Just me!
Wanted to let you all know I appreciate your texts etc. and sorry I don't respond. So glad Kristi can do an update for you each day.
I have no energy and half the time, don't even reach for my phone or iPad. Imagine that! Me? But wanted you all to know that I apppreciate your caring and concerns.
Quote:
Remember how far you came.
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Elvis Has Left the Building!
Well...really...
KATHY HAS LEFT THE HOSPITAL!!!
Mom was released yesterday afternoon and she and dad are now in their hotel close to the hospital. Today, they start their daily visits to the hospital. At every visit, they will do bloodwork and based on those results, give mom anything she needs. She could be at the hospital for a few hours or all day long depending on the results.
As of Friday, her white blood cell count had more than doubled from the day before. Now, if the nausea would cease, she'd feel a million times better. She has no energy. It took a long time for them to leave for her appointment today.
We are not the only ones ready for her to come home. Tommy is also ready for his mom and dad to come home. I give him as much love as I can when I visit, but I know it's not the same. And I know mom and dad are ready for Tommy snuggles.
KATHY HAS LEFT THE HOSPITAL!!!
Mom was released yesterday afternoon and she and dad are now in their hotel close to the hospital. Today, they start their daily visits to the hospital. At every visit, they will do bloodwork and based on those results, give mom anything she needs. She could be at the hospital for a few hours or all day long depending on the results.
As of Friday, her white blood cell count had more than doubled from the day before. Now, if the nausea would cease, she'd feel a million times better. She has no energy. It took a long time for them to leave for her appointment today.
We are not the only ones ready for her to come home. Tommy is also ready for his mom and dad to come home. I give him as much love as I can when I visit, but I know it's not the same. And I know mom and dad are ready for Tommy snuggles.
Friday, November 25, 2016
Black Friday Deals!
Or not...
We originally thought mom would be released from the hospital today but no one (mom, dad, doctors) felt comfortable with her being released. She's still suffering from really bad nausea and has to get fluids often to prevent dehydration.
The next targeted release date is tomorrow (Saturday). Dad is already preparing the hotel room for her arrival. Once she's released and in the hotel, she'll still have early morning checkups at the hospital. Depending on the results of these checkups, she may have to stay for drips of one thing or another (calcium, fluids, etc). Hopefully after 2 weeks of monitoring, she'll be able to COME HOME!
She wasn't feeling well yesterday and wasn't able to keep any food down so we owe her a belated Thanksgiving dinner when she's ready. No problem on my end since it's my favorite meal all year.
Her ANC (Absolute Neutrophil Count --- Say that 5 times fast) count is over 700 so that means the white blood cells are capable of fighting infection! Woot! Woot!
Hope you all got some great Black Friday Deals if that's your thing. And if that's not your thing, hope you enjoyed a post Thanksgiving restful day!
xoxo Loves ya!
We originally thought mom would be released from the hospital today but no one (mom, dad, doctors) felt comfortable with her being released. She's still suffering from really bad nausea and has to get fluids often to prevent dehydration.
The next targeted release date is tomorrow (Saturday). Dad is already preparing the hotel room for her arrival. Once she's released and in the hotel, she'll still have early morning checkups at the hospital. Depending on the results of these checkups, she may have to stay for drips of one thing or another (calcium, fluids, etc). Hopefully after 2 weeks of monitoring, she'll be able to COME HOME!
She wasn't feeling well yesterday and wasn't able to keep any food down so we owe her a belated Thanksgiving dinner when she's ready. No problem on my end since it's my favorite meal all year.
Her ANC (Absolute Neutrophil Count --- Say that 5 times fast) count is over 700 so that means the white blood cells are capable of fighting infection! Woot! Woot!
Hope you all got some great Black Friday Deals if that's your thing. And if that's not your thing, hope you enjoyed a post Thanksgiving restful day!
xoxo Loves ya!
Thursday, November 24, 2016
Thanksgiving Updates
Happy Thanksgiving All!
It's Kristi again. First of all, we wanted to thank of you for your prayers, love, gifts, thoughts, texts, phone calls, emails.... We are so grateful to have such a wonderful support system during this time.
Mom is still following exactly as the doctors said she would. Her nausea is still pretty bad but the wonderful doctors and nurses are all taking great care of her. They are checking her bloodwork every day and look closely at everything. Her phosphorus levels are up and that means that her white blood cells are starting to rebuild!
She's also suffering mucositis which causes mouth and esophageal sores and that doesn't help with her appetite at all. She's trying to eat when she can and much to dad's dismay, has found that an iced Chai tea latte from the Starbucks in the lobby goes down nice and smoothe!
