Hello there!
It's almost the end of March and we still have LOTS of snow! Our temps are running about 10 degrees below normal, but at least the sun has been out the last few days, and the snow is slowly melting. Easter is this coming Sunday already! We will be having everyone over to our house for a buffet lunch. My house will be FULL. May have to come up with a different plan next year, as there just isn't enough room in my house for our growing families!
I have been spending a lot of my online time on some private Facebook groups for those affected by colon cancer. If you know anyone with ANY type of colon/rectal/anal issue (including crohn's, IBS, colitis, cancer), tell them to search FB for COLONTOWN. This is the main group, and from there you can join the different 'neighborhoods' that are more specific to your particular issue, including a group for caretakers. It's all private, so talk about colons, rectums, and bodily functions are the norm there! It's a blessing for me to FINALLY connect with others who understand what I'm going through. We all help each other and share ideas on what works and what doesn't. I've gotten some good advice there for my on-going issues, and things have improved for me. I'm still hoping to improve things more, but at least my problems are better than they were.
Being in this community makes me aware, once again, of the many, many people with colorectal cancer. There are those on there that are newly diagnosed, and they will finish chemo and have a good prognosis, like me. Then there are those that are stage 4, and will be on chemo, off and on, for the rest of their lives. And, lately, there seems to be many (WAY TOO MANY) who are dying from this horrible disease. Almost daily there are posts that someone passed away. Sometimes this gets into my head a bit, and I start to worry more about a recurrence. I start to think in terms of when, not if. Thankfully, God knows those troubling thoughts I am having, and He reminds me to put my focus on HIM. I don't need to fear ANYTHING. That is such a freeing thought! Whether I am sick, healthy, rich, poor, dying--none of it matters. God has given me eternal life, and He is with me every moment of every day. Nothing is too big for Him. What a relief to know He has my back! Whew!
Soon I'll get a break from Dr. appointments and tests (I hope!). I had to have another minor surgery on my bum, and the worst part was the 9 pokes it took to get my IV started! Over 2 weeks later I can still see the bruise on the back of my hand! The surgery went well though, and I had very little pain after. I had a DEXA bone density scan last week, and hope to get the results of that soon. That is an easy scan--no IVs or anything! Chemo can damage/weaken the bones, and so can menopause (which started early for me because of chemo/radiation), so we are just checking to see if my bones are still strong. I have a post-op appt. this week, then a port flush appt. next week. Then I really should make an eye dr. appt. and dentist appt. Sheesh! It's always something~I've already met my deductible for the year, and it's only March!
Well, that's my March update. All the kids and grandkids are doing well! My oldest and her husband will soon be licensed to do foster care, so we are all excited about that. I hope I have enough energy to help her out! Thankfully summer is only a few months away and I'll be off work for a bit. :)
God bless each one of you!
Tina
Showing posts with label Easter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Easter. Show all posts
Monday, March 25, 2013
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Post chemo update
Hey all,
Haven't felt much like updating...but we'll give it a shot!
Still feeling yucky. Not horrible, just total lack of energy, and a little nauseous most of the time.
Yesterday a male nurse came to the house to remove my pump. He did a good job, except he removed the needle from my port (which doesn't hurt at all) and then later realized he forgot to flush it with saline and shoot in some heparin (to keep blood clots from forming in it). He apologized and had to poke the needle in again. It hurts, but its over quickly, so not too bad. I hate it when they put the saline in! It has a horrible taste/smell that immediately makes me feel sick. The nurse said it helps to hold your nose, or smell something aromatic like a tea bag. Might have to try that next time! Other than that, I was happy to have the pump removed! During my 5.5 weeks of radiation I'll have to have that pump with me continuously--that's going to be a challenge!
I was feeling pretty good most of yesterday morning. After my pump was gone, I ate a little lunch and realized I was very tired and took a nap. Rich came home from work a little early and we got out for a nice walk. Didn't really feel like it, but it was nice to get some fresh air.
I always think a walk, or getting out for lunch (like we did today), or spending time with the kids will perk me up, but it really doesn't. It does take my mind of how yucky I feel, so that is good, but I feel like I'm just sitting around with a blank/tired look on my face no matter what is going on around me. I'm sure I'm not much fun to be around!!
Today, we went to see Rich's dad for a short a visit (Rachel and Ken came too), and then the 4 of us had lunch at The 50's Grill by Brookdale. I had a small burger, fries, and a piece of apple pie, and it all tasted good, but as soon as I was done the yucky taste was back. What I really want is ice water!!! Hopefully soon I can have some again. Then I WILL get that Peanut Buster parfait, and a raspberry smoothie, either from Caribou Coffee, or even better, Mrs. Fields. Its very hard to get the amount of liquid I'm supposed to drink, when I can't have anything cold. I'm having some cran-apple tea right now, and its good, but I STILL want something cold!
