It's Not ALL Bad!!

As I'm winding my way out of the last of the big chemo side effects, I've discovered another one of the "upsides" to having breast cancer and going through chemo treatments.....and losing my hair.

When shopping, I always get so hot when trying on clothes........well, today it occurred to me that I didn't have to keep my hair on while doing so...............SO, OFF came the wig for the duration of the time in the dressing room! AWESOME!!! And, I've also found that when I need to adjust the thing, it's better to take it off and start all over anyway...........not sure why................

Tomorrow is my favorite day of the year: NOVEMBER 1st!! As I loathe Halloween, I'm always thrilled that it's over for another year. Polley plans to go in costume tonight as an advocate for Breast Cancer Research..........she'll be decked out in pink and pink ribbons head to toe!!! Can't wait to see her! She made her percussion debut last night in concert at Medlin..........very impressive!~!! (photos later)

It's Friday! Enjoy!

Still Feelin' Pretty Good.

I can't believe how much better this post chemo round has been than the first! Thank Heavens!! Thanks to fluids and shots, I'm feeling pretty good. I do not like wearing this wig every day but I suppose it's worth it!!!

On a completely non-cancerous note: Sam made several tackles last night including his first quarterback SACK which caused a fumble! He was very excited! I hated missing the game but figured I'd better rest up so I could make work today!

We enjoyed a great meal from our friends, The Van Houten's last night!! Thanks so much!

I have another round of Herceptin on Thursday and am hoping for feeling pretty good throughout the next two weeks until round three of Chemo.

I couldn't do this without the love and support and prayers of EVERYONE!

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Monday Morning!

Well, it's Monday morning and I'm about to leave for work. I feel better after the weekend. I can't say that I feel great, but definitely better and since today doesn't demand a lot of me in the classroom, I think I'll be okay. I have to visit the doctor's office at noon to check blood, etc...

Yesterday brought the home health nurse for fluids, etc.........And, we were treated to an awesome dinner by our friends, The Grays! Thanks guys!

My mom helped Polley clean and sort items in her room...an ALL DAY job!!

The weather is cool and fall-like today. If THAT doesn't perk me up, nothing can. This has always been my favorite time of year........

Hope this is a great week for all!

The 4th Day..Post Chemo

Well, it's Sunday and I wake up again feeling so strange and not good. But, I am not sick (at my stomach) nor do I have a massive headache, so that's pretty good. However, most every bone and muscle in my body either aches or just feels strange. I suspect that only those who've been through chemo can relate to the strangeness of this journey!

I'm expecting home health to come today to give me a white cell boosting shot and more fluids...not sure what else............

I got my wig trimmed yesterday....Thanks Elaine! I need to grade some papers today...hoping for the energy to surface as the day progresses!

more later.........

So Far....So Good

I've just returned from the Doctor's office where I spent my noon conference period. They gave me a white cell boosting shot, some anti-nausea medicine and some fluids. Hopefully we'll combat those horrible side-effects that would otherwise be lurking in the near future!

And, today is DAY ONE of wearing my wig....it really isn't too bad except that the bangs need to be trimmed. I didn't want to get that done until all my hair was gone and we could have an accurate conception of exactly how it would fit.

And, as of last night, I have no hair. After fighting the losing battle of hair coming out and making a mess all over my bathroom, pillow, shower, etc.............I succumbed to Evan's clippers.........I look like a small boy who wouldn't sit still for the barber...consequently he has some digs/holes in his hair........and so do I!!!

So, thank goodness for the wig.............looks WAY better than my hair....what's left of it!!!

Round Two Update

Well, I've made it through round two treatment without incident. Based on several different things that we're going to do over the next five days, hopefully the side effects will be uneventful as well.

The BEST news of the day..........Dr. Jordan examined me and estimates that the tumor is approximately HALF the size that it was originally. So, thanks to the new drug, Herceptin, it is rapidly reducing. If you didn't see Lifetime Network's film, "Living Proof".......watch for it as it is most informative relative to the production and creation of Herceptin. My life would be very different right now if not for this drug.

On a side note, I had a friend who used to always say, "How does he know when you need it?" I wondered that very thing this morning during my early morning apprehension about today's big treatment. I sat down to check email and my nephew, Dustin had sent me this informal video of him singing "Where No One Stands Alone".....he and friends had just recorded it last night.........and I thought, "Man, how DOES the Good Lord know exactly WHAT you need and WHEN you need it? Thanks Dut and Praise God!
I hope this clip will open so you can hear this.
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=45061680

Round Two

After enjoying over a week of feeling really good, it's time for round two of the chemo tomorrow. Although I thoroughly believe that we can make it less dreadful this time, I still DREAD it like the plague!

In an effort to think positively, I've decided to create today's top ten list of nice things that have happened to me recently thanks to the kind efforts of others:

(These are listed in NO particular order)

1. My co-workers, Wendy and Abbey, surprised me one Monday morning by having decorated one wall in my classroom with student work. I'd planned to do this prior to being diagnosed, so they just took my idea and finished it.....A wonderful surprise!!

2. My friend and co-worker, Kathy has sent me a card a week since this all began. Even though they've all had animals on them, they've been perfect and helped the tough days pass!
3. My brother and sister-in-law basically redecorated my bedroom....new bedding, curtains, curtain rods.........WOW!

4. Wonderfully delicious meals have been provided by: The Camps, The Durons, Sandi N., Kindall D., The Jeffcoats, The Prados, I feel like I'm forgetting some....please forgive me.
5. My sister, Nancy, has provided me with a cleaning lady twice now............what a gift!
6. My children have proudly worn their breast cancer awareness lanyards and pins to school daily. (new school pics below)

7. I have had many, many thoughtful and encouraging emails and cards from friends, old and new.............
8. I've had prayers sent my way from many.........including many out of state..........What a prayer chain!
9. My mom has worked ceaselessly to help in more ways than I could possibly list. My Dad has agreed to go on a major trip to the eastern U.S. once I'm all well...........what a trip that will be.
10. My husband continues to amaze me with his love and support. There are no words.

So, as I approach tomorrow, I'll try and focus on the above blessings. And, I'll say a special prayer for those who are going through this business without the love and support that surrounds me. I can't imagine.

"This is the day the Lord hath made; Rejoice and be glad in it."