It is Finished!

Today marks one month and one day since my last chemotherapy treatment. It feels good to not have to sit in that chair and have that toxin injected into my veins to prevent the spread of cancer cells. Many have asked why I opted to have chemotherapy and not heal myself using herbs. I have given this much thought because I usually make decisions for my health that are more natural via herbs and less medicinal via doctors. Frankly, I was scared and wanted to live so I took the easier route. However, either way was second to my belief that God would heal me.

As a resident of Brooklyn, New York for more than 35 years, I called St. Paul's Community Baptist Church my church home. I was a member of this congregation for 18 years before moving away. While there, I heard a message given by Rev. Melvin Anderson entitled "It is Finished". When I thought about my journey thus far, I was reminded of this message because It is Finished. I am so thankful to have finished my treatments. It took 9 long months, but It is Finished. As you read this statement you probably placed the emphasis on the word Finished. But as Rev. Melvin Anderson preached in his message, the emphasis is on the word It. So let's say that again...It is Finished! It stands for so many things. It = chemotherapy treatments, pump of chemotherapy drugs to take home, feeling of nausea, sleepless nights, extreme fatigue, hair loss, weight loss, metallic taste of foods, cold sensitivity, mood swings, chemo brain (although this still exists, just not as bad), darkening of hands and feet, darkening of skin, loss of appetite, loss of color, port flushes, home hydration, blood tests, purchase of head scarves, purchase of size 0 pants, and worry from family and friends. Now all of this has turned around for me. I am on the upswing, getting back to the person I once was. All praises to God Almighty.

I had to make a short trip to the infusion clinic last Monday. It felt good to walk in that room and sit for 5 minutes as they flushed my port. I will have the port removed later this month, so my next visits to the infusion clinic will be to drop off some goodies. I am thankful for how well the nurses took care of me and it's so important to let them know.

So I say again, It is Finished!!!

No more infusion

Last chemotherapy infusion appointment

No more pump

On my way to get my pump disconnected for the very last time.

My Name Is Victory!

Friends...How Many of Us Have Them?

A friend loves at all times, but a brother was born for adversity.

Proverbs 17:17

My sister has been there for me through thick and thin. She is not in my life for just a season, but for eternity. Although I didn't choose her to be my sister, I wouldn't make a different choice if I could. However, I have been able to choose my friends. I have never been the type of person to have several friends. I also believe there is a huge difference between friends and acquaintances. Now several acquaintances I have, but I could count my true friends on one hand.

This experience has taught me what it means to be a friend (now I need two hands to count them all). It has shown me who my friends are and who I can depend on in time of need. This experience has also shown me what baggage I can leave behind. I have learned so much about myself and how I can deepen my relationship with my friends.

There is a quote that says, "In prosperity, our friends know us; in adversity, we know our friends."(John Churton Collins).

As a result of my battle with cancer, I have crossed paths and re-connected with so many people. Some from elementary school, middle school, high school, college, my sorority and former jobs. Cancer is not a battle I can fight alone. Opening up and sharing this experience has brought about amazing people that encourage and support me along this path, each and every day (yes, I'm talking about you). I am humbled by the support and sometimes can't believe how people step up and show out.

To all I say thank you. I realize that life goes on for everyone. By you taking the time to send a text message, make an fb post, call, schedule a lunch date or visit with me in my home sends the message that you care and that we are in this together. I am most appreciative.

We are winning this fight. Two more rounds to go and I can envision that this fight will end with a knock out punch!

My Return to Church

Gathered together in His name

Matthew 18:20

I am currently a member of Spirit of Faith Christian Center in Temple Hills, Maryland. I have enjoyed attending the services there for over 7 years and feel as though my walk with Christ has been enhanced as a result of the teachings. When I found out I had cancer, I turned to the church to offer me inspiration and encouragement to fight this battle. Once I began my radiation treatments I no longer had the strength to attend church services. At that point I began listening to and studying the works of Joel Osteen. It brought me great satisfaction. I currently read Joel Osteen teachings each morning to begin my day and listen to his teachings on a regular basis. However, I knew I had to get back into the church and fellowship with others.

I stayed away from the church because of weakness and large crowds. My immune system had already been and continues to be compromised and I did not want to contract any illnesses. However, I longed to be back with my congregation and praise and worship my Lord & Savior. Well guess what? On Sunday, July 14th I prayed and made my journey to church. I prayed that God would protect me from all germs and that I'd have the energy to praise Him! He came through. I thoroughly enjoyed my return to my church home and look forward to attending on a regular basis. Isn't God awesome? Yes He is!!!

