Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jog

 Tuesday, September 25, 2012

And hopefully to stay this time.

Aren't these pretty! Some sort of orchid, they have such a delicate flower and pretty color. We are enjoying them when we are home. 

And, yes I am still facing one more round of chemo, which does its job oh, so very well on my fast growing white blood cells, causing a fever, and super-susceptibility to infection and a whole bunch of other things that make it much more desirable for me to be in the hospital for a week instead of at home. 

The only thing that will make it different this time, is a short that can be after chemo to cause the body to super produce white blood cells and prevent all this from happening. Otherwise, I just might as well book my bed on the fourth floor south. However, he did very quietly say, "or reduce your stay."

Good Grief!! It is ridiculous to spend a week at a time in the hospital!! And ever more so to do it twice! I hate to think of going in a third time!! It is awful to feel as sick as I did to get the ball rolling in that direction. And, this time, I really did get sick. The white blood cells counts did not want to come up and rather stayed down in no man's land for about three days. And then the hemoglobin didn't want to cooperate either. 

The reason this shot wasn't done before, is that it cannot be done during radiation. It can only be used when no radiation is going on. 

I'm feeling really better these days, most of my mouth sores are healing up. The mucus is much less of a problem and dry mouth is a big one now, too. I'm ready to have a little nap again. 

You know, I think I might actually live through this. I just hope the next chemo isn't so bad. I've never had one this far out from radiation. 

*September 25, 2022  One thing I haven't mentioned so far in these blog post is that after a certain point in radiation, it will destroy saliva glands.  I looked it up and that the radiation that I'm getting is past that point.  The radiation techs put a block over my voice box and chin so I have about 10% of my saliva glands left which isn't enough to keep my mouth wet. In those days, learning to live with a dry mouth was not fun.

8 comments:

Dan & Cyndie said...

So hoping that the next & LAST chemo is not nearly so hard on you, my dear friend! I am so sorry that you got so horribly sick this last time through. (Glad to hear your mouth sores are going away & yes, I can remember by dad having problems with extreme dry mouth too...love you, dear Shelley)

September 25, 2012 at 11:46

John and Sandy Linder said...

HaPpY dANcinG fOr YoU!! glad you are feeling better and at home. Home is always better isn't it?

September 25, 2012 at 5:43 PM

Anonymous said...

Thanks, again, Shelley for keeping us posted. We are waiting for the day when you can say, "all's well that ends well"!

September 25, 2012 at 8:11 PM

Gramma Lorna and Grampa Garland said...

So...while we all are busy, busy, living life, you , dear Shelley are busy, busy, trying to keep out of the hospital and doesn't look like that happened ! :-( Sure hope the chemo won't be so tragically stiff since it's buddy, radiation has been called off! Always things of you even though I don't get you told!! Love You!!

September 25, 2012 at 8:26 PM

The J's said....

Oh my goodness--this was a long spell! Things do sound a bit better now. I'm so glad, and like others hopefully this next round won't be so bad. Love the flowers--they're so pretty! Looking forward to the day I can some see you again!

September 25, 2012 at 9:23 PM

Anita said...

Oh I'm so glad to hear you're feeling better...or at least you were when this post was written! Hope that's continued ;)

September 29, 2012 at 5:11 AM

Dorothy K said...

Thinking about you tonight as you head in for the chemo homestretch this week! Tomorrow all day if I have it correctly? And tomorrow Bon comes. And Wednesday afternoon the low rumble you will hear is all your cheerleaders at the finish line...bearing in mind you may need to spend a while in the "first aid tent" even though the actual race is finished! Been thinking about what you wrote in your blog about getting ready for the marathon...was that way back in June? And here it is...the last few miles! Whew.

Love, Dodie

September 30, 2012 at 8:29 PM

Anonymous said...

