It's Cancer - A better day

I got numerous encouraging comments from friends after yesterday's blog. The comments all made me smile and feel happy. I actually put on clothes today, which doesn't happen every day, except for the dreaded bra.

I feel the mouth sores coming back. Will they always appear after I have chemo? Fortunately, I have my "swish and swallow" mouth medication. And, fortunately, (sweet) Big Daddy Nick drove to get me mac and cheese for lunch. I needed something soft to chew and swallow.

Today I'm celebrating my new green cap that came in the mail. I'm sure I look absolutely ridiculous wearing a green cap with a big flower on it, a dark pink breast cancer t-shirt (from my sister-in-law), black stretchy pants, and non-matching socks, but who cares. I'm comfortable.

It's Cancer - Rough afternoon

I have so many people telling me to stay positive that I feel guilty when I can't write about a good day. Today I spent too much time curled in a ball in bed or in the bathroom. And then there is my coughing that hurts my throat and chest. Here's a positive thought: Tomorrow is new day.

Finally, TLP is coming home tonight. He went with his parents last Tuesday to celebrate Thanksgiving in the Texas Valley with the Zamora clan. Since they came back from the Valley they've been house sitting for Dr. Mc's dad and stepmom. I've stayed away from them so as not to pass on my cold.

Today I'm celebrating Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The animated version that Burl Ives narrated is so fun to watch.

It's Cancer - And a nasty cold

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I woke up last Thursday morning coughing and sneezing, but I'm feeling better today. Thank goodness I had nurse Byron with me. He kept me well stocked in La Croix, crackers and Puffs.

I'm wanting to build my strength back, beginning with short walks. I'm out of breath after going to the kitchen and bathroom, and then getting back in bed. I think I'll start by walking the block around my house.

Today I'm celebrating The Englets, our next door neighbors, who shared their delicious Thanksgiving turkey and fixin's with us, as well as The Steitzs who gave us yummy Thanksgiving leftovers. Nurse Byron had plenty of Thanksgiving fixes.

It's Cancer - Seven hours at MDA

Thanks to Victoria for taking me to MDA this morning. I thought it would be a quick day, but I was wrong. All the waiting rooms were packed and the wait times were long. Amazingly my blood pressure stayed good, even with the frustrations of hurry up and wait. Mr B was with me for most of my chemo and I got home in time to crawl into bed and take the medications that will relax me and keep me sleeping and comfortable throughout the night, or until eight hours expires and it's time to re-dose. I'm also very happy that I got medication for my mouth sores. The warm salt-water gargles just weren't doing the job.

I spent probably an hour talking to a woman who I think is my age. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, and spent two years in treatment at MDA. She celebrated being cancer free until 2014, when more tumors were found. She is again at the end of her treatments, but will remain on medication and have checkups every three months. She was up beat, positive, courageous, brave, beautiful and an inspiration. I felt sorry for her because her friend who drove her to MDA from Bryan, TX never got off her cellphone except to complain about how long they were waiting.

Today I'm celebrating everyone who has called, texted, emailed, come by the house, driven me somewhere, taken me to lunch, sent me flowers or cards or something comfy, etc. You all brighten my days and I'm so thankful. I'll probably not post for the next several days as my body recovers from the latest chemo treatment and screams "WHY?" I find I do best just sleeping as much a possible for the first few days.

It's Cancer - Vein for blood work

I don't think I've ever seen MDA so empty as it was this morning. I barely filled out the mandatory form before my name was called. After a couple of minutes, the nurse was able to find a vein for my blood work, and I was back in the car on my way home.

This afternoon I finished everything I wanted to do before chemo tomorrow. This mainly involved going to the grocery store (again) to ensure the few items Mr. B cooks are in the pantry and fridge. I have to keep the man fueled so he can take care of me.

Today I'm celebrating a quiet house. Dr. Mc, Big Daddy Nick and TLP are off to "the valley" for Thanksgiving. Through Sunday, Mr. B and I (plus Rose) will be the only ones in the house.

It's Cancer - I'm back after a couple of days off

There wasn't much happening the last few days so I didn't blog. Instead I chatted with Caren at the house on Friday morning before having lunch with Sandy. Saturday I stayed in the house and watched cooking and baking shows. And Sunday I ventured out, on my own, to the grocery store.

On the health front, my throat is much better although I still have sores on my tongue. I can swallow, but haven't been able to eat much because it is painful. Several friends who read my blogs keep reminding me to stay hydrated. I learned the importance of hydration when Daddy was ill and would continually have UTIs.

Today I'm celebrating Sweetness and Raff who are coming for dinner and a visit tonight.

It's Cancer - A call to MDA

I'm still having trouble swallowing so I called my doctor's office today. Come to find out, the same type of sores that are on my arms are in my throat. Makes sense since the sores have been spreading to other parts of my body from my arms.

There are already so many strong drugs in my body from the chemo that the doctor doesn't want to add more. I was told to gargle with warm salt water for my throat. The itching is partly related to dry skin. I'm already doing what I can for that, which is applying lotion to me skin.

Today I'm celebrating locally grown. Neighbors Diane and Mike harvested oranges from their yard and put a bag on our porch. I had one with my lunch today. It was little, very juicy and tasty. Thanks to the Easleys!