1/22/11 New developments

I am sorry it has been awhile since I last posted but my health has taken a turn and I've had to deal with some issues.

After finding some relief from my pain pump on Wednesday morning, I noticed the pain started to come back later in the day and I developed a fever which required a trip to the ER.  After many tests they treated me with antibiotics and two blood transfusions to improve my hemoglobin count.  We checked into the ER at 9pm Wednesday evening and were dismissed around 11am Thursday.  That was just in time for our appointments at MD Anderson that day.  First we had a pain management meeting to discuss the pain pump which showed relief, which is a great thing!  I was exhausted because I did not get much sleep at the ER.

My second appointment at MD Anderson was shortened due to my therapist understanding my exhaustion.  She was a great advocate for me and getting my pain reduced.  Then my dad and I went to the cafeteria and the next thing we knew my pain pump had disconnected - which was traumatizing for me.  Really all it entailed was my cord popping off.  We went back up to the pain management room and my doctor immediately came and assisted me and decided that since the catheter is inserted in the spinal area, it was best to take it out to avoid infection.  So they removed the pump even though I was supposed to experiment with it for a few days.  The good thing was that we realized there was some positive gain from the pump.

By the time that was all said and done, it was time to move on to my chemo treatment appointment and I was very exhausted.  My legs had started to feel weak.  I had had such a long 24 hours but finally my dad and I made it home to meet Eric and friends from our church who had cooked us dinner.  At this point my legs were definitely having difficulty supporting my body.  So, I needed tremendous assistance getting from one place to another.  Which was really scary . . . not knowing or understanding what was happening.

On Friday, I made calls to both my oncologist and my pain management doctor to try to figure out what is happening.  The next thing I knew, I was back in the Emergency Room.  Since then I have learned some disheartening news.  My metastases in my spine has started to compress on the spinal cords which has resulted in a paralysis to my legs.  This is a huge shock.  It is an urgent condition that must be treated with radiation.  So urgent that they started the radiation today, on a weekend.  I have been admitted into the hospital for this ten day treatment.  According to the doctors, the intensity of this radiation allows for it to only be performed one time.

Please pray with us that the radiation will stop the compression of the metastases on to the spinal cords.  It is necessary to get this under control so that the paralysis will not spread to the rest of my body.  Through all of this, I have been reminded by loving husband that this is not truly my home and one day I will be home and my whole body will be restored.  Today we put our hope in Christ and press on.

Shine bright firefly shine bright.

Just some thoughts . . . dictated to my friend Elizabeth