John was In the hospital a lot recently

My husband, John, has been in the hospital a lot recently. I've lost track of the number of times, but I think he's had six hospitalizations in the past few months. 

His immune system never came back after his bone marrow transplant. He's just one of the few who had that complication. So he just keeps catching things this year, even with his IVIG treatments. I guess his IVIG treatments -- 9 hours at a time in the chemo room --  just aren't enough to keep sickness at bay. His cancers are definitely NOT back -- he just hasn't quit catching things this year.

Three of John's hospitalizations were for graham negative and graham positive infections.

During the last hospital stay John actually got sepsis. He had a graham positive infection in his blood.

The doctor took me aside and told me there was a chance John wouldn't make it. She went over to his bedside and explained to him that he must fight very hard. She sort of explained the situation to him.

Her telling John the truth of his situation really surprised me, as I am not used to John's local doctors, as a whole, dealing with us in such a straight forward way. I was most grateful, however, for her straightforwardness, as was John. It allowed John the information he needed to have to fight, and the ability to do so if that's what he chose to do.

I explained to him a little more of what the doctor had said to me while he had been sleeping. "Krissy, I'm going to do it. I'm going to fight," John said to me, looking at me weakly, but in his determined way.

"OK," I said. "I'm going to be quiet then, and let you go into your survival mode, and do whatever you do when you do this, then."

"OK," John said quietly.

"I love you, Honey," I said, and gave him a quick kiss. Then I leaned over and drew a little cross on his forehead. "Good night."

"I love you too," he said. "Good night."

Then he quickly shut his eyes, and with a very determined look on his face, John slipped off into that "survival zone" he goes to when he fights to stay alive. I've seen him do it many times before. He's working hard to stay alive there in that place. Nobody can distract him from that task. Nobody can reach him there until he's ready to come back. Not even his wife. I can't distract him there. He can't hear me. But somehow I think he knows I'm at his bedside.

I have no desire to distract him when he's fighting to survive. He needs all his energy. When he's fought himself safely through he'll be back to talk to me. I can wait. I always wait. Because it's always worth it. Do what you need to do, John, until you're done. Whether you're awake or asleep -- stay in "the zone". I can wait. I always wait.

So I wait for him to come back. To let me know he's going to live. And like each time before this one, he does a stellar job again. Just because he wants to live. Which is more than reason enough.

But I think I made it all sound too easy!
It was scary when he was first sick. In my heart I knew he'd make it, but sometimes I was a little scared.

The first night John's temperature shot up so high that they put him under a "cooling blanket". It was basically a sheet with ice packs sewn into it. He was under that thing for about a day.

At first John didn't respond to any antibiotics they gave him -- I guess the graham positive infection, which had since become sepsis (blood poisoning), was now antibiotic-resistent. But then after a day or two the doctor found an IV antibiotic that worked. Dactomycin.

So after several days of Dactomycin, some time under an ice blanket, and lots of old-fashioned just fighting to survive -- John was good as new.

Except you're never as good as new after these things. It always takes a toll on you. And you need some time to recover. From something or the other. John's latest something or the other is something called "encephalopathy". He got it as the result of the sepsis. It effects his cognition. But that's a subject for another post. That post will come soon enough. I think I've already given you more than enough to read about for today!

I just wanted to let you all know what's going on. I'll keep you updated.

I hope everyone is doing ok. Thanks for continuing to read and comment. God bless you all!  :)

Monday Morning Question for Feb 18 2013

What are you known for? Give the first
answer that comes to your mind!


my answer: I'm known for being honest, direct, and telling it like it is.
That's the first thing that came to mind. As it did, I was kind of taken aback. Something like "loving" or "full of mercy" would have been more to my liking, LOL.

But, you know, I've thought about this one before. Being direct with someone, telling him what's going on, is not a bad thing.  I've come to find, actually, that its a very loving thing. Why would someone want to be in the dark about anything, anyway? I know I don't want to be!

