NOT A GOOD START

Friday, July 22, 2011

Today was the rest day after having 3 days that really zapped my energy. So it was extremely hot 103 and humid because we are to get rain, right. I did manage to eat a lot better and made some potato salad, okay not real healthy but need pounds remember it isn't sugar. Had ham and cucumbers with onion and vinegar.

I went out and watered around 7 so I could finish the fruit bushes, watermelon and tomato bushes. No pool but tomorrow if the day is as hot I am just going to get in at night. Ridicules putting chemicals and running a pump and no use but you can't fry and have too be able too breathe and that has not been in the market this week. My daughter is too come over tomorrow I quest for me to check her college paper again. So I have food if she wants to eat.
I will have tomatoes ripe tomorrow and maybe some other things.

Feel a lot better and I assume part is relief and that makes the body happy. Will try to get a little more yard work done because now I have everything watered. Now just pull some of the weeds and spray some of the grass that is on the mulch we just put down.

Time to go get some grapes and I think 1/2 an orange too for my snack.

All have a great weekend with family and friends. God bless you all and thank for you on going prays.

Catch you tomorrow doing a lot more.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

NOTFATCAT 7/23/2011 4:28PM

You know how to pace yourself. Keep the faith and all will be fine. Report Inappropriate Comment

JKURJACK1944 7/23/2011 4:09PM

Sorry about the heat. We are dealing with temps in the high 80's, low 90's. I am in the mountains so it is not as bad as the rest of Tennessee. Sounds like a good idea to get in the pool at night and do some exercises. Look forward to your next blog. God bless. Report Inappropriate Comment

KARATE_KID 7/23/2011 9:27AM

I feel for the people who have to deal with this insane heat, especially if you aren't well. Good for you keeping yourself busy without overdoing it. Best wishes! Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 7/23/2011 2:58AM

Glad you're feeling better Joyce, you're getting there hun. Keep that positivity going hun and take care Report Inappropriate Comment

GOD IS GOOD

Thursday, July 21, 2011

With all the prays that have been going to God for me so I would not have to have chemo he made it happen. My WBC is just 1.6 and that is real low. RBC also low and platelets very low only 62. Other things are low or high and that is why I can't have chemo because it would wreck havoc with my body. Still anemic and I let her know I was in real trouble last Friday and called the hospital and no one called me back. She wasn't happy but told me they can misplace messages and if someone doesn't call keep calling. I told her what was happening and she said I should have come to the hospital. I also let her know that when I do things it drains me and I have to lay down. She said with the anemia and chemo reactions I have to rest to regain my strength and do it whenever my body says too. I am so glad I have 3 weeks free and can work on getting my strength back, small steps at a time. I am use too when I think I am feeling better to go gang busters and then the next day I am shot. Going to use my head instead of my strength.

Ate really bad today but the Dr. was an hour and a half behind so we couldn't go to a restaurant. We stopped at Arby's and we got the children's chocolate milk shake and I ordered the ham , swiss sandwich and small french fries which are children's size. It taste good because I was hungry by then. Just a little while ago I made an all beef hot dog, onion and roll. Tomorrow has to start my healthy eating again and my girl friend could not believe what I have been eating because she knows i don't do fast food, fries and junk food. Method too my madness because I have gained 5 pounds back. You could say I could have fixed healthy food to gain weight but I went the easier way at this time. Just wanted things that where fast so it took no energy. Now I have to get straight and start doing the right things I will try to add a little more exercise every couple of days. It will take months to get back to where I was but I will.

Today I watered the garden because everything was laying down it was a mess. Tomorrow I have to get the watermelon watered and other fruit bushes. The heat has been terrible and I know everyone is having some kind of hardship. We need rain so bad I feel sorry for the farmers. I will keep everything going as best I can.

I have to get some grapes and eat them at least they are on the good side. Tomorrow who knows what it is suppose to do so I hope I can get in the pool. Been hot enough too but then you can't breathe because the air is so thick. Dr. told me too stay in the A/C so I am and I go out when the sun is going down too do the yard and garden work.

