I got a lot done on Wednesday. Spent quite a bit of time at the flower shop, and set out Christmas cemetary arrangements at some of the local cemetaries. Things are really picking up there, wish I could do more to help out.

The Christmas decorating at the house is almost done, now I need to start the shopping. Planning on doing some Christmas cookie baking with Miss Jessica this season. It's a little Christmas present to myself! Since we don't have any of our own kids around, I have to "borrow" one!

Sarah is flying in on the 22nd, and I'm sure the boys will be here soon after.

Christmas is on us, full steam! Listening to Aaron Neville's Christmas songs, and hoping you all take time to enjoy the season.

It has been a busy, crazy month! Aunt Joby sent me a note and said that it sounds like we are having "open house". She's right!! Uncle Buddy and his daughter Sharon dropped in one Saturday. What a shock! They drove up from Anahuac, and Houston just to spend the day. I haven't seen Buddy since last March. He was always one of my favorite people. All the kids could count on him to have red dentine chewing gum in his pockets. He would throw us all off when he'd switch to green! I haven't seen Sharon in years. We spent the day visiting, and then I made jambalaya for everyone. I hope to see them again soon. Uncle Buddy is now raising miniature cattle. I have to check that out.

Sarah, Bryan, Joe, and Carmella were all here from Wednesday through Saturday for Thanksgiving. I cooked ahead, and we were able to have lunch about 1:30. That's a record for the Boggs Bunch. The table was really pretty. I'm still trying to figure out how to add pictures to this blog :(. Computers aren't my thing, and html--forget it!

I got the tree up on Sunday, after Thanksgiving, but didn't finish it till yesterday. I had some light issues this year, and just didn't want to deal with it. The house is upside down right now. Christmas decorations and storage boxes are everywhere. Sarah's friend Mindi dropped by yesterday and said that the house looks like it threw up Christmas. She's right. We worked on wreath ribbons, and had a good time.

I went into the shop Thursday morning, and stayed until around 12:00. Don and I drove over to Shreveport in the afternoon, and did some shopping at the Boardwalk mall. It was really nice, there were no crowds, and we just strolled leisurly, and window shopped. We had a wonderful dinner that night, then drove back to M.P. the next morning. I was back at the flower shop by 11:00, and stayed until almost 5:00. I tied bows for poinsettas all afternoon.

I probably overdid it, because I wasn't worth shooting Saturday. I wish I had an internal alarm that would go off when I'm doing too much. I never know until it's too late.

I've been watching all the Christmas Specials, Charlie Brown's Christmas, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, etc. I made Don sit down with me last night to watch Charlie Brown. He wasn't pleased, but he was a trooper. He doesn't get into the spirit of Christmas until around midnight on Christmas Eve. That's such a waste of a wonderful, uplifting season. It's almost over before he starts enjoying it. I've been listening to Christmas music since Thanksgiving. I just love it.
I think I'll try to find Jim Carey's Grinch movie today. Don can watch that tonight!

I've made my "to do" list for today, and it's growing. This is the first day in as far back as I can remember that the house is quiet. No one's here but Hazel, Pops, and me! No excuse for not getting that list finished.

I'll be going in for labs on Friday, and the 10th treatment is scheduled for Monday, the 10th. I've been prescribed some pre-meds, so hopefully, there will be no reaction this time. After this, 2 more to go. I CAN DO THIS!! I have been blessed through this whole ordeal. I have learned to live everyday with a grateful heart, and to not take anyone, or anything for granted. God's blessings show up in the simplest things, and the blessings are all around us, we just have to be still, and they appear all around us.

I'm praying special prayers for Tynus and D'Auan, Judy, Worthie, Hillary, and their families today, I hope you will be too.

Treatment #9 did not go as smoothly as the other treatments went.

My appointment with Dr. Saez was a good one. He decided that we needed to adjust the oxalyplatin by a bit so that the nueropathy in my hands would not linger. He re-adjusted my schedule so that I won't have a treatment on Christmas Eve-whew! My last December treatment will be on New Years Eve. That works fine with me. We don't usually go anywhere on that night anyway.