So people do appreciate me for my straight forwardness. And I do love others terribly. I'm so glad they know that, and I hope they find my honesty refreshing! ;)

Now  your turn. No fair not answering! I do this every week and a lot of you don't! Come on.

What are you known for?   

Monday Morning Question for Feb 11 2013

What's the worst advice you've ever been given?

My answer:
"Don't expect anything. Then you won't be disappointed."

That's just way too negative for me, you all! It doesn't encourage one to even look for good in anything, look for any possibilities, encourage one to change his situation or life. It merely sets you up to think of everything as negative, even when it's not. If your life is so negative, go out and do something about it -- change it!

And yes, I've actually been given this bad "advice" of expecting nothing so I won't be disappointed, and from more than one person! I guess they're, what you'd call, cynical. Thanks, but no thanks!

Now, please tell us, in the comment section below, or in your blog with a link back here, the worst advice YOU'VE ever been given.

We're really curious to know! 

Maybe John has Cancer Again

It's going to be another trip to Hershey, PA today --  tomorrow my husband John will be seen in the Hershey Medical Center, Cancer Clinic.   

A few things are going on with John physically.  And it is hard for him in other ways too.  He's undergone a lot of stress.  And to say I haven't gone through a lot of stress also, would definitely be an understatement...

John and I are leaving for Hershey, PA, in a few minutes.  We want to leave early enough so that we'll be at the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge soon. We want  go to bed early, and be fresh in the morning, as John's first  appointment is very early. 

At 8 am, John and I are expected in the Infusion Room, directly above the Cancer Clinic.   John will get labs done in the Infusion Room.

Many things go on in The Infusion Room beside getting labs done.  Some cancer patients get chemo while in the Infusion Room (John has had over 90 rounds of chemo), while other cancer patients get cells (cells from white cells in plasma), that will strengthen their immune system.  This process is called getting IVIG.  IVIG stands for Intravenous Immunoglobulon. IVIG is given to cancer patients to strengthen their immune system, because as I stated, they don't have one.  That's because after a bone marrow transplant, some BMT patients immune systems go away, and some never even ever return.  It doesn't happen often, but it does happen.  So having low antibodies, and not getting his immune system back, did happen to John, of course, LOL.

I said "of course"

because John just keeps keeps getting unusual and far more rare complications than most other BMTers.  It keeps happening, inevitably, year after year.  Maybe the complications are finally slowing down.  I do hope so! Especially for John's  sake.

Because I want him to be more confident that he can relax some, that he can embrace life to it's fullest, to be more secure, and to just love life! I want him to really step out and live his life now.  

Being confident and secure is somebody John has always was, but has had a little bit of trouble being this way, during this last cancer he's had. I mean this third blood cancer John's had.  Actually, I'm not sure if he is on his second or third blood cancer right now.  I've heard two doctors say he had three cancers. The cancers were Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma, MDS (preleukemia), and AML (leukemia).  Some of the other hem/onc doctors said he had the first two cancers but not the leukemia. Dr Claxton, His blood cancer doctor says he had NHL (lymphoma), MDS (bone marrow cancer and preleukemia), and Leukemia.  I am going with what Dr Claxton says, as that is his Dr, and he has known him the longest and the best... He told us this just a few months ago, that he had all three of these cancers, and that at that time about four months ago -- that all four cancers were in complete remission!  Like he thought, 99% John wouldn't be coming out of remission anyway!...  So why didn't I tell you all yet?  I don't know, I just wanted to be sure or something... Make sure I heard him correctly or something... I know I heard him correctly, Dr Claxton I mean, but I  just wanted to ask him a few questions first, before I announced it to you, my friends, and to the world!!

