LAST DAY OF CHEMO

Hope you all are enjoying your holiday season!  Yesterday was as beautiful a Christmas at home with family as I could imagine.  I do hope it was wonderful for all of you!  And that your New Year will bring in new possibilities and joy.

Today is my last Chemo treatment.  Yay!!!  - I know it will be about two weeks of yuk, but this time when I start to feel better, it will continue and I am sooo looking forward to "normal" and "doing life".  Not just existing in the "day-to-day", but truly experiencing life with a fresh perspective.  I want to experience new things, go to new places, serve God with more passion and boldness and engage and really enjoy the people around me.  There is a lot of life out there to live - I am going after it!  See you all soon!!!  Lotsa love to you!  Shirley

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE...

...how much it means when someone is down to reach out with a encouraging word, a thought, a hello, scripture or prayer through text messages, emails, cards, acts of kindness and gifts.

It truly has meant so much to me to have so many take a moment to show that they care.  I have received so many blessings over the last several months, and the moment you take makes so much difference to those struggling with illness.

I have received gifts of: beautiful blankets, scarves, hats, wonderful products to pamper myself with Lush products, yummy muffins and breads, along with fantastic meals brought to me with smiles, visits from people just wanting to say hello, loved ones have sat with me and encouraged me and have told me I am beautiful even when I thought that I wasn't. 

I just wanted to take a moment to tell you all thank you!  You have blessed me by your kindness.  You have encouraged me with your prayers, and you have loved me unconditionally.  I will not forget.

SO MUCH TO BE GRATEFUL FOR...

What a great day to spend with family and loved ones!  --This year we will be gathering at Savannah's new home to celebrate life, each other and what we have to be grateful for. I am so excited and so happy!

This week we found out the results of my latest PET Scan.  -- bottom line - there was no cancerous activity. CANCER-FREE.  --Such love, such support, so many powerful prayers and it brings us to this - a day to celebrate - relief -- Wow!

God is good and His plan is perfect.  I look forward to Him showing me new ways to make a difference with the life He has given to me. 

Today our family and loved ones cherish life a little more.  We are awakened to the idea that life is not always in our hands.  We are here only for a time and we need so much to make that time matter.

As you all celebrate this day with those you love, please be sure to listen to them a little more intently, to hug them a little tighter, and cherish your time with them.  I implore you-- if you have any thing in the way in these relationships, make sure you do everything to reach out and mend what's broken.  This truly matters.

With BIG LOVE I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Psalm 100:4

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴ Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

I BELIEVE I LOST A WHOLE WEEK!

Going through this experience has been very interesting.  I am very intrigued by how God will use this all for the good.  And I know He will!!

Last Monday, I got up as usual and started my day.  We usually have smoothies in the morning, chat, check the news before Stephen heads upstairs to start his workday.  As I relaxed there I began to feel nauseous, and began to get sick despite the many medicines in my cabinet.  It quickly became apparent it was getting out-of-control quickly!  -  The doctor's office requested we come in to see them.  All I wanted to do was curl up in a ball, but I knew better, Stephen, my rock would not allow that.  -When we arrived at the office they checked my blood cell count.  It was very low and my temperature was higher then they wanted - So off to Eastside hospital through back corridors and with the aid of wheelchairs and heat packs (severe chills).  At the hotel-like private room they piled blankets, attached me to fluids, anti-nausea meds and anti-biotics.  My doctor was not working, but came anyway to my room within a hour (I felt taken care of).  He thought I might be there until Thursday, but if my temp and nausea and white blood cell counts were in check I could go home earlier.

No one wants to stay in the hospital for long, but really I had a somewhat good experience!  I really felt taken care of.  The doctor visited me each day, the nurses were terrific and the room was comfortable.  As each hour ticked by I know I was better!  So nice.  Hubby stayed and my girls and my sister stayed with me.  I felt loved too!  So Wednesday they released me!  So happy and relieved!

So we arrived home on Wednesday afternoon as I began the business of recovering more, Steve came down with a flu!  My rock was down.  But Ahaaa, we had the answer to our many questions:  Why did I get so sick?  Was it some of the Chemo drugs?  Was I exposed to someone who was sick?  Did I eat something that was bad?  --No, it was a bug!  It took Stephen down for about a day and a half.  We quarantined him, and as much as I wanted to help him get better, we stayed separated for two days. As nice as that hospital stay was, we did not want to return.

