm feeling slightly better. I'm just glad that it is behind me.  I have an appointment to meet with my surgeon on Thursday to find out next steps.

Now, another situation has arised.  My sister Tina, who is taking care of our mom, found out her father-inlaw is in his last days/hours.  So I am asking for prayers for her and her family during this time.  My mom is staying with me this week, so Tina can be with her in-laws during this time.

Thank you all for your love and support.  Hugs and Blessings!

Last Call...

So tomorrow is my last day of Chemo.  Then next week I'll see my surgeon who will decide if he will perform surgery or if I need to continue with Chemo.  I've already started practicing my begging and pleading for the surgery.  If you have any suggestions what I should say to the surgeon, please let me know.  :)

I'm really dreading tomorrow but I'm gonna keep praying for the strength to get through one more treatment.  The fact that the SAINTS are going to the Superbowl is helping ALOT.  It's somthing to focus on that's for sure!  Geaux Saints!  Woot! Woot!

Thanks to everyone for keeping me focus on all the positives this week, especially when we were robbed earlier this week.  It was recommended that I don't post to much information about the robbery.  FYI: We are installing an alarm system this week.

Everyone have an awesome week and I'll try to post later in the week.  Hugs and Blessings to All!

Who Dat Nation Going to Miami Baby!!!

Okay let me give you the play by play.....  My sister Tina called me and said, since Jack is working why don't you come over and watch the Saints play.  I told her no because I didn't feel like going out, but at the last minute (after my nephew Justin asked me to come over) I said okay I'll come over.

So we are watching the game (which is a nail biter), at half-time 14-14, Jack calls and says he is on his way home.   After Jack goes home, he calls to tell me someone broke into our house and robbed us!  Can you believe that!  So I zoomed home to talk to the police.  While the police are questioning us and taking finger prints, we were trying to catch bits of the game which is still on (they didn't take our TV, probably because it's old and heavy).  By the time the police left, the Saints had kicked the field goal to send them to the Super Bowl. 

Emotionally, I'm am spent!  Anxious before the game, mad about the break-in and excited about the Saints....it's too much.  I'm exhausted!   Hugs and Blessings to All!

St. Patricks - A special place.

I miss teaching my Confirmation Class on Wednesdays.  I wanted to let my class know I miss them very much and pray for them every day.  I know the retreat is coming up in the next couple of weeks, I pray the Holy Spirits fills their hearts in a very special way.  To the Confirmation Team may God shine through you to the students.  I love you all and miss you very much.

Also, to my past students, thank you for all your kind messages of encouragement.  They mean so much to me.

I feel so honored to be part of something pretty special at St. Patricks Church.

Hugs and Blessings to All!

Sick and tired of being sick and tired....

The one good thing about all of this is the weather, cuz I can't go out any way.  There are so many people who are in a worse situation, it doesn't seem right to complain.  So I'm gonna focus on the positives...

Loving friends and family
My mom for another day.
Jack who is unbelievably sweet
My Catholic faith and belief in God
A roof over my head, especially today with all the storms.
Only one chemo treatment left, maybe.

Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.
Romans 12:12

Blessings and Hugs to All!

When the Saints go Marching In!

Thanks to everyone for the encouragement and well wishes.  Well, I wish I could say the past 3 days have been good, but they haven't.  It seems all the side effects came back, nausea, fatigue, etc.  Today, I feel a little better, but not 100%.

I did watch the Saints defeat the Cardinals, the only highlight these past few days.  Geaux Saints!  I'm counting on feeling better this Sunday when they take on the Vikings!  I'm so happy for the city of New Orleans, that place is rockin right now.

Again, thanks for the encouraging words, they mean so much to me.

Hugs and Blessings to All!

Drew Dat!

Gratitude!

Day 2 after chemo and I have to say it has been far better than the last two times.  The patch seems to be really working.  I'm able to drink a lot more liquids which is the key to your recovery from chemo.  I'm not 100% by far better than the other times.  Hopefully my recovery period will be shorter this time.  

Today, as some of you may know was my birthday.  I received some flowers from Penny S and Nancy R which was really touching.  I also received a big beautiful flower arrangement with balloons from Medical Management, which I was truly touched.  Jack suprised me with a cake, which he made himself. 
Thanks to all for the cards and the well wishes.  I'm so blessed to have so many caring friends.

Thanks to God for making this day a nausea free day.

Hugs and Blessings to All!

Counting my blessings!

