Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
When Can I Jump Up and Down?
I have tendinitis in my right leg. Don't know why or where it came from, but it takes forever to get better. So, I'm excited about being done with chemo, but can't jump up and down yet or it will injure the leg more. I want to do a lot of walking for exercise, but can't yet till leg heals. Dr. said to give it at least a month.
I am feeling pretty good now though. That hospital thing was quite a surprise, my immune system was down to nothing and I couldn't fight off anything. The good thing is that I did not experience that during the whole 9 months of chemo treatments. And I could have. My blood counts were down all the time but it did not get to that point. That chemo stuff is pretty rough on your body. It kills off the good cells while getting rid of the bad, so you have to be careful.
I had my last chemo in January and now I am being monitored. So the routine now is labs and a checkup every 3 months for two years. They do the blood tests to see how you are doing, and it will show if the cancer comes back. My Dr. said that there's a 50% chance of it coming back in one year--partly because I am Stage IV. The fourth stage being the worst and most advanced.
But you and I know that the Lord will be the One to determine what happens! So I do not dwell on it at all.
We wanted to go somewhere else for the summer, but have reconsidered since I have to report back to my oncologist here every 3 mos. So we may actually stay in Reno for one or more years yet. We do plan to move back into the motor home this spring. We are looking at different RV parks, etc to decide where would be an affordable place to park.
I guess my hair will start growing back again pretty soon. I have funny looking little sprouts all over my head now. Looks like there's going to be a lot of gray when it does grow back. Well, surprise, surprise. You know, the process of losing it was pretty interesting, now watching it grow back in is kind of an emotional gig too. What I'm pretty anxious for is to have eyelashes and eyebrows again, assuming they do grow back. There's no indication of that yet.
Ron & I are so thankful to have you all out there rooting for us everyday. I feel the love and the prayers that you send out. God is great, God is good, let us thank Him as we should. Amen
I am feeling pretty good now though. That hospital thing was quite a surprise, my immune system was down to nothing and I couldn't fight off anything. The good thing is that I did not experience that during the whole 9 months of chemo treatments. And I could have. My blood counts were down all the time but it did not get to that point. That chemo stuff is pretty rough on your body. It kills off the good cells while getting rid of the bad, so you have to be careful.
I had my last chemo in January and now I am being monitored. So the routine now is labs and a checkup every 3 months for two years. They do the blood tests to see how you are doing, and it will show if the cancer comes back. My Dr. said that there's a 50% chance of it coming back in one year--partly because I am Stage IV. The fourth stage being the worst and most advanced.
But you and I know that the Lord will be the One to determine what happens! So I do not dwell on it at all.
We wanted to go somewhere else for the summer, but have reconsidered since I have to report back to my oncologist here every 3 mos. So we may actually stay in Reno for one or more years yet. We do plan to move back into the motor home this spring. We are looking at different RV parks, etc to decide where would be an affordable place to park.
I guess my hair will start growing back again pretty soon. I have funny looking little sprouts all over my head now. Looks like there's going to be a lot of gray when it does grow back. Well, surprise, surprise. You know, the process of losing it was pretty interesting, now watching it grow back in is kind of an emotional gig too. What I'm pretty anxious for is to have eyelashes and eyebrows again, assuming they do grow back. There's no indication of that yet.
Ron & I are so thankful to have you all out there rooting for us everyday. I feel the love and the prayers that you send out. God is great, God is good, let us thank Him as we should. Amen
Monday, January 17, 2011
"A Speed Bump"
Maria was admitted to the hospital oncology unit on Sunday. After reporting a high fever and body chills at 2:30 AM the night before, her doctors required her to visit the infusion room for blood and urine tests. With a fever as high as 104, shortness of breath, blood pressure dropping from seated to standing, a 10+ pain level in her leg, dehydration, anemia, and dangerously low white and red blood cell counts, suspecting an infection, but unable to pinpoint exactly what type, they admitted her immediately.
Today was her first full day at the hospital and she and Ron, her husband, say, "This is a speed bump along this road that came to tell us to slow down and that [Maria's] broken down body has a long way to come to recover."
The doctor's confirmed there is an infection stating they are waiting for culture tests to confirm the type and taking more blood for testing to boot.
Maria received three units of blood through Sunday night and this morning along with other fluids and general antibiotics. She says she feels better and stronger, but the pain in her leg persists at the same level as before.
The pain in her leg started baring it's ugly head mid-week last week. It came on strong and hasn't let up. Suspecting a blood clot, Ron and her daughter, Monica, took her to get an ultrasound and were very relieved to find out that was not the issue. However, this left the culprit up in the air and the fact that it is still unknown is unnerving for everyone.
Please pray for Maria and have her in all of your positive thoughts. She needs a quick recovery and has been given doses of medicine that is supposed to catalyze splitting/duplication of white blood cells, the good guys that fight infection. In the words of the infusion room nurse, "Maria has nothing left to fight any bug of any sort. The chemo treatments have left her body helpless and we need to get on this right away."
