Rachel before haircut
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Look good, feel better
I saw an article in the newspaper over the weekend about the American Cancer Society's Look Good, Feel Better program. It's being held at Sharon Cancer Care where I'll be having treatment. It's a program that helps female cancer patients do hair and makeup while going through chemo and radiation. I took the initiative today and calle American Cancer Society and registered for it. Have heard from someone that it is a great program and they give out lots of good advice and tidbits of information. I'm not into makeup but figure just being involved with others will be a good support system. A time to meet others in the same boat. One more step in the healing process for me.
I've been taking it easy and doing as my doctor recommends. Am finding comfort in listening to CDs that deal with meditation. Learning to be less anxious in what I have no control over.
I got a wonderful email today from our friends in Phoenix who we visited with in February. Their young granddaughter just got her hair cut and donated the hair to "Locks of Love". You have to donate a minimum of 10 inches so she gave up a lot of hair for someone else. They are a non-profit organization that makes hairpieces for financially disadvantaged children suffering from long term medical hairloss . Rachel is 6 1/2 years old and has always wanted to do this out of love. She's my special angel today! Thanks Rachel....
I've been taking it easy and doing as my doctor recommends. Am finding comfort in listening to CDs that deal with meditation. Learning to be less anxious in what I have no control over.
I got a wonderful email today from our friends in Phoenix who we visited with in February. Their young granddaughter just got her hair cut and donated the hair to "Locks of Love". You have to donate a minimum of 10 inches so she gave up a lot of hair for someone else. They are a non-profit organization that makes hairpieces for financially disadvantaged children suffering from long term medical hairloss . Rachel is 6 1/2 years old and has always wanted to do this out of love. She's my special angel today! Thanks Rachel....
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Positive energy only
During these past couple of days, I've been receiving unneccessary negative energy while I'm attempting to heal emotionally and physically for my upcoming treatment. And from the very beginning I was told by a cancer survivor that this is detrimental to the healing process. It is difficult to fight cancer when you are given stress along the way. I am only grateful for the positive energy that will win out in the end.
Please continue to pray for me as the road ahead is unknown and that is the worst thing. I am positive and strong and do know that right now my job is to fight this cancer and to be a true survivor. I am so thankful for all my new and old friends, especially the "Kind" ones!
Please continue to pray for me as the road ahead is unknown and that is the worst thing. I am positive and strong and do know that right now my job is to fight this cancer and to be a true survivor. I am so thankful for all my new and old friends, especially the "Kind" ones!
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Barry comes home
Just a quick update for all of our friends and family. Barry is now home and very happy to be here.
Today was a time to rest, not having to go to the hospital. For the first time since surgeries, I was able to nap on my stomach. That was a good treat. Very quiet without the family, but Eileen is still here and is very helpful. Family arrived safely to their homes.
Matt came to visit us and spend the evening. Had been in Cleveland for business and took the time to come over here. That was a big boost for Barry to see his brother during these times.
Family is so important. It was nice hearing the two boys talk. Got Barry to think of something else rather than his health.
For me, I am working to get the right meds to help with my personal anxiety with the upcoming treatment. Cancer is 24/7 on my mind.
A comment by Tammy Messner on MSNBC today:
“Don’t let fear rule your life,” she said. “Live one day at a time, and never be afraid.”
Today was a time to rest, not having to go to the hospital. For the first time since surgeries, I was able to nap on my stomach. That was a good treat. Very quiet without the family, but Eileen is still here and is very helpful. Family arrived safely to their homes.
Matt came to visit us and spend the evening. Had been in Cleveland for business and took the time to come over here. That was a big boost for Barry to see his brother during these times.
Family is so important. It was nice hearing the two boys talk. Got Barry to think of something else rather than his health.
For me, I am working to get the right meds to help with my personal anxiety with the upcoming treatment. Cancer is 24/7 on my mind.
A comment by Tammy Messner on MSNBC today:
“Don’t let fear rule your life,” she said. “Live one day at a time, and never be afraid.”
