I AM DOING FINE!

Hi All,

I know that I do not post as often as some of you might like, but just think, that is a good thing. It means I am out and about doing something! My intentions are to keep going and keep doing as long as I feel as good as I do and as long as I am able!

My next CT scan is this week, 5/28. I will let you all know the results as soon as I know them!

I hope you are all having a great holiday weekend. Please honor our veterans and if you see one at the mall, or at the local grocery store, take a minute and say thank you!

Love to you all, Sherri

Happy Memorial Day

IF YOU CAN READ THIS, THANK A TEACHER. IF YOU CAN READ THIS IN ENGLISH THANK A VETERAN! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR TROOPS. WHETHER YOU BELIEVE OUR INVOLVEMENT IS IMMORAL OR NOT, PLEASE SUPPORT THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE FOUGHT AND ARE STILL FIGHTING TO KEEP OUR COUNTRY FREE!

In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae, May 1915
In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the skyThe larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead.

Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Inspiration for the Poem
In the second week of fighting during the Second Battle of Ypres a Canadian artillery officer, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, was killed on 2 May, 1915 by a German artillery shell. He was a friend of the Canadian military doctor Major John McCrae. John was asked to conduct the burial service owing to the chaplain being called away on duty elsewhere. It is believed that later that evening John began the draft for his famous poem 'In Flanders Fields'.

Time and how it flies!

I can't believe that we have already entered the middle of May! The days just keep flying by. There really is not a whole lot new to report. When I saw the doctor this week, he said he considers me "stable" as my blood work has been stable for 3 months, I am tolerating chemo well, and I have full liver function. I will be getting a CT scan latter this month to see how things really are. Depending on those results will depend on what route we take with my chemo. I still feel good, although I must admit, some days after chemo I feel really crappy. The steroids they give me with the chemo affect my sinuses and make my head feel like it is wound tight. But that passes and I still feel good.

Nothing else to report at this time. Will catch up with you all again soon.

Sherri

May Day and other things...

Today is May first and with that comes mental images of days long ago when we danced around the Maypole in school. Yes, I know that is showing my age. I remember in my elementary school, Glenmount #235, Baltimore MD, going out to the playground, where streamers were hanging from a large pole. We got to grab the end of one of the streamers and weave in and out as we danced around the pole. Even though the first day of spring falls in March, many, including myself, look at May first as the official first day of spring. The weather finally becomes springlike, the flowers and trees are in full bloom, and the snow is gone (if you live in the right climate).
I am happy that the warm weather is finally here. Spring is a wonderful sign of hope and renewal! I have still been having work done around the house, this time more painting. I fianlly got smart and hired someone to finish the painting instead of trying to do it myself. It is almost finished and I will have my house back in order. No visitors until it is!!!
As for the rest of my life, I just got back from Las Vegas last week. No I did not win any money, nor did I lose any! I am not a gambler. I went to Vegas just to see it, as I had never been there before. I saw a couple of shows and enjoyed the sights.
My chemo is marching on. I still go every week. My oncologist just had a baby and I am seeing one of her associates, whom I must confess I like better and am considering asking to stay with.
On a happy note, my CEA levels have gone down. This is a good indication that the chemo is having a good effect, however, the CT scan I will have in May will tell the real tale. You can read about CEA tests at the following: http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/cea/test.html
I am still busy as usual, always on the go and that is the way I like it. I rest when I am tired, but will keep up my lifestyle as long as I am able.
Not much else going on at this point, Happy May Day! Sherri