She decided to shave her head in preparation for losing her hair. Not everyone can pull off a buzzed head but in my opinion, she looks beautiful and BAD ASS! GI Jane has nothing on her!
It's Kristi again. First of all, we wanted to thank of you for your prayers, love, gifts, thoughts, texts, phone calls, emails.... We are so grateful to have such a wonderful support system during this time.
Mom is still following exactly as the doctors said she would. Her nausea is still pretty bad but the wonderful doctors and nurses are all taking great care of her. They are checking her bloodwork every day and look closely at everything. Her phosphorus levels are up and that means that her white blood cells are starting to rebuild!
She's also suffering mucositis which causes mouth and esophageal sores and that doesn't help with her appetite at all. She's trying to eat when she can and much to dad's dismay, has found that an iced Chai tea latte from the Starbucks in the lobby goes down nice and smoothe!
She decided to shave her head in preparation for losing her hair. Not everyone can pull off a buzzed head but in my opinion, she looks beautiful and BAD ASS! GI Jane has nothing on her!
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Updates from Kristi
It's time to call in the troops!
It's Kristi reporting for Kathy.
Mom is hanging in there but is not feeling well at all...but, everything was predicted and she's moving along right on schedule.
She has absolutely no energy. None. Nada. Zilch. She can barely keep her eyes open. She also currently has no immune system. Her white blood cell count is .49 but that's where they want it to be. The doctors were predicting a rough weekend and they were right.
Her nausea has been really bad. Her nurse this weekend is the Nurse of the Year which is awesome. She's been changing some meds to help with the nausea. They also have her on a saline drip to keep her hydrated.
Starting on Monday, she'll be getting her neupogen shots. This will start to increase her white blood cells! She'll be on the upswing then, they say.
Overall, she's doing the best she can. Kerri and I are calling and texting her every day and the grandkids are calling when they can. It's REALLY hard for Kerri and I to hear mom sounding so doped up. I mean, she's always been dopey but this is different. ;) Seriously though, it's something you never ever want to see or hear even when you know that it's for the best.
Dad is also hanging in there. Not surprisingly, he has been an absolutely amazing support for mom throughout this whole ordeal. Every husband should take note. You couldn't find a better caregiver. He's been home twice now to check in with the house, give TomCat some Dad lovin' and to get some "good" sleep in their bed. I know it's hard for him to leave but mom makes him!
So that's where we are. We all truly appreciate your thoughts, well wishes and prayers.
xoxo Loves ya!
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Side effects.
I have no energy the last two days. Nausea has got to go. They have me pretty well sedated with Adavan to help with the nausea. Sleep I can do. Today I am considered a fall risk because my blood pressure dropped under 100. So have to get help to do snything out of the bed. Doctors and nurses say I am on the way to where I need to be. Hope I can soon get there. Hate this groggy head, hate this tied to my bed. Blood counts are all falling like they are supposed to. Then I get Neuprogen shots to bring them back up again starting next week. Then maybe energy.
Quote:
Maintain hope and faith!
I have no energy the last two days. Nausea has got to go. They have me pretty well sedated with Adavan to help with the nausea. Sleep I can do. Today I am considered a fall risk because my blood pressure dropped under 100. So have to get help to do snything out of the bed. Doctors and nurses say I am on the way to where I need to be. Hope I can soon get there. Hate this groggy head, hate this tied to my bed. Blood counts are all falling like they are supposed to. Then I get Neuprogen shots to bring them back up again starting next week. Then maybe energy.
Quote:
Maintain hope and faith!
Monday, November 14, 2016
Amenities!
November 13th
Not a lot of sleep last night because of feet and some nausea. Chemo was over around 11:30 PM last night. About 45 minute drip with two 15 minute fluid drips before and after. Room hot then cold. Bill and I set and talked from 4 AM till around 6:30 AM. He went looking for breakfast. I walked, had breakfast, showered, saw the PA and doctor. Things look good for the transplant. I then started to throw up after they all left. Ugh. Gave me Adavan. And about an hour later, I throw up again. Gave me more Adavan. Makes me sleepy. Been that way all day. Bill said I was snoring through the Pittsburgh Steelers game.