Anyway, getting back to John, my beloved husband, the physical things my husband has gone through, all the cancers (especially the last two), all his chemo treatments and the bone marrow transplant, all his complications and their treatments -- these physical things that can make a person a little shaky (even if it's subconscious), I think could hold someone back a little in life.  He hasn't told me that any illnesses of his are doing that to him.  But I do wonder at times if it happens.  I do know that he is in CKD3 (that's Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3), and that comes before needing permanent dialysis and a kidney transplant (if you're able to find a kidney).  And then there's the thing of his antibodies not being high enough (I'm wondering if this is in the back of his mind, I don't know if it is or not, he doesn't share his health with me too often as he thinks it will make me scared and upset), and if John believes his antibodies aren't working well, that his immune system won't function well enough, even with the artificial boost that it's often given (the IVIG), which could cause him to catch something and die.  He wouldn't have to catch something too serious to die...

On the other hand, John, while going through all this, and even considering it, at the same time, does have a pretty fantastic attitude.  My John has always pulled for life.  My john has always pulled for survival.Each and everyone of us reading this know this.

 So once again, he will go on, fighting anything that could possibly try to harm his body, anything that could possibly mess with his mind, anything that would momentarily dampen his spirits.  My John, our John, is a Survivor, and will always be a Survivor!  Long live the Survivor!  

So after John's 8 am appointment in the Infusion Room, John and I will be headed downstairs to the Cancer Clinic to see Dr Claxton, John's hematologist/oncologist (blood cancer doctor).     

One of the reasons we're going is because John has had numerous complications lately.  And one of them is fevers.  They have gone on for months.  And night sweats.  Anybody who has had cancer before knows what fevers and night sweats almost always mean.  And they know what they mean if they return.  

Fevers and night sweats mean Cancer.  Fevers and night sweats returning mean the possibility of cancer returning.  But then who knows.  We'll see.  I guess it could go 50 50. Please pray.  We have been up to Hershey three times in the past four weeks.  I just don't know.  Please pray.  Yes, I know this is sudden and direct.  I never did beat around the bush, did I, LOL.  I always thought it was much better to get to the point, then we could pray, etc.  Thanks for the prayers.  Got to run,

love you from the bottom of my heart,  your krissy :)  

Good Friday

Good Friday

Does Jesus really love you?  I say look to how He agreed to be crucified.  Look at the old rugged cross. Look at every thorn that punctured His brow.  Look at every mark on His back, every lacerating scourge.  Notice every hair of His beard plucked from His cheeks by cruel fingers.  Consider every bruise which heavy fists made upon His head. Jesus said, "I love you" by all the spit that landed on His face. By every drop of sinless blood that fell to the ground.  Jesus showed His love for you through every breath of pain which He drew upon the cross. By every beat of His loving heart, Jesus, while dying on the cross, stretched out his arms, and said, "I love you this much."  Then He died for you.

Merry Christmas

I've been doing a series about my husband John, and his recovery from the three cancers he is in remission from.  But I've decided to take a break from that today, because this is Christmas, the anniversary of the birth of Jesus.

Merry Christmas!

I want to wish a Merry Christmas to each of you.  I'm hoping you're having a great day today, and continue to have a blessed rest of the year. 

I want to leave you with a video of my favorite Christmas song.  I think The Temptations do a good job of it here.  

If the video above doesn't work please press this link:  Silent Night

I'm wishing you and yours the very best.  Have a Merry Christmas and I'll be back tomorrow to finish the story about John's journey. 

God bless you all,  Krissy :)

John is in remission from three cancers!

We've waited and waited for this day.  Thirteen years to be exact.  When my husband John was 36 years old, as most of you know, he was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  It was unusual how John's physician, at the time, found the cancer.  Dr. Hall was doing surgery for a hernia correction when he found a tumor that happened to be the lymphoma.  It was both one of the worst things that could happen during a hernia surgery, yet a real blessing -- if the surgeon hadn't opened John up, he never would have found the tumor and John would have never started to fight the dreadful cancer he had, which, as I stated, was Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  John had more than one tumor, and was staged at 3B.  And the cancer was in his lymph nodes.  The surgeon stated that if he had not found the cancerous tumor when he had, John would have been dead within six months.  

