PET Results

Wow- Its been a fast week! Had my PET Scan today and the Doctor said he looked at it and Couldn't see a sign of anything!! Yeah! So they still need to get official results but he's pretty sure I am Cancer Free at this time. The best news all year! He is giving me some medication to help with the dry mouth because he doesn't like that I am still losing weight. Otherwise I don't have to see him until February. So unless anything changes... This is over and out! THANKS A MILLION to all of you that have prayed and supported me through this entire ordeal--I know I could not have done so well with out those prayers God does hear them and he has blessed me in soo many ways.

GOD IS GOOD! I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

6 Months Post Treatment

Hello All,

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Summer. I know I am! It has been hot as you are well aware. So haven't spent much time outside. However, I am starting to walk outside everyday as my chesney has been put on a diet and exercise plan. Fatty! (mom's been slipping him too much of the food she can't eat) Had a GREAT time at Kayser Kamp. We went to a lot of play spots and pools trying to stay cool, the heat kept us away from our favorite spots. Also had the great blessing of getting to see my nieces almost every week this summer. They both made a point to come visit me and Caitlin brought Wil along on most of her visits. All the children in my life have brought me such joy! Thanks guys! Well to the news all of you have so patiently been waiting on ..... We will have to wait another week because my Doctor decided to go on vacation and I will not be able to see him until Next Wednesday. So PET Scan and FU has been put off a week. Sorry, but i am sure there will only be good news. I have been feeling Wonderful. Tired only now and again if I overdue too much which is not too often. And my taste is slowly coming back. My mouth is still dry ( I can now eat a half a piece of pizza with 2 liters of water) but we are working on that with acupuncture so that should come back shortly also. My weight is holding pretty steady, Thank God for ensure! (and that I can't taste it), My ear tube has fallen out and the hole has healed (no official diagnosis on that yet. But I feel like it is) and so far no congestion in there. So, that is a good sign. All in all I am truely blessed. I feel I have gone through the worst and have come out on the other side with very few problems. So, have a wonderful week and I will write after the PET Scan.

3 Month Follow Up

I went to see the doctor last Wednesday and I guess the good news is there is nothing to report. We are to follow up with him again in 3 months and He will do another PET Scan on that day. That is a scan that shows my entire body and lights up any cancer cells present. Amazing where technology has come. He also set me up for an appointment with a sleep doctor for a sleep study as I have had obstruction and quit breathing when I sleep for the last two months. However, I am not sure the point of a sleep study if there is nothing they can do. Guess they are needing a little extra money. Still really dizzy in the mornings it usually takes about 2-3 hours to get rid of the dizzies. Still not tasting much. Drinking my Veggies in the morning with protein powder. Then 3 ensures throughout the day and a sensible dinner. Usually ham, or chicken or a salad. Ribs or pizza. Experimenting trying to find something that is tasting normal -- not yet but soon I just know it!

Energy Coming back!!

I know I haven't blogged in a while, Sorry, Not really much to report. Which I guess is good. Things are running along pretty good. I have increasingly been feeling more like I did with energy and Just feeling like my old self. Rob always says " I feel more like I do now than I did yesterday" but I am "feeling more like I did yesterday than I do now" hehe. Which was much better than i do now. I can start to get a hint of the me I remember from several years ago before all this started to take over. And I am so excited to get more and more of those good days back. I have started back to exercise class, not going as often as I would like as it is causing some visual disturbances that last for about an hour after class if over, so i am taking it easy until after my doctors appointment next week. I am also waiting for lab results to come back, they rechecked my white count as it was running low the last time they checked it and they wanted to recheck to see if this is something we need to worry about or not. I am still not tasting much, I am living on 3-4 ensures a day and force myself to eat one solid meal. Have to get 1100-1200 calories a day down to make mom and dad, Rob ...and everybody else happy -- I must maintain my weight, which also means if I exercise I have to force down another 300-500 calories on that day. YUK! But I gotta exercise it is so good for so many things. Like healing. Also when I eat food anything other than my ensure, i get these lovely blisters all over the inside of my mouth and throat that last for about 2 days to 1 week and it annoys me. So my favorite thing to do USE to be eat. Now I am going to have to find another new past time. Hopefully exercise. But we will see how that works out.

We went home to Fordland this weekend for mothers day and had a wonderful time. I got to see all my family, even if it was for just a moment I was soooooo Glad I got to visit with them. Got to see all the babies, Abbye went to church with mom, dad, Rob and I and we had a wonderful time. ....My cup runneth over!

ENT Follow Up

I went Friday for my follow up MRI it took about an hour and then they gave me a copy of it to take to my ENT to look at. Rob and I opened it and looked at it over the weekend (like we can read it ) and I still do have my brains or something resembling them anyways.
We went to see grandpa on the way to mom and dad's since I haven't seen him in awhile and had a nice visit. Chesney was trying to eat the dead mouse carcass in the yard, crazy dog. Got to mom and dad's around 6pm on Sunday night and got to see my babies (at least 3 of them) So with the great weather and all of that it was a beautiful day.

I have been having some aches and shooting pains of my back and upper arms for the last week and dizziness. (Rob says I've had that for a long time.) I am not sure what that is from but we are working on it. I saw Dr. Allphin today, he said my tube is still in place, he then stuck that long camera up my nose and into the back of my sinuses and throat ( he made me sing) and said he thought everything looked good. There is still a lot of raw areas with scabs back there and thickening which looks like scar tissue. He then reviewed the MRI's and said about the same thing, there were a few places he was interested in what the Radiologist had to say about, but he really felt it was all scar or normal variables. So I called the MRI center to see if I could get the MRI, which they would not fax I had to pick up or have it mailed to me. (thanks federal government.) So we are waiting for that to be mailed to really get a final reading. But he was so pleased I do not have to go back to him for 3 Months. I am actually interested in the report myself, hard to trust those radiologists though.

It is an amazingly beautiful day and so far Great news. We had a wonderful drive home and then spent the rest of the day at work trying to clean off my desk. Then home to ice my back and rest up for tomorrow.


Please-go out and enjoy some of this weather!

Easter weekend

Love the holidays that celebrate our Lord Jesus Christ!! Had a great weekend at home with my family. It was absolutely beautiful outside and I stayed outside pretty much all weekend. So refreshing. However, I am still learning, I forgot to put SPF on and my chin and Neck got a little burned. Rob noticed and went and got my SPF and put it on me. Thank you hunny (I think he just wanted to spray stuff in my face). Just kiddin.... Went to the parade and picnic where a wonderful Chef made the absolutely BEST hot dogs around. So good I could kinda taste them - enough I actually ate 2 -Can you believe that!! Mom surprised me with a massage and it was Awesome, Just what the doctor ordered. I was having some aches and pains develop and it really helped alleviate them. Which was perfect for starting off my weekend. Then we hunted eggs, and flew kites and rode in little corvettes. It was lots of fun.

Back to reality now. My follow up MRI is scheduled for 6:15 am Friday morning and I will then take a copy of that to my ENT in springfield for my Appt at 7:30 am on Monday. Rob is not very happy with me for making appointments so early in the morning. Sorry again hunny.

So hopefully we will have some more good news on monday and then I follow up again with the Radiation Oncologist in about a month. So I will try to update you after my appointment on monday.

Hope your Easter was as Perfect as mine.

First week of Spring

Well things are slowly getting better. I have been eating out a little bit more, because it seems things with salt have a little taste to it. Which is very encouraging. I have been trying to increase my walking, but this seems to be draining me for the next day so I have backed off this a little. It is so nice though I want to be out. Chesney and I are sitting out on the front porch a lot. The problem with exercise is if I do it that means I have to eat more and that presents a bit of trouble. Another reason to eat out. There are a lot of calories packed in that food. My heart may fail from all the grease and salt, but hey i will maintain my weight. I am also still getting the blisters in my mouth, but other than that I feel Really Great!!

