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And before you know it...it's Oct. Another surgery has passed and work has been crazy. This is our busiest time of year.
Well, we are trying one last thing before I need to have another surgery and I really hope it works. I see another doctor tomorrow about the new plan and I will post more about it later if my insurance approves it and they think it is a possibility.
I am enjoying this time of year as Fall is my favorite time of year. The foliage is beautiful. I didn't get to have my hiking and camping vacation week and I was very disappointed but they(work) needed me. I am hoping I can reschedule it before it gets too cold.
I can't tell you enough how blessed I feel. And the family is great.
Bev is still battling with her issues. The staph infection in her eye oil glands has blocked her pores again and the FL surgeon said he will probe and unblock them again for free, if she goes back soon. I hope she can. He would like for her to come back for a month but finding a way for that to happen is the problem. I wish I could take her. Another issue is she has a lot of stuff going on at work. I really worry about her. Please keep her in your prayers.
I had a fabulous birthday with the family. Thanks to everyone for the special dinner.
Love and prayers,
Teressa
Aug 30th
Well..I got the woundvac back. Woohoo! I was wanting to crawl around in cave this week and I am still trying to figure out how to do that. =)
I love Fall. It is my favorite time of year. I'm ready for some outdoor activities. I had my bike serviced and it is ready to be picked up. I'm so excited. I've been walking and hiking to get ready for a big bike ride. And some long hikes with overnite camping.
It's a beautiful day!
Love and prayers
I love Fall. It is my favorite time of year. I'm ready for some outdoor activities. I had my bike serviced and it is ready to be picked up. I'm so excited. I've been walking and hiking to get ready for a big bike ride. And some long hikes with overnite camping.
It's a beautiful day!
Love and prayers
Aug 25th
I'm still changing out my dressings and the woundvac may come back on Friday. I get to skip Wed. this week so we will see how it goes. I'm not too worried. I believe it will all be fine.
I've had some wonderful blessings since the last post and I am overwhelmed with excitement. I did have some obstacles but that didn't last long. I faced a fear and then received a couple of blessings that answered a few questions and doubts I had for myself. Life after cancer. whew...where do I go from here? So many things are clear for me now. What do you do?
A couple of weeks ago it was weighing heavy on me to say out loud, "I'm not afraid to die". To tell the people closest to me. For days I thought, "how would I begin this conversation?" It's not a sad topic for me. I thought of it every day and wanted to say it, but never had the courage to do it. Now I know this isn't something that everyone thinks about everyday but this was something I was really needing to do for me. I needed to say it. And I never did.
Last weekend at work I was taking a break between shifts. Since my calves were so sore from the previous weeks hike I decided to put my shorts on and dangle my legs in the hot tub. So I am in the pool area, by myself, dangling my sore calves in the massaging water, and reading inspiration. Two young middle school boys came in and instead of getting in the pool they came to the hot tub. I kept reading and then they began asking me questions about me. I thought how strange there is a big pool they could be swimming in. So I put my book down and answered their questions...even about my hair and I had had cancer. One boy asked if it hurt and I said sometimes and he wanted to know how. So I told him and he said, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger". Then the other boy asked, "Where you afraid to die?" I know you can not possibly imagine how I felt at that moment. I really wanted to burst into tears with happiness. And then I got to finally say out loud, "No, I am not afraid to die". And then he asked me why? And then I got to tell why. Then they left. And you know... they never did get in the pool =).
Well, I was so overwhelmed I went back to my room and called Tara and of course I was crying and she couldn't understand me. She said, "what happened at the pool?" "why would they say that?" "they asked you what?". I look back now and I think poor Tara. Her momma calls her crying and all she can hear is I just got back from the pool area and boys were asking me about dying.
I smile now. But note to self- never call your daughter when you are having a joy cry and when you do not have composure.
Like I said. This was something I wanted to share that happened to me and was important for me.
Love and prayers to all.
I've had some wonderful blessings since the last post and I am overwhelmed with excitement. I did have some obstacles but that didn't last long. I faced a fear and then received a couple of blessings that answered a few questions and doubts I had for myself. Life after cancer. whew...where do I go from here? So many things are clear for me now. What do you do?
