My favorite quotes from today:
Cade said,"How are you this spring day?"
Zane said,"On my birthday, I'm going to turn purple! Is that funny?"
Avi said, (indistinguishable babbles)..."Zaner's funny!" I said, "Yes he is. Is Avi funny?" She said, "No! Avi is pretty!"
My nurse said,"They're at 30,000!" and she did a happy dance. Just a bit ago I got the news that the platelet donation "stuck" and my counts went up. The sanctions still have not been lifted, but they should be in the morning. I have not been able to walk around --I literally got sent to my room-- or brush my teeth with anything other than the sponge-on-a-stick that they gave me among a couple of other annoyances. I have been able to watch youtube clips (ACU Spring Sing-I never knew what that was and now I do)and listen to my #1 Lady Detective on audio book.
So, thank you, Jesus! Thank you for healing platelets and all the people that worked so hard today to get them to me with joy. Lots of behind the scenes work with researching antigens and "refracting" platelets and phone calls. Lots of lab workers staring through microscopes, doing what would bore me to death, but God has given them a gift, and I like it! Lots of patient doctors and PAs working on stuff that I would need to go back to school to understand a tenth of it, but explaining it in a way that reassured me and helped me feel involved in the process. I am thankful for the donors that just showed up knowing that they are doing something good, but never knowing the full impact of their decision. I am thankful for a nurse that cheered me for two days straight (and I am thankful for the more "professional" care of the previous day ;P) and for her being able to see what a good, God-fearin' man I have and to encourage her to hold out for the best.
A very long day, but it ended up just right. The docs and PAs now know what kind of platelets I do well with and have double donation waiting if needed.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
The Twilight Saga continues
Today has been a very busy, slow day. It began with platelets that didn't do the trick followed by two units of blood. The first bag of blood helped me feel better (probably boosted hemaglobin), and finally about 3:30 I was much less shakey-kneed and able to do laps in the hallway. It is important to keep moving when possible in this joint. Before that, I didn't move far from my bed because I promised my nurse that I wouldn't faint on her. It's 6:00 now, and as I write this I am getting the second round of platelets of the day. The hardest part of the day was trying to be patient while at the same time being very sleepy--a lot of blood pressure checks. I'm given Benedryl to minimize allergic reaction to the blood products. I probably got a 10-15 minute nap all day (and that is after a late night of platelets + the usual interruptions) so I feel sleep deprived.
I've watched more tv on the computer today than I have in a long time. I found the Dog Whisperer on Hulu. I figure it will help me know how to make my IV pole behave in the hallway. It does not lead me, I lead it. It is only allowed to sniff at other poles once, and then we move on. So far the training is going well, with only a few embarassing encounters.
I'm so thankful for all of you praying. I'm also thankful for those who have been able to love on my family in various forms. I love hearing back about the delicious food and sweet conversations. Kiddos are doing well.
I've watched more tv on the computer today than I have in a long time. I found the Dog Whisperer on Hulu. I figure it will help me know how to make my IV pole behave in the hallway. It does not lead me, I lead it. It is only allowed to sniff at other poles once, and then we move on. So far the training is going well, with only a few embarassing encounters.
I'm so thankful for all of you praying. I'm also thankful for those who have been able to love on my family in various forms. I love hearing back about the delicious food and sweet conversations. Kiddos are doing well.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Shepherd Boy
Wow. Please pray that these next round of platelets will "stick".
I'm reminded of "David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” Different battle, same enemy.
And all the little boys scream, "YEAH!!!!" and charge the reader.
I'm reminded of "David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” Different battle, same enemy.
And all the little boys scream, "YEAH!!!!" and charge the reader.
Monday, February 28, 2011
The Return of the Taste Buds
Welp, I ate some asparagus, beans and a potato for supper. Then, I got really excited because I could taste it all and ordered another potato with butter. Turns out, that wasn't the best idea because starches seem to expand! I'll probably be the only person in history who gains weight in a hospital. I've been so nervous that the rug is going to be pulled out from under me that I've eaten at least some of every meal since I've been here. Problem is, there are only so many times that you can walk up and down a hallway and when the appetite returns--Watch out! Good thing I have a full suitcase of elastic waistbands.
I got a bag o' platelets this afternoon, and will get a bag tonight. Silly, silly blood will not cooperate, so it is all the more affirming that I need to borrow someone else's goods.
