Charmaine came home this morning. Natalie spent the night with her and brought her home for me this morning.
Before she got here Alecia brought some chicken and dumplings and chocolate cake for her. Just in time . When she got home the first thing she wanted was food. It was the perfect food for her Alecia. Thank You. You know her so well.
She had a wonderful day. A little weak but getting better. So glad just to be home.
It is really amazing how when things are are going good how we take so for granted the simple things of life. I guess it's human nature. If it's possible through our journey, the one thing I really want everyone to learn is to enjoy everyday as if it were the last.
It is so wonderful to have her home.
I can't imagine life without her.
Tomorrow at 1:30 we go to the dentist while her white count is up for a check up. They will not be able to do anything other than check her because she is on blood thinners and will be for the next 6 months because of the clot in her lung.
Looking so forward to the next few days with her here at home.
We go to the clinic at Emory on Friday for Lab work and a visit with the Dr. I think we it will be the end of next week before we go back for round #3 of chemo.
Thanks for caring about us.
More later....................
Sam
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
April 28......Tuesday.....Prayer Request
Charmaine was to come home today and was looking so forward to it. This morning her temp. spiked and that bought us an extra day in the hospital just in case. Needless to say she was disappointed. Better to be on the safe side.
She had a good day but was a bit anxious worrying that something else might keep her from coming home tomorrow am. Please pray that she will remain stable and that her blood levels will continue to be stable so she can come home. She needs a break before starting round #3.
The Dr. told us today that we would not have to come back Monday for round#3. He wanted her to rest and get over the severe sinus infection she has. Maybe she'll have close to a week at home.
Natalie is with her tonight. Stefanie was with her last night. My girls have been unbelievable warriors with me in helping with her at night. I don't know how they keep up with all the demands on a mother and a wife and do it. I do thank Dale and Mike for all they are doing to help the girls through this. They are the unsung heroes.
Casey has asked to help but staying with her at night would be tough for him so he's started cutting my grass for me. Deana helps Nat with the kids so she can come and so does Roger and Linda and Holly. We are all pulling this together.
Also thanks to all the others that have helped me so much at night.
I will not leave her there at night alone when she is on chemo and recovering from it. You all have saved me. She is without words of thanks.
We know even now that we are just at the beginning of this journey. With God's help she can live a normal life after this is all over.
Sam
She had a good day but was a bit anxious worrying that something else might keep her from coming home tomorrow am. Please pray that she will remain stable and that her blood levels will continue to be stable so she can come home. She needs a break before starting round #3.
The Dr. told us today that we would not have to come back Monday for round#3. He wanted her to rest and get over the severe sinus infection she has. Maybe she'll have close to a week at home.
Natalie is with her tonight. Stefanie was with her last night. My girls have been unbelievable warriors with me in helping with her at night. I don't know how they keep up with all the demands on a mother and a wife and do it. I do thank Dale and Mike for all they are doing to help the girls through this. They are the unsung heroes.
Casey has asked to help but staying with her at night would be tough for him so he's started cutting my grass for me. Deana helps Nat with the kids so she can come and so does Roger and Linda and Holly. We are all pulling this together.
Also thanks to all the others that have helped me so much at night.
I will not leave her there at night alone when she is on chemo and recovering from it. You all have saved me. She is without words of thanks.
We know even now that we are just at the beginning of this journey. With God's help she can live a normal life after this is all over.
Sam
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Charmaine Update
The past few days have been a little difficult for Charmaine being apart from Dad, but she is handling it well. She received 2 units of blood on Saturday because her numbers got too low, but was expected. She has had some mild nausea and headaches, but are under control. Saturday evening she started feeling itchy in her neck and face, then it turned red with whelts so the nurse gave her some Benedryl...and this helped the situation. A few hours later during the night, she started running a fever (101) but it ran its course and went away without meds. We learned later that the fever and allergic reaction was common after receiving blood.
Her platelet counts are still low, and she remains on a blood thinner because of the clot in her lung...therefore she bleeds very easily and freely. Well, the tech that came in to take blood from her arm during the night apparently didn't put enough pressure on the site before taping it, and Charmaine woke up feeling a funny "wetness" under her arm! So needless to say we had a little mess to clean up because her arm had been leaking for a little while.
All these events in a row got her a little nervous, but we learned that we can handle the little unexpected surprises just fine! Thanks to God.
Sunday her platelets were still on the low side, so they gave her a unit of platelets. All her low numbers are to be expected, but I guess we are just more impatient this time...she can't wait to get back home...or at least just back with Dad :) His cough is still lingering, so it will be a little longer until he can go back.
The doctor said today that depending on her platelet increase, she may get to go home Wednesday...maybe. She is at 37 and they want her at a stable 60 before leaving. It's for her safety and she knows this!!
Because Dad hasn't been able to be with her, Natalie and I (and a few others) have increased our trips to the hospital and I would like to thank those of you helping us with our children so we can be there for Charmaine...it means more to her and to us than you will ever know! Thanks also for the dinners you have cooked, cards you have sent, and just for loving our family so much...we are blessed to have so many friends who care!
Monday, Charmaine will be getting another CT scan of her head to check on the sinus infection. The dr. says that it will go away as her white blood counts go up, but if needed, they may go in with a small tube to drain the sinus fluids and pressure. Just keep her in your prayers that her numbers keep rising and she gets to go home soon.
Stefanie
Her platelet counts are still low, and she remains on a blood thinner because of the clot in her lung...therefore she bleeds very easily and freely. Well, the tech that came in to take blood from her arm during the night apparently didn't put enough pressure on the site before taping it, and Charmaine woke up feeling a funny "wetness" under her arm! So needless to say we had a little mess to clean up because her arm had been leaking for a little while.
All these events in a row got her a little nervous, but we learned that we can handle the little unexpected surprises just fine! Thanks to God.
Sunday her platelets were still on the low side, so they gave her a unit of platelets. All her low numbers are to be expected, but I guess we are just more impatient this time...she can't wait to get back home...or at least just back with Dad :) His cough is still lingering, so it will be a little longer until he can go back.
