Jan. 5-Chemo 3-Day 10

Up to this point with my chemo, Day 10 has been a back-to-normal kind of day.  I actually have felt back-to-normal by day 7 or 8 for sure, but not so much this time around.  When they told me that the chemo would have a cumulative effect at chemo #2, I was prepared for that.  But chemo #2 was easy.  Easier than the first one and I was only down for 6-7 days.  I guess the cumulative effect decided to happen this time around.  What this seems to mean for me is that I am just very tired, weak & achy.  Even after a good night of sleep I wake up feeling tired & sluggish.  Both Kyle & my Mom reminded me, I only have one more time of going through this.  And really, being tired & achy is not the worst that could be happening.  So if you're reading this and have been praying for me, thank you!  Continued prayer for strength & energy would be much appreciated as I really want to be able to get back on track before my next dose.  And as I lounge around for a few days longer than expected, I pray for you and your thoughtfulness & generosity.  I am amazed each day at the Facebook messages, texts, cards & goodies that are sent my way.  I need to especially mention my sister & her family who blessed us this past week in a huge way.  The only thing I can do is to say "thank you" and "I love you"!

Happy 2013!

We ended up having a very pleasant New Year's Eve here at the Booher's!  During a yummy lasagna dinner we talked about our highlights of 2012 (I'll get back to that later), then we hung out in the basement to play some low-key Wii games and then finished the evening with an exciting (is that really possible?) game of Monopoly.  The kids wanted to stay up so we all made it till midnight except for Alexis who fell asleep on the couch about 11:15.  

Today was nice & relaxing.  Kyle hunted and he & the kids played out in the snow.  I tried to recover from staying up until midnight!  Then the best part of the day...I left the house tonight...first time since Friday!  We went to Hastings tonight & ate dinner at Applebee's.  My stomach wasn't quite ready for that, but man, did it feel good to put on make-up, some jeans and get out of the house!!!

So back to those highlights, here they are in no particular order:

*Watching the Olympics (Alexis)

*Going to gymnastics camp this summer in Charlotte (Alexis)

*Championship baseball game (Gavin)

*Playing in first Gus Macker (Gavin)

*Going on my first cruise with Kyle (Leslie)

*Purchasing the camper this summer (Kyle)

*Going to Florida & Myrtle Beach for weddings (Alexis)

*New cousin Keegan (both Gavin & Alexis at the same time:)

*Carson's birthday sleepover (Gavin)

*Visit to the U.P. & seeing Ryan doing so well (Leslie)

*Getting the box of gift cards (Alexis)

***Kyle also pointed out that because of a car trip to Myrtle Beach & Missouri, he and Gavin visited 10 states last year!

Finding out about my cancer this year was certainly unexpected and very hard to deal with.  But when I look at the above list, I am not discouraged.  It was a great year, full of wonderful people and experiences.  I can only hope that 2013 is just as good!

Dec. 31-Chemo 3, Day 5

Last blog post of 2012!  Well as usual, the last few days have passed in a blur of sleeping & lounging around as I recover from my third chemo treatment.  So far everything has gone as expected.  No weird surprise side effects or issues.  As usual we have been blessed by great people who want to make our life easier during this time.  Thursday evening Mindy Schriver brought a roast for dinner, something my family hardly ever gets...they were pleased!  On Friday, Jill took me to Battle Creek for my Neulasta shot and my friend, Kim Ripley, provided a yummy Mac & Cheese w/ham for dinner.  Kyle also brought home dinner items given by the staff at Eaton Rapids Eye Care...looking forward to eating the lasagna tonight for dinner!  Sunday evening Mom & Dad Booher came over to spend some time with us before they head back to Florida.  Jill brought homemade chicken noodle soup, it was exactly what sounded good to me last night.  Definitely NOT looking forward to having them gone for the next few months but I joked that at least I should have some hair by the time they get back!
Due to my recovering from chemo, it looks as if we'll probably stay in tonight.  Not sure what that will look like exactly but I do know that I will be with my most favorite people.  I will also be reflecting on the blessings of the past year-there is SO much to be thankful for!