Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Hello everyone! A lot has been going on in the last few days. Friday, I started getting a few mouth sores and by Saturday morning they were in full force. My cheeks are now swollen and it is pretty hard to talk or eat. The doctors upped my Valtrex (antiviral med). They also took cultures to see exactly what is going on in there and how to properly treat it. They said it actually looked more like a fungal infection. These sores aren't near as bad as the sores I had after the transplant and I am also able to control most of the pain with medication. It is a little frustrating to find things to eat though. Right now my diet consists of mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, gravy on bread, and ice cream.

Second Issue: My toe. I have another infection in the skin around the toenail. Last night by whole left big toe was basically all red, but thankfully it looked better this morning. They put me on an additional antibiotic to deal with this.

Third Issue: my PICC line entrance site is not looking good so they put me on IV anti-something today in hopes of taking care of that. I told mom I felt like I was falling apart with all of these little issues happening all at once. This also means I will probably be going to clinic more often to get the IV drug. I also have to come in tomorrow for a bone marrow biopsy. I'm hoping for good results but very nervous and uneasy about it at the same time.

The Good News: I got treatment #8 today and other than the nuisances I have already complained about, I'm actually feeling really good.

It's been exactly one year since my first appointment at Duke. I've learned a lot this year. I've gained much respect for those who work in the healthcare field, especially nurses. The nurses at Duke have been absolutely amazing. They let me know about what to expect during each step of the process and they also advocated for me when they thought I was in pain or needed some other type of medication. They are sort of the "front line" against the disease. I've also learned what a huge support system I have and how much my friends and family care about me. It is a shame that it takes something like cancer to make me realize this completely but now that I have it is amazing. I could ramble on for pages about the things I've learned but I will save that for another time.

Love and Thanks to All, Amy

6 comments:

  1. Hey, Too much is going on with you, but you are taking it like a real trooper. Your outlook is an encouragement to all of us who read your blog, you always sound so upbeat. I know those "little" things are just nuisances, but in time all of those things will be in the past. You are doing great on this clinical trial and I have every reason to believe it is going to bring us our miracle. I love you and appreciate what you write. You are a child of the King.
    Love, Grandma

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  2. Hi, I will try this again, I just lost my first comment. I'm so sorry so many little nuisances are plaguing you, but in time they will be in the past. You have done so well on this clinical trial and I truly believe this is how God will give us our miracle. I am so proud of you and I love you and Michael very much. Praying for that BMB tomorrow.
    Love you, Grandma

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  3. Hmmmmm.....Hopefully when I get chance to "cook" for you, the sores will be gone...Otherwise, we may have to resort to a decadent dinner of desserts...banana pudding; cream pie; hot fudge brownie.....ok....so maybe something healthy too! Shaylen wants to meet you too! But beware! She's still cutting teeth so we may need to get you to wear gloves! She sure is a "bitey" little thing...about 20 pounds of wonder now!

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  4. Wow! One year! You have been through so much, and as you say, you've learned so much in the last twelve months. You have also touched many lives and been an inspiration in ways you'll probably never realize. I hate that with the big war you're waging come all the smaller battles like the mouth sores, PICC line issues, and infected toe. Continue to hang in there! Keep encouraging yourself with the knowledge that you fight under His banner of faith. And we fight with you, on our knees! God is good! I'll be thinking of you as you have the next "BMB", and waiting to hear good results. I love you! Hi to Mom and Michael.

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  5. Short note..... Praying for those great results from the BMB tomorrow. See... not only are you learning, you are teaching us in the process.
    A great teacher you are, Amy :)

    Love, HUGS, and Prayers!!!!
    Sherry

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  6. Amy,
    I will be praying for you and the bone biopsy results! Thank you for sharing yourself with us all in such a personal and sincere way!
    Honestly, you are an inspiration to me.
    Thank you!
    Lisa

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