Twinkle Lights

Christmas Has Come and Gone...so has treatment FOUR!

I am so grateful that we had Merry Family Christmas on Sunday, December 21, 2014. All were present except Brent Sesser - in Florida, Daley Sesser - in Louisiana,  and Toby Bowen's family - he was running fever and thought of me.

I felt awesome! Especially since Kacy came in the night before and took over cooking my part of the dinner meal. Charles led her down the path of chicken and dressing, she made my broccoli and rice casserole and other dishes. Brian fried the turkey breasts. Other children brought food...and we ate and ate and ate. It was a beautiful sunny day that allowed the kids to play outside. Archer ran and ran and the boys, Rain and Mason played soldier with nerf guns. It was a great day.

Then Monday rolled around. Mary Ann Smith, my sister-law was my partner for the day. We were there from 8:45 am - 5:30 pm. I left with my fanny pack. On Tuesday, Brandon came and kept me company. We enjoyed visiting with Mr. Wade from West Point, who also was diagnosed with Colon cancer - stage 1. On Wednesday I went to have my fanny pack removed and met Linda. She also is a colon cancer soldier. Mr. Wade was  there to have his pack removed so we spent a few minutes on Christmas Eve comparing effects of our treatments. We were very close to having the same outcomes. Although...I have not had metal taste in my mouth as they reported. I am grateful.

On Christmas Eve Eve - Charles and I had a special treat. The Traveling Carolers came with goodies, songs, and hugs. It was such a meaningful time.

When I returned home from the Cancer Center on Christmas Eve, I realized I was going to have a fight on my hands. I felt bad. I had not had such a reaction with the previous treatments, Maybe a day or night...but this one lasted all night Christmas Eve, all day Christmas Day as well as the day after. I spent most of my time in the bed or on the couch gazing at the twinkle lights on the Christmas Tree.

In my hours of weakness and self talk to be courageous and think positive - God knew I needed support. A little bird must have sent out a message, because I started receiving texts, family pictures for distraction, and baby birthday pictures, and words of encouragement!!! Thank you all!

Today is December 27, 2014. I am on my way up. I am still enjoying the twinkle lights on the tree. Sitting here, each light represents a special word, a  hug, a meal, a text to check in on me.

The Light Of The World.
During Christmas we hear story after story of how normal people are the light in someones life. It doesn't take long to listen to the news to recognize the darkness of bad news. Jesus was born as a light. We now can continue to carry that light in us. One twinkle light dispels darkness.
I guess that is why I would lie on the couch in front of those lights. I will have to admit, I found myself being tempted to look at the darkness instead of the the light. But because of others who decided to be a twinkle light in my darkness, I find myself feeling on the other side!

The New Year is quickly heading our way. My next treatment will be January 7th. Yesterday in my darkness I wondered if I could do it again. Today...because of YOU and the light you shared with me - I say YES! I can do all things through Christs' strength,

Something came across facebook this morning that I would like to share as a beacon of light if you need one:

I AM HE
I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and
I will carry you;
I will sustain you and
I will rescue You.

Isaiah 46:4

Hairy Times

    MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! He came for such a time as this!

I am grateful to say I am in the finished with my third treatment after having to postpone a treatment last week. My counts did come up, but due to the fact that I will probably bottom out again this week a decision has been made for me to take "the shot" (nupregin is the name...maybe?)

It did not set well thinking about another drug being put in this already drug laden body. I prayed for direction on what to do. He answered. I was in Wal-mart and ran into Karen Cole. Haven't seen her in years except on facebook. (The reason I like facebook!) She asked about me and I proceeded to share the quandary  I felt I was in. She looked at me and said, "I had 12 treatments and 8 shots." (No, I did not know she had been through chemotherapy 4 years ago.)
There was my answer! She even gave me a great tip. The shot has an adverse reaction of bone pain. After her first shot with the pain, someone told her to start taking Claritin everyday. I bought it that day and have been taking it. Jesus used her to prepare me for the ultimate decision of the shot. I received the shot on Friday and can say so far...Claritin is doing the trick!

HE came for such a time as this!

Seeing Karen and hearing of her battle, it makes me realize we just DON'T know what others are facing. We pass by people everyday who are alone, homeless, sick, hurting, afraid. I pray I will be more aware and reach out. How about you?

