September 26, 2008

I felt better today then I have all week. I got platelets first thing this morning that brought me up from 6 to 14 woohoo, I didn't make any over the night but I retained some from the infusion today. I weighed in at 167 & given how much I have been going to the bathroom I will probably be less tomorrow. The Doc's agreed to pull me off all IV fluids unless I need any antibiotics or an infusion so this frees me up to be more mobile. I can leave the room much easier without carting around 3 IV Lines plus as long as I keep drinking enough this will reduce me waking up to pee every hour at night so it will help with the sleep. I must say all my Doctors are very happy with how well I am tolerating the Chemo & rumor has it I am their star patient on the ward right now. Between the Chromosomes & bouncing back from my low blood levels they are expecting good things.

My boss from ODH & my First Sergeant, Jim called me yesterday to let me know because I am in the hospital & will be for so long it may be possible for me to get 100% disability from work. There is no guarantee but if it happens that would ease my mind & Marc's. I am going to have to use 360 hours to supplement for 6 months if it does not go through & that will leave me with no time off when I go back to work (this is best case scenario that I am in remission within 6 months & able to go back) I knew I was saving my time for a reason but I also know there will be times even with remission that I will be sick & have to have treatments or tests so I do not want to burn all my time if I don't have to. Again there is no guarantee but a possibility so more potential good news.

Betsey came up & busted me out of my room

we met up with Paula Parker & went for a walk later on we went shopping at CVS it felt great to not be hooked up to an IV Pole for the first time in over a week. Betsey also brought me a egg crate type of mattress pad It is making a huge difference already just when I am sitting in bed I can tell it will be better I can't wait to try it out tonight.

Alan always good for a laugh as you see here brought me Chipolte - a Carnita bowl. I loved every bite but paid for it later on, it was worth it though. Alan also brought along a grumpy Donnie they put too much rice on his burrito & it just ruined his lunch, Kim I do not know how you do it woman he is so spoiled. There is talk that Donnie & Alan are going to redo my shower for when I come home since Marcus has a lot on his plate. I am so grateful to have such good friends that are willing to help us.

Marcus came up later in the afternoon he brought me in 2 cards one from David & Sue Bruno, I also got one from the entire Bureau of Public Health Preparedness at ODH. I can't believe how many people are pulling for me each day I realize how lucky I am to have such a great support system. Marc took me down to the gift shop where he got me a Chicken Webkinz (he thought it was a Rooster) & a little Ohio State bear for my room. We walked down to the Season's Cafe & I was getting pretty tired & out of breath so we had to turn around & come back up to the room. I was worried I had pushed myself to much. I sent Marcus home so I could go to sleep.

They changed my PICC dressing it was looking pretty rough with dried blood all over it, she scrubbed the heck out of it & my arm was nice & tender afterwards it is supposed to get changed every Friday night from now on. I asked for 2 Oxycodones & started watching the debates after that I was still not tired so I watched Sweet Home Alabama. Normally the Oxy's knock me out. I finally shut my eyes about 1:30 AM & slept until 5:20am this is very good, I have not slept that long since I have been here. It is usually no more than 2 hour increments.

Brandon has a date for Homecoming tomorrow so I should have some pictures of that to post in a couple of days. Katie is doing well in school I talked to them on Thursday they said she is starting to come out of her quiet shell & she really seems to enjoy taking the classes at the Academy. Zack was watching Zanthura & is just as talkative as ever. Paige went to the Homecoming game with Bubby & Misty sounded good on the phone. I think Spike has her wrapped around his paw he is so darn cute, I do not know why I was so worried about that but everything is running smooth at home & away. Tomorrow is a home game against Minnesota so I advise against anyone coming to see me the roads get shut down early & parking is next to impossible unless you park at the Ross garage. I say OH-IO & see y'all on Sunday don't brave the traffic it is not worth it. Marc did it last Saturday & it was terrible. I can go a day without visits it is OK I got a phone & internet.

I should be hitting my Nader in the next few days ( the Nader is my lowest point-lowest blood counts, very vulnerable to infection with no immune system & overall fatigue for 3 to 5 days)

It hasn't hit me yet so maybe it won't be as bad as they are telling me well have to see. My hair has not fell out yet either so who knows we are at day 9 since they strated the Chemo.