Shock, anger, grief, sadness... Just a few of the emotions raging thru my body right now.
As it stands, Surgery is not an option. The risk of bleeding is too high and the tumors are too close to my spine and arteries. On to chemo I go. I'll be on the TAP plan- Taxol, Adriamycin & Carboplatin. I meet with my medical oncologist this week to find out more about the regimen.
I'll start with 3 cycles of chemo and then get another PET scan to determine what's next. Why so angry about a little more chemo? Here's the 3 possible scenarios for this treatment:
1. Best Case Scenario: After 3 treatments, the tumors completely shrink and I complete 3-5 more chemo cycles
2: The tumors shrink enough for the surgery to take place. After 4-6 weeks of recovery, I would finish 3-5 more cycles of chemo.
And then there is scenario 3. The words I thought I would NEVER EVER hear in my life. The tumors do not respond and surgery is still too risky. "We'll make you as comfortable as we can to live with the cancer".... F#@k
I'm exhausted, physically and emotionally. My back pain is intensifying. My family and friends all want to see me and talk to me and it's just too much. I worked all week trying to stay busy and haven't given myself enough time to process it. I'm laying here in a quiet empty house while Nick is at work. Finally able to openly cry without having to wipe my tears away because I'm at work or out in public. I need more time to sob. More time to breath this new challenge in.
I booked a trip for Disneyland this coming weekend. Nicholas, Nick's son, has never been. I want to share in those memories and I want to have hair in the pictures.
I don't know what else to say right now. I'm just overwhelmed and speechless in some ways. I've got my dogs to cuddle with, a box of tissues and am ready for bed.
I do need to thank everyone for their well wishes and prayers. I've got your messages and texts, I'm just not ready to talk about it all yet. Thank your for your patience and understanding.
XOXO Britni
Friday, March 9, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Road Block...
It's been quite some time since my last post, so there is a lot to catch everyone up on!
I couldn't have been more blessed to get a job than when I did. My disability ended on January 31st and I was hired by the Roseville Chamber of Commerce on February 3rd. I know a “VIP” (you know who you are!) to thank for the heads up on the job. I am now the Events and Sponsorships Coordinator at the Chamber. I am really enjoying the job and the ladies I work with are great. I was going stir crazy towards the end of my disability. Actually, stir crazy is an understatement. I was nuts. I had WAY too much time to sit around and think. Just ask Nick… poor guy was getting nagged by my over active mind. I needed something to stimulate my mind and keep the gloomy cancer thoughts away. Thankfully for both of us, getting my job instantly gave me a clean bill of mental health. J
I’ve really lucked out when it comes to bosses. Jeff was a great mentor and friend at Catta Verdera and now I have two very welcoming and accommodating bosses at the chamber. About two weeks ago, I went back to procedural sedation and had my scar re-sectioned. Believe it or not, my incision from September 13th still hasn’t healed. The doctor took a portion of the scar out and sewed me up with dissolvable stitches. The steri-strips (like band aids) they placed over the scar are still holding tight so I don’t know if the re-section worked. For all I know, the scar could start to bubble up again two months from now… let’s hope this is not the case.
I was very anxious to have my scar re-sectioned and healed before my next PET scan but that did not happen. I had my second post treatment PET last Friday. Yesterday around 6:30pm I got the call from Dr. Skilling. The results were in and they weren’t good. The cancer is still present in my body. Two lymph nodes were clearly positive. One is within the previous radiation field and one is just above the field. Both are very close to the two major arteries that go to my heart and close to my spine so a vascular surgeon will now be a part of my treatment team. Needless to say my mind was reeling. I called Nick immediately and he rushed home from dinner with his family to see me crying in a lump on the coach. He asked what I needed and I said McDonalds. If I’m going down, I’m having a cheeseburger before I go. J Nick’s mom, sister and son came home shortly after I satisfied my fatty, salty craving. I regretfully made the phone calls to my Mom, Dad and close friends before I passed out for the night. I have to say, in my heart of hearts I knew. I had been having pretty bad back pain for about a month. I know my body well enough now to know something wasn’t right. I had an overwhelming feeling that cancer was not done with me.
I went into work today and explained my new treatment plan to my new bosses. Not really the conversation you want to have less than 60 days on the job. Again, they were extremely understanding and accommodating. I’ll find out the exact plan tomorrow night, but what I know now is this: another surgery to remove the lymph nodes (unfortunately not laparoscopic) and six months of intensive chemo. This time my hair is a goner…
I couldn't have been more blessed to get a job than when I did. My disability ended on January 31st and I was hired by the Roseville Chamber of Commerce on February 3rd. I know a “VIP” (you know who you are!) to thank for the heads up on the job. I am now the Events and Sponsorships Coordinator at the Chamber. I am really enjoying the job and the ladies I work with are great. I was going stir crazy towards the end of my disability. Actually, stir crazy is an understatement. I was nuts. I had WAY too much time to sit around and think. Just ask Nick… poor guy was getting nagged by my over active mind. I needed something to stimulate my mind and keep the gloomy cancer thoughts away. Thankfully for both of us, getting my job instantly gave me a clean bill of mental health. J
I’ve really lucked out when it comes to bosses. Jeff was a great mentor and friend at Catta Verdera and now I have two very welcoming and accommodating bosses at the chamber. About two weeks ago, I went back to procedural sedation and had my scar re-sectioned. Believe it or not, my incision from September 13th still hasn’t healed. The doctor took a portion of the scar out and sewed me up with dissolvable stitches. The steri-strips (like band aids) they placed over the scar are still holding tight so I don’t know if the re-section worked. For all I know, the scar could start to bubble up again two months from now… let’s hope this is not the case.
I was very anxious to have my scar re-sectioned and healed before my next PET scan but that did not happen. I had my second post treatment PET last Friday. Yesterday around 6:30pm I got the call from Dr. Skilling. The results were in and they weren’t good. The cancer is still present in my body. Two lymph nodes were clearly positive. One is within the previous radiation field and one is just above the field. Both are very close to the two major arteries that go to my heart and close to my spine so a vascular surgeon will now be a part of my treatment team. Needless to say my mind was reeling. I called Nick immediately and he rushed home from dinner with his family to see me crying in a lump on the coach. He asked what I needed and I said McDonalds. If I’m going down, I’m having a cheeseburger before I go. J Nick’s mom, sister and son came home shortly after I satisfied my fatty, salty craving. I regretfully made the phone calls to my Mom, Dad and close friends before I passed out for the night. I have to say, in my heart of hearts I knew. I had been having pretty bad back pain for about a month. I know my body well enough now to know something wasn’t right. I had an overwhelming feeling that cancer was not done with me.
