Hi Everyone,
Today, I go back into the hospital for more chemotherapy.
I was blessed to be out of the hospital during Christmas...spending time with Jan, Mike, Carol, Al, Caitlin, Carly and Ellen was my BIGGEST GIFT!
God Bless and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
12/24
Hi Everyone,
Enjoy Your Time with Family and Friends!
May you create memories that will last a lifetime.....
God Bless
Enjoy Your Time with Family and Friends!
May you create memories that will last a lifetime.....
God Bless
Friday, December 23, 2011
12/23
Hi Everyone,
What a Wonderful Time of Year!
Enjoy Your Day!!! and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
What a Wonderful Time of Year!
Enjoy Your Day!!! and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
12/22
Hi Everyone,
I had trouble sleeping last night so I'm a bit late in starting the day.
The sun is shining...so I am going to go outside for a walk shortly after writing this note.
My hope is that You're having a Nice Day!
Take care and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
I had trouble sleeping last night so I'm a bit late in starting the day.
The sun is shining...so I am going to go outside for a walk shortly after writing this note.
My hope is that You're having a Nice Day!
Take care and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
12/21
Hi Everyone,
I forgot to mention that Two of my Nieces, my Brother-in-law, one of my Sisters and my Sister's Boyfriend were able to come over for an Ice Cream Social on Monday night thinking that I would be admitted to the hospital on Tuesday. I only get to see everyone when my white cells count is high and I only find that out when I have blood work at the Dr s just prior to being readmitted into the hospital for additional chemotherapy...so the timing of me telling everyone I can see them and arranging for us to see each other is mormally rushed. My white cells count is good right now and I'll be able to see them on Christmas!
I am feeling pretty good, today, and hope to take a walk after writing this blog and hopefully an additional walk later this evening. My legs are at times jello-like (especially on steps) from lack of any kind of distance walking or stair use, but I can get around pretty well otherwise.
Enjoy Your Day! and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
I forgot to mention that Two of my Nieces, my Brother-in-law, one of my Sisters and my Sister's Boyfriend were able to come over for an Ice Cream Social on Monday night thinking that I would be admitted to the hospital on Tuesday. I only get to see everyone when my white cells count is high and I only find that out when I have blood work at the Dr s just prior to being readmitted into the hospital for additional chemotherapy...so the timing of me telling everyone I can see them and arranging for us to see each other is mormally rushed. My white cells count is good right now and I'll be able to see them on Christmas!
I am feeling pretty good, today, and hope to take a walk after writing this blog and hopefully an additional walk later this evening. My legs are at times jello-like (especially on steps) from lack of any kind of distance walking or stair use, but I can get around pretty well otherwise.
Enjoy Your Day! and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
12/20
Hi Everyone,
Yesterday's Dr's appointment for a Bone Marrow Biopsy ran into timing difficulties so blood work was taken and I was asked to return today with the thought that I would have the Bone Marrow Biopsy then be admitted into the hospital for my 6th round of chemotherapy. My last two Bone Marrow Biopsies were not zero (for leukemia cells) but the % was around 1% so my Dr was pleased it was going down. When the first Bone Marrow Biopsy was done in September the % was between 20 and 21% leukemia cells.
The goal of the chemotherapy is to have Bone Marrow Biopsies that are zero (Remission).
The hope was that I would get to zero during the early rounds of chemo but I am 51 and my body is not the same as a young child or teenager whose cells are being regenerated at a much faster rate than mine. Remission %s (and quickness to remission) are much higher with younger people than with people my age.
The Bone Marrow Biopsy has to go out to a special lab for analysis and my Dr is thinking of altering my chemotherapy based on the results.....so to make a long story longer but happier....I am not going into the hospital today (as the plan was yesterday when I left the Dr s office)....I will be going into the hospital AFTER CHRISTMAS!!! (Tuesday December 27th is the planned day now).
God smiled on me today....and I'm THANKFUL! It's a Wonderful Christmas Present.