Back 13 years ago, blood cancer doctors (hematologists/oncologists) didn't have a lot of hope for patients with NHL.  John was told that even if he was put into remission, he probably wouldn't live.  He was advised to be proactive, choose a method of treatment and do everything he could to fight. This would extend his life for only a few years, they said.  And this, the hem/oncs (blood cancer doctors), told John, could buy him enough time until enough time for another treatment  or cure came along, so that if it happened enough time, John would be able to live.

I have asked John how he could live like this.  He has told me, "You do what you got to do.  If you were going to die, you would do what you had to do.  There was no other option.  Everybody keeps calling me brave.  An inspiration.  I am not an  inspiration.  All I did was survive."

On the contrary, I believe John is an inspiration.  I'm not sure I wouldn't have gotten depressed and quit.  I'm not sure I would've been able to last the 13 years, before I was declared OK, and worked so hard.  But then again, you never know.  As John says, "You do what you have to do."  

Okay, this post has gotten long, so I am going to finish it tomorrow.  I hope you come back to read the rest.  Meanwhile, I've got a question for you:

I think John was an inspiration.  I think the fact he did work hard to survive is an inspiration.  I think he did "more than survive" and he's a true hero, trying and trying, until he finally got into remission.  I will explain how his remission, and how Dr Claxton is actually calling it a "cure", came 13 years later, in the next post or two.  But for  now, I want to ask you this:

Did John just do what he had to do?  Or is he an inspiration to you? Just wondering.  I am going to be showing him the answers!

Thanks Quotes

"Let us give thanks"

By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise continually, that is,the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name."

Hebrews 13:15

 

 

"The pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than those who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving."

H U Westermayer

 

 

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."

John Fitzgerald Kennedy

 

 

"A thankful heart is not only the greatest of virtue, but the parence of all virtues."

Cicero

 

 

"Heap high the board with plenteous cheer and gather to the feast, and toast the sturdy pilgrim band whose courage never ceased."
Alice W Brotherton

 

 

"Thanksgiving is nothing if not a glad and reverent lifting of the heart to God in honor and praise for His goodness."

Robert Casper Lintner

 

 

"Thanksgiving dinners take 18 hours to prepare. They are consumed in 12 minutes. Half-time takes 12 minutes. This is not coincidence."

Erma Bombeck

 

 

"When eating bamboo sprouts, remember the man who planted them."

a Chinese proverb

four car pile up

It's been almost two weeks since the car accident.  It came suddenly, just like that.  One minute your life is going along as always, the next minute everything can change.  Well, not everything, but on some days it sure feels like it.

On November 1, John and I were stopped at a red light, behind another car.  We heard a big thud somewhere behind us. "Okay, someone is in trouble," I thought.  Right about that time is when I realized a car was coming toward us, from behind. Bang, right into the back of John and my car.  I thought, "Wow, now this is not possible."  I don't remember too much after that, except that my head jerked hard, John was doing his best to control the car, and then I went forward and then our car went right into the car in front of us.  A four car pile-up.  Yes, I was involved in a four car pile-up. 

The girl all the way in the back admitted it was her fault.  She was cruising along at 35 mph.  She said she was playing with the radio and didn't think the light would turn red, so she didn't look up.  Was looking down and playing with the car radio.  For all I know she was speaking on her cell or texting.  The she shrugged and said, "I didn't mean it.  You know, just one of those things."

But let me digress for a moment.  I said the last thing I remembered was the "bang" when we went into the car in front of us.  That's because I blacked out.  From putting things together, John thinks I was out two or three minutes.  I came to when the girl in the way back, Lauren, who had admitted to the accident, came rapping on my window, after the accident.

So where do things stand now.  I'm going to keep it short, as everything hasn't been settled yet, but I'm suffering from bad pain allover my whole body.  I have severe whiplash amongst other problems.  I am suffering neurological problems.  I am having troubles cognitively -- just trouble problem solving, and remembering.  I walk around in confusion a lot.  I am disoriented at times. For two weeks I didn't know what day of the week it was or what time of the day it was.  I have a lot else going on with my brain, and John has told me he can tell, but I can't tell you what is deficient right now.  That's because I am having trouble even thinking -- my head feels like it is in pea soup.  I don't know if that makes any sense or not. 