Tuesday night I was washing my hair to prepare for the next three days with the fanny pack...and spit baths! As I began to rub the shampoo in my hair, I felt something funny in my hands, on my shoulders, over my face. I realized it was my hair coming out. My oncologist had told me I probably wouldn't even loose my hair. I probably am.

I called for Charles. When he came in and found me in tears holding a wad of hair in my had, he broke down also. It's these signs that bring reality to me, that I am fighting a battle! After several minutes of tears and not wanting to face reality we hugged and prayed the scripture that has been our foundation. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
—Isaiah 41:10

He came for such a time as this!

It didn't take me long to realize...it will grow back. And...if you have know me long, you know my hair is not that appealing. HA! As my boss said, Hair is overrated!

Due to my missing a week of treatment, my new schedule put me together with a different set of people receiving treatment. It was enjoyable to talk with each of them. I took boxes of peppermint candy canes and had a blast giving them out and wishing each a Merry Christmas. There were two men, an African American on his 6th treatment for colon cancer and a white gentleman in treatment for  3 years. As they finished their drip I noticed they were going to do something they have been doing...they started to embrace to pray but decided to include me, my sister-in-laws, and the other young woman sitting near me and her mother. It was so moving.

He came for such a time as this!

If you live near a cancer center, I encourage you to just ride by and share the joy of the season.



Luke 2
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ONE AND ALL!!!

Thankfulness in all Things

December 5, 2014 - As I write the date, it brings a thankfulness thought...the date my mom and dad got married as very young people. I am grateful they married, had 4 children, and now are in heaven.

Thanksgiving has come and gone, but just as many posted on Facebook...we should be thankful everyday, not just on Thanksgiving! So that is my theme for this post! I AM THANKFUL!

Because I had treatment the week before Thanksgiving, I felt so good during those holidays off of work. I can even say I forgot that I am in chemo! We had a houseful of children and grandchildren (even tho a few were missing!) Everyone brought a dish or two and we added it to fried turkey (my first time) and ham. Of course, we had more food than we had room in our stomachs! Desserts were plenty!!!

On Friday after Christmas a trip to Birmingham was on my agenda...even though they had only arrived in B'ham at midnight on Thanksgiving. Hunter's family and Kacy's family converged to help unload U-Haul and eat Thanksgiving together. Archer was confused but excited with all of the family kissing, hugging and touching him every time we passed by. It was great to be with them. I spent the night on Friday and drove the short road home on Saturday.

Charles' daughter took him to Oxford for the Egg Bowl on Saturday. He was so glad he went to be able to watch his team earn the trophy.

I AM THANKFUL!

My third treatment quickly came last Wednesday. After my blood was checked, I watched as the nurse headed my way with my chart and a look on her face I never wanted to see. She showed me the results of my platelets and the low counts. I would not be able to have the treatment this week. Of course I was disappointed because as Leanne Long said, "I wanted to be able to check it off my scheduled list!"

I checked with several of my "cancer cohorts" and discovered that they never had to miss a treatment. The enemy really wanted to use that to start stories in my head of all the news could mean. The nurse told me I was on a very intensive treatment. That gave me pause. Now my nice and tight 6 months of treatment could be elongated to how many months???? Low white count could cause me to get a common infection and turn it into trouble. So, I had to turn this thought process around.

I AM THANKFUL!

These results indicate the chemo is working. It is killing bad cells...but those good cells are at risk too. I have friends praying for me and reaching out to me with family stories of healing and remission.

I AM THANKFUL!

Here is some news I have received in the last weeks:
1. Janice got her port out after three years...cancer free!!!
2. Mary Lou - cancer free
3. My cousin Dennis final CAT scan - no cancer!!!!
4. Kyle - cancer free
5. Eddye - good report
6. Shelly's brother just got port out - cancer free

I researched and found one site that says nothing can really help blood count, but I also found some sites that suggested zinc, green tea, rest and leafy green vegetable and fruits. I will try these suggestions. I don't guess it can hurt!

It is true!!! No matter what your circumstances are...if you start a list of what you are thankful for - it changes your outlook.

It changed mine...I am thankful!

"Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with songs." Psalm 92:2