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.
Monday, February 28, 2011
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.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Do you believe?
This question was asked to me by a nurse as she was hanging a bag of platelets to my friend, the IV pole. It caught me off guard. It was mid-afternoon, and she had been reserved most of the day. She asked, not looking at me in the eye, and added, "Do you go to church?" Turns out, she became a believer in Jesus while living in what I would think of as a country hostile to Christians. I let her know that I did believe and what hope He gives me. Her story is an amazing one, but I don't feel quite right sharing any more. God knew and she knew that I needed that little boost at that moment.
I've been reading some in Phillippians. Paul was in prison at the time, so I draw on the similarities. There are only a couple, however, because I don't think that he was surrounded with people to care for him in the way that the sweet nurses care for me and the other 15 people that fill this hall. I've decided that nurses are about the best people on the planet, and any wanting to make a difference in the world should consider the profession. Remember opening day at the Olympics when the nations go around the track? That is just like my room. Very fun.
Van was able to visit yesterday evening and all day today. He gave me the low-down on what the kiddos and my parents are up to. Everyone seems to be managing well. Zane has thrown some pretty funny curve balls, but that is to be expected. We're praying that any healthy kids will be able to visit tomorrow. There is a sign posted the surgery side of the floor that only people 12 and over can visit. (I like to call this the party side. Everyone has the doors open, there are food smells, people are walking around everyone is watching loud tv.) Up until that point we had been told that the children could visit- if they were healthy -in the party side family room. My side of the floor, the bone marrow transplant side, is much different with the doors closed and very few people about. Honestly, I like my side better because my immunity will be down for awhile, and I like my naps. It's a good thing that I like it over here, because I wasn't supposed to go over to the party side! Woops. I pray that there will be some way to see the kids. It won't be the end of the world if not, but it sure would be nice.
Van was a real comfort today. He just hung out and read or walked up and down the hall with me. He doesn't get nervous in hospitals (go figure), so he was able to relax and get a bit of rest himself. I started bag 5 of 7 of chemo (plus another type the first 3 days), so I feel like maybe some of the psychological roller-coaster has stilled. The units of blood earlier in the week and the platelets sure did help my energy. I am thankful for blood donors, who just do that type of thing because they feel a desire to help or because they like a free t-shirt and a cup of orange juice. (It is expected that I'll need several transfusions during the process, and this is no big deal by the grace of God and His mercies in modern medicine.)
Oh,remember the last time I posted a blessing to you all from Romans? The next day, I walked into the bone marrow transplant family room and the same verse, one of my favorites, was handwritten on an index card tacked to the bulletin board. I've always teased Van that when God is trying to get my attention, He works in threes because I don't always get it the first time.
I've been reading some in Phillippians. Paul was in prison at the time, so I draw on the similarities. There are only a couple, however, because I don't think that he was surrounded with people to care for him in the way that the sweet nurses care for me and the other 15 people that fill this hall. I've decided that nurses are about the best people on the planet, and any wanting to make a difference in the world should consider the profession. Remember opening day at the Olympics when the nations go around the track? That is just like my room. Very fun.
Van was able to visit yesterday evening and all day today. He gave me the low-down on what the kiddos and my parents are up to. Everyone seems to be managing well. Zane has thrown some pretty funny curve balls, but that is to be expected. We're praying that any healthy kids will be able to visit tomorrow. There is a sign posted the surgery side of the floor that only people 12 and over can visit. (I like to call this the party side. Everyone has the doors open, there are food smells, people are walking around everyone is watching loud tv.) Up until that point we had been told that the children could visit- if they were healthy -in the party side family room. My side of the floor, the bone marrow transplant side, is much different with the doors closed and very few people about. Honestly, I like my side better because my immunity will be down for awhile, and I like my naps. It's a good thing that I like it over here, because I wasn't supposed to go over to the party side! Woops. I pray that there will be some way to see the kids. It won't be the end of the world if not, but it sure would be nice.