Monday, April 25, 2005
Liver biopsy today
Meg,
Don't know your email address but wanted to tell you that I appreciate anyone reading this blog. It's my form of therapy. I only wish that people who read this blog do post a comment here or there so that I know it's being read. That makes me feel even better.
The liver biopsy was done in afternoon. Results won't be in for few days probably.
A tiring day especially for myself as I am still trying to heal physically and emotionally. I have called my dr. once again to update him on how I am feeling. I am very anxious about my first appt. with dr. next week. Last week I found myself crying in my truck during lunch away from others. Didn't even tell my family, only my dr.
My family leaves in a.m. after an extended visit. Boy, was I blessed to have them during these difficult days. One of my sisters is staying behind to be with me/us as I try to regain my strength for Tim and for Barry's return home. A lifesaver.
Don't know your email address but wanted to tell you that I appreciate anyone reading this blog. It's my form of therapy. I only wish that people who read this blog do post a comment here or there so that I know it's being read. That makes me feel even better.
The liver biopsy was done in afternoon. Results won't be in for few days probably.
A tiring day especially for myself as I am still trying to heal physically and emotionally. I have called my dr. once again to update him on how I am feeling. I am very anxious about my first appt. with dr. next week. Last week I found myself crying in my truck during lunch away from others. Didn't even tell my family, only my dr.
My family leaves in a.m. after an extended visit. Boy, was I blessed to have them during these difficult days. One of my sisters is staying behind to be with me/us as I try to regain my strength for Tim and for Barry's return home. A lifesaver.
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Sunday. Our day to rest
Am so glad to have mom join us for church this a.m. She likes to do that when visiting us. She came into my room last night and asked if she could come. Wow, what a treat for me.
I have lots on my mind, but definintely there is a need to pray. Not only for a positive outcome in the biopsy but for what I have already.
This is a clipping in our church bulletin today which really struck my heart:
The words of Jesus in today's gospel, "Don't be troubled." seem impossible. The disciples, Phillip and Thomas, had difficulty understanding this, but Jesus did not back off. He said to them, and says to us today, to "have faith" because anxiety and worry are the enemies of peace.
The whole family visited with Barry today, along with Nick and Rich who work with him. He really enjoyed seeing everyone. Sure does make the time in the hospital go by a little faster. We have no time set yet for the biopsy, only know it's tomorrow. I'll get there by 7 a.m. Tim was invited by Lisa to stay at their house. Am so thankful for all our friends.
In coming home from one of my trips to hospital today, I caught the end of a radio interview with a breast cancer survivor. It was a Christian radio station and she was truly inspiring. I felt a connection with her since when she found out she had cancer, she decided to use that experience to help other women. Since you know the fear you can give support to others. Always look to the future, don't waste the experience you are going through. And let people help you. And after a bad day, just know that good days will soon return.
Believe that Jesus is in charge.
And she ended the program by saying "never give up-trust in Jesus for strength and salvation."
As stated before, I am no holy roller but need to believe and have faith in the big picture. Some things are out of our hands and have to believe there is a reason for everything. Faith: believing in something that you can't touch.
P.S. Donna: thanks for coming back into our lives. It was great talking with you tonight.
I have lots on my mind, but definintely there is a need to pray. Not only for a positive outcome in the biopsy but for what I have already.
This is a clipping in our church bulletin today which really struck my heart:
The words of Jesus in today's gospel, "Don't be troubled." seem impossible. The disciples, Phillip and Thomas, had difficulty understanding this, but Jesus did not back off. He said to them, and says to us today, to "have faith" because anxiety and worry are the enemies of peace.
The whole family visited with Barry today, along with Nick and Rich who work with him. He really enjoyed seeing everyone. Sure does make the time in the hospital go by a little faster. We have no time set yet for the biopsy, only know it's tomorrow. I'll get there by 7 a.m. Tim was invited by Lisa to stay at their house. Am so thankful for all our friends.