So my hospital has very nice amenities. Large room with a bed for me and a double sleeper sofa for Bill. Nice lounge chair. Large screen tv with select free movies, HBO, internet, my health portal. My own private shower and bathroom is very nice Bill has to use those in the hall. Want something to eat, just call room service. Not waiting around for your food to arrive off the food cart. Haven't had much appetite to try a lot. Closets are fairly nice size. Could have brought more clothes 😜
Today is November 14th. My day zero. My day of putting my baby cells back in that I harvested. Those 9.35 million. Not sure how many I will be getting back of them yet. Then I will be on the way to recovery. A long recovery but well worth it with little goals to meet. Goals to help me score against Multiple Myeloma. I am not sure if I will be blogging tonight or not. Remember, as Louise always says, no news is good news! They started my 2 hour pre fluid drip. Next at 11, they bring my stem cells in. Takes about an hour. Then will be have another 2 hour fluid drip. Busy, busy day. And so many pills. Even have patch behind my ear for nausea. Got my Wish, Dream pants Kristi and l found at kohls. Ready to get this started and over with. Whoa, 5 people just was in my room. PA, Davila, my nurse Leslie, two strangers. Also, saw the physical therapist and case manager.
Now it's 3 PM and I slept through the last 4 hours. Nurse gave me Benedryl and a few other meds for nausea. Boom I am out. Only wake up every 15 minutes to get vitals taken. They put back
3.6 million stem cells. Took about 45 minutes. Just waiting for my fluid drip to stop. Bill and Nurse smell cream of corn. I can't smell it. Part of the transplant they say. The way I like sauerkraut, should smell like that. Still very sleeepy.
Let's pray for a peaceful night for all of us to sleep and not worry about Multiple Myeloma.
Quote:
The perfect day - going to bed with a dream and waking up with a purpose !
November 13th
Not a lot of sleep last night because of feet and some nausea. Chemo was over around 11:30 PM last night. About 45 minute drip with two 15 minute fluid drips before and after. Room hot then cold. Bill and I set and talked from 4 AM till around 6:30 AM. He went looking for breakfast. I walked, had breakfast, showered, saw the PA and doctor. Things look good for the transplant. I then started to throw up after they all left. Ugh. Gave me Adavan. And about an hour later, I throw up again. Gave me more Adavan. Makes me sleepy. Been that way all day. Bill said I was snoring through the Pittsburgh Steelers game.
So my hospital has very nice amenities. Large room with a bed for me and a double sleeper sofa for Bill. Nice lounge chair. Large screen tv with select free movies, HBO, internet, my health portal. My own private shower and bathroom is very nice Bill has to use those in the hall. Want something to eat, just call room service. Not waiting around for your food to arrive off the food cart. Haven't had much appetite to try a lot. Closets are fairly nice size. Could have brought more clothes 😜
Today is November 14th. My day zero. My day of putting my baby cells back in that I harvested. Those 9.35 million. Not sure how many I will be getting back of them yet. Then I will be on the way to recovery. A long recovery but well worth it with little goals to meet. Goals to help me score against Multiple Myeloma. I am not sure if I will be blogging tonight or not. Remember, as Louise always says, no news is good news! They started my 2 hour pre fluid drip. Next at 11, they bring my stem cells in. Takes about an hour. Then will be have another 2 hour fluid drip. Busy, busy day. And so many pills. Even have patch behind my ear for nausea. Got my Wish, Dream pants Kristi and l found at kohls. Ready to get this started and over with. Whoa, 5 people just was in my room. PA, Davila, my nurse Leslie, two strangers. Also, saw the physical therapist and case manager.
Now it's 3 PM and I slept through the last 4 hours. Nurse gave me Benedryl and a few other meds for nausea. Boom I am out. Only wake up every 15 minutes to get vitals taken. They put back
3.6 million stem cells. Took about 45 minutes. Just waiting for my fluid drip to stop. Bill and Nurse smell cream of corn. I can't smell it. Part of the transplant they say. The way I like sauerkraut, should smell like that. Still very sleeepy.
Let's pray for a peaceful night for all of us to sleep and not worry about Multiple Myeloma.
Quote:
The perfect day - going to bed with a dream and waking up with a purpose !
Saturday, November 12, 2016
13 years and only 2!
Left the house around 9:15, got here at 11:30 only to find out my room wasn't ready until 1. They told me by 12. But anyway, all admitted as a patient. Poked, prodded, signed papers, temperature taken several times, blood pressured several times, questions by the dozens. So far everyone is great. Both my nurses today were named Michelle. Now have Ann and Seanna. PA was Jessica and doctor was Dr. Ayala. I probably won't see Dr. Ocho, my transplant doctor. The transplant doctors take turns 2 weeks at a time to monitor patients. This rotates, I think they said, every 4 weeks.
Dang feet are still killing me. They seemed a little better at the beginning of the week too. Nurse just came in with about 11 pills for me to take. 7 of those were steroids. Yeah. One for pain. Yeah too. Then she hooked me up to a bag of saline to get me ready for my chemo tonight. Chemo is to start around 10 to 10:45 tonight and will drip for 45 minutes. Then I hope to sleep as I didn't get a lot of sleep last night. Said side effects will show up in about 3 to 4 days. Hair loss, 5 to 7. Got my cute hats 🎩 with me and a few scarves.
