Thursday, October 6, 2011

Ready... Set... Go...


Ok, you better all get your undies and toothbrush gathered cause you get to visit!!!

The Plan (and yes “The Plan” might change a bit when we move closer to the "starting date") but we have decided on going to Indi. Yes I know this might come (a little bit) as a shock and truth to be told, Chicago was really nice, the people were very sweet and the doctors very knowledgeable but we felt that we wanted to be a bit closer to home...


I really need all of you, my family, my friends, my buddies (Classic, Jones and the cats) and girls (our cows)  to beat this thing with me and I thought I would feel kinda lonely in Chicago... And yes this may seem a bit silly... But i feel stronger this way and ready too fight, so Bastiaan and I thought this would be a good reason because we need to be as strong as possible. In Chicago they told us that we always could come back if necessary, which was a good and nice thing to know.

So, while we decided on where to go, more tests were done, more test results came back and all the treatment options were presented to us. Out of the three options we have chosen for Inter leukin IL-2, this is a fancy smancy name for a shitty (yes I said it) drug, that hopefully will boost my immune system and knock all those nasty cells out of my body. And no, I am not a nurse or doctor so I might not have used the perfect terms to describe it but I think you get the whole picture if you click on the link (which you don't have to cause its no fun anyway).


The Plan in Indy is as follows: We are going to go to the hospital, I will get admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and I will stay there a whole week. They only do five days of treatment, every eight hours, but we'll need the two extra days to recover. Then we will go home for a week, rest... And we will be back at the Intensive Care the following week and we'll do it all over again, if (and this is a big IF apparently) my body (and mind) can stand the treatment.

The side effects are pretty nasty, so I am not going to name them (The list is too long and a tiny bit depressing…). The good thing is that we will have all day visiting rights!!! Whoohoo... Only two people at the same time, but well… I was pretty happy about that!

Bastiaan and my family can stay most of the time and if they need to go home for a bit, (maybe to drive around in some tractors, look at the cows and talk to all the boys, which can be pretty relaxing after spending a lot of time in the IC) somebody else can come for a bit and stay with me...?


There you go, that is The Plan. Having a private party while doing some MAJOR cancer kicking in Indy while wearing our scull panties and new PJ’s!!!  It sounds good to me…


79 comments:

Discovery School at First Baptist Heath said...

praying praying praying.... and knowing that you will make the right choices for you!!!!!!

TexWisGirl said...

i believe you've made a wise choice! being close to family (and that includes all your animals) does a body and mind good! hurray!!! you already know to keep us posted as to when your start date approaches. :)

Alica said...

I can't blame you for wanting to be closer to home! Praying for you, your family, the doctors, etc...as you begin to kick this thing!

Julie said...

wish I were closer. I would come visit! Praying for you and wishing you strength and stamina and the ability to handle anything they throw at you!!!!!

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I'll be visiting in spirit! I think you picked Indy for many great reasons!

Ellie said...

Good for you - closer to home sounds really good for you. You have made a really good decision there.
I really wish I lived closer to you and I would visit you as well.
Stay strong and you will get through this. Sending you lots of love and hugs across the sea.

Raindrops and Daisies said...

Thinking and praying for you every day.


You are strong and you will be ok.

You are in my thoughts always.

Hoosier Farm Babe said...

sounds like you made a great choice. I've been thinking about you and praying for you every day since I heard the news. And I am totally going to come visit you if you'll have me - I'll bring plenty of pictures of cute cows and horses too!

Gail Dixon said...

Thanks so much for the update. Prayerfully wishing you kick C's bootay to the curb, forever. Sounds like you made the right choice staying close to home near your support system.

Love the photos of the lantana and bougainvillea. :)

Dawn said...

Being with those you love is the perfect plan. hugs to youxx

Unknown said...

No better medicane that home, friends and family - lots of prayers and hugs - and of course would love to visit when you need it and are up for it!

Kim said...

Leontien,
I'm glad to hear you have settled on a plan you are comfortable with. Being close to loved ones is a very important part of your battle. You can feed off their strength and support.
Still praying for you, so know that you have people from all over fighting with you.
Go Kick Cancer's Ass!!!!

