Well, I can now add a trip to the Emergency Room to my "Things I've Done" list! I've only been to the ER once and that was to take Jeff when he dislocated a finger playing basketball when we first got married.....................
My whole family (including my mom who is helping us out) has come down with a very nasty cold over the past week. I sprayed Lysol everywhere, didn't kiss on the kids much, slept on the couch to avoid Jeff, washed pillow cases and covers every day, and washed my hands all the time.....I still got it. Friday I felt icky, just like a cold. Then the coughing started......
Saturday, I woke up with chills and took Tylenol. I felt fine until about 3 or so and laid down for a nap. When I woke up about 6 pm, I knew I had a bad fever. Yep, 101.4. Not good, not good at all for a chemo patient - supposed to call the dr. anytime you reach 100.5 or higher. So, Jeff called the dr.'s office to find out what to do. The on call dr. never called back. Jeff called back and finally got to talk to him. This was about 8:30. He said he had attempted to call and no one answered.....we were here. I had the phone right beside me in the bed. Anyway, he told us to go to the emergency room, so I quickly packed a bag in case they decided to keep me. I had taken Tylenol again about 6:30, so my fever had come down and I was feeling much better.
Upon arrival at the ER (about 9:30 pm), they took vitals, then we met with the triage nurse who said she wanted us to wait for a private room. So we waited a while. Then we got to our room. The nurse came in and talked to us and then we waited to see the dr. I ended up having a chest x-ray to see if I had pneumonia and then they accessed my port to draw blood. I did not have pneumonia, but they treated me as if I did. I got an IV of antibiotics and took Zithromax while there. I finish up the Zithromax this week and have to visit my oncologist for a follow up. My fever never came back the whole time we were there. I'm so glad they didn't admit me!!!
Jeff and I got home at 4 am........I can't remember the last time we pulled an all-nighter together, and this one wasn't even fun! The nurse did laugh at us because Jeff laid on the bed with me in the ER so we could rest! (The chairs were so uncomfortable.) He told us no funny stuff was allowed........like after 15 years of marriage something would take place THERE anyway. ha ha
I feel great today, but Mom is feeling really yucky today. Jeff and the boys are about done with this. I sprayed Lysol all over again today...........I'm beginning to wonder if it really works.
So, I'm guessing since I feel better, I'll still have chemo on Tuesday. My blood counts were good for a chemo patient last night, so I doubt I'll get out of it! July 1 will be treatment #15 and July 8 is my "off" week.
Thanks for keeping me (and my family) in your prayers!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
GOOD NEWS!!
As I sit here in my "chair" receiving my toxic drink for the week, I am on cloud 9 this afternoon after a good report at the oncologist's office this morning! :)
First, I'd like to thank all of you for your prayers. God has worked wonders for me in the short 4 1/2 months since my diagnosis. God is good and I am so fortunate to have such loving support from so many people - family, church families, friends, and friends of friends.
It's hard to tell you what I have learned so far about myself and others. I'll have to write that another day. Just know that I feel very strong and very grateful today.
So, here's the news:
There are several spots on my liver. They only actually measured the large ones. In February, the largest was 2.2 cm and today we found it had shrunk to 2 cm! The second largest was 1.5 cm and today we found out it had shrunk to .5 cm!!!!!!!! :) The nurse called this one an A+.
The lymph node in my neck started at about 1 cm and is now about 4 mm!!!!! :-)
The tumor in my breast was not measured on this round of tests, but the physical assessment in the office today showed that not only is it getting softer (breaking down), but shrinking as well. The original measurement was between 7 & 8 cm and today about 5.5 - 6 cm.
My treatments will remain the same until the next round of tests in a few months. The MUGA scan which looks at my heart showed no significant changes. The Herceptin will continue as well. The doctor told us that as long as Taxotere is working, it will not change. She also said that the next round of tests will be a better indicator of where we are and where we're going.
I do not take credit for any of this..........I do not pray for myself because I do not know how. I have left this all in God's hands and yours. YOU are praying for me and knowing that, I am at peace with whatever happens. Yes, I have changed some things in my diet, but that does not cure me. My hope and faith in God and your prayers is doing that. THANK YOU
Just keep up the prayers and encouragement. I still feel great for what I'm going thru and there are many, many others that have it much worse than me.
***Please remember to pray for our troops in Iraq and Afganistan, as well as around the world.
First, I'd like to thank all of you for your prayers. God has worked wonders for me in the short 4 1/2 months since my diagnosis. God is good and I am so fortunate to have such loving support from so many people - family, church families, friends, and friends of friends.
It's hard to tell you what I have learned so far about myself and others. I'll have to write that another day. Just know that I feel very strong and very grateful today.
