Whee!!! What a day. We started out this morning walking to the hospital for labs. She got a call this afternoon that there was a problem with the lab and she might have to come back tomorrow to have it redrawn. About 5 they called and said they finally got it run but the level was still too high so hold the pills again tonight and come back to the 4th floor lab tomorrow at 8 for another level. Hopefully they will do as well with the port.
Becky has had a good appetite since moving to the apartment. I'm not sure what the difference is but we'll take it. She is also drinking more and that's a plus too. She's actually had about 2 liters of fluid a day the last 2 days and wasn't drinking but 1 or less in the hospital. She says things just taste better.
Ken and Phyllis Jones came by today on their way to vacation and Becky enjoyed their visit. Larania and Julie also were here and Julie went with Barb shopping and Larania stayed with Becky. Shopping took longer than expected with us finding a "Super WalMart" that wasn't too "Super". I thought we could do all the shopping at one place but the grocery selection was really poor. We ended up going to a Shop and Save for meat, fresh veggies, frozen veggies and a few other items we hadn't found at WalMart and probably should have gone there in the beginning. Now we know. I really appreciated having Julie along to help with the shopping.
The Cardinals are on but Becky has gone to bed already. She said she may not sleep long and be back up to watch the game so I have to keep it on. I really would anyway. She has to have meds at 9 so I'll have to wake her then anyway.
God continues to provide for all our needs. We can't thank you all enough for your prayers and concerns.
Love,
Becky and Barb
Friday, July 31, 2009
Day +15
Good morning! Read Psalm 150 for your Scripture this morning. We are praising the Lord this morning for a good nights rest and a wonderful new day. Becky beat me up this morning but didn't get the coffee on! Ha!! We got breakfast and then walked (I walked she rode in the wheelchair) to the hospital for her lab work this morning. We prayed before we left and while waiting that they wouldn't have any trouble getting blood and she got it on the first try. Becky told the nurse that we had prayed they would be able to draw blood without a problem and when she did Becky said "Thank you God" and the nurse said "I'm going to give you a list of things to pray for me", to which Becky responded, "I'll be happy to do it". The Lord sure keeps blessing us.
We are looking forward to some visitors today who will stay with Becky for awhile so Barb can go get some grocery shopping done. It is a more relaxed atmosphere here and will be conducive for healing. Becky is already requesting certain meals to be cooked so I can see my work is cut out for me. I'm just glad she's wanting to eat and will do whatever I can to help her heal.
More later tonight.
Becky and Barb
We are looking forward to some visitors today who will stay with Becky for awhile so Barb can go get some grocery shopping done. It is a more relaxed atmosphere here and will be conducive for healing. Becky is already requesting certain meals to be cooked so I can see my work is cut out for me. I'm just glad she's wanting to eat and will do whatever I can to help her heal.
More later tonight.
Becky and Barb
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Day +14 New "Home" away from Home
It has been a long day for Becky and I trying to get moved from the hospital to the apartment. I could not have done it without the help of Norma and Dana from Glendale showing up for a visit. We're all sure that God sent them here today to visit and help with the move. We finally got out of the hospital about 2:30. The nurses were helpful in getting her meds ready at the pharmacy and setting up appointments for her. She has to go tomorrow for a blood test at 9:00 and then Monday for blood and a doctor's appt. and Thursday for blood, a possible transfusion and a antibiotic breathing treatment. At least it's close and we have a wheelchair for the trip if we want to walk.
Becky feels so much better just being out of the hospital. It was a wonderful place for her care and we had a good view but it's so much more relaxing at the apartment. We are looking forward to a good nights uninterrupted sleep.
She ate some soup for lunch and had a sandwich for supper and seems to be doing well. I was going to go grocery shopping but after the move and getting things put up, decided it could wait until tomorrow after the appointment. I think St. Louis Bread company will work for breakfast in the morning. We'll have to make sure we don't overuse it though.
Becky did get her head shaved this afternoon before we left the hospital. It was coming out really fast so it was easier to lose it all at once. She looks great anyway.
Better go and check on her. I had to come to a special room at the apartment complex that has wireless internet until I can figure out the other internet in the apartment which is through the cable company.
Have a great night and we'll blog again tomorrow.
Becky and Barb
Becky feels so much better just being out of the hospital. It was a wonderful place for her care and we had a good view but it's so much more relaxing at the apartment. We are looking forward to a good nights uninterrupted sleep.
She ate some soup for lunch and had a sandwich for supper and seems to be doing well. I was going to go grocery shopping but after the move and getting things put up, decided it could wait until tomorrow after the appointment. I think St. Louis Bread company will work for breakfast in the morning. We'll have to make sure we don't overuse it though.
Becky did get her head shaved this afternoon before we left the hospital. It was coming out really fast so it was easier to lose it all at once. She looks great anyway.
Better go and check on her. I had to come to a special room at the apartment complex that has wireless internet until I can figure out the other internet in the apartment which is through the cable company.
Have a great night and we'll blog again tomorrow.
Becky and Barb
Day +14 MOVING DAY
Read Psalm 95:1-7 this morning as our Scripture for the day. It's a little longer and I have a lot to do this morning to get ready to move to the apartment. I took cards down early this morning and the room really looks empty already. They sure brightened up the place and helped her feel better.
She received 2 units of blood during the night and feels a lot peppier this morning. Her color is better too. Another side effect of the chemo began during the night too....Her hair started falling out. She had been expecting it from the beginning but since it hadn't so far she thought maybe it wasn't going to come out. But VOILA!!! We have ball hats ready though. One of the other ladies said when hers started coming out she and her husband had a hair pulling party so I guess we may get to do that tonight.
The doctor was just in and said it would probably be noon or soon after before she would be discharged and she was sending the prescriptions to pharmacy now. I am suppose to meet the lady at the apartment at 10:00 so I can start getting things moved over after that. Maybe all I'll have to do is move her by the time she's ready to go.
Not much else from here. I need to pack the computer up too. We'll write again tonight.
Love,
Becky and Barb
She received 2 units of blood during the night and feels a lot peppier this morning. Her color is better too. Another side effect of the chemo began during the night too....Her hair started falling out. She had been expecting it from the beginning but since it hadn't so far she thought maybe it wasn't going to come out. But VOILA!!! We have ball hats ready though. One of the other ladies said when hers started coming out she and her husband had a hair pulling party so I guess we may get to do that tonight.
The doctor was just in and said it would probably be noon or soon after before she would be discharged and she was sending the prescriptions to pharmacy now. I am suppose to meet the lady at the apartment at 10:00 so I can start getting things moved over after that. Maybe all I'll have to do is move her by the time she's ready to go.
Not much else from here. I need to pack the computer up too. We'll write again tonight.
Love,
Becky and Barb
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Day +13 Evening
I have been packing up things this evening getting ready for the big move to the apartment tomorrow. We're not sure exactly what time we'll be getting out because the discharge nurse has to come in and they want to make sure all the counts are OK. They will also have to fill the prescriptions in the pharmacy here at the hospital before we leave too. Dr. DiPersio said he would see us in Clinic the next time which according to the nurse will be Monday. They are scheduling her for another appointment and a possible blood transfusion on Thursday as well as another antibiotic breathing treatment. She will be seen in the clinic 2 times a week for a while and then once a week when things stabalize.
The nurse just came in and her WBC went up again today and it's 16.8 now which is actually high but the nurse said the Neupogen shots make the cells produce more WBC's and ANC's and that's why her counts went up. She also said that she was probably already beginning to make more cells on her own and things should stabilize in a few days. Her ANC is14300 which is good. Her Hemoglobin was 8.3 and Hematocrit 23.5 which means she's going to get a couple units of blood tonight. Her platelets increased again today to 66 which they said may go down from the 52 yesterday. They stopped her Neupogen shots today which thrilled her. They really burned and she was bruising real bad from them. All in all she's doing great. The nurse tonight said, "She's doing amazing". Becky said ,"It's not me. It's the Lord working."
We're watching the Cardinals again tonight. I think this TV is broken because that seems to be the only thing that is on in the evenings. Hopefully the one in the apartment works better but I don't see that happening! Ha! Ha! She loves her Cards!!!
Hopefully we'll send a final blog from the hospital tomorrow morning and one from the apartment tomorrow night.
Becky and Barb
The nurse just came in and her WBC went up again today and it's 16.8 now which is actually high but the nurse said the Neupogen shots make the cells produce more WBC's and ANC's and that's why her counts went up. She also said that she was probably already beginning to make more cells on her own and things should stabilize in a few days. Her ANC is14300 which is good. Her Hemoglobin was 8.3 and Hematocrit 23.5 which means she's going to get a couple units of blood tonight. Her platelets increased again today to 66 which they said may go down from the 52 yesterday. They stopped her Neupogen shots today which thrilled her. They really burned and she was bruising real bad from them. All in all she's doing great. The nurse tonight said, "She's doing amazing". Becky said ,"It's not me. It's the Lord working."
We're watching the Cardinals again tonight. I think this TV is broken because that seems to be the only thing that is on in the evenings. Hopefully the one in the apartment works better but I don't see that happening! Ha! Ha! She loves her Cards!!!
