Injection

Sunday was a hard day. The patch was wearing off and the nausea started coming back. I am not sure the second patch has helped. I went to school Monday and I was miserable. I was very tired and so very nauseated.
I originally thought I would be having my right hip replaced this summer, but God had another challenge for me. So, while I was in with the oncologist she said that my risk of infection would be low this week if I needed an injection it would be good to get it this week. So I was very fortunate to get an 8:30 appointment today. Anyway that is what I thought when I got the appointment.
When I got to my appointment they told me I needed x-rays, so I went to x-ray and waited my turn. Then back over to orthopedics to wait. By the time I get called it is after 9:00 because Ellen is on. Then I get to wait in the room. I am seeing the PA so I am sad I don't get to see the dr. Oh, but to my surprise she has followed all my surgery and pops into see me. It was good to see her. It seems with the blood thinner for the port that I am taking it causes a risk of bleeding. The dr calls the surgeon who put me on the blood thinner and determines a blood test to see how I am clotting can solve the dilemma and quick as a wink I am off to the lab. I went to lab and you guessed it waited my turn, then back to orthopedics. It is after 10 because the View is on. I am now waiting my turn and waiting on the lab results. Finally the View is going off and I go back to find out if I can get the injection. I can. Yeah, but not til 12. So I head for home and 30 minutes horizontal time.
Now I am back at registration, where there is no air I am so sorry for the people in there, and I go to the x-ray area at the hospital to all together now - wait my turn. Finally I get the injection and head for home. I get settled and the dog wants out!
Ken told me he thinks my hair is growing back. I try looking in the sink mirror, but can't really tell so I sit at my makeup table and the mirror on the wall is also to far away. I pick up a hand mirror and I am looking and I am getting quite impressed my hair must be at least an inch long. Then Ken reminds me that the mirror I am holding is 10x magnification! Gotta love the man that keeps me grounded!
I am truly blessed. I got a precious letter from my granddaughter. Thank you all for the cards, calls, and the dinner Debbie and Nick. I have faith that this week will get easier with each day. September will be a cooler month and the new chemo will be easier on my body. I am thankful each day - some more than others!

Catch Up

Wednesday started early. I went to give blood, then I went on to school just in time for duty, the kids and I had a good day, and I left early all I missed was bus loading, but I got that handled. Thanks to Betty, Ann, and Neta. Ken and I met with the oncologist. My labs were ok, my glucose spiked and my potassium was low. Now I get to drink oj each day and eat a banana each day to help the lack of potassium. I got two patches for nausea. This will be the last of this chemo medicine. The next four rounds will be a chemo medicine that can affect the joints.

Thursday was another busy day. I arrived at school about 7 got things ready since I left early did duty at 7:45. We had a busy day. I stayed at school getting ready for the ABC's of S.E.C.C. Thank you Debbie and Charme'. We make a good team! We had a wonderful turnout. Then I went to sorority. It was beginning day and it was so wonderful to catch up and see my sisters.and of course eat. Cleo was a great hostess and we welcomed her into the grandmother club!

Friday was a busy day trying to finish up all our activities for the week. I left at noon so I could go take my chemo. Rebecca came in to sub. I fell blessed to have such an experienced teacher filling in. Thank you. Chemo at 1:00 then I went home and went upstairs to bed. Ken brought up a wonderful dinner of potato soup, crackers, and cherries. It was delicious, sadly I couldn't eat it all.

I slept pretty good. We got up about 7:30 and came downstairs. Ken fixed me ham and cheese omelet, sliced bananas, strawberries, cherries, and o.j. It was delicious, but again I couldn't eat it all. Ken went off to the remodel job and I headed upstairs to sleep with the trusty canine companion, Rusty. I woke up and ken got home in time to feed me again! He brought me a plate of cheese, sliced pork chop, crackers, cherries, and a fruit smoothie. I think I am about ready for a nap.

Upside

This morning it was raining. Not just raining but torrential rain, which turned out to be 4 1/2 inches. I am at school debating how long I should wait or should I just make a run for it. Now this is where the patience thing doesn't work for me, so I decide to make a run for it. Now, here is the upside. I simply took off my hair and put it under my shirt. I get in the door and I am sopping wet, but my hair looks great! What a blessing.

