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As I approach the seventh month since being diagnosed with cancer, I’ll take a break from my usual topics and share an update on my cancer journey. I’m also sharing three more important lessons I’ve learned along the way.

This past week brought an unexpected trip to surgery after I developed a staph infection in my chemo port. The port had to be removed, but that was okay because I’m no longer using it. You see, I had to stop receiving IV chemotherapy because it caused too much damage to my bone marrow. I’m on a new medication regimen now, and aside from the infection, overall the new plan has been going well.

On a happier note, my hair is growing back. After four months of baldness, I’m excited at the prospect of having a full head of hair. (Ok, maybe not so much excitement about needing to shave my legs again!)

[Read more…] about 3 More Lessons Taught By Cancer

This post may contain affiliate links, and I will be compensated (at no extra cost to you) when you make a purchase by clicking on my link.

A few of you have asked for an update on my cancer journey. I appreciate your concern and your prayers.

The past few weeks brought on a new challenge. Some of my lab values fell too low for me to receive chemotherapy safely. While I feel better when I’m not on chemo, it concerns me that I’m missing treatments.

My oncologist recently left the clinic, so my daughter and I will meet with my new physician tomorrow. I’m eager to hear what new treatment options he might offer.

At the time of my diagnosis, I shared my belief that every challenge we face in life can bring important lessons. Here’s the latest lesson I’ve learned.

[Read more…] about An Update On My Cancer Journey

This post may contain affiliate links, and I will be compensated (at no extra cost to you) when you make a purchase by clicking on my links.

I started donating blood at age 16 when I worked as a nursing assistant at a nursing home. Over all the decades since then, I’ve continued to donate regularly, and I’ve encouraged others to do the same.

Yet, with each donation, I never considered the fact that I might be the recipient of someone else’s blood someday.

Last week that changed when chemotherapy caused my hemoglobin to drop to 6.9. (Normal levels are usually 12-15.) I felt exhausted, a bit lightheaded, and my brain felt like it was in a fog. So, I had to go to the hospital and receive two units of blood. The transfusions went well, and by the next morning, I already felt better.

[Read more…] about A Big Thank You To My Blood Donors