"The Phantom Pink Flamingo-er"

I've been very tired and haven't blogged as much. I must pay homage to whomever placed the large, lit pink flamingo and "Life is Good" golfballs on my front porch over the weekend. It made my husband and my day, and looks terrific when it's lit. Whoever the anonymous "flamingoer" is, we thank you for the smiles!

I'm still having the throat pain, but hoping it eases. I can't take too many pain meds as I have a freaky stomach (always have) and the pain meds make me sick. So, I trudge through day by day hoping each day gets better.

I pretty much just go to work and then come home afterwards. I've always heard radiation is fatiguing, I can now vouch for that storyline. I'm very anxious to get on the golf course, but know that will be some time. I'm also trying to put back on some of 30+ pounds I've lost. It's weird, but somedays I have an appetite, and other days I have no appetite. It's bizarre.

Keep the prayers coming,
Much Love,
Julie

"Random musings..."

Now that radiation is done, my spirits are a wee bit better. It's still weird and difficult to process that I have cancer. In one moment, my brain seems fine and able to tackle the task at hand. Then in an instant, I remember my life will never be the same with this cancer. I continue to pray that the medicines shrink the tumors. It's still very difficult to swallow, and I'm suppose to drink at least 65 ounces of water or powerade per day. I manage to complete that task, but have to use a certain liquid prescription that numbs the throat where the radiation was geared to.

As I said, it's difficult to process having this cancer. My mind tells me I should be planting my flowers, golfing, or being more active. My body tells me that is not possible yet. I did have a wonderful surprise when I got home from shopping for Wes's birthday present today. Polly and Kim, two of my good friends, came over and planted petunia's in my porch box. There both huge K-State fans, and actually tried to get me red and blue plants, but the colors available were red and white. It was a sweet surprise from two good friends. I appreciated the smile, and especially seeing Kim's daughter Blair, whom I've spoiled often and puts a smile on my face every time I see her. Blair, out of the blue a couple of years ago, called Wes and I and wanted to spend the night. We loved that she did, and she came over and Wes and I had a blast babysitting her.

I'm finding I'm still tired from the radiation, and will be anxious to get a week out of treatments so the throat can heal. In that sense, I want time to move fast. Otherwise, time moves slow. It's still hard to believe I've been living with this for over 2 months. It's flown by, but it also goes slow.

Keep the prayers coming,
Much Love,
Julie

"Radiation is done..."

My 35 trips to radiation are done. I just wish the pain could turn off and stop just like the radiation treatments. When Wes and I first arrived, we were called from the lobby to the nurses station which alarmed me. I'd been battling some fatigue, and am really working to keep from getting dehydrated and I has no clue why I would go to the nurses station. Ends up Vicki, the nurse with the sweet, comforting voice, had three KU golf balls for me in a prescription bottle with the directions: 'Hit the heck out of the ball." It not only made my day, but made me smile. I needed a smile. I got hugs from all the lovely nurses. They liked the fact that for 35 days straight, I wore a KU shirt.

The pain from the radiation is miserable. Swallowing food or liquid is like turmoil on my throat. The Dr. told me the pain will last for about another week, but gave me a prescription for some different pain meds that can hopefully help with this incredible pain. I will be glad when I can get on a normal diet. Soft foods and liquids are very bland after a while.

I haven't been blogging much as I haven't had the energy. I hope and continue to pray that this journey is successful, and that the chemo and radiation are shrinking the tumors. Please continue to pray.

Much Love,
Julie

"2 months to the day..."

It's been two months since diagnosis. February 23, 2009 was my last day of "normalcy." While I think I've handle this quietly and in a shy manner, I've also first experienced the "anger" and "frustration" of being afflicted with this pervasive disease. I think the warm weather and my zany persona wants to run out the door, go jogging, ride my scooter, and smack the crap out of a golf ball. My mind wants to be active; my body tells me it's not possible. I must pace myself.

I've 7 radiations out of 35 left, and believe me you, am counting them down. The windpipe is getting extremely sore, I'm moving towards a softer diet and plenty of protein powder to sustain what weight I can. I'm cautious about going and buying jeans and shorts, as I anticipate putting back on some of the 30 pounds I've lost since October. Yea, I thought I had a great diet prior to diagnosis!!

