It's raining, it's pouring

Sept 16-Visiting with Shana

Sept 26- My new lomography fisheye camera.

Sept 25- Me

Sept 25- I am not a fan of the flu vaccine, so I will be taking these herbal supplements to keep me healthy.

Sept 24- Modeling my new hat and t-shirt that my neighbor brought me from Florida. There are sailboats on the shirt.

Sept 23- My dogs enjoying more time with Darla.

Sept 22- Painting, painting, painting...

Sept 20- I have wasted a whole box of film because apparently I don't know how to properly load it.

Sept 20- We keep these binoculars on the table so we can get a closer look at the mockingbirds at the feeder in the backyard.

Sept 19- Getting a bite to eat after the funeral. Allison was so strong through everything.

Sept 18- This was the day of Ally's mom's viewing. I of course did not feel like taking any pictures today. Here is a picture of Allison and I from happier times in 2008 in New Orleans.

Sept 17- Dog sitting the cutest puppy I know, Darla. She refused to let me take a good picture of her, she kept trying to eat the camera.

Sept 15- RIP Paulette

Sept 14- Driving to Dallas

oral chemo

I am now on oral chemo (etoposide). It is one of the same drugs that I was receiving through an IV from November to July. It is a lot easier now because I am just getting one drug not a cocktail, and I can take it at home. I should only have to go to Anderson every 3 weeks. I also do not feel nearly as bad as I did a few months ago. The nausea and fatigue are easily controlled with meds and naps. I will do this chemo until January. As of now I am still on medical leave from work. I want to complete the first round (21 days) and see what effect this kind has on my counts. If it drops them I will stay off work until I am done. The last thing I need is to catch an infection. I'm not thrilled about 4 more months of chemo but if it keeps me in remission then it's worth it. Since I am feeling better I will try to use some of my time off to travel. I'm looking forward to eating some fried cheese in Wisconsin with sister!

In Loving Memory

This week has been very challenging for me. My dear friend Allison lost her mother after a long battle with cancer. Allison and I became friends in kindergarten and her mother was our school nurse until 6th grade. Some of my best memories from all stages of my life: childhood, teen years, being a young adult involve Allison and her mom. I can't help but smile when I think back to all of the great times Ally and I have had together that her mom was apart of or made possible- sleep overs*Galveston Galveston Galveston!* beach house* ham sandwiches* introducing me to Pear Tree tea room*the smell of apple cider tea before school*coupon books*big white suburban*truly understanding my battle with cancer*our last lunch at Gringo's.

Thank you Paulette for gracing this world with your presence. Everyone who has had the chance to know you is better because of it. Allison is family. We have been best friends for 21 years. I will look after her and I look forward to being her friend for the rest of my life. Know that she will be taken care of. Rest in peace Ms. Adams.

http://www.claytonfuneralhomes.com/obits/ Please take a moment to read her obituary.

catching up on pics

Sept 13- I had my port removed!!!! I still have the CVC line. The doctor said I can have it out in a month if I am doing well with the oral chemo.

Sept 12- I had this cute munchkin for a whole night. She looks peaceful, but this is because she exhausted herself screaming. Best. Birth control. Ever.

Sept 11- Almost better than zofran (nausea med), it really helps the nausea

Sept 10- The Holga. My new toy.

Sept 9- My chemo in the pill form. I keep it in the fridge.

Sept 8-My new favorite snack. I am stressed and sad and eating these Canollis make me feel better.

Sept 7- The pretty bridge over the ship channel. I was driving back from Baytown where Allison's mom was at an in patient hospice.

Sept 6- Candace and I after church.

Sept 5- Sunset

Sept 4- I have been painting a lot. I am not a painter, it's just fun and therapeutic.

Sept 3- Enjoying breakfast outside.

Sept 2-Going to visit Allison's mom and bringing her a drink from Starbucks.

Sept 1- My yummy omelet that I cooked all by myself. First thing I have cooked in quite a while.

Aug 31- Michaels, one of favorite stores. I'm loving all of the fall items.

Aug 30- I can finally drive, only up to 40mph and no freeways but I can still get around.