Happy New Year!

The way I see it, there are two ways to approach a new year. Both involve reflecting on the old year and contemplating the new year. For some, this means looking at all the negativity they have faced and feel they will face again. For others, it is a way to embrace all the good that has happened and anticipating the good that will come.
I choose the latter. It is what keeps me going and keeps me focused. This past year I have found an inner strength I didn't know I had. I have found many new friends, a new church, and finally have the time to do some things that I have always wanted to do.
In the new year ahead of me, I am looking forward to many good times with new friends and old friends. Will it all be good? Probably not, but how it turns out will be up to me and the way I look at whatever life brings my way.
So, Happy New Year to each and every one who reads this. May life be kind, may love be sweet, and may all your trials and tribulations be a way to help you grow stronger in your attitude and your faith.
Sherri

and the Goose is getting fat...

Not too much to report, that is why I haven't posted lately. Treatments are going well, or at least without complications. I have had a few minor things, dizziness, the ever present rash and a few episodes of low blood sugar. Overall, everything is under control.
I won't be getting my next CT scan until after the New Year. My CEA blood test was slightly elevated, but according to the doctor, it still isn't consistent with the disease.
I am still the case history on the table, as nothing has been within the so-called "normal" parameters. But, I still feel good, still get tired and still keeping busy.
I know everyone is probably caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, I know I have been. Don't forget to take time for yourself and remember the reason for the season.
Sherri

Thanksgiving, being thankful, etc.

First I hope all of you had a really wonderful Thanksgiving. I know I did. It is always great to share a meal with family and friends. I know some of us traveled far to be able to do this, but I am sure it was worth it. I got to spend my Thanksgiving with my sister, my niece and her husband and my great-niece, my brother-in-law and his mother and my niece's in-laws. It was a wonderful day.

One of our Thanksgiving traditions is to go around the table one by one sharing what we are thankful for. This year I found it a hard thing to talk about. I have so much to be thankful for, but it was so hard to put it into words. I have wonderfully supportive family, friends, and medical staff. In spite of all the complications I have encountered with my chemo, I am thankful that I am not going through as much as others I am familiar with. It really is true that no matter how bad things are, someone always has it worse.

I had a recent conversation with someone about not being able to do the things we used to be able to do. It is a difficult thing to realize that you now have limitations. I was asked how I am handling all of this and my response was that I have found new things to do. Since I am not working, I am volunteering more. This is something I am able to do and take great pleasure in doing so.

Oh, there are plenty of times when I feel that life has dealt me a lousy hand, but I refuse to let it keep me down. There is just so much more that I have to accomplish!

I keep busy visiting veteran's in the local veteran's home, helping my church when ever I can, helping to pack meals for shut-ins and keeping busy with the American Legion. It helps to keep me occupied and not feeling sorry for myself.

So cheer up if you aren't already. Go out and volunteer, it not only will give you a lift, but think of what it does for others!

I had another treatment this Monday, every Monday. The rash comes and never completely goes, but does ease up. I still can't sleep on Monday nights, but I am getting used to it. Hopefully my body will adjust. I will be having another CT scan either the end of this month or after the new year begins. So that is where things are this week.!

Sherri