Friday, August 04, 2006

Friday Update

The doctor said today that I am only allowed visits with my caregiver (Mom or Brandon), so I won't be able to see Gary for a few days. I haven't seen him since Tuesday, so I am sad about that, although at the same time I would be too tired to really visit with him anyway. We had a really fun visit with him on Tuesday night. At first I had a hat on and he didn't seem to like it one little bit, but once I took it off he grinned and squealed and proceeded to pat and kiss my bald head. He seems to really like it.

My white count dropped, which concerns them, and he wants to be especially cautious for a few days until he sees it begin to climb again. (400 yesterday, 300 today, just fyi) They just gave me a shot of Neupogen, which is supposed to stimulate my marrow to make blood faster. Ouch. It causes pretty serious bone pain, but he said they will give me pain meds if I want. He also emphasized the importance of resting. I've been using meds to help me sleep at night for the last several days. As my iron drops it's easier and easier to just sleep all day. Maybe that's the best thing for right now, though.

I have still been running fevers off and on. I remember a woman who had cancer when I was young commenting about the "shake and bake" she went through. I understand exactly what she meant now.

The platelets, which were due yesterday afternoon, just now showed up. My platelet count dropped down to 7 this morning and I have petechiae all over my body again. They've had to draw a lot of blood lately, and my iron count is down to 8.1. (When I run fevers they culture blood from my arm and blood from my Hickman catheter). I've got a couple of blown veins in my arms now. Hopefully they won't run out of places to stick.


----
Well this day's been crazy but everything's happened on schedule
From the rain and the cold to the drink that I spilled on my shirt
'Cause You knew how You'd save me before I fell dead in the garden
And You knew this day long before You made me out of dirt

And You know the plan You have for me
And You can't plan the ends and not plan the means
And so I suppose I just need some peace
To get me to sleep

- Table for Two, Caedmon's Call

Thank you again for all your prayers! We realized a few days ago that we have heard from every continent. I can't explain what an amazing, humbling thing it is to know that people are praying for me all over the world.

19 comments:

Michelle said...

I just found your lovely blog! Thank you for sharing your faith and journey through healing with us. I am praying for you and your family (and DRs. & nurses as well!). (((hugs)))

Barb said...

Your story spread like wildfire Amy. You'd be stunned if you really knew how many people are praying for you. Chin up. You're getting there. You'll be home with your sweet little family before you know it.

Diane@Diane's Place said...

Praying again for you, Amy. I'm glad you felt well enough to post again today. Praying your white count and your iron comes up to a satisfactory level and for rest and healing in your body.

Thank God for answered prayer. He is faithful and deserving of all praise and glory.

Anonymous said...

Glad to read an update from you as always. Still praying for you, especially for the fevers and complete healing.

That is awesome about people praying from all over. That must bring you so much comfort to know your name is being lifted up constantly.

Wendy

Anonymous said...

Amy, Brandon, Gary, and Family All,

Your blog is great to keep us posted, Thank you. Hope you have a restful night. May the Lord give you strength, courage,comfort, healing, and peace. From your notes it seems your roots are going deeper. Thanks for the witness to us.

Love to you all,
Don and Lilan

gracie said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
gracie said...

Praying hands and hearts are reaching around the world and encircling you. It's not so far to reach - we are all in His hand - I could reach out and touch you.

Andrea said...

We definitely are praying. I know you will miss your little one but you are in his heart always. Hang in there. I know you can do it!

Susanne said...

Continueing to pray and lift you and your family before the Lord. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!

Anonymous said...

Stay strong and sleep lots!

And I just LOVE that song!

Love you so much,
Catherine

Christina said...

I'm thinking of you. You are such a brave woman and I know all these prayers from far away are having an impact. God Bless.

Anonymous said...

Hi Amy:

Here is something that will rest your mind. It is very uplifiting. May you be blessed with a healing rest! In Jesus' Name! Amen! Tony and Janette from Hayden, MO

http://www.mayyoubeblessedmovie.com/

Anonymous said...

Amy! Another day full of His mercies and grace that you can claim. His provision is perfectly suited to meet your needs in every way. We are praying for your continued recovery. The name of Jesus is so powerful. Just take one moment at a time and sense His presence there with you. You and Jesus are a wonderful team and you are on the winning side. Your faith is so special and your blogs are a real blessing. Blessings of peace,rest,hope,faith,love,healing and grace on this day in Jesus' dear name. Love and prayers, Joe and Marilyn in Texas

Anonymous said...

Hi Amy! This is Kelsie Corcoran, my brother Patrick is Elisabeth Brown's fiance'...Anyway, I just want you to know that my whole family is praying for you! Elisabeth has told me SO much about you, and I can't wait to meet you someday. Stay strong, and I know the Lord has great plans for you!

Dawn said...

You are a blessing to those thousands who are praying for you - your spirit, your faith, your strength. We know the battle is far from over, but the victories have been great so far. Have a blessed Monday!

Teresa said...

Dear Amy,
It's been 3 days since we've heard from you and last we knew you were still fighting fevers and low iron. We are praying but we need an update. If you are too tired to type can we get your mom or Brandon to let your prayer buddies know how you are?!! With you all the way, Teresa

Unknown said...

Praying for you and thinking about you ALL THE TIME.

Your friend in Texas,

Amanda

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you and praying for rest and recovery for your body and spirit.

Love,
Rachel E

Anonymous said...

Praying for you Amy!

Proverbs 3:5-8 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all they ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes. Fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.