Enjoy Your Day! and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Yesterday's Dr's appointment for a Bone Marrow Biopsy ran into timing difficulties so blood work was taken and I was asked to return today with the thought that I would have the Bone Marrow Biopsy then be admitted into the hospital for my 6th round of chemotherapy. My last two Bone Marrow Biopsies were not zero (for leukemia cells) but the % was around 1% so my Dr was pleased it was going down. When the first Bone Marrow Biopsy was done in September the % was between 20 and 21% leukemia cells.
The goal of the chemotherapy is to have Bone Marrow Biopsies that are zero (Remission).
The hope was that I would get to zero during the early rounds of chemo but I am 51 and my body is not the same as a young child or teenager whose cells are being regenerated at a much faster rate than mine. Remission %s (and quickness to remission) are much higher with younger people than with people my age.
The Bone Marrow Biopsy has to go out to a special lab for analysis and my Dr is thinking of altering my chemotherapy based on the results.....so to make a long story longer but happier....I am not going into the hospital today (as the plan was yesterday when I left the Dr s office)....I will be going into the hospital AFTER CHRISTMAS!!! (Tuesday December 27th is the planned day now).
God smiled on me today....and I'm THANKFUL! It's a Wonderful Christmas Present.
Enjoy Your Day! and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
12/18
Hi Everyone,
I woke up around 9a today and have been up ever since....YEAH!
I just returned from a 1/2 walk outside. It's cold but I am really happy and Thankful I can move around.
I am very behind on postal mail so I will dig into that, today. Tomorrow, I see the Dr and will most likely receive a Bone Marrow Biopsy....and will also be told when he wants me to report back into the hospital for my next round of chemotherapy. I don't know his plans but there is a strong possibility that I will be in the hospital during Christmas.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to ALL of you and your Families!!!
and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
I woke up around 9a today and have been up ever since....YEAH!
I just returned from a 1/2 walk outside. It's cold but I am really happy and Thankful I can move around.
I am very behind on postal mail so I will dig into that, today. Tomorrow, I see the Dr and will most likely receive a Bone Marrow Biopsy....and will also be told when he wants me to report back into the hospital for my next round of chemotherapy. I don't know his plans but there is a strong possibility that I will be in the hospital during Christmas.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to ALL of you and your Families!!!
and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
12/17
Hi Everyone,
Yesterday's Dr appt took up most of the day and after we had lunch I ended up napping most of the evening.
Today, I didn't wake up until 2pm (other than bathroom breaks). The only reason I didn't continue to sleep was that I had to pick up pescriptions for medicine I need to take while not in the hospital. I ended up napping when I returned from the drive thru pharmacy. My guess is yesterday's chemotherapy to my head and IV must have done a number on me. I'm not sure how many hours I'll be up today but it's not very many compared to other days earlier this week. Although Saturday is almost over I hope you have a Wonderful Weekend!...and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Yesterday's Dr appt took up most of the day and after we had lunch I ended up napping most of the evening.
Today, I didn't wake up until 2pm (other than bathroom breaks). The only reason I didn't continue to sleep was that I had to pick up pescriptions for medicine I need to take while not in the hospital. I ended up napping when I returned from the drive thru pharmacy. My guess is yesterday's chemotherapy to my head and IV must have done a number on me. I'm not sure how many hours I'll be up today but it's not very many compared to other days earlier this week. Although Saturday is almost over I hope you have a Wonderful Weekend!...and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
12/15
Hi Everyone,
Another really good day for me...spent most of the day out of bed.
I walked for 1/2 hour this afternoon. My legs are jello-like but they carry me fine and I can get around quite well...albeit much slower than I used to walk prior to starting chemotherapy. Mike and I split a LARGE Chicken Cheesesteak for lunch. It's the first one I've had since September and man did it taste GREAT!!! Thank God my sense of taste has not been affected by the chemotherapy other than a few times. I hope to go for another walk again this evening.
Tomorrow I'll receive outpatient chemotherapy via IV and the port in my head.
Take care and Enjoy Your Weekend! and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Another really good day for me...spent most of the day out of bed.
I walked for 1/2 hour this afternoon. My legs are jello-like but they carry me fine and I can get around quite well...albeit much slower than I used to walk prior to starting chemotherapy. Mike and I split a LARGE Chicken Cheesesteak for lunch. It's the first one I've had since September and man did it taste GREAT!!! Thank God my sense of taste has not been affected by the chemotherapy other than a few times. I hope to go for another walk again this evening.
