The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong in the broken places.
Ernest Hemingway
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact

THIS IS GONNA BE A TOUGH WEEK

6/27/2018

0 Comments

 
DO ONE BRAVE THING TODAY . . . THEN RUN LIKE HELL.

​

Picture
This came in the mail the other day. I love it! Also, good words to live by.  Good friend/former teacher of Alec's/advisor for Woodbridge Haven Steve Vanderhei was traveling and saw this sign. He took a picture of it, made it into a card for me, and then decorated the envelope address elaborately. What a hoot. Actually, the envelope is kinda a piece of art in itself. Anyhoo, it tickled me and made my day. Thanks, Steve.

I want to pass on the word about our friend Ken. Guess what? Prayers DO matter. This week-end Ken's wife was filling out papers to have him put in a nursing home since he was in such bad shape physically and mentally. Then . . .  he did a one-eighty! Jess, his wife, said it was like someone had flipped a switch and suddenly he came back to being the old Ken. He will still be in the hospital for another 5 to 7 days for more physical therapy, but he has regained his senses and knows people, and very much back to normal. YAY!  Evidently the pressure went down on his brain. So if you were one of those people who said a little prayer for him, well . . . it was answered.

Went to the oncologist yesterday for my sixth chemo treatment, but after they did a blood test (as usual) they said my white blood count was a little low and they would have to postpone it for a few days. They even had the tech "hand count" it under a microscope to double check the results. Whatever. So, I had to have a shot of high-powered, white blood restorer yesterday and then go back this morning to get a second dose of it. Then, tomorrow (Thursday) I will get my sixth treatment. Only 12 more to go.

However, these shots are kinda make me feel more tired and ewwgie. I need to get a bunch of stuff done, and I can't get into gear as much as I would like. I spent this morning (after getting my 8 'clock shot) running errands, buying more plants for WBH, and haunting the second-hand stores for bargains. I did find a really neato picture for WBH, and some assorted smaller items.

Today is a special day. It's my Alec's 17th birthday. Time is really flying by. Jenna texted me a picture of him with his breakfast birthday cake (yes, she always lets him have his cake when he gets up on his special day). Then she texted a picture that his teacher had sent her of Alec with a birthday cake that his teachers had gotten him at summer school. He is loved!


Well, I will let you know how tomorrow turns out. Or, I may sleeping for the next few days. hehehe

 And, for the love of God, don't watch any of the political news unless you want to get high blood pressure and a nervous condition.   Just sayin'.

                                      GOD BLESS YOU ALL  AND GOD BLESS AMERICA …PLEASE



0 Comments

LIFE IS GOOD

6/21/2018

4 Comments

 
ENCOURAGE, LIFT, AND STRENGTHEN ONE ANOTHER. FOR THE POSITIVE ENERGY SPREAD TO ONE WILL BE FELT BY ALL.
                                                                      Deborah Day

​
                                                                                
Picture

It's normal to be obsessed with a personal health problem. But I was just thinking about the fact that all of us, yes, ALL of us have something major going on in their lives.

After chemo on Tuesday, Hubby and I went to the hospital to visit an injured friend. Hubby had visited him a few times before, but I had previously been too tired to go. When I finally got to see Ken, I was really shocked. You see, this guy had the most sparkly blue eyes ever, and talked with a loud voice. He was always making jokes and helping others. If you needed to have some type of work done, he knew exactly who you could call. He knew everybody and had tons of friends. Then, a few weeks ago, he was delivering food to a shut-in. At the apartment complex, a dog ran up and bit him. His knee-jerk response was a verbal "That dog should be put down!" The dog's owner heard him, and came running. He then proceeded to tackle Ken, who fell on the ground, smacking his head on solid concrete. After a brief tussle, the man ran into his apartment and came out with a gun!. Ken managed to wrestle it away from the guy. Police came. Ken went home. And then the real trouble began. Ken was admitted to the hospital and underwent brain surgery for a brain bleed.

Our Ken is really having a horrible time of it. His beautiful blue eyes are now dull and blank. He has lost a lot of weight and speaks haltingly in a quiet tone. He has a long road ahead of him. His wife of two years, is holding up amazingly, but she is in turmoil. Please put your hands together and say a quick prayer for this young man and his family. Prayers DO work. 