I went into work today and explained my new treatment plan to my new bosses. Not really the conversation you want to have less than 60 days on the job. Again, they were extremely understanding and accommodating. I’ll find out the exact plan tomorrow night, but what I know now is this: another surgery to remove the lymph nodes (unfortunately not laparoscopic) and six months of intensive chemo. This time my hair is a goner…
I’ve said time and time again that I wouldn’t be able to get thru this if it wasn’t for my friends and family. Lucky for me, I have a new friend on this journey. Her name is Serena and we met thru a wound care Nurse at Kaiser. Serena was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer on Christmas Day last year. When I was in treatment before I purposefully did not seek out other cancer patients because I didn’t want to get scared by their chemo or radiation horror stories. I met Serena when I was hoping I was in remission. She was just beginning the process and I thought I could be of help to her. Little did I know how much she was going to help me. Being able to speak candidly to someone my age (she is 32) and in the same predicament about what I’m thinking, feeling and living has been priceless. I cherish all the time I get to spend with Serena. She is wise beyond her years. She has a blog of her own that I urge you to check out – christmascancer.com – Every time I read her blog posts I find myself relating all too well.
As I begin to kick over this new road block, I know I’ll have my friends and family by my side again. It’s just a road block or as Nick would say “A minor stepping stone” in my journey to kick cancer’s ass.
XOXO Britni
Monday, January 16, 2012
Negative CT!!!
Finally got an email from my doctor tonight... My CT scan was negative for any enlarged lymph nodes or masses!!! I'll get a second PET scan in two months. Hopefully those "two areas of concern" from the first scan will have dissapeared. My Monday night just got a lot better!!! Hope everyone is enjoying their night as much as I am!
XOXO Britni
XOXO Britni
Thursday, January 12, 2012
2 Areas of Concern
Met my doctor on Tuesday to find out there are 2 suspicious areas on my PET scan. Both could be false positives, but they ordered further tests to determine what they are. I had a CT scan yesterday and am waiting to hear those results. If the doctor finds questionable areas on the CT scan, they will go in and biopsy the tissues. If they don't find anything questionable, then I will wait 2 months and take another PET scan. So now I'm back in the waiting game.
Woke up with a cold today. Hopefully that will go away quickly and I'll hear back from my doctor tomorrow. Cross your fingers for me!
XOXO Britni
Woke up with a cold today. Hopefully that will go away quickly and I'll hear back from my doctor tomorrow. Cross your fingers for me!
XOXO Britni
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Scan today!
Happy New Year everyone! I had a blast at the cabin and am now back home. Nick, Nicholas, Chloe and I did our best to enjoy what little snow there was. They built a ramp with the snow in front of the house so we didn't have to go far to have fun. While they were "surfing" down the ramp, I stuck to sledding on my behind. I attempted to surf down the ramp twice... Falling on my side 1 second after take off each time. Overall it was a great vacation. Very relaxing, just what the doctor ordered!
On the health front- I have my follow up scan today at 3pm! I won't get the results until Monday at 4:30pm. I'm nervous now and imagine I will be until Monday. I just need to stay positive and focused on good health. Turns out my infection wasn't staph... It was pseudomonas. After 10 days of antibiotics I had to go back in this morning and have the doctor re-open the holes. This time I received 3 shots of numbing medicine before he cut open the spaces. Now cleaned, they got packed with gauze. I have to go to Roseville every 2 days to have it re-packed. There is NO way I could do that myself. I was naseaous just listening to the doctors talk about it! My doctor did say he has never seen an incision take so long to heal. This is one of those situations where you don't feel good about being special! Other than my lingering incision issues all is well. I'll write again on Monday to give everyone the cancer free news!
XOXO Britni
On the health front- I have my follow up scan today at 3pm! I won't get the results until Monday at 4:30pm. I'm nervous now and imagine I will be until Monday. I just need to stay positive and focused on good health. Turns out my infection wasn't staph... It was pseudomonas. After 10 days of antibiotics I had to go back in this morning and have the doctor re-open the holes. This time I received 3 shots of numbing medicine before he cut open the spaces. Now cleaned, they got packed with gauze. I have to go to Roseville every 2 days to have it re-packed. There is NO way I could do that myself. I was naseaous just listening to the doctors talk about it! My doctor did say he has never seen an incision take so long to heal. This is one of those situations where you don't feel good about being special! Other than my lingering incision issues all is well. I'll write again on Monday to give everyone the cancer free news!
XOXO Britni
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Back to "Normal"
It has been almost 3 weeks since I finished both chemotherapy and radiation! My body has begun healing and I'm starting to feel "normal" again. I use quotations because I'm adjusting to a new normal. If you've seen me in person, you know I look completely "normal." Lucky for me, my internal organs are regenerating too. Any pain I have now is random. I get random joint pains, that were actually very painful for three nights. I've added calcium into my vitamin regimen and Aleeve helps take the joint pain away. For as good as I feel now, it feels like I was a normal 26 year old before the surgery and now I'm like a 50-something year old menopausal woman with joint pains and hot flashes! The only lingering issue is my incision. Three months since the surgery and the staples have not dissolved. Three bubbles appeared along the incision which resulted in a staph infection. They had to open and drain the bubbles and put me on a round of antibiotics. Two of the three bubbles are healing properly and one will have to be drained again tomorrow. Ugh... Hopefully this will be the last of my incision troubles. Until then, yoga pants or sweats it is. My post treatment scan and follow-up appointment are in January. The day is TBD, but I'll be sure to post when the time comes!
The weeks since the completion of treatment have flown by and I'm officially ready for Christmas! I leave Christmas night to spend four days at my dad's cabin in Kingvale. When I return, I've got to begin the job hunt. I have enjoyed every last minute of my time off, but I am ready to return to the working world. I'm searching for an Executive Assistant / Administrative Assistant position in the area. I've made a conscious decision to find a job where I can focus on that happy work/life balance. After six years in the Event and Food Service industry, I'm ready to transition into something new. I'm very thankful for my time at Catta Verdera. Whatever I do in the future, I know I can handle anything!
Off to finish wrapping presents! I hope everyone has a happy, healthy and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
XOXO Britni
The weeks since the completion of treatment have flown by and I'm officially ready for Christmas! I leave Christmas night to spend four days at my dad's cabin in Kingvale. When I return, I've got to begin the job hunt. I have enjoyed every last minute of my time off, but I am ready to return to the working world. I'm searching for an Executive Assistant / Administrative Assistant position in the area. I've made a conscious decision to find a job where I can focus on that happy work/life balance. After six years in the Event and Food Service industry, I'm ready to transition into something new. I'm very thankful for my time at Catta Verdera. Whatever I do in the future, I know I can handle anything!