Tomorrow I'll receive outpatient chemotherapy via IV and the port in my head.
Take care and Enjoy Your Weekend! and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
12/14
Hi Everyone,
Yesterday, I spent most of the day in Pennsylvania making sure my car was legally registered. Staying in NJ while I'm out of the hospital caused a problem since PENN DOT mail cannot be forwarded to NJ. I had to go to AAA to file paperwork and make my vehicle legal to drive.
I slept most of the afternoon in my Condo and returned to NJ yesterday evening.
I am having a particularly energetic day, today. I have been up since 9am and have not had a nap.
I plan on walking outside shortly after posting this post.
Walking as odd as it may sound is a big deal now that my energy level has been very low...so I'm grateful when I can walk for any length of time/distance. I was also able to do a couple loads of laundry and I'm pretty happy about that as well. I find being able to do normal things a big deal for me...I'm guessing some of you are probably chuckling at that but it's the reality of the effects of the chemotherapy.
Take care Enjoy Your Day and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Yesterday, I spent most of the day in Pennsylvania making sure my car was legally registered. Staying in NJ while I'm out of the hospital caused a problem since PENN DOT mail cannot be forwarded to NJ. I had to go to AAA to file paperwork and make my vehicle legal to drive.
I slept most of the afternoon in my Condo and returned to NJ yesterday evening.
I am having a particularly energetic day, today. I have been up since 9am and have not had a nap.
I plan on walking outside shortly after posting this post.
Walking as odd as it may sound is a big deal now that my energy level has been very low...so I'm grateful when I can walk for any length of time/distance. I was also able to do a couple loads of laundry and I'm pretty happy about that as well. I find being able to do normal things a big deal for me...I'm guessing some of you are probably chuckling at that but it's the reality of the effects of the chemotherapy.
Take care Enjoy Your Day and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Monday, December 12, 2011
12/12
Hi Everyone,
My Neulasta shot to promote white cell growth took place this morning.
When I returned to NJ I took a short walk outside. I came back in from the walk and fell asleep for most of the afternoon (except for the usual bathroom breaks). My energy level is pretty low so I rest/sleep a lot more than I'd like.
I'm trying to listen to my body and rest when I need to....don't want to push it too hard and end up back in the hospital prematurely. My next round of chemotherapy will be this Friday...outpatient...
It's nice to be out of the hospital...
Take care Enjoy Your Evening and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
My Neulasta shot to promote white cell growth took place this morning.
When I returned to NJ I took a short walk outside. I came back in from the walk and fell asleep for most of the afternoon (except for the usual bathroom breaks). My energy level is pretty low so I rest/sleep a lot more than I'd like.
I'm trying to listen to my body and rest when I need to....don't want to push it too hard and end up back in the hospital prematurely. My next round of chemotherapy will be this Friday...outpatient...
It's nice to be out of the hospital...
Take care Enjoy Your Evening and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
12/11
Hi Everyone,
I'm out of the hospital and staying with my Sister and her Boyfriend....and we had PIZZA last night!!!
Today I slept late...I still get up almost every hour throughout the night which doesn't allow me to get a good night's rest.
I've been out of bed since 10a and it's now 2p so that's a good thing...and I am tired but not exhausted. I'll need to take a nap soon since the chemotherapy is hitting my energy level as it always does. I have a Dr's appt tomorrow for blood work and a Neulasta Shot to promote white cell creation and Friday I will have outpatient chemotherapy. Take care Enjoy Your Sunday and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
I'm out of the hospital and staying with my Sister and her Boyfriend....and we had PIZZA last night!!!
Today I slept late...I still get up almost every hour throughout the night which doesn't allow me to get a good night's rest.
