|
|
|
|
|
Users viewing this topic:
none
|
|
Login  | |
|
Just keep praising - 6/16/2009 3:39:36 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1904
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
For He stands at the right hand of the needy one,
to save his life from those who condemn him.
Psalm 109:31
The LORD is with me; he is my helper. Psalm 118:7
Hebrews 10:10 "We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
Ecclesiastes 7:8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.
Romans 8:4-6 “So that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace”
♪ ♫ ♥ ♪ ♫ ♥ ♫ ♪ ♥ ♫ ♪
Wow, I woke really early this morning, around 5:45, thinking it was 7:00 or so and dozed but couldn’t get back to a deep sleep. I was up by 6:30 and got busy with my day.
I started a couple of dishes for tonight’s cook-out. I’m waiting for some jello to congeal and whipping cream to chill so I can finish one of Grandma Alcorn’s special desserts. I made extra sweet tea and a gallon of Grape Kool-Aid for those who prefer that.
I’m going to also make Frozen Peanut Butter Sandwiches as a dessert but don’t have any Graham Crackers. I’ll remember to pick those up when we go BACK to the store for chicken. Can you believe not one grocery store had any chicken breasts yesterday? Wow! Delivery is today, so we’ll go out this morning and get those two things. With the leftover peanut butter mixture, I’ll make a Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie.
Frozen Peanut Butter Sandwiches:
1 cup milk
½ cup peanut butter
1 small pkg. instant vanilla pudding
Blend and put between graham crackers. Freeze.
Warning…. This makes about 14 ‘sandwiches’ and my kids would eat them all within minutes. I double the recipe and put the remainder in a graham cracker pie crust, topping it with deep chocolate pudding for a Reese’s Peanut Butter pie. I don’t freeze that one.
Whipped Jell-o Dessert (I love this and I HATE Jell-O)
1 pkg lemon Jell-o
1 pkg strawberry Jell-o
¼ cup sugar
Rind of 1 lemon and juice of one lemon
Cool and when congealing, whip well
Chill 1 can of evaporated milk. Whip it and add to Jell-o mixture.
Poor over crushed cookies or graham cracker crumbs. Any cheap vanilla wafer or shortbread type cookie is fine. Top with crushed cookies and chill.
This makes a 10 X 13 pan and will last for a very long time covered in fridge. Very light and not filling. I use fat free evaporated milk. (I usually use all strawberry. Any strong flavor can be used. A mild flavor, such as peach or watermelon, tends to ‘disapper’ in the recipe. Also, I don’t add the lemon juice/ rind.)
Cheese and Basil Bisquits (from frozen)
1 stick of melted butter
¾ cup parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon of fresh basil
If desired, 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
Crumbled bacon or purchased bacon bits
Mix cheese, seeds and basil together. Sprinkle half in bottom of 9X13 or larger pan that has been coated with Pam cooking spray. Place 12 -15 frozen rolls 2 inches apart. Top with melted butter. Sprinkle with cheese combo and bacon bits. Cover and refrigerate overnight or until thawed. Remove from fridge 15 -20 minutes prior to baking. Bake at 350° for about 20 minutes until lightly browned.
So, my desserts are in the fridge and freezer and my biscuits are resting. The chicken is marinating. I do have to make my layered green salad soon. It takes a while to chop up all the veggies for a huge salad and I like to layer it in my clear glass bowl and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours before serving. Today’s salad will have spinach and four other lettuces, green peppers, green onions, radishes, carrots, tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, green and black olives and boiled eggs. I top it with shredded cheese, too. Oh, so colorful! I don’t toss it. Other than cooking some fresh corn, I’ll be ‘done’. Jim grills the chicken for me.
I’m glad it’ll be noisy here tonight so I won’t think about chemo tomorrow and the icky days that follow. My mother is supposed to come back here on Friday for a few days. That’ll be some company for me, but I did warn her that I might not feel like doing anything but sit around and talk. We’ll see. Taking every thought captive!
Hubby’s pulmonary (lung) specialist called today. Dr. Guidot has to be away to speak at a seminar and needed to change an appointment. While on the phone, he gave me the results of Jim’s PSA and full blood work (CBC, SMA24, etc.) He said everything is PERFECT. That’s great news! Jim will be 62 in August and had a questionable PSA (prostate cancer screening test) a few years ago that returned to normal. He had an infection when that test was done and that can cause false numbers. Now we need to get him in for a full body check with his dermatopatholigist. Have to take good care of my guy!
Company should be here any minute, so y’all have a great evening. Please whisper my name toward heaven for a complete healing from colon cancer!
Death and life are in the power of the tongue:
and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Proverbs 18:21
God Bless,
I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.
Psalms 118:17
Diane Tavegia
|
|
|
|
|
Making it through today - 6/20/2009 3:34:17 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1904
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
 Psalms 131:1-2 “O LORD, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty; Nor do I involve myself in great matters, Or in things too difficult for me. Surely I have composed and quieted my soul; Like a weaned child rests against his mother, My soul is like a weaned child within me.” 
Wow, what a few days. Chemo was Wednesday and it lasted much longer due to a few things. First, the machine that does the CBC before chemo stopped working. After about 45 minutes, doctor stopped by and told me they had it running again but would run some control tests to make sure it was working right. So, my CBC was okay and chemo began.
During chemo, I broke out in splotches within minutes. The drip was stopped and doctor came and checked me. I was given an IV dosage of Ativan to help with the reaction and had to wait for about 30 minutes for that to work. About 30 minutes later, I broke out again. My drip was stopped, I waited another 30 minutes and then the drip was restarted but more slowly. All in all, it took about 6 hours for the visit.
My oncologist asked me if we had a celebration planned after my final treatment on August 12th. Jim told him we were real party animals and he’d probably let me ride to the dump with him. Doctor checked me over and said ‘I fully expect you to be fully healed’. That’s the first time Dr. had ever said that to me. Oh, he’s said how high my chances are of never being ill from this again, but those words were music to my ears.
The chemo nurse called me late Thursday afternoon to say my potassium was low so I had to pick up a prescription and take these huge potassium pills for 3 days. Truthfully, I’d not been eating well for about 10 days. Food doesn’t appeal to me right now. The flavor is ‘off’ and my appetite is small. I’d gone from eating a healthy breafast and lunch to no breakfast and lunch. I’d wondered why I wasn’t able to walk 2-3 miles a day and now I know.
So, Thursday I felt fine and then came Friday. By time I was home from being disconnected, I felt horrible. I slept on and off for 20 hours and still don’t feel very well. I’m weak and wobbly and have acid reflux, but no nausea. I am thankful for so much. I will admit that I’m praying the next four treatments don’t leave me feeling worse than I’ve felt this time, tho.
My mother is staying in Birmingham for the week. She had her dental appointment on Thursday morning and has been shopping and eating out. I’d expected her to come back here until her appointment next week but I guess just sitting around while I feel bad wasn’t something she wanted to do.
Our oldest son flies to Honduras today for his yearly mission trip. We are so very proud of him. He’s such a wonderful Christian man, father, and husband. He and his wife are very involved in their church. Anyhow, Scott will help build a church, deliver vitamins and witness to the people. He’s gone to Honduras previously, but this trip is up and over a mountain into an area where no other Americans have gone. He’ll send lots of pictures and I’ll link them later.
I’ve been doing a lot of knitting to help with the neuropathy in my hands but seem to be dropping a lot of stitches. I’ve ripped out row after row, but I have enjoyed myself.
Other than these complaints, not much to share. I really, really hope tomorrow finds me feeling much stronger and the acid reflux is gone.
Have a lovely Saturday and please remember me in prayer for a complete healing from colon cancer!
God Bless,
I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.
Psalms 118:17
Diane Tavegia
|
|
|
|
|
Catching Up! - 6/24/2009 6:26:09 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1904
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
This is our oldest son, Scott, in Honduras earlier today taking a ‘coconut milk’ break. They had an earthquake during the night. Tonight they’ll show the movie, “Jesus’ to over 500 people. Many have already come to know Christ as Lord and Savior!
Philippians 3:8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.
Psalm 17:6 I call on You, O God, for You will answer me; give ear to me, and hear my prayer.
Philippians 4:9 "Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you."
Psalms 16:11 “You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”
Ephesians 6:18-20 “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”
♪ ♫ ♥ ♪ ♫ ♥ ♫ ♪ ♥ ♫ ♪
I’ve been quite busy. I started feeling better on Sunday and by Monday was squirting Jim with the sprayer on the kitchen sink, laughing and generally enjoying myself. My legs are still a bit weak, but I have a whole week to enjoy myself. I can’t go for walks, yet, other than around Wal-Mart, holding on to Jim’s arm.
What have I been doing? Knitting! Honestly, I’ve enjoyed myself so much that I’ve not watched much TV! I have made some winter scarves and am working on a purse for Eden. I made Eden’s as a matching set. It’s very cute and in colors she loves. I’m lining her purse with a pink silk like material. I also made me a scarf to match my winter coat and favorite winter clothing.
