Today was filled with a Target run, then worship music while packing suitcases. After a tiring day yesterday it was nice to be at home without having to go anywhere. Worship music in the house creates such a nice atmosphere I really recommend it. This round has gone better than really any other. I have had similar symptoms as before but they have been more mild. I started driving yesterday and even was able to attend my Mom's group. I can't thank you enough for your prayers, they have been answered daily. I was challenged this week when both kids had seperate health troubles and I found myself an anxious mama. While praying for them, I tried to repeat "You are the same God." He is the same God that bringing me thru this, healing me, strengthening me, and giving me the abundance of help thru family and friends. He is the same God that is writing this story, and I can't wait to see what he does with it.
What I Know God is Good Daniel only likes dinner if it looks like breakfast or lunch This is a great song https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=p4rRCjrAyCs What made today feel normal No homework! Tuna melt for lunch Praises Side effects have been significantly less then round 3 Able to eat and drink no fevers Summer break is upon us Prayer Requests Prayers for reduced sinus pain, pressure, dizziness acid reflux & tummy issues safe travels Shout Out Amber for chicken soup dinner Mandy for beautiful blanket Aloha We are traveling Friday...will write again when I can. Much aloha~Nikki
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Happy Sunday everyone, I am tired and weak but doing ok. I am eating and drinking and so far no fevers. The fact I am writing a blog on the Sunday post chemo says a lot. Hope you all have a nice weekend.
Praises Able to eat and drink and sleep Minimal stomach issues Prayer Request Increased energy, clarity, strength and appetite Shout Out Juli for chicken dinner Janelle for laundry Lynda for all your help this week with kids and chores (and for the clown noses) Happy Birthday to Mom tomorrow! Aloha Much Aloha~Nikki Tomorrow is round 4. I won't lie after the week following round 3 I am a little nervous. I have had an amazing 5-6 days. I think I would say they have been the best days since the end of round 1. My cup runneth over. God has answered prayers like no other time in my life. He has heard you. I am so grateful but also don't want it to end. I feel strong going in, and will avoid all spicy guacamole Subway sandwiches going forward #bringbackplainavocado. One day at a time will get me closer to strong again. We are blessed to be coming to CA for about a week between treatments. Chick-fil-a here I come.
What I Know God is Good How to tie a scarf in a nice head wrap bun thing Allie has 8 days of kindergarten left What I Don't Know When I'll be able to eat a Subway sandwich again What made today feel normal Allie says "I'm wiped out" while simultaneously doing gymnastics in the living room #shedoesnthaveanoffswitch Praises My last few days have been filled with kids, friends and food Family friend Lynda is here to help Prayer Requests Peace over the 4th cycle Mild side effects (nausea, acid reflux, stomach troubles) Ability to eat and drink Port comfort Shout Out Karla for feast from Whole Foods Libby for chicken quinoa dinner Lynda for the Trader Joe's goodies Aloha Hope to write again soon. Much aloha~Nikki Happy Mother's Day! My day started with breakfast in bed and homemade scripture cards with the kids' pictures on them. Church service followed by brunch over looking the ocean. I am so grateful for God's grace that I am able to celebrate today. I am mom to two amazing children. Here's to 50 more Mother's Days! Much aloha~Nikki
Hello all, I wanted to write a quick post to tell you why I haven't written in a few days. It is because I have been feeling so GOOD. Wow! Who knew a week ago I would say that?! Since Wednesday I have been getting better, stronger, eating more etc. I am so grateful. Tuesday when I went into the clinic I was so weak I coulnd't hardly get from one room to another let alone cook or drive. My discouragement was high and I was concerned I would miss activities and plans I had made. One of which was Allie's "Life on the Reef" (she was the Octopus) presentation at school yesterday. I made it. It might as well been a broadway musical for all I care. She did so well. I am so grateful for God's smallest gifts. Have a great weekend.