Hopefully we'll send a final blog from the hospital tomorrow morning and one from the apartment tomorrow night.
Becky and Barb
Day +13
I woke up this morning to a Scripture in mind for today and it spoke to me and what I said in the blog last night. Philippians 4:4-7 says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus". I am no longer going to be anxious about going to the apartment but we put all our trust in the Lord to continue to do great things in Becky's life.
Becky had a good nights sleep last night. She said the nurse woke her up at 11 to give her the antibiotic and they both got a good laugh when Becky said, "Now I'll never know how I sounded on the organ!" She had been dreaming about playing the organ at a church for the first time. She said she never finished the dream but we all know she would have done a great job on the organ anyway.
They never did send up the ANC count because there was such a difference in the WBC from Monday to Tuesday that it has to be verified by another lab person. They said to ask about it later today. Becky said it's just another way that God is working things out. Actually 11.3 is a little high for a white count so we'll be interested to see how it comes out.
We are praying for another good day and will be trying to walk more and go to exercise class this morning at 11.
Here is the address at the apartment. They said we could have it early if she gets out on Thurs. or Fri.
Becky Hamm
4545 Forest Park Ave.
Apt. B 201
St. Louis, MO 63108
Phone # 314-361-5790
Rejoicing in Him.
Becky and Barb
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus". I am no longer going to be anxious about going to the apartment but we put all our trust in the Lord to continue to do great things in Becky's life.
Becky had a good nights sleep last night. She said the nurse woke her up at 11 to give her the antibiotic and they both got a good laugh when Becky said, "Now I'll never know how I sounded on the organ!" She had been dreaming about playing the organ at a church for the first time. She said she never finished the dream but we all know she would have done a great job on the organ anyway.
They never did send up the ANC count because there was such a difference in the WBC from Monday to Tuesday that it has to be verified by another lab person. They said to ask about it later today. Becky said it's just another way that God is working things out. Actually 11.3 is a little high for a white count so we'll be interested to see how it comes out.
We are praying for another good day and will be trying to walk more and go to exercise class this morning at 11.
Here is the address at the apartment. They said we could have it early if she gets out on Thurs. or Fri.
Becky Hamm
4545 Forest Park Ave.
Apt. B 201
St. Louis, MO 63108
Phone # 314-361-5790
Rejoicing in Him.
Becky and Barb
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Day +12 Evening
Becky had a fairly good day today. She still doesn't have much of an appetite or want to drink but has been forcing some down. She has to be able to drink a liter to 1 1/2 liter of fluid a day to get discharged. She did walk 4 laps today (one at a time) but they count. She also has done the exercises that Physical Therapy gave her to do. The only thing that sounded good for her tonight was an Arby's Roast Beef so I drove over on Lindell and got her a sandwich and some potato cakes and she ate most of it. Anything to get her to eat!!
Dr. DiPersio came in this afternoon and said she was doing great and he was looking to discharge her on Thursday or Friday at the latest as long as she didn't run a fever or get the diarrhea. We were both in shock because we had been told it would be day 18 -20 which wouldn't be until Monday at the earliest. We are excited but also a little anxious since it will only be day 14 if she's released on Thursday. I'm sure he knows what he's doing and we have to trust him. We haven't gotten all the lab results from today but her white count went from 2.0 to 11.3 which surprised the nurse. The platelets also went up from 27 to 53. She still is really weak but it looks like things are going in the right direction. We hope to get the rest of the counts later tonight.
Becky had some surprise visitors today from Glendale, Gary and Becky Strand, and we really enjoyed their visit. It's always good to see people from home.
Not much else from here. She is going to need some phosphorus again tonight but otherwise is unhooked from the IV's. The phosphorus is run over 6 hours so the nurse suggested that she start it in the morning about 5 and then she could sleep during the night without the machine beeping. I promised the nurse I would try not to snore as bad tonight too.
Hope everyone has a good nights rest.
Becky and Barb
Dr. DiPersio came in this afternoon and said she was doing great and he was looking to discharge her on Thursday or Friday at the latest as long as she didn't run a fever or get the diarrhea. We were both in shock because we had been told it would be day 18 -20 which wouldn't be until Monday at the earliest. We are excited but also a little anxious since it will only be day 14 if she's released on Thursday. I'm sure he knows what he's doing and we have to trust him. We haven't gotten all the lab results from today but her white count went from 2.0 to 11.3 which surprised the nurse. The platelets also went up from 27 to 53. She still is really weak but it looks like things are going in the right direction. We hope to get the rest of the counts later tonight.
Becky had some surprise visitors today from Glendale, Gary and Becky Strand, and we really enjoyed their visit. It's always good to see people from home.
Not much else from here. She is going to need some phosphorus again tonight but otherwise is unhooked from the IV's. The phosphorus is run over 6 hours so the nurse suggested that she start it in the morning about 5 and then she could sleep during the night without the machine beeping. I promised the nurse I would try not to snore as bad tonight too.
Hope everyone has a good nights rest.
Becky and Barb
Day +12
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my protion; therefore I will wait for Him." Lamentations 3:22-24.
Sorry the blog is so late this morning. Becky said she didn't sleep well last night but I sure did. She said I snored all night. (I didn't hear a thing!) She is weak this morning and has a slight headache but nothing "major" is going on with her. The nurse just came in and said they would change the dressing today after she gets cleaned up. We ordered breakfast and she wanted oatmeal this morning and an orange. So that's what she gets.
The nurse is already talking to her about getting out of bed and walking more today to make the cells work. I guess I'm going to have to push more today. She told me I would have to make her get up and move and so I will do my job.
I talked to some of the other patients family and they are having a lot of mouth sores and diarrhea but Becky has been spared that so far. PTL. We know it could come yet but are praying that she might be one of those who doesn't have all the bad side effects.
It has become a revolving door here all of a sudden with the nurse, tech, and doctor all in at once but the care has been exceptional. No real complaints though. Her ANC was "0" last night which according to them is good. The only way is UP now.
We are looking forward to the day. God is so Good to us.
Becky and Barb
Sorry the blog is so late this morning. Becky said she didn't sleep well last night but I sure did. She said I snored all night. (I didn't hear a thing!) She is weak this morning and has a slight headache but nothing "major" is going on with her. The nurse just came in and said they would change the dressing today after she gets cleaned up. We ordered breakfast and she wanted oatmeal this morning and an orange. So that's what she gets.
The nurse is already talking to her about getting out of bed and walking more today to make the cells work. I guess I'm going to have to push more today. She told me I would have to make her get up and move and so I will do my job.
I talked to some of the other patients family and they are having a lot of mouth sores and diarrhea but Becky has been spared that so far. PTL. We know it could come yet but are praying that she might be one of those who doesn't have all the bad side effects.
It has become a revolving door here all of a sudden with the nurse, tech, and doctor all in at once but the care has been exceptional. No real complaints though. Her ANC was "0" last night which according to them is good. The only way is UP now.
We are looking forward to the day. God is so Good to us.
Becky and Barb
Monday, July 27, 2009
Day +11 Evening
Becky slept off and on most of the day today. She hasn't had any pain medicine since 5 am this morning. Hope, Jessica, Marty, Rachel and Amy all came together to see her today. She slept quite a bit while they were here but they understood and she was glad to see them and them to see her. The doctor's changed her medicine that was given over 20 hours by IV to oral twice a day so she is free from the IV for most of the day. She really enjoys her freedom. She still gets the Neupogen shots daily but the nurse that gave it today put it in slowly and it didn't burn as badly as before. I think she'll suggest that to all the nurses in the future.
She hasn't had much of an appetite today either but did eat some dry cheerios for breakfast, a bowl of Broccoli cheddar soup for lunch, and a tomato from Arkansas, orange sections, some crackers, and a banana milkshake for supper. It's better than nothing.
They finally got blood from the port this afternoon after a lot of work. The nurse just came with the lab counts and her WBC went up to 2.0 from 0.7 yesterday. The ANC has not been calculated yet but it's usually about 80-90% of the white count so that will be up too. The hematocrit, hemoglobin, and platelets all went down from yesterday and she's getting close to needing some replacement but that's not unexpected either.
She was able to do 2 laps today but is just really tired and with the counts like they are it's no wonder. I haven't pushed as much today since she has felt so bad but they all keep saying that walking and exercise will help with the healing process. Tomorrow's another day!!!
She is watching the Cardinals on TV now and so far is not in much pain. She told the nurse if it got much worse she'd ask for something. She rated the pain a 3 right now and if it gets to a 5 she'll get something. She has a pretty high pain threshhold.
Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.
Becky and Barb
She hasn't had much of an appetite today either but did eat some dry cheerios for breakfast, a bowl of Broccoli cheddar soup for lunch, and a tomato from Arkansas, orange sections, some crackers, and a banana milkshake for supper. It's better than nothing.
They finally got blood from the port this afternoon after a lot of work. The nurse just came with the lab counts and her WBC went up to 2.0 from 0.7 yesterday. The ANC has not been calculated yet but it's usually about 80-90% of the white count so that will be up too. The hematocrit, hemoglobin, and platelets all went down from yesterday and she's getting close to needing some replacement but that's not unexpected either.