Off to finish wrapping presents! I hope everyone has a happy, healthy and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
XOXO Britni
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Photos Galore!
My mom just helped me upload a TON of photos to www.theprincessandthec.com! We tried to incorporate all of the photos taken so far, but some are kinda blurry and some were VERY blurry. I apologize if a photo of you and I didn't make it to the site due to the blur! I hope you enjoy a glimpse into this crazy journey I'm on.
XOXO Britni
XOXO Britni
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Holy "O"
Two days into week 5 and I'm exhausted. The cumulative nature of the side effects is true! I have to admit, I'm most comfortable when I'm lying in bed or on the couch. Overall, I am just wiped out. This past Friday and Saturday were the worst yet. The nausea was overwhelming. When I was in the shower on Saturday, my vision became blurry, I got dizzy and both my ears plugged. I got out and laid in bed for the rest of the day. I had to cancel my movie plans with Felicia because I just couldn't get over the nausea. Things calmed down on Sunday. Just in time to have chemo again on Monday. Nick took me to chemo and radiation this time. I took Ativan to relax and drank lots of water on Sunday, but it still took two pricks to get into a vein. My nurse actually put the IV in a vein that's in between my wrist and thumb. My wrist is a bit sore today. It is hard open bottles.
Chemo was definitely interesting. Besides entertaining ourselves with and angry birds battle, Nick and I had a front row seat to another patient being taken out of the chemo suite on a gurney. He was having chest pains, so they took him to the ER. Oddly enough the building I go to for chemo is not considered the hospital (even though it's on the grounds of the Roseville hospital). So the nurses are required to call an ambulance just like you would at home. Six EMT's showed up (a little overkill?!) and took him out. He was a very cute elderly man who said "I'm still awake, I can walk!" After being convinced that the gurney is protocol, he hoped on. "Fine" he said, "but I'm not leaving here in a body bag!" Hopefully everything turned out well for him.
I spoke with my chemo oncologist and got a prescription for what I'm calling the Holy "O"! Tincture of Opium. That's right people, liquid opium. It's the last resort they can offer me to help with the diarrhea. I'm supposed to take .6ml four times a day until the diarrhea stops. We'll see how long it takes! I thought it would make me loopy, but I actually don't feel anything. It doesn't even make me tired. I should say it doesn't make me more tired than I already am! Tomorrow, I see my radiation doc, get radiation and then see my chemo doc. I learned too late on Monday that I could have switched to a higher anti-nausea drug, so I'll be reviewing my last set of IV's for chemo next Monday. Cross your fingers for me that the nausea doesn't knock me out again this weekend! It's time to begin the countdown; 3 more radiation treatments and 1 chemo! Hot friggin' dog! Once the treatments are over it will take 4-6 weeks for the side effects to go away. The radiation side effects- sunburn, inflamed organs/tissues, diarrhea, and fatigue- will take the longest to go away. Hopefully I won't need the opium that whole time!
So what about after treatment? I wait two months and then go back in for another PET/CT scan. The two month wait is to let my body rebuild after being torn apart for six weeks. If the cancer shows up on the scan, then well decide what to do then. However, I know it won't! That means it's back to living a normal cancer free life! I'll get a scan every three months for two years, then every six months for the following three years. At five years, I'll be medically cured! Thanksgiving this week means yummy dinners with the families and the second year of black Friday shopping with my niece Brooke! We're doing it at midnight this year! 4am was brutal last year, and mornings are even harder for me now. I feel the best at night, so this Thursday night/ Friday morning should be a breeze.
Thanksgiving and Christmas are my favorite holidays. I look forward to chilly weather, crackling fires, hot chocolate, Christmas lights and family gatherings all year long! Thanksgiving is the kick-off for me, and as you can probably guess, this year is even more special. This holiday season is going to be amazing, I can feel it.
I need to say a great big THANK YOU! to all of my mom's colleagues at Sierra College who participated in making me an unbelievably beautiful quilt! 38 people took the time to decorate a square before they had them beautifully sewn together into a quilt. It is an extremely touching gift that I will never forget. Thank you again to everyone who participated.
It's time to hit the sack. Big day of doctors appointments tomorrow. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Enjoy your food comas! I know I will... I love myself some stuffing! XOXO Britni
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Middle of week 4! Whoo-hoo!
Back in the chair for my fourth chemo treatment this past Monday. It took 2 needle pricks to find a good vein this time. Good thing this weather calls for long sleeves because my arms make me look like I have a drug habit. I have one large and medium bruise on my left forearm and five small bruises on my right forearm! Only 2 chemo treatments and 8 radiation treatments left!
I had a very relaxing weekend- spent about 18-20 hours each day in bed. I caught the cold my mom had. Luckily for me it was just nasal congestion and a mild cough. I took a nasal decongestant on Sunday and that with a massive amount of rest seems to have cleared it up. I don't feel 100% today, but I don't even know if that's possible with everything else going on. The "D" is still an issue too, but I've added percocet into my regimen of pills. This narcotic along with the stronger imodium like drug they prescribed has helped slow things down in my intestines.
On a bad note, another spot on my incision opened up. It's a small superficial opening, but there is a bigger fluid pocket below it too. I visited one of my doctor's after chemo and thankfully he said the opening and fluid pocket are not infected. I just have to keep a close eye on them. The problem is more of the staples are making their way to the surface. I'm VERY weary about pulling the exposed staples out. I think it opens up the hole deeper. I'd rather they come out on their own and I cover them with a bandaid until they are fully out. I thought that skin around my incision would be numb, but it's actually very sensitive. I would be able to feel the staples being removed if they took the tweezers to them. My doctor agreed to let me do it my way since none of the staples are sticking out far enough yet to pry on.
On a good note, I'm excited to see Tower Heist with Diana today. Then Suzanne is coming over to make Chicken & Dumplings on Thursday! Yummy! No big plans for Friday and Saturday other than relaxing more and then it's time to celebrate Nicholas's 6th Birthday on Sunday. Now if only I could heal my friend Sarah and her adorable boys of their flus. They have been sick for WAY to long so I haven't been able to visit with them!!