Right on Dorothy...I was thinking about it being that last one today too...what a marathon...but you've done well...I like the cheerleader part...love, Jenelle and family

October 1, 2012 at 3:08 PM

Hospital Round 2

 Thursday, September 20, 2012

Some of you have probably heard that I have taken up residence in the hospital again. Chemo and radiation and I just don't go well together. I'm not exactly sure if the "nater" business, which means low white blood counts (I think), has to do with one of the other or both, but it means hitting bottom. Perhaps I'll have more complete information later. Anyway, it is neutropena fever, or however it is spelled, caused by the hitting bottom in the blood cell counts. My hemoglobin went way down yesterday too, so they have me a couple units of blood, then my fever went up after that, which isn't a real good things, since it indicates the donor may have had an infection and that means drawing more of my blood for testing. 

I am having problems with dry mouth and healing with my tongue and mouth. My tongue bleeding often. Thank goodness Mom is here so Jim can get some work done. But, I'm feeling pretty sorry for myself when he isn't, though.

17  comments

Anita said...

Well, I'm feeling sorry for you, too! So sorry you're back in the hospital...get out fast!!:)

September 20, 2012 at 9:33 AM

The Chairman's Wife said...

Thinking of you from here too! take care

September 20, 2012 at 9:57 AM

Darcie said...

Dearest Shelley...(((((hugs))))))

September 20, 2012 at 1:30 AM

Huisman5 said...

Sending hugs your way! Think of you so often. Glad for your support system there. Hope you are back home soon.

September 20. 2012 at 2:28 PM

Lynda said...

SHELLEY YOU ARE GOING TO GET BETTER and I'm praying that is SOON! Consider yourself hugged!

September 20, 2012 at 4:09 PM

The J's said...

I am feeling very sorry for you too! Sure have been wondering how you were doing, so glad for your post!! Hope so much you are better and home soon!

September 20, 20125:11 PM

John and Sandy Linda said...

You poor lady~ We are looking forward to the day this is all behind you! Let the nurses baby you just as much as you would like!

September 20, 2012 at 5:58 PM

Dorothy said...

Good evening...

And hoping your fever stays away for the evening. We're all so anxious that this be over with for you. Just get one side effect figured out and it chages to a different one! I've heard that there's a point in the marathon at Duluth called Lemon Drop Hill, where is is pretty discouraging to think about continuing.,,because it's a few miles yet, even though you have come into the city. It's a little uphill and sometimes even the best lose time there...but then they get past that and it's all about the finish! So...here's hoping you are about to the top of the Lemon Drop!

Hang in there!

Dodie

September 20, 2012 at 8:01 PM

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you from Independence preps

Sheila

September 20, 2012 at 9:20 PM

Renee said...

Ohhh I love Dorothy's post...just get past Lemon Drop...you are the Little Engine that COULD. But I feel REEEALLLLLY sorry for you too!

September 20, 2012 9:25 PM

Oleva said...

Didn't want to "see" you back in the hosp. when I checked your post. Good lesson in what Dorothy wrote for me too!!! You have a lot to make you uncomfortable, but you think of even us to write a post yourself. Thank you----and hope you are past Lemon Hill soon:)

Loving care, 

C. and O.

September 20, 2012 at 11:47 PM

Anonymous said...

Sending "warm fuzzies" from Iowa. Feel like a lame cheerleader, as I cannot come close to realizing what you are going through...and saying "you can do this!" when I feel ok seems, well...almost unfair. There is much I don't understand about how you would feel, but do know that God will comfort each of his own, and trust that you have that with you. As others have said, I like what Dorothy wrote. Hang in there, Shelley!

The Iowa Klinetobes

September 21, 2012 at 7:45 AM

Anonymous said...

Dear Shelley,

I, too, like what Dorothy wrote, and have the same hope that she does. I do feel for you, as you are going through such an awful thing---words escape me to even know how to try to comfort you! i'm so glad that you have a loving husband to stand by you, and also a loving mother who can be there with you! I know you have a host of friends that do what they can, too, and that means a lot to all of us. Thank you so much for keeping us posted---this way we don't have to "wonder how Shelley's doing." 

I know you will "hand in there"

Barb K.

September 21, 2012 at 6:39 PM

Mrs MacOlssen said...

