Aroma Fields - Stop and Smell the Flowers

The Makers of Abraxane - My Hero!

2010-10-20T10:29:00.000-07:00

. . . I Received My Treatment!

While waiting for my insurance company to "review and approve" the new Abraxane chemo treatment I was suppose to have, the tumors were growing and the pain was getting much worse. I would cry at night when the pain seemed relentless and the pain meds didn't even seem to help. But the most wonderful news of all was that my Oncologist and his staff solicited the drug company who makes Abaxane and the drug company decided to cover the cost of my treatments while we wait for the insurance company to get off their duff.

When I met with my Oncologist yesterday, he couldn't praise the drug company enough for this compassionate and giving gesture. They will benefit from my treatment results which could benefit future pancreatic cancer patients.

Yesterday, I received my first treatment of Abaxane and it went SO much better than the prior chemo I'd been on for 8 months. I didn't have to have a lot of intravenous drugs pumped into me prior to the infusion... the infusion time was shorter... no pain the the arm where the chemo went in... and so far, I don't feel any horrid side effects. I'll have this particular chemo treatment every week for three weeks and then get the forth week off.

It is my Oncologists hope that this chemo will begin shrinking the tumors and I can feel some relief within the first two weeks. He also hopes that I can stay on it with positive results for even up to a year. But, he says, even a month of relief would be good. I pray for longer than a month!

I am very thankful to my Oncologist, his staff and the Abraxane drug company for allowing the opportunity for me to begin this treatment. Together, they are my hero's! I have so much more I want to do in my life and cannot imagine laying around lethargic and in pain for the rest of it.

Thank you to all who continue to send prayers. I am so grateful to have them!
♥

Aroma Fields Candles & Bath
~Marilyn's Silly Website~

FDA and Insurance Companies Play 'God'

2010-10-11T13:35:00.000-07:00

. . . "no, you can't have it until way say so!"

Expecting to start my new chemo treatment (of Abraxane) on September 28th, my husband and I were stunned to hear that I am now subject to waiting for all the red tape. While Abraxane is FDA approved for breast and lung cancer, it has not yet been approved by the FDA for pancreatic cancer. Google it for pancreatic cancer and you'll find studies have shown it has had good results. Thus, the testing has been done. But...FDA, dragging their feet, hasn't put it out there for use by doctors on their patients, yet. SO, our insurance company has to go through a review process whereby they are the decision makers on whether or not I get my much needed, grabbing-at-straws-now treatment! To top it off, they want to take their sweet time and have stated that a decision may be reached in about 3 weeks. If something works, why would they not let someone have it? Why let the person suffer in more pain...allow more damage to be done...or let the person die? Do they know that cancer doesn't stop growing to appease their schedules?

So, the pain progresses and I'm on a steady regimine of Advil. It doesn't quite stop the pain entirely, but anything stronger makes me tired, thus, all I want to do is sleep. I'm suppose to go back to my Oncologist on October 19th for the Abraxane infusion IF the treatment has been approved by then. I hope I don't end up in some insurance beaurocratic limbo, unable to get any treatment done while in the meantime insidious little mutinies are allowed to progress unchecked. Meantime, I feel like I have something stuck in my throat. Oh yes....it's a flippin' tumor!

Aroma Fields Candles & Bath
~Marilyn's Silly Website~

New Tumors . . . New Chemo

2010-10-03T09:39:00.000-07:00

New CT Scan Results

I went in to see my Oncologist this past Tuesday, September 28th to get the results of my CT scan and for another Oxaliplatin chemo infusion. As I had been experiencing unusual pain in my neck and felt a bit more fatigued than usual, I expected that the results would not be good. They weren't. The tumors that existed in my lungs are still there, some have grown larger AND I have 3 additional tumors . . . one in my neck, two in my abdomen.

My Oncologist took me off of the Oxaliplatin infusion treatments (which I've been having once a month for the past 9 months) as, apparently, they are no longer working. I'm tickled pink to be off that nasty stuff as the side effects were horrid. Beginning this coming Tuesday, I'm to go on another type of chemo called Abraxane. Doc says it's normally used for breast cancer but recent studies have proven it to be effective in the fight against pancreatic cancer as well. I sure hope so! Because of the fact that I've been on three different chemos now and this disease is still rearing it's ugly, demonic head...I'm losing hope. I'm glad, however, that my Oncologist hasn't given up!

As the pain in my neck gets worse each day; feeling like a knife stabbing into my neck with pain radiating up into my jaw and down into my lungs, I'm eager to begin this new chemo treatment. I'm also having problems with my larnyx as I sound very hoarse when I speak and it hurts in that area as well. At the time of my visit, my Oncologist didn't know what was causing that problem. I'm wondering if the neck tumor is pressing on my larnyx. Anyway...it hurts.

My Oncologist says that if the chemo doesn't work in shrinking the tumors, I'll have to have the one on my neck radiated. So...does that mean the other tumors will be left to grow? I have a feeling the answer is "yes". I don't want to reach this point! Dammit!

So, as I come to terms with the fact that this disease is progressing quicker now, I worry that I won't be around in a year's time. No fair! I have a lot I want to do! My children are taking this very hard. It is more difficult to watch my children suffer emotionally than it is for me to endure the physical pain from this disease. My brother and sister are worried sick, as well. I've always been the "hub" of my family since our Mother passed away in 1970. If my husband is stressed, he is not showing it. I continue to hear him say, "You're going to be just fine...you're going to live another 20 years". He's either in denial or he's hiding his concern in order to give me hope and support . . . but he's ALWAYS by my side with all I go through. Everyone handles their stress differently. I love my family SO much!

On a positive note . . . I'm hoping the new chemo does a great job and gets rid of the tumors! I have so many wonderful people praying for me and I appreciate every one. I'm working on a new afghan for Berlyn (my middle grand daughter) and still filling candle and soap orders. I'll be doing things as long as I possibly can!

Aroma Fields Candles & Bath
~Marilyn's Silly Website~

Polka Dots!

2010-09-10T11:27:00.001-07:00

. . . My Newest Crochet Project!

I love to crochet! It's very therapeutic.

Awhile back, my daughter decorated my oldest grand daughters' room with pretty, bright colors and large polka dots on her closet door. I just finished crocheting this afghan this past week and I'm amazed at how well it goes with her room. All the colors and the pattern match perfectly! Done in granny squares, whip stitched together and several single crochet rows of colors for the edging, this is how it turned out:

I'm anxious to start another afghan. The next one will be for my middle sized grand daughter. She's very "girlie" so I'll do hers in a large shell pattern in shades of peach. I ordered the yarn last week and eagerly await it's arrival! Too bad the local stores don't carry a nice variety anymore. I'd have it in my grubbly little paws right now!

Have a lovely weekend, everyone! I've got some candle orders to fill . . .

Aroma Fields Candles & Bath
~Marilyn's Silly Website~

Chemo Accumulation

2010-09-04T11:11:00.000-07:00

. . . I'll Have Some Cheese With My Whine, Please!

Let me first say that while I realize that I could feel a whole lot worse, and likely will feel worse later on down the road, I'm still going to complain. Experiencing the deterioration of my body, loss of the ability to do things and losing the person I use to be is frustrating. Damn this cancer! Damn this chemo!...though, without it, I probably wouldn't be here today.

For the past 8 months, I've been on a regimen of monthly Oxaliplatin chemo infusions along with twice-daily doses of Xeloda chemo pills. Since my Oncologist reduced the dose back in March...and then spread the infusion regimen to every 4 weeks rather than every 3 (back in July), some of the side effects have become less of a problem. But, as the chemo continues to accumulate in my body, there are other side effects that have reared their ugly heads and become a problem. Before I get into those two issues, let me just say that . . .

My hair started thinning again back in June! I hate that!! (Okay...not a major deal but certainly makes me feel less of the person I use to be).

Onward . . .

Most annoying. . .

1) High Blood Pressure: I have never in my life had high blood pressure! In fact, I always ran a bit on the low side (117/74). I'm hitting numbers like 148/98 and 151/101 now. My nurse told me it was the chemo causing it. It makes my ears ring, my heart pounds, I get the jitters and bad headaches (that Advil won't even help). I find that if I stay away from salts and sugars, it's a wee bit less of a problem...but still a problem. So far, my Oncologist hasn't said how or if he's going to treat it. I have a CT scan this month. Perhaps he's waiting to see the results from that before he makes any decisions.

2) Cold Sensitivity: Oxaliplatin chemo causes neuropathy, whereby I cannot touch anything cold or eat and drink anything cold without experiencing pain, tingling and numbness. The pain is as if touching dry ice...so cold, it hurts. Eating/drinking cold things causes a shocking pain in the mouth and my esophagus feels as if I've swallowed two huge ice cubes whole. And when I say cold things, I mean anything below body fluid temperature. This side effect lasts for 2 to 3 weeks before tapering off. I've been dealing with this for 8 months but it's now progressing into another area of my body. My lungs hurt! What's happening now is that I get pain in my lungs whenever I'm in temperatures that go below 80. The weather here has been in the 90's and 100's so I turn on the air conditioning . . . and here it comes! The pain beats me down. I get short of breath and lose energy. I find myself laying down and burying my nose under the blanket (so I can breath my own warm breath to help the pain subside somewhat). Going to the grocery store, I come out of there with painful lungs. When it zaps my energy, I can't do much of anything. I went to my grand daughter's high school football game last night. The weather was gorgeous! A perfect summer evening (78°), no need to wear a jacket...and yet my lungs began to hurt. They still hurt today. Advil is the only thing that makes it completely go away...until I'm in another cold area. Truthfully, I'm not sure if it's the chemo causing this problem or...maybe the lung tumors have grown. I can't imagine it to be tumors, though, as the pain is not always there. I'll find out on Sept 28th when I see my Oncologist.

Thank you for letting me rant, whine and complain. I do realize things could be a whole lot worse. But, I'll tell you...the lung pain and lack of energy sucks!

What's next:
I'll have a CT scan on September 9th and see my Oncologist on September 28th to get the results. At best and with hope, prayers (and luck?), maybe the tiny tumors that were in my lungs have gone away and I can finally go off chemo.

