After my treatment last Monday, Feb 21st, I have been slow going. The nausea is a problem, primarily because I don't like taking the anti-nausea medicine because it makes me dizzy and sleepy...... not my style to sleep the day away. I called the doctor, waiting for a reply, about getting another medicine that takes care of the nausea without the side effects.
I watched the Oscar's last night, and enjoyed all the beautiful dresses and glamour. The students from New York P.A. 22 were on Oprah today singing the song with Katie Perry. It just re enforces the importance of music in the schools. These 5th graders has smiles on their faces a mile long. Their teacher sure has given them a gift of music, poise, travel, and an unbelievable gift for a life time. If only all children could have a teacher like this to inspire and ignite the fire in students like this music teacher.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Kay, Jennifer, Tootsie, Roxy!!
Joe now lives with 4 Martha personalities: Kay, Jennifer, Tootsie, and Roxy!
I have 4 wigs! One Kay Smith Loaned me, that's Kay.... and I purchased 3. On Friday, we met our good friends, the Jambors in Brighton, and wouldn't you know there was a fantastic wig shop there, Radiance Salon. They have a store in Brighton and Birmingham. It is a family business that has been making wigs for years. I bought 2 wigs that are brunette, but different styles.The first wig I bought at St. Joseph's Hospital Salon. It makes getting ready to go out more enjoyable. Just getting used to the bald head is one thing... so putting on a different hair style kicks it up a notch. I went to church today as Tootsie a short hair style. I haven't gotten nerve yet for a different color, I think I am satisfied with the 4 I have, but you just never know.
Tomorrow is treatment #4 and the last of this regiment. Then I start on Herceptin and Taxol. I will probably be slow going for about 5/6 days. I feel dizzy, tipsy, and foggy, then start to come out of it and time for another treatment. Thanks for listening. Love, Martha
I have 4 wigs! One Kay Smith Loaned me, that's Kay.... and I purchased 3. On Friday, we met our good friends, the Jambors in Brighton, and wouldn't you know there was a fantastic wig shop there, Radiance Salon. They have a store in Brighton and Birmingham. It is a family business that has been making wigs for years. I bought 2 wigs that are brunette, but different styles.The first wig I bought at St. Joseph's Hospital Salon. It makes getting ready to go out more enjoyable. Just getting used to the bald head is one thing... so putting on a different hair style kicks it up a notch. I went to church today as Tootsie a short hair style. I haven't gotten nerve yet for a different color, I think I am satisfied with the 4 I have, but you just never know.
Tomorrow is treatment #4 and the last of this regiment. Then I start on Herceptin and Taxol. I will probably be slow going for about 5/6 days. I feel dizzy, tipsy, and foggy, then start to come out of it and time for another treatment. Thanks for listening. Love, Martha
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Flowers, candy, cards, messages,books, music
I sure do feel the love....... not just Valentine love but everyday love from friends, church friends, Joe's High School Friends from De La Salle, my high school, college, choir, art center, work, and neighbors. Food and flowers have just been left at the front door, flower deliveries, candy, soup, casseroles, a cocconut from friends from Ohio vacationing in Florida. Thank you soooooo much. Your care and concern is so much appreciated. We know how fortunate we are to have so many friends and caring family. Thank you, Thank you!! Love, Martha
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Slow going
I had my 3d chemo on Monday, Feb.7th and shot on the 8th. Five days later I am still "sluggish".
I seem to be " foggy" and tired so I am resting a lot. Tonight we will stay with our grand daughters in Saline while Kevin and Holly go to Jeff Walter's 40th birthday party. I am looking forward to playing with Tess and Mia. They are just the sweetest girls, 7 and 5 years old. Refreshing to be around young people's energy, laughter, and smiles. My bags are packed with Valentine projects and maybe some cupcake baking and decorating will happen. Martha
I seem to be " foggy" and tired so I am resting a lot. Tonight we will stay with our grand daughters in Saline while Kevin and Holly go to Jeff Walter's 40th birthday party. I am looking forward to playing with Tess and Mia. They are just the sweetest girls, 7 and 5 years old. Refreshing to be around young people's energy, laughter, and smiles. My bags are packed with Valentine projects and maybe some cupcake baking and decorating will happen. Martha
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Neullasta
The day after chemotheray, I receive a Neulasta shot at the hospital. Neulast ia a drug manufactured by Amgen. It is a white cell booster, a drug that helps the body make more of its own natural whte blood cells to help portect against chemotherapy-related infection. A low white blood cell count or an infection can put chemotherapy on hold. So I must stay healthy so that I don't miss a treatment. I am 3/4 of the way thur the Adriamycin and Cytoxin.... one more of the "big hitter" to go. The cost of one Neulasta shot is $4500 and I get 4 shots. So today I get a shot today. I leaves me tired, stiff and flu like for a few days..... but it is keeping me healthy and ready for better health. Thank heaven for good insurance.