So Every on please have a wonderful Easter with your families!!!

Spring is coming

Well, it has been quite a crazy day but it really ended on a high note!! This morning I could not get out of bed for anything and Rob snore there beside me was not help. Finally drug myself out of bed (a little late -but oh well) and off to work, however since I was late I didn't have anything to eat or drink. Got yelled at and Rob brought me my yummy(not) green veggie drink and protein drink to work and told the staff and Dr. Hall to make sure i drink it so I was attacked when I went to wash out the bottle ( I mean really attacked too, they were yelling and running through the office "you drink that you drink that!!!" I did, I was just washing the bottle. Geesh. Then clinic was long and I was exhausted, but made it through. Today the gift certificate that Rob got for a free meal at Bristol expired so we HAD to go. And much to my surprise I could actually taste some of my meal, I mean How cool is that of course there is probably 2 bottles of salt in every bite, but, I could sorta taste it. YEAH!! we are on the right track. And then after that wonderful experience I came home to a wonderful surprise, My dear friend and my sister -n - law had dropped off two big pots of spring flowers for me to sit outside and enjoy!! Thanks so much to them!!! I can sit and enjoy them and the bunnies can't get to them (HA HA BUNNIES) That will be nice this weekend (inside for now) since it is suppose to rain or snow.

So it is off to bed for me early, 'cause I have surgery tomorrow and it is 3 hours long.

1 Month Follow Up

Doctor appointment went GREAT! He said he felt I was doing really good - better than expected. He SAAIIDD that my taste should completely recover Which is different than what he said before, but maybe that is because I am doing so well now -- How awesome is that. He said I haven't lost as much weight as he thought I had ( Could be because I wore my Heavy coat and big shoes) whoops. Thats ok I didn't need to be yelled at. So he is planning to do a follow MRI in about a 6 weeks and then follow up with him in 2 months. Then we will schedule the PET scan. I see the surgeon in two weeks and My primary care in a week and repeat labs to see if i am still anemic and if my Vitamin D levels are up. If not I guess I will have to get a doctors order to Florida! So far this week I have felt awesome! weight is staying stable, energy level is staying up and no pain in my mouth. Now if I can just start eating enough to support an increase in activity so I can start exercising I will be completely happy with where I am at. I'm workin on it. I will check back in about a week from now. Have a great week everyone. I love you all!!!

4 weeks out

Well, here we are 1 month from my last treatment. Last week Dr. Hall was out of town, so I was able to rest up quite a bit. I tried to take at least half a day off everyday. I really think it did me some good. My energy level is up, My mouth doesn't hurt at all anymore. I am still getting the blisters develop and have one big sore left on the left side of my tongue. Throat does hurt at times when I swallow. My taste is still gone so my weight is an issue, but we are working on that and Hopefully that will start coming back in the next couple week ( I am being very optimistic) Most of the time I feel like nothing happened. I have my 1 month post treatment appointment tomorrow. Then i guess they will schedule my PET scan. It is hard to believe we are on this side and one month out. Thanks to everyone for all of your love and support- you are what helped me get through this , I could never have done it without you all. Love you and I will let you know what doctor says tomorrow.

3rd Week post treatment

This week was filled with ups and downs. Started out very strong. Monday had surgery 5 hour surgery did much better than I thought I would. Went home after to rest up for a very busy day on Tuesday.. Surgery AND Clinic. Made it through surgery very well, then headed to the office for clinic. About 3 o'clock I found my self feeling so energized I almost felt normal (and I use that term lightly) again. Then went home and was still energized to go out to dinner for Rob's birthday. I was so thrilled, I thought maybe we have turned a corner--YEAH!!

Then Wednesday came felt pretty good in the morning and then about noon it was like someone had turned a switch off all of a sudden I couldn't lift my arms off the desk hardly. So I thought - I need to go home and rest and I will be fine for clinic tomorrow. So I did. But Thursday was worse, Overwhelming since of exhaustion had come over me and would not go away. Finished Clinic (a very long clinic no doubt) and headed home to bed. Then Friday I made it through about 1 1/2 hrs of office and I headed home, Slept about all day and night and til noon today. Just now starting to feel like I could actually get out of bed and not just collapse to the floor. Do Not want to experience that again. WoW! Hopefully THAT was the turn around point, don't think I can handle much more of this laying around It is driving me INSANE!!!

So hopefully tomorrow will bring energy back and since my doctor is out of town this week I hope I will be able to rest and re energize!

Starting Week 3 post treatment

Well, things are looking up!! My mouth continues to improve with the mouthwash and meds the doctor gave me. They are causing a serious itchy rash all over my trunk and now starting down my legs and arms. I am using benedryl when I can (It puts me to sleep) and benedryl cream for the rest of the time. I am hardly using any pain medication any more. Starting to eat better - lots of cooked carrots and green beans, rice baked potatoes, Still can't taste anything but at least it doesn't hurt anymore.

Dad and Austen came up to see me this weekend - That was a treat!! We played cards and just hung out, I am afraid at this point I am not very entertaining. All I do is sleep. But, I do feel like I am going in the right direction at least. Friday I barely made it through a 2 1/2 hour surgery and Today I was able to barely make it through a 4 hour surgery so things are looking up. YEAH!!!

2nd Week out from treatments

Well hello-- It has been an interesting week for me. On the second week following treatment my hopes were to be getting back to normal, healing and feeling better. I was hoping to be more energetic, pain decreasing and eating better. So imagine my frustration when the opposite has been true. My energy is hard to judge for me right now because of all the pain medication I am on, The Pain has been increasing ( I have resorted to eating baby food because it is all I can get down due to the pain.) Therefore, My eating is worse. I am at least getting my 10 veggies in with a liquid supplement and Protein with a protein drink and then the rest is whatever I can get down in a 24 hour day. Rob and mom are laughing at me - I have always been a slow eater, but WOW now it takes me 2 hours to get my super down - ie: mac n cheese, bowl of rice with cooked carrots and green beans. And that is the only meal of the day that doesn't consist of pure type food. I went back in to see the doctor on Wednesday due to my frustration and lack of getting better. He said we should be getting better any day now (not sure how comforting that is or what that means) but he thought I had thrush - hence the increase in pain. Mom was a LIFE SAVER on Tuesday, she called her dentist and they had a syrup mixed up for me to swish in my mouth that numbs it for about 2-4 hours at a time and that has been such a blessing, I was getting to were it hurt even to open my mouth and talk and that was making it hard to work for sure since most of what I do is talking to patients and teaching. I actually called in sick for the first time on Tuesday. (It just about killed me but I did it ) The doctor gave me some tablets to dissolve in my mouth to help heal the thrush and said I could continue the swish. We are also trying to get off the steroids without getting headaches, which is slow, but getting there, (this will also help the thrush) now down to 1 a day. On an up side the sun has been out this week and really helped give me a boost of much needed happy endorphins. I have tried to set on the porch as much as possible - Mom is a blessing to us she always knows the right thing to do (even when you resist) And Rob continues to be such a support for my frustrations and getting me through all this emotional stuff---- God brings what you need when its needed, it never ceases to amaze me how he works this way.

Again I want to thank all of you for the cards, notes, letter of support and encouragement, It is such a help - I have them all out on the table so I can go by and read them when I need a little boost.