Meantime:I'm still doing as much as I can...going places, cooking, enjoying my crafting (crochet, candle and soap making). Life is still good :-)

Aroma Fields Candles & Bath
~Marilyn's Silly Website~

~Marilyn's Silly Website~

2010-07-15T10:51:00.000-07:00

. . . IS BACK!

In 1998, I began working on some personal web pages simply for the fun of it. I love being creative and making people smile. My best friend, Fayezie (a talented cartoonist, poet and English teacher!) would encourage and inspire me. Sometimes, as I would draw and/or write, I'd sit here laughing out loud and couldn't wait to share my creation with her.

After creating several pages, I put them together into a website, called it "~Marilyn's Silly Website~", sent the link off to some friends, submitted it to search engines...and within a month, it had taken off around the world! I was astonished at the number of visitors I was getting and the amount of email I recieved complimenting my site. It went on and on for 10 years!

In late 2008, the hosting company went out of business and ~Marilyn's Silly Website~ was no longer on the Internet. Since then, I've had several requests to reinstate the site. I've finally found the desire, energy, time (and a good hosting company) in order to do that.

Please come and view it! You won't be sorry . . . you'll leave with a smile on your face. In my Frivolous Frolics Cartoons section, you'll find my original cartoon artwork and humorous poetry that I love to write. In my Java Applets section, you'll find serenity in the lovely java applets I enjoyed coordinating with poetry and music. In my Holiday Pages section, you'll find delightful holiday pages displaying adorable graphics, some of my cartoon drawings and humorous story line poetry. Visit my Seasons Pages for a cheery, captivating mood of each of the 4 seasons.

We all have an inner child. Let yours come out for some fun today! I hope to see you at ~Marilyn's Silly Website~.

Aroma Fields Candles & Bath
~Marilyn's Silly Website~

Living With Cancer & Chemo

2010-07-08T14:17:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd better jump in here and post something. The more time slips by (and oh!...it's flying so fast!), the harder it is to post since it feels as though there is so much to catch up on. Actually, not really. Here's an update:

The radiation therapy combined with chemo has helped my hip immensely! I have no pain and I'm walking normal. A CT scan in May revealed that the tumor in my hip had shrunk.

As mentioned in my prior (February) post, I was to undergo a series of Oxaliplatin chemo infusions combined with Xeloda chemo pills in this manner: Infusion of Oxaliplatin every 3 weeks and a twice-daily dose of Xeloda pills (3 in the morning; 2 at night). Then, a glorious week break from all chemo before starting over. (Oh!..how I love those weeks off!).

Then I hit a bump in the road. In March, after a chemo infusion, I spent the next few days struggling with intestinal pain (so bad, I could hardly walk or stand), no energy and a high fever. The fever climbed each day...beginning from 101 and up to 103. My daughter took me to Emergency on the 4th day that followed the chemo infusion. I was hospitalized for a week and put on 3 different antibiotics because of an intestinal infection. Apparently, my intestines were extremely swollen and inflamed. My Oncologist thought that chemo had something to do with it so he gave me a month off (with no chemo..yay!) and reduced the dosage for the following treatments. While in the hospital, I had another CT scan which revealed that the chemo wasn't working (yet). Not only were the tiny tumors in my lungs still there...but three of them had increased in size. I didn't really want to panic yet since I'd only had two chemo infusions...but, tired of the chemo, tired of the cancer, tired of feeling awful, tired of making the hospital a part of my life, tired of not being able to make future plans...I wanted to hear good results.

March - April: The reduced dose of chemo included a lesser dosage of Oxaliplatin (I don't remember the percentage in which is was reduced)....and reducing my Xeloda pills to 2 in the morning (rather than 3) and 2 at night. Since March, my intestines are much more comfortable (no pain, no pressure) and I've had no problems with fever. But, I was on a roller coaster of emotions with not knowing if the chemo was going to work at all since the CT scan I had in the hospital was not good news.

May: In May, I had another CT scan. Comparing it to the one that was taken in March (while I was in the hospital), it showed that the tiny tumors were still tiny AND that the 3 larger tumors had shrunk. This news made my husband and I (and my doctor!) ecstatic! The chemo (even at it's reduced state) WAS working! Doc said that even if the tumors remain tiny and don't grow...that's a good thing. Bring it on! I can do this! Of course, I know that I can't be on chemo forever. It builds up in the system and one day, the body will either no longer tolerate it...or the chemo will cease to do good work.

June: Simply went by quickly!

Now July: . . . and speaking of "chemo building up in the system" . . .
In seeing my Oncologist this week for my routine appointment (just prior to my chemo infusion), we discussed the recent additional side effects I've been having. Along with the usual two weeks worth of cold sensitivity whereby I cannot touch, eat or drink anything cold without it causing pain (which is a total pain in the butt!!).. and the 3 days worth of fatigue that follows the infusion....I'm now starting to lose my hair again (it's falling out strand by strand). I also have a numb feeling in the tips of my fingers and electrical buzz jolts to the bottom of my feet. And also, I'm feeling sleepy most of the time (elevated fatigue). These side effects are not going away. This is a result of the chemo building in my system. If left unattended, it could become toxic. So, my Oncologist decided to spread my chemo infusions out. Now, instead of having the infusion every 3 weeks, I'll have them ever 4 weeks. I'll still take the Xeloda pills for two weeks (same reduced dosage). Thus, I get TWO weeks off (free from all chemo!) rather than just one. And, I got this week off, too. I'm so thrilled! I really like not having to be on chemo! And I hope it stops the additional side effects. I'd like to keep my hair (since it grew back in nice and thick) and I surely don't want to end up with permanent neuropathy in my hands and feet.

I still take things day by day, trying to live as though my life is normal. But it's certainly not like it use to be. I know my energy limitations so I don't get to do as much as I use to. I know my intestines now (due to the whipple surgery combined with the effects of chemo)...I just try not to go places until after 11am. I find joy in small things and I appreciate and thank God for each day that I wake up with no pain and enough energy to do the things I need to do.

What's Next? I will have a CT scan in September to see how things are doing. Hopefully, I'll be told that I'm in remission. Doc said, "It could happen." I pray for this!

Thank you all for your continued prayers! I know they're working as I have many, many good days. I hope you all are having a wonderful Summer!

Aroma Fields Candles & Bath

The Cancer Returns

2010-02-09T10:02:00.000-08:00

. . . Shattered Dreams

I was looking forward to getting my scheduled, routine CT scan out of the way so I could continue to go on and enjoy good health and glorious life. It was scheduled for January 13th. Since I felt pretty darn good, I had no reason to believe that it would be anything but great news.

About mid-November, my left hip began to hurt. This was nothing unusual as each winter season, a wee bit of arthritis in my joints (whether shoulder or hip) would temporarily ache. Normally, I could increase my movement (exercise, stretching, walking) and the pain and mobility would improve . . . but not this time. Maybe I was just getting older and it wasn't going to go away this time (so, I thought).

After having my CT scan on January 13th, I went in for my scheduled visit with my Oncologist on the 14th to get the results. He shared with me that, in reading the results of the CT scan, he was pretty positive the cancer had returned/metastasized and scheduled me for more tests. I returned on January 18th for a bone scan and a CT scan of the chest. . . and returned the next day to get the results.
Confirmed: I had tiny tumors throughout my lungs and a 2cm tumor in my hip bone. Hubby and I were devestated. Hope for being in the 20% group of pancreatic cancer survivors was gone. The barbaric whipple surgery and grueling follow up chemo and radiation treatments I had previously undergone were not my cure. I would now battle this disease until it took my life . . .

Radiation Thereapy:
The radiation therapy started on January 25th, just about the time I could no longer bare the hip pain. I couldn't sit longer than 10 minutes without the pain bringing tears to my eyes...and walking was very painful. I underwent 2 weeks (10 days) of radiation therapy to my left hip. By the 2nd treatment, the pain was better. The hardest part of this treatment was going up to the hospital each day as I was once again feeling like City of Hope has become my 2nd home again. The treatment ended February 5th and, though I still have some pain and walking is still a problem, the Radioly Oncologist told me that it will continue to improve.

Chemotherapy:
Oxaliplatin:
My first infusion of Oxaliplatin was on February 2nd. I'm given a 30 minute infusion of Zofran prior to this chemo to help with nausia. The infusion of the Oxaliplatin was painful. It lasts for two hours and about half way through, my arm felt like tiny cactus thorns were piercing the skin all the way up to the bend in my elbow. The pain from that is better but hasn't completely gone away. Because the most significant side effect of this chemo is sensitivity to cold, the nurses gave me heavy gloves to wear and a blanket when I left that night. I was to wrap the blanket around myself, brining it up to cover my mouth so I wouldn't breath cold air. Anyway, I looked like Darth Vader. For the following 5 days, it was a learning experience for hubby and I as to what things are cold and would cause pain to the touch. Touching the toothpate tube, walking on cold floors, touching tap water, pouring shampoo into the palm of the hand, grabbing the tub of butter out of the refrigerator (oh so much more!) . . . it's all like an electrical shock. One takes a lot for granted!! I had to heat my water to just above room temperature in order to drink it without pain. Warm water tastes gross! Another side effect I experienced was shock to my jaw every time I would eat or drink anything with flavor. OUCH!!!! After a week now, these side effects are beginning to diminish (thank goodness!). But, of course, I get the usual gut pain and diarrhea. I will go to City of Hope every three weeks for an infusion of Oxaliplatin and have to do this 4 times. My Oncologist said he would slow down the infusion (making it a 3 hour infusion rather than a two hour) so that it would be less painful and the side effects not so severe.

Xeloda:
Along with the Oxaliplatin infusion, I have to take 3 tablets of Xeloda chemo pills each morning and 2 at night. This I do for two weeks and I get the third week off. Prior to taking these pills, I have to take Zofran to ease the nauseousness.

Day By Day . . .
As the side effects wear off, this is doable. I can still perform normal, daily activites (though my hip still gives me problems). I'm certainly NOT at all pleased about having to take so many pills and that my body is, once again, being invaded with a poisonous chemical. Best case scenerio is that, when finished with this treatment, years will go by before the cancer returns. I take each day as it comes . . . and my hubby and children give me the ability to have the strength and courage I need to move forward with hope!

