Jan. 22, 2011

I have been having good days, and have been able to do just a little more. It is sad sometimes to feel good and then know that Monday you start over again. I have faith I can make it through. I am strong!
I have so many people helping me, and they will never know what a difference it makes for me especially, but also for my family. Thank you, Thank you!!
Yesterday my mom took some time and taught me to crochet a dishrag. I think that was the best medicine for me. It keeps my hands busy and my mind off of other things I can't do anything about. I love her so much. I always look forward to seeing my dad in the mornings also. When I get better at the crochet, I am going to make a afghan for my chair that I seem to spend alot of time in. I am also going to make some fleece blankets to give to the patients at LDS Hospital. When I was admitted for the first time they gave me a blanket, but have since had no more donated to the hospital for new patients. Its my way of giving back. I am thankful for my family, brother and sisters, that's you too Jamie! Thank you for all the prayers. I will keep plugging away! Love to all

I wanted to introduce you to one of my many angles out there. This is Brandi Chase, and she just became cancer free through the DanaFarber Study that I am on. She has helped me to know that it is the hardest thing that I will ever do, but I am strong and will make it through. She comes to the clinic and visits with me on the big PEG days and I love her for doing that for me. She will forever be my friend and a source of strengh to me.

Went to the clinic Monday and my counts had come down again. My white count is now a 1.0 and last week I had 9 neutralfills, but yesterday I only had 2. They like to see that number stay at about 5, but I know that it will come up this week. I am back on the antibiotics, ceflex, and levequin. Can't attend big sporting events or Church, but can have visitors. I also had #8 PEG. I only have 2 more of those chemo's and will be so glad to be done with those. Brandi told me that I will start to feel alittle bit better when that chemo is finished. You have to have something to look forward to in all this or I would fall apart! I am doing the best I can with what is going on inside of me, and I feel so blessed and loved by so many. My mom reminded me this morning that an apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ had promised me that I will beat this. I have so much faith and still hold strong to my Father in Heavens hand. I appreciate the priesthood blessings and those who administer them to me. I am so thankful right know for the relief society and their willingness to help my family at this time. It really helps me get through! I love you all. If counts are good, next Monday next round here we come.

Jan. 14, 2011

I wish I could download pictures, but I have forgotten how, so I'll just update.
This week has been my second in the consolidation period of three weeks. The chemotherapy running through my body had really taken over and It has been a rough time. I have taken one day at a time, and today has been a very good day for me. Monday when I went to the clinic, the chemo this time didn't bottom my counts out and they were good enough that I didn't have to start on antibiotics, just good hand washing and staying away from sick. Dr. Konapa said everything looked good and we were making good progress.

This Monday I will receive the next dose of the PEG, number 8! That is a chemo I am looking forward to getting done with.


I am still having the inside body shakes, feel tired, and wish that I could do more around the house. I know that in time it will come. I am grateful to family and friends more and more each day. I love you all.

January, 7, 2011

Let me update things that I have been feeling and doing, Yesterday, I went for a ride with my parents to Theurer's Meats to pick up the beef they had ready. It felt so good to be able to go for a ride and enjoy some fresh air. Things have been been better with great friends and family taking alot of my stress and anxiety away from me so I can concentrate on getting better. I was also feeling good enough to go watch the BR. Girls basketball game and to feel like I was part of the community again and not panic. Shaunie you did a great job! I was nice to be with my boys like we use to do. I know I will get there but the road is slow.

Today I have been thinking alot about the gospel and how I am so glad that I was raised in the gospel and know that with faith all things are possible. I am thankful for priesthood blessings and how they can calm and remind us that if we take a hold of heavenly fathers hand and pray to him, he will hear and answer our prays. I have been a little tiery eyed today to thinking of all the blessings that have come to me and my family. I am thankful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints.

I also am tapering off the steroids tonight and that is not the funnest thing in the world, but if you were to ask anyone going through cancer, nothing is the funnest!

I thank you all for your prayers and continue to ask for more. I still have a smile on my face. My next appointment is on Monday, so until then, I love you all.

Jan.3, 2011

Headed down to L.D.S. for a check up and to see if my counts had recovered from the last go round. If they had, then I was able to start the next one. When it was my turn to go have my blood drawn, they couldn't access my port in my chest so they had to draw out of the arm. I don't have very many veins left to choose from, because the chemo, I guess hides them. Right after she drew out of arm the red port decided to work. They still wanted me to go down to have a look at the port to make sure it was o.k. Funny thing happened they got me all ready and did the ex-rays. Perfect, they said. All was in the right spot and they got all three lines to draw blood. We now have east 8 outpatient clinic baffled.

I surprised the P.A. and the Dr's by my counts. They all had doubled and I was ready for the next round of vinecristine, the red devil, and believe me the name fits, its nasty chemo, 6mp chemo pills, and of course we can't forget the steroid, dethemexazone. I am going to do my best to get through this round and just keep going. Only 2 more Peg chemo's and All of you in Fielding will hear my cheers all the way home.

I want to thank Lorianne Stokes for taking me to the clinic. We had a nice time just visiting and it sure helped to have someone else who knows that CANCER SUCKS!!

I am grateful for all the prayers and please keep them coming. I love you all! Until next time.