I hope everyone out there got a flu shot and is staying happy and healthy!! A little over a week until Thanksgiving! I love the fall & winter and all the family centered holidays they bring. Can't wait to stuff myself like a turkey with the rest of you! One thing is for sure, this Cancer may have given me some side effects, but it hasn't taken away my appetite! I'm still losing weight too (best diet plan ever! Hehehe)
XOXO Britni
I had a very relaxing weekend- spent about 18-20 hours each day in bed. I caught the cold my mom had. Luckily for me it was just nasal congestion and a mild cough. I took a nasal decongestant on Sunday and that with a massive amount of rest seems to have cleared it up. I don't feel 100% today, but I don't even know if that's possible with everything else going on. The "D" is still an issue too, but I've added percocet into my regimen of pills. This narcotic along with the stronger imodium like drug they prescribed has helped slow things down in my intestines.
On a bad note, another spot on my incision opened up. It's a small superficial opening, but there is a bigger fluid pocket below it too. I visited one of my doctor's after chemo and thankfully he said the opening and fluid pocket are not infected. I just have to keep a close eye on them. The problem is more of the staples are making their way to the surface. I'm VERY weary about pulling the exposed staples out. I think it opens up the hole deeper. I'd rather they come out on their own and I cover them with a bandaid until they are fully out. I thought that skin around my incision would be numb, but it's actually very sensitive. I would be able to feel the staples being removed if they took the tweezers to them. My doctor agreed to let me do it my way since none of the staples are sticking out far enough yet to pry on.
On a good note, I'm excited to see Tower Heist with Diana today. Then Suzanne is coming over to make Chicken & Dumplings on Thursday! Yummy! No big plans for Friday and Saturday other than relaxing more and then it's time to celebrate Nicholas's 6th Birthday on Sunday. Now if only I could heal my friend Sarah and her adorable boys of their flus. They have been sick for WAY to long so I haven't been able to visit with them!!
I hope everyone out there got a flu shot and is staying happy and healthy!! A little over a week until Thanksgiving! I love the fall & winter and all the family centered holidays they bring. Can't wait to stuff myself like a turkey with the rest of you! One thing is for sure, this Cancer may have given me some side effects, but it hasn't taken away my appetite! I'm still losing weight too (best diet plan ever! Hehehe)
XOXO Britni
Friday, November 11, 2011
4th times a charm in week 3
What a week! I had such a nice time with Xenia and Justin in Napa. I'm so thankful I have wonderful friends who flew across the country to visit me. It was also a treat to see my brother! While our time together was short, it's always nice to get a hug from your big bro. My mom's birthday dinner and night out was a ton of fun too. Suzanne, Sarah, my mom and I had a great dinner at the Esquire Grill before the concert.
While all these activities have been fun, they've also been exhausting. The side effects of radiation are in full force. The fatigue I can handle, but the diarrhea is ridiculous. If your grossed out by me talking about poop, I recommend you get yourself a copy of the book "Everybody Poops" and get over it! :-) The chemo causes constipation, so after four awful days of diarreah, I couldn't wait for chemo this Monday. I took an Ativan (anti-anxiety med that is supposed to help me and my veins relax before chemo) so Diana took me to radiation and chemo on Monday. No amount of Ativan could have relaxed my dehydrated veins. It took 2 nurses and 4 attempts to find a suitable vein. Once we got a good line established, the rest of chemo was a breeze. Diana satisfied my breakfast craving with a Noah's bagel and strawberry smear while in the chemo chair! She also brought me lots of yummy snacks including Hershey kisses. Sweet snacks and lots of laughs made for a great Monday.
My incision is still having some trouble healing. I can see staples trying to make their way to the surface. I'm sure the diarrhea isn't helping that either. I had the doctor put more steri-strip tape over the incision for my own piece of mind. It makes me feel like it holds the skin together more and if a staple does make its way out again, then the tape should help it not snag on my clothing.
Unfortunately the fatigue and diarreah will last for the duration of treatment and can continue for 6-8 weeks past the conclusion of treatment. My original treatment plan was 5 weeks long. However due to the Thanksgiving holiday, I'll miss 2 radiation treatments since the offices are closed. That means I get a 6th chemo treatment. Considering everything, I'm half way through and doing great. No major plans this weekend, just keeping things low key and allowing my body to heal itself. My poor mom is sick with a cold, so I've got to make sure she gets better and doesn't give it to me!! I hope everyone is enjoying this fall weather as much as I am! To be cold is to be comfortable for me right now!
XOXO Britni
While all these activities have been fun, they've also been exhausting. The side effects of radiation are in full force. The fatigue I can handle, but the diarrhea is ridiculous. If your grossed out by me talking about poop, I recommend you get yourself a copy of the book "Everybody Poops" and get over it! :-) The chemo causes constipation, so after four awful days of diarreah, I couldn't wait for chemo this Monday. I took an Ativan (anti-anxiety med that is supposed to help me and my veins relax before chemo) so Diana took me to radiation and chemo on Monday. No amount of Ativan could have relaxed my dehydrated veins. It took 2 nurses and 4 attempts to find a suitable vein. Once we got a good line established, the rest of chemo was a breeze. Diana satisfied my breakfast craving with a Noah's bagel and strawberry smear while in the chemo chair! She also brought me lots of yummy snacks including Hershey kisses. Sweet snacks and lots of laughs made for a great Monday.
My incision is still having some trouble healing. I can see staples trying to make their way to the surface. I'm sure the diarrhea isn't helping that either. I had the doctor put more steri-strip tape over the incision for my own piece of mind. It makes me feel like it holds the skin together more and if a staple does make its way out again, then the tape should help it not snag on my clothing.
Unfortunately the fatigue and diarreah will last for the duration of treatment and can continue for 6-8 weeks past the conclusion of treatment. My original treatment plan was 5 weeks long. However due to the Thanksgiving holiday, I'll miss 2 radiation treatments since the offices are closed. That means I get a 6th chemo treatment. Considering everything, I'm half way through and doing great. No major plans this weekend, just keeping things low key and allowing my body to heal itself. My poor mom is sick with a cold, so I've got to make sure she gets better and doesn't give it to me!! I hope everyone is enjoying this fall weather as much as I am! To be cold is to be comfortable for me right now!
XOXO Britni
Monday, October 31, 2011
Week 2 ~ Happy Halloween!
I'm in the chemo chair for week 2 of treatment. My nurse is dressed up as Cruella Deville! She looks hilarious! My first chemo experience made me nervous for treatment today. The needle hurt going in ( how could it not?) and the fluids burned as they flushed thru. I have quite the bruise from last weeks poke. This time the whole experience is better. I'm only on the magnesium bag though. I still have an anti- nausea bag and the actual chemo left to drip in. My mom and I are entertaining ourselves by taking "photo booth" pictures on our iPads. There's nothing funnier than making yourself look like an idiot.
