A Little Better Each Day

The visiting nurse came yesterday (Tuesday), and her first comment to me was that I was looking better -- specifically that I had more color in my cheeks than when she visited last Thursday. I don't know if she was just trying to be nice (encourage me?), but I can tell that I am stronger each day.

My mom stayed on to help me for an extra week, and she will probably be here through Friday. She has been a great help -- keeping up with shopping, meals and laundry! And I've been so blessed with meals, prayers, cards, phone calls and flowers -- all reminders that many people care for me and are wishing for my full recovery. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I am taking antibiotics through Tuesday, October 28. One antibiotic is a pill, the other is an IV that Paul gives me with each morning and evening. My blood was checked last Thursday, and will be checked again this Thursday. We see my oncologist on Monday (lots of questions for him!), but he has said that I can begin chemotherapy Monday afternoon. That is a good indication that he is satisfied that I am progressing/improving.

I have stayed close to home all this week -- only going out to shuttle kids from one location to another. No grocery stores, library, hockey arena, church or anything public. I am hopeful that that restriction will be lifted on Monday, as well.

Having gone through breast cancer twice, I can honestly say that these two experiences have been "night and day." I got through my first treatment with really no problems at all. This second time has more than made up for the ease of my first treatment. It has challenged me physically, emotionally and spiritually. My reservoir feels empty. The doctors can help improve the physical issues. The emotional and spiritual ones rest on my shoulder.

I have not been able to find a "purpose" of having to go through BC a second time, and especially having to endure so many set backs. To be honest, I have given up this search for the time being. My attitude now is just to get through the treatment and to pace myself, physically. God and I will have to work through some of the details later...