I had the 5th Rituxin treatment on Monday the 26th. Elaine slept over Sunday night since I had to be there so early and traffic sometimes from her end to my can cause delays. So she came over around 8:30 pm and we were able to catch up and eventually retire. She dropped me off at Strong and I was there from 7:30 am and left at 6:30 pm. It was such a very long day. My veins were not cooperating – thus after several very painful attempts my treatment began. I again did have a reaction, however, it was caught quickly enough and after a delay of almost an hour, we were back on target.
So when I went back the next day for my chemo treatment at 1pm, I was a bit tremulous and hesitant and actually could not hold back some tears. I again had trouble with my veins and after a couple of more attempts (my veins are thin I was told), a second nurse who specializes in such things as these, was successful – the needle for chemo is thicker than the one for the Rituxsin – it was still very painful, but it was in – the pain subsided and the treatment began and I was out of there within 2 hours - Thank God!
The next several days were lost to me in low energy, headaches, some nausea, cramping, reflux, and gastrointestinal issues, etc. By Wednesday of the following week I was feeling better only to start again with some of the gastro issues and came down with I think a cold (sniffles).
My blood counts are high and the black and blue marks on my arms are all gone except for one, and I’m feeling much better. I still have to treat my arms with a towel soaked in warm water and apply it to my arms several times a day for the pain. My next chemo is on Monday the 17th. Marisa and Stephen will be here this Friday, the 14th and will leave after my next chemo on the 17th. We can’t wait to see them!
What keeps me going is that I know wholeheartedly that my Lord has not given me more than I can handle. So even in this I know that my God holds me close and then I remember how much He suffered for us – how terribly horrific it was – and so I gain strength from Him – my Lord, my God, my Saviour – and feel comforted. I’m not alone – I have Him and He has me. Praise God -
Blessings to you and yours,
Mildred
Dear Mildred:
I was given your site to encourage a young woman who is now starting this journey of battling cancer and let me just tell you that as printed out each page of your journey right from the 1st one……..I have been encouraged. Touched so deeply…changed…in a way I cannot explain. Elaine will be able to expalin to you who I am, you may remember me, I surely remember you and please know that prayers from this humble heart are going out to The Lord on your behalf. You are such an awesome beacon of Light. Let God keep shining through you, You have made my heart sing. I love the word lovies by the way………………………
Maybe some time I can visit with you. You just let me know, it would be an honor for me.
From one servant to another,
Your sister in Christ
Leesandra
Hi Mildred.
Hope you are staying strong and came through this week’s chemo with less pain? The kids are very excited for Christmas, Matias wants all snow days until Friday (their last day)! Aleena is wishing she could shop shop and shop. I will be glad when it is all over including her birthday 1/1. You are in our prayers, take care and God bless.love joann.
Hi Mildred que el señor te siga bendiciendo rica y abundantemente. Realmente te admiro mucho por tu fortaleza. Creo que mis dolores musculares son cosquilla comparado con todo lo que tienes que pasar. Pero en la vida el señor no escoge por un motivo y creo que el tuyo es la FE y el AMOR a DIOS. Ya que tu has dado una gran muestra de esto. Sigue hacia delante eres tremendo ser humano inspiras a muchos a no perder la FE y las ganas de vivir creeeme soy unas de estas. Te queremos mucho en el amor del señor. Judex and Joharis Family. MERRY CHRISTMAS.