kentuckypine

the signs of hope...

pinesqi@yahoo.com — Tue, 25 Mar 08 14:02:00 UT

As we drove to the hospital yesterday, there was a light snow falling. We passed a house and in the front yard, there was a large patch of daffodils in full bloom. Talk about a sign of hope..it was glorious!

All went well with the chemo..my test numbers are all good, most of them right up there where they belong. Another sign of hope.

My hair is growing back. It's pure white. I look like a dandelion after its bloomed and then turned to the white fuzz.
I remember as a child blowinhg on the white fluff of the dandelion and making a wish.

I've gotten so used to being bald, don't know if I want to go back to the business of hairdos. It was so easy to just hop in the shower, scrub the bald head and walk away..no gel, no hair spray, no curling iron. Maybe Ill just keep the white fuzz real, real short.

The weather today is dark and gloomy. The sun is trying to come out but is over ruled by the dark clouds. Predictions are for sunny days later in the week. I'm anxious to get out in the flower garden and to get my humming bird feeders ready for the summer.

Feels like time for a nap..takes a couple of days to shake the effects of the chemo. Tomorrow I'll be ready to tackle the world.

Thank you all for your warm welcome back to JS..it so nice to see you all.

peace and love.

what's that white stuff ??

pinesqi@yahoo.com — Sun, 23 Mar 08 12:38:00 UT

I can't believe it! I woke up this morning to see snow falling from the sky! Here I was, thinking that spring had arrived...well, that's KY for ya..if you don't like the weather, just wait 5 minutes and it'll change. It doesn't look like any of the snow is gonna stick so that's a good thing.

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday....Happy Easter everyone.

I remember one Easter in particular...back in the 60s when my kids were still small and believed in the Easter Bunny. Weather permitting, I would go outside and hide eggs everywhere so the kids could have a treasure hunt.

We'd had a party the night before, so I was rather late getting to the hiding chore. It musta been around 2 or 3 in the morning before I got outside.

I should mention that I was in my ratty bathrobe, with big, fuzzy purple slippers and pink rollers in my hair.

As I walked about the yard, basket of eggs in one hand and a cold beer in the other, I noticed red lights flasing from the road in front of the house.

Suddenly, scaring the beejeesus out of me, there stood a police officer shing a flashlight in my face and demanding to know who I was and what I was doing at "this time of night."

Probably a little influenced by the beer, I kinda shouted:
"Haven't you ever seen the Easter Bunny?"

Nedless to say, the boy in blue let out a big guffaw, shook his head from side to side and laughed all the way to his patrol car.

The things we do for our kids!

Since Red is going to market tomorrow, I will be going to my son's home tonight so he can take me for chemo tomorrow. I got a feeling it will be much better day for me than for Red.

peace and love and all that good stuff.

Howdeeeeeee!

pinesqi@yahoo.com — Sat, 22 Mar 08 12:33:00 UT

Wow..its been a long time since I've been here!

I had kind of a rough time with chemo and sorta went into hibernation for awhile.

However, things are better now...the chemo has been changed and I'm feeling pretty good these days. I've managed to regain most of the weight I lost and even though I'm getting chemo once a week now instead of once every three weeks, my appetite is good and my energy level is pretty fair.

Spring is trying to poke itself into our days...some are sunny and bright while others are gray and rainy. As I walked around the yard the other day, I saw little green sprouts peeking up through the ground..a sure sign of good things to come.

Our cow, Red Meat has gotten fat and sassy over the winter and managed to escape, a couple of times, from her enclosure. Consequently, she will be making an early trip to hamburger heaven. She goes Monday to become pot roast.
I have mixed emotions about that...she sure was a cute calf and it was fun to watch her grow up so I have to remind myself that she was after all, an investment, not a pet. Fortunately, we won't be having her for dinner, she will be sold to someone else who doesn't have a history with her.

I want to thank all of you journalscapers for your notes, cards, gifts and comforting thoughts and prayers. You have no idea how much your caring helped me get through the bad days. I am so grateful .

Til next time....peace and love.

A Happy New Year........

pinesqi@yahoo.com — Sat, 29 Dec 07 17:05:00 UT

Can't believe its been so long since I've popped in here!

