Wow! the weather is perfect today. We slept with the windows open last night so I got a great night's sleep. I have to admit that I may have bit off a little more than I can chew...I spent yesterday painting the pantry. It is a small 3 x 5' closet so I thought I could knock it out in a day, right? Not so much! I would do a little and then rest for while the do a little more. The long story short...I'll finish it today. So my great ambitions of painting the laundry room and master bathroom will have to wait for another time. But I am confident that I will have a few more years to get to it.
As you may know, my new chemo regime is to take the pills for two weeks and then take a break for one week. This is my non-chemo week...YEA! I have been faithful to my walking with a little (okay a lot) of help from coach Gerald. And eating right is becoming a habit too. I fully expect a good report from the doctor on Friday. I'm really looking forward to getting back to work next week.
That's really about all I have to say for today. I need to get back to painting and then because it is so beautiful, I'm going to walk an extra mile today. I hope you get the chance to get out for a little while and enjoy this weather.
Because of Christ,
Julie
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Breakfast at Hilti
A had a great day Friday! I met my team for breakfast and was a "social butterfly" all around customer service for the morning. Then off to lunch with friends. I miss everybody at work and am looking forward to getting back. Jason Flam was so kind to take pictures of my old desk and move everything in the exact place to my new desk. So I am set and ready to roll or as I like to say it "smile and dial". At our last appointment, the doctor said for my head he wants me to go back to work but for my body he wanted to get through one chemo cycle to see how I handle everything. I think things have gone very well so I'm anticipating the release to go back to work. My goal is to start back on October 6th and work Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday each week. That will allow me to take my chemo treatments on a Friday and have 4 days to get over it.
In the meantime, I have a few more house projects to accomplish before going back to work. Paint the pantry, laundry room and the master bath. Then of course keep repairing the damaged cushions from Abby. Whew! I made need to return to work just to get some rest.
This weekend is Gerald's birthday so it is his weekend to do what ever he wants. I have made no plans we are operating on Gerald time. He just went to Lowe's to spend his gift certificate from Aunt Mary then off for a hair cut. I think we are going to the movies tonight.....wherever he wants to go. Hope you guys have a great weekend and spend some time outside enjoying this beautiful fall weather!
Because of Christ,
Julie
P.S. If anyone is still interested in the Prayers for Julie bracelets please email me at julieandgerald@gmail.com I'll be happy to get them to you!
In the meantime, I have a few more house projects to accomplish before going back to work. Paint the pantry, laundry room and the master bath. Then of course keep repairing the damaged cushions from Abby. Whew! I made need to return to work just to get some rest.
This weekend is Gerald's birthday so it is his weekend to do what ever he wants. I have made no plans we are operating on Gerald time. He just went to Lowe's to spend his gift certificate from Aunt Mary then off for a hair cut. I think we are going to the movies tonight.....wherever he wants to go. Hope you guys have a great weekend and spend some time outside enjoying this beautiful fall weather!
Because of Christ,
Julie
P.S. If anyone is still interested in the Prayers for Julie bracelets please email me at julieandgerald@gmail.com I'll be happy to get them to you!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
One week down 51 more to go!
Well the first week of chemo is behind me....only 51 more to go! The doctor will do PET scans every quarter to make sure we are on the right track but expects that we will keep this regime up for a year. My next appointment is October 2nd and I'm hoping that he will let me go back to work on a part time basis. So far the side effects have been very manageable. I am learning to eat differently and trying to walk 3 to 5 miles a day. (Let me emphasize trying) I will continue with the chemo pills through this week and next week will be a "non-chemo" week. Then back on the 2nd for blood work, meet with the doctor and schedule the next Avastin treatment then back on the chemo pills for two more weeks.
I had a nice weekend...Friday evening Debbie Auman came over to help me with
a little sewing project. Thanks to Abby, I need to repair damage to all the cushions on our living room furniture. Apparently Abby was not happy about us taking a vacation and let her feelings be known through a little demolition. My couch cushions look like a wild cat attacked and shredded them. She also felt that the chair cushion no longer needed the zipper in the bottom to hold all the stuffing either. "I love my dogs...I love my dogs...I love my dogs" has been the mantra while making the necessary repairs. All the while Abby just sits there all wide-eyed and innocent while I attempt to put everything back together again.
