Chemo 5C: Time with my sis-in-law

Something that a lot of people don't have to think about is being sick around a chemo patient. Even a small cold or the flu could land me in the hospital since my body can't fight it off as easily. My baby sister, Anna, was suppose to come to this infusion and we were both really excited about that! Unfortunately, she developed a sore throat and then a cough... then muscle aches. We all decided it would be best for her not to come. She ended up being diagnosed with the flu (despite getting the flu shot) so it was a really good thing we kept our distance.

It is such a blessing to have Wil's family so close to us. My sister-in-law, Holly, was able to come with me today. A big shout-out and thanks to my momma-in-law, Connie. She watched my two nieces so Holly was able to come to my infusion with me. I slept so hard in the chemo room that I forgot to take our picture today! Oops! I even caught myself snoring several times. This happens a lot in the chemo rooms, so I just fit in with the rest of the crowd. I was excited because I got to sit in a new chemo recliner! It was only one week old, had two side tables attached, and was much more comfy! It is the small things in life to be excited about. So I blame my snoring on the comfy chair.

My hemoglobin actually came up this week! I mistyped last week, it was actually 9.6 and today it was 10.4! And my ANC (mature white blood cells) was 1200! So above the 1000 mark where I am considered to be neutropenic. All that means is I have very low/minimal immunity levels. So these were both a big answered prayer. Thank you all for praying for this for us!

I thought I would share a story about how Wil and I met. It was through Holly, Wil's sister. She was actually my preceptor and trainer in ICU when I first graduated nursing school. Apparently she liked me enough to let me join the family and be stuck with me forever! I brought in a book for Holly to read when I was nearing the end of my training. At that point, she was just looking over my shoulder and had little to do. The book is called, "What's Your Poo Telling You." We deal with a lot of poop in the hospital world and this book was perfect. It was written by a comedian and a GI doc. It gives funny names for all the different types of poop and the scientific reasoning behind it. Holly read it in one shift and said "You would be perfect for my brother." Wil and I have the same sense of humor. That Christmas, Holly bought me the sequel, "What's My Pee Telling Me" and bought the first book for Wil. It has been love ever since   :)

Next week, no chemo but a check up with the doctor and labs. Thanks for checking in!

Taking a look back....

I was looking back at pictures today and found that I never posted pictures from surgery. During the first surgery and hospital stay, I only had one or two pictures. The picture I had taken was actually of my mom sleeping in my hospital bed  :)   Don't worry, I was taking a break from the bed and sitting in the recliner at that point.

I told Wil that I wanted to document this journey better this go around. So I made him take pictures of me, even if it was at my worst and I looked like crap. Looking back at 6 months ago, makes me realize how far we have come. It is tough for both Wil and me during 6 months in chemo to keep the end in sight sometimes. We tend to struggle with it the most right at the halfway point. Looking at these pictures makes me feel like surgery was SO long ago, and in a sense it was. We know that the finish line is right ahead of us now and can't wait to be done with chemo!

We will start with these photos, they are from the day before surgery. Since they cut open my abdomen to look around in there, they want you cleaned out... so that means BOWEL PREP! Not a lot of fun let me tell you. I can only have clear liquids that day (and no red dye) and I have to drink Gatorade. This is special Gatorade though. It has an entire bottle of Miralax in it... ooooo ya....

I had to drink that entire jug during the day

Our awesome neighbors, the Mazzolas, made me jello to eat. It says "Fight like a girl" in jello letters! We are so blessed to have them as friends and neighbors.

Nieces Naomi and Nola, family always makes you smile! 

This about sums up me :)

Chemo 5B: Rough recovery

Last week was a doozy recovering from the "BIG CHEMO." Exhaustion, nausea, hot flashes galore. I stayed in bed most of the week, which meant Wil had a lot of alone time at night. I worked two partial days since I wasn't feeling up to working. It took so much energy to just walk downstairs, plus the only thing that I wanted/could eat was toast, cereal, or pancakes. I started to round the corner on Friday and was feeling much better by Saturday. It was nice to be able for Wil and I to catch up with each other, relax, and to stay up past 9 pm!

My dad came into town last night so he could come to my treatment today. My labs today looked pretty good. My ANC (mature white blood cell count) was 1800 which is really good! Just continue to pray that it stays up next week, that is when it usually drops. I don't want to have to get another shot to boost my counts. My hemoglobin is dropping lower, now it is 9.8. This explains why I am getting so short of breath with stairs and exertion. It is not low enough to require any intervention right now though.

Wil and I are doing well and are in good spirits. It feels good to know that we only have ONE more inpatient chemo to go and 3 more Taxol infusions left! This has been a tough road but we know that there is a reason and a purpose for it. God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good.

On a sadder note, my family is having to put down our dog, Kalah, today. She was a sweet dog growing up and we all had fun training her to do tricks. Plus, mom's recommendation whenever we weren't feeling good was; drink lots of water and walk the dog. It didn't matter what the ailment was, those were the solutions. We know that she won't be hurting anymore now.

Chemo 5A: Inpatient chemo went amazing!

I know that I keep bragging on my boss and my work, but Susan (my boss) coordinated such an amazing thing for us. She had personalized bracelets made that say TeamKatie and Cancer Sucks on the other side. She brought them to all of the other NC centers and sent me a collage of pictures. It meant so much to me, especially since I only have worked at one of these other centers.

Early morning!

Our second to last inpatient chemo started bright and early. Wil and I packed just in case we had to stay overnight but we were praying to be able to come home when the infusion was over. Well, plan for the worst and pray for the best! It seemed to work! We were admitted at 7:20 am. I was accessed, labs were sent, then my pre-medications started. Around bag #8 out of #12, I got more pre-medications. This seemed to be the trick! No reaction at all! Wil and I were home by 8:30 that night. It was a long day but so worth it to be able to sleep in our own bed.

I try to get pictures of all of our nurses and visitors, but I missed a few this time! Jennifer McBride (friend and old co-worker from ICU) stopped by before her shift and Wil's parents brought us dinner. Thank you all for the continued prayers and support. It means so much to us both!

Julie brought us lunch!

Tonya (my main desensitizing day nurse!) and her lunch break!

Wil trying to get some work done



May look dirty but Kristin (friend and Nurse) brought us Oreo truffles! Yum!

Night time nurses!

Friend, Kim, from my GYN cancer support group. Love her!

Wil and I getting ready for discharge!!!