I am also having depression and anger.  I think anger in and of itself is a sign of a brain injury anyway. 


Okay, that's all I want to say about it now.    

Except that I am very, very angry.  I don't get angry.  Not like this.  I want my mind back is one of the reasons why I am so angry.  Gee, I am angry.  

I hope I get my mind back.

Would you be angry too, or is that a waste of energy?  I'd love to hear your thoughts, or just a hello from my friends.   krissy  :)  

                                                      quotes

"I don't have to worry about identity theft because no one wants to be me."  - Jay London

"The only thing chicken about Israel is their soup."  - Bob Hope

"It all started when my dog began getting free roll over minutes."  - Jay London

"It's ironic that in our culture everyone's biggest complaint is about not having enough time; yet nothing terrifies us more than the thought of eternity."  - Dennis Miller

"The sole purpose of a child's middle name is so he can tell when he's really in trouble."  - Justine Vogt

"The New England Journal of Medicine reports that 9 out of 10 doctors agree that 1 out of 10 doctors is an idiot."  - Jay Leno

"The road to success is always under construction."  - Lily Tomlin

"Why do they call it rush hour when nothing moves?"  - Robin Williams
 
"Did you hear about the self-help group for compulsive talkers? It's called On And On Anon."  - Sally Davis
 
"Mickey Mouse to a three-year-old is a six-foot-tall rat!"  - Robin Williams

"Did you hear about the dyslexic, agnostic, insomniac? He stayed up all night trying to decide if there really was a dog!"  - Jack Gray
 
"Carpe Diem -- Seize the Check"  ~  Robin Williams

"In England, if you commit a crime, the police don't have a gun and you don't have a gun. If you commit a crime, the police will say, 'Stop, or I'll say stop again.'" - Robin Williams

These quotes were compiled from around the net from the author of  http://joyintherain-val.blogspot.com/ .  For a reason unknown to Val, she has not been able to post them in her blog, Joy in the Rain, for several weeks, nor any quotes or jokes for that matter.  So I wanted to post some of her quotes here in my blog Sometimes I Think, and let you all know the situation.  Please do not give up on Val's blog Joy in the Rain --she is hoping to get it working again soon.  Please check back on her blog as often as possible!  Meanwhile, I hope you enjoyed the quotes above, they are a compilation of some of  hers! 

Take care, Krissy :) 

He Is Risen

Hope you all are having a Happy Easter.  Easter is my favorite day of the year -- it's the day my Savior rose from the dead -- making me forever grateful.  I will leave you with a song I find particularly joyful and uplifting.  God bless you all, and have a great Easter Season in the coming days!  Oh, and I'll give you an update on what's been going on with me soon.  Now please listen to the song if you have time.  You'll be glad you took the time!

                                                    Easter Song
                                                    written and performed
                                                    by Keith Green

                   

John has posted again

I thougth I'd tell you a little about what has been going on with my husband John.

Because of complications from his bone marrow transplant, which he received to put two cancers into remission, my husband John has been unable to post for two years.

This has caused my posting and commenting to also be very infrequent, but that's another story. I'll be posting regularly this year barring some disaster -- you'll just have to wait and see!

Anyway, John has started to feel a lot better, and was finally able to post on December 26, 2010, just a few days ago.

While it's been a little over two years since John has posted, he is going to attempt to post on a regular basis from now on. Or at least as frequently as he can. He is still going through a lot of health issues, but as you all know, he is very stubborn, too stubborn sometimes, LOL, and he isn't going to give up in many areas in his life!

Stubborness (or shall I call it persistence with him) is often a good thing, so perhaps he's not too stubborn! As well as the Lord, stubborness has kept my husband alive. And it will keep him moving forward as he attempts to find his "new normal" in life as a Survivor.