Dr. Ayala was very upbeat about my transplant. Said I was pretty healthy otherwise so feels it will go well. And he also mentioned the Multiple Myeloma that I have is the IGE, which is very rare. Same as Dr. Ochoa had said. Dr. Ayala said he had been here for 13 years and has only seen 2 other people that has had this type of Multiple Myeloma. They did well with the transplant. He also was amazed at the number of stem cells they collected from me. Not sure how many they will put back yet.
Right now I am wrapped up in my prayer shawl Sandy sent me, covered up in my "autographed" quilt Nancy made me and my "World Kitchen" quilt made by Stephanie! Bill is laying on his bed reading. Would love to turn the lights out and say good night all. Worse thing is the clock in this room has never been turned back.
Quote:
I have seen new sides of people who matter most to me in the world, wrap me in their love and lend me their strength when mine is running low!
Left the house around 9:15, got here at 11:30 only to find out my room wasn't ready until 1. They told me by 12. But anyway, all admitted as a patient. Poked, prodded, signed papers, temperature taken several times, blood pressured several times, questions by the dozens. So far everyone is great. Both my nurses today were named Michelle. Now have Ann and Seanna. PA was Jessica and doctor was Dr. Ayala. I probably won't see Dr. Ocho, my transplant doctor. The transplant doctors take turns 2 weeks at a time to monitor patients. This rotates, I think they said, every 4 weeks.
Dang feet are still killing me. They seemed a little better at the beginning of the week too. Nurse just came in with about 11 pills for me to take. 7 of those were steroids. Yeah. One for pain. Yeah too. Then she hooked me up to a bag of saline to get me ready for my chemo tonight. Chemo is to start around 10 to 10:45 tonight and will drip for 45 minutes. Then I hope to sleep as I didn't get a lot of sleep last night. Said side effects will show up in about 3 to 4 days. Hair loss, 5 to 7. Got my cute hats 🎩 with me and a few scarves.
Dr. Ayala was very upbeat about my transplant. Said I was pretty healthy otherwise so feels it will go well. And he also mentioned the Multiple Myeloma that I have is the IGE, which is very rare. Same as Dr. Ochoa had said. Dr. Ayala said he had been here for 13 years and has only seen 2 other people that has had this type of Multiple Myeloma. They did well with the transplant. He also was amazed at the number of stem cells they collected from me. Not sure how many they will put back yet.
Right now I am wrapped up in my prayer shawl Sandy sent me, covered up in my "autographed" quilt Nancy made me and my "World Kitchen" quilt made by Stephanie! Bill is laying on his bed reading. Would love to turn the lights out and say good night all. Worse thing is the clock in this room has never been turned back.
Quote:
I have seen new sides of people who matter most to me in the world, wrap me in their love and lend me their strength when mine is running low!
See you smile again!
Waiting to get admitted to my room. As several of you have asked, here is the address and room number of where I will be for a bit.
Moffitt Cancer Center
12902 USF Magnolia Dr
Tampa, FL 33612
Attn: Kathy Snowberger
Room #3739
This morning as Bill and I was laying in bed talking at 6 AM about the weeks to come, he said to me "We got this babe. In it together, you and I. I just want to see you smile again!"
Quote:
None needed!!
Waiting to get admitted to my room. As several of you have asked, here is the address and room number of where I will be for a bit.
Moffitt Cancer Center
12902 USF Magnolia Dr
Tampa, FL 33612
Attn: Kathy Snowberger
Room #3739
This morning as Bill and I was laying in bed talking at 6 AM about the weeks to come, he said to me "We got this babe. In it together, you and I. I just want to see you smile again!"
Quote:
None needed!!
Friday, November 11, 2016
Tomorrow.
If you are having trouble seeing Brace's letter from yesterday's post, please sign in first. I can't see it either unless I am signed in to the blog.
Tomorrow starts my days of tomorrow's!! I check in to the hospital around noon, have high dose chemotherapy, rest Sunday and my transplant on Monday. Then on the road to recovery. It will take some time but that time only brings me more time. Time to appreciate my family. Time to appreciate my friends. Time to appreciate my and Bill's retirement. Time to appreciate me!!
Quote:
Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway!
If you are having trouble seeing Brace's letter from yesterday's post, please sign in first. I can't see it either unless I am signed in to the blog.
