Another Appointment

Just returned from an appointment with the chemo people. My blood count is somewhat up so that's a good thing. They thought they might delay my next treatment giving me a series of shots to build my cell count. But today they were good so we'll see what next week holds. They gave me another anti-nausea medicine to take with what I am already taking to see if that can control the sickness I am experiencing. We can only hope...

Ken went with me, taking photos on his I-Phone the whole time. What am I going to do with that man? He leaves for another trip in a few hours so I will miss him once again. My friend from Texas is coming while he is gone and so I won't be alone this time. Hope to feel better while she's here. Maybe we can get into a little trouble.

Been feeling a little down, okay, a lot down, so sorry for not keeping you updated. Will work on my attitude this weekend and hope to get out of this slump. Ken brought me See's candies from Houston when he returned last week, that has helped a little although chocolate is only being consumed in small doses, can you imagine that?!

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Well actually today, it's all gone. I have my wig on my head and I'm doin' fine. Don't quite recognize myself in the mirror when I walk by, it's a little darker than my own hair, well than the last color I had!

God has had quite a job keeping up with me the last day or two. You know the scripture, "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not: ye are of more value than many sparrows" (Luke 12:7). I hope He doesn't write that stuff down, that would have taken a lot of note paper with all the cross outs and start overs!

Ken just called and they were just at a school dedication and now headed to lunch. I am so glad that he is getting to do this trip. The Lord has really blessed us here in Missouri with the opportunities to travel and see how God is working in different areas of our world. Look for the upcoming story in the Today's Pentecostal Evangel. A little plug for the hubby.

Well I am back to working on taxes. Hoping to complete the two that are most pressing on my mind and then finish up some Maranatha taxes and have everything done by next week when Ken leaves once again and my friend, Karen from Texas, comes to visit and play. I may also ship a couple more boxes of books!

See, I'm doing fine...

Must Be Gonna Be Better

It just must be gonna be better, I already have three hours of work in and it's only 7 a.m.! I have boxes ready to ship, I have bills ready to send out, I have invoices ready to run through the charge machine. Boy, I hope when I get home I'm energetic enough to follow through! Then I plan on doing two people's taxes, now I'm taxed! I will head off for my port dye test and see what they say and then I plan to hang out at home the rest of the day. Note the word "rest." I plan to get some of that in. Will fill you in with more later. Have a good one, I plan to.

Chemo Lesson Learned: When hair begins falling out it is best not to use product that you put in with hands! Such as wax, texture, etc.

End of Day: Port study went okay, they only stuck me twice. After hearing, "Ooops!" I wasn't worried at all! The blood thinner they gave me yesterday hoping to be able to draw blood must have kicked in because today I was working fine.

I did get packages shipped, phone calls made, but that other stuff listed above—the only other one I did was rest! Now I'm going to bed. It was a better day.

Not a Great Day!

Sorry, I want to stay positive but today was a bummer. Started by loosing hair in the shower. Then I was uncooperative during my chemo appointment and wouldn't give up my blood. It was decided that my port is not working properly or that my blood has created a film over the opening and since they can't draw from the port they also can't give me the drugs through it. Which, for today, meant that I had to have them in my vein in the back of my hand. Ouch. Tomorrow I will go to outpatient and have a port dye study to see what is going on. Then they will decide what to do next. Also my next treatment is possibly on hold due to my blood count. I will go in next Wednesday for a blood test and see how I am doing and if my counts are low they will give me a shot to boost my levels. This may postpone my next treatment. So all in all not a great day. As you can probably tell I am a little low. But I promise I'll get back up and be smiling tomorrow. Promise. "Cast all your cares on Him, for He careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7

Nurse Gurty and my friend Starr went with me to lunch and treatment and I am posting pictures for your amusement and mine. Nurse Gurty outdid herself.

Olive Garden seems like a good meal before chemo treatments. Nurse Gurty agrees. Although she looks a little tipsy.

Nurse Gurty got tired of the whole shebang and sat in for me. She was fine. They think she may be a little hard of hearing.

Here's Nurse Gurty overseeing the Red Devil Juice. Since they couldn't use my port today they had to give this to me from this syringe!