God, please guide the intellectuals that are inventing treatments and procedures to keep our children and adults living longer so that they may fulfill their life dreams and good works. Martha
God, please guide the intellectuals that are inventing treatments and procedures to keep our children and adults living longer so that they may fulfill their life dreams and good works. Martha
Monday, February 7, 2011
Becky Eidson Luethy
Today was my third infusion of Adriamycin and Cytoxin ( my friendly drugs that are distroying the unwanted cancer cells). So, I am three-quarters of the way thru this regimen of drugs. The drugs I am on now are the strongest I will get..... altho they are all strong. I have a steroid shot to begin the treatment. Which explains my appetite and energy today.... it will last about one more day, then tired and listless for a couple of days.
While getting my treatment I reread a book written by Becky Eidson Luethy. Becky is the daughter of George and Marge Eidson from Tecumseh. We have known the Eidson's since the early 70's. George and Cal worked together at the Lenawee Intermediate School District. Becky and her brother Andy were enough years older than Kevin and Andy to baby sit with our childern. Becky would come so perpared with books to read, projects to make. We had a big sand box in the back yard that was outlined with railroad ties...... so it was big. Becky brought project ideas to make in the sand like making wax candle shapes. Our boys loved it when the Eidson's came to play with them. Andy Eidson always played catch, or games with a ball.
Becky, now a young mother of two childern, lives in St. Louis, Mo. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. She created a blog, which gave me the impetus too, to journal her jouney. A friend had her blog and comments published. Reading it is very helpful to the patient and their families. Her Lutheren Faith is so strong. She describes her emotions, concerns, anger, frustration, calmness, resolve, but most of all her trust in the Lord. Thank you Becky for sharing your experience, I know your book will be a tremendous guide for others, It has been for me.
This experience has been life changing for me. It has drawn me closer to my faith. I am reading the Bible and other spiritual readings. Often times we go to God in times of trouble or fear, but need to remember to put him foremost everyday.
Revelation 21:4 "He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever, And the one sitting on the throne said, "Look, I am making all things new!"
Love, and peace,
Martha
While getting my treatment I reread a book written by Becky Eidson Luethy. Becky is the daughter of George and Marge Eidson from Tecumseh. We have known the Eidson's since the early 70's. George and Cal worked together at the Lenawee Intermediate School District. Becky and her brother Andy were enough years older than Kevin and Andy to baby sit with our childern. Becky would come so perpared with books to read, projects to make. We had a big sand box in the back yard that was outlined with railroad ties...... so it was big. Becky brought project ideas to make in the sand like making wax candle shapes. Our boys loved it when the Eidson's came to play with them. Andy Eidson always played catch, or games with a ball.
Becky, now a young mother of two childern, lives in St. Louis, Mo. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. She created a blog, which gave me the impetus too, to journal her jouney. A friend had her blog and comments published. Reading it is very helpful to the patient and their families. Her Lutheren Faith is so strong. She describes her emotions, concerns, anger, frustration, calmness, resolve, but most of all her trust in the Lord. Thank you Becky for sharing your experience, I know your book will be a tremendous guide for others, It has been for me.
This experience has been life changing for me. It has drawn me closer to my faith. I am reading the Bible and other spiritual readings. Often times we go to God in times of trouble or fear, but need to remember to put him foremost everyday.
Revelation 21:4 "He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever, And the one sitting on the throne said, "Look, I am making all things new!"
Love, and peace,
Martha
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
A Snow Day
Today is February 2nd and so much of the country is in a snow storm, schools and businesses are closed to keep people safe and off the streets. It is beautiful looking our our windows. Our view of the country club is beautiful every season of the year. I love looking out at the wildlife and God's creation. I have some beautiful music playing, piano right now, very relaxing and peaceful.
I have received so many cards, calls, flowers from friends and family. I am amazed at the out pouring of love and friendship I have received. I am more aware of my need to reach out to others in good times and difficult times. We need to take care of one another, I feel the love and understanding from all you you. Thank you again and again. If I don't get a letter or email off to you right away, know that I am grateful for your thoughts, love and care for us. I am thinking about you too. Love, Martha
I have received so many cards, calls, flowers from friends and family. I am amazed at the out pouring of love and friendship I have received. I am more aware of my need to reach out to others in good times and difficult times. We need to take care of one another, I feel the love and understanding from all you you. Thank you again and again. If I don't get a letter or email off to you right away, know that I am grateful for your thoughts, love and care for us. I am thinking about you too. Love, Martha
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