Still Tired and Very Sore
Dear Fod's,
So sorry for not posting yesterday, I know that you must have been worried. I made Joe take the day off to rest and so that he could attend the wedding ceremony (it killed me not to be there too). I was just too weak to read the blog and tell my story.
The sore throat (understatement of the century) persisted with pain down through my esophagus and by Sunday I could not swallow pills, drink or eat so they started the TPN. The TPN requires q 6 hours blood sugar checks with insulin coverage as needed. I also had the ENT docs in and they scoped my throat to get a better look @ 10:00 PM! (HUP time again). It showed esophageal erosion and swelling around my linguinal tonsils. So, they switched all of my meds over to IV and insisted on turning the pain pump up. I was afraid to take too much pain medicine that it would make me constipated (which it did) and too sleepy and that I would get pneumonia if I just laid around all day. So for the medical people out there, I am getting .5 mg dilaudid every hour, and then I have the button in between. If I don't push it, the nurses push it for me.
The mucousitis and esophagitis are to be expected and are a side effect of the methotrexate and day 19 of no white count. So we have to really pray for a white count, because nothing else will make it better and I do not want to take steriods because they interfere with the stem cell engraftment. But if my airway becomes compromised, they will have to use them anyway.
Got blood and platelets both yesterday and today and I am laying around more than I would like to, but I have very little energy. I promise to answer the phone as soon as my voice gets better and I look forward to some visitors once this has passed. I am trying to keep moving around in the room and am taking short naps and working out on the bike. I did 30 minutes on the bike today and I am beat. It must be nap time again.
Sorry I am not up to commenting on your blogs. Joe reads them to me and they bring me so much pleasure to hear about your daily lives. The WBC has got to be just around the corner.
Linda M, thank you for posting. I think of you all the time and your good attitude throughout your ordeal. Knowing that you have been there gives me strength.
Love to all
Debbie
posted by Joe @ 3:39 PM
27 Comments:
Hi, Deb. Sorry about your continued pain. I had a slight sore throat over the weekend with a sinus infection and will never complain again. Shelly always tells me not to whine. She is right. Jen continues to pack to leave next Sunday. I can't believe you did 30 minutes on the bike -- I can't even do that. I am getting pretty lazy. I hope to get a burst of energy soon. Miss you and I know you will feel better soon. Love, Cheryl (Crone)
Hi, Deb. Sorry about your continued pain. I had a slight sore throat over the weekend with a sinus infection and will never complain again. Shelly always tells me not to whine. She is right. Jen continues to pack to leave next Sunday. I can't believe you did 30 minutes on the bike -- I can't even do that. I am getting pretty lazy. I hope to get a burst of energy soon. Miss you and I know you will feel better soon. Love, Cheryl (Crone)
Hi, Deb. Sorry about your continued pain. I had a slight sore throat over the weekend with a sinus infection and will never complain again. Shelly always tells me not to whine. She is right. Jen continues to pack to leave next Sunday. I can't believe you did 30 minutes on the bike -- I can't even do that. I am getting pretty lazy. I hope to get a burst of energy soon. Miss you and I know you will feel better soon. Love, Cheryl (Crone)
Hi, Deb. Sorry about your continued pain. I had a slight sore throat over the weekend with a sinus infection and will never complain again. Shelly always tells me not to whine. She is right. Jen continues to pack to leave next Sunday. I can't believe you did 30 minutes on the bike -- I can't even do that. I am getting pretty lazy. I hope to get a burst of energy soon. Miss you and I know you will feel better soon. Love, Cheryl (Crone)
Mrs Teklits,
Holy Moses!!! When will these WBCs come back and make that sore throat go away!! I will keep the prayers going that soon you will have relief from this terrible sore throat.!! You are truly such a strong person, even though you dont think so! your courage and faith are an inspiration to us all! It was nice to be able to visit with you this weekend, and through all this you are still looking absolutly beautiful!! I hope that by this evening you are feeling a little better. And thank you so much for my card, it means so much to me that you take time to write-- I love getting Teklits mail!!! I will talk to you soon..
Love Always,
Alli
ps- Congrats Mo & Bob... the day was beautiful yesterday perfect to celebrate such a beautiful event!
