A Sea of Pink

This post is a week overdue but treatment #3 is down in the books and #4 is this Thursday at 11 am.  My momma, Michelle, Tammy, and Shannon were there keeping me company.  Can't wait for the day where we can celebrate the very last one.  It will be a PARTEY!! 

I also want to mention that my blood counts were normal which is a HUGE praise.  As long as they stay in the healthy range, I have 5 remaining treatments (8 in total).  I don't want to think about the alternative if they do not.  So I ask you to please pray that they continue to remain healthy.

You might be wondering why I titled this post "A Sea of Pink."  Well, let me tell you....sometimes I find myself completely at a loss for words or just in utter amazement at the ourpouring of love and support I have received from my church family, friends, and co-workers.  Sunday, May 6th was no exception. 

It was suppose to be a surprise but I accidentally found out that our Pastor along with my dear friends had planned a special day at church in honor of those who have survived breast cancer or are currently being treated. Church members were asked to wear pink.  So even though I knew about it, I cannot tell you how overwhelmed I felt walking into the sanctuary and seeing a sea of pink.  I lost it!  It was so incredibly touching!

Even before I left the house, I was in tears.  Even though I knew about the special day, John and I really didn't talk much about it before hand.  But when I came downstairs that morning and saw John and my boys all wearing pink, it was such a sweet sight.  First of all, never have I seen my man wear pink but then my boys too.  They looked so cute! Well, I think they'd prefer I say handsome.  ;)

Oh and to top it all off, my girlfriends had this T-shirt made up and were selling them at church.  I love it!!

Oh wait!  There was one more special touch.  Our sweet neighbor Bebe surprised us and had tied pink ribbons around our front porch and the tree in our front yard.  You can see them in the picture above.

So lastly, I want to mention that I have returned to work (3 days a week).  Wednesday was my first day back and guess what everyone was wearing?!?  You guessed it.  Pink!  Loved it!  It was so sweet.  Some of the men even went out and bought a pink shirt.  Oh and on my desk were flowers from Carolyn and balloons from Brandii.  It was so nice to see everyone after being gone for 2 1/2 months.  I also enjoyed going out to lunch with my soul sisters, Tameka and Brandii.  I just LOVE my soul sisters!  I have been at my job for almost 7 years and will tell you that the people I work with are not just co-workers.  They are near and dear to me just like family.  When I hurt, they hurt and vice versa.

I am thankful beyond words, constantly moved to tears, by the outpouring of kindness and encouragement.  I do not feel worthy.  I don't know that I'll ever be able to repay them but ask my heavenly Father to pour out His blessings on all of these special people in my life. 

Love you all,
Sandy

Eve of Treatment #3

Here I am the eve of treatment #3 and I have insomnia.  It's been happening a lot lately too which is odd especially because I fatigue so easily.  But I guess it's giving me time to blog.  ;)

Treatment #2 went much better than the first.  Praise God!  Aside from fatigue, digestive issues, and mouth tasting like crude, it was tolerable.  It took me about a week to rebound from it which was perfect timing as it allowed me to enjoy my sisters wedding this past weekend. 

So while it was tolerable, I'm not ready to face #3.  Am I ready to get it over with?  Absolutely!  But I still hate everything about it.  I guess what I'm saying is that I need your continued prayers.  I need HIS strength.  

I recently read a book that Shannon recommended.  By the way, that girl does some reading!  I don't think she ever lets her mind rest.  LOL!  The book is called Me and the Ugly C by Becky Dennington.  The author is a survivor and while she always knew she'd be a writer some day, she never imagined her first book would document her breast cancer journey.

The author is also a Christian and lives 3 hours from St. Louis and traveled back and forth to Barnes for several months while undergoing treatment.  If you or anyone you know is battling BC, I highly recommend this book!  You're welcome to borrow my copy.

It was therapeutic for me.  It affirmed my thoughts, fears, and emotions.  There was one chapter in particular that really got to me.  It made me bawl.  Even if I didn't have BC, I'm sure I still would have cried.  But this one touched me deeply because I've been there.  She writes:

But some days I am not strong.

And some days I am not brave.

Some days I am sad and discouraged.

And sometimes there are reasons.

 And sometimes there just aren't.

Chemo was really taking it's toll on her emotionally and physically but she stayed strong and relied on her Heavenly Father to see her through.  She ended the chapter as follows which of course made me cry some more!

 Sometimes I forget to look, but my glass is half full...not empty.  I will REST when I'm tired.  I will not give up.  I will accept that some days will be hard and discouraging, but I know that tomorrow will be brighter.  I will remember that this isn't just about me and that there are others standing outside, depending on me to make it go away.

This woman's work is not done.

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."  Romans 8:18



And this woman's work is NOT done either!  I WILL not give up!  I WILL continue to be strong for those around me!  Tomorrow WILL be brighter!