We met with the Drs. today and as usual, they inform me we won't know anything until the scans that will occur at One and Four months after radiation is completed. I'm blessed that KUMC is attacking this so aggressively. Cathy Glennon, our guardian angel, accompanies us to each appt. It's an amazing honor to walk the halls with her and see how much respect, admiration and dedication she receives from every individual. We feel like royalty in her presence, and are blessed she pointed us down this road to fighting this disease.

I also am blessed with a bevy of wonderful drivers, exceptional friends and family, and a sister that my relationship blossoms more and more each day. Janie and I have always been close. I'm blessed to have a truly wonderful older sister. I will never forget how she has helped me. Wes is also strong, and without these people in my corner, it would be even more of a struggle.

Fatigue sets in, and I haven't blogged or been as active. I still appreciate all the prayers and kind words from everyone. Keep the faith...I sure am trying..and seeing some sunshine finally!!


Much Love,

Julie

"Sounds...and Silence..."

It's amazing how a day with nothing planned goes so slow. I watched some comedy shows, took two naps and watched a little golf. I did get in my car and just drive around for a bit just to get out of the house. It's amazing driving, knowing my life is abnormal with cancer, and seeing everyone else carry on their daily tasks. I'm hoping once chemo and radiation are over that the normalcy will slowly regain more of my cognition.

Tonight, after dark, I walked down to the bridge and creek that runs parallel to my house. It's amazing how I've never noticed the sounds of the creek before. It was a beautiful sound. I looked up at the star-less sky, said a little prayer, and just listened. It allowed a moment of solitude, and I'm thankful for each moment like it. It allows a mind to escape, and the more of those I can garner, the better.

I'm trying to gear up for the last 7 hour chemo, and while it will be difficult, I'll be glad to complete this round. I pray these tumors are shrinking. I'm blessed KUMC has such top notch employees, and are attacking this aggressively.

Wes and I are grateful for all the prayers and support.

Much Love,
Julie

"A countdown...and trying to feel normal..."

Well, I've 11 radiation appointments left and 1 mega 7-hour chemo left. I can't wait to get the final 7 hour chemo treatment over with. Those are miserable, and must be aided with sleep meds. The radiation treatments are a slice of heaven compared to the chemo, and the trip for radiation goes so much faster. They're also placing me an a strict anti-nausea regime next week to fight off any lingering nausea that may occur after the last round. I'm fortunate modern medicine has tools to combat the gnarly nausea that accompanies chemo.

I'm fighting the feeling of wanting to be normal. It's a weird dilemma. One one hand, I'm constantly tired, fatigued, and want to rest. On the other half, it's like it's spring time, and I feel like I should be out planting or golfing or riding my scooter tooling around scot free. It's amazing to watch others drive by and see their life as normal, whereas mine will never be normal again. I'm hoping after the last treatments that I'll have some semblance of normalcy resume. Time moves by so slow, ekeing by minute by minute. Sleep patterns, while better, are itermittent. The day moves so slow. I'll be anxious to get back to work and get into a routine.

I continue to praise all those praying for me and showering me with tokens of prayers, love and messages. It does inspire.

Much Love,
Julie

"2 chemos....and 12 radiations to go..."

Well, I guess were gearing for home plate as I have one 2-hour and one-7 hour chemo left. I've also 12 Radiation's left. I can tell the fatigue is setting in. It's like I'm constantly tired. It's amazing having to wait until the time to take the next meds. It's like an eternity, but I must adhere to the schedule I've worked out. I feel if I don't, the nausea may reappear.

I won't know anything until Mid-June, but I hope and pray these SOB's shrink. I'd like some medical luck on my side for once.

I hope and pray that the blessings I've received in life, both in the matters of prayers, support, gifts, religious tokens, love and friendship continue to help prod me along this road.

Much Love,
Julie

"3 chemo down, 3 to go..."

I've made it half way through my last (hopeful) chemo for a while. I've two 2 hour chemos left today and Friday, and a mega 7 hour blast on Monday. I dread the 7 hour treatments the most. Imagine me being chained up for over 7 hours. I'm just thankful they give me meds that allow me to fall asleep.

Radiation continues until mid-May. I won't have another PET or CT scan until mid-June, as they wait a good month for the medicine to see if it continues to shrink the tumors. I hope and pray it does.

I continue to be thankful and appreciate each and every prayer and blessing I'm fortunate to have.

Keep the prayers coming,
Much Love,
Julie

"Apprehension....and Family..."