She was able to do 2 laps today but is just really tired and with the counts like they are it's no wonder. I haven't pushed as much today since she has felt so bad but they all keep saying that walking and exercise will help with the healing process. Tomorrow's another day!!!
She is watching the Cardinals on TV now and so far is not in much pain. She told the nurse if it got much worse she'd ask for something. She rated the pain a 3 right now and if it gets to a 5 she'll get something. She has a pretty high pain threshhold.
Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.
Becky and Barb
Day+11
Matt. 11:28,29 seems appropriate this morning which says, "Come unto Me all ye that are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you willl find rest for your souls".
Becky is still sleeping this morning so I'm blogging without her reading it. (She usually has to approve before I can send it). The pain finally won last night and she had to ask for Oxycodone at 10:00. They gave her Zofran for nausea first and the pain med about 15 minutes later and she didn't get sick. I'm not sure she would anyway but has in the past with narcotics so she doesn't want to take a chance on it. She woke up again about 4:30 to the bathroom and the pain was getting bad again so they repeated the Zofran and Oxycodone about 5 and she's sleeping good now without pain. She can have it every 6 hours but it will make her sleep so I'm not sure if she'll want to take it during the day. This pain should continue until the Neupogen shots end and her counts come back to normal. The white count was even lower last night than the night before at 0.7 but the doctor said she should start back up in the next day or two. Please keep praying that the counts improve and the pain is tolerable for her.
She counted cards yesterday and there were 90 on the wall as well as several she has received through email. She is so blessed to have so many Christian friends. Of course to have a friend you have to be a friend and she is a perfect example of that.
Have a Godly day!
Becky and Barb
Becky is still sleeping this morning so I'm blogging without her reading it. (She usually has to approve before I can send it). The pain finally won last night and she had to ask for Oxycodone at 10:00. They gave her Zofran for nausea first and the pain med about 15 minutes later and she didn't get sick. I'm not sure she would anyway but has in the past with narcotics so she doesn't want to take a chance on it. She woke up again about 4:30 to the bathroom and the pain was getting bad again so they repeated the Zofran and Oxycodone about 5 and she's sleeping good now without pain. She can have it every 6 hours but it will make her sleep so I'm not sure if she'll want to take it during the day. This pain should continue until the Neupogen shots end and her counts come back to normal. The white count was even lower last night than the night before at 0.7 but the doctor said she should start back up in the next day or two. Please keep praying that the counts improve and the pain is tolerable for her.
She counted cards yesterday and there were 90 on the wall as well as several she has received through email. She is so blessed to have so many Christian friends. Of course to have a friend you have to be a friend and she is a perfect example of that.
Have a Godly day!
Becky and Barb
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Day +10 Evening
Today we enjoyed listening to our brother Richard's sermon for our worship time and then we had communion with BJ and Larania. Larania took Barb out to St. Louis Bread Company for lunch and we brought Becky back some Broccoli cheddar soup which she enjoyed. Larania also brought some fresh tomatoes from her mother's in Arkansas and Becky is really enjoying them. Thanks Larania.
Dr. DiPersio came in this afternoon and when he heard Becky was having severe back pain and leg pain he said, "That's good. That means there's some action going on in there". She has had a couple Tylenol today but can't have too many of those because the Graft Versus Host Disease affects the liver and they don't want the Tylenol which can also affect the liver. The other medicine for pain makes her "feel funny" so she doesn't want it but may have to take some tonight. She has to take the good with the bad.
We had pizza again for supper and she also had a banana milkshake. Quite a combination but if that's what she wants that's what she gets.
She has walked 3 laps even though she hasn't felt like it. They keep telling her it's important to walk every day if at all possible. She also did her exercises from PT.
She's looking forward to her 3 daughters being here tomorrow. We're praying for another restful night.
More tomorrow.
Becky and Barb
Dr. DiPersio came in this afternoon and when he heard Becky was having severe back pain and leg pain he said, "That's good. That means there's some action going on in there". She has had a couple Tylenol today but can't have too many of those because the Graft Versus Host Disease affects the liver and they don't want the Tylenol which can also affect the liver. The other medicine for pain makes her "feel funny" so she doesn't want it but may have to take some tonight. She has to take the good with the bad.
We had pizza again for supper and she also had a banana milkshake. Quite a combination but if that's what she wants that's what she gets.
She has walked 3 laps even though she hasn't felt like it. They keep telling her it's important to walk every day if at all possible. She also did her exercises from PT.
She's looking forward to her 3 daughters being here tomorrow. We're praying for another restful night.
More tomorrow.
Becky and Barb
Day +10
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him" I Cor. 2:9. Our hope and confidence is in Him to has us in His Hands.
We had a good nights rest again. The nurse checked on Becky frequently but was as quiet as she could be. The machine wasn't too bad during the night either. Becky has a little bit of a headache again but we think it's related to one of the medicines. She's starting to feel more of the aches and pains from the Neupogen shots and as of right now can take Tylenol for the pain which seems to help. We still don't have her counts from yesterday but will get them when the day nurse comes in this morning.
They finally got the ports to work for the blood draw. PTL. Hopefully they will continue to do so with a little help from some Heparin. Of course if her platelets are too low they can't do much Heparin either. Everyone is doing all they can to help her so we trust them but more so we trust in HIM.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you today as you go to worship.
Becky and Barb
We had a good nights rest again. The nurse checked on Becky frequently but was as quiet as she could be. The machine wasn't too bad during the night either. Becky has a little bit of a headache again but we think it's related to one of the medicines. She's starting to feel more of the aches and pains from the Neupogen shots and as of right now can take Tylenol for the pain which seems to help. We still don't have her counts from yesterday but will get them when the day nurse comes in this morning.
They finally got the ports to work for the blood draw. PTL. Hopefully they will continue to do so with a little help from some Heparin. Of course if her platelets are too low they can't do much Heparin either. Everyone is doing all they can to help her so we trust them but more so we trust in HIM.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you today as you go to worship.
Becky and Barb
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Evening of Day +9
It's a good thing that Becky enjoyed the ribs the last couple of days because she hasn't had an appetite today at all. She has forced herself to eat a little but it hasn't been much. She is beginning to experience some of the side effects of the Neupogen shots with bone pain in her legs. She is also getting some mouth sores from all the chemo drugs and also the anti-rejection drugs.
A doctor, who hadn't seen Becky before, came in this morning to see her and asked which one of us was the patient. Becky was sitting up in the recliner working on a Sudoku puzzle. He said usually he can tell the patient by the bald head but so far she hasn't lost any of her hair this time. I'm not sure what it says for me though. I went up the hall a while later and he told me again how great she looks to have gone through what she's had and is going through. When I told her she said, "I wish I felt as good as he says I look."
Becky did walk 3 laps with me this morning and did the exercises the Physical Therapist left. She is really tired this evening and not sure if she'll walk anymore tonight. I think she will do the exercises though.
We don't have any counts yet for today because they are having a problem getting blood from the port again. They did an X-ray and it is still in the right place, so the nurse has put in some medication to dissolve any clot that may have formed at the end of the catheter. Hopefully that will work so they can get the blood from the port or they will have to use the one good vein she has in her arm. One of the main functions of the port is so she won't have to be stuck every time for blood. It'll be OK though.
We pray all will have a blessed Lord's Day tomorrow. We are planning on listening to a sermon by our brother Richard who preaches in Glasgow, KY.
Becky and Barb
A doctor, who hadn't seen Becky before, came in this morning to see her and asked which one of us was the patient. Becky was sitting up in the recliner working on a Sudoku puzzle. He said usually he can tell the patient by the bald head but so far she hasn't lost any of her hair this time. I'm not sure what it says for me though. I went up the hall a while later and he told me again how great she looks to have gone through what she's had and is going through. When I told her she said, "I wish I felt as good as he says I look."
Becky did walk 3 laps with me this morning and did the exercises the Physical Therapist left. She is really tired this evening and not sure if she'll walk anymore tonight. I think she will do the exercises though.
We don't have any counts yet for today because they are having a problem getting blood from the port again. They did an X-ray and it is still in the right place, so the nurse has put in some medication to dissolve any clot that may have formed at the end of the catheter. Hopefully that will work so they can get the blood from the port or they will have to use the one good vein she has in her arm. One of the main functions of the port is so she won't have to be stuck every time for blood. It'll be OK though.
We pray all will have a blessed Lord's Day tomorrow. We are planning on listening to a sermon by our brother Richard who preaches in Glasgow, KY.
Becky and Barb
Day +9
"Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!" Revelation 7:12
We are so thankful for a good nights rest. The machine only went off a couple times and we were able to sleep about 4 hours uninterrupted. I got up this morning about 5:45 and put in some laundry. I tried all day yesterday but it was always busy. I guess Friday must be laundry day here. Ha!! I have my second load in and will be done for the day soon.
Becky is awake and watching the sun rise. It's suppose to be warm and sunny today and we look forward to the new day. Her White count was up yesterday but the Hemoglobin, Hematocrit and Platelets were all down some so that could explain why she was so tired yesterday. They sure keep a close eye on it.