Debbie & Joe
We were so glad to see a blog as we worry when nothing new is posted. One of these days, the wbc must "show up" & begin doing their thing. We are sorry to read that you are in continual pain & discomfort. Sunday & yesterday were days Dad needed to fill up his "sleep tank" & "load up" on Mom's good cooking to get rid of the after affects of the game. We were delighted to read that Ryan will be traveling with the PSU football team to South Bend & do the radio broadcasting of the Irish & Nits game this Saturday. It must be a thrill for Cathy & Artie, & we couldn't be more pleased for them! Mom, Sue, & Jeanne went to the Shrine of "Chestohova" (phonetic spelling) yesterday for a Mass & their annual carnival. They all lit large candles for your health & well being. Let's hope that the wbc begin engrafting soon so that you can leave the HUP for good!! You are always in our thoughts & prayers.Love, Mom & Dad
Phew! I've been checking all day and just got in from PT. I'm sorry you're still feeling like he--, but it helps to picture you cycling in your room. It also helped to hear from Linda that she went through the exact, same thing and now is doing so well. Kathy was here today(came today instead of yesterday) and she is always thinking of you and sending her good vibes too. She reads the blog too...now we have to get her to write. Anyway, I wanted to tell Linda also that I appreciated her writing as it put my mind more at ease. So I can only imagine how it helps you. Hopefully the TPN will start kicking in and give you a little pep and more energy till the wbcs start rolling in.
Be careful when you're cycling, that you don't get dizzy or you might end up w/ a CO also. Was that a hospital employee who sat in Lindas room and watched her...OMG, I can just see how well you'd react to that Deb.
We're all pulling for you honey. Hang in there, you'll be home before you know it. Lots of hugs, kisses and love from us all, Mo, Bob, Mary and Joe.
Deb and FODs,
Just got this e-mail. I have seen this before, but am betting Deb has not...something for her to remember if the "accused" gets out of hand again.
Subject: Letter to Tide Detergent
>
>
> Dear Tide:
>
> I am writing to say what an excellent product you have! I've used Tide all
> of my married life, as my Mom always told me it was the best. Now that I am
> in my fifties I find it even better! In fact, about a month ago, I spilled
> some red wine on my new white blouse. My inconsiderate and uncaring husband
> started to belittle me about how clumsy I was, and generally started
> becoming a pain in the neck. One thing led to another and somehow I ended up
> with his blood on my new white blouse! I grabbed my bottle of Tide with
> bleach alternative, and to my surprise and satisfaction, all of the stains
> came out! In fact, the stains came out so well the detectives who came by
> yesterday told me that the DNA tests on my blouse were negative and then my
> attorney called and said that I was no longer a considered a suspect in the
> disappearance of my husband.What a relief! Going through menopause is bad
> enough without being a murder suspect! I thank you, once again, for having a
> great product.
>
> Well, gotta go, have to write to the Hefty bag people.
Reen, you are a scream...that Tide story was a first for me..what a laugh..Debs ,if that doesn't get you laughing...Joe too for that matter!YOu are my hero Debbie girl ,riding your bike 30 minutes, yikes... talk about mission impossible..I came back from work and slept for 2 hrs(call me slug)today...soon this will all turn around, and you will begin to feel better..in the meantime Rah Rahs and prayers abound also hugs and kisses...We were talking about going up to the moutains this weekend...Holly just wants to sleep in the same room with someone who wears underpants..I promised to leave the black lace nightgown home..and that got us onto the ,oceancitystoryattheharrishousewhat a laugh ...I still cry when I think of you sleeping in a straight line,trying not to brush up against me ( in THE BLACK LACE NIGHT GOWN!!!)with NO ,"you know what" on...and we where all completely sober...what fun!!!I'm still chuckeling just thinking about it now...hope your nite is restful and pain free Love and Hugs XXOO :)Bev
Hi Deb,
Sorry those WBC's are taking their good old time. But, I'll be right next to Rick shaming them out of hiding. Stay strong Deb and get your rest and you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Jeanne
deb, just sent for a few new cookbooks. one of them has the best recipe for choc. chips , next to yours of course. hope that the counts are kicking in as we speak. kathy johnson is my person of the day who is also thinking of you. one of the many. you have well earned exponential love and support...soak it up and make the wbc's exponential! xoxoxoxoxoxo
Dear Debbie,
WOW you continue to amaze me. I am getting such a medical education by your sheer example of how to be the best patient ever. Haven't had a chance to read everyone's comments today, I have been really busy with work and also with a dear personal friend of mine who underwent surgery today. Thankfully all went well but we're dealing with the ugly "C" word again this year I would ask FODs et all to add my friend Linda to your hopes & prayers. Find myself quite the "expert" visitor these days. oh yeah.. within minutes of arriving to the room I had written the "team" names on the white board, figured out where the "nourishment" room was but everything Linda could possible need within arms length of her and done a "Debbie" blitz with bleach wipes!!!! lol... Deb, the WBCs are planning a sneak attack.. "chatter" was heard on a sensored channel tonight.. indeed there is no stopping them.. they're coming... they just didn't like Dr. P announcing their arrival as the element of suprise, shock and awe as lost... so tomorrow, after your bike ride (go Debbie go the yellow jersey is yours!), right when you take a well earned nap.. picture it.. .10 WBC's sitting on the wall, 10 WBCs sitting on the wall and if one WBC should accidently fall.........
