Friday, September 13, 2013

No Couch...


Too happy not to share this with you.  As I've said before, it usually takes me about five days to come out of my chemo funk.  I came out of this one on Wednesday afternoon -- just hours before my prayer warriors came over.  One night earlier, and I probably would have been on lots of meds and couldn't have even sat up.  Today, I'm thrilled to report that this is the BEST I have felt in such a very long time.  Not perfect (tummy still looks like I've had a little too much cheesecake), but I have WELL BEING!!!  I now know again what it feels like!

I was hoping it wasn't going to be short lived as I headed back to the doctor today.  My chemo schedule is either weekly or every other week on Fridays.  When I saw my doctor and he asked me how I was feeling, I said, "best I've felt in a long time."  

He asked a few more questions and said, "Well, you know you're not getting treatment today.  I just wanted to see you."  I immediately did that arm thing where you make a fist, extend your arm out and then pull it back by your side real quickly.  A move that screams, "Yes!!!"  Visualize that one?  

Then he shocked me by saying, "If you're feeling good, just call me next Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday and we'll start up again."  Come again?  I asked him, "Isn't chemo suppose to be regimented so that you stay on your schedule?  I get when I'm feeling yucky, you may choose to give me a break.  But when I'm feeling good?  Really?"  He winked and said, "I want you to enjoy the Jewish New Year." (Knowing full well I'm not Jewish).   I like this guy!

After the nurse drew my blood and got the results, she said, "So are you here for a blood transfusion?  Your numbers are really low."

"Uh, no."  I said.

She checked with the doctor and said that she'll just give me a shot to boost my red blood cell count.  Right about the time she was to give me the shot, Ed and my former UCLA boss (who came by to say hi) came back to see me.  Good, I thought.  They can take my mind off of the big, bad shot.  

Well, let me tell you something.  That shot was the shot of all shots.  The nurse warned me that it would burn going in.  Uh, that was a gross understatement.  I did everything I could not to cry.  It made a tetanus shot feel like a trip to an all-you-can-eat brownie bar.  Next time, I'll opt for the blood transfusion, thank you.

Upon our arrival home, two friends stopped by to deliver a special gift to me.  One of them was Sherry, a pastor's wife, I met when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Remember the story I blogged about of the woman who was told she would never have children?  And then had three of them seventeen years later!  Well, she came by to present me with a hand-made quilt tied with forty knots.

 The corner of the quilt is embroidered and reads, "This prayer quilt is given to Ruthie Marek with love from the Maple Springs Missionary Baptist Church.  The people in the church tied the knots and prayed for you, so each knot represents a prayer offered up to the Lord for you.  Maple Springs, AR 2013."

OK, really?  Not only do I love it, but I LOVE that these women are using their gift to bless others living with cancer.  And you know that stuff is right up my alley.  

Sherry leaned over to me and said, "Isn't it great knowing these women in Arkansas are praying for you?"  

Absolutely.  Can't wait to write that thank-you note.

So that was my day.  A good day!  I was reminded by everyone I live with how good I look.  And I don't mean in that way, but in the way that I'm up and walking and have good color in my face again.  Didn't even have to lay on my couch today.  A good day!

So thank you all for sharing in my good news.  And again, thank you all for your continued prayers.

13 comments:

  1. I have been so blessed and happy reading your last two posts. Sorry about the shot, but so thankful you are having some good days.

    Love you!

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  2. Oh, so glad you are feeling some better and have a little time off. So sorry about the mean shot! And, the quilt, a true labor of love. Continuing to cover you with HIs peace and comfort!

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  3. This was a post that brought sunshine when I read it!! Hope you feel well all weekend! :)
    marcy

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  4. So glad you were feeling better. Bad bad shot.....ouch. (((((HUGS))))

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  5. Ah Maple Springs,AR! I grew up in Arkansas and lived there until I got married at 21 and moved to Indiana with my sweet husband. That is such a neat thing to pray a scripture for each knot.
    xo rachel

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  6. Hi Ruthie! I have been thinking about you. Each day, I see my Jesus with my crown of Thorns picture...I think of you. I think of both of us and the journey we are on. Yesterday, I heard a sermon about the word KNOW--as in "the Father KNOWS what things we have need of." He went on to talk about how our heavenly father KNOWs all things that concern us. Not only does he have knowledge of them--spoken and unspoken--but he is ever mindful of our needs because he knows them. Just like we know our children's needs, the unspoken ones and the spoken ones--and we do for them accordingly. I took comfort in this because there are so many things that I worry about and that I cannot change. I'm talking about the things that I don't even know how to put into words. Take comfort in that the Lord KNOWS what you need. I like that the doctor gave you a break from the Chemo. See the LORD KNEW you needed it. You are a precious person, Ruthie. God bless you. I am so happy that I got to have you in my life--even though it's only thru the internet. Let's keep on keeping in touch!!! XO Kolene

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  7. Hi Ruthie! I am so happy to hear you have had a break and had a good day. I remember the feeling that came after a long "chemo funk" as you call it. A sense that with God's help this was something I could still do. I think of you often and keep you in my prayers. When I let life and the "day to day" start to get to me; I am reminded of how blessed I am to be healthy again. Many blessing my dear friend.

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  8. Hi this is your cousin Ronnie commenting from a friend's account. My phone number is 512-415-6811, if you feel up to it I would love to hear from you. I love you. -Ronnie

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  10. Just wanted you to know I am thinking and praying for you!

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  11. Thinking about you my dear friend and keeping you in prayer.

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