Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Feeling Better!

Well, it's one week to the day from my second chemo treatment and I'm almost back to my normal self. My stomach has finally settled down and mostly I'm just a little more tired than usual. I told Joe's parents on the phone the other day, the best way to describe the effect of the chemo is that it makes you feel like you've got the flu really bad - restless, achy, and nauseous. It went about the same as last time, lasting about a full week, but at least it wasn't worse. I think it will help emotionally if I can count on one good week in between each treatment. Six more to go before I'm ready for surgery. UGH!

I was able to get out of the house for a couple of hours on Sunday. Joe took me to the Tempe Arts Festival. We had a great time walking around looking at all the beautiful things people make. I think the fresh air did me good.

I spent today catching up on housework. Janaya says I need to get a new hobby, but I can't begin to tell you how good it feels to just be able to do normal things like running the vacum.

This coming week will be a busy one, trying to fit things in before the next chemo treatment - meeting with my book group for our annual holiday celebration, going to watch the 5th/6th grade musical at school (this will be the first I've seen my kids since I had to leave so abruptly), Christmas shopping, going to Joe's work Christmas party, and I've been invited to my class's holiday party. It will be busy, but I'm really looking forward to each of the activities. It also helps keep my mind off of missing being with my class each day.

Oh! An update that doesn't have to do with me! I know many of you are aware of the difficult time Joey had in high school. He has just about completed his first semester at Mesa Community College and is accepted and will be attending NAU starting in January! We are so excited for him! Joe took him up this weekend for orientation (I was so sad to not be feeling well enough to go!) and he is very excited about starting there. He's still not sure what he wants to major in, but will be taking liberal arts courses that he will need no matter what he decides. He loves to snowboard and is excited about being so close to Snowbowl. NAU also offers one credit weekend outdoor classes. He is going to sign up for Intro. to Mountain Biking. I think this campus is going to be a perfect fit for him!

Well, that's it for now. I miss everyone!

Till next time,
Love you all tons!
Martha

8 comments:

Dottie said...

Dear Martha,

It's so good to hear that you're regaining your strength! We are SO excited to see you! Your classroom kids desperately miss you!

Something you need to add to your calendar of things to do--if you feel up to it since it will be a chemo week--is the staff party on December 19th! We would all love to see you!

Our thoughts and prayers for you have only picked up momentum, Martha! We're going to help you beat this monster! Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers constantly!

I am so happy for you about Joey's plans! How proud you and Joe must be!

Hang in there, Girlfriend!! We're rootin' for you every step of the way!

Lots of love,
Dottie

Cheela said...

Martha,

Thank you for keeping us updated by this blog. It is so good to read your wonderful, positive outlook. I am glad you are feeling better today. Looking forward to seeing you Thursday night. I had a chance to watch some of the practice today and the kids in your class were awesome. We miss you!!

Jim said...

Glad you're feeling better. Maybe you'll want to practice your saxophone......

Jim

N-Search of Peace! said...

Hey sweetie!
You sound so wonderful and yes, just a few more to go!....I can hear the resolve to the work you have ahead of yourself....that is such a great and healthy emotion!.....your "in-search" for normalcy and consistency is a true testament to your character sweetie!....vacuum to your hearts content!....I am ever so thrilled to be able to witness this amazing spirit that God has given you....
We are ALL so proud of Joey and his accomplishments...our youngest Travis attended and is going back to NAU this coming fall.....he absolutely LOVES it there and misses it allot....Joey will find his passion....he will keep his head up towards the sky and eyes brightly shining......he will find his place in our world....he has such an amazing family and they are right behind him....as well as all of us!
So looking forward to be huggin on you at the book club sweetie!....can only imagine what Kelly has in store for us this year!
Love and such grace to you...
N-Peace

Carol Dunton said...

Hi Martha! I've been away from Blogland for a few days and it was wonderful to read your update and hear how well this last session went! You go, girl!! I've been all excited about seeing you tomorrow night at Kelly's...do you want to car pool with me?

I think that is so wonderful about Joey! It sounds like Flag and NAU is just a perfect fit for him... and it's your alma mater! He's going to have an awesome experience there! Side note...Peggy graduates on Friday from NAU with her Master's in Administration! It was 4 years ago for us that Sheila 'hooded' us 4 gals - wasn't that such a great time?

Have fun dancing around your living room with Hoover, or Kirby or Oreck or Dyson or whoever is your vacumn! See you soon - have a big ol' hug for ya, girlfriend! xoxox
VB

The SAB team said...

Hi Martha! I'm so glad that you had a good week and what great news about Joey. I didn't know that. We are very excited to see you tomorrow at the Christmas Party -- should be lots of fun! Much Love, Sheila

Jane said...

Hello Martha!
Just wanted to add how nice it was to read your update. You and your family have been in my prayers.
I know your class misses you, what a treat for them to have you come to the party.

Here is a note from Victoria,

Hi Mrs Hitzel,
I hope you feel better. I am really sorry that you are sick. I miss you alot. I was so surprised to see you with out any hair! You look cute without hair.
Love,
Victoria

((Hugs))

dawn chandler - new mexico artist said...

Martha ~

Wow. What a beautiful thing you have created here. As I read through your blog, my eyes are welling with tears — tears that have less to do with sadness and more to do with being touched and moved so deeply by your courage, bravery, honesty and resilience. These, and the devotion and love of your family and friends, are utterly heart-warming and reassuring.

That being said, I’ll now tell you that I’m damn jealous that your Blog has twice as many “followers” as mine does! Not to mention I’m dazzled by how utterly fabulous you look bald -- who would have thought?!?! Damn! Now you’ve got me considering going out and shaving my own head.....!

Anyhow, Sue was kind enough to share the link of your Blog with me. So I just wanted to tell you that you, Joe and your whole family are in my thoughts and prayers. I — along with your wealth of friends and family — am rooting for you. You are an inspiration. You go girl. You go!

Dawn Chandler
Taos, New Mexico