In coming home from one of my trips to hospital today, I caught the end of a radio interview with a breast cancer survivor. It was a Christian radio station and she was truly inspiring. I felt a connection with her since when she found out she had cancer, she decided to use that experience to help other women. Since you know the fear you can give support to others. Always look to the future, don't waste the experience you are going through. And let people help you. And after a bad day, just know that good days will soon return.
Believe that Jesus is in charge.
And she ended the program by saying "never give up-trust in Jesus for strength and salvation."
As stated before, I am no holy roller but need to believe and have faith in the big picture. Some things are out of our hands and have to believe there is a reason for everything. Faith: believing in something that you can't touch.
P.S. Donna: thanks for coming back into our lives. It was great talking with you tonight.
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Day 2 in hospital
I was at hospital by 7 a.m. in order to see Barry's doctor in his rounds. Nodules in lung are pea size, and the liver has a tennis size ball and small pea sizes. Plan of attack will be a liver biopsy on Monday. So many variables in the equation. As I know from my experience, the worst is not knowing.
This is a difficult time for us. Can only imagine what is going on in Tim's head with all this medical talk. We did go to movies today just to get our minds off of sickness for a couple of hours. And then went to see Barry again.
My family is delaying going home due to bad weather coming and their concern for us in getting through these tough times. Eileen was a workaholic today while I was gone. She not only washed all my living room curtains but also my kitchen valance. I think she did about 100 loads of wash! We also came home to a nice cooked chop suey dinner.
Barry is of course very anxious for the biopsy to be done and for the test results. Am trying to stay positive and focused because that takes less energy.
This is a difficult time for us. Can only imagine what is going on in Tim's head with all this medical talk. We did go to movies today just to get our minds off of sickness for a couple of hours. And then went to see Barry again.
My family is delaying going home due to bad weather coming and their concern for us in getting through these tough times. Eileen was a workaholic today while I was gone. She not only washed all my living room curtains but also my kitchen valance. I think she did about 100 loads of wash! We also came home to a nice cooked chop suey dinner.
Barry is of course very anxious for the biopsy to be done and for the test results. Am trying to stay positive and focused because that takes less energy.
Friday, April 22, 2005
Barry hospitalized
Yes, Barry was admitted to hospital a little after midnite last night with the following condition:
Atrial Fibrillation: irregular heartbeat.
This is the sequence of events in a brief form.
I checked my email a bit after 10 p.m. and I find an email from him (he had been working) which stated the following: I haven't felt well tonight. Heartbeat feels out of sync, but no pain.
I quickly replied that he should see doctor. His reply was Feel like I'm out of breath but I'm not.
I then told Maureen what he was saying since she is a RN. Her first words were just what he was diagnosed with. I called him at work, said we would go there to check his pulse but he said no. He said he couldn't leave work because he had to get the paper out. Did get mad at him because I thought health was more impt. than printing a newspaper. He said the shift would end soon and he would be home.
He got home by midnite. Maureen checked his pulse and it was irregular. I called Dr. Uberti who was on call and he said take him to ER. Just from walking into house from truck he was out of breath and sweaty.
Yesterday at about 2 p.m. he had a thryoid sono done for upcoming appt. with endocronolgist.
Dr. said could be related. Person doing test did lots of pushing on tyroid. He now remembers feeling not right after eating after this test. But it was at work at about 6:20 p.m. that things became apparently not well. Had walked up just few stairs and was out of breath. Even sitting down didn't help.
Went right to ER, hooked up to monitor and heartbeat quite irregular. Up to 144 at times. On IV to bring it down, but still irregular. Need to convert it, make it regular. Barry's intention had been to go to bed and see dr. in a.m. Had he done that, he would be in serious condition today. Thank goodness I made the call to dr. and took him to ER. He was admitted to hospital and is on different meds to make it regular and to monitor.
Will keep you posted. I didn't get home until 3:30 a.m. Have only slept about 5 hrs. A long day.
They say lemons make lemonade, well I don't want to make or drink any more lemonade!
Please also now pray for Barry and his quick recovery. Could be in hospital a day or so, depends on getting heart beat regular.
And also thank goodness for my family still here.