Aroma Fields Candles & Bath

Ringing Out The Old

2009-12-31T16:09:00.000-08:00

. . . and what a great Christmas season it was!

I thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas season! Hubby and I got an early start on our Christmas shopping but, even at that, there was the usual last minute rush of Christmas shopping, wrapping, baking, shipping that each year brings. I guess it wouldn't be Christmas without it.

Just prior to the holidays, I reopened my Aroma Fields Etsy shop and also updated and reopened my boutique website at Aroma Fields Candles & Bath at fieldsofaroma.com. I had missed making my products and shipping them to customers and figured that if I could fill a few orders now and then throughout the holiday season, it would really make my holiday shine. To my surprise (and delight!), the orders poured in throughout December and there were certainly more than I ever expected. What a wonderful way to end the year!

My hubby also had a total knee replacement on December 1st. He's been home recuperating since and is making terrific progress. I'm eager for him to completely heal so I can see him walk normal again and without pain. It's been a long time. He's certainly feeling productive now and wanting things to do. Today, he went out to the garage and made a 2 pound soap loaf mold out of wood for me. So sweet! I can't wait to use it!

I'll be getting a routine CT Scan on January 13th to find out how I'm doing...and, of course, I'll be praying that the cancer is still gone. Every day of good health is a gift I've been given.

And, as this day draws to it's close, my wish for everyone for the new year is to have good health, much happiness and that every day brings a new cherished memory. We'll be sitting in front of the television tonight watching the ball drop in Times Square in New York City. And as the clock strikes the midnight hour, we'll ring out the old year with a kiss and welcome the present year with open arms, with eyes filled with new dreams and hearts replete with new expectations.

Happy New Year!

Aroma Fields Candles & Bath

One Year Ago Today

2009-11-17T09:16:00.000-08:00

. . . Reflect And Rejoice

I cannot let this day go by without acknowledging that one year ago, on this date, I was undergoing an 8 hour surgery known as the whipple. My husband, children, grand children, older brother and sister were there. We all caravaned up to the hospital that morning. Upon being called into the pre-op room, I gave each one of them hugs. Prior to the surgery, we were told that, upon opening me up, the surgeon will see the extent of the cancer and determine if the surgery could even be performed. Thus, we were all on pins and needles as to whether my life could be saved. The passing of my younger brother just 15 months prior weighed heavy on my mind. He had passed from stage 4 duodenal cancer. He was to undergo the whipple surgery but, upon opening him up, the doctor discovered that his cancer was too advanced. His was stage 4 and he was given 6 months to live. I watched him die. Was it my turn?

When I opened my eyes, I saw the loving, smiling faces of my family as they leaned over me. The first thing I asked was, "Did I get the whipple surgery?". They told me I had. The cancer was caught in time.

I woke up early this morning reflecting on that day and the two months that followed. Complications such as infection and leakage (of organs that were surgically re-plumbed) caused my stay in the hospital to exceed the 8 days we were orginally quoted. I was there for 32 days. Fortunately, I was able to go home in time for Christmas, though not able to really enjoy it. I ended up back in the hospital only after having 5 days at home. My digestive system wasn't cooperating. It didn't know which direction things were suppose to go. I felt so horrible, I remember telling my husband that "no one should have to feel like this..ever!". So, after another week in the hospital, I came out more able to adapt.

It's been a year now and, after going through the follow up chemo treatment and it's icky side effects, doctors visits, tests, chemoradiation and more side effects (I'm still itching all over and have to take medication every 4 days to make it stop) . . . I'm very thankful to the doctor who saved my life. Or, at the very least, gave me a longer life to live than what would have been. I'm certain that my guardian angel (my younger brother), had a hand in it, too. Pancreatic cancer is usually caught too late and, I believe, my guardian angel allowed me to feel the pain at an early stage so that I would see a doctor and could be given the chance he never had. I love you, Art.

I'm truly blessed.

This holiday season, I'll be cooking Thanksgiving dinner, shopping for Christmas gifts, wrapping, decorating, baking goodies, making some handmade (crocheted) gifts, working on my little candle/soap business . . . and enjoying the full festivities in good health. I hope your holiday season is wonderful, too!

Aroma Fields Candles & Bath

Back To Business

2009-11-12T10:05:00.000-08:00

. . . Because I Can
. . . . Because I Want To

As most of you know, I had to shut down my little candle and soap business due undergoing cancer surgery, recuperation and treatments this past year. I've been blessed with much better health and, while I feel terrific and am consumed with the need to be productive, I've reopened my online business locations. I'm excited to be back to making great smelling, all natural products and, while I'm at it, my home smells fabulous!

You can now find me at Aroma Fields Candles & Bath and Aroma Fields Candles & Bath at Etsy where I offer my handmade, clean burning, highly scented soy container candles, wickless candles, tarts and tealights ...beautiful, ambient, scented palm wax pillars ...handmade, skin-loving, all natural goat milk soaps (scented and unscented) in bars, guest and gift soaps ...and lip-a-liscious, all natural, handmade lipbalms. I carry tart burners, candle warmers and gift sets at Aroma Fields Candles & Bath

For those who come to my blog to read only about my cancer realted health updates, I will continue to post them as ongoing tests are performed and/or any new health issues are discovered. I realize that the information can benefit some who are going through (or have a loved one going through) the same thing. Please, feel free to side-step the posts that are relative to my online boutiques as it is not my intention to peddle my products to you.

May we all enjoy a blessed holiday season!

Aroma Fields Candles & Bath

November Is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

2009-11-01T16:38:00.000-08:00

Tie A Purple Ribbon 'Round The Old Oak Tree

My daughter is going through nursing school and, as she is in her last year of school, she's been doing her clinicals at a local hospital. She shared with me that on Friday, a 63 year old man walked into the hospital seeking help as he had jaundinced and didn't know why. After some testing, he was told that he had Stage IV pancreatic cancer and with only 6 months to live. He had no other symptoms aside from the jaundicing. This is all too common of this particular cancer.

Psssst!....can we talk? . . .

Each year, about 42,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and, each year, about 35,000 die from this disease. The vast majority of individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer die within three to six months. With a mortality rate somewhere between 96 and 99 percent, precious few survive this dance with death. Pancreatic cancer remains the 4th leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., however it receives much less funding than any other leading cancers.

We have witnessed tremendous advances in some of the other leading cancer mortalities in the past 30 years. Breast cancer, for example, which had a five-year survival rate of 75 percent in 1974, is currently just under 87 percent. Prostate cancer survival moved from 67 to almost 99 percent. Pancreatic cancer, meanwhile, remains stagnant.

Early detection techniques are not a routine consideration in health care. Given its location, any abnormalities in the pancreas are not likely to be found during an annual physical exam. There is no accurate blood test available. It becomes a concern only when symptoms are manifest, usually too late for curative treatment. Another reason for this lack of awareness stems from the high mortality rate of pancreatic cancer. There are so few survivors that the critical mass necessary for mounting a national awareness campaign is severely lacking. It is very difficult for those who have lost loved ones to pick up the mantle and carry on this fight. Most will seek closure and healing. The second distinctive feature of pancreatic cancer is the lack of adequate research funding. Thank God that some choose to continue the battle.

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org) is a national advocate for this deadly disease. I learn much from this site and gain much needed hope from their Survivor stories. I too am a survivor in that I had early enough symptoms which allowed me to undergo a surgery that may end up being my cure. I can hope, anyway. Or, at least, I was blessed with more time...other's aren't so lucky. The people at pancan.org are doing all they can to bring awareness to pancreatic cancer but they can't do it alone. With November being Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, perhaps you may want to go to pancan.org to see what you can do to help. You can go here to watch a very short public service announcement video to learn more. And, even if you don't look good in purple, maybe you could wear a small amount this month :-)

I'm thankful for the additional time I've been given and I live it one day at a time . . .

Aroma Fields Candles & Bath

Follow Up

2009-10-08T11:14:00.000-07:00

. . . ending on a positive note!

After my surgery and throughout the past 10 months, I would regularly meet with my Oncologist and, although he would always tell me that I looked great [considering what I'd been through], he would consistently relate the depressing statistics of this horrible disease. I would long for some hope; something to let me know that there just might be a chance that I could end up in the 20% group who survive this cancer. I understood that he could never obligate himself to predicting a positive outcome...but how hard would it have been to say that "yes, there is always a chance you could beat it."?! During one visit, he even went so far as to tell me that, in the end, I'll readily accept death. Eeeeeekkk!! At the end of each visit, I'd head home with a heavy cloud over my head. It was difficult to thwart the desire to just curl up on my bed in morbid depression, gazing out my bedroom window at the breeze blowing the graceful trees....thinking that there was no doubt I'd be leaving this beautiful life soon. My family was wonderful in helping me to gain back my positive attitude. It normally took about 3 days. But there was always that lingering death sentence echoing in the halls of my mind.

With the completion of my treatments, I was due to see my Oncologist for a follow up this week. Knowing that this would be the last time I'd see him (or any other doctor) for quite some time, I didn't want to leave with that heavy, dark cloud again. I didn't want to go home in depression and live the rest of my remaining life never able to plan ahead, always hurried to finish a project for fear it would never get done, looking at my son and knowing I'd never meet his bride or see his children...and trying to accept the idea of death......I just didn't want to live like that! I was determined to tell my Oncologist that I wanted (desperately!) to end this visit on a positive note....and I would tell him why it was so necessary. Sometimes, doctors (brilliant as they may be) don't realize that their bedside manner just plain sucks!