So, here's the news:
There are several spots on my liver. They only actually measured the large ones. In February, the largest was 2.2 cm and today we found it had shrunk to 2 cm! The second largest was 1.5 cm and today we found out it had shrunk to .5 cm!!!!!!!! :) The nurse called this one an A+.
The lymph node in my neck started at about 1 cm and is now about 4 mm!!!!! :-)
The tumor in my breast was not measured on this round of tests, but the physical assessment in the office today showed that not only is it getting softer (breaking down), but shrinking as well. The original measurement was between 7 & 8 cm and today about 5.5 - 6 cm.
My treatments will remain the same until the next round of tests in a few months. The MUGA scan which looks at my heart showed no significant changes. The Herceptin will continue as well. The doctor told us that as long as Taxotere is working, it will not change. She also said that the next round of tests will be a better indicator of where we are and where we're going.
I do not take credit for any of this..........I do not pray for myself because I do not know how. I have left this all in God's hands and yours. YOU are praying for me and knowing that, I am at peace with whatever happens. Yes, I have changed some things in my diet, but that does not cure me. My hope and faith in God and your prayers is doing that. THANK YOU
Just keep up the prayers and encouragement. I still feel great for what I'm going thru and there are many, many others that have it much worse than me.
***Please remember to pray for our troops in Iraq and Afganistan, as well as around the world.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Where did the month of May go?
Well, I haven't written on this blog for a while, and I thought I would catch it up a bit. We've had quite a few crazy days (see the family blog) and unexpected happenings.
Most of you read to find out about me, so my news is no changes. I still feel good and made it thru the 2 weeks of chemo without overnight help! I got really tired a couple of days, but my "angels" from church and friends took care of me. I went to chemo today and had no issues. My blood counts were a little lower than last week, but I have next week off, so maybe they'll come back up. I haven't been sticking to my "diet" much lately, but have avoided caffeine, ate as little sugar as possible and very little cheese. I did indulge in chocolate a couple times, so I guess I had a teensy bit of caffeine? Anyway, it's back to the veggies this week! :)
******
We received very sad and shocking news on May 24. Gunner's Bible class teacher unexpectedly passed away. Melinda M. had a heart of gold and loved teaching that class. Although I didn't know her very well, I knew her enough to say I will definitely miss her smiling face and her spirit. She was a beautiful person and her extended family and church family are going to dearly miss her. Melinda - I hope you know how loved you were on this earth! I know that you are in the most beautiful place that God created. You are missed so much!
Several other members at our church have lost loved ones recently as well. It has been a very sad couple of weeks and I pray for them and their families during these difficult times.
*******
Both boys had well child visits last week. Both are doing great!
Gunner is in the 97th percentile on height and 80th percentile on weight. He got two of his 4 shots required for Kindergarten. The other two are live viruses and he cannot get them and be around me because of my chemo treatments making me susceptible to diseases. Anyway, we're working out a plan for him to visit grandparents for two weeks in late July/August so he can go to kindergarten!
Brandon is finally above the 3rd percentile! Yipee! He was in the 25th percentile for weight, 15th for height and 10th for head circumference.
I had to take Brandon to the after hours pediactric office on the Sunday night of Memorial Day weekend. He had a rash around his mouth....I thought it was due to teething (all the slobber) and sucking on the pacifier. By Sunday afternoon the rash had spread to neck, hands, arms, legs and feet. I called the pediatrician and they told me to go to the after hours office. The dr. there said he seemed to have a viral rash, but the part around his mouth was infected. He gave me two handouts, one for Hand, Foot & Mouth disease and the other for Impetigo. He didn't make a clear diagnosis, but prescribed an antibiotic cream for impetigo. I waited at the pharmacy for about 45 min! Mind you, it was bedtime for Brandon. Not fun. Just not fun. Finally we got home and I got him to bed. We were gone about 3 hrs for this little deal. The rash has since dried up and gone. Just had to take lots of disinfecting precautions so no one else got the ugly mess. Also had to boil the pacifiers all the time.
******
We've had the opportunity to visit with friends from afar the past couple weeks as well. Our Oklahoma friends came for vacation and we spent a day with them at DW. See the family blog for photos. Also, my best friend from high school senior year is here this week. She and her family members (her hubby, parents & brother & his family) have rented a house in the area. The boys and I took the short road trip to visit them yesterday and swim in the pool. It was great to visit (although it was too short). I hadn't seen Melissa since 2000, so it was really good to "see" rather than just email. Hope y'all have a great week Melissa!! :)
******
Jeff's dad found out recently that he has an incurable disease himself. I do not know all the details to write about it, but he will be on lifetime medications to control it. Please continue to keep him in your prayers as well.
******
Jill arrived here safely yesterday afternoon. She is going to be my helper for a couple weeks. We're HOPING to find some time to scrapbook. he he With both boys here and the things I must get done, who knows if we'll ever get to it. We are HOPEFUL..........