The doctor said today that depending on her platelet increase, she may get to go home Wednesday...maybe. She is at 37 and they want her at a stable 60 before leaving. It's for her safety and she knows this!!
Because Dad hasn't been able to be with her, Natalie and I (and a few others) have increased our trips to the hospital and I would like to thank those of you helping us with our children so we can be there for Charmaine...it means more to her and to us than you will ever know! Thanks also for the dinners you have cooked, cards you have sent, and just for loving our family so much...we are blessed to have so many friends who care!
Monday, Charmaine will be getting another CT scan of her head to check on the sinus infection. The dr. says that it will go away as her white blood counts go up, but if needed, they may go in with a small tube to drain the sinus fluids and pressure. Just keep her in your prayers that her numbers keep rising and she gets to go home soon.
Stefanie
Friday, April 24, 2009
Friday, April 24...Day 12 of round 2
Charmaine had a good night with lots of rest. A little nausea around 4am, but took meds and went back to sleep. She's been having increased sinus pressure over the last few days which is making her top jaw ache. One of the drs came in and has ordered a ct scan of her head to see what going on with her sinuses.
Some mild side effects are beginning to appear from the intrathecal (spinal) chemo from yesterday. A little nausea and loss of coordination so far...
Her white blood count is still extremely low (400) and everyone around her is washing their hands like crazy. All her blood numbers and clotting factors are being monitored constantly and are expected to somewhat normalize within a few weeks.
She may feel like adding a few words on this blog soon, but you know her...she has to get her thoughts together first!!
Thanks again for keeping a check on Charmaine...she really appreciates all the thoughts and prayers!!
More update soon...
Stefanie
Afternoon Update: Dad came in this morning and Charmaine noticed that he looked tired, so he admitted he didn't feel great and she sent him straight to the dr.!! He is on some meds and won't be able to see her for a few days, and when he comes back he will have to keep on a mask. :(
The CT scan showed that she has a sinus infection, but they assured us that it was common and not a huge deal because she has been on antibiotics and her numbers are gradually rising. The dr. said she may get to go home after the first of the week.
We pray that dad has a speedy return, although this forced break is much needed...he runs back and forth from home to Emory constantly!! Charmaine's anxiety about being apart from him has gotten better and her spirits are good. She says thanks to everyone for the cards and prayers! Nat will be with her tonight...
Some mild side effects are beginning to appear from the intrathecal (spinal) chemo from yesterday. A little nausea and loss of coordination so far...
Her white blood count is still extremely low (400) and everyone around her is washing their hands like crazy. All her blood numbers and clotting factors are being monitored constantly and are expected to somewhat normalize within a few weeks.
She may feel like adding a few words on this blog soon, but you know her...she has to get her thoughts together first!!
Thanks again for keeping a check on Charmaine...she really appreciates all the thoughts and prayers!!
More update soon...
Stefanie
Afternoon Update: Dad came in this morning and Charmaine noticed that he looked tired, so he admitted he didn't feel great and she sent him straight to the dr.!! He is on some meds and won't be able to see her for a few days, and when he comes back he will have to keep on a mask. :(
The CT scan showed that she has a sinus infection, but they assured us that it was common and not a huge deal because she has been on antibiotics and her numbers are gradually rising. The dr. said she may get to go home after the first of the week.
We pray that dad has a speedy return, although this forced break is much needed...he runs back and forth from home to Emory constantly!! Charmaine's anxiety about being apart from him has gotten better and her spirits are good. She says thanks to everyone for the cards and prayers! Nat will be with her tonight...
Thursday, April 23, 2009
April 23rd...........Update
Yesterday Charmaine had a pretty good day. Little nausea and diarrhea. The spinal tap was postponed because her platelet count was too low.
She slept last night till 4:30 am and had a minor nose bleed. They gave a platelet transfusion.
Is getting another platelet transfusion right now.
Waiting for Dr to come in now to do spinal tap. She dreads this because of the possible terrible headaches that happens sometimes. Pray that she won't have one. The last one had no headaches at all.
Her white count is slowly rising back up.
Now they are allowing her to go outside once a day for a few minutes. This seems to help her spirits some.
The amazing thing about this is how she can be doing fine on minute and something change instantly. That's the way it will be until this is all over.
Maybe mid week next week we can come home again.
More later.
Afternoon update 3 pm. Spinal tap is done finally. The anticipation of having it is very taxing on her. It has very little pain but scares her. Now she must lay flat and still for one hour. Now she sleeps.
Has had a good day so far.
6pm............got to go outside for a quick walk. Helps just for a few minutes. Right now she is very tired and very nauseated. The Sprycell in tandem with the chemo just does her in. Have given the normal anti nausea meds.
White blood count down to 300.
When she has to have the adavan before the spinal tap it takes a toll on her mentally and emotionally. Having a tough time this time staying here. Having separation anxiety when I leave.
More tomorrow. Stefanie is with her overnight.
Sam
She slept last night till 4:30 am and had a minor nose bleed. They gave a platelet transfusion.
Is getting another platelet transfusion right now.
Waiting for Dr to come in now to do spinal tap. She dreads this because of the possible terrible headaches that happens sometimes. Pray that she won't have one. The last one had no headaches at all.
Her white count is slowly rising back up.
Now they are allowing her to go outside once a day for a few minutes. This seems to help her spirits some.
The amazing thing about this is how she can be doing fine on minute and something change instantly. That's the way it will be until this is all over.
Maybe mid week next week we can come home again.
More later.
Afternoon update 3 pm. Spinal tap is done finally. The anticipation of having it is very taxing on her. It has very little pain but scares her. Now she must lay flat and still for one hour. Now she sleeps.
Has had a good day so far.
6pm............got to go outside for a quick walk. Helps just for a few minutes. Right now she is very tired and very nauseated. The Sprycell in tandem with the chemo just does her in. Have given the normal anti nausea meds.
White blood count down to 300.
