A better week
This past weekend was full of baseball, family, and Makaiya’s first dance recital. We all had a wonderful time hopping around to the many events, and celebrating one another along the way. Uncle Mark was able to stay for the weekend, and Grandpa & Grandma Ford drove up from Iowa on Sunday to watch Toby’s last tournament game and Kaiya’s recital. What a sweet surprise for Toby when he heard Grandpa and Grandma cheering him on! It was a great weekend to help ease my anxiety for the upcoming infusion week.
Monday, June 6, was the start of round 3 for me. I was at the clinic bright and early (7:30AM) to begin my day with the desensitization protocol and a 6 hour infusion of Oxaliplatin. This time around my dose was decreased by 20% and that seems to have made a tremendous difference. I did not experience any of the neuropathy (tingling) sensations in my hands during the infusion, and have had very little of it after. The cramping in my jaw has significantly decreased, and only happens on occasion. When it does happen, it is not nearly as painful either! Praise the Lord! I do have cold sensitivity again, but it is not as extreme. I wear gloves when I take something cold from the freezer or fridge, but I can at least hold onto a glass plate at room temperature without pain this time around. I am also not feeling the brain fog like I was last time. For this I am extremely grateful!! I still believe that God has blessed me with the very best oncologist for my care. She is filled with compassion and incredibly patient, all while using her expertise and wisdom to provide wonderful, life-saving care.
At the end of my infusion in the clinic I had ‘Bruno’ hooked up again, and carried that thermal regulated pump of my second Chemo (5FU) around with me until my Home Infusion Nurse unhooked it on Wednesday morning. I was feeling pretty good on Monday and Tuesday, aside from being very tired.
Wednesday was a bit more difficult, with some nausea and a major drop in appetite. I ate what I could, and really tried to stay hydrated, as I know that helps me feel better. We had a pretty busy afternoon / evening, as the girls started their summer swimming lessons. They have lessons every Wednesday at 4:30, and thankfully they are about 5 minutes from our house. They really loved their lesson and I am glad they will improve on their skills. Swimming is such an important, life-saving skill! Toby had a baseball game at 5:30 PM against Edina, which they won in 4 innings. This worked well for us, because Makaiya had a softball game after that at 7:15 PM. All in all, it was a productive day and we came back home to celebrate Maple’s 1st birthday. She had her cousin, Roxie, come play and share a birthday cookie in the backyard. :-) And - I was EXHAUSTED! I even fell asleep before the kids. :)
We have received some delicious meals this week from our church family and neighbors. We are truly grateful for this incredibly kind gesture, and do not take it for granted! I would also like to include here that in addition to the meals, we have been overwhelmed with support in other ways. The messages, cards, flowers, meaningful gifts and gift cards mean more than we can express with words, and never fear, I am doing my very best to keep a list in order to write thank you notes. If you have not received one, please forgive us. Darek and I are definitely trying to keep up with that.
This warmer weather and sunshine have been very welcome!! Today the kids and I spent most of the day outside (me in the shade), enjoying the day. The kids have responsibility charts that award them screen time, and today they worked on building that bank up by cleaning up outside, watering flowers, and pulling weeds in the garden. It fills my soul, listening to the kids talk, laugh, and play so well together. And, the TV has not been turned on one time today!! Win!!! Win!!!
Aside from Makaiya having a tick on her ear this afternoon, the day has been restful and fantastic! (I recently purchased THIS tick removal tool that worked GREAT! It’s a must if you have kids or pets!)
I know that God has great things planned for me and for our family. I still have big dreams in my heart, and believe that they would not be placed there if they were not to be achieved. I am continuing to work toward fulfilling His purpose for my life, and build a legacy for my family. My sweet friend, Chrissy, and I are continuing to grow our succulent business (Between Two Gardens), and have some exciting ideas stirring for new, additional gifts to complement the plants. Regardless of where I find myself, I pray that I will stay out of the feeling sorry for myself hole, and press on toward spreading Hope & Joy to others! I have honestly found that I feel better when I can focus on encouraging others, and bringing joy into their lives. I read in a recent devotion,
“You may not be where you want to be, but God has you here for a reason. Find the high place of joy today. Look for those God has given you to encourage. Forgive your offenders and believe with all of your heart that no man, no scheme, and no devil can thwart God’s purposes for you!” - Susie Larson
Here we go, heading into another baseball tournament weekend. I’m praying for stamina! I also pray that this post blesses you, and that you may find Joy in each new sunrise!