The week went so incredibly fast - a blurr.  So we took a few more days of rest and now things are better.  Feeling strong and peaceful.  There are only 3 more chemo session scheduled.  Looking forward to 2014 - Looking forward to my grandson being born!  Looking forward to all GOD has in store!

Romans 8:28

Amplified Bible (AMP)

²⁸ We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

LIGHT THE NIGHT WALK

My sweet sister made me aware of an organization and she has decided to do something that is so sweet, selfless and heartfelt.  She has organized a small group (We and Mrs. Jones) and is raising funds to walk for blood cancers this Thursday the 17th in Omaha, Nebraska.  Yay Wendy!

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has a yearly event in several major cities called "Light the Night Walk".  This organized event raises money for the cure and treatment of Leukemia and Lymphoma.  I intend to get involved with this next year too, as I believe cancer is too common today.  We need to do what we can to combat this disease not only for those of us that are currently undergoing treatment but also for the future of the ones we love.  There were walks earlier this month in Atlanta and Athens, and I am sure there will be walks next October in the Atlanta area as well.

I encourage you to take a look at this website, and if you like, you can click on ways to participate or donate.  If you do decide to donate by Thursday, please be sure to search on - "We and Mrs. Jones".

http://www.lightthenight.org/ways/

Thank you so much and God bless each of you!

Chemo Session Two

Great news!  The treatment went very well today.  I was able to take all of the medications and was done at 4:00pm.  There will be no need to carry over until tomorrow!!  The doctor seemed excited by my progress. He said the blood work was perfect, and after examining me said he did not feel any of the enlarged lymph nodes!  He was very positive!  Your prayers are working!  Blessings!

NEW HAIR DOO

Friday I went to the salon with my two amazing daughters, as it was time to address "the hair". It was beginning to come out and rather than wait til it was "wispy", I decided to clipper it down --not bald, but very close. Was that hard? Well yes, though I am so glad that my girls were there and Brittany and Matt, our family stylists, were and have been over-the-top supportive! I was so grateful. They were all so encouraging, we laughed, chatted and hugged. I'm sure we were all on the verge of tears, but all stayed strong.

Later that night, I stood alone in front of the mirror and cried. Yes, it was hard because until that moment I could look at myself and say -- you're not sick look at you. You're fine. Now I look at the image that stares back. It is so different. I look like I am a cancer patient. It is real.

I've done real before. I've lost my parents, endured my husbands Navy career and of course labored for three wonderful babies -- so Real -- all of it. And since I've gone through those things, I am certain I can do this too.  I can find the joy in the things around me. I can keep perspective and focus on the right things. I've discovered in my life that God strengthened me when I lost my father and again when I lost my mother. He gave me wisdom in my marriage and grace through uncertainties. And amazingly although I didn't think I would make it through childbirth - I did!!!! He helps, He restores, and He will restore me in this too.

Psalm 23:3 He restores my soul...

INCREDIBLE JOY

Today I rested my hand on Savannah's belly and my sweet grandson, Soren Lind Wallace, kicked my hand. Oh sweet, sweetness of Life!!!  I am blessed.

Updates tomorrow!!

DAY 2 CHEMO +

Well as I understand it... Day 2 of Chemo is not normal, but due to the small reaction I had on Tuesday, it was necessary to go back in and finish all of the treatment on Wednesday. We started at 8:45 and finished at 4:00. Stephen and Savannah took shifts. It was so nice to have them there! -- I know that I have the loving prayers of so many of my friends and family, because I felt peace and continue to feel waves of peace. Thanks so much for the prayers they work!

Wednesday night was the toughest,  but I slept on and off through the night and a lot on Thursday and Friday. This morning, Saturday, was a better morning. Started the day somewhat normal. Stephen and I even went on a few non-medical errands. And what a beautiful breezy perfectly tempered morning!  These are the little things that I intend to watch for everyday--that will drive me through this journey.  The smiles on my beautiful daughters faces, the tender calls from my son, holding my sweet hubby's hand every chance I get and a simple beautiful breeze. It's time to live.

DAY 1 CHEMO

So all began well this morning--got to the doctor's office and settled in. Love the nurse - she is amazing (I'll call her Daisy!) and I really like the doctor too. He is attentive and very detailed.  No fluff.  I really felt taken care of.

Around late morning after they set me up and started on the first drug - Rituxan. I began to have a reaction a little itch here and there, and some burning and discomfort on my abdomen. Daisy came right over - She looked at my back and stomach and I was getting welts so they stopped that drug - set it aside and dosed me up with a good amount of Benadryl. Pretty quickly all the symptoms disappeared!  They began again more slowly the second time. It was so slow in fact that I was asked to come back tomorrow (11th) so they are able to complete the treatment. I was there from 8:15-5:30. Long day.