I’m going to make Jackson a scarf that matches the Boston Red Sox uniforms. I’m looking for a big B insignia to sew on. I’m hoping to find a real Red Sox B.
I’m not going to make the 6 year old granddaughter anything because she’s so rude on the phone and about gifts. In fact, she’s probably getting books and underwear for Christmas from us. Lump of coal! I’ve still not gotten her to tell me if she likes the Wii game I got her for her birthday in MAY.
I got out my patterns for Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls and then realized I don’t have a grandchild young enough to appreciate them.
Guess what. My chemo schedule has messed up every holiday since I’ve begun. Valentine’s, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and NEXT, the 4th of July. DRAT! Jim had to do the cooking and clean up (with Jon and Mary’s help) for Father’s Day because I was still weak and icky. Oh well, only four more treatments! Our city is having a huge July 4th celebration on the 3rd, my disconnect day, and I’d love to be able to attend with our family. Jon and Mary and her girls would go, too. The Mayor contacted me and said he’d get Jim in to meet the band so he could get their autographs on some records he has! Atlanta Rhythm Section will perform during the evening before the fireworks. It may be that Jim has to go without me, he’d come back right away tho and Nick could stay with Jon, Mary and her girls.
Father’s Day was okay. Wish I’d felt a lot better. Scott had called from the airport in Miami on Saturday night because he would be in Honduras on Sunday. He got Jim a very nice set of headphones. Perfect timing because Jim’s set had broken! Jon and Mary came here. Our daughter didn’t call, but what’s new?
It’s gotten slightly cooler here but still in the 90°’s. I watered my plants out back today. I set up the sprinkler and then moved it four times. I sure wish we’d get a bit of rain! Some of my nice plants are looking brown.
My mother finally has her dental work all finished. She stayed another night in Birmingham and drove right past our house this morning….. not stopping to visit. I’d hoped she would stop and stay a few days because she’ll be leaving for Europe in August for 35 days plus travel time and then will go to her home in Alabama for the winter. We most probably won’t see her again until next spring. I kid you not, if I went to the last house on my cul-de-sac and into their back yard, I could have waved at her on the interstate. Just over 1 mile on the road to my house from the exit. She’ll be calling in a few days, ‘so lonely’ and ‘no one to go anywhere with’, etc. Do I have a messed up extended family or what? LOLOL
Speaking of my mom, her birthday is the beginning of July and she had mentioned wanting a classic movie DVD. I ordered it today for her birthday. I’m having it sent here so I can wrap it and enclose a card. I know she’ll like it because part of her trip to Europe is to see where this movie (Sound of Music) was made and view the homes and Abbey where the real life characters lived.
Mouth and throat sores appeared on Monday and I was concerned they’d get a lot worse before getting better but a friend with advanced colon cancer told me to mix up salt, baking soda and warm water to gargle every time I passed by the cup. It worked wonders. I still have some minor discomfort in my throat but the mouth sore was gone overnight and everything got much better. Thanks Kimby!
Jim and I ate a late breakfast and then went out for an anti pasta this afternoon. I’m very sad to see one of our favorite restaurants in town is closing in a few days. We’ve not been able to eat out very often in the last few years but they’ve been our restaurant of choice since they first opened seven years ago. We love Italian food and theirs was very good and inexpensive. Sorry to see you go, Covalli’s!
Nick’s PS3 has broken AGAIN. He opened it on Christmas Eve and it was dead by Jan. 11th. Now the same problem has occurred. Thankfully, it’s still under warranty and Sony even pays for shipping each way. The box to ship it was to arrive today but it’s already after 6:00 p.m. They promise to repair and ship it back within a week. Nick has a PS1 and PS2 as well as a Wii so he isn’t game-less. Jim uses the PS1 as a CD player. They work really well! We no longer have any games for that system.
Have a great evening. Please remember me in your prayers for a complete healing from colon cancer!
God Bless,
I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.
Psalms 118:17
Diane Tavegia
|
|
|
|
|
What a day - 6/25/2009 8:37:07 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1904
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
A family home in Honduras.
Matthew 18:19 Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in Heaven.
Psalms 121:7-8 “The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever.”
♪ ♫ ♥ ♪ ♫ ♥ ♫ ♪ ♥ ♫ ♪
And how is your summer going? Hot? It sure is here!
Nick’s box to return his PS3 finally arrived so we had to go over to Douglasville to take it to UPS. While there, we picked up a few things we needed for my knitting and walked a mile at the mall. I did pretty well. We didn’t have to slow down even once. I could have walked another half mile but I didn’t want to push it since I’ve not walked much recently and the neuorpathy in my feet is uncomfortable at times.
I completed Eden’s purse today. I do need to make the silk liner, tho. It’s so cute! I got a big button for it and made a knitted rose for the corner. I think she’ll like it. She’s very sensitive and will appreciate the hand-made gesture.
I found the Boston Red Sox ‘B’ I needed for Jackson’s scarf. I was thrilled that it’s on a white background because it would have blended too much with the blue of the scarf and not been noticeable. This is so much fun!
Mother called this afternoon and we talked for a few minutes. She’s really complaining about her new teeth. She said ‘lots of pressure’ and ‘mouth full of sores’. She got the never remove type dentures this time. She’ll be 77 in a week or so and I could not for the life of me figure out why she’d have major surgery and go through more than a year of this horror for false teeth. I’m just a sissy, I guess. I’d never do it! Give me some ole choppers if I ever need them! LOL
I got my Mother’s birthday present ordered. It will be here by July 1st and her birthday is July 8th. I’ll have the wrapping paper and card ready so I can get it right into the mail. She’s going to like this! I listen to her very closely, trying to hear hints of something she wants and this was one of 2 things she mentioned. The other is a ‘like’ item but doesn’t coincide with her trip this summer, plus it was 3 times the cost of this one! That will have to be for Christmas.
Hey guys, if I seem ‘ornery or not quite myself at times, it’s the huge dose of steroids I take with each chemo. The nurses call it Chemo or Roid Rage and then when it wears off, there’s a real CRASH. The two days after it wears off, I’m a teeny bit sad or worried. Ignore me, or pray for me when I’m not quite my happy self, okay? Thanks!
What a bummer day, to lose Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett within hours of each other. She was beautiful, but Michael was a great talent. I’m old enough that I remember when he was first on TV with his big brothers. He was a cute kid with a huge Afro haircut. Too bad. I’d like to think they were Christians but doubt it. I did hear someone brought in a priest for Farrah but never saw any mention of ‘her faith’ . Her’s was a very rare type of anal cancer, caused by the HPV virus.
Well, there are a few specials on and the Royal Pains and I’m knitting away so I’d better submit this before I forget about it.
Have a great evening and please remember me in prayer for a complete healing from colon cancer!
God Bless,
I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.
Psalms 118:17
Diane Tavegia
|
|
|
|
|
Pick up the trash! - 6/26/2009 8:16:18 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1904
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
Scott and the mission team went down into the valley and across the river to reach the mountain. They crossed on horseback to witness and deliver medicines in Honduras.
Psalms 139:13-16 You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully & wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that well. My frame wasn't hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before they began.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Here’s our oldest son, Scott Tavegia, building a home in Honduras on Father’s Day. He’s in tan shorts and blue baseball cap.
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♦ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪
It’s Friday, already! Wow, how quickly time flies when you’re feeling good.
Yikes, I woke with a weird bad dream at 3:30 and didn’t get back to sleep until after 6:00. I woke again at 7:30. I’m usually such a good sleeper. There must have been something on the news or some TV show that planted something disturbing in my mind to cause such dreams.
I made myself a cheese omlet for breakfast. Of course, I always make extra so I can share with Scooter. We had tuna salad for lunch. Liver and onions are tonight’s supper. YUM! We all love liver and onions.
** Supper is over and it sure was good. We had liver and onions, fresh Lima beans and corn. Jim had some left-over pork and beans with his.
Nick’s gone to his friend’s house for a sleep over. They’ll probably be here for Sunday and Monday. We’ll see how it works out.
Jim’s out cutting our grass. It’s quite funny. One neighbor has a piece of garbage in their front yard for over a month. They cut AROUND the garbage instead of picking it up. What’s up with THAT?
Well, time to knit and watch some TV. Hope you have a great evening. Please remember me in your prayers for a complete healing from colon cancer!
God Bless,
I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.
Psalms 118:17
Diane Tavegia
|
|
|
|
|
Got some rain this Sunday - 6/28/2009 4:56:19 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1904
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
 Psalms 56:13 “For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.” Romans 8:25-26 “But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy. Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans.” ♪ ♫ ♦ ♪ ♫ ♦ ♫ ♪ ♦ ♫ ♪
What did you do for fun today? I finished the pearl beading on a purse I’m making. The strap and lining were not as gratifying as the pearl placement but didn’t take long.
I need a new wallet. Mine was a very old style that held our check book. I’ve had it for many, many years. I remember the store where I bought it, so it has to be over 15 years old. That store closed down a year or more before we moved away from Connecticut. Anyhow, I don’t need to carry our check book with us, so that will save some weight in my purse and a lot of room.