On Tuesday, this week, I visited with my Oncologist and it was very different than anything I'd experienced. He read the results of my blood work and told me he was delighted at how good they were. He shared with me that I'd done extremely well through the treatments over the past several months. He gave me the impression that most pancreatic cancer patients don't make it through the treatments without having the cancer come back. I was already an exception. For that, he said, he held more hope for me than normal. He shared with me about an 80 year old patient who was also at a Stage 3, had been through the same surgery and treatments as I and who is already 3 years in remission. All of this...every bit of it!...was fabulous to hear! I left there with wings on my feet, ready to take flight and LIVE!
I can now feel that if I spend money on some new clothes, it won't be money wasted. I can get a cute hair cut to make the short re-growth (from the loss of hair due to chemo) match up more to the long strands that I didn't lose. (Yes, there truly IS a strong resemblence to Bill the Cat!). I can now buy new prescription glasses so I can SEE!! The medications over the past year have caused my vision to weaken horribly. I have hope that I will be able to see my son get married and to be the wonderful Dad I've always known he'd be. And I'm so very pleased that my family has this wonderful news so that they no longer have this stress in their lives.

What's Next:

I'm looking forward to this horrible head-to-toe itching to go away! It's an allergic reaction to the Xeloda chemo pills I had to take. The medication they gave me to eliminate the itching (Lord, I hate medications with a passion!) makes me very sleepy but gets rid of the itching for about 4 days..then it comes back. The doctor said that eventually, the itching will stop. I hope so!

Also, I'll be meeting with my Oncology Surgeon on November 5th to discuss fixing the incisional hernia that developed after the surgical site healed. It's uncomfortable. Sometimes, it feels like I'm carrying my stomach outside of my abdomen. Ugh!

And then...I'll get a CT scan in January to see how things are going.

It's all good :-) I appreciate all the emails, support and prayers so much! Please keep them coming...they are obviously working!

Aroma Fields Candles & Bath

Chemoradiation - One More Day

2009-09-20T08:49:00.000-07:00

. . . Removing My Last Training Wheel

Though I have one more day of radiation treatment to go, I thought I'd post this update today since 1) I have more time on my hands today ...and 2) because tomorrow will be no different than any other treatment day except that it's my very last.

I've spent the past 5 weeks taking two Xeloda chemo pills each morning after breakfast...(and I'd put off breakfast as long as I could because I did NOT relish the side effects of these nasty pills!). In the afternoon, I'd drive 30 minutes to the hospital for my radiation therapy. After dinner, I'd have to take 3 more Xeloda chemo pills. I did this regimin 5 days a week...and got to recuperate each weekend.

How was the radiation? Laying on the hard table with my arms over my head (holding onto two cold, steal handles), the table automatically slides into
a small tube that encircles the area to be treated. Then the radiation starts. I can hear the machine churning as it goes around my body throwing it's piercing rays through my abdomen and back. There's no feeling to this, however. As I lay there in the tube for the 5 minute treatment, I pray that this will be the very last treatment I'll ever need to have. I pray that this cancer never returns. The side effect from the radiation are minimal but enough to keep me homebound as it affected the intestinal tract and stomach. In the evening, my stomach would feel like it had been tied in a knot and the build up of gas was enough to blow the paint off the walls. (Okay...I didn't want to go that far...but if someone going through this is looking for info, they may want to know that their side effects are a normal part of this treatment).

How was the Xeloda chemo? The side effects from these pills are cumulative. In the beginning, I experienced headaches, nauseousness, moodiness, a tired/sleepy feeling and I felt withdrawn. It was doable but with an effort to stay cheerful. As each day progressed, the tired/sleepy feeling became more intense.
Eventually, I even had to give up doing my crochet as I couldn't concentrate on the pattern. I wasn't able to keep up with responding to emails I had recieved from caring friends or phone calls from loving relatives. At the beginning of the 5th week (last week), I was extremely tired, very moody, not much of an appetite and an overall feeling of "I just don't freakin' feel good!".... my hands and feet began to burn, tingle and itch...and the horrible itching spread over my entire body. The more I scratched, the deeper the itch dove causing it to itch even more. I called the doctor who told me to go off the pills. It's been 4 days since I've been pill-free and I'm still itching, though it doesn't seem to be quite as bad today. The great news is that I no longer feel tired, nauseous, moody or withdrawn. I'm nearly back to normal and I can't begin to tell you how good that feels!

I will have a CT scan in one month to see how things look.

Yes, tomorrow is my last day and, although it will be no different from the past 5 weeks, I already feel a sense of freedom, renewal...and anxiety. I have to learn to live my life without the fear of this cancer returning. That's going to be tough. Maybe without the therapies in my face each day, I can focus much more on other things. Your prayers are still so very appreciated!

Aroma Fields Candles & Bath

Fried Spaghetti

2009-08-26T09:15:00.000-07:00

. . . With Fried Eggs
(Down Home with Mama)

Hubby and I always look forward to having leftover spaghetti because it means that tomorrow night's dinner will be fried spaghetti with fried eggs. This is a yummy combination that my Mom use to make back in the good ol' days (when Chevy cars had large, fuzzy dice hanging from the rear view mirror, skate keys were worn around the neck on a string, everyone wanted to be Annette Funicello.....but I digress) . . .

For those who have never heard of fried spaghetti, you simply must give it a try!
You'll need:

Any amount of leftover spaghetti (sauce and spaghetti already mixed together)
Olive Oil (or oil of your choice)
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or cheese of your choice)

Over medium to high heat, pour into a frying pan enough oil to cover the bottom. Let this heat for about a minute or two. Add the spaghetti to the pan and spread it out so it can fry nicely. This is where I like to sprinkle a handful of shredded cheddar cheese over the top so it can melt in.

As if you were frying hash brown potatoes, turn the spaghetti now and then so that it becomes brown and as crispy as you like.

When finished, serve with fried eggs. Throw in a few biscuts and you are living down home!

Bon Appetit!

Aroma Fields Candles & Bath
~Marilyn's Silly Website~

Knit Tops For Cheyenne & Berlyn

2009-08-15T11:17:00.000-07:00

...Another Fun Grandma Project
(Aren't they just sew pretty?!)

Just as I took Sydnie shopping for her choice of pattern and fabric (and she chose the Snoopy Pajamas which are shown here), I also took my two older grand daughters, Cheyenne and Berlyn. Both are teenagers, thus, are a bit more particular about the style of clothes they wear. The patterns they chose required a knit fabric.

Berlyn chose a beautiful teal knit fabric and wanted the pockets trimmed with white lace. This blouse is long in style and meant to be worn with a tank top and either leggings or skinny jeans.

Cheyenne (who has always loved tigers!) chose a tiger print knit fabric and wanted it trimmed with black knit fabric. She'll wear hers with a tank top beneath and cute jeans.

I finished these two blouses last week. Shopping with my grand daughters to have them pick out their own patterns and choice of fabric is so much fun. Maybe we can do it again soon.

Aroma Fields Candles & Bath

Over My Dead Pancreas!

2009-08-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

... Give Me More Health Problems...NOT!

Prior to beginning the radiation/chemo, which is the next phase of treatment, I met with the Radiologist Oncologist for a consultation.
When he shared with me that he was going to radiate my entire (remaining) pancreas which offers a guarantee that I would become a moderate to severe diabetic, I froze in my chair. Hell no! I put the treatment on hold while I took the time to talk with other doctors. Truly, in all the research I've done, I've never found any incident where the outcome was as drastic as what he was about to bestow upon me. Further, I was consistently finding information stating that radiation therapy was controversial; that it's benefits are so minimal that Great Britain had discontinued it's use for pancreatic cancer treatment.

I realize there are others in worse condition than I...those who would allow their pancreas to be fried and fed to the neighbors dog for a chance to live a few extra years. But what I'm discussing here is specific to my situation...someone who has been given the gift of life of a few more years OR, by the grace of God, may end up in the low percentage of survivors who live well beyond 5 years.

In meeting with my Oncology Surgeon, he shared that radiation therapy, in fact, not only offers minimal benefit but in some cases, can make things worse. He talked with the Radiation Oncologist and insisted that he did not want me to become diabetic, given the very high risk that this cancer will return and quality of life is a factor. He does believe that we should do all we can as it is a standard therapy for pancreatic cancer in the United States (which is much lacking in current research!!). So now the radiation will be isolated to the surgical sight of the pancreas only. This will offer a much, much lower risk of becoming diabetic.

I'll now take this therapy and it begins August 17th. Even though the statistics dictate that this cancer will return, thus, my prognosis isn't very good, there's a 20% chance that I could survive this and live a long life. The 20% group of survivors had radiation therapy...I'll follow the herd. I wouldn't want to end up with the cancer coming back and wondering "what if...". You know, that 20% group is there for a reason. I plan to be part of it!

Aroma Fields Candles & Bath

Jam, Pickles and Onions - Oh My!

2009-08-05T09:18:00.000-07:00

Home Canning and Preserving . . .
(Yes, I Can!)

During the Summer, I finally quenched a desire to do some home canning. I've always wanted to but never took the time to learn. In searching for the information, I realized that the process wasn't that difficult. Following the proper recipes, canning can be a safe and fun experience...and a delicious reward!

Along with making bread & butter pickles and some red onions in red wine vinegar, I found a recipe for strawberry jam that only takes half the amount of sugar. It tastes wonderful and you can't even tell that the sugar is reduced. It makes 6 to 7 half pint (8oz)size jars and goes like this:

You will need:
6 cups crushed strawberries
4 cups sugar (instead of the usual 7...eek!)
1-1/2 packages Ball No Sugar Needed Fruit Pectin
4 Tbsp lemon juice

Directions:
1.) PREPARE boiling water canner. Heat jars and lids in simmering water until ready for use. Do not boil. Set bands aside.
2.) MIX 1/4 cup sugar with the No Sugar Needed Pectin. Set remaining sugar aside.
3.) COMBINE crushed strawberries, lemon juice and sugar/pectin mixture in a 6 or 8quart saucepan. Bring to a full boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. It should take about 5 minutes to come to a full boil that cannot be stirred down.
4.) ADD remaining sugar and boil again for one minute, stirring frequently. (If you bring it back to a full boil fairly slowly (on medium heat rather than high) that will help reduce foaming).
5.) SKIM off any excess foam. (Foam... What is it? Just jam with a lot of air from the boiling. But it tastes more like, well..foam, than jam, so most people remove it).
6.) LADLE hot jam into hot jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rim. Center lid on jar. Apply band until fit is fingertip tight.
7.) PROCESS in a boiling water canner for 5 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Remove jars and cool. Check lids for seal after 24 hours. Lid should not flex up and down when center is pressed.