A couple of weeks ago it was weighing heavy on me to say out loud, "I'm not afraid to die". To tell the people closest to me. For days I thought, "how would I begin this conversation?" It's not a sad topic for me. I thought of it every day and wanted to say it, but never had the courage to do it. Now I know this isn't something that everyone thinks about everyday but this was something I was really needing to do for me. I needed to say it. And I never did.
Last weekend at work I was taking a break between shifts. Since my calves were so sore from the previous weeks hike I decided to put my shorts on and dangle my legs in the hot tub. So I am in the pool area, by myself, dangling my sore calves in the massaging water, and reading inspiration. Two young middle school boys came in and instead of getting in the pool they came to the hot tub. I kept reading and then they began asking me questions about me. I thought how strange there is a big pool they could be swimming in. So I put my book down and answered their questions...even about my hair and I had had cancer. One boy asked if it hurt and I said sometimes and he wanted to know how. So I told him and he said, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger". Then the other boy asked, "Where you afraid to die?" I know you can not possibly imagine how I felt at that moment. I really wanted to burst into tears with happiness. And then I got to finally say out loud, "No, I am not afraid to die". And then he asked me why? And then I got to tell why. Then they left. And you know... they never did get in the pool =).
Well, I was so overwhelmed I went back to my room and called Tara and of course I was crying and she couldn't understand me. She said, "what happened at the pool?" "why would they say that?" "they asked you what?". I look back now and I think poor Tara. Her momma calls her crying and all she can hear is I just got back from the pool area and boys were asking me about dying.
I smile now. But note to self- never call your daughter when you are having a joy cry and when you do not have composure.
Like I said. This was something I wanted to share that happened to me and was important for me.
Love and prayers to all.
Aug 16th
I had a wonderful week. I had an check-up with my oncologist week and he said I was doing great and since I was seeing so many doctors, I didn't need to see him again until Nov. Still doing great and my surgery "wound" is healing on one side and a bit slow on another so a month is still the plan for the wound vac. I can't tell you enough how blessed I am to have what I have in my life. I thank God every day.
Love and prayers
Love and prayers
Aug 10th
What a month.
Tara planned a finale' party for me when I ended radiation. It was a happy day and I had a wonderful time. I've been back to work and all was well. I only had one doctor visit a week. Then I got the staph infection that put me back in the hospital for a week. Now I have a "purse"(woundvac) that I carry and probably will for a month. I need to go three days a week to the hospital for dressing changes. It's OK.
I have been blessed again and the power of prayer has worked again.
Thanks for the prayers, calls, and visits.
I go back to work today however I need to go to the hospital first.
Love and prayers back at ya'
A few months ago I resolved to be better giver. I had in mind a couple of ways I wanted to do this. I never did anything....just thought about it, dreamed about it. My life returned to the get up, go to work, go home, pay bills. I feel I have been given a second chance to keep my word. Since I have been home from the hospital two opportunities have fallen in my lap. I'm telling all that I'm going to give and pay it forward. I'm excited!
Tara planned a finale' party for me when I ended radiation. It was a happy day and I had a wonderful time. I've been back to work and all was well. I only had one doctor visit a week. Then I got the staph infection that put me back in the hospital for a week. Now I have a "purse"(woundvac) that I carry and probably will for a month. I need to go three days a week to the hospital for dressing changes. It's OK.
I have been blessed again and the power of prayer has worked again.
Thanks for the prayers, calls, and visits.
I go back to work today however I need to go to the hospital first.
Love and prayers back at ya'
A few months ago I resolved to be better giver. I had in mind a couple of ways I wanted to do this. I never did anything....just thought about it, dreamed about it. My life returned to the get up, go to work, go home, pay bills. I feel I have been given a second chance to keep my word. Since I have been home from the hospital two opportunities have fallen in my lap. I'm telling all that I'm going to give and pay it forward. I'm excited!