Thinking of you all the way from over here, Shelley

Your Swedish friend

September 22, 2012 at 1:10 PM

Anonymous said...

I love what Dorothy wrote and Renee...keep your chin up...j and r

September 22, 2012 at 5:42 PM

Anonymous said...

Shelley, Wishing you a shorter hospital stay this time. Thinking of all of you so often and know that better days are on the horizon for you. Think of all that you've been through since beginning of the summer and you've just been such a trooper. So, after Lemon Drop Hill, you'll be coasting to the finish! Love you bunches! Holly

September 22, 2012 at 7:36 PM

Bonita Sue said...

Glad to hear that you're home, finally! We just got here to Menomonie, and it's making me feel sad when I think of the many times you've been here too. Guess we won't be looking for you to drive in this year! Exciting, however to think that a week from tonight I WILL be with you. Heal fast so you can face Round #4 with it's valley, and then be done!

September 24, 2012 at 7:51 PM

A Beautiful Sunday

 Sunday, September 16, 2012

It isn't very often that I have a post so recently posted as this!

We had our lunch this noon on the deck. The cooler temperatures we've been having and the sunny weather, are making it really nice to enjoy fall. And it is fall, isn't it? It's close enough on the calendar really, and the temperatures say it is. With no breeze, the other's ate the BLTs at the table and I soaked up the sun in mu hat. It ws perfect weather to be out in.

I've been sleeping a little better, too. I actually slept 5 hours straight last night, and I don't know if I've done that since I've had surgery!

Things are changing for the better, my mouth isn't so sore as it once was. There is still soreness underneath it all, which is baffling. I wonder how long it will take before it actually heals?

I'm afraid the answer is going to be "after the next round of chemo." I haven't asked on that one yet. And I could. It seems like I'e spent all my time hand in glove with the radiation doctor. His team with my favorite Dr. Lorri, have been the ones directing my care. Now, it is time to take up the finished team with the chemo care doctors.

I've been having a little trouble with my left eye. It has always been watery since it should be producing more tears than it is. Which sounds really funny, but I don't get it all now, but it keeps working on producing tears anyway.* However, these last couple of days it isn't watery anymore but globby green. It is NOT pinkeye, the white of the eye is not pink. So we called the Dr. tonight. (Why is it always after hours?) My temperature is slightly elevated, so I could go into the ER, but for goodness sakes!!!, haven't I already been there enough times! Since it isn't getting better these couple of days, the diagnosis is to keep a watch on my temperature and see the Dr in the morning. However, IF my temp goes up, I'll be trotting in to the ER before morning. I hope not, of course, 

but what will be, will be. 

I feel a nap coming on. 

*September 16, 2022 -- I'm confused with this eye problem. I am notorious for not knowing right from left, but at this time it is my RIGHT eye that gives me problems. Looking back, I had problems with 'dry eye' years before cancer. Which eye? I don't know. It's the right eye now, exactly as described with globby episodes.

12 comments:

Dorothy said...

Sure gave me a happy little feeling to see your pictures out there on your lovely deck. Will be hoping that things stay on the normal side and you DON'T have a midnight ride to the ER. I guess this is your neutropenia week, isn't it? Take care...give the hand sanitizer comapnies some business!

We just got done with a wonderful time together here at Hector. Now a couple days breather in which I hope to communicate more directly with you all...

G'nite....love...Dodie

September 16, 2012 at 10:14 PM

Elaine T. said...

So nice you could get some fresh air today, and I hope you don't have an infection. I do remember the watering eyes with chemo...people thought I was crying always. Crazy what that stuff does to your system. So glad you got a good sleep in and hope you have another good night tonight. 

September 16, 2012 at 10:23 PM

Anita said...

I'm hoping your night was uneventful and didn't involve any trips to the ER. I'm sure you've done enough for them (that's how t works, right???) lately! That is a beautiful scene from you deck! Glad you could enjoy the sunshine. And your 'I feel a nap coming on' always makes me smile! Nap On!:)

September 17, 2012 at 10:17 AM

Ruth said...