The headache is gone this morning after 2 Tylenol. The nurse said since her counts were good the Tylenol wouldn't hurt. I tried to convince her the Oxycodone wouldn't hurt since she would be sleeping anyway but she's just doesn't want to take it.
We will post again this evening and we continue feel all your prayers being offered up for us.
Becky and Barb
We are so thankful for a good nights rest. The machine only went off a couple times and we were able to sleep about 4 hours uninterrupted. I got up this morning about 5:45 and put in some laundry. I tried all day yesterday but it was always busy. I guess Friday must be laundry day here. Ha!! I have my second load in and will be done for the day soon.
Becky is awake and watching the sun rise. It's suppose to be warm and sunny today and we look forward to the new day. Her White count was up yesterday but the Hemoglobin, Hematocrit and Platelets were all down some so that could explain why she was so tired yesterday. They sure keep a close eye on it.
The headache is gone this morning after 2 Tylenol. The nurse said since her counts were good the Tylenol wouldn't hurt. I tried to convince her the Oxycodone wouldn't hurt since she would be sleeping anyway but she's just doesn't want to take it.
We will post again this evening and we continue feel all your prayers being offered up for us.
Becky and Barb
Friday, July 24, 2009
Evening of Day +8
Becky is already in bed for the evening. She has a headache and they can't give her Tylenol but can give Oxycodone but she doesn't like the way it makes her feel so she doesn't want to take it. She's hoping she can sleep it off. She didn't sleep well last night for the IV machine beeping and then has been busy today with the Physical Therapist working with her for a while, going to Exercise class, and then walking a few laps. I think she's a little worn out and that could be causing the headache too.
Her mouth was watering again for ribs so she ordered them at 11:30. It usually takes about 45 minutes for food to get here and about 10 minutes before it was to come, they called and said they had run out of ribs and would she like something else. Not really!! She did order a Taco salad and ate some of it but it wasn't what she wanted. She still had a taste for ribs, and what Becky wants to eat I'll try and get, so I made an Applebee's run for Riblets. She loved it and ate well. Of course, so did I.
We are both going to turn in early tonight so I'm going to sign off here. Hope everyone gets a good nights rest.
Becky and Barb
Her mouth was watering again for ribs so she ordered them at 11:30. It usually takes about 45 minutes for food to get here and about 10 minutes before it was to come, they called and said they had run out of ribs and would she like something else. Not really!! She did order a Taco salad and ate some of it but it wasn't what she wanted. She still had a taste for ribs, and what Becky wants to eat I'll try and get, so I made an Applebee's run for Riblets. She loved it and ate well. Of course, so did I.
We are both going to turn in early tonight so I'm going to sign off here. Hope everyone gets a good nights rest.
Becky and Barb
Morning of Day +8
Psalm 91:1,2 says," He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust"." We continue to put our trust in Him who is providing all our needs.
Becky is out walking with the Physical Therapist this morning and the doctor caught her as she was heading out the door, so she's seen her this morning too. She seems to be doing great. She didn't get a lot of sleep because the IV kept beeping. The doctor asked if she needed anything to help her sleep and of course she said NO and she wouldn't have any trouble sleeping if it wasn't for the machine. She is able to get back to sleep easily though.
She just came back after doing 2 laps with the therapist and a flight of stairs. She said "That really wore me out. Seriously, I'm really worn out!!" She will have to get some rest now because exercise class is at 11 and we HAVE to go. It's really good for her to get the exercise and also visit with some of the other patients. She says that St. Louis Baby Back Ribs are on the menu again for today.
We pray all will have a good day in the Lord.
Becky and Barb
Becky is out walking with the Physical Therapist this morning and the doctor caught her as she was heading out the door, so she's seen her this morning too. She seems to be doing great. She didn't get a lot of sleep because the IV kept beeping. The doctor asked if she needed anything to help her sleep and of course she said NO and she wouldn't have any trouble sleeping if it wasn't for the machine. She is able to get back to sleep easily though.
She just came back after doing 2 laps with the therapist and a flight of stairs. She said "That really wore me out. Seriously, I'm really worn out!!" She will have to get some rest now because exercise class is at 11 and we HAVE to go. It's really good for her to get the exercise and also visit with some of the other patients. She says that St. Louis Baby Back Ribs are on the menu again for today.
We pray all will have a good day in the Lord.
Becky and Barb
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Evening of Day +7
It's been a good day today. The counts are down just a little but we finally found out today that she had a non-oblative chemo regimen so her counts may not bottom out completely but will still go down more. She did start her Neupogen shot today and when Dr. Dipersio came in this evening he said the counts could still go down some even on the shots. He still thinks things are right on target. He did say there are challenges ahead but things are a piece of cake right now.
Becky has had a busy day with the Physical Therapist showing up this morning again and worked with her for about an hour. They did 2 laps and also some exercises in the room. They will probably be back again tomorrow and told her to walk more today and gave her an exercise to do in the room tonight and in the morning. We did 2 more laps this evening and she walked to a class we had to attend this afternoon called Recovery, which dealt with discharge planning and what to look for in Graft Versus Host Disease which is almost inevitable. It's really sort of alarming as quickly as things can go wrong after a transplant but they do everything they can to prepare you for this. After the class we understand more clearly why she has to stay so close to the hospital for a while.
Appetite has been wonderful today and food actually tasted good to her. On her breakfast tray was a flyer this morning saying the Chef's Special was St.Louis Baby Back Ribs, Creamy Potato Salad and Baked Beans. Her mouth was watering just reading it and she couldn't wait to order lunch. She ate all her lunch and it was finger licking good. It's still on special tomorrow and she said she'll probably order it again. The nurse at the class was amazed that she was able to eat all that at this point in her transplant.
She says that nothing to drink tastes good even iced tea which she loves, so this afternoon I went and got some Gatorade and she liked the taste of it for today anyway. She has to be able to drink at least a liter of fluid a day before they will let her go home. She's a long way from that right now. She's getting that much with the IV but not drinking. She'll make it though.
The Cards are on again tonight so we're watching the ballgame. At least she still enjoys that.
Not much else from here. When the nurse brought the cards today she said "You win the award for most cards every day". Becky appreciates all your support so much.
Love,
Becky and Barb
Becky has had a busy day with the Physical Therapist showing up this morning again and worked with her for about an hour. They did 2 laps and also some exercises in the room. They will probably be back again tomorrow and told her to walk more today and gave her an exercise to do in the room tonight and in the morning. We did 2 more laps this evening and she walked to a class we had to attend this afternoon called Recovery, which dealt with discharge planning and what to look for in Graft Versus Host Disease which is almost inevitable. It's really sort of alarming as quickly as things can go wrong after a transplant but they do everything they can to prepare you for this. After the class we understand more clearly why she has to stay so close to the hospital for a while.
Appetite has been wonderful today and food actually tasted good to her. On her breakfast tray was a flyer this morning saying the Chef's Special was St.Louis Baby Back Ribs, Creamy Potato Salad and Baked Beans. Her mouth was watering just reading it and she couldn't wait to order lunch. She ate all her lunch and it was finger licking good. It's still on special tomorrow and she said she'll probably order it again. The nurse at the class was amazed that she was able to eat all that at this point in her transplant.
She says that nothing to drink tastes good even iced tea which she loves, so this afternoon I went and got some Gatorade and she liked the taste of it for today anyway. She has to be able to drink at least a liter of fluid a day before they will let her go home. She's a long way from that right now. She's getting that much with the IV but not drinking. She'll make it though.
The Cards are on again tonight so we're watching the ballgame. At least she still enjoys that.
Not much else from here. When the nurse brought the cards today she said "You win the award for most cards every day". Becky appreciates all your support so much.
Love,
Becky and Barb
Day +7
Good morning! Psalm 19:14 is Becky's choice of Scripture for today which says, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer". After posting the blog last night the nurse came in and said she had to hold off on giving the Neupogen shot (new cell growth factor) because her counts had not dropped completely. When the doctor came in about 9:30 and we asked about why they weren't dropping, he said she had a different kind of transplant and they would drop in the next few days and not to worry about anything.
So, Becky said to ask that you pray her counts drop today so they can begin to start the growth factor shots to build her back up again. With them not dropping it delays the healing process so we need them to drop out. Her white count and ANC actually went back up from Tuesday to Wednesday which shouldn't happen.
We did rest last night but the machine was a little more pesky and kept going off more. All in all it was a good night. We are going to a class on discharge planning this afternoon just to see what we need to get prepared for the next step.
May you all have a Godly day.
Becky and Barb
So, Becky said to ask that you pray her counts drop today so they can begin to start the growth factor shots to build her back up again. With them not dropping it delays the healing process so we need them to drop out. Her white count and ANC actually went back up from Tuesday to Wednesday which shouldn't happen.
We did rest last night but the machine was a little more pesky and kept going off more. All in all it was a good night. We are going to a class on discharge planning this afternoon just to see what we need to get prepared for the next step.
May you all have a Godly day.
Becky and Barb
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Day +6 Evening
We have had a good day. Physical therapy was here this morning and evaluated her again comparing to last week. She is doing very well. She walked one lap with the therapist and then one with me this afternoon and there's one more on the agenda for tonight before bed. She also took in the exercise class this morning and so did I. The other times she went I made trips to the gift shop or the mail box and climbed stairs but since there wasn't any reason for that today I got to exercise. Maybe I can find something to do next time! Ha! Becky sat in the chair again but did most of the exercises anyway.