All take care and thank you for your many prays because they work. God bless you always and forever. Have a fabulous weekend with family and friends my dear friends.

Catch you tomorrow with a big relieved smile.


Smile,

Joyce

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GATOR12 7/22/2011 11:23AM

All right. So you have some weeks to get stronger and I HEAR YOU SAY, YOU ARE GONNA NOT JUST GO ALL OUT AND USE ALL YOUR STRENGTH BUT PACE YOURSELF AND REST WHEN YOU GET TIRED WITHOUT FEELING LAZY!! I HEARD THAT JOYCE. Now I will hold you to it.Prayers continue, and gentle hugs to you my friend. Brenda Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYINKY 7/22/2011 11:12AM

I'm glad you are getting this break and chance to build your strength back up. Your positive energy has to be working for you. Frozen grapes are a favorite hot weather snack around here. I freeze them in snack size baggies. Be well. Hugs. Report Inappropriate Comment

JKURJACK1944 7/22/2011 10:53AM

Your an amazing person. Keep up the positive thoughts. I am glad that you will have 3 weeks to gain physical strength, but you already have the strength of mind to be healthy. I am praying for you. God bless. Report Inappropriate Comment

LINDAJ0621 7/22/2011 9:54AM

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 7/22/2011 3:07AM

Joyce you're doing amazing considering all you're going through and you do all you can to help your body heal. Once you've rested you'll be able to get back to exercising and feeling brighter again. I hold you in my prayers, you'll get there Report Inappropriate Comment

JUDITH316 7/22/2011 2:19AM

Keep up the good work, I want you to know I'm here cheering you on, your road is not easy, chemo therapy sure takes a lot out of you, my Mom went through chemo and I remember how hard it was for her, don't worry about being off track today, it will get better and you will gain your strength back these next 3 weeks you are not having treatment. Keep on tracking and eating healthy as much as you can, as you gain more strength your exercising will get easier, in the meantime I'm praying and cheering you on, You Can Do it with God's strength and grace. Report Inappropriate Comment

DID I DO THAT!!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Up early and on the go for bowling and next week they will be closed so a week off. When I saw who I had to bowl because my team mate had pre bowled I figured I could go home. There was a man and women and both had high averages 203 and 218. Really good bowlers and the gal I think is almost 70 or there already. Surprising I was not really good but determine to do my best. Won the1st game by 35 points, okay that was by luck I thought, but the next 2 games we won too. 21 pins difference in the 2nd and only 14 in the 3rd game. I bowled 178, 154, 210, series 540, average 177. They just didn't get their averages and we did. I think they are in first place so they where not too happy. I was because it was hard going and I pulled it out. Now that is the no tap team but you have too get those 9's to get the strike and that is harder then you think. I had fun and then I left my water bottle there.

I went to the hospital and had the blood test and that is when I saw I left my water, I was hot. Went to the Food Lion to see if they had Italian meat for a sub but they don't. I wanted to get real Italian sub meats and have no where to get them. I will just have to improvise and maybe if my sister comes down from up state she can bring me some.

Then I went to Lowe's to get 13-13-13 for the fruit bushes and trees and they didn't have any. So now I have to hunt for that because I want to give them their winter shot of fertilizer so in the spring I can have nice peaches. They where so sweet but small and I did some research to rectify that. This is what living in a small country town is like, love the calm, low crime and open spaces but not the shopping.

I could have gone to other stores but too tired and it was hard breathing in the heat. I came home, took care of the dogs, ate some cottage cheese and laid down. Felt better when I got up so I got on the laptop and did some of my Spark page. Later I went out and worked in the garden, putting water in the pool and put chemicals in too.

I have to water the plants and garden because we keep being told we are getting rain but never do. My dwarf fruit trees are outside my garage and I am going to water them when I get done. I love flowers and the garden but when we don't get rain 1st a week it really makes a lot of extra work. The shame of it all the farmer that rents our land has corn in and it is turning yellow so if we don't get rain the corn is not going to fill out and it will cost him.

Going to get to bed earlier tonight because I have to be up early to go to the Dr. Everyone have a good Thursday and may God bless you daily.