I had a bad reaction to something in either the chemo, or the pre-treatment. Agitation, swelling in my hands, a bad rash on my hands and wrists, and nausea. Yuck. They stopped the treatment for about 45 min., and gave me more benadryl. That seemed to work. When they restarted the chemo, they slowed the drip down quite a bit. Made for a long day. I got home about 3:30. I'm grateful I didn't have to drive back from Paris!

I still owe everyone Thanksgiving and pre-Thanksgiving stories. Hopefully I will get that done by Friday.

For now I'm going back to bed. Thank you all for your continued prayers. Please remember the sweet Atkinson family, Tynus, Hilary, Worthie, Judy, and everyone else touched by Cancer, or hardship in your prayers.

Hi All,
I'm off for treatment in about an hour. Number 9!!! Three more to go. I'll see the doctor today, and have a few questions for him. The nueropathy is lasting the full two weeks now, so I think he'll probably adjust my dose. I heard last week that this is a marathon, not a sprint. That makes sense. I'm going to have to slow down a little.
I'll post more later. Thanksgiving was a treat! Can't wait to tell you about it.
Pray, Pray, Pray--
Annaleisa

Week after Treatment

I have to say treatments are much, much easier when taken close to home. One of my Dr.s said early on "The best treatment is local treatment, as long as it is the same treatment." He was so right. I drove myself to the hospital, and drove myself home. Of course when I got home I went straight to bed for 3 days!

We had dinner with friends Friday night, and Bryan came in late that night too. He wouldn't miss being here for the first weekend of deer season. I'm just glad none of my boys like to deer hunt! Don and I went to Tyler Sunday afternoon for a quick errand, and Bryan held down the fort at the plant!

This past Monday was a wonderful day! I got a late start, but drove to Dallas to do flower shop errands. I listened to the soundtrack from Evita the whole way over and back, and have to admit that I sang along with most of it at the top of my lungs! I'm sure the other drivers must have thought I was crazy, but I don't care. I never could have put that CD in if Don had been with me. Made a quick side trip to Central Market. It's one of my favorite places in Dallas. Picked up pre-made dinners for two nights, and a quick salad for lunch--yum.

I am suffering from the can't get goings lately. I had an appointment with a friend on Tuesday at 11:00, and didn't get dressed until 10:45! I made it, but I was about 15 minutes late. I hate to be late, but I think I'm going to have to get used to it, I'm calling this the "Paula Syndrome". My friend Paula told me that while she was going through all of her treatments, she just couldn't seem to stay on track, and get going in the mornings. If any of you can think of a better term for this, please let me know.

I went into the shop on Tuesday, and helped process flowers. It was so much fun, just like the old days! Everytime I opened a box, I'd say these are the most beautiful I've ever seen!!! I think I might have been a little too enthusiastic! Deana had to remind me to get a grip! Of course, she is around flowers 4-5 days a week, it was all new to me all over again.

I'm going to make a run to Longview today for more flower shop errands. We (the shop) is doing a dinner on Thursday, with 40 tables to decorate. I'm really excited. They need me!!!!

Joe is coming in on Friday, and plans to stay through Sunday. I'm to have my labs done at the hospital here on Friday, then have to run back to Longview. My next treatment (#8!!!!!!) will be on Monday, the 12th. This is working out well. Thanksgiving week will be a good one. Everyone is coming home, and I'll be doing the cooking. Can't wait. You know I have to have something to look forward to, and Thanksgiving is one of my very most favorite holidays!

I'm sorry I won't be able to see "the girls" on Tuesday night. They are getting together to play Bunko, and I am supposed to be a hostess. I'll still be hooked up to that nasty pump, so I will have to miss this time. Hopefully, next time the timing will be right.

I'm so grateful for all the phone calls I've received the past couple of weeks.

I'm grateful for the sunshine and beautiful fall weather we've been enjoying.

I'm grateful to have such a loving and supportive family and community to surround me at this time.

