Allelujia!!!! Last chemo-done!

Thanks for all your prayers for me during my chemo - I just had my last "cocktail" today and expect my next few days, I'll be a little tired with minimal symptoms.  I do still have tingly fingers on my left hand, but hey- I'm right handed!  Another benefit is my fingers don't hurt when I play my Uke, since they are numb-ish.  When I came out of the pod to ring the bell (which means I am DONE with Chemo), all three of my sons were there and Songzi and Dylan and Sofia.  What a great support and surprise.  Also, thanks Melissa and Maribeth  for not bringing the my new grandbabies...too many germs!  I know you were there in spirit!

My next step is outpatient surgery on January 23rd - I go in at 7am and have a couple of pre-op procedures, and then at 10:30 the lumpectomy.  All my doctors feel they got a lot of shrinkage of the tumor and can barely feel it.  After recovery, I go home to my heavenly bed and thank my lucky stars!

When the bell is rung, everyone stops to clap!
Like the saying on the plaque....

My family support in front of the "DONE" Bell!

I will have radiation in another 4 weeks after the surgery....for 6 weeks, every day......ugh!  Let's not jump the gun.....thanks for asking about me when I don't blog....when my family arrived from China, my time has just flown by!  But all my followers are in my constant prayer as well - and a special shout out to Uncle Henry and Aunt Em - you both are the greatest!

All will be well .

Mary

All is well!

Thanks for all the well wishes following my 3rd chemo treatment.   I am feeling well - and had my spurt of energy this weekend so I could get ready for my out-of-"this world" family to arrive on Wednesday from Beijing.  This will be a fun Christmas with all our new grand babies meeting their new cousins.

Last night's Michael W. Smith concert got me in the holiday spirit as he performed with the St. Louis Symphony at Powell Hall.  He also humored us by having a sing along and it's amazing how good I can sing in the Hall!

Enjoy a wonderful week....
Mary

Insomnia means blogging

It is so wonderful that I cannot sleep tonight. I cannot really complain about 4 hours of sleep! I know a couple of Dillies (aka Melissa and Maribeth, my new mommy daughter- in- laws) who would be thrilled with 4 solid hours of uninterrupted sleep.

I just checked the Bluebarry Tea I was drinking last night and it has caffeine, so it is my fault, plus the chemo night sweats. If you did not know, I have completed 75% of my chemo sessions as of yesterday, and the chemo pods were all full of young adults to the more mature adults fighting the cancer fight. Thank you again for your prayers that my journey is gentle on me. I totally enjoyed my benedryl nap, and hope I don't snore.

It is going to be a busy weekend, as I prepare for my family from Beijing to arrive this week!
Also going to Michael Smith concert with all my sibs on saturday nite. I hope you will take some time for yourself this weekend, too!

Love Mary

5th of the Month Fairy.....

Hey it's me again, this time with Sammie my granddaughter....we both want to tell you it is time to do a breast self exam today.  You have to be your best advocate.  If you have something that seems different than before, then you have something to tell your doctor about.  Don't add an excuses to what you might detect - you deserve it to find out that "it is nothing".  Simple!  Mary and Sammie

Friday - Wellness Center

I have wanted to go to Zumba on Fridays at the Ballas Wellness Center and finally said - Do IT- no excuses!  It was an awesome class with a very fun and animated dressed in fun Zumba clothes.  I was sporting all my pink exercise apparel that I had to purchase during the October Pink Sales at Sports Authority.  The class is not as intense (unless you throw yourself into it) since all the participants are in one way or another survivors.  I was the only baldy in the class this time, but I'm sure the group is always changing.  One of ladies spotted me and said I looked like a pro.....oh yeah!

After the class, the ladies seem to hang out and talk and have refreshments.  I'm going to be a regular - it is definitely a good thing.

Love turning the Calendar pages!

Last night we had a little photo session - so Jeff constructed a nice holiday scene and these babies were the human props.  More pics to follow on my Christmas cards- that's a lot of pressure for me as I am not a typical card sender - it's a goal!  Christmas is definitely going to be GRAND for me and John.

December also means two Chemos on the 8th and the 29th and then AMEN - done with Chemo!
December means Dylan, Sofia, Songzi and Dave will be here from Beijing for 3 weeks.  

December means Christmas it all it's glory and we all know what that entails......my "M.O" this year - is keep it simple!  Happy December to all!  Mary

Happy December from Sammie and Maria