We got some rain this afternoon. It hasn’t rained in quite a while and my back yard had large cracks running through the clay. I hope this was enough to soak in and help some of my plants!
I’m really beginning to dread Wednesday’s treatment and the crash on Friday. Must not think about it and waste the next 2 ½ days. Taking captive every thought!
I watched the MONK marathon for much of the day while knitting and doing laundry. I really like MONK and sure wish this wasn’t the last season. So many of the shows I enjoy are taken off the air.
Jim and I had spaghetti (whole wheat) for lunch. Nick doesn’t like spaghetti and he was still at his friend’s house so perfect timing. Nick will use the sauce with ground turkey and make a meatball sub later.
Scott called from Miami late last night. Their plane arrived almost 2 hours late so they were rushing to try and catch their connecting flight. He said he wasn’t too tired and actually felt good. He was very anxious to see his 6 year old son. Next summer, when Scott goes on his mission trip, we’re hoping Jackson can come and stay with us.
Have a great evening. Please remember me in your prayers for a complete healing from colon cancer!
God Bless,
I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.
Psalms 118:17
Diane Tavegia
|
|
|
|
|
Had an early chemo - 6/30/2009 10:05:34 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1904
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
 Psalms 56:13 “For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.” Psalms 29:3-4 “The voice of the LORD echoes above the sea. The God of glory thunders. The LORD thunders over the mighty sea. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic.” Ephesians 1:4-6 For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves. 1 John 3:19-20 This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in His presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and He knows everything. Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?  Can YOU see the beauty in these photos? I do. ♥ ♫ ♥
Today held a surprise. My oncologist’s office had called to remind me of chem on Wednesday and then called back within minutes to say ‘oops, we’re closed on Friday for disconnect so can you come right now? Well, I’d just gotten out of the shower and dressed so it only took a minute or so for us to leave. My visit with the PA went well. My viatmin D level is very low, even with the supplements I’ve been taking. That can happen when you’ve had 18” of colon removed. Vitamin D is absorbed in the colon. All my other tests, Blood sugar, cholesterol, liver functions, etc and my CBC were perfect.
Today was treatment number 9~ I kept saying it was #8. Anyhow, I now have 3 more treatments to go and am praying that this will be done now and forever with no reoccurrences. Dr. thinks this is it!
My pre-meds for reactions took much longer to administer today because of larger doses of each med and an additional med. I get a steroid in huge doses, 200 mg of Benadryl (I think that’s what she told me) and a good sized dose of Ativan for allergic reaction (also used for panic disorder and anxiety). Oh, and I get a 3 day dosage of Phenergen to prevent nausea. It works well for me, but I do get some acid reflux for about 2 or 3 nights after my disconnect.
I’ll go for disconnect on Thursday morning. Generally I’m very fatigued by that afternoon and the next one or two days. Last treatment was a real wipe out with the sleepiness and no amount of sleep seemed to fulfil that need. Oh well, it’s only for days at a time and only 3 more times after this week.
We’re not planning a 4th of July party. I may or may not feel okay by then so we’ll see. I’d sure like to attend the Villa Rica concert/ fireworks on July 3rd but will just have to wait and see if I’m capable of long walks, climbing bleechers and sitting around.
I’m quite tired after all those meds today and have a steroid headache that I just have to endure so I think it’s late enough for bed. Have a great evening.
I hope you’ll remember me in your prayers for a complete healing from colon cancer! I can envision my name floating toward heaven, from your lips to God’s ears.
God Bless,
I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.
Psalms 118:17
Diane Tavegia
|
|
|
|
|
Six months today. Wow! - 7/2/2009 6:28:39 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1904
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
 This is Scott in Rio Viejio. The team was setting up to show the Jesus movie and the children of the town were curious about the video gear. Over 400 people attended that night. 2 Corinthians 4:8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. Deuteronomy 32:1-3 “Listen, Heavens, I have something to tell you. Attention, Earth, I've got a mouth full of words. My teaching, let it fall like a gentle rain, my words arrive like morning dew, Like a sprinkling rain on new grass, like spring showers on the garden. For it's GOD's Name I'm preaching— respond to the greatness of our God!” John 14:26-27 “The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught.” ♪ ♫ ♦ ♪ ♫ ♦ ♫ ♪ ♦ ♫ ♪  Close up of a flower Scott took a photo of in Honduras.
Six months today. It was six months ago today that I was told by the gastroenterologist who did my colonoscopy that he was positive I had colon cancer. Time has gone quickly by.
I went for my disconnect from chemo early today and feel pretty good so far. My potassium was .1 low, which isn’t awful but is headed the wrong way so I have to take tablets for 3 days again. This is the 3rd time in 6 months. I’m not eating but half or less than I used to eat and nothing tastes good the last 2 months or so. Chemo affects your taste buds. Anyhow, I’m so thankful that I don’t feel bad! I will admit that I napped once today and could have napped a second time, but didn’t. I didn’t sleep long.
So, since I feel good, that means we can have our 4th of July cook-out that I was upset about missing! Neat!
I was so very hungry for pizza tonight that we ordered small pizzas from Romero’s. They have 2 for the price of one every night. My taste buds are messed up from chemo so I added a lot of garlic to my pizza so I could taste it. I ate two pieces. It smelled very good!
It’s so quiet with Nick gone! I’m glad he’s gotten to get away, tho. He called today to say they were going to the big park in Douglasville to play some baseball and let the younger kids run around. They’re having a huge cook-out at the uncle’s swimming pool for the 4th of July. I didn’t insist he come home for our cook-out. The kid worries about me and I’d rather he have a bit of fun and get his mind off stuff for a while.
Hope you have a long weekend. Please remember me in your prayers for a complete healing from colon cancer!
God Bless,
I will not die, but live,
and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.
Psalms 118:17
Diane Tavegia
|
|
|
|
|
Felt bad on Friday - 7/4/2009 7:30:54 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1904
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
 Joel 2:12 "Now, therefore," says the Lord, "Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning." 13 So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm……….. 23 Be glad then, you children of Zion, And rejoice in the Lord your God; For He has given you the former rain faithfully, And He will cause the rain to come down for you-- The former rain, And the latter rain in the first month. 24 The threshing floors shall be full of wheat, And the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil. 25 "So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you. 26 You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, And praise the name of the Lord your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; And My people shall never be put to shame. 27 Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel: I am the Lord your God And there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame. 28 "And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. 29 And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. 30 "And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke. 31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. 32 And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the Lord has said, Among the remnant whom the Lord calls. ♪ ♫ ♦ ♪ ♫ ♦ ♫ ♪ ♦ ♫ ♪
I spoke too soon. I felt fine from time of disconnect on Thursday til mid morning on Friday and then I crashed. Not so much fatigue this time as just feeling not well at all. I’m still having aches and pains, throat and tongue sores and some queasiness but am slowly coming out of the fog.
Since I could tell Friday evening that Saturday was not going to be great, we rescheduled our cook-out for Sunday. Jon actually suggested it to me. Jim wasn’t excited, but I think it was the right choice.
I slept very little on Friday night. The neighborhood dogs were roused by the fireworks put on by the city and that got Scooter and Patches excited. I got up at 3:00 and actually slept on the sofa with the dog until 6:00 a.m. I’ll be very tired by tonight and hope I can sleep. I tried napping but am guessing the steroids are being flushed out because I cannot get to sleep. Oh well. Three more times. Please Jesus, let this be the end of this forever!
So, it’s been a pretty quiet day here and I’m starting to feel better. Aching, still, but better. I’ve knitted and watched loads of episodes of ‘Clean House’. Those filthy people drive me batty but I do like the show.
The plan is to pick up Nick early tomorrow and cook-out with family in the afternoon. We had shopped when I was still feeling okay so that’s all done. I’ll decide tomorrow how much extra I want to do, like with desserts.
Have a safe and fun evening. Enjoy the fireworks!
Please remember me in your prayers for a complete healing from colon cancer!
God Bless,
I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.
Psalms 118:17
Diane Tavegia
|
|
|
|
|
Feeling VERY good now - 7/6/2009 8:22:39 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1904
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
 Psalms 77:11-14 I recall all you have done, O LORD; I remember Your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about them. O God, Your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as You? You are the God of miracles and wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations. Isaiah 64:4 Since before time began no one has ever imagined, no ear heard, no eye seen, a God like You who works for those who wait for Him. ♥ ♪ ♫ ♥ ♪ ♫ ♥ ♫ ♪ ♥ ♫ ♪ ♥
Whew, I slept through the night, tho it was quite late before we got to sleep. Jim and I put in a movie at about 10:30 and watched the whole thing. Pet Sematary. Nope, no nightmares. We’d not watched that one in years so we enjoyed it.
Nick called and we picked him up before lunch. He’s quite tired because the home he’d visited is all men and boys so they stayed up most of each night playing video games. I’m glad he got a break this summer and got to spend some time going to the pool and park with his friend. He’s getting tanned.
I got my laundry done today and a few other chores. I spent a lot of time knitting. I’m thinking about making a throw to match my bedroom or maybe the living room for those chilly nights. Hmmmm Purple or deep green/ burgundy? Purple sounds like more fun.