Ms. A said...

I can totally understand why you would choose closer to home! I'm wishing you well and keeping you in my prayers.

Lisa Gordon said...

I am glad you will be closer to home Leontien. I think there is definitely something to be said for that. There is a certain sense of security in it that I believe is so important. I also truly believe that with your attitude, "C" does not have a chance!!

Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sending you lots of hugs dear friend.

Jill said...

I think you have made a very wise, well thought out decision. Nothing heals better than love, family and friends...both the 2 and 4 legged kind.

You will always be in my thoughts and prayers, Leontien. I wish I were closer so I could visit. Think of all of us bloggers as angels on your shoulders cause when you need us, we will be there.

Many hugs and much love to you and your husband. KICK CANCERS ASS!

Tami AKA My Kid's Mom said...

I can understand why you chose to be closer to home. Having a support system can make the difference! Praying for all to work out.

Susan said...

Being close to home and family and creatures you love, is one of the best healing things you can do for yourself. I am so glad you have the plan down, now on to it and get it over with. My heart and prayers are with you. REALLY!

Hugs,

Susan

farmer said...

You've done it before and you can do it now.
See the positive possibilities. Redirect the substantial energy of your frustration and turn it into positive, effective, unstoppable determination.
Thinking of you....

MadSnapper said...

i very much agree with The Plan, having family and friends to support you is a need not a want. i am already praying and just did, i read the literature and I am praying you will have very little of the nasty side effects. do you have a date? did i miss that? hugs

Anna said...

Sounds like a wonderful plan. Praying for you!!

Oak Creek Ranch said...

I think you've made the right choice staying close to home. Your frame of mind is a huge part of how you will do with the treatment and fight in general. Having your family close is really important. Good luck!!

Unknown said...

You just let us know when and where and we will be there chicadee!

Unknown said...

I'm with Cris! It's supposed to rain on Wednsday, so maybe I can head down to the big town then! Hugs and love and prayers to you!

Laine said...

There is nothing like having family close by to help in the healing process! Praying for you and your family, you will beat this cancer to the ground.

It's me said...

Het zal zwaar worden lieve Leontien...ik ga vreselijk voor je bidden........heel veel sterkte......en owwwwww...ik wou dat ik wat voor je kon doen!...liefs van mij...xxx...

Jill said...

I am so so happy that you get to have your family with you the whole time!! I wish that I lived closer to you..I would send Smudge over to keep you company. Nothing like a little bulldog to snuggle up to. Keep those skull panties on and we are praying for you!!!

Patrice said...

I think being close to home is a good choice. I'm praying!

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

You have my thoughts and prayers for you and your family! I agree with the others, that you've made the absolute best choice for you, and I know with all the good thoughts you have and the ones from all of us, everything will go well!!!

Suz and Allan said...

Saying a special prayer and hoping everything goes well!

LindaG said...

*hugs* and God Bless. Praying for you, too. ♥

A Work In Progress said...

I recently switched from Big City doctors to Hometown doctors, and the difference is amazing! I always thought those Big City doctors were better because they had their fancy institutes, boy was I wrong!

My Hometown doctors have time, they listen to me, and they're trying to help me. Me, the dynamic patient with a life to live and goals to meet. Those Big Institute doctors were just trying to cure a disease, but they never really saw me. I'm glad I made the switch.

I'm glad you're finding the treatment plan that is right for you, the patient, not just the disease you happen to have. There is so much more to a patient than their disease.

I'm pulling for you. But, I know I don't need to. Horse people are made from stronger stuff than regular people. We can take our licks, laugh it off and get right back on the horse. You'll be back on your horse soon enough!

troutbirder said...

Good choice. Our family is our "power base." Now kick that beast....

Julia said...

Leontien, I think that you have made the right choice and I know that you will win this battle. Your attitude ((ROCK)) Hugs.

Love & prayers, Julia

Arkansas Patti said...

I agree with troutbirder. Family and the support they can provide is a powerful medicine no pharmacist can issue. Keep your positive attitude. It is the other not so secret medicine.