Then on Saturday, I went to see Momma Mia with Julie Qualls. What a show! We had great seats and the show was a lot of fun with beautiful costumes, sets and the music was terrific. While we were there, we got a list of the upcoming attractions. Julie and I talked about trying to see the Manhiem Steamroller show in November along a couple of shows coming in the 2010.
Gerald & I just want to say again, how grateful we are to have such great friends. Your prayers and words of encouragement have been overwhelming. It seems like every time we reach a point of discouragement there is someone there to let us know we are not alone. Deuteronomy 28 talks about all the blessings that God will pour out on us if we follow His commands. God says, "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you". So with that promise, we want to say blessings to all of you for your faithfulness during our time of struggle. May you see God at work in your life today. Have a great week!
Because of Christ,
Julie
I had a nice weekend...Friday evening Debbie Auman came over to help me with
a little sewing project. Thanks to Abby, I need to repair damage to all the cushions on our living room furniture. Apparently Abby was not happy about us taking a vacation and let her feelings be known through a little demolition. My couch cushions look like a wild cat attacked and shredded them. She also felt that the chair cushion no longer needed the zipper in the bottom to hold all the stuffing either. "I love my dogs...I love my dogs...I love my dogs" has been the mantra while making the necessary repairs. All the while Abby just sits there all wide-eyed and innocent while I attempt to put everything back together again.Then on Saturday, I went to see Momma Mia with Julie Qualls. What a show! We had great seats and the show was a lot of fun with beautiful costumes, sets and the music was terrific. While we were there, we got a list of the upcoming attractions. Julie and I talked about trying to see the Manhiem Steamroller show in November along a couple of shows coming in the 2010.
Gerald & I just want to say again, how grateful we are to have such great friends. Your prayers and words of encouragement have been overwhelming. It seems like every time we reach a point of discouragement there is someone there to let us know we are not alone. Deuteronomy 28 talks about all the blessings that God will pour out on us if we follow His commands. God says, "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you". So with that promise, we want to say blessings to all of you for your faithfulness during our time of struggle. May you see God at work in your life today. Have a great week!
Because of Christ,
Julie
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Started Chemo
I went for my first Avastin treatment yesterday. It was not that bad, the worst part was sitting in the chair all hooked up and listening to all the possible side effects. "Of course they don't all happen, we just have to make you aware of everything" she says politely, like that is somehow going to make it all better. Now that we have you all hooked up and you can't run away we'll tell you the bad side of the drugs!
The good news is that they gave me Benedryl to avoid an allergic reaction but the best part is it makes me sleepy. Sleep has been a real issue for me lately, too many things on my mind to sleep. So I'm happy to report that 14 hours later, I have no side effects and slept like a baby from about 7:00 last night until 5:45 this morning. Wow, I'd forgotten how good it feels to wake up refreshed. I got out and did a two mile walk just as Gerald went out the door for work. Put on my iPod and listened to some praise and worship music and watched the world wake up...pretty cool. According to the doctor, I am supposed to walk between 3-5 miles a day. Good thing I had some shiny new walk shoes!
I also started the Xeloda (chemo) pills this morning. I really should have started on Sunday but chickened out. So far no side effects so I'm going to work on a couple of projects around the house today. The dogs have chewed up several cushions on the couch and chair so I'm attempting to repair them. Anyone that knows my limited sewing skills, will find that statement very amusing. Overall this is a good day so I give thanks to God for giving it to me.
Which is a good lead in to what is really on my heart this morning, I noticed several comments on facebook the other day...."waiting on Friday" or "Can't wait until Friday". Without sounding "holier than thou" as my grandpa used to say, I just want to remind you all that everyday is a good day and you should be glad for each one instead of always looking forward to the future. By always hoping for another day, you miss the joy of the day that is set before you. Know one knows how many days they are going to get so my prayer for you is that you open your eyes and see what is in front of you today and enjoy it to the fullest. It may be your 5 year old who just learned how to tie her shoes or your teenager that just made a wise choice or even your spouse walking out the door to work to provide a life for your family. Everyday is special so please slow down and enjoy where you are right now. It goes by so quickly.