Tomorrow starts my days of tomorrow's!! I check in to the hospital around noon, have high dose chemotherapy, rest Sunday and my transplant on Monday. Then on the road to recovery. It will take some time but that time only brings me more time. Time to appreciate my family. Time to appreciate my friends. Time to appreciate my and Bill's retirement. Time to appreciate me!!
Quote:
Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway!
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
To remember you by!
First stop to Moffitt to flush my catheter at 8 AM. Then on 75, I 4, and 417 to Casselberry. Home. Laundry to do and repack for a repeat of 30 days this time. I check in on Saturday, the 12th. Bill will stay for a bit then come home for a few days and back down again.
Thanks so much to Michelle and Gery for taking care of Tommy and watching after the house. Tommy is all snuggled up beside me right now. Sound asleep. Probably didn't sleep much while we were gone.
Thank you Susan for making sure we had a clean house to come home to. Sorry Tommy makes such a mess. 😽
Kristi, Sasha and Ellie stopped by tonight to check on me. A little haggled looking but still hanging in there. Juliana called to also check on me. Girls were giggly tonight. Makes me smile. Funniest thing was Ellie asking me if she could take a small chalkboard home with them to "like" remember me by. Made me have the giggles then. If you haven't heard it before, I love and cherish my grandkids.
Quotes:
You're okay even if your skin doesn't fit the way it used to!
First stop to Moffitt to flush my catheter at 8 AM. Then on 75, I 4, and 417 to Casselberry. Home. Laundry to do and repack for a repeat of 30 days this time. I check in on Saturday, the 12th. Bill will stay for a bit then come home for a few days and back down again.
Thanks so much to Michelle and Gery for taking care of Tommy and watching after the house. Tommy is all snuggled up beside me right now. Sound asleep. Probably didn't sleep much while we were gone.
Thank you Susan for making sure we had a clean house to come home to. Sorry Tommy makes such a mess. 😽
Kristi, Sasha and Ellie stopped by tonight to check on me. A little haggled looking but still hanging in there. Juliana called to also check on me. Girls were giggly tonight. Makes me smile. Funniest thing was Ellie asking me if she could take a small chalkboard home with them to "like" remember me by. Made me have the giggles then. If you haven't heard it before, I love and cherish my grandkids.
Quotes:
You're okay even if your skin doesn't fit the way it used to!
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
9.35 million!!!
November 7th - Got to the hospital around 7 on the 7th. Labs were drawn first on the fourth floor. Then down a floor for my catheter. Steve, my nurse, came out to the waiting room to get me ard 8. He got me in a hospital gown, put in my line for drugs, read and had me sign stuff, got me warm blankets then disappeared. I finally asked if Bill could come back. We waited another hour. It was exactly 3 1/2 hours till they took me back to put in my catheter. Was a little upset about this. Put me out. Then Bill wheeled me to get our car and back to hotel. Rested 2 hours, then back to hospital for meetings, and shots of neurogen. Done around 7 PM. Then off to Urgent Care for Bill. He was bitten by something when we were sitting outside Sunday night. Continued to swell. 3 nurses told him he needed to go to Urgent Care. He listened. Tetanus shot, steroid shot and script for antibiotics. The nurse practitioner told him that the steroid shot was going to feel like a horse kicked him in the butt. He was in pain for over an hour. Swelling down some. Will start script tomorrow. May have it looked at when we get home.
Today, November 8th - today was stem cell collection day. Checked in to Moffitt at 8:15. Taken to the apheresis room to prepare for a day of stem cell collection for my transplant. Really was overwhelming and there comes the tears but mostly the fears. Nurse talked with me awhile and ordered me an anxiety pill. Did the trick. I slept most of the draw from 9 to 2:15. The machine whirled away while I slept and Bill read. Finally Carole, my caring nurse, came in and said that I was done for today. They would call me within 4 to 5 hours to let me know how stem cells they got. Here's the call I received "Can I speak to Kathy please? ". "This is Kathy". "Kathy, this is Megan from BMT team. You were to collect 4 million stem cell. Well, you not only hit your goal, you more than doubled them with 9.35 million stem cells collected. Congratulations!!" Wow. What a message. What a calm over Bill and I. What a great hug between us. So we can go home tomorrow for a few days before my check in to Moffitt on the 12th. So we can go home for a few days and see Tommy. So we can go home for a few days before my 30 days in Tampa. Just so we can go home.
Need to stop at Moffitt to flush my catheter and take off for home.
Quote:
I couldn't have made it this far without Bill!