10 a.m. Have called hospital and Barry. His heart beat has not converted. Has seen his dr. already today. Cardiologist also met with him. May need to be shocked by cardio conversion procedure since not regular. Remaining on blood thinner to prevent stroke. Has already had gall bladder sonogram, a problem that he has been postponing on checking out.
Tim, Maureen and I went to see Barry for a couple of hrs. around lunchtime. Was getting ready abdominal CT scan. While there, Dr. Toth stopped by for exam. He had a scheduled appt. for this coming Tuesday, so therefore will not need to see her then. Says thyroid condition is OK for now, continue same meds and see her in 4 months. No need to biopsy. Tim was happy since he was able to eat cafeteria food. The good news was that while she was examining him, the heartbeat became regular! Just needs to stay that way.
Upon going home, we ate lunch and I immediately went to nap. Mentally exhausted at this point. But am glad his heartbeat became steady. Just called him at about 4 p.m. and it's still steady. He continues to have blood drawn and tests taken. I'll go back this evening to see him.
5:30 p.m. Barry calls to tell me he has bad news. Different tests that were taken show nodules on his lung and liver. I was driven to the hospital immediately by Maureen, along with Tim to see him. Needless to say, this was unsettling news to hear after all I/we've been through.
Nodules or what is seen in tests could be scar tissue/fatty tissue/benign tumor or the last alternative. Earlier in the day I had thought irregular heartbeat was bad, how things can change in a couple of hours.
Not going to write down all details as very personal for Barry. Just please continue to pray for us.
Atrial Fibrillation: irregular heartbeat.
This is the sequence of events in a brief form.
I checked my email a bit after 10 p.m. and I find an email from him (he had been working) which stated the following: I haven't felt well tonight. Heartbeat feels out of sync, but no pain.
I quickly replied that he should see doctor. His reply was Feel like I'm out of breath but I'm not.
I then told Maureen what he was saying since she is a RN. Her first words were just what he was diagnosed with. I called him at work, said we would go there to check his pulse but he said no. He said he couldn't leave work because he had to get the paper out. Did get mad at him because I thought health was more impt. than printing a newspaper. He said the shift would end soon and he would be home.
He got home by midnite. Maureen checked his pulse and it was irregular. I called Dr. Uberti who was on call and he said take him to ER. Just from walking into house from truck he was out of breath and sweaty.
Yesterday at about 2 p.m. he had a thryoid sono done for upcoming appt. with endocronolgist.
Dr. said could be related. Person doing test did lots of pushing on tyroid. He now remembers feeling not right after eating after this test. But it was at work at about 6:20 p.m. that things became apparently not well. Had walked up just few stairs and was out of breath. Even sitting down didn't help.
Went right to ER, hooked up to monitor and heartbeat quite irregular. Up to 144 at times. On IV to bring it down, but still irregular. Need to convert it, make it regular. Barry's intention had been to go to bed and see dr. in a.m. Had he done that, he would be in serious condition today. Thank goodness I made the call to dr. and took him to ER. He was admitted to hospital and is on different meds to make it regular and to monitor.
Will keep you posted. I didn't get home until 3:30 a.m. Have only slept about 5 hrs. A long day.
They say lemons make lemonade, well I don't want to make or drink any more lemonade!
Please also now pray for Barry and his quick recovery. Could be in hospital a day or so, depends on getting heart beat regular.
And also thank goodness for my family still here.
10 a.m. Have called hospital and Barry. His heart beat has not converted. Has seen his dr. already today. Cardiologist also met with him. May need to be shocked by cardio conversion procedure since not regular. Remaining on blood thinner to prevent stroke. Has already had gall bladder sonogram, a problem that he has been postponing on checking out.
Tim, Maureen and I went to see Barry for a couple of hrs. around lunchtime. Was getting ready abdominal CT scan. While there, Dr. Toth stopped by for exam. He had a scheduled appt. for this coming Tuesday, so therefore will not need to see her then. Says thyroid condition is OK for now, continue same meds and see her in 4 months. No need to biopsy. Tim was happy since he was able to eat cafeteria food. The good news was that while she was examining him, the heartbeat became regular! Just needs to stay that way.