I am daily challenged to put my situation in perspective. Today's kick in the gut came from one of the people who cares for my room. Turns out, she is an African refugee who's family was obliterated by a civil war that is still raging. It is impossible to stick a smiley face sticker on that one, and we just had a couple minutes to talk before she went on to other duties. Seems like each day people surface who are dealing with real pain, and I know the only lasting peace is Jesus.
I got a bag o' platelets this afternoon, and will get a bag tonight. Silly, silly blood will not cooperate, so it is all the more affirming that I need to borrow someone else's goods.
I am daily challenged to put my situation in perspective. Today's kick in the gut came from one of the people who cares for my room. Turns out, she is an African refugee who's family was obliterated by a civil war that is still raging. It is impossible to stick a smiley face sticker on that one, and we just had a couple minutes to talk before she went on to other duties. Seems like each day people surface who are dealing with real pain, and I know the only lasting peace is Jesus.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Field Trip!
Today was atypical. I think the day actually started on Monday with a visit from my sister. Yea! She came with a few art projects and boxes of girl scout cookies. What more does one need? We did not indulge in either, however because people keep me busy around here. It was fun just to share the time of walking up and down the halls side-by-side without activating the automatic doors or running into a cart. That was the funniest walking yet because there was a lot of obstacles in the hallway that day. It was a good time, too, because my fever broke that day. They had put me on heavier antibiotics over the weekend and taken extra, EXTRA precautions, and (thank you, Lord) good ol' 98.6 returned. We'll never know what caused the fever, but everyone around here expects it because the body just doesn't have the umph to deal with a wee little germ.
The second part of today was Tuesday. Trish stayed the night, so she got to experience the snooze alarms of 4:30am (vitals check, weight check), 5:30am (blood draw) and 6:30am (meds). That can vary a bit, but I think that is what happened. The hours were pretty steady like that, but it was actually fun with her company. She had brought our customary sack of stuff to show me. This time is was project ideas, which was great. In return, she was required to watch the Duggars with me. Then, I had platelets and blood (thank you, Lord), and she and I both conked out for an hour. We walked some more, and then we slept. It went so very quickly.
The last part of today ended this morning. Evidently my bone marrow transplant coordinator had sent out an email asking that certain tests be performed before I am discharged from the hospital, but no hurry. So I was escorted by AMBULANCE .9 miles to another hospital for a lung test. (To their credit, I couldn't think of a way around the ambulance ride because my immunity is compromised, remember? No taxi for me.) That went pretty well, although we had to wait in the weirdest little room with strange equipment and archives separated from the other patients. Everyone then got confused about where I was supposed to be and "Did you come with any paperwork?" (nope) and "Do you have that ambulance company's number" (nope). I was really glad to have Trish to laugh through that with me. We were finally put in yet another little room on a different floor to wait for the ambulance. So, I get on the final leg of our journey (on a stretcher, of course, because that's how one is to ride on an ambulance), and I thought it would be wise to advise the EMT that "I'm not allowed to be around the general population" and to go through the least crowded area of the hospital. Tricia told me later that his eyes got so big at that statement. It hit us that he probably thought that I had tuberculosis!!! We came .7miles back to my hospital (that's how it works in a city--you would never have to go two different distances to get back to the same place in a small town), and I'm glad to be back in my little corner of the world.
Trish is going to swing by Waco to say hello before returning to her troops. She is taking a treasure for Cade from me, although he is to share. It is the spring-loaded nostril clamp from my lung test.
The second part of today was Tuesday. Trish stayed the night, so she got to experience the snooze alarms of 4:30am (vitals check, weight check), 5:30am (blood draw) and 6:30am (meds). That can vary a bit, but I think that is what happened. The hours were pretty steady like that, but it was actually fun with her company. She had brought our customary sack of stuff to show me. This time is was project ideas, which was great. In return, she was required to watch the Duggars with me. Then, I had platelets and blood (thank you, Lord), and she and I both conked out for an hour. We walked some more, and then we slept. It went so very quickly.
The last part of today ended this morning. Evidently my bone marrow transplant coordinator had sent out an email asking that certain tests be performed before I am discharged from the hospital, but no hurry. So I was escorted by AMBULANCE .9 miles to another hospital for a lung test. (To their credit, I couldn't think of a way around the ambulance ride because my immunity is compromised, remember? No taxi for me.) That went pretty well, although we had to wait in the weirdest little room with strange equipment and archives separated from the other patients. Everyone then got confused about where I was supposed to be and "Did you come with any paperwork?" (nope) and "Do you have that ambulance company's number" (nope). I was really glad to have Trish to laugh through that with me. We were finally put in yet another little room on a different floor to wait for the ambulance. So, I get on the final leg of our journey (on a stretcher, of course, because that's how one is to ride on an ambulance), and I thought it would be wise to advise the EMT that "I'm not allowed to be around the general population" and to go through the least crowded area of the hospital. Tricia told me later that his eyes got so big at that statement. It hit us that he probably thought that I had tuberculosis!!! We came .7miles back to my hospital (that's how it works in a city--you would never have to go two different distances to get back to the same place in a small town), and I'm glad to be back in my little corner of the world.