What I Know God is Good Giant cups of ice water go down much better with a little cranberry juice in it What made today feel normal Pillow party this morning (all couch cushions and pillows are piled onto floor and then you jump on the pile) Praise No fevers Able to cook and drive again Got to have lunch at Mike's work yesterday Able to attend Allie's Reef presentation and Art Show yesterday Prayer Request Peace over the 4th cycle next week, prayers for lessened side effects Shout Out Shara for meatloaf dinner Juli for watching Daniel Aloha Much Aloha~Nikki Hi there, it is me finally. Thank you all for praying for me for the last week. It has been a rough one. Pretty much felt like the stomach flu while on chemotherapy. Although praise Jesus I didn't actually have an infection. I am sitting up today, dressed and showered. As Mike was leaving for work he saw me on the couch sitting up and reading. He said, "this is good to see." I got fluids yesterday at the clinic and new medicine to help control the tummy. I haven't ever been so physically miserable (and Daniel was almost 10lbs when he was born...so in baby math that means I carried a full term baby for 2 months in a record hot summer). So often I wanted to believe God wasn't hearing yours/my prayers. But even Jesus asked His father "to take this cup from me." But the answer was "no." I don't know why it has to get so desperate sometimes, but I know He never left me. God is good. All the time. God is good.
What I Know God is GOOD Being an at home mom is a gift I am able to walk around the house bald and Allie is AOK Allie knows how to read #wherethewildthingsare What I don't Know Why Daniel insists on having a fork when eating a sandwich #hejustholdsit What made today feel normal I made breakfast for the kids Praise No fevers Able to eat, shower, read and write today My community here has surrounded me and my family I got to watch Daniel eat a corn dog for the first time (very entertaining) Prayer Request Continued healing of all tummy issues Rest, strength, and continued ability to eat/drink more and more Peace over the 4th cycle next week, prayers for lessened side effects Shout Out Shara and Juli for continued meals and childcare this week Julia R for dinner Holly for dinner and homemade hats Liz and Shara for Costco trips Aloha Thanks everyone for your continued prayers, support and love. Much aloha~Nikki Have you ever pleaded for something in life? I mean, just gotten down on your knees and absolutely begged for something. My kids are good at doing this, little babies are too, even my dog Skype will bark until she gets her food. At some point over the course of our lives we seem to shed this habit, we stop crying our for things that we need. But this past weekend Nikki and I found ourselves on our knees begging and pleading with the Lord in a way we have never done before. She had a bad reaction to the 3rd round of chemo, showing all the signs/symptoms of a very upset stomach, unable to get comfortable and getting weak because of lack of food. I found myself extremely low on patience and energy, getting angry at the kids for no reason, not wanting to talk to anyone. This past week has definitely been a valley.
But something happened. No Nikki didnt have a "great" day, although it was much better. I woke up Sunday morning with the strangest feeling- complete and utter peace. Zero stress or anger- I cant explain it but I need to share it with whoever will listen. This isnt some made up thing, I was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit in a way I have never experienced. If you read through the old testament there are NUMEROUs occasions where people literally cried out to God. In some instances it talks about them tearing their clothes. There's power in completely humbling yourself before God, admitting that you lack the ability to get thru a trial, and giving it all to Him. Won't you please explore this for yourself? Its Monday morning and nikki is up/down. But thankfully I am here to help and she has such a great support network. We'll keep ya'll in the loop as things progress. What I Know God is GOOD Despite everything, Nikki has been able to sleep at night and does not have a fever What I don't Know Why Nikki's stomach is feeling a little weird still What made today feel normal Allie: "Daniel, want to watch a show?" Daniel: "Clean up first" I love my OCD son Praise Nikki is able to sleep Despite not 100%, Nikki is feeling better No fever Mike able to relax mentally and have peace Prayer Request Complete healing of Nikki's stomach issue No fever during the low WBC period Anxiety- not get worried about tomorrow or the next week- take everything day by day Shout Out David for taking me to awesome meal #HawaiianPot (no, not that kind of pot) DJ Dizzy Twighlight for rocking it on Britains Got Talent (if you don't know, google it. My Mum's nursing school pal) Aloha Thanks everyone for your continued prayers, support and love. Mike Nikki is fast asleep, she had a long day. We started the day at Allie's school watching her recite verses in her Chapel service...wow, all grown up. Went to a nice breakfast and meandered over to the hospital. The previous two rounds we were there right at the beginning to get a jump start in but this time we took the "fashionably late" approach. Nikki now has a "port" which allows them to push IV medication as opposed to getting stuck in her arm every time. This was the first time using it for chemo and it seemed a little off as she was getting a burning sensation-- fortunately they did some checks and there was no leak in the port. All in all she did well, but the side effects seemed worse this time around. Fortunately, we had a good game plan and got her to eat and smile a bit. She's doing so great but as with any marathon it grinds, please send her best wishes and prayers. Hoping that she can write tomorrow.
