Today's Shout Outs:
Connie, Lee, Janice, Joanne, Tammy
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Hello dear friends. The countdown did happen as we all knew it would and I'm up early because I can't sleep. I even took an anxiety pill last night to help me sleep and it did, but it didn't keep me asleep quite long enough. I woke up at some point with Will asking me to tuck him back into bed, but I just had him hop in with me. Next time I woke up it was 5:22 am, which is better that the 4:15 am yesterday. I turned over, closed my eyes, turned over, opened my eyes and it was 5:42 am. Then I lay there... and finally got up at 6:00 am. My alarm is set for 6:45 am because I want to get up and shower and put my make-up on. I've worn make-up every day since I bought it. This is quite a big deal considering I had been a no make-up person previously.
My appointment at the infusion center is right at 8:00am when they open. I figure we'll be opening and closing the center with the nurses; if we get out of there early than extra bonus points for us.
My goal is to write a more detailed post about procedure and medication when I get there... you just gotta love technology. I consider this my "written" journal, but keyboarding is so much faster than writing by hand.
So, until that post, I do have a couple of photos to share with you. This first one is a journal that was made by Sue Ann and sent to me last week. It is absolutely gorgeous and I thought about what I wanted to use it for. I finally decided that because I'm journaling my overall experience here on the blog that I would use my new journal to record with photos each and very Chemo Treatment that I receive.
At my last meeting with my Oncologist, we were told that I would do my chemo treatments every 2 weeks for the next 6-8 months. At some point around the 3rd or 4th month, we will probably have a CT scan to check to see what the insides are doing. After the 6-8 months we will assess and make new plans.
As you know, I do like numbers so I immediately thought about what would be occurring at that time. I went with the 8 month time frame. In 8 months, it will be August and we will be winding down the summer and thinking about school, but here at home they won't be in school quite yet. Hunter will be heading into 6th grade and the boys will be heading into kindergarten. Time is such an interesting concept. Its hard to wrap the 'ole brain around one number that both seems like a long time, as well as a blink of an eye.
And finally, here is a picture of a the very last card that I made right before my Monday visit (December 20th). It seemed weird, but I had to get my space all cleaned up and put away before those impending visits and tests. As of yet, I have't created...
With that I leave you this morning. Now I'm late for my shower, and you know my dark secret. Getting up early doesn't mean that I won't be late.
Until next time...
-Katie
29 comments:
Wow, that is a gorgeous journal! Your card seems so fitting too. . .'I Believe'. . .it could be for so much. I am just lovin' your short hair, Katie, and way to go for putting on make-up everyday. I should really think about doing that, hehe ;D
Katie - Good luck with your second chemo treatment. My husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma a couple of years ago (as well as a melanoma that was removed from his arm) and is almost finished his chemo treatments...he would know how you feel. I made sure that I took pictures of him when he was having his first chemo treatment, the scar on his arm from the melanoma, on the CT scanner...things to remember his journey...as a scrapper I feel it is important to record these things. I can't wait until March when I can take a picture of his last treatment.
I know from your post yesterday that this wasn't a club you thought you would belong to, and I know that my hubby would say the same, but it is interesting the people that you meet in this club...even who your husband will meet. There are so many stories and so many great people. Know that you are not alone.
Many blessings to you and your family from across the contintent and up a little in Canada. Cheers!
Katie, I couldn't sleep at all last night either. Also, the last card I made was for a swap using that exact stamp. It's like we're living in a parallel universe.
I will be checking in on you to see how your chemo treatments are going. I know how these things go. You never know what to expect. I was nurse to dad and mother-in-law during their chemo treatments. I've seen it firsthand. You and the boys (Kevin included) are in my prayers.
Good luck with your second chemo treatment Katie. God is always with you. Hope to hear soon about you.
Hugs,
Farida
Katie - that is such a gorgeous card. I hope and pray that today goes well.
Love and hugs!
fabulous journal and card, sending you lots of positive thoughts and prayers x
Love your card and the journal. What a lot of love you have received! I have been to Belllingham and you live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. I hope when you feel up to it that you take short drives and make it a part of your healing process. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. AND bless your husband for all the support he is being for you. I have know many people whose husbands would never even think of trying to help find procedures, etc. for a loved one. You are surely blessed to have him.
Praying to the Great Physician for your treatment today. I can't wait to hear that you're back to creating those beautiful cards and projects. The card today is just gorgeous, Katie. :) :::hugs:::
Your card is gorgeous, and *so* fitting! And look at that journal! That is going to be a wonderful thing to look at when this is all behind you.
Praying for you today!
Tricia
Love the card and hopefully you will be creating again soon because we all miss seeing your wonderful creations.
Praying for you that all goes well today. I Believe too! Beautiful card and journal. I hope you will post it in 10 years and ask if we all remember! God bless you and your family. Get well!
I hope everything went OK today.
