Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Wow - it worked big time!

I had my white blood cells count checked today and it went from 500 to 60,000! No wonder my lower back is hurting! My bone marrow is working overtime. Anyway, this means I am cleared for my trip and should feel pretty good. Thank you for your prayers! Our household sent up many!

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Unexpected news

I went in for my 3rd week of chemo today and, for the first time ever, my white blood cell counts were too low to receive it. I had 500 white blood cells (normal is 3,000-10,000) and mine have never went below 2,000. I am receiving a different chemo and my oncologist said my bone marrow obviously can't take 3 weeks in a row, so I will start on 2 weeks on, 1 week off. I had plans to go away late next week and I have to go in on Tuesday to see if my counts go up with the booster shot I got today. Then I can be cleared for my trip.

I knew I felt a little wiped today and couldn't understand why. So, I did seek some help with the boys this afternoon so I can get cozy on the couch. David's school has a dance tomorrow night that I was hoping to go to but I will avoid that germ factory (and send Dave).

Otherwise, I am feeling a little better each day.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Dave said to me this morning that he looks forward to a day where I am not merely surviving but living. He sees my discomfort and desire to help around here and how frustrated I am that I can do so little. Each day gets a little better in some way. This new chemo presented different side effects than I have experienced before and I am adjusting to that. I am hoping that once the boys are back in school and we get back on a schedule, I will be able to do more. We have a visiting nurse who comes by about every other day to help with my pleurx catheter. So many things have improved recently - my breathing, overall pain in my chest area and sleep! My energy is just zapped in the meantime.

It is so nice to be home. Dawson is actually sitting under the desk while I type this so I don't get too far. He was sitting at dinner the other day with a smile on his face (like he had swallowed the canary) and I asked him what was making him smile. He said he had a smile in his body that just needed to come out.

I have been lacks in sending out thank you notes to everyone who has brought us meals and helped us in so many ways. I am so appreciateive of all of the help and cards and encouragements and apologize for not getting out the notes.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

I'm home!

I am home and looking forward to a nice, long, hot bath. I had some stories to share about hospital life, but can't think of anything but that bath right now. Oh, yeah - I did put my time in the hospital to good use yesterday. Dave has been so busy with work and taking care of the boys, etc., grocery shopping before this next storm was not a priority. So, I was able to shop Acme.com and we picked up all of our groceries today. We might try this more often!

Sunday, February 7, 2010

This is a harder pill to swallow

I(and I swallow a lot!) Dave and I have talked about the different "stages" within the stages of cancer. The new one for us this week is that my breathing should be stabilized with the drains and if this new chemo works. I won't have much energy but should be comfortable. Once the chemo keeps working, maybe the energy will get better (until the side effects from the chemo and steriods set in). It is all confusing right? In English, my cancer is extremely aggressive and this chemo is not working anymore. We still have more options . . . for now. But, in the last 2 months, my health and energy have significantly declined with a few pick-me-ups here and there. There are no guarantees this chemo will work but I pray it won't be long before we find one that works as well as the last.

I just miss my family so much. I have been here since Monday and between weather and work stuff for Dave and scheduled procedures for me, I haven't seen them I really miss them. I hope to get out early this week.

Friday, February 5, 2010

The cancer is back and growing.

The cancer has returned , and seems to be the main concern for my breathing problems. Draining the fluid is somewhat helpful, but only a piece of the puzzle. I started a new chemo drug, and, so, far, no problems!

Thank you for everything! We have received so many planned and spontaneous dinner meals. We thank you and it is a big help.We pray for our children and families. These week long hospital stays are not easy on anyone! The next plan will be in place shortly and we will know where we go from here.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

I am back in the Christiana Hosp. Last week, towards the end of the week, the shortness of breath was difficult to tolerate. They placed a plural catheter in also so I can drain the fluid as necessary, We are still in limbo right now and will update when we know. I just literally came out of surgery about 1 1/4 hours ago,