Now a little about Easter:
I want to invite anyone that doesn't have a church home to Bridgewood Community church. Its north on Lexington, past 109th, on the left. Services are 8, 9:30, and 11:15, and they will be serving continental breakfast from 8:30 to11. Or, if you've been part of a church, but just don't feel like you've connected, or you want to take your relationship with God to the next level, Bridgewood is an excellent choice. The people there go out of their way to make you feel welcome, and they really let Jesus shine through them. They walk the talk!
I love Easter! Without Christ's resurrection we would have no hope of eternal life. What a sacrifice Jesus made for us. Its unimaginable to me. And eternal life is given as a gift--while we are still sinners! All we have to do is say "yes" to the gift, and we will be forgiven and changed. There are still people who feel like they are unworthy, or they have to clean up their life first--we are ALL unworthy--that's what makes it such an incredible gift! Come as you are to the throne... you will never regret it! Amen! (Sorry, but I get a little excited about God's grace and mercy--He has been so good to me and forgiven me SO much!).
We will be spending tomorrow afternoon at my sister's house--oops! I forgot to buy the veggies and dip--I'll have to stop at the store after church and just buy the already prepared stuff. I usually like to cut it all up myself, but we'll make an exception this time :). Shonna is singing with the worship team at all 3 services, and I think we are going to the 9:30 service. Hope I feel ok! Might have to go to the later one.
Well, I hope everyone has a Blessed Easter! Thank you for your continued support and prayers. Please pray for my family too--esp. Rich. He has been an angel, but I'm sure 8 months of this is going to be difficult for him and the girls--God give them strength!!
Love and Blessings to you all!
Tina
Haven't felt much like updating...but we'll give it a shot!
Still feeling yucky. Not horrible, just total lack of energy, and a little nauseous most of the time.
Yesterday a male nurse came to the house to remove my pump. He did a good job, except he removed the needle from my port (which doesn't hurt at all) and then later realized he forgot to flush it with saline and shoot in some heparin (to keep blood clots from forming in it). He apologized and had to poke the needle in again. It hurts, but its over quickly, so not too bad. I hate it when they put the saline in! It has a horrible taste/smell that immediately makes me feel sick. The nurse said it helps to hold your nose, or smell something aromatic like a tea bag. Might have to try that next time! Other than that, I was happy to have the pump removed! During my 5.5 weeks of radiation I'll have to have that pump with me continuously--that's going to be a challenge!
I was feeling pretty good most of yesterday morning. After my pump was gone, I ate a little lunch and realized I was very tired and took a nap. Rich came home from work a little early and we got out for a nice walk. Didn't really feel like it, but it was nice to get some fresh air.
I always think a walk, or getting out for lunch (like we did today), or spending time with the kids will perk me up, but it really doesn't. It does take my mind of how yucky I feel, so that is good, but I feel like I'm just sitting around with a blank/tired look on my face no matter what is going on around me. I'm sure I'm not much fun to be around!!
Today, we went to see Rich's dad for a short a visit (Rachel and Ken came too), and then the 4 of us had lunch at The 50's Grill by Brookdale. I had a small burger, fries, and a piece of apple pie, and it all tasted good, but as soon as I was done the yucky taste was back. What I really want is ice water!!! Hopefully soon I can have some again. Then I WILL get that Peanut Buster parfait, and a raspberry smoothie, either from Caribou Coffee, or even better, Mrs. Fields. Its very hard to get the amount of liquid I'm supposed to drink, when I can't have anything cold. I'm having some cran-apple tea right now, and its good, but I STILL want something cold!
Now a little about Easter:
I want to invite anyone that doesn't have a church home to Bridgewood Community church. Its north on Lexington, past 109th, on the left. Services are 8, 9:30, and 11:15, and they will be serving continental breakfast from 8:30 to11. Or, if you've been part of a church, but just don't feel like you've connected, or you want to take your relationship with God to the next level, Bridgewood is an excellent choice. The people there go out of their way to make you feel welcome, and they really let Jesus shine through them. They walk the talk!
I love Easter! Without Christ's resurrection we would have no hope of eternal life. What a sacrifice Jesus made for us. Its unimaginable to me. And eternal life is given as a gift--while we are still sinners! All we have to do is say "yes" to the gift, and we will be forgiven and changed. There are still people who feel like they are unworthy, or they have to clean up their life first--we are ALL unworthy--that's what makes it such an incredible gift! Come as you are to the throne... you will never regret it! Amen! (Sorry, but I get a little excited about God's grace and mercy--He has been so good to me and forgiven me SO much!).
We will be spending tomorrow afternoon at my sister's house--oops! I forgot to buy the veggies and dip--I'll have to stop at the store after church and just buy the already prepared stuff. I usually like to cut it all up myself, but we'll make an exception this time :). Shonna is singing with the worship team at all 3 services, and I think we are going to the 9:30 service. Hope I feel ok! Might have to go to the later one.
Well, I hope everyone has a Blessed Easter! Thank you for your continued support and prayers. Please pray for my family too--esp. Rich. He has been an angel, but I'm sure 8 months of this is going to be difficult for him and the girls--God give them strength!!
Love and Blessings to you all!
Tina
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