Day 7, 8 and 9

Good morning everyone, I can't believe two more days have gone past. Day 7 & 8 have been amazing. I feel so good. Yesterday was my best day by far. Almost no aches and pains any more and I think that the taste in my mouth might even be going away. I almost feel human again. I still have what I call sea legs.. thinking that might be due to almost no real exercise since June, other than when Mom takes me shopping and boy does she give me a workout. Don't  have much muscle anymore in legs, arms and yes my buttocks.. poor thing is flat as a pancake although I guess that could be a good thing. Got in the pool last night with Brian and Courtney and tried exercising.. hoping to build some muscle back. Now if I could sleep... Yep that's right... INSOMNIA....Ugh!!!! That's okay though I am working through it with meds (which I might add are not working hence the blog at 6am) but I am sure after talking to the Doc we will come up with something that works. I really don't like taking the sleep aid as I fear becoming dependant on them, but at the moment willing to try whatever works. It is so amazing to me how great I feel. I told you God was listening to your prayers. They really are working. I have never seen so many answered prayers... He and you keep me going stronger every day. I have to go for blood work this morning so praying they find a good flowing vein as it took them 3 tries last time. My poor hands are still bruised from that one. I have a very busy weekend planned and I am looking forward to all of it. Mom is coming on Friday to take me shopping (look out muscles your fixing to get a workout) and then home to look at pictures and put them in photo albums finally. I can't wait to look at all the pics mom has collected over the years.. then sometime that afternoon my best bud Terrie and her Daddy Pa Bob will be here for a visit. It will be a short one, but always full of laughter and good times. They will be here until Saturday afternoon at which time I will head to my daughter's house for my grand daughter's 1st Birthday Party. I can't believe Brylee is a year old already!!! Sunday is Brian's 49th Birthday which we will celebrate by relaxing and watching football and racing as that seems to be all he wants. At our age relaxing has now become quite the gift. haha..Who am I kidding????? Just wait until January baby.... I will be up and running and may never stop...Anyway hope to have a great day on Sunday as my hubby so deserves it. He is so amazing!!!!! I am really not sure how anyone gets through life without a Brian... I know I couldn't nor would I want to. Speaking of amazing...did I mention that Lori my sis and Donna came and spent time with me on Sunday? I love seeing them and as always my spirits were lifted as only friends and family and the good Lord can do of course. I really had no idea how many people loved me until now....what a shame that I never saw it before... but I can promise you this.... I won't be blind to it ever again... It is so amazing how God has showed me so much over the last few months...I really get excited when I think about what he has in store for me... I am sitting on my back porch at the moment watching the sun come up and listening to the world wake up... how awesome is that????? Now if I could just get my bowels to wake up I could skip to lab corp....haha Thank God I don't make my living as a comedian... but I do crack myself up at times so I guess that's what matters.. Wow... My Mom must be so proud at this very moment (NOT) Ok I better go for now as it is starting to look like Insomnia might be getting the best of me with these silly ramblings.. Hoping today, day 9 is as great as day 8..looking forward to hearing from you all and as always thank you all for your prayers and support.. keep them coming....they are doing amazing things!!!!! I love you all!!!!!!!!

Day 6

Hi everyone!!!! It's me which means I am having a good day Yippee!!!! As my sweet husband Brian wrote yesterday day 3, 4 and 5 were not that great. Day 5 being the worst. I think if we can find a way to beat the constipation, day 5 may not be that bad. Feeling pretty good today so far. Have body aches, but not that bad  more tired than anything. The cramping is gone thank God and I am really hoping the worse is behind us concerning that. Thank God for the angels by my side going through all of this with me. Brian, Courtney and my sis Darlene had it tough yesterday as I am not a very easy person to deal with when I am not feeling good..  we made it through though and I think Brian only had to threaten me 3 or 4 times.. lol...I am so blessed to have so many caring loving people in my life. Terrie, Momma, Donna and my sis Lori call or text every day checking on me and making sure I am doing ok. Momma and Darlene even had to come out Wednesday night as I was not doing very good mentally.. They lifted my spirits and got me through as always. God is so good to me...all I have to do is talk to him and he sends me all these wonderful people.. Daddy came by and saw me yesterday and somehow God knew that was the perfect angel to send.. when I look back on the last few days and think about it... I realize that God most certainly deserves a nap after all the blessings he has sent to me this week. I know I kept him busy with my prayers and there is no telling how busy my family and friends have kept him with prayers for my well being... God really is so Great!!!! Momma came out and spent the morning with me and I loved it. She always makes me feel better and I love seeing her smiling face. There is just something about seeing your momma's face that just makes you light up inside... My nephew Nick and his girl Eden came out today.. I love seeing them too. Donna and my sis Lori may come out later.. I realized that even though I am tired a lot I do look forward to seeing friends and family. It takes my mind off of things and seems to lift my spirits... the only downside is when they leave. I do want to mention how wonderful my husband is.. he is so wonderful to me .. I am not sure where he finds the strength to deal with all of this and me on top of it, but somehow he manages to do it... yesterday he got down on his knees beside the bed (and he has horrible knees) and just knelt there rubbing my hair and my arm talking to me trying to make me feel better.. he is such an amazing man ...I thank God every day for sending him to me.. they truely don't get better than him... well I am gonna go for now... feeling tired. Hopefully tomorrow will be another good day and I will update you again. Thank you all so very much for your comments, your texts, your calls, your visits and your continous prayers... I know I could not do any of this without you... or him... the good Lord above..

