Thursday, February 4, 2010

Making the most of it!



Well, little by little I am finding out more details about my treatment process. I will be going in on Monday the 15th to have day surgery to have my port put in. This port will allow me to have the chemo and Herceptin with a minimal amount of pain and will protect my veins from collapsing. The veins in my hand and arm would never hold up to an I.V. every week for a year. Then, on Tuesday the 16th I will go in to begin my first treatment. We forgot to ask, but my friend said that her treatments took about 2 hours each time, so that is what I am going to try to prepare for. They did show me the room where I would go each week. There are huge leather recliners with cup holders where I will sit while I have the infusion. Since it looks like I'll be spending some time there, I'm going to try to make the most of it. I am loading up my i-pod with all my favorite songs and starting to put together a list of books I'd like to read. I have 5 so far that I'm excited to read. Feel free to offer me more suggestions of your favorites. :)
  1. "Half the Sky" by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn
  2. "Have a Little Faith" by Mitch Albom
  3. "Mansfield Park" by Jane Austen
  4. "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years" by Donald Miller
  5. "Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear" by Max Lucado
My friend Pam, a fellow adoptive mom who I got to meet for the first time today, suggested that I find some small way to celebrate and count down each chemo treatment. Something small like buying a purse or something I've been wanting, stopping on my way home to pick up my favorite dessert (5 layer chocolate cake with raspberry sauce from O'Charley's or Italian Creme Cheese cake!) I think that is an awesome idea. I was wanting to count them down anyway. So, while the suggestions for books are flowing, any ideas for small ways I can celebrate as I finish each chemo treatment? Thank you for all the love and support!

9 comments:

Chrystal Murphy said...

I say you should eat chocolate cake every week. In fact, after reading this I want to eat chocolate cake right now. :)

Another idea - have you seen the jewelry that you can buy in individual pieces and beads to create your own? I've seen them advertised at Belk although I don't remember the cost and haven't seen them in person. But, you could buy a piece each week to create your own necklace or bracelet. Once the jewelry is complete go back to the chocolate cake!

CV said...

I've also heard the treatment room can be quite cool, and it's a good idea to bring a favorite blanket from home. Maybe the one with all your names on it?

Love the build a jewelry idea!!

Ruth Dammann said...

You could check out audio books from the library and put those on your ipod - best of both worlds (reading with your eyes closed!). I love Chrystal's idea about jewelry, but go for the chocolate, too! Just finished Donald Miller's book and it's good. Inspiring. You are living a great story - right now. :) Love you bunches.

Unknown said...

Are you familiar with Karen Kingsbury? I recommend any of her books but if you haven't read them I would start with the "Redemption" series. I think you would really enjoy them. They are easy reading but once you get started, you won't be able to put them down. We are praying for you. Let us know if there is anything else we can do. We love you!

Chrystal Murphy said...

Here's the link to the jewelry at Belk: http://www.belk.com/AST/Main/Belk_Primary/Handbags_And_Accessories/Shop/Jewelry/OriginalityBeads.jsp

I found the main picture interesting given our current conversation. :)

Love and prayers for you and your family!!

Unknown said...

Hi, Candice! I was thrilled when I found out that you were the director of the PDO and that your sister would be Bella's teacher. It is such an incredibly small world! I think you also know my sister-in-law and nephews ... Shawn & Rachel, Jacob and Cooper Allen. They recommended the PDO.

While I was super thrilled about the connection, I hated hearing about your diagnosis. I am so glad you are staying positive ... that really is a HUGE help in recovery as I understand it. I will be praying for you every day, and Rachel will too (I'll share with her this blog). You are a living testimony and I'm so glad you are sharing your life on-line. Please know that if you need anything, please, please let me or Jimi know. I look forward to staying connected!

Mandy Tucker

Peter and Nancy said...

I've heard great things about The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, and also Girl Meets God. I haven't read them yet myself though! Half the Sky is waiting on my nightstand right now. :o)
Nancy

dudette77 said...

So awesome to talk to you tonight, Candice...and our prayers will be with you!

My book suggestions would be all over the map, but here are a couple: "Soul Salsa" by Leonard Sweet; any great classic by Gene Stratton Porter, (my favs are "Michael O'Halloran" and "Keeper of the Bees"). I don't know if you like fairy or fantasy, but my favs there are the Lord of the Rings series, Inkheart series, and a really old classic, "The Little White Horse" by Elizabeth Goudge. Don't forget these great Biblical fiction too, especially by Lloyd C. Douglas "The Robe" and "The Big Fisherman."

Whew! That should keep you for awhile!

As for your countdown treats...I also vote for chocolate! But for variety, try a chai latte at either Panera or Starbucks...a chocolate raspberry buttercream at Rembrandts, yum!

best wishes as you start this journey!

JenDockery said...

Just to build on Ruth's suggestion, I download books to my ipod all the time from audible.com.

We'll be praying for you!