Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Blah.

So far my week has been okay. I felt the worst today. Tired and sore, mainly. From the Neupogen shots, I assume. We're on day 3 of those. Only 5 more to go. At least I'm sleeping at night, which is a plus. I still feel like--and look like I feel like--a walking zombie! My mouth is getting back to normal. That's an annoying side effect. If you've ever had braces, it feels like getting them tightened. And I did so I know. I heard from other Hodgkin's patients that they felt the worst the first 1-5 days after their treatment. I'm a little different. I usually feel okay for a couple of days after mine...not great, but okay. Then the side effects kick in after that and that's when I go downhill. Could possibly be because my treatments are on Friday and I'm able to rest for the weekend.

I've been in meetings all week, so all-in-all it's been pretty laid back. I've seen a lot of old friends the past couple of days, which was really, really nice. A lot of friendly faces and hugs. Those are always welcome. I got a request today to put up a link to my recipes. I'll get that up soon. For you, Kim. :)

That's all for now. Thanks and goodnight.

8 comments:

Our Legacy Portraits said...

Praying for strength to get you through these tough blah days.. I hope you start feeling better soon.

Dana (Williams) Saldivar

Linda. F. said...

((((((((hugs)))))))))) and again a reminder that this is now one more treatment closer to being cured.

Rachel said...

This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
"God's Mobile"

"All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
—John 14:25-27

At about five p.m. every day, my son gets a bit cranky. For a while, I tried everything to help him settle down. I would let him look in the mirror, grab his favorite toy, sing him a song…and while some of these techniques worked for a few minutes, inevitably my son would squirm and fuss and look away. Then one day, I decided to take him outside. I put a blanket under a tree and we sat together. Forty-five minutes later we were still sitting under that tree as my son squealed and kicked his legs in delight each time the wind blew the leaves.

Now on most days around five o’clock, my son and I head outside and we lie on our backs and under the tree. Sure, I could be inside getting dinner going or cleaning up, but there is something incredibly serene and peaceful about watching the breeze tickle the leaves of a tree.

In those moments, I feel I can simply breathe in God’s promise of peace, as my son and I stare at what my husband calls “God’s Mobile.” The tree, the way the branches and leaves move are wonderfully complex and simple all at the same time. Isn’t it that way with the world? There are so many complexities, anxieties and worries, but God gently whispers, You have my peace. Rest in me.

God’s peace is different from what the world says peace is. It is not the absence of conflict, it is the assurance that God is in control. Peace comes from knowing that those who call on His name have eternal hope and life in Him. We do not need to let fear or sin or anxiety or doubt restrain us from living a life with a peaceful heart. With God’s promise, we can be courageous even when inevitable troubles come our way.

Kim, I pray that you can find your "Mobile".

Rachel

Mel said...

I have one thing to say....My sister in law is AWESOME!! I don't know who else could go through this crappy experience and still be positive and funny as hell. YOU ROCK!! I love you!

Rachel said...

I totally agree with Mel!! You are a awesome person and teacher. We're so glad to have you in our life!!

Kim said...

Yeah for recipes!!!! :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Kim,

Your friend from chemo class here. Been wanting to read your blog for awhile but had 2x a day 5 day internal radiation at TX Oncology at Dallas Methodist. It was a breeze and the physist that hooked me up was a gorgeous Greek! Couldn't sleep so decided to come read how the chemo was going. I start 9/3. Feeling really confident right now and I loved what Rachel shared about God's Mobile - I'll make sure to read that every day for the next week since I do get anxious about the "unknown" next step. Thanks for the tip of NOT looking at the needle.

Lisa Wilkinson

Anonymous said...

Kim,
My family, my church and friends are all praying for you. You are never far from my thoughts as you go through this. I know you will stay strong with support of your wonderful family.
Let me know if you need anything.

Bobette