November 7th - Got to the hospital around 7 on the 7th. Labs were drawn first on the fourth floor. Then down a floor for my catheter. Steve, my nurse, came out to the waiting room to get me ard 8. He got me in a hospital gown, put in my line for drugs, read and had me sign stuff, got me warm blankets then disappeared. I finally asked if Bill could come back. We waited another hour. It was exactly 3 1/2 hours till they took me back to put in my catheter. Was a little upset about this. Put me out. Then Bill wheeled me to get our car and back to hotel. Rested 2 hours, then back to hospital for meetings, and shots of neurogen. Done around 7 PM. Then off to Urgent Care for Bill. He was bitten by something when we were sitting outside Sunday night. Continued to swell. 3 nurses told him he needed to go to Urgent Care. He listened. Tetanus shot, steroid shot and script for antibiotics. The nurse practitioner told him that the steroid shot was going to feel like a horse kicked him in the butt. He was in pain for over an hour. Swelling down some. Will start script tomorrow. May have it looked at when we get home.
Today, November 8th - today was stem cell collection day. Checked in to Moffitt at 8:15. Taken to the apheresis room to prepare for a day of stem cell collection for my transplant. Really was overwhelming and there comes the tears but mostly the fears. Nurse talked with me awhile and ordered me an anxiety pill. Did the trick. I slept most of the draw from 9 to 2:15. The machine whirled away while I slept and Bill read. Finally Carole, my caring nurse, came in and said that I was done for today. They would call me within 4 to 5 hours to let me know how stem cells they got. Here's the call I received "Can I speak to Kathy please? ". "This is Kathy". "Kathy, this is Megan from BMT team. You were to collect 4 million stem cell. Well, you not only hit your goal, you more than doubled them with 9.35 million stem cells collected. Congratulations!!" Wow. What a message. What a calm over Bill and I. What a great hug between us. So we can go home tomorrow for a few days before my check in to Moffitt on the 12th. So we can go home for a few days and see Tommy. So we can go home for a few days before my 30 days in Tampa. Just so we can go home.
Need to stop at Moffitt to flush my catheter and take off for home.
Quote:
I couldn't have made it this far without Bill!
Sunday, November 6, 2016
4 3 2 and 1 to go!
Bill and I have been seeing this couple since our class last week. Then they were in the doctors waiting room each time I had appointments. Now they are in the BMT treatment room where I am getting my Neupogin shots. Every time we would see each other, we would say hi. So today I asked him when his transplant is scheduled. Two days after mine. He has Multiple Myeloma too. See you tomorrow Mary and Eddie.
Injections of Neupogen so far has only produced one minor side effect. And that is some spasms in my back. They come and they go. So 3 down and 1 to finish off this part of the treatment. Hopefully these 4 injections will help produce the 4 million stem cells I need to do the transplant. I need 2 million personally and they like to collect extra, freeze them in case I need down the road. As we know, Multiple Myeloma is treatable but not curable. Also, it will come back some day.
Tomorrow is a long day for us. We have to be at Moffitt by 7:45 AM. Labs first. Then down a floor at 9 o'clock to get my Central Line/ Apheresis Catheter. This will be inserted in to a large vein in my upper chest. It provides access to a major vein for collection of srems cells, blood samples, to receive fluids, nutrition, chemotherpy and medicines. This procedure takes about 1 1/2 hours with some recovery time. This will remain in my chest till my treatment is complete so about 30 plus days. After that, we have an appointment at 3 with a PA. Then at 4:45, we have a training class for the care of the catheter. Very important not to get wet. We will be wrapping me with Press and Seal. I am serious. After that at 5, my last Neupogin shot. Then we are done till the next day. Which by the way starts at 8:15. I am going to have to let these people know, once I am admitted, that I am not a morning person. Think they will listen?
Quote:
Hey cancer, thank you for making me stop and listen and remember what is important. You can go now !!!
Bill and I have been seeing this couple since our class last week. Then they were in the doctors waiting room each time I had appointments. Now they are in the BMT treatment room where I am getting my Neupogin shots. Every time we would see each other, we would say hi. So today I asked him when his transplant is scheduled. Two days after mine. He has Multiple Myeloma too. See you tomorrow Mary and Eddie.
Injections of Neupogen so far has only produced one minor side effect. And that is some spasms in my back. They come and they go. So 3 down and 1 to finish off this part of the treatment. Hopefully these 4 injections will help produce the 4 million stem cells I need to do the transplant. I need 2 million personally and they like to collect extra, freeze them in case I need down the road. As we know, Multiple Myeloma is treatable but not curable. Also, it will come back some day.
