About this blog

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on June 11, 2010. As a result of my treatment, I have lymphedema in my left arm. I draw my strength from the Lord, as well as my family's Scots-Irish heritage. Our Graham's were a tough and scrappy bunch of fighters on the Scottish/English border. They came to America and continued to fight when necessary: in the American Revolution; the Civil War; and my brother is a Captain in the U.S. Army. My ancestors settled this country against all odds. My great-grandmothers on both sides of the family were pioneer women who settled the West. Along with that heritage, and the full armor of God, I am walking the walk and fighting the good fight.
Showing posts with label relaxation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label relaxation. Show all posts

Monday, July 5, 2010

Taking off for a few days

I've spent a good part of the day today getting ready for our little mini-trip to Catalina. We are leaving at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow morning and will get back on Thursday night.

I didn't want to leave the blog for a few days with the post from this morning. I have my ups and downs. This morning was a down. I realized mid-morning that this is a "PMS" week for me. Perhaps that has made me more emotionally sensitive. Knowing that this cancer is estrogen driven, I also wonder if the hormonal surge related to my monthly cycle might make the tumor grow? I'm probably psyching myself out.

I appreciate the comments and suggestions I've gotten since my last post this morning. I hadn't thought of visualization. I will definitely start doing that. I did a lot of that preparing for homebirths and I know how valuable it can be. I realized that I was doing visualization but in a negative way. (Thinking I could feel the tumor growing). So I will try doing it in the reverse-imagining it shrinking instead. I searched iTunes and found some calming meditative podcasts for coping with breast cancer. I downloaded them and am going to also try to carve out some time to do them as well. I need to calm down and be able to relax. Losing a little bit of sleep each night is starting to catch up on me. (I was awake at 4:40 a.m. this morning)

I won't be posting for a few days, but I will be in touch. My iPhone will never be far away, especially since I'd like to get a call from Kaiser telling me they can move my surgery up.

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." Romans 8:15

Sometimes its helpful to put scripture in the first person. So I'll make this one say: "For I did not receive a spirit that makes me a slave again to fear, but I received the Spirit of sonship. And by him I cry, "Abba, Father!" Boy, do I need Him now.

Your continued prayers are appreciated.