It is May, the end of so many things. Grandson Drew and
granddaughter Ellie had their last day of preschool this week. Lindsey was busy
creating a special "thank you" gift for their teachers. As I approach
my final chemo treatment, I find I am in the same state of mind...should I take
something to the awesome doctor and nurses at MDAnderson who have helped me
complete this chemo journey? Kind of like taking the teacher something special
to remember you by because you don't plan on seeing them for a long time!!!!!....
Maybe some cookies...but what do I say? Should I be clever
or just keep it simple with a "thanks". I asked the communication
czar for her input. Her suggestions follow...
Because of you my
cancer has been beat
So, here's a 'thank
you" and a special treat!
Thanks to you my
cancer has been beaten, so
here's a thank you and
something to be eaten!
Here's a fantastic
little cookie,
because I am
cancer-free - whoopee!
(I asked, and no, she had not been drinking.)
Then she suggested that I could put a disclaimer on the
cookies...that I guaranteed there was no hair in the cookies.
Most of the time you
are really late,
but now's a time to
celebrate!
Have a cookie: one or
two,
but don't forget you
have things to do!
From the beginning you
showed me care,
then I went and lost
my hair.
thanks for the
serious, major drugs
here's a cookie and
some hugs.
Not long ago I had
cancer
looks like chemo was
the answer!
So grateful for your
excellent care
here are some cookies
for you to share!
And for the fabulous Dr. Bevers....
Ovarian cancer is kind
of crappy
but you as my doctor
makes me so darn happy!
Your pretty darn smart
and even-keel
let's never meet
again. Deal?
5 months ago they said
"cancer"
but Dr. Bevers was the
answer.
Thanks for getting me
back on my feet
here is a delicious
treat!
And finally, a comment about herself...
Lindsey watches too
much Cat in the Hat,
she needs to watch
adult TV stat!
Care to weigh in on which one I should choose?
My time spent getting ready in the morning just keeps
getting shorter and shorter. No wasted time waiting to apply another coat of
mascara or plucking eyebrows. As a matter of fact, I feel like I can relate to
the balding person who "combs over" that long piece(s) of hair on the
crown of her/her head trying to get it to cover as much as possible. I have a
few eyebrows remaining and I am spending a great deal of time trying to get
these last 5-7 to do the job that 20? used to do. Thank goodness for eyebrow
pencils. And wigs with bangs. No one notices. However, a friend of mine pointed
out that God counts the hairs on our heads...and that chemo has made it easier
for God to count mine..."And even
the very hairs of your head are all numbered." Matthew 10:30 Yes, God is a God of details. These past four
months has shown me time and time again how God was working out all the details
of this diagnosis and treatment long before I ever knew there was any cause for
concern. And because of this I can "Be
joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12
I related to a friend of mine that with my bald head, I
looked like Mattress Mac. Not the best compliment as to my looks, but I did
feel it was accurate. Something about the ears...So, I friend sent me the
following...
When you look in the mirror, may beautiful friend, don't say
"Blah," say "Ta-da!" Why? Because that's what God said the
day he make you!
Women, you see, were the crown of his creation, God's ultimate creative
effort. After adding the finishing touches, he declared, "It is very good."
Not "Next!"
Not "Uh-oh."
Not "Oops."
Just imagine God smiling at you and saying, "Ta-da! I did it!
She's finished and she's all mine." You're not a mistake, beloved. No way.
You are God's definition of beauty for you.
by Liz Curtis-Higgs, from Rise and
Shine
I started this journey knowing that this was what God wanted
for me; this was not a mistake. So now when I look in the mirror I no longer see Mattress Mac but
instead I say "TA-DA" this is what the Lord chose for me. Let me
rejoice and be glad in it!
The MDAnderson volunteers made a You-Tube video from the
Sprint for Life run earlier this month.
About 11 minutes into the 17 minute video is a category called Shirt Wisdom. Second t-shirt shown is
the Team Dee Dee shirt...showing the best part, the back side with our chosen
Bible verse 2 Timothy 4:17 "But the
Lord stood with me and gave me strength." I think it is so cool that this verse will now
be seen by all those who view the video.
Thanks again for all the thoughts and prayers and the
constant reminder of the love and support that is in place for Bruce and I. We
could not have done this without you. I appreciate everything and am at a loss
of how to express my gratitude for all of you and all the kindness you have
showered on us.
I am scheduled for the sixth and final chemo treatment
around the first of June, assuming I will have the white blood count numbers to
get the go ahead. Dr. Bevers has already started preparing me for a delay, but
I am still hopeful. Either way, I know that I will get the sixth treatment and
I will be finished with chemo. Then what? Then what? I am not sure. We have not
discussed that yet, but I know that conversation will be soon. I ask for your
prayers...for the WBC (especially those neutrophils) to be where it needs to be to get my final
chemo clearance. Also for wisdom for Bruce and I to ask all the right questions
of Dr. Bevers and to clearly understand the future plan. Of course, I do pray
for complete healing...for the cancer to be gone and to NEVER COME BACK in any
other form! I know that God can do this, and I ask that He will.
Love you guys.
Don't forget to let me know if you think it is corny to take
cookies my last day of school chemo!
