Cold & Rainy

     

It`s a cold and rainy night here in Ohio. Temps are at 46 degrees.

It`s hard for me to believe that it`s Friday already, that my vacation is almost over. I do have Monday off as well - and Tuesday.

On Tuesday I will be going to the Cleveland Clinic for one of my last remaining leukemia treatments. ( Only a few more to go! It`s been 19 months. ) I get bloodwork done from the port that is bulit into my chest. ( It`s not visible. ) Then I see my handsome doctors, then I have a small dose of chemo. Then I have a week`s worth of medicine >>> That`s what makes me feel blah. All the hospital stays and long hours of chemo are over, thank God.

When I was diagnosed and went into the hospital in March of 2005 I was absolutely terrified. I felt if I died, okay, I was ready. I know and love the Lord. So spiritually I wasn`t scared, but I sure didn`t want to go just yet! I wanted to live to see my daughter finish college, get married, have children...... These were my thoughts.

It was actually a relief to be in the hospital for the month that I was. I was too sick, too weak to do anything. I could barely stand. Food made me nauseous. I lost 25 pounds. My hair fell out. I had to give in and get my head shaved. You don`t have much vanity when you`re a patient on a cancer ward. That`s when my faith really took over, I think. I held onto my dignity through faith and prayer. The heartfelt prayers of so many lifted me up and I can honestly say, for the most part, I always felt hopeful.

I know I harped on this a few times in my old journal, but it`s so important. Donate blood if you can! It saves lives! If you have a loved one going through cancer, just be there for them. Finances are a concern, as are children, laundry, preparing food ( once the appetite comes back ), errands.... A card or a gift can so brighten the day of someone who`s laying in a hospital bed. Magazines, a special snack, new slippers. And don`t worry, it`s not catching. Hugs work wonders!

I am so thankful to be alive and well today.

Every day is a gift.

Okay, moving along......

( You thought this entry was finished, didn`t you?  No such luck! Ha. )

I want to thank everyone who was responsible for this nomination:

I am truly honored. There are so many great journals out there! No matter who you vote for, please just have fun with it. Read some new journals, make some new friends. Like any award contests, there are many who aren`t nominated that may be just as good. I love being part of J-Land.  :0)

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Thanks, Chris - love the name tag!