The side effects of treatment haven't been that bad. A little nausea, mostly fatigue. The doctor's are careful to remind me that the side effects are cumulative and will reach their height at 3-4 weeks. The only other uncomfortable side effect is the abdominal pain. I think that's still from the surgery. Some days my abs feel sore, some days they have sharp stabbing pains. Each day is different.
I've been staying busy visiting with friends, napping and the occasional Law and Order marathon. My mom's birthday is this Friday and I'm taking her to see Jim Brickman. My brother flys in at 3 on Friday and my friends Xenia & Justin fly in that night too. Xenia & Justin are taking me to Napa on Saturday night. The Doctors given the "ok" on a little wine tasting. It's going to be an exciting weekend. Now I just have to get thru week 2!
I hope everyone is enjoying a happy and healthy Halloween!
XOXO Britni
The side effects of treatment haven't been that bad. A little nausea, mostly fatigue. The doctor's are careful to remind me that the side effects are cumulative and will reach their height at 3-4 weeks. The only other uncomfortable side effect is the abdominal pain. I think that's still from the surgery. Some days my abs feel sore, some days they have sharp stabbing pains. Each day is different.
I've been staying busy visiting with friends, napping and the occasional Law and Order marathon. My mom's birthday is this Friday and I'm taking her to see Jim Brickman. My brother flys in at 3 on Friday and my friends Xenia & Justin fly in that night too. Xenia & Justin are taking me to Napa on Saturday night. The Doctors given the "ok" on a little wine tasting. It's going to be an exciting weekend. Now I just have to get thru week 2!
I hope everyone is enjoying a happy and healthy Halloween!
XOXO Britni
Monday, October 24, 2011
Day 1 is Done!
Day 1 went well! Chemo took a bit longer than expected, but I made it to Radiation on time. The toughest part of chemo was the IV. The needle is pretty long, but thin. They put it into a vein below my elbow. The cold fluids rushing in made my arm hurt. They put a warm compress and warm towel over the IV to relieve the discomfort. At radiation, I had several x-rays and then the 5 minute treatment. I didn't sleep much last night and am more tired from the treatments. Glad my bed is ridiculously comfortable, I'm gonna be spending quite a bit of time in it!!
XOXO Britni
XOXO Britni
Tick, Tock....
How quickly the time passes. I begin my chemotherapy and radiation tomorrow! One day shy of 6 weeks post-op. Even after a major surgery, post-op infection, countless doctors appointments and pills it still doesn't feel real. I'm anxious for everything to begin. My chemo treatments are every Monday morning. The radiation treatment times will be set-up at my first appointment. The radiation takes about 15 minutes, while the chemo takes 3 hours to complete. The type of chemo I'll be receiving is called Cisplatinum, which is derived from the metal platinum. Compared to other chemo regimens, it is a lower dose. Lucky for me, I shouldn't loose my hair (hot-damn!).
The major side effects of both the radiation and chemo are nausea and fatigue. There are plenty of other possible side effects, but I'm not going to focus on possibilities. Every persons experience is unique, so who knows which rotten eggs will be thrown my way. I'm going to take it day by day- no expectations. If you know me well enough, you know this is not how I typically operate. I'm very nervous to get the first treatments over with.
My mom has made sure I have all the remedies or relief aid I'll need. We have a medicine or something to help all the side effects that we can relieve on our own. Plus each week I'll check in with both my doctors to report side effects. There's a drug or cream or remedy for just about everything. My mom is also working from home now, so Nurse Nancy will be available to tend to her sick kid 24/7! And yes, I know how lucky I am!! I'm grateful to have such a supportive family and friends!
In preparation for treatment I've been busy being a normal 26 year old in early retirement. My social calendar has been pretty active. Lunches, dinners, walks, trips to Bishop's pumpkin farm & Apple Hill, decorating for Halloween, carving pumpkins and a little retail therapy.
In between it all has been lots of laughs. When my mom had to work, my friend Diana took me to meet my chemo doctor. I had already been to the radiologists that morning for my first post-op exam and CT scan. They use a CT scan to design the radiation field. After the scan, the technician gave me 3 blue dot tattoos. One 2 inches above my belly button, and one on each hip. The tattoos are used to align my body and the radiation beams in the same spot every time. The freckle next to the one on my stomach is bigger than the tattoo. At one point in my chemo consult, the doctor excused himself to go get his hammer. I looked at Diana and said "Are you kidding me? Don't tell my mom what I've been doing today! First I got probed, then 3 tattoos and now I'm getting hammered?!"
I couldn't help but laugh when the doctor came back with his reflex hammer.
Yesterday my mom asked me why I haven't written on my blog. She asked if I was over it. My honest answer: I'm over cancer. I knew this was the last couple of weeks before chemo/rad that I would be feeling "normal" enough to act like I don't have cancer. Once treatment begins, you can't ignore the side effects or the visits to the doctor's offices. That time is drawing closer by the minute!
I was taken out for a delicious "last supper" tonight- hot wings, pizza, a glass of Pinot Noir and a cookie sundae at Chicago Fire. Now it's time for a good nights sleep!
XOXO, Britni
The major side effects of both the radiation and chemo are nausea and fatigue. There are plenty of other possible side effects, but I'm not going to focus on possibilities. Every persons experience is unique, so who knows which rotten eggs will be thrown my way. I'm going to take it day by day- no expectations. If you know me well enough, you know this is not how I typically operate. I'm very nervous to get the first treatments over with.
My mom has made sure I have all the remedies or relief aid I'll need. We have a medicine or something to help all the side effects that we can relieve on our own. Plus each week I'll check in with both my doctors to report side effects. There's a drug or cream or remedy for just about everything. My mom is also working from home now, so Nurse Nancy will be available to tend to her sick kid 24/7! And yes, I know how lucky I am!! I'm grateful to have such a supportive family and friends!
In preparation for treatment I've been busy being a normal 26 year old in early retirement. My social calendar has been pretty active. Lunches, dinners, walks, trips to Bishop's pumpkin farm & Apple Hill, decorating for Halloween, carving pumpkins and a little retail therapy.
In between it all has been lots of laughs. When my mom had to work, my friend Diana took me to meet my chemo doctor. I had already been to the radiologists that morning for my first post-op exam and CT scan. They use a CT scan to design the radiation field. After the scan, the technician gave me 3 blue dot tattoos. One 2 inches above my belly button, and one on each hip. The tattoos are used to align my body and the radiation beams in the same spot every time. The freckle next to the one on my stomach is bigger than the tattoo. At one point in my chemo consult, the doctor excused himself to go get his hammer. I looked at Diana and said "Are you kidding me? Don't tell my mom what I've been doing today! First I got probed, then 3 tattoos and now I'm getting hammered?!"