July 13th
Saturday morning I took Daniel fishing to a couple of places and we had a lot of fun. He is "the fisherman". Then I got to keep Ellie and spend the night with her while Mommy and Daddy had the night out. Melvin and the boys came over also and we had pizza and played. Dad came over the next morning and she got to play with her Great grandaddy.
The time with her is precious. She is so sweet and funny. I love it when she holds her toes while you feed her or puts her feet up on the tray. I love it when she holds my hand while she sits in my lap. It is a treasured moment. I tried taking our pix together but she kept tickling me with her toes and we never succeeded. She is so much fun. She rode many miles on her caterpillar and zebra.
Nick got a job in BG and had his first day yesterday at the Family Christian Book Store. And he begins band camp this week.
Amber stopped by yesterday to show me her free jewelry she received from having her jewelry party here a couple of Saturdays ago. She really did good.
This is my last week of radiation. Thursday is my last day. I do have some irritated skin but nothing I can't handle. I have some cream for the dry areas and cornstarch for the moist areas.
I can't begin to explain how happy I am this week. Thursday can not come fast enough. Just to have some normalcy and not rushing to work and doctors every day.
I am blessed...Love to all,
Teressa
June 20th
I just finished my third week of radiation. My skin is a little red and I have been some tired but I am doing great. I'm still working full time and will continue to do so. I did lose my second fingernail and I didn't know if I mentioned it. The boys and I saw a movie today and we had a great time. I saw Ellie last night and she crawling so well. She is an angel. I love her little faces she makes now to get a laugh. Everything about her is amazing. I love being a grandma. I think she likes me best without a wig. I think I do too.
I'm ready to do something....canoeing, camping, spelunking, horseback riding, biking,...just something. I got an itch.
Love to all
June 8th
The family is doing great. Summer is here and Nick left yesterday to go with the band to Florida. Daniel is enjoying fishing. Tara, Grant and Ellie stopped by yesterday for a visit and Ellie is truly amazing. What a sweetie.
I just completed my first week of radiation. Also, my surgeon is draining fluid off my surgery site twice a week so my radiation will be more accurate. I am on tamoxifen for hormone therapy to block the estrogen.
They decided to do radiation on the site and above... since it was in my lymph nodes and they travel up. It doesn't take long and I shouldn't experience any skin problems until later...if any.
I did take a couple of naps this week. But I am working full time and I have been training someone all week.
My hair is growing more and I believe it is coming in gray and white...ha Imagine that. I will also be shaving my legs for the first time in a long time this week. I have put it off just because I never liked it before. My head sweats a lot because the wig is like a cap and the weather is warmer. As soon as I get in the car...it comes off.
My eyebrows and lashes are almost gone. And I lost my first fingernail yesterday. I am expecting to lose many more as they are dead and hanging on by a 1/4 inch of new growth.
It is well with my soul and I am feeling great. What an experience.
8 months and going.
Love and prayers to all
Tuesday, May 26th
I am still working and doing fine. My hair is beginning to grow again. woohoo!
I received a call today that my radiation will begin Monday.
Another holiday has passed, Ellie Grace is growing up fast(8mths old), the boys have finished another year of school, and I am still taking measures to battle this cancer.
I am blessed and have many things to be thankful for.
Love to all,
Teressa
I received a call today that my radiation will begin Monday.
Another holiday has passed, Ellie Grace is growing up fast(8mths old), the boys have finished another year of school, and I am still taking measures to battle this cancer.
I am blessed and have many things to be thankful for.
Love to all,
Teressa
Monday, May 11th
Today is Daniel's 14th birthday!
Nick's prom was Saturday. We got to watch Ellie Saturday night. And Tara celebrated her first Mothers Day.
We had a busy and great weekend that ended with dinner at Mom's last night. I attached a picture of the boys.
It was nice after I finished my first full week back to work. That was a little difficult for me. Today I am off because I was to see to doctors. First, to get fluid drained off my surgery site and then to get a scan and my markings for radiation. Well, my surgeon will not be back until tomorrow so they changed my scan and everything else until tomorrow. You see I am very swollen and full of fluid so they can not get accurate markings and get me set up until I get drained. =(
Now I need to call work and be off some tomorrow. This is not good since I just came back. Oh well, all I can do is all I can do.
