After cooking dinner last night, I finally sat down to eat and took this picture to post for our routine “What’s for dinner at your place?” event just as Chris’ phone rang, then mine rang too. We both finished our calls and finished up getting ready to leave for Bible study. We were just about to walk out the door when Chris’ phone rang again, this time it was a doctor we have been trying to reach for a week now. He’s out in Mexico at a cancer center. We took our coats off and sat back down at the table to hear what he had to say. He seems very confident in the immunotherapy they are doing out there. There are a few problems with giving them a chance to work on Chris. First, we were told that he was not a candidate for immunotherapy based on his genetic testing results. Second, it’s all out of pocket expenses. I’d have to sell more than feet pics to come up with that kind of cash. Third, it would be a very long extended stay out there for the treatment. 4-6 weeks of a stay. I spent the rest of the evening trying to weigh out our options against a list of numbers I complied from his scans over the last two years. I compared the growth of 2022 without the chemo pills he’s currently on against the growth of what he has the last twelve months while on the pills. Without the pills, it doubled in size and number of tumors. With the pills, it just barely shrank a little and then stopped altogether. It’s not shrinking, but it’s also not growing. In my mind that means we have time to make decisions.
I’m actually dreading a new set of piglets. I’ve decided we are getting all the female dogs around here “fixed” so we don’t have to do puppies again. There’s no way to “fix” my pigs and I don’t really want to, but I am down to the wire on separating Drusilla out before she births them. Remember when I tried to sell them all? I had 40 messages a day asking questions and no one bought any of them so I took the posts down. In my experience, when I try something and it doesn’t work out there’s usually a reason. So, I’m just going to get busy finishing a place for her. I wonder how many she’ll have this time.
Did I mention that two females are on season right now? Ugh. Sigh. **kicks rocks** As soon as it’s over they’re going for vet visits and coming back spade. ♠️
I rarely ever have the ringer on my phone set to ring out loud. My phone buzzes ALL DAY so I keep the ringer on silent and I let my Apple Watch buzz on my wrist to alert me to texts and phone calls. I can’t stand the loud noises but the gentle bizz bizz on my wrist doesn’t bother me. The watch came with a black band. Then one day a week ago I saw these packs of bands on Amazon. One watch band is $15-$25 anywhere you go BUT these packs were on sale for less than $18 a bag! Score! Now I change out the bands every day depending on what I’m wearing. It’s been so much fun. It’s always the little things that make me the happiest it seems. I know someone is going to ask where the link is so I’ll just drop the paid link for these beauties right here: https://amzn.to/48GktRM
Last but not least, I baked an entire head of cauliflower in the oven. I poured a little olive oil over it and inside the head, added a little butter and some Lawry’s garlic salt (best kind ever), wrapped it in foil and baked it at 400 for about 35 minutes. Uncovered it and gave it ten more minutes. It looked and smelled great! I haven’t even taken a bite of it. It took longer to cook than I expected so I wrapped it up and stuck it in the fridge. I’ve got plans to unwrap it and put it in the oven, uncovered, so I can brown it a little and then eat it today. I’ll let you know how it turns out.
We had flurries of ice on Tuesday, no flurries Wednesday but there are still patches of ice on the roads and frozen puddles in my yard. It’s had to believe that it’ll be in the 60’s and 70’s next week. Alabama weather is so weird! I hope where ever you are, you stay warm and safe. I’m going to see mama today. I’ve still got videos to upload and I appreciate your patience. It’s been kind of a rough week with daddy’s birthday last week, mama seems to have progressed a little and that’s been hard, then the whole cancer journey roller coaster. I’m still “keeping on” and making the best of it but I’m human enough to admit that I’ve had my moments on the proverbial wood pile the last few days. What’s that? My grandmother was married to a real mean drunk and some days it was so hard that she would go out behind the barn and sit on the wood pile and cry while looking at the moon, “Why me, Lord?” I may not be asking why but I do have moments of looking at the sky and thinking, “Where ya at?” I know God is always with us and it’s my way of asking for help. He usually shows up just in the knick of time. Consider me waiting on the wood pile off and on. If you are figuratively sitting on a wood pile too, we can just keep each other company while we wait. Nobody said we couldn’t have some fun while we sit on the wood pile so I’ll get those videos posted today.
Y’all be sweet,
Bena ❤️🐝
39 responses to “Dogs, hogs, phone calls and other things”
Please pray for me. I will pray for you. I need hope and optimism in my life. ..