It's been a rough few months, what else can I say. The last couple of weeks have been pretty good though, had a small break between treatments and I feel almost human.

Had an absolutely WONDERFUL Christmas with ALL my kids in the area at the same time..its been a long time since that has happened.

Netta and the GC made it up here Christmas eve...you can just imagine what that was like. If laughter is good medicine, I'm sure I got a big enough dose to keep me around for several years.

It was great to see the 3 girls together...some things never change and it was as if they were still little and still tormenting each other...all in fun of course.

The best Christmas present of all was getting all 5 siblings together for a photograph...something I've been begging for for years.

The photos, taken by my son-in-law came out great and are on the digital frame that Netta gave me...and I can look at them any time, all the time..if I want to. Whooopee!

I have to thank Tina for arranging the photo session...she got everybody together and found a great place to take the pictures.

Happily, everyone smiled on the outside and got through the whole thing without shedding blood...that's a good thing.

My grandchildren are beautiful...inside and out and its been such a joy to have them around...I'm gonna hate it when they have to leave. I told their Mom and Dad they could leave them, but they didn't seem to think that was such a good idea. damn!

Anywaaaay...this was one of the best Christmases I've ever had and I will warm myself with the memories for a very long time.

I want to wish you all a great New Year...I hope all your dreams and wishes come true, I wish you good health, good friends, oodles of love and lots of laughter.

I thank you all who have been so kind to me with your thoughtful gifts and cards....you are wonderful friends.

peace.

the big bitch is always lurking.....

pinesqi@yahoo.com — Wed, 26 Sep 07 15:26:00 UT

Apparently patience is not one of my greatest virtues.

Today was chemo day, a process that should take about 4 hours at most...it took closer to 8. If there's anything that really ticks me off, its waiting...that act alone brings out the big bitch.

Wait for results of blood tests. Wait for a phone call to the doctor. Wait for the nurse to order the meds. Wait for the pharmacy to send meds to the floor. Wait for the nurse to enjoy her coffee break. Wait...wait...wait!!!!!

But...its done, full dose this time, and I'm glad to have it over. I don't even mind spending the next couple of days with my head in the bucket cause I know it won't last forever.

However, it was not the waiting that brought out the big bitch today....it was the compromise.

As I mentioned before, the Predisone kicked my ass and I vowed never to take it again. My sweet little Doctor Hitler had other ideas. She was so pleased with the results of the few days that I did take it, she insisted it was the best way to get the platlets back to normal.

Upon hearing my complaints, she said that it was not an allergic reaction, it was just a "few" side effects and she was sure I could live with them.

I assured her I could not. So then she started haggling...

well...take a half a dose...see how that works.

No..I'm not taking a half dose.

How about just 30 mg?

Can't you hear me? I'm not taking that sh*t...its killing me.

Oh c'mon...you're tough...you can handle it...look at how good its working...your platlets are up from 23 to 75..isn't it worth a shot?

NO ITS NOT!

Yes it is...I'll make you a compromise...try 10 mg for 7 days....if you're still living...take 20 on the 8th day and then in a week we'll test the blood again.

What could I do? I reluctantly agreed too try the 10 mg.

If I turn into a penis bearing wherewolf with a nasty disposition it will because my inner bitch was just not strong enough to say NO this time.

We'll see.

----------------

One of my favorite things about this time of year is that the catalogs start pouring in. I got 6 of them today...It amazes me...the things you can find in a catalog.

I always make this ginormous list of the junk I wanna buy when the catalogs first arrive. Thankfully, sanity returns sometime before the middle of November and the list grows shorter.

The Swiss Colony catalog is one of my favorites...chocolate...chocolate...chocolate...that list usually grows.

I also like Harriet Carter....such good junk and gadgets.

LLBean...what can I say?

I like to shop by catalog...beats fighting the crowds in the stores and the items usually come with a fitting box so I don't have to cobb together a way to wrap them.

Its hard to believe the holidays are getting so close...this year has gone so fast. I have vowed to have all my shopping done by the end of November...but, I've done that before and still found myself at the counter in the Bargain Outlet on Christmas eve. Ah well...the theory is good.

