February 2009

Hi Everyone

Below is an updated list of items that I would love to have. Thank you everyone for the gifts so far. I know everyone wants to show their support in some way, and please know you do not need to give me anything. Just an uplifting comment on the blog can make my day! I have received several of the items that were on my list from before, so here is an updated list:

-anything from .. Read More

Yesterday was my first round of Chemo. As I mentioned in earlier posts, the docs had found a blood clot in my leg and my lung. I remained in the hospital to make sure my I&R levels (having to do with the viscosity of the blood) were between 2-3. Basically, if levels are too high then the blood is too thin and you bleed from your gums, nose, etc. They thought it would be best just to .. Read More

Yes, that’s right! I am STILL Here in the hospital. They moved my room so now I am officially in the “Oncology Tower”. I am starting Chemo here at St. Joes. I don’t have specific times as originally scheduled with SW Oncology, but it sounds like it’s within the same timeframe. The good news is that since I am an inpatient, I will be receiving chemo in my own room and can have more than one visitor at .. Read More

It’s 12:30am and I am up again. I have already taken some form of oxycontin, sleeping pill, dulaudid, multivitamin and xantax. Around 9:30pm I started getting ready for bed and was overcome with anxiety. I’m not sure what started this, but I just felt really trapped. Trapped in this hospital, trapped in my body, and ready to run! I have been sitting in this room for a couple of days with my only “field .. Read More

Yep, that’s right! I have a bloodclot. Remember the other day when I was complaining about the pain in my leg and ankle? Last Wednesday I had my “chemo counseling” and the nurses told me that it was pinched nerve and she would “mention” to the doctor that I had pain, but this was not a priority for them. The Chemo was the main priority. Thursday day and night the pain continued to get worse and my leg .. Read More

I have decided that if it turns out that I go through chemotherapy and we put this cancer into remission, then I want to celebrate! I want to celebrate in New Zealand!!! Ideally, fly down with a couple close friends/family for about 12 days.

On the other hand, if chemotherapy is not working and I know I only have a short time, then I still want to go to New Zealand! The trip will be shorter, but I .. Read More

This morning I woke up in MAJOR pain. The pain was not in my back or other areas that I have cancer. The pain is in my ankle and calf. Dr. Kukinoor (oncologist) and another oncologist both looked at my PETSCAN of the lower body and thought something looked a little strange. When I went for my chemo counseling and asked the nurse to check it out again because it’s starting to get swollen and .. Read More

Yesterday I went with my cousin Laura to Church..yes Church. Most of you no that I am not a religious person; however I do believe in a higher power and feel that I am blessed with at least a little faith. I was baptised Catholic, but really after age 8 don’t remember anything about Church or religion except for Midnight Mass and Easter services.

My cousin Laura (age 31) has had multiple health problems and turned to religion I .. Read More

Today I had a surgery to get a Portocath. In medicine, a port (or portacath) is a small medical appliance that is installed beneath the skin. A catheter connects the port to a vein. Under the skin, the port has a septum through which drugs can be injected and blood samples can be drawn many times, usually with less discomfort for the patient than a more typical “needle stick”. Ports are used mostly to treat hematology and oncology patients.

The .. Read More

My first official chemo appointment will be next wednesday, February 25.

I will be there from 9am-3pm. The first hour or so is prep and the last few hours are just for hydration.

So, please let me know if you are able to come visit and help me pass the time. The address is on Tatum and Shea at SW Oncology (where Kristi was treated).

My dad will be here starting Tuesday for one week, so he will be here as well.

Let .. Read More