Another person that I am concerned about is one of the techs that helps me with my chemo treatments at Ghosh Clinic. I had not seen the first few times I went for infusions, but she had worked there in the years I went for my cancer treatment (2013-2015). When I acknowledged her and said I hadn't seen her on my current previous days there, she remarked that she had been on leave for 3 months. I  asked her if she had been a patient there at Ghosh's, wondering if she was a cancer victim, too. She answered, "Not here. But at the University of Iowa hospital." Yipes! Come to find out that she had had a rare bone cancer and had bones fused in her neck. Her brain had also been involved in all this. I didn't quite get that part. Her gait was unsteady and she walked slowly, which will eventually come back. But, what a trooper! What a brave soul! 

I know some lovely people who are having some serious issues concerning relationships (you know who you are) and that is probably as nerve-wracking and critical as medical stuff. I am here for ya! 

So, many of you that are reading this have major stuff going on in your own lives. I may never know what, or how bad things may be for you. But it's true. Life is tough. That's why I want to say Thanks again for all the good wishes and prayers sent my way. I truly appreciate every kind thought.

And don't forget . . . life really is good.

​                                                             GOD BLESS YOU ALL



4 Comments

EVERYTHING TASTES BLAH!!!!!

6/17/2018

3 Comments

 
I'M ​HAPPY AS LONG AS I'M NOT HUNGRY.
                                                                               Unknown

But I am hungry. Everything tastes awful! It was not this bad the last time I went through chemo. Jeeze. 

This morning's breakfast was a few pieces of shredded wheat with a bit of milk, and lots of water to wash down the gazillion pills I have to take every day. Lunch was  few sips of Ginger Ale. Supper was a couple of scrambled eggs, and a bit more Ginger Ale, plus two large tablespoons of Vanilla Bean ice cream (and I don't particularly like ice cream to begin with but at least it wasn't disgusting!) I am hungry!!!!!!! But whenever I think of something that sounds good, I know it won't taste good. 

Friday night we ordered pizza 'cause granddaughter Abby was here for the week-end and she loves pizza. OMG! All I could taste was lardy, greasy nothing. ewwwwwww. Check pizza off my list. Anything that is salty sounds wonderful, but somehow, that sensation is not getting through to my brain. I have a feeling that meat of any kind is a no no, even though the doctor said I was to eat a lot of protein. I guess I will just have to stay with the eggs for that. I can really feel the fat/grease texture that is in meat. Yuk! Anything with flour in it (bread, rolls, etc) is like eating paste. And, Lord help me, chocolate is once again tastes like dirt. Yup, my beloved chocolate has turned on me again.

I'm guessing I will be making a trip to the grocery store for some watermelon, a bunch of eggs, and ice cream. 

But they say every cloud has a silver lining. Yes, I am losing weight. I had to buy a new bathroom scale, because our old one was not calibrated correctly anymore and  kept registering me way more than what the doctor's office scale showed. Ahhhh.  This one is in line with the doc's one.  Finally. And I've dropped a pants size. However, this happened a few years back with the first cancer go around. In fact, I dropped two pant sizes altogether. My big mistake was giving away most of those clothes after I became well and got back to my usual "fighting" weight. But I never dreamed I would need them again. Crap. So, I've been doing some shopping and stocking up on pants that won't fall down on me. 

Thanks to all my friends both far and near, who have reached out to me on Facebook. I really appreciate the good thoughts and knowing prayers are headed my way. You are all good people.

Oh, and remember I warned you on FB that there may be fugly pictures? Well, here's a real beaut! This is as brave as I come to showing a "pretty much bald" photo.
Picture


​                                                            GOD BLESS YOU ALL

3 Comments

I KNOW THE BEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD

6/14/2018

1 Comment

 
"LOOK AT ALL THE WAGONS CIRCLING YOU!"
                                                                           Comment from my daughter, Jenna.

Yup, it's true. When my last cancer situation started in 2013, I commented on this blog, that I felt like I was in an old cowboy movie. Remember when the Indians would attack the pioneers or whatever, and the wagon train would form a circle  so they would be protected in the middle? Well, my daughter reminded me of that moment. Yes, all you wonderful people out there are sending your best feelings my way. I appreciate it. I am absorbing it. And I am feeling quite ferocious and fierce about fighting this battle. And I feel stronger, now that I am circled by your wagons.

Yesterday was a total surprise. The messages I received on Facebook were appreciated very much. I even heard from some lovely ladies that I have not seen for a while. That shows you how true my friends are when they come to your rescue at a time you really could use extra prayers and good juju!  

My last chemo was two days ago. This was the day that I got the two kinds instead of just one. It really didn't effect me too much this time. I came home and slept for two hours (maybe I already mentioned this before . . . sorry. I'll blame it on "chemo-brain"). But at least I wasn't resting for four days, like last time.