My little bucket is calling....talk to ya soon.

hugs to all.

a need to whine....or is that shine?..

pinesqi@yahoo.com — Mon, 24 Sep 07 17:41:00 UT

I have been in a dark hole for the last week...as a result, I owe email, phone calls, thank you notes and gawd knows what else to everyone.

I don't know how athletes do it...steroids. The doc put me on Prednisone last week...supposed to build up blood platlets or some damn thing. I thought I was gonna die and go straight to hell.

The cure is worse than the illness. I can't remember ever feeling so sick. I decided yesterday not to take them anymore...I'll see the doc Wednesday to find out if she has something else to offer in their place. I just know I'm not taking that s*it anymore.

I won't even attempt to describe the side effects...too gruesome...the last straw was when it affected my vision...that did it.

Okay...that's enough whining.

My daughter Tina is talking about re-doing my room for me, so I've been looking at color charts, trying to find something soft and calming. Any suggestions?

Its been over a year since I've moved furniture around...guess you could say I'm in a rut. The only thing that scares me is what I'm gonna find under the bed, in the closets and behind the furniture. Like Netta, I'm a bit of a pack rat...should be interesting to see what I absolutely HAD to save.

Fall has come to the hill...the trees are getting a tint of color and the evenings are cool and crisp. My favorite place is the front porch and sunset the prettiest time of day.

I'm looking forward to a visit from my friend in a couple of weeks and it looks as though the timing will be good...with chemo this Wedneday, I should be in pretty good shape by the time she arrives.

I guess that's enough babbling, I just really wanted to let y'all know that things are going okay...not great, but okay and I know tomorrow is gonna be a better day.

Y'all are in my thoughts.

xoxox

the tardy update...

pinesqi@yahoo.com — Wed, 19 Sep 07 15:10:00 UT

I don't know why it seems to take me so long to come here and write a few words...maybe its a side effect from one of the medications.:-) Or it could just be that I'm lazy.

In any case...the news is good...no problems with the bone marrow. I gotta tell you, that test is not one I wish to repeat right away but I guess it wasn't that bad considering the results.

I'm on steroids and iron pills now...Netta tells me I could probably grow a mustache or a penis..or maybe both. Isn't that something to look forward to?

Last week was actually a very good week...my youngest daughter Mickie was here from PA for about 10 days and she spoiled me rotten.

We had great weather while she was here...we went for rides just to view the landscape...did a lot of shopping...and of course spent a lot of time just talking and giggling. It was such fun to have her here and I hated to see her go home.

Hopefully she be back soon and we can take up right where we left off.

***********************

I swear, JSrs have got to be the nicest folks in the world..I got a phone call from one lovely person who promised to come see me on her way through town in early October. I'm really, really looking forward to that visit.

The other day I got a surprise package from another JS member...lovely earrings to go with my new hairless look. Brightened my day immeasurably.

*************************

My little Widget...the dog we found at an auction last year, the Jack Russell..has become quite the mouser. We have been invaded by mice and Widget has become the mighty hunter...she's caught two of them so far. The cats are busy sleeping in the chairs on the front porch.

***************************

I was very disappointed with Big Brother this year...don't know if I'm gonna watch it next year after this horrible season!

************************

Past my nap time, so I'll bid you bye bye til next time.
Y'all take care and know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

xoxox

the roller coaster ride continues...

pinesqi@yahoo.com — Tue, 4 Sep 07 17:59:00 UT

First of all...thank you all so much for your good wishes and happy thoughts...they are more appreciated than you could possibly know.

In my last blog, I said there was more going on in my life than this cancer war but I guess that wasn't really the truth.

This battle isn't as easy as the first one. I have red blood cells acting up, white cells on strike and hair falling out by the handful.

Everything but the hair requires testing after testing, which means needles after needles. Thank heaven I have the port now so at least that part is less painful than the constant search for a "good vein".