Upon going home, we ate lunch and I immediately went to nap. Mentally exhausted at this point. But am glad his heartbeat became steady. Just called him at about 4 p.m. and it's still steady. He continues to have blood drawn and tests taken. I'll go back this evening to see him.
5:30 p.m. Barry calls to tell me he has bad news. Different tests that were taken show nodules on his lung and liver. I was driven to the hospital immediately by Maureen, along with Tim to see him. Needless to say, this was unsettling news to hear after all I/we've been through.
Nodules or what is seen in tests could be scar tissue/fatty tissue/benign tumor or the last alternative. Earlier in the day I had thought irregular heartbeat was bad, how things can change in a couple of hours.
Not going to write down all details as very personal for Barry. Just please continue to pray for us.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
A good news day
Geez, it's 10:15 p.m. and I'm just logging my thoughts. Guess that's a good thing!
After work today, which was the usual, we went out to dinner to Tanner's. That was an event since the waitress, who we thought was new, was actually having some kind of a bad day and was terrible. Normally I would not say anything but she was so bad in serving us I had to mention it to the owner. The owner was walking around asking how everything was and this was our opportunity to speak up. End result of the evening, she got zero tip with the owner agreeing that was an OK thing to do. She also got taken off of waiting on tables. That was our dinner outing.
Tim went to Riverside for an invitational track meet after he was at Youngstown University for an English Festival. He didn't get home until 9:15 p.m. A long day for him. He got his personal best in long jump 13 ft. 11 inches and did great in the 1 mile run. 2 seconds behind Josh H. I believe. Quite proud of him.
Also was reading the local newspaper this evening. Found 3 interesting articles: On the front page was a picture of me and my survivor friends at last Saturday's Relay for Life walk. You can see my legs and hat, and I know it's me! The second article was of our 2 neighbors who made their college honor roll. That was great. The last article showed Honor Society students for our school. And do you know what I read? Tim made HIGH HONORS for his grade! He had not even mentioned that to me. Never knew that they had this in the middle school. Very proud of him.
Well, tomorrow I am taking a vacation day. Wonder why I need one! Perhaps due to such a busy last month. Will be good being able to spend the time with the family. Even Tim is off tomorrow.
Night.
After work today, which was the usual, we went out to dinner to Tanner's. That was an event since the waitress, who we thought was new, was actually having some kind of a bad day and was terrible. Normally I would not say anything but she was so bad in serving us I had to mention it to the owner. The owner was walking around asking how everything was and this was our opportunity to speak up. End result of the evening, she got zero tip with the owner agreeing that was an OK thing to do. She also got taken off of waiting on tables. That was our dinner outing.
Tim went to Riverside for an invitational track meet after he was at Youngstown University for an English Festival. He didn't get home until 9:15 p.m. A long day for him. He got his personal best in long jump 13 ft. 11 inches and did great in the 1 mile run. 2 seconds behind Josh H. I believe. Quite proud of him.
Also was reading the local newspaper this evening. Found 3 interesting articles: On the front page was a picture of me and my survivor friends at last Saturday's Relay for Life walk. You can see my legs and hat, and I know it's me! The second article was of our 2 neighbors who made their college honor roll. That was great. The last article showed Honor Society students for our school. And do you know what I read? Tim made HIGH HONORS for his grade! He had not even mentioned that to me. Never knew that they had this in the middle school. Very proud of him.
Well, tomorrow I am taking a vacation day. Wonder why I need one! Perhaps due to such a busy last month. Will be good being able to spend the time with the family. Even Tim is off tomorrow.
Night.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
2 down and 2 to go!
I am off this Friday as a vacation day. A much needed vacation day. This way I will have a day to spend with the family. Can't wait. Tim is also off from school.
