Happy to Feell Better!

I'm back after what seems like a long time away from this blog. 
The day following my last post-2 weeks ago Tuesday-I had the last treatment of part 1 in my chemo treatments.  As normal the first days are rather rough.  Then something happened Thursday evening going into Friday.  My sodium level dropped dramatically and I was taken to ER and admitted to ICU with dangerously low sodium level.  I was there for a couple of days while they slowly raised it to normal and then sent to a regular room for a day. During that time I wasn't allowed out of bed for my safety, so I lost a lot of strength.  On Monday my levels were all good and so they got me up and stable enough on my feet to come home in the late afternoon.  It wasn't an adventure I want to revisit, but I am grateful for those who took such good care of me and the doctors.  I had excellent care.  I am also grateful for my kids who visited daily and/or called.  They are so great in taking care of me.  Sheila was here from out of town during this time and it was good to have her here to be with me and help in many ways.  In the many tests in ER they found that I have 4 small blood clots, so now I have learned to give myself shots in the stomach daily.  Just what I was wanting to learn, right!  Actually it isn't too bad.  I also learned other things too, as it my goal to learn the things I can from my experiences. 
The days following I began to get a little stronger and feel better.  However over the weekend I didn't feel very well again.  Tuesday was the first treatment of part 2.  These will be weekly for 12 weeks.  My doctor has told me that women usually find this chemo to be easier than the other one, nicknamed "red devil".  Thus far I have found that to be true.  I am not nearly as sick and feel better than the other times.  I hope it continues.  I am just really weak which is what I have been told would happen.  I think the hospital visit didn't help either. 
Sheila went home today and I begin the 5 weeks or so with the girls not around.  They each have things that their families need at this time.  I so appreciate them being willing to come as they have for days and weeks at a time.  Shannon will be here again in July.  These chemo treatments are taking about about 5 1/2 months not counting the surgeries before they began.  I am grateful for friends and neighbors who have and are helping also. 
Thanks to each of you for your support through prayers, cards, texts, emails, etc.  They are so appreciated. 

Sunny Monday

Happy Monday!

This weekend I have had concerns with a rapid heart rate.  I went to the ER to be sure.  It seems it might have been dehydration.  They gave me some fluids via IV. Then this morning I woke up in wee hours with the rapid heart rate again.  I am hoping it is not a serious thing. 
Tomorrow I am scheduled for treatment 4 tomorrow-the last of part 1.  I am glad I will be talking to the doctor before that-which is always the case.  
I appreciate so much the notes, emails, texts, cards, prayers, etc from you.  It helps so much to know what is happening and think about your lives too. 

Tulips Among the Irises

 I noticed yesterday that the irises are not blooming too.  How pretty they are!  I hope to get out today and take a picture of them. 

Lilacs and Tulips are Blooming Now

Greetings, 

This is right outside my front door. Love it!   I took a walk a few days ago around the house and took a few photos of the current spring flowers in bloom.  It is great to see the new life of spring with the many blossoms, green grass, etc.  It always lifts my spirits higher. I noticed the fragrance of the lilac trees.  Loved that.  It seems they have more blooms that usual.  

It has been over a week since I last posted.  The last 3 weeks have been harder or at least different than the first couple of weeks.  On Tuesday I will have my 4th and last treatment of the first part of the chemo.  Then I will begin part 2 with a different drug but going every week.  

It kind of feels like I am two people.  I don't notice that until I begin to feel better and realize that I feel like me, think like me, and act like me, even though I am a physically weak me.  The other one, well I guess it doesn't feel like me.  It more or less survives the day.  

I can't say I have become used to my beautiful white head.  It is nicely shaped and without scars and I am grateful for that.  Sometimes it gets cold now.  That is new for me.  I was thinking I might make collage of the hair styles from my life including this one.  That might be fun to do.  I have a wig, halo to wear with hats, and a few hats.  So I have at least 6 or 8 choices of "looks" to choose from.  That's a blessing. 

I am hoping to get set up so that I can compose and write more easily from upstairs (my computer is downstairs) so that I can do it for short times when I am not feeling really well. 

In reality, I am doing really well considering I am taking chemo treatments.  The last two times my white blood count has been good-even high.  Even though I don't feel well at all at times, I am blessed to not be as sick as many experience.  I am truly blessed.  I know that the many prayers are helping physically and emotionally.  I do feel the strength, peace, and presence of the Spirit and the love of my family and friends.  Thank each of you so much.  I love each of you and appreciate your emails, texts, cards, and service.  I am blessed.