Wednesday, April 18, 2012
OUT OF SURGERY!!
5:56 PM
Praise God!!! The surgery is over, and Donna is ready to drive herself home from the hospital so she can sleep in her own bed! However, with pain meds coursing through her veins she will not be driving yet...BUT she is back to her old self, debating with the doctor about the benefits and disadvantages of staying in the hospital overnight for monitoring...
THANK YOU ALL for your prayers on this last let of this challenging journey!! God's faithfulness and the love of His people has come shining through once more...
This photo is a 'before' picture, and Donna is still trying to locate the whereabouts of the fabulous silver cap!
THANK YOU ALL for your prayers on this last let of this challenging journey!! God's faithfulness and the love of His people has come shining through once more...
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
The Final (Hopefully) Leg of the Journey
11:50 PM
Tomorrow Ken and I will be at El Camino Hospital bright and early for the final leg of this journey. My reconstructive surgery is scheduled for 7:30 am tomorrow. What a relief to finally be at this stage in this adventure. The surgery will last between 2 ½ to 3 hours. My hope is to be home later tomorrow evening and to get to sleep in my own bed. I’ve cleared the schedule as much as I can, have the pain meds sitting by the bathroom sink and have a stocked fridge. We will try to get the blog updated as soon as possible after surgery.
So … let the adventure to continue.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
THE END OF TREATMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
9:52 AM
After over 50 trips to the PAMF(Palo Alto Medical Foundation) infusion center for either an infusion or PICC dressing changes, today marks the last one. Yeah and PRAISE the LORD. It’s hard to believe that I have finally reached the end of this journey with only one surgery remaining in April. I mentioned to a friend that I was finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and her reply was “Yes, and it’s not the headlights of another train.”
I will miss seeing the nurses who work in the center but they have assured me I can stop by any time to say hello and get a quick hug. I’ve decided that it takes very special nurses to work in an infusion center and PAMF have many excellent ones. I have been blessed to be treated by many compassionate, caring women. They have always had a smile for me along with an encouraging word.
The receptionists are also wonderful, greeting me by my name before checking me in. The receptionists are also the ones I talk to when I call in with a question or request for one of the doctors. They do a great job taking care of the PAMF patients.
After my infusion my PICC line will be removed and then I’ll be done. What a joy it will be to not have two lines hanging out of my arm but what a blessing the PICC has been. I haven’t had to have an IV since mid-October; that’s over five months. Both my arm and I have enjoyed the break.
I arrived home to a special sign designed by Kalyn and a lovely bouquet of flowers arranged by Kedrick. I’ve been blessed with lots of family support and encouragement.
To celebrate being done Ken and I went for a long walk (on level ground) before getting a quick bite to eat and then seeing a double feature. Two movies in one night almost did me in but I got to sleep in this morning so I’m okay.
Thank you for the continued support and prayers. It’s been quite a journey and my family and I are rejoicing that this particular journey will be coming to a conclusion soon.
Update
9:41 AM
Dear Blog Followers,
Several of you have asked for an update which I going to work on doing this week. Sorry, I’m not the writer in the family. I’m going to spend this week trying to catch the blog up regarding what has been happening since my hospital stay in October. Stay tuned for more info and some pictures – I have curly hair now J.
Hugs, Donna
Monday, October 24, 2011
On the Mend – YEAH!!!
5:30 PM
Just a quick update to let you know that after being home for a week, I can report that all my systems have decided to work together and I’m beginning to feel better. I’m slowly adding more protein, fruit and veggies to the diet. I even was able to go to my exercise class today and also see Kalyn play goalie for the first game of their district cup. I then proceeded to spend most of the afternoon on the couch resting. I have a feeling it is going to take a little bit of time to get my strength back.
Thank you for the prayers. They are helping. You know that you haven’t felt well when you don’t even care that the house is messy, the bills haven’t been paid, and that there are lots of loose ends to take care of. I haven’t even had the energy to answer emails. I know that I will get caught up, but it won’t be for several weeks.
It is during these times that I have to remind myself that God is in control, He has a plan and it’s just my job to live His plan to the best of my ability. I’m so glad we serve a faithful God.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Small things, BIG things
11:59 PM
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you.” Jeremiah 29:11
It’s amazing how the small things in life can become big issues, like the little splinter in your finger that gets infected and finally works its way to the surface. Our family has been reminded of this for an entire week.
As I blogged in Sept., I went to the hospital for an outpatient procedure which resulted in a 24 hour hospital stay. I returned home to heal and to live under the illusion that I was in “control” of my life. I’m beginning to realize what a bill of goods the Devil sold us on that illusion. Our family enjoyed a quiet weekend together with just a few activities and ready for a new week.
Mon., Oct. 3rd I had my FIFTH Herceptin infusion, with only three left to go.
Tues., Oct. 4th, the surgeon removed my staples, and said everything looked so wonderful that I could even cancel my follow-up appt. I felt like the light at the end of the tunnel was looking extremely bright.
Wed. Oct. 5th Ken and I enjoyed eating dinner together and watching some baseball before I began to feel ill. I thought I had either caught a stomach bug (lucky me) or given myself food poisoning with my “homemade” meatballs. With Ken’s loving TLC we made it through the evening and I spent most of Thurs. healing, while Ken called two different doctors for advice.
I spent Thurs. and Fri. trying to recover from the stomach bug without much luck. I even dug into the leftover chemo drugs for anti-nausea meds. You know something is wrong when water doesn’t even feel good after you drink it.
