I don't remember ever sitting down to write a blog with not such to say. I guess that's a good thing. Here's what happens each day: I arrive at radiation, check in with a card, validate parking, get called back, pick a locker, change to a gown, walk down the hall, lie face down on the table, get adjusted, table goes up and forward, PRAY, the machine goes around me in a circular motion, buzz x 2, then I'm done. Change, walk to car and come home. I leave at 11:45 and am usually home just after 1pm. Repeat 25 more times.
What I Know God is good My hair is growing back #imsprouting I am applying aloe plus another cream 2x daily I try and get the same parking space for radiation each day, it has a great view 89 days til Christmas (I bought 2 presents already) What Made Yesterday Normal Daniel snuck out of bed and partied in my bathroom until caught at 9:40pm. He shredded TP, threw it in the toilet and shower, added squirts of shampoo and stirred it with the toilet brush. #pottysoup Praises Radiation appts are short, less than 10 minutes 29 people have signed up for PRAYdiation I have little to no side effects from radiation right now Prayer Requests -I still have mild neuropathy in my feet and side of my leg -Some achey-ness, mostly in my legs and feet -prayers against side effects from radiation Prayers over Praydiation, that God would do amazing things! Shout Out Mum & Dad for help during the week Aloha Much aloha~Nikki
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You know that scene in Mary Poppins when they make the chalk paintings on the sidewalk? The kids take a leap with Bert, and Jane says, "Is something supposed to happen?" Well after I finished radiation I asked the same thing. It was so fast and painless that it is hard to believe something happened. I do have a slight stinging feeling so I know they did something. So begins the next phase. The last phase. There are a lot of people to meet and get to know. It is exciting. And you know me, I'm always looking for rainbows.
What I Know God is good It takes 20 minutes to get to radiation clinic I will see my radiation oncologist every Tuesday I lie face down for radiation, and the machine rotates around me. I now have 3 permanent tattoos (freckle size) to help guide the radiation go to the right area. #cancersouvenirs I am using aloe spray on my skin to help side effects. What I Don't Know Why all the parking spaces for radiation were made for smart cars If my hair is growing back yet, it feels a little fuzzy What Made Today Normal Daniel stole my port pillow in the car Praises Cousin Ashlea-Ann has been here this week, great visit Radiation appts are short Mike's parents come Saturday for 3 weeks I wasn't nervous today, at all. 25 people have signed up for PRAYdiation Prayer Requests -I still have mild neuropathy in my feet and side of my leg -Some achey-ness, mostly in my legs and feet -prayers against side effects from radiation Prayers over those praying with me during Praydiation, that God would do amazing things! Shout Out Emily for childcare Tuesday Ashlea-Ann for cooking, cleaning, childcare and great conversations Aloha Much aloha~Nikki Radiation has been on my mind as it is the next step in my journey. I was trying to think of something to do with my time, specifically while driving and waiting. Initially, I was trying to think of a craft I could make to give away. But driving and crafts don’t work well together. The idea came to me that I could spend my time praying. This is where God has a sense of humor. One letter added to radiation and I had my idea. And so came “PRAYdiation.”
I have 30 radiation treatments over 6 weeks. Monday-Friday. I am going to pray my way through radiation. 30 days of prayer. 30 people. I plan to pull out my calendar and write names on each day next to my appointment for radiation. If you would like me to pray for you during this time, please let me know. You are invited to join me for PRAYdiaton! I encourage you join with me and pray thru these 6 weeks! Please fill out this link to join me. https://nikknacks.wufoo.com/forms/r1j27cuu0yw5enb/ I will be emailing ideas and info along our journey. Pradiation Ideas: Pray for 1 person or situation every day for 30 days Pray for 30 people, 1 per day Pray for 6 people, one per week (praying every day of the week) Create your own schedule -I will be praying around noon each day, because that is during my radiation. Set a time that works for you. -After you’ve chosen what or who to pray for write down the names, situation and requests on your calendar. Or set it in your phone as a reminder. -If possible ask those you are praying for specific prayer requests. As I have experienced this year, prayer can move mountains. Let’s do it together! Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
This verse sums up today. My first praise of the week was the MRI was scheduled for today. So I headed out early for the MRI and went in again in the afternoon for the mammogram/ultrasound. I completed the mammogram and was waiting for ultrasound...when who comes to get me but Melody. She took both my ultrasounds back in February. She is so kind. Particularly during the day I had my biopsies. Today as we came to the room she opened a drawer and showed me the thank you card I sent her in February. She told me it meant so much to her and she still keeps it in her drawer. After the ultrasound, she said she didn't see anything concerning in there. She scanned where tumor was, my lymph node and two biopsy spots. I was starting to get hopeful. After another mammogram picture, she came back with the doctor and he told me the best news I've heard since February. There is nothing to biopsy. The original areas biopsied were