Thursday, September 25, 2008

It's Thursday, Day Three

Oh my, yesterday was NOT good. I hurt so bad, lost a bit more left eye vision and couldn't eat.
My jaw swelled up on the sides by my ears..it hurt so bad..I couldn't chew at all. I talked to the doctor today and he said..it happens with some folks, salivary glands swell..hurt and then it goes away. Well it is much better today. I was a baby yesterday. I think it's the worst I''ve felt except after surgery. Wish they'd told me to expect it. I'm taking steroids to bring the swelling down in my brain..so the headaches should get better.
My pastor, Beth came to pray with us yesterday afternoon. I started feeling better when she arrived. She's so full of love and I see Jesus shine in her face.
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I have about a week, before my hair departs again. WAAAH..how silly to worry about hair loss when your brain is being radiated..but I am. It may come back slower too. I guess I'll be wearing all my cosy cute hats again this winter.


My friend Sally came over with FOOD and her baked bread. YEAH!! I didn't have to cook.

I talked to my BFF Marcia today!! That's always a treat, talked to Church, she is so easy to talk so frankly to.


My next chore, which I have started is to find out the lifetime cap on an illness and how close am I from reaching that cap. The won't pay any claims after I hit that amount. EEEEKKK .


I've talked to the Cancer Center of America in Zion IL to see if I can get approved for an evaluation after my radiation is done. I've been saving them for a rainy day..and that day is here.


I did a bit of housework, some laundry..but Nicole did the work for me yesterday. She's been taking me to my appointments each day . 17 more to go!!!!


Tomorrow I get radiation, then on to get my Herceptin (and Zometa IV's so I'll be gone about half the day.

It is so great to read all your comments and I am slowly getting around Blog Land.

If I don't visit you quickly.. please know..I DO read EVERY post.
fondly,Deena

JOYS

cool nights

`a Carolina Wren singing outside each morning before I leave for radiation

good friends

fresh Sally bread

feeling human again

prayers

47 comments:

  1. Hang in there, dear Deena. You're in many people's prayers here in North Central OH!
    Love you,
    Dee

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  2. Dear Deena,
    So sorry things have been difficult for you. You have so much on your plate and now to have to worry about your insurance coverage just sounds like an added stress.
    My prayers continue.
    You are an inspiration.
    xo

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  3. Hi my friend! So good to learn you're well enough to write & keep us updated. You're in so many thoughts and prayers ... may our Lord make them real to you each and every day. May He cover you with the shadow of His wings and may you find expected places of rest and peace on this journey. He walks with you and holds you close. I've learned in my own walk that He's closer than the next breath I take and He can be trusted to get us through.

    I've heard that the Cancer Treatment Center in Zion is an excellent facility. If needed, may their doors open for you. And, may all financial needs be met!!!!

    May God bless you Deena and may He be glorified in your life.

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  4. Bless your heart Deena. It's ok to be a baby honey. Praying for you .

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  5. Deena, how I hate that you're going through all this. You know we're all praying for you, fervently and loudly and often.
    Sher

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  6. Deena,

    You are such an inspiration my friend. You go, girl. I'm praying for you and your family.

    Love and blessings,
    Mary

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  7. Hi Deena, So sorry to hear you are having such a difficult time.
    If you email but at dswideman@comcast.net, I would like to talk in private about something with you regarding hospitals and research centers.
    Hugs, Sharon

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  8. And you have the time and desire to comment on my blog. Oh my Deena girl, You humble me so. OK.I will try to make a pic of my new do and post it for you, but only by email LOL. Not for the world to see:) Are you watching Survivor tonite? Wish I was living closer spo I could help you with the legwork. Marcia's bread ...Yummy for you! Love you girl, Mollye & Mike

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  9. Hang in there Deena. We are all by your side through these treatments.Thinking of you and all that are going through it.
    Lots of big hugs.
    Jill.

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  10. I haven't been by to visit your blog for way too long, Deena. I think of you and pray for you often. You have such wonderful friends and family that are helping you deal with everything...what a blessing!

    Sending positive thoughts and prayers, Nancy

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  11. Dear Deena, You're doing so good. Your beautiful personality always shines through and warms us all. We're praying. God bless.