So happy to hear your little steps of progress in the healing direction...especially in the sleep department. That's when real healing happens! Here's to more and more rest and healing!

September 17, 2021 at 3:31 PM

Renee said...

Ohh...hope you are MUCH better by now and no ER!!! and the pretty pictures with wonderful subjects in them are just the BEST.

September 17, 2012 at 3:32 PM

Oleva said...

Hi Shelley and all, 

Tried to comment last night but it just wouldn't go thru for some strange reason. Really glad to hear of (and see evidence of) a better day than you have been having. Days of conv. at Dells were wonderful, and of course Charles' funeral made it extra special. Clean up went really well it seemed, today. Bonita was her usual patient, gracious guide in getting it all done. Hope you didn't have an ER trip. We think of you and yours daily.

Love and care, 

Carl and Oleva

September 17, 10:45 PM

Anonymous said...

Hi Shelley, 

It's so nice to see a nice sunny picture of you and Jim. I can't believe how you always have a smile, when you're going through so much, but we're glad your lovely spirit! It's inspiring to all of us. We hope things continue to improve for you and that you can get lots of rest, so your body can heal faster.

Barb K.

September 17, 2012 at 11:05 PM

Janis said...

We're glad for your efforts (between naps) to keep us informed. We're all rooting for you! Hugs

September 18, 2012 at 1:07 AM

John and Sandy Linder said...

Thanks for sharing the pictures. They are awesome, just like the weather. 

We had a wonderful convention at Marysville~

Your attitude and spirit about your experience is uplifting and we are cheering on the better days for you!

September 18, 2012 at 9:14 AM

Darcie said...

So glad you could enjoy some time outside, on a beautiful day. Something about a sunny day, and being outdoors that lifts your spirits. Hope all leveled out with your temperature.

September 18, 2012 at 8:37 PM

The J's said...

Love your pictures, hope nothing serious with the eye! I've been wishing for a visit your way, but now have ended up with either a yucky cold or yucky allergy attack--or both! Will postpone, as you don't need any possible germ invasions! Glad for the update - np well & often :)

September 18, 2012 at 9:44 PM

Lanae said...

I loved the pictures too, and sure hope the eye thing clears up and goes away. Hope today is a good day. :)

September 19, 2012 at 10:51 AM

Another Few Days

 Friday, September 14, 2012

I'm feeling awake for a few minutes so I should try to get some lines down so peple can know how it is going over here. I have been o terribly tired. I have been forgetting that I finished radiation on Friday and went right into chemo on Monday so I'm still dealing with some radiation side effects. I'm not really sure what all to expect with these. The mucus actually seems to be a lessening problem, yet if my mouth gets at all dry., it hurst very badly. So, right now, I am sleeping in the day, managing my medicines both day and night and not sleeping the night. That's not entirely true, of course, I am sleeping some at night, but not as much as I wish I was.

I really feel like I'm just feeling m way through a fog, not really knowing what to expect next, just dealing with the complications and extras as they come. I do believe there is some healing going on. Maybe, just maybe, as little less mouth pain going on here. A little office work being done.

Mom is going to be gone a few days next week, and we are looking at filler's in. I really should be learning to manage more on my own, but I am wondering how tired I am going to be by the middle of next week. i'm also thinking I might be heading into the "I'm too tired to do anything, but I'm a little bored" stage, too. Lynette got me a whole bunch of books on tape, but I think I would still rather be doing something. But, I am forgetting, and I need to remember. They told me it would take as least as long to come back up as if went down, which was 7 weeks of radiation, plus a lost week in the hospital.... It's going to take a while, and a lot of patience. 

4 comments:

Renee said...

Yes, Yes, Yes...don't expect too much of yourself, Shelley. Your body has been through unmeasureable amounts of "cancer cure abuse"...it's going to take weeks and weeks to come back. It's so delightful of you to keep us so well posted...I DO appreciate it a lot. Love to you...

September 14, 2012 9:05 PM

John and Sandy Linder said...

Thinking of you We are having wonderful days at Marysville!

September 15, 2012 at 8:32 AM

Anonymous said...