When she has to have the adavan before the spinal tap it takes a toll on her mentally and emotionally. Having a tough time this time staying here. Having separation anxiety when I leave.
More tomorrow. Stefanie is with her overnight.
Sam
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
April 21..Our 32nd Anniversary...Update
Today was an ok day for Charmaine. She fought off a low grade fever most of the day. They are bombing her with antibiotics to fight off any infections she may have. This causes severe diarrhea. She can only have Tylenol once a day for fever and she saved it for tonight.
She was given 2 units of blood today to bring her red blood count back up. The white count was at 400 at last count which makes her immune system at compromise to infections without the antibiotics. A normal white count is 7000 to 9000.
She was supposed to have got the spinal tap today but it has been put off until tomorrow.
We did get some new information today about our upcoming schedule in the hospital.
From now on we will go to hospital for 5 to 7 days for chemo treatment. We will come home for 5 to 10 days after chemo. During that time we go back to the clinic 2 times a week to get lab blood work up. When her blood levels start to drop which occurs at 7 to 10 days after chemo we will check back in hospital for about 2 weeks till blood levels get to normal. Then we can come home home for about 7 days, then go back and start the next chemo regiment. The process will be repeated until it is over. Then the bone marrow transplant will happen.
Bottom line is that we will only be home about 12 to 14 days per month until this is over. We thought we would be home for 3 weeks in between treatments but she has not reacted well on that schedule. As best as we can tell this will be about August or September.
That's ok. As long as she is there I don't worry so much. It has become like a second home for us both.
I go every day and stay with her. One of my daughters or one of her close friends stay at night with her until she is fairly normal.
I do not have the right words to thank my girls or our friends for all you are doing to help us during this time. Charmaine is so grateful for all that is being done for her.
Also, thanks to each of you that have and continue to send the cards and notes. You'll never know how much they mean to us both.
Tomorrow will be spinal tap for sure. Later in week according to her blood count numbers she may get a transfusion of platelets.
I think we'll be at Emory till mid to late week next week.
Today the nurses brought us a bottle of Welches White Sparkling Grape Juice with 2 plastic glasses for our anniversary. We had a toast in the room alone.
Sam
She was given 2 units of blood today to bring her red blood count back up. The white count was at 400 at last count which makes her immune system at compromise to infections without the antibiotics. A normal white count is 7000 to 9000.
She was supposed to have got the spinal tap today but it has been put off until tomorrow.
We did get some new information today about our upcoming schedule in the hospital.
From now on we will go to hospital for 5 to 7 days for chemo treatment. We will come home for 5 to 10 days after chemo. During that time we go back to the clinic 2 times a week to get lab blood work up. When her blood levels start to drop which occurs at 7 to 10 days after chemo we will check back in hospital for about 2 weeks till blood levels get to normal. Then we can come home home for about 7 days, then go back and start the next chemo regiment. The process will be repeated until it is over. Then the bone marrow transplant will happen.
Bottom line is that we will only be home about 12 to 14 days per month until this is over. We thought we would be home for 3 weeks in between treatments but she has not reacted well on that schedule. As best as we can tell this will be about August or September.
That's ok. As long as she is there I don't worry so much. It has become like a second home for us both.
I go every day and stay with her. One of my daughters or one of her close friends stay at night with her until she is fairly normal.
I do not have the right words to thank my girls or our friends for all you are doing to help us during this time. Charmaine is so grateful for all that is being done for her.
Also, thanks to each of you that have and continue to send the cards and notes. You'll never know how much they mean to us both.
Tomorrow will be spinal tap for sure. Later in week according to her blood count numbers she may get a transfusion of platelets.
I think we'll be at Emory till mid to late week next week.
Today the nurses brought us a bottle of Welches White Sparkling Grape Juice with 2 plastic glasses for our anniversary. We had a toast in the room alone.
Sam
Monday, April 20, 2009
April 20th......Charmaine back in Hospital
Things change so fast with all the possible effects that the chemo can have on the immune system.
Sunday night about midnight she woke me and said she was smothering and was having a hard time breathing. Her temperature had been fluctuating a bit 1 or 2 degrees and had my attention. That was enough for me to take her to the emergency room so we headed back to Emory. I called and told them we were on the way.
After being checked with chest xray and ct scan she was admitted back on the 6th floor.
She has a blood clot in her left lung. They say it is not large enough to compromise her heart or brain and has started all the meds to dissolve it and also meds to thin her blood to prevent that from occurring again. May be in the hospital for 2 weeks. Will remain until blood counts all get to an acceptable level and the clotting issue is calm.
Today her temp. got up to 102. They are flooding her with very powerful antibiotics along with her normal regiment of medicine. She will have to have a shot everyday for 9 months to prevent the clotting from happening again
The doctor also said from now on she may not leave the hospital as soon after the chemo treatment is finished. They will keep her there until her blood levels are safe since this has happened.
Needless to say this blood clot issue scared us both. Me more than her because she was too sick to be that scared.
As usual the doctors and nurses at Emory are on top of it in every detail. It is amazing how close attention is paid to the patients on the special care floor there.
We both lost a nights sleep and were tired today. Hope to get good rest tonite.
Will keep you all posted on progress.
Tomorrow is our 32nd wedding anniversary. What a wonderful life we have had together.
Thanks for caring.
Sam
Sunday night about midnight she woke me and said she was smothering and was having a hard time breathing. Her temperature had been fluctuating a bit 1 or 2 degrees and had my attention. That was enough for me to take her to the emergency room so we headed back to Emory. I called and told them we were on the way.
After being checked with chest xray and ct scan she was admitted back on the 6th floor.
She has a blood clot in her left lung. They say it is not large enough to compromise her heart or brain and has started all the meds to dissolve it and also meds to thin her blood to prevent that from occurring again. May be in the hospital for 2 weeks. Will remain until blood counts all get to an acceptable level and the clotting issue is calm.
