Update #4

Saturday, September 24, 2007

Today is Saturday and I’m doing great!  It’s the 5th day since my 2nd infusion and Diana came by again and we went for our walk!  It was so wonderful.  I have to walk – this will not only prevent any deep vein blood clouts from forming, but will also keep my muscles toned and that is very important.  Luis bought me some hand weights so these will also help toning the arms, etc. 

My nap was welcomed today – just slipped right out….. 30 minutes later and I was refreshed again. 

I had my 2nd chemo this past Monday, September 24th.   Elaine and Cronny picked me up and off I went.  This infusion went much smoother and the visit with the oncologist was interesting.  During this period of time I still have dizziness and Dr. Young ( the oncologist) wants to make sure that it’s not anything other than the vertigo that the primary doctor stated it was.  In any case, they want to see where I am now that I’ve had 2 chemo’s.  Therefore,  I should be getting another CAT Scan in a couple of weeks to determine how the chemo has improved the situation thus far in the body.  Then after my 3rd chemo on October 15th, I should have another bone marrow biopsy to make sure that the chemo has eradicated enough of the cancer cells to help the bone marrow develop healthy cells on it’s own and not need a transplant later on – the concern is developing Leukemia.   

Even though the infusion went well at the cancer center, I still have to deal with the nausea, dizziness, headaches and some body aches I get.  And even though I get medication to offset all of these symptoms, I still have to go through it before it gets better – the day after chemo is a bust.  By the 2nd day I feel better and able to eat some; the 3rd day is good and the 4th is great – that’s today!  My stomach still bothers a bit - all the toxins are running through -so it’s very important to keep hydrated and constantly drink tons of water.  This helps the kidneys and liver work to continuously flush out the toxins otherwise it will hurt the kidneys and that means trouble. 

I have a special visit coming up this Tuesday from California — my sister Yvette!  We haven’t seen each other for about 8 years – she’s only going to be here for a few days, however it’s going to be such a great visit – I’m really excited!

Surei, my sweetheart is coming up on the 13th of October for about a week – It’s going to be so wonderful to see her again and be with her.  She’ll be here for my 3rd chemo.  I’m glad……..

My girlfriend Irene is also coming in from Florida – she’ll be here right after Surei leaves.  I haven’t seen her in over a year…..

And Sofie and Cortney are also coming from Florida towards the end of October!  They’ll be visiting family here in Rochester and me – can’t  wait so see them – it’s been 8 years!   

What a wonderfully busy month for me – it will be keeping me totally focused on health, exercise, good memories and lots and lots of laughter    More healing power……..

Isn’t God just so wonderful?  More reasons for praising and worshiping this mighty God of mine!  I give Him all the honor, all the glory and all the praise for the good and the not.  For the pain and less or no pain, for the highs and lows.  For the privilege of the journey…….

There are some friends that I would like to mention who have honored me with their lives, time, laughter, encouragement and  love at this time…….

Theresa Reddick – I love you honey – Thank you for your wonderful and gentle spirit and love of God that you have and your encouragement.  I know that He will give you strength and wisdom to see you through.  Tell the kids I love them.

Randy Sr., my grandchildren’s father is out in Saudi Arabia and due to come home in December.  Thank you for your wonderful words of love and encouragement Randy – my prayers are also with you for peace, wisdom and safety.  I would like everyone to please keep him and all our men and women who are out in the world serving their country, in whatever capacity, in constant prayer.  They are the real heroes facing perilous situations everyday 24/7 – please don’t forget them.  Randy, we salute you and all your unit – please know that we are lifting you all up in prayer.  God bless you!

