Delayed

I went this morning for my last big treatment, but my white blood count was too low. I have to wait another week for my treatment to build my wbc back up. The doctor says that isn't unusual, but I'm disappointed. I was anxious to get this behind me. It must be another part of God's plan for me. I'll just have a good cry and then move forward with His plan.

Christmas in Missouri

This year, instead of going to Houston for Christmas, we are staying at home. It's really my fault because I'll be right between treatments and it wouldn't give us much time in Houston. We have mixed feelings about not going. We will miss the fun of being with the family, but we get to take advantage of staying here and going to our churches Christmas Eve service. We might even get snow this year!

Half way there!

Only two more treatments to go. This chemo is a little stronger. I have to rest more often, yet I have some good moments. I'm learning that I can't predict how I'll feel. I just do what I can when I can. Billy and the kids are a big help. I have a little lymphedema in my right arm and William's job is to nag me to do my exercises twice a day. Everyone is chipping in with the dishes. We have girls day and boys day and Billy fills in for the missing girl or boy. Basketball is starting up again. Billy is coaching Victoria and Olivia is on JV at her school. I really enjoy watching them. Patton is really involved with school projects and he fits in camping whenever he can. The weather is getting cooler and we are all looking forward to Christmas. Love you all!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks for all your prayers. This last treatment was not as bad as the first. I was tired and slept a bit but I haven't got sick to my stomach, thankfully. There is so much to be thankful for this year. Friends and family who have poured out their love for me and my family. My friend Brenda is sending over all her "extra food" for thanksgiving dinner to us. Her dad loves to cook and he is so thrilled to cook "extra". Billy's mom and brother have come up from Houston, Texas to spend a few days with us. It's always so nice to have them visit. The kids are enjoying their break from school, just relaxing and having friends over. Hope you all have a very happy Thanksgiving.

Update

Tomorrow will be my next treatment. I've been busy cleaning house and catching up on the laundry so I can go to bed for a few days. I'm so thankful for the energy to do it now. I feel a little more prepared. We have a stockpile of frozen dinners that our wonderful friends in Oklahoma City at Draper Lake Baptist Church prepared for us. The ladies at our Emmanuel Baptist here in Webb City are bringing dinners over the weekend. We are really blessed. Everyone has been so encouraging. Thanks for your prayer support. We love you all!

Since Houston

Great news from Houston! My repeat ultrasound found no "suspicious" lymph nodes in my neck. None! We are so thankful to God...
The doctor surprized us by wanting to start my next round of chemo right away, before we left for home. I had the treatment Friday evening and we drove home Saturday. This round of chemo is much harder. It takes the word "fatigue" to a whole new realm. Not only was I tired from the chemo, I got a cold and so did half the family. It has been the longest and hardest week. Thankfully, we are all getting better now. I only have this treatment every three weeks and now I only have three more total treatments to go. I'm counting down again. Thanks for all your prayers.

Just one more

Just one more treatment to go in this first round. Sometimes it's hardest to wait the closer you get to a goal. I feel that way, just a little. I am so thankful that I haven't been sick to my stomach. The fatigue lasts a little longer with each treatment, so I'm pretty tired. Thankfully, all the important lab values have stayed within the normal ranges. Thank you so much for your cards of encouragement, your phone calls, your e-mail messages and your prayers. Every Thursday someone has brought a meal for my family. My good friend Sue from California even came for a visit! I have been so blessed by all of you. I feel like I'm traveling this journey with a crowd of the best friends in all the world. God has been so good to me and He has used each one of you to show me His love! Thank you, thank you!!

Ten down, two to go

After dinner with our friends Kent and Susan, Kent gave us a tour of the corporate plane he flies.

Just two more treatments of my first twelve to go. I'm so glad that I haven't been sick. Just really, really tired. We go back to Houston on October 28-29 for a follow up visit.

A little holiday

Summer slipped by without a summer vacation for the six of us (lots of camps, mission trips and doctor appointments) so we went to Silver Dollar City in Branson and had a great time!

Hat Party!

Tuesday, the ladies at church gave me a hat party. It was so much fun. I got a lot of nice hats and scarves and earrings as well as gift certificates. The sweetest thing, however, was that they all wanted to go through this experience with me. I have really be blessed with a wonderful group of Godly women, who are such good examples. Of course William and Victoria are enjoying all the fun hats and scarves too. Also, my friend Judy shared some Oriental lilies with me. They are so pretty.

Half Way Through Flowers and Card

Thank you everyone for all the prayers and for all your words of encouragment. I have been so blessed by each one of you. This treatment was harder than the others. I felt like I'd been hit by a truck and I just wanted to sleep the weekend away. I'm feeling better now. Billy and the kids surprised me Thursday with flowers and a card. It was so sweet of them, don't you think?

Four down...

Treatments have been going fine. Just a little tired but not too much. My hair was getting thinner and thinner so this morning I shaved it. William and Victoria are enjoying the scarves and the hats. We are all going through this together! We're finding the fun in baldness!

Three Down Nine to Go

Yesterday was my 3rd chemo treatment and so far I've tolerated it pretty well. I'm sure that much of my wellness is due to all your precious prayers for me. Thank you!

the beginning of this journey...

In May I was diagnosed with breast cancer. On June 1st I had a bilateral mastectomy (my choice) but the cancer was in all my lymph nodes. We went to M.D. Anderson in Houston, Texas for a second opinion. I've started treatment here in Joplin under the supervision of M.D. Anderson doctors. The plan is to do twelve weeks of chemo weekly, (Aug. 20th will be my 3rd treatment), then go back to Houston for some tests and see if I'm responding. Then twelve more weeks of chemo, given every three weeks. Then hopefully radiation. Anyway, it will be a journey.

I have had so many cards and phone calls, e-mails and visits. I never knew I knew so many people. I just want to hug you all and say thank you for your love and support and prayers. I hope that this blog will help everyone.

"I don't know God's plan for you...all I know is that it is perfect, even though it may not look like it from our perspective...and that He promises to be with you." Dennie Zantos.