The Easter Holiday has passed, and I had a great weekend with my family. Saturday our entire family was together in Falls City, Nebraska. Today, I had my sister's entire family here and we went to church and then they finished up tidying my mothers house to prepare it for sale. It was both a joyous and sad occasion in church, but I'm blessed to have the unconditional love of a tremendous family. I get so much joy out of my nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. My great nieces and nephews are still young, and they are the third generation of nieces and nephews, and I treasure each time I see all 6 great nieces and nephews. They truly bring the kid out and me. Seeing them has helped aid in the apprehension building for this final week of chemo.

Tomorrow is the 7 hour mega-day, and I've packed my bag with magazines, movies, my mp3 player and my iPhone. My sister, my role-model and best friend, will be with me which makes these long days much more tolerable. I've always been extremely close with Jane, and we are growing even closer. She and Wes have been such a phenomenal strength for me, and without them, I wouldn't have as much courage and enthusiasm. They are my number one cheerleaders.

I doubt I sleep much tonight, but that's okay. That means I'll be tired tomorrow and will hopefully sleep during most of the 7 hours of chemo. I usually try to stay awake for the first couple of hours, and then if I'm fortunate to nap for a couple of hours, it makes the time go faster. The 2 hour chemo's are much more tolerable, and go so much faster.

I'm hoping everyone had a lovely Easter with family, friends and loved ones.

Much Love,
Julie

"An Easter Dinner...and an apartment..."

Today my entire family ate dinner in Falls City, Nebraska at my niece Angela's home. It was a wonderful time to be surrounded by family. We also took some furniture to my mothers apartment, and her place looks cozy. I was pleased to see that my mother is happy and comfortable in her new apartment. She is adjusting well considering both our lives stopped on a dime and changed rapidly.

I'm a tad apprehensive about next weeks chemo. I have, starting on Monday, a 7 hour session, followed by Tuesday through Friday 2 hour sessions, and then the last session the following Monday, another 7 hour mega session. The 2 hour sessions are tolerable. The 7 hour sessions require medicine that pretty much knocks me out and allows me to sleep. I will be glad to get this week over. Reminder to friends: Send strong stomach tissue!

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. I pray everyone is surrounded by family and friends and has a Blessed Easter!

Much Love,
Julie

"A Doctor visit....and GOLF..."

Today Wes and I went to my afternoon radiation appt, went and had bloodwork drawn, and met with our oncologist. She informed me my next round of chemo would be tougher, and that we need to tweak the nausea meds. That was good to hear. She also is having me take Sucralfate, a pill that you dissolve in water to aide in protecting the throat. Apparently the radiation and chemo will both be tough on that area next week, so she's having me do this daily. She also suggested I take my anti-nausea meds at night instead of in the morning. I explained the nausea as occcuring the worst when I first wake up, so she's tweaking some things, and will tweak them as well during next weeks chemo. Wes asked her about plans for the summer, and if I would be needing another round of chemo. She said they do not do any CT or PET scans until one month after my last radiation appointment (which should occur in mid-May), but she's hoping this will do it. I'm a little apprehensive about next weeks chemo, but I know I have to endure it. I just hope I'm able to sleep during both 7 hour sessions, and the 2 hour sessions.

After I mentioned that I hoped to get back on the golf course this summer, the Doctor mentioned I would be a good lung cancer patient to give a "quote" for their golf tournament. That made me feel good, and I said as I love to write, I would do whatever she asked.

Keep the prayers coming.

Much Love,
Julie

"The Pink Flamingo's and my Mother..."

“The Pink Flamingo’s and my Mother…”

Today I was able, puny and all, to make it to radiation. They think I must have caught a bug, as it’s too late for the type of nausea I had to be related to the chemo 8 days out. Regardless, I’m glad my stomach, while still a tiny inferno, is not afire like it was yesterday.

My dear friend Jenny Smith drove me to KU med today. Jenny, a former cheerleader, was her typical spirited self and reminded me that I need to continue to exhibit my “zany” persona. She reminded me of the “Pink Flamingo” incident, and it brought up many laughs. Two summers ago, my hairstylist friend Diana and I were shopping at Wal-Mart and found those ‘Pink Flamingos” in the bargain aisle. I thought it would be creative to start a chain and signature page, and go place them in our friends’ yards late at night. We decorated 4 flamingos up, attached a note with instructions that whomever received them had to adorn it with something, and move it to someone else’s yard within 24 hours.