I was sitting in the chemo chair today staring at my poor little toes that stared back at me pleading for a pedicure. There was a time when I could chop off those ugly looking nails but the older I get, the thicker and meaner they have become so I have to go for professional help..ya know the big guns...a tiny little Vietnames girl who weights about 80 pounds soaking wet can tackle the monsters with ease...paint them a pretty color and make me feel like a new woman. Its worth treking up and down the highway picking up throw-a-way cans for the refund money!:)

My social life is very exciting these days...chemo today...thursday a trip back to the hospital for a shot to encourage the white cells to get to work...Monday a bone marrow test...Tuesday another appt with Dr. Hitler to decide the next step...and, if I'm lucky, another chemo treatment on Thursday. Might be more fun if there were drinking and dancing going on but alas...there's only CNN news on the community tv.....auuuuugh!

By this time tomorrow I will have a shiny bald head...what little hair that's left looks like a poofy dandelion and I'm afraid somebody will heave a deep breath and blow it all away...so, I'll shave it and polish it up for display.

I was given a new wig today by the cancer society...looks just like a wig so I'm not sure how often I'll wear it. I do have a good friend who is a hairdresser and she promised to take a look at it and see if she could put some style to it.

I also have a few hats....my favorite is the "Super Bitch" hat, but I don't really mind if people see me with a bald head...really...I look kinda cute...expecially if I wear long, dangly earrings.

I might look around for a Peppi Longstocking wig...or maybe Princess Lea...there's lots of possibilities. After all, an opportunity like this doesn't come to everyone...might as well have some fun dontcha think?

I could even save some money on my Halloween costume this year...one tootsie pop and viola...Telly Savalas!

One nice thing about being low on energy, I get to spend a lot of time sitting on the porch watching the babies of spring grow into their own.

There are a couple of families of wild turkeys...nearly 20 of them...there's a half dozen or so of deer....a huge buck who more than likely not make it through hunting season..a couple of does and 4 or 5 fawns...they are so beautiful.

The hummingbird feeder has been taken over by butterflys..I couldn't count how many there are...they just cover the feeder totally. The hummers buzz down from time to time trying to get their share, but the butterflys don't give ground...wish you could see them...they are so lovely.

There are bunnies everywhere, the raccoons and opossums, an occasional groundhog or fox and the coyotes howling off in the distance.

The cows in the pasture next door are growing big fat bellies that promise new calves in a few weeks.

The toads in the pond sing their harmony in the evening and keep the mosquitos at bay.

Mostly I think about how good my life is...how blessed I am to have children who love me and medical folks who want to heal me. However, there are also those moments when I fall into the self pity pot. Its then that I realize how much luckier I am than the idiots who spent their summer on Big Brother!

Life is good.

hugs and kisses to each of you...thanks for caring.

whiny crap..please feel free to disconnect..

pinesqi@yahoo.com — Thu, 23 Aug 07 23:55:00 UT

Funny isn't it? Life never seems to turn out the way you expect it will. Ya gotta laugh about it or you'll dehydrate from all the tears.

Its been quite a long time since I've written here and I'm not sure why...lord knows I've had enough thoughts going through my mind...problem seems to be moving them from the brain to the page...but, I'm gonna give it a try.

For those of you who don't know, I am in the midst of my second battle with cancer. The first go-around 3 years ago wasn't much fun and this one is even less so.

Without going into the borning details, let me just say the treatment this time is a little rougher than the first and has robbed me of not only the physical strength, but its made a pretty good dent in my emotional strength as well.

Mentally, I'm still pretty much as wacked as I've ever been..I still try to find humor wherever its hiding and I seek out people whose pity buttons are broken.

So often when my kids were growing up, I promised myself I would never be a burden to them in my old age..I meant that promise in the deepest part of my heart.

Now, here I am in my old age, a burden to my children. I live with one daughter and her partner in their home. They take me to my doctor appointments, monitors my meds, encourages me to "eat" when I have no appetite and try to keep me entertained.

Another daughter who lives a far distance away provides me with much needed laughter, the kick in the pants I need when I start feeling sorry for myself, financial assistance, and a non-judgemental ear when I need to vent.

My youngest daughter is the queen of prayer lists, calls me frequently since she lives in another state as well..and she is planning to come spend some time in September to help with daily duties and entertainment.

My two sons do the best they can...they would do anything I ask them to do...they just can't think of what to do on their own...guess that's a guy kind of thing.

