Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Today is a great day! Chug, Chug, Chug....

Today I'm trying to prep for tomorrow. Of course, I've gotten all kinds of advice on what to do but not really knowing what I should do. However, I've heard from many that the more water I drink the quicker I can flush out the chemo....so chug, chug, chug....I've been trying all day to drink water. I am using a cup Emory gave me while I was in the hospital to measure my water so no cheating for me! I thought drinking 30 ounces today was enough for the month but I have that much and more to go.

I'm yet again blessed with cards , e-mails and gifts. I owe so many people. I don't know how in the world I'll ever be able to repay those who have been so thoughtful, kind and prayerful. I'm reminded that this is my test in my testimony but "God, couldn't it have been something a little less painful, such as a stubbed toe or something of similiar caliber?" Of course, I've never asked that...all in teasing. Not sure why my car detoured but there must be beautiful scenery that I would have missed on my journey. "-)

I have read over and over about red meat and the corelation to colon cancer, especially the re-occurance so....I've totally cut red meat and pork out of my diet. This much pain and aggravation does not even begin to equal the taste of steak, I used to enjoy. This is the only contributing factor I have for colon cancer. Come on, I ate red meat but I didn't eat that much! :-) Nonetheless, I love chicken and turkey so it isn't that hard of a compromise.

I finally took my bandage off my port cath. Well, the good news is that the incision in my shoulder is about 1 to 1.5 inches and is totally grown together....the bad news is that it is supposed to be that way. I have had so much pain in my shoulder which I didn't expect. The nurse at Emory called me to check to make sure that it was healed. Other than all the bruising and puffiness, I guess it seemed fine. I thought I would have the port (opening) that I could see and that they would attach my chemo bag to it ....well, the nurse tells me, it is supposed to be closed up because they will put a needle into the port through my skin each time to hook up. YIKES, ARE YOU KIDDDDING ME??? I thought the whole purpose was so I wouldn't get stuck over and over again. I told the nurse, "I'm already about over all these needles, they never used to affect me but I somehow always seem to get someone who is training". She laughed and said, "I know how you must feel, I'm so sorry but you will have alot of needles coming your way."

No more to say, gotta do what you gotta do.....but somehow what they say is going to happen, always tend to happen the opposite way. My Surgeon told me that I would be bored in the hospital....well, he forgot to tell me the incision would be an interstate and that I would be bored only because I was hitting the pain pump and wouldn't remember anything!! ha.

Well, right now I gotta worry about what to wear to chemo tomorrow. They were a bit suprised when I went in for post-op surgery Friday in my heels. Hey, you said dress comfortable...this is comfortable for me....until I have to dress like a sad little bag lady, I want to dress in heels and be joyful. Too many reasons to get down...I'm looking for all the reasons to get up.....so I'm sure tomorrow when I walk in with heels and long hair, I'll get the stare and under the breath comments, "yeah, you can tell she is new....we'll have to teach her a thing or two".....I'm sure these people will become my best friends for a few months! :-) I hope I don't have to change anything but if I do....I want the choice.....no hair or get sick....sorry, hair....you gotta go...there are awful nice hats and scarves out there. Bring it on Sisters....!!!!

Tomorrow I get my recliner! Now that is something to look forward to after chemo. I realized after being home that we don't have lazy furniture. Nothing to get really comfortable in so I'm really excited to have a recliner with a heater and massager. Now if someone will just come over and do my manicures and pedicures!

Make today a great day! Love to all, Leah

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello Sis!! I love your blog and how you keep us all informed on how your day is going. I just want to tell you how much you mean to me. I truly admire your faith and you have been an inspiration to me. I want you to know that you are in my prayers each and every day as well as all the family and I will be there for you just as you have been there for me so many times..May God bless you and protect you until the storm passes.

Love Ya!
Angie

Anonymous said...

Leah, I just wanted to let you know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers each and everyday as well as Steve and the kids. I love all of you very much and would love to see all of you more. I know your
faith and trust in the Lord will get you through this and you will be stronger for it. I would love to give you a pedicure and a manicure sometime,just let me know or even a foot massage. Please let me know if you feel up to it.Or anything you need, I will be there to help. I love you very much. By the way, Joey says Hi! and that he is praying for you too! Love You Vickie and Joey

Anonymous said...

Please let Leah know that I have been and still am praying for her.What a brave,stong person she is....I have read and looked at all of her blog....awesome pictures,awesome family.
I hope she is one of the lucky ones that chemo doesn't make so sick..May God Bless her and her family..Love and biggggggg hugs to all...Cheryl Myers your cousin from Indiana

Anonymous said...

Nila, thanks for sending this. I really enjoyed reading and especially the pictures. I will check this each day. I am praying for Leah daily; also I am praying for you.

Love,
Gary
your cousin from Indiana

Anonymous said...

............ "A life watered by the tears of tragedy and suffering
Often becomes the most fertile soil for spiritual growth."

Life is a struggle no matter if it is sickness, family, or job. But we must be persistence.
President Calvin Coolidge said, Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not.
Noting is more common than unsucessful men with talent. Genius will not. Unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not. The world is full of educated derelicts.
Persistence,determination and a great attitude will get you through this. Now I can see why you have been so sucessful at your job. 
It is not the sitituation ,but the way we respond to the situation that’s important.
I know we must stay positive and believe. That is half the battle. It is not by might nor by power saith the Lord.
All we can do is just “ keep leaning on the everylasting arms of Jesus”
Today is the beginning of a very upsetting journey. Your world has been turned upside down. This morning instead of getting ready for work, you are getting ready to start a journey to just survive. I am thankful that you can find humor through your tears.
And yes-- there have been many. If tears would heal ---today you would be made whole!!
Keep the beautiful smile on your face. I promise everything is going to be alright.
Just remember PERSISTENCE AND DETERMINATION even when it looks dim….. just keep looking up!!
Love you bunches
Mother
I think I am preaching to myself.
It is hard to stay strong but I know we must do it.

Anonymous said...

Hey there girl. I have been reading your Blog and praying for you. I just wanted to say what an incredible writer that you are. You are able to get your point across easily. You might need to take up a new job ? Maybe a book called "Clean & Clear" the affects of God & Cancer :O) Just a thought. Also, i admire your courage and strength. You have been amazing...remember that you have friends and people at church who can remain positive and prayful when times are hard and at their worse for you. We are here to pick you up....along with the main one and that is GOD. Love you and good luck. I will see you tonight for the drop off :O) Cassie Patton