Dear Sheila,
The holidays seem to enhance everything - I'm so sorry that you've been sick and although I love you for always seeing the silver lining (like lower blood pressure and weight loss) I know you would not recommend this approach. The only "home remedy" I've ever tried on that type of thing is miso with a LOT of garlic and onions. But I'll bet the best thing is to try to rest.

The main thing, dear Sheila, is to take care of YOURSELF - in all aspects including the emotional rollercoaster. Again, the holidays always seem to bring everything into sharper focus. My family also used to reschedule major holidays around when we could be together - and I remember many fake thanksgivings and christmases.

When Christmas is stripped of all the tinsel, remember it is really about love and miracles. Grab the love and feel your miracles unfolding around you.

Love and hugs, Sheila,
Chris

Dear Sheila,

I am wishing you recovery soon, and me too. My heart hurts for you as I always look forward to reading your posts and you are an inspiration to me.

I missed the last treatment Monday for a similar reason and an unexplained low count. I'm on my third type and round of antibiotics (they thought it was a virus that was going around).

I believe you will be better soon and get back on schedule successfully. I read all the help people offered.

GET WELL SOON!

pneumonia is a serious illness if the patient doesn't rest, drink warm liquids etc. If you have viral pneumonia, you are probably getting anti-viral medicine not anti-biotics but I'm not a doctor, just a doctor's daughter so don't listen to me but your doctor.
You can check this site out for all the info on it:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/pneu...t&DSECTION=all
mayoclinic.com is a good place to start for basic info on things.
it states:"Viral. Antibiotics aren't effective against most viral forms of pneumonia. And although a few viral pneumonias may be treated with antiviral medications, the recommended treatment is generally the same as for the flu — rest and plenty of fluids."
also:"If you have pneumonia, the following measures can help you recover more quickly and decrease your risk of complications:

• Get plenty of rest. Even when you start to feel better, be careful not to overdo it.
• Drink lots of fluids, especially water. Liquids keep you from becoming dehydrated and help loosen mucus in your lungs.
• Take the entire course of any prescribed medications. Stopping medication too soon can cause your pneumonia to come back and contributes to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
• Keep all of your follow-up appointments. Even though you feel better, your lungs may still be infected. It's important to have your doctor monitor your progress.
• In addition to these treatments, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medications to reduce fever, treat your aches and pains, and soothe the cough associated with pneumonia. You don't want to suppress your cough completely, though, since coughing helps clear your lungs. If you must use a cough suppressant, use the lowest dose that helps you get some rest."
• 
  
• Be patient, it takes time to get better and as they say, don't overdo it when you think you're better because it's better to rest longer and to be really sure. and spit that yellowy phlegm out of your lungs and body.
  
• all the best, don't get discourage, eventually you'll recover and that's the important thing.
• patience,
  
• sarah
  

Hi from Adriana
 

Dear Sheila: I'm sorry to hear you're not doing well.

Chicken soup has always work for me, try it please, if it doesn't do the trick at least it won't hurt you.

I remember my mom would boil a whole- cut- up chicken and add a lot of vegetables to the mix. Delicious.

Also, at age 14 my daughter was diagnosed with mononucleosis, the doctor prescribed-believe it or not- to eat as many as 3 times a day Rammen noodles soup or the one that comes in a cup and you just add water. I believe is the high amount of sodium each of these soups contains that do the trick. She was able to resume school activities in no time.

Please get well, you have been and continue being my inspiration. You were the first one to answer to my emails when I was so afraid and did not know what to expect, which way to go, decisions to make, etc.

I love you Sheila, I wish I could be there with you to give you my support, just the way you have supported me and so many others on the site.

May God Bless you and keep you in His heart forever.

Love,

Adriana

Adorable pic
 

Dear Barb; Just wanted to say this:

I love your picture!



P.S. Hubby is from Grand Blanc, MI

Hi Sheila
 

Sometimes I get frustrated because I think, "When will life be easier?" This is too painful. One small suggestion is to have a friend or friends pick you up and go to lunch together. Even if you can only eat a breadstick or a salad; it can do alot of good to laugh and be with friends.

A chapter of the Bible could also be encouraging. One of the gospels could be a good pick me up.

I really hope that you feel better quickly!

Hi Sheila...

Was wondering why you weren't in the list of those who went to San Antonio as I was thinking all the time that both you and Donna were there. The being as sick as you are for such a long time stinks. Just wondering, is your immune system holding up? [I'm not totally sure, and you would know better, but I think things like WBC are some indication.] There are really no suggestions I can add to what to others have said...only that I care. If there is ANYTHING that I/we could do to help, please let us know.

Love and a hug,
Melanie

Sheila,

I'm sending good vibes your way for feeling better.

I don't know what your schedule is like but if possible it would be good for you to take it easy. Perhaps I'm projecting, but I always overdue it and was wondering whether you do the same.

In the fall I had a cough for a few months. It finally went away.

It seems like your body (and mind) needs a rest.

Joan

Again, Thank you all for your remedies, thoughts concerns, love and prayers...I am overwhelmed, if this could heal, i would have been well a long time ago. This has drug out 6 weeks so I am thinking that I may see Christmas around St Patricks Day...
I am just hoping I will be well enough to get chemo Tuesday...keep your fingers crossed. I have really missed my granchildren during this holiday time especially, because Christmas is truly about children.
After reading all your posts, I know how blessed I am to have all of you in my life. May this New year bring much healing to all of us.

Dear Sheila,
I'm so sorry to hear you're sick. Please know that I'm always thinking of you and pray for you.
I know how it feels. I'm also tired of being sick. I'm up and down.

Love and kisses to you,
Gemma