The only thing strange about going to the oncologist this time is that I am actually seeing the big dog, Dr. Ghosh, each visit. Usually I see my Mindy, the Nurse Practitioner. Usually Dr. Ghosh starts you off on your journey, and then after that, you see the techs and Mindy exclusively. I may be reading much more into this than is necessary.

Other than that, nothing much has changed. I mowed for several hours yesterday, and now need to go do the edge trimming today.. . if it doesn't rain. 

I have continued on my writing, and have finally completed the seven-story series of my tales about Molly and Pet Ladybug and their wonderful village of Meadowview. I had several things done before I got cancer last time, and ditched the whole process to get through that period. It has taken me a while to get back in the groove, but now I am serious in finding someone who will guide me where I need to go to get this book in motion. Time is running out for us all, so I guess this is the moment when I need to try harder. No matter, it is a lovely hobby and I enjoy every minute of sitting at the computer, and thinking up tales that satisfy the imaginative part of my brain. whoo whoo!

Anyhoo, I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to all of you wonderful friends out there. I am glad that I finally announced this "bump in the road" part of my life. I wasn't too keen on talking about it yet, but it is what it is. So thanks again to the best people in the world.

                                                           GOD BLESS YOU ALL


1 Comment

FOUR DOWN...FOURTEEN TO GO

6/12/2018

1 Comment

 
GOT THESE FROM THE GHOSH CLINIC. THE GEMS OF HOPE MAKE THEM TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE GOING THROUGH TOUGH TIMES. THESE ARE MY QUOTES FOR DAY.

​

Picture


​

Got my fourth chemo treatment today. I was told I would have three per month for six months, so that means only fourteen more to go.  However, this was the day that I get TWO concoctions instead of one. The last time I had the twofer, it really knocked me off my pins. I slept or laid down for about four days. But it felt good!  I am the kind of person who hates to nap during the day. I wake up feeling woozy and headachy, not refreshed like I think you are supposed to. Anyhoo, I got home today from my 1 1/2 hour infusion and slept like a log for about 2 hours. I made myself get up and fix something to eat. I really can't taste much at all now, but I fixed some salmon patties and peas. It satisfied me because I kept imagining how it tasted.

Another thing that happened after the first "twofer" cocktail (on June 29th), was that my hair fell out rapidly. BUT, I still have most of my eyebrows and eyelashes. After today's treatment, I suppose I'll wake up in the morning and look like a baby mouse---you know how they have pink eyelids and NO eyelashes. 

But I'm used to this crap. I will just pencil in around my eyes to show that I actually have some, and then dash on something glamorous for the eyebrows. I could draw ones like the old time actresses and slash on one simple, thin line. Or I could really color in a big, broad band and look like Groucho Marx. The possibilities are endless when you are drawing in facial features. If you don't like it, just erase . . .  er . . . I mean wash off your mistake and try again.

Hubby asked if he could see what few strands of hair that I have left. NO. HELL, NO! Once again I will probably not go shiny bald. I think I already discussed this. But each day it is getting more evident that I am right. It actually is a very good sign. If my hair is trying to come back even though it is getting kicked to the curb by chemo, that means it WILL come back later. There are still several dozen six to eight inch long strands on the top of my head, but I've cropped most of the hair short on the sides and back. I comb it straight back and look like a demented old wrinkled man. It's true. Seriously. There is no way in the world I would get up in the morning and not put something on my head. It is really eeewwwwggy.

Each time I started treatments, I was told that it could mean that I might end up permanently bald. But I'm counting on my good German genes to give me back something later!


And it's that time...the changing of the flowers on the folks' gravesite. This is for sisters Karen and Sandy who live quite a distance away and I don't know how to post pictures on Facebook.


​                                                                          

                                                                     GOD BLESS YOU ALL





​
Picture
1 Comment

MEET JANE

6/6/2018

0 Comments

 
CALL IT A CLAN,  CALL IT A NETWORK,  CALL IT A TRIBE,  CALL IT A FAMILY.  WHATEVER YOU CALL IT, WHOEVER YOU ARE, YOU NEED ONE.
                                                                                              Jane Howard

I am happy to report that I DO have a clan, network, tribe, and family all wrapped up in one. Thanks, everybody!


Woke early to a gorgeous, cool day!  Need to get to WoodBridge and water plants. I have been wishing it would rain a little to save me the trouble. I'm sure the farmers would appreciate some, too.

Hubby has been off fishing so I am trying to get a million things done in a short period of time. It's going pretty good. I have to pace myself, so everything takes a bit longer.

I have a wonderful day yesterday. Did chores in the morning, and then spent the afternoon with Nina (my bfsilpic . . .  best friend, sister-in-law, partner-in-crime). We had a great lunch at our favorite Chinese restaurant, did some shopping, and ended with going to see BOOK CLUB, the movie. What fun!