Today her temp. got up to 102. They are flooding her with very powerful antibiotics along with her normal regiment of medicine. She will have to have a shot everyday for 9 months to prevent the clotting from happening again
The doctor also said from now on she may not leave the hospital as soon after the chemo treatment is finished. They will keep her there until her blood levels are safe since this has happened.
Needless to say this blood clot issue scared us both. Me more than her because she was too sick to be that scared.
As usual the doctors and nurses at Emory are on top of it in every detail. It is amazing how close attention is paid to the patients on the special care floor there.
We both lost a nights sleep and were tired today. Hope to get good rest tonite.
Will keep you all posted on progress.
Tomorrow is our 32nd wedding anniversary. What a wonderful life we have had together.
Thanks for caring.
Sam
Sunday, April 19, 2009
2nd Day Home.......April 19th...Update
Charmaine has been home 2 days since her 2nd round of chemo has been complete. She is doing OK but is having trouble bouncing back to some feeling of normal this time.
Nausea and a constant feeling being weak haven't really left her yet. It is manageable but never leaves.
Her sense of taste has changed quite a bit. As a result of this, the food she wants has changed.Not a real hearty appetite but has to eat snacks often. She seems to want food that has a tart or zingy taste over bland foods so she can taste them. Often there is a chemical like taste in her mouth. This is normal.
Her eyes have been dilated since we have been home due to some drops she has to put in her eyes. One of the chemo treatments this time can deposit crystals in the eyes if drops are not used. Because of this she is a bit sensitive to bright lights. This is normal.
One common side effect of the treatments is to loose the ability to focus or concentrate clearly. This time I have noticed it more defined that 1st regiment. Sometimes just seems like in a daze. Not bad but noticeable. She is aware of it. Long visits or talking a lot make her anxious.
Has been plagued with a horrible cough this time. We finally figured out if we make house as cold as an igloo it seems to help. She is taking 2 very powerful antibiotics to ward off any infections. Because of the cough, she has had a hard time sleeping for very long. She spends about half the night in the recliner rather than in bed. Can breathe better. I think she is just trying to get away from me and not wake me up coughing.
Smell is a very big deal on chemo. The least odor will set her off to throw up. On the floor at Emory, even the cleaning agents they use are odor free. Being the cleaning fool I am, I am having to restrain my cleaning to the use of a damp cloth unless she is away for a while. This is normal.
All of the side effects she is having are normal. We are not sure if they will remain through all the treatments or if they will change and new ones surface as new chemo drugs are given.
We are hoping that today she will start to feel more normal.
We continue our journey...........................
Sam
Nausea and a constant feeling being weak haven't really left her yet. It is manageable but never leaves.
Her sense of taste has changed quite a bit. As a result of this, the food she wants has changed.Not a real hearty appetite but has to eat snacks often. She seems to want food that has a tart or zingy taste over bland foods so she can taste them. Often there is a chemical like taste in her mouth. This is normal.
Her eyes have been dilated since we have been home due to some drops she has to put in her eyes. One of the chemo treatments this time can deposit crystals in the eyes if drops are not used. Because of this she is a bit sensitive to bright lights. This is normal.
One common side effect of the treatments is to loose the ability to focus or concentrate clearly. This time I have noticed it more defined that 1st regiment. Sometimes just seems like in a daze. Not bad but noticeable. She is aware of it. Long visits or talking a lot make her anxious.
Has been plagued with a horrible cough this time. We finally figured out if we make house as cold as an igloo it seems to help. She is taking 2 very powerful antibiotics to ward off any infections. Because of the cough, she has had a hard time sleeping for very long. She spends about half the night in the recliner rather than in bed. Can breathe better. I think she is just trying to get away from me and not wake me up coughing.
Smell is a very big deal on chemo. The least odor will set her off to throw up. On the floor at Emory, even the cleaning agents they use are odor free. Being the cleaning fool I am, I am having to restrain my cleaning to the use of a damp cloth unless she is away for a while. This is normal.
All of the side effects she is having are normal. We are not sure if they will remain through all the treatments or if they will change and new ones surface as new chemo drugs are given.
We are hoping that today she will start to feel more normal.
We continue our journey...........................
Sam
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
At Home...2nd Round is over
I brought Charmaine home this afternoon. The 2nd round of chemo went well. It did not have near the effects on her as the 1st did. Some nausea and mild headaches but tolerable.
The effects of the drugs they give her is unbelievable. In 24 hrs she gained 20 pounds in fluid. Every time something happens they have an antidote for it and anticipate it.
Emory Hospital and all of it's staff are beyond words in their efficiency.
When we got home we did have a bit of a scare for a while. Her temp spiked to 100.4 which is close to heading back to the emergency room. They told us if it went to 100.5 to get in car and call and a bed would be waiting. We called the Dr. and gave her meds and all is normal now. She has a cough that I have not heard before but was checked before we left.
During the 3 week break, we go back to the Emory Clinic twice a week for blood lab checks, blood plasma and blood transfusions.
Tuesday we will be there all day. She has to have another spinal tap with infusion of chemo in her spine. The last time she had it she felt no pain at all and had no headaches. Hope this time will be the same. Will be an all day process.
When she is there I miss her. When she is home I worry about her more, if something were to happen.
She never complains.
She is always worried about putting someone else out.
She has spent the last 3 or 4 years being a caretaker for someone else, but has a hard time accepting care from others.
She says that she is in a win-win situation whatever happens to her. She worries most about us.
She's unbelievable........................... and so easy to love.
Thank You all for caring and praying.
Sam
The effects of the drugs they give her is unbelievable. In 24 hrs she gained 20 pounds in fluid. Every time something happens they have an antidote for it and anticipate it.
Emory Hospital and all of it's staff are beyond words in their efficiency.
When we got home we did have a bit of a scare for a while. Her temp spiked to 100.4 which is close to heading back to the emergency room. They told us if it went to 100.5 to get in car and call and a bed would be waiting. We called the Dr. and gave her meds and all is normal now. She has a cough that I have not heard before but was checked before we left.