They all provide me with love that nourishes me, they give me a reason to continue the fight and I am grateful to each of them for all their contributions to my well being. I love them all more than I can possibly verbalize.

This is not how I had planned to leave them. I wanted to go while I was still strong, self reliant, independent and able to do it all myself....just ain't gonna happen that way.

Not that I'm going anywhere right away...I plan to stay long enough to at least re-aquire some of the self reliance and independence. Strong may be too much to hope for.

=================

I've learned to quit worrying about things....silly things that don't, or at least shouldn't matter.

Dignity. Hah...that's gone out the book...it's very difficult to look dignified when you've got tubes sticking out of nearly every orifice and and hospital staff member can walk by and see your naked butt sticking out from that gorgeous paper gown....not that I haven' got a pretty cute little butt to be flashing.

It's demeaning when 2 or more medical personell stand around your bed, discussing your physical problems as if you weren't even in the room...its like you've become invisible. I don't know for sure, but I've been told they are offended if the patient should mention she would be happy if they all would "GET THE FUCK OUTTA MY ROOM!" oops, sorry, must be the medications talking.

There are a whole lot of little pet peeves I have about all this health care business that I will probably touch upon from time to time. Please don't let it lead you to believe that I am ungrateful...I am very grateful because there are those special nurses and aids and doctors and dieticians and housekeepers who take pride in their work and show a genuine caring for their patients. Thankfully they out number the idiots.

I'm at a point in treatment now where I can pretty much predict which will be the good days, and which ones won't be so hot.

The day the chemo is given and the following day aren't too bad...that's usually Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday, the shit hits the fan...the pain becomes unbearable and no amount of medication makes it go away....it feels as if the chemo is a jackhammer choppin up the cement of the cancer cells. By Sunday, the pain is once again controlable but the nausea and vomiting take over...that's usually good for a couple of days. Wedneday, you can actually keep some solid food down but the trouble is, every thing has a metal/chemical taste to it so your intake is limited.

Just about the time you feel like getting dressed into real clothes and maybe taking a ride into town, you're so tired you can't do more than 10 minutes at the corner grocery store.

But, it gets better and just when the day comes and you say..."Gee...I feel great today!"...you look at the calander and its time to go back for the next treatment.
So, on the bright side, there are about 4 good days when you can be civil, even kind to visitors, perhaps even cook a good meal, do a white chick dance or two and dispense a couple of good belly laughs.

Is it worth it? You bet it is! All of the days, even the worst ones bring at least a glimmer of happiness, kindness, love and compassion...sometimes it is you who can give those things to others...but more often than not, you are the recepiant...either way, its a good thing.

I've missed writing in my blog...and I haven't written mostly because the news wasn't pretty and I don't wanna depress people. But I've decided I'm going to write something every day....good or bad, funny or sad, witty or boring...and why? Because I can, that's why...after all, it is my blog.

I hope you will find something to peak your interest and would invite any comments as long as your pity button is disconnected.

I'm gonna do my best to keep up with you folks and keep sending good vibes and an occasional laugh you way.

Thanks to each of you for your compassion, good vibes, kind thoughts and prayers.

Bless you all....every one.

xoxoxoxo

nobody knows why...

pinesqi@yahoo.com — Tue, 24 Jul 07 21:39:00 UT

When I went for my chemo last week, they only gave me half a treatment because my blood platelets were low. They took all kinds of tests. Nobody knows why they were low.

When I went back today for test results, the platelets were back to normal...again, nobody knows why.

I think its because of all the love and prayers that went out on my behalf.

No matter the reason, I managed to avoid a painful bone marrow test and will get a full chemo treatment next Tuesday as long as the platelets remain normal. w00t!

My thanks to all of you who have been so caring.

There is more to my life than this cancer fight and I will be writing about some of that the next time I blog. Right now I just want to get a good night's sleep.

thanks again...

xoxoxox

all quiet on the homefront...

pinesqi@yahoo.com — Tue, 17 Jul 07 22:04:00 UT

Its been a quiet few days here on the hill. All the visitors have come and gone.