Felt pretty good though. I was comfortable and had My Stephen with me. It is so wonderful to have someone there to watch and have that second set of eyes and ears. Blessed, Blessed, Blessed!

I am ready to get the first session behind me. Time to kick cancer's butt!

1 Kings 5:4

But now the Lord my God has given me peace on all my borders. I have no enemies, and there is no danger of attack.

"PORT DAY"

Well - the journey starts to go uphill now. Today was a long day, but nearly done. I had a port put in today at the hospital, which will allow them to do the chemo, draw blood and other tests through this little contraption put in just under the skin near my collar bone. Kinda neat when you think about it.  This will keep the doctors from treating me like a pin cushion. I am pretty sore and a bit bruised but ready for the day tomorrow.

My blessings today-- warm blankets, having Stephen by my side all day, and my Savannah arranged to collect cards, gift cards, yummy smelling lush products, books, movies and snacks from my beloved family and friends. I felt overwhelmed with love. I cried. It was really, really nice.

Again, I thank you all for your continued prayers, I have felt God's strength, peace and especially love!!

BLESSINGS!!!

So many little blessings from loved ones:

I have received loads of encouraging emails and text messages, kind words and prayers!!  They all mean so much to me.

I received a big Incredible Edible Bouquet and choc covered treats- the bananas were delicious!

One friend took me to a “Korean Café”.  It was a quaint place and the time was sweet!

Another took me to an authentic Mexican restaurant – yum guacamole!

I’ve received cards and gift cards, so very thoughtful!

This weekend a sweet friend took me to get a pedicure!!!   

And three wonderful prayer warriors made their way from Macon to pray for me.

And of course a lot of hugs!

I am so blessed.  It is so cool when you are not expecting anything and unexpectedly you get surprised by a person, wanting to do something really nice.  I am surrounded by truly good people!

I do know that when someone close is facing something difficult, it is hard to know what to say, and what to do.  I am sure it feels awkward to some.  I’ve been there too.  Just know that I’m really ok.  I like to laugh and was able to recently when Stephen had to let one of his co-workers know what was going on with me.  This big gruffy man sputtered and choked then just said,  “I am sorry, I suck at this!”

FAQ

08/25/2013 --- What an absolutely beautiful weekend in Georgia - there are usually only about 4 perfect weather days in Atlanta and we just got two of them! The breeze felt slightly tropical, no rain - so uplifting. So I was thinking that this blog might seem a bit confusing so far - although it was beautifully created by Savannah, I find that I still have a few things to add and update, so be sure to check back often! I really created this to keep friends and family updated on how things were going with my "journey". I know that when you pray, hope and think about someone going through a challenge, you want an easy way to see how things are going and hopefully this will be it!

I was also thinking that some of you might have questions. Questions like am I in pain?  No, not at all just a lot of swollen lymph nodes in several places in my body. Am I tired? Not really, a little problem sleeping, but that is working out and I have had a lot of energy too (maybe the juice is helping!). When does the treatment begin? My Chemo treatment begins on Tues, Sept 10th 2013.  Do you think you'll lose your hair? Yes, but don't ask me about a wig - a feminine scarf will do fine to modestly adorn my head. Will you have nausea? Yes, but there are medications available to take to help me with that. Will you continue to work at the bank? I intend to take a leave of absence while doing the treatments. Did you get a second opinion? Not quite, we do have one scheduled on Sept 6th, but hoping an appointment might become available sooner. How did you find out you had cancer? Please check out the "Journey" button below to get a detailed timeline. We often wonder why and how.... I choose to follow my faith and trust the wisdom of my Lord. -- Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

JUICE PARTY

8/22/2013 --- My work buddies blessed me so much today --- I've recently looked into "juicing" as a way to build my immune system, and they surprise me with a little "juice party". I received a nice gift and a card. I have no earthly idea how early they got up to prepare this - My boss and her hubby at the helm, they washed peeled, chopped, stuffed mounds of fresh organic vegetables into this monstrous machine and voila - a condensed green concoction of liquid super-food for me! It really was rather good. Wish you all were there to try it!

SCAN RESULTS

8/21/2013 --- Spoke to the Oncologist today about the results of  my scans last week! Good News!  Brain scan showed "no abnormalities", and the heart perfectly fine. God is good! Prayers work! (Happy Birthday, Wendy!)