Because of Christ,
Julie
The good news is that they gave me Benedryl to avoid an allergic reaction but the best part is it makes me sleepy. Sleep has been a real issue for me lately, too many things on my mind to sleep. So I'm happy to report that 14 hours later, I have no side effects and slept like a baby from about 7:00 last night until 5:45 this morning. Wow, I'd forgotten how good it feels to wake up refreshed. I got out and did a two mile walk just as Gerald went out the door for work. Put on my iPod and listened to some praise and worship music and watched the world wake up...pretty cool. According to the doctor, I am supposed to walk between 3-5 miles a day. Good thing I had some shiny new walk shoes!
I also started the Xeloda (chemo) pills this morning. I really should have started on Sunday but chickened out. So far no side effects so I'm going to work on a couple of projects around the house today. The dogs have chewed up several cushions on the couch and chair so I'm attempting to repair them. Anyone that knows my limited sewing skills, will find that statement very amusing. Overall this is a good day so I give thanks to God for giving it to me.
Which is a good lead in to what is really on my heart this morning, I noticed several comments on facebook the other day...."waiting on Friday" or "Can't wait until Friday". Without sounding "holier than thou" as my grandpa used to say, I just want to remind you all that everyday is a good day and you should be glad for each one instead of always looking forward to the future. By always hoping for another day, you miss the joy of the day that is set before you. Know one knows how many days they are going to get so my prayer for you is that you open your eyes and see what is in front of you today and enjoy it to the fullest. It may be your 5 year old who just learned how to tie her shoes or your teenager that just made a wise choice or even your spouse walking out the door to work to provide a life for your family. Everyday is special so please slow down and enjoy where you are right now. It goes by so quickly.
Because of Christ,
Julie
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
What a great day!
I apologize that it has been so long since I have posted anything. As you know, we met with the doctor and discussed his proposed treatment plan. Then last Monday, I met with the financial office to confirm a few things. Turns out that CTCA is out of network for our insurance and that is when the panic began. Without going into a lot of detail, I spent most of last week on the phone with the insurance company, Mayo Clinic and MD Anderson trying to find a way to get my treatment without racking up HUGE medical bills. I tried everything and by late Friday afternoon I had exhausted all my resources. My brain hurt, every time I made a phone call it would lead to another option that I would chase down which lead to three more phone calls. At a point of tears, literally, I called CTCA and explained that I could not afford to get my treatments there and thanked them for their time. The case manager, Susan, told me to rest for the weekend and she would see what she could do. So I started the weekend in a state of uncertainty and anyone that knows me knows that I have issues about leaving things undone.
I started this week stressed about where I was going for treatment, needing to get something started soon, talk to my boss about when I was coming back to work, how am I going to get to and from possible out-of-town treatments and all the details that were whirling around in my head. I knew that I was going to be spending a lot of time on the phone again trying disparately to work everything out. In addition to everything else, my time was running out because my short term disability provider was needing a note from my current doctor and I didn't know who that was going to be! I had to have an answer them by Wednesday morning. Now if that were not enough, I was summoned to jury duty. Gerald has served jury duty twice, my oldest son was summoned two weeks after turning 18 and I had never been summoned. Why now, the worst possible time for me....ARRRG!
So I woke up Tuesday morning and spent some time talking to God over my morning coffee. I explained all my issues (as if He didn't already know) and told him that I needed some help today. I asked if He could take care of the whole jury duty thing so that I could come home and make all the phone calls to resolve things. I also asked if he would make a way for me to go to CTCA and take care of the billing issues. I still wanted to go there because I believe that I can work through my chemo treatments and want as little time as possible off to do so. Not to mention, they are local and that would take care of any travel issues that go along with Mayo or MD Anderson.