We left spots for 20 signatures attached to each Flamingo, and the last signature was reserved for a return to the Blair front yard. My intentions at the end of the Flamingo escapade were to have a BBQ and everyone who had been graced by the flamingo yard art would come to our home for a “Flamingo Party.” Well, long story short, 3 of the 4 Flamingo’s found there way back to our house. It was amazing and the birds looked completely different, and were decorated with a variety of tokens and gawdy, tacky trinkets from each household. However, it was amazing and fun and unique to follow the trail of who had received the lovely Pink Flamingo’s in their front yard. It was one of my most unique ideas, and a fun conversation piece for a span of that summer. We never did have the BBQ, but that may be a new summer project for me again! Jenny simply reminded me that that creative soul still exists, and I need to keep my chin up. It was good, sound advice from a good friend.

I’m a little ambivalent tonight. I’ve been my mothers’ primary caretaker for the last 10 years. She’s moving tomorrow, her house is nearly empty, and, while I know this is best for her, I wasn’t prepared for her to move out of town. She’s needed assisted living for quite some time, and we were preparing to find her a place in Atchison. I’m going to be lost not looking in on her, running her errands, calling her multiple times daily and doing “honey-do” chores around the house. Fulfilling her needs allowed me to nurture someone. It fulfilled my need since I don’t have children, but still had the need to take care of someone. While my world was hectic, I still saw her daily and will miss her terribly. I hate seeing both of us having our lives changed in the span of about a month. I do know that Falls City, Nebraska has my brother and his wife, and my niece and her husband and my three great niece and nephews, and so “Grandma” is getting all kinds of attention from the little ones. That is wonderful and so necessary for her to experience right now, and I’m pleased that my great nieces and nephews adore her and will get to experience my mom’s perky spirit.

Hopefully, with a little luck, I won’t be as puny tomorrow, and will be able to go to KU “Beta Theta Pi” Moms weekend with my sis and nephew. Nothing could make me smile more than being around both “family” and “KU.”

Much Love,
Julie

"A short post..."

The nausea hit today like a freight train, and the hair started falling out a wee bit. I felt so bad, I couldn't make my appt. for radiation. Cross your fingers and say a little prayer that this subsides quickly.

Much Love,
Julie

"The Ultimate Grammy Collection..."

I need to mention I received in the mail an "Ultimate Grammy Collection" from an old high school teammate from my high school years. She graduated in 1978, and I in 1980, but Kathy Smith must still remember how I adore Soul Music. She sent me an awesome CD, which has Aretha, Otis, The Isley Brothers, Tina Turner, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Marvin Gaye, Natalie Cole, EW&F and of course Donna Summer and my favorite song The Emotions: The Best of My Love song on it. Thank you Kathy Smith, AHS class of 1978. You made my day!

Much Love,
Julie Blair

"The Curse of a 76, ergogenic aids, and music lyrics..."

“The Curse of a 76, ergogenic aids, and music lyrics…”

Sunday brought welcome sunshine and an opportunity for me to get out and about. I was glad to get in my car and simply go for a drive. I drove around town, and wound up at the Missouri River for several minutes. I remember when I was in my twenties, I use to water-ski on the Muddy Mo, and it drove my parents crazy with worry. I sat by the river today and the memory of water skiing on it during the early 80’s seemed like a few simple years ago. I was able to escape my dilemma for a few moments, and it was a slice of heaven.

I also have always used music as an “ergogenic” aid. It’s something that can put me in an excellent mood. While driving, I also heard a song from the 80’s era: The Emotions: “Best of My Love” I love that song, and that genre of music. I listened to the music and specifically, the opening line: “Doesn’t take much to make me happy, and make me smile.” As the song continued on, I thought about my plight, my attitude, my zeal and how I’m dealing with things. Yes, I’m pretty broken hearted over this, but I’ve got to regroup and bring my zany persona back. My attitude has always been one of the creative, happy-go-lucky, smile, and enjoy and live life to the fullest. I’ve got to remember the mantra I lived by pre-cancer must also coincide with my existence now. Fatigue affects me somewhat, but I am still Julie. I wouldn’t say I’m one in a million, but I would say I’m pretty unique. I’ll just fight this cancer as if I don’t have it. Roll with the punches, baby!!

Probably, the worst part about being diagnosed with Cancer is not the actual diagnosis. Well, I take that back. It’s pretty scary. But, truly, what infiltrates a bright and creative mind is the waiting game. It’s a long walk off a continuous, short pier. Life is truly second by second. Hours seem like an eternity. Days and moments and escapes like today help.

