December 22, 2010 - Update

I had a good night's sleep last night and slept well for a couple of good stretches. They are arranging for my discharge this afternoon. I will have my pain pump and hospital bed at home. I started radiation on Monday and will continue for a week or so. The doctor will evaluate before Tuesday on the effects. My pain level is 2 or 3 out of 10 most times and my appetite is good. They are giving me laxis for the swelling so I"m getting exercise running (very slowly) to the bathroom. My breath sounds are better and my shortness of breath is lessened. I"ll be on home oxygen as needed.
Lindsay is home for the week and my sister, Nora, is here for two weeks. Christmas will be spent at home.
I have received very good care at the hospital. It pays to know good nurses in different areas!! lol My friend Cheryl who continues to teach at PSU, has been a constant advocate and asked her RN students who work as hospital supervisors at night have included me in their routine rounds. What service! Of course, I already have a letter composed to the unit director complementing the best nurses. I am so proud of our profession.
I have had a few visitors while in the hospital but really postponing them until I get home. Thanks to those that came for a short to visit. Merry Christmas to you.

Love,
Ellen

Low Phase

December 9 was the beginning of a low phase. I have been having increased pain my left arm and back and that Thursday it came to a head. My pain was so bad that I went to Girard ER in the early morning for pain control and after a shot, they sent me to cancer center in Pittsburg Mt. Carmel (Via Christi) to Dr. Mathews, my oncologist. I was also very short of breath. After an x-ray and a PET scan, they discovered a tumor in the spinal coulmn which they anticipate is bone metatasis. I have been in Mt. Carmel for pain control for the last four days waiting for records from Barnes Jewish in St. Louis so that the doctor can develop a radiation plan. Radiating the tumor to shrink it should help the pain. My appetite has been very poor but has improved in the last couple of days. My treatment will be at least 10-14 daily sessions, which take only a few minutes. My family has surrounded me with care and my friends extended their offer of help and I will need them soon. I am hoping to be dismissed from the hospital on Monday after my radiation treatment.
Blessings to you.
Love,
Ellen

Done in Love

It's been over a month since I have added anything to my blog. I have used every ounce of energy to keep up the daily routine. Although, lately there has been little routine. I attended my sister "Geneva Convention" the second weekend in November in Comfort, Texas, near San Antonio. We had a great time together in a fabulous setting.
After I had such a bad reaction to the last combination chemo, IV and oral, my physician gave me a break and I haven't had any chemo since the week before Thanksgiving. What is really strange about my reaction is that I have lost my appetite. And if you knew my family history, you'd know that it takes alot to loose one's appetite. I managed to eat a good Thanksgiving dinner, but most food and odors cause me nausea. I haven't thrown up, but the queaziness in the stomach is enough to detour my eating. I do eat about one small meal a day and supplement with liquid shakes, like Ensure. I got very dehydrated the week after Thanksgiving, so took a liter of fluids at the cancer center and promised to drink more. Dehydration sometimes causes nausea, along with a slightly elevated temperature - which I had. So I am drinking more green tea, coke, 7Up, and water.
Only two weeks left of the semester and Marlin is planning to drive me to Topeka both weeks, I don't think I'm ready to drive that far by myself. I have only three lectures and some papers to grade, then turn in grades for the term. Graduation is Dec. 17 with Nurses' Pinning on Saturday the 18th. The senior class has asked me to be Mistress of Ceremonies for Pinning and I am so hoping that I can do this. It is an honor for me that the senior class would think so much as to ask me.
Marlin has been pretty handy around the house and we have Christmas shopping done, wrapped and under the tree. Just a few personal gifts I want to get for special friends and I'll be done shopping. Tosha and Lindsay put up my two Christmas trees Saturday after Thanksgiving - one large one in the living room and my Santa tree in the family room. The fireplace mantel has a simple pine garland with cones and I've put out a few things in the kitchen.
I am happy for the season and expect to maintain positive health. I am experiencing some highs and lows and need your support, love, and prayers for each phase.
I want everything I do to be done in love. I Corinthians 16:14
Blessings to you -
Love,
Ellen