Hydration

Since I seem to be a genius at getting dehydrated, I am going in to the hospital a couple of times a week for fluid infusions.  They take a little over an hour, and I do think I feel better for another day or so.   I am still struggling with the throw-up piece of the puzzle and can't seem to get on top of the motion sickness.

I am curious to see what comes down the pipes next week, as I have this week off from chemotherapy.  Today was actually pretty decent, and I would love to see more of this type of day.

I'm often told about very specific prayers so many of you offer in my behalf.  They give me the faith to keep praying for miracles, because I know so many of you are still praying in that regard.  Thank you.    

 Getting my port accessed for my fluids...

 Accessed and ready to roll!

Congratulating one of the part-time workers on her new full-time job as a chaplain.  She is a wonderful lady, and I expect great things for her in her new assignment!

Ultrasound Follow-up

Just a quick follow-up on the ultrasound of my kidneys...there doesn't seem to be any obstruction there.  I also seem to be tolerating this chemo better than last week.  I've only thrown up once.

I woke up this morning and was actually a little surprised that I still had cancer.  I don't know why, but every now and again I wake up thinking it's all just been a nightmare and everything will be back to normal.  No such luck!  I also woke up too late to go to church yesterday but was able to receive the sacrament from some wonderful Priests in my ward.

It was sad to say goodbye to the Dibbs yesterday.  It was so nice to have them here!

Second Round of New Chemo

I didn't tolerate the first round of the new chemo very well.  I pretty much threw up everything from Thursday afternoon until Sunday night.  Fortunately, I haven't thrown up since Monday, and I've had a bit more appetite since then as well.

I had my second round of my new treatment this afternoon.  The pharmacist mixed up a new concoction for my anti-nausea pre-meds, which has been encouraging so far.  The oncologist has some minor concerns about my kidney, so I will be having an ultrasound tomorrow morning on my kidneys to rule out an obstruction.

I've been blessed with spring break visitors this week from California.  It's so nice to have them here.  I'm so thankful for all of the people who are helping me.  I receive help in ways I don't even know I need until I receive it.

New Chemo

I got my first round of the new chemotherapy treatment yesterday.  I'm not quite sure why, but I ended up throwing up the whole rest of the day and more this morning.  It was baffling, because I had just received a loading dose of anti-nausea meds through my IV, and this type of chemo is supposedly well-tolerated.

I haven't thrown up again since this morning.  I was able to go on a short walk today in the most glorious spring weather.  I'll receive the same treatment once a week for the next couple of months.  Hopefully the rest of this week will level out and the drug can do what it's supposed to do.

Here are some pictures of my time with Mindy!

 I went to the temple with Melissa and Mindy...beautiful spring!

Got to spend some time with Baby B...

Went for a little walk around the block.

15/15

I finished my fifteenth radiation treatment yesterday!  I wish I could say that I feel better, or that it has made a significant difference.  However, it has been a very rough couple of weeks.  I feel pretty miserable all of the time.  I finally stopped throwing up a few days ago, but I am still so weak and am in a lot of pain.

There's been no talk of another scan any time soon.  I'm getting the impression that there won't be another scan for at least two months.  I start my new chemotherapy on Thursday.  It will be once a week for at least two months.  I don't know what to expect from this new chemo.  I'm just so sick of being sick.

My sister is here from California for a few days, which is a real blessing.  Thank you for your prayers and fasting.  I am certainly in need of strength beyond my own.  Thanks for continuing to reach out to me.

I'm hoping the next blog post has better news and that I'm feeling better!