Catch you tomorrow, keep Sparking and making friends.

Joyce

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JOYINKY 7/22/2011 11:07AM

You continue to amaze me! Sounds like a great day! Report Inappropriate Comment

RAYLINSTEPHENS 7/21/2011 11:31AM

scores! Comment edited on: 7/21/2011 11:32:04 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

JKURJACK1944 7/21/2011 8:28AM

Great scores and looks like a great day. You always impress me with what you get done, even when your not feeling well. You must have been feeling pretty good after winning 3 games with people who have very high averages. Your team mates must have done well also. Congratualate them for me. Doctor today. Looking forward to your next post to let us know how things are going. God bless. Report Inappropriate Comment

SHECHAM 7/21/2011 8:12AM

Congrats on your bowling. I am glad you are taking care of yourself... Have a nice day today... Report Inappropriate Comment

GATOR12 7/21/2011 8:07AM

Great bowling!! It's nice for everyone to have a good day and I like to beat the top dogs. Yes it is still so hot and dry here and farmers aren't getting the extra cuttings of hay they usually would. Some have burned up pastures and are already having to feed their cattle hay which makes for a really long feeding season. Try to stay cool today and don't get too tired out at doc/s. Gentle hugs Brenda Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 7/21/2011 3:26AM

Sounds like you had a good bowl! Just as well you stayed out of the heat Joyce. You're more than welcome to the rain we're having here LOL. Sleep well and I hope all goes well with your appt! Report Inappropriate Comment

FUN DAY

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Today I knew I had to take it easy if I was going to bowl. I got up and ate breakfast, straighten up the kitchen and the bedroom. Then I went on the laptop to rest a little and all of a sudden I was very tired and weak. So I laid down for a while and when I got up took a shower and washed my hair. I knew it would dry fast because it is only about an inch to 2 all over my head. Wash, and mess it up and you have a style because it is curly. I ate and got back on the laptop for a little and then had to feed the dogs and eat. I started to get ready to go and it was do I do this or not because I was weak. I won out and finished, checked everything before I left.

When I got there my friend that I usually pick up was in the parking lot. We went in and I got ready. People where glad to see me and I always am smiling so I joke with everyone. We started to bowl and the lanes where not good. Everyone was bowling bad and these where people who have pretty decent averages. We won the second game and on our team the real low average gal had her average 2 times, High average team mate didn't make his avarage at all, I made mine 1 time and the team mate that pre bowled got his 2 times. The other team 2 had 1 average, 1 no average and 1, 2 times. I bowled 131, 145 157, series 433 and average 153 so will drop again. I know it is because I can't put enough power in my throw but I still hang in there with the rest of them. The 2nd game I was 2nd high game on my team and higher game then the other team. 3rd game I was high game for my team and 2nd for the other team so I didn't do too bad being so weak. The last game I was really breathing bad so I was glad it was going to be over. I had fun and like the people that are on the league. It is only 5 teams was 6 but 1 team left. People have so much to do during the summer they don't want to commit to 15 weeks. There was only 5 points different in the teams so we had to bowl good which most didn't.

Tomorrow morning I am going to do it again and I hope I can do good because my team mate already bowled and said she didn't do good. So hope tomorrow I can do better. Have to throw 9's for no tap and tonight threw only 11 not good. Do the best I can and that will have too do.

I am glad yesterday people learnt something and what I wrote was helpful. Anyone that needs to understand a medical condition just look on line and Spark people has a lot of information on the medical page. I don't just accept what the Dr's say I do research all the time. My Dr told another Dr. not too talk down to me because I was very much in tune to what was going on and knew medical information. She also took that Dr before the hospital grievance board because of how he treated me. She does not play around and when her patients have been hurt or mistreaded she will call then down or raise cain. She road out an ER Dr who would not listen to me and sent me home with a gastic upset, flu when I had a chemo reaction and that is when I just about died in 07. If I had stayed home 1 more day I would have but I had chemo the next day so I went to the onocolgy center and then the hospital for 14 days.