My friend Starr from South West Missouri Office on Aging went with me for moral support. Here she is raiding the candy jar. She also carried all my stuff, brought me drinks, told me jokes, asked questions, prayed with me and held my hand. A good friend. Thank you Starr.

To end the day right Ken called and he made it to San Salvador. Now I feel all better.

Ken Headed Out

Ken is busy packing for his trip tomorrow. He is headed to El Salvador for a story for the magazine. He is feeling bad about being gone for my second chemo treatment but I told him I would be fine. After all I will have Nurse Gurty with me! He was feeling so bad I finally agreed to take a friend and now he and I both are feeling better about the whole thing.

Ken's trip will be a fast one. He leaves tomorrow and returns late on Saturday. Then next week he is gone again, but this time in the states, to Oregon. Then if the doctors will approve it I am hoping to get to do a Convoy in April! I have my fingers crossed.

Feeling Better

I had a pretty good day today. The new anti-nausea medicine seems to be working much better than the others and we did a few errands and had lunch out.

What a difference not being totally nauseated makes! I forgot what it feels like. I really appreciate all your prayers and concern and will keep you updated as this journey continues.

The next treatment is this coming Wednesday, March 18. I am suppose to start loosing my hair following this one. My wig, do-rags and scarves are standing ready! Fashion Peg is on the rise.

This Morning

This morning went off without a hitch! No deodorant hairspray. But no hilarious laughter either. I wonder which I'd rather give up??? Will keep you posted!

Ken's Blog for the Day - My Defense!

Ken - Before Peggy began her chemo following her recent cancer surgery, we were warned of several side effects that might arise. But I thought one of them wasn’t supposed to happen for some time yet.

This morning as I was getting ready for work, I asked Peggy if she had any hair spray. She handed me a can, then traded it for a second can that she thought would be better because it was unscented. I sprayed my hair but couldn’t get it to hold. I kept spraying and still nothing.

I looked more closely at the can. It said, “unscented … deodorant.” I had thoroughly doused my hair with spray deodorant!

We have been told that long-term chemo can play some tricks with your mind. But this soon?

Peggy - Should I defend myself? Nah, we had a good laugh and that was worth much more than the anti-nausea medicine I had to take later in the day!

A Good Day

Praising the Lord for a really good day. I felt pretty good during the day today. Ken and I were even able to get out for a walk. I am on the anti-nausea drugs but feel that the Lord is holding me up and keeping me strong.

Ken is being a great helpmate and it's making all the difference having him with me.

First Chemo Appointment Over

We had lunch at Olive Garden before going for my appointment. No one said I couldn't have a good meal first and soup, salad and bread sticks sounded like a really good meal to us. Nurse Gurty went with us to keep an eye on me.

Well the first treatment is over and I am doing well. I feel a little funny but not sick. They gave me anti-nausea drugs before the treatment and then pills to take tonight and in the morning and a prescription for more pills. I am set.

Ken stayed with me through the treatment. We arrived at 1:30 and got home at 6:30. He is staying home Thursday in case I need him. We shall see. I think I am going to do fine. But hey, what an excuse to have him home. He is going to work on Friday instead of Thursday.

Thanks again for all your emails and prayers and thoughts. I really appreciate hearing from you and knowing that you are standing with us during this time. We couldn't do it without the Lord but we also couldn't do it without the support of all of you. THANKS SO MUCH...

Tomorrow's the Big Day

Well tomorrow's the first day of chemo. Lots of unknowns. What do I eat? What do I wear? What do I take to do? How long will we be there? How will it feel? Will I get sick?

But the big question—and I know the answer—God will be there. And He will be holding my hand and I know He won't let go.

So off we go, Ken, God and me...

First Chemo Appointment Scheduled

Well they called! My appointment is set for Wednesday. What else can I say...here we go...

Port Installed

The port is in and now we are back to waiting. I got a few phone calls over the weekend about patience and I am working on that! No, I didn't pray for patience, I know better! The area where they inserted the port hurts enough that I have decided that patience might be a good thing! I had been going to call the chemo office today but think I'll wait.

I am going to make an effort today to get some things accomplished. I have tried to stay positive through this process but this last week I've been a little bit low. Gonna climb back up today! See you at the top I've got things to do, people to see, places to go...