Monday, November 06, 2006

T minus 7 and counting...

My radiation was bumped up a day, so I'm actually 1/3 of the way through the process. I'll have two more treatments tomorrow, and then again on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday will be chemo, the weekend will be rest, and then I'll have my transplant, or "Day Zero" as they call it, on Monday, Lord willing. Today went much better than I expected. Radiation took about 15 minutes on each side, and I was able to listen to music so it was relatively comfortable. The positioning made my back hurt -- that's my only complaint. So far the anti-nausea drugs have been doing their job, which is a huge praise because I was really sick over the weekend and dropped all the weight I had put on so far. I was able to go home on Thursday evening, but began running fevers and feeling really sick by Friday evening and ended up back in the hospital last night (Sunday). Right now I'm feeling o.k. Much more at peace about everything than I had been in quite a while. I have access to an exercise room and the halls are kept relatively free of people so I plan to do a lot more walking and exercising this time to help regain some strength. At least for now while I'm able.

Thank you all so much for your prayers. Please pray especially for my husband. It's hard for him to be far away and unable to see me except on the weekends for the most part. Also, for my family as they once again share my mom. She's spending this week here at the hospital with me. I am very grateful for all of the sacrifices they have made on my behalf. Also, for my brother Daniel. He'll begin the Neupogen shots on Thursday.

I'll leave this rather short as I have to be up early for radiation in the morning. I know I've lost track over the past week or so as I've been ill with the high fevers, but thanks to those who sent notes of encouragement and even flowers. You're all such a blessing.

Oh, one last thing. Now that I have started the transplant process I am unable to receive flowers, plants, etc. I think silk are o.k. but I'm not 100% sure on that. My room is super clean with HEPA filters and they take a ton of precautions. We are also asking that people refrain from visiting from this point on. If you'd like to stop by and talk with my mom or Brandon, arrangements can be made to do so, but I won't be able to have visitors in my room. We love you all, but the ultimate goal is to make it through this, and something like the flu or pneumonia at this point could prove deadly. I know you all understand, and thank you.

Many blessings, Amy

16 comments:

Girl Raised in the South said...

I will be praying, then praying some more.

Anonymous said...

I love you, dear friend! SO glad to hear the good report on the (lack of) side effects so far from radiation - I was praying all day!
~Catherine

Barbie @ Mamaology said...

I am praying for you Amy. Praying that God grants you strength and that you can fight this. May you rest in His peace this week.

Anonymous said...

Amy,
May the peace of God, which passes all understanding guard your heart and mind this week.
You are loved by many, but loved so much more by HIM!
We are praying all the time for you.
Love,
Gina

Barb said...

You're always in my prayers, Amy. I keep Brandon and Gary and your family and especially your brother in my prayers, too.

Anonymous said...

Amy and Family,

So glad and thankful that yesterday went well and hope today does too. You are on our minds and hearts with prayer for strength to all of you. You are a blessing to us and to many others too.

The Lord Jesus is our treasure for sure but, "we have this treasure in earthen vessels." May you continue to find special comfort and direction in Him.

By His Grace,
Don and Lilan

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear the report, and thanks for the contact info. :) love you!

Rachel

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear it wasn't as bad as you expected.

I am praying for you, your family, and your brother Daniel. How wonderful to have your mom w/you this week.

Wendy in IA

Anonymous said...

Amy,
I have been praying for you and your whole family and will continue to do so. My church family has also been praying for you.
My sister in law gave me this verse a long time ago right before Grace was born and I have said it over during times of trial. "Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
God bless,
Paula M.

Anonymous said...

Hey Amy,
Glad to hear that you didn't have any side effects on the first day! I'm praying you won't have any today or tomorrow either!
Love you lots,
Emma

Anonymous said...

What wonderful news this post contained. Daily when I check for an update, if I find none I pray especially hard thinking that you aren't feeling up to posting.

I continue to pray for your husband and will now add your brother to the daily upliftings to our awesome God, whom I have the utmost confidance in, especially when it comes to healing and deliverance.

Hang in there, Amy...:-)

Christina said...

I pray all of this goes well. You are very brave and I am glad to hear you are ready for the transplant. Like Janice says "You are an inspiration to us all."

I am praying for your family too. Your husban's post was so touching. He really loves you and that makes this so hard.

Anonymous said...

Amy,
So good to see a post from you and know that you are feeling up to writing. I am praying for you and your family. God sees all things from beginning to end and nothing is a surprise to Him. Isn't it wonderful that we can fully trust in His loving arms even when things are uncertain to us?
~Shalana in Michigan

Anonymous said...

Hi Amy,
It was so good to read your post and to hear an update. What a real blessing to have your mom there with you during this time too. You are on a path to healing and being fully restored, and my prayers continue for you and also for your brother Daniel during this time. God is so good and He will see you through this!

What a trooper you are, Amy! :)


(((HUGS)))

The Mahan Family

Anonymous said...

Dearest Amy, We are praying for you and are so thankful for your comfort there at Barnes. Aat least as much as one can expect in your situation at the moment. We will continue to pray that nothing that goes in your body can harm you and that the Lord would protect you in all the treatment. We are praying for your family and your brother as he gives to you part of his own body. Our God is big and great and has already provided for your every need! Praise His Holy Name!!!! sLove and prayers, Joe and Marilyn Breshears in Texas

Happi said...

Amy, I recently stumbled (though I believe not coincidentally) upon your blog and I must have spent an hour or more reading current and prior posts. Just wanted you to know that I and my family will be praying for you. You are an incredible woman and God is using your testimony and faith to strengthen me. May you be filled with His peace and assurance. He is with you ALWAYS.