Tomorrow is our second son’s 2nd wedding anniversary. That means it has been 2 full years since we’ve seen our granddaughters. Our only daughter came for his wedding and brought her girls. Very sad. I don’t even know how big they are. Last time I asked their sizes, our daughter didn’t even know. The girls live with their Dad most of the time. Don’t ask.
Wednesday is our oldest son’s 38th birthday and Friday is my mother’s 77th birthday. Scott is the son who just returned from Honduras.
Not much else going on here. Jim talked to one of his sisters for an hour or so today. He spent most of his day doing schoolwork. Better him than ME.
It was a little cooler today and rained for a few minutes. Boy do we need a downpour a few days in a row. My poor plants look quite sad. I cannot afford to water them all each day. Next summer….
2 Corinthians 6:2 “For God says, ‘At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.’ Indeed, the ‘right time’ is now. Today is the day of salvation.”
Well y’all have a great evening. Please remember to pray for me for a complete healing from colon cancer! Many thanks!
God Bless,
I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.
Psalms 118:17
Diane Tavegia
|
|
|
|
|
Happy Birthday to my Mother - 7/8/2009 3:16:33 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1904
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
 Luke 10:19-20 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. Psalms 73:25-28 Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail & my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you. But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do. Proverbs 11:19 The truly righteous man attains life, but he who pursues evil goes to his death. Jeremiah 5:22 “Why don't you honor me? Why aren't you in awe before me? Yes, me, who made the shorelines to contain the ocean waters. I drew a line in the sand that cannot be crossed. Waves roll in but cannot get through; breakers crash but that's the end of them.”  ♥ ♦ ♥ ♦ ♥ ♦ ♥
Well HEY Y’all. How have you been? Hope you’re all well and having a great week! I know I am!
I do hope you read the Bible verses I share. God speaks to us through His word and the Sword of the Spirit (scripture) is the weapon we are given to fight the advesary. How dumb we would be to not use that weapon!
Today is my mother’s 77th birthday. I called her early this morning but her line was busy so I finally got to talk to her around 11:00. She may be coming here tonight. She has some dental problems and needs to be in Birmingham early tomorrow. She’s on her way and will stay with us tonight. Need to bake a cake and plan a meal. I’m going to see if Mary and Jon can come over. It’s their vacation week but they’re just hanging around.
Yep, Jon and Mary are coming and Jim and I made a run to Publix for some food. We decided on pork chops because we’ve had chicken so often lately. We’re having pork chops, potato and macaroni salad plus a green salad (I think), baked beans and rolls. Jim made a carrot cake and we have a marble cake. I was going to make some other desserts but Jon said not to. He’d just made one of my recipes this morning at home so they’ve had some sweet things today already.
I’m hoping I can get a picture of me with my mother tonight. It depends on if she did her hair before the drive or not. She’s picky like ME. If I get some, I’ll post one later for you to see. I have an okay picture of mother from 2 summers ago. She has changed quite a bit in the last two years, but who hasn’t? EEK
Jim cut another four or so inches off my hair so it’s just barely below the top of my shoulder. It flips up much nicer and looks nice. I’m so thankful I didn’t lose my hair with chemo. I am SO vain!
Yesterday was our middle son’s 2nd wedding anniversary (Jon who is 32 and yes this is his first marriage). Friday is our oldest son’s (Scott) 38th birthday. Wish we all lived close to each other but it will never come to pass. Our daughter seldom calls. She’s our prodigal.
Jim’s finished all his assignments tho they will possibly come back for minor revisions. He’s going to take the pre-assessment test before scheduling the final exam. Goodness, he was so concerned he’d have a hard time finishing all the assignments before Sept. 30th. I guess when you do school work 12 hours a day, it adds up and goes pretty quickly.
Jim’s been asked to be the ‘Spokesperson’ for a political cause in our county. He’s quite a public speaker and even had his own cable t.v. program in the early 1990’s in Connecticut. It was a political forum that encompassed some hot topics like euthanasia and abortion, homosexaul adoptions, etc. It was quite popular. He has his Broadcast Engineer’s degree and had a t.v. show back in the 1980’s in Flordia plus any number of radio shows. I think he’s HOT.
Speaking of hot, it warmed back up here but is supposed to rain today and tomorrow. Right now it’s quite bright out. I love a good rain storm. I do hope we get some rain tonight!
Well, Jim vacuumed for me and I cleaned the bathrooms and swept the bathrooms and kitchen. Nick cleaned his room and I trimmed his hair. Goodness, he’s got hair like Jim! It’s so thick and coarse! The kid could get a hair cut weekly now.
I finished another knitting project last night and was trying to decide what to do with some sage green yarn with heather colored flakes. I started a few items and then decided the color just didn’t fit. I’ve decided on a shawl. I didn’t bother to look up a pattern and just made it up in my head. So far it looks like it’s going to be fine.
Hey guys, check out Fritz’s devotional today on Crosswalk Daily. It’s really good! I get them by daily email.
They Call Them Black Walnuts For A Reason
by Fred Alberti, Crosswalk.com Director of Social Media
Have a great evening. Please remember me in your prayers for a complete healing from colon cancer!
God Bless,
I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.
Psalms 118:17
Diane Tavegia
|
|
|
|
|
July 12, 2009 - 7/12/2009 6:15:30 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1904
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
 Photo by Jon Tavegia at Sweetwater Park
Psalm 16:8-11 I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because You will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.
Colossians 2:6-7 "So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."
Habakkuk 3:19 “The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.”
♪ ♫ ♦ ♪ ♫ ♦ ♫ ♪ ♦ ♫ ♪
I just have to share a praise. It has been very hard for us to come up with my co-pay for all the doctor visits and co-pays but God has been faithful! Last chemo I had to choose between paying a bill and paying my co-pay. Since the doctor has written off my disconnect appointments and any lab co-pays, I felt I had to pay him. Minutes, minutes before we were to get in the car, a lady came to my door. I’d done some secretarial work for her months ago and she’d not paid me. She handed me $30.00 and said God had told her that morning to gift me that money out of a gift she’d been given and she also said she had not forgotten that she owed me for the work. I just had to praise God right then and there for his providing for that need.
Earlier this week, I was lying awake late one night, concerned about needing the co-pay for this Wednesday plus two more chemo treatments. The Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, ‘You trust God to heal you from cancer, so trust Him on this, too.’ Right away, I gave it to God. Well, some friends from church needed some recording work done as an emergency yesterday for a funeral on Monday and Jim was doing it at no charge. They insisted on paying him and God provided for this Wednesday’s co-pay! A friend from church has supplied my co-pay several times and a Sunday School class came by with money another time. Our God supplies ALL our needs, according to His riches and glory! I will proclaim what the Lord has done!
I put a roast in my slow cooker early this morning so we had roast, field peas, new potatoes and bisquits for lunch. Yummy. The peas and potatoes are high in potassium so that’s good for me.
Did you see the pilot for the new Syfy (Sci Fi channels new name) for Warehouse 13? It’s sort of a ‘National Treasure’ meets ‘Indiana Jone’s’ type show. It’s really good. Very entertaining. It’s going to be on every Tuesday night at 9:00 p.m. I’d missed the pilot so watched the rerun today.
One month til I’m all done with chemo! Of course, I have 3 treatments in that month and will feel bad for a while after the 12th, but I am looking forward to the end of this ‘firey trial’ in my life and pray that I have withstood the test and that my faith has strengthened my testimony among the saints and those who do not know Jesus as Lord and Savior.
I’m having some administrator issues today and cannot for the life of me remember how to add a topic at www.pastors-source.com . We’re planning on having a separate section for Christian women of all ages, etc. It seems the title of our forum makes the ladies think the board is only for pastors. Anyhow, I put in a call to the boards owner and talked to his wife, but he’s out running and will call me back later. We had this issue once before where my admin control panel isn’t the same as his, and with chemo brain, technical things sometimes are more than I can remember. (Good excuse today, eh?)
I took a nap this afternoon. I was pretty sleepy after lunch. I waited til 3:30 before laying down and could have slept a lot longer. I have this bad habit of not wanting to sleep or go to bed at night when chemo is nearing because I want as many ‘feel good’ hours as I can squeak out.
Have a great evening. Please remember me in your prayers for a complete healing from colon cancer!
God Bless,
I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.
Psalms 118:17
Diane Tavegia
|
|
|
|
|
Laundry day - 7/13/2009 6:04:13 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1904
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
 Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Jeremiah 33:3 Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. James 5:15,16 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. John 14:13-15 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. If you love me, you will obey what I command. 1 Peter 5:6-10 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. And after you have suffered for a little, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” ♪ ♫ ♦ ♪ ♫ ♦ ♫ ♪ ♦ ♫ ♪
Ah, Monday. Well, it’s almost a double whammy Monday because the Monday and Tuesday before chemo, I try to find anything that might need doing sometime, anytime, during the upcoming week because I most probably won’t feel like doing chores til NEXT Monday or Tuesday.