So as 7:15, I went downtown, stood in line with about 250 other people that had been summoned. When it was my turn to check in I explained that my doctor was needing a fax number to send the documentation they requested. I was sent up to the 6th floor, got the fax sent over and a very nice lady told me to go home and take care of myself. I was home by 9:30 to make my phone calls. I spoke to Patrese in our HR department, who was extremely helpful and gave me a few more options to consider for treatment. I made a few more phone calls to follow up on the new option, then I called CTCA and asked if they had found a way for me to get my treatment from them. She explained that she had to make a few more calls and would get back to me. After a few more calls myself I had done all I could do. Then the Holy Spirit reminded me of a verse that I had been given over the past week; "Be still and know that I am God". So I put everything in God's hands and went grocery shopping, ran a few errands and did some laundry. I didn't even think about it all afternoon. Again, for anybody that knows me knows that is amazing!
Then at 4:30, I got a call from CTCA and they had a plan that will take care of all my insurance issues at a price that I can afford! There you have it...I did what I could do and gave the rest to God and He worked out all the details in a way that quite simply amazes me. I had a great day for several reasons; I learned to put everything in God's hands and watched Him work it all out. And that I need to trust in the boundaries of what I can do and what God needs/wants to do for me.
What an awesome God I serve!
Completely because of Christ,
Julie
I started this week stressed about where I was going for treatment, needing to get something started soon, talk to my boss about when I was coming back to work, how am I going to get to and from possible out-of-town treatments and all the details that were whirling around in my head. I knew that I was going to be spending a lot of time on the phone again trying disparately to work everything out. In addition to everything else, my time was running out because my short term disability provider was needing a note from my current doctor and I didn't know who that was going to be! I had to have an answer them by Wednesday morning. Now if that were not enough, I was summoned to jury duty. Gerald has served jury duty twice, my oldest son was summoned two weeks after turning 18 and I had never been summoned. Why now, the worst possible time for me....ARRRG!
So I woke up Tuesday morning and spent some time talking to God over my morning coffee. I explained all my issues (as if He didn't already know) and told him that I needed some help today. I asked if He could take care of the whole jury duty thing so that I could come home and make all the phone calls to resolve things. I also asked if he would make a way for me to go to CTCA and take care of the billing issues. I still wanted to go there because I believe that I can work through my chemo treatments and want as little time as possible off to do so. Not to mention, they are local and that would take care of any travel issues that go along with Mayo or MD Anderson.
So as 7:15, I went downtown, stood in line with about 250 other people that had been summoned. When it was my turn to check in I explained that my doctor was needing a fax number to send the documentation they requested. I was sent up to the 6th floor, got the fax sent over and a very nice lady told me to go home and take care of myself. I was home by 9:30 to make my phone calls. I spoke to Patrese in our HR department, who was extremely helpful and gave me a few more options to consider for treatment. I made a few more phone calls to follow up on the new option, then I called CTCA and asked if they had found a way for me to get my treatment from them. She explained that she had to make a few more calls and would get back to me. After a few more calls myself I had done all I could do. Then the Holy Spirit reminded me of a verse that I had been given over the past week; "Be still and know that I am God". So I put everything in God's hands and went grocery shopping, ran a few errands and did some laundry. I didn't even think about it all afternoon. Again, for anybody that knows me knows that is amazing!
Then at 4:30, I got a call from CTCA and they had a plan that will take care of all my insurance issues at a price that I can afford! There you have it...I did what I could do and gave the rest to God and He worked out all the details in a way that quite simply amazes me. I had a great day for several reasons; I learned to put everything in God's hands and watched Him work it all out. And that I need to trust in the boundaries of what I can do and what God needs/wants to do for me.
What an awesome God I serve!
Completely because of Christ,
Julie
Thursday, September 3, 2009
feeling good...
julie wanted me to update and let you all know she's feeling pretty well. she gets tired when she over does it (i'm sure NONE of you can possibly imagine julie over-doing anything!) and there is still some intermittent pain from the surgery, but for now she's feeling very well. she's dealing with the hormonal changes with some naturopathic treatments and even went for her first accupuncture session the other day! our little julie who is (was, ok still is) petrified of needles - had accupuncture! she loved it, said it helped her feel better and sleep very well that night... she and gerald and taking some time to discuss all the options in front of them and make sure they have all the bases covered.... they love your concern and support so keep checkin' the blog for updates, i will try to be more punctual with my blogging :) keep up the prayers too!
-in Christ
tobra
-in Christ
tobra
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