Update 8/6/09

Greetings Everyone !!

God is Awesome !!!! I went to the oncologist yesterday and she said the tumors are stable (some still shrinking). I will have another CT Scan in 3 months then see her to get the results. In the mean time alll I have to do is get monthly Sandostatin shots. The Sandostatin will help the remaining tumors to continue to shrink. I've been feeling really good lately. I've been working out on my ab lounge everyday and riding my bike 4 - 5 times a week. I feel my energy level increasing. Still working 40+ hours a week and loving it. The oncologist also said that if my hot flashes are a result of the cancer the Sandostatin will get rid of them. If not then it's menapause. I'm sure it's the cancer because I don't have the moodiness that supposedly comes with menapause. Unless you call a always being in a good mood moodiness.... say what? Any way......I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm doing GREAT ! Looking forward to going to Cross Country meets this fall.

Take Care & God Bless You All !!!

Brenda

Ladies' Day Out

We enjoyed another Ladies' Day out last month. The weather was unseasonably cool, but absolutely beautiful! We had lunch at Marion's Piazza and went for a nice walk at Wegerzyn Gardens during the park's annual Salsa Celebration. There was great music, food and dancing, and as always beautiful gardens to adore. It was a great day! Thanks ladies!

Brenda Email Update 7/4/09

Hi Everyone ! I finally feel well enough to be on the computer. I was on earlier trying to check my 365+ e-mails, but the computer was going soooooooo slow I started getting sleepy. That is, when I wasn't spinning around on the office chair making my self dizzy while waiting for the computer to decide to do what I was telling it to do. I finally gave up and went and watched a movie. Now I'm baaaaaack ! The chemo embolization went well. The doc decided to keep me over night. Room was ready at 3 pm. I didn't get to it until after 9. Rik was really tired and, to say the least, bored by this time. At least he didn't run both cell phone batteries down like he did in March while waiting. I felt pretty good on Saturday and did 5 loads of laundry. Sunday the tiredness and achiness finally set in. I ran out of my laxitive medicine and Protonix on Monday and wasn't able to get them refilled until Thursday. By last night my stomache was a real mess. Needless to say I was up all night. I feel pretty goood right now. Even thinking of going on a bike ride. I plan on returning to work on Monday. Starting to get bored sitting in my recliner. I think I have watched all of the CSI, CSI:NY, CSI:Miami & NCIS series. Movies are all starting to repeat also. I did do a lot of crocheting though. Just need to sell some of the stuff I've made. Rik had to go buy 2 more storage tubs. I was really starting to feel good before the embolization, and I was feeling a little discouraged this week because of this set back. But I know God is still with me and He will help me make it over this small hurdle also. He is my Savior, Protector, Guide and Father. In Him I place all my trust. Thanks to all for the continued prayers. Love to all, Brenda

So far, so good.

Since the last post, not much has changed really. Though it tires her, Mom continues to work and carry on her day-to-day activities. Aside from a recent onset of hot flashes and night sweats, she feels "pretty good"; as she informs me when I call. The last scheduled plan for her treatment was for her to have a CT scan on July 1st then a follow-up on the 6th to determine the next round of treatment. This past Friday, June 19th, she was told by her doctor that there has been a change in this plan. She is now scheduled to have a repeat Chemoembolization this coming Friday, June 26th. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers, and let's have faith that this time will be as successful as the first one. I will follow-up with an update in the days following the procedure.

Good News!

Good morning all !!!

What a beautiful morning it is !!! God is so Great !!!

I went to the oncologist Monday for the results of the CT scan done last Thursday. The results were good. All the tumors have shrunk, the large tumor shrank 1.5 cm. No more chemo for at least 2 months !!!! Praise the Lord !!!!!! I will have another CT Scan done on July 1 and then see the oncologist again on July 6. My prayer is for the tumors to continue to shrink. I had to quit taking one of my digestive medications (Reglan) due to experiencing tremors in my right hand. Other than the tremors and still being really tired at the end of the day I feel great.

Thanks to everyone for the prayers and support.
GOD IS AWESOME !!!

In His Loving Arms Always & Forever !!!
Brenda

Poem: Dear Mama by Wanda Coleman

Dear Mama

when did we become friends?
it happened so gradual i didn't notice
maybe i had to get my run out first
take a big bite of the honky world and choke on it
maybe that's what has to happen with some uppity youngsters
if it happens at all

and now
the thought stark and irrevocable
of being here without you
shakes me

beyond love, fear, regret or anger
into that realm children go
who want to care for/protect their parents
as if they could
and sometimes the lucky ones do

into the realm of making every moment
important
laughing as though laughter wards off death
each word given
received like spanish eight

treasure to bury within
against that shadow day
when it will be the only coin i possess
with which to buy peace of mind
--Wanda Colemanin "Tangled Vines," Lyn Lifshin, Ed., Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1992

Thursday morning greetings to all !!!!

Well I made it back to work this past Monday. PRAISE THE LORD!!! I was afraid I would be off for about a month or two after the chemo embolization (that was according to reports and other peoples stories). I'm tired but other than that I feel pretty good. I even made it to my son's track meet last Saturday (got sunburn on my face to prove it...nose is flaking now). I go for a CT Scan on May 4th. Will probably see the oncologist or surgeon later that week or the following week for the results. I pray that the results from this procedure will be a lot better than the results I got from the 6 rounds of chemo. My next goal is to start walking (hopefully this evening after supper). I really need to build up my energy levels so I'm not so tired all the time. Walking is something i will have to force myself to do at this time because I'm usually really tired when I get home from work and just want to sit and crochet and watch T.V. Actually I was too tired to even crochet last night but I did some anyway. God is sooooooo Great !! He gives us strength even when we don't think we have anymore. So pray that I will be given the strength to go for walks in the evening.

God is still in control and I believe He can still heal me if He so chooses. If He decides not to heal me I know He will be with me every step of the way, carrying me when necessary. God is Awesome !!!

In God's loving arms Always & Forever !!!!
Brenda