(Today's blog is a guest blog... written by Heather's husband, Jonathan)
Today, I drove up to Emory to see my wife. She desperately needed a smoothie, which has to be made only of frozen fruit, so I found a Smoothie King near Piedmont Park. Luckily, since I'm cheap and think smoothies are drastically overpriced, I had a buy one get one free coupon and got myself a smoothie too. I'm drinking it as I type... and Heather is drinking hers too. These are the kind of romantic meals we get these days...
Once again, Heather didn't sleep well last night. She says she was in pain throughout the night... pain in her throat and under her tongue. Heather's throat is still hurting pretty badly. Because of all this and because of the mouth sores that are developing, if she didn't have this smoothie, or the Ensure shakes they bring her, she might not want to eat at all. She's got a low-grade fever, so they are continuing the antibiotics, and she is going to go have a chest x-ray after I leave.
She is having more bone and muscle pain than before. And what sucks about bone pain is that most painkillers don't really help. And such was the case this morning, when she finally got some pain medicine. And I say "finally" because it took her over an hour to get her nurse when she was in pain this morning. Her nurse was apparently at a "skills fair" and someone else was supposed to cover for her, but didn't end up covering for her. (I think this is the part in one of those medical dramas [like House or E.R.] where an angry husband goes out and punches the doctor... then the show goes to commercial... then after the commercial the guy is handcuffed by security... but you feel bad for the guy because he was just standing up for his wife. So maybe I shouldn't go punch anybody... but something may need to be said if it happens again.)
As I type, I count 5 bags on her little medicine pole. (They switched her from getting her meds in pill for to getting them as an IV.) And she has already gotten blood and platelets today too. Needless to say, its a rough day. But it isn't anything out of the ordinary, so don't worry. But please do pray... for peace, for pain relief, for clarity of mind, and for whatever else you want to pray for.
It's hurting for Heather to talk right now, so if you call, she probably won't answer. And if you call twice, she won't answer either... so don't try that tactic. Just text her if you want her... she'll text you back when she feels up to it.
Also, she doesn't want any "pop-in" visitors right now. Because of the pain and because it hurts to talk, she wants to limit her visitors for a while. So if you want to come visit, text her and ask her when would be a good time to come by.
Well, I've enjoyed writing for my sweetie. Thank you to everyone for reading. And for praying. And for everything else you have done and are doing for her and our family.
WELCOME
Hello,
Welcome to my Blog! Yes, I have been in the fight of my life against Leukemia, insomnia, depression, side effects of medications, molting skin, pooping my pants and this list goes on.... however, I still love my life, and that's what this blog is about Real Life. I hope to meet others who trails have brought them closer to the Lord and molded them for the next step in God's will. In January 2011 , my family, physician, and Be the Match was featured on a Fox 5 news story about bone marrow donors and transplants. In March, I was interviewed on Atlanta and Company along with Be the Match. I was chosen to sing the national anthem at the Be the Match Run last year and will also be doing it this year, along with some other songs. My team, no thanks to me, raised over $4,000 and raised more than any other team! Please join my team this year or consider donating here at the Run those Stem cells out ! Team I was also chosen for a patient advocacy panel for the international council meeting at Be the Match in MN in November. How exciting!! I ended up not being able to attend due to the relapse. I had hoped I could help raise awareness about how easy it is to sign up to be a donor and how many people need your help! Please go to bethematch.org and sign up! I was able to have my bone marrow (same as stem cell) transplant at the end of March thanks to a 22 year old donor oversees that I hope to meet her one day. As I came up on my 6th month mark and continued to add more normal activities to our lives, I relapsed, meaning that the that the cancer had mutated and the leukemia came back. I spent 2 more weeks at Emory and some other nights here and there and now I'm on a drug from the FDA. I have a compassion waiver so I am able to get it. I have to take it day by day sometimes hour by hour. Time keeps moving and my little girl is growing up. I'm lucky that I'm getting to see it. I continue to praise God for his wonderful blessings he has shown us including my wonderful husband Jonathan, baby girl Evalyn Rose, supportive family and friend, great medical care, new readers, and the chance to make a big difference, even if that means being a Lab Rat.
God Bless You!
Please read, comment, enjoy, learn, grow, LOVE LIFE.
Most Recently I have started a booth at a local consignment store with handmade jewelry from friends, crafts, and my own art from recycled materials. It is called DAY by DAY. God was very clear with me starting this. Please look over to the right of blog and click on Day by Day to see some pictures. I'm just getting started but I am taking orders from people that I know. You will be able to personalize items, etc. I just haven't decided how I will be selling them via internet yet. But for now, the jewelry is at A Weekend A'fair in Athens, GA and will hopefully be at some stores downtown soon.
Thinking good thoughts for Heather... and for all of you.
ReplyDeleteExcellent guest blog, Jonathan. :) You know we all like to be informed. Hugs and love to you, Heather and Evalyn.
ReplyDelete(That Train Geek guy is a friend of mine, he's good people.)
Thinking about you Heather!
ReplyDelete