I attached some pix from the weekend.
Love and prayers to all.
Monday, April 27th
Friday was my last chemo. I am very thankful and pray I do not have to do that again. The bone and joint pain began last evening so I am moving slow for a few days. Again, my feet, fingers, and toes are sore to touch and tender to use.
Tara had me flowers in the car when I left my last chemo. It was a special day just having her there with me.
Thankfully, I will get no more steroids. I have no stamina at all. I tire and get out of breath easily. As soon as this aching stops I hope to walk some and get some energy back. The last six months have been enough. I know my radiation begins soon and I hope it doesn't make me too tired as well.
Thanks for everything.
Love and prayers to all.
Tara had me flowers in the car when I left my last chemo. It was a special day just having her there with me.
Thankfully, I will get no more steroids. I have no stamina at all. I tire and get out of breath easily. As soon as this aching stops I hope to walk some and get some energy back. The last six months have been enough. I know my radiation begins soon and I hope it doesn't make me too tired as well.
Thanks for everything.
Love and prayers to all.
April 16th
I found a great quote today -
It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.
And this poem -
It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.
And this poem -
Count on God
Count On God --unknown author
Count your blessings instead of your crosses
Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes.
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears.
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth.
Count on God instead of yourself
___________________________________
Amanda, thanks for your comment. You are a dear and we all love you.
____________________________________
Tonight I am driving my sis to Lexington. Tasha is going with us to a doc appt for Bev tomorrow.
Grant is preaching tonight and I will miss it but I have a chance to hear him Sat. night and/or Sun.
Tonight and Sat. are at 7 and Sun. at 6 at Trinity.
I am officially scheduled to go back to work May 1st. In May I begin radiation.
I have my last chemo next Friday. woohoo!
Gotta go!
Love and prayers to all,
Teressa
___________________________________
Amanda, thanks for your comment. You are a dear and we all love you.
____________________________________
Tonight I am driving my sis to Lexington. Tasha is going with us to a doc appt for Bev tomorrow.
Grant is preaching tonight and I will miss it but I have a chance to hear him Sat. night and/or Sun.
Tonight and Sat. are at 7 and Sun. at 6 at Trinity.
I am officially scheduled to go back to work May 1st. In May I begin radiation.
I have my last chemo next Friday. woohoo!
Gotta go!
Love and prayers to all,
Teressa
April 15th
I had chemo last Friday and Tara took me since she was on spring break. My stepdad Wayne came again to see me while I was there. I did fall asleep again because of the benedryl in the premeds and the alcohol in the taxol. My nails(fingers and toes) have gotten these red places and they are very tender. It's difficult to open things. They said that some nails may fall off. I have one more chemo to go so I am hoping they don't. I have about a 1/4 inch of hair. And I am feeling the joint and bone pains which begin sunday night after my chemo. This chemo keeps me up all night on Friday. Saturday night Ellie came out and she helped Daniel and my nephews color eggs. I went to church with Tara & Grant on Sunday. I really enjoyed the weekend before my pains set in on Sunday night. It's wednesday now and I still have some shooting pains. Hot baths help too and of course I alternate pain medicines. Also, the bottoms of my feet are very sore and peeling. Oh, and the steroids I have learned is causing my constant hunger...I have been eating a lot. Dad is taking me again today for my neupogen shot. I enjoy this time with him.
I have my appt. set for the 20th to discuss radiation with my next doc. It will be for 30 days Mon-Fri. I am still on leave from work and I will know when I return after I speak with him.
Haven't my boys really grown? Nick is 18 and Daniel will be 14 in May.
Love and prayers to all.
April 6th
This Friday I will be having #7 of 8 chemos. I know I haven't written on my blog for a while and I don't really know why. I did take a leave from work and it has relieved some tension I had. I was trying to be positive, trying to be a good manager, trying to be a good family member and friend, and then I think I just decided to take a break and relax. "Knowing" how sick you are going to be every other week and then having a new side affect or infection added after each additional treatment was troublesome. I just needed a break from cancer and I guess that included my blog as well.