it lands with Debbie and soon she has them all!.
lots & lots of love visitor Alison
Deb--
So glad to see the blog tonight, I was a bit worried. But I know you're exhausted and feel so awful, you should have a day off.
Can't wait until we can talk again, I'll have lots to tell you!
Love,
Cathy
I bet those wbc are just hanging out, gathering strength so they can deal with everything that you are going to dish out to them!!Then, like a tornado, they will come in and wipe out all the mucositis, and the other "itis" you have gotten!! How miserable you must feel , but in true debbie form, you try to put all of us at ease..
Back to work today after our 3 day weekend...drove to sac to watch mark's bb tournament.. one time, there was a guy skateboarding along the freeway, another time, there was some guy threatening to jump off the bridge onto the highway.. crazy.. and Patrick got to work a "sting" with the sheriff dept. for community service. so he had fun.. so.. long, hot weekend..now back to work.. Mark started fall ball baseball with the high school, and patrick continues to put off talking about colleges.. I got my hair cut and highlighted this weekend, but it didin't seem to matter,. some kindergarden kid asked me today if i was a man or a woman!!..so things continue the same around here..
Deb.. i sure hope those strong wbc's make an apperance tomorrow.. i don't know how long you can go without talking!! My prayers will be more forceful tonight.. take care.. mdf
ps. mo and bob.. so happy for you guys.. i bet it was a beautiful ceremony... got the invitation.. sorry i couldn't make it..
Hey Deb:
I have been checking in during the day hours and didn't see a post. Sure enough...I go to Colin's football game and there is all this FOD activity in my absence.
OBTW...Colin's team won this one. This was a JV game and Colin got lots of time on the field. Gosh is he big.
Aunt Angie was in attendance...Mere came by after her shift at the pharmacy and Bee was at practice and maybe caught the last minute of the game.
It was nice to put one in the win column as the Varsity schedule doesn't give them much hope for the first few games.
All else is well here! We started to plan for Mere's graduation as we have sibs that need advance notice to get off work. I had originally said 6/30/07 but looking at Dave's call schedule we think 7/7/07 will work better. I loved it as it sounds kinda lucky. So sister! Tell those WBC's to get their act together so you can come to Missouri next July for Mere's Goodbye High School, Hello College gathering.
Keep pushing yourself to get on the bike so you don't get too sedentary. You know the drill!
Wish you could see the boys play football...but they will still be playing next year too.
Lots of love and hope for a turnaround very soon. :)
COD Eileen
Hi, Deb. I have no idea why my comments showed up so many times -- you are not the only one with limited computer skills; although, they would seem to be better than mine at this point!! And your writing is wonderful. I enjoy your words as well as Joe's. Anyway, hope today is better and I really meant to say I hope you get a burst of energy soon! One of my problems is that I type like I talk -- too fast! Love you, Cheryl
good morning deb,
thinking of you and hoping for a two step forward day.xoxoxoxkathi
Hi Deb,
I received a beautiful thing in the mail yesterday from the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, a "Long Term" Follow Up Questionnaire on the 6 mo. anniversary of my treatment. Isn't that funny? 6 months is long term.
But it is long term for me, because I would not be here if not for the transplant and I will pour over that questionnaire to give them all the information they want.
I am so impressed with your strength...riding a bike! I have to tell you, it was all I could do to walk the halls three times and then rush back to bed. My sister has since admitted that sometimes she lied and told me I had only done two rounds, when it was really three because she wanted me to walk more.
And we continue to talk about those days and laugh about all of it (or most of it...some of it we just couldn't find any humor).
The love of family and friends is a gift that gives you strength. You are surrounded with love. Let your loved ones carry you for a time. Sometimes you just need to "float."
Love, Linda M
Hi Chizzie cat-
ai-yi-yi. Don't you hate it when WBC's play hard to get????
Man oh man Chiz. I can't stand it that you are going through such a rotten time. Hoping that little by little, step by step (all you have to do is make it to the door)you are improving... hit that pain med button and let the TPN infuse you. What is the great and awesome Oz saying these days?
