My Thoughts - My Journey

Since January 23rd was my last scheduled chemo treatment.....I have to pause and "Praise God" here.....now, it is time to start moving forward to the next phase in my cancer journey. Today, I had an appointment with my Breast Cancer Surgeon, Dr. Princess Thomas. She is a graduate of several universities, including Yale University, and she is "Hidden Scar Certified." Dr. Thomas is one of three Breast Care Specialist in Birmingham. She is a Christian and I feel so blessed to have her as my surgeon. Dr. Thomas did an exam and said that everything looked great. She even went on to say that she couldn't even see the tumor anymore and that is amazing in itself. Prior to having surgery, she wants to make sure that I am far enough out from chemo treatments that most of the effects will have dissipated.  I have an appointment Friday, February 8th, at the St. Vincent's Hospital Main to have another ECHO. (It was scheduled for the7th, but that is my granddaughter...

Some of you have wanted to know how my first night on oxygen went......did I sleep well? Well, sadly the answer is NO. The oxygen did keep my oxygen levels elevated and that is certainly its purpose; however, I was really hoping, honestly expecting, a good solids night sleep and that I would awake refreshed. Didn't happen! I had dreams that seemed to encapsulate the entire night. Every few hours I woke up with my mouth so bone dry and with some kind of yucky funky stuff in it. I had to get up, clear my mouth, and drink water. I woke-up with a horrific headache....which I rarely and I do mean rarely ever have a headache. I would have to say that overall it met its requirements of keeping my oxygen levels on point, but that was all the positive that was provided. Wearing the breathing apparatus did not bother me at all. Once I was asleep, I was unaware of its presence. That is not true with the smell that comes from the oxygen or the burning. The Pulmonary Group told me Wednesd...

THIS IS FOR MY READERS WHO ARE NOT ON FACEBOOK TO CATCH YOU UP SINCE MY LAST BLOG POST: I stand firm on His promises and I know that this cancer journey will bring me a new testimony to reach people that I never would or could have before. Sometimes we have to walk through fire to be forged more closely into His Image. With faith at our forefront, trials will make us stronger and draw us ever closer to our Father, His Son, and His Holy Spirit. Today, I have a 3:00 appointment with Dr. Jason Fain at the Pulmonary Group at St. Vincent's. I am not sure what to expe ct as my oxygen levels are still artificially elevated from the steroids I was given. Whatever I face, I know that I will get through it. All of your prayers strengthen me and encourage me more than you can imagine. As you lift my name, I can feel God's calming presence wash over me. Please lift me in your prayers today and I will update after I get back home. Love you all.  💕 “We who have run for our very lives t...

This week has seemed like a whirlwind with fiery darts slinging out of control in every direction. First with my brother passing out, having to go to the hospital and being given a battery of tests to try to get to the bottom of some of his health issues. Therefore, I have delayed writing my update because I have been covering him in prayer and my mind has been on him. Wednesday was another one of those days at the Bruno Cancer Center where nothing really seemed to go according to plan. At my last treatment, prior to my treatment this week, all of my numbers were off....including my oxygen. I told my lab nurse that I had been completely depleted of energy since my last treatment....for the full two weeks and was struggling to breathe. Well, after meeting with my Oncologist, she scheduled me to go to get a CT Scan before they would even do my chemo treatment. She wanted to be sure that I did not have any blood clots. That CT Scan came back clear; therefore, I was able to go forward ...

Ashleigh and I arrived at the Bruno Cancer Center this morning at 9:15....15 minutes earlier than my scheduled appointment at 9:30. It was a crowded waiting room already when we arrived. After a longer than usual wait, I was called back for vitals, weigh-in, blood work and to get my port flushed and ready for my chemo treatment. My nurse always wants to know if I have any "new" aches/pains/complaints. I have had a rough couple of weeks and so I had some to share with her. She records them on my record so that when I have my consultation, Dr. Bondly will already know what is going on. First, I had lost 7 pounds since my last treatment 2 weeks ago. They really don't want you losing a lot of weight too quickly, but I have had so much diarrhea and virtually zero appetite.....all of course side-effects of my chemo, Taxotere.  My blood pressure was pretty normal today and that was a good thing. Lowest it has been since I had to start taking medication for it after the onset ...

I have known this young lady all of my life, but it has amazed me how she has come alongside me in my cancer journey to pray for me, encourage me, and today....even blessed me with two packages in the mail. She sent me THREE (3) Spa Hand and Body lotions from doTerra.....along with a 15ml bottle of Frankincense Essential Oil and a 15ml bottle of Lavender Essential Oil. I could not believe my eyes when I opened the packages. Such generous and thoughtful gifts.  She has been con cerned about the condition of the burning and drying of my hands and feet because of side-effects from the chemo drug Taxotere. She had told me that she was sending me something that she hoped/believed would help. I was excited and anticipated the arrival, but had no idea how generous her gifts would be. I have been wanting some Frankincense, but honestly.....since I had to give up my job as a Nanny because of my cancer....I didn't feel I could "splurge" on myself like that. With tears trickling d...

My Precious Father, I thought I was close to You before, but it was nothing like now. I am so aware of You in every aspect of my life. Throughout the day, I find myself talking to You, asking....which way to go? What to do with my time? What to say to a friend? What to write? It is as if during breast cancer You have drawn my heart into Yours in an unimaginable way. I have felt broken many times in my life, but You must have felt I needed a deeper, more intense breaking to truly know You. Not that you caused my cancer, but you have allowed it to happen to me for a greater purpose. I know there was still so much of me....and it needs to be just about You. It is so easy to let life and the world catch our attention and take some of our focus away from what is truly important. Thank You, precious Father, for continuing to break me in all the right places. I want my heart to beat with Yours.....and, yes, break with Yours. Please continue to do with me what You must. I know you are forging ...

Made my first wig purchase.  Haven’t really styled it yet, but it will work for now. (I even drew me on some eyebrows.) LOL The color is a Ginger Blond....different from what I am used to.  I was wanting to get one quickly for church Sunday, December 23rd, and it arrived just on time. I had told the seller that I was a bald chemo patient and wanted it quickly so she shipped it Priority.  In the package today - December 22nd, she sent me a note on a pink card and shared with me that she is a breast cancer survivor! Was it a “coincidence” that I found her? No way! First of all, her seller identification is “Christ-Eternal.” As soon as I saw her seller name, I knew God was moving before me in this purchase. I just had to share this story.  God is always amazing! #GodisLeading   #BreastCancer  #DoubleMastectomy  #IBelieve #BeatCancer   #GodisHealing    #PrayforaCure     #PrayerWarriors ...