I had two students absent today. Our day was smooth, we got everything done that I wanted to do. At the end of the day I got the activities out for tomorrow, wrote the morning message, and I was ready to go. It was so nice to have everything so organized! My work this summer is paying off.
Ken went to work on the remodel job and I went into the sewing room. I completed several projects this weekend so I was able to do some embroidery. I am really feeling good, so good I even made dinner. Ken was pleasantly surprised that he didn't have to cook tonight. I know that I am spoiled, but I do try to spoil Ken too! It is what it is!
I talked to Madison, my 7year old granddaughter, about her first day of second grade. She wanted to know if I had my wig on and if I told my class I wear a wig?
Thanks for the card Mary Ann and the call Cleo. I am looking forward to a great week leading up to another round of chemo on Friday. I will take off on Friday and hope to go back on Monday. My sister, Janet, can't come for this round, she will be watching the US Open. Ken and I will miss her, but we are glad she will be having fun with her tennis gals.

Saturday

Friday was also a good day. We got up and we walked out the door and before we kissed good-bye, it hit me and I said "Oh shot!".Ken thought something was wrong and was all concerned and said, "What?" My answer, "I forgot my hair!" Ken thought this was very funny. He got a good laugh. As I retold this to Mary at school she said, "He doesn't see your hair just you. He really is a special man." I totally agree! I am very blessed.
Ken and I went out to Red Lobster for dinner and then to see Nanny McPhee. Dinner was very good and so was the movie. I enjoyed both.
Today Ken worked at the mall until 4 and then over to the remodel he is doing. So I went to school, came home and sewed a bit, went to see my new niece, went to Hancock's, and came home. I did cook pizza for dinner. I am really hot and I am trying to cool off. This too shall pass. I can handle this.
I got another cute card from Mary Ann and several calls. Thank you all for caring.

First Day of School

I was excited and ready to go early this morning. So off I went to school with my lunch all packed and all excited and a little bit wary of the unknown. I figure today was very important because it will determine how the year goes. I started the day with 20 and had 22 by lunchtime. Two people were absent today. We had a very busy morning. I got transportation bracelets on everyone while we figured out what their favorite color and food is. We spent time on a morning message and the calendar. We toured the school, sang some songs, went to the cafeteria for rules, read some books, explained stations, colored, cut, and glued Chester from The Kissing Hand, and played. That was just before lunch! Things went pretty smooth, I am pleased. They fell apart a bit after lunch. I think it was a long day for them. We rested, went back to stations, colored a Good First Day certificate, went to recess, went to music, and then went home. I know I am tired! It was a good day.

Getting Ready

Orientation from 8-12 today. I got to school about 7 determined to get a few things done before parents came in. In all I met 14 parents &/or students. We were free to go at noon, but I wasn't ready for tomorrow. So Charme' and I went out to eat and discussed our game plan for the day. I worked in my room until 6. I would still be working except Laura took over and helped me out. Thanks.
I have received some cards. Thank you Kathy, Sally, and Virginia. They mean a lot to me.
Tomorrow we start a new year. I am looking forward to this year and I am very thankful that I am. I am really blessed by the people I work with!

Getting Ready For School

Monday was a long day. Before school I went to the lab to get my lab work done, they were fine. It was another inservice day. Lots of information in one day. I was worn out and didn't spend time in my room. I hoped I would be able to do more today when I would be fresh.
I worked first getting handouts ready for my parents, then getting my students names up in the room, then organizing the school supplies, and then getting my room cleaned. I am so thankful to Dana, Beverly, and Rosa. Dana realized how tired I was and wouldn't take no for an answer. She went and got reinforcements and my room was done in ten minutes or less! They allowed me to be able to go home and get horizontal for an hour and change clothes before orientation began. Wow!
Twelve out of twenty of my students showed up. I am hoping the other eight will show up in the morning. I will work in my room while I wait for my students to come in tomorrow. We will work out our duty days and duties tomorrow. I have a lot of problem with the heat and I think I have a trade worked out to do a morning duty instead of a recess. Laura and the girls in my neighborhood are offering to take my duties, which I appreciate, but if I can do them I would like to. I work with the most caring people. I am so excited about school starting on Thursday!