Speaking of awesome, I too, am in awe that you did 30 minutes on the bike feeling as crappy as you do. You sure are no slacker!
They would be calling the hostage negotiation team right about now if I was in that bed..."You want your dietary aide back???Get me some WBC's sucker!"
Love, love, love reading all the FOD blogs. Consider both Lindas (yours and Allison's) on my bigtime prayer list!
Know that we love you and miss you and are all here pulling for you! Stay strong. Stay centered. Stay on that pain med button!!!
Today sure looks like a good day for some WBC's (or hostage taking. Just kidding, Huppies!)
Love you! K
deb: 5 mg of dilaudidan hr--you are luucky--the street people are green with envy. i hope it controlls the pain. keep thinking positive-another day closer to going home. remember we are late responders to medication so day 20 is not out of line. monday joe was very impressive as he read from the scriptures during our ceremony. it was grat to have him there, and i felt your presence and that was good. we love ya darlin. bob
Hi Deb,
I finally found your blog and I'm so thankful you are still blogging!. I'm sorry you are having such pain but you'll get through it and we'll have loads to talk about on 40th street next summer. Of course with the transplant we'll have to sit on the beach at night but, what the hell. The beach is the beach and it's the company I look forward to. Actually, I never really made it to the beach after I saw you this summer. It was a strange summer all around. I now have a beautiful grandson. He weighed 9lbs.2oz and was 21.5 inches. He was born on Aug. 17th. He's huge already and it looks like he has my coloring. I lost the card Joe gave me with this blog so all morning I've been sitting here typing in all different things and then I remembered blogs. When I saw a post about laughing out loud I knew it would be you. I'll read each day and keep you in my thoughts. Look forward to next summer. Cosmos on the beach taste really good.
Love,
Betty
Miss Beatrice, the church organist, was in her eighties. She was admired for
her sweetness and kindness to all. One afternoon the pastor came to call on
her and she showed him into her quaint sitting room. She invited him to have
a seat while she prepared tea.
As he sat facing her old Hammond organ, the young minister noticed a
cut-glass bowl sitting on top of it. The bowl was filled with water, and in
the water floated, of all things, a condom! When she returned with tea and
scones, they began to chat.
The pastor tried to stifle his curiosity about the bowl of water and its
strange floater, but soon it got the better of him and He could no longer
resist. "Miss Beatrice", he said, "I wonder if you would tell me about
this?" pointing to the bowl.
"Oh, yes," she replied, "Isn't it wonderful? I was walking through the Park
a few months ago and I found this little package on the ground. The
directions said to place it on the organ, keep it wet and that it would
prevent the spread of disease. Do you know I haven't had the flu all
winter?"
So Deb-ya got a condom,water and an organ- you are good to go!!
Hi Debbie - Sorry to hear about all your discomfort - Keep up that spirit the WBCs will be there real soon. With everyone out here praying, they don't have a chance not to show up. Cute pictures of the little one's - thanks for sharing. Prayers are still coming. Keep up that spirit - I know some days it is hard, but we all know you can do it. Love Shelly
This is a question for the bloggers.... why is it that you eat a little bit of chocolate and all of a sudden your clothes are tooooooo tight????? I swear it was only a little bit!
To the question above...I couldn't say...don't think I ever in my life ate only a tiny bit of chocolate!!!
To Debbie,
How are you today girlfriend? Been doing things all day that make you come to mind...mainly spending money at Costco. I swear I went there for FOUR things and my bill was $200.00. And I didn't even buy a book...speaking of which, Beth I can really relate to your needing to read to fall asleep. I am the same way. For some reason I just can't lie down and sleep.
Also Deb, the name of the dressing that Bob is finally tolerating is...PRIMAPORE...just in case you need it. How is your site btw?
And of course anxiously waiting to hear how the counts are. How are your sugars too? Hope you don't have to get poked for insulin...one more thing you don't need.
Well, I miss you and I'm always thinking of you, hoping that the minute that's on the clock is the minute you start to feel better. None of us bloggers will feel better until you do...know what I mean jellybean?
Love you, Mo
Ooh I forgot...pictures of baby Suri Cruise are coming out in the next Vanity Fair...Annie Leibovitz got an exclusive and there's a 22 page spread....saw a few of them on MSN.com...she looks just like Tom. Thought you'd want to know cause there won't be any pics in People.
Good friends are like stars. You don't always see them, but you always know they are there.
Donna Tea Bags
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