Wonderful Family Love and Support

September 18, 2015

On Wednesday, September 16, I completed the third week of my chemo regimen.  I will now have a week off.  It will be good to have a break.

The first week of the past regimen went well.  I was not as sick during the week following the first treatment.  In fact it was Labor Day weekend, and three of my sisters (Jessie, Kathleen and Tammy) and their husbands visited us for the weekend.  We spent most of the time at our Lake Anna house.  It was really fun being with them, and it was relaxing at the lake.  I could rest when I needed to.  We spent time eating, visiting and laughing.  I enjoyed watching the others do water sports, and we all enjoyed a nice boat ride.  I even took a ride on the jet ski.   Before we went to the lake, my sisters also helped me pick out some wigs.  We had so much fun as they tried on wigs as well.  I felt a lot of love and support from them.  My family is fabulous!  

The second and third weeks have been more difficult.  I have felt much sicker with headaches, body aches, nausea and stomach pain.  Overall, it has not been a lot of fun.  It was my daughter’s birthday (Stacey).  She and Stephanie, my other daughter, came to visit me on the weekend of September 11-13.  I felt pretty good on Friday, and we took a little bike ride around the Washington monuments.  It was a beautiful day, and we took a very relaxed pace.  It was very pleasant.  Unfortunately, on Saturday, I became very ill.  I had a severe headache and lots of nausea.  I spent nearly all day in bed.  I was very sad and disappointed because I had planned to take Stacey shopping for her birthday.  Sunday, I felt a little better, but not great.  I was pleased to be able to attend at least one hour of Church on Sunday.  I always enjoy seeing so many friends and feeling their love and support.   For the remainder of this week, I have not felt very well.  I haven’t had to stay in bed, but I continue with the pains described above.  Sleep has also been challenging.  

Even though I have not felt well, Heavenly Father and the Savior have blessed me.  For example, one day when I was feeling extremely sick and crying, I prayed asking whey I had to experience all this suffering.  In response, I was reminded of one of my favorite scriptures in John 14:27, which reads as follows: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”  I am grateful for the peace that comes from Heavenly Father and the Savior.

Somewhat Encouraging Report

September 2, 2015

On August 28, I had a CT Scan to see if the current chemo regimen is working more effectively than the original regimen.  The results were somewhat positive.  The primary tumor in my abdomen decreased in size.  Also, there were no new tumor locations identified.  The oncologist was pleased with this development as it is not known in advance how effective these treatments will be for any given individual.  I feel that Heavenly Father and the Savior have blessed me. 

This positive development has not come easily.  These chemo treatments have made me feel quite ill.  I have had more nausea, headaches and extreme body aches.  Walking and daily errands have been more difficult, as my legs ache.  Unfortunately, I am also beginning to lose my hair. Everyday I pull a gob of hair from my hairbrush.  My sisters are coming this weekend, and we will look at wigs for me.  I feel that Heavenly Father and the Savior have lifted me up to be able to meet these challenges.  I cry when I think how real this is.

I had a one-week break from chemo treatments during the week of August 24.  Our children had all returned home at the beginning of that week. (We sure had a great time with them.)  We were dreading their departure.  To help offset that change and to take advantage of no chemo treatments, Steve and I decided to take a short trip to New York.  We left on Tuesday, August 25, and returned on Thursday, August 27.  We went by car so we could stop as necessary.  We did not push ourselves in NY, but we were able to see a matinee play (Finding Neverland), which I loved because of its upbeat songs and the magical dreams created by children.  We also enjoyed walking around a bit.  We stayed near Central Park.  Hard to believe, but I even found the J. Crew store in NY.  The trip was a good diversion from my regular treatment schedule.

Today, September 2, I began my second group of the current chemo treatments.  It is the same regimen of three weeks on and one week off.  We hope it will continue to be effective.  I was so grateful for the nurse who helped me with the infusion today.  I felt very nauseated, but she was able to get the proper medication to help me through the treatment.  I had a good experience when we walked out of the treatment building.  An elderly couple was leaving at the same time, with both of them pushing walkers.  We helped them to their car.  It felt good to provide this small act of service, as I have been receiving so much service.  Thanks to everyone for all your love, kindness, support, thoughts and prayers.  Thanks for the wonderful meals and all the kindness and love everyone shows to me through each individual’s acts of service.