1 Week out from the END of Treatment

Woke up to go to surgery this morning. Mouth was a little sore, but felt pretty good. So off I went. Drank my ensure and headed to the OR. The case was going slow, however, I was slowing faster than the case. About an hour in I got light headed and weak so decided to break scrub for a rest and needless to say (Dr. Hall is a Saint) I never went back. Before I knew it I was laying in the back on an eye table with an IV in me getting fluids. My glucose was 60 and HGB was 12.1 I say it coulda been a lot worse. But all this excellent help-- they had me up to 2 liters and running FAST :-) So finished helping with the case and headed home. Got home and the sun was shining soooo bright chesney and I just set outside and enjoyed the vitamin D infusion. I feel very energetic, revived, chubby faced, and renewed. Pressure on to keep this up now. But that is my goal. I can not Thank those of you that participated in my healing today. It means sooo much. Rob and I relaxed the rest of the day and was renewing for the weekend. My Mouth sores have been progressively getting worse and i am now wondering if that is not because I stopped my salt and soda solution. So I am goin to start that again.

So, Put not your faith in illusions, they will fail you, put all your love and faith in the Love of God within you. It will transport you into a state of mind that nothing can threaten, nothing can disturb and where nothing can intrude upon the eternal calm of the Son of God.

Only the Love of God will protect you in all circumstances.

Day 3 of New beginnings

Ok, so it is 1:3oam and my mouth settled down finally - Yea!! Now if we can just keep it that way for ....Ever ;-). Feeling good and ready to move on to a better healing day today. It is going to be better than right now every moment of today!!!

Well, Slept 6 straight hours for the first time in weeks. Feelin pretty good (woke up in pain) but I slept!!! Went to work and had a really good and productive day at the office. Then off for home to rest up for a long day tomorrow. My Niece came over for dinner and Apples to Apple -- We love laughing at Rob cause he hates the game because it is not black and white. He fights and gets very loud!!! LMAO you should see him. Good entertainment! My niece is good for my soul-thanks sweety!!! Bad part I decided to splurge and take my medicine and have Mexican now my mouth is paying the price---OUCH!!! Make it go away!. But yea! , Mom and I discovered it is time for my next dose so I am going to stock up and Go to bed!! Night night.. And until next time. Love ya!!

Day 2 of New Beginnings

Awesome day!! Slept in to get resting - as being forced by my BOSS!!! Man he is a slave driver --NOT!! Anyway - probably good thing, I had a headache all night and was recovering. But got up at 7:30am and did my veggie drink, treadmill (trying to get chesney and my strength built up.) Just 15min and then shower, breakfast and off to work, Funny part is all that takes me 1 1/2 hours which would usually take about 30. ( I feel like I'm 90 y/o LOL) Progress we ARE seeing progress just a little slow for my taste. Keep it up and we could cut 30min off that. Mom up today to help with work and I kinda like havin her here. Clinic was really busy and crazy and hectic. But with all the support and help I had today I did not get worn out like last week. I actually felt pretty good about it. Still a mess on my desk,(Good news-money for the practice) but I have all day tomorrow to get that cleaned up. Then it's Friday - YEA!! OOps not it's not its just Thursday - there I go wishing my life away again.

Tonight, Can't seem to get the right mix to get my mouth under control so I think I will just take a sleeping pill, one of everything else and go to sleep- we will start from scratch in the night. Seems to always work to "go to the beginning" so that is where I will go. Tomorrow -- A better day, I just know it!!

Day 1 of New beginings

Ok,Ok,OK... So I should listened to my Doctor and Husband more (SHHHH don't tell him). This was a bit of a hard weekend. Starting in the middle of the night on Friday in to Saturday, I was up all night, about every 3 hours needing my pain elixir. Of course this is a problem because I can only have it every 4 hours. So kinda long night. But no problem right - just get it refilled or call the doctor in the am and get some more. No not so easy. pharmacy likes to play God and won't refill it until insurance says its OK and the doctor can't give me more without a written prescription and since it is Saturday --- I get to deal (or go to the ER) which we all know I won't do. So I figured out if I wait about 30 min or SO I can get my headache meds down (capsule) and this has been controlling the pain Really well for the weekend - Probably too well. Been spending a lot of money buying stuff on the Internet and Well needless to say Rob wants to take my computer away!!! LMAO! (I bought him a stationary bike to exercise -that's why he is not happy-exercise not really in his vocab) But I have no pain for the first time in a while. Had an Absolutely Awesome, albeit, Short amazing period of time on Saturday too, when my sister, her husband and the 3 most precious angels came up to visit me. We played cards and just had a good time ---Being. They do restore me, Fill my life giving cup... It is amazing what these 3 bright smiles and hugs can do for me. They are truly a blessing, it is know wonder God has such a fondness for children. When they left I had a good Long cry, Poor Rob never knows what to do with me. Read a book and we rested the remainder of the day. Sunday was beautiful. We went to church, picked up the exercise bike and picked up some Taco Bell --- Yes I said taco bell, No - it didn't taste, but with new concoction I was able to eat it and it was kinda a treat for Rob. Soo down the hatch it went. It was snowing most of the day - off and on - and as you know by now this is a miracle that I love to watch - and drive around in, So peaceful!!! While I was laying in bed after we got home and just quietly being, looking at the flowers my dad had sent and talking to God. I decided to get a Pedicure, not just a regular pedicure a beautiful, soul inspiring SPRING pedicure. So, since I am on drugs, Rob took me up to the neighborhood Nail place and dropped me off and I got Orange toenails with bright, beautiful very large flowers on my toenails. I haven't done this in an extremely long time and they are beautiful and now every time I look at my feet I can remember ITS SPRING and everything is blooming. THANKS HUNNY FOR LETTING ME SPLURGE ONE MORE TIME (before the drugs wear off and I have to go back to work) This is a very long week so just please pray that I will make it through with great strenghth and endurance!

He Restores My Soul

Well here we are. The beginning. Yes- It has probably been the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Which says a lot for my parents - I have always said I have truly lead a blessed and sheltered life. And I still believe that with all my heart! The Lord has been good to me-even through all this. I know there are so many worse things out there I could be going through and this is just a cake walk (cake-yum) oh, sorry.

My husband has been an unbelievable angel, he has been there through all of this with such grace and love and I really feel like a princess and to say that through something like this I feel is remarkable. Thank you hunny - you are truly my hero (my dread pirate Roberts) Love you.

And I can not say enough about my family and Friends the cards and letters and constant love and assistance I have received through all this has overwhelmed me. There is only one way to make it through something like this and that is with the encouragement and support of those around you. You can bring me up on the lowest of day, Give me that extra boost to go on. I especially want to thank my Best friend whom I have always said we were separated at birth and really believe it is true. She has been incredible to be there pushing when I didn't want her too and help me get through those tough days and just making me laugh. Laughter is really the best medicine I do believe that.

So here we are in the beginning. The Spring as Daddy calls it . God sent me a gift today for my last treatment- The Snow - And not just the regular old pretty snow I love, But the One with the Big flakes, Heavy but soft and magical- the ones I wait all year to see and haven't seen for years. A sign that he sends gifts in the toughest of times and he is there always knowing what we need. Yes - it is spring. Maybe not outside -- But within me The flowers are seeding up and ready to bloom and I can't wait to see what it brings for all of us. God has amazing plans for us all.

So stay tuned It is going to be a beautiful ride from here.

1 Treatment Left

So Rob, mom and I went to treatment this morning and then mom made me malt-o-meal for breakfast, then off to work. Long clinic day 11-5 which is a little longer than usual. Apparently it took its toll on me and around 4:45ish God gave me another cleansing. Always love a good cry-just not at work. I tried to hold out til I was gone but guess he had other plans for me. So they kicked me out and sent me home for the day. You know I was trying to figure it out - I really didn't think I felt that bad, Mouth a little sore and maybe a little tired but I guess sometimes it all just gets a little overwhelming.