I feel so stuffed. I’m trying to make sure I get my MDR of Potassium so it won’t be low in Wednesday. I honestly think even a slightly low potassium contributes to my not feeling well. So, I’ve had potatoes, blackeyed peas, a banana, raisins and orange juice today. I really had to force myself to eat enough to get the right amount.
I’ve done quite a bit of knitting today while waiting for loads of laundry. I need to sew a couple of more seams on a liner for the knitting bag I made. I had only some huge type bags for carrying my knitting to chemo or in the car, and I had a ‘red’ yarn that I bought, only needing enough for a few stripes. I had some really nice outdoor type fabric in white with red, blue, green and dark yellow stripes. I’m using that for the lining. I had made something about 12 years ago with the remainer of the material and just couldn’t bring myself to throw out the remaining amount.
Now, don’t think I have loads of material stacked up like on Clean House. I have a small bin in the rec room on a shelf behind my sewing machine. It’s filled with fabric and good sized scraps. That’s all I have. I really do need to clean out my craft bins, tho. I’m sure some of the paint items have dried up. Maybe I’ll do that one day next week.
We had rain storms several times last night. Poor Scooter is afraid of thunder and lightning. I got up and slept with him on the sofa again so others could sleep. I was just about to go back to bed when the 3rd wave of storms came through. It was quite funny. I had the huge dog on the floor in front of me and the cat curled up next to me. I’m pretty sleepy already. Think I’ll be in bed early tonight. Early for me, that is.
Have a great evening. Please remember me in your prayers for a complete healing from colon cancer!
God Bless,
I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.
Psalms 118:17
Diane Tavegia
|
|
|
|
|
10th chemo tomorrow - 7/14/2009 8:08:04 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1904
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
 Photo by Jon Tavegia, Sweetwater Park 2009 Matthew 13:58 And He did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith. Psalms 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. James 2:18-22 “But someone may well say, ‘You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.’ You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected;” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. ♪ ♫ ♦ ♪ ♫ ♦ ♫ ♪ ♦ ♫ ♪
Gosh, I was sleeping so hard this morning when Scooter whinned and woke me. It was 7:30. Jim had been up since 4:00 a.m. and Scooter just cannot understand summers. I did manage to catch a one hour nap this afternoon.
We sure ate well today. We had hashbrowns and eggs for breakfast. Jim also had pancakes. We made the hashbrowns from the left-over new potatoes. They sure were good. Potatoes have lots of potassium. For lunch, I had a banana and mayonnaise sandwich. That’s one of my favorites from childhood. Supper was BBQ sandwiches, also made from left-overs, fresh corn and field peas. Jim had potato salad but I skipped that. Certainly my potassium will be okay this time! I’ve forced myself to eat more than I want to just to keep my potassium up. Once chemo is over, I’m planning on losing a few more pounds and keeping it off.
Tomorrow is chemo and I cannot wait til this is all over. August 12th should be my final chemo.
Jim and I went to the dump and then Wal-Mart tonight. We always park far out in the parking lot. It was about 90° and by time we got about half way, I was quite warm. I couldn’t walk fast at all in Wal-Mart. My legs just don’t feel strong and my feet feel like I have salt or sand in my socks. I shouldn’t complain because I’ve read of very serious neuropathy from this one drug and mine doesn’t seem anywhere near that bad. My oncologist asks me each time I see him, ‘Can you still button your buttons?’ Actually, the more I knit, the better my hands feel. My fingernails feel like they’re asleep or going to fall off.
Speaking of knitting, I made myself a bag to carry my knitting when I go out. I had made half of it when we went to Birmingham and decided it was too stretchy so I started over with much smaller needles. I made it the perfect size to hold 3 double skeins of yarn, my needles and some other necessary items. I lined it and put two handles on it. It’s very cute and is a perfect size. I’ve also started some other purses for the granddaughters, since they liked the others so much. My plan is to make them one for each holiday or season. I bought some orange and black for Halloween / fall. I am going to do a couple of different ones for winter and Christmas. I think a red one with a white ‘fur’ trim around the top would be quite cute. I’ll probably make me one, too. The double skein easily makes 3 purses. I buy the cheap yarn at Wal-Mart for the purses. $2.00 for all of that with left-over yarn! What a bargain.
Jim took a new picture of me on Sunday. I’ve been trying to re size a head shot for my avatar but just can’t seem to satisfy the requirements. Here’s the full photo.
Warehouse 13 is on Syfy tonight at 9:00. It’s very entertaining. I’m planning on also watching Deep Blue on Wednesday night at 10:00 on TNT. Hope I can stay awake for that. Hope it’s good!
I hope you have a very nice evening. Please remember me in your prayers for a complete healing from colon cancer and that my side effects from tomorrow’s chemo won’t be overwhelming.
Thank you my friends and God Bless,
I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.
Psalms 118:17
Diane Tavegia
|
|
|
|
|
Okay so far.... - 7/15/2009 9:23:31 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1904
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
 Jeremiah 9:23-24 “Thus says the LORD, ‘Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,’ declares the LORD.” Psalms 84:10-11 For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly. ♪ ♫ ♦ ♪ ♫ ♦ ♫ ♪ ♦ ♫ ♪
My doctor’s visit and chemo treatment went really well. I told doctor about the acid reflux and he said I could continue to use what we’d gotten unless it didn’t work. I asked about the long term plan. He said my next scans will be six months after chemo and that he will have me come in for blood work a few times (once or twice) during that period. I asked if I can have my teeth cleaned right after chemo ends and told him about my hygenist being very rough with me. He said he’d prefer that I have a CBC to verify my white cells are at a good number before letting her cut at my gums. So, we scheduled a CBC with him two weeks after my last chemo. When can my port be removed, was my last question and again he said ‘right away’ for safety sake, we’re going to plan on that after I have my blood tests done. That test is scored immediately in his office. My yearly mammogram is set for Dec. 1st with my breast care specialist (surgeon) in Atlanta. I am looking forward to six months of no tests or worries!
My doctor said he also is very surprised I’ll make it through full chemo with all the meds. He said when I began to break out in splotches, he knew my body was having an allergic reaction, but since we’ve added the higher doses and Ativan, the splotches are just one or two on my upper chest with no itching, etc. Only two more infustions and I will have made it all the way!
All that being said, I should feel okay tonight and tomorrow but by Friday afternoon, will most probably crash. The severe weakness in my arms and legw will start to wane on Monday and feel even better by Tuesday. Those days will be spent with me on the sofa either napping or watching TV.
I took a nap this afternoon and am not sure how long I slept. I think just an hour. The Benadryl and Ativan make me very sleepy but I knitted and takled to another cc chemo buddie who keeps switcihng days and is not back on my schedule. She just found out bad news and will be on chemo as long as she can.
Deep Blue is coming on at 10:00 p.m. and I hope it’s as good as it looks. I enjoyed the pilot of Warehouse 13 much more than I enjoyed the first episode but it has great promise. Also, Monk will be back on for his final season is just a few weeks.
Disclaimer: My photos were taken this past Sunday. I do NOT have black or missing front teeth. My teeth are very transparent and show up odd when a flash is involved.
Have a great evening. Please remember me in your prayers for a complete healing from colon cancer!
God Bless,
I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.
Psalms 118:17
Diane Tavegia
|
|
|
|
|
Very tired this evening - 7/16/2009 6:39:37 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1904
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
 Galatians 3:3 Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? Galatians 6:14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Psalm 84:10 “For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” 
I’m tired today. I napped for 2 hours this afternoon and am still tired. My tummy hurts a little bit, too. I sure hope this doesn’t mean the next few days will be very bad. I’m taking Pepcid AC to help prevent the acid reflux
I did some laundry, cleaned the kitchen and walked around Wal-Mart for a little while. My legs felt fine. People stare at my pump. I guess they think it’s a heart monitor. Sometimes, an older person has a knowing look…. I’d gladly explain if anyone asked.
I wanted to watch Deep Blue last night but fell asleep. Jim wasn’t impressed with it. We’ll watch it a few times and see.
Kaylee got her purse and loved it. I’ve started Christmas purses. One is made but has to be lined and the sides sewn up but I want to put fur around the top and need to go to the fabric store for fake fur. The smaller purse isn’t lacking much, but I’ve dropped a lot of stitches today.
Jim made a frozen Chinese dish for supper. Broccoli, beef and rice. I can’t see to impress upon him enough that I am not supposed to eat beef more than once a month. I ate almost no meat and lots of broccoli. Well, not lots. I have no appetite today.
I cannot remember what I told you last night. Dr. Wadehra said I’ll have blood tests once or twice over the next six months but no scan for six months from August! How nice it will be to be doctor free at the Holidays!
I can have my Power port removed right after my last treatment but I’ve requested a CBC before having my teeth cleaned in late August so he suggested we wait for the port removal til that is done. I get the results immediately and he’s already scheduled it for Aug. 25, late afternoon.
I believe, fully believe, that I am healed from colon cancer and will never have a metastisis (spread to another organ). God is in charge and I’ve asked, believing and in the name of Jesus.