The Fellow (doctor) finally caught up with her at lunch today. She had come in early while she was taking her bath and then when she was walking with the therapist. They both laughed when she walked in at lunch but we covered Becky's meal and let the doctor do her exam. She said things were going well and keep eating, drinking and walking.
We watched a funny movie this afternoon and it was good to hear her laughing. The nurses all like to come into her room because they say it's quiet and soothing.
Appetite has been better today. She ordered breakfast of sausage, eggs and biscuit and said I could have what she didn't eat but there wasn't anything left for me, which was great!!! Lunch was London Broiled Steak and a twice baked potato and corn and she did pretty good with that too. For supper she just wanted tomato soup but I think all in all she's done a great job with her diet today.
We have had several calls from family and friends today and appreciate all your care and concerns. Becky said to tell everyone that she enjoys all the cards, emails, and blog comments daily. Everyone comments on all the cards she has on the walls. We may have to paint the room when we leave from all the tape marks.
We are hoping for another restful night.
Becky and Barb
The Fellow (doctor) finally caught up with her at lunch today. She had come in early while she was taking her bath and then when she was walking with the therapist. They both laughed when she walked in at lunch but we covered Becky's meal and let the doctor do her exam. She said things were going well and keep eating, drinking and walking.
We watched a funny movie this afternoon and it was good to hear her laughing. The nurses all like to come into her room because they say it's quiet and soothing.
Appetite has been better today. She ordered breakfast of sausage, eggs and biscuit and said I could have what she didn't eat but there wasn't anything left for me, which was great!!! Lunch was London Broiled Steak and a twice baked potato and corn and she did pretty good with that too. For supper she just wanted tomato soup but I think all in all she's done a great job with her diet today.
We have had several calls from family and friends today and appreciate all your care and concerns. Becky said to tell everyone that she enjoys all the cards, emails, and blog comments daily. Everyone comments on all the cards she has on the walls. We may have to paint the room when we leave from all the tape marks.
We are hoping for another restful night.
Becky and Barb
Day +6
Good morning!!! Matt. 11:28 says, "Come unto me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest". We had a much needed rest last night and the best since we've been in the hospital. They changed her antibiotics again and she only gets one now. One of the meds was giving her a bad headache so they changed it. At one stretch last night we actually slept from 12:30 until 4:10. We both thought we had been asleep for hours!! Praise the Lord for seeing to all the little details of our lives.
Breakfast has been ordered and she actually is going to try and eat, but we'll see. Her even wanting food is a good thing!! The skies are gray out today but we're not going to let that cloud our day. There have been times when she gets a little low but it doesn't last long. She usually remembers what Linda Marquis told her "You can pass through Pity City but you can't park" and doesn't dwell it.
We pray you all will have a great day.
Becky and Barb
Breakfast has been ordered and she actually is going to try and eat, but we'll see. Her even wanting food is a good thing!! The skies are gray out today but we're not going to let that cloud our day. There have been times when she gets a little low but it doesn't last long. She usually remembers what Linda Marquis told her "You can pass through Pity City but you can't park" and doesn't dwell it.
We pray you all will have a great day.
Becky and Barb
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
More from Day +5
Becky is sitting in the recliner watching the Cubs and the Phillies waiting on the Cardinals and Astros to start. She has had a pretty good day and has been up since morning. We did a lap today but that pretty well wore her out. She said when we got back to the room that her heart was racing like she had run a mile. Her counts are still lower tonight with the WBC at 1.5. Dr. DiPersio came in this afternoon and said she was in Phase 1 and doing well but still had a long way to go but he has her back. She told him she was counting on that. Of course we all know that God is in control of it all but it's nice to have the head of the department of oncology as your doctor too.
She has had a little better appetite today with baked chicken for lunch, a little chicken Quesadilla for supper and snacks of Cheetos and Cracker Jacks. She's also gotten 2 banana milkshakes today so that should help with the nutrition. I'm just glad she feels like eating something.
Not much else happening here. We are so thankful for the care and concern of family and friends. May God give all a restful evening.
Becky and Barb
She has had a little better appetite today with baked chicken for lunch, a little chicken Quesadilla for supper and snacks of Cheetos and Cracker Jacks. She's also gotten 2 banana milkshakes today so that should help with the nutrition. I'm just glad she feels like eating something.
Not much else happening here. We are so thankful for the care and concern of family and friends. May God give all a restful evening.
Becky and Barb
Day +5
Becky chose the verse for today which is Psalm 104:33 and 34. "I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to Him, as I rejoice in the Lord". We rejoice in a restful night and a new day of life. Becky has been up and had her bath, washed her hair, had breakfast (OJ, biscuit with butter and jelly, and Rice Krispies), done her mouth care and is now sitting in the recliner with her Bible trying to read. Her vision is blurry at times so I read her daily Bible reading to her some but today seems to be a good day. Some of the chemo drugs cause mouth sores but so far she has none because she is faithful to do her mouth rinses.
Her appetite is not real good and they have told her to eat anything she feels like. At 8:10 last night she wanted a banana milkshake but the kitchen closed at 8. There is a Dairy Queen in the Children's Hospital which is attached to this one but she didn't want me out running around alone late at night. Tonight we'll order one before 8 and have it ready for her.
She received several notes from people about the first day of VBS at Glendale and she really enjoyed hearing what a great time they had. We will be praying for the teachers and students both at Glendale and at Tomahawk Christian Church (Barb's home church) in WV which is also in VBS this week.
The nurse was just in explaining what might happen today which is Becky just getting weaker and not feeling like doing anything. We may try to walk a little but we'll not push it too much.
We pray you will all have a Godly day.
Becky and Barb
Her appetite is not real good and they have told her to eat anything she feels like. At 8:10 last night she wanted a banana milkshake but the kitchen closed at 8. There is a Dairy Queen in the Children's Hospital which is attached to this one but she didn't want me out running around alone late at night. Tonight we'll order one before 8 and have it ready for her.
She received several notes from people about the first day of VBS at Glendale and she really enjoyed hearing what a great time they had. We will be praying for the teachers and students both at Glendale and at Tomahawk Christian Church (Barb's home church) in WV which is also in VBS this week.
The nurse was just in explaining what might happen today which is Becky just getting weaker and not feeling like doing anything. We may try to walk a little but we'll not push it too much.
We pray you will all have a Godly day.
Becky and Barb
Monday, July 20, 2009
Day +4 Post #2
Becky has had a pretty good day. Her counts continue to drop and she is getting weaker each day but that is expected. She did go to exercise class today but sat in a chair and did what she could. She visited with another lady who is on day 13 post transplant and enjoyed talking with her and hearing her experiences. She has been up in the chair most of the day and the Nursing Tech said she told someone if they needed a nap that Becky wasn't using her bed! They are glad to see her up as much as possible to ward off pneumonia. She hasn't walked but one lap today but is too weak to do much more. Any walking is better than none.
She received a report of the VBS at the church in Springfield and was thrilled that there were over 280 children there today. Rachel is helping with a class and is taking Becca and Allen and they enjoyed it. Becca and Allen called and talked to MeMe this afternoon and made her day.
We are looking forward to a good night of sleep tonight. May God give all a restful night.
Becky and Barb
She received a report of the VBS at the church in Springfield and was thrilled that there were over 280 children there today. Rachel is helping with a class and is taking Becca and Allen and they enjoyed it. Becca and Allen called and talked to MeMe this afternoon and made her day.
We are looking forward to a good night of sleep tonight. May God give all a restful night.
Becky and Barb
Day +4
Psalm 146:1-2 says, "Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live". We are sitting her listening to a music worship CD and enjoying the bright sunshine of a new day. We both had a good nights sleep, going to bed at 8:30 and only being awakened every 2 hours but were both able to go right back to sleep. Becky is up this morning, dressed and sitting in the recliner with the beeper going off on the IV machine. Her white blood cell count and her Absolute Neutrophil count both continue to drop which is expected and necessary for the transplant to work. When they bottom out, she will be most susceptible to infection so everyone is very cautious of any germs. She is planning on doing the exercise class at 11 today even if she just sits in a chair and does a little.
Appetite is still not good but she did eat a banana popsicle at 4 this morning. Any little thing she can get in will help.
We continue to thank God for all our friends and ask His blessings on you today.
Love,
Becky and Barb
Appetite is still not good but she did eat a banana popsicle at 4 this morning. Any little thing she can get in will help.
We continue to thank God for all our friends and ask His blessings on you today.
Love,
Becky and Barb
Sunday, July 19, 2009
End of Day +3
Good evening. We pray you all have had a great Lord's Day. We finally got to have our service late this afternoon with my son, Tim, preaching to us from Frankfort, IN via internet. Actually he preached it last week and we listened today. Our attendance dropped from 7 last week to 2 this week with the others being out of town. We did share the Lord's supper together too.
