Family time

I am happy to report that I will be spending the weekend with this wonderful family. Grant is racing at Heartland Park in Topeka this weekend - it's "the nationals". He borrowed a motor home from a friend so I'll have an air-conditioned place to land. Marlin's brother from Lees Summit will join us, along with Adam, Grant's friend from Olathe.

I am feeling good. I went to Pittsburg today alone (drove the Excursion) to get my blood test and did some grocery shopping. I was worn out by the time I got home, but really, I think I'm doing good. I am looking forward to getting out this weekend and having some distraction. Wish Grant good luck!

Thanking God each day for the blessings in my life.

Love,

Ellen

Now a Red-Head!

My first day as a red-head was a success. In the photo I am in the front of my house next to the iris and peonies in bloom. They are both just gorgeous now!

Marlin and I took a road trip to Joplin, Mo, to do a few errands on Wednesday after by "buzz". He was looking for a new lounge chair to match our patio furniture and I was looking for time out of the house! We both got our wishes.

We had a good laugh - at least a knowing smile - when the sales clerk complimented me on my hair! She was a red-head and said she liked the cut and color of my hair. Marlin told her that I had just cut it - and I mentioned that I had it colored, too. The clerk just went on and on! So I don't know if she knew it was a wig or not, but that's okay. We had a good chuckle after we left the store.

My second treatment was May 22 and it went well. I was a little more tired on Friday and Saturday following. I have to give myself a Neulasta shot the day after each treatment to help boost my blood cell production. I asked to give the shots to myself, rather than going to the hospital. I am saving the insurance company $9,000 by doing this!! Yes, that's right- nine thousand dollars! Amazing, isn't it?

My devotion yesterday spoke to me. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 I needed that quieting yesterday and am ever grateful I have my faith to hold me up.

Remember the freedoms we enjoy during this Memorial Day weekend. Blessings to you and your family.

Love, Ellen

Bird's Nest Hair

Wednesday, May 21, was "shave day". My hair was falling out in fistfuls and the mess it created was just annoying. I hadn't washed my hair is several days to preserve it a little longer, but it felt dead, dry and dull. I told Marlin I was ready. He has a friend, Anne, who had all the necessary equipment and she offered to come to the house. Marlin would join me in getting "buzzed". Anne suggested we go outside so that my hair would fall in the grass so that birds could use it to build their nests. Well, come to think of it, I remember seeing hair in birds nests and I've had days where my mother exclaimed my hair looked like a bird's nest - so I thought Anne had a good idea. I got a lawn chair and Marlin got the extention cord and my hair began to fall. It was a powerful feeling, to take this little bit of control, making this decision. Marlin followed me - although I am not sure the birds will benefit quite so much with his contribution.
Giving my hair to the birds was comforting, providing a cozy home for hatchlings this spring. God takes care of the birds and he is caring for me.
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot the soul. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of the Father. And even the very hairs of your head are numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:26-30 (paraphrased)
I've made God's job a little easier: numbers of hairs on my head= zero!
Love, Ellen

Spring Fever

I am enjoying the beauty of the spring flowers in our yard. The iris are all blooming and the peonies are just about to burst out. I love the aroma of both - truly heralding spring. Marlin and I enjoyed the spring afternoon by taking a ride in the covertible with the top down. Marlin told me it would help me loose my hair - and it's coming out pretty fast now. The "shave day" is very close. I know several friends are anxious to see me as a redhead, but if the temperatures continue to climb - you may get me with the "Jason" look. (Okay, don't tell me you're not watching Dancing with the Stars?? This is the last week!)
The neupogen shots are going okay - I would recommend getting them in the abdomen, not the arm - there are less nerve endings in the abdomen and I have lots of abdominal tissue for "easy site rotation". I just had to get a nursing lesson in there somewhere!
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1
Take a walk and enjoy the season. I continue to be blessed by your cards, thoughts and prayers.
Love to you -
Ellen