It was a tiring day at work today. Mostly mentally. My brain got exhausted today with just fixing other people's mistakes. Had been on a good roll until today. But that can be expected and I can't worry about it. Dr. Garrow's office called to tell me that since talking with the dr. that the May 5th appt. is fine, no need for an earlier appt. unless I wanted to see him. I said that was fine.
After work I took Mom to my nail appt. to see Retta. Dad, Tim and Maureen ate at Pizza Joe's. Eileen had stayed home. Now Maureen and Eileen have gone to WalMart for their daily run. I was too pooped to go. I went in hot tub instead.
Not much writing today. Too pooped. Really looking forward to having Friday off. Don't even care if the weather is bad.
It was a tiring day at work today. Mostly mentally. My brain got exhausted today with just fixing other people's mistakes. Had been on a good roll until today. But that can be expected and I can't worry about it. Dr. Garrow's office called to tell me that since talking with the dr. that the May 5th appt. is fine, no need for an earlier appt. unless I wanted to see him. I said that was fine.
After work I took Mom to my nail appt. to see Retta. Dad, Tim and Maureen ate at Pizza Joe's. Eileen had stayed home. Now Maureen and Eileen have gone to WalMart for their daily run. I was too pooped to go. I went in hot tub instead.
Not much writing today. Too pooped. Really looking forward to having Friday off. Don't even care if the weather is bad.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Another nice day. What could be better?
This morning I have a recheck appt. with Dr. Henwood, my surgeon. I think he will be pleased with the progress that I have made.
Today is Tim's casual picture day at school. They were told to wear light colored shirts. I have such a wonderful son. Do you know that of all his clothes in his closet he has chosen the Relay for Life t-shirt to wear. I am so proud of him. He's also a true survivor.
I went to see Dr. Henwood and am healing right on schedule. My next appt. is in one month, a couple of weeks after I see oncologist. Compared to last week, feel like a thousand bucks. Sorry, not the usual million bucks. Treated Aleesa and the office to some more candy. Can you believe that she still had twizzlers from a few weeks ago! They don't eat as much candy as I do!
Another day of meeting and talking with people who are rooting for me. My family talked to Diane G. today about my upcoming treatment and another neighbor Terry called me tonight.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, something positive can come from a negative situation.
It's all in God's hands. Now I seem to talk to just about anyone I meet. And why not. Perhaps everyone should do that.
This week I come home from work and find a meal on the table and my house cleaned by my sisters. Geez, I don't think I want them to leave. Never saw my bathroom floors shine so much.
Thanks! to all.
As for American Idol: Go Bo.....
Today is Tim's casual picture day at school. They were told to wear light colored shirts. I have such a wonderful son. Do you know that of all his clothes in his closet he has chosen the Relay for Life t-shirt to wear. I am so proud of him. He's also a true survivor.
I went to see Dr. Henwood and am healing right on schedule. My next appt. is in one month, a couple of weeks after I see oncologist. Compared to last week, feel like a thousand bucks. Sorry, not the usual million bucks. Treated Aleesa and the office to some more candy. Can you believe that she still had twizzlers from a few weeks ago! They don't eat as much candy as I do!
Another day of meeting and talking with people who are rooting for me. My family talked to Diane G. today about my upcoming treatment and another neighbor Terry called me tonight.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, something positive can come from a negative situation.
It's all in God's hands. Now I seem to talk to just about anyone I meet. And why not. Perhaps everyone should do that.
This week I come home from work and find a meal on the table and my house cleaned by my sisters. Geez, I don't think I want them to leave. Never saw my bathroom floors shine so much.
Thanks! to all.
As for American Idol: Go Bo.....
Monday, April 18, 2005
What a difference a week makes.
In comparing today with last week, am so happy to report that I've made such improvement. I can just about raise my right arm straight up over my head. So much better. And just the pain has decreased, thank goodness.
It was another busy Monday at work. Someone called out sick and therefore it was a bit busy. But glad to say that I made it through it.
I came home to a nice home cooked pot roast, potato and carrots. That was a real treat. Can't get that service everywhere.
Dad took Tim for another round of golf at the driving range after dinner. Tim hasn't done that since last year. So he's quite happy about that. Afterwards they went to Dutch Isle for ice cream and saw Marshall. Got some extra in their cone!
