Female in Motion

Last week marked six years since my first chemotherapy dose. Looking back at photos of that time, I can't believe how long ago it was (seems like a lifetime), and how fast it went by. I was asked how the first dose went--what it was like--and it brought me back to the first day. After researching, I had a backpack loaded with helpful items. The tech checked me into my suite and I settled into the heated recliner. She suited up and brought in four IV bags. Bag #1: Benedryl and saline--To help me stay hydrated and prevent an allergic reaction to chemo. Bag #2: Steroids and saline--These prevent nausea and other stress responses to chemo. Bag #3: Taxotere: Used to treat breast cancer; neuropathy and permanent hair loss are side effects. Bag #4: Cytoxan: No longer available in the U.S.; causes inflammation and loss of nails. As the first bag went in, I just felt a cool sensation. No pain at all. And then I had to pee. And then I napped. The next five hours were basically na...

Here's my latest acquisition from A Pink Stitch! It's made to look just like my sweet tomcat, Nod. He is a big gray boy with green eyes and pink ears. This hat makes me smile. God is really blessing my treatment. I feel good this week and have very few symptoms from the chemo. Even the metal mouth is on its way out. The weather is starting to feel like winter around here. I'm glad I have cute hats to keep my little bald head warm. My next trip to CTCA will be on Sunday, December 16. Daughter #1 will be coming with me. Infusion #4 will happen at noon on Monday the 17th. Hooray, I'm heading over the hump! Lord willing, I will feel pretty good by Christmas. *** Holy One, thank you for outrageously blessing my life. I ask that You give each person that takes time out of their day to pray for me a special gift from Heaven. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

Today, I am so grateful for the prayers and positive messages you have sent since my last chemo treatment. On Monday, I traveled to CTCA-Chicago to received infusion #3 of 6. I felt pretty good until returning home on Tuesday evening. By Wednesday afternoon, I was sore, had a fierce case of metal mouth, cranky tummy, and fatigue that would not quit. The Hubster tucked me in bed and I didn't leave for over 24 hours. (Those of you who know me well, realize the absurdity of this fact.) I'm still weak like a kitten today, but the largest part of the exhaustion is over. God bless you all for your intercession and faithfulness to pray and think of me. I know that is what is keeping me on the road to recovery. Special thanks this week to Mom, Sarah, Rachel, the Hilton Anatole, CTCA-Chicago, Best Western @ Market Square, American Airlines, Debra @ O'Hare Airport, O.F. Ballew, Pastor Charles and Bernice Whaley, Deanne Splechter, B.D. Tharp, Donna Wiley, Nick Wiley, Kyle and...

Here's my Friday Face! I have always liked bright colors and it seems like I like them even more now that I'm bald. The good health is holding. I'm feeling pretty strong and mostly energetic (thanks to regular exercise and loads of sleep). My attitude is also good. That's due in large part to all of those folks (you know who you are) who are praying, encouraging, sending cards, messages and emails, bringing food and cleaning (our own personal angel!). I am humbled and honored and radically blessed by your love. Thank you, from the depths of my soul. I get an extra week off between chemo treatments for the Thanksgiving holiday. The next infusion is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Monday, November 26. Thanks in advance for travel safety and return to health prayers! *** Creator of All, I am in awe of your great love and mercy towards me. Strengthen me, I pray, for the battle that is before me. Bless each one that lifts me in prayer. In Jesus' precious name, Amen. ...

Last week, I traveled to Cancer Treatment Centers of America to receive my second chemotherapy treatment. I was alone, but I was not lonely. You see, whenever I'm by myself, I carry with me the prayers of all the people who care about me and the love of my Savior. That's quite a crowd! Whenever isolation is depicted in the Bible, it represents separation from God. Think : Jonah in the whale's belly, the Wild Man of Gadara, or the leper that was cast out of the camp. We don't have to be alone ever again, once we accept the love of Christ and His gift of salvation. What can you do when those lonely thoughts cloud your heart? Here are some Scriptural promises to hang onto. Hebrews 13:5 (KJV)   I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  Revelation 3:20 If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. ...

It's been five days since my first-ever chemotherapy treatment. Here's what I'm thinking: I've learned more about myself. I am listening to my body. I'm grateful to God for His mercy. Following is my journal from last week's trip. CTCA Staff: I felt so prepared . They all walked me through the whole process, step-by-step. I knew what to expect. No mystery. My sweet Texas Belle: Rachel was such a help! She is an encourager. Wonder where she gets that from? Rachel carried things, ran errands, massaged my shoulders before the treatment and rubbed lotion into my hands during. My Belle kept me company during the treatment and got me home when it was all over. You have no idea what a comfort it is to have your daughter tuck you in after a big day. CTCA Infusion Center: As nice as the hospital is, the infusion center is that much better. I was ushered to a nice suite with an upholstered recliner and rocking chair. The recliner had heat and massage. Ye...

I'm packing some items in a backpack to take with me when I have chemotherapy treatments at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Zion, IL. So far, I have a small lap blanket, a fleece hoodie that zips all the way down front, photos of my favorite people, peppermints, hand sanitizer, my MP3 player and my collection of short stories by John Steinbeck. Am I missing anything? If you think of something vital I have forgotten, please let me know. Because of a scheduling conflict, I won't be able to start chemo for two more weeks (Oct. 10). This has left me feeling a little frustrated and blue. Not that I am so excited to have chemo, but that I just want to get the process moving forward. I don't want to be a cancer patient the rest of my life. After putting this chapter in the past, I want to move forward with my writing and our business. Here is my post-cancer "to do" list: 1. Take a vacation with The Hubster, my mom and the kids. 2. Send query letters to a ...

I got my hair cut today, maybe for the last time in a while. You see, I'm starting chemo very soon, and my oncologist has informed me that the first thing that happens is you lose your hair. It's funny, but I'm not really bummed about that. Mostly, I'm curious. I wonder what my head looks like without hair? Did I mention how much I hate having my picture taken? God has impressed upon my heart that I should take my photo every week to accompany my posts, at least until the chemotherapy is over, maybe longer. It's crazy, the challenges that God gives us. This will be uncomfortable for me, and maybe for some of you, too. We'll get through it together; you, me and God. Don't get me wrong...I love my hair. It took me a long time to get to that realization. When I was young, it was too curly, then as I became an adult, it was completely unruly. Finally, my hair started graying very young. So I colored it. A lot. For 18 years. Two years ago, I made a de...