NANA NOTES

HAPPY HOLIDAY

FREEDOM ROCKS!!!

HAPPY

JULY 4th!!!

 

A WONDERFUL FRIDAY

Friday morning started out with a visit from Kathy [my friend of 25 years who is the #1 elite executive director of Mary Kay cosmetics!!].  There is a long story there but that could be many posts! :)  She did my make up with new products and we had a wonderful visit.

Ed, Ryan and Exal came in for lunch [the usual Friday burger and fries with peach cobbler and ice cream] and after that Kelly, Kenley and Kay came.  Kenley announced that their Himalayan cats were "pregant". They have a pair and are eagerly awaiting the birth.  Kenley and Gran brought me beautiful bottles from Germany for the bottle tree. We visited a little while and then it was off to see the animals. Kenley wanted to see the baby peacock and I told her I knew where there were 11 new puppies! The peacock was responsive to our photo session and we enjoyed it.  We gathered feathers from the males and Kenley had a bouquet to take home.

We toured the apiary to look at the bees. Kenley had lots of questions but Ed wasn't around to answer them. That can be another trip.

Next to the puppies.  Can you believe eleven babies from one mother???   That's un believable to me.  How will she take care of them?

Then for the surprise------Donna's dog had two puppies!

We all got more than we bargained for but it was fun. One of the black and white puppies didn't have a tail and the other one did.  Thanks, Donna for letting us visit.

It was off to the house where the piano tuner showed up and we had to get ready to go to dinner with friends. Let me recommend the Ducks Nest. It was delicious.

Home again and two laps around the drive way to walk off dinner.  A really good nights sleep and a lazy Saturday morning so far--Ed let me sleep in--no walking this morning.

What might he have in store for me later???????   Miles to go before I sleep!!  :)

 

 

 

 

CAN'T SLEEP

Cried myself to sleep last night; now it's almost 5:00 AM and I've been up since 4:00 AM.  Can't sleep.  Sterioids have kicked in and have a fever.  Took Excedrin at 11:30 PM to try to stop aching bones.  So far this morning I'm not hurting.  One of my friends on chemo told me about the Excedrin.  I hope it works.  Feeling like you have the flu constantly is the pits.  Enough whining!! 

Spent most of yesterday in Natchez in the chemo room.  Donna, Julia, "driver Debra" and me.  It was interesting.  We ate lunch at the Sandbar [finished at 4 PM] and headed home since Julia had someplace to be.  Debra and I went straight from their home to McComb for groceries.  I was a tired little puppy when I got home. I have to admit that anything that didn't need refridgeration or freezing is still on the counter.  Cereal was the dinner of choice.  Found Ed walking out front.  He's more obsessive than ME. 

Last night I got up and went to the "happy place".  I swang until the outside lights went out.  It's beautiful out there at night too.  A friend of Ed's has a huge telescope he's trying to get rid of.  I'm making the call today.  I want it.  The stars and sunsets out here are so beautiful.  Even when you think you have nothing to be thankful for--just look UP.

You may have noticed a sidebar on the right of the blog that says "Follow me on Twitter" or "Twitter Updates".  If you're interested in my instant thoughts or quick chemo updates that's where they will be.  Jennifer got me into that and it's a fun thing.  Technology is amazing and I'm having fun with the new stuff.  Check it out.

Four more days until a group of us girls leave for the beach.  We're counting the seconds and packing our bags--not clothes, but stitching, scrapbooking, beading, reading, swimsuits, and laptops.  We're going to have a fun trip.  Oh, and we're taking Dooley!!  By popular vote, I might add.

I am looking for a scripture to end this post:  These all spoke to me.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  2 Cor: 3:17

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Phil 4:13 [Jen's fav]

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your reauests to God.   Phil: 4-6

For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jer 29:11  [my personal fav]

Each one should use whatever gifts he has received to serve others.  1 Peter 4:10  [Debra and I discussed this yesterday---interesting I should read this now.]

Have a very happy, blessed day.  That's what I am choosing to do.

MY HAPPY PLACE

My new "happy place"!  These swings have been at the back barn for years.  We used them when we had the cow sales and they've just been hanging there with no one using them.  Why didn't I think of this before?!!  We had them painted and bought cushions.  Eric hung them on the front porch and I've spent many hours out there reading and sleeping in the cool breeze.  I love the swings.  It reminds me of when I would spend summers at my grandmother's house and swing in her swings.  The memories that come back are good ones--happy ones.  Come by and visit and we'll sit and enjoy my new "happy place".