This stubborness will keep him moving forward as he attempts to find what he wants to do in the next few years of his life, and to see what the Lord has in store for him to do in the future.

It will be exciting for him, and for me as well! The future is feeling brighter...

Anyway, if you haven't visited his entry of a few days ago, and would like to, let me give you the link:

Merry Christmas 2010

If youd like to read more of John's blog you'll find it here:


too stubborn to die

Finally, I'd like to say Happy New Year from John and me. May 2011 be your best year yet! God bless you all.

krissy :)

White Christmas by The Drifters

About 10 years ago I received an email containing this video, and found the video hysterical and a good distraction from all the chores of the fast paced Christmas season. Each year I view the video, and I find it more entertaining than the year before.

Merry almost Christmas. Have you ever seen this video and did you enjoy it as well?

monday morning question -- What is the most unique or interesting thing in your purse or wallet?

A lady's purse is notorious for having everything in it but the kitchen sink. I bet you can find a number of interesting items in your purse. But I only want you to name one. What is the most interesting or unique item in your purse? Men, this question is for you also. How about telling us something interesting in your wallet?

Okay, off to scrounge through my purse for my answer!
The most interesting item in my purse is a job description I picked up recently for employment that was listed at my local college. I figured I might do a little part-time work now that John is getting healthier (well, sort of) , and as I was reading the job description, I figured the job couldn't be too difficult. It basically entails getting paid for eating at a local eatery, and then reporting on how the food tastes. I think I can handle getting paid while eating healthy food for free. That's like getting paid twice! The employer needs several people for the job, per the job description I have in my purse, so I'd better call soon before the jobs are all taken! ~ krissy :)

Now it's your turn. What's of most interest in your purse or wallet?

Please leave your answer in the comment section below. Or you can post your answer in your blog, and we'll check it out if you leave a link.

John's been in the Hospital most of the past month

Gall Bladder Surgery, Pancreatitis Surgery -- Hmmm, what'll be next??

So John's in the hospital again. Locally this time. He's been there, oh, I can't remember how long, because I've lost track of time.

I do remember he had the Gall Bladder surgery on May 5th. That was a rough surgery for him, because he has immune system problems. His antibodies never returned after his bone marrow transplant. So it wasn't same day surgery. John had to stay inpatient for awhile.

The surgeon put a Jackson Pratt Drain in John during the surgery. A JP Drain drains excess fluid from the body after surgery. Here's a photo of a JP Drain.

A JP Drain consists of a tube, as well as a bulb for collecting fluid after a surgery. The end of the tube is sewn inside the patient's body during the surgery. The other end of the tube extends way outside the patient's body, and culminates in a rubber bulb in which bodily fluid collects. These bulbs are said to resemble hand grenades. They are capped to create suction (to pull out body fluid that looks like blood to me, but I don't really know what it is!), as to prevent the bloody looking fluid from being trapped inside the body.

Another reason the bulbs are capped are so that people like John and I can empty them and measure how much body fluid they contain, LOL. Let me explain. Oh, and we also had to continuously keep the area of the drain and the wound sterile and bandaged at all times. This was very difficult because the area around the John's JP drain frequently leaked. I don't know if it was supposed to, but John's did!

Daily I had to measure how much blood filled the hand grenade thingy (capped rubber bulb)that was attached to this long rubber tube stitched to John's belly, peering out of a gaping wound. I had to do this by carefully uncapping the bulb and dumping the bodily fluids into a measuring container. John and I would take turns doing this, and laugh, actually.

We laughed because we had to put measurements on an official "Nurses' Chart", as well as comments. We had to sign our "Nurse's Names" at the top of the chart, as well as our "Nurse's Initials," and initial each time we made a comment, so that everyone would know which "nurse" had taken care of John! What we were doing was somewhat complicated, and the reason we were laughing so hard was because we weren't nurses, yet we had to fill out this complicated Nurses' Chart.