Tomorrow is a long day for us. We have to be at Moffitt by 7:45 AM. Labs first. Then down a floor at 9 o'clock to get my Central Line/ Apheresis Catheter. This will be inserted in to a large vein in my upper chest. It provides access to a major vein for collection of srems cells, blood samples, to receive fluids, nutrition, chemotherpy and medicines. This procedure takes about 1 1/2 hours with some recovery time. This will remain in my chest till my treatment is complete so about 30 plus days. After that, we have an appointment at 3 with a PA. Then at 4:45, we have a training class for the care of the catheter. Very important not to get wet. We will be wrapping me with Press and Seal. I am serious. After that at 5, my last Neupogin shot. Then we are done till the next day. Which by the way starts at 8:15. I am going to have to let these people know, once I am admitted, that I am not a morning person. Think they will listen?
Quote:
Hey cancer, thank you for making me stop and listen and remember what is important. You can go now !!!
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Wrath of Kath!
Had my first shot of Nuprogen last night at 5. Had to stay there an hour longer to make sure there were no reactions. We were able to get sandwichs out of this special fridge they have. Full of bag lunches complete with chips and raisins, all kinds of drinks, jello and yogurt. I got turkey and Bill got tuna. However, someone took his chips and raisins. Lol. Came back to the room and ordered dinner around 8. I feel asleep around 10:30 and woke up at 5:30 and back to sleep till 7. Had some breakfast and slept again from 10:30 till 1. Good deep sleeps. Hope the night ones continue. Will be leaving here around 4:30 to go to Moffitt for my second shot. As most of you know, these shots are to help produce more stem cells. More stem cells for my stem cell collection Tuesday the 8th. Hopefully, more stem cells so I don't have to go back on Wednesday the 9th for further collection.
Just had my second shot. There was no one in site in the hospital. Usually it's packed. I was surprised when I got my calendar that things were scheduled for the weekend. Two more to go. Monday they put my central line in my chest. Sounds like fun. Tuesday they take my stem cells. Then be at home with no appointments for a few days.
All this getting me ready for the transplant. All of this for the "Wrath of Kath" (thanks Michelle for the phrase) to beat this cancer. Don't mess with the Wrath of Kath.
Quote:
Sometimes you get to choose your battles and sometimes they choose you!
Had my first shot of Nuprogen last night at 5. Had to stay there an hour longer to make sure there were no reactions. We were able to get sandwichs out of this special fridge they have. Full of bag lunches complete with chips and raisins, all kinds of drinks, jello and yogurt. I got turkey and Bill got tuna. However, someone took his chips and raisins. Lol. Came back to the room and ordered dinner around 8. I feel asleep around 10:30 and woke up at 5:30 and back to sleep till 7. Had some breakfast and slept again from 10:30 till 1. Good deep sleeps. Hope the night ones continue. Will be leaving here around 4:30 to go to Moffitt for my second shot. As most of you know, these shots are to help produce more stem cells. More stem cells for my stem cell collection Tuesday the 8th. Hopefully, more stem cells so I don't have to go back on Wednesday the 9th for further collection.
Just had my second shot. There was no one in site in the hospital. Usually it's packed. I was surprised when I got my calendar that things were scheduled for the weekend. Two more to go. Monday they put my central line in my chest. Sounds like fun. Tuesday they take my stem cells. Then be at home with no appointments for a few days.
All this getting me ready for the transplant. All of this for the "Wrath of Kath" (thanks Michelle for the phrase) to beat this cancer. Don't mess with the Wrath of Kath.
Quote:
Sometimes you get to choose your battles and sometimes they choose you!
Thursday, November 3, 2016
5 out of 8
Last night was also as bad as the day. Just no relief of my feet. Up every hour on the hour. Ugh. Sent a text to Dr. Ochoa's nurse regarding the pain from the neuropathy. She responded later today. He wants me to take 3 pains, 3 times a say. Upped the dosage. So lets hope that works.
But to brighten the end of my day, I got a text from my grandson around 10:45 (#1) - Jakob! "Hey you up?" Me-"I am. Can't sleep. What's up?" Then the phone rang. Just wanted to talk. We talked about school, girlfriend and me and my disease; Multiple Myeloma. Then I told him I told the doctor that I have to get better by the end of May because my grandson is graduating and I will not miss that!! He said he knew I would be better by then. Jakob then asked me if (# 2) - Kristopher could call. Of course. We talked about school and most of all, his year of football!!! Told him I loved the football pictures. Can't wait to get one. I also had been texting with (#3) - Juliana. And as I blogged last night (#4). - Sasha and (#5) - Eliana were here for dinner. This was a wonderful day for me to be able to see or talk or text with my grandchildren. They are my world!!! They make me fight for remission of this stupid stuff called cancer!!! They make me smile. They love me! They filled a space in my heart that I didn't know was empty. They are all blessings sent from Heaven.
So what this all means, I had a conversation will all my grandchild except (#6). - Chad,
(#7) - Leah and (#8). - Layton! 5 out of 8!!!! Love you 3 too!!!
