HiCy, rebooting Steph

HiCy Journey

Monday, June 28, 2010

So tired today.  Didn't get a nap.  This is due to the fact the house cleaners came at nap time.  Oh well, I needed the house cleaned!  We got an awesome dinner from one of my sister angels tonight!  Thank you Virginia!  It was delicious!

I hope to gain a couple of pounds in the next week.  That would be awesome!  I try to do what I can to exercise around the house.  Laundry, some dishes (Jessica does a lot), picking up here and there.  Just trying to stay active the best I can.  Nothings changing quickly, but I know I get  a bit better everyday.

HUGS

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Can't believe it's been 6 days since I blogged!  I have been sooo... tired and out of it.  My headaches get extreme if I don't get my Advil soon enough and I've been nauseous the last 3 days.  I am also battling constipation and that has caused a lot of discomfort too.  I will hopefully win the battle in the next day since I've been taking Miralax the last two days and stool softeners. 

Losing patience is easy!  I have to contently remind myself I wont be feeling normal for at least three months.  I am looking forward to September!  Think I'll go take a nap.

HUGS

Monday, June 21, 2010

Love my neurologist!  Talked to him today.  He wrote a letter for my insurance company because they denied payment on my wig, saying it wasn't a necessity!  My bald head says it is!  LOL

I am taking 3 Advil liquigels to treat the chemo headaches.  Prescription strength is the equivalent of 4.  Works good for me.  Started doing brain games to strengthen my chemo brain...I guess it's good for anyone, and I have to take the math test in Chicago again to see if I can do better.  That things a nightmare.  

Dr. Hendin says I'm to weak for physical therapy now.  He'll see me in September and set it up then.  In the mean time I'll just do what I can daily to start getting some strength back.

Doing pretty good if you ask me.  I tire myself out, but I think that's good.  If you have some energy, shouldn't you use it?  

Thank you everyone that's helped with transporting Miss Jessica.  It has helped her to have a normal kids life and to see her friends.  I am forever indebted to you.

HUGS

Thursday, June 17, 2010

I am trying to get some of my old life back.  Chemo is hard!  I have to keep telling myself, it will be months before I feel better.  I have started doing light stretching, when I have the energy.

It can be frustrating to have such little energy and other side effects, but there is a bigger picture I have to focus on and a long term goal of being MS free.  I will be contacting some of my friends that have been through the aftermath of chemo, to see if they have any tips.

Slow recovery is still recovery!

HUGS 

Monday, June 14, 2010

Saw my Doctor today.  She ran blood tests and I should get the results tomorrow.  I have a UTI, which I was pretty sure I had.  Extremely common for chemo patients, so I will be taking an antibiotic for 7 days.  

Just have to slowly start working out and eating more.  Love the afternoon naps, they are so needed and I feel rested after, so they're great!  Will let you know my counts when I get them.  Hoping they are all great numbers and everything held!  Those platelets can be hard to get up and keep up, so I'll pray for that one.  Once it holds over 50,000 I can floss my teeth again!

HUGS

Sunday, June 13, 2010

4 days home.  I feel a lot of fatigue.  I get really bad night sweats.  I am having trouble eating enough.  Consequently, I am taking naps, using a wet cloth at night, and eating a lot of snacks.

I see my General Practitioner tomorrow morning and will get a complete blood count, talk about vitamins and see what she recommends for PT.

I know I will need a good 3 months to recoup and it could take as long as a year to get all my pre-chemo energy back.  It's all worth it, to not have another MS attack in the near or distant future.  We will see how the MS has been effected at my 6 month check up.  

Trying to take one day at a time.  Staying focused so far.  

HUGS

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Leaving Chicago

I haven't blogged because I haven't really had time.  I was discharged on Tuesday at about 6:30pm.  Bob and Jessica had arrived earlier and escorted me to the hotel.  We had room service for dinner.  I think I ate a mini cheese burger and a couple fries.  I have to snack as I am able.

We flew home yesterday afternoon.  (Wednesday)  I am happy to be home!  Now I can concentrate on healing and building the muscle mass I have lost during all this.  Bob says I look like a concentration camp refugee.  I have to agree, I am quite frail and with no hair, it's not pretty by any means.  ( I'll be working on that) LOL

The worst is over and now I have to get on an eating regime and slowly build my activity level.  I feel pretty good, just really weak.  No pain.  Hope everyone is doing well and I look forward to seeing people in a few weeks.

You can call me at home now.  I have my own phone, germ free, just for me!