Ahh, my dear Shelley...you are so incredibly sweet and brave!! Take it easy on yourself and just sleep if that's all you feel like doing! Everything else will get done or will wait til you're ready!! I think of you so much and in being one tiny, little, little bit sick compared to you this weekend, my heart wraps you even tighter in love and hugs!! Hang in there Dearheart!!!! Love, Janet

September 15, 2012 at 7:17 AM

Anita said...

Get the kindle for pc app for your computer and start checking out library books...if you can stay awake, that is ;) Nice to get caught up again. Keep on putting one foot in front of the other! xo

September 16, 2012 at 7:17 AM

A Quick Catch-Up

 Wednesday, September 12, 2012

I am so tired after finishing this last round of chemo, that I can just tell you some of the facts. I finished Day 3, Cycle 3 this morning. I will have one more cycle left. I slept most of the day and I'm thinking for the next few days, that is all I am going to do. 

If rest means healing, I guess I better do it. And we'll see what I'm like when I resurface in a few days. 

3 comments:

Oleva said...

Continue to think of you Shelley.

Glad you keep cheerfully hanging in there. For each one done that is one less to do so we are all looking forward to better days, for you and yours---. We were to the Dells last evening. Glad to get part of the conv. and look forward to Menomonie full time. "Hopefully" Left the grounds feeling anxious about our dear brother Chas. Thain, and heard this morning that he passed away about 1:00 AM Glad for him, the final victory ;has come, but we do and will miss him. Know in these past months n the N.H. (and before) he has done lots of praying for all of us. 

Keep up your fights, Shelley,

Love and care,

Carl and Oleva

September 13, 2012 at 11:03 AM

The J's said...

I like the "only" one more cycle left part! I do hope that you can rest/sleep & heal!! So many thoughts going you way!!

September 13, 2012 at 8:28 PM

Dorothy said...

Sure been thinking about you over there, but doesn't seem like there's much time to write or call. Kinda hard to separate chemo down days from radiation fallout or whatever you call it! Anyway...like Maxine, I like the only one more cycle left part! We had a really good day here at Hector.

Love, Dodie

September 13, 2012 at 10:40 PM

The Last One

Friday, September 7, 2012

Well, it really as the last one, and Jim of course wanted to bring my mask on home. My gut feeling is to burn it. I don't want to keep it around forever, but my dear husband has friends that will dearly love to really get some good looks at it, which Jim to explain where the first markings were, and where the did the 2nd and 3rd boosts.

I am just very very thankful that this mask sitting here in my hallway means I really have finished the last radiation treatment. 

I feel weepy, exhausted, relieved, unbelieving. I feel like I would like to sleep for two weeks. 

After that week in the hospital with no radiation, I was already starting to think I felt changes for the better in radiation side effects. I'm hoping I can tell a difference with all the steroids and extra meds they are giving me for chemo during that week. 

I truly hope that this is the hardest things physically I ever have to do in m life. 

And even if as they say, really, I'm only half done, surely , the half going up, the recovery part, will be more encouraging. 

I think I'll celebrate by having a nap.

September 7, 2022 -- I don't remember having any radiation at all while I was in the hospital but Jim says I went by ambulance the first hospital stay to the cancer center. Now that I think of it I have a vague memory of being taken into the cancer center in a wheel chair. Jim said it happened both ways.  I must not have been very "with it" when I was in the hospital. 

8 comments:

Brenda said...

I am so happy for you!!!

September 7, 2012 at 10:40 AM

John and Sandy Linder said...

Nap on!

September 7, at 2:48 PM

Anita said...

Yay yay yay!!!

so glad you could say good-by to the radiation mask!!

All the best!!!xo

September 7,2012 at 4:09 PM

Renee said...

I hope your nap was the sweetest one you have ever had. What a feeling to know that part is behind you. I am so thankful for you!

September 7, 2012 at 10:12 PM

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your sweet spirit. Our days have been enriched with sweet fellowship at a very special place, close to where you live. 

-A soft heart might get hurt, but never offended.

-Love = Time. When we love someone, we are willing to spend time with them.

