Finally Done!

Next step, radiation in Houston! My white blood count came back up and I was able to take my last chemo treatment. Now my hair can grow back! Boy, have missed it! (eyebrows and eyelashes included) I'll be in Houston for six and half weeks taking the radiation treatments five days a week. I am so fortunate to have my mother-in-law live there, so I will be staying with her. I'm sure going to miss my family, but thanks to computers and telephones, I'll still be in touch every day. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement!

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.