I've been out of bed since 10a and it's now 2p so that's a good thing...and I am tired but not exhausted. I'll need to take a nap soon since the chemotherapy is hitting my energy level as it always does. I have a Dr's appt tomorrow for blood work and a Neulasta Shot to promote white cell creation and Friday I will have outpatient chemotherapy. Take care Enjoy Your Sunday and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Monday, December 5, 2011
12/5
Hi Everyone,
I had a nice weekend out of the hospital eating regular food and interacting with my Sisters, Sister's Boyfriend and Sister's Husband. I've been sleeping....a LOT...I guess the cumulative factor of the chemotherapy has knocked the wind out of my sails more than a bit. I wasn't able to see my Nieces this time out but I know I will see them...hopefully during the next "escape".
Today, I see the Dr to have a Bone Marrow Biopsy.
The results won't be available for a few days so I'll be in the hospital when he gets them.
Tomorrow, I'm back in the hospital for more chemotherapy.
I'm Praying the Bone Marrow Biopsy comes back with ZERO Leukemia cells.
The Bone Marrow is the factory so if it can be cleaned of leukemia cells only good hemoglobin, platelets and white cells will be created.
Take care...Enjoy the Sunshine and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
I had a nice weekend out of the hospital eating regular food and interacting with my Sisters, Sister's Boyfriend and Sister's Husband. I've been sleeping....a LOT...I guess the cumulative factor of the chemotherapy has knocked the wind out of my sails more than a bit. I wasn't able to see my Nieces this time out but I know I will see them...hopefully during the next "escape".
Today, I see the Dr to have a Bone Marrow Biopsy.
The results won't be available for a few days so I'll be in the hospital when he gets them.
Tomorrow, I'm back in the hospital for more chemotherapy.
I'm Praying the Bone Marrow Biopsy comes back with ZERO Leukemia cells.
The Bone Marrow is the factory so if it can be cleaned of leukemia cells only good hemoglobin, platelets and white cells will be created.
Take care...Enjoy the Sunshine and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
12/4
Hi Everyone,
I apologize for not putting something on my Care Page that I was released from the hospital on Friday around 1pm.
Yesterday we spent most of the day in PA while my car was having it's Annual Inspection and my Sister and I did some additional arranging/removing of items at my condo.
My friend Bill, who owns a Service Station, was kind enough to fit my car in last minute for the Annual Inspection. I'm grateful he did.
I should have went on the computer, yesterday, but I've been taking naps throughout the day and sometimes don't remember what I need to accomplish...even though the Care Page and the Blog should be a constant.
I've been tired but I'm SOOO THANKFUL to be out of the hospital. I see the Dr, Monday, for a Bone Marrow Biopsy. I'm praying there will be no leukemia cells in this one.
Tuesday I will most likely be back in the hospital for my next round of chemotherapy.
Enjoy Your Sunday!!! and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
I apologize for not putting something on my Care Page that I was released from the hospital on Friday around 1pm.
Yesterday we spent most of the day in PA while my car was having it's Annual Inspection and my Sister and I did some additional arranging/removing of items at my condo.
My friend Bill, who owns a Service Station, was kind enough to fit my car in last minute for the Annual Inspection. I'm grateful he did.
I should have went on the computer, yesterday, but I've been taking naps throughout the day and sometimes don't remember what I need to accomplish...even though the Care Page and the Blog should be a constant.
I've been tired but I'm SOOO THANKFUL to be out of the hospital. I see the Dr, Monday, for a Bone Marrow Biopsy. I'm praying there will be no leukemia cells in this one.
Tuesday I will most likely be back in the hospital for my next round of chemotherapy.
Enjoy Your Sunday!!! and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
11/17/11
Hi Everyone,
I saw my Doctor, today, and my Blood Counts have come up high enough for me to be readmitted into Christiana Hospital for further chemotherapy.
I will be admitted into the hospital tomorrow in the AM and if there are no difficulties with the chemotherapy treatments I should be released Monday or Tuesday of next week.
Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
God Bless,
Mark
I saw my Doctor, today, and my Blood Counts have come up high enough for me to be readmitted into Christiana Hospital for further chemotherapy.
I will be admitted into the hospital tomorrow in the AM and if there are no difficulties with the chemotherapy treatments I should be released Monday or Tuesday of next week.
Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
God Bless,
Mark
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
11/16/11
Hi Everyone,
I had a difficult night sleeping so I'm starting the day a bit late.