Becky was sick this morning with nausea and vomiting and then they gave her some medicine for that which made her sleep most of the morning. Her appetite continues to be low but they say not to push it. She is getting IV fluids and anything she feels like eating or drinking is good. She had Cheeto's this morning and I made some lemonade out of lemons that a friend had brought for Becky to use in tea. She has lost the taste for tea but liked the lemonade so if life gives us lemons, we'll make lemonade!!
Becky has felt better this evening and ate some spaghetti for supper and is now resting in bed watching another ballgame on TV. We are hoping for another quiet night and restful sleep. Dr. DiPersio said today she was right on schedule still so I guess we'll just hang in there.
Thanks for your continued prayers.
Love,
Becky and Barb
Becky was sick this morning with nausea and vomiting and then they gave her some medicine for that which made her sleep most of the morning. Her appetite continues to be low but they say not to push it. She is getting IV fluids and anything she feels like eating or drinking is good. She had Cheeto's this morning and I made some lemonade out of lemons that a friend had brought for Becky to use in tea. She has lost the taste for tea but liked the lemonade so if life gives us lemons, we'll make lemonade!!
Becky has felt better this evening and ate some spaghetti for supper and is now resting in bed watching another ballgame on TV. We are hoping for another quiet night and restful sleep. Dr. DiPersio said today she was right on schedule still so I guess we'll just hang in there.
Thanks for your continued prayers.
Love,
Becky and Barb
Day +3
Our Scripture for the day is Psalm 121. Please take time and read it. The Lord provided a pretty restful night with the IV machine not beeping too much. Becky slept off and on but said she kept dreaming (which she has done often with the chemo). She said one time she heard a noise and thought it was storming outside but then realized it was only me snoring so I must have slept pretty well too. She was able to watch the Cardinals on TV last night but they got beat. She really gets into the games.
We will try to do a little walking today especially if they unhook her for a few hours. She continues to have little to no appetite but they said that was usual for the first few days post transplant. Her blood counts were good yesterday and she continues to remain fever free.
The Lord continues to provide. She was doing so well last night that the nurse she was suppose to have gave her to a nurse that just started on the unit so the first nurse could take care of "sick" patients.
We pray that all will have a great day in worship and our thoughts are with you.
Love,
Becky and Barb
We will try to do a little walking today especially if they unhook her for a few hours. She continues to have little to no appetite but they said that was usual for the first few days post transplant. Her blood counts were good yesterday and she continues to remain fever free.
The Lord continues to provide. She was doing so well last night that the nurse she was suppose to have gave her to a nurse that just started on the unit so the first nurse could take care of "sick" patients.
We pray that all will have a great day in worship and our thoughts are with you.
Love,
Becky and Barb
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Day +2 Still
Today has been relatively uneventful for Day +2. She is beginning to have a few of the minor side effects that are expected like loss of appetite, change in tastes, diarrhea, etc. but none of the fevers or chills. She has made one lap today but doesn't have the energy to do a lot more. She is walking some in the room, especially to the bathroom! The dietician came by yesterday and told us if she wanted something that wasn't on the menu to just ask for it so we have requested a banana milkshake the last 2 evenings and she's enjoyed them. We don't know how long that will taste good but while it does, we'll order it.
It was nice for us to have some friends from home visit today for a few minutes and we have received several calls and emails. She has slept some this afternoon which she really needed. They unhooked her from the IV's for about 4 hours today and she enjoyed her "freedom".
Dr. DiPersio, her main doctor, came in today and said that "things are right on track". He also said there was just a lot of waiting to be done now. Patience has never been one of my strong points but it looks like I'm going to have to learn.
Our prayer is that all of you may have a good day tomorrow in worship.
Love,
Becky and Barb
It was nice for us to have some friends from home visit today for a few minutes and we have received several calls and emails. She has slept some this afternoon which she really needed. They unhooked her from the IV's for about 4 hours today and she enjoyed her "freedom".
Dr. DiPersio, her main doctor, came in today and said that "things are right on track". He also said there was just a lot of waiting to be done now. Patience has never been one of my strong points but it looks like I'm going to have to learn.
Our prayer is that all of you may have a good day tomorrow in worship.
Love,
Becky and Barb
Day +2
Lamentations 3:22-24 says,"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait on Him". Sometimes we are so impatient and want a quick fix but know that we need to wait on Him to work things out. It is a new morning and Becky is feeling a lot better. Of course 2 units of blood will do that for you! It was not a real restfull night with a lot going on but the fever has broken and she is a lot more alert. She doesn't remember much of anything about the first 12 hours after the transplant but that's probably best. There will still be rough days ahead but at least for today she is feeling better.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
Love,
Becky and Barb
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
Love,
Becky and Barb
Friday, July 17, 2009
Day +1 Afternoon
Since I wrote this morning Becky has been sleeping most of the time. She woke up about a half hour ago to look at more cards. Her room is beginning to look like a Card Shop and she so enjoys reading them. She always says people are so sweet to be sending all these. Nurses and techs are amazed at all the support that she has around her. It's so great to be a part of the Family of God.
Her fever has been down some since earlier today but is still running 100-101. She has only eaten a small cup of applesauce and is now sucking on a banana popsicle. Jan, a friend of Bj's and Becky's (and mine too) made a grocery run for us and got popsicles, Strawberry Medley (go Jan), and lemons for tea. She lives just a few miles from the hospital and we appreciate her help.
Daddy and Martha left a little after 11 and we haven't heard from them yet but guess they're almost home by now. BJ got here about noon and Hope, Marty and Rachel have been here off and on during the day. I was able to go to the kids room at the hotel this afternoon and take a power nap! Since Becky has slept most of the day, it may be another long night. I teased her and said I may request Benadryl or Ativan to knock her out! I'm just glad she's feeling a little better.
Thank you all for your prayers and continue concerned.
Love,
Barb and Becky
Her fever has been down some since earlier today but is still running 100-101. She has only eaten a small cup of applesauce and is now sucking on a banana popsicle. Jan, a friend of Bj's and Becky's (and mine too) made a grocery run for us and got popsicles, Strawberry Medley (go Jan), and lemons for tea. She lives just a few miles from the hospital and we appreciate her help.
Daddy and Martha left a little after 11 and we haven't heard from them yet but guess they're almost home by now. BJ got here about noon and Hope, Marty and Rachel have been here off and on during the day. I was able to go to the kids room at the hotel this afternoon and take a power nap! Since Becky has slept most of the day, it may be another long night. I teased her and said I may request Benadryl or Ativan to knock her out! I'm just glad she's feeling a little better.
Thank you all for your prayers and continue concerned.
Love,
Barb and Becky
Day +1
Romans 8:28 is my verse for today. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose". We knew there were going to be a few more bumps in the road after the transplant, but Becky and I weren't quite ready for them to come upon us so quick. After the infusion of cells went so smoothly, we thought we would have a good nights sleep but that wasn't to be the case. About 1:00 Becky started with the chills and shaking again and her temperature went us. She also had eaten some jello right after the infusion and it all came up. The nurse was in an out all night doing medications for the fever and taking blood cultures and had a chest x-ray done. In the midst of all that, 2 of the 3 lumens of the port are refusing to give a blood return again. Pray that it's only positional and it will start working again. She's a strong lady and will handle whatever comes but really doesn't want to do another port change.
The nurse was just in this morning and her temp is 104 and her heart rate was 156. They did an EKG and she is in sinus rhythm (which is good) so they think the rapid heart rate is from the fever. They're just not sure the source of the fever. They have changed 1 of her antibiotics, increased the dose of one and added 2 antifungal medications that hopefully will begin to turn things around. They also increased her fluid intake which should help also. Her nurse today is one of the oncology ICU nurses and has been at it a while and is right on top of things and isn't afraid to confront the "fellows" (doctors) for treatment.
Daddy and Martha were suppose to leave this morning but I haven't talked to them yet. It was almost midnight when everybody left here last night, so hopefully he is still resting. He is suppose to preach for my brother Steve this Sunday and will need to get back to KY. The 3 children that were able to be here are staying today also and BJ is coming up also. Becky may not be very good company though since they are going to keep her highly medicated until the fever comes down.
We know that God is still watching over us and will provide for all our needs according to His will. We'll keep in touch.
Love,
Barb and Becky
The nurse was just in this morning and her temp is 104 and her heart rate was 156. They did an EKG and she is in sinus rhythm (which is good) so they think the rapid heart rate is from the fever. They're just not sure the source of the fever. They have changed 1 of her antibiotics, increased the dose of one and added 2 antifungal medications that hopefully will begin to turn things around. They also increased her fluid intake which should help also. Her nurse today is one of the oncology ICU nurses and has been at it a while and is right on top of things and isn't afraid to confront the "fellows" (doctors) for treatment.
Daddy and Martha were suppose to leave this morning but I haven't talked to them yet. It was almost midnight when everybody left here last night, so hopefully he is still resting. He is suppose to preach for my brother Steve this Sunday and will need to get back to KY. The 3 children that were able to be here are staying today also and BJ is coming up also. Becky may not be very good company though since they are going to keep her highly medicated until the fever comes down.
We know that God is still watching over us and will provide for all our needs according to His will. We'll keep in touch.
