Female in Motion

Lap quilt given to me by Donnis Whaley, a church friend. I finished my chemotherapy treatment last week. It feels like a major milestone in my life. January has been full of big changes. The fatigue that set in during the last two chemo doses has been epic, but I can feel the prayers of God's saints washing over me...bidding me to stay strong. So I will. Change is hard for anyone. I am glad to be done with chemo, and ready to start radiation the end of the month. The future is uncertain. Will I be cancer free? Will I be able to work? There's only one answer to all the questions in my heart. Jesus. Proverbs 3:5 (KJV) Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Getting freaked out will get me nowhere. So, I will trust in Him. He already has a great plan in place. He's never let me down. Give me Jesus. *** Female in Motion Health Update : I finished my last dose of chemo last Monday. I will begin radiation in two wee...

My sweet infusion nurse, Therese, took this picture for me. I love this place!  I received chemotherapy treatment #5 this afternoon. Ordinarily, I would feel strong and hopeful, but tonight, besides being tired, I am homesick. You see, my uncle succumbed to cancer last week, and tomorrow is his funeral. My relatives are all gathered together, and I am not able to be with them. Family is very important to me, and I just want to be there with them, holding hands and doling out hugs and Kleenex.  This is where I am supposed to be, moving forward...getting stronger. My family wants me to do everything I can to kick this cancer. I want to help them, but I have to help myself first. When I fly back and forth to Chicago every three weeks, the flight attendant goes over the safety precautions. When they talk about the oxygen mask, they instruct adults to put on their mask first, then help children with theirs. This reminds me that I need to get healthy first, before I can minist...

Cute chemo boots! Today, I received my fourth chemotherapy treatment. There are six infusions scheduled, so that means I am over the hump. Hooray! Because the poison levels are rising with every successive treatment, I am feeling tired, with a little muscle weakness. No metal mouth yet, though. I hope the steroids kick in soon. I am posting some photos of this trip, so you can see what I've been up to. And also because I'm really too pooped to write any deep thoughts tonight. That being said, I am blessed. God is faithful. I can feel every prayer coming my way. And I am grateful for the blessings of you in my life. Ephesians 3:20 (KJV) Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think , according to the power that worketh in us. O.F. Ballew hits the snack bar at CTCA. Chillin' with Orange Fuzzy. *** Female in Motion Exercise Update: I did three 30-minute treadmill workouts last week. I wish ...

How silently, how silently  the wondrous Gift is given!  So God imparts to human hearts  the blessings of His heaven.  No ear may hear His coming; but in this world of sin,  where meek souls will receive Him still,  the dear Christ enters in . --O, Little Town of Bethlehem, traditional Christmas carol This Christmas will be unlike any I have experienced before. This year, I am in the middle of a battle for my life. No, I'm not dreadfully ill, but I do have another priority that takes up a lot of my spare time. Christmases Past looked frenetic and stressful. I tried to pack in all the shopping, concerts, baking, parties, programs and people I could. By the time the holiday was over, I ended up feeling grumpy and ungrateful. I will redefine this Christmas . It will look peaceful, reverent, special. I will make room in my heart and home for Jesus. While I may not have any decorations up, I can spruce up my soul. Setting aside ho...

  Orange Fuzzy Ballew is a venerated member of my family. He has resided in my home for the last two and a half years, presented to me at the last Ballew family reunion by my darling aunt, Nancy Ballew Anderson. (If you are not familiar with O.F. Ballew, please click this link to read his history. http://fim-carol.blogspot.com/2010/07/legend-of-of-ballew.html ) While I have enjoyed having him taking up space, er...sitting on my desk, I decided it was time Orange Fuzzy had some adventures. The next Ballew family reunion will take place sometime during the summer of 2013, and I plan to have a full scrapbook to present to the next lucky Ballew who receives guardianship of this tangerine-colored talisman. When we entered the infusion center late this morning, O.F. watched as Theresa, my infusion nurse, got me all settled in and hooked up. We lunched and did some work on the laptop, then the benedryl hit me and I napped a bit. My Texas Belle got her first caregiver massage and...

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...

Here is your Friday Female in Motion Face! This photo is taken two days after my first chemotherapy treatment at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Zion, IL. I'm feeling pretty good, so far. Here is a list of my first side effects: 1. Frequent hiccups. 2. Nearly constant metallic taste in my mouth. 3. Very sore back and neck muscles. Here's a list of what I did my first day back at home. 1. Two loads of laundry. 2. Took out trash. 3. Four hours of data entry and office work. 4. Short downtown shopping trip with my sweet Texas Belle. 5. Went out to dinner. I would say I am greatly blessed, all in all. Thanks to everyone who said a prayer, sent positive thoughts and encouraged me through this journey. Next Monday's post will cover step-by-step my first chemo treatment. Almighty One, I am humbled by your abundant love for me. Please send double blessings to everyone who takes the time to pray for my health. In Jesus' name, Amen.