CHEMO PARTY

Can chemotherapy be fun? Oh, you bet!!  Today Debra drove Donna and me to Natchez for our treatment.  Donna's daughter Julia went too.  We left home at 10:00 for our two appointments [three hours worth of drips] and then had lunch at Pizza Hut.  A quick stop at Walmart and then to the house.

I know that I told you about my doctor's visit on Tuesday.  I also said I was a little down when I left because I didn't get to see the "pictures".  Well, today that changed.  We all got to see them.  And you are too. That is--if you want to.  You can stop here and not go any further and my feelings won't be hurt.  It's up to you.

On the right picture [FEB) look at the far right white box on the bottom.  It has lots of "black spots" on it in the middle. The ones on the left and right are my kidneys. They are ok.

The middle picture (APR) the same white box on the right--the spots are fewer.  The picture on the left (MAY) same white box on bottom right--only one SMALL black spot between the kidneys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IS GOD GOOD OR WHAT???????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, you can have fun on a Chemo day--you can have a party--you can praise God and give Him the glory for the good things He's doing in your life.

Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you."  And the woman was healed from that moment.  Matthew 9:22

Edit--I just realized that you can't enlarge the PET scan pictures--take my word for it!  The tumor is SHRINKING--BIG TIME!!!!!

GETTING SMALLER IS THE ANSWER!!

Apparently everyone is waiting for this post.  I figured the word had spread by now but here goes.  My doctor's appointment on Tuesday went well.  He said the tumor is getting smaller and that the CAT scan was negative.  I didn't get to see the pictures this time [maybe tomorrow] so I was a little disappointed.  Thursday I start a 16 week regimen of treatments of chemotherapy every Thursday.  He gave us all the "possibilities" of side effects and reactions.  There are a few of each to watch for.  He also gave [and will give] me new medications for these and nausea.  I have no doubt that when scans come again that I will be even better.  Once again I cling to Jeremiah 29:11---

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

40 YEARS TODAY

Fourty years ago today I was getting ready for my wedding.  I did not know what I was getting into--neither did Ed.  We were very young and thought we knew what love was.  I asked him this morning if he ever thought we would have made it this long.  And then I said, "of course, because that's what you do!"  He agreed. We haven't always had it right, but we've always had it.  It's better now than it ever has been and I'm glad.  Yes, I would marry him all over again.  Fourty years ago it was young and in love--now it's older and loving each other.  HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, PAPA!!

There is no wedding picture to scan [not that I would want you to see it :)--I can't find the book after we moved twelve years ago!!

RAINY DAY SPA

Today was a rainy day at Cotton Branch.  Thank goodness I had scheduled some spa time for Libby and me.  Kate and Debbie came for facials, pedis and massages.  The rain fell and we relaxed--a whole afternoon of talking [or quiet], laughter and fellowship.  It's nice to have two good friends who are wonderful "spa" professionals.  Thanks Deb and Kate! Kate took pictures of Libby [r] and me [l] with our "mud masks".  It really was mud!!

Aah, then on to the feet!

You'll just have to take my word for it on the massages.  Life is good!

PRICELESS. . .

I received flowers twice this week.  The one on the left is from my sweet niece Abbey.  She went to a festival last year with the school and bought something to drink in the blue bottle. She saved it.  When she read about my bottle tree blowing over and breaking all my beautiful colored bottles she sent me this one.  How sweet is that?!  Her mother put some of the jasmine from our old house in it and brought it to me.  Abbey is also the precious granddaughter who stands in the prayer line at her other grandmother's church to pray for me.

The beautiful bouquet on the right is from my dear sweet husband.  He has been surprising me with lovely flowers off and on since I was diagnosed in February.  They all have been beautiful and had special notes attached.

I'm sure Abbey had to pay for the drink in the bottle.  The jasmine was free. The flowers Ed sent cost as well.  But as the commercial says------------------Flowers---$$$         Delivery---$$$$           Love attached---PRICELESS!!!

UPDATE:   Today was my fourth chemo treatment.  I was blessed to have three friends sit with me for four hours while I received four drips.  Afterwards we went out to lunch and went plant shopping.  Talking nonstop and enjoying each others company was the highlight of my day.

GAME PLAN:  Treatment will change after CAT and PET scans in three weeks.  Depending on what the scans say, we will either do weekly chemo or radiation.  This is the result of a new study that has just come out that shows a much higher survival rate (I'm in favor of that!!!).  I will be taking the Faslodex shot monthly for the rest of my life instead of the Femora pill for five years.  (Same study--same result) The shot is a "kick @#$ shot" that hurts for about three days but I can live with that if it means that I will live longer!!  My life is in the hands of two awesome men--God being the first and Dr. Rod being the second.  God loves me and Dr. Rod eats the cakes that I take to his office. [He doesn't eat sweets!] That's gotta tell you something!

