Dirt Road Adventures – Happy Memorial Day Weekend and First Week of Chemo
Happy Sunday, and welcome to Dirt Road Adventures! This is where we review all the exciting events behind the scenes, on the website, and the sources of inspiration I discovered online during the past week. This weekly recap ensures you don’t miss any of our adventures here at the end of our Dirt Road.
Hello Friends,
Well, I survived my first week after chemo and even managed to work a little toward the end of the week. Many of the posts from last week were completed before my treatments, but I hope you found them helpful and informative.
I hope you are having a blast if you are celebrating Memorial Day Weekend. Due to my compromised immune system, I am in isolation for the weekend, so we are laying low. I’m keeping this week’s DRA short and sweet.
I won’t lie to you; last week was hard. I was blessed with an amazing outpouring of support and encouragement, and I’m feeling much better now. I won’t bore you with all the details here, but if you want to catch up on how the week went, the blessings that occurred along the way, and more, you can read My Cancer Journal here.
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Adventures at the End of the Dirt Road
This is a look back at all my adventures this past week.
Trying to be proactive, I planned all of last week’s posts before my first chemo treatment. I’m thankful I did, and I hope you enjoyed all the articles. But in case you missed them, here is the latest.
In Case You Missed It
10 Best Herbs To Grow & Why You Should Plant Them This Year
It’s time to start planting, and herbs are easy to grow, save money, and make for a beautiful garden. This article is for you if you want to know the best herbs to grow and why. You will learn which herbs are annuals and which are perennials, and most importantly, how to preserve herbs for off-season enjoyment.
Rustic Patriotic Decor: DIY Red, White, & Blue Burlap Flowers
Hey friends, and welcome back to The Ponds Farmhouse. As summer approaches, I begin to add patriotic decor for Memorial Day and the 4th of July celebrations.
10 Ways To Add Vintage Charm To Your Bedroom Decor
There’s something about vintage decor that makes a space feel cozy and inviting. Whether you’re looking for a few vintage bedroom decor ideas or want to transform your space completely, these 10 budget-friendly tips will get you started.
How To Hang A Gallery Wall Without A Mistake!
Want to learn the best way to hang a gallery wall without damaging your walls? Hanging pictures with different-sized frames can be particularly scary. I had that same fear, but as I planned my gallery wall, I realized there was a foolproof way to get it right the first time and avoid unnecessary damage to my walls.
The Best Backyard B B Q Setup
Do you love a Backyard B B Q? Today, I’m sharing how we have set up an Outdoor B B Q area around the outdoor kitchen and how to set a table for an outdoor cookout.
DIY Open Kitchen Shelf Ideas: Farmhouse, Cottage & Coastal Decor
Dreaming of a kitchen that feels more open, airy, and full of character? Open shelving is a design trend that isn’t going anywhere – and for good reason! It’s a fantastic way to add personality, increase visual space, and display your favorite kitchenware.
Adventures Off The Dirt Road
Why Didn’t I Think of That?
There are so many wonderful blog posts each week, and I’m sharing some of my favorites with you today.
There are so many creative ideas, and I’m always asking myself, “Why didn’t I think of that”? LOL
- Do you love spending time outdoors but dread all the bugs? Let Stacy teach you how to Design Your Dream Porch with pest-repelling plants.
- Want to add a cozy coastal feel to your kitchen? Robyn’s 10 Coastal Cottage Kitchen Ideas are perfect for any home.
- I love finding unique vintage pieces, and Courtney’s latest find is one of those pieces you wouldn’t want to leave behind.
- And KariAnne shared this unique vintage piece. I have one in metal, but it’s a little risky actually to use it. Have you ever seen one?
- I’ve always wanted to add limelight hydrangeas to my landscape, and Heidi’s article was helpful.
- My friend Cindy shared these simple tips for adding a patriotic touch to your decor. They’re perfect for Summer decorating.
- How clever is this red, white, and wheat wreath that my friend Jennifer shared last week?
I plan to return to my schedule next week and have some ideas I can’t wait to share. Regardless of this bump in the road, I hope to stay busy and provide you with creative ideas for decorating and DIY projects. I appreciate your continued support and encouragement.
If you want to read more about my journey, read My Cancer Journal. It’s a daily journal from my diagnosis forward.
Rachel, I am praying that you will feel better each day, that you find the strength to fight all the different pains that you feel. I found it funny of the way you have descibed that you have Batman and Robin inside your stomach. I can visualized those scenes in my head😂 Just look outside at your lovely scenery and enjoy what that Lord has provided. Take care.
