Weekend Woes
Hello everyone,
Mom had a rough weekend but as I type this she is sleeping soundly, thanks to Ativan, Dilaudid, and Tylenol. Her fevers have been spiking above 103 on and off the entire weekend. The nurses have been giving her Tylenol every four hours and the fevers subside temporarily. We are not sure at this point if the fevers are related to infection, neutropenia, or leukemia. Her absolute neutrophil count (ANC) was down to a ZERO yesterday and we were in a panic because mom's arm still has a massive infection deep within the muscle. By the grace of God, her ANC is up to 640 today, which should be enough for mom to fight off whatever this infection is. For now, mom's arm does not show any improvement despite the three antibiotics and one antifungal that she is receiving.
Earlier today mom's blood pressure was dangerously low and she began to feel dizzy. When she went to the bathroom, she accidentally disconnected one of the IVs running to her PIC line. Everything is fine now but she's under strict instruction to call the nurse before getting out of bed. I don't exactly trust her to call and am also concerned about her blood pressure. The docs decided to discontinue the fluids for mom since she gained 12 pounds over the last four days. She has gotten quite swollen, however, the fluids somehow keep her blood pressure up.
I am hanging out at HUP tonight to keep an eye on things. I hope to meet with the doctors in the morning and maybe we'll be able to get some answers on what is going on. We haven't received any explanations for the new 'leukemia bumps' that appear each day. Mom also has a new hematoma on her gum that is causing her cheek to swell. We have just witnessed a lot of strange symptoms the last few days and are a bit nervous about them all.
Thanks for the calls, cards, and well wishes. Mom's been pretty loopy with the narcotics on board but we are all so greatful for your kindness. We will keep you posted as we learn more - but for now, remember that no news is good news!
Love,
Jess
posted by Jessie @ 9:24 PM
13 Comments:
.. I am so sorry you have had such a painful, sick weekend... so much going on i don't know what to comment on first.. just hope and pray it all starts to turn around soon!! The cellulits with mark took a few days before the antibiotics kicked in also.. hopefully with those and the anc on the rise, the swelling will go down..
Jess, thanks for the updates,, really appreciate it.. hope your mom does ring for the nurse.. she doens't need anything else to add to the already big list of problems right now..
all of you take care.. love,, mdf
Hi Jess,
Thanks for keeping us posted. I hope the pain medicine keeps your mom comfortable while the antibiotics do their thing.
Betty
Oh for pity's sake!
Chizzie, Chizzie, Chizzie. I should have known things were happening! Prayers are winging your way! I can wing your way too if you need me. Just have Jess call and I'll be there honey.
Feeling the need to put up today's word for you to hear, honey. I love you. K
Faith
My faith in God sustains and nurtures me.
I may not always understand the reasons that my life is unfolding as it is. I have faith, however, that events and circumstances come about for my highest good.
Taking a moment to be still, I listen. Placing my complete trust in God, I wait in the silence.
Inviting God’s spirit within me to act through me, I follow as God leads me. The outcome may not appear in the way I had expected, but it will be the right one for me and for those I hold in prayer.
My faith can never be too small. It is an absolute connection to God and my ultimate promise of well-being.
Whether I am holding onto a tiny grain of faith or I see my faith as a mountain of possibilities, it sustains and nurtures me.
“If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”—Luke 17:6
Jess:
Thank you for the update. I as well as Dave have been worried about this infection. I am assuming they have ruled out Compartment syndrome thus far.
Good news to share. Aunt Angie got the results of her follow up PET scan from this year's earlier surgery and all is well. I know she was worried but you know those Crispino sisters. They are like the Energizer Bunny. I also got to see the great photos you sent to her and we all are marveling at Debbie's hair. Curly and what would appear to almost...shall I say "thick" or maybe just thicker.
Was glad to see that everyone of your immediate family was around for the weekend. That had to help keep Debbie's mind off of her complications. Her reactions are why all medication comes out with the long list of those side effects. Only she has had them all.
Gosh I wish there was a good time for her to have me buzz in for a day or two. I would be glad to sub in for you guys. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.
I pray (and we all pray at dinner) that Debbie gets the relief she needs. Keep your chin up Deb. Miss ya.
COD Eileen
Hey Chiz-
Just checking in to let you know I'm thinking of you. Hope the antibiotics kicked in and you got some relief today. Also that you were able to get some healing rest. (Both you and Jess)
Love you honey - I'll check in later. K
Dear Jess, Debbie and all the T's...
Thinking of you tonight as I go to bed.... I will say an extra prayer for you all tonight...
Lots and lots of love and Irish luck being sent your way tonight, hang in there, tomorrow will be a better day...
This little light of mine.. I'm gonna let it shine....
Love Visitor Alison
Hey Deb,
Just wanted you to know we're thinking of you. You're in our daily prayers. Have tried to call a couple times, but you must be out of the room or sleeping. Know you're never far from our thoughts. All the surgi-center crew sends their love and so do we honey. Hope you're on the mend.