Again, thanks to the people who are posting to my blog. I read each and everyone of them, it makes my day.
It was another busy Monday at work. Someone called out sick and therefore it was a bit busy. But glad to say that I made it through it.
I came home to a nice home cooked pot roast, potato and carrots. That was a real treat. Can't get that service everywhere.
Dad took Tim for another round of golf at the driving range after dinner. Tim hasn't done that since last year. So he's quite happy about that. Afterwards they went to Dutch Isle for ice cream and saw Marshall. Got some extra in their cone!
Again, thanks to the people who are posting to my blog. I read each and everyone of them, it makes my day.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Sunday. A day of rest.
I've been enjoying the family so much that I find myself not being on the computer to post to my blog. It's so amazing how the people who have entered my life recently stick out in my memory.
I keep thinking this over and over again. These people are true blessings. In looking over pictures I took yesterday, my only regret is that I don't have a close up picture of Sara. The one I am posting it the best I have.
Today we had chicken on the grill (and no, it wasn't burnt!). Mom is doing so great here. She's enjoying the sites and sounds of God's country which include listening to buggies and seeing the horses up the street from house. I am so glad that Dad took a chance in traveling with her to here, as I truly needed the personal hugs of comfort. In the morning we went to Wal Mart for a couple of items. I can't explain how good it is to have my family here.
For the first time in weeks, I took over 2 hrs. of a nap today. I slept so good. Upon going downstairs, I was presented with a couple of presents that Eileen had bought me at the local gift shop. She bought me a beautiful candle with a shade with etched out cross designs on it. Seeing it made me cry. Everyone is so thoughtful and I get teary eye at the drop of a hat. Good tears.
I keep thinking this over and over again. These people are true blessings. In looking over pictures I took yesterday, my only regret is that I don't have a close up picture of Sara. The one I am posting it the best I have.
Today we had chicken on the grill (and no, it wasn't burnt!). Mom is doing so great here. She's enjoying the sites and sounds of God's country which include listening to buggies and seeing the horses up the street from house. I am so glad that Dad took a chance in traveling with her to here, as I truly needed the personal hugs of comfort. In the morning we went to Wal Mart for a couple of items. I can't explain how good it is to have my family here.
For the first time in weeks, I took over 2 hrs. of a nap today. I slept so good. Upon going downstairs, I was presented with a couple of presents that Eileen had bought me at the local gift shop. She bought me a beautiful candle with a shade with etched out cross designs on it. Seeing it made me cry. Everyone is so thoughtful and I get teary eye at the drop of a hat. Good tears.
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Inspirational People at Relay for Life
This is just a brief posting for the Relay for Life that we attended at Westminster College. Will alter it later when time permits.
This was such a moving experience for me, one that will remain in my heart forever. It's funny to say this, but this illness called cancer is a blessing in disguise from God. Had I not been given this illness, I would never have met such wonderful and inspiring people yesterday and in the past month. Today I was able to spend time with 3 wonderful ladies: Joanne S., Jody K., and Sara who are all breast cancer survivors. As we began the survivors walk, we had to announce our name/type of cancer and how long we had been a survivor. Needless to say, I was the shortest time period of being a survivor. The one that has stuck out in my mind is Sara who is a 20 year old college student at Westminster who is a 3 year survivor of leukemia. She came down with the disease right after her sweet 16th birthday and was undiagnosed for a whole year. Thought it was meningitis. What an inspiring beautiful girl. Actually went to her prom bald with stickers on her head. Such a positive uplifting person. It was on the survivors walk that I came to meet Jody and Sara. After the walk I also was approached by Jody K. (a mother of one of Tim's classmates) as she had heard my name. She had breast cancer 5 years ago and has been through a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Not easy stuff but a very strong woman. Joanne S. (another mother of one of Tim's classmates) is also a breast cancer survivor who met and gave me a hug at the end of the walk. She arrived a bit late due to family obligations. She walked with me the last part of the walk. In talking to these women on and off the track, I learned that wearing of wigs is often uncomfortable and most just went bald or wore scarves. I also learned that there is such strength and power in talking to people through these rough times.