My younger daughter and I got together and also made some tasty Spirited Blueberries (a lucious topping used over pancakes or ice cream . . .) and some spicy salsa (yum!). Home canning is a great way to spend time together in the kitchen and these homemade, yummy items also make great gifts.

I highly recommend a book called "Ball's Complete Book of Home Preserving".
Enjoy!

Aroma Fields Candles & Bath

Over One Hurdle

2009-07-28T19:26:00.000-07:00

CT Scan Results

After finishing the 6 month Gemzar chemo treatment, I had a CT scan yesterday to learn how well (or not) I'm doing. Today, I met with my Oncologist to get the results.
He explained to me that if the cancer were to return, it would return in the liver or the lungs. The CT scan showed that all was clear, I'm cancer free. While a small (1 cm) lesion showed on the body of the pancreas, my Oncologist doesn't think it's anything to worry about. He shared with me that it's rare that pancreatic cancer would return in the pancreas.

Anyway, I had a feeling I would get a thumbs up on the test results as I've been feeling great and gaining weight quite readily the past month. So, today I'm cancer free and I'll take each and every day, one by one, as a special gift.

WHAT'S NEXT: As another precaution to keep the cancer from returning, I'm suppose to start radiation/chemo (combo) treatment within the next couple of weeks.

Now...back to the sewing machine!

Aroma Fields Candles & Bath

Snoopy PJ's For Sydnie

2009-07-19T21:44:00.000-07:00

A Grandma Project

One of the things I enjoy most is picking up my three grand daughters and taking them to Jo-Ann's Fabric store so they can pick out a pattern and material. I love making things for them...and they always seem excited to be able to wear something that is custom made just for them; something they chose. We went to Jo-Ann's last week. Sydnie, my youngest grand daughter (age 11) wanted pajamas and was very specific about the style she wanted. The top had to be button up, not slip on, the bottoms needed to be shorts. Flipping through the Simplicity pattern book, we found just the right one. She then went to the pattern drawer and pulled the pattern. When I told her she could pick from many kinds of fabric for this pattern, she knew exactly what she wanted. It had to be snuggly soft flannel. She chose the cute Snoopy fabric and decided she wanted yellow buttons to match...no trim.

After working on them during week, I gave the finished PJ's to her today. She tried them on and ran around the house giving everyone a hug so they could feel how snuggly soft they were. I got a big hug and a sweet "thank you". I told her she did a wonderful job picking just the right pattern and fabric. She looked so cute in them.

Aroma Fields Candles & Bath

Final Chemo Infusion Today

2009-07-14T19:37:00.000-07:00

...One Training Wheel Removed!

It surely goes without saying that I am absolutely thrilled that today I recieved my very LAST Gemzar chemo infusion! To a point, it's bittersweet. While I'm glad to no longer have the weekly, painful iv, burning chemo infusion and icky side effects...I feel vulnerable. It's as if I've lost one training wheel that was keeping me upright and stable and now thrust into being more on my own to accept whatever will happen. But I'm still very excited and thankful to have it behind me!

The nurse I had today told me I'd already been blessed. She shared that she rarely sees pancreatic cancer patients in the chemo infusion room because, normally, pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed too late for any treatment to be helpful. She said that I'd already been given a miracle. I sort of felt that way early on....as if my deceased younger brother (who passed from duodenal cancer just 15 months prior to my diagnosis) had a chat with God to insure that I'd receive the chance he never got.

After my infusion came to an end today and to my surprise, all the nurses that were on duty (and in the past 6 months, I got to know all of them) came into my room playing tambourines, singing and congratulating me as one placed a "Distinguished Patient Award" (pictured) around my neck....something I'm sure all patients receieve upon completion of a cancer treatment. It was a sweet moment and one I'll never forget. I recieved lots of hugs from them and thanked them for their warm care...they were SO awesome!

I have a CT scan scheduled for the 27th that will show how well the chemo has done. Then, I'll be starting a chemo/radiation therapy treatment within the next month that will last 5-1/2 weeks (daily). This is my other training wheel. One day, I'll be riding through life, stable, sturdy and free.

Thank you for all the prayers, positive thoughts and caring emails!

Aroma Fields Candles & Bath

Crocheted Afghan For My Son

2009-07-08T09:32:00.000-07:00

Shane's Masculine Ripple Stitch Afghan

Afghans tend to be rather girlie. (I love them!) I made a Sunflower afghan for my older daughter (which you can find in my blog post here Vonny's Sunflower Afghan ). I also made a Blue with White Bow Overlay afghan for my younger daughter (which you can find in my blog post here Toni's Blue & White Afghan ). When looking for a pattern for my son, I wanted it to be more masculine. In my search, I found the perfect one! The color combination was awesome, also. Fun to make and very easy...but most of all, he loves it!

I actually finished Shane's afghan last August but never got a chance to take photos and post it until now. Currently, I'm working with this same pattern for my hubby, but with different colors. It's nearly finished.

Aroma Fields Candles & Bath

As a courtesy, credit for this lovely pattern goes to Maria Merlino

A Week In The Life Of Chemo

2009-06-21T09:05:00.000-07:00

...AND RECUPERATIVE STUFF

With five months of Gemzar chemo behind me and only one more month to go (horray!), I thought I should log my experience with this phase of treatment.

Each Tuesday, I go down to City of Hope (cancer hospital). Hubby is always with me and is my biggest cheer leader. While I'm there, my blood is always drawn and analyzed prior to being hooked up to an iv. Doctors want to make sure that my body is continually strong enough to endure another round of a poison (chemo) invasion. An hour usually goes by (or more, if they are running behind) while my blood work is being analyzed and sent to the chemo infusion staff.

In the chemo infusion room, having the iv put into my arm is stressful as I never know if the nurse I'll get has the knack for finding a vein. So far, I've been hurt twice to the point that the pain brings me to tears and wish this was all just a bad dream. It's those times that make me think that with all that cancer patients have to go through, one would think that the hospital would make sure to place nurses who are efficient with iv placement into the chemo infusion area so that patients don't have to endure more pain than necessary. And it's those times that I ask to have someone else step in to do the work...and they're usually pretty understanding about it. Once hooked up to an iv, I receive a 20 minute infusion of Zofran...a medication that reduces nausea; a side effect caused by the chemo. And finally, I'm hooked up to the bag of chemo. Mine is Gemzar, a milder form of chemo than most and a 30 minute infusion. I look at the clock to mark the time (...by now, I just want to go home!) ...and then I try everything possible to stay distracted. I feel the Gemzar going into my body. It's so cold, it burns. Even though the nurse puts a warm pack on my arm, I ask for an additional warm blanket. The warmth sooths the painful, burning Gemazar. Once finished, removing the iv is quick and painless. I feel physically drained from the stress of the whole process and can't wait to get home.

Through it all, I'm friendly and pleasant with the nursing staff. After all, I can only imagine how their days go having to deal with sick, (even dying), depressed patients (bless them all!). I have made friends with several people on the nursing staff and I can see it makes a difference to do so. They are glad to see me and some greet me with a hug. Some pass by my infusion room (where I'm hooked up to an iv) and stop in to chat.

For the following two days (after my chemo treatment), I have to go to City of Hope for a shot called neupogen. It's to raise my white blood cell count so my immune system isn't compromised from the chemo. Thus, I'm devoting 3 days a week to hospital visits.

SIDE EFFECTS:
Wednesday (the day after my chemo treatment), I have red flushing across my nose and cheeks and my face feels hot. By that night, I'm running a low grade fever. But my energy level is good on that day so I'm still smiling, energetic and able to do many things. But the neuritis (caused by the chemo) sets in to both arms and hands making it painful for me to do much. Even drying my hands after doing dishes or washing my hands is painful. Being out in a chilly breeze makes the neuritis even more painful. Advil doesn't help. As time has passed, this side effect is less intense.

Thursday and Friday are my 'sick' days as I feel like I have the flu. My nose gets stuffy, I have a nagging headache, my eyes are weak and I'm so fatigued on those days that I forget what feeling good feels like. My concentration is very poor. Each week, these effect vary in their intensity. As time has passed, the intensity of the flu like symptoms is not as severe.

By Saturday, the side effects are lifting except for the neuritis in my hands and arms. I'm usually feeling good enough to do most things I enjoy despite the neuritis. Sunday is even better...except for the neuritis which is still a problem.

By Sunday, I'm feeling completely normal and try to pack as much activity into that day and Monday as I can. Tuesday...it starts all over again.

EVERYDAY, I'm losing more hair. By now, I think I've probably lost half of what I had. I'm fortunate that I'm not bald but not sure that ending up looking like Bill The Cat would be any better. It saddens me as I use to have beautiful, thick, shiny hair. I had to have it cut short a couple of months ago so that the long length wouldn't clog the drain and choke the vacuum. One friend (whom I sure meant well) said, "To hell with your hair!". Frankly, I'm not willing to wish any part of me to hell...and I believe I have a right to feel sad about losing the person I use to be (hair and all).

The fourth week of every month is my 'week off'. The doctor gives me a break from chemo and the white blood cell shots so my body can recuperate from the effects. And it does! By Friday (of my week off), the neuritis is gone...and it feels SO good to be free from pain and have a descent energy level again. During this week, I can almost forget that this has ever happened, I feel so good! One side effect remains...I continue to lose hair... (drat!)

Recuperation from the surgery itself is still ongoing but going extremely well. I feel LEAPS and BOUNDS better each month and moving about is near normal now. It's still difficult to go from a sitting position to a standing one without feeling a tug and some soreness within my midriff. Thus, I stand up very slowly. My intestines are returning to normal and, thank God, I can eat most all things again without much abdominal/intestinal pain. I've learned (the hard way!) which foods to avoid and, frankly, the list isn't that long. I eat all day long (3 meals plus snacks) and have been able to gain two pounds since I had the surgery. My body doesn't metabolize foods the way it use to since it's been 're-plumbed', therefore, gaining weight is a problem. I take enzymes to help with digestion. Fortunately, though...I haven't lost any more weight. It's odd to go from counting calories so as not to gain....to the extreme of eating all I can to try and keep the weight on. I feel like 'Pac Man' most days!...chomp!...chomp! I love making fruit smoothies and I add protein powder to aid in maintaining muscle mass (which I lost during my 32 days in the hospital). The fanny I lost while in the hospital has returned (horray!) and I'm not looking too sickly any more. In fact, you can't even tell I've been sick.

