Thursday, May 24, 2012

Praise God

Brain scan came back clear. Whew. What a relief. I don't think I can spare any brain cells up there anyway. My poor brain has been fried from chemo a time or two. That was a big praise.
 I am going to see an opthomologist to figure out why my eyelid wants to stay a little lower than the other one. It's frustrating when your body doesn't behave, isn't it?
 Well, these bodies are perishable, but someday, because of Jesus, we will have imperishable(is that a word) bodies. Awesome. No more sickness. Til then we all keep pushing on and fighting the fight, right? I know I am. Sometimes, it is hard to keep up the fight, but I have a lot to fight for.
Tomorrow is Sarah's sixth grade graduation. She is not happy about wearing a skirt, but I think we came to an agreement about wearing leggings under the skirt. I also go tot the heart Dr to get results of echocardiogram to see if my heart is getting stronger. I think it is a little bit but I certainly don't feel I've made a huge improvement. We shall see.
 Well, I just wanted to share my results. Hopefully I will get over to MDAnderson in Orlando before too long, to get a second opinion, and maybe receive treatment there. I've heard wonderful things about it. The Moffitt Center in Tampa is just too far to go to again, and I feel like with this new diagnosis, I want to make sure we get some other options and opportunities to treat this bugger of a disease.
 We all appreciate your prayers and support. Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend. Love, Joann

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

The Healer



Hi folks, I am doing, meh...
I had my 6th chemo, and it is tougher than any other chemo that I have had.
Trying to keep my chin up.
Not a long post today, just wanted to let you know that I am keeping my faith in my Healer, Jesus Christ.
The Dr. appt last week was difficult.  Even though I have known since Feb., that this round with cancer is very bad, and I may not beat it: it's like a punch in the stomach to hear it from the Dr. again.
I'm getting pretty worn out. "le sigh"
I am thankful and I will continue to praise Him for my blessings, because they are many.
Jimmy graduated from High school last weekend, Sarah graduates from elementary school, and Charlie is looking forward to get more involved in the High school band and other ensembles.
Then there is my sweet husband, whom I just can't get enough of.  Sure, we have our issues, but things are so much better when he is near.  That is one of the hardest things to think about.. he's my best friend.
Well, we are all sick in this house , too with the runny nose, sore throat, cough thing too, but it makes for a cozy family.
This is the last week of school for the two youngest and then it's sleep in time!
Today I had a brain MRI to check and see if cancer has moved to  my brain.  i had one three months ago and all was clear, but i have a droopy left eyelid and the Dr. was concerned. They prescribed two valiums for me this morning. One for an hour before and one right before, and I can't seem to shake the wooziness off.  I think it's a bit of depression though.  Tomorrow I should get results...
I'm not sure how I will handle any more bad news, but i know how I handle good news..much prettier sight!  God will give me sufficient grace to handle whatever comes.  I know this.  Til then, adieu.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Crickets

Sorry I have not posted anything in a while.  Things have been quiet and I had a tough time with the last chemo.
It is a painful drug, but I am praying it works and learning to leave it on Jesus' lap.  Im a visual person, so I picture my worries about my health in a big box and putting it on His lap.  Every now and then, I find I've got a hold of it again, so i go back and put it on His lap, again.  I wish i could leave it there.
I'm also learning about praising Him in all situations.  When fear or doubt or depression start to grab me, I thank Him for blessings, my children, this day or His goodness. You know what?  It works, but its a continual thing.  Some people are so strong in their faith, and can lay it all down.  Oh how i wish I was that strong.  I don't know why I am such a fearful person, but I suppose God is working on that. Oh I how I pray to be at peace with my life. Someday..
Everyone hear at the Rootsey home is pretty well.  Hmmm, well, they could be better.  Jimmy and Charlie have had a bit of a cold. Rick is with Charlie at the clinic now.  Jimmy is back at school taking finals.  He graduates on Fri!  Wow, my baby.
OK, that's another blessing to thank the Lord for.
Sarah's class went to Islands of Adventure for their big 6th grade field trip.  No more kids in elementary school. She's' off to Middle school!  Rick and I chaperoned and it was great.  That was a lot of walking I tell ya! But worth every step.
Mothers'Day was great.  My sister, Dawne, who is down here in FL, my Mom and I went out for a wonderful brunch on the beach.  Then did a little shopping.  I got some sparkly silver shoes by Tom's.  Snazzy, and blinding in the sunlight.
My 6th chemo is on thursday.  I try not to be "blech" about it, but it's "belch", but it is working.  Hopefully the TDM1 drug will be released soon.  I put  a link to the petition on my sidebar, but you can also google it.  Great results for women with a Her2 positive cancer like me.
This is sort of a boring post, so I am going to end it.  Thanks for checking in.  We are all well, and I am thankful for your prayers as always.  I'll do a good post after my chemo.  I have some thoughts i need to get settled in my head.
Love,
Joann