Never let a Dr. over ride you if you know your body and know there is something wrong. Always ask questions, get copies of test keep your own folder. Their is not 1 blood test or test that I get that isn't in my folder. The nurses know when I leave get the papers out and copy them for me. I know how to read blood test, other test and what I don't know I look up on the internet. I know I have been relating medical but a lot of people have no ideal how to talk to a Dr. If I can help good and once my GP asked if I wanted him to put up a secretay sign because I was letting him know what was wrong and what I needed. Just the way it is and we laughted about it. I have respect from my Dr's and I respect them for taking the time to talk to me. Not the 5 minute visit, medicine and $80.00 charge. I don't go there and they know it. I am a nice person about it all they just know me from the beginning.

So, I will close for now and bowl, get my blood test and a few groceries and come home and rest tomorrow.

God bless all of you and have a great Wednesday only 2 more days for the work week.

Catch you tomorrow and see how i bowl and make out.

Joyce

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JKURJACK1944 7/20/2011 10:27AM

Hope you got a good nights rest for bowling today. Glad your able to get out and have fun. Blood test today, right. Hope the news is good. god bless. Report Inappropriate Comment

SHERRYJVP 7/20/2011 8:41AM

so glad you had a fun day. Good chance to take your mind off harder things. Blessings. Report Inappropriate Comment

KIMBIES1124 7/20/2011 8:15AM

Hope you enjoyed your bowling. You really are an inspiration! Report Inappropriate Comment

GATOR12 7/20/2011 8:07AM

Part of the reason you are treated with respect and dignity at the doc's office is because you demand & need it. We should all research our medical conditions and use the physician's advice as a tool to help us help them make decisions about our body. I admire you and appreciate your courage in standing up for yourself and especially appreciate YOUR DOC who will stand up to other peers in making sure you are not talked down to or mistreated. I am a nurse and I see it all the time but people will only treat you as you allow them to. docs are not god! They may think it and act like it but it ain't so!! I hope you have a super bowling game today and all your team bowl better. I'm sure getting better lanes will help--surely you can't get assigned the same ones. Enjoy the friends & visiting too. Gentle hugs, Brenda Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 7/20/2011 3:34AM

Joyce I love that your doctor and the team around you are so respectful and thoughtful (my neurology team is the same) it makes such a difference to be dealt with with dignity and respect. I hope you enjoy your bowling today! Report Inappropriate Comment

PRAIRIECROCUS 7/19/2011 11:46PM

I hope that you will have a nice time, bowling ! Report Inappropriate Comment

WAITING FOR AN APPOINTMENT & INFORMATION YOU MIGHT LIKE TO KNOW.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Today was hotter than yesterday and I really wanted to get in the pool. The Comcast man was to come between 1 and 4 so no pool. He came about 2:45 PM and was here until after 4:30 PM and still had another home to go too. It is good because now I have everything working well. He put the outside connection inside my garage. So if anything is wrong I just unplug it. He fixed my phone jacks so now I can use them, Hooked up 1 of the digital parts that we now need but I just couldn't be bothered with it. That sounds terrible but the mind just can't surround things like that right now.

Now I will have a phone in almost every room and that makes me feel safer. For some reason we don't have a phone jack in the living room but with the satellite phones now you don't need them Just 1 jack for the base phone and then plug the others in too charge. I like it and even have 1 in the garage outside as we use to have a phone but it was hit with lighting.

I have felt better today and I am going to try and bowl tomorrow. I am going to let my hair just curl on its own and go like that. It will be a change for people so I will have some comments I am sure.

This weekend I am going to see if my daughter will come and help me wash the dogs because they need it. Then I can cut Callie and get her comfortable.