Two Lows

I was fortunate to have one of my sisters (Carol from Montana) accompany me today for my blood test and prosthesis fitting. My blood test proved the chemo is working, as my white cell count (absolute neutrophil count) was severely depressed. The low count makes me a high risk for infection. I will have to take subcutaneous (under the skin) injections of Neupogen (filgrastim) for five days to help the bone marrow to make more blood cells. The main side effect is pelvic bone pain. I can attest to that side effect. Marlin worked today in the yard and my back feels like I did, too. I am also taking an antibiotic to help protect me from infection. Of course, I must stay out of crowds, avoid sick people and wash my hands frequently.
This is a funny fact - my insurance company will cover the cost of two bras each year - but if I had a double mastectomy, I would be eligible for four bras each year. Okay, where is the logic? The prosthetic (fake) breasts are very realistic compared to the foam falsies that women wore years ago. I was able to select from a variety of styles of bras and the nurse that fits the prosthesis was helpful in giving me "care and feeding" tips for the new breast. Did you know that having one breast can cause poor posture? I am learning every day.
I would like to thank everyone for the kind words following my mother's death. I was blessed with a surprise visit from Barb and Lori from Washburn, who attended the funeral. Although it is a sad time for me and my family, I know Mama is in heaven with an incorruptible mind and body. (If you attended the funeral, you understand this reference.) She had been unable to recognize me for several months, due to AD. She was not able to understand my diagnosis or provide me support. Now, I believe, she has complete knowledge and will be watching over me. I am grieving, joyously.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them. Psalm 34:7
If you can, hug your mama today.
Love, Ellen

Sweet Passing

My dear friends,
My mother, Geneva Shipman, passed today about 12:30 pm. She had been in failing health for several years with Alzheimer's disease. My siblings and I are blessed with happy memories of her 94 years. She is safely in Our Father's (and our Daddy's) arms.
Ellen

Mean Genes? No Way!

My surgeon from St. Louis, Dr. Margenthaler, called today to tell me that the gene test results came back. There is no genetic cause for my breast cancer. Although I have a strong family history, the gene test is clear (and BCBS paid for the test- some companies will not). Good news, especially for my daughter, Lindsay, as her risk for breast cancer is not increased.
I had a blood test today (CBC) and my cell counts are lowered, but within normal limits. I will have tests weekly to monitor the impact of the chemotherapy drugs - known to lower blood cell counts, causing the side effects of bleeding/bruising (low platelets), fatigue (low red cell count), and infection (low white cells). The lowest point of cell count is called nadir, when I am at highest risk for these side effects. I have not reached that point yet. Although I am fatigued, my friend tells me "your body is fighting and fighting is hard work". Put up your dukes, cancer! I am ready!
I am blessed by all your cards, positive thoughts and prayers. I am thankful to God for supplying so many blessings in my life - you being one of them.
Love,
Ellen

Big C, little c

Cancer is considered the little c, when Christ is the Big C - and I know that the Big C will conquer the little c.
My new warrior words!
Still doing well - thank you for prayers.
Ellen

Fun Family Time

This photo is from two weekends ago when Lindsay was down for her birthday. Isn't she a beauty? Aaron, her husband, is standing behind her. Lindsay has been a big help this weekend, being Chief Cook and Bottle Washer and giving directions to Dad. It's good to have family.
I am enjoying the day -
Blessings this Sunday to you.
Ellen

First Round Down

May 1 was my first chemo treatment. I arrived at 8:30 a.m. for lab work and pre-meds. The pre-meds help fight side effects like nausea and vomiting (yewh! I hate that!). My anxieties are always for no reason and I continuously have to remind myself that I am really not in control here. I have to leave so much in God's hands. My port worked fine (anxiety #1). The two drugs were given to me very slowly, so about 6 hours later, I left the Cancer center. Eileen was my nurse, but all the nurses in the center eventually came into my room to visit or check on me. I asked for a private room for my first treatment, and may go to the central "recliner chair" room in the future. My very good friend, Faith, took me to the Center and Marlin arrived about mid-morning and stayed to take me home about 3 p.m. I am thankful for the loving support they both provided during the day.
I am doing okay, so far (day 3). I have received lots of calls and short visits and I so appreciate them all. My family and friends keep me going. I have treasured each inspirational note or just a call to gossip about American Idol! (Go -David Cook! Yeah!)
My prayer today: I am grateful that You are able to make all grace abound in me so that in all things at all times I will have all that I need. Fill me up with all the gifts of Your Spirit: love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. I praise You for the perfect gifts You give to me.
Blessings to you all -
Ellen