Saturday, June 29, 2013

Hard Week

I have received a lot of emails, asking how this week has been going. It has been a very hard week.
In terms of my treatment, I have been extraordinarily fatigued. I am very thankful for the help of my mother-in-law and our babysitter, Ellie, since my exhaustion level is extraordinarily high. Otherwise, I am doing well.
My dad had his biopsy on Monday. The first results were negative, but his doctors think maybe the biopsy missed the tumors, so he will get a different kind of biopsy within a week or so. The reason for the delay is that he was transferred to Albany Med last night due to issues with his difribulator. On Monday they are going to take it out. He has an infection they want some antibiotics on hand for, which is why they are waiting until Monday for the surgery. He remains quite weak, but his mental clarity seems to be improving each day, which is good news. I hope soon he has the strength to move from his bed to a chair.
On Thursday our dear friend Cory called us to tell us her husband, Bob, collapsed while at work in Rhode Island. While the hospital tried to save him, our beloved Bob passed away this morning. Bob had a huge personality - self-deprecating, but smart as a whip on those things he loved. He has a beautiful girl, Zada, and foster son, A, whom he doted on. My heart aches for these sweet children, but I know they will remember their dad both from their memories and the stories we tell them of pot luck dinners and game nights we shared. Cory is the most beautiful person - full of hope and light and kindness, and I know these traits are what will help her through this. But I am going to be honest, I am furious she has to go through this. I am angry and sad and heartbroken because she deserves an amazing life - not this. And I know her life will be amazing, but she will always have a hole in it - a hole that should not be there. Not yet.
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Sunday, June 23, 2013

News

I have so much to write about: Father's Day, the incredible spaghetti benefit, the wild and crazy kiddos, and a health update. But, today I would like to ask you all for your prayers for my dad.

For the past three weeks my dad has been becoming weaker and weaker for no known reason. This morning he was transported to the hospital via ambulance because he was so weak. He has been admitted to the hospital and they are trying to determine what is going on. He had a great deal of blood work and a PET scan last week and we are hopeful when his oncologist reviews the results tomorrow, there will be a clear direction of treatment.

I had a pretty saucy chat with God last week. The gist being to leave my mom and dad alone. They have been through enough and have more than enough on their plates. I think God appreciates my directness. At least I hope so.


Saturday, June 1, 2013

Chemo update

I went through my second round of chemo this week. Due to the holiday, I had four days of treatment rather than five. The hope is that a day less of treatment will help limit the toxic effects I experienced last time. Dr. S is also being proactive by having me get a Neulasta shot (which will prevent my white cell count from plummeting) and I am also using an oral swish my friend Courtney recommended to him. The swish will hopefully limit the mouth ulcers - so far, so good.

That being said day 6 of my last cycle is the day everything went to hell for me, and tomorrow is day 6 for this cycle. Fingers crossed.

I am feeling some severe fatigue this cycle. As in having to sit down and rest after climbing a flight of stairs and only being able to lift Crosby with effort or help. It is frustrating, but I am trying not to be overcome by it.

Last complaint - I had my Sandsosatin shot in my bum and that hurts! I thought I was having severe hip pain again, but I think a large part of it is this shot. Icing it helps, but it hurts for several days and radiates across my back. Grrrr.

Fun story: We opened our pool a couple of weeks ago. It was 57 degrees last week and the older boys readily went in. This week it was up to a balmy 65 degrees and they could not wait to get in! Kyan was practicing his cannonball and Rory would only jump with his goggles. Crosby wisely stayed out of the water with mom and dad. The boys stayed in until they were bluish and happily (for mom and dad) fell asleep quickly tonight.