Good morning sweet friends.
What a beautiful day it is ….and since I do the “chemo thing” on Wednesday,…. the preceding Monday and Tuesday are usually pretty good days as the chemo is “wearing down”….and then we start all over again.
I was sitting on my lanai this morning literally counting my blessings.
I have so much to be thankful for….so many friends who bring me chicken broth when my stomach is so queasy or one might text me with the title of a special hymn that is dear to my heart.
Yet another has offered to hold my head (or hand), as I cling to the white, porcelain bowl, with the dry heaves.
Yet another sends me greeting cards which might be two cartoonish older ladies, but they make me laugh.
Thank you my dear lovelies.
As for an update on my condition….the modified chemo is so much better…not great, but better then the full fledged, heavy duty stuff I endured for the first 3 treatments.
I pray that it continues to shrink the cancer.
Most days I move from bed to chair to lanai and back to bed again.
I venture into the kitchen thinking I could set up a tablescape or make a dessert to post, only to sit on a chair and smile at my foolishness.
I am truly trying to keep up my strength, knowing I will need every bit of that and more when it is time for the surgery at the first of the year.
The Captain drives us to church on the days I feel good….although my doctor does not encourage public encounters as my immune system is all haywire.
I do use a mask.
And fancy scarf with sequins to hide my bald head.
I’m always cold so I am usually wrapped in a black heavy shawl.
Picture that!
I’m thinking of getting operating scrubs so I will at least look like I am coming from surgery instead of looking like a terrorist. LOL
Most things I smell… have one smell…I call it chemo smell.
I use plastic lids and spoons as I have a metal taste in my mouth all the time.
It is the worst smell…and I rinse my mouth with salt water several times a day.
Folks, I am just keeping it real and letting you know what the day to day is like for someone on chemo.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
There is hope and my faith is well grounded in the Word of God which I study daily.
The Captain, in all his wisdom has decided I need a diversion such as a kitchen update.
No major demo or anything…just an update of a few things.
Yes!!!! I have to tell you I am excited about that.
He has me looking at hardwoods to replace our 18 inch tiles in the kitchen.
More to come on that.
There is a new nurse at the cancer center….and she is so pretty….and young!
When it came time to give me the nausea shot in my belly, with a needle the size one would use on a large bovine (YES, I used to use them when our cows needed shots, now I am getting repaid for all those poor cows’ sufferings)….:(….anyway, back to the young beauty.
As she is lifting my shirt, I warn her.
I said, as I touched her arm, ‘honey, you are not going to see one of those sexy thongs you young people wear…you are about to see something perhaps you have never seen before.”
“Granny Panties!!!!”
“You are going to have to go through “them” if you get my drift.”
“I mean these dudes go clear up to my waist and then some.”
She started laughing…..
but later, as she walked away, I noted the tell-tale string in spite of her cute, little, white, tight uniform pants.
Have a Blessed Day my dear dear friends.
Luv ya.
Kari,I just read posts two through eight, catching me up on what you’ve been enduring. I hope and pray that the chemo will do it’s job. Now that I know that you are writing updates, I’ll be visiting here often to see how you are doing.
My sweet friend Kari. You are such an inspiration to us all. I sure miss you and the Captain at the elite 50’s. Always had do much fun. I send prayers up for you everyday. Our GOD is GOOD and heats our prayers. If anything I can do just say so. TEAM FAITH is who you are and you will succeed. Much Love to you and your Captain. Love and prayers my friend.
Kari, You do have a great sense of humor and a way with words. It was good to hear from you and know some of the things to pray for you. You come to my mind and in my prayers. Thank you for your great witness and example.
May God continue to give you strength and perseverance.
Kari honey you are amazingly awesome. Ive never known anyone as charismatic and so willing to share the pain and the joy as you. You rock.
Keep your strength up and never quit teasing those nurses. Much love from across the pond xx
We all miss you, dear one~~~your faith and humor make the world a better place. PS When our girls were young and wore those thong thingees, I used to call them cocktail napkins they were so small. They’ve outgrown them now 😉
Sweet Kari you are truly keeping it real, l laughed at the thought of the under ware and thong string!!! Poetry in the Journey you bless us when we should be blessings you… encouragement in your word between the lines some humor, laugh and the world will laugh with you. Truth indeed a smile speaks without words even when tears flow down our cheeks. Prayers lifted up for you, your Captain and family, keeping it real keeps us on our knees hands, hearts raised up to Jesus, for truly He alone is the great Physician healer, keeper lover of our souls, today l pray Comfort as ABBA Father holds you tenderly against His chest as a small child you find blessed rest Amen and Amen.
Hi Kari! Thank you for the continued updates. I continue to pray for you. It’s wonderful your faith is unwavering. Keep that awesome sense of humor dear friend! Love and hugs~
Dear Kari, Your strength and courage during this trying time is an inspiration to us all. God Bless.
You continue to keep your humor in check! And your faith will bring you through this battle. I pray for you everyday for God to give you extra strength! I am glad to hear from you with your updates. Sending love your way…
Kari:
Thank you so much for your weekly updates. I think of and pray for you often. Just remember that October will soon be here. Keep those chemo treatments coming. Shrink that tumor & get your strength so you can get ready for that surgery. It’ll be here before you know it & the year 2020 will truly be your best year yet! Be sure to post pix of your new kitchen. Can’t wait to see it!!
Love,
Janet & Budjq
Kari, you are a shining testimony of God’s grace. How exciting that the Captain is doing a little update in the kitchen to lift your spirits and because he loves you so much. Thank you for keeping it real and I love reading your updates so I know exactly how to pray for you. I am praying sweet friend, sending love and hugs!❤️
Continued prayer, Kari! I’m blessed by your realness, your love for the Lord, and the sense of humor He has/is giving you! Hugs!
Your witness is beautiful , Your Faith will carry ,my daily prayers ( as a Mom who walked this path with a Son ) ! Be Strong !
I applaud your courage and honesty; and appreciate your willingness to cast such a broad net.
Kari, I just love your faith and how you keep it so real. Please let me know if I can do anything for you or your captain. Keep your faith in God, for he will continue to bless you. Love and hugs
Kari, I’ve been with my grandkids in Texas and I think I missed a few of your other postings. So glad you’re hanging tough with your faith, because that’s all one has when you’re fighting this battle. Praying for you, my friend! PS. Watch church service online if you can. Listen to your doctor.
Kari, you are in my constant thoughts and prayers…it is wonderful to hear from you, my newest bravest heroine! Your sense of humor continues to shine, you are indeed a gift to all who are lucky enough to know you!
OMG, Kari you sure know how to paint a vivid picture! I’m thrilled that you feel well enough to share these updates. Also, looking forward to hearing more about your kitchen update. Hugs❤