Another Week

There's been a lot going on this week.  I've had a lot of pain, decreased mobility, and too much weakness for my liking, but my parents came up on Friday and stayed until yesterday.  I was able to go to my niece's district track meet.  It was nice to sit outside for a few hours. My parents do a good job of trying to feed me.  They must have done a decent job, because I was up over two pounds this week over last week at my chemo appointment.

I received a chemo treatment this afternoon and will now have a week off before my next one.  My friend Melodie came today from San Francisco to visit.  She will stay until Sunday.  It didn't take long to realize that Mindy had snuck some of her liquid gold into Melodie's suitcase!

I sure am getting a lot of help these days as we prepare to put my house on the market here in the next couple of weeks.  It would be impossible without the help of my sister and her husband who, with entirely full plates of their own, are also adding this project to their lives.

I continue to feel the power of so many prayers being offered in my behalf.  Thank you all so much for the help I am receiving from each of you.

Family Visits

Since my visit to the hospital, I've had some wonderful family visits.  First was my sister Mindy and beautiful baby Berrett.  Although their visit was very short, I was so glad they came because they do so much to help me.  I always feel bad because I am so sick that I don't bring any fun to the party, but it's so great to have them here.  Mindy brings oranges from the orange tree in her backyard in California.  Once you squeeze them, they make a delicious liquid gold that I think could cure almost anything!

Mindy left on Thursday, and by Friday night I had the wonderful combination of my niece Jessica, as well as my sister Stephanie and her family.  I had some nice time alone with Jessica on Friday; I was so glad she could come visit from Rexburg.  I didn't feel awful on Friday night, which was nice for a change.  The Simmons were all over on Saturday, and boy did they work hard!!  They went nuts on Jeanette's yard, as well as my yard.  It was so great to see Ronald and how hard he worked and how great he looks.  I felt well enough to go outside and sit on a recliner and watch them work.  I really did have a few decent hours on Saturday.   I am so glad the Simmons and Jessica could come.

I have been pretty sick since Sunday.  I almost made it to church, but then last minute felt so yucky I just couldn't pull it off.  I'm always grateful to the priesthood boys who bring me the sacrament when I can't go.  The Simmons and I and Jeanette went to the Johnsons for a nice Mother's Day dinner.  

Monday and Tuesday, yesterday and today, I have been quite weak and have done very little.  My appetite is slightly better, and I've enjoyed a little bit of spaghetti, chili verde, and orange juice over the last few days.  I am still sleeping great, for which I am extremely grateful.   I continue to receive so much needed help as I struggle with what should be easy day to day tasks.  I am so thankful!  

I have chemotherapy again on Thursday.  I don't know if it is doing anything to help me, but I do seem to be tolerating the side effects well.  

I have been told by a few people recently that I need to tone down the smiling in my photos a little bit, because the smiling makes me look like I feel a lot better than I actually do.  I think that's a good point.  I would have to say that the smiling in the photos is exactly how I feel being surrounded by my sweet family, so there's nothing phony about those smiles, but I really don't feel good most of the time.  

Thank you for always reaching out to me and for extending the help that I need so much.  Looking forward to more friends and family coming this next week.

Eventful Weekend

Well, friends, it was an eventful weekend....

Saturday morning I woke up with some unusual and severe pain.  It originated in my left hip and radiated down my leg.  My morning meds did little for it, and neither did walking, massaging, or changing positions.  By evening, I was feeling a little warm, and my temperature confirmed that I had a slight fever.  I knew that I would need to go get it checked if it spiked to 101.5, so at 101.3 we started packing for the ER.

The ER visit meant lots of questions, tests, fluids, and waiting.  By about midnight, the docs had determined that I had no new blood clots, but my bladder was distended and not emptying fully.  The solution to this involved a horrible procedure from which I will spare you the details, and the ensuing draining of 1.5 liters.

The team decided it was best to transfer me to St. Luke's downtown for additional tests and monitoring, so I got another fun ride in the paramedics van about 2 AM.  I may or may not have been so tired that I missed most of it.

I'm not going to lie -- I appreciate so much doctors, nurses, and hospital staff for their hard work and kindness -- but I just hate the hospital.  I had to stay the rest of Saturday, all of Sunday, and I was finally discharged about noon on Monday (today).  My temperature is back to normal and the pain in my leg is gone.  I am so happy to be home!  I brought home a new antibiotic to fight the infection that caused the fever.

I recognize and appreciate so much the fasting and prayers for me this weekend.   Thank you so much.