Will be contacting my neurologist here to get blood work done and make sure my counts stay on track.  I am off all meds (Thank you Jesus!)  I am not a good pill taker and was taking A LOT in the hospital.  So, I will keep you all updated with the home progress as it continues.


HUGS

Monday, June 7, 2010

Day 17

WBC went to 1.13, my red blood cells went up to a healthy 9.1, but the labs hadn't come back for my neutrophils.  I was at  70 yesterday and hoped to be near 200 today.  I need 500 to go home....My Doctors came in around 10 and let me know my neutrophils were at 530!  I started crying...unbelievable! 

I get discharged tomorrow!  I'm still weak and have bone pain from making all these new WBCs, but I'm healthy enough to fly home!  I am so excited and feel extremely blessed to have recovered so quickly.  I have to isolate myself and wear a mask when around crowds, but that too will change as my health increases!

Thank you all for your prayers and friendship through this extremely difficult journey.  You're all blessings to me!

HUGS!

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Forgot to add, I have a Neutrophil count now!  .07  This is "the" number that has to get to 2.0.  You need this part of your WBC to fight infection!  So yea!  Neutrophil numbers have started!

Day 16

Started the night off bad, trying to ween off my sleep meds. 1 Benadryl...2 hours sleep, 2nd Benedryl...3 1/2 more hours.  Sleep meds are so powerful!

Awoke to a WBC count of  .20!  Yea!  Right where my Dr. thought I'd be.  He's so smart!  This is awesome!  Still have lots of healing to do and weening off other meds, but I see the light!

HUGS

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Day 15

Counts tripled!  .06 WBC count!  I need to be a 2.0 for discharge, but seriously!   .06 is awsome!!!!  I could just feel something was happening!   Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers.  This has been tough...and my counts could still drop, so  let's all keep a positive attitude!

My Doctor, DR. Hendin,  will be here today from Arizona!  I am so excited to tell him all about it!

I am so happy it's almost over and I can go hug my family again!  Super Day!!!


HUGS!

Friday, June 4, 2010

Day 14

So, 4:30am I'm wide awake!  I just think I took my sleeping pill to early, but I can nap later.  My WBC went from .01 to.02  woohoo. 

Not big, but put a smile on my face!  Bones are aching and this could mean good things for the counts. 

I will get more platelets and red blood transfusions today, because I'v been on my period and it takes a lot out of a woman.

Should be fine as usual.  Will keep you posted  and I am missing my peeps terribly!!!

HUGS

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Day 13 still

There is a new patient here getting the same treatment.  His name is Bandi.  Please add him to your prayer list because he is still very nervous.  He know he wants it but it's still hard.  Will continue to visit him to lift his spirits.

Thank you all,

HUGS

Day 13

I'm constantly reminded my story or plan is not always God's story or plan...I'm thinking 2+ days at .02  WBC means I will be coming up soon!  But no...dropped to .01.

Okay, guess that's my eye opener to relax and chill, it will happen in His time...Funny, sounds like my awesomely wonderful husband too!

I'm having platales again this morning, period looks to be ending but they want to keep my counts high.  No worries.

Feeling okay and more home sick than anything else.  But I know my family is fine and they keeps me fine.  I will keep the prayers up for a spike of somekind, but be patient.  I love you Bob!

I got 7 cards in the mail yesterday!  That was soooo...cool!  Thank you Denise Judy and my gorgeous little Jessica!  Made me smile and decorate my room with love!   Will keep you updated.

HUGS

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Day 12

today is a goood day and i am feeling a lot better now that I've had my transfusions.   I sound whiny, but I really am just bored in my little hospital room.  I got to try to read or something.  Remember prayer and petition,present your request to God.  I am petitioning for WBC counts to rise.  slowly, quickly, which ever, just rise.

HUGS

Day12

OKAY,  A bit of a test of faith, but holding strong!  I started my period...having another platelet and blood transfusion today.  No increase in WBC count and super tired.  I will be fine and am in great care.

Nothing to upsetting, just a small barrier to get thru.

Thank you all for supporting me.  It is a long process.

HUGS 

 

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Day 12

4 shots down and my counts dropped today.  Boooo.  I was .03 now .02...urgh.  This is normal, but still frustrating.  I was awaken by my nurse at 5:30 for a platelet transfusion.  My platelets were low and my blood pressure too.  Now things are getting better since the transfusion and fluids.
 
I'm going to go take a shower and see if I can cheer my mood a bit.  Should be better soon.   Stefoski came by, he said  eat more salt!  He's funny, but it's actually true too!  

Keep praying for healing, I'm sure it's coming!

HUGS