Treatment and Support

Expected Course of Treatment
How long does treatment last?
If I stay on the course of six cycles of chemotherapy, every four weeks, Cycle # 6 should begin in July (meaning have the chemotherapy treatment, then go through the cycle of chemo effects).

So I am looking forward to summer sunshine and healing warmth!

I am also looking forward to my high school class reunion (year 35) on August 2!


Support - Ministries of Our Church

"Parish Nurse"
Karen B. came out this week and sat down with us to help with some of the balancing issues. Helpful!

"Touched by an Angel"
There was a TV show by that name. But our church also has a ministry of helping people out in tangible ways. Judy B. coordinates meals that come to us a couple times a week (complete with nutrution requests/restrictions). I could not have imagined how helpful that is!

"Peer Ministry"
High schoolers learn about helping relationships. They put together a canister with lots of goodies, cards, Isaiah the Teddy Bear, hand lotion, and a Sheryl Crow CD.

Sheryl Crow? I know who she is: she dated Lance Armstrong and had breast cancer. But I admit I had not paid much attention to her music. I thought I might listen to her as I was lying down for a nap one day. Ha! I did discover that she was terrific to play while taking my walks around the house! (The Home Health Care nurse said I should walk at least three minutes three times per day. I walk more when I can.)

"Stephen Ministry"
Nancy S. brought flowers over when I came home from the hospital. I know I am in their prayers.

"Prayer Shawl"
Karen D. brought one over before surgery. The idea is that people pray as they knit or crochet shawls, for whomever might receive it. It often keeps my shoulders warm around the house and reminds me that I have been, and am, remembered in prayer.

We also received a cow box (Gateway computers black and white pattern) in the mail. It had to be sent from the Curtiss family! Sure enough, it contained a "Prayer shawl" from our Traverse City congregation (we were there 8 years). They are known as Traverse Bay United Methodist Church now, but we knew them as "Asbury U.M.C.". I wore this around my shoulders during chemo. Each shawl is unique and beautiful and conveys warmth and loving prayers and wishes.