either the same or smaller. He read all 3 of my scans I had today. I never imagined to find out the results today. God's grace is such a gift sometimes. Melody hugged me as I was leaving and said, "this made my day!" It made mine too. What I Know God is good Radiation starts a week from today I have a radiation project in the works, more details coming soon I don't see my surgeon again until March What I Don't Know Why Allie keeps asking me if I have any pony tail ties #cmonseriously What Made Today Normal Traffic on the Pali (paul-ee) Hwy to get to my MRI appt Praises MRI was scheduled for this morning before my ultrasound/mammogram I had same ultrasound technician as in February, Melody. She had the doctor read all 3 of my scans from today and come tell me results in person. Please thank God for me! All scans are "clear" of any new and or old areas becoming a concern. There are still spots in there but will be followed up again in 6 months. I got a pink rose today Prayer Requests -I still have mild neuropathy in my fingers, feet and side of my leg -Some achey-ness, mostly in my legs and feet Shout Out Emily & Juli for childcare and carpool Melody for my ultrasound #3 Aloha Much aloha~Nikki The pictures started today with the "laser gun" doctor. I had a CAT scan to map where the radiation will be targeted. We met with a nurse, my doctor and another nurse. All very wonderful ladies, who were knowledgeable and friendly. I met with doctor, then got little mini "tattoos" on my back. Then had pictures taken in the tunnel. Then we got our schedule for radiation. 6 weeks, every day Monday-Friday, the plan is to start Sept 21st. I had to lay face down for the imaging, and Psalms 23 and 121 came flooding into my head. I am so grateful for God's word. It is such a gift when you need it most.
What I Know God is good Follow up ultrasound/mammogram is on 9/13 Expected radiation start date is 9/21, end date is November 1st. I know have 5 "X" marks over my back to mark where I need to be lined up in the radiation machine. I have a radiation project in the works, more details coming soon What I Don't Know Still what I'm going to paint on my ceiling tile for the chemo corner. I even went to the craft store to get inspired. I came away empty handed. #blankcanvasanxiety The date for the follow up MRI What Made Today Normal Daniel saw the X marks on my back and he said, "X" Me: "Yea it's like a treasure map." Daniel, "You a pirate?" #arrrggghhhh Praises -Radiation appointments will be everyday at 12:20. This is a BIG praise as I thought they would be at different times each day. This allows me to drop off/pick up Allie from school. Also, it is not during rush hour. -We feel at peace and comfortable with the radiation facility and people Prayer Requests -I have mild neuropathy in my fingers, feet and side of my leg -Some achey-ness, mostly in my legs and feet -Please pray for peace while we wait for imaging and pray for clear results. Also, I cannot start radiation until all the image results are cleared. My MRI is currently awaiting insurance clearance. Please pray for all of the scheduling to work out so we can keep the current timetable for radiation and not have to bump it back. God's timing is perfect. Shout Out Ashley Worrel for childcare today Aloha Much aloha~Nikki Well we were back in that room again today. I packed books, snacks and socks all prepared to wait for over 2 hours for my surgeon today. This time we were in and out in about an hour. When we arrived, the receptionist asked me, "So how'd it go?" referring to chemo. How does one sum up the last 5 months in a sentence? I should have said "God is good."
We met with Dr. Peterson and since it has been 6 months I will have an MRI, mammogram and ultrasound again. All of this has to be done before I start radiation to make sure everything is clear. I don't know if it was being in the office again or having to take pictures again, but I left feeling uneasy. Almost like I'd rather go back to the chemo corner where things are known and predictable. This is how it is going to be though, taking routine images and checkups throughout the year. It just gives us more chances to reach people with cancer and tell them how I got thru it. More waiting rooms, appointments, nurses, assistants and staff, and more chances to share what God has done. He is so very good. What I Know God is good Follow up ultrasound/mammogram is on 9/13 Meet with Dr. Spiers (radiation oncologist) this Thursday 9/7 I have a radiation project in the works, more details coming soon What I Don't Know Still what I'm going to paint on my ceiling tile for the chemo corner The date for the follow up MRI Radiation start date What Made Today Normal Daniel had a meltdown because there was only 1/2 piece of cheese on his plate Praises Had a great visit this week with parents No chemo tomorrow MOMtime was awesome today Prayer Requests I have mild neuropathy in my fingers, feet and sides of my legs Some achey-ness The waiting game has returned. Waiting to take pictures, waiting for results of pictures. Although this is my routine 6 month follow up it does bring up memories of all the waiting and unknowns. Please pray for peace in the waiting. Pray for clear results. Shout Out Parents for childcare and dinner tonight Shara for diffuser bracelet Liz for Costco trip Aloha Much aloha~Nikki Forgive my writing absence but I've been enjoying my doctor free week and time with my parents. Huge shout out to them for spoiling us with a stay-cation in Ko'Olina this long weekend! We enjoyed it so much! Look for more blog entries this week...also I have a project in the works. More details coming soon! |
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