November didn't turn out quite the way I expected, since I didn't start chemo therapy. But, all in all, it was a fairly well-balanced month.
Spiritual:
- In November, I was able to attend the monthly prayer meeting, after all!
- In December, I will focus on prayers and meditations as I start my treatments. This year, for the first time in 28 years, I am not planning to hold the annual almsgiving, simply because I don't think I'll be up to it.
Environment:
- In
November, I had planned to continue to maintain for the most part and maybe do one or two deep cleaning/decluttering/organizing projects
as time, energy, and health permitted; I didn't make a lot of progress, though.
- In December, I plan to decorate the house for the holidays and declutter my file cabinet.
Daughter: .
- In November, she continued to come down for extended weekends to go with me to doctor's appointments, etc. We spent some mother/daughter time, shopping and just "hanging out".
- In December, she will continue to come down to accompany me to medical appointments and treatments; she finishes her finals next week and then, she'll be home for the holidays. I want to work on a couple of fun projects with her - maybe paint our toe nails purple, or something!
Family:
- In November, I was able to get together with family members and keep in contact with them.
- In December, I will get together with one or two of my cousins; one cousin has informed me that she will accompany me to my first chemo session and I believe the other cousin will visit. I will attempt to get all the family Christmas/holiday gifts ready in time, although I might not attend the usual family holiday get together.
Friends:
- In November, friends have been very supportive and there for me.
- In December, I plan to get all the friends' holiday gifts ready in time!
Career:
- I was able to go to the office part of the time, in November. Colleagues held a surprise birthday celebration for me!
- In December, I will be taking more sick leave. However, I am also planning to work from home on some days.
Finances:
- In November, I had a pay reduction due to being on sick leave and there were several big bills that came due (property taxes, homeowner's and earthquake insurance, etc.)
- In December, I will continue to budget and manage my finances to the best of my abilities. I will be focusing on frugal/low cost holiday gifts.
Health:
- In November, once again, the main focus
was on health and medical matters.
- In December, too, the main focus will be on health as I start chemo sessions.
Leisure/Crafts/Hobbies/Me-Time:
- I was able to finish the Irish
Chain quilt as planned, in November. I didn't start the new Mountain Climbing quilt and I didn't knit the socks I had planned on doing, but I did knit myself
a couple of hats as planned.
- In December, I would like to start on the Mountain quilt. I also want to make some holiday gifts, as part of my crafting.
I don't know how I will react to the chemo therapy, so I can't really plan too much. But, hopefully, I can still do a little of something in each area of my balance wheel.
What are your goals for December? What are you hoping to accomplish?
Bless, I know tomorrow is your first day of treatment. I wish so much that I could be there with you- I am so glad that your cousin is going to be with you tomorrow. Please know that you will be in my every prayer and in my thoughts tomorrow and the days after. Right now I wish you could feel this great big huge hug that I am sending across the miles to you. ((((HUGS!!!))))
ReplyDeleteMuch love, hugs, prayers and blessings to you, my friend. XOXO
Dawn, thank you! It helps so much to know that you and others are praying for me. I feel so blessed. I so need to stop saying "so", so much! :D
DeleteI'm glad your cousin will be there to keep you company. Don't push yourself, Bless. If you don't get gifts made in time, if you don't get everything accomplished you would like, don't worry about it. Take it easy and focus on yourself. I'll be thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jess. Yes, actually, both my cousin and my daughter will accompany me. I don't know if they'll be allowed to come into the treatment room with me, or not (it's one large room where others who are receiving treatment will also be present), but they'll be in the waiting room.
DeleteAnd, you are right; it'll be OK if I don't get everything done that I want to do, as far as the gifts are concerned. I think people will understand.
I'll certainly be thinking of you tomorrow, Bless, and I'm glad you will have your cousin and your daughter for moral support.
ReplyDeleteLike the idea of fun projects with your daughter - purple toenails indeed! You could even add little decorations if you did that.
As far as Christmas gifts go, I recently saw a Charlie Brown cartoon saying that it is not what's under the tree that is important, but who are around it!
Bushlady
Bushlady, thank you. I appreciate you thinking of me. And very true about the Christmas gifts. I can always play Lady Bountiful another time!
DeleteAs for the toe nails - well, the oncology nurse said to expect the chemo to affect nails; discolor them, etc. She said some people paint them black to hide the discoloration. My podiatrist said one could get toe nail fungus and if that happens, then to come in for treatment (in which case, it probably won't be a good idea to paint them a dark color as that would make it hard to tell if they have a fungus!). Someone else who has just finished her chemo mentioned that the nail on her big toe became loose and she had to have it removed! So, I really don't know what to expect! I don't normally paint my toe nails, which is why painting them purple sounded like a fun thing to do.
Bless, just wanted to stop by and let you know, I will say a prayer for you tonight.. Pray for you during your chemo treatments tomorrow. and pray you do not get sick from it.
ReplyDeleteI will be thinking about you ... hugs, hugs.
Thank you, Judy. You know I will appreciate your prayers. My prayer is that the side effects won't be too severe. That I'll be able to handle it. We shall see.
DeleteHugs to you, Bless! I think it's wonderful that you are realistic and not putting excess pressure on yourself to accomplish too many things in the midst of treatments ... Your outlook is awe inspiring! You're in my prayers and you and your daughter will be in my thoughts tomorrow. Take care, friend! :)
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, thank you. :) Really appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
Delete{{{Hugs}}} and prayers for support. There are lots of us sending best wishes as you start treatment. Keep positive thoughts and know you are surrounded with best wishes
ReplyDeleteHonour
Hon, thank you! How is your husband doing? Is he home yet? Hope all is well with you both.
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