The weather here in NJ is rainy...not the most pleasant thing to see when looking out the window but I Enjoy seeing it none the less. Tomorrow, I go to see my Doctor to check on my blood counts. If they are rising at a rate he feels is appropriate I will most likely be going back into the hospital this weekend or early next week for my next round of chemotherapy. He will most likely also perform a bone marrow biopsy to check my blood cell "factory" for leukemic cells. The bone marrow creates the hemoglobin, platelets and white cells the are running through our arteries and veins. This is a layman's explanation but from I understand, the goal with the chemo treatments is to destroy most if not all of the blood cells in the bone marrow with the hope that when the "factory" starts creating new cells there will be ZERO leukemic cells.
I hope you have a Wonderful Day!
Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
I had a difficult night sleeping so I'm starting the day a bit late.
The weather here in NJ is rainy...not the most pleasant thing to see when looking out the window but I Enjoy seeing it none the less. Tomorrow, I go to see my Doctor to check on my blood counts. If they are rising at a rate he feels is appropriate I will most likely be going back into the hospital this weekend or early next week for my next round of chemotherapy. He will most likely also perform a bone marrow biopsy to check my blood cell "factory" for leukemic cells. The bone marrow creates the hemoglobin, platelets and white cells the are running through our arteries and veins. This is a layman's explanation but from I understand, the goal with the chemo treatments is to destroy most if not all of the blood cells in the bone marrow with the hope that when the "factory" starts creating new cells there will be ZERO leukemic cells.
I hope you have a Wonderful Day!
Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
11/15/11
My Friend Jeff's Father passed away, today. He had Cancer.
If you can find it in your hearts, can you please send your Thoughts and Prayers to their Family.
God Bless,
Mark
If you can find it in your hearts, can you please send your Thoughts and Prayers to their Family.
God Bless,
Mark
11/15/11
Hi Everyone,
Yesterday was pretty busy between travel time, showing my Brother-in-law where Unit 6B is located in the Christiana Hospital, lunch, blood work, Doctor's Visit, then actually receiving the chemotherapy
We were gone most of the day. My Brother-in-law is now familiar with how to get to the Hospital, what area in the Hospital I would normally be during In Patient chemotherapy (6B) and where my Doctor's Office/Out Patient chemotherapy are (Helen F Graham Center)
Today, a Visiting Nurse will change the dressing on my PICC Line...it has to be done every week. I flush the lines twice a day but because of the risk of infection the changing of the dressing is for Professionals only.
Starting today I hope to go on my personal e-mail and try to read at least some of the e-mails. I guess you could say I'm not really communication savvy, certainly not even remotely close to my Nieces.
Take care! Enjoy Your Tuesday! and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Yesterday was pretty busy between travel time, showing my Brother-in-law where Unit 6B is located in the Christiana Hospital, lunch, blood work, Doctor's Visit, then actually receiving the chemotherapy
We were gone most of the day. My Brother-in-law is now familiar with how to get to the Hospital, what area in the Hospital I would normally be during In Patient chemotherapy (6B) and where my Doctor's Office/Out Patient chemotherapy are (Helen F Graham Center)
Today, a Visiting Nurse will change the dressing on my PICC Line...it has to be done every week. I flush the lines twice a day but because of the risk of infection the changing of the dressing is for Professionals only.
Starting today I hope to go on my personal e-mail and try to read at least some of the e-mails. I guess you could say I'm not really communication savvy, certainly not even remotely close to my Nieces.
Take care! Enjoy Your Tuesday! and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
11/13/11
Hi Everyone,
Monday afternoon (tomorrow) my Brother-in-Law is taking me for my first OUTPATIENT Chemotherapy Treatments at my Doctor's. I will receive chemotherapy through the port in my head and I will also receive chemotherapy through the PICC Line in my left arm.
Tuesday, Home Solutions will arrive to change the dressing that holds the PICC Line in place in my left arm. I flush the PICC Line with a solution that includes Heparin twice a day to prevent my blood from coagulating/sealing the PICC Line which would make it unuseable for chemotherapy or to draw blood from.
I've tried to walk twice a day (most days) since I've been out of the hospital.