Starting the last 1/2

I had a busy day today, it felt like old times! I started out with my usual errands, covered the P.O. , the bank, the beauty shop (you know I have to check in with Nancy!) and the flower shop all before 11:00 A.M.

My cousin Becky called, and was on her way in, so I rushed home. We had enough time for a quick visit, then had lunch at Don's store. I had a 1:30 appt. with Dr. Saez, so we hurried to the hospital.

The Dr.'s visit went really well. He is very kind and gentle, yet he seemed aggresive enough to help me keep the "C" word at bay for a while. He did an examination, and explained to me that the colon cancer chemos I've been on have all been helping the breast cancer. I had no idea. I am taking Arimadex, which is for breast cancer. I knew that the Avastin (prescribed for the colon cancer) will also treat breast cancer, but I had no idea that the other drugs will also fight breast cancer. What a relief! I thought the breast cancer was going to race ahead and beat me while I was giving my all to the colon fight.

I appreciated Dr. Saez's tactful bluntess. I WILL probably be on chemo off and on for the rest of my life. That doesn't mean that this disease is terminal, it just means that it can be treated. No one is guaranteed a certain number of years. I wake up everyday, and remind myself that I will die one day, but not today. Dr. Saez, really just re-affirmed my thoughts on mortality, and quality of life.

The good news is that I had my blood work done today, and Dr. Saez will see me in Mt. Pleasant on Monday for my 7th treatment. No more driving to Paris!!! I'll miss Dr. Wilcox, and her wonderful staff, but I'm so grateful we won't have that 2 hour round trip to make every other week.

The visit with Becky was fun. It was good getting caught up with her family. We've both been guilty of putting off visits! Our friend Clint came by this afternoon, and was able to stay a while. We agreed, I need to find "the purpose" of my life. I'm all ready thinking about what that might be.

Bryan came in for dinner tonight. He'll only stay until tomorrow afternoon. I'm just glad to see him, and grateful that he lives close enough to drive in for even a short visit.

I received two beautiful bound photo albums from Lynn this afternoon. Great Grandfather Frese, was an amauteur photographer. I had no idea! Lynn sent a wonderful collection of really old family photos, and a second batch of newer ones. We've all had fun looking through them, and marveling at how much some of our younger generations look like the older ones.

I need to wind this up, and get to bed. It seems like when the fatigue sets in these days, it hits me like a sledge hammer! lol

I am praying for the Kirkham Boys, I'm so sorry for the loss of their father. I only learned of it today. I continue to pray for my friends, families, and strangers who have been touched by this disease, and I praise God for my friends and neighbors who support us in this fight.

Scan Results

Good news! Don spoke with the radiologist yesterday afternoon, and the scan looked great!
The malignant lymph nodes in my chest cavity have shrunk from 24 milimeters down to 13, which is normal size. The tumor on my eliac (sp) vein has totally disapeared! He couldn't find it anywhere. There is no other sign of any new growths!!!

I know it has to be a sign of the power of prayer.

I have 6 more treatments. We are going to speak with the doctor here in M.P., to see if future treatment can be given at the local hospital. The new cancer center is set to open on April 18, 2008. I hope by then that I won't be needing it!!!!!!

I walked last night with Don, and we both agreed that a weight had been lifted from our shoulders. This whole experience has been like a roller coaster. We just hold on and hope for the best.

The weather couldn't be more beautiful. With this little cool front the trees should start changing colors any day. I hope you all can get outdoors, and bask in the sunshine with the cool breeze washing over you. It is a real treat.

One of my cousins, Becky is coming up from Anahuac this Friday for a day visit. We never seem to be able to get together these days. I'm looking forward to seeing her.

I have to admit that I've learned a lesson through all of this. I used to live life planning 10-15 years ahead. There would always be time to see relatives and old friends later on. Now I think I really understand what living for today means. God tells us not to worry about tomorrow. I think I am finally getting it.