But the good news it...


... it is really over already, because they can not do to me in one treatment anymore than they have done to me all ready. So I say tomorrow is just a formality. It is really over and All I have to do is show up. All that is left is the healing. God is GOOD!! Tomorrow after treatment I will meet with the Doctor and nurse to go over the post treatment care and what to expect. I can't wait!!

So since mom is here and I had a breakdown, I am stuck in bed for the night and she is an angel and is cleaning my house for me.
I can't wait to see where this blog goes from here because it will be all good news from here.

Thank you all for caring.
Love you

2 Treatments Left--

TWO can you believe it ---2 Wow!! I can't believe it. So Thursday and Friday is all there is.

Today was a pretty good day. I went to treatment and sent mom to work. Rob and I went home after treatment and took a nap --- I was never really good at that before, but I am getting pretty good at taking naps these days. Slept til 11:00 and then off to work. Clinic today was not too bad. Mom and Angie helped out and it went pretty good. There til 5 - Mouth hurting pretty bad by 5. So downed some elixir and off for home to down some more elixir so I can eat supper. Mom forced a baked potato down me. Did pretty good. Then she helped me pay bills - that hurt worse than the potato. But at least it is done for another 2 weeks and it doesn't seem as painful on drugs. hehe. Tomorrow will be a test of my strength for sure - got clinic from 11am - 5pm and it's busy. But then Only one more treatment and a weekend to recover before the schedule picks up for spring season. It's time to think bathing suits people!! 8pm heading to bed and since mom is here gotta watch idol. And asleep for the night--Countdown continues.

3 Treatments left

Countdown 3..2..1.. YEA!! Only three left, Pain elixir is not really keeping pain under control for eating anymore, so I asked the doctor for something new - In all fairness he tried to give it to me yesterday and I refused. So that's what I get for not listening to him.

Went to treatment and home for a little nap before going to work. Me, Rob and the three dogs all in the bedroom snoring, quite a site.

Anywho, Off to work for at least a couple hours, have a few things I need to get done, then, since my Doctor was delayed a day in Florida from the ice storm in Atlanta I have another light day that I can rest up for the rest of the week. Which by the way there's only 3 days left in....

So I went home and took a nap, then my momma came back up for the week, She gave my chesney his bath-which he needed baaad!! Was able to get some mac n cheese down with my new pain meds(still wasn't easy) I'm given it my all though cause I wanna get better. ASAP! And momma's here to kick my butt.

4 Treatments Left

Well, we are on the countdown now! Uneventful treatment - Saw the doctor- He says I am doing much better than expected, he will see me again on friday and go over our POST treatment plan. I sure like the sound of that.

Off to work for a little while and then home for some R & R to get ready for the next 4 days.

Sorry - Short and sweet tonight!

Off to bed-Night night!

5 Treatments Left

Sorry! Apparently I forgot friday. I took the day off work and I guess it felt like saturday and I forgot to blog. So it is sunday and we are down to 1 week, 5 treatments, 5 is my favorite number, I've got 5 people in my family... I digress. So, The countdown continues before I can begin counting my healing days and watching my repairing begin.

So - I can't really remember friday, barely saturday and well it is today. Doing pretty good, very thankful for pain elixir. My throat hurts pretty bad to swallow and my tongue stings most of the time. Really wierd, my mouth and tongue are stiff so I have to constantly exercise them to keep them loose. Well at least I am getting some excercise. Had a great valentines day, went to church and Rob took me to breakfast - He says we are offically old cause we went to Village Inn, I don't get it cause I went to village inn alot as a kid so I say we are offically young. Then we watched the nascar race and watched the beautiful snow. I got to skype my niece and nephew and mom and dad and wish them a happy valentines day, I am really liking this skype thingy kinda cool. Bout ready to head to bed to start this Last week of treatment.

I know I can make it 5 days - of course I know It won't be instant healing, but at least I can start watching for good - healing - effects instead of worsening effects. That is what I am looking forward too, each new, good day!!!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY EVERYONE--I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

GOD BLESS!

6 Treatments Left- SPRING IS COMING!

What a difference a day makes. Yes, I am still congested, still have a sore throat, my mouth is dry and nothing tastes good, But-- Wow!

I started today Mopey, and in a dark whole, feeling sorry for myself. Going to treatment feeling like a week is forever from now. Came home - on the verge of tears, all morning- went to work... Did my thing, went home to take a nap and whatever. Mom's sure do know how to turn things around. So do husbands, Daddy's and Nieces.

I came home, climbed into bed, and laid there feeling blah! ... Then the first thing that happened is the mail came. Momma sent me a card... She is gonna paint me a rainbow for after the rain and I got a lovely card from my aunt ...The first round of crying. Then, My husband came home and cuddled with me, A nap did me good. I got a very nice message from my daddy aaaannd...He sent me flowers-posted. He said "Spring is coming" and he wanted to show me with a spring bouquet. (I can't wait for spring) Then - Daddy sent the sun...As God always does he showed up at just the right time, sitting in the truck, waiting for Rob, The sun beams into the truck burning light and hope into my soul. It was amazing, beautiful, Recharging.

We left there and went to visit my niece for dinner and lots of love and laughs - Just what the doctor ordered!! (While momma cleaned my house-How blessed am I)

Right now laying here I feel amazing, the pain, stuffiness, darkness is all gone, (maybe it's the Vick's on the bottom of my feet-hey! whatever works).

I am recharged for one more week of this and then complete healing begins.

Goodnight and GOD Bless!

7 Treatments Left

Just 2 days left this week - and then one week left! Then the repairing can begin.

I am ready to be whole again. Last night I didn't sleep cause I was trying to breathe. My nose is so congested. My momma came up though and she is gonna make it better. We are trying Vicks tonight we will see if that works. Rob went to buy a air purifier. My husband told my I am boring --- And I guess I am gonna answer that as -GOOD, that means there are no changes and unless they are changes for the better I don't want any changes. He is just mad I can still talk! Sorry bout your luck dude. I got off work at 11am today, came home for a 2 hour nap, Gave my Chesney a bath and then mom came home and we went to the grocery store, I dreamed of all the good food. Ended up eating noodles. Watched a little TV and off to bed. Here's hoping the Vicks works.

8 Treatments Left

OMG, These numbers are getting so small!!!

Treatment today was uneventful as usual. That mask is getting bigger that is for sure. My husband made me scrambled eggs and oatmeal for breakfast-he's so good to me. Then off to work, busy day today, Last day before the doc leaves is always crazy, but that also means no clinic til Tuesday--YEA!! Rest for Shauna! Finally got off at 5 - went to the CVS cause I am drinking Robitussin like it is going out of style to help my thick sinus drainage. (I bought 3 bottles) hope that lasts me til at least Saturday. I actually had a pretty good day, didn't get tired today until around 3. But hung in there pretty good.
Maybe because I started taking some more vitamins yesterday, including zinc because I hear it is suppose to help recover my taste buds faster and i will do all I can to make that happen--- I do miss food! Everything else is no problem, I deal with the sore throat and nose and sinus drainage and congestion, skin changes and hair loss...But the food - The food I miss!!!

Cause, if you know me ..You know I Love to eat!!

Have a great night all, and ..Enjoy your supper for me - OH and have dessert too!

9 Treatments Left

9 Left, We are down to single digits.

Saw the doctor today after my treatment. He seemed to think I was doing very well. Said I must be taking very good care of myself. I think it is all of you taking good care of me!!!
Prayer Works!!!

Kind of a long day today, but I made it through just fine. Starting to get alot of sinus congestion, throat pretty sore, but I can still talk...hehe!