I normally walk anywhere from 20 minutes to up to one hour each time (depending on my energy level and if I need to get back quickly to get to the bathroom). I'm trying to walk at least one hour each day (OUTSIDE). My legs are not what they used to be so the pace is slow but I am very careful to make sure I do not trip or fall....so slow and methodical is probably the safest bet anyway.
The scenery is the same since I walk back and forth on side roads but it is WONDERFUL to be outside and Enjoy the Blue Skies/White Clouds/SUNSHINE/and at times phenomenal temperatures.
Please Enjoy Your Sunday and Thank You for your continued thoughts and prayers.
Monday afternoon (tomorrow) my Brother-in-Law is taking me for my first OUTPATIENT Chemotherapy Treatments at my Doctor's. I will receive chemotherapy through the port in my head and I will also receive chemotherapy through the PICC Line in my left arm.
Tuesday, Home Solutions will arrive to change the dressing that holds the PICC Line in place in my left arm. I flush the PICC Line with a solution that includes Heparin twice a day to prevent my blood from coagulating/sealing the PICC Line which would make it unuseable for chemotherapy or to draw blood from.
I've tried to walk twice a day (most days) since I've been out of the hospital.
I normally walk anywhere from 20 minutes to up to one hour each time (depending on my energy level and if I need to get back quickly to get to the bathroom). I'm trying to walk at least one hour each day (OUTSIDE). My legs are not what they used to be so the pace is slow but I am very careful to make sure I do not trip or fall....so slow and methodical is probably the safest bet anyway.
The scenery is the same since I walk back and forth on side roads but it is WONDERFUL to be outside and Enjoy the Blue Skies/White Clouds/SUNSHINE/and at times phenomenal temperatures.
Please Enjoy Your Sunday and Thank You for your continued thoughts and prayers.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
11/12/11
Hi Everyone,
I had an early Doctor's appt yesterday which my Sisters accompanied me to then we went to my Condo in Pennsylvania to continue to put things in order so one day I can move back in when I get better. I'm living in NJ with my Sister and her Boyfriend and that seems to be the plan for the forseeable future except for when I'm in the hospital receiving chemotherapy. My blood counts are still way low and interaction with others is not something my Doctor recommends. Public places are forbidden for me...malls, movies, restaurants, libraries and churches. I don't forsee that changing for many many months to come.
Even if my blood counts are good on any given week, he won't allow public exposure. There are too many risks of exposure.
Every day I'm not in the hospital is a Blessing for me. I can't explain how it feels to be in a hospital for 44 days (mostly in one room)...I pray no one has to live that last sentence.
There are times when I am outside and I feel like I did before I had Leukemia....but then my weakened body reminds me I am NOT that same person. I pray, with time, that the body I once had will return. This will be a LONGGG Journey. I've had a few people a wish to see me. Since I've had two staph infections, C-Diff and other issues after chemotherapy my Sisters and I have chosen to take the safest road possible for me....and that would be interaction with Family Members only. Even at that I have only seen my Nieces ONCE during the two releases I've had from the hospital. I'm looking forward to seeing them again before I have to go back in the hospital for further chemotherapy.
Enjoy Your Weekend!!! and Thank You for your continued thoughts and prayers.
I had an early Doctor's appt yesterday which my Sisters accompanied me to then we went to my Condo in Pennsylvania to continue to put things in order so one day I can move back in when I get better. I'm living in NJ with my Sister and her Boyfriend and that seems to be the plan for the forseeable future except for when I'm in the hospital receiving chemotherapy. My blood counts are still way low and interaction with others is not something my Doctor recommends. Public places are forbidden for me...malls, movies, restaurants, libraries and churches. I don't forsee that changing for many many months to come.
Even if my blood counts are good on any given week, he won't allow public exposure. There are too many risks of exposure.
Every day I'm not in the hospital is a Blessing for me. I can't explain how it feels to be in a hospital for 44 days (mostly in one room)...I pray no one has to live that last sentence.