Love,
Barb and Becky
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Still Day Zero
Everything went well with the infusion of the cells. It started at 10:35 and finished at 11:25. Becky was awake, even with 50mg Benadryl, and watched the bag of cells the whole time. We took several pictures. It is so amazing how someone she doesn't even know was willling to give a part of themselves to save her. It was so exciting to watch the procedure and think of what would be happening in her body in the next few weeks. The nurse that did the infusion was doing it for the first time alone but was supervised by an experienced nurse and she did a great job. We are all very tired and are heading to bed.
Thank you very much for you many prayers and thoughts today. What a Birthday for Becky. Praise be to our God who specializes in the impossible.
Love,
Becky and Barb
Thank you very much for you many prayers and thoughts today. What a Birthday for Becky. Praise be to our God who specializes in the impossible.
Love,
Becky and Barb
Day Zero and counting
I know many of you are probably wondering why I haven't written on the blog yet but nothing has happened with the transplant yet. The nurse just came in and said Becky should be getting fluids and premeds soon and the actual cells should be on the floor and ready to infuse about 10:00. Becky said they have all acted as if it's nothing all day and now start telling all the things that can go wrong. Of course there's always risks with any procedure but they are prepared for any happenings. Becky is trying to rest now and get herself ready for the late night especially since she didn't sleep last night. I will try and write after the procedure is over and let you know how it went.
Keep lifting her and the staff here up in prayer. God is still in control!!
Love,
Barb
Keep lifting her and the staff here up in prayer. God is still in control!!
Love,
Barb
DAY ZERO
We awoke this morning to the sun streaming down from above. What a beautiful day the Lord has made. There's a song stuck in my head the last couple of days that is also one of Becky's favorite scripture verses, "He who began a good work in you, will be faithful to complete it". That is our theme for today. We rejoice in this new day. I sang Happy Birthday to her at about the time Mother said she was born this morning about 6:10.
Our night wasn't as restful as it could have been because the IV machine kept getting air in the lines and beeping. The nurses must have been busy because one time it took over 15 minutes for her to get here but we made it. Becky is a little tired and shakey this morning but that could be from lack of sleep or from her new diabetes. She has had her bath and eaten a little breakfast and is now talking to a longtime friend from PA. I'll read her all the birthday wishes she is receiving in a little bit.
We talked with Hope this morning and Rachel was there and Marty was on the way so they will be up here about 11 or so. We haven't heard from Daddy yet but I'm sure he's up. They'll be here soon I'm sure.
I'll try and post the blog again tonight after the transplant. Hope's bringing a camera so we can get pictures of the 2 birthday celebrations.
Love,
Becky and Barb
Our night wasn't as restful as it could have been because the IV machine kept getting air in the lines and beeping. The nurses must have been busy because one time it took over 15 minutes for her to get here but we made it. Becky is a little tired and shakey this morning but that could be from lack of sleep or from her new diabetes. She has had her bath and eaten a little breakfast and is now talking to a longtime friend from PA. I'll read her all the birthday wishes she is receiving in a little bit.
We talked with Hope this morning and Rachel was there and Marty was on the way so they will be up here about 11 or so. We haven't heard from Daddy yet but I'm sure he's up. They'll be here soon I'm sure.
I'll try and post the blog again tonight after the transplant. Hope's bringing a camera so we can get pictures of the 2 birthday celebrations.
Love,
Becky and Barb
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Day -1
Good evening!! It has been a good day. Becky went to exercise class this morning and came back to the room panting. They really put her through it. Not really. They did some stretches and leg kicks that left Becky sitting in a chair for the last part of the class. It was good for her to go and meet several of the other patients that had already had their transplants and were doing well.
.
Jessica got here about 11 and we enjoyed her visit. She helped Aunt B set the clock on the blog site because I thought some of you were sending us messages at 5 in the morning. We are up some days at that time but not blogging. Becky has been up in the chair quite a bit today and has handled the Atgam treatment much better. They have had to give her a lot of steroids and now she has developed Steroid induced diabetes and is receiving insulin on a sliding scale. They said that it should go away when she gets off all the high powered steroids.
Daddy and Martha got here about 4:00 pm after taking an unplanned tour of downtown St. Louis. My brother David had helped Daddy get a cell phone and he called us and Barb talked them to the hospital. After they got checked into the hotel, which is connected to the hospital, Daddy was ready to go see Becky so that's what we did. Becky was really glad to see them.
Tomorrow should be an uneventful day, other than the birthday celebration for #62, until after 6pm when she'll get the transplant and have her 2nd birthday. They have to wait 24 hours after the completion of Atgam before she can have the transplant. It will be done here in the room and there will be a doctor on the floor and a nurse with her all the time. We are all excited about it and pray all goes as planned.
Have a great night and we'll let you know how things go tomorrow night.
Love,
Becky and Barb
.
Jessica got here about 11 and we enjoyed her visit. She helped Aunt B set the clock on the blog site because I thought some of you were sending us messages at 5 in the morning. We are up some days at that time but not blogging. Becky has been up in the chair quite a bit today and has handled the Atgam treatment much better. They have had to give her a lot of steroids and now she has developed Steroid induced diabetes and is receiving insulin on a sliding scale. They said that it should go away when she gets off all the high powered steroids.
Daddy and Martha got here about 4:00 pm after taking an unplanned tour of downtown St. Louis. My brother David had helped Daddy get a cell phone and he called us and Barb talked them to the hospital. After they got checked into the hotel, which is connected to the hospital, Daddy was ready to go see Becky so that's what we did. Becky was really glad to see them.
Tomorrow should be an uneventful day, other than the birthday celebration for #62, until after 6pm when she'll get the transplant and have her 2nd birthday. They have to wait 24 hours after the completion of Atgam before she can have the transplant. It will be done here in the room and there will be a doctor on the floor and a nurse with her all the time. We are all excited about it and pray all goes as planned.
Have a great night and we'll let you know how things go tomorrow night.
Love,
Becky and Barb
Day -1
Good morning! God is so Good!! Becky and I both had a good night of sleep for being in the hospital. She has been free of fever since they changed the port yesterday and put her on the antibiotics. One of the antibiotics, Vancomycin, causes something called "Red Face Syndrome" and boy did her face get RED. It went away after the medicine was finished. She dozed during the ball game but was awake at the end to see her National League lose. Oh well, it wasn't the first time!!
It's raining here this morning but the Son continues to shine. We are looking forward to Jessica, Daddy and Martha being here today. She will get her last dose of Atgam (rabbit serum) at noon today but will continue the other 2 anti-rejection drugs.
More news later. Have a Godly Day.
Love,
Becky and Barb
Philippians 1:3-6
It's raining here this morning but the Son continues to shine. We are looking forward to Jessica, Daddy and Martha being here today. She will get her last dose of Atgam (rabbit serum) at noon today but will continue the other 2 anti-rejection drugs.
More news later. Have a Godly Day.
Love,
Becky and Barb
Philippians 1:3-6
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Last Post of Day -2
Thanks so much for all your prayers. The new port is working great and they have 3 lumens (the port has 3 places that IV's can be administered) with drugs running into all of them. We all rejoiced when the nurse got a great blood return!! Becky ate some banana pudding for supper and a couple of bites of chicken stir fry but it was way too salty. She has had more Benadryl so she should be asleep soon but is trying to stay awake to watch the All Star Game on TV. She would love to be there in person since it's here in St. Louis but -----.
They have put her on 2 antibiotics IV because of the fever and having to have the port changed. The nurse wasn't sure how long she would have to have them but it's twice a day for awhile anyway. Everything is still on schedule for the transplant on Thursday.
Our Daddy and his wife are coming tomorrow for a couple days and we're excited to see them. Jessica is also coming up again. Hopefully she'll feel better and tomorrow will go better than today. Her nurse said before she got off this evening that "Tomorrow will be a better day!"
Through it all Becky remains kind to all that are helping her and keeps reminding me to be patient.
We'll write again tomorrow evening at least.
Love,
Becky and Barb
They have put her on 2 antibiotics IV because of the fever and having to have the port changed. The nurse wasn't sure how long she would have to have them but it's twice a day for awhile anyway. Everything is still on schedule for the transplant on Thursday.
Our Daddy and his wife are coming tomorrow for a couple days and we're excited to see them. Jessica is also coming up again. Hopefully she'll feel better and tomorrow will go better than today. Her nurse said before she got off this evening that "Tomorrow will be a better day!"
Through it all Becky remains kind to all that are helping her and keeps reminding me to be patient.
We'll write again tomorrow evening at least.
Love,
Becky and Barb
Still Day -2
Becky just got back from "Intervention Radiology" and they replaced the port and they put in a 27 inch line this time and it was working when they sent her back to the floor. They had put in a 23" the first time so maybe bigger is better. We pray so. She said they did it under local anesthetic and it was pretty painful but she made it and is glad to have it over. She is finally eating something and drinking a coke. We may try and order some supper but she said she really isn't very hungry. I wonder why!!!!
Thank you for your prayers and concern. God is still in control and we are depending on Him for the strength we need.
Love,
Becky and Barb
Thank you for your prayers and concern. God is still in control and we are depending on Him for the strength we need.
