Sunday, July 23, 2006

Round Two -- Day Five

I began my final 24 hour dose of chemo today. I'll finish up sometime early tomorrow afternoon. The doctors told me the next biopsy will be done 14 days out from the beginning of this round, so I'm estimating that to be right around August 1st. This is the big one -- remission or Plan B being the two possible outcomes. I will be losing Dr. Perry at the end of July. Someone explained why a few weeks ago but I honestly don't remember. I think it has something to do with rotations. I am amazed at the dedication of the doctors here. Today is day 23 in the hospital for me and I have had the same doctors around my bedside every morning for daily rounds with the exception of one or two days. I wonder how they manage to have a family life and realize the dedication they have to serve their patients. I told them yesterday that I hoped they would be able to spend some time with their families this weekend, because it seems that they live here.

I have been tired today, and ran a low fever for a while this afternoon. It seems to have broken. My infectious disease doctors are recommending that I remain on the antibiotics for now. One of the nurses commented yesterday that she doesn't know how I am handling them so well. I'm on Vancomycin and Cefepime (Maxipime). I take this as another sign of God's mercies. So far they haven't managed to destroy my kidneys.

I was able to get some rest last night. Nurses are in my room at midnight, one, two-thirty, four, four-thirty, six, seven and then breakfast at seven-thirty. So much for sleeping in! The constant interrupting is difficult, as I mentioned before, but it's a gift the nights I'm able to fall back asleep quickly. I'm trying to relax, realize it's not rude to just ask people if they washed up prior to touching me, and not try to wake up so completely to be able to just observe rather than asking a simple question.

We had a little bit of excitement last night when my IV started leaking chemo drugs. I felt damp on my side and hopped up to realize it was leaking. The reaction of the staff was quite intense, and after some scurrying about one of them assured me that it wasn't the "toxic flesh eating kind." That always makes you feel so much better. They got my sheets cleaned, mopped the floor, and I took a shower. I was wondering for a moment if they were going to bring in some kind of team in hazmat gear. Thankfully the water was warm, and I found the shower quite refreshing, although messy. My hair is falling out like nobody's business, and I kind of felt like I was fighting cobwebs as I tried to wash up. The hair has been going for several days, but for those who know me, I have had so much hair to lose that I'm still not completely bald. I probably still have as much hair as a lot of people. I told the doctor this morning as I brushed out the daily bird's nest that it hasn't been as traumatic as I thought. I'm actually kind of looking forward to the end of the shedding (it really gets messy). I have some beautiful scarves, a wig on the way, and some adorable hats -- gifts from friends, some handmade with love. And through it all a husband who tells me every chance he gets how beautiful I am to him, and I see the honesty in his eyes.

This next week may prove challenging. It's still the continuous waiting game. My white cell count is still holding steady around 300. I dread the fevers, and have been so grateful for each day of health. I wrote going into this that I didn't feel strong enough to face another round, but truly, God has not given me more than I can bear, and His mercies have been exceedingly abundant. My prayer for this week would be for continued health, patience as we anticipate the next biopsy, and a peace that passeth all understanding as we battle with the unknown upcoming diagnosis.

11 comments:

Girl Raised in the South said...

"I can see the honesty in his eyes" - this brought tears, as I'm sure you can see such love in his eyes. Privileged to be praying for you all. I was sent here by Diane.

Anonymous said...

Wow, All I can say is that you have an amazingly strong and Godly character. I think you are an inspiration! I am praying for you continuously. Love, alea canning (micha's sister.)

Emma said...

I am another online stranger, just followed a link to your blog. I really wanted to tell you that your courage and faith have truly touched my heart. I have joined in praying for your health and peace.

Blessings, Emma in Australia.

Carrie said...

I am continuing to pray for you, that your faith would not fail and for healing.

Unknown said...

Well I have your name posted on the outside glass of our shower, my bathroom mirror, my computer, my refrigerator and I have told my three year old and husband about you. My family is praying for Amy's healing! I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn't get you off my mind so I have been praying lots. Your posts are such a blessing to read. You are reminding me and so many others of how much we can trust the Lord. Thank you for ministering to the world while you are in the midst of pain.

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you!
Love you~

~Rachel E

Anonymous said...

Hey there. I don't have internet access over the weekends, so I always rush to work Monday morning to read your blog.

I'm so glad you're almost done with this round of chemo. I hope that your break goes well and that your body quickly gains strength.

Lawauna said...

Father, You formed us in our mother's womb and established the number of our days before there was even one of them. You are intimately acquainted with all of our ways, and nothing escapes Your notice.

Jesus, You are the Great Physician, and there is nothing too difficult for You. So I bring Amy before You now, and ask that You would touch her with Your almighty power. Your word says that "You hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry." Hear Amy now, as she cries out to You and answer her in this time of need.

Touch her body Lord, with the strength she needs to fight this condition that she may recover quickly. Your Word declares that it's by Your stripes that we are healed, so I take hold of that promise for Amy right now, and I proclaim Your provision for her healing. Let Your peace overshadow her, and Your presence be her comfort at this time. I pray in Jesus' mighty name, Amen!

Anonymous said...

Yes, the "toxic-flesh-eating-kind" wouldn't have been pleasant. Thank the Lord for small mercies! :)

Brenda said...

Well, thank God the drugs weren't the toxic flesh-eating kind! That might have been a bit more than anyone could bear, don't you think?

I know you are precious in His sight, thinking of others (your doctors and their families) even as you are going through so much. No doubt your faith is ministering to them.

God bless your sweet husband. His comment on one of your earlier posts touched my heart.

You are all in my prayers.

Diane@Diane's Place said...

Still praying here in Arkansas, Amy. I put you and your family on our church prayer list Sunday, and there are many more people praying for you.

I pray for a more restful night tonight, that you won't be as sick and nauseous as you were with the first round of chemo, for your appetite to improve, for good results from the last biopsy, for remission ultimately, and for God's Holy Spirit to wrap you up in His comfort and peace.

God Bless you and your family, Amy. :-)