So one day into this little project, as we were filling out our paperwork, I looked up to the top of the chart that we were required to fill out per the hospital, and were to bring to to John's appointment in about a week and give to Dr. Martin, and impulsivity overtook me. I began to mark up the official chart the hospital had given me! The one we had been so meticulous on thus far. I didn't care that it was going back to Dr. Martin!

Above Nurse's Names I wrote the word Faux. After all, we were Faux Nurses, LOL. I continued to mark up the chart, and John and I just kept on laughing. Anything for a laugh for John and me. We needed it by this time.

And John started to mend.

Little did we know that in a few days he would be sick again.

But I'll post about that tomorrow or the next day. I'm oh so tired from going to the hospital constantly -- eight times in the past two months, if you count the totally necessary emergency room visits.

Just suffice it to say John suddenly began to have very serious pain, off and on, and then very high fevers. We had to go to Hershey Medical Center (Hershey Hospital) and John was hospitalized there. There they discovered pneumonia in two places in his lungs but couldn't figure out what was really making him sick. Then suddenly John's fever lowered and he was discharged.

So home we went. And of course his very high fevers returned, and he had extremely severe pain. And into the local hospital he went again. Where he had another surgery, and where he remains even now. But I'll tell you that story more in depth in a day or two.

Stay tuned for --

The Stone That Got Away!

3 Hairs

3 Hairs

There was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror,
and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.

"Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today."

So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror, and saw that she had
only two hairs on her head.

"Hmmm," she said, "I think I'll part my hair today."

So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror, and noticed that she had
only one hair on her head.

"Well," she said, "today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail."

So she did, and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror, and noticed that there
wasn't a single hair on her head.

"YAY!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"

Attitude is everything! It can make or break your day.

Everyone you come in contact with is fighting battles like you. Let's take care of one another. And don't forget to take care of yourself!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


This poem is dedicated to all my cancer survivor friends. Hang in there Laurie, Phil, Jeannette, Patti, Fritz, Tom, Michelle, Jamie, Georgia, and each and every one of you. ;)

Most of all this poem is dedicated to my husband John, who went bald numerous times during his cancer ordeal.


John without much hair, during one of his 100+ blood transfusions


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If you have cancer or know someone who does, please visit your local American Cancer Society. The link is listed below. When you get to the ACS website, enter your zipcode in the box on the top right of the page to find ACS help in your local area.

American Cancer Society

If you are a cancer patient and would like to receive a card to encourage you, click the link below, then click on "REQUEST A JUMP" on the top right of the page. If you would like to send a card to a cancer patient, click the same link below, and click on "BECOME A JUMPER."

SPIRIT JUMP

See also my Sister Valerie's blog today, she also wrote a cancer awareness message~

Joy in the Rain 3 Hairs, Cancer Awareness

Remember, be good to each other, be good to yourself, and attitude really is everything!

Have a GRAND day!

all my love, krissy :)

The Resurrection of Jesus

The Resurrection Of Jesus

Matthew 24: 1-12

But at daybreak on the first day of the week they took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb; but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were puzzling over this, behold, two men in dazzling garments appeared to them. They were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground. They said to them, "Why do you seek the Living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has been raised. Remember what He said to you while He was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners and be crucified, and rise on the third day." And they remembered his words. Then they returned from the tomb and announced all these things to the eleven and to all the others. The women were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James; the others who accompanied them also told this to the apostles, but their story seemed like nonsense and they did not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb, bent down, and saw the burial cloths alone; then he went home amazed at what had happened.

Below is a beautiful video to listen to, which will help us worship the Lord Jesus.

Jesus will save each of us from our sins if we ask him, and if we continue to follow him. It's what I'm going to do. What's your choice -- follow him or no?



I hope you're having a having a happy Easter, and have a great week! Krissy :)

Of Hip Replacements for John and the First Day of Spring

It's the First Day of Spring -- March 20, 2010

Even today as I look around, I see some patches of snow in the very cold part of Pennsylvania in which I live, but the snow is almost gone. Two days ago, as John and I were on our way to Hershey Medical Center, his cancer treatment center, I saw my first real promise that Spring would be here soon -- a clump of deep, vibrant purple crocuses. Then as John and I pulled into the hospital parking lot we saw a sea of yellow daffodils! I knew Spring was approaching fast!
Today I can see and feel Spring everywhere and I'm finally feeling good.

