Saturday, December 29, 2018

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019

We are on the precipice of a new year. 3 more days of 2018. Where did it go?

I have been off chemo for 8 weeks and was supposed to have scans this week, but the snowstorm kept us from driving up to Sioux Falls. They are scheduled for next week. I am eager to see what they find off the ugly drug. If they insist I go back on (if the scans are bad), I am going to go back to a 90 mg pill instead of the 120 mg I was on. 

We spent a couple days with Sam and Gretchen this past weekend in Minneapolis. They had to leave Christmas Eve morning to get to her home for Christmas. We drove home right after they left and spent a quiet night in front of the tree opening our gifts for each other. Richie was gracious enough to watch a Hallmark movie with me Christmas night.!!!

We've had a 2-day snowstorm and its back to super cold temps. I can't wait til our weeks in Florida approach.

My niece Betsy and I are just finishing up a book we have been doing for the last couple years. She is an amazing illustrator and I can't wait to see the finished product. It honors all of the little "ditties" my Czech grandmother sang to us/told us.

My body broke out in bumps 10 days ago. I mean ALL over. I was like a gravel road to touch. I did go to the doctor, as it freaked me out a bit, and she consulted my dermatologist in the city. The dermatologist prescribed me a steroid drug to rub on my whole body twice a day. 3 days later, the bumps turned bright red, like acne. Nobody could guess what it is. It is finally, now, starting to get lighter red with fewer bumps. STRANGE. Hope this was a once-in-a-lifetime oddity.

Well, blogger friends, I wish you all a joyous new year. May God give you all of His richest gifts. 

Peace and love, M




Saturday, December 1, 2018

FIRST MONTH OFF CHEMO

I've been a month off chemo and have welcomed the small changes. I am steadier on my feet, have had less vertigo, and a little more energy. Unfortunately I thought I would gain an appetite and put on some pounds, but I've only gained 1 pound. Maybe in December. I eat every 2 hours and eat at meals as much as my stomach can hold, but still no luck. I inherited my mom's high metabolism, I guess.

My doctor wanted to try me on a drug, a marijuana-derivative, which increases appetite, but when I found out it would cost me $400, I pulled the plug on that. I am searching OTC appetite stimulants.

I've had some stomach issues; frequent belly aches which have required lots of Tums. I am ready to go in to my family doctor and make sure I don't have an ulcer.

So 4 more weeks off chemo. I am hoping to see more change for the better. I did have a "moment" yesterday when I found I could step out of the shower (tub) without holding on to the towel bar. Haven't been able to do that in years. And I was able to put on my underwear without leaning against my dresser! Small, but great victories for me!

We loved having Sam and Gretch here for Thanksgiving.  We connect too rarely these days. They had a wedding in northwest Iowa on that Saturday so we babysat the dog. Captain decided that Richie's "man cave" was his new place in the house and laid all afternoon at his feet watching sports. In fact, when Richie went upstairs to get anything, the dog would not follow him. Well, it is the only carpet he is allowed on in the house and it is pretty plush. He's a smart dog. They even slept down in the man cave that night!! Pretty cute.

Today has been our first snow storm. I think we are going to by-pass the predicted 10-12 inches. So far, we have about 4-5 and it is slowing down. Back to snow-packed roads.

I have been able to lay aside all my fears about tumors growing during this drug holiday. I guess I am just so assured in my faith that God has me protected that fear (Satan) had not been able to get a foothold. I trust that lasts through December.

I wish you all a very joyous Christmas and I hope the love of Jesus finds its way into all your hearts.