My niece found this and I love it so I thought I would share:

What a Tumor Cannot Do

It cannot cripple love.
It cannot shatter hope.
It cannot corrode faith.

It cannot destroy peace.
It cannot kill friendships.
It cannot suppress memories.
It cannot silence courage.
It cannot invade the soul.
It cannot steal eternal life.
It cannot conquer the Spirit.

Thank you all for helping me cripple, shatter, corrode, destroy, kill, suppress, silence, invade, steal and CONQUER this disease!!!!

10 Treatments Left

OK- so this is the end of week 4 1/2 and we only have 2 to go. Wow, How time flies when you are having fun right.

Today was an adventure. Went to treatment - uneventful. Then had to go to the DMV because I got pulled over yesterday for having invalid tags on my car. Come to find out they invalidated them in 2002 --- So i have been illegal since then. LOL! So went to DMV- then to police station to file a missing plate report and then back to the DMV. FUN FUN! Then I had some phone line problems at work to resolve ( not done yet) and then off to get my new Cancer haircut. POSTED for all to see. Rob is NOT happy with me about that one, but do to the hairloss in the back I am unable to pull my hair up any more and I love it - so there!. ( THANKS MEL oxoxo) So funny he won't acknowledge it or me when asking about it. It'll grow back!! Unless I decide to keep it like this for ever. Then came home and took a 3 hour nap - wore me out. All in all though a pretty good day. Skyped my mom and dad and little nephew. ( I know - they are so Hip) Just choked down a back potato with LOTS of butter and cheese and hamburger and bar-b-q sauce -YUK! and now gonna rest up from that.
It snowed today and It is that beautiful Winter wonderland snow -- absolutely amazing. What a wondrous site.

Can't believe only 2 weeks left and next week my Boss is gone so I will be able rest nicely through that week - So really only 1 week left to worry about and then it is over--- COOL!

Gonna be gone before we know it!

11 Treatments to go (treatment 22)

Today was kinda crazy...


The machine was down when I got there today, Had to wait a little while (scary) But they assured me it was all right before my treatment.

Doing well otherwise throat constantly sore now and did have a bit of a nose bleed overnight, but nothing real bad. Rob still trying to get me hurt in the car on the way there in the am. Dropped Chesney off for a hair cut on the way to work. Work was not too bad until I was ready to leave at 4. And the phone went down. So I am still trying to get that worked out with the phone company. THEEEEN ... On the way home I got pulled over because apparently I am suppose to have a buffalo on my licence plate. So according to the cop I have been illegal for 3 years. Go figure. He did just give me a warning. So ...Guess tomorrow I will be at the DMV trying to get my plates fixed. I just pay online and they send me a sticker how am I suppose to know??


Whew ..Glad today is over. Just gotta get through treatment tomorrow and only 2 weeks left
YEA!!!

Here I am laying here trying to sleep, My throat feels more sore than after my surgeon cut me up - where is he when I need him. Funny enough I am having trouble keeping the film off my vocal cords. I keep waking up choking- which make my throat hurt worse. I know i know Dr. Barnhill "don't clear your throat" but its hard. And sugar free lemon drops don't work they are drying out my mouth. So water is the next best friend (if you call it that) So I am going to take a nice little concoction of Tylenol III elixer, Fiorinal, Unisom and ambien to maybe get me to sleep for a few hours tonight. It worked last night,- I still woke up enough I could feel the pain off and onand i would cough - ALL NIGHT LONG. But got sleep in between.

I have so many people wanting to do something for me and I do appreciate that sooooo much. However, right now i am truly living moment to moment and I don't' even know what I need until it is here, and then I sometime don't know what it is. I am just living in the moment and living it the best I know how -waiting on the Lord to make me whole again. The true blessing of this is I feel I am becoming so much closer to GOD. For Rob and I this has been a blessing in our life. I always said that if my having cancer would help the ones I love get better, learn more about God , become closer to God or each other it will be worth it to me. Because ultimately I am going to be fine... This is just a very trying journey, A short set back. Rob and I can't wait for the wondrous miracles that await us on the other side of this. We Know God has them waiting for us and that is sooo exciting. So Love you all very much, Thanks for the prayers and the cards they make me cry- which cleanses my soul and I love that. So keep em coming. Thanks again ooxx

12 Treatments left

Well We are still counting. Only 2 left this week and then two weeks left.

Maintaining my weight in spite of my self.

Treatment uneventful and I was a little easier on Rob this morning. Had my cheerios and boiled egg for breakfast along with my yummy veggie drink.(Not) Chef boy R D for lunch. Smelled like it tasted good.

Clinic was not toooo tiring this afternoon I did wear out a bit, Usually around 1:30 my head starts to feel like a lead weight. My goal is to at least make it to 4pm everyday. Not sure why, Everyone has to have a goal right. Mouth is a little dry but still bearable.

So- I say all in all I am doing wonderful for being so close to the end. I can only keep praying that this is as bad as it gets, Cause I can handle that.

My right ear canal has a crack in it just from being dry, my nostrils are hard and dried out. So the newest thing is Greasing everything up regularly-- don't want those nose bleeds or anything else. AAAANND Lucky for Rob still haven't lost my voice - I always say "GOD has a sense of humor" HEHE!!

Sorry Rob :0*

13 Treatments to Go

Ok down to lucky 13!!

Boy, Poor Rob had a lot to put up with today. I woke up IN A MOOD.. I told him I was Irritated - with everything he did. Driving, SINGING in the Grocery Store---REALLY! Breathing. Bless his heart he has been such a patient angel with me and all I could do was give him the evil eye and tell him to quit singing. WOW. What a B----! So I left him at home --With a Kiss! ... And cried all the way to work.. Guess I just needed a good 'ol fashion Soul cleansing. Cause I did feel better.

I know he must be a saint to put up with me! Thank you honey!

Today was pretty tiring, My mouth has been very dry despite my best efforts. Almost had a bit of a panic attack at work before clinic trying to find something that would moisten my mouth. I would have used Vaseline or (Vicks -Grandma Dessie's old recipe) if I had had it! And I'm serious. But a little praying and lots of water and all stabilized enough I could finish clinic. Very tired though, I left early (as soon as clinic was over) about 4:15 and Headed for home. Called my Wonderful husband and he brought me a tamale from Kokepelli's. I must say getting home to my pain elixir did me alot of good. Not something I really want to use but it sure does help. I don't feel like I am having pain... Until about 30 min after I take it and then its Like hmmmm that is kinda refreshing. It also allows me to get alot of calories in - in a short period of time. So whatever works.

Got to say I am sure tire of being tired and am really looking forward to feeling better and Exercising again- can't believe I am saying that either. Sooo tomorrow is hump day and on the down hill of week three left. Three treatments this week and then Only 2 weeks left--Amazing.

Time flies when you are having fun :-p

14 Treatments to go...

Ok, Here we go Counting backwards. YEA!!!

Had a wonderful weekend. Mom and Dad and my little Angel came up from Fordland to visit me. It is amazing how the visit of family can fill the soul (my cup runneth over). We had a lot of fun, went out to eat - everyone ordered food and I taste tested everything, Nothing really good, But after a bite off of all the plates I got me calories. Kinda fun too. Abbye brought her sewing machine and we made a doll skirt and watched some fun movies. Just had a great, fun weekend and the best part is mom cleaned my house -- COOL! :-)

They all went to treatment with me today and saw the doctor. Treatment was uneventful, The doctor said I was doing great, "Still have along way to go" I WISH HE WOULD QUIT SAYING THAT!!! I think I am doing great and only 3 weeks left. I am NOT going to have all those symptoms he keeps talking about. "Has your nose started bleeding", " Is your mouth dry", "How's The Pain" ---Great actually, Only a little dry throat and sore throat, Today actually was the first day I had a little dry mouth, and I just increased my water and did well. I am gonna have to start sucking on lemons to over activate my salivary glands -hehe!!

