Wednesday, February 22, 2012

4th Chemo Treatment

On Wednesday, February 15th, 2012 I went into Memorial Hospital for my fourth chemo treatment.  I had a really bad week leading up to the treatment.  However, my lab work showed my blood-count to be better than it has been since my surgery.  I have just returned from another visit for only lab-work, and the blood work continues to climb.  I know that this has to be God at work, healing me, as he has promised to do.

I'm getting a Boost along the way!

Good friends supplied chicken soup and cornbread
This cornbread is just like I like it - thin and crispy!

I really surprised Frances for Valentine's day - with this Barbershop Quartet arriving at our home and singing three love songs for her.  She was overwhelmed to tears.  I have to confess I also shed a tear before they were through, but I was so proud of myself because I have never been able to surprise her so completely for anything (birthday, valentine's day, christmas or anything else) but on that day I did it.  I still feel somewhat smug.

Another thing that was part of this package was the large box of chocolates I managed to sneak into the house and set  up by  the kitchen counter so it was the first thing she saw when she came into the kitchen that morning.

Another visit from Frances' neice, bring food!  Yummmmm!

This cardinal came to visit me while I sat in the warm afternoon sunshine one day last week.

Beautiful buttercups clipped from our yard and brought into the house for me (with love) from Frances!  Spring is almost here folks!

9 comments:

Joyful said...

I'm so delighted to hear how your blood count has improved. Praise God!

I absolutely love a romantic man and I'm sure Francis does too. How wonderful you were able to surprise her, and what a brilliant surprise it was.

The bird is a nice gift and so are the flowers.

I hope you and Francis are having a good week. She certainly looks beautiful in the photos. God bless you both.

Ginny Hartzler said...

It's good to see a post from you, Fred. Have you lost much weight, as I see you are taking Boost? I am glad your blood work shows that the chemo is working. What a wonderful and considerate husband you are to give Frances such a wonderful day with you going through chemo!

Melanie said...

Hi, Fred,
Wonderful news about your blood count, we'll keep praying!
I enjoyed your pictures. Yes, spring will be here very soon.
What a thoughtful surprise for your wife! You can be very proud of yourself! :)
So nice to have sweet friends and family. Now I think I'm going to have to make some chicken soup and cornbread...yum!

jack69 said...

Ohhh, you sly dog you! What a great surprise for your Valentine. You hit the top of the hill my man, I know she was thrilled beyond words. She is one sweet lady, I still see that sweet thing from 1959-60 time frame.
Great entry, and glad things are still going well with the Chemo.

Love you buddy, and again YOU done GOOD!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Fred, I'm sorry you are having a hard time with the treatments --but it sounds as if they are working... God Bless You...

Your Valentine's gift (the barbershop quartet and chocolate) was FABULOUS. Frances is one lucky lady... I loved it!!!! I'm sure I would be crying also.

Glad you are able to eat and that your family and friends are bringing lots of food into the house. Keep drinking those Boosts!!!!

Hugs and Lots of Prayers,
Betsy

Jean said...

What a lovely thing to do for your wonderful wife Fred. The food look so good and you have the most sweet and caring people in your life. Glad to hear the good news about your blood work and the flowers your sweet wife picks just for you are lovely. Love the pictures. Take care.

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

You are on the mend..Halleluia!!!
Your France's niece is a keeper.. what a kind thoughtful girl..
You are both much loved, as good people always are. Blessings to you both.

George said...

You did a great job on Valentine's Day. I have trouble surprising Betsy, so I can understand why you're feeling smug about what you were able to pull off.

I'm glad to hear that your fourth treatment went well and that your blood counts are continuing to improve. I'm also happy to hear about all the support you are getting from family and friends.

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

Hello Mate, Just popped in to say HELLO and wish you and your lovely family, Peace, Love and heaps of blessings over these HOLY DAYS holidays. xxx oooo
From Ray and Crystal Mary Lindsey

About Me

My photo
Cleveland, TN, United States
I am Fred Alton Brannen, the son of Louis A. Brannen (deceased) and Bonnie Jones Brannen, Louis was an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God. Bonnie is an Ordained Licensed Minister and at 89 years of age is still actively engaged in speaking and singing engagements. I am married to the former Frances Hildreth. We celebrated 53 years of marriage this past June and we are the parents of 3, grand-parents of 10, and great-grandparents of 10. I pastored in Tennessee for 24 years and served the Church in some capacity in missions for over 23 years. I retired from full-time ministry in August of 2008 but remain active, speaking and singing and teaching whenever opportunity affords itself. In January of 2010 I received a letter of commendation for having been credentialed as a minister in the Church of God for 50 years! My family is very important to me. Our get togethers are always noisy affairs and most times will include family sing-alongs. The children love their Mom's cooking so we have the privilege of seeing them regularly! WE LOVE having them over.

TheCabin on Day One

TheCabin on Day One
Fred Alton