I went for Chemo treatment #8 yesterday, July 14. At the end of June, I started having back issues, had some scans done, and discovered bulging disks. I was referred to a chiropractor and given a lot of pain meds. My 1st chiro appt was also scheduled for the same day in the afternoon.
Chemo always starts with lab work, followed by a Dr. appt, followed by administration of the meds. The lab work came back with my hemoglobin 7.4. You may recall that transfusions are ordered for any reading below 8. I HAD to agree to a blood transfusion immediately before Dr. would agree to administer chemo. So after chemo we went to get "Type and cross checked" which requires a draw of 1 vial of blood. My port was already access because of chemo so it was literally just hooking up a vial to the tube sticking out of my shirt. 3 hours later, that's right I said THREE HOURS later, I was on the phone with the chiropractor letting them know I would be late.
I was nervous about seeing a chiropractor and possibly being in more pain, but I really feel good about it now. The Dr. is very personable, easy to understand, gentle, and seems to be thorough. After some initial x-rays, we got to SEE my spine. It is curved like a C! That's correct, my spine, because it's me, curves to the side, not forward! We have a plan in place and treatments were started right away. I think the people in the building next door heard my back crack the first time!
On top of all that, we are dog sitting my sister's 2 HUGE golden retrievers, we are participating in a golf outing this weekend, and we have 2 benefits (Mine and Carson LaDage's) next weekend. My cousin is coming from Alabama and Chad has friends/family coming from out of state for the benefit.
THEN...we're planning a vacation with my brother to Huntsville and Gulf shores, Alabama returning home just in time for chemo #9 and registering our baby girl for kindergarten! Yes I said KINDERGARTEN!
We will have complete scans like were done with my original diagnosis on July 22. At that point we may have "make some big decisions" added to our list of things to do!
We are looking forward to relaxing and enjoying the company during this busy time. Pray for us to still find time to relax and enjoy each other! Try to stay cool!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
Hall of Fame
Friday, July 1st I hosted my 12th Hall of Fame Party. This is something I do every year for the kids who do great all year but don't get enough attention during class because of those students not doing so great. Students are able to earn "runs" all year. If they earn enough, they get an invitation in their report cards to a private party after the school year has ended. These parties generally reflect the interests of each particular class.
This year, I invited all my students since they had to deal with my circumstances and multiple subs and did so successfully. I am very impressed with my class and proud of them! We had a pool party at my house. I had some great helpers that should be put in the Hall of Fame as well! Mrs. Ringel and Mrs. Morrison both came Thursday and early Friday to help get ready. Mrs. Morrison did the shopping and supervising. Mrs. Ringel got my yard ready and grilled the dogs for us. Several parents donated foods/snacks. A grand time was had by all! The students loved the slide and diving board! I wish I could have felt better and done more, but I really felt loved when everyone chipped in and helped!
I wish I could put everyone into a Hall of Fame who has been helping us out. I can't tell you how much it lifts my spirits!
This year, I invited all my students since they had to deal with my circumstances and multiple subs and did so successfully. I am very impressed with my class and proud of them! We had a pool party at my house. I had some great helpers that should be put in the Hall of Fame as well! Mrs. Ringel and Mrs. Morrison both came Thursday and early Friday to help get ready. Mrs. Morrison did the shopping and supervising. Mrs. Ringel got my yard ready and grilled the dogs for us. Several parents donated foods/snacks. A grand time was had by all! The students loved the slide and diving board! I wish I could have felt better and done more, but I really felt loved when everyone chipped in and helped!
I wish I could put everyone into a Hall of Fame who has been helping us out. I can't tell you how much it lifts my spirits!
Latest Results
I have had 2 MRI scans in the last 2 weeks.
The first was of my back and showed bulging disks in my lower back. Right?! If it's not one thing then it's another! It was fairly excruciating, but I hope to get to a chiropractor next week. I am on some strong pain meds and trying (not very successfully, mind you) to take it easy.
The second MRI was an updated brain scan. It showed no change. I didn't figure it would, but I had forgotten that the last one was on steroids, this one was off. The good news here is that as long as the brain symptoms are under control and the lesions don't change, I do NOT have to go back on the steroids. Woo Hoo!
My next chemo is on July 14th. Hopefully we can fill in some blanks (like whether or not to go back to work, can I be with the kids alone, can I drive...) at that appointment.
The first was of my back and showed bulging disks in my lower back. Right?! If it's not one thing then it's another! It was fairly excruciating, but I hope to get to a chiropractor next week. I am on some strong pain meds and trying (not very successfully, mind you) to take it easy.
The second MRI was an updated brain scan. It showed no change. I didn't figure it would, but I had forgotten that the last one was on steroids, this one was off. The good news here is that as long as the brain symptoms are under control and the lesions don't change, I do NOT have to go back on the steroids. Woo Hoo!
My next chemo is on July 14th. Hopefully we can fill in some blanks (like whether or not to go back to work, can I be with the kids alone, can I drive...) at that appointment.
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