Feeling Better :-)

I am feeling so much better today. The antibiotics are working like a charm and my energy has improved, I am feeling stronger.

If anyone ever questions the power of prayer I am living proof that it works!

Thank you for your prayers, thank you for your support, thank you for your love.

Never Give Up

The title of this picture is "Never Give Up"

The frog is using it's front legs to squeeze the throat of the bird,

making it impossible to swallow him.

You'll always have the chance to quit or give up.

Don't take it!

The Bible says it this way in Galatians 6:9,

"So don't get tired of doing what is good.

Don't get discouraged and give up,

for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time."

There's a harvest waiting if I don't give up.

I will PERSERVERE!

Infection ... Setback

The PICC line site started to burn then ache and swell last night. It was progressively more and more angry looking by the half hour. Norm took me into the hospital. The doctor said it was infection and ran blood cultures from both ends of the catheter. The PICC was removed and even in the hour I was at the hospital waiting for the test to be done before removing the line the doctor could not believe how fast the infection was growing. We will not know what the bacteria is for a couple days but the blood work came back showing I am seriously low in neutrophils. (found in the white blood cells and are the frontline infection fighters)

I have to have another blood test tomorrow and if the count is not up I have to be admitted for IV antibiotics.

I want to quit!!!!! my chemo treatments

Today I have to work on perseverance.

Stick-to-it-iveness.

I have to get a habit of getting back up and trying one more time. I can't control results, but I can control whether or not I quit. No one else can make that decision for me.

It's mine alone.

R & R

The weather is suppose to be really nice tomorrow.

We are heading to the lake for a sleepover at the trailer.

I rest so good at camp... and I am looking forward starting the camping season.

Have a terrific weekend all.

:-)

Boost Immune System

I have had a nagging lower back pain for the last week. It gets more uncomfortable as the day progresses and by bedtime I really have a tough time getting comfortable. I made an appointment to see Norm's chiropractor today. http://www.drpaulgroulx.com/index.php

I checked to see if there were any contradictions having chiropractic care while dealing with cancer and chemotherapy.

I was surprised by what I read.

The Cancer Immune System Connection
Strengthening the immune system may help prevent cancer

Your nervous system controls the function of every cell, tissue, organ and system of your body, including the immune system. The immune system is important since it not only destroys foreign invaders such as disease causing viruses, bacteria, yeast and parasites, but also destroy cancer cells.
However, if something interferes with the transmission of normal nerve impulses, your immune system may not be able to function fully.
Several studies have shown the positive effect of chiropractic care on immune system function. In one study, Ron Pero, head of cancer research at the University of Lund, in Lund, Sweden, and Chief of Cancer Research at the New York Preventative Research Center, says that the restoration and correction of the spine can increase the strength of the immune system by 200% - 400%. This can make a huge difference not only for individuals fighting diagnosed cancer, but also for otherwise healthy people trying to prevent it.
The study demonstrated that the cells which act like "Pac-Man" in your body, eating and destroying viruses, bacteria, parasites and cancer cells, are anywhere from two to four times more active in people receiving regular chiropractic care. So practice true prevention by keeping your immune system functioning at its highest level throughout your life with regular chiropractic wellness care.

full article found here:

http://www.entertogetwell.ca/winnipeg-chiropractic/our-newsletters/the-cancer-immune-system-connection.aspx

Whew! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel today.
The the cumulative effects of chemo have caught up to me. It was a tough round of chemotherapy. Today, I am stiff and sore from being in bed and hungry. (have not been able to take nourishment)
Plan for today: get moving again and eat, eat, eat.
I believe the work the medical doctors are doing is good, and I have a Great Physician up above
who is my healer.
"…I am the LORD, who heals you" Exodus 15:26.
I give Him all the praises.

It doesn't get any easier.

I am having a problem with 'wobbly legs".

I had this symptoms near the end of the first week after chemo treatment 2, it lasted for few days. I was surprised when I came on tonight. It makes me very unsteady.

The treatment went very well today. The PICC line made the infusion much more comfortable. It also got me going faster... no need to start an IV.

My blood work was fabulous, the levels are all within the normal limits.

Praise the Lord, my Divine Healer .

GR-R-R-R

Frustrated!!! The Community Nurse came yesterday to change the dressing and take my scheduled blood work for Chemo tomorrow and........ the PICC line was not working. After several failed attempts... I had to go to the lab and have my blood taken the conventional way. (only RN's are allowed to take blood from a PICC)

So.... today I am heading back to the hospital to get this line working....

Chemo tomorrow.

back from hospitial

2:30pm PICC line is running again.

The appointments went great today. The PICC line went in so easy. I was nervous for nothing!

Now that it is in, I have no reservations about it.

I also had an appointment with the Oncologist, Dr. Le. The doctor is very happy with my treatments and the results of the tests.

I mentioned the weight gain --- his response was: Good!

He says this is another good sign.

It was a good day.

I give Him all the thanks and praise.

I don't want to get a PICC Line tomorrow!!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PICC_line

I have put on 2 more pounds!!! That is 6 since I started the chemo. I did some reading tonight about weight gain during chemo. I am going to talk to my oncologist on Tuesday about a strategy to slow down the gain.

I read:

It’s not uncommon for women going through chemotherapy to begin gaining weight.

If you ask most people what their mental image is of a person who is dealing with cancer, they’d likely describe someone who is thin and gaunt. The reality is that a woman may actually start looking a bit cherub-like between the steroids, the hair loss, and the chemical cocktails she is taking.

New Eyebrows

My eyebrows have been getting thinner and thinner. Tonight two big bald spots showed up after I wash my face.

Jenn picked me up and we went to Shoppers. The cosmetician helped us find a great product to define my brows.

It works!!

Product: Smashbox (it is a colour powder and a wax so it sets for the whole day)

www.smashbox.com

When it hits, it hits!

It is more than just being tired.

Studies show that fatigue exists in 78% to 96% of people with cancer, particularly in people actively undergoing treatment.

And when it hits, "I don't have a square to share"

Chemo-Me

The side effects of cancer treatment, make me look different than my ‘old self.’ This takes a bit of getting used to. On top of not feeling well, I am struggling with my self-image.

Everyone should see their bald head at least once during their lifetime. I’ve been looking at mine for awhile now. It makes you humble.

Good News! I never have a “bad hair” day!

~ What Cancer Cannot Do ~

Cancer is limited

Cancer cannot cripple love

Cancer cannot shatter hope

Cancer cannot erode faith

Cancer cannot destroy peace

Cancer cannot kill friendship

Cancer cannot destroy memories

Cancer cannot silence courage

Cancer cannot invade the soul

Cancer cannot steal eternal life

Cancer cannot conquer the spirit

Cancer is limited.....

Frost on the Pumpkin

I wish I had learned to knit or crochet! I'd be knitting now. I find that I have to keep my head covered. My scalp is sensitive when not covered, not to mention c-c-c-cold. Because of the sensitivity I normally only wear the wig when the event warrants it. I bought one t-shirt like fabric cap and one black cap made of a fancier fabric.

I have not got on to the art of scarf-tying.

Still doing my Happy Dance

I have not felt the fatigue like I did last treatment.

Maybe it is coming.. or maybe I am smarter this time. I am eating many small snacks instead of meals and resting when I am tired.

I save my energy for the things I prefer to do.

Housework has taken a low priority... hehhehehehe

Good Day :-)

I am feeling so much better today.

Thanks to everyone... for your calls, visits, cards, letters and emails... for your love and encouragement.

Thanks to Him.

(Isaiah 41:10)