Karen and Clinton and the girls came by to see me a bit ago – it was wonderful that they did and I miss them so much – the girls are so grown and beautiful!  I’ve known these 2 all their lives and here they are all grown up on me!  What happened?  It’s like they sneaked by me or something.  Thank you lovies for your continued love and support.  I love you….. and Karen thank you for keeping me company the other day – it was great to catch up especially on your family tree -Karen knows how I love to trace family trees and she’s got a huge family out in Louisiana.   Anyway, with all that she’s shared I’ve come to kinda know her family a bit.  It’s so interesting and every time she gets a lead, she meets more family.  Awesome!  I’ve missed you girl!  The pictures were great – bring more the next time and don’t forget the ribs!  She tempted me with her ribs – told me that she’d bring some the next time and all I did for 2 days was think about ribs.  She and Nora make the best ribs anywhere in the world!  Yummmmm! 

Sandra Martinez- she knows how much I love road trips, so she picked me up and took me to Seneca Lake!  Oh how I miss road trips - the countryside is just beautiful and the fruit and veggie stands along the way are so numerous, you just have to constantly stop and check it out!  We went to the Glenora Winery located on the west side of Seneca Lake and had a splendid lunch there.  We sat outside on their very spacious and beautifully located balcony which overlooks their vineyards and just beyond is the lake and across the lake are the lake homes and boats, and right above towering up high cascading beautifully are hundreds of trees so tall and majestic  standing so close to each other that they appear to be knitted – and resembles a tapestry!  It was like a masterpiece and already there were signs of fall.  Ah yes, by now the foliage has got to be so beautiful and breathtaking!  Take a trip and see what it’s like when the foliage is in its full splendor!  You will be in awe how God blesses us with His creation and it’s beauty and expresses His love for us!

There was a band playing on the grounds which played a wonderful concoction of music which even included some by the Beatles, etc.  It was marvelous to experience,  and the food was so delicious and oh, did I mention desserts?  No? Well it was decadent! The music, food, sights and sounds were just fantabulous!

 I was so wiped out when I got home by all the stimulation and fresh air – it was so wonderful!  Thank you Sandra – it was definitely more than I ever imagined!  Thank you for your love, outrageous generosity and support honey,  I love you…. Blessings….

Kerry, thank you for your generous heart, the encouragement you give me, and all the support you give Surei with the children which enables her to come and visit me.   I truly appreciate it -  give my love to Christine…… I love you guys!

Oh, by the way, Randy my grandson was at it again today!  He made an 80-yard touch down – he runs for me he says!  I received a package from his class last week – the whole 7th grade class made get-well cards and they were just beautiful, so individualized, so personal and precious!  Both boys and girls participated and that made it even more meaningful.  Thank you to all of them – thank you Randy – you are all very special to me! 

Santana’s- thank you for the wonderful scrumptious dinner, desserts and company the other day!  The company, the music, the food, the people, and conversation was awesome and the take home food was very exciting.  It was great to see and share time with Al also and the new family business and life in Miami!  It’s been over a year!   Thank you for the rides there and back!  I even had some of  Ernie Santana’s homemade creamy cauliflower soup and it was soooo good.  Yup! It was quite the soup!  Thank you lovies!  JoAnn, thank you for the beautiful jewlry!  It’s so me and I love it.  Blessings sweeties!

Luis, thank you for taking me grocery shopping and running those other errands – these drain me and since I never know when the dizziness comes, I need to be driven for the most part.  There are   constant hand washings and I have to remember not to touch the raw stuff (veggies, fruits, meats), unless I have plastic gloves on and even then there’s more hand washing.  Hand washing when I get in the car after pushing or touching the cart or anything in the store, and once at home the same thing and after putting things away.  And actually after handling just about anything.  I know that I can’t be totally protected, but every little bit helps.  So thanks again – it really is a great help.

Well, that’s all I have for today folks.  Please know that I keep you all in my prayers thanking God for everyone of you, your needs, your trials, your wounds, your pains and thank Him for your successes, your healing, your ability to be able to face your giants, your strengths and your faith growth.  Please know that we can’t do this on our own.  Look at me – I can’t do this on my own, so He sent Himself to me through you all!!  I have to tell you that right now I’m smiling….. it makes me feel so warm all over at the thought!  Thank you again to all of you for your love.

Blessings,

Mildred