Life's Like A Box Of Chocolates

Week 4 – Week 3

Posted by juliannah on January 24th, 2012

That is we are in week 4 of Grandma M’s radiation treatments and week 3 of chemo. I must say, so far, so good. She is starting to feel the fatigue from the radiation although I believe she is doing much better then at the beginning. She seems to breathe better and she is walking much faster.

Chemo is going well. We both wish they could just squeeze the crap into her a little faster. I joked about learning how to speed up the drip. (Yes everyone, it is a joke! If we can not have humor once in awhile our heads will blow off.)

We found out that our radiation friends live only a few blocks away. Small world even in the cancer world. I enjoy our daily conversations in the waiting room. They’ve lived in the neighborhood for about 40 years. The husband told me the spot that my house was built on was once a dumping ground for everything you could imagine. Great. Explains the stuff that turns up in my yard. I figure in about 10 to 20 years I will meet up with my neighbors in the chemo room.

Seriously though, I am pleased with the progress. The doctors are too. I saw the radiation doctor on TV a couple of weeks ago. He was surprised because he did not know when the show was supposed to air. Makes sense. Busy guy.

As for me, I am fairing well. Tired sometimes yes. I still believe I getting more than I am giving. Could be wrong, but I do not think so.

Here is a chart showing the colors for cancer ribbons and bracelets. So far I have worn 3 colors. I think that is about enough.

Sarah McLachlan – “Forgiveness”

Posted by juliannah on January 22nd, 2012

I like this.

That is all I have to say about that.

The Middle.

Posted by juliannah on January 19th, 2012

The middle is about where we are at in Grandma M’s cancer treatment. We are about to complete week three in radiation and week two in chemo. Why then does it feel a whole lot longer? I am guessing because stressful situations tend to blow up like balloons and can pop at any given moment. I must say, I think we are all doing ok considering.

Grandma M is tolerating the treatments well. Just do not give her any mind altering drugs or extra steroids thank you very much. Trouble sleeping and coping is something plaguing all of us at this point. She asked me how people can get hooked on narcotics and then proceed to function through life. My answer was simple. “I have no idea Mom. I can’t do pills either.”

My solution to insomnia is to watch some old episode of The Waltons or Little House on the Prairie or to do what I am doing now. Blog. If you can not beat them, join them. The interwebs never sleep.

I’ve also thought about setting up the 3am club. We could call or text another person and see if they are awake too. Only that might disturb the people that we live with who actually sleep all night.

Anyway, tired or not we continue to fight.

My Big, Little Boy.

Posted by juliannah on January 17th, 2012

I spoke with my son, Sgt. Honda yesterday morning. I was surprised when he texted me to call him because I just spoke to him the day before. Since he is so far away I will take any opportunity to talk with him.

He called to tell me about a movie he had just finished watching. The movie is called Courageous and is about four police officers and their relationships with their wives and children. I have not seen the movie as I am writing this post. I plan to see it soon.

Here is the trailer.

My son called to tell me he was moved by the interaction with one man and his child or should I say the lack of interaction. Sgt. Honda does not have children yet. I do know he very much wants to be a father. The movie brought out several emotions in my son. One being that he was not sure if he would one day be a good father. Let’s just say those feelings are justified and leave it at that.

I assured him he did not have anything to worry about. I think most people wonder if they will succeed at parenting. Sure we all make mistakes because we are humans. I told him I know he will be a great father because I raised him and all of my children to be good people. I told him once again that I am proud of him. I am PROUD of all my children. And grandchildren.

I always find it amazing that no matter how old your children become, they will always be your babies in your heart. Needing you to reassure them at certain points. Fixing the owies so to speak.

Sometimes you can not do that. But you still try to do your best.

Sgt. Honda, all will be well.

Sunday Brunch – Family

Posted by juliannah on January 15th, 2012

I recently received photo proofs from my daughter, Cinderella. I had to take screen shots to save them. Sshhh, quiet I did not just say that.

Anyway, here are some of my favorites.

My son-in-law Tango and D.D.

My daughter Cinderella and Butterfly.

Can you believe this child is 10 and as tall as her mom?

D.D. and Butterfly. Ohhh…

The B family. Tango, Cinderella, Butterfly, and D.D.

Donnie continues to live in our hearts.

Do You Love Candles?

Posted by juliannah on January 14th, 2012

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PartyLite for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I have to say that I love candles. I think that are wonderful way to decorate and scent the home. I have never been one for spray air fresheners or those plug-in devices. Most of the time they are too strong and people in my family end up with headaches.

