My heart is filled with Joy

I'll update as strength provides. I was able to eat a bit of dinner last night, and a little bit of breakfast, and I am looking forward to dinner. I was able to get on my computer for a short time. My left arm is really weak so typing is quite a chore, to say the least. I made it through the night without messing myself which is a real huge milestone for us. You would never think poop would be so exciting or scary but we have seen both sides now. God's grace has been so overwhelming for me. Jesus is so good to me. Thank you for all of the support, uplifting words when I needed it most, calls, texts, and those who have gone above and beyond making sure we have supplies and the things we need to get through this. My heart is filled with joy to see the good that is in people. Keep those prayers coming. Hugs

Better Day

 Much better today, the nurse came, and I am picking at a little lunch. A long way to go but ready to move forward. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to us and supported us through this. Keep those prayers coming. Hugs

This is a reminder that when I am better we are taking a beach vacation so I can see friends, family, and most of all the ocean for the first time. My nephew posts a photo almost every day of the scenery from his job and home for me.

Rough Day

 Really rough day for everyone. We just can’t keep up with the laundry with no dryer, and my incontinence is really bad, just feel so useless. When your granddaughter asks why you can’t just get better. Breaks my heart.

We can't afford Disney

 

We can’t afford Disney so Dennis Marks Jr. bought Mickey Mouse for me and he got me a new engagement ring and wedding band, the rings were hidden in the chocolate box.

Update from my husband

 Post my husband put on my Facebook page.

Hello everyone, this is Dennis Marks Jr., Pam's husband...she wanted me to give an update on her recent situation. Today she had her gallbladder removed. The operation took five hours, this is approx. two hours longer than it should have due to the nature of the condition of the said gallbladder. Apparently, it was pretty well messed up and the scans had shown that she had a lot of gallstones the doctor spent extra time making sure he got everything that needed to come out due to the fear that if he had to go back in for anything else she would most likely end up with a hernia.

Pam is currently resting in her room and would really appreciate prayers. During the last operation she went through her stomach and intestines didn't want to work well together and she ended up needing an NG tube to suck everything in her stomach out from the previous three days. She and I would really appreciate prayer that this will not happen again. I would like to thank everyone in advance and also for all previous prayers. I don't go onto Pam's Facebook unless she asks me to so I don't always have the opportunity to thank the many wonderful and Christ-filled friends.

Thank you all again,

They are going to operate again

No mass in the gallbladder just a large stone blocking so my gallbladder is enlarged and I have an infection. We blew a vein this morning and now my port isn’t working right. I am supposed to go down for a radioactive scan of my gallbladder but not sure about vein and port problems. They are trying not to operate if they don’t need to, dangerous like last, but this test should give them the definitive answer on their next step. Same surgical team, so I feel I am in good hands. Jesus is with me every step of the way. Hugs to everyone.

They got my port to work now we can move forward.

Update, they don’t have enough time for a radioactive scan as I will be having surgery first thing in the morning to remove my gallbladder, they are going to try a robot as I will be in a different position and should have no lung problems this time but they are also ready if it ends up being open surgery. I have the same surgery team so they know what they are up against. I should be out by 12 and my husband will update as needed, not everyone can see his posts so hopefully, I will update when I can. Keep me in your prayers. Your words of encouragement mean the world to me. Hugs

Mass in Gallbladder

 Not a great update. It’s not diverticulitis but they found a mass in my gall bladder and want me to go back to the hospital for more testing. I’m more then a little scared. I am just so weak and tired I’m not sure how much I can take. Keep the prayers coming will update once I am in and get results. Hugs

More tests

 Had my appointment with gastroenterology, and I have to be up first thing in the morning to have a catscan done. They did order antibiotics. Setting up the catscan my insurance company was trying to get an ultrasound instead and the office was like no we need a catscan, the insurance company says oh that will have to go into clinical review, the office says we have it for stat we can't wait that long. Mind you this call took about an hour of this. You'd think I was trying to get a Disney Vacation or Cruise out of them instead of medical care for a health problem. Anyways as soon as I know I will update all of you. Just uncomfortable and my next chemotherapy treatment is creeping up. Keep those prayers coming everyone. Hugs

Have appointment with Gastroenterologist

 Update, they have me going to an appointment tomorrow afternoon right at the office for gastroenterology. I am so glad they could fit me in so quickly.

Prayers please

 Prayers please have to call the gastroenterologist tomorrow I am pretty sure I have an infection from diverticulitis.

Labs and Night before treatment

 Had my labs and Dr. appointment yesterday. My numbers are good so we will do a full chemotherapy treatment. My insurance approved the use of the medication to help my bone marrow to produce more white blood cells so we have that in case my numbers fall again.