It was such a beautiful day for this rally at Westminster College. I was able to get email addresses and names for my new friends and we will be able to keep in touch with each other. As you can see, cancer is not kind to any age but it sure does make you a stronger person.
The darkness of the evening made it possible to view our lumanaria lights with people's names who have had cancer and are alive, and for ones who are no longer alive. I was able to see lights with my name, Sara's name and Linda G's names. What a great site. The evening ended with fireworks at 10 p.m. It was a long day but a very rewarding day. I took so many pictures but will only post a couple on the blog.
This was such a moving experience for me, one that will remain in my heart forever. It's funny to say this, but this illness called cancer is a blessing in disguise from God. Had I not been given this illness, I would never have met such wonderful and inspiring people yesterday and in the past month. Today I was able to spend time with 3 wonderful ladies: Joanne S., Jody K., and Sara who are all breast cancer survivors. As we began the survivors walk, we had to announce our name/type of cancer and how long we had been a survivor. Needless to say, I was the shortest time period of being a survivor. The one that has stuck out in my mind is Sara who is a 20 year old college student at Westminster who is a 3 year survivor of leukemia. She came down with the disease right after her sweet 16th birthday and was undiagnosed for a whole year. Thought it was meningitis. What an inspiring beautiful girl. Actually went to her prom bald with stickers on her head. Such a positive uplifting person. It was on the survivors walk that I came to meet Jody and Sara. After the walk I also was approached by Jody K. (a mother of one of Tim's classmates) as she had heard my name. She had breast cancer 5 years ago and has been through a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Not easy stuff but a very strong woman. Joanne S. (another mother of one of Tim's classmates) is also a breast cancer survivor who met and gave me a hug at the end of the walk. She arrived a bit late due to family obligations. She walked with me the last part of the walk. In talking to these women on and off the track, I learned that wearing of wigs is often uncomfortable and most just went bald or wore scarves. I also learned that there is such strength and power in talking to people through these rough times.
It was such a beautiful day for this rally at Westminster College. I was able to get email addresses and names for my new friends and we will be able to keep in touch with each other. As you can see, cancer is not kind to any age but it sure does make you a stronger person.
The darkness of the evening made it possible to view our lumanaria lights with people's names who have had cancer and are alive, and for ones who are no longer alive. I was able to see lights with my name, Sara's name and Linda G's names. What a great site. The evening ended with fireworks at 10 p.m. It was a long day but a very rewarding day. I took so many pictures but will only post a couple on the blog.
Friday, April 15, 2005
What could be better!
Forget about everything that happened at work today and just know this:
my family arrived safe and sound by 4 p.m.!! And as you can see from the posted picture, Barry fed us a huge tray of lasagna. Enough to feed the whole town.
It was so great to actually hug my family in person. You don't know how good it felt. Am so excited to have them with us.
Tim went to soccer birthday party at the Y Zone for Vaughan. Eileen rode on scooter with Barry. And Maureen, Mom and I got to look through all the goodies that Linda G. and Yvonne got from a seminar on cancer, plus tons of information that Linda sent from herself. Am looking forward to listening to the mood music. Thanks!
Well, that's it for today. More to follow tomorrow. Just enjoying the family so not much writing today.
my family arrived safe and sound by 4 p.m.!! And as you can see from the posted picture, Barry fed us a huge tray of lasagna. Enough to feed the whole town.
It was so great to actually hug my family in person. You don't know how good it felt. Am so excited to have them with us.
Tim went to soccer birthday party at the Y Zone for Vaughan. Eileen rode on scooter with Barry. And Maureen, Mom and I got to look through all the goodies that Linda G. and Yvonne got from a seminar on cancer, plus tons of information that Linda sent from herself. Am looking forward to listening to the mood music. Thanks!
Well, that's it for today. More to follow tomorrow. Just enjoying the family so not much writing today.
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