I love visitors. My son-in-law, Jeff, is always a joy to have around and I was sad to see him and my grandson head back to PA.

Jeff had a very traumatic event while he was here. Let me first say that Jeff is a city boy. One of his pleasures when he comes here to visit is to ride the mower over the 11 acres.

This time however, he got into a battle with the water hose...twice...he killed it...dead...a million pieces. I guess he's just not used to the wildlife here in the hills.

***************

I really, really liked Netta's special friend. Charm and humor ooze from her pores. I have to thank her for the lovely gifts she sent...especially the "favored" hat. I do hope she will come visit again. Oh...I must add...she looks really good in a moo-moo---though I only have photos, not having been privileged to see the real thing.

**************

I kinda slept through the first couple of days when everyone was gone. That's the part about this whole cancer thing that ticks me off the most...the lack of energy. Other than that, I feel pretty good most days.

***************

I'm gonna be sticking pretty close to the computer the next day or so...seems our Lisa is in labor as we speak and I am soooo excited for her.

**************

Speaking of computers...I love my laptop...its taking me a little patience to get used to the mouse, but I'll pick up a wireless one on the next trek to Walmart. But I am thrilled with the mobility...to be able to sit on the front porch instead of at a desk in my room....jeesh..it just doesn't get much better.

*************

Wish there was something more exciting to talk about but I guess that's about all my brain can come up with for now.

Hope y'all are doing well.
I'm gonna have to stick p

My favorite subject..laughter...

pinesqi@yahoo.com — Fri, 13 Jul 07 20:48:00 UT

Laughter does seem to be my favorite subject these days..especially this day.

As you know, Netta came for a visit...it was soooo good to see her. She looked tired, but beautiful as ever.

She was accompanied by our "special" friend, who is equally as funny...so it was an afternoon to delight even a cranky old lady.so I laughed til my sides hurt.:)

Netta is not as sweet as you think she is...she lied to me...her own mother...she out and out lied to me.

She called me when she was a couple of hours away from the house and announced that she had forgotten to bring the laptop she said she had gotten me for my birthday.

That was okay...I guess...I was more interested in just spending some time with her..but, it was a little disappointing.

I know...you already know the rest of the story...no...she didn't forget the computer...she just wanted to hear me scream. And I did....I'VE GOT MY LAPTOP!!!!!!

I haven't plugged it in yet..or whatever one does to get the thing going...I was pretty tired and just excited that she was here, so I knew I wouldn't retain anything she tried to teach me this afternoon. So hopefully, she'll be able to stop by tomorrow on her way home and give me the basic instructions.

Computer access while sitting in my favorite chair on the front porch? Life doesn't get much better.

Anyway...we had a nice visit...ate a little lunch...looked at photos....giggled, snorted, guffawed and enjoyed each other...well, I enjoyed them anyway.

Now I'm really tired so I'm gonna take this new memory to bed and look forward to tomorrow.

g'nite all...

feelin good in the neighborhood...

pinesqi@yahoo.com — Thu, 12 Jul 07 21:36:00 UT

Got a few good days in a row goin on here...lovin it!

My son-in-law and grandson from PA arrived yesterday..I was so happy to see them both. They will be here til Sunday.

Today I cashed in my pedicure birthday gift certificate...an hour of pure pleasure. I could feel all the stress, aches and pains exit through my feet. I want to adopt the gal who made it such a pleasant experience...
Thanks D...a great gift.

I'm so excited that Netta will be here tomorrow..prolly won't sleep a wink....well yea...I will cause I'm pretty tired...but I'll be up early...sittin on the porch, sippin my coffee and watching for the car.

We have some spring babies making their appearance now..a momma raccoon and her 4 or 5 little ones..A pair of turkeys with 6 or 7 little ones...they're so cute to watch.

The coons are very bold and come right up on the porch every night..even the light doesn't scare them away.

The turkeys wander about with such purpose...and they move very quickly, seems they cross a whole field in a matter of minutes. I envy them their energy!

Red, the pet cow is putting on some weight and looking pretty healthy...Marion, who was primarily responsible for the adoption of this sickly little cow, gets pretty ticked off when I tell people the cow's last name is Meat. Seems Marion doesn't cotton to the idea of her pet becoming somebody else's barbeque!