CPR Certification today-so I can save my self if I Code from eating nasty food. LOL


Got my 1200 Calories in today-- Just get to start over tomorrow.

Rob says it is weird hearing me dreading food. Oh, The doctor said today also-- most symptoms should clear up within a week or two of stopping treatment, EXCEPT my taste he say 6 weeks to 6 months. That's encouraging. NOT.

ONLY 4 treatments left this week--- Have a great night.

15 Treatments Left

Whew!!! What a day -- Started out at 7:30 at the treatment center, nutritionist, doctor, home 11:30 for a 30 min nap, Dentist 3 errands and 6is finally made it home and got to sit down. I think I would rather work. My dog is also acting very needy tonight, he was lonely today.

Treatment went smooth, Doc wanted to see me because I had a new blister forming on my lip. He says it looks better than it did so we are gonna see how it does by Monday.
The nutritionist didn't really have anything different to add, gave me a few handouts. Good news is I only have to have 1250 calories a day to maintain. So, now I can add them up - she gave me a boost drink so I drank that right away for breakfast - that's 360 -choked down. Yea!!! Only 890 left. This is when I am thankful I am 4'10" -- only 1250. I can do that --I THINK?!?!?

On the way Home, I decided I wanted chips and salsa and cheese dip from the Mexican restaurant for dinner - well that didn't work, So I heated up a high protein sloppy Joe's dish that a good friend got me and was able to use that as a dip with my chips. So now I just have to work on my water intake between now and bedtime and today will be taken care of.

Really enjoyed watching the snow-- I love the snow. It is so peaceful and relaxing! Have a great weekend all. Luv ya!!!

Treatment Day 17- 16 Left

Yes! I am officially OVER halfway done!

So I am counting down from here. I Got a real good nights rest last night and feel pretty good today. Was able to choke down two eggs and 2 pieces of sausage for breakfast Which is more than I have done in awhile (must be a mental thing). Throat has been real raw and dry since yesterday afternoon, Beginning to think that is temporarily permanent. So Chloraseptic is my new best friend. Had mac n cheese and egg drop soup, fried won tons and my New Protein drink that actually went down better than I thought it would. I have to say I am now dreaming of the day I take that bite and actually taste something.

But for halfway I think I am doing great!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Philippians 4:13

Treatment Day 16

Hump day over:-) Didn't sleep much last night - however was unusually rested this morning. Was able to choke down an ensure and a couple boiled eggs. Rob tried to get me to eat an eggo--NO GO! Treatment was uneventful, Tomorrow-Halfway done. Had quite a hectic clinic, and it really wore me out after not sleeping so I left about an hour early to go home to rest. The weather was so nice I thought I got a new found taste bud or something so I got brave and went through the Arby's drive through and bought me a roast beef and potato cakes. Smelled so yummy in the car on the way home. Got settled in and set up my plate --- two bites-- and the rest went to Rob. I ended up with mac n Cheese again - tastes bad but I can at least get it down. Weight holding steady that's all I ask for. I just need to eat enough to maintain my weight. I know I can do this for another 3 1/2 weeks-- for, If you bring forth what is inside you, what you bring forth will save you. If you don't bring forth what is inside you, what you don't bring forth will destroy you. I WILL GIVE IT MY ALL!!! And GOD WILL DO THE REST!

If you could also please add My dear friends uncle to your list of prayers. He was just diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and I wish him the same strength and speedy recovery as I!!

Treatment Day 15

Not much new too offer today. More of the same. They did start placing a piece of gauze between my lip and gums because there is a hot spot causing mouth sores that shouldn't be there. Mouth still tasting bad and starting to dry out. Upping my mouth rinses when I can and trying to drink lots of water. Big clinic day today, kinda wore me out so came home, ate and off to bed. Gotta rest up for tomorrow... another clinic day - this week is gonna wear me out. Clinic 3 days this week. Whew, not sure I can take many of those. These patients can really drain you. I'd take a 5hr surgery any day.
Anyway, Got an appointment schedule for the nutritionist finally, for Friday am., Dr. appointment and Dentist also on Friday. That will be lots of fun.

AND... Thursday will be exactly half way through - so that will be something to look foreword too. YEA!!!

Treatment Day 14

Started out the day feeling refreshed and ready to go. Went to work for a 5 1/2 hr surgery and OMG did that wear my Hinney out!!! It was all I could do to get home and the wind was blowing so bad I couldn't hardly keep my car on the road - WOW!! So came home took a little nap to refresh before I Faced ... THE MACHINE!
I was actually really dreading today because, I had lost another 4 lbs and new I was gonna get in big trouble with the doctor. So I did choke down 2 donuts this am and 2 bowls of mac n cheese trying to add on as much weight as possible and I wore heavy shoes. So by the time I got there it was more like 2 lbs. Whew not as in trouble as I would have been. Treatment was good actually my mask was loose - I guess 2 lbs does make a difference. There are some sores in my mouth he is worried about, gonna add a barrier during treatment cause he says "we have a long way to go still" ... Way to be encouraging doc!! Here I was all excited we were almost half way there. He wasn't very sympathetic to my loss of hair either - just cause he's jealous I have some. lol. Anyway, got a new mouth rinse, some gel for my nose that he is drying out and a pain elixir to start taking before dinner. They are gonna force feed me one way or another. I say just Hook me up to TPN then I won't have to think about food for another month. Well off to face the supper and then to bed to rest up for another day.

Have a blessed night everyone :-)

Treatment Day 13

OK - So I know I'm late with this post. Thursday and Friday my Headaches were back so on Friday we increased my steroids back to three times a day --Darn it!! So needless to say Friday was a bit of a blurr. went to work and then home to bed. Slept most of the rest of the day. Was excited to get to sleep in on Saturday and of course... Woke up at 6:30 wide a wake and rested. Sooo got up and cleaned house, cleaned out a few cabinets, did my 20min of exercise.

Then some real excitement.

Went to take a shower so Rob and I could go to Sam's. While in the shower I couldn't get my hands threw my hair to get it washed. Well needless to say--- We pulled about a Ziploc baggie full of knotted up hair out of my head. So it is official. The next stage has begun. Loosing hair. Good thing I have a lot and it is suppose to only come out from underneath So Ce la vie. It'll come back. God and the rain will bring it back. I di-gress ( its from Red Sovine - you probably don't know his music)

So Off to Sam's to shop. Choked down a piece of pizza, Think that was a bad idea my mouth has had bad sores and is all swollen since. Noodle soup for supper - cause Rob made me eat, and now off to bed. Right now my biggest chore is just swallowing. Amazing how little things can be so annoying. But on an up side I'm watching Roadhouse - Yum yum.

Have a great weekend all. Starting week four on Monday. Just 4 weeks left. YEA!!!

Treatment Day 12

Well you can tell I had Chili for dinner- my face was so swollen I had bad Waffle face again this morning. hehe. Actually, Today was good. Not much to report. Still handling the throat pain with my throat lozenges and spray. Still can't find anything good to eat, and Just a little tired throughout the day. I am so weird!! I wish I wasn't such a texture person when It comes to food, cause the fact I can't taste anything isn't near as bad as the mushy texture nasty I feel. More eggs today and had some potato chips and pistachios. Lots of liquid. I think I need a shrink - I am having a hate - hate relationship with my food and water. Not to busy at work today, But now it is TGIF... AND two more days til I get to see my Niece--YEA!