Love,
Becky and Barb
Prayer request
Just a quick note. Becky's port has quit giving a blood return and they can't continue using it until they are able to get one. They are sending her down to Vascular Surgery in a little bit to try and find out why it is not working. They don't think they will have to put in a new port but should be able to reposition this one without too much trouble. We pray that is all it takes. They assure us it will not affect the transplant day on Thursday. Will let you know how things went later today.
Love,
Barb
Love,
Barb
Day -2
Good morning. It's 9 am and Becky is sleeping finally. She didn't sleep much last night since they gave her Decadron about 9pm and it wires her. She got up for her bath this morning and is very weak and running fever. They cannot give Tylenol for fever because of the possible liver damage it could cause with all the other drug combinations so she has a wet cloth on her head to try and bring it down. She didn't eat but a few bites of breakfast but we won't push it today since she feels so bad. She is drinking her OJ and iced tea though.
They are going to add 2 more anti-rejection drugs to her regimen today. They are also going to do another chest x-ray, blood cultures and UA since she is keeping the fever. Her counts are dropping but that is expected. She is having trouble with her vision being blurred so I am reading her emails and Scriptures to her as well as doing all the blogging.
I will try and keep you updated as much as possible. We appreciate all your comments on the blog and personal emails that we are receiving. Your prayers and notes mean so much.
Love,
Barb and Becky
They are going to add 2 more anti-rejection drugs to her regimen today. They are also going to do another chest x-ray, blood cultures and UA since she is keeping the fever. Her counts are dropping but that is expected. She is having trouble with her vision being blurred so I am reading her emails and Scriptures to her as well as doing all the blogging.
I will try and keep you updated as much as possible. We appreciate all your comments on the blog and personal emails that we are receiving. Your prayers and notes mean so much.
Love,
Barb and Becky
Monday, July 13, 2009
Day -3
The Atgam treatment has completed for today and PTL Becky has not had any of the side effects from yesterday except the fever and it didn't go as high. She has 2 more doses and we are praying they will go as smoothly as this one. You may have noticed the comment about the "rabbit" from Amy so I guess we better explain. The Atgam is made from either rabbit or horse DNA and we were teasing about the nose itching after it was started. Becky was chatting with one of the other patients on her walk this morning, and that patient had already had the drug and said the Easter Bunny was no longer welcomed at her house. That lady was unable to continue the drug but Becky did fine.
We have ordered supper and are waiting to enjoy our second meal of the day. We want to thank all of you for your continued prayers and know they are being answered.
More news tomorrow on Day -2.
Love,
Becky and Barb
We have ordered supper and are waiting to enjoy our second meal of the day. We want to thank all of you for your continued prayers and know they are being answered.
More news tomorrow on Day -2.
Love,
Becky and Barb
Day -3
Good morning!!!! I have gotten up, bathed, bed changed, had breakfast, and am sitting in a chair receiving my Busulfan round 6 of 8. Barb's day started the same as mine but she's not getting any of these wonderful drugs! I finished the Fludarabine last night but still have the Atgam (BAD DRUG) to go yet today, tomorrow and Wednesday. They tell us that the side effects shouldn't be as severe as yesterday. Sure hope they are right, but whatever comes our way God will help us through it. Can you imagine how Jesus was shaking after the beatings that he took. What I'm going through is nothing compared to what he endured.
Have a God filled day. More later.
Love,
Becky and Barb
Have a God filled day. More later.
Love,
Becky and Barb
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Day -4
Since they count down until the day of the transplant we are now on day -4. Our day started at 1:45 am with a new drug being hung called Busulfan. Becky will get this drug every 6 hours for 8 times. It's the one that she got the Dilantin for yesterday to prevent the seizures. It took 2 hours to run and she (we) slept until about 3:30 and then she was wide awake and ready to talk. I called her "chatty cathy" but we enjoyed talking and never did go back to sleep. I finally got up and had a shower about 5:45. We had a good breakfast with a fantastic omelet and things were going great. BJ, Larania, Jessica and Amy were here by 11:00 and we had our own church service with a great sermon from Daddy on the computer. They started another new drug about noon and Becky has been sick most of the time since then. There were several side effects mentioned and she's had most of them with violent shaking chills (controlled with Demerol), back pain, fever,vomiting (controlled with compazine) and her oxygen saturation dropping below 91, for which she is now on oxygen at 2 liters. She is sleeping now. They have drawn blood cultures, urinalysis, and a chest x-ray because that's protocol but they're pretty sure it's just reactions to the drug. She has about another 1 1/2 hours left on this drug and then she'll only have the 8pm left for the evening.
Even through it all she remains concerned about others. She invited a nurse to church service and she came for a little while until her beeper went off. She continues to smile and be very gracious for all the help she is receiving and is an encouragement to all who enter her room. She also talked with the wife of a man on the floor who had his own stem cell transplanted on Wed. and was such a blessing to that lady. God can use us in any circumstance if we're only willing to let Him.
We know that God is still in control and we will continue to depend on Him for the strength we need to handle what comes our way.
Love,
Barb and Becky
Continue to pray for her strength
Even through it all she remains concerned about others. She invited a nurse to church service and she came for a little while until her beeper went off. She continues to smile and be very gracious for all the help she is receiving and is an encouragement to all who enter her room. She also talked with the wife of a man on the floor who had his own stem cell transplanted on Wed. and was such a blessing to that lady. God can use us in any circumstance if we're only willing to let Him.
We know that God is still in control and we will continue to depend on Him for the strength we need to handle what comes our way.
Love,
Barb and Becky
Continue to pray for her strength
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Saturday's Update
Chemo went well last night and we both slept well. Because the drug I have to start tomorrow morning can cause seizures, they started me on Dilantin 300mg three times a day and it is causing some flushing and shakes. I will stay on this drug at least while I take the next chemo drug which will be from tomorrow until the 15th. I have some swelling in my neck above the new port and was suppose to have an ultrasound today to rule out a bloodclot but the order was put in wrong and it being the weekend it will have to wait until later. The main doctor today said he was not too concerned about it being a clot but wanted to rule it out.
Jessica and Amy came today to visit and set up this Blog site for us to use for the daily updates. We enjoyed their visit and are grateful for their help. Jessica took over the "Lap Police" duties for 3 trips today. I ended up walking 18 laps today and my goal is 22 laps or 1 mile tomorrow.
Jess and Amy will be here again and BJ and Larania are coming and we are going to have church service at 11 in the room with communion and listening to a sermon from my Daddy which was done in June. I invited my nurse and she said she would like to come if her schedule will allow.
We have had some good laughs today and rejoice in the day the Lord has made. God is so good!!
May you all be blessed as you worship and glorify Him tomorrow.
Talk to you again tomorrow.
Love and thanks,
Becky and Barb
Jessica and Amy came today to visit and set up this Blog site for us to use for the daily updates. We enjoyed their visit and are grateful for their help. Jessica took over the "Lap Police" duties for 3 trips today. I ended up walking 18 laps today and my goal is 22 laps or 1 mile tomorrow.
Jess and Amy will be here again and BJ and Larania are coming and we are going to have church service at 11 in the room with communion and listening to a sermon from my Daddy which was done in June. I invited my nurse and she said she would like to come if her schedule will allow.
We have had some good laughs today and rejoice in the day the Lord has made. God is so good!!
May you all be blessed as you worship and glorify Him tomorrow.
Talk to you again tomorrow.
Love and thanks,
Becky and Barb
IS THAT YOUR MOTHER?
We are setting up this blog space for all friends and family to keep up with Becky's BMT(bone marrow transplant-not Bacon Mayo and Tomato!!).
So far, she has had two doses of one chemo drug and is tolerating it well. Many Dr.'s and nurses have been in to evaluate and inform Becky of the BMT process and to answer any questions we may have. The entire staff at Siteman Cancer Center/Barnes Jewish Hospital have been wonderful.
Becky has been instructed to walk as much as possible...our goal for today is 16 laps! We have 8 more laps to go!
We are keeping our sense of humor through all of this...on Thursday when we first got into Becky's room, the admitting Dr. walked in as Becky was walking into the bathroom, so the Dr. only saw the back of Becky's head. She asked me if Becky was my mother!! I loved it! After all these years of jokingly telling everyone that I was the older sister, it finally caught up with her! HA!
We appreciate your continued support and prayers. We will continue to inform you daily of Becky's progress!
Barb
So far, she has had two doses of one chemo drug and is tolerating it well. Many Dr.'s and nurses have been in to evaluate and inform Becky of the BMT process and to answer any questions we may have. The entire staff at Siteman Cancer Center/Barnes Jewish Hospital have been wonderful.
Becky has been instructed to walk as much as possible...our goal for today is 16 laps! We have 8 more laps to go!
We are keeping our sense of humor through all of this...on Thursday when we first got into Becky's room, the admitting Dr. walked in as Becky was walking into the bathroom, so the Dr. only saw the back of Becky's head. She asked me if Becky was my mother!! I loved it! After all these years of jokingly telling everyone that I was the older sister, it finally caught up with her! HA!
We appreciate your continued support and prayers. We will continue to inform you daily of Becky's progress!
Barb
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)