Trish is going to swing by Waco to say hello before returning to her troops. She is taking a treasure for Cade from me, although he is to share. It is the spring-loaded nostril clamp from my lung test.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Benedryl vs. DP
Van just headed back home to Waco. It was a JOY to see him. We spent some of the time looking up funny stuff on youtube. I thought it was funny, at least, and he endured it for me. Stanley Steemer commercials, Roger Miller, The Smothers Brothers and clips of John Denver that look just like Van's dad in the 70s were favorites. We stayed across the room from each other, and we sanitized where he sat just to make sure that any potential Wehmeyer germs were wiped out. I got a kick out of when it was time to say good-bye. He kissed my forehead and reached over and grabbed a Clorox wipe to scrub the spot down. I don't think he was kidding, and that just made the moment super funny.
Some brand-spankin' new platelets are now in my bloodstream. I'm ready for (another) nap, but I'm unsure if the Benedryl given before the infusion will outweigh the 12 oz. of Dr. Pepper in my system. It had been a long time since I'd been able to stomach any type of junk food (weird, I know), so it's a good sign that I'm back to old bad habits.
Some brand-spankin' new platelets are now in my bloodstream. I'm ready for (another) nap, but I'm unsure if the Benedryl given before the infusion will outweigh the 12 oz. of Dr. Pepper in my system. It had been a long time since I'd been able to stomach any type of junk food (weird, I know), so it's a good sign that I'm back to old bad habits.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Quicherbellyachin'
I think every person on the block has asked about my bathroom habits in the last two weeks. I was taught better than to ask such personal questions, but evidently in the hospital world, the answers are important. So I am now a more humble person, and now just anticipate the question and spout out any information that I might have to the person that walks through the door. Someone may have to re-introduce me to normal society after this is all over so I don't stop passers-by at HEB to let them know of my latest news.
My buddy, the IV pole, has been sitting idly making puppy-dog eyes at me while I've had a break from the week-long chemo. We will probably have a reunion tomorrow because I'll need some platelets and blood, most likely. I actually feel decent-until I stand up and my knees are Jello. I've been trying to have some activity each day. Cade asks me, "Mom, did you get to ride your bike today?" He knows that the patients have a stationary bike in an isolated "family" room. Like a bike that doesn't move in a room with no people could be exciting! (And yes, I am thankful for it, so quit putting a silver lining on that bike.) I dutifully report back that I got some exercise in, and he smiles.
The kiddos are much tougher than I imagined. God is really holding them close. They have had some good questions for Van that we all struggle with at times about God's sovereignty and hardship. Although I don't like our situation one bit, I'm glad that they feel safe and are asking the tough questions early on. They've had their own sicknesses this week, and I'm so thankful for people surrounding us with care. Van had his own bout with sickness, but he was able to man up after he was done with it and head to Dallas tonight. Taking care of the kiddos in the car was a bit more than he could handle this time, so they'll be in Waco this weekend.
Keep praying. This is managable so far.
My buddy, the IV pole, has been sitting idly making puppy-dog eyes at me while I've had a break from the week-long chemo. We will probably have a reunion tomorrow because I'll need some platelets and blood, most likely. I actually feel decent-until I stand up and my knees are Jello. I've been trying to have some activity each day. Cade asks me, "Mom, did you get to ride your bike today?" He knows that the patients have a stationary bike in an isolated "family" room. Like a bike that doesn't move in a room with no people could be exciting! (And yes, I am thankful for it, so quit putting a silver lining on that bike.) I dutifully report back that I got some exercise in, and he smiles.
The kiddos are much tougher than I imagined. God is really holding them close. They have had some good questions for Van that we all struggle with at times about God's sovereignty and hardship. Although I don't like our situation one bit, I'm glad that they feel safe and are asking the tough questions early on. They've had their own sicknesses this week, and I'm so thankful for people surrounding us with care. Van had his own bout with sickness, but he was able to man up after he was done with it and head to Dallas tonight. Taking care of the kiddos in the car was a bit more than he could handle this time, so they'll be in Waco this weekend.
Keep praying. This is managable so far.
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