I had the unfortunate (or fortunate) luck of shooting two 76’s in golf during my last two outings last September. Those two scores, both witnessed by my husband and his friend, Mike vonSenden, have proved to be a terrible curse. I was so anxious for this golf season to get started, and start attacking my favorite pastime with a vengeance.

Each day when I go to the garage fridge to get a water or Diet Lipton Citrus Iced Tea, I see my crates of golf balls, tees, and all my golf gadgets. It kills me to walk by there and see all my new golf toys and gadgets. Seeing my clubs, my beautiful Ping’s, bagged up in the corner is equivalent to making a kid wait an extra day for Santa to arrive on Christmas morning. Those silly 76’s…..both a beauty for me, and a curse.
I’ll be glad when we get further into this venture, and I’ll at least be able to get out and chip and putt a wee bit!!

Much Love,
Julie

"Shades of the Past..."

We'll, the weather really threw a kink into this weekend.

Once you're diagnosed with Cancer, your entire thought processes are permeated with conquering the disease, battling the meds, and existing through chemo and radiation. Work is a slice of heaven compared to the mindless oasis of spending time in a home that was once normal, but now has shades of the unknown. This storm had Wes and I stir crazy for a while. We finally had to just leave and go for a ride. It was a pleasant ride through the snow, slush and muck!

My stomach is still terribly upset, but I've not had the nausea yet. It's like a hangover from hell. Only, I didn't drink a DROP!! I'll be glad when some of the meds get regulated. I also hope to catch up on sleep. I did take a couple of nice naps today. Ah...sleep....the most precious commodity.

Wes and I rented Milk tonight. I love documentary-true life movies, and found this fascinating. I also loved the real footage that was strewn in amidst the film. I don't think I'll make it through our second film: "Australia," but rather will wait for that tomorrow. I was at least able to sit through more of the movie than normal. Ever since diagnosis, I can't seem to concentrate through an entire movie or tv show. Yep, it's that ADD/ADHD gene I have! I love it though!

Make sure you tell someone who means the world to you that they indeed, do mean the world to you!
Much Love,
Julie

"Sleep...an important commodity market...and KU..."

“Sleep…My most important Commodity Market…”

I’ve talked about having lung cancer in two “Parts or Acts” so far. Act I is the actual diagnoses, and the fear and ever-present loathing of finding out information about it, and how severe it is. “Act II” is dealing with it in the primary stages of treatment.
Right now, I’d say I’m a little over a week into treatment, had some rough days of chemo, and am on the radiation swing right now. But, my most important commodity I’m concerned about has nothing to do with our current economy. IT’S SLEEP. Being on a plethora of meds, steroids, chemo, and all the other nausea meds make sleep a tough commodity to barter with. I’m constantly fatigued. It’s weird, because I’ve always thought I might have a slice of ADD or ADHD in me. I’ve had boundless energy as long as I can remember. Now, it’s like it’s a chore to complete tasks without “resting.” I’m constantly tired. I’m also trying to keep the house up as best as possible, keep up on some KU coursework, and stay tracked at school. It’s fatiguing, but t it’s also a huge diversion for a mind that’s a flutter and a twitter!

I’m blessed that I’m being treated at the KU Cancer Center. They’ve some top-notch researchers, doctors, nurses and employees there. I just wish I had Donald Trump and a helicopter to fly me down there instead of the hour-long commute and the hour trip home. I’m blessed I also have drivers that are willing to accommodate my late afternoon appointments and me. It’s such a disastrous feeling to “burden” anyone, but I’ve found out that friends will go to the ends of the earth for you. I’d do the same for any of my friends. Again, crisis brings out the good in humanity.

I had the best surprises today. First, my good friend Teri showed up to take me to my appointment with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, and a pan of brownies!! That perked me up. Then, Carrie, my dear friend who’s also our school secretary and coordinating my drivers, shows up to my house with a KU box addressed to me at school. It’s a funny story regarding a sweet little career counselor that showed up at AHS for a career fair. I informed her I was a mega KU fan, and had my room decorated with the crimson and blue fare, and that I liked to give out KU mementos to students. A week later, she had mailed me supplies to give my students. In thanking her, I also carbon-copied my gratitude and appreciation for what an advocate she was for KU to her superiors, and how wonderful an advocate she was to be promoting their college. We’ll, long story short, she happens to be married to one of my former students when I taught in a Centralia, Kansas! She had mailed me today some KU shirts to add to my daily apparel that I wear to each treatment, and a warm blanket. I only hope KU knows what true advocates they have promoting their entire existence…from medical for my current health standpoints, to academic, to athletic. It’s a top-notch university, and I’m blessed to be taking classes there right now as well.
Tomorrow is Friday, and I’m ready for the weekend. I realized I have not listened to the radio or watched television since the night the Oscars were on. I’m hoping to be able to stay awake during the KU game tomorrow. I still have not seen an entire KU game from start to finish since this journey started. I need to pull my inner Hawk strength up, fight the fatigue, and yell ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK and tap my toes three times. There’s no place like home!

