Wheel of Unfortune
(Record scratch.)
(Scene: Country Lawn Rehab Center)
Character: It's ME. Hi! I'm the problem, it's me!...
So you're probably wondering how I got here..."
I finished two rounds of radiation and a round of chemo and with it came some very unpleasant side effects that caused me to be readmitted to the hospital, namely diarrhea, dehydration, and loss of appetite.
I was severely dehydrated due to persistent and never ending diarrhea and in a lot of pain. I had abdominal cramps that felt like labor pain, and lost my appetite so I was not eating.
The diarrhea and dehydration became severe enough that I needed a lot of replacement IV fluids and more scans on my abdomen to make sure there was no obstructions or other problems. I also developed thrush which made my mouth painful and have no appetite or taste.
On top of the abdominal pain and dehydration, the chemo caused me to become severely neutropenic. My white blood cell count was 0.1 (normal more than 5) and I had thrombocytopenia ( low platelet count), my count was 9 before the transfusion- normal is 50+ ideally, but 20 was acceptable, and low hemoglobin (6.7) normal 10, and hematocrit (20.1). Normal 35-45. I needed transfusions of platelets and packed red cells, and treatment with neupogen to stimulate my bone marrow to make white blood cells.
As you might imagine when one blood count is messed up, a whole bunch of others fall in line and get messed up too. My electrolytes were severely depleted and I needed several replacement IV'S.
Before and during my hospitalization I was growing weaker and weaker and needed a lot of help for my daily care.
So I had a 5-day retreat (haha) at Cleveland clinic Mercy filled with IV fluids, shots, blood draws more IV fluids, more shots, more blood draws.
On Monday I was moved to a short-term rehab center to build my strength and learn to use mobility equipment so I can go home, as well "regrowing" my immune system.
Folks, this is not easy at all! Truth is, now I am battle tested I have scars to prove it. Literally.
Hematoma....meet petechiae.
Honestly, my emotions have been one giant roller coaster ride. There are days when I cannot get out of bed. There are also days when I want to cry all day long. There are also days when I find something that makes me smile. I run the whole gamut of emotions for sure.
Obviously the physical pain gets top billing most often when I talk about my illness. However, I cannot under emphasize the impact of missing things that seem small or trivial to some people but are a big deal to me.
Kennedy and Dillon moved into their college apartment and dorm in the middle of August.
Sydney has been a real trooper figuring out all her homecoming plans for herself, filling out college applications, and settling into a new lacrosse offseason practice schedule.
Jason has been working hard maintaining the house, caring for the kids, cooking dinner, cleaning, visiting. He's basically Chemo Ken doll when I think about how amazing he is.
And we mustn't forget the pups.
I struggle to find the words to thank everybody for all your care and concern, your thoughts and prayers, and any other way you have supported my family during this very difficult time.
Y'all let me have it when I took a break from blogging for a few weeks... It made me realize how many people care and how many people want to be there for my family, and this is something I will be eternally grateful for. Thank you, and 1 million hugs coming your way.
This is day 102.
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