******
I can't think of anything else to update. I've mostly had good days. I had a what I call a "self pity" day not long ago, then unexpected things and sad things happened to other people. I felt terrible for being so self-centered and am now back on track! Thanks again and again for all the prayers, emails, cards, etc. Thanks for sharing my blog with others....many of you say it is an encouragement and I appreciate that. I use it for the convenience of letting you, my prayer warriors, know what I need prayers for and for the fact that writing out my feelings helps me feel better.
We've continued studying I John in Bible class on Sunday. Chapter 5 is so encouraging!! These verses are what's been on my heart lately:
I John 5:13-15 (NIV)
"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us -- whatever we ask -- we know that we have what we asked of him."
Most of you read to find out about me, so my news is no changes. I still feel good and made it thru the 2 weeks of chemo without overnight help! I got really tired a couple of days, but my "angels" from church and friends took care of me. I went to chemo today and had no issues. My blood counts were a little lower than last week, but I have next week off, so maybe they'll come back up. I haven't been sticking to my "diet" much lately, but have avoided caffeine, ate as little sugar as possible and very little cheese. I did indulge in chocolate a couple times, so I guess I had a teensy bit of caffeine? Anyway, it's back to the veggies this week! :)
******
We received very sad and shocking news on May 24. Gunner's Bible class teacher unexpectedly passed away. Melinda M. had a heart of gold and loved teaching that class. Although I didn't know her very well, I knew her enough to say I will definitely miss her smiling face and her spirit. She was a beautiful person and her extended family and church family are going to dearly miss her. Melinda - I hope you know how loved you were on this earth! I know that you are in the most beautiful place that God created. You are missed so much!
Several other members at our church have lost loved ones recently as well. It has been a very sad couple of weeks and I pray for them and their families during these difficult times.
*******
Both boys had well child visits last week. Both are doing great!
Gunner is in the 97th percentile on height and 80th percentile on weight. He got two of his 4 shots required for Kindergarten. The other two are live viruses and he cannot get them and be around me because of my chemo treatments making me susceptible to diseases. Anyway, we're working out a plan for him to visit grandparents for two weeks in late July/August so he can go to kindergarten!
Brandon is finally above the 3rd percentile! Yipee! He was in the 25th percentile for weight, 15th for height and 10th for head circumference.
I had to take Brandon to the after hours pediactric office on the Sunday night of Memorial Day weekend. He had a rash around his mouth....I thought it was due to teething (all the slobber) and sucking on the pacifier. By Sunday afternoon the rash had spread to neck, hands, arms, legs and feet. I called the pediatrician and they told me to go to the after hours office. The dr. there said he seemed to have a viral rash, but the part around his mouth was infected. He gave me two handouts, one for Hand, Foot & Mouth disease and the other for Impetigo. He didn't make a clear diagnosis, but prescribed an antibiotic cream for impetigo. I waited at the pharmacy for about 45 min! Mind you, it was bedtime for Brandon. Not fun. Just not fun. Finally we got home and I got him to bed. We were gone about 3 hrs for this little deal. The rash has since dried up and gone. Just had to take lots of disinfecting precautions so no one else got the ugly mess. Also had to boil the pacifiers all the time.
******
We've had the opportunity to visit with friends from afar the past couple weeks as well. Our Oklahoma friends came for vacation and we spent a day with them at DW. See the family blog for photos. Also, my best friend from high school senior year is here this week. She and her family members (her hubby, parents & brother & his family) have rented a house in the area. The boys and I took the short road trip to visit them yesterday and swim in the pool. It was great to visit (although it was too short). I hadn't seen Melissa since 2000, so it was really good to "see" rather than just email. Hope y'all have a great week Melissa!! :)
******
Jeff's dad found out recently that he has an incurable disease himself. I do not know all the details to write about it, but he will be on lifetime medications to control it. Please continue to keep him in your prayers as well.
******
Jill arrived here safely yesterday afternoon. She is going to be my helper for a couple weeks. We're HOPING to find some time to scrapbook. he he With both boys here and the things I must get done, who knows if we'll ever get to it. We are HOPEFUL..........
******
I can't think of anything else to update. I've mostly had good days. I had a what I call a "self pity" day not long ago, then unexpected things and sad things happened to other people. I felt terrible for being so self-centered and am now back on track! Thanks again and again for all the prayers, emails, cards, etc. Thanks for sharing my blog with others....many of you say it is an encouragement and I appreciate that. I use it for the convenience of letting you, my prayer warriors, know what I need prayers for and for the fact that writing out my feelings helps me feel better.
We've continued studying I John in Bible class on Sunday. Chapter 5 is so encouraging!! These verses are what's been on my heart lately:
I John 5:13-15 (NIV)
"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us -- whatever we ask -- we know that we have what we asked of him."
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