Van was a real comfort today. He just hung out and read or walked up and down the hall with me. He doesn't get nervous in hospitals (go figure), so he was able to relax and get a bit of rest himself. I started bag 5 of 7 of chemo (plus another type the first 3 days), so I feel like maybe some of the psychological roller-coaster has stilled. The units of blood earlier in the week and the platelets sure did help my energy. I am thankful for blood donors, who just do that type of thing because they feel a desire to help or because they like a free t-shirt and a cup of orange juice. (It is expected that I'll need several transfusions during the process, and this is no big deal by the grace of God and His mercies in modern medicine.)
Oh,remember the last time I posted a blessing to you all from Romans? The next day, I walked into the bone marrow transplant family room and the same verse, one of my favorites, was handwritten on an index card tacked to the bulletin board. I've always teased Van that when God is trying to get my attention, He works in threes because I don't always get it the first time.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
of Liberia and Raisin Bran
I hear that kiddos are doing well with Papa and Grandmother. Van was able to take Cade to school this morning and not have quite as strenuous schedule at work today. My day actually went pretty fast. I'm trying to put good use to every minute, even if that means a nap. :) Chemo is going well. I'm teathered to a pole with an IV drip 24/7, but I've learned how to manuever it around the room. Do you remember the commercial of the boy-doll, My Buddy? children singing: My Buddy and me!!!! Well, every time I need to go across the room, that song goes through my head as I tug along the IV pole. I'm getting creative with room service. Tonight it is Raisin Bran and a chocolate shake. I can't explain it, but it just sounded good. (I warned you that this writing might get dull! Next I'll be talking about what I watched on tv and describing the plot.) Oh, yes, tv. Wow, there are some really lousy shows! Van's mom is going to bring me a tv guide so I can just catch the ones that are uplifting. You know the Duggars are my favorite, and THANK YOU Stephanie/Lauren for the loan of the book. I've read half of it today!
I really enjoy the staff. My picc line nurse is from India, my room nurse is from Poland, and the lady who brought me Raisin Bran is from Liberia. The doc on call is from either India or Pakistan. I've learned not to try to guess which one but to ask (sometimes people don't like the neighboring country), so maybe I'll get brave and ask tomorrow! I think it would be fun to get a world map and have people "sign in" on their country! Maybe during the transplant process, except that I don't know what I would do with the map afterwards. I'm not one for keepsakes like that.
A "shout out" to all the sweet Facebook post-ers. Thanks y'all!
A blessing to all who read. This is one of my favorites, and if I remember correctly, it was on the screen at church on Sunday.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. --Romans 15:13
I really enjoy the staff. My picc line nurse is from India, my room nurse is from Poland, and the lady who brought me Raisin Bran is from Liberia. The doc on call is from either India or Pakistan. I've learned not to try to guess which one but to ask (sometimes people don't like the neighboring country), so maybe I'll get brave and ask tomorrow! I think it would be fun to get a world map and have people "sign in" on their country! Maybe during the transplant process, except that I don't know what I would do with the map afterwards. I'm not one for keepsakes like that.
A "shout out" to all the sweet Facebook post-ers. Thanks y'all!
A blessing to all who read. This is one of my favorites, and if I remember correctly, it was on the screen at church on Sunday.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. --Romans 15:13
Monday, February 7, 2011
Vacation Home
Van escorted me to my "suite" and got me all settled in. Then, people started bringing me food and offering things like bottled water and pajamas. Not bad! I have a beautiful view of the Dallas skyline with a little window seat with warm sunlight. Chemo will start tomorrow morning because my tests took a bit long to do today. (Probably because I didn't study.) Some machine down the hall sounds like cooing doves. That is a bit odd, but otherwise my room is quite comfy. It actually felt pretty good to lay down and watch HGTV. Oh, and room service will bring me a Dr. Pepper if I would like one! Sw---eet!
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