I’ve distanced myself from some who have emailed me with remarks like… Well I HOPE so, but XYZ. In fact, I blocked their emails so I don’t even know if they continue to write. No negative here, please. BTW, feel free to invite me as a friend on Facebook. Diane Weldy Tavegia
Well, I need to get the clean sheets on the bed and fold 2 loads of clothes. I’m sure I’ll be in bed early tonight.
Hope you have a great evening. Please remember me in your prayers for a complete healing from colon cancer!
God Bless,
I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.
Psalms 118:17
Diane Tavegia
|
|
|
|
|
Lovely photos from our son - 7/20/2009 9:13:17 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1904
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
 Photo by Scott Tavegia, Hiking the Berkshires July 2009
Acts 4:29-30 “And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”
Psalms 17:5-7 “My steps have stayed on your path; I have not wavered from following you. I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh what a glorious day in Georgia! I woke at 5:45 a.m. to a chilly morning. It looks like the whole day is going to be pleasant. It’s been like this for several days. It’s supposed to heat back up in a couple of days.
Sorry I’ve not thought to post and update. I didn’t feel that great on Friday after disconnect and part of Saturday but snapped right out of it. The neuropathy has increased in my hands and feet but I’m still able to knit, type and button clothes. By Sunday, I felt very good. Thank you for the prayers!
I’ve knitted a cute purse for one granddaughter and both of them red purses but need some white ‘fur’ for Christmas looking designs. I made me a larger black purse and have yet to line it. I’d found some deep green suede type fabric on a clearance bin several months ago. It has tiny leaves and flowers in gold metalic. I think I paid $2.47 for 3 yards. Anyhow, I’m going to line my black purse with that and dig through my old buttons and jewelry to find a button or clasp to use as the latch.
 Photo by Scott Tavegia, July 2009
Jim’s been working 12 hours plus on school work. He’s gotten a bit irritated at times. You can submit a lesson and wait 10 days for it to be looked at. That costs him time.
Nick has been playing Fallout 3. It’s quite interesting. I’ll knit and watch him play his game. He’s going back through and redoing parts now.
We got blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and bananas at the store. I’ve had more than my share of fruit in the last two days. YUM!
Have a great evening. Please remember me in your prayers for a complete healing from colon cancer!
God Bless,
I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.
Psalms 118:17
Diane Tavegia
|
|
|
|
|
New pictures - 7/23/2009 8:08:13 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1904
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
Kaylee, age 6
Mark 16:14-18 Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe. In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
Mal 3:5-6 And I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness Against sorcerers, Against adulterers, Against perjurers, Against those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans, And against those who turn away an alien-- Because they do not fear Me," Says the Lord of hosts. "For I am the Lord, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.”
Eden, age 8
♪ ♫ ♦ ♪ ♫ ♦ ♫ ♪ ♦ ♫ ♪
I’ve been waking so early each morning! I must be sleeping well. I was up at 5:30 today and had accomplished a large amount before Jim even woke.
Well, it didn’t get as warm as the weatherman had predicted but we had already shut the windows and turned the central air back on last night. I’m glad we did because I’ve been doing a bit of heavy housework and it’s a lot easier when it’s 74° instead of 85° in the house.
I’ve made several more purses. I started one last night while watching TV and finished it this morning. It’s very pretty, in fall colors. I still need to line it and find a clasp. I’m going to watch for a fall leaf type button. The other I made earlier in the week is black with deep green suede lining and a silver cat clasp. The silver on the black is quite attractive. Jim really likes my last two purses. I don’t think he liked the pastel one. I’ll start another one tonight. The one I made today cost about 25 cents. Wild isn’t it?
Jon came over to visit early today and stayed til mid afternoon. He and Nick played PS3 for a while and he looked at some new pictures I’ve gotten of the granddaughters.
Gosh I want some chili. I got out my recipe and think I’ll make some one night this week. I love to top it with cheddar cheese and chopped onions. Yummy! I’d been thinking about it, but then Jon asked for a copy of my Lasagna recipe and I saw my chili recipe while getting the other. I think Jon was hoping I’d offer to make Lasagna for everyone. That’s a lot of work. I use fresh tomatoes and 5 cheeses. It can take much of the day. Nick doesn’t like lasagna.
I have really accomplished so much around the house. I am cleaning out closets, drawers and doing some heavy housecleaning jobs. I’m thinking about getting a steam cleaner I saw at Bed, Bath and Beyond when I have some extra money late this fall. It’s a small handheld unit that costs under $50.00. It’s guaranteed to work or return it to the store. I want to try it on some surfaces where the red clay has discolored things. I have a cream colored Queen Anne’s chair in my living room that looks peach to me. Also, the baseboards in one room where the dog used to sleep are peachy colored. If this works as advertised, it would easily remove what cleaners haven’t been able to clean. We’ll see.
I haven’t talked to my mother for a few days. She called last night while we were taking trash to the dump and I tried calling her back. She didn’t answer. It was a few minutes after 8:00 and I forgot the president was on TV. She thinks this dude is the savior of America. We didn’t watch one minute of his speech but have seen the news reports of his calling a policeman ‘stupid’.
Well, all my chores are done for the day. Supper is over and it’s time to create a new purse idea. Have a great evening. Please remember me in your prayers for a complete healing from colon cancer!
God Bless,
I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.
Psalms 118:17
Diane Tavegia
|
|
|
|
|
Going to rain all week! - 7/26/2009 5:31:03 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1904
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
 1 Peter 1:18-20 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom He paid was not mere gold or silver. He paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. God chose Him for this purpose long before the world began, but now in these final days, He was sent to the earth for all to see. And He did this for you.
♪ ♫ ♦ ♪ ♫ ♦ ♫ ♪ ♦ ♫ ♪
That’s my favorite Bible verse!
Hello all, Boy has time flown by. I cannot believe it’s only 3 nights and two days til chemo. Two more treatments. I can do this!
What have I been doing? Well, yesterday I made a huge pot of homemade chili. Mary and Jon came over for supper. Boy was it good! Jim and I had leftovers for lunch. We still have a good bit left. It easily serves 12. YUM. I made it with ground turkey and no one knew til I told them.
I’ve done a good number of crafts each day. That has been a lot of fun. Also, a lady gave me a dozen cigar boxes. I put some of my smaller craft supplies in some of them and have found it much easier to grab what I need quite quickly. The smell from the cigar boxes reminds me of Papaw Ward who died in 1957 when I was just six years old. That man loved me so much, and I, him.
I’ve sat on the deck for short periods of time, under the umbrella. I cannot wait til I can be outside and work in my yard!
The last few nights, I’ve gone to be by 9 or 10:00. I fall right asleep. I’m sleeping very well. Someone called at 3:50 and woke me, so I used the time before falling back asleep to pray for some friends and family. I got back to sleep and slept til 6:00. I did take a nap today, too. I don’t know why I’d need a nap after sleeping so long, but doctor said “If you feel like you need one, take one”.
I have accomplished a lot of things. I cleaned out my laundry room and reorganized the shelves. I found a few spray bottles that no longer worked and some almost empty bottles that could be dumped into some almost full bottles of the same cleaner. Now my shelves are well organized and not overly crowded. Neat!
I am seriously considering planning a yard sale for the end of August or beginning of September. I should be feeling very good by then and chemo will be over. I need to earn some co-pay money so I can get my port removed. Things are getting more than tight. OUCH, in fact. God will provide!
For the yard sale, I have some furniture we don’t need, a foosball table, air hockey table and toys. I also have extra sets of dishes and many other things. I will start making a pile while cleaning out closets and doing heavy cleaning in each room. I thought Jim would complain about me removing one little table he’d bought a few years back, but he saw it in the hallway and put it in a closet without being asked. Now if I could only convince Jim to let me get rid of some of the things in our storage room off the garage…. ‘Hey! I NEED that!’
I broke down and got my hair cut at Wal-Mart. I’d earned some money through my surveys and used that. Jim had cut about 10-11 inches off my hair but it was far from straight. I had Robbie cut it to about ½ inch above the top of my shoulders. It holds to flip curl very well and feels so healthy! She made the comment that she could NOT tell by looking at me that my hair had thinned, but she could feel that it was thin. She was surprised that I hadn’t lost a lot more or all of my hair.
Rain is moving into our area. It’s supposed to rain all week. It’s already thundering outside. We’ll lose power. Makes no sense, since our utilities are underground. Well, I’d better take Scooter out before the rain starts for real. No need to track in red mud if we can avoid it.
Have a great evening. Please remember me in your prayers for a complete healing from colon cancer!
God Bless,
I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.
Psalms 118:17
Diane Tavegia
|
|
|
|
|
Aug. 3rd - 8/3/2009 4:43:58 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1904
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
 Isaiah 42:2-3 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God" Psalm 16:8-11 I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because You will not abandon me to the grave, nor will You let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand. Isaiah 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. 
I’ve lost track of time, I think. I did not realize how long it had been since I’d updated my blog. It’s been a week today.
Chemo went really well this week. I slept through the whole thing. I did have nausea (minor), throat sores, bloody nose, really painful joints and muscles, neuropathy that kept me awake one full night but nothing lasts and only one more to go! I’m still a little achy and having to gargle a few times a day because of the throat sores but I’m just so thankful that my side effects have been mild. I’ve gained about 9 lbs since starting chemo and am not allowed to diet during this time. I cannot complain, tho, because some people gain 70 lbs. I’m still in my size 8 jeans.