Quote:
Even when my grandchildren are not in my arms or in my home, they are in my heart and there they will stay forever!!
Last night was also as bad as the day. Just no relief of my feet. Up every hour on the hour. Ugh. Sent a text to Dr. Ochoa's nurse regarding the pain from the neuropathy. She responded later today. He wants me to take 3 pains, 3 times a say. Upped the dosage. So lets hope that works.
But to brighten the end of my day, I got a text from my grandson around 10:45 (#1) - Jakob! "Hey you up?" Me-"I am. Can't sleep. What's up?" Then the phone rang. Just wanted to talk. We talked about school, girlfriend and me and my disease; Multiple Myeloma. Then I told him I told the doctor that I have to get better by the end of May because my grandson is graduating and I will not miss that!! He said he knew I would be better by then. Jakob then asked me if (# 2) - Kristopher could call. Of course. We talked about school and most of all, his year of football!!! Told him I loved the football pictures. Can't wait to get one. I also had been texting with (#3) - Juliana. And as I blogged last night (#4). - Sasha and (#5) - Eliana were here for dinner. This was a wonderful day for me to be able to see or talk or text with my grandchildren. They are my world!!! They make me fight for remission of this stupid stuff called cancer!!! They make me smile. They love me! They filled a space in my heart that I didn't know was empty. They are all blessings sent from Heaven.
So what this all means, I had a conversation will all my grandchild except (#6). - Chad,
(#7) - Leah and (#8). - Layton! 5 out of 8!!!! Love you 3 too!!!
Quote:
Even when my grandchildren are not in my arms or in my home, they are in my heart and there they will stay forever!!
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Double dose!
Today was not a great day. Lots of tears. Lots of why me? Lots of I feel so alone in this journey except for Bill. If I have to have cancer, then why do I have to have this neuropathy too? Why can't I have a few days of I feel fairly good so I can get my stuff ready for the next 40 days or so? Why can't I have some energy like I used to? At least some of it. Most of my day went this way. Not so good. Not such a wanna be me day!! Not a "I feel good day". Someday I will be able to say that. Someday I will be able to feel that! Someday!
Kristi and the girls came over tonight for some chili. Coconut macaroons and cheesecake too. Now they are something to stop the tears. Thanks Kristi, Sasha and Ellie!!! Much needed visitors.
Quote:
You're allowed to scream, you're allow to cry but never give up!
Today was not a great day. Lots of tears. Lots of why me? Lots of I feel so alone in this journey except for Bill. If I have to have cancer, then why do I have to have this neuropathy too? Why can't I have a few days of I feel fairly good so I can get my stuff ready for the next 40 days or so? Why can't I have some energy like I used to? At least some of it. Most of my day went this way. Not so good. Not such a wanna be me day!! Not a "I feel good day". Someday I will be able to say that. Someday I will be able to feel that! Someday!
Kristi and the girls came over tonight for some chili. Coconut macaroons and cheesecake too. Now they are something to stop the tears. Thanks Kristi, Sasha and Ellie!!! Much needed visitors.
Quote:
You're allowed to scream, you're allow to cry but never give up!
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Off to UF Cancer Center!
Haven't been to the Cancer Center for a bit. I prescriptions there that I needed to pick up. Was nice just to pick up scripts and not have to go to the 4th or 2nd floor.
Trying to get my head wrapped around this week end of shots, catheter insertion and cell aspiration. Then a few days of rest at home and admission to hospital just around the corner. Will get it together once I have the first shot!!!
The nurse that held our class last week told us the day I get my transplant is considered day zero. I will be reborn. So will now I have two birthdays. I will have to get all my childhood shots again. Oh joy!!! And it will take at least a year for my immune system to be back with me.
Today was a horrible neuropathy day. Has me totally worn out.
Quote:
No amount of of money, no amount of privilege can make you exempt if cancer chooses you!
Haven't been to the Cancer Center for a bit. I prescriptions there that I needed to pick up. Was nice just to pick up scripts and not have to go to the 4th or 2nd floor.
Trying to get my head wrapped around this week end of shots, catheter insertion and cell aspiration. Then a few days of rest at home and admission to hospital just around the corner. Will get it together once I have the first shot!!!
The nurse that held our class last week told us the day I get my transplant is considered day zero. I will be reborn. So will now I have two birthdays. I will have to get all my childhood shots again. Oh joy!!! And it will take at least a year for my immune system to be back with me.
Today was a horrible neuropathy day. Has me totally worn out.
Quote:
No amount of of money, no amount of privilege can make you exempt if cancer chooses you!
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