I don’t know what you’re dealing with but there is always hope and joy so long as there is breath in your lungs. Find something you enjoy doing or start doing things for others and you’ll be amazed at how much better you’ll feel. Even if it’s just sending out cards for other people, find something positive you can do for someone else and watch how fast it comes back around. Prayers for you Catherine!
Do you need male pigs around? Sell them off before another brood is had maybe…can the males be I am truly sorry for the major stressor in your life,,,I pray for Chris…and you….
Yeah I need Boaris. I just need to finish the separate area for Dru so I can separate them when I need to. The pigs aren’t that much of stressor. Consider them a straw in the pile at the moment lol I’m ok no worries.
Lifting you and Chris up in my prayers 🙏🙏
May God hear and answer your prayers accordingly to his will.
Much love and blessings to you and your family sweet Bena 🫶
Prayers for you and yours! I’m on the woodpile too. So many questions and not enough answers. As I talk to God, my most frequent refrain is “I don’t know”. But He does.
My Grandpa used to head to his shed in times like these and “straighten out nails” for reuse.
Grab all the fun you can find!!!💘
I love reading your posts! You brighten my day. I’m sorry you and Chris have to take the cancer journey but I’m on it too. I was just diagnosed for a second round of lung cancer. We go to the surgeon on the first of February to set a date. I’m on the woodpile with you right now! All the best for you and your family. Marcy Wiedrick
Praying for you as well!
Dealing with cancer is so hard! And then life in general throws these little curves….you and Chris are in my prayers!
Your family is in my daily prayers. God is always listening, even while on the woodpile. I love your posts.
I haven’t heard about the bus driving. Did I miss that post?
Bee safe and have a blessed day in your many tasks.
Ps… I’m in Michigan with snow and very cold temps.
I’ve been a school bus driver since 2015. You haven’t missed much lol
Currently on that woodpile but I’m starting to get a sore butt! Time to move and thank God for my blessings and pass on His love to someone else. You’re right, it always helps! Prayers for you and Chris…these things are not easy.
You just keep posting things in a timely fashion for me. I’m making cauliflower tonight with dinner, and I was about to go look for a new way to make it. Opened up your email, and voilà, we will try it your way. 😊 You also reminded me that I want to look for some dressier bands for my Fitbit. I got some different colored ones, including some that are stretchy, a while back, but I’d like one that is pretty. Lol My parents anniversary would have been Monday, and dad’s birthday would have been tomorrow, so lots of phone calls with my mama this week. That photo of your dog is so cute! I think I agree that you have some time to mull over that treatment. Prayers for your Chris, you, and his doctors. Lord have mercy.Thanks for the posts, and keep walking with God. 🙏
Praying for you and your husband as you navigate this road of life!
Bless your sweet heart. We all want Chris to thrive. You too, life is difficult for caregivers and carers.
First try Reversing diabetes type 2 on facebook. It’s a low carb diet. Carbs (sugar) feed cancer.
Then try Carnivore diet. Several layers to that. Strict is beef, butter, salt. Other variations, any kind of animal protein, butter, salt, eggs. Then Lion diet. Beef. lamb, salt. They all make you rethink everything you ever knew. They will all heal to different levels. Red meat and fat are kings.
God made Chris and if his genetics say no….maybe that’s the answer. I know you’re living in prayer.
I love you this much and more.
Hi, I’m not sure if my first try went through as I had to subscribe, etc.
Where in Mexico (city/state) is the doctor you’re talking to?
You’re in my prayers,
LL
I have no clue where but close to California I think
The smallest things make me happy also! Thank you for the link, loving all the different colors! My heart goes out to you and Chris❤️🩹 Your in my thoughts and prayers. Love reading your posts Bena!
Thank you!
Your posts always make my day. I wish there were more I could do to help you. I am praying for you and Chris. I was a nurse in a surgical oncology clinic for twenty years before I retired. I know the strain you are all under. Hang in there.
Thank you ❤️
Just read your post – thankfully the only problem I had yesterday was the car not starting. Temps were too cold. My son came out this morning & got it started. So have to pick up my mail today & get an important letter mailed. Praying that Chris has some positive healing this year. My son has been battling leukemia for around 10 years, with having a bad recurrence this last summer. My other son and daughter also have more medical problems than I do. I feel so for them & wish I could cure them. So I keep them & others in my prayers. You amaze me with all the things you are doing on a daily basis, So you do deserve to go sit on that wood pile whenever you need to. Sending prayers your way from Illinois.