There are times when I am outside and I feel like I did before I had Leukemia....but then my weakened body reminds me I am NOT that same person. I pray, with time, that the body I once had will return. This will be a LONGGG Journey. I've had a few people a wish to see me. Since I've had two staph infections, C-Diff and other issues after chemotherapy my Sisters and I have chosen to take the safest road possible for me....and that would be interaction with Family Members only. Even at that I have only seen my Nieces ONCE during the two releases I've had from the hospital. I'm looking forward to seeing them again before I have to go back in the hospital for further chemotherapy.
Enjoy Your Weekend!!! and Thank You for your continued thoughts and prayers.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
11/10/11
Hi Everyone,
I'm trying to work through a bit of paperwork today while I am out of the hospital.
It's foggy in NJ but I'm hoping the temp will be nice enough for me to take at least one walk, today (I have not been outside to check the temp).
My Sister and her Boyfriend have been taking WONDERFUL CARE of me while I am here.
They've cooked dinner (or on occasion we've had take out) EVERY NIGHT since I have moved in.
The days go faster than I think they should. I go to bed early since I am up every hour to go to the bathroom so the nights are longgggggg and sometimes extremely tiresome. I'm not sure if this is how my system has reacted to the chemo (this started when I was in the hospital during my first round of chemo) or if this is normal. The key is to get the toxins out so the Doctors and Nurses just want me to go to the bathroom. I apologize to those that think the above is too detailed and personal but it gives you an indication as to why I am tired a lot of the time and end up taking a nap or two during the day.
Enjoy Your Thursday and God Bless...
I'm trying to work through a bit of paperwork today while I am out of the hospital.
It's foggy in NJ but I'm hoping the temp will be nice enough for me to take at least one walk, today (I have not been outside to check the temp).
My Sister and her Boyfriend have been taking WONDERFUL CARE of me while I am here.
They've cooked dinner (or on occasion we've had take out) EVERY NIGHT since I have moved in.
The days go faster than I think they should. I go to bed early since I am up every hour to go to the bathroom so the nights are longgggggg and sometimes extremely tiresome. I'm not sure if this is how my system has reacted to the chemo (this started when I was in the hospital during my first round of chemo) or if this is normal. The key is to get the toxins out so the Doctors and Nurses just want me to go to the bathroom. I apologize to those that think the above is too detailed and personal but it gives you an indication as to why I am tired a lot of the time and end up taking a nap or two during the day.
Enjoy Your Thursday and God Bless...
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
11/9/11 Wednesday
Hi Everyone,
I apologize for not signing on yesterday but I had a visit from Home Solutions to learn how to flush my PICC Line in my left arm and had a Doctor's appointment in Delaware.
I get tired some parts of each day and I end up laying down...sometimes I lose track of time.
Yesterday was such a Wonderful Day! I wish I had made time to take a walk before things got busy.
I am about to walk out the door in a few minutes just to take a walk. I am SO Thankful that I am not in the hospital. Enjoy Your Day! and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
I apologize for not signing on yesterday but I had a visit from Home Solutions to learn how to flush my PICC Line in my left arm and had a Doctor's appointment in Delaware.
I get tired some parts of each day and I end up laying down...sometimes I lose track of time.
Yesterday was such a Wonderful Day! I wish I had made time to take a walk before things got busy.
I am about to walk out the door in a few minutes just to take a walk. I am SO Thankful that I am not in the hospital. Enjoy Your Day! and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
11/1/2011
I'm trying to get a feel for how this works. Not sure if this posting will show up under the original I wrote earlier today but if so I think I should be able to add new posts each day that I am out of the hospital.
Take care and Thanks for your Thoughts and Prayers.
Take care and Thanks for your Thoughts and Prayers.
November 1st 2011
Hi Everyone,
I am presently in NJ and will be going back into the hospital for further chemo treatment tomorrow 11/2.
The chemo regimen this go around is scheduled to be 5 days. If all goes well I will be released from the hospital shortly after the 5 days of chemo. Enjoy Your Week and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
I am presently in NJ and will be going back into the hospital for further chemo treatment tomorrow 11/2.
The chemo regimen this go around is scheduled to be 5 days. If all goes well I will be released from the hospital shortly after the 5 days of chemo. Enjoy Your Week and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
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