We decided to have our yard sale this coming weekend, if the weather is nice. The weatherman says it’ll be rainy and hot, tho. I’m still getting things ready, just in case.
Jim has to work this Friday then next week will be Tuesday, Thursday and Friday is the first actual day of school. He’ll take off Wednesday for my final treatment and Jon will take me for disconnect on Friday and get me into the house and onto the sofa. I crash VERY quickly now, after disconnect, but I am bouncing back quickly. Anyhow, Jim has submitted all his college work due by Sept. 30th and scheduled his final exam for these math courses. He’s worked 12 -16 hours a day all summer either doing the course work or watching the teaching videos. I know he’s tired.
Nick and I started our 9th grade home schooling today with an easy day going over our books for the year and getting everything well organized. I have a few items I need to purchase but won’t have the funds until October. Spanish class and American Sign Language was today, but we’re going to begin after my chemo ends because there are so many small children in the same gym/ classroom for arts and crafts. The leader is a good friend of mine and she and I joined a year apart. Her oldest is one year younger than Nick. They have been such good friends and are now looking at each other through new eyes. Nick is almost 6 foot tall and so is my friend’s daughter. It’s quite cute. This is our 11th year in our home school group! Wow!
My mother leaves this coming Monday for 35 days in Europe. When she returns, she’ll go home to her real house til next spring. I think she is getting too old for these long trips and excursions and will find this is her last year attempting such a feat.
We’re having grilled chicken for supper tonight with some garlic potatoes and fresh veggies. I can’t eat salad yet or cold fruits and am missing that this week. In a few days…..
Well, y’all have a great evening. Please remember me in your prayers for a complete healing from colon cancer! I am trusting God!
God Bless,
I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.
Psalms 118:17
Diane Tavegia
|
|
|
|
|
Super hot here! - 8/5/2009 7:29:01 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1904
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
 O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. Psalm 63:1-5
Gracious is it hot outside! It’s going to be near 100° through the weekend. I’m going to put off the yard sale until it’s cooler. That was an easy decision to make!
I got a lot of chores done today. I woke way too early and couldn’t get back to sleep so I was up by 6:20. I made myself a nice breakfast and watched some of my DIY shows while the family slept.
Here’s the update I sent out to some out of town friends. Thought I’d share it with y’all.
† † †
Hello Everyone!
I’ve not sent an update to our friends for quite a while so wanted to bring you all up to date.
I’ve completed 11 out of 12 chemo treatments for Stage III colon cancer with minimal side effects. Oh… I’ve had some reactions during chemo but my sweet oncologist quickly changed the steroids and Benadryl to a higher dosage and added another medicine that actually makes me so sleepy that I sleep through the whole thing. For a few days after my Friday disconnect, I feel a bit weak and icky but nothing like many people have. I’ll be able to attend church again in only a few weeks!
As you can see in the photo taken on July 4th, I’ve not lost my hair. I was told it would thin, and it did, but not noticeably. Chemo DID turn my roots dark (wink, wink). I have gained 8 or 9 lbs, but many people gain 70 or 80 on steroids. God has been quite kind to me during this time. I did not need a ‘bag’ and other than ‘a few microscopic cancer cells in 5 out of 17 lymph nodes’, my organs were all clear!
My oncologist said during my visit a few weeks ago, ‘I fully expect you to be fully healed’. I told him that God has already healed me. I have found many opportunities to share Jesus during these last 7 months. I’ve come in contact with many who ‘hope’ yet have no real hope and those who KNOW hope and have great peace. I pray that my testimony and my faith have shown out for Christ Jesus during these times. As Bro. Alan Quigley always says… ‘Let your light so shine before men….’
So, August 12th is set as my final chemo. My doctor has said I can have my Powerport (a hard plastic device that is used sort of like an IV) removed from my upper chest any time after that. We are going to do blood tests two weeks after that because it’s time for a dental cleaning and it’s quite dangerous to have any dental work done if your white bloods cells are low. Mine were low one time in the last 7 months, so I asked for this just to be safe. I expect all to be well. I will have blood tests during the summer and a CT scan mid winter, then regularly for five years total.
I did have emergency Gall Bladder surgery in April. We had hoped to hold off til I had finished chemo, but that was not going to happen. I healed very quickly from that. Interestingly enough, my scar from that surgery is a perfect CROSS. A permanent reminder that Jesus is STILL in the healing business!
Thank you all for your prayers over these last months and your faith! Thank you for the cards, calls, meals, money for my co-pay and the pillowcase that was anointed with oil and prayed over for my healing. I sleep on it and only it every night. I covet your continued prayers.
God is good, people! His promises are not out of date. His mercy is forever. Join me in celebrating what the Lord has done!
Psalm 16:8-11 I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because You will not abandon me to the grave, nor will You let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.
†††
So, today we cleaned the ceiling fans and I washed my bedspread and some quilts. I have so many beautiful quilts that Mamaw Weldy made before she died. I have them on display except when I’m using one or two of them. No blankets for us! Just those nice, warm quilts.
YUM! We’re having liver and onions, steamed broccoli and mashed potatoes for supper. I can’t wait! Smells great! ** It was so good. I also made an Apple Cobbler for dessert. It’s still cooling.
Nick and I got out his 9th grade books this week to see what we’re missing. He’s taking: Math, Geography, Art, Physical Science, Grammar and Spelling, Reading will start with Pilgrim’s Progress and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. He’ll be taking Spanish and American Sign Language with our Villa Rica Home School Group. The Art Class is one provided for free! I was chosen to receive “Picturing America: from The National Endowment for Humanities”. The packet includes prints of famous portraits and scenes. It’s worth well over $1,000! I need to purchase the Geography and Science books.
Please remember me in your prayers for a complete healing from colon cancer!
God Bless,
I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.
Psalms 118:17
Diane Tavegia
|
|
|
|
|
Lots done today - 8/6/2009 7:52:13 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1904
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
 Hebrews 2:14-18 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death ... For this reason he had to be made like his brothers and sisters in every way ... Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Colossians 3:12-14 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Boy! I have accomplised so very much today. I’ve been cleaning out my kitchen cabinets plus my usual daily chores. I also washed another of my quilts. I washed off the deck furniture and cleaned out one bird bath this afternoon. I enjoyed being in the sun, even if only for a little while.
I was wiped out by suppertime. I made a shrimp stir fry. That revived me. Of course, I had some apple cobbler for dessert.
Jim and I are getting things ready for the yard sale. He’s being very good about letting me get rid of things we’ve had for years that he has always thought we might need. Foosball table. Air Hockey table. Brand new tent! Toaster Oven. The list goes on. Now if our weather will just cool down!
Speaking of Jim…. I wanted to share that Jim has been doing some chores I’m not allowed to do during chemo. See, I love animals. My mother never allowed me to have a cat and the dogs we had were outside dogs. As soon as we married, Jim let me get my pets. I’ve had dogs and cats for most of our almost 39 years. I always cleaned the litter boxes. While on chemo, litter boxes are a major no-no. We have two boxes. Jim has kept them spotless for 7 months now without ever complaining. That speaks volumes to me.
Our church women are going to have a Bible Study in September that will run through the beginning of November. We’re doing the “Beloved Disciple: The Life and Ministry of John”. It’s another Beth Moore study so you know it’ll be great. John is my favorite disciple so I’m really looking forward to this study. I’ve done two other studies with them but previously, I had daycare kids to haul back and forth and that was such a chore.
So, Nick will have American Sign Language and Spanish on Mondays and I’ll have Bible Study on Tuesday. I plan on living life to the fullest and enjoying every minute. We’ll also have skating one Friday a month and loads of field trips. I love home schooling!
I’m already looking forward to the holidays. I missed out on so much by not feeling well and then being diagnosed with cancer right after Christmas. I’m expecting great things this year!
Jim starts back to work tomorrow. He has to be there Tuesday, Thursday and Friday next week. He’s taking off on Wednesday for my chemo. Friday is the first real day of school. He’s looking forward to it! He really enjoys the kids and has a number of good friends within the school.
I chatted with a church friend for a while today. She has a new grandbaby. She and I are a few years apart in age but have so much in common.
Jim has completed all of his assignments for this term. He has a final exam to take. He has attempted to schedule it but no response so far. He has to complete that and pass it before Sept. 30th. It’s advanced maths.
Well, I’m going to watch Nick play Call of Duty. He got a new Map pack today online.
Please remember me in your prayers for a complete healing from colon cancer!
God Bless,
I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.
Psalms 118:17
Diane Tavegia
|
|
|
|
|
Exciting Week ahead - 8/9/2009 7:25:55 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1904
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
 Ephesians 1:7 Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people - free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! "Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him. " -Psalm 37:7a
Goodness! We’ve accomplished a lot and have a lot more to get done. Jim and I have a huge amount of stuff out for the upcoming yard sale AND we pre-sold one big item already. I made $50.00 today. One side of our garage is full of items and we haven’t taken the Foosball and Air Hockey tables out or cleaned out a large storage closet under the stairs. It doesn’t have a LOT in it, just things we never use.
