Hair...

7-15-2011
My scalp has been real sore yesterday and today. Like something being brushed the wrong direction. Today I had two large handfuls of hair come out. I was hoping to get past my next Chemo on Monday before loosing my hair. I guess we shall see what happens by that time.....

Judy, Lynn's Sister, had her second Chemo today...


7-17-2011
Today is Verl's Birthday. He is 76. My best Brother and friend all my life He has looked after me. Happy Birthday Verl.

It is Sunday and I washed my hair this morning. Two huge hands full of hair has come out. I am getting thin on top...


7-18-2011
4 handful of hair, plus some more, came out this morning. Hair all over my shoulders, going down my back. All over my pillow and sink, bathroom floor and bathtub. I felt miserable . You could see lots of scalp. Reminded me of some men who would comb their hair over the bald top, to look as if they still had hair. I reached for the scissors and cut the remaining few hairs off. Now I have no hair... At least it wont be going down my back any more....

Had Second Chemo treatment today. Have to go get my shot at the Hospital tomorrow...


7-19-2011
I am feeling the onset of some of the symptoms of the Chemo this morning. It seems like its coming on faster than before. Perhaps my body recognizes the chemicals being used. The Dr. had mentioned that it was the same amount of chemical each time. I would probably be feeling about the same as before. That may be why some folks feel that they are getting a stronger dose of Chemical, when they may be just recognizing it faster.
When I get past this week, I will be at the half way point for the Chemo.... :)

Side Effect...

It has started, not looking forward to the end results. I found more hair showing up in my hair brush today.... I guess it comes with the experience. One good thing I have noticed, is that Miskitos are not biting me this year. Maybe they don't like the taste of Chemo, or maybe their afraid they might die from Chemo.... :)

I have ordered some hats and scarfs, and a wig. Sister Grua helped with my wig. Its not bad looking! It looks like I had my hair frosted, nice. Need to wear it two to three times a week to get use to it. It is not easy wearing a wig all day long without getting use to it. Your head feels weird and tired by the end of the day.
Sister Rilley came over and helped me pick out eyebrow pencils, and some stay on lipstick. We will see how that works out. I would rather be prepared for what is coming, then to wait until it all happens, and not have what I might need...

Second Chemo coming up next Monday...

Jodie's Tiki Bird has come to stay for a few months...

Treat...

I had a Dr. Apt Wednesday, in SLC at the Utah Cancer Center, where the RN Dave drew blood, to check my blood counts after the first Chemo.

Spent a little time with Pauli, and left for home. Lynn treated me out to a Arbys. I didn't think I could eat anything. I think Lynn was hungry. I ordered a small vanilla shake, hoping for frys, but the curly frys had their own seasoning on them, and my through and mouth burns at almost anything.

I went and sat down as I am still weak. Lynn brought my shake and some frys. I tasted the shake and it was so good. The coolness of the ice cream cooled my whole mouth and the back of my throat. Wow....that felt soooo good. I munched lightly on the french fries. Lynn bought me a Baby Roast Beef sandwich with nothing on it. I had forgotten how good food can taste.

Trial...

Well this is a learning experience for me. I know the whisperings of the spirit tells me that I will be ok, and I trust in him. Getting through the process is another matter, and I have found it to be hard.

However there are blessings that have come this way. Not nessiarily because of my health, but of the Walker's problems, and Judy's health too.

Lynn, who is the oldest in his family, and Troy, who is the youngest, ( born while Lynn was on his Mission.) have developed a strong friendship, bond, of trust and honesty. They can depend on on each other and know that things said will not go anywhere.

They both look after their Sister, Judy, who can be a spit firing cannon, when she wants to be. She is also facing Chemo for lung cancer now.

It has been a week since I received my first Chemo. This week was like getting the worst case of the FLUE, you ever had. Every bone, and mussel hurts. No energy, no balance, cant think. Just vegetate and hope to get through it all. Sores in the mouth and throat, even my teeth hurt. Sharp pain in my head, ears and eyeballs. Sweating most all the time.
I am hoping this will last only this week, and I will be able to prepair for the next time.

I am surprised how many prayers are being offered in my behalf. I deeply appreciate the prayers, For I Know how Strong Prayers Are, and they ascend to the Maker Himself...

Nothing like Family...

I had a wonderful day yesterday, Sunday. James and Pauli, Jodie and Will came spent most of the day. James and Lynn BBQ Chicken and Corn on the cobs. James made one his famous potatoes. We had Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Honey Due, and olives. Will made chocolate dipped Strawberries, and we had for desert Strawberry Short cakes.

James, Lynn, Pauli, Will picked a huge bowl of Strawberries from our garden. They were sooooo sweet. and perfect for desert.

James is so good to come and fix dinner for us, and on top of that he cleaned the whole huge bowl of strawberries. He is so willing to help others, and mostly without being asked. He just sees what needs to be done and does it. James works full time, and goes to school at night. what free time he has is very little, and yet he helps others without hesitation...

First Chemo...

Today seemed scary. I guess anytime you tread into unknown waters, can be very scary.
I had an appointment at the Utah Cancer Center in Tooele, Where I received my first Chemo treatment. It took about 2 1/2 hours to get all the chemicals in the IV. and another half hour visit with the Dr. My nurses were Brook and Shelly, the lady at front desk is Daine, and the guy who takes your vitals, was Rick. I am trying to remember their names. When I am under stress like this, I don't remember very long.
It seems that I have a stack of medicines to take at home to help with the complications of the Chemo. I also have to go to the Hospital tomorrow, the day after having Chemo, and receive a strong shot that helps with the calcium loss in your body. (I understand it can hurt.)
Next Wednesday, I have to drive into Salt Lake, to see the Dr. and check my blood to see how I reacted to my first Chemo.

I am feeling pretty good at the moment. I guess we will see how things go. Chemo destroys the fast building cell in the body. Because Cancer is a fast building Cell.
So are the white blood cells, that fight infections, and sickness. Also the cells in your mouth and stomic, digestion tracks are also fast building cells. And can cause problems. We just have to work with them, and get through it. Fortunately I have only 3 more to go.Sister Mari Trapp, and her daughter, brought a large dish of fresh fruit to me while I was sitting in the chair. I was so pleased to see her, and appreciated her kindness. Mari also went through this last year...

Ducks?...

I thought I had seen ducks before, but I had to laugh at this. The water run off from the rain and snow has been high this year. Every day on the news they show many areas of flooding. Yesterday the sun was out for a while, and the TV cameras focused on families enjoying being out in the sun at a park, with a lake or large pond. Ducks lined up to catch the bread a child was throwing in the water. As a family we had fed the ducks many times, our kids really enjoyed doing it. How ever these ducks were really clean looking! I looked again and saw that they were not ducks, but Seagulls. Beautiful Seagulls, tame enough to delight the children.