Debbie said...

being close to the ones you love and who love you back is priceless leontien!!

i can also add, from experience, that's it's so important to have someone with you, all the time.

always remember "you never know how stong you are, till being strong's the only choice!!"

Unknown said...

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Your optimistic attitude is nothing short of inspiring.

Larkrise garden girl said...

Leontien that is a great plan.All of your blogger friends will be sending prayers your way and know that your surrounded by family you can see and friends that are sending strong prayers your way. Your never alone. Bunches of hug,Cheri

Heather @ 3 kids and lots of pigs said...

I might be a pig girl, but I have always loved the dairy cow and will continue to pray for you each and every day. I have been thinking of you lots and glad you are at peace with your decision. My Aunt is in Chicago for her bone marrow transplant which is only 1 1/2 hours from where I grew up and my family lives, but it is a long way from where I am and I wish I could visit more often so I think you made the right decision. Please let us know if there is anything at all we can do for you. We love you!!!!!

Chatty Crone said...

I think for cancer you have to treat the whole person and if you feel closer at home - then mentally you will do better. Good for you.

I have a lot of family there and I know it has some great hospitals.

Don't forget to visualize those cancer cells dying.

I am so sorry you have to go through this.

sandie

ann said...

In your corner sending lots of prayers. I am glad you are closer to home

Jeanie said...

A major step....making the decision.
A really major step....having such a positive attitude about it.
You have all of my best thoughts for coming out on the other side of this ordeal with the best possible outcome. You have what it takes to do that.

Michelle said...

Praying for you so much.

nanthony said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
TheCrankyCrow said...

And a mighty fine plan it is....That piece of the battle plan is now in place, and Warrior Leontien can ready herself for the win of her life. You know I would be there for you in a heartbeat if I only could. I trust you will feel my prayers and thoughts when you have need of them. Smiles & Hugs (and give Melanoma an extra hard kick for me...you know why...) Smiles & Hugs ~ Robin

Tanna said...

Praying and praying and praying... now, kick some butt!! hugs and blessings ~ tanna

Michaele said...

Glad the decision has been made and you can start the road to recovery. I know you can do this!!!

doublehphoto said...

Praying for you and your family! Glad you will be able to have visitors whenever, and will be closer to home!

Sweet Virginia Breeze said...

We will be there with you in our thoughts. Praying that all goes well.

Leah Beyer said...

put me on your visitor list! Praying for you!

Sultan said...

Thinking healing thoughts for you.

Cinderella said...

I think you are wise to stay close to home, dear Leontien.
May the drug do everything possible and your immune system triumph!
Loving Prayers and total healing wishes for your body.
((Big hugs))

bon bon said...

wise choice. more support, equals less stress!

we'll all be thinking about you and praying during your treatment. i feel so bad you're having to deal with this a second time...wishing you a fast return to great health!

M.j. said...

Hi you are a brave woman and just know that God has his arms wrapped around you comforting you.I am praying just the same...God Bless

Ricki Treleaven said...

I will pray for strength for you and wisdom for your physicians. It will be easier for you being closer to home, I think.

Blessings!
Ricki Jill

Sandi said...

I have been going back and forth to Chicago, trying to help my daughter with a new baby. Both daughter and baby have not enjoyed an easy "Here I am!"

Even though she lives in Chicago....her help has come from nurses from Hendricks Regional Hosp in Danville, and from Morgantown WV where Daughter #2 works.

Daughter #3 has expressed amazement that she lives within all the "wonderful" medical facilities, yet her help is coming from outside that city.

Many Blessings as you begin this journey!!

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Sweetie just know I'm wrappin' my heart and prayer 'round ya!!!

God bless and may He greatly touch ya with His healing power!!!

Take care and please keep us updated on your progress.

Lisa said...

Fighters love other fighters! Good luck to you on your pink journey and know there are millions fighting for you!

Out on the prairie said...

A very positive outlook.I never seem to miss the katz when gone, they do miss me.Nobody to bother other than themselves.

Katie said...

Fighting with you and praying. I'm coming on a fast trip to Indy in two weeks and hope to visit.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Praying for you, Leontien! I'm so glad you have lots of family and friends close by to support you. You will kick this!! ((((hugs))))

Poppy (aka Val) said...

