It’s been a hard few months. I’ve hesitated to write this, but I know so many of you have been praying, checking in, and loving us so well. It means more than we can ever say.
My last chemo was April 10. About ten days later, I noticed I couldn’t walk more than ten steps without getting out of breath. At first, I thought it was just a rough patch, maybe my body still recovering from treatment. But it didn’t let up.
I ended up in the hospital for three days, and after a lot of tests, I was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension and an enlarged heart—both serious on their own, but even more complicated by everything else going on in my body. One of the likely culprits is Keytruda, my immunotherapy drug. Because of the strain it’s possibly causing, I can’t continue with chemo right now. Dr. Brown has also decided that I am permanently off Keytruda.
In the meantime, I saw Dr. Frank, a specialist in pulmonary hypertension. He didn’t sugarcoat it. This is serious. The pressures in my heart chambers are at serious levels. And right now, even the two new medications I’ve been put on haven’t seemed to help. Dr. Frank referred me to see Dr. Lovin, a pulmonary specialist. He ran his tests and referred me to see Dr. Doshi, a heart failure specialist.
Dr. Doshi is in the process of getting me approved for a new medication that is given through IV. It has such serious side effects that I will need to be hospitalized for 3 - 5 days with a 1 - 2 day stay in the ICU. Once approved and a bed is available I will get the call to report to the hospital to get the IV started. So for now we wait.
I’m now on oxygen 24/7. It helps when I’m sitting still. But walking more than ten steps, taking a shower, even getting dressed… all leave me completely wiped out. I’m currently sleeping 12–18 hours a day. It’s hard to wrap my mind around what has transpired. We’re doing our best to take it one moment at a time. One breath at a time.
Prayers:
- That I’d be able to breathe more freely
- That my energy would return
- For wisdom for the doctors
- And for Devin and Kylie. They are carrying so much right now.
Pic:
Taken during my last hospital stay. Sporting my new accessory!
Through all of this, I’m still reminded that God is near. Even when I’m not strong enough to speak, even when I’m barely awake, He is carrying me.
Thank you for loving our family so well.
Thank you for your continued prayers.
Since my last up date I have had two chemotherapy sessions. Number seven was on February 19th and went well. I had a few side effects the week after that included tiredness, diarrhea, and lower stomach pains. They lasted about three to four days.
On February 26th I had another routine CT scan of my abdomen and pelvis. Dr Brown (oncologist) wanted a new base line since I hadn't had any treatments since October 31st. The scan showed some calcified lymph nodes that had prior cancer in them. This is a good thing meaning the cancer has been reabsorbed in them. There were some minor changes to my ovaries that we are watching. Dr Brown said she wasn't going to change anything regarding my treatment plan and was very pleased with my scan results.
I went and saw Dr Lyman (colorectal) on March 7th for a follow up from my last surgery. He said everything looked good.
I had bloodwork and saw Dr. Brown on March 12th. Blood work all looked good and Dr Brown said I was ready for my eighth chemotherapy session yesterday, March 13th. Everything went well and so far feeling good.
Prayers:
- Pray for my parents, sister and niece. God knows the details
- Pray for no to minimal side effects from this last chemotherapy session
Pic: Me leaving my chemotherapy session yesterday. I know I look tired!
Thank you to all my prayer warriors! They are vast and numerous. I had the privilege to meet some more of them at my uncle's Retirement Party a couple weeks ago. It was amazing to meet people I didn't even know were praying for me. I was blessed by them as well as the family members I got to catch up with. Some I hadn't seen in about 8 years. It was really nice to spend time with some family! I sure do appreciate all the prayers! God is so good!
Most of January I was hopeful that I was healing from the drains being taken out. On January 27th I had my consultation with colorectal (Dr Lyman). He reviewed my records, scans and did an exam on me. Afterwards he told me that my body was in fact not healing and another surgery would be needed the next week so that I could get back to my chemotherapy treatments. He informed me that I would need to be off chemotherapy for 6 months to a year before my body would be ready for a more permanent invasive surgery to correct the perianal fistula I have.
On January 29th I turned another year older. I am thankful that God has kept me around for another year!
February 1st we got to spend 18 hours with a very dear friend from chiropractic college and his very nice girlfriend. I am glad I was feeling up to going out to eat dinner with them. Time with good friends is precious!
So, on February 6th Dr Lyman did an out patient surgery to place two setons in the openings of my fistula. These are made of silicon and look like rings. The purpose is to keep the holes open minimally so they can drain to keep infections at bay. He said he has had patients who have lived with these in for many years without problems. He also told us that he thinks that this fistula/abscess was caused by the 360 degree radiation I had around my pelvis initially for treatment. He said that he has seen where a person had radiation and 15 years later the skin breaks down in that area. He said that he wouldn't be opposed to me going back on Avastin since he doesn't think that caused this.
I am scheduled to see my oncologist (Dr Brown) tomorrow for bloodwork and then my next chemotherapy infusion.
Prayers:
- That the holes that the setons are in will heal a little to make the holes smaller.
- Prayers that I can restart chemotherapy and that it goes well with NO side effects.
- Prayers for a couple family members undergoing their own health bump in the road. God knows the specifics.
Pic:Valentines Day