I recently learned of PartyLite candles. The candles and accessories are purchased through home parties and online. Close to 60,000 people all over the world sell the candles at a PartyLite party. The candles are Platinum Quality meaning you cannot buy a higher end candle anywhere else!

PartyLite also provides reed diffusers, home décor, and candle warmers. I recently rented a home and was pleased to find a reed diffuser sitting in the kitchen. The subtle scent is exactly what I find pleasing.

I am sure that my family and friends would enjoy attending a PartyLite home party. I have to admit, much more exciting than those plastic kitchenware parties that we have all endured in the past.

Please like the PartyLite Facebook page to find out about the latest online offers or to find out how you can host your own party. You can check out the new PartyLite 2012 Winter/Spring catalog that includes the newest candle products.

Becoming a PartyLite consultant is a great way for stay-at-home moms to earn extra income without having to leave the children. Plus, you can earn candles, home décor, and accessories at little to no cost.

If you are a candle lover like me I would take a look at PartyLite products. Get started filling your home with aromatic scents and delightful home décor.

Good Work From Home.

Posted by juliannah on January 14th, 2012

Written by Sherri Hicks.

There are so many good clear internet service providers it may actually be possible for me to convince my boss that he needs to let me work from home. I know it doesn’t sound like the best idea but for me it’s all about being able to get my work done and be with my kids and since they’re about to go off to school next year I really want to relish the time I have left with them.

I know so many other moms who do this too and I think it’s important to note that most of them have done it really successfully. Outside of starting my own business I can’t imagine another more flexible job than mine so it’s nice for me to remember what it’s like to be in the working world. I don’t want to lose the extra income but I know my husband’s happy I’m going to be home and more accountable for the kids, too, which is reason enough as it is!

The Beast. (But a Nice Beast.)

Posted by juliannah on January 12th, 2012

The other day I was able to see the huge radiation machine used in Grandma M’s treatment. The table she lays on is under a ball shaped apparatus that emits the radiation beam. She tells me that during treatment arms protrude and the ball rotates around her. When the ball returns above her she knows she is almost done and has completed another treatment day.

I hope I am describing this correctly. Technical issues are not my forte as I am right-brained and I was more inclined to notice the orange colors accenting the machine.

During her treatment I wait in a small room where I can see signs that light up while the machine is in use. One says Beam in Use and when the light is on I know she is receiving the radiation. I can also hear a high-pitched sound that one patient affectionately called, “the music.”

I could not find the exact picture of the machine that is used on Grandma M, but I did find a relatively close image.

Technology is truly amazing. My mind can hardly wrap around how someone could figure out how to come up with this treatment. I am glad they did.

Chemo – Our New Friend?

Posted by juliannah on January 10th, 2012

Round one of Grandma M’s chemo started on Monday. She received two chemo drugs, benadryl, a steroid, and fluids. I must admit when I heard the word steroid I was catapulted back to when Butterfly, my granddaughter received steroids during her treatment for leukemia. That girl was a lean, mean eating machine. Not to mention if anything was not to her liking she would turn into the Incredible Hulk. Trust me, I am not exaggerating.

So, the word steroid raised the hairs on the back of my neck. Last thing I want to see is my mother turning green and smashing through hospital walls.

I did not have a chance to speak to the nurses about side effects yesterday as it was the first treatment and the most pressing issue of the day was just getting to the bathroom because of the fluids.

Overall, the day went ok except for the time it took to administer the treatment. We spent about a half an hour in radiation and then another four hours in the chemo room. We were placed close to the nurse station since this was the first treatment and the nurses wanted to keep a close eye on her. Next time we can sit closer to the TV and the restroom.

We once again met up with our newfound friends in the radiation waiting room. One gentleman was receiving his last radiation treatment and will have a port implanted in his chest today. He then will start his chemo. Maybe we will see him and his wife in the chemo room.

I do not wish this on anybody, but what I take from this experience and Butterfly’s fight is truly priceless. The camaraderie and friendship of these people makes my heart take a picture.

January 8, 2011

Posted by juliannah on January 8th, 2012

I do not usually name the town I live in only saying I live in the Desert Southwest. But, if you were reading my blog one year ago today then I am sure you figured out that I live in Tucson.

One year ago today tragedy struck our town. 13 people were shot and injured and 6 were killed. Among them was nine year old Christina Taylor Green. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the the head and has gone on the make an amazing recovery.

I remember my blog looked more like a twitter feed that day as the news unfolded. We were all glued to the TV listening to the events as they were broad casted.

Tonight Tucson held a candlelight vigil for the victims and survivors of the terrible day. Gabby led the pledge of allegiance with pride and vigor.