Much Love,
Julie

"Send sleep vibes..."

Okay, today is a 7 hour chemo day. So, all together now, send Julie your "sleep vibes." While I can relax with the best of us, especially when watching golf on TV, being chained to an IV for 7 hours tends to make me want to run free. I've had to use positive imagery to last through MRI's and CAT scans, and while I do have a creative brain, 7 hours will be a long time. I've a radiation appt. at 7:30am, and then proceed to the cancer treatment center for "blasto" chemo shortly thereafter. Send all your "sleepy work vibes" towards Jules around 9:00am or 10:00am!! Just about the time you get your first sleepy tone at work, shoot it my way!! The first 7 hour treatment went so-so as I slept through about 4 hours of it.

I feel bad for Wes. It's one thing to endure such trying times. It's another thing to watch someone you love be so enthusiastic and strong, but yet feel and sense the worry in him. I'm also worried about my sister. She's been so strong and made so many trips up here, I worry about her constant commute. Wes and I think we're going to BAN her for a week or so in order to get her ducks in a row and her life back to normal in Wichita. My mother is now staying with my oldest brother in Falls City, Nebraska for a bit. While I was mom's caretaker, and my chores for her, with my frenetic and hectic lifestyle did move fast, I already miss taking care of her. She's coming back to stay with us next week to help me out when the chemo is over for a bit, and we're just doing radiation. It will be a mutual taking care of each other. We'll both be wobbling around the house! That will be a sight for laughing eyes!!

I can't say enough about how humanity opens up it's arms in a crisis. My husband and I are blessed to have tons of family and friends that bring food, supplies, whatever necessary. It makes me realize that friends and family are really the "gold" in what makes this world go round. I've received tons of food from friends, sore-throat products from my favorite tech nerdie at school (jen), and food from my golfing friends. I've had tons of people volunteer to drive to chemo/radiation appts. I get e-mails, books, magazines and texts from friends. It's amazing how little things really do put a smile on your face when life throws some adversity at you.

It would be easy to simply give up and sail through this battle. It's miserable. However, every time I do, I think of those that have had worse adversity, bigger battles, and tougher roads. While this road is no smooth sailing, I'm gonna give it the best shot I have. I have no choice but to. It's just gonna have a few choppy waters to traverse before I know how it will end. We hope the tumor shrinks. We hope the meds and radiation do what they're suppose to do. I'll keep perservering, because I know people have perservered through much worse.
Much Love,
Julie

"Imagine...needing an interpreter..."

Well, we're about 1 week into the process. The daily drive to KC seems long, but gets a little better each day. The Iatan powerplant really throws a kink into my day!!

Today I had an awakening of sorts. I had to meet with my radiation doc, as all patients do on Monday. All of the sudden, while we're waiting for the appt., I heard a nurse say: "We need an interpreter!!" Can you imagine how frightening it would be to have cancer and not speak English or understand what is happening? It's frightening enough. I can't imagine not speaking our native tongue and understanding what medicines and drugs are being used to combat this dreaded disease. Someone needed an interpreter to explain their cancer, and the nurses at the station were so sweet in trying to assist.

tomorrow is a 7 hour chemo day starting bright and early. eGads! I hope they give me something to sleep. The steroids and medicines tend to make one ancy.....and, can you imagine me chained up for 7 hours?

Again, I'm blessed with wonderful friends and family. They soothe the rough patches of life.
Much Love,
Julie

"One week down..."

Well, I"m a little tired today. We started on tuesday with 7 hours of chemo, followed by 4 more days of chem this week. I've had a total of 4 days of radiation. I don't know if it's a combination of the meds, the shedule, the driving or what, but I am fatigued.

I'm surrounded by family tonight, and am truly blessed. It's hard to keep a bright mind occupied and off the inievitable, but I'm trying my hardest.

Keep the prayers coming. We've got a good long road to go, and I'll give it a go!

Much Love,
Julie