Days 3, 4 and 5

Di woke up feeling ok on Wed. ,she woke up early and we went for an early morning swim. Later on she laid down to take a nap. After approximately a 3 hr nap she woke up and was feeling terrible. her body ached and as she decribed it it was like an intense flu ache. She maintained her appetite though. On Thur she woke up later than the last few days and was still feeling the flu aches, but added to that was stomach cramping and constipation. She slept most of the day on thursday only waking to eat. Friday she awoke and although the flu aches were less the stomach cramps had grown more intense. She was still constipated and very uncomfortable. Finally after talking to the dr. on fri afternoon , she got rid of the constipation. We believe the cramping was from the laxitives trying to work but the constipation being sooo strong. Hopefully she will wake feeling much better in the morning .

Day 2

woke up early feeling pretty good this morning. Got up finally around 9:00am and took my vitamin, calcium, iron (was told I had to take iron yesterday boooo) and anti nausea pill. Face started feeling hot around 9:30/10:00am not sure why. Brian got up and noticed my face was pink. Looked in the mirror and sure enough almost looked like I had been out in the sun. Not sure what is causing that, but it doesn't feel bad. Was feeling very jittery when I woke so felt like I needed to eat. I ate half of peanut butter english muffin and had one cup of coffee. Was hoping for morning movement, but nothing so far. Still felt like I needed to be active this morning so waited for Brian to get up and we went for a swim. It felt great.. stayed in the pool for an hour or more then out and into the shower. I always feel good once I take a shower and now that I have the short hair it's not half as much work. I do still get tired pretty easy after shower though.. not sure why as I really don't over exert myself or anything while in there. Anyway showered now, got my hair fixed and make up on and ready for my doc appt at 2:30 for my  Nulasta shot. Just a quick walk in they say give me the shot then back out. This shot they say will bring on the pain in myb joints and bones. I hope to calm that down some by pre mediciating myself with 600mg of ibuprofen before shot and then as needed afterwards.. praying that will keep the pain down to a minimum. Was still feeling pretty weak and shaky after shower so ate half a bowl of mac-n-cheese whihc tasted pretty salty and I never put any salt on it (think my taste buds are changing already) and two peanut butter crackers with water of course. I know it doesn't sound like much, but try to eat what I can when I can.. something is better than nothing I guess. Anyway it is now 1:35 and we need to leave for doc appt in about 10 minutes so guess I will get off of here for now.. thanks again all for your prayers.. they are working every day..

1 down 5 to go

Today went great. went right in sat right down and started. I never felt nausea once..Thank God. The time went by pretty fast which was good. Go back tomorrow afternoon for my shot which is supposed to kick my white blood cells into over drive which in turn they say will cause some joint and bone pain.. hopefully mine will be down to a minimum... I will try to keep you posted as I can.. I love you and thank you so much for your prayers and words of encouragement...it's what gets me through.. I love you