I’ve also gotten a lot of fall type cleaning done as I went along. I’ve cleaned out all the lower kitchen cabinets and two of the upper cabinets. We always clean out our clothes closets each change of season and I’d gone through my dress clothes when I lost weight after my surgery. No need to hang onto size 12 when I never, ever will be that size again. I kept size 8 and smaller.
I misunderstood about Spanish and American Sign Language. The classes with the group are only once a month. We’ll do the other three weeks on our own. I checked with the teacher and found out what they’d done last week so we won’t be behind. Nick really wanted to go tomorrow.
I watered a lot of my backyard gardens today and it’s supposed to rain quite a bit this coming week. I sure hope so! We need the rain. I also trimmed some of my shrubs out front. I was very careful because I’m not supposed to work in the dirt. I can’t wait til I’m cleared to dig, dig, dig! Only a few weeks now.
Yesterday I walked around the garden center at our Home Depot and looked at what they have on sale and what might look good through the autumn. I didn’t buy anything since I can’t dig in the dirt yet, but I have loads of ideas.
My sleep schedule is so messed up. I went to bed very early last night and was asleep around 9:00 but was wide awake at 3:00 a.m. I got back to sleep again after 5:00 a.m. and slept til 6:45. I’m not napping during the day and am tired when I go to bed. I wake because of my nose being stopped up or my throat bothering me. I’m going to take a Benadryl before bed tonight. That might help my nose and throat (a side effect of chemo) and will make me very sleepy. I want to be well rested for my treatment, final treatment, this Wednesday.
Jim has to work Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday is the first day of school. Wednesday is a forced furlough day without pay. Everyone has to take off that day without pay. He has to take two other days, also. He choose the day before and the day after Christmas break. He’s taking a personal day on December 1st to take me downtown Atlanta for my yearly mammogram.
My mother leaves for her trip to Europe tomorrow. She’ll be gone until September 13th. I hope it’s not too much for her. She’s 77 and just refuses to accept the fact that she has arthritis and other old age problems.
Have a wonderful new week and please remember me in prayer for a complete healing from colon cancer!
God Bless,
I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.
Psalms 118:17
Diane Tavegia
|
|
|
|
|
My FINAL CHEMO ! - 8/11/2009 9:44:18 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1904
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
 Ephesians 1:3-14 How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son. Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people - free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, every thing on planet earth. It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. It's in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free - signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what's coming, a reminder that we'll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.
I’m so sleepy and have been all day. I woke when Jim was getting ready to leave for work. Nick came in the bedroom and started talking to me so I went ahead and got up, but I easily could have slept another hour or more. I took a 1 ½ hour nap right after lunch and could go to bed right now. I’m hoping supper snaps me out of this.
I was a bit uneasy for a while today, about chemo tomorrow. I’ve never looked forward to it, but was excited earlier in the week because this is my FINAL treatment for colon cancer. I asked some friends for prayers and that helped me push the spirit of fear aside.
Jim had registration and open house today at school. He looked so handsome in his suit and tie. He was stationed by the front doors to greet each new family that arrived. He did call around 10:30 to check on me.
I spent hours yesterday on the phone with AT&T Tech Support. A third phone call last night got everything squared away but today I cannot send emails. I don’t send many out, so I’m just letting the two I wrote earlier today sit there in case the issue resolves itself. Since Bellsouth sold out to AT&T, we had to reconfigure our server information and that wouldn’t work until we signed up on the AT&T home page. Who would have guessed? Today we couldn’t send emails. I’d responded to two needs for prayer and just happened to notice they remained unsent. I used the email repair tool and got it all set.
My mother left last night for Europe. She’ll be gone until Sept. 13th. We’ll probably pick her up that night. She had hoped to find a ride to her cabin, but everyone is working and her travel companion wanted to stay at a son’s house for a few nights or something. Anyhow, we’re going to pick her up unless she calls to say she’s worked something out. We live in the wrong direction from the cabin and Jim cannot take off to drive her. It’s 2 hours each way. I sure hope she has fun and doesn’t over do it. She’s only 18 years older than me but I’m not sure a lot of us could go non stop for 35 days!
Time got away from me! It’s 9:00 and I’m ready for bed. Jim and I went to Hobby Lobby after supper and then Wal-Mart. Our daughter had sent me money for some yarn to make things for her girls. That was a fun surprise. They had called me right after supper and talked for a long time. Kaylee is determined she’s going to get a baby skunk as a pet. Anyhow, we got out of the house and I’ve done some knitting while watching Nick play Call of Duty 5.
Please remember me in your prayers for a complete healing from colon cancer!
God Bless,
I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.
Psalms 118:17
Diane Tavegia
|
|
|
|
|
It's done - 8/17/2009 6:21:48 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1904
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
 Deuteronomy 30:15-16 "See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess." 1 Peter 3:13-16 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened." But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 
Whew…. It’s over!
I had my last chemo treatment on the 12th and spent four days sleeping, feeling icky and out of it. That’s all gone now, but I do still have a headache that comes and goes and serious neuropathy in my hands and feet. My doctor said it might take 6 months to a year to go away and some people have a touch of it forever, but I’m not worried!
Before I forget, I want to tell you about our Nick. The days I felt so ill, he spent day and night sleeping on the floor next to me or bringing me something to drink. If I got up at night, he woke himself and would check on me. He’s quite a wonderful young man. He’ll be 15 this December and I’m so proud of him.
Rain moved in today and our temps are just lovely. I turned off the central air and opened our windows. I love the rain.
Jim had a final exam today at a college in Carrollton. He had to leave school (work) quickly to get over there in time. He takes the exams in the college library with a proctor watching over him. She’s very nice, says he. He was not excited about this exam. It’s testing him on 600 pages of advanced math. Hope he does well.
I did a bit of housework today. Jim hadn’t gotten any done while I was down for the count and boy has it piled up. I’d gotten all the wash done Tuesday so only had four loads waiting. Dust and Scooter hair ….. now that’s another story! I still say my house was built over hell and the red clay dust is from the eternal fire.
I started a nice supper earlier today and am not quite sure when to put the chicken in the oven. Jim’s test allowed 2 hours, which would get him home around 6:30. Everything else is ready, just will need to be reheated. Field peas with snap beans, steamed new potatoes and chicken. Yummy and healthy! I’ve got the oven preheating just in case.
Our home school group has started a book club for the kids. It’ll meet on Thursday afternoons. Last time I looked, 14 kids had signed up. Most are 12 and up. Nick’s excited but might be more so because his gal pal is going. It’s being held at our library. He’ll be taking Spanish and American Sign Language through the home school group. We have a sign language book and I know a good number of signs, but I cannot quickly converse in full sentences. I think ASL should be accepted at colleges as a secondary language.
My sweet hubby turns 62 this coming Friday. I think it’s bothering him a bit. He still is a handsome young guy to me.
Our daughter called today. She had some fun things to tell me about her girls. They’ll be starting back to school soon. I talked with them both for a long time last week. I really enjoyed it. They love the purses I made and are excited about the news one I’ll be mailing quite soon. Kaylee told me she’s going to get a baby. WHAT, I ask… A baby skunk, says she. Well, Mommy is in the background telling her that’s not going to happen and Kaylee says ‘not a REAL one’.
Think I’ll try to find a skunk pattern. I remember Nick wanted a REAL penguin to live in our bathtub. We found him a great stuffed one. It’s in our rec room with a Care Bear he was positive came to life at night and his Thomas the Tank Engine set that must have cost $1,000 or more. :o) Those are things we’ll save for his kids.
So, here’s my plan. Once I feel a teeny bit better I’m going to start walking each morning and evening. I’ll add in the Walk the Walk, fitness DVD as I’m able and then move on to either Jazzercise or something local. I want to lose down to 124lbs and get fit. Also, I’ll be taking an aspirin each day as well as my calcium and Vit. D3. These have been proven to help prevent colon cancer recurrence. No red meats for me, or seldom. I cannot start the aspirin for another 10 days to 2 weeks so I don’t have a major drop in platelet count.
I’m planning on having the yard sale this weekend, if the weather holds out. We have loads to sell and need to sell it all. Funds are gone and things won’t improve until late October. I’m really having to trust God on this and know He’ll work it out. Anyhow, we’ve got some good stuff to sell and I just hope it goes well. Nick is helping me get set up. Again, what a great kid we have!
Well, it’s almost 6:00 so I’m going to start the chicken. Hope it isn’t too soon. Y’all have a wonderful evening with those you love. I know I will!
Please remember me in your prayers that my colon cancer will never return!
God Bless,
I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.
Psalms 118:17
Diane Tavegia
|
|
|
|
 New Messages |
 No New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/ New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/o New Messages |
 Locked w/ New Messages |
 Locked w/o New Messages |
|
 Post New Thread
Reply to Message
Post New Poll
Submit Vote
Delete My Own Post
Delete My Own Thread
Rate Posts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Tools
Printable Version
