The 4th Chemo Cycle

• Sept. 11 - Thursday- I was able to get Olivia on the bus and off to school. Grandpa Ron came to town to pick Brody up so he could spend the day with grandpa and grandma. Laurie and Tami came by the house to pick me up and we left for Kansas City. I would like to share with all that have been worried about my weight that I'm up 5 pounds since my first chemo treatment. This leads me to believe that all the meals everyone is providing seem to be making me gain weight. The chemo treatment went well with no problems. My oncologist seemed please with my progress. I hope that Laurie and Tami both know how much it meant to me to have them take me. I will never be able to repay them for all that they have been doing for me.
• Sept. 12 - Friday- What a morning! My dear little Brody was all about discovery today. He had this and that out and was into everything. We have been starting to work on potty training so on one of our trips to the bathroom we discovered a little more then expected. So we had one more mess to deal with. My sister came down to pick me up and bring me in for my Nuelastin shot. This shot helps boost my immune system to produce the WBC's to continue to fight off infections. My oncologist said that this will give me about 80% coverage in fighting infections. So the remaining 20% of coverage comes from good hand washing and doing all the things that I listed in my education. I did get a nap in while Brody napped today. Bev and Alan Heinen brought over a spaghetti dinner that was great. I did send half of it with my mom, who came to pick up the kids for the weekend. Mom was so thankful to have a warm meal to serve when they got home.
• Sept. 13 - Saturday- I woke feeling pretty good and decent energy level. I spent most of the morning picking up the house and getting some much needed laundry done. Elaine and Ella Rethman brought over homemade pizza for lunch. It was outstanding!! Theresa Sudbeck came down for a nice visit. She has been my go to or my confident when I have any questions. We all know that God allows things to happen in our lives that we never expect, but He also gives us special treasures to cope. I feel that he has given me a new treasured friend in Theresa. I did have time to get in a nap that afternoon. Tim came home and we share dinner together. We did go for a evening drive. If the hot flashes were not so "HOT" I might sleep all through the night.
• Sept. 14 - Sunday - I must say that we did finally sleep in this morning. I think it was around 10:00am. I was feeling more tired, achy, and nauseated today. I spent the rest of the day resting on the couch. Cole and Jill Aldafer brought over some potato soup and apple crisp. That evening Mom and Dad brought the kids home. We all enjoyed the soup and desserts together for dinner. It was all very taste! Jean & Todd Heideman brought over a great peanut butter dessert, thanks for thinking of us.
• Sept. 15 - Monday- After Tim and Olivia were off, Brody and I just lazed around the house all morning. We layed down around 11:30am for our nap and got to sleep until about 1:00pm. I felt much better and had more energy. We did go out to the farm to enjoy the warm weather and even did a little mowing to keep my mind occupied. We came home to find a beautiful spread of food and soup that Nickie and Travis Haverkamp family had brought over. It was wonderful and really smelled good when we got home. I was feeling a little punk so letting the kids play for a short time at the neighbors really helped me out.
• Sept. 16 - Tuesday- I did make myself go into work today. I did only a half day. It seems that keeping my mind occupied helps put most of the nausea feelings at bay. The girls at work are a great distraction! I did get a call from the Centralia school nurse saying that she had Olivia in her office. She was complaining of upset stomach and was very tired. I left work and went to pick her up. We spent the rest of the evening on the cough together when Brody allowed us to. I do hope that we keep any flu bugs away.
• Sept. 17 - Wednesday- We did keep Olivia home from school today. She continued to be tired and complaining of upset stomach. Tim was nice a took Brody with him to the farm and Olivia and I could just lazy around together. The leftover soup has been really smoothing on all of our stomachs. I do hope that we will be back to school and work by tomorrow.