Night before Chemo treatment #1

Okay so I have taken the meds I am supposed too.. 5 steroids, 1 adivan and 1 anti nasaua..have alarm clock set for 3 am so I can take 5 more steroids and hope I can get back to sleep until 5am at which time I will have my cup of coffee and enjoy the silence. In the shower at 6:30am then off to the doctor's office for chemo at 8am. If everything goes well should be calling Brian to come pick me up after 5-6  hours. I sure will miss having my family and or friends with me during these treatments, but know that I will feel each and every one of you there with me. Your prayers have helped me so much. Please continue as they give me so much strength. If everything goes well.. I will either give you an update during my chemo treatment or post an update once I am home. I would like to send out a special thank you to the following friends and family... My Momma who brought me all of my favorite dishes so I would have all my favorite things to eat before and after chemo, then wore me out Saturday and took me for an awesome shopping spree which lifted my spirits and my strength .. I know we over did it some, but I love every minute I spend with you Momma. You truely have been and always will be the wind beneath my wings and I love you so ..My Daddy who always finds a way to amaze me each and every day with the love and the support he gives so freely to me and our entire family... They truely do not get any better than you Daddy...your love means everything to me and your sweet tight hugs mean even more..I love you so much. My wonderful Sisters Lori, Darlene, and Leigh... who took precious time and milage to come out and see me this week and weekend (including my nephew Nicholas and his gal Eden)...each bringing their own gifts of love.. Lori who brought me special tooth paste and mouth wash so I won't get sores in my mouth from the chemo, Darlene who has now made and brought to me twice her special chicken salad which I love and Leigh Leigh who brought me the most comfortable pair of Dale Jr. shorts which I shall proudly strutt around in often. your support, love and encouragement pushes me to be the strong, healthy and courageous big sister that you all so deserve...I love you all so very much. To My brothers Phillip, Paul and Perry and their families ...your prayers and words of encouragement mean the world to me..My sweet sweet Terrie... where would I be without you??? You are my rock and show me every day what it means to be a true life long friend. You are the friend that I always hope to be..just hearing your voice, or seeing your sweet face, or reading your amazing emails puts a smile on my face and a joy in my heart that cannot be explained.. I love you now and always Ty.. Sandra, Nikki, Ms Phyllis, Pa Bob & the entire family..your prayers and words of encouragement are so close to my heart .. I love you more than words can say. Pam, Alan, Vicki and Andy... your giving heart and way you just took me in as your own has done so much more than you could ever know.. thank you all so much for a wonderful weekend I will never forget.. I love you all and will always feel you are family.Tammy my hair dresser and beautiful friend.. you are such an inspriration.. thank you for doing one of the toughest things anyone has ever had to do and keeping me strong through it all... you made me look beautiful even with short hair...I love you for that.. Donna my amazing boss and wonderful friend.. you have been such a blessing in my life.. you always know just what to say and when to say it and always come bearing gifts ... I hope you know that your friendship is the best gift I could ever receive...My Lil Bit... who sang to me via text and gave me the most precious message..her unconditional love and friendship inspires me beyond words.. I love you so much lil bit. Ms Claudette & Pastor Rick..your continous prayers and words of encouragement mean so much more than you could ever know.. I thought God brought you both into our lives for Courtney, but I now know that I too have gained so much from you both and our family is so much more with you in our lives. I thank God every night for you both and the difference you continue to make in our lives and so many others.. I love you both so much. Gary&Susi your kind words and friendship have always meant so much to me.. thank you for always being there for me and my family all these years and more... I love you always...Kenny, the crazy and wacky way you make me laugh... I love that no matter how bad I feel .you always find a way to make me smile.. My daughters Courtney Lee and Amanda Marie... wow what can I say... without you I have no reason or rhyme... your support and willingness to do whatever it is that I need warms my heart.. you have both turned into such beautiful women that I am so proud to call my daughters... I know this is not easy for you both and to watch how you have handled all of this has been simply amazing to me...you are my angels and I love you more than life itself.. and last but definitly not least my wonderful husband.... your strength means so much to me babe.. your constant support and loving words of encouragement fill my heart... your courage and determination to get us through this makes me love you more and more every day. I love the way you have become so protective over me... you really are my knight in shinning armor and I love you more than I could ever say.... I would also like to thank my cousins and face book family and friends.. it is so unbelievable to me how so many of you care ... you are all amazing... well I am now eating blueberry pie (thank you momma) and gonna head to bed to try and sleep... praying I can... thank you all again ... and to you my Lord and Saviour my biggest thanks...I know in my heart that if you bring me to it you will see me through it... I already feel your hand in mine... sweet dreams all... I love you more than words could say...

Getting ready

Ok this is funny... I created this blog and cannot figure out how to respond to comments left here... if anyone knows please let me know... hahaha. Made a list today of things that  I will need to take with me to chemo. It seems now that I will need a moving truck.. wonder if they have a loading dock at the doctor's office??? Found out yesterday that no family or friends are allowed in the room with you while receiving treatments. That really bummed me out, but the nurse explained since this is an all women facility it is done for their privacy. You walk in and it's one big room with several chairs. The nurse (Tiffany) stated that everyone becomes like a support group in there. We shall see I guess. They did say I could bring my laptop and phone so I can call or get on pc while receiving treatments, so now Brian (my husband) has hatched a plan. He ran right out and bought a web cam. Now that I have one and he has one he says we can now be together during chemo all we have to do is turn the web cams on and chat.. I guess there is always more than one way to skin a cat..haha.. I have a feeling that once the nurses know what we are up to we will be asked to turn them off... you never know though.. technology is an amazing thing ...so far I am loving it. Ok so got pc, mp3 player for jamming and Brian also mentioned I should take a few movies as I could watch them on pc as well... this might not be so bad after all.. NOT!!! haha I will make the best of it you can count on that. Ok now back to that moving truck... how will I get everything I want into chemo???? Wow... blanket, pillow, books, laptop, mp3 player, cooler with drinks, snacks, socks, journal, puzzle books... the list goes on.. I am hoping that in time I will get better at this blog thing and can bring you good updates. One of my besties Terrie and my husband Brian will update you in the event I am not feeling up to it. If you have any suggestions on blogging or on anything for that matter let me know.. Please keep the prayers coming as I can feel them every day... they make such a difference.. I love you all ..

Starting Blog

Hello, I was looking for a way to talk about living through cancer and thought I would start this blog.. I welcome any and all posts concerning this and other trials you might have as we go through this short life we live.... Let me know your thoughts and concerns and if you have any suggestions I want to hear those as well. I will try to post as often as I can as I start my first of six chemo treatments on Monday August 23rd. Not really sure how this blog stuff works so please be patient with me as I learn... Thank you and can't wait to hear from you