Hope you all are doing well...now I'm gonna lay my head down and rest up for tomorrow's giggle fest. Wish you all could be here to join the laughter.

xoxo

A big Siiiiiigh of relief!....ahhhhh.

pinesqi@yahoo.com — Tue, 10 Jul 07 15:28:00 UT

Let me start off by saying this was a wonderful birthday celebration and I think its finally all over.

Well...almost...it will be when I get to use the pedicure gift certificate.

Tina and Marion and I went to Belterra..the casino..last week and had a great time. Believe it or not, I came back with money in my pocket! We stayed the night, enjoyed the buffet and the slots...room service and the slots, a little sleep and the slots....all thanks to the generosity of some of my kids.

Mickie's husband will be driving down from PA on Wednesday to spend a couple of days...whatta guy...my favorite son in law. He will be bringing young Max with him and they will stay a couple of days...I'm looking forward to that.

Then on Friday, I'm hoping to see Netta and another friend who plan to meet here on the hill. I won't mention the friend's name til I have her permission but let me say I am really looking forward to seeing her face to face.

I went in today for my first chemo treatment. At first they told me they wouldn't do it because there's some kind of problem with my platelets.

After a little conversation and maybe just a little attitude from me, they decided to give me a lower dose..half a treatment.

Half is better than none! So..they did it...took a couple of hours to complete and I was on my way home.

The total count of needle sticks was 4...one for the chemo and 3 for testing...but the nurse...Donna..was very good at her job and I walked out with only one tiny little black and blue mark.

My next appointment will be 7/24 when we will get test results and decide on the schedule for the rest of the chemo. I have no idea yet how many treatments will be involved but that's okay. We'll do whatever it takes.

I feel pretty good...no nausea or vomiting so far, but I am very tired. A little nap will take care of that. I plan to be in good shape when the laugh fest begins on Friday.

I want to thank you all for your good wishes, your prayers and your smiles. I cannot tell you how much your support means to me. I couldn't do it without you!

huggers and smackers to all of you...I love you.

oxoxoxox

it doesn't get much better....

pinesqi@yahoo.com — Mon, 2 Jul 07 10:25:00 UT

What a super, great weekend this was. Full of surprises and laughter.

The birthday gifts were right on the money...a gift certificate for a pedicuare..scratch off tickets, while they did not break any jackpot, increased my income slightly, a double, double chocolate birthday cake (in addition to the cute little cake Netta sent) fresh strawberries...and especially the dog house.

When the kids were little, I had a wooden plaque that hung on the wall. There was a dog house and 5 little puppies that bore the names of the 5 kids. Whenever one was naughty, their puppy got put in the dog house.

Well, the kids reproduced the long since gone plaque..in a much larger size, and presented it to me as the last gift of the day.

I cried, I laughed...it brought back a flood of memories. We sat around and talked about who was in the dog house most often, recalling the offenses that put em in the dog house and the terms of getting out. Gawd that was fun.

It now hangs in my room...and I must confess, Netta was the first one to occupy the seat of honor. Only because she wasn't here in body.

But she surely made her presence known...she was the center of much of the conversation to be sure. We all missed her.

And she will not be spending a lot of time in the doghouse...especially in light of the delightful package she sent.

There was, of course, the usual discussion about who was Mom's favorite. I don't think they'll ever really settle on that question....as if there was a real answer for such a question.

Everybody but Micki and Tracy left late in the afternoon and as happy as I was to see them come, I was happy to see them go...I got pretty tired toward the end.

Just when I thought it was all over, I got one last call... from Little Bean...a perfect ending to a perfect day.

Today I'm gonna rest up because Tina and Marion are taking me to the boat tomorrow...Beltera...slot machines...good food...slot machines...jacuzzi...slot machines...you get the idea. We'll stay overnight, come back sometime Wednesday afternoon.

Then on Thursday I'll go to the docs to get the details on treatment plans. I'll be armed with tons of love, lots of prayers and good wishes and ready to do whatever it takes.

I thank you all for your good wishes and hope that life is as good to you as it is to me.

hugs.