A Daily Recap

I can't really explain why I haven't blogged. I think the few days I get that I feel good require me to catch up on all the things that go unattended all the other days. See...I'm trying to put as much as I can into one sentence.

Here is the recap:
July 19 - Blood transfusion and platelet transfusion. A long 5 hours.
July 20 - Rested. Karen visited with me so I wouldn't feel so alone.
July 21 - Rested. Ashley visited with me just because she finally had some time. Talked about wedding plans. We picked up Matt & Katie from beach camp (or should I say picked up 2 zombies from beach camp). It took them two days to recover.
July 22 - Kellie and I met with a surgeon to discuss port placement in my chest. He said he didn't recommend it. I was so disappointed. Now waiting for a "pass port" to be scheduled for placement in right arm through interventional radiology. I still have no peace regarding this due to nerve damage in my left hand.
July 23 - A sweet, quiet, loving birthday. Even ventured out for dinner to Tom's Farm because we knew we could eat outside. Sat at a table by the water and had a delicious pizza or two. We then stopped by Golden Spoon to have as my birthday dessert. Thank you for all my bd wishes.
July 24 - Rested some more. I never felt the surge of energy some had told me I would receive from the transfusions.
July 25 - Worked all day on medical and household bills. Not my favorite thing to do.
July 26 - I had my CBC blood work drawn (I call it getting my counts). They were all low, but not low enough to delay chemotherapy. My doctor scheduled chemo and then a transfusion the following day. Di took me to all my appointments. She encourages me to keep going forward and to fight hard. She has walked the path so she knows how hard the journey can be.
July 27 - Chemo. Another 5 hours. They gave me some magic juice because I slept through most of it. Di said they kept checking on me to make sure I was okay. I made her promise that she has to wake me if I'm snoring or drooling. She promised. Because we knew my transfusion was the following day we asked the nurses to keep the IV in my hand. This way I wouldn't have to get poked the next day again. I'm tired of being a pin cushion.
July 28 - Platelet transfusion only. With not having to deal with starting a new IV we were in and out within 45 minutes. Karen spent the afternoon with me as I rested.
July 29 - Deena took me to cancer center to check my counts so we would know if I needed to continue with Neupogen injections and to see if the transfusion was successful. My counts were good...finally! By the afternoon my all over body pain from the chemo started to hit early and hard.
July 30 - My usual "dark" chemo day didn't show up. I didn't feel great and had some nausea but it was nothing I couldn't handle.
July 31 - I woke up to the sound of rain - it didn't seem possible in August. It was wonderful while it lasted. Once the sun came out it was miserable, or so I'm told. I stayed in my PJ's all day. I was wiped out and was still sick to my stomach.
August 1 - I tried to act like nothing was wrong but it didn't last for long. By 10 am I was on the couch sleeping on and off. The fatigue hit hard and the nausea was right behind. Katie and I laid around watching TV. Jim's mom surprised us and joined us for almost 2 hours. Their company helped to take my mind off of what I was feeling. It wasn't until 7 pm that evening until I felt like I was starting to feel human again.
August 2 - Di picked me up to take me to the wound center and to get my CBC drawn. We decided to go to the cancer center first so I would know if I needed to wear a mask in the hospital. My counts were good (my white count was a little low). I was still cleared for chemo, plus another important action...taking Katelynn clothes shopping for school (you have no idea how important this was for me). I still had to get through my appointment at the wound center. It ended up not being too bad. My personal nurse is doing an incredible job (Jim). The doctor was concerned that I was running a fever (100.8) so I had to get cultures of the wound again and will see them next week. My doctor and nurse seemed pleased with the reduction of the swelling in my arm and the shedding of the cancer on my back. I told them this is why I can will myself to continue with the chemo.

My few hours with Katelynn today helping her find clothes for high school was just wonderful. I thank those special individuals who helped us financially. It meant so much. During the drive home I got, "You're the best mom." I wish I could have recorded it. I'm guessing I will need to remind her that she ever said it in the months ahead (okay maybe even as soon as weeks). Ha, ha.

Tomorrow is August 3 - Chemo scheduled at 9:15 am. Continue to pray for these veins and my recovery. We are guessing there might be another transfusion that will follow next week.

A update on Jim's mom.
She had surgery again today because they didn't get enough margins around the tumor during the first surgery. The doctor also inserted a whisk like instrument with tubes attached that will be used for radiation. If the pathology report comes back by Thursday she will start radiation that afternoon. She will have 5 days of radiation 2 times a day. There was no cancer found in the lymph system and the cancer was hormone driven. She will take additional medication after the radiation. It was an aggressive cancer so we are grateful it was found early. Another encouragement for you ladies to have your mammograms done soon.

Mom did well in surgery today but is very sore. Much more than her surgery 2 weeks ago. I'm sure the contraption they inserted can't be too comfortable. Her throat was also hurting due to the surgery and being intubated. She has been a trooper and has been through so much. Please pray for strength and endurance during radiation and rest during her recovery.

As always all of your prayers and support is so appreciated.