I couldn't help but laugh when the doctor came back with his reflex hammer.
Yesterday my mom asked me why I haven't written on my blog. She asked if I was over it. My honest answer: I'm over cancer. I knew this was the last couple of weeks before chemo/rad that I would be feeling "normal" enough to act like I don't have cancer. Once treatment begins, you can't ignore the side effects or the visits to the doctor's offices. That time is drawing closer by the minute!
I was taken out for a delicious "last supper" tonight- hot wings, pizza, a glass of Pinot Noir and a cookie sundae at Chicago Fire. Now it's time for a good nights sleep!
XOXO, Britni
Monday, October 10, 2011
Music Heals My Soul
I'm still reeling from the golf tournament! I've had a big smile on my face ever since. It was so amazing to see everyone come together to help me. There really are not enough words to describe it. The total is staggering too. It is beyond a relief to know that I don't have to worry about excess medical costs, bills, etc during my treatment. All of my positive thoughts can focus on fighting this cancer.
I'm so lucky to have friends and family close by to keep me a active. I saw the movie 50/50 last weekend... Phenomenal. Highly recommend it to everyone. Bring your kleenex! The main character (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) did a great job of conveying the real raw emotions of a cancer patient. I could definitely relate to several scenes. (Thank you Diana for the movie and popcorn!) I've had so many amazing conversations and lunch/ dinner dates with Sarah, Suzanne, Tracy, Diana and "phone dates" with Xenia in Philly. Yesterday I got to see my niece Brooke pitch during one of her softball games and enjoy my first post -op pizza slice. I'm finally getting somewhat of an appetite back. I get a few cravings here and there and can tolerate more normal foods now. I'm down 14 pounds on my cancer diet (trying to look at the upsides!) Not the ideal diet, but I'll take what I can get.
I thought it would be hard adjusting to not working... Wrong! There was an adjustment period, but I've been able to slow down my mind and relish the free time that I have. I thought I would be watching the minutes tick by but the days are flying by. I have either a lunch/dinner date or doctor's appointment everyday this week, except Sunday.
My pain is very manageable now. I only took one Tylenol with Codeine this morning. I've finished all my antibiotics too. Now I only take vitamins on a regular basis. The other pills I take are on an "as needed" basis. My incision was having some problems healing. I shouldn't say was because I'm not out of the woods yet. After my surgery, the doctors used internal staples that dissolve in the body and steri-strips (they look like pieces of tape) to close me up. Unfortunately for me, my body is treating the staples like foreign objects and is pushing them out... This creates open holes in the skin. I currently have one at the top of my incision and two at the bottom. The biggest of the three was the size of a pencil eraser. I have to clean and cover the holes at least once a day. Let me rephrase... I shower and my mom treats and bandages the holes. I'm instantly nauseous when I see the holes. It's hard enough to have to shower and push them together. I have to try to squeeze out any secretions... I'm getting nauseous writing it! When my mom and I were at the doctor, they originally asked her to pack the holes with gauze. One look at that and my mom almost hit the floor. After sipping on some grape juice and putting her head between her legs, we settled on the next best thing. They gave us some powder that helps dry up and seal the hole. It's been a little over a week since the holes opened and I'm happy to report they are healing well. (All gratitude goes to my mom!)
I met my radiation doctor on Friday and now have a tentative schedule set. I go in for a CT scan tomorrow then a pelvic exam on the 20th and the first treatment on the 24th of this month. The actual radiation process takes about 5-7 minutes. I will go Monday- Friday for 5 weeks (25 total treatments). My doctor is being careful to design a radiation path that will cause the least amount of damage/ scaring to my other organs. My final pathology results indicated that my cancer is spreading downward instead of upward like most cancers. The field of radiation will run along the line of my lymphatic system. It will start just below my breasts and end at the bottom of my abdomen. All of the other organs in that area are at risk for certain side effects. I got a very helpful form that explains what side effects are common, rare and extremely rare. Most likely I will be a bit lethargic or nauseous. I could write a chapter about the other possible side effects, but I'm going to wait to see how my body responds. Of all the side effects, I have one that I'm terrified of, and unfortunately its somewhat inevitable. I'm not ready to share that with everyone. I've talked at length with my friends and doctors, but I've decided I shouldn't be worried about something that either won't be that bad or I can help reduce ( I know none of this makes sense but it will in a future post!) Lucky for me and my gas tank, radiation and chemo takes place in Roseville.
After my CT tomorrow I go back to Dr. Skilling (my oncologist) to check out my holes and incision. When I came home from the tournament last week, I noticed more white dots or staples. The doctor had reinforced those areas with new steri-strips. Mark my word, if I go in tomorrow and he says more staples have pushed out and he needs to pull them out... They are knocking me out and sewing that shit up.
I meet my chemo doctor on Tuesday. From what I know right now, the chemo treatments will be every Monday for 4 hours. I will have 5 total chemo treatments. Another upside- I shouldn't lose my hair! The chemo is a lower dose than other forms . The purpose is to weaken my cancer cells so the radiation can kill them. I'll learn lots more on Tuesday I'm sure. The 26 year old in me wants to know when I can have a cocktail!
So where does this leave my eggs?? Unfortunately, in my body. I've decided not to pursue egg harvesting. This decision was not made lightly. I can tell you that it was my decision and I am confident in my decision. It's too risky for my own health. I'd rather be a healthy adoptive mom than a sick biological mom. My cancer is too aggressive and unpredictable to play around with my own health. I'm already so tired of being poked and prodded too. Egg harvesting requires a couple of weeks of hormone shots to hyper stimulate your ovaries. When the ovaries are stimulated, the ovaries can be the size of baseballs or grapefruits. This would make my stomach expand. I can't imagine this happening when my incision is not closing properly! Gives me goose bumps thinking about it. After the radiation, my ovaries will turn into dead tissues. At that point I'll enter menopause and have the joy of taking hormone supplements for the rest of my long healthy life.
Enough medical mumbling for the day! Music heals my soul... It's a thought I can't get out of my head. I was generously gifted an iPod Shuffle from the Dimick's. They pre-loaded it with the most incredible mix of uplifting, inspirational, fun songs that I LOVE!! I can't count how many songs I've downloaded since my diagnosis. Turning on my iPod on and tuning out the world gives me the opportunity to forget about my cancer and enjoy the music for a minute. I tend to get shocked back into reality when my toe tapping turns into dancing and I feel my stomach tighten.