During the 3 week break, we go back to the Emory Clinic twice a week for blood lab checks, blood plasma and blood transfusions.
Tuesday we will be there all day. She has to have another spinal tap with infusion of chemo in her spine. The last time she had it she felt no pain at all and had no headaches. Hope this time will be the same. Will be an all day process.
When she is there I miss her. When she is home I worry about her more, if something were to happen.
She never complains.
She is always worried about putting someone else out.
She has spent the last 3 or 4 years being a caretaker for someone else, but has a hard time accepting care from others.
She says that she is in a win-win situation whatever happens to her. She worries most about us.
She's unbelievable........................... and so easy to love.
Thank You all for caring and praying.
Sam
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
April 15th......Chemo is finished...Thinking of home
Charmaine had a good day today. Not much nausea or pain. We found out tonite that her counts are getting back to normal very fast. We may be able to bring her home tomorrow. If we do, I'll take her back Friday to the clinic at Emory to have her final spinal tap with chemo.
Hope to have her home for the weekend at least.
She has just taken her sleeping aid and is going to rest for the night I hope.
Buy the way, if you read the post about the 3 servants of God that were thrown into the fiery furnace, if you will read it in the Bible, you'll find that when the king saw them in the fire he saw 4 in there not 3. HE'S always with us, even in the fire. Jesus was with them in the fire.
More tomorrow.
Sam
Hope to have her home for the weekend at least.
She has just taken her sleeping aid and is going to rest for the night I hope.
Buy the way, if you read the post about the 3 servants of God that were thrown into the fiery furnace, if you will read it in the Bible, you'll find that when the king saw them in the fire he saw 4 in there not 3. HE'S always with us, even in the fire. Jesus was with them in the fire.
More tomorrow.
Sam
ADDED CAREPAGE SEARCH
I am adding a carepage for updates as well as the one Sam is updating. I thought it would be nice for you to be able to search the Emory Site for information as well as this blog. It will have the same info, I will copy and paste from this site. Thanks for all your prayers and support our family is truly blessed!
God is Good!!!
Carepage title is CCMARLOWJOURNEY. But can be accessed by searching her first or last name on the carepage site.
Deana ( Dino) Truitt
God is Good!!!
Carepage title is CCMARLOWJOURNEY. But can be accessed by searching her first or last name on the carepage site.
Deana ( Dino) Truitt
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
April 14th..Dr. Meeting on Bone Marrow Transplant
Today is Charmaine's 2nd day back on chemo. She had a good day. Some mild headaches and some nausea but not nearly as severe as 1st round. Getting ready for the 48 hr. round starting tomorrow.
The big news for today is that we had a meeting at 7pm tonite with the Dr. that is head of the bone marrow transplants at Emory.
She was very candid and did not candy coat what she is going to go through. The process(and I do mean process) will start in about 6 or 7 months, after the other regiments are complete. The 1st month will be worse than any of the other chemo treatments she has had. This is a very serious and risky procedure. The Dr. said it's a little like a crap shoot. Some people die from complications after it is done and lots of side effects are natural for her to go through. She will be in the hospital for 4 to 6 weeks then come back to the clinic every other day for months. Will take 6 months to 2 to 4 years to finally get over it. Lots of fatigue. If it is successful she has between 18 to 20% chance of being disease free!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If she chose not to do the transplant she would have months to 1 year to live.
If this post sounds wordy or makes no sense it is because I am still in some shock at just hearing what we already knew.
We have a very long road ahead of us. They keep encouraging us to do what our Lord said "JUST LIVE ONE DAY AT A TIME".
If you read this post often, please learn from it. Go home at night and just give your wife a big hug and tell her how much you love her. Your whole world could change tomorrow with one statement from a doctor.
Just love and live every day as if it were your last. It may be.
I am reminded of the story in the Bible about the servants of God about to be thrown in the fiery pit. They said our God is able to deliver us from this fire, but even if He chooses not to, we will not bow down.
Blessed be the name of our Lord.
Sam
The big news for today is that we had a meeting at 7pm tonite with the Dr. that is head of the bone marrow transplants at Emory.
She was very candid and did not candy coat what she is going to go through. The process(and I do mean process) will start in about 6 or 7 months, after the other regiments are complete. The 1st month will be worse than any of the other chemo treatments she has had. This is a very serious and risky procedure. The Dr. said it's a little like a crap shoot. Some people die from complications after it is done and lots of side effects are natural for her to go through. She will be in the hospital for 4 to 6 weeks then come back to the clinic every other day for months. Will take 6 months to 2 to 4 years to finally get over it. Lots of fatigue. If it is successful she has between 18 to 20% chance of being disease free!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If she chose not to do the transplant she would have months to 1 year to live.
If this post sounds wordy or makes no sense it is because I am still in some shock at just hearing what we already knew.
We have a very long road ahead of us. They keep encouraging us to do what our Lord said "JUST LIVE ONE DAY AT A TIME".
If you read this post often, please learn from it. Go home at night and just give your wife a big hug and tell her how much you love her. Your whole world could change tomorrow with one statement from a doctor.
Just love and live every day as if it were your last. It may be.
I am reminded of the story in the Bible about the servants of God about to be thrown in the fiery pit. They said our God is able to deliver us from this fire, but even if He chooses not to, we will not bow down.
Blessed be the name of our Lord.
Sam
Monday, April 13, 2009
1st day back at Emory
Arrived here early for lab work up on blood. Results looked good. There must have been at 100 people there and it was a zoo and very time consuming.
Finally got in new room #616E. Has a wonderful view of the track field and the city.
Now is on premeds that are required before chemo actually starts. The 1st round will start about 7 or 8 this evening. 1st bag lasts 30 minutes, the second lasts 24 hours.
Charmaine ask for all to pray that this will not make her have severe headaches and nausea.
Tomorrow she will have a spinal tap with chemo and will have another on Friday or Saturday.
It looks as though we will be here till Saturday or Sunday, maybe Monday.
More later.
Sam
Finally got in new room #616E. Has a wonderful view of the track field and the city.