Today, Maria's doctor sincerely thanked her for waking her up at 2:30 AM on a Sunday night verifying that if she would have waited longer, this 'speed bump' would have been quite larger.
Thank you for your support in these trying times. Hospital bills and ultrasounds mean for more bills and up front costs. Please pass this plea on to anyone you know would be interested in donating to this cause. The donation button is on the upper right corner of this page under Maria and Ron's photo.
Please write help4maria@yahoo.com with any questions and follow her progress on Help4Maria on facebook as well.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
MARIA'S HEALING STORY
COMPLETE
In a deep state of meditation, and out of quiet darkness the images started to form. Nine months have passed. Cancer debulking surgery, lungs drained several times, a second surgical procedure, weekly blood draws and monthly five-hour chemo therapy treatments. Life around me had moved on quickly, whether I was ready or not. The best I could do was grab a tight hold and ride the ride.
But now in that peaceful meditative state, as the images began to take form and slowly rise, I realized my mind and my body finally made a much needed connection. I saw my right ovary, my left ovary, my uterus, a portion of my colon, part of my bladder. There went my appendix too. As I watched these vivid images leave my body, and as I allowed myself to stay in that moment, I realized I was finally saying good bye to these things that were taken from me. Tears flowed freely from my closed eyes, and the Lord then filled the void with renewed strength. A delayed process of grieving now complete.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
LOVE POTION #9
Guess what? Today was my last chemo, treatment #9!!
Not exactly a love potion, but for 5 hours at the treatment center, I had time to think about all the love from family, friends, friends of family, friends of friends, and strangers who have donated to my cause and made these chemo treatments possible through prayers and donations. so you see, in a way it really was a Love Potion #9.
I'M SENDING OUT A GREAT BIG THANK YOU HUG TO ALL OF YOU.
It's now a brand new year and it's bound to be better than the last one. I still have 3 more weekly blood tests, and a last appointment with Dr. Lim on Jan 25. Then continuous check-ups every 3 months for at least 2 years. There always is a however, however, and that is I am getting a mammogram soon because I've been experiencing some sharp pains in my left breast. This has been going on for just 2 weeks now. So we need to investigate--neither I or my doctor can feel any lumps or strange things there. So it's a mystery at this point. This is the same breast that had some cancerous masses removed in 2008, a biopsy in 2009, and another one in 2010 (last July.) PLEASE KEEP PRAYING FOR ME!
We had a great Donation-for-Aprons campaign! We sewed our fingers off (I broke at least 4 sewing machine needles) and it was very successful. We are making plans to do a Valentine line to be online soon! Hope you all will take a look and let all your friends know. We want to do some childrens aprons in this next batch. So please stay tuned, and thank you to everyone who donated so far, I hope you are cooking up some delicious goodies in your new aprons.
My sister Marleen has been making aprons and receiving donations for them in Grand Junction, CO. She's doing a bang-up business there, we call it our Colorado franchise. Thank you Marleen, you are a wonderful big sister!
We have some other fund-raising projects in the works so we are keeping busy. It's very good for me and keeps my hands busy and my brain ticking.
Well my poor veins are suffering from all the needle poking. I'm sure anyone who has gone through this knows what I'm talking about. The veins literally run away and hide when they feel the needle coming. It's true, and I have 3 more blood draws yet that I know of. Today at chemo, the nurse had to try 3 different veins before she could coax one to cooperate. I feel sorry for them. The veins that is. Does anyone remember "NO, Mr. Bill!" from Saturday night live?......
We had such a treat with all our kids and grandson here in Reno over Christmas and New Years! Lots of fun and a minimal amount of drama. There is no such thing as a perfect family. But we did really well considering 6 of us together for 12 days in the little studio apartment. I think we all agree, it was a wonderful time and we'd do it again if we had the chance.
One of Monica's friends, Dana, taught us a new card game called "Nuts." It's really fast paced and lots of fun. I sort of held my own by winning one round out of about 20! Monica ended up winning the game. But I redeemed myself when 4 of us played a round of Chinese Checkers and guess who won---yep, yours truly, and who knows how many years it's been since I've played it.
Another high-light for me was getting to spend time with Jake our grandson, and reading some Bible stories to him too. He loves them.
Okay, I won't bore you more with family stories, kinda like the home movies and slide shows thing. Sorry if I got carried away. I'm just so overwhelmed that we were all together and I was here to experience it!!!!!!!!!!!
GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU AND YOUR NEW YEAR~~~maria
Not exactly a love potion, but for 5 hours at the treatment center, I had time to think about all the love from family, friends, friends of family, friends of friends, and strangers who have donated to my cause and made these chemo treatments possible through prayers and donations. so you see, in a way it really was a Love Potion #9.
I'M SENDING OUT A GREAT BIG THANK YOU HUG TO ALL OF YOU.