I have spent some time reflecting on this "detour" in my life. I have really missed my sister. I know she is as tired as I am of having to deal with our illnesses. But we will get through it.
My Dad has been taking me to get all of my shots every other week and we have had some great talks.
I am blessed with all of my family and friends. Thank you so much for all of your prayers, emails, cards, etc. It has got me through some tough times.
Ellie Grace has been ill with RSV and this is the second week I can't be near her. I don't like this at all, but we know I can't risk it right now. I do speak to her via telephone and Tara says she smiles. I did drive to their house and talk to her through the glass storm door(twice). I had bought her some bunny ears and Tara took her picture this weekend. She's precious. Here is another pix that Grant's dad had taken. I love it too.
Love to all
Monday, March 16th
I had a pretty good weekend after Friday's new chemo drug and I will email about that later. The side effects of this drug is joint and bone pain. I woke up with it this morning. It's all in my torso and legs. It's like aching all over and sporadic sharp pains shooting throughout. I don't know how long it lasts in between treatments. At least I do not have all of the nausea anymore and I am very thankful for that. Dad took me to get my neupogen shot today and I go tomorrow for another and to see my surgeon for fluid drainage.
Bev's botox is still wearing off and she is having some difficult times with her neck pain. Please continue to pray for her.
Love to all
Bev's botox is still wearing off and she is having some difficult times with her neck pain. Please continue to pray for her.
Love to all
March 12th
I am getting ready for another Friday the 13th. I know I haven't posted in a while but the chemo side effects have been taking their toll on me. After #4 I had more fatigue and stomach issues. A week ago I was to return to work. I have decided to take a leave for a couple of months and focus on wellness. The stomach pain, abdomen pain, fatigue,..everything was getting worse. Late last Saturday night I began vomiting and it was unending. Apparently I burst a blood vessel in my stomach and that was the reason for the blood. The hospital gave me fluids, medicine for the nausea, leviquin for the UT infection, and a GI cocktail for my throat sores and stomach pain. My immune system is very low. I was in the ER only and got home Sunday about 10am. I slept the rest of the day. Ever since, my torso has felt extremely sore from the heaving, I have only eaten popsicles, jello, or mashed food because of my throat. My stomach continues to hurt after I eat anything.
Tomorrow I go for chemo #5 of 8. The first four were two different chemo medicines. These last four are of 1 chemo medicine (taxol). Thes treatments are four hours long. I hope my numbers are good enough to get the treatment tomorrow because I want this over as soon as possible.
Love to all,
Tomorrow I go for chemo #5 of 8. The first four were two different chemo medicines. These last four are of 1 chemo medicine (taxol). Thes treatments are four hours long. I hope my numbers are good enough to get the treatment tomorrow because I want this over as soon as possible.
Love to all,
Feb. 13th, Friday Chemo #3 of 8
I had my blood drawn for testing. Then I had my doc visit.
And then I had to confess to my doc about not getting all of my neupogen shots to boost my white blood cells. The week after chemo I have to take them. After my second chemo he prescribed only four because my numbers were good. I told the doc I only made it to 2 of 4. He looked at me surprised and asked why. I told him I had worked 56 hours and it was difficult for me to leave work. And that I was feeling good. He wasn't happy and said that I would probably not be receiving chemo because my numbers would be low and that I needed to stay on schedule. He left the room to check on my bloodwork. Melvin looked at me and said I was in trouble. The doc came back and said that my numbers were Olympic! So...I only need two shots next week and he said I could pick the days. Whew! He prescribed some Pepcid for me to take daily because the toxins have taken their toll on my stomach.
The first four chemo's are the most difficult to take and now I have one more. The next set of four are a different type of chemo.
Now it is Sunday and I have experienced some nausea and of course I sleep a lot. I have been eating better and the Pepcid has helped. I may try to go to work sooner this time.
Thanks for the prayers and emails.
Love to all.
