Friday, July 30, 2010

Jen

Jen had her 4th chemo (after day two of being home from the hospital). After a hot sticky week and being lovingly cared for by her sister, she had to go back in the hospital (fever/blood showing bacteria). She is now back home, recovering. Time to get strong enough for the next chemo hit. Trusting God.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Jen's Miracle

Jen had to be hospitalized for pneumonia (treated for it, as they never did find out what was in her lung). She had to wait a few days for the scope/biopsy of her lung to be done because her blood was too thin (coumadin doing its job). Had a CT scan....NO BLOOD CLOTS! HEART VEIN OPEN! NO TUMOR SEEN!!!!!! This after only 3 chemos ( with 5 more to go!!!!) Dr.s are saying she is an "early responder," but we know that God has been more than gracious and THANK HIM! Your prayers matter! Thank you!

She finally was able to go home with some residual white stuff in her lung. Her big sister is there with her now. They decided to stay on track with the chemo. We are praying that when her white counts drop, that she is able to stay free from infections and that the lung issue is really resolved. Also she is on trial for staying off coumadin if her test tomorrow and then next week show that there are no more blood clots. She has a PET CT scan next week also.

Your caring makes such a difference....we truly can't thank you enough.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Chris & Jen Updates

Thank you for your continued support and many prayers for Chris, Jen and our family. We feel we just witnessed another miracle this weekend.

CHRIS:
Chris was just released from the hospital this afternoon. It all started on Friday evening, when Chris said, "My hand feels numb." While he was trying to explain, he started to slur his speech. We called his Dr.'s number and the resident on call agreed that we should go to the local hospital first with the symptoms Chris was having (he also had a headache that got worse and had very high blood pressure.)

Upon arrival and assessment the Dr. said the CT scan was not conclusive and off to the main hospital (an hour away). Once at the other hospital (they had been notified) Chris was taken in to be assessed ( speech much worse then) and things started to MOVE! They did two more CT scans on Chris. Still not conclusive, they started to treat Chris for seizure and stroke. The staff was amazing, taking care, being diligent in trying to find out what to do for Chris. If it was a stroke, there was only a window of time to use clot busting drugs, which they chose not to use for Chris, because of his previous surgery.

Chris shared that he felt comfort/peace about the situation, as he fluctuated between being able to say something, then not. God was there. He was admitted to the hospital and had another MRI. Dr.s told us that this MRI was even better than the one in June! They felt it was not a stroke, but a seizure and were hopeful that Chris would regain all speech within 72 hours.

Saturday afternoon, Chris started to talk better and better. He really sounded great by the evening! Praise the LORD! He conversed with visitors and felt so much better. They kept him till Sunday to keep watch over him.

Jen:
Jen has had 3 chemo treatments so far. She has had a few hurdles. She found she is allergic to adhesives. That was a time of terrible unrelenting itching. Her "port"acath was placed into her leg instead of her chest because of the cancer pressing on the heart vein. This port works great! No more picc line!

She is having a hard time fighting off infections, as she becomes neutropenic (low white blood count- they fight off infection) after each treatment. She is fighting one at the moment. We are praying that the white blood cells will start roaring back and fight this off.

I came home a couple weeks ago and many have taken on caring for her. We are so thankful for her wonderful supporters! Your caring means so much!

She looks just as beautiful as ever and had some really neat photos taken of her new "bald" look. I Will try to put some on soon.

RELAY FOR LIFE INVITATION: When: Friday, July 16th
Where: PHS track
Time: 6:00pm (survivors walk)
Come cheer Chris on! Look for "Rockin' for the Cas"
Cookies, games, walk, make a luminere to light for or in memory of a loved one. (They are $10, proceeds going to the ACS)
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!