Now is on premeds that are required before chemo actually starts. The 1st round will start about 7 or 8 this evening. 1st bag lasts 30 minutes, the second lasts 24 hours.
Charmaine ask for all to pray that this will not make her have severe headaches and nausea.
Tomorrow she will have a spinal tap with chemo and will have another on Friday or Saturday.
It looks as though we will be here till Saturday or Sunday, maybe Monday.
More later.
Sam
Monday April 13 Back to Emory
Charmaine has had a very good week at home. A few times of fatigue and nausea but not bad.
She was very grateful to be able to watch all the grand kids hunt Easter eggs.
This morning at 7:30 we leave to check back in at Emory for her 2nd week of chemo. The doctors and other patients say the following treatments will not be as severe as the 1st round.
I will try to keep you all posted on her condition as the week passes.
Should be back home Friday pm or Saturday am.
Sam
She was very grateful to be able to watch all the grand kids hunt Easter eggs.
This morning at 7:30 we leave to check back in at Emory for her 2nd week of chemo. The doctors and other patients say the following treatments will not be as severe as the 1st round.
I will try to keep you all posted on her condition as the week passes.
Should be back home Friday pm or Saturday am.
Sam
Friday, April 10, 2009
Outcome of Dr. Visit
Had Dr. visit today before checking in Monday for 5 days of chemo treatments. All went well. Her blood work was pleasing to the Dr.
Did find out why the Gleevec quit working on her. It seems that a mutation known as F359C was found in the mutation search. This makes Gleevec non effective in killing the leukemia cells. It does not have that effect on Sprycell. There are three drugs that she can take. This mutation effects 2 of the 3 drugs she can take. Pray that nothing will effect Sprycell. It's our last bullet.
We will be at Emory at 8:30 am Monday am to start again.
She is doing very good today. Just a little fatigue.
Sam
Did find out why the Gleevec quit working on her. It seems that a mutation known as F359C was found in the mutation search. This makes Gleevec non effective in killing the leukemia cells. It does not have that effect on Sprycell. There are three drugs that she can take. This mutation effects 2 of the 3 drugs she can take. Pray that nothing will effect Sprycell. It's our last bullet.
We will be at Emory at 8:30 am Monday am to start again.
She is doing very good today. Just a little fatigue.
Sam
1st WEEK AT HOME
Today is Friday April 10. We have had her home for one week now. Generally she has had a great week. There has been some times of nausea and fatigue but we are amazed at how well she is handling taking the Sprycell. At this point, it has less side effects on her than Gleevec did.
There is one med she has to take that is liquid for anti fungus. It is to prevent the mouth sores that may come with chemo. It has an unbearable taste that makes her throw up every time. We have finally learned to mask it by drinking some milk and mixing it with strong chocolate milk.
She is finally, with the aid of a sleeping pill, getting a good night of rest. This has helped a lot.
Today we go back to the Emory Clinic for blood work and for a check up with Drs. If all is well we will check back in the hospital Monday for the 2nd round of chemo. All the nurses and some patients told us the next rounds are not as severe as the 1st. We are sure hoping that will be the case. This lasts 4 to 5 days then back home for 3 weeks. During the 3 weeks at home we go back to the clinic twice a week for check up.
We are very grateful to our friends and the family for all the help and support you have given.
Thanks to many of you for the cards and notes of encouragement.
I will update you all on our Dr. visit later today.
Sam
There is one med she has to take that is liquid for anti fungus. It is to prevent the mouth sores that may come with chemo. It has an unbearable taste that makes her throw up every time. We have finally learned to mask it by drinking some milk and mixing it with strong chocolate milk.
She is finally, with the aid of a sleeping pill, getting a good night of rest. This has helped a lot.
Today we go back to the Emory Clinic for blood work and for a check up with Drs. If all is well we will check back in the hospital Monday for the 2nd round of chemo. All the nurses and some patients told us the next rounds are not as severe as the 1st. We are sure hoping that will be the case. This lasts 4 to 5 days then back home for 3 weeks. During the 3 weeks at home we go back to the clinic twice a week for check up.
We are very grateful to our friends and the family for all the help and support you have given.
Thanks to many of you for the cards and notes of encouragement.
I will update you all on our Dr. visit later today.
Sam
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
I just wanted to write in and tell everyone what a wonderful mother we have. I was blessed to spend most of the day with her and it just melts my heart to see her smile. Especially with the kids. They love her so much and want so badly to hug her and sit in her lap. Marlow Kate forgot tonight that she could not touch her and almost went and sat in her lap. She said,"but mommy I just had a bath I do not have germs." They just do not understand why they cannot touch their Mimi (or CC).
Mom looks so good. We are all so proud of her and how far she has come. We know we still have a long road ahead but are confident that God is paving the way and will carry mom through this difficult time. Thank you all so much for your continued prayers. We love you all.
Mom looks so good. We are all so proud of her and how far she has come. We know we still have a long road ahead but are confident that God is paving the way and will carry mom through this difficult time. Thank you all so much for your continued prayers. We love you all.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
AT HOME!
At home. Loving being back here.
Saw all the kids today. Had good day.
We go back to clinic Friday am for blood work and check up.
Go back Monday am to check in for next round of chemo. Should last 5 days if all goes well then home for 3 weeks then back for 5 days etc................ for 8 treatments. Bone marrow transplant at about 6 months according to doctor. Will be in hospital 6 to 8 weeks for that.
Her spirit is good and she is so grateful for all the support of friends and family she has.
It is good to just have my wife back at home for a while with me.
We believe that God is always in control of all things. No matter what happens we will say "BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD".
I count my blessings every day for all I have had with her.
Sam
Saw all the kids today. Had good day.
We go back to clinic Friday am for blood work and check up.
Go back Monday am to check in for next round of chemo. Should last 5 days if all goes well then home for 3 weeks then back for 5 days etc................ for 8 treatments. Bone marrow transplant at about 6 months according to doctor. Will be in hospital 6 to 8 weeks for that.