And then I had to confess to my doc about not getting all of my neupogen shots to boost my white blood cells. The week after chemo I have to take them. After my second chemo he prescribed only four because my numbers were good. I told the doc I only made it to 2 of 4. He looked at me surprised and asked why. I told him I had worked 56 hours and it was difficult for me to leave work. And that I was feeling good. He wasn't happy and said that I would probably not be receiving chemo because my numbers would be low and that I needed to stay on schedule. He left the room to check on my bloodwork. Melvin looked at me and said I was in trouble. The doc came back and said that my numbers were Olympic! So...I only need two shots next week and he said I could pick the days. Whew! He prescribed some Pepcid for me to take daily because the toxins have taken their toll on my stomach.
The first four chemo's are the most difficult to take and now I have one more. The next set of four are a different type of chemo.
Now it is Sunday and I have experienced some nausea and of course I sleep a lot. I have been eating better and the Pepcid has helped. I may try to go to work sooner this time.
Thanks for the prayers and emails.
Love to all.
The week after the New Doo
I worked the next day(Thursday) after purchasing my new doo and worked until Monday. Tuesday I rested all day. And Wednesday I went to Tara and Grants to babysit Ellie and I had a great day.
When I heard her waking up I went to get her and she was all smiles. She recognized me even with my new hair. She smiled and played all day. Of course, she had some naps. I fed her, we played on the floor and everywhere. Pa even came by for lunch. Ellie and I hid from mommy and daddy when we heard them pull in from work. When she heard them calling for us she kept quiet and was just looking in their direction with a straight face. When her mommy found us first she said, "there they are" and Ellie giggled and smiled. It was hilarious.
Tara shaved off what spikes of hair I had remaining on my head. It was a special moment. Of course we laughed and said we never imagined we would have a moment as this. I did look like a monster with my few spikes of hair. I enjoyed scaring my family with my monster hair. I would take my wig off and hide around corners and jump out and yell, "BOO!". They said it wasn't funny but I would just laugh. I wish I had taken a picture of my monster hair.
I am posting a few pictures from ice storm and flooding, with Ellie, and misc.
The creek is below our house, the other water pix is on our property. The tree pix are taken on the parkway. Then Nick in his truck. Daniel is ready to play outside with his air soft guns. Ellie playing with Pa. And later when I caught Ellie playing with her feet. And the Grand Finali with me and my bald head.
Love to all
2/4/09 My new doo.
Peggy(my sister-in-law) and I went to BG this afternoon to shop for my new wig. She took a half day off to help me. I was glad to have her there. We picked one that would be great for work and looked good for everyday with a cap. It looks natural. And I got a soft, snug, cap to put on at bedtime to keep my head warm.I still have some nausea but I am now ready to go back to work tomorrow. Oh, I stopped by to see Bev when I got back in town and she thought I had my hair done. She had not seen me with my hair loss.
Love to all.
Tues. - Fatigue and nausea again.
It's Tuesday and I have been sick since my last post on Sunday. All I do is sleep, sip something, and take bathroom breaks to flush the toxins. Melvin's mom brought me broth and Peggy brought me sherbert and a couple of caps and scarves. I have a little more energy today and I am going for one of my neupogen shots this afternoon to boost my white blood cells. I wrap my head up because of the hair I am dropping everywhere. I have cut it up to my ears but today I guess it will be shaved.
I have learned that I really, really, need to watch what I eat from now on. Tasha and Daniel gave me a book on nutrition and cancer fighting foods and I read some of it yesterday. Last night I baked some salmon(which I would have normally fried in EVO) with no seasonings and boiled some brown rice. I ate some and it did not upset my system. I saved a portion for tonight.
I'm getting through it....slowly but surely. I guess it all means the chemo is working!
I have learned that I really, really, need to watch what I eat from now on. Tasha and Daniel gave me a book on nutrition and cancer fighting foods and I read some of it yesterday. Last night I baked some salmon(which I would have normally fried in EVO) with no seasonings and boiled some brown rice. I ate some and it did not upset my system. I saved a portion for tonight.
I'm getting through it....slowly but surely. I guess it all means the chemo is working!
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