I continue to pray for Worthie, Judy, Tynus & D'Auan, Elizabeth & Wayne, Hollis & Debi, Paula & John, Mindi, all of my friends and those I don't know who are touched by the "C" word. It seems the prayer list grows daily. Please continue to pray for us.

Scan

Please pray for me and my family. My first scan since beginning chemo is scheduled for 8:00 A.M., Tuesday Oct. 23. I'm scared to be honest.

1/2 Way

It has been a good week! The cousins came in on Sunday, and we had a wonderful, if too short day!!! We enjoyed looking at pictures, and remembering our all too brief times together. Laura, Lynn, and Page haven't changed a bit. I caught myself just staring at them. I can't express how much this visit meant to me.

I had an extra 2 days off from chemo this week. Don drove me to Paris on Wednesday for my 6th treatment. I'm half way through! Red cells, and white cells were good. Come to find out, the Dr. has decreased my dosage to try to give the white cells a chance to catch up. I think it must be working.

The side effects haven't been as obvious. I'm having more "hot-flashes" than feeling a tenderness to cold. Just 6 more to go, I'm willing myself through it.
I've spent the last day and 1/2 in the bed. Now I know all about Rosie O'Donell. Thank y0u E-TV!!!!

I am scheduled to have a CT Scan on Tuesday. Please pray hard for good results. My CEA levels can't be tracked. We'll know if the chemo is working by the results of the CT Scan.

I continue to pray for all my friends who have been touched by this horrible disease.

Resting Up

I guess I made it clear in my last post that I had to miss my last treatment in September. I was told to go home and enjoy myself. I'm still hunting for an answer to building white blood cells. Thanks to Don, we have the red cells covered!

If I was told once, I was told a million times to go home and enjoy life. How is that possible? I feel good, no pain. I rejoice in that, I am blessed. This could be SO MUCH worse. I talk to my children every day, and they are all doing well, happy is the word. Don is coping, and considering everything he is faced with, is handling this gracefully. I think enjoying life means staying in contact with all of the important people in your life. That has to be it. I have been able to visit with many good friends and family members over the past two weeks, and I couldn't be more grateful for that opportunity.

Lenice, my wonderful sister in law came to visit the last weekend in September. It was so good to see her again. We had "adventures" while she was here. Chocolate cake for breakfast and lunch is always a positive! I wish we lived closer, she is so much fun.

Don took me to Paris on Monday, October 1 for treatment. I didn't have to see the doctor. My red counts were perfect--the steak on Sunday night was the ticket! The white cells were still a little off, not as bad as the week before, but just a little down. I received a flu shot before my infusions. I slept through much of the treatment, woke myself up snoring. I didn't realize I snored!!!

I have pretty much stayed in the house this week. The sensitivity to cold wasn't a problem this time, it seemed I couldn't get cool enough. I haven't had as much of a problem with nueropathy either, I just didn't have the energy to get out. I guess you could say I bonded with the bed, E TV, the food network, and court tv. Ask me anything about Lindsey Lohan, Brittany, or Paris, I feel like I know them personally.

My next treatment is scheduled for Wednesday, October 17. This will be my mid-point treatment. I should be scheduled for a CT Scan at the end of October, to see if the treatment is working. In the meantime, Bryan is home this weekend, so things are looking up. The "cousin" visit will be here before I know it. I think Don is as excited as I am to see Lynn, Laura (what a surprise!) and Page. We are planning a Mexican food binge for the girls. I have plenty of book work to do, and Lenice loaded me up with must read books so I shouldn't be without projects for the next 2 weeks.

I continue to pray for my friends and everyone who might be touched by this disease. Please add the Fortner Family to your prayer lists. Jerrie was truly a wonderful lady, and I will miss her. Mindy Nobles, Judy, Worthie, Tynus, Hollis, Elizabeth, Wayne, John, and Paula, and their families consume my thoughts and prayers. There are just SO MANY, I know I've left someone out.
It can overwhelm me if I allow myself to think of all of the people who are touched by this horrible disease. There has to be a cure on the horizon. I continue to pray for that. It is what is keeping me going today.