Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!
Wanted to take a few minutes and wish everyone a Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah. And to thank you all for following my journey. It's still on going and will be for awhile. I will continue to post and hope you continue to follow.
Quote:
Each day comes bearing its own gifts, untie the ribbons!
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
An outing!
Was so excited that I got to ride along to the airport the other day to take my sisters. Didn't get out of the car but I got a ride in the car. Such excitement. BUT today I actually went to the grocery store. Found a pair jeans (that fit me), sweater (cold here for me), nice scarf around my neck, a little bit of make up, earrings and a black hat that I got a while back. Bill calls it my Yoko hat. And off we went to Publix. Put on my mask and in to the store I went. Went through the whole store too!! Didn't go down all the aisles but several of them. Was proud of myself! Little things right now make me see that I am going to get my energy back. Even if it's little by little. I can tell you though that I was tired once we got home and the groceries put away even with Bill's help. Bill did tell me that he was nervous the whole time we were in the store.
Been feeling pretty good. I have more energy most days. I do have some days that I just don't feel good. Not as many any more. I know I get antsy sitting around. Have been doing crossword puzzles and word finds. Also, coloring in my adult coloring book. Thanks Judy!!! These things help me with my neurophy in my fingers.
Christmas will be calm this year. Kristi, Matt, Sasha, Ellie and mom will be coming over on Christmas Day. Bill is smoking a brisket for us. Can't wait for that! Just a few sides to go with it and that's it. The girls made us a Christmas tree. Has a few presents under it already. Just being able for Bill and my FL family to be with me is the only present I need!
Quote:
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here, we should dance!
Friday, December 16, 2016
Felt at home!
Today I had an appointment with my oncologist Dr. Sarriera. Haven't seen him since October 10th. He reviewed my records from Moffitt. Was pleased where I am. Fluids still an issue but working on it. Will continue to monitor me via blood work. We discussed the probability of me going on a years maintenance of Revlimid (chemo pill) within 3 to 4 months. This will be a very low dose as this is the drug that caused me to break out in hives and a rash very early on in my initial treatment plan. All immunizations will be redone within 3 to 4 months. I will continue to have my Zometa (bone strengthener) drip every 3 months. Changed dosage on my Lyrica to help with my neuropathy. Hope it helps. Pray it goes away. Next appointment with him will be January 17th. Sent me for labs then. Got an email later saying my magnesium level needed a boost. 7 days of over the counter magnesium oxide tabs will help that problem. That was all he was concerned about for the labs today. That's great. Got to see Desiree before I left. She is a ray of sunshine.
So glad to be back with my oncology team and my Cancer Center. Left there feeling I was at home.
Quote:
Every evening I turn my worries over to God. He's going to be up all night anyway!
Today I had an appointment with my oncologist Dr. Sarriera. Haven't seen him since October 10th. He reviewed my records from Moffitt. Was pleased where I am. Fluids still an issue but working on it. Will continue to monitor me via blood work. We discussed the probability of me going on a years maintenance of Revlimid (chemo pill) within 3 to 4 months. This will be a very low dose as this is the drug that caused me to break out in hives and a rash very early on in my initial treatment plan. All immunizations will be redone within 3 to 4 months. I will continue to have my Zometa (bone strengthener) drip every 3 months. Changed dosage on my Lyrica to help with my neuropathy. Hope it helps. Pray it goes away. Next appointment with him will be January 17th. Sent me for labs then. Got an email later saying my magnesium level needed a boost. 7 days of over the counter magnesium oxide tabs will help that problem. That was all he was concerned about for the labs today. That's great. Got to see Desiree before I left. She is a ray of sunshine.
So glad to be back with my oncology team and my Cancer Center. Left there feeling I was at home.
Quote:
Every evening I turn my worries over to God. He's going to be up all night anyway!
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Sisters!
Each day I gain more strength. Each day I am able to eat more. Each day I am able to walk more. Each day I am able to drink more (still not near enough). I know I still have a way to go but each day brings me closer to me.
Friday I have an appointment with Dr. Sarriera, my oncologist. Haven't seen him since October.
As most of you know, my sisters flew down to visit me, our mom and Kristi and family. They spent several hours with me Tuesday and Wednesday. Brought mom along. Will visit for a bit tomorrow again. So glad to see them.
Quote:
The pain you feel today is the strength you'll have tomorrow!
Each day I gain more strength. Each day I am able to eat more. Each day I am able to walk more. Each day I am able to drink more (still not near enough). I know I still have a way to go but each day brings me closer to me.
Friday I have an appointment with Dr. Sarriera, my oncologist. Haven't seen him since October.
As most of you know, my sisters flew down to visit me, our mom and Kristi and family. They spent several hours with me Tuesday and Wednesday. Brought mom along. Will visit for a bit tomorrow again. So glad to see them.
Quote:
The pain you feel today is the strength you'll have tomorrow!
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Love being home.
It's been 5 days. You never know how you appreciate your home until you been away for almost 30 days. Those were the longest 30 days ever. Especially the last week and a half.