I've always been a happy person and this ordeal hasn't changed that. I still like to make light of a bad situation. My loving, supportive family makes it easier to have a bright attitude. But inside, I do have fear that one day the cancer will return and that my life will be over. My doctors go by statistics and this is what they believe. I hate that they beat the 'statistics' drum! I look forward to the day when the chemo and radiation treatments are finally over...but then I fear that the cancer will return. Even though I talk with my hubby about these fears and, bless him, he quickly lifts my mood with his positive (near denial) logic....I hand my fears over to God because this monster disease and the fear of what it can do is WAY too big for me to handle.

I'm in need of feeling productive as I refuse to just sit around each day wasting time away. I received a candle order last month, filled the order and realized how much I've missed doing this. I'm working on a website for a special client, I'm also making soaps, candles, crocheting and planning to sew some pretty summer dresses with my grand daughters. Life goes on ... :-)

Aroma Fields Candles & Bath

The Short of It

2009-04-21T13:26:00.000-07:00

What the doctors thought was "bile duct" cancer turned out to be stage III pancreatic cancer, afterall. I had a major surgery in November (the whipple surgery) and spent 32 days in the hospital recovering.

I'm currently undergoing weekly chemo treatments which should be finished by the end of July. Then I have to have 5 weeks of daily radiation therapy combined with chemo. The chemo treatments I'm currently having aren't so bad as I only feel ill two days out of the week. But, I just don't have the stamina and concentration I use to.

Prognosis for this kind of cancer isn't usually very good but I plan to beat the odds :-) Only 20% make it past 5 years. Since, I've always been active and healthy, don't smoke or drink and always wake up each morning in a happy mood....I see no rhyme or reason why God needs to take me away from my family any time soon.

Aroma Fields Candles & Bath

It Sounds Promising

2008-11-12T23:20:00.000-08:00

Met with the Oncologist on November 6th who told me that he believes this to be bile duct cancer. He says if I have the whipple surgery, I'll be "cured"...no other treatment is necessary (no chemo, no radiation). Sounds good to me!
Whipple surgery ("major surgery", he says...."bigger than open heart surgery", he says)....scheduled for Monday, November 17th.

And I'm scared.

Prior to the actual surgery, they'll do a laproscopy on me to see if the cancer is anywhere else. If it is, they won't bother with the whipple.

And this scares the hell out of me as this is exactly what happened to my younger brother last year. No whipple...they closed him up...nothing could be done. It was already too late and he passed away within 4 months.

If I don't die of fear prior to them putting me to sleep, I look forward to the good pain; the one that means I'm on the mend.

I am so thankful for all the prayers! Please keep them coming.

Going Into Battle

2008-11-02T10:02:00.000-08:00

Out, Damn Spot!
On Wednesday, October 30th, after an ERCP procedure, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The GOOD news is that doc says it is operable with a surgery called the whipple. I'm meeting with an Oncologist on Thursday, November 6th to discuss surgery and begin the battle for my life. This will be a hard road...it already is. But, I look forward to feeling better and to know that this beast is no longer growing inside me. I have a wonderful support group of loving family and friends and will be in great hands at the cancer institute we've chosen. Thank you for all your prayers. I could sure use more as I hope to win this battle and live a long time. I've got more I want to do in this world.

www.aromafields.ecrater.com
www.aromafields.etsy.com

Winner!

2008-10-26T20:57:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to greeneginger, winner of the "Marilyn's Oh-Give-Me-A-Home Giveaway". greeneginger won 4 peach scented palm wax tarts.

Thank you to all who took the time to enter my drawing!

www.aromafields.ecrater.com
www.aromafields.etsy.com

Where's Aroma Fields?

2008-10-24T23:04:00.001-07:00

Today, I temporarily closed Aroma Fields Candles & Bath because my health isn't good. A recent sonogram showed a mass on the head of my pancrease and I'm to undergo a CT scan this coming Monday. I'm not up to filling any product orders at this time. Please pray for me that this is not cancer.

I will follow through with my giveaway and hold the drawing on October 26th as planned. Winner will be notified October 27th as planned.

It is my hope and my family's that I can soon reopen my shop and resume making soy candles and natural soaps for you.

www.aromafields.ecrater.com
www.aromafields.etsy.com

Protect Your Content Against Online Plagiarism and Theft

2008-10-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

You Can't Have That Because It's Mine!

Ever wonder if anyone likes your website content so much that they can't resist grabbing it for their own? Find out what they've copied and who they are with this handy little gem:

Copyscape

Take advantage of Copyscape's free service whereby you can run a search on 5 web pages per month. Or pay a fee for extended searches. It's easy! Just type in the website page URL and get instant results.

While you're there, pick up one of these little goodies to put on your website to detour folks from snagging your stuff:

Neato handy dandy little tool!

www.aromafields.ecrater.com
www.aromafields.etsy.com

Baking With Parchment Paper . . . "What's That", You Say?

2008-10-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

More Uses Than For The Declaration of Independence! . . or . . Why I Never Bake Without It

I ran out of parchment paper so headed to the grocery store last night to buy more. Long story short; the store I went to didn't carry it and the clerks didn't even know what it was. When I explained the product and it's usefulness, they were determined to find some for themselves to use. (I wonder if it'll be on their store shelf the next time I need to shop there).

So, it ocurred to me that if not everyone knows what it is...ohhhhh, they should! Here's why:

Using parchment paper to line your cookie sheets makes clean up a snap. Not only that, but your baked item (cookies, biscuits, etc) won't burn or stick to the pan and it cuts the amount of calories in your baked item because you're not oiling the cookie sheet (adding excess oils). Use it in your baking pans, too.

You can use it to roll out cookie, biscuit or pie dough with no sticking.

Use it to make a disposable pastry bag.

Click on Learn to Use Parchment Paper in Your Baking for some neat tips.

I'm off to bake some biscuits to go along with the pot roast I'm making for dinner . . .

www.aromafields.ecrater.com
www.aromafields.etsy.com

Friday's Fabulous Find - October 10th

2008-10-09T23:11:00.000-07:00

Fabulous Find: SeeSueStitch
www.seesuestitch.etsy.com

I happened upon this new shop one day and immediately felt a return to happy childhood times as I was surrounded by the charm of smiling, vintage rag dolls. Each one has been given their own identity, there own personality and through their creator, they truly seem to come alive within the walls of SeeSueStitch's Etsy shop. I couldn't wait to ask Sue some questions . . .

Tell us about the items you sell
Right now, I'm mainly focused on dolls but I'm working on adding aprons sometime in the future.

How did you learn to make your dolls?
When I was younger, I would make these tiny handmade dolls, every part of the doll was handstitched including the clothes. . . it was very time-consuming but I just loved the whole process of embroidery. Then, I began discovering all these wonderful websites with primitive dolls and I thought "Hey, I can do that!" So, I bought a sewing machine the next day and never looked back.

What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
That's tough because all my dolls are very special to me but my most favorite is my ballerina Posy Ann, adding all those sequins to her shirt was really a labor of love and she's just so pretty!

What other places do you sell?
Nowhere else, just on Etsy so far.

How do you promote your dolls?
I'm relatively new to the whole on-line selling scene . . . I just started a blog, I have a facebook account(seesuestitch)and of course, through word of mouth.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?
The cupcake pillow I sewed in Home Ec class when I was thirteen.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I teach Language Arts to gifted middle school students.

Meet Raggedy Ballerina Posy Ann:

And Raggedy Ruby Ann:

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Wouldn't these make terrific gifts? Or to decoratively place on a well made bed sweetly nestled against a row of pillows? Stop by SeeSueStitch's Etsy shop, read her profile to learn of her passions and take a look at her charming dolls!

www.aromafields.ecrater.com
www.aromafields.etsy.com

Marilyn's 'Oh-Give-Me-A-Home' Giveaway

2008-10-08T12:20:00.000-07:00

Four Palm Wax Tarts - Peach Fragrance

My palm wax tarts are made from all natural, clean burning palm wax. They also have a beautiful texture and feel silky smooth. Melt them in your tart burner and smell the burst of aroma! Clean up is a breeze...(see my blog article entitled Thank You...But What Is It?). See the paragraph entitled Clean up and handy dandy soy advantage. Palm wax clean up is the same as soy clean up. Piece o' cake!

Want to win these lovely tarts?
RULES:
Go to my Etsy shop at www.aromafields.etsy.com and take a look around. Come back here and post the link to the item you liked most AND let me know why you liked it. Please remember to leave your contact information so that, if you win, I can let you know and get your permission to mention you on my blog.

Drawing will be held on October 26th and winner will be notified on October 27th.

Thank you and good luck to all who take the time to enter!

www.aromafields.ecrater.com
www.aromafields.etsy.com

Retirement of the Fur Person

2008-10-06T18:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Sneakers!

Today, my sweet kitty is 13 years old. In human years, that's 68 and that means fewer birds are chased, less ricky-racing around the backyard, no more hopped fences....and a LOT more naps.

I actually hate the thought of him aging as he truly is my best pal. To celebrate his special day, I'll go out tonight and get some vanilla ice cream to share with him. He loves to snuggle and likes to share ice cream. (I promise not to enjoy my portion!)

Happy 13th birthday to my special fur baby!

www.aromafields.ecrater.com
www.aromafields.etsy.com

Friday's Fabulous Find

2008-10-02T21:24:00.000-07:00

Fabulous Find: AmberCripe
www.ambercripe.etsy.com

Unique! Convenient! Fashionable! I was so impressed with her unique product and truly, her shop announcement says it all as she writes "Who wants to carry a huge diaper bag to the restroom to change a diaper? All you need is a wipes case, with a diaper in the strap and the baby!"