I had gone to see Jeffrey at Jeffrey Scott Salon on Monday, and he trimmed the bangs of my new wig. I have decided to name her "Jane". That's right, just Jane. Plain old Jane. She is much longer than my older, previous wigs, so it is really a different look. Hope she holds up well. The wind is my biggest enemy. That can really wreck a hairpiece!

When Nina and I were at CVS yesterday, a lady followed behind us into the store. Then she timidly approached me and whispered, "By chance, are you wearing a wig or is that your real hair?" I laughed and told her it was a wig. She went on to tell me she had been looking for one that looked pretty realistic since she is losing all her hair on top of her head.  I gave her info about Jeffrey. Hope he can help her. Sweet lady!

​
Picture
​Here, it is starting to go!!   Bye bye
Picture
To refresh your memory of Rochelle.  She's back for a repeat performance (unfortunately).
Wow, this C stuff is really aging me. but can't help it.

Picture
Here's the front of me wearing "Jane".
Picture
​And here's the back. Not a very good picture, but I'm trying to do selfies with my hand-held camera.
Picture
And with cancer, you get jewelry!!! Jenna gave me this beautiful silver bracelet which says "THIS TOO SHALL PASS". And the gray band is something I have to wear as long as I have the port in, in case I need to have CPR. This lets people know not to pump on that spot (I guess that's the reason!??) Whatever.

Went to see my Dr. Ghosh yesterday. Things are still on track. I had to have a 30 minute long infusion of some stuff that is for osteoporosis (a six month dose of medicine), to help my leg bones. I have to go back and get it done every six months for three years. That means I will have to keep the port for another three years.                                                                                 crap!

So, how's things going in your world?  Talk to ya later.

                                                                         GOD BLESS YOU ALL
0 Comments

I LOOK FREAKIN' SCAREY!!!!

6/2/2018

0 Comments

 
​KEEP CALM.    IT'S ONLY HAIR.   LET YOUR HEART DEFINE YOU . . .  NOT YOUR HAIR.

Truer words were never spoken . . . but, DANG! it's discouraging to be a bald lady. Yup, only took about two weeks this time to end up looking like a deranged, crazy lady from some horror movie. I guess it doesn't help that I am almost 5 years older than last time when I went bald. Oh, sure, there are a few wispy sprigs that are hanging on tight, which only makes it more annoying. Those last few keep falling and floating in the air at random times, all around me. Yuk!

I am being very careful as far as making sure I rest when I need to. And (daughter Jenna and friend Betty) I have found that I have fallen in love with ice cold water. It's about time. That's what my body needs. 

I was feeling pretty good today, so went out and mowed and trimmed for about five hours. Honestly, seeing everything cleaned up and looking sharp makes me feel better than almost anything else. 

I spent yesterday cleaning closets which is another one of my goals lately. Actually, I was trying to find my third wig that had been packed away. It was in the very last box I went through. Go figure.  I was also trying to find my old sleep cap, but it's still missing. You should see what I have been wearing to bed. It's a lavender cloth "winter" cap complete with a pompom on top. It's not too heavy and stays put while I sleep. I really look dorky, but who cares? However, that is definitely something that I will not wear to have my picture taken. That's a tad bit over the top in the "weird photo" category.

UPDATE:  When I took my new wig, Jane, back to have her bangs trimmed, I told Jeffrey Scott about my dilemma. That nice guy took pity and gave me a pretty pink sleep cap. I teased him that I got it for buying my fourth wig. Anyway, it was really nice of him and completely a surprise!
​
I also made the decision to retire my hair equipment and pack them away. You know, blow dryer, curling iron, beloved Twisty Turban, and hair spray. I've put away most of my shampoos and conditioners, since a dab of bodywash does the trick on the old noggin. Now, here's an odd thing I did. Two weeks ago, I bought a brand new can of hair spray 'cause I was running low. It's a good thing that the spray doesn't have an expiration date on it since it will be . . .oh, probably 8 months or more before I will need it again. I still can't believe that I bought it. 

And how was your day?

​                                                     GOD BLESS YOU ALL
0 Comments

    Archives

    July 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    November 2020
    July 2020
    April 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013

    Janene...

    ... was diagnosed with breast cancer on November 11, 2013. This is a place for all of the people who love and care about her to get the information about her treatment and her personal experience of kicking cancer's ass, (sometimes from her daughter's perspective). It's hard to stand by and not be able to do anything to help. Writing gives my mom an outlet and allows both of us to share information during this time. Therefore, we blog :) 

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.