Gotta go now Grey's Anatomy is on = Have a great night all!!

Treatment Day 11

YEA!! Officially 33.333333333...% done!! Treatment today went as usual. Had some lab work done. Then off to work.

Breakfast was my Vegetable drink, two pieces of bread and butter - yuk, and a boiled egg. The egg was the best part, for some reason egg is still somewhat resembling its self. So i am gonna stick with them as long as I can.

Lunch was another story. Had a chicken soup packet that was well... Mushy dirty Water. So I choked it down and tried 2 Reese's cups - had a little aftertaste of chocolate maybe. But really not worth the effort. So I brushed my teeth and moved on.

On the way home I dreaded the thought of having to eat supper -- How weird is that!!!

Then the Highlight of my day was my nephew called me and well made my day. (he made the honor roll too) I also got to hear from my niece actually got to talk to two of my nieces today. That just makes me smile :-). My nephew suggested I try something spicy - which for the last two weeks have made my mouth sore and hurt, so I filed that away in my little brain and waited for Rob to come home and help me decide what to eat. I tried Carrots and dip - ate two and was done with that, then he suggested Chili we had in the freezer. So I said--- two of my favorite boys suggested it, must be something to it. And what do you know - YUM (well it is all relative- Yum for what yum can be right now.) So thank you to two of my favorite boys.

On a side note, one of the nurses at my treatment center- her Husband- was in Haiti doing a mission trip and has not been heard from since the first earthquake. Please keep her and her family in your prayers and tell the ones you love, how much you love them-- today, now - Because we are the lucky ones we have that opportunity, we can give one more hug, one more kiss, this life is precious and you truly never know when the last moment will be and there is no need for regrets... I love you all --thanks for being there for me, words can never express the appreciation I have for all of you. You are all the reason I Keep fighten!! HUGS AND KISSES!!!

Treatment Day 10

Day 10 one day from 11 which means I am about 30% complete!!! YEA!! I guess I should begin with an explanation of the picture. I wasn't sure whether to put it on or not cause I think it is kinda disturbing, but Rob really thought I should.. so there it is. The Teddy bear is from my niece and nephews and the Turtle my Niece gave to me-she has one and I have one that way we are always together- she says. So they were my treatment buddies.

Today food officially became --- I say cardboard because that is how everybody else describes it but I think Cardboard might taste better. So now I eat only to add calories to my day.. Never thought I would say that. Cause normally I LOVE FOOD!!! Hopefully I will again soon.

Saw the Doctor today for my weekly check up, He says I am doing better than expected at this point in time. So, just wanted to say thank you to all of you for all your support and Prayers because I know that is why I am doing sooo Well!!!

Treadmill and Bed - Til tomorrow...

Treatment Day 9

WOW!!! What a difference a week-end can make, Spent the weekend playing Big Buck Hunter with the Nieces and Nephews and had a BLAST!! They sure can energize you and give you the appreciation of what life has to offer. There smiling faces, hugs and kisses can sure heal a soul!:-) Thanks guys aunt Shaunie Sure does love you, ALL My NIECES and Nephews. Mom and Dad made me rest and treated me like Queen for the weekend - Not that I haven't been getting that at home alot these days. But it's always nice to get the hugs from Mom and Dad, Sure can be healing.

Woke up this am. Feeling so refreshed and energetic - more than I have in weeks. Went to surgery at 7 -Took Donuts (sorry Gigi). They were yummy yet very annoying to my mouth. DANG-IT -I had to eat one though didn't want it to look bad me bringing donuts and not eating one. Had a 3hr surgery and then Off to the office to get caught up from the black hole of the week before. I don't know what it was about last week, man -Can we say crazy??

So back to treatment at hand. My mouth may be a little better, just can't eat anything cold, salty, rough, spicy -- basically warm and bland and liquid with no chunks at this point is all so--stickin with noodle soup (salt free) and mac-n-cheese, Which is ok by me cause, so far, I still like both things real well. Mom makes the awesomest homemade Chicken noodle soup that grandma Dessie use to make. YUM YUM!!! Treatment went well, my wall-eye (or should I say Waffle) face is gettin better. Was suppose to see the Doctor today, but he had three emergencies and the ambulance was there when we go there, so we postponed to tomorrow am.
Well Night all, and here's to an even better tomorrow!!!

Treatment Day 8

OK, Dread Pirate Roberts I think we are headed straight into the fire swamp Like it or not --- So Hang on.

Starting to get more of a numb tongue, throat sore off and on, I am trying to drink A LOT of water And there is a creek forming down the middle of my tongue--What is that about?? Food Not quite as good as it use to be. The best so far is anything warm, If I could just live off Chicken broth (macaroni ok too) for the next 5 weeks we would be in business. And I don't mean just for breakfast lunch and dinner- I mean 24hrs a day all day long, it seems to soothe it. Probably get old though. Well So far another blessed day. Went to work, saw a few people, got a little caught up from the CRAZY week. TGIFFS!!!

Thanks again to all my wonderful family and friends for being there and all the GREAT Birthday wishes. You all make this soooooo much easier!!

Til Monday-Love ya!!

Treatment Day 7

Today more of the same, Off to work at 6am- 5 hour surgery then I was draggin a bit heading to the office. I got to the office and they had it decorated for my birthday. And bought me lunch, chicken noodle soup from panera-- just what i needed for my second wind. Busy clinic then i had to desert them for treatment, this thing is reallly gettin in the way of my life again!!!!

treatment was uneventful.. then home, treadmill and off to bed.

No real symptoms my tongue a little white and feels like I burned it on hot soup. But I didn't - honest!! And tomorrow is Friday -- two days off YEA!!!!

Ok here we are Treatment Day 6

Amazing day!! woke up feeling Great!! Went to work 5.5 hr surgery and then home to get my treatment, as i was doing my rinses -the dogs start going crazy so I look out the window and Here comes Mom and Dad!! OMG I gotta put some pants on!!! ( I was also changing for treatment) So we hung out for about an hour and then off to the treatment center. We got to see the sweet little old couple that has been driving an hour twice a day for treatments. This is there last day --YEA!! for them. Then off to the Bristol for my free birthday dinner- yum yum!! Crab cakes and Steak--Woo HOO!! And with mom and dad too. So then then when I arrived home my best friend was here --Caught in the act_HAHA! Decorating up my car and house. - She sang to me this am, Then entire OR sang to me this morning, and now all this - My niece and nephews and sis got me a Prayer Blanket and Where do I even start with what mom and dad got me. And then my Best friend got me a Pandora bracelet - it is beautiful. Rob got me (excuse me the waiter got me) an angel necklace.

What a day The best birthday ever- and my niece texted me from SPAIN-WOW!!!

The best part is NO symptoms yet and no h/a today!! Thank you dear Lord for a great B-day!!

Treatment Day 5

Well, I had quite a day. Went to treatment this am all happy and positive. It was a little early though -7:30. They had to reposition a few times to get me relatively pain free, did my regular treatment and out the door I went. I did wake up again this am with a large "lump" feeling in my throat - I am sure it is swelling. After treatment my tongue was feeling fairly numb and is now very white. yuk.
Anywho - I was developing another H/A like yesterday. So when I got home i took a pill and laid down for about 20min before going to work. It seemed to be a little better so off I went. After getting to work it slowly started to increase in intensity and i didn't have any meds at work. Bummer. By around 2pm in the middle of clinic it was so bad I started having N/V. Needless to say I was about worthless-So thanks a bunch to Dr. hall and Angie for putting up with me and pickin up the slack. AND Rob for bringing my meds to me. I got them through the worst of clinic and headed home. This is really Tickin me off!!! So I called radiation doc at the urging of my friend and he said this could be from the treatments and started me on a low dose steroid---GREAT now I am going to blow up like a balloon!! Just what I need! Well I suppose I will do just about anything to not have another one of those things. It was bad. This may also help the big golf ball in my throat in the Am's. So came home, got more meds and off to bed!! Feel SOOOOO much better now- Better not have to do that again or someone or something is going on my s--t list ... BIG TIME!!! So, now I am off to do my mouth treatments and my 30min Walk with Chesney. Tomorrow will be an amazingly better day i am sure!!:-)

Treatment Day 4

Well it is Day 4 and All is well. Worked this am and then home for treatment. Had Chili for lunch.