- We want to live in a way that is conducive to the spirit of Christ of which comparing ourselves is not profitable in any way, shape, or form. 

June

September 9, 2012 at 10:38 AM

The J's said...

I hope for you it is the hardest things physically you ever have do do , and yay, yay, yay for it being over!!! You DID it!

Missed you and thought about you so much these last days!

September 9, 2012 at 10:50 AM

Ruth said...

That looks like a good thing to toss on the bonfire...toast some marshmallows and make smores to celebrate the end of radiation. Hope every day is a better day. Hugs!

September 10, 2012 at 10:50 AM

Anonymous said...

I too, hope that is the worst things physically that you'll ever have to face! The things you've been "enduring" sound awful and it makes me cry for you. I'm so glad thought, that you are being such a great example of taking all of this with such a good attitude and spirit. I don't know you all that well, but following your blog, during this, has make me realize how special you are in sharing your experiences with us, and doing it in such a "matter-of-fact" way with some humor added in! It's great that you're as far as you are and I hope the rest of it will not be as hard as what you've already gone through.

Please know that we care!

Barb K.

September 111, 2012 at 2:28 PM

Just One More

 Thursday, September 6, 2012

Dear Peoples, 

I've been putting off writing this post. Just saying the words, "I've started the boost, with 5 days left, I've started the second boost, I have 3 days left," seems a bit scary. What if I can't do that last day?

Because tomorrow really is that last day. The very last day of treatment. One more day. AFter that, no more days of radiation. 

I did well today and yesterday, too, they were were long days with extra pictures being taken. The pictures taken today goofed up and had to be retaken, but I was surprisingly calm since they let me take a little mask-free break. It is harder to want to get on the table, but we are learning a system, thank goodness. The biggest on is dealing with the mucus, which I can suction all out, and then think of things or have loud music going.  I eel a new determination to GET THIS DONE, and it will be over. Then there will be better days ahead, slowly better, but better.

Especially since I start chemo again on Monday. And chemo with it's steroids has always made me feel better. So, I can lie around this weekend being tired and having lots of naps, and Jim can pack for my long day of chemo, unless I feel like it, then I can do it. I seem to be quite content sitting around all day doing nothing at chemo, but we really should do some office work. There really isn't much going on for me in chemo, just waiting around mainly for the fluid to go in all day the first day, so the second days of a couple hours each, seem really short and quick. 

Anyway, aren't these some truly beautiful flowers? I've been lucky to get some beautiful bouquets and have thoroughly enjoyed them. It is fun to see the color combinations, the choices of colors, the different kinds of flowers. The floral companies arrange them so well, and what fun it must be to choose the colors to use. 

I really appreciate those who have sent cards and flowers and letters and comments, to cheer up my days and remind me that someone is remembering me. 

Thank you so much dear ones. 

Love, Shelley

7 comments:

Jeanie Printz said...

We're always glad for any blog updates, Shelley, but it's extra special when you feel up to chatting with us! We check in on your daily, sometimes more than once, and have walked this difficult journey by your side. You are on brave woman. I admire the way you face up to the negatives and appreciated the positives!! Love ya',

Don and Jeanie

September 6, 2012 at 5:58 PM

The Chairman's Wife said...

Thinking of you again tonight. It always encouraging to read your words and not words from a guest writer. We will remember you as you remember those gather together this week in your state. You wont' be forgotten even if you can't be there in person. Hugs from WI

September 6, 2012 at 8:33 PM

 

John and Sandy Linder said...

We still cannot imagine all that you are going through. 

Considering all, we think you are doing marvelous.

Glad you have found the strength to keep on keeping on!

September 6, 2012 at 9:09 PM

Dorothy K said...

Welcome to your Last Day of Radiation! So glad this stretch of the road in about to finish!

Love, Dodie

September 7, 6:10 AM

Dan & Cyndie said...

It's 10:14 a.m. & I'm just getting ready to text you & see if you are home from the LAST!!!!! radiation treatment!!!!! You, my dear friend, are one of the bravest women I know! Love your sweet spirit. :)

September 7, 2012 at 10:16 AM

Anita said...