Lorri,
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Today is so much better and I feel almost like myself again. I know this will be day by day process and I will survive it. Your prayers are very appreciated. I know so many have already been answered. Have a blessed week.
Rachel, Thank you for sharing my hydrangea blog post, hopefully what has worked for us will help others who are thinking of planting limelight hydrangeas! I want you to know that your courage and strength is an inspiration. You’re a fighter and you will come out of this unfortunate bump in the road so much stronger. Continuing to send you love and prayers.
Heidi,
You are so welcome and your prayers mean so much to me.
I am Praying for you that God will meet every need and give you the strength to overcome each day! Praying also for your family as they all help you!🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️
Lorri,
I appreciate this message so much. I’m blessed to have your prayers and well wishes. God bless you!
I hope you are feeling better everyday and get to the beach this week. I have always found being near the ocean very calming and healing. Try getting some bone broth it is helpful with nausea and high in protein. I have been told it works well during chemo especially on days you don’t feel like eating. Enjoy the week and keep moving. Prays up for healing.
Diana,
Thank you for all your prayers. I’m so much better and know that all the prayers are working to heal me. Thank you for this suggestion, I will keep it in mind for the next treatment. I hope you have a wonderful week.
Rachel, that is such a sweet picture of you and Ryan on your steps. Your short hair looks so good. Also, that sweet picture of Ryan on the quilt on your bed is so cute and it brought back many memories for me of our precious little Maltese — Princess — who always curled up on our bed beside me when I was going through my cancer. Pets are so amazing at how they just know when you aren’t feeling well and want to be there right beside you. How we miss our little Princess. She had to leave us for Doggie Heaven a few years ago. She was 16. We did not get another little Maltese as it was just so hard to have two previous Maltese dogs before Princess who also went to Doggie Heaven. What beautiful pink hydrangeas your friends gave you — that pink gingham bow just adds to the lovliness. Plus, I know that each time you are out on your lovely porch and see your gorgeous yard, it will bring you a lot of happiness! Rachel, you are so dedicated to bring us your posts. If you need to skip doing these for a week or two, we totally understand. We know it is more important for you to just get lots of rest and conserve your energy as much as you can. Also, Rachel, chemo affects your white blood cells which are the infection fighters. I always wore a mask when I was going through my chemo whenever we had company come over or when I had to go to the hospital each day for bloodwork. I really didn’t like wearing my mask but I realized the benefits of doing this. Plus, my wonderful hubby always made sure that we had a box of masks in our car! He, like your dear Brad, was with me every step of the way on my cancer journey. Sometimes the days were good and sometimes they were a little difficult. It’s so wonderful to have the support of your husband, family and friends who are there for you in so many ways and can pray for you each and every day. This is such a blessing, Rachel! We continue to pray that God will meet your needs each day. He knows what you are going through and loves and cares for you — and so do we. Hope you can enjoy your Memorial Day at your beautiful home. Our love and prayers!
Mary-Ann,
Thank you for your sweet words and compliments. Yes, Rudy is very intuitive and he can sense when I’m not feeling well. He’s such a great comfort. Sounds like we both are lucky in our marriages and very blessed to have a supportive husband. You take care and I look forward to hearing from you again soon.
Rachel, you got through the first week. Give yourself credit for that. It all happens so fast and information is thrown at you. Nobody knows what it feels like but you and you’ve been hit with a lot. Take some time this Memorial Day to have some fun with your husband. Sending long distance hugs of support.
Denise,
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I’m feeling so much better and know that all the prayers are working to heal me. I appreciate you for reaching out and supporting me during the time. Have a blessed week.
Thinking of you Rachel and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. So terrific to hear from you and I hope you will draw comfort and strength from realizing how cared about you are! Hugsnlove, Katy
Katy,
Thank you for touching base again. I’m am feeling almost normal again and am so thankful for all the prayers because I know that I am healing as a result. Hugs to you too!
Just caught up on your cancer journal Rachel and I’m so proud of you for honoring your energy and your body. I know it’s hard when you’re used to go-go-go and getting things done to not have the energy that you used to have – it’s been an adjustment for my loved ones too. I keep reminding them that your body heals best when it’s at rest! I can’t wait to dive into all your links and am keeping you in my prayers. Thank you for letting us be a part of this unexpected journey. Your story is going to help so many people! Big hugs and lifting you up, CoCo
CoCo,
You are so kind and your words are so uplifting. Thank you for all your do.