Sunday

We are back from Texas. A busy trip! I went to about 5-6 Targets and 2 Mardels looking for just the items I needed for my classroom. I found some of them, but not the most important one. We also had to get a replacement birthday gift since we left the birthday gift at home. It was a pool party with a clever sandcastle cake.
We spent some quality shopping with my sister, the boys, Rusty and Zeke, enjoyed playing with each other, and we had fun getting our mom's birthday presents bought.
I was able to spend a couple of hours at school, come home and rest a bit, and go to church where the service was all about teachers and students and their abilities for the coming school year. I feel very positive about our school year and know God will hear our prayers.
Tomorrow will be busy. I need to get blood drawn 1st thing in the morning. We have another day of meetings tomorrow. It is so good to see all my friends again. So it is off to bed I go so I will be fresh tomorrow.

Contract Year Starts Today!!!

Yeah! Today is our 1st contract day. I am so excited!! I love a new school year. I spent yesterday at school with my granddaughter, Katelynn. She was a big help. She got a lot of things ready for me. I worked on trying to get my room unpacked. I am started, but didn't make much of a dent. I have 19 students and I did work up the transportation list, so I will have that ready.
I went to play bunco with the Bunco Babes group that I sometimes sub for. It was a fun evening and I enjoyed seeing all of the lovely gals in that group.
Today is inservice day, but I am even excited about what I'll be able to learn. This year will be a challenge because I won't have the energy I usually have. I know I will feel great for two out of every three weeks, so that is great. Oh, I want to share this. My daughter, Haley, is a CPA as you may know, but she is giving me such a different kind of encouragement. She told me that now I am 37 1/2 % through with the chemo! It's all about the numbers. Woo hoo!
I am so glad I am through the 1st week and have 2 weeks of feeling great coming my way. Bring it on because I am ready.
I am going to my granddaughter's 5th birthday party on Saturday. I will enjoy her excitement and hope she is never touched by what I am going through. That is my birthday wish for you Macie Jane. I love you. Have a great weekend, I know I will because I will be surrounded by my family.

Getting Better

Ken brought home Sea Bands yesterday. Margie recommended these. At this point I am willing to try almost anything to get rid of the nausea. I put them on and wore them since Monday night and all day yesterday. I think they helped but it was hard to tell because this is about when the nausea starts to come and go without any rhyme or reason.
I did get a couple of things done at school yesterday. Kena offered to get anything I needed outside of my room if I would just call. I didn't need anything, but Kena's offer was so kind. I work with the best friends. I got tired very fast, so I ended up coming home before I made as much headway as I had hoped. These days are tough. I know I need to rest, but I feel like that is all I do. I really feel like a slug. I am not practicing the patience thing very well. I do not enjoy resting and relaxing is really overrated! This is so hard.
Debbie and Nick provided dinner for us last night. After such a frustrating day it was nice to scoop out the roast and veggies without having to wait (No patience needed YEAH!).
Today I got up with Ken, showered, dressed, and sent him off to work. Then I sat down and before I knew it it was 2 hours later. Hmm! Not sure what happened. Now I don't have time to make anything for the Back To School Luncheon. I have considered my options and I am afraid I will have to go with the always popular orange puffed curly-ques. (Yes, Cheetos.) I have some really nice bakeware that my mom and Bob gave us for our anniversary that I can put it in.

