Problems, Problems, Problems

Yesterday morning, I went in to have my blood drawn and to get my injection of Interferon. First, they take my vitals-blood pressure, pulse and my temp. The blood pressure cuff is usually put on my left arm. The nurse put the bigger cuff around my upper arm. The bottom number of my blood pressure and my pulse were 30 something. Not good. She took it again, but this time the cuff went around my lower arm. About the same again. She then took my pulse on my left wrist, the same as the machine. Then, she took my pulse on my right wrist, and it was much better. So, the cuff was put on my right arm, and it was much better.

Next, it was time to draw blood. I was given my usual glove full of ice to numb the area where my port is. The nurse went to insert the needle, but it didn't work properly, because she couldn't draw any blood. She called for another nurse to come over and to bring another needle. They took out the first needle and put in the second needle. That one hurt, because the area on my chest wasn't very numb anymore. After getting the needle in, they had to play with it. It wasn't working. After putting my feet and the foot rest down, so I was sitting up, not leaning back, they were able to draw blood.

I got my injection. The band aids don't stay very well on either of my arms. I take turns getting my injections in my arms. One day, the left arm is used, then the next, I receive the injection in my right arm. Hopefully, come next week, it won't be as difficult.

Wondering...

I was awake in the middle of the night for a bit, and was thinking. Are there any furniture still out there that Jesus made when he worked as a carpenter? After Jesus started his ministry, did he still work as a carpenter? Are there people today, who can go back in their family history, and are related to Jesus, because they are in the line of one of his brothers or sisters? I was just wondering about that.

Merry Christmas!

More Snow

The snow lasted for a few hours yesterday afternoon. I went to church this morning, the roads were fine, and it was just raining. When I left church three hours later, it was starting to snow. I spent almost an hour with my brother, and during that time, it really came down, the roads weren't very good. These pics I took this afternoon, from the same place as I did yesterday, standing at the front door, and in the back of house, from the porch. Looks gorgeous. My favorite part of winter is the morning after a snowfall. I am enjoying the pretty scence the snow has made.

Issue of Vanity

Tomorrow, if the weather doesn't keep us stuck at home, I am supposed to see my Onc, then go and get my injection. Tomorrow, will be my 12th injection and marks the end of my second month of Interferon. I have heard that starting around the third month, is when your hair starts thin and fall out. I will complete my third month in the middle of January. I love having long hair, even if I do complain about it at different times. I like putting it up in a ponytail, having my mom french braid it, even wearing it down. I do not want to loose my hair.

I have been thinking about this off and on since the summer. At one point, I thought about getting it cut, and just getting it over with. I haven't done that. I have decided, that the first time I see hair just sitting on my pillow, it will be time to get it cut short. That way, I can start getting used to the fact of short hair or no hair on my terms, not on cancer terms.

Yes, I have talked to God about this. I know it is vain to like my hair, and not wanting to loose it. I have asked the Lord not to have me loose it. If God's will is that I loose it, then after I get over it, I will thank him for it.

Again, I thank all of you who are praying for me. It is for your prayers that I have not had that many problems dealing with the side effects of the Interferon. God has answered all of our prayers. I really do appreciate all of your prayers. Thank you again.

Winter Wonderland

This afternoon and evening, we have recieved our second good snowfall of the season. I took pictures. My friends in TX, enjoy the beauty of snow.

Me and Santa

Interesting Morning

This morning, I had an appointment to see my surgeon, Dr. Lewis. I walk in a little after 9 am, and the waiting room was basically empty, except for two ladies. I was shocked, I haven't ever seen it empty at that time before. I didn't have to wait too long to see the doctor and both of his residents. The first resident I saw, I haven't seen since July. The hole has healed nicely. The incision in my right groin has healed nicely. Here is the best part, I was able to witness to this resident, by giving God the glory for the why I am doing so well. I told him, that I have a lot of people praying for me. This guy is not a believer, but believes in positive thinking. It felt good to give God the glory for what he is doing to a non-christian.

I went to get my injection. When I was leaving, I dropped my parking ticket and didn't realize it until I got to the car. I called up to the OP Onc room, and my ticket was found. We bypassed each other in me getting the ticket back. The whole incident made me chuckle, and praise God that the ticket wasn't completely lost.

I see my onc next Monday. I do not see my surgeon again, until next March. They are going to schedule an appointment for me to see the lmyphodema specialist over at rehab.

I am waiting for the call, that my stocking is in again. I sent it back two weeks ago, it was too big. We'll see. I have been cutting back on sweets, and number of portions. I have been loosing weight. Before Thanksgiving, I was at 275 lbs. I am wanting to be under 270 when I see the onc on Monday. My weight hasn't been this low in years.

I am working tomorrow. The best thing about it is, I was requested by the teacher. I subbed for this third grade teacher last Friday. I enjoyed her kids, and left her my info, and she called into subfinder and requested me. She might still be out on Friday, she has the flu.

My brother is back home at the group home. He was finally discharged from the nursing home this afternoon.

Tree

Here is a picture of our Christmas tree. The other pic is a pic of one of the Pittsburgh Steelers ornament I bought yesterday and snuck onto the tree.