Prayer Request....for Bob

Hi All,

It has been a very long winter and early spring.  My apologies for being MIA.  I've continued to have health issues and just haven't been able to blog.  But, that's all I will say about myself today.  I am writing to ask you to pray for Bob.  He was admitted to York Hospital yesterday with multiple infections....cellulitis on his face, sinusitis and otitis.  He's feeling horrible.  Today, three different heavy duty antibiotics were ordered, after only one yesterday, and I am hoping that tomorrow his health starts improving.  Following a CT scan today, the sinusitis became apparent and likely explains why analgesics weren't helping his ongoing headache.

We are scheduled to leave on Sunday to take grandchildren, Maddie (14) and Landon (11), to Disney World.  The doctor indicated that Bob will likely be in the hospital until Thursday or Friday, but should be OK to travel on Sunday.  Hoping that he makes a quick recovery.  Mickey and Minnie are waiting for us!

On a happy note: Happy Birthday to my lovely daughter.  It is hard to believe that I gave birth at York Hospital 32 years ago today.  My life was changed immeasurably.  I love you, Anne!

Thanks to all for your ongoing support.  It means so much!
Charlene

It's Me....

My apologies for being MIA for nearly two months.

Thankfully, I finished radiation treatments on January 13th. It was bittersweet saying good-bye to my team at the center.  They were a kind, compassionate group of individuals. 

Now that I am out of my "crisis mode", things have become very internal.  I simply haven't been able to sit down and write. 

Please know that your continued prayers and support mean the world to me.

I'll be back.....

Happy New Year! Here ends the first phase.....

As I walked into the Cancer Center today, the snowflakes were beginning to fly....but, I would soon be basking in the rays of Sunbeam.  Well.  That's partially correct.  Basking is a stretch.  
Today was filled with incredible emotion.  My last full breast radiation....#28! Bryan arrived to escort me from the Women's Waiting Room sporting one of his many Steelers' scrub tops.  Ugh.  He smiles from ear to ear.  I believe he wears them just to enjoy my reaction.  And, I always have one!  We will both be watching the playoffs and Super Bowl without a team to cheer for. :(  He and the others on my amazing team finished their setup and left the room.  I was alone.  Again.  I closed my eyes and the tears began to roll.  Have you ever cried while lying flat on your back with your hands unable to wipe the tears?  My tears rolled straight down my face into my ears. My body shook and I hoped that my team could not see it on the camera.  Did they?

I've come so far, but, I still have seven treatments to go.  On Monday, the team went through the dry run for the "boost phase".  Two additional pieces of equipment are attached to Sunbeam.  It will be delivering a focused beam to the cavity where Dr. Mudge removed the cancerous tissue. But, count....one, two, three, four, five, six, seven.  That's all I have left to endure....then on to the next phase:  Meds.
Honestly, I will miss my amazing team: Bryan, Lanette, Staci and Kym....and Dr. Fortier and his nurse, Darlene.  I will miss the ladies that I've learned to know in the waiting room. There are silver linings in every cloud.  I wouldn't have met these lovely, caring individuals had I not had cancer. I have always had the belief that people come into your life for a reason.  Some stay for a short while and leave....by circumstance, or on their own, but I'm happy they were part of my life for however long.  Some will always be there and for that I'm grateful.  
As I look out into the night I can see the ground blanketed in white.  The lake is not frozen over and the gentle ripples are evident in the reflection of the lights lining the boulevard.  Safe travels tomorrow.
A few additional notes....
I attended my class reunion and it was terrific!  Attendance was not high, but it was wonderful to see those classmates that were able to make it.
I roasted pork and sauerkraut with a bottle of dry Riesling yesterday.  Hoping to attract good luck for 2014!  I'm a PA Dutch girl....not sure that I ever missed eating the traditional dish.
My sister-in-law, Pat, a breast cancer survivor, dropped off a prayer shawl lovingly crocheted by the Council of Catholic Women of St. Joseph's Parish in Hanover.  I love it.  And, it is purple, my favorite color. (Bryan: the color of the Ravens!) 

Thank you for your continuing support.  It means the world to me!! xo