Looking Ahead

Sunday was another good day! We had a leisurely morning which included omelets and fruit for breakfast. Thank you Janet. What a treat for Ken. Mostly he does the cooking and doesn't get waited on so Janet is doubly appreciated! Rusty and Zeke are having fun and we are having fun watching the two big dogs acting like big dogs. We all enjoyed the sermon at church. Then we went out to eat. This was kind of sad, because that meant it was closing in on the time for my sister to leave.
The patch must of run it's course. The nausea started coming Sunday evening. Monday I tried to rest. I don't like to rest. I tried doing a few things but the nausea kept bothering me.
I briefly went to a meeting at Jane's house. She had a delicious Mexican casserole and brownies for us. You do not leave Jane's house hungry. Anyway, I had to leave early because it was bunco night. Melissa came and picked me up so I wouldn't have to drive, thank you. I was tired from all that resting today I guess. It was a lovely evening at Kena's. She is a wonderful hostess and really was rolling the twos! We had a fun time. I was ready to get home and horizontal.
Today I am moving slowly. The nausea is there, but I have to be productive so I am off to school. I need to get my room ready. This means unpacking everything that I packed up last May. I am looking forward to Thursday when my granddaughter will come help me for the day. She has helped me before and she is a good worker. Another blessing in my life.
So for now I am off to school.

Chemo 3rd Time Around

I went to the cancer center armed with the 3 day pill and the patch I put on yesterday. I read a little, dozed a little, blackberry messengered my family, and talked to a woman who is battling breast cancer for the third time. I am feeling blessed and counting my many blessings, The time went fast and I came home and laid down. Janet and Zeke, her standard poodle arrived. Rusty and I were very happy! I was feeling fine with the exception of a headache so I took a headache pill. About 4 I was getting hungry and Ken brought me a chocolate milk shake. Then around 6:30 Janet had dinner catered from dominoes. Ken came in a bit later from the remodel job he is working on and ate. Overall today is going well. I have dozed but not really slept.
I did sleep good last night. Janet had a great fresh fruit breakfast. Just like on a cruise. Wonderful choices. Today I feel pretty good just a little tired. All is well with my world!
I hope to touch bases with Bryn in Irag and see and talk to him.
Have a good weekend enjoy your family and do something nice for yourself.

Doctor Visit

I got to do labs again yesterday morning. They were fine! Good news. I also got to see the oncologist. The main issue is the nausea. We are going to try a patch. Walmart didn't carry it, but they recommended Eric's Pharmacy. I've never tried them, but I don't want the nausea so off I went. He told me after waiting for him to locate it that it is $350.00 for a patch that lasts 5 days. (Pretty good, that is 70.00 a day, kind of like a vacation!) Now he doesn't have any but can order it and it will be in at 10:00. Then we check my insurance and I will only pay $30.00. Wow! What a deal. If it works it will be well worth it. So today I will pick it up. I am so fortunate to have wonderful insurance, thank you dear.
I am running a bit late enrollment starts in about 15 minutes and I still have to put my hair on. I should be fine because it only takes me 6 minutes to get to work!!

A New Month

It is a new month! I know it has been a while since I last blogged, but my life is not real busy(or very interesting on a lot of days). I am feeling pretty good for the most part, just kind of worn out. I guess that is to be expected, but I don't like it.
Monday and Tuesday, I worked enrollment. It was great to see the kids excitement about returning or beginning school! I am excited about school starting too! I got away from enrollment for a nice lunch with Jane and Goldie on Monday. Thanks, girls. Monday, Mary Ann brought by a delicious coconut cream pie from Benton's. Yummy! I got a wonderful card from my daughter Haley and Duane, her husband, on Monday. I feel very blessed by you.
I was finally able to get all the folders, pencil pouches, page protectors, labels, and tape located for our star folders for school. It was completed after 3 hours in the Walmart here and visits to two more Walmarts in OKC. Thank you Charme' for taking me to OKC. When I got back to school the wonderful custodians helped me unload everything and transport it to my room. Thank you. Then the job of counting out the supplies, getting the correct folder color to each teacher, and getting them delivered started. Ann and her daughter Sadie where there to help me out. Yeah! Blessings are all around me and I am learning to say yes I would love some help. (Except it is really hard and I am not that gracious.) Ann and Charme' have really tried to make me practice excepting help, but I find it hard because I think I might be a tiny bit on the control side. Hmm! (If you know me I am sure that is hard to imagine!)
Yesterday, I developed a mouth sore and maybe heartburn. I described what I was and still am feeling and Kayla, my daughter, thought it was heartburn. Not good.
I am doing blood work again this morning and then a doctor appointment. Ken is going to try to meet me there. He is really with me each step. My sister will be down on Friday to help me through my treatment. She is wonderful to have here.