The flowers are beautiful. I always thought it would be so neat to work in a florist's shop. But I'm not sure I'm creative enough.

September 7. 2012 at 4:08 PM

The J's said...

Oh, such beautiful flowers!

September 9, 2012 at 7:55 PM

The Last Child At Home First Day of School Picture

 Wednesday, September 5, 2012

The first day of school comes to all kids, whether they want it to or not. I think she was ready this year At least for a while until things get overwhelming again.  She's off for the weekend in a special place that puts school work into a less important perspective. And, it isn't the social life, either.

So, off she goes into her junior year of high school with new ideas, and new goals. Old friends, and maybe some new ones.

With a mother who staggers out of the bathroom to say good-bye as she is getting ready for radiation, again. Luckily, school started before I went into the hospital so I got my school day photo on the day, not that it really matters so much.

We are glad for some semblance of normal life. 

2 comments:

Dan & Cyndie said...

She's a sweet special gal!!! So glad you have her :)

September 7, 2012 at 10:11AM

The J's said...

Hard to believe so much time has passed since she was that tiny babe...Sweet to see her these last 4 days!

September 9, 2012 at 7:57 PM

 

A Side Note

 Ten years ago at this time, I was done with radiation with one more chemo to go. It was expected recovery from radiation would begin and life would start being "normal" again. 

It was a long time yet before any normal would happen and it was a new normal. 

I am choosing some posts that aren't directly related specifically to cancer or treatment but those that reflect what my life was like during this last chemo treatment and the changes that were happening. 

Flowers in the Hosptial

Saturday, September 1, 2012

I'm not sleeping well tonight. I'm still having a hard time with the mucus and Robitussin issue. No Robitussin and I can't sleep because it is too think and bothering me and with Robitussin, too thin and I'm suctioning every 20 minutes and can't sleep, either. No wonder I'm so tired in the day.

I was going to title this post something about being sleepy, but then I found this photo of the flowers I got from Delton and Renee in the hospital, which we have enjoyed very much, thank you. But, what this photo also shows is the redness on my neck, the "sunburn" from the radiation that in these photos is doing its best to break down the skin. It was sore and required a lot of attention with salve, but here we are over a week later and while my neck is still very red, most of the scaly and sore areas are gone in the side creases and it is looking very good. Most of the inside sores in my mouth healed up white I was in the hospital, too, which is a very good thing, and don't I don't think I'm going to have enough radiation in my last "boost" too get very many back. 

The "Boost" which is the last of the radiation series, started Tues to make up the one day I missed. So, Tuesday after Labor Day will be the last day of the 5 day boost, done in a more concentrated area of Tues, which will also see us with the oncology doctor who hopefully can complete the plan for the chemo, but the main thing is no more chemo until radiation is complete and there is a good chance radiation will be done next week. 

And may all of you enjoy the very special days coming up.

5 comments:

The J's said...

So glad to hear from you! Glad the sores seem to be better, and hope for a good report on Tues also. 

We're really going to miss you at York!!

September 1, 2022 at 7:42 AM

Anita said...

Just another hello!!

I must be having a 'day' because everything's making my eyes all funny and leaky! Anyway--hope your weekend has some special things in it, too! xo

September 1, 2012 at 10:08 AM

Renee said...

That neck looks fierce-some tender! I am happy it is lots better. AND to be looking at the tail end of this radiation makes me want to do a happy dance! We will sure be thinking of you next week and wishing you were there...next year...all healed up and healthy and with new curly hair1 YES!

September 1, 2012 at 12:57 PM

Ruth said...

Hopefully the worst is behind you now...and soon it will ALL be behind you! And just sleep when you can...it really doesn't matter when, as long as you get some rest. Thinking of you!

September 1, 2012 at 8:25 PM

Luanne said...

Good morning, Shelley, Just thinking about you. Hope your day is a cheery one. I am with Renee hoping for curls! Hugs to you. 

Luanne

September 2, 2012 at 9:32 AM