Monday, July 17, 2006

Monday - Biopsy Day

This morning began with my white count holding steady at 600 and a platelet count of 22,000. (Platelets have the shortest lifespan of your blood, so that's the reason my platelet count fluctuates so widely. I hadn't had any since Friday, which was good.) Platelets are key in things like clotting, so they gave me more today mainly because I had the bone marrow biopsy.

They came in to do it at 11:30 a.m. even though I had been told 1 p.m. One of the doctors commented on how many cards I had on my wall and I replied that I have a lot of people praying for me -- although not until 1 p.m. :-) They prepped me with Adavan (which I am probably spelling incorrectly, but it's basically an anti-depressant and relaxes the entire body.) As they started the procedure they gave me morphine. With the first biopsy I complained of feeling bad when they gave it to me. This time, I began coughing as they began pushing it, like a really bad tickle in my throat that I couldn't get rid of. The doctor told them to stop pushing it immediately because he thought I was having an allergic reaction. We're very thankful that's all the reaction I had. Once I was able to stop coughing they got started. By this time the morphine had pretty much worn off since I'd only been administered a slight amount. They had already begun the local numbing and were ready to head down to the bone. I was only supposed to have the biopsy done on one side, but due to an inability to locate bone marrow on the first side (which we don't know why, or whether or not that's a good thing) they had to do it again on the second side. There was a lot more pain this time since we weren't able to use the morphine. They just kept pushing Adavan, so it hurt, and I reacted by crying in pain, but honestly overall I didn't really care that much. That kept it from being otherwise quite traumatic. We won't know the results until tomorrow or Wednesday, but I will let you know as soon as I know.

Mondays mean a visit from two sweet volunteers who always pray with me. They made their stay brief, because the morphine had me quite nauseous (and a rather alarming shade of color) and I was staring at a sandwich willing myself to get it down somehow. They prayed with us, and I managed to eat the entire sandwich as the antinausea meds kicked in. I have found one that works, and it's a friend indeed.

I'm really sore this evening, and a little off feeling overall, since they gave me such a large amount of the Adavan. I keep falling asleep, and when I'm awake everything just moves rather slowly. Regarding the soreness, the biopsy is done in my lower back. There are two little dimples on your lower back on either side of your spine. That's where they do it. So mine are covered with layers of guaze and rather swollen and sore at the moment. Thankfully the bleeding was minor and easily controlled. It was about 1/2" off of each of the spots from two weeks ago, so I was already a little tender.

Thank you again for your prayers. I know they were quite effective regardless of when my biopsy was done. I spent the procedure quoting Psalm 23 to myself, and noticed shortly afterward an e-mail from a friend containing just that prayer.

11 comments:

J said...

Amy, I want to toss in my comment to let you know you're in my prayers as well. I had heard that Brandon had gotten married but I've never met you. I knew Brandon back when he did time at PHC.

God bless you and keep you safe. You too Brandon. Keep up your hope in Christ.

Jesse

Anonymous said...

Oh, Amy...that procedure doesn't sound like a ton of fun--just like everything else that you're going through. I think it is beyond the comprehension of anyone who has not actually experienced it.

All around the country hundreds are praying that God will continue giving you the strength to endure. As the cancer attacks your body, Satan attacks your spirit--but God is your defense.

I know you've read this Psalm before but I read it this morning and thought of you. I pray that God will swoop down, shake the earth and banish every bad thing from you.

"The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.
The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.
In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth....

He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.
He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.
They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.
He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me."

Anonymous said...

Hello, Amy,

Thank you for keeping us informed. We pray for you many times a day and our hearts ache for what you are having to go through. May God comfort, heal and give you the physical and spiritual strength to make it through each of these trying experiences. We want to come and see you but not until you are stronger and there is less risk of bringing some germ to you. We just pray you will be able to go home to Brandon and Gary soon. I know you will still have to be very careful about being around people, but I also know you will be much more comfortable and content in your own home. May God richly bless you and our prayers continue for you. God is good, He knows what you need and how to take care of you. We love you dearly. Grandpa and Grandma Linda

Anonymous said...

Hey Amy,
It was good talking to you last night. I hope you fell better this morning. Ilove you.
Love,
Lizzie :)

Anonymous said...

Amy,
I just took a few minutes away from work to see if you posted anything last night. Your Mom told me about the procedure last night on the phone so I know you had a rough time but as always God has pulled you through as He will all the time. Keep up the fight and we'll pray for positive results on the biopsy and therefore not another round of chemo.

Keep trusting in the Lord, Jesus Christ for strength, for in all things he will strenghten you. Hope you have a good day of rest and reduced pains.
Uncle Cliff

Unknown said...

Amy-
Even though i've never met you and i live 2000 miles away i just thought i'd let you know after my sister sent me a link to your site i'll be checking to see how you're doing and you'll continue to be in my thoughts. the best to you

ashley

Wendy said...

Amy, I have asked for prayer for you through my blog. You and your family will be in my prayers. What an amazing witness you are to others in this.

Anonymous said...

Amy, I think of you often during the days and wonder how you are doing. I have always known that you are as strong as a rock and this proves it. You are an inspiration to everyone. I have shared your story with several people at church and they all are praying for you. We know that prayers are answered. You keep smiling and we'll keep praying.

Love Ya, Aunt Karen

Mississippi Girl said...

Hi Amy- Got the link to here from Wendy's blog. I just prayed for you and your family. Your life is a wonderful testimony for the Lord Jesus. I will continue to pray for you!
Jennifer in MS

Anonymous said...

Amy -

There is something amazing about the love of Christ and the bond that God's children share. I had absolutely no idea that you existed before tonight. My friend Wendy sent me a link to your blog so I read through several of your postings. And even though I don't know you - I do know that we worship the same God and I feel compelled to pray for you. Thank you for bringing Him such glory in your response to this trial. It is such an amazing testimony to those who come in contact with you - myself included. You've been through so much and the future is still unknown. But keep trusting in the amazing sovereignty of the God who DID ordain all this before the foundation of the world. His purposes for our lives are so much bigger than ourselves.
I will pray for you.

In Christ,
Liz

Anonymous said...

Amy -- My husband and I are old friends of Brandon's mom, Harla. We have been reading your updates every day and must tell you that with all your suffering - you have the ability to inspire others in a say I have never seen - Your honesty in expression really helps us all to understand what you are dealing with and how difficult it really is. Our hearts and minds are with you always. Barbara & Wayne Hughes