Her spirit is good and she is so grateful for all the support of friends and family she has.
It is good to just have my wife back at home for a while with me.
We believe that God is always in control of all things. No matter what happens we will say "BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD".
I count my blessings every day for all I have had with her.
Sam
Monday, April 6, 2009
a post from DINO
Well I have been allowed in the Blog!!! I just figured it out and I can add comments. It just says I am natalie. I will sign what I post like Sam does. SO glad CC is home . I pray for a restful stay and that she gaines lots of strength. I added a few pics she said it was ok, Thanks for watching this and praying. She reads it when she feels like it and the other times we read it to her. She looks Great and we are truly BLESSED.
Love,
Dino
Love,
Dino
DAY 18...........GOING HOME!!!
Well, her 1st round of chemo is finally over. She is soooooooooooo excited about coming home. I got here at 7:30 just in case.
Yesterday our house got an extreme makeover. The Dr's. have warned us about how very serious not being exposed to mold or mildew and dust particles can be. Anthony and Alecia, Natalie, Stefanie, Connie, Deana and Greg, and a friend of one of my girls completely cleaned the house from top to bottom especially removing all dust. All items that collect dust were removed like cushions and silk plants.
To say the least the house has a clinical look about it.
Her white was up to 900 this morning. That's a good sign it is continuing to rise. A normal count is 8 to 9 thousand.
Last night at hospital she was so anxious to come home. Could hardly stand it, to the point of having an anxiety attack. Just at the time needed most in walked Steve and Cindy Gilliam some of our old and dear friends. That helped her make it through the night. They will never know how much their visit meant to her at that moment. Steve and Charmaine compared bald heads.
It's 8:30 am and now we wait for Dr. to come in and release her. We also have to go through a departure orientation to make sure we know how to do all that has to be done to her picc line. She'll have it in for entire duration. It's like a permanent IV installed in her chest with 2 ports on it. The lines are about 4" long.
NOW WE WAIT.
SAM
Yesterday our house got an extreme makeover. The Dr's. have warned us about how very serious not being exposed to mold or mildew and dust particles can be. Anthony and Alecia, Natalie, Stefanie, Connie, Deana and Greg, and a friend of one of my girls completely cleaned the house from top to bottom especially removing all dust. All items that collect dust were removed like cushions and silk plants.
To say the least the house has a clinical look about it.
Her white was up to 900 this morning. That's a good sign it is continuing to rise. A normal count is 8 to 9 thousand.
Last night at hospital she was so anxious to come home. Could hardly stand it, to the point of having an anxiety attack. Just at the time needed most in walked Steve and Cindy Gilliam some of our old and dear friends. That helped her make it through the night. They will never know how much their visit meant to her at that moment. Steve and Charmaine compared bald heads.
It's 8:30 am and now we wait for Dr. to come in and release her. We also have to go through a departure orientation to make sure we know how to do all that has to be done to her picc line. She'll have it in for entire duration. It's like a permanent IV installed in her chest with 2 ports on it. The lines are about 4" long.
NOW WE WAIT.
SAM
Saturday, April 4, 2009
DAY 16
Today Charmaine has felt well. Got a blood transfushion of 2 units of blood. Also, today she started taking 2 Sprycell pills instead of just one. The Doctors wanted to graduate her up on the meds since they are so strong.
Her white blood count continues to drop but should start rising soon. They are planning on sending her home Monday for a few days of rest here before starting the 2nd round of chemo. We think she may be home for 8 or 9 days then go back for 5 days of chemo.
They wanted her to make 21 laps around the floor she is on in the morning and 21 more in the evening. She's been walking a lot today and is very tired.
Deana came and visted her this morning. Alecia came in the afternoon with Anthony and I joining later. We all ate pizza from Everybody's in the room.
She is alone tonite. Hope she sleeps soundly and rests well.
I miss her terribly bad here at home. Can hardly stand to leave her.
Thanks for caring.
Sam
Her white blood count continues to drop but should start rising soon. They are planning on sending her home Monday for a few days of rest here before starting the 2nd round of chemo. We think she may be home for 8 or 9 days then go back for 5 days of chemo.
They wanted her to make 21 laps around the floor she is on in the morning and 21 more in the evening. She's been walking a lot today and is very tired.
Deana came and visted her this morning. Alecia came in the afternoon with Anthony and I joining later. We all ate pizza from Everybody's in the room.
She is alone tonite. Hope she sleeps soundly and rests well.
I miss her terribly bad here at home. Can hardly stand to leave her.
Thanks for caring.
Sam
Friday, April 3, 2009
DAY 15 CONTINUED
CHARMAINE DECIDED THE SHEDDING WAS TOO MUCH, SO STEFANIE CUT IT ALL. ITS DONE...NOT A WORRY ANY LONGER. SHE'S STILL BEAUTIFUL!!
DAY 15
Charmaine has decided to go ahead and have her hair cut off. Stefanie is coming to hospital this morning to do it.
This is a much more emotional time than I expected it to be for her but I am neither a woman or a hairdresser.
Natalie is bring all 3 kids over to see her this afternoon. We'll go down in the main lobby of the hospital for this visit. That will lift her spirits.
Still feeling good. White blood count down to near zero. Will get blood transfusion probably tommorrow. That's what should be happening right now.
Please pray that GOD will give her a sense of peace about the hair loss.
Will upday later today if any new news. Still planning to come home next week.
Sam
This is a much more emotional time than I expected it to be for her but I am neither a woman or a hairdresser.
Natalie is bring all 3 kids over to see her this afternoon. We'll go down in the main lobby of the hospital for this visit. That will lift her spirits.
Still feeling good. White blood count down to near zero. Will get blood transfusion probably tommorrow. That's what should be happening right now.
Please pray that GOD will give her a sense of peace about the hair loss.
Will upday later today if any new news. Still planning to come home next week.
