Home Sweet Home

I am home! I feel great and the fever is gone. We were never able to identify any kind of infection in my body. The whole episode is now being credited to the Neulasta shot I was given at my last chemo. The Neulasta shot is supposed to help build your white blood cell count after the chemo drugs have knocked it down. It seems my body had a bad reaction to the shot which caused the fever and the increased white blood cell count. Go figure! I don't think anyone really knows for sure....

The hopital experience was very frustrating and I will probably post a ranting diatribe at some point. Right now I'm just happy to be out of the hospital. There is nothing better than sleeping in your own bed. Ahhhhhh.

Incarceration

Well, I'm still incarcerated in the hospital. I didn't have fever all day Saturday and don't have any today. Yet my white blood cell count continues to rise (23 on Sat., 27 today, 13 is normal). The high white count indicates there is an infection somewhere in my body. This mysterious infection is not showing itself in any way - no sore throat, no pain with urination, no stomach problems, etc. So here I stay with IV antibiotics until the count goes down.

Being in the hospital is no fun. Someone is always waking you up to stick a needle in you. You can not rest. I feel like a neglected dog in the back yard chained to an IV pole; my chain only goes so far:) Fortunately, I feel decent today. It's the first day I've felt well since the last infusion.

There is the possibility I will get a central line inserted tomorrow (Mon.) and be allowed to receive the antibiotics at home. They have mentioned I might have to receive the medicine for as long as 14 days!!! 14 days!!! Good grief.

All of this is giving me pause about completing the last two rounds of chemo. Unless they give me a truly compelling reason I think I will quit. We'll see what the doctor says...

So looks like I will be out of commission for a few more days. I'll provide an update when I have a chance.

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Hospital

Can't kick this fever so the doc wants to admit me to the hospital for IV antibiotics. Not sure how long I'll be there, but don't expect any news for a few days. Hopefully this is the ticket to making me feel better.

Later.

Down and Out

Hey all. Chemo number four has knocked me flat on the floor. It's wednesday and I still haven't recovered from the infusion last Friday. I've been running a fever of 101 - 102 since Sunday. I am miserable. My whole body hurts. Four days is a long time to have a high fever.

Had blood work done and everything is normal. Waiting to hear from the doctor today to see what's the next step. I'll write on the other side of this misery... but for now send good thoughts my way (or the calvary, or hemlock, or something!)

More Love

I've been meaning to post this photo as well.... Ben attended the Y-flyer National Championship Regatta back in June. I couldn't go because it coincided with a chemo date. On the night of the awards banquet everyone got together and sent me this photo!

Thank you everyone!!!! I love you too and sorry I missed all the fun!! I'll be back soon.

And Now For Something Completely Different...

Feeling a little whiney today.... chemo side effects are starting to build on me (fatigue, tummy troubles, etc.) but rather than turn the blog into a whine fest, I'm going to post something that makes me happy! Here are some photos of my adorable son, Eli, sailing on Lake Maumelle:

What form!

May I point out that he is in the lead here:

And finally - a snapshot of me without hair - for those who asked!

But don't forget the old me, either!

p.s. - Thanks to all of you who keep sending cards and emails and gifts. They make me happy!

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3 Down - 3 To Go

Chemo 3 is done. This round was a little harder than the previous ones. A little more nausea, a little more indigestion, a little more fatigue. But it is done and it brings me to the halfway mark.

The next three sessions will be a different drug which means we are back to the unknown and which further means that my anxiety sky rockets. I hate the unknown. The new drug has weird side effects that scare me - shortnesss of breath, skin reactions, mouth sores, darkening of the skin and nails. Did I mention that I hate the unknown? I have to try and forget all about it for the next three weeks. I need a new mantra - any suggestions?

I am happy that the long holiday weekend is near. The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. I like cooking out on the grill and having summer fresh veggies. I love drinking beer in the humidity and shooting off fireworks in the dark. Large firework displays are nice, but I'd much rather shoot my own. I love going into that sweltering hot tent and filling up a basket with roman candles, butterflies, and sparklers. It's good to throw in a fountain or two and you must have a dozen or so large mortars. Throw in a few punks to use as lighters and you've got yourself a couple hours of do-it-yourself entertainment. God Bless America!

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Independence Day!

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