Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Hold on radiation!

I went to the Dr yesterday. The wound under my arm is healing, but he wanted to wait a week to start radiation again. I also had to take off work this week again because he wants to make sure this wound heals up this week. So, I am just sitting around most of the time. I go back to see the Dr next Tueday and if everything is ok, I will finish my treatments.
On a better note, we went to Clinton Camp last night for the night service. Scott is working in PA and he met us there. They are having good services. Bro Mitchell and Ben Crawford are preaching!

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Breast Cancer Survivor Luncheon



My sister and I attended a luncheon for breast cancer survivors on Wednesday, July 11 at Echman Meadows, Tami Longagerger's home. It was nice. Dr. Bob (Dr Robert Smith) was there from the American Cancer Society and he spoke. Very interesting! Longaberger has given $14 million to breast cancer research in the last 13 years!! We were privileged to be invited to this special luncheon!! There were women from all over the United States there. I think the farthest was from California. There were women at our table from West Virginia and Maryland.
(The picture is of my sister, Lisa, Tami Longaberger and I)


On a different note...last weekend I started having discomfort under my arm from radiation. Starting on Sunday, the skin started breaking open. When I went to radiation on Monday, the doctor decided not to radiate that area and decided instead to do the boost, which is usually done the last 5 days. The boost is where they radiate the tumor bed or in my case where the tumor bed would have been. Well, they did the boost on Monday and Tuesday. When I went to radiation on Wednesday, I was changing in to my gown and I must have pulled my arm to much. I was having extreme pain. When I got into the radiation area, the tech told me that my arm was bleeding. To make a long story short, they had me see the Doctor and he decided not to radiate at all until Monday. So, I am off of work until then. I had to call off last Monday night d/t my pain and the open area under my arm and then had to call off for Friday days and Saturday and Sunday nights. That way my arm will have a chance to heal. I am not having as much pain as I was when this all started. But, I am having some pain and discomfort!!! Ten more treatments to go!! THIS TOO SHALL END!!

We are going to try to go see "Sounds of Praise" from UBC. Scott's brother sings in that group and they are going to be down in Amish Country tonight.

Friday, July 20, 2007

A great note for all to read

It will take just 37 seconds to read this and change your thinking.
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room ' s only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene. One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in his mind ' s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words. Days, weeks and months passed. One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone. Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed. It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."
Epilogue: There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.

Friday, July 6, 2007

Hello Again!


Well, it's been a busy week. Last weekend, before the 4th, we went to WV again to my dad's cabin!! We had a good time. I worked Friday night and got off on Saturday morning and left. Didn't get a lot of rest on the way down, so I was a little tired! We had to leave and come home on Monday morning because of my radiation. I worked then on Tuesday and the 4th of July! Kaitlyn and Jonathon stayed down in WV with my mom and dad. They were originally supposed to be back on Wednesday but due to the passing of one of my dad's cousins, they probably won't be home until Monday! We are enjoying a quiet home at the time.. :) Scott gets a little bored with the kids not being around, though!! We have been out to my sisters a few times this week. She has a pool and a hot tub!! Nice and relaxing!! Jenny is still here, too!

Today will be my 15th radiation treatment. That is going fine!! I am a little sore, though, especially under my arm.

More than anything, it is just a nuisance having to go everyday. Right in the middle of the day (3:30pm). There have been a couple times that I have almost forgotten!

Next Wednesday, me and my sister will be going to Tammy Longaberger's house for a Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon. We were nominated to go by our Sales Leader!! Lisa went last year and I am excited to go this year!! I will let you know how that goes and hopefully have pictures to show! :)


Here is a picture taken in WV the weekend before the 4th!! The kids were jumping rope!! I caught them in mid-air! :)