Here's more . . .

What do you sell?
I try different things, but for now I am making baby wipes cases!

How did you learn to make your product?
A long time ago I saw a picture of one online and took it from there.

When did you start selling on Etsy?
I believe it was April of 2007

What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
Right now I am in love with the browns and cars. The fabric makes me feel cozy.

What other places do you sell?
Etsy is it! I love Etsy

How do you market your product?
It depends on my mood. Sometimes not at all, sometimes on my blog and others through email.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Craft!! When I'm not crafting I spend time with my kiddos

What else would you like to share?
Crafting is my passion. I love to work with my hands and feel accomplished at the end of it all.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
And she only uses fabric that she buys from other Etsy sellers. Don't you think these are adorable as well as convenient?

Stop by AmberCripe's Etsy shop, read her profile to learn her passion for crafting and pick up some of her very creative Wipes Cases!

www.aromafields.ecrater.com
www.aromafields.etsy.com

Coming Soon To Lips Near You!

2008-09-29T09:29:00.000-07:00

New Arrivals In My Etsy Shop
Aroma Fields Candles & Bath at Etsy - Natural Lip Balm

Who doesn't love all natural, lip nourishing, moisturizing and smoochaliciuous lip balm? Made with the very best natural ingredients including shea butter, cocoa butter and added beeswax for extra protection and staying power, my lip balms come in several flavors. I'm currently stocking Cherry, Honey, Coconut and Au Naturel (unflavored) and will be adding Vanilla, Peppermint, Chai Tea, Root Beer and Chocolate soon.

Avoid Lip Balms Containing Phenois
Ironically, as I booted up my computer this morning, ready to blog about my natural lip balms, a daily newsletter that I recieve from RealAge included the following interesting article:

If the cooler fall air has you reaching for your lip balm, flip it over and look at the label.

You might want to ditch it if you see this in the ingredient list: phenols. Why? These compounds actually strip the top layer off your lips, according to RealAge skin expert Dr. Amy Wechsler.

Peel Appeal?
Phenols are included in some lip balms (Blistex, for one) to help remove very dry, chapped skin off the surface of lips. But if you’re just trying to keep lips moist, the phenols can backfire by removing your lips’ natural protective layer. That may also explain why some people get addicted to them, Wechsler writes in her new book, The Mind-Beauty Connection -- the stripping effect can leave lips feeling raw, so you reach for more balm.

Careful Lip Care
To break this vicious lip-balm cycle, Wechsler recommends opting for a good moisturizing lip balm instead.

Article: RealAge Online

I actually intended this post to be a quickie but I thought the article was interesting and worthy of sharing. Thanks for reading!

www.aromafields.ecrater.com
www.aromafields.etsy.com

My Sunflower Afghan Is In A Magazine

2008-09-25T20:24:00.000-07:00

My Lil' Moment Of Glory
Flip back a few blog posts and you'll find one I wrote after I finished crocheting a pretty sunflower design afghan for my older daughter. I also posted it on a website that I'm a member of called CraftStylish. I joined awhile back and
uploaded a photo of this afghan. Well, they must have liked it because they sent me an email last month and asked if they could feature it in their magazine called "Gifts to Make".
I couldn't wait to get the magazine and see! Well, it's here! My sunflower afghan appears in just a small corner of a page, but I'm just tickled to have this honor. My daughter is overjoyed (and proud of her Mom).

Sweet!

www.aromafieldscandles.com
www.aromafields.etsy.com

Destash - What a Great Idea!

2008-09-24T18:48:00.001-07:00

At first glance, my wonderful, loyal customers are probably going to wonder what happened to the list of lovely candles and soaps they're use to seeing stacked down the first page of my Etsy shop. The candles and soaps are still in my shop but, for now, buried beneath some new listings of supplies that hog up the front page.
Yes, supplies! Woo-hooo! I've joined the "Destash" wagon! These supplies will only be there until each one sells as I only have one of each. That's why I'm not going to open a separate Etsy shop. Once sold...the supply item will not be back.

Over time, I've stocked up on an abundance of products that are now just taking up space. They're not being used...probably never will. And it's time to clean house!

If you're thinking about making candles or bath and body products, come and see my supply category. My prices and shipping are more than reasonable and you'll actually be saving when you compare the cost of product plus shipping the the original supplier charges. I still need to add a few more items but there's plenty to start the supply section off nicely.

www.aromafields.ecrater.com

Europe It's Not

2008-09-20T09:42:00.000-07:00

But We Still Had Fun

One of these days, I plan to take a trip to Europe. That's the trip of a lifetime, to me and I will go (she said as she looked at her and hubby's crowded schedules). Until then, adventures are in abundance right here in my little home and in my surrounding area. Each season has it's own flavor of fun affixed to it and this Summer was no exception. Before we move on to what Fall and Winter will bring, I reflect on some of the things that made me smile during the past couple of sun-filled months:

The temperatures can get a bit out of hand . . . (okay, so my smile was dripping with sweat on this day!):

Grand daughters come over frequently and love to play softball in the backyard with their Uncle . . . (use tennis balls, please!):

Fishing trip...and my 23 year old son baited his first hook...a proud moment . . . (he never did like touching icky things. Use to put baggies on his hands to help clean out the pumpkin each Halloween):

Nephew playing the guitar and singing makes for some really peaceful afternoons . . . (Air Force plane mechanic, sings, plays guitar and piano, cooks, handsome...and single, ladies!):

We developed a family love affair with Rock Band . . . (eat your heart out, Ringo!):

Hot Summer days means lots of naps for fur people . . . (as does Fall, Winter, Spring...):

Many trips to the beach and lovely walks on the Balboa pier . . . (and some great lunches at the 50's diner called "Ruby's" at the end of the pier):

And as we leave Summer behind, I'm always grateful for it's beauty and the opportunities I'm given:

(The above photo was taken on our whale watching trip . . . didn't see any whales but the water and the weather were gorgeous!)

I'm ready for Fall now :-)

www.aromafields.ecrater.com

August - Lost In The Sand

2008-09-07T12:26:00.000-07:00

Where did August go?
The summer months are normally spent doing things that we don't usually do throughout the year. (Do I hear a "Yes, same here!"?) I loved having the visitors...loved the summer fun...and really enjoyed the break from every day
routine. I did, however, keep up with my business but I wasn't able to attend to every aspect of my life. Therefore, my blog suffered as I wrote absolutely nothing last month. It's as if August was lost. And, boyyyy did it go by fast!

I'll update you soon on some of the fun things we did through August. I've got to go blow dry my hair . . .

www.aromafields.ecrater.com

Thank You! . . . But What Is It?

2008-07-22T10:02:00.000-07:00

Tarts . . . Melts . . . Melties. Whatever you want to call them, they are packed to the max with fragrance.

As a "thank you for ordering", I often include a scented soy Tart when packing an order for shipment. It's a great way to have my buyers try different fragrances that I offer. Recently, it's come to my attention that there are some who don't know what they are or how to use them. If you've never used a scented soy Tart (Melt, Meltie), you're missing out on a really fun and easy way to fragrance your home.

First, you need a tart burner, ("tart warmer", "oil/potpourri burner"). My absolute favorite is this candle warmer/tart burner combo (photo A below) as the wattage is such that it explodes the aroma quicker and sends it flying all through my home. Oil/potpourri burners (photo B below ) will melt the Tart by means of a small tealight candle. It serves the purpose but not as effective as the electric 24-watt combo.

As the wax melts, the aroma disburses throughout your home. If you did this daily you'd easily get about two weeks worth of scent from one of my soy Tarts. I had a customer tell me that fragrance of the Tart she ordered from me lasted an entire month. Not bad for a mere ounce of wax!

Clean up and handy dandy soy advantage:
Here's the benefit of using soy wax Tarts! If you are ready to melt another fragrance but the scent in the Tart you're currently using isn't all used up, simply stick the tart burner bowl (or entire oil/potpourri burner) in the freezer for about 45 minutes. Remove from the freezer, turn it upside down over a paper towel and tap the bottom of the bowl/burner. The soy wax Tart will plop out in one, nice piece. Wipe the bowl/burner just to make sure there's no remaining residue (and there normally isn't) and it's ready to be used again. You can't do this with paraffin wax. It simply will not budge (I've tried it). Store the used soy wax Tart in a baggie to use another time...or toss it if the fragrance is all used up.

Potpourri:
If you're not so inclined to want to heat and melt this fragrant little morsel, you can place it in a decorative dish and use it as potpourri. The aroma is still amazing!

One of my buyers used it to scent her drawers. She's adorable!

www.aromafields.ecrater.com

The Amazing American Idol Concert Tour

2008-07-07T12:51:00.000-07:00

American Idol . . . love it or hate it? Hubby and I love it! We really enjoyed watching the incredibly talented contestants this past season so we decided to get tickets to the American Idol concert tour. Off to Las Vegas to the Thomas & Mack Center we went this past Saturday and the experience was terrific! The audience consisted of people from all age groups including a sweet group of some retired folks sitting behind us having the time of their life. (And we thought we'd be the oldest...ha!) Young and old, people were enthralled by the unique talents of each performer.

Each of the top 10 contestants performed in the order in which they were voted off, beginning with Chikezie who opened the show. Each had three songs to perform until it came to David Archuleta with 4 songs and David Cook with 5 songs and each gave their own special thanks for the opportunity given them.

Highlights were when David A and his piano were raised up from beneath the floor and a thick mist encompassed him. After his first song, he was given a standing ovation that could only be interrupted by the orchestra starting up the music for his next song. It appeard that was the only way this young performer was going to get out of a situation of repeated, "Thank you...you are all amazing." . . . and many giggles as the admiration of the audience was endless. What a cutie!

David Cook obliged the audience with a fabulous encore and performed his version of Billy Jean which left us knowing without a doubt that it was this kind of incredible talent that soared him to the very top.

Fun stuff!

Look, Maw! . . . No Hands!

