I am happy to report that I am feeling pretty much the same. Since I am not having significant pain, that is good news. I have been enjoying these days without the intense pain.
Because I am going to San Francisco, I decided not to worry about getting my blood tests done because they will test my blood again when I get there. Instead, I got a good nap this afternoon, which I think was a more efficient use of my time. The trip to San Francisco is really hard on me and it takes me a few days to recover from it. I don't want to start the trip being worn out. I will be glad to have the doctor take a good look at my drains because one of them has been leaking and I will feel better when I get it checked out. David and I will leave on Wednesday afternoon to drive there, and hopefully will be released on Friday if all goes well. I'll update as soon as I'm able.
Thank you for your prayers and kindness. It is heart-warming to see how many people have shown such genuine love and concern for our family during this time. We really appreciate it.
9/29/09
9/27/09
Feeling Good
I am feeling pretty good today. Even though I am feeling good, it's not like feeling normal. I still have the back pain and I still can't move to well, but it is better than how I was feeling a week ago. Like last night, I wasn't able to stir my brownies well enough to get everything mixed in and I couldn't get the pan out of the cupboard. David had to help me, but I was glad to be able to make a treat for my family.
My right side has stopped draining again. I'm not worried about it because I will be getting thoroughly checked out by the doctors in San Francisco on Thursday. I think I need to have my blood tests done early this week.
I had some friends come over to decorate my front porch with beautiful mums and fall decorations. It looks so nice! I had another friend bring my family delicious treats from Apple Hill. Thank you for taking such good care of me and remembering me. I appreciate it so much!
My right side has stopped draining again. I'm not worried about it because I will be getting thoroughly checked out by the doctors in San Francisco on Thursday. I think I need to have my blood tests done early this week.
I had some friends come over to decorate my front porch with beautiful mums and fall decorations. It looks so nice! I had another friend bring my family delicious treats from Apple Hill. Thank you for taking such good care of me and remembering me. I appreciate it so much!
9/26/09
Family Day
My pain level has continued to be lower than usual and I really enjoy it after having such bad pain for a while. This evening the kids were all here, including Alex, and they each had a friend or two over. We watched a movie together, then some of them went to get pizza. I even felt good enough to make brownies. Even though I don't have the energy or strength I used to have, having them here reminded me of the way things were before all this sickness started.
9/24/09
Potassium and Surgery
It is Thursday already and what a nice day for me, the cleaning lady was at my house today! My mom is here, she is coming on Thursdays and staying until Friday evening. It is nice to have her here to help out and keep me company. We even took a drive today to grab lunch and then drove to the park to eat in the car.
My pain level is still good. I am having more pain in my back, but the excruciating pain in my abdomen and side is still gone. I had my blood tests done and my bili was an 8.8, which is too high for chemo this week. We found out that my potassium level is down. When I asked what that means, the nurse said it means I could have a heart attack of all things! However, I am treating this by upping my potassium intake with food (bananas, cantaloupe, avocados, etc.) so they must not think a heart attack is right around the corner for me.
Next Wednesday David and I will head back to San Francisco for a stent replacement surgery. They like to re-do them every couple of months, plus one of my stitches has come out, so I guess it is time to have this done. David says this should be easier since it is the third time and I probably won't need the anesthesia. Yeah right - I don't want to take that chance! The new stents should make my bilirubin count come down, so I may be able to have chemo again the following week. I feel strong enough for chemo, but I really am skin and bones right now. The appetite stimulant is working well, and I feel like I am eating more, but the doctor told me it will be really hard at this point with my cancer to just maintain my weight and I am not likely to gain any. But it is nice to be able to eat, and I plan to continue eating as much as I can.
My pain level is still good. I am having more pain in my back, but the excruciating pain in my abdomen and side is still gone. I had my blood tests done and my bili was an 8.8, which is too high for chemo this week. We found out that my potassium level is down. When I asked what that means, the nurse said it means I could have a heart attack of all things! However, I am treating this by upping my potassium intake with food (bananas, cantaloupe, avocados, etc.) so they must not think a heart attack is right around the corner for me.
Next Wednesday David and I will head back to San Francisco for a stent replacement surgery. They like to re-do them every couple of months, plus one of my stitches has come out, so I guess it is time to have this done. David says this should be easier since it is the third time and I probably won't need the anesthesia. Yeah right - I don't want to take that chance! The new stents should make my bilirubin count come down, so I may be able to have chemo again the following week. I feel strong enough for chemo, but I really am skin and bones right now. The appetite stimulant is working well, and I feel like I am eating more, but the doctor told me it will be really hard at this point with my cancer to just maintain my weight and I am not likely to gain any. But it is nice to be able to eat, and I plan to continue eating as much as I can.
9/21/09
Small Miracles
Today has been a good day with my pain -- or lack thereof! I have been able to eat, so I guess the appetite cocktail is working for me. I am trying to drink several Ensures a day in addition to eating more. My swelling is still under control. My legs are swelling a little, but it isn't painful and it isn't as bad as it's been previously. Also, much to my surprise, the bili tube on my right side started draining today. It hasn't drained for a while, but for some reason the draining started again. I can't explain it, but I am pretty happy about it.
9/20/09
Pain-Free Day
I don't know why, but I am having a pain-free day. The pain in my side and stomach were getting less yesterday, and today even the pain in my back is gone! I wish I knew what makes the difference because I would do that every day. I am sure enjoying it and I am trying not doing anything strenuous to ruin it (just clipping my toenails right now!)
I had an appetite stimulant from the doctor that I have been taking and it is helping. I have been eating better. The swelling in my feet is gone too. I can't account for these wonderful changes in how I'm feeling, but I am very grateful!
I had an appetite stimulant from the doctor that I have been taking and it is helping. I have been eating better. The swelling in my feet is gone too. I can't account for these wonderful changes in how I'm feeling, but I am very grateful!
9/17/09
Better Day
Yesterday and today have been better with the pain. I still have pain in my right side, kind of in my rib cage and in my back, but it has decreased enough that it feels like I'm having some relief. I got my blood work done and my bili count was 7.9. That was a small drop from last week, but still not low enough for chemo today. I will be talking to the doctor to see if he has any instructions or suggestions for me.
The swelling in my feet and legs has also gotten better. I still have a lot of bloating in my stomach, but my feet didn't even swell when I was walking around barefoot last night. I was up for about three hours and they were o.k, so I'm pretty happy about that. I am hoping to get some appetite, right now I am forcing the food because I know I need it.
Thank you for your prayers and kind words, they make a difference for me.
The swelling in my feet and legs has also gotten better. I still have a lot of bloating in my stomach, but my feet didn't even swell when I was walking around barefoot last night. I was up for about three hours and they were o.k, so I'm pretty happy about that. I am hoping to get some appetite, right now I am forcing the food because I know I need it.
Thank you for your prayers and kind words, they make a difference for me.
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