I am getting stronger each day. My energy level isn't much. Slow going but going. Walking around the pool several times twice a day. This week I want to walk some in our neighborhood. Just a few houses, then more, then more till I can walk the circle. Eating has been a challenge. Mashed potatoes have been my comfort food. Bill did chicken on the grill and was able to eat that. Tonight we made spaghetti. Went down okay. Missed eating it with my jar of jalapeño though. Didn't think that was a good idea. Drinking has been another challenge. Could only drink Gator Aid. If I get it from the refrigerator, I can now handle water. Need to drink 64 oz. a day and am no were near that. Going to make a smoothie tomorrow to see if I can drink that. Not sure what I will put in it yet.
My Christmas has been cancelled this year. Have our girls, sons-in-law and grandkids taken care of and that's what matters to us this year. We will appreciate Christmas so much next year. But this being said, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Quote:
The only time you should ever look back is to see how far you have come!
It's been 5 days. You never know how you appreciate your home until you been away for almost 30 days. Those were the longest 30 days ever. Especially the last week and a half.
I am getting stronger each day. My energy level isn't much. Slow going but going. Walking around the pool several times twice a day. This week I want to walk some in our neighborhood. Just a few houses, then more, then more till I can walk the circle. Eating has been a challenge. Mashed potatoes have been my comfort food. Bill did chicken on the grill and was able to eat that. Tonight we made spaghetti. Went down okay. Missed eating it with my jar of jalapeño though. Didn't think that was a good idea. Drinking has been another challenge. Could only drink Gator Aid. If I get it from the refrigerator, I can now handle water. Need to drink 64 oz. a day and am no were near that. Going to make a smoothie tomorrow to see if I can drink that. Not sure what I will put in it yet.
My Christmas has been cancelled this year. Have our girls, sons-in-law and grandkids taken care of and that's what matters to us this year. We will appreciate Christmas so much next year. But this being said, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Quote:
The only time you should ever look back is to see how far you have come!
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Lots of pots.
Well today was our first full day at home. What a joy. Able to walk around more than 50 feet without having to turn around. Able to walk outside and enjoy my flowers. Yes, they are still blooming. Even have a Christmas cactus blooming. Our bougainvilleas (Louise) are beautiful. Able to sit in comfortable furniture. Able to sleep in my bed. And most of all, Bill had lots of pots to choose from when making food.
So happy to be home.
Quote:
Cancer can take away all of my physical abilities but it cannot touch my mind, it cannot touch my heart, and it cannot touch my soul.
Well today was our first full day at home. What a joy. Able to walk around more than 50 feet without having to turn around. Able to walk outside and enjoy my flowers. Yes, they are still blooming. Even have a Christmas cactus blooming. Our bougainvilleas (Louise) are beautiful. Able to sit in comfortable furniture. Able to sleep in my bed. And most of all, Bill had lots of pots to choose from when making food.
So happy to be home.
Quote:
Cancer can take away all of my physical abilities but it cannot touch my mind, it cannot touch my heart, and it cannot touch my soul.
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
There's no place like home!!!
Dr. Ochoa released me today. And did I cry! Yippie. We will be heading home tomorrow morning. I think he realizes my mending will be better there. I have a long way to go but know home is where it's going to happen.
Got my central line out about 1 hour ago. She didn't even have to numb it as it came out on it's own. No shower for 2 days. Have to ice it 4 times a day.
Will try to update off and on once home.
Quote:
Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.
Dr. Ochoa released me today. And did I cry! Yippie. We will be heading home tomorrow morning. I think he realizes my mending will be better there. I have a long way to go but know home is where it's going to happen.
Got my central line out about 1 hour ago. She didn't even have to numb it as it came out on it's own. No shower for 2 days. Have to ice it 4 times a day.
Will try to update off and on once home.
Quote:
Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.
Monday, December 5, 2016
Vistors!!!
Yesterday, Matt, Kristi and the girls drove to Tampa to visit. Was so nice. We talked (probably told the same thing over we already talked about), laughed and talked some more. Pap took a much needed walk with the girls. Matt got us pizza, wings etc for dinner. I am not allowed delivery so Matt went for it. Was really glad to see my granddaughters. Ellie in her fancy dress up clothes and boots with heels and Sasha being herself in her size 0 jeans. LOL. Had to cry a little though when they left because I want to go come so bad. Hopefully, by the week end. See my doctor tomorrow and going to beg a little.
Well, off to the Cancer Center for blood work and a drip of fluid. No PA or doctor visit today.
Quote:
We can't always direct the wind but we can adjust the sails.
Yesterday, Matt, Kristi and the girls drove to Tampa to visit. Was so nice. We talked (probably told the same thing over we already talked about), laughed and talked some more. Pap took a much needed walk with the girls. Matt got us pizza, wings etc for dinner. I am not allowed delivery so Matt went for it. Was really glad to see my granddaughters. Ellie in her fancy dress up clothes and boots with heels and Sasha being herself in her size 0 jeans. LOL. Had to cry a little though when they left because I want to go come so bad. Hopefully, by the week end. See my doctor tomorrow and going to beg a little.