Some have asked what is CLL and it is Chronic Lympocytic Leukemia which affects the white blood cells. It makes the white blood cells work over time so therefore they increase and the counts climb higher even up too 100,000 which mine have. Mine before treatment went to 25.300 and they should be 4.0 too 12.0 and she didn't want them to climb anymore. The lympocytics also invade the bone marrow and they where 91.7 % of my bone marrow and should be 24 too 44. When that happens the bone marrow cannot make red blood cells or platelet's and my platelet's fell to 64 and should be 150 to 375. The red blood cells also fell to 3.35 and should be 4.20 to 5.40 so I have become anemic which is why I am weak and breathless. I have had Leukemia for over 20 years and I have had chemo 5 other times starting around 1996. I had chemo about every 2 years until 07 when the chemo shot my hemoglobin down to 5.4 and should be 12.0 to 16.0, I was in the hospital for 14 days. The Dr. told me she didn't think I was going to walk out. I let her know I am a fighter and she was too. She had 3 other teams of Drs. in other hospitals going over my case trying to keep me alive. Still here and intend to stay a long time. Also in 07 I contracted the Para virus from dogs which is air borne. You don't even have too have a dog. I went in the hospital with white blood count down too 500 and that is not good so that was another week in the hospital. Since my while blood count was so low it took 4 years to come back to normal but once it did it started to climb. Because it did not climb like it use too the lympocytics did their sly job in the bone marrow. If the White blood cells had been normal by now it would have been up to 60 too 70,000 and that would have meant chemo. Now the white blood count is 1.5 low but at least I don't have to worry about that. I am a strong person mentally and physically so I fight and push beyond what I should sometimes but I don't give up no matter how sick I get. Even though this chemo has me at a disadvantage I will come out on top. What I did last month is not what I can do now but if all I can register is 2 to 3,000 steps so be it, I at least I did that. I know all the in and outs of the blood test and what is going on in my body. When I ask a Dr. a question and they look at me why do you want to know that because I asked and do. Don't talk down to me because I know what is going on.

Little by little I am adding more work outside and inside to my day. Today when the Comcast man was here he pulled out the refrigerator and it was dirty not real bad dust, of course embarrassed but I can't move the thing. When he went out I cleaned the dirt up and scrubbed the floor so it was clean in the end. He noticed I had done it too. I told him I was sorry the place was not up to par but I just couldn'i do it all. He said don't worry because mine looked good, he had to go outside in 1 house for a half hour to breathe it was so bad. He said they where nice people just dirty.

Hope this helped some and everyone have a lovely Tuesday. God bless you my dear friends.

Catch you tomorrow, hope bowling.

Joyce

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SHERRYJVP 7/20/2011 8:44AM

I wondered what kind you had. My mom has ALL with the philadelphia chromosome, but has been declared in full remission. She has never regained her strength though. Report Inappropriate Comment

HICKOK-HALEY 7/19/2011 4:45PM

My oldest Sister just found out she has CLL. It is the non cancerous kind, but they can't get her white cells to where they should be. So she is starting chemo. I sure hope you can get your blood leveled out. You have been through a lot. Fighters, do survive. You just keep on fighting. Hugs! Report Inappropriate Comment

BEST_LIFE_NOW 7/19/2011 2:10PM

Thanks for taking the time to explain what CLL is. Since I have NHL, it's assumed I know what all the blood cancer are ... lol I barely know all the facts of mine, much less the others. You are truly a fighter! I really admire your spirit. Report Inappropriate Comment

JKURJACK1944 7/19/2011 7:54AM

Thanks for the explanation of CLL. I did know the basics because a family member has it. She is doing very well. 87 and going strong. I have Comcast too and am getting a phone in every room today. Great minds think alike. Looking forward to your bowling scores tomorrow. Have a blessed day. Report Inappropriate Comment

ILOVEROSES 7/19/2011 6:38AM

Glad that you got your phones connected Joyce. My DH also has CLL but his isn't as bad as yours. He goes to his oncologist every 3-6 months and so far no need for chemo. We are going away for 12 weeks on Monday, so really hope he'll be fine until the end of October. Fingers crossed. Ania from Australia Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 7/19/2011 2:53AM

Glad you got your phones sorted Joyce. Thank you for explaining CLL, I understand it better now. I continue to hold you in my prayers Enjoy your bowling! Report Inappropriate Comment

TWEETYKC00 7/19/2011 12:02AM

it's good that you have more phones around to help you keep safe. an outdoor phone is really nice to have around. you are always in my thoughts and prayers Joyce. Report Inappropriate Comment