Finding Time!

Seems like it would be easy doesn't it? We all have 24 hrs a day, Vera is doing much better after another round of chemo taht left her so weak she needed to get 2 liters of fluid to replace what she had lost,and correct the dehydration,she isn't going out much ,as her white blood cell count is low.In the meantime we have news of 2 other friends who recently found out they too have cancer although oyher types,every day there is a new challenge for friends and their families.While reading one of my favorite magazines "Sew Beautiful" Martha Pullen writes an inspiring message in every issue in the most recent she quoted a scripture Luke 12 25-26 it is about worry.Stating "who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing,why do you worry about the rest" I have made a promise to myself to try,I know it will be difficult for me,but those who have faith are so lucky to know when burdens get us down we can just turn that "worry" over to a higher power,keep up our prayers for those in need and trusting as a child can bring a much needed rest and peace to our lives. love and prayers to all,

Update Vera

Just a note,some meds I need to research,but will try to get this week-end along with some pics,I visited Vera yesterday,she looks"good" actually,a litle slow moving, the sores in her mouth from the chemo had gotten much worse,of course there are medications,one is 700.00! Works well enough,she got some samples from the MD,to order takes at least a week here! Makes me wonder how many pt's can afford it,there are old ones of course,the "lidocaine" mixtures which "nomb"so pt's can eat,and drink,she said a straw helped with the water,which she needed to drink to help 'flush the chemo from her system.If the breakdown products stay in the bladder too long you can get "cystitus" which she did,mildly,however mild,it's painful!
The smile on her face told me she is doing better,she put on her make-up and sat on the patio talking about family and a new grandchild expected,such a positive attitude! more later gotta go to "work"

Side effects

Not much really after this first "round" of chemo a little nausea,diarhhea, nothing that she needed any medication for, she did complain of feeling "weak" like her legs were "rubbery" and she couldn't keep up. There was that "smile" even in her voice you could hear it,as she assured me she was OK ! Her family is much support to her at home and keeping up the housework for her. One thing Vera "loves" to do is iron her clothing! which they did give her "permission" to do she was so happy!! Imagine that ?! Some things are theraputic,especially those which we are used to doing and anything that can help is important,even IRONING!!!

First Chemo&Chanel

Well the first chemo has begun,although the "infection/cellulitis" is not completely gone the chemo Dr.felt it was safe to go on.Unfortunately or perhaps as was meant to be her beloved'Chanel" died during the night before.
Let me tell you about an amazing man I have watched "step up" and become a caregiver,not only to his wife but of everyday life in general "Pete"heard a noise about 1230 am and got up to see the small cat struggling to stay on her feet,her legs were "like rubber" as Pete put it.He picked her gently up and held her as he sat with her fragile little head tucked into the crook of his elbow he sat until he felt the last heartbeat ,then knew she was gone.
The task of telling Vera was not a small one ,especially on this day of "firsts",and as her day began I knew that like so much involved in Veras' life for the past 8 months,that strength I never knew she posessed;would kick in once more to get her through the first of many treatments to come that hopefully will "overpower"the invader in her body.

Vera

Behind again,my intent was to follow her "care",sort of journal for someone I care about very much.Vera went for her first "chemo"treatment only to find that it couldn't be done,she has an infection .apparently from one of the 4 drains that kept the fluidaway as she "healed".
As to this date she has had 3 doses of IV rocephen,with little improvement,another check-up put her on 3 doses of Levoquin,both powerful antibiotics.Without the infection gone they cannot start her chemotherapy,her immune system will be compromised and the healing she needs to finish would be compromised ,Vera is in very good spirits I have admiration for her ability to "smile" Vera has a very small cat who is 17 human years old,a beautiful green eyed Persian,who as i pet I could feel her bones,and watched her take shakey steps,quite aware of the pain she was in,the vet suggested they "put her down" to release her from the pain of her afflictions,as yet Pete and Vera have been unable to do so,they love her so much,as we get closer to Friday we will know more about the effectiveness of Vera's antibiotics and her special pet,they also have 3 small dogs they are Shitzus I think,hope I spelled it right! adorable and they provide such a theraputic love for Vera!

Trying!

Well trying but falling behind! for the past few months I have been very involved with my friend and co-worker,actually my boss!,but my friend! She discovered she had Breast Cancer,not just on one side,but both,it is a long story,frought with incompetance,and lack of thought on her "first" Dr. treatment,things are on the right track now but it has been difficult and emotionally frought for all who care for her! I hope to continue this on my blog and perhaps help other women to reaslise they can question,get second opinions and direct their own care and destiny through knowledge and research .

Let's Try This !

I will try once again to try to make an effort to get going here,I enjoy my blog,however life seems to get in the way!responsibilities.time etc... I did enjoy all the wonderful people,opinions and TALENT!! I found here,so I'm going to take the time to reorganize,reevaluate and compose my time to . ,relax and enjoy,share and learn from the blogosphere of family within this medium !! i do hope you all will support and share!! nana