Eveline.
What a wonderful journal to put your pics in Katie - hope all went well for your 2nd chemo - and that you feel ok - and I also hope you are able to make some cards again!
When I get up early, I am always later than I would have been if I'd just got up on time!
I hope your treatment is kind to you today.. I love the sentiment on that last card you made, and I think it's very telling - your head is in the right place for what you've embarked on.
Good luck to you today.... imagine how quickly it will be August and you will be packing your wee ones up for their first ever day of school!
Beautiful journal Katie. I really like your card too and agree that it's fitting. Keep believing and by the time August rolls around you'll be looking ahead to all those years with your family.
Thinking of you today, Katie! Hoping for strength, a "get in, get it done, get out" kind of appointment day, and a restful night tonight! Hugs!
Katie,
I just "found" your blog today via another crafting blogger and I couldn't stop until I had read all your posts about what you have been going through these past few months. I don't want to take up too much comment space, but I want to say that I mean to make it my point to follow your blog and keep up with what you are doing each day. I just recently had surgery on my stomach for a (thankfully) benign tumor. The doctors would have never found it if I hadn't have had a (second) experience with a bowel obstruction last Dec. 2009 - and then it was a whole year of tests (endoscopies, CT's, etc.) and trying to get my surgery scheduled. I had the surgery on Dec. 1, 2010 and they were able to remove the tumor laparoscopically (sp?). I can't tell you how much I felt your posts about "Betrayal" (by the body) and "Sometimes I forget". I have had moments like those over the past year as well. You are not alone. PLEASE know that there is someone in southern CA who now knows of you, who will pray for you and your family, and who will continue to follow your story and send the most heartfelt wishes your way for the best outcome. I've only recently been crafting again (just had a hard time finding the drive to do it this past year) but now I have a renewed purpose: YOU! My cards may never be the most beautiful or self-designed (I'm a true CASE-er!) but they will arrive with love, nonetheless.
And by the way - I think you're beautiful with long AND short hair!
As you say: Until next time!
Holly J.
I believe too ....... not a situation goes by that I do not think of you!! When I left the hair salon today a young lady was coming in that had not been there in awhile, she was going through chemo ...... she came back today because she is healthy and her hair is coming back in ......I thought of you and I smiled knowing that one day soon you will be making that same visit because I believe!!!
What a BEAUTIFUL journal!!! Everyday I come to read your updates and each day and with each entry I am in awe. You have such a god given talent with writing.
I am in awe of your strength.
As you already know you and your family is always in my daily prayers!
Much love,
Christine Uporsky
Katie I found your blog via a link on Jak Heath's blog. I would like to wish you well with your chemo, stay strong, Denise x
Hiya Kate
I hope you are well and the chemo is not making you feel too ill. I have too very close friends going through the same thing at the moment. But I wanted to leave a comment as my father survived bowel cancer 20 years ago following 8 months of chemo and in those days the treatment was quite often worse than the disease, I it just felt like a coincidence that your treatment will last a similar length of time.
I just wanted to add my best wishes to all those I have seen for you all over the blogging world over the last couple of days.
Luv Hev xxx
Hello! I'm coming from http://kathleessnippitsncricuts.blogspot.com/ blog and heard about your diagnosis. Sorry to hear about that and hope every thing turns out good. I'm now one of your newest followers. OXOX ~Olga
Hi Katie, I hope the chemo goes well for you today and that you'll feel less sick than last time. The journal is lovely and I love that card. You are in my thoughts during the day in little things, like a scrap of paper, a piece of ribbon. I wish I'd your talent for writing, you do it so well.
with love
Claire xxxx
Katie, that card is absolutely stunning. Why can't I have an eye for art like you do? :) It's no coincidence that was the last card you made before all this. I do hope you'll find the strength and energy to create more in these weeks because I want to be inspired by you! :)
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Keep the faith!
Hi Katie, well I'm now right up to date! Hope your Chemo went well and you managed without the horrid side effects! Fabulous Journal and I think your card is pretty special too. I hope you'll feel well enough to make a card or two soon .... you're inspiring in many ways.
Katie,
Hello my name is Angela and I am a fellow blogger and I found your blog. I am so glad I did,keep writing it will keep you sane. I am in the medical field so I can of see things in a different way than people who are not. I hope your 2nd round of chemo went well, I will keep checking back in with you. Take care and you and your family will be my thoughts and prayers!
Angela
Hey Kiddo! I hope the chemo went as well as it could. I love the fact that you are planning ahead and talking about "what's to be". It's good to do that. I love Sue Ann's journal that she sent. I saw it first on her blog, and I was so moved by how thoughtful she was. Your card is so pretty as well as inspiring. Hang in there and keep doing well. Hugs to you, Kevin, and the kids! Best, Curt
Your journal from Sue Ann is beautiful!!! And so is your card!
Great wishes and many blessing to you and your family!
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