"Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combinationfor success." Napoleon Hill

10 more to go.
After completing #2 of the weekly regime, I am thankful for the minimal side effects so far. I've had enough energy to have a little fun with my friends and enjoy some laughs. The steroids seem to give me a boost through the weekend and allow me to feel pretty "normal". Other than a few aches here and there, I'm getting puffier and puffier by the minute. My skin is stretching to proportions I hoped I wouldn't see but knew would probably happen. My hands don't look like my hands, and my belly- well we won't even go there. I will keep focussing on the positive - I am kicking this things butt!
I'm looking forward to walking this week with some normal winter temps and breathing in some fresh air to keep a positive attitude for the days ahead.
Taking it a day at a time, but wanting to be done this SO badly, requires alot of patience from a Generation X'er that isn't always so used to taking my time and going at someone else's pace and schedule.
Looking forward to week of school basketball practices and a big play off game victory before the league finals this weekend!

"The happiest people do not have everything, they make the best of everything they have. "

Happy to report that I'm feeling quite well after treatment #5. I can still taste my food and I don't have the aluminum taste that I've had after the previous treatments. I'm fairly certain it will get a little harder as we get into more treatments but for now Im very thankful. It was very nice of Loni's mom and Deb to help with the boys because we just weren't sure how I would react to this new treatment. I had a very relaxing weekend which allowed me to rest. If I'm feeling well into the week, I'm hoping to have lunch with a few friends who have holidays this week. (Teachers get sooo many holidays- do they EVER work?!)

"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking createsprofoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. "-Lao Tzu

Making my way through another week and feeling better as the days go by, heading towards treatment #5. My energy level is definitely taking a hit, but my sinuses have cleared up. I'm having quite terrible headaches almost every day but they do seem to pass if I can get myself moving and sidetracked with something else to focus on. Tylenol helps a bit but its something I'll have to talk to my doctor about this week. My teeth and gums were aching for about 10 days something fierce. I wanted to take a pair of pliers and rip out my back teeth but instead I had a couple of Pepsi Slurpees, which helped alot but only for a short time. That pain seems to have subsided, thank goodness. I just start to feel almost normal and then it's time to blast that darn tumour with chemo. But, I'm ready for the next one!

I am trying so hard to keep my focus and stay positive while constantly visualizing what life will be like when this is all done. I've met some very kind ladies who've beat this and told me I will too. I read books of ladies who have beat it. My friends all hug me and we talk about what we'll do when we beat it.
It makes it even tougher when I hear of someone in my community that is having such a hard time with her cancer she has chosen to go elsewhere to beat it. Someone I've never met but we have common friends. She is it giving it her everything and has so many people who want to support her in every way possible.
She has a tough road ahead of her but we all know she can do it.
If any of my friends and supporters are able to offer her some support, she has 3 beautiful babies she's fighting for every day.

http://www.gofundme.com/shineon

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your ownsunshine." ~Anthony J. D'Angelo

I'm not exactly feeling like a ray of sunshine the last couple days... But I'm blaming -42 temperatures as well as my low energy.
Everything is going pretty well despite the January blues creeping in. I'm having some type of histamine reaction when the steroids wear off which is leaving me to feel like I have a constant sinus infection. I can't lie down or my head feels like its going to explode. So I'm sleeping in a recliner and popping Benadryl every 6 hours. Needless to say I don't awaken to my two boys very spry. But we're getting through it.
I went to see my kids at school- finally. It was so great to see them. They have grown so much- I can't believe it!? I got to say hi to many students and teachers but couldn't make my way through the whole school. I forgot how much energy it takes to be in that building. I hope to go back and hit the other half next week.
My boys basketball team got to fill me in on their 3-0 start to the season. I'm so proud of them and so sad I haven't been able to be apart of it. We've been talking basketball in my classroom since September - knowing this was our season. And they are going for it! I can't wait to watch them play next week.
I could not be more touched with my basketball warm up shirt the boys got me. Both teams are wearing warm up shirts with my initials on them, showing me support and that they're thinking of me. One of the many reasons middle years kids are the best.... Most loyal and caring kids when you show them the same in return.

@AboutAquarius: "Aquarians know that pain is temporary but quittinglasts forever. They will never quit until they reach their destination."

I've almost made it through the weekend following my 4th treatment. Not quite the way a girl wants to celebrate her 38th birthday but very thankful I could celebrate it!
So many kind messages from old and new friends. A nice evening spent with my family eating a few bites of my husband's delicious Penne a la Vodka and Deb's famous Peanut Butter Pie - newly named Wow Butter Pie.
Most of the weekend was spent in bed sleeping and trying to avoid this taste of aluminum in my mouth. I describe it as a mouthful of quarters. So happy this was the last treatment of this one. I'm not sure I could do another one of these?! Who am I kidding? Of course I could! But I sure wouldn't want to!
Heading into my 38th year a little scared, but a whole lot wiser and more focused with one goal in mind. I can't wait to prove to myself and all my supporters what one feisty red head can accomplish!

"You are capable of more than you know. Choose a goal that seems rightfor you and strive to be the best, however hard the path. Aim high.Behave honorably. Prepare to be alone at times, and to endure failure.Persist! The world needs all you can give." - E.O. Wilson

Here I sit... Finishing my last of 4 treatments with the current cocktail of F.E.C. I have reached halfway point with my treatments!! I am very excited by this and quite proud of how I've handled it. I feel very fortunate that I have been able to handle it all fairly well. My family and friends have helped in so many ways that a thank you hardly seems enough.

The doctor yesterday said my tumour is clearly shrinking and getting smaller so there is no need to scan it right now. THIS is super awesome and very motivating!!

Hopefully after a weekend of rest, I'll be on the go in the days ahead. I'm so looking forward to watching my boys basketball team kick some butt as they make their way to the playoffs! Go Bears!

I remember there was this thing I used to do at night. I think it was called "sleep".

Well, I'm nearing my next treatment and looking forward to being halfway done!!

I'm still getting over the worst cold of my life but it is slowly leaving... It put me in bed for 5 days straight and another 5 days in my recliner. It greatly affected my sleeping patterns which were already a mess.
I barely got through it in time to celebrate the boys birthdays at the hotel for water sliding but I did make it! We had a really great time.

I'm happy to say I've had no leg pain so the blood thinners must have helped.

Working out my first 2 times at Level 10 with my group was probably the high lite of my last few days. I've met a lady who had my same surgeon, who thinks she did a great job, and it feels great to get back moving. We do lots of weird little exercises to strengthen shoulders, back, and abs as well as a little bit of cardio and strength training. I'm very thankful I found this as an option to spend my time on the days I'm feeling up to it.

If I understood correctly, after treatment #4, I will be getting some tests done to check that the tumour is shrinking. So, it's time for everyone to throw their positive vibes, pray to whomever they pray to, make their penny fountain wish, and cross their fingers and toes!!!