Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Deja vu

Here we are again at the MU hospital in room 27 on the 5th floor. I was rather surprised to find that the only open room on the floor this morning was my old one. We came in around 10:30 and the reinduction chemo was started by about 1:30. I haven't spoken with the oncologist yet (Dr. Anderson is attending this month) but the plan is to use Cytarabine, Etoposide and Mitoxantrone. I'll have three days of both the Cytarabine and Mitoxantrone, and the Etoposide for a day or two. The overall plan is three days of chemo, go home for a few days, and then come back on day eight, which will be the 19th, for another round. Not quite sure what happens after that, so I'll leave that for now. The side effects are very similar to last time, so we'll see how hard those hit. The only one I've noticed so far is blue urine. :-) The Mitoxantrone is navy blue, and effects both urine and the whites of the eyes.

We're still in the early communication stages with Barnes. Today we played phone tag with them regarding the preliminary steps towards getting my siblings tested. Several people have asked me to let them know if I don't have a match, so they can be tested. If it's something you're considering, I would encourage you to pray about registering anyway. There are so many people who desperately need a transplant and have to wait months or even years for their donor match. Right now I know of a 21 year old and an 18 month old who may be in need of donors in the near future. There is always someone, and you can make a difference in a life -- save a life -- even if you don't know the person.

I'll keep this short and write more in the coming days. Thank you, again, for all of your prayers and support.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautiful background you have in your blog. Is that orchid?

Many have fought and win in the battle against cancer and I strongly believe that you will win too! I pray for you.

Anonymous said...

Love you, love you, love you!!! ;-) You're a trooper.

~Catherine

Lacey said...

Bless your heart! Praying for you still...

Anonymous said...

Our prayers are with you.

Diane@Diane's Place said...

My heart just sank when I read in your last post that you'd relapsed. Still, I believe that God can heal you, either through His miraculous will, or by using the doctors, medicines and technology. Still praying for you, my friend. God Bless you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Same room, huh? Funny. Well, the lady at the information desk told me just to send my card to the hospital ATTN PATIENT AMY WILHOITE. Hopefully it will get there before you go home.

If it doesn't, have a brief laugh and pretend that you read it.

Love ya!

Andrea said...

Still praying...hang in there!

Anonymous said...

Amy, I bless you today with all His benefits! I pray that there will be nothing to harm you and only good to come. He is so merciful and I pray favor on you. We love you and your family and your Mom and Dad and Grandpa. 10,000 blessings in Jesus dear name. Joe and Marilyn in Texas

monicac2 said...

I pray that blue urine would be the *only* side effect you will have from this chemo! God bless,

Anonymous said...

I know you have a tremendous amount going on, but if you would like something to do...could you share with us what you know about the donor process and how it affects everyone involved. Again, I know you are under stress.

Anonymous said...

In regards to the post above: visit http://www.marrow.org/ . It has information about joining the national registry for donors, and explains a bit about the process.

Anonymous said...

Amy,
What a neat blessing to have the same room again -- that's one less thing you'll adjust to for this stay in the hospital! We pray that this round of treatments and side effects will be easier, your stay shorter, and your outlook on it all through our Heavenly Father's eyes. He has been and will continue to be near to you and your family through this "battle".
Our thoughts with you all,
Clayton, Lisa, Sadie, Maggie

Anonymous said...

Amy, When I looked at the last picture of you and Gary, it struck me how much I think he looks like his great grandpa Ed. Still praying for you. I hope to see another post before Sunday so I can update the ladies in my class Take care and keep trusting the Lord.

Love you,
Jackie Dennison

Anonymous said...

Amy, I don't know you but I think of you often in your battle and I am sending strength to you through God.

You will continue to be in my prayers. You seem like a pillar and I pray that God will keep you strengthened and lift you up even when you don't feel like you can hold up anymore.

My heartfelt thoughts to you, your dh and beautiful baby boy and family.

Sincerely, Lynda

humble servant said...

You are in my prayers. All things are possible in Christ.

Anonymous said...

Amy,

Another journey ahead, but Christ is with you. When times seem rough, remember prayers are being said and Christ is carrying you. Thank you for sharing your journey with me. I find your relationship with Christ inspiring as well as your strong faith. My prayers are with you.

Love In Christ,
Lynn Hensel
Grace Church of Columbia

Eurogirl said...

Dear Amy,

Praying for you tonight!!

Amy in AZ

Anonymous said...

Amy, Brandon, and Family;

We continue in prayer with and for you and think of you all very often in each day. May the Lord give you strength and peace today.

"In Christ Jesus" what a very precious three words and so often expressed in Scripture.

We love you,
Don and Lilan

Anonymous said...

Amy-
I don't know you-but I am one of Emily Haughery's good friends. (Alivia's mom) I've read your blog entries & have been moved to tears. Your faith in the Lord is so challenging to me. In your darkest days, you have held on tight & still given Him praise. Amazing!! His grace is so so evident in your life & the way that you have testified of His faithfullness & provision to you has stirred my heart & convicted me of areas I so often am quick to grumble & complain. I may never meet up with you face to face, but I must thank you for being so strong & courageous & inspiring me to endure in my greatest trials with praise on my lips & thanksgiving in my heart. You are such an example.

You and your husband & son are in my thoughts & prayers all the time.

Sincerely--Angela Stoltzfus