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  12. Deena, I love that sweet picture of that little girl...so sweet!
    I wish there were words I could say to help you feel better...but I do know as we all bind together and pray for you...You are lifted up and carried...
    They are getting to know you at the church I go to...my children have all come to know you...and we are all praying for you...I still remember the first time I came to your blog from Joanna's blog... She was requesting prayers for you...I saw that picture of you with your grandson. I said, I knew you from folk art...Deena, you are so loved by many and you sweet spirit moves us all...we all want you well again! Free of cancer, I pray!
    be safe in Jesus!
    afriendtoyou,
    Judy

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  13. I was reading your posts and I am a christian, and this thought came to mind, Since we are made in His image, God must cry alot. I know I had a few tears run down my checks reading your story and knowing that MANY other people have cancer and other sickness as well as all the everyday horrors that happen to innocent children.etc... so I wonder how does God have any time to be happy??? I know that He is in control and that's a good thing, and He allows so much to happen...and that helps us grow and seek Him...well, these things will be known when I see Him in heaven, but then it won't matter because I believe Heaven is a good, peaceful and happy place.
    I said a prayer for you tonight.
    Warmly, Deb

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  14. OUCH OUCH OUCH. I do not like you to hurt. Not one bit. You have my permission to whine all you want if you need to. It's OK. Get up and stomp your feet if you want. However, I think you are much too sweet for that. Glad you had such special prayers go up today with your pastor. And all the sweet visits from friends. The money part? God will provide a way. I promise. "Even the birds of the air do not worry about tomorrow." There will be a miracle for you! I just know it. I'm here if you need to talk....you could call anytime. Love to you strong girl.

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  15. I'm not happy you are hurting. ^_^
    I continue to pray for you and for no reactions to this treatment.

    Big Hugs!
    Nancy

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  16. Oh honey, dearest Deena, I am so sorry you hurt... My empathy won't make it go away, but I so wish it would... ((hugs)) and ((more hugs)))... You're not a baby - anyone would have cried.

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  17. Deena, Oh I am sorry for the pain you've had and the swelling too. I pray that the radiation works and that you have no more cancer and no more brain tumors. You are such a dear person. I'm also sorry about your hair. Hugs, Kathi

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  18. I see Jesus in YOUR face. :) Sorry you had a bad day. Just think, that was three less you have to have !! You hang in there sweet friend. :) I didn't know they capped payment on illness's. Gosh, that is rude. Well, You are just going to get better then before your cap runs out. :) You are already three days closer to your cure. :)

    Hugs,

    Rhea

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  19. Prayers for you-as always.
    I hope today is a good day.

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  20. Dear sweet Deena, I am so sorry you are hurting so bad. I was just at Michelle's blog and as I told her I have never traveled down the path the two of you are on but it is my ardent prayer that the Lord our God will be by your sides through the whole journey. I feel so blessed to know you Deena, and I want you to know that I see Jesus in every word you type.

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  21. Oh gosh.....I am so sorry you are having to go through all this. I will continue to pray for you. You are being so strong in all this......bless you.

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  22. Deena,
    I LOVE YOU KID!!!! STAY STRONG and know....Life must be taken day by day, we both know that and I am thankful that God sent you my way. I think I have learned more from YOU than I did from myself going thru cancer.
    Hugs and Loads of Love to you.
    Amy (Mom to the Four Sisters)

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  23. In the day when I cried, thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. -Psalm 138:3

    I love you Deena!
    Sherry

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  24. Deena,

    Words just can't say how I feel. I am so sorry that you are going through all of this. I think the picture of you on your side bar with the comment "I want me back" says it all. You have been through so much, I pray this will be it. Now to have the financial concerns of all of it, Oh, I am so sorry. I pray that you qualify for that program.

    The good news is, you have the Lord on your side and your strong faith in Him. Could you imagine going through this without Him? Even though we don't understand, He does have a plan. I am continuing to lift you up in prayer my dear friend.

    "Do not be afraid or discouraged. The battle is not yours, but God's. Stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. The Lord will be with you." II Chronicles 20:15,17

    Love you,
    Sharon

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  25. Deena, So sorry you were having so much pain and problems yesterday. Glad you are a bit better.
    How sweet of your frend Sally to bring you food. Thank God for friends like her. How nice you got to talk to BFF Marcia.
    Take care and be a baby all you want!!
    Hugs Prayers to you sweet friend!
    I love you ~Mary~ :-}

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  26. Hi Deena,said a prayer for you this morn....
    Thanks for visiting me.
    God bless dear.