I was approved to start up my vitamins again as well. They want me to start with one iron and hopefully work up to 3 a day depending on my colon's response, as well as my multivitamin and vitamin D. I told her about my head feeling like it is bruised as well as my hair loss and she said what I am feeling is my hair follicles responding to the chemotherapy, and hair loss is anywhere from none to all with all being on the low side so time will tell with what my response will be.

The Dr. was really surprised with how well my skin is doing. My daughter and husband try to keep me well moisturized. She also asked about mouth sores and none yet another area she was surprised to see doing so well. Like I said I have side effects and I still have 10 more therapy sessions to go so anything could pop up, but I am thankful every day for Jesus giving me grace through all of this and always making sure I am not alone during this journey. Keep those prayers coming! Hugs.

The night before Chemotherapy is the night my family makes sure I get a good meal in and also a good breakfast before I leave for treatment because I lose my appetite for several days while getting therapy. Tonight my daughter is making stuffed shells, and salad, the girls requested ice cream. My neuropathy is gone right now so I will have a little of the ice cream too.

Breakfast we usually pick up on the way to my treatment depending on time. Last treatment with the modified chemotherapy I didn't lose my appetite as long and I only lost a pound and a half. The Dr. wants to know how I do this week with a full treatment plan again. Like I said I can deal with the weight loss I am a big girl, and our family Dr. is ok with the weight loss if I am still eating. I still have my food struggles but we are finding more foods that work around my fears which has helped me a lot. Again thank you for the support and keep those prayers coming.

Losing my hair

I am losing more and more hair each time I brush, the first time seeing full-length size strands though. Oh, the effects of chemotherapy.

 

Today was a good day

 Today was a good day, I had breakfast, and a snack, and looking forward to dinner and dessert. Stuffed peppers, spaghetti, and Waldorf salad.

Checking on White Blood Cells

 Feeling OK today. Had more blood labs to see how my white blood cell count is doing. So far during Chemotherapy and a few days after I deal with nausea, diarrhea, a little neuropathy, and I am extremely tired so I rest a lot. I am blessed so far because there is a long list of side effects I could be having. Keep those prayers coming. Hugs.

Paint and Sip

 

Haven’t done paint night in a long time so super excited for tonight. We are going to be painting on a tote bag this time. When it is done it will become my chemotherapy bag.

Here is my bag all done.

Low white blood cells

 I had my appointment with my oncologist today as well as labs before Chemotherapy tomorrow. My white blood cell count is quite low so we are doing a modified treatment this week, as well as more blood tests next week while they wait for a pre-authorization from my insurance company for a machine that will hook up to my side to stimulate my bone marrow to kick in. A little scary but we will take it as it comes. Keep those prayers coming. Hugs.

Cough and Congestion

 I wanted to update everyone. I am sorry I haven't been very active but I have had a cough and congestion that just won't let up even with medication. I have always had a hard time bringing up the stuff from my lungs, my mom would always have to watch me closely. So far it has not turned into an infection. I get my labs for my next chemotherapy and see the Dr. this Wednesday so I will know more then. Of course, I have a bleed on top of it so depending on labs I might need an infusion but will know more Wednesday. My family has been watching me closely, taking good care of me, and encouraging me to eat when I am up to it. We are taking one day at a time. I have been just trying to rest as much as possible while drinking lots of fluids. Thank you to everyone who has called, left messages, and texted to check on me. Keep those prayers coming. Hugs.

Time to go

The surgery team was here they should be coming soon to start my bleeding disorder medication and get me ready.

Day 2 of treatment

 

My pump today you can see it is shrinking and getting deeper lines. Amazing medical technology that Jesus gave someone the idea to make. Still feeling ok. One step and day at a time

I wanted to brag a little bit, we decided to full throttle homeschooling this year, and wanted to make sure it was known that Dorothy Marks kicked butt even with all of my health issues. Her first quarter average is 98%. Make sure to congratulate her and encourage her to move forward.

I am so blessed my hematology oncologist team just called to see how I was doing on my treatment. I am so happy to have the team I have.

First day of Chemotherapy

 

Starting meds didn’t sleep well last night so hoping to get a little rest here. Keep those prayers coming and send some encouragement my way. Love you all hugs.

Home resting with my little lemon friend which is actually my pump for the next two days. So far so good no side effects yet but I’m bound to have a few. Feeling the Lord’s presence for sure. I also made a friend and we plan to sit next to each other next time so we don’t have to talk across the room at each other. Don’t mind my hair it’s going to be washed Saturday once I get home from having the pump detached.