Sat., Oct. 8th: After a rough Fri. night, Ken was on the phone Sat. a.m. to try to get me some help. Around 10:30 a.m. the doctor on call for oncology recommended that he take me to either urgent care or the ER: He didn’t think I had the stomach flu but a possible bowel obstruction.
My last visit to the El Camino ER was over 45 years ago, shortly after my family moved to CA. I don’t remember much of that visit but this one will be with me for many years. The staff was wonderful and within about 1 hour of our arrival I was admitted to the hospital for a day or two. I would also be the lucky receipient of a NG tube – that was a “delightful” experience.
The first major disappointment about this unexpected turn was that I would miss Kalyn and Kedrick’s music recitals on Sun. They have both been working very diligently on their pieces and I was looking forward to an enjoyable afternoon. Thanks to modern technology I was able to see their performances via video camera and be a proud mama.
Sun., Oct. 9th, Ken juggled spending time with me with attending the recitals and then the award ceremony four hours later, treating children to Yogurtland, trying to make sure Mom felt included in the daily activities, and finally tying up loose ends at work as he had to request the week off and being superdad when needed.
Mon., Oct. 10th, we discovered that “spending a day or two” in the hospital was an “optimistic” statement: A specialist was called in and discussed the option of surgery for Wednesday. I was also started on IV nutrients which meant another IV line. Kalyn and Kendall came to spend time with me, which was very sweet. What a treat when your children can drive to see you.
I spent a very restless night trying to sleep Mon. night. You have to understand that “trying” is the optimal word. With two IVs I kept making the IV pump alarms ring which required me to call the nurse to reset the pumps. I was also hooked up to leg circulation booties, so I had to be disconnected from all my pumps before I could even visit the Ladies’ Room.
Tues., Oct. 11th brought with it a new PICC line in my left arm so I could more easily receive the IVs and have fewer pump restarts. God always gives us some small blessing during the middle of a challenge. Becca stopped by to paint my toe nails, which was another heaven sent blessing.
Wed., Oct. 12th: Challenges always let you know who your true friends are and that is what Wed. ended up being for us. Several weeks ago we scheduled foot surgery for Kedrick and he faithfully prepared for the operation, making sure his responsibilities were covered and coursework was up to date. We just didn’t know that Mom would still be hooked up to an NG pump and also on the surgery schedule for the day. Once again, God showed His faithfulness. Ken called Paty to be with me at the hospital and asked Melody and Emily to be with Kedrick at his surgery center. Ken planned to bounce back and forth between medical facilities. But . . . God is good and my surgery was moved to Friday to give my system more time to kick in gear. Kedrick’s surgery was an hour late, which gave Ken a little more wiggle room in his commuting, and Kalyn became a Suit family member for the second day. You have a true friendship with someone who will sit at a surgery center waiting for your child to be released and then take care of him while he is still under the influence of drugs. I think Emily and Melody will have many stories to tell on Kedrick. Melody brought Kedrick home and then fed everyone who was there, which took a little bit of creativity. What a trooper!
Ken spent time with me in the evening before returning home to be the night shift nurse.
Thurs., Oct. 13th my “systems” were making enough noise that I was able to enjoy clear liquids for lunch and dinner. It’s amazing how thankful you can be for clear beef or chicken broth, jello and juice. I was treated to some time with both Ken and Kendall on Thurs. evening.
I was still on the surgery schedule for Fri., but since the orders where never inputted I spent the night sleeping and dreaming of eating cream of wheat for breakfast. I admit I wasn’t pleased to see chicken broth for Friday’s breakfast but I made a quick attitude adjustment. I did get cream of wheat for Sat.’s breakfast.
On Friday, Oct. 14th, the NG tube was removed. PRAISE the LORD. I also was given permission to eat very soft food –and go home. YEAH!!! God is faithful. Ken and Kalyn picked me up around 7:30 pm. They both were trained on how to flush my PICC line, which they have been doing faithfully the last few days. We’ve had several laughs over the challenges of getting the air bubbles out of the syringes. Kalyn is quite the determined nurse.
Sat., Oct. 15th was spent with Kedrick and Kalyn, and visiting with Dad and Jeanne who stopped by to check on me on their way down South. Dad treated the family to Chinese food last night which included egg drop soup for me.
Sunday we enjoyed sleeping in (God forgave us for missing church), having a late brunch and family devo time. Kendall arrived home from the Men’s retreat and it was a joy to hear the children laughing as they played Wi together. We celebrated with Kenna as she completed her first half marathon in less than three hours.
It is going to be a very quiet week as I continue to heal and enjoy being with my family. This whole experience has been an excellent reminder that little things can become bigger than anticipated, but we’ll make it through with God on our side.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Another Checkmark
11:14 PM
UPDATE: Donna's procedure has been completed and she "gets to stay in the hospital until Friday". Please continue praying for a quick and pain-free recovery!
*********************************
On Wednesday, September 28th, I’m having an outpatient procedure which will be my next checkmark on my cancer “To Do” list. Ken and I are to be at the hospital at 5:30 am and hopefully will be home by 2:00 pm. I’d appreciate prayers that all goes as planned and that there are no complications.
*********************************
On Wednesday, September 28th, I’m having an outpatient procedure which will be my next checkmark on my cancer “To Do” list. Ken and I are to be at the hospital at 5:30 am and hopefully will be home by 2:00 pm. I’d appreciate prayers that all goes as planned and that there are no complications.
After this checkmark there will be just four more Herceptin infusions before I can tear up the “to do” list and begin the final recover from this journey.
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