Praying for Chris and you as you have so many decisions and praying for the right ones!! This cauliflower looks delicious! We are going to have to try it. Lawry’ s has been my go to for years. Its the best!! Good luck with the new piglets. I used to get an agricultural newspaper and people would offer livestock, flower seeds, etc. there. I don’t know if they still do that or not but it might be the best place to advertise them.
I’m so glad I discovered you on FB. Your posts are always uplifting and encouraging in one way or another. I also enjoy the cooking videos! Praying for Chris’ and you in this cancer journey. Asking God’s mercy for Chris and wisdom for his medical team. Also, for the strength you need. 🙏🙏🙏😊
I have been sitting on the wood pile myself off and on in recent days. I have been trying to go through 30 years of “stuff” in this 2 bedroom split level house. I cant believe all the hiding spaces I have found over the years. I am 66 years young with health issues and that makes things very slow going, and I dont do anything slow, the frustration is really starting to get to me, this to shall pass….. Oh well…..It will get better. I have an appartment that I am slowly moving into and I cant wait to get this house sold……
Anyhow…..have a great day. Hugs to your mom….God is great.
When faced with such a monumental decision, I tend to freeze – totally. Not just about the immediate situation, but EVERYthing, even as simple as making breakfast and jumping in the shower. My only resolution is to mentally and spiritually sit at our Lord’s feet, and rest my head in His lap, where I find comfort, hope, strength and direction. That’s my ‘woodpile’. He never fails me!
Amen!
Love to read your post, I’m sending hugs and prayers for y’all !!!
Thank you!
You keep doing what you’re doing! I enjoy your post and blog. I pray for you and Chris as you travel your journey, I too have traveled the pancreatic journey! Just know that you are loved by all of us and God has his hands on you and your family!🙏🏻👼❤️🩺🥼
thoughts, positive energy & continued prayers always… now, a bit off subject but back to the cauliflower..years ago, I had an elderly lady tell me to do this w/my cauliflower..& no matter the size of the head it seems to work beautifully..(if you’re in a hurry) & you may already know this…clean it, wrap it tightly in saran wrap, or whatever you use, nuke it 5 min…& it’s as tender as can be…it’s good that way, even w/just butter & top w/cheddar or parmesan….or I’ve gone ahead & quick roasted from there, or “you do you”….& watch out, steer clear of those splinters in the wood pile..
lol thanks for all of that!
I would try again selling. Remember everything in God’s timing. Maybe there was a reason.
Continued prayers for you and your family ❤️
Sending Prayers for Chris and your mama and prayers for you to keep going and find some peace for yourself as well take care of all of you as I know you will 🙏❤️
In my Bible study today were in the book of John when Jesus raised Lazarus, but He waited to glorify God in the miracle. Our leader said “Divine delays are always for our good and God’s glory.” View those delays as sanctifying seasons. I find comfort in knowing He is at work and pray you are as well as you sit on the wood pile.
I’m a relatively new follower and love your blog and energy. Blessings from Texas.
Praying for Chris!!🙏
Hoping things work out with your decision for your husbands treatment. You are such an inspiration to so many people, your energy, persistence , faith and pleasant and honest demeanour are a pleasure to witness. I too have made many visits to the woodpile over the last few years, worrying about the trouble of my grown children, and some losses of beloved family members. You keep going and inspire others to do so as well. Thankyou for your posts, your a blessing Bena……
Thank you
Hi,
I just wanted share this with you.
“There is always hope for hope. My faith will keep me strong to help them through this.”
This was my mantra when my husband and son were dealing with separate issues, one with mental health issues, the other extreme medical condition, simultaneously. It was a very difficult time for our little family. To go through this alone in an isolated area with no support from family was truly an awakening for me. The strength I showed was a facade. I never thought I’d go through such a crisis. I was always trying to stay upbeat and positive for them both. When I took my shower in the mornings and evenings that was the woodpile for me.
Two men I loved more than life itself struggling through illness noone could see was an extremely serious difficulty with an unknown outcome was not easy. Well, as life would have it, I lost one and still have the other. Missing our lives as a family together daily.
Stay strong and it’s OK to feel sad, frustrated after all we’re only human.