COUSINS UNITE

For the fourth time in ten years family and friends gathered in the Tishomingo UMC to say goodbye to a family member.  It's a small church with stained glass windows and a fellowship hall that has hosted many dinners for the Southward family.  It's heard the laughter and the tears.  I managed to get this many "cousins" to stand still for a pic after Uncle Hal's funeral. The service was beautiful and I can imagine the reunion going on in heaven.

Shara (third from right in orange) called last night to say that Uncle Joe is in the hospital with complications of diabetes.  He and Uncle Fairless are the only ones left in Mom's family.  Please be in prayer for Uncle Joe as decisions are being made for his care.  Uncle Fairless and Aunt Lonette are planning on coming to the reunion on the 24th. Pray for their health as well.  We look forward to a fun gathering of all the cousins who can be here.

MORE THAN I EXPECTED

I received a call yesterday from my cousin that his father had slipped peacefully away to heaven in his sleep about 6:00 AM.  When I thought about it I realized that I had waked up before daylight and could not go back to sleep.  I got up at 6:30 AM and put on my walking shoes.  I got both dogs and off we went for a walk.  I found myself praying out loud and I had included my three uncles (the one who had died) and my aunt.  It's getting close to our family reunion and I asked God for health enough for them to make it to our home and strength enough for them to enjoy it. They all have had health problems in the last year or so.  Tom and I made plans to come to Tishomingo for the services and we left early this morning.  I realized after an hour or so on the road that I should order some flowers.  My cousin had mentioned a shop in Burnsville and I called it.  I told the girl that I wanted something "wonderful, awesome and very different from the usual funeral stand--something my uncle would like."  Being an ex-flower shop owner and a master flower show judge, I told her that I would be there to see it (that scares them!).  Our trip was long but we enjoyed it.  Sometimes we talked and sometimes we didn't.  When we walked into the funeral home, this is what we saw when looking at the flowers.  I think you'll be as pleased as we all were.  It stood about four feet tall and looked like a tree in a flower garden.  The pot held a bird's nest fern and there was also a bird house with a blue bird perched on it. The flowers were tulips, gerbers, carnations, iris, daisies and roses with grasses and ferns.  It was a knock-out!!  If you ever need flowers close to Burnsville, MS call the Burnsville Florist!!  She can do the job.

Please pray for Hal Jr. and his family. They will miss Uncle Hal.

There were six--now there are two.

THE END IS NEAR (repair people that is!)

Today I ran away. Four of us were supposed to go for a girl's outing but two couldn't go. Libby and I headed for Hattiesburg.  Spent way too much money and had too much fun.  Was so tired when I came home but I walked around the yard and looked at everything that has been done so far. Let me list it for you:    

1. All wood on the house has been replaced with "hardy board".
2. Most of the doors have been replaced.
3. Ed's shower has been torn out (yet to be fixed!)
4. The painters are repainting the house. They found termites in the shutters which will have to be repaired.
5. During the wood removal, termites were found.  The landscape people have cut down all the shrubs (azaleas, camellias, roses, etc.) and remulched the entire yard.
6. The termite crew is coming on Tuesday.
7. The pool sweep "Skippie" had a leak in the line.  Concrete torn up and line repaired.  Now we need new concrete in one area of the pool. (waiting on that!) Pool concrete will have to be painted since it won't match.
8. The roofers put on a whole NEW roof!!!
9. Had the entire deck replaced last summer.
10. The sewer line for the garbage disposal/washing machine backed up. Had to have it dug up and replaced.
11. I had a fire in the stove and the kitchen has to be repainted. (You can go back to that blog!!)
12. When Ed and I were coming in tonight, the garage doors went crazy. I was standing there trying to work them and some would work and some wouldn't.  A call to the "garage door man" will be on the list tomorrow.
13. Ed mentioned that I might get the elevator checked since we're having the reunion in five weeks.
14. The landscape people have to plant summer color in the front.  I decided none in the back.  Pots will have to do.

When I reread this it sounded like something Kelly wrote after she moved. I fully understand now Kelly how you felt.  "Murphy" is stalking us--if it can happen it will!

I'm going to take some pictures and let you see how pretty things are getting around here.  We're very happy with what's being done.  Hopefully we won't have to do this anymore!!