Love, Mo and Bob
Debbie,
If there was some way for me to take any of the pain away, I would do it... but for now I'll stick with prayers, well wishes and positive thinking. You'll get better Debbie, keep fighting. Jess, thanks for keeping everyone posted on your Mom.
xoxo Meg Noon
Hi Chizzie -
Broke down and called Jess this afternoon, honey. Hated to bother her but I was going a little nutty out here thinking about you. Are you feeling like you've been rode hard and put away wet?
It sure sounds like it!
Ai, yi, yi. The bad news is you feel like a dog. The good news is that doc you like - Doctor S (any FOD's remember his name? It escapes me...senior blond moment)is on rotation.
Things are things here. Mr. H is in Kansas, I'm messing around doing house things. Today's big excitement was almost getting into a dog fight (the dogs - not me. Although of course I was right in the middle of it) Other than that not much to report from here.
I love you honey. I'll keep checking in. Hope the fevers stay away, your counts keep kicking it up a notch and that the lab values all keep improving.
And I'm sending you healing vibes..and as all the FOD's read this they can send you healing vibes too!
K
Healing
I am energized by the life force of God, expressing in me now.
Whether I myself or another is experiencing a physical or emotional challenge, I affirm wholeness and hold thoughts of healing in mind.
I continue to generate thoughts of health throughout the day, affirming that the life force of God is strengthening every organ and tissue of our bodies.
There is an ongoing vitality that is renewing our bodies and refreshing our souls.
Divine energy is constantly flowing through us, healing and renewing the very fabric of our beings.
I visualize the wholeness that has already come into expression and the greater well-being that is yet to come into full expression.
I give thanks for the energizing, revitalizing power of spirit, mind, and body that is blessing each one of us with life and renewal.
“He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.”—Psalm 147:3
(Hi FOD's - good to be back online)
West Marine Offers Popular SailFast Wristband
West Marine, one of the nation’s largest chains of boating supply stores, has begun selling the Society’s popular SailFast wristbands. The red-white-and-blue bands are made of lightweight sail material and feature the Society’s blood drop logo.
“We’re honored to have West Marine on board with us,” said Marlene Bubash, national project manager. “They’ve been a great sponsor of The Leukemia Cup Regatta series for a long time, and now they’ve taken their commitment to helping us raise awareness of blood cancers a step further.”
The bands are $3.99 each. Proceeds help the Society’s mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
SailFast bands are also available at Regatta events and the Society’s e-Store. Find a West Marine store near you.
Huh. Looks like we've been spammed. At least it's for a good cause! Way to go West Marine.
Hi Chiz - Just put up a BIG long post and zappo - it disappeared. Don't you hate it when that happens? Grrr.
Thought about you last night as I watched the full moon move across the sky. I wondered if you could see it from your room. Which also made me wonder which floor you are on - 7 or 8. Wherever you are, I hope your favorite nurses are there and taking good care of you! (and helping you to the BR in the middle of the night)
Also thought of you this morning when I walked the dogs (no dog fights this am - thank you very much). There was a light dusting of snow high up in the mountains. It was a bit nippy out getting the paper in my pjs this morning, too. (I know - my neighbors must be thinking, "there goes the neighborhood"...)
I've been reading back through some of the comments I missed during the moving madness. Thanks to Allison for reminding me to light the night for you tonight. Consider it done. (Also reminds me to make my contribution to Jess and Meg!)
Hope you are fever free or at least low grade with no pain and getting lots of rest. Still praying!
Can't leave you without your daily word, Sweetie.
Bless the Children
Thank You, God, for children—Your vision of greater good in the world.
Children—what a blessing they are in my life. From their innocence, purity, freedom, and guileless natures, I learn to take one day, one moment, at a time.
Children are my guides through the maze of life’s mysteries. I bless these wonderful miracles in my life, children who are my teachers, my reminders that each moment can be a new beginning.
Wherever they are, whatever they are doing, these young ones are growing, learning, and adapting to the environment in which they live.
Giving thanks for all children, I appreciate them as God’s vision for greater good in the world.
“But take care and watch yourselves closely, so as neither to forget the things that your eyes have seen nor to let them slip from your mind all the days of your life; make them known to your children and your children’s children.”—Deuteronomy 4:9
Thinking of all the KOD's (kids of debbie) out there: God bless you Jessie, Joe, Mike, Christian, Emma and Walid. I'll be keeping you in my prayers today. (you too, sweet Allison. I know how my Chizzie loves you!)
Dear Debbie and Family,
Jess thanks for the updates. I have been away from the blog for a bit. I always keep your mom in prayers as well as your whole family. Deb, I am sending hugs your way. Keep strong. We all love you.
love hugs and prayers,
jean
Jessie,
Thanks for the update. Your Mom and all of you are in my prayers every day. I hope she is getting some relief and things are starting to turn around. If you need anything, just let me know.
Love,
Aunt Jeanne
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