Sam
Thursday, April 2, 2009
MORE NEWS ON 14TH DAY
This afternoon Dr.Khoury (her main Dr.) came in and said that 2 donors that match have been found for a bone marrow transplant. He wants her to go through about 6 months of chemo therapy before doing this. This procedure is very dangerous and scares us, but the Dr. feels it is the best way to go. If it is successful, there is a 20 to 30% chance she will be disease free. We'll deal with that in 6 months or so. Thank GOD some matches were found.
Today Charmaine had a wonderful day. Resting well and in good spirits. No pain.
Later in the afternoon, she was given an anti fungal drug to help with the irritation in her throat and swallowing ability.
The Dr. said she will probably come home end of next week for a few days to rest before the next 5 day regime of chemo. That means she may be home for Easter.
She is starting to take her antibiotics by pill form now. We think it is preparing her for home intake.
She looked better today than she has in a year. The lasicks have taken 24 pounds off her in 2 days!!!!!
She is spending tonite without anyone with her. She rests better that way.
Emory Hospital is unbelievable. Attention to every detail is incredible. The amount of preventative meds given is amazing.
More later.
Thanks for your prayers,
Sam
Today Charmaine had a wonderful day. Resting well and in good spirits. No pain.
Later in the afternoon, she was given an anti fungal drug to help with the irritation in her throat and swallowing ability.
The Dr. said she will probably come home end of next week for a few days to rest before the next 5 day regime of chemo. That means she may be home for Easter.
She is starting to take her antibiotics by pill form now. We think it is preparing her for home intake.
She looked better today than she has in a year. The lasicks have taken 24 pounds off her in 2 days!!!!!
She is spending tonite without anyone with her. She rests better that way.
Emory Hospital is unbelievable. Attention to every detail is incredible. The amount of preventative meds given is amazing.
More later.
Thanks for your prayers,
Sam
UPDATE DAY 14
Charmaine rested well last night. Slept soundly for 6 hours. She stayed unattended. Seems to sleep better if no one is here. We are comfortable with this as long as she is not in pain or heavily sedated.
This morning she recieved a platelet tranfushion. Platelets are the cells in blood that helps clot the blood if cut or bleeding. Too little you bleed in excess, too many you may get blood clot inside the body.
She is feeling good in no pain or discomfort. A bit fatigued but not as bad as we expected.
Took her Sprycell this morning and did not have any side effects yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hair loss is progressing just as expected.
Will have to have blood tranfushion soon maybe today.
She's feeling good enough to be up organizing the things on the counters ect. Imagine that.
Thanks for caring.
Sam
This morning she recieved a platelet tranfushion. Platelets are the cells in blood that helps clot the blood if cut or bleeding. Too little you bleed in excess, too many you may get blood clot inside the body.
She is feeling good in no pain or discomfort. A bit fatigued but not as bad as we expected.
Took her Sprycell this morning and did not have any side effects yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hair loss is progressing just as expected.
Will have to have blood tranfushion soon maybe today.
She's feeling good enough to be up organizing the things on the counters ect. Imagine that.
Thanks for caring.
Sam
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Update April 1st day 13 of treatment
Charmaine rested well last night. Natalie was here with her, Stefanie was with her night before last.
She resumed taking Sprycell (the replacement drug for Gleevec) and has finished all the chemo treatments for this cycle. Her white blood count is continuing to drop and will get very near zero. That's the goal of the chemo. Then her body will start to grow new ones and hopefully the Sprycell will keep the # of white cells in check. One problem with the chemo is that it kills the red cells too. For that reason, she will have to have more transfusions of blood and platlets probably tomorrow. To date she has already 4 transfusions while here. This process is painless and has a good side effect. The next day she has enough energy to run a race.
So far the side effects of the Sprycell have't been unlivable.Hope this continues.
HERE'S THE BIG NEWS WE JUST GOT FROM DR. IF ALL GOES WELL SHE MAY GET TO COME HOME NEXT WEEK FOR A WHILE TILL THE NEXT 5 DAY ROUND STARTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We were told may be here till May.
This can only happen if the white count starts rising again and no huge events happen.
She is so excited about maybe getting to come home. Almost as excited as I am. I'm getting tired of sleeping in the small dog house with my new puppies.
Last night for the first time her hair is starting to come out in clumps. We knew this would happen. On the grand scheme this is small. It will grow back. Already has scarfs ad wigs. They told her it would happen at about 3 weeks.
Today she is starting to feel tired. The 14th day is tomorrow. She is supposed to get very very tired as the white counts fall. We'll see. No pain just fatigue.
Well this is my 1st post on this blog. Hope I made sense.
Thanks to to you all for caring so much and praying for my beloved wife.
Sam
She resumed taking Sprycell (the replacement drug for Gleevec) and has finished all the chemo treatments for this cycle. Her white blood count is continuing to drop and will get very near zero. That's the goal of the chemo. Then her body will start to grow new ones and hopefully the Sprycell will keep the # of white cells in check. One problem with the chemo is that it kills the red cells too. For that reason, she will have to have more transfusions of blood and platlets probably tomorrow. To date she has already 4 transfusions while here. This process is painless and has a good side effect. The next day she has enough energy to run a race.
So far the side effects of the Sprycell have't been unlivable.Hope this continues.
HERE'S THE BIG NEWS WE JUST GOT FROM DR. IF ALL GOES WELL SHE MAY GET TO COME HOME NEXT WEEK FOR A WHILE TILL THE NEXT 5 DAY ROUND STARTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We were told may be here till May.
This can only happen if the white count starts rising again and no huge events happen.
She is so excited about maybe getting to come home. Almost as excited as I am. I'm getting tired of sleeping in the small dog house with my new puppies.
Last night for the first time her hair is starting to come out in clumps. We knew this would happen. On the grand scheme this is small. It will grow back. Already has scarfs ad wigs. They told her it would happen at about 3 weeks.
Today she is starting to feel tired. The 14th day is tomorrow. She is supposed to get very very tired as the white counts fall. We'll see. No pain just fatigue.
Well this is my 1st post on this blog. Hope I made sense.
Thanks to to you all for caring so much and praying for my beloved wife.
Sam
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