Monthly Archives: December 2013

A rocky end to 2013, but I’m energized, focused on the new year

My journey
Christmas lights are a big deal at my house, as these photos show. The day after Thanksgiving, friends with access to a bucket truck helped boost the wattage this year with some additional bulbs. At bottom left, you can see the wreath on the door and the tree on the stair landing. But the main photo at right gives you the view as you turn onto my street. The camel is a staple of our circle.

Christmas lights are big at my house, as these photos show. The day after Thanksgiving, friends with access to a bucket truck helped boost the wattage this year with some additional strands. At bottom left, you can see the wreath on the door and a tree on the stair landing add to the effect. But the photo at right gives you the view as you turn onto my street. The camel has become a staple of our neighborhood display.

Happy new year, everyone.  Today marks two weeks and five days since my last chemotherapy treatment, not that I am counting.

I have lots of good news to report. I  have started to feel my energy level return. I am now helping around the house and gladly cleaning up the kitchen, taking down Christmas decorations; actually getting back to being me!

I really appreciate the little things. Who would think that I could get excited about cleaning up the kitchen or feeding the dogs and such?  But it is true.

Oh, by the way, I had a bout of the flu. Type A, and it is nasty stuff. Please be careful.

It really made me weak and I lost additional weight. Two weeks ago today was the worst of it. I actually had to use a wheelchair when I went to Kirklin for the lab work. But my doctor put me on Tamiflu and got it turned around. I did spend part of Christmas in my pajamas under a blanket, which I hated, but my strength is coming back!

I usually take the flu shot but could not this year because of the chemo. Next year I’ll be sure to do so.

Lately, I can not seem to get warm and am cold a lot. So my new saying is “get moving!” When I can do this, it makes me feel better and more productive.

Also, I have started slowly getting back to elements of my exercise routine, which is a great joy for me. For the past several mornings I’ve put on my running clothes and gotten out and walked and jogged a little.

More in the good news department:  I have found relief from my rash finally, after another dermatology appointment last Monday with another steroid shot. The stinging and misery are subsiding. It has not gone completely, but I hope it is on its way out.  I also was dealing with mouth sores that I am happy to say they also are gone.

I have to give out a shout out to my sister, Debbie, who got me to doctors’ appointments when I had the flu and cooked wonderful things like macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes,  casseroles, etc. She has been so sweet. Wonderful, really.

I still was able work in visits to family and dear friends. I’ve enjoyed a day here and there in Meridian, MS; and Franklin, TN, for example. I’ll close out 2013 in south Florida. During one of these visits on Saturday, I had my first glass of wine in who knows when and it went fine.

My surgery is set for Jan. 14, so I’m focusing on success there. Thankfully, all signs are pointing to my strength being fully recovered for that next adventure.

As always, I close with a feeling of deep gratitude.

 

 

The source of my determination and strength is my team

My journey, Uncategorized
Well, Wednesday we wrapped up the chemotherapy at Kirklin. Final treatments are celebrated by ringing a bell, accompanied by a round of applause. The corkscrew at bottom right was a gift to mark the occasion and to help me look forward to the day when I can again enjoy a glass of vino.

Wednesday we wrapped up the chemotherapy at Kirklin. Final treatment visits are marked by the patient ringing a bell on the way out. The corkscrew at bottom right was a gift to mark the occasion and to help me look forward to the day when I can again enjoy a glass of good vino. (Photos: Belynda Adams)

I have to tell you about the big chapter that closed out Wednesday, as my final chemotherapy treatment went down as planned.  Join me in a virtual high five! Hurray!

It was a day of mixed feelings. Of course I was looking forward to wrapping up this phase of my care. But with two weeks between treatments, I was almost back to feeling normal. Even knowing it was the last time, it was hard to get back in that chair.

Here’s how it goes: I get in the chair and receive my pre-meds that help me fight nausea. Then my nurse rolls over and begins with the Adriamycin, pushing the red fluid in with a big, round syringe very slowly over 15 minutes.

To be honest, it always freaked me out a little. I never looked down to watch. So I’d ask her, “How are we doing now?”  Afterward came the Cytoxan, which by comparison was a breeze.

This week, going up the escalator in Kirklin for my pre-treatment labs, I had a moment of realization, “This is the last time! Wonderful!”

Because it was my last treatment, on Wednesday I was allowed to ring a brass bell by the door. A plaque alongside it says this:

“Ring this bell, Three times well, Its toll to clearly say;

This treatment’s done, My course is run, And I am on my way. – Irve Le Moyne.”

A footnote on plaque says “Soli deo gloria,” Latin for “Glory to God alone.”
Perfect.

People say to me, “How’re you doing this?” or “You seem so strong.”
To that I would say, it’s really a team that makes it work.

It has always been hard for me to receive. And early on in this journey, somebody told me “you need to allow that because people want to do it and it is a blessing to them.”

So I have done just that.  In doing so, I’ve opened myself up to a love so selfless, it takes my breath away. Thank you!

If you’ve kept up with my posts here, you know my sister, Deb, hosted Thanksgiving and I’ll be at her home again on Christmas afternoon. Another family member is hosting Christmas Eve.

Also in the category of those who I hope are receiving blessings of their own in return: My priest, who helped me begin this journey with the sacrament of healing, and other clergy friends Charles and Christine;  my therapist, Vicki Addaway; my trainer, Susan, who I’ve mentioned here before; at work, my Bridgeworth Financial family; and so very many dear friends.

So when I’m asked those questions, I think to myself, “That’s how I do it. All that.”
You give me courage. I am determined.

 

Thankful? You betcha.

My journey
My sister, Deb, hosted Thanksgiving this year and as you might expect, it was even more special than usual. A lovely table, a perfect bird, joking in the kitchen with family as we piled plates high with favorite foods; there were plenty of "Hallmark moments" in a day made all the more meaningful by my beloved aunt and uncle being there to share it. That day and every day I give thanks for the family, friends coworkers and caregivers in my life whose support on this journey has meant so much to me.

My sister, Deb, hosted Thanksgiving this year and as you might expect, it was even more special than usual. A lovely table, a perfect bird, joking in the kitchen with family as we piled plates high with favorite foods; there were plenty of “Hallmark moments” in a day made all the more meaningful by my beloved aunt and uncle being there to share it. That day and every day I give thanks for the family, friends, colleagues and caregivers in my life whose support on this journey continue to mean so much to me. I hope your holiday was filled with  the joy of the season as well.