It hasn't been hard to find a silver lining to cancer. That may sound weird, but I've had some really great things come out of one really crappy speed bump. I'm very excited for the week ahead of me. It's almost 1am... I better get to sleep so I can start enjoying it! Oh, how could I forget, I'm almost done compiling the photos from my tournament!! I'll post that slideshow ASAP!
Thank you all again for your constant love and support!
XOXO Britni
I'm so lucky to have friends and family close by to keep me a active. I saw the movie 50/50 last weekend... Phenomenal. Highly recommend it to everyone. Bring your kleenex! The main character (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) did a great job of conveying the real raw emotions of a cancer patient. I could definitely relate to several scenes. (Thank you Diana for the movie and popcorn!) I've had so many amazing conversations and lunch/ dinner dates with Sarah, Suzanne, Tracy, Diana and "phone dates" with Xenia in Philly. Yesterday I got to see my niece Brooke pitch during one of her softball games and enjoy my first post -op pizza slice. I'm finally getting somewhat of an appetite back. I get a few cravings here and there and can tolerate more normal foods now. I'm down 14 pounds on my cancer diet (trying to look at the upsides!) Not the ideal diet, but I'll take what I can get.
I thought it would be hard adjusting to not working... Wrong! There was an adjustment period, but I've been able to slow down my mind and relish the free time that I have. I thought I would be watching the minutes tick by but the days are flying by. I have either a lunch/dinner date or doctor's appointment everyday this week, except Sunday.
My pain is very manageable now. I only took one Tylenol with Codeine this morning. I've finished all my antibiotics too. Now I only take vitamins on a regular basis. The other pills I take are on an "as needed" basis. My incision was having some problems healing. I shouldn't say was because I'm not out of the woods yet. After my surgery, the doctors used internal staples that dissolve in the body and steri-strips (they look like pieces of tape) to close me up. Unfortunately for me, my body is treating the staples like foreign objects and is pushing them out... This creates open holes in the skin. I currently have one at the top of my incision and two at the bottom. The biggest of the three was the size of a pencil eraser. I have to clean and cover the holes at least once a day. Let me rephrase... I shower and my mom treats and bandages the holes. I'm instantly nauseous when I see the holes. It's hard enough to have to shower and push them together. I have to try to squeeze out any secretions... I'm getting nauseous writing it! When my mom and I were at the doctor, they originally asked her to pack the holes with gauze. One look at that and my mom almost hit the floor. After sipping on some grape juice and putting her head between her legs, we settled on the next best thing. They gave us some powder that helps dry up and seal the hole. It's been a little over a week since the holes opened and I'm happy to report they are healing well. (All gratitude goes to my mom!)
I met my radiation doctor on Friday and now have a tentative schedule set. I go in for a CT scan tomorrow then a pelvic exam on the 20th and the first treatment on the 24th of this month. The actual radiation process takes about 5-7 minutes. I will go Monday- Friday for 5 weeks (25 total treatments). My doctor is being careful to design a radiation path that will cause the least amount of damage/ scaring to my other organs. My final pathology results indicated that my cancer is spreading downward instead of upward like most cancers. The field of radiation will run along the line of my lymphatic system. It will start just below my breasts and end at the bottom of my abdomen. All of the other organs in that area are at risk for certain side effects. I got a very helpful form that explains what side effects are common, rare and extremely rare. Most likely I will be a bit lethargic or nauseous. I could write a chapter about the other possible side effects, but I'm going to wait to see how my body responds. Of all the side effects, I have one that I'm terrified of, and unfortunately its somewhat inevitable. I'm not ready to share that with everyone. I've talked at length with my friends and doctors, but I've decided I shouldn't be worried about something that either won't be that bad or I can help reduce ( I know none of this makes sense but it will in a future post!) Lucky for me and my gas tank, radiation and chemo takes place in Roseville.
After my CT tomorrow I go back to Dr. Skilling (my oncologist) to check out my holes and incision. When I came home from the tournament last week, I noticed more white dots or staples. The doctor had reinforced those areas with new steri-strips. Mark my word, if I go in tomorrow and he says more staples have pushed out and he needs to pull them out... They are knocking me out and sewing that shit up.
I meet my chemo doctor on Tuesday. From what I know right now, the chemo treatments will be every Monday for 4 hours. I will have 5 total chemo treatments. Another upside- I shouldn't lose my hair! The chemo is a lower dose than other forms . The purpose is to weaken my cancer cells so the radiation can kill them. I'll learn lots more on Tuesday I'm sure. The 26 year old in me wants to know when I can have a cocktail!
So where does this leave my eggs?? Unfortunately, in my body. I've decided not to pursue egg harvesting. This decision was not made lightly. I can tell you that it was my decision and I am confident in my decision. It's too risky for my own health. I'd rather be a healthy adoptive mom than a sick biological mom. My cancer is too aggressive and unpredictable to play around with my own health. I'm already so tired of being poked and prodded too. Egg harvesting requires a couple of weeks of hormone shots to hyper stimulate your ovaries. When the ovaries are stimulated, the ovaries can be the size of baseballs or grapefruits. This would make my stomach expand. I can't imagine this happening when my incision is not closing properly! Gives me goose bumps thinking about it. After the radiation, my ovaries will turn into dead tissues. At that point I'll enter menopause and have the joy of taking hormone supplements for the rest of my long healthy life.
Enough medical mumbling for the day! Music heals my soul... It's a thought I can't get out of my head. I was generously gifted an iPod Shuffle from the Dimick's. They pre-loaded it with the most incredible mix of uplifting, inspirational, fun songs that I LOVE!! I can't count how many songs I've downloaded since my diagnosis. Turning on my iPod on and tuning out the world gives me the opportunity to forget about my cancer and enjoy the music for a minute. I tend to get shocked back into reality when my toe tapping turns into dancing and I feel my stomach tighten.
It hasn't been hard to find a silver lining to cancer. That may sound weird, but I've had some really great things come out of one really crappy speed bump. I'm very excited for the week ahead of me. It's almost 1am... I better get to sleep so I can start enjoying it! Oh, how could I forget, I'm almost done compiling the photos from my tournament!! I'll post that slideshow ASAP!
Thank you all again for your constant love and support!
XOXO Britni
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Best Day Ever!