What I Know God is good Not too many surprises this time around- we had a good routine for getting the chemo and the rest she needs when home. We only have ONE MORE of this particular chemo (two drugs) My brother is coming from from deployment in less than two weeks!!! How awesome is that? What I don't Know Why Nikki feels worse this time around What made today normal Watching Allie perform at school. She has come SO far. Not able to even walk on stage at the beginning of the year, now leading her class with the motions to the song. PTL something we prayed about #Trinityschoolrocks! Daniel trying to dance is like watching a duck trying to fly with its feathers clipped. Can barely get off the ground , just moves in circles Praise We were able to see our new friend who we met in the chemo room.... what a coincidence, she went to the same nursing school in London as my mom. #divine appointment Received a lot of patience from the HS Prayer Requests Prayers against motion sickness Prayers for some increased energy Prayers for continued no fevers Prayers for sleep thru the night (I am waking up and unable to go back to sleep) Prayers for Mike- patience with kiddos and energy Shout Out Uncle Gerald and Auntie Barabara for sending such a thoughtful gift (see picture)....,made Nikki cry Laci B for the wonderful meal Aloha . Much Aloha~Mike As Mike mentioned yesterday, round 2 was less severe but the side effects have lasted throughout the two weeks. Tomorrow is Round #3.
Heading into it seems like its so long until the four rounds will be over. But as I hear people talking about the end of the school year and summer plans I realize its not that long. Sometimes my only focus is on the side effects and its hard to see the big picture.My goal this time is to focus more on Him rather than the side effects. Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Rest sounds nice. What I Know God is good There are two kinds of hair that grow on your body. One that continues to grow and one that stops growing at a certain length. This means I got a bald head and still have to shave my legs! What I don't Know Why exactly I have been getting motion sickness (triggered by riding in car and looking at computer screens) What made today normal Daniel pokes me with a whisk while sleeping and says "mommy sweeping?"....yes Daniel, mommy WAS "sweeping" Praise Allie is still doing better with a hairless mommy My port works- one minor poke and they were in the veins Prayer Requests Prayers against motion sickness Prayers for some increased energy Prayers for continued no fevers Prayers for sleep thru the night (I am waking up and unable to go back to sleep) Prayers for Mike- patience with kiddos and energy Shout Out Mum for taking us out to dinner tonite Krista Dupps for the beautiful scarf Aloha . Much Aloha~Nikki Mikey here.... today was the first day of May, Allie had a celebration at school. Its a big deal in Hawaii, the kids all exchange leis, play games, have presentation. Nikki is fast asleep, she's a trooper but even warriors need there rest. Although the second round was milder in side effects, they seem to have been drawn out a little longer. Today her temperature spiked a bit but thankfully not enough to warrant a trip to the doctor. Still, tough for us not to get frustrated, down, etc. This truly is a marathon and not a sprint, so we'll take it "mile by mile" and move out in faith that God will lead us to the finish line. We're tired folks, pray for energy. Praise the Lord for kids that keep us motivated, family that surrounds us with care/prayer, and all you who continue to provide support on multiple levels.
What I Know God is good We havent been to the hospital for almost two weeks HE>I (for those not from Hawaii, check out the website) What I don't Know Why Nikki was feeling tired today Why Daniel still can't jump over a piece of paper What made today normal Teaching mum how to build her core muscles Daniel pooped in his pants at the playground and acted a little poopy when I tried to play with him Praise Allie is doing much better with a hairless mommy No trips to the hospital for a long time We got to eat lunch together at a place near my work Prayer Requests Prayers against sickness Prayers for some increased energy Prayers for continued no fevers Prayers for sleep thru the night (I am waking up and unable to go back to sleep) Shout Out Kate for the soup and steak Liz for the Costco run Elizabeth from our San Diego small group for the nice note Grammy for the children's book on Mommy losing her hair--- really helped Allie Aloha Thank you for your continued prayers, can't get by without them. Much Aloha~Mike |
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