Day 9 of the Transplant

Here we are, 9 days into the stem cell transplant.  We'll start with some bad news: the bad news is that the effects from the chemo has been quite harsh this last week in terms of severe nausea and other side effects. There has been some substantional bone pain as well, which, we are told that this is actually a good sign because it means the stem cells are expanding and doing what is needed. Overall, she is still managing fatigue, nausea, and bone pain- a big bummer but part of the process.

One other little happy news is that Kathy has gained a little appetitie back. Since food can nourish the body AND soul, this is a plus. We hope it continues to come back to replenish the energy her body is using in healing.  

She looks great and vibrant and is always dressed to the nine's when I have come to see her, which has been regular- she'll always be in a skirt and cardigan of some sort, with a matching hat. Some pillowcases that Bekah sewed a few weeks ago are bright and happy additions to the hospital room with their fun floral, colorful patterns, as well as a beautiful quilt Kathy's sisters contributed which rests perfectly on her bed. 

I asked my mom about what other BMT patients she has seen and how many might be on the floor. She thought that about 30 beds in her wing were being occupied by people in her situation, some of them, quite young: teenage-young. I thought that was a very sobering and humbling fact. These big mountains that so many brave people are called onto to ascend is really telling of the caliber they must have. 

Final note: I walked down the hallway this evening and was touched/excited to see a quote on the glass board (where visitors are permitted to write words of encouragment) from a name I recognized: Elder Christofferson. It read:

"The Atonement also satisfies the debt justice owes to us by healing and compensating us for any suffering we innocently endure". (General Conference April 2013, "Redemption") 

Good night!

Part of the Game

Not much new, but my mom is doing okay! Most of the time she is pretty wiped out, which is to be expected when your white blood cells are zero. Sores in her mouth are bothersome, but hopefully on the mend here soon. Her nurses have been attentive and sweet. You nurses out there will have a special place in heaven, that's for sure. Amazing, caring people they are. 

Thank you from the top and bottom of our hearts for continued faith and prayers. I always have loved the following scripture:

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16)

True that. We love your prayers as we continue to wait and wait for results of the first stem cell transfusion. 

Post transplant Saturday June 22nd

Hi Everyone
     I am feeling ok today and Katie is in California with her family trying to find a place to live.    Today is our 12th wedding anniversary.    Hard to believe that 12 years have gone by so fast and here we are today.
     The chemo is over with, and my cells are in.  I'm now in a state where my counts are low and still have the side effects of the chemo.   They are watching for infections, need for transfusions and any ache or pain.   I have very low energy and there were times yesterday where I couldn't  raise my head.   I'm sure there are good days mixed with with some challenging ones ahead.  
       As hard as this is, I'm grateful for modern medicine.  And I really like the team up here.  I've had some great nurses.   On my second day of transplant, I had a cute nurse who was sticking with me for over 4 hours to get the cells in.    I was having some recatons to the preservative in the cells, so it was a very slow process.   This cute nurse is 9 months pregnant.  The baby is due in 3 weeks.   It was obvious during the later part of the process that she was having contractions!     She stuck it out with me, even when she was in pain,she attended to my needs.   She  went home, and the contractions went away, But, I kept seeing it as a good omen. Life
    I miss talking with you and I'm sorry that I don't have the energy to do much.    I know you all understand about no visitors.   It is risky and I'm trying to protect myself from too many 'outside' germs.  
     The view of the the mountains from my room is making it bearable.  I've already have seen the bright greens of June, fading into the lull of summer.    The snow on the peaks of the mountains are almost all gone.   And I watch life down 8th Ave. where there must be a little cafe or ice cream store where people are going in and coming out looking satisfied.    
     In a situation like this, I have found I have to look for all the good things, otherwise it would be all just too overwhelming!
      Thanks for all your best wishes and love, and prayers and positive thoughts.  Every day a better day!
Love,
Kathy
       

First Day

Today was the first stem cell transfusion day and tomorrow is the second and final for this first BMT round. After tomorrow, it's another few weeks in the hospital to monitor and take note of how the stem cells behave and grow in her body. As my mom said the other day, "it's a numbers game"-- everything about the stem cell's behavior is evaluated from multiple blood draws a day. 

It is a crucial and important time, and we ask for your faith and prayers that her body will accept these, her own harvested stem cells, and that no complications arise. 

Well, that does it for today!

Ta ta.

The News of Today

Hello cyber support group/world.

I'm sitting here with my mom at the hospital and wanted to supply you all with a mild update on things.

She has 6 days of heavy chemo administration under her belt. Horaay! Today, Tuesday the 18th, is a rest day for her body and tomorrow will be the first day of the stem cell transfusion (not to be confused with a donor transfusion- these stem cells are her own that were harvested some time ago during a more healthy period).

The nausea has been a problem but the nurses are trying to keep it minimal and under control. Her numbers (red blood cell count, white blood cell count, etc) appear to be where it should be and the disease tumors DO seem to be decreasing in size. All signs thus far  indicate that things are going in the right direction.

There's a chance for a reoccuring dose of chemo, but hopefully the worst of that is behind her.

We sure love all your prayers and support. I know that sounds a bit cliche-ish, but it couldn't be more true.

Ciao. 

Wednesday June 12, 2013

Kathy's first day at the hospital in her first words:

"So the line is in.    When we got here this morn, we were told it could not be done unless my platelets were at least 50,000.  Mine were 18 000 They did two bags and I got up to 65,000.  Everyone was amazed.  We were hoping for at least double.  I felt an overwhelming feeling of gratitude and answer to prayers this morning.   Thank-you.  I'll go up to the room at noon". 

And then received not too long afterwards:

"Ok maybe not a miracle, but a bonus.   Room with a view of looking east towards the u."

Silver linings in these storm clouds, and we will continually bug Heavenly Father for more.