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

It seems that while waiting for Lou to have her baby she got left out.  She was late in delivering and other things were happening that took precedence over her post.  She didn't seem to mind; she's a good mother and her baby is a boy--a "one holer" as the boys would say.  He is a beauty, but then all of the babies are beautiful to me.

Ed and I rode over to Cracker Barrel today for an early supper.  After we got home we took some things to the dump and rode through the farm.  We saw a turkey, six deer, two quail and the usual horses, cows, donkey, geese and peacocks.  As we pulled up to the house Ed counted what we had seen.  As he said, "all is right on the Branch".  That's a good feeling.

GOD'S GIFT

My week of anxiety ended today. Dr. R greeted us with his usual warm handshake and started asking questions.  I couldn't stand it. I stopped him and blurted out--"cut to the bottom line; what did the pictures say?"  He took us to the room where the scan pictures were and began to explain them. This is what he said (the bottom line): my tumor has decreased 50%; the cancer markers have decreased 20%; there is no lymph node involvement at this time. We will continue with the course of treatment and rescan after two more treatments. 

This morning I got on my knees and asked God to please let me hear good news from the doctor if that was His will. If that was not His will, I asked for the grace to accept the news I received.

Dr. R told me before we left that my prayers were being answered.  I told him "no, everyone else's prayers were being answered."  I find it very easy to praise God for what He does and to pray for others.  It's very difficult for me to pray for myself. The prayers that are being said on my behalf are being felt by me on a daily basis.  I feel surrounded by a soft, warm blanket and I am very thankful for that feeling.  I told Ed today that I want very much to live. God's grace, Dr. R's knowledge and treatment and your prayers will make that a reality.  Thank you.

TRYING TO STAY BUSY. . .

Ed has been doing all he can to cheer me up this weekend.  It's not that I'm sad or down, it's more like I'm preoccupied--just not myself.  I guess it's because I had scans last week and tomorrow we get the results.  That's a little exciting and scary at the same time.  One of those--I want to know but I don't want to know--kind of things.  I was looking through my pictures looking for something to blog (trying to keep busy) and saw the picture of my bottle tree.  It was (and I say "was") really colorful and pretty.  A storm blew it over and broke most of my bottles.  You don't find orange, blue and pink bottles very often. [And for your "Northerners who are reading this--bottle trees are a Southern thing--yard art, we call it!!] So, I don't know why I picked this picture and what it has to do with me being anxious but it led me to these scriptures. God knew.

Humble yourselves, therefore under God's almighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you.  1 Peter 5:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  Phil. 4:6

A LITTLE NAP TIME

Today has been a busy day for me. It started out with a meeting this morning, lunch at noon with Ed and several guys who "dropped in", the "home going" of a dear friend this afternoon, and another meeting after that.  I finished up about 7:00 PM.  HOWEVER--this was the sight I left after lunch and couldn't resist taking a picture of two of my favorite guys!!  Papa has been so busy lately he has neglected his short snooze after lunch.  His foot isn't any better (going to a sports meds doc tomorrow) and he decided to take a nap.  Dooley wanted to nap with him.  I have not seen him sleep like that and I fell out laughing.  What more could a man want--his dog (or mine), a blanket, and the remote!!!

Life at CB has slowed down to a fast pace--We only have carpenters, and painters, (soon roofers, termite treaters, and flower bed mulchers).  We could have built a new house for what is going on around here.  Thank goodness when all this is finished, hopefully we will NEVER have to do anything to this house again!!!!!

Quick update:  I am feeling really well.  Little or no nausea, good appetite and only slight tiredness.  I definitely know when I overdo.  When people say they are praying I believe it.  I CAN FEEL IT!!!  I love you all. 

GOD'S PLAN

This is a time in your life when you must learn to let go: of loved ones, of possessions, of control. In order to let go of something that is precious to you, you need to rest in My Presence, where you are complete.  Take time to bask in the Light of My Love.  As you relax more and more, your grasping hand gradually opens up, releasing your prized possession into My care.

