Warrior Mode Activated

“We can only climb the mountains because there’s a valley that makes the mountain a mountain.”  ~ Craig Lounsbrough My last treatment was a bit more difficult and I've felt a bit off this week. It'll get better as the next week progresses, until the next treatment. The side effects from the Taxol are cumulative so it gets a little worse each time. My biggest complaint is the pain it causes, first in my muscles and then in my bones. It's not a blinding pain by any means, it's the kind that wears on you after several days of it. Yesterday I kept crying, feeling sorry for myself. Today, I feel a little better. Those moods come and go and I know it's normal.  Anyway, I'm making plans for when my treatments are over. It's not long now! I've ordered shirts and a bright pink wig for a family portrait. It will be a joyous day and I cannot wait to celebrate!!  A dear friend has just gifted me with monogrammed, soft, flannel shirts for when I am recoveri...

"What gives me the most hope every day is God's grace; knowing that His grace is going to give me the strength for whatever I face, knowing that nothing is a surprise to God." ~ Rick Warren Tomorrow I have treatment #6 of 8. So close to being done with chemo. These last 3 treatments will be easier for me. Even though on days 3 & 4, I will feel a bit like something sucked all the energy out of me, I will not be nauseous and for that, I am TRULY joyful!! In 5 more weeks, I will celebrate Thanksgiving with more gratitude than I ever have before! I know the surgery won't be a piece of cake. I know there are going to be days that I will be in immense pain as I heal. I know there will be days that I will cry for what I have lost. I know there will be days I will despise the scars left behind. But I also know that no matter how I feel, I will never be alone. My Savior carries me through the dark days and rejoices with me on the sunny days. He is always with me and th...

"God will give us the strength and resources we need to live through any situation in life that He ordains." ~ Billy Graham It is a glorious day, simply beautiful bright blue skies, cooler temps, refreshing breeze. I am so glad Fall is finally here! I love this time of year! I only wish I felt better so I could go out for a walk. Unfortunately, I've come down with a UTI. It has been more painful than any I've had in the past and has knocked me off my feet. I am feeling a little better today thankfully, so the antibiotics are kicking in it seems. I'm feeling much more positive about the next three treatments. I am just so thankful that this new drug doesn't make me nauseous. It seems to be much more manageable and I feel much stronger. With these treatments, there is a chance of neuropathy in my hands and feet. I am keeping my hands and feet wrapped in ice packs during treatments to minimize the drug getting to those areas. I've only felt a twinge of i...

"Remember always that there are two things which are utterly incompatible even than oil and water, and these two are trust and worry." ~ Hannah Whitall Smith I asked God today to remind me that with Him on my side, there's no need to worry, about anything. We started a new study in Sunday School and I was so glad I was able to be there. It's called Goliath Must Fall by Lou Giglio. It is very apropos to my current situation and also for our town as we recover from Hurricane Florence. My Goliath, of course, is breast cancer.  A giant I never considered I'd ever be facing, at yet here I am. In our new study, Lou explains a different perspective to what we are normally taught about this famous Bible story. All my life, and I'm sure yours as well, I've been taught that David represented me, going up against a Giant in my life, trusting God to give me the strength I needed to defeat it, and I still think you can look at it that way and be correct. But, cons...

"Faith does not concern itself with the entire journey. One step is enough." Lettie Cowman I've two days before my next treatment where I'll start a new drug. I'm a bit anxious but I've read a lot about it and I think I know what to expect. Some people have an allergic reaction to this particular treatment. I do appreciate your prayers on Monday. Four more treatments. Eight more weeks. It cannot be over soon enough. I pray that I stay well and don't have any setbacks. My surgery has been scheduled for Dec. 14th. I'm to arrive at 10:00am for a procedure that will locate the sentinel lymph node, as it is to be removed during the surgery. The mastectomy is scheduled to begin at 1:00pm and the reconstruction at 3:00pm. It will be a long day in surgery. I believe I will have to stay in the hospital for a couple of days.  It couldn't have been planned any better really. The Living Christmas Tree at church begins on the 15th, and there is no rehearsa...

I had no idea today was Wednesday. No idea what happened to Tuesday. I think I slept it away. I feel much better today finally. Tomorrow I'm going back over to the wig place to have a look and see if they have anything that resembles the cheap one I just bought online. It's ok, but you can tell it's a wig when you see where it parts. I'm hoping to find a lace front wig with a realistic part. We'll see. I just realized it is important for me to look like the old me. If I can give anyone advice if you have to have a wig, don't go too far from what you're used to. It really does make a big difference. I finally got out by myself today and got my flu shot. My doctor recommended I get it sooner than later. If you haven't gotten yours, please do. If only to protect the ones of us who could be in real danger if you don't. I also stopped at Walmart and got a few more things for the fish tank. I am really enjoying it! It's very soothing. I've bee...