This has been the longest, coldest Winter I can remember. There has been snow on the ground for months, and it has perhaps been snowing more days than not this Winter. Or so it seems. And I feel I've finally made it through a long, dark time.

And yet, there will be some more tough days to come. When we were up at Hershey Medical Center these past few days, my husband John found that Graft Versus Host Disease had returned to his eyes. GVHD can be a sign that your donor has rejected you after a bone marrow transplant, and that your cancer will return or has returned.

No, John's donor has not rejected him -- most likely -- and he is still in remission from his two cancers. Thank God for that. John is just having problems with his eyes -- itching, burning, and a little trouble seeing.

Another thing John has been dealing with on this visit is a lump and something suspicious possibly indicative of cancer found in his body during a CT scan last week. That's one of the reasons we're in Hershey right now. But John and I are not worrying. Gee, if we worried about every scare, we'd go nuts! So we'll wait and see what happens. We're going home on Saturday (first day of Spring!) and John will most likely get the suspicious areas looked at there, by his local oncologist, Dr. Ford. If not, we'll come back to Hershey soon.

If it does turn out that John does have another cancer, he could possibly even be treated where we live. That would mean that we wouldn't have to make so many trips to Hershey Medical Center. We believe Hershey is the best place to go in the world if you need cancer treatment. It is just becoming difficult to make the 210+ mile round trip for us when John goes for check-ups or receives treatments.

I guess I should mention one more thing about John. While at home, a few days before leaving for Hershey Medical Center, he had an MRI, because he had a pain level of 7 for several months in his pelvic area (on his backside).

The MRI showed Osteo Necrosis. For those of you who don't know how to
translate that, Osteo means "bones" and necrosis means "dead" or "dying."
As in "dead bones."

John will have to get two hip replacements to correct the Osteo Necrosis -- one in each hip.

Dr. Claxton wants John to get treatment for the Osteo Necrosis, at least initially, back where we live. First he will get bone medication, then he will get the hip replacements. John will see an Orthopedic Surgeon as soon as he gets back home.

We don't know how soon the replacements will be -- within days or years. We'll have to go back home and ask our local Orthopedic Surgeon.

Yes, I'm glad it's Spring, but I'm already tired from the challenges that lay ahead!

But John and I are always up for challenges, I guess, because that's the way we live our lives. So, one day at a time, onward...

love you all, krissy :)

It's My Birthday

Today is my birthday. And yes, I'm in my forties.

Until a few years ago, I never thought I'd like this decade. How frightening, I thought. But I'm pretty much at peace with it. I'm feeling old, but it could be a lot worse!

I'm looking back, considering all the things I never accomplished -- all the things I have yet to do! At the same time, I'm looking at all the things I have done.

In the past year, since my last birthday, I have learned so much, and have really grown.

I've met a lot of people and learned a lot of skills. I've grown a tougher skin and gained a lot of self-confidence. I have come to learn more of who I am and what I can do. I've realized the possibilities in my life are almost endless, and I've picked up a lot of new challenges. I look at the world in a positive way now, for the first time again in years, and am ready to take on what comes along, with the help of the Lord. Life is looking good.

I know it won't always be easy, by any stretch of the imagination, but I also know I'll be able to survive now, and sometimes even thrive. I will be okay...

And that is what life has taught me in my 40s. It is a much more comfortable place to be than in my 30s. I can only wait to see what life brings next!

love you all, krissy :)

My First Bracelet

The first bracelet I've ever made

I'm designing and making jewelry now. This is the first bracelet I made. My sister Therese calls it "Tropical Citrine." John calls it my "Brady Bunch Bracelet." What do you think? Did I do a good job? And what would you call it?

Krissy :)