You can feel secure, even in the midst of cataclysmic changes, through awareness of My continual Presence.  The One who never leaves you is the same One who never changes: I am the same yesterday, today, and forever. As you release more and more things into My care, remember that I never let go of your hand.  Herein lies your security, which no one and no circumstance can take from you.  Hebrews 13:8

My goal was to keep my hair until after church on Easter Sunday.  God allowed me to do that--although it was VERY close.  After lunch, my brother said he would "clip" my head.  Ed and Jody hit the road; they didn't want to see it done.  Tiffany and Shirlee went to Jennifer's to get the clippers. (The Cowarts were at Shelly's mothers and I didn't tell them.)  I WAS READY!  I went outside and started pulling it out; letting the wind carry it off.  I had a few choice words to mutter by myself and to my surprise most of it came out.  That was cleansing for me.  Tom clipped it and I DID NOT CRY.  IT WAS TIME! One more step down the bumpy road.  Everyone was ok with this but Josh and he'll get used to it.  He just doesn't want his mother to be sick and not have hair.

Later that night I read the devotional for what I thought was for Sunday.(above)  Ed and I were sitting there with looks of "wow" on our faces. Then I discovered that I had read the devotional for the following day. BUT, I believe that God planned for me to read the wrong day to show me that I had done the right thing. He gave me strength and courage to take control of my situation and conquer my fears; to let go of my "prized possession". He's even given me the courage to go out and face people.  I am not afraid.

Psalm 118:17-- I shall not die but live and declare the works of the LORD.

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

This is the group of ladies that gathered together for the "Hat Party".  The "instigator" doesn't want to be identified and isn't in the picture but knows that I was overwhelmed.  Just the fact that my girls gave up their Saturday for me was enough to bring tears to my eyes.

Linda and Janice wanted their own picture. These two girls keep me going. I couldn't make it without them.

Everybody should have a daughter and son like these.  Jody and Tiffany couldn't be there and they were missed. (They went to church and ate lunch with us yesterday-we had a great time.)

Let me tell you once again that never have I been so surprised or happy. My day was wonderful and the hats are DEFINITELY going to come in handy.  I now have NO hair.  My husband is married to the sexiest 60 year old bald woman you have the pleasure of knowing.  And do you know what-----it's OK!!!!!

For I know the plans I have for you declared the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11

Thank you to everyone who had a part in this "Hat Party".  I love you all and I will never, ever forget it.  And to the instigator--forever and always!!

RUNWAY # 2-NANA'S HAT PARTY

Debra gave me some "walking hats".  She really worked it--tennis shoes, pedometer and all.  She's been my trainer since August and I've been so grateful for her.  Terri has me ready for the bike races with a blinged up HGC bike hat.

Myra has me ready to go "butterfly catching" as I tiptoe through the flowers. 

Since it's turkey season, Sharon thought I needed a pink hunting hat.  She even showed me how she uses the turkey call and she wasn't too bad!  Janice said she wore three hats--one for cooking, one for the farm and one for helping with the grandchildren.  She enjoyed the party and was so much fun!

Charlotte sewed buttons on a couple of hats--one with butterflies and the other with bright color buttons.  She even gave me extras in case I loose one!

Ms Bling herself, Jimmie Lou brought sparkles!  I'm ready for the 4th of July.

Laura has me ready to go hiking with a Mossy Oak hiking hat.  I can't get there fast enough, Laura!

As you can see they all had a blast and insisted that I try on each hat.  I loved them all.

Never have I been so suprised and so happy about a surprise!  The afternoon was a delight and I am so grateful to everyone.

Disclaimer:  I knew nothing of this and if you are one of my closest and dearest--please don't have your feelings hurt. 

The final installment will come later.

I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy. . Phil. 1:3-4

LET THE FUN BEGIN!

After watching the balloons go up they took me into my own house that had been decorated with beautiful flowers and LOTS of wonderful and delicious food.  We ate and enjoyed visiting. I was then escorted to a seat and told that there would be a "presentation". Knowing this bunch like I do--I wasn't sure what was coming up. There was a look of skepticism on my face.  And then Mary Kathryn appeared with a HAT on---does that tell you what was happening? A HAT PARTY!!!                

Mary Kathryn had the John Deere look.  Libby was sporting red bling.      

Jennifer came out sporting a cowboy hat with a huge yellow gerber on it. She had on her beautiful boots too!    

Joddie had a very soft t-shirt hat from a special lady called "Head Covers". The story was very sweet and touched me deeply. 

Leave it to Cookie to come up with something very different.  The very first Lake Okhissa hat!!  That makes me special!!

And last for tonight--Linda (YaYa) my dear, sweet, housekeeper--who gave up her Saturday; who I ran into at Walmart; whose eyes got bigger than Dallas when she saw me--gave me a "Clean up after Dooley" hat!!

Each person had a story--we laughed (I cried). Oh, what fun!  This is just the first group of "models".  Check in tomorrow for the second group as NANA'S HAT PARTY continues---------------------------------------------------