Ring That Bell
Today I had my last day of radiation and was able to ring the infamous bell! Every person who completes their radiation therapy delights in ringing the bell which is heard throughout the halls of the cancer center with cheering! I rang the bell with such exuberance that the actual rope and clanger pulled right off the bell! What fun it was!!!
Another portion of the journey completed but not without battle wounds! I have radiation burns being treated by wound care and my blood count has hovered very low. Fatigue has also been a struggle but now I can look forward to rest and rebuilding for the next few weeks at home. In
February I will be returning to Phoenix for tests and physical therapy to prepare me for reconstruction which will be the last phase of this
journey!!
Thank you all again for the continuous prayers encouragement and support! You are loved very much!
Love and blessings,
Joy
A Blast From The Past
Last night I had the pleasure and delight to see a couple of friends I haven’t seen for about 15 years. They heard about my journey and treatment here at the Cancer Treatment Center and decided to look me up. Both live here in the Phoenix area. What a wonderful surprise it was for me! They came bearing gifts and took me down memory lane!
We had a great time visiting and catching up at dinner! It was the first time in months that I felt like one of the girls rather than a cancer patient! It was a true blast! Thank you Lori and Ruth for the special visit! It was truly a blessing to know you would go out of your way to look me up and come visit and to know I am still remembered and loved by those in Parklane!
Radiation has been easier than the Chemo even though I am still experiencing Chemo effects. I have had 10 rounds so far and only 18 left
to go! I have had a drop in my white cell count but they are watching it closely and I am believing it will not become a problem. I am slowly gaining strength and beginning to feel like a person again. Thank you all once again for your prayers, encouragement and support. You are loved and appreciated!
I pray you all have a wonderful holiday season!
Joy
Read More1st Round of Radiation
After my radiation treatments had been postponed for two weeks, I have finally received the go ahead to start this next phase of my journey.
I was thankful to have the delay since my strength was near to none. I have gained some strength but still suffer from Chemo side effects. My team of doctors are trying to help me with those but I believe everyone’s prayers are my best prescription! 
The radiation treatments will take me through till mid January. Treatments are Monday through Friday until completion. I will be at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Phoenix till the weekend of Christmas where I can return home for family time.
I will only have the weekend but am grateful to be able to be home for the holiday!
Once again I want to thank you all for your loving support, encouragement and prayers! Its great to know I am surrounded with the love of many! Happy Holidays and Blessings to all of you!
Love, Joy
Read MoreBack In The Hospital
Just when I thought I received a clean bill of health from my hospital stay the other day, I wind up back in for dehydration, low white count and low blood pressure.
I have now been here two nights and hoping to be released today.
A shout of thanks to all of you who have been sending words of encouragement, prayer and support! They are greatly appreciated. Love you all!
Read MoreEmergency Interruption Update
Midway through my Chemo infusion on Thursday I began getting chest pains. I guess that is not something they mess around with here and mmediately I was taken off the infusion and 911 was called. I was transported to a nearby hospital where they had a cardiologist on staff. They kept me overnight and after running several tests throughout the night and next day, the tests proved to be ok! Chests pains stopped on Friday and no damage to the heart, just Chemo side effects. A thank you to everyone who has been praying for me!
Love and blessings to you!
Read More4th Round of Chemo – Update
The past three weeks since my last infusion has been the most difficult for me. I caught a virus which has left me sick the whole time. My blood count also dropped unusually low and has made it hard for my body to bounce back.
Thanks to my great supporters and prayer warriors from the Upper Room at Crown of Glory I am draped with a royal blue scripture infused prayer cloth today!
As I use my prayer cloth coupled with faith I am moving forward in this battle, claiming my victory! Thank you all for the continued prayers and support for God’s strength and Grace as I continue in this journey! Many blessings to you all!
Read More
Prayers