My apologies.
The short version of my most recent adventures -
went to Huntsville, went to Gulf Shores,signed Chloe up for kindergarten, Got bad news of a growth splurge, broke a leg, had surgery.
Our trip to Alabama was great! I will post pictures of it at a later time, but for now I'll tell you that pirate cruises rock!
We signed Chloe up for kindergarten at "Altman Kindergarten School" and went school supply shopping. It was just Chloe, Aunt Stac, Uncle Ry, & me. We had a blast and Chloe was super cute! If you ask her if she is excited about kindergarten, she'll tell you :"I'm really excited about school but I sure wich I didn't have to get shots!"
She and Chloe started back to Aunt Beth's full time now so I'm hoping for some gfreat consistency for them.
When we returnrd from Alabama, we went in for chemo. My counts came back REALLY low and I was not allowed to take treatments. I had to go in firts thing Friday moring for a 3 unit transfusion. It was super thoughtful of the infUnion lab poeple to bring us asparkling grape juice and a bowl of fresh fruit for out anniversary! The other news was that she was sending us back to Chicago. The reports still show shrinkage in the original tumors, but new have come out all over the place. Stac & Stephen took Chad and me to see Dr. Salgia. He would like to put me in a trial with a well known drug and an experimental drug. He was also concerned about my pain. They order radiation to just the place on my back where a tumor was pressing on a fracture causing my pain. That started Monday.
When I got back home Monday afternoon, I was gathering things to take to my bed to work on. I found a bag needed in Chloe's room. Sparing gory details, I fell backwards and broke my femur. The break is almost at the ball of my hip so surgery was the only option. I was petrified! They inserted a rod into my leg from my knee to my hip. I am staying here until they all decide I had enough therapy to be able to get along on my own. We decided to look into home health help and ask our friends and family to take turns Schmidgsitting. I will ask Heather the best way to get this on the calender. Feel free to call her too if you want to schmidgsit.
I was so afraid this whole time! Even now, I'm putting off telling the nurse I have to pee because I don't want to have to get up. Whhhaaaat? It's hard and uncomfortable!
As my sister was hugging me and understanding my fears she told be something very insightful:
You know that verse everyone talks about that God never gives you more than you can bear? It's a great theory, but it's not in the bible. That verse says god will not give you what you cannot handle with out giving His strength to get through. He never intended for us to have nerves of steel. There is no way I could have crawled around on my back trying to find my phone. It was all God being right there with me empowering me to do what I needed to.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
Full Plate!
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!
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 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.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Long time no blog!
Ok, so this will be a long one because I have been so neglectful. Feel free to just skim :)
I did get one unit of blood which brought me up to an 8.7. I went ahead the next week and got another one. That one started to make a difference in my energy levels, but I ran into some other problems. I appreciate all the offers to donate, but I am set for now. My type is A+ (like a teacher!) and my sister, brother, dad, and several uncles match.
You know by now that my life cold not just be that easy! I've had a pain in my lower back for a while now. Over the last month, it got more frequent and more intense. An MRI was finally ordered. The bad news is it turns out I have bulging disks from L5 - S1; my lower back. The Good news is there is no tumor pinching nerves around my spine.
On the home front, my parents have finished their business with the ranch. They are now full-time horse ranchers! Ry's garage is almost done so he can start another house project, and Stac is on the conference circuit for school based community medical clinics. Chad's brother and family will be in town from Colorado for the July 23rd benefit and are trying to work it out to move back to Illinois. Anyone know of some jobs for a certified prek-3 teacher? She could teach at a preschool/kindergarten or be director for a daycare center. Kelsey got her acceptance letter for ISU! We had a great visit with some of my dad's family and are working on plans to visit Alabama.
We can't seem to get the pool going. The weather keeps putting gunk in the pool and every time Chad tries to work on it, he breaks something! My nephew Chris has had a little more luck inside learning to hang things and keep a house going between drippy ceilings, broken tiles, and overflowing toilets!