Amazing, beautiful, thoughtful, emotional day. Best day ever. Thank you to everyone at Catta Verdera (colleagues, members, family). I am the luckiest girl in the world. I am so blessed to have such a large and compassionate support group of people around me. I've got a TON of pictures and stories to post. I'm feeling so much better. I thought I'd be tired after today, but I'm still wired. Thankfully I have the season premiere of Dexter to keep me busy back at home. (So anxious for my favorite serial killer vigalante to come back!) I'll be posting quite a bit this week to fill in the gaps from the last two weeks.
Thank you again to everyone at Catta Verdera, the members, the staff, the golfers, the friends, the relatives, the vendors and the donors who worked together to make this day my best day ever!
Love you all,
XOXO Britni
Thank you again to everyone at Catta Verdera, the members, the staff, the golfers, the friends, the relatives, the vendors and the donors who worked together to make this day my best day ever!
Love you all,
XOXO Britni
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Going home pt.2
It's safe to assume when I'm not posting, I'm not feeling good. The past two days were hell. I'm going home this morning and still don't feel great. Just wanted everyone to know I'm hanging in there. I'm not ready for visitors, but will post when I am. From what I know, Dodger is hanging in there too. I hope everyone is enjoying the first days of fall!
XOXO Britni
XOXO Britni
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Keeping my head up
I don't want to jinx anything, but I have been feeling much better since I threw up earlier. The nurse said I threw up the entire contents of my stomach. WOW! My mom helped me take a one handed shower (since my IV can't get wet). I feel SO much better now. Have you ever drank the milk after eating cocoa puffs? That's exactly what my Carnation instant breakfast tasted like. No one had to twist my arm to drink that. I've got a busy agenda for the night. The Fox News Google GOP debate at 6pm, baked potato for dinner and the season premier of Grey's Anatomy! If I'm still in good spirits Suz is going to sneak in and watch Grey's with me. It's our normal Thursday routine. Why let a hospital stay get in the way? I've also got to make a big lap around the wing tonight. My amazing nurse Lori (who has been amazing all day and is working 17 hours because of the strike) has promised me a great night's sleep with some good sleep aids. I'm ready for it!!
Dodger dog update: my brother came down from Washington today and will be staying with me for the weekend. He took Dodger to the vet to get her drains removed. She is doing great! Very resilient! He sent me a couple of pictures of her with her cone on. I needed a laugh like that. She is the sweetest best friend I've ever had. I'm glad my friends and family are taking care of my baby.
Looking forward to being home soon!
XOXO Britni
Dodger dog update: my brother came down from Washington today and will be staying with me for the weekend. He took Dodger to the vet to get her drains removed. She is doing great! Very resilient! He sent me a couple of pictures of her with her cone on. I needed a laugh like that. She is the sweetest best friend I've ever had. I'm glad my friends and family are taking care of my baby.
Looking forward to being home soon!
XOXO Britni
Ouch
Today is Thursday- 2 days into my stay. The doctor's are projecting that I'll be able to go home on Saturday. I've had a CT scan, chest x-ray and lots of blood work. I don't have an absess in my stomach and I also do not have a bowel obstruction. I also don't have pneumonia. I have an ileus or an impairment of intestinal motility. (google it). I have to be here until I don't have a fever for 2 days and my white blood cell count goes back to normal. My pain pills and bowl movements also have to reach a suitable agreement. I've been in a TON of pain during this stay. I've only felt relief twice, yesterday and today... After I threw up. Obviously not the best option for feeling better, but I'll take what I can get. I'm praying I can get out of here by Saturday. If your watching the news, you know about the nurses strike. Really doesn't have an affect on us inside. I'm still being well taken care of. I don't have any more energy to write. My brother comes down today to visit me for the weekend. Other than my immediate family, I ask that no one else visit me here. I'm in too much pain to entertain.
Dodger dog update- my little girl is doing well. My dad says she is healing great! My friend Erica will be taking care of Dodger in South Lake Tahoe for the next couple of months. Thank you to my dad, John and Erica for taking care of my doggie. I miss her so much and feel awful that I can't be there to do anything.
XOXO Britni
Dodger dog update- my little girl is doing well. My dad says she is healing great! My friend Erica will be taking care of Dodger in South Lake Tahoe for the next couple of months. Thank you to my dad, John and Erica for taking care of my doggie. I miss her so much and feel awful that I can't be there to do anything.
XOXO Britni
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Pain and Protocol
I'm settled into my single room (one thing to be thankful for) but I am stressed out by other factors. First, my pain is pretty bad. I asked them to wake me up every two hours to give me the IV pain meds. I'm taking the highest dose of this particular kind. If the pain doesn't subside then we will talk about morphine. I'm on the same floor as my first stay but a different wing now. They are not as attentive in this wing. The gentleman who I share a bathroom with sounds like he is giving birth on the toilet. I asked the nurses if they clean the bathroom in between patients. They said that's not protocol. There is something very unsettling about having to use the same restroom as another sick person. I already have an infection. I don't want to catch what he's hacking up in there! Our room won't seem to cool down either. The fan they have on the wall sounds like it has sticks between the spokes. On top of this stuff, my treatment plan is confusing. I've had a chest ex-ray and I'll be getting a CT scan in the morning. I had to push for the morning appointment. I wanted it tonight. I want to know what is going on and how to fix it. I'm sure I'm not the nurses favorite anymore. They switched my room so I would have my own bathroom. My eye lids are heavy now. Time to start my two hour of sleep time blocks.
XOXO Britni
XOXO Britni
Back to the Hospital
Had a 102 temperature fever today when my mom got home from work. Called the Nurse Practitioner and they asked me to come in. Went to Kaiser Morse Avenue for lab work and then to Pointe West to see the NP. My urine was clear so they don't think it is a kidney infection, but my white blood cell count is abnormally high. They are sending me back to Morse Avenue. I'm waiting for a bed to be set up and then we're off to admitting. I'm not sure what is going to happen next. More tests I guess. I also have a rash on my tummy. I'm in a lot of intermittent intense pain.
Dodger hasn't had a good day either. Long story short, we took her back to the original vet from yesterday. Her wounds were deeper than they appeared. The puncture on her leg tore all the muscles. Pat and my dad are going to pick her up and take care of her. I'm sure the total on that bill will round out to around $2200....
Not the best day for me or my doggie. Let's hope things can only go up from here!
XOXO Britni
Dodger hasn't had a good day either. Long story short, we took her back to the original vet from yesterday. Her wounds were deeper than they appeared. The puncture on her leg tore all the muscles. Pat and my dad are going to pick her up and take care of her. I'm sure the total on that bill will round out to around $2200....
Not the best day for me or my doggie. Let's hope things can only go up from here!
XOXO Britni
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)