    Blessings, Shelley

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  27. Deena~ I'm praying for you today. ((hugs))

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  28. Deena, your amazingly positive outlook and faith are two of the best medicines you could possibly have.

    Good thoughts and energy being sent your way today and always.

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  29. Dear Deena, I'm so sorry to hear about the added stress of insurance coverage. In my devotions today,I read: "Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed." Psalm 57:1 I have prayed that you will find refuge under His wings until this difficult time has passed.

    Blessings to you, Deena,
    Wanita

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  30. OOHh What a week for you! I can imagine how you hurt!! I don't think you were being a baby at all!! I know You are so strong so that tells how bad you were feeling!! And I hope you know how much i think of you and pray!!
    How on earth when you have gone threw all this and are goiing threw more can they make you worry about your insurance being cut off?? it is just awful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    I hope you have a wonderful weekend and full of joys as you give us such daily inspiration!!

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  31. good morning deena....sorry i didn't get by yesterday....and so sorry to get here and hear how badly your reaction was on wednesday....but happy to hear it is better...and hoping the rest is kind to you. it is so not right for those going through this to also have the worry of a cap on treatment.....so hard to understand things like this!!!
    my joys:
    ~God's love
    ~faith and trust
    ~grandchildren
    ~my girls and family
    ~there was just enough beans to make a wonderful pot of coffee this morning :)
    ~the promise of cooler days
    ~birthday boys
    ~friends
    have a better day today, dear deena....
    love and prayers,
    kimberly

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  32. Deena, you sure do have my prayers and thoughts coming your way, I hope it is a better day for you without pain. You are such a ray of light always seeing the good in things. I pray the Lord holds you tightly.

    XO
    melissa

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  33. Oh Deena--you are so very brave and I continue to think of you and pray for you each morning. Much love to you, Jann

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  34. be strong~ we are ALL with you~
    xoxoxoxox

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  35. Hi Deena, You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I check on you often to see if you have posted. You are loved by many and we all wish you to get well.
    Hugs,
    Bonnie

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  36. Hi Deena.. Your always in my prayers. I am so sorry to hear your having to go thru all this, the extra radiation, figuring out caps..all the stress with it. It sucks big time.
    Your such an inspiration though. Always looking for the positive in your day no matter what hits you or how you feel, you find JOY in the gifts GoD gives you , that alot of people dont notice or take for granted. You are such a Blessing to everyone,and me.
    Jackie O from Houston..(dove2mist)

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  37. Deena ~ You and Rich & the kids and grandbabies are all in my prayers....I'm so sorry you are hurting and have to even think about insurance issues....

    Big hugs,
    Betsy

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  38. Hi Sweet, Courageous Blog friend...
    I have you linked incorrectly on my side bar for some reason~ so I just happen to find you again via flea market Friday.

    Love and prayers for you. It seems I go weeks between reading your posts and each time the news is different.

    I hope you have a blessed weekend with as little pain as possible~Sheri

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  39. Sending you hugs and a prayer. I would love to send you something so please email your address when you are up to it. - Nancy

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  40. ooo, Please just hang on, dear one. I can't even come close to the pain you are feeling during these times. I know, tho, that you are a very brave girl.
    Insurance is such a dang worrisome thing. I, too, just reached my cap on medications and will have to pay FULL price until Jan. OH, me..I don't know just how we will do it as they have me on such high-powdered meds. Well, God always comes thru for us...and HE always will. I will pray HARD for your financial needs to be taken care of...HE CAN DO IT, you know!!
    Just hang on, Deena...IT WILL GET BETTER...I JUST KNOW IT!

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  41. Deena -

    I'm sending you a great big cyber hug. (((((h)))))). Rest, relax and heal. I'm praying for you daily. May God keep you in His tender care.

    Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)
    For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

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  42. Praying for you tonight, certain that God has caught every tear in His bottle -
    "not one of them is wasted."

    I hope you rest through the long night.

    God bless,
    Jen

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  43. Hi, Deena. I hate it for you that you are in pain, but thanks for sharing this cute little photo. Is that part of your multi-photo collection?
    Praying that God will work out all the financial details for you.
    Sally

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  44. Your words of faith and candor about your illness are a blessing to many people.

    Thinking of you~
    Cathy

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  45. I am so sorry to hear you are in such pain. I pray for you every day, every night. I wish for you no more pain, only peace and happiness.
    love you

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~**~Your kind remarks are my angel wings~**~