A Well-Needed Vacation

I have the best sister in the world! It's hard when people find out that I have cancer. A lot of people don't know what to say or how to act around me. I'm still me, just being a little challenged right now. My sister is one of these people. She always asks, "Are you eating?" It's her way of showing that she loves me and is concerned about my progress. It's weird sometimes because she's my sister and we've been through this so many times with my mom and my aunts. But just like it was different for me when I was diagnosed, it's different for someone whose protected me throughout their life and there's no way they can make this go away.

This past July 4th my sister wanted to take me away to one of her favorite places to help me relax and not think about doctor appointments and chemotherapy treatments. We went to the Outerbanks in North Carolina. It is such a serene place. Although it was a holiday weekend, it wasn't very busy and I was able to enjoy my time there. Now my sister had the chance to really see me eat. The seafood there is so fresh and prepared deliciously. I plan to go back when I've completed my treatments and I am 100% healthy.

They say you can't choose your family. I love my sister and wouldn't trade her for another. She'll never know how much this vacation has helped me get through my last three treatments. This was a well-needed break that I didn't even know I needed until I was there. My next treatment is July 23rd. Although I am not looking forward to it, I know it's one treatment closer to the finish line. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

The Day After

Yesterday...
I woke up at 6:30am, 3 hours before it was time to leave for treatment #9. I took my time getting dressed. I spent some time with God. I felt inspired after spending this time and decided to wear blue for those having dealt with, dealing with, and will deal with colorectal cancer. I felt so good walking into the infusion room. I am winning this fight!!!

I weighed in. I am now 101 pounds. My doctor wants me to get to 110 pounds by the end of treatment. I think I can do that. My appetite is great. All day long, all I do is eat and think about what I'm going to eat next. Poor Mike (he's the cook in the house).

As I found my seat of choice, said good morning to those already there (my parents raised me with manners), and prepared myself for my treatment, my nurse informed me that I would no longer receive the calcium and magnesium medicines. Research has shown that these medicines, when used during chemotherapy treatment, were not effective. Great!!! My treatments would now be three hours instead of four. 

Then the saline and steroid infusion began. No problem. Next, Oxaliplatin and Leucovorin started. It takes no time for these chemotherapy drugs to wreck havoc on my body. I began to feel nauseous within 30 minutes from beginning the infusion. I ate my breakfast, chatted with Mike and the other patients in the room for a short while, watched Serena's tennis match from the previous night, got my pump of Fluorouracil and then I was on my way. As usual, when I got home I took my nausea medicine, got a bite to eat and then slept until the next day.

The next day...
I'm feeling better today. Not 100%, just better. I carry my pump around everywhere I go. I look at the pump conflicted because of the poisons going in my system, but yet it's supposed to cure me. If that's not an oxymoron! But still I have faith that God led me to these doctors to save my life and continue His purpose.

My oncologist informed me on my last visit that the neuropathy would get worse. I think he is right. My fingertips are more sensitive and now I am beginning to feel it in my feet. Prayer warriors, I need you. Let's bind this feeling of neuropathy. Although it may be a side effect of the chemotherapy drugs, it doesn't have to be a side effect that I experience. Thank you in advance for your prayers.

I think I am going to call it an early night and get some rest. I feel a cold coming on and "ain't nobody got time for that."

The Day Before

Well today is Thursday, June 27th. I have treatment #9 tomorrow. I dread the days before my treatment anticipating the yucky feeling I'll have for the days following my treatment. But, I have to be thankful. There are millions that didn't make it, but I am one of ones who did. Thank you God for another day.

This part of my life will be over soon and I look forward to September 5, 2013 when I can leave this season of my life behind forever. Remember my talk with God, never will I do this again. Springtime is right around the corner awaiting with new opportunities, new joys, and new victories.

I begin to prepare myself for my 4 hours at the infusion clinic. Seeing people who are completing their last round of treatment and offering words of encouragement. Seeing people who are beginning their first round of treatment and letting them have their personal time with their family members. Seeing women who are pregnant and sending up a prayer for them and their unborn child. What a way to enter this world.

But as I prepare, I think about what meal I want to take with me, what magazines I want to read, what TV shows I want to watch on my iPad. And if you really know me, you'd know I don't watch a lot of TV. But now I actually save shows that air during the week to catch up with them during my chemotherapy infusion session. Wow! What a turn of events.

Each day I thank God for this awesome experience. It couldn't have happened any other way. In any way you'd like to offer positive sentiments of encouragement, I'd appreciate them. Just, please don't start with, "I'm so sorry..." Be glad that this experience has caused me to develop a deeper relationship with God. That is what I need. That is what will sustain me. Pray positive prayers for me. I am healed!!!