Last Friday, I gave a speech at the Relay for Life at Mineral Springs Park. It was a lovely ceremony for which I was honorary survivor. I appreciate the nice comments about my speech. I had prayed it would be just what people needed to hear.
I am still so blessed by the number of people helping us and reaching out. It makes our burden so much lighter when we are able to share it!
Have a great 4th of July holiday! Don't forget to honor/thank a veteran!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Draaaaagging!
I realize it has been a while since I updated. I know, right?! Before my last chemo treatment, my lab work showed my hemoglobin was a 9. At an 8 they recommend a transfusion. Then I had another treatment. The dr. suggested I call and have my hemoglobin checked if I didn't perk up in a few days. Well, I didn't perk up. The first weekend, I actually slept about 20 out of 24 hours! So Monday I went and got checked and it came back as 6.9. Red Cross does what is called a directed donation so someone I know can give their blood directly to me. Many of my family members and close friends are matches so that's not a problem. The problem is the hour and a half I had to spend on the phone this morning trying to get the details and make sure I could receive the blood as soon as possible. Right?! Crazy!
So the end result is that I go in tomorrow morning at 9 to the pekin hospital to receive one unit of blood from my brother. My sister donated, but hers was contaminated by the people who collected it. She is steaming hot about that! I actually need 2 units. My dad and uncle will go tomorrow and donate. On Monday, I will have my blood rechecked and decide if I want to get another unit. That's where my dad and uncle come in. By the time Tuesday rolls around, their donations should be ready should I need them.
I am excited about the prospect of actually having energy again! This time without all the side effects of the steroid! By the way, I am completely off the steroid now except the day before, of, and after chemo. It has been a long weening process and I still take one every now and then, but the swelling is slowly going down and I feel much stronger, no more useless legs. I'm still not going to be running any races, but I can make it up our stairs!
I'm sorry if it seems like I have ignored you or avoided you. I assure you it's nothing personal. I have been faithful to listen to my husband (even though I hate when he's right!) and rest as much as possible. If I am resting I don't answer my phone and I haven't even touched my netbook for days! Right!? That's why I can't wait for this transfusion!
Happy Weekend!
So the end result is that I go in tomorrow morning at 9 to the pekin hospital to receive one unit of blood from my brother. My sister donated, but hers was contaminated by the people who collected it. She is steaming hot about that! I actually need 2 units. My dad and uncle will go tomorrow and donate. On Monday, I will have my blood rechecked and decide if I want to get another unit. That's where my dad and uncle come in. By the time Tuesday rolls around, their donations should be ready should I need them.
I am excited about the prospect of actually having energy again! This time without all the side effects of the steroid! By the way, I am completely off the steroid now except the day before, of, and after chemo. It has been a long weening process and I still take one every now and then, but the swelling is slowly going down and I feel much stronger, no more useless legs. I'm still not going to be running any races, but I can make it up our stairs!
I'm sorry if it seems like I have ignored you or avoided you. I assure you it's nothing personal. I have been faithful to listen to my husband (even though I hate when he's right!) and rest as much as possible. If I am resting I don't answer my phone and I haven't even touched my netbook for days! Right!? That's why I can't wait for this transfusion!
Happy Weekend!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Relay
I just want to let everyone know that the Pekin Relay for Life is June 24th. Youth Activities start at 3pm. At 6:30 I will be giving a speech as an honorary survivor and leading the survivor lap. I am thankful for this opportunity to be a witness for my faith! I hope to see you there! Mineral Springs Park lagoon.
I found out this week my best friends nephew has a tumor at the base of his brain. He is 4 years old. It's amazing how many lives can be changed by cancer. The American Cancer Society really does a lot to help people through it. It's a cause worth your time and money!
I found out this week my best friends nephew has a tumor at the base of his brain. He is 4 years old. It's amazing how many lives can be changed by cancer. The American Cancer Society really does a lot to help people through it. It's a cause worth your time and money!
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