Chemonized

I'm positive this word doesn't exist...even though I'm sure my uncle Lee could get it to work on Words with Friends.

Right now I'm trying to blog to keep my mind off of the nausea I'm experiencing. Before I write about my chemo experience yesterday I'll share about my extra week off - if I can remember it. I'm sorry if I forgot any import details or times with friends.

I know I ate all the fruits and vegetables that are normally off limits - yum! Deena brought over my favorite berry iced tea that bothers my stomach during chemo.

Friday night when Matt could sense I was feeling well he decided it was a night for playing poker (we hadn't played for months). We had so much fun. A lot of laughs. I wish I would have been filming Matt's face when I started throwing in $100 chips - priceless. Even better when I won the round. They were sure I was bluffing. We only had a sad moment when we realized I couldn't shuffle cards anymore due to the nerve damage in my left hand. It was everything I could do not to cry. I love to shuffle. We were only playing Texas Hold'em so I'm not sure if I'll be able to hold my cards for other games. Not sure if I want to find out yet.

Saturday morning Jim and Matt headed out to the Auto Show in OC. They had a wonderful time. Cars are Matt's true love. While they were gone Katie and I had a great visit with family - my mum, sister, and her fiance (dad was home sick). They picked us up Chick fil for lunch because they've never had it before. I really enjoyed their company. I wish we lived closer.

On Sunday I was able to go to church again. There is nothing like it (Or at least being at Olive Branch or Tasman. I still love any days at Harvest too). Singing together is so wonderful. Jim took the day off because originally I would be having my bad chemo weekend. Instead he got to spend the weekend with me. I loved it. Afterwards we finally used gift cards for lunch to Chili's - had such a good time. My energy level dropped drastically so it was time to go home to rest. Of course we watched football and NASCAR. A perfect day.

On Monday Matt drove me to the cancer center to check my counts. My white count was at 4.4 (good)/ my red was at 11.7 (good -no more injections at the moment), AND my platelets were at 236 (yeah). Counts were good enough for chemo. When I called Jim to tell him I wasn't sure to be happy or sad. Counts are up but that means the dreaded chemo...yuck! Matt kept mind off of it by making me laugh. I was almost sure I fractured my ribs again. He brings me so much joy. I am was so blessed to have him home for a lot. Now that he has two jobs he will be gone more. Happy for him but sad for me

Later that day Corine brought our family dinner for the evening. It was early enough she wanted to know if I wanted to go for a walk. It's been a long time since I took a walk. It felt wonderful. We were able to visit for several hours. Such a treat. Katelynn decided to make Chocolate Chuck Cookies. We had a lot of laughs but they were delicious!! She even cleaned the kitchen without being asked. So proud of her. She brings me to the most wonderful love (during her teenage days - those who have 14+ know what I'm talking about). At this point I'm either loved or hated.

I only had one more day of F.R.E.E.D.O.M before chemo. I wish I had money to go shopping - it always helps my mind to stay off of things, plus I didn't have my shopping buddy Kellie. We are really good together. I haven't seen her in 6 weeks. My heart hurts but I guess my wallet is safer. Ha ha.

My friend Alyssa came to see me for a couple of hours. 2 hours never seems enough. She is a stay at home mom and seems to really enjoy it. Later that evening I felt the heaviness starting in my heart about having to have chemo again. Katelynn was at Bible study so I knew someone would have to bring her home. I asked Jim if I could go visit Karen just for awhile. I'm trying not to miss our visits too much. It' such a crack up with my left arm and her left leg. What a pair we make. It was a short visit before getting Katie, but always a good one. As soon as I got home I promised to call Carol. She has been amazing prayer partner and wanted all the latest details.

It was all perfect.

It was late and I was ready to pack up my chemo bag.

The morning came quick. Di picked me up and we were off to the cancer center. Having the port in is so wonderful. One poke and the IV is in. It took about an hour before they had the pre-anti nausea meds going and the happy juice. My doctor added another one to see if it will help prevent the issues from having trouble swallowing. I try not to sleep but it doesn't work. I was out. I woke up just in time to wake up for lunch. Di takes such good care of me. Shortly after lunch Jim surprised me by stopping by. It was right after they had and started chemo meds I asked my nurse if it was possibly to feel nausea even with all the pre-meds and she said yes. She talked to the doctor and ordered an injection. It took about 15 minutes to kick in (I felt so bad Jim was there) and then I shortly I feel asleep again. My nurse had to wake me up to tell me I was done. I felt so loopy. Because Jim was there he offered to drive me home. I slept all the way home and a few hours more.

The nausea hasn't gotten any better. As I wrote this I'm sipping on Sprite and munching on Saltin crackers. I do what I need to do.

I'm not sure what the days hold ahead. I will let you know again as soon as I can.

Thank you for your love, support, and prayers!