It's now a brand new year and it's bound to be better than the last one. I still have 3 more weekly blood tests, and a last appointment with Dr. Lim on Jan 25. Then continuous check-ups every 3 months for at least 2 years. There always is a however, however, and that is I am getting a mammogram soon because I've been experiencing some sharp pains in my left breast. This has been going on for just 2 weeks now. So we need to investigate--neither I or my doctor can feel any lumps or strange things there. So it's a mystery at this point. This is the same breast that had some cancerous masses removed in 2008, a biopsy in 2009, and another one in 2010 (last July.) PLEASE KEEP PRAYING FOR ME!
We had a great Donation-for-Aprons campaign! We sewed our fingers off (I broke at least 4 sewing machine needles) and it was very successful. We are making plans to do a Valentine line to be online soon! Hope you all will take a look and let all your friends know. We want to do some childrens aprons in this next batch. So please stay tuned, and thank you to everyone who donated so far, I hope you are cooking up some delicious goodies in your new aprons.
My sister Marleen has been making aprons and receiving donations for them in Grand Junction, CO. She's doing a bang-up business there, we call it our Colorado franchise. Thank you Marleen, you are a wonderful big sister!
We have some other fund-raising projects in the works so we are keeping busy. It's very good for me and keeps my hands busy and my brain ticking.
Well my poor veins are suffering from all the needle poking. I'm sure anyone who has gone through this knows what I'm talking about. The veins literally run away and hide when they feel the needle coming. It's true, and I have 3 more blood draws yet that I know of. Today at chemo, the nurse had to try 3 different veins before she could coax one to cooperate. I feel sorry for them. The veins that is. Does anyone remember "NO, Mr. Bill!" from Saturday night live?......
We had such a treat with all our kids and grandson here in Reno over Christmas and New Years! Lots of fun and a minimal amount of drama. There is no such thing as a perfect family. But we did really well considering 6 of us together for 12 days in the little studio apartment. I think we all agree, it was a wonderful time and we'd do it again if we had the chance.
One of Monica's friends, Dana, taught us a new card game called "Nuts." It's really fast paced and lots of fun. I sort of held my own by winning one round out of about 20! Monica ended up winning the game. But I redeemed myself when 4 of us played a round of Chinese Checkers and guess who won---yep, yours truly, and who knows how many years it's been since I've played it.
Another high-light for me was getting to spend time with Jake our grandson, and reading some Bible stories to him too. He loves them.
Okay, I won't bore you more with family stories, kinda like the home movies and slide shows thing. Sorry if I got carried away. I'm just so overwhelmed that we were all together and I was here to experience it!!!!!!!!!!!
GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU AND YOUR NEW YEAR~~~maria
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Attention Reno - Thai Yoga Workshop and Cancer Benefit 12/26/10
Our next fundraiser is Sunday, December 26!!!
Holiday Thai Yoga Workshop & Cancer Benefit
For Friends, Family, and Lovers
With Frances Arnold & Deborah Carpenter
Nurture and respect yourself with the therapeutic and joyful experience in Thai yoga massage. This interactive class begins with a mini yoga practice, followed with a beginner’s Thai yoga exchange between you and your partner. Thai yoga is often described as having yoga done to you! Frances has practiced Thai Yoga Therapy since 2003 and is a therapeutic yoga instructor of over ten years. Deborah is a licensed massage therapist and has practiced Thai Massage for over five years. All proceeds from this workshop are all for the benefit of Maria’s cancer recovery. Happy Holidays and Namaste Amigos!
Contact Frances: 206-478-9055 or email at francieyogini@gmail.com.
When: December 26, 1:30-4:30 pm
Where: The Studio, 1085 S. Virginia St (775) 284-5545 thestudioreno@gmail.com
Suggested Donation: $30-$60
What to bring: Please wear comfy clothing and layers. Please bring a yoga mat, one or two blankets for padding, and water. You will need a partner to participate. It is best to match yourself with someone close to your own size, but it is not essential. If you would like help us to help match you with someone, please advise us before Dec 24.
Maria Reed, age 57, was diagnosed with the most advanced stage of Ovarian Cancer (Stage 4) on May 5th 2010. The cancer had metastasized and covered the entire pelvic, abdominal and chest areas. Maria is not insurable* due to previous medical conditions, including breast cancer, which she survived! Her three children, her loving husband, five siblings and one very special grandson are reaching out for your help with the medical bills.
Since May, Maria has incurred tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses, from surgery, chemo therapy treatments and oncologist fees. This has caused overwhelming financial hardship. Your workshop fee will go toward covering these costs. *The new health care legislation for preexisting conditions does not go into effect for adults until 2014.
Extra donations will be gratefully accepted!
Every donation will help Maria access the treatments
she needs to win this battle. Track Maria's progress
on help4maria.blogspot.com and Help4Maria
Facebook page.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
