Hello everyone. What a weekend this has been. It was wonderful to see so many friends and loved ones at church. I was able to stay at church for the whole 3 hours, and that was great. We had great lessons, and even though I was wiped out when I was finished, I'm glad I could stay. I found out that I got a little weak if I stood for too long, but I was all right sitting down.
Yesterday was a rough day for me. I guess I got the delayed-reaction effects of chemo. I just felt kind of yucky all day long. I laid around most of the day, although I was able to get some of the wash done. Nothing gets done very fast these days...but we DO have clean sheets! I didn't feel like eating at all, and taking any kind of medication is just not easy. I think I am definitely a "rebel eater." The thought of putting anything in my mouth and trying to swallow it, is really difficult for me. I am thankful for the feeding tube, because when I don't feel like eating anything, at least I'm getting some nutrition in me. Spence wins the prize as great caregiver of the world. He is so patient and caring to me all the time. He is so aware of me all during the night, and is ready to help me in any way he can. He continues to make me feel so loved. It's funny how the "little things" really mean the most. Last night I kind of fell apart at dinner. Brady immediately got up from his chair, and came over to give me hugs and a back rub. WOW--did that make me feel good! Kelsey is always checking in with me, to make sure if I'm eating anything or how I'm feeling. She is such a sweetheart.
I am trying to think of ways to combat the feelings when I feel yucky--and suggestions would be welcome. I have always loved music, and get a lot of comfort from that--sometimes I need spiritually uplifting music, and sometimes I need fun music like "Wicked," or other Broadway shows...or jazz, which reminds me of my mom and dad. I like to read, but when you aren't feeling good, sometimes it's hard to concentrate on that. Anyway, if you have any ideas that have worked for you, please send them on. Thanks for all your kind thoughts, posts, and fun words. I hope you know each and every day that I love you...and am so thankful for all of you. Tomorrow is the beginning of the second week of treatments--one week down! HOORAY!! Love you lots, Louise
SOrry we didn't talk today. We will definitely talk tomorrow! Love and hugs. Lo
ReplyDeleteFind a TV series that you really like and watch some episodes when you aren't feeling well. It will take your mind off of it and whenever you watch it in the future you'll always remember it as the show that got you through those awful cancer months. That's how Gilmore Girls is for me. It gotten me through every hard time in my life and it's always comforting to watch it. Sounds silly but it works!
ReplyDeleteI love you Louise. Let me know when it's my turn to come out for chemo. I'll bring a whole arsenal of tricks to keep us entertained.
ReplyDeleteI hate that you can't eat. That's one of my best talents. I would HATE to have to hide it under a bushel.
We're praying for you.
Dear Louise:
ReplyDeleteI agree with Emily.. also I LOVE Gilmore Girls..it is such a sweet show and I've now watched the whole series twice! Just light and will keep your mind off of other stuff.. You have a lot to digest in your head (and heart) so sometimes its good to take a 'time out' where you are watching something that requires little effort on your part. Love you, Sue
Hi Louise,
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to think of what you could do for a boost. I know you are great at cross stitch. Maybe a project like that could help. Also a funny movie is a good distraction. And getting out of the house is always good if possible. My thoughts are with you this week.
Love,
Annie
I know when I was in the hospital with my last baby,(Kath) and I brought some "soothing" music to help me through the hard labor, it made me feel worse and I had to turn it off!!! Maybe watch the ending of the D-backs World series win, that always gets gets me excited!! I agree with funny movie idea also.
ReplyDeleteLove, Becky
I love to read, but I agree that it's taxing when you're not feeling well. You could always do books on tape!
ReplyDeleteIn addition to great movies and tv shows, I like to listen to podcasts from NPR like 'This American Life' and 'A Prairie Home Companion' or TEDtalks which are engaging lectures on all manner of topics. It's a nice way to stimulate the brain without straining your eyes! You can download them for free on iTunes.
If you want, I can make you a CD of some I've enjoyed to get you started.
Love you,
Ann
I'm a fan of "Books on Tape" as well...one of my favorites is an NPR production..."This I Believe"...originally, NPR interviewed famous people and asked them to briefly tell viewers the foundations for their basic beliefs...Eleanor Roosevelt was fabulous. Later, they asked listeners to submit their own essays describing their values. They are fascinating, touching, and some even funny...my favorite is one that says good BBQ is the foundation of a good life...a Southerner of course! Your library should have a set of CDs...Love you always, Sharie
ReplyDeleteIf TV doesn't work, get on Facebook. I can easily waste, err, occupy HOURS of my time on there. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Louise, This is Linda McGuire.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite authors is Janet Evanovich
the number books One for the money and hot six and seven up etc. They are about a bounty hunter that gets herself in the silliest situations. My dad read them when he was doing radiation. Whe also writes some love stories.
Reading old guideposts magazines really helps me. Do you get the magazine Guidepost with short hopeful stories>? Also read the Cup of comfort for friends or chicken soup books. They are always uplifting.