Today I had my 6th radiation treatment, and they took a quick scan and blood test. I was still in and out of the office in under 40 minutes! Since last week, I’ve been feeling better and having more energy. Once we got the steroid dosage correct, most of my nauseau, headaches and all of the vomitting went away. I’m tired most of the time, and I don’t have near the energy that I normally have…but that is expected. I can function at a normal level as long as I rest. The steroids that I’m on for swelling have made it difficult to sleep at night, especially after they doubled the dose. Last Thursday I started taking something to help me sleep, and it made a huge difference. Although, last night I scared Mark and Whitney before I went to bed because they said I was groggy, stumbling around and not understanding them. I don’t remember any of this, but I trust Mark to be honest. He called the doctor because he was worried, and they told him the sleeping pill would cause the symptoms. They put me in bed and I slept until morning. When I woke up, I felt great, so it must have been the sleeping pill. Mark was worried, but he did a great job of taking care of me. We sat and talked about the incident this morning, and I saw the worry in his eyes. I won’t be taking my sleeping pill anymore until I’m ready to fall into bed.
We had a great weekend (without treatment) around our family. This was Whitney’s last weekend at home, and she spent extra time with us to work around the house and get ice cream together. We will really miss her when she moves out, but we’re very excited about her future marriage and life with Nick. He’s going to make a great addition to our family, too!
This will be a busy week, too. I see Dr. Aggarwal tomorrow to learn if I’ll still have chemotherapy or try something else, and Mark is going with me. On Thursday, Whitney and I are getting her bridal portraits taken, and we’ll include a few of the two of us before my hair falls out! This weekend is Women of Faith, which I hope to attend as much as possible. Then Sunday we have a McBride shower for Whitney, and Mark and I will celebrate our 12th wedding anniversary.
I attended the wedding of my cousin, Jean Seila, on Saturday, and it was beautiful. The minister talked about the passion, commitment and perserverance of marriage as he challenged the couple. After 12 years of marriage to Mark, I am honestly more in love with him than the first day we met (and I fell pretty fast!). He is a wonderful husband, father, friend, caregiver, and provider for all of us, but he always makes me feel special no matter what he’s going through. People have told me that they see a purpose in my eyes and a will to survive…that I’m a fighter. That will comes from Mark. When we first learned that I had cancer in 2003, he told me not to stop being fiesty now, and I’ve never forgotten that. What you see in my eyes, besides my obvious love of God and life, is the love of a wonderful man. He’s my strength every day, and I’m the luckiest girl in the world to be his wife.
I love you, Mark. Happy Anniversary on Sunday. I can’t wait for dinner at the Cork-n-Cleaver with you!
Sandy
Hey Mark and Sandy,
Terry and I have been out of town for a needed vacation down in the hills of West Virginia. I’m trying to get used to the fact that my baby will be off to college in 3 weeks! Anyway, just wanted you to know you are in our prayers wherever we are. We know God is there watching over you and keeping you going strong. If you ever need anything at the store you can call us and we can run right over there. We will continue to pray for you for healing, for Whitneys upcoming wedding, and for the girls to understand what is going on. Mark, thanks for being there for Sandy and for being the wonderful person you are! We just celebrated our 25th anniversary and time goes so fast when you are with the person God blessed you with!! Hang in there. Terry and Tracy
Dear Sandy,
I didn’t know you that well when you worked at Do it Best, but at least once a week I find something with your name on it and we still continue to receive mail addressed to you. I cannot tell you what an impression you have made on my life. Your messages are full of love, passion and gratitude and we all need to hear that. It is amazing how we touch each others lives and don’t even know it. I can tell you that you were put on this earth for a special reason and we are all blessed for it. We will keep you in our daily prayers and may God bless.
Gloria Vachon
Sandy,
I’ve been wanting to respond for several days. You are the bravest person I know. Your faith in God is what is going to get you through this awful time (and the love of a good man). I have shared your story with your brothers and sisters at the Newville Church of Christ and you are on our prayer list. I truly believe that prayer can make a difference. God can still perform healing that medicine can’t. We will keep praying that you stay strong to fight this with everything you have. If you need ANYTHING please let me know. I don’t live too far away and I would be happy to help. Keep the faith and stay strong. Kenda
Hey Sandy,
I heard a few days ago about the tumor found in your brain. I am so sorry to hear this, however reading your articles on this blog has encouraged me. We here in SLP are praying for you, I pray for you continuously throughout the day. I am happy to hear about your wedding portraits with Whitney and happy to hear that you will be at the Women of Faith as much as you can be. Please look for me as I will be looking for you….I fly into Ft.Wayne tomorrow afternoon, Tammy is flying in from LA also tomorrow. You are in the hearts of so many, many saints. God hears the prayers of the righteous and he is hearing our prayers, he will take care of you according to his good and perfect will….Trusting in Him….Love ya, Amy
Sandy,
Praying for you and hope you feel like going to the WOF conference. Keep trusting God, let people do for you and take life 1 day at a time.
Luv ya,
Sally
I look for your blogs everyday and keep you in my prayers everytime I think of you and your family, which is often. Your heart is so beautiful and your trust in the Lord, so uplifting. What a truly beautiful person you are. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Cheryl