Treatment went great - big time waffle face again today! We got to see the doctor after treatment he said everything is going great. No symptoms are showing so far which is awesome!!! They are going to set me up with a nutritionist to make sure my nutrition stays up and she can also help me handle some of the symptoms. He said with the plan they made I will have a very sore tongue and throat and a lot of dryness in the mouth. So she is suppose to help me deal with that.

Then the best part of the day is I got a free Rib plate at Zarda -Yum Yum!! Wednesday is gonna be Bristol -OMG the best ever week for food.

I did my walk, my Caphosol to help ward off the treatment symptoms as long as possible and my fluoride tray. Man I'd rather be at work this is a lot of hard work. ( I mean I work hard at work too, but its just so much fun it doesn't feel like work ;-)
And drinkin a lot of water. I did have water with my zarda - not exactly what i wanted but the ribs were so good i couldn't tell the difference. Now bed time for early treatment tomorrow before work.

Treatment Day 3

Ok, I am a little late with yesterday's post and well those of you that know me know I Can't remember yesterday. Sooo I will try my best. Lets see, I did go to work til about noon. Then --- oh yea, I picked Rob up at the house (he is insisting on going to each treatment with me -- Silly boy) My mouth swish did come so I started on that right away, too prevent any side effects (or at least help).

Treatment today went great, the plastic piece they put behind my neck didn't hurt, They said they didn't change anything. Sooo I guess God heard me. I could have laid there all day. They said Dr. Wall would see me Monday after treatment - i guess he sees me every Monday to check on me. So look there, get to see Dr. Wall-eye ( that's what dad called him the first day-- I don't know ---He said the workers at the office said he fishes for walleye, Doc says he hasn't --??? That's my dad- Gotta Love him) Something to look forward too.

We left there and went to Culvers for a Double Cheeseburger and then home. I cooked up a Deeeeelicious Prime rib beef with aus jus and Yorkshire pudding, mashed potatos (skins on), green beans and salad. My niece and her mom came over and we ate and ate.

It was a wonderful day. As has today been so far. The sun is shining and I'm eatin chocolate-what could be better than that.

The miracles of every day life -- amaze me!!! see ya'll monday.

Treatment Day 2

Ok, Day 2 - I was suppose to go to surgery this am and have treatment late in the day. But-- My Doc called and said the patient cancelled her surgery due to weather. That was 7am. So I called my technician and asked if I could come in at 7:30 for my treatment and they said "come on in we will treat you when you get here". They have been so great-and sooo nice. Rob was shoveling the driveway, so he wasn't tooo happy cause he was all sweaty - I told him he didn't need to go but he insisted. He didn't smell- at least i couldn't smell him. So off we went. As soon as we got there they took me back and started my treatment. As they snapped me down my neck was laying wrong on the neck piece and OOUCH!! so i kinda hollard Wait-whoa whoa whoa!! they said what?? I said - not gonna work my neck hurts bad. So they un-snapped it. Not quick enough for me. Then felt much better the second try. Did my treatment - 212is Rads and they do 9 angles, two shots at each angles. Then it's over -- Waffle face was better today. Guess I gotta lay off the salt before I go.

Still don't have my Caphosol that is suppose to help decrease my symptoms significantly - So I asked about that. They gave me the info to call and I did. Apparently My Insurance wouldn't let it get filled at the pharmacy they sent it to. Sooo I had to call and fax it to another pharmacy. I was suppose to start it Treatment day 1, But as usual -- insurance delay. The new pharmacy has worked very hard at getting it sent to me overnight. So i will pray that it makes it by tomorrow. Then Off to work. Kinda slow, which is good. Workin on a three day migraine, so - Home - finally given in to it, took meds and off to bed. Rob made me chili and served me in bed. He is being such an awesome husband. So no walk tonight.(oh Bummer, hehe) And hopefully a good long night sleep.

It was awesome driving around in the snow and I kinda didn't mind the cold. I always say I don't mind the cold as long as there is snow.

My bestest friend bought me V8 Fusion, my favorite kind and Chocolate ensure and an itunes gift card. Man I don't deserve her. Then mom had called and made her order me a really awesome song.

What a great day!!!

Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. Night all- Sweet dreams...

Treatment Day 1

So- Today is D-day for the cancer cells!! Went in to work this morning and finished taking my 12 tests to get my CE credits. Yes, I waited to the last minute again.

Rob met me at home at 12:30 with steak-n-shake, YUM!! and then off to treatment we went.

It was pretty uneventful really. I checked in and they took me back almost immediately, They wouldn't let Rob go back. So he had to sit in the waiting room. They showed me around where they sit and the monitors they would see me on and told me how to get there attention if I needed something. Then Strapped me to the table with my Mesh mask ( It snaps to the table and is very tight to keep me from moving at all while I am being treated.) They had CD's and let me pick the music. Alabama- country of course:) Whew! I didn't have to sing the wheels of the bus to myself again--That was close.
The whole thing took about 25min. and we were done. Didn't feel a thing except the mask pressing down on my face and shoulders. The back of my neck got pretty sore, there is a clear, hard plastic piece under my neck to keep me in position and it was pretty uncomfortable, but no big deal. Today they took some extra pictures and then did the treatments. They had a big C-shaped arm circle me, I could barely open my Right eye and couldn't open my left cause the mask was so tight, however I could see the lens open and close as the changed the positions. Five different positions and it just sounded like the elevator door was stuck - kind of a high pitch buzz.

So after it was over, I was talking to the nurse and planning our schedule in the waiting room. My forehead itched and as i was scratching it I felt all these bumps. I thought What the ...! and then I realized I had ---- Waffle face! Yes the mask had given me waffle face. Luuuvely. The worst part is I forgot and Rob took me in a store------WITH WAFFLE FACE!! That is just not right at all! Geesh!

So that's it my first day of treatment and my waffle face. (gotta remember that) Came home, took a 20 min nap and then decided I needed to exercise 1 hour treadmill and ate a salad for dinner. 'Bout ready for bed. So far no symptoms!!! YEA!!

Let the Games Begin

Ok, I gave the Doc a call around 11:30 and the nurse said they are in working on my plan right now. Woo Hoo. So she made me an appointment for tomorrow afternoon so they would have plenty of time to get there machine calibrated and answer my questions.
So I guess this is it - Finally getting this thing underway.

So-- In celebration, my wonderful husband took me out for a steak dinner. Again, tryin to eat all the good stuff -since I may not like it anymore after treatment (they say my taste buds will change) Dr. Hall says I'm gonna like broccoli now --- I think not! Whatevaa!

This is kinda fun though. Made a list of all my favorites and we are on a mission now until I say -- YUK!

So tonight it was bourbon street steak, Chocolate mousse w/ oreos (of course) and then home for an hour walk on the treadmill. (Chesney only lasted 10 min.)

Yes,Rob is insistent on my exercising and taking my vitamins and I did my fluoride tray (the right way). Geesh

Now it's off to a good night sleep and hopefully wake up to some snow and then --Let the RADS flow ... Bring it ON!