Thinking of you and sending you all my love x

Ed Pilolla said...

just hearing you speak about the decision to stay closer to home felt right. i mean, the energy that you have made the right decision came right off the screen. and it's a good feeling you can always spend a night on the town in chicago if you need to:)
i'm thinking about you.
beautiful flowers. my favorite was the orange and yellow.

Rhonda said...

Leontien - You & your family continue to be constantly in my prayers. May God bless you all!!!

Tina@WhatWeKeep said...

Hi Leontien,
Maya Angelou and her quote were some days all that kept me going during our son's illness. You are obviously very strong and surrounded by so much love and prayer. I hope that this is the answer and that you will be cancer free at last. My mom and dad are both survivors, so your story really touches me. I'm so glad that you will have your loved ones close and I will pray for you and yours that healing will come. Your attitude is inspiring!
Hugs,

Tina

Dolores said...

So happy to hear the cancer kicking is getting started soon.

Your decision sounds like a very good one.....
You have so many of us rooting, praying and thinking of you for complete healing.
Much love to you and yours....

Lori Skoog said...

Leontien...you have made a decision that works best for you (and it will). I wish I lived close enough to visit you during those times when your family is out riding around on tractors. Thank you for taking the time to check in on my Journal.

What a fan club you have! Imagine the party.

Let the butt kicking begin!

mountain mama said...

you go girl! praying for you! :)

Dreaming said...

Your plan sounds like a good one. If I were in your shoes I'd opt for being closer to home.
It sounds yucky...I'll think of you as the not-so-happy pumpkin... but all that nasty stuff, and the skull panties ought to kick the cancer butt all over the place!

Deborah said...

It's so important to have loved ones near, you can do it, you have so much love being sent your way, and importantly you're allowing it in to do its job x

rainfield61 said...

I send my prayer in Chinese:

愿你早日康复!!

Buttons Thoughts said...

You go girl you can do this and I am happy you can stay near your family, you need this and so do you. I will be thinking and praying for you here in a Canada. You are going to be fine my friend.
Lots of Hugs. B

Rose H (UK) said...

Sending ALL the supportive thoughts I can muster. It's got to be good that you'll be so much closer to home friends and family.
You are a strong and brave lady and you will beat this!
Sending {{hugs}}
Rose H xxx

deila taylor said...

Ok, you've got a plan, that sounds good, and I am going to read about that treatment (cuz I'm a little bit inquisitive about all things medical -- wanted to be a doc). Thanks for the update and the upbeat!

Reena said...

Great decision... family and friends are so important! We'll send all kinds of good energy girl!
Kick Ass!!!

forgetmenot said...

Sounds like a good plan! Also sounds like you will not be feeling very good part of the time, but if the treatment works, that's what counts. My thoughts and prayers are with you. You sound so positive and strong willed that I know you will do some major "butt kicking"!!! Take care. Hugs, Mickie :)

Charlotte Wilson said...

L,
You sound positive, strong and determined to fight this nasty disease. May God hold you in His loving arms and heal you!

All the best,

♥charlotte

Jessica Nunemaker from little Indiana said...

Glad to hear you get to get started! Waiting is never easy.

Of course, you certainly aren't alone. You've got the biggest cheering crowd ever! :)

Teresa said...

You are in my prayers and I have included you in Playing With Angels so that others can come by and support you as you kick this. You have quite the cheer squad cheering you on!

Unknown said...


RR
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โดยเฉพาะช่วงกักตัว สล็อต เกมมือถือ จึงเป็นเรื่องง่าย ในการเสี่ยงโชคที่ใคร ๆ ก็เล่นได้อย่างสบายใจ
ขอแค่คุณมีเงินลงทุนเพียงน้อยนิด ก็สามารถเข้ามาเล่นเกมสล็อตโจ๊กเกอร์นี้ได้ สมัครเล่นสล็อต ฟรีแบบไม่มีค่าใช้จ่าย ไม่เสียเงิน
แถมยังได้โบนัส เพียงไม่กี่ขั้นตอนคุณก็จะได้รับความสนุก และเงินจริง
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