Back again ~ with this, that and everything . . .

Sorry to have been missing in action for so long but it's been a busy time.

Last Thursday I had my second chemo treatment. My white count had rebounded wonderfully and went from way below normal to almost the top of the normal range. I guess my bone marrow was really working out and that's why I was so darn tired. The treatment was uneventful and I didn't have any problems except for the bone pain which is getting a little better each day.

Of course the highlight of the week was John arriving from California. He came in on Friday and the weather just didn't want to cooperate! We had a big winter storm which made driving a lot hazardous. However, after waiting for several hours to make sure John's flight would even be able to land, we made it safely to the airport to pick him up even thought the trip took about twice as long as it normally does. I was so thrilled to see him . . . you can't even begin to imagine!

It was entirely a family weekend ~ everyone wanting time with John ~ my mother, Jenn and her kids, Dave and me. It was wonderful! We didn't do anything special except visit and that was more than enough!. There's nothing that can replace having your whole family in one place! And, to John's credit, he didn't hole up in the house to avoid the very cold weather we had. He was out and about with his sister and his grandmother. It was me who stayed pretty close to hearth and home. ; ) There were lots of laughs and good conversations that I can recount until he comes again.

We weren't expecting bad weather on Monday when we had to return John to the airport but we got it anyway! He maneuvered the car well, especially considering he hasn't driven in snow and ice for years. He had some fun scaring Jenn who is a very paranoid winter driver but, of course, never drove dangerously. All too soon we were at the airport and saying goodbye again.

The visit may have been short but I wouldn't have traded it for a million dollars.

John even looked at my bald head and didn't gasp! LOL As for me, I'm getting used to it. I've developed some contact dermatitis from either the wig or the knit caps and my scalp itches like crazy! I feel like a dog must feel with fleas! : ) I finally had to go to the doctor yesterday to find out for sure what was causing the big, red blotchy bumps and ended up with some steroid cream to help it. Meanwhile, I'm not covering my head at all in the house ~ hoping the air will help cure it. So, anyone who comes to visit must be prepared for my little bald head.

Later today, I have to go to the Cancer Institute for my weekly blood check. Hopefully the counts will still be in the normal range and I'll still have energy for awhile. If high spirits can keep them elevated, I should be okay because I loved John's visit and having my whole family around for the weekend. It was really a high point for me.

If I ever needed a reminder that family is the top priority, I don't need it now. It's such a great feeling to be surrounded by love! Of course, they pamper me shamelessly ~ probably a lot more than I deserve ~ and make me feel like the most important person in the world. I could get spoiled but I don't think I will. I appreciate it so much.

It's been a little lonely since John left ~ the typical empty nest syndrome I guess ~ but we've talked a lot on the phone and that helps a great deal. Now I'm looking forward to the next visit from Fleecie and my granddaughter, Jordan. I'm sure John will be back, too, when he can get a little longer time off. I have so very much to be grateful for and I never forget it for a minute.

Here's something that is posted at the Cancer Institute ~ I asked Jenn to copy it down for me while I was having my treatment:

What Cancer Cannot Do . . .

Cancer is so limited . . .
It cannot cripple Love
It cannot shatter Hope
It cannot corrode Faith
It cannot destroy Peace
It cannot kill Friendship
It cannot suppress Memories
It cannot silence Courage
It cannot invade the Soul
It cannot steal Eternal Life
It cannot conquer the Spirit.

-Author unknown

No matter what your personal challenge is, just replace it for the word "cancer" and the same will apply. The human spirit is stronger than anything it confronts and can make anything bearable . . . As long as you let it.

Thanks to all of you who are going through this journey with me ~ you'll never know how much it means to me. The world is filled with such caring and kind people it's totally overwhelming. Don't wait for a crisis to realize this.

Until next time . . . Remember that there is much more good than bad surrounding each of us.