Well, off to the Cancer Center for blood work and a drip of fluid. No PA or doctor visit today.
Quote:
We can't always direct the wind but we can adjust the sails.
Friday, December 2, 2016
Baby Girl!
During this venture with my transplant etc, we became "waiting for the lab work, doctor, etc visits" with a great family only knowing them by Mary and Eddie. A beautiful caring black couple about 10 years younger than us I think. Mary said she had been praying for me and Bill and prayed that they would see us again. Eddie was the one with MM and his schedule for a BMT was around the same as mine. Hadn't seen them for a while and today they walked in to the cancer center for treatment. We were so happy to see them. Eddie is a few days behind me feeling wise so I know where he is. He also has neuropathy caused by Velcade. I felt bad as I watched him struggle for some energy. We both ended up in the treatment chairs next to each other (separated though). Both needed potassium and fluids. Both need them again for the next few days. They live near the cancer center so they can go home each night. What I am working towards. What I need!!! Mary gave me her phone number and told me if Bill needs a break, call her and she will get someone to stay with Eddie and come stay with me. This is a "new" friend that I will keep in contact with once we leave Tampa (praying soon). And she calls me "baby girl"!!!
Quote:
Make new friends but keep the old!!!
During this venture with my transplant etc, we became "waiting for the lab work, doctor, etc visits" with a great family only knowing them by Mary and Eddie. A beautiful caring black couple about 10 years younger than us I think. Mary said she had been praying for me and Bill and prayed that they would see us again. Eddie was the one with MM and his schedule for a BMT was around the same as mine. Hadn't seen them for a while and today they walked in to the cancer center for treatment. We were so happy to see them. Eddie is a few days behind me feeling wise so I know where he is. He also has neuropathy caused by Velcade. I felt bad as I watched him struggle for some energy. We both ended up in the treatment chairs next to each other (separated though). Both needed potassium and fluids. Both need them again for the next few days. They live near the cancer center so they can go home each night. What I am working towards. What I need!!! Mary gave me her phone number and told me if Bill needs a break, call her and she will get someone to stay with Eddie and come stay with me. This is a "new" friend that I will keep in contact with once we leave Tampa (praying soon). And she calls me "baby girl"!!!
Quote:
Make new friends but keep the old!!!
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Posted this on Facebook today!!
Townplace Suites Marriott
I have been thinking about doing a "where have you been" for Facebook for a bit now. Today seems like a day I may be able to fill everyone in on my last few weeks adventures. If that is what to call them. Most of you know that I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma cancer at the end of June this year. Started with a lump on my head that was diagnosed first as cellaritious and then fatty tissue by two PA's and a surgeon. I insisted on X-rays. Found lytic lesions through out my scalp. Went to a oncologist and they did tests including a bone marrow biopsy. Found the Myeloma. Plus, not only did they find Myeloma, mine (of course) was a rare type. Had several weeks of chemo. Then they recommend that I have a Bone Marrow transplant (BMT). Had that November 14th. Was in the hospital until Saturday, November 26th. Released to a Moffitt (the Cancer Center I was at), approved hotel. The hotel has strict cleaning rules and care for these approved rooms. It's a two bedroom suite. But I am here to tell you, the furniture (except the beds) are not made for comfort. I may have to say something. LOL. Bill is my caregiver and must be with me 24/7. He is awesome. I couldn't do it without him for sure. We go to the cancer center each day for blood work and if I am low in potasium, calcium, flluids etc. have to have drips of whatever I need. However, today was a free day. Thank heavens. How do I feel? Each day so far is a struggle to get out of bed and get ready. They say it takes time and not to rush it. My head, because of drugs, is always dopey feeling. Starting to eat more, which is good. Have not thrown up for the last 2 days. Yippee. My neurophy is still bad but not as bad as several months ago.
I had one beautiful visitor that I haven't seen in years at the hospital. Judy Carpenter!!! So glad to see her. We now live within two hours of each other and will visit more often for sure. She had always been a special friend!!! Wanted to visit again here at the hotel last night but I wasn't sure how long I would be at the cancer center. And I am totally exhausted after those treatments.
I have received lots of messages etc but do not feel I don't know that. I have just not been in the mood to answer them. I do appreciate them though. Had several calls and I try to at least talk to my daughters daily. My mom every few days. And my sisters. I will get back to calls and messaging again. I am just happy I was able to sit here and type this today.
I have a blog for you that may not know and I would love for you to follow it if you so want to. I haven't been updating it much lately. Kristi Klein tries to update as she can.
www.quiltstomake.blogspot.com
Thanks for all the prayers too!!! Please continue to send them. They are felt!!!!
xoxo
Address of hotel:
6800 Woodstork Road
Tampa, FL 33637
Suite 131
Kathy Snowberger
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