Just got back from my 3rd Chemo treatment.  The doctor examined me again and it looks like the tumor is shrinking.  He was very encouraging.   He said the surgeon will decide after my last treatment whether I should have surgery now or wait till I finish the 12 weekly treatments.  I'm voting for having the surgery as soon as possible. 

Right now I feel pretty good with my patch on.  No signs of nausea yet, but that usually comes later.  The good thing is I'm able to drink ice tea, which I'm drinking as much as possible right now.

I have so many people praying for me, so I appreciate it sooooo much! My sister, mom and nephew (Rob) prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet for me at 3:00 PM the divine mercy hour.  So special!  Thanks!

Love Jesus, love Him very much, but to do this, be ready to love sacrifice more.  St. Padre Pio

Oh I had to laugh when I was in Chemo today 2 patients were having Big Macs!  I thought that was funny.  I  think I might be passed my Big Mac attacks though.  LOL  When this is all over I'm having Mexican Food.


Hugs and Blessings to All!

Another day in paradise!

Yesterday, finally got out of the house to have lunch with a friend.  It was the first time I've been out of the house for several weeks.  It was nice to just chat and catch up with my good friend Janet.  Thanks Janet for you love and support.

Nancy M gave me several samples of drinks (Vitamin water, flavored water, juice,etc) to try this week when I start Chemo.    Thanks so much, something is bound to work!  I also am gonna try iced tea.  I can drink a lot of iced tea too.  What would I do without Nancy, she is always one step a head of me.

Well today, I'm getting ready for Chemo tomorrow.  Got the nausea patch today and put it on.  Hopefully this will help.  Had to go to the lab to get blood drawn.  We are going to the grocery store later today, then out for a nice dinner.   Tomorrow will be my third treatment.  One more after this one before the doctor re-evaluates for surgery.

Most importantly, I entered in the Publishers Clearing House drawing today.  Hope to win that $10 million. LOL

Jack and I took this picture with my phone today, so I thought I'd post it!

Thanks to all for their encouraging words and prayers!!!  Hugs and Blessings to All!

Saturday....

Today, Nancy M, my mom and sister, Tina came by for a visit.  It was nice visiting and laughing our heads off.  Mom looked good, she had eventful week in Jackson with my sister.  She said she made her deposit and came home. 

Nancy brought a beautiful basket of goodies and gift card from Medical Management.  I'm gonna try to keep those treats from Jack.  I think he sneeks those treats when I'm flat on back after Chemo.  LOL J/k.  Thanks so much MM you guys are so special!  I love it!!!!  Miss you too!  Love the cards too!  A special thank you to Patti for the Angel book too! That was very thoughtful.

It was a good day today!  Now off to watch the NFL playoffs!

Blessings and Hugs to All!

Falling In Love Again!

Today, I finally feel like a human today.  I actually have my jeans on today and it feels good.   I still don't have a lot of energy, but it's been better than the past days.

I just want to take some time to say Jack has been taking such good care of me.  I haven't been the most fun to be around lately.  He has been so patient and caring.  I'm falling in love with him all over again.  I'm so blessed to have him in my life and I can't thank God enough for bringing us together.  So thank you honey from the bottom of my heart.

Hugs and Blessings to All!

Let's back up!

Today, I'm feeling a little better.  Although, I can't say this chemo round was better.  Oh well. 

Some people have asked me how the lump in my breast was found.  I thought I posted this, but looking back I don't see I did.  So here goes... In my early 20's when they started really advertising self-breast examinations, I started self-examinations.  My first examine, I found a lump.  I went to my doctor and he told me you have lumpy breasts.  I thought how does he know that it's just a lump and nothing serious?  So I made an appointment with a specialists who confirmed the doctor's findings. Just lumpy breasts.  In 2006, I did find a larger lump, had it removed, it was benign (non-cancerous).  The doctor then confirmed you have "lumpy breasts".    So when I found this lump in my breast I didn't seem to concerned.  But then there appeared an "indention" underneath my breast where the lump was located.  I was concerned and made an appointment for the mammogram.  The rest as they say is history.  So please have a mammogram every year. Enough said...

I'm looking forward to feeling better each day this week.  Thanks to everyone for the encouragement and the prayers.  They mean so much to me.  Also, for the supportive comments! 

Hugs and Blessings to All!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all of you!  I rang in the New Year quietly in bed.  Tonight I'm feeling a little better, I'm hoping tomorrow will be better. 

Looking forward to the coming year and it all it brings.  Thanks to everyone who is praying and offering so much encouragement and help.

Blessings and Hugs!