2008-07-01T20:16:00.000-07:00

California politicians passed a new law that went into affect today. People rushed out to purchase hands-free equipment for their cell phones because this new law states that we can no longer hold a cell phone while driving. We can talk on it...just not hold it. The California politicians seem to think this will reduce distractions, therefore reduce auto accidents. I say, "Poopie dust!" It's not the holding of the cell phone that's a distraction to drivers, it's the conversation itself. This law isn't going to prevent the car in front of you from driving 30 miles an hour on the freeway because they're into their phone conversation. If a difference is to be made, take the phone away completely. Politicians are idiots.

And get this: truck drivers will not be cited if they're talking on their CB radios. Uh...let me think about this. Hello? Did I say, "politicians are idiots"?

Plug In!

2008-07-01T00:20:00.000-07:00

I noticed throughout the Internet a cute and clever way of getting one's business name noticed. It's called a Plugboard. They're everywhere! These plugboards are filled with cute little banners that are either static (don't move) or animated and when individually clicked on, take you to the respective websites. Each banner is no bigger than 88x31. The banners remain on the plugboard until they are bumped off, in which case, a person can return and plug their banner again. And the whole advertising concept is free.

So, I wanted one!...a cute little plug banner AND a plugboard. I had bittymoose at Etsy create a plug banner for me and what a great job she did! Then I located a site where just by a simple registration, a plugboard is obtained.

You can scroll down my blog page and see my new plugboard in the right hand column. I added my new plug banner to start things off. If you already have a plug banner, please feel free to plug in! If you don't have a plug banner but will be getting one, I'd love for you to come back and display it on my plugboard. Fun stuff!

Face Lift

2008-06-29T16:46:00.000-07:00

Don't I wish! A little tuck here, a little tug there and I might just look like I did 5 years ago. But, I digress. Actually, it's this blog that gets a wee bit of a change. My old blog was green. In case you think you're in the wrong place, I placed a screen shot of the old blog. Recognize me now? Great!

Ah, white. More spacious. Breathing room and all. So what'dya think? Of course, there's a little matter of the blog below that looks like a silly salsa ad. Oh brother.

Spicy Pork Verde

2008-06-27T16:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my husband's birthday and I prepared one of his favorite dishes which is my own creation. I love crockpot dishes as they're a wonderful way to have a great meal at the end of a busy day. You only need two things to make this tasty dish and this roast comes out full of flavor, tender and very moist!

Spicy Pork Verde

**Pork Sirloin Tip Roast (go ahead and use it frozen!)
**16oz jar La Victoria Thick 'n Chunkie Salsa Verde

Place pork roast in crockpot. Pour salsa over the top. Cook on high for approximately 6 hours (if meat is frozen). If roast is thawed, reduce cooking time to approximately 4 hours. I always make mine with a frozen pork roast. How easy can it get?!

So easy!

A side of spanish rice and your choice of veggie goes well with this tender, juicy roast.

And An Afghan For Toni

2008-06-16T21:43:00.000-07:00

My other daughter saw this afghan in my crochet book and thought it was pretty. So, as soon as I finished crocheting the sunflower afghan (in the post below) I started on this one. Crocheted using an overlay technique, this was fun to do! The master color is done in multiple shades of denim blue and the overlay is winter white. It's quite a large afghan...bigger than what I had expected it to be...but she loves it. She says that she, her hubby and kids like to all bundle up under one blanket on the sofa in the winter while watching movies. Well, this will do the trick...and then some.

Now...I owe my son an afghan.

Crocheted Sunflower Afghan

2008-05-20T00:35:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've posted so let me show you one of the projects I've been working on that's kept me away. Isn't this pretty? Other than make fragrant things like the candles and soaps I sell in my Etsy shop, I love to crochet and sew. I crocheted this afghan for my older daughter and gave it to her on her birthday last week. It matches the pretty pots of silk sunflowers that she has in her family room. The center of the sunflower is tan, the flower petals are cornsilk yellow and the master color is hunter green. Fun to make!

Is 'Thin' A Good Thang?

2008-03-02T13:07:00.000-08:00

Welcome!...squeeze on in here and pull up a chair (er...small, slender stool). I have a question for you:

Do you feel closed-in while viewing this page? Is the information area of this page too narrow and do you see a lot of wasted space along the right and left margins? Perhaps for those who have smaller computer monitors this format works nifty. But I'm curious as to the size of most people's computer monitors. Please take the poll to the upper right of this page and thanks so much for participating!

Disclaimer: This post is not intended to critize the wonderful designer of this blog site. I am merely in the process of designing my own site and would love to spread out a bit IF it works for my valued viewers. Thanks much!

We Have Lift Off!

2008-02-24T14:45:00.000-08:00

I'm am so tickled with the way these palm pillars look and perform! The ambient glow as it burns is so beautiful. The wax feels silky smooth, not greasy or waxy and the pillar consumes itself nice and neat. Look at this lovely glow!!

And so, testing is complete and I'm very proud to be offering this beautiful candle at both my sites:

Aroma Fields Candles & Bath:

http://www.aromafieldscandles.com/AF_Pillars.html

AND

Aroma Fields Candles & Bath at Etsy:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9804933

2008-02-07T21:48:00.001-08:00

I've been working with palm wax lately and loving it! Palm wax is similar to soy in that it is all natural. It makes the most beautiful candles! Here's a pillar I made using palm wax and scented it with peach fragrance oil. It's fragrance is amazing even as it sits without being lit.

Here's a close-up of this candles beautiful pattern:

I'll be offering these palm pillars in many fragrances soon to my Etsy shop at http://www.aromafields.etsy.com and my website at http://www.aromafieldscandles.com

2008-01-31T10:17:00.000-08:00

With Valentine's Day just a heartbeat away, I thought I'd better give this cutie more exposure. Giving 3 to 7 days shipping time, depending on where you live, orders should be placed within this coming week. I'm ready for you!! I've got my melting pot fired up and my fragrance oils on hand. Ready to order?

This adorable gift set comes with twelve highly scented soy wax heart Melties in colors of white or red (your choice), pink ceramic tart burner and tealight candle. Your Melties will come packaged in a clear cello bag tied with pretty ribbon. These Melties are very fragrant so if you don't want to melt them, use them as potpourri. Choose from over 20 fragrances. And this cutie is only $7.10!

Available at:

http://aromafieldscandles.com/AF_HVDay_BurnerHeart.html

**AND**

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9266170

Oh!...and did I mention that this makes an adorable Valentine's Day gift that will last a long time?

Go Into The Light

2008-01-28T23:57:00.000-08:00

Since starting this new blog a few days ago and being very new at it, I became curious about the entertwining of all the different blog rings. It's fabulous! One click and I'm onto another avenue of talented people. Another click, and I'm joining another ring. And then I stumbled onto EtsyLove. Oh my...what a wonderful place! I love how the template is so user-friendly and with great ease of finding and making new friendships quickly. Blogspot is good, too, but I feel a bit isolated here, unable to find members very easily. It doesn't appear that anyone is finding me too readily here, either. There's probably a trick to it that I haven't yet discovered. Alrighty...late night thoughts. But all in all, I'm delighted to have found all these avenues of communicating with other talented Etsy members and another way to share.

Education in Wickless

2008-01-24T13:24:00.000-08:00

I fell in love with wickless candles before I even began making candles with wicks. Though, I enjoy making and using both, wickless will always have a special place in my heart (and my home). Oddly, they don't sell well in my Etsy shop and I believe it's simply because people aren't aware of their fabulous advantage over a 'wicked' candle. Simply put, they are more aromatic without the worry of a flame!

Wickless candles are....

...more aromatic because the complete jar of wax melts, not just the top inch or so. With an entire container of melted fragrance, the scent throws stronger and further. I make my wickless candles out of short, wide jars so that the wax melts quicker allowing for the aroma to fill the room faster.

...safer because there's no flame. No flame...no fire hazzard! For that reason, they are perfect for use in classrooms, nursing homes, offices, dorm rooms and anywhere else a flame may not be suitable. My grand daughters teachers LOVE them!

...easy to use! Simply remove the lid, place the jar onto the candle warming plate, turn the warming plate 'on'...and let the aroma fill the air!

And because my wickless candles are made from soy wax, clean up is a snap! If you should happen to spill soy wax, it cleans up easily with a little soap and warm water. I love the ease and aroma of wickless candles and thought this blog might help serve as a bit of an education for those who haven't yet tried one. I notice that warming plates in my neighborhood stores are now selling where, in the past, they just sat on the shelves. This means that the idea of wickless candles IS catching on and I'm happy to see that. However, some people are using traditional, wicked candles to melt on these plates. While that may work, the style of the jar will hinder a quick melt (unlike my short, wide jars). Okay...nuff o' that. I'm going to go turn on my warmer and sniffie Strudle & Spice!

Aroma Fields Candles & Bath

2008-01-22T10:43:00.000-08:00

Let me tantilize your senses and let's keep it environmentally friendly, too. Let your nose experience the lovely fragrances of my handmade soy candles and natural soaps. Let your mood become uplifted by the aroma of fragrances that are sure to please. Let your soul feel good about the skin it's in with natural, skin-loving soaps. Let your body and mind be comforted in knowing that you are using products that are healthier for you and your environment.

Hello! I'm Marilyn and I make highly scented soy candles and natural soaps. You can find them online at Aroma Fields Candles & Bath and also at Aroma Fields Candle & Bath at Etsy.

I take a lot of pride in what I make and strive for the best burning, best scented candle around. I don't just throw a candle together from hobby store materials. My candles are made from the highest, professional grade soy wax available. Likewise with the fragrance oils I use which are pure, uncut, high quality and also purchased from superior suppliers. I use lead-free, self-trimming wicks to aid in the ease, quality and eco-friendly burn of my candles. The fragrance of my candles last all the way to the end of the jar.

My soaps are made from the best quality soap base available which contain natural oils such as Coconut Oil and Palm Oil and absolutely NO chemicals. I've seen others use a soap base but the list of ingredients are tell-tale of the poor quality. I spare no expense as I want to offer the very best! I add other natural ingredients such as oatmeal, lemongrass, poppy seeds, orange and lemon peel, lavender buds for additional skin-loving benefits. My goat milk soaps have gotten high reviews! Personally, I LOVE them and will never go back to commercial soaps again.